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Tourism Malaysia

Telekom Museum

Trace the development of Malaysia through the evolution of telecommunications at this quaint museum.

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Tourism Malaysia

The Many Things That Aku Cinta (I Love)

August 4, 2011 at 3:00 pm

The Malaysia.com team was recently invited to review a production by ACX and klpac entitled ‘Aku Cinta XXX‘, which recently just ended its run at The Actors Studio at Lot 10. Some may think that it may have something to do with stories of love and betrayal or even murder, others may think it may be related to another play called ‘Terima Kasih Cinta‘, which was a musical theatre adaptation held at Istana Budaya earlier this year.

The show is all about Malaysia and the people of Malaysia. There were not much things that the cast members, made up of Ceci Yong, Easee Gan and Jinnie Lim, missed out in their declarations of love for all things Malaysian. Cafes like Old Town White Coffee, Pappa Rich and Secret Recipe made into their list of the things they love about Malaysia. So did UPSR, PMR, SPM and STPM as well as iconic landmarks and cities such as Puduraya and Putrajaya. Food stuff like ulam, sambal belacan, cencaluk, nasi lemak, cendol, bak kut teh, nasi briyani, char kuey teow and many more was also mentioned as some of the things that they love here in Malaysia.

Aku Cinta XXX

Ceci Yong and Easee Gan doing the ‘Dikir Barat’ performance while Jinnie Lim takes the lead on vocals

There were no lengthy dialogues, no plots and no elaborate stage settings, just the sentiments of these people spoken out loud for all to hear and know. Members of the cast highlighted a few of the many significant events that took place around the world, from natural disasters like the major earthquakes that shook Japan and New Zealand to the cold-blooded massacre of youths in Norway. Though most of the issues highlighted were no laughing matter, the cast managed to make it into a fun session as they acted out the events in an engaging way. In the later part of the show, members of the cast also gave their views and opinions on some of the issues that took place in Malaysia, like the issue of brain drain that the country is facing as well as the Obedient Wives Club that was recently formed to curb the problem of cheating husbands.

In a way, the whole show felt more of like a sharing session of all the things that most of us in Malaysia were exposed to when growing up. Not all of them grew up reading comics like Dennis the Menace or books like the Famous Five, but most of them grew up watching cartoons like Ninja Turtle, Thundercats, Popeye the Sailorman, Sonic the Hedgehog and even Doraemon! Many may remember a certain type of bubble gum that came with a temporary tattoo or the playing cards like ‘Happy Family’ and ‘Old Maid’. Some of us may also remember the multi-layered pencil box with ‘hidden’ compartments, only accessible when a certain button is pressed. There was also the different shapes of erasers, bearing the different flags of the states in Malaysia. As I listened to the cast members reciting the things that they loved during the 80s, it evoked many of my own childhood memories.

Aku Cinta XXX

Jinnie Lim and Ceci Yong taking turns to sway Easee Gan like a pendulum in one part of the show

I once heard an acquaintance of mine comment that here in Malaysia, we have quite a number of public holidays. As I listened to the three members of the cast recite the list of major holidays that they love, I cannot help but to agree. The cast members also brought up other issues that most people would have faced at a certain point in their life. Sex, being everyone’s most favourite as well as a controversial issue, was also presented albeit a very interesting way. As two of them take turns to sway their friend between them, one of them gave a monologue on the list of things that they love about the other person – from the tip of that person’s hair right down to the toes of the person’s feet. Certain sentiments were repeated few times throughout this part, which could be an effort to emphasize on the depth of a person’s feelings towards someone when they fall in love.

I must admit, there are certain segments of the show that left me wondering as to the purpose of conveying their opinions in that particular manner. For example, when Easee Gan was presenting a few of the local issues to the audience, the remaining cast members, Ceci Yong and Jinnie Lim supplied the background ‘music’ by knocking on the steel frames of the stage props. Though Gan was using the microphone to give his comments, the knocking was somewhat disturbing and at times did drown out Gan’s voice. Another part was where the three of them ran around the stage, looking very lost and confused. It felt that the action did not contribute anything to the message that they were trying to give.

Aku Cinta XXX

Easee Gan giving his views on some of the local issues while the other two drum away on the stage prop

One of the better parts of the show which was my favourite was the part where the three of them repeated a routine – some sort of a ‘mime’ performance where they acted out a scene in the life of a working adult. It struck a familiar chord with me, as I feel at times we get so caught up in our work life that sometimes we lose track of what is important in our life other than work – spending time with our loved ones and friends. There was also the dancing section, where each of them danced with their own imaginary partner. As they waltz with their partners, they stated the things that they love their partners for; the fact that he is friendly, the freedom that she enjoys even though she is in a relationship, the small things that she can do with her small finger and many more.

There are times when I feel like I’m watching a bunch of kids performing on stage. The energy that they display never seem to fall, but only climb higher. They may be sweating or tired from jumping around, but it never shows. Given the fact that they were jumping or prancing around most of the show, I was very surprised to see them doing the back flips enthusiastically towards the end of the performance. The three of them were doing the back flips continuously and it went on for at least five minutes before the show ended. I feel, it is cast members’ dedication to making this a heart-warming sharing session that made it such an entertaining show. Though it may not be another award-winning production, the show has certainly achieved its purpose, and that is to accurately point out the very things that us Malaysians love and loathe.

Aku Cinta XXX

The cast members miming their daily work day routine. Here, they are washing their faces before taking their bath

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Farewell My Concubine!

August 5, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Farewell My Concubine! is a famous Chinese Peking opera which is set at the end of the Qin Dynasty. The ruling emperor during that time, Emperor Er-shi, has lost control of his nation. The people who have been oppressed for a long time, senses his vulnerability and has joined forces with the rebels against this evil ruler. In this time of chaos, a few individuals have taken the opportunity to try to win the nation for themselves. Among these individuals are two great military leaders: Xiang Yu, the King of Chu, and Liu Bang, the King of Han.

While engaging in a crucial battle with Liu Bang, Xiang Yu found himself caught in a dire situation. With supplies running dangerously low for his troops, the team is further demotivated when they hear their native song being sung by the enemies that are surrounding them. They become convinced that their homeland has been occupied and their fellow countrymen have joined sides with Liu Bang. Feeling that his end is near, Xiang Yu beckons to his favourite concubine, Yu Ji and drinks with her for the last time. Yu Ji performs one last dance for him before committing suicide. Filled with grief, Xiang Yu fights down to the very last man before taking his own life.

Leslie Cheung

The late Leslie Cheung played the role of a Beijing opera star, Cheng Dieyi. The film was awarded the highest prize during the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or.

This well-loved Chinese classic will be performed at The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 by Lee Wushu Art Workshop. Yu Ji’s passion and her undying love for Xiang Yu has greatly inspired Lee Swee Seng, the choreographer for this production. Lee is the founder of this arts theatre as well as the company’s Wushu director. Lee has been in this field for the last 15 years. Himself a winner of numerous tournaments and other titles, Lee soon realised that he should not be limited by martial arts and chose to expand his talent into dancing and Chinese opera. He later introduced integrated elements of all sorts into his Wushu arts theatre.

Farewell My Concubine! is scheduled to perform at The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 on the 26th till 28th August 2011. Tickets are priced at RM 35 for adults and RM 23 for student and disabled. Below are the performance time:

26th August 2011 @ 8.30 pm
27th August 2011 @ 3.00 pm and 8.30 pm
28th August 2011 @ 3.00 pm

For more information, please call 03 2142 2009 / 2143 2009 or log on to http://www.theactorsstudio.com.my/

Photos (c) d’n’c, Albeniz1981

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Masters of Horrorwood at Sunway Lagoon

August 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Horror films are definitely not made for the faint-hearted. Though some of the monsters that make up the integral part of the story are not physically horrible looking, more often than not it is the symbolic representation of that monster that scares the audience. In the period between late 1800s and the early 1900s, horror films were mostly based on classic literature of the gothic/horror genre such as Dracula, Frankenstein, The Phantom of the Opera and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. However, with the passing of time the definition of a horror film has changed. What was once considered as horror may now be categorised as thrillers, reserving the term ‘horror’ for movies that display more gore, jump scenes and scares or supernatural content.

Bela Lugosi

Bela Lugosi was best known for playing Count Dracula in the Broadway production of Dracula

Many may remember the classic monsters like Frankenstein or Nosferatu, also known as Dracula, which undoubtedly became the source of many people’s nightmares in the early days. Back then, horror films relied more on employing scare tactics using monsters of all types to give its viewers the thrill that they seek in a horror movie. Many of these monsters became the iconic Universal monsters that we have come to know today. Since the 2000s, a recurring trend is the choice of using psychology to scare movie-goers, instead of real monsters. Shows like The Others, starring Nicole Kidman and Insidious, starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne have proven that one does not need scary monsters to provide the chills to the audience.

Frankenstein

Boris Karloff was best remembered for his portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster

Though the current horror movies have evolved to become much more than just slasher and gore films, it is those very films that still remain a huge favourite among fans of horror movie. Films like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th and Halloween are so influential that many movies have parodied scenes from them over the years. There are even Halloween costumes designed after horror figures like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th. If aliens, zombies and creepy dolls are your favourite thing, then make sure you head on to Sunway Lagoon’s Scream Park to catch their upcoming addition, the Horrorwood Studios. Would you like to know more about Horrorwood Studios? Then keep your eyes posted for more information here on Malaysia.com.

Photos (c) hytam2, twm1340

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Weissbrau @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

August 11, 2011 at 5:07 pm

Weissbrau, literally meaning White Brew, is a tribute to great German cuisine. Located at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the outlet is tucked into a corner of the mall’s Connection area and is very popular with KL-lites. It exudes a casual atmosphere, and offers an alfresco dining experience with a lovely view of the mall’s most popular walkway.

Weissbrau @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Weissbrau at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

The Pavilion Kuala Lumpur outlet is Weissbrau’s first in Malaysia and offers Malaysians an authentic introduction to German cuisine. Weissbrau’s menu offers a wide range of German delights that were selected by Master Chef Pascal Schnyder, including sandwiches and burgers, gourmet sausages, salads and soups, as well as a traditional German favourite, the Alsatian Flammkuchen.

Weissbrau Menu

The various dishes displayed on the extensive menu

For those unfamiliar to this dish, think of it as a very thin circular crepe masquerading as an Italian pizza. Choose either the Original, with sour cream and roasted onions or the Italian Touch, with a touch of tomato flavour, baked with mozzarella cheese on top. All Weissbrau’s flammkuchen come with a variety of toppings, from the more traditional ingredients like mushroom, bacon, honey ham and parma ham, to more exciting flavours such as smoked salmon, seafood and even light curried chicken! Do not fret if you cannot decide on what toppings you want, as you can get order one that offers all toppings in one flammkuchen.

Alsatian Flammkuchen

The delicious Alsatian Flammkuchen. Pizza lovers will fall in love with this creation!

Bavarian Bacon and Cheese

The Bavarian Bacon and Cheese burger of Weissbrau. Each bite is heavenly!

All Weissbrau’s burgers are pork burgers, and taste absolutely lovely! The homemade pork patty is succulent and juicy, which is great as most burgers tend to be a bit dry. The remaining ingredients that accompany the patty in the burger complements the meat, ensuring that each scrumptious bite will be savoured and remembered. Weissbrau offers three types of burgers, the Bavarian Bacon Cheese, the Swiss Mushroom Cheese and the Frankfurt Meister.

Weissbrau Pork Burgers

Some fries to go along with the lovely Weissbrau pork burger

No German food experience would be complete without sausages, and Weissbrau offers some great sausages, both local and imported. Beginners should start with the classic all pork Frankfurter and explore other varieties like the Smoked Garlic Sausage and the Emmentaler, a pork and emmental cheese mix. Mixed meat sausages include the Schwiez Cervela – ground beef and pork, wrapped with bacon and cheese, and the Veal Bratwurst – pork with veal. The biggest sausage that Weissbrau has to offer is the Schublig, made of beef and pork, which is lightly smoked. Most patrons, especially those in groups, favour the sausage combo as a shared appetiser before starting on their main course.

Combo Sausage Platter

The various sausages offered by Weissbrau

While classic German fare featuring pork like Crispy German Pork Knuckle, pork ribs and schnitzels (fried breadcrumb coated porkloin) are popular at Weissbrau, the outlet offers other European delights such as beef lasagne, hungarian beef goulash, Australian rib eye and even chicken cordon bleu. Most of the main dishes are served with various side dishes, including the French inspired rosti, shredded potato strips pan-fried in clarified butter, and sauerkraut.

Weissbrau Pork Knuckle

The main course, Crispy German Pork Knuckle. The dish comes with some rosti and sauerkraut

Like any true German restaurant, Weissbrau offers an extensive selection of beer, including local favourites Carlsberg and Hoegaarden. But what sets Weissbrau apart from the rest would be the availability of specialty beers, including Schneider Weisse’s line of wheat beer. Our visit to Weissbrau @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur coincided with the launch of Schneider Weisse’s beer at Weissbrau, so we had the opportunity to sample an old German tradition. Weissbrau now offers three types of Schneider Weisse beers – the Unser Original, Mein Kristall and the Meine blonde Weisse. The Unser Original is brewed to the original recipe of Georg Schneider,the brewery founder of 1872, after he acquired the rights to brew wheat beer from King Ludwig II. Mein Kristall is the lightest of the three beers, and is a perfect companion for light dishes, while Meine blonde Weisse strikes a balance between the other two beers, and possesses a refreshing and soothing flavour.

Schneider Weisse Beers

The Schneider Weisse beers (left to right) – Mein Kristall, Meine blonde Weisse, Unser Original

If you have an evening to spare and enjoy beer and pork, we definitely would recommend that you check out Weissbrau @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur!

Weissbrau at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Interior

The cosy and elegant interior of Weissbrau @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

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