Patricia Hului

5 ingredients that go well with Sarawakian pounded cassava leaves

Published on September 18, 2018

Lifestyle

5 ingredients that go well with Sarawakian pounded cassava leaves — A local favourite, the cassava leaf or ‘daun ubi’.

Sarawakians love our pounded cassava leaves. Only, we don’t call them “cassava leaves”. We call this bitter, fibrous plant by different names including daun ubi tumbuk, daun bandung tumbuk, uvek kele (in Kayan) and many more.

There is no better way to prepare cassava leaves than to pound them. Traditionally, Sarawakians used a long wooden pestle and mortar to pound the leaves till they got nicely crushed – not too pulpy – and slightly moist.

The cooking method for pounded cassava leaves is generally the same as stir-frying any Asian vegetable except it takes more time to cook.

For a really simple stir-fry, just heat up some oil in a wok, throw in some garlic and red onions until aromatic and then throw in your pounded cassava leaves. You know they’re done once the light green uncooked pounded cassava leaves change to a darker shade of green.

With cassava leaves, every part of its preparation from stem to pot is important. This is because poorly processed cassava plants can trigger the production of cyanide. So while you cannot eat raw cassava leaves, traditional techniques like pounding and mashing cassava leaves before cooking it can help to neutralise the cyanide-inducing cyanogens. While you are stir-frying your cassava leaves, never ever cover your wok as this is believed to trap the cyanogens as it cooks.

Here in Sarawak we have mastered the art of preparing these cassava leaves, and it is very much an essential part of local Sarawak cuisine. Here are a variety of ingredients to mix with this dish.

Here are how five common ingredients Sarawakians love to cook their pounded cassava leaves with.

1. Three layer pork meat

Three layer pork or pork belly is the boneless cut of fatty meat from the belly of a pig, and as such it has a rich, oily flavour that pork-lovers crave.

One commonly known tip to make pounded cassava leaves tastier and more delicious is to cook it with a lot of oil. However, some people would stir-fry the pork belly long enough to allow the oil from the meat to flavour the cassava. leaves.

2. Tepus

Tepus is a type of wild ginger found in Sarawak. While some people enjoy tepus and chicken cooked in a bamboo, it also goes well with pounded cassava leaves.

3. Terung pipit

Here is another local vegetable= commonly found in Sarawak which goes well with pounded cassava leaves. In the state, the vegetable is known as terung pipit but it has fancier names such as turkey berry, shoo-shoo bush and prickly nightshade.

Also known with its scientific name Solanum torvum, the vegetable is usually stir-fried with belacan (shrimp paste).
To pair up terung pipit and cassava leaves is easy; it’s either you cook them together or you can also pound the leaves and egg plant together.

3. Gulong Sliced Stewed Pork

We bet when China brand Gulong came up with this product, they didn’t imagine that hundreds of miles away in Sarawak that people would use it with pounded cassava leaves.

Put the pork slices in once the cassava leaves are cooked. The oiliness and saltiness of the processed food somehow makes the whole dish more flavourful.

4. Luncheon meat

Luncheon meat is another source of protein which goes well with pounded cassava leaves. Just like Gulong Stewed Pork Sliced, luncheon meat is put in once the leaves are cooked.

5. Pork crackling

If we were to name a list delicious yet unhealthy snacks, pork crackling definitely takes the crown.
This snack which made of fried pork rind is crunchy and salty. Once you cook it together with pounded cassava leaves, the crackling would turn soft giving another extra texture to the whole dish.

So Sarawakians, let us know in the comment box which ingredient is your favourite!

Top 20 most amazing facts about Sabah’s biodiversity

Published on September 13, 2018

Travel

Apart from its rich culture, Sabah is also widely known for its rich biodiversity.

Did you know that Sabah’s rainforest even inspired the live action remake of The Jungle Book?

One of the movie’s visual effect artists, Helen Brownell reportedly drew inspiration from her adventures in Sabah for some of the landscapes in the film.

We bet Brownell is not the only one who is amazed by its diverse flora and fauna combined with its unique topography.

For the uninitiated, here are 20 amazing facts about Sabah and its nature:

Top 20 most amazing facts about Sabah’s biodiversity — Do you know all top three peaks in Malaysia are found in Sabah?

1.Malaysia’s top 3 highest mountains are found in the Land Below the Wind

This Malaysian state of Borneo was given the nickname Land Below the Wind because it lies below the typhoon belt of East Asia.

The highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu stands tall at 4,095m. It is also the highest peak in the Malay Archipelago as well as the highest mountain in Malaysia.

Lonely Planet even named it as one of the world’s 50 most epic hiking trails.

The second highest mountain is Mount Trusmadi at 2,642m and Mount Tambuyukon closing in at 2,579m.

2. 59% of Sabah is covered by forest!

In the ’70s, the forest cover for Sabah was up to 90%. However due to agriculture and development, the number went down to 59% over recent years.

Why it is still amazing is because 59% of Sabah is about the same size as Denmark.

3. There is one place nicknamed the ‘waterfall capital’.

That place is Maliau Basin! Located at the center of the state, the 390 sq km area has at least 28 waterfalls towering over 5 m. This perhaps shows that Maliau Basin may house the highest number of waterfalls per unit area in the world, if not in Malaysia. The one waterfall that stands out is the majestic 7-tier Maliau Falls.

4. 76% of the world’s coral species is found here!

Sabah is home to at least 612 coral species! The state is also part of the Coral Triangle; an area of tropical marine waters of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Philippines and Timor-Leste. It is recognised as the centre of world marine biodiversity.

5.The largest giant clam species Tridacna Gigas in the world can be found in the Land Below the Wind.

One of the amazing creatures living in Sabah’s water is the giant clam. The largest of them all, Tridacna Gigas can weigh up to 200kg!

In the wild, it has an average lifespan of over 100 years. Apart from Sabah, it also can be found off the shores of the Philippines.

6. There is a safe haven for marine turtles.

Do you know that the oldest marine turtles conservation programme in the world is in Sabah? Established in 1966, the first turtle conservation site in Sabah was on Selingan Island, Sandakan.

Together with Little Bakungan and Gulisaan, these three islands made up Turtle Islands Park which lie in the Sulu Sea.
This park is considered the safe haven for green and hawksbill turtles.

7. Sipadan is one of the top dive sites in the world.

What do The Guardian, CNN Travel, Dive Magazine, Deacon Herald and Deeper Blue have in common? They all named Sipadan as one of the top dive sites in the world.

Located off the east coast of Sabah, the island was formed by living growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone.

One of the highlights of this island is its Turtle Tomb. It is an underwater cave with maze-like tunnels and chambers where many turtles skeletons have been found from turtles who got lost and ended up drowning in this cave.

8. The largest crocodile species is found in Sabah.

Apart from Sarawak, reptile lovers can also find the largest crocodile species in the Land Below the Wind.
Measuring possibly up to 7 meters in length, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest of all living reptile.

9.Reticulated Python, the longest snake in the world called Land Below the Wind home.

If saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world, the longest reptile is the reticulated python.
Plus, it is also one of the three heaviest snakes in the world. Besides Sabah, this reptile can also be found slithering around South Asia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago.

10.Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands is the largest Ramsar Site in Malaysia.

A Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. As of 2016, there are 2,231 Ramsar Sites throughout the world and the largest one in Malaysia is Lower Kinabatangan-Segama (78, 803ha).

11.The world’s smallest elephant is found here.

Speaking of Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands, one of the species calling that places home is the Borneo pygmy elephant.
It is the world’s smallest elephant, a subspecies of Asian elephant.
However according to IUCN, the population has been declining for the past 75 years die to habitat loss and hunting.

12.The world’s tallest tropical tree is here too.

In July 2018, scientists found the world’s tallest tropical tree in Tawau Hills Park. Towering at 96.9m, the tree is Shorea faguetiana located at about 24km from Tawau town.

That tree is even taller than the Statue of Liberty (93m)! Prior to this, the then tallest tree was also found in the state, at the Danum Valley Conservation Area, recorded at 94.1m.

13. Sabah is home to one of the most wanted birds in the world.

Here in Sabah, you can find one of the world’s most wanted birds by birdwatchers. It is the Bornean Bristlehead, an uncommon species and endemic only to Borneo.

14. One of the oldest tropical rainforest in the world is in Sabah.

Danum Valley Conservation Area, about 2 hours’ drive from Lahad Datu, is not only the largest protected rainforest area in the state, it is also estimated to be almost 140 million years old.

15. Malaysia’s largest marine park is Tun Mustapha Park.

Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) is Malaysian biggest marine park spanning over 898,763ha, off Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas districts.

It comprises more than 50 islands including Banggi and Balambangan.

16. You might see the Bornean Falconet, the smallest raptor in the world here too.

The Bornean Falconet or white-fronted falconet is the smallest bird of prey in the world. Endemic to Sabah, this raptor is about 15cm.

17.The most expensive orchid, Rothschild’s Slipper orchid is only found in the Land Below the Wind.

Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia houses many interesting plants and animals. It also harbours the most expensive orchid in the world. One of its stems on the black market is reported to be worth up to $5,000. No wonder it is called “the Gold of Kinabalu” orchid. As always though, we at KajoMag urge our readers to conserve and preserve nature.

18. The world’s longest stick insect is found near Kinabalu Park.

Besides the most expensive orchid, Kinabalu Park is home to the world’s longest stick insects called Phobaeticus chani. Visitors might confuse it with a real stick as it measures at more than 50cm in length.

19. The largest rafflesia species is found in Sabah.

Rafflesia is widely known as the largest individual flower in the world. The largest of the rafflesia species is Rafflesia arnoldii which can also be found in this state.

20. The biggest pitcher plant is found on Mount Kinabalu too.

Here is an interesting fact; the biggest pitcher plant is named after the first White Rajah of Sarawak but it is only can be found in its neighbouring state of Sabah. Hugh Low first collected Nepenthes rajah in 1858 on Mount Kinabalu and named it after his friend, James Brooke.

Growing up to 40cm high and 20cm wide, this plant can even trap small mammals!

5 Taiwanese foods featured on Running Man

Published on September 12, 2018

Lifestyle

Since 2010, Korean variety show Running Man has been running all over the world visiting various different countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and England.

Over the course of their visits outside of South Korea, they have never failed to promote other countries’ specialties and culture.

This includes when they visited Taiwan in episode 347. The members HaHa, Yang Se-chan and Song Ji-Hyo needed to try the countries’ food specialties as part of their mission.

Here are the Taiwanese foods featured in that Running Man episode and why they are so special:

1.Taiwanese Beef Noodle

5 Taiwanese foods featured on Running Man

There are plenty of variations when comes to beef noodles around Asia. However, the Taiwanese version of this dish is like kolo mee for Sarawak. It is listed as one of the must-try foods when visiting the country.

Generally, beef noodles are either cooked in a clear broth or with braised meat. The Taiwanese version is the latter. In Taiwan, people prefer the tomato variation of the braised beef noodles. It is red in colour, cooked with chunks of tomatoes, sometimes even without soy sauce.

2. Danzai Noodle

5 Taiwanese foods featured on Running Man

Also known as Ta-a or danzi noodles, this dish has history that can be traced back 130 years.

Legend has it that a fisherman named Hong Yutou began selling this noodle to earn money during off-season when typhoons were frequent. Usually served in small size, this dish is more like a snack rather than the main course.
On top of the noodles, it is made with bean sprouts, cilantro, shrimp and minced pork.

3. Stinky Tofu

A post shared by Y E H🍃新竹美食旅遊 (@yeh_0410) on Jul 23, 2018 at 8:36pm PDT

This Taiwanese food requires first timers to gather their guts to try. Traditionally a Chinese snack, it is also found in mainland China and Hong Kong.

In Taiwan, however, the tofu is usually served deep-fried with sour pickled vegetables. Visitors can find the deep-fried stinky tofu in Taiwanese night markets. Other ways to cook it in Taiwan are with spicy hot soup and barbecued over charcoal.

4. Mango Shaved Ice

A post shared by Meetfresh (@meetfreshusa) on Jun 9, 2018 at 12:00pm PDT

Mango shaved Ice is a quintessential Taiwanese dessert. Now you can find Taiwanese dessert chains popping up around the world serving mango shaved ice as their star menu item. It is basically made from freshly cut mango, mango ice cream and sweet mango sauce.

5. Pineapple Cake

Here is one of those Taiwanese foods you can bring home as a gift. It is a sweet traditional pastry made with butter, flour, egg, sugar and pineapple jam in between.

Pineapple played an important economical role in the country’s history which started when it was under Japanese rule (1895-1945).

During this period, Japanese brought in pineapple cultivators and set up processing plants. By the late 1930s, the country was the third largest pineapple exporter in the world.

In 2015, CNN readers voted Taiwan as the number one food destinations in the world. If you are planning a visit to the country, you can start with your must-try Taiwanese foods with this list.

10 types of Korean kimchi you can make from your Malaysian kitchen

Published on September 11, 2018

Lifestyle

Although kimchi is quintessentially a part of Korean cuisine, we can still make and enjoy it here in Malaysia.

Kimchi is basiclly fermented vegetables, much like preserved tuhau for the Sabahans. Just like tuhau, Korean kimchi makes a great quick meal if you are in a rush. Just cook some rice, take out those preserved vegetables, fry an egg and voila you have a complete meal.

Most kimchi is made with the basic seasoning of gochujang (Korean chilli paste), Korean chilli powder, garlic, ginger and jeotgal (salted shrimp).

If you do not have Korean chilli powder, you can replace it with Malaysian serbuk cili. (It is also more economical.)

As for jeotgal, some replace it with fish sauce while some Malaysians may use cencaluk as a substitute.

So what are you waiting for, here are ten types of Korean kimchi you can make from your Malaysian kitchen:

1. Napa kimchi

10 types of Korean kimchi you can make from your Malaysian kitchen — Napa kimchi, the most regular type of Korean kimchi. Credits: Pixabay.

The most common type of Korean kimchi is napa kimchi. It is made from napa cabbage which is widely known as Chinese cabbage in Malaysia. The secret to make your napa kimchi a little bit sweet is to put in some shredded pear.

2. Buchu kimchi

Buchu is an onion species known for many names including garlic chives, Chinese leek, oriental garlic, Asian chives. Here in Malaysia, we simply know it as daun kucai. While we enjoy stir-fried daun kucai with garlic, you can also make a type of Korean kimchi out of it.

Watch how to make it here.

3.Oisabagi

Oisabagi is basically spicy stuffed cucumber kimchi made with garlic chive, carrot and seasoning. The best part about this type of Korean kimchi is, you can eat it right away without waiting for it to be fermented.

Watch how to make it here.

4. Baek kimchi

Here comes a Korean kimchi without the chilli powder, aptly named baek kimchi or white kimchi. If you find regular kimchi is too spicy for you, opt for baek kimchi. It is mainly made with salted napa cabbage, radish, spring onions, salt, garlic, and sugar.

Watch how to make it here.

5. Gat kimchi

Even in Malaysia, not everyone enjoys gat which is sawi pahit in Malay or mustard leaves in English. The bitter taste lingers even after you finish your meal. However, you might enjoy it after turning the vegetable into kimchi.

Watch how to make it here.

6. Kakdugi

The star ingredient for kakdugi is white radish or else is called mu in Korean or daikon in Japanese. Unlike other Korean kimchi, kakdugi is crunchier thanks to the radish texture. Making kakdugi is another way to eat radish instead of our usual Malaysian radish cake.

7. Dongchimi

Traditionally, the Koreans enjoy dongchimi during winter season. Though it is all-year summer season in Malaysia, make your own dongchimi out of radish, cabbage, pickled green chilli, pear, and water. It takes usually two or three days to mature.

Watch how to make it here.

8.Nabak kimchi

Similar to dongchimi, nabak kimchi is a watery kimchi except it is added with chilli pepper powder. Thus, the colour is redder than dongchimi.

Watch how to make it here.

9. Gaji kimchi

Gaji means eggplant in English or terung in Malay. Here in Malaysia, one of the favourite ways to cook it is with sambal (Malay hot paste). Gaji kimchi takes about half an hour to make and one day to mature before you can enjoy it.

Watch how to make it here.

10. Gochu Sobagi

Most Malaysians can handle spiciness pretty well which is why Korean cuisine is well received here. Gochu sobagi or spicy stuffed green chilli is another way to satisfy your craving for spiciness. It is made by stuffing kimchi seasoning into green chilli.

Watch how to make it here.

10 things to do in Kuching, the Cat City of Sarawak

Published on September 10, 2018

Travel

Kuching, also known as Cat City, the capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak is a vibrant, colourful city.

It is a mixture of old and new; with traces of the 150 year reign of the Brooke family as well as recent modern development under the Malaysian federation.

Most foreign tourists treat Kuching as the main gateway to visit the rest of Sarawak and Borneo.

The city itself , however, has so much to offer. Here in KajoMag, we highly suggest not to leave the Cat City of Sarawak until you have done these 10 things:

1.Learn the cultures

Kuching is a multi-cultural city and a visit to it is incomplete without learning about the different cultures.

The best place to absorb and experience the different cultures Is one place is none other than Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV).

It is a living museum showcasing the different ethnicitIes of Sarawak including Iban, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Malay, Melanau and Bidayuh.

10 things to do in Kuching, the Cat City of Sarawak — Baruk, the Bidayuh Cultural House at Sarawak Cultural Village.

2.Eat your heart out

Kuchingites are foodies to their core and they are very proud of their food. Plus thanks to the city’s multicultural backgrounds, it offers more variety of food inspired by different races in the Sarawak.

If you are stuck on what to eat in Kuching, here are KajoMag’s list of what to devour in Cat City.

As for desserts, do not skip on these two classic ice-creams!

3.Explore the national parks

Sarawak’s wide range of biodiversity is the state’s crown jewel. The best part of Kuching is that you do not need to travel far to experience its rich flora and fauna.

Visitors can take a dip in Matang Wildlife Centre or climb to the peak of Mount Serapi.

4.Walk the streets of Kuching

While in Cat City, skip the shopping malls and walk on the streets of its old town.

Visitors can start with the Main Bazaar, the oldest street in Kuching located at the Kuching Waterfront. Explore Carpenter, India and Padungan streets and let the different smells and sound excite you.

5.Visit the museums

Did you know that the Sarawak Museum’s old wing was built in 1891, making it the oldest museum in Borneo?

Besides Sarawak Museum, there are other museums in Kuching as well including Textile Museum, Chinese History Museum, Art Museum, The Brooke Gallery and Islamic Heritage Museum.

Since you are in Cat City, do not forget to visit Kuching Cat Museum.

6.Spend a day at Santubong peninsular

Located only 40 minutes from Kuching city, Santubong peninsular provides the perfect place for a little R&R.

It is the perfect place to have the best of mountain and the sea. There are so many things to do that you can actually spend the whole day at the peninsular. Visitors can start a day with hiking at Santubong National Park, have a quick kayaking at Permai Rainforest Resort in the afternoon and end the day with a beer at Damai Central.

7.See the wildlife up-close

A trip to one of the cities in Borneo is never complete without seeing wildlife up close.

Here in Kuching city, you can choose to watch a bearded pig strolling by the shore or a proboscis monkey jumping from tree to tree at Bako National Park. Or visit an orangutan during its feeding time at Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

8.Sight-see heritage buildings

With a rich history spanning over 150 years, Kuching has so much to offer when it comes to heritage buildings.

Only in Kuching, you can find the only Japanese building built during World War II, a prison turned into a fortress and which now houses a restaurant at Square Tower and a neoclassical style post office.

9.Experience at least one festival

Kuching is probably best known for its international 3-day full of music and fun Rainforest World Music Festival.

However like any other city in Malaysia, you can experience different kind of festivals all year round.

Experience the harvest festival with the Ibans or Bidayuh during Gawai or go house-visiting during Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Adilfitri.

10.Hop into the coffee culture

The coffee culture in Kuching city has its own charm. First of all, Sarawak has its own coffee bean called the Sarawak liberica. You can find them at Black Bean Coffee at Jalan Pending and Ewe Hai Street.

Atmosphere-wise, you can choose to have your cup of java in a heritage building such as Commons Kch at the Old Courthouse or Indah Cafe at Upper China Street or in a hip, minimalist-decorated cafe like Keeper’s Ground.

30 things to do for free this What About Kuching 2018

Published on September 7, 2018

News & Features

What About Kuching (WAK) is back! From Sept 29 till Oct 28, Kuching will be lit up with tonnes of activities all over the city.

This month-long festival is a local community effort aiming to celebrate the arts, culture and lifestyle that Kuching has to offer.

Mark your calendar and decide what to do during this year’s What About Kuching:

1.Watch local artists in action at Bishopsgate and The Clock Tower

What About Kuching Music Portail provides platform for local artists to showcase their talents. Watch out for these dates Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 when the fun is happening at Bishopsgate Street Stage. Then on Oct 26 and 27, the party is moving to Clock Tower@The Old Courthouse.

There will be performances from Zee Avi, Tuku Kame, At Adau, Meruked and many more.

30 things to do for free this What About Kuching 2018 — At Adau’s Ezra Tekola on the sape’. Catch At Adau on Oct 12 at Bishopsgate Street Stage.

2.Visit the World Press Photo Exhibition

The iconic Padang Merdeka will come alive during the whole duration of What About Kuching. There, the World Press Photo Exhibition will make its Kucing debut showcasing a series of award-winning photos.

3.Follow a food trail along Padungan Street

What Kuching without its food? Follow the trail of Food Safari, collect stamps along the way and redeem a What About Kuching Merchandise.

4.Enjoy the music by Sarawak river at Waterfront Night Live

Do you know that there is a free weekly entertainment programme at GoDown Amphitheatre@Kuching Waterfront? The entertainment continues throughout What About Kuching month every Friday and Saturday.

5.Support young entrepreneurs at Junior Art Market

This art market is unlike others as it is exclusively dedicated to young entrepreneurs. However, there are art workshops, food and performances for all ages.

6. Observe the beauty of body art of Sarawak

What does the late Anthony Bourdain and Crazy Rich Asian’s Henry Golding have in common? Both of them have tribal Iban tattoos on their bodies.

From Sept 29 till Oct 9 there will be a tattoo exhibition happening at The Old Courthouse.

7. Learn more about Sarawak tattoos

Speaking of tattoos, know more about this artistry on Sept 30. There will be a presentation about tattoo artifacts. While on Oct 7, there will be a panel discussion on Sarawak tattoo industry.

8. Take part in a photojournalism workshop

Calling out all professional and amateur photographers! There will be a free a workshop conducted by photojournalists from the World Press. Sign up quickly because seats are limited.

9.Meet a fine artist

Ramsay Ong is a household name when comes the local fine art scene. Meet him daily from 10am to 2pm from Mondays to Fridays at the Pullman Hotel.

10.Take pleasure in listening to monologues

Listen to local talents reciting their monologues on Oct 5. There will guests performers flying in from Singapore and West Malaysia.

11.Enroll your kids in a Latin dance workshop

Start ‘em young! Sign your kids up for Latin Dance Workshop and they might have a knack for it!

12. Watch a yoga performance

Observe professional yogis in action at Sarawak famous Darul Hana Bridge Oct 6. On Oct 18, the yoga performance is happening at the Old Courthouse. After both of the performances, the public will have the chance to try some yoga moves. Do not miss out on this!

13. Gain an understanding on how to be a published writer

Do you have a manuscript tucked away somewhere in the corner of your room? Or have you always wanted to be a published writer? For two hours on Oct 7, bestseller Gina Yap will share about her journey.

14.Take in the knowledge of a poet

Marc Nair, a poet from Singapore will gives listeners a peak into his world of publishing poetry, taking photographs and more on Oct 7.

15. Familiarise yourself with Borneo beads

The beads of Sarawak can be considered as one of the state’s most precious heirlooms. Know more about beads of Sarawak by Heidi Munan on Oct 9.

16.Admire the beauty of Sarawak craft

From Oct 8 till 28, explore the beauty of Sarawak arts and Crafts at Pullman Hotel.

17. Grasp more about mental health problems in Kuching

Honestly here in Sarawak we do not talk enough about mental health. Join in the movement of raising awareness in conjunction of World Mental Health Day from Oct 10 till 14. There will be exhibitions, screening and forums.

18.Ignite your passion in Latin dance

Dance to Latin music with Sarawak sunset glowing on you on Oct 12 and 19 at Kuching Waterfront. Only for two days, there will be a showcase and free dance lesson from Baile Latino Kuching from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

19.Spend an evening of music, art and coffee

Shades of Art is back in town on Oct 13! The 13th edition of this evening of music and arts is dedicated to the Ranee of Sarawak.

20. Watch local short independent films

For one night only on Oct 13 at The Garden@The Old Courthouse, there will be film screenings and sharing session.

21. Play some ping pong games

Sweat it out for some ping pong games at Plaza Merdeka on Oct 14-27.

22.Show your support to the artists from the Kuching Autistic Association

Walk through forty pieces of artworks from the talents of Kuching Autistic Association. The exhibition is happening on Oct 19 to 21 at Hilton Hotel.

23.Explore a cardboard city

Here is another activity to bring your kids! Explore the Cardboard city made from recycled cardboard on Oct 20 till 21.

24.Jam with the youths

Feel the young vibes of local youths at Kuching Youth Jam. This monthly gathering features exhibition and workshop for hip hop enthusiasts.

25.Party with the local hip hop scene

Another What About Kuching event for hip hop enthusiasts, Tha (this is not a spelling error) Block Party organised by Tha Project will highlight hip hop talents, break dancing and more.

26.Take a pint (or more) during an Oktoberfest

Forget about celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany and head down tHe Spring shopping mall. Enjoy your drinks and the live music for ten nights from Sept 29 till Oct 7.

27.Channel your inner Tony Hawk

What About Kuching is all out giving platforms to different kinds of communities in the city. One of these community is the skaters of Kuching. There will be workshops, competitions and booths during Skate About Kuching on Oct 21.

28.Celebrate Deepavali for three days

Although Deepavali is not a public holiday in Sarawak, it should not stop all Sarawakians to celebrate. Come together on Oct 26-28 at CityOne Megamall to celebrate with arts, fashion shows, Bollywood competition as well as cooking classes and contests.

29.Visit a flea market

Show your support to local artisans and entrepreneurs while watching live music at Green Heights Mall Halloween Flea.

30.Find a treasure at a trunk sale

The biggest pre-loved market in Kuching is back on Oct 27 till 28. Give new life to old items at Kuching Trunk Sale (Oct 27-28) at Emart Batu Kawa.

There are more activities happening this year What About Kuching, download their calendar here!

10 inspirational Eminem songs to pump up your day

Published on September 6, 2018

Entertainment

It doesn’t matter if you love him or not, Eminem is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in the music industry.

Rolling Stone magazine listed him as one of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, even calling him the King of Hip Hop.

In 2018, Eminem is back making headlines again.

He dropped an album unlike any other artist in this age of constant news streams: There was not even a single word about it, no teaser on social media, no snippets anywhere, no promotional activities and not even an announcement of the release date.

Although it was a surprise album, Kamikaze, skyrocketed to number one on the US iTunes sales chart on Aug 31, the day it was released.

The rapper, who is known as a lyrical genius, once again proved his mastery with words and rhymes through Kamikaze.

10 inspirational Eminem songs to pump up your day — Eminem, or his real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III. Credits: Eminem’s Youtube page.

Speaking of lyrics, here are 10 songs with inspirational lyrics from Eminem to motivate you from your slump:

1.Lose Yourself (2002)

We cannot talk about any of Eminem’s songs without talking about “Lose Yourself”. Music critics praised it as the rapper’s best work to date. Eminem wrote it for the 2002 movie 8 Mile. The song went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003. It was the first hip hop song to win this award.

Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted
One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip

2. ‘Till I Collapse (2002)

If you listen to this song closely, the song uses the “stomp-stomp-clap” beats in Queen’s “We Will Rock You” (1977). The song featured the late Nate Dogg singing the hook.

‘Cause sometimes you just fell tired, you feel weak
And when you feel weak you feel like you want to just give up
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you want to just fall flat on your face and collapse

3. Beautiful (2009)

Eminem is known to sample songs from other artists in his tracks. In “Beautiful”, he samples Queen + Paul Rodgers’s “Reaching Out” at the beginning and end of this song.

But don’t let ‘em say you ain’t beautiful
They can all get f****d, just stay true to you
Don’t let ‘em say you ain’t beautiful
They can all get f****d, just stay true to you

4. Phenomenal (2015)

This song is from soundtrack album for Southpaw, a movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal. From the lyrics to its beats, the track is indeed phenomenal.

I am phenomenal
However long that it takes
I’ll go to whatever lengths
It’s gonna make me a monster though
I am phenomenal
But I never say, oh, it’s impossible
‘Cause I’m gonna be phenomenal

5. The Way I Am (2000)

“The Way I Am” presents the darker side of Eminem. He directed the lyrics toward record executives who pressured him and fans who invaded his privacy, telling them he is the way he is.

So if you need to scream at people who would not leave you alone, sing this song chorus instead.

And I am, whatever you say I am
If I wasn’t, then why would I say I am

6.Not Afraid (2010)

This track takes more of a positive tone in which Eminem raps about getting clean from drugs and staying away from violence. Rolling Stone ranked it as one of the best 100 songs in 2010.

I’mma be what I set out to be, without a doubt undoubtedly
And all those who look down on me, I’m tearin’ down your balcony

7. Guts over Fear (2014)

“Guts over Fear” is the second time Eminem collaborated with Australian singer Sia after “Beautiful Pain”(2013). Again, the rapper in his all honesty sharing his struggles as an artist through this song.

Guts over fear (The Time is here)
Guts over fear (I shall not tear)
For all the times I let you push around
And let you keep me down
(Now I got) Guts over fear, guts over fear

8. Kings Never Die (2015)

When you are on top of your game, many people would try to bring you down. In this song, Eminem hits out on those who wanting him to retire from the music scene. It also marks Eminem and Gwen Stefani’s first collaboration.

Stop for no one, I don’t know but I’ve been told an obstacle that
Blocks your road, knock it over, time to go for that pot of gold

9. Survival (2013)

Apart from movies, Eminem’s songs has also been featured in games. Survival was released to promote the game Call of Duty: Ghosts. It features Liz Rodrigues of The New Royales singing the chorus of the song.

It ain’t over ‘til I say it’s over, enough when I say enough
Throw me to them wolves and close the gate up on me
Afraid of what’ll happen to them wolves
When the thought of being thrown into an alligator pit, I salivated it

10. No Love (2010)

“No Love” was one of Eminem’s single from his seventh album. Featuring fellow rapper Lil Wayne, the song samples Haddaway’s classic “What is Love”.

‘Til I’m toppling from the top I’m not going to stop, I’m standing on my Monopoly board
That means I’m on top of my game and it don’t stop, ‘til my hip don’t hop anymore
When you’re so good that you can’t say it ‘cause it ain’t even cool for you to sound cocky anymore

10 Japanese high school romance anime you must watch

Published on September 5, 2018

Entertainment

Most famous shoujo manga or anime (aimed at a teenage female audience) circle around high school romance.

And when comes to Japanese high school romance manga, the most famous one is perhaps Boys Over Flowers or Hana Yori Dango.

It has been adapted into television dramas in five countries including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and China.

But if you are looking for more high school romance animes to watch, here are 10 of our suggestions:

1.Maid Sama!

Also know as Kaicho wa Meido-sama, the anime tells the story of Misaki Ayuzawa. She is the first female student council president in a male turned co-ed high school.

She seems to be this tough, alpha female, boy-hating girl but secretly she works part time at a maid cafe.

Then, the school’s most popular boy Takumi Usui discovers her secret, and that is when the story get interesting.

What makes Maid Sama! an interesting high school romance anime to watch is the female lead is not your typical damsel in distress type.