The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- Exhibits of execution devices are back by popular demand
- ‘Rejuvenated’ chalets
- Photography lover adapting well in Malaysia but still can’t get used to spicy food
| Exhibits of execution devices are back by popular demand Posted: 29 Jul 2011 09:35 PM PDT MALACCA: An array of horrific torture and execution devices is back in Malacca and currently being exhibited at the upper pergola of Dataran Pahlawan shopping complex, here. Dubbed as "Tortura 2", the exhibition will showcase the life methods of torture and punishment employed during the medieval era. Visitors can get a closer look at devices such as the head crusher, knee splitter, chastity belt and the infamous torture chamber known as "Maiden of Nuremberg" that are on display at the exhibition. Executive director of WellAd Communication Sabariah Daud said the devices were from an era where people were punished for their opinions, race, religion, language, social status and gender in gruesome ways. "Tortura is sure to awaken much interest and attract visitors from as far as Singapore and Indonesia. "It is also a platform to get the attention of domestic tourist as well as foreigners from neighbouring states," she said. Sabariah expects families, students, special interest groups and history lovers to visit the exhibition "From the last Tortura exposition in year 2003, the feedback from visitors varied, with some saying it was interesting, scary, historical and very educational. "We even had schools from all over the state crowding the exhibition." she said. Sabariah added the exhibition depicted an era of brutality and savagery and since its debut in 2003, the exhibition has raised the interest of millions of visitors not only for its great visual impact, but also for its clear message against the violation of human rights. The exhibition ends October 31. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search. |
| Posted: 29 Jul 2011 09:31 PM PDT I WAS immediately enveloped with a sense of calm the moment I stepped into a recently "rejuvenated" water chalet at the Avillion Port Dickson. The spacious room was a sight to behold with a large four poster bed, a comfortable pangkin (daybed) to lounge on and a big bathroom which had a tub as well as an open air shower. The sliding glass doors of the chalet opened out to a private balcony which affords guests gorgeous and uninterrupted views of the sea. With its traditional charm and modern conveniences such as a flat screen TV, an iPod dock and rainshower, guests get to enjoy the best of both worlds. The 9.6ha (24-acre) resort was modelled to evoke the feel of a Malay fishing village and that homeliness coupled with modern facilities is what keeps guests coming back. The resort recently refurbished all its 259 rooms including the water and garden chalets and incorporated modern touches that would appeal to the younger crowd while still maintaining its traditional decor. Dubbed "8 Reasons to be Re.Ju.Ve.Na.Ted", the exercise was carried out gradually over an eight-month period to minimise inconvenience to in-house guests. The new and improved resort was recently unveiled to the media who got to experience the luxury and comfort first-hand. Assistant general manager Michael Quay said eight reasons were chosen to mark the refurbishment as it was easy to remember. "We have made many improvements and there are more than eight key things which we added on or improved. "But we chose eight things to highlight as it easy to remember and also a number favoured by many as in Chinese, it sounds similar to 'fatt' which is the word for prosperity," he said. He said all rooms were repainted and touched up and the wood which is a common feature in the resort was revarnished for a "fresh" feel. "As an established resort, we have over 5,000 regular guests and we included these modern additions after receiving feedback from our clientele. "People like our resort because of its old world charm and although we updated our facilities, it doesn't affect the look or feel of our property," he said. The "8 Reasons to be Re.Ju.Ve.Na.Ted" are wireless connectivity, flat screen TVs, iPod docking systems, a digital compendium (for information on hotel activities and outlets), luxurious beddings including high thread-count sheets, new duvets and extra large pillows, powerful rainshowers, new custom-made mattresses and a flash key card system for all rooms. While leading members of the media on a tour around resort grounds, Avillion Port Dickson operations senior director Gared Mario Cubinar pointed out many of the other features that it was known for. Among them are an author's corner in the garden where you can spend some quiet time and pen your thoughts and a petting zoo to keep children busy. The resort has a romantic appeal and it is no wonder that it has been the site of many wedding proposals. One guest liked her stay there so much she jotted down her experience in a poem that can be found in the garden inscribed in stone. Walking around the resort, it feels like you are weaving your way through a village albeit one with modern trappings. Room rates range from RM350++ per night for garden chalets (weekdays) to RM1,500++ per night for two bedroom water villas (weekdays). Its Avi Spa has also won several awards with its contemporary design and 100% custom made essential oil blends. As part of its promotional activities to highlight its latest additions, Avillion Port Dickson have organised eight lucky draws for guests with prizes including free stays, spa treatments and meal vouchers given away daily until the end of the month. Avillion Port Dickson is located at 3rd Mile, Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan. Tel: 06-647 6688. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search. |
| Photography lover adapting well in Malaysia but still can’t get used to spicy food Posted: 29 Jul 2011 09:24 PM PDT HAVING the opportunity to travel to different states around Malaysia for work also gives expatriate Peter Khemlani a chance to capture the country on his camera. "I love taking pictures and Malaysia has a lot of nice places for it," said Khemlani, a Filipino working in the country as Guinness Anchor Marketing Sdn Bhd's marketing manager. He especially found Sarawak to be an interesting place when he was there for the annual Rainforest World Music Festival. "I got to go there for work and it was a fantastic festival. Whenever I have to travel for work, I will try to find time to take pictures of the place," said Khemlani, who currently lives in Mont Kiara. He said that there were also nice places for taking photographs around Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Khemlani has been working in Malaysia for more than two years and this is the second country he is living in as an expatriate. "Before Malaysia, I was working with our sister company Diageo in South Korea and going there was a massive shock to everything in me and about me," he recalled. "It was my first role as an expatriate and I did expect changes but I guess I was not ready as I should have been. "I went there at the end of January and realised I hated winter. When I was in the Phillippines, I didn't have the chance to know that. "For the first few months I had no social life because I just couldn't handle the cold. All I did was go to work and go home after that," he said. He said that language was also a problem for him outside the office because not many people spoke English. "I tried to learn the language but found out that after a certain age, your brain can no longer take it. I just couldn't learn it," he said with a laugh. He did adapt to living in the country eventually and even discovered the joy of skiing. He jumped at the chance to work in Malaysia and started his role in March 2009. "My initial period here was a lot more pleasant than that in South Korea. Language was so much easier because most people speak English. The weather and culture are similar to my home country so it was socially very comfortable for me," he said. Professionally, he had to work a little harder to adapt to his new role because he switched from marketing spirits to beer. "When you work with spirits, you do a lot more thinking but with beer, the pace is so much faster," he said. Whether in South Korea or in Malaysia, one thing that he could not get used to was the spicy foods. "I can't take spicy food. I have learnt that if people say 'It's not that spicy', then it's probably too spicy for me," he said. What he misses most about the Philippines is his family and friends. "The good thing about being in Malaysia is that whenever I miss home, I just need to go to a church on Sunday. I go to the St John's Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur and there are many other Filipinos who go there. There is a sense of comfort in listening to your native language all around you. "There are also many people selling all kinds of foods from back home so I just get something there whenever I miss the food," he said. If he is not out taking pictures with other photography buffs, Khemlani enjoys having a nice dinner and drinks with friends. "I know some people from the Philippines and I also got to know some people from my neighbourhood," said Khemlani, who confessed that he is single and looking. When asked if he could cook, the bachelor laughed and replied: "Yes, I can cook. Whether you can eat what I cook is another matter." He said that cooking was more an act of survival rather than one of passion. "I can cook for myself and I can throw together a simple meal if my friends happen to show up but anything more than that I don't think I can handle," he said. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search. |
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