Moving Out

Hi guys due to some technical problem we are moving out of here. Our new blog address is
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We would like to thank all of you for reading this blog.Please keep supporting us !!!!

Ang Pow or Red Packet

Hi guys have you guys ever wondered why do the Chinese give Ang Pow or red packet during Chinese New Year? Haha I will now explain to you ok.


The red packets or "Ang Pow" in Hokkien or "Lai Shi" in Cantonese are normally given out by the adult or married couples to those which haven't married. In the olden days ang pow represent good things or a form of wishes from the adults to the children. Wishing them good health and to have success in the future. Wow.. a small little red packet yet it represents a thousand meanings. Interesting.

Here's a story about this wonderful red packet. Legend has it that a small village in China was been attack by a great giant.


Many great warriors have tried to finish off this great demon yet none have survive to tell their tales. Then one day came a young boy who is armed with a magical saber.


He was brave enough to confront the great demon after a hard fought battle, he finally managed to kill the evil demon. After receiving this great news, all the elder greeted the small boy with cheers. To show their gratitude, they presented red packets or "Ang Pow" which is fill with money to thank their little hero. This has eventually became one of the most favorable custom during Chinese New Year especially to the children haha.


One of the most important greetings to say during Chinese New Year is "Gong Xi Fa Cai, Cai Yuan Gun Gun Lai". So guys don't forget to ask your Ang Pow from your parents ok. Happy Chinese New Year to all !!!!

2009 Chinese Zodiac Forecast

** Sorry to those who've read the earlier posting, please be informed that there was some technical error and now this is the updated version of the chinese zodiacs forecast for 2009. Sorry and do enjoy reading this 2009 forecast.

It is popularly believed by Chinese that each year is represented by a particular animal sign. The animal signs are in order as follows: (1) Rat (2) Ox (3) Tiger (4) Rabbit (5) Dragon (6) Snake (7) Horse (8) Ram (9) Monkey (10) Rooster (11) Dog and (12) Pig.

The 12 Chinese Zodiacs
The 12 animal zodiacs were initially introduced by the Chinese. Some scholars believe that the source of these zodiacs came from the adoration of human towards animals. For instance, the reliance on horse, goat, cow, and dog or the fear on tiger and snake.

However, as come to the origin of the 12 animal zodiacs, it has to link to the Heavenly Stems “tian gan” （天干）and Earthly Branches “di zhi” (地支). Heavenly Stems are the elements of an ancient Chinese cyclic character numeral system, while Earthly Branches are used for reckoning time at which the Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections to follow the orbit of Jupiter or known as “Year Star” （岁星）. According to the historical records, it was found that the 12 animal zodiacs are correspond to the 12 Earthly Branches, that is, the sign of Zodiac is assigned based on one’s date of birth.

Signs of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches

Well, since the Chinese New Year is approaching, curious on how your new year will be? Check out the 12 zodiacs below. However, do bear in mind that these forecasts only serve as a reference. For the good predictions they are a form of encouragements while the bad ones should be seen as precautions advices for us to lead a happy and healthy life.

RAT

Rat Year Borns: (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)

Rats are charming, elegant and clever. They can be a bit gossipy and prone to being distracted. They’re also thrifty and very good with handling money. Family and close friends are exceptionally important to them. The Rat is charming beyond words and throughout his undoubtedly long life he will always be popular and will have many friends.

Forecast for 2009: 2009 will be an encouraging and positive year but the Rat will need to keep his eye on the world around him in order to avoid unnecessary pressures. Training and learning new skills in their careers will ensure financial security over the coming months and increased self-confidence. On the home front, this will be an excellent year for the Rat with at least one happy family occasion and if they can manage it, an enjoyable family holiday. Romantically, this is the year to make great progress whether to meet someone new or take things to a new level with a special partner. May to September will be very favourable for socialising with September to December being important career-wise.

Interesting Rat Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Garnet
Special Flower: Narcissus
Best Hours: 11 pm -1 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Black, White, Purple

OX

Ox Year Borns: (1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and
2009)

Sturdy, earthy, no-nonsense – that’s the Ox. Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox’s priorities. A wonderful loyal friend.

Forecast for 2009: The Ox sees overall improvements in his situation during his own year in 2009. The main area of enjoyment will be the interaction with others, either with friends and family or on a more romantic level. A key phrase to bear in mind this year is ‘hold fast’. There may be setbacks and delays in the general run of life, but keep calm and persist and all will be well. There will be an opportunity to study and learn (in common with other signs this year) which should appeal to the Ox and there will be a huge sense of pride with what is achieved. Between May and July there are significant developments on the work front, in particular important talks with a boss or superior, while September to November sees very interesting and delightful romantic encounters!

Interesting Ox Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Aquamarine
Special Flower: Carnation
Best Hours: 1-3 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Green, Yellow, Black

TIGER

Tiger Year Borns: (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)

Magnetic, passionate and grand! When the Tiger does anything, it’s noticed! Indecisiveness and stubbornness can mar the sparkle of the Tiger personality. On the one hand generous, on the other hand a little mean, it’s sometimes hard to know where one stands with the Tiger. Flexible, honest and truly entertaining, one has a friend for life with a Tiger.

Forecast for 2009: 2009 will be a challenging year for the Tiger, but it definitely lays the foundation for 2010 which is his own year. Discipline, concentration and focus will be of paramount importance to the Tiger this year. Keeping their eye on the end goal and dreams will stand to them throughout the year. Financial issues must be addressed seriously and spending should be done wisely. Romantically February to July could be very exciting but discretion must be used! The end of the year, November and December, will present excellent career opportunities for those Tigers ready to move up the job ladder.

Interesting Tiger Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Sapphire
Special Flower: Violet
Best Hours: 3-5 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue, Yellow

RABBIT

Rabbit Year Borns: (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) Good

Cuddly, warm and affectionate are the attributes of the Rabbit. Mysterious and a great party-giver and host, the Rabbit enjoys being the centre of attention once in a while. The Rabbit is occasionally over cautious and can be a bit boring. He is also one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Astrology chart.

Forecast for 2009: Slow and steady – this is how 2009 will progress for most Rabbits. Travel will also feature prominently in between a busy social life and an increased workload at their job. Friends and family mean the world to the Rabbit and their support and love this year will be especially important. Single Rabbits will likely meet a potential partner in a social situation and all will find that August and September sparkle romantically! Careerwise, November is the best month to put themselves forward for a well-earned promotion or payrise. Artistic Rabbits could be approached regarding an exciting new project.

Interesting Rabbit Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Pearl
Special Flower: Jonquil
Best Hours: 5-7 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Grey, White

DRAGON

Dragon Year Borns: (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1972, 1988, 2000)

Assertive, energetic and talented are all words to describe the Dragon personality. On the other hand, the Dragon has a tendency to be condescending and tactless without realising it. They generally enjoy robust health and tend to be very successful in anything they turn their hand to.

Forecast for 2009: Most Dragons will have an increase in income during 2009 which will be very welcome. They will be strong and focussed in pursuing their objectives for the year. Dragons should take their time and appreciate any valuable advice they are given. Time should be made to enjoy hobbies and fun activities. Gossip could feature strongly during the year and all Dragons should take care not to indulge in idle chit chat lest in backfires on them! Socially, May to August will be a fun time with many Dragons taking their romances more seriously. March and April will bring intriguing job offers for those seeking a change in direction.

Interesting Dragon Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Amethyst
Special Flower: Sweet Pea
Best Hours: 7-9 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Black, Gold

SNAKE

Snake Year Borns: (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)

Intelligent and highly intuitive are two of the Snake’s many fine qualities. He makes an amusing and romantic friend with a definite flirtatious streak. When challenged or criticised he can be a sore loser. The Snake is very lucky with money and is fond of the odd bet or two. He is quick-witted and enjoys reading, music and occasionally the paranormal side of life.

Forecast for 2009: For the Snake, 2009 will be quite fast-paced and demanding and they will need to remain flexible and positive to enjoy it. Romance features strongly and for the single Snake, this could be the year to start a serious relationship. Financially, impulse buys should be kept under control and risks should be minimised. 2009 will be an excellent year for self-discovery and reviewing recreational interests and hobbies. April to June will present great social opportunities and new friendships. October and November will shine on the work front.

Interesting Snake Facts
Zodiac Stone: Opal
Special Flower: Passionflower
Best Hours: 9-11 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Brown Gold, Green

HORSE

Horse Year Borns: (1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1964, 1978, 1990)

Fun, charming and attractive sums up the Horse’s traits perfectly. They love parties and crowds and being the centre of attention. They can also be egotistical, hotheaded and impatient. The Horse is a considerate and protective friend and partner and when in his company, there will always be excitement around the next corner.

Forecast for 2009: 2009 will see the Horse making excellent progress in whatever area of his life he chooses. Finances will feature in a positive way as well with a possible increase in income. They should take care, however, to manage their money wisely and make plans. Balance needs to be maintained between work time and leisurely pursuits in order to stay healthy and centered. The Horse will have a tendency to overdo things this year. January to March will be fortuitous for changing jobs while April and December will favor romantic pursuits – for those attached, these months could bring news of an engagement!

Interesting Horse Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Golden Topaz
Special Flower: Rose
Best Hours: 11am-1pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Orange, White, Yellow

RAM

Ram Year Borns: (1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991)

Graceful and optimistic, kind and easy going, would describe a Goat personality. They can also be petulant and discontented, likely to throw the towel in at the beginning of a problem. They can be charming without revealing their true feelings. The Goat is very talented and imaginative and can turn his hand to most creative pursuits.

Forecast for 2009: The Goat need not feel on his own in 2009 as there will be much support and friendship to help him in this busy year. With so much going on in all areas of his life, the Goat would do well to plan ahead and take his time in making decisions. Money-wise, the Goat needs to curb his enthusiasm for spending and exercise some self-discipline or problems may arise later! July to September will present many social events and possibilities for love and romance. Short trips and travel are well aspected in August and October for all Goats.

Interesting Goat Facts
Zodiac Stone: Emerald
Special Flower: Larkspur
Best Hours: 1-3 pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue

MONKEY

Monkey Year Borns: (1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992)

The Monkey is playful, lively, fun and a quick thinker. They get bored very easily and find it hard to settle down to doing any one thing. The Monkey can also be vain and offhand. They are ambitious and usually very good with investing money. With their quick wit and wonderful sense of humour, they are a great party guest. The Monkey’s life will never be dull and predictable!

Forecast for 2009: The Monkey’s fine creative streak can be put to excellent use in 2009 if he concentrates on one task at a time rather than attempting many projects at once. With keeping so busy, the Monkey needs to watch his own health and allow adequate time for work, rest and fun. On the home front, there may be celebrations and happy family gatherings throughout the year. The Monkey’s love life will shine also with many getting engaged or meeting someone very special. March to July will be particularly busy socially. November will be an excellent time for work-related promotions or recognition.

Interesting Monkey Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Peridot
Special Flower: Gladiola
Best Hours: 3-5 pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: White, Violet, Green

ROOSTER

Rooster Year Borns: (1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993)

The Rooster is always popular, extravagant and creative. They can be brutally honest and generally like being showered with attention. They are wonderfully loyal friends and also give advice freely – whether they are asked for it or not! Family means the world to the Rooster and they are fiercely loyal to those they care about.

Forecast for 2009: 2009 will run along the themes of enthusiasm, planning and determination, all of which suit the Rooster perfectly! At home and with family, life will run much smoother and will be a source of happiness and security for all Roosters. Money matters are well starred also this year with either a pay rise, a surprise bonus or both! Hobbies and travelling look prominent as well, with pleasant pursuits greatly enjoyed during the year. July to September will favor career moves and travel is highlighted towards October.

Interesting Rooster Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Citrine
Special Flower: Aster
Best Hours: 5-7 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Orange, Green

DOG

Dog Year Borns: (1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

The Dog is wonderfully hard worker, a perfectionist and someone who loves the small details. He is also a bit anti-social, pessimistic and stubborn. They are one of the most honest and loyal signs of the Chinese zodiac and will always go to bat for a worthy cause. The Dog is a fantastic listener and his advice is usually very intuitive.

Forecast for 2009: The Dog will find a busier social life and more friends during 2009. This will be a challenging year on the work front, but Dogs should take a deep breath, be patient and remain steadfast. Solid foundations are being built for the very favorable Year of the Tiger in 2010. Travel will be particularly enjoyable and home life will be very special in 2009. October to December will be very interesting regarding new job opportunities. May and November will see romance beautifully highlighted with many happy social get-togethers.

Interesting Dog Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Diamond
Special Flower: Marigold
Best Hours of the day 7-9 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Silver and Red

PIG

Pig Year Borns: (1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983)

The Pig is an innocent, sweet and lovable personality. They can also be quite melancholy and over-sensitive. The Pig loves the company of others, and adores parties, gossip and chit chat. They are highly intelligent, but prefer to keep this side of their nature under wraps. The Pig does not care that much for money, but is one of the zodiac signs that is very lucky.

Forecast for 2009: 2009 should prove to be a lucky and encouraging year for all Pigs. Interesting offers and chance meetings can occur at any time of the year and the Pig needs to be alert and aware for any lucky breaks. With such a hectic year, it’s important for the Pig to make time for fun and relaxation and travel may be one way to do this. It’s also an excellent year to review his diet and fitness regime, as he needs to be in top form for such an active schedule. April to July will bring happy times for love and relationships, while August and September bring interesting offers on the work front, particularly in relation to publishing and writing.

Interesting Pig Facts
Zodiac Stone: Ruby
Special Flower: Chrysanthemum
Best Hours: 9-11 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Purple, Red, White

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (TheStar)
May the Year of The Golden Ox bring us LUCK and PROSPERITY. Not forgetting GOOD health too.

Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Terengganu

Since I've been staying in Kuala Terengganu for almost 6 years, I feel obligated to promote some places of attraction and the facilities they have here in Kuala Terengganu. One of the main attractions in this beautiful city is its beaches. Here i would share with you some of the photos of the beach beside our university (University Malaysia Terengganu, UMT).

Pantai Tok Jembal (Tok Jembal Beach)
The yearly monsoon season in Terengganu starts from November to January. As we can see from the photos, the wind was quite strong which is around 50-60 km/hour. The wave in the sea was rough and it's about 3.5-4.5 meter in height. Due to this strong wind, it's quite dangerous to all marine and coastal activities.




Too rough for the fisherman to go into sea

As can be seen from the picture above, the construction work relating to the extension of the Sultan Mahmud International Airport are being carried out. As the government wanted to upgrade the Sultan Mahmud Airport into an international airport, they have forked out RM400 million for this project. With the extension, bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 747 is able to land and take off.

Sultan Mahmud International Airport

In order to extend the airport's runway, the government has reclaimed roughly 1km into the sea. Instead of taking flight from KLIA to Mecca, haj pilgrims can now take direct flight from Sultan Mahmud Airport.



The reclaimed land which was previously the sea



In our point of view, Terengganu deserved such development, but the impact to the environment due to the land reclamation has yet to be known and still remain a question in our mind. It is always important to strike a balance between development and our environment.

A treasure right beneath our nose

Days Before The Chinese New Year : The Eve of Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year's eve is another important day. Some of them will be doing last minute cleaning and some would even be buying food and new clothes for the New Year. By this day most of the family members near or far will gather to have a big feast. We Chinese call this Reunion Dinner or "tuan yuan fan" (团圆饭) in Chinese. Reunion dinner is where all family members gather together to have dinner and to strengthen their ties with each other. Some family members might not see each other throughout the year except for this day.

Reunion Dinner
Before the dinner, they must usher back the "Kitchen God" as he has finished reporting the family affairs to the Heaven. Besides that, they have to pray and pay their respect to the house Gods and ancestors as it was believed that a person good fortune depends very much on their house Gods and ancestors. Now we come to the Great Feast, the reunion dinner. On the table are some of the family favorite dishes and a must have dish is the fish.


The fish or "yu" (鱼) in Chinese has the same pronunciation as "extra" (余) in Chinese. Therefore, it symbolizes there are always something good left behind for the new year; example good luck or good fortune.


After the dinner or hours before the new year begins, some Chinese will go to their local temples to pray for good fortune. In temple, there is also a ceremony for them to change their luck with the hope that their will be bless with more good fortune in the new year to come. Lights will be kept on the whole night and all the doors and windows will be open wide for the "old year" to go.


Some will also take this opportunity to pray to the "God of Prosperity" or "Cai Shen" (财神) in Chinese with the hope that they will be financially abundance and blessed in the new year. Most of the family members will stay up as late as they can on the Chinese New Year's Eve.

God of Prosperity"
At midnight, fireworks will fill the air and firecrackers are lid to celebrate the arrival of the New Lunar Year @ to scared away "Nian". Remember ??? Haha. This is the where the Chinese's excitement reaches its climax and you can even hear people wishing each other "Gong Xi Fa Cai" or in other words May you have good fortune.


We almost forgotten to inform you that this year's Chinese New Year's Eve is on the 25th of January 2009 and the New Lunar Year will be the year of the Ox. Here we wish all of you great fortune in the Year of Ox.

Days Before The Chinese New Year : 28th of the last month

Hi guys I'll continue where we left off that day. After sending off the "Kitchen God" on the 23rd of the last month of the Lunar year, we'll have the 28th where a lot of work has to be done on this day.

Kitchen God

On this day, the Chinese will normally clean up their houses before they usher in the new Lunar Year. The Chinese always say "Wash away all the dirt on the 28th "nin ya baat" （年二十八).


It's a believed that by cleaning the house on this day all the bad fortune shall be swept off to make way for the good luck to come into the house. Many will even give their house and fence a new coat of paint. In short, everything must be spick and span before the auspicious day. Not only that, the Chinese will also decorate their houses with many red color decorative and auspicious Chinese phrases.


The main reason for all these are with the hope that the new Lunar Year will showered them with abundance of good luck and fortunes.


Hmmm.. I too must remember to give my house a good sweep on this day Hahaha. May Good Luck and Good Fortunes be with us this New Lunar Year.....

Days Before The Chinese New Year : 23rd of the last month

Here we would like to tell you some of the preparations that the Chinese do before ushering the new year. A week before the big day which is on the 23rd of the last month in the Chinese lunar calender, the Chinese will do offering to the Kitchen God or Zao Jun (灶君)in chinese.

The Kitchen God

He is a god sent down from Heaven to watch over the whole family. His duty was to report back to the Heaven annually on the 23rd of the last month in the Chinese lunar calender so the Heaven would know the condition of the family including on their family affairs and what have been done throughout the year. In order to ensure that the Kitchen God doesn't report any bad things about the family, they will offer sweet food to him.

One of the main offerings which is the "Nian Gau"（年糕） or sweet sticky cake, is a typical Chinese candy.

Nian Gao

The main reason for this was to ensure that the Kitchen God will only say sweet things about the family to the Heaven with the hope that the Heaven will continue to protect and bless the family. This tradition are still practice by many until today.

It seems that bribery has already been practiced since the olden days

So guys, you know what to do right on the 23rd of the last month. Haha offer more "Nian Gau" to the Kitchen God.

May the Heaven bless us all.