Showing posts with label [Kuala Lumpur] ALL POSTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label [Kuala Lumpur] ALL POSTS. Show all posts
Time does indeed fly. A new year in it's inevitability is fast approaching. It's that time again to rejoice, to reflect and to remember all the good times we've had in. Let's look on the bright side. The festival of lights aka Deepavali/Diwali is just around the corner - on the November 5th, 2010. That's 10 more days, WOOHOO! It's a public holiday in Malaysia. On a deeper level, Diwali/Deepavali signifies the light which dispels the darkness of our ignorance; it is a festival of the light which shows us the way on our journey through life.
According to Diwalifestival, lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces- wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering. Indians will light 'diyas' or lights of oil, or oil lamps. This is done by using a small brass plates or tiered plates as a lamp and putting oil or ghee (clarified butter) in the plates and putting wick and burning it.
I recently got a chance to visit the bazaars in Brickfields and Klang's Little India to witness The Colors of Diwali 2010 in A.C.T.I.O.N. It's been so long since I've been here! I was very surprised to find a brand spanking new Brickfields. The RM35 million makeover on Brickfields has changed the look of one of the most visited places in the city.
Colorful decorated pillars and the paved walkways make it convenient for a fun and comfortable shopping experience. Killer potholes roads? Smelly back lanes? Those days are long gone; at least in Brickfields. GUESS WHAT? Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his visiting Indian counterpart, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Wednesday October 27th, 2010 launched Little India, Kuala Lumpur's Indian enclave in Brickfields. Source: TheStar Scroll down the page to watch the opening ceremony of 9th Deepavali Carnival.
Later, I traveled to Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang. The Diwali/Deepavali festival in Klang is way merrier than Kuala Lumpur. The bazaar was packed to the brim until one could hardly walk. I HATE crowds. I felt kinda of lost. LOL! Anyway I had a great time in both Brickfields and Klang's Little India. The Colors of Diwali 2010 is beautiful, warm and memorable. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
Wishing all my Indian friends a very Happy Deepavali. தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துக்கள் ♥
Title: The Colors of Diwali <印度纱丽★ - Indian Saree>
About: A beautiful piece of Saree cloth. Gotta love the colors!
Title: Princess Diwali <性感的女士 - Sexy lady>
About: A snobbish mannequin. Latest fashion statement of today? lol!
Title: I'm proud of who I am! <我♥我的花 - I love my flowers>
About: A hawker peddling jasmine flowers and garlands. These flowers are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and appeal to the sense of smell by imparting pleasant fragrances. Ooh La La!
Title: Saree galore <★屠妖节★ - Deepavali>
About: I was walking along Brickfields and KL Sentral. Next, I stumbled upon a traditional Saree shop. The morning light was perfect. So I grabbed my camera and click away. Halfway, the lady boss came out. She was wearing a beautiful Saree. We chatted for awhile about the latest development in Brickfields. She was quite happy :)
Title: Eyes on ME <♥来看看 - Take a look ♥>
About: A nosy man or just a curious passerby? You tell me :)
Title: Amma, it's the holiday season! <购物时间! - Shopping time>
About: I was looking at them from a distance. Waiting, waiting and waiting. Finally, I got it! Voilà! The perfect candid moment.
Title: The flower guys <花的力量 - Flowers power>
About: I realized that most of the Indian hawkers do not want to be photographed but with a little bit of persuasion and luck I was able to get some photos :)
Photography 101: People do have a right not to be photographed. It doesn't matter if they are in a public place or not. If they do not consent to the photograph, you are SHAMEFULLY VIOLATING their privacy.
Title: Big sales <纱丽拍卖★ - Saree auction>
About: Be it in any part of Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur Sentral and Klang's Little India, the magic of saree is everywhere.
Title: Golden brown laddu <松脆可口 - Crispy and delicious>
About: Cute looking fresh ladoo balls :) It is often prepared on festivals or household events such as weddings and births or given as a prasad at Hindu Temples. It is made out of flour and a variety of other ingredients formed into balls.
Title: Yummy pink Burfi <草莓蛋糕 - Strawberry cake>
About: Ooh these strawberry flavored burfi do look tantalizing! Barfi aka burfi is a sweet from the Indian subcontinent. It is often flavored with fruit (such as mango or coconut) or nuts (like cashew and pistachio) and spices such as cardamom.
They are sometimes served coated with a thin layer of edible silver leaf. Usually, they are typically cut into square, diamond or round shapes.
Title: Gulab Jamun aka the brown waffle balls <美味蛋糕 - Delicious cake>
About: Three words to sum up Gulab Jamun - juicy, sweet and delicious! It is made of a dough consisting mainly of milk solids, traditionally, khoya, an Indian milk product (buffalo milk) is rolled into a ball together with some flour and then deep fried.
It is then put into in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom seeds and rosewater, kewra or saffron. Click HERE to learn how to make your very own Gulabs :)
Title: Thosai man <印度薄饼 - Indian pizza>
About: A cook busy preparing some thosai (Indian pancake made from fermented rice flour) and roti canai.
Title: Happy Go Lucky <首饰 - Jewelery>
About: An elderly hawker selling cheap Indian bracelets. I asked permission to take a photo and she agrees. She said "Hold your horses". Huh? She adjusted her Saree and looked into the mirror. Finally, she smiled and gave me the go ahead sign.
Title: Bling-bling shop <金光闪闪 - Glitter>
About: Another bling-bling shop around the corner.
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Last updated November 4th, 2010 (10:48 p.m.)
Brickfields Deepavali 2010 - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
Brickfields and Kuala Lumpur Sentral 2010 Diwali/Deepavali Bazaar are just minutes away from Tun Sambanthan Monorail station. Here's the route. Click link (Map 1) to download the map. Note: File is hosted in MediaFire.
Updates: Malaysia Indian Congress (MIC) will host its Deepavali open house at the Putra World Trade Centre on Nov 5 between 9.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife and other Cabinet ministers, political party leaders as well as diplomats were expected to attend.
Map 1 (1 page, JPG file, 380 kb)
Brickfields Deepavali 2010 - Google Street Map:
Brickfields Deepavali 2010 - YouTube Video (Source: Malaysiakini):
KL Sentral Deepavali Carnival 2010 - YouTube Video (Source: Malaysiakini):
Brickfields & Klang Deepavali 2010 - Things to Buy/Try:
- Indian traditional cakes and snacks (Gulab Jamun, Burfi, Laddu, Athirasam, Pal Kova, Murukku ++)
- Indian food (Banana leaf rice, thosai, roti canai, North Indian Curries ++)
- Flower garlands
- Clothing
- Jewelery
- Prayer items
- Accessories
Deepavali 2010 - Read More & Useful Links:
- http://tinyurl.com/24u7r6p (Brickfields: All spruced up and ready to party, NST)
- http://tinyurl.com/38mrmpq (Manmohan to launch 'Little India' in Malaysia trip, Sify)
- http://tinyurl.com/yupz8v (All about Diwali/Deepavali, Diwalifestival)
- http://tinyurl.com/ddlfg7 (Gulab Jamun Recipe, IndianFoodForever)
- http://tinyurl.com/385kejw (PM Najib & PM Manmohan Launch Little India, TheStar)
Hi peeps! Hari Raya Aidilfitri عيد الفطر aka Hari Raya Puasa is just around the corner. It is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Also, the weeklong school holidays have just started. It will be a BUSY week ahead for our Muslim friends - raya shopping, house cleaning, new furnishing and decorations. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim readers and friends Eid Mubarak & Selamat Hari Raya: Maaf Zahir Batin. Remember to drive safely during this holiday season.
So here goes with Part 2 - The Colors of Ramadan. Walking along the Malay Ramadan hawker stalls selling Muslim food and drinks can be quite a vibrant and unique experience. I was amazed and never thought of such a huge crowd. My overall experience was very good.
Whatever the season, the charm, beauty and diversity of Malaysia never disappears. Maybe Malaysia really is Truly Asia after all :) I strongly encourage fellow Malaysians to visit these Ramadan bazaars. You will never regret visiting our Ramadan Bazaar - it is F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C! IMHO we need to turn our Ramadan bazaars into tourism products as these places are potential tourist attractions.
Here are the remaining shots taken at Ramadan Bazaar around Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Masjid India and Kampung Baru). Click HERE to return to The Colors of Ramadan (Part 1). Until then, have a great weekend everyone! さようなら Sayōnara!
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [28mm f/5.6 manual 200 ISO 1/100 sec]
This guy looked cool. He was selling 'bubur lambuk' (translation: mix rice porridge) at the back of Masjid Kampung Baru. I assumed he is the kind of man who had a lot of thoughts in his mind but didn't talk much. 'Mysterious' man, but who cares? I just LOVE his COOL, STEADY & EASY expression :)
日本語: おいしい食べ物 English: Good food
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [40mm f/5.3 manual 800 ISO 1/400 sec]
Sugarcane water seems to be one of the favorites during Ramadan. A popular thirst quencher for breaking fast.
日本語: サトウキビ水 English: Sugarcane water
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [28mm f/4.5 manual 200 ISO 1/500 sec]
A hawker frying yellow noodles with his extra large wok. He was more than happy to show me his culinary skills. You know why he's smiling sheepishly? He was teased by fellow hawkers. Some of them said "Esok masuk surat khabar ni! ABANG GLAMOUR!" (Translation: You will be featured in the newspaper, MR. GLAMOUR!)
Note: Thanks to fufu for the 日本語 Nihongo corrections.
日本語: 焼きそば English: Fried noodles
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [48mm f/6.3 manual 100 ISO 1/160 sec]
This hawker stall is SO SMOKEY! I could smell the enticing aroma of ayam percik cooking from afar - SWEET & SMOKY! I almost choke on the charcoal fumes! LOL! Later, his father invited me to the back of the stall for an up close and personal shot. Remember to scroll down to see the picture.
Note: Many thanks to Lan Sulaimann. It's ayam percik (Malaysian-style spicy BBQ chicken) not satay as stated earlier.
日本語: ホット甘いサテ English: Hot, sweet satay
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [20mm f/5.6 manual 110 ISO 1/125 sec]
WOW! I was surprised to see a briyani chef at the Ramadan Bazaar. He was just a little bit camera shy - quite concerned with the camera being pointed at him. I guess it's normal. Most people will feel a little shy initially when posing for a portrait. After much persuasion, he agreed to pose in front of the camera with his signature chef pose :)
日本語: スパイシーな米 English: Spicy rice
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [18mm f/4.5 manual 200 ISO 1/80 sec]
Work in progress. Two workers setting up a traditional griller machine complete with greased chain and gears.
日本語: グリルチキン English: Grilled chicken
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [18mm f/5.6 manual 100 ISO 1/125 sec]
There is no better place to taste the best of Malay food than a Ramadan Bazaar. Excellent local hawker food under one roof. This hawker stalls also sells traditional but hard-to-find favourites like keria and onde-onde.
日本語: 会いに来る! English: Come and see!
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [52mm f/5.6 manual 800 ISO 1/500 sec]
A cook squeezing tomato sauce on Roti John aka Malay omelette sandwich. It’s a spiced meaty omelette cooked into a baguette. The ingredients include minced meat (chicken or mutton), onion, egg, sardines, tomato-chilli sauce and a baguette-type loaf. There are stalls after stalls that sell Roti John.
日本語: サンドイッチ English: Sandwich
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [22mm f/5.0 manual 200 ISO 1/100 sec]
A family of Indian Muslim selling murtabak. According to Wikipedia, murtabak is sold by Mamak salesmen, and usually includes minced mutton, along with garlic, egg and onion, and is eaten with curry sauce. Note: Mamak is a term used in Malaysia to describe the Indian Tamil Muslim community and culture.
日本語: ミートパイ English: Meat pie
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [18mm f/5.6 manual 125 ISO 1/125 sec]
This is the picture. Father of Mr. Percik :) His family members were busy packing the sauce.
日本語: チキンサテ English: Chicken satay
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [22mm f/5.6 manual 140 ISO 1/125 sec]
Mixed rice galore! A feast for Ramadan. There are plenty of dishes that will please the palate - various meats (chicken, fish, mutton, beef, squids, crabs), vegetables, peanuts, eggs, fried-shrimp chips and many more.
日本語: マレー料理 English: Malay cuisine
Location: Ramadan Bazaar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2010
Camera: Nikon D60 [24mm f/5.0 manual 200 ISO 1/100 sec]
Cendol is one of my favorite foods! SWEET + SAVOURY! The dessert's basic ingredients consist of coconut milk, a worm-like jelly made from rice flour with green food coloring (usually derived from the pandan leaf), shaved ice and palm sugar. Other ingredients include red beans, glutinous rice, grass jelly and creamed corn. I prefer the basic cendol - without chunky glutinous rice balls.
日本語: デザート English: Dessert
Note: Here are the remaining photos that I have from my Ramadan Bazaar collection, which of course includes some of my very favorites pictures!
Great news! A Malaysian Photo and Travel Blog is now accessible on the ever-popular social networking site, Facebook.com! If you are on Facebook, I would love it if you would become a fan of my official page.
Last updated September 10th, 2010 (3:22 a.m.)
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
Kampung Baru can be accessed via Jalan Chow Kit, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sultan Ismail or Jalan Tun Razak. The easiest way to get here is via the Putra LRT disembarking at the Kampung Baru station. There are also ample buses and taxis in town willing to give you a ride.
Note: Walking directions from Kampung Baru LRT Station to Bazaar Ramadan Kampung Baru. Click on the thumbnail to load a larger version of the map.
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Google Maps:
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Food to try:
- Air tebu segar (fresh sugar cane water)
- Putu Bambu
- Rendang daging with lemang (curried meat with hollowed bamboo rice)
- Popiah (spring roll)
- Ayam panggang (grilled chicken)
- Nasi ayam (chicken rice)
- Malay kuih (cakes)
- Bubur lambuk (mix rice porridge)
- Ikan bakar (spicy grilled fish)
- Roti John (omelette sandwich)
- Nasi briyani (a set of fragrant rice-based foods made with spices, rice - usually basmati and meat, fish, eggs or vegetables)
- Murtabak (pancake filled with eggs, small chunks of meat and onions)
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://tinyurl.com/2eu7sx9 (Wikipedia article about Kampung Baru)
- http://tinyurl.com/2g3mmwp (Out of the core of a bamboo, The Star article)
- http://tinyurl.com/2cfbb8v (Bazaar Ramadan blog from Tourism Malaysia)
- http://tinyurl.com/23zxlmo (Customers at Ramadan bazaar spoilt for choice, The Star)
- http://tinyurl.com/c2wded (Wikipedia article about 'kuih')
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murtabak (Wikipedia article about 'murtabak')
'Hari Merdeka' aka Independence Day. If someone speaks about Merdeka, my mind went completely blank (well almost), and then I kept thinking. It seems to me I do have a faint recollection on the true meaning of Merdeka. OK, I think I remember some keywords from my Senior 5 History book - British Colonial Rule, Malaya and Tunku Abdul Rahman. My History teacher portrays the British as bad hat and enemy of the state. LOL! When you talk about Independence Day, the first thing that comes to mind is the 1996 alien invasion movie starring Bill Pullman and Will Smith.
Well, to be honest, I lost my 'Semangat Merdeka' (translation: Merdeka Spirit) the day I left senior high school. I remember vividly those days. Students were sucking up a daily dose of brainwashing. Endless Merdeka patriotic songs and LOVE ME, Malaysian speech. We shouted MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA! every single day up to 31st August. I thought that was kind of silly. Kind of North Korea. I bet some of you'll be MAD at me...BIG TIME. "Hey you little prick!!!! You have no respect for your motherland. Kurang asam punya budak!"
This year, Malaysia celebrates her 53rd birthday. The theme is '1Malaysia Menjana Transformasi' (translation: 1Malaysia Transforming the Nation). I'm a SUPER NOOB on these finer details. Luckily I was inspired by my friend Lam Ching Fu. Everything changes (well almost). Our well travelled buddy (now in Curitiba, Brazil) has decided to commemorate Merdeka in his own special way. It is INSPIRATIONAL, ENLIGHTENING and HEART WARMING to see his LOVE for Malaysia. It has arouse my patriotic spirit! He puts me to shame...this ungrateful mylo. Read THIS and see what I mean.
There is nothing to lose but everything to gain. I TOO WANNA celebrate MERDEKA in my own CREATIVE way :) I decided to visit Tugu Negara aka National Monument to better understand the true meaning of Merdeka and FREEDOM. And I captured these photos. Selamat Hari Merdeka my comrades! If I have offended you, please accept my humble apologies. Saya menyusun 10 jari meminta maaf. Stay COOL and be COOL. Remember to check out Petronas 2010 Merdeka TVAds (TVA) at the bottom of this page.
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [46mm f/8.0 manual 100 ISO 1/250 sec]
This is my best shot of the day. The monument of freedom aka 'Tugu Negara' (translation: National Monument). A picture is worth a thousand words. I can only think of one word right now and that is "FREEDOM".
And because you protect us every day, we Malaysians owe you our sincerest gratitude, respect, support and comfort. Our warriors never die. Instead, they live forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved. We Malaysians owe it to our founding fathers to stay united.
According to Wikipedia, Tugu Negara is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960. Is is the work of sculptor Felix de Weldon, who also did Washington’s Iwo Jima Monument and it is regarded as the largest bronze monument grouping in the world.
中文: 马来西亚独立日 English: Malaysia's Independence Day
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [55mm f/7.1 manual 200 ISO 1/160 sec]
The national flower of Malaysia is the five-petal Bunga Raya aka hibiscus. This orange colored flower caught my attention. The details in the petal veins blow me away.
According to allMalaysiainfo, bunga raya is found in abundance throughout the country, and for this very reason, was chosen to be the national flower (in 1960) by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. There are many varieties of the hibiscus, but the five-petaled Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was chosen above the others, as the most symbolically relevant. The five petals of the bunga raya symbolise the Rukunegara (the Five Principles of Nationhood), while the colour red represents courage.
中文: 马来西亚国花 美丽 English: Malaysia's national flower, beautiful
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [30mm f/5.0 manual 200 ISO 1/160 sec]
The National Emblem and Coat of Arms of Malaysia (Jata Negara in Malay) is a coat of arms comprising a shield or escutcheon, two tigers for supporters, a crescent and fourteen point star for a crest and a motto.
The motto of the arms, located below the shield, consists of a banner with the phrase "Unity is Strength" (Malay: Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu). We must take care of our unity. UNITY is a complex and deep-lying issue in Malaysia. Agence France Presse (AFP) published an article - "Malaysia's Races Live Peacefully - But Separately". It was dated 2005. How far have we come and where do we go from here? You tell me.
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [55mm f/7.1 manual 100 ISO 1/200 sec]
It was an amazing experience standing right next to Tugu Negara - one of the largest grouping bronze statue in the world.
Amazing feat, but not without controversy. According to TheSun, after years of hosting the Warrior's Day celebrations, the National Monument has now been declared as an "unsuitable" venue by the National Fatwa Council.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom said the venue was found unsuitable by the council as the monument was in the form of human statues.
中文: 保护我们的国家 English: Protect our nation
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [20mm f/7.1 manual 100 ISO 1/200 sec]
I ♥ PEACE. Do you? Compared to the rest of the world Malaysia is a peaceful country. Our motherland is not exposed to natural disasters on a daily basis and we don't live in war zones. Yes we should be thankful for these blessings.
I'm waiting for the day when more open minded Malaysians who will champion freedom of thought, rational thinking and who value highly the dignity of fellow humans.
中文: 我们都是一家人 English: We are one family
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [40mm f/8.0 manual 100 ISO 1/250 sec]
According to Wikipedia, the original national monument was not the one in the form of human figures but was a cenotaph that was situated in the middle of a roundabout. The British administration set up the first monument, a 10m flat grass-covered ground to commemorate the wars and honour the fallen heroes from World War I, World War II and the Malayan Emergency.
中文: 在纪念 谢谢英雄 English: In memorial, thank you, heroes
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [22mm f/6.3 manual 100 ISO 1/160 sec]
This is part of the white circular walls surrounding the National Monument - with X-shaped concrete blocks and star buttons. I would like to call it "Wall of Fame".
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [35mm f/6.3 manual 100 ISO 1/160 sec]
A simple memorial park located at the far end of Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden.
My Conclusion: We may have our differences in race, religion and politics, but we must find a common cause by which we become more socially united as one. Well it is easier said than done. Time alone will tell. In the meantime, we just got to hold it together. Happy Merdeka to all my readers. 独立日快乐!
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Last updated August 28th 2010 (10:36 p.m.)
Hari Merdeka 2010 Parade - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
The Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium will host the 2010 Merdeka Parade for the first time, with only a military parade with the addition of a human graphic display by members of Soka Gakkai Malaysia on the Stadium stands, the first time it was done here since the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
By LRT Station:
From KL Sentral station, take the Ampang Line LRT to Bukit Jalil LRT station.
By Car:
From the KL-Seremban Highway, turn into the MRR2 interchange and head towards the KESAS Highway. Exit at the Sri Petaling (Endah Parade) junction and turn left.
Note: Walking directions from Bukit Jalil LRT Station to Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium. Click on the thumbnail to load a larger version of the map.
Hari Merdeka 2010 Parade - Google Maps:
Hari Merdeka 2010 - Petronas Merdeka TVADS:
I'm a strong believer in giving unity a chance. Do you still remember this phrase? "Our children are colour blind. Shouldn't we keep them that way?" Or perhaps Tan Hong Ming in love? This multi-award winning ads (including Cannes Lions Gold in the film category) was directed by former executive creative director at Leo Burnett, Allahyarham Yasmin Ahmad.
To Allahyarham Yasmin: Thanks for making humanity cool again.
Hari Merdeka aka Independence Day - Quick Facts:
- Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule, celebrated on August 31
- The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence along with the first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V.T. Sambanthan.
- Once it became increasingly clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on February 8, 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire.
- The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the States of Malaya, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on the date August 31, 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence.
Hari Merdeka aka Independence Day - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Merdeka (All about Hari Merdeka)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Merdeka_Parade (All about Merdeka Parade)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tugu_Negara (All about Tugu Negara)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emblem_of_Malaysia (All about Jata Negara)
OK...I'm staring at my monitor screen and listening to Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. My head is still spinning, after effects of hours of post-processing. It's pretty difficult to write. One word that comes to my mind is “BLANK!”. I'm still hearing Lady Gaga shouting Bad Romance...many times. LOL! Typically, this is not my kind of music at all (I prefer Tiesto's jamming); however, I find it fantastic to listen to while writing blog articles. Five words - music helps me to write. I think I'm getting back my EUREKA moments. WOOHOO!
Street photography is my forte. I'm always looking for ways to improve on my photography skills. Street photography demands loads of courage and people skills. Part of street shooting is getting to know people and gaining their trust. You don't walk into a total stranger and jam your lens onto his/her face. You need to chat with your subject and gain their trust. It's easier said than done 站着说话不腰疼. I've been rejected numerous times. What does not destroy me, makes me stronger :)
Two days ago, I visited Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. Ramadan Bazaar is Malaysia's very own month-long, delightful food carnival and extravaganza. Essentially just rows of hawker stalls selling varieties of Malay food and drinks for the breaking of fast (during the Holy Month of Ramadan رمضان), it is a quite a vibrant attraction, found not only in KL but the whole of Malaysia. Simply a haven for photography hobbyist like me.
It was an exhilarating experience. The hawkers were incredibly friendly and chatty. A far cry compared to those vulgar mouthed Ah Bengs and Banglas in Chinatown, KL. The welcoming feeling I get when I walk through the bazaar is amazing. I found everybody very friendly and almost instantly felt at ease. Taking photos of unknown people can be a challenging job. As usual, we are a bunch of shy people. Once you gained the trust from them, you'll have unlimited photo opportunity. Word of advice: be courteous and friendly.
I've spent almost two hours exploring more than 100 ++ hawker stalls in Kampung Baru. The trip was worth every minute of the day. Stay tuned for Part 2 - Comprehensive travelogue and more exclusive pictures fresh from Kampung Baru Bazaar Ramadan 2010. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim readers "Selamat Berpuasa".
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:50 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [18mm f/5.0 manual 200 ISO 1/100 sec]
Well-marinated honey chicken wings were beautifully grilled with a hint of charcoal aroma. Only RM1.50 per piece. I can easily eat 30 pieces of wings and still feeling hungry. LOL!
中文: 翼 English: Wing
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 4:09 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [32mm f/5.0 manual 200 ISO 1/60 sec]
This man was setting up his 'ayam golek panggang' stall (translation: roast chicken). There were rows and rows of marinated chickens turning on the manual griller over charcoal fire. It was one of those difficult shoots. He was splitting the burning charcoal with a big a machete-like tool. Charcoal shards were flying all over the place. GOSH! It was SCARY!
中文: 鶏 English: Chicken
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:30 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [44mm f/5.3 manual 200 ISO 1/100 sec]
A man making 'air tebu' (translation: sugar cane water). I walked to the sugar cane juice extractor machine for a better shot. The hawkers were surprised to see me standing so close. I was hoping this guy will look at my lens. I guess he was too busy to notice my presence :)
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 4:10 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [26mm f/4.2 manual 200 ISO 1/60 sec]
OK, I had a great time photographing this chap. He is friendly, confident and always ready with a smile. That's perfect! So I asked his permission for a portrait shot. He obliged after much persuasion from his family members. But there's only one problem. He was looking into the bowl of curried meat. A bit shy. LOL! I asked him to look at my lens. Finally he listened. COOL! I snapped it instantly.
Behind the scene: He said the container of meat was still cooking. He was unwilling to open the lid...at first :)
中文: 美味 English: Delicious
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:25 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [30mm f/4.8 manual 320 ISO 1/500 sec]
This was a not a good day for photography. A dull afternoon with clusters of heavy gray clouds. I was very disappointed. There are many elements of great photography. One of the most important is natural lighting. So I was trying VERY HARD to get the right composition. Luckily, this close-up shot turned out to be one of my favorite shots at this location. WOOHOO!
In this picture: The making of popiah 薄饼 aka spring roll. A middle aged man spreading a layer of hot chili sauce onto a soft thin paper-like crepe before adding the filling.
中文: 潤餅 English: runbing aka popiah
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Saturday), 3:50 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [42mm f/5.3 manual 800 ISO 1/400 sec]
The chicken wing marinating sauce seeps deep into the meat, making every bite satisfying with the infused flavours. OH YUMMY!
中文: 好吃 English: Tasty
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:08 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [55mm f/5.6 manual 450 ISO 1/500 sec]
A close-up shot of an elderly lady who was scooping piping hot 'bubur lambuk' (translation: mix rice porridge). Bubur lambuk is a type of Malay mix rice porridge that is cooked and distributed free to the public during the fasting month of Ramadan in many places; usually distributed after the Asar عصر or evening prayers at the local mosque.
The aromatic spices and herbs used in preparing the porridge makes the porridge taste delicious and includes cardamom pods, star anise and cumin seeds are added to the boiling pot of rice. Meat (fish crackers, dry prawns, chicken) is then added and boiled for hours before it is ready.
中文: 暍 English: Hot
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:08 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [18mm f/3.5 manual 250 ISO 1/500 sec]
Four ladies were happily packing 'bubur lambuk'. This is a big hawker stall with five large containers of fresh and piping hot mix rice porridge. Did you noticed? The workers were wearing the same red colored Babas' apron. Talking about free advertising :)
中文: 开心 English: Happy
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:09 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [18mm f/5.6 manual 200 ISO 1/125 sec]
A motorist buying his packet of 'bubur lambuk'. I wanted to get myself a packet. But I'm not a big fan of porridge. Regretted that. The recipe sounds good. I will try it someday :)
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:39 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [18mm f/5.6 manual 100 ISO 1/125 sec]
A wide array of Malay and Nyonya desserts to end the gastronomic journey this Ramadan. 'Kuih' or 'kueh' 粿 in Malaysia refers to variety of bite-sized Malaysian cakes and snacks, usually taken for breakfast, afternoon tea or as a light supper or meal.
These cakes has a cultural blend of Chinese Nyonya and Malays. Can you name all the 'kuih'? I can see Tepung Pelita, Popiah aka spring roll and keria aka kuih gelang (sweet potato doughnuts). Click HERE to learn more about kuih.
中文: 粿 English: Cake
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:47 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [24mm f/5.6 manual 160 ISO 1/125 sec]
Putu Bambu! I've heard so much about you! I finally got my chance to try out Putu Bambu on a greatly anticipated trip to Kampung Baru, KL.
Putu bambu is made from ground rice flour and steamed in different casings - there's the flat version i.e. the Putu Piring (Piring means plate in Malay) and the cylinder kind which is steamed in bamboo casings hence the name Putu Bambu. It is served with 'gula melaka' (translation: palm sugar) and a dash of shredded fresh coconut as they taste powdery if eaten alone.
Click HERE to read more about Putu Bambu (Out of the core of a bamboo - TheStar). Scroll down to watch my YouTube video.
中文: 甜 English: Sweet
Location: Ramadan Bazaar Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: August 13th 2010 (Friday), 3:46 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 [26mm f/5.6 manual 200 ISO 1/125 sec]
The man and his steam machine.
I bought 5 rolls of putu bambu for RM2. It was wrapped with banana leaf and tasted quite OK. The texture of the cake is fluffy...like biting a soft pillow :) I wish this hawker can be a bit generous by adding more palm sugar and coconut shred. It does taste bland without the added sweet ingredients.
中文: 蒸 English: Steam
Chinese to English translation from Chinese Tools
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Last updated August 16th 2010 (1:20 a.m.)
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
Kampung Baru can be accessed via Jalan Chow Kit, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sultan Ismail or Jalan Tun Razak. The easiest way to get here is via the Putra LRT disembarking at the Kampung Baru station. There are also ample buses and taxis in town willing to give you a ride.
Note: Walking directions from Kampung Baru LRT Station to Bazaar Ramadan Kampung Baru. Click on the thumbnail to load a larger version of the map.
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Google Maps:
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - My YouTube Video:
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Food to try:
- Air tebu segar (fresh sugar cane water)
- Putu Bambu
- Rendang daging with lemang (curried meat with hollowed bamboo rice)
- Popiah (spring roll)
- Ayam panggang (grilled chicken)
- Nasi ayam (chicken rice)
- Malay kuih (cakes)
- Bubur lambuk (mix rice porridge)
- Ikan bakar (spicy grilled fish)
- Roti John (omelette sandwich)
- Nasi briyani (a set of fragrant rice-based foods made with spices, rice - usually basmati and meat, fish, eggs or vegetables)
- Murtabak (pancake filled with eggs, small chunks of meat and onions)
Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar 2010 - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://tinyurl.com/2eu7sx9 (Wikipedia article about Kampung Baru)
- http://tinyurl.com/2g3mmwp (Out of the core of a bamboo, The Star article)
- http://tinyurl.com/2cfbb8v (Bazaar Ramadan blog from Tourism Malaysia)
- http://tinyurl.com/23zxlmo (Customers at Ramadan bazaar spoilt for choice, The Star)
- http://tinyurl.com/c2wded (Wikipedia article about 'kuih')
