blast to the past

We were doing a site recce today in Petaling Street when we stumbled upon this tiny little cafe called "Old China". It was a rather small cafe drown by many big colourful sign of its neighbours. We decided to stop for a cuppa, and of course, to check out this very unique cafe. The entrance of the shop has this old cowboy town type of door - where you push it and it will swing back. Very antique indeed. The place was very dimly lit and there was only a table occupied by a group of Japanese tourist, having their late lunch. Chinese classic song was being played (I remembered a song by "Ge Lan" - as I am quite a fan of these classic old song myself) - and the walls were filled with old pictures (in sepia), chinese words and vintage posters. We quickly scanned through the place, caught the attention of the waiting staff and ordered our drinks. Food menu was pretty decent and intensive from fish head curry, assam fish, stuffed tofu to many other nyonya-style cuisine. It was quite an experience for us all - after all, it is quite hard to find a cafe with such character nowadays.

I thought it would make quite a nice place for a private small event for a hens night, birthday party or even a Shanghai night theme party. Whilst we send our Hunter & Gatherer team to package up something amazing with this unique place, do contact our Pleasure Team should you wish to have an experience there either for yourself or for someone who has the soft spot for all things old and vintage.

Lovely, isn't it?

The thoughts and intention behind a "gift"

I was having a cuppa over the weekend in this trendy upcoming café when I overhead a group of people having this conversation. They are deciding what to get for their best friend’s wedding. When it comes to the word “gift” I can’t help but to eavesdrop further.

So this group of people, aged between 28 – 35 was discussing an upcoming wedding of one their mate. And most naturally, the topic of “What should we get for them” pops up. It was very interesting – and definitely a new perspective to how people makes decision when it comes to buying gifts. I overheard one of them saying, “We shouldn’t give them anything physical – because they are having difficulties with storage.” And don’t bother with gadgets, because they are well equipped in that area as well. One of the savvier friend then interrupted. “They rarely have time for each other due to their heavy workload. Let’s buy them something that will make them spend time with each other”.

Brilliant decision-making skills, I thought.

Their conversation got me thinking about “gifting”. When it comes to giving a gift to someone, do people in general put in much thought about what they are buying for the recipient? This group of people gave me a new insight to how people make decision when they are making a decision on what to buy.

A gift can make or break a relationship, so I was told once. A great well thought gift will be cherished and appreciated – whereas a bad gift can wreck a relationship. How can a gift in general wreck a relationship, I thought? A gift is a gift, no? A company (with good intention) wants to reward their team of people for a good job done on a project. So they bought everyone involved in the project a GPS (car navigator). It is a good gift, many would think. However, the next two days, the management received a resignation letter. When probed further, they found out that the person resigned because he is handicapped bottom down – and will never ever have the opportunity to drive a car. So why would he have use for a GPS? In this context, the buyer has not put in much thought when deciding what to give as a gift – hence wrecking a relationship.

Back to the conversation I eavesdropped earlier, I was thinking how a RedRibbon Days voucher would satisfy all the requirement of a perfect gift for this group of people. A gift that is not physical (hence not taking up space) and allows the couple to spend quality time together.

If I have the opportunity to ever propose the ideal gift for a couple as such, here’s one perfect gift : An epic day out for the couple.

Since it’s going to be an epic day out, the couple should never worry about driving, finding parking and etc. The couple will be drive around the whole day (from the start of their experience till the end)!


Personal Limousine Chauffeur

Their very own chauffeur will be waiting outside the couple’s house waiting for the couple to embark on their epic day out.


First stop: Hearty Breakfast

There is nothing quite like a big hearty breakfast. Indulge in a range of healthy, scrumptious breakfast in a laid-back, cosy restaurant.


Second stop : ATV Waterfall Adventure

Perfect for that busy couple who is constantly buried with work. Take this opportunity to explore the beauty of our natural surroundings in this amazing experience. With a stop-over at a 7 tier waterfall, pristine surrounding untouched by humankind – this experience will definitely be a good breather from the city.


Third Stop : Mandara Massage

After all that adrenalin rush, head down for a pampering, relaxing and indulging couple massage. Let our masseur work their magic, and put the couple into deep relaxed state of mind. For the next 50 minutes, you will be at total bliss.


Fourth Stop : High Tea

So the couple had a hearty breakfast, and by now, should be feeling a bit peckish. Time to indulge in some sweet and savoury treats. Head down to the savvy BSC and indulge in a high tea experience fit for a socialite! Well known for it’s amazing range of chocolates and macarons, this experience will tease all your taste bud. Indulge in quiche, sandwiches, macarons and chocolates over a cup of fine tea.


Fifth Stop : VIP Shoe Shopping for Her

All girls have a soft spot for sexy, glamorous shoes. Proceed next to the experience, the VIP Shoe Shopping Experience where the show will be exclusively closed for an hour just for the couple! Let our personal stylist attend to the every need and advice on how to wear the perfect shoe for each occasion.

A bottle of bubbly and fine chocolates will accompany the couple while carrying out this experience. Imagine sipping bubbly while trying out shoes, without the intervention of others – definitely an experience not to be missed for all shoe aficionado.


Sixth Stop : Golf in The City for Two

Now that she has gotten herself 3 pairs of new shoes, it is time to do something that will make him happy as well! The couple will head down next for a “Golf in the City for Two” experience – whereby the couple will get to learn how to play golf – indoor style. For beginners, it will a good introductory experience to see if you really like the game (before you invest on the golf clubs) – and for the professionals, it will be a good time to practice your swing , and show her how good you are in this!


Seventh Stop : Stylish and Contemporary Asian Dining for Two

The couple must be famished by now - proceed next to a unique dining experience at ISHQ that features authentic Asian recipes from the humble Thai cuisine to Kampuchea and Vientiane and also the infamous Kahsmiri food. Served with a slightly modern twist, ISHQ dishes retain their original, traditional flavours. Having undergone a million dollar renovation resulting in the cosiest of ambience for patrons of fine dining, ISHQ boasts a large pillar-less dining hall that accommodates up to 200 persons, a garden courtyard with alfresco dining and an upper level which acts as a stylish cocktail bar and lounge.


Eight Stop : Movie for Two – Platinum Suite

What better way to end the night with a movie in the comfort of a Platinum Suite? With plenty of facilities to enjoy before the movie, you and your partner are bound to enjoy every minute of the night! Hop on to the massage chair, sip on complimentary soft drinks or surf the net before your movie starts. You and your partner will watch the movie in a 20-seater hall – fit with deluxe sofa that reclines for your ultimate comfort. There is also a service call button – so feel free to call for service any time during the movie! Slump on the plush sofa, eat popcorn, and relive the day’s experiences.

The perfect gift for the busy couple who rarely have time for each other, and yet nothing physical that will clutter their home! You won’t be just giving them an experience, but also the gift of time and love.

*Note: Package above is just a suggestion of an epic day out. All RedRibbon Days experiences are customizable to suit the recipient’s lifestyle and most importantly, your budget.

To customised a gift as such, email us at info (at) redribbondays (dot) com (dot) my or simply tweet to us @redribbon_days or call us at +603 - 2093 5973

We are turning 3 !!!!!

RedRibbon Days is turning three this 19th June 2011! How time flies and within a blink of an eye, we will be blowing 3 candles on the lovely pavlova cake that we will be having tomorrow. I'm very thankful for what we are today, the group of wonderful people supporting me all the way - relentlessly.

It is customary for everyone to indulge in a whole day of good food, good cake and good company! (well, it's not like we are already doing that every day!). For lunch, we will be having the famous Sunrice duck rice - the yummy black sauce, thick chilli sauce and sour soup is just mind-blowing. Story of sunrice duck rice begun 3 years ago, during our launch date (19th June 2008) - we were frantically running around for our launch and we were supposed to have that very duck rice for lunch - but we totally missed it as we were too busy. So, it was a whole bag of duck rice gone to waste. To commemorate this very auspicious day, we decided that we should make up for the waste and eat duck rice every time we celebrate RedRibbon Days birthday. Sound silly ? Well, it might be to some, but to us, the whole tradition of eating duck rice must continue and must be adhere to come this day, every year.

And yes, a birthday celebration can never be complete without birthday cake! Last year we had tiramisu and we even water it down with a bottle of bubbly. This year, we have ordered a Strawberry Pavlova cake (absolutely divine) and waiting to be popped is a bottle of Veuve.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my team members (who seldom comment on my blog, although I know they follow me and read my blog ardently). This day, 19th June forever belongs to us all at RedRibbon Days - and without you guys, we will never be what we are today ; and without you all, we wouldn't be having so much fun and food!! Thank you, thank you and thank you for everything bestowed to RedRibbon Days and me. We are very blessed to have you all as part of the team.

Happy Birthday RedRibbon Days and may our future days ahead be filled with abundance of fun, happiness, joy, pleasure, experiences, good food, good people and good PROFIT !!

Father's Day

Father's Day this year falls on Sunday (19th June). Like any other years, I never had the opportunity to spend Father's Day (or Mother's Day as a matter of fact) with my dad/mum. Come every weekend, I'm either tied down with events or too busy to travel all the way back to my hometown. The 3 hours journey was to me a complete drag and I get edgy even before the journey home starts!

Anyways, I was going through RedRibbon Days website to decide what I should be getting for dad this year. Dad is a very fussy recipient - he never appreciates me buying cologne, wallet, handphone or watches for him. I have actually given all the mentioned to him for his previous birthdays, Father's Day and Christmas. And whenever he sees me giving him a present, like a remote "ON" button, he will say the same thing each time. "Why you waste money and buy this type of things for me? I got so many bottles of perfumes and I don't even go out that often to spray them"....and he will go on and on..

So when RedRibbon Days was borned 3 years ago, I told him - there will be no physical or tangible gifts from us all from now onwards. You will either be receiving cash (who will say no to cash/ang pow, right) or an experience from RedRibbon Days! Dad was clueless at first. What is RedRibbon Days - and what exactly I do in RedRibbon Days? I explained and knowing Dad, he probably nod as if he understood, but when he explained to others about what I do - it is always somehow not that accurate. Anyways, since I won't be going back to spend Father's Day with dad this year, I need to go through the list of "gift options" that is suitable for him and - that gift must be something that he will really like, remember and have no complains about me wasting money ...

Dad loves to eat - but he has to cut down on his food intake due to the rise in his sugar level. So, I'm opting out on our gourmet/dining experiences. He is not really into adventure/outdoor experiences - so that is out too. I'm putting my bet on a get-aways experiences. That is something that he really likes and I know he will not even murmur a word when he receive the gift!

Seeing that we have so many wonderful get-away experience locally, I've filtered my list to the top three get-away experience for dad:-


1. 3D/2N Survivor Island Adventure

2. 2D/1N Jungle Lodge Weekend Getaway

3. Countryside Hill Tour Overnight Getaway

I know dad will surely not object to these gift options as I'm buying it for him and the whole family will be doing this experience together.

What are you planning to get dad for Father's Day this year?

my 21st birthday

So it was my 21st birthday - again!! Okay, let's be truthful about this. It's not my 21st birthday, but hell, I do feel 21 still ! Anyways, age to me is just another number. So whether I'm 21, 35 or 50 - it doesn't matter. Bottom line, I truly feel good about where I am now. I am still very passionate about what I do at RedRibbon Days - and most importantly witnessing its growth by the day.

Anyways, on 26th November (my birthday actually falls on the 27th, but since 27th is a Saturday, we celebrated a day earlier) I arrived at work as usual - and had to admit here, I kinda knew that the girls will be doing something either on my table, my chair or my room. So, I went in and everyone shouted "Happy Birthday". I smiled, went into my room - and to my horror, they placed something obscene on my chair and table. Too obscene that I'm not even inclined to put up any picture of it here. Well, Nik seem to be enjoying it more than I do anyways! haha !!



It was work like usual - nothing special except that Nik and Ming Ne was acting kinda strange- disappearing every now and then. The day started off extremely well - first I received a Melinda Looi dress as one of my birthday gift and a very generous red packet. At that moment, I felt loved - truly blessed to be surrounded by people who cherished me and remembered my birthday.

It is tradition for us to have birthday lunch in the office - so when Nik came over and asked me for lunch, I eagerly skipped out wondering what they prepared for lunch. I was jumping with joy when I saw the spread of nasi padang ! Nik and Ming Ne had gone all the way (cant remember where they got it, though I remembered asking) for this feast. They got my favourite sambal belacan, fried fish, curry fish head, fried chicken, paru, petai and prawns - it was divine!! It was the most satisfying meal I had in a long time!


Nasi padang spread

Lunch was devoured rather quickly - and soon after a heavy meal, it was back to work like normal. Some time around 3pm, Nik came in again - this time to cut my birthday cake. I was not really hungry - but certainly ready for some sweet stuff after the heavy savoury lunch. I was shocked to see Atika and Az in our meeting room - as it didn't occur to me that they will be getting me an experience gift - to be experienced immediately!

I was thrilled to see boxes and boxes of shoes laying on the floor ! It was actually one of the many packages that I personally created and packaged up. This experience that I received was called "Serious Shoes Lover". When creating this package, I was thinking of the convenience of shopping without having the need to leave the comfort of your house/office. I like the idea of not needing to drive through jam and find parking (can be a bitch especially during peak hours). So when they gave me this gift, I was pleased. I felt so VIP.

The girls (well, we are pretty much an all ladies company) all got excited - all circling around me checking out the range of shoes and bag. The girls all ended up trying the shoes and bags. They were gleefully excited. It was a really cool experience (for me too, even though I was the one that came up with the package!) and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. So without much difficulties, I picked up 3 pairs of very lovely 5" heels (one black, one beige and another in dark blue/silver) and a gold clutch.

Here's some pic I took on that day :-


The angels that brought the shoes and bags to me !





My Louboutin birthday cake & another courtesy of Fuji Xerox

All in all, it was a wonderful day - and once again, I'm truly blessed to be surrounded by lovely people who went all the way to make my day truly special and memorable.

The JUMP for Merdeka Day

It was an exciting moment for everyone at RedRibbon Days. Just days before Merdeka Day (Malaysia's National/Independence Day) we released a competition in our Facebook fan page for a new experience in lieu with our Merdeka Day. This experience is like no ordinary experience - it is after all the very first in Malaysia! (it may well be common in other countries, but it is certainly new for us). BUNGY JUMP ! Everyone in RedRibbon Days was eager to try out the new experience once news broke out that Bungy Jump is ready to be experienced !

So hastily we released the competition and crossing our fingers that Malaysians would be brave courageous enough to do this experience. To align it with our Merdeka Day, interested parties were invited to write in a simple sentence on why they deserve to win this experience in lieu with the special day. Many interesting answers came in, however we were only allowed to pick 3 lucky winners.

After much deliberation, 3 lucky winners were picked out and the best answer goes to Reuben Rethinalingam :-

"Though its a working day tommrow it doesn’t stop me from giving this challenge a shoot to overcome one of my greatest fear which I still haven’t been able to conqeur apart of my other fear which is, SEA WATER.
I personaly think I should be given a chance to experince this challenge of bungee jump to break free myself and getting me to conqeur my fear of hights. Its makes it more signifact in conjuction with Merdeka Day as it perfectly resembles of me being able to MERDEKA myself from my fear and how I’m able to rule my own fear like how Malaysia fought for its independence and now is able to rule its own country and not being a slave to others. It’s 53 years we have got the independce and I think its time for me to get my indepence of overcoming my fear of 27 years."


On the fateful morning of 27th August, the three lucky winners were gathered at the location and were all geared up for the jump. The weather was perfect, scorching sun and no sight of possible rain or thunderstorm. Nik and Ming Nu was sent to location to capture each and every jump, to interview the winners and of course to be part of the experience.

Here's some pictures taken on that day :-

In orange : Wei (one of the winner), Rueben (in stripe red and white) and Donna








The winners are grouped together to fill in an indemnity form, briefed on safety and etc, donned on the Malaysia flag around their shoulder and waited patiently for the moment. Reuben was the first to do the jump, after all he has the best answer. It was all dandy for Rueben until the moment came for him. His fear of heights finally took over him and he was hesitant about jumping (for at least 5 minutes). After calming himself down, Rueben finally set his fear aside and plunge! It was such an exhilarating moment seeing him shouting hysterically and triumphantly with our Malaysia flag.

The terrifying moment was finally over for Rueben and Wei was lined up next. Without much hesitation, Wei took the plunge shouting "This is for Malaysia!". It was a beautiful dive and was over within minutes. Donna, the only female winner in the competition took the challenge with a pinch of salt. She even requested for her head to be dipped into the water !

So now that all the winners had experienced this experience, I know it will be my turn soon. I have no fear of heights, in fact, I love flying fox and high ropes. Perhaps, this will be the experience for me on my upcoming birthday?

Though a bit late, but hey, its better late than never, right? So to Malaysia - Happy National Day/ Happy Merdeka Day !



Here's a video clip taken on the day - enjoy !

Christmas Dinner @ Carcosa Seri Negara

It is way past Christmas - and I apologise for the long delay in posting this entry. It was in fact an entry that I've been meaning to write and share with you all, but kept forgetting about it until the good news came just couple weeks ago. For those who follow closely on our RedRibbon Days' blogs, you would be aware of the reopening of our favourite Carcosa Seri Negara hotel.

It was Friday, 24th Dec 2009. Our dinner started at approximately 7.00pm and we turned up gleefully excited and famished. Carcosa Seri Negara stood majestically handsome amidst the lush greenery surrounding it. It was supposed to be the last two night before it was closed down indefinitely for a major renovation. We were greeted and welcomed by the hotel manager, Ms. Caroline. Within minutes, we were ushered to our reserved table and we quietly and politely assume our seats. The restaurant was already packed by now - everyone seems merry and happily chatting away. The place was filled with merriment and laughter.

I suddenly realised that I am way under-dressed for the occasion (I couldn't be bothered to change into something "christmas-ty" as I had to rush there straight from work). I could only pretend to be immaculately dressed and hope someone will come in inadequately attired like me. Who was I kidding? The next group of people that walk in was dressed to the nines. They were all glowing from head to toe - with glittering dresses, accessories and gorgeous looking high-heels. My feet responded fast to that, and immediately, I pulled my dull looking black working heels underneath the table, hoping no one would spot the worn out shoes.

Drinks were served and I immediately gulped down half a glass of white wine - in hoping, it would numb my conscious state of mind. What was I thinking ? It was a french dining experience - and of course,everyone would be dressed up for it! D'oh!

Amuse bouche was served quickly - I peeked into the menu and it read "Fine de claire oyster, shallot of vinaigrette ad pumpernickel clive. (I may misspelt something here - as I have scribbled it down on a piece of used paper in a hurry).



I am always a big fan of oyster, so without much delay, I quickly slurp down the oyster on my plate. Yummy! (could be better if I have a glass of champagne!). The oyster was very fresh, and so smooth that without much chewing, I just had to swallow it.
Fine de claire oyster, shallot of vinaigrette ad pumpernickel clive

I would wish for more oyster, but it was a pre-set 5 course dinner, which means, it would make me seem like a glutton to order another serving of oyster. Our plates were quickly taken away, and within the next few minutes or so, our next course was served.


Foie gras terrine with glazed figs, brioche

The verdict ? I love my foie gras - and though this may not be the best foie gras I have ever eaten, it was actually not that bad. I'm very particular about foie gras and more often than not, they turned out to be too gamey for my liking. This was actually not too bad, especially when it is being accompanied by figs. The latter happen to be one of my favourite fruits - so anything that could go with it, wouldn't be that bad. I did not finish the foie gras. I would normally have more than what was served - but that night I've decided against it.

By now, I no longer care about what I was wearing and beginning to enjoy the night. It was getting merry, pianist was playing Christmas songs and yes, I had about two glass of wine and by now, I'm jolly and care less about what other people think, or what I really think. The wine served was a Sauvignon Blanc - something very light and a good match to what we were eating (considering we were eating everything sea-food-ish up to this point). Or perhaps it wasn't a fantastic wine, but I had to numb my senses at the start of the night - so even mediocre wine will be consumed without much hesitation.


Cream of Jerusalem artichoke with turnip and mussels

Ah ! Artichoke - another one of my favourite. Cook it the right way, it is absolutely divine. When the dish was brought to me, I was hoping that it will not disappoint me. I picked up my spoon and took a sip of the creamy broth. I can hear yummm and mmmm from the others, and indeed, I had to join in and mutter the soft yumm and mmm. The broth texture was smooth, and wasn't creamy ( I have no tolerance for creamy, buttery liquid). This was perfect, and the mussels made the broth sweet and the combination of artichoke and mussels was just mind-blowing. I wish I could slurp my plate, but it would seem rather inappropriate to do so in such fine restaurant. Well, I did not even spare a drop. We took the bread and salvage each drop. The plate was as good as unused.


Butter poached lobster, la ratte potato and white chocolate

What can I say ? This dish was even better than the previous ones! The lobster was fresh, and the potatoes and white chocolate was a good match. I had to admit, I was getting very full - and we are not even on our main course yet!


Turkey fillet baked in ginger bread - dark cherry & winter vegetables.

I had to admit - I can't say much for this dish as I was too full from all the other courses. I took a bite of the turkey though and it was indeed very tasty. Certainly something that I would devour if not for my already near-exploding stomach. Perfectly wrapped in the ginger bread, this dish looks absolutely pretty. The others devoured everything - and I only had space left for more wine.

Dessert was next and this time round, I managed to scoff down a few spoonfuls down my throat.



I was full and tipsy by now that I have completely forgotten to write down the name of this dessert. But I remembered clearly how indulging and divine it was when I ate the meringue and chocolate cake. I did not try the fruit cake (which was served with rum, if I'm not mistaken) but the others complimented it well.

After a satisfying meal (by now we are all very happy and full), we bid our farewell to Carcosa for the last time and I could almost remember ranting to the others about my unhappiness and discontentment on why such a beautiful building had to go through the whole renovation/ redevelopment crap. Blame it on the alcohol or the gastronomic meal that I just had - I thought to myself then, what a pity it would be to close it down and the Malaysia government should start preserving colonial buildings with historical value and this is definitely one of it.

Verdict : 7.5 stars out of 10

Now that Carcosa Seri Negara is back in business, I would have no qualms about getting this experience as a gift for Christmas this year!