RSL Supreme

RSL has always been my choice when it comes to shuttlecock and I decided to try its premium shuttlecock to date, the RSL Supreme.

It is currently priced at RM 63.80 per tube which is pretty expensive compare to my normal No.1 which is priced at RM 52.

I never knew what RSL stands for until I got hold of RSL Supreme as it was indicated on the packaging as Reinforced Shuttlecocks Limited.

RSL Supreme uses premium raw feathers specially sourced for its strength and colour. Only the best of the best will be selected to be incorporated into the shuttlecock.

Its durability amazes me as none of the feathers was detached after a full 2 matches in the 21 points system. The only time it needs replacement is when it lose a little bit of its shape which pretty much affects its flight.

The shuttlecock is nice to play with a decent flight performance. Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best shuttlecock I had played so far.

RSL Supreme might be expensive but it can goes the distance which translates to more saving in the long run.

Farewell Mother

It has been a while since I post anything here. I was coping with my emotion and life after my mother was diagnosed with endometrial cancer early in September and passed away on 25th October 2014 at 3.10am.

I still feel the effect of it until this very day. There seems to be a void in my life after her departure and I know she is in a better place based on my dream I had moments before I received the phone call which confirms she was no longer with us.

 

I owe my mother everything as I am what I am today because of her. There are many lesson learned from this experience especially how to handle and treat a cancer. I had decide to honour her death by educating cancer patients on how to go about when diagnosed with cancer although I am pretty sure I will be ridiculed by the majority which still a firm believer of the conventional therapies.

Life goes on and I will always remember and love you. Until we meet again on the other side.

Carlton GPX-9

I decided to purchase another badminton racquet as I had difficulty to improve my game using my existing Prince racquets. I was introduced to Carlton GPX-9 which feels really good initially. My previous Carlton racquet is the Aerogear 800 which served me well for years before I retire it due to noticeable crack at its frame.

The GPX-9 was sold at RM300 which includes the string and bag. I reckon it is a good deal as it costs more than RM400 last year or so.

 

 

It weight about 85g and able to withstand string tension up to 30lbs. Its frame are made of Japanese High Modulus Carbon which is the highest specification carbon available on the market.

 

 

Some of its other features are Anti-Twist T-Joint & Speedflow Aerodynamic Frame for durability and speed.

I opt for 27lbs string tension and had played a few times with it. It is more suitable for a control player as I am able to keep my shuttle low during service and return. I am also able to control the shuttlecock direction better and my net play has improved. In term of smashes, it produces decent power although not as powerful as my RSL Heat 7160.

Due to its weight, it is also quite easy to change from an attacking formation to a defensive stance and vice versa.

I am pretty satisfy with it and has been my primarily racquet since then. My playing style and strategy also had changed slightly due to the racquet characteristics and it serves me well so far.

Jack Pork Cafe

Jack Pork Cafe is a new food outlet in Sibu. Having passed by this place a few times, my first impression was that this place is specialized in pork dishes.

 

I am pretty amazed with what they did with the interior decoration. This is definitely one of the best place to dine in town. Lighting is pretty dim here though.

 

 

Each table has chilli, tomato and mustard sauce on it. It also offers value for money set lunch which looks worth the penny.

 

Pork Chop (RM 18) comes with a choice of Sweet Vinegar or Black Pepper Sauce. I opted for the sweet vinegar sauce and this dish did not disappoint me. Served with fries and potato. This is probably the first time I had a Pork Chop served with a banana leaf beneath it.

Ole-Ole Chicken (RM 18) looks like a Balinese food which comes with spicy chicken thigh, preserved vegetable and fries. The chicken is alright but there is no gravy to go with the rice.

I wish they have pork knuckle (and probably some German beers) inside the menu as this may attract some pork enthusiast. I hope to try their pork burgers in my next visit.

Jack Pork Cafe
No. 8, Jalan Chew Geok Lin,
Sibu, Sarawak.

Kemena Hotel

For the last 1 month, I been visiting Bintulu for both leisure and official purpose. As there are abundance of choices in term of accommodation, I decided to stay around Assyakirin Commerce Square this time around and hence my pick is Kemena Hotel.

I notice a lot of people stay around this area, especially those involved in the MLNG project here. It was full house during my stay here and booking in advance is highly recommended. Check in is quite smooth once early booking has been made.

The lobby area is quite spacious for a 2 star hotel although I would prefer to see more elevators been installed here. Currently, there is only one.

There is a bar at the lobby which serve Kilkenny in draught. The beer scene around this area is comparable to those in Kota Kinabalu.

 

The Deluxe Room (RM 140) is reasonably spacious and clean. My only complain is the lack of lighting in way of the beds area which made reading fairly uncomfortable while lying on the bed.

 

I was glad to have a clear view of Assyakirin Village as well as Bintulu town from my room. Most of the prominent structures such as the civic centre, New World Suites, Li Hua Hotel, Parkcity Evely Hotel and etc.

Kemena Hotel,
Lot 176, Assyakirin Commerce Square,
Bintulu, Sarawak.

Borneo Cultural Festival 2014

Borneo Cultural Festival is probably the biggest event for Sibu and this year, the folks throng in droves to the venue at Sibu Town Square.

This year, the event is held from 15 - 24th August, somewhat a deviation from the usual June or July. The event was threatened as it rained heavily on the first day but Lady Luck was smiling on Saturday for a perfect evening weekend for the families.

 

 

 

The event don't differ much from the previous year with an allocated corner for each ethic groups in Sarawak to showcase their culture and food.

I even spotted an Optimus Prime made primarily from tin cans and other recycled items.

Borneo Cultural Festival really means a lot to the locals here judging by the crowds here and it is without a shadow of a doubt that it shall made its return every single year.

Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu

Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu is the first luxury hotel of the town which strategically located next to the Kemena River and opposite the vibrant Parkcity Commercial Area. It has an unique "step design" facade which kind of differentiate it from the other hotels in town.

It has a huge lobby area but the check in counter is rather small. With only 2 - 3 staffs manning the counter at one time, it will not able to speed up the check in and check out process should a large crowd came here. To make things worse, there are only 2 elevators installed in the hotel and the waiting time will surely be longer if the hotel has achieved full occupancy.

The hotel is still well maintained after all this years. The corridor leading to guest rooms exudes a modern design. Wifi connection is free and good throughout the hotel area.

The standard twin (RM 197.20) really impress me. The room has adequate space and comes with 2 queen sized beds. Guests will be spoil of choices as the hotel has 22 TV channels to keep the guests entertained. The only thing I don't like is the window blind. I would prefer a normal curtain for the window instead.

The size of the bathroom is something one could normally find in a 5 star hotel with all the basic amenities available.

 

It is interesting also as I had never come across any hotel which standby a sarung for the guest. It comes with instruction on how to wear it. The room also has extra pillows, electronic safety deposit box and ironing board.

This is one of the best hotel I stayed so far and definitely would recommend to anyone who stop over in Bintulu.