2cents Magazine Issue 30 Sept – Oct 2021

ISSUE 30 2cents.my 2cents.my 2cents.my 2cents_my

L I F E S T Y L E

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y C O P Y

SEPT 2021 - OCT 2021

U N P L U G G E D

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LATEST KHOON HOOI WITH STYLE DESIGNER KHOON HOOI, WHO HAS SPENT THE LAST 22 YEARS SPECIALISED IN BESPOKE TAILORING FOR HIS FAITHFUL FOLLOWING IN MALAYSIA

FROM STREAMING GAMES, ATTENDING VIRTUAL MEETINGS AND MORE

PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN IS PERFECT FOR THOSE WITH SENSITIVE SKIN

LOGITECH WAS ABLE TO SEND OVER THE C922 PRO STREAM HD WEBCAM FOR US TO TRY OUT DURING OUR MEETINGS AND LIVESTREAM SESSIONS

SUNPLAY SKIN AQUA PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN SPF50+ IS SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND HAS BEEN CLINICALLY TESTED ON SENSITIVE SKIN.

NO WAY HOME TRAILER REVEALS MARVEL MULTIVERSE MARVEL HAS OFFICIALLY RELEASED THE FIRST TEASER FOR SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME.

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- Save a stray from the streets; adopt don’t shop - Puppy Training - Healthy dog food RECIPES

Hold tight as we introduce the latest Khoon Hooi with style

- The Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical sunscreen is perfect for those with sensitive skin - What’s New: Tone My Lip is Mentholatum’s allnew colour correcting lip balm - Get healthier, glass-looking skin with this 3 second skincare rule

If you liked Squid Game, here are 5 recommended movies and shows that you should watch

- Something new is brewing: cameron highlands getting their own escape theme park - For the first time in 8 years, CHANGI is no longer the best airport in the world

This M’sian woman has made our Nasi Lemak dish popular in Amsterdam

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How does swimming at a young age enhance children’s physical and mental health?

- There’s a new ice cream in town and it has our childhood written all over it - Get your favourite biscoff treats online

AUTO This 1989 PROTON SAGA was named ‘Best Classic Car’ at the Hagerty Festival of the Unexpected in the United Kingdom.

HEALTH Here are some foods that can help you lower your cholesterol levels

MOVIE - The new Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer reveals Marvel multiverse - Dug Days is a great way to spend the family night especially for people who grew up watching Disney movies

- LANY has returned with a couple of new upbeat tunes that will have you dancing all day - Platinum-Certified singer songwriter producer Jeremy Zucker LANY has returned with a couple of new upbeat tunes that will have you dancing all day

NEWTRENDS

2CENTS FAMI LY WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

JACCQUELN LEE

NICHOLAS NG

jacc@ brandzoom360.com

nicholas@ brandzoom360.com

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Dear readers, As we begin a new month, there are so many things we want to say. Life has changed as we have known it, and many of us have faced difficult challenges and circumstances.

It appears to affect not only humans, but also these voiceless animals who are unable to defend themselves. As a result, on p.6 and onwards in this issue’s cover story, I focused on the importance of the Adopt, Don’t Shop lifestyle and how it has impacted me.

Moving on, I recently reviewed this exciting Logitech gadget that is quite vibrant and makes my entire working from home lifestyle even better — see p.36 for more.

SALES DIRECTOR

LUCAS CHUA

VINCENT KEK MARKETING MANAGER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

vincent@ brandzoom360.com

lucas@ brandzoom360.com

And, because it’s all about inspiration, who knew that introducing a local delicacy like the popular nasi lemak dish to the people of Amsterdam would be such a hit, p.52.

Thank you for reading and for your continued support, as always.

Take care and stay safe, from all of us at 2CENTS.

Sincerely,

NIKI SIK

AMANDA CHOOI

ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

niki@ brandzoom360.com

amanda@ brandzoom360.com

SENIOR WRITER PUBLISHED BY : BRANDZOOM360SOLUTION 18 Jalan SS1/6, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

GRACE SUNDRAM

ANSON GOH

SENIOR WRITER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

grace@ brandzoom360.com

anson@ brandzoom360.com

SHAWN NG MARKETING EXECUTIVE

shawn.ng@ brandzoom360.com

Save a stray from the streets; adopt don’t shop Bringing a new pet into your life is not always an easy decision. There are several factors to consider, including whether you and your family are willing to take on the responsibility. Can you devote time and energy to making your new pet feel at ease in your home? Can you manage the financial burden of your new pet?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, the next step is to find the perfect pet for you or your family. While there are many reputable private dog breeders available, it is worth considering using before considering other options.

Adopting fees Adoption can cost less than buying a cat or dog than a breeder. Admission fees will vary from location to location but are typically under RM400. Because many shelters are not non-profit organizations, fees charged for pet use are typically spent on food and resources for other animals in the shelter. No matter what pet you choose from a shelter, you can rest assured knowing that the money you paid for your new pet will go back to a good cause.

Giving strays a home Most shelters operate on charities and struggle to pay the bills needed to operate each month. Dog food, toys, and other resources add up markedly when you have anywhere from 50 to several hundred animals living in a facility. These animals all hope to find a loving home. By choosing to practice a pet instead of buying one from a breeder or pet shop, you have the power to save the life of the animal and feel endless love in return.

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Stop supporting breeders What most people don’t think is that the little puppies they see at their local pet shop may have been raised in a puppy mill. A puppy mill is a facility where dogs are bred so that breeders are able to bring as much profit as possible from the puppies.

Responsible breeders understand the importance of parental health, as well as the genetic pairing needed to produce strong litters that will enhance the breed. Dog breeders don’t take this into account, simply focusing on producing as many dogs as possible, causing a legitimate genetic flaw in their dog breeding pool. Along with this, the abuse that this animal can encounter is disturbing. If more people choose to practice pets, instead of buying dogs, these dog factories would be forced to go out of business.

What you should know before adopting a pet Considering bringing a pet into your home is a long term commitment, there are questions you need to ask for protection or convenience before you walk out with your new addition to your family. This will help ensure that you make the right choice when you practice pets.

Learn about its medical history. From simple matters like vaccinations and microchip implants to more complex health problems, such as chronic diseases and allergies, you want to have a complete picture of the health of your potential pet. The medical situation isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s good to be able to understand what you might be getting and having to face in the near future.

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On a side note, I recently fostered the new love of my life from My Pets Haven and it was honestly the best decision I have ever made. When I was given a chance to foster a dog, I had the intention of bringing home a small doggo. But since most of the puppies were set to be adopted, Nana was one of the options that Auntie Aileen (the sweetest lady boss) suggested for me to bring home.

One of the reasons was that Nana had been scared and traumatised her whole life after being found in a drain. She ended up being rescued by some good samaritans before being brought into the centre by Auntie Aileen. Ended up diagnosed with some bad skin conditions and took a while for her to heal.

My mission was to help Nana come out of her shell and allow her personality to shine through.

The first day we brought her home was a nightmare for both of us because she was terrified of being with a new person (me) and was in an unfamiliar environment. After a week or two, she eventually warmed up to me and my family, and we could see her eyes glisten and tail wag profusely whenever she saw us. And, to be honest, it’s one of the best feelings ever.

Can you picture it? We started off with a traumatised dog who was afraid of all sorts of things and after only a few weeks of receiving love and attention, she changed.

I couldn’t bear the thought of returning her after only two weeks of fostering, and after seeing how far we’ve come, I don’t think she’d be able to get the same amount of love and attention elsewhere.

Even now, if she doesn’t see me for an hour (I’m cooped up in my room, working, while she’s in her own space we created just for her during the day), she becomes vocal and calls out for me. And she gets all excited when I approach her. My poor heart will not be able to accept the fact that she would be left all alone if we returned her to the sanctuary. As a result, I’m thinking about giving her a permanent home for the rest of her life. She’s still scared of strangers at times, but she’s the most spoiled, loveable, and dramatic doggo I’ve ever brought home.

As a dog lover and someone who grew up with many dogs, I truly believe Nana is a god sent and this was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

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PUPPY TRAINING Puppies must be trained to do various things so that they can grow into good dogs. He wasn’t born to understand how to play well, defecate in designated places in the yard, and walk on a leash at your side. You may have to spend several months teaching your puppy how to do all of these things. Use a firm but gentle training style to guide your dog through the exercises he needs to learn. Soon, he will grow up to be a mature and well-behaved dog and have a special place in your family.

HOW TO START POTTY TRAINING Develop an exercise routine Dogs need a consistent routine to know the right place to defecate. It’s important to start teaching your dog to go outside when he needs to go to the bathroom. Do this as soon as you bring it home. Take your dog outside on a specific schedule each day: before doing anything in the morning, after eating, after playing, and before bed.

Puppies should be taken out of the house every hour, also immediately after feeding, rest, and play sessions. You should also always take him out of the house before he does anything in the morning, before you and he goes to bed at night, and before you leave him alone for long periods of time.

Feed him at the same time each day so you can predict when he needs to be taken out of the house. Very small dogs should urinate as often as possible, at least once an hour. This means that you or a family member should be prepared to get the dog out of the house as often as possible.

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Get your puppy’s attention if he tries to pee in the house When you notice he needs to pee in the house, don’t overreact by yelling or scaring him. Interrupt the activity by clapping hands.

Then, pick up the dog or have him immediately follow you and take him to his usual location of defecation. When he’s done, give him a compliment.

If he’s been pooping behind the couch or elsewhere in your house, it’s too late to discipline him. Don’t force him to go to the location again as he’ll just be confused and scared, and won’t understand what you’re trying to teach him.

Confine the dog to a certain part of the house For the first few months, you will need to carefully supervise your dog so that you can take him out of the house as soon as he feels the urge to go to the bathroom. If you let him loose too much at first, he’ll learn to pee wherever he wants and you won’t always be able to catch him.

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Creating a location that your dog associates with going to the bathroom will help keep him from urinating in the house. He will begin to want to go to that place to relieve himself and will eventually learn to wait until you take him there and not go inside the house.

Praise the dog for doing a good job When your dog is able to defecate in the designated area, offer praise, caress, hugs, and small treats. This will help him understand that he has behaved well and should continue the behaviour.[7] The promise of reward will encourage the dog to repeat the same habit.

THE RIGHT WAY FOR YOUR DOG TO PLAY Prevent the dog from biting you Play with your dog like any other dog by tickling him and pretending to pick a fight until he starts biting you. When he bites your hand, let out a small, high-pitched cry just like any other dog would. Relax your hands and stop playing. Your dog will learn that when it bites, it doesn’t get any more attention.

Give your dog a proper chew toy Dogs love to use their teeth and they should be taught that human skin is not for biting. Provide safe dog toys for the dog to bite during playtime.

When your dog starts biting your skin, give him a chew toy. This will teach him that your hand is not for biting, but the toy is. Do the same if your dog bites your heels and ankles while you’re walking. Stop walking and give him a toy that can be bitten. If you’re not holding a toy, you can simply stop. When he starts to play well, give praise. If he takes one of your possessions, distract him and exchange it for one of his toys.

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ESSENTIAL DOG COMMANDS Start by teaching the dog names Play with your dog like any other dog by tickling him and pretending to pick a fight until he starts biting you. When he bites your hand, let out a small, high-pitched cry just like any other dog would. Relax your hands and stop playing.

Your dog will learn that when it bites, it doesn’t get any more attention.

Teach your dog to sit Sitting is one of the easiest habits to teach a dog and most dogs can learn to do it. The trick is to get your dog to associate the act of placing his lower body on the floor with the sound of your voice saying “sit.” Say the word “sit” in a clear, firm, but friendly voice. When he does this, give him a snack.

Teach the dog to be quiet Now that he can sit up, teach him to sit still. This is a slightly more complicated process, but it still uses the same command and reward system. Tell your dog to sit down and when he does, say “stay” and wait a few seconds. If he moves, say the word “sit,” then try again. If he manages to stay still, give him a treat and a compliment.

Teach the dog to come to you This exercise is easiest to do with a friend. Ask someone to hold the dog across the room or yard. Look at the dog and call his name. When he sees you, say “come over here” in a clear voice and ask your friend to let him go. Call his name again if he doesn’t seem to know what to do the first time.

When he approaches you, reward him with a compliment and a snack. Repeat this exercise until he knows that “here” means he has to run towards you.

Define keywords and keep using them. Make sure all your family members use the same words to train your dog. If you use words that are different from the rest of the family, your dog may get confused and take longer to learn.

Follow this rule at all times. Make sure you supervise the use of the rules you have defined.

Use a friendly tone of voice to tell your dog how you feel.

Use a deep voice when you want your dog to stop doing something, and a firm voice when training or commanding your dog.

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HEALTHY DOG FOOD RECIPES There are some healthy dog food recipes you can make at home if you want to start your dog on a healthy diet, especially when kibbles can be bad for your dog’s health. Making your own dog food ensures that you know what your pet is eating at mealtime and will also definitely save you a considerable amount of money.

For a moment, picture yourself eating the same food every day. Aside from it being too boring, you should also question if you’re getting all the nutrients you need. Your pet may be going through the same feeling. There’s a reason why dogs always seek what we humans eat. Just like us, your pets would want variety, even if it means leftovers.

Homemade dog food recipes may not only ensure the health of your pet but are also useful if you ever run out of those canned dog food and kibbles.

But then again, don’t forget to check the ingredients in case of any food allergies or dietary restrictions your pet may have.

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Ingredients

SALMON This is an eco-friendly recipe because it uses things that people often tend to throw away, like broccoli sticks, peelings and so on to make a delicious dish for your four-legged friend.

Ingredients • Two carrots • Two potatoes • Broccoli head (with stem) • Squash • Two portions of salmon (with skin) • Olive oil Method 1. Cut the broccoli and squash stalks into slices.

2. Peel the carrots, potatoes and save the peelings.

3. Place the broccoli stalks, pumpkin, carrots and potato peelings into a pressure cooker and give a few whistles.

4. Pour the oil into a pan or pot and place over medium heat.

5. Place the salmon slices and fry them in a pan.

6. Pull out the salmon skin when it feels fresh and place it in a dog bowl.

7. Transfer the cooked contents of the pressure cooker into a dog bowl.

8. Give everything a good mix for your dog to enjoy.

• 1 1/2 cups brown rice • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 3 pounds ground turkey • 3 cups baby spinach, chopped • 2 carrots, shredded • 1 zucchini, shredded • 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen

PORK & BEEF

Instructions

Ingredients

1. In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.

3. Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated for about 3-5 minutes.

4. Let it cool completely, then serve.

• 2 lbs ground pork • 2-2.5lbs ground beef • 1 large sweet potato • 1 large apple, cored • 2 carrots (or 8 baby carrots) • 1 c. kale • 1/2 c. blueberries (fresh or frozen) • 1 c. rice • 1/2 c. water Instructions 1. Put the ground meats in a 4-6 quart crockpot. You can really use any ground meat that you would like.

2. Peel and chop the potato, apple and carrots into 1″ pieces. Chop the kale.

3. Add all of the fruits and veggies to the crockpot and mix with the meat.

4. Cook on HI for 3-5 hours or on LOW for 5-7 hours until the meat is browned.

5. When the meat mixture is close to being done, cook up the rice with the water on the stovetop. When the rice is done, mix it into the meat mixture.

6. Separate the food into 1/2c. -1c. portions in small baggies or Tupperware and store them in the freezer. When it’s mealtime for your furbaby, you can just take the necessary portion and microwave it whilst storing the balance back in the freezer..

CROCKPOT DOG FOOD Ingredients • 2 1/2 pounds ground beef • 1 1/2 cups brown rice • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash • 2 carrots, shredded • 1 zucchini, shredded • 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen Instructions

VEGE-RICH TURKEY

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1. Stir in ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, peas and 4 cups water into a 6-qt slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring as needed.

3. Let cool completely.

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FASHION

HOLD TIGHT AS WE INTRODUCE THE LATEST

KHOON HOOI WITH STYLE

Designer Khoon Hooi, who has spent the last 22 years specialised in bespoke tailoring for his faithful following in Malaysia, is a name that requires no introduction in the local fashion market. Since 2010, his label, KHOON HOOI, has been a part of Paris Trade Week, and his line is now available in exclusive stores throughout the world, including Les Suites in Paris, 51 East in Doha, Avanti in Riyadh, and BySymphony in Dubai.

His creations were also seen on celebs Katy Perry, Ginnifer Goodwin, Zooey Deschanel, Camila Morrone, Karen Pittman, and Leslie Grossman during the 2020 Awards Season in Los Angeles.

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FASHION

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FASHION

The INSPIRATION This season, Khoon Hooi embarks on space travel with a sense of optimism and escapism from the bleak pandemic. Alluding to the futuristic glamour of sci-fi movies, the designer put together a collection of galactic and celestial looks where intriguing feminine forms and bubble shapes combine to grasp his fantasy of ‘occasion dressing’ in space.

The SILHOUETTES This season’s lineup orbits on the idea of glamour in an interstellar journey through the universe, culminating in a collection of heavenly gowns, stunning dresses and easy-to-wear separate with intriguing details that captured the magnificence of the celestial wonders, dazzling colours of nebulae formations and space rocket dynamics.

The planets are also expressed in a retro voluminous balloon hemline – which can be seen on a variety of evening looks.

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FASHION

The FABRICATION and EMBELLISHMENTS From lamé to futuristic two-toned taffeta and galaxy-like sequins, there’s an illuminating shine in this season’s fabrication and a colour palette that stretched through the galaxy’s cosmic shades from milky dusk to tangerine dawn and deepest, bluest midnight. Mirroring the theme is constellation-inspired beading and starburst motifs.

The HERO PIECES “Maia” Voluminous ball gown in bright fuchsia taffeta with exaggerated cape sleeves, enhanced with a double bow velvet belt.

“Luna” A striking sleeveless cape evening gown in glossy Jade taffeta, highlighted with sparkling crystal embellishments and cometlike black bow pin.

“Ophelia” Strapless gown in iridescent brocade with ruffle detail on fitted corset bodice, embellished with celestial clusters of diamante.

“Gaia” Statuesque futuristic gown in ivory shine taffeta, crafted with creative folds and enhanced with a diamante rhinestone mesh buckled belt.

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THE SUNPLAY SKIN AQUA PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN IS PERFECT FOR THOSE WITH SENSITIVE SKIN Pictures by 张洁, miko_kongg, euniceyuen_ & sinyeetan0215 We already know that prolonged sunlight exposure will cause premature skin ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. Although we can not stop ageing, we can slow down the signs of skin damage due to sun exposure.

Therefore, it is important for us to get a sunscreen that suits the skin that does not cause harm.

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BEAUTY

Design 4/5

The Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical sunscreen is packed in a light blue and white sturdy tube with a twisted cap. On top of that, the dispensing system is pretty simple however do keep in mind that, a little goes a long way. It’s also perfect to be carried in your bag which won’t take up much space.

Touch & Smell 4/5

Application 4/5

No longer would you need to worry about applying sunscreen that will leave a white cast on your skin as this Physical Sunscreen features the Innovative InvisShield Technology. With an ultra-lightweight texture and a subtle flowery scent, Sunplay promises to this product of theirs that contains Zinc Oxide will sit on the skin surface to reflect UV rays instead of absorbing UV rays.

This Sunplay sunscreen spreads easily and is easily absorbed into the skin. It contains ceramides and natural botanical extracts to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier for better hydration, relieve redness and prevent dryness caused by sunlight exposure.

Benefits 4/5

Value 4/5

This sunscreen provides 100% broad spectrum SPF50+PA ++++ with UVA and UVB protection suitable for sensitive skin. It is also known to be free of 6 major irritants: chemical sunscreen, alcohol, paraben, colourant, mineral oil and oxybenzone.

Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ is suitable for all skin types and has been clinically tested on sensitive skin. Sold at RM78.90, it is available at leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

Verdict For an affordable price and as a brand that is famous for its sunscreen, we believe this is one product that most of you should check out.

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BEAUTY

W H A T’S N E W: TONE MY LIP IS M E N T H O L A T U M’S A L L-N E W C O L O U R CORRECTING LIP BALM Pictures by yuki0890 & beautiventures

With the current pandemic, we are always wearing a mask for an extended period of time to keep ourselves protected.

But without applying any lip balm or not drinking enough water, your lips might tend to become drier and chapped than usual. That said, we would like to introduce Mentholatum’s new lip balm range — Tone My Lip. This colour correcting lip balm features moisturising skincare elements that will provide your lips with the moisture that it needs with a more natural shine.

Design 4/5 Tone My Lip lip balms are packaged in white slim tubes, with each variant featuring a distinct colour: pink, green, red, and yellow. The packaging reminds us of how simple and minimalistic it is, plus its super sleek design is travel-friendly allowing you to carry it in your bag wherever you go.

Touch & Smell 4/5 The triple-action lip balm wraps your lips with a light-textured oil with one swipe and ’cause of its sheer wrapping composition, it doesn’t just colour correct but will give your lips a fluffy three-dimensional effect.

Application 4/5 Though it’s best to apply the lip balm two to three times per day to make sure that its effects last until the end of the day. But apart from that, if you are looking for a puckered and luscious lip, then you should check this one out.

Some of the hydrating skincare ingredients include Hydrolyzed Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid as well as nourishing vitamins A, C and E. Feel absolutely nice on the lips and it will certainly make sure to keep your lips moisturised all day.

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BEAUTY

Tone My Lip is not like other lip balms that focus merely on moisturising. It comes in four different variants which are specifically designed to tackle different lip problems. On top of that, it is perfect for those who aren’t fans of coloured lipsticks since after applying it to your lips, it would highlight your natural lip colour even more.

Benefits 4/5

Blossom Pink (for Pale & Dull lips) It works to brighten pale and dull lips by deeply moisturising and colour correcting lips with a natural colour to make your lips look healthy with a natural glow.

Bright Up Red (for Dark & Dull lips) Unlike the former, Bright Up Red helps brighten dark and dull lips whilst the rest of the properties remain the same.

Yellow Pink (for uneven lip) As for this variant, it balances and evens out lip colour. When used consistently over time, it will help turn lips slightly pink to even out the colour of your lips.

Green Clear (for lips with too much redness) Green Clear works to neutralise lip redness colour and also contains Pure Pearl Nuance to neutralise redness and bring out the natural beauty of lips by imparting a pearly shine.

Value 4/5

The fragrance-free Tone My Lip lip balm by Mentholatum costs RM19.90 and is available at all major pharmacies and hypermarkets.

Verdict If you have any of these lip issues and need a way to solve them, you can now opt to try these fragrance-free lip balms.

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BEAUTY

GET HEALTHIER, GLASSLOOKING SKIN WITH THIS 3 SECOND SKINCARE RULE

Using amoisturiser at the optimal time can help you reap all the benefits. Instead of drying your face, it is best to apply it while your skin is still moist.

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BEAUTY

APPLY MOISTURISER RIGHT AFTER CLEANSING This will help lock in moisture and hydrate your skin better than if you used a moisturizer when the skin is completely dry.

One of the 3-second moisturising rules requires you to apply your moisturizer right after washing your face, such as within 3 seconds. You don’t need to dry your face but apply moisturizer instead.

WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF THIS? It will help the skin absorb the product better If you use skincare products immediately after washing your face, your skin will take full advantage of these products. Because the outer layer of your skin acts as a protector and acts as a barrier between living cells and the environment.

It will make your skin look younger Hydrated skin looks plump and youthful, and this is not just an optical illusion. When your skin is dry, it makes all the fine lines and wrinkles more visible.

Most women know how to protect their skin from harmful UV rays, and applying moisturiser immediately after cleansing your face is an important step.

That said, we have a few products from Hada Labo, the number 1 Japanese skincare product that we think you should check out: • Hydrating Cream • Hydrating Light Cream • Hydrating Snow Dew • Premium Hydrating Cream • Premium Whitening Water Cream • Premium Whitening Water Gel • Kouji Treatment Creat • Kouji Treatment Night Cream • Kouji Treatment Cream Mask • Sensitive Skin Hydrating Cream • Lifting + Firming Cream Let’s see if you notice any changes after trying this step out!

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IF YOU LIKED SQUID GAME, HERE ARE 5 RECOMMENDED MOVIES AND SHOWS THAT YOU SHOULD WATCH Picture by: Poster DB, Pipocas Club, Mundo Sombrio, TheGeekyGent & Watch Movies Free Online

Squid Game, a Korean thriller drama that has made waves throughout the world, has become the talk of the town.

Hwang Dong Hyuk directed this Netflix produced drama, which premiered on September 17th. For those unfamiliar with the drama, it follows a group of individuals who are completely broke who inadvertently participate in a series of dangerous games in order to earn the prize money of 45.6 billion won.

The Netflix drama has been gaining traction owing to an intriguing mystery narrative twist, an attractive set, great cast members — all wrapped in South Korean children’s games.

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Cube Cube is a film about a group of people with various personalities who wake up in a seemingly endless maze loaded with traps. The gang must use their brains and abilities to find their way out of the maze before it’s too late, not knowing how they got there or who each other is. Cube shines the most in its exploration of how various people with different personalities work together with clues. The riveting plot, human relationships, and tension will keep you fascinated until the finish, even if the graphics aren’t up to today’s standards.

Alice in Borderline Netflix has previously released the Alice in Borderland series, which was an anime adaptation. Arisu, a jobless teenager, and his two pals, Chota and Karube, are the protagonists of Alice in Borderline. Arisu and his buddies are abruptly transported to an abandoned Tokyo when they were trying to hide away from the cops.

They must compete in a series of dangerous games if they are to make it out alive.

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As the Gods Will The film As The Gods Will was accused of plagiarising Squid Game. This film follows Shun Takahata, a student in his sophomore year of high school who leads an average existence.

Shun and his classmates are forced to play a series of deadly children’s games one day. Shun must battle to survive without knowing who is behind it all when he discovers that some of his students are using the chance to let go of their classmates. This unusual picture, directed

by Takashi Miike, blends horror and humour to create an entertaining viewing experience.

Exam This film shows the story of eight people who are competing for a coveted corporate position and are forced to complete a final test in a windowless chamber. They are given a piece of paper and a pen, as well as the task of answering only one question before the time limit expires. However, when they turn the paper over and find that it is blank, the group becomes confused, paranoid, and tense as they try to figure out what the question is.

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Battle Royale Then there’s Battle Royale. Battle Royale is based on the novel by Koushun Takami and is set in the future when a class of 9th graders is chosen and forced to battle to the death until only one survives. On an abandoned island, 42 students are forced to kill each other in this film. Battle Royale is a brutal game with an intriguing narrative and multi-dimensional characters.

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THUMBS UP

So, Malaysian gamers who are thinking of getting this pair of headphones, you only get two colour options and that is either Black or White.

LOGITECH G335

A NEW, LIGHTWEIGHT AND AFFORDABLE HEADPHONES THAT IS PERFECT FOR GAMERS

Features 4

If you’re looking for a gaming headphone that is small and lightweight then perhaps you’d like to check out this entry-level gaming one from Logitech G that fits within your budget.

The recently launched G335 is the first headphones that incorporate Logitech G Color Correction. Nowadays, we spend most of our time at home, and what better way to pass the time than by playing video games? So it stands to reason that you would want the best fitting headphones for you. With a slimmer design, the G335 is suited for individuals with smaller head sizes and enables greater communication.

Aside from the sleek design, the Logitech G335 features a flippable mic and a volume roller that is located under the left earcup. To adjust the volume, you would need to slide it to the bottom or top which is pretty easy for a complete game-class audio quality. The flip-to-mute microphone is also pretty cool.

Oh before we forget to mention, the G335 is also Discord Certified for clearer audio and communication clarity.

Performance 4

In terms of audio quality, we have to say it pretty much fits the price category and we are pretty satisfied with it and have not many complaints.

Using a 40 mm neodymium driver, at certain times the quality of the music might seem a little muddy for some gamers. It does sound crisp and good however at times you can’t help but realise the audio can be muffled up and it might seem to hold back the goodness of it which can be frustrating at times.

Design 4

The Logitech G335 is one of the lightest gaming headphones on the market, weighing only 240 grams.

With a slimmer design, it is specifically designed for young gamers and ladies as it comes with a smaller earcup size.

But since it falls on a more affordable range — it’s pretty suitable for entry-level gamers who are just getting the feel of things. The Logitech G335 is compatible with PC, Xbox®, PlayStation®, Nintendo SwitchTM and mobile devices with a 3.5 mm audio jack.

It features a reversible and adjustable headband suspension design that is washable. With a hidden slide mechanism, all you have to do is slide it up and down to make a perfect fit.

Value

When it comes to comfort, the soft breathable fabric certainly frays from any sort of discomfort especially if you’re going to be using it for long hours while gaming so we give that a +1.

Priced at RM269.00, those interested to get their hands on the Logitech G335 can purchase the headphones from all authorized resellers and Logitech G Official Stores at Shopee and Lazada.

Though the memory foam earpads are not removable, they still feel nice to the touch. As for the overall build, it is made out of plastic but quite durable.

Conclusion

5

The latest gaming headset with a sleek, beautiful and lightweight design is one you might want to keep an eye out for. If you’re not the fussy type and just started getting into the gaming world, then we’d say it’s worth it and you should try it out.

If we did have a choice though, we would have gone for the Mint colour variant because it just seems a little bolder and vibrant. However, at the time of writing this review, that particular colour is not available in Malaysia.

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DEEP SCAN

SPECIFICATIONS: ● MICROPHONE:

● 3.5 MM AUDIO PORT ● COMPATIBLE WITH PC, XBOX®, PLAYSTATION®, NINTENDO SWITCHTM AND MOBILE DEVICES WITH 3.5 MM AUDIO JACK

○ MICROPHONE PICKUP PATTERN: CARDIOID (UNIDIRECTIONAL) ○ FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 100 HZ- 10 KHZ ○ CONDENSER SIZE: 6MM ○ VOLUME: ROLLER ON EAR CUP

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS: ● LENGTH: 189 MM / 7.4 IN ● WIDTH: 180 MM / 7.1 IN ● DEPTH: 79 MM / 3.1 IN

● AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES: ○ DOLBY ○ WINDOWS SONIC SURROUND

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: ● HEADPHONE:

WARRANTY

○ WEIGHT: 240 G (INCLUDING THE CABLE) ○ DRIVER: 40 MM ○ FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20HZ-20KHZ ○ IMPEDANCE: 36 OHMS (PASSIVE) ○ SENSITIVITY: 87.5 DB SPL/MW ○ CABLE: 180 CM (6 FT)

● 2-YEAR LIMITED HARDWARE WARRANTY

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THUMBS UP

LO G I T E C H C 9 2 2 P R O STREAM HD WEBCAM

FROM STREAMING GAMES, ATTENDING VIRTUAL MEETINGS AND MORE — THE LOGITECH C922 PRO STREAM HD WEBCAM DOES IT ALL Life in lockdown just seems like a bore and now that everyone is working from home, there goes the beginning of Zoom calls all over again. Well, we were fortunate enough that Logitech was able to send over the C922 Pro Stream HD Webcam for us to try out during our meetings and livestream sessions. This just shows how important it is to invest in home tech as this just so that you can be well-prepared ’cause you won’t know when it might come in handy.

Design 5

This full-HD webcam has three hinges that help tilt the camera up and down as well as locking the adjustment of the webcam against your monitor. If you’re going to use it for a livestream, the box comes with a tripod that you can attach to the bottom screw mount. It’s made out of plastic but that is beside the point of being durable, lightweight and is not as flimsy as other webcams. As mentioned earlier about the hinges, it is made exceptionally well as you can feel the strong resistance.

Features 4

Logitech-C922-Pro-Stream-FullHD-Webcam-lifestyle-gaminglive-streaming The C922 Pro Stream HD Webcam features dual microphones for stereo audio, confirming that your voice will remain clear and audible no matter where you are. Furthermore, since we are now under lockdown, the camera can be used to stream games on Twitch if you are a gamer. Users can choose between Full 1080p at 30fps and Hyperfast HD 720p at 60fps to achieve the rich colour in your videos that can entice your viewers.

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Apart from that, there’s also the ability to use the app to zoom and move the camera angle and also projects a 78-degree field of view.

Performance 3.5

However, when it comes to the camera quality, there seems to be a slight reduction in quality when users choose to stream at 720p 60FPS. It projects a significant noise reduction to the frame, making the outcome of the video seem smoother and less defined. However, that is only when it is set to 60FPS, and while it is appropriate for those who are in a low lighting room — it just doesn’t make sense when you’re in a room with great lighting.

Nonetheless, when we tried to record a livestream show, it just can’t be compared with other types of equipment that can be found out there. We put it to the test for a production that necessitated the usage of a green screen.

It was, however, not up to par.

Our two cents? We think it’d just be ideal for those who need to attend virtual meetings and essential video conferences.

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Value 4

The Logitech C922 Pro Stream HD Webcam, priced at RM359.00 on All IT Hypermarket, is worth considering if you don’t need 4K or high frame rate capability.

Verdict Without a doubt, this is one webcam that is perfect for those who trying to get into streaming as well as using it for a long Zoom call for work. So if the Logitech C922 Pro Stream HD Webcam checks all the boxes of what you’re looking for in a webcam, then go for it.

Pictures by Monaliza and Blog of Dad

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Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 2S

Price: RM1,799.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ Garmin encourages more to explore the Venu 2 to a greater extent. Equipped with more than 25 built-in sports applications, users can access enhanced strength training profiles and muscle map graphics brought to life on the smartwatches’ bright AMOLED display. The Venu 2 series invites its users to experience enhanced battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode on the Venu 2 and 10 days on Venu 2S.

Galaxy XCover 5

Price: From RM1,496.00 Website: www.samsung.com/my This rugged yet sophisticated device is designed to handle demanding jobs while meeting the needs of an increasingly mobile workforce. Engineered for the field and factory, the Galaxy XCover 5 combines durability with comfort for a product that is sleek and easy-to-hold, yet sturdy enough to withstand tough work environments.

vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition

Price: RM1,599.00 Website: www.shop.vivo.com/my The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition not only offers to lead 5G technology and sophisticated style, but also a remarkable front view super night vision capability—a leading feature in the industry. With the front and rear OIS+EIS anti-shake video editing function and various smart home features, V21 5G Exclusive Edition has become one of the most costeffective and cost worthy cell phones in the era of 5G. ISSUE 30

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GADGET GALORE

Sony BRAVIA XR A90J

Price: RM17,999.00 Website: www.sony.com.my Powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, it understands how humans see and hear, providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favourite content. It also features the XR Motion Clarity technology that controls moving images precisely to minimise blur so that pictures remain true with less loss in brightness during high-speed scenes.

HONOR VIEW20

Price: Starts from RM1,999 Website: Ground Floor of Highstreet @ One Utama Shopping Centre.

HONOR View20’s rear camera is the first to be powered by the SONY IMX586 48MP sensor, with a 1/2-inch large CMOS, and equivalent 1.6μm pixels in Quad Bayer array. The sensor, boosted by the Kirin 980 chipset, supports new 48MP AI Ultra Clarity mode to produce photos with unmatched detail and clarity. The Kirin 980’s dual-NPU processes the photo using an advanced AI algorithm – the quality of the photo is assessed, details in dark areas are optimized, and colors are adjusted to appear more vivid.

Redmi Note 10 5G

Price: RM799.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ Sporting the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset, Redmi Note 10 5G is ready to challenge the boundaries of gaming performance. Its 7nm processing technology and integrated modem offer higher performance with lower power consumption so users can enjoy prolonged use of their device without worrying about power drain. With support for 5G dual SIM, Redmi Note 10 5G is a productivity beast.

JBL CHARGE 3

Acer ASPIRE E 15

Price: RM899 Website: Lazada

Price: RM2,659 Website: Acer outlets or authorized dealers

This full-featured waterproof portable speaker with high-capacity Aspire E Series laptops are great choices for everyday users, with lots battery to charge your devices goes a long way. Wirelessly connect of appealing options and an attractive design that exceed expectations. up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns With many enhanced components, color choices, and a textured metallic playing powerful stereo sound. It even has a built-in rechargeable finish, the Aspire E makes everyday better. With added enhancements, Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime and charges you get an even richer media experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ delivers smartphones and tablets via USB. Plus, no more worrying about rain richer, more lifelike audio, while Acer ExaColor™ produces consistent Price: From RM4,599.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ or spills; you can even submerge in water. colour accuracy and Skype-certified components provide uninterrupted audio and video.

The Surface Laptop 4 comes with a vibrant 13.5” or 15” touchscreen display, alongside a large trackpad with gesture

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

support, and its industry-leading typing experience. Users can also choose from Alcantara or metal finishes in black and platinum.

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GADGET GALORE

Asus Zenfone 8

Price: From RM2,699.00 Website: www.asus.com/my The Zenfone 8 manages to fit an outstanding performance in to a small, easy-to-carry device, combining an effortless operation with ideal pocketability. Featuring the newest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 5G Mobile Platform, an ultraclear 120 Hz AMOLED display, a long-lasting 4000 mAh battery, and a pro-grade camera system with Sony sensors.

Mi TV Q1

Price: RM7,999.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ It comes with an elegant and minimalistic design with a sleek supporting blade, Mi TV Q1 75” offers a true-to-life cinematic experience with its 4K UHD resolution display and quantum dot technology. Mi TV Q1 75” is a step above the rest with its 4K QLED display panel that accommodates 100% NTSC colour range with 1.07 billion colour variations and 1,024 different colour shades.

Apple iMac 24-inch

Price: From RM5,599.00 Website: apple.com/my Apple introduced an all-new iMac powered by Apple’s M1 chip. In terms of design, it is remarkably thin — 11.5 millimetres to be precise — and comes in a variety of vivid colours to suit the user’s preferences: red, purple, black, yellow, silver, blue, and green.

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GADGET GALORE

Alienware x15

Price: RM11,499.00 Website: www.dell.com/en-my A new purposeful design and several industry-first innovations to deliver best-in-class thermals with excellent display quality. Featuring a standard 15.6-inch display and an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, the laptop also comes with a Full HD 165Hz panel, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM, 512GB SSD.

HONOR VIEW20

Price: Starts from RM1,999 Website: Ground Floor of Highstreet @ One Utama Shopping Centre.

HONOR View20’s rear camera is the first to be powered by the SONY IMX586 48MP sensor, with a 1/2-inch large CMOS, and equivalent 1.6μm pixels in Quad Bayer array. The sensor, boosted by the Kirin 980 chipset, supports new 48MP AI Ultra Clarity mode to produce photos with unmatched detail and clarity. The Kirin 980’s dual-NPU processes the photo using an advanced AI algorithm – the quality of the photo is assessed, details in dark areas are optimized, and colors are adjusted to appear more vivid.

Garmin Forerunner 55(R)

Price: RM960.00 Website: www.lazada.com.my/ This easy-to-use GPS smartwatch is designed for fitness enthusiasts of all and diversified skill levels to track their stats and achieve personal fitness goals. Take your training to the next level with advanced running features. Featuring PacePro, it helps runners tailor their efforts to a selected course or distance with a finish time estimator to allow athletes to select a run distance and view their estimated finish.

JBL CHARGE 3

Acer ASPIRE E 15

Price: RM899 Website: Lazada

Price: RM2,659 Website: Acer outlets or authorized dealers

This full-featured waterproof portable speaker with high-capacity Aspire E Series laptops are great choices for everyday users, with lots battery to charge your devices goes a long way. Wirelessly connect of appealing options and an attractive design that exceed expectations. up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns With many enhanced components, color choices, and a textured metallic playing powerful stereo sound. It even has a built-in rechargeable finish, the Aspire E makes everyday better. With added enhancements, Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime and charges you get an even richer media experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ delivers smartphones and tablets via USB. Plus, no more worrying about rain richer, more lifelike audio, while Acer ExaColor™ produces consistent or spills; you can even submerge in water. Price: RM1,099.00 Website: colourwww.sony.com.my accuracy and Skype-certified components provide uninterrupted audio and video.noise cancellation and now supports HighThe newly designed Integrated Processor V1 provides even better

Sony WF-1000XM4

Resolution Audio Wireless. Highlighting a much more superior call quality and smart listening thanks to features like Speak-to-Chat. Users can now enjoy an impressive 8-hour battery life 1 with Noise Cancellation activated.

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SOMETHING NEW IS BREWING: CAMERON HIGHLANDS GETTING THEIR OWN ESCAPE THEME PARK ISSUE 30

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C

ameron Highlands is about to have a major resurgence in terms of tourism after we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and are allowed to travel interstate again. When that happens, the reason to visit this local holiday destination will no longer be limited to the cold weather, strawberries, and tea — it will also be due to the new theme park.

In Malaysia, there are presently two ESCAPE Theme Parks, one in Penang and the other in Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya. If you didn’t know, the ESCAPE Theme Park in Penang actually holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest water slide.7 This upcoming theme park, which will be the latest attraction in Cameron Highlands, is expected to open in 2023. It will most likely be unique and incomparable to other theme parks in the country, as it will be the first-ever theme park with a European-style concept.

It was just a few months ago that Cameron Highlands opened up its first McDonald’s outlet, and now, with this new theme park, it will be even more thrilling to visit this chilly, breezy valley.

ESCAPE Cameron Highlands will be a nature-based adventure park constructed into the valley’s natural topography. Instead of leaving the country, we can have the taste of Europe right here in Malaysia.

Furthermore, the theme park will run entirely on renewable energy, making it an eco-friendly attraction.

Among the various attractions, the dry ski slope with a 1.2km slope and a 920m high ski lift will undoubtedly capture everyone’s interest. Aside from that, the ESCAPE Gravity Play slides and attractions are presented in all-new thrilling ways against the picturesque highlands of Cameron Highlands.

European games, such as Street bowling, Chasing after the cheese, and others, will also be introduced in accordance with the European theme.

Of course, there will be popular food and beverage vendors as well as glamping accommodations on the premises.

It is expected that the theme park would open in three stages. If development begins at the end of this year, Phase 1 will take 15 to 18 months. The park will then open in the first half of 2023. Following then, Phases 2 and 3 will be carried out. New attractions will also be added in each phase.

Are you excited about this? There are even more reasons to visit Cameron Highlands now! Now, let’s hope that the pandemic in our country subsides and that we’ll be able to travel interstate again soon.

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FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 8 YEARS, CHANGI IS NO LONGER THE BEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD

Yeow Chet PICTURES BY OZKAN BILGIN & SHUTTERSTOCK

Airports are arguably the least functioning place in the world now that the pandemic has hit the world and has changed the ‘experience’ of travellers in utilising an airport.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, airports across the world have implemented drastic measures in an effort to restore the traveller’s trust when it comes to the services offered. All these include improved cleaning orderliness, sanitation, social distancing as well as travellers’ safety measures.

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As in previous years, Skytrax will conduct customer satisfaction surveys on all airports as well as provide various awards to airports that meet strict standards.

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Like every year, Skytrax is known to conduct a survey on all airports to find out what are the best airports out there. And without fail, Changi International Airport in Singapore won the award and conquered its position for 8 consecutive years ever since 2013.

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However, the airport has lost its position despite linking over 200 destinations and having almost 5000 arrivals and departures every week. This year, Changi International Airport has reportedly dropped to the third position, after Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport.

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The 2021 World Airport Awards, according to Skytrax, also honour the airport’s efforts in facing the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The following is a list of the ‘top 10’ in the Best Airport Awards in the world: 1. Hamad International Airport 2. Tokyo Haneda Airport 3. Singapore Changi Airport 4. Incheon International Airport 5. Narita International Airport 6. Munich Airport 7. Zurich Airport 8. London Heathrow Airport 9. Kansai International Airport 10. Hong Kong International Airport

Malaysians are probably wondering where does KLIA fit in this list and it is ranked 55th in the list of 100 Best Airports which is a pretty good stepup from last year’s 63rd position.

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PASSIONATE

This M’sian woman has made our Nasi Lemak dish popular in Amsterdam It all started as a hobby — cooking and eating with friends — Penang-born Solehan-Manger Ramli who settled in Rumpt, Netherlands after marrying her husband, a Dutch local, has now turned into an online business since 2017.

She offers a variety of Malaysian dishes but only one dish stood out amongst the rest and is none other than the Nasi Lemak.

Apparently, Solehan started getting requests from her Malaysian friends to make some Nasi Lemak as they have not returned home for a while as her version of the dish was as good as the ones back home.

But not only were her Malaysian friends and customers enjoying the dishes, but the dish also garnered the attention of the Dutch locals. Dubbed as “Nasi Lemak Amsterdam”, we have to say it was a brilliant way to market the signature Malaysian dish to the locals there.

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PASSIONATE

She claims that the majority of those who know her are aware that the dish is prepared by a Malaysian. Also, her regular customers who are also Malaysians, particularly students, would usually refer to her as “Kak Ann Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam.”

“Most of them know me and know that this nasi lemak is prepared by Malaysians.

Malaysians, including students here, call me ‘Kak Ann Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam’,” said the 44-year-old, Penangite homecook.

Sometimes it’s difficult for her to manage the overwhelming orders as she’s handling a one-woman show however since the business is her main source of income, she has to brush through to meet the demands of her customers. Plus, before the pandemic happened — Solehan would usually invite friends over to her place to experiment with new Malaysian dishes on them as part of a promotional tactic.

According to her, after the COVID-19 pandemic subsided in the Netherlands, the response from local customers in nearby villages seemed to be increasing aside from receiving orders from her other regular customers.

Price-wise, her Nasi Lemak is sold for €8 (RM40) and €10 (RM50) and such rates are pretty normal over there as it’s difficult to obtain such authentic ingredients from Malaysia, which most of her clientele understands.

On top of that, her husband, JanWillem Manger has been pretty supportive with her business, plus with him being a local there — it simply helps with the orders.

So make sure to je kan mijn nasi lemak rendang kip proberen (come and try our ayam rendang nasi lemak if you’re travelling here)!

In terms of how she started her business in the Netherlands is that it is compulsory for all traders to register and have a licence even if it’s a small scale business. Solehan also harbours a desire to open up a Malaysian food restaurant.

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How does swimming at a young age enhance children’s physical and mental health?

Raising children is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world, and it is in the nature of parents to ensure that their children are receiving the best in every aspect of their lives. Be it education, living conditions, happy childhood to ensure healthy mental and physical health, there are many things to be taken into consideration by parents at each stage of the children’s development.

One of the things that parents will always encourage their children is to participate more in outdoor/physical activities, for activities as such not only maintains the health of the child but participating in more physical activities especially during early childhood will bring positive lifelong impacts in their period of development

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FEATURE STORY

for health, motor and cognitive, habits and so on - in other words, solid support to build the children’s characters and skills development.

Swimming has always been one of the most-loved activities for everyone, especially in Malaysia where the weather is hot and humid all year round, and Malaysia itself is surrounded by beautiful beaches and swimming pools. Not to have the young ones missing out, swimming lessons for children and even infants are gaining popularity so that they do not develop a fear of water from young and enjoy swimming safely with their friends and family.

However, there are still a number of parents who baulk at the idea of exposing their little ones to the chemical substances and chilly water in pools and, most importantly, safety.

Especially with the current pandemic, most parents are still concerned that it may not be safe for children to even get involved in any water-related activities.

Nonetheless, as sanitisation now plays a very vital role in children’s safety and health in any area that they may be exposed to, most swimming schools and centres such as The Happy Fish Swim School would not only ensure the sanitisation of the swimming pool but also to ascertain that the water pool level adheres to the guidelines set by the government.

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“Swimming pools for babies and children must adhere to strict water guidelines as their skin and body are sensitive to the environment. In this current times, centres and public pools should consider installing high-standard pool heating and sanitisation systems such as those from Waterco (a leading one-stop solutions provider for safe and healthy water environment company) to adjust the temperature and the level of chlorine to the standard that is safe and hygienic for children while minimising energy consumption and cost,” said Mr Tan Jian Yong, founder of leading baby and toddler swim school in Singapore and Malaysia, Happy Fish Swim School.

Here are some of the reasons why starting swimming at a young age for any child can be a skill that would be sustainable to them in the long run.

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Swimming at an early age helps them to cope with the fear of water and also a gentle exercise to their body The most significant advantage of children learning to swim at a young age compared to when they are older is to prevent them from having the fear of water. Comfort is the very first developmental component of swimming. Children will be taught the proper form and breathing techniques that instil confidence in them while they swim. While most young children do not naturally fear water, they will be able to adapt to the water environment more easily and progress further instead of growing with a fear that may worsen as they age. The earlier that children start swimming, the shorter the transition period for them to get comfortable in the water and thus, less difficult to progress.

Swimming brings health benefits and improves coordination Swimming is great for cardiovascular health.

The cardiovascular is the circulatory system to supply blood to the entire body. Through swimming, children’s bodies will be trained to use oxygen more efficiently which further helps strengthen the heart, blood vessels, brain and lungs. Swimming is suitable for children suffering from asthma too, for when children are holding their breath in water, the action not only helps to expand their lung capacity but also gains a greater ability to control their breathing.

Other than that, when children are required to move their arms and legs together during swimming, they are working out their muscles for stronger strength and control, which will also contribute to the improvement of body coordination and balance. It is not an easy task for your little ones to put their body movement together. As they practice more, they will strive in other activities in their daily life, be it running, jumping, writing and more.

Swimming improves cognitive functioning When swimming, children move their arms and kick their legs at the same time, promoting bilateral cross-patterning movements. The movement of using the opposite arm and leg will help children’s brain growth by building neurons especially in the corpus callosum, which acts as a connector to transfer complex information between two halves of the brain. Hence, swimming will help facilitate children’s communication and digestion of information and, in the long run, enable them to better cope with academics in terms of reading skills, language development and also spatial awareness.

Most commonly, corpus callosum will have finished developing at the age of 12, so why not take this opportunity to boost your little one’s brain development earlier?

Brain connectivity is also vital for better hand-eye coordination. The brain is responsible for exchanging signals for coordinating the eyes and hands to ensure they are fixed on the same target. Exercises such as swimming can increase brain volume and further improve this skill.

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Boost self-esteem and social confidence Swimming is a great way to socialize. As attending swimming classes is usually accompanied by other children, instructors and parents or caregivers, children are able to interact with people out of their comfort zone and therefore learn to function in groups. By making new friends and learning together, the positive social interactions and fun learning environment will help to improve children’s socialization skills and also boost their self-esteem - enabling them to be more comfortable in talking and meeting new people. Just like other exercises, swimming can also help children to release anxiety and negative feelings, thus improving their emotional health.

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Social interactions during swimming promote mental health development within children Not only does swimming bring lifelong benefits to children and imbue in them an essential life skill, but also teaches them about water safety and the importance of sanitisation. Knowledge about water safety is important for children to learn the safety measures that they need to know when in water to avoid them from placing themselves in danger and remain calm during unwanted situations. Hence, with all adequate safety measures and pool water guidelines in place, there is no fear to get your child to be in the swimming pool and encourage them to start swimming at a young age to better progress the exercise - appreciating the benefits it brings them in later years.

Although we are still in the MCO stage, it is not too late to start planning to incorporate swimming into your little ones’ daily routine when MCO is over, and it could even be one of the family activities to jump into post-MCO for a meaningful parent-child bonding experience (and a healthier lifestyle).

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THERE’S A NEW ICE CREAM IN TOWN AND IT HAS OUR CHILDHOOD WRITTEN ALL OVER IT Wall’s first began its humble beginnings out of a butcher’s shop known to the London locals as T. Wall & Sons. Aside from selling their crowdfavourite sausages, they added some classic American ice creams to the menu in 1922, and the rest, as they say, is history.

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DROOL WORTHY

Today, Wall’s is one of the world’s leading ice cream brands with a presence in over 50 different countries, and its iconic red heart logo is recognised by all ice cream lovers.

From delightful fruity ice lollies to the world-famous Cornetto and Magnum ice creams, Wall’s legacy endures – making everyone happy, one ice cream at a time.

Wall’s is thrilled to work with Ovaltine to introduce the newly released Wall’s Ovaltine Crunchy Pop ice cream to everyone. Every sound-inducing bite of the new ice cream promises to bring tremendous excitement and flashing memories of our childhood.

A familiar taste but with a twist, the Wall’s Ovaltine Crunchy Pop ice cream is the perfect combination of Ovaltine white malt and Ovaltine Crunchy Pop flakes.

The #CrunchyKawKaw experience begins with a bite of the Ovaltine Crunchy Pop flakes and chocolate malt coating, perfectly followed by creamy Ovaltine White Malt ice cream with irresistible Chocolate Malt Swirl.

The Wall’s Ovaltine Crunchy Pop ice cream is now available at retail outlets nationwide and is priced at RM3.50 each. The ice cream is also available online for purchase on e-commerce sites like Lazada and Shopee, as well as food delivery platforms like Grab, FoodPanda and PandaMart.

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GET YOUR FAVOURITE BISCOFF TREATS ONLINE

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In recent years, these biscuits have reemerged as a full-fledged dessert ingredient and it’s the Lotus Biscoff. It is a crispy biscuit that tastes so wonderful that we become addicted to it. The distinct sweet and fatty flavour of brown sugar and caramel makes it popular all around the world.

Not only can you just savour it as it is, but now there are many desserts incorporating Biscoff into their cakes, tarts, ice cream and so on. So if you’re a huge Biscoff fan, you can check out this list and fulfil that craving of yours to the maximum level.

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Lotus Speculoos Rolls Chocolate The crunchiness of Lotus Biscoff biscuits is combined with the smoothness of Belgian Chocolate. Each Lotus Biscoff biscuit ball is dipped in luscious chocolate that makes you want to finish up the whole bag on your own.

Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Sticks These Biscoff Ice Cream Sticks can be unexpectedly be found at B.I.G (Ben’s Independent Grocer) whereby the box includes three ice cream sticks.

Coated in Belgian chocolate, it comes with some crunchy Biscoff cookies and creamy Biscoff spread on the top.

Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Tub To get the most out of the Lotus Biscoff ice cream tub, it’s recommended that you open the sealed top and wait for at least 5 minutes. Prepare to dig into smooth and creamy dairy milk ice cream strewn with crispy Lotus Biscoff biscuits (on top and in the ice cream itself) that is interwoven with thick Biscoff spread.

After each mouthful, you can’t help but want more and more.

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Lotus Biscoff & Go It is divided into two parts, one of which contains the crispy breadsticks and the other contains the Biscoff spread. Trust us when we say that scooping it up once with the biscuit will not suffice, and you may even lick the container clean.

Lotus Biscoff Sandwich These sandwiches are available in three flavours: cream, chocolate, and vanilla. You may eat it as such, in addition to being served with coffee and tea during the evening. It is bloody addictive and tasty that you would feel as though one is not enough.

Lotus Biscoff Topping Sauce Lotus Biscoff is now available in a 1Kg squeezable Topping Sauce, which is ideal for pouring over crepes, waffles, ice cream, and other desserts. Lotus Biscoff’s caramelised flavour presents a wonderful sweet dimension to hundreds of recipes, both sweet and savoury.

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AUTO

The Proton Saga was the first car produced in the country in 1985. Until now, the Proton Saga on the market now is a third-generation model and it is rumoured that 1.8 million units have been produced since it was first introduced 35 years ago.

If you didn’t know, the first Saga model was also actually brought to the United Kingdom market in 1989.

At that time, two models were introduced in the UK which was rebranded to Proton 1.3 and Proton 1.5.

Interestingly, at that time it was marketed using a very unique slogan “Japanese Technology, Malaysian Style” besides successfully setting a record as the fastest new car sales in the UK, it is said that the sales of this car are very encouraging so they managed to reach the sales target within 6 months than expected the initial target is one year.

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AUTO

THIS 1989

PROTON SAGA

WAS NAMED ‘BEST CLASSIC CAR’ AT THE HAGERTY FESTIVAL OF THE UNEXPECTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

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AUTO

However, many do not know that apart from the two models, there is another model that can be said to be very ‘rare’, namely the Proton Saga ‘Black Knight’, a special edition of 1989 also entered the UK market.

What makes it special is that there were only 201 units produced and sold in the UK at that time. The Proton Saga 1.5 GL Black Knight is said to be very limited and there is only one that still exists and is so well maintained that it managed to win first place in a vehicle show event in the UK recently.

The event, dubbed the ‘Hagerty Festival of the Unexpectional’, is an annual event that features classic cars from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s that were considered common when new but is now quite ‘rare’. in this day and age.

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It is understood that Jon Coupland’s Proton Black Knight managed to surpass 50 other participants who took part this year.

In addition, according to an interview with the organizers, Coupland explained that he was the third owner of this vehicle and according to him, the original owner of this vehicle only drove 3600 miles (5,794km) before being parked in the garage because the owner fell ill.

Later, the vehicle was sold to a second owner in 2017 after years of being left in the garage. Coupland who is a police officer bought this vehicle in 2019.

In the event, this iconic car made in Malaysia has managed to set aside big names in the automotive world such as Peugeot 106 XN Graduate special edition 1991, Kia Pride 1990, Fiat 128 1977, Triumph Toledo 1971, Volkswagen Polo C Formel E 1986, Nissan Bluebird 1989, Volvo 340 DL 1986, Ford Escort 1978 and more.

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HEALTH

When it comes to cholesterol, there are many misconceptions, such as “I’m on medication to lower my cholesterol levels, therefore I can eat anything I want” or that males are more prone to cholesterol than women.

However, when a person adopts an unhealthy lifestyle and diet such as a high intake of unsaturated fats, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol, it causes LDL — ‘bad’ cholesterol to accumulate in large amounts in the arterial walls.

To begin with, what is cholesterol?

What changes can be made to get a low cholesterol diet?

Cholesterol is essential for the functioning of cells in the body. However, having too much of it can result in a variety of illnesses, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. As a result, everyone should be worried about their blood cholesterol levels in order to avoid the ailments listed previously.

The major goal of dietary modification is to keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Total cholesterol levels can be reduced by as much as 10% to 15% by diet.

Change the way you prepare food to a low cholesterol diet

The trick is to adopt a more low cholesterol diet.

In case you didn’t know, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are the two primary kinds of cholesterol.

You may change the way foods are prepared in addition to lowering high cholesterol directly.

There are a number of things that can be done, including:

HDL aids in the removal of excess cholesterol from the body, making it less likely for it to clog your arteries. However, when a person adopts an unhealthy lifestyle and diet such as a high intake of unsaturated fats, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol, it causes LDL — ‘bad’ cholesterol to accumulate in large amounts in the arterial walls.

- Before cooking, remove the skin and fat from the chicken or beef meat.

- Cooking methods that are healthy, such as boiling and steaming, should be prioritised.

- Cook with vegetable oil instead of palm oil.

- Reduce your use of oil. The use of a nonstick pan is also beneficial.

Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque in the arteries caused by too much cholesterol.

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Legumes and beans

A low cholesterol diet that helps lower cholesterol

Chickpeas and lentils, for example, are high in soluble fibre and plant-based protein. When you consume legumes and beans instead of meat (animal protein), it can decrease your 'bad' LDL cholesterol.

Oats Oatmeal is a good source of fibre. In addition, it is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Due to its abundant nutrient content, oatmeal is effective in lowering sugar levels and blood pressure. No wonder oatmeal is known as one of the heart-healthy foods.

Tip: For a quick and easy meal, use canned legumes. Before usage, rinse and drain the salty brine. Salads, sauces, casseroles, and legumebased dips like hummus can all benefit from them.

Fish Oil

Nuts

The fat found in fish is not the same as the fat found in other animals. Fish fat is made up of two unsaturated fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both of which belong to the omega-3 fatty acid family. Fish get this omega-3 fatty acid as a dietary source from sea phytoplankton, which is subsequently stored as fat in the fish's body.

Nuts are high in heart-healthy fats and fibre, which can help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Consuming nuts on a regular basis has been related to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides8.

It's better to eat a variety of nuts because they all have varying quantities of beneficial fats.

Because they contain more nutrients, choose nuts that are similar to those found in nature.

Look for nuts with their skins on, that are unsalted, and that haven't been toasted.

It has the ability to lower blood fat levels and treat heart issues. Consume fish oil or raw tuna, salmon, sardines, trout, and bluefish, which are high in omega fats. Every day, consume one to four grams of omega 3 fats. However, do try to avoid shellfish.

Soy products

Fruits and vegetables

Tofu, soy milk, soybeans, and edamame beans are all examples of soy products. Some data suggest that consuming soy products on a daily basis might help to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Eating a rainbow of colourful fruits and vegetables every day will help prevent heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Soluble fibre is abundant in many vegetables and fruits, which helps to decrease cholesterol absorption and lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

Furthermore, regular exercise can help lower cholesterol levels. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, sometimes known as "good" cholesterol, can be raised with moderate physical exercise. Work up to 30 minutes of exercise five times a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity three times a week, with your doctor's approval.

To obtain the most fibre from veggies like pumpkin, kūmara, and carrots, leave the skins on. Dressings and sauces can be made with orange and lemon peel.

Apple Vinegar

Moderate alcohol use also has been related to increased HDL cholesterol levels, but the benefits aren't strong enough to suggest alcohol to anybody who doesn't currently consume it. Consuming too much alcohol can cause significant health issues such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and strokes.

Reduces total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, which is a measure of fat content.

High blood pressure, gout, and acid reflux can all be treated with it. In a glass of water, dissolve one spoonful of vinegar. Every day, drink two to three times. Replace warm water with orange juice, apple juice, or your favourite juice for added taste.

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MOVIE

The new Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer reveals Marvel multiverse Marvel has officially released the first teaser for Spider-Man: No Way Home, and it has several indications about how the notion of a multiverse will be handled.

The concept of the multiverse has been presented in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since the film Avengers: End Game. However, at that time the concept that was introduced was only limited to time travel to the past.

Marvel later attempted to resurrect the multiverse concept with the Wandavision and Loki series. What If…?, which debuted a while ago, also has a multiverse concept.

In the three-minute teaser, Peter Parker’s life gets chaotic after Mysterio reveals his true identity.

Furthermore, he is now despised by the general public as the murderer of Mysterio.

Peter Parker sought to find a solution to the problem since he couldn’t bear the predicament he was in.

Hence his trip to visit Doctor Strange.

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MOVIE “When Mysterio revealed my identity, my entire life got screwed up. I was wondering if maybe you could make it look like he never did,” Peter Parker asked Doctor Strange.

Doctor Strange agreed to Peter Parker’s request. He has a spell that can fix things, making everyone forget Spider-Man’s true identity. However, Wong had previously warned Doctor Strange not to use the spell but he went ahead with it anyway.

“We’ve tampered with the stability of space and time,” Doctor Strange says in the trailer.

In addition to the multiverse concept, the trailer also shows that Spider-Man’s old nemesis will reappear.

Doctor Octopus, for example, the villain in the Spider-Man 2 (2004) movie will return to fight with Peter Parker.

The appearance of Doctor Octopus has fueled speculation that Tobey Maguire’s version of Spider-Man will appear in this film. The same goes for Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man as well. We can also hear Green Goblin’s voice at the end of the teaser, more specifically, William Dafoe’s, who originally appeared in the Spiderman film in 2002.

Are you excited? ‘Cause we definitely are!

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MOVIE

Dug Days is a great way to spend the family night especially

for people who grew up watching Disney movies

Within seconds after pressing play on the remote and hoping to retreat into the solace of comforting liquor to drown out the pandemic sorrows, Disney+’s latest short animation series Dug Days has got its own plan and that is to make you binge-watch till you want more.

This five-episode short film series from Pixar is the family delight that will have you sobbing in its heartbreaking ending moments.

It’s easy to disregard Disney’s approach of scavenging its own back catalogue for spinoff content to populate its streaming service, especially given the recent spate of releases.

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MOVIE

However, one thing that sets it apart from the rest of the spin-off shows is Dug Days, hands down. And it can only be characterised as a dose of sheer happiness as we wait out the pandemic.

For the unfamiliar, Dug is a happy-go-lucky golden retriever who originally appeared in the animated film Up. Dug, a dog with a collar that converts his thoughts into words, decides to live with Ed Asner’s grandfather Carl Frederiksen towards the conclusion of Up. The mix of Dug’s vigour and Carl’s exhaustion makes them ideal mates.

You get to witness Dug in typical Wile E Coyote territory in one episode, attempting to keep his enemy, a squirrel, from taking the nuts from the garden outside. Another scene has Dug being ecstatic to be caring for a litter of puppies, only to be quickly overwhelmed by their limitless energy and eagerness to irritate him.

Though there isn’t much of a tale to lead on when it comes to making it big on the film, one thing we must acknowledge is that, like other characters, the way Pixar’s animators designed Dug to astound the audience is undeniably present, especially with his two wide eyes and an enormous black nose. Plus, it’s fascinating to see Dug in his own little universe, which will inevitably make you chuckle along the way.

Nevertheless, it is a show you can watch alone, especially if you have grown up with Disney. It’s arguably one of the greatest dogs to have ever graced the silver screen.

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LANY HAS RETURNED WITH A COUPLE OF NEW UPBEAT TUNES THAT WILL HAVE YOU DANCING ALL DAY

LANY’s last two albums have each been sweeping statements about big themes — intense heartbreak on Malibu Nights and an exploration of the band’s background on 2021’s Mama’s Boy. The band’s fourth album gg bb xx is a change of gear, towards what frontman and principal songwriter Paul Klein calls micro-moments: those flashes we experience that come and go in the blink of an eye. Fleeting moments in love and life that it’d be easy to miss if we didn’t grab hold of them there and then. gg bb xx accepts that big things in life are always made of small things, and couldn’t exist without them. “There have been times in the past,” Paul recalls, “when I’ve walked into a writing session with a micro-moment idea for a song and the producer’s said: ‘I don’t think there’s enough meat there, maybe it could be a line in another song?’ This time round it was an exciting challenge and a fun endeavour to take what might be considered inconsequential, and to make it magical.”

Which, of course, is what great pop music so often does, but then LANY are no strangers to great pop music.

When Paul, Jake Goss and Les Priest established the band in 2014, conjuring a new alt-pop trio from the ashes of their own respective musical projects, their synth-sheened anthems of love, heartbreak and the quest for connection immediately found an audience. Their 2017, self-titled debut album set in motion a chain of events that led to international success, sold-out arenas, festival ubiquity and a massive 3.5 billion streams. And having established themselves on the world stage through music that’s never been less than meticulously crafted LANY are now choosing to complement songs about micro-moments with a new type of spontaneity.

In the past, Paul recognises, he’d obsess over every minute detail of a song, recording some vocal takes a hundred times, admitting that “I was — and there’s no other way to put this — incredibly anal.” Producer Andrew Goldstein, who’s overseen gg bb xx in its entirety, was having none of that. “He said to me: ‘Stop doing that,’” Paul laughs.

“He said: ‘We’re not going to do that. When the vocal’s right, I will let you know.’” In time it was Paul who found he could let go of his insecurities and trust the process. In fact, the vocals on Til I Don’t, Dancing In The Kitchen and Roll Over, Baby are the recordings made on the day each of those songs was first written. “There was a

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MUSIC real sense of freedom to this album,” Paul acknowledges. “Even freedom from myself. I learned to stop being hung up on everything. To let stuff go.

Recording gg bb xx has been the most fun I’ve ever had making music — this new album is LANY at its best, and for all the right reasons.” gg bb xx comes hot on the (stacked) heels of 2021’s Mama’s Boy, an album whose neon cowboy artwork perfectly encapsulated a collection of songs in which LANY wrestled with the tension between the bright lights of their lives today and their roots growing up in, as the band put it, “the middle of nowhere”. A sonic departure for the band, it also worked as something of a prequel: an opportunity to present the origin story of a group that had apparently arrived fully formed from LA and NY, via Nashville. “We took our fans back home,” Paul says now. “We showed them what we left, and maybe why we left. It was taking people on a journey — spending some time away from LANY to tell the story behind it.”

The band figured that on any long journey it’s alright to take a detour or two; ironically, the departure ended up earning LANY their biggest radio hit to date, in the shape of If This Is The Last Time, and a top 10 US album, winning them even more new fans along the way.

at the time, and it occurred to me: I wish we were celebrating together.”

Paul’s unselfconscious knack for pensive, reflective lyricism teems through this album, painting miniature vignettes that can’t help but resonate. On Somewhere, for instance, he sings of growing selfesteem and independence. “There comes a point in anyone’s life where it’s important to not need the approval of or affection from others — to love yourself, and be proud of yourself,” he says. “It’s a journey and I might spend the rest of my life trying to get there, but I’m on the way. The song says: I’m not where I want to be. But I’m getting somewhere.” Then there’s the idea of “loving only halfway” expressed in DNA — a song about struggling to establish a meaningful relationship in a town where commitment seems like a dirty word. “In LA you can barely get someone to commit to dinner on a Wednesday night, much less a relationship,” Paul says.

“The DNA of this town is: keep your options open. ‘Nah, I’m gonna love you a little bit but you never know who might be better, hotter, younger,

Indeed, one line on the new song Up To Me — “have you heard they’re playing LANY on the radio?” — was directly inspired by texts Paul received during 2021 when their music was blowing up in places it had never blown up before. In turn, his mind wandered to a former romance, from back when the band was in its infancy. “I thought of my ambition back then when I was still trying to make it, and the people I was with

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more beneficial to my status.’ Dating in LA is all about: ‘I’ll love you, but only halfway.’”

Nailing down a solid relationship in the recording studio can be just as tricky, he adds. “It’s difficult to find producers these days that will commit to an entire body of work, but when I met Andrew Goldstein I expressed an interest that I would love to make this top to bottom with him, and he was on board straight away. He totally understood the dynamic of LANY, and he understood our vision from the get-go.” (At one point the vision was that the album would be entirely electronic, though this was revised slightly as a band couldn’t resist the lure of a twelve-foot grand piano.)

When the album felt done, Paul found himself watching an Ed Sheeran documentary in which Ed, his own album feeling done, played the tracks to his record label who pointed out that it was a bit balladheavy. Ed then turned in Shape Of You. “The most streamed song on any platform in the whole fucking world,” Paul reflects. The next day LANY went into the studio and set themselves

MUSIC the challenge of imagining that they hadn’t actually yet written their new album’s biggest song. The result was Never Mind Let’s Break Up. “There’s a 99.99% chance that the song is absolutely not our Shape Of You,” Paul laughs, “but we still walked out with a song that was really cool.”

And it’s a song packed with micromoments — snapshots from all Paul’s previous relationships; the greatest hits of near breakups. Or, as Paul puts it: “All the times I was ready to pull the trigger and say: okay, it’s not working, let’s split up.”

me,” “dna [demo]” and “dancing in the the kitchen”—which Uproxx says “showcases the group’s knack for penning relatable pop tunes, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life’s little moments over a joyous beat.” These new songs follow LANY’s first new music of 2021, “I Quit Drinking,” a duet with country superstar Kelsea Ballerini which debuted with a live performance at this year’s CMT Awards.

Nowhere is gg bb xx’s sense of spontaneity more in evidence than in the album’s title. (For the record you pronounce it ‘gg’ as in Hadid, ‘bb’ as in Rexha, and ‘xx’ as in, well, The xx.) Fans and internet sleuths could spend years attempting to decode the secret hidden message or significance of this title, so to save everyone time: it doesn’t mean much at all. “I wanted a title that had no pretence, no preconceived notion: a clean slate,” Paul explains.

“So whatever the title means to you, that’s what the album title means.”

The band will embark on a UK and Irish tour in September, with stop-offs in Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, Glasgow and London. Until then, we have ‘dancing in the kitchen’. It’s the sound of a band hitting a thrilling creative peak. LANY are coming into their own.

Whether that’s fact or bluff remains to be seen, but there’s no mistaking the passion and positivity at the heart of LANY’s extraordinary new album. There is, unavoidably, a subtle sense of joy in gg bb xx. “It feels good to feel good,” is Paul’s explanation.

“What I think you hear in the album is that I’ve reached a point where I feel secure and safe in the knowledge that whatever happens in life, I can always find a silver lining.”

September 27 Glasgow, U.K. O2 Academy Glasgow

It’s not hard to understand why the three-piece are making music with a swagger. In 2020, their third studio album ‘mama’s boy’ debuted in the Top 10 on the US Billboard chart, with the band also scoring a UK Top 25 album placing. To date, LANY have amassed over three billion total streams, 600+ million video views and sold almost half a million tickets.

They are no strangers to collaboration, either: preceding their hit with Kelsea Ballerini were stunning team-ups with Lauv (2019’s ‘Mean It’) and Julia Michaels (‘okay’, from the same year).

LANY: GG BB XX UK TOUR 2021

– dancing in the kitchen –

September 23 Birmingham, U.K. O2 Academy Birmingham

The LA-based trio are one of the breakthrough bands of the past decade and the euphoric, hookladen synth-pop of ‘dancing in the kitchen’ sees Paul Klein, Jake Goss and Les Priest hit new heights.

Following ‘I quit drinking’, the group’s collaboration with Kelsea Ballerini that came last month, ‘dancing in the kitchen’ is the first cut from LANY’s next chapter and comes with a new video directed by Matty Peacock.

September 24 Manchester, U.K. Manchester Academy September 25 Dublin, Ireland The Helix

September 29 London, U.K. Eventim Apollo

– Never mind, let’s break up – The new track is the fourth offering from gg bb xx, following “up to

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MUSIC

Platinum-Certified singer

songwriter producer Jeremy Zucker OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES HIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SOPHOMORE ALBUM, CRUSHER, WILL BE RELEASED ON OCTOBER 1ST. In Jeremy’s words, “‘CRUSHER’ is as much a departure as it is an arrival. ‘love is not dying’, thematically, was a doomed love letter. A desperate plea for compassion and understanding in the face of destruction. Making music during a pandemic is a difficult task enough, but ‘love is not dying’ felt like a pretty impossible project to follow up.

One ‘pandemic’-inspired song felt like enough, and not much was going on in my life, at all. The well was dry, so to speak. I was slow to realize that the person I wrote ‘love is not dying’ to (not for), actually hadn’t acknowledged any of it. During this time, a lot of things came to light…”

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MUSIC CRUSHER features Jeremy’s recently released summer anthems, “18” and “HONEST,” as well as his latest heartfelt single, “Cry with you.” The songs have received widespread praise from the likes of Billboard, Consequence, Entertainment Tonight, Ones To Watch, Variance Magazine, and more.

Jeremy will be revealing the remaining album tracklist very soon.

In celebration of CRUSHER, Jeremy is set to embark on his “MORE NOISE !!!!” North American Tour this fall, which kicks off on October 19th in Portland, OR and runs through the end of November, making stops at Los Angeles’ The Novo on October 27th, New York’s Terminal 5 on November 18th, and more—see the full list of tour dates below.

Tickets are on sale now at www.jeremyzuckermusic.com/.

Over the past year, Jeremy teamed up with Chelsea Cutler for the brent ii EP (2021) and released his debut album love is not dying (2020) to critical acclaim. He also performed singles on The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s #PlayAtHome series, and TODAY, as well as made his performance debut at a sold-out Red Rocks Amphitheatre last month.

He continues, “‘CRUSHER’ is my response. I take back everything I said. It’s no longer about us, or me.

It’s about you. During the writing process of this album, I became more myself than ever. It’s a more raw and confident me. I found new influences sonically, and I finally learned how to have fun making music again. I focused on more energy-driven elements of music production: live drums, saturation, and a bit of yelling. ‘CRUSHER’ is a word that describes something or someone that ‘crushes’ – in my case, it was the aforementioned person who crushed me…lol.

It felt right to be front and center visually to support the music, instead of putting the music in front of me like I feel I’ve done in the past.

We took the picture [on the album artwork] in front of a literal rock crusher – metaphors involving a complex and deliberate mechanism to systematically crush the literal ‘unbreakable’ ensue… It felt quite appropriate.”

Stay tuned for more music and announcements to come from Jeremy Zucker very soon!

JEREMY ZUCKER TOUR DATES 10/19 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theatre 10/20 – Seattle, WA – Showbox At The Market 10/22 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom 10/23 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades 10/27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo 10/29 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren 10/30 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex 11/1 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall 11/3 – Dallas, TX – The HiFi 11/4 – Houston, TX – House of Blues 11/6 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse 11/7 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl 11/8 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues 11/10 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue 11/12 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall 11/13 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall 11/16 – Boston MA – Royale 11/18 – New York, NY – Terminal 5 11/21 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts

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Want your products or services FEATURED and REVIEWED? We provide only honest feedbacks from real people.

Contact us at marketing@brandzoom360.com now!

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NEWTRENDS

launches first vending machine at Shell Karak Highway 2 Since its introduction to Malaysia, FamilyMart has radically altered the landscape of convenience stores in the country. You can never go hungry with its many food options, including bento boxes, oden, and sandwiches, even if all you want is a light meal.

The only disadvantage of visiting a real store is that you will have to wait in line for a long time before being served, which is inconvenient.

However, times are changing, and FamilyMart has now introduced their very own vending machine – Malaysia’s first FamilyMart Mini. Rather than travelling to the store, you may simply stop by this gas station and get your FamilyMart dose.

These smart vending machines allow touch screen purchases and cashless payments. You can make payment via debit cards, credit and digital wallets.

Shell Karak Highway 2 is home to the first FamilyMart Mini. Those who reside near or past the highway should check it out. Also if you’re on the road, you can always stop and refuel with some Pocket Sando or Sandwiches.

This FamilyMart vending machine is currently the only one in the country, but the brand is planning to expand in the near future.

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NEWTRENDS

This popular ice cream brand launches new flavours for coffee lovers, featuring The Barista Collection Get the best of coffee and ice cream in one with the new Häagen-Dazs flavours. The Barista Collection welcomes a new limited-edition Salted Caramel Cappuccino flavour and the return of an old favourite Brownie Macchiato.

Let the new additions elevate your coffee experience from an everyday ‘pick me up’ to a memorable, delicious treat. Coffee aficionados and ice-cream lovers alike can look forward to enjoying a well-earned mid-day break with skilfully crafted treats that strike the perfect balance between deep, full-bodied roasted coffee beans and Häagen-Dazs’ signature sweet and smooth ice cream. Don’t Hold Back and Take A Coffee Break with the new Barista Collection.

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NEWTRENDS

Salted Caramel Cappuccino Pint Coffee and dessert lovers can now enjoy the best of both worlds from the comfort of their homes with the limited edition Salted Caramel Cappuccino. Infused with the finest Brazilian Coffee beans roasted to perfection and lovingly brewed to bring out a rich, complex flavour, sink your spoon into the full-bodied, smooth ice cream swirled with a ribbon of decadent salted caramel and crunchy chocolate chips.

Brownie Macchiato Pint Back by popular demand, the Brownie Macchiato ice cream makes a return. A coffee dream in a pint, this mild but full-bodied coffee ice cream is made from the finest Robusta coffee beans grown in Brazil combined with Häagen-Dazs’ signature ice cream made with 100% real cream and milk from France and Belgium, cage-free eggs and sugar. Each spoonful is injected with swirls of intense coffee sauce for a little caffeine boost and chewy chocolate brownie pieces that add an indulgent finishing touch. Awaken your senses with the perfect treat for your daily caffeine indulgence.

Don’t Hold Back on treating yourself and love the mix with the best of coffee and ice cream. Available from September to October, discover the new stimulating flavours at Aeon, Jaya grocer, Village grocer and Family Mart or Häagen-Dazs Cafés near you. The pints are priced at RM 34.50 each. Häagen-Dazs ice creams are also available on e-retail platforms such as GrabMart, Jayagrocer.com and Aeon Online.

For a limited time only, you can also enjoy delicious Barista Collection creations at Häagen- Dazs Cafes. Savour the creamy and intense flavours of the Salted Caramel Kopi Shake, Brownie Affogato and Coffee Dream Cake available from September onwards.

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NEWTRENDS

STARBUCKS MALAYSIA LAUNCHES MOONCAKE GIFT BOX AND DISTINCTLYDESIGNED MINITOTE BAGS BY CHRISTY NG Starbucks is pleased to present its artfully designed exclusive mooncake sets to be shared with friends and family this year in celebration of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and the unveiling of the first iteration of its collaboration with local designer, Christy Ng. The limited-edition mooncake sets include distinctively designed mini-tote bags by Christy Ng, which draw inspiration from the festival’s ancient folklore but with a modern twist. This exclusive tote bag’s design tells its own story, with the Crane bringing Chang’e, the prevailing protagonist of the Mid-Autumn festival, an Osmanthus flower from earth to soothe her nostalgia for family and home as she sits far away on the moon.

Families can now express their love and gratitude for their loved ones even when they are separated with these specially designed mooncake sets, bridging the gap of longing and familiarity, as Chang’e did.

The Starbucks® x Christy Ng Exclusive Mooncake Set in Burgundy Red and the Starbucks® x Christy Ng Limited Edition Mooncake Set in Midnight Blue is available in two colourways. Add a touch of personalised luxury by personalising the bag with your name, which is only available in this colourway.

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NEWTRENDS

This year, Starbucks launched 4 kinds of mooncakes, namely Caramel Macchiato, Lotus Salted Egg, Chocolate Hazelnut Praline and Matcha Red Bean Taste (Matcha Adzuki).

Starbucks is also introducing a collection of tumblers, water bottles, and mugs dedicated to the Mid-Autumn festivities to further welcome the festivities. The Stargazing Bunny Collection is inspired by stargazing and features floppy bunnies searching the dreamy constellations under a starry night to celebrate the season of a reunion.

The Starbucks® x Christy Ng Exclusive Mooncake Set in Burgundy Red is priced at RM138 each while the Starbucks® x Christy Ng Exclusive Mooncake Set in Midnight Blue is tagged at RM158.

Customers can purchase the Starbucks® x Christy Ng Exclusive Mooncake Sets in stores nationwide, while stocks last. To add more joy to the festivities, customers can also purchase the Stargazing Bunny Collection from as low as RM75 and is available at all Starbucks stores in Malaysia.

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LIFESTYLE UNPLUGGED

1. Something new is brewing: cameron highlands getting their own escape theme park

2. This M’sian woman has made our Nasi Lemak dish popular in Amsterdam

Cameron Highlands is about to have a major resurgence in terms of tourism after we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and are allowed to travel interstate again. When that happens, the reason to visit this local holiday destination will no longer be limited to the cold weather, strawberries, and tea — it will also be due to the new theme park.

It all started as a hobby — cooking and eating with friends — Penangborn Solehan-Manger Ramli who settled in Rumpt, Netherlands after marrying her husband, a Dutch local has now turned into an online business since 2017.

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WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN UP: YOU GET TO STAY IN-TREND GET THE LATEST NEWS OF THE WEEK JOIN OUR CONTESTS, AND WIN COOL PRIZES CHECK OUT THE LATEST REVIEWS SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? SIGN-UP TO OUR BI-WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR ALL THESE FREE BENEFITS.

3. This 1989 Proton Saga was named ‘Best Classic Car’ at the Hagerty Festival of the Unexpected in the United Kingdom.

The Proton Saga was the first car produced in the country in 1985.

Until now, the Proton Saga on the market now is a third-generation model and it is rumoured that 1.8 million units have been produced since it was first introduced 35 years ago.

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top ick Glenfiddich Grande Couronne PUMA x Animal Crossing: New Horizons The PUMA x Animal Crossing: New Horizons crossover takes cues from the beloved game; the collection’s streetwear silhouettes are reimagined with natural colours and authentic graphics from the fun franchise. The resulting collaboration is ready for anything, with styles for both adults and kids, including some of PUMA’s most distinctive shoe silhouettes, Suede, Wild Rider, and Future Rider.

Price: From RM179.00 to RM579.00

Designed to elevate occasions and celebratory moments in a whole new way, the Glenfiddich Grand Series is a beautifully disruptive series of single malts.

Each of the expressions in the series takes a unique approach to disrupt everyday life to uniquely celebrate milestones and special occasions.

Price: RM2,591.00

Batik Boutique Shibori Scarf (Silk Cotton) - Black Fern Comfort is essential and so is versatility. Add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe with these stylish, one of a kind batik and shibori scarves. Made for everyday comfortable wear, these lightweight scarves are made from 100% hand-painted premium quality silk cotton and are wearable all day every day.

Price: RM199.00

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NUDESKIN by NUDESTIXs Hydra-Peptide Lip Butter Poetry & Short Stories - A Practice Book A short story and poetry activity book, Poetry & Short Stories - A Practice Book introduces the foundations of writing to writing enthusiasts/novices, strengthening writing skills and instilling good writing habits. Suitable for both individual practice and classroom learning, this book is a good mix of both information transfer and practical exercises, organized in a manner to facilitate better understanding and learning.

Price: RM35.90

The much-loved skincare line NUDESKIN by NUDESTIX has expanded their skincare line in the lip category with their new Spring 2021 Hydra-Peptide Lip Butter. Featuring turn-key ingredients focuses to help hydrate, and plump the lips, with added peptide booster formulations and nutrients.

Price: RM80.00

Nasi Lemak Homeware Gift Set Batik Boutique’s Nasi Lemak (coconut rice) collection includes this homeware set, which features a handprinted theme of one of Malaysia’s most popular rice dishes. You have two styling options for your table or home with reversible coasters and placemats with contrasting prints. For this limited-edition collection, the hand-printed Malaysian phrases “minum lah” and “minum lah” invite you to have a drink and to eat.

Price: RM299.00

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Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture SPF50+ Recognising the harmful effects of the UV rays, blue light and infrared radiation to the skin, Sunplay new Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen was upgraded with the innovative Solarex-5 Technology which provides high UVA/UVB protection and protection against the blue light and infrared light, which in turn also helps in reducing the visible signs of skin aging.

Price: RM 45.90

UNIQLO LifeWear FALL/WINTER 2021 Neighborhood Living We find comfort in our neighborhoods. This is where we live, love, stroll.

This season’s UNIQLO LifeWear collection is specifically designed to make an appreciation of your environment and the area you call home. UNIQLO LifeWear is thoughtful, practical clothing for everyday life and enjoyable activities, balancing simplicity and comfort with style and utility with these four sub-themes: Freedom in Motion, Need for Nature, Curated City Living and Rest and Recharge.

Fujifilm GFX50S II The GFX50S II packs the 51.4MP large-format sensor to boast an incredible image-resolving power, capturing every detail in sharpness across the frame.

Light is recorded to the pixel which is 1.7 times that of a full-frame sensor *2 to achieve a wide dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Price: From RM 17,998

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Evolcare Glacier HA Serum

Timberland GreenStride™ Solar Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot Introducing the GreenStrideTM Solar Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boots inspired by Timberland true tradition of Alpine Hikers debuted back in 1978. Introducing the GreenStrideTM Solar Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boots inspired by Timberland true tradition of Alpine Hikers debuted back in 1978.

Price: RM699.00

The “Glacier” HA Serum is formulated with a unique Triple Hyaluronic Acid and Phyto Active Complex of which includes Cistus Incanus, Coneflower and Snow Crocus Extract, designed to provide skin with long lasting hydration and improved skin elasticity. Enriched with triple weights of Hyaluronic Acid, different molecular weights penetrate to different levels of the skin.

Price: RM185.00

BaWangChaJi Rosé Tie Guan Yin Rosé Tie Guan Yin is a fusion of Tie Guan Yin tea leaves and rose petal jam. Tie Guan Yin is an authentic Chinese Tea that is known for its fragrance and versatility. The combination of rose petal jam will further echo the aromatic goodness of the Tie Guan Yin tea leaves. Finally, topping it off with fresh milk makes the Rosé Tie Guan Yin an incredibly irresistible choice for tea lovers to enjoy.

Price: RM159.00

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