CLASSIFIEDS
Essential Traveller Promotion Book and Stay: From now until 31 January 2021
Exclusively for essential service personnel, enjoy our room offer at MYR 180 nett per room per night. Terms & Conditions: - Early check-in at 12:00 noon and late check-out at 3:00 PM - Flexible stay dates and flexible date change - 24 hours cancellation is applicable - Exclusively for essential service personnel only - Eligible for World of Hyatt Points For reservation, call us at 088 221234 and mention the booking code : ESSENTIAL or WhatsApp us at 017 823 3234 for more information.
HYATT REGENCY KINABALU,
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, 88991 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
PHONE : +60 88 22 1234
kinabalu.regency.hyatt.com
Subscribe to
now! And get FREE Voucher!
Find us on Facebook | www.facebook.com/Breezemagazine
SABAH | SARAWAK | BRUNEI
WILD RUN KOTA KINABALU 2020 (VR) 1st - 14th November 2020 Wild run (vr) is a friendly virtual run that was originally organised in conjunction with Borneo Nature Festival and World Wildlife Day on March 2020
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS NOVEMBER BORNEO DIVERS’ CELEBRATION OF SEA TURTLES 9th - 12th November 2020 Celebrate the magnificent sea turtles to experience the journey of saving these marine creatures. Fun activities will focus on CARE – Conservation & Awareness, Research & Education (in collaboration with University Malaysia Sabah). Borneo Divers Mabul Resort, Semporna
Anywhere Outdoors Wild Run Malaysia 2020
088-222226 reservations@borneodivers.info
EDITOR’S NOTE
EDITORIAL TEAM Hi Breeze readers, The image was taken 2 years ago when I was at Ba Lin Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in Sandakan. Good times then and Sandakan is easily one of my favourite spots to go if I were to go for a staycation. I wish I could go there now but as you all know (depending on when you read this), a staycation is not something we can practice for now. But until then, a staycation is an activity to look forward to once the current pandemic situation subsides as it will be a while before international travel will be available again. With that said, this issue will have more focus on what’s ahead with a staycation.
We start things off with MASwings, the regional airline service operating in East Malaysia. Through MASwings, many enjoyed the comfort and service of traveling to various locations around Sabah. Outgoing MASwings CEO, Aminuddin Zakaria graces our Cover and talks about his journey in MASwings in Personality; where he will also share about how the airline will go through the challenges during the current pandemic. Turn to the pages of Feature to get a better insight on MASwings itself. In Destination, find out some of the top staycation spots in Sabah that we recommend you to go to in the near future. Meanwhile, I’m sure most of you would probably miss dining in restaurants like I do. Restaurant Review will showcase some recommended restaurants that are still open and you can still enjoy their menu items through takeaway and delivery. This issue also features Joshua Peter in Music as one of the up and coming music talents in Sabah. Check out other interesting reads throughout the rest of the pages in the magazine. Have a good November everyone and please do stay safe and healthy.
Editor in Chief – Dinoza Mahruf Assistant Editor – Noel Jinguli Writer – Khaleedah Jailani Writer – Thanis Lim Writer – Eilvane Chieng Writer – Andro A. Sandor Writer – Devyne Koh Writer – Adelina Adna Writer – Cherelle Lim Writer – Iffah Hazirah Copy writer – Iliana A.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director – Dinoza Mahruf Head Graphic Designer – Clarinda Peters Graphic Designer – Danie Guido Masudal Graphic Designer – Fatihah Affendy Fashion – Glam Squad Photographer – Jofanna Bridal Studio Photographer – Aznan Johary Photographer – Vance Tan Photographer – Alex Fell
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Managing Partner – Sonny Ali Finance – Zainaba S Administrator – Florence Masri Events & Promotions – Shana K IT Head – Eddie Bee Public & Gov. Relations – Noor F. Z. Advisor – James S.E. Quek
SALES & MARKETING TEAM
Marketing Head – Mohammad Iskandar Shah Senior Marketing Manager – Alina Lim Marketing – Labuan – Leonie Peter Marketing – Labuan – PRO LVY Ent Marketing – KL – Kahan Singh Gill Marketing – KL – Mimi Khan Magazine Sales – Robert Tham
CONTACT INFO
Editorial/Marketing 088-268 180 Administration: 088-316 926 Fax Number: 088-316 936 Email: breeze@breezeborneo.com (General) sales.marketing@breezeborneo.com (Sales) admin@breezeborneo.com (Admin) Marketing (KL): +60 19-336 2211 (Kahan) Marketing (Sabah): +60 18-662 0134 (Alina) Marketing (Labuan): +60 19-897 1238 (Leonie) Marketing (Labuan): +60 19-583 9100 (Eugene)
Scan to read online copy
Breeze Mag
Cover featuring Aminuddin Zakaria Cover photo by MASwings
Printing by JC Printer SDN. BHD (Co. No. 75764-p) No. 11, Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. P.O. Box 11984 88821 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Tel: 088-230749, 242378 Fax: 088-235806 Email: jc.printer@yahoo.com
The views and opinions expressed in Breeze are those of authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of MB Managers & Consultants (45857 T), its directors or editorial staff. While every reasonable care is taken in compiling the magazine, the publisher shall not be held responsible for any omission, error, or inaccuracy. Please notify the publisher in writing of any such omission, error or inaccuracy. Editorial contributions are welcome but unsolicited materials are submitted on sender’s risk. The publisher cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage. ® All rights reserved by MB Managers & Consultants (45857 T). No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s permission in writing. KDN PPH 308/10/2013 (033079)
content the staycation issue #148 14TECH 06FLASH
Oppo a93: form and function
34RANTS & RAVES
october 2020
staycation tips
07report
UNIVERSAL SERVICED OFFICE HOLDS VIRTUAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR ITS FIRST BUSINESS CENTRE IN MALAYSIA
08feature
35 POP CULTURE We deserve a staycation
26WELLNESS 16destination
Quiet Time
Top Staycation Spots In Sabah
The one and only MASwings
42 RESTAURANT REVIEW No dine-ins, no problem
32FITNESS STaycation Workout
12Music
Confidence Through Music
22personality AMINUDDIN ZAKARIA: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
FLASH
October 2020 MENTEE SEARCH FOR WANITA EMPOWERED CAMPAIGN Malaysia, 8 October 2020 - Wanita Empowered is a six month nationwide mentoring and training programme to equip women entrepreneurs with skills and resources to further develop themselves which is funded by the US Embassy. This campaign is managed by Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (SWEPA) with project partners; 3R, Penang Women Chambers of Commerce (PWCC) and The Women Entrepreneurs and Professional Association Sarawak (WEPS). A total of 10 mentees per state (3 states have been selected, Sabah, Sarawak and Penang) will be selected for this campaign where the graduation will be held in Kuala Lumpur on April 10, 2021. The training and mentoring programme involves 5 months of 9 online workshops (2 hours each), one on one mentoring (2 hours each), 5 sessions of peer sharing (1 hour each). Mentees will present their businesses during REFEST in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2021 to potential investors. For more information, go to web.facebook.com/WanitaEmpowered.
MSIG CHANNELS RM20,000 TO HELP HEALTHCARE FRONTLINERS IN SABAH Kuala Lumpur, 22 October 2020 - MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd “(MSIG Malaysia)”, is channelling RM20,000 to assist the Ministry of Health (MoH) renew its stocks of medical supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare front liners in the hard-hit state of Sabah. MSIG has a strong connection with Sabah, opening its first office in the state at Kota Kinabalu in 1965. The RM20,000 donation is just the latest in a number of COVID related contributions that MSIG Malaysia has made during the pandemic. Earlier, in March the company urgently channelled RM170,000 to the MOH to assist with the purchase of critically needed PPE, during the earlier wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Together with the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM), the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) and the Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), the company also contributed to the COVID-19 Test Fund (CTF), a RM8 Million endeavour to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts to conduct more COVID-19 tests for Malaysians.
SABAH TEA LAUNCHED NEW ONLINE SHOP, SABAHTEA-ESHOP.COM Kota Kinabalu, 22 October 2020 – Sabah Tea has recently launched SabahTea-eShop.com, an online shopping platform to drive product accessibility to consumers locally as well as globally. The launch of the online shop was greatly encouraged following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the global lockdown, there was a rapid surge in online shopping. Specialty teas such as Organic Sabah Tea and Green Tea Series are available online as well as Whole Leaves Tea and Oolong Tea. Furthermore, with the recently launched Borneo Herbs Series and Borneo Spices Series late last year, Sabah Tea has expanded its product range into herbs and spices to meet the demand of 100% pure herbs and spices and these products are also available online. In addition, an array of gift pack tea products are also available, whereby an assortment of tea flavours comes in beautiful box packaging. Promotional products are also available online.
KITA JAGA KITA WITH SENARAI BANTUAN COVID-19 SABAH Kota Kinabalu, 15 October 2020 - In midst of the current pandemic happening now, it became more important for Sabahans to support each or even receive help from elsewhere. Enter Senarai Bantuan COVID-19 Sabah, an online directory created by Sabahan Mazliana Mat Saidi that lists various initiatives in need of support during this pandemic. The directory has gone viral with thousands of views and shares. 27-year-old Mazliana from Penampang created the directory after discovering there were many initiatives in Sabah that needed help and inquiries by those seeking where they can help those in need within Sabah. The directory goes beyond helping frontliners, Covid-19 patients, and those in need as the list of initiatives also included to help those with mental health issues, disability, poverty, and many more. Those who have started their initiatives can contact Mazliana through the directory to get listed. Visit https://covid19crisissabah.carrd.co to view the list and help where you can. As the saying goes, Kita Jaga Kita.
6
UNIVERSAL SERVICED OFFICE HOLDS VIRTUAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR ITS FIRST BUSINESS CENTRE IN MALAYSIA
Federal Territory of Labuan, 19 October 2020 – Universal Serviced Offices (USO), headquartered in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, announces the commencement of construction of it’s first business centre in Malaysia at Level 16, Financial Park Labuan. USO and the Landlord, Financial Park Labuan, held a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 am, 19th October, 2020.
report
In addition, all office clients will become a USO community member and enjoy flexible workspace across their future network whilst enjoying exclusive benefits with its partners that include hotels, restaurants and cafes, gym and golf clubs.
Universal Serviced Offices will be the largest serviced office facility in the Federal Territory of Labuan, the offshore financial centre offering international financial and business services as well as being an offshore support hub for deep water oil and gas activities in the region.
During the ceremony, Michelle de la Harpe-Germani, General Manager of Universal Serviced Offices, Nazrul Hisyam Mohd Noh, Managing Director of Financial Park (Labuan) Sdn Bhd and Ishamuddin Mansor, Senior Manager for Promotion & Marketing of Financial Park (Labuan) Sdn Bhd broke the ground in a virtual ceremony whilst guests participated online via livestream viewing on the USO Facebook page.
The business centre is designed by award winning build and design company Ace Kegan Pte Ltd (Singapore). USO will deliver modern, high tech offices equipped with high speed internet, contemporary meeting rooms and a beautiful, light and bright business lounge and café with breathtaking ocean views. The renovations will be undertaken by Malaysian builder, ReSpace (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd from Kuala Lumpur.
Michelle de la Harpe-Germani, General Manager for Universal Serviced Offices, said, “USO is passionate and committed to bring the highest level of quality, not only to our products and facilities but more importantly our hospitality and services. We accommodate both clients on tight budgets and those who are able to spend more without compromising quality for either budget.”
USO will provide 62 modern workplaces inclusive of open coworking, dedicated coworking and ready to move in, fully serviced private offices for one to six people. USO also has firm plans for further expansion throughout Malaysia.
The renovation is scheduled to be completed by end of 2020, and the serviced office facility is planned to be ready for occupancy in January 2021.
USO explains that the new business center will contain a gross surface area of approximately 9,200 sqft2 on the same level. The highlight of the business centre will be sun, sand and sea theme business lounge overlooking the beautiful South China Sea serving as a meeting and communication area exclusively for its members.
Universal Serviced Offices at Financial Park Labuan is part of Universal Serviced Offices future network of locations across Malaysia. For further information, please visit www. universalservicedoffices.com.my or call +60 87 418 800. Images | USO
7
feature
The one and only MASwings
T
here are many ways to plan for your next vacation. Of course, we tend to focus too much on “where” we’re going, that we seem to forget the simplest yet most important part of travelling. How would we get there? This month, we’re featuring one of Sabah’s most popular airlines, MASwings. Let’s learn more about their history as well as how they’ve made travelling across East Malaysia more accessible. MASwings is a regional community airline which focuses its flights within Sabah and Sarawak. They started operation on 1 October 2007, and was mainly centred around the Rural Area Services (RAS) routes within the two states, connecting the local community of their hometowns to big cities. MASwings is a subsidiary of the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) and is a sister company of Malaysia Airlines Berhad as well as Firefly. Although only starting in 2007, they have graced the skies of East Malaysia for more than 40 years now. During their inception, MASwings had four 50-seater Fokker50s and four 19-seater Twin Otter aircrafts in operation. These aircrafts were used to serve and fly the network of 22 destinations in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. To serve the community better, they upgraded to newer aircrafts in 2009. The Fokker-50 fleet was phased out to make way for the ATR72-500 (ATR). As they say, it’s not the destination that matters but the journey itself. Replacing the old with the new has certainly made the journey much better.
by Noel Jinguli Images | MASwings 8
It’s not only the aircraft that got upgraded. In 2012, MASwings successfully spread its wings to neighboring countries under the East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). These countries include Brunei and Indonesia. With this expansion, travelers have a wider range of choices when it comes to their next destinations. Nevertheless, MASwings is still focused on providing the best airline service for East Malaysian travellers. Currently, they’re serving a network of 24 destinations. With the ten 64-seater ATR fleet, MASwings connects Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Miri International Airports to the major towns and cities of East Malaysia.
In addition to the ATR, MASwings is also the only airline to operate six 19-seater Viking Air DHC6 400 Series Twin-Otter (Viking) aircraft in the RAS routes of Sabah and Sarawak. Operating out of Miri, these Vikings are deemed as vital lifelines in providing air transportation into remote highland areas, many of which are inaccessible by road. Other regular Twin Otter services operate out of eleven Short Take Off Landing runways across the East Malaysian states. MASwings prides itself for being an accessible airline. Their tagline, MASwings - Your Airline, serves the best message for their flyers. They offer affordable fares, convenient schedules, and extensive connections across Sabah and Sarawak. Yet, they still grab opportunities to give back to the community. In 2017, they gave away 100 free flights to lucky flyers as part of their 10th anniversary celebration.
It goes to show the commitment they have for the local community. “We at MASwings promise to become the safest and most reliable commuter airline in Sabah and Sarawak which meet the safety standards set by the Malaysian Aviation Group. Our commitment is to provide seamless rural air service connectivity without compromising on service quality. The staff are trained and ready to step up and go the extra mile to serve and meet both internal and external customer expectations.” said Aminuddin Zakaria, CEO of MASwings. During its operations, the airline has won two major awards, each from Sabah and Sarawak. The “Minister’s Special Award” was presented to them in 2013 by the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment of Sabah during the Sabah Tourism Award 2013. In the same year, they were awarded the “Outstanding Transport Contribution to Tourism Award” in the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2013. Apart from that, they also received Certificates from Viking Air Limited and Pratt & Whitney for MASwings’ Viking Twin Otter in 2017 and awards from Malaysia Book Of Records in 2018 under the purview of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, being a major RAS operator. The story of MASwings doesn’t stop here as more than 10.6 million passengers have flown with them since their inception. We’re blessed to have an airline that actually cares for the needs of the locals, let alone being the best at it. 9
movies
November NETFLIX MOVIES
OPERATION CHRISTMAS DROP
CITATION
Release date: 5 November 2020 Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance Director: Martin Wood Cast: Alexander Ludwig, Kat Graham, Virginia Madsen
Release date: 6 November 2020 Genre: Drama, Thriller Director: Kunle Afolayan Cast: Jimmy Jean-Louis, Temi Otedola, Adjetey Anang
Congressional aide Erica forgoes family Christmas to travel at her boss’s behest. At a beachside Air Force base, she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz who knows her assignment is finding reasons to defund the facility.
A bright student in Nigeria takes on the academic establishment when she reports a popular professor who tried to rape her. Based on real events.
JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
THE PRINCESS SWITCH: SWITCHED AGAIN
Release date: 13 November 2020 Genre: Family, Fantasy, Musical Director: David E. Talbert Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Madalen Mills
Release date: 19 November 2020 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance Director: Mike Rohl Cast: Vanessa Hudgens, Suanne Braun, Lachlan Nieboer
An imaginary world comes to life in a holiday tale of an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter, and a magical invention that has the power to change their lives forever.
When Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with Kevin, it’s up to her double Stacy to save the day before a new lookalike, party girl Fiona foils their plans.
DOLLY PARTON’S CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
ALIEN XMAS Release date: 20 November 2020 Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy Director: Stephen Chiodo Cast: Dee Bradley Baker, Barbara Goodson, Kirk Thornton When extraterrestrials attempt to steal Earth’s gravity, only the gift-giving spirit of Christmas - and a small Alien named X - can save the world.
Release date: 22 November 2020 Genre: Family, Musical Director: Debbie Allen Cast: Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Treat Williams An embittered “Scrooge” of a woman plans to sell her small town, regardless of the consequences to the people who live there.
HILLBILLY ELEGY
THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2
Release date: 24 November 2020 Genre: Drama Director: Ron Howard Cast: Glenn Close, Amy Adams, Gabriel Basso
Release date: 25 November 2020 Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy Director: Chris Columbus Cast: Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Darby Camp
A Yale law student drawn back to his hometown grapples with family history, Appalachian values and the American dream.
Kate Pierce, now a cynical teen, is unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus when a mysterious troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas - forever.
WWW.NETFLIX.COM
MUSIC
Confidence Through Music
T
his month we’re featuring 19 year old Joshua Peter, an up and coming musician who has just released his latest single, “You”. Read on to know more about Joshua and find out what makes a talented musician. Breeze (B): Let’s start by introducing yourself to Breeze readers. Joshua Peter (J): Hi, my name is Joshua Peter Bartholomew. People can just call me Josh or Joshua. I’m originally from Papar, but my parents live here in Penampang so I spend most of my time here. I started singing when I was 10. I also learned how to play the guitar when I was 12. B: Tell us more about “You”. J: “You” is about the things I do for my partner through the thick and thin. To spice it up for her, I would always be myself in a very cute and dorky way. I believe when a couple is comfortable with each other, their bonds will get stronger! Huge shoutout to Einstein Majanil and Hezron from Soundlab Studios for making it happen.
B: What genre influences your music? J: I grew up listening to a lot of genres such as grunge, pop, r&b, indie rock and so on. When I create my music, I actually combine a few genres together. Most people see my music as indie pop, indie rock or maybe pop. B: Describe the challenges you faced in your music career. J: I was a shy person and at times I just wanted to escape from meeting new people. Though, the more I performed and the more songs I wrote, I started to slowly build up my confidence in socialising and voicing out my ideas. Now, I am not afraid to push myself to find opportunities. B: What are your plans for the future? J: I would love to perform on a very big stage and tour around Malaysia! Until then, big thanks to everybody who supported me in such a beautiful way because you guys made me who I am today.
B: Who inspires you as a person or artist? J: I don’t have a specific artist who inspires my music but I can say I got inspired by my own dad, who has a band called BOIL. I always attended his gigs when I was a kid and that made me want to perform, just like him. B: What do you consider your biggest achievements so far? J: That would be releasing my two singles which are “Berani”, a malay song produced by Jonathan Tse, and the self-written song called “You”. From there I’ve gained a lot of knowledge, met many new people and had more opportunities for myself.
by Noel Jinguli Images | Joshua Peter 12
Joshua Peter
@joshua_peter_
Tech
Oppo a93: form and function
O
PPO is not new to the smartphone scene in Malaysia. Many have now accepted the brand as one of the bigger competitors in the smartphone market of Malaysia. Recently, OPPO has just launched the A93, a sleek and stylish piece of kit that offers much function for its users. The A93 is only 7.48mm thin and 164 grams in weight. The screen is an ultra sleek Gorilla Glass 3+, which has an industry-first 220° rounded edge, maintaining the thinness with a comfortable grip. It actually has a Super AMOLED display, giving users vibrant colours and deep blacks. The A93 comes in either Matte Black or Metallic White, both of which look stunning. Under the hood, it houses a MediaTek Helio P95 processor, 8GB of Ram, and 128GB of storage that’s expandable to 256GB via SD card. Powering it is a 4000mAh that’s paired with an 18W charger. The beauty of the A93 is the AI Night Charging technology, allowing users to safely charge the smartphone during their sleep. The technology tracks users’ sleeping habits and charges the phone to 100% upon the moment they wake up, protecting the lifespan of the battery. Cameras that are equipped with any smartphone are usually what makes or breaks a consumer’s decision. The A93 aims to
by Noel Jinguli Images | OPPO
14
impress, as OPPO has equipped it with 6 AI portrait cameras, 2 in the front and 4 at the back. Selfies look gorgeous with the 16MP (megapixel) front facing camera that’s paired with a 2MP depth sensor for those blurry backgrounds. Users can find a 48MP main sensor, 8MP wide angle camera, and two 2MP mono sensors at the back. Now, the hardware is only half the fun, as the A93 utilises AI technology to process the stunning shots taken. Among them are the AI Portrait Colour, AI Super Night Portrait, and the Ultra Clear 108MP Image, all of which enhances the look of the photo. The OPPO A93 ticks all the boxes, meeting the high expectations and values that its users hold dearly in both form and function.
WHOLLY MANAGED BY SABAH CREDIT CORPORATION (A STATUTORY BODY OWNED BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF SABAH)
destination
Top Staycation Spots In Sabah
I
t’s been a long year and I’m sure all of us are exhausted. Even though we’ve been staying home, it does take a toll on us physically and mentally. Once everything has calmed down and we’re allowed to travel again, why not stretch a bit and go for a relaxing staycation? Well, here are just some of the best places to have your staycation in Sabah.
Mt. Kinabalu
Melangkap Village
Located just an hour away from Kota Kinabalu, the Melangkap Village at Kota Belud spots a few campsites you can visit in Kota Belud. Be amazed by the magnificent landscape, as you take in the view of the river with a Mt. Kinabalu backdrop. Camp out and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river with your loved ones and even enjoy stargazing at night.
Simpang Mengayau The highest mountain in Malaysia, Mt Kinabalu is the highest peak in Borneo’s Crocker Range. Sitting 4095 meters above sea level, you can actually get a glimpse of this majestic mountain from Kota Kinabalu. Climbing Mt Kinabalu can be a bit challenging but rewarding for sure especially when you reach the peak and enjoy the view.
Sipadan Island
The Tip of Borneo is located in Kudat and is the northernmost tip of the island of Borneo. It also marks the meeting point of the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Enjoy the view of the vast ocean right in front of you especially during sunset. Check out the large bronze globe that’s located in the park grounds signifies the location of the tip, which is 7 degrees north, 116 degrees east.
Kundasang Located on the East Coast of Sabah, Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. With more than 400 species of marine life to witness, it’s one of the best diving spots in the world. If you’re not into diving, why not take a stroll on the beautiful sandy white beach and enjoy the clear turquoise water that surrounds Sipadan.
by Noel Jinguli Images | Noel Jinguli, Leon Kuan, Faizan Kajul, Murphy Ng 16
This town in the Ranau district is renowned for its vegetable market that’s open seven days a week. Just 6 kilometres away is Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site. It doesn’t stop there as Kundasang has many other interesting places to go such as the DESA Dairy Farm, a favourite among Sabahans to see Holstein Friesian cows and taste delicious milk and ice cream.
BEING CREATIVE
Staycations
I
am going to write this piece very well aware that we are at the Whenever we have guests we book a trip out on the water. We moment in the clutches of Covid-19 so travelling isn’t high use Borneo Boats and Beaches, but there are plenty of others, including Down Below and the other scuba companies. You can on the list of possibilities at the moment. But this too will pass. sunbathe and swim and learn sub aqua if you want, but I just like Next year, next month, whenever the horizon is, I hope, a bit the first two, with a lovely fresh lunch and a bit of snorkelling thrown in. I have swum with a turtle, and a shark, and it’s been clearer, we will need to look around us. such a treat! There are all the hotels on the islands to try, too – If we are not allowed to travel, or even if we are (with rules and although we booked Gaya Island Resort when all this virus stuff masks and space and washing and all that kerfuffle) it makes started and it is still closed. Gayana and some others aren’t, so I suggest you check those out. sense to draw in our horns and look closer to home. Starting in KK, there are the hotels, almost all of which have decided (at last) to offer residents rates and all manner of packages and deals. The Hyatt, the Meridien, Rasa Ria, Shangrila Tanjung Aru and many more – if you have always thought you might quite like to stay there, now’s your chance. Tanjung Aru beach is a beautiful place, although there are all sorts of nasty rumours about water quality, which I am not entirely sure I swallow (see what I did there?), I think it’s a shame not to take a picnic and splash about a bit, or book a table at Lucy’s Kitchen and enjoy Nasi lemak looking out to the islands in the sea.
by Sylvia Howe Image | Sylvia Howe
18
Outside KK there is the cool of Ranau and Mount Kinabalu – I would rather be boiled in a pan than climb that, but I know that there are plenty who froth at the very idea. Not poss at the moment, but it will open eventually. It’s near enough to KK for a day trip, but there are some hotels worth stopping at – Sanctuary Lodges at Poring Hot Springs come recommended. Drive an hour and a half to the long white beaches at Kuala Penyu (Tempurung Seaside Lodge serves nice simple food) , or see the orangutans and the sunbears at Sepilok (two days and a night does me fine). Or Tabin where you can be lulled by the fluting gibbon calls. If you want international standard accommodation, forget it, but as long as you know that, it’s worth the trip. I come from countries where there were house to rent by the water, and I WISH that was possible in Sabah. It’s not at the moment, but no point in fussing about it. Enjoy what there is and feel pleased that you are in the tropics. You could be shivering in your wellies in Europe, international accommodation or not!
eco news
Green thumbs for green changes
G
oing “Green” has always had a “tedious effort” associated with it. We have the perception that if something doesn’t show an immediate result, then it isn’t working. That’s why people tend to give up easily when they notice their effort for saving the planet doesn’t have an effect in the first two to three months. Well, the truth is, going green takes time. However, there is one way you can turn a new leaf and see the fruits of your labour almost immediately. Gardening. You can start small, maybe with planting a few herbs on your porch. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you could go one step further and establish a small garden. It doesn’t matter if you plant flowers or vegetables, so long as you enjoy doing it. Who knows, your passion may enable you to start an orchard one day. Now, how would this help? Well, first of all, you can actually see the direct result of your effort, even if it’s just a small garden. Watching seedlings grow is rather satisfying. Gardening also affects the things we can’t see. Carbon emissions from transporting food supplies to markets would decrease as demands decrease because we plant our own food. Food wastage would also decrease. Apart from only eating what we need, any excess food can be used as fertilisers back into our gardens. Also, the most obvious effect would be the increase in oxygen production from the plants.
by Noel Jinguli Images | Unsplash 20
These private gardens would only have a large enough effect if many of us actually do our part. The good news is, social media influencers and big brands are putting in the effort to spread awareness. YouTuber, MrBeast, launched the #TeamTrees campaign in 2019 to plant 20 million trees. Sebangga Volvo here in KK is also promoting home gardening by offering their customers free basil seeds to plant themselves. Why basil? Because it produces a greater amount of oxygen once it matures in comparison to other plants its same size. People may say that going green is wishful thinking, but it’s because we aren’t capable of looking at the long term effects of it all. If we all stand together and do our part, it’ll be easier to see the bigger picture.
personality
O
AMINUDDIN ZAKARIA: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
utgoing MASwings CEO, Aminuddin Zakaria is a born and bred Ipoh boy who is married with 3 daughters and a son. Breeze had a chance to have a chat with Aminuddin and learn more about his role as CEO of MASwings, the regional airline service operating in East Malaysia.
Breeze (B): You’ve had quite an extensive technical background. What is the road to CEO like for you? Aminuddin Zakaria (AZ): I have 27 years of experience leading up to CEO! I graduated from UTM with a degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and was quite active on campus. When I graduated, there was a great recession and I started as a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at MAS which at the time was an SPM level job even though I had a degree. I was with MAS for 8 years and worked my way up. I was young and wanted to look for different more exciting challenges so I joined GE Aviation as a Field Service Representative, then did Customer Service, then became a Six Sigma Master Black Belt. I came back after 9/11 and was assigned to several ASEAN airlines. I was the Regional Sales Director when I was approached to join MAS in 2012 as Senior Vice President of Engineering during the MASAirAsia share swap. Then I became Director of Engineering and then Head of Airline Restructuring Program. In 2016, MW was experiencing a lot of technical problems and I was offered to go to MASwings (MW) to help. My problem is I like problems. It was supposed to be a 3 months job but here I am 4 years later. B: That’s quite the journey. You’ve had such a diverse career! AZ: I like to switch jobs every 3-4 years. It’s not easy starting from scratch but it’s fulfilling. It makes life more colourful. B: With such a colourful background, what were the changes that you brought to MW? AZ: When I first joined MW, people kept saying “Delay, delay, delay. Cancel, cancel, cancel.” They weren’t happy with the airline. So I introduced a theme for every year. We would brainstorm and come up with a focus and direction for the team together. Since 2017 we had the Year of Repair, Pride, Diversification, and Innovation. At the end of every year, the staff compiles all the monthly achievements that year in a video. I also encourage the staff to put up achievements on the wall and recognize each other’s accomplishments. B: That’s really nice. Let’s talk about the current situation. With the initial MCO, we saw the travel industry dip. Many airlines have had to pivot inwards to domestic tourism and staycations. What are your thoughts on this? AZ: If you look at the travel industry, it’s really bad. At MW, we don’t have a lot of assets, not much cost to maintain, and we only fly domestic in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. International tourists are only 5-10% of our market. A large majority of our customers are young domestic travellers believe it or not who travel within our service area. B: How has MW manoeuvred the situation? AZ: We have a mantra that spans into everything we do – “Young, Fresh and Speed”. A few years ago, we wanted to change the perception and look of MW. We’ve made changes to make the cabin youthful, fresh and vibrant. The company is very
nimble. The team acts quickly in managing revenue and costs and making necessary changes to operations. They’re a good team. They’re ready to lead. We’ve been doing quite well since March and MW is on a U-shape recovery to pre-MCO strength.
“My problem is I like problems.” B: What direction is MW taking to overcome the challenges of this global pandemic? AZ: We’ve rebranded the look, redefined our customer segmentation, and improved on the overall customer experience by listening to the customers. In the cabin, we focus on the 4 senses to improve the customer journey. We’re catering our service towards locals to entice them to fly MW. We’ve also partnered with local hotels, restaurants and travel agencies to do package deals. We’re also embarking on an eCommerce project, MASwings Go, that we hope to be a one stop centre. For now, we’re focusing on cargo, documents delivery and later even seafood! B: What has been your proudest moment thus far at MW? AZ: I like to empower the staff and introduce new things to them. Initially I micromanaged and slowly allowed the team to work more independently and I’ve seen the change in them. I want them to believe that they have potential. By giving them guidance and some advice, they can do it. They now know how to really take the challenge and go. We’ve come together as a family. B: What are your hopes for MW and your team moving forward? AZ: I want them to keep the rhythm we have today with the next person who takes over. I don’t want to see MW fail. We have come up with our long-term business plan in bringing MW to the next level. I was looking forward actually for MW to operate jet and go beyond Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. Be the pride airlines of the locals. Prove to the people that we can do it. I hope the management will follow through with the plans. They’re ready. Nothing is impossible. Fun facts: Aminuddin loves outdoor activities like golfing, scuba diving, horseback riding, badminton, mountain climbing, and big bike touring riding. He also likes singing karaoke.
by Adelina Adna Image | MASwings 23
automotive
The wonders of van life
W
hat is your ideal drive like? A sports car through the hills with the wind in your hair? Is it a quiet and comfortable ride in a saloon car through some long winding roads? Whatever it may be, there’s no question the journey is what makes the drive, not the destination. There are some people who do take the journey with them even after they’ve reached their destination. I’m talking about van life. The term van life basically means living out of a van. That doesn’t necessarily mean living in it 24/7. In this context, I mean camping out in your van during road trips. You wouldn’t need to worry about booking accommodations, the stressful rush to find one, or even the less than satisfying conditions of low cost hotels. In your van, you make the rules and you do what it takes to make your stay comfortable. The classic image of living in our vehicles would be the portrayals of motorhomes in western movies. More commonly though people have tricked out their vans to make living in them more comfortable. For example, fitting in a bed and storage spaces are the common modifications that have been made. Some people go the extra mile to put in a small working kitchen too! It may sound claustrophobic, but if you find the right van and put some effort into it, you can make the space feel bigger than it looks. Then comes the choice of vans. In Sabah, I understand we don’t have much of a choice for big vans compared to the
by Noel Jinguli Images | Unsplash
24
United States or Europe. In order to make the modifications mentioned, you’ll at least need a Ford Transit. Though, you don’t need to make extensive modifications to make the van life work. Why not use a Toyota Hiace and just set up a tent outside? That is surely a cheaper alternative. That’s the thing, van life is based on our own preferences, there are no set guidelines to dictate how we like to live. If you do have the funds for a big van or a Volkswagen T1 camper, then why not? At the end of the day, van life is certainly a fun alternative to try out. Van life or not, make sure to spend quality time with good company whenever you have your next road trip.
wellness
Quiet Time
T
his current CMCO is quite different from the previous • When you share quiet moments with your partner or family MCO in that things are fast changing due to the explosion members, truly pay attention to them, and feel that deep of COVID19 cases as well as changes in our social and political emotional connection beyond words with them. When you landscape. As we can’t travel as much, we’d like to share about hug them, truly feel the feeling between you. an opportunity we have in this CMCO: Quiet Time! Practice Quiet Time regularly, and pay attention to how the quality No matter if you’re an extrovert or introvert, some Quiet Time, of your life increases in subtle ways. This CMCO may not be our can truly help you have a higher quality life. So what’s Quiet preferred outcome, but we can make the best of it! Time exactly? It’s when you set aside moments with no fixed agenda of what to do, and you sit or lie down quietly and pay Till we chat next, we’d like to wish you the resilience and strength attention to your Self and your Environment. for the month ahead! Here’s some ideas on how to practice Quiet Time:•
Dr. Siva and Coachy Cruz are available for online coaching in NLP for Performance Coaching and Wellness or Fitness, respectively. Set aside a block of time, even 15 minutes, at fixed sessions Look up for Coachy Cruz through www.instagram.com/ in your day such as when you first get up, when you have cruzfitnesskinabalu and Dr. Siva through email at saadashiva@ lunch, or even when you have your coffee or tea. gmail.com
•
Just pay attention to what you really see, hear and feel in the environment around you. You’ll find that even if you’ve lived in the same place for over 20 years you’ll still notice new things.
•
Pay attention to your inner voice, images, and feelings. You might discover you have hidden ideas and insights.
by Dr. Sivakumar Kumaresan Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Universiti Malaysia Sabah Sabah’s First NLP Trainer at UMS Investment Holdings Sdn. Bhd Coachy Cruz Alex Fitness Professional Cruz Fitness/Wellness Images | Unsplash 26
dental
The truth about teeth whitening
E
veryone wants to look their best in order to feel their best. When meeting new people, first impressions always matter. What better way to give the perfect impression than with a clean and shiny smile. This month, let’s get to know more about the teeth whitening process and how you can benefit from it. Teeth whitening is a process of lightening the natural colour of our teeth. It’s effective in doing so without removing any surface of the teeth and can lighten the existing shade to 4-8 shades lighter. During the procedure, a gel is applied to the gum of your teeth, acting as a rubber-like barrier when it hardens. Bleach is then applied to each individual tooth along with rays generated by a laser. This enhances the whitening power of the whitening solution, hydrogen peroxide. Usually, treatments last up to an hour with results being observable on the same day. Dr. Sylvia Lim of Phi Dental advises those interested in the procedure to have it done by registered clinics and professional dentists. Avoid teeth whitening products that are marketed online without the certification of the FDI (Federation Dentaire Internationale). When done properly, professional dentists ensure patients are safe and the procedure goes smoothly. The benefits of teeth whitening is obviously having an improved, whiter and brighter smile, enhancing your appearance. With this, you’ll be able to have a higher confidence level. The gel used
by Noel Jinguli Images | Unsplash 28
in the procedure kills bacteria that may cause gum disease while strengthening the tooth surface and preventing tooth decay. However, it isn’t permanent as the effects tend to last from a few months to 3 years, depending on the habits of individuals. Habits such as smoking or drinking wine, tea or coffee, will affect how long it lasts. Phi Dental recommends daily use of whitening toothpaste or pen, as well as home whitening trays to maintain the results. So, why not give teeth whitening a try? It’ll not only make you look good but have you feel good as well. Just make sure to look for certified dental clinics and avoid uncertified online products.
SUNWAY MEDICAL CENTRE - KK OFFICE A-7-11, SUTERA AVENUE, COASTAL HIGHWAY, 88100 KOTA KINABALU.
CONTACT: 088-215971
ADVANCED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY FOR MORE DIVERSE process of drawing and confirming the design usually takes three days to CANCER TREATMENTS - Dr Heng a week,” Dr Heng explained.
T
echnology is constantly changing with new medical therapies emerging one after another and when it comes to cancer, an increasingly common disease, are you aware of the new advances in traditional therapies and the new technologies that provide more diverse treatment options?
New generation radiation therapy device reduces cancer side effects “Although radiotherapy is commonly known as ‘electrotherapy’, it does not use electricity but high-dose radiation; the same type of radiation used in chest x-rays. It’s just that radiation therapy rays are stronger so they can penetrate into the body to destroy the chromosomes of the cancer cells, thus killing them,” Dr Heng said.
With chemotherapy, oncologists can reduce the physical and psychological burden on patients by prescribing antiemetic drugs or adjusting the course of treatment. There are also many innovative medical devices that offer more precise, personalised and faster treatment with less side effects.
Also, if the patient moves due to breathing or changes posture, the irradiation immediately stops until the patient returns to the original position. This avoids irradiation to normal tissues and greatly reduces side effects.
To meet the needs of different conditions, radiotherapy devices have evolved with the advancement of technology. Traditional radiotherapy People generally know chemotherapy and equipment is not precise enough and has a large irradiation range, so it is radiotherapy (radiation therapy), and the easy to affect the normal tissues around the tumour. impression is that these two therapies often have many side effects that make Today, a new generation of external radiation has evolved to include a Dr Heng Siew Ping cancer treatment difficult. In fact, with built-in 4D image guidance systems, motion tracking system and intensity the advances in medical technology, the side effects of chemotherapy modulated system, allowing precise targeting of highly concentrated and radiotherapy have been greatly reduced. radiation rays to the targeted tumour in a small area.
Sunway Medical Centre’s Senior Matnager of Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy, Dr Heng Siew Ping said radiation therapy uses medical devices to deliver radiation into the patient’s body to kill tumours. In contrast to chemotherapy where drugs are circulated throughout the body, radiation therapy can be considered a localised treatment. After the tumour location is identified by an oncologist, a medical physicist will identify the target area for radiotherapy which will then be administered through a medical device. Radiotherapy has three main functions in cancer treatment – curative, adjuvant and palliative radiotherapy. Generally, specialists will determine whether to perform radiotherapy before or after a tumour removal surgery, or vice versa, according to the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s condition. Patients who require radiotherapy need to have their tumour location identified through a CT scan beforehand and based on the results, a medical physicist will draw up a radiotherapy treatment plan. For patients with nasopharyngeal cancer, the tumour site is located adjacent to many vital organs such as the eyes and brain. Therefore, specialists and medical physicists need to accurately outline the tumour location and vital organs before entering the dose distribution data into the radiation therapy equipment, to ensure surrounding normal tissues and organs are not affected and reducing side effects. “The radiation therapy devices which we use such as the tomotherapy is a breakthrough in the limitations of traditional accelerators. Tumours can be irradiated with a 360-degree focused tomography under CT guidance, allowing for efficient, accurate and safe treatment for patients with malignant tumours.
“The side effects of radiotherapy vary depending on the organs and tissues that are irradiated. For example, in breast cancer patients, there are not many vital organs around the tumour so when radiotherapy is performed, the side effects are not significant as patients generally only feel warmness and redness on the skin at the irradiated site. However, in the case of nasopharyngeal cancer, the potential side effects are rather obvious such as dry mouth and problems with swallowing as there are vital organs, tissues and nerves in the area,” Dr Heng said. High doses of radiation focused quickly and precisely on the lesion can not only reduce side effects, but significantly shorten the course of treatment and reduce the time and financial pressure for patients to travel to and from the hospital. Currently, Sunway Medical Centre’s latest external radiation therapy equipment includes the TrueBeam STx, Gamma Knife and Tomotherapy. There are also internal radiotherapy equipment including the Brachytherapy and Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT). The features and indications of each device varies, but the focus is to improve irradiation accuracy and reduce treatment errors and side effects. Understanding to select the most appropriate treatment Besides the IORT, most of these new radiotherapy treatments do not require general anaesthesia, so patients do not experience pain or discomfort. A single session can be completed in the same day and patients can simply come in as an outpatient, without the need for hospitalisation.
“The medical physicist will ensure that the device delivers the correct “Because of the short duration of treatment and lack of discomfort, many radiation dosage as prescribed by the oncologist at all times. The whole patients are surprised at the end of treatment and frequently come to us
30
to confirm if the treatment has been done,” Dr Heng said. She added that there is a limit to the amount of radiation that the body can tolerate at a time, hence the medial team will consider the patient’s condition before the appropriate dose is calculated using the gold standard of treatment. For example, a prostate cancer patient typically needs up to 40 radiotherapy treatments but now the medical team calculates the appropriate dose. This can reduce radiation therapy to just five sessions. “The medical team usually let patients know upfront what are their treatment options so that they fully understand the different therapies available and the potential risks. However, patients should not take the liberty of deciding whether to continue or discontinue the course of treatment, but should complete the required course of treatment as planned,” Dr Heng said. Reducing the duration of treatment and minimising side effects is the main focus of radiotherapy today, allowing patients to have a better quality of life. Although the new generation of radiotherapy equipment is capable of achieving this, it still requires the expertise of a medical team to plan and provide the best possible treatment. “After all, the best equipment is still just a machine, so the efficiency of the treatment is not dependant on advanced equipment, but the result of a collaborative effort between the oncologist and the entire medical team,” Dr Heng said. A complete cancer team includes not only the oncologist, but also the radiotherapy and chemotherapy team consisting of medical physicists, radiation therapists and oncology nurses as well as the nuclear medicine team comprising nuclear medicine physicians, nuclear medicine pharmacists and nuclear medicine physicists in order to provide a full range of cancer care from imaging and diagnostics to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With many advanced new technologies and cancer therapies available, how should patients make their choice? Dr Heng advises patients and their families to learn more about the disease, get to know the equipment available for them, and consider if the cancer team is complete and experienced to ensure that they make the most appropriate medical decisions. OVARIAN CANCER- EARLY DETECTION THE WAY TO GO
C
ancer is always named after the part of the body where it starts and even after it spreads to other body parts later on. In this issue we have Dr Jennifer Leong a Clinical Oncologist currently practicing in Sunway Medical Centre in Subang Jaya to share with us about ovarian cancer. Dr Jennifer received her medical degree from International Medical Dr Jennifer University Malaysia and has been working closely with cancer patients. She realized that when it comes to cancer care, it is not just about treating the disease but it also involves caring for the patient’s general wellbeing and helping the family cope with the illness. This fulfilling experience enticed her to pursue her Masters in Clinical Oncology at University of Malaya through a 5-year intensive training. Following that, she
became a resident oncologist in National Cancer Institute Putrajaya. The Ovary is a part of female reproductive organ which produces eggs and also controls and regulates the hormones in the female body. Cancer can arise within the ovary itself and may spread to different parts of the body if detected at a late stage. Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Malaysia and 7th worldwide in women cancer, yet the mortality rate is very high since this cancer is usually detected in the advanced stage. Ovarian cancer is usually detected in post menopausal women aged 50 years and above and the symptoms includes stomach bloating or discomfort, loss of appetite, frequent trips to the washroom and constipation. Due to the vague nature of the symptoms, it is advised to seek professional help early especially if the symptoms continue despite being given medications to relieve the symptoms. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for ovarian cancer, but increasing age is a factor. Genetic and strong family history of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation can also put someone at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumour suppressor proteins which help to protect cancers from developing. Cancers may occur when these genes develop mutations. Various studies have also found a link between obesity and ovarian cancer and this may be partly due to the effect of excess estrogen hormone produced by adipose tissue which stores fat in our body If ovarian cancer is detected early, surgery will be the first option in removing the tumour and the surrounding area as much as possible. Following surgery, high-risk patients will be advised to undergo chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. For advanced stage, many patients will undergo chemotherapy first, followed by interval surgery, and this may be followed by further chemotherapy. Preventing Ovarian cancer is difficult but early detection helps tremendously. Individuals with strong family history are encouraged to do screening as early as the age of 30. Individuals are also encouraged to manage modifiable risks such as obesity, physical ability and diet. Dr Jennifer encourages all women to do a pap smear test at least once every three years and for those aged 50 and above to do mammogram screening once every two years. She believes that early detection will lead to improved survival outcome. For those residing in Sabah or even Sarawak, Sunway Medical Centre has an office here in Kota Kinabalu. Head over to their office for more detailed information regarding treatment or getting a second opinion and quick consultation regarding your health issue. Online consultation is also available via their exclusive app called SunMed Go.
31
fitness I
STaycation Workout
t has been an incredibly challenging few months for all of us but let us hang in there! To help you stay in shape at home, here are 4 simple exercises that you can safely do anywhere to strengthen your core.
LYING SIDE CRUNCH
RUSSIAN TWIST
(5 sets, 15 Reps each side – Rest 20 secs)
(5 Sets, 15 Reps each side - Rest 20 secs)
SETUP • Lie on your side. • Align your elbow, hip, knee and ankle in one line.
SETUP • Come to a seated position, bend your knees and bring your heel onto the floor. • Lean your body slightly backwards. • Brace your core while keeping a neutral spine. • Bring your arms slightly in front of your body and keep your elbows close to your ribcage.
EXECUTION • Keep your spine neutral and align top leg on top of the lying leg on the floor. • Keep your side obliques active and lift the top leg up without compensating the lower back.
EXECUTION • While keeping your lumbar spine as stable as possible, rotate your thoracic spine from left to right.
PILATES 100 Pilates 100 (5 Sets, 20 Pulses – Rest 20 secs) SETUP • Lie on your back. • Align your hip, knees and feet in one line. EXECUTION • Engage your core and lift your upper body up into a half abdominal crunch position & hold in that position. • Reach your arm straight out at 45 degrees. • While keeping your core engaged at the half crunch position, pulse your arms from a 45 degree down to your ankle level and repeat for 20 pulses.
by Hazli Bojili FITM Borneo Images | Hazli Bojili
32
THREAD THE NEEDLE SIDE PLANK (4 Sets, 10 Reps each side – No rest; alternate immediately) SETUP • Come to a side lying position. • Place your elbows under your shoulders and push your body up to a side plank position. • Align your elbow, hip, knee and heel in a straight line . EXECUTION • Keeping your core stable, slightly rotate your thoracic spine and thread your top arm into the hanging gap between your supporting elbow and rib cage. • With control, slowly thread the arm out and stretch it up overhead.
rants & raves
STAYCATION tips
T
his year, we have all been “trapped” in the comfort of our own homes. With all the travelling plans cancelled, we aren’t quite sure when we will be able to travel out of the country! But fret not! Although the unexpected pandemic has brought us a chance to discover our homeland. Instead of travelling out of the country this year, let us go for a staycation and explore what Sabah has to offer. First of all, you need to know what you want to do. Are you looking for a relaxing getaway? Maybe a day at the beach? Or perhaps just a fun-filled day with friends and good food? Honestly, you could have any reason to get out of the house. You could even book a hotel room to have a party! It’s all about having fun anywhere you go! Now, where could you possibly stay? If you’re looking for a simple stay just for sleeping at night while you enjoy the afternoon café hopping, why not try the Stanton Hotel. Located near Karamunsing, you can explore the nearby cafés, or even drop by Imago shopping mall for a quick movie! Besides that, Stanton hotel has a cute little café right outside their door. M Café is an instagrammable place for pictures, along with the front of the hotel.
by Cherelle Lim Images | Unsplash
34
Okay, so what if you want to drop by the beach or go glamping? Boy, do I have a few places in mind. First off the list, Cabana Retreat located in Kota Belud is a dream location for luxury camping! The aesthetically pleasing beach resort is definitely an experience to try with so much to do. Not only can you surf, paddleboard, ride an ATV and a jet ski, but there’s also activities for kids and best of all, a firefly tour to get you feeling like the princess and the frog. If you prefer a bit more privacy on your relaxing beach day, check out Hibiscus Beach Retreat in the depths of Kudat’s forest. Minutes away from the tip of Borneo, this retreat offers chalets where you can have the beach all to yourself. Although secluded, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. So those are my picks. What about you? Where are you going next for your staycation? Till then, let us hope the current pandemic situation tone down so we all can do our staycation. Stay safe and healthy!
We deserve a staycation
O
ur world has changed in the past year and we’re all doing things in a whole new light as well. I’m sure we’re all a bit exhausted by now and all in need of a vacation. Why not try a staycation? But, what’s a staycation you ask? Well, to put it simply, it’s a holiday you spend not too far from home at local attractions. You won’t need to spend the night at any type of accommodation as people who go on staycation only spend the day at the place they fancy. You could also visit a couple of places and go home right after. That’s the beauty of staycations, you’re not too far from home. The word staycation is a portmanteau of stay (meaning stay-athome) and vacation. The terms “holistay” and “daycation” are also sometimes used. The earliest references to this term comes from a 2003 article by Terry Massey in The Sun News. Hotel impresario Paul Ruffino who is credited for coining the word “infomercial” has also been credited for his incarnation of the word.
pop culture
According to a Connecticut travel blog, the word “staycation” was coined by Brent Butt, a Canadian actor, in the television show “Corner Gas” in 2005. During the summer of 2008, the term became widely used in the United States as gas prices began to reach an all-time high. This led to many people cutting back on their expenses including travel. Many possibly opted for travelling to nearby attractions rather than travelling abroad. Staycations eventually became important in terms of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers from the area providing them with business. In 2008, the tourism bureaus of many U.S. cities began promoting staycations for their residents to help replace the tourism dollars lost from a drop in out-oftown visitors. Eventually many countries in the world also pushed staycation among their citizens to help local attractions and boost their economy. In 2020, staycations became popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With people unable to travel outside the country due to restrictions, staycation boomed. The same here in Sabah where tourism is a big deal. Staycation when made possible during the pandemic, has helped to slowly recover our local tourism. At the end of the day, staycations seem like the perfect option for a well deserved break these days. As we face uncertain times ahead, it’s good to keep our heads cool and give back to the economy at the same time. Just be sure to follow the health and safety guidelines by the government.
by Noel Jinguli Images | Unsplash 35
e r a C f l e S BEAUTY
e
l u f l i t u f u i t a e u a e B B y l p y l m p i m i S S Don't forget your SPF! Whether you're going to be in the sun or indoors, it's important to put on either a sunscreen, like the Bio-Essence SPF50 Hydrating Sunscreen (in picture), or a CC cream for extra coverage and colour correcting benefits. Amp up the glow with a bronzer for that sun-kissed look and definition. Brush out and fill in brows to frame the face and complement it with a lush tinted balm to keep lips looking soft and supple. Go a little extra with a mani pedi in neutral tones or have fun with bright colours! OPI's Nail Laquer in Dulce De Leche (in picture) is universally gorgeous on almost every skin tone too.
n o i n s o i s s e s e S S r e p r e m p a m P Pa Isn't it time for a pamper session and unwind? Pampering need not come with a big price tag but can be just as fulfilling! Indulge in a relaxing and refreshing eye mask to soothe tired eyes and a moisturizing lip mask like the ones by Sephora (in picture), followed by a lip treatment balm and eye cream to take care of these often neglected areas. Apply a pore clearing face mask after a warm shower and a nourishing cream mask after for the ultimate masking xperience. By Adelina Adna (IG : @adelinamua) Images by writer.
Restaurant Review
No dine-ins, no problem
of our current situation, all restaurants aren’t available for dine-ins. Don’t fret though because most, I nif light not all restaurants are still open for business, offering takeaways and deliveries. This month, we’ll be featuring the restaurants from the past issues in 2020 that offer the best food you can enjoy at home.
oitom Kota Kinabalu’s most exciting restaurant to date, OITOM brings fine dining culinary experiences incorporated with local ingredients. Usually, you’d be enjoying yourself in the calm atmosphere of the restaurant, enjoying quality time with loved ones while witnessing the chefs prepare your meal. However, these days the chefs are bringing the same energy, preparing the lunch menu with the highest regard. Currently, their menu consists of the OITOM Beef Burger, Kombucha Glazed Dinner Rolls, and Chicken Schnitzel. They also offer a few choices for dessert such as the Kombucha Glazed Brioche Feuilletee and the Cheesecake with Pate Brisee and Caramel. If you’re interested in trying out their dishes, OITOM is offering a takeaway and delivery service. Though the delivery is subjected to areas within a 5KM from the restaurant. Orders are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. 014-676 7602
www.oitomkk.com
Warehouse 32 Located at the Karamunsing Warehouses, this youthful restaurant is popular among those wanting a fun and trendy dining experience. Though it used to serve Western dishes, Warehouse 32 now offers local favourites for their takeaway menu. Order from an assortment of noodle soups in collaboration with Ah Len A.K.A Shally, who has developed her own signature laksa recipe. So, from the Sarawak Laksa and Laksa NgiuChap, to their bestseller Chicken Katsu Panmee, any choice you make will certainly satisfy your appetite. Warehouse 32 also understands that times are hard now, that’s why they’re offering Mini Laksa for only RM5! Order 3 noodle dishes and you’ll get free Chicken Katsu with your order, though it isn’t applicable for the Mini Laksa. So what are you waiting for? Warehouse 32 is in operation from Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 5.30pm. 018-960 6532 42
@Warehouse32_KK
The Sixpack baker Sabah’s first hidden cafe is a charming and relaxing restaurant. The Sixpack Baker brings wholesome, healthy, and delicious meals for their patrons. Of course, currently they are open for takeaways and deliveries. If you are on a health kick, why not try the Sada Gipan Tuhau Pizza, a combination of homemade tomato puree, sambal tuhau, prawns and tuna shreds. The 1:2 Garden Seafood Fried Rice is also one you should definitely order, having a 1:2 ratio of carbs and protein. And if you think that desserts can’t be healthy, then think again! The Sixpack Baker’s Mini Dark Chocolate Banana Cake and Mini Lemon Poppy Pound Cake will still satisfy your sweet tooth without making you feel guilty. If you’re interested in ordering from The Sixpack Baker, they’re open from 10am to 6pm daily, except public holidays. 018-960 6532
@Warehouse32KK
tempurung cafe This little eatery attracts many new customers for its charming atmosphere and amazing food. Although their forte is with desserts, Tempurung Cafe also serves savoury dishes like Butter Chicken Burger, Cottage Pie Story, and Lasagna Loaf. You’ll also be happy to know you can order what Tempurung Cafe is known for, their desserts! Order their mouth watering Bombolone with Buttercream, or the classic Australian dessert, the Vanilla Slice. They also have the non-alcoholic Matcha-Misu, if you’re missing that creamy tiramisu with a matcha twist. Tempurung Cafe is open for deliveries and takeaways, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. 011-33566 9902 016-842 3887
@tempurungicecream
the three The Three serves up non-halal contemporary cuisine, offering diners a modern and distinctive dining experience. It has an open kitchen concept, welcoming diners to witness what’s happening inside. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a while in order to experience the atmosphere yourself. The good news is, The Three is open for business, offering takeaways and deliveries. New on their current menu are the Grilled Lamb RiceBowl and the Teriyaki Salmon RiceBowl. For smaller appetites, we recommend the Pork Bao and Beer Charcoal Battered Barramundi, both of which offer unique presentations while being tasty at the same time. Also on the menu are the NZ Beef Burger and the Squid Ink Seafood Spaghetti. The Three is open from 12pm-8pm. 011-3614 1165
@thethreebylfj 43
november
2020
