KINO Kuching In & Out Magazine Issue #13

N0 13 / MAY - JUN 2015

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6 issues a year

aN INDEPENDENT lifEstyle print & digital magazine WWW.KUCHINGINANDOUT.COM

Raw Wonders

!

UmaiGoodness

Our Local Salads Fresh tasting favourites

Endangered Trades

The Potter's Hand Kuching's ceramic artistry

CALENDAR l MAPS l HISTORICAL STREETS l NIGHT SPOTS l LISTINGS

Spice, Love and Harmony...

KINO is going into our 3rd year! And every two months, it's the same fever of excitement to put out the best issue. Thanks to our remarkable contributing writers and photographers, updating lost or forgotten traditions, connecting our diverse multi-cultural society through food and events and documenting heritage through our KINO Cat-Walk illustrated maps are just a few of our ongoing passions. The one and only Kuching City bus map continues to be appreciated by both our locals and tourists.

Starting with 2 pages of free listings in our calender of events in and out of Kuching, we have grown to 8 pages over these 2 years.

We search to give you the exception like the article on "The Potter's Hand - One trade, two families, three generations" (pg. 26). Under the section of "Endangered Trades", Kuching's ceramic artistry joins the many that we have already documented.

Our salads have "Umai Goodness!" bringing colour and crunch to our local tables with a KINO selected recipe from you the public (pg 21-27).

"Walk the Talk with your Dog" tells a tale on us and our man's best friend (pg. 18).

Cloning of the pitcher plants explains how and why we need to conserve and protect extinct plant species with extraordinary wildlife photography (pg. 32).

In every issue, we try to add a high dosage of Spice; Love is never in half measures and full Harmony is to be expected in the choices of images and words for our articles. Today, KINO has become a collectors item, an editorial magazine that's picked up, read and kept! Thanks to you our readers.

Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai !

Behind the scenes: KINO covers are created and styled for every issue. These photos show the preparation, the styling, the tests and more tests. Thanks to Phyllis Hardie Nellian (pg. 25) who made the Umai and Midin salad. She had already prepared everything we needed to create the cover and recipe photos for this issue. It was a hard day's work but we were rewarded with a good tasting of the Umai and even a nip of her homemade raisin tuak!

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 3

MARIAN CHIN Editor-in-Chief

ON THE COVER Umai and midin salad preparation: Phyllis Nellian.

Photography: Jong Saw Kang Design & food styling: Marian Chin

18 22 26 32 35

Raw Wonders

Covering May, June and July

UmaiGoodness

Our Local Salads Fresh tasting favourites

Endangered Trades

The Potter's Hand

EXCAT: from the Philippines

!

aN INDEPENDENT lIfEsTylE PrINT & DIgITal magazINE WWW.KUCHINGINANDOUT.COM

NGOs call for donations

Goodness!

Kuching's ceramic artistry

aN INDEPENDENT lIfEsTylE PrINT & DIgITal magazINE WWW.KUCHINGINANDOUT.COM

Fresh tasting favourites

Walk the Talk with your Dog

KINO Umai goodness!

Our favourite local salads

KINO The potter's hand

The endangered trade of ceramic artistry

KINO cloning the pitcher plant Conserving extinct plant species

KINO Wildlife

Raising awareness about the astounding flora and fauna

A journey to discover better health Pustaka Bookaroo Pizza joints Museum Grounds and Reservoir Park BUS ROUTES MAP, first steps...

Listings A Royal Icing Affair

KINO CALENDAR LISTING: We would like to hear from you, should you have any free public events inside and outside of Kuching that can be added to our calendar upon selection. info@kuchinginandout.com

!

UmaiGoodness

Our Local Salads

Road Safety

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FREE

6 IssuEs a yEaR

Raw Wonders

KINO CATS&DOGS

37 HEALTH l 39 EDUCATION l 40 NIGHT SPOTS l 42 CAT CITY WALK l 44 «NEXT STOP» l 46 CLASSIFIEDS l 49 KINO EVENT l

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6 IssuEs a yEaR

N0 13 / MAY - JUN 2015

l 6 CALENDAR l 15 I b KUCHING l 17 By the Way l 5 NEPAL

Goodness!

N0 13 / MAY - JUN 2015

In this issue...

Endangered Trades

The Potter's Hand Kuching's ceramic artistry

CalENDar l maPs l HIsTOrICal sTrEETs l NIgHT sPOTs l lIsTINgs CalENDar l maPs l HIsTOrICal sTrEETs l NIgHT sPOTs l lIsTINgs

KINO Digital magazine is INside and OUTside of the printed magazine. Log onto www.kuchinginandout.com to read the latest copy online. Join us on the KINO facebook page – it is your platform to tell a story, share your thoughts, memories, talk about a recipe, see and post videos, and join us for competitions, events and more.

CONNECT WITH US FOR MORE! Kino Magazine

kino.mag

editorial MARIAN CHIN Editor-in-Chief KAREN SHEPHERD Copy Editing ART / WEB / photography JEAN VOON 013 813 2995 COREINFONET JONG SAW KANG CONTRIBUTORS MARIA CORAZON CORTEZ, GRACE BALAN-LAW, MICHAEL FIELDS TIM HATCH, CH'IEN C. LEE, KAREN SHEPHERD, ANDREA TAN, CAPT DR THIRU JR, JO WILLIAMS, PEGGY WONG. ADVERTISING MARIAN CHIN 019 857 957 6 marian.chin@kuchinginandout.com ADMINISTRATION info@kuchinginandout.com PUBLISHER WHATMATTERS SDN BHD (518203 D) Published bi-monthly by WHATMATTERS SDN BHD (518203 D)

Next issue of KINO: JULY - AUGUST 2015 All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner in whole or part may be allowed subject to written permission. The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication.

KINO has 10,000 circulation for every issue.

KINO has over 100 drop-off points in Kuching City.

Printed by Infografik Press SDN. BHD. Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

l l l l5 NEPAL EARTHQUAKE

Nepal Earthquake Children's Appeal A devastating 7.9 earthquake has hit Nepal affecting the area around the capital city of Kathmandu. Buildings have been toppled and roads and infrastructure destroyed so communications are down, but we already know that the earthquake was deadly with international news agencies reporting over 3,000 deaths. Forty-two percent of the population in Nepal is under 18 years of age and children are always the most vulnerable in an emergency.

UNICEF has been working in Nepal since the 1960s. We are on the ground now and are working to meet the needs of the children, men and women affected. As the situation develops we are keeping our promise to Nepal’s children to always be there for them – in this emergency and every day.

UNICEF has propositioned supplies, including water purification tablets, hygiene kits, tarpaulins and nutrition supplies, and is working with government and other partners to meet children’s immediate needs in the areas of water and sanitation, child protection, health and nutrition.

We’re calling on Malaysians to support UNICEF today so we can respond to the evolving needs of this crisis. Please donate now !

Donations of RM50 and above are tax exempt under Section44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967.

MAYJUNJUL2015CALENDAR-IN-OUT & ARO 1 MAY

Super Rat Race Working Heroes Run 2015 5km charity fun run in aid of SOS Kids. Register at Brooks @ GreenHeights Mall BDC Cold Storage, GardenCity Pharmacy Stutong next to KPJ Hospital, Level Up Gym Padungan, Asiana Gallery Padungan.

HOW MUCH: RM40 registration fee includes Brooks dri-fit t-shirt and finisher's medal WHERE: KUCHING – MBKS WHO: O-Run-Utan Running Club CONTACT: www.facebook.com/ratracekuching

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Sarikei Pineapple Fest (Pesta Nanas) Sarikei is well known as “fruit basket of Sarawak”and one of the main suppliers for vegetables and fruits for Central Region. One of the famous fruits is Sarikei Pineapple. It is for this reason Pineapple Festival is held annually in Sarikei town. During the festival, there are various activities such as pineapple display

competition, pineapple cooking competition, pineapple fashion show and more.

WHERE: SARIKEI WHO: Sarikei Resident Office CONTACT: www.sarikeiro.sarawak.gov.my

and trees as natural props in the Sarawak Cultural Village. Along with sampling of traditional food and crafts of the ethnic communities of Sarawak, there will also be a series of joint workshops by the local and invited cultural troupes. The ethnic beauty pageant lends colour and vibrancy to the event whereas brawn comes in the form of the Ironman World Harvest Festival competition.

HOW MUCH: www.whf.com.my/new/ticket.php WHERE: KUCHING – Sarawak Cultural Village WHO: Sarawak Cultural Village CONTACT: Mr. Zaini Hj. Zainuddin 082-846 108 or 846 078 or enquiry@scv.com.my or www.scv.com.my

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Miri May Fest 2015 Various entertainment programmes, promotional sales, sport, cultural, recreational and social activities will be organised by various government agencies, NGOs, social clubs and commercial houses in Miri throughout the month of May under the banner of Miri May Fest.

WHERE: MIRI WHO: Miri City Council CONTACT: 085-424 111 mirimc@miricouncil.gov.my

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Youth Talent Discovery 2015 The purpose of this event is to discover new youth talent and raise funds for various charitable organisations such as Green Ribbon, Lions’ Nursing Home and SSPCA. Youth from ages 12 – 30 years old are qualified to join.

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World Harvest Festival 2015 The main highlight of the World Harvest Festival (WHF) is the theme play which utilises the lake, ethnic houses

& 10% OFF WineS Every Thursday *Airflown European delicacies: Jamon Iberico, Iberian suckling LAMB, French cheese board, Escargot & More *HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS FROM FRESH LOCAL FRUITS & RARE Siderit gin from Spain © Rufino Adam

ZINC

restaurant & bar

© brandon daby

© seth peli

Full menu at www.facebook.com/zinckuching Listed among the best Kuching restaurants on www.tripadvisor.com 38 Tabuan Road, Kuching 016 868 0071 zinc.bar@outlook.com

OUND KUCHINGMAYJUNJUL2015 Audition - 1st – 3rd of May 2015, Quarter-Finals – 9th & 10th of May 2015, Semi-Finals – 7th of June 2015, Finals – 20th of June 2015 HOW MUCH: RM30 WHERE: Audition – Lions’ Nursing Home Quarter- Finals – CityOne Exhibition Centre Semi-Finals – CityOne Megamall Finals – Thian Court, Crown Square WHO: Leo Club CONTACT: Jess Lee 013-8671255

3

Sarawak Health Marathon An event to upgrade and promote sports, recreation and tourism in Sibu.

WHERE: SIBU – Jubilee Park WHO: Kelab Sukan Marathon Extreme (KSME) & Sibu Municipal Council CONTACT: Tang at 019-818 1129

8-10

Kejohanan Berbasikal Jelajah Bintulu WHERE: BINTULU – Kuala Tatau WHO: Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) CONTACT: 086-332 277 or www.bda.gov.my

8-9

Borneo Jazz Festival 2015 Borneo Jazz is one of the longest running jazz festivals in the region. There will be two nights of four performances each by regionally and internationally recognised jazz musicians.

HOW MUCH: See www.jazzborneo.com WHERE: MIRI – Park Everly Hotel WHO: Sarawak Tourism Board CONTACT: 082-423 600

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Serian Rafting Challenge Batang Sadong/Sungai Kayan, Serian WHERE: SERIAN – Tema Mawang / Tebakang Bazaar WHO: Serian District Council CONTACT: www.seriandc.sarawak.gov.my

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Craft Promotion (Batik) Malaysia 2015 Numerous batik makers from various states will be

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 7

LIFTING CODE

diffusion filler

participating in this annual event in conjunction with Miri May Fest.

WHERE: MIRI – Miri Handicraft Centre WHO: Miri City Council and Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia, Cawangan Sarawak CONTACT: 085-424 111 or mirimc@miricouncil.gov.my

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Runners Wild Bario 2015 A trail-running series taking runners into the wild for unforgettable National Geographic inspired running experiences across Southeast Asia. The selected routes and locations are key to the experience, from the lush forests of the Philippines, the spectacular volcanic craters of Indonesia, the mythical mountains of Nepal to the idyllic little hamlets in the highlands of Malaysia.

The Bario race will culminate in a feast hosted by the Kelabit community where runners and locals will get to intermingle with each other.

Runners will further have the option to extend their trip to try out other exciting activities such as hiking trips, kayaking adventures, mountain bike excursions as well as immersing themselves in local activities such as fishing and attending local cooking and beading classes.

WHERE: MIRI – Bario WHO: Specialized Sports Services CONTACT: +6012 3311 398

16-17

Traditional Dance Festival WHERE: KUCHING – Balai Budaya Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Cawangan Sarawak WHO: DBKU CONTACT: www.dbku.sarawak.gov.my

21-22 WILTON METHOD

Wilton Shape-N-Amaze Workshop The Wilton Method of 3D Character Making makes it fun and easy to personalise your cakes and other treats with edible 3D figures that will amaze your friends and family. All materials and tools will be provided.

21 May: Part 1 RM250 10am-1pm 22 May: Part 2 RM350 10am-1pm 23 May: Kids from 10 years and up RM250 10am-1pm WHERE: KUCHING – Kiidz Clubhouse, Plaza Merdeka WHO: KINO Events CONTACT: Kiran: 082-425988 / Alex Chai: 012-777 7876 /

7 Let your skin bear witness to Pure brilliance and charm Source of natural formulations which carries out a powerful moisturising with guaranteed tightening effect, fading wrinkles and expression lines, brightening, producing healthy skin and a younger complexion.

7 DEALERS WANTED

013 810 2239 jin_jovinm@hotmail.com

ERIC

MAYJUNJUL2015CALENDAR Jean Voon: 013-813 2995 / Magdalene Crocker: 014-684 0668 eventskino@gmail.com

22-23

Birumuh Festival To showcase the food, culture and handicrafts of the community in conjunction with Gawai Dayak Celebration. The event also includes a parade, cultural performance and exhibition.

WHERE: SERIAN – Serian Community Hall WHO: Serian District Office CONTACT: www.seriando.sarawak.gov.my

23

Blood Donation This event will be at Lower Ground Floor Riverside Shopping Complex.

WHERE: KUCHING – Riverside Shopping Complex WHO: Riverside Shopping Complex CONTACT: 082-233 351

22-24

Padawan International 4×4 Off-Roaders Extreme Challenge Sixty teams including those from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and the Royal Brunei 4X4 team will be participating in the Padawan International 4X4 Off-Roaders Extreme Challenge 2015.

The event will be held from May 22-24 at a temporary track at the Bengoh Resettlement Scheme (BRS), Borneo Highlands Road, about 45 kilometres from Kuching.

Some of the activities include river wading, winching, hill climbing, mud slide driving, downhill maneuvering and rock climbing as well as testing the true skills of driving.

WHERE: KUCHING – Padawan WHO: Padawan Municipal Council CONTACT: 082-615566 or mpp@sarawak.gov.my

23-25

SBC Biodiversity Day WHERE: KUCHING– Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Semenggoh WHO: Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) CONTACT: www.sbc.org.my

23-27 WORKSHOPS Royal Icing Masterclass Workshops

KINO Events is proud to present Borneo Cake Exploration(BCE). A Royal Icing Affair featuring David MacCarfrae (UK) Master Cake Artist, prestigious judge on international reality TV cake decorating series "Cake Walk". David has had the honour of presenting 2 Royal Wedding Cakes for the marriage of HRH Prince Andrew and Miss Sarah Ferguson and the marriage of HRH Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Reece Jones.

All materials included, places limited to 10 students per class.

23-24 May: Elite Royal Icing String Work – Create 1 foot of suspended Royal Icing (2 days) RM2,000 9am-4pm 25-26 May: Victorian Rose Cascade – Lavish Royal Icing Piping and Airbrushing (2 days) RM2,000 9am-4pm 27 May: Royal Icing Cake Painting – Free hand painting without templates (1 Day) RM1,000 9am-4pm WHERE: KUCHING – Hilton Hotel WHO: KINO Events CONTACT: Alex Chai: 012-777 7876 / Jean Voon: 013-813 2995 / Magdalene Crocker: 014-684 0668 eventskino@gmail.com

28 COMPETITION

Cake Decorating Competition Calling all cake decorators! Join the KINO Cake Decorating Competition for a chance to win a fantastic 1st prize trip worth RM7,000 to Brunei and Hong Kong including a one day workshop with Master Cake Artist Jacinta Yu. The theme is Flora and Fauna and the medium is fondant and royal icing. Call for more details on conditions, rules and guidelines.

HOW MUCH: RM50 WHERE: KUCHING – Plaza Merdeka WHO: KINO Events CONTACT: Alex Chai: 012-777 7876 / Jean Voon: 013-813 2995 / Magdalene Crocker: 014-684 0668 eventskino@gmail.com

29 GALA

The Royal Dinner: Menu of 5 Royal Courts: English, Spanish, Bruneian, Thai, Malaysian Chef Thomas Schmid from South Africa takes you through the tastes from 5 Royal Courts. Painting to music, David MacCarfrae from Liverpool, UK, creator of 2 Royal Wedding Cakes brings to life the Art of Royal Icing. An exceptional evening immersed in an ambience of fine dining and music from a full live band of 7 musicians. Auction: Cause is putting 5 people from less fortunate for training to become Aged Care Givers.

HOW MUCH: RM500 per pax for table of 2-3, RM450 per

ERIC

www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 10

MAYJUNJUL2015CALENDAR Jean Voon: 013-813 2995 / Magdalene Crocker: 014-684 0668 eventskino@gmail.com

22-23

Birumuh Festival To showcase the food, culture and handicrafts of the community in conjunction with Gawai Dayak Celebration. The event also includes a parade, cultural performance and exhibition.

WHERE: SERIAN – Serian Community Hall WHO: Serian District Office CONTACT: www.seriando.sarawak.gov.my

23

Blood Donation This event will be at Lower Ground Floor Riverside Shopping Complex.

WHERE: KUCHING – Riverside Shopping Complex WHO: Riverside Shopping Complex CONTACT: 082-233 351

22-24

Padawan International 4×4 Off-Roaders Extreme Challenge Sixty teams including those from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and the Royal Brunei 4X4 team will be participating in the Padawan International 4X4 Off-Roaders Extreme Challenge 2015.

The event will be held from May 22-24 at a temporary track at the Bengoh Resettlement Scheme (BRS), Borneo Highlands Road, about 45 kilometres from Kuching.

Some of the activities include river wading, winching, hill climbing, mud slide driving, downhill maneuvering and rock climbing as well as testing the true skills of driving.

WHERE: KUCHING – Padawan WHO: Padawan Municipal Council CONTACT: 082-615566 or mpp@sarawak.gov.my

23-25

SBC Biodiversity Day WHERE: KUCHING– Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Semenggoh WHO: Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) CONTACT: www.sbc.org.my

23-27 WORKSHOPS Royal Icing Masterclass Workshops

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 11

KINO Events is proud to present Borneo Cake Exploration(BCE). A Royal Icing Affair featuring David MacCarfrae (UK) Master Cake Artist, prestigious judge on international reality TV cake decorating series "Cake Walk". David has had the honour of presenting 2 Royal Wedding Cakes for the marriage of HRH Prince Andrew and Miss Sarah Ferguson and the marriage of HRH Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Reece Jones.

All materials included, places limited to 10 students per class.

23-24 May: Elite Royal Icing String Work – Create 1 foot of suspended Royal Icing (2 days) RM2,000 9am-4pm 25-26 May: Victorian Rose Cascade – Lavish Royal Icing Piping and Airbrushing (2 days) RM2,000 9am-4pm 27 May: Royal Icing Cake Painting – Free hand painting without templates (1 Day) RM1,000 9am-4pm WHERE: KUCHING – Hilton Hotel WHO: KINO Events CONTACT: Alex Chai: 012-777 7876 / Jean Voon: 013-813 2995 / Magdalene Crocker: 014-684 0668 eventskino@gmail.com

28 COMPETITION

Cake Decorating Competition Calling all cake decorators! Join the KINO Cake Decorating Competition for a chance to win a fantastic 1st prize trip worth RM7,000 to Brunei and Hong Kong including a one day workshop with Master Cake Artist Jacinta Yu. The theme is Flora and Fauna and the medium is fondant and royal icing. Call for more details on conditions, rules and guidelines.

HOW MUCH: RM50 WHERE: KUCHING – Plaza Merdeka WHO: KINO Events CONTACT: Alex Chai: 012-777 7876 / Jean Voon: 013-813 2995 / Magdalene Crocker: 014-684 0668 eventskino@gmail.com

29 GALA

The Royal Dinner: Menu of 5 Royal Courts: English, Spanish, Bruneian, Thai, Malaysian Chef Thomas Schmid from South Africa takes you through the tastes from 5 Royal Courts. Painting to music, David MacCarfrae from Liverpool, UK, creator of 2 Royal Wedding Cakes brings to life the Art of Royal Icing. An exceptional evening immersed in an ambience of fine dining and music from a full live band of 7 musicians. Auction: Cause is putting 5 people from less fortunate for training to become Aged Care Givers.

HOW MUCH: RM500 per pax for table of 2-3, RM450 per

MAYJUNJUL'15year of festivals event PANTONE 0293C C100 M070 Y000 K000 R000 G072 B156

PANTONE 290C C025 M000 Y005 K000 R187 G229 B238

PANTONE 185C C000 M090 Y085 K000 R240 G065 B054 PANTONE 123C C000 M015 Y085 K000 R255 G204 B037

YEAR OF FESTIVALS 2015 C100 M070 Y000 K000 R000 G072 B156

C100 M090 Y000 K045 R011 G021 B081

EVENTS NATIONWIDE

WHERE: LANGKAWI WHO: Radius Exhibits & Interiors Sdn Bhd CONTACT: 03 7968 2002 or melissalim@radiusworld. com or www.xterramy.com

Logo with white outline (on coloured background)

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Logo with white text (on coloured background)

Fraser's Hill International Bird Race Fraser’s Hill is renowned as a paradise for more than 250 species of birds. The Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race brings birders from the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa and other countries to Pahang. Enthusiasts can enjoy seminars, workshops Sabah Fest - A Cultural Extravaganza and exhibitions on nature, wildlife and photography.

Be mesmerised by the poetry of music, song and dance at a cultural extravaganza which showcases Sabah at its WHERE: PAHANG – Fraser’s Hill, Raub absolute best. This expression of the local spirit will WHO: Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation (PKBF) relay stories about the diversity of a land which is rich CONTACT: Logo in reverse white Logo in black and white 09-5171 1623/1624 http://www.pkbf.org.my/ in unique traditions and beliefs. Besides engaging in theatre production, visitors can also observe the distinctive art of producing handicrafts such as wooden Kelantan International Wau Festival 2015 carvings and hand-woven cloth by some of the most The sky's the limit at the annual 5-day Kelantan talented local artisans.

International Wau Festival. Colourful 'Wau' (giant kites) WHERE: SABAH – Auditorium, Kompleks JKKN Sabah of various shapes and sizes will paint the sky while CONTACT: http://www.sabahfest.com/ 088-232 121 fabulous food will whet your appetite. There will be an

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15 APR-15 MAY Preffered Logo

International Shadow Puppet Festival This carnival makes it debut in Malaysia and will initially involve three countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Each country will be showcasing all its homegrown famous shadow puppet shows. For Malaysia, its shadow puppets will be brought in from Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.

WHERE: Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis WHO: Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Negeri Kelantan CONTACT: 09-741 2400

30 APR-1 MAY International Art Market Fair This event is inspired by the popular art markets in UK, Australia and across Asia, where artists and the creative community have the opportunity to mingle with one another as well as the audience to promote their talents. This is presented within a bazaar concept with interactive art in the gardens.

WHERE: Contact for more details WHO: Balai Seni Visual Negara CONTACT: 03-4026 7000

1-3 MAY XTERRA Malaysia Xterra is the world’s premier off-road triathlon. One part swimming, one part mountain biking and one part trail running, it has become the most anticipated event of many athletes. In addition to the triathlon, Xterra also has a stand-alone trail running event, featuring distances of 22km, 11km and 5km.

25-30

3 Backstreet‘s Back in Malaysia The world’s best-selling boy band, the Backstreet Boys, will be heading to Malaysian shores as part of their “In A World Like This” tour on 3 May 2015 that will be held at the iconic Stadium Negara. Organized by The Livescape Group, the one-night-only show is set to attract over 5,000 fans of all ages.

WHERE: KUALA LUMPUR – Stadium Negara WHO: Livescape Sdn Bhd CONTACT: 03-7772 6272

17 KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge has been a signature sports event for Menara Kuala Lumpur for the past 14 years. This staircase run has gained much popularity amongst local and international sports enthusiasts, young and old, to challenge the tower with 1 km run uphill before conquering 2,058 steps and reaching the top level at 283 meters above ground level. This event has become the spotlight of media attention over the years.

WHERE: KUALA LUMPUR – KL Tower WHO: Menara KL CONTACT: 03-2020 5444 www.menarakl.com.my

assortment of crafts for souvenir hunters. Visitors can also enjoy cultural shows and 'dikir barat' competitions that spice up the festival. With over 120 local and 47 international participants from 18 countries as well as exciting activities, this will be a great festival! Be wowed by the 'wau'!

WHERE: KELANTAN – Pantai Genting Tumpat WHO: Pusat Penerangan Pelancongan Kelantan CONTACT: 09-748 5534 or www. tic.kelantan.gov.my

28-31 Magic Of The Night 2015 (MOTN) Make your evening glow with glittering lights of decorated floats brought in from every state in Malaysia, featuring Malaysia as one of the world's top tourist destinations. The event showcases the colours and treasures of the participating states that will make your night light up gloriously.

WHERE: KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya Lake, Presint 2, Putrajaya WHO: Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) CONTACT: 03-8891 7000 www.motac.gov.my

30-31 Tadau Ka’amatan – Harvest Festival About 5,000 locals and international tourists are expected to be part of this exciting celebration. Come join in the merriment as local folks sing, dance, eat and

ents nationwideMAYJUNJUL'15 play traditional games. This is also the main stage for the final round of Unduk Ngadau.

WHERE: KOTA KINABALU – Penampang WHO: Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) CONTACT: Dr. Benedict Topin 088-713 696

30-31 Live Spectacle Naruto Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masahi Kishimoto. The main character, Naruto Uzumaki is an adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and dreams to become the Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and strongest of all. Live Spectacle Naruto will take spectators to the world of incredible live actions: acting, dance and acrobatic performances, with various stage effects. This unprecedented show will utilize the latest technology in imaging, lighting and staging.

WHERE: Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) WHO: JS Concert Production CONTACT: 012-236 8237 www.jsconcert.com/

31 Penang Flora Festival A popular fair that showcases various flower species and landscaping designs. Where 800 orchids of various species and hybrids will be on display. Among the crowd-pullers is the Paphiopedilum rothschildianum orchid, which won the Best Plant competition.

WHERE: PENANG – Taman Botani, Jalan Kebun Bunga WHO: Penang Times Square CONTACT: 04-2264404 or www.botanicalgarden.penang.gov.my

5-6 JUN

Sunset Music Festival Embark on a musical journey at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau (The Tip of Borneo), Kudat and be serenaded by classical favourites and contemporary tunes while watching the sun set across the horizon. Visitors should not miss this enriching experience at one of Sabah’s most breathtaking locations.

WHERE: SABAH – Tip of Borneo, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat WHO: Sabah Tourism Board CONTACT: 088-232 121 www.sabahtourism.com

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 13

12-14

KK Jazz Festival The jazz musical extravaganza in Kota Kinabalu is back with a line-up of local and international artists! The Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival is now a signature event of Sabah which represents many different facets of jazz music.

WHERE: SABAH – Sutera Harbour Marina WHO: Sparks and Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu CONTACT: www.kkjazzfest.com

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Sabah Dragon Boat Race Organised in conjunction with the Duan Wu festival, this Chinese tradition has evolved throughout the years into one of the main sporting events in Sabah. As the drum beats at the public park, Likas, the dragon boat racing also includes more activities such as dumpling cooking competition, local food festival, photography competition and lion/dragon dance performance, to make the events more exciting in line with carnival concept and continue to promote Chinese culture.

Watch in excitement as local and international teams beat their drums and synchronize their paddling, while racing to the finish line.

WHERE: SABAH – Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu WHO:The Federation Of Chinese Associations Sabah CONTACT: 088-253 433 http://www.sabahtourism.com/ events/2nd-fcas-dragon-boat-race-2015

18 JUN-17 JUL

Festival Ramadhan Celebrated in honour of the Muslim fasting month, this festival features a variety of religious programmes such as Terawih Perdana at Dataran Merdeka (Terawih prayers); festive shopping, Tilawah & Khatam Al-Quran (Quran Recital) in Kelantan; Islamic tourism (ITC), bazaar Ramadhan, Forum Perdana Ramadhan, Performance by Embassies, International Imams and many more.

WHERE: KUALA LUMPUR – Merdeka Square WHO: Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC) CONTACT: 03-8891 7521

EVERYDAY : 10am-10pm Brighton Square / Jln. Song (opposite CityOne Mall)

014 699 0118

15 I b KUCHING llll

by Maria Corazon Cortez

ExCat: Sweet departures sweet arrivals Yes, I am back in Kuching, the “home of my heart”, as I fondly call this favourite city of mine. I’ve only been away for two years, but it felt like ages. Kuching is one kind of city that carves a place in your heart, and nestles there permanently. You are not likely to ever forget Kuching if you have spent some time here, immersing yourself in the multi-cultural experiences, sights, sounds, food and traditions that are in every nook and cranny of this lovely city.

I am from the Philippines and so I am naturally emotionally attached to the land of my birth, but I settled down here in Kuching in 1984. I’ve lived and worked in a few countries, too – Singapore, Thailand, and in the US. I could, and have seriously thought about settling in these places before. But then, I realized that Kuching is the one place that I desired to constantly come back to again and again. I mean, there are places that you go to, and you know that that’s it; there will be no return trip for you there. But Kuching, for me, is different. It’s the one place which I would miss so fondly after I’ve been in another place for a week or two. And yes, that includes my birthplace. I would be in the city where my family lives in Metro Manila, Philippines and I would want to go back to Kuching after 2-3weeks there. It tears my heart to leave my

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 15

Filipino kith and kin (especially my parents when they were still alive) every time I leave Manila. But the moment I step foot in Kuching, I feel that I haven't left home because I have arrived home!

The number one reason on my list why Kuching is the home of my heart is the PEACE and HARMONY among the communities here. With Kuching being the melting pot of the multi-ethnic communities of Sarawak, this is one place where you could clearly see, feel and experience the sense of oneness and harmony among the people.

They take each other, and even those outside of their communities (like me) warmly and openly into their lives.

I love, and am proud, of the fact that the people of Kuching are so friendly, hospitable and treat firsttime visitors as if they’re childhood

friends. Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I first set foot in Kuching back in 1984. Despite all the changes that this city has undergone through the three decades or so that I’ve been here, this one thing remains – the people are as friendly and warm and as hospitable as they have always been. In all these years that I have been here, no one ever made me feel like a stranger or a foreigner.

There are always those open arms and the heart of warm friendships that wait for me, be they from my Chinese, Malay, Melanu, Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, Iban or Indian friends.

That is why Kuching is the home of KINO my heart.

Maria Corazon Cortez is the co-founder and Managing Director of Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary company of Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak, based in Kuching, Sarawak – that specialises in publishing, event management and media management.

17 By The Way llll

by Andrea Tan

On the Road with Mind Readers Mind reading seems expected on our roads. You’re supposed to know the moment a vehicle plans to turn without signal; the exact second that queue-cutter is barging into your lane; that very instant when this particular motorcyclist will decide to go faster at a yellow light. You’re supposed to be gifted with heightened senses, an acute awareness of your surroundings where you can still drive while checking your phone. Like a mandatory requirement, you’re supposed to receive these powers when you are issued a driver’s license. Otherwise, why are you on the road?

Of course we all know mind reading is impossible. The brain needs time – even if just a nanosecond - to register danger, for the thought to turn into action, the swift response to avert a collision. However, we are not always able to react fast enough, or to have luck on our side at all times. Accidents only take a split second. A brief glance away. A blink of an eye. A single moment of poor concentration or lapse of judgment.

It’s easy to say, “Oh, that won’t happen to me”. You abide by the rules though sometimes you may bend them a little to your benefit - especially when the police are not around and you can get away with it - like, going too fast or too slow when you feel like it; overtaking from the wrong lane because you think it’s possible to beat that vehicle; egging the “slow-pokes” to move faster because you absolutely need to arrive at your destination in five seconds; making an illegal turn because it’s so troublesome to drive two kilometres further for the legal one. It may sound brilliant to install those hurricane torch-

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 17

like headlights to help you see better on the road, but not so much for other road users who are blinded by them along the way.

The 2013 World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Road Safety ranked road accidents injuries as the eighth leading cause of death in the world. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), the nation sees about 19 fatalities daily from road accidents alone. As of November 2014, the Sarawak Road Safety Department (JKJR) recorded 362 fatalities and 170 serious injuries on our roads.

That’s about one fatality per day on average.

We can go on with the statistics, really.

We can call for stricter laws, better enforcement and education about road safety. When accidents occur, we can also play the blame game – bad roads, poor weather, vehicle condition.

But know that 65% of road accidents are caused by human error, and perhaps not so surprisingly, on straight roads and in good weather.

There are more vehicles on the road

today (MIROS recorded that Sarawak has 1.5 million registered vehicles on the road in 2013, and this number increases by 100,000 annually). All road users want safe travels from Point A to Point B. Kudos to those who are diligent about being mindful and conscientious on the road. But how many of us consider the randomness of our behaviour while sharing the road with others? How many are willing to invest in hands-free kits or proper alert triangles (instead of yanking a branch off the poor tree nearby)? Are these more expensive than the value of life itself?

It’s one thing to be aware of road safety, another to apply the practice.

Change of mindset and attitude makes all the difference. The freedom of mobility is a joy shared by many.

Don’t spoil it for everyone with selfish behaviour. The price to pay for putting safety last is too costly. KINO

Andrea Tan is a Kuching-born writer based in Kuala Lumpur. Aside from playing with words, she is teaching herself to draw so she can tell stories with illustrations too.

18 KINOCats & DOGS

by Capt Dr Thiru Jr

Walk the talk with your dog...

There’s a story Indians are rather familiar with in one of their eternal scriptures, the Mahabharata, arguably the world’s longest single piece of poetry depicting the ancient battle between the righteous Pandava and the power-driven Kaurava.

One particular tale that captured my attention involved the five Pandava brothers trekking up the Himalayas to seek blessings from the divine, followed by a stray dog.

Their leader, Yudhisthira persevered on despite his remaining brothers falling one by one. Upon reaching the peak, he was told by the Lord that he could enter into his heavenly abode but not the dog, as strays are unclean and forbidden from heaven. The honourable Yudhisthira, unaware that it was all a test by the Divine, told him that he would forfeit heaven as it wasn’t his nature to abandon a dog that had faithfully followed him and persevered in many ways that even his siblings had fallen short of. The dog then revealed its true form, Yaman, the god of the underworld and subsequently blessed Yudhisthira with added battle prowess before restoring each of his siblings that led to their eventual victory in the Mahabharata war.

While the moral of this ancient Hindu story is to demonstrate that the twin virtues of loyalty and faithfulness are superior to valour and courage, one can’t help but marvel at the choice of animal to drive the point. And yes, I am a dog person myself. All my life.

Unapologetically too. It’s not that I don’t like cats, which can be politically incorrect for a Kuchingite. It’s just that I’ve always felt that dogs represent the two parts of my personality that I can identify with the most – honesty and sincerity. A dog is straightforward. He either likes you or doesn’t. He won’t wrap himself around your ankles when you’re having a meal and then ignore you when you need a hug! He won’t pretend to look innocent after ripping off your new couch, and he won’t poop at the same place you feed him.

I have two dogs, a poker-faced German Shepherd named Judas Iscariot, acquired from a kennel and another smiling mongrel named Mary Magdalene. Judas is rather sharp, and a bit ambitious. He has this habit of looking far ahead each time he’s marked his territory - sort of like Alexander looking up the breadth of his domain and weeping for there were “no more worlds to conquer”! He’s quite close to my missus, barking the place down whenever I try to sneak out to the pub. As a matter of fact, he’d probably even try to sell me for 30 pieces of silver if he had the chance! But Mary, the mongrel I

(continued)

Domestic pets are also known to assist elderly dementia patients through close physical contact, even feeling heartbeats, caressing coats and frequent hugs.

& dogs 20 KINOcats (continued)

Writer and his two pets, Mary Magdalene (left) and Judas Iscariot

A dog is straightforward.

He either likes you or doesn’t. He won’t wrap himself around your ankles when you’re having a meal and then ignore you when you need a hug! He won’t pretend to look innocent after ripping off your new couch, and he won’t poop at the same place you fed him.

adopted from SSPCA is quite the opposite. Each time I come back from work, she greets me like she hasn’t seen me in over ten years. And then she sits by my feet for hours, hence her Biblical name.

So yes, having a dog as part of the family is more than therapeutic. It’s the manifestation of our own attachment to them, that our own survival and well-being is somehow dependent on the manner in which they react. Naturally, if I see Judas or Mary curled in blissful sleep, I am also reassured of safety, security and well-being which trigger my own affinity towards healing and positive change.

Whether it’s a dog or cat (for most Kuchingites), rabbit, hamster or even unconventional pets like snakes or farm fowls, animal domestication sprouted from Man’s initial belief in sharing a common kindred spirit with nature. Some animals themselves display a proclivity towards the human capacity for social interaction and over the ages, gradually adopted our own communal roots. As much as I think Judas is there to keep burglars at bay and Mary is there to cheer me up, the truth is that pets have a lot more to offer than we know.

Many of us cringe reading about the seeming over-pampering of pets by their owners.

Some of us wonder if they own pets or their pets own them instead. I prefer not to judge a fellow man. But I have discovered their propensities to turn to pets to alleviate the pain of the various life challenges that each of us must endure at some point. Their stories www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 20

reveal how perils were turned into promises, and pitfalls into possibilities.

The wide range of positive human emotions experienced with their pets is perhaps reflected in the fact that even hospitals turn to pets for a variety of assisted patient therapies. I have a friend who made an accidental discovery recently. Her child, who had a rather serious learning disability, was suddenly seen talking to a dog belonging to a friend who came to visit. Upon getting a golden retriever shortly afterwards, the child gradually improved in communicative and psychomotor ability through simple activities like feeding treats or grooming her dog. The beauty of this story is that in only weeks to come, my friend revealed that her child’s retriever had also found itself helping her aged grandfather navigate outside their home during his evening walks.

Besides therapeutic reasons, we also connect to our pets because they seem to understand our anxieties, fears, apprehensions and even doubts. Perhaps this is why we find many dogs and cats used as mascots in high-stress environments ranging from oil platforms to even fire stations. I would gladly volunteer Mary to help the numerous nursing homes in Kuching to assist the elderly reduce their respective pain thresholds whilst elevating mood and comfort, which may cultivate more reconciliatory settings during that odd family reunion. Take a simple act like petting a dog. Any child will immediately display improved disposition, a relaxed countenance, calmness and cheerfulness. Again, I cannot help but extend this principle to the elderly as well.

Domestic pets are also known to assist elderly dementia patients through close physical contact, even feeling heartbeats, caressing coats and frequent hugs.

So whatever kind of home we’ve been blessed with, I think it’s important, perhaps even necessary to keep pets, simply because living with them means we have understood the essence of living itself. While the essentials of animal life by themselves may be simple and straightforward, the ways our pets achieve them can be extraordinarily complex and varied. The wealth of different behaviours evident in our house cats and dogs reflects the huge range of social environments which they share with us.

Indeed, loyalty and faithfulness are greater virtues. What better way can we fulfill them KINO than with our pets?

Capt Dr Thiru Jr is an amateur writer and musician outside his day job flying for a leading airline. A regular Joe from Penang, he currently lives in Kuching with his family, and two demanding dogs.

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 21

I have a friend who made an accidental discovery recently. Her child, who had a rather serious learning disability was suddenly seen talking to a dog...

Upon getting a golden retriever shortly afterwards, the child gradually improved in communicative and psychomotor ability.

KINOOUR LOCAL SALADS 22 (continued)

by Grace Balan-Law

!

UmaiGoodness

Simple delicious pleasures... our unique

Y

ou know you are in the midst of a revolution when McDonald’s, the world’s largest peddler of meat products, sticks a salad on its menu, though apparently theirs has only slightly fewer calories than a quarter pounder which really defeats the purpose. After all, salad is diet food, isn’t it? Nevertheless, the humble salad appears to have taken over the menus o f

Kuching food establishments today, cementing its arrival as the de rigueur food of choice for those trying to improve their eating habits. You can potentially find a salad in all the sections of any given menu – appetizer, main course; salads have even managed to creep into the dessert menu!

The salad, indeed, is here to stay.

Going back to basics, a salad is actually a difficult-to-define, rather confusing creature. The end result is generally served cold (though warm salads are suddenly the latest craze) but the elements can be raw or cooked; fish or fowl; animal, vegetable or mineral. Actually, take a moment to ponder the origins of today’s go-to healthy meal. In fact, the word salad comes to us from Latin, via Old French, from the word for ‘salty’ (salt being a mineral!) because the Romans apparently liked to eat their veggies doused in brine or vinaigrettes, made from oil, vinegar and salt (though the Caesar’s salad was actually conceived in Las Vegas, a long way from Rome!). The word debut-

ed in the English-speaking world as ‘salad’ or ‘sallet’ much later, in the 14th century.

Of course, most people you ask are likely to think lettuce when they think of salad.

Further evidence of the salad’s new popularity in Kuching comes with Genting Garden, the West Malaysian grower, which is making a mint off the humble lettuce and the cheery cherry tomato. The shelves of Kuching’s supermarkets are full of their produce and locally grown varieties of lettuce are even creeping in. As a result, our restaurants are offering salads in increasing numbers and varieties, from a single dish to a whole bar.

The very kiasu nature of people hailing from the Far East has seen a vast increase salad options in our food establishments today. But lest we disregard them as a Western invasion, let us bear in mind that our cuisine is not without similar salad options. Yes, salads also have an element of “Asian persuasion” in them, too! Here’s a look into the diverse world of Malaysian salads:

Rojak sotong Kangkong also known as Joo Hoo Eng Chai in the Hokkien dialect is eaten warm.

Umai fish Umai is traditionally a native dish for the Melanaus, originally Sarawak’s coastal people, though now almost every Dayak

www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 22

local

Salads

Not unlike the ceviche of South America or hinava of our neighbouring state of Sabah, umai is not cooked with heat.

group is making its own. Umai basically comprises thinly sliced fresh raw white fish, such as snapper (or even mackerel will do), with a mixture of onion, chillies, salt and the central ingredient calamansi (lime) juice. Not unlike the ceviche of South America or hinava of our neighbouring state of Sabah, the fish is not cooked with heat but rather cured or ‘cooked’ with the acidity that comes from the calamansi juice. Therefore, only the freshest fish will do or you may run the risk of food poisoning. There are also

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 23

common variations including prawns, jellyfish or even chicken’s feet!

Rojak Rojak is, at its essence, a local salad of mixed vegetables and fruits, enveloped in rojak sauce, which is a thick, sweet yet savoury sauce comprising local prawn paste (belacan, for those of you in the know), palm sugar and lime. In Malaysia and Singapore, the term "rojak" is also used as a colloquial expression for an eclectic mix, especially in describing the multi-eth-

nic character of Malaysian society. Rojak differs from region to region within the Malayan archipelago - and you can get Singaporean and Indonesian versions of this popular dish as well!

Rojak sotong kangkung Rojak sotong kangkung is one of the many derivatives of the rojak that we spoke of above. Basically, the main ingredients are cuttlefish and a wild leafy green vegetable known as the water convolvulus (also known as water spinach or morning glory (continued)

KINOOUR LOCAL SALADS 24 (continued)

The traditional rojak (left).

Popular too is the fruit only version with the same sauce.

in some areas) that is smothered in rojak sauce, liberally sprinkled with crushed roasted peanuts (yum!) and served warm.

Rojak india Rojak India, or rojak mamak (or even pasembur, as it is known in the island state of Penang) contains an assortment of goodies that include fried dough fritters, bean curd, boiled potatoes, prawn fritters, hard boiled eggs, bean sprouts, cuttlefish and cucumber. These ingredients are then tossed with a thick peanut-based sauce, which is tinged with spices and heat for that little extra kick.

Midin salad Midin salad could only be from Sarawak as this jungle fern is only available in Sarawak.

Foraged from the jungle and so completely organic, it is immensely popular and usually served stir-fried with belacan or simply with chopped garlic and oyster sauce. The beauty of these dishes lies in their simplicity, both in their preparation and their presentation. The midin salad is therefore a very uniquely Sarawakian dish which comprises lightly blanched midin and a well-balanced dressing made of calamansi juice, sugar, finely sliced chilli padi and shallots.

Paku, another type of jungle fern, also organic, substitutes well.

Ulam Ulam is most often identified as a Malay dish. It looks like a garden on a plate with shoots, leaves, stems, fruits, tubers and flowers of every possible shape and size. Some of these are commonplace such as long beans, brinjals, cabbage or four-angle beans (kacang botol), some are pretty obscure outside of ulam, eaten raw, blanched, steamed or boiled as appropriate. Consider the list of possibilities: the wonderfully spiky daun raja ulam, the perfectly circular daun pegaga, the feathery daun cantek manis, spades of daun gajus (cashew leaves), the stimulating daun kadok (betel leaves) and even the simply beautiful bunga kunyit (turmeric flowers). Of course, each has its own medicinal properties covering every condition from hypertension to diabetes to, rather unfortunately, diarrhoea. To add a tantalizing boost of flavour, these ulam are usually accompanied with a dipping sauce, which typically means either a prawn chilli relish known locally as sambal belacan or a fermented fish paste called budu. Ulam is traditionally an integral part of the Malay community’s daily main meals in the kampung but recently this dish has garnered popularity amongst the increasingly health-conscious urban dwellers.

Bunga Kantan Salad This salad is a beauty, illuminated by the pink of the Bunga Kantan or Bunga Kechala (torch ginger flower). This glorious flower, so named because it resembles a flaming torch, looks like a waxy spear when it first appears but then opens out into a pink globe with tightly packed petals which are peeled into this salad giving it an aromatic fragrance and flavour. This is teamed with the equally aromatic petai (the unfortunately named stink bean), chives or spring onions, chillies and finely sliced shallots in a ‘Borneo vinaigrette’ of lime juice and sugar. With the ginger flower to ward off diabetes and hypertension and the petai for kidney problems, this is another bowl of good health. Apparently, postpartum women even eat the bitter leaves of the ginger flower to relieve flatulence!

So there you have it, a quick look into the world of Malaysian salads that you can get. In my opinion, our local salads are as healthy, as beautiful and as tasty as their Western counterparts, but I suppose that is a matter of preference. The salad is here, KINO and it is here to stay!

Grace Balan-Law is a features editor with a local English daily. Married with a three-year -old son who keeps her on her toes 24/7, she enjoys the occasional morning walk at the park, plays a little tennis and still dreams of writing a book one day.

www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 24

Documenting your «Grannys’» Selected-to-be-Collected recipes, from the less known or forgotten to simply favourites by you the public!

Phyllis Hardie Nellian

FIsh Umai & Midin UMAI “I came from the village and didn't know

anything about cooking. I made my first Umai when I was about 30 years old and this recipe is from my sister-in-law ”

FISH UMAI a. 1 kg Tenggiri fish (any firm white fish) b. 3 tbl sp vinegar (or juice of 2 lemons) c. Juice of 10 limes d. 1 bud ginger flower (sliced) e. 3 medium-sized onions, sliced f. Cut chillies g. Salt+ pepper to taste h. Coriander and /or daun sup Slice the fish fillet very finely and mix with the salt, lime juice and vinegar. Add ginger flower, onions, coriander/daun sup, and cut chillies to taste. Mix well and leave in the fridge for at least 10 - 15 minutes to cure the fish.

KINO PHOTO: JONG SAW KANG

Umai midin a. 1 bundle fern leaves (sayur midin) b. Juice from 10 kalamansi c. Seasoning (secukup rasa) d. Pepper Blanch the ferns. Combine all ingredients and mix well.

SAMBAL 1 tblsp toasted belachan (shrimp paste) 2 tblsp anchovies 3 chillies Pound to a coarse mixture and serve with ferns.

26 KINOendangered trades by Karen Shepherd

The potter's 1 trade; 2 families; 3 generations

KINO PHOTO: JONG SAW KANG

Clinging to both sides of the Penrissen road, around 5th mile, there is a cluster of low-slung, nondescript buildings. From two, riotous bursts of colour from flower and foliage declare themselves showily to passing motorists, urging them to come in to buy plants and, more importantly for our purposes, the pots to contain them.

But from a third, there is a flash of colour of another kind in the form of a garish sign, baldly stating ‘stock clearance’ in fluorescent red and yellow. Garden centres are commonplace the world over, but Sarawak potteries are special - longstanding, homegrown traditions with most into their third generation of a trade which has travelled from China to the shores of Borneo. But this trade may be under threat in our changing times and tastes.

For this is a tale of two families – through the best of times and perhaps the worst of times – who have both been instrumental in building this great Sarawak tradition. The Angs and the Ngs have been doing business in this spot, side by side, for several decades.

Each family is into its third generation in the pottery business, overseeing its genesis and growth through changes cultural and social. But those changes have seen one family decide to close its

doors at the end of June after 52 years, while the other is working to redefine itself in a changing economy.

China is synonymous with, well, china. The ware was named after the country by the struggling tongues of the ‘middle-aged’ English speakers of the world in clumsy recognition of the central role that China had to play in the refinement of ceramic production worldwide, most famously in the Han dynasty with the emergence of porcelain. China has been at the zenith of ceramics production for centuries - just recently, a visually uninspiring ‘washer bowl’, recorded at the venerable old age of 900, went under the hammer at Sotheby’s for a staggering $27 million.

Here in Borneo, it seems unlikely that such a valuable treasure will ever emerge for sale, but Chinese ceramics have been migrating to this island for at least a millennia, initially in the form of the finished product and finally in the skill behind it. Shards of ancient Chinese pottery have been dug from the ground in the Santubong peninsula, generally interpreted as evidence of trade and settlement by the travelling Chinese in that area at least 1,000 years ago. But the real Sarawak statement came later when the Dayak discovered (continued)

s hand

From the handcarved moulds to the hand-carved designs, the potter’s hand is evident in every stage

KINOendangered trades 28 (continued)

the delights of ceramics. Chinese pottery became Dayak treasures as they began collecting jars, made with this alien and incredible technique, putting them to purposes new. Dayak longhouses became repositories of traded dragon jars and ceramic plates, to be used in rituals and burials, and for more mundane storage, but only for prized possessions of course. This blending of cultures is inherent in the local craft today. These Chineseowned businesses, started on imported skills, have incorporated Dayak design and Sarawak motifs to create products that are uniquely Sarawak.

Gone are the days of hand throwing, the potter’s wheel and the charcoal-fired kiln, but the whole process is still largely by hand (or more specifically by several hands), giving each piece its individual variations.

Charming they may be, but this is not fine porcelain ware, instead functional and sturdy. In the words of Gill, a PhD researcher for Columbia University back in the late 60s: ‘There is little art for art’s sake in Sarawak. Sarawak art is working art, forms which satisfy the requirements demanded by the cultural environment,’ and this is no exception.

The potteries sell serviceable vases,

rugged plant pots, lamps, burners, ashtrays – some intricately carved, but all to be put to working use. They speak of Sarawak and so have become favourites as souvenirs for tourists.

At Wong Sian Hup pottery, on the left-hand side on the way to Serian, they are celebrating their 30th year on this site. The business was started by ‘Grandfather Ng’ who brought the skills with him from China, initially establishing a pottery in Sibu. One generation later, ‘Father Ng’, one of 9 brothers, moved to Kuching to establish another branch of the family business. The original has closed but the Kuching branch survives, staffed by 5 Ng sons and 1 Ng daughter. Everyday, they still fire up the kiln for one blast, giving it time to cool for the next day.

Gone are the days of hand throwing, the potter’s wheel and the charcoalfired kiln, but the whole process is still largely by hand (or more specifically by several hands), giving each piece its individual variations. Most of the staff have seen long service here, honing their craft through decades of repetition. First is Mr Tien, who hand carves the mould out of plaster. Many of the new moulds nowadays are for special orders – wedding door gifts can be carved with intertwined initials, corporate gifts with the company logo – but their stock of classics keeps them in business day to day. The moulds are filled with liquid clay, and left to dry.

Then, the decoration begins. Designs are hand-carved into the hardened clay – longhouses and hornbills in verdant jungle scenes or swirling Dayak (continued)

Traditional Sarawak scenes and Dayak motifs on Chinese-made pots make this a uniquely Sarawak trade

spirals. Mr Yong, one of the resident carvers, does not describe himself as an artist but the artistry is evident. He is largely self-taught, experimenting with different designs taken from books or his own invention. He can complete 5 large pots in one day, more of the smaller, but despite his practiced movements, this is not a productionline, high-output, rush job. Finally, to Mr Ng, one of the family members

who personally gets in on the process, airbrushing colour onto each piece before sending it to the kiln for firing.

Wong Sian Hup is still doing a brisk trade, but many of the customers are outside in the nursery. In most cases, the pots came first and the plants came later, but now it is the latter that sustains the former. Many of their pots are made for the plants, sold as an all-

in-one. Those inside are largely tourists from West Malaysia looking for mementoes of their trip, brought so far out of town by their tour guides. Some of the products are on sale in Main Bazaar, but diversification has been the key to survival. Their pottery stands on shelves side by side with tacky massproduced products, ostensibly from China – cute cats and other animals from far away – along with Sarawak

www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 30

31 KINOendangered trades

In this modern travel economy where every kilo of extra luggage counts, Sarawak pottery is simply being left behind.

The range of pots await firing - large to small, simple to ornate, for a range of customers both tourist and local

souvenir staples such as pepper. A section of their property is sub-let to a furniture outlet, selling sturdy wooden furniture.

For the pottery business alone, the future looks bleak. At the pottery on the other side of the road, the kiln lies on its side, laid to rest after production ceased last October. It is due to be shipped to Sabah with all the moulds,

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 31

resurrected into service in another state once again. Ironically, it is China and Taiwan, the motherlands of the trade, which are killing it now. Imports are flooding into Sarawak, either cheaper or, at the other end of the spectrum, more refined. Exports are out of the question – the capacity is too small. As Mr Ng succinctly puts it: ‘Mana dapat lawan China.’ In addition, as imports go up, tourist numbers go inexorably down. Madam Ang supports this: ‘There was a time when we wouldn’t be able to sit down all day. But now, expenses are going up for the tourists and there are not so many.’ In this modern travel economy where every kilo of extra luggage counts, Sarawak pottery is simply being left behind.

However, it is social changes too which have seen the Angs take their tough decision. In a family that boasts an architect and a pharmacist, youngest son John is the only one of his generation on site and he has his own dream – the thoroughly modern dream of a life as a trainer and bodybuilder. He admits to mixed feelings as he watches the stock from his family’s proud tradition sold off piece by piece at cut price. Sad, of course, to see it go, he also remembers his younger days when other family members would head off on holiday, leaving his parents endlessly manning the business. Now the older generation is looking towards retirement and there

is no one to pass this particular mantle to. But the family business has done them proud in a thoroughly modern sense. They may not pass it down physically, in traditional Chinese style, but it has provided a future for all of them - professional, educated and capable. Perhaps this change will give John too what he needs to embark on his new life. Even Madam Ng across the road may not see her life for her children: ‘I think this is very hard work. Of course, the older generation has built this for them and it is already done. But, if they are good in their studies, they probably will not work here.’

But what is the lesson for us locals?

If we want to see this trade survive, a living tradition in Sarawak’s heritage, then we must support it. In the first place, if you want to get a piece of Sarawak history, take yourself up to Penrissen road. As one pottery closes, you can take home a remembrance of the end of an era. But as the others live on, pay them a visit for your plants and pots. Bring along your friends! Bring along your visitors! Bring in more KINO tourists! Buy local!

Karen Shepherd has always been fascinated with the feel of clay, even taking a pottery class in Sabah where she grew up. Her house is full of Sarawak-fired ceramics, both old and new.

32 KINOTissue Culture by Tim Hatch

Cloning the pitcher plant Conserving and protecting endangered and extinct plant species through tissue culture offers the only hope for long term survival.

The word Malesia may seem somewhat strange to people who are not of a botanical persuasion, but actually it’s quite a simple scientific term that is used to describe the floristic region covered by the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, the Philippines, and the archipelago of islands stretching from Sumatra to New Guinea.

It is actually one of the most botanically diverse regions on earth, with over 25,000 species of flowering plants, about 10% of the world's flora. Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore alone contain five times as many seed plant genera as the continent of Africa.

The region contains some of the most ancient forests on earth and this is probably because its equatorial location meant that it avoided the depradations of the many huge glaciers and icesheets that covered the northern and southern hemispheres during the Pleistocene times.

The climate throughout much of the region is consistently hot and humid with very high rainfall. Charles Darwin, on a visit to Borneo, described it as, "One great, wild, untidy, luxuriant hothouse, made by nature for herself". To my mind, one of nicest descriptions of our climate is that we have two seasons – a wet season and an even wetter season - quite appropriate for a region that can get up to 5 metres of rain per annum!

Malesia has a very high proportion (14%) of endemic plants (found nowhere else in the world) whilst 27% have their centers of distribution primarily in Malesia. One of the explanations for the high number of endemic plants in this area is that the region is composed of so many islands numbering well over 20,000 and this is very important for the evolution of new species. In such a large group of islands many plants became isolated from their parent stock and evolved into new forms. New Guinea, the largest island in the group (and second largest in the world, after Greenland), shares some plants with nearby Australia, but also contains an amazing 124 endemic genera. Borneo, only slightly smaller, has 59.

Plant Species The largest, and arguably the most famous plant group in the

A

B C

D

region is the family Orchidaceae, with over 4,000 described species and undoubtedly more as yet undiscovered. There are many beautiful (and sometimes bizarre) plants that are highly valued as ornamentals including the tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes), as well as plants with medicinal properties, many of which, undoubtedly, are so far undiscovered by scientists.

Threats and Regulations Due to the very high ornamental value of the Pitcher Plants (particularly amongst international collectors), the illegal collection of such species in the wild has become very serious

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 33

E

indeed. In some cases this has led to the virtual extinction of some species in the wild. Habitat destruction has also contributed to the decline of populations.

Whilst some regulatory measures have been put in place to protect wild plants and animals, it is unlikely that these methods will, on their own, protect such endangered species from eventual total extinction from their wild and native habitats. The United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has made considerable contributions to the protection of plants and animals in their native habitats and all of the Pitcher Plants are listed within the (continued)

KINOTissue Culture 34 (continued) Convention with varying degrees of importance and protection.

In general, the Convention bans the export or movement of listed species and can carry very heavy penalties.

Tissue Culture One very important and critical provision within CITES regulations is that plants which have been produced by artificial propagation techniques may be traded across International borders. This paves the way for companies or individuals who actually take measures to artificially produce endangered species of plants, by responsible cloning techniques, to sell their products to collectors.

Such methods of artificial propagation, of which tissue culture is probably the most common, can be seen as very valuable tools in assisting with the conservation and protection of wild and endangered species of plants worldwide. Tissue culture was originally developed to assist in the bulk production of planting material for mostly agricultural crops such as potatoes, soft fruits and bananas (of which more later) but it also very rapidly found favour in the ornamental plant business which required large numbers of identical plants to satisfy a burgeoning market in Europe and the Americas.

Pitcher Plants Here in Sarawak the tissue culture of Pitcher Plants started in the late 1990s and has since produced a wide variety of Pitcher Plant and other Bornean ornamentals for sale to the world market.

This has been done under the auspices of the Department of Forestry, Sarawak and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and has undoubtedly made great contributions to reducing the illegal collection of endangered species from the wild.

Regrettably there are still illegal collectors who place a greater value on wild collected plants than they do identical plants produced by tissue culture.

The tissue culture of Pitcher Plants normally starts with the collection, from the wild, of a few seeds which in no way threatens the viability of the wild populations. And from these few seeds, many tens or even hundreds of thousands of cloned plants can be relatively cheaply produced, on an almost indefinite basis, without ever needing to again take seeds from wild populations.

It seems likely that for some very sought-after and endangered species of Pitcher Plants, tissue culture offers the only hope for long term survival together with the ability to re-introduce them into the wild after they have become totally extinct. This practice KINO of re-introduction has already been done in Sarawak.

Tim Hatch has lived in Sarawak since 1977, working in the natural sciences and agriculture. He is now Research Director of Malesiana Tropicals, a large biotechnology company.

Captions for pg. 33

A. N. Aristolochioides Named after the beautiful Aristolochia flowers which it resembles. It is endemic to West Sumatra.

B. N. Jacquelineae A rare species found only in the cool mossy forests of the mountains of West Sumatra.

C. N. Inermis This unusual species is native to the mountains of West Sumatra. It traps insects by means of the sticky surface on the inside of the pitcher.

KINOwildlife

BORNEO insights

by Ch'ien C. Lee Rainforest Pictures of Tropical Asia www.wildborneo.com.my

D. N. Villosa Growing only the upper slopes of Mount Kinabalu and neighboring Mount Tambuyukon in Sabah, the pitchers of this species are exceptionally resilient and can last for over a year.

E. N. Attenboroughii Found only on a single mountain on Palawan Island (Philippines), this species is named after the famed television presenter and naturalist, Sir David Attenborough.

All pitcher plant photos by Ch'ien C. Lee

With a background in biology and environmental education, wildlife photographer Ch'ien Lee made the move from California to Kuching in 1996, fulfilling a life-long dream of living in the tropics. His images of Southeast Asian nature have been widely published internationally and he continually strives to use imagery as a means of raising awareness about the astounding flora and fauna that we share this planet with.

"Returning to its roost, a Hardwicke's Wooly Bat (Kerivoula hardwickii) approaches a pitcher of Nepenthes hemsleyana. Unlike most pitcher plants which are insectivorous, this species has a unique relationship with the bat, providing shelter in return for nutrients in the form of droppings."

Photo info: Nikon D800E, 60mm f/2.8 micro, 1/250 sec, f/14, ISO 800, triggered via infrared beam.

37 HEALTH llll

by Michael Fields

A journey to discover better health Growing up I never gave my diet much thought. As a child I was slim, then slowly gained weight when I started work. I wasn't obese but certainly weighed more than I should, with my belly more and more evident.

Fast forward to 2006 when I went to the doctor for a routine checkup.

No symptoms, just a blood test and some basic tests. “Mr Fields, I'm very concerned by these blood test results,” my doctor said, “your HDL & LDL cholesterol are very high putting you at risk of developing diabetes and of a heart attack. It also looks like you have a “fatty liver”. We need to do an ultrasound to further investigate this however you will need to start taking cholesterol tablets straight away.” I felt helpless and resigned to now turning into a sick person.

But the thought of a lifetime of medication shocked me so I searched the Internet for alternatives. Among the myriad of search results, a whole-food plantbased diet stood out. No eggs, dairy products, animal products, oils or processed foods. Plants that’s it! But the trade off is that apparently, such a diet can make us ‘heart attack proof’, preventing type 2 diabetes, obesity and early stage prostate cancer. Remarkably, even those who do not follow these diets and are now afflicted with these diseases may cure themselves by adopting them!

It took some time to come to terms

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 37

Michael Fields has been coming to Malaysia on almost a monthly basis to seek out its array of vegetarian restaurants.

with my new diet regime. Apart from reading testimonials online, I personally didn’t know any vegans.

Not one! As I got my head around this new challenge I was faced with a mixture of emotions from friends and family, ranging from curiosity to anger. The peer pressure was overwhelming. I remember my mother telling me it would be ok to be vegetarian but please, please don’t go vegan! Everyone has an opinion on what is best for your health, and these opinions were often quite vocal. It continues to amaze me how our dietary choices polarise people; certainly people look at me differently now.

I made the biggest change on 1st January 2012. I had already cut out meat, chicken and eggs, but then I decided to cut out fish and dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese). I asked my nephew and niece to do this challenge together but they both refused, saying that, for them, it would be too hard. I went fully plant based. I actually found that it was

fairly easy and tasty once you realise that most foods I grew up with can be made vegan with a bit of tweaking. Maybe my taste buds have changed, maybe I’m just determined, but I no longer yearn for animal-based foods.

Today …

I have lost over 25 kilograms.

I no longer have a fatty liver.

My regular blood test results are now all within the normal range.

I have never felt healthier and could never go back to eating animals.

Learning about health and nutrition has been a turning point in my life, knowing the truth that I am empowered to live a healthier life by deciding what I put on the end of my fork.

KINO Michael is an Australian who researches widely on plant-based whole foods living. He uses (and contributes to) the world-wide community vegetarian/ vegan website www.happycow.com on a regular basis. His website: http:// tardis3.blogspot.com

39 EDUCATION llll

by Jo Williams

Pustaka BOOKAROO

Bringing Children and Books Together

"Thanks to Pustaka Bookaroo for painting Kuching red with literature! " "Bookaroo is unique - it is the only literature festival for children and that makes it special for me".

"Young at heart with a warm, generous spirit, there’s always something that’s fun to do at Bookaroo!"

"I love how Pustaka Bookaroo brought stories to life for children, not just through the use of words, but also through music and drawing. Listening to the storytellers reminded me of my own childhood evenings in the longhouse, when I sat next to my great-aunt begging for her to re-tell a story that she had told me dozens of times before".

These are a selection of the comments received after Pustaka Bookaroo in Kuching on the 28th and 29th March, however, a festival is for life not just for two days. So, Pustaka Bookaroo is now planning 50 events through the year to reach out to children in every corner of Kuching and beyond as part of its Bookaroo in the City programme.

Building on the success of the visits into 18 schools preceding the main festival in March, more authors, illustrators and storytellers will be going into schools to celebrate the joy of reading. It is imperative that children are not only exposed to stories from all around the world but also storytellers and writers from

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 39

around the world. Bookaroo gives children the opportunity to discover stories which trigger their imagination, unlock their potential, give them the confidence to be curious and interact freely with the creators of these tales.

With this in mind during the school holidays on the morning of the 9th June there will be a Kuching-wide celebration of stories with storytellers: from Kuala Lumpur – Ng Kok Keong, a school principal by day but a trilingual storyteller by passion who has been mesmerising audiences all over Malaysia and the world with stories for the past nine years; from Thailand – Wajuppa Tossa, an established storyteller and writer who began her journey to becoming a storyteller while working as a teacher in NorthEast Thailand in the early 1990; from Indonesia – Made Taro and Gede Tarmada, an award-winning father and son musical storytelling and writing duo. Made has worked tirelessly over the last 35 years to preserve traditional stories, games and songs.

Ng will travel to the Lan E Tuyang longhouse at Singai to enchant the children from neighbouring kampungs with stories from far and wide interspersed with some local sape and gongs, courtesy of Lan E Tuyang’s very own and much-loved Orang Ulu Matthew Ngau.

Wajuppa will be heading to Padawan to enthral children with her unique tales from Thailand and Laos.

Meanwhile at Pustaka Negeri father and son duo Made and Gede will be weaving their magic with traditional stories, songs and games for children from near and far.

Keep a close look out as Pustaka Bookaroo will be popping up in the most unexpected places in the most unexpected ways at the most unexpected times. You have been KINO warned!

Swati Roy who is the co-owner of Eureka!, the children’s bookstore in Delhi, Venkatesh, journalist and co-owner of Eureka! and Jo Williams, storyma’am, three of the founder members of Bookaroo and current Festival Directors.

40 NIGHT SPOTS Dude, where's my PIZZA?! llll

As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. But when in Kuching, where can you eat pizza like the Romans do? Restaurants offering so-called Western fare have been around for ages, but pizza is the latest trend doing the rounds, despite the Asians’ uncertain relationship with cheese. Pricey it may be, but it seems to be the pick of the day. So whether you like the tropical Hawaiian or the more traditionally orang puteh pizzas, where can you go for your evening slice?

Beccari’s – Jalan Tun Haji Openg Beccari’s is perhaps the Nonno (that’s Italian for grandfather!) of the Italian restaurants in Kuching.

Situated in the Merdeka Palace hotel with a mockpalazzo feel of frescoes and pseudo-stucco, the décor is Malaysian Mediterranean. But the food is true highend Italian. You can choose from an array of Italian flavours from pastas to salads to meaty mains but the pizza is the most often talked about. At one stage, they flew in a chef from Italy to teach techniques.

Have the standards fallen? There’s always talk; but it is still pretty tasty! But mamma mia, just wait for the bill!

Tom’s Pizza, Coffee talk – Jalan Song From high end to hawker, pizza is certainly getting around. The older brother to the younger son in Green Heights, this pizza stall is a big draw in this already popular kopitiam – evidence the five staff and the stream of takeaway boxes leaving the premises. There are some unusual flavours on offer, from Christmas(!) to Wild Mushroom, each given a bit of added oomph by the addition of a sprinkling of parmesan. While it may seem pretty odd eating a pizza in a coffeeshop setting, it makes it a uniquely Kuching experience and it means that everyone can order something different.

If so, get ready to fight off the others because this pizza is really too tasty to share. But don’t worry, you can always have a secret midnight snack at home because Tom’s delivers!

Osome – Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli Wood-fired pizza; that’s what it says on the slightly cryptic and slightly intriguing sign (Osome? Awesome?

Oh, so me?) – necessary to draw in the customers into this somewhat out of the way location in the shadow of Ciak Pa Boi. Inside, there is a slightly cryptic Japanese feel to the décor which is big on reclaimed wood, but the big dome of the eponymous oven dominates. The menu is substantial and quirkily shaped like a pizza, or perhaps it’s the silhouette of the oven itself. Regulars rave about the desserts, especially the panna cotta in a pot. But oh my, that’s some pizza!

www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 40

Zinc - Jalan Tabuan Newly opened, Zinc is decidedly swish. Exposed brick walls instead of an exposed brick oven, and gigantic belian beams, the concept is Mediterranean bistro in a traditional Chinese shophouse. Definitely not for the halal of heart, Zinc has a passion for pork and really some of the best babi in the business – we are talking whole legs of Jamon Serrano straight from Spain suspended from the ceiling. You can wash these down with some unusual cocktails, even some made with tuak.

The pizza here is bite-sized but supremely satisfying – the crispiest base amongst all the crispy bases on offer.

And the profiteroles ain’t half bad either- enjoy them on the terrazzo in traditional Italian style. Side order of snails anyone?

Big Oven – Jalan Keretapi Once again, it’s all in the name. The oven is big and brick in an open plan kitchen where you can see the chefs going about their business. The rest of the décor is so pared down as to be almost non-existent but Big Oven actually does Western food well with a range of dishes beyond the ubiquitous chicken chop range. The salads are stand-outs in the Kuching market, but the pizza is the real draw. Served on wooden chopping boards, also ubiquitous in the pizza presentation game, there is a wide-range of flavours on a crispy, brick-oven, thin-crust base, including a decidedly dairy, Quattro Formaggi! So, for your big night out, consider the Big Oven.

Junk - Jalan Wayang Junk deserves a mention despite having been mentioned in these pages before. A pizza pioneer on the Kuching scene, Junk has been offering late night slices to the backstage regulars for quite some time. Rightly so as their pizza is, frankly, delicious. Thin-crust with plenty of topping, eaten in the wonderful ambience that is Junk - there is a reason that this place has stood the test of time in the fickle Kuching market.

Bella Italia - Jalan Lapangan Terbang The name might be beautiful Italy but the owners are Bosnia’s best. According to Kuching gossip, they were reputedly given a home here at the height of the Yugoslavian conflict by the late Laila Taib, and some of the families have stayed and made it their home though, when it comes to food, they hark back to their former home (or that of their former neighbours at least). The location is decidedly uninspiring, tucked at the back of RH plaza, and the décor a bit bygone bistro rather than bella Italia, but the food is still worth the trip. Other Italian favourites are on offer here, with the pastas probably just pipping pizzas at the taste post, but they are worth a try nonetheless. Bella Bosnia!

KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 41

42 Illustrated MAP llll CAT City Walk - Museum Groun

Corner of the OLD QUARTER

(5) KENYALANG

(6) ANG CHENG HO/ SEKAMA

Taking a i CAT City Walk around town is the best way to see historical streets, their architectural monuments, heritage and shops.

See what's selling, what's cooking and what's up, in and out!

Next issue: Kenyalang ...and more.

ds & Reservoir Park

by Peggy Wong, a member of our Urban Sketchers Kuching

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EMERGENCY Emergency Line / 082-365030 Civil Defense / 991 Fire / 994 Ban Hock FromJamobile to phone /112 Jalan n a la n Ambulance l Ja Police and Padungan/ 999 Police emergency service /999 HOSPITALS ur Borneo Medical Centre / 016 889 8302 Tim l a Kuching Specialist Hospital KG / 082-365384 nt r St. Joseph e C Multimedia Specialist & Maternity Centre / 082-428885 n Cathedral a Normah Medical Specialist Centre / 082-440055 Jal Sarawak General Hospital / 082-276666 a J. T Sarawak Medical J. T ri Centre / 082-442088 a m a n B u d ay an i u H e e K g n an S ri O Da Timberland Emergency Medical m TService / 082-232259 a i l t l u PHARMACIES k Wi JaGuardian / 082-613259 lan Watson’s Ell Personal Care Store / 082-239091 Legend Bus Numbers nk is STATIONS POLICE a h District Police HQ - Kuching, Royal Malaysian Police, s k 3A, K3 Jln Simpang Tiga / 082-241133 oo Main Bus Terminal Bampfylde r C Central Station Jln Khoo Hun Yeang / 082-241222 K8 Heights an Satok Station Jln Nagor / 082-245522 J al 8G Gita Station Jln Matang / 082- 254417 Hospital Bus Stop Tourist Info Centre Santubong Station / 082-846222 K11 Padungan Station Jln Kemajuan / 082-335930 K1, K2 Pondok Taxi Stand Beratok Station Jln Kuching-Serian / 082- 864235 Summons From Jalan Masjid Sekama Station Jln Sekama / 082-332522 Huts Sg. Maong Station Jln Tun Hj. Mohd. Adruce / 082-256800 Kota Padawan (Batu 10) Station Kota Padawan 16 Km, Jln. Kuching-Serian / 082- 612222 ng a t Siburan Station Km 27, Jln. Kuching-Serian / 082-864121 with associated bus numbers Lin u t a Tapah Station 082-867236 nB J al a All Buses Lead To and From Jalan Masjid Wisma Saberkas Station Wisma Saberkas / 082-253535 Police Station Tabuan Jaya / 082-360999 BDC: K8, 8G Police Patrol (24Hrs) / 082-244444 Boulevard Shopping Mall: 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, 3A, 6 TOURIST INFORMATION Cat Museum: K5, K5C, K15 Green Heights Commercial Center: 8G Tourist Police Unit (Kuching Waterfront) / 082-250522 Hilton Hotel: K2, K2, K16 Tourist The Information Spring Centre / 082-246575 Jalan Hospital Umum: 1F/1FA, 2, 3A, 6, 1C,K6, K8, K10, K13, K18, K17, 8G Airport-Kuching International Airport / 082-454242 Jalan Astana: K5, K5C, K15 Mall B at u Immigration Department / 082-245661 JalanLGreen: intanK12 TAXI Jalan Hj Taha:gK12, K18 ABC Taxi / 082-341818 Jalan Matang: K7 Jalan Satok: K7, K5, K5C, K15 Kuching City Taxi Radio Call Enterprises / 082-348898 Jalan Stutong: 8G, K8 Taxi (Red and Yellow colour) / 082-882466 Premier 101: 8G Executive Taxi / 082-480000 Jalan Masjid (Bus Station yellow and green buses departs-final station are from here) Simpang CONSULATES AND EMBASSIES Jln. Kwon Lee Bank: K2,K1, K16 Tiga Australian Honorary Consul / 082-23350 Jln. Padungan: K2, K1, K11, K16 Roundabout Brunei Consulate / 082-312681 Jln. Pending: K2, K1, K16 Chinese Consulate / 082-233816 Jln. Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce: K12, Konsulat Indonesia: 8G, K8 Consulate of the United Kingdom / 082-207272 Kuching Sentral Station: K3, K6, K10, K13 French Honorary Consul / 082-415588 Kuching Specialist Centre: K8 Indonesia Consulate / 082-460734 New Stutong Market: K8 Immigration Office / 082-245661 Regional Bus Terminal: 1FA, 2, 3A, K3, K6, K10, K13, 6 Sarawak Government Office / 082-222222 Sarawak Plaza: K2, K1, K11, K16 HOME SERVICES Semenggok Wildlife: K6, 6, The Commission of The City of Kuching North / 082-234654 St. Joseph/St. Teresa: K18, K8 Sungai Apong (fishing village): K2 Council of the City of Kuching South / 082-354200 Tabuan Jaya: K8 Post Office-Pos Malaysia-Kuching / 082-347677 The Spring Mall: K8, K11, 8G SESCO-Electricity Service / 1 300 - 88 3111 Timberland: 1C, 1F/1FA, 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, K18, K17, 3A, 6 Astro / 1 300 - 82 3838 Waterfront (Main Bazaar): K2 , K1, K11, K16 TM / Fax No : 082-239 257 Wisma Saberkas: 3A , 2, 6, 1C K3, K8, K10, K13, K17, 8G

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A KUCHING BUS MAP BY Timberland Medical Centre

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KINO LISTINGS & CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES

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RM90-RM600 per issue, contact 013 813 2995 for more info.

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www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 46

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WALKING TALL

“One Shoe Can Change Your Life” EMMA

DANIEL

C1 & C2 Tingkat 1, Bangunan Kompleks Majlis Islam, Jalan P. Ramlee, KUCHING 082 507012 An EMMA DANIEL shoe design was reproduced in a cake and icing form

by Master Cake Artist Jacinta Yu of Hong Kong.

49 SWEET NEWS llll

A EVENT

C BE

in partnership with

BORNEOCAKEEXPLORATION

It' a Royal Affair of workshops and a Gala of fine dining with and for a difference David MacCarfrae from Liverpool, UK, has had the honour of presenting 2 Royal Wedding Cakes for the marriage of HRH Prince Andrew and Miss Sarah Ferguson and the marriage of HRH Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Reece Jones.

David is also a prestigious judge on International reality TV cake decorating series CAKE WALK hosted by actress Caroline Rhea. David travels around the world sharing his knowledge of cake decorating and free hand cake decorating techniques specialising in Royal Icing and cake sculpture.

Chef Schmid from South Africa will be preparing the royal menu from 5 Royal Courts. English, Spanish, Thai, Bruneian and Malaysian.

Workshops are at the Hilton Hotel and the Dinner Gala at BCCK.

For a humble cause...

All the proceeds from the auction of the 29th May Gala plus half of David's professional fees will support 5 people from less fortunate backgrounds to undertake a year of training to become age caregivers.

and more...

WILTON method courses of "Shape and Amaze" will be conducted by WM instructor Jackie Tay of Singapore.

Venue at the Kiidz Clubhouse, Plaza Merdeka. (see pg.

50). LIVE CAKE decorating competition with David MacCarfrae as judge. 1st prize: A return trip to Hong Kong and a day of masterclass course with Master (continued) Cake Artist Jaycinta Yu. KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 49

50 SWEET NEWS llll

DAVID's masterclass workshop

Join us now for this Royal Affair

A

23 + 24 MAY (9am-4pm) 2 days Elite Royal Icing string work Create 1 foot of suspended Royal Icing RM2,000.- (all material incl.)

2 tea breaks and lunch at Hilton Hotel included.

DAVID's masterclass workshop

Menu from 5 Royal Courts English Spanish Bruneian Thai Malaysian B

25 + 26 MAY (9am-4pm) 2 days Victorian rose cascade

Lavish Royal Icing Piping and Airbrushing RM2,000.- (all material incl.)

7 pm DRESS CODE: FORMAL VENue: BCCK

The Royal Dinner

29th

MAY 2015

Table of 2-3: RM500 per pax / Table of 4-7: RM450 per pax / Table of 8-10: RM400 per pax

2 tea breaks and lunch at Hilton Hotel included.

DAVID's masterclass workshop

C

27 MAY (9am-4pm) 1 day royal icing cake painting Free hand painting without templates RM1,000.- (all material incl.)

2 tea breaks and lunch at Hilton Hotel included.

10% discount when attending all 3 workshops A, B and C. 10% discount for students.

WILTON WORKSHOP

CAKE COMPETITION

Part 1: RM250 / Part 2: RM350 23MAY: Kids 10+ yearsRM250 (10am-1pm)

VENUE: Plaza Merdeka

Shape & Amaze (all material incl.)

21 - 22 MAY (10am-1pm)

VENUE: KIIDZ CLUBHOUSE, Plaza Merdeka 082 425988

28 MAY (10am-1pm)

RM50 (registration fee) For more details: eventskino@gmail.com

CONTACT: Alex CHAI 012 777 7876 / JEAN 013 813 2995 / MEG 014 684 0668 eventskino@gmail.com

Choccywoccydoodah S4 “Starstruck” Premieres 10th May 2015 Sunday, 10.00pm

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