CNY Carnival and Fireworks

Elvis Presley impersonator

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC).

Kids' favourite

Imagine that your neighbourhood community celebrates Chinese New Year with the engagement of entertainers and display of fireworks. Imagine also that you are in the middle of the balls of flame amid thunderous blast of the fireworks – with similar magnitude of those year-end countdowns – without having to buy and light those fireworks yourself.

Well, I am lucky to be in the neighbourhood of USJ Subang Jaya. On Sunday, 21 February evening, there was a concert and carnival in celebrating the Chinese New Year at MPSJ outdoor stadium. This is one of the rare occasions on fireworks displays where I do not have to drive my car -- the launching area of fireworks is only 200 meters from my house.
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The unique fireworks with cursive line resembles the signatures (click at the photo album for an enlarged and clearer display)

The entertainer, an impersonator who is the owner of Kwai Lum Restaurant in Subang Jaya, not only with similar body size, he does sound like Elvis Presley delivering songs that mesmerized many of the audiences.

Staging it at the brightly lit MPSJ outdoor track, the atmosphere was calm, casual and caring among folks in the neighbourhood of USJ Subang Jaya. Mandarin oranges and bottled water were distributed free to those present. A few uncles even came in singlets and shorts similar to those typical TV commercials. The area here is a stark contrast with my early morning runs at the same track which is in darkness and devoid of people.

The event was well organized; the turnout was good and not too overly crowded.

Superb ... just like a drawing

Posted by KC

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KL City Day Run (2)

Please click here to view the third and final album for this event... photos courtesy of SCHonline.

Posted by KC

KL City Day Run

Event: KL City Day Run
Date: Sunday 21 February 2010
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

Photos by courtesy of SCHonline ... click here for Album 1 ... click here for Album 2.

Stay tuned for more photos.

Posted by KC

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Loh Sang Dinner

It was an evening of good camaraderie, good food in an enchanting and posh setting of Ti Chen Restaurant at Saujana Resort Golf and Country Club.

This loh sang gathering held on Saturday 20 February to usher in the Chinese Year of the Tiger was planned many weeks in advanced. So when the trekkers finally meet, there was lots of conversation on trekking; most notably, on the next challenges.

Main compound leading to Ti Chen Restaurant
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Sunset and great golf course ... looking out the balcony of Ti Chen Restaurant
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Here are the coming events that are in the pipeline:

Silk Road tour – Bernard Lee, Sharon Tan and Jayne Aw going for the 25-day tour (with Jayne joining for the first seven days of tour). Group size: 13.

Taiwan free-and-easy backpacking tour – Yours truly (KC) going for two weeks tour in April 2010. Group size: 8.

Mount Kinabalu Climbathon (23 October) -- Lead by TonyQ and yours truly. Training will start in March 2010. If you are interested, do contact TonyQ or me.

Gunung Tahan (21 March) -- Lead by Joseph Yong with WongFK and Sharon Tan.

Trekking to Mount Fuji, Japan -- Lead by Yee Choi; in planning stage.

Meliau Basin Trek by Yee Choi on 27 April.

Name of the posh restaurant at Saujana Resort Golf and Country Club
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Getting ready for the dinner

Jayne, Rose and Alexis exchanging latest happenings

Henry preparing a mug of healthy soya drink ... it is certified excellent by Su.

The higher we loh, the higher we shall climb the next mountains (together with lots of prosperity) ... (L-R) Yee Choi, Rose, ChooTS, Jayne, WongFK, Alexis

Yours truly (KC) at left

Loh, loh, loh ... sang !!! (L-R): Su, SC Yong, Sharon Tan, KC, Bernard Lee, Henry

Presenting of door gift by the thoughful Joseph Yong ... Su and Sharon Tan.

Oh Yes, Fiona is back from Melbourn for one month of business-cum-holiday visit.

... and Leng (standing) drop by too after she had attended another dinner.

Yee Choi singing a few Japenese songs in the karaoke session while Tee (left), PK Chan and Jayne look on.
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Posted by KC

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Chinese Year of the Tiger

Greet this Chinese New Year with enthusiasm, a sense of humour and a zest of life!

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year 2010, with all the blessings of happiness, good health, good fortune and success!

Keep running and trekking!

Gong Xi Fa Chai

From KC Leong.

Chinese New Year falls on 14 February 2010, which is the year 4708 in the Lunar Calendar.

Posted by KC

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Avatar Floating Mountains

Another new location for trekking?

Introduction

The mountains used in the blockbuster movie Avatar are previously called Southern Sky Mountains. These mountains are situated in a beautiful part of southern China. These Mountains have recently been renamed to Avatar Hallelujah Mountains. The floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie were the inspiration of a Hollywood photographer who, in 2008, shot photos of the Southern Sky Column Mountains.

I received this email with title “Avatar Floating Mountain” from a few friends. Looking at the photos depicting the serene and breathtaking scenery, they indeed resemble certain scenes of the movie, Avatar – the most successfully and highest gross income movie so far.

I am sure by now you would have seen the movie, either the normal or the 3D version. As for Jason Lee, the photographer, he has seen the 3D movie thrice. I am still inspired wanting to watch the 3D version (after watching the normal one).

For trekkers, I think there is another place on earth where we can do a memorable adventure trekking trip.

Maybe one day, the organizer or travel agency would include the Avatar-themed tour packages that include big blue characters as part of the adventure trip, emulating Universal Studios to mimic those famous movies. The stage is set for making lots of $$$$ from tourists.

Please click here for more details.

This place in China is in Zhangjiajie; the mountain with a big hole is called the Door to Heaven – “Tian Men Shan”.
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Posted by KC
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Lou Sang Dinner Arrangement

If you are interested to join us in celebrating this CNY, do contact me ... KC

Chinese New Year ("CNY") festive season is drawing near. Usually, trekking will temporary be halted during the 15 days of celebration. Other than the dinner invitation that will be hosted by Fiona (one of the EBC trekkers) on Saturday 6 March 2010, maybe we can have another lou sang dinner during CNY. Besides, it is also the best time to celebrate the 'sou kong' (completion of tasks) of past one year trekking together, and also the start of trekking for the next season.

While in most lou sang, we say the higher we lou (mix or earn a living), there comes the abundance of prosperity. So this is the only group that the higher we lou, the higher is the mountains we shall climb later. So I proposed the initial dates: Saturday 20 or 27 February; or Sunday 21 or 28. One of the trekkers suggested Saturday 20 February and the date was then confirmed by a few others.

When I checked the calendar, 20 February is the 7th day of the CNY celebration and it is a good day as it is also the common man's birthday, the day when everyone grows one year older.

So the next action item is to identify a restaurant to dine.

The first response from the group comes from Joseph Yong, an EBC trekker. He suggests Lucky Loke Restaurant at SS4, Petaling Jaya area; located near SEA Park School and LRT station. He describes: Cheap and good, goody good. Good feng shui with rushing water, live fish, free parking, shady forest trees, and very near to SS2 Petaling Jaya eat-all-u-can durian stalls with many clinics nearby, etc.

So I responded: “Wah! The name is definitely auspicious for the CNY festive season to gain more luck. A restaurant with shady forest trees, rushing water, live fish ... that sound like we are celebrating our CNY dinner by the stream of Gunung Nuang (minus the mosquitoes) ... :-) Yeah, the trekkers like this type of environment. Some more got free parking, near to all-u-can-eat durian stalls. This is a useful consideration just in case that after eating the fried rice (the last few dishes of the entire course), we are still not full yet. Okay, we shall take note of this excellent restaurant. Anymore nomination?"

Note: photos are extracted from Saujana Resort Golf and Country Club website

Agnes Tan, another avid trekker, suggested that we can have it at Bukit Tabur (Klang Gate Ridge) also. I commented that maybe in one of the mornings during the CNY festive season, wearing all red gear, we trek up Bukit Tabur and we can bring CNY cookies, mandarin oranges, F&N orange drinks, etc. up there for refreshment breaks. Agnes regularly treks at Bukit Tabur; she and her team joined the EBC photo shoot at Bukit Tabur before the "famous" EBC trip ... click here.

Later, I realised that the excellent restaurant suggested by Joseph is a coffee shop type so there is no special room for diners. We need a room to dine as I believe there will be lots of stories to tell. Besides, sitting at a common area may scare other diners sitting at nearby tables, and may deem too violent – with blood oozing out due to leeches and mosquitoes bites.

So I send out emails for more nomination again. The main criteria (other than good food and good price) is to get a room (or a conducive environment to meet up).
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Sharon Tan, an EBC trekker, responded: I called up the restaurant at One Club and the rooms are fully booked on 20 February.

TS Choo, another avid trekker, responded: I checked with Damasara Palace, Jaya palace and Oversea Restaurants at Petaling Jaya area. The rooms are fully book on 20 February. In order to meet the criteria, perhaps we need to change to another date.

Finally, our Joseph Yong responded: I just came back from Grik forest and whilst counting the forest logs had managed to book a room at Saujana Resort Golf and Country Club Famous Chinese Restaurant for Feb 20th 2010. Free Parking, Very big shady trees, good service, good food, exclusive corner ROOM; shower available and massage for troubled tummy after food; available at a discount, clinics also not too far away; emergency air lift very nearby Subang airport. Maybe if my ping-pong Longan ripens in time, will throw in a few kilograms for FREE.

KC’s response: BRAVO!! Well done ! Thanks to Joseph for your effort and the well-connected networking.

Thanks to Sharon Tan and ChooTS for their effort too. Another person that I would like to thanks is Su. [That sounds like an Academy Award presentation scripts]. I just received message that the following restaurants that she enquired are also fully booked on 20 Feb:

1. Bukit Kiara Esquestrian club (poolside seafood BBQ) price Ok after 25% disc on member card, spacious/nice facilities, but food may not be as good as Chinese-chef restaurant.

2 Green view seafood restaurant (at the roundabout of the Jalan University, ie.across Sing Jo Press office) -- it has spacious room with privacy to accommodate 2-3 tables in a row, clean, service fast, food excellent.

The Chor 7 day is really a happening day. Now that we have the restaurant firmed up with ROOM. The next crucial task is to identify who would be coming. So far, we have the following trekkers indicated participation:

1. Joseph
2. Alexis
3. Yee Choi
4. SC Yong
5. Choo Teng Siang
6. Bernard Lee
7. Rose Cheong
8 Wong Fook Kan
9. Henry
10. KC Leong

Oh yeah, there will be karaoke session. Since it is a Saturday night, we can sing until the cows come home ... :-)

According to Joseph, the room for dining caters for 20 odd lovely people exclude burly belly dancers. So if you are interested to join us, do let me know…

KC: kcleong3@gmail.com
HP: 012-266 8166
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Click here for Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC) photos happened from 4 October 2009 (scroll down the pages).

Gong Xi Gong Xi

Posted by KC
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Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon 23 - 24 October 2010

(2009 Filepix) A participant approaching Low's Peak of Mount Kinabalu. A journey that usually takes two days is accomplished in two hours!

Introduction

Deemed as “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race”, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is the ultimate challenge to take for those game enough to test their endurance by running up and down Mount Kinabalu for a total distance of 21 kilometers. This race is a true challenge to the spirit of human endurance. The average climber takes two days to climb the mountain but participants of the race can make it in less than 3 hours up and down Mt. Kinabalu (4095.2m), with a total distance of 21km for all Men, Women and Men's Veteran categories.

Do click here to view latest photos and posting happening on 23-23 October 2011.

The Climbathon is part of the Sky Runners World Series Circuit for the 9th consecutive year and is the only race in the circuit that is held outside Europe. The Sky Runner World Series is regulated and coordinated by the Europe-based Federation for Sport at Altitude (FSA).
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Dear Fellow Runners and Trekkers,

You are invited to join us in this annual Mount Kinabalu Climbaton challenge 2010. TonyQ and yours truly (KC) are motivated to take up this challenge. With proper training, you would be able (or tough enough) to stand at the starting line on 23 October 2010. Do read the points below to motivate you to take up this challenge:

(1) We need to take the challenge one day. Why not just do it now?
(2) Most participants require a few attempts to make it to the peak. Just do it at your own pace, a little faster than your normal trekking
(3) No climbing fees, no porters, no mountain guides … just pay registration fee and climb Mount Kinabalu
(4) No need to stay overnight at Laban Rata, the mid-way of Mount Kinabalu; thus it is a cheaper way to see Mount Kinabalu

(5) 2009 Experience: The total trip of 4D3N (plus return flight air fare by AirAsia) cost less than RM 500, that also include transport fee from Kota Kinabalu town to National Park and back (info provided by TonyQ)(6) Have the rare oppunitunity to meet World Top Climbathoners how they conquer the mountains

(7) Together with our Mountain Sifu, TonyQ, we will train together monthly at Gunung Nuang , Gunung Irau, and Pine Tree Trail of Fraser's Hill in preparing for this challenge.So are you motivated to take up this challenge? If you are interested, do contact Tony or me..

Tony Quay:

Klpenguin3@gmail.com

HP: 016-274 2213

KC: kcleong3@gmail.com

HP: 012-266 8166

Other consideration:

4D3N trip - Leave on Friday and return on Monday. Veteran category starts on Saturday morning while Open Category starts on Sunday. The group shall have sumptuous seafood dinner in KK town on Sunday evening to celebrate the completion of the mountain challenge.

Registration fees: RM 30 for veteran and RM 60 for Open category. Registration starts in mid-February 2010.
Tony will do a running vest for the group. Tagline, for example: “Are U Tough Enough for Mt KK Climbathon” with personalized name of participants.
From what we know, the first timer who made it to the peak is Yee Choi. A marathon runner and recently completed the trekking trip to Mount Everest Base Camp trip (5,500m) from 4 - 20 October 2009. With 12 consecutive days of acclimatization in high elevation, his body system was able to adapt and overcome the challenges in Mount Kinabalu Climbation.
Click here for official website. The photos above are extracted from the official website.

.(hold down CTRL key and open a new tap) Please click here to view all postings (include trainings) leading to Mount Kinabalu Climbathon 2010 (scroll down the pages; do click Older Posts at end of pages).
By KC