Spread Love for the Children at the Penang Shan Children’s Home Association

Penang, 3rd February 2013 — About 40 bloggers and public visited the Penang Shan Children’s Home Association to distribute food, beverages and gadgets, sponsored by various commercial entities. It’s a philanthropic exercise not only by businesses in executing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but by everyone to give back to the society, thus making life more bearable for everyone in need. The event is made possible by Crowdpot Sdn Bhd (Event Organizer), Ninetology Malaysia, SUBWAY® (Suntech, iAvenue, & Leith Street branches), Chatime Malaysia, Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Alextan Artworks.

Penang Shan Children’s Home (PSCH) began as a dream and initiative of Dr. S Balakrishnan in the year 2005. This is a non-religious and a non-profit, non-governmental organization catering to the needs of orphans, neglected children, dysfunctional families and single parents. The home was built and officially launched on 14th December 2008 by Madam Chan Siew Har. PSCH’s mission is to maximize the attractive opportunities that are stored in the children; to make something happen; to change the ways that things are and to create something that no one else has ever created before for the children, to explore for opportunities; to provide guidance and course correction; maintaining focus on being consistent and persistent. The objectives are both short and on a long term basis. The short term objective is to provide all the children with a safe and supportive environment. The focus will be on the development of physical, mental, emotional, educational, social and recreational skills that will create awareness to structure and mould the child’s future. The longer term development includes the options that are available for the child’s future, supporting them to complete the tertiary education preferably to University level. For those who are unable to complete the basic education, they would be trained in developing their skills by educating them in skill training centers. Through home visits and working with parents, they would like to ensure that eventually the child is reunited with his/her family thus becoming the backbone of the family.

How to help Penang Shan Children’s Home Association?

1.       Adopt-A-Child Program

The average monthly expenditure per child amounts to RM400. This includes lodging, education, meals, transportation and pocket money. Interested members of the public can contact the home.

2.       Donation

The home solely depends on donation to meet the relatively high running cost. They would be very grateful members of the public or private companies can step forward to contribute a one-off or monthly fixed donation. Interested entity can contact the home.

Other Information:

Penang Shan Children’s Home Association

679-D, Jalan Mount Erskine, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Pulau Pinang

Tel: 04-2292186 / 016-4127711

Fax: 04-2292186

Email: shanchildrenhomepg@yahoo.com

Read More

Spread Love for the Children at the Children’s Protection Society

Penang, 3rd February 2013 — About 40 bloggers and public the Children’s Protection Society to distribute food, beverages and gadgets, sponsored by various commercial entities. It’s a philanthropic exercise not only by businesses in executing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but by everyone to give back to the society, thus making life more bearable for everyone in need. The event is made possible by Crowdpot Sdn Bhd (Event Organizer), Ninetology Malaysia, SUBWAY® (Suntech, iAvenue, & Leith Street branches), Chatime Malaysia, Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Alextan Artworks.

The Children’s Protection Society (CPS) began as an initiative of Dato’ Nazir Ariff when he was President of the Rotary Club in Penang (1991). It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization catering to the needs of neglected and/or abandoned children in Penang. It was officially launched in April 1992 by Puan Sri Chua Kah Peng. The objectives of CPS are both immediate and longer-term. The immediate objective is to provide children at risk with a safe, supportive and conducive environment (Shelter). Their concerned and focused areas include the emotional and physical development, education, social and recreational skills. At the same time, CPS aims to work with parents and other family members, so that the child can eventually be reunited with his/her family. In the pipeline, they hope to support projects to enhance community-based facilities for childcare and development in areas where such facilities are lacking. They also try to promote a more general awareness of the issues relating to children at risk by being involved in training and discussions. Hence they work together with various government and non-government organizations to help to develop longer-term strategies and goals.

How to help Children’s Protection Society?

1.       Become a Volunteer: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help.html

Learning and Tuition is always needed - many of our children have missed a substantial amount of school due to their backgrounds, and often find it difficult to catch up with school work. If you are prepared for the extra challenges which many of our children face, and are prepared to commit a regular time a week (can be anything from an hour up).

2.        Sponsor-A-Child Program: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help02.html

 Talk to any of our staff if you are interested to sponsor a child

3.       Donation: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help03.html

If you want to make a financial donation, please send cheques (payable to Children's Protection Society Pulau Pinang) to CPS at 118-A Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang. CPS is a registered charity home with the Welfare Department so donations will be tax-exempt.

4.       Sponsoring an Activity or Outing: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help04.html

CPS organizes many activities for the children, staff and volunteers. We welcome sponsorship of specific activities. Give us a call if you have any ideas of your own, or would like to hear from us on what sort of activities you could sponsor.

Other Information:

Children’s Protection Society Pulau Pinang

118-A Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: 04-8294046

Fax: 04-8294046

Email: cpspg@hotmail.com

Website: www.cpspg.org.my

Read More

Spread Love for the Children at The Ramakrishna Ashrama

Penang, 3rd February 2013 — About 40 bloggers and public visited The Ramakrishna Ashrama to distribute food, beverages and gadgets, sponsored by various commercial entities. It’s a philanthropic exercise not only by businesses in executing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but by everyone to give back to the society, thus making life more bearable for everyone in need. The event is made possible by Crowdpot Sdn Bhd (Event Organizer), Ninetology Malaysia, SUBWAY® (Suntech, iAvenue, & Leith Street branches), Chatime Malaysia, Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Alextan Artworks.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama (Orphanage), Penang is a charitable organization founded in 1938 under the inspiration and guidance of His Holiness Swami Bhaswarananda Maharaj who was then stationed at The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore. Apart from spiritual activities, the Ashrama runs an orphanage, catering for both boys and girls with ages ranging from 6 to 20 years old. The orphanage admits needy orphaned children who are poor and need the help from the society to assist them with basic needs and education. The children in the home are given proper education and are well cared for so that they will grow up to be useful citizens. Besides education, the girls learn traditional dancing, cooking and housekeeping. Children excelling well academically are encouraged to pursue higher education.

How to help The Ramakrishna Ashrama?

1.       Sponsoring a Child Program: http://theramakrishnapg.org/2009/02/22/sponsor-a-child-program-in-ramakrishna-ashrama-penang/

The estimated cost to support a child at Ramakrishna Ashrama RM1,500 per annum. The breakdown cost is as follows.

 Education: RM500

Food: RM600

Maintenance: RM300

Miscellaneous: RM100

2.       Donation:     https://www.cimbclicks.com.my/TIBSEPWeb/fpxPaymentToNGO_add.do?payeeId=FPXNGORAMA

Donation to The Ramakrishna can be done only via CIMB Cares (www.cimbclicks.com.my)

Orphan Admission: http://theramakrishnapg.org/2009/02/22/orphan-admission/

A child with either no parents or with a single parent who supports the child can be admitted to the Ashrama under the following circumstances:

-          He/She is from age 6 and above.

-          The parent or relatives has no means of supporting the child.

-          The child has been mistreated or abused.

(Referred by the Jabatan Kebajikan Negeri or community leaders)

Other Information:

The Ramakrishna Ashrama

No 37, Jalan Scotland, 10450 Pulau Pinang

Tel: 04-2270869

Fax: 04-2278921

Email: ramkorp@hotmail.com

Website: http://theramakrishnapg.org/

Read More

Invited: The Pork-fect Chicago Rib House @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

I have always been a fan of Chicago Rib House, when i say that i mean way back before the launch of their new menu in which they raised the food prices and also i have previously reviewed this western restaurant twice, check it out (link here). Now, they are launching a brand new menu again and it was a sheer delight for me to be one of the bloggers who were invited to their "Porkfection" tasting session. My hair stiffened as a result of the rippling artificial spider web, bloody creepy "alien" heads hanging freely from the ceiling and others which altogether helped the restaurant to attain a spooky Halloween, no, "Horroween" atmosphere.

My jaw dropped when they distributed their new, creative, vibrant coloured newspaper-like menu which features a wide spectrum of delicacies ranging from Starter, Main Entrée to Dessert. No doubt, this is the best menu i have ever seen, simple, elegant and intriguing. Other than alcoholic cocktails, martinis, beers, wines and non-alcoholic mocktails, Chicago Rib House does offer a vast selection of Mojito, one of the most famous rum-based highballs and each Mojito is freshly prepared.

From left to right: Ocean Mojito, Banana Berry, Beach Fiesta, Pine Slussy, Mai Tai, Apple Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, Peach Lynch.

The first starter was Cheese Nachos (RM17.90) in which a hearty blend of shredded chicken, chopped spring onions, fresh tomato cubes and layers of mixed cheese was toppled onto the golden crispy tortilla chips. Besides, the chips were served along with salsa and ranch dressing. Either of the dips formed a perfect union along with the chips, creating a flavoursome appetizer.

Next, we were presented with a plateful of Hot Buffalo Wings, Potato Skins and Pork Chili Corn Carne along with similar salsa and sour cream dips - it was the Trio Sampler (RM32.90). The Buffalo Wings made me put aside the thoughts of embarrassment and chomped them directly with my fingers in front of all the bloggers as well as restaurant patrons, well, i guess this is what we call finger-licking good! Potato skins wise, they were palatable with an enticing cheesy aroma.

Time for some tasty and healthy experience, one of their latest salad creations is the Oriental Wedge Salad (RM15.90), comprising of fresh Iceberg lettuce dressed in their special lime and peanut dressing, not forgetting the tomatoes and mandarin oranges which have been thrown in. The combination was an odd one but surprisingly, it turned up to be pretty mouth-watering.

Finally, we are talking about the mains. The Grilled Bourbon Chicken (RM27.90) was no small in portion with its two well-grilled deboned chicken breast. Taste wise, the tenderness of the meat coped really well with CRB's signature bourbon sauce and the half-melted mixed cheese, the sweet plus scorch flavours just exploded in my mouth, fantastic!

Well, is the 8oz Pork Tenderloin (RM32.90) consist of two grilled-to-porkfection pork tenderloin weighted approximately 224 grams (1 oz = 28.3495 g)? Who cares as long as it is ambrosial with the nectarous flavours coming out from the dry homemade apple cinnamon sauce coupling with the dense, springy pork texture. Thumbs up!

The fettuccine was cooked to an al dente texture before being mixed with bell peppers, red onions, minced pork and topped with parmesan cheese, it was the Southwestern Chili Pasta (RM22.90) which tasted positively extraordinary. The whole thing was meant to be dry and it left me yearning for more.

Here came one of the signature dishes of CRB - the BBQ Pork Ribs in Original Sauce (Half Rack RM32.90/ Full Rack RM53.90). The meaty areas were tender and off the bone easily. I know it may sound cliché but seriously, the ribs were simply awesome!

For your information, all eyes were on the BBQ Pork Ribs in Flaming Kansas City Sauce (Half Rack RM38.90/ Full Rack RM59.90) as one of the restaurant crew poured a shot of bourbon over the ribs and fired it up. The ribs were smouldering while the dreamy aroma singed my nose hairs before filling my lungs with flavours. Obviously, it was better than the BBQ Pork Ribs in Original Sauce in terms of marination, seasoning. Do you know that their ribs are slow-roasted in hickory wood to give them the amazing tenderness and unique flavours that have made them world-famous? Now you do. Their succulent and meaty pork ribs which are served with your choice of two side dishes are undoubtedly "s-pork-tacular"! Recommended.

Last but not least, a large scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream coupled with a small, dense moist chocolate cake to form the Brownie Royale (RM12.90). You could feel and taste the soft, damp rich chocolate cake texture as well as crunchy almond texture simultaneously. It is the perfect thing to end your meal.

Below i attached images of the scanned menu.

Address:
GP-170-G-43, Gurney Plaza
Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang.

Operation hours:
10AM to late evening daily

Contact no.:
04 - 2290763

Fax no.:
04 - 2290985

Facebook:
[click here]

Read More

Kochabi Ice Cream @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Sudah potong? I can't agree more that ice cream potong or more commonly known as ice potong is no longer ubiquitous. The traditional hard ice cream bears the half-English, half-Malay name as a result of how it is made. Potong simply can be defined as cut and an ice potong is actually extracted out from a big block of flavoured coloured edible ice by means of cutting before being eventually stuck with a stick. Nowadays, ice potong's are nowhere to be found other than the small, narrow and cold Kochabi Ice Cream kiosk brimming with electric-powered refrigerators which is located at the lower ground floor of Gurney Plaza, opposite of Memory Lane and next to Shihlin. For your information, Kochabi is a Chinese term (古早味) which means the traditional taste of the old times. Established in 2002 and with a modern factory in Simpang Ampat, Kochabi not only has the monopoly on ice potong's but also manufacture natural fruit-flavoured soft ice cream, without any preservative.

Tell you what, i am working for them now, promoting their ice cream at the Gurney Plaza kiosk and that is the minor reason why i am making this review. The major reason is of course i don't have time neither to splurge on mouth-watering food nor feel the romantic restaurant atmosphere. To date, the Kochabi ice potong series contains 10 different flavoured ones: red bean, yam, cempedak, durian, mint, corn, strawberry, green gram, soya bean as well as orange and the best part is the RM1 price tag. Where could you find ice potong easily and with a price of RM1? True to form, the all-time best seller award goes to red bean which is a hearty blend of azuki beans, water, coconut milk etc. Mint is good, green gram is alright and i strongly recommend the aromatic, lip-smacking yummy cempedak flavour. They do sell this traditional stick ice cream in packages such as Personal Pack (RM3 - five shorter, thinner sticks of strawberry, red bean, vanilla, corn and orange flavours), Family Pack (RM8 - a total of 24 cubes of cut ice potong of cempedak, red bean, durian, corn, yam and mint flavours, like the one always given in Chinese wedding dinner) and Multipack (RM10 - 10 sticks of each flavour, including orange). They are having a promotion in which you will get a free soya bean-flavoured ice potong with any purchase of 10 sticks of ice cream. Do take note that orange one only comes with the packages and is not for sale alone.

Soft ice cream wise, they do only have yam, cempedak, durian, corn and vanilla but disappointingly, i have never tried any of them. There are two options, cup (RM2 - bigger scoop of ice cream, mixing of two flavours is allowed) or cone (RM1.50 - smaller scoop of ice cream, no mixing of flavours).

Read More