After the xmas eve party at my place, the very next day we headed to Gareth and Kim’s for a big feast. We were promised a home cooked dinner by Kim, but boy were we surprised by what was in store for us.
The dinner was for some 2 dozen people, but I believe there were enough food to feed at least two rugby teams, including reserves!
the dinner schedule, check out how many dishes here
First, just look at the schedule above to get an indication of the work needed for this epic dinner. Preparation actually started more than a day in advance (for the food alone), and longer if you count in buying groceries, gifts, and extra table/chairs for everyone.
chicken with pigs in blanket, bread, and cocktail shrimp
The photos you see here are some 70% of the dishes served, there are some that somehow escaped the lens. As far as I remember, here are what we were served:
the super excellent pork loin and ribs
It was impossible to pick a favorite, everything were awesome. I can make use of some ribs and pork loin right now (or anytime) for sure!
Recipes of some of these dishes can be found at http://www.kimberlycun.com/category/homemade-recipes/
Kim includes photos of each step for her recipe too, super easy to follow. This entry is on the pork ribs we were served, I believe.
salad, couscous, and more
In the original schedule, apple crumble was supposed to come out at 8:45, but thanks to everyone being overfed with all these awesome dishes, desserts didn’t make their way out until 11:45 pm.
Of course, nobody complained, 3 more hours to digest is a good thing. 
seafood bisque and desserts
As with the slightly more mature theme this year, no one passed out from drinking too much, though many almost have a coma from all the food.
we were all very well fed at the end of the night
At the end of the night, Gareth & Kim played Santa & Santarina and distributed carefully chosen gifts to everyone. That was especially a sweet touch, thanks guys, and lets do this again next year and every year.
and everyone got a gift from the hosts!
The first xmas eve party that I hosted was all the way back in 2005, which actually didn’t feel at all like it was already 6 years ago, with everyone still talking about Douglas’s epic puke fest after having one drink too many.
After last year’s absence (we spent xmas eve at Suan’s), the 5th installment of xmas eve party at my place resumes, and this time around we decided to have it back to basic – without the buffet line, satay man, or sponsored beer.
A big thank you to everyone who shows up, and even bigger thank you to those who brought alcohol and home made red velvet cupcake (Lainey) to share.
Horng, Haze, Terence; Aaron, Ruby, Derek; Terence & Celine
Those who came before in previous years:
KY, Haze, Terence, Horng, Suan, Ruby, Eiling, Michael, FA, Ringo, Ginny, Arthur, Yee Hou, Gareth, Kimberly, Huey Fang, Chan, Kerol.
Newcomer this year:
Lance, Melissa, Michael (yep 2 of them), Li Ling, Lainey, Aaron, Zach, Vinn, Pearl, Derek, Celine, Yuki.
Eiling & KY; Lance & Melissa, FA, Michael & Li Ling; Michael & Ringo
Unlike previous year’s crazy binge drinking style, this seems to be the year where everyone sorta take things slightly more maturely. Everyone was just having a good time, sipping some single malt whisky or having a cold one.
No, there is no beer bong this year, and if you want to look at pictures of people passing out, I’ll have to disappoint too. Some might say this is a sign of old age, hmmmm…
Yee Hou & Ginny; Ruby; FA; Lainey; Suan; Haze; Robb & Zach
The gift exchange part tho, was as fun as ever. Every year we had this rule, and I highly recommend that you do the same for your xmas gift exchange. I initially got this from working at Unisys in Cincinnati (man that was over 10 years ago)
Gift exchange was again the highlight of the night – best was the 1kg bacon
In essence, having the last number usually means you get to pick anything that’s opened, with only one unknown gift. However, even the last person can get his/her gift snatched if she (A) snatched B, then B snatched C, but C can actually snatch back A’s gift.
Loads of fun, try it.
The most snatched gift this year was from Lance & Horng – who contributed a whole 1 KG bacon and a small water feature thing. Those gifts exchange hands at least half a dozen times.
The funniest gift tho was from Robb, and drew by Kerol (after what she chose initially got snatched) – two bundle of bananas!
fire works; Gareth telling stories; bacon; Kim & Michael
I prepared a bit of BBQ (20 wings, some sausages) for those who happened to be hungry, Lainey brought her home made red velvet cakes (super yummy!), and at the end of the night we bbq some bacon too.
And no, this year we did not have any cops coming to end the party. Now that’s a first.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!
These are some of the not-so-brilliant costumes I managed to conjure up with for several parties over the years (ok, the one with surgeon’s headgear wasn’t even a party). I was a pirate, a hipster with fake glasses and fake mustache, and also RAIN (had a squirt bottle raining down on you, hohoho)
The last party involving any form of costumes for me was unfortunately, some 2 years ago, to be honest, I kinda missed it (and have a few pretty good idea since).
The good news is, there’s a Astro B.yond IPTV is throwing a party at the end of this month (29th Oct, 2011) with Hollywood & Celebrities theme!
Now maybe I can turn back clock and go as a super star pirate, now that would be something! (the costume above is photoshopped, but you get the idea).
The less creative minds can always go as Lady Gaga, 50 cent, or the easiest – Jet Li (just wear a kungfu shirt and squint a little).
To get yourself an invite, head to http://www.nuffnang.com.my/blog/2011/10/14/astro-b-yond-iptv-party/, leave a comment that shares If you could be a Hollywood star or Celebrity, who would you be, and how would you use the Astro B.yond IPTV services if you owned it. The best 70 comments get a pair of invites. It’s that simple.
The two dressed bloggers of the night gets an iPod Nano each and there’s a chance to win a home theatre system inclusive of a Blu-Ray player too.
Now since this party is hosted by Astro B.yond IPTV, lets talk a little bit about this service:
There are many things are essential in a home – a kitchen, a bathroom, electricity, water, a bed, and a dining table, to name a few.
Then there are these other things that we all want in a home to make live complete – high speed internet, flat screen TV with Astro HD services, Personal Video Recorder, Voice services, and even better still, a Video on Demand service.
While you can get the former from your kitchen cabinet supplier, renovation guy, furniture shop, TNB, and Syabas, the latter can now be obtained in one single package, in fact, via a single line that rules them all, and that is essentially what Astro B.yond IPTV offers.
For the geeks and technophiles, Astro B.yond IPTV service runs on fiber optic line that is capable of up to 100 Mbps, capable of supporting 2 HD channels concurrently, video on demand download, voice, and broadband speed of up to 30 Mbps. Now that’s technology worth mentioning.
The packages with Astro B.yond IPTV are pretty attractive too. For example, for a total of RM 248 you get unlimited broadband at 6 Mbps (with 30 hours of 10 Mbps speed boost) and unlimited download, 70+ SD channels and 15 HD channels (more to come), recording service, and video on demand.
More details at http://www.astro.com.my/iptv
And for those who prefer a brick and mortar presence, check out the Astro IPTV Concept Store at Mont Kiara, and you might as well get familiarized with the place cos the party is going to be there too.
Party Details:
Date: 29th October 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 6.30pm – 10.00pm
Venue: B.yond IPTV Concept Store
No.5, Jalan Solaris 2, Ground Floor, Solaris Mont Kiara
Good luck and see you there!
It’s that time of the year again, the time when Guinness is going to rock Malaysia on Arthur’s Day 2011 edition. This is installment number 252, yes, the famous black beer has been around this long, and will be around long I am gone.
This is the 3rd year running that Guinness is bringing in a big act to town for the celebration, and this year it is none other than Taio Cruz.
If the name does not immediately ring a bell, check out the video above and I’m sure you’d know the ultra catchy tune being played at every club that matters.
The big party will be at:
In previous years, you can usually buy a ticket to the concert, but this year, the party will be exclusively by invites only.
For those who are interested, there is good news, I have FIVE (5) pairs of exclusive tickets to be given out here. All you need to do is tweet or post a photo of yourself on facebook wearing your Arthur’s Day outfit, and post the link on the comment box below.
That’s it, the 5 most interesting photos get the tickets, I’ll be the judge and decision is unfortunately, final.
It is a Money can’t buy event! So win them here and good luck yo!
For more information hop on to http://www.fb.com/guinnessmalaysia
Remember, money can do a lot of things, it can even buy you a pint of Guinness like the one pictured above, but money can’t buy experience, some things you’ll just have to earn it!
the photos taken from Arthurs Day 2009 and 2010
Some of the best parties I’ve had was at Athurs Day 2009 and 2010. They say picture says a thousand words, so the above collage is an 8,000 words demonstration on the sort of time you would expect at this year’s party. Don’t miss it!
So take that photo and see you at the party!
For your amusement, here is my outfit.
Last weekend I was lucky enough to score a couple tickets to Deadmau5 LED Concert at Sunway Lagoon. To be honest, I was almost giving up the passes for someone else initially, then I went on youtube to check out Deadmau5.
5 minutes later I knew that this is a party I couldn’t miss! Thank you BRANDTHINK and Carlsberg Malaysia for the passes!
KY & Haze at Deadmau5, Sunway Lagoon 2011
Here’s a photo to .. well, document the fact that we were really there!
There were a couple DJs on stage prior to Deadmau5, and luckily there were pretty good bringing up the crowd to the raving mood too. However, I do kinda feel a bit bad for the DJ prior to Deadmau5 when people started chanting “We want Deadmau5, we want Deadmau5!”.
Haze and I decided to squeeze to the front of the stage for some hardcore raving when Deadmau5 came out, and it was intense! The video above was taken using my newly acquired Sony Ericsson Arc, I hope the short video at least conveys the mood of the party. (sound was a bit broken cos I guess it was too loud for the phone’s mic to handle)
The full LED stage was impressive! It was literally like if have a giant LCD screen and drap it all over the stage in 3D. Something you have to be there to appreciate.
Deadmau5 himself also worked the crowd very well, and of course, we had a great time and a good session of sweating of course.
Remember the previous post on ESPN Castrol Football Crazy’s Longest Pass launch that I went to? Here’s the “official” video of my longest pass attempt.
This was done in only one take, of course I did it conservatively with no fancy moves. After all I was wearing the Malaysian jersey and one should not embarrass the national symbol, right? hehe
Remember to participate and be on TV! Your video will be featured on TV as well as Castrol Football Crazy Facebook page too. Make it happen!
