Thursday, September 29, 2016

Animal Shelters That Need Your Help

Many people approve themselves as animal lovers just because they get weak at the knees when they see a puppy at the pet store. Not all animal owners are animal lovers. If you would just go to one of the animal shelters  listed below, you would be saddened by how some animals have been abused and abandoned. Animal lives are no less than human lives. 
It is easy to take home an adorable puppy from the pet store. But, the real deal is when you commit to taking care of them and loving them for the rest of their lives. If you love animals even if you are not an animal owner here is a list of animal shelters that can never get enough of help. 

PAWS Animal Welfare Society
PAWS (PAWS Animal Welfare Society) is a non-profit animal shelter in Petaling Jaya that has been in operation since 1987. They receive the surrender of unwanted dogs and cats which we will vaccinate, deworm, neuter/spay, and put up for adoption.

I personally have been there and their supplies are never sufficient. There is always room for donation and volunteers.

Service: Adoption
Contact: 03-7846 1087
Pilmoor Estate, Subang Airport Road, Subang 47200 Petaling Jaya
www.paws.org.my
hwww.facebook.com/PawsPJ


S.A.W. (Strive for the Animals Welfare) Shelter
One of the only recourses for stray and unwanted dogs and puppies was the local council or so called Majlis, which would euthanize many animals only a few days after receiving them.

S.A.W. was founded specifically to prevent this course of action and to rescue, rehabilitate and re-house as many of these animals as possible. In order to prepare dogs and puppies for adoption into local homes, S.A.W. uses positive reinforcement in the entire animal rehabilitation work

Dogs that stay in the organization's facility in Semenyih are fed, cleaned and walked daily. They are regularly taken to the vet for checkups and vaccinations.

Service: Rescue and prevention of cruelty
Contact for cases: 0122341882
Donation account: Maybank 5143 8356 3186
www.sawrescue.org
www.facebook.com/sawrescue


H.O.P.E (Homeless and Orphan Pets Exist)
Homeless and Orphan Pets Exist is a non-profit and non governmental organization which is currently located at Pekan Nanas Johor. H.O.P.E was established in April 2008. HOPE is a 100% NO KILL animal shelter for all breeds of dogs and cats. They need a total of 2400 bags of 15kg dog food per month. That tantamount to RM140k per month for food expenses and approximately RM20k-30k on medical bills. 

Service: Rescue and prevention of cruelty
Contact for cases: 012-716 7123
http://www.hopejb.org/
www.facebook.com/hopejb


MDDB (Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better)
Wheelie Champion Justice

Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) is dedicated towards giving destitute street dogs and puppies a second chance in life. Besides rescuing and re-homing, MDDB also advocates and promotes the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage system of street dog management. MDDB operates on public donations and would appreciate any kind of help from members of the public.

Service: Rescue and prevention of cruelty
Contact for cases: Facebook msg
Donation account: Public Bank 3151793708
http://malaysiandogsdeservebetter.blogspot.my/
https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianDogsDeserveBetter


SPCA(Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals) 
This is Grace! One and a half years old, a Ridgeback-mix. A calm, gentle and observant lady who would make a great companion!
The aim of the SPCA is to protect defenseless animals and to alleviate their suffering. Established in 1958, the SPCA provides temporary shelter to unwanted animals in Selangor and the Federal Territory. We try to rehome as many as possible, but with more than 600 animals arriving every month the shelter is constantly challenged by a shortage of space and limited funds.

Service: Adoption and rescue
Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama, Ampang Jaya,
68000 Ampang

Contact: 03-4256 5312
http://www.spca.org.my/
https://www.facebook.com/SPCASelangor


MIAR (Malaysia Independant Animal Rescue) 
Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue was founded in 2008 by Puspa Rani. They are a non-profit team that helps strays in need and is dedicated to saving abused animals especially dogs. Their belief is that every animal deserves "Just One Chance". They were a group of rescuers dedicated to the rescue, fostering and rehabilitation of abused and abandoned dogs. Once rescued dogs are medically treated, healed and rehabilitated, they are up for adoption.Puspa Rani have to-date saved the lives and successfully rehabilitated & rehomed over 700 dogs.

Service: Adopt and rescue
Contact: 012 399 2021
Donation account: Maybank 562414514401
http://miar-animalrescue.blogspot.my/
https://www.facebook.com/Malaysia-Independent-Animal-Rescue-132282193542235


KL Pooch Rescue 
KL Pooch Rescue offers dog rescue and rehabilitation service in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Over a hundred happy and healthy pooches are available for adoption. They also provide premium boarding facilities that include a pool, gym and grooming salon. Profits from boarding help fund their rescue efforts, as do proceeds from the online store and donations received from the public. Please support them and help save the lives of abandoned and abused animals in Malaysia.

Service: Adoption and rescue
off Jalan Permaisuri 10/6

Bandar Makhota Cheras
Contact: 0162333647 (After 5pm sms/watsapp only)
http://www.klpoochrescue.org




There are so many animals at the shelters waiting for a new home and to be loved. If you want a pet, adopt instead of buying. That pure breed might complete that white picket fence picture of yours but it tantamount to supporting puppy mills. 

Adopt. Don't Buy

All photographs and descriptions are taken from the organizations' respective websites.


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Bracing the Waves in Sytle on the Flow Rider @ Sunway Lagoon

Nowadays 'going with the flow' may not be sufficient. The people that I met that morning prefer to RIDE on the flow! And, Sunway Lagoon has just the perfect thing for them to do that. Sunway Lagoon's Flow Rider, Malaysia's first surf simulator, is literally making waves. 
Good morning!
It was  the stage for an enthralling display of flips and leaps of the Asia Flow Tour Finals 2016. For the first time ever, the finals of the region's premier flow boarding competition was held right here in Sunway Lagoon. 
Asia Flow Tour Finals 2016
What is flowboarding (or flowriding)? It is a late 20th century alternative board sport incorporating elements of surfing, bodyboarding, skateboarding, skimboarding, snowboarding and wakeboarding.
Surf boards on stand by
The best flowboarders from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia converged to make their skills seen under the light of the sunny day. The best of these countries will represent Asia at the upcoming World Championships in Singapore in October 2016.
Participants from Thailand
Participants from Malaysia
Finals attended by Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong, Selangor Executive State Counsil Member of Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment
Selangor Executive State Council Member of Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environement, Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong applauded Sunway Lagoon's continuous efforts to keep tourism attractions in Petaling Jaya engaging. In my opinion, I am glad too that we have Sunway Lagoon to depend on for fresh and world-class concepts of entertainment.
Participants from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia vying in the competition
Flowboarders ride on artificial waves comprising of a three-inch layer of water pumped at high pressure. The water flows upwards the slope and over surfaces engineered to replicate the shape of ocean waves. These are called 'sheet waves'. Sheet waves are stationary and do not move forward as natural waves do, requiring surf techniques to be metamorphed to better suit the modern sport. Flowboarders garner their speed from the energy of the water flowing at them, rendering them the ability to perform beautiful and near-acrobatic stunts in a confined area.
Swift moves
Cool motions
Display of flips and jumps
Acrobatic stunts
Participants of Flow Rider competition
With the youngest participant from Singapore. She is only 10 yrs old
Chilling with sister at the surf beach
Keep cool. Go surfing
Sunway Lagoon always thrives to bring the best in entertainment and fun
Refreshing 
Despite being a relatively newcomer to the sport, Malaysia is already making waves in international flowboarding circuits. Check out how you can be a flowrider too by contacting Sunway Lagoon at 03-5639000 or log on to www.sunwaylagoon.com and www.facebook.com/SunwayLagoonMalaysia

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant @ Bangkok

Bangkok is full of eccentricity. This time, I associate my lunch with sex. However, the restaurant guarantees that their food will not cause pregnancy. Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant intrigued me enough to make me go out even on a 40oC afternoon. Melting under the umbrella, I finally found the place at Sukhumvit Soi 12.
Welcome to Cabbages and Condoms or known as C&C in short
Located next to the Asian Centre for Population and Community Development, this bizarre eatery has attracted international attention. Cabbages and Condoms is established by the Population and Community Developement Association (PDA), one of Thailand's largest and most successful private, non-profit, development organizations. PDA was founded to promote family planning and to contain Thailand's rapid population growth (average of 7 children per family). 
Located just adjacent to the Asian Centre for Population and Community Development
So why Cabbages and Condoms instead of other names? The institution believes that for family planning to be successful, birth control should be as accessible as vegetables in the market and the ones served in the restaurant. A deluge of sense penetrated into me and the brilliance of the name shone. The deep and serious intention of the appellation totally changed my initial perception that it was for shallow marketing.
You know you are heading to the right place when the road that leads to the resto shows outstanding decor
The organization is active in community empowerment, water resource development, environmental conservation and sanitation and HIV/ AIDS prevention through education. Profits from the restaurant is used to support those work. Therefore, any visit there does not make it lewd but charitable.
Greeted by manequin bedecked in condoms
The restaurant was not shy in expressing its identity. I recognized right away that I was in the right place when I made out what was on the surface of lamps and dolls at the entrance. Condoms have never been so openly displayed to me in my life!
Santa and an army boy
Condom lamp
Despite the outstanding embellishment, the ambiance of the restaurant is just as enticing. When it is scorching hot outside, the restaurant is as cool as a cucumber inside. Their temperate mini-climate is beholden to the canopy of plants at the al-fresco dining area. Without a doubt, I took my seat outdoors.
Interior of the restaurant is cosy and relaxing
Enjoying the atmosphere while waiting for my food
Shady enough to provide a cool place despite the heat
Chef's recommendation
More chef's recommendation
I decided to try the clear chicken broth as I needed something gentle on my tummy after all that walk under that sweltering weather. I could be more adventurous but I was feeling a little under the weather for something spicy. So I literally had the chicken soup of the day!
Clear Chicken Broth THB190
The soup was flavourful with lots of yummy nuggets to munch. Toufu, mushroom, seaweed and chicken chunks were thrown in to conjure a healthy broth. The soup was uplifting and helped me recuperate while I hung around a little longer after the dish. Service was always with a smile.
Sipping my soup with lots of yummy ingredients
While you are there, do not pass the chance to appreciate those interesting posters hung in the restaurant. They are fascinating while being educational. Each one of them brings a strong message to empower people to learn about family planning in creative and hilarious ways although the national issue is nothing to giggle about. The restaurant is one-of-its kind and is brave to fight for its cause in an extraordinary way.
Condoman poster
Restaurant is bedecked with interesting posters
Posters are to break taboo of an issue that is more of a national concenrn
Creative posters to create awareness
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant
10 Sukhumvit Soi 12
10110 Bangkok 
Thailand

Open daily 11.00am-10.00pm


restaurant@pda.or.th


Monday, September 12, 2016

White Water Rafting @ Gopeng

Gopeng is no longer a sleepy mining town. It has turned into a jewel that people travel from far for excitement and adventure. The highlands surrounding the Kampar River has metamorphed into a thriving area for eco-resorts and outdoor activities like paintball, kayaking, caving (Gua Tempurung), ATV and white water rafting.
Gopeng is famous for white water rafting
Connecting with nature has become one of my must-dos. This time, it is white water rafting White water rafting is one activity that allows you to submerge in nature and literally soak up its goodness.
Adeline's place offers activities such as white water rafting
Adeline's place is one friendly destination where both comfort and adventure can be found. The place is clean with sufficient amenities enveloped with plants and fresh air. To get to Adeline's place, first you have to enjoy a lorry ride! After reaching the villa, another lorry ride is required to transport you to Kampar River.
First ride the lorry
There are many reliable white water rafting providers and Adeline's team is one of them. Proper safety gears, quality equipment and qualified guides are just the things I need to put me at ease for the thrill that I am going to to embark myself in.
Briefing by Abang Helmy
The river is said to provide rapids of class 2-4 (highest is class 6). This means it is not too dangerous without discounting the thrill. Fret not if you do not know swimming, the float will keep you safe and might even entice you with some beautiful scenery while you are floating comfortably with the current.
Beginning of the adventure
Our first dip to get accustomed to water
Getting on our rafts
Ready for white water
Mayday mayday!
No pain no gain
It is not as dangerous as it looks
In fact, this is the fun part
Hard work...paddle forward!
At times when the raft get stuck, the guide has to put their muscles to work...with all of us in it!
Remember to enjoy the lush surroundings
Sound of water is soothing
Time for a chat
Jump jump! to free the raft from getting stuck 
There are a few interesting commands that are taught to you when you embark on this exciting journey- jump jumpback on jobboom boom which all will not only keep the raft moving but also facilitate team spirit and cooperation with lots of laughter.
Paddle forward again
Abang Helmy said that the best would be for the raft to capsize. As life-threatening that may sound, that is said to give the most fun. Our raft was undesirably 'obedient' that day. Abang Helmy said not all rafts are lucky enough turn over!
There is a cliff for you to throw yourself into the water
Midway, the herculean guides take a break by the river bank. That was the time when we took the opportunity to lunge ourselves into the water from a cliff of 2-3 meters- low enough for me to take the challenge and high enough for a shot of thrill. I launched myself twice! And, it felt as if I threw all the emotional baggage away too. It was truely liberating.
Team work
White water rafting is not all laborious. Yes, you may have to burn some calories paddling but do remember to take some time to appreciate its surrounding. Hear the water gurgle, spot birds and monkeys, take lungfuls of fresh air and just immerse in nature.
And the journey continues
The 2.5km expedition ended safely
Adeline Villa & Resthouse
Lot 13302, Mukim Teja, Kampung Geruntum, Sungai Itik 31600 Gopeng Perak
Tel: 05-3592833 or 019-5561113
rumahrehatadeline@yahoo.com