2CENTS MAGAZINE NOV - DEC 2021

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ISSUE 31 2cents.my 2cents.my 2cents.my 2cents_my

L I F E S T Y L E

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y C O P Y

NOV 2021 - DEC 2021

U N P L U G G E D

e It 's th

Most Wonderful

time of the year BLACKPINK LISA’S MUSIC VIDEO, ‘LALISA,’ FEATURES THAI ELEMENTS BLINKS HAS BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO LISA’S BLACKPINK SOLO DEBUT FOR A LONG TIME. LISA DEBUTED HER FIRST MUSIC VIDEO, ‘LALISA,’ RECENTLY AND HAS GOT EVERYONE SCREAMING AND DANCING FOR JOY.

BENQ MOBIUZ GAMING EYE CARE MONITOR IS 2021’S BEST MONITOR FOR CONSOLES & PC AND HERE’S WHY

THOSE SEARCHING FOR A SIGNIFICANTLY MORE IMMERSIVE GAMING EXPERIENCE SHOULD CONSIDER THE BENQ MOBIUZ EX2510S.

THE “L’ÉTOILE” BAG FEATURES EVOLCARE’S NEW EYE CARE PACKAGE

HERE ARE A FEW LIFE LESSONS WE MAY TAKE AWAY FROM THIS RENOWNED KOREAN DRAMA

EVOLCARE CELEBRATES THE JOYFUL HOLIDAYS WITH THE “L’ÉTOILE” BAG, A LIMITED-EDITION EYE CARE SET THAT MAKES FOR THE WARMEST AND DREAMIEST TREAT FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

MARVEL HAS OFFICIALLY RELEASED THE FIRST TEASER FOR SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME.





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- Begin the holiday season with a joyful new Christmas collection, “Be Merry and Bright” - Puppy Training - These 12 beauty products would be the perfect Christmas haul for you and your loved ones - Delight your loved ones with some eye-pleasing, delectable treats this Christmas season

- BLACKPINK Lisa’s music video, ‘LALISA,’ features Thai elements - You have to add these vibrant collection that screams sustainability and support to your closet

- The “L’étoile” Bag features Evolcare’s new eye care package; guaranteed to win hearts this holiday season - Washing your face with green tea water protects your skin cells from damage

Popular Korean dishes that make you drool every time you binge watch a kdrama

- Not only do these staycation places provide leisure, but they also provide the ideal backdrop for your IG worthy photos - These are the must visit islands you have to check out in Johor once inter-district travel is permitted

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Here are 7 former athletes who are bringing their a(cting)-game from the field to the screen

- Lockdown recipe: Here’s how you can make your very own mochi at home with a twist - Here’s how you can make your favourite popcorn with ingredients right from your own pantry - Next-level Salmon Wellington and exceptional pre-cooked steaks at an affordable price

AUTO Looking to buy your first car? Here’s everything you need to know to avoid having your car loan rejected

HEALTH Feeling bad after a night out? Here are a few things that might truly help you get rid of your hangover

MOVIE Here is a selection of movies and television series that you may watch in November

NEWTRENDS


2C ENTS FAMILY WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

JACCQUELN LEE

NICHOLAS NG

jacc@ brandzoom360.com

nicholas@ brandzoom360.com

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Dear readers, The holiday season has arrived! We’ve been waiting all year for this, and we’ve got you covered with what to get your loved ones this holiday season, p.6. We take a fashion trip down with LISA’s amazing homage to her Thai roots in her first debut music video, ‘LALISA,’ in this issue, p.22. ASAVA has created a modern interpretation of a traditional Thai outfit for her to don. Now that things are gradually returning to normal, we can finally take advantage of domestic tourism by visiting local attractions. On page 49, there’s more.

SALES DIRECTOR

LUCAS CHUA

VINCENT KEK MARKETING MANAGER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

vincent@ brandzoom360.com

lucas@ brandzoom360.com

Now that the holiday season has arrived, it’s time to party hard and make sure you know how to recover from a hangover the next day, as detailed on page 72. I hope you enjoy this issue, and as always, thanks for reading and for your continuous support.

NIKI SIK

AMANDA CHOOI

ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

niki@ brandzoom360.com

amanda@ brandzoom360.com

Sincerely,

SENIOR WRITER PUBLISHED BY : BRANDZOOM360SOLUTION 18 Jalan SS1/6, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

GRACE SUNDRAM

ANSON GOH

SENIOR WRITER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

grace@ brandzoom360.com

anson@ brandzoom360.com

SHAWN NG MARKETING EXECUTIVE

shawn.ng@ brandzoom360.com


Begin the holiday season with a joyful new Christmas collection, “Be Merry and Bright”

celebrate the season of giving!

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For the house friend.

from Orange & Clove, Pine, Cedarwood & Sage Leaf or Peppermint & Vanilla.

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FOR THE HOLIDAYS placemats and the coasters come in a set of four. Featuring reversible prints, you can mix and match for an elegant

family this holiday season.

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12 BEAUTY PRODUCTS would be the perfect Christmas haul for you and your loved ones

1. C. CODE Powermatte Liquid Foundation

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The all-new Powermatte Liquid Foundation from C. CODE is formulated with unique technology such as Volatile Silicones & Hydrophobic Treated Pigments & Powders. The Volatile Silicones assures smooth application and a silky feel without oily residue deliver a gliding feel upon application with long-lasting wear. While the Hydrophobic treatment provides long lastingness through skin adhesion a great creamy feel even on fluid textures and buildable coverage control.

2. Bvlgari RIVA SOLARE

A regenerative energy comes to life in Riva Solare, a sparkling citrus fragrance. Crafted solely for Bvlgari, it opens with a lively splash of tart Calabrian bergamot. The fresh, new note captures the exclusive aura of both the Italian Riveria and the Italian Maison. Intensified by a base of sultry musk accord, Riva Solare releases the invigorating sensuality of the sun and sea and the electrifying freedom of the Mediterranean like an endless Italian holiday.

3. ALIA Vitamin C Radiant Skincare range

ALIA, the brand for sophisticated women releases its newest skincare range with full experience bursting with Vitamin C! The all-new ALIA Vitamin C Radiant Skincare range available in facial cleanser, facial toner, facial serum and moisturiser is targeted for those who need the extra boost of Vitamin C in their skincare regime with a key ingredient, Korean Hardy Orange which is known for skin brightening.

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4. Chantecaille Real Skin+ Eye and Face Stick

An all-purpose concealer stick that is weightless, creamy formula feels featherlight on the skin. It is infused with hydrating Raspberry stem cell extract & Hibiscus extract for anti-ageing benefits. Plus, it also gives exceptional control for strategic concealing or all-over coverage for under-eyes & spot treatment concealing.

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5. By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Blush Contouring Duo Powder A foundation and blusher duo for a youthful complexion that provides seamless coverage with a satin-matte finish. It is formulated with innovative Densiliss technology that is able to visibly blur blemishes, evens out wrinkles & lines. Contains 2 harmonious shades to re-sculpt the face.

6. Bvlgari ROCK ‘N’ ROME

Rock’n’Rome immortalises the intimacy of a shared spritz in a liquorousfloriental fragrance. Like a fizzy cocktail, it starts with the effervescent-like sparkle of zesty notes. Osmanthus and apricot notes are stirred together to craft the fragrance’s floral-fruity aroma. The olfactory cocktail then tapers into a sweet benzoin gum. Serving up the fun of endless aperativo and free-flowing conversation, Rock’n’Rome smoulders with the warm feelings of friendship and the glimmer of dusk.

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7. Clinique Even Better Refresh Hydrating And Repairing Makeup A 24-hour hydrating fluid foundation that is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to plump up fine dry lines. It is blended with potent peptides to keep skin smooth and infused with Salicylic Acid to re-texturize skin. The foundation certainly provides flawless full coverage and 24-hour wear.

8. GUCCI - Rouge De Beaute Brillant Glow & Care Lip Colour This hybrid lipstick envelops the lips with hydration while delivering a veil of vibrant, glowing colour. It creates a luminous glowing finish and long-lasting shine and serves as an in-between for sheer and satin lipstick.

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9. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask EX 70ml Overnight mask featuring Sleeping Micro Biome™ and enhanced Pro-biotics Complex that strengthens the skin’s defence to realize a well-slept, bright and clear complexion.

10. Sulwhasoo Perfecting Powder No. 01 Transparency A skin-caring finish powder that locks makeup perfectly in place as it settles comfortably on your skin. It is the combination of various fine powders that makes your skin tone look natural and vibrant, creating smooth skin without settling into wrinkles or pores.

11. Bvlgari FANTASIA VENETA

Fantasia Veneta is the Italian sophistication in perfume, with its lavish composition that spotlights Indonesian patchouli. Created exclusively for Bvlgari, the chypre accord delivers sumptuous, surprising twists — a decadent red peach accord and a hint of addictive vanilla scent. Wrapping you in the marvellous opulence of the festivities, Fantasia Veneta gives you the thrill of leaving an indelible impression at an exceptional fete.

12. THE FACE SHOP Yehwadam Plum Flower Revitalizing Eye Cream This hybrid lipstick envelops the lips with hydration while delivering a veil of vibrant, glowing colour. It creates a luminous glowing finish and long-lasting shine and serves as an in-between for sheer and satin lipstick.

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Enjoy some eye-pleasing, delectable treats this

Christmas Season

As the saying goes, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Elevete Patisserie Christmas Collection can definitely fill up both your heart and soul for this holiday season. But, what to send this Christmas? Elevete Patisserie has prepared a Christmas gift guide list to help you decide on the perfect desserts for the holidays.

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Classic, Festy, Fruity Cakes A Hint of Sweetness Imagine a Christmas tree made out of chocolate and fresh fruits. The rich chocolate aroma with a mix of fresh yet sweet berry flavour makes a good combination for a lovely Christmas eve celebration. If you are looking for something just nice with a hint of sweetness, Christmas Stacked Brownies with Fruits is a fine piece to share with your family. You could also go for their Macaron Tower with Brownies, a unique arrangement for a party pack that includes 12 pieces of macarons in assorted flavours as well as 12 pieces of chocolate brownies.

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In case you are missing grandma’s cosy tavern, Grandma’s Fruit Cake makes you relieved of the joyful memories with its classic fruity flavours. The chef or you would claim him as the “Grandma”, made this a holiday favourite packed with candied mixed fruits, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon, topped with a rich fondant brûlée that is torched to cracking perfection. Coated with rich dark chocolate and Elevete’s signature salted caramel buttercream, the Christmas Log Cake is a classic Bûche de Noël that everybody must have on their Christmas table. Prefer something luscious and rich instead? Get the Christmas Blackforest Cake which can be described as richly chocolatey from the moist chocolate sponge with dark chocolate and vanilla mascarpone cheese mousse.

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Christmas Macaron Wreaths Missing a wreath on your door this Christmas? The local patisserie curated Christmas edition wreaths to liven up your Christmas spirit. It is beautifully displayed with 15 pieces of macarons paired with cherries, strawberries and blueberries to suit this festive season. If you’re wearing red this Christmas, try out Santa’s Macaron Wreaths as its macaron flavours include rose lychee, salted popcorn and red velvet. If you’re wearing green, Elves’ Macaron Wreaths has Nutella macaron, salted popcorn and chocolate mint macarons for you.

Be a Secret Santa A Christmas party is not complete without the traditional way of celebrating it with Secret Santa. Surprise your loved ones anonymously by being a Santa and sending lovely Santa’s Little Hats. A fun-size Tokeru cheesecake with strawberries on top, representing cute little Santas will draw a smile on their face. Other than that, you may opt to surprise them with a bundle of joy with Christmas Mini Platter, a festive plate of sweetness to share this holiday. ISSUE 31

Corporate Package Are you planning to celebrate Christmas with your colleagues or friends? You will be entitled to special discounts when you place five orders and above on Elevete Patisserie’s website. Elevete Patisserie Christmas Collection is available for deliveries from now till 31 December 2021. If you are still contemplating what to get for your family and friends, head over to Elevete Patisserie’s website to plan out your Christmas festivities.

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FASHION

lackpink

Lisa’s music video, ‘LALISA,’ features Thai elements BLINKS has been looking forward to Lisa’s BLACKPINK solo debut for a long time. Lisa debuted her first music video, ‘LALISA,’ recently and has got everyone screaming and dancing for joy. In the music video, Lisa was seen wearing a modern interpretation of a traditional Thai outfit as a tribute to her hometown designed by ASAVA.

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ASAVA has uploaded an early sketch of the outfit and it featured a shiny long train, crop top and wrapped mini skirt. Popat “Moo” Asavaprapha, ASAVA’s designer and creative director, said that the outfit was custom-made for “LALISA” out of traditional Thai brocade gold silk. “Lisa has a lot of respect for her origins. Not only with the rap in ‘LALISA’ but this traditional outfit is meant to be known by the public. ” The gold, Swarovski-laced outfit, which comprises a sabai or breast shawl and a zin or sarong wrap, is a bespoke, hand-embroidered piece by Thai designer Asava. A gold mongkut

headpiece completes the royal ensemble. It’s beautifully woven with antique Lamphun designs from northern Thailand’s Lamphun province. Lisa says she wants her fans to feel the vibe of her home country, Thailand. Thai music influences, not just the clothes and accessories, but also the instrumentals. She said she asked Teddy, one of the head producers for YG, that she wanted to add some Thailand-style beats and that fans should be excited about her music video. With 73.6 million views in the first 24 hours, the accompanying music video for the title track of the same name is currently the most viewed reel on Youtube by a solo artist—and for good reason. As of today, the video has garnered over 161 million views.

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You have to add these FASHION

vibrant collection that screams sustainability and support to your closet

Jazz singer, actress, and yoga teacher Atilia Haron the Hippie Hub founder has launched another vibrant collection by collaborating with social enterprise Batik Boutique, an artisan-centered boutique to release a collection of yoga mats and batik accessories.

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FASHION

AT I L I A B AT I K KIMONO-

AQUAMARINE This season’s lineup orbits on the idea of glamour in an interstellar journey through the universe, culminating in a collection of heavenly gowns, stunning dresses and easy-to-wear separate with intriguing details that captured the magnificence of the celestial wonders, dazzling colours of nebulae formations and space rocket dynamics. The planets are also expressed in a retro voluminous balloon hemline – which can be seen on a variety of evening looks.

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FASHION

AT I L I A B AT I K YOGA M AT -

AQUAMARINE The abstract design across the entire collection signifies ‘beautiful warrior’ was inspired by Atilia’s late pet – a regal Betta Splenden fish; though they are small but can fight and work through an incredibly difficult situation. Always seen with a huge smile on her face and as Atilia reminds us, “be happy and kind.” She hopes the print will inspire others to refocus, start fresh, and invite a sense of peace, to those that don the collection. The collection also includes a DIY batik painting kit, which allows a person to learn and create their own Betta fish batik print at home. Batik Boutique has a guide on how you can use your batik kit therapeutically. The Atilia x Batik Boutique collaboration is not just another yoga collection – every item purchased from this collection directly impacts the artisans involved. Each product tells a story: hand-painted by Malaysian batik artisans and sewn by women from marginalised communities in Malaysia. A meaningful story behind Malaysian handmade pieces that will last you a lifetime. Shop the collection online and instore at Batik Boutique.

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T HE “L’ÉTOILE” BAG FEATURES EVOLCAR E’S NEW EYE CARE PAC KAGE; GUARANTEED TO WIN HEAR TS THIS HOLIDAY S EA SO N

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BEAUTY

Counting down to the most wonderful time of the year, Evolcare celebrates the joyful holidays with The “L’étoile” Bag, a limited-edition eye care set that makes for the warmest and dreamiest treat for the Christmas season. Inspired by the twinkling stars at night, The “L’étoile” Bag features Evolcare’s bestselling Eye duo, “Shea” Revitalising Eye Cream and “Fleur” Eye Mask, and a premium Bamboo Silk Eye Mask from a special collaboration with NakedLab. This iconic trio ensures a night of pure bliss while promoting firmer and healthier skin around the delicate eye area. A beautiful fusion of skincare and fashion, The “L’étoile” Bag channels a glamorous yet minimal design with a curved bamboo handle, featuring nature-inspired prints. Crafted with recycled materials, this fashionable handbag is designed to be reused and repurposed. Be it for a seasonal picnic or a fancy night out, it makes the perfect accessory for every occasion. Formulated in Switzerland, “Shea” Revitalising Eye Cream deeply nourishes, moisturises and tightens the skin around the delicate eye area. This 100% vegan, buttery smooth eye cream uses Edelweiss Stem Cell, Coneflower and Persian Silk Tree that helps promote elastin and collagen production while reducing puffiness and protecting skin against infrared induced stress and blue light. Packaged with a removable ceramic massage applicator, it helps relieve puffiness and promote absorption into the skin. Perfect for an at-home spa remedy, “Fleur” Eye Mask is a vegan eye treatment that elevates the overall appearance and texture around the eye area. Made of 100% natural and biodegradable materials, this biocellulose mask promotes skin repair, protects skin from environmental stressors, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with Caffeine and Niacinamide, the eye mask provides antioxidants and essential nutrients to promote blood circulation, eliminate puffiness and dark circles. Adding a final touch of luxury, The “L’étoile” Bag features a premium Bamboo Silk Eye Mask from NakedLab to complete the ultimate self-care ritual. Made with organic Bamboo Silk, this silken eye mask withstands the rigors of sleep and travel with a padded ridge. The adjustable elastic strap ensures the perfect fit to promote pure comfort and a luxurious, good night’s sleep. From 15th November 2021, The “L’étoile” Bag will launch across all Evolcare retail shops in Malaysia and www. evolcare.com with a retail price of MYR 380.

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r e t a w a e t n e e r g e g h a t i m w a d e c m a o f r f r u s o l l y e c g n i n i Wash s your sk t c e t o pr ISSUE 31

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BEAUTY

Pony accomplishes this by dissolving green tea powder in a reservoir of water and then washing and rinsing her face with the green tea water. Green tea, according to Pony, is one of the greatest natural nutrients for treating the face. It is beneficial to your health and, in particular, your skin since it contains antioxidants that prevent us from harming skin cells.

Green tea has numerous beneficial elements for the body, aids in weight loss, enhances the beauty, and even helps to avoid certain ailments. Green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which help to decrease wrinkles and other indications of ageing. Green tea has been shown in studies to help reduce damage from sunlight. Green tea raises the body’s metabolic rate. As the body’s metabolism accelerates, it processes the fat deposited in the body more quickly and often. Green tea polyphenols help to boost fat oxidation/processing and the rate at which food is converted to calories.

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BEAUTY

When our bodies are under stress, we are more likely to become ill. As a result, consume this green tea with caution because it is also thought to ease tension and weariness. A hot cup of green tea will undoubtedly help you relax. Green tea, in addition to decreasing fat, can also reduce sugar levels in the body if consumed on a regular basis. This beverage is good for diabetics.

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POPULAR KOREAN DISHES THAT MAKE YOU DROOL EVERY TIME YOU BINGE WATCH A KDRAMA Korean dramas are immensely popular because of the dramatic storylines, intriguing characters, and, of course, the scrumptious food. Without a doubt, if you watch a show, you’ll instantly get a craving for these dishes and may even order some for yourself. I know I have! Along with the success of K-Pop drama and music, which has become the country’s hallmark around the world, food from that country has also become a culture. With that said, join us and let’s drool together as I write and you read this article.

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KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN Fried chicken, in our opinion, is real soul food for any Korean. Fried chicken has monopolised every part of Korea, to the point where the Korean empire has a list of how many fried chicken businesses are permitted to operate in each block. Fried chicken is frequently shown in Korean dramas as a dish eaten to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends, or to mend a broken heart. Everyone used to order KFC for a crispy and tasty fried chicken meal, but Korean Fried Chicken has now taken over. So, what distinguishes this fried chicken from the rest? Of course, whether it’s a mixture of soy sauce and garlic or a fiery and sweet red chilli paste, the components are the same. You’ll become addicted to both! Oh, it’s much better if the fried chicken is smothered with melting, warm mozzarella cheese!

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BIBIMBAP We’re drooling just thinking about bibimbap. This nutritious and tasty bowl of mixed veggies, meat, chilli paste, sesame oil, and occasionally fried egg is ready for you to mix it up, making it a flexible dish. This Korean dish is well-known and popular, and it has long been a favourite of performers in Korean dramas.

BINGSU Like Malaysia’s Ice Kacang, we can now enjoy bingsu (a grated ice dessert from Korea), which we often see in K-Drama, thanks to the abundance of outlets that sprout like mushrooms after the rain in KL. Fruit, syrup, red bean paste, and condensed milk are layered on top of this ice cream dish. Grated ice desserts, especially the popular ones that cost approximately rm30 a bowl, have become sweets in a high-priced setting.

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GIMBAP Gimbap is a traditional Korean dish in which rice is wrapped in seaweed. Rice, meat, and veggies are the main components. Sesame oil and salt will be mixed with the rice. Usually, it is often made out of a variety of components such as fish, eggs, beef, kimchi, tuna, cheese, and other ingredients. Cucumber, spinach, mustard greens, and pickled radish are among the veggies used. After the rice is wrapped and rolled with sea rhubarb, it will be cut into 8 pieces or according to one mouthful.

TTEOKBOKKI Tteokbokki, or Korean rice cakes, are seasoned with gochujang (fermented chile paste). The flavour of this delectable crimson dish is both hot and sweet. Rose tteokbokki, like the spicy tteokbokki seasoning in general, is made using gochujang and gochugaru (Korean chilli powder), as well as heavy cream and liquid milk. Because rose tteokbokki has a savoury and soft flavour, it pairs well with the chewy texture of rice cakes. Apart from tteokbokki, Koreans use rose sauce to prepare various foods such as spaghetti or donkatsu (deep-fried pork).

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Corn dog Do you recall the drama Start Up? If he appeared in one of the key situations between Nam Do-san and Han Ji-pyeong, he may have been the reason for the corn dog’s popularity. When he witnessed the combination of sausage and cheese in a flour mixture before being lightly cooked, he swallowed his spit. Fortunately, several vendors in Malaysia are now offering corn dogs in a variety of flavours to cater to local preferences.

Kimchi Did you notice that kimchi must feature at least once in Korean dramas? In the Korean drama industry, we dubbed this the Best Supporting Actor. Kimchi is produced with salt-marinated vegetables and ground vegetables, most often Napa cabbage or mu (Korean radish), combined with a variety of flavouring components such as gochugaru (Korean red chilli flakes), jeotgal (salted fish), garlic, and ginger. In Kuala Lumpur, you can buy pre-made kimchi at any supermarket.

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Jjajangmyeon Jjajangmyeon (or Jajangmyeon) are black bean sauce noodles with a Chinese provenance. A noodle dish containing minced beef and veggies, as well as chunjang (a thick soy sauce that gives it a black colour). After a long day at work, Korean actors frequently request meals to be delivered to their homes in K-Drama. Jjajangmyeon is traditionally eaten cross-legged on the floor with a newspaper instead of a mat. We don’t advocate ordering these noodles when you have an appointment since they can make you seem pretty!

Ramyeon You’ve certainly tasted hot, tasty instant noodles, but the first ramyeon you eat should be the one that transforms your life! It is known that the ideal way to enjoy ramyeon is when it is made in a traditional gold-coloured pot used by many Koreans, on a side of kimchi, and a boiled egg on top.

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THUMBS UP

BENQ MOBIUZ EX2510S

BENQ MOBIUZ GAMING EYE CARE MONITOR IS 2021’S BEST MONITOR FOR CONSOLES & PC AND HERE’S WHY Those searching for a significantly more immersive gaming experience should consider the BenQ Mobiuz EX2510S. Because it is so light, anyone can simply lift it. It also has BenQ HDRi and treVolo built-in speakers to enhance your gaming experience, making it feel as though you’re playing in person. Plus it also comes with 1ms MPRT, 165Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSyncTM Premium technology, and a 3-sided thin bezel, what more could you ask for? And the best part? The BenQ EX2510S is one of the finest IPS panels available for less than RM1,500.

Design 4

In case you weren’t aware, BenQ is a prominent participant in the E-Sports industry, which is why we urge gamers to look into their monitors. The Mobiuz EX2510S is a newly designed 16:9 ultrawide gaming display monitor with a matte black surface and a metallic stand with a splash of red on its base. In terms of build quality, we’d say it’s rather solid, and it’s slimmer than other monitors. If you’re looking for a way to save space on your desk, this is a good option. It’s also bezel-free!

HDR, Cinema HDR, and ‘Game HDRi,’ which enable the most competitive games such as racing, RPG PC, and PS5 games by offering the finest visual quality. Furthermore, the BenQ Mobiuz EX2510S utilizes Freesync technology to launch motion with customised graphics cards for the smoothest possible gameplay. Imagine being surrounded by a soundscape, with vivid images filling your peripheral vision, thanks to the built-in 2.5W treVolo speakers for audio immersion. The BenQ Mobiuz EX2510 features an OSD joystick for rapid menu access, but it also has an Extreme Control function that allows you to set OSD shortcuts for faster inputs.

Performance 4

It feels thick and sturdy, and the stand’s base is heavier, so gamers can be confident that the unit will not fall over on the table if there are any sudden tremors. It also has a sliding mechanism that allows the height to be changed. Although only to a limited degree, the display may firmly tilt up and down and swivel sideways.

Most gamers experience tired eyes after playing for lengthy periods of time, but this is no longer the case, especially if you use this monitor. It comes with BenQ’s industry-leading eye-care technology, which helps minimise eye strain, headaches, and tiredness while also enhancing viewer comfort. Furthermore, each game operates at an increasingly high level of perfection.

Features 4

DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone connection are all included on the BenQ Mobiuz EX2510S. There are no accessories like USB connections, however, it is one of the few monitors that can fit a PS5 or Xbox Series.

The BenQ Mobiuz EX2510S has a 25-inch Fast IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and 1ms MPRT reaction time. This 99 percent sRGB IPS panel also has HDR capabilities such as BenQ’s HDRi: Display

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DEEP SCAN

Value 4

The BenQ Mobiuz EX2510S is priced at RM1,343.00 and is available at Shopee & Lazada BenQ Flagship Store. Every BenQ monitor purchased comes with 3 years warranty and is available for on-site Pickup service as well.

Conclusion It’s tough to identify a flaw with the BenQ Mobiuz EX2510S because there’s a noticeable difference between it and other monitors. So, if you’re interested in checking it out, here’s what you should know. The BenQ MOBIUZ Series is available in two sizes: EX2510S 25 inches and EX2710S 27 inches. To top it off, the BenQ EX3415R Ultra Wide Eye Care Gaming Monitor will be available shortly, so keep an eye out!

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DEEP SCAN

THUMBS UP

Design

B E N Q ZOW I E X L 2 5 4 6 K

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THIS BENQ ZOWIE SERIES MONITOR IS THE ONE AND ONLY MONITOR THAT FITS ALL OF YOUR FPS GAMING NEEDS

At first glance, the exterior appearance of the BenQ Zowie XL2546K appears to be similar to previous Zowie XL displays, including the XL2746S model that we examined. However, if you look closely, you will see certain distinct distinctions that give it its own distinct appeal.

It is surely not enough to rely just on playing skills to outperform the competition, as they also require sufficient technology to assist their gaming experience, such as gaming monitors. Playing competitive games on standard displays does not always provide the highest accuracy; thus, many gamers want a monitor that can provide greater performance, one of which is a fast refresh rate, because this feature allows players to see every detail of movement on the screen consistently. This is obviously essential while playing games from the FPS genre, which rely on fast-paced action. Low response time is no exception, allowing gamers to enjoy more responsive and reliable gameplay. With that said, we’d like to introduce the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K — a competitive gaming monitor from the ZOWIE series. This way, gamers are able to overcome any of the earlier problems mentioned and at the same time meet these needs without any worry. The advantage of this series of monitors is not only in the fundamental specs that outperform the average monitor on the market but also in the implementation of a number of outstanding features to optimise the competitive gaming experience demanded by Esports players. For those who are unaware, the majority of the Global Tournament is well-equipped, with ZOWIE series monitors being provided to these professional players. This particular gaming monitor, in fact, offers a 240Hz refresh rate with a 0.5ms reaction time, DyAc+ (DynamicAccuracy+), and many more great features.

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To begin with, the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is coated with a strong plastic substance that covers the whole exterior body, including the stand, which has a particular function that allows you to modify the Pivot, Swivel, Tilt settings, as well as the monitor’s height up to 155 mm. This function allows you to more easily alter the monitor’s viewing angle, such as turning the screen up to 90 degrees, for example. This monitor also features a lower base size to give a more expansive playing environment, allowing you to save more room while still being able to change the monitor position, tilt level, and screen viewing angle more freely. There is a type of extension in the form of SHIELD on both sides of the screen, which is beneficial for concentrating your eyes on the screen with customizable angles. The overall size of the monitor appears smaller with a 24.5-inch screen and weighs 6.1 kg, but the aesthetic that is retained from the Zowie XL-series monitor with a bigger size is still visible. Fortunately, this unusual design does not jeopardise the monitor’s longevity, particularly from the section of the frame that is meant to adequately cover the LCD.

Features 4

The BenQ Zowie XL2546K’s specifications are definitely extremely appealing, especially for competitive gamers who are well aware of some of their goal features. The monitor, which has a 24 inch (1920×1080) screen, lacks some of the premium features of a gaming monitor that encourages the best visual quality, such as IPS technology and HDR features, but the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is extremely successful in supporting the most competitive gaming experience through its own superior features. It’s no doubt that the BenQ Zowie XL2546K comes with a variety of superior technologies and features that make it worthy of being called the monitor for esports gamers. One of them is DyAc+ which is a Dynamic Accuracy technology owned by BenQ Zowie which serves to reduce

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the appearance of blur in the movement displayed by the monitor. So thanks to this technology, the sharpness of the image produced by the monitor when displaying motion will be maintained and automatically reduce the effect of motion blur.

which are useful for maintaining eye comfort even when playing games in the long term. On top of that, every monitor from the BenQ Zowie series certainly comes with an additional component in the form of an S-Switch, and the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is no exception. The S-Switch itself is a round device that functions like a remote, where you can access the monitor menu more easily, adjust input connections from other devices, and adjust screen mode switching through three adjustable profiles. So if you have three modified screen mode settings in each profile, then you only need to switch them with one tap via the profile button on the S-Switch.

The Black eQualizer, which is beneficial for improving the visibility of dark regions without making the entire field of vision excessively bright, is the next outstanding feature. In low-light sections of the game, this helps you to view items more clearly and comfortably. Another intriguing feature is Color Vibrance, which can be used to change colour and tone settings in order to differentiate enemy targets in the game. So as can be seen, all of these excellent features have their respective roles which are very useful for maximizing the competitive gaming experience, especially in maximizing accuracy and game control. Besides offering the best playing accuracy, BenQ Zowie XL2546K also comes with Eye Care features such as Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free

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Incidentally, the S-Switch device for the BenQ Zowie XL2546K has received a new overhaul through five-way menu access, where in addition to being able to scroll and click, users can now move it to the left and right as well to further complete existing access.

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Performance 4

Relying on a variety of excellent features to play competitive games with the maximum experience, it’s safe to say that even before entering the game, you can see the striking difference from the high refresh rate such as how the cursor movement and mouse scrolling look much smoother. Each game runs with increasingly perfect quality whereby the movement of the character and the timing when the character is “shooting” feels much more responsive and fast. Especially when it comes to games like CS:GO, Valorant, PubG, COD or Overwatch. All of this is of course thanks to the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time it offers. The motion blur effect is no longer in view thanks to DyAc+, which made shooting accuracy and focus on objects on the screen clearer. Turning to the business of connectivity, the BenQ Zowie XL2546K offers adequate port access, it has three HDMI 2.0, one Display Port 1.2, Micro USB (for S-Switch), Headphone Jack, and Headset Hanger. Unfortunately, this monitor does not offer extra ports of USB 3.0.

Value 4

The BenQ Zowie XL2546K is priced at RM2,279.00 and is available at Shopee & Lazada BenQ Flagship Store. Every BenQ monitor purchased comes with 3 years warranty and is available for on-site Pickup service as well.

Conclusion After playing some of the competitive games above using a series of excellent features on offer, we did feel a very clear difference from the BenQ Zowie XL2546K compared to ordinary monitors. Apart from the overall more responsive gameplay control, smooth image movement, and the reduction of effects that can become distractions while playing, we can even maximize the existing gaming experience by taking advantage of all its excellent features such as Refresh Rate 240Hz, DyAc+, Response Time 0.5ms, Black eQualizer, Color Vibrance, Freesync, and many more. Furthermore, the Zowie Series does not end here, since the all-new 27″ XL2746K will be available shortly. And for those who are still undecided about which monitor is best for them, here’s a short rundown: the XL2411K (144Hz, DyAc) is designed for entry-level gamers, while the XL2546K (240Hz + DyAc+) is for those who require 240hz, and the XL2746K will be available soon, so stay tuned.

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Xiaomi 11T

Price: RM1,699.00 Website: switchconcept.com.my The perfect gift for content creation, Xiaomi 11T continues the mission to make Cinemagic available to everyone by offering features such as a high-resolution 108MP triple camera, along with a suite of AI-powered tools and a 67W wired turbocharging to boost your creativity and productivity.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE + Samsung AKG Y500 Wireless Headphone

Price: RM2,499.00 Website: samsung.com/my This phone was meticulously curated by Samsung with fan-favourite innovations to bring you as much efficiency and functionality as possible. With a super-smooth display to provide you with a seamless mobile experience, an AI-powered camera to capture striking images, an advanced chipset for hyper-fast connectivity, an all-day battery, expandable storage, and more, the Galaxy S20 FE is sure to equip you with a plethora of features that’ll put you right at the centre of the modern smartphone experience for a fraction of their price.

Acer Nitro 5

Price: RM4,960.00 Website: lazada.com.my The Acer Nitro 5 boasts great gaming performance even when running the most recent AAA titles, thanks to an AMD Ryzen 7 5700G and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 discrete graphics card. Its 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD also contribute to a smoother and quicker game loading experience. ISSUE 31

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OPPO A95

Price: RM1,099.00 Website: senheng.com.my Have a fun, Netflix- filled holiday thanks to OPPO A95. Comes with a 6.43’inch AMOLED Display, your loved one can binge-watch any series with outstanding clarity and brilliant colours. The OPPO A95 is also built for All-day Eye Care with the DC dimming and AI smart backlight features, making it a thoughtful gift this holiday.

HONOR VIEW20

Price: Starts from RM1,999 Website: Ground Floor of Highstreet @ One Utama Shopping Centre. HONOR View20’s rear camera is the first to be powered by the SONY IMX586 48MP sensor, with a 1/2-inch large CMOS, and equivalent 1.6μm pixels in Quad Bayer array. The sensor, boosted by the Kirin 980 chipset, supports new 48MP AI Ultra Clarity mode to produce photos with unmatched detail and clarity. The Kirin 980’s dual-NPU processes the photo using an advanced AI algorithm – the quality of the photo is assessed, details in dark areas are optimized, and colors are adjusted to appear more vivid.

Redmi Watch 2 Lite

Price: RM249.00 Website: switchconcept.com.my Stay active and hit goals with the latest addition to Xiaomi’s wearables, Redmi Watch 2 Lite, in the new year. This brand new smartwatch not only comes in a stylish look but also features all-around health and fitness features, making it the perfect companion for new users.

JBL CHARGE 3

Acer ASPIRE E 15

Price: RM899 Website: Lazada

Price: RM2,659 Website: Acer outlets or authorized dealers

This full-featured waterproof portable speaker with high-capacity battery to charge your devices goes a long way. Wirelessly connect up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns playing powerful stereo sound. It even has a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime and charges smartphones and tablets via USB. Plus, no more worrying about rain or spills; you can even submerge in water.

Aspire E Series laptops are great choices for everyday users, with lots of appealing options and an attractive design that exceed expectations. With many enhanced components, color choices, and a textured metallic finish, the Aspire E makes everyday better. With added enhancements, you get an even richer media experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ delivers richer, more lifelike audio, while Acer ExaColor™ produces consistent colour accuracy and Skype-certified components provide uninterrupted audio andvivo.com/my/ video. Price: RM1,299.00 Website:

vivo’s Y76 5G

With the introduction of vivo’s Y76 5G, the latest entry to the brand’s Y series, it leaves no features out, giving the best mobile experience for its value. For example, 5G connectivity, up to 12GB RAM capability, fast charging and aesthetic design that gives an all-rounder look. ISSUE 31

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GADGET GALORE

Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset

Price: RM299.00 Website: logitech.com/en-my Weighing in at only 5.8 oz (165 grams), G435 is ultra-lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day. G435 fits a wide range of people, but its design has been optimized for small to medium head sizes. It also features an optional volume limiter. G435 is the most sustainable gaming wireless headset we have produced to date. It’s certified CarbonNeutral®, which means that we finance high-quality certified carbon offsets to reduce the carbon impact of the product to zero.

Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300

Price: RM129.00 Website: switchconcept.com.my Look good and feel good this Christmas with Xiaomi’s Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300. Small and lightweight, this hairdryer is convenient while travelling. The Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300 also offers anion protection (50 million anions) to protect hair cuticles and neutralize hair static and is equipped with a 57ºC temperature control technology.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.3

Price: RM3,779.10 Website: lazada.com.my The highly refined Diamond 12.3 from Wharfedale has a cone material in which the midrange and bass drivers are a unique combination of polypropylene and mica, delivering a light, rigid form. The speaker is available in four different colours, ranging from a simple white to a robust walnut finish.

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GADGET GALORE

Mi Air Purifier Pro H

Price: RM1,199.00 Website: senheng.com.my Start the new year in comfort with cleaner and fresher air at home with Mi Air Purifier Pro H. Its tower design is made to circulate indoor air effectively, and combined with its triple-layer filtration system and true HEPA filter, you can rest assured that you or your loved ones’ homes will be free from smoke, dust, pollens, mould spores, germs, virus, HONOR VIEW20 odours and even pet dander. Price: Starts from RM1,999 Website: Ground Floor of Highstreet @ One Utama Shopping Centre.

HONOR View20’s rear camera is the first to be powered by the SONY IMX586 48MP sensor, with a 1/2-inch large CMOS, and equivalent 1.6μm pixels in Quad Bayer array. The sensor, boosted by the Kirin 980 chipset, supports new 48MP AI Ultra Clarity mode to produce photos with unmatched detail and clarity. The Kirin 980’s dual-NPU processes the photo using an advanced AI algorithm – the quality of the photo is assessed, details in dark areas are optimized, and colors are adjusted to appear more vivid.

The Samsung Grill Microwave Oven

Price: RM619.00 Website: samsung.com/my The Samsung Grill Microwave Oven offers grill fry and quick defrost modes and can be used with a single touch. Expect wonderful meals made efficiently and easy. You will spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your tasty food! It is available in three fashionable colours (Pure Black, Clean Mint, and Clean Pink).

JBL CHARGE 3

Acer ASPIRE E 15

Price: RM899 Website: Lazada

Price: RM2,659 Website: Acer outlets or authorized dealers

This full-featured waterproof portable speaker with high-capacity Aspire E Series laptops are great choices for everyday users, with lots battery to charge your devices goes a long way. Wirelessly connect of appealing options and an attractive design that exceed expectations. up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns With many enhanced components, color choices, and a textured metallic playing powerful stereo sound. It even has a built-in rechargeable finish, the Aspire E makes everyday better. With added enhancements, Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime and charges you get an even richer media experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ delivers smartphones and tablets via USB. Plus, no more worrying about rain richer, more lifelike audio, while Acer ExaColor™ produces consistent or spills; you can even submerge in water. Price: RM2,199.00 Website: colour accuracy and Skype-certified components provide uninterrupted lazada.com.my audio and video.buddy by your side, the GoPro HERO10 Black. Exploring solo can be lonely but not when you have the best adventure

GoPro HERO10 Black

Compact, versatile and surprisingly a great listener, be sure to pack this new flagship camera which features the company’s new high-performance GP2 processor which delivers breakthrough image quality.

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NOT

O N LY DO THESE S T AY C A T I O N

PLACES PROVIDE LEISURE, BUT THEY ALSO PROVIDE THE IDEAL BACKDROP FOR YOUR IG WORTHY PHOTOS There are bound to be a few people who are ecstatic about the fact that the borders are finally opened after being shut for months. Only people who have had two completed doses of the Covid-19 vaccination are permitted to have a vacation. Domestic travellers have increasingly been more interested in staycation activities, particularly on weekends. If you prefer making video material for social media in addition to relaxing with your loved ones, these lodgings featured below serve as great locations that are sure to attract your followers’ interest!

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Carpe Diem, Serendah

Sri Damai Resort, Kalumpang

Carpe Diem, located in Serendah Town, is an accommodation that embraces the village lifestyle. Carpe Diem is a Latin phrase that means “seize the day”. This location brings you the charm of a villagestyle getaway, and it is also a great place to hold teambuilding sessions. Carpe Diem is also surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful and relaxing environment. 2

Sri Damai Resort provides environmental-friendly accommodation, equipped with a swimming pool for children whose source comes from a nearby river, as well as a fishing pool for those who like to catch rare fish species such as kelah and baung. A variety of enjoyable leisure activities, such as water cycling and ATV ride are also available here. Interestingly, during your stay, you may also visit the local fruit farms, as well as deer and goat farms located in the vicinity.

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Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel Resort, Rawang Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel Resort is located within the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve – of the route heading to Rawang Town. As it is already known as a jungle park, it is an ideal spot for you to enjoy fresh air surrounded by greens. What’s more interesting, you can engage in various healthy activities such as kayaking, jungle trekking, mountain biking and more while capturing every happy moment with your loved ones. This surely is a perfect location for you to spend your weekend surrounded by the beauty of nature.

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Bonda Valley (Rumah Hutan Bonda), Batang Kali Bonda Valley, is one of the tourist attractions in Hulu Selangor District which takes about an hour’s drive from Petaling Jaya City. It features the concept of a traditional Malay house that will surely impress you upon sight. The accommodation is also surrounded by lush forests and the beauty of nature. Bonda Valley is also spacious, and altogether is a wonderful place for relaxing with your family and friends.

PulaiThree, Kuala Kubu Bharu PulaiThree is a perfect weekend getaway in Kuala Kubu Bharu Town, nestled between the rainforest and privatelyowned hillside. Featuring an open concept design that is facing the environment while maintaining sustainable elements and a very relaxing atmosphere, this 2-bedroom villa offers mesmerising views such as the emerald green mountains. Furthermore, PulaiThree also has a swimming pool and a fully-furnished kitchen, equipped with a barbecue set. This will undoubtedly deliver an unbeatable experience to its guests.

Certainly, the above accommodations will satisfy your desire to immerse in the beauty of nature, and of course; without compromising comfort. Hit that “book” button for a stay at the places listed above if you ever get the chance one day. In addition, it is to be reminded, it is our responsibility to always be disciplined in adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Malaysian National Security Council, such as ensuring social distancing, wearing face masks at all times in public, and applying hand sanitiser regularly, especially when entering premises in the State of Selangor.

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THESE ARE THE MUST VISIT ISLANDS YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT IN JOHOR ONCE INTER-DISTRICT TRAVEL IS PERMITTED Though we are familiar with islands like Tioman, Perhentian, and Pangkor, these are the overrated islands that most locals do visit. However, why don’t you travel down to an island that is relatively unknown and not as popular as the others, this time around? Let’s have a look at five of these fascinating, beautiful islands in Johor, Malaysia’s southernmost state.

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Pulau Sibu Don’t forget that while there’s also the popular Sibu Island in Sabah, there’s also one located in Johor and is equally as beautiful as the islands of Borneo. Sunbathing, snorkelling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, and a variety of other activities are all available nearby. It’s better to bring a group of buddies to enjoy the view and activities.

Pulau Besar

There are several resorts on the island for tourists. Its beautiful beach with white sand is an attraction for those who like to do scuba activities. From April to September, the island usually receives a high number of tourists because of the sunny weather season and not the rainy season.

It is more popularly known as Pulau Babi Besar or more simply called Pulau Babi only. It sounds a bit odd, but there is a legendary story that relates how the island’s origins can get such a name. Legend says that there was a couple who were fishermen living here. The pregnant wife wanted to eat seaweed. However, after eating the weed, the wife turned into a mermaid. Because his wife was too angry to change her appearance, the husband vented his anger by cursing the island’s hamun by calling him ‘pig’ repeatedly. Hence, the name ‘Babi Island’.

Pulau Harimau The environment of the island is still clean and well maintained and what is visible at the top of the island is a lighthouse tower equipped with a lighting system, as its position is indeed strategic to help sailors, helmsmen or merchant ships to sail safely. Pulau Harimau is uninhabited and the terrain of the island seems like the ones you’d see from abroad. According to locals, the island is believed to be a shelter for pirates.

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Pulau Tinggi People in Johor don’t have to drive all the way to Terengganu to see turtles since Pulau Tinggi is a turtle hatchery. You may also do jungle hiking and ascend to the top of the waterfall. The best part is that if you stay overnight, you can take a boat excursion through the mangrove jungle to view fireflies.


Pulau Tengah Batu-Batu Private Island Resort, the island’s only luxury resort, provides a variety of villas. It’s ideal for those of you who got married during the MCO period but haven’t yet had the chance to go on your honeymoon.

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HERE ARE 7 FORMER ATHLETES WHO ARE BRINGING THEIR A(CTING)-GAME FROM THE FIELD TO THE SCREEN Having already had to deal with eyes on their every move on the pitch (or in the stadium), it almost feels natural for some athletes to put on convincing – and even award-winning – performances when dipping their toes into the entertainment industry. While some actors’ athletic histories are known to many (think Dwayne Johnson and John Cena’s wrestling careers), you’d be surprised by how many of them actually started their professional careers on the pitch.

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FEATURE STORY

Dwayne Johnson Do you smelllll what The Rock is cookin’?! We were all introduced to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the WWF superstar whose right eyebrow had a life of its own, but did you know that he briefly pursued a career in professional American football? A young Johnson played for the Miami Hurricanes in college and won a national championship as part of the 1991 lineup. His dream, however, was cut short when he was let go from the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders in his first season. Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, he decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling instead and signed on to the WWE (then known as WWF) in 1996. Johnson made his acting debut in 1999 playing his father Rocky Johnson in That ‘70s Show before making his theatrical debut in 2001’s The Mummy Returns. He has since starred in countless movies and even co-founded production company Seven Bucks Productions in 2012, which has churned out films like Baywatch, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and upcoming heist comedy Red Notice starring Johnson himself alongside Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot.

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Dave Bautista To wrestling fans, he will always be ‘Batista’. Known for his hulking muscular frame, Bautista began his professional wrestling career in 1999 and signed with the WWF the next year. He quickly rose to fame under the aforementioned ring name and would go on to become a six-time world champion, winning the World Heavyweight Championship four times and the WWE Championship twice. Bautista’s early filmography consisted of guest appearances and cameos as himself in TV shows like Smallville and Chuck. In 2014, he played Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy, paving the way for more appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as starring roles in major blockbusters such as Spectre, Blade Runner 2049, Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, and most recently, Dune.

John David Washington Despite making his first-ever on-screen appearance at the tender age of seven in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, which starred his father Denzel Washington in the titular role, John David Washington did not immediately follow in the latter’s footsteps when it came to pursuing an acting career. Having excelled in football, basketball, and track in high school, Washington continued playing football at Morehouse College and signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2006. For four years, he served as the running back for the United Football League’s Sacramento Mountain Lions until the league ceased operations in October 2012. Washington scored his first major role when he was cast in HBO drama series Ballers, which he starred in until 2019. He was also cast in lead roles for Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, and played the titular characters in Malcolm & Marie and Beckett.

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Uzo Aduba As a child, the Emmy award-winning actress dabbled in competitive figure skating. The Orange Is the New Black star also won a track scholarship to Boston University where she became one of its top sprinters and even holds the record for sprinting there. Fast forward to the present day, Aduba continues to flex her endurance muscles amid acting projects, having participated in the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon.

John Cena If you can’t see him then, you sure can see him now! Before his days of spouting witty one-liners and flexing his muscles on the big screen, John Cena was spitting rhymes and winning championship belts in the WWE. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, tying with former pro wrestler Ric Flair for the most world championship reigns in professional wrestling history. Cena’s acting career began with starring roles in The Marine, 12 Rounds, and Legendary — all three of which were produced by WWE Studios, the motion pictures arm of the WWE. Since then, he has brought his charismatic presence to comedies such as Trainwreck and Blockers, as well as high-profile blockbusters like Bumblebee and The Suicide Squad.

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Jason Statham In the days before Jason Statham stopped growing out his hair, the action superstar was part of Britain’s national diving team, which he was a member of for 12 years and even competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He was also an avid footballer and practised Chinese martial arts, kickboxing, and karate in his youth. After making his film debut in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in 1998, Statham broke into Hollywood at the turn of the millennium with notable action movies such as Snatch and The Transporter. In the years that followed, he carved a niche for himself playing stoic, tough characters in films like Mechanic: Resurrection and even teamed up with some of the world’s most iconic action stars in the Expendables films and the Fast and Furious franchise. That’s not to say he doesn’t have range; he did, after all, flex his comedic chops as a debonair yet incompetent spy in Spy alongside Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, and Rose Byrne.

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FEATURE STORY

Terry Crews Way before ‘A Thousand Miles’ was anyone’s jam, Terry Crews played football in college and even went on to pursue a professional football career. His time in the NFL included stints with the Los Angeles Rams, the Green Bay Packers, the San Diego Chargers, the then-Washington Redskins, and the Philadelphia Eagles before he retired in 1997 and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Nowadays, he is mostly known for his memorable rendition of ‘A Thousand Miles’ in White Chicks, Old Spice commercials, and as yoghurt-loving Sergeant Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

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LOCKDOWN RECIPE: HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR VERY OWN MOCHI AT HOME WITH A TWIST As long as you’ve had mochi before, you’re already familiar with its delectability. But if you haven’t tried it yet, you should. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried it before, this homemade mochi recipe will taste like one of the best desserts you’ll ever have. This is because homemade mochi is not only easy to make and yummy but it can also be customised to your liking. Mochi originates in Japan. In addition to sweet glutinous rice flour, it may also contain additives like cornflour and sugar (sometimes powdered sugar). Upon heating and cooking, the mixture becomes sticky. Shaped and moulded into various shapes, the dough is often infused with various flavours. You can try three different recipes from Audreysaurus if you like this dessert.

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CHOCOLATE PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS Ingredients – 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream – 1 tsp sugar – 1 tbsp Milo powder – 60g glutinous rice flour – 30g sugar – 100ml water – a little corn starch Instructions 1. Make stiff peaks by whipping cream, sugar, and MILO together in a bowl. 2. Scoop small balls onto a plate with teaspoons and place them in the freezer. 3. To make it smooth, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Afterwards, place it in the microwave for one minute on “High.” 4. Remove it from the microwave and stir it. Each time, remove the food from the microwave and stir it before putting it back in for another minute, 30 seconds, and 30 seconds of cooking. 5. Place the mochi on a board and dust with corn starch on the mochi before cutting it into even pieces. 6. When you’re ready to eat, remove the filling from the fridge and put the filling onto each piece of mochi. Pinch and shape it into a ball shape. 7. Once that’s done, roll in some Milo powder and it’s ready to serve.

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TIRAMISU MOCHI Ingredients – 60g glutinous rice flour – 30g sugar – 100ml water – 1/3 cup cream cheese, room temperature – 1 tbsp sugar – 1/2 tsp instant coffee – cocoa powder – corn starch or potato starch Instructions 1. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and instant coffee and stir until smooth (this is easiest if your cream cheese is at room temperature), then place in the fridge. 2. Whisk together glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until there are no lumps. 3. Cover and place in the microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir. repeat this process again—for 1 minute, 30 seconds, and 30 seconds (if you don’t have a microwave, you can steam the mochi for around 15 minutes instead). it should be very sticky and stretchy. 4. It will be very hot so take care! let it cool down slightly (I usually wait till it’s a bit warmer than room temperature) then dust with corn starch or potato starch and split it into even pieces. scoop your filling and pinch the mochi shut around it. 5. Roll in cocoa powder.

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BISCOFF MOCHI Ingredients – 60g glutinous rice flour – 30g sugar – 100ml water – 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream – 1 tsp sugar – 1-2 tbsp biscoff spread – lotus biscoff cookies – corn starch or potato starch Instructions 1. Whip cream & sugar until stiff peaks form. fold in cookie butter spread and crushed biscoff cookies. using teaspoons, scoop out small balls onto a plate and leave them to slightly firm up in the freezer (it doesn’t have to be completely frozen, this is just so it’s easier to wrap the filling in the mochi later on). 2. Whisk together glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until there are no lumps. 3. Cover and place in the microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir. repeat this process again—for 1 minute, 30 seconds, and 30 seconds (if you don’t have a microwave, you can steam the mochi for around 15 minutes instead). it should be very sticky and stretchy. 4. It will be very hot so take care! let it cool down slightly (I usually wait till it’s just a bit warmer than room temperature) then dust with corn starch or potato starch and split it into even pieces. grab your filling and pinch the mochi shut around it. 5. Decorate with extra biscoff spread & crushed cookies. 6. As the filling was firm from being in the freezer, let it soften at room temperature until it’s a creamy texture. and now it’s ready to eat.

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HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR FAVOURITE POPCORN WITH INGREDIENTS RIGHT FROM YOUR OWN PANTRY

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Do you miss going to the movies and getting your popcorn fix? Well, since we are in a partial lockdown and though, the cinemas are reopening this Thursday, it may not be the best idea to go there yet. So instead why don’t you try making your own popcorn at home? It may seem like a lot of hard work, but after making it on my own — I don’t think I would want to purchase it anymore unless it’s a flavour that’s pretty hard to make. That said, here are my three favourite popcorn recipes that I have tried at home.


DROOL WORTHY

MOVIE POPCORN Ingredients – 3 tbsp Popcorn Butter or ghee (Note 1) – 3/4 cup popcorn kernels – 2 – 3 tbsp Extra Popcorn Butter or ghee (Note 1) – 1 tsp Popcorn Salt Instructions 1. Place 3 tbsp Popcorn Butter in a large 10L/10qt lightweight pot over medium heat (medium-high if weak stove). 2. When the butter is almost melted, pour in Yellow Colouring, if using. Quickly give the pan a shake to disperse the colouring across the base. 3. Add kernels, shake quickly to spread across the base, then clamp a lid on. The kernels will start popping after a minute or so. 4. Shake briefly once after 30 seconds or so. When the popping stops, immediately pour popcorn into a large bowl. 5. Melt Extra Popcorn Butter in the microwave. Pour over popcorn, sprinkle over the salt. Shake and toss well to disperse. Extra fantastic served warm but still irresistible at room temp.

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SWEET & SALTY NORI SEAWEED POPCORN Ingredients – 60g glutinous rice flour – 30g sugar – 100ml water – 1/3 cup cream cheese, room temperature – 1 tbsp sugar – 1/2 tsp instant coffee – cocoa powder – corn starch or potato starch Instructions 1. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and instant coffee and stir until smooth (this is easiest if your cream cheese is at room temperature), then place in the fridge. 2. Whisk together glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until there are no lumps. 3. Cover and place in the microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir. repeat this process again—for 1 minute, 30 seconds, and 30 seconds (if you don’t have a microwave, you can steam the mochi for around 15 minutes instead). it should be very sticky and stretchy. 4. It will be very hot so take care! let it cool down slightly (I usually wait till it’s a bit warmer than room temperature) then dust with corn starch or potato starch and split it into even pieces. scoop your filling and pinch the mochi shut around it. 5. Roll in cocoa powder.

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ESPRESSO COFFEE POPCORN Ingredients – 4 cups air-popped popcorn – ½ cup espresso (or very strong coffee) – 1 cup sugar – ½ cup dark corn syrup – 1 tablespoon butter – 1 teaspoon finely ground coffee

Instructions 1. Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl. 2. Combine the coffee, sugar, corn syrup and butter in a heavy saucepan. Cook over moderate heat to 280 degrees (measure with a candy thermometer). 3. Add the ground coffee. Stir well and pour over the popped corn. 4. Cool completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

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Next-level

SALMON WELLINGTON pre-cooked steaks

and exceptional

at an affordable price

Pictures by Just Sear Just Sear offers a variety of new products in the local premium meat market by producing meat-based pre-cooked products such as steaks, tomahawk, short ribs, briskets and others. Interestingly, it is also offered at an affordable price. Through this offer, customers can directly get their favourite choice of meat, and it can be directly baked and easy to serve. In line with Just Sear’s vision, the introduction of this pre-cooked product is to produce premium meat-based dining products that are enjoyed by more individuals. Unlike most premium steak sales in Malaysia, it certainly requires expertise to serve and prepare perfectly. Since it is offered at an expensive price, it is no wonder that many prefer to get Angus Short Ribs, Wagyu Australia, Wagyu Japan A5 and Dry-Aged steaks at expensive restaurants. Just getting to know more about Just Sear’s pre-cooked steaks is that they experimented with various ways of preparing suitable meat. It is to get quality results but at a more worthwhile price. Customers who buy pre-cooked meat only need to defrost and roast the meat for 2 minutes either using a pan, grill, oven, water fryer or spark only. Hence the brand’s tagline, “Defrost, Pat Dry and Just Sear.” These cuts of meats can be served either along with a homecooked barbecue sauce or a side dish with a favourite main course. We tried their renowned Australian Wagyu MB9 Picanha, and there are no words to explain how exquisite this piece of meat was. It’s so delicate and soft that it melts in your mouth in a matter of seconds. Who knew that a basic seasoning like salt and pepper would suffice instead of marinating the meat with a plethora of spices that obscure the true flavour of the meat? Simply serve with salad and truffle butter on the side, and you’re good to go.

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According to the team, they get this premium meat directly from the importer and sell it directly to customers online without using agents or resellers. In this way, Just Sear is said to be able to reduce costs and save higher than other stores. Not only that, but the brand also collaborates with importers and plantation owners in Australia and enters into contracts to buy meat in bulk to be marketed in Malaysia. Before Just Sear came up with this pre-cooked product, in early 2021 they had launched a product called Wellington that was ready to bake. We know what you’re thinking. Words like Wellington are often used by this one talented chef, Gordon Ramsay. The Wellington dish is among the most popular dish in his restaurants around the world. But, since his restaurant launch is being postponed, it’s a safe bet to say that Just Sear’s Wellingtons are just as good as it can be. Can you imagine the feeling of finally trying a Gordon Ramsay signature dish? We were overjoyed. The Salmon Wellington was absolutely delectable and executed flawlessly. From how the pastry’s outer crust was baked to perfection while the contents within were as fresh as they could ever be. The velvety, creamy texture of the spinach complements the perfectly cooked salmon excellently. Trust us, if you ever do serve this to your guests — no one would ever believe that this was already pre-cooked and kept in the freezer. Apart from steak and Wellington, Just Sear also offers traditional local food products based on premium meat such as Rendang Wagyu, Popiah Wagyu, Satay Wagyu and Samosa Wagyu. Through it, it is expected to attract global attention as well as introduce various types of premium or exotic meat products that are more characterized by local products to Malaysians. Don’t forget to place your orders HERE today.

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AUTO

You may have gotten a job and are looking for your first car now. However, due to rigorous bank requirements, getting your loan authorised as a recent graduate might be tough. Here are five typical reasons why your auto loan application may be rejected by a bank.

LOOKING TO BUY YOUR FIRST CAR?

HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO AVOID HAVING YOUR CAR LOAN REJECTED

No credit score When applying for any loans, you’ll definitely hear the terms Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) or Credit TipOff Service (CTOS). CCRIS is managed by the Credit Bureau of Bank Negara Malaysia, whereas CTOS is a private agency. Most financial institutions in Malaysia use both CCRIS and CTOS reports in evaluating your credit health and score. As a fresh graduate, you may not have a credit score as you do not have any loans under your name. Arising from this, banks are unable to determine your financial status and decide if you can afford the loan. Hence, banks are warier in lending to you because they have no assurance that you will be able to repay the loan amount.

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Newly employed & cannot supply the required documents When applying for a car loan, you will need to present your financial documents which include payslips for employed individuals. Most banks require at least six months of employment history to ensure you have a stable income to finance the loan. Unfortunately, as a fresh graduate, you might have just scored your first job which means you have to wait at least six months before applying for a loan. Other supporting documents required include your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) statements, which you won’t have unless you have been employed before.

Your Debt Service Ratio (DSR) is too high If you took up a credit card, this will be reflected in your CCRIS and CTOS reports. From there, banks will refer to these credit obligations as your monthly financial commitments, where they will calculate your DSR to find out if you can afford another loan. The DSR is calculated by dividing your monthly financial commitments (loans, credit cards, etc.) by your total monthly income. It is important because it can make or break your application – in essence, it measures if you have enough cash on hand to sustain a lifestyle after deducting your monthly commitments. Every DSR limit is different in each bank. For example, if a bank’s DSR limit was 70 percent, any DSR percentage above 70 would most likely be rejected, or subject to closer review. A healthy DSR would be between 30 and 40 percent.

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Your guarantor’s documents are not strong enough One way to strengthen your loan application is by using a guarantor, someone who will be legally bound to settle any outstanding amount if you, the principal borrower or loan applicant, default. Banks are more likely to approve your application if you have a strong guarantor. “Strong” in this sense refers to your guarantor’s financial status and if they can afford the commitment should you fail to comply with the repayment terms. A guarantor will need to submit their income documents as well for the bank to ensure his or her financial standing is acceptable.

Car loan approvals are tougher during the pandemic On top of the reasons above, banks have become stricter in car loan approvals. Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said applicants are faced with longer approval times because lenders are adding on to the criteria required for approval. This includes whether the potential borrower is working from home, or what type of industry they are involved in. Sadly, this makes it harder for graduates, especially now, to finance a car – those who have just scored their first job may need to forego their plans on owning a car during these times. Fortunately, though, Carsome has launched a product specially for graduates to finance a car easily.

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You can still get your first car with these easy steps Due to the loan rejections on graduates, Carsome Capital has launched an easy and hassle-free solution where fresh graduates, or those with a minimum of a Degree within five years of graduation, can now secure their first car. This is because the scheme allows graduate applicants aged up to 35 years old to apply with just their Employment Letter of Offer. You can also apply for a loan tenure of up to nine years, which means you can have a more affordable monthly payment amount. Here are the full requirements: Apply with an Employment Letter of Offer: All it takes is showing your offer letter to prove you will have the income to support the loan repayment. You don’t have to provide up to six months of income documentation you would with a conventional bank. Hold at least a Degree certification: You are eligible as long as it is within five years from your graduation date. You only need a comfort guarantor: You can apply with your parents as a comfort guarantor with no minimum requirement in terms of income for your comfort guarantor. This is different from the conventional guarantor that common banks require. Driver’s License and Identification Card (NRIC): You will need to provide your NRIC and driver’s license. Your parents, as comfort guarantors, also need to submit their NRICs. This auto financing option is only available when you buy a Carsome Certified car. So, if you are keen on buying your first car from Carsome, head over to their website to choose the wheels you want. Following that, you can book an appointment to view the car (they also offer virtual appointments during lockdown), and if you like it, just buy it with Carsome Capital’s auto financing option. It’s super hassle-free. With that, we wish you many safe drives with your car ahead.

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HEALTH

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO A party is always incomplete for some if there isn’t a glass of alcoholic beverage present. Beer, wine, whiskey, and tequila, well you name it — we need it. However, a hangover or discomfort after drinking alcohol can interfere with your daily activities especially when you’re having it on a Monday morning. Jeez, that’s just the worst! So it’s very important to know how to deal with it the right way so that this condition does not drag on and interfere with health. Did you know that the sweeter the taste of your alcoholic beverage, the higher the residue content? Such as liquor malt and red wine. Anyways, back to the hangover. You’ll probably experience headaches when you wake up in the morning after a pint of beer the night before due to dehydration and the way your body adjusts to the drop in blood alcohol levels after you stop drinking. Many recommend a quick way to get rid of a hangover by drinking lighter alcohol. Increasing alcohol levels during a hangover are actually tantamount to delaying its effects. By increasing the alcohol content, you are not giving your body a chance to heal on its own. Hangovers will still occur, even worse, the next day. So if you are looking for relief from a night of too much drinking, here are a couple of things you should consume to get you feeling better in no time..

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Oats Oats are a great choice for breakfast since they contain many of the nutrients that alcohol depletes from the body, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and B-vitamins like niacin and folate. Oats provide a slow and steady release of sugar into the bloodstream and may relieve some of the hangover symptoms. Avocado Avocados are a good plant-based source of niacin, in addition to being high in heart-healthy lipids and fibre. Niacin is a B-complex vitamin that is required for numerous metabolic activities in the body. Niacin supports your liver during alcohol metabolism, which might help you avoid a hangover. Salmon Reach for antioxidant-rich meals like salmon after a night of binge drinking. When you’re hungover, antioxidants are beneficial because they help to remove free radicals, which are damaging chemicals formed as a result of oxidation. Salmon helps to reduce the inflammation caused by drinking, and the protein in salmon aids in the metabolization of alcohol.

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Watermelon Natural sugars present in fruits have been shown in studies to assist you to get the alcohol out of your system faster. Watermelon is a good choice since it contains a lot of water and will help you rehydrate. Mangoes, grapes, and honey are other nice choices. Beet juice Beets have minerals that assist to balance the body’s acidity after drinking, and nitric oxide, which is contained in beets, helps to enhance blood flow and oxygen throughout the body. Beet juice can also help coat your liver cells before drinking alcohol, making it a perfect pre-and post-cocktail hangover cure. Apart from that, make sure to eat a meal rich in carbs, lipids, and protein before you start drinking to help limit the absorption of alcohol into your system. This provides your body with the vitamins and minerals it requires, particularly B vitamins, and the fats and proteins aid to limit the absorption of alcohol. Also, to avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water in between drinks.

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MOVIE

Here is a selection of movies and television series that you may watch in November Pictures by Netflix

The Harder They Fall, Streaming on 3 November Gunning for revenge, outlaw Nat Love saddles up with his gang to take down enemy Rufus Buck, a ruthless crime boss who just got sprung from prison.

Arcane, Episodes 1-3 streams on 6 November Episodes 4-6 streams on 13 November Episodes 7-9 streams on 20 November Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.

Red Notice, Streaming on 12 November An FBI profiler pursuing the world’s most wanted art thief becomes his reluctant partner in crime to catch an elusive crook who’s always one step ahead.

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The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star, Streaming on 18 November When a priceless Christmas relic is stolen, royal look-alikes Margaret and Stacy turn to audacious doppelganger Fiona — and her dashing ex — for help.

Cowboy Bebop, Streaming on 19 November A ragtag crew of bounty hunters chases down the galaxy’s most dangerous criminals. They’ll save the world … for the right price. A live-action series.

Hellbound, Streaming on 19 November Unearthly beings deliver bloody condemnations, sending individuals to hell and giving rise to a religious group founded on the idea of divine justice.

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tick, tick…BOOM!, Streaming on 19 November On the brink of turning 30, a promising theatre composer navigates love, friendship and the pressure to create something great before time runs out.

New World, Streaming on 20 November In this reality show, six celebs strategize and sabotage to earn virtual currency they can cash in on the final day of their stay on a utopian island under his direction.

Light the Night, Streaming on 26 November In Taipei’s Red-Light District of the ‘80s, mama-san Rose and the hostess ladies of a popular nightclub navigate love — and struggles.

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MOVIE

Here are a few life lessons we may take away from this renowned Korean drama The Netflix original series Squid Game has become one of the most popular Korean dramas. The excitement and plot twist stunned the viewers for sure. Behind the world of materialism that the director constantly reminds us of through a piggy bank full of money, there are life lessons for viewers who should try to pick up when they’re bingewatching it.

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Beware of people you trust Remember when Cho Sang Woo and Ali Abdul played marbles. The players must determine their respective pairs. At first, they thought they would fight another couple. But it turns out that each player has to beat their partner. Whoever manages to get ten marbles of his partner, then is the winner. Ali Abdul really believes and admires Sang Woo because he has a good idea in every game and once gave him money. While playing marbles, Ali Abdul almost won it. Still, Sang Woo cheated and convinced him that they could both win by procrastinating until the duration of the game was over. Sang Woo asked Ali Abdul to bring a bag of marbles — which had apparently been exchanged for pebbles — to go around to see the other couple playing. When Ali Abdul left, Sang Woo who had taken Ali’s marbles and put them in his own marble bag immediately gave a bag containing 20 marbles to the committee. Be Sang Woo winning the game. While Ali Abdul was still walking around the game arena carrying a bag of pebbles that he thought were his and Sang Woo’s marbles. When the game was over, how sad Ali Abdul was when he realized he had been deceived. He opened a bag of marbles that had been exchanged for pebbles. It was too late, Ali lost and was killed. From these events, some people took the lesson of not believing too much in others. Because in reality, there are people who want to take advantage of us and show the world is not as good as we think.

Money cannot buy happiness Player number 001, Oh Il Nam turned out to be the mastermind behind the deadly game. The reason he titles and participates in his own game is very simple. Oh Il Nam wants to be nostalgic with his childhood games. He wants to have fun with other players while entertaining his clients who are bored with their luxurious lives. Oh Il Nam realizes that money cannot buy happiness. Even so, money is useful to achieve a prosperous life. It’s just that the way Oh Il Nam feels the excitement of the game in this movie is so late because it threatens his life.

The brain is more valuable than the muscle Visually, the tug-of-war game must have been won by Gi Hun’s opposing team. But in this story, Gi Hun’s team wins because they use strategy, not strong origins. The Gi Hun team consists of three women, one elderly, and six men. Speaking physically, they will lose to the opposing team which is all men. At the last moment of the arena, Oh Il Nam delivered a winning trick while playing mine pull. He applied that strategy since childhood and it made his team never lose when playing tug of war. Gi Hun’s team built a strong strategy and teamwork, so he managed to win it. From here we can learn that the brain is more valuable than the muscle. With solid strategy and teamwork, you can win a fight like Gi Hun’s team.

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Think out of the box Gi Hun almost lost in a game of scraping a picture on a piece of candy. He has to think of a difficult pattern, the umbrella. Out of tension, Gi Hun’s sweat dripped and fell on the sugar. From there he realized that the sugar would melt if exposed to water. Unfortunately, there is no water there. Gi Hun finally licked the pieces of sugar until the umbrella pattern came off. The method was followed by other participants. Thanks to his intelligence, Gi Hun managed to win this game. What Gi Hun does teaches us to think in a completely different way aka out of the box. Instead of grinding the candy with a needle to get the pattern, Gi Hun chose to lick it. Basically, you never know what solutions can be done to get out of problems in this life if you haven’t tried.

Being the last is not always bad In the game of running on a glass bridge, the filmmakers take turns choosing which glass tiles they will step on before reaching the finish line. If the player steps wrong, then the glass will break and the player will fall. From the beginning, Gi Hun hesitated whether to take the starting or ending number. When the game started, he realized that he was lucky to get the last order. He simply followed the steps of the participant in front of him who had already chosen which glass will break and not. From this game, getting the last sequence is not always bad. Because sometimes there are wonderful plans that have been prepared for you in the future.


MOVIE

Did you know that the first Barbie live-action film will feature A-list Hollywood celebrities? Barbie is a renowned fashion doll that has been around since 1959 and continues to be popular today. Barbie is undoubtedly the most famous doll in modern history; with her dazzling blue eyes, captivating smile, long blonde curls, a pictureperfect wardrobe, and basically to add, she has it all, while also being a fashion phenomenon in her own right. Now that information about the next real-life film have been disclosed, our childhood fantasies of seeing Barbie come to life will be realised very soon. The Harley Quinn actress Margot Robbie is rumoured to have been cast as the lead in this Barbie film. According to reported news, this film is unique in a way that we are unaware that it is something we desire. Following the announcement of Margot Robbie as the new Barbie, Ryan Gosling is said to be joining her in the plastic world as Ken. The Oscar contender is in final discussions to play the popular Mattel mascot, Ken, in the forthcoming Warner Bros. film. Ryan initially passed up the part owing to his hectic schedule. However, after preproduction took longer than planned and the studio persisted, an opening arose on his schedule. But Ryan has not yet officially signed a contract for his role as Ken. Till now, the details about the film’s plot remains a secret by the production house. Greta Gerwig will direct the film, which may begin filming in 2022. It is rumoured that Gerwig also wrote the script with her colleague, Noah Baumbach. For the unfamiliar, Greta Gerwig is an American actress who is also known as a filmmaker. Her accomplishments as a filmmaker include the films Lady Bird and Little Woman. Both of her directorial films have also received several awards nominations. Is the Barbie cinematic universe akin to the Toy Story series, given that production is set to begin in 2022 and the film will be released in 2023? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

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NEWTREND S

PRICED AT RM38K, THIS IPHONE 13 PRO MAX COMES WITH REAL T-REX TEETH Apple, the world’s biggest electronics manufacturer, released its latest product, the iPhone 13, a few months ago. With prices reaching hundreds of dollars, iPhone aficionados are willing to spend a lot of money to get their hands on the device. iPhone aficionados may think twice about purchasing this version of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This is not the case; instead, this Caviar iPhone comes with an 80 million-year-old T-Rex tooth. Tyrannophone, according to a Daily Mail rumour, is the name of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Not only is the T-Rex head designed on the body of the iPhone, but the picture of the ancient beast is printed in 3D. The T-Rex’s eyes are made of amber stone, and one of its teeth is a replica of a real T-tooth. Rex’s The iPhone also comes in solid gold wrapping to emphasise its opulence. There are only 7 of these iPhones in the world, and the price starts at $ 8,610, which is almost RM 38,000. This tyrannophone also has a 1 terabyte capacity.

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NEWTRENDS

DADI CINEMA, Enjoy A Movie Under Twinkling Stars Dadi Cinema Pavilion KL is the first in Malaysia to introduce a starry movie experience with a unique Star-Max Hall! Decked out in a starry galactic theme, the hall uses advanced laser projector technology to deliver crystalclear cinema graphics, while the Dolby Atmos sound system offers an enhanced surround sound audio experience.

WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT TWO SHOPPING MALLS, USHERS IN A NEW AGE OF IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN TOWN

Calling all moviegoers! A trip to the movies may now be combined with your shopping and dining at Pavilion KL and Da Men USJ! With the introduction of the first two Dadi Cinemas in Malaysia and the brand’s first two outside of China, the shopping malls are pleased to bring consumers to a new age of immersive entertainment. Be among the first to experience an extraordinary movie-watching experience!

Treat Yourself To A VIP Experience Indulge in an unforgettable VIP experience with the premium Star+ Hall. Sink into plush premium twin leatherette recliner cabin seats, complete with a wireless charging pad and a service call button. Star+ tickets also grant cinema-goers access to Dadi Cinema’s exclusive private lounge, to enjoy free flow concessions* before the movie starts.

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Hit The Streets Take a walk alongside the ‘streets’ of Dadi Cinema Da Men USJ, designed with a bustling street theme in mind with street signages, colourful building graffiti and various vehicles that are perfect for photo-taking before and after a movie. Look out for the runaway train at the entrance, a vintage pick-up truck and a zooming racecar!

Kid-Friendly Experiences In both malls, the brand boasts kid-friendly Lil Star cinema halls, where kiddos can watch their movie in adorable customised kids seating, complete with a mini play area. Not to fret, parents will also have plenty of adult-size seating space in these kid-friendly cinema halls! Looking to entertain your kids before the movie starts? Kids will have an exclusive “lounge” of their own at Dadi Cinema’s Lil Star Playland at Pavilion KL and Da Men USJ to let their imaginations run wild!

Delectable Movie Snacks and Drinks Whether it is popcorn, chicken nuggets, bags of crisps or a refreshing beverage – you can find a large variety of snacks to enjoy while watching your movie at Dadi Cinema’s concession stands.

Be Part Of The Club Sign up for Dadi Cinema’s membership card U+ to unlock special discounts and offers at all Dadi Cinema outlets. Cinemagoers can sign up for their U+ membership via Dadi Cinema’s website.

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NEWTRENDS

&

HAVE ANNOUNCED A COLLABORATION TOGETHER TO BID LA BANDA GOODBYE Magnum Ice Cream, the world’s leading provider and one of the premium ice cream brands on the global stage, has announced a partnership with the popular Netflix series Money Heist to give La Banda a delicious farewell opportunity in its closing season. Since it first aired in 2017, the show has sparked a phenomenon around the world and received a wide response from fans. In fact, it managed to become the most popular series around the world across all platforms, so this collaboration aims to pay homage to the last robbery with a farewell wave full of favours for individuals craving enjoyment as well as Money Heist fans will be presented with an exclusive experience through Magnum Ice Cream along with Special from Money Heist to allow them to see the interesting plot, as well as get the experience of a recruit in the service of The Professor.

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Exclusive packages and exciting promotions nationwide Part of this joint venture, the Magnum x Money Heist package offers a limited edition also available through e-commerce and food delivery platforms such as FoodPanda, Grab, Lazada, and Shopee. Each of these exciting packages contains Money Heist items as well as a variety of premium Magnum ice cream variants and it is available from now until stocks last. Promotions at Malaysian supermarket chains also entitle consumers to receive bags exclusive of cool Magnum x Money Heist (while stocks last) with purchase of every two (2) or more Magnum Mini doubles. Farewell Wave – the last secret message from La Banda In conjunction with the launch of the last Money Heist season in December this year, the fans will also be teased with a secret farewell message from La Banda. Fans need to join forces to get more than 3,000 puzzles to unravel the secret messages from the Money Heist crew and stand a chance to win memorabilia of the show, including a replica gold ingot, a red jumpsuit iconic, as well as Dali’s mask. To take part in this exciting activity, buy any product Magnum, scan the QR code or visit www.MagnumMoneyHeist.com.my, and start harvesting match pixels with other users to unravel the ‘Sweet Goodbye’ message the last. Stephanie Ng, Marketing Manager from Wall’s Ice Cream, Unilever Malaysia shared, “Speaking of collaboration, we have seen the huge impact that can be triggered when the right brands work together to grab the audience’s attention, spark conversations as well as condemn brand equity for both parties. So, it’s unlikely we missed the opportunity to team up with Money Heist-a truly incredible series that managed to grab the world’s attention in a short amount of time. We can’t wait to watch the final screening of this show while enjoying Magnum ice cream to complete the experience.

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NEWTRENDS

SUTL SPORTSLAND HAS OPENED A NEW NIKE RISE CONCEPT STORE IN KUALA LUMPUR’S PAVILION MALL

SUTL Sportsland, a joint venture company of SUTL Global Pte Ltd (“SUTL Global”) has launched a new Nike Rise concept store following a refurbishment of its Nike store in Pavilion mall. Touted as the largest store in the capital city, Nike Pavilion boasts a wide assortment of products that will inspire SUTL Life members, families and local communities to make sport a daily habit.

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Powered by premium member services that combine immersive in-store experiences such as early access to exclusive releases, launches, events and data-driven personalisation, the new Nike store brings an assortment of locally curated products and seasonal offerings across men, women and kids. As consumers become more discerning about improving their performance, treadmill trials are also offered to test shoes prior to purchase. A renewed focus on women provides female shoppers with a range of footwear and apparel collections for dance, fitness, running, yoga and streetwear, as well as specialist services like bra fitting and personal styling by well-informed store athletes and category experts. To create seamless consumer experiences Nike Pavilion blends brick and mortar space by offering appointment services for in-store shopping, home delivery and curbside pickup where shoppers can collect their gear at designated points within the mall. In keeping with the Nike Rise concept, Nike Pavilion has released a series of Nike By You illustrations created by local artist, Shu Yee. These quirky designs, which represent Malaysia’s famous local delicacies such as Roti Canai, Durian and Teh Tarik, are now available for Nike members to personalise their T-shirts and totes. “Nike Pavilion is more than just another retail space. The store is carefully conceptualised with multiple touchpoints that offer consumers a fully immersive Nike experience. From informed instore staff and member services to carefully-curated seasonal looks and displays, its appeal drives inspiration to sporting enthusiasts, deepens their connection with the local community and brings the best product range that meets every individual’s needs,” stated Tarundeep Singh, senior director Nike Stores, Southeast Asia & India. Added Singh: “The store concept encapsulates the city’s vibe through its design. We hope this will be the sporting destination for all, whether they are fitness enthusiasts, sport-inspired or purveyors of an active lifestyle.” Mr Arthur Tay, Chairman and CEO of SUTL Global, remarked: “The opening of Nike Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur marks another milestone in SUTL’s journey as a leading distributor of consumer and lifestyle goods in Asia.” Nike Pavilion is located at Lot No. C5.03.00, level 5, Pavilion 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, 55100. SUTL Global is one of Singapore’s most established privately-owned consumer goods and lifestyle services companies and the largest operator of Nike-only stores in Singapore and Malaysia.

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top ick MATCHSPEL Gaming Chair All Day Shorts Omniflex Introducing the only shorts you’ll ever need - no, really. Whether you’ve taken up a new hobby like bouldering, spinning or golf, or find joy in simply walking around town looking good, the All Day Shorts Omniflex will be your absolute best companion. And hey, even if you suck at golf, at least you’ll look amazing on the green. Price: RM89.00

The MATCHSPEL gaming chair helps you play at the top of your game. This chair features a backrest made of breathable mesh, coupled with built-in lumbar support, adjustable height and armrests so you can sit comfy when the game begins. Price: RM699.00

Dell XPS Desktop 8950 The new XPS Desktop offers powerful internals, redesigned airflow enhancements and aesthetics. Comes with impressive specs to handle creative projects and gameplay with ease delivering a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core CPU, up to a 30-Series NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs or AMD Radeon RX GPUs. It is easily accessible and upgradable internals with toolless entry chassis to evolve the desktop. Price: RM5,999.00

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Samsung True Wireless Galaxy Buds2

Häagen-Dazs Dark Chocolate & Green Tea A short story and poetry activity book, Poetry & Short Stories - A Practice Book introduces the foundations of writing to writing enthusiasts/novices, strengthening writing skills and instilling good writing habits. Suitable for both individual practice and classroom learning, this book is a good mix of both information transfer and practical exercises, organized in a manner to facilitate better understanding and learning. Price: RM35.90

Designed for active mobility, comfort and stylish lifestyles, the Galaxy Buds2 offers you the true wireless experience and a quality taste of the good life at a reasonable price. Its sleek, curved shape and lightweight make it incredibly comfortable to wear for hours. With its sporty design, your Galaxy Buds2 will stay firmly in place even while you’re doing an intensive workout. Price: RM80.00

UPPSPEL Gaming Desk UPPSPEL gaming desk helps you perform at your best. It’s large, durable and sturdy. You can also quickly and easily adjust the height so that you can enjoy the optimal position during the match – with the option to stand or sit when gaming. This desk features a built-in USB port to charge your device on- the-game! 180cm. Price: RM2,299.00

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Xplorer Hat Bucket hats are back - don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! The Xplorer Hat can save your look on a bad hair day as well as accentuate your explorer vibes when you’re out and about. This eye-catching staple is sure to prompt some looks, so make sure the rest of your outfit is tight when you’re wearing this conversation starter! Price: RM120.00

NUDESTIX Dark Romantics A 6-Piece Magnetic Eye Pencil Kit featuring four new, bold shades that are designed to be your backstage pass to create moody, minimalistic eyes with an edge. These eye makeup crayons work as an eyeshadow, eyelid primer, eyeliner, and cream highlighter stick, providing a beautifully bold or sexy and subtle colour payout. These satin finish crayons provide an intense colour that lasts up to nine hours. Infused with lush, mega-hydrating ingredients with super creamy, waterproof, quick-drying, and non-sticky formulas for buildable colour. Price: RM251.00

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Pro Creatives will love the QHD+ OLED display of the Yoga Slim 7 Pro with added horsepower for running apps and extreme graphical performance when they opt for up to NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3050™ Laptop GPU. This stylish ultra-slim laptop is packed with power, offering up to AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800H Mobile Processors for advanced platform responsiveness and a range of smart features that will help you make the most of your day. Price: RM4,519.00

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Aero 01 T-Shirt

LÅNESPELARE Mug A cool stainless-steel mug that keeps your beverage cold for longer – and with a lid and straw so you can drink without spilling. The silicone sleeve provides a good grip and keeps your fingertips dry. It also comes with a cleaning brush to keep your mug spick and span! Price: RM30.00

Been working hard to get back into shape after gaining those pandemic pounds? Show off the new you with the Aero 01 T-Shirt! This innovativelydesigned shirt is made for comfort and performance and has a snug and flattering fit that’ll make you look clean and lean in any environment. Make sure you’re photo-ready when you put this bad boy on because you’re bound to turn some heads. Price: RM79.00

HUVUDSPELARE Gaming Chair Adjust the height and angle to sit comfortably and let the game begin. The backrest gives you good lumbar support – and even when the game heats up, you stay cool thanks to the mesh net. Price: RM159.00

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