Breeze Online Issue | CNY & Valentine Edition

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Dancing Into The New Year

Eco Friendly Valentine Gift Ideas “Niu� Year, New Me

A Powerful Duo In STEGA Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Is Here

KDN PPH 308/10/2013 (033079) ISSN 2180 -365X

THEN & NOW: CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR

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EDITOR’S NOTE Hello Breeze readers, That is my daughter back in the day when she collected a lot of ang pows from visiting open houses during Chinese New Year (CNY). How things are different now with the pandemic as it is best we stay safe by minimising our movement outside our home.

Turn to Feature to read about how some of our locals reflect on celebrating CNY in the past versus the present.

For this issue, we have a wonderful artwork by local artist LukisTulis gracing the cover. This exclusive artwork showcases the spirit of CNY celebration entered around a lovely couple which suits our CNY/ Valentine’s Day theme. Please check out LukisTulis works on Facebook and Instagram (@LukisTulis).

Sticking to our theme, read about getting environmental friendly Valentine gifts for your loved one in Eco News. Pop Culture talks about the history and significance of the exciting and popular lion dance during Chinese New Year.

On another note, the music scene has been bursting lately with the growth of our local Sabahan talents. Flip to Music to read about Chinese duo STEGA who are gaining a lot of popularity and Mayabayu who made it as one of the top 4 finalists of Levi’sŽ Music Project. There is also Phoebe Tsen who is mentioned in Flash for having her vocals featured in a Netflix series.

Have a good read with the rest of the pages in this issue and stay safe everyone. Happy Chinese New year and Happy Valentine’s Day as well!

Editor in Chief – Dinoza Mahruf Assistant Editor – Noel Jinguli Writer – Khaleedah Jailani Writer – Eilvane Chieng Writer – Andro A. Sandor Writer – Devyne Koh Writer – Adelina Adna Writer – Cherelle Lim Copy writer – Iliana A.

Director – Dinoza Mahruf Head Graphic Designer – Clarinda Peters Graphic Designer – Nuratiqah Aqilah Fashion – Glam Squad Photographer – Jofanna Bridal Studio Photographer – Aznan Johary Photographer – Vance Tan Photographer – Alex Fell Photographer – Srap

Managing Partner – Sonny Ali Finance – Zainaba S Administrator – Florence Masri Administrator – Athina Padua Events & Promotions – Shana K IT Head – Eddie Bee Public & Gov. Relations – Noor F. Z. Advisor – James S.E. Quek

Marketing Head – Mohammad Iskandar Shah Senior Marketing Manager – Alina Lim Marketing – Labuan – Leonie Peter Marketing – Labuan – PRO LVY Ent Marketing – KL – Kahan Singh Gill Marketing – KL – Mimi Khan

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LukisTulis

Dancing Into The New Year

“Niu� Year, New Me

A Powerful Duo In STEGA Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Is Here

KDN PPH 308/10/2013 (033079)

Breeze Mag

Eco Friendly Valentine Gift Ideas

ISSN 2180 -365X

THEN & NOW: CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR

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content online editon 11 ECO NEWS 03 FLASH

Eco-friendly valentine gift ideas

18 BEING CREATIVE

January 2021

LOVELY DOVEY LOCKDOWN

05 FEATURE

19

Then & now: celebrating chinese new year

08 MUSIC

a powerful duo in stega

12

RANTS & RAVES

A Lowkey Chinese new year & Valentine’s Day

14

FITNESS

15

DENTAL

“NIU” YEAR, NEW ME

AUTOMOTIVE

getting to know geely

10

TECH

are you considering veneers?

xiaomi’s mi 11 is here

13 WELLNESS

CHINESE NEW YEAR: A TIME TO INDULGE, OR NOT?

20 POP CULTURE

dancing into the new year

FLASH

January 2021 TEN MALAYSIAN BENEFICIARIES RECEIVED GRANTS FOR UK-MALAYSIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE Malaysia, January 2021 - Since October 2020, ten Malaysian beneficiaries have received grants from the British Council to support cultural partnerships between the UK and Malaysia. Beneficiaries include Sarawakians Wendy Teo (Borneo Laboratory) and Sonia Luhong Wan (Borneo Bengkel).

These grants, with a total worth of over £80,000 from three distinct programmes, will help develop innovative ways of collaborating digitally in the arts during this period where Covid-19 has prevented international travel and face-to-face collaborations. “These grants will support work in various art forms ranging from literature, film, visual arts, music to theatre. Our ten beneficiaries will bring together people with different experiences and backgrounds, including the disabled, minority ethnic groups, LGBTQI+, youth, and those working in areas of environment and sustainability. We are proud to provide the opportunity for our grant beneficiaries in the UK and Malaysia to share and inspire each other.” said Jazreel Goh, Director Malaysia, British Council. For more information, go to www.britishcouncil.my/programmes/arts SABAHAN SONGSTRESS PHOEBE TSEN’S VOCALS IN NETFLIX’S CARLO AND MALIK SEASON 2 Kota Kinabalu, January 2021 - A moment of Malaysian and Sabahan pride when Sabahan songstress Phoebe Tsen’s vocals can be heard in Netflix’s Italian series Carlo And Malik Season 2 (currently not available in Malaysia). Her vocals were part of the track played in the series called Wake Up Before You by Stranger Sounds who are based in Europe. Having her vocals heard in a Netflix series was definitely one of the main highlights of Phoebe’s music career so far. She is also a songwriter and music producer. When not working with clients and collaborators from around the globe, Phoebe works closely with Malaysian Theatre Company Pitapat Theatre as well as being one half of Borneon music duo, Avery Fos. Phoebe is also currently a partner under CENDANA Malaysia’s Artist In School Programme.

PROJECT HOPE 1.0: BANTUAN BANJIR 2021 BY JCIKK Kota Kinabalu, 17-18 January 2021 - Villages located in the vicinity of Babagon River, Penampang have been badly affected by the flood which has caused damages, cutting water, food and electricity supplies. Junior Chamber International Kota Kinabalu (JCIKK) acted promptly by organising Project Hope 1.0: Bantuan Banjir 2021, together with International Association for Human Values, Art of Living and Persatuan Penggerak Penampang Sabah, led by organising Chairman JCIKK member, Snowy Chang. Within less than 24 hours, the project successfully collected funds to purchase items for food aid and other donations which were delivered straight to families of several villages affected by the heart breaking flood. Project Hope 1.0: Bantuan Banjir 2021 have reached more than 300 families, benefitting more than 1000 people living in the Penampang area.

For more information, contact JCI KK President Chian Mei Hsing at 011 6234 1534 or organising Chairlady Snowy Chang at 019 813 3774.

VOLUNTEER RELIEF GROUP PROVIDES FOOD AID TO FLOOD VICTIMS IN PITAS | image by Idzhamhadi Sidik Pitas, 18 January 2021 - Pitas was one of the districts in Sabah that was badly hit by flood due to the recent bad weather. A valiant volunteer relief mission led by ReachOut under the helm of Pn. Fauziah Fuad Stephens has enabled food aid sent from Kota Kinabalu to the flood victims of Pitas who are in dire need. This was made possible with the support of Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu and transportation by Tough Diesel composed of Trans Borneo veterans.

Upon reaching Pitas, food was sent to the village people of Kg. Andap, Kg. Ladap, Kg. Gambir, Kg. Kiambalang and Kg. Kinagoh. The food distributed was contributed by various donors from all over Malaysia. The volunteer relief group hopes their efforts will also inspire and encourage others to help other flood victims in Sabah.

03

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Report

Official Launching Of Sabah Maju Jaya

Kota Kinabalu, 12 January 2021 - The Sabah State Government launched a new five-year development strategy called “Sabah Maju Jaya” to help revive Sabah’s economy. It was officially launched on this day at the Sabah State Administrative Centre by the Chief Minister of Sabah, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor. Also in attendance to witness the launching were Minister of Special Duties YB Datuk Hj Mohd Arifin b. Hj Mohd Arif, Sabah State Secretary YB Datuk Seri Panglima Sr. Haji Safar bin Untong, Director General of Public Service Yang Berusaha Datuk Rosmadi Datu Sulai and Attorney General of Sabah YBhg Datuk Nor Asiah Mohd Yusof. Other assistant ministers and leaders under the Chief Minister Department attended the launching through a live online conference call.

The main objectives of Sabah Maju Jaya are; 1) to build a united & peaceful state and community, 2) to optimise the state’s natural resources, 3) to stimulate economic recovery, 4) improving the economy of the people and 5) producing model citizens. Sabah Maju Jaya will focus on five sectors, namely agriculture, tourism, industrial, the wellbeing of the people and infrastructural networks & environmental sustainability. As mentioned above, the strategy will be implemented from 2021 to 2025 and the government aims for a 6.5% to 7.5% economic growth.

Speaking during the launch, the Chief Minister said, “Without a clear direction and strategy, the State Government cannot function effectively, causing an administrative failure because

Image | Noel Jinguli

04

of the lack of emphasis on our growth as a state.” He added, “I urge all civil workers, as the machinery and heartbeat of the government, to give their full attention towards this fiveyear development strategy. I hope we don’t look down on this monumental task, let alone boycotting or unwilling to cooperate in order to help our state grow.”

Sabah Maju Jaya will channel RM931.21 million to agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors, RM949.83 million for the wellbeing of the people and RM1,579.33 million to infrastructure networks & environmental sustainability.

Access and be part of Sabah Maju Jaya now at www.sabahmajujaya.my

C

feature

Then & now: celebrating chinese new year

hinese New Year (CNY) is a special time of year for the Chinese community in the world. Here in Sabah, we’re blessed to have a melting pot of culture and beliefs, that we’re all able to witness the beautiful sights and sounds of the CNY celebrations. Check out these individuals around Sabah to get to know how they usually celebrate CNY versus how they will celebrate in 2021 with the current ongoing pandemic.

BELINDA @ BELLE As she puts it, Belinda is a “belle” from the Land Below The Wind. Bella works in the offset printing industry.

How Belle usually spends CNY “Ever since I was a kid, I will always go to the night market on the night before CNY eve. I’ll be also busy helping in the kitchen or doing last minute cleaning. After all is done, our family will share a feast to usher in the new year.

My CNY celebration is usually divided into 3 main days. On day 1, I will spend time at the temple with my husband and in-laws. Day 2 is when I visit my grandma with the rest of my relatives and do a tea ritual. I basically have to greet every single one of my relatives with a cup of tea and wish them well before receiving my angpow. Nowadays I’m the one chasing the kids to give them angpow. Day 3 is when I invite everyone into my home for a celebration. Then comes the open house hopping at night for the next few days.

I personally love Day 2. Love family gatherings. The food we eat and share with the family is always the best. Gatherings are also the perfect time to catch up with everyone. It’s especially fun meeting new members of the family as well.”

How Belle will celebrate CNY in 2021 “I decided to stay home and video call my grandma while sending gifts her way. I don’t want to put her at risk by visiting her. Our family can always set up a Zoom meeting in place of a huge gathering. Technically, we’re still interacting with each other and enjoying the food we prepared for ourselves. I admit, I miss family gatherings and giving them all a big hug. But we must be strong this year and closely abide the SOP to keep our family safe.”

IAN RAI Besides being a project coordinator for a development company, Ian is also a fitness coach.

How Ian usually celebrates CNY “Normally during CNY I just attend family gatherings and also go to open houses. I really enjoy lion dance performances at open houses especially these days when it’s not as common as before.

I also love celebrating CNY because my mother will always be around enjoying the celebration with me. Due to the pandemic I haven’t been able to spend much time with my mum outside so I really miss doing that with her.“

How Ian will celebrate CNY this year “Will just be at home and avoid unnecessary gatherings and large crowds. Let us all stay safe and follow the SOP so we can get past this pandemic soonest and have a proper CNY celebration.”

05

JASON BOON Jason is a Sarawakian who has been in Sabah since 2007. He operates a few companies in Kota Kinabalu, mainly in the construction and tourism industry.

How Jason usually celebrates CNY “My parents are staying in Sarawak so my family and I used to drive all the way back to Sarawak to visit my parents and my in-laws during the festive season. We usually go on holiday together too during CNY. I will always cherish my last family CNY holiday trip to Tokyo the most. We went skiing in the mountains, cooked, slept and laughed together. We even went to Tokyo Disneyland and had fun with the kids and my parents. I am always busy with my schedule, so CNY is the only holiday when we could really enjoy our time together as a family.”

How Jason will celebrate CNY this year “This year will be my first time celebrating CNY with my parents and in-laws separately but I believe our hearts will always be close. I would love to travel in Sabah with my family during CNY if the movement control order permits because now is the best time to appreciate local culture, attractions and products.

The pandemic has affected our daily lives. Let us fight against this pandemic together and everyone please #StayStrong #StaySafe.”

BERNICE CHONG Bernice Chong is currently working under Property Hunter. There, she is a Sales & Marketing personnel and management trainee.

How Bernice usually spends CNY “In the past, all my family members will come back from other countries to celebrate this festive season. We start our celebration the day before CNY with a reunion dinner at my grandparents’ house and enjoy the foods prepared by each of our families. After the reunion dinner, we start the best session of all, playing card games while the older generation sit in front of the TV to watch the CNY countdown. On the first day of CNY, my family and I will be in our traditional Cheongsam and start the day by open house hopping; going to our friends’ and family’s house in order to receive Angpao from the married couples.”

My best memory during CNY is when I attended a company CNY lunch gathering in a hotel. It may sound normal but having a gathering with all of my Chinese, Malay and Kadazan colleagues was really fun and memorable. We had a good time ‘lou sang’ together and taking angpau from our bosses.”

How Bernice will celebrate CNY this year “This year we will still gather at our grandparents’ house if the movement control order permits. Although our family members abroad could not gather with us, we have already scheduled a day to have a video call to do our reunion dinner. For angpao, I will share my bank QR code for them to transfer me the red packets.

I wish everyone a blessed new year ahead. No matter what, don’t forget to follow the SOP.” 06

movies

February NETFLIX MOVIES

MALCOLM & MARIE Release date: 7 February 2021 Genre: Drama, Romance Director: Sam Levinson Cast: Zendaya, John David Washington A director and his girlfriend's relationship is tested after they return home from his movie premiere and await critics' responses.

TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER Release date: 12 February 2021 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Director: Michael Fimognari Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo As Lara Jean Covey prepares for the end of high school and the start of adulthood, a pair of life-changing trips lead her to reimagine what life with her family, friends, and Peter will look like after graduation.

I CARE A LOT Release date: 19 February 2021 Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller Director: J Blakeson Cast: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza Gonzรกlez, Dianne Wiest, Chris Messina A crooked legal guardian who drains the savings of her elderly wards meets her match when a woman she tries to swindle turns out to be more than she first appears.

07

MUSIC

a powerful duo in stega

W

e rarely see a powerful musical duo these days, since most artists prefer to go solo when starting their musical career. Though, when a duo does come up, you know that both talents have a special bond to allow them to create great music.

Enter STEGA, a local musical duo that have wowed listeners and kept them coming back for more. STEGA consists of talented guitarist Stephen and Gary with his powerful vocals.

The story of how STEGA was formed started many years back when Gary was an event coordinator. He decided to spend his extra time by performing in front of an audience. That’s when his brother and friends suggested working together with Stephen, since Gary didn’t know the music scene well at the time. The two eventually met and found themselves clicking really well when performing together. In 2016, they formed “three-sixty” with Annabel Tiu A.K.A. Beza, and also joined Kayu Band. Finally in 2019, they formed STEGA, which is a combination of both their names, STEphen and GAry, which also sounds like the word “stage”.

STEGA usually performs Jazz, Country and often Pop favourites in mainly English and Mandarin, sometimes they perform in Malay too. During the MCO last year, STEGA started performing online with the support of EMVEE, a local production company.

For them, it was certainly a fun and new experience. Though, it does come with its challenges as well. For example, sound

by Noel Jinguli Image | STEGA 08

mastering and livestream benchmark settings took some trial and error. Getting a consistent number of viewers is still a challenge. Nowadays they have gotten used to performing online and the number of viewers is steadily growing from time to time.

For STEGA, performing isn’t only about the interaction between bandmates, but with the audience as well. That’s what they miss most about performing in front of a live audience. In their own words, “It feels good when the audience helps by singing the chorus. It never gets old and will always get them more excited.

Nothing beats the feeling of a full house cheering for you.”

With all that said, STEGA is looking forward to a very bright future ahead. They are striving to produce original songs and have planned to release a few this year. For now, they’re focused on gaining exposure by doing covers and performing in live streams regularly. Though, there certainly isn’t any doubt that STEGA will be successful, especially with the talent that both Stephen and Gary have. @stega_my

@stega.my

MUSIC

MAYABAYU CREATES A DELICIOUS MELTING POT OF MUSIC O, Sayang perfectly represents Mayabayu’s musical personality.

The Sabahan songstress started out with indie folk-country before evolving her style of music to a unique blend of synthpop combined with East Malaysian tribal elements.

She began writing songs when she was 11-years-old and didn’t put much thought into labeling her music. All she wanted was to put melodies to the stories she conjured. She experimented with R&B, pop, and indie-folk along the way. It wasn’t until 2018 when she began singing for an 8-piece Malaysian fusion band, Nadir, and that led her to find her own identity. She came to a realisation that the music industry needed more East Malaysian representation and she had the platform to do just that.

“I realised I had spent a lot of my formative years in music trying to sound Western when all I needed was to reconnect with my roots and find strength infusing elements from Kadazandusun culture and modern electro-pop music. The decision to delve into tribal-pop was the outcome of my long-winding journey in music but I believe it’s only beginning.”

S

abahan Mayabayu is a force to be reckoned with. The solo artist who’s currently based in Kuala Lumpur was among the 200 hopefuls that sent in submissions to be part of Levi’s® Music Project’s first venture in Malaysia. The talented singer/ songwriter sent in her current new single, O, Sayang as the ticket to the music programme, which proved to be a good move as she is now one of the four selected finalists.

Being part of Levi’s® Music Project adds to this rising star’s achievements, including the Global VIMA Award for Overall Best Female Artiste in 2018. She is now in the midst of working on her first full-length album slated to be released soon. @mayabayumusic

MAYABAYU

@mayabayumusic

MAYABAYU

The four finalists include Mayabayu, Margasatwa, Dato Maw, and Alien Lipstick Fire. Levi’s® Music Project comes in three phases and will run for three years. The finalists have successfully completed the first phase of the programme, which included attending mentorship sessions with industry leaders, Jennifer Thompson and Old Head Jin. In November, they spent the whole month to polish and finish recording their latest singles, which was sponsored by Levi’s® and recorded at Big A Productions. In December, they rehearsed and subsequently recorded their performances for Phase 1’s finale, which was the virtual music showcase.

Mayabayu’s O, Sayang has received several nods of approval from Levi® Music Project mentors and her fans. What started out as a ballad tribute to her partner, the track slowly took shape to form a loving tribute to the people she’s met along the way.

The trilingual track as she says is a ballad for all ages.

Image | Mayabayu

09

TECH

xiaomi’s mi 11 is here

Q

ualcomm’s long awaited Snapdragon 888 Chip is finally here and what better brand to implement it into their smartphone than Xiaomi. The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the first phone to feature the newest chipset from Qualcomm when it was launched earlier in January. Though, the chipset isn’t the only talking point as the Mi 11 has more to offer.

Let’s talk about design. This phone features a 6.81 inch display with a small punch-hole camera situated on the top left corner.

For the back panel of the phone, you can choose between two choices of materials, glass or eco (faux) leather, with the latter standing out against the sea of glass back phones these days.

With that said, the square camera module sits on the top left corner. To “wrap up” the design, an aluminium frame holds it all together.

The display is an AMOLED panel that’s capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and has a pixel density of 515 ppi. Be prepared to be awed by the deep blacks and vivid colours of the AMOLED display. The 1440 x 3200 pixel resolution ensures

by Noel Jinguli Image | Xiaomi 10

you have the sharpest image, no matter if you’re viewing texts or pictures. Plus, since this is an AMOLED panel, an in-display fingerprint scanner is also featured on the phone.

Under the hood, it has an octa-core Snapdragon 888, like mentioned above. Paired with that is an Adreno 660 GPU for those graphically intensive games. There are multiple variants to choose from, with 8GBs of RAM plus 128GB or 256GB of memory, or 12GB of RAM with 256GB of memory. Whichever variant you choose, know that you’ll have ample memory for storage and multitasking applications on the phone. It also comes with Android 11 right out of the box.

Lastly, the multi-camera set-up will leave you drooling for more.

Featuring a 108MP (megapixel) main sensor, 13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro sensor at the back, all of which are capable of capturing stunning pictures. You’ll also be able to capture up to 8K video quality at 30fps, though a more stable 1080p quality will be preferred by most people. The selfie camera can also hold its own weight with a 20MP sensor and 1080p video capture capabilities.

If you’re interested in getting your hands on the Xiaomi Mi 11, the price is speculated to start at RM2,480. So, when they do arrive here, be prepared to spend a high mid-range price for a full on flagship smartphone.

ECO NEWS

Eco-friendly valentine gift ideas

“L

ove is in the air”. A phrase that is pretty cliche as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. I, for one, feel like the “air” is too unpredictable these days. Sometimes we would have bad storms, while other times we’d get an annoying heat wave. It might be one of the effects of rising temperatures caused by global warming.

With the upcoming “day of love”, I’d recommend we all look for gifts that aren’t just romantic but also eco-friendly.

First on the list is a DIY (do-it-yourself) gift made from recycled or eco-friendly materials. If you’re the creative type and know your way around tools, then you’re well on your way to the perfect gift idea. Melt used candles and remold them into “hearts” for your loved one. Why not learn how to make your own soap with the things you have around the house? Try painting or dyeing old shirts and make them new again. At the least, a simple love letter in a bottle is always a romantic way to tell someone your true feelings towards them.

This next one might be controversial, but I suggest regifting older items. However, a simple “spit and polish” to make things look new will show your effort in order to make something old look new again. Get some old vases, clean them up, and put flowers in them. Personally, I’d take some old diecast toy cars

by Noel Jinguli Image | Unsplash

11

and customise them into something I know my significant other really appreciates, even though she isn’t a big fan of collecting toys.

Lastly, just make an extra effort helping your significant other out. We’re not allowed to go out for dinner for a while, so why not learn to cook a special dinner for the two of you? Another idea would be to help out tidying up the house. You could also plant beautiful flowers around the yard. The extra effort goes a long way to show you care about each other and your relationship.

At the end of the day, it’s always “the thought that counts”. If we opt for eco-friendly gifts, for any occasion, we’re not only giving our loved ones awesome gifts, but also giving mother nature a break.

AUtomotive

getting to know geely

A

Chinese refrigerator maker turned automotive powerhouse, the name Geely isn’t recognised by most, either for their refrigerators or automobiles. Even so, other car brands owned by them have always been known for their prestige and racing prowess from yesteryears. You wouldn’t believe your eyes if you read what this company has accomplished in just 2 decades of its existence as a top player in the automotive market.

Li Shufu is the man behind the Geely name, founded in 1986 as a refrigerator maker. They first started manufacturing motorcycles in the mid-90s after acquiring a failing, state-run firm. In 1998, they began producing small vans and received the approval to manufacture automobiles a year later. However, car production only started in 2002.

Although many of Geely’s earlier cars were based on the Xiali, a variant of the 1987 Daihatsu Charade, they’ve come a long way from using the Charade base on all their passenger cars. These days, the designs of their cars are quite distinguishable when you see them on the road. Admittedly, you can see the influence they take from the different models in the brand.

What truly amazes and blindsides people are the more established names under the Geely Auto Group name. In 2010, it acquired the Volvo brand from American automaker Ford. A 51% controlling-stake was then purchased in 2017 for Lotus Cars

by Noel Jinguli Image | Geely 12

from its owner, DRB-HICOM. In the same year, DRB-HICOM also sold a 49% stake in Proton to Geely. Yes, that Proton. Our beloved national car company is now partly owned by Geely. It doesn’t stop there, Geely also owns 9.7% stake in Daimler AG, owner of the Mercedes-Benz and Smart brands.

Let’s get back closer to home with Proton. In December of 2018, Proton launched its first SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) with quite a bit of excitement from the local crowd. The Proton X70, as we know it here, is a rebadged Geely Boyue with some minor cosmetic changes. The biggest change would be that the X70 is right-hand drive while the Boyue is left-hand drive. For the two years of its existence, Proton has sold 48,275 units of the X70.

Geely has set its eyes to the future as they’re in the works of introducing game-changing electric cars into their lineup.

Personally, the excitement of the Proton X50 launch (a rebadged Geely Binyue) has shown me that people are intrigued, if not excited, for the next move this Chinese automotive powerhouse will make.

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Wellness

Chinese New Year: A Time to Indulge, Or Not?

I

t’s that time of the year again! Whether you are entertaining aunties and uncles about your marriage life or promising free services from your profession, we all have one thing in common when it comes to this festive season, we eat… like a lot. You name it, from cookies to chocolates, to nuts and even fried seaweed, we love it all. Why wouldn’t we? It’s delicious! (especially when it’s free.) And to put icing on the cake (no pun intended), our version of moderate eating is probably along the line of eating half of the cookie jar and avoiding those with raisins entirely.

Since Chinese New Year is just around the corner, here are some effortless and relatable ways in which you can keep track of your diet and lifestyle to prevent overindulging. It’s as simple as practicing 88888 every day! No, I don’t mean feeling ‘ong’ every day and think that ‘fatchoi’ is going to help you buy your way to better snacking decisions. What I meant is practicing five 8s during this festive season. Here’s what I mean.

1. Control yourself. If you are already 80% full, it is best to leave that last piece of drumstick for someone else.

2. Eat your meals before 8 o’clock at night. This doesn’t just help you to sleep better but also feel less bloated the next day.

3. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day! This way your stomach won’t have room for those packet drinks.

4. Get enough sleep. Everyone knows you need 8 hours of sleep every day. Don’t stay up for that last mahjong game, it’s not worth it.

by Kelvin Yong Pui Szi Image | Various Sources 13

5. Walk for at least a total of 8,000 steps a day. This not only improves heart health, mental health, but also lowers diabetes risk.

Well, if you’re feeling like a true Chinese, walk 8,888 steps a day for a more ‘huat’ experience.

Well, I hope that this little guidance will serve you well in this upcoming festive season. Perhaps by practicing more 8s in your life, well... who knows? Your new year might just be a little more prosperous than before!

C

fitness

“niu” year, new me

hinese New Year is just around the corner and to usher the year of the Ox, here are 4 exercises to give you a full body workout and make you as strong and energetic as the Ox! Perform 15 reps of each exercise for 4 sets with a 30 second rest interval in between.

LYING SIDE CRUNCH

FULL BODYWEIGHT PUSH UP

EXECUTION

SETUP • •

Come to a plank position with palms directly under the shoulders.

Align the hip and knee in one line & engage your core.

SETUP • • • •

Lie on your side.

Align your elbow, hip, knee and ankle in one line.

Keep your spine neutral and align top leg on top of the lying leg on the floor.

Active your side obliques and lift the top leg up without compensating the lower back.

EXECUTION • •

As you go down, keep the shoulders depressed and maintain the elbows at a stable 45 degree angle away from the body.

As you go back up, squeeze the chest and make sure to move the whole upper body as a single unit.

GLUTE BRIDGES SETUP • • Regressed option (on your knees)

• •

Lie face up on the floor.

Bend your knees and bring your feet in just about one palm away from your hips.

Align the hip, knee and feet in one line.

Place your arms by your side. (Your fingers should be able to gentle touch the heel of your feet)

EXECUTION • •

ON THE FLOOR TRICEP DIPS SETUP • •

Place your palms flat on the floor directly under your shoulders and feet 45 degrees away from the knees.

Align the hip, knee & feet in one line. List your hips around two fists above the ground.

EXECUTION • •

Lift your glutes up and squeeze at the top.

Avoid lifting the ribcage up to much; if your ribcage protrudes then you should relax your lower back slightly more and focus mainly on using your glutes during the lift.

For a little more challenge, you can do this with one leg!

Keep your elbows pointed to the back. Slowly bend your elbows and allow your body to drop.

Straighten your elbow and lift your body up again while engaging your triceps.

by Hazli Bojili Image | Hazli Bojili 14

DENTAL

are you considering veneers?

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e all want that beautiful and bright smile reminiscent of a Hollywood superstar. Well, other than teeth whitening, there may be another way of achieving that look. This month, we’ll be talking about veneers and how they work. As usual, we have Dr. Sylvia Lim of Phi Dental to provide us with all the information we need, so read on to find how you can better take care of your pearly whites.

To put it simply, a veneer is a layer of material placed over each tooth. It improves the aesthetics of a smile while protecting the tooth’s surface from damage. There are two main types of veneers, composite and dental porcelain, essentially different based on the materials used. They each have their own advantages as well.

Veneers help fix teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching. Chipped or worn teeth can be fixed with veneers as well, while the issue of the uneven space or gaps between the upper front teeth will be solved. Crooked and misshapen teeth can be fixed too. Plus, veneers will give you a smile makeover, creating the “Hollywood” aesthetic for your smile.

Those with veneers should know how to take care of them.

Veneers can chip or break under pressure, so you shouldn’t clench your jaw or grind your teeth. If it feels weird to bite food, make sure to get it readjusted at the dentist. The enamel removal can’t be undone as well. New ones might be needed, as there’s a possibility that the veneers will become loose overtime. The most important thing to do is regularly take care of them by brushing and flossing your teeth.

Dr. Sylvia advises everyone to visit a professional dentist when considering veneers. Be aware of fake veneers or nano veneers performed by unregistered fake dentists/beauticians. These veneers are placed on untreated teeth (possibly teeth with gum disease) and the thickness can cause bite issues, jaw pain and disbling victims to chew properly. So be careful of where you get your veneers made.

The cool thing about veneers is that they are custom made to fit your teeth. Dentists will prepare your teeth and usually remove a small amount of enamel. This makes room for veneers to look natural. The dentist will then make a mold of the teeth and send it to a dental lab to make the custom fit veneers for you. Shades of the veneers should also suit your smile. During your next visit, the veneers will then be placed, adjusted, and bonded to your teeth.

by Noel Jinguli Image | Phi Dental 15

Top: Fake Veneers

Bottom: Porcelain Veneers

Dental Veneer

Who need Dental Veneer?

• Teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching • Chipped or worn teeth • Crooked or misshapen teeth • Uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth

Contact US:

OPENING HOURS

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Address | Lot 2-33, Second Floor Tel | 013-410313 Website | www.phidental.my Email | phidental13@gmail.com

BEING CREATIVE

lovey dovey lockdown

Image By Anniw Spratt (Unplash)

St Valentine was a brave chap, a martyr for his Christian faith, who did his stuff a long time ago.

Every year restaurants, card publishers, red rose growers and certainly jewellers make hay while the heart beats. I well remember wondering who sent me that card with glitter on it, and a large question mark at the bottom. It never was the person I yearned for though, but beggars couldn’t be choosers!

It smacks a bit of exploitation and commercialism (like Christmas and Halloween etc) but it can be fun and it gives people an opportunity to be soppy with each other at least once a year. I wonder if people know who he was: a priest in Rome, martyred in 269 and buried in the city. Not much else is known about him but it’s a good idea to use the 14th February to have a bit of a love in especially at this rather testing time. This is what Wikipedia says about the august gentleman: According to an early tradition, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. Numerous later additions to the legend have better related it to the theme of love: an 18th-century embellishment to the legend claims he wrote the jailer's daughter a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell before his execution; another addition posits that Saint Valentine performed weddings for Christian soldiers who were forbidden to marry.

The Feast of Saint Valentine was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honour of Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th

by Sylvia Howe

18

centuries when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the "lovebirds" of early spring. In 18th century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.

Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards In Italy, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver's heart", as well as to children to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine's Malady.

Communication again, you see. I know I bang on about it, but WordPower Sabah has struck a chord in KK and elsewhere.

Communication matters and when we are allowed to run the event, we look forward to showing you how.

It is so important to speak up about what you feel and think (positive thoughts, please; nobody needs a grumpus) instead of being cool and distant.

Feb 14 is the perfect opportunity to make the first move, if it is the first one, and to confirm affection in a longer-term relationship. Who doesn’t like being told they are loved? And there is something oddly liberating being able to express your affection – helps that lots of other people are doing it too.

It isn’t the same this year, admittedly. No candlelit restaurant tables and violin playing (always rather annoyingly just by your ear when you are trying to say something), no moonlit walks along the strand, but don’t be disheartened. Setup your own table, light your candles, cook (or order) your beloved’s favourite dinner, and enjoy it together. And communicate. You won’t regret it!

Let me know how you get on sylvia.howe@me.com.

Rants & Raves

A Lowkey Chinese new year & Valentine’s Day

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hinese New Year is approaching fast, and decorations are going up in many households! Although this year the movement control hinders the usual get-togethers as not many of us are able to return to our hometowns to celebrate. Ah, to think that we used to be able to travel freely and celebrate with our friends and family!

Our new normal includes having virtual festive celebrations with family and friends. With that said, despite being stuck at home this year, we can still toss the “Lou Sang” while manifesting for an auspicious Year of the Ox! Sure, we miss the joy of Chinese New Year celebration -- loud cheers, setting off firecrackers, collecting red packets, but that doesn’t mean the party can’t go on.

I know that for most of us, we might be celebrating alone or even in a new place this year. But, as soon as Chinese New Year is over, all you lovers get to shine. That’s right, Valentine’s Day falls right after the second day of Chinese New Year. A string of celebrations is exactly what we need, if not for the strict SOP rules to follow, the streets would be filled with lovers! For those sad lovers who aren’t able to meet up on the day, how would you celebrate Valentine’s day? Maybe a virtual date? Or send a surprise to your significant other’s doorstep! I’m sure you’ll find a way to be together and show your love. For the singles however, fret not and take this opportunity to spoil yourself. After all, selflove is the greatest love!

by Cherelle Lim Image | Unsplash

19

POP CULTURE

dancing into the new year

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hat’s the most common thing we see during Chinese New Year? Mandarin oranges, angpao, and of course, lion dances! Sadly though, it seems our celebration this year would be dialed down a notch. However, the Chinese New Year spirit can still burn bright with understanding the history behind the culture and celebration. So, let’s take some time off and learn a thing or two about the beats that keep everyone smiling, the lion dance.

The lion dance is a form of traditional dance that’s synonymous with the Chinese community and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Performers mimic the movements of lions and perform in lion costumes. It is said that these “lions” bring good luck and fortune wherever they dance. That’s why you can also see lion dances being performed during other celebrations such as weddings, business launchings, and even used to honour special guests in the Chinese communities.

There are two main forms of the Chinese lion dance, the Northern and Southern Lions. Both are commonly found in China, but here in Malaysia, we mainly see the Southern Lions performing. These lions have a single horn and are associated with a mythical monster called a Nian, a beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains.

by Noel Jinguli Image | Unsplash 20

The lions’ head is traditionally made of paper-mache over a bamboo frame covered with gauze, painted and decorated with fur. Their bodies are made of durable layered cloth, also trimmed with fur. Newer lions are made with lighter materials such as aluminium and may also apply shinier modern materials like sequin.

The lions are operated by two performers, one manipulating the head while the other forms the rear end. Their movements can be found in Chinese martial arts. The performance is also accompanied by vigorous drum beats.

Outside of the usual celebrations, lion dance groups would also compete in lion dance championships. Teams are judged on their skills, creativity, and choreography of the stunts that are accompanied by the rhythmic and pulsating instruments.

Lion dances have also made their way into the big screens. Jet Li in “Once Upon A Time In China III” performed as a lion dancer, while Rush Hour 2 also featured them as well. The lion dance was also featured in 98 Degrees ft. Stevie Wonder’s “True To Your Heart” music video promoting the movie Mulan.

As you can see, the lion dance is a very unique custom for the Chinese community. Just hearing the beat of the drums and cymbals, you can recognise the lion dance from a mile away. It’s very interesting how this culture is shared among many walks of life today.

Make Up, Hair & Face Chart

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BEAUTY

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Face Chart Adelina Ad

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FASHION

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Spicy Prawn Arrabbiata INGREDIENTS 4 to 6 pcs Prawn (optional can be chicken or other seafood) 1 tsp of oil & 1 tsp of butter 1 bowl of spahgetti (or any pasta you like) 1 garlic 1 Eggplant cut into pieces 1 cyrtal tomato 1 Chili 1 cup tomato puree 1/4 cup water 1 tsp cajun/paprika powder Salt & peper to taste METHOD 1. Cook spaghetti (any pasta) 2. In a pan, add oil stir fry garlic & prawn add all the above ingredient close lid & leave to boil.

3. Add pasta mix until combine, ready to serve

by Beverley Chow www.quicktakesorder.blogspot.com Image | Beverley Chow

B

Kedai kupi

of the month

COFFEE COTTAGE RUSTIC BREAD

orn out of frustration and memories of the historical bakeries in Europe, Sue Chong-Hartley recreates said memories of enjoying bread that contained all natural ingredients baked with passion. That is how she founded Coffee Cottage Rustic Bread, where she sells Rustic style bread. In order to meet their self-imposed high standards, a lot of passion, dedication, and forward planning is needed to meet the satisfaction of customers. And that is what has led to the success of their flour based creations. The bread goes great when toasted and paired with jam or marmalade. It’s also a great accompaniment to soup, sandwiches, and your favourite cheese! Heck, if it pairs well with Marmite, then it goes well with anything! Their best seller is still the original Rustic Loaf.

However, customers have requested other natural additives such as nuts, fruits, sun dried tomatoes and herbs. Though, their sourdough bread and Sticky Toffee Pudding are quite popular as well. No matter which menu item you choose, your tummy and taste buds will surely be satisfied.

Contact: 017-819 9388 Image | Coffee Cottage Rustic Bread @coffeecottagerusticbread

Who can resist a bowl of creamy, wholesome cereal any time of the day? Crunchy or soggy, chocolate-dusted or honey-dipped, you can always count on a bowl of fuss-free cereal to put you in a good mood. And since studies have shown that breakfast eaters perform better at work or school, you have no excuse to skip on D- Jack’s nutritious goodness!

Our super-versatile cereals are now available in family-sized packs to meet all your cravings.

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Tel: 6088-715888 | Fax: 6088-728488 | Website: www.kimanisfood.com.my