The spirit of Kota Bharu

At the Siti Khadijah market, you'll be spoilt for choice on fresh produce, kain batik, handicrafts, scarves, colorful songkets, local delicacies and more. With its unique skylight dome and circular market area surrounded by scallop-like pillars and archs, Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah is the most photographed market in the country. This place is a visual delight and a favourite photography subject in Kota Bharu. Located in the heart of Kota Bharu, it used to be known as Pasar Buluh Kubu. The market is particularly unique because most traders at the market are women, hence the market name (which is the name of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w esteemed wife)






Outside the Siti Khadijah market, the men operate trishaws to ferry the weary shoppers and curious tourists around town. In the heat of afternoon, these hardy folks take a break and, I suppose, reminisce...

Kelantan Kite Festival

During a recent trip to Kota Bharu, I took the opportunity to visit Pantai Seri Tujuh, Tumpat for the annual five-day kite festival. This event takes place after the end of the padi harvest season in May each year. At this time, too, the northeast monsoon provides favourable winds that set the perfect stage for the event. The competition is held just a few minutes outside Tumpat on the Beach of Seven Lagoons, or Pantai Seri Tujuh. A popular spot for beach-goers and picnickers, this South China Sea- fronting beach has glassy waters sheltered by a long stretch of lagoon.

The beach has been the venue for the `Kelantan International Kite Festival' since 1983, and boasts of a recreational area with complete public facilities. It has chalets for rent, food stalls, handicraft/souvenir shops, public toilets, a children's playground, a mosque, a floating restaurant, multi-purpose halls, a museum, a boat gallery and a camping ground. Future development plans include the building of a herbal spa, a jetty and more chalets.

And it's not just the locals who pit their skills at kite flying. Since its inception, the international event has seen participation from countries such as Germany, the United States, Britain, France, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. Here is where visitors to Tumpat are able to see the glorious wau that are handmade in local tradition through skills passed down from one generation to another.

The competition itself has 11 types of kites competing in three competition categories of local, national and international levels. The festival also features an expo and sales carnival, a fishing competition, cultural performances, water sports and many others.

Eye on Malaysia - dancing lights and water cinema

Took these pics last weekend. It was an impulse stopover at Tasik Titiwangsa....was driving along Jln Tun Razak and saw the banners promoting Water Sky Display at the Eye on M'sia. Happened to have my camera and tripod in the car boot and made a quick detour to Tasik Titiwangsa.

#1: The laser lights at the bottom left were dancing and the long exposure captured the sinusoidal wave forming an alien-like disposition. Used an ultra wide angle lens to emphasize the ferris wheel's "presence" and low ISO 50 to allow details to be captured

#2: The girl's image was projected onto a screen of water mist generated by two powerful pumphouses in the middle of the lake - quite interesting to see a floating cinema!

#3: Took this just after sunset; and before a mob of photographers from a local photo club gathered around me to take pictures. There were also two pairs of bride/bridegroom with flowing gowns and crisp tuxedos taking pictures with the same background. Well, as for me, I can always cut & paste my wedding picture onto this background to get the same effect (albeit 14 years too late!)

Night of the Glittering Starz

Long serving CarigaliHess employees were glittering starz in their own right and befittingly honored with a momentous event at Hilton KL Sentral on May 17, 2008. Anuar Zain had the adoring ladies melting at his feet with his aura. Even the sumptuous Chinese dinner was abandoned in the frenzy to have photographs taken with this charming crooner.

Some moments caught through the lens...more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/26218316@N04

Balle-balle at Saloma Bistro

The laidback but soulful music from Balle-balle lifted the festive spirits at Saloma Bistro. The guests from CS Mutiara Petroleum were kept entertained while savouring the delectable menu spread. Balle-balle is actually a group of retired paddy farmers and fishermen who assembled a band out of common love for music; and to keep them busy in their golden years. Their sense of musicality was a refreshing one with a generous dose of kampung-folks sincerity.

More pictures in http://www.flickr.com/photos/26218316@N04

MTJA Badminton

The MTJA Badminton Finals on May 10 2008 at the KLCC Fitness Center saw intense gameplay by players from CarigaliHess, MTJA and CPOC. Actions galore, some below...
Larger pics and more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/26218316@N04/

Rekindling of friendship made in ExxonMobil, Kerteh

It was long overdue but sheer dedication of a few coordinators made this reunion possible at the Nelayan Restaurant, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa on April 26, 2008. Folks simply couldn't stop their animated chatting, catching up on happenings since they last met; even as the MC repeatedly invited everyone for lunch. Here are some moments to cherish...
More pictures in my Flickr account here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26218316@N04