Lifestyle
Why do people still visit Botanica+Co in KL after all these years
The secret recipe

29.04.2022
By Rachel Au

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There is no question that Malaysians love their food and we’re certainly spoilt for choice with so many restaurants and cafes in the city. But how many would return for a second, third or even tenth visit? One such dining establishment seemed to have figured it all out: Botanica+Co at Bangsar South, which is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year.
“I think Botanica+Co often comes to mind when you’re looking for a place that fulfils good food and beverage offerings. A friendly team and an inviting ambience certainly allow our restaurant to remain on top of people’s minds even as we are no longer the newest kid on the block. We spend a lot of ongoing effort and time to ensure that three main things are consistently in check: a dynamic menu which not only offers all-time favourites but also relevant seasonal specials, competent service from the crew, and definitely thriving plants and florals to make the ambience,” says General Manager of Botanica+Co, Teh Su Fen.
Even though Alila Bangsar houses a newer Botanica+Co, its original outlet at Bangsar South continues to welcome crowds of people regardless of weekdays or weekends. The all-day dining restaurant is also still one of the most photographed restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

The Clubhouse Dining Room at Botanica+Co.
Botanica+Co at Bangsar South has the whole package but for us, it’s also the team’s passion. It takes a whole village, and for Botanica+Co, the subtle changes and growth together spur its success. There isn’t a jarring contrast from visit to visit, retaining that serene energy within the restaurant, and yet, every visit offers something new. It’s an oasis and an escape, but with delicious food—and it’s exactly what we need these days.
From the start, Platform Hospitality Group—the management company behind Botanica+Co, its adjoining outlet, Botanica Deli, and Entier—came at the right time with the right concept. “We wanted an all-day dining restaurant integrated with living greenery. Being the super urban jungle that KL is, we didn’t really see that concept here at the time,” says Platform Hospitality Group’s Director of Brand and Marketing Tay Hui Ying. “Plus, the space we were given was already built as a glass-enclosed restaurant, so it made for a perfect greenhouse.”
And a perfect greenhouse deserves only the best: live plants and florals. It’s subtle but plays a powerful role in creating that serene ambience, thus influencing people’s moods and rejuvenating their spirits over good coffee and food. Fake plants won’t be able to achieve that effect. This attention to detail is just the tip of how much care is given to the brand.

“There’s something for everyone on the menu,” says Teh.
When asked how Botanica+Co maintains its consistency in the quality of its food, service and environment, Tay responds that there are dedicated people for every task and detail. We were surprised to find out that even the music in the background is curated and managed by a music consultant. Tay notes, “Small details like background music can alter your mood. Adjusting the music genre that’s playing during lunch at 12pm and over a cup of coffee at 4pm, will set the suitable mood for our guests.”
“It’s really teamwork. There is a big team behind Botanica+Co, but we make sure there’s constant communication, assessment, reviews and discussions among each other to make sure everything works,” adds Teh.
The openness to change and reinvent themselves from day one has been instrumental in the brand’s growth, and taking those assessments and reviews into account is what sets Botanica+Co in the right direction. Going down memory lane, Tay tells us that Botanica Deli was originally designed to sell soups and salads for takeaways, catering to the busy office crowd. However, the team realised very quickly that the locals didn’t want to eat in the office. They wanted to sit down for a meal and take their minds off work. “So, we invested in tableware and increased the seating capacity,” she says.

The BimBap counter at Botanica Deli.

The BimBap counter at Botanica Deli.

The BimBap counter at Botanica Deli.

Today, what was previously the salad bar has now been refreshed with a new concept: BimBap. It’s a bibimbap bar featuring a variety of banchan selections to pair with a base of grains and protein, all in one bowl. People are constantly seeking refreshed ways of enjoying food and a variety of flavours, and the Botanica+Co team understands this very well. Chef Lim Tzer Chuan, who is the company’s Area Executive Chef, says, “They want something different all the time, and that’s why we’re always active with our seasonal menus.”
At the moment, Botanica+Co’s seasonal menu is ‘All Rice & Nice’, serving up creative varieties of the Asian staple, ranging from a Shio Koji Lamb Rack that uses Japanese fermented rice as a meat tenderiser, to Spicy Topokki and Seafood Skillet Baked Rice. “The Shio Koji Lamb Rack has been selling so well that our supplier couldn’t supply us lamb for a week!” remarks Chef Lim.
These seasonal menus prove that you don’t have to jump on every bandwagon of current food trends. For Botanica+Co, they’re carving their own path. With the seasonal menus, the team is able to test the market for its ever-changing menu as well as have a discussion with food trends.

A selection of items from the ‘All Rice & Nice’ seasonal menu.
“Keeping the menu exciting and relevant is very important to us. Sometimes we switch popular items from the seasonal menus into our permanent all-day menu. If people love it, it’s all the more reason to offer the dish. Meanwhile, some of the old-time favourites simply have to go,” says Chef Lim. He also recently travelled out of the country for a five-day (eating) research trip, which he excitedly tells us has sparked several new ideas he can’t wait to try for the restaurant.
While we noticed more restaurants adding meatless patties on their menus now, Botanica+Co actually spotted the trend much earlier, having introduced a meatless menu back in 2018. After much discussion and trials-and-errors, they decided it was more sustainable and interesting to elevate vegetable-centred food like artichoke or eggplant. “Rather than mock meat or something that’s pretending to be what it’s not, we wanted to showcase how to eat greens at their best,” Chef Lim explains.

Pizzas are a popular choice at Botanica+Co, more so after the introduction of three new flavours.
In addition, popular items on their menu aren’t spared either. They get zhuzh up and in return, receive an even more positive response from the customers. For example, the pizzas have always been a hit but a few months ago, the team decided to take a new approach with the recipes for their pizza selections. Newcomers like The Bullgari (beef salami, bacon and Portobello mushrooms), Tuscan Summer (sun-dried tomatoes with buffalo cheese and fresh basil), and Duckula (smoked duck with parmesan and arugula salad) are now Botanica+Co’s bestsellers.
The brand is good at reinventing itself and its menu for its customers, but something bigger is coming. Newly-appointed deputy CEO Melissa Low tells us that being around for almost six years has given the team more experience and tenacity to handle new and improved projects. Platform Hospitality Group’s latest venture is Lucky Lucky Foodstore, a pork-free food court unlike any that we’ve seen. With a stunning view of the greenery surrounding Taman Tasik Permaisuri in Cheras, diners have a myriad of options to choose from the stalls—six of which are managed by the Group, but predominantly the people who have had experience working on Botanica+Co and its various flirtations with different cuisines. From vintage-inspired tableware to mint green table trays, the food court will serve as a relaxing hideaway for many.

The Platform Hospitality Group team at the Botanica+Co, Bamboo Hills site.
However, the main event will be the third and flagship Botanica+Co branch in Bamboo Hills, an upcoming “dining enclave” spanning over 16 acres, nestled within a lush greenscape. Think of it as Malaysia’s version of Dempsey Hill in Singapore. Not only will the space outshine its “glasshouse” concept in Bangsar South, but the menu will be completely upgraded as well.
Low reveals that they have invested in an Italian-made oven specialising in pizzas and a charcoal grill. There’ll be handmade pasta that won’t be your usual fettucini or spaghetti, paired with new flavours.
“The future of Botanica+Co will very much depend on the upcoming Bamboo Hills outlet. We plan to refocus the Group and follow that direction,” Low shares, adding that the new branch is expected to open in Q3 of 2022. Bangsar South’s outlet will then be revamped and renovated in 2023.
All information is accurate at the time of writing.
Botanica+Co Bangsar SouthG5 Podium, The Vertical, Bangsar South City,No. 8 Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.Contact: 016 965 6422 | Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Instagram

#BUROGiveaway
We’re giving away five (5) RM200 dining vouchers to spend at Botanica+Co Bangsar South! All you have to do is enter your details below and answer a simple question. Good luck!

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TERMS & CONDITIONS
The BURO x Botanica+Co Giveaway runs from Friday, 6 May 2022 till Monday, 30 May 2022. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, 7 June 2022, and will be contacted via email. Other terms and conditions apply*.
1. Employees of BURO Malaysia and its related corporations (“Indochine Media Ventures”) or BURO Malaysia partners and/or sponsors for the giveaway (if applicable), and their immediate family members (including spouses, children, parents, brothers and sisters) are not eligible to participate in the giveaway.
2. The winners of this giveaway are chosen at random.
3. This giveaway is organised by BURO Malaysia (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Organiser’).
4. The prizes for this giveaway are neither exchangeable for cash nor transferable.
5. All persons (‘Participants’) taking part in this giveaway agree that these rules shall be binding on them, and that the entries in this giveaway, including their name and likeness, may be used without restriction in any future publicity material by the Organiser.
6. The Organiser reserves the right to amend these rules or terminate the giveaway at any time at its sole and absolute discretion. All decisions made by the Organiser under these rules shall be final and no discussion or correspondence will be entertained. The Organiser may, but is not required to, justify any decisions relating to this giveaway.
7. The Participant acknowledges that the interest and good reputation of the Organiser are of paramount importance. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify a Participant from the giveaway, or to withdraw the prize if it is believed the Participant is in breach of its obligations under the rules. The Participants shall not by act or omission, directly or indirectly bring the Organiser into disrepute.
8. All entries are sent at the risk of the Participants and in the event that there are technical difficulties experienced arising out of the internet or from any associated equipment or internet security is compromised, the Organiser may at its sole and absolute discretion disqualify the entire entry and shall not accept any liability doing so.
9. Giveaway entries may only be submitted via the stated medium of communication.
10. This giveaway is open to anyone above 18 years old and within Klang Valley only.
11. Each entry must be completed in full. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any incomplete entries in its sole and absolute discretion.
12. Incomplete entries will be deemed void.
13. Winners will be notified via email.
14. Uses of ‘aliases’ shall be considered a form of deception and are prohibited.
15. The winner must produce their original IC / passport with legible IC / passport number in order to claim the prize. The winner may also be required to produce additional original proof of identity at the discretion of the Organiser.
16. All Prizes are accepted entirely at the risk of the winner, and the Organiser excludes all warranties in connection with the prize to the extent permitted by law.
17. All Participants release from, and indemnify the Organiser, its agencies, sponsors and representatives against, all liability, cost, loss or expense arising out of acceptance of any prize or participation in the giveaway including (but not limited to) personal injury and damage to property and whether direct or consequential, foreseeable, due to some negligent act or omission or otherwise.
18. All personal particulars furnished are meant for identification purposes and will not be sold or given to any third parties. In the case of giveaways, our partners may wish to offer you services which require your personal particulars. These specific requests will be expressly stated within relevant giveaways, with a choice to opt out.
19. Inability to contact the Lucky Winners by Friday, 17 June 2022 will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.
20. Prizes are final; no cash equivalent or alternative prize will be given. Prizes are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and strictly not for resale. If the winner is found to be selling the prize(s), the Organiser reserves the right to demand the return of the prize.

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Fashion
7 Things you didn’t know about the Hermès Birkin bag
Fine craft

22.05.2018
By Joan Kong

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Lifestyle
Major events that have been cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak

01.03.2020
By Zoe Yang

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

We’re not trying to make you feel paranoid, but reported cases have shown that the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreaks have worsened, proving that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. It was recently announced that nearly 20,000 events in China and Hong Kong alone have been cancelled or postponed from January to March this year, according to China Association of Performing Arts. Needless to say, the numbers of affected events have undoubtedly skyrocketed on a global scale.
What are the affected events around the world?

Facebook has decided to cancel its annual global marketing summit—also one of its largest tech events—F8’s Developer Conference

The Dalai Lama has postponed ordination ceremonies for new monks and cancelled all his public duties until further notice

Unfortunately, for those looking forward to doing their pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia this year, they might have to reconsider the trip as the Saudi government announced its temporary travel ban for foreign travellers recently

As the numbers of reported coronavirus cases continue to rise in Italy, a few European carnivals have been cancelled, particularly in Nice and Venice

Canto-pop singer Andy Lau regrettably announced that all 12 of his concerts have been cancelled to ensure his fans’ safety and health
Both Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland have announced its closure till March 15
In Japan, cherry blossom viewing events have also been cancelled
As one of the countries badly affected by the COVID-19 virus, there’s talk that the Tokyo Olympics 2020 might be cancelled. As it’s scheduled to start on July 24, options are still being deliberated but sources say the final decision would be made “as late as the end of May” should the virus still not be contained by then.
EDIT 25 March 2020: The 2020 Olympic Games will officially be postponed by one year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games will not start on 24 July as scheduled. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach agreed to postpone the Olympics until 2021—which will still be dubbed Tokyo 2020.

One of the largest music festivals in the United States, Coachella, has been postponed to October 2020. Initially slated for April, local health authorities advised the organiser to put on hold mass gatherings

Events in Malaysia affected by the coronavirus

South Korean boy band GOT7 recently announced that their “Keep Spinning” World Tour 2020 in Malaysia has been cancelled. Other countries affected include Taiwan and Singapore

Probably one of the biggest disappointments for many—BTS had to cancel a few of their concerts in South Korea

Grammy winner Kenny G was supposed to perform a live concert in Genting Highlands but had to cancel due to the ongoing situation

Raveena’s Asia world tour in Malaysia is set to reschedule at a later date. In one of her Instagram posts, the Indian-American songstress wrote that “it’s with a super heavy heart that I have to postpone my Asia tour to a later time”, further adding that she’s sorry about the situation. She also had to cancel and postpone her tour dates in Japan, Philippines and Singapore

Norwegian pop trio A-Ha announced that the ‘Hunting High and Low’ live concert is cancelled in Singapore

While many had hoped for Khalid to kick off his Asia tour this coming March, the Young, Dumb & Broke singer has postponed his tour dates until further notice

Tickets to Stormzy’s Asia shows quickly sold out when fans received news that the British rapper will be touring. However, his tour to Malaysia has since been rescheduled to November 10

Australian singer-songwriter Ruel has postponed his ‘Free Time World Tour’ in Malaysia to September 9

The South Korean girl group, Twice, announced that the ‘TwiceLights’ concert, scheduled on March 3 and 4 has been postponed to April 15 and 16 in Japan

Panggung Riuh, one of Kuala Lumpur’s biggest creative events, has been postponed. The organiser announced that the date has been moved forward to July 3 and 4

We’ll update on more cancelled or postponed events as they’re reported.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Emma Stone, Jenny Beavan and Nadia Stacey: Stories from behind the scenes of ‘Cruella’

02.09.2021
By Adelina Tan

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The wait is finally over! After Cruella’s planned theatrical release in Malaysia was pushed back in May due to the MCO, local folks can now stream it on Disney+ Hotstar beginning 3 September.

An origin story, Cruella puts forth a fascinating tale of how the gifted but nonconforming Estella evolves into the stylishly villainous Cruella de Vil:

“Cruella, which is set in 1970s London amid the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella (Emma Stone), a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets.
“One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson) a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.”

Earlier in the year, we had the opportunity to speak to Emma Stone, Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan, and hair and makeup designer Nadia Stacey. They shared with us fun facts and trivia from behind the scenes of Cruella, as well as their experience working on the movie.
Whether you’ve watched it or you’re planning to do so, their insights will add to your appreciation of the movie:
The dogs on set were, to Emma Stone, the highlight of filming Cruella
Unlike the older (and more unhinged) Cruella portrayed in the animated movie, this younger version likes dogs—and we don’t mean for their fur. It’s a trait she shares with Stone, who says her favourite part of filming Cruella was getting to work with all the dogs on set: “They were very professional and wonderful.” She adds, “You’re not supposed to talk to them in the voice you want to with dogs. So you have to be professional too, which was hard for me. My favourite is Buddy (Estella’s pet), played by a rescue dog named Bobby who’s an angel.”

The true star of #Cruella pic.twitter.com/DqaBCJgqsl
—   (@AstralGremlin) August 28, 2021
‘Wink’ the chihuahua is another furry and adorable scene stealer
Fun fact: No animals—dogs or otherwise—were harmed in the making of Cruella. Disney’s policy against animal cruelty also extended to not using any animal fur. In fact, most of the canine cast were rescue dogs (including Bobby, who was found on the streets), who were later adopted into permanent homes. To ensure their safety and wellbeing, some scenes featuring dogs were done using visual effects.
Oh, and the Baroness’s dalmatians in the movie had bespoke collars created by a jeweller!
What she thinks of Estella’s transformation into Cruella
At its core, Cruella is about the driving force behind Estella’s decision to embrace the dark and twisted side of herself. Was she predisposed to violence or was it triggered by an unfortunate sequence of events? It’s this exploration of nature versus nurture that attracted Stone to the role.
She elaborates, “Just because someone ends up truly evil doesn’t necessarily mean they started out that way. That said, Cruella does claim in the movie that she was born bad. Needless to say, she’s complicated. The idea that this character was born bad, rather than growing into it through events that had happened to her, it’s pretty interesting and bold for Disney to want to tell that kind of story.”

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A post shared by Cruella (@disneycruella)

When we asked Stone what she found the most challenging about portraying Estella’s transformation into a villain, she pauses before answering, “Probably the tone of the movie and what was too big or too small, the way Estella should move into (being) Cruella, and how it was all calibrated.” It didn’t help that the movie wasn’t shot in chronological order, so “one day you’re Cruella and the next, you’re Estella”.
Despite this, Stone is mesmerizing in the movie as both Estella and Cruella—making each of the two characters distinct and memorable, in their own way.
The message she wants you to take away from Cruella
Cruella—and even Estella—are not typically considered aspirational characters. Anyone who has watched or read 101 Dalmatians knows what fate awaits our titular villain. Yet, there are certain aspects of Estella embracing her true self that we can take note of—just in moderation.

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Stone says: “There’s a lot about identity (in this movie). As Cruella, she’s pretty fully embodied and leaning into her genius, not caring anymore about what people think of her. Estella forsakes empathy in some capacity as Cruella, which I don’t think is necessarily aspirational. There are two very different aspects of her personality and she’s sacrificing one to lean into another. But a sprinkle of not caring so much about what other people think of you, and leaning into what you love and who you are, that’s beautiful.”
A whopping 277 costumes were created for the principal cast
As you’d expect from a story about designers, “Fashion was omnipresent in this film,” says director Craig Gillespie in the press notes for Cruella. For those who’ve not seen the film, the numbers paint a jaw-dropping picture. Estella and Cruella alone have a combined total of 47 costume changes, while the other fashion maven in the film, The Baroness, has 33. Even Jasper and Horace, Estella’s partners in crime since childhood, had 30 costumes each.

Costume designer Jenny Beavan on the set of Cruella
A lesser costume designer would baulk at the task, but not Jenny Beavan. The respected veteran—who has won two Oscars, for Mad Max and A Room with a View—relished the challenge and said yes after just three days of considering the job. She promptly assembled a team of designers, buyers and pattern cutters as they initially had a daunting timeline of just 10 weeks to complete the looks. “We gained an extra six weeks ‘cause Emma Stone had a minor shoulder injury that needed a lot of rest and recuperation… (it) saved our lives,” quips Beavan.
This showstopping “car dress” was one of the most challenging costumes to create

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Lifestyle
#SupportLocal: 6 Brands to shop at BURO X Gamuda Gardens Glitter & Glee Festive Market

16.12.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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In partnership with Gamuda Gardens, BURO is proud to #SupportLocal at our festive bazaar happening this weekend at the Glitter & Glee Festive Market. Here are six local brands and small businesses at the bazaar to check out and shop from in time for Christmas:
Oh Cha Matcha

Matcha fans, where have you been if you haven’t tried Oh Cha Matcha? The leading homegrown matcha brand specialises in premium quality matcha straight from Uji, Kyoto in Japan with no added sugar or preservatives. Besides your go-to matcha latte, the brand will also be offering an array of signature drinks and its limited edition Christmas Collection at our festive market, including Christmas Gift Boxes, Gingerbread House DIY Kit, and Chocolate Advent Calendar.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
The Oil Rituels

Essential oils have been widely used in traditional medicine and scented preparations since Ancient Egyptian times, but modern advances have overshadowed their unique properties and benefits. The Oil Rituels hopes to bring back these ancient traditions into modern rituals for those seeking to find physical, mental, and spiritual bliss through the natural world. Whether you’re looking to improve sleep, calm nerves, or aid the respiratory system, the brand has an extensive range of essential oils to enhance your well-being. Shop them alongside special Christmas bundles at our market!
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Nom Studio

If you’ve been looking around for new hygge-style tableware to host your Christmas and new year home parties, check out Nom Studio’s collections. Founded by two best friends amidst the pandemic, the tableware and ceramics brand offers an assortment of kitchen and table essentials with minimal yet thoughtful designs that are pleasing to the eyes—and your Instagram feed.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Sundays with Violet

What started out as a Sunday arts and crafts activity for the founder of Sundays with Violet eventually developed into a business opportunity in December 2019. Today, she has expanded her product range from colourful bath bombs to include body scrubs that look like pretty gemstones, sanitiser sprays, candles, moisturising lotions, and more. Everything is carefully handmade and designed to inject fun and creativity, while offering a range of benefits for the skin.
Facebook | Instagram
Zangabir

Rain or shine, there’s nothing like a cold ginger beer to quench a parched throat. What’s more, ginger beer is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to boost the immune system. While you’ll usually have to pre-order Zangabir’s naturally carbonated, locally sourced homemade ginger beer ahead of time, you can try them fresh from the booth at our market. Flavours include Kick in the Ginger Nuts, Lemony Ginger Punch, Pandan Grass (pandan and lemongrass), and Flower Power (hibiscus).
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Artsologyclubs

For those who enjoy collecting succulents and home decor, you’ll want to stop by Artsology Clubs’ booth. Started amidst the pandemic, the home-based business offers a stunning array of pastel succulent pots, trays, coasters, and trinket dishes—artistically handmade from terazzo. You can also find curated gift boxes adorned with a bed of roses and decorative ornaments to house your gifts for this season of gifting.
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MORE: Eats, Shoots & Roots

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Besides supporting local, your purchases will help Make A Difference as 10 per cent of all of the above vendors’ proceeds will go to Eats, Shoots & Root’s Sayur in the City programme in harmony with Gamuda Garden’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and sustainability ethos.
The programme aims to equip primary school teachers with the knowledge and tools on how to guide their students in setting up an edible school garden according to their individual capacity. Each teacher will then nominate five students whom they will guide through the process with the help of Eats, Shoots & Roots. All students and teachers will receive a Grow Kit each month to try their hand at growing different types of vegetables, whilst learning their nutritional value as well as the ins and outs of planting!

The BURO X Gamuda Gardens Glitter and Glee Festive Market will be held from 2pm to 10pm on 18 and 19 December 2021.
Address: Gamuda Gardens Experience Gallery, Persiaran Gamuda Gardens 1, Bandar Gamuda Gardens, Kuang, 48050 Rawang, Selangor
*To ensure the safety of all, please follow the necessary SOPs and Covid-19 guidelines. Visitors will be required to present proof of full vaccination and wear their masks at all times except when eating or drinking. Please practise social distancing and good hand hygiene throughout your visit. We appreciate everyone’s kind understanding and cooperation in following these guidelines.
Discover more exciting activities to look forward to at the festive market here.

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Food + Drink
5 Restaurants to get fried chicken in KL—with delivery and takeaway

04.05.2020
By Ronn Tan

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Was fried chicken a staple in your diet pre-MCO? Did the fried chicken scene in The King: Eternal Monarch tempt you? There’s no reason you can’t still get them while you stay safe and healthy at home. The Prime Minister recently announced—in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic—that we are currently on Conditional Movement Control Order and many restaurants in KL are gradually opening for customers to dine-in.
However, if you still prefer to get your food delivered to you (or picking up yourself), why not take a look at the roundup of spots in the city that you can get fried chicken from?
1. K Fry Urban Korean

Photo by K Fry

Available for delivery and takeaway, options include Garlic Soya, Honey Butter, Yangnyeom, and the Snow Cheese series—Original, Garlic, and Spicy. You can also get the Half Chicken series. Delivery will be executed from the KLCC outlet.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Gami Chicken

Photo by Gami

Available for delivery through Grab and Foodpanda, flavour options include Soy Garlic, Sweet Chilli, Spicy, and Original Fried. You can get the Boneless Chicken, Wings, Spare Ribs, and Half Chicken. Craving for more? Why not get the whole chicken?
For more information about delivery, you can contact 017 8844 548 (WhatsApp)—or head over to the website.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. M Fried Chicken

Photo by M Fried Chicken

Options here include the 15-Pieces Mixed Wingette and Drumette Platter as well as the 100-Pieces Party Pack. You can get smaller portions too, of course. Flavours you can choose are Signature Lemongrass, Superior Soy Garlic, Spicy Red Pepper, and Santan Peanut. To order, head over to the website.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Table & Apron

Photo by Table & Apron

If you’re missing Table & Apron’s fried chicken, you can still get them. The signature Fried Chicken here (available in Half and Full) is made with Thai basil and buckwheat dredge—perfect for sharing or for personal indulgence. Check out the menu here and pre-order for pick-up at 017 2070 710.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Urban Daybreak

Photo by Urban Daybreak

The cafe’s Fried Chicken Waffle can be ordered through Grab. The Fried Chicken Waffle consists of crispy chicken karaage, sunny side up baked beans, and mustard.
Facebook | Instagram
Whether you like Korean Fried Chicken or chicken on waffles, you can still get your cravings satisfied at home. Please stay safe at home—while you munch on delicious and scrumptious fried chicken goodies. Continue to practise social distancing, everyone!
For more restaurants and cafes delivering in KL, click here.

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Body + Wellness
Menstrual cups 101: A comprehensive guide

06.04.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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On average, a woman will experience 30 or so years of menstruation in her lifetime, from menarche (her first period) to menopause. Each period calls for three to five pads or tampons a day (depending on your flow) for five days of her period at around 60 sen a piece.
Doing the math (and lowballing it), that’s around RM4,000 in her lifetime on a necessity.
In addition to that, tampons, panty liners and pads, along with their applicators and packaging contribute to around 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. Pink tax and politics aside, we can’t exactly avoid using menstrual products despite the environmental and financial costs (unless you opt for birth control to stop your period entirely, which is a whole ‘nother ball game).
That said, there are ways to revamp your period routine to make it easier on our earth and your wallet!

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A post shared by nixit menstrual cup (@letsnixit) on Jun 9, 2019 at 9:29am PDT

With the movement towards sustainability and environmentally-friendly solutions gaining more traction, menstrual cups have surged in popularity in the last few years, presented as the most environmentally friendly alternative for menstrual products.
Although shelling out anywhere from RM50 to RM100 (often more, if you’re ordering from international brands) all at once seems like a lot to pay for a menstrual product, however consider the facts:

They can last up to 10 years
They considerably reduce waste sent to landfills as they are reusable
They are guaranteed to save you some moolah in the long run

That said, it’s foreign territory for many, so here’s a nifty little guide to outline whats available, how to use it, the misconceptions, the risks and why it’s worth a try.
MENSTRUAL CUPS

What is it?
These are probably the type you are well acquainted with, and they certainly are popular for a reason. There are tons of brands on the market, with options for size, shape and material for maximum comfort.
Obviously, some brands are more reliable than others as there’s a lot of cheap imitations made of suspect materials, but the most popular (and well-established) brands are the DivaCup, the Mooncup and the Freedom Cup, to name a few.
How does it work?
As you can see, they are shaped like, well, a cup. The general idea is that you fold them down to size, and once inserted, they’ll ‘pop’ back into shape and create a suction seal—this is what keeps it in the vagina and stops your period blood from going everywhere as it is collected.
Once it’s in properly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all, and you’ll have up to 12 hours of leak-free protection before you have to change it again.
But…how?
Obviously it’s easier said than done. The cup looks massive compared to a tampon, and can be daunting for a first time user.
First thing’s first—wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water (this is not optional). Then, fold the cup to make it more compact (and things easier for you). If you’re stuck, here are a few different ways to fold your menstrual cup:

Once you’ve got your folds down pat, it’s time to insert the cup. As different brands have different instructions, insert the cup according to the brand’s recommendations (though, it’s not too difficult to understand—just push it up your vagina).
Once you release your grip, you should feel the cup ‘pop out’ back to its normal shape in your vagina, which creates the suction. If you don’t, or if the cup is stubbornly folded, either try squeezing the sides to encourage it to pop or simply remove, try a different fold and insert again.
How do I take it out?
To take it out, simply break the suction by pressing on the sides and pull the cup out. Easy as pecan pie! Oh, and please—don’t pull them out by the stem without breaking the suction (more on that later)
Troubleshooting your cup:

Stem too long and uncomfortable? Trim it down.
Can’t get it in? Firstly, that’s what she said; secondly, try a few different ways to fold your cup down, and add a bit of silicone-safe lube for good measure.
Blood. Everywhere. Try emptying your cup more often. The longer you wait between changes, the messier it’s going to get.
Cup not popping? Your cup is probably too soft—get a firmer one like the one from OrganiCup.
Irritated hoo-ha? Try a different cup size.
When should I get rid of it? Here are three things to look out for when it’s time to retire your cup: the presence of a sticky, powdery film over the cup, odour and extreme colouration.

MENSTRUAL DISCS

Although it’s got a similar philosophy to the menstrual cup, the menstrual disc is better described as the more intimidating big sister.
It’s much bigger in size to the traditional menstrual cup, and is typically much softer (read: malleable). They go in the same way (duh) but sit in a completely different part of the vagina. See, instead of low down in the vaginal canal near the vulva, the menstrual disc sits in the vaginal fornix, where the vaginal canal meets the cervix (the entrance to the uterus).
This positioning gives the disc many advantages over the cup, such as that it doesn’t require any suction to stay in place (just a careful tuck behind the pubic bone) and it allows for mess-free period sex (if you’re interested). If this isn’t making any sense, here’s a video to illustrate things a little better.

As with the cup, it will keep you leak-free for 12 hours (yay!). To remove it, simply untuck it from behind the pubic bone and pull it out of the vaginal canal while keeping it level (this may take a couple tries) and dump it in the loo (or the shower). Plus, depending how you look at it, another advantage is that having a poo will empty it for you!
MENSTRUAL CUPS VS DISCS

There is no one train of thought with this. Some find the cup to be easier to use and handle than the disc while others think the contrary.
It’s all about finding what works for you and your anatomy. If you’re struggling to decide, there’s a great YouTube channel that talks about everything to do with menstrual cups (and discs): Put A Cup In It.
MISCONCEPTIONS

1) There’s no way it could hold the entire contents of my period
You’d be surprised! During the average period, a woman loses less than 80ml of blood. An average menstrual cup can hold around 30ml of fluid at its maximum capacity, so you’d pretty much be set for each day.
2) Don’t they hurt when you put them in and while they’re in you?
They certainly can, but that’s more down to bad technique and a lack of lubricant. Other than mild discomfort from time to time at most, they are painless.
3) They are extremely messy
Not necessarily; like we said, empty your cup often and if you’re not super confident on keeping things mess-free, do it in the shower.
4) They’re gross and unhygienic
Only if you are. If you are diligent about cleaning your cup, sterilising it by boiling it in hot water before and after every cycle and using mild soaps to clean them between uses, they’re actually super clean.
5) I can’t use an IUD with a cup in—it’ll dislodge it
Yes you can! In fact, this 2012 study found that the risk of dislodging your IUD was the same with or without a menstrual cup in. With regards to discs, which sit closer to your cervix, they are generally considered safe to wear with an IUD when used as directed, but you may want to consult with your physician before using them.
6) You’re not a virgin if you use them
Virginity is a social construct and if you’ve not had sex yet, rest assured that the menstrual cup isn’t going to take your v-card.
7) They’re not biodegradable and will contribute to landfill anyway
If you’ve got a silicone menstrual cup, it will actually naturally degrade over time depending on th conditions of the landfill as the material starts off as sand anyway! Just make sure that before disposing, you wash the cup thoroughly, cut it into small pieces and dispose in the trash. Alternatively, if you have a recycling facility that can handle silicone, take it there!
RISKS

No menstrual product comes without its risks, but menstrual cups are generally considered safe among the medical community, with any potential risks considered rare when the cup is used as recommended.
Infections
Although yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are super rare with the menstrual cup, they can happen if you’re not super hygienic about things. In fact, they’re more likely to result from the bacteria on your hands transferred onto your cup.
Basically, the general rule is that as long as you keep your hands clean (Wash. Your. Hands.) and you’re cleaning the cup regularly, you won’t be having any problems.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
This is the condition that everyone’s mothers, aunts and grandmas warned against when we started using tampons. TSS, a rare but serious medical condition, occurs when the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus enters the bloodstream and produces toxins. It’s often life threatening and highly associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons.
However, there has only been one confirmed case of TSS related to menstrual cup usage, and it happened because the user had scraped the inside of her vagina when inserting the cup initially that allowed the bacteria to enter her bloodstream and spread.
The best course of action in these cases is to use lubricant when inserting the cup, properly sterilise your cup before use and to wash your hands before and after using it.
Pelvic organ prolapse
Remember when we said you shouldn’t take the cup out without first breaking the suction? Yeah, the reason behind that is so that you avoid any or all of your pelvic organs (namely, the uterus, bowels or bladder) slipping out of place. Pelvic organ prolapse, although not life-threatening, can cause a great deal of discomfort and pain.
In fact, that’s not the only thing that can lead to prolapse—advice to bear down when removing menstrual cups is directly counterintuitive to avoiding prolapse (note: this doesn’t apply to the menstrual disc as it is suction-free).
Mooncup Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers has particularly spoken out against the misinformation spreading within the growing market. “The Mooncup menstrual cup is designed to be worn as low in the vagina as comfortably possible with a clear space between the top of the cup and the cervix. It is important that the cup is not positioned in contact with or over the cervix, and that the seal is fully released before removing the cup. The Mooncup menstrual cup comes with comprehensive instructions for use.”
In particular, women who have had pregnancies should be wary of the risk of pelvic organ prolapse that comes with menstrual cups, as their weakened pelvic floor leaves them most susceptible to the complication.
THE VERDICT

Regardless of the risks, a recent study published in the Lancet Journal of Public Health concluded that menstrual cups are a safe option for menstrual management.
So, as long as you’re careful and diligent, the cup is a great way to go!

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Career
Starting your own gelato business in KL, according to Whimsical Gelateria’s founder

03.12.2018
By Rachel Au

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You’ve read on things to know if you want to open a cafe like Jaslyn Cakes; being a female politician in Malaysia; starting a snack food company; or even being a wedding planner. Here’s another sweet career change advice if you’ve ever considered starting your own gelato business. Take it from founder and gelato maestro of Whimsical Gelateria, Ong Kee Win. He has been crafting gelato since 2011 and has even won the Gelato World Tour!

Tell us what’s unique about the gelato by Whimsical Gelateria.
At Whimsical, we don’t take shortcuts. Our gelato is built from the ground up. No industrial powder mixes, no pastes, no flavourings, no colourings—you get it. We puree fresh fruits, roast nuts, temper chocolate, cook sauces, infuse herbs, and grind spices. It is our passion and determination to extract the finest flavours from every ingredient we use. We churn our gelato in small batches to keep them fresh. As far as we know, we are the only gelateria in town who craft gelato the true artisanal way.

whimsical gelato kl founder

What was your original background and did it help to start Whimsical Gelateria?
My previous career was sort of like Captain Planet. I was an environmental science graduate from the United States. I was saving the earth by working on carbon emission reduction projects for five years prior to starting Whimsical. Now I’m saving the world by serving truly artisanal desserts to keep mankind happy! My previous career did help me in terms of budgeting as well as project planning when I was starting up Whimsical.

Where or how did you learn to make gelato?
A trip to Italy many years ago—where I first encountered gelato—has imprinted the taste and texture of gelato in my mind. I had pistachio gelato which carried such an intense nutty flavour with cloud-like smoothness. It lingered in my mind ever since and lured me into trading my environmental science career with a gelato-making course in Italy. That’s where I learned the art of making gelato from scratch as well as the science and math behind it. I then returned to Malaysia and spent another year to source for ingredients, research and develop both classic Italian and locally inspired flavours.

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A post shared by Whimsical – Artisanal Gelato (@whimsicalgelato)

Any tips for those aspiring to start their own gelato business in KL?
Don’t. (laughs) Many who have not been in the F&B industry have only seen the façade of the business. For example, a busy establishment during lunch/dinner hour, the fun of creating a new beverage/dish, etc. But in fact, a lot of hard work goes behind the scene: long hours, dealing with customers, suppliers and staffs—the list goes on. It’s an industry that’s not for the faint-hearted. So my best advice for those who really want to get into F&B, talk to the people who are in the industry first to be sure that’s what you want to do.

How often are new flavours introduced at Whimsical Gelateria?
We can whip up new flavours at any given moment. There are at least a few new ones every month.
And where do you get the inspiration?
My inspiration comes from everywhere. A nasi lemak meal has inspired me to create our famed nasi lemak gelato back in 2012. A childhood memory of pandan layer cake has inspired me to create my award-winning gelato, Vanilla of the East, which is a pandan and vanilla beans gelato with gula Melaka and basil seeds. A bite of sourdough bread during breakfast has led me to create sourdough and French butter gelato.

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How long does it take before a flavour is approved to be sold at the cafe?
It depends. Every flavour has its own personality. Some flavours develop a more complex flavour profile with time while some fade away. Some flavours are achieved at the first attempt while others require months.

We hear you’ll be creating a special Buro. gelato flavour for our #BuroLovesGiving! Care to share a little about it to tease our readers on what to expect?
That’s right! It’s our pleasure to be a part of the #BuroLovesGiving campaign. I have created a flavour based on cranberry which evokes the Christmas festivities in me. It would be a cranberry gelato with brown butter streusel, topped with Chantilly cream with a sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon, crowned with a Christmas tree meringue. At first bite, you taste a fruity and floral fragrance from the cranberry gelato. Then the nutty fragrance from the brown butter comes into play while the cinnamon Chantilly cream marries everything together, ending with a lingering sweetness.

whimsical gelato kl buro christmas flavour

That’s right! This special Buro gelato, which we have named Merry Berry, is available at Whimsical Gelateria for RM13 throughout the month of December. RM1 from every sale will go to the Dignity for Children Foundation so that’s double the sweetness.
Merry Berry will also be sold during Buro at Riuh. See you there!

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Let’s talk about: ‘Nadirah’

Culture
Let’s talk about: ‘Nadirah’
The emotional-rational binary

18.11.2016
By Buro247

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Alfian Saat’s brilliantly observant 2009 play, Nadirah questions the emotional-rational binary when navigating the spiritual minefield of Islam in the multicultural society found in Singapore and by extension Malaysia today.  Having played to sellout audiences and much critical acclaim; harvesting a clutch of awards in both Singapore and Malaysia; Nadirah played this past weekend—November 11 to 13—to a new global audience at Japan’s leading performance arts festival, the Tokyo Festival 2016, as part of their Asia Series.

Director Jo Kukathas helmed The Instant Café Theatre Company‘s first invitation to Japan with a layered and valuable examination of the peculiarities and pain of inter-faith marriages; resonating with the political undertones, stippled with the social nuances so often present in her work. Having missed the last staging of Nadirah in KL in 2012 and with Tokyo being an impossibility this past weekend, I was privileged to watch final rehearsals in KL last week.

A spare stage gives way to a masterpiece of total theatre. In this intimate space, intimate issues loom large—the spectrum of faith, the riddle of human relationships, is presented so bravely, just beautifully by Nadirah (Sharifah Amani)—the offspring of her Malay-Malaysian father and her Singaporean-Chinese Muslim-convert mother Sahirah (a quietly lucent Neo Swee Lin). The story is not theirs alone but also one broadened by the outstanding supporting cast of  Farouk (another top-notch performance by the very fine Iedil Putra),  Maznah (a dazzling Farah Rani) and Robert (the always excellent Patrick Teoh). So much to be proud of with this important conversation we have so often and yet perhaps sometimes still not audibly enough, on coexistence and the celebration of our differences in contemporary Malaysian society.

An Important Message from the  ICTC:
Instant Cafe has always been able to make the work we feel is necessary and important because of the generous support of the public. We hope that following our tour in Tokyo,  Nadirah can be restaged in KL. Contributions  and support are welcome to facilitate this restaging. Please email [email protected] for details.

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Food + Drink
How to make Soba Maki with Chef Akira Back
When sushi meets soba

02.04.2016
By Rachel Au

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Have you ever heard, seen or eaten a sushi roll made with soba noodles? Actually, you might have if you’ve ever visited Akira Back Jakarta in our (kind of) neighbouring country. It’s one of Chef Akira’s many successful restaurants with his signature cooking style stamped on it. But the popular chef, who gained a huge celebrity status after appearing on Iron Chef, has an exciting stint coming up later this month at both PER AQUUM resorts in the Maldives.  While some of us might not be able to make it, Chef Akira has gladly revealed his recipe for a delicious plating of soba maki for a taste of his hand at cooking.

Ingredients
1 Bundle        Japanese Buckwheat noodle (soba)
1 pc                Roasted Nori Sheet
40 g                Fresh blue Crab meat
2 Tbsp            Kewpie mayo
Pinch              Togarashi
4 pcs               Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
5 g                   Sliced Red Onion
2 g                   Julienne/Slivered Scallions
2 g                   Micro Cilantro
30 g                Fresh Salmon, Sashimi Grade, cut into large dice
5 g                  Caviar
60 g                Soba Dashi (traditional japanese cold soba broth)
 Lomi lomi sauce: Blend all ingredients in a blender
150 g              Red onion
20 g                Shiragiku/rice vinegar
20 g                lemon Juice
10 g                Fine Granulated Sugar
20 g                Black Pepper
20 g                Aji Amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili paste)
200g               Grape seed oil
To taste          Salt

Method
1.     Cook soba noodle in boiling water and shock in ice water. Strain and pat dry.
2.     In a small bowl, mix the crab meat with Kewpie and togarashi.
3.     Lay out the cooked noodle on top of a nori sheet, as if you are making a sushi roll. Cut into 4 pieces and place it on a chilled plate.
4.     Spread out the crab meat mixture in the middle of the noodle and roll it up. Use the noodle as a “glue” for the nori by squishing it against the edge of nori.
5.       On a mixing bowl, toss the salmon, onion and cherry tomatoes together.
6.       Place the salmon mixture on top of soba “roll”.
7.       Garnish with scallions and micro-cilantro.
8.       Pour the soba sauce over when you are ready to eat.

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Film, TV + Theatre
‘True Beauty’: All the details about the upcoming Korean drama—starring Eun Woo and Moon Ga Young

19.11.2020
By Buro247

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2020 has been blessed with amazing Korean dramas, from Crash Landing On You and It’s Okay To Not Be Okay to Start-Up and World of the Married. Fortunately for fans, there’s a new one to end the year on a high note. Adapted from the webtoon, Yeoshingangrim by Yaongyi, True Beauty has been highly anticipated and it’s finally arriving.

Photo: tvN
The 16-episode series—directed by Kim Sang Hyub and written by Lee She Eun—is described as a romantic comedy. The first episode will premiere on 9 December 2020 with a brilliant cast. They include Moon Ga Young (as Lim Joo Gyung), Cha Eun Woo (playing Lee Su Ho), Hwang In Yeop (playing Han Seo Jun), and Park Yoo Na (Kang Soo Jin).

Photo: tvN
Taking over the time slot occupied by Tale Of The Nine-Tailed, the Korean drama revolves around Lim Ju Gyeong and her insecurities, especially with her appearance. After learning about the art of makeup online, she made sure to never go anywhere with her bare face. True Beauty also showcases her relationship with Lee Su Ho—the only person boy that has ever seen her without makeup. Part of the drama’s premise lies in the search for true beauty and self-acceptance. We’ll have to watch what happens when the drama airs.

Photo: tvN
Are you excited for True Beauty? Fans will be able to see Astro’s Cha Eun Woo in a leading role once again. His previous acting projects include My ID Is Gangnam Beauty and Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung. As for Moon Ga Young, she was last seen in series such as Eulachacha Waikiki 2 and Find Me In Your Memory. You might also recognise Hwang In Yeop from 18 Again—one of the most popular Korean dramas of 2020.
True Beauty premieres on 9 December 2020 with new episodes every Wednesday and Thursday on tvN.

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Fashion
Fashion in the New Normal: Will photoshoots ever be the same?

28.05.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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Lifestyle
Yuna wants you to #StopSucking and we agree
“You suck too”

24.08.2017
By Rachel Au

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Yes, it’s true. It’s also something that the late Fay Khoo had been meticulously talking about (also, say no to staples) and an issue that hasn’t been advocated enough. Single-use plastic straws do more harm than convenience. We say convenience because look at how easily accessible they are at most eateries. You go to a mamak and it comes with your teh ais limau. You go to a fast food chain and there’s a box at the counter ready to dish out however many you need (or don’t need). You go to a party or an event and it’s the easiest way to add some colour to the table spread.

For Yuna, it’s the same. “My fave thing in the world is an iced latte and I used to suck straws to drink it…I’m sorrrryyy,” she wrote in her recent Facebook post. What’s the harm in one measly straw? As the Malaysian singer-songwriter explained, an estimate of 500 million single-use straws is being used every day in the US alone. The right question to ponder upon is: What happens to them after? They end up in our oceans. Polluting the water and harming the marine ecosystem. They end up in “the landfill and left to hang around for the next thousand years”, as Fay had put it.

In Malaysia, approximately 31 million plastic straws are used on a daily basis, according to The Star. So really, it’s a global environmental issue. Seemingly harmless on the surface but its consequences will be disastrous. Everything is a cycle and has a chain effect (just like consuming shark fins). As Yuna said, “Together let’s save the ocean and guys… #stopsucking!”
You can check out the anti-straw video by Strawless Ocean initiative starring Yuna and other celebrities below. Or head over to this website to support Yuna’s #StopSucking challenge.

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Watches
Meet your new MB&F friend: Melchior Only Watch
A unique companion

20.09.2015
By Buro247

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Co-created by MB&F and L’Epée 1839, Melchior is an impeccably constructed robot clothed in palladium-plated brass and steel. Alongside its red anodised aluminum shoulder pads, Melchior comprises of strong metallic arms and legs, an animated brain and blinking eyes.
Not only a kinetic robot sculpture but also a 480-component high-end table clock, Melchior features ‘slow’ jumping hours and sweeping minutes, which are displayed on twin discs that form part of Melchior’s chest, and five mainspring barrels that supply an exceptional 40-day power reserve, indicated by a stainless steel frame at the abdomen.
Melchior’s eyes blink through a combination of fixed vents and revolving discs, and alongside this, under the polished glass dome on his head pulses Melchior’s brain, which is actually the movement’s precision regulator, providing further human-like characteristics to bring this invention to life.

To commemorate MB&F’s 10th anniversary, Melchior will be auctioned off for a wonderful cause. Under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Only Watch is a biennial charity auction that auctions off unique timepieces in hopes of raising money to fund research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder that affects young children, primarily boys.
With 99 pieces of the limited edition snatched up by retail partners, the Melchior series’ 100th and final piece marks a truly remarkable piece. Distinguished by his striking red shoulder pads, the Melchior Only Watch will be on auction on 7 November 2015 in Geneva.
Watch the video below:
Discover more about the Melchior Only Watch on the website.

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Lifestyle
A first look at the Ikea x Virgil Abloh collection
For millennials

02.05.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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If the mob and full-on riot that broke out outside his recent Off-White show in Paris is anything to go by, Virgil Abloh is possibly the most talked about designer at the moment, and certainly the most collaborative too. Just recently, the designer unveiled the first prototypes from his Ikea collection through a livestream session straight from New York, giving us a sneakpeak into the design process of the highly anticipated collaboration.

Named ‘Markerad’, the collection of homeware is aimed at millennials moving into their first homes, including slogan-covered rugs that double as tapestries, a display cabinet that’s perfect to keep your Nike x Off White sneakers, a chair and a doorstop. Virgil being Virgil, expect ordinary household items with a touch of unconventional by way of design flair.

The collection is still in development, so there could be alterations to the unveiled designs before its slated launch next year. Watch the livestream at this link (from the 25:30 mark onwards) to get a first look at the products.

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Fashion
ICYMI: Watch Donatella Versace (and squad) lip sync to Versace on the Floor
Sashay away

14.08.2017
By Joan Kong

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Bruno Mars’ Versace on the Floor single from his 24k album was an ode to the Italian luxury fashion house, and naturally, its chief designer, Donatella Versace, had to return the love. Last week, she released an unexpected video of her and her gang, comprising of supermodels Candice Swanepoel, Natasha Poly, Binx Walton and more, dancing around an ornately detailed room (presumably in the Versace mansion), dressed in glamorous shimmery dresses (from the brand, of course), contrasted with the guys’ less formal pyjama co-ords.

The video ends with a short (love) note from Donatella to Bruno, and we’re sure the feeling is mutual, as Bruno releases the music video to his summer jam today.

Check out the official music video below:

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Travel
5 Breathtaking locations worldwide for the ultimate destination wedding
Jet set with no regrets

19.02.2017
By Buro247

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1. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

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Bathe in the golden rays of a real Indian summer under the domes and walkways of the magnificent Oberoi Udaivilas. Situated in a place some call the “Venice of the East”, the romance reflected upon shimmering lakes and maze of canals in the city of Udaipur is matchless. After a day exploring the ancient footpaths marked with rich Rajasthani history, sail out onto Lake Pichola for a unblemished view of the Aravalli range as the sun descends behind it.
Back at the luxurious vicinity of the Oberoi, expansive pavilions and decadent courtyards await to host a lavish wedding ceremony complemented by a palatial ambience rivalled only by that of an exotic fairytale.
2. Mara Bushtops, Kenya, Africa

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Indulge your spirit of adventure without compromising on comfort and appreciation of the finer things in life at the award-winning luxury tented camps nestled amid the 60,000 hectares of the Mara Siana Wildlife Conservancy. Mara Bushtops, your destination for wild luxury is ideally located in a private ranch bordering the dramatic plains of Kenya’s renown natural reserve, the Masai Mara.
Five-star rooms designed as secluded havens under canvas roofs are each open on three sides to offer panoramic views and surrounded by an exclusive wooden deck of more than a hundred square metres. Soak in your private hot tub and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness or venture into the outdoor infinity pool with the same stunning scenery. Pampering sessions at the spa will prepare you for your big day beautifully orchestrated in opulent settings but held against the jaw-dropping backdrop of an African safari.
3. 49 Black Sand Beach, Hawaii, USA

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Coastal ceremonies and beach side “I do”s have always been a romantic option for couples who like the wind in their hair and the sand between their toes. Set your nuptials apart by making that lifelong commitment in black and white the way few couples before you really have—at a black sand beach on the island of Hawaii.
Frothy waves and ivory gowns against the dramatic black floor at the picturesque sandy shores of the 800-year-old 49 Black Sand Beach overlooking the Honoka’ope Bay in Kona will make for splendid wedding photos and be the answer to every monochrome-inclined bride’s dream come true. Neighbouring the ultra-exclusive private enclave of 49 Black Sand Beach are the Mauna Lani Resort and the Hilton Waikoloa Village for a luxurious retreat come nightfall.
4. Post Ranch Inn, California, USA

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If sea views from an idyllic mountaintop is more your jazz, the scenic Post Ranch Inn perched upon a slope of the astounding Big Sur on California’s Central Coast could fulfil your wishes of a wedding venue. A stretch where the Santa Lucia Mountains are licked by waves of the Pacific Ocean is described as the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world”.
The 19th century homestead with rooms of marble, wood and slate, wood-burning fireplaces and infinity pools that end where the view of the Pacific below begins draw celebrities from far and wide to the architectural delight surrounded by nature’s wonders. For those looking for an intimate setting to host a gathering of loved ones to share in your sacred moment of matrimony, look no further than this spot where you could tie the knot in understated elegance on a cliff-side terrace overlooking the horizon that frames a glimmering ocean.
5. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Maincy, France

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It’s called your big day for a reason. Honour it and tie the knot in extravagant grandeur at a romantic French château. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of the most stunning palaces of France, located a mere 55km from Paris. This particular privately owned château also happens to be classified as a historical monument and holds important significance in the history of France, as it is said to be the landscaping marvel and architectural structure that inspired the building of the world renowned Palace of Versailles.
A luxuriant array of venues within the palace are made available to pick from for an extraordinary gala—500 hectares of park, manicured gardens dotted with statuesque fountains, sumptuous halls and a beautiful grand salon all deserving of your nuptial rite. Brides, you may be queen of his heart but at this 17th century mansion, you will be a true princess for a day.

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Music
Good Vibes returns with CL and Jackson Wang headlining the Weekender festival
Let the good vibes roll

01.08.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

Festival-goers and music buffs, get ready to party as Future Sound Asia—the team that brought us Malaysia’s premier music festival, Good Vibes Festival—is back with another exciting music-filled weekend this year! Dubbed the Good Vibes Weekender, the two-day festival will take place on 23 and 24 September 2022 at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon with a stellar lineup of international and local artistes.

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A post shared by BURO Malaysia (@buromalaysia)

Headlining the inaugural festival are K-pop star CL (of girl group 2NE1 fame) on the first day and bilingual Chinese pop sensation Jackson Wang on the second day. Malaysia’s top rapper Joe Flizzow—who has made a name for himself as a producer, songwriter, and entrepreneur—will also be performing his best hits on day one.
Other performances to look forward to include British alternative singer-songwriter Beabadoobee, UK pop duo Oh Wonder, UK DJ duo Snakehips, Los Angeles-based singer Shallou, and American electronic musician Surf Mesa (AKA Powell Agguire).

Dolla

NYK

Late Night Frequency

Among the homegrown acts to show up for and #SupportLocal are girl group Dolla, French-Malaysian hip-hop star SonaOne, Shah Alam-based indie disco pop outfit Late Night Frequency, KL-ite Yonnyboii, up-and-coming singer NYK, and many more.

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“We’ve always wanted to create a festival for music lovers to share the good times here in the city, and with the restart of live events, we finally have a chance to do so! Good Vibes has always been ahead of the curve for music trends, and with more Asian acts making waves with a bigger audience, we would also like the inaugural Good Vibes Weekender to reflect that,” says Wan Alman, Head of Entertainment at Future Sound Asia.
Can’t wait? Have your wallets ready tomorrow as tickets go on sale from 3PM on Tuesday, 2 August 2022 at www.goodvibesfestival.com. Doors will open at 4PM on both days. Prices are as follows:

RM399 for General Admission Two-Day Pass Pre-Sale

RM499 for General Admission Two-Day Pass

RM999 for VIP Two-Day Pass

For more information, visit www.goodvibesfestival.com. Follow Good Vibes Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.

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Fashion
Take a look at the supporting cast that made Marc Jacobs FW17 a hit
Amazing accoutrements

12.10.2017
By Buro247

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

Last February, a barren runway and a soundtrack of silence drew undivided attention back to the looks that stomped through Park Avenue Armoury.

A post shared by Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs) on Feb 17, 2017 at 8:21am PST

In striking contrast to the show set, the clothes were rich and the accessories, resounding. Much has been said of the attire produced in homage to the theme of ‘Hip-Hop Evolution’, so here’s a breakdown of the best of Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2017 with focus on the stellar supporting cast:

The Totes
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Totes are big this season. A sleek exterior cloaks a satisfyingly roomy internal compartment in the Grind, a shopper bag designed to follow you on—you guessed it—your daily grind. The Bold Grind echoes the same functionality with an added feature, a front pocket with detachable pouch for quick, on-the-go access.

The Shoulder Bags
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Meet the new member of the “Shot” family; the Big Shot. Big in personality but also commodious in character, this bag stands out with its contrasting top handles while providing ample storage space. Meanwhile, the Editor evokes a more astute persona. Considered and classy, this shoulder accompaniment was carefully edited to combine the best aspects of a day-to-day bag with succinct elegance that would not be misplaced, even at a formal do.

The Crossbody Bags
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Living up to its namesake, the Hot Shot catapulted to the top of everybody’s radar from the dawn of its debut. Glamour lies at its core. While the large double “J” makes a statement, the gold chain strap makes the bag daywear and evening wear appropriate. The Snapshot needs no introduction; already emblematic of the brand, this crowd-favourite is always ready for a close-up. Make way for another fan of the lens: the Shutter. The crossbody with tone-on-tone insignia and slim leather strap is more pared back but no less photogenic.

If anything has caught your eye, shop the Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2017 collection in stores now.

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Lifestyle
East Imperial Gin Jubilee KL makes a comeback after three years
(G)innovative tipples

16.05.2023
By Natalie Khoo

Images courtesy of Wholly Spirits

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Fans of gin, rejoice! East Imperial Gin Jubilee Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s premier gin festival, finally returns after three years with a two-week-long festival this month. Set to take place from May 15 to May 27, 2023, this year’s event will see a slew of exciting activities happening at participating cocktail bars across the Klang Valley.
For context, the last edition of the festival took place in 2019 and turned out to be the biggest gin event that year—so you definitely won’t want to miss this, especially if gin is your favourite spirit!
Gin Jubilee Kuala Lumpur 2019
This year’s event—presented by premium beverage producers East Imperial and organised by craft spirits distributors Wholly Spirits—will see a total of 20 bars vying for the crown of ‘KL’s Best Gin and Tonic’. The festival kicks off with a customary Opening Party on May 15 at Wet Deck, W Kuala Lumpur, before culminating with the highly anticipated Gin Lane finale on May 27 at Sentul Depot.
“We’re really excited to bring back the Gin Jubilee this year after three years,” Wholly Spirits Managing Director and Founding Partner Shawn Samuel said. “The 2019 edition of the Gin Jubilee drew over 4,000 gin and tonic lovers for the closing Gin Lane party, and we were looking forward to topping that the following year, but unfortunately, the pandemic prevented it from happening.”’
“This year, we’ve got 20 bars from all over KL and PJ taking part, each coming up with their most creative take on the Gin And Tonic, in order to win the best gin and tonic in KL prize.”

PARTICIPATING BARS

720s bartender Ashwin Raj
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720s cocktail: Bur Berries
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AlcoHall bartender Ireane Lee
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AlcoHall cocktail: G&T Gin & Tease
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Bac bartender Lyon Lim
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BAC Cocktail: Lovender
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Bar Trigona bartender Markus Kwok
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Bar Trigona cocktail: Bumble Bee
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Botak Liquor bartender Christopher Chong
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BotakLiquor cocktail: Garden Cloud
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Brooklyn Bar bartender Azarya Sukau, Danny
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Brooklyn Bar cocktail: For You From Us
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Concubine bartender McKay Jiplin
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Concubine cocktail: Razzmatazz
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Frank's Bar bartender Ngie Kok Kiong
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Frank's Bar cocktail: Blossom Figs
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Gekko bartender Osamu Kinugawa
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Gekko cocktail Nikka Kohito
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Ikiya bartender Edmund H'ng
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Ikiya cocktail: Eden's Garden
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Jus bartender Ian Brandon
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Jus cocktail: Pestonica
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Rakh bartender Reza Tabru
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Rakh cocktail: G&T No. 84
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Reka:Bar bartender Tan Xun
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Reka: Bar cocktail: Hoppy Monkey
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Remedy bartender Joshen Chew
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Remedy cocktail: Schwarzwald
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Skullduggery bartender: Abel Sukau
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Skullduggery cocktail: Ima-Gin Me & You
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Bar Terumi bartender Caden Chua
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Bar Terumi cocktail: Autumn Song
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The Vault bartender Samuel Mesol
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The Vault cocktail: Kansha
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Three X Co bartender Danny Choo
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Three X Co cocktail: My Cucumber Raita
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Triptyk bartender Basker Tamilarasen
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Triptyk cocktail: Trip Ginio
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Woobar bartender Hammy Tan
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Woobar cocktail: Gintensive
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Each bar will be given one of eight partner gins and a selection of East Imperial tonic waters to craft a signature gin and tonic cocktail, which will compete for the coveted title. Avid bar hoppers and G&T enthusiasts can look forward to innovative creations by Asia’s 50 Best Bars including Bar Trigona (No. 29 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 and Best Bar in Malaysia from 2020-2022) and Three X Co (No. 47 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021).
The festival also offers the perfect opportunity to check out (or revisit) some of KL’s new and exciting bars such as Reka:Bar, 720s, Bar Terumi, Rakh, Jus, AlcoHall, Remedy, BAC, and Triptyk. Other popular venues including Woobar, Gekko, Frank’s Bar, The Vault, Concubine, Botakliquor, Ikiya 2.0, Brooklyn Bar, and Skullduggery will also be showcasing their unique gin concoctions throughout the festival.

Gin Jubilee Kuala Lumpur 2019
HOW TO PARTICIPATE

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A post shared by Gin Jubilee by East Imperial (@ginjubilee)

Customers are invited to be part of the public panel of judges by voting for their favourite drink. To vote, all you have to do is visit any of the participating bars, take a picture of the competing G&T, and post it on Instagram with the hashtags #EastImperial and #GinJubilee2023, and tag the location of the bar. Don’t forget to drop by the closing Gin Lane party on May 27, 2023 at Sentul Depot to sample all the G&T creations and find out which one will be crowned the winner!
For more information on this year’s Gin Jubilee, follow the Gin Jubilee Facebook page or Wholly Spirits Facebook page and Instagram page.

Find more exciting events happening around the Klang Valley here.

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Now in swing: Short+Sweet Malaysia

Lifestyle
Now in swing: Short+Sweet Malaysia
For your to-do list

28.09.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

A little background on Short+Sweet for those who are not familiar with the festival: it is a performing arts platform for a wide range of disciplines, allowing both veteran and aspiring talents to showcase what they have in a creative, collaborative, competitive and professional environment—and it gets bigger every year. This year, the performing arts festival features categories in theatre, dance, musical, stand-up comedy and song. Keeping it short and sweet (pun intended), musical, dance and theatre shows are kept to 10 minutes, while song and stand-up comedy talents prepare 5-minute showcases.

While the stand-up comedy, song and musical segments of the festival have come to pass this year, there is still dance and theatre to look forward to. Short+ Sweet Dance kicks off tonight, while Short+Sweet Theatre is set to take the stage on 18 October.

To give you a taste of what to expect, here is a clip of last year’s Short+Sweet Dance:

For more details on the festival, check out the Short+Sweet Malaysia website. For schedule of shows, head to the KLPAC website.

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Just say no…to straws and staples

Lifestyle
Just say no…to straws and staples
It's a staple in my life

02.12.2016
By Buro247

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Y
ou might rightfully question the specificity of my choices, but let’s just say these items are the current top two ranking culprits on my—I’ll admit it—fairly exhaustive list of things that are taboo. Let me break down the reasons why I’ve banished straws and staples for you, in case you find the idea of my mission ludicrous. Both hail from the same insidious family of single use items—you literally suck on a straw for an average of 20 minutes, unless it’s a hot day, which is virtually everyday in Malaysia, and you’re extremely thirsty, in which case all the energy invested to produce this plastic straw will have a functional life span of five minutes before it is thrown away in the landfill and left to hang around for the next few thousand years; both are some of the worse environmental pollutants that we aren’t aware or don’t think about (imagine the 50 people in your department stapling memos, minutes, documents, and reports on a daily basis, and then try multiplying that with all the offices in your building, and you start to get an idea of the BILLIONS of tons of metal staples that end up in landfills every year); and both, especially straws (ever thought about just lifting the glass to your mouth and drinking?), aren’t strictly items of absolute necessity.

Considering that 175 billion straws are thrown away in the USA alone per annum—and how many of those plastic things end up suffocating marine animals—you’d have thought my campaign would be welcomed with open arms, but I’ve met with such resistance you’d have thought I was proposing an orgy with animals on the street instead. And because I’ve been received with such puzzled looks when I ask for my drinks to be brought without a straw, I’ve taken to carrying my own reuseable straw to wave at waiters so that they comprehend that I have my own. While that’s gone some way towards alleviating the issue—the drinks people at my favourite coffee shop in Jalan Batai treat my refusal to use straws with no small measure of amusement and doubtless put it down to some unaccountable eccentricity—but ensuring my drinks are straw-free is still challenging and requires quick wits and the wherewithal to track my waiter’s movements to ensure he doesn’t forget, and my drink arrives replete with offensive plastic drinking implement.

It’s the same with staples. Sure, in an office environment it can be harder to manage, but when you’re in a shop buying something, do you really require your credit card statement to be stapled to a receipt that you’re probably going to bin when you clear your bag out?

The fact is, we bang on about not using plastic bags, and make a big show of bringing our own to the shops, but straws and staples are every bit as nasty, if not more, to the environment. While I was researching for this column, dear readers, I stumbled across a video of marine researchers attempting to save turtles whose airways had been blocked by straws they had unwittingly breathed in, and I was physically ill. It doesn’t require much more than vigilance and a conscious desire to eradicate straws and staples from our lives. Carry your own recyclable metal straw in your bag. Say no to staples and simply fold your receipt and statement together. Everyday that I successfully go without straws and staples impinging on my life is a good one. You could say it’s like AA for me—“Hi, I’m Fay, and I’m 60 days clean”—but the gratification I feel about not contributing to the mountain of plastic and metal that’s clogging the landfill is immeasurable. Won’t you join me and just say no…to straws and staples?

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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EcoCapsules: the mobile way to travelPaying for water in restaurants: Yay or nay?The meal is alive with the sound of musicSource: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/insiders/the-best-ramen-i-never-tasted-or-my-favourite-food.html

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5 Ways to one-up Earth Hour this year

Culture
5 Ways to one-up Earth Hour this year

25.03.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

Earth Hour is an annual movement to raise awareness on environmental issues such as global warming, climate change, deforestation and pollution. In other words, it’s the one hour a year that people finally band together and actually try to do something about our climate crisis.
Since the pandemic hit last year and the world was placed under quarantine, we’ve seen what a conscious world looks like (read: clear and with much less pollution-induced asthma), but the real question is: Does this have anything to do with turning off the lights?
Earth Hour has a lovely sentiment and a wonderful message. Plus, the organisation has achieved some very admirable things with the awareness they’ve garnered such as planting half a million trees in Uganda to create the first Earth Hour Forest, catalysing the protection of 3.4 hectares of Argentinian oceans and launching education programmes in Thailand and Taiwan.
However, it cannot be ignored that the event is only symbolic, not an actual energy and carbon reduction exercise. The real impact from the event comes from each and every one of us making a conscious effort to reduce our environmental impact outside of Earth Hour.
So, in the spirit of keeping our Earth habitable, here are a few ways to one-up your efforts and really help reduce our environmental impact:
1. Turn off your lights and change your bulbs

It’s simple—if you’re not in a room, turn the light out to save energy (duh). However, the type of bulb you use is important in energy conservation too. Halogen and incandescent bulbs are the least efficient lights and waste 90 per cent of the energy that they use as heat. Instead, opt for LED lights, which are incredibly efficient and are the ideal choice as they use less energy and last much longer.
2. Turn off your air conditioner when you’re not using it

There’s no doubt that we’ve been caught in a heatwave in the last few weeks (because we live in Malaysia), so it’s understandable that you’d have your air conditioning on all day long. However, in the spirit of eco-friendliness, consider… not doing that.
Before you strop, there’s an alternative; put your unit on full blast until your room is cooled enough then switch it off, and turn it back on when it gets warm again. It may seem counterintuitive, but actually turning your unit on and off as needed is more environmentally friendly (and wallet friendly).
Keeping it running all day long at a higher temperature wastes more energy in the long run as air conditioning units are most efficient at their full capacity. So, turning it off and on as needed is a great move to save energy and extend the life of your unit while you’re at it. Plus, there are, of course, other ways to beat the heat—fans, cold showers, opening windows and wearing less clothes are but a few.
3. Watch your candles

We regret to inform you that your efforts to be more environmentally conscious during Earth Hour may have backfired. Yes, the candles that you use matter: Paraffin wax, which is the most commonly used and most inexpensive wax for candles, is derived from crude oil. Essentially, when you burn a paraffin wax candle, you’re releasing toxic benzene and toluene fumes while contributing to your carbon footprint, which is a little counterintuitive.
Instead, look for candles made of beeswax or vegetable waxes as these are the most eco-friendly options. Beeswax is biodegradable, smokeless and sootless—the only downside is that it’s not vegan and thus not suitable for all. A good compromise is any vegetable wax, such as coconut and rapeseed waxes, as they are both biodegradable and renewable. However, beware of soy wax—although it’s natural, renewable and biodegradable, it’s not sustainable as the soybean industry contributes heavily to deforestation and greenhouse gases.
READ: The most luxurious scented candles to deck your home with
4. Buy less, and buy ethical

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The fashion industry is responsible for 10 per cent of annual global carbon emissions, one of the most polluting industries on earth and therefore one of the biggest contributors to climate change. The rise of fast fashion and unethical business practises has paved the way for the mass production of non-degradable synthetic fabrics, all of which inevitably end up in landfills.
Reducing your consumption of fast fashion by buying vintage or limited-run, sustainable and biodegradable pieces will help to reduce the demand for ‘trendy’ clothing and therefore our carbon footprint.
READ: 10 Malaysian fashion brands that do social good
5. Go veggie (at least once a week)

The meat industry is another polluting industry with questionable ethics and a big hand in climate change. Controversial animal treatment aside, the meat farming industry is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases globally and one of the biggest contributors to loss of diversity. Reducing your meat consumption even a little bit (have you tried vegan meat?) will help to reduce the impacts of climate change.
READ: 9 Best plant-based and vegan-friendly restaurants in KL
Earth Hour 2021 will occur on the 27th of March from 8:30-9:30pm Malaysia Time.

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Lifestyle
Pop Culture Catch-Up: Katy Perry’s new baby girl and drop of her new album ‘Smile’, Carole Baskin in Dancing With The Stars, and more

04.09.2020
By Lea Rina

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

 Hello, pop culture vultures! Here’s another round-up of the latest news in the entertainment circle you might have missed:

Katy Perry’s new baby girl and release of her album Smile

It’s been an exciting week for first-time mum Katy Perry. Not only did she welcome her first child—baby Daisy Dove Bloom—with fiance Orlando Bloom, but she even released her new album Smile just a day after. There’s a song on the album titled ‘Daisies’, which many believe to be a nod to her new little bundle of joy. The couple wrote in a statement that they are “floating with love and wonder from the safe and healthy arrival of our daughter”.

Carol Baskin on Dancing With the Stars

Who’s ready to watch the Tiger King star dance her way to the top? The casting announcement for Dancing With the Stars was released on September 2 and Carol Baskin is officially in. According to an interview she did on Good Morning America, Carol Baskin highlighted some of her reasons for joining the show, saying, “The biggest thing for me is that the longer my partner and I can stay in the running and in the competition, it will keep the cats forefront in the viewers’ eye and to me, that was where Tiger King missed the ball. It really should have been focused on the animals. And so, I’m hoping Dancing With the Stars will do that.”
Having bashed the Tiger King series before, saying that she was shown was “salacious” and denying having any ties to the disappearance of her ex-husband, Jack Don Lewis, can Dancing With the Stars save her reputation and shine a brighter light on her true mission? Guess we’ll find out.

Rest in peace, Chadwick Boseman

2020 has suffered yet another loss: actor Chadwick Boseman—best known for the role of King T’Challa in Black Panther—passed away on August 28 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 45. Despite his illness, Boseman never let it get in the way of his love and passion for acting. Most of his films were done between countless surgeries and chemotherapy sessions. His bravery and strength has now become an inspiration to many—to never give up, to have hope, and to pursue ambitions. May he rest in peace and power.

BTS becomes the first-ever South Korean act to make number one on the Billboard Hot 100

BTS has achieved what has never been done before—they’re now the world’s first-ever South Korean act to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100! The seven-member group’s latest song ‘Dynamite’ has taken the world by storm. Being their first-ever fully English single, the song seemed like a risk but as it turned out, they had nothing to worry about. BTS took to their Twitter to thank the BTS Army for all their love and support.

Blackpink and Selena Gomez collaborate to give us the music video for‘Ice Cream’

On August 28, the Korean girl group Blackpink and singer/actress Selena Gomez teamed up to release their fun and colourful music video for the single ‘Ice Cream’! The sweet candy filled music video is the perfect visualisation of the sexy bubbly song.
What does the season four premiere of The Crown have in store for us?

Fans are marking their calendars for the long-awaited season four of The Crown. Come November 15, the popular Netflix series will step into the next chapter of the Royal Family’s history with the introduction of Emma Corrin as Princess Diana, the iconic 1981 royal wedding to Prince Charles, and the birth of Prince William in 1982.
In a 2019 interview, Josh O’Connor (who plays the role of the young Prince Charles) teased, “I’ll say that, hopefully, people will feel sorry for Charles in season three, and then, maybe, we’ll change that in season four.” He added, “Certainly, it feels like there’s a definite shift being told in season three. And all across four, there’s definitely a different side to Charles that we’re going to see.”
With many more tantalising things to unfold, the new season is sure to not disappoint as it takes us deeper into the Royal Family’s history from a different perspective.
Finneas drops his new music video and song ‘What they will say about us’

Released on September 3, the powerful and moving music video of ‘What They’ll Say About Us’ by six-time Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter and producer Finneas is a song with a story. Written in June during the lockdown, the song is a homage to human strength and connection when faced with life’s tribulations.
Finneas’s explanation on the motivation behind the song is: “I wrote this song in June after spending the day at a protest in Downtown LA, filled with hope with the prospect that millions of people were coming together from all over the world to fight against institutionalised racism and inequality.”
He continued about how the song was also influenced by the pandemic: “During that time, I’d also been following Amanda Kloots as she documented her husband Nick Cordero’s time in the ICU (intensive care unit) while in a coma after being admitted for COVID-19. Imagining her sitting by his side, waiting, hopeful for him to wake up, it got me thinking about all the millions of people, all over the world, who also have loved ones, parents, children and extended family members going through the same thing. Fighting this horrific virus.” He elaborated that, “Some will overcome and wake up again, while others, tragically may not. This song is dedicated to all who have had to endure this year. I hope this song can offer some sort of comfort to those who may need it.”
For more pop culture news, head over here.

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