Grand Hyatt Jakarta

At the entrance to the swimming pool

 View from my room

 One of the shops at Plaza Indonesia

On my recent trip to Jakarta, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta for two nights from 24 May 2013 to 26 May 2013. The room at the Grand Hyatt is clean and spacious and the TV has so many channels I lost count! I did not venture far from the hotel as there is a huge shopping complex which is accessible via an underground tunnel just beside the hotel. Plaza Indonesia is home to most of  the big brands (like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc) and there are many restaurants on Level 3 (below ground) as well. My visit to Jakarta was to meet up with a Chinese geologist who flew in on 25 May 2013 and to accompany him into the remote jungles of Pontianak in the coming days. Stay tuned....

Pusat Ehsan Teachers' Salary Adoption Scheme 2013/2014

 Mr. Koh of Eng Hup Leong (far left) speaking to the media.

 RTB staff setting up their camera.

 Tony Tan (far left) speaking to the press.

Gosh, how time flies! This morning, Mr. Koh, our Accountant and myself once again represented two of our shareholders to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to support Pusat Ehsan Teachers' Adoption Scheme 2013/2014 at the centre in Bengkurong Masin. This year (the sixth year), only three of us were present (including Mr. Koh of Eng Hup Leong Sdn Bhd) as Bian Hoe Sdn Bhd was not represented but has also pledged to support the scheme. This year, Mr. Tony Tan, a Trustee at the centre signed on behalf of Pusat Ehsan. The money donated (B$4,800-00 from each individual/corporation) is for the salary of one teacher at the centre for one year. The amount collected is insufficient as there are 45 teachers at the centre!

Standard Chartered Half-Marathon 2013

 Raja & crew promoting Pusat Ehsan's "The Run"

 Staff of Sunlit Advertising.

 Mike, my running buddy.

 My 10km Finishers' Medal

 At the starting line.

 Caps were given this year but I didn't use it; will keep as a momento!

I started taking up running when I participated in Standard Chartered Half-Marathon 2012 on 8 April last year and since then I have been jogging at least once a week besides my regular squash games on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. SCB Half-Marathon 2013 flagged off this morning at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium with the 21km run at exactly 5.30am followed by the 10km run at 6.00am. The next categories which were the 5km and 2.5km started at 6.15am. I participated in the 10km run and managed to finish in 1 hour and 17 minutes (despite a swollen right knee) but I will update once the official results are out.  I almost had cramps on both my calves with approximately 100 metres left to the finish line; guess age is catching up! As usual, I left the venue early at 7.40am (after cooling off), for that much needed rest! Thank you, SCB for organizing this year's half-marathon and all the sponsors for supporting this event. 

UPDATE

Ranked 757 with a gun time of 01:16:46.44

Seaworld Neptune Restaurant & Catering

My favourite oversize clams!

Located just behind the Jerudong fish market and where all the fishing boats are berthed lies this seafood restaurant called "Seaworld Neptune Restaurant & Catering". I've been told that it has been operating for quite a number of years and I only came to know of its existence (I'm rather embarrassed!) only yesterday and through a foreigner as well! It's concept is rather similar to the numerous seafood restaurants scattered throughout Kota Kinabalu which emphasize on live seafood which you can select from the aquariums outside the restaurants. Business was brisk as a bus load of tourists were also having their dinner there last night. It would be perfect if I could bring a bottle of red wine to go with my food. However, drinking in public is strictly prohibited in Brunei. For seafood lovers, this is one  place not to be missed.

Muhibah Run 2013

 Deputy High Commissioner, Cik Haznah & PWM President, Mr Lee

 Some of the early birds!

 Raja & family signing in

Thermomix = healthy food!

 Seri Sentosa's Harley Davidson display

 PWM Exco, Mooney Arthur

Instructors from Zumba Fitness Centre

This morning, PWM with the support of the Malaysian High Commission organized a Muhibah Run 2013 at the Malaysian High Commission's car park. More than 100 participants turned up for the run which were categorized into the "VIP run" which was about 2 km and the "Jungle Trail" run which was about 5 km. I took part in the "Jungle Trail" run (my first run for 2013) which was a totally different ball game from the road runs which I used to participate. The two steep slopes and rough terrain which I encountered was enough to make my soles and calves very sore! A big thank you to the sponsors, Seri Sentosa, Am Capital, Kingston Beverages (Revive), Nestle (Milo), Superwater (Rainfresh mineral water) and Zumba Fitness Studio for the warming up session. Congrats to the Organizing Chairwoman, Ellin for a job well done!