Sunday, July 30, 2006

Car Wash @ Boulevard Car Wash Service Centre















Pusat Servis Kereta aka Boulevard Car Wash Service "Centre" was responsible for another pampering session for my mum's car yesterday. It's located just beside the huge Boulevard roundabout. Normally i would refrain from sending my cars for fancy names car wash such as snow wash or crystal wash but then, sometimes, some people do tend to get a little bit lazy.















Boulevard Car Wash Service Centre could go down as having the longest signboard in Miri City. It spans the whole length of it's building. Surely, the signboard must had costs more than the air blowers they had. * Cause i previously worked in a signmaker company before so i know the rates. They even boasts the biggest space of land for a car washing centre in Miri. It did made me wonder do they charge that extra more for it. I even noticed a cartoon picture of a car having water drip on top of it's roof while having a round of smoke... . Could somebody please tell me what were they trying to relate? It looks as if the car had just finished it's business ya know like those in the adult movies..















anyways, the management is not responsible for any malfunction of the engine parts after the engine washed. Do you call this another type of promoting your own services? Please.... they should had maybe come up with words like "The management will ensure a proper engine cleaning process, and will not bear any costs should any malfunction / loss of engine parts occured after the cleaning process. Arigato "















Basically by the time i arrived, there were few customers waiting for their cars to be washed, fully vaccumed and polished. The customers were ushered * sort of * into the small hall as there were free seats and tables around, for some of those kepoh and kekong, they chosed to stand out in the sun supervising the workers which were attending to the customer's ride @ vehicle. The tiny counter serves as a place to pay the taukeh, and also to collect your keys once everything is done.















I kinda feel that this particular hall was probably once a food stall or some sort. By the way, varieties of newspaper were left on the table for your reading pleasure. There were chinese newspaper ranging from Sin Chew Jit Poh to Miri Daily News, being the banana chinese guy that i am, i took the Borneo Post issue instead.















I handed in the keys to the boss, making sure that none goes wrong, i whispered to him " A scratch on the car...... and a scratch on your ass.. " . There's a small shelter in front of the hall which serves as a place for car cleaning. I was glad that nothing in front obstructed my view apart from the frequent workers passing by.















There were many newspaper cut outs and pin ups on the wall each promoting the products which they were using. I realized that this particular wide area actually belongs to Shin Yang Company and they were renting it.















A fridge filled with cans of drinks were placed at the further end of the hall. I got myself 2 cans of Oranjeboom! Just kidding. I had 100 Plus.















One thing that freaked me out while scanning through the hall was this! The ceiling and walls were adorned with numorous portraits / pictures / posters of fish. The owner told me he had this "thing" going on with parrot fish. Anyone who looks like a parrot fish better stay out from this centre ok? I am warning ya.















... and also Kois too.















Finally, the moment which i had been awaiting. The owner himself drove my car into that little shed and gave my car a good spray of water via the water pressure hose. He concentrated on the wheels first then followed by the undercarriage of the car.















After the cleansing off the excess dirt was done, one of his worker gladly sprayed a subsequent amount of white-looking-sperm-liked substance white foam which i later found out to be SNOW WASH , hence the colour.















The foam-liked substance covered every part of the car , including the rims. It took just 2 person to wipe the whole body of the car ensuring that not an inch of hard-to-rid-off stains was left.















* Out of tangent post: Where customers sit on the chairs with their butts, i on the other hand rested my legs there.















Back to what i'm supposed to say, the last step was to wash the white foam off the car. I was told that the white foam contains a type of chemical which bites off the stains. It's that concentrated, i wonder how could this workers survived having to wash 10+ cars each day coming into contact with those substances.















My car was later drove into the shady front part of the building for the flocks of workers to vaccum and wipe its interiors. The boss told me that he prefered indon workers more than local ones as local ones are hopeless money-minded.















A close up of how "efficient" the indon workers are. For an instance, my car felt like a queen.















This is the owner of the service centre. I called him Ah Choi, and surprisingly he knows more about me than i do about him. The first impression he gave me was fierce, after few minutes of crap talking, i found out that he's a pretty blur guy, just like the rest of my friends.















The boss himself did the car polish alone. By the way he did the scrub and rub, it shows he had been doing it for quite some time, 5 years to be exact. I was told that the polish will be ready by 4PM but then he got me waiting til 5PM. I could not complained much as the service provided were by far the best among the rest. No, this is no hasty generalization but it's true.















Another thing which i was told about the car was each car needs at least 2 times of polishing in order for it to look that ever sparkling. My dad was contemplating on bringing it over for the next polish session next month.















The car looked new, i felt happy, the boss felt happy, we all felt happy. The happiness were soon clouded by the RM70 charges. Not that it's expensive, it's just that i felt i could had clean the car myself so i might had save another RM10..... But, i strongly recommend anyone to go there for car polishing as the boss made sure he's the only one doing it.

Friday, July 28, 2006

The Meet Up @ Hotspot Cafe















I had an appointment scheduled at 7.30PM in town on the 22nd of July.... , the clock shows it's already 7.15PM and i am still at home. I had always find being punctual hard to follow by, but it doesn't mean i am not those who are not punctual. It's just that, sometimes i had an impression that i can just make it on time.















Just like what i said earlier on , i did arrived on time. I had arranged a table for 2 at this particular eating establishment in the heart of Pelita Commercial Centre by the name of Hotspot Bistro & Bar. There's a large round signage probably meant it's hot and it's served the western way.















In case you do not know the whereabouts, it's located on the 1st floor of the CHOP YU FATT building. CHOP YU FATT is dealing with electrical appliances etc. * Opposite M2 Building. Hotspot is kinda special in a way as patrons are being offered the option to dine inside an air-conditioned room or choose to relax outside.















The "ONLY" entrance into Hotspot is via the small staircase to the side. There's a standalone menu bearing all the specialties on offer being jilted outside it's entrance. Somehow i did feel a little bit of symphathy towards that poor little thing. I felt bringing it back home is the most i could do.















The interiors of Hotspot are quite bizzare to say the least. I stumbled upon 4 things upon entering this eating establishment. There's an aquarium ( with only a golden arowana to show ) by the entrance...















..and a gigantic mirror greeting you as you further step in. The downlights played a big part in enhancing the ambience. Hotspot was dimly lit that night and i had trouble manoeuvering around. The partly visible toilet washroom could easily be reached when nature calls.















There's a big screen tv right in front of my table. The only constructive criticism i can offer is not to have the big screen tv placed at the edge of it's balcony. Accidents do tend to happen and you never know who might be walking below if it so happens that Mount Merapi eventually explodes and somehow the effects of the quake could send this 42" screen down.















Many local folks were dining there as it was a saturday night. I sat down and the waitress was efficient with her work. I ordered a glass of Ice Lemon Tea whilst waiting for my respected client. ;)















The brick-walled counter runs down from the entrance to the end of the opening of the so-called VIP seating room. There's a wide range of juices, liquors and concotions of drinks on offer. The place does serves alcohol and emphasis on western food, other than that, eastern food are available too.















I noticed a big painting of an apple just opposite of Hotspot. It's called the APPLE LODGE and yes, before you ask, it's a lodging... more like an inn. ( and i never had been there )















Finally, she arrived. I was supposed to meet her few days earlier but then certain stuffs popped up and... anyways, for the first time she was late. Oh, her name is Rachel Ling and she so happens to be my gf. It's great to meet her up once a while as she just came back from Australia. *Note: But don't be put off to those who want to dine with me. lol.















Well, apologies for the quality of the pictures as a certain girl went bumpin into me as i was taking the pic. She had a bowl of garden salad and if my memory doesn't fail me, i think that's a glass of apple juice.















I got myself a plate of Hotspot's Chicken Chop which cost around RM15 and above. The meat is tender all along and the mushroom gravy was just alright. It's a good thing that brocollis are available. I am a big fan of brocollis.















Hotspot cafe is warm and cozy despite the the small enclosure and dimly lit balcony. It's a suitable place for scandalous couples who seek a quiet time out. We left Hotspot around 9.30PM and decided to have our pics taken at a rather brighter place thus Dessert was the place. She's off to Australia now and i do not know when i will see her again.


*Note: Thanks to AH MEK who was at Dessert in helping us to take the picture above.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

An envelope from someone..















Yesterday morning i found a fully wrapped up A4 size envelope lying suspiciously on top of my keyboard. I didn't know where or how did it appeared as no one was around. Initially i thought it was a prank by some of me mates or maybe something even worse because it's the ghost festival this month ya... so... anyway touchwood, nothing happened.















I hesitated for quite some time before opening the envelope as it was clearly that obvious it was for me. So, i whipped out my scissor and cut through the top part of the envelope with ease. I was surprised by the packaging of the items inside the envelope as it reveals another piece of envelope. This is probably some serious P & C ( Private & Confidential ) stuff ye.















This person who send me this envelope must have had been working in some parcel delivery company or some love gift shop as there happens to be another piece of paper wrapped up on it.
I decided that this was going nowhere as i started to ripped off the papers, clearly frustrated. I don't like long winding stuff to be honest.















Nothing beats a messy workplace, it just shows how much hardworking you are to your boss.















Oh.... so it was few compilations of chinese + korean songs for my listening pleasure eh? How thoughtful of you who send me this. I didn't know i had secret admirers fans too...


* Note: The next time anyone send me gifts, a nice plastic bag will do. I am not good in tearing open envelopes.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

No SalesDOG Please...




















I was walking to my office one morning after parking my car a few blocks away from my usual parking spot as the kids around my office were a pain in the neck. They would do things which normal innocent cute looking , fun loving kids would not do. Alright, as i was walking pass few shoplots, something caught my eye.















It turns out to be some sort of notice which is hung against the gate. Further inspection of that particular notice really crack my belly to the max.

It reads: "SILA PASTIKAN PAGAR INI SENTIASA DITUTUP BAGI MENGLAK ANGING DARI MASUK"

Just in case you few who flunk your Bahasa Malaysia during the last SPM, i am gonna translate it for you.

" Please ensure that the gate is closed at all times to prevent dogs from entering ".

Now, it seems that some particular office rather prefered salesmen instead of salesdogs... LOL.



* Note: Dogs do climb stairs.

Mitsubishi Motors Road Show @ Boulevard Shopping Complex















21st - 23rd of July happens to be Mitsubishi's Road Show at Boulevard, Miri. I was there to witnessed what's the hype about. Actually i got to knew about it through the papers a week ago.















Eventhough, i am a Honda driver myself, having 2 Honda Civics to drive daily... cruising with my Honda's to pick up chiobus some food for supper (not that it has anything to do with it), i still went to the Mitsubishi Motors Road Show considering the intense rivalry between the 2 ( Hondas and Mitsus ).















Upon arrival, i noticed 2 big canopies occupying the entrance of Boulevard Shopping Complex.

"This must be it... " Patrick mummured.
" Hell Yeah that's Mitsus ler " Snapped my cousin , Adrian back.

Not that he didn't know what Mitsus ( Mitsubishi ) were like, he just weren't sure whether it's the "GRAND" Mitsubishi Road Show which were advertised earlier on in the papers as there were only 3 vehicles there, much to my dismay of cause.















...Oh so they were intending to promote the latest line of Mitsubishi vehicles thus explaining the few vehicles on display. The line up consisting of The Mitsubishi Lancer ( normal edition ), The Mitsubishi L200 and of cause, the flagship of Mitsubishi , it's owned famous Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9 edition fully tuned by Ralliart. The banners were hung up with The EVO version as the main priority flanked by 6 models from KL, i could recognised one from Hypertune mag though.















The salespersons were around promoting it's vehicles like there's no tommorow , all having the same marketing skills which highlighted it's PROS and non of the CONS.















Unlike the rest of the folks who went there in groups of 5, i on the other hand, turn out with 3 and was probably one of the fews who checked out the NORMAL version of the Lancer first. I didn't really remember how much it costs as i wasn't quite interested in it.















Not that it looked awful or what, i found its design actually quite pretty comparing to the previous version. The smoked headlights looked sexy and it really remind me of Angelina Jolie's eyes instead of Kate Beckinsale's. The other thing i like about this version is it actually comes in a champion white colour. My cars all are white and i guess you know what i mean.















Next up was the Mitsubishi L200 pick up truck they were heavily promoting. It looks tough and powerful to me, but the downside was it only comes in a AUTOMATIC version. Not sounding arrogant or what, i think that automatic cars are just not cars at all. I never complained about my ex Ford Splash Ranger Turbo though.... and it's manual.















The model L200 has very attractive headlights, much alike the lancer's headlight, it too comes in tinted. I wasn't sure whether it's JPJ approved but then, it scored full marks for presentation. Another thing which i could give it the thumbs up would probably it's huge bulky tyres. It didn't sticked to the newest trend of having a pimping 22" chromed-up rims and that's something which Mitsubishi had probably done right. Pickups are supposed to be tough, handy to one needs and not concentrate solely on looking pimpin'.















As i have said earlier on, there were few L200's on display outside of the canopy each sporting a different colour.















There's another thing about this L200 which would definitely be a hit among those kawaii girls to be. This is the L200's chromed mirror. Tell me which girl in this world who would not step out of the car and then proceed to look at her own reflection via the window? Having a L200 would make you Honey to the Bees. Girls this time would not just look at the window, but then proceed to the front and have the luxury to do make ups, tidy up their hair and so forth in front of you. How convenient.















The latest vehicle i spotted on my right was the Mitsubishi EVO 9. Many la la zai local folks were congregating there by the time i turned my attention towards the monster. Comparing the normal version with this EVO 9, i would choose the normal version ..... just kidding.















This is the EVO 9 in all it's glory. It's tuned by Ralliart hence the aggresive look it owns. Red was the colour and it's selling off for RM350K!!!! That's a large sum considering what one normal dude sitting in front of a computer 8 hours a day could do with it.















18" gunmetal rims with Brembo brake pads and calipers. It's all tasty... and one could have no problems applying to an emergency halt should the need arises. ( not that it's encouragable )















The rear of the EVO 9 looks sweet indeed. The spoilers are at the right height to block any view of yours when looking at your rear view mirror but then it really spiced up the whole car. Spice ya know? Chilli hot hot...















The vinyls on the EVO 9's body reminds me of the Adidas logo but then its painted with black and white lines. I have seen many of this vinyls on some ah beng cars which really help redefine riceness but then i couldn't complain much about it on this one just because it happens to be...... an EVO 9.















As for the exhaust, i don't know whether to laugh or cry. Eventhough it's all stainless steel and street legal, it looks rather ... small to me. Heck, ask the girls, they would even agree with me that not everyone likes it small.















Comparing it with mine, that's a pretty big difference. Now, i have set the bar, it's up to Ralliart to come up with an even bigger... exhaust.















Back to the interior of the EVO 9. It looks clean and simple. Noticed the missing titanium gear knob. If i aint wrong, one of the salesperson told me it was stolen by some person back when they were having a road show in Kuching. Much to my amazement, that person must had been practising for some time and that he might had a spanner with him that day. How smart of me... *clap clap*















The engine cover says MIVEC TURBO. Mine's a DOHC VTEC. a Whooping difference of HP.















The Ralliart Intercoolers and Carbon Fibre lips to brag about.... ya ya how steady lar... don't make me jealous ok?















I was contemplating on stepping on it's lips till.....
















Some guy with a fake Mitsubishi team shirt appeared beside me and yelled:
" OI!!! APA LU BUAT KAT SINI???!! "

I thought i was in deep cow poo if they caught me stepping on it's lips. Or maybe they might even forced me into purchasing this EVO 9!!! Kinteo leh..















It was one of me old class mate back in mid school called Ambrose Ong Hui Chong. He's currently working as a car sales rep for Mitsubishi. It's been a while since i last saw him and it's good to finally meet him up after 4 years to see what kinda crap he can crack up this time.

So, the conversation between me and him went like this:

Adam: Nice ride this..
Ambrose: Yeah! EVO 9 WO!!! Buy lar...
Adam: I am sure it costs.
Ambrose: 350K man!!! Buy lar... i know you can ( just like any typical sales person would do )
Adam: Yes, i know i can if i can have 100% loan. ( Well.. i'm not implying anything here.. )
Ambrose: Just now we try it aledi.. PhoooWOOoo Power!!!
Adam: Really? How powerful ?
Ambrose: EVO WO....PhhoooWOooo!!!! ( He clearly was more excited than i was )
Adam: Er... How powerful?? HP???
Ambrose: Er.... RM 350K punya car for sure 350HP lar!!!
Adam: Oh...ok

Let's say, if i buy a RM20,000 car , does it mean it owns 20HP? Someone really need to go back and study the basics but really, he scored full marks for crap talking.















350HP for RM350K. Can i have 303HP for RM303K??? So does it mean with every 1hp increase, i am supposed to pay another RM1000? Somebody help me out with the calculations.















After much debate over which car could easily smoke the EVO 9 , i noticed an old man having a Mitsubishi cap on standing by the side of the L200 seemingly asking for his pic taken with the models behind him. I didn't bother much about the old chap til he whispered something about how "chio" the model was.















Anyways, while i was busy taking pic of the L200, the models quickly stepped beside and posed exclusively for the Grandmaster K. That's Jian on the left and Sharon on the right. The models outfit looked clean and of cause distracting. I wasn't distracted though, Ben was.















Ben didnt wasted much time in asking for a pic with the models. None of the local folks were daring enough to ask for a photo with em, but like any typical KL guy, Ben decided he had enough of just seeing, he went straight and ask ... May i? How cheesy..















Apparently, just a nod will do for me. The only thing i didnt like about this pic was my haircut earlier on. Makes me look that ever bit nerdy.















I didnt went home empty handed at all. The models even gave me free Ralliart stickers and a Mitsubishi Pen. I gave the stickers away as i am a big fan of Mugen. I kept the pen instead. The show was okay to be honest, Mitsubishi could do that more by having more cars on display and more models as well. I am sure that many had went there for the models but not the cars. Hey, thatz my 2 cents.