Best Steak Update Jun-2025

Following the blog last October, its time to update the best steak I have tried this year and steakhouse to try in near future. 

My personal Favourite: 

1. Chamber's Grill @ KL Hilton (Rating 4.7)

2. Maria's Steakhouse @ Sunway (Rating 4.6)

3. Senja @ Saujana (Rating 4.5)

4. Butcher Carrey @ Sri Hartamas (Rating 4.3)

5.Meat Point @ TTDI (Rating 4.9)

Steakhouse to try in near future. 

1. Prime @ Le Meridien (Rating 4.5)

2. Vantador @ Sri Hartamas (Rating 4.5)

3. The Beato Steakhouse @ Publika (Rating 4.5)

4. Jake's Charbroil @ Medan Damansara (Rating 4.3)

5. Kay's Steak and Lobster @ Putra Heights (Rating 4.6)

6. Grub by Ahong @ Section 17 (Rating 4.6)

7. Stoked Seafood & Bar @ Medan Damansara (Rating 4.0)

8. Tamaruya Meat Master (Rating 4.5)

9. Ynot Garden Cafe (Rating 4.6)

10. Bunny Wok & Grill @ Sri Petaling (Rating 3.8)

Xian Jing Run 2025

It is an individual running competition, yet it is also kind of a team event as different association is competing against each other.  

For the team, TC Sports Club finished 2nd, 4th, 11th & 12th (although podium finish is only for top 10) whilst Hokkien has 4 in the podium including 3rd & 5th. Therefore its a slight improvement for us.

In terms of personal performances, I finished between 13th-15th, which is at least 3 minutes out of the podium time. However, the 51 minutes finishing time is already 3 minutes faster than the 54 minutes last year. As a matter, I recorded a PB for 5km during the run (probably in the first 5km). Overall 10km results is not my best, however, the route is very hilly and probably one of the toughest race.

Malaysia Master Series 2025

This would be my first Badminton Live experience since the 90s and its definitely the first for Hong Yi.

Its the Malaysia Master 2025- Semi final. We watched about 6-7 out of the possible 10 matches, including three Malaysia doubles that won 2 and lost 1. 

There are also some fun & games and free merchandise.

Generali Half Marathon 2025

 I finished the race at 2'03 or pace of 5'50, which is my 5th fastest among my 10 races.  Although I do not achieve a PB, it's better than my pre-race expectations and I feel great during and after the race. My mate YY on the other hand, achieve PB but did not feel good about the race. This keep me wondering what is more important, the feeling or the record?

Photos are plentiful and some are quite pleasant as I wasn't over exert myself at the end of the race.

10th Half Marathon Coming Up

Heading for my 10th Half Marathon Races in two days time. The previous 9 races and my running time are as follow:

Rank 9:    Generali 2024 (Pace: 6'52, Time: 2'24)

Rank 8:    Twin City 2024 (Pace: 6'19, Time: 2'14)

Rank 7:    Twin City 2022 (Pace: 6'13, Time: 2'12)

Rank 6:    Garmin 2022 (Pace: 6'04, Time: 2'10)

Rank 5:    Penang Bridge 2022 (Pace: 5'53, Time: 2'05)

Rank 4:    KL City Day 2023 (Pace: 5'46, Time: 2'02)

Rank 3:    NPE Highway 2023  (Pace: 5'41, Time: 1'59)

Rank 2:    Hatyai 2023 (Pace: 5'40, Time: 2'00)

Rank 1:    Cybercity 2023 (Pace: 5'38, Time: 1'59)

I do not have high expectation amid poor condition lately. However, I do wish I can do better than the two races that I did last year. A time below 2'05, should I able to achieve, would consider a "Gold" achievement. The most important thing about this race is to feel good upon finishing. 

Carlsberg Factory Visit

I planned this factory visit for more than a year ago. Unfortunately we are unable to do the actual factory tour due to heavy rain on the day.

The beer itself is good (and obviously free flow). The food is acceptable too. The total attendances are less than the anticipated 70 pax (more like 60 pax). 

I'm most impressed with 1664 Brut, Carlsberg Super Cold and Connors. The Connors draft from factory taste really different from expected. 

Port Dickson 2025

 First short vacation of the year is to Port Dickson.

Main highlight of the trip

1. The muffin boat and banana boat

2. The hotel/restaurant, which is adjacent to the 'private' beach

3. The walk up the lighthouse

Badminton 750 Series

Still find it amazing that this little dude can get a medal (in fact two medals) in Badminton Tournament (750 series). I guess having a good draw, good form on the day, improved skills and accumulative of hard work play the role. You always learn more from losing (or winning the hard way), and that applies to the player, the coach and the player's manager (in terms of managing break time, food in take etc.) 

Ne Zha 2

 

First movie that our family watched together this year is Ne Zha 2. The animation is so powerful that you almost forgot you are watching an animation at one point. Ne Zha is one of the most ugly character in animation history, yet, it is also the most memorable. 

2025 Running Races

I have not been racing since last Marathon on October 6th, 2024 (and a short 10km race on 8th December, 2024). The five months of off-season have not been kind to my body. Gaining a few kg and fat % whilst losing muscle %.

The first race in 2025 will be Generali Half Marathon on 11th of May, 2025. Goal for the race: 2 hours and 6 minutes. It may be much slower than personal best of 1 hour 59 minutes, however, 2024 half marathon results are 2 hour 14 minutes and 2 hours 25 minutes. 

2025 Target Race are

- Generali Half Marathon (May-25)

- Xian Jing 10km (Jun-25)

- NPE Highway Half Marathon (Aug-25)

- Boom 30km (Sep-25)

- KLSC Full Marathon (Oct-25)

- TC Tower Run (Oct-25)

- Halong Bay Run (Nov-25)

2025 Anniversary Meal At Home

The kids and I prepared a surprised anniversary dinner for mummy/wifey.

Food include:

Oven cooked Lamb leg, air fryer cooked sausage, Cold cut Jamon and Black forest ham, Salad, Biscuits and Hummus sources, cashew nuts, baguette and chocolate dessert. 

Drinks include:

Yogurt, Orange Juice & Red Wine.

As for presents, we have two X-pace Sunglasses.

Various Lai Meng Trophy

The evolution of Lai Meng Trophy.

From 1984 to 2018 to 2023 to 2024 and 2025.

Can anyone spot the main difference? Yupe. The school name has changed!

Invitation to Squid Game

Got a shock error message from my Garmin watch on the eve of CNY. 

Was it the end of my Sports Watch life cycle?

Was it a world-wide error?

Was it a 'prank' from Garmin- wishing us Happy CNY?

Or was I invited to the "Squid" Game?

Funny thing was I just completed this quest couple of weeks ago.

Next Trip- Year 2025

After a memorable vacation in Yunnan, its time to plan for next trip. Lets' start with some fresh ideas in terms of location before we start looking at the possibility.

Option

1. Tokyo & Mt Fuji Marathon

2. Beijing & Skiing

3. Perth 

4. Bali & Beaches

5. 

To update...

Yunnan Best Videos

 

Best Videos for Yunnan Trip

Nominees for best videos are:

1. Da Li Three Pagoda

2. Li Jiang Hotel

3. The Golden Mountain

4. Putatco National Park

5. Horse Riding

6. Jade Dragon Mountain Final Hike

And the winner is ??? 

Yunnan Best Photos

Yunnan Best Photos

Category: Action

Nominees are:

1.    Er Hai- Triple Jump

2.    Bai Sa- Double Jump

3. Li Jiang Crazy Jump

4.    Da Li Perfect Timing Jump

And the winner is ???