Pertandingan Ghazal Johor 2009

(photo credit of Hunaidi Ismail)

When: December 18 to 20, 2009
Where: Auditorium Sultan Iskandar RTM, Johor Bahru

The competition was organized by Yayasan Warisan Johor and has four categories: Kategori Ghazal Terbuka, Kategori Ghazal Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan, Kategori Ghazal Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan and Kategori Ghazal Harapan Remaja.
The award ceremony was done by YAB Dato' Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman, Menteri Besar Johor.

JOHO enjoyed performances by the Ghazal Harapan Remaja category the most. This was probably because we can relate to them more than from any other categories. One of the group in particular was very entertaining. They are Kumpulan Ghazal Sri Ledang. The members of the group according to the MC, were from a rock band before they fell in love with the music of ghazal.

JOHO hopes Yayasan Warisan Johor can organized more competition such as this. Keroncong anyone?

Malaysia Wind Orchestra Competition 2009

(photo credited to Azrafe Zaky)

When: December 6, 2009
Where: Level 3, Persada Johor, Johor Bahru

JOHO can tell that it was a big event just by looking at the sponsors (one of them is ESPN/StarSports) however we were kind of disappointed at the outcome of the event itself.

The event required an admission fee of RM10 which kind of unreasonable (this was the first time they charged us for wanting to support the competitors). After that we had to wait for almost 2 hours as we waited for the VIP to finish eating the banquet dinner. It was absurd.

The competition itself started at almost 10pm.

But lets not take the highlight away from the competitors. They were excellent and very entertaining. JOHO's personal favorite was the band from UPSI (Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris). Unfortunately they lost the competition to SDAR (Sekolah Datuk Abdul Razak).

Congratulations to the winner and JOHO hopes the organizer will do a better job next year :)

Teater Walinung Sari

First, thanks to JOHO for the invitation and congratulations.

I have always been a fan of theater so I did not miss the opportunity to watch Walinung Sari Theater which was held on December 5, 2009 at Auditorium Sultan Iskandar RTM, Johor Bahru. Being the JOHOrean that I am, I have to admit that it was hard to find showcases of theaters in Johor. If we want to see theaters, we have to travel all the way to KL for it.

For me personally as a fan of theater, Walinung Sari was amazing. I went with my mother (in her 50's) and my sisters (in their early 20's) who weren't into theather but they too were impressed. We felt the theater has life of it's own as it re-telling the history of the said beauty. In my opinion, the show should be extended and I'm sure it would be a hot topic for at least a week.

The story of Walinung Sari was mystical and has sense of culture and religious. It definitely has message that they want to convey to the audience. It would be good for the younger generation so they could learn something from it. The theater was not only fun but educational as well.

Walinung Sari does not required famous faces or big names to ensure it's success. The talent that they have were sufficient. They definitely blew the roof off with their passion and performances.

My point is, theater such as this will gains it audience in Johor even though we do not have 'Istana Budaya'. Even RTM is hosting plenty of such events. All that is need is effort.

Which kind of theater would be of little relevant if it can give such big impact to the audience. Which such dedication I am sure that the audience will gradually increased. They would even help promote the event.

Once again, congratulation and thank you JOHO for promoting the event. We need more of this kind of dedication in Johor.

And allow me to reiterate: Walinung Sari was amazing :)

Entry by Nurul Raudah

Teater Walinung Sari

(photo credited to Azrafe Zaky)

When: December 5, 2009
Where: Auditorium Sultan Iskandar RTM, Johor Bahru
Sypnopsis: The theater Walinung Sari tell us how Tok Damak continues to lift the spirits of pujangga and lagu rakyat, especially one of Walinung Sari to ensure that they will always exist in today's modern society despite being targeted by Tok Penghulu and his avid followers.

JOHO really enjoyed the Walinung Sari theater. There were several moments during the performances when we got goosebumps and apparently we were not the only one. Most of the audience experienced the same thing.

It just goes to show how well the casts of this theater performed and we applaud their passions and wish them the best of luck for the competition.

You can read Nurul Raudah's experience here.

Goreng Pisang

Goreng pisang or in layman's term, fried banana or banana fritters is Malaysia's favorite tea time snack. For goreng pisang addict, JOHO is providing you guys with a list of recommended "hotspot" for goreng pisang that would make your mouth watery.


Johor Bahru

1) Warung SAGA located in front of Convent school
The place is surrounded with pictures of Allahyarham P. Ramlee so you can enjoy your goreng pisang while reminiscing to the old days
(credited to Amoy Fazllina)

2) Warung Mak Ram of Jalan Pisang at Kampung Pasir (in front of Giant)
killer menu: flavored tempe goreng, ketuk-ketuk ubi and varieties of kuih-muih
(credited to Amoy Fazllina and Fairoz Azami)

3) Goreng Pisang MAWAR located at MAWAR (behind Dataran Bandaraya)
killer menu: The fragrant goreng pisang with other kuih-muih. You guys should try the soursop drink
(credited to Amoy Fazllina and Fairoz Azami)
GORENG PISANG MAWAR HAS BEEN SPAM!ed

4) Gerai Gate with is located at Desa Bakti, Skudai
killer menu: The crispy goreng pisang
(credited to Toqreemaow Soljah)

5) Located at the water reservoir of Taman Desa Rahmat, Tampoi
The price for the goreng pisang is 50cents. The goreng pisang is quiet the hot stuff, usually sold out after 2 hours.
(credited to Nama Saya Fadli)

6) Warung Mana Lagi? at Larkin (near the library of Sultan Ismail and in front of Petronas)
killer menu: the goreng pisang is accompanied by hot sambal kicap, tempe goreng, kerepok lekor and ubi goreng.
(credited to Azrafe Zaky)

7) Located besides ILP and Petronas in Pasir Gudang
killer menu: It has varieties of tea snacks like kuih-muih, tempe goreng and fried mushroom.
(credited to Sujieta)

8) Located at Kampung Sinaran Baru of Seelong, Kempas (before the Jalen factory)
killer menu: goreng pisang with mushroom soup.
(credited to Mohd Fadli Kamarudin and Fairoz Azami)

9) Located at Taman Dahlia market at Tampoi.
It provides a place for dam lovers to play while enjoying the goreng pisang with thick sambal kicap.
(credited to Amirul Izwan)

10) Located below the Kotaraya mosque (in front of the stairs)
killer menu: all sorts of goreng pisang are available as well as ubi goreng, keledek goreng, fried mushroom, cempedak goreng, cucur udang and keropok lekor.
(credited to Aien Razali)

Batu pahat

Kedai Mega located at Taman Penggaram.
Killer menu : goreng pisang covered with sambal kicap jawa served with fried tofu.
(credited to Boyd Fadzlee)

Muar

Located in front of Kedai Sri Bayu of Jalan Salleh.
killer menu : air kelapa (coconut drink), cempedak goreng, ketuk-ketuk ubi which can be enjoyed with the special sambal kicap.
(credited to Yaya Jams Dean)

Pontian

1) Located besides the factory of Lee Biscuit
killer menu: rojak goreng pisang and fried me/meehoon.
(credited to Azam Raslan)

2) Located somewhere along the road of Tenggayun (on the way to Kukup)
killer menu: goreng pisang sambal kicap with nuts.
(credited to Abdul Rahman)

Music

Plague of Happiness

This band originated from Pasir Gudang. They are one of the leading independent band in Johor and one of the well-known ska band in Malaysia.

Plague of Happiness consists of 7 members: Nas (guitar and vocalist), Ipin (bass and backing vocal), Atoi (trumpet), Azmal (tenor saxophone), Nausad (trombone), Arab (guitar) and Pozy (drum).

This band plays ska punk with more happy tune and for a twist, their attitude and music arrangements are pretty OUT THERE which can be enjoyed by everyone.

www.myspace.com/plagueofhappiness

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Laila

Laila consists of 6 young males from Johor Bahru. They were first known as Laila's Lounge and has received great exposure after one of their songs (Mawar Khayalan) was chosen as the main soundtrack for "KAMI the Movie" film.

However, they have undergone several changes in the line-up since their establishment 10 years ago. Some of the musicians that were part of the group are Bulat (bassist), Sham Daging and Just (drums), Ajeep (keyboards, Kluk Kluk Adventure) and David (guitarist, They Will Kill Us All).

Year 2008 can be considered as a pear year for Laila's Lounge when they got involved with independent gigs as well as "KAMI the Gig" concert series. During that time, they agreed to use Wandi (Novelea) as keyboard sessionist and he has been with the group ever since.

Several months afterward however, they were faced with a significant change in their line-up. It happened after their original vocalist (Hadi) decided to withdraw. The group then decided tor recruit Shahrul to fill in the spot. The choice proved to be a good move because he is naturally gifted and has similar tone of voice as their former vocalist but has his own styles and characteristics.

www.myspace.com/lailaband

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Statik

Statik comes from Skudai, Johor Bahru. It was created by Enol in the early year of 2004. However the band has gone through changes after after several years in the entertainment world.

Mamat, Jeff, Along, Farique, Fifie, Shaney and Hassan were once part of the band members. Now the band has only three members; Enol, Haziq and Pendi.

Statik is known for their song Cherita Kita and Nikmat Sementara.

www.myspace.com/statiksound

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Zip Zieller and the Klasik Ikan Keli

The vocalist for Zip Zieller has moved to Johor Bahru in order to experience something new. Zieller and the Klasik Ikan Keli is his solo band project in Johor Bahru. Based on Rock n Roll and blues, the band wants to ensnare and ensure that the spirits and passions of the younger generations keep on burning.

www.myspace.com/zipzieller

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Finger Inc

Finger Inc consists of Leman (drummer, Priceless Stupid Box), Madey (lead guitar, Priceless Stupid Box), Nuar (bassist, Priceless Stupid Box), Lynn (lead vocalist) and Aqi (rhythm guitar).

Formerly the three fyts wgi were already in F.I recruited Lynn as the vocalist after some serious Karaoke-ing, and were looking for another guitar player. After seeing Aqi played some songs while hanging out, they decided to recruit her too.

With everyone having different tastes in music, it brought out different elements in making their music.

www.myspace.com/fingerinc

JOHO

Show your dedication to JOHO by printing this out and SPAM! your photos with JOHO. (You can look at the pictures taken by members of JOHO in photoJOHO section as example). Let's do this! The time for SPAM! has come :)

Pameran Seni Tampak

(photos credited to Amirul Izwan and Hunaidi Ismail)

When: December 2009
Where: Galeri Seni, Johor Bahru

The gallery showcased the winners' artworks for Pertandingan Seni Tampak Terbuka Johor 2009 which was organized by Yayasan Warisan Johor. They also displayed other artists' artworks that are not only beautiful but an eye-opener as well, some with more elaborate messages (be it hidden or not) compared to the others.

JOHO is impressed with the amount of massive talents that we saw at the gallery especially the artworks from the contest itself.

Events: December 2009

Iskandar Malaysia World Scrabble Festival
Where: the Zon Regency Hotel, Johor Bahru
When: Nov 25 - Dec 10, 2009

Yonex-Sunrise World Master Final 2009
Where: Stadium Bandaraya, Johor Bahru
When: Dec 2-6, 2009

The Rainforest Challenge 2009
Where: Flag off at Sutera Mall and end at the Zon Regency Hotel, Johor Bahru
When: Dec 5 to 14, 2009

Johor Paintball Open 2009
Where: Octville Gold & Country Club
When: Dec 12 to 13 2009
Organizer: Johor Paintball Association
Phone: 07-238 7949

FSI Center Education Road Show
Where: Persada Johor Convention Center, Johor Bahru
When: December 21, 2009
Organizer: FSI Center

SPAM! JOHO
When: January 1, 2010
Where: Roost Bistro, The Zone, Johor Bahru
Time: 6.00pm onwards
Organizer: JOHO
Contact: johobaru@gmail.com
Free admission

Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2009
When: January 3 & 4, 2010
Where: Desaru Golden Beach, Tanjung Penawar
Organizer: Bigfoot Industries
Contact: Mohd Ahmad Shahir
Tel: 017-749 8332
Admission Fee: RM30

Sports

Permas Go-Kart Club, Johor Bahru

Permas Go-Kart Club is one of the longest kart track in Malaysia occupying 10 .5 hectares of workshop and equipped with recreational activities at Taman Plentong.

The company provides rental services for go-kart beginners to learn under the guidance of professionals. It has produces numerous promising go-karters and professional technicians via training.

For more information regarding the activities of go-kart, please go to their website.

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Johor Bahru Downhill Race

If you love mountain biking and have been complaining about the lack of activities on that scene, fret no more. Element & ROAM in association with Malaysia Downhill Association (MDHA) are organizing Johor Bahru Downhill Race for all you lovers out there. For more information regarding this activity, please visit their blog.

Goreng Pisang Mawar

Goreng Pisang MAWAR

Goreng Pisang Mawar is well-known in Johor Bahru. The restaurant is owned by Mr. Rashid and Mrs. Misah. They first started 5 years ago at the side of Masjid Kolam Ayer. The recipes are handed down from generation to generation.

What makes the goreng pisang (bananas fritters) special? The owner said that they are not too oily, crunchy and large in size.

Besides goreng pisang the place also sells other foods such as nasi ambang, friend mee hoon and different kinds of kuih-muih.

50% of it's customers are Singaporean probably because it is pretty rare to find goreng pisang with such quality in Singapore. They also received orders from Singapore.

In the future, the owner plans to make their own batter for the goreng pisang and if possible to open a branch in Singapore.

For more pictures, go to JOHO's flickr.

Promos: December 2009

Malaysia Savings Sale Carnival 2009
Where: Shopping Complexes throughout Johor Bahru
When: Dec 1 to Jan 3, 2010
Organizer: Ministry of Tourism Malaysia & Johor Tourism Action Council

Exhibition of Seni Tampak Johor
Where: Galeri Seni, Yayasan Warisan Johor, Johor Bahru
When: Dec 3-6, 2009

An Evening With Dato Khadijah Ibrahim featuring Ramli Sarip
Where: Persada Johor International Convention Centre
When: Dec 4, 2009

Persembahan Teater 'Walinong Sari' karya Khalid Salleh
Where: Auditorium Sultan Iskandar RTM, Johor Bahru
When: Dec 5, 2009
Time: 8.30pm
Admittance is free

Facon Education & Career Fair 2009
Where: Persada Johor International Convention Centre
When: Dec 19 to 20, 2009
Organizer: Facon Exhibitions Sdn Bhd

Pertandingan Ghazal 2009
Where: Auditorium Sultan Iskandar RTM, Johor Bahru
When: Dec 18 to 20, 2009
Time: 8.00pm
Admittance is free

JB Rock Fest 2009
Where: City Plaza, Johor Bahru
When: Dec 20, 2009
Ticket: RM22

Seni@Hutan Bandar
Where: Laman Tembusu, Hutan Bandar, Johor Bahru
When: December 26 & 27, 2009

Karnival Pemadam Batu Pahat
Where: Dataran Penggaram Batu Pahat
When: January 2, 2010
Time: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Registration: RM30
Contact: En. Samsol (017-7845342)
www.karnivalpemadambp.blogspot.com

Wrath of Bloof Feast Gig
Where: Embrace Hall
When: January 2, 2010

Blog Party (Seminar sehari penulisan blog)
When: January 23, 2010
Where: No. 6B, Jalan Mawar 46, Taman Mawar, 81700 Pasir Gudang
Time: 9am to 6pm
Organiser: Wonderspace
Email: wonderspace@gmail.com
http://thewonderspace.blogspot.com