Hi lovelies! How was your weekend?

Mine was incredible, as you shall see in a bit!

But hey, let’s start from the beginning first, shall we?

First of all, if you’re reading this, you’ll probably realize that you are now looking at the brand new facelift of my blog. Yup, it was relaunched last week during my birthday month but we’re only at Phase One for now!

Credits go to my awesome sponsor, Haze Long of Virtual Misfits!

Will blog  more about this and share our journey towards the launch.

Gymtimes as usual

Shot before circuit training Tuesdays.

My usual post-workout meals (yeah I was told that I eat rabbit food LOL)

Oh and due to popular request, I remember I promised you peeps to make a gallery of all the healthy and clean meals that I often make once the new blog is up.

So I guess its time to fulfill that promise, eh? 🙂 Will be working on that soon!

Weekday midnight runs and chocolate/coffee times with my girls at Mukha Cafe, TTDI.

Ramadan month traffic jams! It took me more than an hour to get to 1 Utama via the LDP highway.

I forsee an equally, if not worse, traffic congestion on our roadtrip to Penang

this weekend due to the festive season of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

For those in the know, the past few weeks had been pretty arduous for me. It’s complicated.

In a nutshell, I was distraught and drained, both emotionally and mentally, due to a personal dilemma that left me especially confused, frustrated and troubled. For those following me on Twitter, sorry for the torrent of emotional tweets! 🙁

It didn’t help that I had so much work, blog notifications and so many emails to reply.

As it was already the beginning of the weekend, I decided to screw it all and not open any one of them.

It can wait. I need my break!

Which was precisely why I packed my bags and left for my favorite island up north – Penang.

Ergo, my weekend was a perfect respite from the exasperating times and everything I’ve been going through in the city. I needed that break and it helped me to re-evaluate life with a calmer mind.

And for that I thank you for everything, Marc.

Checking out the awesome view of the beach from the 6th floor!

Aug 2, 2013 | Hello from #Penang! ❤ by imthejessicat on Keek.com

Went to Flamingo Hotel’s poolside for an early morning swim.

Fancy yourself swimming to this mesmerizing view:

I know bliss when I see one 🙂

Swimming and chilling in the warm, bubbling jacuzzi over fantastic conversations on a weekend.  I could get used to that 😉

Candid shot on the deckchair while I was just about to take a dip in the pool

After swimming, Marc and I headed for some extreme sports. Yup, it’s time to bust out the adrenalin!

As terrified as I was of jet-skiing (no more terrified than I am of roller coasters!), I absolutely love the high-speed, plunging depths of either skyfalls or underwater madness as well as experiencing death-defying moments.

It’s an exhilarating rush, you know?

Except from the fact that I screamed and held my breath 50% of the time, I loved it.

A second time jet-skiing ever, it was no doubt, the ride of my life.

Having the luxury of owning a car, I realized that I have overlooked my surroundings and all the buzz around Penang – especially in Georgetown! It’s relatively easy to jump into your car and look at nothing but your destination.

But as Marc rented a scooter to get us around town easily, I had the wonderful chance of exposing myself to what I would deem the ‘real’ Penang.

Aug 3, 2013 | Scootering ’round #Georgetown, #Penang this #afternoon! Yeaaaaa boi. by imthejessicat on Keek.com

The strong wind blowing against my face, the weathered-walls of British architecture, the scorching rays warming me up (a stark contrast to the comfort of my air-conditioned car), the loud chattering of age-old men reminiscing their youth, watching a close-up of locals bargaining on the street markets and more. It was indeed all new to me.

Georgetown was a hive of energy and true camaraderie, between locals and tourists alike!

By one of the many comical trivia.

Since Georgetown was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, lots of interesting metal rod caricatures had been erected around town, bringing life to history via art.

I love how humour is injected in educating tourists (and locals!) on Penang’s rich history, community stories and culture.

We visited the Camera Museum along Lebuh Muntri.

It was a wonderful gallery of all vintage cameras, photography information, a store of all things camera-related and more Check out this adorable handmade crochet Instagram pouch!

Blog feature soon.

Look du jour.

Mythical creatures and religious icons dot the spacious compound of this 200-year old sacred enclave. Unafraid of the myriad of chimeras and chinthes guarding the temple grounds, here we are at the only Burmese Buddhist temple in Penang!

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple.

By the feet of the Reclining Buddha/Sleeping Buddha

at Wat Chayamangkalaram, a popular Thai Buddhist Temple.

We also headed to Air Hitam, where the Kek Lok Si a.k.a Goddess of Mercy Temple was housed atop a hill.

Aug 6, 2013 | Bringing a foreign buddy around Kek Lok Si temple, #Penang! #Malaysia #tourist by imthejessicat on Keek.com

Wishing ribbons hanging atop a Wish Tree in Kek Lok Si Temple.

Caught sight of an adorable statue of a pig.

I tried to replicate its expression – rather successfully, no?

Sunset on the horizon of Batu Ferringhi beach.

Had dinner at the beautifully lit Straits Quay by nightfall.

There’s so much more that we saw and so many places we headed to, but I’ll leave that for a full blog feature, aight?

Admittedly, I’ve never experienced Penang Island the way I just did.

I was born and bred on this very soil; practically knowing every nook and cranny this island has to offer. Such often breeds a sense of neglect and disregard after a couple of decades, eventually being unappreciative of Penang’s heritage and splendours.

After all, familiarity does breed contempt.

But this weekend, on the contrary, was highly opposed  from “going home”. This weekend, it was as though I had traversed to a different island; an island I embraced with open arms and a fresh panorama from my mind’s eye.

It was an actual holiday, for once.

So proud to be an island girl!

You’ll never know life like the way you know the ocean waves of home.

I left Penang with a heavy heart and twice the knowledge of my beloved island.

It is only when you show another around that you begin to see this little notion called ‘home’ from a completely different perspective. One of a traveller’s; armed with a ravenous thirst of the unknown and starving for the thrills of adventure.

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The Sunday Times is a weekly series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest, share my personal thoughts, and to briefly highlight my recommendations for to-go and to-eat places! Some photos were posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & my LIVE Blog. Do follow to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around me!

Hello there my quaint little island, the blogpost is finally here! Sorry I took a while. 

I may be late, but I certainly would not let a party as big as this slip away from my blog line up.

((STYLESHOT OF THE DAY))

TheJessicat wears: Red-Black Toga Dress by S.U.B | 

Black Studded Bag by GUESS | Red Stilettos by Payless Shoes

Do you know which party I'm talking about?

Betcha do!  It's HENNESSY ARTISTRY PENANG 2012

The glorious Hennessy VSOP bottle & I, flanked by two lovely usherettes

This entry is a sequel to both my posts here and here

When I heard that the first of the Hennessy Artistry trilogy series of parties was set to rock Penang island, I was not only proud of my little island, but also excited that a party of such a scale was to be celebrated on the grounds I call home 

Arriving at the foyer. I was taught to make my own Hennessy cocktail! 

One of the usherettes (who happens to be a friend of mine) Jenny, showed me what to do

I was astonished to how Hennessy completely revamped Straits Quay Convention Center!

That very night itself, SQCC turned into a huge party arena hosting more than 2000 guests, complete with an all-new Hennessy Art of Mixing Zone, signature Hennessy VSOP long drinks and of course, the trademark Hennessy Artistry party atmosphere.

The classy lounge-foyer area for guests to sit, chat, drink and chill

before getting sloshed at the battlefield of a party zone 

Pam, Jessmine & I at the Hennessy lounge 

My homies and I catching up over a few drinks that we were taught to make 

Samantha & I

Guests could have their photo taken at a very interactive photo booth where several cameras placed all around the raised platform woulsimultaneously capture photos to achieve a 360 degree photo effect. 

The girls and I atop the panoramic Hennessy 360 camera platform!

Really cool photo sequence, if I do say so myself! 

Soon after, I made my way inside the party-zone

Spotted glasses and glasses of Hennessy on the counter all lined up in such a neat manner!

Got into my zone. The 'S' Zone also known as the VIP, bloggers & media zone

Our table was given a Hennessy VSOP bottle of our own with plenty of mixers to go around!

Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Ginger, Hennessy Soda & Hennessy Berry. Your pick? 🙂

Thank you Paul for a lovely photo! 

with the girls 

with the boys 

When I got in, the first act of the night was already warming up the party scene.

Spin master DJ Ramsey Westwood (a friend of mine!) began the hype by dropping his set of progressive house & electro 

Drop 'em sick beats like you always do, Rams!

Whoooop whoooop! 

It was no wonder he bagged champion at the ASTRO Hitz Spinmaster Season 2.

As the music kept pumping and dropping at all the right places, we guests fed off the energy and made it our own!

Emcees of the night from MTV VJ Rich & VJ Holly Grabarek kept us on our feet & welcomed the next act on stage

Here are some party pictures!

Same high school back then; at the same party right now! 

Collegemate Mikey and I 

BFF Joyce and I  We go a long way back!

The view from the back of the crowd

Before we knew it, the next act joined DJ Ramsey Westwood up on stage! 

As two is always better the one, both of them performed a stellar collabo act of beats and vocals!

Local songbird & 'One in a Million' winner Suki Low ripped the crowd apart with her powerful vocal chords

while DJ Ramsey spun David Guetta's Titanium feat. Sia

I am Titaaaaaaniiiiummmmm!!!!

She then continued with chart-topping popular hits from Katy Perry, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and even classic numbers by soul diva Whitney Houston! Suki hit all the notes – especially the high ones! – perfectly, it was mind-blowing.

She's on the edge of glory, you bet! 

A crew of dancers then joined her onstage and Suki also busted some dance moves in unison.

Such an electrifiying performance!

Her act stole the limelight for that moment and drew a heavy applause from the floor

We loved her and even sang along with her as she belted out the songs we knew of  

More party pictures?

We. are. Penang cha bohs! 

MORE Penang kias!

Yup, believe it or not we were all from the same primary & high school buildings playing tag & hopskotch in our school uniforms a decade ago

And now we're all dolled up at the same party listening to the same music & drinking the same drinks.

This is why I love parties. You not only get to meet new people but also rekindle with old/long-lost friends!

For that I'd like to thank Hennessy, for making this happen 

The third act of the night made their way upstage after Suki finished her show

It was none other than Asian Kings of the Mandopop scene – Lollipop F

The appearance of this dance quartet led to screaming female fans from all corners of the party to the utmost front as much their zone-barricades could allow them.

Another one-night-only collaboration was born! 

DJ Ramsey X Lollipop F

With their very tight choreography, they certainly stole the show!

They even incorporated stunts, breakdancing & other daredevil acts too!

I was so impressed and held my breath for fear that he was going to topple over! *gasp*

He defied gravity as he went lower and lower and lower OMG

Lead singer of Lollipop F – Owodog belting out their popular songs

Coming from someone who doesn't listen to chinese songs at all, I was actually in awe at how energetic, charming and appealing their performance were. Good vocals, good looks, good dance routines, good stunts, good body unique fashion style – name it, and they have it all 

No wonder many girls were hyperventilating throughout their show 

More party pictures!

Ash and I 

Vivian & I 

Perk & I 

Alex & I 

Take one!

Take two!

The emcees came back onstage to have a toast with us – TO HENNESSY VSOP! 

Soon after, they welcomed the next act.

Guess who the next act of the night will be?

It's the grammy-award nominated British Trance/Progressive music producer/DJ….

*drumroll* Andy Moor!

His set and remixes sounded amazing and even more so, reverberating from the state-of-the-art sound system!

He shot the crowd to a sonic mayhem

You can bet your bottom dollar I went absolutely beserk headbanging & jumping around during his set

Photos never lie, huh? 

Andy had the beat to move our feet & the bass to melt our face! 

Make way for more party pictures!

Can't get enough of Penang peeps yet?

Here's more Penang peeps for you 

A party would never be complete without both my very special girl friends with me 

For long time readers, you would already recognize them from all the photos:

Bestie Joyce!

Bestie Pam!

The night was still young, but it was plain to see that the thousands of partygoers wanted more.

We were more than ready to get our groove on to the final act of the night – Ernest C!

This cutting-edge house and electro maestro made us jump to our feet again!

He even dropped those wicked 

dubstep booms from Skrillex and Porter Robinson!

Final batch of party pictures!

Thank you Hennessy Malaysia for an epic one-night-only weekend and an amazing time!

Bringing a stellar line-up for us, both international & local, serving us free-flow of delicious Hennessy shots & cocktails and a fun-loving, marvellous party experience, we owe it all to you. Looking forward to more of Hennessy Artistry! 

Did you know that the next instalment of Hennessy Artistry series of trilogy parties is underway?

Yup, mark your calenders for next Saturday, 8th August 2012! 

More info in the next blogpost 

My weekend went swell… it was a blast in every sense of the word!

Thanks to Hennessy Malaysia, I flew down to Penang on Saturday to attend Hennessy Artistry Penang.

At one of the many Hennessy bars during the press conference in the afternoon

As I've announced before in this blogpost, Hennessy Artistry is back with a bang this 2012!

The aforementioned party which I had the pleasure of attending, marks the very first of its trilogy of parties this year! 

We arrived the airport as early as 9 o' clock in the morning, boarded the plane by Malaysia Airlines and had a pleasant flight towards Penang. Touched down safely just before noon.

Lunchtime at Blue Reef Fish & Chips @ Straits Quay

The grilled Chilean Sea Bass aka Cod with Prawns was delicious! 

We were then ushered to Straits Quay Convention Centre for the Press Conference session along with a Meet & Greet with the artistes of the event. 

They were Taiwan Mandopop boyband Lollipop F, UK Grammy-Award Trance DJ Andy Moor and our very talented local acts DJ Ramsey Westwood, DJ Ernest C and singer/vocalist Suki Low.

This way to the venue

At the Hennessy Artistry photowall!

TheJessicat wears:

Blazer by Cotton On

Black Studded shoulderbag by Guess

Heart Sunnies sponsored by Online Store : Friendly Fashion

Leopard Tank sponsored by Online Store : Friendly Fashion

Dark Grey jeggings by Forever 21

Neon Pink-Rainbow kicks by Nike

Had a sneak peak into the venue before anyone else.

The moment I stepped in, I was in awe! 

Loved how they transformed the convention hall into such a posh bar-lounge to mingle about 

Heaps of tables, chairs & lounge sofas for guests to chill with their fave Hennessy drinks

Guests will have their photo taken at the Hennessy 360 Camera platform!

Love it! So much fun 😀

That, my dears, is only the beginning!

For behind the curtains is the stage, many bars, lounge sofas, podiums and more located within the enormous party zone capable of hosting more than 2000 party-goers.

Patience, pet!  Patience! 

The bar boasting Hennessy's signature long drinks : 

Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Berry, Hennessy Ginger & Hennessy Soda! 

I had my fave Hennessy Apple made by the Hennessy girls manning the bar

Dear Hennessy, congrats on your lovely new bottle again! 

Before we knew it, the MC of the event, MTV VJ Rich, ushered us to gather around before he welcomed the artistes of Hennessy Artistry Penang 2012 to the venue! 

Richard Herrera aka MTV VJ Rich. He's a bit of a looker, is he not? 😉  😉

We had the opportunity to speak to them and find out what they think about this party.

Questions were posed and from there we got to know the stars a tad better 🙂

Owodog from Lollipop F answering a question from the floor

Did you know that the 'F' in 'Lollipop F' represents their FOUR members? 😀

Now we do.

Local DJs Ernest C and Ramsey Westwood sharing their sentiments

Suki Low and Andy Moor listening attentively

Candid shot! Suki Low in smiles

After the press conference, I told her how I watched her grow since her victory as a 16 year old girl in 8TV's One in a Million reality TV show. She seemed rather surprised and bashful about my knowing of her since way back then! 

I was excited to watch her perform ever since her debut in 2006.

DJ Ramsey smile for the camera!

Rams and I 

Ramsey, a fellow Penangite, is a friend of mine since teenagehood

Looking forward to watch him play tonight as (let's be honest) I've never watched him play LIVE before! 😛

Andy Moor. My eyecandy of the night!

I couldn't believe I was sitting about 2 feet directly in front of Andy Moor.

I've been listening to his works and remixes for a couple of years now and this British trance & progressive music DJ/Producer is nothing short of talented!  Take a listen to his tracks, it's really good 😀

I asked Andy a question : What will we partygoers be expecting from you and your set tonight?

To which he answered : I'm very excited about tonight. Expect a whole lot of groove.. and energy!

Andy Moor and I  My day (life) is complete 😛

Here's a group photo of all the artistes of Hennessy Artistry Penang 2012!

Cheers! Tonight's gonna be a good night 😀

Managed to steal a photo with MTV VJ Rich before everything was over 😛

When the Press Conference was over, we were left all pumped up and excited to partyrock on tonight with free-flow of superb drinks by Hennessy, a stellar line up, good music and many familiar faces! 

You know there's always a good party with the world's leading cognac, Hennessy VSOP, around!

We were then chauffeured back to our crib for the night, G-Hotel along Gurney Drive! 

I took a short rest, had a piping hot shower and began dolling up for tonight's event.

My room

Dubbed Penang's Most Stylish Address, it was a pleasure to have stayed in this seafront hotel that comes with a breathtaking coastal view. Except though, rather unfortunately, it wasn't the most breathtaking view as I had imagined due to the low tide of the sea.

Bummer! 🙁

My workspace for the weekend. 

Had only very little time to bask in the comfort and spaciousness of my room during the day, a little bit during the night and the morning after, but I made sure I did! :D

But my love for my King Sized bed knows no boundaries! 

Giant mirrors too. I approve! 😀

Now excuse me, while I put my best foot forward for tonight

Just before the event began, we had dinner at Hisago Modern Japanese Restaurant @ Straits Quay

I had cod again, but with Soft Shell Crab Maki and Sashimi this time!

After a satisfiying meal at Hisago, it was time to turn up the party dial!

Hennessy Artistry Penang 2012 was just about to begin…

Stay tuned! 

Phew!

Now that the exam season is over and done with, I can finally bid farewell to life in university goodbye

Unless I return for a post-graduate Masters degree, that is.

But for now, I'm all roaring ready and looking forward to the weekend already!

If you've been following my blog for long, you would know that I frequent Hennessy Artistry parties often dating all the way back in 2009

LOL My 20 year old self back in the first few Hennessy Artistry parties ever

Oh and remember this epic one held at Bukit Kiara in 2009 featuring Fat Man Scoop & the Ying Yang Twins?

Yup, was wicked indeed.

But before you whine WHY DO ARTISTRY SERIES OF PARTIES HAPPEN IN KL ONLY!?!

Fret not

The premier, super-clubbing phenomenon is back and ready to rock your socks off.

Get ready for three explosive parties! 

The first of which is all-set to begin in Penang Island this 16th June at the

gorgeous waterfront of Straits Quay!

A turnout of more than 2000 revellers are estimated, making Artistry the biggest party to be held on the island

The first instalment of H-Artistry 2012 will feature an all-new Art of Mixing zone, signature Hennessy V.S.O.P long drinks and the trademark Hennessy Artistry party atmosphere

(Epic as ever. I can certainly vouch for that!)

Artistes who will be our entertainment for the night

The sensational line-up features chart-topping Mandopop sensation Lollipop F, UK grammy-award nominated trance DJ/Producer Andy Moor (YAY!!) as well as Malaysia's local talents Suki Low, Ernest C and Ramsey Westwood

Being an electronic dance music enthusiast, I certainly cannot wait for Andy Moor

to drop some of his sick beats and bring the house down!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7idRTKiQUlM

Here's one of my faves, 'Fight the Fire'

How do you attend?

This is an invitation-only event. If you want to attend this party, head on to H-Artistry's Facebook page

Alternatively, you can purchase a bottle of Hennessy VSOP from these outlets to redeem your invitation

Hope you're just as excited as me to tear up the night this weekend in Penang!

Will be flying off to Penang this Saturday morning for a press conference with the artistes & party at night!

Let me know if you want to ask any of the stars anything! 🙂

SEE YOU PARTY PEOPLE THERE! x

For those of you following me on Twitter or have me on Facebook, yall would know that I have undergone yet another body art procedure today.

I was at the Rock Ink Night by Mandala Tattoo Parlour at Finnegan's Irish Pub & Restaurant, Straits Quay. Nope, I didn't do a new tattoo (although I still haven't blogged about my 4th tattoo yet, sorry!!) but my 6th piercing this time round.

 It is known as the Industrial Piercing (US) or as the Scaffold Piercing (UK) or Construction Piercing.

For those of you who aren't too familiar with body mod lingo, it refers to any two pierced holes connected with a single straight barbell.

Okay now that I've slightly "educated" you with some piercing trivia, lemme show you what I've gone through.

They say once you get through the Industrial Piercing, you can get through anything. 'Cos apparently, Industrials are the worst, most painful kind of piercing ever. Says people who have done a multitude of piercings, that I trust.

I was told to drink up, drink up, and drink up some more.

'Cos alcohol somehow numbs certain sensations

I did wonder why they told me to drink more but when they said, "Trust me. Drink more. It will help", I began to harbour some slight fear within me. Yikes. What am I getting myself into again?

Alright, ready? Quickly, get over and done with it, please 

TA-DAAA!! Whole process took about 5 whole minutes.

Compared to 5 hours of each tattoo I've done so far, these 5 minutes is equivalent to torture 

Oh and, here's a collage of all my friends who were there!

Didn't manage to take everyone's piccies 'cos I really cbf when I was in pain but yeah.

Worst part was, I got home and asked the boyfie's sister (who also has an Industrial) in Australia how long it will take to heal or at least not hurt anymore, she told me "a few months, but everyone is different".

HOLY SHEEEETS. 🙁 🙁 🙁 nnnnnnnnoooooooooooo.

A FEW MONTHS??? All my tattoos only took 2-3 weeks to heal completely 

I can't even wait one month, let alone a few. Sigh. Looks like imma have to lay off the seafood for a while.

ANYWAY, I'm done! (and in pain)

credits to buddies Joyce & Edwin for helping me take pics during the night! xx

Then again, pain is the new game.

 I'm not passionate towards tattoos and piercings for nothing; everyone has preferences and this is mine.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vZwnEHQ-gA

Here's the video, as promised!!

To me, it's a work of art on my biological canvas, engraved in there for life. 

No pain, no gain.

And I'm lovin' it. Hell to the yeah!

I echo buddy Edwin who said that I had "balls of steel" and the boyfie who said "brutal; that's my girl"

*biggrins* Although my ear is still throbbing with pain as we speak, imma go to sleep with a smile.

I love how my piercings just peep out subtly like that teehee!

Goodnight lovelies! 😀