A beautifully sublime birthday celebration at Au Jardin

If love could be gift-wrapped, I would have done so in a heartbeat – for no one deserves it more than Mum, who turned 91 this year. As a close second, I picked up my brush and painted a portrait of her – my lifelong muse, the woman whose gentle faith in me never wavered. She saw the spark of creativity in my childhood sketches, in the dresses I once designed just for her to tailor and in the kitchen, where she taught me to cook from a young age, nurturing my early interest with patience and pride.

The Risen Christ Catholic Church – a reminder of the Easter promise of hope and life anew

In the quiet hours of reflection, I sometimes find myself scrolling through old photos – their edges faded, smiles softened by time and among them, snapshots of life at the Risen Christ Catholic Church. If there is a Roman Catholic church in Penang that embodies the triumph of faith and the promise of new life, it is the Risen Christ Catholic Church (RCCC) in Ayer Itam. Founded in 1968, the very year I was born, this church was a steadfast presence in my life until my teenage years. Back then, my home was just a stone’s throw away, a mere 500 metres from its doors.

The story behind the universal stripes of the Buddhist flag

The Buddhist flag is a common sight in Buddhist communities today, often seen hanging from temple ceilings or columns indoors, or flying high from flagpoles.

Celebrating Vesak (or Wesak) Day in Penang

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." – Buddha.

Vesak Day falls on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesākha (either in April, May or June). Also known as Buddha Purnima, it is considered as a holy celebration for the Buddhists as the day commemorates Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (parinirvāna).

Church of the Holy Name of Jesus – a historical church in a sleepy hollow

Introduction

Old churches are fascinating buildings. Aside from their obvious roles as houses for worship and community gathering, old churches are also well known for their sublime architecture and illustrious histories. The Western continent has some of the finest and world-renowned churches, the mind immediately recalling structures like the early Gothic-styled Notre Dame in Paris (1163), St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (349AD) and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City (19th century). Equally fascinating ones also include the Santa Maria Maggiore (430AD) and Santa Prassede (780AD) in Rome and the Saxon Brixworth and Escombe churches in England (around 670AD).

The Baking Garage offers a great loaf for the table

It is such a joy listening to the sound of a butter knife spreading butter onto a warm crispy toast. Tasting the salted butter melting on the bread is something so basic yet remarkably rewarding. Its crispy, comforting bite is heavenly. But hold on – not just any toast: it has to be a thick artisan sourdough slice from The Baking Garage (TBG).

Northern Thai offerings and more at Siam Social in Noordin Street

Thanks to Nazlina Hussin, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate food tasting session at Siam Social, a stylish new restaurant and bar on Noordin Street. We were welcomed by Calvin Lim, a former banker who has transitioned into the restaurant scene with a creative flair for interior design and a thoughtful appreciation for good food. The menu offers an interesting mix of Western fare infused with Northern Thai influences, including items ranging from pastas and pizzas to more regionally inspired dishes. To make selection easier, the menu also includes set items for both individuals and groups.

Wanori – Penang’s first handroll bar offers a fresh take on Temaki

From the moment we stepped into Wanori – the Handroll Bar, my daughter Jean and I were drawn in by the open-theatre kitchen concept – a front-row invitation to witness culinary artistry in motion. Seated at the bar, we watched as Chef Sitthiporn Kesngern (Chef Mo) and his team prepared our orders, transforming simple ingredients into exquisite bites. Wanori specialised in handrolls but sashimi and signature donburi were also on the menu among others. With its vibrant energy and focus on premium ingredients, it offered a fresh take on casual bar dining and we were simply excited.

Kek Lok Si Temple, the monastery on Crane Hill

In Chinese iconography, the Crane holds special significance. It is an auspicious symbol denoting longevity, and wisdom that comes with age. The Crane is said to manifest a peculiar interest in human affairs and is also often associated with good luck, high-mindedness, purity and freedom.

Pausing for Reflection on Holy Vesak Day

As 21st century Malaysia hurtles deeper into the recesses of globalisation, an urban rat-race and the 'kiasu' syndrome, does Buddhist culture still bear relevance in preserving traditional values?

The beggar readily sees a bare floor as a place for a good sleep. The rich man, on the other hand, will have nothing else but the softest bed in a 5-star hotel.

Both men, poor and rich, have one similar need - to sleep. But they have completely different levels of craving, different heights of desire.

Church of the Assumption, among Penang's historical landmarks

George Town, the vibrant heart of Penang, has perhaps one of the most diverse religious communities in Malaysia. Here, almost every religion has its own distinct religious architectural abode to serve believers.

Viet Garden offers an extensive Vietnamese menu

Penang is lucky to have a string of good Vietnamese restaurants offering scrumptious signature dishes. Vietnamese cooking draws on the influences of Chinese, Thai, Indian and French cuisines to create irresistible combinations of delicate flavours, fresh ingredients and fabulous textures. Viet Garden, located at Kimberley Street, is one such destination in Penang to enjoy authentic Vietnamese delights.