Many of us love to holiday abroad, but have we really given due consideration to exploring our own backyard? Here’s your chance, in an all-expenses paid trip via the My Selangor Story competition where 30 bloggers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia explore Selangor for 4 days, thanks to Tourism Selangor and Horizon Communications.

To launch and officiate the My Selangor Story bloggers competiton, the Selangor Chairperson of Standing Committee of Tourism, Consumer Affairs, and Environment, YB Elizabeth Wong, said proudly, “The first half of this year has seen more than three million visitors which is very encouraging.” So hopefully, this competition will help promote Selangor as a destination for tourists.

These 30 shortlisted bloggers will compete with each other to churn out the best documentation of their trip – their own Selangor story. They will be judged according to creativity in presenting their adventures in Selangor; the popularity of their blogs in terms of traffic flow and comments; entertaining and quality audiovisual uploads of their exciting activities; and most importantly, the relevancy of their commentary on Selangor as based on their experiences.

As their trip progresses, the bloggers will be required to create a daily three-minute video diary that documents their activities for that day, which will be uploaded on YouTube, and its link posted on the official My Selangor Story website. Readers will be able to vote for their favourite blog on the same website too, and the judges will then decide which blogger deserves to win the Grand Prize of RM2,500 and a return trip for two, to visit Selangor once again, and a Pentax camera worth RM1,099, among others. Prizes will also be awarded to the First Runner Up, Second Runner Up, and those with the Most Creative Blog, Best Write-Up, Best Video, Most Interactive Blog, and Best Photos, exclusively.

All 30 bloggers will be travelling in style, too. BMW has sponsored 30 cars for these bloggers to drive to their destinations (Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Genting Highlands, Sunway Lagoon, and Ampang Lookout Point, to name a few), Pentax will be providing high-quality cameras to record and photograph their experiences, and for bloggers in Singapore and Indonesia, they will be flown in courtesy of Firefly.

Interested? Then all you need to have is an active personal blog, be a resident of Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia, and of course, have an interest in travelling and a taste for adventure! Get your game face on, and upload a 60-second video of yourself on YouTube that will convince the judging committee to pick you. Alternatively, you could send in a 300-word (no more) essay. Register by filling in the entry form on the My Selangor Story website, attach the link to the form, and wait for the call. The closing date for entries is 5 September 2010, and the 30 selected bloggers will be announced on 13 September 2010 with the travelling period to Selangor scheduled to take place from 24 – 27 September 2010.

Further, these 30 bloggers will be provided with items in the form of merchandise or vouchers from the official sponsors, which they will auction off on their blogs. All proceeds from the respective online auctions will go to charity organisations of Tourism Selangor’s choice.

Visit their official website at www.myselangorstory.com, or visit their Facebook fanpage by searching for “My Selangor Story”, and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MYselangorstory.

Event date: 2 October 2010
Event time: 8 pm
Venue: Arena of Stars

Package of return flights (including taxes and surcharges) + hotel stay + concert ticket available:

-          2D1N package from RM322 per pax

-          3D2N package from RM383 per pax

Booking period: Now – 24 Sept 10 | Travelling period: 28 Sept – 6 Oct 10

For more packages available, please click http://www.fireflyholiday.com/promotions/jeff-chang

Additional frequencies:

SIN-SZB additional 1 flight daily resulting in 6 flights daily

SIN-IPH additional 3 flights (days 3,5,7) resulting in 2 flights daily

SZB-TGG additional 1 flight daily resulting in 3 flights daily

SZB-KBR additional 13 flights (2x on days 1,2,3,4,5,7 and 1x day 6) resulting in 7 flights daily

SZB-PEN additional 2 flights daily resulting in 10 flights daily

SZB-LGK additional 5 flights (days 1,2,3,4,6) resulting in 2 flights daily

PEN-MES additional 1 flight daily resulting in 2 flights daily

PEN-BTJ additional 4 flights (days 1,3,5,7) resulting in 1 flight daily

Routes reinstated:

PEN-KBR flights on days 1,3,5,7 resulting in 4 times a week

PEN-KUA flights on days 2,4,6 resulting in 3 times a week

PEN-TGG flights on days 2,4,6 resulting in 3 times a week

In a statement released today, Managing Director Dato’ Eddy Leong said that on top of the three aircraft, Firefly is negotiating for additional four ATR72-500s to be delivered in 2011/12 to fuel its expansion into more secondary routes.

Firefly received its first ATR72-500 aircraft on the 11 August 2008 and has since been operating with 7 brand new ATR72-500s serving 19 destinations from its hubs in Subang and Penang.  Firefly’s routes cover both business and leisure destinations in Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatera and Thailand.  It boasts a “One Destination Four Countries” point-to-point connectivity offering incredible values at low fares.

With the convenience of flying out of Subang, Firefly also offers incredible value with low fares, that includes 20kg check-in baggage allowance, assigned seating and in-flight refreshment.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) expects between RM60 million and RM100 million in annual revenue contribution from the move to make the Kota Kinabalu International Airport a second hub.

Its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tengku Datuk Azmil Zahruddin, said the geographical location of Kota Kinabalu made it a natural gateway to Borneo for traffic from China, Taiwan, North Asia, Indonesia and Autralia.

“There is room for growth. The airport is capable of handling 12 million passengers annually,” he told reporters announcing the airline’s second-quarter financial results here, Monday.

He said new routes will be added from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport in order to match capacity and demand for better economics.

Tengku Azmil said there will be more opportunities to increase yield as Malaysia Airlines started to receive new planes.

The airline has ordered up to 55 B737-800s and 25 A330-300s, with a total of three B737-800s to be received in 2010, comprising one each in October, November and December.

“We have also completed our discussions with Airbus and will be taking the six A380s. The first will be delivered in April 2012,” he said.

Tengku Azmil said MASkargo will also increase its fleet size from five to seven by September to cope with the surge in air freight demand.

The additional aircraft will allow MASkargo to offer new twice weekly services into New York via Amsterdam beginning the second week of September, he said.

To support MASkargo’s expansion plans, the first two A330-200F will be received in September and November 2011.

“Discussions are also underway to get the other two freighters delivered by the first half of 2012,” he said, adding that MASkargo had earlier placed a firm order for two A380-200F with option for another two.

As for Firefly, Tengku Azmil said: “We are ordering three additional ATRs. Currently, Firefly has seven ATRs. The three ATRs will be delivered by end of this year.”

On compensation for the delayed A380s, he said: “I would still prefer to get the aircraft rather than the compensation. The cost of delay is higher than the compensation.”

Malaysia Airlines has chosen four financial institutions to finance its 14 B737-800 aircraft which will be received from 2010 to 2011.

Tengku Azmil said the airline was currently in final discussion with few potential lenders for its A330 aircraft which will be delivered from 2011 to 2012.-Bernama

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=74085

KUALA LUMPUR: Program Titipan Kasih Harian Metro edisi khas Ramadan kembali tahun ini dengan penyertaan lebih banyak penaja korporat yang menghulurkan sumbangan bagi menjayakannya.

Sambutan yang diberikan amat menggalakkan dan program Titipan Kasih yang masuk tahun ketiga akan diadakan di Kampung Bukit Bayan, Melaka pada Sabtu ini dan Chemor, Perak pada 4 September.

Pengarang Kumpulan Harian Metro, Datuk Mustapa Omar berkata, program amal itu sebagai satu tanggungjawab sosial korporat akhbar nombor satu negara itu bagi meraikan anak yatim, ibu tunggal dan keluarga miskin di kedua-dua kawasan bersempena Ramadan yang mulia ini.

“Pelbagai aktiviti yang akan dijalankan termasuk gotong-royong di antara warga kerja Harian Metro bersama penduduk kampung dan kariah masjid, ” katanya pada majlis penyerahan tajaan dan pelancaran Program Titipan Kasih Harian Metro 2010 di Balai Berita, di sini, kelmarin.

Program itu ditaja Sani Ekspres Sdn Bhd; Pasar raya Tesco; Kumpulan AmBank; Pasar raya Giant; Orang Kampung Corporation; Takaful Ikhlas; Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Shell Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Yusof Taiyoob Sdn Bhd, Padi Beras Nasional Berhad, Puspakom Sdn Bhd, Iltizam Perkasa, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Fella Designs, Firefly, Milo, Tohtonku, Islamic Relief Malaysia, Nurbeautyline dan Maggi.

Packages are available online.

http://www.fireflyholiday.com/promotions/ouyang-feifei

Buy now!

This past week has been nothing short of amazing for music lovers in Kuala Lumpur. On Saturday there was Heineken Green Room featuring The Rapture and MTV World Stage featuring the likes of Tokio Hotel and Katy Perry. On Sunday, we had By Demand: Coheed & Cambria, the highly-talented Orianthi on Wednesday; and on Thursday we had the honour of welcoming legendary rock n’ roll guitarist Slash to Malaysia for the first time ever, in conjunction with his world tour to promote his new self-titled album.

Crowds were beginning to converge at Sunway shortly after lunchtime, with several hopeful fans spotted toting guitars and cameras in hopes of bumping into Slash himself. (The writer actually bumped into Myles Kennedy but didn’t realise it until much later) There were actually a few decked out in top hats and/or leather jackets too, despite the fact that the concert was going to be held at an outdoor venue.

Opening for the top-hatted guitar god was our local rock legend Amy Search, as well as the winner of the “Bintang Rock Hot FM”, Blister, who won the right to open for Slash.

Despite having played four shows in the past week before his maiden showcase in Malaysia, the man himself showed no signs of fatigue, starting the show with the first track off his new album, ‘Ghost’.

With Myles Kennedy on lead vocals, Slash & co. played a combination of songs from the new album and bands that Slash has played in, with tracks from Guns N’ Roses (‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, ‘Nightrain’, ‘Paradise City’), Slash’s Snakepit (‘Mean Bone’) and more recently, supergroup Velvet Revolver (‘Dirty Little Thing’, ‘Slither’). The surprise inclusion on the setlist was the AlterBridge song ‘Rise Today’, as a large majority of the fans in attendance were there for Slash.

After receiving a lukewarm response to playing an AlterBridge song, Myles Kennedy began introducing the other members of the band, before Slash in return introduced him to the crowd, resulting in a witty exchange between the two – after Slash went, “See dude? They love you!”, Myles replied, “Well at least I know someone loves me,” sparking much laughter from the fans.

Shortly after, Slash broke into a little shred-a-thon, wowing the fans while making a joke of the general preconceived notion that he’s best at the slow, emotionally powerful solos. With the fans still amazed after his virtuosic display of skill, he cheekily began playing the opening notes to that classic rock anthem that brought his old band Guns N’ Roses to the forefront of the music world, ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’. And to no surprise, everyone present went crazy.

The entire crowd began jumping and singing alon – it was honestly quite hard to hear anything, until the song reached its climax, with Slash dishing out his trademark face-melting solos, to which some enthusiastic fans began doing the air guitar routine, following the exact motions of the curly-haired, top-hatted guitar god onstage.

After playing ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, the band went off stage, prompting the crowd to call them out for an encore. Chants of “We want more!” and “One more song!” rang out, as the crowd demanded their money’s worth.

Emerging from backstage for their encore, Slash & co. went on to perform the 2005 Grammy Award-winning song ‘Slither’ originally played by supergroup Velvet Revolver, triggering mosh pits and jump pits all through the crowd, before Myles Kennedy called out to the crowd in the lead up to the last song of the night. “Paradise what?” he asked several times, each replied with a unified scream of “City!!!”. What a tease! Slash began playing the memorable intro to the song as a fitting final song for the night.

WORDS Matt Liew PHOTOS Joshua Chay

Rock legend Slash so wowed his fans with heavy riff guitar action at his recent concert that it left PETRINA JO FERNANDEZ with chills down her spine

“MALAYSIA was awesome! Awesome people, awesome country,” Slash tweeted at midnight last Thursday, two hours after his debut concert ended.
And awesome it was.
It was the concert of all concerts, an epic music adventure with insane electric guitar action. No one can make that baby wail the way Slash does.

I doubt anyone even remembers the opening acts, though local rocker Amy Search’s Isabella got the crowd in the mood to party. But the night was definitely all about Slash and his guitar.
As it began to drizzle, the crowd’s chanting grew louder and more insistent: “We want Slash! We want Slash!” It wasn’t long before rock’s arguably second-greatest legend (after Jimi Hendrix) took his place on the stage to the mad delight of the crowd (this was also one of the most punctual concerts ever held — no dramatic late entrance by this star). The buzz was infectious and the first song could barely be heard over the excited screams and the occasional “I love you, Slash!” declarations.
Slash was backed by Myles Kennedy (vocalist), Bobby Schneck (guitarist), Todd Kerns (bassist) and Brent Fitz (drummer). The band played a few hits from Slash’s recently-released debut album, including Ghost and Beggars And Hangers-On.

When Guns N’ Roses’ Nightrain (a tribute to an infamous brand of Californian wine, Night Train Express, which ranked eighth on Guitar World’s Top Ten Drinking Songs list) came on, the concert took on a whole new level. Myles could barely be heard as the band went all out, increasing tempo and volume to match that of the frenzied crowd.
Myles had been doing all the talking until Slash took the mike about a half hour into the show.
“You know, I’ve never been here before,” he said, his deep voice resonating at the Surf Beach at Sunway Lagoon. “I’ve never been blown away by so many beautiful women in my life. I wish I could move here.” The crowd cheered as he launched into the intro of Nothing To Say, an upbeat number from his eponymous album that got hands waving and feet tapping. Again, Myles could barely be heard but Slash’s guitar came across loud and clear, and that was all everyone wanted then. A mad riff between verses had the crowd cheering as they watched the legend in top-notch action. At one point, he held up his guitar for the audience to see him shredding, his fingers working so furiously over the instrument that it should have started smoking. Myles held the vocals steady as the guitar genius drew the crowd deeper and deeper into the song.

Starlight showed off Myles’s husky, rich voice. He could wail too, his voice a wonderful instrument. He adeptly took control of the stage, wowing the crowd with a range you have to hear to believe. His voice rang clear at the bridge and Slash took over, with heart-stopping double stops and bends, before surrendering the end to Myles who definitely owned the song.
The band was a solid work of music, and they managed to involve the audience. It wasn’t musicians performing for a crowd, it was a band and its fans celebrating music together. Myles told the audience, “Anyone who can whistle or hum a melody, please join in when Slash starts playing. You’ll recognize it (the song) immediately.” The intro to Civil War came on, and the crowd hummed along to another Guns N’ Roses favourite.
It was then Slash’s turn in the spotlight. Sweet Child O’ Mine has always been one of Gun N’ Roses’ bests, but hearing it live was simply mind-blowing. The audience sang (more like shouted) along and Slash’s legendary solo sent shivers down spines. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like seeing this classic performed live.
The night was drawing to a close as the band launched into Slither, yet another hit with the crowd. The set list was brilliantly arranged, mixing tracks on the Slash album with Velvet Revolver hits and all-time Guns N’ Roses favourites, building the night to a climax that ended with an encore of Paradise City. When Slash took the stage, the rest of the world simply faded away. Intense guitar shredding, tingling trilling and haunting wailing were all everyone was focused on. No one gave the lighting or the set another look. Who cared if it was uncomfortably hot and humid and we were all packed in like sardines in a can? All that mattered was a musician on stage working his magic.
Slash’s found his sound WITH fans that span generations, guitar legend Slash has been revamping rock since his founding group Guns N’ Roses’ heyday. After putting together two other bands, Snakepit and Velvet Revolver, Slash is now touring to promote his debut solo self-titled album.
At Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa, Saul “Slash” Hudson took fifteen minutes before rehearsals to talk about his music.

So you’re playing with a new amp at the concert at Sunway Lagoon? Yeah, I’m really excited about it. When I was putting out the new record, I wanted to do something for my fans. I saw online that many people were trying to build an amp like the one I used for Appetite. I had no idea that they were so interested — they even had blueprints and everything. So I thought of having a new amp and what better way than to go straight to the source: I went to Marshall (equipment company) and we designed the AFD100 Signature Amplifier to recreate that very unique sound (in Appetite). It’s going into production now, and we’re using it at our concerts. It sounded great in Singapore! Are you into tweaking around with equipment? Nah, I’m an old school guy. I don’t mess with stuff much. Technical details don’t interest me. If it sounds good, then I’ll stick with it. I’m a very basic guitarist: two amps and I’m good. I don’t go crazy over pedalboards and all that.
Any chance of a Slashfest, with the huge following you have? That would be sort of cool. Ozzy (Osbourne) has his Ozzfest and I always thought it was cool. It would be nice to put together a festival with a talented group. I haven’t seen the best lineup though. The one’s I’ve worked with are good but they could be better.
What’s it like having complete control over your tour for a change? I like taking the simplest approach. I travel with a skeleton crew: a sound guy and a couple of techs. In a band you always have someone complicating things — I don’t know why they find it so hard to get things together. If you could play one last song, what would it be? That’s depressing. If I should die of electrocution on stage, I want to go out playing Paradise City. Any advice to guitar players? What I do is basically what turned me on as a kid — blues-driven rock ‘n’ roll. I don’t know how I got away with doing this for so long. The thing is a lot of guys don’t get a sound together, a sound that really represents them. I know so many guitar players who haven’t figured out what their sound is. If you don’t have a sound, you don’t have a voice. Find a sound.

Read more: Showbiz: Guitar god rocks http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Showbiz_Guitargodrocks/Article#ixzz0wG1OCt37

PETALING JAYA – August 4, 2010 – Dato’ Eddy Leong, Managing Director of Firefly, Your Community Airline, and YB Dato’ Dr. James Dawos Mamit, Deputy Minister of Tourism, today proudly presented at a press conference the legendary rock icon Slash who will rock Malaysian fans in a concert on Thursday, August 5 at 7.00 p.m. at the Surf Beach @ Sunway Lagoon.

In welcoming Slash, Eddy said, “This Slash Live in Kuala Lumpur 2010 concert is a concrete symbol of our excellent strategic collaboration and partnership with Tourism Malaysia. With more of this kind of community engagement, Firefly is poised to be a driver for tourism and economic growth in the region, and together, we can attract arrivals of tourists into the country. We hope to play a significant part in the growth and development of tourism industry in the country.”

“It is indeed very exciting to see Firefly showcase one of the most talented rock artists in the world. This concert will certainly give Slash fans not just around the nation but those living in the region, the best opportunity to see this legendary entertainer performing live, and simultaneously enjoy the beautiful touristic spots that Malaysia has to offer. Firefly has shown an excellent example by embarking on this partnership with Tourism Malaysia to attract arrivals of tourists to our shores. We would like to thank Firefly for the playing a positive role developing the tourism country through entertainment,” said Dr. James.

Slash, a founding member of the Guns N’ Roses, had flown into Kuala Lumpur today at 2.10 pm from Jakarta with his 13-strong entourage after performing to a two sell-out concerts in Indonesia. Upon their arrival, the entourage had been given welcoming garlands with a truly Malaysian hospitality by four girls in different costumes representing the different composition of our 1-Malaysia.

Legendary guitar hero Saul “Slash” Hudson (Guns ‘N Roses, Velvet Revolver) had released his debut solo album with a little help from his friends and former band mates of the Appetite for Destruction era Guns ‘N Roses, as well as a diverse cast of music legends. Dominated by heavy riffs and passionate solos, Slash’s first solo album has seen nothing but success, air play, and positive reviews.

While keeping true to his hard rock roots, Slash music has a variety of rock genres ranging from Punk Rock to Hip Hop with each song having something in common – a powerful guitar rhythm delivered with precision and in perfect harmony with the vocalist’s voice.

His performance will be backed by an all-star band including vocalist Myles Kennedy, guitarist extraordinaire Robert Schneck, Todd Kerns on bass, and drummer Brent Fitz.

Tickets for the concert are still available online at www.fatdeal.com.my or call the official ticketing agent Fatdeal at 03-7862 2000. Tickets are also available at all Firefly Airport Ticketing Offices (ATO) and City Ticketing Offices (CTO).

PETALING JAYA - Malaysia’s wildlife was the main reason legendary rock icon Slash wanted to perform here.

“It is really, really nice to be here. I’ve always been interested in coming to Malaysia because I’m fond of the wildlife here,” he said at a press conference for his Slash Live in Kuala Lumpur 2010 concert yesterday.

Slash, the pioneering member of Guns ‘n’ Roses and one of hard rock’s finest guitarists, will perform at Surf Beach at Sunway Lagoon at 7pm tonight.

Back in blistering “live form,” Slash (real name Saul Hudson), 44, is touring in support of his recently released self-titled debut album.

Apart from Malaysia, Slash will be playing in Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan on his Asian tour.

Slash’s touring band for his upcoming show here includes Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy (vocals), Bobby Schneck (guitar), Todd Kerns (bass) and Brent Fitz (drums).

Slash has confirmed he will perform a mix of his new solo material as well as Guns ‘n’ Roses and Velvet Revolver songs.

Among the Guns ‘n’ Roses classics featured in his concert sets include Sweet Child O’ Mine, Paradise City, Night Train, Civil War, and Patience.

When asked if he cut himself between the fingers so that he could stretch further when playing the guitar as a child, Slash said: “That is definitely not true. That sounds pretty crazy”

On how many top hats he owns, Slash, who was wearing his signature top hat, said: “I’m wearing one and there are another five or six more that people have given me which are now sitting in the closet.”

Asked who he would like to collaborate with in the future, Slash said he would love to jam with alternative rap-rock band The Roots.

The Slash concert is presented by local community airline Firefly, which is making its entry into the concert scene.

Firefly is also making available travel and concert packages for Slash’s upcoming show through its website fireflyz.com.my.

Ticket prices for Slash’s concert are RM378 (S$161.60) (VIP), RM253 (S$108.10) and RM183 (S$78.20). The early bird price is RM128 (S$54.70) and RM93 (S$39.70).

-The Star/Asia News Network