Sundrenched's Year-Ender/Opener Message

And then there's just me, one day before the new year. 

2012. What can I say? It's been an epic year for The Pink Tarha and The Pink Tarha ladies. Goals were reached and dreams came true (because they really do come true, even for grown-ups like us). Thank you messages have been delivered by Sampaguita Pride, Shoegarfreeruby, Eyecandy and me in various entries but we know that we cannot thank you enough, dear readers, for the support you've given The Pink Tarha through the years. Our phenomenal 2012 was not possible (and as EPIC) without you. 

Aside from the major LOVE and gratitude that I want to extend to everyone, I want to share to you the lessons I've learned in 2012 that I would love for all of us to carry into 2013. 

1. Make goals and list them down. 

No matter how big or small, goals are what keep us going. It keeps up waking up each day and going to work and doing our chores. Sometimes, we make goals but we forget about them and get sidetracked with other things so to remind us that we have these goals, WRITE THEM DOWN. Or okay, type them in your cellphones or gadgets. It helps to read them from time to time. I listed down 100 goals for 2012 during the first quarter of 2012 and somewhere in the list was the entry "Write 100 entries for The Pink Tarha blog." While I was around 20 entries shy of my goal, they were more than what I imagined in 2011. Another entry was to "Read 50 books in 2012." As of this writing, I already read 60 books. Whether you reached that goal or exceeded it, the feeling of having a goal and doing something about it brings unprecedented happiness and confidence in starting another year.

2. Share your goals.

There's nothing like airing out your ideas to other people, especially people you love and trust who are willing to listen. The Pink Tarha Mornings started as an idea I had when we were eating brunch in a restaurant in the city. If I haven't shared that idea to The Pink Tarha ladies and our friends, it wouldn't have taken flight and happened. Most of the time, if you can't make a goal or a dream happen on your own, it only means it needs the help of others.

3. Don't be shy to ask. ASK!

I have bouts of shyness from time to time (okay, lots of time!). I refuse to ask questions, especially to strangers. But in 2012, I learned to ask freely and confidently. One of my grandmothers was always telling me that there's nothing wrong in asking because what have you got to lose in the first place? For example, when we were asking brands to sponsor our event and they said yes, then that's good! If they said no, what did we lose? And in retrospect, as we always tell you, dear readers, you can ask us anything... even the most random questions that are not related to The Pink Tarha or Riyadh or Saudi Arabia, we answer. Don't be afraid, we don't bite. :P Even if we don't know the answer, we still answer and get back to you. 

4. Compromise.

We receive comments from our women readers on how their husbands are always complaining whenever they ask to go out and around Riyadh. And we receive complaints from men on how their wives are always nagging them to drive them to this mall to shop, shop, shop. While I cannot involve myself in marital spats like that (LOL), I personally learned how compromising works in relationships. For example, weekends can be divided into two. Mornings can be spent at home so your spouse can get his much-deserved rest while nights can be spent outside for some shopping and family activities. It's all about taking into consideration each other's feelings, likes, and dislikes. It shouldn't be that hard. (Really?! ;)

5. Stay positive.

The Pink Tarha has been standing for this motto ever since. There are a lot of negative happenings around us and if we let all those things get to us, we succumb to anger, hate, and sadness, emotions that doesn't really do us any good. Always look at a situation's silver lining. Don't be quick to anger, especially when dealing with other people. You don't know what they are also going through the same way that they didn't know what your life is like. By staying positive, we also stay nice and kind. Of course, I'm not keeping you from being sad. I'm just saying, "Choose to be happy."

6. Don't be afraid.

Most of the people who haven't been to Saudi Arabia and are coming here have this fear of the Kingdom, its laws and its unique culture. The thing is, being afraid prevents you from living a good life. How can you do and try something new if fear paralyzes you into staying home? We're not saying that you go out on your own without thinking of your safety and security. What were saying is, if there's an opportunity for you to do something new, do it! Don't deny yourself of new challenges that might give you joy and pleasure. Enroll in a cooking class, attend The Pink Tarha Mornings, befriend a local, etc. Don't be afraid especially when you're not doing anything wrong. (Cover your hair, lady! ;)

7. Be humble.

Last year, I've had enough of other people saying that we Filipinos like pulling each other down. That we're not happy of each other's success, especially in the workplace and that we tend to wish the worst for other people. While this instances happen, I refuse to believe that all Filipinos are arrogant and cunning like that. Let's continue being grounded and humble. Our successes, while mainly attributed to ourselves, are not entirely possible without the help of other people. 

8. Be thankful.

Sometimes, when everything in our life is going smoothly, we forget to thank the Lord for all the blessings. There are reasons to be thankful every day; utter a prayer to give thanks to whom we owe our life and happiness. We should also thank the people we love and the people who make our life happy. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my sisters - The Pink Tarha ladies - for believing in me, for going with my "flow" in running The Pink Tarha and our events, for supporting my ideas, and for simply being in my life. Thank you, dear readers, for reading The Pink Tarha and making us a part of your life in Saudi Arabia.

Yes, I just wrote another long entry that possibly bored you to death. Sorry about that. (I do have some tendencies to become a life coach, it's a life long dream... hahaha! Not really!) But I want to remind myself of these things too come 2013. Consider this as part of my list that I will have to read again from time to time next year. Are we ready for 2013 then? Are you ready for a BETTER Pink Tarha in 2013? You better be! We'll be ready for you! ;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY BETTER US in 2013!

Lovelots,

Sundrenched

Eyecandy's Year Ender/Opener Message

What a year for The Pink Tarha! In 2012, visions ensued, dreams were realized and rewards were overflowing. First off, we had the new design of the blog which prompted to inspire to write more and really, really make it a point to fill in the blog (mostly by S) because thanks to our Facebook page, we learned that people (a lot of them!) do refer to the blog for information and advice, ergo the reasoning that, PEOPLE ARE REALLY READING US na...so we must give them things to read. 

Meanwhile, S' long dream to conduct some kind of a coffee morning for women here in Riyadh was already a constant topic with us (the girls). With the online friendship we have managed to establish with some individuals here in Riyadh, we figured, we can do this! And with a lil' help from our friends, we were able to conduct not just one, but TWO workshops, which we have dubbed as The Pink Tarha Mornings. Modesty aside, we consider them very successful ones. :) Customized, organized and hands-on preps was the game plan (except for figuring out what to wear, of course) and the best part of all this was meeting our readers for the first time and knowing that we have shared our passion with them.

Then there was that one unprecedented occurrence: being interviewed and broadcast on the The Filipino Channel! Shown all over the Middle East region, featured on ANC and forever immortalized on Youtube. :P We have to admit, that interview was so unexpected (as in we only found a day before that it was going to happen) and it ended up to be this beautiful coverage of The Pink Tarha. We reached more readers and Likers and to us, it was quite funny and unbelievable to say the least. 

And to cap off the year, we were nominated for the Expat Blog Awards 2012, which recognizes ALL expat blogs from around the world. For the Saudi Arabia Expat Blog category, we won the Silver Medal. Though the title read second place, reading the comments left in by our readers and followers made us genuinely feel that we had won the gold medal all along. Srsly, it did. 

Having pointed all those things out, it's safe to say that The Pink Tarha has grown in leaps and bounds this 2012. And this entry is to say that WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU, DEAR READER. All of our visions, dreams and the rewards we have reaped are all because of YOU. Every single comment, Like, or by merely sharing the blog by word-of-mouth to your friends and family means a lot to us. It means that we're sharing what we love, that positivity is going around and that we're making a difference. Your support has taught us that people are really intrinsically good and that they want to make the best out of everything. 

As we move into the fourth year of our blog, we hope that you will continue to support us as we promise to keep painting the town of Riyadh PINK! To give you an idea of what's in stored for 2013: write more articles (a must!), expand The Pink Tarha Mornings, probably extend to some apparel and accessory line of lineyards, mugs, pens and embroidered tarhas...and maybe, just maybe...a Pink Tarha salon/cafe is in the works! LOL! I'm just kidding with that last part, but hey...who knows right? :D Maybe a potential sponsor is reading this. ;) Gotta dream big right? 

Anyway, this is Eyecandy...signing off the year 2012 with a big XOXO (hugs and kisses) to all you sweet people of the internet universe. Again, thank you so much for all the love and may God bless us all! 

XOXO, 

#E

Shoegarfreeruby's Year-Ender/Opener Message

The Pink Tarha's 2012 

2012 was such a memorable year for the The Pink Tarha. It is the year when we were able to finally meet some of you face to face and have a feel of what it is like to share the joy of sisterhood. The blog’s steady growth through the years will not be possible if not for your unending support. With you we gained treasured friends and sisters. It an honor to have been given the opportunity to reach out to such a wonderful group of individuals like you. Thank you dear readers for being with us in this journey. 

Our greatest achievement and recognition is to hear your sincere comments and feedback that touched our hearts and encouraged us all the more to continue with what we have started. We are forever grateful for your unending support. 

To my three lovely hardworking colleagues, your diverse talents complete what this blog has achieved. Sampaguita Pride, continue dreaming and seeking the things that you love to do. Your drive to do so inspires me. To Eyecandy, you are a superwoman and nonstop source of energy. You always keep me amazed with how you manage it all, but you do so in flying colors. To Sundrenched, I look up to the leadership you have given the blog. You are a well of brilliant ideas and have been gifted with a beautiful mind. It is an honor to be with a group of talented young ladies like you. 

A blog that started three years ago is now breaking ground. May the year ahead bring us more breakthroughs and blessings unimaginable. 

Much love, 

Shoegarfreeruby

Sampaguita Pride's Year-Ender/Opener Messsage

My Year With The Pink Tarha

A few weeks ago, one of my students told me that he liked my photo with my "sisters" and I wondered what he meant. I only had one biological sister so I didn't know what he was talking about. Then he continued to describe the ladies in the picture and I realized that he was talking about this photo that was taken during last The Pink Tarha Mornings.

In retrospect, I realized that my student was spot on. The Pink Tarha ladies were indeed my sisters. Each woman uniquely different and each one as dear to me as my own. Slow to anger and quick to forgive, I rely on Shoegarfreeruby for her easy acceptance of people around her. Fiercely passionate about everything and everyone she cares about, I am constantly inspired by Eyecandy to live life to the fullest. And there's Sundrenched, The Pink Tarha's Sun, the ever lasting source of creative energy and ideas. Classy and composed, frank and goal-oriented... the blog would not have thrived this well if not for her consistent desire to reinvent ourselves and the blog.

The day I began writing for The Pink Tarha was truly a turning point for me. To belong to this group is a blessing I so badly yearned for. I sincerely believe that just being with my PT ladies changed my perspective in life and with it, the way I think about myself. I am no longer the bored and insecure Sampaguita Pride. I no longer cringe at opportunities that I think are out of my league. I am more accepting of the things that I cannot change but at the same time more appreciative of the blessings that come in different packaging. Most importantly, I found the courage to step out of my comfort zone and reach for my dreams.

To my Pink Tarha sisters, thank you. You don't know how much you've changed my life and how much I look forward to the days we meet and the endless flow of feel-good-energy I get whenever I am with you girls. I told you before that I always feel high when we step out -- and I mean that. I always come home from our trips feeling happy, blessed and inspired. Thank you for that. Thank you for changing my life. I never knew this could happen in just a year (and a few months).

To our readers, I can't thank you enough for the support you've given us this year. We are awed and overwhelmed by every uplifting message on our blog's comment page and Facebook page. Our online presence is given more meaning and depth because you gave us a chance to touch your lives. You inspire us to become better writers and better individuals. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

And so, under the same glare of the Arabian Sun, by the glow of Riyadh's lights at night and in the years to come, we hope that you will continue to support The Pink Tarha, your lifestyle guide to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Much Love,
Sampaguita Pride

How To Deal With Christmas in KSA

(or the non-existence of it...)

A few hours to go before Christmas! We all know how hard it is to be away from home during the holidays, especially when you're all alone in a land that doesn't even recognize Christmas. Here are our few tips to our kababayans in the desert of Saudi Arabia where December 25 is considered as a normal working day for every one.

1. Be homesick and do something about it. On ordinary days, OFWs tend to get homesick already but the level of homesickness goes up a notch during holidays when memories of you and your family enjoying Noche Buena come to mind. Acknowledge that you miss your family and friends. Acknowledge that you miss your holiday rituals in the Philippines. Don't deny yourself of these nostalgic yet happy thoughts. And then, call home. Or use Skype and Facetime to see your loved ones after your work. Greet family members and friends, wherever they are, a very Merry Christmas. That's what Facebook and Twitter are for. Of course the chances of you being envious of seeing them celebrating Christmas together in the Philippines might create another wave of nostalgia and self-pity but think of how happy they are and how you helped and caused this happiness. 

2. Always have the Christmas spirit in you. There's no Christmas in Saudi Arabia but you can always bring the Christmas spirit in you. Or at least, create it. No, we are not encouraging you to flaunt your Christmas decors and attend Christmas parties in isterahas... please don't! But here are a few ways on how to get into the Christmas spirit without getting yourself in trouble...

a. Listen to Christmas songs at the comfort of your homes or personal music players. Just avoid "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" and all the other sappy songs that will just make you tear up. Listen to the happy ones. Even Jingle Bells, if you wish, just to get you in that merry groove. 

b. Have an awesome dinner. Even if you're alone, indulge! And what's the very first indulgence that comes into mind? Food! Whether it be in a restaurant that you're trying for the first time or a restaurant that serves your ultimate comfort food... or in the comfort of your flats (because you can cook a mean caldereta or kare-kare or menudo), eat something wonderful and exceptionally satisfying. Have that steak for goodness' sake! Dinner doesn't need to have keso de bola or hamon. It just have to be something special that you don't usually eat or something that reminds you of Christmas Noche Buena back in your home country. You can even host a small dinner for your colleagues or flat mates if you want. All boys or all girls only okay? 

c. Decorate a small space in your room. Don't expect us to tell you where to get Christmas trees and Christmas decors in Saudi Arabia because well, we don't know and that's a little bit too out there. You can, however, print some stuff like greeting cards. Even shiny objects and glittery sashes are found easily in Abu Riyalin stores. You don't have to make it bonggang-bongga. One or two to cheer you up is okay. Light up some candles with peppermint or hot chocolate or pine scents (you can find them in Bath and Body Works) to create a simple holiday ambiance. 

d. Dress up. Red and green are just not the colors of Christmas and we would like for you to avoid these colors when going out tonight or the days around Christmas. Go for something glamorous like black and gold or silver. Don your embellished abayas if you like. Use a lot of accessories. Sparkles and bling bling tend to remind you of the holiday rush. Glam up your nails with glittery, metallic, or uber shiny polishes. Wear red lipstick! Wear something new!

3. Have gifts. You don't have to wrap them in Christmas-y wrappers! It doesn't even have to be big ones. A small special token is enough for your friends or colleagues (who can relate to the celebration, of course). It doesn't even have to mean "Christmas gifts." It can serve as friendship gifts or thanksgiving tokens. It can mean anything good and wonderful, with or without occasions. Stumped on what to give? How about books, frames, scented candles, lip balms, caps, etc.? I'm sure you have a lot in mind. Also, give yourself a gift! (Very important!) Buy something for yourself. Itching to get a new cellphone to replace your battered one? Or maybe a new camera? Or a new abaya? Whatever it is, give yourself a gift. You deserve it.

4. Make December 25 special. You don't have to treat the day as "Christmas" per se but why not do and try something new on this day? Here are some ideas:

a. Write a letter. Remember the days when email and text messages didn't exist? Handwritten letters are still nice. It still creates warm fuzzies in your stomach and brings up a lot of memories when your children used to send you ones. Write letters to them or to your loved one back home. 

b. Relive 2012 by making a collage or a list. It's so nice to reminisce the year that was. The highlights will make you proud and happy. The lowlights will bring a tear and a lesson.  

c. Get a haircut. A new hair style to celebrate? Why not! Book an appointment to salons or go to your trusted barber and get that much-deserve hair or nails service. Get a massage after work! 

d. Donate to charities and causes. Clothes for the victims of Typhoon Pablo, for instance. Or to our kababayans in Riyadh who are in need. Ask the Philippine embassy how you can donate and help! 

e. Get on that ride! Try Riyadh's entertainment centers like Star City and Al Hokair Land. The Pink Tarha ladies haven't been to these places but we'd looove to. 

There are a lot more of "new" things to try and activities to do. Be as imaginative and creative as possible. We support you! (As long as they're legal activities, of course! ;)

5. Be kind. This should be done every day but an extra dose of kindness on special days is not a crime. Smile at strangers (just don't smile like a maniac, haha!). Say hello to your tea boy and ask him how his day was. Give an extra tip to the nice taxi driver that brought you home or the waiter that served you cocktails. Share your lunch with a colleague. Pray for joy and peace. 

Saudi Arabia doesn't recognize Christmas and doesn't tolerate expats celebrating it so we'd like you to treat this day as normal as possible when in public. After all, Christmas, wherever you are, doesn't have to be flaunted to be celebrated. It's up to you how you celebrate this day and how you can translate the message of this special event in your lives. 

Be merry. Be jolly. Always. Happy holidays! ~ Sundrenched

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur {2/2}

Check out part 1 here.

Many eager shoppers are aware of Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore, but Kuala Lumpur is another contender for those seeking to spend their shopping money overseas. Kuala Lumpur benefits enormously from reasonable accommodation costs when compared to the more expensive Hong Kong and Singapore – thus freeing funds for purchases. 

Pavilion's elegant entrace all lit up

The inner suburb of Bukit Bintang bordered by Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi is home to many malls that remain open until 10pm every night. This area, filled with malls of differing quality and size and restaurants serving a variety of cuisine, has much to tempt the visitor. 

The spacious Pavilion is the newest mall in Bukit Bintang. With a huge food court in the lowest level, the upper floors are filled with designer brands that cater to the refined shopper who does not mind paying a premium. Another similarly priced option is the massive Berjaya Times Square. Home to a staggering 1000 outlets, these include a myriad of retail and service options, but also cinemas and an indoor amusement park. 

Older malls such as BB Plaza and the adjoining Sungei Wang Plaza house smaller shops within narrower and crowded corridors, but they provide a significantly cheaper range of items. Bargain hunters or those not loyal to specific labels or brands are likely to head here. 

S&M Shopping Arcade (Photo byJoanne Lane)

Plaza Low Yat is one of the best-value malls in Asia dedicated to electronic items – including photographic, telecommunication and computer products spread over seven lively floors. Shoppers here can be confident in finding genuine products and not less reliable copies. 

If traveling to Kuala Lumpur, ensure your suitcase is only party filled on arrival, for one can easily depart with luggage exceeding your free baggage allowance.

Happy shopping in KL, Malaysia! ;)

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur {1/2}

Hello everyone! Our entries have dwindled since the start of December because we are currently on vacation. Eyecandy and I are in the Philippines for the holidays while Shoegarfreeruby and Sampaguita Pride are very busy with work and their families. You have to forgive us for the lack of posts until the first week of January. However, we'll sneak in once in a while to publish articles because hey, The Pink Tarha thrives on! ;)

For now, we're publishing entries from Tourism Malaysia. We all know how popular Malaysia is as a tourist destination for Saudis. As for Southeast Asians like us, Malaysia is also very accessible from our home country so it is one of the first countries we visit when we want to go out of the Philippines for shopping and leisure (something new!). So, here's more of the shopping-scape in Malaysia... (Travel + Shopping = Happy Pink Tarha ladies!)

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur can be very rewarding. You’ll find a mall, market, or night market (pasar malam) in practically every corner of the Malaysian capital, almost all of them accessible by monorail or LRT. The KL shopping scene is such a big draw, the government sponsors a three-month sale season from June to September. In this article, we’ll show you what you can buy in Kuala Lumpur, and where you can find what you’re looking for. 

What To Buy

Kuala Lumpur is the crossroads for practically everything made in Malaysia – pottery, wood carvings, food products, and traditional fabrics from far-flung Malaysian states can all be found here. Closer to the city, the adjoining state of Selangor is also known for its high-quality pewter craft, which can be purchased at almost any market stall, or right at the factory itself. 

If you’re in the market for unique Malaysian fabrics, look for shops that sell kain songket: silk or cotton woven cloth brocaded with gold or silver threads. The metallic threads create a shimmering pattern against the non-reflective fabric, and the patterns created by the master weavers are very Malaysian in character. Normal people wear songket fabric only on special occasions; rich garments made from songket are more frequently worn by Malaysian royalty. 

Kain songket fabric and clothes come in many textures, colors, and styles; simple designs are cheap and readily found almost anywhere, but more intricate songket weaves may cost thousands of Malaysian ringgit per yard, reflecting the effort and thought that goes into their manufacture. To buy kain songket, go to Wisma Yakin in KL’s Masjid India. Wisma Yakin is known for its many tailors and fabric shops; Malay mothers typically go to Wisma Yakin to get clothes made for Eid ul-Fitr. 

The Malaysian state of Selangor has long been known for its fine pewter craft; pewter is a tin-based metal that finds common usage in drinking implements, tableware, and desk accessories. Selangor long prospered due to its tin mining industry, in fact Kuala Lumpur started out as a trading post serving tin miners. 

Today, the finest quality pewter is produced by Royal Selangor, Malaysia’s foremost pewterware maker. Royal Selangor creates pewterware fine enough for the Sultan of Selangor’s use, thus the “Royal” in the name. While their work can be found in most shopping malls around Kuala Lumpur, you can best explore the history and craft of pewterware at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak Jaya, around 8 km northeast of the city center. Closer to the city, you can visit Royal Selangor’s main outlet at level one of Suria KLCC. 

Kuala Lumpur’s Shopping Malls 

Of course, there’s far more to Kuala Lumpur than just pewter picture frames and beautiful fabrics. The many shopping malls in the city are filled to bursting with electronics, modern designer clothing, books, and perfumes. 

The Golden Triangle is ground zero for KL’s shopping scene: this is where you go to buy a wide range of merchandise from one of the many malls in the area. Suria KLCC, at the feet of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, is perhaps Kuala Lumpur’s most popular shopping stop, with trendy clothes, footwear, and accessories stores sharing space with the entrance to the Twin Towers tours. 

Bukit Bintang Plaza, one of the first shopping centers in the city, is still going strong with shops selling fashion accessories, sporting goods, footwear, and clothes. For electronics, visit Low Yat Plaza to get the lowest prices possible on laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. The world’s finest shops – Dior, Kenzo, Valentino and more – can be found at Starhill Gallery next to the Marriott. Also not to be missed is the Times Square mall. 

Times Square Mall in Kuala Lumpur (Photo by Shane Dallas)

For a more traditional Malay shopping experience, go to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, whose many buildings dating back from before World War II represent some of Kuala Lumpur’s best-preserved historical structures. Among these buildings, you’ll find a wide array of shopping centers like the Sogo Department Store and Pertama Complex. 

Kuala Lumpur’s most famous night market occurs along this stretch – every Saturday evening, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic and becomes crowded with stalls and hawkers selling all sorts of goods, from local products to cheap tourist souvenirs to excellent halal street food. Near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Masjid India – the city’s Indian enclave – sells Indian merchandise like bangles, silverware, gold jewelry, and saris. 

Indian bangles (Photo by Joan Lane)

Finally, Chinatown is your best place for cheap bazaar-style shopping. The iconic Petaling Street stretch, covered by a green awning, is lined with shops and hawkers selling all sorts of affordable goods, from fake branded items to delicious local cuisine. Bargaining is highly encouraged for shoppers visiting Petaling Street, if you want to get the best value out of your purchases in this area. Chinatown’s Pasar Seni, or Central Market, is a former wet market and currently a bazaar selling Malaysian products like kain songket, batik, and handicrafts.

It's refreshing to know how the shopping-scape in other countries are like. We can't wait to travel more and shop more! ;) ~ Sundrenched

The Roti Family Feud

A few months ago, Pappa Roti opened in Riyadh. Followed by Rotiboy. And finally, MammaRoti. (Actually, I'm quite not sure which came first... Pappa Roti or Rotiboy?!) We'd like to think it's one big happy family because they offer just one thing: roti buns. But it turns out, they're of different companies. Is there a family feud brewing? Who has the best roti bun? What makes them unique from one another? Which brand is The Pink Tarha's favorite? Which one is yours?

Let the taste test begin!

Before I give the verdict, let's define what a roti bun first. A roti bun is simply a 'coffee bun,' a round bun with melted butter inside and a crunchy coat of coffee-flavored sugar on top. When you take a bite, a trio of tastes burst in your mouth. Sweet, salty, bitter in one go! The combination of the three creates a perfect harmony once it hits your taste buds and soon enough, you'll be craving for more. You're hooked! 

Which is which?!
(From left clockwise: Pappa Roti, Mammaroti, Rotiboy)

The inevitable addiction to roti bun is the reason why roti bun shops are confident of selling just this one product. Imagine going to the shop and ordering just the roti bun. You come for the buns and nothing else. No more perusing the menu for a long list of items. You get confused with the drinks more than the food. Oh well, that's the magic pull of a roti bun. Riyadh is now addicted.

Rotiboy ("The Breadboy") was founded by Hiro Tan in Penang, Malaysia in 1998. The Rotiboy in Malaysia is known for its freshly-made cakes and high quality bread. Their Signature Rotiboy Bun, described as crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, brought them the popularity they are enjoying now. Apart from the original roti bun, Rotiboy has introduced Buttermilkboy, a bun with vanilla topping with a special buttermilk filling which is an alternative to those who are not into anything caffeine.

The oldest with the youngest name.

Golden brown with extra crispy edges

Fluffy, fluffy!

Pappa Roti ("The Father of All Buns") was established in Malaysia in 2003 and has flourished all over the world with branches in Malaysia, United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia... and now, in the Middle East. Their signature bun starts with the creamy bun with a topping of concentric circles which becomes a glazed caramel-coating  after a quick stay in the oven.

Here comes papa.

Dark brown with extra edges

Flaky inside

MammaRoti ("The Bun Emperor"), or MammaBunz in Malaysia, started in 2004. This casual franchise serves authentic coffee-coated buns with a sweet buttery-rich taste named "Mexican bun." They describe their bun as crispy, soft, rich, and fluffy. And this catapulted them to branches all over Malaysia and franchises all over the Middle East.

The mother which is titled the 'emperor'?! Haha.

Pale brown with a smooth top

Fluffy and flaky.

Now, there's no need to list down the qualities and taste of each roti bun from each brand. They do taste the almost exactly the same. With just a few, almost unnoticeable, difference.

My favorite!

MammaRoti takes my vote for the best roti bun in Riyadh. Its bun, while not far from PappaRoti’s and Rotiboy’s in taste, has a consistency that I like. Fresh from the oven, the top coating is a little bit crunchy and the butter melts all around the inside lending its slight saltiness to the bun. The coffee flavor is there; almost milky in taste and the sweetness is tempered by a tinge of bitterness. Harmonious delight! Wait for a while and the bun, when bitten, becomes a little bit chewy making it irresistible to take one bite after another until the last morsel drops into an empty paper bag. When left at room temperature (do not refrigerate), the bun retains its flavor and texture; still perfect for a cup of milk tea or simply brewed coffee. 

The first brand I've tried is Pappa Roti. And while it smells good from a few meters away (Eyecandy said it smelled like adobo. Haha!), the buns lack flavor. It's less pronounced and not as tasty. I do love how they set up their cafes though. The aroma from their ovens envelops a part of Panorama Mall that you can't help but wonder and stay. For Rotiboy, it's the same crisp coating but the better wasn't well-rounded. I even like the buttermilk bun better with its melted chocolate chip cookies and sweet vanilla filling. I also like their iced milk tea. It's sweet and refreshing.

Now tell me, what is your favorite roti bun?

Whatever your choice is among the roti buns in Riyadh, we cannot deny its allure and how in a matter of days, it got the whole city hooked. While the price of SR11 per bun is quite expensive, it’s an indulgence that should be taken lightly. You wouldn’t want to get suya after a while, yes? Sometimes, waiting for another week or so to taste the coffee bun makes the wait worthwhile. You’ll find yourself ordering a bunch of it the next time and you’ll take bite after bite after bite. Don’t forget to share. To me. Haha. ~ Sundrenched

Pappa Roti

Branches: Panorama Mall | Tahlia Street

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Papparoti-KSA/

W: www.papparoti.com.my

Rotiboy

Food Court, Sahara Mall

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RotiboySA

W: http://rotiboyarabia.com

MammaRoti

Branches: Food Court, Kingdom Mall | Tahlia Street

W: www.mammabunz.com

The 2012 Expats Blog Awards

Hello dear readers! This is Sundrenched writing this article from our homeland, The Philippines. I'm home for the coming holidays and while I miss the cold, dry winter of Riyadh, I'm happy to visit Manila and my home provinces this month because I get to see my family and friends. I wish you're all having a good day there in the desert.

Here's some good news for The Pink Tarha! 

Recently, The Pink Tarha joined the Expat Blogs, a directory of blogs of expats all over the world. And right on time, they're having their Expats Blog Awards for this year. I'd like to take this opportunity to invite everyone who thinks and feels that we deserve to win to write us a comment in our page: http://www.expatsblog.com/blogs/1252/the-pink-tarha

We are joined there by other bloggers and blogs who are equally deserving of these awards. And we are happy with this opportunity to be nominated. The Pink Tarha has been online for almost four years now and we've been really blessed to have wonderful readers, likers, and fans. We didn't know how wide our influence has become until they tell us themselves. Our event series, The Pink Tarha Mornings, has given us the chance to meet and greet our readers and we've had a successful run since then. Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to enjoy blogging more. Be rest assured that we'll be here for you, expats and Saudis alike, and help you with your queries in living and working in Saudi Arabia.

Help us win in the 2012 Expats Blog Awards! Pretty please? Leave us a good comment here: http://www.expatsblog.com/blogs/1252/the-pink-tarha 

Announcement of winners is on December 7, 2012. Only 4 days to go! ;)

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

MUCH LOVE!!! ~ Sundrenched

What's In Whites {2/2}

We're back to the aisles of Whites Pharmacy, one of our favorite stores in Riyadh. If you're wondering why, you should go back and read our first entry on What's Inside Whites. 

Apart from beauty and wellness products, Whites carry a whole lot more of products that you didn't know you were looking for. You know that feeling when you're browsing for products and you just have to buy items that are not even on your shopping list? You'll feel that urge in Whites... a lot of times.

Back to Whites Pharmacy!

One of the main problems OFWs are encountering in Saudi Arabia is their vanishing hair. Hahah! My brother used to complain how harsh the water is in Riyadh that he's been losing hair faster than he can say 'shampoo!' If you're having the same problem as him, you should consider Seward Mediter hair products...

All the right products for your needs.

Got hair loss problems?

Weak, dry hair? Solutions here!

Helen Seward Hair Treatment products are popular for their effectivity. They use active principles from plants, flowers, and fruits to come up with well-researched solutions to your hair problems. They have the answer to everything from hair loss to colored, damaged hair to sensitive scalp and dandruff. You can find what suits you best in Whites. 

Protect your nails, hair, and skin!

But wait, what about for hair that you want to get rid of? Whites still has the answer! Look at this portable laser! Yesss! You can actually have your laser sessions at the comfort of your home. Amazing, yes? The price is more than SR3,000 but hey, who says remaining hair-less is cheap? You need to work on it, girl! Haha. 

For other hairy needs, haha!

And here's one nifty product you shouldn't miss when you have wet underarms...

Stay dry!

We gave the participants of our first Pink Tarha Mornings a sample of this one and I'm pretty sure they were weirded out at first but eventually found this product useful for them or for their family members. ;P Seriously, what a genius product! It's not easy to get rid of underarms that get wet immediately from all the tasks and errands of the day. Some even require medical procedures for it. With this 1-2 Dry underarm pads, you'll have an instant solution!

The most-sought teeth strips!

We've had several inquiries over the years where to find Crest 3D White Whitestrips. If only we've known that they available in Whites Pharmacy earlier on, we could've answered the soonest! But no worries since it's here and you're free to snatch them in the shelves... and pay them on the counter! Here's to pearly white teeth! ;)

Protect yourself from the sandstorm!

Looking for a mask can be very difficult when a sandstorm hits and you;re stuck in your car. Well, Whites have them too and the good thing about their mask and tissues? 100% cotton! They're so soft and strong that no matter how much to tug and pull, they're still intact. 

Hey, see what we found just below this rack...

For those saying no to sanitary pads

There are women who favor tampons over the usual, regular sanitary pads. Whites is where you can get them. (You noticed those circle stickers of Whites? If a product has those, it means the products are exclusive to Whites and you won't find them anywhere else in Riyadh.)

Of course, Whites being a pharmacy, you can find here the usual medicines you'll be needing for your colds, cough, etc. One thing that caught our eyes is the wonderful packaging of Natural Patches of Vermont. They look like mint tins but they're actually patches for specific concerns on your body. I want to try the appetite suppressant. Hahaha!

Patch your worries and aches away!

Speaking of tins, Whites also carry some gift products that are made of tin. They're so cute they'll be perfect for those who are into retro-ish designs and decors.

Oldie but goodie!

How awesome are these tins? Store your cereals and knick-knacks in here and you'll lessen the clutter in your room and kitchen. And hey, have you seen metal cards? Yes, METAL greeting cards!

Unique greeting cards!

At least you'll be sure your cards won't be crumpled or bent on their way to your family or friend. ;) And what about adding in a thermometer set in this thin metal slabs? 

Bet you didn't expect to find these in a pharmacy!

Whites also carry some items which can serve as gifts. Take for example these well-designed candle shades. You just need tea lights and you'll have an instant mood lifter in your room. You can pick any design that fits your interiors or personality. You can even change them as often as you want. 

Which design will you be using next?

Whites Pharmacy even carries flip-flops! (I told you, they are more than your usual neighborhood pharmacy!) These brightly-colored slippers are so comfy! Perfect for your next summer getaway!

Pick your fave color!

Since Whites is all about health and wellness, it's not surprising to see a small kiosk of Diet Center inside their branch in Takhasussi. They have great selections of drinks, salads, and sandwiches. 

Snacking while browsing 

What will you be having today?

Browsing Whites Pharmacy is an experience in itself. For OC persons like me whose past time is reading labels, I can spend half a day inside WHites Pharmacy and never be bored. There's just so many things that are available and products that I didn't know actually exist to help me with my concerns. 

Next time you go to Whites, take your time in browsing their aisles. I'm sure you'll find something worthy of your hard-earned fulos. Splurge in products that are of high quality and doesn't scrimp on effective ingredients! ~ Sundrenched

Whites Pharmacy Mecca Road, Takhasussi (near Panda) For more branches, click here. E: customercare@whites.net T: +966 1 288-6877 / 489-5994/ 489-7750/ 489-7751

Tax-Free Shopping {A Feature on Malaysia 4/4}

The tourist centers of Malaysia aim to cater to tastes of all kinds, with sports culture and relaxation being the top draws. One area that is continually being expanded and improved upon is shopping –  especially, duty free shopping. 

However, shoppers, you should know the difference between "duty free" and "free of duty" as both can be quite confusing. “Duty free” goods are those exempted from import duty only in designated shopping zones in Malaysia, whilst items which are designated as “free of duty” are goods that are free from import duty nationwide, all year round. 

Currently there are over 300 items in the country that are totally exempt from tax, so there are already plenty of opportunities to grab bargains. There are plans to expand this number even further so that all good fall into the free of duty category. Malaysia will then truly become "the duty free shopping destination."

Let’s start with a list of the places where you can shop and not pay any duties and then we’ll take a look at some of the shoppers' favourites. 

Duty Free: 

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 

• Bayan Lepas International Airport (Penang) 

• Langkawi International 

• Airport (Kedah) 

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah) 

• Kuching International Airport (Sarawak) 

Duty Free Ports: 

• Port Klang (Selangor) 

• Tanjung Belungkur (Johor) 

• Pengkalan Kubur (Kelantan) 

Free Duty Goods shops are clearly signed throughout: 

• Kuala Lumpur 

• Georgetown (Penang) 

• Melaka 

• Kuching (Sarawak) 

• Johor Bahru (Johor) 

Border Towns with Free Duty shops: 

• Padang Besar (Perlis) 

• Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) 

• Pengkalan Hulu (Perak) 

• Rantau Panjang (Kelantan) 

• Kuala Baram (Sarawak) 

Domestic Designated Duty Free Islands: 

• Langkawi 

• Labuan

• Tioman 

Most shoppers tend to favour Langkawi for duty free shopping and recommend that you head to Kuah town in the central district of the island. Rows upon rows of stores selling electronic gadgets, household goods, branded products, cosmetics and fragrances, chocolates, cigarettes and liquor welcome you with prices that will make you think if you had the exchange rates right. 

Jewelries at tax free prices. Photo by Tourism Malaysia. 

Also highly-recommended is a stroll along to the Langkawi Mall, the Fair Shopping Complex and the Jetty Point Duty Free Complex, as these tend to compete very hard with each other on price. If you’re looking for more “touristy” items, like crafts, delicacies and clothes, in addition to the usual duty free merchandise, head down to the tourist beaches of Cenang and Tengah. 

For items like pewter, crystals and glassware, visit the duty free mall next to the Langkawi Underwater World or the smaller outlets at the Oriental Village. If you're into Burberry raincoats and Mont Blanc pens, you can buy these in the outlet inside the KLIA. 

Cities such as Kuala Lumpur pride themselves on their retail experiences and designer outlets such as those in the extraordinary region of Bukit Bintang. The Suria KLCC at the Petronas Towers boasts an extraordinary and unbelievable range of top names from Jimmy Choo and Prada to Gucci and Versace. Yes, these are expensive, but they are still at a lower cost here than anywhere else. 

Fashion Walk Shopping Centre. Photo by Tourism Malaysia.

 Malaysia has always been welcoming of foreign custom and this is clear in the convenience and opportunities that are offered when shopping in any of the countries great retail-friendly shops and malls. 

The worlds’ largest choice of silks? Photo by Tourism Malaysia. 

The local currency is the Ringgit (RM) and is still fondly referred to as the Malaysian Dollar by some – currently enjoys a good exchange rate against the US Dollar and British Pound. That means you really get a lot of RM for your money. In addition to this, the country also accepts a number of Western credit cards and is full of ATMs to give you easy access to your money. 

If all of Malaysia becomes tax free it will allow increase retail-based tourism significantly in the region. This is certainly the aim of the Malaysian government and the main reason why this concept of a blanket tax exemption is given such a high regard. The thought behind expanding this duty-free tag to cover all goods is to not only increase tourist spending by offering more chances for appealing deals but to also boost the economy and GNI by an impressive RM9 billion. 

Beautiful designer clothing at duty free prices. Photo by Tourism Malaysia. 

The premier shopping destination of the future? 

In short, tax-free shopping across the country will not only make the goods more accessible at more appealing prices, it will also enhance the image of the country for prospective visitors because this combination of bargains, top names and the unique experiences of the Malaysian complexes is something that cannot be experienced anywhere else. If all these proposals go ahead and the rest of Malaysia follows the examples of the designer stores in Kuala Lumpur and the duty free centres of Langkawi then this Asian nation could really become a world-class shopping destination!

And you know how it goes shopaholics like us, right? We'll scour all the fantastic places... and might even go to other countries just for the shopping experience. Malaysia will be a good country to start our shopping rampage all over the world. Haha! ;)

Best Artisanal Buys {A Feature on Malaysia 3/4}

Welcome back to our feature on the shopping scene in Malaysia! 

Most travelers are into buying souvenirs... especially us Filipinos! It's one of the first few things that we look for when visiting a new place. In Malaysia, it'll be nice to know what signature arts and crafts are available. They're the perfect gifts for family and friends back in your home country. 

Given the diversity of ethnic groups in Malaysia, these vary from place to place. Because of this, many resort to going to Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market at the end of their trip to fill their suitcase with items from all around Malaysia. However, you should always be on the lookout whenever you're out and about the places in Malaysia. One huge tip is to find artisans and buy directly from them so you’ll get better prices and you're assured that your money goes to the creators directly. 

Craft stalls in markets like Kuching, Sarawak are good places to pick up locally made products.
Photo by Joanne Lane.

 Here are five main crafts to look out for during your travels:

Batik and other fabrics 

Yes this is inherently an Indonesian craft, but batik is also prevalent around Malaysia and somewhat different in style to its neighbor's. Batik is basically created by drawing or printing a pattern on fabric with wax. It is then dyed. This design is often reproduced on anything from clothing to tablecloths or cushion covers, but you can equally find it simply as wall hangings or art works. 

The best places to find batik crafts are on Malaysia’s eastern coast in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu but you can also find it in Penang. In Malaysia most of the batik designs are floral motifs and quite colourful and the patterns tend to be simpler. 

The Malaysian government is actively promoting the development of batik patterns and promoting it as a national dress. There’s also a biennial convention, Kuala Lumpur International Batik (KLIB) Convention and Exhibition, that brings in anything related to batik. The last event was held in December 2011. 

Another kind of fabric to keep an eye out for is kain songket. This textile with hand woven silver and gold threads was once reserved for members of royalty only. Now anyone can wear it but it’s usually only used for special occasions. Kelantan, Terengganu and Khota Bharu are where you’ll still find small cottage industries making this product. A songket factory is located at Kampung Penambang north of Khota Bharu. Try the Buluh Kubu Bazaar, also known as Bamboo Fort Bazaar, for a variety of other textile products in Khota Bharu. 

Malaysia is renowned for its many fabrics and woven materials. Photo by Joanne Lane. 

Metalwork 

If silverwork is your metal of choice you may want to look out for the silversmiths of Kelantan where their work is generally considered intricate and of superior quality. They use two techniques here – filigree and repousse – and you’ll find everything from tea sets to brooches and bracelets. Visit the silvercraft factory at Kampung Sireh, Kota Bharu. 

If brasswork is more what interests there are ample industries producing various work in Kuala Terengganu. Silverwork, textiles, woodcraft and kites are also produced here, particularly in the waterfront district of Kampung Cina. 

Woven products 

Various weaving methods are used around Malaysia to produce an array of gift boxes, mats, bags, hats, shoes, fans and more. You’ll see many of these practiced as a cottage industry all around the country. 

Pua kumbu weaving is common in Malaysian Borneo amongst Iban people for producing ceremonial items for use in birth, marriage, funeral and other rituals. For example a child may be cleaned when first delivered and then laid on apua kumbu, or a corpse may be screened with such a cloth. Pua kumbu are also used to veil structures. To produce the pua kumbu a special dyeing process called ikat is used by which the designs are dyed onto the threads before they are woven. 

Mengkuang is the practice of weaving the strands of the pandanus tree that grows in mangrove forests and jungles. The leaves are stripped, split into strands, soaked, dried, boiled and dyed with vegetable colours. The colourful woven fragments are then used to make various products. This practice still thrives in the eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia. 

Woodcarving 

The Kenyah and Kayan peoples of Malaysian Borneo are generally considered very skilled carvers. In places like Semporna you’ll also find designs of lepa boats, a traditional wooden-hulled single-mast boat. 

A carved lepa boat in Semporna, Sabah. Photo by Joanne Lane. 

Woven baskets 

Woven baskets are commonly found in Malaysian Borneo and produced by a variety of ethnic groups including the Iban, Kayan, Kenya and Penan. Here you’ll find baskets, mats, seats and other materials made from rattan, bamboo, swamp grass and pandanus. These are commonly sold in markets around Borneo such as in Kuching but you’ll also find them in longhouses where they maybe available for purchase.

Now that you know what to look for when it comes to souvenirs in Malaysia, it won't be difficult to shop your way around.