RWMF 2012 LINE-UP REVEALED

This July 13-15, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak in Borneo. With 12 international line-ups and 4 Malaysian bands, including two from Sarawak, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. 

On the first night, the Sarawakian-born internationally renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist, Zee Avi, will be performing with a band from the USA. Zee Avi, who recently became the Tourism Ambassador for Sarawak, is sure to bring a unique and exciting energy to the festival.

Raiz De Cafezal of Brazil for RWMF 2012

The international performers include Raiz De Cafezal, a group of Brazilian Amazonian Indians with a lady dancer, Oreka TX from Spain, La Zikabilo of France, String Sisters, a group of fiddlers from Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavian countries and the USA, Kanda Bongo Man of Congo, Cankisou from the Czech Republic, Daniel Waro from the Reunion Island, Hata-The One, a group of musicians from Malaysia, Korea, Turkey and Taiwan, Khusugtun from Mongolia, Mamadou Diabate from Burkina Faso, and Le Trio Joubran from Israel/Palestine. 

This year's RWMF is sure to be an unforgettable experience, so don't miss out on the chance to rock in the rainforest!

HUMPBACK DOLPHIN NEAR KUCHING SARAWAK

Have you ever wanted to watch dolphins without having to travel abroad? Well, now you have the chance to explore this majestic marine life right here in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia! On my fifth dolphin trip last week, I was lucky enough to have a truly unforgettable experience. 

For those who are interested, I would highly recommend booking a tour with a registered tour agent in Kuching or an experienced boatman in Santubong. As these are wild animals, there is no guarantee that they will make an appearance during your trip, but your boatman can ensure that you have a fascinating wildlife experience.

We set off from the fishing village of Santubong, located at the foot of the majestic Santubong Mountain, and headed towards Bako National Park. Here, we were lucky enough to spot the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin. These dolphins change colour as they get older, and when they are young they have a speckled appearance, becoming pinker as they age. This species is found in shallow tropical waters and feeds on fish, octopus, and squid.

PENANG WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL IS COMING BACK !

18 international World Music performer lined-up, Penang World Music Festival (PWMF) is coming back this year after about three years being suspended.

Penang Tourism Development and Culture is hoping the return of PWMF this year will be better and to put it back among the major music event within the region. 2012 considered the third organising year and the success of the Sarawak's Rainforest World Music Festival has always been seen by many as the boundary to rate its success measure.

Among the Malaysian act to heat-up the night stage will be the Penang Dhol Blasters (Penang), Kumpulan Minah Moh (Negeri Sembilan), Aseana Percussion Unit (Kuala Lumpur), Geng Wak Long (Kelantan) and representing East Malaysia is Didit Dinai from Sarawak. Other international performer are Gus Teja World Music (Bali), Tori Ensemble (South Korea), Wild Marmalade (Australia) Maite Hontele (Columbia) Kalja Ridim Klan (Vanuatu) and Beoga (Ireland).  

Penang World Music Festival will take place at the Botanical Garden for three nights from March 30 to April 1. The event organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, while the management consultant of the event is UCSI Communications. More updates at www.penangworldmusic.com/ .

ROTI JOHN, A TASTE OF MIRI

I had never been a fan of Roti John until I first travelled to Miri, Sarawak, a few years ago. I had tried it in other places in Kuala Lumpur, but I found it to be quite unappetizing. I also couldn't understand why the burger stalls near Mega Hotel in Miri were always so busy at night, especially on weekends. It didn't look much different from other types of burgers, but Roti John is physically longer than a normal burger, usually cut into pieces.

On my recent visit to Miri after a long journey to Brunei, my friend Emy from a Legal Aid Organization recommended that I go there to satisfy my late-night hunger. I initially said I didn't even want to eat Roti John, but she insisted that it was a must-go place in Miri. I have to admit that there is no other Roti John in Malaysia that is as good as the one in Miri.

We drove to the place that night and near Mega Hotel, there were several burger stalls selling the best Roti John in town. It was truly a delight to have it again after almost two years. It had a variety of flavors with a delicious combination of mayonnaise and battered egg, and you could choose between beef or chicken.

If you ever find yourself in Miri, Sarawak, I highly recommend that you try this local fast food. I personally rate it as one of the best in Malaysia.

/original article through Emy in 2011.

CREATING BEST TWITTER BIO

Maybe one of the most important for twitter users to understand when creating the new account is to have their best Twitter Profile Bio. This is the most potential followers will check when they view our page. One shouldn't leave this part blank because people might think that you are spammers or else. 

Your profile bio must say what you do and what you like. The best is to add in URL that link followers to your real site. Create your profile bio with personal touch and informative with personality as this will help potential followers to understand well what is all about you. Some might listed only an easy 'Search Keywords' but it best to make it readable in sentence. Example of mine:

Twitting Travel Info & News Event. Media Relations, Communications & Tourism. Chat about Borneo Jazz & Rainforest World Music Festival in Borneo. Twitter Celebrity at http://www.blog.gustinotravel.com/   

Hopefully these tips might helps!.

WHO'S ON STAGE THIS YEAR - RWMF 2011

Rainforest World Music Festival 2011?. Every year must certainly be something new and all 22 bands this year will make their debut appearance on the stage. They are coming from across the globe from a host of genres making for a truly unique world music experience.

Among them are the Pacific Curls of New Zealand,  Mamak Khadem  (Iran), Startijenn (France),   The Blue Canyon Boys (USA), Lisa Haley & The Zydekats (USA), The Shin (Georgia), Iskwew (Canada), Frigg (Finland), Malick Pathe Sow (Senegal), Agungbeat (Sabah, Malaysia), Victor Valdez Trio (Mexico/Australia), Ilgi (Latvia), Leweton Women's Water Music (Vanuatu), Kamerunga (Australia), Kissmet (India/UK), Paddy Keenan Trio (Ireland), DuOud (Tunisia/Algeria), Joaquin Diaz (Dominican Republic), Kamafei (Italy), Kenge Kenge (Kenya) and Warsaw Village band (Poland).

Representing Sarawak is a very own Masters of the Sape' from Ulu Baram, at the northern part of Sarawak.

Check it out ! Rainforest World Music Festival on the second weekend of July this year.

BLUESMAN JOHN HAMMOND TO HIT THE BORNEO JAZZ 2011

Another Grammy award winner to heat up this year's jazz festival in Sarawak, Borneo. The Bluesman John Hammond from USA schedule to hit the second night stage at Borneo Jazz in Miri city. 

With seven times Grammy nominations, John Hammond has so many stories to tell, including putting the band together for the young Jimi Hendrix that launched his international career. Hammond has also repeatedly been voted as one of the world's top ten blues artist. Over two dozen album over the four decade career it is no more surprise therefore that he will be the main highlights among the Borneo Jazz line-up this year.

The jazz festival which recently re-branded as "Borneo Jazz" is stepping into its 6th edition this year. Discount tickets offers online whilst it is also possible to purchase at the festival entrance.

Read more about Miri, Sarawak www.sarawaktourism.com or Borneo Jazz at www.jazzborneo.com/

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