Roger Federer reaches 287 weeks as the world #1

Yesterday Roger Federer made it to 287 total weeks as the #1 ranked player in the world. He surpasses Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks. He has now spent the most time as the #1 ranked player of anyone who has ever lived.

Here in Kuantan, we celebrated his achievement with a little lunch and toast to Federer's success and amazing career to date.

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Damai Beach Resort, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

While we were over at Borneo last month we spent a night at Damai Beach Resort in Kuching in connection with Florianna's engagement.

We stayed in a beautiful wooden chalet beside the beach front.

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Roger Federer wins 7th Wimbledon title, and much more...

There was only one thing my blog post was going to focus on today. Roger Federer.

As most of you know, I'm a huge admirer of Roger Federer, the tennis player, the father, the man.

Yesterday at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Roger Federer beat Andy Murray to win his 7th Wimbledon title, equalling the feats of William Renshaw and Pete Sampras.

Not only has he successfully emerged victorious in 7 out of 8 Wimbledon finals, he has also clocked up his 17th major title, and returned to the #1 world ranking position.

In a couple of weeks time he will have surpassed Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks as the #1 ranked player. There are not too many more records left for him to break!

It was a nervous start for Roger Federer on Centre Court against a determined Andy Murray, who was the first Briton to appear in a Wimbledon final for 74 years. The Swiss champ was a little out of sorts and dropped the first set 6-4.

But Federer barely sweats, and when he does, he sweats ice. There was no emotion on Federer's face, as he kept strong through a nervy 2nd set. Winners and errors were met with the same steely response. Federer broke vitally at the end of the set to level the match at 1 set each.

Andy Murray's emotions soon started getting the better of him, when a 19-minute service game saw Federer eventually break the Scot's serve once more. Murray was down on the ground three times, and Federer was beginning to accelerate.

Federer mixed his game up with sizzling forehands, glorious backhands, deft volleys at the net, and marvellous drop shots.

As Murray visibly began struggling in the 4th set, physically and mentally, the Swiss ace was gliding around the court like a gazelle, in glorious silence. At 30 years of age and a father of two, he looked amazingly fit, as though he could have been 20.

Andy Murray put in a great effort and had me worried for a set and a half, but he found it tough to keep up the high level of the first set. As he said himself, he's getting closer.

After taking the decisive 3rd set 6-3, Federer served out the match, taking the 4th set 6-4, and lifting the famous trophy for the 7th time.

And showing off the trophy at the balcony...

Roger Federer's twin daughters are almost 3 years old, and they were at Centre Court cheering on their remarkable father.

Roger Federer has now won Wimbledon 7 times, in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2012

He has amassed a staggering collection of 17 major titles

And who's to say he won't keep on winning more? He looks as fit and great as ever!

Now for Olympics gold Roger!!!

(All pictures are credited to, and were taken from this brilliant facebook page dedicated to Roger Federer)

Florianna's Engagement at Escobar, Damai Central

The main purpose of our visit to Kuching last month was to attend my sister-in-law's engagement party at Escobar, Damai Central, Kuching.

Florianna is now engaged to Aser, a very nice man from Egypt. they held their party at Escobar, a nice bar/restaurant at Damai beach, Kuching. The tables were set nicely in an open-air setting. The photographers and videographers did their jobs well, though we are still waiting for the edited photos to be delivered. I managed to snap a few pictures with my point-and-shoot, which came out ok.

It was an enjoyable night. We arrived just as the sun was setting over the sea:

Felicity posing at the restaurant

Fie and Lauren

Photos from the engagement ceremony...

Following is a lovely video put together of the engagement night. Watch and enjoy! Once again, we offer our congratulations to Florianna and Aser and wish them all the best in their future!

Back home from Kuching

So we are back home in Kuantan after more than a week in Kuching, on the island of Borneo.

I first set foot on Borneo in 2003 when doing a volunteer working contract. Kuching was different to Peninsular Malaysia and I fell in love with the place. I also met my wife's family before I fell in love with her at first sight!

I've been back to Kuching a number of times since the first visit. As of 2012, Kuching has changed a lot. There is improved infrastructure, buildings, shopping malls and hotels, along with KL-like traffic jams at times!

Lauren was so scared of almost everybody in Kuching, from grandparents to uncles to cousins. It made it a very difficult and stressful trip. Thankfully she absolutely loves her aunties!

Here are some photos of the people of Kuching, who made our trip interesting, fun and wholesome...

My wife and her sisters

To the left is my wife's grandma

Leah looked at the camera!

My wife's grandfather is 92 years old and asked me to try on his Iban waistcoat. I later wore it to my sister-in-law's engagement party.

My wife and her 4 sisters, their cousin Jenny on the far right; Aser (in the white shirt near the middle) is Florianna's fiance from Egypt; far left is Aser's friend Khaliel (unsure of exact spelling). Lauren was crying because she was scared of the Egyptians, Leah was just fine!

In KL preparing for our drive to the airport

At the airport waiting for our plane to Kuching

Eating the ever-gorgeous Kolo Mee at Hui Sing, Kuching

Two of my sisters-in-law, Anai and Urai, posing nicely at Lim Hock Ann Seafood restaurant in Buntal, Kuching, near Damai beach

Posing for a photo at The Hills mall, Kuching

Lauren and her aunty Urai buying some refreshments from a roadside stall in Kuching

It's good to be back home in Kuantan after the travelling. We all need a rest after a difficult time with the children. However, I miss Kuching, the sunset over the mountains, but most of all, I miss being with family. I'm not the kind of guy that enjoys being around other people for too long, but the people we were with in Kuching, made the trip memorable. 

Thanks to all those who helped us with accommodation and getting around!