1 Out of 7 Billion
The world is getting smaller everyday but a lifetime is not enough to explore it. My adventure starts in Singapore.
You can scroll the shelf using ← and → keys
Aaron Kwok De Show Reel Live Concert (Singapore) 2009
May 31, 2009 — 8 Comments
I watched Aaron Kwok’s concert this weekend with Marlene. I almost didn’t get to catch this show because I thought I had accidentally thrown the tickets away when I disposed my unused Singapore International Filmfest tickets a few weeks ago. Luckily I had not claimed the tickets yet from Sistic so I didn’t need to be overly anxious.
Marlene & Me (sounds like a title of a movie)
Stunning show with elaborate production design — 450 degree revolving stage, costumes similar to Chinese adventure movies, awesome choreography. Aaron Kwok’s singing ability isn’t as great as Jay Chou or Wang Lee Hom but I’d forgive him as most of the time he was strutting on stage. I don’t understand Mandarin nor Cantonese anyway!
This is the 4th Mandarin (or Cantonese) show I’ve seen since moving to Singapore. It’s really fantastic that Singapore is usually one of the stops in a world tour for many artists. It’s just a matter of whether one has the time, money, or group of friends to actually catch concerts.
Aaron Kwok is the first every Chinese pop artist I knew and I remember first seeing him on Channel V or MTV many years back. The setting of the MTV was in a waterfall, etc. That’s all I can recall. The next Chinese artist I knew was Jacky Cheung — when he sang a duet with Regine Velasquez (Philippine artist).
Aaron Kwok and Jacky Cheung are regarded as two of the four (4) heavenly kings as they dominated the Asia music industry in the 90′s (the other two being Leon Lai and Andy Lau). That’s just some trivia I picked up somewhere.
Here are some photos from the concert :
Glittery start
Monkey bar action
450 degree revolving stage - one of the features of the concert
And just when people thought it was over, he comes out splashing water to the audience for the sake of art!
Full and Fuel
May 24, 2009
Full
After my Mexican food adventure with Karl, it was time to try Middle Eastern with Julu. Julu wanted to try some Greek food so he recommended Philia (27A Bali Lane, Singapore, Ph +65 62993267). Turns out that : (1) Philia is now called Nabins and (2) the food served in Nabins was not Greek at all! Funny right. Anyway, the following kept us busy for around an hour.
Chicken lasagna
Greek salad, only because we originally wanted to try Greek cuisine. Ha.
Julu's tiny stomach managed to fit 75% of the dish on the tray below!! I didn't finish my chargrilled chicken with Moroccan sauce (above)
Nabins is also a shisha/hooka place (read: hooka, not …. you dirty mind you). We didn’t try puffing but a lot of younger people in the resto did. Is that what they do with the allowance their parents give them?! Hmmph.
After dinner, we walked back to Bugis, continued our chat before joining Wish and two of her friends Akira and Haruka in Balaclava over at Suntec. Never been to Balaclava before and from the little that I heard in the background (since I was busy speaking with Wish, Akira, and Haruka upon arrival), the place seems to offer good live music.
Wish, me, Akira, Haruka
Shortly before midnight, we moved to the Singapore F1 pit stop for an event called…
Fuel
Wish invited us to this event as two of her good friends are running this series of dance events held at the VIP box/area of the Singapore F1 circuit. Fuel. Quite a catchy name. At least, not Crash & Burn. :p
The event also attracted lots of young people who either wanted to be VIP or… VVIP. Not sure what could be higher than a VVIP!!
It’s been a long time since I went clubbing. While it was good to have reconnected with the world of house, R&B, and techno, I’m glad that I am already over this phase and now enjoying my semi-retirement from it. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I can still last until sunrise but it would really depend on the activity and the people I am with. But this time, I couldn’t push myself to staying beyond 2/3am as I need to be alert and hit the right notes as part of the choir in the morning at church.
It was also great to have seen the VIP/pit stop area for the first time after it was built for the Singapore F1 last year. It does need a major interior renovation though before Singapore hosts F1 anew later this year.
Thanks Wish for the invitation!
Mr DJ
May 23, 2009 — 2 Comments
Since I do not drive here in Singapore, I must admit I am not as updated with the latest tunes as when I was back in Manila. The long drive to work and back home (thanks to my patient driver) and the traffic that made my journey colorful allowed me to listen to the radio for at least one hour.
It was troublesome to transfer the radio from my living room to the bedroom frequently so that left me listening to purchased CDs often instead. Hmm.. this means I’m rather behind radio music by almost three years. Thank God that I frequent a bar with a live band that plays Top 40′s so in a way, I don’t feel so miserable.
When I got an email from Philips promoting their annual warehouse sale this weekend, I didn’t waste time to scout for a decently-sized radio that would be a welcome addition to my gadgets and gizmos on my desk (I have two laptops, a printer, a scanner, a portable DVD, MP3 player — all neatly and strategically placed within striking distance).
Here’s what I found during the warehouse sale — reasonably priced, small enough, but powerful enough to have 5 preset stations which I have now configured to Mediacorp stations — Gold 90.5, Class 95, 98.7, Lush 99.5, Yes 93.3.
It’s now up and running and I’m back on track when it comes to knowing the latest and reminiscing the past. It’s now playing “Look Away” by Chicago… which I sing at KTV sometimes. Sad sad.
American Idol
May 23, 2009
Kris Allen wins American Idol (2009)
I was only able to watch a few of the “Top 13″ shows this season but I’m really happy that Kris Allen won. He may not have a voice that could break shopping wall windows but he is steady. I can also relate to his type of music.
While Adam Lambert seemed on his way to clinch the crown, his style eventually annoyed me. I think I will feel dizzy listening to his CD if he sang that way in all his tracks. He’s talented and I’m sure a lot of people will buy his album.
Out of the 3 seasons of American Idol I had time to catch during the past few years, my picks were chosen by America twice — Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen. The other one, David Archuleta, finished runner up in 2008.
Happy is he who does not expect, he shall be rewarded. I know Kris didn’t expect to win over Adam. Now that he has finished top of the list, he needs to realise he won for a reason and his job is to live up to everyone’s expectations, especially those who voted for him.
Heard the finale was awesome. I recorded it but haven’t had the chance to watch yet.
Coming soon : Singapore Idol Season 3. Maybe I’ll watch that show too.
Just saw the website and here are the audition guidelines. I like guideline #9 though I pity those who will queue as early as 8am and have their audition late afternoon given the weather here in Singapore.
- You must be in line by 8a.m. at the Audition Venue. Registration for the Auditions closes at 6p.m.
- You must register online, then print out the online application form and bring the signed application form (photo included) with you on the day of Registration — 6 June to the Registration Venue. You must also bring your letter of Confirmation with your reference number on it.
- You MUST bring along a piece of ID that includes a Recent photo. The information provided in the Application Form should correspond with the information provided in the ID. For Singapore citizens please bring along your NRIC. For non-Singapore citizens (including Singapore PR), please bring along your passport.
- Auditions are NOT by appointment, you must come by 8a.m and join the Official Queue.
- Auditions will be first-come, first-seen. It is up to you to decide when to arrive at the auditions. Please anticipate long queues.
- Please remember that the audition process may take up to several hours, so please plan accordingly. Do ensure that you have a hearty breakfast before queuing at the venue, and come prepared for an audition process lasting several hours.
- If you are under 21 years of age as of the date of registration, please ensure that you bring along a letter of approval from a parent or guardian with their signatures. You are allowed to bring a parent or guardian with you, but they will only be allowed into the Reception & Registration Areas, depending on the day’s turnout.
- For those over 21, guests will be permitted based on the day’s turnout. No guests – family or friends-are allowed into the audition room with you.
- PLEASE COME DRESSED TO IMPRESS, but remember NOT to wear clothes with visible logos, trademarks or offensive language.
- Be prepared to sing two songs of your choice a cappella (without music), one of which must be in English. You will be required to sing a verse and a chorus, but it is good to know the entire song. You must provide the titles of the songs, and the original artistes (singers) to the person judging your performance.
“Happy Mothers’ Day” Entry (Mostly) in Pictures
May 10, 2009
First stop… Dempsey
Bread and veggies to go with...
Meaty cheese fondue
Carbonara
Aglio Olio
I can definitely make this (well, slicing and arranging)...
... but not this. Yummy though...
La Fondue
25 Dempsey Road
Dempsey Hill Green
Singapore 249670
Phone: (+65) 6474 0204
Next stop…
Zouk Flea and Easy Market
Where : Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street, 169420 Singapore
When : Once every 3 months, on a Sunday from 2-7pm
What : Everything fashionable.
Good to have visited Zouk during daytime.
First time visit with mom and sister. Interesting event but not a lot of guy stuff — only went home buying a necklace. Better luck next time I guess.
Happy Mothers’ Day to all moms and moms-to-be around the world!
Happy Mothers' Day, Mom! (Hope you enjoyed lunch and shopping today!)
We love ya! (This photo was taken before we got stuffed over lunch!)
Sickness/Healing ; Deformity/Transformation
May 9, 2009 — 2 Comments
The Lord will Understand
The Archbishop of Singapore has issued instructions to all church goers as a precautionary measure against the spread of the H1N1 virus. I was told by my friends that this is similar to when Singapore was hit by SARS several years ago.
I would normally hold the hand of the people beside me to sing, “Our Father” and shake hands during the Sign of Peace so it feels different not to be able to do so at least for a few weeks. However, I respect such decision and will obey as it is for the good of all.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Let’s admit it. In a world filled with commercialism and pretense, we can’t help but notice how people look from head to toe. Love at first sight, etc. However, not all good looking people are best friend material (and I am not trying to be like Paris Hilton here).
It takes time to get to know a person and even if we reach an acceptable level of trust, trust is betrayed and we are back to square one.
I was touched by the story of Connie Culp’s transformation and resilience as the US’ first ever face transplant recipient.
Let me quote Yahoo news on the background: “Culp’s husband, Thomas, shot her in 2004, then turned the gun on himself. He went to prison for seven years. His wife was left clinging to life. The blast shattered her nose, cheeks, the roof of her mouth and an eye. Hundreds of fragments of shotgun pellet and bone splinters were embedded in her face. She needed a tube into her windpipe to breathe. Only her upper eyelids, forehead, lower lip and chin were left.”
After 30 operations :
parts of her ribs –> cheekbones
one of her leg bones –> upper jaw
skin from thighs –> grafted onto face
and a 22-hour operation in December:
bones, muscles, blood vessels from another woman who had just died –> 80% of her face
Cost likely to be absorbed by the clinic : US$250,000 to 300,000
Before the accident
Now
Culp said she wants to help foster acceptance of those who have suffered burns and other disfiguring injuries.
“When somebody has a disfigurement and don’t look as pretty as you do, don’t judge them, because you never know what
happened to them,” she said. “Don’t judge people who don’t look the same as you do. Because you never know. One day it
might be all taken away.”
True, true. A story of hope, courage, and faith. Looks may change in an instant but the values shaped by our upbringing and the pureness of our hearts are what will matter in the end.
Labor Day Long weekend
May 3, 2009
I had an enjoyable and relaxing long weekend. Decided not to travel out of Singapore which I think was the right thing to do.
So what kept me busy?
1) X-Men Origins : Wolverine
I decided to book half an hour before the film started so truly impulsive. I’m not good at evening screenings but this kept me awake until 1.30am (even if I’m not a fan of Wolverine and Hugh Jackman). Hope they make more “X-Men Origins” movies in the future.
2) Eat
Tony Roma’s (Lunch with mom and sister) on Labor Day — I almost single-handedly finished our appetizer, onion half loaf!
Tony Roma’s (Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-007, Singapore ; Ph +65 6337 9055)
El Toro (Lunch with Karl) on Saturday — India-bound Karl relied on I-S magazine and recommended this Mexican restaurant along Penang Road. Haven’t tried Mexican in a long time so made sure I savoured every bite.
Clockwise from top: Burrito, Chimichanga, Quesadilla
El Toro dessert specialty - chocolate cake with chili sauce and strawberry ice cream
Don't miss Mexican and Chinese food too much when you leave Singapore, KKL!
El Toro (165 Penang Road, 2/F Winsland Conservation House, Singapore ; Ph : +65 6887 4787)
Empire State Burger (Lunch with mom and sister on Sunday) — Went to Iluma, a new shopping center in the Bugis area and felt curious to try this resto. Wide selection ranging from pizza, pasta to burgers. Service was painstakingly slow but I’d give this place another chance, perhaps after a few months.
Iluma - soon to be an urban entertainment centre along the Bugis-Bras Basah area
Empire State is on the 4th level of Iluma.
Borrowed my sister's hand to prove how big this Empire State burger is (worth $30, good for 4 pax)
Red Mango (3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City, #01-140G — same area as Carrefour) and Berry Lite Frozen Yoghurt (4/F, Iluma shopping center, Victoria St, Singapore) — I would call this Labor Day weekend as a “frozen yoghurt discovery” weekend. I only knew “Yami Yoghurt” prior to coming across these two brands. Good stuff — can choose the topping and not too guilty. But hey, I still love ice cream (Ben & Jerry’s coconut seven layer)!
I wasn’t able to take photos of my dinner catch up with Gene at Crystal Jade in IMM on Friday and with Wilson, Lynn, Kristy, Wee Siong, and Evelyn at Liang Seah St steamboat on Saturday (forgot the name of the restaurant though). However, I also had a superb time eating and drinking (Coke, water) during these meals!
3) Explore
Ongoing construction of Marina Sands at Marina Bay (taken while in a cab)
Marina Sands is part of the Urban Redevelopment Plan of Singapore. How exciting right.
Go visit the Urban Redevelopment Authority building (near Maxwell Food Center) -- exhibit on the 1st level.
Future Singapore Sports Hub in Kallang
Karl and I met a few friends too during the exhibit. Took photos with them.
Uncle Karl, buy me candy please.
Also went to the monthly MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers) at the Red Dot Museum.
Seen at Maxwell Food Center! I bought muffins from this stall. Could there be an "Angelina Jelly" beans stall somewhere in Singapore??
4) Haircut
Went for a haircut for fear of hearing chirping birds in my nest-like hairstyle.
Hope you had a fantastic long weekend too!
