My 30-something Birthday

June 6, 2010 — Applebee's, catholic church Singapore, Chili's, Gleneagles, Julius Chen, Julu Chen, Karl Kanghao Lee, Karl Lee, Mandarin Oriental buffet, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Maple butter blondie, Maple butter blondie dessert, Melt, Melt buffet, Melt restaurant, Melt World Cafe, St Peter and Paul catholic church, St Peter and Paul church

Another birthday, another reason to thank the Lord for His abundant blessings.

Last year, I had dinner at a Chinese restaurant with my family before going with them and a few friends to the Pussycat Dolls “Doll Domination” concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

This year, here’s what I did.

720 AM – Mass at St Peter & Paul near the Singapore Art Museum.

I wanted to start my birthday via a thanksgiving mass. Weekday masses start quite early (630 am!) so would consider this one as rather late. Had to wake up at 630am.

915 AM – Medical appointment at Gleneagles Hospital

When I was in Hong Kong, my left eye developed a condition called “subconjunctival hemorrhage” which occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks underneath the clear surface of the eye (white part, called conjunctiva).

For those who saw me around early June, you would have noticed and asked. It’s when blood is trapped under that white part – may look frightening and painful but it’s non-contagious and harmless. Hmm… some instant medical knowledge for you there!

This appointment is the 3rd one (the 3rd doctor as well though this time a specialist) and as with the 2 other doctors I’ve seen, I was given the same message (Don’t worry, it’s just like a bruise on the skin. You just have to let it heal as it will disappear in 10-14 days. No medication required). At least, I was reassured.

Will spare you the agony of feeling sorry for me so I wont post any eye photo.  

Update (as of Sun, 20 June) – The hemorrhage completely disappeared last week!

11ish - Lunch at Chili’s then dessert at Applebee’s

Wanted to have brunch at Friven & Co but that meant waiting another 30 mins for it to open so decided to go elsewhere…. the ever-reliable Chili’s. I’m a fan of American diners so it was ok to pick up extra calories over lunch, at least on my birthday.

Chili's with my mom, Ollie, and Jomike

At Applebee's - Maple Butter Blondie. Ask for the cream to be served separately so you can decide how much to pour on your plate.

With the crew after they sang Happy Birthday and served free dessert

Chili’s (163 Tanglin Road, Ph +65 6733 3317)

Applebee’s (111 Somerset Road, #01-11/12 TripleOne Somerset, Singapore, +65 6735 9671)

300pm – Went to Orchard Midpoint to buy a few boardgames then near Chinatown to pick up my birthday cake. Rested at home.

730pm – Birthday Dinner at Nectar (Wangz boutique hotel)

I love boutique hotels and I plan to check out each one of them here in Singapore, or at least try their restaurant/bar.

In my family, I’m the only one gets value for money from buffets so had to go for a la carte. Food at Nectar was good, service was excellent. Also had a quick tour of their guest rooms. Spacious and modern interior. You can even book two adjacent rooms and hold a party over two balconies.

Nectar Restaurant, Wangz Hotel, 31 Outram Road, Singapore (Ph: +65 6595 1383)

930pm – Prince of Persia

I used to play this game when I was younger (hmm, maybe 20 birthdays ago, back when we used floppy disks to install software!!). I am happy that Disney came out with a movie version inspired by the game.

While this movie didn’t have good reviews (Jake Gyllenhaal’s sounding British in a Persian role?), I really liked it — in terms of visual effects, character development, and numerous stunts and parkour.

According to Wikipedia, parkour (PK) is the physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within one’s path by adapting one’s movements to the environment. Skills such as jumping and climbing, or the more specific parkour moves are employed.

Here’s a video of parkour stunts so you have an idea of what I CAN’T do. Haha.

Close to midnight – Blowing of birthday cake and more photos

We got these birthday candles from Hong Kong. When lit, each candle emits a different color.

See.. how nice right. I really didnt want to blow them...

... but I eventually did as I wanted to taste the cake.

Made of fresh ingredients (including the cream), really yummy

Also had a lunch celebration with Karl and Julu the next day over at Melt. (Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Singapore 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797 Tel : +65 6338 0066). It’s awesome to enjoy buffet over countless laughs and sumptuous food. Great to have caught up with them.

With Julu and Karl

Thanks to those who remembered to greet me personally or via mobile/email/Facebook. It was truly an awesome 30-something birthday weekend!