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.
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Chili crab
July 23, 2011
What I like most about chili crab is the thick, delicious sauce that goes with it. It’s quite a pain to de-shell crabs. I’m not good at it and oftentimes I would use cutlery to get the crabmeat. Yes, it’s a weird thing to do but that’s me.
So I was very pleased when the staff at Long Beach seafood restaurant (Blk 25, Dempsey, Singaapore) offered to de-shell the chili crab my family ordered. I had no choice but to say yes.
Before:
After
Farewell 2010 – Personal Highlights for the Year That’s About to End
December 29, 2010
It just seemed like yesterday when I was going around the house to chase away the evil spirits of 2009 and usher in 2010.
File photo : Crossover from 2009 to 2010
I can’t believe the year is about to end.
As each year brings its unique sense of joy and disappointment (based on my experience), I thought I’d recap what I think made this year worth remembering. There are many more runners-up to this list but I need to keep it short and sweet.
In random order:
1) Got an iPhone
Yes, I joined the bandwagon and very happy I did. And I’m also glad I’m not addicted to it and I have remained very sociable!
Credit: Apple (taken from www.zdnet.com.au)
2) Joined Twitter
Julu “sold” the idea of joining this social network site to me earlier in the year. Switching to iPhone made sending tweets easier.
3) Travel
3 Countries, 4 Trips
Manila, Philippines – to attend Jak & Jolina’s wedding and catch up with family and friends
Jak & Jolina together forever
Taken at Krispy Kreme in Manila. It was also the time of Philippine elections during my visit.
Hong Kong, SAR – 2x
May 2010 with my sister -- Last time my sister went to HK was in 1988. She wanted Barbie dolls then. Now it's H&M.
Traveled solo in Nov 2010 - Also met up with HK friends
Shanghai, China – Business trip but managed to catch up with Daryl over dinner on National Day.
DP with his unique undercut hairstyle in August.
4) Church
Sang the Responsorial Psalm for the 1st time — Was nervous but my choirmates were very supportive.
Volunteered as a part-time facilitator in the parish kids’ camp
It’s been ages since I was involved in an activity for kids (I did a bit of volunteer work in early 2009 for kids with learning development needs). It’s great to see and feel the energy and enthusiasm of children — I felt younger at least for one day! Thanks Ben & Eve for inviting me to participate.
Helped organise my choir’s National Day celebration — Everyone had fun (adults & kids alike). My first National Day-related party / gathering.
5) Concerts
James Ingram
Show Luo – 3D concert
Jay Chou
6) Family & Home
Auleine’s timely graduation from her “Early Childhood Development” course — Now she is Teacher Ollie to a few (almost) 2-year old kids! Congratulations!
Sophie’s 1st birthday and dog training several months after
Celebrated Thanksgiving for the 1st time — Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for year in, year out but this is officially our first family Thanksgiving party. We’d like to set this as an additional family tradition every year.
The biggest bird that landed on our dining table in 2010
With Julu, Eugene, and Veria
7) Gastronomic adventures around Singapore
Food trips during weekends — Truly the best time to try new places and gain some calories. This collage doesn’t do justice at all.
Horlicks McFlurry — The best thing that ever happened to McFlurry. McDonald’s people, please bring this back in 2011!
Brunch 78 — 78-meter spread of delights on a Sunday afternoon with free-flowing champagne. Went 2x. Thanks Tina for introducing this fantastic event to me.
1st time was with Karen and Nat
2nd time was with Julu and Karl
8 ) Singapore : Home Truly
Integrated Resorts — I had no direct involvement with their construction nor opening but Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa opening their doors to the public is definitely a boost for Singapore tourism. I went to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark 2-3x this year!
Resorts World Sentosa
Marina Bay Sands
53A — Discovered the band during my rounds and they’re brilliant artists. Will continue to support local talent!
With Sara, Alvin, and Bani -- Taken during one of their roadshows to promote their 1st album "Settle the Kettle"
Moved to a new office (same company) – From 4 locations, we are merged into one office site. Modern facilities and conducive for agile working. Most importantly, closer to home (a few bus stops away).
I tried walking home during the first few weeks (10-minutes). I eventually decided to take the bus home instead and save time. Heh.
Opening of the Circle Line — Well, “half-circle” but this promises to be big by 2011. This is the first MRT line I’ve seen open since I moved to Singapore 4.5 years ago.
My sister and I tried a few stations when the Circle Line opened.
Hope your 2010 was memorable too!
Brunch that Made Me Skip Dinner
August 29, 2010 — 2 Comments
That’s Brunch 78 which happens 4x a year at the Ritz Carlton Singapore.
Elegant. Similar to the posh parties you see on "Gossip Girl"
The event is renowned for its 78-meter spread of culinary delights. I had (regular) Sunday brunch at the Ritz Carlton almost two years ago. I consider this as the biggest and the best one I’ve tried at the Ritz so far and anywhere else for that matter.
What do they offer?
- Carving station
- Cheese & Bread
- Cold Cuts & Charcuterie
- Salmon & Ceviche
- Dessert station
- Salad bar & Amuse Bouche
- Fish Noodle
- Oyster & Seafood Bar
- Salad Bar
- Ice Cream & Souffle
- Fruit station
- Danish Pastry, Juices, & Cereal
- Egg Station
- Japanese Station
- Tapas bar
- Local Roast & Foie Gras
- Indian station
- Hot Selections
- Specialty Bread
Ok, ok. We need to learn something new everyday so a few definitions from epicurious.com :
- Charcuterie – refers to the products, particularly (but not limited to) pork specialties which are made and sold in a delicatessen-style shop also called a charcuterie
- Ceviche – an appetizer popular in Latin America consisting of raw fish marinated in citrus (usually lime) juice
With Ritz Carlton’s Executive Chef Arnaud Thulliez and honoured guest, 3 Michelin-starred Chef Michel Roux dishing out their skills, I knew I was in for a great adventure. Michel Roux is also the owner of The Waterside Inn in Berkshire, England and has received 35 culinary awards, distinctions and medals throughout his career.
Michelin stars?? Let’s look up Wikipedia.
The Michelin Guide is a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for several countries. The term refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards Michelin stars (highest being 3 stars)
1 star = very good restaurant in its category, worth a stop
2 stars = excellent cooking, worth a detour
3 stars = exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
I invited Karen and Nat whom I have not seen for a long time. Good chance to catch up. Here’s our photo together with the chefs.
Me, Chef Arnaud Thulliez, Karen, Chef Michel Roux, Nat
While you are waiting to book seats when they have it again in October, here are several photos I took before we started eating.
Dining in the Republic
July 4, 2010 — 2 Comments
I’ve tasted different types of (McDonalds) McFlurry before but this has got to be the best one so far… in my view, of course!
Horlicks is a malted milk drink sold in powder form. It can be prepared hot or cold, depending on your preference.
I’m glad McDonalds thought of coming up with this variant. I’ve already tasted it twice (not on the same day) and will probably try it again for another two (or three or four) before it gets replaced by another variant.
The photo doesn’t do justice to it. You have to try it yourself.
McFlurry is available islandwide in McDonalds stores with a separate dessert kiosk.
This is not a paid advertisement.
Moving on to something more filling…
Eugene, Veria and I caught up over dinner last night at Gyu Kaku (Chijmes). I can’t remember the last time I went for BBQ in a restaurant… I think it was in a Korean place at Holland Village.
We ordered the set which apart from the photo shown below comes with bibimbap, kimchi, (now it’s sounding like a Korean BBQ place than Japanese hehe), salad, and dessert.
Before we placed the strips and cubes on the grill
Gyu Kaku (30 Victoria St, Singapore 187996, Ph +65 6333 4001) Website
And lastly to something that I didn’t need to prepare myself …
This is my 4th visit to La Fondue and I’ve become a fan of their stuff. Beyond the cheese and chocolate fondue which is what they specialise in, I was pleasantly delighted with their spicy arrabiata sauce.
Swiss Cheese fondue came with...
... steamed vegetables
... and bread
Spaghetti in spicy arrabiata sauce
Cookies & cream chocolate fondue
Not so busy on a Sunday early afternoon
La Fondue (25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670, Ph +65 6474 0204) Website
For those of you living in Singapore, enjoy your food adventures and remember to always save some space for desserts!
My 30-something Birthday
June 6, 2010
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!
Hong Kong
June 1, 2010 — 4 Comments
My “renewed” relationship with Hong Kong in terms of shopping started 3 years ago. I have been visiting yearly since then.
Going to Hong Kong means filling up my luggage with H&M stuff, my most favorite brand. Zara, Pull & Bear, Esprit being the runners up.
Here’s a photo from my very first trip to the H&M store in HK in 2007.
May 2007
At almost the same spot during my recent trip there…
May 2010, minus the yawning lady in the background
Have I aged so much that the guy in the 2007 photo looks like my son?? Oh well. I guess with age comes a higher level of maturity to control impulse shopping and improved fashion sense. My hair is parted on the other side too. :p
Anyway, this 2010 HK trip is not just for my own shopping satisfaction but that of my sister’s who has not seen this beautiful city since 1988. Back then, she always wanted to be carried around by my parents as she could not survive walking along what used to be called Ocean Terminal in Kowloon. No wonder she hardly had any recollection of that trip.
She’s all grown up now and ready to spend more than I could ever imagine! At 20+ yrs old, no one in our family could carry her anymore without risk of serious injury… ha
Welcome back to Hong Kong!
When I was booking the flight, I made sure to choose the Singapore Airlines aircraft that had the new Economy seats. Some years back, Singapore Airlines introduced a new layout for Business Class and improved Economy seats. This aircraft has the same look and feel as the A380 but single deck only. A few photos of the Economy seats I am talking about.
Larger display, better looking remote control, and improved interactive menu
We arrived in HK slightly after noon and it was shopping and sightseeing for 3.5 days.
Hotel lobby of Jia Hotel in Causeway Bay (been staying here for the past few visits)
Cozy bedroom. One new gadget this time around is the iPod player/speaker near the TV.
HK MTR stations are characterized by numerous exits, 2-3 levels of escalators, and thousands of people. This one is like 10x the size of Dhoby Ghaut MRT station in Singapore
The tram that took us to The Peak
Sky was not clear but still happy with the view from above
Near the Madame Tussauds entrance getting intimate with Bruce. We decided not to go into the wax museum due to lack of time.
With Ron and William
Langham Place (mall) in Mongkok. I braved 13 levels and had quite a few good purchases. (Nearest MTR: Mongkok)
Citygate outlet shopping (Nearest MTR: Tung Chung)
More shopping, this time in Kowloon island, near Harbour City (Nearest MTR: Tsim Tsa Tsui)
Before we packed our stuff into 3 suitcases, we checked out the shops near Times Square (Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay)
Final day (morning) spent on a bus tour of south HK island. Passed through Repulse Bay on our way to Stanley Market. Awesome residential properties with stunning view of the bay.
Area surrounding Stanley market
Grabbed lunch at agnes b restaurant in IFC mall
We didn't need to request an additional chair for our bags and jackets as they had a low bench for them.
Spent more than expected but no regrets. I'll go back in 2011. Need to check out New Territories, have a round of drinks in a bar overlooking the city, take the cable car at Lantau Island, ride the ferry to the other island, bargain at day/night markets, eat good dimsum
Special thanks to Steph Ho, Kristy Teng, Vincent Ang, and MJ Kuok for the shopping / bar hopping tips.
And speaking of MJ, check out his latest single “Once Twice 3″.
Support talented musicians like him by purchasing his music from iTunes (search “mj kuok”) or from www.mjkuok.com (Click Shop Online).
Manila Visit (After 18 months)
May 3, 2010 — 2 Comments
It’s been ages since I visited Manila and I must admit I kinda miss the traffic, malls, food, and my relatives/friends.
The main reason why I booked a trip back was to attend Jak and Jolina’s wedding. It was a lovely celebration over at Fernbrook Gardens in the south. Congratulations and best wishes, Jak & Jolina!
Fernbrook Gardens
Before the wedding march : With Tita Wena, Shep Tanya, and Francis (Photo courtesy of Francis Miranda)
With Bernz and Pauline (Photo courtesy of Bernz B Gonzales)
With Bernz and Carlo (Photo courtesy of Bernz B Gonzales)
Jolina walking down the aisle. Awwww
Jak & Jolina's first dance
The rest of my visit was spent shopping around, eating (especially food I truly miss), catching up with relatives and friends. Here are some photos.
Dinner with Christine, Chi-Chi...
... Raymond, Meno, and Dean
Catch up with Rich at Serendra
Lunch with Nora, Tita Annette, and Seth
Serendra & Bonifacio High Street
As the Philippine national elections were happening shortly, lots of establishments were encouraging people to vote. Krispy Kreme was one of them. I was attracted to the "O" in "Vote" hehe
My sister also visited Manila during that time. She was reunited with her "taho" (soybean with syrup and sago pearls) after many years. Photo taken at Powerplant Mall in Makati.
Greenbelt 5 now fully open. Houses a lot of mid-price and premium brands.
The Jeepney, the most common form of public transportation in the Philippines. I have not ridden it for many years.
Klapsons – New Boutique in Singapore
April 10, 2010 — 2 Comments
(This is not a paid advertisement — not even a meal voucher)
I checked out Klapsons, one of the newest boutique hotels in Singapore. I always see it on the way back home and was intrigued how it looked like.
There’s a restaurant on the ground floor called Lucas which serves contemporary European cuisine (at least that’s what I have been told when I made a booking for lunch).
I tried the lobster risotto which was really good.
This is really yummy that I feel hungry again just blogging about it.
After lunch, my sister and I asked one of the reception staff to show us one of the rooms available for viewing. They have about 17 rooms, each with its own design and concept.
There’s a standard set up though for the shower — it’s a transparent cylinder type of shower area just a few steps away from the bed. So if you plan to stay there with someone whom you are not so comfortable with seeing you sing while in the shower in full glory, book somewhere else! Otherwise, next thing you know, you are a You Tube star.
Sorry I didn’t take a photo of the shower area but guess you have an idea already right.
More photos:
Btw, even their rest room labels are quite creative. Take your pick.
Klapsons
15 Hoe Chiang Road
089316
Singapore
Website: http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/singapore/singapore/klapsons
Who Says Singapore is Boring?
April 3, 2010
My weekend activities this month have either been food adventures or artsy events. Here’s a glimpse.
1) Why I could not hit my target weight by end March
Lemon Cake from The Cookie Museum (8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, #01-02/04 Singapore 039802 Ph: +65 63331965)
Korean BBQ (Hansang Korean Family Restaurant in Holland Village)
Marinated beef tenderloin strips, fried rice & fried egg from Tapa King (Lau Pa Sat)
Try Tapa Queen (sweet/spicy)
Lunch Buffet at Starz Restaurant (Hard Rock hotel, Resorts World)
Breaded pork cutlet (Tonkichi, Orchard Central)
2) Artsy
Emerge 2010 (Zirca)
Annual concert organised by NUS CAC Voices. Saw the performance of a few members several months ago along Orchard and sought info on upcoming shows. The show lasted for 3 hours and involved more than predominantly Mandopop performances. Amateur talent with lots of potential.
Asian Civilisation Museum
Mark visited Singapore for the first time so brought him to one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. You need at least 2 hrs to do justice to this place.
Here's Mark trying one of the turbans for this photo
Several hours later... Post-dinner drinks at Brotzeit Vivo City.
To Kill a Mockingbird
I read the novel in secondary school so when I learned about the production, I did not think twice about booking tickets for me and my sister. Brilliant script, highly engaging, creative treatment.
During the intermission
Jae Leung (played Jem Finch) told me he was going out after the show to chat briefly.
My sister and Jae
More concerts and events in the coming months so watch this space.
Gatherings
February 20, 2010
I’ve hosted at least 5 gatherings at my new place since I moved in mid-November.
I think I will continue to do this over the next 1.5 years such that the number of dinners/ mini-parties I host will be more than the ones held at Caribbean during my 3.5 years stay there.
It’s always awesome to have friends come and visit, chill out (without or without alcohol), sing a tune or two, and with reserved late night energy play Wii.
I guess I will have to find a better way of sorting out some logistical concerns like where to order sumptuous food (since I don’t cook) and having an amply supply of ice.
With the excitement of entertaining visitors, I occasionally forget to take photos. But here’s a party I hosted where I didn’t forget to bring out my digicam. Maybe because my guests are camwhores as well and inevitably I will be asked why I am not taking photos. Ha.
Welcome Julu, Ben, and Karl…
Julu belting out high notes on the Magic Sing with my sister
Mostly Philippine cuisine
