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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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!
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:
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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
Weekend Food Adventures All Over Singapore
November 4, 2009
During the past few weekends, I had the chance to check out places for the first time.
1) Fika
I forgot how my sister and I ended at this place for lunch. I think she saw it when she was with her friends for a drink somewhere in the area.
Haven’t tried a Swedish resto in recent memory (does IKEA count?) so it truly fit into the plan of exploring Singapore on weekends.
Food was ok but don’t think I will be taking a return trip anytime soon except to try their other desserts (see photos of what we tried below)
Contact info:
257 Beach Road ; Ph +65 9002 3853
Swedish meatballs
2) Azzura Beach Bar
This place promotes itself as a venue for hydrosports activities, sumptuous bistro, Singapore first coffee cocktail bar, state of the art entertainment club (based on the Sentosa ad). The club wasn’t operational yet when I visited in mid October. Some of the hydrosports activities offered : banana boat, flying fish, kayak.
Rich (Herrera), one of my friends from Manila, visited Singapore for a work-related activity and recommend that we catch up here for drinks. Some of his local friends also joined in the afternoon.
Place is cool, better than Cafe del Mar (in my view). Only problem is that I really don’t want to get a one or two skin tones darker and I don’t swim.
Anyway, that doesn’t take away the fun if I just wish to go for a drink or too on a lazy Sunday afternoon in south Singapore!
Azzura is located along Siloso Beach, Sentosa island
Club Opening Hours
Mon-Thurs
9am – 12mn
Fri-Sun, Public Holidays & eve of Public Holidays
9am – 3am
All Water Sports Activities
9am – 7pm daily
3) Bonifacio
A colleague recommended this resto so tried it for Sunday lunch.
Finally, a place that offers great Philippine cuisine at a reasonable cost. Tried the sisig, Bicol express, lechon kawali and a few other desserts. Could barely walk after having a satisfying meal.
Hope you can try it especially if you are near the Outram/Chinatown area.
Contact information:
35 Kreta Ayer, Singapore 08900 ; Ph +65 6222 6676
Sisig (Oven-Roasted Pork Served on a Sizzling Plate)
Crispy Kangkong Puffs Topped with Tomato Mango Salsa
Boni Halo-Halo (Sweetened Banana and Macapuno string served with Milk Sorbet topped with Leche Flan)
Buko Pandan (Coconut String served with Pandan and Cream)
Palitaw (Rice Patties Covered with Sweet Grated Coconut and Cheese)
4) Riders Cafe
This resto has a Project Shop (PS) Cafe feel. Had afternoon tea (scones only, not the towering high tea tray haha). I think this place is better during brunch than afternoon especially as the area could get quite humid.
Quite interesting to see horses graze around the field.
If you are in the Bukit Timah area and have time to explore, try this cafe.
Contact information:
51 Fairways Drive, Bukit Timah Saddle Club ; Ph +65 6466 9819
Horsey horsey 123
Recommended Team/Staff for Idol Hopefuls
September 21, 2009
After having watched Idol shows of at least 3 countries (US, Australia, and Singapore) over the past several years, I believe each “hopeful” should have people who will assume the roles listed below. Some jobs roles can be combined as appropriate.
It’s tough to be in a competition so always good to seek assistance from the experts who can stay focused in making the individual successful.
Vocal coach – assesses vocal range of the individual, determines potential vocal range, helps individual select the appropriate songs based on weekly theme, works with individual in improving voice quality which includes but is not limited to diction, phrasing, breathing, putting emotion into the performance
Instrumentalist – as necessary; has a high level of competency on guitar, keyboards, and other instruments; rearranges the composition based on individual’s preferred approach (as approved by vocal coach)
Dance instructor – also doubles as fitness and well-being instructor ; works with individual in developing and improving stage presence either through appropriate gestures or dance steps; looks after nutrition and stress management; can be held responsible for security if contestant becomes exceptionally popular during the competition
Stylist – covers hair & makeup, clothes, grooming on and off cam ; provides guidance on how to project on screen and on camera (i.e. photo for publications); if competent enough, job holder can look after finances since majority of the expenses will likely be on clothes
Researcher – liaises with vocal coach on weekly themes and recommends songs that appeal to voting public (including background on the song); also considered an expert in what judges’ preferences are including capturing of feedback during competition itself; reviews performances of other contestants (strengths/weaknesses) and translate these for the benefit of the individual
Media relations – also acts as legal adviser if things get of out of hand; manages generation of good publicity for the individual in the local and overseas press; leads new media to expand voting/fan base (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, websites, forum); works with fan clubs (if any) on materials, participation in events; responsible for creative (yet legal) means of increasing votes
Not sure if the above makes sense but that’s my opinion. :-)
Best Job in the World
April 26, 2009
So lot of you may have heard of this contest launched by the Tourism board of Queensland, Australia.
Thousands have applied and they are now down to the final 16. I’ve seen most of their audition videos but thought I’d share one that I came across. Sadly, this guy from Canada didn’t make it to the Top 16. However, his clip is so artsy/theatrical that I can’t help but add more publicity to it by featuring it on my blog.
Ha. As if people read my blog.
One minute clip from You Tube.
Miss Universe 2009
April 26, 2009
Just checked the official site and learned that it will be on 23 August, 9PM US Eastern time (24 August, 9AM in Asia). Check local TV listings.
Bahamas will be hosting the pageant. “The worldwide telecast will highlight the warmth, beauty and hospitality of the Islands of the Bahamas as well as the world renowned Atlantis resort. “
Looks nice, doesn’t it?
Stage
Now if only Donald Trump will give me a free roundtrip ticket to the Bahamas and a good seat at the venue… especially since I’ve been watching each year since 1987!!
I’m sure the current Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza (from Venezuela) will enjoy this place during rehearsals and pre-pageant events.
Also tried looking up more info about this year’s event and came across this “Choose the Miss Universe Crown” poll. It’s legitimate so why don’t you make your selection? I already made mine a few nights ago.
http://www.choosethecrown.com/
Hardly Home but Enjoying Life Outside of It
March 29, 2009
I have been hardly home the past few weekends.
Let me tell you why.
1) IT Show
No sign of recession at Suntec City. People were going out with flatscreen TVs or printers on strollers or carrying semi-bulky boxes of hardware.
Don’t know if it’s just me but I think this show drew thousands of people more than previous shows I’ve caught. It was so difficult to move around that I kept thinking whether I will push or get pushed. In the end I just went with the flow as there was hardly room to take strides, only little steps.
I’ve heard so much about the Mac that this year, I seriously thought about shifting to a Mac environment. I was told it was not as multi-functional as a PC so I postponed my purchase. Maybe I’ll make a decision by mid-year.
Had some good purchases from the show: (1) HP Laserjet printer, (2) Linksys Wireless Router (works brilliantly so my home is now wireless), (3) Nintendo Wii (an impulse purchase but happy that I’ve increased the entertainment value of house gatherings/parties with this game console).
2) Birth – Singapore Poly Grad Show 2009
Two of my friends had their works showcased during their grad show held at Marina Square so I visited the exhibit to catch up with them and see what their classmates have done too. Congrats Marvin and James!
3) Dinner at Double Bay Resto
Had dinner with Wee Siong and Kristy at Double Bay restaurant in Raffles City. It’s an Aussie resto that serves predominantly fish main course meals.
I asked the waiter where Double Bay is located and he couldn’t answer me. Later on, I figured it is in NSW and remembered being there during one of my trips, either through Ben or Adam.
Sticky Date Pudding - yummy - try it
Would recommend this resto and will surely come back when I have the chance.
Double Bay (252 North Bridge Road, #01-22 A Raffles City Shopping Center, Singapore ; Ph +65 6334 6530) Nearest MRT : City Hall . Upon reaching Raffles City, look for Timberland on the ground floor and exit through the door next to it.
4) i-Weekly Roadshow
i-Weekly is a Mediacorp publication. It’s both a TV and lifestyle weekly guide. It’s in Mandarin so I buy the English equivalent instead (8 Days).
i-Weekly is changing its layout and introducing a 2nd magazine for the same price so it had a roadshow at Bugis Junction one Sunday.
I happen to be in the area after Sunday afternoon errands so stuck around for a bit and left shortly after the downpour started.
Bugis Junction -- If a funnel of dark cloud extended from the sky to the ground, I would be running for my dear life!
Local celebrities don’t get much attention here in Singapore though, either because people are busy to watch TV or because celebrities remain down to earth and simple they easily blend in with the crowd. Both a good and bad thing I guess.
I only recognise Patricia Mok (red shirt) in this photo.
Belinda Lee (white), Dai Yiangtian (black), not sure who was wearing yellow
5) Veria’s surprise birthday party
Eugene organised a birthday surprise for Veria over at their place. It’s great when surprise birthday gatherings actually surprise the celebrant. We hid in one of the guestrooms and greeted Veria when she discovered where we were.
Veria's girl friends
Rodin, Daryl, me
Veria about to discover our hideout
Happy birthday, Veria!
Veria with loving hubby Eugene by her side
6) Kumar’s show + Chillout at Keppel Island
Watched Kumar’s show, “Stripped, Bare, and Standing Up” at the Esplanade with Julius, Karl, and Wish.
1.5 hr show — laughed most of the time and got majority of the local jokes. Haven’t seen Kumar perform in any of the bars he frequents. Finally glad to have done so. He’s one of the most popular cross-dressing stand-up comedians in Singapore.
Guess who laughed the hardest
Show ended around 10pm so most of the places nearby were filled with people. Decided to go to Prive Bakery in Keppel Island for supper, dessert, and some (ahem) modeling. Ha.
Milkshakes - so thick and creamy we could finish only 90%
I managed to complete this entry after a lazy Sunday afternoon spent at home. Relaxing especially since it’s raining heavily outside.
25 Things About Me
February 14, 2009
1. My most favorite song is “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You”. I would like to dedicate that song to the girl of my dreams at our wedding, hopefully before I reach mid-30′s.
2. I was rather on the “healthy side” when I was younger (3-5 yrs old) that I fell off a flight of stairs without getting any bruises.
3. I lived in Sydney for four (4) months way back 2001 but it took me two (2) years to get over it. I had to schedule a return trip so I could move on and visit other countries.
4. I can make friends easily and would exert time and effort to get to know them better. I list down the names of people I meet to help me remember them in case I see them again in the future.
5. I used to host travelers for free. No catch. Welcomed around 35 people into my home over a period of 2 years.
6. The wildest party I’ve ever attended was the Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan, Thailand. There were “warm-up nights” leading to the party itself and my body clock totally changed. Also met close to 40 people from different countries.
7. I’ve never touched snow so would like to visit Iceland or Antarctica for an ultimate experience.
8. I don’t know how to swim. I survive the pool (if I ever get to dip into it) because of my height. I don’t like getting dark too.
9. My watch was advanced by 20 minutes during my entire secondary school but I realised this only after graduation. No wonder my friends would be pissed whenever I’d tell them it’s time to head back to the classroom shortly after we start our break.
10. I have a “hair development plan”. I try to change my hairstyle at least twice a year.
11. I love Singapore. I even miss Singapore (not the Philippines) whenever I travel overseas.
12. I don’t like wearing contact lenses (well, I’ve never tried wearing them). I feel specs change the way I look — from nerdy to smart. I will only wear contacts when I visit the US and attempt to ride all the rollercoasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
13. When traveling on business, I order “Iced Milo” when asked by the flight attendant. I think I’m the only one who requests that. Everyone else asks for wine or champagne. I get the amused look from the cabin crew 50% of the time.
14. I always wear two layers — t-shirt/polo and an undershirt (either white or colored).
15. I panic buy whenever I visit H&M.
16. I don’t like backpacking. I tried doing it once — I ended up placing my mobile phone inside my shirt and crossing my arms over my chest out of paranoia. It also wasn’t nice seeing a lady shave her armpit while standing beside me in a common bathroom. But who knows, I might change my travel preferences next time.
17. I’m a fan of good oral hygiene. I brush my teeth at least 4x a day. I carry a toiletry kit in my weekend bag whenever I go around town.
18. I used to like Caucasian women. I still do but now that I am surrounded by a lot of Chinese women in Singapore, I seem to be attracted to them more. Chinese babies look cute too.
19. Whenever I have my picture taken for an identification card, i.e. license, I ask the photographer to count until three so I can smile properly. These cards are used long-term so need to look decent.
20. If there are days when I need to work from home, I still wear long pants so I won’t feel lazy and too homey.
21. I used to be an altar boy but when I grew taller than everyone one else I became quite conscious and decided to “retire”.
22. I have never missed a single Miss Universe telecast since 1987. I feel Donald Trump should give me a loyalty award or maybe a free premium ticket to a future show. Will have to depend on six degrees of separation for that to happen.
23. I buy books but I don’t read them, except for travel guides. It’s just good to have them around in case I feel like picking them up from the shelf at some point. However, I read books that are given to me as gifts.
24. I’m really not into spa and other expensive wellness places. I don’t like the feeling of aromatic oil being rubbed on my body. If I go for a massage (rarely though), I try to stay awake so I know what’s happening. That will also help me answer the question, “Pressure ok, sir?” Haha.
25. I don’t mind going to KTV / videoke on my own and sing for around 3 hours. I load the songs I know by heart during the first few minutes so I can select the next batch of songs from the computer without looking at the lyrics.
First Time Visits
February 1, 2009
17 January
First time visit to… School of Art, Design, and Media – Nanyang Technological University
I have several friends who studied in NTU so I’ve always looked forward to visiting their former campus at some point. A few Saturdays ago, I had a valid reason to travel west where it was located. My friend Zihan was using one of the studios there to shoot his forthcoming film, “Threshold” so thought I’d drop by and see what happens behind the scenes. Also caught up for a bit with Junfeng (also a filmmaker in Singapore) on my way out of the building.
Threshold shooting
31 January
First time to… Yishun
I have always wanted my random bus rides to take me to the north but been unsuccessful. Last Saturday, I tagged my sister along for a mid-morning adventure around Singapore. Took a bus that went all the way to (drumroll) Yishun interchange, a journey that lasted almost an hour from Orchard.
Where is Yishun?
Some images along the way and when we reached Yishun.
Lots of signs. Which one do I look at?
Not really sure what this is
I think this is a lake, unless I got my "bodies of water" incorrectly.
There's a $10M Hong Bao draw in early Feb. This drew a long queue from heaps of people.
Lunch at Northpoint mall - Lemon Chicken & Pattaya rice. I was told Pattaya rice is usually wrapped in fried egg and has lots of pepper. True, true. But I don't remember it from a previous trip to Pattaya.
"Excellence Together Singapore Forever". Might make uncle Rick Astley smile.
31 January
First time (in a long time) to… Holland Village
I arranged to meet up with Wallace but he was running late so I walked around the area first. It’s been a little over 2 years since I last went – I think it was with Sean and Ryan over dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Holland V attracts a mixed crowd — locals and foreigners — and offers lots of dining options (from coffee shops to high end restos). Nearest MRT station (10 minute walk) : Buona Vista.
Had afternoon tea with Wallace at 211 Rooftop Terrace resto (211 Holland Avenue, Holland Road Shopping Centre, #04-01 Singapore 278967Ph 6462 6194).
Her World (December 2008)
November 22, 2008 — 3 Comments
I was interviewed for a feature article in “Her World”, a fashion/lifestyle magazine in Singapore. Every so often, the publication has an article on guys and for this issue, the team decided to run one on foreigners who live like locals do.
Marlene referred me to Zarelda (writer) who after a preliminary interview over email decided with her editor that they would go for a full-length interview.
The article “Dudes in the Hood” covers four (4) individuals from various backgrounds. For my portion, the angle was on my attempt to explore the country during my free time resulting in my discovery of several interesting areas.
A few weeks after the interview, there was a photoshoot in a location that’s relevant to my segment. The decision was to have it in one of the bus stops — not the new one but an old one. The shoot was quick and didnt require me to change outfit (though I bought 2 other polos).
Outtake from the photoshoot along River Valley Road on 19 September 2008
William Wong (Photographer), Alice Chua & Nora Othman (Art Directors), Zarelda Goh (Writer)
Thanks to Marlene, Zarelda, William, Alice, and Nora for making this another worthwhile personal event for this year.
“Her World” Singapore December 2008 issue is now available at newsstands, convenience stores, and bookstores everywhere in Singapore. Jaycelyn Tay appears on the cover.
Glad to give my female friends in Singapore and in my Facebook list a complimentary copy. Just send me a message.
