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!
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.
Arab St, Haji Lane & Maxwell Chambers
January 17, 2010
Checked out a few places this weekend.
1) Arab St & Haji Lane
Sufi (48 Arab St, Singapore 199745 ; Ph +65 6298 2258)
Time to go Turkish in Singapore
The design of the vanity mirror which I got for my sister during my Istanbul trip a few months back matches the wall!
Babaganoosh - Roasted eggplant pureed with garlic, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice
Salmon steak - charcoal grilled salmon with delicious (Sufi) homemade sauce
Adana kebab - Skewered minced lamb and beef, spiced and charcoal grilled topped with a delicious tomato based sauce
Kasarli kofte (my main course) - Minced lamb and beef, formed into patties, topped with cheese and tomato based sauce; freshly baked in a clay pot
Baklava - Walnuts, pistachios, and honey syrup rolled into filled pastry
After lunch, I attempted to burn off some calories by dropping by a few shops along Haji Lane.
Haji Lane
This time with Haji Lane as my backdrop.
2) Once Upon a Milkshake
You can find it in Maxwell Chambers near Tanjong Pagar station (32 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069115 ; Ph +65 9823 3779)
Maxwell Chambers (white house) is beside...
... a red building called Red Dot Museum
Milkshake Menu
Left : Chocolate Truffle Castle (my sister's) ; Right : Nutty Peanut Butter (mine)
Really good. Will be back soon.
Bangkok Jam
September 21, 2009
After a few years, I finally went to Bangkok. I don’t remember exactly how many times I’ve been to this city but definitely not more than 10.
I wanted to bring the family for shopping as I felt (slightly) guilty I didn’t get to tag them along for my HK adventure in early August. The main goal was for them to shop but in the end I could not help but be tempted as well.
We stayed at Fraser Place along Langsuan. Smart move – thanks to my sister who ask her friend for a recommendation. Not only was it spacious (serviced apartment set up so was not cramped vs staying in a hotel), it was also near the places we wanted to shop at.
1.5 days of walking, dining, and shopping could be exhausting, well, self-inflicted pain. Also managed to catch up with Ken whom I met in Singapore and also happened to be on holiday there.
More photos
Tuk Tuk trendy - Fraser had a complimentary tuk tuk service to the Central Chitlom BTS station
Greyhound Cafe - reminds me of PS Cafe (Singapore). Same same but different.
There was an exhibit at Siam Paragon - this display looks real
There was a teeny bopper dance contest in the Siam area. The performances must have been boring that a judge wanted to entertain himself.
I am reunited with Dunkin Donuts munchkins. Yes, Singapore now has Dunkin Donuts but they don't munchkins... Sad sad
The best tasting orange juice I've ever tasted in my entire life and I found it in Chatuchak! I didn't have stomach problems after so it's safe to drink!
Early drive to the airport to catch the 830 am flight
Til the next shopping adventure!
Hong Kong
August 11, 2009 — 2 Comments
I had been thinking of heading to HK for a few days and I finally did it. I decided to book a flight one week before the actual trip so I didn’t get to fly with my favorite airline as the suitable flights were fully booked.
Instant holidays are costly (more expensive air tickets, lesser time to research clean but reasonably priced hotels, etc). However, having a relaxing trip and doing what I really wanted to do (shopping, spending time on my own, catching up with friends & meeting new ones) is truly satisfying.
Welcome back to HK! (Photo taken in one of the newer posh areas near Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
I was impressed at my ability to go on impulse and whirlwind shopping.
After 1.5 days of :
- hopping from one train to another and enduring the congested MTR walkways
- shielding myself from the sun
- sweating like a pig(let)
- exercising my arm muscles with the clothing-filled bags; and
- eventually forgetting I had set a shopping budget …
I felt the need not to do anything much on my 3rd and last day. I just walked around a few areas with very minimal purchase and had a haircut (as I was seriously getting bored).
Some interesting info about my trip:
- Number of hours being restless in the plane : 3 hours (most of the Singapore to Hong Kong journey)
- Number of people met : 5 friends (including 3 new ones) + 2 acquaintances
- Liquor : only 2 bottles of beer and 1 cocktail over two night outs (really don’t like drinking)
- Favorite train stops : Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
- Pleasant discovery : IFC Mall near Hong Kong station, Jia Hotel in Causeway Bay
- What I wanted to do but ran short of time : Explore Lantau Island (I attempted but could not get out of Citygate outlet mall) ; clubbing
- First set of purchases : 2 Gorilla pods (funky short tripod for electronic gadgets) and a Belkin adaptor for multiple iPods
- Last purchase : Pictionary Man boardgame – believe it or not, I got the item from a shop next to my boarding gate. And I thought I was done with shopping by the time I reach the airport.
Thanks to Ron and William for hanging out with me during the weekend and for introducing their friends to me during my trip.
Photos
1) Accommodation
Jia Hotel, 1-5 Irving St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong ( http://www.jiahongkong.com/JIA.html )
Thanks to Vincent A for the recommendation!
Jia Hotel is the 1st boutique hotel in Asia designed by Philippe Starck
The other side says "Seriously Messed Up" :p
Playing around in the lobby
2) Shopping
IFC (Nearest station: Hong Kong)
City Super -mostly food. I bought some useless stuff from this place.
Club 21 Outlet @ Citgate Outlet Mall (Nearest station: Tung Chung)
Harbour City (Nearest station: Tsim Sha Tsui)
3) Catch Up’s and Walkabouts
With good HK buddies - William and Ron
Cathy and Lydia - new friends I met during my trip
The bar we went to had some function rooms -- Heaven, Hell, Eden. Took a photo of my target destination.
Awesome Sunday night food in the Whampoa area
With William, Larry, and Ron
Drinks by the harbour. Panasonic Lumix at its best.
Haircut at HH Il Colpo Group (Harbour City mall)
This is the "benchmark" hairstyle. You have to see me in person to confirm if the result is the same!
4) Random
Ad for the HK subway system
Yeah, clean is in.
Taken at IFC mall. These kids were initially body slamming the in-house ad, with parents watching them from a few meters away. The kids were acting like human mops here.
"End of the world" scene. Rainy Monday afternoon in HK.
Best dessert I've tasted in recent memory. Too bad, I have to travel all the way to HK for this one.
Also took two days of leave and spent them in Singapore so I could say I was able to rest, re-energise, and enjoy the local scene before heading back to work.
Istanbul
July 25, 2009
I had the opportunity to visit Istanbul, Turkey for the first time (business trip).
Istanbul has a population of 12.5 M and is located on the northwestern tip of Turkey. It is the only metropolis situated on two continents — Asia (Anatolia) and Europe (Thrace) — connected to each other by the Bosphorus bridge.
I didn’t get to research much prior to the trip but it was easy to go around as the areas of interest were quite near each other. There were also a lot of helpful materials for tourists / first time visitors. The place has a long history having served as the capital of several empires.
Some of the roads look like this. I was told it helps melt snow during winter.
Grand Bazaar. Tip : Always look for the main street as you go along as it is very easy to get lost in this place.
I was tempted to buy one of these but figured it may break in the luggage during the flight.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque - Also known as Blue Mosque because of its interior blue ottoman tile works. Built from 1609-1616. Only mosque originally built with six minarets (those narrow-looking towers)
Lots of alfresco dining by the sea in Istanbul
Company dinner - these are just the appetizers (felt almost full even before the main course arrived)
I saw a lot of push carts along sidewalks selling these.
Took this shot at a shop selling tea and Turkish Delight. Wonder why "Turkish Viagra" appears as a sign.
Seen in one of the popular restaurants/bars - like a cultural show.
“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!)
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!
Honky Honk
April 18, 2009
My ear drums are still recovering from over a thousand honks that bounced off them while I was in Mumbai.
In such city and New Delhi (which I visited last year), the horn is mightier than the brake. Otherwise, poor car… it will be blemished with dents. Not kidding at all.
I actually thought my driving skills (developed, tried and tested through the very chaotic Manila traffic) would make me survive any traffic situation in Asia. I was terribly wrong. It was traffic almost everywhere and pedestrians pop out of nowhere. Perfect combo for a potential disaster.
I have this thing called “I will love a city/country on my 3rd visit” and this very much applies to India (1x New Delhi, 2x Mumbai) as it did to Australia and the UK.
I now have a better appreciation of India (I realised that in some aspects, Mumbai is fairly similar to most of Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines). In Mumbai’s case, the coastal area that stretches a considerable distance is very much appealing and adds to its beauty.
I have to admit though that I still get paranoid about safety, cleanliness, and poverty. Believe it or not, there was this young girl who was tapping my lower arm begging for alms for around 10 minutes while I was walking around. I wanted to do the same to her so she knows how annoying it feels haha. I ended up not giving any loose change as I was told these kids are part of a syndicate.
I was also pleased with my impulse purchase — a Skagen watch with white leather strap which I have not seen in Singapore during my shopping rounds. Photo to be posted soon.
It’s good to be back in Singapore after 3 days in “Big India”. When I miss Indian food, I’ll definitely make a trip to “Little India” where I am guaranteed of minimal honking in the background during the journey.
