MJ is a talented musician. He has been writing songs as early as 13 years old and has come up with a number of tracks since then. He also took part in Singapore Idol a few years ago and made it to the Top 12.

The end to end process took roughly 2 weeks — from speaking with him on key messages until the final output which is what you are about to hear. As he is based in HK, we had to communicate virtually until he visited Singapore recently.

MJ has done a brilliant work (both lyrics and arrangement) so I am thankful that he has shared his passion for music with me though this original song “All We Are”.

MJ and I catching up during his visit to Singapore in December

If you like it, you are welcome to download the track for free (link at the end).

In the mean time, here’s MJ performing the track. Hope you find it as meaningful as I did. Have an awesome 2012!

All We Are

Music & Lyrics by MJ Kuok

Verse 1

Here we are in this moment

Fading by so fast

As we look to the future

Let’s try to make this last

Pre-Chorus

With all we are  (x2)

Through times of change

May our faith remain

Chorus

Strong for certain

Love for sure

We’ll be the best of who we are

Until forever

When the lights are blinding

And you try to find your way

Head up, hold on

This life is meant for living

Verse 2

Now’s the time

We celebrate life

Through everything we’ve done

And everything we’ll try

We’ll stay true to who we are

To our friends and the ones we love

For sticking by when times were tough

Thank you for all that you are

Pre-Chorus

Who we are (x2)

Head up, hold on

Stay strong, carry on

Chorus

We’re strong for certain

We’ll love for sure

We’ll be the best of who we are

Until forever

When the lights are blinding

And you try to find your way

Head up, hold on

This life is meant for living

Outro

Forevermore (x4)

Download the MP3 here for free :

All We Are

MJ’s Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/mjkuok

Prior to this show, the only Jacky Cheung song I knew was “In Love with You”, a duet with Regine Velasquez from the Philippines.

The show was awesome — from the stage effects to the way the songs were delivered. He sang for roughly 3 hours and the audience felt extremely satisfied ; there wasn’t any encore performance request.

I’ve caught several Mandarin/Canto concerts before but this by far is the best one. I will try to learn a Jacky Cheung song for KTV over the next 6 months.

Here are several photos:

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

Photoshoot - one of the unplanned things I did this year

Long time no blog so I’m resurrecting it.

It’s already slightly beyond mid-year. Time to review how I’m doing against what I’ve set out to do this year!

Recap of my personal targets for 2011 :

1 ) Celebrate 5 Years in Singapore. At least one major event.

Done but thinking of a few more small ones over the next few months.

2 ) Meet at least 5 people visiting Singapore through the overseas hosting networks you are part of.

Only 1 as of now (from Bulgaria) so 20% of target.

3 ) Relaunch blog. Improve back-end set up and ensure simpler uploading of entries and photos. Increase average daily user traffic by at least 30% vs 2010.

Relaunch not yet done but I think it looks fine. Just need to figure out the new features of WordPress and read up on how I can simplify blog updates. Average daily user traffic at 40% of target. 

4 ) Volunteer time for teens/kids. At least 2 major activities (or 1 regular involvement).

Done with 1 major activity so 50% achieved.

5 ) Weight should be within the 70′s by yearend. Sit-ups at least 3x a week. No rice 50% of the time during dinner.

At risk! No sit ups but going to the gym more regularly now. Rice target was on track earlier in the year but not right now so must get back on track.

6 ) Travel to a country you have never been to and where English is not the primary language.

Will not be achieved. No more time. Travel funds re-allocated to shopping and target #1.

7 ) Discover useful shops / services inside Singapore’s old/rundown commercial buildings. At least 10 shops.

Unhappy with progress due to lack to time but still achievable by yearend.

8 ) Maintain no more than 12 inches worth of paper (magazines) at any given time. Otherwise, scan relevant pages. Organise electronic data using available online tools.

Still buying lots of magazines but need to get those handy scanners to work soon to lessen the clutter. And oh, I also need to read what I buy.

9 ) Track expenses. Hit 2011 savings target.

Tracking expenses 85% of the time, thanks a good number of iPhone apps. Will know if I hit my target savings by yearend.

10 ) Learn how to swim by end-July then use it as another form of exercise.

Delayed. Started early July and expected to end within Q4. Will complement fitness target (#5). I must admit swimming is fun!

11 ) Twitter (or equivalent) as valuable source of instant information. Steady flow of useful tweets by end March.

Achieved but struggling to catch up with the backlog tweets I need to read at the end of each day. Tweeting regularly.

12 ) Photo-worthy casual attire on Friday and Saturday. Requires review of wardrobe and shoes. In full swing by April.

Achieved but still buying good ones as and when I see them. Still a little bit more work to be done on shoes.

Optional: Smooth transfer to new home (if necessary)

Dunno yet.

When tickets to the “Super Junior Super Show” in Singapore opened to the public last year (initially to OCBC credit card holders and Singtel subscribers, if I recall correctly), the SISTIC website was down and people had to queue at the SISTIC outlets all around Singapore to book seats.

There was only one show scheduled initially and I was extremely disappointed to have waited long (5 hours!) only to go home empty-handed. My sister really wanted to catch this show with me, Jomike, and 1 more friend (whom we have not selected yet then). Luckily another show was set up so I managed to get 4 tickets easier than expected.

Who is Super Junior (SuJu) anyway?

My instant answer would always be : “They’re the Korean boy band that sang “Sorry, Sorry” .

Here’s a video of them performing it (4 mins)

More info about the group:

• The band was formed in 2005 and is currently managed by SM Entertainment
• The initial 13 (now down to 10) members were a result of auditions from hundreds of hopefuls
• Just like all those who represent Venezuela at the Miss Universe pageant who train for 1 year prior to the competition, SuJu members went through a “pop bootcamp” over a period of up to 5 years (!!) to prepare them for stardom. This training included singing, dancing, acting, modeling.
• SuJu is split into smaller groups :
  • SJ-M : Mandarin-speaking audience
  • SJ K-R-Y : R&B crowd
  • SJ-Trot : for fans of traditional Korean trot music
  • SJ-Happy : bubblegum pop fans
• Members :
  • Kyuhyun, 22
  • Shindong, 25
  • Ryeowook, 23
  • Siwon, 23
  • Donghae, 24
  • Heechul, 27
  • Eunhyuk, 24
  • Leeteuk, 27
  • Yesung, 26
  • Sungmin, 25
• Their latest album, “Bonamana” got the 7th spot on the Billboard’s World Album-Chart.

On with the concert…

The stage

The biggest I’ve seen so far set up inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Allows maximum movement (includes running and jumping) to cover all areas.

Front view

Same view but during the show

Photos

I like Siwon's outfit in this segment (gray/white)

10 members… who’s the best singer?

For me, it would be Kyuhyun. High, solid vocal range. Delivered high notes effortlessly. Don’t think his being an ex-math whiz helped at all.

See him perform “In My Dream” , a track from SuJu’s latest album,  during their Beijing concert.

Had fun on an afternoon when I’m supposed to be already experiencing Monday blues. Btw, we had Korean food for dinner just to keep the momentum.

with Julu (long lost SuJu member)

My sister Ollie and Jomike

Here are my personal targets for 2011 :

1 ) Celebrate 5 Years in Singapore. At least one major event.

2 ) Meet at least 5 people visiting Singapore through the overseas hosting networks you are part of.

3 ) Relaunch blog. Improve back-end set up and ensure simpler uploading of entries and photos. Increase average daily user traffic by at least 30% vs 2010.

4 ) Volunteer time for teens/kids. At least 2 major activities (or 1 regular involvement).

5 ) Weight should be within the 70′s by yearend. Sit-ups at least 3x a week. No rice 50% of the time during dinner.

6 ) Travel to a country you have never been to and where English is not the primary language.

7 ) Discover useful shops / services inside Singapore’s old/rundown commercial buildings. At least 10 shops.

8 ) Maintain no more than 12 inches worth of paper (magazines) at any given time. Otherwise, scan relevant pages. Organise electronic data using available online tools.

9 ) Track expenses. Hit 2011 savings target.

10 ) Learn how to swim by end-July then use it as another form of exercise.

11 ) Twitter (or equivalent) as valuable source of instant information. Steady flow of useful tweets by end March.

12 ) Photo-worthy casual attire on Friday and Saturday. Requires review of wardrobe and shoes. In full swing by April.

Optional: Smooth transfer to new home (if necessary)

Good luck to me!

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!

I have always been loyal to Nokia. I got an X6 instead of an iPhone 3 which my sister got late last year (she eventually upgraded to iPhone 4 same time as I did). It took me almost a year to decide but only a matter of minutes to complete my online purchase.

All that said, I am happy with my new gadget. It gives me access to information much faster and with lesser frustration than the phone it replaced. The display is awesome and my fingers are getting enough exercise sliding the pages, expanding images, and well, typing messages and responding to personal emails.

I’m still a bit fidgety though with texting and haven’t gotten around discovering all of its features Will sort that out soon.

Here’s a summary of features which I picked up from a SingTel brochure if anyone’s interested to know.

iPhone 4 Features

So when I learned from Alvin (Khoo), guitarist/singer, that the full band performs at a more upbeat tempo at Timbre Substation, I decided to drop by.  Since then, I try to pass by Timbre whenever I am not too busy on a Friday night. Good way to end the work week in an atmosphere of relatively younger people and of course, superb live entertainment (you may or may not know I love watching live bands).

All I can say is — there is a lot of promising local talent in Singapore and 53A is definitely one of them.

Why do I say that? Watch these.

Viva La Vida (Coldplay cover) – performed at the Waterfront stage at the Esplanade

Pokerface (Lady Gaga cover) – performed at the Waterfront stage at the Esplanade

Their talent however is not only limited to doing covers.

They recently launched their first-ever album, “Settle the Kettle“. Great combination of acoustic and pop rock original tracks (not sure if I cited the correct music genres but guess you know what I mean!).

My favorite track in the album is “We Should Be Together” (original composition)

Meet 53A :

Sara Wee (lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitars)

Alvin Khoo (lead and backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitars)

Bani Hidir (lead and backing vocals, bass guitars)

Irwan Wiss (backing vocals, drums and all percussions)

If you don’t have time to catch them in their regular gigs, they will be touring around 50 Starbucks outlets in Singapore to perform for 30 minutes (covers and original tracks).

Alvin introduced me to Bani and Sara when my family and I saw them at Starbucks last weekend.

Alvin, Sara, Bani. Irwan, the remaining member didn't perform that afternoon.

With my sister Ollie

“Settle the Kettle” is available at all Starbucks outlets islandwide. In due course, the album will be available in record stores in Singapore.

53A performs at the following venues : Timbre, Tab, CM-PB. Check website of these bars for specific schedule.

53A website

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.