At the Peak with Eric

October 5, 2008 Leave a comment

 
Eric Goh called me 3 weeks ago when he first arrived in Hong Kong. But due to my travels, we were unable to meet each other. Finally on 1st October (China National Day), we got to meet up for dinner at the Peak. Meeting Eric was great – he is still as candid as before. Still maintaining his nice bod, slim and arty. Spot a little goatie, it is very easy to recognise this old friend. I think the last time we met was like 6-7 years back. Really happy to see him here…and hopefully, he can get his lovey over soon.
 
We chose a really lousy timing to dine at the Peak. It was quite a nightmare up there – there were so many people – I was so worried that there may be a "human-slide". We joined the thousands in their fireworks celebration (only to find out that the Peak ísn’t the best place to watch the fireworks – actually, our view was blocked by a big tree!)
 
The worst was the way home – After the firework, thousands of people were trying to get their way down. I even got into a little "verbal fight" with a dumb HK policeman. Man, he has one rude and ugly f**king attitude. Guess when you speak Chinese in HK, they took you as some 2nd-class mainlander. And seriously, I really hate it when he yell at me in some f**k-up cantonese. In the end, the policeman spilt us….and I made my way home seperately (leaving Feli and Elkan with Eric and Tracy). It was just so damn frustrating at the end.

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Sex & The City

September 28, 2008 Leave a comment


(Photo Taken: Mongkok, Hong Kong – A man in suit holding a blown-up doll buying dessert along a very busy street. Look at that hole!)

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Beijing Milk & Jam! (Updated)

September 27, 2008 Leave a comment

Right after saying goodbye to Meijie, Tracy and I joined our clients and colleagues in Beijing for our 2nd Asia Event. We were there just in time to enjoy the cold season. The temperature fell to 11 degrees on Tuesday night. After enduring 4 months of hot and humid summer in Hong Kong, this is exactly what I love about China – its 4 seasons. Boy, I sure miss those cold months in Shanghai…


 

My last trip here was 2004 (with Felicia & little Elkan in mummy’s tummy). Olympic did changed Beijing a lot. It is now a very clean and beautiful city. It houses some of the most intriguing architectural marvels. There are lots of greens and the roads are very new and wide…Overall, it feels like a giantic Singapore ~ A Mega-Garden City. Everything is great except its traffic jams. That is the biggest flaw of Beijing. The jam is so bad that it affected my moods and impression of this "so-called world class city".


 

This week, China is making global headlines (for good and bad reasons) – First, China just topped America as the most carbon-emitting nation (eee…talk about "Green Olympic"). Just today, China’s spacemen did their first ever space-walk live on national TV. Still, it cannot distract this week’s biggest and hottest topic – China’s milk scandal is sending shockwave to the world. Plastics (or melamine)  is found in some of China’s major milk-products! My goodness…gone are my favorite "Big Rabbit Milk Candy", "Oreo Biscuit", "Pizza Hut", "Heinz" and other big local brands. Perhaps we should start putting health warning stickers (like those on my cigarette packs) on all China-made milk products ~ stating "Milk Damages Health, Endangers Lives" or "Plastic-cosmetically Milk".

This is a pretty short trip for us – only 4 days (And yes, our event is very successful!) – During our free time, we went around the city, taking photos of the new Beijing. Most importantly, we managed to meet up with Hovman and visited his house. Oh yes… I miss the affordable good Chinese massage! (Thanks Hovman for recommending such a good place for massage!)

It is going to be another rush trip for me next Monday – 4-day Taipei.

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Meijie, Macau and Hong Kong

September 27, 2008 Leave a comment

After 2 years of constant nagging, I managed to get some of the “handful of brothers” to visit me. Barely 5 weeks ago, Gareth and Ivy came with the big typhoon. And last Thursday,Meijie (My 16th HK Visitor)finally dropped me a visit in Hong Kong.

Surely, I was very excited to see my buddy. Why? He has been my closest pal since Secondary School days. We grew closer during those days when we part-time as waiters at the Singapore Swimming Club. We even spent 1 week backpacking in Perth. Over the last 15 years, Meijie is my constant Kopi-Kakis. (Question is: How he maintained his size while I ballooned non-stop). There were 4 years when Meijie was away (for study and for work)… Despite his working stint in Thailand, we met every month (during his monthly book-out weekend from Pataya).In fact, I was dying to see him in Shanghai – so I can show him the blink blink and bang bang. But he was so reluctant to fly over. Now, I am just 3.5 hours away (plus a tempting birthday redemption) – there is no reason why he cannot come and visit his old pal.

Argghh… the timing was pretty bad. The night when Meijie flew in – I was like a zombie. My 14hrs/day workload was certainly depressing and I guessed Meijie can see how badly I looked that night. I was trying to stay awake…and keep him “entertained”. Haaa… in the end, he had to join me to do some late night hunting for my event props at Wanchai. Carrying a heavy luggage, I made Meijie walked up and down Hong Kong’s unforgiving slopes. By 12am, Meijie was complaining about his 1st hour here.

Back at my house, Felicia prepared a surprise for both Meijie and Tracy (who also flew back on the same day). Elkan stayed up till 12am just to welcome his favourite “Uncle Lionnel”. When Elkan saw both Meijie and Tracy, he screamed and jumped like a monkey out of the cage! He was uncontrollable!

Meijie spent 5 nights at my house. Having a tiny spot in our living room, he endured all our late nights and early mornings. Meijie and my family even sat through the rain from 10-12am – waiting for Tracy and me to wrap up our event at the Peak.

More dramas, fights and laughters exploded over the weekends ~ Meijie seen it all. He even slept in my office!

Overall,we had such a good time in Macau and around Hong Kong. I just wished I am not so busy and “too sticky into my job”… I felt a little bad that I neglected my friend. Even in my dreams, I dreamt of chatting with him – nagging him to get a girlfriend. My only regret is I am not pushy enough to bring him to those “dirty massage”.

Meijie flew out on Tuesday ~ together with Tracy and me (except we were all flying in different directions – Tracy and I were heading up north to Beijing for another event and Meijie is heading back south – just in time for Singapore’s 1st Night Grand Prix.) We sent him right to his gate. Under some pressures of Mr Joe Chua, Meijie entertained me with a “Elkan Crying Byebye”.

Buddy, please come again. Perhaps Christmas. This time, it is on you. I shall offer you 10 Pineapple Buns. Oh yes, thanks for fixing my Xbox – You are our Global IT Director, mate!

Filed under Life in Hong Kong, Wahbiang

My New Toy

September 15, 2008 Leave a comment


Gareth left something here during his last visit in Hong Kong. He left me craving for these "babes". In fact, Gareth has been showing me all sort of firearms since our secondary school days. Back then, he "brainwashed" me to join his "hydro machine-gun" club. We were only 14. We spent all our pocket-money on our 1st machine-operated water guns. Yes…who have heard of such innovation back then in 1989. (Guess what, our machine guns were confiscated by our teachers after just 1 day!)

When I was in Shanghai, Francis reignited my passion for guns (and roses). In total, we bought a lot of such toy-guns in Shanghai. (The funny thing is we bought those guns at roadside fruit stalls! And the hawkers acutally hid those toys underneath their fruits!!!) Sadly, I couldn’t bring those babes over to Hong Kong (too restrictive). 4 weeks ago, Gareth showed me the gun shops at Mongkok (coincidently just behind YMCA Hotel – the one where my parents stayed). Last week, I decided to go back there to get my 1st gas-powered BB gun (aka air gun/rifle). "BB" stands for "Ball-Bearings" – except that in this modern days,  BB comes in plastic alternatives. Back then, it is really made of metal lead. Pretty deadly.

Dun get me wrong, I am not a hardcore collector. Just curious and wanted to know its fire-power. Pretty cool and feels very solid. The cylinder and shells look real. One shell only holds 1 BB. The impact is pretty good. (Francis would love to own one of these too! I bet!). Mine isn’t the professional series – so it is only a mere HKD289. There are many good ones – costing as much as HKD3,000. Man, it is sexy to own one of these real stuff. And the shop staffs even teach you how to dismantle and clean..and oil them.

On second thoughts, no. I had enough of my NS. Man, really hate those nights of oiling and polishing my gun! 

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Bay Watch

September 7, 2008 Leave a comment


 

Tried to escape the conjested shopping malls – We headed down to the beach on the other side of the island. Guess what, it is still as crowded! Surprisingly, there are a couple of good findings about HK beaches:

a) Wow, it is an eye-treat – the girls and guys are awesome! Sexy hot bods!
b) The water is quite clear and clean!
c) There is "shark-net" – I think it is to protect the sharks from those "sharkfin-crazy" HongKees.
d) The sand is so so so so powdery and smooth!
e) There are rocks and hills along the beach – the scenary is so "naturally nice" lor.
f) It cost only HK80 – you get someone to setup a big umbrella and 2 chairs for you.
g) You see all kinds of funny looking floats
h) There is no shower room – you shower in open public and go to the toilet to change.
i) Stay very alert – too many volleyballs and dics flying your direction!

 

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Crowd Wooers!

September 7, 2008 Leave a comment

 
 

(Photo Taken: Indoor Mountain Biking Competition at Cityplaza – Hong Kong)

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6 Days in Taiwan

September 4, 2008 Leave a comment

Over the last 6 days, life was extremely hectic but fulfilling in Taipei. I had both extremes (hard work and good times). I woke up everyday at 5:00am and arrived at Taipei Airport minutes before 7am. Yes, it was "Mission Impossible" but my good team mates in Taipei saved my days. After 6 long days, the project is finally delivered – accomplished with distinction! I was the last one to leave Taipei this afternoon. I came back to Hong Kong with great relief and satisfaction. "Yes! Another gold for the agency!"


Made many Taiwanese friends this trip. And
they are extremely friendly. (Oh dear, I can’t believe I am saying
that!) Even my limo-driver (hotel-airport transfer) insisted to buy me lunch and beer! My Taizhong supplier not only introduced his wife and in-laws to me and also offered to be my tour guide to "anywhere I want to go"! The
beautiful models I worked with were so sweet, sincere and warm! Gosh… the
"kampong spirit" is so strong here! Every night when I took taxi out for dinner, I met and chatted with different personalities. The cabbies were so candid and open about their lives – one even wet his eyes and poured out his sad stories to me last night!

Sadly, I was stranded at the
airport all the time and didn’t really tour much – but managed to
squeeze out a couple of hours in the last 2 days for some
"shutterbug" snapping. (Blurrrp! Taiwan food + mei mei are so so nice!) Yes, I love Taipei!

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48 hours to Beijing Olympic

August 6, 2008 Leave a comment

(Photo taken: Outdoor Media by VISA at HK Station)

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My 1st Number 8 Typhoon

August 6, 2008 Leave a comment

 

"Typhoon Watching" is my new object of interest now. For the first time of my life, I get to "see, hear and feel" a Typhoon Number 8. One thing about typhoon – Beside the very big wind, the weather is very very unstable. The sun, rain and wind come and go in a very unpredictable manner. At one minute, you see clear sky. The next, the rain poured so heavy that you can’t see what’s opposite. The sea water turned colours – dark blue to green to grey. It is like watching Mother Nature doing her own Colours Symphony.
I am now typing this blog at home – it is Warning Sign Number 8 (so no work for the moment). My clients from Malaysia are stranded at their hotel. We called each other this morning at 8am to postpone our 11am meeting. Like myself, my Malaysian counterpart is clueless about the "whats and ifs". We are all waiting for the Typhoon to be downgraded before deciding when to meet.
The warning signs came yesterday. At 12pm, there were signboards at our lift lobby displaying "T1". When I went home last night, the signboards displayed "T3". This characters appeared on their TV (like our NS mobilisation icon). This morning at 8am, it displayed "T8" (so it means no work! ~ or it means work even later tonight!).

 

Naming a Typhoon – Fun facts:

Before 2000, most typhoons were named by those meteorlogists who identified them. Usually, they named it after their wives, girlfriends or mothers. (I guess the rough weather reminds them of their female counterparts!) Luckily for all the ladies, as of 1st Jan 2000, the members of WMO Typhoon Committee (nations and cities) contribute generic names for all the future typhoon. Through a roster-format, the meteorlogists have a standard naming guideline what to name the next typhoon. It is no longer "personal names" – you find names of flower, animals in different languages.

If you look at the roster (for North Pacific Regions only) below, you be able to know what’s the name of the next typhoon. (So, it is Typhoon Kanmuri now).

Contributing Nation

Names

Cambodia

Damrey

Kong-rey

Nakri

Krovanh

Sarika

China

Haijui

Yutu

Fengshen

Dujuan

Haima

DPR Korea

Kirogi

Toraji

Kalmaegi

Mujigae

Meari

Hong Kong, China

Kai-Tak

Man-yi

Fung-wong

Choi-wan

Ma-on

Japan

Tembin

Usagi

Kanmuri

Koppu

Tokage

Lao PDR

Bolaven

Pabuk

Phanfone

Ketsana

Nock-ten

Macau

Sanba

Wutip

Vongfong

Parma

Muifa

Malaysia

Jelawat

Sepat

Nuri

Melor

Merbok

Micronesia

Ewinlar

Fitow

Sinlaku

Nepartak

Nanmadol

Philippines

Malaksi

Danas

Hagupit

Lupit

Talas

RO Korea

Gaemi

Nari

Jangmi

Mirinae

Noru

Thailand

Prapiroon

Wipha

Mekkhala

Nida

Kulap

U.S.A.

Maria

Francisco

Higos

Omais

Roke

Vietnam

Son-Tinh

Lekima

Bavi

Conson

Sonca

Cambodia

Bopha

Krosa

Maysak

Chanthu

Nesat

China

Wukong

Haiyan

Haishen

Dianmu

Haitang

DPR Korea

Sonamu

Podul

Noul

Mindule

Nalgae

Hong Kong, China

Shanshan

Lingling

Dolphin

Lionrock

Banyan

Japan

Yagi

Kajiki

Kujira

Kompasu

Washi

Lao PDR

Leepi

Faxai

Chan-hom

Namtheun

Pakhar

Macau

Bebinca

Peipan

Linfa

Malou

Sanvu

Malaysia

Rumbia

Tapah

Nangka

Meranti

Mawar

Micronesia

Soulik

Mitag

Soudelor

Fanapi

Guchol

Philippines

Cimaron

Hagibis

Molave

Malakas

Talim

RO Korea

Jebi

Neoguri

Goni

Megi

Doksuri

Thailand

Mankhut

Rammasun

Morakot

Chaba

Khanun

U.S.A.

Utor

Matmo

Etau

Aere

Vicete

Vietnam

Trami

Halong

Vamco

Songda

Saola

Too bad, Singapore isn’t on this list (and we know why). If we are ever on this list, you will find names like Typhoon Kiasu, Typhoon PCK, Typhoon Ah Beng, Typhoon Raffles, Typhoon LiuLian, Typhoon Ninabeh, Typhoon CheeHong, Typhoon Laksa and my favourite "Typhoon PAP".

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