Meanwhile back at Hotel 25…

May 21, 2006 Leave a comment


While the cat is out, the mice comes out to play. This is exactly what happened when I was away 3800km away from home. (How to I get 3800km? Click here) Put the calculation aside…I can see my "guests" are having a great time themselves… Surely, they illustrated the term "make yourself at home" perfectly.
 
When I downloaded these images from my hotmail 2 hours ago.. I was so "delighted".. First, I see Meijie playing a great role of mine – hugging all the babes in my clan! Well done Meijie! You should start buying more insurance for those 2 arms of yours.. Really! The left and right hugs are…mmm…ermm… lovely! (especially those solo shot of you and Kalinda – our undisputable sexy babe).
 

Then, I realised they just upgraded my Hotel 25 into a neighbourhood IR – "Integrated Resort".. Best of all, they live feed their activities online for me to watch… so thoughtful. At first, I thought they are playing strip-poker so I glued my eyes on my tiny MSN web-screen the whole night. How "delightful"…they are playing cashless mahjong. In order not to disturb my neighbor, someone from the clan discovered a way to play silent mahjong…(Yes…on my new $8/m bubble-wrap sheets! I saw it…) Dun you love my friends?
 

Seeing these photos… they made me miss my home so so much… So glad to see Sweety Tracy posing with my gifts (my gifts arrived on time for her birthday)… And Joanne’s sunny pretty smile. Man, how I wish to photoshop myself inside the photo too… (of course, replacing Meijie’s head..haaaa.. and maybe enlarge Kalinda’s you-know-what).. Okay, I am getting kinky again.
 
Anyway, for those who miss the IR, here are the pix. It is delightful… 🙂
 
Sian, tomorrow Monday liao!


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Earthquake at Joanne House

May 14, 2006 Leave a comment

Poor Joanne, she must have a BIG party last weekend. Basically, her guest must have rocked her house. Someone, please call the NEW PAPER! (No lah, according to her, it is HDB’s fault. Her tiles popped out. Looks bad)

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It’s so hard to say Goodbye

May 12, 2006 2 Comments

They say a big man shouldn’t cry. To be honest, I never know it is so hard to say goodbye. Especially to my small boy.
 
Elkan is 18-month now..and he seems to understand things around him. He has better memory now…recognised places and has more and more expressions. Over the past few weeks, whenever we sent him home to "Tampines", he had that stressful and sad look on his face. Somehow, Elkan knows it is time to say goodbye… Cos’ it would be another 3 days before papa and mama pick him up again.
 
It is getting harder to say goodbye. In fact, it has become almost impossible to wave "bye" to Elkan every Sunday night. When Elkan sensed us wearing our shoes, taking our bags, he would come running to us, stretching his hands for a hug. Most times, he would try to block us at the entrance, wrapping his small hand around our fingers and dragged us into the house. And of course, every Sunday, I have to break my little boy’s heart and bid him goodbye. When the lift door closed behind me, I still could hear his cries and screams.. that kind of pain cut me so deep everytime I say bye to Elkan.
 
That is the magic of parenthood. I was love-sick with my boy. More than my own parents, more than my own wife. Why so? Perhaps, I felt "needed" by Elkan…and that deepen my love and attachment for him.
 
While preparing my trip to Shanghai, I brought Elkan home…baby sit him everyday at home. I spent my last 5 days with him… taking photos and video clips of him. It was also this period of time when Elkan started calling me "daddy" with such strong love and conviction. He would called me "out of fun", got my response, smiled brightly and went back to do his things. He just want to make sure that I am around him…
 
The day finally came when I have to send Elkan back – 2 hours before my flight. Alone, I carried him out of Meijie’s car and brought him upstairs. I was standing in front of the door for some time…facing my boy, saying some farewell words to him "Elkan, look here… Daddy loves you…be good, ok? I miss you." He looked nervous, cos’ he knew it was farewell time. But he didn’t know I may not be there for him for another good 6 months or longer.
 
Holding back my sadness, I pressed the doorbell. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law greeted me. The 7am morning sun illuminated their face. I asked Chups to "distract" Elkan…carry him over to see birds (which is Elkan’s favourite hobby)… My mother-in-law passed me 2 hongbaos for good luck and wishes. At that point, I wanted to let go…but I still bite on….Told my mum to take care and I quickly back off the house. My last sight of Elkan was seeing him turning his head around, looking for me.
 
Without saying bye to Elkan, I left. The minute I entered the lift… in my own private space.. I teared.
 
Back in the waiting car… Meijie, Joanne and Feli could felt my sadness… they kept very quiet and comforted me. I know I be sad..  but I never know it could this hard.
 
The final mile to my boarding gate is filled with so much love, tears and hugs…Juli bluff me..she didn’t cry. Kalinda gave me a surprise appearance and even walked me to my boarding gate (with a special pass)… She must be so shocked and "happy" to see my redden eyes… We hugged and I am just so touched… 
 
Before I walked in the departure gate… Joanne handed me an envelop. She told me it was a card from Tracy and her. Inside the card, I found a small 1G MMC card. I loaded the card into my PSP…I was totally amazed and moved by the efforts that my 2 coffee-girls put in. The whole wahbiang clan did gave me a farewell card – a good representation of the IT era that we are living in…My first Farewell MMC Card. (wow..so hi-tech and advanced!) It was a fantastic and original idea! LOVE IT!
 
There are 3 major content inside the MMC Card. A Farewell Video Clip, Elkan’s home clips and a folder of all my favourite MP3 songs…..I played the video footage (inside the MMC Card) on my PSP.. Seeing funny and moving clips from Lusia, Yixi, Guofeng, Ivy, Juliana, Duuk, Kalinda, Joanne and Tracy put a smile across my sad face. (just one question: Where is Meijie and Yifu?)
 
This was the most meainingful gift…so much thoughts, sincerity, efforts just to produce one. Thanks Joanne and Tracy for doing so much for me. I love you. (Opps…too mushy)
 
Started my project on Friday… trying to settle down. Things look good..and I felt great.
Time to kick some ass and accomplished what I am here for. Friends, till we meet again!
 
p/s (Meijie thanks for fetching us to and fro the airport…1st time in 6 years since i last sat in the car you drove. The last car ride in Perth didn’t ended so well… :P)

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A Luggage of Wishes and Luck

May 7, 2006 1 Comment


Guys, you have spoilt me badly… Joanne would have agreed with me… For the past 10 days, you guys have been showering me with gifts, wishes and touching farewell greetings… My luggage is over-weight with all your wishes and luck (yes, I need lots of them in Shanghai).
 
Believe it or not.. I am still meeting my client next week…despite telling Tracy and Joanne that I need to clear some of my annual leaves. Had a very packed week…moved my plants, pond and toys to 3 different places (Tampines, Seng Kang and Toa Payoh). My lovely Auntie Amy helped me to move my belongings.
 
Guys, thanks for doing so much for me… (At some point, I thought I am migrating to Shanghai for good! Just kidding.) Yes, I am touched by all your friendship and love.. Despite me treating you guys so so bad… you guys worked so hard to plan things for me… Those surprise parties, dinners, calls are just so great…Made me feel so guilty and melted my heart……( Mmm..maybe that is why… You guys can’t wait to see me gone – cos’ I treat you guys so bad..Make me guilty, huh?) Anyway, thanks Yifu, Yixi, Joanne and Meijie for planning those "A Hero-Farewell" or "Get-Rid-of-Joe" party for me last week!
 
No matter how you see this, I could give you guys a good 6-12 month break in Singapore. You know, the "world-peace" thingy… heeee..
 
Sorry for not be able to inform all of you about the change in my departure. I was supposed to leave the island on 5th May. I received a lot of farewell calls / sms / msn on the 5th May (Nadirah, Jasbir, MC, Karen, Scott, Mary (Axxa), Bishan, Jenny (Oki) and even my own dad!). Due to some minor problems I had with my VISA, I am able to borrow more time in Singapore.. (with Elkan). I have just confirmed my flight – Yes yes, I am leaving on the 11th May 2006, 10am.
 
So, I am packing now… and ready to go. Thanks Tracy for that great discounted web camera. Thanks Meijie, Kalinda, Juliana, Duuk, Joanne and Tracy for the cordless phone that I really wanted! (Joanne just sent in the gift 2 hours ago!) And thanks for accomodating me with all those weekend programmes (mahjong, zoo trip, dinner etc). Even the most rare and closest bro turned out last night (Gareth and Ivy). 
 
Ok, here is a song for everyone who love me – "Time to say Goodbye"
For those who I have bullied, here is the song – "Born Free".
 
Here are the photos of our farewell gatherings! Enjoy!

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A Warm Farewell (at Caffeine)

April 21, 2006 4 Comments

 
"SURPRISE!!!"
 
That was the exact word that welcomed me when I walked into my office at 4:40pm today. Yes, it was a perfect surprise party. I have absolutely no hint or my usual "6th-sense" about this. All I knew was – I was supposed to show my client, Jenny (from OKI Printer) my design studio.
 
From 5pm to 9pm, streams of people walked into Caffeine… It was like a gathering for a group of old friends. I was touched by their presence – cos those who turned up are good people who have stayed with me throughout my years of business. Some of them are partners whom I have met for less than 3 months but they are sincere people who are keen to work with Caffeine.
 
And not to forget those old friends who have stick with me throughout my ups and downs.
 
I am not comfortable being the sole star of a party. Cos’ it is difficult to have a good one-to-one session with everyone. Throughout the party, I have to skipped turns and tried my best to accompany everyone…so that everyone has an equal share of attention and heart-to-heart session with me. I love people…especially those who are sincere and real. I am really honoured and blessed to be in the company of these marvelous souls. They aren’t my flesh and blood…. but they are ones who stood by me throughout my early days.
 
Yes, I am touched. But I wish I could express more to you guys:
 
The 2 brothers from Maxibit
Hey Desmond boy and Yogi big brother… You 2 have been the pillars and trustworthly partners to me. Despite some of our past awful blunders (at VOX and Office1), both of you have never dropped faith in me and my friendship. I am sure Caffeine and Maxibit will closely in the coming years to come. Not just a union in business.. but a good union in our friendship and goals. Desmond, I have always regarded you as my big brother in business.. thanks for everything!
 
Jasbir, Nadirah and Karen (& Charlie)
You 3 were old guards who have worked with me during our hellful days at "you-know-where". During those demoralising days, we stood together and built a strong foundation for our friendship. After all these years, we still managed to stay in touch and constantly gathered at main events. Thanks for taking this walk with me. I know I will need to use your service one day. Till then, good luck and all the best in your life!
 
Kenneth – The King of Cicada
My competitor, my wife’s boss and my good old partner, Kenneth… We crossed our path back in 2003 when our 2 teams raced off aggressively in SuperRace II. Today, there are a couple of things we had in common… Our love for light-sabre, Xbox and PSP… Thanks for getting me a title that I have been longing so much… Yes, I will see you in Shanghai.. and shall show you other common interests of ours. 🙂
 
Mary – My most reliable printer, AXXA
I still remember the golden advices which you have shared with me during the early days of my fatherhood… Yes, you are my most reliable printer and a sincere friend. I really enjoyed those chats, business connection and partnership. You are always so warm and helpful.. Thanks, Mary.. It is always good to have you around.
 
Mr Nice Guy from GF&A
Despite our short friendship, I have enjoyed working with you, Edwyn… You are a honest, humble and down-to-earth partner. I am sure Joanne and Tracy are looking forward to work with you again… Afterall, you have left us with such a wonderful impression. And thanks for having such great faith and confidence in our service!
 
The Babes at Caffeine
It is impossible for me to express my gratitude for you girls over here…(So, I shall leave each of you a kiss & hug offline, ok?) We have all lived and walked an amazing journey.. Honestly, I will miss you 3 babes a lot. Thanks for organising this surprise party for me… (plus the packing up, cleaning up after the party). But like what Kalinda said "3 months only mah…"
 
Joanne, you have done a great job getting that buffet set up. The food and settings are classy. It was the best and most beautiful buffet settings we ever had at Caffeine. You have put up a good show..and setting this perfect surprise for me. And thanks for bringing all the food back to my home after I left… with Kal. Thanks.. I am truly touched. Yes, you got the right guest list…these are THE PEOPLE I like to see.  Tracy, thanks for being so sly and acted so cool – despite the big surprise coming my way. You are so sly…Now I can explained why that strange sms you sent me in the morning – "Have a happy happy day"
 
Kalinda…I am still waiting for my sushi party at Hotel 25… I have thanked you liao on MSN a couple of days ago.. remember? 
 
Jenny (from OKi Printer)
Yes, your "perfectionlism" has almost drove my whole team down the cliff & up the wall …and sent me steaming off..(Haaa….) But on a personal level, you have been a loyal friend.. and a wonderful MNC client. Thanks for being ever-so-frank and shared so much with me. I shall leave you with 2 of my most capable partners.
 
My old friends at Caffeine
Randy.. you have been such an inspiring friend… We should work together, mind to mind, more often. Cos’ together, we can churn out lots of good and crazy ideas. Richard…tidy up your room, ok? And go find a new target for your rubber-band shooting. Sean, you are handsome, kind, humourous and gentleman – Must find a girlfriend before I am back. Alan, alan… you are the most vain, most kind-hearted, sincere man I have seen… Wish you all the best in your new search. Hui Zi… I am touched and impressed by your efforts.. It has been ages since I last received a hand-made card from anyone… I love the card again… can see lots of "heart-&-soul" in it. Thanks. Stay pretty and keep in touch!
 
It is hard to say "goodbye" after working so long with you guys. Office will certainly be a quieter place without my afternoon fights ad drama…  But hey, I am sure you guys will miss my presence a lot. Thanks for the fellowship, encouragement and friendship. (And yes, where is my toolbox?)
 
 
p/s  I wish I have more time with them (1-to-1 session) before I fly.. but I know it would be difficult.. Sigh…somehow, the early farewell party…kinda signalled to me that my chapter in Singapore is closing.. It is finally time to pack.
 
Next: Wahbaing Farewell Party… When?

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Good Easter Weekend

April 16, 2006 3 Comments


It has been almost 10 years since I last slept over at a chalet at Changi. Thanks to our "Couple of the Year" – Duuk booked this beautiful chalet at Changi beach. Guess what, I must admit that this is one of the most beautiful seaside chalet that I have ever been in Singapore. The chalet is just located along the seashore. Lovely!

 
It doesn’t feel like a local vacation….Joanne and I felt like coming back from an oversea trip. The surrounding is so foreign and calm… It is a great place to chill out and relax. Honestly, I thought 2 days would be good. As usual, we have a good crowd of friends – except this round, we kinda have 3 seperate cliques – "BLUE", "Ex-VOXmedia" and "Wahbiang". (Poor guys at BLUE, they were the "Official BBQ Workers" for the night"…For once, the Wahbiang people need not to bother with the dirty tasks)

 
Lucky for both Felicia and myself – we kinda have a whole bedroom to ourselves. (See, this is the kind of special "VIP" treatment when you bring a baby around). We have the privacy, a nice air-con bedroom and lots of space to unload our barang barang. And when I woke up this morning at 8am, I am surrounded (not only my baby and wife)… I found myself sleeping with 3 other pretty ladies in the same bedroom with me. I bet Yixi is green with envy again.
 
No fancy programs – just chatting, BBQing, late-night mahjong (when Charlie became the sole winner), Tracy obsessed with her PSP (who dropped in at 12am), cake-cutting for Gareth, sexy Bettina in low cut, an almost-dued Karen, fatter Jimmy and "Ms Universe’s Fans – BLUE people".
 

In short, it is a good break for me…. and a great time to catch up with some old faces. For those who can’t join us – Jasbir, Nadirah, Doreen, Hovman, Francis Goh, Mannc, Lucia, Yixi and Meijie – I am leaving you guys some nice shots.. Enjoy!
 

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Travel Blog – Shanghai Day 5-6

March 6, 2006 Leave a comment

Today is our last day at Shanghai. Very fast, our journey is coming to an end. Today, we decided to revisit those places that we want to visit – for last-minute shopping, sight-seeing and visiting friends.
 
The clan finally made their first trip to Pudong, Jinmao. My cousin Yei came and brought all of us up to the 54th floor of Jinmao – where everyone can take a bird-eye view of Shanghai city. After bidding farewell to Yei, we moved over to "Chen Huang Miao" where we bought a couple of gifts for our friends.
 
We came back at 5pm. Our fellowship is officially dispersed. First to leave us was Kalinda. She came back, took her barang-barang and left for Beijing. The rest of us went for a nice dinner at "Jade Garden" and later, karaoke. Francis and Echo joined us after sending their parents off… We sang until 2-3am…We then walked Francis and Echo home…and left their house (with Tracy) at 4am.
 
Next to depart is Hovman. He will be leaving for the airport at 6am.
 

Now, it is 4am. We are not sleeping. We will be leaving for the airport at 1130am later. So, the gang is packing up their stuff in their own rooms. We will be going out later at 5am – to visit Shanghai’s Wholesale Centre at "Qi Pu Lu" – to do our final shopping..  
 
In another 9 hours, we will be flying off this city. Just now, in the cab, Felicia said to me that this is a great trip – with the right mix of people + the right mix of programmes. We had shopping, wedding, relatives-gatherings, old friends gatherings and business sessions. I am so happy to meet a couple of old faces in this trip – Ong Yei, Leon, Francis, Echo, Richard. They are all staying in Chinai… it was their hospitality that touches our hearts.
 
6 days are never enough for a vibrant city like Shanghai. We need at least another 10 more days to really experience Shanghai life.
 
No doubt Shanghai welcomed us with her bitter cold weather. We are leaving Shanghai with warmth in our heart.  

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Travel Blog – Shanghai Day 4

March 6, 2006 Leave a comment

We finally get to see the real Shanghai on our Day 4. The whole gang of us decided to break into 5 little groups:

1) Leon and Girlfriend

2) Hovman, Siow Wei, Meijie and Kalinda
3) Mum and Aunt
4) Francis and Echo + parents
5) Me, Felicia and my cousin, Ong Yei
 
Travelling in a small group has all its advantages. You move fast and get to see more things. You save time without waiting for anyone. It is also easier to hop from one place to another – all within 1 cab.
 
I decided to spend my Sunday with my dear cousin, Yei. At 12pm, both Felicia and I decided to drop him a visit at his Pudong Condo. Man, he was living just right beside Shanghai’s financial district.
 

We had a 10-hour crash-course on about Shanghai. I have been to Shanghai 3 times and this is the first time I really get to enjoy Shanghai. (Yei never give me such a brotherly guide on Shanghai the last time I was here in 2002). From the world’s tallest hotel to the most spectacular Nanjing shopping street, we get to experience the "blink-blink" of Shanghai. On a cab, we took a spin around the Bund. We had lunch at Jinmao, desert at the bund (Pudong side), massage at Huai Hai Lu, superb Japanese food at Nanjing Lu and a 40-walk from People’s Square to the Bund.
 

Within that short 10 hours, both Felicia and I seemed to get the entire travel package…. Cousin is fun today…giving us lots of insight and the 2 of us kinda shared a lot of things (from business, to family) Thanks Yei..I know you dun offer this "special premium" to anyone. 🙂 Really appreciate…
 
At 10pm, the whole group merged together at the Bund. We decided to call off the night and went back to our apartment. It was a fruitful day for me… haaa… pure sight-seeing, pure catching up with a relative….and 0% shopping… Haaaa…
 
Dun get me wrong, I love shopping too.

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Travel Blog – Shanghai Day 3

March 5, 2006 Leave a comment

After 2 days at "Huai Hai Lu", the boys are finally out of that jinxed "5-finger Mountain"! Can’t believe we spent more than 2 days at 1 street.
 
Outside "Huai Hai Lu"
For the 1st time in 3 days, we moved our asses to some other places. It was still shopping but it was on another street. We brought the ladies to "Chen Huang Miao".. It is more like an antique street….lovely architectual and cheap cultural products to buy. We couldn’t spend too much time shopping as we got to gather at Francis’ ballroom at 3pm.
 

Francis’ Day!
Yes, we finally fulfilled our main objective of our trip, that is to attend Francis-Echo Shanghai Wedding! Even though it was their 3rd and final wedding ceremony, their Shanghai Wedding was a big eye-opener for the rest of us! They have a different style of celebrating the wedding dinner (not the same as Singapore). Here are some of the strange-but-true facts:
 
1) There is no VIP table for the parents. The only VIP table you see belong to their close friends (who are singles). The bride and groom will sit with their friends only.
2) During the couple’s 2nd walk-in, it is their tradition here for the bride and groom to lit candles (on every table) and cigarette for every diner.
3) The Shanghai people dun "Yam Seng" like the Singaporean. They knock the wine glasses on the table to show support.
4) The local dun believe in "table-to-table" photo shoot. They prefer "one-to-one" photo shoot. Imagine Francis and Echo had to toast and take picture with every single diner in the hall.
5) The wedding dinner ended with a lucky draw.
 
And yes, it was also Francis’ 29th birthday too! We bought him a cake and we celebrated his birthday right after his dinner (upstairs at his suite).

 
Drinking Party – Back to our Apartment
We decided to play "drinking game" right after we came from Francis’ wedding. The stake – just 2 bottle of red wine (took from Franics wedding). Within 1 hour, we have 3 drunkards down. Siow Wei took the worst hit – she was down just after 2 cups. Felicia went high after her 3rd cup…Kalinda even has to help her to her bed. Next, it was Meijie… He tried to compose his cool…but collapsed on his bed – lying like a dead log. Only Kalinda, Hovman and I were sober….It was a good drinking experience… now we know who can and who cannot… Haaaaa..
 

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Travel Blog – Shanghai Day 2

March 3, 2006 Leave a comment

I just set a "trip-resolution" for myself today – I must get out of the infamous shopping street of Shanghai "Huai Hai Lu". For the past 2 days, I am trapped under the mountain of shops like how Monkey God under Buddha’s 5-finger Mountain. This place is jinxed for the men but a haven for the women.
 
From the minute we left out apartment, I knew the ladies have a secret agenda in their mind. Even though I recommended going sight-seeing and visiting the tallest hotel (JinMao) in the world…the girls had already made up their mind where to go.
 
So, from 10am till 11pm – the group of us just loithered around just 1 street – Can you believe it? It is Huai Hai Lu, Huai Hai Lu… It is like spending more than 12 hours at Orchard – Eating, Shopping, Eating, Shopping! The men were loitering and the women are, of course, shopping.
 
Man, I blew my S$600 travelling fund in just the 2nd day of my trip. I still have 4 more days to go. From the rate, I must really escape…far from this jinxed road…. a nightmare for the boys. Needless to say, the girls are having the time of their life!

 
The weather took for the worst for the night. The wind just set us trembling. Hovman had to visit the loo at least 3 times/hour.
 
If you asked me how’s my trip to Shanghai at this moment. I would tell you that I dun know. Cos’ I am still figuring how to get out of this street. (We are outnumbered by the yin presence now!)

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