Travel Blog – Day 1 in Shanghai

March 2, 2006 2 Comments


Shanghai welcomes us with coldness and harshness.
 
Arrived at Pudong airport at 6am, we knew what was coming our way. We have been "warned" by many about the sudden cold spell that occured just 2 days before we arrived. Our informers have warned us not to underestimate the cold temperature. For once, I decided to go with the warning.

 
Man, it was cold… It was so cold that my digital camera automatically switches off. The wind was so unbearable. Our "winter-clothing" wasn’t enough for all of us.
 
Thanks goodness… Echo’s mum spotted us and "packed" the 7 of us into 2 cars and sent us straight to our Service Apartment. When we arrived, Echo was there to welcome us. We were all very impressed with the apartment. It is well-furnished and equipped – just like a brand new condo.

 
After unloading our stuffs, Echo brought us to meet Hovman at their rented "Orchard Road" apartment. Next, we headed for a nice Dim Sum brunch at a very classy cafe – Jade Garden. The food is good and the price is very cheap. (Francis couldn’t join us as he was working)
 

After brunch, we started our process of "Economy Stimulation". Fresh from our bitterly cold lesson this morning, the gang started shopping for thicker winter wears and accessories. It was pure shopping from 2-5pm. Feeling really tired and cold, I decided to dismiss myself from the clique and headed back to the apartment. I took a 1 hour nap. (Commandos like Meijie, Kalinda and Tracy continued their shopping-road march!)
 
At 7pm, Francis gave us a sumptuous treat at one of China’s most famous restuarants. We had a 15-course dinner – we had the famous Peking Duck, shark fins, lamb’s bone and …..(listen to this)…a pig-nose turtle. I was quite disgusted to see my pet-alike lying on a dish…and seeing Echo de-boning it… 
 
After dinner, the gang walked to "Xin Tian Di" and we had coffee bean until 12am…  It was indeed a LOOONG 1st day…. Time to take a good sleep….now..
 
Enjoy the pixs. 

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1 Week at the “Whore of the Orient”

February 27, 2006 Leave a comment

In less than 48 hours, I will be embarking another holiday trip. This time, we are heading to Shanghai. Yes, it will be another big entourage – 9 of us. Indeed, it is a strange mix – 5 Wahbiangians (Kalinda, Tracy, Meijie, Felicia and me), 1 Ex-VOX (Hovman) and 3 family members (my mum, aunt and cousin). Just realised that the Wahbiangians who are coming for this Shanghai trip, coincidently didn’t attend our last Malacca trip. (Mm…are they hinting something…maybe Kalinda and Tracy prefer "flying trip").
 
For Kalinda, it is her 3rd country in less than 30 days. She was in Malaysia (KL) early Feb, Thailand (Phuket) mid Feb and now China (Shanghai) early March. For Tracy, it would be her 3rd out of 4th leg trip in 6 months. She just came back from India (Oct), Taiwan (Feb) and next USA (May).
 
For Meijie and Hovman, both of these high fliers will be doing their own street-casting for Shanghai Next Top Girlfriends. They should check out the expo hall where Francis met Echo. Maybe the chances of finding a good GF there are higher. For Felicia, she is not excited about this China trip. She is looking forward to wear all her nice winter clothing. For mum and aunt, I wonder what they are doing. For me, I will be everyone’s tour guide again – afterall, it is my 3rd trip to the Whore of the Orient (my 7th trip to China).
 
Nevertheless, we have a bigger mission to fulfil. We will be performing on stage at a grand dinner. We are going to show the Shanghai people how powerful and draggy our "Yam Seng" is…. lending our support for Echo and Francis.
 
Now, I am trying to suppress my "aerophobia"… I really hate flying… urgh…it just kill all those pre-holiday excitement for me. Can’t sleep thru the midnight flight too – scared I be banned from SQ (cos of my loud snore). Mm…must think of things to do onboard…(maybe make my gang play in-flight mahjong with me).
 
Me stress liao….can’t get those manifestation off my head. Sigh…will miss my little Elkan. 😦
 
p/s (Will post daily pixs from Shanghai from 3rd March – 7th March. Yixi, Gareth or Jimmy, hard luck, it is early spring at China – so no bikini shots of your fav Kalinda.)

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Thank You My Buddies

February 12, 2006 Leave a comment

Today is the last day of the Chinese New Year. 15th marks the day for "reunion of families and friends". While most of us are thinking about Valentine Day, I am thinking about my own friends.
 
When I was young, my mum often tell me to cherish my time with my friends. "Cos’ when they all grow up, with their own kids and family, friends will have lesser time for one another" she said. I accepted that as a natural course of life. Our children, aging parents certainly need our time.
 
With friends getting married, with heavy job commitments, raising children, migrating overseas – it would be very difficult to round friends up every weekend. I am very thankful that I have a group of pals who stick by one another – in one way or another.
 
For the past few years (even before the birth of Elkan), my regular buddies have been there for us. While it is almost like an unwritten routine rule that we will gather every Sat, both Felicia and I really appreciate those efforts and sacrifices they made. Especially those wee hours and mid-night cab fares that they have to pay every Sat. (That is why I felt even more guilty when Meijie chose to walk home after our party.)
 
This Valentine, I want to express thanks for the following pals. (How about a big candle-light dinner for all of us?)
 
Juliana and Duuk, you guys often made detour from Seng Kang to my place – rushing from places to places. (Hope you two have enough time to prepare for your first Baby Bonus). Joanne, I hope Ramesh isn’t neglected every weekends – and sorry for all those expensive midnight-taxi fares that you have to pay. Meijie and Tracy – I know you aren’t so keen in ping pong yet I dragged both of you to play with me at wee hours. And Auntie Amy and Uncle Benny, thanks for fetching us from our home to Seng Kang every Sundays. And not forgetting friends like Gareth (who fetched me back to Singapore), Yifu (who is often there when I needed him), Jimmy (my close business buddy and trustee) , Yixi (who is my Blog Fan and one who questions so much about my other GFs), Kendrick (my supporter), MC (our Mr. Nice Guy) and Kalinda (our sexy Goddess) + all my ex-colleagues who are still keeping so close contact with me after VOX (people like Jasbir, Francis Chay & Echo, Scott, Nadirah, Bettina, Karen,  Hovman and Francis Goh).
 
Thanks for filling up our lives. Have a lovely Valentine Week.
 
For those whose name I have missed. Please give me an sms. 😛

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Wedding Seasons

February 10, 2006 Leave a comment

Mid last year, I attended a record-breaking of 6 weddings in 6 weeks (yes, one wedding every weekend – consecutively). My close friends are asking me how am I going to afford these endless "Red Bombing"…Not only the wedding took place at all 5-star hotels in Singapore, I attended the 6th wedding 280km up north at Kuala Lumpur. And not to mentioned the 15 birthdays, 2 funerals, 3 baby-showers I attended in the last 12 months.
 
The wedding seasons are back – just like the old favorite English Premier League. In fact, it started back in 2003 – when the average numbers of weddings that I attended superseded the numbers of funerals and birthdays.
 
Starting from Jan 2006 to May 2006, I have monthly wedding dinner to attend. From Singapore to Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai – can you just imagine the "Economy of Love"? Just imagine how much "economy" can 1 couple generate for the country? We are talking about hundreds of thousand – Wedding bands, Gowns, Wedding Dinner, Cakes, Cards, Hongbaos, Photography, House, Renovation, Furniture, Honeymoon. (Oh yes, let’s put aside more post wedding expenses: Valentine, Anniversary and Christmas). So, why are we paying tax when we contribute so much to local retail, F&B economy?
 
Dun get me wrong, I love weddings. I love attending wedding dinners. Why? Here are the reasons:
 
1) A good time to flirt with those sexy "sisters" sitting at the cocktail reception.
2) A good time for gossips, catching up and photo-taking (meeting old friends and families).
3) A good time to enjoy the latest "wedding stage games & sabo ".
4) A good time to catch up the impressive "wedding walk-in" presentation.
5) A good time to laugh over those silly, stupid 1st Dish performance by waiters (often choreographed by banquet managers). Do they have to make the 1st Dish walk-in so dramatic, clumsy and yucky?.
6) A good time to check out the latest "wedding fashions" – the bride’s hairdo, gown, photo-shoots.
7) A good time to scare your friend with an extra nameless "$2 Hongbao" for the groom. 
8) A good time to disturb and nag at those who aren’t attached or married.
9) A good time to "kaypo" with the couple later if they "made" or "lost" (from the proceeds of the hongbaos)
10) Just a great time to see more people joining my "MBA" club. (Dun worry, wives, your hubbies are in good hands)
 
Wedding dinners are like a mega grand family dinner. Even when you are just a seat-filler for someone’s wedding, be proud of it. You never know what you can gain out from there… (come on, you can never go home empty-handed. At least, you still get to go home with a box of chocolate or any other "wedding favors".)


(Photo Taken: From my block – A mafia way to "fetch" the bride. Quite an unique Malay Wedding)
 

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Today is 31st Hock’s Day

February 6, 2006 Leave a comment

Coincide with the Hokkien’s "Pai Ti Kong", today is certainly a "hock" day. Although the turnout is below expectation, we had an unusual dinner at Jack’s Place. Most of us acted quite strange tonight. Especially for Yixi, he was still in his own twilight zone when we called him.
 
First, we have "Big Joe" relating his romantic honeymoon getaway with Kal. Everyone is so keen to know where Bt Tinggi is. (Acutally, they are more interested to see Kal in bikini). "Big Joe" gave a 10-minute photo showcase.
 
Then, we have Gareth giving us a free talk on "D.I.S.C." – a study to differentiate different types of personalities. Download explanation in PDF. Mmm…interesting. Anyway, D.I.S.C. is a four-quadrant model that studies 4 different styles of human behaviour. D.I.S.C. stands for (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness). Other than "D", we got all the other 3 letters wrong. We thought Joanne is "Slow", Joe is "Intellectual" and Yifu "Charismatic".  (Yes, we were right about Jimmy being "Dominance")
 
Next, we have Jimmy and Yifu performing "synchronised body language". It was darn funny! Yes, we caught these 2 gays in actions. (They were doing some "Air-Your-Arm-Pit" posture)
 
Last, we have Gareth and Meijie hanky panky below the table. They were like "touching" each other underneath the table cloth, giggling like 2 pussies. Dun worry, they are just playing with Yifu’s birthday present. 
 
Quite an unusual birthday outing. We left with strange thoughts in our minds… And can you imagine this: Jimmy is kind enough to drive us home – at 20km/hour! I think his "D" also means "Delayed". Jimmy took more than 10 minutes to read his order.
 
My gosh, I must "pai ti kong" tonight.
 

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And when she smiles…

February 5, 2006 Leave a comment

For the past 5 days, I have been back-tracking with my friend, Kalinda, in Malaysia. At 26, she is still the "sex-goddess" in my clique. I bet some of my friends are envious about my solo trip with her. At least, I bet Sam will call me soon to query about my trip (again) with girls (other than my own wife). And certainly, Gareth, Jimmy, Sam & gang will be looking forward for those sun-bathing pix of Kalinda. Haa…sorry pals, hard luck, we were in the mountains this time, so no sun-tanning.
 
This is indeed an unusual trip. Nothing "wahbiang" or "caffeine" – simply just Kalinda and me. She is clearing her annual leaves and wanted to travel up north to Kuala Lumpur. She has never been to KL and most of our brothers felt unsafe for her to travel up north alone. At the final minute, I decided to accompany her – as none of our other friends are able to hit the road with her. So, for the next 60 hours, I am her sole escort and travel-photographer.
 
This trip brought Kalinda ane me closer (at least a few inches). Both Kal and I have been friends for almost 10 years. However, we kinda drifted away over the past 2-3 years. Our friendship is like the roller-coaster – there are plenty of ups and downs.
 
In fact, I have told Kalinda many times that our friendship is unusual. I didn’t really got acquainted with her; if not of a malay friend of mine back in Feb, 20th 1997. We were exhibiting our works in the school hall when my friend pointed to me that "Kal" was looking my way. He told me that Kal was pretty but I didn’t really care. It was only when Kal and Stephen fell in love after a video project – she kinda entered my circle.
 
Since then, I have respected Kal as my buddy’s girlfriend. Later, when Kal broke off with Stephen, she became my capable and trust-worthly art director at VOXmedia. For the next 4 years, she has helped me so much in my previous job. She was also the sole art director when we started Caffeine Media. And the day when Feli left for Perth, Kal was the emotional pillar back then. She accompanied me the entire day (from the airport to my house). For various reasons, Kal has been in and out my life – I have loved and respected her as schoolmate, buddy’s girl, colleague and good friend.  
 
My wife always say "Colleagues can be good friends. But good friends may not be good colleagues." How true it is – Somehow, Kal and I got drifted away during our working days in VOX and Caffeine. Eventually, she left me in Sept 2004. Over the next 2 years, we tried to stay in contact – however, we have own lives and it wasn’t like before.

 
This trip did a few wonders for me. I had a good 1 to 1, 60-hour session with Kal. For once, she has no choice but to face me, live me, endure me and dine me. Knowing she has a few major problems on her mind, I tried my best to make her smile everyday. However, my jokes were often nasty and rude, she pout her lips and ignored me for almost 80% of the trip. And when I asked her "why the slience", she would replied "PMS lah". (I just wish she be more responsive to me…)
 
I dun know if she enjoy this trip (I would certainly hope so)…I want to see that lost shine on her. Her job and personal life has taken such a heavy toll on her. As a friend, I really care a lot and hope she finds back the same "little carefree happy girl" spirit. (Girl, smile please…)
 
Over the past 4 days, we have went from ground zero to 3,500 feet above sea level, from France to Japan to Malaysia. There were moments when I captured the true essence of her beauty. Girl, she never knew how beautiful she looks when she smiles.. And I am glad to been through all these with her. (The sight-seeing, the heart-to-heart chat, the shopping, the roller-coaster rides and the fights etc)
 
For Kal, I guess she found the break she wanted. For me, I found back a close friend I’ve lost.
 
 
p/s (For Gareth – thanks for "teaching" me a trick to tickle Kal. Thanks for sending us back to Singapore. It is so good to have you around too. At least I got more replies from Kal in the final 12 hours of the trip. I hope Kal read this blog.. Man, it is a indeed a good trip.
 
For those guys who envy me, please call Kalinda for her next trip to Shanghai/Beijing in March… Haaa..)
 

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On the 1st Day of Chinese New Year

January 28, 2006 2 Comments

Lastly, it seems that this year will be a very good year for
Wahbiang Clan. Inspired by Yifu, here’s what the lucky stars say:
 
It is a good time to "Low" hei
(Yu-Sheng) with your friends. You will have lots of "hock" plus "cai".
That is why this year, you find yourself super "heng".
Go buy 4D or Toto, sure "teo" "bay" Pio!

For career and business, it
will be a path of "goh" for you this year.
Everything will be smooth and Ma Dao Gong "Chen".
For relationship, things are looking very promising and "ming liang".  Expect to receive bigger "Ang" "Bao" from your
loved ones and bosses this year. It is indeed a good "lian".

 
 


The few things we did while we are "guarding the longevity" of our
parents:

 
1) Joanne and Ramesh came. They took my XBox and Games.
2) Jimmy came. He took my DVD.
3) Tracy came. She took my pet turtle.
4) Meijie came. He took a nap.
5) For me. I took digital pictures of our ping pong matches.

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When Old Friends Gather

January 21, 2006 Leave a comment


Chinese New Year Reunion comes 1 week earlier. Thanks to Pearlyn (the organiser who overslept), she rounded up some of my good friends at DCS to gather at Caffeine.
 
I am touched by the big turn-out. There are a total of 14 of us (Mr Goh, Frankie, Bettina, Jasbir, Yanling, Siow Wei, Scott, Juliana, Hovman, Thong Joo, Pearlyn, Joe, Kalinda and MC – not to mention our partners Felicia, Elkan, Duuk and Ernie.)
 
We have been working apart for the past 2 years but everyone warmed up really fast. Soon, we are forming in mini cliques, catching with one another – in that true spirit of Chinese Reunion Festive. There is no fancy buffet or pot-luck – Just a couple bottles of soft drinks and curry puffs from Katong. (Frankie is so nice that he brought us XO… Haaa…but how to get Jasbir or Siow Wei drunk in the afternoon??)
 
Still it is really good to meet up with these old friends. We have been working together under 1 roof for more than 3-4 years. Somehow, that bond that unite us yesterday is still very much the same today; if not stronger. Like old friends, we came, chatted, laughed and departed with warm greetings. There is no business agenda, no personal networking in mind. Simply just pure friends catching up.
 
I am beginning to feel that "festive mood" of Chinese New Year. Really hope to catch up with them soon. Let’s plan a bigger one next round.. (hope the organiser dun oversleep again…)
 

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An Eventful Rainy Week 1

January 8, 2006 1 Comment

Many things happened during the 1st Week of 2006. It kinda started with a BIG BANG…Like 2005, 2006 started with so many extraordinary events.
 
Pigeon from Shanghai
One of the best things that happened this week is Echo’s surprise visit. She popped by Caffeine on the 3rd Jan with so many "red bombs" (aka Wedding Invitation). Coincidently, I was attending Serene’s wedding the day Echo arrived. It was good to meet an old pal…especially when she flew all the way from Shanghai to deliver her self-design wedding invitation card.
 
A Clan Shaken
Had a really, really  bad explosion with my clique.. and ended up as bad as the rainy weather. It was really upsetting and not worth mentioning here. Emotions ran high and faith and trust were over-turned within a snap! It is not  pin-pointing "right or wrong" – more of meeting the minds between people. Everyone thinks that they are right and someone is wrong. Bad misunderstanding can lead to lousy outcome for friends. There is really nothing for me to look back – Just move forward. Dun stay too long at the junction where war broke off.
 
1st Birthday of the Year
Despite the bad weather, Joanne, Juli, Meijie, Kalinda, Duuk and Tracy did their best to get something "sunny" for Felicia’s birthday. It was a simple dinner at Suntec Marche on Friday night. Joanne managed to gather the gang (at last minute). And Tracy helped me to settle the booking for the weekend triip.
 
Felicia was very surprised as she didn’t expect much from this "rainy week". There were cake-cutting, candle-blowing, good food and karaoke session. Especially the birthday gift – the gals got Felicia a very very well-thought gift – a OSIM iPamper. The party continued until 4am at KBOX Marina.

 

 
Rainy Weekend at Batam
Our spirits are certainly not dampened by the wet season. The people at Batam are so friendly – both Felicia and I were so impressed by their warm greetings and gestures.  Since the minute we arrived, the sky started pouring (non-stop). There is nothing much we can do – no beach activity, no swimming, no street shopping. I called that "hotel-arrest" – meaning I am stuck within the premise and cannot move out. (The funny part – we got our time mixed-up; no one tells me that we are in a different time zone at Batam.)
 
We have intended to take a cab to the Batam city but it rained  badly. Moreover, I heard tales that it may not be safe to travel without a reliable guide. Thus, Felicia and me did nothing but eat, sleep, eat, sleep …It was a trip to let Felicia relax and rest (from her hetic work schedule)..and I guess Feli got a 80% recharge…It is good to relax our mind and body in this cold and cozy weather. Feels like winter in December.
 
It will be a very busy Jan for me. My appointments are already fully booked until 18th Jan. Enjoy the nice cool rainy weather now. Hopefully, the sun will be out soon. 🙂

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Wahbiang Christmas 2005

December 25, 2005 2 Comments

Not Classic 2004, But Still Endless Laughters, Games and Fun!

 
Just came back from the party – it ended less than 1 hour ago.. Just finished downloaded some of the best shots of the night onto my blog. It is certainly a wild and fun night; despite the low turn-out of our clan members.
 
This year, Yifu and Lilian played host for Wahbiang Xmas 2005 at their new condo home at Bishan. There were only 14 of us (Yifu, Lilian, Meijie, Jimmy, Kendrick, Stephen, Wendy, Joe, Felicia, Kalinda, Tracy, Juliana, Duuk, Guofeng). Many fell ill this year – Ivy and Serene. Kendrick’s gal had to work, so she couldn’t make it too.
 
Still, it was a good night of fun and laughters. Not as classic as 2004 Xmas (that was still the best Xmas in my opinion). Miss these missing people: Joanne, Serene, Yixi, Lusia, MC, Francis, Echo and Ivy. Somehow, felt that Tracy, Kalinda and Kendrick were a little tamed tonight. (maybe this year got no "worm party"). 
 

Okay, here are some of the key notes of tonight party!
 
1) The top 3 prizes were won by Jimmy ($50 Taka Voucher), Kalinda (Fortune Sticks) and Duuk (Volka Mini). All 3 "gold prize" winners had to go thru forfeits in order to redeem their prize.
2) Wendy (stool), Lilian (memo pad) and Yifu (salt and pepper holders) got the consolation prizes.
3) Many people actually dun know what "MSN" stands for. Guofeng and Lilian didn’t got that right.
4) Wendy "mouthed" Juliana! Wendy has to feed Juli 10 m&m – using nothing but her mouth!
5) Gareth then picked Felicia to repeat the "Juliana-Wendy" erotic challenge.
6) Jimmy got molested and licked by 5 poor souls. And worse – Felicia tried a "Jimmy-Orh-Pi-Sai" stunt.
7) Yixi was voted as the most stingy person in our clan. And Guofeng won the "Most Flirt Award".
8) Only Tracy, Juliana and Kendrick walked free without any forfeits.
9) Kalinda and Jimmy had to dance thru a "Cyndi MTV" in order to redeem their top prizes. For Duuk, he was foaming with whip-cream after his forfiets.
10) The games and prizes added up to $380. The internet tutorial given by Gareth is FREE. 🙂
 
Felicia will be releasing the "Dance Video" soon. Come back to view these footages later this week!


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