E V E R Y D A Y . B E A U T I F U L . P U R P O S E F U L
September 13, 2011 Leave a comment
Last night, we had our mini ‘Moonbread Reunion Dinner” with our Hong Kong Clan (Hongfei, Sherry, Ethan, Danielle) at Clark Quay, Singapore. Unknown to all, yesterday was also our 11th Wedding Anniversary. Felicia and I registered our wedding on 12th Sept 2000 (In 2000, 12th Sept also coincide with the 15th of the Eight Lunar Month – Mid Autumn Festival).
September 13, 2011 Leave a comment
(Video Taken: Fun wet moments with Elkan, Bintan Indonesia)
September 10, 2011 1 Comment
My parents and my wife were huge fans of the old Musical Fountain and “Monkey Kiki” at Sentosa. It was grand, magical and powerful. Best of all, it was free for all to watch. Even after watching the old show so many times and many years later, we were still deeply mesmerized by its magic.
Last evening, my sister treated the whole family to the new “Musical Fountain”. We were all very excited. My parents, aunt & uncle were expecting another magical night. Unfortunately, the new show was a letdown and we left in disappointment.
Contrary to what the website said, Songs of the Sea fails to deliver “a mesmerizing show” with a live cast of boring and distracting performers who can’t lip-synced and synchronize with the dance steps and beats , out-dated visual effects, lasers and pyrotechnics! Poor storyline, too much talking in-between acts, awful eerie kelong huts settings, choppy music scene and unbelievable cheesy scripts, the 45-min Songs of the Sea fails to bring back the magic of the old Musical Fountain. It was flat (and disjointed) from the beginning to the end. The performers tried hard to get the audience to clap and participate – it was an appalling effort. The finale song “I did it” is pathetic – an anti-climax. (No wonder it drew such weak applause from the audience!). There is simply no connection between the performers and the screen behind. Unlike in the previous Musical Fountain, there was one star character and his animated sidekick “Kiki”. There was a surprise moment when the human character disappeared into the letter “O” and found himself in the magical world of special effects. Songs were upbeat and catchy.
Sorry Sentosa, this is certainly not worth SGD15 or even SGD10 to watch. In my opinion, it loses its claim as a “World Class Show”. This show is perfect for young kids but it fails to impress the adults. Especially for those who fell in love with the old grand Musical Fountain, there is nothing in this show that brings back the emotional-connection. I expected more with this new entry fee but what I got was worse than before. The creative and music director needs to know that he cannot conceal poor music and drama with water jets, flame bursts, lasers and pyrotechnics. It is bad in my view – it seems to me that the show producer wants a bit of everything. And no…the multiracial songs at the beginning don’t connect at all! I wonder if the tourists understand them. Skin-deep beauty doesn’t last long. It is the simple pure substance that connects the minds and touches the hearts.
Time to change the scripts and the scores. Rejuvenate the old charm and magic of our favorite Sentosa Musical Fountain. Bring back the soul and a good story. Don’t kid the audience with these “blings” and “bangs”! Leave the fireworks for the National Day Parade.
September 9, 2011 Leave a comment
(Photo Taken: A perfect “Made-in-Indonesia” souvenir gift for my drinking buddy, Harshad. Use it wisely, buddy, you need this badly – before and after drinks.)
September 8, 2011 Leave a comment
This week, it is school holidays and I promised my boy another adventure. He likes the trees, the beach and the sea. Felicia and I decided to bring him to back to his favorite island – Bintan. We were thinking of Tioman Island but the 2-hour coach ride doesn’t sound appealing to us. Moreover, I have never been to Bintan. I have heard so many “erotic escapades” and “romantic tales” of this island. During my dating days, Bintan was a very popular getaway for young unmarried couples. Some of my friends have stayed at the famous Banyan Tree Resorts where lovers literally go Full Monty in their own 100% private villa-pools, watching the sunset. Sounds like “Temptation Island”.
For this particular trip, we won’t be heading to Banyan Tree Resorts. Specially for Elkan, we are going to have some exciting island life! My son wants to attempt new stuffs – sleeping over in a “kampong hut”, snorkeling, kayaking, surf-boarding, motor-scooter and air-rifle. He successfully attempted all of the activities but he freaked out most of it. We had so much fun watching him attempting those activities. Elkan was both curious and timid. Like a little kitten, he bounced in and out of action. He was one of the first few who jumped into the deep ocean and the first one who wanted out. He was the first who climbed into the kayak and the first one who fell off. He was the first one who suggested air-rifle and didn’t dare to come close to the thundering firing range. It took Elkan a while to feel safe before he tried these new activities. He enjoys risks and he wants to feel absolutely safe too. He is the perfect combination of “Kiasuism” (怕输) and “Kiasism” (怕死).
Time flies really fast on the island. There are so many things to do here – at different time, at different places. We spent 4 great days in Bintan (except for some disruptive work moments). Here are our favorite top “4 Colorful Moments”:
1) BLUE – THE POOL, THE SEA & THE FISHES
Here, Elkan achieved 3 of his “firsts” – Kayaking, Snorkeling and Backstroke Swimming! Took him a lot of guts and efforts to master them.
2) GREEN – THE TREES, THE ROCKS, THE ANIMALS, THE E-SCOOTER
We roamed the island on an e-Scooter, avoided a giant bee hive in the forest hike, conquered boulder rocks at the coast and fed deers at a mini zoo.
3) BROWN – LITTLE HUTS, SHOPPING, MASSAGE, DINNERS
Just 10-drive away – food, souvenirs and massage services are 30%-50% cheaper than the ones offered in the resort. We can’t afford the expensive (and lousy) food in the resort. We came out to this small town market huts for dinner and really nice Indonesian oil massage (SGD45 for 90 minutes).
4) ORANGE – SUNSET, KELONG
Beautiful sunset and a cool breezy place to dine, here you find a floating bar and restaurant (Kelong Style) on the sea. Stunning!
September 5, 2011 Leave a comment
After my last successful “cooking lesson” with my mum, I am back in Singapore this weekend to learn another favorite dish from her. This is one popular Malaysian Chinese dish which she has not cooked for me since my teenage. It has been one of my most favorite dishes, the “Paper-Wrapped Chicken” (纸包鸡).
The secret lies in the paper packs (self-made using baking paper) that conceal the full essence of the marinating flavors. Depending what taste you like, you may marinate the chicken with oyster sauce, black-pepper sauce, honey or even five-spices powder. The recipe is simple – Marinate, pack and deep fry the chicken. Emerged in the oil hot, the bag evenly cooked the chicken, concealing the rich taste inside. The outcome: Rich savory taste, juicy and tender chicken! Yummy!
August 30, 2011 Leave a comment
It was public holiday today and we decided to visit the Istana (which was opened to the public on special public holidays). Thousands flocked there hoping to get a last glimpse of President Nathan. It was our first visit to the Istana.
For Elkan, it was a day to run around on Orchard’s most prime 100-acre grassland! There were kiddy face paintings, playgrounds, swan lake, lily ponds, themed gardens and a nine-hole golf course too! Lots of lush greenery and beautiful flowers. It was a great day for family gatherings and picnic!
August 25, 2011 Leave a comment
Nice cool headwear that echo your brainwave, giving you the extra body language you need. I am sure it will release more “ears” (Bunnie, Elf etc). I hope “Neurowear” comes up with more uncanny body parts – like the NeuroTail (kinky!) or even colour-changing NeuroHorn. Maybe NeuroNose to detect liars. For me, I would love to put on a big “NeuroWings” to fly!
August 25, 2011 Leave a comment
(Photo Taken: Giordano Closing Down Sale at Causeway Bay – Yeah, they were gone even though they don’t wanna to say “Goodbuy”. At least, they kept their side of the bargain. 90% off!)
August 21, 2011 Leave a comment
(Photos Taken: 5 short years, 100 over momentos (hotel cards & matchboxes) – little free tokens I took from the hotels where I stayed. They are small and compact. It doesn’t take a lot of space to keep. My favorite cards are from Westin Hotel and matchboxes from Shangri-la Hotel. It is getting more difficult to collect those matchboxes as more and more hotels are switching to “lighters” instead. Also, I have no idea what I am going to do with these match sticks collection. I don’t smoke and I don’t light up candles at home. These matches are sure useful if there is a big blackout. Maybe I shall use them to light up a camp fire for my next trip.)
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