Welcoming the Year of the Ox!

Gong Xi! Gong Xi! Was back in Kuching over the CNY period with Daisy. There's the reunion dinner, visiting and gatherings with friends and family to make the festivities all the more meaningful.

My dad prepared the dishes for the reunion dinner and this year, I ate without any complains. None of the usual "not enough gravy" etc. After all, I'm officially on a diet. Hmm..


But I did munch on some CNY goodies. Did I ever mentioned that Kuching has the absolute best Malay kuihs ever? Hands down.. :-)

But there's one other thing that we look forward to each year. And no, it's not the hong baos. I'm talking about firecrackers and fireworks something else. Redsponge's husband was supposed to help me buy the stuffs but he told me his supplier ran out of stock the morning of CNY eve. Luckily I managed to source from other places!

So we had a small little bundle of various ammunition for the night. After dinner, we watched Ip Man and Warlords as we waited for midnight to come. Come 11:30pm on 25th Jan 2009, we started preparations liao.

We gotta tie the long firecrackers and noisy ones to poles and them secure the poles high enough off the ground. Unfortunately, we did not have poles long enough so I had to drape it around the gate.





Once that is done, we played with the more 'simple' stuffs while we wait for the hour; 'spinners', 'flashers' as well as 'grenades'. Here's Daisy demonstrating a grenade. It's called "Big Boss" and it causes a deafening explosion.



It's very simple. Hold it in one hand. Hold the lighter in another. Light the fuse and throw! If you don't throw, you'll lose a few fingers. I have friends who lost fingers because they held on for too long. Seriously. I also knew people who used it to blow up public phones so that they can steal the coins. Idiots!


At midnight, the whole neighbourhood light their stuffs and the whole city is suddenly transformed into Gaza (without the suffering). The picture above shows me lighting the second firecracker and by then, my ears are ringing and I can't hear people talking to me. You can see the front porch completely engulfed in smoke.



After fireworks, it's the turn of firecrackers. This year, we used the boxed versions so easier to play with. First you light the fuse.



Then you run!



As you stand and go "Woah" at the ensuing magic, you gotta also dodge all the fiery remnants that come flying back down to earth. It was great fun. When we used up most of our own ammo, we drove out to the elevated-road (we call it the fly-over) to have a wider view of the neighbourhood. Visibility was down to 20m but you could still see fireworks exploding all around you. From the picture, you can't even see the hotel in the background.



In the morning, the city is covered by a nice looking 'red carpet' that smells of gun-powder haha!


Everyone had a lot of fun during CNY eve. Everyone except the family Pekingese, that is. Tili here was badly traumatised by the whole experience. Here you see him looking tired from lack of sleep.



Well, hope you had a great start to the year too! Once again,
Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!!

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Yeah it's that time of the year again. Daisy and I will be flying home in a few hours. Will meet up with family and hopefully, can catch up with people like Redsponge, VampireM and the rest over the next few days. I asked my buddy to buy some fireworks and he got me the following:

• 25 Shots Sky Waterfall
• 25 Shots Gong Xi Fa Cai
• 25 Shots Rainbow Knight

I really don't know what they are but can't wait to find out haha!

May this Year of the Ox bring all of us happiness and prosperity.

One of the company hongbaos this year. At least 3 designs this year; all very nice.

Xin Nian Lai Le

We're barely done wishing each other Merry Christmas and Happy New Year when the well wishing starts all over again. It's Chinese New Year again folks!

In fact, I've not even had the chance to take down the Christmas tree at home. So how lei?

Turn it into a CNY Tree! Swee boh?

Can Manchester United...

... Top the table?

Those of us who followed Manchester United love the club for so many reasons. From near relegation when Sir Alex arrived in 1986 to undoubtedly the best club in the short history of the Premier League.

I started following United in 1995 and have never looked back. This season, we started the season horribly but nary a ManUtd fan was worried. The reason being, ManUtd usually play their best game only after Christmas. We proved it against Chelsea and are now poised to overtake an undeserving Liverpool team despite losing almost the whole of our defensive line up.

So, will we really top the table tonight? We'll find out soon enough, wont we?

Birthday Dos

Feels like I've totally neglected this blog. But let's restart with the mini gatherings I've had in Singapore for my birthday. Hooray I'm 28. Dunno why but feels great to be 28. The most recent one was with Daisy and my housemates (as well as their respective significant other). We had a nice dinner with a smooth bottle of white at Modesto's Orchard branch. Good food for not too high a price. Really enjoyable.

After dinner we hopped over to White Rabbit for drinks. Nice ambience, not so nice F&B. We were joined with a whole bunch of other friends but unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me.

Earlier, we had another mini gathering when Fu the gay boy Onn was around. Nice dinner at Dian Xiao Er followed by a bottle of Macallan 18 Years and some beers at his new house. Next, we did what we should never be allowed to do; sing Karaoke at Party World Tanjong Pagar.

Two towers of Heineken later..

well.. let's just say we really enjoyed ourselves.

Here's a parting wink from the drunkard.

See, I told you he's gay!

No time to blog..

So much to say. So many photos to share. Lots of updates. But gosh, how come no time?

2009 Is Here!

And suddenly, 2008 is gone. So much happened in 2008, that it seemed like a very short year. Thanks to everyone who shared that journey with me.

Still in Hong Kong when time as we know it crossed into 2009. Before that on the 30th, I've suffered indigestion from over-eating (was vomitting and had to be rushed to hospital and had my butt jabbed for the first time since kindergarten!) and lost my phone. But I got better and as the night of the 31st arrived, we snucked up to the rooftop of the hotel where we're staying to watch the fireworks display and countdown on Hong Kong island.

Ok I know I should get a new camera but I can't bear to let go of the one I'm using now. It has been a faithful companion all these years.

My resolution for 2009 will be to lose weight. I WILL bring my weight down from 75kg to 68kg! Gambatei Adipos!

Greetings from the SARs!

Yo everyone. Here's saying Hi! from the Far East. We had a great time exploring the very charming Macau.

Now, we're at Hong Kong to usher in 2009. Missing the parties going on back in Singapore. Save some for us k! We're coming back soon!

As they say it here;

Sing Dan Fai Lok!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Here's wishing everyone in advanced Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I gotta be at the airport in 2 hours. Will be spending our Christmas and New Year in Macau and Hong Kong. Woohoo!



Yesterday we had a nice dinner plus Texas Hold'em at my place. We also had fun going down memory lane watching a very old video of ourselves as freshmen of Raffles Hall. Thanks everyone who turned up, hope you guys had fun.


Before I leave the house, gotta open up the presents under the Christmas Tree. Yup, the Chai Chee people actually bought presents for each other. Exciting! I wonder what I'll get!

See you guys next year!

Bellini Grande

Fu Onn the gay boy being back in Singapore usually means there will be a lot of clubbing. At the suggestion of Chen Peng, we checked out the not-that-new anymore Bellini Grande at Clarke Quay. It occupies the premise vacated by Crazy Horse.

Definitely feels more atas than the usual drinking joint. It's like someone (Dennis Foo) took the old Bellini Room at St. James, up the sitting capacity, up the decor and give the whole thing a touch of class.

The band is now a symphony and boy the song and dance routines are good!

We've also got quite a cool crowd there.

More cool people!

Being an old building, we even found ourselves some ghosts!

Old Buddy Back In Town

The gay boy is back! Yup, Fu Onn is in town for the Christmas season. We wasted no time rekindling our romance catching up; having supper at MissUCafe and Bedok 85 hawker center.
We also had beers at Paulaner Brauhaus with Chen Peng and Helena. Well, actually, we had beers but Chen Peng had soda (baned from alcohol) while Helena had white wine.

Simple Farewell

A group of my colleagues dropped by this evening for dinner. Dawn even came early to help me prepare dinner for everyone. Thanks so much Dawn!



They even brought some gifts. This here is a multi-function scanner-printer-copier-etc. Obviously the brainchild of Jason.

Andrea also brought a long a fine bottle. Not that I'm any connosiour but you'll know a good bottle when you see one.

Thanks guys. I'm gonna miss you all!

JB Road Trip

Had a relaxing yet tiring day catching up with some friends whom I've not seen much of lately. We somehow decided to drive up to Johor Bahru to makan. Since I've been to JB a couple of times, I played tour guide for this road trip.

We agreed to gather at Catholic Junior College at 10am before starting off the convoy of 3 cars to JB. Beautiful morning, but only 2 cars appeared on time. This is a nice picture of those who are punctual. I quite like this picture actually.


While waiting for those who are late, we ate breakfast and played frisbee at CJC's carpark. Now, guess who's late. Who else but Sam?!? Never fails to be late this boy. As punishment, we'll use Sam as a model for one of the activities we did. Massage!



Other than massage, we also shopped quite a fair bit. In fact, we covered TheStore, Carrefour as well as Tesco! Of course, the main purpose of the trip is to makan but I was enjoying the food so much, I forgot to take any pictures.


Before we set off for Singapore again, we managed to take a group photo. Another nice one too!

Sporty In Appearance

Who am I kidding? I'm freaking unfit.

Did I turn up for StanChart Singapore Marathon 2008? Yes, barely.
Will I sign up for the marathon next year? Most definitely, not.


By the way, this year's race route took us through the F1 race track and as we passed by the Pit Building, there were a whole line of Ferraris on display. From antique models to the latest Modena. The Enzo was nowhere to be seen though.


We also dropped by the Mediacorp Celebrity Car Boot Flea Market at the PlayGround @ BigSplash. It was to support Janice at her People's Association booth. And to grab some freebies from the PA obviously.


Sporty water bottles to keep up the sporty appearance you know :-)

8 Women And A Man

Attended the wedding of one of Daisy's colleagues last night.

It's good to be the only thorn amongst the roses. Oh yeah baby!

p/s: This shows that while there is still food, this is not a food blog haha!

Chut Chut Yum Yum

There's this place near my block that sells a decent mee rebus (kinda like mee jawa for those in Kuching). It's actually a stall in a HDB-ground-level-kopitiam run by a Malay lady. Recently, I took a look at their selection of Singapore style Nasi Padang dishes. The one dish that caught my eyes was Chut-Chut! The Malay community here calls it Siput Sedut (or Siput Sedut Sedut sometimes)

The one near my block is really quite good. I ordered a rice-bowl portion for $1.50 to go with my nasi lemak.


The first time I had the chut-chut, it was served as masak lemak. I was there again today, and this time the Malay lady prepared it as Masak Lada Merah. This time, I had a bowl to go with my kaya-butter-toast. Hmmm, a bit weird but.. whatever! Either way she cooks it; very spicy. Shiok ah!


The photos were taken using my Nokia 6500 Slider. Low tech, low rest, no macro-shot but at least can see something. Oh and don't bother to google the little fellas. They are known as cerithidea obtusa and they look like aliens!

Dog's Day Afternoon

Daisy's parents were in Hong Kong so being the good son-in-law that I am, I agreed to bring the family shih tzu go kai kai. Yup, that shih tzu is none other than Bambam. Remember her?



We decided to bring Bambam see a good 'friend' of mine. Bambam was super happy lah; got car ride and jalan jalan.


My friend stays at Pasir Ris Farmway 1 and suddenly Bambam was getting panicky seeing all the other dogs having their fun in the sun. It is after all, a pet farm.



Suddenly, my 'friend' appeared out of nowhere and started to sniff-sniff at Bambam and, oh well.. poor Bambam was simply terrified to say the least.


In the end, we had to place her in her 'safe place' aka 'limo' and send her safely home.


I doubt Bambam will look forward to a Sunday afternoon out with me again anytime soon.

The Film Malaysia May Never Get To See

What a day! Early in the morning, we (me, Daisy and Sanball) went for a session of badminton with some friends. We ended early, showered and set off to the Picturehouse to catch the 1.15pm screening of Muallaf.

By the time we got there, it was already 12.50pm and we were hungry; not to mention thirsty. So we chop chop grabbed something to makan at the basement. I've checked with the lady at the ticketing counter and the actual screening would begin at 1.20pm but by the time we entered the theater, it was already 1.25pm. The tiny theater was already full and as with all late comers, we had to almost climb over those sitting at the aisles to get to our seats. I remember saying sorry to a bunch of Malay girls in the darkness.

I've never done a movie review on my blog before and I won't start. But sufice to say, we enjoyed the show. It had a good story, was well paced, had slapstick scenes so crappy they you can't help laughing out loud and then there were scenes that were impactful, powerful and compelling. Being a Yasmin Ahmad movie, it obviously deals with relationships in a multi-racial, multi-religious, differing-socio-economical-political, mumbojumbo kinda setting. In a nutshell, a movie you'ld wanna watch, but Malaysia won't let you see.

Have I mentioned that I like Yeo Yann Yann? Well, she had what seemed like 5 to 6 minutes worth of screen time in a cameo appearance. Sigh. Oh and she did not appear for the screening as I had hoped.

Cos' by the time the credits rolled and the downlights came on, I looked around but did not see Yann Yann anywhere in the 'crowd' of 30 or so people in the theater. But when I looked to my right, I saw that the bunch of Malay girls we almost trampled over to get to our seats, were the stars of the show! Me, Daisy and Sanball just gasped and shared that startled look. As we looked around the room, there was Brian the lead guy at one corner at the back, and that was Brother Anthony over there.. and isn't that Yasmin Ahmad? We were really like.. Wow! The last time I went for a festival film screening, only the director showed up and nobody really bothered with him cos' the movie sucked big time. Heck, I can't even remember the title of that Japanese film.

So we adjourned to a lounge room and had a proper Q&A session with the people who made the movie.

People had so many questions for Yasmin, and she patiently answered all of the questions with eager excitedness. She even answered a few of my own questions but kinda siamed when I asked her about the prevailing theme of the inconvenient MalayMuslimGirl-NonMuslimChineseBoy love affair in her movies. Anyways, based on this one encounter with her, my impression of her is that she's this super widely read, watched and listened-to siao zharbo who has a great passion of telling stories and opinions that are close to her heart and in her mind. An amazing person.

Yasmin Ahmad

We even had the chance to take pictures with Brian Yap and Sharifah Aleysha. If I had stepped on her feet at the aisles, then she must have forgiven me cos' she was flashing her shy angelic smile the whole time.

Brian Yap and Sharifah Aleysha

Yup, even Sharifah Amani aka Rohani aka Orked was there. She looked like a little kid! It's been years since Sepet and she looked even younger than she did back then. Honestly, she's 25 but doesn't look a year older than her sister Sharifah Aleysha who is 15.

When I asked Orked, "Where's Jason?" She said "Oh, Jason* dah lama hilang la, dah kahwin dah. Now I'm with Brian. Oops!"

Sharifah Amani

Now that we've met Orked in real life, it's time to pop that Sepet DVD in the player and watched it again.


*Jason is the love interest of Orked in Sepet and I think the 'Jason' guy designed that poster for Muallaf