A Liaison of Her Life and Acts

An End to One, A Start to Another

2010-05-01T01:50:00.002+08:00

This blog contains snippets of my life for the last 55 months. Thus, it is something dear to me. But this is the final entry that I will be posting up via this blog address. For something new is happening...

Click image to visit my new blog!

www.felizaong.blogspot.com

Few weeks ago, my new blog was somewhat ready. I waited till today (01 May 2010), as it marks my parent's 28th wedding anniversary. A very significant day for our family... Hence, 01 May is certainly "the" day to start off my new blog. :)

Mini Shoot Once More

2010-04-30T17:26:00.001+08:00

Few weeks ago, as I was taking a photo of myself for the upcoming blog post on the Hydro Boost products that Neutrogena had sponsored me with, I ended up capturing more shots of myself...

Hardly take any self-pics of myself already.
If you realise...

Astroboy The Video Game

2010-04-30T15:39:00.002+08:00

A random entry to a retail game store led me to get excited upon seeing this...
(See image below)

Lemme have it! *screams* But then again, I don't own a Wii console set (though I always thought of buying one). So it will be redundant if I have the game too, yah?

Was busy with an event assignment for the past 3 days. I'm glad I can rest now... But I am on the verge of losing my voice (again). GOSH! :(

Never Doubt The Chef for Ice-Cream

2010-04-27T18:30:00.001+08:00

When you need an awesome person to cook your dinner, get a dinner chef. If you need someone to serve you awesome ice-cream, get the Ice Cream Chefs!

As the Ice Cream Chefs (ICC) establishment has only 1 outlet in Singapore so far, at East Coast Road to be exact, it is quite sad as it simply means I am unable to visit it often as I live quite far from there. It was my Uni mates who first brought me to ICC, and since then, I like their ice-creams as they have many unique (and several local) flavors to choose from!

One thing I dislike about the place is the limited seats available. There were a few times that I went to ICC on weekday afternoons. And groups of students from nearby educational institutions would continue to sit there and chat even if they have finished their ice-cream. If you have a group of 6 to 8 students sitting in the indoor area, that's it... You have to sit outside. But wait... when you head out, "SURPRISE"... another group of students. And you will have no choice but to head back to your car and sit inside to eat.

You may think that I am being picky and/or bitchy, but if you experienced such a situation for as many times as I did, I bet you will feel this way. :p

Frozen Yogurt Maniac

2010-04-27T18:05:00.001+08:00

I have a love for frozen yogurt (FY). It started with Yumi Yogurt, then I started my search for more frozen yogurt joints in Singapore. I began to recommend people to try out frozen yogurt, and I got most of them hooked on it. I need to have a cup of frozen yogurt at least once a week. If I am game for it, I will get a big takeaway tub of FY and share it with my beloved. Pure bliss - Eating something I love with the person I love. Wouldn't you like that too? :)

Ate this last Friday at Frolick...
Passion fruit flavor with oreo bits.

So far, I have tried FY from:
Yumi Yogurt , Yoguru, Frolick,
& Yogen Fruz (which is in HCM city. I like it.)

I wanna try FY from:
OiO & Yigloo, which are both located in Vivocity.
Berrylite and Red Mango.

Do you know of any more frozen yogurt establishments in Singapore that I have not listed down? Do share with me if you know more of such stores ok? I wanna go try! :)

The Wedding Trailer

2010-04-26T20:04:00.000+08:00

This wedding trailer is cool enough for me to want to attend the wedding... if I am invited, that is~ But I don't know this couple and I doubt I will get to know them before their wedding. But still, great effort and thought put in to this! Watch the video below.

Recently, I heard someone mentioning that these days, wedding invitations are sent through Facebook and she mentioned that it is very insincere. I thought so too. But if someone sends me a wedding invitation of such kind, it is so awesome...

Feliza Speaks: My First Outdoor Photo Shoot

2010-04-25T19:25:00.001+08:00

For those who have been reading my blog, you should know that I own an awesome gadget, which is a DSLR camera. It was my dream for years to own one and I am glad I was able to fulfill it last September! (^_^)

So far, my DSLR baby accompanied me on my holiday trips... and around Singapore too. But today, I brought out my baby for my first outdoor photo shoot. For all my outdoor photo shoots so far, it has always been the photographers who take pictures of me. But this time round, I am the one being the photographer and taking pictures of my model.

I think I am good in barking out instructions... Like an army sergeant or something. I guess the 'NPCC blood' is still in me (Yes, NPCC was my CCA back then in school). I think it is good to bark out like "Turn your head away! But eyes look at me!" or "Turn your upper body towards me.... turn turn turn... ok STOP!" or "Why did you turn so much?!? Turn back!!!". I doubt I will be able to get work done if I give instructions such as "Can you please turn your head to the right more? Ok... turn more, more.... Ok stop! K."

Who wants to be my model? LOL!

Maybe I need a Date Night like this...

2010-04-25T04:54:00.000+08:00

Like how I spend at least once a week doing movies,
it was Date Night for me last week.

It is certainly unavoidable for a relationship to take a back seat as the couple gets busy with their other commitments such as their kids or job. And one may be too busy to even notice the lack of spice and love in the marriage/relationship. So it becomes like a repeated cycle such as:

Wakeup -> Make breakfast for family -> Send kids to school ->
Go to work -> Pick kids up after work from childcare centre ->
Head home and make dinner -> Wash plates after dinner ->
Put kids to bed after a riot with them in the bathroom ->
Working on the laptop to finish up your work -> Head to bed.

By the end of the night, you are simply exhausted and you just want to sleep. No conversations with your partner while both of you hug each other on the bed. No spicy or regular sex life like how it was before. Simply no more spontenity. If your marriage/relationship is like this, please watch this movie!

When the Fosters found out about their friend's failed marriage, they realised that they need to do something to improve their own marriage. They realised that their marriage was becoming like a video tape being put on a playback mode. For the latest weekly dinner dates that the Fosters have, Mrs Foster (played by Tina Fey) made the extra effort to doll herself up (unlike usually when she doesn't). I must say that she looks really pretty with the hairstyle and ESPECIALLY that dress of hers!

Due to a mistaken identity, the Fosters had a different date night. It wasn't just a normal dinner at the usual restaurant. Instead, it was a dinner in the city which led to a dangerous and wild adventure for them. It was during that adventure when they realised what their marriage was lacking of, but it also showed how much they love each other.

I guess any ladies will go weak over the guy, Holbrooke, the security expert in the show, which was Mrs Foster's property client. Watch the video clip below for the shirtless Holbrooke, quite funny that he was asked to 'shirt it up'. LOL! And I guess any guys will want to be like him and land themselves an exotic lady. :p

'Date Night' Holbrooke with Intro @ Yahoo! Video

DATE NIGHT is a movie you should watch. Whether it is with your partner, or with friends, this is certainly the romantic comedy that was made possible by the 2 comedians, Tina Fey and Steve Carell. You should watch the video on Youtube, of Tina Fey impersonating Sarah Palin then. And 2 weeks ago, Fey did another appearance as Palin in the Saturday Night Life, after 2 years since she appeared as the latter during the 2008 Obama vs. McCain Presidential Race.

Feliza Speaks: More Sleep, More Rest!

2010-04-21T23:09:00.000+08:00

Getting out from bed reluctantly, with an early morning brain fog is definitely something I don't want to. But today, that was how it was like. And yesterday morning too. I can only blame it on myself for not sleeping early last night.

For the past few months, I wake up from my sleep when my body and mind decides that I should. Maybe you would say I lack discipline... But I beg to differ since I usually wake up after about 8 hours of sleep (Plus-minus 30 minutes... I'm serious) - Automatically/Naturally.

So I usually would not set my alarm clock, unless I have something on. But for the past 2 mornings, as well as for the next 2 mornings, I have to do just that, as I am working at the Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) 2010 trade show at the Singapore Expo, till 23 April 2010.

But the weirdest thing is that I don't feel tired at all while working. The fatigue only sets in during my journey home, after work @ FHA. That was how it was like for the past 2 days. Worst, when I got home just now, I dozed off on my sofa once I was done with my Twitter updates. I woke up after a minute or so, shocked that I could doze off just like that, with a cup of Rose Milk Tea in hand!!! LOL! And that's when it dawned on me - I lack of sleep.

Hence, I decided to sleep early tonight, which is before 12am (may be considered as late to you? Haha). I need that sleep, else my body may not be able to function properly and well. After I was done with my shower, I got online to bank in my blood (in the Vampire Wars game that I play actively on Facebook).

I was planning to sleep before 10pm, but a random search for a random thing (resulted in a search of 'Casper the Friendly Ghost') on Youtube led me to do something else for that next 75 minutes. I watched a 7-part series of 'Casper's Scare School' the movie. I don't know why of all things, 'Casper' came into my mind then (since usually it is Astroboy, Kitaro or Lady Gaga). But I was not surprised at all. Afterall, I have a liking for Casper since I was a child...

Here's the video I watched. This is the first part out of seven parts.

Such nostalgia, I would say.... :)

Oh yes, if you have yet to 'follow' me on Twitter,
and you want to do just that, head to my Twitter account at
http://twitter.com/felizaong
and let's link up! ;p

I Wish I Can Blog All These... But... :p

2010-04-18T20:36:00.004+08:00

You know, I do have several blog posts which I am ready to post up... Such as more of my recent shopping buys (dresses, heels, etc) ...

And my trip to the Central Fire Station...

And the latest range of skincare products from Neutrogena which I received...

>

And the day that I finally sport a short bob hairstyle
(after all these years, you know!?) after a visit to the Shunji Matsuo salon...

(Interesting posts, right??)

But I am simply waiting for myself (yes, myself) to complete at least 80% of my new blog layout before posting them up. And by then, I will not be blogging at this 'meetlilprincess' url anymore. BUT BUT BUT! This blog will still be around, just that my future entries will be at another url. So do check back to this blog for the updates! Ciao!

My Aeropostale Shopping Loot! (Pics Included)

2010-04-17T18:49:00.002+08:00

You can take the shopping mall away from a lady. But you can't take shopping away from her. Even if its after the mall'a operation hours, I can still shop! Online shopping. What else? I bought the following tops from Aeropostale. It has finally arrived in Singapore from the States.

Bought this top in the following 2 colors:

My wardrobe is in need of white T-shirts, so I got this one.
(Just an excuse, you say?) :P

And I also bought this as a gift.

I just checked out the Aeropostale website.
Right now, there is a SALE (Up to 70%) and a 'Buy 1, get 1 free' promo.
Do check it out yourself. :)

Yum Yum Kim Gary (Pics Included)

2010-04-14T06:20:00.008+08:00

I think I am a very boring diner when it comes to eating at hongkong cafes (and I don't just mean Kim Gary). Despite having a variety of food choices to choose from the menu, it seems that my orders are somewhat the same.

Take a look at the photo collage which I have done up:

For all my dining trips to hk cafes, I always order a bowl of Bosch soup, and that Peanut butter thick toast... with a cup of Iced Yuan Yang. The other photos in the collage above were of the other orders made during that visit - Decided to try new stuff, so as to give my taste buds some variety. Heh.

I can't believe I am writing a food entry right now, while my stomach is growling away. I'm tormenting myself!! Argh! Anyway, I seemed to have very 'flexible meal timings' these days. I need to fix that, before it does any damage to my health and well-being!

For the past two days, I was kept busy with work, as well as having to attend several casting calls. Work is good - since it leads to earnings and it somehow forms a 'daily structure' for me (you will know what I mean only if you are one of my closest friends, as I would have spoken to you regarding this before.). After submitting a report later today, I have another writing assignment which a company had hired me for... It's a copy-writing assignment per se, but I dare not regard myself as a copy-writer (for now, at least!). Maybe a budding one? *sheepish grin* :p

SONY make.believe: Vote & Win! Last 3 Days!

2010-04-12T13:29:00.004+08:00

[ADVERTORIAL]

Did you send in your entry for the Sony's make.believe contest which I previously mentioned in my blog entry? That was a chance to win a cool S$100K worth of prizes! Or that once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup LIVE in South Africa!

If your entry was not shortlisted...
Or you missed the dateline to send in your entry...

There's another way to win great prizes from SONY!!!

And this is only till 14 April 2010, so hurry! Yo!

Which dream do you prefer the most?
Which photo took your breath away?

VOTE for your favourite finalists in the 2 contests!

How to? Let me show you!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[STEP 1]
Click HERE to enter Sony's make.believe site.

[STEP 2]
Click on the 'Cast your vote now' link once you entered the site.

[STEP 3]
Vote for your favourite 'Dot Your Dream' finalist.
I place my votes for Amos Yeo. Why?

Cos our dreams are similar! I love travelling as it opens up new horizons for me. I love to see new things, gain new knowledge and experiences, and meet more people. That's why I grab the chance to travel whenever my schedule and finance allow me to do so! Travelling gives me an opportunity to take more beautiful photos since I am into travel photography. Given the time and money, I really wish to leave my footprints in many parts of the world!

If I have that cool 100K cash, I can use it to fund all my travelling expenses (for a lifetime, perhaps? HEE!), and make humanitarian trips to third-world countries. PLUS , I will get a new Sony laptop, digicam, camcorder, dslr with all the lenses and mp3 player, so that I can use all these devices while on my travel trips! But then again, I am not in the running for the 100K that Sony is giving out... So all I can do is to VOTE... like how you can and should too! ;)

[STEP 4]
Vote for your favourite 'Dot Your Moment' photo.
I am rooting for the photo titled 'Freedom'. Why???

Firstly, the photo was taken with a fisheye lens, which is the next lens I want to buy for my DSLR. Next, the whole photo was beautifully taken, and the quote was wonderfully paired up with it. Finally, the quote by the finalist reminded me of the quote by the 32nd President of the USA, Franklin D. Roosevelt: 'In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved'.

[STEP 5]
Select that dream prize of yours should you be one of the lucky selected voters!

I chose the Sony's Dream set as I hope to get a new laptop (to replace my current Sony lappy which I bought 2 years ago when I first entered Uni). I hope to have a new digicam to bring around (which I do so 95% of the time I am out) when I do not take my dslr camera out with me. I hope to have a camcorder (never had one before) so that I can start making high-quality videos to post on my blog site. If it is still within the 5K range, I will add in a Sony TV set and a Playstation 3 set so that I can invite my pals for a good gaming session at my place (which we have been holding it at my good friend Manwhore's place all the while). Should I win, I will thank Sony for making my life a complete and fulfilling one... and it is all because I make.believe.

You have only 3 more days to help fulfill the dreams of these finalists. By voting, you have the chance to win great prizes from Sony. So spare that few minutes and place your votes now!

Click Here To Vote NOW! :)

So there you go, my vote for the Sony's make.believe contest!

Remember!
VOTE VOTE VOTE!

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The "It's Over" Quote...

2010-04-10T00:46:00.002+08:00

.. is something that I came up with awhile back.

Quote

A failed relationship may turn one into a love sick fool. Your mind wants him back. Your body craves for that familiar warm touch of his. This eventually triggers off that feeling of desperation. - You want him back. But when you really want to give the relationship another try, it is already too late.

He's really gone.
Not for work. Not for a gym session. Not for a boy's night out.
But GONE... From your life. From you. Miles away.

And that's when you need to accept reality. Seek closure. Avoid over-analyzing, for you will feel worst. Instead, simply think back of the good memories you had with him, and appreciate them for what they were.

It's never over,
until you fully let go.

*Pic credits to respective owners.

And So I'm Back From The Vacation!

2010-04-09T05:46:00.005+08:00

For those who did not come across my previous blog entry, you wouldn't know that I went away for a short vacation during the early part of this week. It was a 3D/2N holiday trip to Genting Highlands.

It was an impromptu decision, per se.

A day before I booked the trip on 27 March, I felt that the hot weather in Singapore was detesting and dreadful. I needed some cool air, and no, an air-conditioned room just didn't make the cut. So I decided I shall head up to Genting. And so I was off for some "cool relief" on 04 April.

I would consider myself lucky that there were still rooms available for me, since my check-in date was just a week away. Maybe it was because I chose the Resort Hotel, instead of the ever-popular First World Hotel. Of course, it was costlier since it is a level up from the latter... But upon entering my Deluxe room and seeing how nice it was (and upon seeing that wonderful king-sized bed), I knew I made a right choice. (You will know why, when you see my pictures that I will soon be posting up.)

I also made a trip down to KL since it has been awhile since I last visited. But the main reason was because I wanted to visit the Club Monaco (CM) boutique located in the Pavilion. Yes, I know there is a CM store in Singapore (at Ngee Ann City, if you must know). But I prefer the one in Pavilion due to its store size, store assortment, and especially because of the attentive service that I always receive from the retail staff who attends to me. That makes me more willing to buy stuff from there. Needless to say, I walked out happily from the store that day, with a CM paper bag in hand. ;)

I know I did not blog about those recent holiday trips that I had. Nor I had posted any pictures of my trips. It is just because I take 244674523 pictures during each trip. The thought of reviewing all the photos and then select those to post up is tedious. Cos in my opinion, every photo that is not blurred and with sufficient lighting, is a keeper... -A keeper since it captures a moment of my holiday trip-. But since this was just a 3-day trip and I did not take 244674523 shots (maybe just 2446745 shots? LOL), I shall post some photos up! SOON! (^_^)/

Going Away...

2010-04-04T04:30:00.001+08:00

... For a holiday again. :)
Till then!

The Wonders of Makeup!

2010-04-03T06:25:00.004+08:00

I believe many of us have ever come across pictures of celebrities with and without makeup. You might have felt that the pictures were of two different people. So, makeup does wonders! Not only it helps to conceal our imperfections, it can change the total appearance of a person. Just take a look at these videos of 2 girls... And you'll know what I mean.

Youtube Video Footage 01:

Youtube Video Footage of Kitty:

I wish I have such marvellous makeup skills as those girls. I believed they have put in lots of time and effort to perfect their makeup skills to the extent that they are able to beautify themselves... Changing their looks, like what you have seen in the videos above. No wonder there is this saying in Mandarin, "世界上没丑女人，只有懒女人".

On the other hand, I would rather apply the saying, "Beauty is more than just skin deep" on myself, if possible. And I would regard Florence Nightingale as a lady, whose beauty is more than skin deep.

I recalled coming across some paparazzi pictures of Lady Gaga, without make-up. I certainly give no regard to the critics. Lady Gaga, or Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (which is her real name, by the way)... An international superstar, is afterall a mere human being, just like you and me. There are certainly times when Gaga doesn't look all styled-up, and it just so happened that someone managed to chance upon it while she was on a romantic holiday with her boyfriend in Hawaii. And that someone goes 'snap, snap' and *poof* it was then for the world to see.

Lady Gaga - With and Without Makeup

She may not be ultra slim like those size zero models...
But she shows us that it is alright, just like how Tyra Banks says so..

No matter what, I love Lady Gaga!
So just bring on the Bad Romance!

Take a look at this Youtube video for the Dove advertisement.
It mentioned, "No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted".

And you know what, let's just face it. And I admit. Without those makeup that I apply on my face at times, I am just a girl with imperfections. My face isn't flawless - Just like the lady in the Dove ad. But I am not ashamed of it, for I do go out without makeup. In fact, I went without makeup for the past one week (except today as I had work). So if you are lucky, catch me (without makeup) if you can. ;)

Cinnamon Melts from McDonald's (MUST-TRY)

2010-04-02T04:46:00.003+08:00

I tried the Cinnamon Melts from McDonald's last night. It was my first time tasting the bite-sized cinnamon pastry. Sweet as it was, the coated sugar glaze and frosting gave a nice 'crystallized crunch'. But it was not that sweet to the extent that you have to down plenty of water. In fact, I was eating this along with the McFlurry! The pastry was warm and soft, despite that it had to be microwaved before serving it to me.

Unlike the one I had, I wished there was a better layer of sugar coating/frosting. Just like how McDonald's presented it in their banners, such as the one below:

Gonna sleep now. Was blogging this, while watching Clash of the Titans (1981 classic version) on another comp screen. Will definitely watch the version that is showing in the cinemas right now. Let's see if it will impress me as much as how the movie, Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief, managed to. :)

Clash of the Titans Trailer (in HD)

Brown Eyed Girls : Sexy AND Talented

2010-03-31T14:47:00.002+08:00

Did you enjoy the videos from the Brown Eyed Girls (B.E.G) that I posted up in my previous blog post? If you did, here's another MV from them - SIGN.

Do you understand the storyline in the MV?

This video is a live performance that they did...

---> When I first saw this video and when it came to the part when they used their paper folded fans to tap their neck, I was like,"Good neck massage". :p

It's really rare to find a S.Korean girl band that does not rely solely on looks to gain popularity... But B.E.G managed to do that. They are really talented and with great voices. Previous MVs of theirs may not portray their (good)looks well, but I think the MV 'Abracadabra' (which I showed in my previous blog post) showed it all!) :)

Lemme put it up once more~~~

On a personal note, I have been very busy for the past one week. Bogged down with work, and research reports, I am also working on my draft for an upcoming (long) blog post. So during those short breaks of mine, I can only blog these mini posts. No matter how short these posts are, it is still afterall something I wanna share with my blog readers and friends. Like you see, blogging about B.E.G lets you know that I am currently into their songs and MVs. It is still something about me... :)

Awesome hot & sexy dance moves from Brown Eyed Girls!

2010-03-29T00:32:00.002+08:00

When it comes to this music video by the Korean girl group, Brown Eyed Girls, I can watch it over and over again and yet, I am still not tired of it. Watch the videos below.... For their brilliant, hot and sexy dance moves in the song, "Abracadabra". All of them look totally fabulous in the video! Totally ♥ !!!

The dance version:

And this is the MV version:

The group has other awesome songs and MVs, which I tend to replay them over in Youtube. I feel that overall, the group has awesome vocals (comparing to other Korean girl groups).

Saving a Dollar at a Time! Then, Exchange Them!

2010-03-27T12:37:00.000+08:00

For generations, the money jars (or piggy banks) are the classic way for people to save money. It is something easy to do since it only requires you to empty your pockets or wallets after a day out and put whatever coins you have into the jar.

Instead of putting every single coin you have into the jar, make it a more specific form of saving such as saving only $1-coins. The amount is small enough that you wouldn't feel any pinch, yet it will be an amount big enough when the coins accumulate over time! And when it is time to exchange your coins for dollar notes, it will be easier for you too! :)

People always have the misconception that banks charge a small processing fee for EACH and EVERY coin deposit you do. Actually, not all banks do that. For example, UOB offers free coin deposits for the first 199 pieces; S$1 for every subsequent 200 pieces or part thereof. So all you have to do is to have 199 $1-coins in a bag and head down to the teller counter. Of course, you need to have an UOB account in the first place.

Even if you simply deposit your coins (more than 199 pieces) all at once at UOB, you will be charged the least as compared to some of the major banks in Singapore, like POSB and OCBC (view below for their rates).

Coin Deposit @ POSB:

Note that coin services are available every Tuesday and Thursday during branch operating hours. The coin deposit fee is waived for children's accounts, full-time students below the age of 21 years and fulltimeNational Servicemen, subject to a limit of 200 pieces of coins per account per day.

Coin Deposit @ OCBC:

Another place to exchange your coins for bank notes is at the Singapore Mint, located at 20 Teban Gardens Crescent. This is something I found from its site:

Q: I have a lot of circulation coins and would like to exchange them for banknotes. Where and when can I do the exchange, other than depositing into bank where they will impose charges?

It is recommended that you bring them to our plant at 20 Teban Gardens Crescent for a coin exchange. The coin exchange is the same exercise done at banks where you can deposit your coins in exchange for notes. However, please note that we do charge a nominal fee to cover the cost of processing the coins. This is generally cheaper than bank charges.

Coin exchange can be carried out at:
20 Teban Gardens Crescent
Mondays to Fridays, Operation hours: 8.30 am – 11.30 am & 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm.
Please be informed that for every 1000 pieces of coins (regardless of denominations), the charges are at S$3.50 and the balance coins are pro-rated accordingly (i.e. 300 pieces /1000 pieces * 3.50 = S$1.05). All prices stated are subjected to 7% GST charges.

But honestly, if you do not live or work near there, why would you go there? Simply does not justify your petrol and time to travel all the way there.

So if you have plenty of coins, what can you do?

Firstly, put them in bags of S$50, consisting of 1-dollar coins.
Can be in bags of S$10 or S$20 worth, up to you... For me, I prefer S$50 worth.

Then....

(1) Exchange your coins with the drink stall uncle or aunty. (They will gladly want them!)
(2) Exchange your coins with cab drivers... They certainly welcome you to do so!
(3) Exchange your coins with other people whom you think will need $1 coins! :)

Though it may be a bit of hassle to do any of the above 3, but think... You are exchanging your coins with those people who need them on their everyday basis... And you need not pay for any processing charges, yet you can still exchange your coins for dollar notes! (^_^)

Instead of saving $1-coins, you can move a level up and start saving S$2-notes in your money jar. This is something that I am doing since this year... The amount is more substantial, and the bank does not charge anything for depositing money in the form of dollar notes. You get to save even more money than with the $1-coins! Totally YAY-ness! (^_^)

Note: The banks' coin exchange and processing fees information is accurate as of 22 March.
May be subjected to changes, hence it is always good for you to visit their website. :)

Blame It On?

2010-03-25T16:08:00.003+08:00

I am not sure if it is the sound of the rain (though usually I regard it as very therapeutic) ...
Or that sense of urgency to complete the research report...

But my brain is not working as lively as I want it to be.
I don't know what is affecting my brain and my train of thoughts.
Working against time to meet the dateline.

Oh! Writer's Block!
Oh! Writer's Block!
Please kindly go away for now.

p/s: I know blogging about it wouldn't help, maybe a good sleep would do the trick.
Probably my mind may be more refreshed after that! SIGH

Updated (26/03): So after I was done blogging, I went to bed and slept for a good 3 hours.
It totally refreshed my mind and I was soon able to let my thoughts flow.
Though I feel that I think better only from this morning onwards. :)

That Winter Coat which You May Like Too~

2010-03-23T18:47:00.001+08:00

Remember the blog entry where I posted the picture of the pink winter coat which I recently bought? (which by the way, the model in the pictures is kawaii, right??! HEH!)

I received emails and blog comments from some of you who are interested in the coat too. Since I will be doing another order from the site, email me at feliza_ong[at]hotmail[dot]com, if you are interested in it. By 28 March 2010.

The mustard color is available too, other than just pink.
I had difficulty choosing between the mustard and pink color. I chose the latter eventually.
Thinking if I should get the mustard color this time round.... :p

- Free Size
- Coat Length: 81cm
- Sleeve Length: 55cm
- Material: Wool
- Interior of coat has a 'wind-proof' layer.
* Registered postage only*

Frolick My Night!

2010-03-20T14:22:00.001+08:00

FROLICK
MY
NIGHT
!!!

And the best way is with this!
An 11oz take-home tub of yogurt with 3 toppings to have fun with! :)

S$11 (For one 11oz Original Flavor Yogurt and 2 Toppings)
+ S$1 (For additional topping) = S$12

These toppings are my top choices when I am at Frolick.
They blend well with each other, as well as with the yogurt... Like honey and bee~ :p

Any other toppings you think that it is good?
Do leave a comment to recommend!
Will try that the next time I am at Frolick! :)

OPI Nail Polish - Toxic or Not?

2010-03-16T22:03:00.001+08:00

I am sure most of you girls know that OPI is anything and everything related to nails. Not forgetting there may be some guys who know it too since they may be (nice) boyfriends who probably sit around the nail parlors waiting for their girlfriends to finish their mani/pedi session...

But do you know that in 2006, due to pressure from their stakeholders such as customers and interest groups, OPI pledged to remove the "toxic trio" ingredients in making their products? (Toxic trio = dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene). You can read more by clicking HERE. However, based on a comment which I came across, a lady left a comment in one site:

Posted by Grace Hagen on 01/20/2010 at 05:10 PM

Something is wrong here. I have been label reading lately as I react to polishes with the “toxic three”. I have found one or more of those ingredients recently on labels of China Glaze, OPI and Nicole, Orly, and Sally Hansen. What kind of research was done to compile this list? Only information from the manufacturer? How about actually reading their labels in the store? OPI advises on their display in Target that their product is free of these “toxic three”, yet the bottles on the shelf list these as ingredients. Once again, something is wrong here.

She mentioned "recently" and her comment was posted up on 20 January 2010. Hence does it mean that OPI has not really kept to what they pledged to? On the other hand, there are online articles which mentioned that safer brands include L'Oreal, Revlon, Sally Hansen and OPI. Well, at least these are 'safe enough', as compared to other brands of nail polishes like those $1 per bottle kind, huh? :p

I am sure other chemical solvents are still being added as it is absolutely impossible for a 100% natural nail polish as it will simply not stay on the nails. Toxic or not, I still prefer using only OPI nail polishes when I go for my mani/pedi sessions.

I usually have my nails in (1) red color and (2) without any nail art as I like my nails to have the simple look. There are times of exceptions like during my latest nail session, I did nail art. Oh yes~ I still haven't try doing nail extensions yet, complete with all the 3D designs. And it is just because I haven't master the 'technique' of removing my contact lens while having long nails. *Claps* to those who can do it! :p

My Nail Art

I always wanted to paint my nails myself, but I feel that it is too cumbersome.
Yet, I still went to make my first bottle purchase of a OPI nail polish few days ago... the 'Red my Fortune Cookie' from the OPI Hong Kong collection.
Pics credit to Right on the Nail

Nice gorgeous shade of red, I say.... :)

The Black Sexy Top and the Evening Date

2010-03-10T22:34:00.002+08:00

Few months back, I posted this blog entry 'Shopping: Black Sexy Top' about the top which I bought. I received a number of emails from my blog readers who enquired about where to buy, price, etc... Some also requested that I take pictures of it when I receive the item. However, I forgot to take a picture when I wore it for the first time back then in December. But I remembered about it when I wore it yesterday.

(Poor top, right? Had it for 3 months, but only wore twice... Super low mileage for such a nice, unique and sexy top. But then again, I have heaps of clothes which suffer a way lower mileage than this. And I believe alot of ladies out there also face this situation... I'm not the only one. Hehehe.)

I would say it is a tad loose for me, but I am ok with it... Cos I really love the criss-cross design at the back of the top. With the front being not that cleavage-bearing, it 'equalizes' the whole top in that way. :)

Here's the picture I owe to those gals who requested for it! :)

The top looks nicer on the model mann~

And this is the earring I bought a month back.
Wore it for the first time yesterday.

Was in Orchard for a (dinner + movie) evening.
Dinner at Sakae Teppanyaki... Alice in Wonderland (3D) movie...
& Light supper at Xin Wang HK Cafe...
D a t i n g a l l o v e r a g a i n .

Recent Shopping Buys! (Pics Included!)

2010-03-06T19:28:00.002+08:00

When I came across this Penguin Tee, I knew I had to buy it.
The Penguin Tee is chio, so is the model wearing it! :p

Then I bought this from my usual US site...

I bought the pink one.

I know the current weather of Singapore is hot like @#$#@%... But it didn't stop me from buying a winter coat! Something for my winter holiday! (^_^) And I like the uniqueness of the collar as I can use it in those 2 styles as seen in the pic above...That's why I bought it even though its months till the holiday~ :p

For those who love taimei (台妹)...

2010-03-03T20:10:00.007+08:00

Anyone has a thing for taimei (台妹)???

If you do, you can proclaim your love for 台妹 by visiting this stall! :p

Store Logo...

Located within the Bugis Street area, this stall is easily missed as it is all the way at the back of the whole Bugis Street, facing the hawker centre, as well as the resting/parking spots for the trishaw rider uncles. So if you wanna head to the stall from Iluma, once you come out of the back entrance of Iluma, turn right, walk across the small road and walk straight. You will see it!

The stall sells Taiwan's street snacks, so you won't have to go all the way to Taiwan just to satisfy your craving for them. Toal YAYness! But this stall does not satisfy your 'I want to bio 台妹 charbos' craving... Hence please head over to Taiwan if you need to do some "台妹-watching"... :p

There are 5 different snack combos to choose from, with combo names such as 小S, 蔡依林 and 林志玲. So if you don't know what to order, just order whichever combo that is named after your favourite Taiwanese female celebrity. So easy, right? For me, I chose Combo A (蔡依林), which consists of a packet of BBQ Crispy Chicken and a cup of Iced Pearl Milk Tea (S$5.50). Not because I like 蔡依林 ok.... (-_-)" I just wanted to try the chicken, as they have a different cooking method for their crispy chicken.

Closeup picture of the BBQ Crispy Chicken.
***MUST TRY***

The pearls are soft and chewy - just the way I like it. However, I still think that having a cup of pearl milk tea (珍珠奶茶) in Taiwan itself gives a more authentic feel. Afterall, 珍珠奶茶 was originated from Taiwan...... (Rights... Me and my weird thinking eh?).

Do visit 我愛台妹.
It is located at 52 Queen Street #ABFL-21.

You can join their Facebook fanpage by clicking HERE.
Follow them on Twitter HERE.

And here's a Youtube video to share...
我爱台妹 by MC HOTDOG & 张震岳

Chap Goh Meh, the Chinese Valentine's Day

2010-02-28T15:11:00.007+08:00

So what if Valentine's Day was two weeks ago? Today is a day where Cupid may strike again... For tonight is the "Chap Goh Meh", the 15th night of the Lunar New Year season. Known as "Yuen Xiao" in Mandarin (元宵), Chap Goh Meh, which is actually a phrase in Hokkien, is also the Chinese version of Valentine's Day.

Although it is not a tradition in Singapore... In some other Asian countries, tangerine oranges are thrown into the sea by single ladies who hope that their future spouses will pick it up. In the current modern era, women these days may still toss oranges into the sea, but not before writing their phone numbers or email address on the oranges.

Not going to make a trip to the seaside tonight...
So maybe I will toss mine into the swimming pool. LOL!
*kidding*

Nowadays, it is not just just the man chasing after a girl. Girls may do the chasing too! So guess what some guys go? Tossing bananas into the sea, with messages or their phone numbers written on them! LOL! Hence, that's why this day is known as the "Chinese Valentine's Day"... cos of how it is related to the concept of love. Oh, and not forgetting the 7th day of the 7th lunar month... It is the Qi Xi festival (七夕节), also viewed as a Chinese Valentine's Day.

But anyway, my opinion is that love is not to be expressed only on Valentine's Day... It should be expressed every day. It does not have to proven with a hefty price tag, but love can be shown in many sweet and simple ways...

Love is Growing Old Together with the Love of Your Life

Will you love me in December as you do in May,
Will you love me in the good old fashioned way?
When my hair has all turned grey,
Will you kiss then and say,
That you love me in December as you do in May?

~ Robert Downing

Hugs and Kisses from me!

And before I end off this entry, here's a Youtube video of a song, which lyric's so meaningful, written by John Lennon (one of the founding members of The Beatles) before his death in December 1980.

'Grow Old with Me' by John Lennon:

Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be
When our time has come
We will be as one
God bless our love
God bless our love

Grow old along with me
Two branches of one tree
Face the setting sun
When the day is done
God bless our love
God bless our love

Spending our lives together
Man and wife together
World without end
World without end

Grow old along with me
Whatever fate decrees
We will see it through
For our love is true
God bless our love
God bless our love

Movie Review: Percy Jackson... The Demigod.

2010-02-27T01:39:00.004+08:00

Few days ago, I watched the movie 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief'. With a number of fantasy books turned movies, it got me wondering how this movie could impress a 'jaded fantasy story' person like me. Afterall, I was not wowed by that famous kooky-looking boy wizard or even the suave werewolf guy (if you know I am referring to which...) So, do you think I will be impressed by Perseus "Percy" Jackson, the Demigod?

In fact, I was! The movie was so engaging with all the actions that were happening so frequently during the 2-hours timeframe. The film was set in the 21st century BUT with all the Greek mythology coming to life for a high school guy named Percy Jackson.

Unknowingly to him, he is a demigod, named Perseus . And mind you, he is not just an offspring of a Greek God. He is the son of Poseidon (one of the biggest Greek Gods, along with Hades and Zeus). However, his mum, Sally Jackson, kept this fact from him. It was only when one of the 3 big Greek Gods, Zeus, discovered that his lightning bolt was stolen and suspected Percy of being the thief, that all mysteries were unraveled...

The other 'lower-graded' Greek Gods got wind of the stolen bolt news and started to chase Percy for it. However, why and how would Percy steal it, since he did not even know that he was a Demigod in the first place? But Zeus was so certain that Percy stole the bolt and demanded that it should be returned to him in 14 days, otherwise all hell would erupt in Mount Olympus, which would also affect the human world as well.

It was only then, Percy discovered his origins when his Mum explained everything to him while rushing him and his protector, Grover, whom is a Satyr (half-goat, half-human), to the Half Blood camp. This place is a camp for demigods. It was only there when he realised that his wheelchair-bound teacher is actually a centaur (half-person, half-horse).

Grover, the Satyr

The teacher who was actually a Centaur

Along with Grover, and another Demigod named Annabeth, the trio went on a road trip across America to collect the pearls which would get them to wherever they want to from Hell. The reason why they are going to Hell was to save Percy's mother who was captured by Hades. Along the way on that road trip, the trio fought off other Greek mythology characters such as Medusa.

Medusa, played by Uma Thurman
(I prefer Medusa when she was in the headscarf and sunglasses, as seen in the movie. So chic looking, rather than that headful of snakes! HEH!

I thought that the lotus flower food that the casino girls were giving to their guests was scary. Imagine if this happens in real life? No one would leave the casino at all. But there's a loophole to that. If you did watch this movie, you may be able to recall this scene where Percy asked a guy who was playing a game machine, which year it was as that guy did not know what a DVD was and the guy replied '1971', if I am not wrong. How would the guy even have money to stay on in the casino for at least 3 decades and not leave?!? He looked like a regular bloke that would probably have nothing to his name to use as collaterals... Unless he was on a lucky streak and won billions initially. *rolls eyes* But still, it is impossible. Or maybe, the Lotus casino gives their guests to eat those flowers till they lose everything. Afterwhich, they will deprive those people of the flowers and then those "gambling zombies" would 'wake up' and leave. (Shall stop, else I can probably come up with many maybe's and what-ifs!)

So anyway, Percy's mother was saved, Zeus's lightning bolt was returned, the Gods made peace and the mortal world was saved. All thanks to the trio. But before I end this entry why would Mount Olympus be on the 660th level of the Empire State Building??! For goodness sake! Why the Empire State? Oh~~ Probably King Kong planned to ascend to Olympus when he was up there then. :p

But based on a quick find from the WWW, the Empire State building is 373 metres high, that is from the ground to the highest level (102nd). So Mount Olympus would only be 2.4km high from the ground. Pretty nonsense, right? Of course, even if one can go up to that height, one needs magical power to enter into that other world lah. The way to Hell, as depicted in this movie, was through a secret passage cave hole by the huge HOLLYWOOD sign in LA. (-_-)"

With the upcoming 'Clash of the Titans' movie which has the Greek characters such as Perseus, Zeus, Hades, Poseidon and many others in it, I wonder if it will impress me as much as how 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' did. I will only know when the Titans enter into the cinemas in April 2010. :p

Sony make.believe your dreams! Win $100K or watch the 2010 World Cup South Africa LIVE!

2010-02-25T13:19:00.001+08:00

Advertorial

Wouldn't it be great if there is a S$100,000 sponsorship
to help you to fulfill your dream ?

You may say 'It is impossible' or 'There's no one who will fulfill my gamer dream of having my very own game room equipped with the latest gaming rigs, with large high-definition displays and surround sound systems.'.... But you are wrong, cos Sony is fulfilling the dream of one lucky person!

All you have to do is to make.believe!

Alright...You have to also submit your entry stating your dream.
Else how would Sony know your dream right? :p

TWO CONTESTS THAT YOU WILL WANT TO JOIN!!!
(1) DOT YOUR DREAM CONTEST
(2) PHOTO CONTEST

What you may win...
By just telling your dream to Sony.

How are you going to convey your dream to Sony in the Dot Your Dream contest?
Let me guide you along! :)

[Step 1]
Click HERE to enter Sony's make.believe site.

[Step 2]
Decide which of the 4 catagories best represent your aspirations,
and click on the 'Enter Here' words to get to the submission page.

[Step 3]
In not more than 250 characters, type a short description of your dream.
Remember to include the word 'Sony' in your entry!

[Step 4]
Fill up your particulars.
Remember to double check your contact details as
Sony will be contacting you if you are one of the 8 contest finalists! :)

And for all you people with the passion for photography, participate in the Photo Contest and who knows you may be one of the 8 lucky winners heading to South Africa to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup! Imagine watching all the actions from the side of the pitch with your best mate or your special someone! You will be the envy of all your soccer buddies!

How to Join the Photo Contest?

[Step 1]
Click HERE to enter Sony's make.believe site.

[Step 2]
Click on 'Photo Contest' to bring you to a page with the 'Join Now' words as seen below. And then click on the 'Join Now' words.

[Step 3]
Upload a photo which captures that special moment in your life
such as the arrival of your first-born or a life-defining event.
Remember to give a catchy title or catchy to your photo! :)

[Step 4]
Fill up your particulars.
Remember, check your contact details as Sony will be
contacting you if you are selected to be one of the 25 finalists!!! :)

You only have till 14 March 2010 to submit your contest entry for both contests!
Do it ASAP, don't wait!

How are the winners, well, winners?

For both contests, finalists who receive the higher number of online votes WIN! Hence, if you happen to be one of the finalists for the contests, do get your family and friends to vote for you! Results for both contests will be out on 16 April 2010!

Get more information, by visiting Sony make.believe site.
Click HERE to enter.

This Girl Loves Ishiya Chocolate Biscuits!

2010-02-22T03:36:00.000+08:00

Ever since the first bite, I have always been a fan of these chocolates! It's called 白い恋人 (Shiroi Kohibito), a popular Sapporo-manufactured biscuits. For those who have been reading my blog, you probably remember me blogging about it several times. 2 of my few entries for these heavenly-tasting treasures can be read HERE and HERE.

Pic was taken using a Dslr.

My Intimate Moments with My Love!

One bite... And you know you are in love with it!
Afterall, it isn't named as 白い恋人 for nothing! :p

Reviews on Movies: Valentine's Day, Wolfman and 72家租客

2010-02-21T00:24:00.003+08:00

Over last weekend, through the Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day occasions, I watched two movies - Valentine's Day (Vday) and Wolfman.

Vday is a decent movie with an all-star cast, directed by the guy who brought you 'Pretty Woman' (Oh Richard Gere.... muack muack muack~)... Think Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway (my fav actress!), Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Swift, Hector Elizondo and more~

The film narrates love stories of the various actors, which I feel that the scriptwriters were probably trying too hard to bring out the aspects of love and romance. It made the movie characters to be rather 'flat', hence I felt there was no character development at all. The tacky comedy could have been better. Maybe the scriptwriters felt that the star-studded cast could have replace the substandard level of the script. Tsk tsk. (-_-)

Taylor Swift's acting was not that fantastic, but since it was her first time, let's cut her some slack. She should just remain in what she does best - Composing songs and singing, which by the way, I wanna point out this song of hers which is so lovely - White Horse! :)

Of all the love stories shown in this film, I loved the one between Edgar and Estelle, played by Hector Elizondo and Shirley MacLaine. When Grace, Edgar's granddaughter explained that she planned to have her "First Time" with her boyfriend (Alex)... Edgar revealed to Grace, as well as Estelle (his wife), that he slept with only one woman in his life, and it was Estelle.

This caused Estelle to upset and to come clean with Edgar in private that she had an affair with his business partner while he was away on a business trip. This led Edgar to be very disappointed, so he did not spend Valentine's Day with Estelle. Supposedly watching an outdoor movie at the Celebrity Cemetery, like on every Valentine's Day with Estelle, Edgar went alone this time, without her. But Estelle came to find him and revealed her true and heartfelt confessions (p/s: I cried during this scene). In the end, the golden couple reunite and plans to say their vows to each other again.

I get emotional and feel touched whenever I come across such love stories of old couples. Or even in real life, when I see old couples still holding hands or giving a kiss on the cheeks or the forehead... It can even be as simple as the old husband walking the same pace as his wifey, even though he could walk faster than that. I have this type of heart-warming feeling as I feel that a marriage is to be forever... Through old-age and eventually till death. When one enters into a marriage, one is entering into a lifelong commitment to love and care for the other party for the rest of the life. Be it in good or bad times, they should stand by each other, being the pillar of strength and support. :)

WOLFMAN

This movie is a remake of the 1941 classic version. It is not scary at all. Well ok, it is only scary due to the sound effects. That's all. But at least it is better than some movies which has werewolves that are cute which look like wolves instead (Read: Twilight).

A tad gruesome, I would say. But don't worry, you will still be able to eat that hotdog of yours while watching the movie. Emily Blunt looks really pretty here. I remembered her from movies such as Young Victoria, The Jane Austen Book Club, The Devil Wears Prada, as well as from the TV series based on the crime-solving stories by Agatha Christie. Talented actress, I would say. (P/s: You guys should read Agatha Christie's books!)

And I just watched this show a few hours ago...

72 Tenants of Prosperity (72家租客)

A funny movie indeed! Do watch it, you won't regret!!! I quite liked the scene that was almost like one scene in Ip Man - Where Ip Man placed his rice bag on the floor and asked to fight with 10 guys. HEH. Watch this!

Turning Dreams into Reality... Just make.believe!

2010-02-18T14:49:00.004+08:00

ADVERTORIAL

I always have this great belief that everyone out there has at least one dream or aim in life that they wish to attain one day. It is only whether you are on your way of realizing it, or you are putting it aside as you doubt that you can. Therefore, you have to know that it is always important to believe in your dreams and ideas, and act on them to make it real.

~ You just have to make.believe ~

And this is what Sony wants everyone to know, with its new Group-wide brand message - make.believe. These two words symbolize Sony's spirit of creativity and innovation. By introducing an all-encompassing and unified brand image, it is a great move as Sony moves to integrate the best of their electronics, entertainment and technology into our homes.

make.believe [make.dot.believe] represents the power of Sony's creativity, the Company's unique ability to turn ideas into reality and the belief that you can make anything that you imagine into something real. With something that is so full of inspiration, make.believe enables designers and engineers, hardware and software, electronics and entertainment, and Sony and consumers, to unite.

The dot in make.believe unites "make" and "believe". It also signifies the place where great things begin. It is where inspiration meets creativity, where creativity meets reality.

In short, make.believe is :

make = action, do, build and design
believe = spirit, think, imagine and dream

Now, you may be on your way to: (see below)

This is so, as in the spirit of make.believe,
Sony is holding TWO contests that is so 'dreamtastic',
you definitely want to take part in them!!!

Contest (1): "Dot Your Dream" Contest
Dreams are personal aspirations. Everyone draws inspirations from different sources. This particular contest offers 4 different forms of themes to best express your dream - .music, .movie, .game and .tech. The Grand Winner will get S$100,000 worth of sponsorship from Sony to realize his/her dream!

Contest (2): "Dot Your Moment" Contest

For people with the passion on photography (like myself!), you may want to participate in this photo contest. All you have to do is to send in photos that capture the special moments in your life. Who knows, you will be on your way to South Africa to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and being one of the fan photographers snapping all the actions by the side of the pitch!

Get more information
by visiting Sony's make.believe website HERE.

http://www.sony.com.sg/makedotbelieve

Sony's make.believe Ad:

DEXT it with Motorola, Singtel and ImSocial

2010-02-17T20:10:00.004+08:00

Last month, I attended the "Everything Else is Anti-Social" event that was organized by Motorola and Singtel. It was held at the Helipad in The Central, located in Clark Quay. I witnessed the launch of the Motorola DEXT phone, as well as the launch of the ImSocial campaign. Thanks to Ivy for the kind invitation! :)

Upon entering Helipad, I spotted @sidneyreuben, so I joined him and his friends at the table which was just in front of the stage. I arrived just in time to test out the new Motorola DEXT phone. There was a nice Singtel staff who also demonstrated the wonders and capabilities of the phone.

That's me testing out the DEXT.

I learnt that the Motorola DEXT is Motorola's first Android-powered device. The phone is supported by the MOTOBLUR platform, which is developed by Motorola. With MOTOBLUR, DEXT phone users can synchronize contacts, posts, feeds, messages, e-mails, photos and more - from sources such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Gmail, work and personal email - and automatically deliver them all to the home screen.

This means that DEXT users are able to manage their work and personal lives - all with the touch of a finger. One can easily access to more than 18,000 applications available through the Android Market and conduct web searches via Google right from the homescreen!

There was also the launch of the ImSocial (I am Social) campaign by Singtel. With a Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/Imsocial), ImSocial fans can post their 'social best' photos onto the Fan Page wall and tag themselves in Singapore's first social media photo mosaic. Participants stand a chance to win an all-expense paid private yacht party for a total of 11 pax! Take part in the SocialMania game and stand a chance to win a Motorola DEXT every week.

The ImSocial campaign was launched by Sylvia Ratonel, Singapore Idol's Runner up, who donned a pretty maxi dress that totally suits her! Other than a quick interview by the emcee for the event, Glenn Ong, she also belted out 2 songs for us - Amy Winehouse's 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' and Duffy's 'Warwick Avenue'.

Here's a Video of her 'Warwick Avenue' Performance

Took these 2 photos with
dblchin (a very nice friend that I recently met through a blogger event). It was printed out for us to keep! YAY!

Photos from the event, taken with the other bloggers present.
dblchin and I also took a photo with Glenn Ong. :p

For more info on the Motorola DEXT, click HERE.
For more info, specs and price of Motorola DEXT and mSocial on Singtel's website, click HERE

Reviews of Recent Movies Watched

2010-02-10T21:07:00.010+08:00

Movie (1) : Daybreakers

After watching the Daybreakers thriller, I wanted to watch this movie as I felt it was exciting enough. Moreover, it was a vampire thriller and I love watching vampire-themed movies (but that excludes the whole Twilight thingy, ok...). The story of this movie takes place in year 2019, where a plague transformed the vast majority of the human population into vampires.

Since the human population was heading for extinction and the vampires' food supplies (Read: Human blood) were dwindling, surviving humans were farmed for their blood (So cruel, right??!). This was done at Bromley Marks, a pharmaceutical company which was the chief supplier of blood for the American population, headed by Charles Bromley. And for those vampires who were very much deprived of blood, they turned into wild winged bat-like creatures called the "sub-siders" who then attack anyone or anything in order to survive. They became a threat for the society, and were ordered to be eliminated.

However, the farmed humans were not sufficient for the growing vampire population so a blood substitute was needed to be discovered so as to stop the evolving of the sub-siders. Instead of a blood substitute, a group of humans found a way to turn a vampire back into human, which is to be briefly exposed to sunlight and then submerged in water. But Bromley did not want that to happen as by then, one of the hematologists found a blood substitute. As what you know, the mentality of a business-minded individual would be to produce those substitutes so as to make money... Bromley obviously wanted to capitalise on that, so it was without doubts that he had no regards to CSP. (For those who don't know, CSP means Corporate Social Responsibility.)

So the movie continued with a lot of fighting, biting, shooting... Till to the point that one of them found another way to revert a vampire into human is through getting the vampire to feast on a human (but one whom has to be a former vampire). Through this method, many vampires were changed back into humans and the blood-sucking frenzy continued in cycles. Finally, only 3 humans were left....

Verdict: Watch it! :)

Movie (2) : Law-Abiding Citizen

When I saw the trailer of this while waiting for the Daybreakers movie to start its screening, I knew this was a MUST-WATCH. So I waited in anticipation for the release of this movie.

Firstly, I must say that Gerard Butler is one hot actor!!!!! Despite appearing in Tomorrow Never Dies, I only took notice of him when he acted as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera (one of my all-time fave musical/movie). I think he got even more famous after playing King Leonidas in the '300' movie. But I started to take even MORE notice of him after watching him in the movie, 'P.S I Love You'. P.S I Love You is also one of my all-time fave movies. It brought me tears, watching how a widow deals with her life after the death of her husband, and how her husband planned it out for her. It was extremely heart-warming. Ok, so the recent movies that I watched which had Butler in them were Gamer and The Ugly Truth. Both movies were also good to watch. :)

Since most movies starring Butler are nice to watch, Law-Abiding Citizen is also a movie that one will enjoy too. Butler plays a husband and father, whom wife and daughter were killed right before his eyes in a home robbery. The baddies were only sentenced to a 5-year jail term which he felt that it was not sufficient. So he decided to take justice into his own hands, as well as to address the failure of the criminal justice system. And that includes dismembering one of the murderer's body while the latter was alive!

The movie is really nice, so I wouldn't wish to reveal more as I recommend you to watch it. All I can say is, there was a sudden twist towards the end of the film. And I really felt that Butler's character should not have died. Instead, I feel that the family of the Jamie Foxx's character should have died so that Foxx's character would finally comprehend Butler's pain and how the negativity of having a failed criminal law system.

Movie (3) : The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantasy film which is about a performing troupe who lets the audience to enter into a magical fantasy land of the latter's imagination. From there, the audience had to make a choice, of which the wrong choice will cause them to explode since it would mean they followed Mr Tom aka the Devil due to their addictions or feeble desires. A few wagers occured between Doctor Parnassus and Mr Tom throughout centuries (Yes, centuries as the former turned into an inmortal after winning one bet with the latter).

Personally, I feel that this movie can be confusing. It was only after the movie that I got a better understanding of the storyline after recapping back. By the way, there was supposed to be only one actor to play the role of Tony throughout the whole film, and that was Heath Ledger. However, his death due to an 'accidental toxic combination of prescribed drugs' led to having Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law to play the role of the "physically transformed versions" of Tony as he travels in that eponymous fantasy world.

Another Holiday for Me...

2010-02-01T04:16:00.003+08:00

It is 4am now... And in a few hours' time, I will be on the plane, heading off for another holiday. This time, it will be for 5 days. Though this trip was planned rather sudden (without plenty of research being done), I am sure it will be very fun, no matter what, especially since it will be rather carefree and impromptu!! HEE! (^_^)/

See you!!!!

Apple's Latest Product Unveiled - iPad

2010-01-28T20:59:00.002+08:00

While most of us were asleep at 2am this morning (local time), Steve Jobs, the CEO of the culture-changing company, Apple, unveiled its latest 'must-have' product at a 'by invitation' event at the Yerba Buena Convention Centre in San Francisco......

The iPad !!!

Described by Jobs as a 'truly magical and revolutionary product', since it is 'so much more intimate than a laptop and so much more capable than a smart phone', the touchscreen tablet computer looks like a larger version of the iPhone or iPod Touch.

However, it's so slim, with it being 0.5 inches thick!

The long-awaited iPad is only about 700 grams and sports a 9.7 inch touch screen display which makes use of the LED-backlit IPS technology. The current 'Wi-Fi only' iPad model comes in 16, 32, or 64 GB of flash memory and comes with the bluetooth technology. It will be selling for US$499, US$599 and US$699 respectively. This is so, when Apple starts shipping the iPads from late March. Apple will also be launching another iPad version which has BOTH the Wi-Fi and built-in 3G wireless modem, but that will only be from late April.

So what can this iPad do? Other than browsing web pages, one can listen music via the iPod app, watch movies, Youtube videos and TV shows, as well as view photos imported from a Mac, PC or digital camera. With the virtual keyboard, one can even compose e-mail messages. For those who prefer the real keyboard, rejoice as Apple will be releasing a dock with a built-in keyboard!

Composing an e-mail message on the iPad

Watching YouTube vidoes on iPad

Photos credit to Apple

The iPad is compatible with more than 140,000 apps from the App Store. In addition, an iBookstore has been established ,for iPad is also an e-book reader! With the iPad, e-books can be in color, and they can even have vidoes inserted into them.

Battery life? It was said that the iPad can last 10 hours straight, and can be on standby for a month. Believe it or not? It is for you to know, once you lay hands on it (if you ever). ^_^

For more, do visit the iPad web page via HERE.

Hokkaido Milk Ice-Cream with CARAMEL!

2010-01-26T13:05:00.000+08:00

*Thanks to the Hand Model* :p

Came across this food outlet, milca, at the Ion Orchard Food Hall (Basement 4) one evening. It was without hesitation that I have to try this ice-cream myself. It was not because it was milk ice-cream from Hokkaido (In fact, I tried the real thing in Hokkaido itself. Isn't that better?). It was because one can add caramel sauce to the ice-cream as a form of topping, as you can see from the picture above.... And well, Yours Truly likes anything that has to do with Caramel. :p

The ice-cream was only mildly sweet, but the caramel sauce made up for it in terms of sweetness. It also had this smooth texture that your tongue will thank you for this lovely treat! I enjoyed every moment of it so much, that I will definitely get it again. :p

Maybe...

2010-01-24T02:41:00.001+08:00

I need to give it a second thought.

My New Tool

2010-01-21T14:54:00.001+08:00

I like it so much. Been buying this tool from this brand for years.
This tool makes some stuff curl. This tool makes other stuff bigger.
All thanks to this metal, shiny, hard tool.
And I just bought a new one. You girls should try this too, if you haven't!

New Refill for the Year 2010

2010-01-21T14:39:00.001+08:00

Got a 2010 refill for my organizer which served me well throughout Uni.
Am gonna use the same organizer when I start working...
Till I decide to replace it with a new one.

Yes, I am very "old-school".
I prefer writing down my schedule than keying it into my phone.
(Don't ever steal it away, unless you wanna read my dirty lil secrets. HAHA)

And I am still turned off by the fact that the Coach stores in Singapore does not bring in refills. I had to order it from US once again.

Movie Review: Did You Hear About the Morgans?

2010-01-21T14:09:00.003+08:00

Two weeks ago, I caught the movie, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, which Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) play the main characters. This romantic comedy has some funny scenes and witty one-liners, but still... Overall, the movie is just average. *shrugs*

The Morgan's marriage was on the rocks and they had filed for a separation, as Mrs Morgan was unable to deal with the infidelity of her husband. But Mr Morgan still loved his wife so much and was doing his best to win her back.

The interesting part was that Mrs Morgan herself slept with another man (and it was on the couple's marital bed!), which was revealed later in the movie. It gave the movie some "oomph", as I watched how a Man deals and comes to accept this fact. Afterall, a man's ego, especially for such things, is totally immeasurable. Like most romantic comedies' endings, the Morgans reunite together, after realizing that they still love each other very much and want to be with each other.

Personally, I feel that SJP is unable to get out of her high-strung Carrie Bradshaw character, that she plays in Sex and the City. Her Morgan character is just as nervous and tensed... Unlike Grant's character being so laid-back. And whenever I watch any movies starring Hugh Grant, I think of his puppy dog eyes. HAHA!

Anyway, I watched this movie, with Brendan , since we had nothing better to do while we were out in Orchard one day for a shopping session. I got myself a Mango skirt and he bought a Skull design sneakers from TopMan. But I still think his orange shoes (not the sneakers type) is still the BEST!

Wishing you all the best. Hope you get a place in the Diploma course of your choice at TP...
Then you can ~~cook for me~~ teach me how to cook some interesting dishes OK!!?!?

Dinner at Starz Restaurant (Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Singapore)

2010-01-19T23:47:00.004+08:00

Last Friday's dinner at the Starz restaurant was certainly a delight! But if you have not heard of the Starz restaurant before, no one's blaming you! For it is one of the restaurants located in the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). This Integrated Resort (IR) is set to have its soft opening on 20 January 2010... which is tomorrow! :)

I was glad to be invited to dine at the Starz restaurant, situated in the Hard Rock Hotel (especially so since I was dining in the IR, before it even opens. HEE!). The Hard Rock Hotel is one of the six hotels that RWS offers to its guests. And each hotel actually has its own distinct theme! The other five hotels are namely - Hotel Michael, Festive Hotel, Equarius Hotel, Spa Villas and Crockfords Tower. By the way, Crockfords Tower happens to be an ultra exclusive hotel as it is by invitation-only! WOW!!!

Of course, photos were taken... And will be up soon...
So visit my blog again! Ciao! :)

SIM Photo Shoot (PART 2)

2010-01-13T20:37:00.002+08:00

Be prepared for yet another IMAGE-HEAVY blog post. But be awed by the pictures of the guys and gals.... Hehehe~ This entry was to be posted in December, but totally forgotten about it, till I received an email from a reader few days ago, who asked about it. HEH! Thanks for the reminder, Kane. You can view the pictures in PART 1 <HERE>.

The pictures in this entry were all taken at the SIM GE Campus, located along Ulu Pandan Road. This is the student hostel where SIM International students live at. We were treated to lunch at the Campus canteen. Afterwhich, we resumed the photo shoot. I can still recall how hot the weather was on that day! :-/

Gym Shots...

These 4 had to run continuously while
the guy in the picture above did weights...
Until the photographer captured the right shot. Poor thing!
They were all perspiring at the end of this particular shot.

I have been taking pictures of clouds recently....
And this was one of them.
I wish I can have a polarizing filter lens for my 18-55mm...
The color would have turned out more brilliant and not so washed out... *sigh*

In the Games Room

My Reflection

There's even a Pool Table there...
(but must pay if you wanna play).

In the Study Room

Shot these of Thiri, an Intl student from Vietnam

We found delight in this twin hole!

We realised how interesting to take pictures of it, with us inside!!! Hahaa!

Nice colour combination!!!!!

I think all of us look really nice in the picture! ^_^

There's more pictures taken by the others, but I am too lazy to save it from FB and post it up here. I guess the photos here are more than enough eh? Hehehe~ :)

Dinner @ Pasta de Waraku (Pics Included!)

2010-01-13T19:49:00.000+08:00

It was my first time dining at the Pasta de Waraku outlet, located in Marina Square. And I would say that it was not really a very nice experience. The chances of me patronizing this particular outlet, again at least, is rather low. Why is that so? Just read on...

Recently, I was at Suntec City as I wanted to do a currency exchange for my upcoming holiday trip. So I met up with Steven, who happened to work around the area, for dinner. After I was done with my errand, we decided to have dinner at the above-mentioned restaurant.

There were a total of three incidences which made my dining experience, well... Not a very pleasant one.

Incident (1):
The female server who served me answered us 'No', when we asked if we could use the OCBC '$10 Discount Off $30 Spent' voucher, with the two '$2 Apology Voucher'. These two vouchers were Steven's. Of which, the Apology Voucher was given to him from his previous visit as the waiter that served him then totally missed out one of their orders, and left Steven and his friend waiting for quite some time. In the first place, the two vouchers which we wanted to use are of two completely different nature. Hence, I challenged her "No" answer, since there were certainly no T&Cs indicated.. And HELLO... It's an APOLOGY voucher... (-_-)"

She was finally smart enough to say that she would ask her manager. A guy then came forward and told me that we could use the two vouchers at the same time. He also apologized, explaining that the female server is a part-timer, so 'she does not know'. I told him that it was ok.... BUT I also carried on saying this, "If she doesn't know whether the vouchers can be used together, she shouldn't tell us 'No' straightaway. Instead, she should tell me that she will check with the manager first. That would be a better answer than giving a straight 'No' ".

I do not think that I was being too harsh or demanding. For this, any of you can disagree. However in my opinion, being in the service line, it is important for the management to train their staff to handle certain situations. Yes, a part-timer, which she supposedly was still a student, may not know how to handle difficult customers (well, if I was one. HAHA!), so I should cut her some slack. If the vouchers had a specific T&C such as 'No two different vouchers can be used at the same time', I would not have done what I did. Or perhaps it is just me, I don't like to be given a straight 'No', especially when I know it was not supposedly the case.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If it was not because of what had happened, I would actually say that I had a great time there, for our food was served to us rather quickly.... Probably it was also a weekday night and there were not many other diners, but still I was glad that the food came quite fast, for I was famished!

The Lil Bowl of Salad for each person.

Steven's Scallop and Mushroom Pasta

Me with My Oyster and Bacon Pasta, and Calpis Float Drink!
I love Calpis drink so much that I always buy a bottle of it
whenever I am at the Isetan Scoots supermarket.

I felt that what I had ordered tasted really good!
I was enjoying my food till I realised....
GASP! There's a strand of hair in it and it wasn't mine!

So that was Incident (2). Initially, I wanted to stop eating altogether when I saw that strand of hair. But I was so famished that day, I know I had to get a replacement plate lah! I got the attention from the same guy earlier on, and he quickly offered me anything from the menu. As I really liked how my pasta tasted like, I told him that I wanted the same order, and I instructed him to give me just half of the normal serving size as I would not be able to finish it, since I was actually halfway done with the hair-ed pasta.

And then, my new half-sized serving of the yummy Oyster & Bacon pasta arrived in about 5 minutes, which delighted me as I need not wait that long to continue savoring that plate of pasta.

My Replacement Plate of Pasta

So I went on to break the yolk, mix all the contents together, and then I realized that I was subconsciously trying hard not to have any of the contents to spill out from that small and shallow plate. (-_-)" So that was Incident (3), which I then requested from a female staff to switch to a bigger plate. I jokingly told Steven that I was eating the Kid's Meal, hence my little plate. HEH!

Finally, I was a happy girl. I continued with my meal.

In short, I probably would go to Waraku again (but another outlet!), though I very much prefer the Waraku Japanese Casual Dining concept restaurants than the Pasta de Waraku concept restaurants. This is because the former has more food choices in their menu, compared to the latter's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pasta de Waraku
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-257, Marina Square
Tel: +65 6333 3433

Feliza Speaks: Convenient Wine Packaging & Recycling Glass

2010-01-12T13:47:00.002+08:00

When I was in the supermarket to buy the ingredients needed for the recent meal which I cooked last week, I came across this 'Bud Naked' wine in the wine section. As you can see from the picture below, it is stored in a very handy and convenient PACKET, instead of a wine bottle.

If I did not remember wrongly, one packet stores about the amount of wine in two bottles. It is very suitable for pinics or those 'random outdoor wine-drinking sessions at some random places' with your loved ones (ie. Up on the rooftop of a building, overlooking the city).

What's more, with the wine stored in a packet and not a glass bottle, it helps the environment too! For example, the latest statistics reported on Singapore's recycling rate for glass is only at 13% (TNP, 2010), and this was down from 18% in 2008. Hence, I thought that this is certainly an alternative to buying wine in a bottle! :)

In a recent news article, it was reported that a group of Singapore Polytechnic students designed and built a machine to improve the crushing and collection of waste glass bottles for recycling. By crushing the bottles into bits, it helps to reduce the 'load' at the landfill, as well as fuel and manpower, since less trips will be needed to transport glass bottles as it is. You may like to read the article, by clicking (HERE).

Since it has been reported that Singapore's recycling rate for glass is currently at a low 13%, I think many people tend to dump them away in the rubbish chutes. But have you ever wondered whether the glass bottle will break by the time it hits the bottom (assuming you live in HDBs and condos)? Yes, it may be "cushioned" by whatever is already in the big rubbish chute bin. But what if the cleaners had just emptied it out? Imagine how the glass will shatter into pieces, hence the inconvenience for the cleaners later on?

Now for the very important question...
Where can I recycle glass bottles???

If Three's a Crowd, Four's a Party!

2010-01-10T13:21:00.004+08:00

Recently, I planned to cook a three-course meal consisting of a Soup, Mains and Dessert, but a last minute addition made it to be a four-course meal instead. It doesn't matter... The more the merrier, the fuller one will be, the happier two will be! :p

Instead of just having Cream of Mushroom, I added chopped carrot cubes. Felt that it gives color to the soup.

F I R S T : Soup

S E C O N D : Pommes Frites
This was the last-minute addition to the meal.
And this was BOUGHT, not self-cooked.

Initially I prepared a beef lasagna... But I felt that it did not look that aesthetically appealing to serve, although it tasted really good! Honest! So I simply need to improve on the appearance for the next time round~ :) Hence, I replaced the lasagna with spaghetti bolognese instead. The picture below was taken after I was poking into the ingredients to test the lasagna. I realised that I had not taken a picture of it, so I went to make it look more "shape-py" for the purpose of picture-taking.

I will Make a Better-Looking Lasagna the Next Time Round!

T H I R D : Spaghetti alla Bolognese
With mushroom slices.

The Meal (minus the dessert)
p/s: Cute heart-shaped carrots lying on the bed of spaghetti... *HEE*

F O U R T H : Waffle with Strawberry Ice-Cream,
With a Dash of Honey, to Sweeten Things Up.
(Yes, I know my ice-cream was melting.)

The above plate of dessert was for myself. The other plate of dessert was more "decorative" in some sense, which I am very proud of it! Unlike the previous times that I cooked for no particular reason, there was a reason for cooking this time round. And it was none other than it being the FOURTH for something.

(Will there be a FIFTH to it?)
Hmmm....

Feliza Speaks: Of Year 2010 and Making Resolutions

2010-01-06T03:19:00.003+08:00

The arrival of year 2010 marks a new year of new beginnings for all of us. A new beginning, as we know, means a fresh start to life... This enlivens the spirit and energizes our thoughts, which leads to new goals and resolutions, new plans and new dreams.

While resolutions may come in various forms, it is typically the case that, within a few weeks or months, they may be broken or forgotten. Life returns to how it has been like in the previous year, with no improvements being made. Being too caught up with our busy lives to care about the broken resolutions, it will not be long before it is the end of the year. And those guilty of breaking their own resolutions will take guilt trips or start cursing and blaming themselves. But before you do that, take heed from George Carlin who mentioned this, “Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is”.

Reflecting back on those New Year’s resolutions I made in the past years, there are some which I succeeded in fulfilling , and others which I failed to do so. BUT, one thing I have learnt about making resolutions is to be idealistic and not overly-ambitious.

In addition, resolutions, being similar to goals, have to be specific. For example, you should not make ‘Doing well in studies’ as a resolution as that is not precise enough. Take my case for example --- In 2009, I aimed to perform better than what I did in the previous year in relation to my Degree studies. Therefore, one of my 2009 resolutions that I made (and am proud to say that I have achieved it, and even gotten High Distinctions for some modules!) was to ‘Attain a minimum grade of Distinction for all modules’. Definitely a resolution that is as specific as it could possibly be, yet not overly-ambitious. :)

It is also important to know that fulfilling and keeping to one's resolutions needs time, effort and determination. I managed to fulfill mine by doing just that. Also, help and encouragement from my loved ones, friends and classmates played a part too! (And I am very thankful to those who helped me in one way or another).

This year, the resolutions that I have made are as specific as they can possibly be. Whether I will be able to accomplish ALL of them will be known next year! But first, the most important thing for me right now is to kick-start my career! So if you have any job recommendations or job offers for me, you can email me. Who knows what fun, joy, improvements and success I can bring to your company! :p

While I have been (and will be) getting a break for these few months, I realized contradictions in life while evolution is taking place --- Our CTE lanes got widened but our viewpoints got narrower. Conveniences are bestowed to us but still insufficient time for the important people in our lives. We try to save the Earth but not our own selfish souls. We aim for fancier homes but not closer family ties. We yearn for better technology, but not better relationships. We have more possessions but less values. We complain too much (typical Singaporeans right?) but appreciate too little.

Humanity is probably diminishing now as I type (and as you read). Always treasure the people around you, as you will never know when Father Time will be taking them away from you. Love more, cherish more. Hate less, complain less. And the world will rejoice.

Nevertheless, I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year! May the New Year brings joy, success and good health to all! :)

Author's note: Having just completed her Business Degree though currently not working, the author does not consider herself as 'bumming around' or 'gallivanting away'. She is afterall aiming for the right opportunity and job, and not simply getting a job for the sake of having one.

Party @ Arena!

2009-12-31T23:18:00.001+08:00

After the 'Year End Blogger Hat-py Party' at the Singapore Art Museum last night, the next destination that I headed to, was the Arena, located in Clark Quay. A birthday celebration of fun, laughter, games, booze and waterfalls await!

(Let the pictures do the talking)

Birthday Boy Keith

Ok, I didn't post all pictures up. :p

It's All About the 'P'

2009-12-31T18:26:00.000+08:00

Monday afternoon was spent with Cheryl, whom is back in Singapore for a month for her vacation... Before she has to head back to Down Under to complete her final semester. We arranged to have lunch together, followed by a movie session.

Our friendship started back when we were both studying in Nanyang Polytechnic, introduced by our mutual friend. We did not hang out as much as we probably wanted to then... Hence, I am really thankful for Facebook, which helped to reconnect me back with Cheryl, as well as keeping us in contact all these while. =)

Lunch was at P.S Cafe, located in Paragon. We had a slow and enjoyable lunch, as we chatted away... Catching up with each other~

Our Lunch!

I had the Roast Beef Sandwich.
Rare roasted ribeye mixed through balsamic onion gravy served with
a side of potato salad in horseradish mayo and a dollop of english mustard.

Cheryl had the P.S Turkey Cranberry Sandwich.
Homemade caraway bread spread with mayo and cranberry jam and layered with
smoked turkey, grilled cheese and bacon. served with baby greens &
a vegetable salad drizzled with cranberry & pumpkin seed pesto.

We wanted to either watch Avatar or Sherlock Holmes,
but the timings were not suitable. So, we watched The Princess and the Frog,
a movie that we both wanted to watch too! This movie is both heart-warming
and hilarious.. and certainly not just for kids! :)

Photos before we go!
Till the 3rd quarter of 2010 when we shall meet again, all the best to you!
Your final hurdle, girl!! (^_^)

Yeah, so It's Al l About the 'P'...
P.S Cafe and Princess and the Frog! :p

Jingle Bell Rock the Party (Pics & Vids!)

2009-12-29T14:14:00.005+08:00

An image-heavy blog entry of the recent gathering that I had on Sunday. It was organized by Manwhore, in celebration of Christmas!!! Other than those sinful but yummy food, we played Rock Band and DJ Hero. We had so much fun and laughter throughout! I took lotsa pictures and here's some of them! :)

Chocolate Fondue!

Fruit Fruit

Manwhore Making Milkshake for Me

For the party... Other than the chocolate fondue and milkshake,
we had chips, homemade ice-cream cake (!!!), booze and more.

The Homemade Ice-cream Cake, courtesy of Manwhore =)

Presented to me oh-so-nicely by my dear Manwhore

Animal Biscuit....
Have you eaten this before? :p

Making Milkshake

Rockband-ing Away~~~

So other than Rock Band, we also played DJ Hero.
Btw, Manwhore won the DJ Hero game set from the recent competition which he
took part in... The one that was held in the Heeren store at 313 Somerset.

Hello! DJ-ing is My New Job! HAHA!

The Pro... Hard at Work.
Erm, I mean... Hard at Gaming! :p

Come! Meet DJ Manwhore! :p

Me! :)

Sweet Shar and Me..... with my Xmas gift from her! =)

Posted up 2 videos for you to get amused (See below!). You can simply laugh at my coordination problem with the drums and music (I'M WORKING ON IT, ALRIGHT? HAA!) I am better with the guitars for sure, but I totally hate it when my arms start to ache from playing the guitar! URGH!! :p

*** It's kinda loud, so please lower your computer volume first!

My Blog is (STILL) Being Spamdexed! HELP!

2009-12-26T14:39:00.003+08:00

If we have a anti-spam function for the incoming emails.... Is there any similar function for blog comments then? My blog has been spamdexed for weeks and it is not stopping! From my previous entry about 'My Blog is Being Spamdexed', it was annoying me pretty much.

And now, it seems that the spamming is coming in FULL FORCE! Check out all the screen shots below of the latest spams I received from 6 to 23 December (not counting the latest 3 that I received in these 2 days!) BOO SPAMMERS! Even if you want to spam me, do it in English, and not Japanese!!!! DUHHH!

(Click on the images below for better view)

For now, I shall just make do with the 'Comment Moderation' function.
At least, I can reject those pesky comments!

Merry Christmas 2009!!!

2009-12-25T22:21:00.000+08:00

With each Christmas coming my way every year,
it signifies that the year is coming to yet another end... VERY VERY SOON~
It gets me to reflect on things that happened throughout the year,
so that the next year will be even better for Yours Truly.

With this, I wish you, my dear readers,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS".
May the special season of love and joy be with you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Christmas Dinner
of my favorite food... (On Xmas Eve).

Appetizers

Mains

Desserts (At Another Place)

~ Thanks for all the Xmas Gifts I Got So Far, my Dears! ~

Lady Gaga at Capital's FM Jingle Bell Ball (Pics + Videos!)

2009-12-25T04:16:00.000+08:00

Lady Gaga dressed up for Christmas! And see what she wore for the Jingle Bell Ball! What a translucent reindeer outfit it was and it was totally so "GAGA"! :p

For those who don't know, I like Gaga's MVs and songs, as well as her out-of-this-world outfits that she dons... So much so that I can watch her MVs over and over again and I still wouldn't get sick of it. :)

Here's 3 videos of Lady Gaga performing at the Jingle Bell Ball on 05 December 2009....

I love this vid out of the three.. Cos this is my all-time fave Gaga song, Bad Romance (as till now). At 01:30, she said "Put your paws up.... For Christmas!".... That's so amusing! HEE! :p

LOVE GAME!!!

And... Poker Face!

Movie Review: Bodyguards and Assassins

2009-12-23T21:15:00.000+08:00

After a week of being in Taiwan, I kinda missed watching movies. I wouldn't consider myself a movie fanatic, but I feel weird not watching movies at least once a week. So after a day I returned to Singapore, I watched this movie, Bodyguards and Assassins, starring numerous big-name actors like Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Nicholas Tse (LOVES!), Simon Yam and Eric Tsang.

This movie is based on the Chinese history of a group of bodyguards who protect a Chinese revolutionary and political leader, Sun Yat-Sen, who played a vital role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty. Afterall, Sun's political philosophy was based on the Three Principles of the People (三民主義). These Principles included the principle of nationalism (民族), democracy (民權) and the People's Livelihood (民生).

I quite liked how the movie script followed quite closely to the original history of this incident. Though I would say it could have been more accurate. Still, the movie evoked the emotions of the movie audience. The fights by Donnie Yen in this movie were not as intensifying as those in the movie he previously acted in, Ip Man.

I thought that Fan Bing Bing,
who acted as a concubine in this movie was pretty.
This is a picture of her, with Leon Lai and Donnie Yen.

And if you find her familiar,
it was probably because you saw her
in the Huang Zhu Ge Ge (还珠格格) drama serial :p

Overall, this movie is a MUST-WATCH!
I will certainly recommend you to watch it :)

Advertorial: 4D Magix Fun in Singapore!

2009-12-22T15:47:00.003+08:00

Advertorial

Sentosa really has its hidden treasures! In fact, I had so much fun discovering three of them last 2 Sundays ago! I will tell you more in this entry as good things are meant to be shared. I bet after reading this post of mine, you will definitely look forward to visit these places yourself! :)

On a bright and sunny Sunday morning, all the 10 bloggers whom were invited gathered together at the Sentosa station at Vivocity (Lobby L, Level 3), along with a friend/partner of theirs.

After being given the Sentosa monorail passes,
we started our journey by boarding the monorail which took us into Sentosa.

On the way into Sentosa, I witnessed the latest development works of the IR.

It was his first time taking the Sentosa monorail, since normally he drives in.
I simply had to take a picture together! HEE!

Alighting at Imbiah station,
in order to head to where we intended to.

En route, the whole group took pictures of other sights and sceneries
that we came across, such as the magnificent larger-than-life Merlion statue.

Getting a 'view' of the upcoming IR :p

The Bloggers

Finally, we arrived at our destination! Still don't know where we were going, isn't it? It was a visit to Singapore's only high tech interactive entertainment zone! This zone consists of 3 different but very amazing attractions!

PIRATES
EXTREME LOG RIDE
DESPERADOS

(1) Pirates in 4-D

After entering the main entrance and given a pair of safety glasses each, we watched a very entertaining introductory cum safety video on the 2 plasma screens, presented to us by a pirate himself (whom I thought that he looked very similar to Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie)!

Me, with the ticketing office in the background.

Looks alike, right?

Handing the 3D Glasses to Us... :)

Wearing the Glasses

We were brought to the hall area where there was a huge screen before the rows of seats. The seats looked like those found in the movie cinema halls and one may thought nothing of it. However while experiencing the whole 'pirate adventure',you will know it is definitely no where near to being similar to that! :p

Seated in the hall

Having watched 3D movies, I understand how 3D effects are like in the movies... But 4D is totally out of this world! The 'synchronization of the visual effects, surround sounds, individually-controlled motion seats and special "live" environmental effects such as water spray' (Sentosa 2009), impressed me so much as I have never watched a movie in such an interesting way before! :)

(2) Desperados

Desperados is "THE" highlight!

Waiting for our Desperados session..... :)

Listening to the Introductory cum Safety Video,
explained by this cowboy dude.

Remember my previous entry about the Wild Wild West and what I will do if I were to become a cowgirl for a day? Well, I did become one when I visited Desperados. I rode on a motion-based saddle and gallop through the town in the animated movie, and shot bandits with the hand-held laser gun!! So what if I ever had my marksmanship? Cos shooting while in standstill mode and shooting while on a 'moving horse' was way different. I succeeded in shooting down about 30-odd bandits though....

I was so proud of him,
who have actually attained the highest score in our group!
99 points! *3 cheers*

(3) Extreme Log Ride

The very last attraction place that we visited was the Extreme Log Ride.
Video was by this tribal dude who spoke with exaggerated
facial expressions that could possibly laugh the socks off everyone! :p

In this Extreme Log Ride, I traveled through the highest mountains, dived into the deepest valleys, being tossed about by whitewater rapids and plunging down from a waterfall....

But all these took place while I was seated in a capsule-like simulated seat which can contain 6 people, with the safety belt tightly fastened. The whole effect felt so real that screams were heard. I too, screamed at some parts as it felt so exciting, yet scary at the same time! For thrill-seekers, you will definitely want to try this out! :p

Throughout the whole time, I was clutching onto his arms.
He, on the other hand, enjoyed the ride, saying that it was like a rollercoaster ride,
only without the danger of what a real rollercoaster may entail.

Seated down, preparing for the exciting ride! :p

You may wonder, with all the motion that was going on, what if someone actually unfasten the seat belts? Wouldn't it be too dangerous? Well, there was nothing to worry about as the system will be shut down, putting the capsules into a halt. And this was what happened during our session. Hence, with this safety feature around, there is no reason why you would not want to try out the Extreme Log Ride! :p

But do take note.... There are certain groups of people who cannot take this ride. This is for safety reasons. For example, people with motion sickness or vertigo is advised not to take the ride. Honestly, for someone like me who has a slight vertigo problem, this ride proved to be rather fine for me to take. I did not throw up, thankfully. HEE! But still, it is always good to take the advice from the professionals! :p

There's always some forms of
reward for being my blog readers.

WOW #1: SAVE $4 when you play Desperados!

If you plan to head down for a Shootout at Desperados, do take note of the 'Weekend Shoot-Out at High Noon" promotion that they are having right now! From 12pm to 1pm and 6pm to 7pm during every weekend in December, save $4 for every Desperados game you play! The cowboy/cowgirl with the highest score for the day wins a basket of PRIZES! Yeehaaa!!!!!

WOW #2: 10 pairs of Desperados tickets to be won!

All you have to do is to join the Desperados contest happening on Facebook! Contest is now till 31 December 2009. Winners will be contacted via Facebook on the 1st week of January 2010. SO...... HURRY!!!!!!!

Step (1): Join the Facebook page (Click <HERE> for the link) as a fan.

Step (2): Post a comment on the wall in the Sentosa 4D Magix page, with this sentence >>> I'm a reader of Feliza Ong's blog and I want to experience Sentosa 4D Magix!

Everyone had a great time for sure!
Thanks to 24seven and Sentosa 4D Magix! :)

Back in Singapore

2009-12-21T20:33:00.001+08:00

After 7 days, I am back in Singapore.

Went to Taiwan for vacation.

It was fun...... Though there was a drastic change in the weather. It went from 19 degrees on the first day to a range of 9 to 12 degrees over the next 6 days. I also experienced the effects from the recent earthquake, while I was on the train. It was very scary indeed.... As the train slanted over to one side! That night when I reached back to my hotel room, I found it to be slanted too.

Gonna unpack my luggage, full of goodies (YES! It includes Astroboy, my boyfriend! Woohoo!). Have an advertorial to do, as well as my project assignment. Till then, see ya! :p

Post Zoukout 2009... (Pics Included!)

2009-12-13T07:16:00.001+08:00

So I am back home after a night at Zoukout.

The warm bath which I just had simply refreshed my whole being. It is 0651 hours as I am typing this, but I am not sleeping yet. Or rather, I am not going to sleep at all till probably later in the afternoon. If I were to sleep, I have to get up at 0730 hours, which I probably doubt that I can as I figured out that I will be in a deep (and sweet) slumber. I have to be back at Sentosa later at 0900 hours.... Not for anything related to Zoukout 2009 though, and you will know soon in a day or two! ;p

I was working for Volkswagen during the Zoukout event.

Donning a white singlet and white pair of shorts
that were provided, with my own sneakers, I went around applying temporary tattoos on the party-goers.

They also received a cute handphone pouch with a neck strap which I felt came in really handy for them. Afterall, who wanna lose their mobile phones on such a happening and joyous night of partying? :)

The question, "Are you Polo Enough?" was indicated in the tattoos that I was putting on the people at the Zoukout event. I would think that the word 'Polo' is used to replace any word that one can think of, such as 'Are you SEXY enough?', 'Are you GAME enough?', 'Are you ______ enough?'..... (Fill in the blank!)

I would say that if the word to fill in was to be 'Are you GAME enough?', these people seen in the pictures below which I have taken, are certainly GAME enough! Look at the places where they had their tattoos!!!! LOL!!! :p

(I decided to mosaic their eye area as I forgotten to ask them for permission to post the pics up. It will be wrong of me to post the original pictures. But if any of you sees this and would like me to remove your pictures, please email me.)

And this tattoo on a girl's upper arm is way more than just cool.
So cute... and the words that were inked felt so affectionate. HEE!

OK! 0712 hours already.... Awhile more to go before I can start preparing and have a nice breakfast with BBB. Thanks to BBB for fetching me to Harbourfront, as well as picking me up at 0500 hours after I was done with work just now. LOVESSSSSSsssssssss! (^_^) This is all so, despite that he has not been having much rest recently due to his shift work (having reservist now) and he is spending his remaining free and waking time on his school project (yes, he is furthering his studies now). Very appreciative and thankful to him. :)

The Party Starts!

2009-12-12T15:42:00.001+08:00

ZOUKOUT
2009

Advertorial: If I were a Cowgirl...

2009-12-11T09:20:00.001+08:00

ADVERTORIAL

Hands up for those who have watched movies or television shows that revolve around the cool and wild cowboys in the Wild Wild West! Ok… my hands are down for I have neither watched one before. BUT the closest thing to that which I watched before would be the computer-animated movie, Toy Story! Do you still remember the cowboy doll named Woody and the cowgirl doll named Jessie?

Woody and Jessie from the Toy Story movie.

What I like about the whole Cowboy-Cowgirl thing is the outfits that they don. You have to agree with me that the look is so cool!!! How to get a Cowgirl's look? Here's how:

(1) Buy some Wranglers or any plain blue jeans.

(2) Get one cute rodeo belt.

(3) Buy a couple of western shirts like this one here.

(4) Get a pair of cowgirl boots as well as a cowboy hat.

Still no idea how to look like one?
Here's some examples that I found from the Internet.

Be a Sexy Cowgirl!

Or a Cute Cowgirl!

Dress up as Jessie from the Toy Story movie!

BEST ONE!!! BE LIKE MADONNA!!!!!!!

In all the costume theme parties that I have been to, I have not gone to one where I dress up as a cowgirl. I think it will be fabulous to dress up as one. What do you think?

You know what's even better?
If I get to live the life of a cowgirl for a day!!!

Instead of working on cattle ranches like how the other cowboys and cowgirls do in the Old West, I would be a rodeo cowgirl and perform to audiences around the world like Annie Oakley. I would demonstrate rides, trick roping and even my superb marksmanship (proven by the Marksmanship badge I received and for being the Captain to lead a team in a revolver shooting competition back then during my NPCC days).

If I were a Cowgirl, I will be doing stuff like the Crazy Cowgirls!
Two gorgeous cowgirls!!!! (SEE VIDEO!)

Being a cowgirl is not just being pretty and skilled, it is about experiencing excitement, fun and danger all at the same time. If I were a Cowgirl, I will be standing at the right side of the law and be involved in a shootout with the bandits!

Imagine this....

A small town filled with bustling activities. The Cowboys have their hands around their Cowgirl girlfriends' waists as they sit in one of the watering holes downing mugs of beer on a slow and lazy afternoon. For me, I am seated in a bar named 'Astroboy Ranch', opened by my Cowboy boyfriend, BBB, whom had lovingly named the bar as that as he knows how much I love Astroboy! With him over at the other side of the bar counter, I am gazing at him while he is polishing his gun, with slow country music playing in the background...

Suddenly, the sound of gunshots is heard by all and everyone panics! To protect themselves, all draw out their guns, only to realize that their guns have turned into ice and are melting quickly in the hot weather! (What a strange phenomenon!) Everyone became stunned and immediately hide behind the bar counter and under the tables to take cover.

At the door entrance, there stands Mad Hawk, a bandit from the next town, with a gun in each of his hands. Nobody knows his name, hence a nickname was given to him as he is known to be the most vicious robber from the next town who attacks on the innocent and weak like a Hawk attacking its prey. In a slow and dangerous voice, he said, "Give me all your money and gold!". Being skilled in all the martial arts in the world, BBB shouted in an all-time true hero style, "NO! You have to get past me if you want it!".

Mad Hawk

Mad Hawk looked up, revealing his weathered face that is marked by old scars. Upon seeing me, he sneered, "Ha! Cowgirl! Good-for-nothing!". As I always detest people who looks down on Cowgirls (as we Cowgirls are also stereotyped and are deemed as inferior to Cowboys), I angrily challenge him to a shootout! He accepts the challenge.....

We get out to the open space outside Astroboy Ranch and stood a distance apart.... I can feel the intense glare from Mad Hawk and it is driving me crazy. With hands close to our guns, we are preparing ourselves mentally for a mad shootout that will be happening any minute...

ASTROBOY RANCH!! (Picture is for illustration purpose only)

I am about to take my gun out and I saw from the corner of my eye that Mad Hawk has already taken his out like a seasoned pro! In that split mini second, I thought that I would die. But BBB springs out from nowhere and shoots Mad Hawk straight in the heart!

Holding on to his chest, Mad Hawk falls onto the ground, on his knees. DEFEATED. He took his last gasping breath, but not before muttering these words --- "Visit Desperados at Sentosa". Like in some movies where the Police always arrive late *rolls eyes* , the sheriff and his men arrive just in time to hear Mad Hawk's last words.

After the sheriff's men cleared the body away, everyone came out of their hiding place in relief. I ran towards BBB, hugged him tightly and planted wet kisses on his face. I am so thankful that he had saved my life! Else, I guess my life as a Cowgirl will stop here, on a sad note.

And so, Mad Hawk's last words spread around town like wildfire. Soon, everyone was wondering what this 'place' or 'thing' at Sentosa is, that Mad Hawk had to say it out despite having only that very last tiny amount of energy before dying.....

What is Desperados???

What is Desperados???

What is Desperados???

Well, to hear it straight from Cowgirl Feliza, visit my blog next week for it will be revealed! In the meantime, get your riding equipments ready for it will be a time of your life!

Cowgirl Feliza signing off!

YEE-HAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Credits to respective owners of images used in this post)
(I can't help naming the pub 'Astroboy Ranch'. HAA!)

Bandage Skirts! (Pics Included!)

2009-12-06T19:40:00.002+08:00

I know Bandage Skirts has been around for quite some time...
But the ones from BCBG are TDF!

BCBG Texture Tube skirt - US$138

(Picture credits to BCBG)

And then...... I found this person that I can order from!
And at less than 2/10 of the BCBG price! OMGosh~
Made in USA (Not CHINA!) and it is not those very short types.
Appropriate to wear for work or some formal function.
Anyone wants one too? I like the one particularly in red! :)

Latest Shopping Buys!

2009-12-06T19:00:00.003+08:00

It was a dismay that the online merchant reverted back and said that this pair of white heels (see below) I ordered was OOS....

Bye bye, I can never have you... :(

So I went to the website again and did another round of order to comfort myself. I ordered the following two....

Leatherette Heels (5.25 inches)

Sneakers

I know I am not a sneakers person...
But the design was so intriguing that I have to get it!
The shoelaces holes are faux.
There is no need to string in any shoelaces.

This time, I hope these 2 pairs will not go OOS too.

Photography Workshop by Giora Dan and Paul Daly

2009-12-06T17:14:00.000+08:00

As you may have already know, I bought the DSLR few months back. Yesterday, I attended a workshop organized by CR Media. It took place at the National Geographic Store located in Vivocity. SONY, Gadget 3 magazine was also involved in this event.

There was a long queue by the time I reached at 2.15pm. Luckily, I was among the first 40 people who RSVP-ed for it. Hence, I managed to skip the queue and even had a reserved seat. Otherwise, I would have to sit on the floor or stand throughout the whole workshop that took about 3 hours. This was so, especially for most shoppers who happened to know of the workshop on the day itself and "walked-in" for it.

(Click on image for clearer view)

The two invited speakers for the day were Giora Dan and Paul Daly. They are award-winning photographers from New Zealand. They shared valuable travel photography tips which I felt was totally useful for people who finds delight in combining photography and traveling (aka Yours Truly). They also related to us their travel trips and even shared several anecdotes which got the audience laughing. The session ended with a Q&A segment where the two gentlemen answered questions from the audience.

After seeing their splendid travel pictures, it has increased my "want" level for a polarizing filter for my lens! It will be really useful to have it!! ;p

My Blog is Being Spamdexed!

2009-12-06T02:01:00.002+08:00

Considering that spam mails are pretty much part and parcel in everyone's life, I know I should not be surprised by what I have started to receive recently. But it gets really annoying! Just take a look at the screen-shot image below (Click on image to view clearly)...

In the past, it was probably just one spam comment for every 50 blog entries of mine. But in just these 3 days, I received an average of one per day! You may think it is no biggie.... But 1:50 versus 1:1 is no doubt a huge difference! Stop spamming me! Grrr....

Updated at 3.35pm: I just received yet another spam comment. like the one in Japanese. C'mon! Spamming in Japanese is the same as not spamming me as I can't read Japanese words at all. I wonder these "spammers" are really humans or computer softwares... Gosh~

SIM Photo Shoot (PART 1)

2009-12-02T20:35:00.002+08:00

*IMAGE-HEAVY POST*
(And guess what!? Ronald Susilo, the highly-skilled badminton player was here too!)

As most of you may have already know, I have been taking my RMIT Business degree in the SIM Headquarters for these two years. I am more than happy to say that I have finally completed my degree studies! What I am most satisfied with myself was that I managed to achieve better results this year and managed to graduate on schedule. Not that it is difficult to do so, but it was tough since I had to juggle my time between school, council and work, as well as fulfilling my responsibilities as a daughter and lover.

Few weeks ago, I was contacted by a SIM staff to be involved in a photo shoot for SIM's publicity campaign. I agreed to it as I felt that it would be a wonderful experience for me, as well as having the opportunity to foster new friendships. Furthermore, it would be deemed as the very last thing that I will ever do in my SIM life, and I wanna make it something memorable.

On an early Monday morning, I arrived in school, dressed out in a bright red button blouse and a pair of Tag jeans (a brand not as widely known as Rock & Republic... But Tyra Banks, Jennifer Love Hewitt and many Hollywood celebrities wear Tag!).

~ Me ~

Kenneth, Me, Andrew

There were more than 10 of us who came for the photo shoot. It consists not just students from RMIT, but from the other partner universities of SIM. In addition, a number of foreign students also came down. It was a fun-filled day as we got to know each other whenever there is a new scene to do. Since we have to smile and act like we are talking, we would just introduce ourselves and chatted away while the photographer snaps away.

This was one of the scenes...

Me, Cindy, Victoria. Azian
(New friendship formed with Azian leads to partnering with her for an upcoming flea bazaar! Heh!)

I did the photo shoot till lunch time as I had to rush off for an event assignment (Read it <HERE>). But that was not all! Cos it was another day of photo shoot the following day. This time, more photos taken with the others and more fun! And it was a full-day shoot for me this time round. :)

Me with the babes~ :)

Group Picture!!

Ronald, Me, Azian, Nikko

The Photographer

Stunned Jolyn *LOL*

They were our nannies for the 2 days~ :p

I looked so white in this pic... No editing was made.
Weird, right?

GIRL POWER! ^_^

Ronald & Me

MORE PHOTOS.... SOON! :)
Do visit back for them~~~

Cebu Pacific Air Brings You Closer to the Natural Wonders of Philippines!

2009-12-01T00:48:00.002+08:00

ADVERTORIAL

--------------------------------

With the recent completion of my degree studies, I was looking into my travel plans. Hence, that reminded me of a country that I have always hope to visit one day – The Philippines!!!

Having UNESCO world heritage sites in the country, The Philippines is repleted with natural wonders and fascinating sceneries that will have everyone to be lost in amazement. As a nature lover, this is one country that I have to visit one day! Being one of the world's largest archipelagos with more than 7000 tropical islands (!!!), the Philippines is absolutely a place worth exploring... Try island-hopping! ;)

Now, you must be wondering how you are supposed to island-hop. Initially, I thought that the only way is by sea. It was only later that I discovered island-hopping can be made easier with Cebu Pacific Air!

~ HOORAY ~

Honestly, I have never tried island-hopping via air but I reckon that it will be fun. This is especially so with the widespread DAILY air routes (with a selection of timings for one to choose from) of Cebu Pacific Air. This will take me to the various islands without worrying about being stranded on an island! If this is too good to be true, check out the domestic flight schedule over <HERE> for yourself. :)

Boracay (Kalibo) is one island that I will want to have a beach holiday at. The White Beach even topped the list for being the 'World's Most Popular Beach' by Yahoo Travel before. With its fine white sand, and crystal clear water that glisten as the sun's golden rays shine into it, Boracay was like a secret island back in the early days before more people discovered this magnificent paradise to unwind and relax at.

Photo of Boracay, credits to George Tapan.

From Boracay, another island that one has to explore is the Busuanga island (Just an hour flight from Manila). Do some trekking to Mount Tundalara and feast on the magnificent view of the Coron Bay and Maricaban Bay. Being a photography buff myself, I bet I will have plenty of photo opportunities over here. :)

For diving enthusiasts, Busuanga is where your paradise lies! It offers spectacular underwater views that will leave you totally breathless! If viewing schools of colorful tropical fishes moving among the many coral gardens is not enough, divers can also explore the shipwreck site where ships were sunk during the World War II. Indeed, the Busuanga island is the perfect diving location.

Diving at Busuanga Island

Coral in Apo Reef, Philippine's largest coral reef.
And it is the second largest in the world!

From the website of the Philippines 's Department of Tourism (http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/), I discovered a very exciting activity in Sorsogon that I want to try --- Swimming with Whale Sharks or butanding in the local language. One can take a flight to Legaspi City, and then a minivan or bus to Sorsogon. And guess what? Cebu Pacific Air offers direct flights from Cebu and Manila to Legaspi City!

Not only does Cebu Pacific Air flies its valued passengers to islands in the Philippines, it offers international routes with year-round low fares too. That means if you are from SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, VIETNAM, INDONESIA and TAIWAN, you can have a blasting time in Philippines by flying with Cebu Pacific Air! Cebu Pacific Air even offer flights in countries as far as CHINA, SOUTH KOREA and JAPAN... And this is an impressive feat, considering that Cebu Pacific Air is a low-cost carrier. Truly, they deserved their spot as being the industry and academic's benchmark for success.

Cebu Pacific Air's Flight Route Map

A visit to the Philippines does not only mean fun-filled activities on the fine white sandy beaches. You can take a trip to Manila, the capital of Philippines and witness the vibrant tapestry of cultures and interesting activities that take place. Be wowed by the historical monuments, such as the Fort Santiago that date back to centuries ago.

Interior View of the Cebu Pacific Air Plane

There's always a reward for being my blog reader.
Here goes:
Cebu Pacific Air will have an
ALL-DESTINATIONS SALE soon!

That simply means AFFORDABLE FLIGHTS for you and me!
Though the company has not confirmed the exact date of the promotional period,
here's a tip from me......

Do always visit Cebu Pacific Air's website (Click HERE) for the latest promotional fares that happens frequently. You bet that I will do so too... I wanna get lucky and grab the best deals from Cebu Pacific Air!

Visit Philippines...
By Flying with Cebu Pacific Air! (^_^)

For more information on the Philippines, visit http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/.

For promotional fares that can't be missed, visit www.cebupacificair.com!

The Photographic Journey Begins...

2009-11-28T14:49:00.006+08:00

As the year is reaching to an end, I did a reflection of all my shopping purchases made this year. Without any hesitation, I can say that my proudest purchase for the year 2009 would be the Canon DSLR camera - A 450D model.

Ever since I developed an interest in photography, I have always wanted to own a DSLR camera. It was only after 5 years later (September 2009 to be exact), I finally got down to purchase one during the COMEX 2009 fair.

I was considering between the 450D and 500D model. Since there were only some slight differences between these two, I made the decision to get the former as I was contented to settle with a lower resolution, as well as being able to do without the video capture function. At the time of purchase, a 450D model, which includes a 18-55mm IS lens, cost S$1,299.

My Baby!

On top of the free Canon All-In-One Photo Printer (which I still fail to find any use of it since my current printer is still in a good condition), the other freebies given during the COMEX fair promotions include a DIGIeye Tripod, a PenDrive 8GB SD memory card and a Canon camera bag by Crumpler (Yes, Crumpler! What's more... In my favourite color!).

I also bought a Canon 5D Mark II...
The current second-hand selling price is at least S$3.6K...
Would I actually get another DSLR so soon???

OF COURSE NOT!!!
This '5D Mark II' camera is actually a thumbdrive!!! LOL!
(See below)

Not satisfied with owning just the 18-55mm kit lens, I also purchased the 50mm f/1.8 lens. Despite reading mixed reviews about this lens, I decided to get it as it is considered to be a photography lens that is good for low-light indoor shots, especially where flash is not appropriate or desired (Example: Church or gym). This lens is also suitable for full-length portraiture shots.

I should have gotten the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens when I purchased my DSLR. I managed to borrow it from a friend, to use during my recent China trip. Indeed, it is a good lens that is suitable for travel that I ended up not using my 18-55mm and 50mm lenses when I was in China! Haha! This shall be the next lens that I would like to have.

Items in the Box

To protect my lens, I bought the Tokina lens filter. Made in Japan, this is a UV-coated lens filter. My next lens filter that I wish to have is the polarizer filter. This is because I would like to shoot more landscape shots, which this lens will come in handy as it helps in the saturation.

With all these, a photographic journey begins for me...
And I will never want it to end! :)
p/s: Above photos were taken with my Digicam, not DSLR.

*A photo taken with my 450D at Guilin, China*

SITEX 2009 Brochure Download Link

2009-11-26T22:05:00.002+08:00

Today, I made a trip to SITEX 2009 at Singapore Expo. The fair is held in 2 halls - Hall 5 & 6. For those who are dying to know what great offers there are in SITEX 2009, just go to the link below and view the brochures that have been put online (credits to HWZ peeps!):

http://picasaweb.google.com/hardwarezone.com/Sitex2009#

There were many people at the fair and traffic was bad. I would advise you to park somewhere near and take a train down to Expo. Otherwise, you could do what I did - Parking away from where the hype was, park at the lots nearer to Hall 2 & 3.

This time round, I only planned to buy a webcam (as my Sony VAIO inbuilt webcam sux) and a 500GB 2.5" Portable HDD. That's all about it. I bought the webcam from A4Tech when I was there earlier today. It costs only S$21.90. I feel that A4Tech's products are good, yet affordable. Previously, I bought a mini mouse from this company... It could even be used on GLASS surfaces such as glass-top tables. I decided to buy the HDD another day as I am still unable to decide which brand I should get for it as durability and reliability is a vital factor, in my opinion.

I doubt I will be heading to SITEX 2009 again, although a new desktop is 'on the way'! :)

How to Cook Snow Jelly

2009-11-26T13:53:00.002+08:00

Class, you will be learning how to cook Snow Jelly (雪蛤) today! For those who don't know what is that, it is also being named as 'Hashima' in Korean or 'Suet Kup' in Cantonese. Some call it 'Snow Frog' too. I know it sounds gross, but this is actually the dried fallopian tube (oviduct) of a *drums roll* female frog species found in the mountainous region in Northern China. Bird's nest is also quite gross anyway - Built from the saliva of male swiflets.

BUT... Snow Jelly costs only a fraction of the price of bird's nest but benefits are somewhat similar. Snow Jelly contains high levels of proteins (amino acids), minerals and vitamins. It is cholesterol-free (Good for those who are watching their 'tang-kut-chun'). Consumption of Snow Jelly strengthens internal organs such as lungs, and improves one's skin complexion. The pic below is how it looks like.

A box of packed Snow Jelly. Bought from a Chinese TCM store.

Steps are as follow:
--------------------------

(1) Empty your desired amount of contents into a pot of water. Leave it overnight, or at least a few hours. The Snow Jelly will expand and expand...

(2) Remove any dirt and membranes found.

(3) Pour the contents into a slow cooker filled with boiled water. Also add Korean ginseng, red dates, rock sugar. Cook till all contents are dissolved completely.

(4) Once done, it is your choice to serve chilled or warm. I always like it chilled.

Very easy to prepare, right??!
If you use all of the contents in the above box, you can cook about 10 bowls or so.
So use only the right amount.
You can store the unused ones in the refrigerator for the next time.
~~~~~

Green Vehicle Launch (Pics Included!)

2009-11-25T21:08:00.001+08:00

Weeks ago, an event assignment that I did was at the Changi Exhibition Centre. It was for the Green Vehicle Launch, which many witnessed the MOU ceremony between a few companies. such as King Long and ST Kinetics. Photos as shown here, were taken by Anson, one of the event photographer who was engaged for the event. Hence, credits to him. I really liked the photos that he took of me. LOL! :)

My partner for the day is Choco.
All we had to do was to smile, welcome the guests and
escort the VIP onto the stage when it was needed.
Four hours went by quicker than I expected.
Come evening, the event ended and off I went!~ :)

P/s: The photos shown in the blog is somewhat pixelated. I don't know why...
So pls click on any of the pictures to enter the actual site to view.

Review: Lava Stone Grill Restaurant and Bar

2009-11-25T20:11:00.003+08:00

Last week, I went for lunch at this place, Lava Stone Grill Restaurant and Bar. This place is located along the shophouses at Kampong Bahru Road. Upon entering, I was greeted by this (very) friendly waitress who apparently keeps a smile on her face the whole time I was there. I really have to applaud her for that. :)

From the main entrance, you would think that this restaurant has very limited seats. But no, there is another seating area at the next level. I do not know how the area looks like as I did not head up to check it out. From the picture below, you can see that the kitchen has been made to be of an 'open concept' style. There is also a pleasant range of wine to select from. You can also spot the smiley waitress in the picture too! :p

Lava Stone also offers set lunch specials. For myself, I selected the Wagyu Beef Lunch Set, which also comes with a bowl of 'Soup of the Day' and drink. I changed mine to Mushroom soup instead.

Soup of the Day - Cream of Chicken

Mushroom Soup.
It was not creamy, I felt that it was rather diluted, not thick enough.

Appetizer - Forgot the name but it was just mushrooms.
The waitress recommended this as my initial order of mussels was not available.
I felt that it was quite oily and it has a rather 'heavy' taste to it, which I didn't quite like.

My Main - Wagyu Beef
Before the chef cooked my beef, the helper came by and showed me the raw meat.
Well, good presentation. But ended up, this was not to my liking.
Though I have no idea how to cook it, but I know that wagyu beef can be done better than what Lava Stone did! Still craving for a good mean piece of wagyu beef! :(

Overall, I would consider the food to be of an average standard. I am someone who gets annoyed when the next dish is served before I am done with my current one. And that was what happened when I had lunch at Lava Stone. Before I even started on my soup, the appetizer came. And before I could complete my soup and appetizer, my main course was served. In the end, when I started on my wagyu beef, it was definitely not as appetizing as it could actually have been. Hence, there is probably nothing to rave about, except their service and open-concept kitchen.

Dinner at Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill (Pics Included!)

2009-11-23T16:44:00.000+08:00

Dinner for one evening was at Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill, a restaurant in Tanglin Place. Upon entering this establishment, I could sense the cozy and relaxedambience that it provides for its diners. It was not too formal nor casual, with relatively splendid service by its servers.With the American atmosphere and decor provided, Dan Ryan's can also be found in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

I have always passed by this place all these years, but never gotten round to dine here. So it was a case of 'Finally'.... Haha~ There was a little boy celebrating his birthday with his parents. The servers actually gathered together and sing a warm 'Happy Birthday' song for him. It certainly felt warm, even to me.

Appetizer was a plate of fried potato skins. With no idea how it would actually taste like, it was delicious for something which its name is that plain-sounding.

My main course came in the form of a Ribeye steak. I have been craving for a good steak ever since my exam period. Hence, this meal was undeniably an enjoyable one. I was served with a big portion, of which I was unable to finish. However, I managed to 'attack' most of it. The steak was done perfectly the way I wanted it. Total plus point!

Dessert was the Molten Chocolate Cake, which opens up to a warm chocolate flow when one cuts it apart. The BJ Ice-cream was an add-on, with a few flavors to select from. Vanilla flavor was the choice. With the sprinkled chocolate bits, strawberry slices and the white powdery topping, around the plate, it created a 'Christmasy' feel... Just what I needed to prep myself for the upcoming festive season! Indeed, this dessert is similar to Bakerzin's Warm Chocolate Cake.

After the dessert, it sparked off my dessert cravings for the sweet-toothed me. Now, I am thinking of having more desserts such as the Panna Cotta and Creme Brulee - Two desserts which I always enjoy having! :)

After the dinner, I went on my way to do something, but not before dropping by a Starbucks outlet for a bottle of Carrot juice!

Second-time at Club Ratchada.. FUN FUN FUN~

2009-11-23T14:21:00.001+08:00

Doesn't it seem that I would have an image-heavy blog entry each time I visit Club Ratchada? Gathered with my Uni mates last Friday night at this Thai disco. You can view the previous blog entry that I did on Club Ratchada <HERE>.

Me, Jerry, XY, YS.

XY and YS

Bbb came along too, as he was curious about it after seeing the pictures from my previous time here. What he did on Sunday was so funny! Bbb MMS-ed me a picture of a takeaway Teh-C that he bought and it was written 'Ratchada' on the cup. In the MMS, he wrote, "Ratchada Teh-C! $1.20 only! You want?". I saw the MMS when I woke up, and I laughed out loud. What a way to start my Sunday! (^_^)

Jerry with one of the dancers.

See how many flower garlands she had received?

Another trip to Club Ratchada awaits.... :)

Latest Shopping Buy: White Leatherette Heels

2009-11-21T15:53:00.001+08:00

My latest shopping haul...
(See pic below)

Been awhile since I bought a pair of heels. I have always loved wearing a pair of heels. The higher it is, the happier my mood. But do you know it may result in INFERTILITY?

According to UK health and fitness expert Dax Moy, wearing high heels may affect fertility, menstrual cycles and abdominal function. This is because of the 'excessive forward tilting of the pelvis'. And experts also claimed that schizophrenia may develop in the heel wearer.... As the first case of schizophrenia was discovered only after high heels were introduced to the masses. So it is not just the foot, ankle, knee and back problem which we ladies may encounter from wearing high heels afterall! *gasp*

There you go, our Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choos and CLs may be baby killers! Yes, high heels may not be the safest type of footwear in the world, but I know I would not give up wearing them. You people know me better than that.... Hee~ :p

Astroboy Movie Screening (05 Nov 09)

2009-11-19T01:14:00.001+08:00

The Astroboy movie opened in Singapore
cinemas on 05 November 2009.

It was a movie that I was looking forward to for years! Imagine my excitement as the day grew closer! Thanks to M's help for getting the tickets through contacts, I had a pair of tickets to watch the Astroboy movie (2nd time by 05 Nov, by the way). *Thanks* And no prize for guessing who went with me~~~~~ :p

This time round, most of the people were families. I reckoned that they are simply those who managed to get tickets through whichever contests that took place *rolls eyes*, for I see no one whom are ardent fans of this Japanese comic character. And I even overheard a guy (probably in his late teens) telling his friend that he has never heard of Astroboy until this movie was said "to be releasing soon" in the cinema website. I seriously wanted to approach him and tell him to get out, but that would be mad of me to do that. This was unlike the Astroboy movie Gala Premiere, where there were people wearing Astroboy tops (at the very least)!

Sighhh.... Is the current world are to be saved by Superman, Batman, Ben 10 or to have people going crazy only for Twilight characters, Hello Kitty (the dumb cat, literally) or Spongebob Squarepants (brainless sponge)?

Before the movie,
we tried the curry fried chicken drumsticks from Burger King.
So oily............... *urgh*

BBB and me, before the movie started. And LOOK!!!!!!!!
We are wearing couple Polo Tees.... They aren't just Polo Tees....
They are ASTROBOY Polo Tees!!! \(^_^)/

What I Wore to ASTROBOY Gala Premiere (Pics Included!)

2009-11-19T00:48:00.004+08:00

This was my outfit for the Gala Premiere for the Astroboy movie.

I wanted to wear just the dress and the Astroboy jacket, but it was not possible. This was because the dress was kinda short (first time wearing it) and it kept riding up my butt. But I still wanted to wear it cos it was in red and black (Astroboy outfit colors!). I felt that it was not that suitable to wear the dress as itself for such an event, so I paired it up with a black mini skirt with ruffles.

This is how the dress looks like~

~*A KISS FOR YOU*~

Couple Shot

And this is my Astroboy jacket! (^_^)

This was the clutch that I brought to the event....
I guess it can double up as a pencil case,

but I wouldn't bear to use it for that purpose...

Imagine the possible ink smudges! *gasp*

Many readers should already have known this already, but I still wanna say it out....

I LOVE ASTROBOY!!!