The OCC Wedding of the Year!

Yes!! The OCC Wedding of the Year happened yesterday and just now at the dinner.. It was a wedding of Gregory & Jaslyn.. so yupz..

I was actually one of the busier personnels, becos' I was in charge of filming their wedding (yesterday - 01 May 2010) at Saint Andrew's Cathedral & editing it just in time for the dinner just now at Peony Jade Restaurant, Keppel Club.

Let's just talk about yesterday (01 May) first.. the day started for me by waking up at 0430 hrs, and 0630 hrs, I started filming.. it went on till about 1400 hrs where I had a few stuff to much at the reception, and then rush home (missing church.. awww..) to edit the videos..
I started at 1530 hrs and actually I wanted to catch a few winks (because it was seriously very tiring and took a toll of me during the day), but then I think might as well finish it up, because I don't want to keep dragging it and never get it done.. however, to my surprise, I manage to just keep doing and doing and doing, until I realised that I have not had dinner.. and my dinner was actually at 2100 hrs.. kept going on till 2300 hrs where I was done..
(But thank God that I had earlier research some of the video concepts by professionals and it was put on YouTube, so I view and get ideas from there)..

Manage to get a good nite's rest and then this morning woke up and then did a lot of backup (starting at about 1100 hrs), and at the same time, did some finishing touches.. by the time I was done, it was 1600 hrs..

Bathe and then rush down to the restaurant to setup and test.. but to my horror, my MacBook somehow didn't manage to work properly (though it was tested just a few days ago and it was doing fine!).. but thank God for Carlise, that she has lent me her laptop and it worked.. thank God also for the multiple backups that I've done on DVD, CD and external harddisk!

And I did manage to play it during the dinner.. and believe you me.. whilst the video is playing, I was extremely nervous, becos I can't afford anything to go wrong during the playing of the video.. Both of Greg & Jas parents, relatives and friends (including church members) are present, and if anything goes wrong, that's it.. I will probably get the most blame.. and you do know me.. I'm a perfectionist.. I want everything to be as perfect as possible..
Therefore, when the video first played, there is a little bit of an error.. I panic, but then just close the player and start again, it was ok!

Fortunately, I receive a lot of good comments from church members and the couple (Greg & Jaslyn), that it was a job well done..
Well... all I can say is that it is not my work but God, because I was actually praying early yesterday morning that He would be with me during what to film and all.. and of course editing and all.. because really without Him, I would be at a loss and definitely can't finish such a job within 8 hrs.. It was indeed an eye-opener at how marvellous God works, even in such a simple video.. So ya.. To God be the Glory! =D

So yupz.. if you were not there at the dinner, don't fret, because I have recorded the highlights of the wedding nite ("sabos" lah of course), and they are as follows.. Enjoy!!





Well.. after this episode, I actually did enjoy the process of filming and editing.. though it is very tiring, but all I can say is that it is VERY, EXTREMELY satisfying when you see your "product" being shown and being affirmed for it! I guess this is what a perfectionist character in me wants.. affirmation and encouragement.. I guess that is what gives me the most satisfaction, because I see it with my own eyes something that is feasible and successful!

However, I guess I would only do this for really good/close friends if requested.. because I cannot be doing this as and when I want or on "freelance" job.. I will probably die of tiredness.. I'm old liaox.. no more the energetic me!

Oh well.. all I can say is that "IT IS FINISHED" and I can really go and sleep well, and dun need to worry anything.. woohoo~

It is finished,
<<< abriel >>>

I'm going to Universal Studios Singapore!

I'm so happy, because just this morning, an official email was sent out by my company's Wellness Committee, that my company is going to organise our Family Day 2010 at Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa.. wooohooo~.. so happy..

It will be on 19 Jun 2010 (Sat), and thank God I can attend, because I'm back from my church camp in Malacca loh!

Super happy.. just hope nothing goes wrong at last minute.. *cross fingers*

Being a kid again,
<<< abriel >>>

Star Awards 2010 - Show 1

If you all have missed the show yesterday evening, below are 2 clips which I think are the most interesting and funny of all segments.. Enjoy and have a good laugh.. I laugh till I literally tear.. enjoy!!





Signing off,
<<< abriel >>>

The top hit of the chart on my iPhone

This is a must-listen for me the moment I access the iPod app on my iPhone..
Its a very nice song.. love the R&B and chill out feel of the song..

Of course, this is from my favourite singer, JJ Lin Junjie..
If you want to know the song, it is "加油" from his latest album, "100 天".

So if you are curious as to how the song goes, here it is:



Loving the song,
<<< abriel >>>

My Bangkok Trip (27 Mar - 30 Mar 2010)

DAY 1 (27 Mar 2010)

** Photo on left: Marcus & myself on board JetStar 3K 511 to Bangkok!

Finally the day is here! I have been waiting for this day for months, and its finally here!! Woohoo~

The day started with me waking up at 2.30am abruptly and can't sleep already, because my alarm is set at 3.30am. My flight is scheduled to be at 7.15am, therefore, it is a must to check in by 5.15am, so I bathe and cab to Changi International Airport, Terminal 1 for my flight, JetStar 3K 511 to Bangkok.

Met Marcus at Terminal 1, and after we check in our luggages, we headed for the departure gate and we shopped around the vicinity before we had our breakfast at Killeny Kopitiam inside the transit mall.
Quite nice I must say... I had Nasi Lemak with the traditional Kopi-O.. nice~

** Photo on right: Fantastic coconut ice-cream eaten at Chatuchak Weekend Market!

I was somewhat nervous because this is the first time I'm boarding a budget plane, and it is indeed very cramp and small.. the seats are okay for me when going from Singapore to Bangkok, which is a surprise for me.. maybe because I sit at the window seat, so naturally there is more leg space, which is a must for me, because I have long legs.. haha..

Reached Bangkok earlier than schedule and the aircon inside the Airport is surprisingly cold.. Don't know why.. The wind outside is like super windy, and its as if its raining or something, but its not!

Waited for Marcus's friend, James, who is a former church member of his but because of the massive size of the congregation in his church, he has never seen him before.. but how they got to know each other is through mutual friends in Facebook.. so this is the power of Facebook huh! =)

** Photo on left: Or Tor Kor Market (recommended by Pornsak of MediaCorp, on the programme, "回家走走" shown on Channel U sometime back in early February 2010)

James is actually a Singapore citizen, but because he decides to set up a web-hosting business in Thailand, he has migrated to Thailand and thus becoming a citizen of Thailand. In fact, he has been there for 13 years already! so yupz.. it feels good to have at least an ex-Singaporean around, but knows the Thai language and Thailand very well..

Waited for him at the Airport for quite a while, because the red shirts are protesting and slowing down traffic.. so he eventually came and we check into our hotel room (Room 6710 of Baiyoke Sky Hotel - the 67th storey of the hotel), and it was only 10.24 am (Bangkok time) and surprisingly, we are able to do so, instead of the normal international timing of 2.00pm!

After checking in, we told James our plan for the day, and he drove us to our destinations!

** Photo on right: Beds in our hotel room, 6710, on the 67th storey of Baiyoke Sky Hotel (which is the tallest hotel in Thailand because it spans 88 stories!)

First stop was Chatuchak Weekend Market.. I already had a shopping list all planned up, so buying was simple for me! Bought a number of stuff from there!

I remembered my church friends telling me that going Chatuchak Market, the must try is the coconut ice-cream on the husk.. and yes, I tried it (which is the second photo on this blogpost you see above on the right!).. and such hot weather, with complimentary cup(s) of coconut juice (because its free flow!!), it was indeed heavenly!!

I do remember sometime back, I've seen a programme of Pornsak (a MediaCorp artiste) going back to Thailand to film some stuff, and he recommended this market, called "Or Tor Kor Market".
I had planned it on this trip, and I told James, and he said he knew where.. so there we went, and man.. the market is huge! Its not very common with tourists, but very common with locals..

** Photo on left: The BEST Tom Yum Goong soup I've ever tasted (which we had for dinner), under the recommedation of James (who is Marcus's friend, and he has migrated to Thailand for 13 years already!)

So I got most of my dried foodstuff there, including ribena flower (which is said to lower cholesterol).. its sold in Singapore but I found the dried version in Thailand! Bought 2 packets.. very nice because my mum bought and cooked it for me before.. its sweet, and its actually quite a common thing in Thailand!

And you know what? I have actually completed most of my shopping on my shopping list just on the first day! Quick huh!!

After which, we proceeded back to our hotel room for washup and some rest, as James wanted to bring us out for dinner and also a glass or two of drinks in a very unique place!

** Photo on right: The night view of Bangkok from our room, 6710!

The time came where we had to have dinner, and James was like asking us what we want to eat. We did mentioned that we want to eat at some real authentic Thai place..

And he brought us to this coffeeshop style place for dinner.. and the food is superb.. the Tom Yum Goong was especially good! I think I can finish 1 whole big bowl myself!! Yummy.. even now I'm salivating.. haha..

After dinner, James brought us to the area whereby there are quite rowdy pubs around, and I do mean really rowdy.. According to James, that was not rowdy enough.. I was like "err.. really?".. The place naturally gave me headaches due to the loud music!

** Photo on left: Having a drink at Lebua Hotel & Resorts Bangkok, at Skybar (located on the 64th storey of the hotel!)
L-R: James, myself & Marcus

But thank God, we did not having our drinks at those rowdy pubs.. The one we had was at this atas hotel, Lebua Hotel & Resorts Bangkok, and we proceeded up to Skybar (which is the 64th storey of the hotel) for our drinks..

I never really see this concept before, because there is like this huge outdoor cocktail bar.. and it was crowded!!!
I had a Margarita and its my first time having it.. I did enjoy it =).. but a pity that it was not a windy night, so therefore, it was a bit humid.. but I like the feeling of being top of the world! =D

After which, we proceeded back to hotel, and by the time I sleep, it was already close to 2am (Bangkok Time), which is 3am Singapore time.. haha..

DAY 2 (28 Mar 2010)

** Photo on right: Breakfast on the 77th storey of the hotel we are staying (Baiyoke Sky Hotel)

Its our first day having breakfast on the 77th storey of our hotel, Baiyoke Sky Hotel, which is actually the tallest hotel in Thailand, because it spans 88 storeys!

The spread of breakfast was plentiful! They had Western, Chinese & Japanese.. Quite a full spread.. Didn't try everything, since I got the next 2 days to try.. haha..

But because we were there like 30 mins before the breakfast buffet ends (because we slept late the night before!), not much variety we can choose from, but we were okay, because there is always the next 2 days.. haha..

** Photo on left: Freshly squeezed fruit juice served during our breakfast at our hotel!

What I like about the breakfast is that they actually have FRESHLY SQUEEZED fruit juices for consumption.. which is definitely a healthier choice than those pre-made ones! I love the starfruit and dragonfruit juices best!

I had so much food in the morning, that I've decided to like skip lunch altogether or at least have a late lunch. And that's what I did lah..



** Photo on right: A bird's eye view of Bangkok (taken from our breakfast place on the 77th storey of the hotel)

We were just stuffing ourselves with food, and at the same time, admire the scenery..

After which, we took some photos on the "basement" level of the breakfast place.. its like this very touristy place, whereby there are artefacts to take photos with and all, and it states the history of Thailand and all.. Nothing really nice to take, so just take some pictures only.. not many..


** Photo on left: Pratunam Market (located just in front of our hotel, and they only open on weekends!)

After breakfast, we rest a while, and we started to explore the places around our hotel on our own, as James had his own agenda in the morning..

So we just shopped around, and just in our hotel's vicinity, there stands the Pratunam Market, which is actually a market which opens ONLY on weekends.. its where locals and tourists shop..

They sell a variety of things; from fake branded watches to fake branded clothes to food & beverage to weird lucky charms! It was quite a nice place to just see see look look.. but of course, not forgetting the extremely squeezy streets! A lot of stuff going on at the same time.. its really similar to our pasar malam, but the day version..

** Photo on right: Tom Yum Ramen I had at Oishi Restaurant @ MBK Centre! Quite cheap for such a big bowl (can't remember the price).. but the Tom Yum cannot be compared to what I had on the first nite during dinner! It was the best!

Didn't buy anything from Pratunam Market, because nothing caught my eye! Thank God!! haha..

Then we proceeded to MBK Centre to go for a fitting session for our tailored shirts (which we chose our ideal cloth and they took our measurements the day before - under the recommendation of James), and for me, it was ok.. except for Marcus where they have to make a little adjustments!
And the shirts are really cheap and with good workmanship.. it works out to be only about $40+ per piece.. which is actually for the quality of the shirts, it is considered quite cheap..

** Photo on left: Somboon Seafood Restaurant for our dinner! (James brought us there of course!)

Somboon Seafood Restaurant is one place which I had not heard or eaten there before. James brought us there, and surprisingly, he said that it is popular with tourists as well..

We had a spread lah.. very nice food, though I prefer the food to be a little more salty.. but it is okay lah.. Still edible.. haha..

We had food from fish, crabs, vegetables to even Tom Yum Goong.. which I feel is not as good as the one I've tasted yesterday at that authentic Thai food coffeeshop stall during dinner yesterday!

** Photo on right: Stir-Fried Bittergourd Leaves (very nice [in fact, it is BETTER than fried tapioca leaves or dou miao!] but its a rare sight in Singapore!! Sigh...

But the one dish I like best and I think I will like it in future (if I ever come back to Bangkok) is the stir-fried bittergourd leaves. It was actually sweet and crunchy..

At first, I was thinking how it would taste like, but then the taste is superb! Even better than the sambal kangkong or tapioca leaves in Singapore.. so ya.. never eaten it before but this is good =D

** Photo on left: The usual end of the night in Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) - Bird's nest at Nam Sing Restaurant!

Almost everyone I know who goes to Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) in Bangkok will usually end the nite with a bowl of Bird's Nest soup, because it is super cheap over there.. but as to whether it is real stuff or not, I don't know.. only the stallholders know..

But at least I get to fulfill one of my agenda also.. drink Bird's Nest Soup! haha.. =D

I had a bowl of 300 baht Bird's Nest Soup, which works out to be about SGD $13 a bowl! Quite cheap if you ask me =)

DAY 3 (29 Mar 2010)

** Photo on right: The all famous windy expressway roads that Bangkok is famous for! - photo taken from our breakfast venue at the 77th storey of Baiyoke Sky Hotel (which we stayed of course!)

Its breakfast again at the 77th storey of our hotel, Baiyoke Sky Hotel.. and this time, I've decided to take a photo of the famous windy expressway roads that Bangkok is famous of.

Imagine this is Singapore, and I think I will faint.. haha..



** Photo on left: Bread again for breakfast! Amazing!!

Its the second consecutive day that I had bread for breakfast.. never in my life I've done so at hotels.. but no choice.. the food are getting a little bored already..

But I like the dried fruits bread.. very nice, but a little too sweet for me.. However, it is still nice.. haha..




** Photo on right: The delicious and juicy cup corn we had at Pratunam Market (and the stallholder was very friendly as well!)

Then we made our way to Platinum Mall to meet another group of Marcus's friends.. and as we pass by Pratunam Market, the cup corn hawker appeared.. wanted to eat on Day 2 when we were there, but I was too full and it was too crowded, so we gave it a miss.. so yupz..

But I ate it on this day.. the cup corn was nice and juicy, but a little too much margarine/butter, which is why it was very oily after that.. but okay lah.. still quite edible..

** Photo on left: The horrendous road traffic on the streets of Bangkok - taken on the overhead bridge from Pratunam Market to Planinum Mall!

And yes, you have heard so much about the horrendous traffic in Bangkok right? So there you go.. the horrendous traffic picture for you..

There was suppose to be like 3 lanes on each direction, but when the peak hour comes, it may become 4 lanes back from city and 2 lanes to city kind.. so yupz.. the traffic is that bad!.. not to mention the amount of carbon monoxide emitted from the vehicles!!


** Photo on right: I have aimed for this Pad Thai [from Platinum Mall Foodcourt] ever since day 1 of this trip (because 2 years ago, I had it!) and I had it today! Yummy!!

I wanted to eat the Seafood Pad Thai @ Platinum Mall Foodcourt, ever since I've eaten it 2 years back.. and I'm glad I did it today, because I will never forget the taste.. it is actually the best Pad Thai I've eaten so far..
I love peanuts, and at this stall, you can add how much peanuts you want.. cool rite?

And the best thing is that this Pad Thai only costs 75 baht. cheap rite? which works out to be only SGD $3.25, which has prawns, oysters and squid!! nice~
And I complete my meal with a cup of Thailand Ice Tea.. it is a little too sweet for my liking, but as I take more, I actually like it leh.. haha..

** Photo on left: The traditional and yummy Wantan Mee at one of the stalls, which I heard it is very popular with Singaporeans and locals!

I was actually very hungry already, which was why I had the Pad Thai and the Thailand Ice Tea.. but then, the wantan mee was also a must try, so I ate a small bowl myself..

It comes complete with a side dish (which is pig trotters with pig intestines).. and ermm.. don't really like that dish because its so oily.. but the meat is really tender.. as to the pig intestines, I didn't want to eat any, but Marcus's friends (who was with us.. more people then fun mah.. or else only 2 of us.. very bored) all ask me to try, so I was game.. so I put one small piece in my mouth, and immediately, I spat it out.. I didn't like it.. the taste was too strong for my liking.. so yup.. that ends my attempt of pig intestines.. and this is why I will CONFIRM abstain from kway chap!

** Photo on right: The very cute Cotton Candy balls (which is very attractively packaged and shaped) sold at Gourmet Market [which is my favourite Supermarket in Thailand] in Siam Paragon Shopping Mall!

Then after which, we all share in one cab and go to Siam Paragon Mall, which is one of my favourite shopping centres in Bangkok.. and the supermarket (which they call it "Gourmet Market") is the best!

And they actually enjoyed the supermarket as well, because it was very interesting.. lotsa stuff to see, and they camwhore loh.. haha..


** Photo on left: A group picture - which we all met in Thiland [whom I don't know at first], and they are somewhat related to Marcus in terms of his friends network!
L-R: Leon, Marcus, Lynette, myself, William

After which, we were attracted by the sunset and also the bossa nova band which was playing outside of Siam Paragon.. we decided to ask someone take photo for us and yup.. we took advantage of the natural sunset lighting lah.. =D




** Photo on right: Mt. Sapola - bought the aromatherapy oil for my house, which was 25% cheaper than Singapore!

And then we continue walking, and I saw Mt. Sapola, which is the brand of the lemongrass aromatherapy oil my family uses in our living room.

And there was a 20% discount, and when converted back the amount to Singapore dollars, it is about 25% cheaper than Singapore..

So bought a bottle of the lemongrass for family, and help my sis buy a bottle of Lavendar oil for herself.. so ya..

I was not the only one in the group who bought it.. the only girl in our group also bought it, after I recommended it.. so yupz..

** Photo on left: The bossa nova jazz band which was playing in Siam Paragon, and I tell you.. they are VERY GOOD!

After we bought the oils, we carried on walking, and I thought a CD was playing some bossa nova songs.. never did I expect that actually the same group who was playing when we were outside, was playing inside as well.. and man.. they are good man.. how I wish I could play like that.. sigh~





** Photo on right: The Jap dinner we had on our last nite in Bangkok - Uttanadon @ CentrePoint

This was our last nite in Bangkok, and James actually wanted to bring us to a Japanese buffet restaurant in a hotel, but we were unable to do so, as we were wearing flip flops.. so yupz..

So no choice, we went to an alternative Japanese restaurant, and the food was good, big portion and reasonably cheap!



** Photo on left: The Chawamushi which I had.. and its super huge!

One thing to mention is that the Chawamushi is very big portion.. and I do mean big! You will probably never see such big bowl of Chawamushi in Singapore!

It was not too bad, except that the portion was really big.. so yup.. with one big bowl of my main course, the beef Udon noodles, finishing the Chawamushi was tough but satsifying!

And you know lah.. we order to share.. and we had a lot of side dishes, like potato salad, agedashi tofu, grilled salmon steak, salmon sashimi, and the salmon with cheese sushi.. quite a lot..

And it only works out to be 700 baht per person, which is about SG $31 per person.. which is quite cheap!

DAY 4 (30 Mar 2010)

** Photo on right: This is the ONE and ONLY time where I had so much bread for breakfast!! Scary!!

Okay.. this is the last day we are in Bangkok.. and I can safely say that this is the morning that I ate the MOST bread! its really a lot!

I practically take those bread which I have not eaten for the past 2 days, and I take one of each.. and yes.. I have easily 5-6 types of bread on my plate.. and if you know me well, I'm a person who don't really like bread.. but I still eat, because no choice.. no other food le.. haha..


** Photo on left: The free shuttle bus which we board from our hotel (Baiyoke Sky Hotel) to the mall shopping belts of Thailand

As we had some free time, we took a shuttle bus to the shopping malls and just walk walk loh.. since we were quite free..

Of course, this was included in our package, therefore, we must utilise lah.. haha..




** Photo on right: Marcus had the frozen yoghurt at Swensons in Siam Paragon

Marcus was finding for yoghurt for this whole trip, and he found it at Siam Paragon.. I had absolutely no cravings for it, because I was simply too full to eat anything.. nothing else could go in le.. so ya..

But its a good idea lah.. get to save money.. haha..

But the yoghurt was quite cheap I must say.. it was 89 baht before taxes, which works out to be about SG $4.. and even after taxes, it will cost only SG $4.20.. cheap hor.. =)..
And this was in a restaurant mind you.. it is under the umbrella of Swenson's group.. so yupz..



** Photo on left: The beef & chicken platter with dips and pita bread at Hard Rock Cafe, Bangkok

We had a farewell sort of dinner with Lynette (who was the only female in the group), and she brought us to Hard Rock Cafe, Bangkok..

You can say its my first time there lah.. I've not even stepped into Hard Rock Cafe, Singapore!

And yup.. we took a tuk tuk there because of the rush of time.. we had only like 1 hour to eat!~
Though I don't favour tuk tuk becos of the exorbidant prices and I get to inhale all the carbon monoxide, but no choice.. this is the only thing that can take us there fast!

We've ordered quite a lot of stuff, and surprisingly, we are able to finish.. amazing! Maybe because we didn't had lunch.. so yupz..

** Photo on right: The group picture - taken at Hard Rock Cafe, Bangkok
(L-R: Marcus, Lynette & myself)

Then after which, Lynette didn't want to go back to her hotel as it was too early, so she walked around herself, whilst Marcus & I actually tuk tuk back to hotel, because we got a flight to catch and already pre-book a taxi to Airport..

The tuk tuk bargaining was an experience, because in the Hard Rock Cafe area, they wanted to charge us 150 baht (SG $7) back to hotel, but we only came from hotel to Hard Rock Cafe for only 80 baht (SG $3.50).. so we didn't take it in the end.. and we decided to take from main road.. the starting price at main road was much lower (which is 100 baht - SG $$4.50) but still expensive.. and we manage to secure the deal at 80 baht ($3.50).. so yup..

We were like quite late lah.. about 10 mins late.. but then the hotel was very efficient.. indeed when we were there, the cab had already arrived, and we just put our luggage back to the boot and off we went to the Airport.

** Photo on left: Screen at Bangkok Airport which screens our flight number! - You guess which one lah =P..

We reached the Airport with no traffic jams (thank God!) and manage to check in on time.. with even time to spare for a light dinner and some walking around with the duty free and checking out all the fragrances that I wish to buy in Singapore's DFS..

Spent about 30-45 mins doing so, and I recorded all the names onto my phone, so that it would be much easier for me to get at Singapore DFS.


** Photo on right: Marcus and myself on board JetStar 3K 514, flight bound back to Singapore

It was time for us to board the plane, JetStar 3K 514 back to Singapore, and surprisingly, because it is a last flight out of Bangkok, the plane was on full load!

And this flight was especially noisy because there were a lot of uncle and aunties around..

I remember this particular scene whereby there was a young couple in the row between one auntie and one uncle.. and apparently, I think the auntie and uncle are friends.. the aunties were literally passing the sweets to the uncle which is 2 rows behind.. and I tell you.. I'm not too sure how the young couple in between felt.. but I reckon they must have felt irritated!

** Photo on left: The night skyline of Bangkok from the plane!

And during the flight, I was very uncomfortable, because I'm sitting in the middle seat and Marcus was sitting at the window seat.. and my legs cldn't stretch.. I dun know why but there wasn't enough leg room for me.. sigh..

This actually made me decide that if possible, I will NOT take budget airlines anymore, because I could not stand the leg room.. it was too cramp!

So after 2 hrs, we reached safely at Terminal 1, Changi International Airport, and yes.. I don't like Terminal 1 at all, because its super small (because its undergoing renovation).

** Photo on right: It's 0030 hrs (Singapore time) and we have landed safely in Terminal 1, Changi International Airport.

After we landed, I proceeded down to DFS Singapore to get my fragrances (which I help my sis buy also, until I spend like almost $500!.. but there was a $50 voucher given, so manage to offset a few items..)..
I also bought my Lab Series for Man's Toner & Face Wash as each tube were about %10-$15 cheaper than outside.. and I need it everyday, so might as well buy more..

Then of course, pass through immigration and of course, bought some alcohol.. bought ice wine (this time I buy the not so premium one and yet I can save money because pay a little more, I get 2 bottles).. and also for the first time in my life, I bought a bottle of vodka tropica (which is a combination of mango, pineapple, lychee, orange and melon flavours) which is also a traveller's exclusive!.. wonder how it taste like.. haha..

So yupz.. spend quite a lot on this trip.. so as to whether the Taiwan trip (with my NS buddies) at end of the year would be successful, would very much depend on whether my studies at UNISIM would be successful.. if its successful, then its a 'no' for the Taiwan trip, as the travel period which MUST be planned (no change allowed) is within my study term.. so ya.. Will see how lah..

But I enjoyed Thailand tremendously, and I must thank God for providing safety and fun during this trip! I'm missing the Tom Yum Goong & Moo Dart Diao already.. sigh..

Goodbye Thailand, hello Singapore...,
<<< abriel >>>

Happy Birthday to myself!

Hey peepz!

Today is where I officially turn 26! I feel old.. and yes.. on this day, my colleagues in office played a prank on me!.. What is it? I will not say, but just said that it is super memorable, and I will probably remember it for the rest of my life... =)

Thank you all for the birthday wishes!

Offically 26,
<<< abriel >>>

Birthday Celebration @ Carousel

Having a combined birthday celebration
with my sis @ Carousel, Royal Plaza on Scotts
This year, my parents decided to hold a combine birthday celebration dinner for both my sis and myself at Carousel, Royal Plaza on Scotts.

The spread was quite good, but still cannot compare to The Line @ Shangri-La Hotel.. that one beat any buffet I've eaten hands-down!! The dessert (esp. the ice cream section) @ The Line is already a winner on its own!

Oh well.. happy advance birthday to myself then!

I can't wait for my Thailand trip which is happening in a week's time!,
<<< abriel >>>

A life-transforming weekend!

Hey peepz.. if you have been on my Facebook recently, you would have realised that I have updated my status quite frequently, and one status update actually garnered a lot of posts - which is the one about whether I should pay 2.4k for a 3 yr gym membership, or a 3 yr part time degree course at UNISIM which will be about 16k?

So yupz.. ppl have been chiding me that I dare to ask such a question, because it is very obvious that studying is the way I should go!.. so yupz.. I was confused then mah!! But that status has so far garnered 28 comments! Fierce huh? Never in my life have I encountered so many comments on my Facebook status update.. haha.. so guess it did "up-ed" my profile a bit lah.. haha.. creating a bit of self-publicity lah.. haha.. if you curious and you happen to have my Facebook account, u can go and take a peek.. but be warned.. a lot of ppl are scolding me.. haha..

Anyway, I initially wanted to take up Bachelor in Human Resource Management, but because it was a "matter of life and death", I was actually chatting about this with another ex-church mate yesterday over dinner.. and when I get home, I was about to apply online for it, but then I think the Holy Spirit did prompt me about to look at the synopsis carefully again, and I was like thinking, no harm right.. low and behold, it was the same button which I always click and always came out the flyer, but when I click yesterday, it was different!

I took a good look at it, and I gave up! Too much theory and figures.. never like it!
Then I went on to look for another fave degree course of mine, Bachelor in Communications.. and becos I was online on MSN, I talked to my bro, Andrew, as he is also a Mass Communicaion undergraduate at SMa.. though cirriculum is different, but at least the basics are the same, and of course, it is a course with theories as well, but at least I think I would be interested enough to finish the whole course, and hopefully, do a career switch!
I of course spoke to another good bro of mine, Tjow, and he agreed that I should take up Communications instead of HR Management, the reason being that HR Management is just not me... so ya..

So I spend a good whole afternoon to find my necessary certs and then apply for it online.. Applying online is one thing, but whether can get in is another.. I'm committing it all to God, and if it is His Will, I'm sure He will see me through this application process.. because God is so faithful that for my past and current job, everything just seems to fall into place so nicely that I cldn't believe it, because there is definitely no relations between my previous and current job.. Now, I'm beginning to see something happening.. hmm..

Anyway, I'm waiting now for them to announce the results.. The results would be by end May.. so ya.. in the meantime, I just have to wait for them to call me for interview.. so ya..

Oh well.. I gtg and sleep now.. slept at 0230 hrs this morning (talk to Andrew on phone and Tjow on MSN mah) and woke up at 0845 hrs this morning as well, because cldn't sleep anymore!.. so now feeling very sleepy now.. *yawnz*

Hope I get into Communications loh!,
<<< abriel >>>

First company event of 2010

** Photo on left: Group photo!

The first event of the year was kick-start by Boon Leong & Vivien.
It was the annual Jog & Cycle @ East Coast Park.

It was a warm weather actually, but the cycling was great! I didn't cycle for about a year already, and man.. glad I still remembered how to cycle.. haha..

But after I cycled, I felt more healthy (at least a little.. haha).. Moreover, I'm contributing $5 to Charity (Straits Time Pocket Money Fund)... why not fulfill 2 stuff at one time rite.. =)

** Photo on right: Candid shot, and conicidentally, this picture is the 13th shot of my series of photos! Shocking!!

After the cycling session, we went to a pub to have some finger food and all..

Previous years, we always cater food.. but this year, it is different.. we went to a pub.. so somewhat, it is a refreshing change, and it saves us a lot of trouble to find like a shelter for our food and all.. haha..

After which, Kian Hong and myself went to the nearby Macs for dinner and we did have a good time chatting and all.. Its always nice to chat with him, becos there is somewhat a feeling like I'm talking to an old friend whom I've known for years, but in actual fact, only 2 years.. so ya..

During the dinner itself, he has constantly asking me to upgrade myself to having a degree, because in Singapore, no degree can mean not much future.. I actually brushed him off quite a few times, but somehow his words didn't fall on deaf ears tonite.. So I'm going to work towards it.. Gambateh!!!

Healthy once again,
<<< abriel >>>

yuan xiao

Happy Yuan Xiao to all!

To celebrate Yuan Xiao, I'm a guai guai boy today..
Stay at home and update blog, facebook and probably do a bit of my travel itinerary for both Thailand and Taiwan.. but Thailand one more pressing, because its 27 days time before I'm off to sawadee-khrap land again for food and fun! Woohoo~

Today had self-made yusheng with abalone slices + smoked salmon + jellyfish + a whole lot of vegetables and the pre-made stuff bought from supermarket!~

Then had steamboat.. mum decided to have steamboat tonite, but I asked her not to make so much, or else cannot finish.. and she bought only a little, and ain't we all glad that we finish everything, and no leftovers!

Now super full.. becos after just bathe.. gonna have my yoghurt later with korean strawberries and blueberries! Woohoo~ Yummy!

I love berries,
<<< abriel >>>

laksa steamboat

This was my boss treat. She said she wanted to try this laksa steamboat @ Telok Blangah for many years, but never got a chance to, and she suggested this like early in end January, and hence, I rallied the necessary people and reserve the place.

My verdict?
The laksa base is very good.. but after a few times, you feel very "jelat".. the chicken soup to me is like full of MSG, because it is very salty!

But do note the price though.. it is ala-carte style - you eat what, you pay what!

Almost everything is frozen, and the seafood is very expensive. A few pcs of SMALL and frozen sea cucumber cost us $8 per plate, and cuttlefish about 20 pcs, costs us $8 per plate as well.
Other food like tofu, corn, kang kong vegetable, cost at least $3 per plate.

Thinly sliced chicken breast and pork (about 6-7 pcs per plate) cost about $4-$5 per plate!

If someone is treating go for it, but if you ask me to pay for it, I will rconsider, but high chances I won't be interested in it, because it is super expensive for such simple stuff!

Anyway, if you need to know the address, here it is:

San Katong Laksa Steamboat Restaurant
404 Telok Blangah
Tel: 6275 7069

Ok.. I got to go and sleep le.. very tired.. its the Friday, but ya.. I'm feeling tired already! oh well..

Full!,
<<< abriel >>>

department cny dinner @ grand shanghai restaurant

It's the time of the year where we had our department gathering for CNY. Its a tradition that my company follows every year, or at least most of the departments!

As this year, some of the people couldn't make it for lunch, therefore, because of my Senior VP hectic and busy travel schedules, we had to hold it at dinner time, which is a refreshing change I must say!

Anyway, this year, our department CNY dinner was held at Grand Shanghai Restaurant, which is just beside Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Always wanted to step in and eat, but didn't have the chance to! haha.. so now I have the chance.. so yupz! =D

It is a 9 course dinner, and judging by its "atas" setting, everything should be in small portions, but surprisingly, that was not the case, because most of it are quite big portions.. so ya..
But I enjoyed it lah.. at the end of the dinner, I had asked the secretary how much is per table.. and she told me the price but she told me to keep it to myself.. I was like "really?" because for the amount of food we eat and the price we pay doesn't match totally! The food is really good.. so ya.. so what I can say is that it is considered cheap for such nice food! =D.. All I can say is that the price of the menu per table was an auspicious number, and it has only 3 digits in it. Go figure!

And because everything is individually portioned, it was very neat.. Just the way I like it =D

Anyway, if you are curious about the menu, it is as follows:

The dinner menu for the evening!

- no picture -
Prosperity Raw Fish (Abalone & Salmon)

Braised Superior Shark's Fin in Brown Sauce

Roasted Peking Duck

Steamed Campane Fish

Braised Whole Abalone with Sea Cucumber & Black Moss

Stir Fried Lobster with Egg White

Stir Fried Shanghai Vegetables with Spring Bamboo Shoot

Pan Fried Rice with Seafood & Preserved Meat

Shanghai Eight Treasure

Looks good right.. haha.. told you..

Ok.. need to turn in le.. Need to work tomorrow..

Sianx,
<<< abriel >>>