沒咖啡的日子

四天沒喝咖啡后，我今天喝了！哈！

原因其實很簡單。

即使沒喝咖啡的這四天，晚上還是不容易入眠。

今天白天有點睏，所以決定喝杯咖啡提神（虽然不知道有用嗎 呵呵）。

心情方面越稍微好轉，我也還在努力中。

早前想在週末施行“Mobile/Social Media Silence”，也就是不會去查看社交媒體或手機的訊息。

甚至因為不想大家擔心，覺得我搞失蹤，我想在我的社交媒體上宣布。

但因為週末我是必須Stand-by，所以最終沒有。

後來看了鍾琴在新傳媒的《權聽妳說 Hear U Out》的访问，觉得很励志， 也很认同。

反正我也不是一个会到处寻求帮助的人，也没必要让大家担心。

所以现在决定一点一点的慢慢改善自己的心态与生活习惯。

让自己变好。

失眠。。。 一切從咖啡

已經不知道是第幾晚了

白天如黑夜， 黑夜如白天

一日下來， 白天會感覺稍許的疲倦，

但一到夜晚，這疲倦卻不足以讓我入眠。。。

躺在床上 翻來覆去
無法入眠

想說 該改改一下生活坐姿

自己不幫自己 誰來幫你

一切從咖啡開始吧

決定停止咖啡的飲用

看看是否能改善情況

渴望 與 害怕

相信每個 人 都有一些 渴望
無論是對 物質，生命，愛情，金錢 或是其他 的 渴望

但 人 總是因為 害怕 而怯步

或許 我也是 人

也是會。。。

渴望

膽怯

害怕

而因為沈默的個性

感覺更加難受。。。

男兒有淚不輕彈

需要一個抒發情緒的管道，所以再次回來這裡。。。

不知為何，但眼淚一直不停的落下
“男兒有淚不輕彈”
或許 我不是真男人

追劇  落淚
聽歌  落淚
靜思  落淚

之前 夜深人靜 會讓人沉思 容易傷感

但

今日  白天

我  聽著歌

突然

臉

濕濕的

Emcee & Brother (Xiong Di) - Updates

It has been a long time since I last posted something in this personal blog and I guess it is time to update myself on this! haha. I do not remember off my mind the number of times I have been, thus I decided to do myself a favour to write it down. Time to go through my photos and stuff to keep track! haha

*****

Emcee

2010

- Han Keong & Cuiling (Mandarin)

2011

- Guan Jie & Wendy (English)

2012

- Chen Siang & Huiting (English)

- Wilson & Stephie (English)

2013

- Swee Kiat & Gwen (Mandarin)

- Belfred & Jiahui (Mandarin)

- Liquan & Shiling (Mandarin)

- Mun Whye & Yu Zhen (Bilingual)

2014

- Rick & Meixia (Bilingual)

- Bernard & Natalia (English) - 10th ! =)

- Derrick & Elynda (Mandarin)

- Eugene & Shujie (Mandarin)

2015
- Jingda & Angel (Mandarin)
- Ian & Esther (Bilingual)

2017
- Boon Chay & Siew Choo (Mandarin)
- Chang Yong & Elaine (Mandarin)
- Weiqiang & Sieu Tee (English)

SEVENTEEN times as an emcee and I have indeed matured a lot. Though not professional enough, I am very happy with my recent show for CY & Elaine. An impromptu session that wasn't my forte and thankfully I have a partner whom make me confident and secured. I am so glad that she made me more comfortable on stage. Thank you, Lifen! You are really amazing!

This coming Saturday, I will also partner Hazel again for Qiang's wedding. I co-emceed with her 5 years ago for Siang's wedding and she will be my first co-emcee that I partner twice! Looking forward to the wedding lunch! haha

Brothers (or Sisters, haha)

2011

- Guan Jie & Wendy

2012

- Chen Siang & Huiting

2013

- John & Shannon

- Swee Kiat & Gwen (twice, in Malaysia & Singapore)

- Kok Hong & Yanning

- Hong Ching & Shirley
- Liquan & Shiling

2014
- Bernard & Natalia

2015

- Shengxin & Noelle

- Terence & Kristy  - 10th! =)
- Yongda & Aixuan
- Edward & Zhengjing

2016
- Jeremy Ho & Dharani Gopal (Helper)

2017
- Boon Hui & Aileen
- Dingze & Meiying

FIFTEEN (different couples) and that is if I did not miss out any of them! haha It is like Emcee job VS Brothers job! haha I guess the number should stop soon. But I am really thankful that these guys considered me close enough to task me with both jobs!

2-0-0

200 days challenge.

This will be the new challenge for myself... The challenge? Lose 10kg in 200 days. 

This was inspired by the 2011 Korean Drama, Dream High! Kim Pil-sook (IU) took the challenge and successfully slimed down, shedding 30kg in 200 days. I know this is actually a drama, and it can be not that realistic. That is why I give myself a more realistic target. If I am able to shed more kilos, why not? Right?

I have been gaining weights and getting more lethargic recently. I think it is time to put a stop to it. Since I reduced my marathon runs, I should restart my usual runs and do some skipping. From the show, one of the exercise IU's character did was skipping. I will resume this skipping daily and aim to do at least 30 minutes daily. I am sure this will be a good start!

Meal wise, it will be the usual saying... "Have breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince, Dinner like a Pauper." Not sure if it works, will try to reduce my intake as well. 

Jaronさん、頑張ってください！

Dating Myself

Me, Myself and I.

I decided to go on a date with myself since my afternoon appointment was cancelled. I only know it when I stepped out of my house! Anyway, I was pretty disappointed and unhappy as I definitely don't like people to "put aeroplane". But since I am someone that cool down easily when I am alone, I shall forgive that person! haha...

I am having thoughts to spend my time either in a cafe or McDonald's. McDonald's is selling the 'McDonald Food Icons' nanoblocks which I have gotten 3 so far. But at the end of the day, I decided not to continue the collections. The nanoblocks are not really nanoblocks since they are 'glued' together and we cannot assemble or disassemble ourselves. I read it somewhere that it is for the safety of the kids. But I feel that it is simple easier to manufacture. What is nanoblocks if you cannot assemble it? Moreover, the design of the McDonald's series are not that nice. If I wanted, I will probably get the China imitation Loz series from Carrousell.

Anyway, I decided to visit a cafe near my office instead. Spending the afternoon in the cafe, thinking if I should return to blogging or food blogging. Okay, at least by posting this post, it is a good start... right? haha. Let me ponder for a while on the decision.

It is nice to sit in a quiet cafe and do some blogging. I do miss the time actually. I have been too busy in working and spending my time in many areas but not really focused. For the past few months, I am more focused on my work. I didn't travel as much as I wished to, sing as much as I wanted to, exercise as much as I hoped to... and slim down as much as I wished to....! haha.

Time for more #metime before I meet up with my friend for the movie "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice". Ciaoz.

Emcee & Brother (Xiong Di)

It is 2015 and after receiving some offers to be emcee (Yes! Again!), I thought I should log down somewhere the number of times I were an emcee and/or Xiong Di (brothers), so I guess I shall update here so that I have something to keep track with.

Emcee

2010

- Han Keong & Cuiling (Mandarin)

2011

- Guan Jie & Wendy (English)

2012

- Chen Siang & Huiting (English)

- Wilson & Stephie (English)

2013

- Swee Kiat & Gwen (Mandarin)

- Belfred & Jiahui (Mandarin)

- Liquan & Shiling (Mandarin)

- Mun Whye & Yu Zhen (Bilingual)

2014

- Rick & Meixia (Bilingual)

- Bernard & Natalia (English) - THE BIG 1 0 ! =)

- Derrick & Elynda (Mandarin)

- Eugene & Shujie (Mandarin)

2015
- Jingda & Angel
- Gwen's brother


12 times is quite a feat huh? For someone who has stage fright and shy! haha... And to think that I keep telling people I wanted to retire after the 10th! Life is always so unexpected huh? 

Brothers (or Sisters, haha)

2011

- Guan Jie & Wendy

2012

- Chen Siang & Huiting

2013

- John & Shannon

- Swee Kiat & Gwen (twice, in Malaysia & Singapore)

- Kok Hong & Yanning

- Hong Ching & Shirley
- Liquan & Shiling

2014
- Bernard & Natalia

2015

- Shengxin & Noelle

- Terence & Kristy
- Yongda's (coming soon)


Wow! I never expect that I was part of the Team Brothers for 10 times (Not counting twice for SK&Gwen wedding). Ok, let's see anymore getting married this year. haha That's the list for now. =)

再現

其實回到這裡並不是一件好事，因為我發現這裏最終還是我唯一可以施放的管道。
一旦心情無法沈澱，一旦不知所措，一旦需要發洩的時候，都會不禁地想到這裡。
所以回來，那會是好事呢？
最近感覺上又常常「病發」，似乎快要壓抑不了我心中的想法。

我何嘗不想當真正的自己，面對真正的自己。
但老實說，身不由己。

有時發現瞭解自己並非好事，心裡會很難受。
更加希望的是有人能比自己瞭解自己，比自己更能接受自己。
說到底，我也只不過是一個普通人。
而且比其他人更懦弱，更缺乏勇氣。

有時在想，我是什麼？
說好聽一點，我是變色龍。
在需要的時候，我可以配合別人的請求，要求，或想要的結果。
是一個配合度挺高的人。（其實我也不好搞！）
說難聽一點，我只是個戴著面具的爛人。
雖然不能說配合人完全會讓自己不愉快，但有時候不是真正的自己。
即使我配合度在怎麼高，我還是配合不了「他」

「他」 就是 另一個「我」。
一個 沒有任何人能摸得透的自己。
一個 不想被人看見的自己。
一個 希望不再出現的自己。
一個 常常無法壓抑的自己。
我是雙棲動物。

我希望「對的人」能快點出現。
我只是希望「他」看得見真正的我，引導我做回真正的自己，能接受另一個我。
當然，同時另一個我可以很自在的面對「他」罷了。

30年了，「他」在哪？

累了，睏了，拜了。

Busy Busy

I realised that it has been quite some time since I last blogged (in March), BUT i did not stop blogging actually. Since starting my food blog, I have been working hard on it and I think I should be happy with my results so far! 43,165 pageviews for the 132 posts since end of 2012. Not that I have been promoting a lot, those feedback I received from friends had keep me going. haha. I am such a amateur blogger, hence not expecting any fans! =D But if you happened to like my review, do help to share lar!~

Don't forget to check out my food blog!

Once a while, I also pop by my another blog, Cookies in Jar, to post things that I feel like sharing! As mentioned before, I think, I prefer to keep this blog more undercover as I have such a long history/past in the archives that does not seems to be good for too many people to read. Ok, its all those boring rants I had last time... and the quizzes that I did which no longer around...

Over the past few months, I saw a couple of friends turn into blogger too. Probably should do some mention them here... They are fellow (singlish) food blogger Edwin (Ho Jiak Bo?), the Candyman KY (Sweet Man Talking) and Travel & Food blogger Jacelyn (杰思琳 Travelogue & Foodie Adventures). Do check them out once awhile... (after checking my own blogs out! haha)

I have also been revamping the things I posted on my Instagram which is now more food-focused. Once awhile, I will post some cafe or travel photos. I am glad that there are a few pictures that are quite well received! (40+ likes!) I am easily contented. Of course, I will be happier with more likes! Well, let nature takes its own course...

I have yet to post any of my travel pictures from Myanmar, Perth and New Zealand (South Island). It takes a while for me to have the mood to post I guess... Things happened over the past few months, hence I have actually not been feeling too well, emotionally. But not to worry, its over for now. Probably will post it in another post! =)

Travelling around in camper-van in South Island

What other things have I done over the last couple of months... Hmmm

Oh, I was engaged in casual pre-wedding shoot for two couples (friends). Speaking of this, I have not edit the photos for their last shoot yet! Oops. Planned to get it done by this weekend as I will be meeting them over the weekend. Wanted to do it today, but ended up listening to the song and got the 'feel' to blog! haha... I am nervous about the outcome of the shoot but glad that one of the couple like what I did for them over the past two shoots. I have the last set of photos of them to process! I refrained myself from posting the photos before their wedding. But I guess its alright to post one, right? =)

Other than the photoshoot, I had also completed the #100HappyDays project. Will go into it with more details in my other post! =)

2nd Confession - Should I?

If you are wondering if I am thinking about confessing to someone I love, stop that thoughts! I am actually thinking if I should pen the Chinese lyrics to this song instead. (Though I have no idea if anyone had done it!) I love this song when I first heard it on Youtube.com. It has since been one of the most played song in my iPhone! =D

Today, I went to google about the lyrics and translation! Probably will do it when the mood is right! =) Feel like doing a cover to the song (in Mandarin, of course!) Should I do it? haha... Okay, in case you have not heard them before... here you go! =)

---

English Translation:

Today is a very important day
It’s the day when I give my second confession to one girl
I am going to find her once again
Will she accept my heart?
I feel good today for some reason

I threw away all my pride for this second confession
Though I have so much to say, I’ll keep it short
I will change and improve so from today and every day on
I want to have a great love like Gyon Woo and Jik Nyu

For you, I stay cooped up in my room, practicing my confession
I practice singing so I serenade you
Even if you fall, get up again, don’t worry, have courage
I write an awkward letter and buy a big bear doll

The times we used to love, those dream-like times
I can’t forget any of those times

All day, I only think of you, I stayed up all night again girl
My heart feels frustrated on this sleepless night

How are you? I guess you’re okay
Day by day, I am drenched with your memories so it’s hard
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears – my second confession

I want you back baby I swear it’s true
Won’t ever make you jealous, I’ll make them jealous of you
Come back to me, for eternity
And take a listen to my 2nd confession please

You and me, now we’re facing each other from across the street
What to do? It feels like my heart will explode
Someone please send my love through Cupid’s arrow to her, save me
Oh! It’s green light!

Can those times come back?
Will you be able to be with me again?
The restaurant on Garusu Street, breakfast at Nonhyun-dong
I want to taste that alleyway kiss once more

All the hard times are all days I regret the more time passes
I want to turn back all of those days

All day, I only think of you, I stayed up all night again girl
How about you? I want to go back to you

How are you? I guess you’re okay
Day by day, I am drenched with your memories so it’s hard
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears – my second confession

I’m not afraid of other people’s eyes – second confession
A serenade for you – second confession

Throwing away my pride to ask you to come back
I’ll be your shoulder strap and you can be my backpack

I want to go back to those times but why don’t you know my heart?
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears

How are you? I guess you’re okay
Day by day, I am drenched with your memories so it’s hard
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears – my second confession

---

Romanized: (with individual parts)

[Minhyuk] Oneureun goengjanghi jungyohan narimnida
Han yeojaege dubeonjjae gobaegeul haneun narigeodeunyo
Geunyeoege dasi chajagaryeo hamnida
Gwayeon geunyeoga je maeumeul badajulkkayo?
Oneureun waenji neukkimi joseumnida

[Ilhoon] Jajonsimdo da beorigo dubeonjjae gobaek
Hago sipeun mari manhado saengnyakhalge
Meotjige na byeonhalge oneulbuteo dasi maeil
Gyeonuwa jingnyeocheoreom meotjin sarangeul haebollae

[Minhyuk] Neol wihae bang aneseo teureobakhyeo gobaek yeonseup
Neomaneul wihan serenade noraedo yeonseup
Neomeojyeodo dasi ireona geokjeonghajima yonggireul naeja
Seotunpyeonjireul sseugo keodaran gominhyeong gonggeup

[Eunkwang] Uriga saranghaetdeon sigando geutorok kkumgyeol gatdeon sigando
Modu jeonbu da ijeul suga eomneunde

[Changseob] All day neoman saenggakhae eojedo bameul sewonne girl
Gaseumi dapdaphae jammosiruneun bame

[Sungjae] Eotteongayo geudaen gwaenchannna bwayo haruharu geuttae chueoge jeojeo himi deuneyo
[Hyunshik] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo dubeonjjae naui gobaeg

[Peniel] I want you back baby i swear it’s true
Won’t ever make you jealous, i’ll make them jealous of you
Come back to me, for eternity
And take a listen to my 2nd confession please

[Minhyuk] Neowa nan ije sinho hanareul kkigoseo maju bwa
Eojjeona simjangi teojyeo beoril geotman gata
Nuga geunyeoege naesarangeul kyupiteuui hwasareul nallyeojwo nal sallyeojwo
Eorat? Chorokburida!

[Ilhoon] Dora ol su isseulkka geuttaega dasi nawa hamkke hal su isseulkka geudaega dasi
Garosu gil bapjip nonhyeondongui achim
Dasi han beon mat bogo sipeun golmokgireseoui kiseu

[Changseob] Yeojikkeot himgyeowotdeon sigandeul galsurok huhoeppunin nanaldeul
Modu jeonbu da doedolligo sipeunde

[Eunkwang] All day neoman saenggakhae eojedo bameul sewonne girl
Geudaeneun eotteonji doragago sipeunde

[Sungjae] Eotteongayo geudaen gwaenchannna bwayo haruharu geuttae chueoge jeojeo himi deuneyo
[Hyunshik] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo du beonjjae naui gobaek

[Minhyuk] Namdeurui siseoni duryeopjin anha du beonjjae gobaek
Geudaereul wihan serenade du beonjjaegobaek

[Peniel] Throwing away my pride to ask you to come back
I’ll be your shoulder strap and you can be my backpack

[Changseob] Geuttaero dasi doragago sipeunde geudaeneun wae oh wae nae mam mollajunayo
[Eunkwang] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo oh

[Sungjae] Eotteongayo geudaen gwaenchannna bwayo haruharu geuttae chueoge jeojeo himi deuneyo
[Hyunshik] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon
[Hyunshik/Eunkwang] Nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo du beonjjae naui gobaeg

Translation Credits: pop!gasa
Romanizations by: kpoplyrics.net

开心食验室 Food Laboratory: Pebbles Cookies

I finally perfected the cookies recipe that is well loved by my friends! Though it is not so much of egg taste as I used to love. But the butter cookie using creaming method is still very well received and tasty! I decided to post this here in case I forget the recipe! For those who see this, enjoy! haha

---

Pebbles Cookies

250g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
100g icing sugar
150g butter
2 tablespoons of beaten egg
1/2 - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Method

1. Sift plain flour and baking powder.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and creamy.
3. Add gradually the beaten egg and vanilla essence.
4. Fold in the sifted flour and mix well until the mixture is smooth.
5. Make the mixture into small pebbles shape.
6. Bake in the middle shelf of the oven at 150 degrees for 10minutes or till light brown.

Guitar Chords for 那英 夢醒了

I found this Guitar chords over the net for Na Ying's (那英) classic "夢醒了" and wanted to try on Ukelele. But not today! haha... The key for this song might be too high for me so I actually looking for the other version sang by the composer.

Hopefully can find and learn to 自弹自唱! haha...

---

C_____________Dm____________F_____________G__
我想起你描述夢想天堂的樣子　手指著遠方畫出一棟一棟房子
C___________Dm__________F______________G__
你傻笑的表情又那麼誠實　_所有的信任是從那一刻開始
C_____________Dm___________F______________G_
你給我一個到那片天空的地址　只因為太高摔得我血流不止
C_____________Dm___________F______________G__
帶著傷口回到當初背叛的城市　唯一收容我的卻是自己的影子
F____________Am_______F____________G____F____________Am__
想跟著你一輩子　至少這樣的世界沒有現實　想賴著你一輩子
____F_____________G
做你感情裡最後一個天使
____C____________Em_____F___________G__
如果夢醒時還在一起　請容許我們相依為命
____Am____________Em____________F___________G__
絢爛也許一時　平淡走完一世　是我選擇你這樣的男子
____C____________Em_____F__________G__
就怕夢醒時已分兩地　誰也挽不回這場分離
____Am____________Em____________F_____________G_____C
愛恨可以不分　責任可以不問　天亮了　我還是不是你的女人

Cookies in Jar

As mentioned on my 20th February post, "Personalised Your Social Greeting Card", I created a new blog to share my views on articles, movies or other stuff. Food sharing will remains in my food blog, Critic's Critic, while personal views will remain here.

Reason? I am not confident to go too open and afraid my past being dug out! Alright, that is if anyone is interested lar... haha

March started off with Eason's concert in Singapore and I am still unhappy with SportsHub's greediness for increasing booking fee from $3 to $4 and additional if we wanted to print out ticket. Bullshit! Anyway, Eason's concert is enjoyable despite me not knowing Cantonese well. I need to rely on the subtitles (when there is) for the songs he is singing... I like his voice and how his dancers (or actors, according to him) performed that night. This resulted in me post this on my Facebook... :)

Honestly, I am impressed and took me awhile what I wanted to say within a short few sentences. I do not want to go on and on describing the whole show!

Anyway, I also ended my Ukelele lessons with Replugged Music on that day. I am interested in the Advance course but time is the main issue for me to commit to any new lesson plans. Hence, I decided to KIV the plan and maybe practise more by myself first. =) No point going with my friend if she could not help me much when I am not around. Yes, I am still upset! haha.

爱 L O V E @ 2014 (II)

Updates: More pink bomb has arrived (or arriving) at my doorstep!

I went to 14 (YES! FOURTEEN) last year... and this year... it seems like I did not have much time to rest! My pocket too!

Nevertheless, they are happy occasion and one should not be unhappy with it. Even though I am pretty envy (or even jealous at times, haha) but I never feel to have bad feeling or detest weddings. If we could not be fortunate to find the right one for ourselves, shouldn't we bless the rest and share their joy?

I withdraw to become 'brothers' (for one of the wedding) not because I don't want to be part of it. I respect that wedding 'brothers' and 'sisters' are chosen based on their closeness to the couple and I am honoured to be part of it. Therefore, I understand the situation when there are better candidates to be part of the team than me, myself. I don't want to put anyone in difficult situation.

Anyway, I will still be helping out in other ways of that wedding.

Here are the updated 2014 list:

Attended:
4th Jan : Fareed & Zahirah

Coming Up:
23rd Mar: Rick & Meixia - Emcee
10 May: Yuan Bin & Shiau Yinn
7th June: Joel's (JB)
7th Sept: Guoxin & Quinn
7th Sept: Bernard & Natalia - Emcee
27th Sept: Derek & Elynda
5th Oct: Jeremy's
25th Oct: Tina's (Taiwan)
23rd Nov: Keith & Regina [solemnization's photos]
December: Jesmine (JB) - not confirm if going/invited

And I will be the emcees for two of the 11 weddings above! I have been emcee for 8 times already... so I am looking forward to hit the number 10 (after missing out on a few of them)! FINALLY!

I am the emcee for the following past weddings (for my own records!):

(1) Han Keong's (Mandarin), 2010
(2) Guan Jie's (English), 2011
(3) Chen Siang's (English), 2012
(4) Wilson's (English), 2012
(5) Gwen & Sky's (Mandarin), 2013
(6) Jiahui & Bel's (Mandarin), 2013
(7) Liquan & Shiling (Mandarin), 2013
(8) Mun Whye (English/Mandarin), 2013

Personalised Your Social Greeting Card

Making an DIY card is often something very special, personal and unique.

Imagine all those personalised 'Thank You' speech in the cards'. Awww... I always make it a point to keep those hand-written cards or personalised cards in a safe place!

But I think it is not easy for people to squeeze out their precious time in designing and making or printing self-designed cards nowadays. Imagine I need to make so many invitation/thank-you cards at one go. But I came upon a greeting card company, The Card Room, that actually offer personalise greetings and signoffs on their cards! Cool huh?

Moreover, there's a 10% off for their Social Greeting Cards! The promotion ends on 28 Feb!

I managed to get in contact with The Card Room and find out how to go about ordering...

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Here are the few steps to get your very own SOCIAL GREETING cards:

Step 1: Select the design. (Check out their design here.)

Many designs available. But I love this most!

Step 2: Prepare the personalised pen-off note/quote.

Step 3: Decide on the Quantity needed.

Step 4: Email the above information to info@thecardroom.com.sg

Available in single card or folded card.

From there, they will send you the draft and the cards will be in production within one week after confirmation from you. The cards will be delivered by post, so don't forget to state the postal address!

Isn't that simple? 

Follow The Card Room latest promotion and news on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

p/s: This post was posted to "Cookies in Jar" - My new blog!

Perth Series: Wine & Liquor

I AM BACK!

Yes, I am back from my trip to Perth, Australia!

It did not go smoothly but the minor hiccups did not dampen our mood and we had lots of fun.

Lots of damage, in fact. It is definitely one of the most relax and enjoyment trip.

I decided to break the trip and comments into a few parts, namely "Wine & Liquer", "Fun & Activites", "Food Food Food". Will see if I can come up with more parts! =D

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Wine & Liquer

We traveled down to Margaret River for what they are famous for... Wineries. Overlooking the Google map and you can see the number of wineries popping up everywhere! I think we were spoiled for options. We practically checked online and offline (Lonely Planet) for prices, tours, tasting etc.

In the end, we selected Leeuwin Estate for their tour. Unfortunately, we missed the last tour timing by 15 minutes. No more tour but we are glad they still provide us some of their collections for tasting. The lady serving us (forgotten her name!) spent time explaining what each wine is about and what she likes too. We managed to taste from the white wines to the red wines.

Leeuwin Estate was said to be one of the five founding wineries of the famed Margaret River district of Western Austrailia (Source). We actually fortunate to slip through to their vineyard to take some photos. I wonder how big is the area under Leeuwin Estate as we only seen a small area before looking at the exit. They offer a few labels like 'Art Series', 'Prelude Vineyards' and 'Siblings'. They even have an distributor in Singapore, but not all wines are being brought to Singapore. Siblings Shiraz is one among the few that are not available in Singapore.

A short 2-minute clip on Leeuwin Estate

Among the wines I tasted, I like the strong berry fragrance of  Siblings Shiraz and Art Series Shiraz. Though the taste is not what I always love, Art Series Shiraz tasted closer. After a second tasting of the two, I decided to get it. It cost me AUD36.50. My friend opt for the former as it is unique and not available in Singapore!

2011 Art Series Shiraz

In case you have not noticed, Art Series actually feature artwork of Australia's contemporary artist like, Tjunkaya Tapaya.

Apart from Leeuwin Estate, I also get two Chocolate Liquor from a place that I will never thought of alcohol. When we visited The Margaret River Chocolate Company, we are expecting chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates. Yes, there are actually lots of good quality chocolates around. But after having coffee and cakes there, we were handed a chocolate liquor tasting coupon. It happens that, apart from the three chocolate stores, they have a sister company, Providore, offering liquor and wines.

Margaret River Chocolate Company & Providore combine to offer wine & chocolate tastings

Hence, we went over on another day and we fell in love with the unique dessert style chocolate liquor. There are four flavour under 'Sambarino' label.

After Dinner Mint & Original Chocolate Liquor

Sambarino Original: This one brings out the chocolate lover in every adult. Tastes perfect on it’s own or with warm milk as a delicious night cap. The chocolaty taste is definitely something chocolate-lover will fall for.

Sambarino Hazelnut Mousse: This nutty twist on chocolate is perfect added to hot chocolate or drizzled over homemade cakes.The hazelnut taste doesn't goes well for me here. It taste a little too sweet.

Sambarino Macchiato: With dark chocolate and coffee who can go wrong? Fulfill all your cravings in one go with this perfectly married indulgence. Like Hazelnut Mousse, Macchiato tasted a faint coffee but too sweet. But it might turn out well if we mixed it with some milk.

Sambarino After Dinner Mint: This is the perfect way to end an evening. Reminiscent of the after dinner mints of our childhood. Enjoy straight over ice or on vanilla ice cream. The mint aftertaste is something I like but I will love it more if I pair it up with something else, like the suggested ice cream.

What did I get in the end? No prize for guessing the answer right since it is pretty obvious, isn't it? I got the Original and After Dinner Mint. They are likely to be part of my dessert experiment in the near future. Too bad I couldn't afford the other products that Providore is offering. Do visit them when you are in Margaret River! Free tasting for most of their products is available!


Back in Singapore, I couldn't help but went into the DFS shop to see any exciting Absolut Vodka. Unfortunately, unlike Perth Airport that offering a Skull Shaped Vodka for AUD60+, there is nothing special in Singapore. In the end, I went for my usual Baileys.

The only thing that is different is that I never tried the Biscotti Flavour (SGD26.10) before. I can't help myself but got another bottle though I had one unopened at home. I have not started my experiments using Baileys as my ingredient yet and I found they have recipes on their website! Can't wait to kick start!

I also got myself a dessert wine, Rosemount Estate's 2012 Moscato Ruby (SGD31) without knowing that this is from Australia also! haha... Do you know that you can now buy unlimited number of selected wines in DFS store in Singapore? I did not know until the cashier told me that! haha.

2012 Moscato Ruby

I also decided to go for a small Italian Bottega Gold (SGD11) to give it a try. Anyone tried this before?

Bottega Gold

Okay the last wine here are not what I got during the trip or what I bought. This one is actually from one of the hampers my company received. I decided to post this before I forget that I tried this before and I actually like it! The red wine is smooth and slightly sweet. This is a small bottle though.

Enough said. You can see how much I spent on wine during this trip! haha!

Day 1 at Perth

Patience tested. Haha. We waited nearly an hour just to get our Vodafone nano SIM card at AUD29 (starter kit with 3G data)! The service lady was nice and under pressure as she need to get 21 cards from a tour group done! We seriously think that the group do not need 21 and they can simply have one for a few of them!

This resulted in us reaching Green House late and they are closing soon. Haiz. Ended up in McDonald's Hay Street! Haha but they are so expensive... AUD10 for one upsized meal! (They called it 'Go Large'.)

Now resting at a beautiful homestay with warm host. Felt bad for arriving late and yet welcomed us with a smile... We disturbed her sleep, i'm sure! 

Time to rest before another long day to... Margaret River.

Chingay 2014

I first participated Chingay in 2011.

In 2013, I got my free ticket from a performer in Chingay 2013. Hence, I went alone. (I am still trying to find out whether I did take any picture! haha)

This year marks the 42nd year of the annual event, I am happy to be able to see the Parade 1 on 7 February 2014, all thanks to my friend. He was one of the helper in the parade. Guess this is a reward for being such a wonderful friend? XD.

This year was "the Most Colourful and Grandest Chingay ever"! I couldn't agree more. There are 8,000 multi-ethnic performers, World Longest and Largest 360-metre beautiful batik art, 4-metre tall Giant Artistic Puppets contingent, First Time Ge Tai in Chingay, 700-children ballet performance, First-of-its-kind outdoor community drama, Exotic groups from various countries such as Italy, Korea, Philippines and China and Grandest Finale by 3,000 performers presenting 720-metre long of colourful hand knitted tapestries. Okay, all are quoted from the website, but they are all true. I can feel it since I am there personally. I also uploaded snips of the event on Instagram, click here to take a look!

Not all but most of the floats and the performances are great! Babes and hunks (half naked on NUS's Magic Playground) on the float simply make the float more eye-catching! haha. I remember I did vote for 2013 but not sure who won. This year, the voting contest is back for the two categories, Most Popular Chingay Contingent and  Most Popular Chingay Float.

The only thing I love from this year's goodie bag (or fun pack) is... the ONE PEOPLE scarf. Really nice... I would prefer the word SINGAPORE though! haha... Okay, I am patriotic. I am proud to be Singaporean! haha...  Anyway, I hope I got a chance to participate in next year's Chingay.

Probably I will ask my friend to let me join PAYM too! Looks fun!

p/s: will upload photos soon!

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History of Chingay

Vibrant floats, dancing dragons, prancing lions, stilt walkers, wushu master, performers of different races in their traditional costumes and many, many more...

This National Event is also the largest street performance and float parade in Asia. From the main parade site to the heartlands, this street extravaganza epitomises the dynamism of Singapore's vibrant and multicultural society.

The word Chingay is equivalent to the Mandarin zhuang yi (妆艺), which means "the art of costume and masquerade" in the Hokkien dialect.

The First Formal Chingay Parade in Singapore was mooted by the then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who was also the chairman of the People's Association (PA). Chingay, with all its noise and gaiety, would compensate for the ban on firecrackers, a customary New Year practice to drive away evil spirits.

For its first street parade on 4 February 1973, the PA teamed up with the Singapore National Pugilistic Federation for a grand show in the Year of the Ox, depicting aspects of Chinese culture – dragon and lion dances, martial arts and street opera.

So well received was the first Chingay Parade that the PA made it an annual festival. It celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012.

Chingay took on a multicultural flavour from 1976.

Today, Chingay has become a uniquely Singaporean Lunar New Year tradition, held during the first weekend of the Lunar New Year. This yearly street parade is now a national festival, celebrated by Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians alike.

In 1987, Chingay featured its first foreign group when the city's main English newspaper, The Straits Times, sponsored four pop singers from Tokyo. Since then, this signature event had extended invitations to international artistes and troupes.

Indeed, for the scores of spectators, the Chingay Parade could well be a treasured glimpse into the different cultures of Singapore and the world. Here age, race, language and creed are no barriers. Here, we celebrate together as one.

(Source: Chingay.org.sg)

Changing Mind, Changing Life

Time for a change, might be a good thing...

Days after the arrival of Lunar New Year, I am facing the first issue. When there are more than one, there are bound to have some issues and different opinion. But I decided to approach it with an open-mind. There is no use arguing or fighting for what I believe in. Maybe the next time, I will do it alone. High chance. =D

I was expecting to control my budget for my trip yet my traveling mate think it will be 'well spent'. I wonder. Not that I am against the activities, I am just not very comfortable at the rate we will be spending. Due to the activities, the trip from a relax trip, now become a 'very fulfilling' trip! haha. Now we will be facing a challenge of re-adjusting our schedule to fit in all the activities. I have no choice but to remove some activity but yet my mate think that I should not give up. Let's see how things will turn out then. =x

Changing my mindset and accepting any ideas are part of the new tasks for me. I tends to turn down idea which I feel not feasible, but now, I decided to give others a chance to prove me wrong. It will open up to more ideas and plan. Right? =)