Ugly Singapore

Singapore may be a safe and green country that many can be proud of, unfortunately, this is not what Singapore is all about. We may get to see all the beautiful side of Singapore, there are more beneath the beautiful crust.

No, I am not trying to criticise Singapore or even "un-promote" the Lion City. I was in fact pretty sad and disappointed to see, with my own eyes, how bad the working adults behaves during the peak hour. They are mostly educated earning high pay in the Central Business District (CBD) area. How bad it is? Let's just say that the morning peak hour to work is more tedious than the evening peak hour when we are going home.

With all the Singapore Kindness Movement projects and advertisements going on, I am very sure that every one can and has a part to play. Will it kill by just slow down your movement a little and let the crowd in front of you to clear first? Will your world be affected if you delay for, say, 5minutes? Let's be honest, the crowd are going the direction with you, so I am sure you can get to your place and they are not really obstructing you. Maybe, they just delay your time to your destination.

Singapore will be a much better place to work in if everyone be less selfish. Don't 'guard' your place without moving in the train. Its all about Karma, what goes around comes around. Want people to treat you well and not obstruct you? Treat people the way you wanted to be treated first. Stop being self-centered. There are times when we are not noticing it that we are blocking people. If that is the case, we can spend a little bit of time looking at how we behave? I am sure we all wanted to be in a smooth and efficient life.

Let's work hard together, Singapore!

$ING DOLLAR

Before Sunday, i wondered if i would be disappointed. I waited anxiously for the day to come. My first musical in Esplanade. My first musical since Secondary School days. Will it be a flop? Will it worth the money? But looking at the list of theatre casts, deep within my heart, i was expecting a great show ahead.

On Sunday, i was treated with an awesome show. Never did it let me down right from the beginning till the very end. I laughed, I tear, I was touched. Kudos to the eight greats - Lim Kay Siu, Sebastian Tan, Hossan Leong, Selena Tan, Emma Yong, Pam Oei, Kumar & Najip Ali. Lim Kay Siu may seems to be outshone by the other seven casts, his existence added colours to the show. Sebastian's voice wowed me since i last heard him in the national song 'Will You'. i was surprised to find out that he was the singer for the theme song for 'Price of Peace' (Ch 8 TV Drama). Dim Sum Dollies, Selena, Emma & Pam, was simply great as well. They started out as the three 'Lui' (Hokkien for Money) before transforming into Tiger Auntie, Chinese Prostitute & Philipino Maid/Prostitute respectively. I simply love their accent. They are hilarious.

Kumar, the Bangladeshi worker, was simply acting naturally, communicating with the audience and adding a new dimension to the show, Najip Ali, as Macik, was the first to touch my heart with his Malay rendition of "Keeping It Clean". But yet his small segment ended with laughter over his new-age dance move. Simply great. Did i miss out anyone? Oh yeah, Mr Hossan Leong. Hossan Leong was simply being himself, right from the beginning. I was like "hmm... ok, that is so Hossan". But he received one of the loudest applause when he impersonate Michael Jackson.

He re-acted the classic scene of Michael Jackson's Triller and dance moves. He was joined by the other guys who acted as the well-known criminals with financial fraud in Singapore. Together, they dance and sing. Its like a small tribute to Michael Jackson. Initially, i was laughing and impressed by the idea and the various characters. But soon, i found myself in tears. When i saw the scene of the 5 guys dancing to the song 'White Collar Criminal', i couldn't help but think that it was great to see so many talented artistes sharing the same stage. I even thought this will be the greatest National Day performance compared to NDP parade shows over the years. Its a show that speaks truely Singaporean language... reflects truly Singapore culture... this is home... TRULY...

Get your tix @ Sistic.com

It definitely worth the price tag. I will consider going back to the broadway if time, schedules permits... Especially if such a powerful casts were put together again...

LOUSY SERVICE: Emicakes & Famous Amos

Singapore want to be a great tourism Hub? Its going to be a tough transition. We have to start from heartland. I went to 3 shops today, none meet my basic expectations from service line. Alright, maybe being in service line myself years ago, i am expecting something. But am i asking for a lot? I don't think so.

Smiles, Attention, Politeness. This are 3 basic requirement from service sector workers. Let's talk about Famous Amos first. The lady at the counter have the 'you-owe-me-a-life' face. i will not even think about patronizing this store if i see this kind of face. Honestly, this was the 2nd time i went there. Not for me, but for my sister. Last year, same thing happens and it is from a different person, mind you. We suppose to get the cookie at 12pm. We went and they don't even know where they put the cookie. When you expect them to find it, guess what, they did not do it at all.

The lady cashier did not even come and apologize, it was another guy who came and apologize, requesting us to return in 1/2h time. That lady cashier show the attitude to ALL customers. When we return to collect the cookie, her face is still the same. If i know the person name, i would lodge a complain to the office le.


Famous Amos's Cookie
(wordings are different from purchase) Comics Connection
During the 1/2h, we went to Comics Connection to shop. When we ask for help, no help was offered but at least this guy politely say, "We do not kept any in the store." Then his attention immediately focus on another customer, who seems to be purchasing quite a lot. Then the cashier was very slow, offer no apology and no SMILE again. Lousy service, even if she is new, she should show some sense of urgency. She was like 'i-had-my-whole-life-doing-this' kind of attitude.

Emicakes
I have been eyeing on their mini-cakes for months. But due to the pricing, i was pondering about the idea. Today, i finally go and buy. Today, being the first, will definitely be my last time going there. I bought 4 mini-delights & 1 mini-oreo cheesecake. First the service, the whole store is serving one customer while letting others wait. 1 was writing a receipt, 1 was preparing the candles, 1 was hidden inside (don't know do what) while one is happily chit-chatting with the customer. I was waiting patiently, then one shock thing happens. This lady simply walked past me and talk to a indian lady customer and ask her what she want. I was standing there dumbfounded.

I don't blame this Indian lady, but i feel this is not the right attitude in service line. You make customer wait and then without offering any apology, cut away me and ask what another customer want. I swallow my anger and i did my purchase. So far, i ate 2. The Mini-oreo cheesecake, that taste like oreo-cream cake, and the Tiramisu, which have no alcohol taste but full of cream. Forget it, i am not going to buy from Famous Amos or Emicakes

Tiramisu Delight

Mini Oreo

Just for your information, i have not even start commenting on Swensen's & a saloon in Compass Point. One thing for sure, not all expensive things are good. At least, i am proud to say my cheesecake taste more like a cheesecake than the Emicakes and my service last time is way better than these stores. Uniquely Singapore? Ya, sure its unique enough. Tourism Hub? Dream on...