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? =)

爱 L O V E @ 2014

Its another year filling with LOVE.

After a hectic schedule of weddings in 2013, it is going to be another year of weddings. Thankfully, it should not be as many as last year. This year, I will be seeing two cousins tying their knot. It is a blessing to see people around me living blissfully, finding the right one, especially since I do not have the fate to meet 'the one'.

Reed & Zahirah

I thought I should blog a post before I started to forget what are the wedding this year. Anyway, I had already attended one! =)

Let's see...

Attended:
4th Jan : Fareed & Zahirah

Coming Up:
10 May : Yuan Bin & Shiau Yinn
7th Sept: Guoxin & Quinn
7th Sept: Bernard & Natalia
23rd Nov: Keith & Regina [solemnization's photos]
(TBC): Derek & Elynda

Jian Hua, my Ukelele instructor

My Ukelele instructor appeared on Singapore's national television channel, Mediacorp's OKTO.

Not a supporter of OKTO since I have passed that age, I saw the post on Replugged Music's FB page!

He performed the song "Over The Rainbow" which was also taught in class. I thought the version is closer to Matthew Morrison's album version. Anyway, it is nice to see your instructor on TV, right?

I wasn't a hardworking student of his but he is patient and clear in class. Hence, I do enjoy my lesson there. By the way, I finally can sing and play to the simple tune of "Last Christmas"! Super happy even if I am not perfect yet.

The homework from this lesson is the chorus of "Right Here Waiting", with a new style that was taught today. Hope I don't get rusty over the Lunar New Year~! =D


Click here for more photos

2014 Shopping

I am not someone who often shop for clothes but if I do, it can be quite a lot.

This year, I have bought 3 items (costing $200+) in a week and I have not even started shopping for new clothes! I guess I can safely say that 2 of the items are what I needed (more than wanted) while the other is a small mistake but its over now! haha. =D

I got myself a 504 Levis jeans at $94.50 (UP: $149.90), after trading in an old jeans and using member Jay Gee card. I often have doubts getting jeans from Dockers, Levis or Lee as their cutting at the thigh are usually tighter. So I can consider this is a little different from my usual ones. I tried on and the material is comfy. Let's hope it last for years then I will not feel so much pain! haha. I usually shopped at Giodarno or Bossini for jeans.

I also bought a backpack and a jacket at Adidias. Both items are with a 40% discount! Isn't that cool??! I took a while to decided on the backpack... yes I took a long while... pondering... but glad I made the decision - BP Active 2 at $65.40 (UP: $109) The colours of the bag & jacket are similar... haha...

Simple but super nice backpack with a laptop slot!

Apart from the bags, I also shortlisted 2 jackets, while trying one that I know I will never get. haha. The 'rejected' jacket is more of my friend's style. I tried, and confirm it doesn't suit me well!

The 'rejected' one

The shortlisted black one looks cool on me and I like the yellow/white stripes. There is another classic design with black/white stripes. The green one does look similar to the one I wanted to replaced.

Shortlisted Jacket #1 & #2

While I am sharing and asking my friend for advice... I saw this baseball-style (below) which I find it nice and unique... So I ended up getting this. haha! It has similiar colours and I like the collar.

FLEECE VSTY at $83.40 (UP: $139)

So I guess it is time to say goodbye to the one that serve me so many years! 

Goodbye, my friend...

I am everywhere, almost

I just created an 500px.com account. A photography sharing website.

Then, I realised I have an account in Wix.com. It is rather empty though, which I think I may find it a hassle to create one (in 2010). But with Facebook page easily created and maintained (although less flexibility), there is little reason for me to maintain it. But I did edit the names and used JarWee Photography instead, so that I can easily identify if the account is mine. =)

500px.com is quite an amazing website! Really! If you take a look at my Favourites, you will get to see an amazing Russian photographer, Elena Shumilova. I love the composition, the story each photo tells, the moment of capture, the kids expression etc. I can go on and on...! haha... Now I am again inspired to work on my photography! =D

Here are the list of websites that I have an account in (there might be more!):

1. 500px.com
2. Blogger.com (Food / Travel)
3. Instagram
4. Facebook.com
5. Flickr.com
6. Tumblr.com
7. Twitter.com
8. Weibo.com
9. Wix.com

JEUNESSE® - RESERVE™

Source: http://jarwee.jeunesseglobal.com

Recently, I went to a health (and business) talk and was introduced to 2 main products. Yes, the first product is what I blogged earlier today, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum. This is the second one. To be honest, despite the logical business model initially, I had been quite sceptical about the MLM business structure that was introduced at the later stage. Hence, I decided to focus on the product itself. =)

I was given to test a package of Reserve by my friend. What's better than testing the product yourself. Anyway, since its a 'free sample' (paid by my friend), I decided to test and taste. It tasted like some berry juice and it may taste a little sweet if you had it early in the morning. We were told to drink it before we brush our teeth as our body are 'hungry' and will be in the best state to absorb all the nutritious ingredients and nutrients in the drink. This is also likely because I do not have the habit of having a fruit juice early in the morning.

Reserve is said to have help quite a number of people on their health conditions and balance what their body needed. Some reduced their blood pressure, sugar level, while others recover from white hair and showing signs of black hair at the root, near the scalp. Since my friend's dad is one of the example and the price is ok per pack (if I used member price), I decided to give it a try for a month and monitor my health condition.

Being a Chinese, this year is not that good for those who born in the year of Rat (Chinese Zodiac). It might be good for me to take extra care of my body. If it is good, I do not mind sharing with friends who needed them. Those who know me well enough will know that I have white hairs, so if it can really turn white hair black after a while, I will be a good testament for the product, isn't it? =D Oh for my own monitoring purposes, I started drinking yesterday (12th Jan '14).

Anyway, in case any reader passes by and wanted to look at some explanation, feel free to take a look at these clips or google it (use scholar.google.com for scientific papers).





Note: Below product information is extracted from JEUNESSE® product website.

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RESERVE™

With a botanical blend of antioxidants that super-charge your internal systems, RESERVE™ is a naturally sweet supplement bursting with exotic fruit juices. It contains a host of powerful ingredients that repair free radical damage and protect cells against future harm. Your cells stay healthier, live longer, and leave you looking and feeling great.

Formulated to provide you with all the protection you need, this delicious and nutritious gel will infuse your body with youthful vitality and a feeling of overall good health. RESERVE’S™ superstar ingredient, resveratrol, is accompanied by a supporting cast of other powerful antioxidants like açai, pomegranate, blueberry, dark sweet cherry, aloe vera, grapeseed, and green tea. This incredible supplement will jump-start your day.

BENEFITS

• Antioxidants resist oxidative stress and premature aging
• Anthocyanins support healthy cardiovascular function
• Essential fatty acids assist in digestive tract function
• Reinforces a healthy immune system
• Helps maintain a healthy metabolism
• Helps boost energy
• Supports healthy joint function
• Positive cap-e test results indicate that RESERVE™ penetrates and protects live cells from oxidative damage*

INGREDIENTS'

• Water
• Dark Sweet Cherry Juice Concentrate (Prunus Campanulata)
• Blueberry Juice Concentrate (Vaccinium)
• Concord Grape Juice Concentrate (Vitis Labrusca)
• Pomegranate Juice Concentrate (Punica Granatum)
• Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
• Resveratrol 
• Grapeseed Extract (Vitis Vinifera)
• Açai Extract (Euterpe Oleracea)
• Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis)
• Citric Acid, Natural Flavor
• Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
• Xanthan Gum
• Carboxy Methyl Cellulose.

For more information, check out the product here.

Check out other posts on my blog on Jeunesse products here.

LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum

Source: http://jarwee.jeunesseglobal.com

Scarring is always one of my major issue when I look into the mirror. Even though I may received positive comments about my looks (don't laugh!), I still feel insecure as my skin looks dull and ugly with the facial 'potholes'. Hence when I come upon this product, I decided to give it a try.

Dr. Nathan Newman is the innovator of Stem Cell Lift™ - cutting edge cosmetic surgery, without cutting. This stem cell technology allows the cells to rejuvenate and recover, naturally. If I am to explain, it may take hours and I may missed out many points too. Hence, I will recommend you google about the technology and products by yourself. Trust no one (especially salesman) but the scientific information. haha! I will go read up myself too!

For now, I started to use this product (since last night) and hopefully, I can be more hardworking in documenting the progress through my blog and so I can see the difference and share with those who are curious and wanted to see progress of a user, more than those 'Before-And-After ones.

Note: Below product information is extracted from JEUNESSE® product website.

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LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum

This silky serum has the highest percentage of growth factor complex possible to encourage cell renewal. Use it twice daily after cleansing and as a primer for the daily moisturizing complex or advanced night repair. Its corrective properties make this the most popular product in the LUMINESCE line.

Based on the latest available technology, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum makes a powerful debut as the first anti-aging product that supports your body’s natural ability to restore and rejuvenate the skin. Using an exclusive patent-pending formula derived from adult stem cells that contains over 200 key human growth factors and cellular messengers, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum gently transforms your skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look younger, healthier, and more radiant as this revolutionary serum helps you restore life to tired skin.

BENEFITS

• Helps even out discolored and blotchy skin tones
• Provides a youthful luminosity to the skin
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Refreshes collagen and elastin
• Helps maintain smooth skin texture
• Replenishes skin’s natural stores of proteins to sustain a youthful, firm appearance
• All natural, hypoallergenic, and paraben free

INGREDIENTS'

Adipose Derived Adult Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Purified Water, Glycerin, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, DL-Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Superoxide Dismutase, Sodium Hydroxide.

For more information, check out the product here.

Check out other posts on my blog on Jeunesse products here.

Lies & Betrayal

After watching "青春如期" on Youtube.com, I realised that I can totally feel for Xiao Hua's (小华). I am someone who values friendship a lot and the more I trusted someone, the more I am unable to accept lies and betrayal. I am sure everyone been through this, felt being betrayed by someone or simple keep hearing lies from someone.

Hence I know it take a lot of courage and determination to forgive and forget, and get back to your friends. Not the best directing skills or producing, the actors did a commendable job and the plot is interesting though predictable. It gets me thinking about how I should deal with things in that situation. It happened before, it will happen again. This is also what make me grown and no longer put my 100% trust on these people. They may just take you for granted, easily.