Activties During and After Christmas

Just after that Christmas Eve, I went to Clarke Quay once again on Christmas Day itself. This time I went there with Derek, Luvena and Fang Qi. Derek planned this outing for quite some time and finally we are out on Christmas Night. I met up with the gals in Tampines first as Derek was already at Marina Square waiting for us. He was with his parents when we arrived. We then helped Luvena find somewhere for her late lunch, which made us landed in a Japanese Restaurant situated in a corner.

Derek and Luvena distributed their gifts to us during that time when we were seated in that restaurant. Once again, I did not buy anything for them, Fang Qi too, and so we decided to treat them for that late lunch and dinner.

We went on to buy popcorns and drinks for our movie, Yes Man. It is quite an enjoyable movie which tells us not to decline everything in your life as there are so many things for us to discover in our life.

Next, we went on to choose our dinner spot and we met Derek's parents outside Dian Xiao Er, but since we needed to wait, we rejected dining in there and went to Kenny Rogers instead. After a heavy meal, Derek's parents and us went separate ways and we went to Clarke Quay on foot. Thanks to the River Tour that previous day, I was able to guide them to the destination from Marina Square. That Christmas Night was really less crowded compared to Christmas Eve's. Without going around the whole Clarke Quay, we went into a restaurant called The Tapre Tree. Still feeling reluctant, I'm the only one who did not order any alcoholic drinks. Earlier on, I said I will treat them for dinner, but since Derek's parents were eating with us, I did not pay for that meal... Derek did. And of course I did paid for my meal. And so, I promised to treat them drinks. We stayed there for quite some time as the atmosphere there is totally relaxing. So they ordered their second drinks while I didn't (Of course to save some money). We managed to catch the last bus service No.12 and then went home.

On Saturday, after my first interesting Japanese lesson, I went out with my mum, bro, aunt and my 2 little cousins to Vivocity as my brother promised to them a Haagen Dasz treat. However, my head began to ache throughout the whole outing. Sad. The another objective is for the girls to shop and there are so many stores having "End of Season" Sale, mostly up to 70% discount. It was really a total chaos that night. It was so tempting for me to buy clothes too. But I still try not to.





















I spent more money yesterday, it was a belated birthday celebration for Wei Tian, a friend whom I have known her since Primary One (Wow, it's been so long!!!). Pok Yen arranged Song Guan, Wei Tian and me to met him at Bugis. The reason being he wanted to introduce us to a restaurant he really likes. But before the meal which was only 4pm at that moment we met up, we went to take a walk around the mall. But we have no idea to go which shop to shop, "Anything" was that favourite word among us, so I took the initiative and... Before I could say the store I wanted to go, they cut in and said "KINOKUNIYA!!!" Wow, guess it is so easy to read my mind.

The long waited newest Kindaichi manga is finally on shelf! But I only saw one when the read the internet saying there are 2 volumes. I just carried on buying that volume anyway since there was a 20% discount storewide and that includes those items with nett price!!! Pok Yen thought that kind of promotion was totally insane, but what is not delight? In the end, we all bought at least one book with us.


The mystery restaurant Pok Yen bringing us to was actually Aji-Teh. What it actually serves that brings him go crazy is the Omurice. Song Guan did not order a main course as he had another appointment to attend, so he left after eating his dessert, while the rest of us indulge ourselves in the 3 different Omurices they have in the menu. We talked about a lot of things, one of which is the new shopping malls and those about to come out. There are the upgraded Jurong Point, New Kallang Leisure Park, Bugis Illumo, Tampines One and Orchard Ion. More shopping malls means more chaotic weekend zones. Haha.

As we are about to return to Tampines for a walk, I met Kelvin Chan and he met his another friend, about the same time. I guess it was a coincidental day for him. It's glad to see him doing good though.

When we reached Tampines Mall, we went the whole mall from up to bottom, Music Junction to Popular, where I bought another book there, then finally to FairPrice. It is surprising to others but, we enjoying hanging out at Supermarkets. Haha. We are feel quite odd to see the store has already put up Chinese New Year Deco, and it is a bit of shock to us as it is quite fast of us to change a Christmas mood to a CNY mood. When we were waiting for Pok Yen purchasing his stuff, I feel so weird when I don't have any topic to talk with Wei Tian . I feel so sad when I realised that even though we known each other for long... When we stepped out of the store, we saw Rifdi and Hui Fen. I did not know they back together again. Good for them!

Sigh, I'm losing more money in an incredible rate. I need to find a job quickly!!!

Christmas Eve is Chaos!

That day was a blast. Sze Yuan wanted to have lunch with us on that day. Since it was a special occasion that day, so we, Yi Sheng, Song Guan, Sze Yuan and I, decided to find a rather high-class restaurant for our lunch. We went Orchard to meet him. Again. It was around 2pm at that time, and the street was already packed with SO many people. We squeezed ourselves to Takashimaya. And I was rather surprised to see those restaurants in Takashimaya were already filled with people! Places like Crystal Jade Palace, Imperial Teochew Cuisine, etc were all full. Then, Sushi Buffet suddenly struck our mind and we were determined to have it for our lunch at that moment. We set off to find a Sakae Sushi branch in Orchard.

I led the gang to Paragon to find one. But there is none.
I led the gang back to Takashimaya again. But there is none.

We thought through all the shopping malls in the Orchard area. But we can't think of any that has a Sakae Sushi branch. So Song Guan suggested to go ask the staff in Sakae Teppanyaki at the Cineleisure, and we realised we have totally forgotten the existence of Wheelock Place. Feeling extremely hungry, we still walked all the way back and to Wheelock Place. However, there is a rather long queue over there... And there is NO buffet! But the website only stated on buffet on Public Holidays and or otherwise stated... So I presumed that day was the "otherwise stated" day. Sigh. In the end, we walked back to Wisma Atria for lunch at a restaurant called Whisk, which is famous for Pork Ribs. But none of us ordered that, I ordered Aglio Olio while the rest of them called forFish & Chips. Haha. What an afternoon.

Ok, that ended our Lunch Hunting Session. The Orchard Road became more chaotic after our lunch, so we quickly left the place and ended up at Clarke Quay. I have not been there for around 2 years since I always portray the place to be devilish. We emerged from the MRT station and I found myself at The Central. The last time I saw that building was still under renovation. Imagine how long I have not been there. After a short tour around the mall, we went to get tickets for the River Tour since we have planned to go for a ride. Proceed further down, we went to Liang Court which have totally changed too. There is a super nice supermarket, Singapore Meidi-Ya Supermarket which sells a whole lot of Japanese Imported Provisions. I became super excited to see so many Japanese Products, and began to love that place. The mall has a Japanese Restaurant under Ajisen called BOTEJYU Okonomiyaki. We also love the food there. Yup, we settled our dinner there. Sze Yuan and Song Guan also love a Cafe called Trung Nguyen Cafe which serves aromatic Vietnam Coffee. But we did not get the chance to try it. It was time for our River Tour.

It was a real bad time to ride on the boat that day as it was drizzling. Then again, it was another experience to see the city from another angle. I still enjoyed it.

We went on for the Clarke Quay Tour, on walking, that is. It was an eye-opener for me and Yi Sheng to see so many kinds for Pubs available over there. I was reluctant to go into any pubs for a drink, so we went back to The Central for another TCC session. However, there is another long queue there. And I finally gave in and I landed in IndoChine. Sze Yuan and Song Guan were having Martini and Cocktail respectively while Yi Sheng and I ordered Fruit Juices. Song Guan still wanted to try more after that cup, but in a different pub. Still feeling reluctant, I still agreed to it. They decided on The Clinic for their second. Initially, I thought we would not find a seat since the crowd in the Quay was getting larger, and I was wrong. They did find seats for us. Unwillingly, I sat there and feeling so uneasy while the 3 of them were enjoying or rather sucking from the "glucose pack" (Which is the idea of being called The Clinic and designed in a hospital theme).

As the clock continues to tick and tock, people were seen gathering around the central fountain. We were also issued with party pack which include a party hat and a couple of party whistles. When the clock was about to reach 12am, people starting to blow whistles and counting down during the last 10 seconds of 24 Dec. I joined in the fun of whistling. But I can't bring myself to their level of "high-ness" because it is just a Christmas Day. Probably the alcohol helped out in their "high-ness" too. We left a few minutes after 12 midnight, and we could see people spraying foams and dancing joyfully. Well, basically, I should say it is Chaos!!!

When we were about to go to our individual ways back home, Song Guan and Sze Yuan kept saying that it was their most "high" Christmas Night. But I told them it was not mine. Well, what am I thinking?

Advertising!

Yeah! I went to apply for Provisional Driving License (PDL) yesterday, and I will be having my first driving lesson in the afternoon the next day. Later, I met up with the Higher Mother Tongue Gang (I suppose I can give it that name). Jiunn Kai, Si Hui and I went to Sasha's working place at Far East Square located at Raffles Place. She is working in a small yet elegant Cupcake Shop. Jiunn Kai went there once and said their cupcakes are delicious. I really love it, and they use high-class ingredients and so the cakes are cost at a higher price.

Here the website:
http://www.onicupcakes.com/

We waited for her to close the shop before we went for dinner. It was my first time going to The Soup Spoon. Yes, that was our dinner spot. People who are looking for healthy diet, that will be your dining spot. It will be cheaper if you ordered the Set Meal which costs around $10. Oh my, I'm too sidetracked and was actually helping them advertising!

Sasha and Si Hui both prepared Christmas gifts separately for us. So sweet! But Jiunn Kai and I did not prepared anything and so we treated Sasha for dinner. However, Si Hui gave it to us after our dinner and so we did not treat her. I feel so bad. Sorry!

3 Appointments

What a Day. I had 3 appointments yesterday.

First, I had lunch with Alvin Liow, Russell, Jiunn Kai, Wilson and Yi Sheng at Cafe Cartel for a $9.50 nett set lunch. All of us called for the same set even though we had 2 choices. Nice seeing them again. As usual, Wilson is the latest to reach the meeting point. But we can't blame him since he always claims that he is busying with something more important. After the pleasant lunch, Wilson hurried away. Then we stood outside the cafe for another 30 minutes chat. We had so much to catch up. All of them wanted a trip to overseas, but I always hesitated when it comes to this kind of topic. Because I always think I cannot afford that kind of money and I know I can't depend my father for my pocket money during my University Days.

Next, I left with Yi Sheng to meet Sze Yuan and Song Guan for a movie at Cineleisure, once again (I don't mind since we can save using NETS!). We watched 海角七號 at Cathay. It was a nice movie, even though most characters used Hokkien in their dialogue, but they are not crude in their usage of that dialect as compared to how Singaporeans use it. But it was rather weird to see a movie to have Hokkien, Mandarin and Japanese. I must say it is quite successful. Pok Yen met us downstairs after our movie and we had our dinner at Botak Jones just across the building. Then, again, we went to TCC. This time not for drinks, but for dessert. We finally can have another bite on Ti-RUM-misu over at the outlet in Centrepoint. It's been such a long time we can get this dessert again since TCC has changed their menu and modified it into Devil-misu which is not as good as Ti-RUM-misu. Luckily, that old dessert is still available in their cakes menu.

We then took MRT back, but Pok Yen and me got off at Simei and he accompanied me to go for a walk around Eastpoint as I'm waiting for my third appointment at 10pm. How Sweet! He went off before Jiunn Kai came and meet me. Again, we went around the whole Eastpoint while waiting for Sasha and Si Hui. After they came, we walked to her house and had a long chat until 1.30am. I had a very nice day yesterday, catching up with old friends is so nice, especially talking about old days. Oh my, that sounds like we are so old, having to know each other for years.

Ok guys, waiting for your pictures!!!

The First 3D Experience

Yesterday I had an experience that is totally out of this world! I had my first time experience watching a movie in 3D! It is quite uncomfortable to wear a 3D glasses on top of my spectacles, or maybe they are encouraging the use of contact lens?

This movie is extremely cute. It is about this dog, Bolt which he thought that he was a superdog which in fact he was just an ordinary dog, acting for Hollywood. The movie is also action-packed! Only for the first 15 minutes when they are acting. Haha.

There are 2 morals to the story:
1. Pigeons are stupid.
2. Black Cats are evil

I encourage people to go try out for 3D movie. It is truly a total different experience when watching a movie. There are also several 3D advertisements before the show. There was one about the Hannah Montana Special 3D Concert Movie. You can actually feel as if you are watching a real concert!

Rating: 5/5!!!

Starting a Brand New Chapter.

Today marks the end of a chapter in my life. Now another chapter starts which will only lasts for 7 months. It is a chapter of my life before I step into the Life of a University Student.

I'm really glad that I have met a lot of friends in the Navy, and of course there will be people that you don't like wherever you go. But I'm still glad that I knew more good people than the bad ones. I can still remember that I cannot stand people who always like to break rules during the few months after my enlistment, especially during my training phase. That is the time when all of us get punished just because of one person breaking a rule. I just cannot understand why it is so hard to follow those rules and people are always there trying to break them. As time goes by, I have gotten used to it and understood the meaning of meeting different people in your life. And it was quite a good chance to learn how to behave and speak to such people.

Sometimes I really wondered that am I really destined to come into Navy, as I always struggle to pull that chin-up bar during BMT while I can pass my IPPT quite easily in Navy. I have also befriended with people that I don't think I will befriend with when I first met them. Life is damn unpredictable. Now I have a friend who always like to use vulgarities, and a friend who actually gave me a very bad impression when I first met him. (CSC guys can guess who these 2 people are). Having games console also does help you to get more friends. For me, having a Nintendo DS has actually brought me more friends. Fun is what you got during training. Things are getting more interesting after you passed out. Working with a whole bunch of regulars is something different. I think is something you get to see in the outside world too. Luckily, the people in the department I work in are nice people.

Anyway, during these free days, I have like been spending lots of lots of money. Oh Dear. Just Yesterday, I went out with Alvin Koh and his cousin Zhi Cheng, Shaun Wong and Zong Da costed me around $20. Then, just this afternoon, a horrible Fish & Chip Set Meal costed me $18. My expenditure will not just end there, the hole in my wallet is getting bigger.

Horrible Expenditure

On Friday, I met up with Sze Yuan, Song Guan, Yi Sheng and Pok Yen. Finally! The 5 of us can meet up together. Our last gathering was around Chinese New Year Period. Can imagine it is really so hard for everyone in the gang to meet up together after schooling times...

We decided to go Party World for a K session. Song Guan and I have already thought of which songs to pick when we are on the way home on Thursday night. The more songs we thought, the "higher" we got. But on that day, we did not really get that mood. We need time to warm up. The fun started when we first picked Jolin's few songs and making fun of them, and of course the main objective is to see Yi Sheng's reaction. Haha. We sang from 4pm to 8pm and the first-timers did not really like the system as it will shut off automatically 5 minutes before your time's up and you are left with the song that is currently playing. I thought this is what you get for the special timing package. A $9.80++ package can end up paying $17.

Before that session, we went to Fish & Co. for the others to have their lunch. It seemed that they are having their 10th anniversary and Fish and Chips only costs $10+! But since I already had my lunch that time, I only ordered a Cheesecake as my dessert, which costs around $8+.

After the K session, we went to the same TCC where Song Guan, Sze Yuan and me had patronised before. But this time, the Gang only left 4 of us as Sze Yuan had to return home. Yi Sheng and I decided to have our dinner there since the both of us didn't have our lunch back at Fish & Co. We both ordered Pasta, and Yi Sheng did not call for any drinks, while the rest of us each ordered a drink. And so I spent the most again, in total, I spent around $21 on TCC.

Just yesterday, I met up with the Gang I so-called was "The Gang with the Usual Routine". Now, I had no idea what to call since the members are complaining me and we have been doing different things now. Haha. We met up for cycling, at Pasir Ris Park. Before that, we had our breakfast at McDonalds and I spent around $7 for a Mega McGriddles Meal.

It seemed that I had not been to that park for a long time, I could notice quite a number of changes around the park, and I could see a lot of families have organised outings and having a lot of fun together over there. I was so envious, I so wish I can have the same fun with my family... Anyway, I spent $5 for the 2 hours bicycle rent. Along the way when we are returning the bikes, we thought of going K Box (Yup, singing again for me. Haha.). Then, we went to the new Entertainment Hub to find a place for our lunch first. In the end, we landed in the Korean BBQ Chicken Restaurant, and I spent $11.90+ for my meal. Fortunately, we called off the idea of going K Box, and we went around to look for other entertainment.

Pool? No, too expensive as it charges $9/hr.
Arcade? No, not really much things to play and they also charge GST for topping up.
In the end, we went to Derek's house for Mahjong cum Bridge session. Haha. It's free!

In total, plus the money I have spent on previous outings, I think can't really save much this month. Sigh.

Long Time No See Part 2: Food Chain

On Thursday, I went out with Song Guan, Sze Yuan and Mr Tan Chee Boon since the CSC gathering is cancelled... Knowing that I'm going out with Tan CB, the location is always Chinatown. However, I was told to meet at Orchard instead. I was quite surprised. Then again, Tan CB called when I'm on the way to our rendezvous point, saying that Sze Yuan is intending to buy a phone, and so the location was changed to none other than... Chinatown.

It's been around 4 months since I last saw Tan CB, still as chatty as ever. His mouth just would not stop talking from the first minute I met up with him. Song Guan came later when Sze Yuan is choosing his phone. We thought Sze Yuan is prepared to get a new phone on that day, but when the salesman opened up a new set for him, he suddenly said that he needs his father's approval before he could get it!!! Luckily, the man accepted his reason and did not force us to buy even though he has opened a new set. Phew.

We later walked around most of the nearby CD shops, I was just looking around while the others are seriously finding the DVDs they wanted, and they spent quite a lot. We stopped at the Chinatown Hawker Centre and we saw this incredible long queue for a stall selling chinese snacks, mainly Yam cake and Carrot cake. Song Guan and I have no interest on such snacks, but Tan CB insisted on buying it. Song Guan wanted to have Steam Dumplings, so we went to get it, while Sze Yuan accompanied Tan CB. On the way, I have also bought the Bedok Chee Kuay. After around 10 minutes, we got back and saw the queue for the snacks did not seemed to be moving. We ignored them and started eating. Haha. They only joined us after another 10-15 minutes. And after trying the popular cakes, we have no comments because they tasted ordinary. Looking back at the people queuing for it, we then realised most of them are elderly, most probably have been patronising the stall for years and really liked their taste.

The others decided to go for another food hunt for desserts, and they bought Sesame Paste and Gingko Nuts and Barley Soup. I didn't buy anything as I was quite full. We then loitered around the town for another hour. Along the way, I stopped by the Anime CD shop located in the Chiantown Point. It's also been a very long long time since I visited that shop. Half of the shop has become a Doraemon Land, selling a lot of Doraemon Merchandise. It was really adorable. I am more attracted to the whole lot of Anime CDs and DVDs on the shelf.

In the end, I can't resist temptation and bought 2 Detective Conan Movie DVDs. Movie 11 is the Taiwan Edition which costs around $37, while Movie 12 is the China Edition which costs around $13. The shop also sells the China Edition for Movie 11 which costs $13 too. But, I still bought the one which costs $37. And I did not regret as the quality is so much better. Indeed, the Taiwanese subtitles and the dubbing is so much better for Movie 11, and the China subtitles and the dubbing for Movie 12 are total disappointment. I made the right choice of not buying the China Edition for Movie 11. But still, I still prefer the Original Japanese Voice, is just that I had to tolerate Movie 12 lousy translated subtitles and try to make it out the real meaning.

After the shopping tour, we landed ourselves in the usual Holland Village Famous Fish Head Bee Hoon for dinner. The taste of the food varies everytime I patronsied, and it tasted really nice that day, and I could finish the whole bowl despite my glutted stomach. I was wondering is it because of Tan CB is their regular customer? I was totally bloated after that meal, but Song Guan insisted for another dessert that we both find it irresistable. However, Tan CB bought us to another dessert stall for its signature dessert: Mango and Pamelo Sago. He insisted everyone to have each a bowl. I thought my stomach has already reached its limit, but as soon as the first bite went into my mouth, I can feel my stomach is trying to make space for that bowl of dessert to be digested! It is that exaggerating.

Well, that dessert made a fine finale for our night. I had to drag my heavy stomach back home, and I still felt quite full the next morning I woke up.

Counting Down: 8 Days

Review: The Sky Crawlers

Finally, I'm clearing my leave!!

On Wednesday, I made a last minute appointment to watch The Sky Crawlers. It is quite a surprise for Golden Village to get hold of this movie instead of Cathay, so Fang Qi and I thought we could watch at Tampines. Unfortunately, it is only available in 3 GV cinemas, namely Plaza Singapura, Marina Square and Vivocity.

We thought it will be a great movie since it highly advertised in the last Anime Festival, but it is not we expected. I will not say this movie is totally bad. It has a lot of emotional scenes here and there, and the characters did not really speak much in each scene. However, most of the scenes will make the audience think a lot about what will happen next, and what exactly happened before to the female lead character. The movie lasts for 2 hours, but I nearly fell asleep halfway through. Haha. The air fight was incredibly exciting though, but it has only 2 or 3 scenes in total. I thought it was a bad movie since it made me tired, but I found out this story was not bad at all towards the end. In short, I can say that this movie is sad, because all the characters in the story are trapped in a never-ending cycle. Oops, did I spoil anything for those who have not watched this movie? If you are going to watch it, be sure to stay after the credits as there will be another scene. Luckily, I made a right move to stay to watch. Almost all the audience has left except us and a few sitting beside us.

Rating: 3.5/5