Recipe: Yong Tau Foo Soup 酿豆腐汤

The Yong Tau Foo originated from the chinese ethnic group, Hakka.

It is basically Tofu stuffed with minced meat (add some salted fish to the minced meat mixture for that extra oomph!) and deep fried.

My Mum is a Hakka so she would made it for us periodically.

I guess as time progresses, people became more health conscious resulting in more varieties being made with vegetables such as brinjal, okra, chilli pepper and bittergourd.

The name Yong Tau Foo has thus been used liberally to apply to foods prepared in this manner.

Yong Tau Foo in soup is generally a healthy (just omit the fried stuffs) one-meal dish comprising mostly of vegetables.

Well, it just happened that it is one of those days when I felt lazy and do not want to cook up a storm in the kitchen.

I bought some pieces of Yong Tau Foo from the wet market and simply threw them into the stock in the evening and voila, dinner is served.

Serve this over a piping hot bowl of steamed rice.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Bon appetit!

Video: Taming The Alaskan Hummingbird

"The Shot"

I was captivated by this stunning video of a Hummingbird feeding off someone's hand. It was a beautiful moment detailing the trust the bird had in that person.

You can read about the story behind the shot here if you are interested.

Watch the video below.

Videos: The Etiquette Of Texting While Walking


Exactly my pet peeve!

Have you ever been annoyed, at one time or another, by someone in front of you who's walking and texting at the same time?

Urgh! Don't you wish you could shove that person out of your way?

This is especially frustrating when you are pressing for time.

As the video explains, it is plain inconsiderate and potentially dangerous!

Move to one side when you need to text so you do not delay the person walking behind you.

Singaporeans Are Miserable, Smelly, Un-helpful, And Rude?

We found the city heavily polluted, way to (sic) crowded, un-charistmatic, bland, and basically a complete waste of time. We concluded that in Singapore there is nothing worth seeing, the temples were un-memorable and crammed inbetween the busy streets, not worth a visit! [via]

Before we get all defensive, remember MP Baey Yam Keng's teachings?
 We need to reflect upon ourselves, are we the way they described?  [via]
So, are we really what the tourist has made us out to be?

Food for thought?

Seng Huat Bak Chor Mee @ North Bridge Road


Bak Chor Mee $3.50

Bak Chor Mee (aka Minced Pork Noodle) has always been one of my favored noodle dish.

When I was at Bugis to see the 3D Street Art by Joe Hill the other day, I thought why not cross over to Seng Huat Eating House at Liang Seah Street for a quick bite?

I had specifically requested for extra vinegar and spiciness but they had either forgotten about my request or added too little to make a difference.

Despite that, however, Seng Huat Bak Chor Mee did not fail me. The al dente mee pok tossed in a winning concoction of chilli and vinegar was such a delight!

Memories At Old Ford Factory


During one of my history lessons many years ago, I have learnt that the British surrendered unconditionally to the Japanese at the Old Ford Factory located along Upper Bukit Timah.

I had always thought that the Old Ford Factory have been left vacanted ever since the war ended.

An abandoned building with such a historical story behind it would surely be home to many grievous spirits? (I really outta hand it to my vivid imagination sometimes!)  

Coincidentally, that is where I had to pass by on my way to school every day.

Maybe that is why I would often get the creeps each time my bus pass by it during my journey to school in the pre-dawn hours.

After graduation, I was still fascinated by the rich history associated with the building (albeit still fearful of whatever thing that could be lurking inside).

What I did not know was that The Ford Motor Factory has actually resumed operations after the war in 1947 and was shut down in 1980. 

It was only a week ago that I learnt the building was gazzetted as a national monument and already turned into a exhibition gallery from 2006.

Silly me! And I thought the building is still in ruins!

3D Street Art By Joe Hill At Parco Bugis Junction

Aliens VS Predators?

I'm sure you have come across such amazing 3D pavement art from your email or facebook before.

Wouldn't you have wished to see them 'live'?

In partnership with Bugis Junction, organiser National Heritage Board has brought in renowned 3D street art artist, Joe Hill from the UK, to present two new pieces of artwork.

The Japanese Occupation: Fall Of Singapore

Civilian War Memorial [via]

On February 15, 1942, the British surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army due to the shortage of food and ammunition.

Thus began the horrifying Japanese Occupation which lasted three years and eight months.

In February 1962 - twenty years after the war has ended, remains belonging to civilian victims of the Japanese occupation were unearthed. The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce& Industry undertook the responsibility of gathering the remains and creating a memorial.

In February 15, 1967, the Civilian War Memorial was built and the remains were buried under it.

This monument is composed of four similar pillars, symbolizing Singapore's four major races.

On this day every year (also known as "Total Defence Day"), the Government would hold a memorial service to remember the thousands of people killed during the occupation.

Video: Elton John - Your Song


Really like this ad

Just ignore the KFC bits...

Video: The Malaysia I-City KFC Assault

[via malaysiakini]

A video footage of KFC staff assaulting its customer at I-City in Shah Alam, Malaysia has gone viral on the internet. 

In the video, three male staff stormed out of the counter and one of them was seen trying to hold back the other two from approaching the victim.

As more staff emerged from within, one of them suddenly dashed forward amid the confusion and punched the victim, causing him to fall onto a chair.

Rumors were rife that the victim had insulted the KFC staff with degratory words which led to the attack.

The victim, Danny Ng, held the press conference to clarify and deny allegations by netizens that the assault was due to him uttering vuglar and discriminatory words at the KFC staff.

While Ng admitted that he was angry and had shouted at the staff, he stressed he “definitely did not use vulgarities or make racial slurs.”  [via JakartaGlobe]

视频: 狗狗的悲歌 - 爱我就别弃养我

当初的爱呢?

养狗不是赶流行。

每当电影里有个别犬种的出现,总会造成大家一窝峰的到宠物店去买。

事先没完全了解犬种的个性和需要就盲目地把它买回家。

后来才发现家里那只狗的体形越养越大,毛脱的厉害,过于好动,又爱吠,等等…

一时兴起买了狗,最后却因为不像想象中那样而决定弃养它!

这,实在让人好心疼!

Video: I Wanna Be A Greedy Corrupt Official When I Grow Up

What do you wanna be when you grow up?

港人登报反蝗虫海报 Ad calling PRCs 'locusts' runs in Hong Kong

 
获选刊登「反蝗虫」 海报

北大教授孔庆东发表「港人是狗」之言论后,在香港引起轩然大波!

香港高登讨论区发起登报行动,共同集资约10万港元以狮子山为题材,制作了「反蝗虫海报」 -  暗指中国大陆客是蝗虫来侵占香港资源。

Kong Qing Dong, a University Professor in Peking has riled millions in Hong Kong after criticizing Hong Kong citizens as "dogs", "bastards" and "thieves" on an online talkshow.

In retaliation, netizens from Hong Kong Golden Forum funded a full page advertisement on Apple Daily - branding the PRCs as locusts for infiltrating Hong Kong and exhausting all her resources.

Sentosa Flowers 2012: Enchanted Spring


By the time this post is up, I would have already visited Sentosa twice - the first time being the week before Chinese New Year and the second time during the annual Sentosa Flowers (圣淘沙春節花會).

I will be combining shots from both visits into one post. I have blogged about the Sentosa Boardwalk in the previous post. I shall now begin this post with entering Sentosa.

香港人大战内地人 Hong Kongers VS PRCs

孔庆东的衰样… 叫谁看了都想揍!

近日在youtube看到香港人与内地客因内地小孩在地铁里吃零食面弄的一地都是而掀开了骂战。

谁对谁错我无法判断。

有可能是港男小题大做又或者是内地女态度不好。

但最令人无法忍受的是,这段视频被人po上网之后,某位内地大学教授接受电视台的访问时就发表了对此事的看法。

Sentosa Boardwalk


The S$70 million Sentosa Boardwalk was officially opened on 29 January 2011. It has been almost a year since it's opening but it was only until last week that I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful boardwalk linking Sentosa to the mainland.

Klonghae Floating Market, Hat Yai


After leaving [Guanyin Shan], we headed for Klonghae Floating Market.

Alighting from the coach, we had to walk some distance before making our way down the slope to where the boats are.

There was no proper path for us to walk and no handrail for the elderly to hold onto. Due to the bout of rain earlier, the ground was slippery with mud.

Should one person slipped on the slope, many more would be knocked down like bowling pins.

Quite dangerous, if you ask me.

豪大大鸡排 Hot Star Large Fried Chicken @ City Square Mall

Hot Star

If you are a fan of XXL fried chicken cutlets found in Taiwan night markets, look no further as Hot Star - the founder of Large Fried Chicken - as claimed on it's signboard, is finally here in Singapore!

This franchise is conveniently located at City Square Mall.

If you are coming by train, alight at Farrer Park MRT station and head towards Exit I.

I like how the underground tunnel leads you straight to the basement of City Square Mall with Hot Star just a couple of steps away from the entrance!

In fact, they are situated right outside KFC! Bold move!

Hey, now there's no need to brave the scorching sun or chilly rain just to satisfy that crave for XXL fried chicken anymore!

Video: 还僵尸男原貌!Go Beyond The Cover!


化妆品品牌Dermablend Professional最近找来加拿大男模Rico Genest为旗下化妆品拍摄了一支广告。

清秀白净的男模先是在镜头前脱掉上衣,再开始往身上涂沫一番。

原本以为男模
化妆但其实不然。

相反的,男模
正在卸妆。

只见不一会儿功夫,该处便露出了一点刺青。

原来,男模外号叫僵尸男,也叫Zombie Boy。

在广告里,品牌化妆师事先帮他把全身的刺青都用遮瑕膏盖掉了,然后又以倒带的方式呈现整个过程,大大凸显了产品的功效。

结果竟是让人难以置信!这遮瑕膏也太厉害了
它或许是想暂时去除纹身者的福音哦!

真让人不得不佩服这遮瑕膏的魔力!


Burger King Discriminates NS Men?

 I was at Burger King's Facbook page and came across this allegation by "BusNo64" made against it's Filipino store manager at their Tampines North Community Centre outlet.

WARNING: Coarse language used here

my niece is working as a part-time crew on weekends in burgerking tampinese north cc outlet.....dis is wat she told me dis morning while havin lunch with her family.....

BK employs lots of fucking pinoys and there is one particular fucking male pinoy shift mgr at her outlet who is damn kuailan and cheehong...always try to get fresh with the female crew members.....yesterday there is this open mobilisation, and one the male crew member was affected...so he inform dis fucking pinoy shift mgr that he got to report back to camp...KNN the fucking pinoy then chastise him for not giving him notice earlier...the make crew member then told him he did inform the restaurant mgr last month about it....the fucking pinoy shift mgr then borpian let him go...afterwards, dis fucking pinoy shift mgr was heard telling other staffs that employing male sinkie crew can be very troublesome as they need to go for army duties...best not to employ them......my niece was veri mad and told the pinoy mgr dat national service is compulsory and all male citizens need to do their duty...but guess wat the pinoy shift mgr say to her ???

"I am now also a singapore citizen, but i no need to do any national service...so no big deal right? "

my niece hear oredi damn tulan but since she is planning on quitting after CNY, so she did not argue further....

KNNBCCB, why we give this kind of fucking pinoy foreigner bastard citizenship without any NS??????

[via BusNo64 Sammyboy Forum]

Guan Yin Shan, Hat Yai


My apologies for the delay of this post! Blame it all on the recent Christmas and New Year's Eve distractions! (Excuses! Excuses!)

So after visiting Kim Yong Market in the morning, we returned to our hotel for a quick rest before starting our itinerary for the day at noon.

It was still drizzling when we boarded the coach to go for our lunch at a local chinese restaurant during which, the sky seemed to have cleared a little.

After dinner, we did a bit of shopping at a local produce store (土产店)and leather-craft store before setting off for Guan Yin Shan.

Video: Shall We Talk


2011的最后几个小时都在重复地听着这首歌。

跟新年并没多大的关系,纯粹只是喜欢而已。

很感触,很有feel…

大家在新的一年里有什么鸿图大计呢?

在此祝各位身体健康,前程似锦!

Kim Yong Market, Hat Yai


Before I proceed with Kim Yong Market, allow me to digress a little about the previous night after checking-in into President Hotel.

After inspecting the room and making sure that everything is (not) in order, we swiftly hopped onto a tuktuk headed for the night market around Lee Gardens.

One of my aims for this Hat Yai trip is to have the Samurai Burger from McDonalds. Woe is me that I could only have a taste of this divine burger once a year!

Seriously, can we not have even one non-halal outlet in Singapore that serves all things porky? 

Have A Happy Holiday!


President Hotel, Hat Yai

 
*Recycled pic

While booking this trip, we were told by the travel agent that we would be staying at Lee Gardens Hotel. 

We could not be any happier as all who had been to Hat Yai before would know that the said hotel is situated at a centralised location surrounded by all the major shopping centres and night market.

Thus, imagine our bewilderment when the coach drove past Lee Gardens and all we could do is watch on in horror as we got driven further and further away until the hotel was out of sight

Tang Kuan Hill, Songkhla


Leaving Samila Beach, the coach made a few turns and before we knew it, we were already at the foot of Tang Kuan Hill. 

Remember the legend about the Mouse and Cat Island? 

This is the hill which the Dog turned into.

Where we are visiting is located right on the top of this hill and to get up there, we had to take a 3 minutes, 170m inclined-lift ride up where a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Songkhla City awaits.

Samila Beach, Songkhla


Our first destination upon reaching Songkhla - a province in southern Thailand, was Samila Beach.

Residing here was one of the more famous landmarks in Songkhla - the bronze Mermaid. On this particular day, tonnes of tourists were waiting in line just to have a picture taken with her.

电影: 《东成西就 2011》


影 片 名:《东成西就 2011》
英 文 名:East Meets West 2011
类别 :喜剧/动作/爱情
导 演:刘镇伟
主要演员:陈奕迅 郑伊健 莫文蔚 苏永康 房祖明 锺镇涛 邓丽欣 谭维维 黄奕
上映日期:2011年12月08日
本地发行商:Shaw Organisation

这部由刘镇伟执导,汇集了莫文蔚、陈奕迅、房祖名、锺镇涛等大牌明星的喜剧电影《东成西就 2011》将于本月08日正式上映。

该片日前在邵氏丽都影城举行了首场预映会。

Exercise Wallaby - Base Camp

Continuation from Week 2 [here]
Read about Week 1 [here] if you have not already read it.

So sorry this post is long overdued!

After two weeks in Shoalwaterbay, Exercise Wallaby is finally over!

It was hard work but friends made the days easier to past.

Just two days before we depart for Singapore, we had our R&R at Rockhampton town (Yeppoon, to be exact) but before I share about my R&R trip, I would like to bring you around Samuel Hill.

North Camp cookhouse

Movie: THE MUPPETS (2011)


Cast: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper
Director: James Bobin
Genre: Comedy/Musical
Language: English
Release Date: 8 December 2011
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

Its time to play the music
Its time to light the lights
Its time to meet the muppets on the Muppet Show tonight

Happy Thanksgiving!

The blogging mojo is gone.
Will return once it came back.

Elephants Parade @ Orchard!


Elephants are one of the most beautiful animals around and I love how regal looking they are.

Unfortunately, many were being poached for their tusks or chained up to perform in circuses under deplorable living conditions.

The Elephant Parade is the world’s largest open air art exhibition of decorated elephant statues that seeks to attract public awareness and support for the Asian elephants conservation.

Exercise Wallaby - The Second Week

Continuation from Week 1 [here]

The second week after arriving at Shoalwaterbay, we finally moved outfield for exercise. However, barely ten minutes into the journey, we were already covered with sand...


Movie: IMMORTALS


Cast: Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Luke Evans, Isabel Lucas, Kellan Lutz, Joseph Morgan, Freida Pinto, John Hurt and Mickey Rourke
Director: Tarsem Singh
Genre: 3-D epic adventure
Language: English
Release Date: 17 November 2011
Distributor: UIP
Official Site: Link

Exercise Wallaby - The First Week

Pardon me for the delay of this post.

There were tonnes of pictures to edit and I spent quite a bit of time organizing them (from both mobile phone and Camera) and putting them in the correct order.

Then, I had to filter out the "classified" pictures that could not be posted on any social platforms.

I was confused by what I was doing at one point (twice, in fact) and I had to redo everything from scratch all over again which is why it took me so long to dish out this post.

Without much further ado, I will now let the pictures do the talking...


许冠英:永远的鬼马谐星


一早起床,上网想查看留言却得到了晴天霹雳的消息!

许冠英家中猝死,享年六十五岁』

这… 是真的吗?

回过魂后,仔细看完报导才慢慢相信事情真的发生了。

Post Exercise Wallaby 2011


Arvo!

(that's Australian slang for "Afternoon!")

Two exhilarating weeks have passed us by and I have returned safe and sound from Down Under!

The weather has been as unforgiving as it has been eleven years ago; scorching hot during the day and freezing cold at night!

I'm at least four shades darker now!

Due to classified and security issues, I will not be able to post much information and photos on this blog.

All I can say is, it was definitely a tiring, siong yet memorable trip with my new comrades.

Outfield is no fun at all but sleeping on the three-tonner (with whatever space there is left of) and going to pee together at night in the wilderness without knowing what is in front of you is quite an experience to go through with your friends.

Of course, there are more pleasant activities like watching the Kangaroos from afar and waking up to the calls of the Kookaburras.

It was pleasurable for me to say the least as these sights and sounds are indigenous to the Australia outback and not anywhere else.

Sixth Death Anniversary


I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden

well maybe that is true.

I never wanted memories,

I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,

a million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you

you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,

In death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place

no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway

and heartache make a lane,

I'd walk the path to heaven

and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

Happy 13th Barkday!


Member of the Family

What would I do without you,
My precious, furry friend?
Part mischief, but all blessing,
And faithful to the end!

You look at me with eyes of love,
You never hold a grudge...
You think I'm far too wonderful
To criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life
Is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting
Your warm, soft fur would be.

I know you think you're human,
But I'm glad it isn't true...
The world would be a nicer place
If folks were more like you!

A few short years is all we have;
One day we'll have to part...
But you, my pet, will always have
a place within my heart.

- Hope Harrington Kolb 

Recipe: Watercress Soup 西洋菜汤

In the west, the Watercress is widely used in salads, sandwich and even made into juice. In Asian countries, however, we like to use them in soups.

I love Cantonese soups - the kind that have been simmered over a mild fire for an entire day, preferably over a charcoal fire.

Such lo fo tong (老火汤) are extremely wholesome and hearty!

When I was young, soup is a regular sight on the dining table and I was so easy to feed then. As long as I have soup in my rice, there is no need for any other dishes.

I remembered growing up drinking [Lotus Soup] the most, followed by the Watercress Soup.

This is a much beloved soup in my family for it's "cooling" abilities.

As with all vegetables, I know Watercress contains certain minerals and vitamins but what I do not know is that it even contains cancer-suppressing properties till now!

There are so much goodness in this vegetable it is no wonder why they called it a herb in the west.

Here are some other benefits of the Watercress:

- Antioxident
- Eases coughs
- Aids weight loss
- Controls blood sugar
- Aphrodisiac (really??)
- Treats failing eyesight

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Bon appetit!

Recipe: Roselle Tea 洛神花茶

Don't you love those old school coffee shop glasses?
I was first introduced to this strange-looking flower by Mum who has bought a bagful of it from the market.

Due to it's odd appearance, I was apprehensive to drink the tea brewed with the flowers.

"It tastes just like Ribena," Mum said.

The color looks similar but I cannot be too sure about the taste. You know how parents tend to lie through their teeth just to trick us into eating/drinking something that is "good for us"?

Remember when you were a kid, how you had medicine forced down your throat while your parents chant, “甜甜的” nonstop?

Taking care not to incur her wrath, I took one small sip just so to appease her.

One sip led to another and before long, I finished the entire glass of tea.

Mum is right afterall!

I was amazed by it's similarity to the Blackcurrent drink except this is a little sour but so much healthier without all the unnecessary sugars!

This flower, a relative to the Hibiscus, is rich in antioxidants and minerals especially vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamins B1, B2 and B6.

Here are some benefits of Roselle:

- Diuretic
- Controls fever
- Aids digestion
- Soothes colds
- Controls diabetes
- Clears up mucous
- Controls cholesterol
- Clears blocked nose
- Controls high blood pressure
- Promotes proper kidney function

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Bon appetit!

Recipe: Huai Shan With Spare Ribs Soup 淮山排骨汤

Huai Shan (淮山), also known as Shan Yao (山药) or the Nagaimo, is a root vegetable belonging to the Yam family.

Although I have seen them plenty of times at the wet market, it is still my very first attempt cooking the fresh variety.

One interesting thing about this root was how slippery it would become the moment you started peeling off it's skin. It is almost like trying to grab a live eel which is desperately trying to wriggle out of your grasp!

The soup is exceptionally flavorful that I do not even have to add any salt or MSG and I am amazed to find that Huai Shan tasted almost similar to the potato in texture.

I am so loving this soup!

Here are some benefits of the Huai Shan:

- Antibiotic
- Antioxident
- Lowers blood sugar
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves digestive system

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Bon appetit!

Blog Action Day 2011: Food


I have been trying hard to come up with a title for this post but seriously, my mind just went blank after watching this video.

Would you eat something that has been discarded by others?

No?

Well, I wouldn't do it myself and yet, there are people who actually depended on these food scraps just to survive!

What do you think of that?

Please spend a few minutes to view this award winning video (while I go grab a piece of tissue).

This video is a wake-up call to all of us and it gives me the opportunity to reflect how good I have it better than these people.

A Mission Down Under!


By the time you read this, I am already at the airport waiting for my chartered flight to Rockhampton, Queensland.

I will be there for the annual Exercise Wallaby with the Armed Forces for two weeks.

It was not my first time there, though.

The last time I was there is eleven years ago during my active days with my unit. As a NSF then, it was an eye-opening opportunity for me to be involved in an military exercise of such magnitude!

Although we do have our own local exercises, what we could acomplish in land-scarced Singapore is very limited compared to what the training area in Shoalwater Bay could offer us!

Training was tough definitely, but we were still able to find simple joys amidst the dull and monotonous exercise.

I remembered how we used to play wrestling in the tentage and even disturbing each other in the bathroom which, I will leave the details to your imagination...

At the end of the day, we would chill out at the canteen and recount our day over a beer and a pop-in-the-microwave burger. 

Video: Inch Chua - Semoga Bahagia


Semoa Bahagia by Inch Chua


Semoga Bahagia

Sama-sama maju ke hadapan

Pandai cari pelajaran

Jaga diri dalam kesihatan

Serta sopan-santun dengan kawan-kawan

Dengan hati bersih serta suci

Sama-sama hormat dan berbudi

Jaga tingkah pemuda-pemudi

Adat dan budaya junjung tinggi

Capailah lekas cita-cita pemudi-pemuda

Supaya kita ada harga di mata dunia

Kalau kita lengah serta lupa

Hidup kita sia-sia

Jiwa besar sihat serta segar

Rajin dengan sabar tentu bahagia

Lemah lembut perangai pemudi

Cergas tangkas wataknya pemuda

Suka rela selalu berbakti

Sikap yang pembela dan berjasa

Capailah nama yang mulia pemudi-pemuda

Rajinlah supaya berjaya semoga bahagia

Recipe: White Radish With Spare Ribs Soup 白萝卜排骨汤

White Radish, also known as Daikon to many, is a very versatile root vegetable.

You could pickle it, stew it, fry it, saute it, cook soup with it and even make a (carrot) cake out of it!

I used to hate it whenever Mum cooks this soup as I would always mistake the smell for a gas leak only to realise it's coming from the Radish!

As I grew up, I began to appreciate this humble root more when I knew how beneficial it is.

Here are some benefits of the White Radish:

- Aids weight loss
- Aids in digestion
- Eases sore joints
- Dissolves phlegm
- Reinforces energy
- Clears stuffy nose
- Dissolves gall stones
- Regulates metabolism
- Improves blood circulation

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Bon appetit!

Singapore's Theme Park Haw Par Villa


The pictures here were taken two years ago when I last visited Haw Par Villa with my parents after a long hiatus of more than twenty years!

It was first published on my other blog link (which explains the different watermark) but I thought it was a shame for it to be buried and lay forgotten under the archives hence, I decided to reproduce it here to remind other Singaporeans, visitors and *cough* STB about the existence of this theme park.

Haw Par Villa, formerly known as the Tiger Balm Gardens, was originally constructed in 1937.

Aw Boon Haw created the park which depicts Chinese mythology, heroes, folklore, legends and history to teach and preserve Chinese values.


The gate, which was built originally for the Villa

Chicken Basil From Tasty Thai Hut @ Bukit Timah Market Food Centre


I was running an errand in the vicinity of Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre sometime last week so I decided to drop by Tasty Thai Hut for lunch.

Although Tasty Thai Hut do not have a wide array of dishes, the lady manning the stall made up for the lack of it with her authentic Thai recipes.

Everything here is priced at a affordable $4 and for that price, I have nothing to complain about.

You might have figured out by now that Tasty Thai Hut is my favorite heartland Thai food stall due to it's authenticity and affordability!

I was actually craving for Chicken Basil that day so it was what I ordered.

Video: Nasi Lemak 2.0 - Curry Neh!


Cast: Namewee, Karen Kong, Adibah Noor, Dato David Arumugam, Afdlin Shauki, Kenny & Chee
Director: Namewee 黃明志
Genre: Comedy
Language: Mandarin, English, Malay, Tamil
Release Date: 08 September 2011 (Malaysia)
Website: link
Facebook: link

I have been seeing my Malaysian blogger friends talking about this movie on Twitter for the last few weeks but it did not arouse too much a interest in me.

However, that was before I watched the Curry Neh! 咖哩咧! MV on Facebook yesterday.

The Bollywood-styled MV got me sitting up and yeah, the movie has gotten my attention now.

Horlicks Crunch McFlurry 1-For-1 From McDonald's


McDonald's Horlicks Crunch McFlurry buy one get one free!

Flash the above coupon to enjoy the offer.

Promotion starts from today till 18th September!

McDonald's Open Doors Kitchen Tour


For the third consecutive year since 2009, McDonald's Singapore has already welcomed over 5000 participants in its' free Open Doors kitchen tour.

Thanks to the invitation from OMY and McDonald's, I too attended the kitchen tour at their King Albert Park outlet last Saturday.

After a brief welcome and introduction by the kitchen tour Ambassadors, we were first brought to the store room which is surprisingly spacious and airy.

It is here where we got to know that McDonald's only work with suppliers who do not harm the environment. This is comforting to know because every little effort counts!

We also learnt that the inventories were used based on the first-in-first-out (FIFO) system.

In layman terms, this simply means the items acquired first will be used or sold first.

(Those with Accounting background should be very familiar with this)

Also, for safety reasons, the heavier items are put on the lower shelves while the lighter ones go on top. This is to minimize the risk of someone being hurt by falling items.

I am delighted to see a real life example of what I have learnt about previously from my Business Fundamental class!

A company's biggest asset is it's staff so I am glad to know that McDonald's did not overlook this aspect of workplace safety!

Meet The Smurfs At Bugis Junction

I was in the vicinity of Bugis a few days ago and came across these "painted" Smurfs on display.

These were painted by local celebrities...

This has got to be my favorite!

The Original Tiong Bahru Lor Mee @ Bukit Purmei


Update: Bukit Purmei Lor Mee has permanently closed.

Remember my quest for the original lor mee from Tiong Bahru a few months back?

Thanks to this blog for the clarifications, or I would not have known that the lor mee stalls at the current Tiong Bahru Market are copycats!

The real macoy has shifted to the coffeeshop at Block 109 Bukit Purmei!

Singapore Presidential Elections 2011

2011 is a awakening year for Singapore - politically wise, that is.

We had the General Elections 2011 in May and three months down the road, Singaporeans now have to exercise their voting rights again to elect their new President for the State.

His Excellency, S.R. Nathan was elected unopposed as President on August 18, 1999. On September 1, 2005, he was sworn in for a second term of office uncontested.

Having led this State for the last twelve years, S.R. Nathan would not be seeking a third term in office, citing health reasons.

A total of six applications were submitted but two of them, Andrew Kuan and Ooi Boon Ewe failed to qualify for the COE.

Coincidentally, the remaining four candidates left running for Presidency are all "Tan"s.

Presidential hopefuls from left to right:
Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Mr Tan Jee Say, Dr Tony Tan, Mr Tan Kin Lian

The Boots


These shall be banished to the darkest and deepest corner of the store... till October.

Six days of training (3 days in June and August respectively) has finally ended. Only Exercise Wallaby in October is left to conclude my obligatory service to the country for this year.

Recipe: Curry Chicken - In Conjunction With National Cook Curry Day

Okay, curry may not be the healthiest dish around but did you know that there are also many health benefits to this zesty mix of spices?

Tumeric, one of the ingredient in curry, which gave the dish it's yellow color, reduces inflammation of the joints.

Studies has also shown that it protects us against cancer, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Whoa, I do not realise that curry actually has so much goodness in it until I googled!

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Bon appetit!
Ingredients:
1 Chicken (chopped and cleaned)
1 pack of A1 instant curry mix
4 medium sized potatoes (cut into wedges)
600ml water
200ml Fresh milk OR Coconut milk
A few sprigs of curry leaves
Salt to taste

Instructions:
1) Fry the A1 instant curry mix and curry leaves with some oil till fragrant
2) Add in the chicken pieces and coat evenly with the mixture
3) Add the water
4) Add the potatoes
5) Allow to boil, then simmer till potatoes are cooked
6) Add Coconut milk to thicken the sauce
7) Add salt to taste
8) Serve with rice, Baguette OR Prata
NATIONAL COOK CURRY DAY

For the uninitiated, 21st August 2011 is National Cook Curry Day

I'm uncertain if this is gonna be a a one-off thing or a annual event.

This special day arises because a local Singaporean Indian family were told NOT TO COOK and NOT TO EAT curry in their own home by their new neighbors from China as they could not stand the smell!

This riled up every local Singaporeans here be it Chinese, Malay and Indians! I guess patriotic sentiments were running high nation wide as Singapore has just celebrated her 46th birthday not too long ago.

Now, you do not step into someone else's home and tell them what NOT to do in it. 

That's plain rude and not to mention ridiculous!

You came to live in our territory of your own accord so you integrate to our culture and lifestyle; not try to change it to suit you!

Singaporeans, let us all UNITE and use food - curry, in this instance, to educate our foreign friends.

Everyone is encouraged to cook curry on this day and allow the fragrance of one of our favorite dish waft out of your windows and down the corridor.

It does not matter what curry you cook: Mutton Curry; Chicken Curry; Beef Curry; Fish Curry; whatever curry!

Just let the aroma of your curry permeate every nook and corner of this tiny island!

Let's make this PRC family work at Muthu's Curry till they learn how to appreciate our local cuisine show our foreign friends that we are ONE UNITED PPEOPLE and it takes more than just curry to bring us down!
Note:
  • I used 1kg of chicken wings for this dish
  • I preferred my curried potatoes deep fried
  • Give the curry leaves a few vigorous rubs between your palms to bruise them

Movie: CARS 2

Lightning McQueen

Here's a holla to Nuffnang and The Cathay!

Thanks for the invites to the Premiere of CARS 2!

Pinoy Making A Mockery Of Singaporeans?


By now, you would have learned about the MP who was caught texting on her mobile phone while the National Anthem was playing during NDP 2011.

Ms Penny Low, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC has since apologized on her Facebook.

Looking through the various NDP photos posted on her Facebook, I believe she was just trying to upload 'live' updates of the parade to her fellow residents via the social media tool and does not really mean to show any disrespect.

At least, that is what I chose to believe.

However, that is no excuse to not pay full attention during such a solem moment. We have all been in school long enough to know the proper posture to display.