Qianhu Fish Farm: Marine Exposition 2015

The SG Reef Club held a marine tank competition called the "Marine Exposition 2015" at Qianhu Fish Farm last week.

I have always been amazed by the beauty of marine tanks but I already have difficulty keeping freshwater fish alive as it is so I guess I had better save myself the heartbreak from the lose of livestock and money by admiring other aquarist's tanks instead.

I took the free shuttle bus to the farm from Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange as usual and the competition is right in front of the drop off point.

With Love From Snoopy, Charlie Brown And The Peanuts Gang Exhibition At The Singapore Philatelic Museum

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the debut of the Peanuts comic strip.

An animated movie - "Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie" - slated for release on December 10, is a long, overdue wait for enthusiastic fans of the Peanuts gang.

Aside from the movie, the Singapore Philatelic Museum is collaborating with 20th Century FOX, Blue Sky Studios and Charlie Brown Cafe to put together an exhibition showcasing stamp artworks, stamps and first day covers issued by Singapore, Portugal, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, USA, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.

Also on display are comic strips and collectibles on loan from private collectors, Charlie Brown Cafe, and Mint Museum of Toys.

Free Peanuts Figurines With McDonald's Happy Meal

McDonald's Singapore will be launching a set of 10 collectible toys from the animation, Snoopy And Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie this coming Thursday, 03 December 2015 at 11am.

The characters are:

01. Charlie Brown And Snoopy Bobble
02. Sally And Snoopy
03. Flying Ace
04. Linus
05. Spinning Snoopy
06. Ice Cleaning Woodstock
07. Lucy
08. Schroeder And Snoopy
09. Peppermint Patty
10. Charlie Brown

The toys come free with every purchase of a kid's Happy Meal.

初音ミク - 千本櫻 Hatsune Miku - Senbonzakura

Senbonzakura/Thousand Cherry Trees/千本櫻

I'm probably late but this is the first time I have heard of Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), a humanoid persona voiced by a singing synthesizer application developed by Crypton Future Media.

The name of the character comes from merging the Japanese words for first (初 hatsu), sound (音 ne) and future (ミク miku), thus meaning "the first sound from the future," referring to her position as the first of Crypton's "Character Vocal Series."

10th Death Anniversary

This Empty Collar

The empty bed and the empty bowl,

the weed covered path we used to stroll;

dog snacks,muddy tracks and the hair on the floor,

and the slap of the flap on your dog door.

 There's still the fence that kept you safe,

and there's still the bandanas I can't put on.

Some things, they remain,

but some things are forever gone.

These old photographs, they can't take your place;

they only bring tears that flow down my face.

Your love was unconditional, mine was the same.

The price of love is memories and their pain.

They say time heals everything

and yes I know that is true

The food and the Vet bills, you were worth every dollar,

but there is nothing so sad and it hurts so bad as I cling to

"this Empty Collar"

Happy 17th Barkday!

I weally weally wuff you

I weally weally do

When I say, "Your wonderful"

It's weally, weally true.

You mean the very world to me

You weally haven't got a clue.

I so tweasure our welationship

cause I'm so in wuff with you.

HAPPY 17TH BARKDAY, DEXTER!

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What Does A Cleaver, A Typewriter And An Abacus Have In Common?

Well, they are used as musical instruments and in a Chinese Orchestra no less!

Sounds unbelievable? I have to admit that I too raised an eyebrow when I came across the videos but after listening to them, I find the sounds... music to my ears!

Check out the performances below.

Musique de Cuisine by NYP Chinese Orchestra

Review: Retro Handheld Game Console

And so, I saw someone flaunting this retro handheld game console on FB the other day. Not to be outdone, I ordered one set for myself too.

I believe 8-bit games form a collective memory for many people who grew up playing such games on the Atari and Nintendo. This is especially so for those from my generation.

I placed an order on October 4 but there were no updates on the tracking website till October 9. I got a little impatient but there was nothing I could do except to wait. Then, I found out that week was their holiday following their National Day.

The package finally got delivered yesterday so I thought I would share the unboxing here.

DIY: Corner Bookmarks And Origami Heart Shape Corner Bookmarks

Just before I went for my ICT two weeks ago, I made some corner bookmarks for a book lover friend of mine. These bookmarks are inexpensive and easy to make so even if you lose them, they are easily replaceable. 

I have long wanted to write up this post when I found out this ingenious way of making bookmarks but have been procrastinating like forever.

If you love reading or know someone who does, perhaps you can try your hand at making your own bookmarks? 

End Of ICT With Marrybrown At iFly, SENTOSA!

After a grueling two weeks high key ICT (which gave me a very nasty blister), it finally ended this morning with a unit cohesion at SENTOSA. What luck it was for me, as I lay in bed last night and read the news about Malaysia's fried chicken franchise, Marrybrown, setting foot in Singapore at SENTOSA's iFly!

I loved their fried chicken so much that I try to have some whenever I visited City Square at JB.

So, after the cohesion ended, everyone out pro-ed and I happily made my way to iFly. The fast food restaurant was officially opened just a week ago on the 1st of October.

I reached there 30 minutes before 11am and being the only customer, had the whole place to myself and all the privacy I needed to take photos.

DIY: How To DIY A Lantern For Mid-Autumn Festival With A Plastic Bottle

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Once again, it's the season to binge on Mooncakes and playing with lanterns!

In today's post, I'll share how to make your very own lantern using just a soft drink bottle. You can hardly call this a DIY because I simply bought a lantern handle which comes with a LED bulb and all I did was to push the bulb into the bottle. The only DIY part I did was make a hole in the cap to insert the ring to hook onto the handle.

You can probably paint the bottle or wrap it with cellophane paper but I think this will do for me.

The photos below are pretty self-explanatory.

Tribute To Hayao Miyazaki

I am in awe of this fan-made tribute to Mr. Hayao Miyazaki (宫崎 骏).

Ever since I watched "Castle In The Sky" many years ago, I was sold and became a fan instantly.

Whenever I can, I am always on the lookout for anime produced by Studio Ghibli, a film studio founded by Miyazaki.

Their attention to details is beyond words but what I am most impressed with is how they are able to string my emotions along with the story's development.

There are times when I secretly wished I was the protagonist of the story so I could walk in their footsteps and experience their adventures.

Jubilee Weekend Part 3: Artscience Museum

And so, we have come to the second day of the Jubilee long weekend.

I couldn't get over the fact that I didn't manage to visit the Artscience Museum the day before, henceforth, I returned to join the queue for the second consecutive day.

To be honest, I did not expect that there would be such a long queue on the first day. After all, I don't think many people would like to visit the museums which can be such a boring place. I believe that morning's ComChest Heartstrings Walk participants contributed quite a bit to the length of the queue after their event ended

I guess the onus is on myself to find out if there's any other activities happening at the same time, same area when I decided to visit a place.

Jubilee Weekend Part 2: The Little Red Brick Show (SG50 Edition)

Continuing from my previous post, after wasting the first half of my Friday at MBS doing nothing other than getting drenched in the rain, I arrived at the Central Library at Bugis to attend a LEGO showcase only to find the library closed!

I was on the verge of killing someone when I noticed that the showcase is not held inside the library but at the foyer outside it instead.

Heaving a sign of relief, I made my way towards the crowd to understand what the showcase is all about. 

Since it is our Golden Jubilee year, the talented builders from the Singapore AFOL community have built 50 exhibits all relating to a piece of Singapore history.

Jubilee Weekend Part 1

Last Friday was the beginning of our SG50 long weekend and there were a host of activities available for Singaporeans to keep themselves busy with.

For one, the Artscience Museum is offering free entry for Singaporeans to it's exhibitions "The Deep", "Dreamworks Animation: The Exhibition" and "Singapore STories: Then, Now, Tomorrow".

The exhibitions have been running for quite some time now but I only found out about it recently. I am particularly interested in The Deep and Dreamworks exhibition. Luckily, I was able to coincide my visit with the free entry day and save some money off the admission prices.

爷爷的遗愿

小时候的我性格比较内向，因此非常黏着妈妈。

我记得这件事情发生在我八岁那年。

当时，念小二的我和爸妈住在西部的一间三房式组屋。

事发当日，爸爸出门工作了，只剩下我和妈妈在家。妈妈正在厨房的浴室洗澡而我就蹲在门外等她出来。

等着，等着，我便开始唱起歌来。我正唱的起劲，一抬头往厨房门口的方向望过去时，竟然目睹了一件让人无法解释的一幕！

Happy 50th Birthday, Singapore!

Singapore's 50th birthday celebrations at the Padang has just come to a close but it was no birthday like any other for it is her Golden Jubilee.

It has been fifty years of Independence since our separation from Malaysia. It was a big blow to us then, when we were chased out of the door with nothing to our names and had to fend for ourselves. However, one very brave man took charge and lead us to a brighter future. He is non other than our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Fifty years on, our progress is evident for all to see but it was no mean feat though, as our forefathers have paved the way for us - their future generations - with sweat, blood and tears. 

Activities For The Jubilee Weekend!

Can you feel the footsteps of the Jubilee weekend approaching?

As Singapore marks 50 years of independence this year (09 August to be exact), the President has declared 07 August 2015 (Friday) a public holiday. This will make for an extended Jubilee Weekend over the 07 to 10 August period so as to enable all Singaporeans to participate in commemorating this special milestone in our nation's history.

Over the Jubilee Weekend, special programmes have been prepared for Singaporeans around the island to revisit and experience afresh the journey of Singapore's story.

Here, I have compiled some events which is taking place during this Jubilee weekend!

SG50 Hello Kitty From McDonald's!

Hello Kitty fans rejoice!

Singapore is celebrating her golden jubilee this year and McDonald's is launching the SG50 Hello Kitty series!

This set of unique Hello Kitty plushies is exclusive to Singapore so be the first to get your hands on the limited edition collectibles!

Video: 台湾八仙乐园粉尘爆炸 Horrifying Explosion At Taiwan Water Park *Warning: Graphic*

Last night, I was horrified to learn of the explosion at Formosa Fun Coast, a water park in Taiwan. Colourful clouds of flammable powder were fired at the party goers out of pressurized canons at the Colour Play Asia party which, unfortunately, ignited and engulfed them in flames.

It was like a scene out of a disaster movie as the victims scramble for their lives in the fire.

At the point of penning this entry, casualties numbered to 500 with close to 200 in ICU.

May God bless the injured.

Video below.

In Memorium: James Horner 1953 - 2015

Oscar winner James Horner has been killed after crashing his single-engine plane in Southern California on Monday morning. 

Ventura County fire spokesman Mike Lindbery said the crash happened around 9.30am in the Los Padres National Forest, with the Federal Aviation Administration adding that the plane was an S-312 Tucano MK1 turbo-prop with two seats and that the debris was spread across an acre of land. 

Crews extinguished a fire that erupted in vegetation after the plane became engulfed in flames upon impact, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Horner, a husband and father of two, was later confirmed dead by one of his employees.

Horner's assistant, Sylvia Patrycja, confirmed that it was the beloved composer who died in the tragic accident. 

'We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart, and unbelievable talent,' Patrycja wrote on Facebook. 

  

'He died doing what he loved. Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road.' 

Jay Cooper, an attorney for Horner, said the plane was one of several owned by the 61-year-old composer. 

  

Horner’s representatives have not commented on the issue. - Daily Mail

Free Minions Figurines With McDonald's Happy Meal

McDonald's Singapore will be launching a set of 10 Minions collectible toys from the animation, MINIONS this coming Thursday, 18 June 2015 at 11am.

The Minions are:

01. Guitar Strumming Stuart
02. Groovy Stuart
03. Minion Caveman
04. Lava Shooting Kevin
05. Chatting Bob
06. Egyptian Hula Minion
07. Minion Vampire
08. Marching Minion Soldier
09. Martial Arts Minion
10. Guard Minion

The toys will come free with every purchase of a kid's Happy Meal.

Hatyai Sabbatical 2015

I must really apologize for the lack of updates.

The first half of 2015 has just gone in a flash. A lot has happened during the last six months and my mind have been bogged down by family matters. All is fine for now and I hope it stays that way.

Last month, my folks and I brought forward our yearly retreat to Hatyai (we usually go during year end) and we took the opportunity to recharge and re-energize. Hopefully, we did not bring the negative vibes back with us.

I think Hatyai has been blogged to death by me so I shall consolidate the entire five days into one single post and not go into the details. Since it is simply a staycation, we spend most of our time sleeping/watching TV in the hotel when we are not out looking for food.

Now if you would fasten your seatbelt, our journey shall begin in just a minute.

Singapura: 700 Years Exhibition At The National Museum Of Singapore

After visiting the Lee Kuan Yew memorial exhibition on level 2 of the National Museum, I proceeded to the basement to visit yet another exhibition - Singapura: 700 Years.

History is one of my favorite subject in school so how could I miss it?

I studied South East Asia history in school and I would like to attribute my keen interest in the subject to my history teacher, Ms Lau Gek Moi who managed to make her lessons unboring.

Entering the gallery, I was thrown back into the pre-Colonial days when the then Temasek was still a Sultanate. Bit by bit, like fragments of a long forgotten memory, the story of Parameswara and the invasion from the Majapahit Kingdom all came flooding back.

In Memoriam: Lee Kuan Yew exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore

This memorial exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore chronicles the life and political career of Singapore's first Prime Minister and founding father Lee Kuan Yew. It also highlights the ideals and convictions that shaped Mr Lee and his generation of leaders.

Through a selection of photographic images and audiovisual recordings, as well as artefacts from the National Collection, the exhibition begins with Mr Lee's formative years as a law student at Cambridge and his early involvement in the anti-colonial struggle.

It also traces his political career from the formation of the People's Action Party, through his Prime Ministership, to his final years of service as Senior Minister and Minister Mentor.

Mr Lee's political biography is inextricably linked to Singapore's own journey from British colony to merger with Malaysia to Separation and independence. This exhibition chronicles that journey and pays tribute to his contributions.

This exhibition will enable visitors to remember and reflect on the solid foundation that he built for Singapore.

State Funeral for Singapore's Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Today is a day unlike any other for Singapore as we bid farewell to our Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

The past week has not been a easy one as anguished Singaporeans come to terms with his demise since news of it broke on early Monday (March 23) morning.

Pulled by an open-topped ceremonial land rover, Mr Lee's body was brought to Sri Temasek atop a Gun Carriage for a two-day private wake inside the Istana where President Tony Tan Keng Yam, the Sultan of Brunei and Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing were among the visitors.

The Passing Of A Legend - Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

Tribute site beside Jurong Regional Library

Grave news shook the world in the wee hours of March 23rd 2015. 

Lee Kuan Yew, the former Prime Minister of Singapore has passed away peacefully at 3.18am. He has been warded at the Singapore General Hospital since February 05 for severe pneumonia where he remained critically ill. He was 91.

For the days leading up to his demise, the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) has been updating Mr Lee's health status daily. His deteriorating  health is worrying and I knew what is to come but still, I was shaken when the inevitable happened. 

A Day With The Singapore Zoo, River Safari And Night Safari!

Last Sunday, I spend my birthday at the Singapore Zoo and River Safari for the second consecutive year ever since I found out that Singaporeans enter WRS (Wildlife Reserves Singapore) parks for free on their birthdays.

I arrived at the Zoo bright and early that morning to collect my complimentary tickets from the ticketing booth.

After getting my tickets, I head straight for the River Safari because I wanted to see the Manatees and Araipaima first.

While most people visiting the River Safari naturally turn left towards Rivers Of The World, I head for the opposite direction towards the Amazon Flooded Forest where the Manatees and Araipaima are.

The River Safari is designed in a loop so visitors can just go clockwise (or anti-clockwise like I did) around the park. The Rivers Of The World is at the beginning of the loop while the Amazon Flooded Forest is at the end of it. Since the majority of the crowd are at the other side, I have the Amazon Flooded Forest all to myself!

DIY: Biological/Chemical Filter For Aquarium

I have been toying with the idea of making my own biological cum chemical filter for a long time. I am using a overhead filter but it is kind of small to add in any other media after putting in the filtration wool.

Since my overhead filter is only fulfilling the mechanical aspect of the filtration system, this project will enhance the biological and chemical step.

There are three components to the filtration system:

- Mechanical

- Biological

- Chemical

Char Siew Pau And Kuih Lopes At Cafe@Heart

Cafe@Heart is located on the second level of the new National Heart Centre building opposite SGH Block 4.

I was there with Mum for her blood test and having fasted since the previous night, she was extremely hungry after done with the test. The cafe was just diagonally opposite from the clinic so we made our way there for a light breakfast.

McDonald's X LINE Plush Collectibles With Purchase Of EVM From McDonald's!

Are you a fan of LINE characters?

Then Brown, Cony and friends should be of no stranger to you.

McDonald's is collaborating with LINE to bring you your favorite LINE characters!

The set of five plushie will be made available in stores every Monday beginning 05 January 2015 at 11am. Each plush is priced at $4.90 with purchase of any EVM (Extra Value Meal™).

For the next 5 weeks, one design will be released every Monday at 11am:

• Cony (from 05 Jan) 
• Sally (from 12 Jan) 
• Cony (from 19 Jan)
• Moon (from 26 Jan)
• Leonard (from 02 February)

Our Army Exhibition - A Soldier In Every Family

Our Army Exhibition - A Soldier In Every Family came to the open space beside Westgate, Jurong East two weekends ago. 

I took the opportunity to visit the exhibition to learn more about the technology and weaponry used in our defenses. It was an eye-opener to learn about the latest technology and also seeing some familiar equipments which accompanied my days with the armed forces.

How To Turn Off Annoying Facebook Game Invites (Read: PIRATE KING) On Android & IOS

For Android

1. Click the 3 lines on the top right of your Facebook page.

How To Turn Off Annoying Facebook Game Invites (Read: PIRATE KINGS) On PC

FOR COMPUTER

1. On the right panel of your Facebook page, click "See More" under "Recommended Games".

ONE PIECE Collectibles With Purchase Of EVM From McDonald's!

ONE PIECE fans rejoice!

McDonald's is finally bringing in collectibles of the popular anime!

This series will be made available in stores every Monday from 17 November 2014 at 11am and each collectible is priced at $2.95 with purchase of any EVM (Extra Value Meal).

Customers are allowed to purchase ONE figurine per EVM, subject to availability.

Two designs will be released every Monday at 11am for three weeks:

• Zoro and Robin (from 17 Nov) 
• Franky and Chopper (from 24 Nov) 
• Sanji and Brook (from 01 Dec) 

From 08 December, three designs will be released instead of two.

• Nami, Usok and Luffy (from 08 Dec)

In addition, a limited edition THOUSAND SUNNY paper ship is available from 8 December at $3.95 each, with purchase of a EVM.

*Only 100 ships is available per store!

School's Out! Holidays In! Where To Bring Your Kids This School Holiday?

My apologies for the lack of updates as I was away for two weeks ICT. Although it's stay out all the way, I would flop into bed the moment I reached home every night because no one can shag me out like SAF can.

After ICT ended, the first thing I did was to visit Qianhu Fish Farm. Actually, I was there to get  a overhead filter as the current internal filter is not efficient for the bioload

I'm keeping Lionhead Goldfish at the moment and you know how messy goldfishes are. I had to get my hands wet every few days to strip down the filter and to wash out the gunk so I figure a overhead filter is much easier for maintenance.

Anyway, another reason I was there is to take a look at the Ranchus as I am smitten with them lately.

9th Death Anniversary

God looked around His garden
And He found an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your precious face

He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest;
God' s Garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain
He knew you' d never ever
Get well on earth again.

So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered " Peace be thine "
Then He took you up to Heaven
With Hands so gentle and kind.

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God welcomed you home.

Author Unknown

Happy 16th Barkday!

A companion, a pal,
A very best friend.
Someone to trust,
To love 'til the end.
Someone to trust,
When feeling blue.
Always a smile,
T'always greet you.
Always a smile,
To dry up your tears.
A person to be there,
To quiet your fears.
A person to be there,
When lonely or sad.
Loving regardless,
If hating or mad.
Loving regardless,
If caring or cruel.
No matter what,
Genius or fool.
No matter what,
They stand by you.
Who is this person,
Have you a clue?
Who is this person?
I'll tell you who.
This is your pet,
That loves through 'n through.

- Author Unknown

Haw Par Villa - The Ten Courts Of Hell

 

I hope you have not been kept waiting for too long for the second and final installment of my Haw Par Villa trip. You can read the first part here if you have not already done so.

The focus in today's post is also the main highlight of the park which is the Ten Courts Of Hell.

I actually made a second trip back to hell as the photos did not turn out well (I didn't realize my hands were shaking too much) during the first visit.

I vividly remember visiting it as a child and the graphic nature of the exhibits gave me endless nightmares but precisely because of this, it further ingrain the notion in me not to do bad deeds.

I guess that is the purpose of this exhibit; to remind us to be a better person and not to commit crimes. I recommended all parents to bring their kids (especially naughty ones) here at least once so they will learn to behave themselves.

Be forewarned that the photos you are about to see are pretty gruesome and morbid therefore you are advised to exercise caution if you want to proceed reading further.

*Reader's Discretion Is Advised*

Haw Par Villa - Singapore's Very First Theme Park Of The Bizzare Kind

Did you know that long before USS (Universal Studios Singapore) arrive upon our shores, we already had Haw Par Villa (previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens). This 77-years old Chinese mythological park was built in 1937, making it Singapore's very first, and oldest themed park to date.

Built by Aw Boon Haw for his brother Boon Par, this pair of Burmese brothers arrived in Singapore during the 1920s with their father's secret recipe to the Tiger Balm ointment. Yes, the people who built Haw Par Villa are the very same people behind Tiger Balm.

Tiger Balm not only make a name for itself in the region but internationally as well.

The park did not started off as the park we see today. Aw Boon Haw had bought the land and built a villa for his younger brother to thank him for helping with the business.

But, the war came and the brothers fled back to Burma where Boon Par passed away. After the war, Boon Haw returned to Singapore and had the villa demolished. In its place stood sculptures depicting traditional Chinese folk tales and mythology. The finished park was then opened free to the public who came in huge numbers.

Life Liberation @ Ulu Tiram, Johor Bahru

A week after returning from my Malacca trip, my folks and I were once again heading to Johor Bahru with Dad's friend (yes, that same uncle we went to Malacca with).

We are going there to take part in this "Life Liberation" (fangsheng/放生) event where we will be releasing animals into the wild. It is my first time attending such an event and as a Buddhist, while I applaud the cause, I am at the same time thrown into a dilemma.

I believe the purpose of liberation is to rescue animals from a live and death situation (eg, live animals saved from being slaughtered for food) but, what if the animals (eg. birds/fish) are intentionally captured/trapped from the wild for the sole purpose of selling to us to free them, then what is the point?

UPDATE: This is exactly what I meant but unable to summarize in a few words!

2D1N Malacca Trip - Hang Tuah Well, Jonker Walk, Chicken Rice Balls, Christ Church, Klebang Coconut Shake, Peranakan Dinner & No Toilet Bowls!

I went for a two days and one night weekend getaway to Malacca (马六甲) with Dad and his friends two weekends ago. To be precise, it was his friend and this friend's other friends.

We woke up super early that morning to meet up with his friend (and this friend's other friends) then, we board a chartered coach heading for the customs.

Malacca (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is a few hours drive away from Singapore and thankfully, I managed to catch some much deprived sleep. Along the way, we stopped for breakfast at Gelang Patah before continuing our journey towards our first destination - the Hang Tuah well.

添发云吞面 Tian Fa Wanton Mee @ Keat Hong Shopping Centre

I was at Keat Hong Shopping Centre (actually it is more of a wet market) because I heard that there is a nice Wanton Mee on the second floor. There are two coffee shops on the second level and the Wanton Mee which I am looking for is located at the coffee shop called 85° Cafe.

The Wanton Mee stall only have a Chinese name called 添发卤面云吞面. As its name implies, the stall sells Lor Mee and Wanton Mee.

I had the Wanton Mee.

Tokyu Hands 東急ハンズ Arrived In West Gate Singapore!

Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ) has recently opened a new store in Singapore - its first outlet in Southeast Asia - earlier this month.

This Japanese lifestyle store sells such a wide variety of merchandise that you can call it a part hardware, part hobby, part kitchen, part gift and stationery store all in one.

Seeing some excitement from friends about its arrival, I decided to check it out to see what was the commotion all about.

From what I found out, Tokyu Hands is a multi-level shopping paradise in Japan but the store here is located in a 7,500 sq ft store on the first floor of West Gate Mall in Jurong East.

Actually, it reminded me of Daiso but a more upmarket one (read: EXPENSIVE).

Wei Ji Noodle House - Wanton Mee @ Chinatown Complex

Update: Wei Ji Noodle House has permanently closed.

Sick of having the usual at Chinatown Complex market & Food Centre, I walked around the food centre, hoping to uncover something new for lunch when I stumbled upon Wei Ji Noodle House.

Hidden at a inconspicuous part of the complex, business is sluggish - or at least that's what it appears to be - when I was there just before noon. This is a striking contrast to the other stalls just round the corner.

Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try and ordered myself a plate of wanton mee.

The person taking my order is quite aloof who made no effort to take my order even though I was standing there in front of the stall for a good whole minute.

I had to take the initiative to call out to him what I wanted. Even then, there was no communication between us during the entire transaction as I am the only one doing all the talking.

I wonder is that part of the reason for the lack of business?

鯛パフェ Tai-Parfait @ Bugis Junction

Update: Tai Farfait has permanently closed.

Last month, I was passing by Bugis Junction (the truth is, I was there to use the toilet) when I realized the basement is undergoing renovations.

While walking around, I learned that some of the new F&B tenants are Boost Juice, Yellow Submarine, Bear Bites, Tai-Parfait, etc.

Among those, what caught my attention was Tai-Parfait, a Japanese-concept store selling fusion dessert which combines Taiyaki with Parfait.

That is why, I am back a few days ago, to try the Taiyaki which is a traditional fish-shaped pancake from Japan filled with a sweet filling (usually Azuki) on the inside.

At Tai-Parfait, the Taiyaki filling options are Azuki, Matcha, Custard Cream and Chocolate. The Taiyaki is shaped like a fish with a gaping mouth where your preferred Parfait ingredients goes in.

You can buy the Taiyaki as it is without the Parfait portion (SGD2.20/pc) which includes ingredients like fruits, matcha and soft-serve ice cream.

Tiong Shian Porridge Centre - Mixed Pork Porridge And Raw Fish Salad @ 265 North Bridge Road

It has been ages since I last had a bowl of porridge at Tiong Shian. I remember when I was younger, my family would have our dinner here whenever we visit Chinatown. Perhaps that is how I grew to love porridge, especially the Cantonese-styled ones.

As the coffee shop is located just by the main road, customers had to endure the carbon output from passing vehicles. Not only that, they also had to put up with the unbearable heat during the day. And of course, not forgetting the emotionless and sometimes rude waiting staff.

Despite all that, it has not deterred customers from returning for their porridge fix. This place is always fully packed that it would be quite a daunting task trying to get a table.  

Mini Beanies And Soya Porridge @ Mr Bean Jurong Point

When I saw the above poster on Mr Bean's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MrBeanSingapore/photos/a.204749536337346.69311.194064697405830/520886044723692/?type=1&theater), I was smitten-ed by the cute Mini Beanies donning different funny hats. 

I have always like Mr Bean's mascot so I thought I gotta give it a try!

And there I was, a few days later, standing in front of Mr Bean at Jurong Point, ordering my Mini Beanies.

Tanglin Halt Western Food @ Clementi Central

Update: Tanglin Halt Western Food has permanently closed.

*This review is from a combination of two different visits.

Tanglin Halt Western Food is run by Mr Ng and his wife for the last 38 years.

Located just next to the popular Chai Ho Satay, this western food stall also happens to be one of the stalls with a perpetual queue at Clementi Central.

I mean, where else can you find Fish & Chips, Pork Chop, Chicken Chop for $4.50 and Beef Steak for $5.50?

Health freaks who avoid western food would be happy to know that since joining the Healthier Hawker Program in July last year, the stall owner has switched to healthier alternatives like oil with unsaturated fat and salt containing lesser sodium than regular salt. 

财好沙嗲 Chai Ho Satay & Dried Pork @ Clementi Central

Chai Ho Satay & Dried Meat has been around for a long time. As its name implies, this stall sells Satay as well as Dried Meat (Bak Kwa).

The stall has probably been there even before I moved from Clementi 25 years ago.

Chai Ho Satay is a non-halal Satay stall. They have pork Satay aside from the usual mutton and chicken.

I have long wanted to try the Satay here but I was always there at a bad timing when they were still not opened for business. It wasn't until last week when I brought Mum to see a Sinseh nearby that we were finally able to catch it in business.

华记面食品 Wah Kee Noodle @ Amoy Street Food Centre

Just across from Tai Seng Noodle House at Amoy Street Food Centre is Wah Kee Noodle - another stall specializing in Cantonese-styled Wanton Mee that is run by a husband and wife team.

After placing my order with the husband, the wife is heard raising her voice at him over some petty issues like having not enough bowls. I think I caught them at a bad timing as the atmosphere inside the stall is a little tense.

I had thought of cancelling my order and going over to Tai Seng instead but, I was worried that I would incur lady-boss' wrath so I awkwardly waited for my order in front of the stall while she continue berating her husband who just kept his silence throughout. 

The moment my order is ready, I quickly scoot off with my noodles! That few minutes felt like forever!

Dinosaurs: Dawn To Extinction

By the time you read this post, the exhibition, Dinosaurs: Dawn To Extinction would have already ended it's 8-months run at the Artscience Museum. The exhibition began in January this year but unfortunately, I got hit by the procrastinating bug and before I knew it, three days is all there is left for me to visit.

Entering the hall, visitors would be greeted by a family of Herrerasaurus. I like how the museum played with the shadows of the skeletons by projecting them onto the wall behind them. 

I thought I was seeing things when I saw them move.

Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist @ Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

This review is from a combination of three visits.

One late afternoon, Dad and I came to Hong Lim Market & Food Centre for lunch and we had the soy sauce chicken noodle from Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist.

It was a choice out of desperation. We had actually come for Tuck Kee Ipoh Sah Hor Fun but it was already closed by the time we were there and so were most of the other stalls.

Yakader Dum Briyani @ Tekka Centre

 Dum Briyani SGD4.50 with an added hard-boil egg for SGD0.50

All my life, I thought Nasi Briyani is simply Nasi Briyani - a spice-infused rice dish drizzled over with curried meat. The only difference is having either chicken, mutton or fish to go along with your meal.

My first trip to Tekka Centre recently taught me otherwise, as I soon found out that there is another kind called the Dum Briyani where the meat and rice (placed in alternating layers in a pot) are cooked together where the rice stews in the meat juices, absorbing the delicate flavors of the spices and herbs as opposed to Nasi Briyani where the rice and meat were cooked separately.

Tuck Kee Ipoh Sah Hor Fun 德记怡保沙河粉 @ Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

One of the most exasperating thing to happen while queuing for hawker food has got to be when you thought you are next in line, the person in front actually ordered more than 10 packets to go!

What a bummer...

That's what happened to me when I was queuing for a plate of Tuck Kee (Ipoh) Sah Hor Fun at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre.

Tuck Kee does not use the regular wide hor fun used by our local tze char stalls here. Ipoh's sah hor fun is a flat, rice noodle that is long and narrow bearing some resemblance to our kway teow.

The sah hor fun is drenched with a thickened brown sauce full of crustacean umami with chye sim and fried shallots on the side.

The only headache you have, is to choose what ingredients you want to go with your sah hor fun. The choices are Chicken with Prawns ($4), Medium Prawns ($4.50), Pacific Clam with Prawns ($4.50), Abalone Mushroom with Prawns ($4) and of course their signature and most popular item, Crayfish with Prawns ($6).

No brownie points for guessing what I ordered.