The Time of The Year Again

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. The time where you get to rejoice and feel sad once again. Rejoice because I’ll get to meet my favourite people again, showered with love through wishes and gifts and most importantly, a great excuse to eat, drink and no need to work (if your leave is approved of course). However, we can’t deny the fact that we are one step closer to the tomb whenever one commemorates his or her hatch day.

It all started with the girl trying her very best to plan a surprise for me. Possibly, after what I’ve done for her birthday this year, she’s out to ‘kill’. Similarly, she did up a Facebook page more than one month in advance so that my anticipation kicks off way in advance. A few segments to it, but there was a frantic period in between, definitely no thanks to the f**king SAF who screwed up the beloved plan she planned. Nevertheless, fate was kind to us and she managed to get everything back on track. Her first surprise was an unfortunate one. Can’t blame her too, because she wasn’t aware of it as well. It’s a message treatment at Cuppage Plaza. The name of this place can clearly show you what you should and will expect. Frankly speaking, it wasn’t an enjoyable experience AT ALL, nonetheless, her effort shows it all and my heart felt everything as compared to the yucky feeling from my skin. And so, that’s one down, more to go (I’m still clueless although she fed me with quite a number of clues). Her riddles began yet again….which doesn’t seem to help me at all as well.



MR was there to celebrate with me for my birthday. Had planned for Buffettown for a normal dinner feast before we actually chilled out in Marina Barrage. Buffettown was a killer. All of us left the place feeling more than just FAT. The salmon sashimi, crepe, soup and prawns really got most of us high, it’s funny how our talks between each other still garners so much fun and laughter ever after these years, especially with the presence of Smell. Went to watch a movie (finally MR’s watching movie together once again), and we watched ‘The Thing’ after their request was rejected by both me and the girl because we had already watched ‘Real Steel’ the night before. Ended up, Smell was jokingly angry with us for not watching ‘Real Steel’ with them, because, ‘The Thing’ was such an awful and lousy movie.

Nevertheless, we decided the night is still young, and after countless ding dong (as usual), we ended up at Marina Barrage. First visit to MB by MR. Smell seems to have a Doraemon car where he had picnic mats, kite and even leftover wine in his car (that’s for tricking girls of course). His kite really got us laughing for a whole good time before they present me my present – a Senheisser Headphone. Cool stuff, it’s like a little wish came true. Definitely got a big smile on me knowing I can blast my music away into my ears, all thanks to MR.

If you think the headphone was cool, wait till you read about what the girl gave me as my 2nd surprise. A Razer Lycosa! Cool stuff right? Girlfriend knew how much a gamer I was, and despite her not liking me to play game in expense of our time spent together, she knew what will make me happy. Indeed, I was all smile when she present me with my surprise. I'm was speechless and extremely. Right away, I replaced my keyboard and began playing with it. Possibly one of the best birthday present I've ever received, for sure!

Next up, birthday celebration with Xero4. Don and Jon both attended, along with Layhuan and Girlfriend. It’s like all my favourite people are all around. Had arranged for a lunch at Paradise Inn which I’m betting that they’ll love it. Introduced them to floral tea, some braised bee hoon and of course, the dessert. We ordered like more than 7 dishes altogether. And of course, it was a treat from both Don and Jon. We have been friends for so long that since years ago, we’ve decided to do away with gifts, because if not, we have to trouble and crack our brains for like at least 4 times a year, which could be rather ‘damaging’. Therefore, since then, it’s just a good celebration over treating a meal. Thanks to them, a worthwhile and yummy lunch.

No prize for guessing why is October my favourite month because my celebration will be spread over a few days across the month, instead on just that day itself, by and with all the people I love. Last day of work before I enjoy my long awaited 5 day break from work, I was sprung a surprise by my colleagues. One whom I called ‘Da Jie’ at work and the other one who was nice and kind enough to wrap me a red packet. ‘Da Jie’ on the other hand, gave me a birthday cake with some nearby colleagues sharing the joy with me. Not forgetting a gift bought to me by ‘Da Jie’. One word – Touched. Thank god for these colleagues and if there’s anything I wouldn’t want to leave behind when I leave this company will be these wonderful colleagues.

A day of havoc on the next day! Had a whole day outing with Don before the highlight approaches at night. Jon and Layhuan joined us for clubbing @ Zirca. I guess I’m happiest because I finally get to club in Zirca and drink once again! Literally brings me back to good old times where we were all still young and partying away almost every other week. Making use of the 1-1 offer, all four of us were high not long after. Before the stroke of midnight, I was presented a glass of graveyard. I’ve tasted its power, and never liked it. But then again, the hi-ness you get definitely conquers it all. That graveyard really sucks. It almost literally sends me to graveyard. By the time I ‘down’ that glass, I almost died. I’m almost drunk in another 1-2 hours and seriously, I can’t really recall what happens thereafter. The next thing I knew soberly, I was busy vomiting and trying to get myself up. I was so wasted, I forgot about my poor girlfriend, who got worried over me for a good few hours through the night. I spent early of my birthday drinking, half of it vomiting and the later part with my girl!

All was well as she presented her masterpiece to me. As usual, I’ve always love her works, the collage she made because that is the best representation of her and I love to collect every single one of them. Thanks to Cathay, I managed to get a 1-1 offer for the Cathay Platinum Suites. We were lucky to watch a movie over this luxurious setting. We watched ‘In Time’ over a spread of yummy food we ordered, which surprisingly last us through the night. Definitely a memorable night as we both indulges endlessly. Of course, wishes from friends still arrives heartwarmingly over at the social media since the night before and although as funny as it may seems (how Facebook has replace the most interpersonal way of greetings), it’s good to know that people still remember to wish you over your birthday.

Not forgetting that very night, mum and dad celebrated my birthday for me with a cake bought by mum. She always remembered which my favourite cake is. Even up until today, I’m still her little boy where she will always remember buying that cartoon chocolate from me from Polar. Loves. We’ve reached a stage where our feelings and kinship slowed, but still strong as ever, Somehow, their birthday singing was the most memorable. Perhaps, it’s been years since they last sang me one. Tricked mum into giving me a treat by bringing her to Taste Paradise. Always felt bad whenever I’m having good food outside without her presence. Of course, eventually, I insist it’s my treat and there’s nothing she could do about it. Ordered her favourite food and dessert, which definitely got her smiling, and let me tell you, that smile is priceless. Thank goodness, dad managed to get a bite of their yummy food as well.

Thanks to Smell, we had a chalet booked and organized by him. Unfortunately, because of that bad experience, drinking party isn’t going on anymore. Therefore, we packed lots of food and simply just feast and drink. We decided that rugged chalet was way too boring, and decided to summon the mahjong table and chairs from my house before we played our way through. Guess who’s the winner, Kelvin Low of course (=p). Woops! Now, MR really got my mahjong bugs coming back again, and I’m seriously wondering when my next mahjong session is. Thanks to my girl, we managed to share my birthday cake with everyone in MR. The girl was so worried this cake surprise would failed because I’m dead drunk but afterall, I won’t let any efforts go down to the drain. I still can’t forget how ZQ gave me a kiss and Smell gave me a freaking musingly lick on my face. Eww…it just irks me at the thought of it. But seriously, thanks for this time as my birthday celebration continues.

Girlfriend woke me up damn early in the day and revealing the first riddle of the day. My choice, Egg Benedict of course. Turns out, she’s bringing me to Spruce. Definitely the mood was not dampened by the hot sun and non air-conditioned outdoor as we insist in sitting indoor to enjoy our breakkie over the air con. Breakfast was so-so as compared to Epicurious, but I must say, their Salmon is awesome. Towards the end, Girlfriend unveiled the 4th riddle which was the most difficult riddle. Because there’s so much work to be done. When I finally solved it, she conveniently denied me my correct answer, which got me pondering over and over again through the entire journey to my correct answer – MM = Marina Mandarin. Awesome! It’s Staycation. I bet we realized and discovered our love for Staycation since the first one during her birthday celebration. We got a free upgrade to Premier room which is really spacious, high floor and they even come with a business desk, bathtub and shower, and did I forget to mention, it’s King Size Bed!!! Oh how we love King Size Bed. Somehow, we were always wondering and puzzled why do hotel’s bed feel so comfortable. If only my future home has such comfortable beds. That aside, we spent the rest of the day living like a tourist and definitely a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, planned effortlessly by the girl.

That’s not all, my final celebration was a dinner with sumptuous crab feast whipped up by dad. Chilli crabs by dad has never tasted so well and to be very honest, I’ve never eaten any chilli crab which taste nicer than my dad’s. Perhaps it’s because all of us in the family had gotten use to the taste, but undeniably, it tasted wonderful and awesome. Even girlfriend got a taste of it, after Dad insists I passed some to her.

Just like that, in a blink of an eye, all celebrations are over and I’m one year older. Nothing much exist in my wish, but it’s just the same thing over again this year. Most importantly, I’m contented. Contented with all the love, wishes and greetings I’ve received and effort anyone and everyone have made for my birthday so far, which had definitely make this year one of my best birthdays.

Happy 'Meng Kwek' Festival

Happy Mid Autumn Festival to all my friends. The subject might struck a question mark on you. So allow me to let the cat out of the bag. I was shopping for Mooncakes with the girl one day and I have no idea why I said 'Meng Kwek' instead of mooncake and there you go, the girl keep on 'suaning' me, non stop of course (it's not as though she gets alot of chance to do so).

Nice enough, I went to re-structure my knowledge on this particular festival and found out various adaptation. But in any case, this festival isn’t just about Mooncakes and lanterns, but also the jade rabbit (which I came to understand its existence only recently). Till today, it wasn’t a festival that my family celebrated but rather we appreciated it. Since young (only when we are young), my dad would open the entrance door wide, so we would stayed up till slightly later and watch the moon.

Traditionally, MR also has the tradition of playing lanterns (or playing with fire by two arsonists) but as age and time gradually passed, this tradition no longer exist too. Last year was my first Mid Autumn Festival with the girl. I have no idea why, although we did not deliberately celebrate, my fond memories of those photo-taking along the river of Clarke Quay cast a great impression on me.

Perhaps, if Mid-Autumn Festival is a Public Holiday like what they had back in Taiwan, there will be more people appreciating this festival, gathering with loved ones, eating mooncakes, playing lantern and appreciating the beautiful full moon while remembering the story of Chang Er.

Girl's '18th' Birthday Celebration

It was a plan not meant. The entire idea to celebrate the girl’s 25th birthday was a different one to the end result. Nevertheless, it’s definitely one of the most memorable moments I had in my life, so memorable, it sucked me back to my own 25th celebration with the girl. I felt as though it was my very own birthday. In fact, the entire planning and celebration was a risk – a risk that would not be as surprising as I expected it to be.


I started off merely with a facebook page and nothing more. Each time updating in little by little, yet expecting her to check back to the page every Monday as I’ll revealed more. The whole “Macau Fishball” was even a nastier hoax. She got tricked of course. Never did I expect myself to be SO tight-lipped this time round. Seriously, not even a hardware tool could pry over that tight lips of mine.

Image planning a celebration as early as 3 months prior, it sure is no easy feat. However, as I strongly believe, it really takes efforts to express and show, even deep down inside, we know how the other half is feeling. Afterall, actions speaks louder than words. The sweet bouquet kickstarted everything. The ordering of them is as easy as 1,2,3. The executing it is the difficult part. I had to fake a tummy upset in order to deliver a surprise. Trust me, the best way to surprise someone is to caught that person off guard and suddenly spring an unexpected surprise.

I’m rather impressed with my “Macau Fishball”. Throughout the entire next day, her mind must be hovering around those two words. All I did was to get her to follow me as I uncover more along the way. Brought her to brunch first to satisfy her liking for eggs. Where else but Epicurious to help me do the job. My simple phrase of “you’ve eaten before but you’ve not been here before” puzzled here. For a simple reason of Epicurious having two outlets, one of which we went before and she’s aware while the one I’m leading her to in the very first surprise of the day. There, I present to her the very first present. After several guesses, she failed. The trick is, remembering what she has said, even if it’s something she said 1 year ago, because you never know when it might come in handy. And for me, it came at the perfect moment. Trust me, that expression gave her away. She totally did not expect that present and there I thought, I DID IT.

After that, I continued getting her to followed me, eventually making our way to Sentosa. Blame it on 963 who gave this part a boohoo. But nevertheless, the weapon is still hidden. Pushing her aside at the sales counter, I produce a confirmation letter to obtain the complimentary tickets to Sentosa, just so she has entirely no idea what am I up to. Indeed, she remains easy to be tricked that day. We got off and I brought her to Amara Saunctuary Resort. She was told that we’re going there for Hi-Tea. Pretending to lost my way, I make my way to the reception and kept her waiting at bay. In actual fact, I was panicky sorting the confirmation letter and there I went producing it to the receptionist without her knowledge. Deep in my mind, I am still pondering how to present this surprise to her in the best way possible. Thankfully, it’s in my blood, that’s why she called me her Doraemon. As she closed in on me, she was mentioning having our future wedding here. I replied how would she know it’s a nice place to wed without knowing how nice the rooms. And there I went, presenting the card key to her. OMG! Her expression is priceless. She gave me the most shocking look I’ve ever seen from her before. Of course, smiles follow suit and I knew, she will be a happy girl today.

Throughout the rest of the day, we spent it lazing around Sentosa like tourists and make use of the facilities of the hotel. Unfortunately, my request for the staff to come up with a special décor of the room was discovered by her. Nevertheless, I’m sure it’s a pleasant discovery. My mission there and then is to make sure she thinks I have nothing else up my sleeves. Somehow, I think I achieved that.

We went Seafood Paradise for dinner and trust us, we found one of the best Chinese restaurant in Singapore. Their seafood soup impressed us most. Of course, not forgetting the freshness of the seafood, tastefully use of the ingredients and the sweetness of the desserts. It just aids me in making the day even better as the day goes on. Just like that, we indulge in the comfort of the luxurious room and caught our favourite shows.

DING DONG! Timecheck, it was 11.45pm. The cake I ordered arrives without her knowledge. Unfortunately, she somehow guessed it would happened. But, still a nice and sweet way to wish her a very happy birthday. Of course, just before the clock strikes 12, I sent her a sms. In the sms, I ordered her to use the last application (QR Reader) to decode the last photo in her mobile phone (I sent that photo to her without her knowledge) and in there lies a message to wish her a very happy birthday.

Of course, what a better way to wake up with breakfast for bed and I’m pretty sure it’s definitely one of the happiest day of my life and for her as well. Indeed, it’s not a easy task to plan and execute a celebration like that but I believe I need to because after that, the word birthday always comes with the word happy, and I know, I achieved that.

To you: Happy ‘18’th Birthday to you. May you continue to be as pretty, sweet and wonderful as you are now and be happy always.

V Day Celebration

Good thing this year, Valentine Day didn't fall on the first few days of Chinese New Year unlike last year, instead, it falls on the 14th day of the Lunar calendar. However, having said that, due to our busy schedules we did not celebrate it (yes, again) on the actual day.

Poor girl was made to thought she'll never get to receive anything (although she wasn't expecting anything at all), I made a surprise appearance at her house with a self-bundled of roses with a special cake she loves.

It was a simple affair this year, or at least we tried to make it just a simple affair this year. We did not specifically celebrate it, probably just spending some dates out to 'commemorate' this day. Had a wild night @ Zouk on our favourite Mambo. The night did not hit its peak all the way until near wee hours, certainly didn't even started well after we somehow witnessed a unbearable accident just across the road (we're still praying that guy's alright).

Call me old man, as I barely can sustain for long enough. Just like that, I feel I'm exhausted. Perhaps, clubbing is no longer my kind of stuff. And yet, it makes me wonder, where did I get my energy in the past.

Bought her a webcam, so that she can see my unglam self at home. It dawned on me that we could just be spending time looking for practical gifts as times passed us by...

Our dates continues the next morning where we visited Wild Honey for some anticipated yummy experience, but as it turns out, too costly and guess what's worse, THEIR SERVICE AND FOOD SUCKS! Period. I shan't go further into that.

Were supposed to continue our wonderful dates that very Saturday. Turned out I fell damn sick with fever hitting near 39 Degree Celsius. Poor girl's heart were shattered. Her long awaited Hi-Tea @ Goodwood Park Hotel has to be cancelled. So, she spent her precious time for that two days (almost), spending time to change the cold towels, ensuring I'm kept cool before the fever can even hit me real hard. Thankfully I survived the ordeal and by the next day, I'm out with her. Her springing of her present where she went miles just to ensure she wasn't empty handed was totally unexpected. Nice choice of shirts I would say.

Luckily, I would say the outing that day managed to save some hopes as she enjoyed her dinner and my final surprise for her - Gold Class experience. Indeed, it wasn't cheap, but I felt it's worth every penny spent. That satisfied smile on her face spells it all. From the start to the end, we felt special. And I really do mean special. It was definitely exclusive. Seats like business class seats, menu where you can only find @ Manhattan Fish Market, service that warms your heart and of course, the experience to ensure you enjoyed your movie, totally. That's how we concluded our so called celebration of V Day.


For you girl, all I want to say is that, I'm glad having you as my valentine and Te Amo.

PS: Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman was indeed damn hot!

Life So Far..........

The remaining last quarter of this year has been pretty filled up. I had my so called 'Graduation Trip' because it was a trip just right before my Convocation. It's the same day both events are happening. I'll reach Singapore that very morning, just minutes past midnight with my convocation happening that very evening. It was full of ups and downs as Tiger Airways has given me headaches in finding alternatives just in case they played punk.

I've been checking my mobile as well as flight status before my trip every now and then and I definitely lost count the number of times i did just that. Thankfully, everything was smooth, but I told myself, that is going to be the last time I'm taking Tiger Airways, for they sucks in every aspect I could possibly think of.

Very much like Bangkok, Penang lived more Chinese than other parts of Malaysia, which was rather a relief for us both. Our Hotel, Berjaya Hotel (Booked at an incredibly cheap rate) was awesome. High floor with nice view and it was indeed spacious. With the main purpose of going for their food trail, we wasted no time.

We tried all that we possibly could, but the most disappointing out of the entire trip is probably the seafood we ate over at Batu Ferringhi. Nevertheless, the rest of the food, mostly hawker fare, made up for it.

We ate from Satay to Cockles, to Penang Char Kway Tiao to Chendol. All in all, it was a good food experience to us. I also found my legendary Orh Chian, which probably is the best oyster omelette I've ever eaten in my entire life (if only i can bring that Auntie back to Singapore).

Besides the food, we also went to Gurney Plaza, where we had out Movie fixes there. Their movie is dirt cheap, not forgetting their popcorn as well (bet the girl is going to go gaga over those popcorns if she's there). Fort Cornwallis as well as the rest of Penang didn't really have much to offer, other than the yummy yummy food.

Went to the Kek Lo Si too to pray. The Godness of Mercy statue was really huge and up on the top of Penang, it offer a spectacular view as well. Too bad it wasn't fully constructed.

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And I finally had a taste on how's it's like to put on that Mortar Board. The taste of success is even sweeter after what I've gone through. The feeling of having your loved one there witnessing this glorious moment of yours, is simply indescribable.

And so, topped with a few gifts from the girl, it concluded my academic life, seemingly with a good ending.

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25 came popping by, sending a silent alarm that I could possibly already been one third of my life. No longer am I the same age as many of my friends out there, the girl including. It was kind of crisis when I still can't feel I'm my age yet. Men in the past could have already been married at this tender age.

I must say, Birthdays to me are just like any other occasion that happened yearly. I did have my fair share of celebrations with my friends. Kickstarting it with MR, we headed down to Novena, at the same time, finally welcoming the return of our long beloved friend, Ethan from UK, well, this time round, for good. Rock band was seriously not my type of game as we muscled our fingers till it almost gave in.

Just days before my actual birthday, I received one of the most shocking birthday surprise ever. I shall skip the details but everything in there was sweet and I must say, lots of effort put in. First, there was the Birthday Card, then followed by a puzzle which I've to solved before the Answer sheet conclude the night. A trip to Bintan! It's like a wish come true and a VERY BOLD move as well.

It was just a mere simple affair on my very birthday itself. Went to Yuki Yaki and feast in, where I fell in love with the Sashimi, the Pork Bacon and of course, the ice cream too!

Days later, it's Bintan. The ferry was rather early, therefore, we both got hit my deprivation of sleep on our way to Bintan. We were welcomed by the luxurious room. It was not only spacious but also luxurious in a way. Practically, I see this as a short getaway (rest and relax). It's indeed just pure rest and relax as there's really basically nothing much to do out there, plus the rain almost spoilt our day. But we managed to fruitfully spend it well.

The biggest surprise came as a different one compared to the previous one. Now imagine this. You are just watching television, when late at night, someone came knocking on your door. You have no idea who the heck would knock on your door at this hour. Feeling pissed, the door was opened, in came this gentleman, with a tray. On the tray was cutlery and a box.

I look at the girl in shock, whereas she's was giggling away. I knew something was 'wrong'. Indeed, by then, my mind was cleared and I guessed it just the way it is. The surprise left me speechless and all I could hear was my heart doing the talking. My first, only and last birthday cake this year specially for me.

Too bad the next day, it was infested with hungry ants, which must be feeling just as sweet as me. Having a nice meal by the poolside was a rather good experience. Relaxed, carefree and simply no worries at all. All in all, a wonderful getaway.

The dudes also celebrated my birthday for me, this time round, back at Yuki Yaki. It was whole lot of fun. My birthday present, for the first time ever, it's cash from the dudes. Cool hard cash, plus a birthday card of course.

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Have been going on several dates before my frequent travelling out of Singapore in this last quarter of the year. Starting from K-pop concert. Can't believe we managed to get such a cheap seats. $15 is all we paid per ticket for a $100++ seat. Cool stuff, thanks to my colleague, our dream of watching SNSD LIVE came true. It was a awesome atmosphere and by the time SNSD appear, it was pink sabre-torches all around, with screams so deafening. 4 songs was enough to make us both go high!

Also, we visited the Science Centre and Omni Theater after the girl managed to get hold of tickets through corporate rates. Searex show was really nice, although it did cause some discomfort to my neck ultimately whereas poor girl dozed off as this is definitely not her cup of tea. Pray 'Walking with Dino' will not do the same to her as well.

The rest of the exhibition was rather interesting but it get mundane in awhile. CSI was rather interactive and engaging, prompting to solve crimes in a unique yet simple way. But the crowd is enough to turn you off. You are solving crime are a very SLOW rate because of the crowd, which in logical sense, doesn't sound logical at all. Therefore, we gave up ultimately.

Have been into Harry Potter as well. Made advanced booking of Harry Potter and counting down, I only had approx 1 week to catch 3 more episodes of it. I can do it! YES!

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Finally, I had this little wish came true by bringing my parents out of Singapore as well. They hardly travel, therefore, it's of no wonder why both my parents are smiling from grin to grin, right from my house to the airport. Indeed, they appeared much more excited than me.

I'm glad I had this opportunity to bring them abroad to see and eat, somewhere where they've never been before. Fruitful trip I supposed.

Apart from ShenZhen which I vowed never to step foot there again, we had our foot in some of the nicest eateries as well as even a 1 star Michelin restaurant which serves awesome roasted meat as well as beancurd.

Can't believe my parents fell for 许留山 when they aren't even for sweet stuff back in Singapore. But no doubt that the desserts there are nice. I missed out on the porridge when I was in Hong Kong last year, but this time round, I had porridge for supper every single night.

My first time watching the symphony of lights as well after my parents shocked me by wanting to visit the wax musuem. Again, after that trip to the peak, I laid my hands on the legendary watermelon beancurd which fully satisfied me again, like how it did back last year

Did not do much shopping this time round, as my mum headed home with slight disappointment. However, I'm sure the company of their son and all the yummy food did make up for it.

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It was indeed a long entry but I look forward to the remaining days of this wonderful year to me as I still have trips pending - Cruise and Korea. At the same time, I can't wait for festive seasons gatherings and of course Xmas shopping once again and I look forward to ending this wonderful year on a good note. Till then..........