First time trying out a smartphone/pda phone... whatever you call it.
Still trying to get used to the QWERTY layout, the tiny buttons are a bit tricky for my pudgy fingers.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
New mobile phone!
Hehehehe... presenting the NOKIA E71!!!
First time trying out a smartphone/pda phone... whatever you call it.
Still trying to get used to the QWERTY layout, the tiny buttons are a bit tricky for my pudgy fingers.
First time trying out a smartphone/pda phone... whatever you call it.
Still trying to get used to the QWERTY layout, the tiny buttons are a bit tricky for my pudgy fingers.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Goodbye dearest xiao hei!
Good bye my dearest xiao hei!
For all the time you've given me endless joy & excitement
From Cameron to Katong
There was never a moment's dull with you by my side
Who can forget the days we rode with the wind
Cruising and cornering we've conquered many a miles
Falls & crashes we've been through thick & thin
Even dying on me on a wet sunday afternoon on the PIE
I just want to say you will remain close to my heart no matter who you are with
I hope he will take care of you as much as I do
Bye Xiao hei...........
For all the time you've given me endless joy & excitement
From Cameron to Katong
There was never a moment's dull with you by my side
Who can forget the days we rode with the wind
Cruising and cornering we've conquered many a miles
Falls & crashes we've been through thick & thin
Even dying on me on a wet sunday afternoon on the PIE
I just want to say you will remain close to my heart no matter who you are with
I hope he will take care of you as much as I do
Bye Xiao hei...........
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Shanghai trip with the gf
This is a very backdated entry about our trip to Shanghai from 25/Dec '08 to 3/Jan '09.
We had planned for our trip about 2 months in advance, in order to make full use of the Krisflyer miles I had accumulated & the long holiday season break. We wanted to have a break to somewhere far far away, and shanghai it was to be (actually not that far... haha).
Uncle Jerry had graciously invited us to stay at his place during the trip. Ever the hospitable man he is, as was the last time when I had stayed over during a short stint working in Shanghai. I returned to familiar places which brings back memories of me trying to navigate around this huge-ass metro city.
We had set up base camp at Shanghai. We arrived into Pudong International Airport and was greeted by the chilly weather (winter finally!!!) & Uncle Jerry's personal chaffeur, Uncle Quhui. We really appreciate the efforts to make us feel welcomed, much as I don't mind trying out public transport in Shanghai. :)
We have already planned our schedule & this is how it will look like over the next 10 days:
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
28/Dec: Huangshan
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Detailed account of day to day activities...
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
Me and the gf checked in early into Changi airport T3, eagerly anticipating SQ830 scheduled to leave for Shanghai at 10:05am. We had MacDonald's for breakfast, then proceed to do some window shopping in the duty free zone. Soon after, time to board the plane.
After a 5 hr journey, we finally landed at Pudong International airport. It feels great to be able to finally experience winter time, but the sad thing is no snow. But dunno why I just lurrrvee cold weather!!! and wearing those cool looking winter clothing! hahahaha!!! Uncle Quhui fetched us in a swanky new 7 series, and I felt like some VIP really. Hahaha! I caught up with him since 2005 and he would dropped us off at Uncle Jerry's place for OTOT.
We unpacked our stuffs, and went out searching for food cos' apparently we get hungry more easily in winter! Strolling along the streets in the cold is damn shiok, and we finally settled for dinner at a nice restaurant serving steaming boiled soup brewed with the richest of ingredients. Satisfied, we proceed to walk around the surburbs look look see see before tucking in after a long day. So much for X'mas day in Shanghai! Hehe.
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
Spent the day shopping at Qipu lu, the garment & textile market. The gf is damn happy & ecstatic about able to choose any material, in which the tailors can copy into exactly the same piece of clothing which you show them. Sheer pleasure for the lady, unspoken pain for the man.
Afterwards we went back to the office which I worked in before, met up with old friends & do some catching up. The office address hasn't changed, it is still located in the heart of the city, overseeing the entire metropolitan from its 51st floor viewpoint. Truly a remarkable sight to behold. Later in the evening, Uncle Ho invited us for a delectable meal of mushroom hotpot! Oishii!!!
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
We woke up early morning to make ourselves breakfast consisting of instant noodles & dumplings. Then it is off to the Shanghai South Bus Station where we will take a 3 hr journey by coach to Tunxi, the nearest city before the ascent up to the foot of Huangshan. We still have to transfer to another smaller bus, together with some funny looking people... :S
It will be another 1.5hr before we make it to foot of Huangshan. Guess what, another transfer again! Nabeh wtf!!! this time to the place where we either climb up this monster of a mountain, or take the cable car up to the western steppes. No prizes for guessing what we chose :P
FYI, Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) is a mountain range in southern Anhui province (Eastern China) and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cable car ride was so damn bloody high that it got the gf really scared. The strong gusts of winds didn't help much either. She was so stiff to the extent that she even held her breath and control as she exhale. Hahahaha! She couldn't be more relieved to have make landfall.
Upon disembarking from the station, we searched for signs to direct us to our hotel, which means navigating the sometimes confusing pathways in the omnipresent mist. And be careful of the path you take! Make sure it is correct cos' I don't think you want to retrace 1km+ of roads! I must say the air up there is damn bloody fresh lor, I feel so energetic and raring to go! Not even the slight drizzle that is falling down on us can dampen my spirits!
After 2km+ of walking up and down undulating terrain, we finally reached our hotel - Shilin hotel. Machiam oasis in the desert, cos' we were walking for quite a while with nothing in sight. Starting to get worried as the dark starts to creep in at 4 plus. We put down our backpacks and took a hot shower. Then, it was time to feed our hungry stomach at the hotel restaurant, cos' thats the only place that serves food. No choice, eat whatever lah!
28/Dec: Huangshan
Day 2 began with us waking up at 5am trying to catch hold of the famed sunrise at Huangshan. That morning was raining, damp, dark & with nothing to guide us, we gave up. Anyways nobody could catch hold of any sunrise as the mist is shielding that fabled sight from us all. So we checked out of the hotel after breakfast to embark on day 2 of Huangshan tour! Armed with a map in hand, we tried to cover the various peaks noted for their distinct names & naturally formed unique rock formations.
The walking really damn siong for this day. I think we have covered about 8km of paths, be it winding roads or steep steps, we overcame it. I was particularly impressed with the gf. All along I thought she would be complaining about this & that. + 1 point :P Guess I have to compensate her with more shopping when we get back to Shanghai city. :( We finally reached Tian Hai Shan Zhuang about 4pm. Just nice also. Hehe
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
We got up early again, to catch the sunrise of cos. Where got people come all the way to Huangshan to miss it one? Fortunately the heavens is smiling on us. The weather is good today, but not good enough to see the fully glory of the majestic sunrise. This was where we took tonnes of pictures, along with many crazy chinese people who risked their lives by hanging precariously near the ledge of the barriers. Yes, I do have a serious case of height phobia.
Satisfied with our catch of the day, we proceed back to hotel, washed up, had breakfast, then hurriedly made our way to the cable car station located at the eastern steppes, which will bring us down to the foot of the mountain. There, we would need to get on a bus to catch which would need to bring us to Tunxi bus interchange to catch our coach back to Shanghai. Had we missed it, that's it man.
It was then I made the decision to pay extra money to get a local taxi that would sped us up to our destination. It was really money well spent I tell you. I shudder to think how we would spend our day at Tunxi had we really missed the return coach. Upon arriving in Shanghai, there was uncle Quhui waiting patiently to fetch us to have dinner with Uncle Jerry who would be flying back to Singapore that same night.
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
We had went on this impromptu trip at the suggestion of Uncle Jerry, who thought we might as well made full use of our trip here. He recommended that we visit the state silk museum & store that sells authentic silk products. We didn't mind at all since Uncle Quhui was driving us there... Not too far actually, it was roughly an hour and a half's journey by the comfy 7 series. :P
We visited some touristy spot - The Tiger Hill upon reaching Suzhou city, and then off to the state silk museum before calling it a day. We asked uncle Quhui to drop us off near the office as we wanted to take a stroll at Nanjing Road - a long stretch of pedestrian shopping district filled with bright lights & hordes of people. Dinner was settled over MacDonald's - Shanghai flavour. Eh must try fast food all over the world mah...
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
We got up early morning as usual to catch a train to Hangzhou. Damn, never had chance to sleep late one! We had earlier booked the tickets for the best seats of a newly set up train service that runs between the 2 cities. It was one of the fastest & well maintained trains you can ever find, we had clean seats, with city dwellers as fellow passengers. Nothing of the sort where you have to squeeze with total strangers, stand throughout the journey and contend with livestock shoved in your face. Hahahaha!
The journey took no longer than 2 hours and we were in Hangzhou. Then we hailed a cab, and checked into the Merchant Marco hotel which we had booked online via CTRIP. The view was fantastic cos' we asked for a lakeview room but the West Lake ("Xihu") wasn't that close as we thought. It was still about a good 10min's walk away, but in those cool weather, we aren't complaining much.
The rest of the day was spent walking around Xihu and admiring the various attractions around it. As night falls, we went for a stroll at the local night market where we bought some tea leaves for the folks back home, and then proceed to have our dinner at a local restaurant. We continued the slow walk back to the hotel, guided by the tourist map, having already covered half of Xihu. Along the lake front, there were celebrations in place for the countdown happening in a few hour's time and we took the opportunity to soak in the rather muted activities.
We walked past a nice cafe, had some hot drinks to warm ourselves, along with some cakes to satisfy our sweet tooth. Seeing there was nothing much to do, we went back to our hotel room for a good night's rest. And so new year's eve was spent watching channel newsasia (yes they have that) on cable tv, and admiring the city lights & some small scale fireworks from our 21st floor suite.
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
In Hangzhou, locals say a visit to "Lingyin temple" is a must on the first day of the new year. We also went there to jostle with the crowd, and to pray for a good start to 2009. After that, we came back to Xihu lake area, where we took a boat ride that takes us to some of the little islets on Xihu. The sun was shining brightly, but it was anything but hot. The breeze didn't help things much, as soon as you take out your gloves to take some pictures (or dig your nose), you will be dying to put them back on because it is soooo cold lor! Before we left for Hangzhou, we still have so many other places yet to cover, maybe should do another trip again next time.
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
This is exclusive shopping day reserved for the gf, after her commendable performance at Mt.Huangshan. Hehehe. We started off with breakfast at this really nice roadside stall that sells traditional Shanghainese style "la-mian". Fuckin' cheap & delicious also, nevermind the rundown conditions. One of the best I've ever tasted. We went to hunt down brand name shops like H&M, and Uniqlo around Shanghai city downtown. We also went to the "must-go" bund area, which the trademark oriental pearl tower can be seen & have a photo taken with you. Hahaha. Actually that place is really damn blardy boring can?
Afterwards, we went back to Qipu lu to get our tailored clothings. I had made for myself some business shirts which is quite value for money, I must say. The gf was also quite satisfied with how they managed to replicate her dresses. We then bought some gifts for friends back home before proceed to take a cab back home.
By this time, we more or less had our stuffs packed nicely, save for the shopping we just finished earlier in the day. Uncle Quhui was ready to pick us up at 9:30pm to send us to the airport. With a heavy heart, we bade farewell to Shanghai (and the "pubic" carpark sign I saw prior to entering the airport area) Damn funnnyyyy can????
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Time to board the plane SQ825 back to Singapore. I'll miss the nice cold weather, but unfortunately I still didn't get to see snow this time round cos' Shanghai rarely snows...
Many thanks to Uncle Jerry & Uncle Quhui for taking good care of us during this trip, we'll be back! hopefully soon! :)
Leaving you with a nice pic from Huangshan...
We had planned for our trip about 2 months in advance, in order to make full use of the Krisflyer miles I had accumulated & the long holiday season break. We wanted to have a break to somewhere far far away, and shanghai it was to be (actually not that far... haha).
Uncle Jerry had graciously invited us to stay at his place during the trip. Ever the hospitable man he is, as was the last time when I had stayed over during a short stint working in Shanghai. I returned to familiar places which brings back memories of me trying to navigate around this huge-ass metro city.
We had set up base camp at Shanghai. We arrived into Pudong International Airport and was greeted by the chilly weather (winter finally!!!) & Uncle Jerry's personal chaffeur, Uncle Quhui. We really appreciate the efforts to make us feel welcomed, much as I don't mind trying out public transport in Shanghai. :)
We have already planned our schedule & this is how it will look like over the next 10 days:
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
28/Dec: Huangshan
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Detailed account of day to day activities...
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
Me and the gf checked in early into Changi airport T3, eagerly anticipating SQ830 scheduled to leave for Shanghai at 10:05am. We had MacDonald's for breakfast, then proceed to do some window shopping in the duty free zone. Soon after, time to board the plane.
After a 5 hr journey, we finally landed at Pudong International airport. It feels great to be able to finally experience winter time, but the sad thing is no snow. But dunno why I just lurrrvee cold weather!!! and wearing those cool looking winter clothing! hahahaha!!! Uncle Quhui fetched us in a swanky new 7 series, and I felt like some VIP really. Hahaha! I caught up with him since 2005 and he would dropped us off at Uncle Jerry's place for OTOT.
We unpacked our stuffs, and went out searching for food cos' apparently we get hungry more easily in winter! Strolling along the streets in the cold is damn shiok, and we finally settled for dinner at a nice restaurant serving steaming boiled soup brewed with the richest of ingredients. Satisfied, we proceed to walk around the surburbs look look see see before tucking in after a long day. So much for X'mas day in Shanghai! Hehe.
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
Spent the day shopping at Qipu lu, the garment & textile market. The gf is damn happy & ecstatic about able to choose any material, in which the tailors can copy into exactly the same piece of clothing which you show them. Sheer pleasure for the lady, unspoken pain for the man.
Afterwards we went back to the office which I worked in before, met up with old friends & do some catching up. The office address hasn't changed, it is still located in the heart of the city, overseeing the entire metropolitan from its 51st floor viewpoint. Truly a remarkable sight to behold. Later in the evening, Uncle Ho invited us for a delectable meal of mushroom hotpot! Oishii!!!
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
We woke up early morning to make ourselves breakfast consisting of instant noodles & dumplings. Then it is off to the Shanghai South Bus Station where we will take a 3 hr journey by coach to Tunxi, the nearest city before the ascent up to the foot of Huangshan. We still have to transfer to another smaller bus, together with some funny looking people... :S
It will be another 1.5hr before we make it to foot of Huangshan. Guess what, another transfer again! Nabeh wtf!!! this time to the place where we either climb up this monster of a mountain, or take the cable car up to the western steppes. No prizes for guessing what we chose :P
FYI, Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) is a mountain range in southern Anhui province (Eastern China) and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cable car ride was so damn bloody high that it got the gf really scared. The strong gusts of winds didn't help much either. She was so stiff to the extent that she even held her breath and control as she exhale. Hahahaha! She couldn't be more relieved to have make landfall.
Upon disembarking from the station, we searched for signs to direct us to our hotel, which means navigating the sometimes confusing pathways in the omnipresent mist. And be careful of the path you take! Make sure it is correct cos' I don't think you want to retrace 1km+ of roads! I must say the air up there is damn bloody fresh lor, I feel so energetic and raring to go! Not even the slight drizzle that is falling down on us can dampen my spirits!
After 2km+ of walking up and down undulating terrain, we finally reached our hotel - Shilin hotel. Machiam oasis in the desert, cos' we were walking for quite a while with nothing in sight. Starting to get worried as the dark starts to creep in at 4 plus. We put down our backpacks and took a hot shower. Then, it was time to feed our hungry stomach at the hotel restaurant, cos' thats the only place that serves food. No choice, eat whatever lah!
28/Dec: Huangshan
Day 2 began with us waking up at 5am trying to catch hold of the famed sunrise at Huangshan. That morning was raining, damp, dark & with nothing to guide us, we gave up. Anyways nobody could catch hold of any sunrise as the mist is shielding that fabled sight from us all. So we checked out of the hotel after breakfast to embark on day 2 of Huangshan tour! Armed with a map in hand, we tried to cover the various peaks noted for their distinct names & naturally formed unique rock formations.
The walking really damn siong for this day. I think we have covered about 8km of paths, be it winding roads or steep steps, we overcame it. I was particularly impressed with the gf. All along I thought she would be complaining about this & that. + 1 point :P Guess I have to compensate her with more shopping when we get back to Shanghai city. :( We finally reached Tian Hai Shan Zhuang about 4pm. Just nice also. Hehe
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
We got up early again, to catch the sunrise of cos. Where got people come all the way to Huangshan to miss it one? Fortunately the heavens is smiling on us. The weather is good today, but not good enough to see the fully glory of the majestic sunrise. This was where we took tonnes of pictures, along with many crazy chinese people who risked their lives by hanging precariously near the ledge of the barriers. Yes, I do have a serious case of height phobia.
Satisfied with our catch of the day, we proceed back to hotel, washed up, had breakfast, then hurriedly made our way to the cable car station located at the eastern steppes, which will bring us down to the foot of the mountain. There, we would need to get on a bus to catch which would need to bring us to Tunxi bus interchange to catch our coach back to Shanghai. Had we missed it, that's it man.
It was then I made the decision to pay extra money to get a local taxi that would sped us up to our destination. It was really money well spent I tell you. I shudder to think how we would spend our day at Tunxi had we really missed the return coach. Upon arriving in Shanghai, there was uncle Quhui waiting patiently to fetch us to have dinner with Uncle Jerry who would be flying back to Singapore that same night.
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
We had went on this impromptu trip at the suggestion of Uncle Jerry, who thought we might as well made full use of our trip here. He recommended that we visit the state silk museum & store that sells authentic silk products. We didn't mind at all since Uncle Quhui was driving us there... Not too far actually, it was roughly an hour and a half's journey by the comfy 7 series. :P
We visited some touristy spot - The Tiger Hill upon reaching Suzhou city, and then off to the state silk museum before calling it a day. We asked uncle Quhui to drop us off near the office as we wanted to take a stroll at Nanjing Road - a long stretch of pedestrian shopping district filled with bright lights & hordes of people. Dinner was settled over MacDonald's - Shanghai flavour. Eh must try fast food all over the world mah...
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
We got up early morning as usual to catch a train to Hangzhou. Damn, never had chance to sleep late one! We had earlier booked the tickets for the best seats of a newly set up train service that runs between the 2 cities. It was one of the fastest & well maintained trains you can ever find, we had clean seats, with city dwellers as fellow passengers. Nothing of the sort where you have to squeeze with total strangers, stand throughout the journey and contend with livestock shoved in your face. Hahahaha!
The journey took no longer than 2 hours and we were in Hangzhou. Then we hailed a cab, and checked into the Merchant Marco hotel which we had booked online via CTRIP. The view was fantastic cos' we asked for a lakeview room but the West Lake ("Xihu") wasn't that close as we thought. It was still about a good 10min's walk away, but in those cool weather, we aren't complaining much.
The rest of the day was spent walking around Xihu and admiring the various attractions around it. As night falls, we went for a stroll at the local night market where we bought some tea leaves for the folks back home, and then proceed to have our dinner at a local restaurant. We continued the slow walk back to the hotel, guided by the tourist map, having already covered half of Xihu. Along the lake front, there were celebrations in place for the countdown happening in a few hour's time and we took the opportunity to soak in the rather muted activities.
We walked past a nice cafe, had some hot drinks to warm ourselves, along with some cakes to satisfy our sweet tooth. Seeing there was nothing much to do, we went back to our hotel room for a good night's rest. And so new year's eve was spent watching channel newsasia (yes they have that) on cable tv, and admiring the city lights & some small scale fireworks from our 21st floor suite.
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
In Hangzhou, locals say a visit to "Lingyin temple" is a must on the first day of the new year. We also went there to jostle with the crowd, and to pray for a good start to 2009. After that, we came back to Xihu lake area, where we took a boat ride that takes us to some of the little islets on Xihu. The sun was shining brightly, but it was anything but hot. The breeze didn't help things much, as soon as you take out your gloves to take some pictures (or dig your nose), you will be dying to put them back on because it is soooo cold lor! Before we left for Hangzhou, we still have so many other places yet to cover, maybe should do another trip again next time.
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
This is exclusive shopping day reserved for the gf, after her commendable performance at Mt.Huangshan. Hehehe. We started off with breakfast at this really nice roadside stall that sells traditional Shanghainese style "la-mian". Fuckin' cheap & delicious also, nevermind the rundown conditions. One of the best I've ever tasted. We went to hunt down brand name shops like H&M, and Uniqlo around Shanghai city downtown. We also went to the "must-go" bund area, which the trademark oriental pearl tower can be seen & have a photo taken with you. Hahaha. Actually that place is really damn blardy boring can?
Afterwards, we went back to Qipu lu to get our tailored clothings. I had made for myself some business shirts which is quite value for money, I must say. The gf was also quite satisfied with how they managed to replicate her dresses. We then bought some gifts for friends back home before proceed to take a cab back home.
By this time, we more or less had our stuffs packed nicely, save for the shopping we just finished earlier in the day. Uncle Quhui was ready to pick us up at 9:30pm to send us to the airport. With a heavy heart, we bade farewell to Shanghai (and the "pubic" carpark sign I saw prior to entering the airport area) Damn funnnyyyy can????
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Time to board the plane SQ825 back to Singapore. I'll miss the nice cold weather, but unfortunately I still didn't get to see snow this time round cos' Shanghai rarely snows...
Many thanks to Uncle Jerry & Uncle Quhui for taking good care of us during this trip, we'll be back! hopefully soon! :)
Leaving you with a nice pic from Huangshan...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
CANON sales training
And so the official training for new inductees has finally began. Soon, I'll be out on the field come Feb 2009. Time to fight for a better future!!!
Hope 2009 will be a bright new start!!!
Hope 2009 will be a bright new start!!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
I can be so lucky... lucky lucky lucky!
Apparently, someone out there decided to make it up to me for all the years of luckless-ness with lucky draws & such.
It seems that I do have a penchant for winning some really smashin' prizes in the first year D&D of the company which I joined.
At Asahi, I still remembered winning the iPod video & $500 worth of shopping vouchers from takashimaya & robinson's, along with the envy of green-eyed colleagues.
Now in Canon, it looks like the winning ways still continue. Barely a month into the job, I had already won for myself the 8th prize - a 32" Hitachi LCD TV at the company's annual D&D held at Suntec Convention Centre.
The theme of the night was "Olympics fever" & it was simple enough for me to just wear my sunday soccer attire. No need to spend unnecessary money on renting costumes. Being relatively new & considering the fact I was placed in a table with so many unfamiliar faces, I got lost & uninterested naturally. I swear to God I had so wanted to go off halfway and meet the gf, but something... something just made me glue my ass to the seat & wait for the lucky draw.
Needless to say, the wait was well worth it. I left home a very happy man... and a spanking new LCD TV. :D
It seems that I do have a penchant for winning some really smashin' prizes in the first year D&D of the company which I joined.
At Asahi, I still remembered winning the iPod video & $500 worth of shopping vouchers from takashimaya & robinson's, along with the envy of green-eyed colleagues.
Now in Canon, it looks like the winning ways still continue. Barely a month into the job, I had already won for myself the 8th prize - a 32" Hitachi LCD TV at the company's annual D&D held at Suntec Convention Centre.
The theme of the night was "Olympics fever" & it was simple enough for me to just wear my sunday soccer attire. No need to spend unnecessary money on renting costumes. Being relatively new & considering the fact I was placed in a table with so many unfamiliar faces, I got lost & uninterested naturally. I swear to God I had so wanted to go off halfway and meet the gf, but something... something just made me glue my ass to the seat & wait for the lucky draw.
Needless to say, the wait was well worth it. I left home a very happy man... and a spanking new LCD TV. :D
Friday, December 12, 2008
Doong & Charmaine's Solemnization
So the man has finally did it (after ah hui beat him at his own game)... the first in our clique to get hitched... I tell ya, Doong ah pui has been waiting for the longest time. He's the family man among the family man... even before getting engaged to his sweetheart.
From playing gay barbie dolls in primary school to wearing fashion disastrous clothings till this very day, this man has been there & done that. Not many can honestly admit to that.
At a time when we kids like to sweat it out by playing basketball, he prefers putting on makeup & a very gay looking bee costume to sing in a choir. Even when we are playing Genghis Khan, a turn based strategy PC war game, he prefers planning for a heir to his virtual throne rather than build up his army to rule the land. Actually, what I meant to say was, things can't get any gayer for him.
Now that he is happily engaged, fulfilling his life long dream since he had pubes, hehehehe... we shall look forward to the actual wedding dinner next year!
Actually wait... the fun has already climaxed, things can't get any funnier than that night when he was drunk so freakin' pissed. Of cos there were many stupid things & funny incidents, and there was a side of him we never saw in his drunken state. This guy can be damn funny aiighht!
Shall leave this group pic for memories' sake...
From playing gay barbie dolls in primary school to wearing fashion disastrous clothings till this very day, this man has been there & done that. Not many can honestly admit to that.
At a time when we kids like to sweat it out by playing basketball, he prefers putting on makeup & a very gay looking bee costume to sing in a choir. Even when we are playing Genghis Khan, a turn based strategy PC war game, he prefers planning for a heir to his virtual throne rather than build up his army to rule the land. Actually, what I meant to say was, things can't get any gayer for him.
Now that he is happily engaged, fulfilling his life long dream since he had pubes, hehehehe... we shall look forward to the actual wedding dinner next year!
Actually wait... the fun has already climaxed, things can't get any funnier than that night when he was drunk so freakin' pissed. Of cos there were many stupid things & funny incidents, and there was a side of him we never saw in his drunken state. This guy can be damn funny aiighht!
Shall leave this group pic for memories' sake...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Avenue Q da musical
So my baby got us this 2 free tickets to one of Broadway's most popular show "Avenue Q".
It is being described as the adult version of Sesame Street, with people acting alongside puppets which they control & mime with.
Ok I must admit I slept for a few parts during the show... its either:
1) I'm not that smart to catch their jokes because I'm not culturally attuned to their jokes.
2) I don't know how to appreciate the musical & I should be better off watching toilet humor like those of Stephen Chow.
Actually, why I'm writing this post is because in parts where the actors tell jokes which I deem as not funny, people actually laugh. Hey, if there's anyone more receptive to jokes & funny stuffs, then I'm the man for you. But if I'm not even laughing, why are you?
Pretentious stinkaporeans who act atas by going to la esplanade to watch some ang moh musical where I think you people don't even understand the jokes they are telling half the time.
So stop the silly acting people. Laughter is meant to be real & true, like words from the bottom of your heart when you say "I love you" to your girlfriend. If it ain't funny, don't laugh for the sake of laughing. Afraid of getting scorned upon by your colleagues or friends whom you went together with? Come on, get a life.
Watch some Shaolin Soccer instead.
:)
P.S. Oh, by the way, those actors inside the musical can really sing very well. Just not my cup of tea though!
It is being described as the adult version of Sesame Street, with people acting alongside puppets which they control & mime with.
Ok I must admit I slept for a few parts during the show... its either:
1) I'm not that smart to catch their jokes because I'm not culturally attuned to their jokes.
2) I don't know how to appreciate the musical & I should be better off watching toilet humor like those of Stephen Chow.
Actually, why I'm writing this post is because in parts where the actors tell jokes which I deem as not funny, people actually laugh. Hey, if there's anyone more receptive to jokes & funny stuffs, then I'm the man for you. But if I'm not even laughing, why are you?
Pretentious stinkaporeans who act atas by going to la esplanade to watch some ang moh musical where I think you people don't even understand the jokes they are telling half the time.
So stop the silly acting people. Laughter is meant to be real & true, like words from the bottom of your heart when you say "I love you" to your girlfriend. If it ain't funny, don't laugh for the sake of laughing. Afraid of getting scorned upon by your colleagues or friends whom you went together with? Come on, get a life.
Watch some Shaolin Soccer instead.
:)
P.S. Oh, by the way, those actors inside the musical can really sing very well. Just not my cup of tea though!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Jasmine's wedding (11th Oct 2008) - Pt. II
And they say red bombs come in pairs.
Immediately after Alex's wedding comes dearest Jasmine's, who is tying the knot with Mr.Nice Guy Jonathan Chin. But I think even Jon would soon be polluted by Jasmine, who doesn't quite behave as demure as she looks. My foot! Hehe...
Yup, again I become the gang of brothers determined to break into the house to "rescue" the bride. Well, abit more kachiao these bunch of girls, namely Mag, Karen & Jennifer. Put these 3 siao char bohs together and you get the "jie meis" from hell!
After give angpow already go in kenna shit already (pun intended). At least it only looks like it. Peanut butter spread disgustingly on a baby diaper which they claimed is clean lah. Wah piang eh, kenna sai leh. Chut pattern liao. But limpeh like... hurhurhur... so I was first to try lah, must help ah Jon give him courage to eat shit mah... HAHAHA!!!
Then later is some stupid food tasting contest which is supposed to represent the 4 tastes. You know lah, sweet (honey), bitter (awful boiled cooling tea), sour (shit, I forgot what we ate) & spicy/hot (wasabi coated crackers). This one chicken feet lah. Nice try girls!
Ok then later later is Ah Jon take over the show liao... what sign love contract lah, declaration of unlimited love lah, sing song lah... all these Ah Jon very gamely do! R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Then finally all these, open the door & lovely Jasmine was there waiting already... Awwwww....
Cut the whole story short, we drove to the Asian art museum for some phototaking. Then its to their new house in Jurong west for tea ceremony. There we were all famished, Gary the lao beng immediately swept the buffet like hungry wolf. I think drive BMW is very the tired & hungry. That's why must eat first. Sibeh haolian...
The banquet was served at Holiday Inn Atrium near Zouk in the evening.
Only at this time, lao da aka nerdy boy ah lum came to help out for the program later. All the hard work over in the morning liao!!! Hahahaha!
We had initially wanted to go cheong after the dinner. But wah lau I think is everyone old liao, no energy to go shake our bon bons anymore. So we settled down at the lobby lounge, chit chat, eat peanuts, drink (more) red wine & watch soccer, before finally calling it a day at abt 1am.
So shag!!!!
Immediately after Alex's wedding comes dearest Jasmine's, who is tying the knot with Mr.Nice Guy Jonathan Chin. But I think even Jon would soon be polluted by Jasmine, who doesn't quite behave as demure as she looks. My foot! Hehe...
Yup, again I become the gang of brothers determined to break into the house to "rescue" the bride. Well, abit more kachiao these bunch of girls, namely Mag, Karen & Jennifer. Put these 3 siao char bohs together and you get the "jie meis" from hell!
After give angpow already go in kenna shit already (pun intended). At least it only looks like it. Peanut butter spread disgustingly on a baby diaper which they claimed is clean lah. Wah piang eh, kenna sai leh. Chut pattern liao. But limpeh like... hurhurhur... so I was first to try lah, must help ah Jon give him courage to eat shit mah... HAHAHA!!!
Then later is some stupid food tasting contest which is supposed to represent the 4 tastes. You know lah, sweet (honey), bitter (awful boiled cooling tea), sour (shit, I forgot what we ate) & spicy/hot (wasabi coated crackers). This one chicken feet lah. Nice try girls!
Ok then later later is Ah Jon take over the show liao... what sign love contract lah, declaration of unlimited love lah, sing song lah... all these Ah Jon very gamely do! R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Then finally all these, open the door & lovely Jasmine was there waiting already... Awwwww....
Cut the whole story short, we drove to the Asian art museum for some phototaking. Then its to their new house in Jurong west for tea ceremony. There we were all famished, Gary the lao beng immediately swept the buffet like hungry wolf. I think drive BMW is very the tired & hungry. That's why must eat first. Sibeh haolian...
The banquet was served at Holiday Inn Atrium near Zouk in the evening.
Only at this time, lao da aka nerdy boy ah lum came to help out for the program later. All the hard work over in the morning liao!!! Hahahaha!
We had initially wanted to go cheong after the dinner. But wah lau I think is everyone old liao, no energy to go shake our bon bons anymore. So we settled down at the lobby lounge, chit chat, eat peanuts, drink (more) red wine & watch soccer, before finally calling it a day at abt 1am.
So shag!!!!
Monday, October 06, 2008
To be a brother (pt. I)
Yesterday was to be the first time I became a "brother" - best man for Alex.
I was just a little nervous as I wouldn't really know what to expect. Cos' like I said, this is my first time mah. The day started pretty late at about 8am. And we assembled at Alex's house to go through the day's events & spruce up the bridal cars. To think that got one brother late... haha! Lucky still got enough time. This guy was still sleeping when Alex called him up at 7:30am. Champion. It was only till 9:15am that he finally arrived in his flashy blue Mazda 3. Nicely done up I must say.
And then hor this best man has to double up as chauffeur somemore. So I think the ang pow must stuff more money... hehe. Thus, I led the convoy of cars to fetch the bride at their chalet. Stress. Cannot cock up leh. Upon reaching, the games began liao. But actually they let Alex off a lot already. The customary barging into the main door (got one brother tried to climb window - power) and it was settled with the usual bribe of money (Money does make the world go round!). Ok I expected more of a fightback from the "jie meis" later, but it was not to be. Just asking the groom to say some words in Cantonese, reading out the in-law's names & a grand total of 15 push ups. Easy piece of cake, and the bride was all his! Wah I think I have seen worse! hahaha...
So after some picture taking, we went back to Alex's place for the tea ceremony. Which was then followed by the long awaited buffett lunch for the hungry people. It was almost 12:30pm before we can finally get some breather. Time to recharge for tonight!
And then we had to pack up & load all the stuffs into the car, where we would drive to Hilton hotel for the preparations of the wedding dinner. We blew up helium filled balloons to fill up the ballroom, and I drove back to fetch Alex's parents & most importantly, the bride's headgear! Luckily, just in time for the solemnization at 5pm.
The dinner eventually started (late as usual) at 7:45pm even though it wasn't a big event to begin with. Nice & cosy. Limpeh was the appointed emcee. I had a script, but I figured the more I tried to memorize it, the more I will screw things up. And hor, I had to do everything in chinese lor!! But I feel I did OK, maybe got chance as 2nd career. HAHAHA! Aside from the nervy beginning, I can feel right at ease during the yum seng part where I have to incite some noise from everyone present. For once, I felt I actually learnt something useful from my current job... Joking!!!!
Dinner finally ended at about 10:15pm. As brothers, we waited for all the guests to clear before making our leave. We were dead beat already.
Next week: Round 2 to my dearest Jasmine & Jon.
I was just a little nervous as I wouldn't really know what to expect. Cos' like I said, this is my first time mah. The day started pretty late at about 8am. And we assembled at Alex's house to go through the day's events & spruce up the bridal cars. To think that got one brother late... haha! Lucky still got enough time. This guy was still sleeping when Alex called him up at 7:30am. Champion. It was only till 9:15am that he finally arrived in his flashy blue Mazda 3. Nicely done up I must say.
And then hor this best man has to double up as chauffeur somemore. So I think the ang pow must stuff more money... hehe. Thus, I led the convoy of cars to fetch the bride at their chalet. Stress. Cannot cock up leh. Upon reaching, the games began liao. But actually they let Alex off a lot already. The customary barging into the main door (got one brother tried to climb window - power) and it was settled with the usual bribe of money (Money does make the world go round!). Ok I expected more of a fightback from the "jie meis" later, but it was not to be. Just asking the groom to say some words in Cantonese, reading out the in-law's names & a grand total of 15 push ups. Easy piece of cake, and the bride was all his! Wah I think I have seen worse! hahaha...
So after some picture taking, we went back to Alex's place for the tea ceremony. Which was then followed by the long awaited buffett lunch for the hungry people. It was almost 12:30pm before we can finally get some breather. Time to recharge for tonight!
And then we had to pack up & load all the stuffs into the car, where we would drive to Hilton hotel for the preparations of the wedding dinner. We blew up helium filled balloons to fill up the ballroom, and I drove back to fetch Alex's parents & most importantly, the bride's headgear! Luckily, just in time for the solemnization at 5pm.
The dinner eventually started (late as usual) at 7:45pm even though it wasn't a big event to begin with. Nice & cosy. Limpeh was the appointed emcee. I had a script, but I figured the more I tried to memorize it, the more I will screw things up. And hor, I had to do everything in chinese lor!! But I feel I did OK, maybe got chance as 2nd career. HAHAHA! Aside from the nervy beginning, I can feel right at ease during the yum seng part where I have to incite some noise from everyone present. For once, I felt I actually learnt something useful from my current job... Joking!!!!
Dinner finally ended at about 10:15pm. As brothers, we waited for all the guests to clear before making our leave. We were dead beat already.
Next week: Round 2 to my dearest Jasmine & Jon.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
C-H-A-N-G-E
There's always a first time... to tender your resignation. I was just thinking to myself not to drag on any longer. The longer I drag, the more I hesitate and the more things won't move.
Maybe there's always the fear of the unknown, not helped by the fact that I'm a low risk taker which I think I am. After all, there's always the lingering thought of not doing well in the new job. But must think positive! Let's just put it that way, the money is there for you to take it... IF you are good enough to take it.
So change is inherently good, if you can make it to be. For me, myself & Kenny & everyone else.
Here's to a new beginning!
Maybe there's always the fear of the unknown, not helped by the fact that I'm a low risk taker which I think I am. After all, there's always the lingering thought of not doing well in the new job. But must think positive! Let's just put it that way, the money is there for you to take it... IF you are good enough to take it.
So change is inherently good, if you can make it to be. For me, myself & Kenny & everyone else.
Here's to a new beginning!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
The month thus far...
Wall.e was sooo cute and it was worth every penny!
The gf & I went to the gym for the first time together today, after deciding she has had enough of her sedentary lifestyle. I was delightfully surprised of cos. As they always say, better late than never!
However, what made me even more surprised was that I had managed to psycho her into sitting on my bike! Finally! That really made my day. I have waited for ages to come! I just couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. I exercised a bit more caution & safety in my riding today. The rain couldn't stop us either. I was thinking to myself: "Damn! What a time to rain, and on the first time she sat on my bike somemore!" She was a bit hesitant but didn't complain that much, just reminded me to ride slower only.
The best thing about life is for your loved ones to place their entire trust in you, and believing you won't make a big mess of it.
Life is great, well, if its only for a start only... =)
The gf & I went to the gym for the first time together today, after deciding she has had enough of her sedentary lifestyle. I was delightfully surprised of cos. As they always say, better late than never!
However, what made me even more surprised was that I had managed to psycho her into sitting on my bike! Finally! That really made my day. I have waited for ages to come! I just couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. I exercised a bit more caution & safety in my riding today. The rain couldn't stop us either. I was thinking to myself: "Damn! What a time to rain, and on the first time she sat on my bike somemore!" She was a bit hesitant but didn't complain that much, just reminded me to ride slower only.
The best thing about life is for your loved ones to place their entire trust in you, and believing you won't make a big mess of it.
Life is great, well, if its only for a start only... =)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
WEEKEND GETAWAY
Me is going Batam from thursday to saturday & I just cannot wait for it to come! :P
Only you, my hardcore supporters, know about it! WOOOOOOO!!!!
NO business calls, limpeh will OFF the bloody company mobile phone & throw into the Batam sea.
NO watches or any form of time, limpeh will use marker shade the whole watch face black.
NO laptop, or any form of electronic entertainment devices, limpeh will dig a hole and bury in the sands.
Of course I'm talking cock lah, in this time and age, technology is so pervasive and when was the last time do you really recall having a real holiday? One where you can just throw time out the window and do the things you never had the chance to do otherwise? I really think 99.9% of you losers out there haven't had one before.
Either you don't have the luxury of time or money. Things people like us can ill afford to waste. In fact, we need more of it. Time to do & complete more activities; money to buy stuffs to satisfy our insatiable needs & wants.
So, when was the last time you did something for the first time?
Only you, my hardcore supporters, know about it! WOOOOOOO!!!!
NO business calls, limpeh will OFF the bloody company mobile phone & throw into the Batam sea.
NO watches or any form of time, limpeh will use marker shade the whole watch face black.
NO laptop, or any form of electronic entertainment devices, limpeh will dig a hole and bury in the sands.
Of course I'm talking cock lah, in this time and age, technology is so pervasive and when was the last time do you really recall having a real holiday? One where you can just throw time out the window and do the things you never had the chance to do otherwise? I really think 99.9% of you losers out there haven't had one before.
Either you don't have the luxury of time or money. Things people like us can ill afford to waste. In fact, we need more of it. Time to do & complete more activities; money to buy stuffs to satisfy our insatiable needs & wants.
So, when was the last time you did something for the first time?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Happy birthday dad!
Happy 57th birthday dad!!!
His rapidly graying hair, to me it tells of how time flies.
The past it is better forgotten, for I only remember the positive.
At times, he is like a child stuck in an adult's body, which I think I kinda inherited his traits.
Sometimes stubborn, most of the time naggy, but always looking after his brood (us damn kids) well. But to a point it spoilt my sister, and made her the way she is today.
The immature young adult who always left her basic mannerism at home, and quite the social retard I make her out to be. But I can only hope miracles happen, the way pigs can one day fly...
In no way I wanna make this post damn depressing, it was just a reflectance of the upbringing we had under our parents. We owe everything to them, and I for one, cannot stress more about filial piety.
Now that we're working, and they are semi retired, it doesn't hurt one bit to spend a bit lavishly for such an occasion. We had dinner at Crystal Jade @ Vivocity & damn did my eyes bulge when I received the bill! Lucky got my elder sis, Pris to share with me. Hahaha! You wouldn't wanna know the amount, but let's just put it as more than S$500. *gulps*
Anyways, I'm guessing his birthday wish is to strike 4D & TOTO (as with every other year... duh), so let's hope he gets lucky!!!
His rapidly graying hair, to me it tells of how time flies.
The past it is better forgotten, for I only remember the positive.
At times, he is like a child stuck in an adult's body, which I think I kinda inherited his traits.
Sometimes stubborn, most of the time naggy, but always looking after his brood (us damn kids) well. But to a point it spoilt my sister, and made her the way she is today.
The immature young adult who always left her basic mannerism at home, and quite the social retard I make her out to be. But I can only hope miracles happen, the way pigs can one day fly...
In no way I wanna make this post damn depressing, it was just a reflectance of the upbringing we had under our parents. We owe everything to them, and I for one, cannot stress more about filial piety.
Now that we're working, and they are semi retired, it doesn't hurt one bit to spend a bit lavishly for such an occasion. We had dinner at Crystal Jade @ Vivocity & damn did my eyes bulge when I received the bill! Lucky got my elder sis, Pris to share with me. Hahaha! You wouldn't wanna know the amount, but let's just put it as more than S$500. *gulps*
Anyways, I'm guessing his birthday wish is to strike 4D & TOTO (as with every other year... duh), so let's hope he gets lucky!!!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
NEW TOY!!!
Woo!!!
I finally got my new toy, the HP 2133 mini-note PC yesterday!
After some frantic scrambling to get to the redemption booth at Funan centre, I was somewhat disappointed that there weren't not much people around. Damn it, shouldn't have woke up so early. We're like no.3 in the queue and got out with my new toy in less than 10mins.
Next, we went to get a new mouse. Wireless mouse was a tad too expensive at $39 bucks so we decided to get a normal one for less than $20.
I think I got to upgrade my ram from the current 1gb to 2gb. The current specs of the mini note is too slow for my liking. But the clear sound quality & resolution of the screen kind of make up for that deficiency in a sort of way. Or was it the new OS Home Vista that is causing the lag? Hmmm...
In case some of you guys don't know what it looks like, here it is...
Nice & small, fits right in your palm...NOT! But this is as close as it can gets!
If you like it, do check out starhub's current promotion for maxonline, if you sign up or recontract for 2 years you can stand to own this baby! While stocks last!
I finally got my new toy, the HP 2133 mini-note PC yesterday!
After some frantic scrambling to get to the redemption booth at Funan centre, I was somewhat disappointed that there weren't not much people around. Damn it, shouldn't have woke up so early. We're like no.3 in the queue and got out with my new toy in less than 10mins.
Next, we went to get a new mouse. Wireless mouse was a tad too expensive at $39 bucks so we decided to get a normal one for less than $20.
I think I got to upgrade my ram from the current 1gb to 2gb. The current specs of the mini note is too slow for my liking. But the clear sound quality & resolution of the screen kind of make up for that deficiency in a sort of way. Or was it the new OS Home Vista that is causing the lag? Hmmm...
In case some of you guys don't know what it looks like, here it is...
Nice & small, fits right in your palm...NOT! But this is as close as it can gets!
If you like it, do check out starhub's current promotion for maxonline, if you sign up or recontract for 2 years you can stand to own this baby! While stocks last!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Travel hiho!
Se7en was deliciously good, Hostel was downright sick & Sweeny Todd was plain boring.
I'm will be living out of a suitcase the whole of this week.
I hope to get my HP mini-note tomorrow during lunch before flying off to KL.
On a side note, my gf keeps calling me "Po" recently. If I resembles that funny fat slob kungfu panda, I think malau will be (what else but) the monkey, lye heng can be master crane, jizheng can be viper, bob can be mantis, and doong... shit! no other fat characters around. If compare him to Tigress, its a bloody insult. Kungfu panda was a bloody funny movie and it certainly feels good to laugh yourself silly.
I'm will be living out of a suitcase the whole of this week.
I hope to get my HP mini-note tomorrow during lunch before flying off to KL.
On a side note, my gf keeps calling me "Po" recently. If I resembles that funny fat slob kungfu panda, I think malau will be (what else but) the monkey, lye heng can be master crane, jizheng can be viper, bob can be mantis, and doong... shit! no other fat characters around. If compare him to Tigress, its a bloody insult. Kungfu panda was a bloody funny movie and it certainly feels good to laugh yourself silly.
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