Christmas

It's Christmas, and the family is celebrating it for the second time. This time to let the kids(nephew, niece and cousins (whom never quite celebrated to know the significances)) experience what Christmas is like, culturally and not religiously. It's great that Singapore is culturally diverse but still conservative in some other ways. Coming from a Muslim family, it's great that my family opened up to other celebrations. We did celebrate Chinese New Year while my late grandmother was still around(it doesn't really feel like a true CNY celebration but we made it a point to visit her), Christmas once before and I do occasional Deepavali at Kavitha's(my friend) place. Thecelebrations are just meant for a family gathering since it's a holiday. We'll feast and do exchanges whenever possible.

I've been with Starbucks for 8 years and gotten myself influenced by the Christmas celebration. Christmas period meant high sales, SB open house, great gifts and bonus. On top of that, it's shopping galore. All shops will be having sale. Even for a Muslim country like Malaysia, they have to incorporate Malaysia Year End Sale during Christmas because it's the highest revenue period, period.

Since it's Ilyas and Yanni's first Christmas, we're trying to go all out for them. We got a mini Christmas tree, presents and even a Christmas Turkey.

Check out the Our Little Family Dinner on Christmas Day.

And since I've been giving presents for past couple of years, I still do have to give again this year. At least I got my returns too...

Check it out...

I got my Christmas wish this year.
It came as it is, not wrap. Soooo not Christmas-y

They just know I LOVED the brand.
Not wrapped but boxed.
Still not Christmas-y enough.

A little something from my sister
And it's wrapped, now it fell like Christmas

 And what I gave,

Seems like a bit too much from Porter

So yeah. It's great celebrating other celebrations. Do it with an open heart and understand the implications of the holidays. It's a great exposure. Hopefully, the kids had a great time.

Ja Matta

New Work Environment

You guys must have encountered me posting about getting a new career throughout all my blogs but I have yet to mention what it's like. For viewers discretion, I will not include the name of the company but I will announced that I am rightfully hired in an aviation company dealing with aircraft engine overhaul. My true dream of flying may not be achieved but I'm happy with what I have for now. And I will elaborate why.

Firstly, I have been unemployed for coming 2.5 months. My numerous attempts for Cadet Pilot, Air Traffic Controller and Cabin Crew have been a dismay. Hence I chose the last resort, accepting the recommendation to work in the company my sister is working at. Apparently, it's not just my sister. Within the same company, I have my aunt, uncle, brother-in-law, secondary school classmate and even my poly classmate working in different departments. So it became an easily cosy working environment where you'll know people. though I'm still getting a hang in knowing who's who because my jobscope requires communicating with many parties.

So, what is my jobscope like? I am a Planning Assistant, in Vendor Control. Basically, my task is to overlook the progress of the engine parts that the company sends out to repair. The engine overhaul has a certain timeline to meet, so the external repairs has to be back on time. I have to liase with many departments to get the job rolling. For the jobs consolation, it's the most critical department. Without the parts coming back, engine assembly will be put on hold hence loosing a lot of money. And I do mean A LOT OF MONEY. So the jobscope can be quite demanding and pressurising.

Another part of the company that I like is the support to continue study. Upon 1 year of service in the company, they will sponsor the employees to continue to study in FULL WITHOUT ANY BOND ATTACHED. I am currently working office hours and I am SOOOO planning to take up my degree next year.

Though on the hind note, the job is quite demanding. And I did went through some inconvenience even before and during my first week.

Once after the interview, I was told that I'm hired by my sister's supervisor and was told to wait for the letter and probably start by first of December. No letter came by that day and the team was already looking for me. I check with the HR and they mentioned that they have not finalized the position but I'm rightfully hired. Later that week, the HR called and informed me of my pay range and I'm appointed as an executive but still in consideration and would be able to start the following Wednesday. On the following Monday, the HR called me again and informed me that they will not be able to offer the executive position but the position that I applied for. Their reason being that they do not want to create an uproar within the department because there have been people experienced to be promoted to that position. I'm actually cool with it and I will make my way up, just like how I did with Starbucks.

Another part of the inconvenience is that there is no proper training provided except the companies orientation. As an ACTA certified trainer and assessor, I did not received the type of training that I hoped. I was told to 'DIVE' into the role. That kind of shocked me. I have to learn how others had learnt. For the first week, I've been buddied with someone and literally be her shadow because she has tons of work to be completed. Only by the forth day, she came and sit down to go thru the necessary details. Given the opportunity to do overtime over the weekend, my boss happily picked me to do. I was really wondering what I would do on that Saturday with no one around but I managed to get the details of the required task. I was happy that I managed to complete the task, alone in the office. I was initially locked out since I don't have the keys to the office. Lucky the execs have a meeting to attend, so they opened the office.

Well, that is an overview of my new work and how it's been from the begining to end of week one. I may just vent my feelings here in the near future, or maybe I will not. Let's see.

Ja Matta

KINECT-ing

Ok, I told myself not to blog about games. Since I posted something about my collection in the earlier post, I could include my current hobby. It's not a new hobby, just something I'm doing more these days.

My latest console is my Xbox 360, on top of my old Xbox, Playstation, PC and Wii. Furthermore it's free!!! from my re-contract with Singnet. And the latest addition to my Xbox is the new Kinect, which was an early Christmas gift from a friend. My Christmas wish came true. I do have great friends.

I was wondering whether to get Kinect since it first announced. The whole body controller gimmick is truly interesting. I have Wii but the control movements are limited by the controller. There are a lot of add-ons to Wii to achieve the whole experience. As for Kinect, it's seems like just 1 add on for a whole body experience.



For $229, the Kinect comes with a game, Kinect Adventures.

The complementary game to Kinect purchase

Kinect Adventures is quite a boring game to play alone. But it'll be a laugh to play with others. A good game I would recommend for Kinect is Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. Ok it's not really a game, more like a program. It's a great workout program with a personal trainer and guides you with the different training requirements. You can even choose the type of concentration and be informed of your posture correction. But most of the workouts are in standing position because of the sensors. But if you can work out the sweat and be informed of the amount of calories lost is just awesome.

A great workout program. Not really a game

The only common problem I have with Kinect is that it requires a huge space to operate. You need to stay 2 meters away from the terminal. My Xbox360 is in my room and I still requires more space. My room is arranged in a very spacious manner I might add but with the limited space, I can only managed a 1 player gaming.

I would still recommend getting a Kinect if you need a full body workout. Even if it's a boring game, you can still work out the sweat. I personally love it. Next on the list is the Dance Central.

Ja Matta

Collectors Syndrome

On the day of the Singapore Toys Games Comics Convention, I got to know through Facebook that both my cousins in California and Japan were reminiscing their past hobbies. What a coincidence. My cousin in California was showcasing his toy purchases and the other in Japan was competing in a Magic cards tournament, while I in Singapore was attending a convention.

I managed to chat with my cousin in California and was even trying to get him to search for my toys to complete the collection. Through our conversations, I suddenly thought of cataloging all the collections I had since I started 14 years back.

So I came home and noted all the collections. The pictures of my collections are in Classification of a Geek album. And below are the breakdown of what I've spent throughout the 14 years. Do note that the total is a rough calculation and does not include the collections that I gave away or managed to sell.

The Breakdown(as cataloged in the album):
- My 870+ comics                                       $3702.00
- Eminem action figure                                 $35.00
- DC Direct action figure                               $30.00
- DC comics Superhero Collection                $224.25
- 1/6 Action figure                                        $89.90
- Star Wars: Episode I collection                  $35.00
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer action figures       $350.00
- Danger Girls action figure                          $30.00
- Neca TMNT                                              $150.00
- TF: K.O. Combiners                                  $30.00
- TF: Robots in Disguise                               $194.60
- TF: Robot Masters                                     $45.00
- TF: Armada                                               $49.80
- TF: Alternators/Binaltech                            $530.00
- TF: Animated                                             $980.30
- TF: Revenge of the Fallen                            $271.30
- TF: ROTF Human Alliance                           $209.70
- TF: Generations                                          $53.80
- TF: Alternity                                                $85.00

Not in album:
- Marvel Universe 3.75"                                   $94.50
- G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra 3.75"                         $75.60

TOTAL DAMAGE:                                       $7265.75

I was actually expecting the collection to hit $10K. Apparently, some of the items I own worth more than the actual cost, hence it might worth up to $10K. For now, I'll just spent to hit my $10K mark and call it a quit. Don't worry, it would not be anytime soon because I'm slowing down on my collection drastically.

Ja Matta!

Singapore Toy Games Comics Convention

I just came back from the Singapore Toys Games Comics Convention at Suntec City Convention. It's their third year running but this year is by a different organizer. I've mellowed down my collection hobby and thought of skipping the event. This year the organizers brought in special guest appearances, mostly from Marvel Comics. And they have my current fave artist Leinil Yu and my old fave Salvador Larroca. So it's a must to go.

Another different thing about this years STGCC is that there's an entry fee. Early registration fee cost $11.70 and on site ticket cost $15. It isn't much of a hassle and from the looks of it, the place won't be packed like previous years. And it was true. It was a breeze moving around the convention.

Main objective is to meet my fave artist, so I headed straight for them. I came right on time for the Marvel Team panel discussion. The topic was East in West - The Appeal of Asian elements and its incorporation in Western Comics. 

From Left to Right:
C.B Cebulski, Salvador Larroca, Sonny Liew, Leinel Yu, Harvey Talibao, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Alex Maleev and Esad Ribic

From the list of guest, I only follow works by C.B. Cebulski, Salvador Larroca adn Leinel Yu. I'm not too familiar with the rest. And I got to know that my current favorite artist, Leinel Yu is a Filipino. All the while I thought he was Chinese. But his works are truly awesome. He penned comics such as Batman/Danger Girl, Fallen Son, New Avengers, Secret Invasion, Superior, Ultimate Comics: Avengers2, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men. Another artist I love is Salvador Larroca for his work on Gen X/Gen 13, Heroes Reborn, X-Men(Uncanny, X-Treme, Ultimate), Newuniversal. I came with known some of the best work comics for them to sign but the timing is not within means.

Like the previous two conventions, I continued on to my usual toy hunts. I've only kept in mind to get the Transformers Animated Arcee and Hot Rod but I could not find any. The prices for the other toys are quite cheap. I can't believed that most of the toys there are going at unbelievable prices. Tempted but I've controlled. But not till I found some great buys. I gotten myself a Neca TMNT April O'Neil and a Binaltech for only SGD10 and SGD25. I was estactic when I saw them at that prices.

Next, I started roaming around the rest of the convention. There wasn't much interesting things that were showcased, not to me that is. There's the Marvel booth which is empty, Tokidoki booth which is quite popular with the local Asians, few toy booths selling toys at unbelievable prices, 1 gameshop that showcases Kinect(I wanna get it!!!), and a whole row of local talents showcasing their work.

But what interest me the most was when I left the convention hall. Outside the hall, there were tons of people flocking around in Cosplay. I've experienced Cosplay in Harajuku and find them amazing to be dressed as fictional characters and taking photos. Not much of difference here in Singapore. The effort they put in really shows.

The prettiest of all the cosplay eventhough the costume was simple

As for this year, the event is giving out great gifts. Those who purchase an early bird 3-day pass will receive a Star Trek action figure. And every first 500 entry will get a Ghostbuster Mini-Mate everyday. There's other giftaway at different booths. I'm not that of a typical Kiasu Singaporean, but I would love to get hold of the Mini-Mates and an autograph copies of Leinel Yu and Salvador Larroca comics.

Things I brought back from the convention

I'm not too sure if this years STGCC is the best one yet. I've enjoyed the first STGCC the most but this year they brought in most of my favorite artist and give out great gifts. So I'll give them the thumbs up. Last year, I've gotten hold tons of toys and just that. So somehow, I would still go for the next one.

For more pictures, visit Singapore Toys Games Comics Convention.

Till next time,

Ja Matta

New Year Resolution

Ok, I know it's way too early to start a new year resolution. It's not even Christmas yet. Fine, I just need to note it down and refer to it. It's something to do with the Law of Attraction. The more I think or refer about my goals, the higher chances of me heading to that direction. It's all about "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. Go read it up.

Anyway, let's look back at what my 2010 resolution is about:

1. Achieve Starbucks Manager of The Quarter
2. Get out of Starbucks and get an airline related job
3. Get in a relationship (Direction for marriage, no more fooling around)

Simple enough. Yet I have only achieved resolution 2. I left Starbucks and joined Pratt & Whitney (Aircraft Engine Overhaul Company). Not able to join as Pilot, Cabin Crew nor Air Traffic Controller. But the position is good enough and the benefits are awesome to say the least. Will post about it more when I actually start working.

As for resolution 1, I got hindered by a situation at work that failed me to excel in my plans. It's too overwhelming to even start the action steps. As for resolution 3, lets just say I'm still searching for the right one.

Ok, 2011 is coming. I'm starting a new career and I still have intentions of travelling before marriage. So I have a list of things to achieve before 2012 steps in.

1. To continue studying, take up a bachelor degree
A benefit of the new career is a scholarship to continue study and there will be no bond attached to it. How wonderful is that. Will research on it around the 8th month of my probation. I need to settle down to my career first before venturing to something more constraining.

2. To travel to 3 uncharted location
2010 travelling bug has caught me for 2011. I managed to go Japan, Hong Kong, Tioman, Batam, Kuala Lumpur and Siem Reap in 2010. So I bet I can handle a few more travel locations. Places I would love to go is Korea for my birthday and New York by year end. I will leave 1 as an impromtu which would somehow be an ASEAN country or more specifically Bali (to relax).

3. To take up another conversational language
I hope to be multi-lingual at least. I can understand Mandarin and can speak but not too confident with it, even with numerous chinese friends. I managed to take up Japanese but did not managed to have a proper conversation due to limited resources. I did not complete the guide and did not interact much while in Japan. But I did use simple sentences that really helped. I also took up Korean and Khmer, but both are really tedious to comprehend. I will try Korean again since it's a targeted travel location.

4. Get into a relationship
I shall roll-over this resolution from past year. With all that I have planned, I'm not too sure if it's feasible. Hence it's the last resolution. Come What May, or I'll just roll-over to 2012. Marriage plans are from 2013 anyway.

So yeah for now. I'm quite happy with this resolution. I will reconfirm it again when 2011 draws near and from the way I look at it, it is what I shall work for.

Ja Matta

Starbucks Thomson Plaza 2010 Open House

It has been quite a while since my last entry. Not much interesting things to mention since I came back from Siem Reap. Just managed to go for a couple of interviews, a family feast/gathering, a bit more interviews and catching up with some friends.

I can't recalled the last time I've been to Thomson Plaza. I've been to MacRitchie Reservoir at least once a week but failed to stop by TP. Managed to do it this week, and twice might I add.

On 2th Dec or every first Thursday in the month of December, Starbucks Singapore has been charitable by complimenting a tall beverage with any amount of donation from 5pm to 7pm. I've been helping out the event since it first launched in 2004 and even during my 2 years of national service. But this year, I choose not to take part. Though I still supported them by being a customer. Yes, I became one of those that queue up for the complimentary beverage. It's not about the FREE drinks, I can pay for it. It's about the spirit of the excitement. Hey, I was treated like a celebrity, everyone was shouting and cheering when I ordered. AWESOME, no other got that treatment. And yes I did provide the donation or donations since I donated at Pacific Plaza while I was out shopping earlier that day.

The team this year did a great job especially with the energy present. Sadly, it's mostly from the ex-partners which I was very surprised to see them volunteering behind the bar.

Whether I miss my life as a Starbucks Barista, yes but I'm happier that I'm out. It will always be a great memory and it will always be in my heart, both great and bad. Till next time, maybe an ex-partner gathering.

My awesome TP team that I miss dearly.
It'll be truly awesome if the rest were present too

More of Starbucks Thomson Plaza 2010 Open House

Ja Matta

Siem Reap

Hey, yet another holiday for the year 2010. So far I've been to Japan, Hong Kong, Tioman, Batam(More like work) and Kuala Lumpur. Now I'll add Siem Reap to the list.

I went there with Evelyn Koh because both of us just wish to get away from work, which I permanently am. So maybe just away from Singapore. And why Siem Reap??? So we don't shop, maybe not for Evelyn though. 

Siem Reap travel buddy, Evelyn Koh

We took Silkair to Siem Reap via Da Nang, Vietnam. Apparently Silkair is cheaper than Tiger Air by SGD10, plus it consist of in-flight food and baggage check-in. You have to pay for Tiger Air.

Siem Reap uses US dollars as their main currency but uses Rial as US loose change. $0.10 is 400 Rials. So it may seem expensive but it's actually not. Point to note, do bring small denominations of notes, highest $50. Major expenses would cost loosely around $10. And please check if the notes are in good conditions. They do not accept torn notes, AT ALL.

Our hotel is Royal Crown Hotel. It's just across the river from the Old Market, about 5mins walk. Using Agoda hotel booking, we managed to snag a superior twin room for SGD 35/day, instead of a basic rate of SGD 65/day. It includes a daily breakfast for 2 and an airport transfer.

Picture from website. But actually it's 4 storey high. Maybe after renovation

So far the hotel is acceptable. The location, cheaper rates, a swimming pool (which is quite small and under-utilized), bathtub in all rooms (faulty gasket on the 2nd night so I can't soak). But the only complain I have is that the bed is rock hard and their breakfast is a joke (mostly bread/croissants/baguette and omelet bar).

The main attraction for Siem Reap is definately Angkor Wat, a symbol of Cambodia. I guess without Angkor Wat, no one would want to visit Siem Reap.

Map of the temples of Angkor

The whole temples of Angkor takes up a huge amount of area. It's even bigger than the town. And most of the temples are majestically huge. A day pass would cost $20, both 2 and 3 day pass cost $40. Everyone I asked said a day would be enough to cover all of Angkor and it's advisable not to go to each individual temples as it will become repetitive. So we visited the main temples and key monuments.

1. Angkor Wat exterior for Sunrise

2. Exploring the majestic Angkor Wat

3. Victory Gate

4. Banyon for some happy Buddhas

5. Climbed the steep stairs of Phimeanakas

6. Taming elephants at the Terrace of the Elephants

7. Restoration works at the Terrace of the Leper King

8. Re-enactment of "Tomb Raider" in Ta Phrom

And we did all this within 1/2 a day. So much for a full day. Our tuk-tuk guide had a different itinerary for the day but we refuse to pay the additional boat fare of $20 to go around Tonle Sap Lake for 2hrs. Not much of a waste because the main attraction is just a huge lake which you'll see Vietnam, Phnom Penh and the different water villages.

Hence, we headed back to town for light-shopping and massage after the whole morning of walking and climbing. A noted massage place is Body Tune, beside Old Market facing the river. The price maybe steep but it's the best so far. $20 for a 1.5hr traditional Thai massage. You can even bathe for more rejuvenation.

Rejuvenated after the massage

Apparently, smaller massage place would cost $5/hr for Thai massage. I'm SOOO not recommending Teuk Dey Angkor massage, beside the Noon/Night market. The masseuse is tapping me more rather than massaging me. She's even whispering sweet secrets in Khmer into my ear. She's constantly complaining to her collegues who totally ignored her. OK fine, I got it at $4, so no fuss about it, but the whispers are freaky.

Main attraction done, so what other activity can we do there? We did a bike expedition on the third day. We went around town on 2 wheels (bicycle) and 4 wheels (ATV - All Terrain Vehicle) around the paddy fields for sunset.

Morning on 2 wheels
(on different bicycles mind you)

The morning ride was quite awesome. Bicycles can be rented at most hotels. Our hotel charges us $5/day but it's not for the whole day sadly. It will last till dawn around 5pm, maybe due to no lights attached on the bicycles. We cycled around town and went into the villages. We visited the temples, Wat Bo and Wat Damnak. We were stuck in traffic (even for bicycles) because we weren't allowed to pass through the school district when schools has been dismissed. So we experienced how Siem Reap schools-out was like.

Evening on 4 wheels

As for the evening ride, we reserved with Quad Adventure for a sunset expedition on the paddy fields. The tour cost $25 for a rental of the ATV, helmet and face mask, a guide, and a certificate of expedition. The sunset is truly magnificent and the view of the countryside is awesome. You'll see cows, buffalos, goats, naked kids, farmers and even cemetary. A must to try out.

What a typical Singaporean would ask for is FOOD. What would you expect to eat there? There are tons of food all over the Old Market or locally known as Psar Chaa. Pub Street houses a lot of good restaurants serving both western and local cuisines. Do try out the different Khmer dishes. To note is the Amok (meat with santan, egg and many herbs. Taste like a drier lemak chilli padi). There's mostly grilled stuffs like ribs, frog, chicken, prawn etc. They even have exotic food such as crocodile and snake, but it fetches a high price. A good 2 meals with a starters side dish and 2 drinks would cost an average of below $15. And the local draft beer cost a freaking $0.50. It cost lesser than water, $1.

Street food is the cheapest thing. A rice dish cost maximum $2 but the atmosphere at night can be irritating, especially with flies that are attracted to lights. Most of the streetside foodstalls are underneath billboards, so there will be tons of those critters.

And as a coffee junkie, there isn't much cafe to note. But a good cafe to check out is Common Ground. It's extremely similar to Starbucks, even up to their believes of helping the community. Common Ground would have a better publicity if they are better located. They are located near the Central Market, in the alley behind Angkor Riviera Hotel. Another good coffee to try is the Mexican Coffee from the Blue Pumpkin cafe at Old Market.

Siem Reap is a totally different kind of holiday for me. It's more of a cultural holiday, trying out what the locals eat and do, even to checking out what they do in their villages. My normal holiday shopping spree is at a halt. Most of the items I've shopped are for people. In all, Siem Reap is a great place to visit, ONCE.

To better interpret in thousands words of the holiday, do check out the photo album:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Till the next holidays,

Ja Matta

Life of a Bummer

It has been almost 3 weeks since my last employment with Starbucks. So what have I been doing? I am a temporary bummer. Though I thought it would be fun with all the activities and things to do planned while I bump around. but I was wrong. By the second week, I got bored.

So what is my job description as a bummer?

- Daily gaming

• Completed Dead Rising 2
• Completed Brutal Legends
• Currently Fallout: New Vegas
• To start on Fable 3
• To start on Star Wars: Force Unleashed Sith Edition

- Weekly MacRitchie Tracking/Jogging

- To complete 100+ back issues of comics
- To complete reading 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' and to start 'Confession of a Mask'.
- Daily TV show updates
- Taking care of nephew and niece while mums out of the house
- Regular cinema or home movies
- A well deserved trip to Siem Reap on 10-13 November

So that's what I've been doing so far. This week is going to be full of interviews. I'll be going for SQ Cabin Crew on 6th November. If all goes well, it'll will stretch to Sunday for Final Interview and Monday for Medical Check-up. Then on Tuesday, I'll be going for Air Traffic Controller Aptitude Test. Hope I get any of them because I wish to resign as a bummer earliest by 15 November. If not, I'll take the offer as a Planning Assistant at Eagle Services where I'll be working with my sister, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle,  classmates and some other whom I know work there.

Well I hope I'll get through the interviews. Damn, I JUST got to know that Emirates will also be having an interview on the 6th. SO MANY!!! Sigh!

Ja Matta

Trachemys scripta elegans

I have just finished another round of MacRitchie today with Din in the morning and was quite pleased with the trail. I expected to finish it within 1hr15mins for 11km but completed it within 1hr20mins. So not that bad afterall. Wondering why so slow? It's because I fast-WALKed.

Light at the end of the path

Anyway, while cooling down, we were stretching beside a shallow pond with loads of fishes. I asked Din if I could release my Trachemys scripta elegans or red-eared slider terrapins there one day. He was shocked at me having terrapins.

Yes I do have them, 3 of them for now. But not all are mine.

Initially, there were 2, both were my nephews. He named them Pingu and Pinga. But Pinga died awhile back and left Pingu all alone in a small tank.

So I bought this tank for better roaming but seems quite lonely. My mum agreed and bought another 2. There's no official names for them but I named the one on top Bruce and the other Toytl3.

The name Bruce is not because of Bruce Wayne Batman but because it has a bruise on it's shell alas Bruce or Bruise. Toytl3(pronounce toy-tule) is just a continuation of all my other terrapins before, alas the 3 derived as my third. From Toydle(based on how Bebop and Rocksteady called the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle), 2dle(pronounced Two-del) to Toytl3.
And since I'm not working at the moment, they are one of my daily things to do.

And why terrapins and not cats or dogs? As Hakimbo puts it, I'm afraid of anything that moves. Well not everything. I had a pet cat named Chewy (pronounce Chee-Wee) before at Parkway. Thanked Hakim pendek for the pronounciation. But cats fur will trigger my sister's sinus. As for dogs, are you insane! I'm from a Muslim family. My parent will kill me. And of course I'm afraid of them. So no dogs and cats. Thought of hamsters but I'm afraid I will spend like crazy on their cage maze and all the adorable things that goes along with it.

So why terrapins again? Because they are quiet. And no fur to clean and their food are dirt cheap. $5 to last a month for now. Though I have to regularly clean the water because it will cloud and stink after 2 days, depending what food I give them.

So yeah, I have 3 terrapins named Pingu, Bruce and Toytl3.

Ja Matta!!!

Marina Bay Sands Sky Park

It has been a fascination to go up and see Singapore in a higher view. But like many attractions, you have to pay $20 for a 1/4 part of the Sky Park. The remaining 3/4 are for the hotel guest, where you'll find the Infinity Pool. Not really worth the $20 but the company you're with may make it worthwhile.

 

The 1/4 you will be accessing

SGD 20 per ticket

   View from the top:

Once we're done with the SkyPark, we wandered around the humongous and luxurious beauty of Marina Bay Sands and the Double Helix Bridge.

Dee Boyz

One fine day, I was happily singing something until Hakimbo pointed out, "Hey, what was the name of your boyband back in secondary school?"

SHIT!!!

Bring back memories of the time. During my conversation with Lan at Starbucks Latte Art competition, I accidentally muttered out the group name again.

SHIT!!! Part 2!!!

Damn, for my own pleasure and some who stumbled upon this post. An official Wikipedia of the group, Dee Boyz

DEE BOYZ

Dee Boyz were a group formed by Fatt, Taj, Azhari, Nizam and Hairi. The group first got together by an idea by their malay teacher, Mr Hamdani to perform for a Hari Raya concert back in 1997. Dee Boyz was formed. The name Dee Boyz was a collaborated idea with another girl group, Sapphires(Sarah, Diana, Farhana and Yati).For the groups first performance for the Hari Raya concert, they performed 4U2C's Syawal.


From Left: Azhari, Nizam, Taj, Hairi
Bottom: Fatt
In white: Roslan(Kaypo)

Popularity struck the group with an instant. They were well-known in school by the girls and scandals arises. Founding members were not pleased with Nizam's poor contributions and behaviour that they released him from the group.

The remaining 4 members were left and wanted to test their new found passion and popularity and joined the schools 1997 Talentime. By this time, the group had a major influence by Boyzone(idea by Fatt) and performed 'Love Me For A Reason'. With luck and hardwork, the group came in first.

Winning the Talentime, the group was invited to perform for Teacher's Day Celebration. Azhari and Hairi were also invited to be the host of the show together with 2 other from the prefecture community. The group performed 'Key To My Life' by Boyzone.

A year passed and Dee Boyz decided to take in another group member. They took in Fawzi due to his contributions and ideas for the groups dance routine. That year, the group had an influence by KRU(Thanks to Hairi). They had another invitation to perform for 1998 Hari Raya Concert, and the group had a duet with Sapphires singing 'Di Pintu Syurga' by KRU and Elite. Fatt had an argument with Azhari and did not perform for the concert.

With influences by KRU, the group also took on acting and join the Malay Drama Club. Taj was still committed to his other co-curricular activity, he decided not to join the group. Dee Boyz and the drama team joined the Sayembara Drama competition but only made it to finals.

Another Talentime approaches and the whole group of 5 came back and performed N'Sync 'Tearing Up My Heart'. The group came in second.

Frustrated with the groups conflicts of interest, Azhari and Fatt decided to go their seperate ways. Azhari completely stopped performing and concentrated on something else. Fatt however joined another group for another performance but true to his friendship with the other Dee Boyz, he still joined the group in their Drama acts.

1999 came and Mr Hamdani invited the group for another Hari Raya Concert, this time over 2 sessions. Only left with Taj, Fawzi and Hairi, they decided to continue the KRU influence and performed 'Apa Saja'. A close friend, Ali recommended himself to join the group and performed. Dee Boyz relunctantly accepted their friend to perform.

Not happy with the performance, Hairi  decided to leave and concentrate his role as Club President of Drama Club and also the O Levels. Soon after the group disbanded. Taj decided to join the drama club and to go on solo for 1999 Talentime but had no placing.

Eventhough the group disbanded, Dee Boyz still performed for their drama club till school ends and are still friends.

Remaining Dee Boyz with the Drama club members
Fawzi(Top second from left)

 Songs Performed:
Syawal (4U2C) - Hari Raya Concert 1997
Love Me For A Reason (Boyzone) - Talentime 1997
Key To My Life (Boyzone) - Teacher's Day Celebration 1997
Di Pintu Syurga with Sapphires (KRU and Elite) - Hari Raya Concert 1998
Tearing Up My Heart (N'Sync) - Talentime 1998
Apa Saja (KRU) - Hari Raya Concert 1999

Theater Perfomanced:
Unrecalled Performance - TKGS Drama Competition 1998
Unrecalled Performance - Sayembara Drama Competition 1998
Wak Cantuk - TKGS Drama Competition 1999

Blabbers for the week

It's the first week of me not going to work. Yup I'm still with Starbucks till 19 Oct but I'm clearing all my OILs. So fun!

Din mentioned that I'll get bored after few days but I kinda anticipated that. So I kept myself busy with things to do, hence I'm not horizontally challenged. This week has been quite strenuous. I've been going out doing some activities. I went swimming and a movie on Monday, MacRitchie trekking on Tuesday, researching for travel and home movies on Wednesday, another round of shows and then RT on Thursday, and meet up with a friend on Friday.

Ok I'm not too sure what I'll be doing on Saturday, but most probably I'll be playing my games since I neglected it for the week. And on Sunday, I'll be joing Starbucks Amazing Race and then another round of RT for the week.

See, so many strenuous activities but I've gained 2-3kg. Fine, my muscle mass is growing. Well, actually I'm kinda bored at the moment. Alas these post entry. Hahahahaha....

Ja Matta

MacRitchie Tree Top Trail

I've been dying to know how the HSBC Tree Top Trail is. I've been asked by customers so many times about it during work. And most of the time I directed them to MacRitchie's Main entrance. When I looked it up in the Internet, the nearest entrance was actually at Venus Drive, 2 roads up from Thomson Plaza. Hahahaha My Bad...

While researching, I grew fond of what the trail has to offer. So on 11 Oct 2010, I took the opportunity to explore since my friend, Din wanted to jog at MacRitchie.

A trusted map I took and store in my camera for references, just in case I got lost.

I started my trail from Venus Carpark. It was roughly 3.8km to the treetop trail. From the main entrance, it's 5km away. The whole track from Venus Drive to the entrance of the tree top trail took me about 45mins with a quick stopover at the Rangers station for water refill.


It's another 0.3km from the Rangers station to the entrance of the Tree Top trail. Don't believe the signage, it states only 0.2km from the Rangers station and it's an upslope climb. Once you reached the top, you are directed to go down a long stretch of stairs. WTH??

Entrance to the Tree Top Trail

The trail is only 0.25km long and it's quite rocky. But the view is quite magnificent. It's a one-way path so there is no turning back and no stopping. Since I was the only one on top, I took my time for some scenery viewing.

Once I had enough, it's another 4.7km trail back to the main entrance. It took me another 1:45 hours to reach the main entrance. It's took that long because of few stops for photos and a climb up Jelutong Towers for about 10mins. 

Jelutong Tower. A 7-storey climb to see the magnificent view

A quick photo shot taken by a monkey of a monkey

Poor Din waited for about an hour for me



For more photos, visit my facebook album MacRitchie Trail

Ja Matta