Kota kinabalu climbing trip 2013

After a brief discussion with Alan regarding our trip to KK 2013: Our tentative itinerary will be as follow: 

27/4
Place: KK
Stay: KK 

28/4
Place: Padas River
Transport: Wave hunter
Stay: Kota Kinabalu
Note: We gathered in Likas bus station around 530 in the morning and followed the bus to Beaufort to catch the train to Padas river, we reached Beaufort river around 745 and took a quick meal at a nearby restaurant. We then took the train to Padas river. We chatted, teased and had fun in the train. We reach the starting point around noon, and after a short briefing, we were putting on our gears and head off to water rafting. Our guide of the day was called King Kong, he has the most experience among all guide and we were lucky to have him on board with us. He let us jump into the river and have fun with the yellow chilly water. I guess the rafting last for about 45 minutes. After the end of our rafting, we have to carry our raft with bare feet on hot stones back to the train station. I guess now I know how Mr King Kong got all his beautiful muscle. 

The water rafting is tiring but awesome! 

29/4
Place Mount Kinabalu (TImpohon Trail)
Transport: NIL
Stay Labanrata
Note: We started to leave KK around 6 o clock in the morning, reached Kinabalu park, the foothill of mount Kinablau around 9. We got our self registered and started our climb around 0930am. I gave most of my stuff to the porter; I carry only bottles, puncho and a bit of chocolate. The weather is perfect for the climb. I felt so lucky to have such a good weather. We reached Pendant Hut, Accommodation for TORQ, around 3pm. We were probably the last group to reached pendant hut. I guess, we have got too many monkey business during the climb. Thinking back, all the stories shared and people met. Time spent is well worth it! We took tons of profile pictures during the climb to pendant hut. 

After reaching pendant hut around 3, showered and settled down. We attended the briefing for the via ferrata by a few mountain guides there. The briefing last for about an hour. After the briefing, we went for our dinner and then our sleep. preparing for our 2nd part of the climb the next morning. 

30/4
Place Mount Kinabalu (Ferrata/ Mesilau)
Transport: Amazing Borneo
Stay: Kota Kinabalu
Note: Woke up around 1.30am, brushed my teeth, had my breakfast and started our ascend to low's peak through the low's peak summit trail. We were the 1st group to reach low's peak, around 5.05am. Waiting for about 50 minutes for the sun rise and then left low's peak for the via ferrata starting point near sayap sayap. Upon reaching the starting point, All I can see is that we were all standing at the edge of the mountain, all I can see is only clear blue skies, sun, rock and abit of green. The low's peak circuit is divided into 3 sections, 1st- Vertical drop, 2nd- non ferrata route( jungle trekking) 3rd section- Walk the TORQ. 

Beautiful weather for the via ferrata. Felt so blessed! 

Unfortunately, ting ting couldn't make it for the ferrata with us. I guess this will be a stepping stone for us to go another level in rock climbing in the future. I am looking forward to it already. 

1/5
Place: Tip of Borneo
Transport: Own transport
Stay: Kota Kinabalu
Note: After water rafting and mt kinabalu, we decided to go for something easy, travelling for a few hours to the tip of borneo to catch the sunset seems to be a good idea. Tip of borneo, is like the cape of good hope of sabah, we have South china sea on the left and Sulu Sea on our right. The mood is just right, and the journey was filled with laughters! 

Again, the weather is amazing, we also met an interesting ang mo look-a-like there who work in Tommy's resort. he elaborated some of the most interesting things happened in Tip of Borneo, i.e: Sea gulls putting up a shows, thousand and thousand of stars, millions and millions of shrimps migrating and of course the crystal clear sea. 

I wish I could speak as good as him. :) 

2/5/
Place : Pulau Tiga (one of spot chosen as a settings for Survivors)
Transport : Own
Stay: Pulau Tiga Resort
Note: We drove to Kuala Penyu around 7 o clock in the morning, we took a speed boat to the survival island around 1045am. We checked in around 11 something and had our lunch there in the pulau tiga resort around 12 noon. After our lunch, we trek a while to the volcanic mud area and dip inside for hours. We took a few pictures and shared some laughters too. 

After dipping in the volcanic mud, we went back to the sea and had a quick swim to clean off all the mud on our body. We continued to have fun with volleyball and Frisbee. We had our dinner around 730pm and went for a karaoke and pool session.

3/5
Place : Pulau Tiga (chilll and relax)
Transport: Own
Stay: Kota Kinabalu
Note: After our breakfast, we went to snake island and a sand pit. The guide, caught a snake in snake island and showed it to us. I think I took a few pictures with the snake. it was rather a relaxing day. We went the Jarrod & Rawlin at night to chill and catch up with each other. I guess, we shared quite a lot of our love experience during the session. Knowing ourselves more.

4/5
Place: Kota kinablu
Transport: TBC
Stay KK
Note: Last day of our trip, we went to have breakfast at kuo min restaurant in sunny garden. We tried to make it a relaxing one just to mark an end to our trip. I sent them off to the airport around 2pm. I miss them so much even though we were staying in the same place, Singapore. I guess, saying good byes are just not my forte. 

This is my Sabah trip 2013. We have got Chai ann, Serene, Jonathan, CCY, Kok Tien, Vuiseng, Alan Chang, Ting Ting, Shea Yeung and Cindy. 

Looking forward for another trip to somewhere! xD 

Friday night @ Acid bar

I changed all my outfit, stepping onto the treadmill, ran for about 4 minutes and my phone rang. it was Shannon, a good friend of mine who recently on his low.He said " come join us in acid bar"

Without hesitation, I stopped running, had shower, changed my cloth and head straight to Somerset.

Upon arriving alley bar, I saw sandy, choi mei's friend with Shannon. Just the both of them. I felt slightly awkward in the beginning as I was like crushing into a date or something. Only after a few rounds of SOL, I feel right a bit. hahaha.

Somehow, I like the place, it was relaxing and comfortable. The ambiance, laughters, beautiful ladies and some ice cold beers most importantly.

Ken joined us around 11 o clock. we then had some chicken wings in acid bar. I talked about work stuff with Ken quite a lot. Being a colleague and a friend. We talked about almost everything. It was a good night!

After that, we then went to casino in MBS and gambled for a while. It was a quick and exciting one. Imagine I was slightly tipsy at the time we were gambling.

Overall a good and exciting night!

Lowsai @ Singapore

It was a quick one, too a train to join them at Marina bay sands on 13/4/2013. There were Kah Chun, Rainy, Kah Chun's girlfriend, shannon, lowsai and charles. By the time I reached there, they finished their dinner already. I guess I am rather too late for the meal.I shared the story of my story about encountering gay  to them, and they seems really enjoyed it. I guess the next time they see me, GAY would probably be the 1st  that would popped into their mind. After leaving DTF,   We then walked around MBS, and Kah Chun wanted to go SKY Park with his GF. We then separated, Kachun and his gf to Skypark, and the remaining of us would head to coffee bean bistro for a cup of coffee. Me for a meal of course.

We then sat down and continue our talking/catching up/ gossiping session. It was a cool and relaxing one. It has been quite a while since our last catch up during the Formula 1 race in Singapore last year. It seems like time flies man. I somehow couldn't imagine that it was so long ago since our last meeting.

However, after our coffee bean session, we went straight to Kim Tian road for a round of beer, Another awesome night for a few friends to gather together for a while.

Bona @ Singapore

Friday night- 930pm, took a taxi from Taiseng to Jalan Besar Swee Choon. Three of us, Anthony, Bona and Myself sat at the back of swee choon and started our annual catch up session immediately. haha

I forgotten what we talk about that night, but it was a fun one. After the meal, we went to Mustafa to shop around. I end up buying more things than bona that night in mustafa. Along the shopping period, we catch up with each other too.

After the meal, we went off to BLISS, a contemporary bar, sells red wine and some finger food. We had a bottle of red, and chat our way through. It was a good night.

On our next meeting on sunday, we went to Art Science Museum together with Fannie, bona's friend and kok tien. It was an art exhibition by Nathan Sawaya an lego artist. The exhibition is interesting and eye opening. After the exhibition, we walked towards garden by the bay and sat down there until 8 O clock to watch light show at the supertree in Gardens by the bay. It was mind soothing and I almost slept during the show.... Enjoyed myself utterly!

After the show, Kok tien decided to leave us and we had our meals in Coffee bean Bistro in Marina Bay Sands.

I guess that is all for our gathering this time around. Looking forward for a next one!

Easter Sunday @ Serene's place

It was a long weekend for people in Singapore, although I had to work during holiday, but our group organised a hang out session at serene's place on Sunday. After the property fair at orchard hotel at 10am Sunday. I went straight to Serene's place as CCY just got back from Kelantan for a short trip, and brought some delicacy from Kelantan as usual. It was 31 March 2013. Easter Sunday!

Not just that he brought the meal back from Kelantan for us, he started preparing on his own in serene's kitchen. How touching to have such a wonderful friend that would thought of us while he is back home. If I would like to compare myself to him, I think I am a selfish bastard.

That afternoon, we had Satay, Special rice, Curry fish and some fresh vegetables. I forgotten how many juicy and tender satay I had, all I remember now is that my scale did not go west after all the gym session these days.

After our lunch, we hang around at serene's place and serene's dad started to share property knowledge to us. Until today, I am very grateful to have a mentor in property to teach us how to invest in a property. Serene's dad started to invest during his university years England. He bought a council house for a few thousand pound and rent it out to students.At that time, he started to collect some rental income already.  According to serene's dad, that is when he understand the importance of investing. Although he started off with his parent's money, he had been investing since then.

He then moved on to Australia, he bought a unit in Australia after selling off the property in UK. I guess, I should have recorded down what he had told us that day. Somehow, It seems that I had forgotten part of the stories already.

After sharing his life experience with property, we started to talk about property in JB Malaysia. He advised us not to buy any service apartment in JB at the moment due to the over supply of property in the coming years. His consultancy firm dealt with 10k ++ units at the moment, I guess he has some of the insights on properties in JB. He advised us to buy a old home with land, but this could only be done with quite a large amount of capital. Unless a few of us pool the capital to buy the home as investment.

After our property sharing session at serene's place, we went off for a basketball session near serene's place. With serene's dad being the MVP of the court, the basketball session became very intense and fun. I guess we were all shocked to see how serene's dad scored most of the points.

After our basketball session, tun zheng, serene's brother prepared mexican meal for us. We had banana leaf grilled chicken, cactus salad, and some pork soup. It was a warming dinner, to be able to dine with Yeo family on Easter Sunday.

Vero/Phaedra @ Singapore

It started off with meal at Metz in Marina Square, where my annual catch up session with vero begins. Steven, Vero's boyfriend is with us too.

We talked about things that is happening around us, people and shared some laughters.

Shannon joined us for awhile, with his trapezium egg tarts from Chinatown and Lao Ban Dou Jiang, both which Vero craved for. 

We went to Parco near marina square to shop for awhile and then go straight to Mellben in Ang mo kio for crab. The queue is like one and a half hours and is about 50 dollar per person. I have forgotten what we had that night, but the meal is decent and the atmosphere is good. I enjoyed catching up with Vero and Steven. 

After the following week, Shannon text me that Phaedra is in Singapore. We met up in TWG in ION Orchard. Shannon and Phaedra really know how to pamper themselves. I met two ex ttss too. Andy and Syiing. 

We then moved on to a Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant in Far East Plaza near Orchard for our dinner. The dinner place is very crowded and cosy. Waiters and waitresses are very friendly. Andy lead the conversation for the night, and we shared quite a lot of laughters too. It was rather fun to think back some of the legendary people in our secondary school. 

After our dinner, we went to Taboo, a gay bar near outram park. This is not a joke, I somehow paid a huge amount of money to a Gay Club. Damn! I must say the only reason why I step in the gay bar is because Phaedra wants to explore the bar in Singapore. Period!

It was quite intimidating at the beginning, but after the alcohol kicked in, everything seems to be less awkward. damn. I sounded gay! I am saying hanging out within our own circle of friends in a gay club. Where did you think of? lol 

I grabbed Phaedra for a few photos to prove my identify. Thinking back, it was rather hilarious to think that I am chasing Phaedra around in a club.This is rather embarrassing! 

Moving on- Property sharing session at serene's place and a meal with Joann.

Weekend 31/3/2013

For this week, there are a few things I need to achieve.

1. I have to change my diet. Although I exercised in the morning but having heavy meal in the afternoon is a waste of effort. I will have to control my appetite from today onwards. 
2. To go to gym at least 3 times a week. 
3. To spend at least one hour studying to study basic financial terms. I.e. at least I can read the balance sheet, Profit & Loss account and cash flow of a company.
4. To plan what I want to do exactly in April by the end of this week
5. To read "How they started Global Brand." by David Lester
6. To reduce my coffee session to once at work.

My short term goal 2013

I would like to review my personal goal this year. 

1. To manage USD 30K investment portfolio by the end of 2013. Why? because I think is important to be brave and have part of my assets in the market for me to learn and grow.
2. To have a passive income of at least 2.2 percent monthly. Why? So that I could learn on how to be financially free and spend more time with things and people I love. 
3. To reduce my body fat from 23% to 17%. Why? So that I could dress up and be more confident. 
4. To be able to give a speech or pitch an idea in front of a crowd without fear. 
5. To attend at least 4 seminars. 

I will copy and update this post regularly from time to time. Just to see how far I am from my goal. 

9/3-19/3/2013

My last post was on 8/3/2013, couldn't believe that it was like 2 weeks ago already. Quite a lot of things happened during that past two weeks. Let's do a brief recap.

From 9/3/2013, I went back to KK for 2 nights for my Grandma's wake, the trip was very short and I believe I had massive homesick by the time I flew back to Singapore, the feelings were strongest when the aeroplane is taking off from KKIA. Looking at the familiar island from above ground reminds me of home.

On 15/3/2013, I attended company dinner at Marriott hotel Orchard at 8pm. It was a small gathering buffett dinner at Marriott Cafe. It was good to have all the colleagues gather together and share some information together like a big family. I guess, as a site personnel in Boustead Project, company event like this is really important for me to bond with my colleagues, as the time I spent in the office is less than a day per month.

On Saturday, 16/3/2013 while working half way through, I received a call from Uncle Guan, a relative of mine in New Zealand, who is transiting with his family after my grandma's funeral service. I met up with him, my aunty and Ephraim, my younger cousin. I became a tour guide and brought them to Marche in Somerset for a quick meal, travelled along orchard road, MRT to Chinatown and finally back to Terminal 3.
I am glad, that we were able to catch up with each other after awhile. Guan asked me to encourage Ephraim to get an education in Civil Engineering field. However, I think Ephraim himself is not really interested with civil engineering and is interested with Chefing & Hospitality instead. I wasn't surprised, and I didn't insist on the civil engineering course to him. As I believe Ephraim is mature enough to decide what he really wants in the future.

After a light catch up, I took taxi straight to north bridge, famous fish head steamboat to meet Chai Ann, Serene, Ken and CCY. By the time I reached, it was about 0930pm, and they had finished their meal. We sat in the restaurant for awhile and decided to go for a second round in a exquisite bar near by in beach road. I had forgotten the name of the restaurant by the time I am writing this post, but it was a cosy bar. I liked their interior design.

On Sunday, 17/3/2013. I decided to have a breakfast with Calvin Tsen and Anthony, as Calvin is going to New Zealand for a period of time in early April. After a long hour brunch in Macdonalds, Chian Yee suggested to come to their place as they will prepare some Thai food for me. It was some sort of refreshing mee hon. I don't know exactly the name of the dish, but the companion and catch up session with them make all the feeling right and the name of the dish doesn't matter. Having said, the food is good quality.

After our light meal, we decided to play some badminton in open area near their place in Bishan. The game was fun, especially when we need to consider the wind direction and people, especially hot chicks looking at us. Zen and Yi Tsin, Calvin's sister joined us for the badminton session. After the badminton session, we were tired and hungry. We decided to go for some light meal in the nearest Indian restaurant to resume our catch up session.

After that, we went back Calvin's place for awhile and continued our chat. And around 8pm. They brought me to the nearest tze char from the place, it was tasty and dead cheap. I had dinner with Anthony, Tsen and Chian Yee. After the dinner, I should have went back home but I end up in Tsen's place instead.

I stayed there for awhile and went off around 1130. What a Sunday.

On Monday, 18/3/2013- My mum's birthday. I sent her a text in the morning, " Happy Birthday Mum, Love" and my brother arranged a dinner with my family to celebrate my  mum's birthday in her favourite restaurant. I guess, I am getting used to celebrate birthdays abroad. Missing her so much now.

At night, after work, I attended the VIOS gathering in Outram. I spoke to a few stock analysts, full time investor and also remisier for Phillips securities. The knowledge that I have gathered from that night was priceless. After all the research they have all done, they just shared willingly that night. I am impressed with how eager they are to impart their skills and knowledge to others.

After the gathering, serene and ccy sold some options on the spot, I think is a company related to gold. After that, serene, ccy, Jonathan and I were celebrating our options sold in hawker centre nearby.

After that, we "kidnapped" serene to Clark Quay, went to TCC @ clark quay and celebrated her birthday. Two celebrations in one night. After our light celebration, we decided to go for G-Max, it was an impromptu  and exciting one.

Grandma

My grandma passed away on 8/3/2013. I was told by my cousin this morning while I am on my way to work .

A sudden urge of crying,i can feel both my eyes filled with tears. Fading memories flashed in my mind reminds me how powerful my grandma used to be. She is one of the strongest women at her age I have met in my entire life. She could controls the WONG family. Especially her beloved son & daughters. She somehow has this special power in herself to arrange things in the entire family. Sometimes, my father do have to attend what they call a family meeting. It is amazing how she has got so much power within the family tree. 

There are things I would like to write down on this blog is the time I spent with her when I was in Sabah. 

Every Saturday, she will go to her favourite salon in Sinsuran. Sometimes, I would basically become her Chauffeur for half a day. Basically to fetch her from my uncle's place and drop her in her favourite salon. I guess she would like to present her self at her best in church. Apart from that, she could catch up with some of her friends, who were in the salon as well. I guess my grandma is bringing the trend. She is rather influential. 

After that, she would buy a few biscuits from a nearby bakery shop and bring home for tea time. She always buy some for me. despite I am rather overweight that period of time. Occasionally, she would give me some pocket money for driving her around in the morning. Sometimes, we would go to some coffee shop, sit down and enjoy a quick lunch together. My favourite Kon Lau Mee with her near Damai would be a nice place to have our lunch. After lunch, I would drop her off, and will see her around again at night. 

Every Saturday, we would bring her out for a dinner, this has become our weekly ritual, and my parents would bring her to her favourite restaurant in KK for a meal. there, we always talk about interesting stories of life. 

I guess, these are part of the stories, that I would like to record it down at the moment. 

RIP grandma.Love you. x

March Tuesday

I wake up at 6am, realising that I accidentally slept at 11 yesterday. I showered, packed and went off to Gym in Novena. Today will be my 1st day to go gym before my working time. I am still working on the habit of waking up early in the morning. :) 

Although it feels good, but it needs a lot of discipline to sleep earlier @ night. 

After gym, I went to pamper myself with a Traditional Set breakfast in Kopitiam for SGD 2.00. The breakfast and the view are awesome. 

After a long day at work, I was invited by my sub-contractor to attend a dinner in Akanoya@ orchard parade hotel near Tanglin Mall. Most of the servers/waiter & waitresses are Japanese. There are three huge table in the entire restaurant. Every table is about 10- 15 people and the seats are arranged as such is surrounding the cooking area. The food wasn't that fantastic but the ambiance is good. Apart from the patron, the place really feel like is in Japan. 

During the dinner, it was really nice to hear good comments and feedbacks from sub-contractors regarding my performance at work.

Work aside, the dinner lasted for about 2 hours and we drank most of the time. 

I guess the best dish I would say for Akanoya would be the Wagyu Beef, the meat literally melted in my mouth. 

Monthly expenses March 2013

I am readjusting my monthly expenses after trial and testing for the last two months as follow:

1. Rent- 17%
2. Groceries-10%
3. Entertainment and Eating out- 14%
4. Saving & investment- 50%
5. Telephone- 5%
6. Transport 4%

Referring to my previous blog, I have basically increased 4% on my entertainment and eating out. I think this would help on my social life. :) 

Homework not IQ

I read an article from Financial Times Guide Value Investing and would like to do a brief summary on how Warren Buffett and Charles Munger would do in order to identify which stock to invest: 

1. read annual reports of not just the company which we are interested but the annual reports of the competitors as well compared to the industry and personal research. 
2. Meet and talk with people from the industry
3. Favourable long-term prospects
4. Operated by honest and competent people
5. A business I understand
6. Available at a very attractive price

Starting slowly. :)

Post Chinese New Year Week

Highlights of the week:- 

1. Ken found a new place in Sengkang, he will be staying close to Chai Ann & Serene. I sincerely hope him all the best in his pursue of his career in Singapore. 
2. Pet ranger's interim business proposal presentation with AGF- Hard work, but amazingly fun. 
3. Authority visit to my work site, very time consuming.
4. Catch up with Caren in Marche Somerset. Drank 1.5 pint and got abit tipsy. :)
5. Celebrated Ken's birthday with Anthony in Bliss Restaurant in AMK. It wasn't a proper one as we were busy with our preparation of our presentation. 
6. Started to use google hangout for the 1st time. This is to try out if we could manage to catch up virtually.
7. Met Cary & Yuyen in their apartment near Novena. A nice catch up session with Yuyen and Cary. A lovely couple. Looking forward to see them soon. 
8. Met Amos in Coffee club near H&M in Somerset. It was a short catch up session with Amos, but wasn't too bad. 
9. Sold my first options. it is part of the learning experience. 

As for coming week, I guess I deserve a more relaxing week. I guess some boring books would be good enough to clear my head off. x

Wine List 2013- 18/2/2013

This is a wine list from my brother's friend in Australia- 

1. Dutschke Gods Hills Road Shiraz- $25
2. Browns of Padthaway carbernet sauvignon- $25
3. Dutschke Willow Bend ( Blend)-$20
4. Laughing Jacks Shiraz-$20

YUM.

 

Side note: 

I got off from work about 6pm yesterday, after an internal audit for quality in my work place which took me about 4-5 hours, I was pretty exhausted. 

Ken came straight from Changi Airport to fetch me from my workplace and we went back to my place. After we settled down in my place, we then went to Soup Restaurant in AMK Hub. It was a place where I am comfortable with. We ordered a package deal for 2 pax and we started our catch up session. It was really nice to meet Ken, and I am looking forward to see him around Singapore in the future. After our meal, we went to orchard to meet up with Amos, he was on transit from KK to perth, for a round of drinks, desserts and some catch up session.When we reached coffee club in Somerset- Anthony, Choi Mei, Ocean and Ah Taur are all there already. While Amos and Suan, a lady who accompanied Amos to buy CD nearby joined the table later in the night. As I was rather overwhelmed to be able to meet two friends in one night, I ordered Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc to mark this wonderful short reunion in TCC at Orchard yesterday. 

17/2/2013

1am- 4am- conducted research for US stock online, investigated herbalife stock.I was very interested into the stock but unfortunately Herbalife is not within my circle of competent. I somehow cannot imagine myself buying more of its stock when the price is falling. I decided to let go and continue my sleep. 

0939am- My phone buzzed, saw CCY message saying to postpone our meeting with the market team to 1030am. Great, I overslept! Rushed my way through to Bishan for meetup .  

1030-1315 Reached Bishan Food courst, had a quick breakfast, which cost me about 3 dollar and had some light catch up with Anthony and CCY, without wasting any time we started off with our discussion regarding PR market team for our interim presentation with AGF in March 2013. 

1315-1513- We hurried ourselves to Serangoon NEX. To join our legal team, Serene and Jonathan. We had our quick lunch in Burger King and continued with our discussion, mainly on how to tackle Anthony Teo, partnership, pilot and our funding.

1600-1820- badminton session with Serene, CCY and Jonathan. Awesome session. had fun and done serious workout. This badminton session was organised by jonathan and is my 1st badminton session in 2013. 

1820-2030- Dinner at boon keng food court, went to CCY place's to collect the sleeping bag from CCY. However, I lost CCY's sleeping bag on my way home as my bag was overloaded with stuff. I.e. Badminton racket, laptop, wire, books and shirts, etc. Went to NTUC in AMK to buy a new sleeping bag as Ken will be sleeping over tomorrow. 

2030-2330- Room cleaning and clearing. This was like an annual affair. I have forgotten when I have done the last room cleaning. 

2330-1230am

Showered, and wind down, guess my body deserve a good sleep now. 

I will leave my ironing session to Monday night. I guess I am too exhausted now. Good night! 

Weekend 17/2/2013

Post Chinese New Year- 

1. To sort out all money matters
2. To reply Newton Circus
3. To resume my badminton session on this coming Sunday.
4. To attend Mr Neo's open house. 
5. To GYM at least twice a week. .
6. To rest sufficiently
7. To resume my reading session- FT Value Investing.
8. To edit and amend PR video as per SPCA's request
9. To call Anthony, the pet mobile owner
10. Reply to Lilian- saying that we are ready for meeting up with SCORE
11. To discuss with fatty regarding state land authority approval.
12. Valentines day? Maybe next year. 

Chinese New Year 2013 @ Singapore

I will briefly describe my chinese new year celebration in singapore 2013.

This year, my parents and my younger brother came Singapore to celebrate CNY with me. 

We went around Singapore to eat, hang out, spent time together and catch up with ourselves. I really enjoyed myself these few days. A true quality time spent with my family. I somehow believe that the ties between us when we were away from KK seems to be stronger as we do not have any other commitments. 

It was a special Chinese new year celebration for me this year as this would be the first year I celebrated with my family in Singapore with mild dengue fever. By the time I wrote this post, I have well recovered. I guess readers will not need to worry. :) 

That is all for my simple chinese new celebration with my Family in singapore 2013.. 

Looking forward for our family gathering in April. :) 

Love

Two days MC

I am on two days MC, as doctor said that I have torn part of muscle fibre on my triceps, after I have overworked them on Sunday in Orchard Ngee Ann's City California Fitness.

So basically, I have spent most of the day on bed, trying to get as much rest as possible. 

On top of that, I have taken my very first protein drink in my life today. A chocolate flavour protein shake which I bought from GNC in Ang Mo Kio hub.The reason why I had protein drink, although is utterly dear,  is to hope that I could recover quicker. 

I am wondering what should I do tomorrow if I am doing quite well. :) 

Weekend 9/2/2013

For this coming week,

1)To complete another half of my financial knowledge book. Due to the fact that I am rather green with financial knowledge. Reading FT guide seems to be rather challenging! I shall break down into a few portions. Hopefully, I could complete the book by 21/2/2013. :)

2)To apply POEMS! I have to bring a Malaysian IC for application to site.

3)To arrange a meeting with Anthony and Adrian.

4) To go to gym. :)

5) To renew my RE membership too. 

I guess all these will keep me busy for a while. 

P.S: I have just subscribed a GYM 12 months membership with California Fitness. Maybe it will motivate myself to work out more in the future. :)

Jason's Monthly Expenses

Ok just a quick post on how my expenses will be allocated for the next coming 6 months.

So I will briefly review my goal in June 2013.

1)Rent, Accommodation = 20%
2)Transport                    =5%
3)Food                          =15%
4)Saving                        =20%
5)Invest                         =30%
6)Leisure                       =10%

                              Total 100%

Week Ending 2/2/2013

I decided to spend a little time explaining what I will be doing for the coming week in the following:

1. To catch up with Newton Circus.
2. Meet a young and passionate pet groomers, Desmond and Shi Min, in order to see how we could work together to achieve a common goal. 
3. To catch up with my aunty before she is flying around Malaysia. 
4. To apply POEMS, a brokerage account for shares trading in singapore
5. To study two stocks in US, USANA and COACH.
6. To plan my holiday during Chinese New Year in Singapore
7. To read a book by Glen Arnold-Value Investing . How to become a disciplined investor. 2nd edition.

I think by writing down what I need to do next week would give me a clearer picture of  what I need to do in order to achieve my long term goal. In the same time, I can also track my progress over time. :) 

Value Investing-Mind Kinesis

I joined an investing course called Value Investing by Mind Kinesis and think that this course has somehow added value to myself. At least, I am being walked-through how to set up a brokerage account with Optionexpress, US-based brokerage firm in Singapore. As this course had cost me my arms and legs, I feel like I am now more obligated to invest in stock.

The course is 4 days- Part of the reason why I would like to record some of the highlights that I have experienced over the course is to enable me to retain some of the money I had spent on it.

Basically, Stock analytical skill taught in the course was Fundamental Analysis:

1) Qualitative analysis 2) Quantitative analysis. 

For (1) Qualitative Analysis, we learned about looking for a business that is in our circle of competence. How familiar we are with the industry, as we are trained to invest in a business rather than a commodities. It would be highly advisable that we know the business inside out.

Then we would analyse what is the  economic moat of the business,  we were given some for this. It is good fun to be able to gain some financial knowledge while doing this exercise. We were given to study a few case studies in order to identify economic moat.  

(2)Quantitative analysis, this is the part where we will have to learn how to read 3 basic financial statements: 1) Cash Flow Statement 2) Balance Sheet 3 ) Profit and Loss. This part, we were given case study of a business, and analyse it as a business which we would like to take over. I will not go into details on this, as I believe this would be easily learn from books or internet.

In the course, we were given an opportunity to learn how to pitch a stock too, we were separated into groups, discuss, and investigate stocks. Then, we set up booth in a trade show and explain to people about some potential stocks which we had investigated. We also conducted a presentation on it. During the process, it was a good experience to meet mentors and have a chance to see how the they eventually analyse/pick a stock. It is like learning how to buy fresh and quality vegetables/ fish while following my mum to the market when I was young. 

We played a few games during the course, one of the games that I had learned and enjoyed the most is the virtual stock market session. I somehow reacted to the market, investor's sentiment and eventually became a speculator. I really thought I was clever enough to beat the market, until I lost all my virtual money. The Experience at that particular moment is very real. 

Through this post I would like to say thank you to both founders of Mind Kinesis. Two man Cayden Chang and Sean Seah.

Value Investing Options Strategy Gathering

A gathering for all the Value Investing Graduate from Mind Kinesis Academy.

The setting is more like a place where all the value investors would come together once a month and share their thoughts.

Yesterday will be my first time attending this kind of social settings. In the gathering, there are three VIA( Value Investing Academy) Analyst, sharing their thoughts on the recent shares that they are looking at. One of them, whom I am particularly interested with is ser jing.

Ser Jing, is a student and is currently writing financial blog for Motley fools, he has got a few of his articles that are posted as editor's choice of Motley Fools. He is also invited to attend a seminar/conference, subsidised by Motley fools, to share about his experience/knowledge in USA. 

What I gained from the gathering is basically some reading list/ Authors that are recommended by them. I would briefly list down some that I remember: 

1. Peter Lynch- Beating the street
2. Pat Dorsey
3. Philip Fisher- Common stock;uncommon profit
4. Phil Town-Rule #1
5. Joe Ponzio-F wall street

Maybe is time for me to sacrifice some of my sleeping time to complete the reading list by June. 

Hopefully, I will be confident in investing by mid 2013. 

Subway experience on a Friday Night @ CQ

When I arrived Clarke Quay an hour earlier than required for a catch up session at 8. I wonder around in central, carrying my favourite red bag, with faint of Rebar and concrete. Roaming for food around Central while unwinding my mood from work, I somehow ended up on a queue for subway. 

In front of me, is a lady whom I think she has got the same liking as I do, Hearty Italians. My all time favourite of subway sandwich. Unfortunately my whole reason of joining the queue in the first place was crushed when the server told the lady in front of me that hearty Italian was out of stock. 

When it comes to my turn, although I have heard that there is no more hearty Italians left, I still try my luck and asked the server "hearty Italian please" with a broad smile confidently. Hoping that he will say something different. 

Surprisingly, the young man behind the desk turned to the oven and check for hearty Italians like he had not heard of this question or did the same action a few seconds ago, or maybe he has got memory of  a goldfish.  

For a short moment of time, I  thought the oven is like a magic box which will replenish hearty Italians on its own. But it didn't. The answer is a negative, trying to hold my facial expression of disappointment and to disguise myself that I have heard the same answer just a few seconds ago is a tricky one. I quickly chose another bread which I have no idea of, just for the sake to satisfy my hunger but not my tongue. 

With disappointment being brought forward from the previous section,  the young man asked me if I would like to have my cheese to be toasted. I gave him a Do-I-Still-Care look, and nearly blurted out "whatever". But I didn't, I chose not to, simply because of my self-conscious kicked in. Asking me to behave like an adult. 

Having my cheese toasted, then he asked me what sort of vegetables do I like to have it on my 6-inch sandwich. 

I said : "ALL" while pretending it is very normal to have all the vegetables being fit into a  6-inch sandwich. My char-grilled chicken breast sandwich looked more like a vegetables sandwich now. 

Moving on, it comes to dressing, the final bit of my sandwich preparation. I opt for honey mustard on this occasion as I feel like going on diet- purely. Or maybe I anticipated that I will probably have a few more meals later in the evening.

I then moved to the counter in order to make a payment of my chicken sandwich inundated with vegetables.

The cashier asked me if I would like to have 2 cookies or a bag of crisps with an obvious body language that  her hands were holding a tongs already readily to pick the flavours being said from my mouth bearing in mind that I would definitely go for the cookies. I didn't; I said ": a bag of crisps please".  I chose crisps instead. I took the crisps from the shelf and place it on a tray in front me.

She gave me a blank look, and to reassure what she had heard from me, she confirm with me again in a puzzled look by saying : " You get 2 pieces for cookies or 1 bag of crisps only." Making sure that I will not regret.

Again, I said: " Crisps please"

We proceed with the payment and I left the counter with the tray for the start of my dinner. 

Secondary schoolmates

Last week, I was invited to a small gathering with my secondary schoolmates in an overpriced Japanese Restaurant call Shinkushiya. It wasn't particularly outstanding in any way apart from the figure next to the picture of the food in the menu. Pricey.

Moreover, not just the price, the location of the restaurant could be consider rather far too, it is about 45 minutes away from my place. Door to door would probably take me about an hour.

However, having said that, the opportunity to hang out with my secondary schoolmates would probably be ....Priceless. The opportunity of gathering with a bunch of schoolmates in foreign land is definitely worth all the effort, money and time.

The good thing about sitting together dear secondary schoolmates is that we all speak the same language effortlessly. The idea of sharing stories and jokes in our language which has strong hakka ascent, filling a classy Japanese restaurant is mind-boggling.

From the state of just being together with a bunch of secondary friends, I just realised how mistrust I have become, or should i say, comfortable with suspicion. I would put mask on, hardened my shell to protect myself like a crab. Not only that, with my strong claws, I suspect, I have had hurt someone over the table.

When I was young, I would talk about anything, more open to ideas, people and situation. Like a soft-shell crab. At least, I know I could care-less, do and say whatever I want, waste time, or maybe fall in love with snails. Most importantly, I was generous with trust, time, knowledge (if i had some) and love. Perhaps it is the experience of university, or being abroad, or quite simply growing old over the small handful of past years. I have lost the ability to speak without thinking or speak nothing with a positive gesture.
I somehow become more careful with words, thoughts and body languages. Which I think are essential to survive in a harsh conditions like reality. I cannot afford to be generous any more.

But that particular night, I am not sure if I am wearing a mask or plainly being careful with what I say and do. I have had a weird feelings that I am over- reacting to people whom I was so comfortable with when I was in secondary schools. Although we generally looked more mature, we are somehow still "us". How we used to scream, hate, care, cry, love and be real with each other. I am very impressed we all can get along by being so honest, real and harsh on each other. :)

"Dear readers, although I am now looking forward to our next catch up session with "us", but at the same time, fear that these excitements are just temporary. like a tipping point. "

7th month in Singapore

Despite travelling the same route on bus 22 everyday, I am still struggling when should I press the red button on the double-decker bus in order to stop on the exact bus-stop. Sometimes, I would wait long enough for another person to press the bell, so that I can just observe if the next bus stop is the place I am getting off.  On the contrary, sometimes I waited for too long, miss the bus stop and end up stopping at a bus stop further away.

Subconsciously, I found myself somehow reluctant to adapt the Singapore culture,Singlish, Mindset, Practice, appreciating singaporean ladies, etc. Maybe the gap for a man from a small town and this city has been too wide. I believe keeping this kind of mindset will lead me to extinction. I would probably perish in no time. I am not looking for a solution here but I am sharing fthe insights of my life here in Singapore. 

 I would like to briefly describe how my life has evolved in the past 7 months. 

First of all- Career.  I am please to say that the work that I am in now is somehow ideal for my career. It has been the sort of job which my body and mind can cope with at the moment. I cannot say that it is ideal for myself, or I love my job; what I can say now is that the job that I am currently with is something I have had looking for. I don't want to dress my career up or to glorify my job here, but this is what I am feeling now at the moment. 

Secondly-Social Life.  I am satisfied with my social life here. Lucky to have groups of friends surrounding me. With activities constantly pre-arranged by weeks. It makes me feel balanced but somehow insecure. This is because I don't think is sustainable in the long run. I always envisage my friends to have their own family in a matter of few years time and start dropping out from the social circle. Life in Singapore without my current social circle will be very different. 

Thirdly-Relationship...is something I would like to put on this post, but not to discuss about it now. I always have problem addressing my relationship, maybe because it somehow affect third party. Clearly, I do not want to have any misrepresentations.

Fourthly-Health. I am slowly gaining bad weight in Singapore. Due to eating out, social events(beer is the main culprit), long working hours, insufficient sleep and only exercise once a week. I cannot ignore this aspect of my life any more, as looking at the weighing scale to head east most of the time is depressing. 

So most of the aspects have been covered in this blog. Maybe I will go into more details when I am more ready to share. x

Holland V with Charles

It was on short notice, Charles and I decided to dine in Holland V middle of the week, I chose this place as it is strategically located about in between our work places.

We roamed around the place and I was shocked to see so many good looking men and ladies around Holland V compare to Ang Mo Kio that is..

It was so vibrant and crowded with good looking, dressed up youngster if I still consider myself as one of them. The chatter in the background just somehow dilutes all the stress and things at work. It was a comfortable evening in Holland V.

After roamed for about few minutes, we quickly decided to dine in a Thai restaurant which my parents liked this particular franchise. It was reasonable and has got decent ambiance. Ok, before this post become a food post, I would like to go back to my subject of the day, Charles. .

We started our conversation off with something very light, as in relationship issues. His breakup, my breakup recently, how we cope with it, dealt with it and probably might have moved on. He asked me a few questions about Joann, which I don't think I answered directly. I decided to hold back some of the information which I personally think will not add value to their current state. But I was rather flattered when Charles told me that they were lucky to have me as a close friend of theirs. Hah!
I feel so important now. :)

At the moment, we both agreed that we need a companion to talk things through. Maybe the person we used to share our feelings and emotions with, is no longer present, accessible or maybe should I say convenient to share with any more. It is like we were not friends any more, like what I used to play with my friends when I was primary 7. We temporarily stop speaking to each other to show how angry we are.

The person whom we used to share our bed with, all in a sudden became not only just a stranger but someone whom we would like to avoid. To avoid the awkwardness, frustration, something we might have hoped to happen but fear when it doesn't or the need of clarification, confrontation, etc.

It is a feeling which I choose not to think about it at the moment.

It wasn't our 1st gathering in Singapore, but somehow the gap between our catch up has made it like is our 1st one. It seems that we have not met for ages, it seems he has grown older.  I can see his weariness, he seems to be shorter than he normally is, maybe is the invisible concrete block weighing at least 20 tonnes on  crushing him to the floor. His voice, is not as punchy. His language, is not as mean as before. Cold Jokes were out of the league already. He became so serious to an extent that for the 1st time I hold all my banters in front of him. 


From someone who is utterly confident, bright and positive; to someone whom I barely recognise. Life must have been mistreating him. Having said that, I feel pain and respect at the same time. The mixed feelings which is unjustifiable is seeping into my mind, tinting my specs. Just like how Erdinger is creeping into my head. Fooling with my words, especially the ability to put them in a proper manner or maybe should I say, in a pleasant manner. 

I found myself giving opinions and comments which I think are inappropriate, especially when I am a close friend to both parties of this separated couple. I do not want to choose a side nor do I want to be a referee.
I want to be their mate, someone they can speak to. Someone they can trust their feelings with.
Which I think a friend should be. :)

Geylang Experience

5pm Friday. My asst.site manager,Leopard, called me and asked me to get ready to go for a drink in Geylang with our sub-contractor,Dragon. Geylang is well know for its food, drinks and sex workers. Heading off Geylang with this group of mates will somehow more for the latter.

Long fetched us from Boustead House, which is next to our site to Geylang in his Vios. The journey from Macpherson to Geylang took us about 20 minutes, which longer than usual due to peak hour and weekend. Inside the car, Leopard told us about some of the stories of his, when he started to go Geylang, etc etc.
We have had some random low grades banters and so far, it seems that I am adapting well.

During the journey, despite Leopard tried to break the ice amongst us with his jokes and banters, I was rather nervous. I fear the situation later, where everything would be out of control. However, I desire to experience the contractor's high life in Geylang. Many stories I have heard on site, which somehow related to Geylang. It has become a playground, or maybe a ritual which we shall practise once in a while to upkeep with the 'language' on site. Surely, I don't think I have got the guts to screw someone I barely know tonight. Which I cannot confirm myself. But If I did, I doubt I will be writing this post and show it to the public. It would probably be more like a private post which only Mr Google would know.

Geylang approaches, I looked towards the car window. immediately I could see ladies sitting on the bench along the roads. I wasn't listening to Leopard's banter any more and instead sunk into my own imagination. Wondering what would happen next.

We parked in Lorong 7 if I am not mistaken, very close to where we would like to go, new Shanghai.. A rather run down building. Surely I should not be wholly disappointed tonight, although I have had so many vivid and vibrant pictures of blondes surrounding me in my head. Perhaps, this is what I can disclose what was on my mind that particular time when we reached the area.

We had a light dinner, prawn mee, opposite new shanghai. Quick, easy and light. everything seems to be set perfectly. we went into the old building and started to climb a rather dirty and dark staircase.

I think I couldn't feel anything that time, don't really know what I am doing exactly. Blindly follow my manager, or should I call him buddy tonight, because he acted like 20 years younger than his age yesterday which is equal to my age. Even the tone and language that we normally use in the site office are no longer found.

We went in to a room, number 8, I remember. Inside this room, looks like a below average KTV room, with  black leather chair, double tier square coffee table, huge screen, speakers and a remote control on the table. I find myself sitting on the sofa immediately and started to relax. 3 of us sat at such, there is a huge gap between us. Obviously, we were waiting for someone to fill in the gaps later.

Beers, snacks and laichee were almost served immediately. Everything is in order now. Except.... the gaps.

Ladies are flowing into the room from the doors, very lightly dressed, heavy make-ups, high heels and heavily scented. I was shocked by their aggressiveness. Maybe I would be more comfortable if a pimp or mummy would come into the room first. But it seems this is not the case, the ladies would just walk in the room inconspicuously and jump onto our laps. I can still vividly remember how I declined and pushed many hands, breasts and faces. I was like a sugar dropped in an ant's den, struggling...

Very quickly, I asked myself why am I here in the first place. Definitely not to push some ladies from China, Vietnam and Myanmar, etc....
I wanted to be here to experience. But with the girls pulling my hands so hard, I was turned off completely. No fun at all.

I drank jugs of beer, to get drunk, to show some respect to my buddy, and I.... collapsed on the sofa or maybe flesh.

By the time when I woke up, I was alone in the KTV room. The ladies are all gone. The party went somewhere else.
I grabbed my bag, walked passed the counter, didn't bother to check if the bill was paid as it would probably be unaffordable for me, and I walked out the building.

I was intoxicated and vomit along the main road. But I wandered around geylang, directionless, trying to look for the MRT sign. Or maybe just to breath some fresh air, to buy some time to be more sober. Or maybe to vomit a few more times.
My buddy called me, and asked me to go back to new Shanghai.

I made an U-turn and headed back Lorong 7. When I arrived, I saw my buddy's car parked nicely in front of New shanghai, he has got one cigg on his hand and he told me that his mate called him and told him that I was asleep in the room alone. I am so glad that my buddy came back for me and offered to fetch me home.

Umbrella

I lost my umbrella yesterday. It's the umbrella which I shared so many beautiful memories with . A mini size black umbrella which is rather durable, lightweight and pricey. Quality doesn't come cheap nowadays. We had experienced strong winds in Littlehampton, chilly rains in Chichester, heavy snows in Wimbledon, heavy rain in Stoneleigh road, not to forget the striking sun and pouring rain in Ubi Avenue 1. I can imagine how much more I can dwell on it. 

Thinking back, I lost my umbrella when I was chasing the bus along Ubi Road 1, I was on my noise isolating earphone when I was running, despite hearing a sound of something has dropped out from my bag and hit the floor, I chose to ignore and kept running towards the bus stop. As the bus was approaching the bus stop at that instant.  Having had run all the way for about one and a half minutes, I cannot afford to give up and let the bus go as the next bus will probably be 30 minutes later. 

When I boarded the bus, had myself seated comfortably, I found one of the zip underneath my bag was left opened. It was the compartment where I kept my mini lightweight umbrella. It was empty. 

Instantaneously, I wanted to stop on the next bus-stop and return to pick up my beloved umbrella. I wanted my umbrella back so badly. But the tiredness in me had made the harsh decision subconsciously for me. It wasn't optional. I hesitated for a short moment, and the bus had just passed the nearest bus stop. I am on my way back home, umbrellaless. 

Being optimistic, I naively believed the umbrella would probably still lie on the floor near the bus stop the next day and I shall retrieve my umbrella back. But it seems not the case, when I returned to the spot where I lost my umbrella this morning. I searched for my umbrella. Despite being late for about half an hour, I chose to search for my umbrella. It was not that any more. I was lost momentarily in somewhere I am so familiar with which I  can probably walk with my eyes closed. Trying to accept the cruel fact that, from now on, I am separated with my umbrella. 

This wasn't my first encounter of this similar situation recently. 

I separated with Miss E. over Whatsapps, she initiated and I somehow went along with her decision. We were thousands  miles apart when this event actually took part. It wasn't a drastic decision between us. The dullness of our conversation over some period had probably suggested long before. This might not be the right diagnosis, or to cry over spilt milk but is my impression. 

Being in long distance relationship for about 1 year, with some short reunions in between, is not an easy task to handle. Even for the person who had read 'long distance relationship for dummies'. The idea of maintaining a relationship through Skype, Facebook and Whatsapps seems to be impossible for the long run. 

I feel so much better now to have written some of my feelings on this blog.

So what is up for weekends? 

I will be meeting up with Low read learn, tonight. I heard that he has got promoted and would like to treat us a dinner tonight in Ang Mo Kio.I am happy for him as he was just promoted within his company. Also, I am honoured to be invited to a meal by someone whom I had spent little time with when we were both in Kota Kinabalu. The feeling to be able to catch up some KK friends tonight seems to be rather interesting.  Maybe I had spent too much time with my own group when I was young.

Looking forward to the meal tonight. :)

St Patrick's day @Clark Quay

6 o clock evening Friday, changed my shorts and shoes
as such to leave my work area for a long anticipated tempura dinner in Ten restaurant at Clark Quay with Serene, Chai Ann, Chong Yang and Serene's ex hostel mate in Australia, Andrew.

Just before I turned off my laptop, I saw a notification on the taskbar from my immediate boss David Tay.
The email was sent with a high priority ( from the first day onward, all emails from my boss were all high priorities, maybe that is the nature of it.)
Come back to it, The email was about an incident happened on the other site....... bla bla bla

I wanted to ignore the email and pretended that I was already off work until I saw a strings of words highlighted in red which is as well capital letter. saying that: "All REs are not Allowed to leave site until all concreting works end. period."

Looking out the window from my site office, I can clearly see one of the draw pit has not been cast.

Confused and agitated. When I was still wondering what should i do, I instinctively grab my phone out and whatsapp the tempura dinner group that I will be an hour late. period. :(

I decided not to take the risk as I am still under probation, I had been neglecting my friends in a selfish attempt to pursue a career and my last hour in the office on Friday had cost my dear friends waiting over a dining table in Clark quay for an hour. More worryingly, I found this phenomenon is getting common. I am always the last one to arrive.

Having said that,  we had a peals of laughter, I enjoyed the sober companion immensely.

We basically talked about lifestyle, friends, past, future and some cold jokes.

Serene was blushed all over her face after she drank a few cups of hot green tea. She also complained about   being hot and took off her jacket. Andrew did crack a lame joke on serene about how girls are meant to be hot. It was pretty lame at the time, but as a matter of fact, girls are pretty hot sometimes. xD

Moving on, after we finished our tempura dinner, we walked around Clark Quay. Hotspot for Singapore Party Girls (SPG) on a typical Friday night....................

Overbooked my social session

Saturday's evening, looking at my polo watch, it shows 8:15pm.  after the last pile has been casted on my site. I walk switftly heading towards the nearest MRT station, Marcpherson, which is about 10 minutes away. My trousers are tainted with dried mud and silt. I was imagining the picture of myself in Orchard Road or Somerset later in a  luxurious korean restaurant gathering with Foh and Choimei.At that particular moment I feel so out of the picture. Worse, I am way behind the schedule., the dinner suppose to be at 0830 which had been delayed from 6pm due to my sudden overtime instructed by my employer, and I am still 10 minutes away from the nearest MRT station.

Upon reaching Somerset MRT station, I just realised that Nolboo Korean restaurant is located on the 8th floor of Orchard Central. -.-!

Although I took the escalator, I still sweat! It isn't a pleasant experience at all. 8 floors of escalator in one go is quite tiring. :)

When I walked in Nolboo restaurant, I heard my name being called almost instantaneously. "Jason!!" Looked around most of the empty tables, I found Choi Mei and Foh sitting on one of the 5 person compartment. I walked swiftly towards the table and greeted them while I was still panting heavily after floors of escalator.

They took the menu out, and started order at about 0910, I decided to let them have a go with the ordering as I am still recovering from my breathlessness.

Catching up with Foh and Choi Mei would be my first encounter to have us sitting on one table catching up together. However, the topics in all our conversation are so tightly connected, maybe because the social circle that we have got are pretty much overlapped. It was not too long when ChingHui and his GF, Eugene appeared. We continued our dinner until the restaurant was about to close. I think I was slightly tipsy by then, not because of the drink, (as far as I remember, I didn't drink on that occasion) but because of the excitement of what we had discussed over the Korean cuisine at the dining table.

After our meal at orchard central, chinghui suggested to drink at KPO, a bar about 5 minutes walk away
from Nolboo restaurant. KPO is two storey, modern, dimly lighted barp. We were seated in the ope in area on the landscape deck of the building. Drinking our night away in the heart of the lion city. Catching up with Foh, Choi Mei, Ching Hui, Eugene and LALA.

I will not put our conversation into details for now. Maybe in the future, when I am a better writer and also a listener.

Catch up with mates

1'Hello, Jason! I am in Ang Mo Kio.'said Fatty

'Okok, give me 20 minutes, i will be in AMK hub'

I tried to clear my vision after my blurred vision from a short nap. I checked my time on my Iphone, 1823. I changed my cloth and I am on my way from my place to AMK hub with my head still sleeping, Texted with Eeffie while I was walking from my place to AMK Hub. We had a brief conversation regarding our schedule for the weekend.

At first I thought 20 minutes to would be an overestimation for the time required from my bed to AMK hub, I  found myself reaching AMK hub about roughly about 23 minutes later. 

While waiting for Tsen to finish his laundry and then to pick us up in AMK MRT station, fatty and I had a drink in Coffee Bean. 

We talked about urban farming, economy, career development, what he had been working on. It was a rare conversation between us, but I did enjoy the short coffee talk with fatty in AMK hub. 

Tsen picked us up from MRT station about 1923, three of us on board travelling into the heart of Lion City like how we used to ventured into Prontera. A town we used to hang out together in RO. 

Fatty suggested to hang out at timbre a fusion restaurant located in Sophia Mountain @Dhoby Ghaut. 

As I walked into the restaurant, they have got dimmed lights, dressed-up ladies, jazz music, empty bottles on tables and a faint smell of pizzas, rather romantic yet relaxing set up.Immediately  I found myself coming with the wrong gender group a whole bunch of males.-.-! 

Maybe this place is to ignite our bromance, 

However, upon being seated on our table, I spotted an Ipad with a security chain cable locked onto the table which would probably be how we are going to order our food from. The best thing about ordering from an Ipad is that we have minimal communication with the waiters and we could take our time to place our order accordingly. A rather new and comfortable experience 

After our meal, the background music becomes overwhelming that we could not further communicate apart from shouting on top of our lungs. We decided to move on, to somewhere quieter and most probably cheaper after footing the bills at timbre. 

Tsen drove us off Sophia mountain and headed Geylang, Singapore's red light district. A district full of budget hotels, ladies on the road doing some weird dance, 24-hour shops and restaurants. 

We stop at a place where they serve frog porridge. Although I have had some difficulty persuading myself to consume exotic delicacy. 

After the our porridge session, we went to our last destination for the night, a dessert restaurant in Geylang as well.
I suppose filling my stomach with a week's worth of food would be a good idea for us to call it a day. 

Chinese New Year 2012

Food, Shop, Casino

Food, Shop, Casino

Food, Shop, Casino 

That is probably how I can sum up my 2012 Chinese New Year with my family in Singapore. 

My family left for Kota Kinabalu today. I am going to miss them a lot. 

Chinese New Year Eve

I am in Singapore, Woodland to be exact which is my cousin's house, I am writing this post in my bed at the living room while my family are all well asleep. They are rather exhausted as their journey to Singapore had been extended for a few hours due to a diversion to Kuala Lumpur.

They arrived Johor Bahru about 10:40 and reached Singapore around 1300, which they should be arriving Singapore a few hours earlier. 

I went to Lawrence's place in woodland to meet them up. When I first saw them waiting in the garden in Wood Grove, they looked rather knackered.. After settling down, they had a short nap in Lawrence's place, showered and then head straight to Orchard Road. 

When we arrived at Orchard, we found most of the Chinese Stalls are closed already. Even the most important one in ION Orchard (Food Hall) was closed. :(

 ION Food hall was closed, that will give us a clear sign that most of the chinese food related food stall along the street are most probably closed. 

Without hesitating, we head straight to the nearest Macdonald's located in a pinoy populated area. That is probably the only place alive at that moment. The entire restaurant was packed with pinoys. 

For the sake of prosperity,  I ordered a few prosperity meal and we all shared among ourselves. Surprisingly, the burgers were not too bad. Especially the twister fries.

It is quite a memorable Chinese New Year's Eve for me.

Good night

one week stay in KK

After securing a job in Singapore, I am now back in KK for a short holiday prior the start of my permanent work in Singapore on the 16 January 2012, which means the start of my slavery life in Singapore.

So for now, Time to chill & relax at home.

Learn to write

According to Jay Chou latest song Mine Mine
" A man will be a writer when his companion is not around"

I am into writing at this particular moment, however what I would like to say is that apart from growing older and more mature (hopefully) there is literally nothing happening around me.

When I say nothing, I really mean nothing.

So when I was contemplating what to write down on my Blog, I am very close to Mr Einstein thinking about the universe. Apart from the fact that he manages to equate energy, mass and speed while I am still sitting in front of the computer trying to write something.

Most of the time nowadays, I spent a tiny amount of time on Facebook and tweeter, as I would regards both the social media to be an extravagant for an individual like me. Part of it is that my low self esteem has prevented myself to share what sort of life that I am living. I am not abnormal, just that I have been socially excluded for awhile. that's all. I am sure everything will be fine again in the near future. Hopefully.

Learning to write. :)

Letter that cheered me up

I received an email that cheer me up the entire day! I can only read the snippets of the email....

The email is from Scott Wilson and it says "we would like to interview you at 10/01/2012 at our KL office......."

The next second I know is that I am punching the air already. 

Cheering quietly inside my heart as I tried not to express myself excessively even I am alone in the loft. 

Although KL seems not the ideal place to settle down, but so far SW is probably the best choice for my career in civil engineering. Finger Crossed. I have to tell myself it's just an interview!

This interview will make my rather overpriced Christmas air ticket back home worthwhile.

Looking forward to the trip back home. 

One afternoon in Brighton

When I open my eyes, I see a familiar ceiling, a ceiling that I used to wake up to. For one second, I thought I was at home, but I am not. I am about 100 miles away from London. I am in Folkestone, to work.

I can still feel the hangover from yesterday after a few pints of becks with some of my co-worker in the bar. 

I enjoy working in the bar, the feel good vibes, music, friendly blondes and blokes, cool DJ, a lovely bar tender whom is a mother of five with breast enhancement for free from the NHS.

Just ignored the last bit, I am still tipsy now. 

I am going Brighton today, just to get out of London for a few hours, away from work, away from my working place.

I followed John's car to Brighton, we took the small trunk roads along the beach instead of the Highway. 

Although the duration of the journey is about double, but the sightseeing is breath-taking. Typical country road. Perhaps, the sunny weather added some value to the scenery. 

Worth the while! 

Arrived Brighton about 1530, which is about one hour from sunset. Perfect! Just enough time to explore the city before it's too dark. 

John parked the car in regency car park and I went on a short walking tour in Brighton.
Just about 5 minutes strolling the city without googlemap, I found myself in a familiar hotel which I was upgraded complementary to a sea view suite last year. Ahh, thinking of the good times, the upgrade made my holiday last year. Truly enjoy it. 

Went on walking around Brighton City, I did 'HEAR' couples snogging on the street, although I tried very hard avoiding walking near them when they were snogging. 

That is the thing about Brighton where everyone is walking with someone. Love seems so natural here. 

When the skies getting dark, I decided to end my direction-less walking tour in Brighton and check Google to find the nearest shopping mall. 

Bought a single shot espresso from Nero and a brown newspaper with DSK-scandal featured on it. I spent the rest of my time in the coffee shop myself indulging this scandal. 

My conclusion is

"French politic is over-rated, especially the prime."

Transition Period

I am currently on my notification period of my current job. In one month's time, I will be back to my comfort zone, where I call it home. :)

I will have to end this unsustainable lifestyle of mine in UK. As I am heavily depending on my Uncle in London. Although for a short period, I tried to live outside on my own, but the cost of the lifestyle is simply unattainable for a part-time accounts assistant like me. Having said that, I would like to make it clear that this year is not a family-funded gap year, although they did leave a sum of hard-earned-ringgit-converted GBP for me to spend which I am grateful of. 

But leaving this place is inevitable, considering all the factors(low growth, euro-zone crisis, highest unemployment rate from 1997). It's very obvious that its time to pack my luggage, and check in Heathrow.It's time for me to explore somewhere else. 

Looking at all opportunities that I had given, I have got fair number of chance to secure jobs that would let me obtain a visa of employment and eventually let me extend my stay here in UK. It's probably one of the main reason deterring myself from trying to stay here for one another year(as my visa ends Jan 2012). 

I am looking forward to what is coming on later in life.

Embarking a life changing journey. 

listening to Capital FM while applying for jobs early in the morning on a beautiful Sunday morning.  just found that my 'shift button' on my keyboard needs to apply extra force to enable it. therefore I have difficulties with my capital in this entire post.

I am currently staying in a compact three bedroom terrace house around Carshalton which happens to be a council house area (cheap rent). Having said that, the house is newly refurbished with good looking fixtures, fittings and equipments from B&Q. 

Although some of them are quite loosely fitted, however at least they are new. as a short term tenant, i couldn't care more.  

at least the people(+ a cat) that i am living with are comfortable. 

Ok, i will have to stop writing for now, will be going to leicester square to hang out with daniel oh. 

How the spending cuts affect the international graduates in construction industry

Employers with Visa Sponsorship worked closely with the public sector, working directly for the government's projects, particularly the big infrastructure project like road building, schools and hospitals. Due to the government’s spending cut, the public sector in the UK has been heavily affected. The spending cuts have caused a very small growth or even a contraction in the construction industry.

The spending cuts mean that international graduates with visa complications will face difficulties in obtaining employment or graduate training scheme from the contracting employers in the public sector for the next 3 years. Although growth in private sector offsets the shrinking public sector in the construction industry, however the private sector has less relationship with the home office and therefore unable to extend the visa of the international graduates to further work in the UK after the training agreement or post study visa

an autumnal weekend

While i am 'scrobbling' Jay Chou's music peacefully with an oversized headset. The weather changes dramatically outside like a Korean drama being broadcasted through my window. As weather is pretty unpredictable in autumn, I will have plan ahead to suit the weather and to fully utilise my 'Ourtime' in Chichester.

The day is getting shorter while the night is creeping in slowly as every weekend seems to be shorter than the previous ones. As I am writing this post weather outside changes from dark, shower and gloomy to windy. Street lights are still on despite my wide screen bottom right shows 0820.

I am enjoying my personal time with Blogspot putting down the feelings down into words and concurrently plan the details of our trip to Portsmouth later to create a bit of contrast with the moody weather.

In a blink of an eye, I finished my dissertation, :)

Thanks to my parents, I am able to complete my studies in Nottingham. It was the best time of my life really. To be able to widen my knowledge, and to know people around the world. beautiful time. :)

I am working with my uncle in Sutton(Surrey) at the moment, hoping to learn some additional skills in this terrible economy climate. I also am absorbing the lifestyle of Londoners in this short period of time, which is pretty much can be simplified to one single word.

-Fast-

:)

Football week

Last week, it's a football week. I would say all in a sudden, everyone including me has such a big passion towards football. Although I only know a few players on the field, but watching football with friends is quite entertaining; placing bet adds the entertaining value of the process.
Just before the match, we would get some cooking ingredients from the store and started to cook at home. Because I always placed my bets against England, I prefer to watch at home; avoid any unnecessary complexity.
I really enjoy the entire process apart from the heat wave; the soaring heat in Nottingham is far worse than the outdoor in Malaysia. Watching football together, cheering for the team, getting tipsy with a few bottles of cider and also breathing in 2nd hand marijuana smoke from a teacher who lives beside Tristan’s place is rather enticing.

Of course, we had wonderful meals between matches. One of the dish that I've cooked is pan-fried chicken with salty egg yolk; a recipe that i have learned from Alan Chang, in which i find it easy.

Passport renewal in London

I reached London central about 1030 in the morning, took a tube to Hyde Park Corner station, which is the nearest station to Malaysian Embassy London.

While I was approaching Malaysian embassy's building, I could literally feel like walking on a street in Malaysia; the sun is soaring high above the blue sky and I started to sweat. Double think for an instant, to make sure that I am still in England. As a hint of Ikan Billis from the canteen inside the building would again assure that I am in the right place.

Without wasting any time, I rushed into the reception to get my queue number, I was 1st greeted by a Malaysian Chinese lady behind a classy oak high table in a very fluent Manglish; the entire situation is like a déjà vu, very very familiar to me.

Scanning all the people around the waiting hall really brought me all the way back to any waiting halls in Malaysia. I felt happy for a second (to see so many Malaysian in one sight), but realised that there were all in front of me, waiting. -.-!!

People were smiling at each other much more often than usual, probably because it’s a rare occasions where we could see so many Malaysian in a foreign country or maybe the Nasi Lemak outside the waiting hall is triggering our sense of humour.

Not very long after I found myself a comfortable seat in the waiting hall; Aunty next to me started to chat with me, and also introduce her son to me as well. We started to chat all our way through, for about 2 hours, until Portugal vs North Korea started to appear in a very small screen in front of the waiting hall, I was called in. It’s my turn to submit my passport.

Surprisingly, I could get my new passport in 2 hours time after I’ve submitted my application. This quick application saved me a lot of time, and effort. Thumbs up for Malaysian Embassy London.

Hair Salon Experience

Its 23:25 now; I am listening to Eeffie's song list; she fell asleep half an hour ago;I drank half a bottle of white;I think the mood is just right for me to drop some words in my blog.

I need a hair cut today, as I am going for my passport application this coming Monday in London, I would like to look neat in my passport picture.

I was roaming around Chichester Street today, trying to find an average hair salon.

Chichester is a posh town; to be honest I can't find any barbers around, only hair salon.

Walked into a random salon, asked for the price, it's a price that I could never imagine, but I decided to give it a try. After checking their availability, they decided to slip me in.

I was ushered into a studio, and there is a lady took my jacket away from me. From this moment, I felt pampered and also nervous, as I don’t know what to expect next.

Then, a young blonde hair dresser came in, her name is called Kelly, she shook my hand, introduces herself to me, and chatted with me for awhile. She is very good at what she was doing, confident and professional. I was then offered a hair wash, and also a short head massage by another girl; that is when I started to feel comfortable with this kind of services. I closed my eyes, and almost slept through the entire process.

I went back to my seat after my hair wash, I was offered food and drink before Kelly starts cutting my hair. (I didn't eat whatever they offered, as I am still a bit nervous. -.-!!)

Kelly started flying her scissors around my head and I am trying hard to read the magazine in front of me to pretend I am cool. The whole experience is bit awkward to me, probably I am just not used to it, she tried very hard to chat with me to make me feel more comfortable as I am sure that she would have notice I am a first timer.

But she is pleasant and chatty, which I think it's quite a comfortable experience to be able to sit down and wait until my hair cut is done.

Walking out from the hair salon, I felt much more confident and comfortable.

This is my first hair salon experience in England.

Satisfied.

Here you go, xD.

End of my exam period 2010

Today is the last day of my spring semester; there are mix feelings inside me. There are ups & downs, I would say up is because I don't need to remember any past paper anymore; down is because I am approaching the end of my student life. This would be a pleasurable moment to me, spending time on my own, doing stuff I really enjoy myself guilt free (travelling, badminton & dim sum).

I am also writing my dissertation at the moment, which will have to submit by the end of August 2010, so during this period, I will spend quite a number of time reading articles and to be as 'literate' as possible. Besides writing my dissertation, this period will be a transition period for me, from eighteen years of experience in student's life to a newbie worker's life. Like a cocoon period of a caterpillar to a Moth.

Compare to people at my age, I had a very late start, I am 25 years now, and I am just about to be an MSc fresh graduate. Perhaps, people around me, they would have earned a fortune or maybe a PHD title by now.

Without thinking too much, I will firstly concentrate on my dissertation in this coming two months and start job hunting as soon as possible.

Paper 1

:(

Facebook Life

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in Facebooking. This post will focus on how Facebook enhanced my real life. As a Facebook user for more than 2 years, perhaps this tool has become one of the necessities of my life. I would say, most of the internet users' life.

The features in Facebook that will be addressed in this post are:

• Photo album
  
• Status
  
• Walls

1. Photo Album
   In real life, there is quite a lot of moment that we wish to treasure for the rest of our life; All these images are now stored in Facebook photo album and could be shared among our friends. Looking back all my photo albums, I found happy moments, sad and beautiful moment which are all chronologically arranged. Facebook has become a diary of me. The best part in this photo album is that we are connected with the people inside the picture within a few mouse clicks away. Although some of them are strangers especially those people we met in one-off occasions, and after that occasion we might not be able to meet again for the rest of our life. But hey, isn't this amazing? Sometimes it's the stranger that will cheer us up at that particular instant of time. Agree?
   
   
2. Status
   This is where I stay connected with people I know, close to every millisecond. I would sometimes keep on pressing the refresh buttons in my browser to force people's status into my news feed. By reading the status of one person, I could probably guess how he/she is doing at the moment. What is inside their mind, and how is their life at the current state. Sometimes, I think writing our own status could help me to be more relieved with what's inside my mind; people will do silly stuff once in a while and may want to shout to be heard, but wait! Who doesn't??
   
   
3. Walls
   I love walls; it's one of the best features that I utterly enjoyed in FB. There is this open & direct relationship with the people whom I write on. The best thing about walls is that they are readable by all my friends, unless I am being cursed. When I write something on people's wall, it's like how I say something to them in real life; how I occupied a small space of a big wall of him/her to write on. This is how I make my own impressions on people's perspective. By reading people's wall, I could generally get a feeling of this person in real life. Overall, these walls will eventually make me to approach more people and over time, I will understand how people stay connected with others and to maintain their relationship.

As a conclusion, Facebook has not only become the diary of my life, but also as an easy way to keep in touch with friends and probably family (Evil Smile*). Love it or hate it. Facebook will probably be this one book that I will have to carry for the rest of my life.

Church life-Nottingham

After one year, drifted away from god, I am now got back to my church's life in Nottingham.

Praise the lord. Amen.

Revision Period

It's my last revision period for exams in my University as a student. To be able to success in my civil engineering life in the future depends greatly on this revision period. I am prepared, for this final exam. Come on!

I called my mom today; she is in a tour bus in Taiwan.

She is enjoying her life travelling as much as I do; perhaps I inherited this behaviour from her. Hope she had fun in Taiwan.

Ok, it's time for me to get back to my revision period.

Happy mother's day!

Love Jason.

By the way, while I was going to be busy with my revision, I sketched some drawings.

Sleeping

Shopping

One small step at a time

With the demand growth of budget travelling in England, Travelling seems to be cheaper nowadays.

One year ago, I travel to see different places and also to experience different culture. I take travelling very seriously; I see it as a lecture outside the University. Travelling has become part of the course in my student life here.

But now, I see travelling different, I travel because I want to have a break in my life. It's different, I may not see as much as I would compare to what I did last time.

I am glad that I went through this process, as I always believe that there is no short cut in life.

The gap between Malay and Chinese-Created by the British

Background

During British colonial rule, Malays were given certain privileges over their non-Malay counterparts. When Malaysia declared independence in 1957, its constitution contained a provision called Article 153 which provides special rights for the Malay. When Malaya merged with Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah, the constitution retained the article 153 which was first drafted 1957. (Ooi, 2005)

Due to a dispute over the special rights of Malays, Singapore was separated from the federation in 1965. During that period, Most of the Chinese were literally flushed out from Malaysia to Singapore indirectly.

Malays were given special rights by the British at the beginning of Malaysia independence. Why?

Before the independence of Malaysia 1957, British learned a lesson in Hong Kong, they fear communist (Chinese) will invade Malaysia or any other region in the SE Asia. Therefore they granted the Malays special rights, they make sure that the Malays have the most power in Malaysia before British will grant Malaysia independence. Apart from that, during the independence of Singapore in 1965, the British did not turn over internal security to the local government as the British felt that the local authority in Singapore is not doing enough to counter the treats of the communist insurgency (Wikipedia, 2010).

It can thus be suggested that the gap between Malay and Chinese in Malaysia nowadays is simply just a side effect due to the fear of threats from the communist in the early 1950s which implemented by the British

By JW

Bibliography

Ooi, J. (2005, November 11). Malaysian New Economic Policy. Retrieved May 2010, 3, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_New_Economic_Policy#cite_note-1

Wikipedia. (2010, May 4). 1950's in Singapore. Retrieved may 4, 2010, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merdeka