Singapore, again. (But this time for leisure)

For the past 3 days I was in Singapore with my fiancé for one of our friend's ROM reception dinner.

If you were to ask me what do I think about Singapore?

Apart from their ever famous Marina Bay Sands?

It would be this.

 

 

The place reminded me so much about Hong Kong.

 

The only difference was, you don't actually get scr*wed for asking directions.

 

In fact, we didn't have to.

 

Their MRT maps is quite easy to understand, so long that you know where you wanted to go.

 

I don't think I need to get into details here about their transportation standard anyway.

 

I used to travel to Singapore frequently back in 2009 for working purposes. Almost 3 times a month.

 

So for this trip, for the first time, I would be the "planner" for the whole trip. Including where we going to stay overnight.

 

It is going to be a two nights stay, so accommodation doesn't come cheap unless you don't mind sleeping along with the b*nking sound next door in Geylang red light district area.

 

So I went back here.

 

Welcome to the Park Regis @ Clark Quay.

I used to stayed in this hotel before during my last business trip with my previous company. (Ironically that would be my last trip to Singapore as an engineer).

The price isn't cheap, but affordable. As we are looking at the holiday season around the corner, the room rate set us back at close to SGD 250 per night.

But I am not complaining. Especially...

For their TV.

The welcoming messages.

To make me feel treated like a VIP upon arrival.

The live streaming of flight schedule.

So I wouldn't miss my flight and ended up going back by swimming across the straits of Singapore.

The room set up was quite nice too, and we were lucky as our room was upgraded upon arrival (upon my request).

 



 

 

I was quite happy to hear about that the upgrade until the next thing I know was that when they say "upgrading", it also means, "we going to upgrade you to the room facing the pool area".

In which, also means that "you can check out those bikini-cladded ladies in the pool and wank yourself".

Joking.

Travelling to Singapore wouldn't be complete if you do not visit their famous casino, The Marina Bay Sands.

But I decided to check out the Genting Resort in Sentosa (as I have been to Marina before, but not Sentosa).

During the one hour period spent in the casino with a mere capital of SGD 100, at the end of the day, I won this.

 

 

The wallet from Braun Buffel.

 

(No wonder people always told me that money earned through gambling will not last forever).

But considering that a new wallet could probably earn me back my fortune, I think it is worth the buy.

The reception was held in One Fullerton bay, one of the high class hotel in Singapore.

In a restaurant called "Jing".

A night before the reception, we were having our dinner there. I was quite lucky to have taste the first "fried rice come with foie gras-duck's liver to be exact".

I insisted to taste something that I have never tried before.

What a mistake. A duck liver rice?

I almost puke my own liver out.

The fried rice was so terrible that I couldn't finished it off. (But surprisingly for the reception, their food were excellent).

It cost me SGD 39++ just for the fried rice alone, which is equivalent to almost RM 100, for a freaking DUCK LIVER FRIED RICE!!!

As for the reception, it was a standard solemnization and eating session, nothing to shout about. But the location was superb, overlooking a big lake with Marina Bay Sands in the background.

As usual after the dinner, we went for a round of beer (in fact it is 4 rounds of beers) in Clark Quay, one of the most happening nightlife scene in Singapore.

 

When a bunch of Malaysians drank lots of alcohol in a place like Singapore, you know they tend to do stupid stuff.

 

Like put the Sony phone for water ingression test.

Anyway, it is all I could summed up on my trip to Singapore this time.

We had fun, we had a great time.

Maybe I should apply for Singapore for permanent residency?





 

Kota Kinabalu Trip

One of our closed friend are getting married in Kota Kinabalu last week.

This event also prompted a long awaited oversea outing for a group of ex-uni + housemates.

For the past 7 years since we graduated, this would be the first time we go away on a trip together as a "team".

For this particular trip, we called it as "The hangover - Limited edition".

Before the trip, we knew it is going to be filled with a lot of good time, party, booze, and lots of laughter.

Something which is not in the earlier plan, would be the island hopping trip.

How can we missed the opportunity to visit those beautiful island when we are going to Sabah anyway.

I presumed that we were a bunch of tough guys. Noted that we woke up as early as 8am in the morning after previous night vomiting non stop and suffered from one of the worst hangover we had in our entire life.

Some of them even mentioned. "I think we have made the trip only because we had paid for it".

But the sacrifice made it all worth it when we arrived at those island. I only recalled two of the island's name, Manukan and Sapi. I forgot the other one. (That shows how bad our hangover was that night).

Although the view can't be compared to Boracay island in Phillipines, the trip is still worth it.

The only complaints would be of all the five persons went for snorkeling, 4 of them including myself suffers cuts from the coral underneath the seabed.

For those of you who wish to go island hopping, go to the "Jesselton Point" and buy your tickets from there.

As for reference, private boat (which means only for you and group of your friends only) for a whole day trip (9am-3pm) for 3 islands would cost u around RM250 nett in total. (Excluding the rental of life jackets and goggles).

If you wished to get contacts for the car rental, you can PM me and I will give you a contact, a sedan car such as Wira and Saga will cost around RM 100/day, with an upfront Deposit of RM 600/.

This is what we get.

A white Proton Wira. (Auto).

If you ask my sincere opinion, in KK you would definitely need a car as you can hardly find a taxi to bring you around.

In fact, it is easier to find monkeys on the road rather than a taxi.

On the next day, the real purpose of the trip begin.

Becoming the "Heng Dai" - Brotherhood for our beloved friends and attending the wedding dinner.

The "Wolf Pack".

The main character of the event.

Last but not least, we are glad that we have achieved out main objectives by coming to KK.

We had fun, laughers, hangovers, beaches and suns, and attended one of our close friend's wedding ceremony.

Guess it would be the best excuses to tell you wife that you need a trip together with your buddies next time?



 

Pre-wedding photoshoot.

Part and parcel of the marriage, pre-wedding photo-shoot.



 

I love to take photos wherever I go.

But nothing gonna beat this one.

In normal circumstances, you saw an ideal place, standstill, do a stupid face/smile, click, and the you are done.

But as for pre-wedding shoot, it is gonna be:

1. Found a suitable place/angle.
2. Smile & Pose.
3. Click.
4. Repeat 2-3 for few more times just for a shoot.

And you don't get to do your own "creative expression" like this during the photo shoot.

You are supposed to be "in love" and "romantic" during the whole day.

Yes, the whole day.

It took us a grueling 13 hours for the whole day photo shoot.

The location?

1. Studio.
2. Putrajaya.
3. Sepang Gold Coast.

Not only did we took photo, as part of the package, we were given a videographer to capture the "Behind the scene" video.

Thank to the photographer and videographer from MOCO Bridal gallery, the team has indeed done a very good job to help us relax and enjoy the entire photo shooting day.

You guys must be anxious on how it would turn out right?

Me too!

Finger crossed, there will be another post on the end result in about a week time.

God Blessed.


 

Interview.

"Dear Sir, we are pleased to inform that you have passed your phone screening interview session with us, and would like to invite you for a face to face interview on the 8th November 2013 in Miri, Sarawak. Kindly confirm you availability...."

About a week ago I had received the abovementioned email from Shell.

To be honest I thought I have screwed up my phone screening interview with the company as it has been almost one and a half month since.

Nevertheless, since I will be in Sarawak anyway, I and the airfare was borne by the company I don't think I have any reason to decline that interview.

Due to some personal reason, I need to stay in Miri for a couple more days before the interview, alone.

 

 

I chose to stay at Park Everly hotel, Miri. The view from the room was quite adorable as it is facing the sea.

 

During the stay, it is an absolute bliss that I have all the time in the world to study for that upcoming interview.

 

Many of you would ask "Har? Interview need to study one mer??"

 

For those of your who have not attended face to face interview with Shell, their 3-hours interview consist of two parts.

 

The "Technical" Interview.

 

To make sure that you are really technically sounds in what you are doing.

 

The "Behavior" Interview.

To ensure that you are not retarded in some ways.

Jokes aside, behavioral interviews are based on the premise that a person's past performance on the job is the best predictor of future performance.

When a company uses behavioral interviewing they want to know how you act and react in certain circumstances.

They also want you to give specific "real life" examples of how you behaved in situations relating to the questions.

Questions like:

Did you ever make a risky decision? Why? How did you handle it? Give an example?

Have you had to convince a team to work on a project they weren't thrilled about? How did you do it?

During the course of the interview, I was quite surprise at the level of confidence I had, taking into account that I was almost out from the project engineering career for almost half a year.

I was having so much confidence that I literally think I could ...

After the 3 grueling hours, i left their office with my head held high. Not because i was guaranteed a place, but knowing that i have already done my level best, exceeding my own expectation.

The result will be out in one or two weeks time, until then, stay tuned for the outcome together with me!



 

@ Manila

I was supposed to be back in Sarawak on the 1st November. Tickets were booked and gatherings were sorted out.

 

But a phone call from my parents changed everything.

 

We ended up in the second largest city in Philippines instead, Manila.

 



 

We were actually invited by my uncle who worked as a VIP agent in one of the casino, and as for some reasons, we were offered free air fare and accommodation, including the foods in one of the luxury hotel and casino in manila, The Hyatt Regency.

I have been to Philippines a couple of times, I have found that the city is actually quite a nice place to visit. Apart from one thing.

Whether you are in Clark, Boracay, or Manila, there's seems to be the culture of "I am going to cheat all these tourists today" by their people.

Make no mistakes, people there were generally nice to us. It is of some of the illegal operators such as taxis or city tour guides that actually make all the differences.

We were strolling along the "Bay walk" - seaside near to our hotel when suddenly we stumbled upon this.

Since it is going to be my first time closest  to ride a horse before, I suggested to my fiancé and my mum to give it a try.

Just in case you are wondering why am I putting a red arrow there, let me introduce to you, where the poo-poo of the horse if going while giving us the ride.

For those of you who were complaining that you are overworked in your job, think about this pity horse.

He don't even have time to shit in toilet.

At the end of the ride, as expected, instead of 50 Pesos which was mentioned earlier for the ride, the operator told us we need to pay 1500 Pesos!

I was so pissed that I  broke into the argument with the operator and he insist that he has told us it if "Fifteen Hundred" instead of a "fifty". (Note:100 Peso = RM 7.65)

When he realized that he is not going to win the argument, he insist of "wait for my boss. He will talk to you".

My heart sank.

This is what I think about "The Boss".

After waiting for five minutes, this guy walk over.

*&^%^$&**.

I bet I still can have a fair chance if the argument ended up in physical confrontation.

So I decided not to run and keep on fighting for my right. As my instinct of the estate negotiator took over, we finally decided over a win-win situation. Paid them 150 Pesos, and we left.

In Philippines, one thing you should try is the seafood.

 

A place called "Seafood Paluto Restaurant".

 

This is the place where you get to choose your own crabs and fishes, and bring to the restaurant and choose the way you want it to be cooked.

 

The price is quite reasonable too.

 

 

Lobsters in the Aquarium.

 

As people there advise us not to go out at night without companion by locals, we decided to stay in hotels for some gaming session - betting.

 

My fiancé opt for some massage session and it is incredibly cheap with approx. 300 Pesos for 1 hour session!

 

I opt for...

 

swimming instead. (As I am not really a big fans of massage session).

Apart from the abovementioned routines, the only regret was not to be able to visit those trademark places in Manila, as we were only there for three days only.

But I believe I will come back next time for one more visit.

Anyone interested to join, PM me.

But free air ticket and accommodation not included k.

 

Days Without My Laptop

All of us need computers or laptop nowadays.



 

Or at least, a phone that comes with the "smartphone" features, emails, chartrooms, etcetera-etcetera.

The world has definitely become much smaller nowadays. Take an example. You may not meet your friends for the past 15 years, but yet still able to keep in touch with them with a "Like" on their facebook status and photos uploaded.

 

 

The reason I have been away from blogging is partly due to the fact that my laptop has suddenly crashed on me.

 

 

I was in the office one afternoon, preparing for the days work and suddenly the laptop just wouldn't power up.

 

With a degree of electrical and electronic engineering from my 5-years burning the midnight oil in university, somehow I think I can fix this, not a problem.

 

When problems come, we give solutions. (Sometimes based on god-damn instinct too).

 

 

1. The power cord extension is not working. Change to the main power socket.

 

2. Main power socket is not working. Change to main power socket no.2.

 

3. Main power socket no.2 also not working.

 

Feel a bit "du-lan." (Pissed off in Chinese).

 

 

4. Maybe my battery charger has gone. Worst case change a new one. (Cost RM 100 per pc, still ok I guess).

 

 

So i drove all the way to sunway pyramid and show it to the computer technician.

 

 

"Well I think is either your motherboard has ceased or your power supply circuit in the laptop has burnt".

 

Well I am not a computer expert, but judging from his face and the jargon he blurted out during the conversation, well I know I won't come cheap.

 

 

"RM 400."

 

 

My face turn into a over exciting cat.

"And we need at least 1 week to repair".

WTF!!!

How would I update my blog!! How do I check and reply my emails to client??

Honestly I almost bought a desktop right away on the spot.

"Do you have a desktop on sale?"

"Yes we do"

"Can play FIFA?"

"Yes, with additional graphic card. All in all RM 2,500.00 with a BIG MONITOR"

"How big?"

"19 inch"

"Yeah right f**k off" (Inaudible, in my heart)

"Just get this laptop repaired as fast as you could".

After 5 days, which is today, I managed to get my laptop back.

Thank god.

Life without computers can be really.....

Please pray to god I don't have to go through it anymore.



 

The real meaning of marriage

When I was a 27 years old I used to tell my friends that I am not really into all this "marriage" kind of game.

 

At that time, I have a stable job, a good full and part time income, a humble but decent roof over my head, everything seems to be perfect and well in place.

 

Then as time goes by most of my closed friends start to get married and starting their own family. All of a sudden that I knew that actually I still lack of one more thing in my life - My own family.

 

So I did this.

 

Bought a ticket to Hong Kong with the "intention" to celebrate her birthday.

 

 

Then the rest is history.

 



 

Many of you would love to know (I presumed) that how did I proposed to her? It is really nothing to shout about. Just a simple "kneed-down-and-ask" kind of standard procedure.

 

Well, I am really not those kind of guy who can actually came out with this super-duper idea of wedding proposal and have it recorded and uploaded on to the Youtube.

 

My principle is very simple.

 

Marriage is really not about the way you propose, but it is about how you going to maintain the relationship throughout the rest of your life together as a husband and wife.

 

A lot of my friend happened to be in the state of "shocked" when they heard about the news,

 

 

They thought it was a prank.

 

Anyway I am pleased to let you know that the game has just started. This is when normally the couple's relationship will be tested to the limit at times.

 

For some reason we, the Chinese, really need to put in a lot of efforts in order to get married.

 

1. We need to choose the "auspicious" based on the birthdate to carry out the wedding ceremony.

 

 

Sorry to say that I am not really a believer in all this kind of nonsense.

 

I really do not believe those things like "oh sorry, just because you are born on this date, you should be married on this date".

 

"You mother year of birth is belonged to Monkey, so and so date better not getting married, as this will effect her".

 

As for my sister? Even better. "Alamak gor!!! (Brother in mandarin). Why you choose your date when I am supposed to fly to Hong Kong for holiday!!!!"

 

 



Because of this nonsense, instead of having 365 days in one calendar year to choose from, I was only "allowed" two dates for marriage.

And you know, with such a limited date then it comes the problem of getting the ideal restaurants/hotel for the wedding reception.

It is very straightforward, if the price is right, the place would be cramped. If the place is nice, you can basically kiss your wallet and credit card goodbye.

2. My dream wedding reception place. (Setia City Convention Center).

 

As for this place, even if you have the money, (Priced from 1,288++) the place has already fully booked. So we have to forego the plan and look for other options.

 

Because of the "nonsense"-lah!

 

3. Then, there comes the pre-wedding photography session.

 



As for the pre-wedding photography packages, we were quite lucky to be able to strike a very good deal with Moco Bridal Gallery, a well known bridal house located in Puchong.

 

We booked our package right before the bridal fair. for more info, please do check out their Facebook pages.

 

4. Then, comes the engagement ring. (Please note that the proposal ring is one thing, and the engagement ring is another).



 

Trust me, even choosing a ring also was not as easy as we thought at the first place. At the time of writing, I have chosen mine and my fiancé still looking for hers. (After surveying more that 5 shopping malls and 7 different outlets).

This is just part of the "need to do list" that should be completed by end of this year.

 Me and my fiancé would love to get all this things done before our wedding reception next year.

So in reality, marriage is not really only about two person get into the JPN office, sign a paper, then pronounced as husband and wife. It is much more that that.

And certainly, like all the couples, over the past couple of months we do have some disagreements and arguments over some of the issues like the wedding reception places, places to take pre-wedding photos even down to what should we wear during the photo-shoot!

But I really don't mind.

Especially when you are supposed to get married to an angel.

Everyone say Hi to Renny!

(Photo taken on the day she said "Yes I Do").