.Food.Tasting.at.Paradise.Teochew.Restaurant.

Posted on November 16, 2015 by ving

Last week, I was invited by Paradise Group to a sponsored food tasting session at their new kid on the block, Paradise Teochew Restaurant (潮樂軒), located at the Chinese Swimming Club. With this, Paradise Group aims to extend deeper into its roots of being the experts in Chinese cuisine.

Teochew cuisine is famed for its deft handling of seafood and poultry, particularly in bringing out the natural taste of the fresh ingredients used. It is also known for being a celebrated source of healthy and light dishes, being light-handed on the seasonings and with minimal use of oil.

I was delighted when checking out their extensive menu of over a hundred dishes of Teochew style signatures, from appetisers and braised specialties to a full line-up of seafood, meat and poultries, and even coupled with an array of dim sum offerings. Diners will be sooo spoilt for choice!

After deciding on my choice of dishes, I sat back and allow myself to soak in the happy atmosphere of the spacious and brightly lit restaurant. At the same time, nibbling on the peanuts side dish as well as having a Glutinous Rice Tea to help revv up my system before the awesome meal.

Our appetiser was the Braised Trio Combination in Teochew Style (潮式卤味三拼盘).
Price: $22 for small / $33 for medium / $44 for large.

Consisting of Braised Duck Meat, Braised Octopus and Braised Pork Belly, couple with Braised Beancurd at the bottom too. The meat was braised so nicely and I actually finished them together with the skin and fats (which usually I’ll pick them out and just eat the meat parts). It’s my first time eating octopus braised in this way too!

Next up for our Main No. 1, we had the Sautéed Pomfret Fillet with Tomato and Salted Vegetables (咸菜番茄煮鲳鱼件).
Price: $28 for small / $42 for medium / $56 for large

The tomato soup base was rather refreshing when coupled with salted vegetables and onions. The pomfret used was really fresh too!

For our Main No. 2, we went for Stewed Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd and Cucumber in Casserole (黄瓜凉瓜排骨煲).
Price: $18 for small / $27 for medium / $36 for large

Warning: This dish is for bitter gourd lovers only.

The soup tasted really nourishing, with the bitter gourd aftertaste lingering in your throat for awhile after you swallowed it. But it made me wanna keep sinking my spoon into the casserole for more. The pork ribs soaked in all the goodness from the soup, though I was wishing the meat can be a ‘lil more tender.

Next up was our vegetable choice of Braised Mustard Green with Shredded Conpoy and Dried Shrimps (瑶柱虾籽大芥菜).
Price: $18 for small / $27 for medium / $36 for large

Frankly speaking, this was my first time trying mustard green, without any prior knowledge of how this vegetable was going to taste like. I have to say, this dish made me feel really healthy and for consuming my daily intake of 2 portions of greens. This crunchy vegetable has an aftertaste similar to that of bitter gourd, but with an even rawer taste. If you are not a fan of mustard green, do still have a taste of the clear and sweet stock base.

I can never do without rice for a day, and being a fried rice lover, I’ll definitely not miss out on Fried Rice wih Yam in Teochew Style (潮式芋头炒饭).
Price: $14 for small / $21 for medium / $28 for large

Generous portion of various ingredients like prawns and yam in this fried rice! The small size can actually serve 2-3 pax, but it’s so yummy I think I can have the whole plate to myself.

Every meal has to end with a dessert, hence we chose a very Teochew style dessert of Crispy Pumpkin, Yam and Sweet Potato Strips (金银三宝烙) which we haven’t tried before.
Price: $12 (one size)

Eat it while it’s hot! This dessert was sooo addictive, couple with the peanut bits sprinkled on top. Even though I was already very full from the previous dishes, I simply cannot not have more than one serving of this. Highly recommended!!

With a sweet ending to this food tasting session, the overall experience was really pleasant and comforting (to our satisfied tummies). The PR Manager of this restaurant, Leon Teh, had been really helpful and attentive to all our needs, patiently introducing and explaining to us about each dish that we ordered.
Although this place is a ‘lil far off for me since I stay in the North (Chinese Swimming Club is located near Parkway Parade), I’d loved to bring my family here one day for them to try the lovely and healthy dishes, and for me to give their a dim sum a go too.

Thanks again to the Paradise Group for this experience!
I hope you guys can go try it out too!! ^_^

Paradise Teochew Restaurant
Address: 21 Amber Road, Chinese Swimming Club, #03-01 (via Arrival Pavilion), Singapore 439870
Tel: (65) 6348 7298

Business Hours:
Mon-Fri
1130am to 330pm (last order at 3pm)
6pm to 1030pm (last order at 10pm)

Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
1030am to 330pm (last order at 3pm)
6pm to 1030pm (last order at 10pm)

.Food.Tasting.at.Taste.Paradise.

Posted on August 9, 2015 by ving

Ola!
So, having been missing from this scene for quite awhile, I’m back now to bring you saliva-inducing snippets from my recent food tasting session at one of the establishments under the belt of Paradise Group.

Taste Paradise (味之楼) opened its doors in 2006 as a cozy and intimate restaurant in Chinatown. With good reviews and at the encouragement of many satisfied customers, the restaurant was relocated to ION Orchard in 2009 to serve diners in a grand and majestic ambience, at a more convenient location.

Marking 9 years of establishment with tens of thousands of satisfied diners, Taste Paradise embarks on a new journey of providing an exceptional dining experience that engages all senses with a new menu, refurbished restaurant interior and the usual excellence in service.
As Paradise Group’s Brand Ambassador, I was really elated to be invited to this food tasting session for its new menu launched recently, showcasing more Cantonese delicacies and refreshing takes on modern Chinese dishes.
Our sumptuous 7-course meal kicked off with Crisp-fried Soft Shell Crab (肉松软壳蟹) tossed with Pork Floss for our appetiser. (S$15.80 per serving)
As the name states, the soft shell crab was crisply fried well, and coupling with pork floss was a match-make in heaven.

Our starter was a Combination of Pan-seared Foie Gras, Wasabi Mayonnaise Prawn and Sliced Peking Duck. (味之楼经典三品 — 煎鹅肝，芥末奶滋虾，北京片皮鸭) (S$22 per serving)
We were advised by our friendly server Vincent Lee, who also happens to be the supervisor of this Taste Paradise outlet, on the sequence in tasting this dish for the utmost experience. So we had to start off with the foie gras, which literally melted in our mouths. I was never a foie gras person, but I finished this in record timing.
Next would be the peking duck skin, which was crispy and yet with some juicy fats to add to the taste.
Followed by the succulent prawn, in which matching with wasabi mayonnaise never goes wrong. Lastly, eating the chunky watermelon piece which helped to prep our palette for the dish to come.
For the soup, we decided to go for the Double-boiled Whole Yellow Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood and Diced Mushrooms (海鲜炖金盅), as I’m not a fan of shark’s fin. (S$18 per serving)
Having boiled the melon as a whole for hours with generous amount of ingredients (lots of dried and fresh scallops, fish maw, crab meat, diced mushrooms and duck meat), the soup tasted heavenly. And when we scooped the soup up the long melon ‘passageway’, some bits of soft melon flesh were scraped off onto our spoons too, adding even more melon taste to the whole experience.

Up next! Pan-seared Kurobuta Pork with “Dang Gui” Sauce (当归黑豚肉) for our meat option. (S$22 per serving)
This dish was SO. GOOD. The pork fillet was really tender with bits of fats in between, and the “dang gui” sauce was an interesting and refreshing twist. Something which I hadn’t tasted before elsewhere. *thumbs up*

Our 5th course was Crisp-fried Edamame Tofu with White Truffle and Mushroom Sauce (白松露翡翠碧玉), because I love truffle be it white or black. *cues Michael Jackson’s song “Black or White”* (S$8 per serving)
It didn’t disappoint me! The white truffle taste was strong enough yet not overpowering, and went really well with the crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside edamame tofu. I can have 2 to 3 servings of this at one go.

Because I really love truffle, I chose for my main dish to be Stir-fried Angel Hair Pasta with Black Truffle Sauce with Assorted Seafood (黑松露海鲜天使面) (S$12 per serving)
Lovely truffle smell whiffed past my nose, and its taste filled up my whole mouth when I tasted the pasta. Plus I’m more of a seafood than meat person, hence I was happy to see chunks of fresh scallops and prawns in this dish as well (as with all the previous dishes with seafood too).

Sadly, we’ve come to the last course of this sumptuous meal for the day. To end on an sweeter note, we chose 2 different types of desserts to try out.
Warm Double-boiled Hashima with American Ginseng and Red Dates (温泡参红枣炖雪蛤). (S$12.80 per serving)
Coupled with a generous portion of hashima, I can already feel the collagen taking their spot under my face skin after consuming it.

Combination of Chilled Mango Puree, Black Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream and Pumpkin Pastry (甜品三品 — 杨枝甘露，黑糯米伴雪糕，南瓜饼). (S$10.80 per serving)
One scoop of the refreshing mango puree, one bite of the chewy pumpkin pastry, then one small spoonful of the black glutinous rice with coconut ice cream. More than perfect ending! So satisfying! *smack lips*

Next time when you are having a headache on where to bring your family and friends for celebrations and gatherings, why not go to Taste Paradise and check out their exciting new menu! I guarantee you will not be disappointed! *wide grin*

.Food.Tasting.at.Paradise.Inn.

Posted on June 20, 2014 by ving

Couple of days back, Ving had the honor to be invited to a food tasting session at Paradise Inn at Marina Square.
Started 7 years ago, Paradise Inn is the third culinary concept initiated by Paradise Group and is currently the brand with the most number of outlets island-wide. As her brand tagline suggests, Paradise Inn aims to be an all-in-one dining concept — a restaurant, tea-house, as well as dessert place. Therefore, the focus of the menu is circled around these three main areas.

Paradise Inn‘s main menu offers nostalgic and familiar home-cooked dishes that are popular among local Chinese. One can easily call these ‘comfort food’ or ‘grandma’s dishes’. Think of them as simple, heart-warming and nothing pretentious. Like how a granny would have cooked it, the quality of the ingredients used and affordability are the main concerns when these dishes are concocted. Paradise Inn’s current revamped menu’s version is already the fourth, combining the best and most popular dishes from all the past versions. So let’s check out what awesome dishes Ving and buddy be served today!!!
Starting out with some lovely drinks… Left: Floral & Herb-infused Hot Tea (S$3.80++ per person)
Our combination was Lily Flower + Forget Me Not + Dried Longan + Chrysanthemum.
Benefits: Nourishes lungs. Relieves cough. Detoxifies the body and has beauty enhancing properties.
It smells and tastes light and floral, with notes from chrysanthemum at the end.
Nice to have it after a heavy meal!
Bonus for the presentation aspect, whereby it comes in a nice little teapot and kept warm with a burning candle at the bottom.

Right: Fruit-infused Ice Tea (S$4.20++ per glass)
We chose the Elderflower and Melon combination, which was very refreshing and suitable for Singapore’s hot weather!
It was gone in no time!

Before the mains were served, a strong supporting actor came into the scene…
Stewed Pork Belly served with Lotus Bun, S$2.60++ per piece I’m usually not a fan of pork belly, but gosh Paradise Inn sure knows how to do this dish well.
Having been simmered for hours, the meat is so tender with the right amount of fats melting in your mouth, coupled with the homemade sauce and sweet soft lotus bun.
My gosh. Every bite feels like heaven.
Can I have one more piece, please?!

Then came one of our main leads for the day…
Traditional Double-Boiled Black Chicken Ginseng Soup, S$23.90++ per pot Ingredients used:
Black Chicken + Ginseng + American Ginseng + Spare Ribs + Lean Meat + Chicken + Chicken Feet

Benefits:
Nourishes lungs. Improves blood circulation. Rejuvenates the body.
Every spoonful of it oozing with goodness! It was light and very flavorful, no doubt that it had been double-boiled for hours.
Plus it doesn’t cause your mouth to have this greasy feel at all.
I can totally have at least 3 bowls of this!

Hot-Plate Tofu with Preserved ‘Cai Xin’ and Minced Pork, S$11.90++ I’ve always been a fan of hot-plate tofu (a must-have for me during zi-char sessions).
Generous portion of bursting flavors, coupled with a big tofu that’s crispy on the outside but soft and silky on the inside.
I can literally consume the whole thing by myself! >.<

Sauteed French Beans with Dried Shrimps and Preserved Turnip, S$12.90++ Only one word to describe this dish: CRUNCHY
It was actually rather addictive to keep munching on this dish ‘cos of its crunchiness.
But of ‘cos the yumminess played a big part too!

Crisp-Fried Crystal Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk, S$18.90++ One of my all-time favourite (though very sinful) dishes in Paradise restaurants.
I first tried this in Canton Paradise, and have never gotten enough of its taste.
Was so happy to find it in Paradise Inn too!!
The richness of the salted egg yolk you can never forget, couple with big prawns crisp-fried to the right degree

. Supreme Seafood Fried Rice, S$12.90++ I’m super love fried rice, and this is what I would call the “Golden Fried Rice“.
Paradise Inn isn’t stingy with the ingredients at all, with chunky bits of fresh prawns and scallops.
Plus point which differentiates this from other fried rice:
They added in fish roe, which contributes to this slight crunchiness when u are chewing your rice.
Gosh…. I can eat this everyday.

The spread!!
Happy and satisfied (and super full) us after the treat!!
Thank you very much for the sumptuous meal, Paradise Inn!!! ^_^ *throws confetti*

.Tribute.of.Love.at.Paradise.Dynasty.

Posted on May 3, 2014 by ving

Recently, Ving had the honor to be invited to a food-tasting session at Paradise Dynasty at Vivo City.
Being the latest 5th outlet in Singapore, it spans across more than 10,000 square feet.
At any one time, it can house over 350 guests, accompanied with 7 private rooms to dine in style and privacy, as well as a spectacular view overseeing Sentosa.
It was for the 2 new Xiao Long Bao flavors which Paradise Dynasty has specially crafted, in conjunction with the celebration of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Today’s meal!
No I wasn’t acting emo.
Waiting for my delish food to arrive!
Before the main leads enter the scene, let’s start off with some appetiser!

Shredded Potatoes with Capsicum 家乡凉拌土豆丝, S$4.20++
Gosh the shredded potatoes were so crunchy and refreshing when coupled with the cooling dressing!
I actually didn’t expect that, ‘cos I thought they’ll be softer and more on the flavorful side.

Scrambled Egg White with Fish and Dried Scallop 瑶柱芙蓉赛螃蟹, S$12.80++
Closer shot!
We were kindly informed by the service staff that this dish will taste even better if we add some vinegar and pepper, and stir it all together with the egg yolk.
She was so right!! It totally brought its taste up to another level.
Moreover, I have to say that the chef really knows how to whip up this dish.
You can taste the individual textures of the egg white, fish, and dried scallop, yet they all blend really well when you eat a spoonful of them together.

And now………. *drumroll*
Let’s welcome our main leads!!!

Tribute Basket of Love – Yuan Yang Xiao Long Bao, S$13.90++
Complimentary colors!
New Flavor 1: Dang Gui 当归 (Chinese Angelica Root) for Mothers
Known as women’s herb, Dang Gui has been commonly used to treat various female gynaecological disorders.
Though it is especially popular among women, men can consume it too.
Its benefits include treatment for cardiovascular issues, constipation, insomnia, and inflammation, apart from women’s reproductive issues.

New Flavor 2: Shi Quan 十全 (10 Tonics) for Fathers
Shi Quan is a Chinese herbal formula consisting of 10 different herbs, and the combination is believed to improve the general condition of the body, and alleviate symptoms of fatigue, anaemia, loss of appetite etc.

In order to fully enjoy the flavors, the trick is to eat the Dang Gui Xiao long bao before the Shi Quan.
Dang Gui has a lighter taste as compared to Shi Quan, hence eating it 1st will prevent the latter’s stronger taste from overpowering it.
Overall, the herbal taste for both flavors were just nice and they compliment each other really well.
MUST-TRY!!!

La Mian with Poached Marbled Beef in Szechuan Style 水煮肥牛肉拉面, S$13.80++
Geez why haven’t I tried this dish before for the umpteen times which I’d been to Paradise Dynasty??
It was so flavorful and appetising, yet the Szechuan taste wasn’t too overbearing, and it’s actually less spicy than what it seemed from the pictures.
The beef slices were really tender and seasoned well, plus given a generous portion.
They go very well with the QQ noodles!

La Mian in Signature Pork Bone Soup served with Deep-Fried Pork Ribs 蒜香排骨拉面, S$12.80++
The pork ribs (served separately) were so nicely deep-fried with the right amount of seasoning added, 2 big pieces of them weren’t enough for me alone!
And to think that I wasn’t a pork ribs fan to begin with!
Remember to eat them while they are still hot!
The crispiness will bring out the sun behind you! *heehee*
Happy me enjoying the pork ribs!
It’s not named the “Signature Pork Bone Soup” for nothing.
You can totally taste the full flavors from the pork bones that had seeped into the soup after long hours of slow-boiling it.
Bonus for that few slices of crunchy pig skin!
I’m sure by now you have an idea of where to bring your parents to for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations!
Where else??
Paradise Dynasty of ‘cos!!! *heehee*

Gosh…
My stomach’s orchestra’s making fanfare-esque music now, after having to post pictures of such yummy-licious dishes.
That’s it.
Time for me to go cook my dinner.

p.s.:
I’ve to say, the service at this Paradise Dynasty outlet is very good!
I would like to take this opportunity to specially mention one of their service staff, named Cui Wah.
I really like her sincerity and professionalism when serving patrons.
Managed to capture a not-very-clear shot of me with her, while she’s patiently explaining some details to me.
I hope Paradise Group will notice her good service and keep her working there for long!
(Ok maybe I should write a compliment letter for her too.)
Till next time!! Ciao!! *juggles xiao long baos*

.recycling.for.1st.trimester.of.2014.

Posted on April 27, 2014 by ving

Following my previous post on a tabulation of what Cycliclapse recycled in the last couple of months of 2013, we are even more motivated and decided to do up another tabulation for the 1st trimester of 2014.

WARNING: Rather long post ahead, but with many images to enjoy too.

This year, Team @ Cycliclapse is still diligently collecting and sending recyclable stuff to “Cash For Trash” on alternate, if not every, Sundays.
For the recent couple of weeks, we were caught up with work stuff and other commitments, so we weren’t able to drop the items off but yet still collecting them.
Hence they have since accumulated to a REALLY HUGE pile as compared to all our previous ones, consisting of countless aluminium cans / plastic bottles / newspapers, plus some other random pieces of old clothes and metal. Looking at the huge pile, an idea suddenly struck us.
“Let’s make a statement piece that can go viral, before sending them all for recycling.”
And so we started on our planning + execution process…….
(We hope one day this cover of TIME can become real!) After sketching some designs for the dress which we planned on making, it’s down to doing up the real thing in a week’s time. An old bra was found in the pile of old clothes, so we decided to modify it to be the top part of the dress. Every single can tab was being hand-sewn onto the bra. This pile of newspapers (and more) made up the bulk of the lower part of the dress. Big bag of aluminium cans to make up the train of the dress! Weaving using magazine papers (to cover a HP laptop box) for… …my Bottega-cum-Chanel inspired oversized clutch! We made a headpiece for each of us, including the model! After putting everything together………
TADAH!!! All the hard work has been paid off!
We are more than happy with the final result of the whole outfit!!
Thanks lots to our dear model too for wearing our creation!!!

And now to the 2nd half of the post, a tabulation of how much we’ve recycled for this 1st trimester of the year, as well as how much of our own carbon footprints we’ve reduced.

Week 1 (5th Jan):
Aluminium — 1kg
Papers — 48kg
Plastics — 4kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$5.50
Week 3 (19th Jan):
Aluminium — 1kg
Metal — 2kg
Old Clothes — 5kg
Papers — 55kg
Plastics — 10kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$7.60
Week 6 (9th Feb):
Aluminium — 3kg
Papers — 17kg
Plastics — 2kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$3.30
Week 8 (23rd Feb):
Aluminium — 2.5kg
Papers — 30kg
Plastics — 2kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$4.50
Week 10 (9th Mar):
Aluminium — 1.5kg
Plastics — 0.5kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$0.70
Week 12 (23rd Mar):
Aluminium — 2kg
Metal — 2kg
Old Clothes — 6kg
Papers — 55kg
Plastics — 4kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$8.00
Week 17 (27th Apr):
Aluminium — 5kg
Metal — 1kg
Papers — 83kg
Plastics — 4kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$11.05
*GRAND TOTAL*

Aluminium: 16kg (about 300 cans)
We saved 128kg of bauxite, 64kg of chemical products, 0.08 cubic metres of landfill space (when cans are crushed), and 234.21kWh of electrical energy.
(Sources: http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/The-Benefits-Of-Aluminum-Recycling-Why-Recycle-Aluminum.htm / http://www.sustainableworld.org.uk/recyc_al.htm)

Metal (all others apart from Aluminium): 5kg
We saved 7.5kg of iron ore, 25kg of coal, 0.27kg of limestone, 0.2% of water used in production, 0.38% of energy needed to make such metals from raw material, 6.4kg of solid waste, reduction in air emission by 0.43%, and reduction of water pollution by 0.38%.
(Source: http://www.benefits-of-recycling.com/recyclingmetals/)

Old Clothes: 11kg
We reduced 39.6kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 66,000 litres of water consumption, 3.3kg of the use of fertilisers, and 2.2kg of the use of pesticides.
(Source: http://www.onkaparingacity.com/onka/living_here/waste_recycling/recycling_revolution/dont_waste_your_clothes_give_them_a_second_life.jsp)

Papers: 288kg
We saved 4.91 trees, 2,016 gallons of water, 109.44 gallons of oil, 0.95 cubic yards of landfill space, and 1,152kWh of electrical energy.
(Source: http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/The-Benefits-Of-Paper-Recycling-Why-Recycle-Paper.htm)

Plastics: 26.5kg
We saved 18.15 gallons of oil, 53kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 0.2 cubic yards of landfill space, and 153.02kWh of electrical energy.
(Sources: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/benefits-savings-recycling-plastic-79284.html / http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/benefits-of-plastics-recycling.htm)

Money ‘earned’: S$40.65

Everybody!! Let’s all start/continue doing our part today!!! *juggles bottles and cans*

.korean.dramas.(.part.2.).

Posted on April 19, 2014 by ving

So in my previous post, I talked about “My Love From Another Star“, one of the 3 Korean dramas I caught recently.
Today I shall touch on the 2nd drama which just ended its run couple of weeks back.

2. Emergency Couple (急诊男女), 2014
I admit.
At first I wanted to watch this drama for one simple reason.
.S.O.N.G.J.I.H.Y.O.
Hello?
She’s the dearest ACE and MONGJI in Running Man can.
How can miss her drama???
And also the cameo of her Monday Boyfriend .k.a.n.g.g.a.r.y. in Episode 6!!!
Daebak max hahaha….
After I caught the trailers for this drama, I realised it could have quite an interesting and comical plot, so all the more I don’t wanna miss it!
Here’s a brief intro of it!

Main Characters…
Song Ji-Hyo: as Oh Jin-Hee, a medical intern in the Emergency Room of a hospital. Previously a dietician, she met and fell in love with medical school student Oh Chang-Min, who came from a wealthy family of successful doctors. Despite his family’s strong opposition, they went ahead to get married in their early 20s and dropping from their respective courses. However their marriage life wasn’t happy and her inferiority complex deepens, as her husband’s family continues to look down on her. Jin-Hee and Chang-Min have fights very often, and eventually ended up in a divorce. 6 years later, they met again in the Emergency Room of the same hospital which they will both work together in for 3 months.
Choi Jin-Hyuk: as Oh Chang-Min, a medical intern in the Emergency Room of a hospital, as well as Oh Jin-Hee’s ex-husband. He gave up his medical internship previously and began working as a pharmaceutical salesman right after marrying Jin-Hee, as his family cut him off without a cent due to their strong opposition of the marriage. After their divorce, he went to the US to continue his studies in the medical school as well as to pursue his dream of being a doctor. Meeting Jin-Hee again 6 years later in the same hospital, his initial strong resentment towards her gradually progressed into having feelings for her again.
Lee Pil-Mo: as Gook Cheon-Soo, Attending Physician of the Emergency Room. He’s a no-nonsense yet very skilful doctor who is very strict on the interns (all of whom he’s in charge of leading and coaching). He initially dislikes Chang-Min for his frivolity, and thinks that Jin-Hee isn’t suitable to be a doctor. However due to various incidences later on, he changes his mind-set towards them, and subsequently develops feelings for Jin-Hee. Ex-lovers with Shim Ji-Hye, they broke up as he can’t cross his own barrier (his parents ended up in divorce) to commit to a marriage. Remains close friends with Ji-Hye throughout the years.
Choi Yeo-Jin: as Shim Ji-Hye, Assistant Professor of Surgery, who came back to South Korea from the US and to be stationed in the same hospital as Gook Cheon-Soo and be his colleague for a year. Cheon-Soo’s junior and ex-lover, she gave birth to a baby girl (not Cheon-Soo’s daughter) and became a single mum while in the US. Cheon-Soo’s only confidante who knows him very well, and even encouraged him to go after Jin-Hee even though she still likes him.
(Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Couple / http://asianwiki.com/Emergency_Couple)

Total no. of episodes: 21 (initially 20, it was extended by one episode due to the drama’s popularity)

Gosh I love this drama so much!
Apart from the comical aspect that made me laugh alot, I like the fact that there isn’t any super-villains in it (enough of all those supermelodramas).
The actors/actresses’ chemistry with one another was really good too.
Plus Miss Mong was relived in this drama (Running Man fans will know what I mean hahaha)!!
I cried quite a bit too while watching, especially the couple of episodes when Chang-Min’s father passed away.
Gawddd….. Super tear-jerker can……..

EVERYBODY GO WATCH!!!

p.s.: Nobody after watching the drama can forget this little supporting character who’s the youngest in it.
BABY GOOKIE!!!!!
HOW CAN A BABY BE SO CUTE WITH SO MUCH HAIR AND BIG EYES AND CHUBBY CHEEKS AND ADORABLE EXPRESSIONS???
You totally have to watch the drama to know what I mean.
I think even these images don’t justify enough his cuteness overload!

Choi Jin-Hyuk can’t take his arms and eyes off him!
What are you waiting for??? *heehee*

.korean.dramas.(.part.1.).

Posted on April 12, 2014 by ving

I like to watch dramas, especially those with interesting story concepts, or merely for any particular celebrity whom I adore starring in it.
I used to be hooked on Japanese dramas ‘cos they’re usually around 10 episodes only and with good storylines (short and sweet), plus there’re many Japanese actors/actresses whom I really fancy.
Our local channels love to show Japanese dramas, variety shows, and movies as well so they’re easily available.
Then, I’d more free time to watch TV too so I’d make sure I didn’t miss any episode.
“Galileo“. “Long Vacation“. “Beach Boys“. “Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)“. “Forbidden Love“. “Beautiful Life“. “Hero“. “Crying Out Love, In The Centre Of The World“.
Just to name a few that I loved a lot.

Couple of years back, Korean wave hit us.
Initially I only caught very few Korean dramas, which can be counted with just one hand, ‘cos I’m very much still into my Japanese dramas which are less melodramatic and more chop-chop than Korean’s ‘chong-hei’ (Cantonese for ‘long-winded’) ones.
However subsequently, it seemed like only few didn’t succumb to K-wave.
I admit. I’m into it now too.

Let me share with you the 3 recent Korean dramas which I’d watched and left a deep impression on.

1. My Love From Another Star (来自星星的你), 2013-2014
Of ‘cos of ‘cos.
Who doesn’t know of this drama???
It had taken the world by storm, with Kim Soo-Hyun rising to be the new heartthrob, sweeping many females (and maybe some males too) off their feet, including fellow celebrities!
Also, the sales for fried chicken + beer combi probably went up by many many folds thanks to this drama.
There were even reports of some Chinese hardcore female fans who broke up with their boyfriends or threatened to commit suicide, ‘cos they feel that their guys aren’t as intellectual nor romantic as compared to Professor Do (what the hell)!
If you’d not known of this drama for whatever reasons, here’s a brief intro of it.

Main Characters…
Jun Ji-Hyun: as Cheon Song-Yi, a top Hallyu star who is very blunt and believes she is every man’s type, until she meet her stoic neighbour, Do Min-Joon, whom she eventually fell for.
Kim Soo-Hyun: as Do Min-Joon, an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago in the Joseon Dynasty and possesses supernatural powers like the ability to stop time and teleport, plus able to see things before they happen and hear things that are miles away and move with great speed. He doesn’t age too, hence had to change identity every 10 years. He ended up falling for Cheon Song-Yi though he tried not to, who looks exactly like the girl whom he fell for 400 years ago and whom died while saving him.
Park Hae-Jin: as Lee Hwi-Kyung, Cheon Song-Yi’s childhood friend who has an unrequited love for her and holds onto the belief that one day she will love him back. He supports her through hick and thin as a true friend too.
Yoo In-Na: as Yoo Se-Mi, whom Cheon Song-Yi sees as a good friend since childhood. Underneath her sweet smile, she is actually very envious of Song-Yi and has a crush on Hwi-Kyung for a long time. A celebrity herself, she later became famous after Song-Yi’s downfall in the entertainment industry.
Shin Sung-Rok: as Lee Jae-Kyung, Hwi-Kyung older brother and the heir of S&C Group. The main antagonist in the drama.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Love_from_the_Star)

Total no. of episodes: 21

I really like this drama ‘cos it’s so funny and sad at the same time!
Funny ‘cos of Cheon Song-Yi’s attention-grabbing actions and Do Min-Joon’s interactions with her.
Sad ‘cos the last few episodes made me cry SO MUCH I always ended up getting puffy eyes.
The actors/actresses were all cast well and really blend into their respective roles.
I didn’t get enough of it! Can’t wait for the movie version to be out (if it’s really true to be happening).
Also, the clothes featured in the drama are all very fashionable, especially Jun Ji-Hyun’s!
Plus if all aliens are like Do Min-Joon, I WOULD OPEN MY ARMS WIDE AND INVITE THEM TO INVADE EARTH ANYTIME.

Go watch it if you haven’t!!!

p.s.: This drama has some nice songs. Here’s the OST list if you are interested.
I personally love Nos. 1, 2, 6, & 7.
1. “My Destiny” by LYn (Korean & English)
2. “Like A Star (별처럼)” by K.Will (Korean)
3. “You Who Came From the Stars (별에서 온 그대)” by Younha (Korean & English)
4. “Goodbye (안녕)” by Hyo Rin (Korean & English)
5. “I Love You” by JUST (Korean & English)
6. “Tears Like Today (오늘 같은 눈물이)” by Huh Gak (Korean)
7. “Every Moment of Yours (너의 모든 순간)” by Sung Si-Kyung (Korean)
8. “In Front of Your House (너의 집 앞)” by Kim Soo-Hyun (Korean)
(Source: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/You_Who_Came_From_the_Stars_OST)

p.p.s.: I recently saw that Kim Soo-hyun be holding a fan-meet in Singapore soooon!!!
Though high chance I won’t be going, just to share with you some details of it and how you can win tickets to the event (which I presume his hardcore fans already knew long ago of this haha).

2014 Kim Soo-hyun Asia Tour 1st Memories in Singapore
Date: 27th April 2014 (Sunday)
Time: 730pm
Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 1
Ticket Pricing: $238*, $188*, $138* (*excludes $3 booking fee)
Ticketing Hotline: 6348 5555 / www.sistic.com.sg

Contests to win tickets to his fan-meet.
Starhub: http://www.starhub.com/personal/promotions/contests/1016.html
Watsons Members:
Go take part now to stand a chance in winning the tickets!!!
Best of luck!!!

p.p.p.s.: There are very cute and funny Cheon Song-Yi stickers available for download in Line app.
Go download them now!! ^_^ *throws stickers*

.recycling.for.2013.

Posted on March 15, 2014 by ving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP3kNylF9so

If you haven’t already known, Cycliclapse has been diligently collecting stuff and sending them for recycling on every alternate Sundays, in order to reduce our carbon footprint as well.

We first got to know about this collection drive called “Cash For Trash” only in late September 2013, which is held on every Sunday at Jurong West Street 51 (currently still ongoing), and has been going for it ever since early October.
Basically, you’ll be paid by per kg for the items you sent in for recycling.
The rates for each category of items can be seen below.
Here’s to tabulate a total of how much we’d recycled so far, and also to motivate everyone to do so too! ^_^

Week 1:
Papers — 7kg
Old Clothes — 13kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$3.30
Week 2:
Papers — 6kg
Plastics — 3kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$0.75Week 3:
Papers — 7kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$0.70Week 4:
Papers — 20kg
Plastics — 1kg
Aluminium — 4kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$4.50Week 5:
Papers — 14kg
Plastics — 2kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$1.50Week 6:
Papers — 10kg
Plastics — 0.5kg
Aluminium — 1kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$1.50Week 7:
Plastics — 1kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$0.05Week 8:
Papers — 1kg
Plastics — 1kg
Aluminium — 0.3kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$0.30Week 12:
Papers — 23kg
Plastics — 2kg
Aluminium — 1kg
Old Clothes — 5kg
Money ‘earned’ — S$3.90*GRAND TOTAL*

Papers: 88kg
We saved 1.5 trees, 616 gallons of water, 33.44 gallons of oil, 0.29 cubic yards of landfill space, and 352 kWh of electrical energy.
(Source: http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/The-Benefits-Of-Paper-Recycling-Why-Recycle-Paper.htm)

Plastics: 10.5kg
We saved 7.19 gallons of oil, 21kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 0.08 cubic yards of landfill space, and 60.63 kWh of electrical energy.
(Sources: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/benefits-savings-recycling-plastic-79284.html / http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/benefits-of-plastics-recycling.htm)

Aluminium: 6.3kg (about 378 cans)
We saved 50.4kg of bauxite, 25.2kg of chemical products, 0.03 cubic metres of landfill space (when cans are crushed), and 92.22 kWh of electrical energy.
(Sources: http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/The-Benefits-Of-Aluminum-Recycling-Why-Recycle-Aluminum.htm / http://www.sustainableworld.org.uk/recyc_al.htm)

Old Clothes: 18kg
We reduced 64.8kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 108,000 litres of water consumption, 5.4kg of the use of fertilisers, and 3.6kg of the use of pesticides.
(Source: http://www.onkaparingacity.com/onka/living_here/waste_recycling/recycling_revolution/dont_waste_your_clothes_give_them_a_second_life.jsp)

Money ‘earned’: S$16.50

Everybody!! Let’s all start doing our part today!!! *juggles bottles and cans*

.Chingay.2014.

Posted on February 11, 2014 by ving

Warning: Beware of upcoming flood of images!

Went for the recent Chingay Parade last Friday, courtesy of my dad for the free tickets! My 1st time watching it live! Just nice we were able to film it too!

Man, were the performers awesome!

On the way to the audience seats.

Waiting for the show to start!

Opening act!

Arrival of PM Lee and Mrs Lee!

Super long banner!!

Lotsa white horses…..

…… paved way for the big guy! Trojan much??? *kidding*

Pegasus came too!

Then we had a float with some of Singapore’s iconic spots! Merlion / Gardens By The Bay / Marina Bay Sands / Esplanade / Sentosa / Changi Airport

With a bunch of Gods of Wealth following behind!

Performers on stilts!

Lion dance troupes!

Huge banners which even the performers had difficulty keeping them up.

Confucius came too!

Dragons and fire crackers!

More Gods of Wealth!

Me like Black Horse.

Malays’ float.

Indians’…

Ballerinas!

There were many…

Many…

MANY of them!

Cha cha!

PAYM’s float! Broadway style!

NUS’s float!

Japanese’s float!

Performers from Indonesia!

Love their costumes!!!

Koreans in traditional outfits.

Cute! Circus style!

The dragon playground!

Getai’s float!

Sea of gold performers with the getai float.

CDCs’ float!

Finally! The one which my dad participated in!

Nearing the end!

Waiting for the moment……

Revealing the end products!

Hand-knitted by 12,000 people!

SPECTACULAR! ! ! ! !

Till next year! ! ! *throws confetti*

.days.of.ving’s.life.:.hongkong.final.episode.

Posted on February 6, 2014 by ving

Last day in Hong Kong!!! *wipes tears*

McCafe breakfast to start the day!! And I have to say, the service at the outlet opposite our hotel SUX BIG TIME. I swear I almost pull that bitch by the ponytail out of the counter in which she’s behind. No matter how busy you are, you have to maintain your professionalism and not fucking show attitude to your customers. Also, please brush up your fucked up English 1st before you rebuke me. I asked for what sandwich options you have. You refuted by replying, “NO SANDWICHES. ONLY HAVE CIABATTA.” Then brushed me aside to your colleague, and proceeded to bitch about me with your colleague IN FRONT OF ME.

Please do everyone else a favour by jumping off the building.

Right. Back to my breakfast!! At least it’s delicious enough to appease my anger a ‘lil. *tsk*

Went to check out this awesome concept cafe after breakfast! Had time to do so only on the last day before leaving Hong Kong!

Finding out the way to walk (in style) using Google Maps!

BING SUTT — THE STARBUCKS x G.O.D. CONCEPT STORE

On the way over……

Address: 13 Duddell Street, Baskerville House, Mezzanine Floor, Shop M2, Central

Station: Central (Exit D1/G)

Contact: (852) 2523-5685

Nice decor!!

Walking around Central!

I had to eat this food item before leaving Hong Kong!!!!! Favorite egg tart of all time…………..

TAI CHEONG BAKERY!!!!!!

Address: 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Station: Central (Exit D2)

Hours: Daily 730am – 9pm

Contact: (852) 2544-3475

FAVORITE TRADITIONAL EGG TART!!!!!!!

While on the way to explore this street which I like alot!!

GOUGH STREET was where I wanted to go!

Interesting shops along the way!

Yays! Reached GOUGH STREET!

Many niche shops along this street!

1st stop: WOAW Store (Lifestyle concept store stocking exclusive merchandise and a diverse product range for men, women and children.)

Address: No. 11 Gough Street, Central

Station: Sheung Wan (Exit A2)

Hours: Mon-Sat 1130am – 930pm / Sun 12pm – 7pm

Contact: (852) 2253-1313

2nd stop: HOMELESS (Lifestyle concept store selling niche homeware products as well as providing lotsa gift ideas.)

Address: 28-29 Gough Street, Central

Station: Sheung Wan (Exit A2)

Hours: Mon-Sat 1130am – 930pm / Sun 12pm – 6pm

Contact: (852) 2581-1880

Absorbing in more of this land before leaving on a jet plane. Gonna miss this place even though I’d been here couple of times!

Hello, cutie!!

And it’s time to go to the airport!!

Guess what? My luggage was overweight by 8.5kg………………. And I had to pay HKD1500 for it. Well, guess United Air’s rate was considered fairly cheap as compared to other airlines’ (judging by per kg). Bought too much stuff!!

Oh wells, still needed to eat dinner. My ultimate comfort food to the rescue! TSUI WAH!!!!!!!

Had some time to kill before boarding!

Yes. I mean, NOOOOO………… Can’t I stay longer???

Ok. Some food to distract myself.

Shall end this finale with shots of a cutie whom I saw on the MTR in Hong Kong!! (Disclaimer: shots taken by my friend, not me coz I didn’t have the guts to do it hahaha…….)

Till next time!!!!! CHEERS!!!!!! *juggles luggages*

Dark Lord

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