.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*

.days.of.ving’s.life.:.hongkong.episode.7.

Posted on February 3, 2014 by ving

DAY 7 ! ! !
2nd last day of the trip!!! Too fast!!! >.<

Started the day with a comforting and heartwarming breakfast to get our gears going!!!
Porridge / Chee Cheong Fun / Red+Green Bean Soup / Soya Bean Milk
N I C E E E . . . . . . . *burp*
After which, it’s a long day in walking around (aka shopping)!
Needed to help couple of friends check out some stuff which they were interested in getting.
1st stop: SILVERCORD at Tsim Sha Tsui!

I like this mall! It has many shops/brands which I fancy, all in one mall.
Another / Double-Park / 5cm / Izzue / Fred Perry / Mercibeaucoup (to name a few!)
Happened to pass by this cool shop which this awesome paragraph on its window.
Love it.
In case you weren’t able to read the whole passage, here’s it!
“There is darkness inside all of us, though mine is more dangerous than most. Still, we all have it, that part of our soul that is irreparably damaged by the very trials and tribulations of life. We are what we are because of it, or perhaps in spite of it, some use it as a shield to hide behind, others as an excuse to do unconscionable things. But truly, the darkness is simply a piece of the whole, neither good nor evil unless you make it so. It took a witch, a war, and a voodoo queen to teach me that.”

Love it. Really.

After we were done with shopping at Silvercord, it was still raining.
Hence, we decided to grab a drink and some light bites at SWEET DYNASTY near Silvercord!!

Address: 28 Hankow Road, Hong Kong Pacific Centre, B/F, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Station: Tsim Sha Tsui (Exit L5)
Hours: Daily 12pm – 230pm; 630pm – 1130pm
Contact: (852) 2377-9877
Walnut Paste / Soya Beancurd with Red Bean Paste
One word.
Disappointing.
Walnut Paste was watery without much walnut taste.
Red Bean Paste was watery too that’s not sweet.
Soya Beancurd was so-so.
Totally different from the 1st time when I tried it. -_-

咸煎角! This is not bad, but Tim Ho Wan has even better ones.
流沙包!!! This one nice!
They ran out of the ones with pandan skin.
*waiting*
*nom nom noms*
After chilling for some time at Sweet Dynasty, the rain finally stopped!!!
Time to move on to the next destination.
THE PENINSULA Hotel.

Gotta say.
I really like the decor of the hotel.
And its h~i~g~h~ ceilings…….
Right. Why am I at such an atas place???
Two words.
CHROME. HEARTS.

Address: Salisbury Road, The Peninsula, Mezzanine Floor, Shops M11, ME11-13, Kowloon
Station: Tsim Sha Tsui (Exit F) / East Tsim Sha Tsui (Exit L3)
Contact: (852) 2739-6113

Love their accessories….!!!
Just one thing.
I don’t understand why staff working in such shops need to be SO snobbish.
Same goes for some other branded boutiques too.
Please smile and be professional.
You don’t have to look at your customers from head to toe before you decide how you are gonna serve them.

Since it’s the last night in Hong Kong, we decided to go back to Bon Bon Cafe for dinner!
Sooo gonna miss their food…….
In fact, I’m missing it now as I’m typing this post!!! *droolsss*
The dumplings (bottom right) are sooo yumsss…….
They are filled with braised meat instead of the usual minced meat.
I’m not exactly a meat-lover, but this is so good I can finish the whole bowl by myself!!
Not forgetting the addictive pickles which I mentioned before in my 1st post for this trip!!!
After filling our tummies, another (also the last) round at our favorite 7-11!!!
Not forgetting, need change all the stickers which we received from 7-11 to change for Sanrio figurines!!
Such cute stickers!!
We got the Monkey (I forgot its name) and Minna No Tabo!!
Didn’t manage to get my Kuromi! 🙁
Packing time!
Had a hard time trying to stuff everything into my luggages!!!
Heavyyy……
Reluctantly went to sleep after packing since it’s the last night afterall!! >.<

Final episode for this trip will be out soon!!
Do stay tuned!! ^_^

.days.of.ving’s.life.:.hongkong.episode.6.

Posted on February 1, 2014 by ving

Early rise and shine for Day 6!!!
Coz today we planned to go Macau!!!

First thing first, getting ferry tickets from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal!
My first time going to Macau!!
There was still some time left before boarding the ferry, hence grabbed a bite first at Lan Fong Yuen!!
I didn’t know they opened an outlet here.
Was elated to find out about that as I like the food there!
Here are the details for its original outlet if any of you are interested!

Address: 2 Gage Street, G/F, Central
Station: Sheung Wan (Exit E2) / Central (Exit D2)
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am – 8pm / Closed on Sundays
Contact: (852) 2544-3895 / 2854-0731
I didn’t know what I was doing.
Maybe bit excited over the food.
Boarding time!
Throngs of people waiting to board…
Ok noted!!
I’ve motion sickness, hence didn’t take any pictures when on board the ferry and simply slept throughout to prevent myself from feeling too giddy.
An hour passed, and we reached Macau!
On a free shuttle bus, en route to a nice boutique hotel which we gonna do some filming at.
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow………”
So we did some filming at 5FOOTWAY.INN’s PROJECT PONTE 16!!!!
We were honoured and excited to have the opportunity to feature this lovely boutique hotel in our travelogue!!!
It is set to become Macau’s favorite boutique hotel with its modern design, cleanliness, friendly staff as well as strategic location.
Do consider staying here when you visit Macau!!!
I’m sure you will like it as much as I did!!!
Thanks much to Manager Han Jae-hoon for showing us around, plus patiently feeding us with details about the place!!!
Kamsahamnida!!! ^_^

Website: http://www.5footwayinn.com/links/project-ponte-16.html

After we were done with filming, time to explore Macau!!!
Just around the corner from 5FOOTWAY.INN……..
LEE KUM KEE !!!
Tower of sauces!!!
*walking walk walk*
Kinda looks like Hong Kong actually…
Senado Square!
Managed to find the famous Pork Chop Bun and Portuguese Egg Tart!!!
Really yumsssss!!!!!!
*nom nom nom*
Hardworking Santa Durian!
Ended up at Lisboa to catch shuttle bus back to the ferry terminal!
The weather in Macau wasn’t exactly good when we were there, and getting around was bit tedious having to carry all our barang barang.
Kinda dampened my mood.
Plus I kena a long cut by the brolly when opening/closing it. -_____-”
Need. A. Good. Dinner. To. Make. Myself. Feel. Better.
Hence, back to one of my favorite Hong Kong cafes for comfort food.
Ittadakimasu !!!
Happily tucking into my dinner…..
So much better after putting them all into my tummy.
Strolling time!
Loveee the Christmas decor at Langham Place at Central!!
Sooo prettyyy…….
Must. Watch. Cantonese. Movie. When. In. Hong. Kong.
Heehee so we ended up at IFC for a late night movie!!
Movie of choice?

WHITE. STORM. (扫。毒。)
刘青云。张家辉。古天乐。
Enough. Said.
So.
So.
Good.
Was so thrilled I managed to catch this awesome show in its original language.
Beats voice-over anytime.

Love the popcorn box too in my favorite color!!
Though the popcorn itself wasn’t exactly fantastic. (I prefer Cathay’s.)
And I dropped my Bathing Ape Pocket Square in the theatre, which I only noticed after reaching back at the hotel. -_____-”
Tiring but fulfilling day!!
Plus a bonus that we still managed to catch train back to our hotel area after the movie!!
Thumbs uppp for that!!!

Episode 7 will be out real soon!! Do stay tuned and support us!!! *throws popcorn*

.days.of.ving’s.life.:.hongkong.episode.5.

Posted on January 29, 2014 by ving

DAY 5 ! ! !
Goodyyy Rainyyy Morninggg !!!!!

Today on our itinerary, we went to familiar grounds!
Changing trains at Central station in order to get there.
Yes.
Just had to do the tourist-sy thingy of taking pictures of the station.
And of coz posing with it. *hashtag ootd wiwt central hk*
While waiting for our friend to reach, couldn’t resist shopping at Sogo supermart at Causeway Bay!
Colorsss…….
Another round of stuff for friends and family back home.
Too cute!
Finally lunch time!!! *wide grinz*
Itacho Sushi at Causeway Bay…
There were more sushi and other dishes which we ordered but ate too fast so only managed to capture these…
Prices were around the same as compared to Singapore’s.
Of coz as usual in order to burn off calories after a hearty meal…
SHOPPING TIME!!!!!!!

Hong Kong is such a sinful place when it comes to eating and shopping my gosh…….
So many nice stuff which caught my eyes and tempted me to get them……. >.<”
Spent the whole afternoon in just Causeway Bay alone.
Chocoolate / I.T / i.t / some pop-up shop that sells really cool stuff but I forgot the name / a mall that resembles our Far East Plaza / etc etc
Too busy shopping so didn’t take pictures along the way.
Will show some of my purchases towards the end of this post!!

Before we realised, evening crept in and it’s dinner time!!!!!
Decided to revisit Mido Cafe after so long.
I remembered I really like the 60s feel of this Hong Kong cafe when I first tried it couple of years back.
Plus the food was very affordable and came in big portions.

Address: 63 Temple Street, Kowloon
Station: Yau Ma Tei (Exit C)
Hours: Daily 830am – 10pm
Contact: (852) 2384-6402
Truth be told, I was a ‘lil disappointed this time round.
Their prices increased, yet food standard dropped.
Previously I really enjoyed just a simple Egg & Luncheon Meat Fried Rice coz they cooked it well.
This time though, it was just so-so.

Hence, this.
Actually, just an excuse to let me play with my food.

No meal’s completed without desserts!!
So even though it’s been raining the whole day, we simply had to comb Temple Street for some Chinese desserts.
And found this small dessert shop with I didn’t register its name.
Hot desserts on a cooling night are ever-so welcoming.
It kind of made up for the slight disappointment I’d with Mido Cafe.
Pardon me looking as if I was being forced to smile.
Blame it on the wet weather…….
(It’s ok if you are indoors. Not ok when you are outside carrying lotsa barang-barang and still need to hold a brolly.
Ok enough of whinning.)
Finally back to the hotel!!!
Photo flood of what I bought!!! (Immediately brightened up my mood.)

Closer look of the lovely snacks from Sogo supermart!
At the same time chomping on my Nameko snack!
Each box came with a temporary tattoo thingy!
Too cute………….
Love.
Love.
Love.
Love all my purchases!!! *juggles snacks*