.my.big.3-0.

Posted on November 25, 2015 by ving

So, I’ve officially joined the gang of big 3-0s 2 days back. Many thoughts going through my mind as I crossed the line into this phase of my life.

The past couple of years hadn’t been easy. Shitty things happen when I least expected. People come and go. Lessons learned. I try again and again. And I see things/people more clearly now. I’ve grown to know better, what/who matters and what/who doesn’t. Well, how many 30 years will we have in our life right?

I’m blessed and thankful to have a small group of people who stood by me and love me for who I am, who trust and don’t judge me. (Of ‘cos it’ll be even better if a ‘boyfriend’ is added to this small group too haha..)

Here’s how fortunate I am during this ‘transition’ period. (Warning: pictures of gorgeous babes and hunks and prezzies coming up!)

Now now, kindly excuse me while I go make more wishes.

World peace!

.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*

.Mad.Season.1.:.Cooking.Series.Ep.3.

Posted on October 25, 2013 by ving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqg0E6rO-rQ&feature=c4-feed-u
ANNYOHASAEYO!!!!
Welcome back, and to the 3rd Episode of the Cooking Series in our Mad Season 1!!!
Have you tried out the recipes in the previous episodes???

For today!!!
Ving tried whipping up a Korean-Japanese (2 of my favourite cuisines) fusion dinner.
Here are the ingredients:
Chicken / Korean Rice Cakes / Hotdogs / Straw Mushrooms / Tofu / Kimchi / Edamame / Seaweed / Cabbage / Carrots / Japanese Miso Soup Base / Onions / Oil / Korean Chilli Paste / Tteokbokki Sauce / Multi-purpose Sauce
1st Step:
Thaw the Chicken for Spicy Chicken Stew.
2nd Step:
Prepare the ingredients.
3rd Step:
Start cooking!

For me, I started with the Miso Soup first.
1. Fill up your pot with water (up to you on how much soup you want then fill up accordingly, with bit of excess for evaporation during simmering).
2. Add in Miso Paste (if you prefer it more flavorful, add more).
3. When it started boiling, add in the Tofu cubes.
4. Leave it to simmer while you prepare the Chicken Stew.
5. At in some Seaweed before serving.

4th Step:
Start on Spicy Chicken Stew.
1. Soften the Rice Cakes by placing them in boiling water for couple of minutes, then drain them and put them aside.
2. Pour some oil into pot, then stir fry some Onions.
3. Add Cabbage and Carrots in.
4. Add in Korean Chilli Paste, Tteokbokki Sauce and Multi-purpose Sauce, then mix all evenly.
5. Add in one small packet of Kimchi, then Straw Mushrooms and Hotdogs.
6. Simmer for awhile.
7. Add in the Rice Cakes that had been softened, add well as the diced Chicken meat.
8. Mix all together evenly, then simmer for awhile more.
Serve!!!
Makgeolli (Makkoli) optional!
Verdict:
S. U. C. C. E. S. S.
Do stay tuned for the 4th Episode of Building Series which will be up on coming Monday!!!
Kindly support us!!!! Thankssssss!!!! *juggles tteokbokki*

.Mad.Season.1.:.Beauty.Series.Ep.1.

Posted on October 9, 2013 by ving

http://youtu.be/KbJb_oWU1bg
HELLO!!!

Welcome back and to the 2nd series of our Mad Season 1!!!
If you’ve already guessed from the heading, this 2nd series will be about Beauty!!
We’ll be touching on different aspects of Beauty for this series, so we hope it can be like a surprise for you when you come back to check out new episodes (as of the same for the other 2 series too).

For today!!!
Ving recently tried out this Character Print Nail Art set from Korea which was a gift from sidekick Ginzy.
It looks really interesting!

The instructions were in Korean though. But based on the images provided, you’ll be able to understand quite easily the proper way to do this nail art.
So!! Based on my understanding, here’s how we do it……………….

1st step: Apply 2 layers of the white nail polish onto your nails.
2nd step: While waiting for the nail polish to dry, you can cut out small pieces of the pattern design which you would like to have on your nails.
For me, I chose a cupcakes design as well as this cute skulls design (not pictured below).
(Plus a random cameo by Zown de Clown.)
3rd step: Apply the Transfer Solution (hot pink bottle) onto a small piece of the design which you’d cut out earlier (on the side with the pattern). Then press it onto your nail before the solution dries up.

This step’s bit tricky. After I tried on few of my nails, I realised that it’ll be better if you apply a layer of the solution onto the flip side of the patterned paper as well while it’s on your nail.
Reason being that the paper will actually get stuck onto your nails too together with the design.
Applying onto the flip side as well will help the design to get stuck onto your nails better, and reduces the chances of the paper getting stuck together.
Think of it as trying to ‘paste’ those temporary tattoos onto your skin.

Here are the 1st 2 nails which I tried on with the skull pattern, which didn’t come out that nicely and obvious.
After ‘pasting’ on the cupcakes design as well, which not the full pattern came out too.

Conclusion: It’s still worth trying! Just that it’ll require some practise before you’ll be able to get the perfect full pattern onto your nails. Still can be a fun activity for a girly night-in with your girlfriends!! ^_^

Do stay tuned for the 1st episode of our 3rd series which will be up on this Friday!!!
Kindly support us!!!!! Thankssssss!!!!!!!!

.hongkong.2013.(.part.4.).

Posted on August 22, 2013 by ving

http://youtu.be/mA8wmJ5nDE4

Rise & shine for Day 4 of Ving’s Hong Kong trip!!
(You can check out Part 1 of the trip here, Part 2 here, and Part 3 here.)

We decided to have Korean food again for our first meal of the day, at Sorabol Korean Restaurant.
No regrets for our choice! Was glad we didn’t give this a miss.

Address: 132 Nathan Road, Miramar Shopping Centre, 4/F, Shop 4B, Tsim Sha Tsui
Station : Tsim Sha Tsui (Exit B2)
Hours : Daily 1130am – 3pm; 6pm – 11pm
Contact: (852) 2881-6823
It’s like The Hand from Addams Family was enjoying Korean food.
Clearer picture of the Spicy Seafood Soup pot we ordered + the Banchan (side dishes).
Omggg I’m missing the delish soup pot badly….
Can’t be helped. I’m an Asian after all.
What to do after a hearty meal? Shopping of ‘cos!!!
We went around Tsim Sha Tsui, including Grandville Road.
Although we were very full, we couldn’t resist not eating these when in Hong Kong………

And it rained!!! Luckily I brought my brolly out, but we still ended up being ‘lil drenched grrr………….
We were such gluttons, but how can you NOT eat dessertsss when in Hong Kong???
So it’s to Sweet Dynasty while waiting for the rain to get lighter.

Address: 28 Hankow Road, Hong Kong Pacific Centre, B/F, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Station : Tsim Sha Tsui (Exit A1)
Hours : Mon-Thu 8am – 12am / Fri 8am – 1am / Sat 730am – 1am / Sun 730am – 12am
Contact: (852) 2199-7799
Their desserts were rather yummy!
Thanks, but no thanks to the rain!
We decided to head back to Causeway Bay for more exploring and of ‘cos, SHOPPING.
Guess what greeted us the moment we stepped out of the station??
DEMONSTRATION……….!
I could see no end…
(Here’s a short clip which I took of it.)
Today’s stash! (mainly gifts to bring back home)
Those Pretz were of interesting Hongkie flavors:
Abalone in Oyster Sauce / Shark’s Fin / Seafood
Good to buy back for friends and family! ‘Cos they were packed in nice individual boxes of smaller size.
Here’s a closer look at the small packs.
After putting down our buys back in the hotel room, we decided to pop over to Lan Kwai Fong’s Tsui Wah Cha Chan Teng again for some *ahem* ~~supper~~ recharging.
It’s just about a 15 minutes walk from our hotel! *thumbs up*
I shall be narcissistic today, and end off my post with a victoriously smirk picture of myself.
(p.s.: that’s my super-loves new cap from Izzue!)
Do check back again on next Monday for the last part of Ving’s Hong Kong trip!! *cheersss* ^_^