Tropical Christmas @Singapore - RT

Over the long Christmas holidays, I have visitors from Harbin city (China) known for its bitterly cold winters. I brought the families to our popular tourist belt, Orchard Road where they had an enjoyable time shopping for luxury goods and trying a variety of international cuisines. 

Every place we went, we had to queue and the queues were long  We queued to buy branded goods, queued for a table in a restaurant, queued to pay for our purchaes.... etc. Exhausting!

There is a unique Christmas tree outside ION Orchard where visitors could climb up to its observation deck for a bird's eye view of the shopping belt. However, the long queue and the waiting time of an hour detered us from joining the queue. 

Besides locals, there were many tourists who have come to shop or simply to soak in the festive atmosphere. We were bumping into people every where we turn. I don't like crowds but it was quite an experience celebrating Christmas with so many people! :)

The Christmas decoartions put up by the various shopping malls were very pretty. My guests took many beautiful pictures. The children were particularly happy because they received many presents and got to try a variety of food from countires around the world.  

Enjoy the Christmas decor along Orchard Road before they are taken down to usher in the New Year.

Merry Christmas from Singapore! - PH

From home to home and heart to heart,
From one place to another,
The warmth and joy of Christmas,
Brings us closer to each other.

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year.

Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above.
 

Merry Christmas!

A tropical Christmas at Marina Bay, Singapore.

Wishing Spheres - Countdown to 2012! - WW

Marina Bay, also known as the Bay of Hope and Light, will have 20,000 wishing spheres floating in its water. This spectacular visual arts display carries the hopes of over half a million people in Singapore.

Throughout December, people penned their wishes on these wishing spheres at various wishing stations located around Singapore. It's free-of-charge, no purchases is required.

The wishing spheres containing hand-written wishes were floated onto the waters of Marina Bay on 18th December. Finally, my hopes for the new year are floating among the 500,000 wishes on the beautiful bay. 

I can't believe this year is coming to an end. I am looking forward to the annual Marina Bay Singapore Countdown taking place on New Year's Eve. Come join the party!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition @Singapore

I was at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands with several friends when we were attracted by the exhibits. We bought tickets (S$5 each) and was immediately transported into the magical world of Narnia. I was pretty upset when a staff informed me 'No phototaking' is allowed in the exhibition hall.Arrghhhh!

From now until 31st January 2012, visitors can tour the scenes from the famed literary world of Narnia. Based on the blockbuster hit movies and C.S. Lewis’ beloved fictional books, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition is here in Asia for the first time.

I was so thrilled to be inside the original walk-in wardrobe that started it all. I stayed inside the wardrobe for quite a while, admiring the fur coats hanging in it. The moment I walked through the wardrobe, a magical Narnia awaits me! How I wish I could take some photos!

Once inside Narnia, we viewed artifacts from C.S. Lewis' personal study, original props and equipment from the three films. We like the replica of the White Witch's Throne where visitors can sit on the icy throne and feel the chill. At one interactive display, we learnt about the impact of climate change on our planet. It also investigates whether our planet could be frozen for 100 years, like the world of Narnia.

interactive displays such as the catapult

We had the opportunity to use a real working catapult similar to those used during medieval times as well as lift a real sword used in the filming of The Chronicles of Narnia.

I have watched the films of Narnia and absolutely love them. I am ecstatic for the opportunity to learn more about the world of Narnia and it's so cool to actually see the amazing props and costumes from the films. The designers are so brilliant and talented!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition
3 December 2011 – 29 January 2012
10am – 10pm (last entry 9.30pm)
Location : CANAL Level B2 Skating rink, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sand

S$5 per person (children 2 years and under admitted free)
S$20 – Family package (2 adults and up to 4 children)
$2.50 each for additional child. (Children: 3-16 years)

Happy Holidays!

Lee Dong Wook & Kim Sun Ah 'Live' in Singapore - PH

PhotoHunt theme : Stars

I was presented with two tickets to meet Korean actor Lee Dong Wook and actress Kim Sun Ah 'Live' in Singapore. They were here to promote their TV series, "Scent of a Woman".

On 5th December, together with more than 200 screaming K-drama fans, I attended the Meet and Greet session with the two stars at Avalon Marina Bay Sands.

The fans and I queued for more than two hours in the sun before the organisers allowed us into the club. Although the fans consisted mostly young girls, several elderly ladies were in the crowd too.

The fans rushed to stand as close as possible to the stage once the door opened. I found myself a seat after checking out the place and lo and behold! Both stars were centimetres away from me when they made their grand entrance. Woot!

Fortunately I wasn't with the crowd on the dance floor, the screams of the fans were deafening. And they were screaming like every few minutes.:P

Lee Dong Wook is really very charming and Kim Sun Ah is an extremely witty lady. To thank the fans, both sang a duet. There was an 'NG' because they were laughing uncontrollably.   

I watched the premiere of the TV romance series "Scent of a Woman" and like it immediately. It tells the story of Lee Yeon-jae (Kim Sun Ah) who finds out that she has cancer. With only six months to live, she tries to fulfill the things on her 'bucket list' before dying when she meets the handsome Kang Ji-wook (Lee Dong Wook). The two fall in love and I fall apart every time I watch their sad romance.

Both stars left for Malaysia the next day to continue their promotion of their TV series.

I have particpated regularly in the weekly PhotoHunt meme since 2007. I had fun and enjoyed reading the posts of my PH friends.

Legoland Malaysia

I came to know of Legoland only five days ago,.when I received an invite to a media briefing. It was  held in Iskandar, Johor. My first overseas blogging invite. Yeah!

Together with Straits Time reporter Lee Xin En and Bloomsberg journalist Joyce, we were chauffered across the 2nd Causeway. After clearing Malaysia Immigration, it was a 20-minute drive to the venue.

A tent was set up in the middle of the construction site. We met the Malaysian media comprising the press and TV stations.

 

awww..... the Lego figure and bricks

Legoland Malaysia is the first Legoland theme park to open in Asia Pacific and the sixth in the world. Costing 720 million rinngit, the 76-acre theme park is specifically designed for families with children between 2-12 years of age. It will open at the end of year 2012. 

So far, it is 40% completed. The steelworks for the iconic roller coaster ride called the Lego Technic Test Track was unveiled at this event.

Datuk Syed Mohamed Ibrahim (President/CEO Iskandar Investment Berhad), Mr Muhammad Zainnal Ashikin, the CEO of Iskandar Investment Berhad and Mr Siegfried Boerst (General Manager Legoland Malaysia) unveiled the steelworks. 

Nearly all of the rides are hands-on, so families can push, pull, pedal, program, steer, squirt, splash, crawl, climb and build the way through a full day of non-stop fun. Quite unlike usual onslaught of colors, animation and pictures from Pads, video games and TV program, though they all have their merits.

There was a question and answer session with Mr Muhammad Zainnal Ashikin, the CEO of Iskandar Investment Berhad and Mr Siegfried Boerst, General Manager of Legoland Malaysia.

I was driven to the lookout point where I could see the unfinished theme park below me. In less than a year, I would be able to come for rides. I am so looking forward to it. 

Legoland Malaysia - 40% completed

I brought back souvenirs of photos taken with the cute Legoland mascot and the cool Lego car. :)

Legoland also revealed the prices of its annual passes and a full list of Park Attractions.

Pre-opening Annual Pass rates for a limited period only!
Adult - RM195 (Normal price RM275)
Child - RM150 (Normal price RM210)

Gate Prices

Adult - RM140 (Normal price)
Child - RM110 (Normal price)

Singapore's Integration Community Learning Journey - RT/WW

On Sunday evening, I went on an Integration Community Learning Journey with a group of 40 residents comprising locals and several new immigrants.

From Mountbatten Community Centre, a coach sent us to Clarke Quay where we took a water taxi and cruised along the scenic Singapore River. Tour guide Joseph provided information and explained the historical heritage of the river to the group.

Although it was drizzling, the wet weather could not dampen the excitement of our group. Besides young parents who brought along their kids, there were two 3-generation families and several elderly couples.

This tour provided opportunities for new immigrants and locals to interact and communicate with one another, and improve their understanding of each other's culture, values and norms.

I was warmed several instances by the sweet gestures of these people who shared their snacks with me and  sheltered me with their umbrellas as I clicked away with my camera in the rain. 

The cruise along the Singapore River was an absolutely enjoyable journey. The scenic sights on both sides of the river yielded many beautiful pictures.

We had a quick stop at the Marina Bay City Gallery where interactive exhibits tell the story of Marina Bay's transformation from a busy trading port to the dazzling Singapore centrepiece it is today.

We have a bird's eye view of Marina Bay's intricate architecture and lush gardens over a digital state-of-the-art model.

A bento dinner was given to each of us and we had a picnic on the event plaza overlooking the beautiful Marina Bay.

View of our financial district at night from Marina promenade

There was a 45-minutte break for members to window shop in Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall before the laser show started at 8pm. Unfortunately it started to rain and we had to watch the laser show from inside the mall. I will go back for this light and water outdoor spectacle another day.    

Through this integration programme which lasted 4 hours and cost a mere S$2, the new Singapore citizens have an opportunity to mingle and interact with grassroots leaders and volunteers from their local community who share their experiences of living in a multi-racial and multi-religious society. They also learn how they can participate or volunteer in the community. Family members are encouraged to participate in the programmes offered to the new Singapore citizens, to make this learning journey meaningful for the entire family.

Wordless Wednesday

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Monkey Ripped Off Tourist's Dress - PH

PhotoHunt theme : Ripped

The Padangtegal Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali, is a major tourist attraction due to the presence of the Balinese long-tailed macaques. The monkeys are notorious for boldly snatching fruit and shiny items like spectacles and hair clips off visitors. 

My godson's branded spectacles was snatched and we had to pay 10,000RP to hire a local to get it back from the monkey.  

Recently the monkeys became more famous. I heard that one of the monkeys ripped off the dress of a beautiful Taiwanese girl. arghhhhhhhh! Dirty monkey.

Mnet Asia Music Awards (MAMA) 2011 in Singapore - WW

The prestigious 2011 Mnet Asian Music Award (MAMA) was held in Singapore on 29 November, at Singapore Indoor Stadium.

What excited me most was seeing my idols, Superstars Lee Byung Hun and Song Seung Hun, in Singapore. *screams**screams*

Tickets for this massive awards ceremony were snapped up the moment they went on sale. My son is ill and could not attend this awesome event. His favourite K-pop stars are the nine-member girl group SNSD who won the Best Female Group Award and Best Artist of the Year

Many of the female stars are so pretty. We ladies couldn't help admiring their beautiful dresses and gowns too. It was a star-studded, entertaining evening with so many popular stars descending on our little island.

Actor Song Seung Hun

Many fans waited for hours just to see their favourite stars. I hear stories of my friends' teenaged kids who hired cars and taxis to chase after their idols. I wish I were their age and could go along with them. haha......

Congratulations to the winners!

Best New Male Artist Award - Huh Gak
Best New Female Artist Award - A Pink
Singapore Choice Award - Super Junior
Best New Artist (Solo) Award - Wei Chen
Best New Asian Artist Group Award - AZIAtix
Best Drama O.S.T Award - Baek Ji Yeong
Best Rap Performance Award - Leessang
Best Male Artist Award - Kim HyunJoong

Best Group Vocal Performance Award - 2NE1

Best Male Group Dance Performance Award - B2st
Best Female Group Dance Performance Award - Miss A
Best Music Video Award - Big Bang
Best Vocal Performance Solo Artist Award - IU
Best Band Performance Award - CNBlue
Best Dance Solo Performance Award - Hyuna
MAMA Sponsorship Award - YB

Best Male Group Award - Super Junior

Best Female Group Award - Girl's Generation
Best Song of the Year award - 2NE1
Best Album of the Year - Super Junior

Best Artist of the Year - Girl's Generation

Wordless Wednesday

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