SEA Games 2015 - Tennis Finals

ABBEY: The 28th SouthEast Asian (SEA) games is one of the events for the celebration of 50th year of Singapore. Most of the tickets of popular sports events were sold out. Good thing that tennis is for free at Kallang Tennis Center. We went to watch the finals. The event was delayed as it is waiting for the rain to stop. It started at 1PM; two and a half hour behind schedule. Nevertheless, the excitement rose once the spectators saw that the courts were being prepared.

The first match we watched is Mixed Doubles between Philippines (Denise Dy and Treat Huey) and Thailand (Peangtarn Plipuech and Sonchat Ratiwatana). Filipino fans' cheers roared at the bleachers giving encouragement to the pair. Dy and Huey bagged the gold on the third set. Filipinos stood up and waited for the match to end on the last couple of serves. Even Huey waved up his hand telling the fabs to cheer more. It was a good match.

Then at 3:15PM, the Women's doubles commenced. Again it is between Pinoys and Thais. After the mixed doubles, Dy was paired up to Katharina Lenhert to step up against Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and compatriot Varatchaya Wongteanchai. The first and second sets were both exciting as the Pinays really exhibited their talents to beat the Thais. But the Thais were not giving up so easily as well. Philippines got the silver for the event. The crowd roared loudly for all the players and awarding ceremony capped the day.

WILL: I love rain and this is the first time I want it to stop. 

Tennis finals is behind schedule and on our luck at almost noon the pouring stopped. We were comfortably sitting at the centre court and one of the ushers announced that Philippines vs Thailand on mixed doubles will be held at the court #4. The stomping, the cheers and applause seems never ending when the Denise and Treat won the match. 

Without lunch and all we had are free bottles of water, we queued to go back at the centre court. This is where the match for women's double. Thailand vs Singapore again. This time, Thailand's people answered back the Filipino cheers. There are laughs when the shouts of encouragement copies each other. Haha! Thailand won the first two sets. 

I am so proud to be a Filipino. Tennis is not an easy sports and not a cheap one for Filipino to get into it. But still some exist to compete internationally and bagged some titles. 

SEA games! Roar!!! I hope Olympics will be held in Singapore too. I know Little Red Dot can accommodate that big event.

Custom-made Watch from Bicycles.Sg

ABBEY: We were sent a watch and asked to try it and give our opinions to it. It was said that it was a sports watch and it is unisex. But sad to say, it is not. I haven't got the opportunity to wear it. But it was a good accessory for my wife. 

The watch is white in color, big but lightweight, and has crystals/diamond on each hour. I hope they have a model for the guys.

WILL: Delighted to read an email for a product review. Too surprised that this blog was slowly making its way to spotlight. First, thanks to Bicycle Singapore for this opportunity. 

We received a white watch. Of course I love it because it is one of my favorite color. I wore it while working and before my lunch break I found some pencil writings on it. Yes, I am using pencils for writing. Instead of using erasers, I just used my fingers to take it off and it was gone. The surface is made of plastic, no need to worry about scratches. Inside was embedded by "diamonds" that it made look more elegant and formal. The bracelet was made of plastic, I run my nose on it after my sweat settled but it do not produce a stench. It is lightweight, it wont stress your risk at all.  

If you want cheap and with an "elegant" look watch. You can have this one. :) Please click here for more details. :)  

Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)

ABBEY:  Book or movie? That would be an endless argument especially that this came from the Bible. 

We won a pair of 3D Premiere night tickets on Shaw Lido. It is the story of Moses; from his years as prince of Egypt until leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. It showed how God sent the plagues due to Pharaoh's hardened heart on releasing the Hebrews from bondage. No one will finish his plans and no one will work for him if that happens. 

My imagination for the story when I was a child came to life and I'm happy with it. Though, there are points that should not be depicted as such but as the saying goes, to each his own. I'm glad that this movie somehow became an antidote for Noah's silverscreen appearance.

WILL: I am really pretty disappointed about "Noah" and that is the reason why I do not want to watch Exodus. But when it came to my knowledge that Christian Bale will play as Moses, I am somewhat convinced by Abbey to watch it one weekend. 

Why pay if you can get it for free? We won a movie preview in 3D at Shaw Lido. Whooah! Totally blessed. 

The story was well read in Bible's old testament that I am not quite familiar but some of the magnificent parts are all clear in my mind. I saw some of the scenes were altered and they made an explanation. It is terrifying that they have the guts to amend what was written. 

Anyway, for the movie effects and actors 9/10. Well played... Well played... 

Fullerton Hotel Heritage Guided Tour

hereABBEY: I'm always mesmerised by Fullerton Hotel whenever we pass by it be it day or night time. And we are fortunate to be part of the tour for this colonial building last June 7 to learn more about its history. 

This building used to be the host for General Post Office. It even had an underground tunnel for easiness of post to be delivered. Singapore Club also had a room at Fullerton. With its grand ceiling the hall became wedding reception for the guests. The Fullerton also served as the lighthouse during early years but due to land and building improvements, the tower was located to another location. The original light tower is displayed in a park between Vivo City and Harbourfront Centre. 

The hotel is an eight-storey giant and houses an Italian-al-fresco bar. Now I knew the vantage point where you can get a good view of Esplanade theatres. Some of Singapore government dignitaries even made office on the hotel. A gallery for the works of Lee Kwan Yew can also be found there. History of some places around the hotel were also discussed on the tour like the Cavenagh Bridge where it used to be the rally point of the people.

WILL: Who will not know the Fullerton Hotel? The building that stands the test of time. The building that is well lit and very glamorous at night. The buiding.. The building with a great story and part of Singapore's history.

I checked out the Fullerton website for any promotions on their dining and room rates, luckily I stumbled to this tour complimentary to their hotel guests and to general public. I am fond of history, I emailed them to book a tour and asked my husband to apply for a leave on 7th of June.

It is drizzly Saturday afternoon when we walked out and in the hotel. The tour started when all the hotel guests signed-up were already there. Florence, our tour guide is very charming. She kept the tour lively by inserting some jokes, questions and trivia. 

She explains the architecture of the historic structure, she enumerate us the prominent people who used housed in that building and I was amazed when she told us that very building once a post office. We walked up until we reached the former place of the lighthouse and again jaw dropped at the beauty of Singapore.

This hotel is magnificent! You can book a tour here. It's FOC. :)

Fazer Geisha

ABBEY: This was a reward from Ma'am Josie for being the first person who can guess the place that she posted in Facebook. She came from Paris but I don't know if the chocolates were from there as well. 

I'm guessing it is not (don't get mad Madamme if my assumption is wrong) as the cocoa bites were named Geisha chocolates. They are sweet and smooth. So whenever I went to the fridge I get a couple of them and eat for my sweet tooth. Thanks again Ma'am Josie.

WILL: My husband is so happy when Ms. Josie Jean hand over her price to me. Well, its a box of Fazer Geisha. I saw a pink wrappped chocolates and thought that it would be a strawberry flavored, haha! So damn! 

Unwrapped and ate one, no strawberry!!! Popped another one and one and one. The chocolate milk and nutty filling complement each other. Not so sweet but will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. 

Thanks Ma'am Josie Jean Traya ;) 

Marina Bay Sands' Painting with Light: Christmas Special

ABBEY: We went to the exhibit of Little Black Jacket at ArtScience Museum. At the lobby of the gallery was Painting by Light activity area. 

In time for the holidays, it invites guests to design a Christmas tree decoration by cyanotype; a technique similar to developing a photo on a dark room. Individuals were given cardboard shape cutouts and they will choose for a design to be used. The template will be put over the card board and then expose to UV light. Marks like snowman, snowflakes and sleigh will be etched on the board. After rinsing, the finished product will be hanged on the tree. 

Wishes can be written on the other side of the board.

WILL: After the awesome potrayals of different hollywood actors / actresses, models and known people of The Little Black Jacket, we went straight to Painting with Light just few steps away from the Chanel's exhibition room.

For free, we wrote down all our wishes. We use different kinds of designs and put it under the heat of a black light. After few more steps, the ornament came lovely in our eyes. We put it on at ArtScience Museum all-white tree. Very pleasing on my eyes.

It is my pleasure to take part on this Marina Bay Sands project.

Singapore's Bukit Batok Nature Park

ABBEY: Where to go if you're tired or want to unwind after a week's work? Another perk in living in Singapore is that the city-state offers a lot of parks for the people to go outside, breath fresh and get in touch with nature. On my week off, Wilma asked me if we can go to Bukit Batok Nature Park and I said yes. 

Bukit Batok Nature park has the prominent formation of stone which was quarried on earlier years. The site was preserved and now it is very serene and quiet. We found turtles and colorful birds along the way. It was a stress-relieving getaway for me and my wife.

WILL: That day, I took a half day leave in our office, to escape the rattling sound of the phones that keep on ringing, the hands that keep tapping the computer keys and relentless colleague's voice. 

      I need some fresh air to breathe and quite place to rest my ears, and one of the free and near park in our home that we never gone to is the Bukit Batok Nature Park. 

      As we walked through the walkway, you can hear many chirps from different birds. And the main attraction to that is the mountain that was quarried way before. The view is magnificent and the pond below it is very clear, you can see some turtles making some acrobatic skills in swimming.  

    Abbey and I tried their foot massage walk path. We have a very tired feet and this part of the park relaxes my tightened muscles. 

    There's a playground and fitness equipments. We played and childhood memories came rushing back.

    Thanks Singapore for this lovely and free place to unwind!

Arthur Newman - Singapore Preview

ABBEY: Have you ever made major mistakes or regret things you've done and want to start anew? But here's the catch, you'll start from the point when you want the change. You'll not go back to square one but you will be given a new identity. That's when Arthur Newman was born. Wanting to escape his current life, he paid for his new self and began his journey not knowing where to go. 

With a stash of cash, he embarked on a road trip. And met her match, Mike, another person with dual identities. They had their share of misadventures, house-tripping and lust. And both also were being haunted by their past, and soon realized that they need to face it. Separating their ways, they went for rebirth of relationships.

WILL: Thanks to ELLE for their Facebook giveaway for the movie Arthur Newman.

      A man and woman wants to have new life. They want to leave behind all their past, their loved and their family. But as the truth slammed back to them for the lie they have done, they have no choice but to go back to their past.

     Not so nice movie but there are great things to ponder.

SpreadKindness.org - Free Kindness Cards

ABBEY: "Give and it will come back to you", "It is more blessed to give than to receive"; these are the teachings from the Bible. And as the ultimate gift that was given to us when God sent His only Son to die for our sins, we need to do our part. 

Wilma and I always look for ways to give back; be it to an acquaintance or to a stranger. Not that we want to boast but we have a sense of satisfaction when helping others. 

Spreadkindness.org has the same objective. They're doing act of kindness and hoping the recipient will pay it forward. Send them a mail thru their website and they will give you cards (size of name cards) to give to your recipients with suggestiosn on how to do a random act of kindness. 

It is uplifting to know that there are people and organization who still want to make the world a better place. Kindly join the cause :)

WILL: Do you feel so blessed and feel an extra happiness when you're giving to others some of your blessing? Do you want the people to know that you do this out of HIS abundant love unto you? If you are doing this random act of kindness, well congratulations to you! You're not alone in this run. If you are ready to spread kindness and you need some cards to encourage others to do same, SpreadKindness.org will be ready to help you on this. They are giving away some kindness cards for free and out of a good heart you can donate to them also. 

We can do this world a better place to live-in, our small ways will make a big impact to the recipient. Happy Spreading the Kindness!

Planet Popcorn Singapore

ABBEY: I was skeptical at first what would be the taste and texture of popcorn that was freshly vacuum-sealed and put on the rack for sale. Normally it would stay there for a minimum of one day. So I was thinking that it would not that be fresh anymore. But I was wrong. Wilma told me that we got to redeem four pack of popcorn (priced at $6.90-$8.90) on Planet Popcorn. We collected them on their branch at City Square Mall. 

We picked caramel, original, cheese and chocolate flavors. They also have wasabi flavor :) 

When we got home, we opened a pack an tried it. Its as if the popcorn was just cooked hours before. They're still crunchy and crisp. Not too sweet or salty, just the right taste. 

No wonder it was a craze on other countries. Thanks Planet Popcorn.

WILL: Fret not if you are in Taiwan, Planet Popcorn docked on the shores of Singapore to serves us all. 
      We are the most lucky few to get a free samples of their mushroom like popcorns. Per participants will be getting 2 packs each, I chose Original and Cheese flavors, and for my husband with a sweet tooth, he picked Caramel and Chocolate. 
      This is vacuumed-seal pack and guaranteed ultimate freshness for every pack. When we open one pack, it is really crunchy and full of flavors. We ate the three packs and shared the chocolate flavor with the kids, I wonder what it tastes like, because the popcorn already finished in just a few minutes. Haha. 
      This is a craze in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Each pack have different prices, I will try their Wasabi flavor in near future. ;) 
      For bulk orders you can contact ivankhor@twplanetpop.com / 97300583.

Ah BOYS to MEN 2

ABBEY: The recruits returned for their sequel with more laughs. 

After what happened to his father, Ken (Joshua Tan), learned that he must take NS seriously. Back at the camp they had a run and as expected Aloysius Jin (Maxi Lim) has the best runtime. Asked by Sgt. Ong (Tosh Zhang) , he told that his secret for running is "No cigarrete". Sgt. Ong ordered his men to stop smoking and this made the smokers became mad at Aloysius. They treated him badly to the point that he became at outcast. 

Ken protected Aloysius and he also was outcasted by the group. They went to the forest for their camping and Lobang stole Aloysius' magazine. It didn't went well as Lobang's mag dropped beside Alo making him lost his own. On inspection, Alo gave his to Lobang. And this made Lobang to befriend Alo. They received all their mails from their loved ones except Lobang but got his own from Sgt. Ong. They finished their course and went their own to serve in the military. 

This is good movie and encouraging for those who will take NS soon.

WILL: They surpassed their own. As the the Ah Boys to Men 2 surpassed the gross income of Ah Boys to Men, is now considered the highest-grossing local film of Singapore.If you watched the Ah Boys to Men, you will surely craving for the part 2.

      This film is very useful for the minds of the boys now, how to love and how defend Singapore. How to befriend and be more cautious on creating a relationship with everybody in the training.

      This is film is 10/10. Thanks to RamenPlay for providing the tickets. Go BMT! Go brotherhood! Majulah Singapura!

The Last Stand

ABBEY: It was only a day off from a busy police job. He will be only guarding an almost empty town. Until a drug cartel boss escaped from the grasp of FBI making a way to cross between the border of US and Mexico evading his crimes. As the fugitive goes nearer to Sheriff Arnold's town, he beefed up his army of four by the help of arms enthusiast, . The FBI and one of his men told the sheriff that the druglord is not their concern. But Arny told them "If he comes to my town then he is our problem". They exchange fires with the boss' henchmen but he single-handedly fought the mastermind. Dragging him on his topless car he gave him to the FBI. Arny and Johnny gave the audience a good laugh and action-packed scenes. Arny stil have magic up on his sleeves.

WILL:  Firstly, thank you Ms. Grace of Expat Living Magazine for this pair of free tickets. 
       Well I can say that I really miss Arnold Schwarzenegger in a movie. His acting antics is so hilarious even his face is so dead serious. 
       This film have a simple layout of story but the actors portrayed it very very nicely. 8/10. 

The Impossible

ABBEY: This movie is an eye-opener for me on how far will I go to have my loved one to be back in my arms again. Twas a story of an ideal family vacation; hot sun, cool drinks, sands, pool, beach, and relaxation; until the unexpected happened. A tsunami swept the whole bay area leaving no trees standing, resorts completely gone. The cheers and excitement on the visitors were replaced by cries and fear. Above the water you'll be crushed by the waves, below it you'll be hit by the debris. Struggling for life Lucas hang on to a pole but seeing his mother swept by the water he went along also. After the water subsided, his mother had a flesh wound; making it more impossible to walk. They climbed a tree for safety and waited until rescue came.

It was chaos in every evacuation center. Each one had his own physical suffering to be attended to but what more depressing is they don't know the whereabouts of their loved ones.

(Ewan McGregor) was with his sons but was not able to leave the area. He believed that somehow he'll be with his wife soon. He sent his two sons to a center while still finding his wife. On one evac center they were all reunited but the wife had a lot of complication and her life is at risk. She undergone an operation and was successful. As soon that it is safe to travel they were airlifted to Singapore then to their homeland.

WILL: I really want to watch this film as it is based on true story of how Thailand's tsunami badly hit the lives of people living and having a holiday there.
      Thanks to Shaw Theaters for letting my husband win a premiere movie ticket for two of this film. 
      The movie is so touching and really taught the viewers how to hold on to each others. 9/10. 

CZ12

ABBEY: The teaser got us. It's a Jackie Chan-movie. As expected the movie is action-packed and funny as well with his antics. It was a story of national treasures that needs to be given back to its rightful owners. But with greed, people are selling them for huge profits. Being promised with a good pay and great bonus, Jackie went for the searh of all Zodiac heads including the Dragon head. People with different interests on the artifacts were also in pursuit making it harder for Jackie to get and protect the heads. He also showed that at his age he can still do his well-coordinated stunts; like in the sofa, with his body skates, and on the photography room. Jackie still has it. Take note of the French gal who likes purple :)
Costa Coffee

WILL: When we saw the trailer of this movie, Abbey immediately asked me if we can used his cinema voucher to see this film, I nodded. 23rd of December afternoon, we went to VivoCity and hurriedly went to the the Golden Village counter to exchange the voucher to movie ticket. 
      Well, I like Jackie Chan and his antics since I am a child, so even this film has a very simple layout of story, I appreciated it much. Story 5/10, Stunts 10/10.
      Nice work Sir Jackie. 

Tiger Balm - ACTIVE Muscle Rub

ABBEY: We got this Tiger Balm product from one of the contest that we joined. 

Whenever my feet is aching, I'll wash them and dry and apply the muscle rub. Put ample amount on the area. It's cold upon application. You will feel no heat after but it relieve your feet from tiredness and fatigue. It's recommended to apply before bedtime. 

WILL: Thank you so much Her World Singapore for giving away a  hamper of Tiger Balm products an one of those is the ACTIVE Muscle Rub. I am not fan of this cream before but once Abbey told me that it he felt an immediate relief from its heel pain. 
      When I got an sore muscles at my right triceps, Abbey told me to put on some of the cream, anyway there is no harm on trying it, so I nod then he rubbed it on the affected area. It is kind of instant relief. 
      I super like this non-greasy cream. Available at Watsons, Guardian. 

Savages

ABBEY: What if you got addicted to "Mary Jane"? What if you had the best pot in the world and have knowledge to nurture it? That means business and trouble also. That's what Ben (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and O (Blake Lively) did. They grow the plant and sell for medicinal use; but the big money comes from black market. Ben and Chon are buddies since college. They share the same house, clothes and girl. Yes they do that. As their business prospers a lot of people is getting envy. The Mexican drug cartel founded by late husband of Elena (Salma Hayek) along with her right hand Lado (Benicio del Toro) kidnapped their shared girlfriend and ask for a cut in their profit along with passing of knowledge for the plant. 

Ben wanted to give all to them and start a good new life but it wasn't easy for Chon. He wants to fight. They asked for help from their protector, a corrupt government agent, but he can't do a thing about it. They find their own way to get O in whichever way possible. The movie is kind of alarming but its happening. People will kill and die for that. But in the end you will only sole responsible for yourself and your actions.

WILL: Well, when the things were meant for you, you will have it no matter what. Haha. 

      Yeah we were the lucky ten of Singapore FHM when they posted their movie ticket giveaway of Savages. 

      After office, I immediately ran to Orchard Shaw Lido and met Abbey and see the movie. That flick is a story of two good friends who shared anything and everything and even the girl they love. How complicated life that the illegal drugs brought them. 

      9/10, quite long movie but I enjoyed it a lot specially the ending. This movie is prohibited for underage children. 

Ahava Exfoliating Cleansing Gel (Men)

ABBEY: We got this at Ahava in Centerpoint. This works as a facial wash at the same time as a scrub. Tiny beads works on your pores leaving your face clean and smooth. And the smell? Well, you're woman will definitely give you a kiss as you smell very manly. It makes me more handsome in Wilma's eyes :)

WILL: Thanks Ahava for giving away samples of these facial scrubs. We scheduled to redeem this at their outlet at The Centerpoint. 

      As I asked the very pleasant lady behind the counter, she told me that I can use also this as the scrubs are not too strong to dry up a woman face. And then I tried. 

      Darlings, I love it as if I am like having diamond peel feel in my own home. The scent is so manly, but that part I would love to be on my husbands face :) 

      This Cleo's 2012 Beauty Hall of Fame product winner can buy to their website. Click here. Thanks again Ahava! 

Dial-A-Curry

ABBEY: I was ecstatic when Wilma told me she won 100sgd food vouchers. Wow, that's a lot. But the catch is to spend them all until the end of the month after receiving the vouchers 2 weeks before the deadline. 

For Mexican food we got burrito, chimichanga and chingadera. They all came with mashed red beans, guacamole and salsa. 

For Indian food we had plain and garlic naan, vegetable samosa, chicken tikka, and sheehk kebab. Those were spicy but delicious. I felt hot on my stomach after the meal. We got the food in two deliveries not in one sitting :) 

By the way they only deliver but islandwide (1-hour guarantee). Delivery charge is 7sgd and all food is subject to 7% GST.

WILL: Crossed finger I emailed my details, after few minutes, Expat Living Singapore replied to my mail! Darn, I am one of the fastest and most blessed girl to won a S$100 voucher. 
      Dial-A-Curry do not just offer an Indian Food, they also catering a Mexican(Cafe Mexican) and Italian. They start to accept orders from 6PM and ends on 1030PM, and they promise one hour delivery time and they proved that to us. 
      First, we tried their Mexican food. I went for burritos. the chicken wrapped in tortillas with side dishes of salsa and cheese. The taste is so nice, that I ate it all. Burp!
      Before the remaining $60 voucher expires, we ordered all the Indian Food that we can eat that night and shared this wonderful blessings with our housemates. Naan, oh their garlic naan is so good that I asked Abbey if I can eat all of those. Haha! 
      This is indeed a good experience. Thanks to Expat Living Singapore and Food & Spice Co P/L in sponsoring our two dinners for the month of July, you guys really made us full!