Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant - Orchard Central

ABBEY: It's been a very late celebration, but only 22nd of April is the best time for us to dine at Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant.

We did reserve a week before and at last.. the time came. The restaurant is in the eighth storey of Orchard Central. Once we were led to the table, I put my bag down and started to roam around checking what they have to offer. They have fried delights like crispy chicken, ebi tempura, and salmon head. I don't know how long they have been on the serving station but I find them too oily and not that crispy anymore. 

They also have grilled foods; baby potatoes, sweet corn, pork, squid, and chicken yakitori. Beef and chicken tepanyaki were also available. Mussels and shrimps were there but they're off limits to me. So I feasted on salmon meat and belly. Every bite is heaven once the salmon is dipped the soy sauce and wasabi. I washed them all with lemonade, soda and hot green tea. 

The dinner costs almost 75sgd for both of us.

WILL: Do you know the song “Everything is Awesome” from the 2014 Lego Movie? Sing with me using the below lyrics...

Everything is Oily... When you eat at Kiseki..
Evertyhing is Oilyyyyy!

Why I said that? Read more.

The cashier in front told us that Salmon Head is their house recommendation. When I saw the salmon head, right away picked one of it. I giggled loudly when I saw the mountain of ebi tempura. I got a plateful instantly.

I went to our table and agonizingly waiting for my husband to take his food. After a prayer of thanks, I attacked the tempura relentlessly. Haha! But on every bite I notice that it is oily. I took the Salmon head, and its oily too. I used tissue to the crab claw to squeeze out the unnecessary oil. 

This is not-all-rant-blog, I want to commend their hotpot, the perfectly grilled corn and the bean sprout! 

Thanks Kiseki for being part of our April celebration. Hope you check on “too oily” issue.

Eighteen Chefs - Bugis Junction Branch

ABBEY: For the farewell dinner of our friend VA, we chose the place closest to his home in Bugis. We went to Eighteen Chefs on the fourth storey of Bugis Junction near Shaw Cinema. 

I got their Heart Attack fried rice with half spring chicken at less than 14sgd. Don't worry about their warning: May cause sudden cardiac arrest. Just eat moderately. The fried rice taste good and the chicken is flavorful and moist. But after sometime you will find that there's too much oil in your meal. Maybe that will cause the heart attack :) 

Anyways I finished the meal without calling for emergency. I also had a couple of spoonful of their curry baked rice from Wilma where the cheese is overflowing.

WILL: I know that this is not the goodbye for our friend Vincent Anthony but a hello to another place. At Eighteen Chefs at Bugis Junction where we celebrated his send-off.

When I open the menu, Chat is correct, its either you order the all time favourites for a no brainer or you will be your own chef to choose the dish that you really craves for. Well, I like the unordinary so I use my head and think hard what food I really like to have. So I picked Cheese-Baked Rice for my base, Japanese Curry for my sauce and Chicken Slices for my main ingredient.

Curry and Cheese? I am quite hesitant but when I tasted it... It is terrific! It satisfied my longing on the baked rice plus my favourite chicken curry. It costs only $8.80+GST. Hey they do not bill service charge in here.

Any suggestions? Hmmm.. Dear Eighteen Chefs, why you offer a lot of promotions for students? How about us? We are human too! Haha! Anyway, have promotion or do not have I will come back for more to savour again to my Chicken Curry Baked Rice. Next time I will ask for Double Cheese Baked Rice!

The Original Little Hiro Singapore - Hawaiian-Japanese BBQ & Grill

ABBEY: So before we go north of Singapore, we decided to visit our friend's workplace and dine there. She works in Little Hiro. It is a Hawaiian-Japanese restaurant at King's Arcade; a 15-minute walk from Botanic Gardens MRT station.

I got one of their recommended items which is Waikiki burger; burger plus ring of pineapple, and bacon. It comes with fries and drink. I really like the taste of fries as it is "garlicky". To top of it all, I also ordered Spam fries. Beware not too eat too much, it'll be too salty. Maybe they can include other flavor of Spam and make fries out of it.

WILL: Innovation is not just for technologies but also for our daily food. After trying a pancake used as a bun for a burger now we tried noodles instead of bread on our burger. 

Welcome to Little Hiro! A chic place and maybe the reason why the students happily spend their meal time in here. Just a few steps from Botanic Gardens. 

We were there to celebrate our move out from Mt Sinai Rise. We want it to be memorable for all of us. So we decided to dine in here with our housemate's father. 

After 15 minutes of waiting Chicken Karaage Ramen Burger ($10.20) is in my table. When I have the first bite of the the noodle it seemed that my tastebuds transported me to Japan. The taste of ramen blends well with chicken. Abbey ordered Spam Fries ($4.80). That is too oily and salty for me. 

Would I go back for more? Of course! With no hesitation! I Love Ramen Burger! FTW! 

Applebee's Singapore - Bar & Grill · American Restaurant

ABBEY: When I saw my brother's post of their dinner at Applebees in UAE, I want also to eat the baby back ribs. By that time, Applebee Singapore closed their business. Good thing they opened a branch at Chjimes. We went there with our highschool friends. And we were amazed at the prices. It is affordable. I thought it will be too high but it is not. 

I ordered their Quesadilla burger 13.90sgd along with fries. Cheesy in every bite and the pattie is moist. We also got their sampler. For 20sgd, we picked fried calamari, chicken nuggets and tacos. I also took a bite on what's on Wilmas plate; baby back ribs. I think it could have been more delicious if it has more sauce.

WILL: Are you looking for a cheap and yet cozy place to date your loved ones and it took you many clicks on your mouse and your efforts are still futile? Rant no more! Applebee's is there to rescue you. 

All their prices is below $20. Yes below $20! Man, you read it right! Head down to newly renovated Chijmes.

We were there not for one-to-one date but a group date with two of our friends. So delighted to see that their full baby back ribs is only $17.90, with no hesitation I asked Abbey to get it for me. Applebees's baby back ribs are not their star of the menu but they taste awesome. The aroma enticed my appetite and the meat is tender. 

I got to go back to this restaurant. Good food, all-smile crews, good ambiance! :) 

g.Spa Fitness and Recreation Hub - Spas/Beauty/Personal Care

ABBEY: Another freebie? Wow, yes please. Keep them coming. You are all welcome. Thanks Medhatter. This time I got a 60-minute full body massage worth 155SGD at g.Spa. It is located at 102 Guillemard road. We took MRT and alight at Mountbatten station. 

I strongly advise that don't be fooled by their signage outside the building. They have more to offer aside from that. And what I mean by more is that they have good receptionist that will welcome you and ask for your need of service upon arrival. We were an hour late but still it only took us 15 minutes waiting time to have the massage. 

The style of spa is like Wensha in Philippines, but more at par than Wensha.

You will be given a magnetic key for your locker and massage clothes. My masseur's name is Susan. She gave my muscles a "beating". I think I heard all the "crunchiness" left my body. I like the hand and feet massage the most. It is as if all the tired muscles got relaxed. After the massage, I proceeded to the dining area.

I first took a sip of wintermelon and pork rib soup. Next I got their menu for the day; chicken cutlet. It came with fries and coleslaw. I also took a bite of their dimsums even though they have shrimps. They were delicious. Wash them all with free flow of juice, coffee, or tea. 

Total spa indulgence. Highly recommendable.

WILL: "Therefore, do not be deceived." That is the perfect tagline for gSpa. Or better "Do not judge the book by its cover" haha!

Abbey won a one (1) spa treatment from Medhatters and he threatens me not to redeem it if I will not come with him. Even it is a 24hour spa, we still made a booking 3 weeks before our targeted date. 

A very unique foyer welcomed us. Three lovely ladies behind the concierge immediately accommodated us. Less than 10minutes we are both on our way to the spa rooms. 

Because Abbey really pushed me to go with him, I look for ways to lessen the cost of this pampering session. AspirantSG threw a 15% off and free body scrub to his blog readers and I am too lucky to be one of first 10 reservation. 

I requested for body scrub first before the massage. This is a trivia about myself. This is my only third time to have a body scrub in a spa. Why? I found it too expensive, my good reason. So, I just buy a sea salt scrub over the counter and do it for myself. Haha. Ok, back to the review. Xiao Rui mastered her craft. It seems that I am her baby that really need a deep cleaning. She kneaded and cleansed me by the strokes of her hand. I really hoped that time will never end. 

Xiao Hui is the assigned masseur to me. That is the first time in my whole life that I have a hard massage. Her hand, knuckles and elbows know the exact point where my body aches. She stretched my body that unbelievably gave a cracking sound which I felt a kind of relief. When she told me that my session was done, I frowned. I want more haha!!! It is very relaxing.

2 hours of pampering, I am ready for filling up my tummy. Yep at a $155 package, it includes a buffet. Hey it is not an international buffet but in their menu for sure some of the food will satisfy your taste buds. What I love the most is their dim sums. I ate 8 servings of those. 

There is also a rest area that you can seat on their couches watch movies, tv shows or just sleep. 

It is really a wonderful experience. We already told our friends how good it is and they ensure us that they will try the service in there. :) 

Xin Wang Hongkong Cafe @ Plaza Singapura

ABBEY : I think I already dined on this restaurant, once or twice. But only when I "dated" Kar Yin (Wilma's officemate), I tried their dessert. 

For dinner, I got Western one; fried chicken cutlet with sauce and fries and baked beans. Then came the dessert; red bean ice kachang. 
It was served in a large bowl. The ice shavings was formed like a tower or should I say a tall mound. I enjoyed eating it by carefully scraping the ice not to topple the scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The volume of ice is enough to wash out the sweetness of the beans. My "date" have the mango one.

The diner also offer local and chinese food; ranging from dumplings, spring rolls up to laksa and noodles.

WILL: It is our first date with Karyin and I decided to date her at Xin Wang Hongkong Cafe at Plaza Singapura. There is a lot of dining options at that mall but this place always have a queue. We arrived early and we were served as soon as we set our foot in front of the restaurant. 

Not more than 15 minutes our food is in front of us. I miss the crispy noodles of Chowking back in the Philippines and I am here to check out their version. 

Crispy Prawn Noodle ($12.90) made me feel that I am home. It met my expectation but the quantity is enormous. But do not worry, I finished it all. Without giving any part of it to Karyin or Abbey. Haha! 

Then I am craving for red bean ice kacang, we ordered the XW Special Red Bean Snow Ice ($6.90). I am very full but I still managed to ate half of it. 

This my second time dining here in this food chain. The first is at Changi Airport Terminal 3 with my in-laws. It never fail to fill up my tummy wonderfully. Till our next visit Xin Wang Hongkong Cafe.

Gelato World Tour - Singapore

ABBEY: After a long walk in Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, we rewarded ourselves gelato. Not one but sixteen flavors. 

Marina Bay Sands held the first leg of Gelato World Tour. The tour will be coming to Rimini, Berlin, Austin, Dubai, Melbourne, Valencia and Roma.

Sixteen top artisan gelato chefs competed last March 20-22 wherein they showcased their own and unique flavors. Not that I'm biased but I rooted for my own country. The flavor is mango with ube (purple yam) and called Mango Ube Symphony. It was created by Zara Manikan under the flagship of Bono Artisanal Gelato. They won People's choice. The grand winner for Asia Pacific Finals is Sharon Tay of Momolato.

Other flavors I like were Kopi-Fah Sung Thong and  Croccante alla Fragola.

WILL: After our ecotour at pronounced ASEAN park, we decided to continue our day-off at Marina Bay Sands to check out the Gelato World Tour. 

Singapore is the first leg of the gelato artists to compete their works against each other. Singapore known to its hot weather submitted 5 entries, while Philippines have one. We arrived earlier than we expect and lucky to witness the presentation of each chefs to the panelist their gelatos. Its a great experience to see first hand the faces and gestures of the judges while their tasting the samples. :) 

The ticketing open and for only $12 you can get an 8 small tub of different flavors. I tasted it all except the Beer with Ciambella. I am not fond of the smell and taste of it so I do not dare to get some of it. 

What flavors that caught my attention? The Mango Ube Symphony. Maybe because of my native tongue. Congratulations Ms Zara Zaragoza-Manikan for winning the Peoples' Choice Award. She deserves it, the queue is non-stop to her booth. The Croccante alla Fragola also is tasty. We have different preferences so maybe what I like will be not appealing for you. :) 

Well, we will continue to checkout the final judgement on your last tour stop. Hope for you to visit Singapore again.  

Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

ABBEY: We're not able to go inside Bukit Timah Nature Park as renovation is going on. So we decided to go to Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. 

Some of its parts are also undergoing renovations but the sanctuary for migratory birds is open. Still the same rules apply; don't litter, no fishing, and don't destroy the property. As this is for bird-lovers, taking snaps is no easy feat. Thus the rule be quiet should be observed. Hides and screens are installed within the wetlands for fowl enthusiasts. Kingfishers, herons, and sandpipers were among the birds that can be seen there. 

Beware of crocodiles as well. Back away if you meet some and always be on the guest paths. This is a very relaxing and serene place.

WILL: We are scheduled to hike the Bukit Timah and we found it close for renovation. So, not to waste time, we decided to go to Sungei Buloh Wetland. 

I am not ready to go there. Why? I read a lot of blogs that monitor lizards and snakes were freely roaming the area. I am so afraid of those reptiles that I can't stand to see them even in photos or videos. But Abbey and I need to accomplish a thing without further hesitations we hailed a taxi to roll up there. 

My heart pounding to the site of welcome signage fixated in front of the park. As usual my husband make me feel so secured and make my brain stop to imagine things. 

So we walk, observe the migratory birds, take photos of big spiders hanging on their webs and carefully looking out for stray crocodiles or monitor lizards or snakes on our path. 

Whew! I survived the challenged when we pass the main bridge. That's what I know. Haha! Everybody screamed and ran and to Abbey's delight he saw a huge monitor lizard gleefully swims at the pond. 

Ok. That's it! I will never go back to Sungei Buloh! Haha! Thanks to National Parks for this great experience.  

Remembering Lee Kuan Yew - Thank You Sir!

ABBEY: I came to Singapore on 2009. Cleanliness and orderliness greeted me and was amazed on the progress of the country. Yes, Lee Kuan Yew is not the current Prime Minister, but the passion and vision of current government is rooted to his own. 

He dedicated his life to serve the country and make it stand out on the rest of the world. The people supported him as they know that they'll go on the right path with him. His full-white office attire is a physical emblem to strive for excellence and do it with clean conscience. 

Words will not be able to describe the feeling upon losing him. All we can do is to hold on to the memories he shared and continue to further his work. Some may say that it is sad that he wasn't able to see the fruits of his labor; he was, that was his vision in the first place. Thanks to you, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

WILL: A HERO! That is what I can describe LKY. (Shocks I am in the verge of tears now). My husband woke up around 3AM and when I turned to him. Abbey in a very low voice he stated that LKY passed away. 

I  want to have this opportunity to thank him for dreaming. Dreaming that Singapore will be as good as other Western and European countries. Dreaming that he can change Singapore. Dreaming to be a first world country. Now, his dream and wish for Singapore is my reality. Not only his fellow Singaporeans harnessed the fruit of his labour but also the foreign expats like me. 

I envy Singaporeans because they have a Lee Kuan Yew. A man who have the courage, love and respect to his country and his fellowmen. I envy Singaporeans because they have a LKY who founded People’s Action Party that represents politicians with a pure heart in serving the residents; free from corruption and immense visions for the betterment of  nation. I envy Singapore because LKY used an iron hand in implementing the laws. I envy Singapore for having LKY as their founding father.

Thanks LKY, one of the most clean heart, brilliant and loving father of Singapore.. No one can replace you in everybody’s heart!  

Bamboo World Tour 2015 (Bamboo with Mitoy and The Voice Kids) - Live in Singapore

ABBEY: Rivermaya was my wife's favourite when we were on high school. Being her as my crush I need to know the lyrics of their songs, just to impress. So I have memorized most of them and little did I know that it will help me enjoy Bamboo's concert last March 15 in Singapore Expo.

The Voice Kids winners and Mitoy made the front acts.
Few points I found to be room for improvements for the kids:
Darlene: Improve on how to interact more with your audience. The quality of the voice and diction should be looked into. Choose songs that is for your vocal range. Yes, you can belt out those high notes but it is annoying when you're on the lows.

Lyca: Another product of sympathy votes, I guess. Aegis songs, yes. But need to enhance your talent more.

JK: Continue to harness your voice and serenade those girls.

Darren: Yes you are the total package, but please change your repertoire. Please, please, please!!! You're a dude, not a gal; unless you aren't. Change it soon, else you'll see yourself as one of the judges in "Your Face Sounds Familiar". Also, with your current acts, it is as if Sarah Geronimo is on the house. Get your own identity, man.

Mitoy really prepared the mood of the audience for Bamboo. He entertained the guests well. And he kept on singing while the crowd mugged him for selfie.

Then the rock icon entered the stage and set it on fire with his Rivermaya tunes like Awit ng Kabataan, Hinahanap-hanap Kita, 214, and Elesi. He also sang Noypi, Tatsulok and Hallelujah.

WILL: Cause time may pass; But longer than it'll last I'll be by your side... Am I real?

We got a VIP ticket for discounted price. Again, thanks Dr. Love Shelly! 

We arrived late..2 hours late. But the show just started. Out of four, JK stands out for me. I knew Mitoy way way back when he is performing at Eat Bulaga. I admire his voice and his comedy antics that make the people dance along in his music. From there I am Mi-Toy-O Fans Club. 

Bamboo Mañalac! The man of the hour! Never fails to make me scream and sing-a-long to his music. It reminds me of my teenage years specially when he hit the crowd with Rivermaya's Ang Awit ng Kabataan. And suddenly my heart pound for the love of my country when I heard the "Tatsulok". The Noypi lingers to my veins as it described a life of a Filipino Expats. 

I Love Bamboo. Hope to see him in a reunion with other original Rivermaya. 

Singapore City Gallery

ABBEY: As far as land is concerned, Singapore has scarcity for it. Salute to the men and women of their government as well as their people. 

As their history tells, they faced many issues and problems before they got to the point where they are now today. Take Singapore river for example. It was told that you can smell its stink a mile from it. But now, it was one of the places to go to. Once they got their problems solved and all is well, the improvement doesn't stop. 

Singapore City Gallery shows the plans and proposed improvements for Singapore in the future especially in the business district. The gallery is located in The URA Centre at Maxwell road. It is near (across) the Red Dot Traffic building. It shows scales of Singapore business district and you can have virtual reality if you point the device on the markers. 

It also exhibits the works of British artist Stephen Wiltshire. He drew the Singapore skyline, out of his memory after a short helicopter trip. That was awesome. Other works like New York, Sydney, and London were also there.

WILL: Ok, you already knew Singapore's past. How dirty the roads are, how deep their floods were and the infamous stench produced by their dead river. And it was reverse all to positive and the outcome was seen by the whole world. But do you want to know more? Want to know the future? Want to know what they will create for the next years? Go to Singapore City Gallery. 

In here you can see their next projects. Which country they tie up with on researches on how to construct more stable buildings and have it secured in upcoming earthquakes or other catastrophe. It also showcases the intricate zoning of the city state. 

Attend the light and sound show to know more about the Singapore's CBD Area. 

Singapore City Gallery was just located near the Tanjong Pagar MRT station, 10mins walk. This is the best place to visit for engineers, architects and alike.