Sentosa Buskers Festival 2014

ABBEY: Another year has passed and Sentosa Buskers Festival is back. We only have one goal; to see Grumpy Queen Vic and have a snap with her. Upon arriving in Beach Station, Les Dudes is already performing. They are one of the wacky duo who does torch juggling, riding unicycle and acrobatics. After their act, I heard a loud whistle that sends a signal of urgency. It was Tuto Tul; a mime calling out his audience. He made his funny head stands and antics with audience participation. The show turned out to be good as the volunteers were game.

After that, we went to Palawan beach to see the "Queen". She was really grumpy :) Even the sound of violin from Singaporean artist Dan cannot put a smile across her face. Maybe because she was placed in the farthest part of the Buskers' Festival area. It would be better to place her in the area near iFly. We were about to leave as our mission was accomplished.

It was a good thing that we stayed. A few minutes later Aerial Manx of Australia started his act. He did lit up a whip and extinguished the flames by striking it. Each sonicboom was matched with a fireball. The sight was awesome. The last act is a dangerous one. So unique that he was logged into Guiness World record. He swallowed a 42-inch sword, did a cartwheel and then backflipped. That's how you end a performance.

WILL: Have you been to any of Sentosa’s Buskers Festival? No? Whyyyy? Tell me why?!

This season, I laughed a lot, my jaw-dropped a lot and I spend a lot for the tips. Haha!

Sentosa squeeze in the performances to the a smaller vicinity of the island, it is a good thing, viewers can jumped in to one act simultaneously. First we saw the Les Dudes from Canada. Unicycle is their forte. Tuto Tul got our attention when he blew his whistle. He is really amazing. He is a mime, clown and a magician. He make his audiences participate on his show.

We ran to The Garden to check out The Grumpy Queen from United Kingdom. Well she is the reason why we chose to go on Monday. Haha! I tried to make her smile, but efforts are futile. She is really a grumpiest off all grumpy queen in the whole wide world.

We were about to go home when we saw Aerial Manx from Australia fixing his stuffs, when I read on the pamphlet that he is a Guinness World Record holder, Winner of Apollo Bay Buskers Competition and performed on almost all of the famous city, we decided to stay, sit and enjoy his antics. Well, a breathtaking, tongue-swallowing and heartbeat-stopper performance Aerial Manx showed to us.

This weekend please visit them at Sentosa.. The State of Fun. Its free but please give some tips to the buskers if you enjoyed their shows. J

dr. Café Coffee Singapore

ABBEY: We visited Dr. Cafe's branch at City Link Mall when we met my college friend, Ryan. 

The thing liked the most is their Dome Chocolate cake. Since it was from the fridge, the twist is that they served it in a lukewarm plate which made the chocolate frosting to melt. The flavor is rich and texture is smooth. Pair it with coffee-of-the-day and you're in for a treat. 

Three slices of cake and three drinks all for 18sgd.

WILL: Dr. Cafe is all over Singapore and I apologize for not visiting them until last 29th of August.

Abbey and I met one of his blockmate and after dinner at Asian Kitchen we went directly to Dr. Cafe for a dose of caffeine.  

Like a child, I ordered 3 cakes. Yes, three. They have this 50% promotion that time and yes I abused that entitlement. I ordered Dome Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Oreo Cheesecake. 

I am so amused when their chocolate cake touched my mouth. So warm and a not-so-sweet chocolate enticed me to dig in for more. Their blueberry cheesecake is awesome. There is something that is ewww to the Oreo Cheesecake, not recommended! 

Go and try their Dome Cake. They have also Plaza Singapura and Star Vista branch. 

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Singapore

ABBEY: Hungry and you have a big appetite? Well, well, well, I recommend Baja Fresh. 

We visited them after Singapore Night Festival. It was a good thing they extended their store hours. Not aware of what to have, the staff from the counter approached our table and gladly explained their menu.

I got their Taco Platter. Your choice of beef or chicken in soft or crispy taco shells. The platter comes with serving of beans and rice. Thinking that the serving is small, we also ordered a plate of nachos.

Believe me, it's not nachos that they're serving, it is NACHOS. After squeezing the limes, we started to indulge to our Mexican late dinner. The juice of taco fillings oozed out in every bite. Maybe I had more than enough, thus I felt gassy after :) By the way the salad bar is unlimited.

WILL: Singapore Night Festival is a feast for the eyes and stomach. So even very late, we took the opportunity to dine at Baja Fresh Mexican Grill located at 9 Bras Basah Road (near at SOTA).

I ordered Chicken Baja Burritos, Abbey went for Tacos and bravely added up nachos. When the food came to our table and we were shocked of its sizes. I am laughing hard to Abbey for asking for additional nachos. I know we can’t finish it all so we decided to wrap up my burritos and for us to consume on the next day.

Abbey digged in on his tacos while I munched all the bowl of crispy nachos. I enjoyed their nachos because of their complimentary salsa bar. (drooling while writing this. Haha).

For next day, I re-heat the burritos and shared it with hubby. Yummy. The guacamole mixed with yogurt is amazing. For sure we will come back in this restaurant. Maybe we will go at their Marina Bay Sands branch.

Cavalia Singapore at The White Big Top (Marina Bay Sands)

ABBEY: I only see horses doing a performance in a circus show on television. Never seen a live one until last Sunday, 31st of August. It was shown in a large white tent adjacent to The Shoppes (Marina Bay Sands). The show starts at 5:30 but doors were open an hour early. In the tent lobby were Cavalia's merchandise from posters, pendants, plush toys and shirts. Snacks like popcorn, hotdog buns, and nachos were sold as well as drinks like sodas and wine.

Before the show starts, Q & A portion is there. Audience will participate by raising their hands when their answers will be flashed on the screen. I only got one correct answer. Fyi, all the horses are male. All expressed their awe when the first horse came out. No saddles, no strings. Lots of tricks and stunts were displayed. The "horse whisperers" did a great job. One trick that really impressed me is when the trainor guided six horses to jump a hurdle while standing on their backs. Last scene is when the stage was half-filled with ankle-deep water. Running on water, it gave these wonderful creatures more grace while moving.

It is not only horses that were shown but acrobats as well. Backflips, formations and gymnasts stunts were everywhere. All in all the performance is great; so great that it was extended until 28th of September.

WILL: The horses are amazing, their trainers don't even need to spank the stallions for them to obey. It seems that the horses and the men and women at the stage really understood each other. 

They are traveling around the globe and its first stop here in Asia is in The Red Dot and I will be so dumb to let this opportunity pass by. The tickets was sold like pancakes and the show was extended for few more weeks.

31st of August we walked our way in to the big white tent of Cavalia beside The Shoppe. We were greeted by their mechandise; tshirts, stuffed toys and more memorabilias. At 5pm, gate was open and we waited for 15 minutes and a Cavalia quiz starts. It so fun that almost all of the audience participated on it. Fun facts that shocked me that they only have stallions and geldings in show. No mares allowed. Haha

The performance started by a very fast running horse. Gosh! Chills! The stunts, the live musical scoring and of course the horses. It is magical. 

Thanks baby for sparing some of your time to be with me that night. Abbey is so busy! But he can't reject this because I paid for it. Haha!

Seeing is Believing - Unusual Stamps Exhibit at Singapore Philatelic Museum

ABBEY: This year Singapore Night Festival also tap Philatelic Museum to open their doors during the event. 

It showcases rare and odd stamps that were made of wood, volcanic ash, embroidered, plastic and foil. Scented stamps and glow-in-the-dark ones were displayed as well. 

The Superhero exhibit displays the popular heroes of DC comics like Wonderwoman, Batman and my favorite, Superman. Batmobiles across the years were also shown. I too the opportunity to take a snap beside the Superman's life-size bust figure.

WILL: Getting ready for Singapore 2015 World Stamp Exhibition? Philatelic Museum of Singapore is now exhibiting the not our usual stamp. If Abbey is excited on Earth Harp and 7 Sopranos, me.. I can't wait for Philatelic Museum's Open House.

Upon stepping my foot in the building, I immediately rushed Abbey to go to the second floor for us to see some of the rare stamps.

Like a child, I touched, smell and even want to lick for me to taste the flavored stamps. Haha.

Indeed a nice experience. Thanks to Bras Basah Bugis Precinct for letting Philatelic Museum join the Singapore Night Festival.

Singapore Night Festival 2014

ABBEY: Going to Singapore Night Festival is one of the ways you can unwind after a week's work. All performances are free and the stage covers from National Museum, SMU, up to Armenian Street. 

Light installations were also exhibited so please pay attention and make sure to catch the images "on the trees". The "light" gowns are a little creepy. They're like headless brides roaming around the Armenian Church. 

Maybe the main feature of the festival is the Earth Harp created and played by William Close. The artist mounted the strings of his harp into the facade of National Museum making it a part of the gigantic instrument. It was great to hear a rendition of Johan Sebastian Bach's Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee from the 9th Symphony. 

We waited for the 7 Sopranos but it seems there is a change in the schedule so we listened to Sounds of Siren wherein the Anna Fernandez's rendition of At Last is remarkable. "We want you back"

WILL: Before they expanded the venue until City Hall, now they constricted the place but packed it with great performances. Hooray to Singapore Night Festival 2014. Free film screening, museum open house and the best is local and foreign performers around the area. This is a yearly event that we are waiting. No excuse not to go. Why? It was scheduled for 2 consecutive weekends. Haha!

Around 6:40PM we already secured a place at the National Museum’s front lawn. ZingO is worth the wait. We saw a very disciplined Chinese Drum Scene. Right after dramatic drums, Earth Harp came to life. William Close, an inventor of many music instruments played it magnificently. Jamming of ZingO and William’s band made my blood rushing! And we decided to stay till midnight.

Stunning lights are everywhere, we took some photos of the trees formed a 3D ancient faces.

For the first time, Armenian Church joined the event. They housed the full-length dresses glowing in the dark areas of the church’s lawn. Haunted! Scary! I asked Abbey to go off immediately. Haha.

Back in front of National Museum, we waited for about 30minutes for 7Sopranos. I enjoyed their music. They make me dance! Oh, sorry, not only me but also other audiences. We clapped and raised our hands!

Till next year Bras Basah Bugis Precinct. Keep on surprising us!

ROTI - Alka's Kitchen (Asian Fusion & Vegan Restaurant)

ABBEY: First we got free mini wraps delivered by Chef Alka herself to advertise her roti prata on offices. Next we got a 7-dollar voucher. So we visited their place at West Coast Plaza. 

Since I got hooked on chicken tikka, I ordered the big serving; 8-inch chicken tikka roti wrap. The wrap is crunchy, chicken is delicious and vegetables are fresh. A can of Thumbs Up soda completed the meal. 

Room of improvement would be if the staff can smile more and receive the guests warmly.

WILL: Do yo like an Indian version  of Subway? Better check out Roti Alka's Kitchen at B1 of West Coast plaza. 

Another discovery! I saw them when they threw an announcement in facebook for free wraps on their first anniversary. I hope we can go but yes, we were trapped to our usual toil. And the good Chef Alka broadcasted free wraps with free delivery to our respective offices. Never wasted a second, I phoned them and booked for 30pcs. OMG! The delivered more than that and even our drivers have the chance to taste it too. 

Abbey got a  free $7 voucher, we redeemed it at their branch and that I the correct way to order their wraps.

1. Choose the wrap.

2. Sauce

3. Extras

4. Fillings

5. Salad

6. Make it a meal by adding few dollars.

I had the Mixed Grilled Wrap. It tasted the same when it first my tastebuds. Haha! Lovely!

A very nice experience.

Sizzling Bangus(Milk Fish) Sisig Recipe

1 large milkfish (fried, deboned, and shredded)

1 large red onion (diced)

1/4 cup ginger (chopped finely)

1/4 cup scallions

1 large chilli

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 pc calamansi

Melt butter in a pan. Once done, sauté onion and then ginger.

Put the milkfish, them scallions and chilli.

Sauté for a few more minutes and add the mayonaisse.

Heat the sizzling plate and add butter to it.

Pour in the milkfish and garnish with calamansi.

VERDICT

WILL: Monotonous. That is a word that will describe our weekly food list. Lately we are trying to new food to tickle our tastebuds. Weekly, I vowed that there should be something new. Last week, I cooked the meatball wrap, this week it is Abbey's turn.

Monday, I am so excited to go home to judge his sisig. After a spoonful of it, it is a 2 thumbs up! Very good alternative for pork.

Thanks Chef Abbey. You are the BEST! 

Walk for Our Children 2014 by Singapore Children's Society

ABBEY: Well, honestly, I cannot run a marathon. Not just yet. Good thing, we got aware of this program of Singapore Children Society "Walk for our Children". The event was held at West Coast's Grand Lawn from 8:30AM to 2PM last Aug 17. It was graced by Mr. Chan Chun Sing. 

The walk is 3km long and we managed to finish it. I know it is not quite a feat but a start for me and my wife. Mini fair with games and food booths were setup for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

WILL: I am very sad that Abbey's firm didn’t participate on Hair for Hope 2014. So to relinquish the disappointment, I look for an event that hubby and I can participate with. We stumbled upon the Singapore Children’s Society.

They have a 3km leisure walk at West Coast park; free registration. No second thought, we signed up. Anyway, it is my dream to participate in any run here in Singapore and this is a good start. Do the walk first before the run, haha!

We do some zumba for warm up, courtesy of Herbalife group and by 8AM, the walk was started. I love walking hand in hand with my husband. In 3km, we talked about his career, our dream apartments and planning for some holidays.

When we were about to reach the finish line, I saw the kites already flying and people swarming the booths. 

It is fun-filled morning. Oh, please visit their website, you can make a donation or be a volunteer to learn more about their advocacy. 

Till next year guys :)

Meatball Wrap Recipe

6 prata

500g ground pork

1 cup minced potato

2 onions

1 garlic

1 green bell pepper

1 can tomato paste

2 beaten eggs

lettuce

Mix the pork, minced potato and the beaten eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Divide into 24 and roll into balls. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the meatballs for 10 minutes until golden.

On the same oil add the chopped onions and garlic. Pour the tomato paste in and add 2 cups of water. Put the sliced green bell pepper let it simmer for 5 minutes. Put the meatballs in and cook it further for 10 minutes.

Fry the prata according to pack instructions.

Spoon the meatballs over the prata and lettuce. Fold up and serve.

VERDICT ABBEY: Dogmas, dogmas everywhere. As puto is to dinuguan or tuyo is to champorado or kaya toast is to soft boiled egg. Why not spaghetti meatball to a wrap? Enyg?! Try it. Lay out a prata on to a plate, put lettuce, then your meatballs. Make sure you put sauce in each and every bite. It's gonna get messy but it's worth it. 

GRUB - Café, Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant at Bishan Park Singapore

ABBEY: Grub is one of the restaurant that gives you a relaxing view. Set inside Bishan Park, you will get refreshed with the lush greens in the pond and trees. 

Be patient as there will be lot of people like you who wants to taste their food. Once there, no need to queue. Just leave your number and they will call you once your table is ready. Enjoy walking on the park as you wait. I got their Grub Cheeseburger for 13 SGD along with fries. We take away the order as I needed some sleep after a night's shift. 

The burgers are heavy which means they're big. At home, we confirmed it. They're huge. The taste? The patty is delicious, smells good and flavourful. Nothing special about the fries but a good partner to the burger.

WILL: Grub set a giveaway on their facebook page last 26^th of July. This is for the lucky 20 people to taste for free their 49^thSingapore’s birthday offering.. the special edition of Chilli Crabcake Burger. Yes! Abbey is lucky and blessed! He won! Due to hectic schedule, we went there on the last day to claim the voucher, 10^th of August, Sunday. Gosh, the place was full and people keep on coming to key-in their handphone number to be queued. Then we decided to take-away our orders. After 25minutes, we got on our hand burgers and fries, then we headed back home.

We ate it for our late dinner, around 10PM. We re-heat it but the freshness of crabcake is still intact. They say it is spicy, but not for me! Haha! Maybe they did not put enough chilli sauce to my sweet crab burger. But the taste is still awesome.

I am really quite frustrated to myself why we never went there early to avoid the long queue. Their site is very relaxing. A very good way to spend Sunday morning.

Thanks Grub! We will definitely grab again some bites on your shop!