Nylon Singapore 1st Anniversary Party @ Zouk

ABBEY: Sometimes I find it surprising when Wilma tells me that we got invited to a party here at Singapore. We attended the opening of District 10 at Star Vista as well as the Finals night of FHM Singapore 2012. 

Last April 26 we were invited to take part on the  first anniversary of Nylon Singapore - a lifestyle magazine. The event was held at the Zouk. At the entrance they have their photo booth courtesy of Hello Stranger. Each guest were given a coupon for a drink. Inside the bar you can queue up for popcorn or cotton candy. Sweet enough to maintain the energy and enthusiasm of the  guests. 

The program began at 8:30 with instrumental music from a live band. The celebration was graced by their April 2013 cover girl VJ Hanli. She was simple yet very pretty. The hosts got more attention from the guests when they started giving away prizes thru games. Being shy, Wilma pushed me to join their version of The Price is Right. You have to estimate the price of three Jabra headsets. I thought you'll gonna earn a point if your correct then the contestant with highest point will win a headset. The twist is whoever got the closest price, he'll take home the item. I won Jabra Revo white. It costs 248sgd. :) Cool, huh? They also played Movie quotes and the price is a hi-fi system. Chubby bunny is the last game. The participants will put marshmallows on their mouth then they will have to say chubby bunny clearly.  It was fun. The party ended with another performance from a live band. 

I'd like to thank Nylon for the price I got. When we arrived home we noticed that the cord of the headset wasn't in the box. I called Nylon and they told me to get it in their office. 

Now my price is complete. Again, happy birthday and more power.

WILL: The stars aligned in favor of us, as we both received an email for the confirmation of invites to Nylon's 1st Year Anniversary Party. 
      I am very overwhelmed to witness their celebration and begged Abbey to take a leave in his office that day. And when his leave was approved, I jumped with joy and hugged him. Haha! 
      When we arrived Zouk, we were welcomed by the Nylon's staffs, OMG, Sonia is so beautiful and sexy. After checking our names if we were enlisted, we were stamped at our left wrist and given a voucher for a drink. The Hello Stranger Photobooth was there to take some fun memories of Nylon's guests, cool!
      830 the party started by a band, I am David Sparkle, an instrumental rock band, well, I quite enjoyed, I find their music "soothing", weird? Haha. Then my most awaited part... The DKNY Fashion Show. I am really an enthusiast of fashion and that's why love fashion magazine like Nylon :) They held some games then wrapped up the party by another band, The Summer State. 
     The guests have amazingly doses by sugar to keep their spirits alive. Popcorn, ice cream and candy floss were there up for grabs. 
     Abbey take home a Jabra Revo headphone worth  $248 when he won the "When the Price is Right" contest, he also got a pink bag that have the Nylon's April 2013 issue, DKNY vouchers, Essential Shampoo and Conditioner, Liese Bubble Hair Color, Shiseido Lipsticks, Zouk stickers and lighter. 
    This is really amazing night, my husband told me that he never wasted a one day leave.
    Thanks Nylon Singapore! More power! More Fashion for gals and guys to published! 

River Explorer Singapore

ABBEY: We got the complimentary tickets for this River Cruise when we bought tickets for Gardens by the Bay on an online deal promotion. 

We boarded their terminal near Liang Court. The cruise is different from the cruise we had near the Singapore Flyer as it has video narration on each boat. The narration gives information on each landmark that you will pass on. It also gives some unique trivia on places. It is the only time that I saw the old place of Merlion and the cost of building merlion is lesses compared when it was moved. 

It gave me a different perspective of Singapore skyline. The route has different stops in which you can alight but you have to pay when you ride back. The cruise give more information regarding Singapore's humble past. 

WILL: Do you want to really know the history of Singapore? In depth? Start the exploration with the Singapore River, as this body of water is one of the witnesses how this small land struggled its way to success. 
      Abbey, Chat and I decided to alight at the Merlion Park, but once we boarded the Singapore River Explorer's boat, we come to the decision to finish the cruise. 
      As the boat is sailing, there's a video explaining the places above us. The most interesting for me is the old place of Merlion and in detail how Singapore moved the icon to its new place, which is now the Merlion Park. Next one caught my attention was the flying saucer building, Singapore's Supreme Court. 
      Here you can imagine the drastic transformation of the before "dead" river and now one of the most visited part of this island by the tourists. 
      This exploration costs $18 for adults but we got this when we bought at Groupon the voucher for Gardens by the Bay. :) 
      Nice way to spend time. You will be relaxed by the splashing tides and the story-telling video. ;) 

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.

UNESCO World Heritage : Historic Centre of Macao

ABBEY: This review is long due as our Macau staycation has been long gone. (February 2013) I can't remember all the names of the places that we've been but I'll try to recollect. It's a long walk but worth it. You'll be walking on brick roads (maybe you'll meet Dorothy on the way :)) 

Our first destination is Rua de Sau Paulo. It is only the facade of the structure but its very magnificent and intricate. Behind the facade is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt. In here was displayed crucifixes, religious statues as well as paintings. On the right side of St. Paul's facade is the Macau Museum. But you have to walk up to get there. It is closed when we got there as we are early. 

Next stop is the St. Anthony's church. Adjacent to it is a Protestant Chapel including an old cemetery and Casa Garden. We stopped by McDonalds for breakfast. Last destination is Senado Square. 

You would definitely know that you're there since the buildings are painted with striking colors. This is where we also bought our stamps for our collection. Be sure to condition yourself to walk long but its great.

WILL: Do you want to travel to west but only have budget for eastern countries? Well the most appropriate place to go is Macau. 
      In Macau you can give yourself a treat if you visited on December to February. You can see the beautiful architectures by Portuguese and feel also the climate of western countries. 18degrees Celsius will be enough to let you wander on this little country without a sweat! 
     We went here last 2013 Chinese New Year and of course the Macau Heritage Trail is a must to see. You will never be wrong to on this trail since there is so many street signs, very tourist-savvy. 
    We went first to the worldwide-known landmark of Macau, the Ruins of St. Paul. In here we saw a group of Portuguese handling some free Bible to Chinese tourists. Its basement showcased some arts and statues of patrons. 
    After roaming the Ruins, we go for a challenge when decided to walk up to the Monte Fortress. This is the highest part of Macao Heritage Trail. Here also located The Museum of Macau. 
    We went down as the rain starts to pour. If you are not so sure where the next stop you will go, just grab a free map, connect with their free wifi named WiFi GO to double check your iPhone's compass. 
    Next stop were the churches up north of the trail, after we ate our breakfast and the rain seemed lighten, we walked and saw the Old Protestant Cemetery. Then we say hello to the famous Senado Square. The place is too crowded and too many shops, we will never know that we are already there unless we saw the street sign behind us. 
    We ended our long-long walk after we bought our stamps for collection. 
    This is a great bonding for me and my husband. Both lost in an unknown place, you will know the deeper side of your partner in this kind of situation. How you will handle the pressure to know your whereabouts while pleasuring your eyes with great foreign scenes. 
    Thanks to Abbey he never frowned and he knew now how to stretch his patience. ;) 
    You must go here guys, spend half-day in here and test your walking skills. :)  

Marvel's (Singapore) : Iron Man 3

ABBEY: From all the trailers until the time I stepped on to the cinema, I was excited about the surprises that will be given by Tony Stark to his viewers. As usual there is his funny one-liners. His personal struggle is his anxiety attacks. He wants the love of his life, Pepper Potts, to be protected at all times at all costs. And this made toll on his sleep. As he configured all the suits to protect him and Pepper, one night he had a nightmare. Pepper just want to wake him up but the robot assume that she's attacking Tony. Pepper was surprised and disappointed as they cannot live a normal life. And she decided that they should take a vacation indefinitely. 

His enemy, Mandarin, developed a weapon that makes an ordinary soldier invincible and can regenerate and heal when hurt. Tony knew that it is a revenge to him and he worried more for Pepper's welfare. 

The film was great. On my opinion every installment became better and better. From Tony's antics, his girls and up to his "toys". I think as the movie ended the series has come to its final pace. With his house, suits, and shrapnel gone, it is time for him to live a normal life. But as he said no one can take away from him the he is in fact "The Ironman" ;)

The character that I liked is Tony and Pepper as a couple. Technically, they count only as one. While Tony's development really advances science, it was Pepper who reminds him to use it on good purposes. She learned how to tame the beast out of him. He turned away from womanizing and Pepper became the sole recipient of odd gifts from Tony (e.g. the big bunny). They are Yin and Yang of each other.

WILL:  After the Oz, this is one of the movie I am waiting for the year 2013 and I am not the only person waiting for it as this film made a record of breaking of S$4.6M over the opening weekend.
       How good it is? We bought ticket online one week before our planned movie date.  No lame shots, no yawns and even blinking is not an option. 10/10. Love this Iron Man and specially the man in the suit. ;)
       My favorite character at Iron Man 3 is the love interest of the mechanic, Pepper Potts. Women will make or break a man! Wootwoot! And this case, she is the primary reason why Tony should save the world. Girl power rises when she saved her lover not only once but twice. Well, I can say that Pepper also fits well in metal suit.

Catch Marvel’s Iron Man 3 in cinemas April 26! You can also follow the Official Marvel's Iron Man 3 Singapore Facebook Page and subscribe to Marvel Singapore YouTube Channel!

Crystal Jade Kitchen at Holland Village & Crystal Jade My Bread at Takashimaya

ABBEY: We had another round of Citibank points to exchange into vouchers. We chose Crystal Jade for a change. The vouchers are redeemable either on their restaurants or bakeries. We had dinner at their branch in Holland Village. You can do a walk-in or to be sure make a reservation. The place is jam-packed. Its a good thing the staff allowed us to have a table at the second floor. They gave us less than hour to dine as the place will be used for a function. 

I tried their Fried Noodle with Shredded Pork & Cabbage . As it is a Chinese cuisine, the dish is flavorful and presented beautifully. We also tried their dumplings. The sauce and the dumplings complement each other well; leaving you to crave for more. 

For a 30sgd-meal we only paid 10sgd less the 20sgd voucher. The other voucher we spent buying bread on their bakery at Crystal Jade My Bread at Takashimaya. This made Wilma ecstatic. She liked bread and pastries a lot. We bought floss, their must-have Mini Hong Kong BBQ Pork Bun, cake, coffee and milk buns. She was very happy seeing large quantities of dough-delight put in two large plastic bags. As we can't finish them all before expiration we shared some to our housemates. 

Thanks Crystal Jade.

WILL: Do you know that Crystal Jade serves Authentic Chinese Cuisine with love for beyond two decades already? Do you know that Crystal Jade is one of established restaurant well-known not only in Singapore but across Asia. Do you know that Crystal Jade not only have restaurants but also have bakeries?

      Holland Village Is the nearest branch of Crystal Jades's restaurant from our home. We called because when we pass by at their place, we always saw that they are fully-packed and the queue is too long, but its too late, the reservation list was full and they just asked us to be their walked-in guests. We agreed and hailed taxi immediately, we don't like to be caught up on a long line of grumbling stomachs. Haha!

      No queue as we arrived by 530PM, they immediately assisted us to the second floor. I ordered La Mian Soup with minced pork and vegetable wanton. When I saw the serving, I already knew that I will carry a take-away bag later.. It is too many for me, and Abbey already raised both hands in surrender to eat my left-over. It costs $9.50 but good for two serving. The soup and the noodles is so tasty. So delicious!

      Abbey went for Fried Noodle with Shredded Pork & Cabbage in Shanghai Style for $12.80, so good that he managed to eat it all, he also ordered a Deep-fried Pork Rib in "Wu Xi" Style for $8.50.

      This date night costs us to pay the $40.00 voucher.

      Then Abbey and I decided to spend the remaining $20.00 on their breads. After our remittance at iRemit at Lucky Plaza, we went to Crystal Jade My Bread located at Takashimaya. Gosh, there are so many breads... newly baked and the alluring aroma keep me to pick more breads that the costs of the our voucher, haha.. We added $2.00.The bread is so tasty, I am really the fan of their bakery since I tasted their tarts! Love it a lot!

      Before I forgot, thank you so much to Citibank Singapore for the $60.00 vouchers.

The Beauty Boutique Clementi - Foot Reflexology Service

ABBEY: We got a 1-hour foot spa-scrub-massage from StreetDeal.sg  and it will serviced by Beauty Boutique; a shop near Clementi MRT station. We were asked to sit on a lazy-boy type chair and a couple of minutes after our feet were soaked in warm water with herbs and tea.

After 30 minutes of dipping we were given a foot scrub. I felt that my feet were very well cleaned. Our feet were dried and oil was applied on to them as the massage started.

I enjoyed it as the masseur hit the aching part on my heel and I got relieved. It is as if I'm walking on very soft cushion after. Once in a while its worth pampering our feet; the reason why we can go from places to places.

WILL: Oh, we are so loving the deals now, its very near to our home. Only 4 bus stops away.
      Abbey deserved all the relaxation the world can give. He is a great husband the woman can have. Ayyyiiiieeee! 
      After alighting in front of Clementi Mall, we just walked a few stalls then we arrived at this red, red stall... The Beauty Boutique. We were not there to accentuate our beauty but to relax our very tired feet. 
      Immediately an usher assisted us and felt the comfort o the seats offered. She asked us is we want to upgrade our voucher for $5, we agreed, then a tea bag was soaked together with our feet. In a hot water for 10minutes, my feet was relaxed and the tensed muscles started to calm, they scrub my foot up to knees, washed the scrub down, the kneading began. 
      As usual I requested for a hard massage. My foot aches was directly hit by their professional hands. The more they pressed, the more I feel the relief. 
      They have some promotions but unlike other salon, they are pushy for you to grab their offers. 
      The salon is very clean and the masseurs are very kind.      
      Thank you to StreetDeal.sg for this offer! 

Ginisang Ampalaya (Simple Sautéed Bitter Gourd Recipe)

7 small ampalaya

1/4 kilo of pork (cubed)

2 eggs (beaten)

1 medium onion

4 cloves of garlic (minced)

Cut the ampalaya in half, remove the seeds by scraping it with spoon and slice them in 1/8 inch-thickness diagonally.

Saute onion, garlic and pork.

Once the pork is tender, put the ampalaya. Add half cup of water and simmer for 2 minutes.

Add the egg while stirring the vegetable continuously. This will prevent the egg to form in large chunks.

Season to taste and serve with rice. 

VERDICT

WILL: While almost all of the children and even some of the adults I know hate bitter gourd, here I am loving it a lot! I want it almost on every week on our weekly list or at least incorporate it to the other vegetable or viand. 

     When Abbey cooking this viand, we always have a separate food. He wants the bitter gourd to be well-cooked while I want it to be stir-fry.. As in I want it raw! haha! 

     Love this meal! Healthy and yummy. 

The Croods

ABBEY: I didn't set my expectations high on this animated film. I thought it was like a Tarzan or Jungle Book plot. But I was wrong. I enjoyed watching it. 

It is a story of pre-historic people who managed to survive on difficult challenges they face everyday. Their motto is to settle in the cave once the "light" has gone out. They would hunt for food by stealing eggs of the animal and when they are finished its almost sundown. Their live became a ritual  and Eep is not happy about it. She knew there is something beyond what they believe. But her father, Grug, would insist that they stay on the cave at nightfall. At the cave Grug will share stories to his mother-in-law, Gran, wife, Ugga , son, Thunk and little daughter, Sandy. 

One night Eep couldn't sleep and she noticed that there's a "moving light" outside the cave. She went out and follow it. It was fire from a torch of Guy; a wanderer who is heading his way to the mountain to escape the incoming earthquake. She held () captive and brought him to her family; telling that he has the "sun". The catastrophe brought their cave to the ground so they decided to move with Guy. 

It was a fun adventure. I like the punchlines of Belt. Everything is new to the family as it was their first time moving out of their comfort zone which makes Grug worried. They managed to resolved their family conflicts and settle to a better place. 

Be sure to check how they do their family portrait :)

WILL: This is not a "Flintstone" movie, but this is portrayal of stone age. 

      The Croods is a family that life goes round and round, they fear on changes, frightened to try new things. But the changes should be faced and the said change is a "must". 

      This is a great movie specially for kids. Here you can learn how to handle new things that will come to your way. Father's love to his family showed blatantly in this film. 

      Thanks to InCinemas Singapore for the free preview passes! :) keep the good movies coming guys! Mwahhhz! 

Chicken Broccoli

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized broccoli

1/2 kilo of boneless chicken leg or chicken breast

1 egg

Flour or fried chicken mix

1 medium-sized onion

3 cloves of garlic (minced)

1-2 teaspoon of cornstarch (dissolved in 1/2 cup if water)

Soy sauce

Cut the chicken into 1-inch size.

Soak them in beaten egg, roll over into the flour or chicken mix. And then deep fry until golden brown. Set aside.

Cut the broccoli flowerets into bite-size.

Saute onion and garlic. Then stir fry the broccoli.

Add the chicken.

Mix soy sauce and cornstarch and pour it in the pan.

Season to taste.

You can alternatively use oyster sauce.

Serve with hot rice.

VERDICT

WILL: Abbey's mentor in cooking is the Panlasang Pinoy videos, I "like" also their facebook page to be more updated. Last month, I saw a new recipe was published and immediately my cook to do that for me. ;) 

      Of course, my personal chef knew what are things I don't want in my food so he took out the oyster sauce out of the recipe. Maybe some we'll think what will be its taste, well, it is still yummy. 

      A nutritional/delicious meal. As usual, double thumbs up Baby Abbey! 

Walt Disney Studios Singapore: Oz The Great and Powerful

ABBEY: Wilma always wanted to see a film about Wizard of Oz. From early movies created up to the famous broadway show Wicked, she saw them all.

She asked me if we can watch Oz: Great and Powerful in the big screen. She lost hope in winning a pair of tickets on Nuffnang and Facebook contests. I gladly said yes.

As in the title, it shows the story about the wizard. Oz was portrayed by James Franco. He is a magician in a circus and people really believe that he has powers. So a girl who has a disability and her family offered him money and ask him to make the girl walk. It was in the middle of his act. As he couldn't do it, the people called him a con-man and demanded to refund their payment. Oz also has the habit on hitting on all the girls including the woman of a circus weightlifter. With everyone trying to get a piece of him, he rode a hot air balloon to leave the place. Little did he know that the balloon is being sucked towards a tornado. This eventually became the gate to the land of Oz. 

He was amazed by the tall peaks, rushing waters of the falls, colorful trees and weird creatures. (Mila Kunis) saw Oz when he fell down from the sky. She told Oz that he is the wizard who will set free the people as on the prophecy. On their way to Emerald City, they met monkey with wings, ; it would be Oz's sidekick. Expect a lot of laugh from him. 

Mila introduced Oz to her sister (Rachel Weisz). Asked Oz that if he killed the "evil" witch Glinda (Michelle Williams) he can get all the riches of the treasury. The tables turned upside down when Oz knew the truth. And they prepared a battle between good and evil. You will be surprised how Oz became great and had the respect of the people of Oz (Thinkers, Quadlings, and Munchkins). Its a good movie; great for children.

WILL: Big fan of Wizards of Oz?, here! here! 
      We are members of Nuffnang Singapore, and they alerted us to blog about this movie and win for ourselves a pair of movie passes. I waited... waited until 5pm last 7th of March but no email for Abbey about winnings, since I am great great fan, I can't wait for another day to watch the film. So we decided to go to JCube and bought a pair of tickets. 
      My smile is from ear to ear when I finally took a look on the passes. I watched intensely and laugh so hard on every moves of the very adorable Oz. I am so happy to be the of people in Singapore to see the film on its first day of showing. A very recommendable movie for everyone. 
     On our way home, as I check mails, I saw the Nuffnang congratulatory mail. Haha. We decided to see it again. Sorry friends for being so selfish. I just really love this movie. One monday we hit VivoCity mall to watch it for the second time at Golden Village. ;)  

Cereal Prawns Recipe

1/2 kilo of large tiger prawns (cleaned and deveined)
1 stalk of curry leaves
1 salted egg (yolk only)
1 egg (beaten)
Flour
1-2 tablespoon butter
1 pack of ready mix cereal
1-2 chili slices

Put the prawns in the egg and roll them over to the flour. Fry it until the shell becomes orange. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a pan, then mash the salted egg yolk.
Put in the curry leaves follow by the cereal mix and chili.
Once the cereal absorbed the butter, throw in the prawns. Mix well until the prawns are covered with cereal.

VERDICT

WILL: This is one of the most famous must-eat here in Singapore, but due to seafood allergies of my Abbey, I also prefer not to eat anything that can activate the allergens. 

      One Monday, he told me that he will be cooking something special, so that day I am just looking forward only for our dinner. After workout with my friend Chat, we were all surprised that cereal prawn is the viand in front of me and Chattie. 

      Pity to Abbey he can't taste his own masterpiece! Oh darl, it is really good. How tasty it is? While I am writing this blog, I keep on swallowing the cravings of the memories created in my mind.  

      Thanks baby, you always have surprises up on your sleeves. Love you so much... my personal chef! 

The Venetian Macao

ABBEY: Venetian is one of the many hotels and casinos in Macau. It also houses signature and prominent boutiques; Victoria's Secret where you can pose along with Heidi Klum's wings which she wore on one of the fashion shows. The hotel has sampan(gondola) like the one in Marina Bay Sands. If on a budget you can buy lunch or dinner at their foodcourt just like us. 

Perhaps the most prominent feature of the hotel is the ceiling on the third floor. It was as if there is no roof. The ceiling was painted with a portrait of the sky. Its always "day" on that area of the hotel. You can enjoy the scenic view as a singer renders an opera.

WILL: Do you want to experience a gondola cruise under a blue sky?, c'mon go to Venetian Macao and experience it for only 118MOP. 

      This largest casino, hotel and resort rolled in one is located at Taipa island of Macau. The building was inspired by architectural designs in Italy. 

      I felt that I was so welcomed here, in this building, we took our first dinner and spend half of our second day strolling around on the Titanic and The Human Bodies exhibition. 

     This is a gigantic place that maybe can be conquered for three days of walking. Haha! This is a must-to-see place in Macau! Tourist must check this out. Oh, they are providing a free shuttle from the Ferry terminal and sister company Sands Macao.