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!

Grilled Lemon Soy Sauce Chicken

1/2kg of chicken wings
White pepper
Salt
2 lemon (juiced)
Soy sauce

To marinade.
Wash chicken. Rub white pepper and salt to the chicken then leave for an hour. Put the lemon juice together with soy sauce and dip each meat into it. Put in the fridge for overnight.

As soon as the charcoal have the perfect heat, grill the chicken and constantly brush the marinade sauce on the chicken to keep the moisture. 

VERDICT

ABBEY: We held a DBA-get-together at our place last week of July. And we committed chicken for our share. Wilma came up with an idea for the marinade; lemon and soy sauce. So simple yet so delicious. 

Sour taste on each bite as well as salty and this combo really get me to go for more. Note: This should be eaten with hot rice for better enjoyment.

Claude Bernard's (Singapore) 40th Anniversary @ Shanghai Dolly

ABBEY: We got invited on the 40th birthday celebration of Swiss-made watch Claude Bernard. It was held at Shanghai Dolly in Clarke Quay. The party was retro-themed and the best dressed couple received a pair of timepieces. 

We were informed that light refreshment and snacks will be served at the event. A big buffet of pasta, chicken, and macarons flowed the entire time. We won a spa voucher worth 180sgd by naming a tune on one of their games. A live band did a mini concert that rendered rock n roll genre where people danced and sang along. We also had our souvenir snaps from their photo booth.

WILL: Its a fact that when you see in the labels that the product is a "Swiss Made" it is really a quality. Switzerland excels from banking, chocolates and even watches. Then the Claude Bernard the handmade wristwatches came from this country. 
      Claude Bernard celebrates its 40th anniversary here in Singapore, Abbey and I was one of the privileged ones to attend this celebration at Shanghai Dolly (Clarke Quay). 
      After registration, Abbey and I pose for some shots and walked our way to the gallery of watches. Well, I am astounded by the beauty of its simple designs. The price ranged from $300 up. I will buy ine of those for Abbey's bday ;) 
     The party is well rocked up by the 70's music. The people from all ages are happy dancing its feet. 
     This is a great party. Harjeet indicate in the email that there is a light refreshment to be served but hey, it made my tummy full. The desserts were really good!
     Thanks  Claude Bernard for the invites! More more anniversary to come. 

Meet Up and Cashflow Game

ABBEY: Wilma and I decided to learn more about handling our finances. We believe that we have to be good stewards with the blessings that God is giving to us. 

Here we meet like-minded people who wants to enrich their financial literacy and eventually become financially independent. 

The attendees were less than 10 but we had fun sharing our ideas, tips on investment and calculating the money you have left after spending most of it on a yacht for a "doodad" :)) We indulged in sisig-style tofu and pork ribs and chicken barbecue. It was a day full of FREE learning. 

Yes, playing cashflow game is free here :) Until next time!

WILL: I know Robert Kiyosaki's game board named Cashflow and just recently Abbey and I play these board through e-game. Abbey always won almost each round bit we are still craving to play the real one with real people.
      Cashflow game is a real fun while learning how to attack the different situation that may occur in real life. Here you can see who is the risk takers and who are very conservative in investing. 
  

Jobs (2013)

ABBEY: Before we watch Steve Jobs' biography in the silver screen, I was able to read about him in the book of Walter Isaacson. And I got excited when Wilma told me that we won a pair of tickets for Jobs' premier night. 

It was a good movie. My imagination while reading the book became a reality. Sometimes I would smile seeing Ashton Kutcher portray a serious guy. I'm always reminded of him as the owner of the Malibu beach house in Two and a Half men. But he did a good job in Jobs :) He got it; the way Steve talk and walk and even the unblinking stare when he deals with decisions for business. 

In the movie, they also show the reality-distortion field; where he would not be affected or be under any law (like when he parked in a lot for disabled). For him, it is a binary world; you are either a 1 or a zero, a perfect or "sh*t". Jobs was an excellent businessman and visionary. He made Apple rose again after he took over and reclaimed his own. But with all those successes, he lacked some of the traits that a person should have for his friends and family.

WILL: I am a big fan of Apple products as well as the brain behind this gigantic company. I really fell in love to its colorful Mac, actually when I on my 2nd year of college my sister asked me what personal computer I want for my bday, I told her Mac but her budget only that time is Php50k and the eye-candy Mac costs more than Php100k. So I just settled on Acer that time.

      My first Apple product was iPhone 3GS and from there, I saw the convenient truth in using Apple products and that thought was confirmed when I jumped to Samsung Note today.

      So lets go to the movie.. Ha! Obviously this is about Steven Jobs.. His life as a big part of Apple. This is really an interesting movie. 8/10. I hope more Steve Jobs will be coming up for the next generations, a man that will push someone to their limit, to their success..

      Thanks InSing for this free tix! 

  

BELVEDERE MIX (ft. Belvedere Pink Grapefruit) - 2nd Social Cocktail Soirée

ABBEY: I already said in our past blogs that I'm not a drinker; neither occasional nor habitual. I just don't like the after taste of it. But Belvedere Vodka somehow gave me a different view on liquors. We were invited at their 2nd Social Cocktail Party which was held at The Vault along Chinatown. 

The party is unique in a sense that you have to mingle to get your desired concoction. Every guest will be given a pink band which was assigned a particular ingredient of a drink. You must look for other ingredients of the drink of your choice. Once found you will go to the bar and they will mix it for you. Not only will have your vodka but also new acquaintances. Clever, right? 

Top 4 mixers and mixes were shown in a wide screen on the hall. The most favourite that night is the Pink Grapefruit Cosmo. And the females beat the males for the number of drinks made. The party was a sure fun.

WILL: First of all, thank you to Belvedere Mix not only for the tickets but for teaching me how to mingle with others in a party. When I go to club, I usually sit in a corner, watching the people around while sipping my drinks.

     I am fond of vodka and concoction drinks and before my drool drips, Abbey and I found another couple looking for 2 more people to get a drink! Pink Grapefruit Cosmo is a hot hot drink that night and I fell in love with it.

     As the sun came down, more and more people were getting along with each other. Sharing tables and seats, exchanging smiles and sometimes asking me and Abbey if we can go to the counter to try the other mix.

     Abbey is not a drinker but that night he finished 2 glasses. So now readers, you know how good this Belvedere Pink Grapefruit tastes! 

     Again, thanks Belvedere Vodka - Singapore and The Vault for making this pink party a success! 

Baked by Da Paolo Gastronomia @ Holland Village

ABBEY: The new craze in New York hits also Singapore. People are craving for crodos ( croissant-doughnuts a.k.a cronuts). And be sure to go into the store early as the pastries are gone in a flash. I also read that other people ask their friends from the US to bring some when they visit this city state. It will definitely capture everyone's taste as the melts-in-your-mouth dough and sweetness of doughnut were combined. 

We got our share from Da Paolo Gastronomia at Holland Village.  Each crodos is almost SGD4.90. But I'm telling you, its worth it. They have cream, lemon-merengue and chocolate. I preferred chocolate especially when the filling bursts after each bite. I can see my wife's excitement when she saw boxes of crodos before her eyes. 

Celebrating Singapore National Day they created crodos with red stripe and stars. 

WILL: Crodos or Cronuts? Whatever the name is, this pastry made a big blast in New York and now hit Singapore with a big boom!
      I saw the photos in Holland Village Singapore facebook page, saved and asked Abbey if he can get some for me, not more than 3 days, wish granted!
      He told me that the cream flavoured was already out and Da Paolo Gastronomia's staff says that it only sits in their store for few hours. But anyway, I love the chocolate flavor more. The price is $4.90 quite expensive isn't it? But I promise that it's worthy of its price. 
     Abbey surprised me of the National Day special and merengue. They ate all good! Abbey never fails to know what I love to eat ;) 

The Soup Spoon at Suntec City (19th Branch)

ABBEY: I used to pass by The Soup Spoon when I go to office but didn't got the chance to dine in as I'm not a fan of soups. They opened their Suntec branch recently and Wilma won a 10 sgd voucher. We visited it on a Sunday afternoon. 

The chairs and tables have park-like designs and the ambiance got a homey feel. We ordered Lamb and pork sausage ragu in a bread bowl. I was not even aware that they serving in bread bowls :) Good to know that. We also got smoked ham and cheese sandwich. The bread is soft and fillings are flavorful and delicious. I got full after eating. 

One question though, is it ok to finish the bread-bowl also?

WILL: I am a fan of soups most specially the pumpkin, I even bought a book of soup recipes but.. OMG, I am not really good in cooking.. hehe..

      I joined and I won a $10 voucher for The Soup Spoon's 19th branch in Singapore, located at newly renovated and so awesome Suntec City Mall. 

      Asking Abbey for a date on this restaurant and on one Sunday afternoon, we go there for lunch. He ordered the Chef's special Lamb and Pork Sausage Ragu, I am in heaven! Tastes so great! 

      The Smoked Ham and Cheese taste differently to others maybe because of their bread. 

      I will definitely come back on any of their branches! Oh, guys, thanks for the voucher. :) 

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.

Spicy Macaroni Tuna Recipe

Finely chopped onions and garlic 
250g macaroni pasta
1 can of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can of Century Tuna Hot & Spicy
Dried Parsley

Cook macaroni according to its package, add salt and black pepper to taste. Drain the Tuna and set aside the oil. Use the Century Tuna's oil to saute the onion and garlic, add on the drained tuna. while simmering, add the cream of mushroom soup and simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, put parsley with your desired amount. 

Add the cooked macaroni, on the pan and mixed it well. Served hot with your choice of bread.

VERDICT
ABBEY: I'm a fan of pasta in red sauce. Occasionally I try carbonara or white sauce. But this dish of Wilma got my craving for a second plate (or I think third). 

The sauce is very delicious. The mushroom sauce blended well with the spicy tuna. She cooked it with macaroni elbows so my friend Mr. Pepper and his horde set it the tubes and gave me surprise chili-kick whenever chew them.

Tipco 100% Veggie Broccoli & Mixed Fruit Juice

ABBEY: We found these tetra-pack delights when we're having our weekly grocery. One liter costs S$2.60. 

The taste is sweet and thirst-quenching after a hearty meal.

WILL: Vitamin C cannot only be found to sour fruits... broccoli is one of the good source of this vitamin. 

      Tipco offers juice made out of this vegetables and I am so excited to try it. As I poured it in our glass, I can't wait to taste it but once the juice landed on my tastebuds, my happiness backed to zero. 

      The juice is way too sweet, dominated by the sweet tastes of fruits. Abbey and Vincent love it. Abbey will sure be buying it again, but me.. Nah! 

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!

Mango Fridge Cake Recipe

2 packs Graham crackers
3 250ml All-purpose cream
2 250ml condensed milk
Mango (thin slices)
1 rectangular tray

Chill the cream for about 3-5 hours. Once chilled, mix it with condensed milk in a bowl. Stir until mixture has even consistency. Put a thin layer of cream-milk mixture on the tray and then the crackers. Cover the crackers with cream-milk again then the mangoes then cream-milk. Repeat the process until you achieve your desired number of layers. Cover the cake and put in the fridge overnight. Serve in time for dessert.

VERDICT

WILL: Abbey misses a lot the oven in our previous home at Punggol, there he created a lot of sumptuous desserts like my favorite brownies and braso de Mercedes. But not owning an oven will never be a hindrance to fulfill our sweet tooth needs... Say Hello to Mango Fridge Cake!

Abbey carefully lay down all the ingredients and waited of our housemates birthday so we can taste his newest masterpiece.

It tastes great! The mango really hit our taste buds big time! Thanks Baby!

Tiong Bahru Bakery Singapore - Croissant

ABBEY: Wilma loves bread and pastries and I'm fond of giving her surprises specially after my night shifts where I buy breakfast for us. As I was searching for bread in Raffles City I saw Tiong Bahru bakery. I once read an article about the establishment that it is selling the best croissant. 

As curiosity kicks in, I waited until the shop's opening at 9am. They were giving bite-size samples of the croissant with chocolate (sorry I forgot the name) and it melted in my mouth. 

I went home with 3 croissants and a chocolate one. A piece costs $3.20; a reasonable price for a wonderful treat.

WILL: I heard the Tiong Bahru bakery when my Ma'am Ivy Woon told me that Sir Francis' and Kuya Dexter's birthday cake of 2012 was from that bakeshop, from there on I took a mental note that someday Abbey and I will visit that place. But...
      Abbey swept off my feet when he got home from a night shift and he is carrying a bag of Tiong Bahru croissants. He told me that it is a famous one here in Singapore and I want him to judge it out. 
      I smelled, I bit, I chewed! This is really a good one! Love it a lot! Even our housemate fell in love with it instantly.
      One of their branch is located at Raffles City and expect a long but fast served queue. 
      Don't miss to try this! 

Sautéed Mung Beans (Munggo Guisado) Recipe

1 1/2 cup munggo (mung bean)
3 pcs tinapa
1/4 kilo ground pork - optional
Chicharon - optional
Bitter Gourd - optional
Medium onion
4-5 cloves of garlic

Wash and soak mung beans overnight. I found this new way to soften munggo by using pressure cooker for 15 minutes. Once done set aside.

In a separate pot, sauté onion, garlic and tinapa for 5 minutes. You can also put the ground pork by this time. Mash munggo using a strainer.

Add 1-2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Stir it occasionally so the beans will not stick to the pot.
Season to taste. 

Put out the flame and then add crushed chicharon on top.

VERDICT

WILL: Well, sautéed mung beans is a big no-no in our family. Why? My mom arthritis will surely kick her knees off to night of pain. 

      So when I got married and lived far far away from my mom, once in a month I asked Abbey to cook this for me. 

      The soup this favorite viand of mine somewhat relaxes my brain cells. Haha! Abbey have different variations but nothing beats the sautéed mung beans with half cooked sliced bitter gourd.  

      Thanks baby! 

Singapore's Hair for Hope 2013

ABBEY: Our company participated on the Hair for Hope drive of Children Cancer Foundation. It is my second time to join. 

Every delegate will be given a pledge card for donation and at the same time you can decide if you want to be a shavee. For every drive I became both. I raised 150sgd on the first year and a hundred more on the second. 

As my mom is a fighter of a stage 4 breast cancer, I want to show my support by joining this cause. I hope and pray that even though not sooner but someday there will be cure for it.

WILL: UBS Singapore made a bald statement again this year of 2013 in participating for Hair for Hope. UBS scheduled the shaving at their Raffles Office, and my husband and I never let the opportunity passed to show our support the fight against cancer. Hey! This is our second year!

     {Teary eyes} My mom-in-law is now at stage 4 cancer, she resides at California and this is somewhat saying "thank you" for all the organization helping her and us financially and emotionally.

     Abbey and I pledged that every year, we must do something to give back, and this is one of those. Thanks to Hair for Hope (Children's Cancer Foundation) for holding this event and thanks to all our friends that signed and give some donations! May the Almighty One blessed your kind hearts!