Two days ago, we handed over a cheque that would allow us to rent a two-bedroom apartment for two years. The condo is in Serangoon, some five minutes walk from Serangoon MRT Station, and is named Sunglade. It's got this funky resort-type pool that's really novel. Gym, sauna, tennis court. The station is about five stops away from the office (excluding the unopened cemetery stop, Woodleigh). Twenty-minutes tops, and I heard it's less crowded. The trip is an improvement of three stops from where I am currently. It's smaller than the one we're residing in now, Astoria Park. I'd like to think that there's less extra space instead.
For those I've invited over to Singapore and stay at my place, I'm afraid I haven't got a lot of room for visitors for the next two years. You may have to sleep on the couch. And if we're really close, you can sleep on my bed (and me on the couch, natch).
--
The other day as well, I got a hold of the final two season three episodes of LOST. Season three has been widely criticised as being the creative mind's idea of mailing it in. It got dangerously uninteresting and unengaging in the middle, especially during that hiatus they took last January.
BUT, without spoiling it for you. I'd just like to share this personal opinion: The last three episodes (four if you split the finale two-hour ep into two) were classic LOST. "The Man Behind the Curtain" added yet even more buzz and theories to the entire LOST mythology. "Greatest Hits" was heartwarming and redeemed one of the most boring characters on the show and made him likable. The finale, "Through the Looking Glass" is two superb hours of great TV that singlehandedly restored the viewer's -- dare I say it -- faith in the series and franchise.
See you and Jack's beard in seven months for season four.
--
Finally, the Great Singapore Sale has officially started yesterday and runs through July 22.
I've struck first blood by buying two pairs of office pants from G2000 that are marked down 30% WITH an additional 20% for using a DBS card.
There's a festive mood here since shopping is one of the national sports in the little red dot.
Not only that, next week we'll have the PC Show in Suntec, yet even more gadgets! May 31 to June 3.
So, come on over.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
It's About Time
Blizzard has announced Starcraft 2. It should be done in a few months or so.
Brings me back to the old days around 1998 or so when Starcraft arrived on the scene. Great gameplay, great sounds, great visuals. Great game, maybe one of the greatest ever released for the PC. Consistently in the list of Greatest Ever (Gamespot, IGN). The strategy was excellent. You had a choice between quantity and quality. You try out build orders like you were wine-tasting or trying out shoes. It works much like a chess game you lose when you make a few wrong moves, and yet until the very end, you still had a chance. And of course, a hallmark of a classic, you won't really get tired playing even until now.
And this thing is a phenomenon in Korea (South, naturally. They're only allowed to build workers in the North.). They cover tournaments like they do with football or basketball. So it is appropriate that they in fact announced SC2 in Worldwide Invitational (WWI) in South Korea.
I wasn't too bad a player myself. I play Zerg and you'll be sure that I will swarm all over your Terran or Protoss ass using various sentient insects.
--
The Simpsons reach 400 episodes.
I must confess I probably haven't seen much after 300. So do I turn in my fan badge and slingshot?
According to this, they've yet to jump the shark. I just don't have time to watch it regularly. I don't even think they show new episodes regularly here.
--
Last two payments for my laptop.
Sweet.
Brings me back to the old days around 1998 or so when Starcraft arrived on the scene. Great gameplay, great sounds, great visuals. Great game, maybe one of the greatest ever released for the PC. Consistently in the list of Greatest Ever (Gamespot, IGN). The strategy was excellent. You had a choice between quantity and quality. You try out build orders like you were wine-tasting or trying out shoes. It works much like a chess game you lose when you make a few wrong moves, and yet until the very end, you still had a chance. And of course, a hallmark of a classic, you won't really get tired playing even until now.
And this thing is a phenomenon in Korea (South, naturally. They're only allowed to build workers in the North.). They cover tournaments like they do with football or basketball. So it is appropriate that they in fact announced SC2 in Worldwide Invitational (WWI) in South Korea.
I wasn't too bad a player myself. I play Zerg and you'll be sure that I will swarm all over your Terran or Protoss ass using various sentient insects.
--
The Simpsons reach 400 episodes.
I must confess I probably haven't seen much after 300. So do I turn in my fan badge and slingshot?
According to this, they've yet to jump the shark. I just don't have time to watch it regularly. I don't even think they show new episodes regularly here.
--
Last two payments for my laptop.
Sweet.
Monday, May 14, 2007
In Return
I got a letter today from Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), informing me that I am eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR or SPR) status.
I've been thinking about this since before I came here. And this is what I cooked up so far:
Pros:
- Central Provident Fund (pension plan)
- No need to be employed to stay in the country (no need for work passes or visas)
- Able to set up business
- Fewer restrictions on purchasing property
- etc, etc...
- National Service Liability (male children of PR will have to take part in National Service from age 16 to 40(!))
- Tropical, humid weather 365 days a year
- Cable TV is boring
- Cost of living is rising
- etc, etc...
--
Also, I've received my tax assessment for the year 2006. It's oh, oh, oh-so-low compared to other countries I've heard of. Philippines and India hovers to 30%, UK and Canada around 40%. In Singapore? Let's just say that they are fewer digits in the percentage, depending of course on the tax bracket.
--
I honestly don't know how long I plan to stay here, or if it's for good. Anyway, I don't have to decide yet. But the sooner the better. I kind of hate plans as of now.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mum's Day
Got a microSD card for my cellphone (which originally came with a lame 128 MB card). The official, retail store price hovers around $34.00 for 1GB (Challenger in VivoCity). I had to check Lucky Plaza for some better deals. In my opinion, Lucky Plaza is one of the most ruthless shopping places for clueless people. They WILL give you bad deals if you have not done your homework. Sim Lim Square is similar to a lesser extent, but has more choices.
Anyway, it hovered from $28 to 60-something dollars, depending on who you talk to. I had to scour almost the entire building. The idea, was simply to get something lower than the retail store $34. In the end, I got a $30 Kingston (the $28 one was Sandisk). Being patient pays off.
--
Got back to playing basketball last Wednesday. Two quick sprints at the start of the game, and I've already lost breath. Shame, shame, shame. Thank God for second wind.
Shooting's terrible.
Ballhandling's novice.
Stealing's still there.
Passing's not bad.
Need a lot of work to do. But I think the jersey I wore was excellent, which should count for something.
3 small injuries, and an almost-cramp from that session.
--
Speaking of jersey, Noel and I made a bet on the Eastern semi-finals series of New Jersey vs Cleveland. He goes with Nets, I go Cavs. The non-winning party gets to buy the winner an NBA swingman jersey. Simple enough. Right now, it's 2-1 Cavs.
Go Cavs!
Go Warriors!
--
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is much, much better than Blades of Glory. But Jenna Fischer is a bit more girl-next-door than Leslie Bibb. Jon Heder, while funny, is no Sacha Baron Cohen.
--
Finally, Happy Mother's Day to my mom!
I hope the monthly remittance will more than make up for carrying me for nine months. (Just kidding!) I love you, ma!
Anyway, it hovered from $28 to 60-something dollars, depending on who you talk to. I had to scour almost the entire building. The idea, was simply to get something lower than the retail store $34. In the end, I got a $30 Kingston (the $28 one was Sandisk). Being patient pays off.
--
Got back to playing basketball last Wednesday. Two quick sprints at the start of the game, and I've already lost breath. Shame, shame, shame. Thank God for second wind.
Shooting's terrible.
Ballhandling's novice.
Stealing's still there.
Passing's not bad.
Need a lot of work to do. But I think the jersey I wore was excellent, which should count for something.
3 small injuries, and an almost-cramp from that session.
--
Speaking of jersey, Noel and I made a bet on the Eastern semi-finals series of New Jersey vs Cleveland. He goes with Nets, I go Cavs. The non-winning party gets to buy the winner an NBA swingman jersey. Simple enough. Right now, it's 2-1 Cavs.
Go Cavs!
Go Warriors!
--
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is much, much better than Blades of Glory. But Jenna Fischer is a bit more girl-next-door than Leslie Bibb. Jon Heder, while funny, is no Sacha Baron Cohen.
--
Finally, Happy Mother's Day to my mom!
I hope the monthly remittance will more than make up for carrying me for nine months. (Just kidding!) I love you, ma!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Out with the old, in with the Nokia 6300
My almost one year love affair with the O2 XDA Atom ended last Sunday. It was the first big purchase for me in Singapore, ringing up to around S$1200, if I recall correctly. I got tired with it around December and has rarely been used since. First and foremost reason is that it's quite a brick to keep in the pocket. (Makes for good conversation, "why yes, that IS an XDA in my pocket"). Second important reason is that PDA/XDAs allow you only around a day or a day and a half of battery life before you have to charge it again.
Anyway, I like to keep it simple. So I chose to trade it in with a Nokia 6300.
It's quite a basic phone with FM Radio, MicroSD memory, bluetooth, 2MP camera. Nothing really fancy by today's standards. After the $300 value of my XDA, I just added $98 for it and $8 more for a screen protector.
I've been using it for a few days now. I like it a lot.
--
I'm reading this fascinating book, The Tipping Point. I'm halfway through it. Really good stuff.
Anyway, I like to keep it simple. So I chose to trade it in with a Nokia 6300.
It's quite a basic phone with FM Radio, MicroSD memory, bluetooth, 2MP camera. Nothing really fancy by today's standards. After the $300 value of my XDA, I just added $98 for it and $8 more for a screen protector.
I've been using it for a few days now. I like it a lot.
--
I'm reading this fascinating book, The Tipping Point. I'm halfway through it. Really good stuff.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Spider-Man 3: The Rant
It's around one AM and I just got home from a 9:45 PM screening of one of the big 2007 summer blockbusters, Spider-Man 3.
I'm trying to write this blog entry before I read any reviews. I tend to read a couple of critic reviews after I watch a film, just to see if I've missed something. It turns out that sometimes, it affects my recall of the experience in such a way that it may alter my opinion in some way. So just to keep me honest, this rant/review is all me.
I'll try to keep this spoiler-free.
OK. First thing's first. Spider-Man was good, Spider-Man 2 was excellent, Spider-Man 3 was not bad, but not very good either.
[Here be spoilers (what just after one paragraph?!)]
Things I like about it:
Things which are pretty much OK:
Things I hate about it (in no particular order):
Anyway, this is just me. I've gotta go read some reviews.
Oh, and go watch Spider-Man 3. It's probably not as bad as I think it is. ;)
I'm trying to write this blog entry before I read any reviews. I tend to read a couple of critic reviews after I watch a film, just to see if I've missed something. It turns out that sometimes, it affects my recall of the experience in such a way that it may alter my opinion in some way. So just to keep me honest, this rant/review is all me.
I'll try to keep this spoiler-free.
OK. First thing's first. Spider-Man was good, Spider-Man 2 was excellent, Spider-Man 3 was not bad, but not very good either.
[Here be spoilers (what just after one paragraph?!)]
Things I like about it:
- Bryce Dallas Howard - I've seen The Village and The Lady in the Water (unfortunately) and just who turned this lady into a hotchick?!?! Good lord, was she smokin' in this one. I didn't really know that she'd play Gwen Stacy. I might have seen that somewhere, but not really remembered. So when I saw her name on the credits, I thought, "ok, how will that work out?" Well, it DID work out. And sure as this movie blew the box-office wide open, she'll be back in the next installment.
- James Cromwell - Not a big role here, but I just plain like this actor from Farmer Hoggett to Zephram Cochran. Should lend his talents to future installments.
Things which are pretty much OK:
- Characters/Actors doing their thing - Aunt May, J. Jonah Jameson, Robbie Robertson, Miss Brant, The professor guy, Uncle Ben, etc.
- The Black suit - In the comic books, the suit was plain black, with white eyes and a white Spider-Man logo on the chest and that was good minimalism. This movie version was just his costume on monochrome, as you may have seen on the promo materials. Makes sense. Ive got nothing on the detailed suit.
- The Sandman/ Flint Marko - OK, not bad. Loved the actor in Sideways, by the way.
- The opening credits - You knew, watching the opening credits of Spider-Man 2 that that movie was going to be special. Alex Ross painted scenes from the first movie, brilliant. It was like looking at the first movie with a new set of eyes. In this one, actual clips from the previous two movies, it's more of like cheating. Not bad, but obviously somebody ran out of ideas.
- The length of the movie - clocking in at two and a quarter hours, pretty much expected from a high-budget blockbuster. Wouldn't really have expected any less.
Things I hate about it (in no particular order):
- Topher Grace/Eddie Brock/Eric Forman/Venom - I've got nothing against this guy. I like him in That 70s Show, Traffic, even cameos in Ocean's Eleven and Twelve. But he is simply not what I had in mind when I thought of Eddie Brock and Venom. I might be thinking of bulked-up Eddie Brock on steroids like in the comics, but certainly not this pimply-faced retro kid (dumbass!). In retrospect, it may have been better to cast this guy as Carnage instead if ever that comes along.
- The drama - Where the hell is the action? Keep the drama brief except when it makes sense.
- The comedy - The first two installments have bits of comedy. But this is just a mess. Plain idiotic at times. And the dancing, ugh.
- The Evil Peter Parker look - Star Trek's Spock character revolutionized the way good and evil were depicted on screen. Good Spock: normal-looking. Evil Spock: normal-looking with goatee. In this movie, Good Peter Parker: normal-looking. Evil Peter Parker: crazy-eyed looking with bangs.
- The Green Goblin II / New Goblin (as he is called in IMDB) - the change of heart, the acting, the costume, the amnesia, the steal-your-girlfriend angle. Doesn't work really.
- The story. Black Spiderman? Venom? Sandman? Gwen Stacy? How could you go wrong? Oh wait.
Anyway, this is just me. I've gotta go read some reviews.
Oh, and go watch Spider-Man 3. It's probably not as bad as I think it is. ;)
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Transience
It's almost been a year for me over here. It also means that our yearlong contract in this apartment we're renting is just about over. We recently learned that the owner is selling the apartment. So we may have to move out in two months.
To where? Who knows. Way up north? Way out west? Further East?
Rents are skyrocketing. Either we fork up more rental money or move to a more affordable nesting spot. So we've got around eight weeks to look again. But this time, we've got furniture to haul as well.
We might not be in any shape to accept visitors until then. The owner's agent frequently asks for time during the night for a potential buyer to view the apartment. That's been happening for the past week. Imagine me sitting, watching TV. And strangers go inside your room, peek at your cabinets, bathroom, bedroom, walking back and forth talking and whispering. At one time, the grandfather of one of the viewing families asked me if the sun shines straight inside or in a slant.
In a slant; the windows face southwest towards the city. Armed with feng shui compasses, they examine the unit. It takes all fifteen minutes but they usually come twice or thrice in a given night. Anyway, soon it'll be our turn to view other's apartments.
Let's hope the next one is as good as this one, which was superb to begin with.
--
Kuala Lumpur
Siem Reap
Hanoi's still on, as far as I know.
Yesterday, I've been handed out an invitation to go to Hong Kong by a friend this weekend(!) After considering for a while, I decided that while it's tempting and just about within a stretched budget, it wouldn't be practical. Sorry, dear. Saving up for a big trip later this year.
--
Met up with the Kid today. Welcome to Singapore! Have a good career!
Told me of an old friend that I failed to inform of by move to Singapore. I'll find a way to reconnect with him. We go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back. As in first day of (prep) school way back. I shit you not.
Went to Courts Megastore today. Will it be the Nintendo Wii, The Xbox 360 or the PS3?
--
Golden State Warriors up 3-1 against the best of the regular season, The Dallas Mavericks. High energy, very emotional games. ALL HEART. Go Warriors! I believe!
Guess who's also rootin' for the Warriors. You can-NOT go wrong with this fan around.
To where? Who knows. Way up north? Way out west? Further East?
Rents are skyrocketing. Either we fork up more rental money or move to a more affordable nesting spot. So we've got around eight weeks to look again. But this time, we've got furniture to haul as well.
We might not be in any shape to accept visitors until then. The owner's agent frequently asks for time during the night for a potential buyer to view the apartment. That's been happening for the past week. Imagine me sitting, watching TV. And strangers go inside your room, peek at your cabinets, bathroom, bedroom, walking back and forth talking and whispering. At one time, the grandfather of one of the viewing families asked me if the sun shines straight inside or in a slant.
In a slant; the windows face southwest towards the city. Armed with feng shui compasses, they examine the unit. It takes all fifteen minutes but they usually come twice or thrice in a given night. Anyway, soon it'll be our turn to view other's apartments.
Let's hope the next one is as good as this one, which was superb to begin with.
--
Hanoi's still on, as far as I know.
Yesterday, I've been handed out an invitation to go to Hong Kong by a friend this weekend(!) After considering for a while, I decided that while it's tempting and just about within a stretched budget, it wouldn't be practical. Sorry, dear. Saving up for a big trip later this year.
--
Met up with the Kid today. Welcome to Singapore! Have a good career!
Told me of an old friend that I failed to inform of by move to Singapore. I'll find a way to reconnect with him. We go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back. As in first day of (prep) school way back. I shit you not.
Went to Courts Megastore today. Will it be the Nintendo Wii, The Xbox 360 or the PS3?
--
Golden State Warriors up 3-1 against the best of the regular season, The Dallas Mavericks. High energy, very emotional games. ALL HEART. Go Warriors! I believe!
Guess who's also rootin' for the Warriors. You can-NOT go wrong with this fan around.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
These are the Voyages...
Wow.
As it stands, I may be going to the following places in the near future:
When I'm sixty and retired, you'd probably find me seeking enlightenment instead of material wealth. Probably somewhere in Tibet.
Before that, maybe stop by Bangkok, Laos and various other places. While we're young, while we're young...
As it stands, I may be going to the following places in the near future:
- April
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- May
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- June
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- July
- Siberia
When I'm sixty and retired, you'd probably find me seeking enlightenment instead of material wealth. Probably somewhere in Tibet.
Before that, maybe stop by Bangkok, Laos and various other places. While we're young, while we're young...
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Thailand: Phuket & Phi Phi Islands Photoset
http://flickr.com/photos/ton2fig/sets/72157600074985598/
More than five-hundred snaps for your viewing pleasure.
Descriptions and notes to follow.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
หมู่เกาะพีพี (Phi-Phi Islands): Prelude
Fresh off the Bintan trip, we thought of another opportunity for a holiday. And so it started as a question of where to go and what to do over the Easter weekend. Around here, Holy Week is not as observed as it is back home. It means that at most, we only get Good Friday off (in fact a radio DJ mentioned that it was Easter Friday). Now for the past twenty-six or so years, the Easter weekend to me means going to Bulacan and participating in the salubong on early Easter morn. Obviously, I wasn't planning to be anywhere near home for this year. Instead, a couple of people in the office and I decided to go Krabi, one of the many beach towns in Thailand. To short-circuit the [even more] boring story of correspondence with the travel agent, we ended up going to nearby Phuket and the much-hyped "most beautiful island in Thailand" Phi-Phi. Besides, there's a general consensus around here that you're never really on holiday unless you get out of the city-state. Away from the urban jungle and back to nature.
Fast-forward to the present.
It was a great holiday that left me rejuvenated and recharged. Once I get my flickr account sorted out, I'll post the two-something gigabyte collection of snaps I've taken during the trip, and put descriptions to boot. Tune in next time.
Fast-forward to the present.
It was a great holiday that left me rejuvenated and recharged. Once I get my flickr account sorted out, I'll post the two-something gigabyte collection of snaps I've taken during the trip, and put descriptions to boot. Tune in next time.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Pregame Shootaround
For this weekend in the beaches of Thailand, I imagined myself lounging under the sun, getting some rays, listening to music, and maybe having a drink.
One thing is missing in that pleasant scene, though: a good book.
In preparation for the trip, I set out to find a good book to read that's not too heavy, not too light, not too dark, not too serious and definitely one that I would enjoy reading. So no Neil Gaiman's Fragile Things, no Lonely Planet travel guides, no 1492: How China discovered the U.S., no The Little Book on Investing, and definitely no books on Agile Methodology.
After a bit of looking around in Borders out on Orchard road, I came upon the sports section. This was a good idea. I haven't read a good book on sports as far as I can remember, and there are a lot of good ones on the shelf.
I took some time browsing through wrestling titles. And by wrestling, I mean professional wrestling. By professional wrestling, I mean the WWE, which is professional, yes, but hardly competitive (oh, you didn't know? ;) ). Rowdy Roddy Piper's book, Hulk Hogan's book (incidentally, there's a reality show called Hogan Knows Best, shown here on cable), Terry Funk's book, Mick Foley's book, etc.
And then there are the books about basketball. Unauthorized biography of Bobby Knight, Coach K's book, Michael Jordan's (hardly-a-book-more-of-promo) book, Charles Barkley's book.
In the end, I picked the book which I thought was a bit dated even if it was very recent.
Yes, I finally picked up Phil Jackson's book on the season the Los Angeles Lakers had four future Hall of Famers and lost.
I read the first few chapters on the train ride home and I was hooked! I bought the perfect book for me.
In the immortal words of Samuel L. Jackson, "goooood motherfuckin' choice, motherfucker!"*
*actually it was Dave Chappelle as Samuel Jackson, but you get the point. Or maybe you need to see it yourself.
--
The ESPN Truehoops blogs mentions the best NBA commercials E-ver. And boy did it bring back the memories.
The List itself.
#45: 100 Foot Rim, was simple but memorable.
#37: Tastefully Done is pretty funny.
#17: That's a 90-footer. It made the rounds over the Internet rumoured to be actual footage.
#14 Coulda Dunk, Shoulda Dunk was pretty amusing as well.
#10 Nasty Dunk. Don't fake a funk on a nasty dunk!
#9 Freestyle. A marvel to watch!
#6 Like Mike. Gotta be like Mike.
#2 The Showdown. Nothin' but net.
And the number one entry, I have never seen before. But it is definitely one of the best ever.
Why? Because it touches the heart of every basketball fan like me. Non-bball fans won't get it.
Ladies and gentlemen, the commercial: XXI: Let Your Game Speak
--
One last thing. Gen-Xers, have a look at this.
I'm outta here.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Be back on regular programming after Easter Sunday
They pulled the plug on using webmail in the office. Along with it, Gmail chat. Sigh.
Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
--
Been glued to the TV watching the new Bobby Chinn show on Discovery Travel and Living: World Cafe Asia. It's generally about different kinds of food all over Asia. He's been to Vietnam eating Pho Bo and having a barbecue out on the rice paddies. He had a curious trip to Tokyo taking a slice of fresh tuna and a bowl of Chanku Nabe, the same thing sumo wrestlers eat. Today's episode was about delicious Hong Kong food, which I like myself. It's a bit short for half an hour. I guess it's less of a travel show than it is a food show; however, I prefer the former.
There's never a bad time for food tripping.
--
This is what it looks like outside our balcony window.
Not bad, eh? I should make a blog design out of it. That blog redesign's about one year past due, anyway.
--
Finally, finally got to watch High Fidelity on DVD. There was this lone copy for rent in Gramophone inside Centrepoint mall (not to be confused with SM Centerpoint). $3 was all it took. I'm supposed to return it tomorrow, and I will, since now I have a copy.
Honestly, while the music is good, and Jack Black's funny here, I need to watch it one more time. It's hard for me to keep from comparing it with the book (which was much, much better on first viewing).
--
Have a good Holy Week everyone! I'll be back from Thailand on Monday B-)
Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
--
Been glued to the TV watching the new Bobby Chinn show on Discovery Travel and Living: World Cafe Asia. It's generally about different kinds of food all over Asia. He's been to Vietnam eating Pho Bo and having a barbecue out on the rice paddies. He had a curious trip to Tokyo taking a slice of fresh tuna and a bowl of Chanku Nabe, the same thing sumo wrestlers eat. Today's episode was about delicious Hong Kong food, which I like myself. It's a bit short for half an hour. I guess it's less of a travel show than it is a food show; however, I prefer the former.
There's never a bad time for food tripping.
--
This is what it looks like outside our balcony window.
Not bad, eh? I should make a blog design out of it. That blog redesign's about one year past due, anyway.
--
Finally, finally got to watch High Fidelity on DVD. There was this lone copy for rent in Gramophone inside Centrepoint mall (not to be confused with SM Centerpoint). $3 was all it took. I'm supposed to return it tomorrow, and I will, since now I have a copy.
Honestly, while the music is good, and Jack Black's funny here, I need to watch it one more time. It's hard for me to keep from comparing it with the book (which was much, much better on first viewing).
--
Have a good Holy Week everyone! I'll be back from Thailand on Monday B-)
Saturday, March 24, 2007
20th Singapore International Film Festival, 18th-30th April, 2007
I caught an interesting programme for the upcoming film festival here in Singapore. I still remember trekking out to Greenbelt to catch excellent films in Cinemanila. Those films were my aids for cultural immersion, and gave us all a taste of world cinema without having to look very hard for it. I've discovered a couple all-time favorite films in these film festivals: The Ring, In the Mood For Love, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, etc.
There are quite a number of films which I would like to see, if schedule permits. In fact, I'd like to see all Filipino entries to start with. They're showing Kubrador and Imahe Nasyon among others and I might just catch them after work.
Tickets normally cost $8.40 plus $1 booking fee through SISTIC. It's priced much like a normal movie around here.
There are quite a number of films which I would like to see, if schedule permits. In fact, I'd like to see all Filipino entries to start with. They're showing Kubrador and Imahe Nasyon among others and I might just catch them after work.
Tickets normally cost $8.40 plus $1 booking fee through SISTIC. It's priced much like a normal movie around here.
Friday, March 23, 2007
6 - 9, Patong, Phuket, Phi Phi.
We're 100% going to Phi Phi Islands on April 6 - 9. The plan however had to be adjusted since we weren't able to get a morning flight. Now, we spend a night in Phuket near Patong Beach before transferring to Ko Phi Phi Don the morning after. Not bad, eh?
That area was about decimated by the 2004 Tsunami but the businesses sprang back up after some time. They're even repeating the same development mistakes as before. But it should still be a good experience, nonetheless. In fact, I'm really looking forward to this trip
'Tis the season of course, for sun, surf and sand. At least, around this part of the Earth.
--
Places to Go Before I Die
Still not a Flickr Pro :(
--
Cough going away, but still there.
That area was about decimated by the 2004 Tsunami but the businesses sprang back up after some time. They're even repeating the same development mistakes as before. But it should still be a good experience, nonetheless. In fact, I'm really looking forward to this trip
'Tis the season of course, for sun, surf and sand. At least, around this part of the Earth.
--
Places to Go Before I Die
- Palawan
- New York (revisit)
- Rome, Italy
- Vatican City
- Greece
- Paris, France
- Egypt
- Madrid, Spain
- Beijing, China
- Lhasa, Tibet
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- Salzburg, Austria
Still not a Flickr Pro :(
--
Cough going away, but still there.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Homesick
It finally happened. I feel like shit having this sore throat, which prevented me form going to work today. I might not go tomorrow either to have a check up at one of the clinics.
It's times like these when you miss being home and taken cared of. Again, I don't regret my choice of going away from home and duking it out myself. Still, it feels nice to be taken cared of.
Something has stolen my voice, and I need the doctor to tell me what to do. I sincerely HOPE, they don't give me just painkillers. They usually do. At least give me antibiotics.
And give me another weekend to waste at home.
--
I blame the weather, though. I believe it was that sudden downpour last Tuesday which got me. By Wednesday, I was coughing throughout the day until it became uncontrollable. Must've caught something.
--
What a bad time to be sick. I was bent on starting on the get-to-300 shape (you know what I mean) for the next couple of weeks. This is in preparation for the Phi Phi trip during the Easter weekend. Less than a month away. The arrangements for the trip just got confirmed today, so we're all set.
Last Wednesday, an email was sent out inviting participation on the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. It's a 5.6Km run just around central Singapore. I wanted to join just to prove something to myself. Alas, it's in jeopardy with this condition of mine. I should've started training days ago.
I'm such a weakling. Whatever the hell happened to my immune system?
Used to be, back in high school, I'd go just one day absent in an entire school year. And if I had gotten sick, I wasn't filled with self-pity like now.
--
In lighter news, I managed to buy Fa Yeung nin wa, also known as In the Mood for Love on DVD, however. Good for my collection. A Wong Kar-wai classic.
--
Did I mention that I feel like shit?
It's times like these when you miss being home and taken cared of. Again, I don't regret my choice of going away from home and duking it out myself. Still, it feels nice to be taken cared of.
Something has stolen my voice, and I need the doctor to tell me what to do. I sincerely HOPE, they don't give me just painkillers. They usually do. At least give me antibiotics.
And give me another weekend to waste at home.
--
I blame the weather, though. I believe it was that sudden downpour last Tuesday which got me. By Wednesday, I was coughing throughout the day until it became uncontrollable. Must've caught something.
--
What a bad time to be sick. I was bent on starting on the get-to-300 shape (you know what I mean) for the next couple of weeks. This is in preparation for the Phi Phi trip during the Easter weekend. Less than a month away. The arrangements for the trip just got confirmed today, so we're all set.
Last Wednesday, an email was sent out inviting participation on the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. It's a 5.6Km run just around central Singapore. I wanted to join just to prove something to myself. Alas, it's in jeopardy with this condition of mine. I should've started training days ago.
I'm such a weakling. Whatever the hell happened to my immune system?
Used to be, back in high school, I'd go just one day absent in an entire school year. And if I had gotten sick, I wasn't filled with self-pity like now.
--
In lighter news, I managed to buy Fa Yeung nin wa, also known as In the Mood for Love on DVD, however. Good for my collection. A Wong Kar-wai classic.
--
Did I mention that I feel like shit?
Monday, March 12, 2007
March On
I recently survived a financial diagnostic test of sorts, covering topics in investment banking. With luck and effort, I managed to pass the 32-item exam with a not-so-pathetic grade of 24 (75%). Passing is 60%. I'm quite proud, considering there are questions like "What's the minimum tick size of a DAX 30 futures contract?" or "the differences between futures and forward rate agreements". Enough to drive you N.U.T.S.
It's all good education nonetheless. The thousand-page information that I've squeezed in my brain should leak out in the next few weeks to come. It's never to be heard of or seen again. Except perhaps in my resume.
So what now?
We'll I've managed to save myself a couple more training sessions and tests because of this. And I'll be able to concentrate more on the real work that pays me every month.
--
Work hard and play hard. We're also set on going to Phi Phi Island on the Easter weekend. It's where the movie, The Beach was shot. It should be fun. I haven't been to any part of Thailand before. Thank God for the visa-free entry for ASEAN members.
We were thinking of either Krabi, Phuket, Langkawi or Cebu at the beginning. However, might as well go the distance, so to speak. It's not cheap whatever our British expats say about it. It makes quite a dent, in fact to savings. So let's hope it's all worth it.
--
So to immerse myself in the memory that will be the Phi Phi Island trip, I've trekked to the IT Show in Suntec and found myself a couple of good buys. How about a 2GB Kingston SD card for my battered and bruised camera for $25 (around P750.00)? Not bad eh?
Anywho, I'm not rich or dedicated enough to buy a "wasteful-for-me" DSLR, running upwards of a thousand dollars at least. I know a people who did, though. (And she has my full support, as long as she includes me sometimes in her pictures). So good luck with that.
--
Now, let's move onward with the abs-tastic movie 300. What can I say, it's another spectacular film WORTH watching. It's visually stunning, very creative, and the girls seem to like the Spartans so much. Incidentally, I hope those washboard abs will be nominated for best supporting cast on an awards event somewhere. Go see it!
The Men on Film sketch of In Living Color would have loved this one.
I'm thinking of buying the graphic novel. Still thinking...
--
I have such a headache today. Almost done with laundry. It's probably the Indian food that I ate this lunch. OK, I got carried away. Anyway, for dinner, I made a sandwich with breakfast ham, cheese, some greens and butter on toast. I had nonfat yoghurt for dessert.
Gotta have chiseled abs for Phi Phi. The clock is ticking.
--
It's a good week for friends last week. Hope to see them more often.
It's all good education nonetheless. The thousand-page information that I've squeezed in my brain should leak out in the next few weeks to come. It's never to be heard of or seen again. Except perhaps in my resume.
So what now?
We'll I've managed to save myself a couple more training sessions and tests because of this. And I'll be able to concentrate more on the real work that pays me every month.
--
Work hard and play hard. We're also set on going to Phi Phi Island on the Easter weekend. It's where the movie, The Beach was shot. It should be fun. I haven't been to any part of Thailand before. Thank God for the visa-free entry for ASEAN members.
We were thinking of either Krabi, Phuket, Langkawi or Cebu at the beginning. However, might as well go the distance, so to speak. It's not cheap whatever our British expats say about it. It makes quite a dent, in fact to savings. So let's hope it's all worth it.
--
So to immerse myself in the memory that will be the Phi Phi Island trip, I've trekked to the IT Show in Suntec and found myself a couple of good buys. How about a 2GB Kingston SD card for my battered and bruised camera for $25 (around P750.00)? Not bad eh?
Anywho, I'm not rich or dedicated enough to buy a "wasteful-for-me" DSLR, running upwards of a thousand dollars at least. I know a people who did, though. (And she has my full support, as long as she includes me sometimes in her pictures). So good luck with that.
--
Now, let's move onward with the abs-tastic movie 300. What can I say, it's another spectacular film WORTH watching. It's visually stunning, very creative, and the girls seem to like the Spartans so much. Incidentally, I hope those washboard abs will be nominated for best supporting cast on an awards event somewhere. Go see it!
The Men on Film sketch of In Living Color would have loved this one.
I'm thinking of buying the graphic novel. Still thinking...
--
I have such a headache today. Almost done with laundry. It's probably the Indian food that I ate this lunch. OK, I got carried away. Anyway, for dinner, I made a sandwich with breakfast ham, cheese, some greens and butter on toast. I had nonfat yoghurt for dessert.
Gotta have chiseled abs for Phi Phi. The clock is ticking.
--
It's a good week for friends last week. Hope to see them more often.
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Thing with Vacations
...is that most of the time, you go back to reality like you were never away.
My three-day week happened to be as stressful as an 80-hour work week. Even though:
1) I just came from a vacation,
2) I spent time with good friends,
3) I ate delicious food and,
4) I got paid this week.
Thursday, I was already so down that I had to buy something. Yeah, shop-theraphy works for me as a temporary solution. I had to pick wisely even at this state. The choices include Appleseed DVD (don't know if it's worth it), Dishwalla - Greetings From the Flow State (wasn't there when I went back for it), Better Than Ezra - Before The Robots CD ($47.95, highway robbery), David Lynch's Blue Velvet DVD (pricey as well), High Fidelity DVD (not available) and other miscellaneous CDs and/or DVDs, or another good book.
In the end, I got a copy of Damien Rice's first album, O. It's good music, and mellow enough to fit my current mood, which is down, but not out. Not yet suicidal down as in The Cardigans - Long Gone Before Daylight (which I bought the Chinese version weeks before for a bargain $9.99), though.
--
Pau dropped the suggestion of a retreat for this Lenten season. (It's perhaps the only season that Singapore hasn't capitalised on yet). I think I need to go to one.
--
I am required to take an exam on investment banking financial concepts. 1000+ pages in a week or so, on top of actual productive work.
--
Flickr account is expiring. Paging Noel ;)
--
Housemate Nes, hope you had a nice vacation. And don't mind what I said about vacations :D
--
I managed to avoid using my credit card this month. Credit cards are evil! Letting you spend money you have not earned yet is dangerous for financial stability. So I'm quite proud that I was able to achieve such resistance to temptation. It's all about control.
--
You know there are just no slow news days on Philippine politics and showbiz.
--
How do you get into a state when you are really ready to take a vacation? You know, like in school, you take summer vacations, and not worry about old things when you come back.
How's that for an axiom: The thing I miss most about school is summer vacations.
My three-day week happened to be as stressful as an 80-hour work week. Even though:
1) I just came from a vacation,
2) I spent time with good friends,
3) I ate delicious food and,
4) I got paid this week.
Thursday, I was already so down that I had to buy something. Yeah, shop-theraphy works for me as a temporary solution. I had to pick wisely even at this state. The choices include Appleseed DVD (don't know if it's worth it), Dishwalla - Greetings From the Flow State (wasn't there when I went back for it), Better Than Ezra - Before The Robots CD ($47.95, highway robbery), David Lynch's Blue Velvet DVD (pricey as well), High Fidelity DVD (not available) and other miscellaneous CDs and/or DVDs, or another good book.
In the end, I got a copy of Damien Rice's first album, O. It's good music, and mellow enough to fit my current mood, which is down, but not out. Not yet suicidal down as in The Cardigans - Long Gone Before Daylight (which I bought the Chinese version weeks before for a bargain $9.99), though.
--
Pau dropped the suggestion of a retreat for this Lenten season. (It's perhaps the only season that Singapore hasn't capitalised on yet). I think I need to go to one.
--
I am required to take an exam on investment banking financial concepts. 1000+ pages in a week or so, on top of actual productive work.
--
Flickr account is expiring. Paging Noel ;)
--
Housemate Nes, hope you had a nice vacation. And don't mind what I said about vacations :D
--
I managed to avoid using my credit card this month. Credit cards are evil! Letting you spend money you have not earned yet is dangerous for financial stability. So I'm quite proud that I was able to achieve such resistance to temptation. It's all about control.
--
You know there are just no slow news days on Philippine politics and showbiz.
--
How do you get into a state when you are really ready to take a vacation? You know, like in school, you take summer vacations, and not worry about old things when you come back.
How's that for an axiom: The thing I miss most about school is summer vacations.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Bintan Resorts
Anticipating the absolute boredom that envelopes Singapore for the duration of the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations, we had to go somewhere else to get some R & R. A lot of expats, who choose not to go home for the holidays (Feb 17-20, this year) go the same way as a couple of officemates and I did: head for Bintan Resorts.
Lagoi, as it is originally called is a Singapore colony off one of the closest Indonesian islands from here, Pulau Bintan. It takes around an hour or so travel from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. The weather was a bit unfavourable at the beginning; but we were still hopeful of a good stay at the resort we chose, Nirwana Gardens Resort Hotel.
It's good news for me as well to know that my "old" waterproof case still works. Some wear and tear cracks but normal, really. The beach at low tide is full of sea stuff and you could see that the coast is hardly on an incline.
Instead, I just made the best out of the waterproof case in the swimming pool/s.
There are quite a number of novelty things to do there. One of which was to ride an elephant for S$10 (P310.00).
But the beach wasn't so bad/gross during high tide. The sun was out, and the waves were alive.
Not bad, not bad at all. Beats the heck out of any beach in Singapore. Except for the inflated food prices (S$15-30 per head), it was all worth it. Travel is hardly a problem from here. I'll be back some other boring long weekend.
Lagoi, as it is originally called is a Singapore colony off one of the closest Indonesian islands from here, Pulau Bintan. It takes around an hour or so travel from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. The weather was a bit unfavourable at the beginning; but we were still hopeful of a good stay at the resort we chose, Nirwana Gardens Resort Hotel.
It's good news for me as well to know that my "old" waterproof case still works. Some wear and tear cracks but normal, really. The beach at low tide is full of sea stuff and you could see that the coast is hardly on an incline.
Instead, I just made the best out of the waterproof case in the swimming pool/s.
There are quite a number of novelty things to do there. One of which was to ride an elephant for S$10 (P310.00).
But the beach wasn't so bad/gross during high tide. The sun was out, and the waves were alive.
Not bad, not bad at all. Beats the heck out of any beach in Singapore. Except for the inflated food prices (S$15-30 per head), it was all worth it. Travel is hardly a problem from here. I'll be back some other boring long weekend.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Off to Bintan
... for the Chinese New Year Holidays.
Singapore is closed for the time being. Time to get out!
Be back on Tuesday. Hope to take great pictures of the place!
Singapore is closed for the time being. Time to get out!
Be back on Tuesday. Hope to take great pictures of the place!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
It's That Time of the Year
Tax time!
I've just been handed a blank tax form to be filled up in the near future. They don't withhold taxes here like they do back home; they give you the entire thing to spend away. Good thing I set money aside every month for taxes and miscellaneous expenses. Aaand, I'm planning on paying for last year's taxes on installment throughout this year through auto-debit (GIRO). It's a considerable ease on finances.
--
I'm getting to like Indian food a lot. It's very much like Filipino dishes (served with rice and all). Roti Prata/Naan breads dipped in curry, the spicier, the better. In Manila, I've only really tasted Indian food in Queen's Crystal Garden Restaurant. Paneer, Tandoori, Samosa...
--
Chinatown is busy this time of the year, in preparation for Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations. People are hawking abalone, dried food, candies and selling Hong Bao ("ang paw" in Hokkien) envelopes. I've heard that Singapore stores and restaurants will generally be closed during the time, February 16-20. So if you're planning on visiting Singapore that time of the year. You might not get to do much in the city-state.
--
Sometimes, rummaging through sale racks and bins, you find some gems that not a lot of people care about. For example, in one of the shopping centres in Chinatown, I got myself a copy of Birth of A Nation for a good $5 (P150.00). It's a really old (1915) movie regarded as a pioneer in the industry, paving the way for beyond-an-hour long pictures. I'm no movie expert, but I never pass up on a chance to watch a classic, even if it's just to see what the fuss is all about. Yeah, I'm a poser.
I'll view it during one of my lonely laundry days.
--
One of the rare finds I found in London was this Japanese movie, Battle Royale, which I only was able to watch recently. It has very highly illogical, insane, yet fascinating premise. It involves Japanese schoolgirls, guns, and violence galore. It's also got Chiaki Kuriyama, more known worldwide as Go-Go Yubari in Kill Bill. What more do you want? (Oh yeah, sex. Well it depends. The film doesn't really need it.)
--
Tried out kickboxing with a free intro course. Interesting but expensive at $20 (P600.00) per class. And you're supposed to take four or eight in a month. I'll stick to the free workouts for a while.
--
And so while Singapore sleeps over the Chinese New Year. A couple of friends and I are headed towards Bintan, Indonesia. A nice coastal resort-town some forty-five minutes away by ferry. Time to take out and test the ol' waterproof case that hasn't been used since Fontana last year. I just hope it still works and my camera doesn't get wet... and broken...and I won't have to replace it...with maybe a DSLR...during March IT Show...if ever I'll have money to buy...which I won't have...Nope...I don't need it...don't spend...don't spend...Nnngh!
--
I've finished reading High Fidelity. (Hey, I'm on a roll on reading books!) I like it a lot and I can't wait until I get my hands on a DVD copy of the movie. The ending is not for me though, not at this point in my life. Nonetheless, go read this one, if you haven't.
--
And now, what should I read next? Anyone?
I've just been handed a blank tax form to be filled up in the near future. They don't withhold taxes here like they do back home; they give you the entire thing to spend away. Good thing I set money aside every month for taxes and miscellaneous expenses. Aaand, I'm planning on paying for last year's taxes on installment throughout this year through auto-debit (GIRO). It's a considerable ease on finances.
--
I'm getting to like Indian food a lot. It's very much like Filipino dishes (served with rice and all). Roti Prata/Naan breads dipped in curry, the spicier, the better. In Manila, I've only really tasted Indian food in Queen's Crystal Garden Restaurant. Paneer, Tandoori, Samosa...
--
Chinatown is busy this time of the year, in preparation for Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations. People are hawking abalone, dried food, candies and selling Hong Bao ("ang paw" in Hokkien) envelopes. I've heard that Singapore stores and restaurants will generally be closed during the time, February 16-20. So if you're planning on visiting Singapore that time of the year. You might not get to do much in the city-state.
--
Sometimes, rummaging through sale racks and bins, you find some gems that not a lot of people care about. For example, in one of the shopping centres in Chinatown, I got myself a copy of Birth of A Nation for a good $5 (P150.00). It's a really old (1915) movie regarded as a pioneer in the industry, paving the way for beyond-an-hour long pictures. I'm no movie expert, but I never pass up on a chance to watch a classic, even if it's just to see what the fuss is all about. Yeah, I'm a poser.
I'll view it during one of my lonely laundry days.
--
One of the rare finds I found in London was this Japanese movie, Battle Royale, which I only was able to watch recently. It has very highly illogical, insane, yet fascinating premise. It involves Japanese schoolgirls, guns, and violence galore. It's also got Chiaki Kuriyama, more known worldwide as Go-Go Yubari in Kill Bill. What more do you want? (Oh yeah, sex. Well it depends. The film doesn't really need it.)
--
Tried out kickboxing with a free intro course. Interesting but expensive at $20 (P600.00) per class. And you're supposed to take four or eight in a month. I'll stick to the free workouts for a while.
--
And so while Singapore sleeps over the Chinese New Year. A couple of friends and I are headed towards Bintan, Indonesia. A nice coastal resort-town some forty-five minutes away by ferry. Time to take out and test the ol' waterproof case that hasn't been used since Fontana last year. I just hope it still works and my camera doesn't get wet... and broken...and I won't have to replace it...with maybe a DSLR...during March IT Show...if ever I'll have money to buy...which I won't have...Nope...I don't need it...don't spend...don't spend...Nnngh!
--
I've finished reading High Fidelity. (Hey, I'm on a roll on reading books!) I like it a lot and I can't wait until I get my hands on a DVD copy of the movie. The ending is not for me though, not at this point in my life. Nonetheless, go read this one, if you haven't.
--
And now, what should I read next? Anyone?
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