Being overwhelmed by a surprised dinner for my 36th

Just how will my next Friday be?

The three of my newly acquainted gym friends from Malaysia were yakking happily beside and behind me, while I set my hands on the steering wheel, driving off from Newton area, on the way to the northern part of the island, where I was to drop each of them along the way before I reach my own house at Sembawang..

Its already late into the night when the few of us finished a round of supper with KC and Judith at Newton food center, and before that we were at the 9pm class of BodyCombat at Novena gym.. including Dez before he left for KL... Over at the food center, we had a binge of local fare including our top favorite of fried carrot cake and plain barbeque stingray.. so yummy..

Driving along the way back, I was half listening to them chitchatting about their latest craze over the game application of "Happy Farm" on the facebook.. They made it sound really like a cool and fun game, and that its possible to spend hours just to tend to the farm and grow the virtual crops..

They must be really into the game, for they advice each other on the different things they can do on different levels etc.. but I did not join into their conversation.. in fact I was not paying so much attention to the topic

I was sort of drifting away.. my mind on a cluster of varies thoughts

About my work not producing good results, on the hurry to look for the next house to move to in another 2 months, about myself, my routine, my character.. and even ponder about the purpose of existence..

I then recalled that its only 11 more days to go before June 30th.. how time flied by without noticing..

But the most important of all the random thoughts and reflection, it has to be about me being conscious that my Taipei trip will be taking place in a week's time..

Of the same time on the same day next week, I will be overseas doing my holiday, to be out of my routine here in Singapore

Looking forward to a new experience.. to a possibly new opportunity, a new life option..

A new him..

My thoughts was huskily interrupted when the radio played some buzz on the coming Golden Melody Awards in Taipei, to be followed by a particular song off the week's Chinese top billboard chart, and I recalled that I had just switched over to the Mandarin Station from the English station Gold 90.5 for oldies songs.. seems like I have not been listening to Mandarin songs for quite a while already

Afterall the era of Faye Wong, Sandy Lam, Jacky Cheung and Leslie Chung had all but passed long time ago

I remembered I was introduced to Mandarin Songs when I was in the army, because everyone else was on mandarin stations, because he was on them too..

That was so long ago..

I supposed mandarin pop songs being a lot more emotional.. the lyrics are usually more subtle and lines more sentimental.. I was listening to this new tune of the radio, finding it very affecting and touching... all while my friends were still make conversation between themselves.. Not without a slight foreign way of a conversation between them..

Maybe I can start listening to Mandarin pop again?

Possibly to find a new Mandarin album in Taipei, and make it like a theme song for my trip?

Will I get him to listen to the songs I like? Sitting side by side, sharing a ear phone?

Listening to the same tune together?

In my sea of messy thoughts.. I composed myself and brought my deliberation back to the situation.. amid their laughers I realized that I am already in Bishan area.. and proceed to drop two of them off at the Bishan MRT station

For the second half of the journey, I turned into a highway and I went on speedier on the spacious road that form an unblock view in front of me in the late night..

I didn't really converse much with the last friend in my car, for I was feeling exhausted.. I managed to join in for some polite chat , but I am not concentrating.. In fact my mind went on to wonder how Benny was doing now for his trip to Bangkok, about K and Bn, and H and Js, and my friends who were doing long distance relationships.. how tough can that be?

More importantly, what I should be doing during my own trip to Taipei.. Where should I be doing on the days when he is not going to be with me?

Oh just how it will be to be watching whales? Will I get to see one? Really?

I want to be at the top of the mountain watching the Taipei night scene

My mind run all over the place with random thoughts, of me already being excited with the coming trip on next Thursday afternoon..

One hand on the wheels, the other grasping my jagged chin, I began to wonder if this trip will bring changes to my life, and perhaps the opportunities that comes along?

Oh I remembered that smile.. the smile I fancy.. a smile I look forward to..

I went on to think about this person, his smile, his invitation for me to visit him for a countryside tour..

Frankly I have not get to know him as a true friend, for I have not even seen him in person, just yet.. and I must be senseless to have agree with his suggestion to join him in Taipei, right away without second thoughts.. but those few pictures and mails he had provided almost portrait a person I will very much love to get to know and keep in touch

I do like the way he smile.. if is ok to admit it..

It comes across as being genuine, at least to me.. it shows a conscious but nonchalant charactor, and to a certain extent, being rather forgiving and never the grouchy type, and definitely not someone who is too loud flashy nor attention seeking.. I can almost picture the scenerio where his loved ones will make a huge mistake some day, but that he will almost laugh it off instantly with ease and sympathy..

He came across as being a person who don't necessarily warm up to new friends fast enough, he seems the reserved and private type of a person.. and if given a choice, he may prefers to do things at his own pace.. BUT on the other hand, I am also rather convinced and sure that, for the friends he's closed to, he will be one sweet and dependable buddy..

And I concluded that he must have a group of very levelheaded friends too..

But all in all, I like him for his laid back attitude to things in life

Never the scheming type..

So much for all the nonsense in my head, I realized that I am already driving into Sembawang.. I quickly turned my head around and managed some talk with my friend on the passenger seat.. and to get to know what he does for a living..

Hopefully I didn't come across as being rude.. for not being involved in the chats..

I went on to drop him off at the nearby MRT station, while making a turn around and headed for home.. its already past midnight..

My mind went off again.. Suddenly it occurred to me that I could have invested too much energy into this course of things, I could end up being silly feeling inane.. Why did I get so involved so much in the first place?

Maybe its brainless on my part, or that maybe I could be too desperate?? Or am I trying too hard to get away from being my own, being lonesome..

But isn't that to be everyone's desire, to want to be closer to the feeling of being emotionally involved and to be happy?

Well... ya... at least there is something I am looking forward to... a new sentiment of things to come.. an intuition

And that will be take place in another 7 days

How will my next Friday be?

I couldn't help but wonder it in my head...

Over and over again..

Facebook status updates (May/ June 2009)

Random status updates

Leon Koh 涵量 had such a inspiring evening listening to opera by the park.. just that he is dismay that some of the friends did not turn up last minute.. Harry prepared so much food for a full picnic! Today 12:21am

Leon Koh 涵量 AND YES I WILL LOVE TO DO WHALE WATCHING!! I SO WANT TO DO THIS!! Yesterday at 12:04am

Leon Koh 涵量 (reminder) Friday dinner Prego with J & S/ Saturday Morning breakfast at Orchard/ evening Opera by the park Botanic/ Sunday Art show with Edric Fri at 12:28pm

Leon Koh 涵量 if only I can go whale watching for the rest of my life June 10 at 9:49am

Leon Koh 涵量 Cheaper iphones coming your way June 9 at 10:16am

Leon Koh 涵量 all melted after his car failed to start under the scorching hot sun!!!!! June 8 at 3:57pm

Leon Koh 涵量 all of a sudden Leon has become Mr Lovely :p June 8 at 12:40am

Leon Koh 涵量 Prudential Plc, which sells health and disability insurance, has 1.38 billion dollars in two tobacco companies June 7 at 5:35pm

Leon Koh 涵量 it was a lovely.. no... charming.. no.. er.. wonderful night! June 7 at 3:07am

Leon Koh 涵量 hearts those hundreds of students who were crashed/killed under the tanks in tiananmen in 1989 June 6 at 4:08am

Leon Koh 涵量 confirms he will be away to Taipei from 25th June to 1st of July.. 不需要喧哗的精彩只想看到平凡的浪漫 June 5 at 1:11am

Leon Koh 涵量 is thinking to do taipei trip by month end June 4 at 9:59pm

Leon Koh 涵量 : you will be 36 soon! better behave! May 31 at 9:06pm

Leon Koh 涵量 enjoyed the swanky dinner with the boys.. the food was "Sedap" haha.. thanks for the night out.. happy birthday my friend May 31 at 2:31am

Leon Koh 涵量 has only been to Hangzhou, one of the eight ancient capitals of china (others being Luoyang, Kaifeng, Anyang, Zhengzhou, Beijing, Nanjing and Xi'an) May 29 at 9:58pm

Leon Koh 涵量 like his friend's motto : Feel the fear, and do it anyway! May 29 at 12:37am

Leon Koh 涵量 My friend's food blog! He's a professional food taster and blogger.. do take a look May 28 at 12:19pm

Leon Koh 涵量 have a G2000 3 button size 50 black jacket for giving away.. only worn once for 5 minutes.. anyone keen? maybe can pass to you somewhere in town May 27 at 8:42pm

Leon Koh 涵量 look at the scoring hot weather! I wanna migrate to temperate countries! May 25 at 5:11pm

Leon Koh 涵量 took the "How well do you know Dez Chua?" quiz. Leon's score: 25% May 22 at 8:48am

Leon Koh 涵量 5 minutes.. from now... tmr morning wake up for a run around the estate!.. 5.4.3.2.1.. May 15 at 1:12am

Leon Koh 涵量 had a tired day.. felt so exhausted.. run out of positivity.. and is enjoying a moment of serenity by sitting in the kitchen by himself, reading every single line on the wrapper of a loaf of Gardenia wholewheat bread May 13 at 11:27pm

Leon Koh 涵量 just sold his house in Sembawang (goodbye to the evening strolls by the beach).. will be looking for a new place in east coast! May 13 at 12:32am

Opera in the Park at Botanical Gardens

We reached the gates of the Botanical Gardens 45 minutes before the start of this event, but the place was already so full with people and it seemed that the main visitor center's car park lots were all but taken up.. and we had but to travel a lot further into the adjacent campus compound before we was able to get a lot for ourselves..

It was then a long walk towards the centre of the botanical gardens, where the Opera in the Park was to be held.. of us feeling the sweat of the humid afternoon.. but it was nevertheless an enjoyable and lovely stroll in this charming park full of mature and lush greenery, not without a beautiful sunsetting sky a further distance away..

It was to be a lovely afternoon, of me taking in the slight breeze.. the sight of some of the oldest tree around the island.. it being a like a moment of time out of the context of the busy concrete Singapore

I always enjoy a stroll in this lush greenery of the most popular park here in Singapore.. so tranquil

Helping Harry with his grocery bags, I noticed that he had bought a lot of stuff.. like biscuits, chips, bakes, can food etc.. how wonderful.. but it seemed like not everyone was there.. When I picked them up at the car park behind the Orchard gym, there were only Harry, Eric, and Dez, with Benny making his own way down. There were lots of other people who sounded so keen for this free admission event by the park, but did not seem to make it, nor turned up at last minute as expected.. I believe Harry's preparation for a big picnic would be going to a waste.. sigh..

A slight disappointment. Otherwise it would be an even more fun and pleasurable event.


Just when I turned up my head to check if we had got closer to the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage.. there it was.. the huge crowd forming in front of the beautiful swan lake, creating quite a spectacular.. a wave of bursting colors against the slope full of greens..

I was delighted. To be greeted by such a beautiful scene, something better than I had imagined it to be..


I looked up to the sky to notice that it had became a little more gloomy, to the extent that rain may come at any time, but that didn't stop the crowd from getting bigger, to gather way beyond the slope into the woods, laying out their picnic spreads and holding out their champagne glasses

so full of life.. lots of energy.. and the crowed looked graceful and at peace

As the clock strike 6pm, a radio DJ announced the start of the event.. no one seemed to be bothered by the gloomy weather.. and everyone was fixing their eyes on the stage.. The performance then got started and the familiar tunes were being played.. to everyone's delight..


I took in the sight of the open garden, of the crowded that gathered there.. looking at the way they had pack their picnic baskets, taking a glance at them with their family and pets, and at the same time took in a deep breath of the breeze to get a whiff of gorgeous atmosphere by the park..

A beautiful scene all placed together. I could see the leaves dancing in the wind, and the pond giving a beautiful reflection of the gloomy sky that was filled up with clouds of anomalous patterns

Being harmonious and soothing

As the show went on at the center stage, all of us got involved into the sight and sounds around us, of the kids playing and catching up with one another, and at the same time for us to enjoy our own picnic and digging into our own spread.. really a huge amount of food.. all thanks to Harry for the preparation

The sky continued to darken, thunder seemed to be looming but it never came.. but the show went on with even more tuneful and melodious songs, of me feeling all inspired and getting all the goose pimples on my arms ..


There were the familiar and enchanting tunes from the great operas by composers like Mozart, Puccini, Lehar and Verdi, all being presented to the cheering crowd by the Singapore Lyric Opera.. Joined by the Singapore Lyric Opera Orchestra and conducted by Joshua Tan Kang Ming

The programme included,

Mozart Der Schauspieldirektor, K. 486 (from The Impressario) Overture
Mozart O Zittre Nicht (from Die Zauberflote)
Mozart Sull’aria (from Le Nozze di Figaro)
Rossini Overture to Barber of Seville
Verdi La Donna e Mobile (from Rigoletto)
Lehar You Are My Heart's Delight (from Das Land des Lachelns)
Lehar Love Unspoken (from The Merry Widow)
Puccini O Mio Babbino Caro (from Gianni Schicchi)
Mascagni Intermezzo
Puccini Quando Men Vo (from La Boheme)
Puccini Che Gelida Manina (from La Boheme)
Puccini Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi (from La Boheme)
Puccini O Soave Fanciulla (from La Boheme)

Not unlike a relaxing afternoon on the lush greens of the Gardens in some parts of Europe, away from singapore.. being a out of singapore experience


As the event drew to the close by 7pm+, the aristes came out for 2 more encore pieces, and the last pieces was the most memorable of all.. and by the end of the show, there was the thunderous applause that went on and on for a while.. with my arms high in the air too

By then, we had but to let our hearts down and packed up our things and went off for a dinner at Gallery Hotel..

It had really been a memorable evening by the park.. this is one

Leon had such a fabulous and inspiring afternoon listening to opera by the park.


●

I was still very full when we arrived at the Gallery Hotel by the Mohd Sultan road, but I was nevertheless quite taken by the smell of this little Japanese ramen shop tucked away at the corner of this hotel.. and that got me interested..


To begin with, I was ever told by Robin that this is really the real deal of a 100 percent authentic Sapporo Ramen.. and few of my friends had mentioned it, and now ever Eric agreed that it is good.. and so it was a must try for the night..

At Miharu, the popular Sapporo Nishiyama brand noodles are specially imported from Japan . Made with well water, these Japanese noodles come frozen and have to be thawed for 3 days, in order to reach the perfect texture. The noodles, wildly popular in Japan , has caused a stir amongst the Japanese community here and everyone else seems to flock to this little, quaint Japanese eatery to get a taste of this springy and fresh Sapporo Ramen.. for a taste of the real thing.


There is absolutely nothing pretentious about the place. Small and functional, the dining area seats up to 20. The turnover rate is high. Customers slurp up their noodles lovingly within 15 minutes and head off to the sake bars nearby for a round of beers. The decoration is simple and plain, nothing spectacular.. its more of a homely and comfortable setup, where the food will do the talking, being the selling point of this restaurant..

The menu is simple and uncomplicated. Miharu only serves its specialty, which is the Sapporo Nishiyama noodles in various soup bases and sauces. One only has to bite into the noodles to taste its difference. Springy and chewy, the noodles have a substantial bite. Complemented by the tasty soup base imported from Japan , these noodles have the most scrumptious and appetizing taste.


We loved our Miso Tonkotsu for its thick broth that is brimming with flavor, and the thin crunchy and succulent pork slices and vegetables add an extra punch and texture to the soup. A layer of Hokkaido blended oil lingers on the surface, giving the noodles an extra heady fragrance and spicing.. but all in all, it can be a little too salty for our taste too..

Miharu is indeed a good place for a simple meal, nothing too lavish or fanciful.

For a real taste of authentic Japan

●

After Eric went home after the dinner, we decided to phone Zed and to invite him for a drink together somewhere in town.. and while waiting for his reply, we went back into the Gallery hotel to take some random pictures, of ourselves.. hehe


Some 30 minutes later, it was decided that Zed would not be joining us afterall, and we headed to the nearby Laurent's Cafe and Chocolate Bar, just minutes walk from the hotel, for a cup of hot tea to rest our soul and for a chatter into the late night..


Formerly known as The Chocolate Factory, the newly renamed Laurent’s Café & Chocolate Bar is set amid a sea of cookie-cutter eateries. It stands distinct from the rest for its fresh, light and vibrant energy, with a cozy setup that excludes the right ambience to sit back, relax and enjoy a beverage of choice, the patrons who loyally return do so only for one reason… their chocolate.

I read from their website that they had started the business just last year, and the motivation behind the café is to offer a range of chocolates and desserts worthy of culinary exclamation. With 20 years of culinary experience, chocolate is a craft of quality that the owner has near perfected through passion and years of experiment and practice.

Whether it is Japanese fruits, such as the Yuzu or the Mirabelle, a plum from the East of France, extraordinary flavours are always uncovered through much trial and error, until the ideal tastes are met. Almost like a molecular clinic, the mix of flavours causes an explosion of the senses, either in passion fruit, chilli, or green tea with raspberry, etc.

It was really a wonderful night sipping my hot cup of tea while snacking on some of the richest chocolate pastries down my full stomach..

And of course it was also a night where Dez shared with us some of his lifestyle routine and more intimate thoughts on work and love.. and I realiszed I did get to know a lot more of him after the sharing session

A heartwarming Saturday night that was one..


●

Walk back into the Gallery hotel carpark, I was feeling all exhausted.. almost wanting to fall asleep right there

Packing his camera bag and equpement he had borrowed fro Kel into my car, Harry took some time to settle into the passenger seat.. when he turned around to me, unexpectedly, to mention that the group was planning for a birhtday dinner for me, possibly at the whilte rabbit, except that the price may be too dear... and he went on to add that he had many other options in his mind..

I was taken by surprise of his effort, and for his sincerity.. and as much as I felt so touched and happy by it, but I thought I must have looked stoned, or even expressionless, if I remembered correctly.. that's because I was really drained out for the night.. I thought I should have at least looked more interested in the topic, other than to point out that I am not really into celebrating birthdays

But in my heart, truly.. I was indeed moved by their effort and attempt

May I mention a word of thanks to all my friends here and to show my appreciation for their thoughtfulness

Thanks you guys.. so so much!

This picture is so adorable, makes me smile

Emailed out on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 2:47 PM

share this picture with you.. so cute.. like you

have a great weekend lo!

hahahahhaah

L :)

Movie 'Blood The last vampire' with the boys

This may be remembered as just another one of a regular Tuesday movie night outs with the boys, nothing quiet extraordinary really..

Was spending the whole long afternoon completing the design for the GCB flyer before sending it to Desmond, and to be followed with making tons of calls to all the clients to update the team's listings of properties for sale.. a routine and uninteresting day this could be one..

Made a call to Zul just to remind him of the movie gathering for the night, but was heartrending to hear a series of unfortunate events happening to him, including the latest of his bike being stolen outside a motor repair shop, but was later recovered by the police with some of the parts missing.. how eventful.. luckily he was taking it well and seemed to be in good spirits.. maybe he has something more cheerful that's occupying his thoughts for now?

By 6.30pm I drove down to the industrial park area to fetch him to Cineleisure.. I took note that his office had already moved out of SGH all the way up to the North..

Both of us arrived late at the basement food court of the Cineleisure, but realized we were the first to be there. Zed came shortly, then Benny, followed by Hanis, Harry and much later for Kel, with his new Mac notebook

Hanis had just arrived back on a working flight from Zurich and he was visually looking so tired.. but he was nevertheless still the cheerful and cheeky person we all know, always ready for a joke. find him so humorous.. Always give me a laugh..

Its straight to the movies after a quick dinner for all of us..

●

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)

On the surface, Saya is a stunning 16-year-old, but that youthful exterior hides the tormented soul of a 400-year-old 'halfling.' Born to a human father and a vampire mother, she has for centuries been a loner obsessed with using her samurai skills to rid the world of vampires, all the while knowing that she herself can survive only on blood like those she hunts.

When she is sent onto an American military base in Tokyo by the clandestine organisation she works for, Saya immediately senses that this may be her opportunity to finally destroy Onigen, the evil patriarch of all vampires.

Using her strength and her sword, she begins to rid the base of its evil infestation in a series of spectacular and elaborate showdowns. However, it is not until she forms her first human friendship in centuries with the young daughter of the base's general that Saya learns of her greatest power over Onigen may well be her ability for human connection.

Well, I have to conclude that the cinematography for this movie is quite rich with graphical effects that are achieved through extensive post editing, as much as much of it seems to be really fake.. There is nothing really groundbreaking about the visuals despite its huge effort in trying to project its comical identity. However some scenes such as the battle under the rain were done with great artistry until a point where the scene might as well be just a photo instead of a scene for a movie.

And for me, Gianna played the role of Saya exceptionally well.. she reminded me of a younger Gong Li in one of those Chinese movies where she was seen as a determined and focused character.. of their eyes full of vigor and showing the strength of mind.. and Gianna's looking all stunning in that Japanese school uniform.. being a contrast for the bloody scenes throughout the show

I also adores all the slashing and cutting up of body parts.. so blood-spattering.. scarcely but exciting at the same time

All in all, the show may come across as being rather "how-seow" and trashy at times, mindless if one have to insist.. but if we are to lower down our expectations, I do think its still very much a entertaining and enjoyable show.. Something not to be missed if you're into comical based movies

Really "F*ckory" good (being a personal joke of me making fun of Zul)

●

Over at the HK cafe for a light snack after the movie, they were ordering some stuff like a bucket of bean curd and bowls of beehoon.. while we had a post movie chat with lots of laughter among us.. it being a busy cafe even so late into the night

I was sharing with them that I love the scenery in the show, referring to the beautiful countryside in Japan, it being so celestial.. but Harry had to joke that I was referring to the naval base and the commander's house.. he's always giving a laugh too.

Oh I didn't forget to share with Zul the sms I had just received from 'Copenhagen' by the end of the movie, asking me to do a lunch sometimes. Not that I am quite taken aback, but rather it being a pleasant surprise since its been a while since I last get to talk to him, been quite sometime already..

Just to share a cutesy moment with a buddy..

And then its my turn to hear some updates from my buddy.. from the more enjoyable topics about his many recent trips to the many places, including South Korea and Cambodia, during the past few months, to the incident of his bike breaking down on the road and it being stolen at the workshop.. before recovering it back again..

Like I said before, although its really been a nasty period for him lately, but it seems to be turning for the better during the past week.. Hopefully things will just get better and better!

I love to see him with that genuine smile on his face..

Both of us turned to the rest of the guys for some chatter, and its at that time when Kel got ready his Mac notebook for a slide presentation of the pictures he had taken on his various trips over a period of time.. from the sober New York, to the charismatic Hokkaido, to the busy Tokyo streets and pleasant natural parks at other places,.. every single shot there speaks of beauty and subtleness..

Looking at those pictures, it reminded me the joy of traveling, to be wandering around places, to get lost and discover little pockets of splendor here and there.. and it got me excited about doing trips again.. to be looking forward to my coming trip to Taipei by the end of the month..

With some familiar popular songs by Stefanie Sun playing at the background.. I was lost in a thought thinking to myself.. how nice it will be if we traveled around places with our loved ones.. and on the days when we get old, for us to sit down together to look back on the pictures, to be reminded of the lovely memories.. What a captivating thought..

I smiled to myself, being out of the blue

At that instant, I almost wanted to lean over the table to Zul and share with him a personal thought, a special moment, but i stopped short of doing that

I hesitated.. for I know I was being silly

I know I know...

Looking down onto the table, that bowl of unfinished bean curd, and I had a chuckle

In my mind, i wanted to tell him this.. that I am so much wanting to fall in love, all over again

I am all ready..

But with who??

Ha ha ha...

So silly..

Maryann's baby first month gathering at Makena