Sudden Fascination with Documentaries

Documentaries were certainly not my cup of tea. I have often associated documentaries with boring, serious, complex programs which are not a very interesting way of spending my time. Yet, the documentaries that are featured on CNA and Arts Central and are contrary to my preconception.

Some of the documentaries to-date combine life-style and information so that information is conveyed in a more interesting manner and on topics which are less abstract to us. On Arts Central, 9pm, Mosaic Monday features some of the more extraordinary people in everyday life. On this Monday, Mosaic Monday features “Size Does Matter”. If you think this is about weight issue, you will be surprised. “Size Does Matter” looks into the life of a dwarf who lives on an island and her meeting with other dwarfs. On Friday, it will feature the struggle of a man who has to be on his own with broken legs after his plane crashed in the wild of South Africa. On other days, the programs are more life-style oriented with peeks into coffee, fashion and travels.

CNA too brings about different documentaries – the latest being about professional mourners at funerals. Not only do we get to hear about the life-stories of these professionals, we also understand more about the job itself as well as the funeral proceedings in other countries. Death is no longer a taboo for these people but a form of livelihood. Prior to these, there were a series of food science programs to generate greater awareness of the boons and banes of the different food and eating habits.

The good thing about catching these programs is that they are information conveyed in a more interactive manner than reading. It combines entertainment and learning.

Sea View

Can you guess which sea side I am at?

Belated Birthday Celebration

The Annual Staff Function Committee 2007 have not met for a long time. On this Friday evening, we gathered once more at the last year ASF site for my belated birthday (every belated indeed) celebration cum ASF2007 anniversary celebration.

We arrived at the Legends café. The café was deserted except for us. We practically have the whole restaurant to ourselves. To tell the truth, the food was mediocre but the evening was enjoyable because of the company, especially when I have not met some of them for a long time. A few of them have found greener pasture and since left the company.

Our Chairman was still as humorous as before. Jess still maintained his hearty appetite. FBI remained a strong contender for the most humorous position against our Chairman despite his newly marital status. Yen still maintained a tight control over quality. The rest of us continued to make blunders under the close scrutiny of Yen and being outtalked by FBI and Chairman.

What a nice way to gather around friends and have a good laugh with one another. Hmm… I really should join in their gathering more often, or else I am certainly marked by Chairman. Uh-oh.

Interviewing and Recruiting

We are trying to recruit contract junior executives recently to cope with the increased workload as well as to cover for one of the executives who is currently on maternity leave. During the interview, other than the direct supervising officer, another officer will sit on the panel as an independent officer, in addition to the HR officer.

Although I do not have direct reports, I would still need to work with these executives on a portfolio / project basis. Hence, sometimes I will sit in as the independent officer for the interview. Prior to this job, I hardly have the chance to interview or recruit anyone. Hence, acting as an independent interviewer is indeed an eye-opener for me.

How to tell if an interviewee has oversold himself/herself? How to tell if an interviewee is really keen of the job? How to tell if an interviewee will fit into the job or the company culture? These are important questions which we would need to ascertain in the 30-minute to an hour interview process.

Technical skill is not the most important aspect as on-the-job training can help bridge the gap. Soft skills and attitude are more important, especially in our job as we need to work with various parties. Moreover, with the right attitude, the candidate can quickly pick up the relevant skills and smoothly transit into the job.

Of course, sitting on the interviewing panel is less stressful than sitting on the interviewee chair. Some interviewees say too much. Some say too little. Regardless of who we are recruiting, offering and accepting the offer will be both a risk for the interviewer and the interviewee. If both the recruiter and the recruitee only discover that there is no job fit after commencement of the employment, it will be both disruptive for the employer and the employee.

Relaxation and Strength Building

Depending on the different poses, Yogic exercise can promote either relaxation or strength building. Some apparently simple stretches can command a lot of strength and concentration especially to maintain in the same position while continuing normal breathing.

For those having insomnia, perhaps you can try the following exercises the next time you have difficulty sleeping.

This is a Table pose. It is supposed to promote relaxation through the tensing and subsequent release of tension.

The Tension Releaser exercise will release built-up tension.

For building of strength, one can do the Sun Salutation. Doing 21 cycles (one-time of right leg first and one-time of left leg first combined is considered one cycle) is believed to have the same effect as jogging for 10 km.

Before you try these exercises, please seek your doctor’s advice. Moreover, please practice in the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher and get your breathing and position right before attempting to practise on your own.

The Truth About Food

Ladies, ladies, hear ye! How often we fret about the food we eat and their effect on the waist line. We follow blindly and faithfully some of the fad diets or myths of food. How effective are these in helping us maintain our BMI is anyone's guess.

For those with a more inquisitive mind (or perhaps cynic attitude) and would like to understand more thoroughly the effect of the fad diets or eating habits, the recent series of documentaries on Channel NewsAsia offer answers to some of our questions. It aims to tell us the truth about food, including how to be slim. "The Truth About Food" is a documentary that airs every Sunday evening on CNA. Each week, the documentary features different topics relating to food.

Colourful food is not only pleasing to sight and whets your appetite; colourful food is also more beneficial to your body. For example, red wine taken in moderation, strengthens your heart. Spinach helps to improve eye-sight. Tomatoes improves our skin's resistance towards sun burnt.
How does food play a part in maintaining our weight or in slimming down? Is how big or small we are determined by our metabolism? Is a high protein diet effective? Well, answers are revealed in the different experiments conducted.

1) Our sizes are not determined by our metabolic rate but our food intake.

2) A person who consumes a high protein diet has a more satiating meal than a person who consumes a high carbohydrate or high fat meal. Hence, this reduces the food intake of the person who consumes a high-protein meal.

3) A person who consumes a high-calcium meal passes out more fats than one who does not because calcium will bind the fat together and prevents it from being absorbed by the body.

4) A detox diet does not result in more toxins being passed out.

5) When water and solid food are taken separately compared to if they were made into soup, the latter can sustain us from hunger for a longer period of time. This is because the soup can expand our gastric for a longer period of time than water and solid food. Hence, this sends signal to our brains that we are full.

6) We tend to overeat by being served a larger portion of the food. In addition, we tend to overeat if we do not see what we have eaten.

Knowing the truth and denouncing the myth surrounding food, we can better manage our diet and work towards greater health.

Factory Outlet in Singapore

The concept of factory outlet is not new to Singapore, from the Espirit factory outlet at Yishun to the Adidas outlet at Novena. Factory outlets are definitely not unfamiliar to many Singaporeans, especially for those who travel more widely. We have often heard of woman flocking to Coach factory outlets in US to HarbourTown in Australia and Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

When I hear that Anchorpoint on Alexandra Road is to be positioned as the factory outlet wiht many well-known brands congregating under the same roof, I am both exhilarated. On a lazy afternoon, Ah Peng and I decide to travel to Anchorpoint.

Anchorpoint gathers Charles & Keith, Giodano, G2000, Citychain and Pedro factory outlets. The stores mainly retail merchandises from previous seasons. The stocks mostly have limited colours and sizes options. In addition to the factory outlet stores, there are also foodcourts and cafes. The most unique cafe is a Disney cafe near the entrance of the mall.

To tell the truth, Anchorpoint is slightly disappointing especially relative to HarbourTown and Lantau Island. Firstly, the number of brands are fewer and the size of the stores are also smaller than the Hong Kong or Australia's counterparts. Moreover, Anchorpoint is only a two-level mall with few other selections to spend time on.

Needless to say, it is another fruitless trip for me.

Hong Kong Food

Hong Kong cafes are increasingly common and popular in Singapore. The Chinese-infused Western food, the yuan yang and the toast are well-known items are the menu. Perhaps you have already tried Central Hong Kong Cafe or you have grown sick of Xing Wang Cafe?


As I was in Vivocity, I chanced upon the Kim Gary Restaurant offering the familiar Hong Kong Cafe food.


Baked Rice


Beef Noodles



French Toast




Almond Tea

Yum yum. Let's tuck in.

Annual Staff Function 2008

It has been a year. Last year, I was on the Annual Staff Function, aka, Dinner & Dance Committee. Now, the new committee has taken the baton from us and the current year event is here again.

This year, with increased budget, both the venue and the food is 'upgraded' to a hotel and with a sit=down -course dinner. The theme is to glam up. Yet, we are busy at work even way past the registration time. We barely make it to the dinner in time much less dress up to the theme. By the way, my most glamourous clothes is already my working attire. *Sheepish*

To be frank, both the food and venue are better than previous year. In terms of entertainment, it gets abit stale as some of the jokes told and the games played are similar to last year. Moreover, the jokes told are slightly more "R-rated" than last year which may be funny with some slight distaste.

Well, I am slightly disappointed when I have not won anything in the lucky draw. Well, I attend the Annual Staff Function for both the food and the lucky draw only. The food has somewhat meet my expectations but not the lucky draw though. Sigh! Let's hope for better luck next time.

Cheap Thrill

It is a girl's dream to be pampered like a queen. This contributes to the growing spa business in Singapore. However, with just an 'executive' salary, coveting after 'management' lifestyle will only spells trouble for my wallet.

Well, what can you do when you wish to seek an avenue to relax your mind and body after a tiring day or week? Hmm, since I cannot have the luxury of professional treatment, I shall opt for D-I-Y.

I have a Body Shop toilettries set from my colleague as a Christmas gift. Now, it's time for me to test out its efficacy. Passionfruit - one of the nicest smelling fruit I like - subtle yet distinctive, long lasting without intrusive. Once I open the scrub, the entire bathroom is filled with the sweet scent of passionfruit. The scrub is grainy and definitely working its wonders to remove the dead skin. After washing, the skin is smooth and well-scented.

The passionfruit scrub washes away the weariness of the week and keeps me happy throughout the weekend. For someone who is sceptic of aromatherapy, I now believe the healing power of scents. At least, the passionfruit scent has lifted my mood during the weekend.

Hmm, I cannot wait to start using the accompanying passionfruit shower gel and body butter.

Trio Playing at iShop

5050, KW and I have not met for lunch for many weeks. Recently, one of us will have one thing or another on Friday such that we cannot meet. Finally, we have to rescheduled our weekly meeting to a Thursday in order to finally meet. Sick of canteen food, we have decided to go to Cineplex for some variety.

After lunch, we loitter around Cineplex and chance upon iShop. There are many gadgets on display. We try the iBook and are captivated by the vivid colours and the friendly interfaces. Personally, I am simply swept off by the 'intelligence' of the iPod Touch. In addition to the bright and clear pictures on the small screen, the pictures can be easily viewed using the length or the width of the screen simply by rotating the screen. Moreover, to enlarge or reduce the size of the picture, you just need to use your fingers to pull and drag.

For once, I feel so much like a 'mountain tortoise' in a large and white techie playground.

Branding of Banks

Singaporeans are super savers. We have always been known as a country with the highest saving rates. From the POSB account that our parents open for us when we are born to the CPF account that we monthly contribute after we get our first job, there are other supplementary savings we may build up as we move into different phases in lives.

Hence, many Singaporeans are not unfamiliar to the banks. From the big 3 local banks to the offshore banks, we are spoilt for choices regardless of whether we are saving, investing, borrowing, or mortgaging. With increased competition from the offshore banks, our local banks are also gearing up in response.

I have always been watching closely the various promotions introduced by the local banks out of both curiosity and hope of reaping benefits as end-consumer. I have recently been rather attracted by the series of advertising campaigns that OCBC has implemented.

From my recollection, OCBC has not utilized the television advertisements as frequently. It has used more of print media – in newspaper. Currently, it has expanded to the use of more personal touch, turning its bank branches more into a mini showroom of different themes. This removes the daunting aura associated with the professionalism emphasized by various banks. In addition, the little touches that the banks put in place also warm the consumers’ hearts.

I was impressed when I saw several benches placed along the queue to the counters providing rest to the tired legs while customers wait along the queues. So far, I have only seen OCBC branches but not other banks. Such little thoughts go a long way as it helps alleviate the frustration associated with long queue at the banks. Along the queues, colourful brochures are placed for consumers to be informed of the latest promotions / programs. This is a very effective way of promoting their latest products. Most consumers prefer to buy-in to a new investment idea themselves rather than being ‘pushed’ by the bank.

The thoughtfulness of the bank can also be seen in the extended operating hours that it introduces in selected branches. Previously, many of the working adults will need to apply leave to run errands at the bank especially for those who need to work on Saturday or for those who wish to avoid the bank crowd during peak hours like lunch hour or Saturday. With the extended operating hour on weekdays and even Sundays, we can get our things done without having to waste our leave.

Depending on the ‘flavour’ of the month, the OCBC banks has also decorated or introduced different gimmicks. For instance, when it first introduces its mighty savers programs for the children, it has set up popcorn counters and given out free popcorn to customers. Magicians also graced the branch and entertained the young customers. Recently, it has targeted the ladies. On International Women’s Day, pink roses were given out to ladies. Ladies’ nights are introduced on every Wednesday with express queue at selected counters solely devoted to ladies. For those queues, pink carpets lined the floor to the counter. Cocktails are also served to ladies customers.

Such small gestures show the thoughtfulness branded by the banks. After all, we have to visit the banks often and often for important milestones in our lives, eg when we are getting our first house, when we get our first pay check, etc. Hence, a long-lasting relationship with the customers will go a long way.

Singaporeans are Getting Ruder?

Recently, I noticed Singaporeans seemed to getting more and more inconsiderate, such that going out becomes almost like a battle regardless of whether it is a working or non-working day. Many times I have witnessed inconsiderate acts on the road. This morning, another accident added to my list of inconsiderate acts.

A van was parked on a one-car street along the entrance to a housing estate carpark. The driver was absent from the van. Hence, for cars behind this van waiting to get into the car park, they had to wait. When my mum honked for the driver, the driver reluctantly came to fetch his vehicle. However, he came back without explicitly expressing his displeasure and signalling to my mum that she could have overtaken his van and illegally used the outcoming way to enter the carpark.

For one, he was not the only user of the road. If he needed to offload his goods, he could have gone into the carpark instead of illegally parking at the entrance of the carpark. Secondly, instead of being apologetic for his inconsiderate and illegal act, he made it seem as though we were the inconsiderate ones. If he wished to endanger himself and his vehicle by parking illegally, he could go ahead. He should not expect everyone else to endanger our lives as well by condoning his dangerous acts.

If we have to be constantly battling such rude acts , it is hard to remain courteous and calm. Soon, we will evolve into rude and impatient beings in order to survive such ordeals. I wonder how this will adversely affect the homeland we live in.

Look Up... ... Surprise

When we walk, we often look straight or look down. We do not usually look up while we are walking. Looking up when you are walking can be dangerous as you can miss any stumbling block in your path and trip.


As I was on the escalator up from the basement to the Borders Book Store at Wheelock Place, I was attracted by the bright light filtering down and looked up. I was suddenly blinded by the light and the intricacies of the metal frame of the roof. I might not be an architectural enthusiast. Yet, at that moment, I was filled with respect and admiration for this architect.



To think I have missed something beautiful for such a long time and for so many times that I pass by the place.

Palate Disappointment

Singaporeans are exposed to different kinds of food each day - Western or Asian, fried or steam, liquid or dry, good or bad. Other than shopping, eating is almost like another National Hobby.

If you switch on the TV, the more popular programs in Singapore can be categorised in three main themes - travel, shopping and food. We have different kinds of food programs - programs associated with gourmet writers, eg Makansutra Raw, programs introducing stalls with long queues, programs introducing eateries along certain bus routes and even programs on good food on campus. Of course, we are not forgetting the more conventional food programs which centre around certain types of food or certain areas of eating places each episode.

Inevitably, our tongues have been pampered with the myriad selection. Just as we feel heavenly after a satisfying good meal. The reverse is also true, especially when we expect to perk ourselves up with good food.

I was in Novena on a weekend evening and was looking for my dinner destination. After walking around, I decided to eat at a Thai restaurant. After having so much good Thai food for the past 2 weeks, my expectations had been raised. This was especially when I had never been disappointed by Thai food before. To our disappointment, the food was purely spicy without accompanying aroma from the spices used. For the fried rice with dried shrimps and chicken, the rice was too bland and the chicken too sweet. For the Phad Thai, it was too sweet but only generous in the rice noodle. For the seafood stir fried rice noodle, it was too spicy which overwhelmed any sweetness from the seafood. In addition, the meal was not cheap which led to double disappointment.

Strangely, after eating such disappointing food, it sort of set a disappointing tone for the remaining evening. I felt fustrated and slighted peeved at being treated to such insincere cuisine. Just as good food cheers us up, bad food casts a cloud.

Long Awaited Square 2

There was alot of publicity of the place when it first opened. Since it was only a few MRT stations away, my sister and I had talked about going to Square 2 for a long time.

Finally, we were there. The tenant mix was indeed unique from other shopping centres. It reminded me faintly of Far East's Level One or Clarke Quay's Central with quaint little boutiques distributed in a maze-like layout. The shops could not be totally seen from the centre of the mall as many could be hidden behind the other shops. The walking space between these shops was narrow.

The fourth level was entirely level devoted to Korean merchandise and F & B for Korean fans - with 2 Korean restaurants and a Korean minimart selling Korean snacks and sundries. On the last level, there was the familiar NTUC Fairprice anchoring half of the level. The rest of the shops were mainly made up of DVD shops and food-related shops such as Mmmm which sold marinated meats.

Unfortunately, the shops closed around 8pm which made the place rather quiet after 8. It was indeed a pity and again reinforced the phenomenon of a lack of night life in Singapore.

To all the Ladies, Let's Celebrate Life

Happy International Women's Day to all Ladies!

Let us continue to celebrate life with continued enthusiasm, positivism, confidence and beauty.

Shoe Shopping

The musketeers have not gone shopping for ages. The theme of the day was shoes. We practically tried from shoe boutique to boutique.

To our disappointment, none of us bought anything at the end of the day. Yet, sometimes the fun of things was not in the outcome but in the process, especially a process where exercise (restricted to only walking from shop to shop and bending down to pick up the shoes) was minimal and laughter (from the faux pas selections) was maximum.

The fun from shopping lied more in the company, especially when all of us knew what each other would like. We could also be open in our judgment towards the choices one another made. No formalities or niceties reserved. I welcomed such frank opinions. It would be better to embarrassed myself in front of the Musketeer with my often auntie-ish-selection than to make a wrong purchase and embarrass myself time and again in front of strangers.

Shopping, catching-up with friends and lots of laugher are the best ingredients for a recipe of a good evening to unwind.

Musketeers' Gathering at Shokudo Pasta

The Musketeers have not met since Christmas last year. Somehow or rather, due to work and other social commitments, we have not been able to find a common time to meet. We are really lapsing in our initial promise to meet monthly.

Nonetheless, since we are not able to meet as frequently, we should all the more treasure the time that we can meet. For this meeting, we have decided to find a cosy dining place to while our time away over delicious meal. Well, since work has slowed down a little recently, I have decided to search for new places for our get-together.

From my shortlist, we decide to head for Shokudo Pasta at Citylink. It is a newly opened Fusion (Japanese & Western) eatery. The reviews online are above average. According to Ah Peng, there is usually a queue outside the restaurant. I believe Singaporean's taste buds are pretty sharp. If there is crowd and good review, the food cannot be too inedible. The best litmus test is still one's taste bud.

Ms Chan and I order the soupy pasta while Ah Peng choose the wafu sauce pasta. Personally, I have tried Waraku Pasta which also offers Japanese pasta. Therefore, this time, the menu does not attract as much excitement as the first time I have seen Japanese pasta selection. Moreover, my fettucine in soup is quite difficult to eat with both fork and spoon. How I wish I have a pair of chopsticks to prevent the splashing of the soup when the slightly mashy fettucine falls apart from the fork.

Although the main course has not truly satisfied me, the ice-cream makes up for it. Perhaps I have a sweet tooth, I like all the flavours of the ice-cream which we order - macha (green tea), gome (black sesame) and yuzu (grapefuit). I am big on sorbet, especially after a heavy meal. The sweet sour ice always helps to lighten the palate after the richness of salt or spices. Needless to say, my favourite is the yuzu sorbet.

The musketeers want to make our gathering a food expedition. Perhaps the next time round, we can go and patron other eateries which are among my shortlist. *Wink*

Second Visit to Carousel at Royal Plaza @ Scotts

The first visit was for the farewell lunch of a colleague last year. This second visit was for our quarterly lunch with our boss. The last experience was fantastic especially the cold cut session.

This time round we made the reservation slightly late so we could not secure a single table to sit everyone. Hence, we were split into 3 tables.

We were again wowed by the sashimi and the cold cut session. The mussels, crayfish, prawns and scallops whetted our appetite. The freshly cut salmon, tuna and yellowtail fish made our mouths watered. Their succulence exploded in our mouths. We could not stop heaping our plates with more and more of the sashimi and cold cuts.

The cooked food session consisted of both Western and Asian delights. For seafood lovers, there was the Asian black pepper stir-fried prawn or the Western cream-based mussels. For soup selection, there was the Western crab cream soup or the Asian herbal mutton clear soup. My favourite was the Thai-styled steamed black grouper.

To the ladies, there must still be space in your stomachs for the dessert section – from ice-cream to pies to chocolate fondue to the exotic fruits. We are simply spoilt for choices. Admiring the colourful spread of various desserts is enough to cause a sugar rush. Sigh, how I wish I have unlimited space in our stomach.

Again, I overate and felt full the entire afternoon and decided to skip dinner.