Advertisement - Gift Vouchers from a Hospital (PH) PhotoHunt theme : Advertisement gift vouchers from a hospitalChoi!! Touch wood!!This was the first reaction I had when I received these gift vouchers from a local hospital. The 4 gift vouchers, according to its PR personnel was a 'goodwill gesture' because they lost the medical file of my foreign student. I filed a complaint about the missing medical file and received a crappy reply accompanied by these. Bad move.As much as possible, I will avoid visiting a hospital. What with the Swine Flu and whatnot contagious diseases flying around, why would I go shopping in a hospital? What will the hospital think of next? Free injection? Free incision?Chris having a fun time at a road show of a branded lifestyle product To generate increased consumption of products and services, advertisement is carried out in every available medium.Advertising is a powerful educational tool, capable of reaching and motivating huge audiences.Besides promoting commercial goods and services, it can be used to inform, educate and motivate the public about non-commercial issues, such as Yellow Ribbon Project, HIV/AIDS, energy conservation and deforestation.PhotoHuntphotohunt Want a Pet Snake? - WW A kindergarten invited some unusual guests to one of its events.Snakes.Can you imagine scores of children screaming.....! hehe....Who wants to hold the snake?The Fearless 8!Some children stayed far far away from the snakes, some came forward to touch the slimy guests. :DEastcoastlife stood far far away to take photos. :DWordless Wednesday Mensa Singapore Monthly Board Games - WS Junior Mensans and their parentsAs my kids have finished their mid-year exams, I brought them to Mensa Singapore's monthly board games event. We made some new friends and had 4 hours of fun and laughter.Great turnout ...... Full House!There was a huge turnout this time. No worries. With over 100 fun board games and many players to choose from, everyone had a good time.Be prepared to be thrashed by youngsters half your age though. haha.....************** ooooo OOO ooooo **************National Family Celebrations '09, an annual national campaign to celebrate the importance of the family, runs from 30th May to 28 June 2009. Singaporeans are encouraged to take time off their busy schedules to enjoy a day out with their familes.weekend-snapshot Fancy a meal among Books - PH PhotoHunt theme : Book(s)What can you find in a public library?EastCoastLife eating and drinking!?Eating delicious Dim Sum surrounded by thousands of books.The books are not real. It's a Food Court, in a Singapore shopping mall, decorated to look like a library. :DPhotoHuntphotohunt Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 (Finals) - WW Stuffed Chicken ThighThe dishes that were being brought in looked yummy, but I did not get a chance to taste them. These scrumptious dishes were prepared in a prison kitchen ..... by inmates.They were the 12 finalists from both the mens' and womens' prisons taking part in the Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 held in Changi Prison Cluster A on 26th May. The competition was a challenge to these participants because each team was given a set of predetermined ingredients and basic kitchen equipment to work with.Under the watchful eyes of prison officers present in the kitchen, the participants went about their tasks. Knives and even vegetable peelers were chained to a kitchen bench. One team had to improvise a heart-shaped mould from aluminium foil. They had to produce the dishes within a time limit.pan seared SalmonThe dishes presented not only earned the praises of the judges but captured the hearts of the invited guests and prison officers. I was amazed when I was told some of the participants had little cooking experience and only went through 3 cooking lessons with SHATEC Institute's trainers. And the women particpants had no kitchen in their prison to practise for this competition.Judges : (L to R) Catan Tan, Tony Khoo, Paolo Zambrano,Matthew YimThe dishes were judged by 4 chefs - Tony Khoo (Executive Chef, Marina Mandarin), Paolo Zambrano (Executive Sous Chef, SATS Catering), Matthew Yim (Vice Principal, SHATEC Institute) and Catan Tan (SHATEC Institute).The champion team is from Khalsa Crescent Prison. Besides cash, the winners will be given an opportunity to cook their winning dishes for their families. I hope to be invited for this special occasion. There would be touching moments.Chef Tony Khoo was surprised at the particpants' high level of creativity despite the constraints of the prison kitchen. He was impressed with the enthusiasm and good working attitude of the participants. He would be more willing to hire ex-offenders if they display such qualities.Vice Principal of SHATEC Institute, Chef Matthew Yim was certainly proud of these participants. They show a willingness to learn and take in criticisms. It was a satisfying and rewarding experience for his school to support such a meaningful project.ECL with Matthew Wee (Head, Public Affairs, Singapore Prison Service)I was invited to this event by Singapore Prison Service.For security reasons, my personal particulars was submitted prior to attending the event. I was allowed to carry only a notebook and a pen, all my belongings were left in a locker at the Prison Link Centre.I went through barricade after barricade, security was so tight within the prison compound. It was not easy for EastCoastLife to go to jail. :P Surprisingly, I was getting more excited as each auto gate closed behind me. :DI was warmly welcomed by Matthew Wee (Head, Public Affairs), the officers of SPS and SCORE (Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprise).Lunch was catered from SCORE's Catering & Central Kitchen. The dishes are cooked by inmates. I would recommend its really yummy Brownie and mini custard puff! ******************** ooo OOO 000 ********************More than 11,000 ex-offenders complete their sentences and are released from our prisons and drug rehabilitation centres (DRCs) annually. The Yellow Ribbon Project helps the reformed inmates put their past behind them, especially when they try their level best at home, at work and in the community.Support the Yellow Ribbon Project.Photos - courtesy of Singapore Prison ServiceWordless WednesdayFirst Commenter - Ayie Mensa Singapore 1st Quarterly Lunch - WS Lunch with fellow MensansChristopher and I got to catch up with fellow Mensans at our 1st Quarterly Mensa Singapore Lunch at NYDC cafe and restaurant, Bugic Junction branch.At this event, we welcome new members to the society and hope they will mingle with existing members. Members are encouraged to bring their family or friends.Our two adorable Junior Mensans The owner of NYDC is a Mensa member, so we got a good deal. :DDiners can choose from 3 main dishes. One of the main dishes was its Mushroom Madness Pizza. Named “Best Pizza in Singapore” by a local paper, it came with lots of fresh mushrooms, garlic sauce and mozzarella. famous Ally’s New York Cheesecake Dessert was another famous item on its menu, Ally's New York Cheesecake. yum yum...We will be having our Monthly Boardgame Meet next Sunday. :)Our 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner will be held on 5th June. We hope to raise funds for the meal coupons, transport allowance and school uniform of NorthLight School's needy students.The students have put up some of their art pieces for sale. Mensa Singapore conducts the Mensa Singapore Admissions Test for persons aged 14 and above. The MSAT is interesting and challenging as it involves only symbols and pictorial representations, and does not require knowledge of any particular language or mathematics. It costs S$55 per person.Register for the Mensa Singapore Admissions Test to be held on Saturday, 20 June 2009 at Suntec City NUSS Guild House.weekend-snapshotFirst Commenter - Rachel Singapore Prison Service New Media Workshop ECL at Singapore Prison Service New Media workshopSingapore Prison Service (SPS)I was invited to the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) Digital/New Media Training sessions on both 13 May and 21 May 2009. Walking into the room, I saw 'stars' ...... stars on the uniform of the officers. :)These top officers are in charge of the fourteen prisons and drug rehabilitation centres (DRCs) that SPS manages in Singapore.I was given 30 minutes per session to answer questions from these officers. No, they were not interrogation sessions. :) They were fun sessions where we learnt from one another and shared our thoughts on new media and how we can use it to engage the community.Through both the sessions, I gained valuable insights into the work of the prison officers and have a better understanding of the organisation.SPS hopes to steer the offenders towards being responsible citizens with the help of their families and the community. Our community needs to be more accepting, one that is willing to give ex-offenders a second chance at making good.I am familiar with its Yellow Ribbon Project which gives ex-offenders a second chance - to help them find the hope to start afresh.ECL and Charlie Pownall (from Burson Masteller)Meet the BloggerQ&A with a top Singapore blogger. Opportunity to ask questions about motivation, working practices, blogging trends in Singapore, etc.Photos - courtesy of Singapore Prison Service (SPS)First Commenter - Mariuca Art Pieces of NorthLight School students MN09/001 (poster sized), from S$200A highlight of Mensa Singapore's 20th anniversary Gala Dinner is its community outreach programme. Mensa Singapore is working with NorthLight School (NLS) which takes in students who have repeatedly failed their PSLE (elementary school exams) and prepares them for lifelong learning and employability so the students can make positive contributions to the community.An introductory post on NorthLight School by DanielI was at NLS to take photos of the students' art work which will be for sale at the dinner to raise funds for its needy students.A class of students were having their Food Preparation and Service Course. They rose to greet us as we entered the room. In this course, they learn basic food preparation, F&B service, house-keeping and customer servicing skills relevant to the hospitality industry.NLS students having their Food Preparation and Service CourseThe students are encouraged to do community service like painting, fix light bulbs and doing minor repair works for an elderly activity centre nearby. Framed art work (A3 sized) of NLS students, from S$60Underprivileged students formed the bulk of the intake each year. Each needy student needs an average of S$400 per year in assistance.Art pieces (postcard size, framed) by NLS students from S$25 If you are moved by the mission, you can do your part to contribute to the students’ assistance fund. Your contribution will go into providing the meal coupons, transport allowance and school uniform to the needy students.Buy an art piece by NLS students or send your donations to :NorthLight School2 Dunman RoadSingapore 439188Tel: 6580 6490Donors are eligible for a tax-deductible receiptMensa Singapore 20/09 Gala DinnerDate:5 June 2009 (Friday) Time:7pm (To be seated) Venue:NUSS Suntec City Guild House3 Temasek Boulevard, #05-001Suntec City MallSingapore 038983 Ticket prices:$50/ pax (Mensa member)$60/ pax (Public)$500/ tableNLS students will be performing at the dinner. Art works of the students will be available for purchases.Do give them your support and encouragement.First Commenter - Renny Red Crops at a Dragon Fruit Farm - RT/ WW dragon fruit treesAfter a brief visit to a goat farm, we went over to the dragon fruit farm next door. Despite the hot weather, families with elderly grandparents and young children in tow were scattered all over the farm. The kids were happy to have a huge open space to run about.We were happy just to breathe in the fresh air and be close to Nature, taking in deep breaths of the lovely smell of the earth as we walked past a farm worker who was preparing a vegetable plot.red flesh dragon fruitsBesides their main crop of dragon fruit trees, several types of fruits and vegetables are also grown on the farm. There are maize, beans, pineapple, passion fruits, bananas, a few varieties of melons and gourds ...... just to name a few. passion fruitsECL admiring a pretty winter-melonI was fascinated by the rows of red long bean plants grown on the farm. I have not seen them in our local markets.The farm owner brought the seeds over from Thailand and started growing them on his farm.I was told the red long beans contain more iron and taste sweeter.Red and green long beans (S$2 per bunch)Visitors can buy freshly picked vegetables and fruits from the farm. We were surprised to see purple sweet potato leaves.Curious, I bought one bunch each of the red long beans and purple sweet potato leaves. The red long beans turned a dark green colour when cooked. They are crunchy and taste sweeter than the normal green ones. I have yet to cook the purple sweet potato leaves. :)Purple sweet potato leaves (S$2 per bunch)Spring Orchard Dragon Fruit farm1 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4Singapore 718858Tel: 63101884Wordless Wednesday Village Life in Singapore, Kampong Buangkok - WS Lovely place to have a meal or just chat....Chris and I brought oceanskies, my blogger buddy, on a tour of the countryside. Our first stop was to the last village of Singapore, Kampong Buangkok.We met some residents and spoke to them. We could simply walked in unannounced into one villager's garden and admire the lush greenery surrounding his humble house.We discovered a secret garden in the village.A creative DIY structure, a nice place to relax during evenings ....We came to this simple wooden hut,.......where a father was teaching his daughter to fry vegetables in their outdoor kitchen. They have their meals in an alfresco setting. Cool!The father fried two plates of vegetables and sent one plate to his elderly next-door neighbours. Sharing whatever one has with his fellow neighbours are very common in this village.A Malay family whom we were chatting with, generously invited us to their BBQ on an upcoming special occasion.Modern apartments can be seen from the village. In another 3 to 4 years' time, Singapore's last village will be demolished and redeveloped by the government.How to get there :By car - Try Yio Chi Kang Rd near the junction of Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, then Gerald DriveBy bus - Numbers 70, 103, 854weekend-snapshot Painted Fish - PH PhotoHunt theme : Painted Molly Fish with numbers tattooed on them To appeal to consumers, some ornamental aquarium fish are artificially coloured, They are called Painted fish.The fish are sedated before they are injected with a bright fluorescent colour dye, so they feel no pain. Alternatively they are dipped into a dye solution, or fed fish dyed food. This gives the fish a brighter colour and they look more attractive to consumers. The colouring of the fish fades away after six months.These fishes with single digit tattooed on them are very popular during Chinese New Year. The consumers think that keeping these fish bring prosperity.Is it necessary to hurt the fishes just for quick monetary gains?PhotoHuntphotohuntFirst Commenter - levian Grab and Win! - RT, WW Several lucky shoppers at a recent roadshow had fun winning some fabulous prizes. If they spend S$300, they earn 15 seconds to grab some cool vouchers and discount coupons in an enclosed cubicle.Grab as many flying vouchers as you could!Wow! What a lot of prizes!Wordless WednesdayFirst Commenter - JL Fun Puzzle - WS Chris sorting out the picturesAfter a scrumptious lunch with a group of mothers, Chris and I were heading to the car park when we were attracted by a puzzle game at the atrium. We were discussing the solution when Chris was challenged to go on stage. He gamely took it up and solved it within 20 seconds. :DPosing for the cameraChris has to place 16 pictures on the squares provided. There are 4 identical sets of pictures. Each row and column must not have the same picture.This little boy wanted to play too. :DFastest puzzle solver of the day!We won!! ....... a water bottle. hahaha.....If you want more challenging puzzles, sign up for a MENSA test. :PHappy Mother's Day to all Mommies!weekend-snapshotFirst Commenter - Mommyko Local Aphrodisiac - Mas Cotek female species with 3 black dotsNature is truly amazing..... and thanks to the wisdom of our elders who discovered the many cures in wild plants when modern medicine was not available.In Southeast Asia, this Mas Cotek (Ficus Deltoidea) is used in traditional Malay healing preparations. As a drink, it is believed to be good for reducing blood sugar level, regulating blood pressure. It also reduces joints and nerves pains; cholesterol and removes toxins in our bodies.For the women after birth, it aids womb contraction.The next function makes our eyes grow big : Increasing and recovering sexual desireIt's an Aphrodisiac. A local version of viagra or tongkat Ali. lolThis plant has male and female versions. The female species is characterised by its larger leaves and by the presence of three black dots on the back of its leaves. The male species has only two black dots on the back of its leaves.Every one became interested in mas cotek. :DI'm not sharing the prescription here..... in case the wild Mas Cotek in Singapore go bald. lol First Commenter - sgshortstories Speed Stacking - RT/ WW One of my students demonstrated Speed Stacking (also known as Sport Stacking) to me one afternoon. He stacked cups in pyramids and then tried to unstack them at a high speed. The cups have to be stacked in pre-determined sequences of three, six, or ten.This sport originated in the United States in the early 1980s to teach basic motor skills to autistic children.The cups are specially designed. They are made of plastic to prevent sticking to one another and with holes in the bottom to allow air to pass through quickly when stacking.The little fellow would complete the formations in 30 seconds!I kept forgetting the sequences and dropping the cups when he tried teaching me. After one frustrating hour, he gave up. The teacher is too clumsy and stupid to pick up this sport. hahaha........Wordless WednesdayFirst Commenter - Levian Speed Stacking - RT/ WW One of my students demonstrated Speed Stacking (also known as Sport Stacking) to me one afternoon. He stacked cups in pyramids and then tried to unstack them at a high speed. The cups have to be stacked in pre-determined sequences of three, six, or ten.This sport originated in the United States in the early 1980s to teach basic motor skills to autistic children.The cups are specially designed. They are made of plastic to prevent sticking to one another and with holes in the bottom to allow air to pass through quickly when stacking.The little fellow would complete the formations in 30 seconds!I kept forgetting the sequences and dropping the cups when he tried teaching me. After one frustrating hour, he gave up. The teacher is too clumsy and stupid to pick up this sport. hahaha........Wordless Wednesday Mole and Mexican Chocolate - WS Adorable Joy with her certificateOn Saturday, blogger pal oceanskies bought me an authentic Mexican lunch at Margarita's. I also received a birthday present of a handmade bear which comes with a certificate. :DMole Poblano - chicken in chocolate gravyWe tried a unique dish called Mole Poblano. It's chicken in chocolate gravy. Mole is a very complex sauce using lots of ingredients. There are nuts, spices, fruit, pepper ........ and one of the key ingredients in this sauce is dark, bittersweet chocolate. Yup....... chocolate in a savoury sauce for meat.How does it taste? We didn't like it. :PMexican hot ChocolateWe each ordered a glass of hot Mexican chocolate. A cinnamon stick was added to it. This Mexican beverage has a rich, intense flavour. mmmm....... I'm going to look for Mexican chocolate at our local supermarkets.The food portions served seemed huge to small eaters. We were rather stuffed at the end of the meal and had no room for their yummy desserts. :PSpecial thanks to oceanskies, she has been a wonderful friend to my family and I.weekend-snapshot Mole and Mexican Chocolate - WS Adorable Joy with her certificateOn Saturday, blogger pal oceanskies bought me an authentic Mexican lunch at Margarita's. I also received a birthday present of a handmade bear which comes with a certificate. :DMole Poblano - chicken in chocolate gravyWe tried a unique dish called Mole Poblano. It's chicken in chocolate gravy. Mole is a very complex sauce using lots of ingredients. There are nuts, spices, fruit, pepper ........ and one of the key ingredients in this sauce is dark, bittersweet chocolate. Yup....... chocolate in a savoury sauce for meat.How does it taste? We didn't like it. :PMexican hot ChocolateWe each ordered a glass of hot Mexican chocolate. A cinnamon stick was added to it. This Mexican beverage has a rich, intense flavour. mmmm....... I'm going to look for Mexican chocolate at our local supermarkets.The food portions served seemed huge to small eaters. We were rather stuffed at the end of the meal and had no room for their yummy desserts. :PSpecial thanks to oceanskies, she has been a wonderful friend to my family and I.weekend-snapshotFirst Commenter - Sasha Walking on Forbidden Ground - PH PhotoHunt theme : WalkingMy group members walking through Spice Garden Fort Canning Hill is also known as 'Forbidden Hill', where the common man could not tread, a very long time ago. It was the abode and sacred burial ground of Malay rulers in Singapore.Our group of commoners walked on forbidden ground to rediscover plants in Malay cuisine and culture. We took a cool, shady nature walk into a world of spices.Cinnamon tree in the backgroundFort Canning Park has a living collection of herbs and spices. We were able to see, smell and touch.... even taste them.We found some of the most sought-after commodities in the past - nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.We even found cacao trees!!Cacao tree and its fruitsLater while speaking with a few elderly Singaporeans, they told me the hill is haunted. Fort Canning Park originally was a graveyard for 600 Christians.*gulp*Happy Labour Day!PhotoHuntphotohunt Walking on Forbidden Ground - PH PhotoHunt theme : WalkingMy group members walking through Spice Garden Fort Canning Hill is also known as 'Forbidden Hill', where the common man could not tread, a very long time ago. It was the abode and sacred burial ground of Malay rulers in Singapore.Our group of commoners walked on forbidden ground to rediscover plants in Malay cuisine and culture. We took a cool, shady nature walk into a world of spices.Cinnamon tree in the backgroundFort Canning Park has a living collection of herbs and spices. We were able to see, smell and touch.... even taste them.We found some of the most sought-after commodities in the past - nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.We even found cacao trees!!Cacao tree and its fruitsLater while speaking with a few elderly Singaporeans, they told me the hill is haunted. Fort Canning Park originally was a graveyard for 600 Christians.*gulp*Happy Labour Day!PhotoHuntphotohunt 19th European Union Film Festival (EUFF2009) European Union Film Festival Bloggers Movie NightI was invited to an exclusive movie preview to Wolf (the Swedish film featured in the European Union Film Festival) at the Swedish Embassy Residence. I met the organisers of the EUFF and tasted some Swedish food. I had invited a few bloggers but only oceanskies was able to make it.fm left to right : Councillor Daniel Blockert, ECL, Ellinor and blogger Oceanskies Part of Encore! The European Season in Singapore, EUFF aims to foster greater cultural exchange between Europe and Singapore, offering Singaporeans the opportunity to watch some of Europe’s most acclaimed films, which few outside Europe would have had the chance to watch.For the first time this year, selected films by students from NTU’s School of Art, Design and Media will be screened during the EUFF.Project Leader Ann-Christin giving ECL an insight into the life of the Sami It's EUFF's 19th year and yet many Singaporeans (including myself, Christopher and oceanskies) are unaware of this annual event.I was captivated by the opening scene of Wolf. It shows the beautiful and vast land of the Sami, who are the indigenous people of northern Sweden. They have their own language, faith, culture and way of life. They breed and herd reindeer for a living, an unusual culture to me. I learn more about the culture and traditions of Sweden as the story unfolds. The culture is different and seems strange to me. :PDue to the wolf's diminishing population, it is a protected animal in Sweden. Killing it would cause the killer several years in jail. When 18-year-old Nejla killed a wolf in anger, the adults came together to protect him. Their family values are similar to us Chinese.Not having lived close to Nature, it was not easy for me to understand the way Swedish treat the animals around them with such love and compassion. Project Leader Ann-Christin, who has been living in Singapore with her family for the past 20 years, shared insights of her Swedish culture and traditions with me. It was a valuable lesson for me. I want to learn more about Sweden and the other European countries.I have my eye on several films at the EUFF. :)Films and Screening ScheduleTickets available at S$10 at GV VivoCity box office, online at www.gv.com.sg and at AXN stations islandwide.All movies are subtitled in English.First Commenter - regular reader Stanley 19th European Union Film Festival (EUFF2009) European Union Film Festival Bloggers Movie NightI was invited to an exclusive movie preview to Wolf (the Swedish film featured in the European Union Film Festival) at the Swedish Embassy Residence. I met the organisers of the EUFF and tasted some Swedish food. I had invited a few bloggers but only oceanskies was able to make it.fm left to right : Councillor Daniel Blockert, ECL, Ellinor and blogger Oceanskies Part of Encore! The European Season in Singapore, EUFF aims to foster greater cultural exchange between Europe and Singapore, offering Singaporeans the opportunity to watch some of Europe’s most acclaimed films, which few outside Europe would have had the chance to watch.For the first time this year, selected films by students from NTU’s School of Art, Design and Media will be screened during the EUFF.Project Leader Ann-Christin giving ECL an insight into the life of the Sami It's EUFF's 19th year and yet many Singaporeans (including myself, Christopher and oceanskies) are unaware of this annual event.I was captivated by the opening scene of Wolf. It shows the beautiful and vast land of the Sami, who are the indigenous people of northern Sweden. They have their own language, faith, culture and way of life. They breed and herd reindeer for a living, an unusual culture to me. I learn more about the culture and traditions of Sweden as the story unfolds. The culture is different and seems strange to me. :PDue to the wolf's diminishing population, it is a protected animal in Sweden. Killing it would cause the killer several years in jail. When 18-year-old Nejla killed a wolf in anger, the adults came together to protect him. Their family values are similar to us Chinese.Not having lived close to Nature, it was not easy for me to understand the way Swedish treat the animals around them with such love and compassion. Project Leader Ann-Christin, who has been living in Singapore with her family for the past 20 years, shared insights of her Swedish culture and traditions with me. It was a valuable lesson for me. I want to learn more about Sweden and the other European countries.I have my eye on several films at the EUFF. :)Films and Screening ScheduleTickets available at S$10 at GV VivoCity box office, online at www.gv.com.sg and at AXN stations islandwide.All movies are subtitled in English.First Commenter - regular reader Stanley Bunga Rampai (Wedding pot-pourri) - RT/ WW At a heritage tour, I learnt to make a Bunga Rampai (wedding pot-pourri) that is used in a Malay wedding. Putting together an assortment of colourful fragrant flowers, finely sliced pandan leaves and with a sprinkling of rose water, the mixture was stuffed into a folded betel leaf.It gave out a lovely fragrance which is refreshing.slicing the pandan leaves finelyThe tradition of having Bunga Rampai at Malay weddings has been passed down through the generations. According to our guide, the preparation of this gift brings family members and relatives closer.Once they gather to slice the pandan leaves, those family members who were not on talking terms would somehow have to communicate with one another and hopefully, whatever misunderstanding or differences would be resolved.Perfect! All the veins meet on this betel leaf We were told the betel leaves used for preparing this gift have to be perfect. All the veins of the betel leaves have to meet, any broken vein would be a bad sign for the newly-weds. The marriage might not last. :PInteresting. :)I have found a great use for this pot-pourri. I make a huge amount of bunga rampai and put it in decorative bowls or small rattan baskets to let the fragrance permeate around my hall, study and bedroom. You can also put it in an organza pouch. Have fun. :)First Commenter - Dora Bunga Rampai (Wedding pot-pourri) - RT/ WW At a heritage tour, I learnt to make a Bunga Rampai (wedding pot-pourri) that is used in a Malay wedding. Putting together an assortment of colourful fragrant flowers, finely sliced pandan leaves and with a sprinkling of rose water, the mixture was stuffed into a folded betel leaf.It gave out a lovely fragrance which is refreshing.slicing the pandan leaves finelyThe tradition of having Bunga Rampai at Malay weddings has been passed down through the generations. According to our guide, the preparation of this gift brings family members and relatives closer.Once they gather to slice the pandan leaves, those family members who were not on talking terms would somehow have to communicate with one another and hopefully, whatever misunderstanding or differences would be resolved.Perfect! All the veins meet on this betel leaf We were told the betel leaves used for preparing this gift have to be perfect. All the veins of the betel leaves have to meet, any broken vein would be a bad sign for the newly-weds. The marriage might not last. :PInteresting. :)I have found a great use for this pot-pourri. I make a huge amount of bunga rampai and put it in decorative bowls or small rattan baskets to let the fragrance permeate around my hall, study and bedroom. You can also put it in an organza pouch. Have fun. :)First Commenter - Dora Jeremy Monteiro & friends - Swinging in the heartlands WS Jeremy Monteiro & friendsTwo nights in a row, I was invited to two different concerts. On Friday night, I was invited by my blogger friend oceanskies to Singapore Symphony Orchestra's King And Emperor at the grand Esplanade Concert Hall.Pianist Barry Douglas, winner of the 1986 International Tchaikovsky CompetitionOn Saturday night, I met Singapore's King of Swing, Jeremy Monteiro and his colleagues, Tama Goh (drums), Brian Benson (bass), Andrew Lim (guitar) and Shawn Letts (tenor sax). They presented swinging jazz standards, pulsating Latin tunes, refreshing originals and jazz arrangements of Singapore songs like I've never heard before!Jointly presented by the National Arts Council and Siglap South CC Indian Activities Executive Committee, more than 400 residents turned up for this free concert held at Siglap South Community Centre.It was a full house. Extra chairs have to be brought out to accommodate more people.The audience enjoyed the music ...... many were seen snapping their fingers, tapping their feet or clapping to the music. Jeremy and colleagues received a standing ovation after their powerful performance.Jeremy Monteiro - Jazz Pianist/ Composer/ EducatorJeremy Monteiro has more than 20 of his own jazz albums and numerous other albums with well-known jazz artists like Grammy Award winner jazz saxophonist Ernie Watts. He is the first jazz music recipient of Singapore's pinnacle arts award - the Cultural Medallion for Arts.Update :Oh wow! Jeremy Monteiro left a comment in this post!I forgot to mention this :Download Jeremy Monteiro's latest album for FREE from the Singapore Swing page at http://www.my singapore.sgAlso pls visit his website http://www.monteiro.sg or follow him on Twitter @jeremymonteiroweekend-snapshotFirst Commenter - Jean (A Singaporean in France) Jeremy Monteiro & friends - Swinging in the heartlands WS Jeremy Monteiro & friendsTwo nights in a row, I was invited to two different concerts. On Friday night, I was invited by my blogger friend oceanskies to Singapore Symphony Orchestra's King And Emperor at the grand Esplanade Concert Hall.Pianist Barry Douglas, winner of the 1986 International Tchaikovsky CompetitionOn Saturday night, I met Singapore's King of Swing, Jeremy Monteiro and his colleagues, Tama Goh (drums), Brian Benson (bass), Andrew Lim (guitar) and Shawn Letts (tenor sax). They presented swinging jazz standards, pulsating Latin tunes, refreshing originals and jazz arrangements of Singapore songs like I've never heard before!Jointly presented by the National Arts Council and Siglap South CC Indian Activities Executive Committee, more than 400 residents turned up for this free concert held at Siglap South Community Centre.It was a full house. Extra chairs have to be brought out to accommodate more people.The audience enjoyed the music ...... many were seen snapping their fingers, tapping their feet or clapping to the music. Jeremy and colleagues received a standing ovation after their powerful performance.Jeremy Monteiro - Jazz Pianist/ Composer/ EducatorJeremy Monteiro has more than 20 of his own jazz albums and numerous other albums with well-known jazz artists like Grammy Award winner jazz saxophonist Ernie Watts. He is the first jazz music recipient of Singapore's pinnacle arts award - the Cultural Medallion for Arts.Update :Oh wow! Jeremy Monteiro left a comment in this post!I forgot to mention this :Download Jeremy Monteiro's latest album for FREE from the Singapore Swing page at http://www.my singapore.sgAlso pls visit his website http://www.monteiro.sg or follow him on Twitter @jeremymonteiroweekend-snapshotFirst Commenter - Jean (A Singaporean in France) Learn Martial Arts for Protection - PH PhotoHunt theme : Protect(ion)A group of ladies gathered at Fort Canning Park to learn martial arts. Ladies need to know how to protect themselves when attacked.Lady instructor showing her deadly moves... don't mess with her. :PWow! I need to learn that!Ladies learning how to protect themselvesPhotoHuntphotohunt Learn Martial Arts for Protection - PH PhotoHunt theme : Protect(ion)A group of ladies gathered at Fort Canning Park to learn martial arts. Ladies need to know how to protect themselves when attacked.Lady instructor showing her deadly moves... don't mess with her. :PWow! I need to learn that!Ladies learning how to protect themselvesPhotoHuntphotohunt SingTel & Sony Ericsson launch PlayNow™ plus SingTel and Sony Ericsson first in Asia Pacific to launch PlayNow™ plus, an all-you-can-eat music buffet service on new Sony Ericsson W705 Walkman phone for SingTel customers. :PAt the media launch this afternoon at SingTel Comcentre, we were not allowed to twitter, plurk or text about it until the end of the event.Amazing download speed, one song can be downloaded onto the phone in less than a minute. I have no complaints about its audio quality. The W705 comes preloaded with 1000 best-selling local and international hits. Price S$298Superstar Lee Hom Wang (王力宏) Jack Tan (left), General Manager Sony Ericsson Singapore,Shane Da Silva, VP Consumer Sales, SingTelSpecial guest Lee Hom Wang 王力宏 is a 4-time Golden Melody Award-winning American singer-songwriter and actor. He has achieved huge success in Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and throughout South-east Asia. He has sold 15 million records!Lee Hom was listed among "The 100 Most Inspiring Asian Americans of All Time" by Goldsea Asian American Daily.Lee Hom made an appearance in public later at 6.30pm. The first 30 people to purchase a Sony Ericsson W705 Walkman phone got it personally autographed by Lee Hom.First Commenter - Gengen SingTel & Sony Ericsson launch PlayNow™ plus SingTel and Sony Ericsson first in Asia Pacific to launch PlayNow™ plus, an all-you-can-eat music buffet service on new Sony Ericsson W705 Walkman phone for SingTel customers. :PAt the media launch this afternoon at SingTel Comcentre, we were not allowed to twitter, plurk or text about it until the end of the event.Amazing download speed, one song can be downloaded onto the phone in less than a minute. I have no complaints about its audio quality. The W705 comes preloaded with 1000 best-selling local and international hits. Price S$298Superstar Lee Hom Wang (王力宏) Jack Tan (left), General Manager Sony Ericsson Singapore,Shane Da Silva, VP Consumer Sales, SingTelSpecial guest Lee Hom Wang 王力宏 is a 4-time Golden Melody Award-winning American singer-songwriter and actor. He has achieved huge success in Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and throughout South-east Asia. He has sold 15 million records!Lee Hom was listed among "The 100 Most Inspiring Asian Americans of All Time" by Goldsea Asian American Daily.Lee Hom made an appearance in public later at 6.30pm. The first 30 people to purchase a Sony Ericsson W705 Walkman phone got it personally autographed by Lee Hom.First Commenter - Gengen