Batman spotted at Vivocity!!! Finally my loooooong 7 days work week is over!But its also the start of my new week ahead!I'll be working 12 days straight with no rest because of my Roadshow at Vivocity. Although I am fatigued, but its all worth the effort because we managed to acquire 200 customers with such a mini-scale roadshow.I think my team did a great jobAnyway, back to my post. While I was at the roadshow, I spotted a "brown thing" walking past me yesterday, so I was trying to see what it was all about. I followed it for a while like a paparazzi, but gave up after realising it was covered up fully, from head to toe.There were 2 "bodyguards", one on his left, and the other on his right, so I could not get anywhere close to that mysterious "guy/gal/thing".The only thing that came to my mind was "Is this a publicity stunt for Scream 10?" Haha.1 hour later, I spotted Batman!!!!Do you see him? At first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Then I asked my staff, and she confirmed it was Batman.I whipped out my camera and could only take 3 very lousy shots, because batman was literally "flying". He walked so fast that I only managed to take a half front shot of him, a back shot and a side shot.Maybe he was rushing to another cinema to do his publicity for Batman.So the brown man I spotted earlier on was actually Batman in disguise.Where is the Joker?Talking about Joker, I have read so many reviews and articles that Heath Ledger's portrayal of Joker is his best role so far, and in fact the best portrayal of Joker as well. Its a tad sad that Heath did not get to enjoy the fruits of his "funny" labour, and he had to pass on before the movie was released.I have yet to catch the movie because of work, and I hope I will have time to catch the movie next weekend! Hopefully it won't be like THIS: Top 3 First Class Airlines If you have the money to splurge, ever wondered which airlines give you the best service and most unforgetable experience?TOP 3 First Class Airlines:1. Qatar AirwaysFlying first-class here means access to a separate terminal in Doha that mimics a five-star hotel with several fine-dining restaurants, a medical center, and a spa with sauna and Jacuzzi. On board passengers get caviar service, full-size pillows, white linen mattresses, Australian wool blankets and Bulgari toiletry kits. The seats are 79 inches long, have 15-inch LCD screens and come with a 23-inch meal table that allows dining for two, just as in a restaurant.2. Singapore Airlines Passengers here have total control of their experience including picking between Dom Perignon and Krug champagne and food whenever they want it and however they want it whether it's an extravagant five-course blowout or a quick meal served all at once. The seats are 82 inches long and 35 inches wide. Fliers are given a Ferragamo toiletry kits, Givenchy sleep suits and slippers. Seats flatten into beds with sheets, a down duvet and oversize pillows.3. Cathay PacificSeats here become 'suites,' thanks to sliding panels that provide total privacy. They turn into 81-inch-long beds and have built-in massagers. Each flier also gets a personal closet to store belongings. Cathay got high marks for its food: It's one of the only carriers to have rice cookers, skillets and toasters onboard, so parts of meals are prepared fresh, like eggs made to order.Still not luxurious enough? Then maybe its time to get your own name embossed on a plane, a private jet that is!(Information partly extracted from Forbes) Best Asian Blog? Been nominated as one of the finalist in the Best Asian Blog category in SGBlog Awards. Do vote for me if you like my blog.Vote here:Thanks if you have voted for me! A*Mei STAR Concert Finally I can see A*Mei live in concert! I have always wanted to attend her concert but no "kaki". Today Paul called from Philippines asking me if I want to catch her in her October Concert. I said "Yes" without even considering because I missed it the last time, and I am not going to miss it this time round.4 Oct has been marked down on my calender, and I am SOOOOOOOO LOOKING FORWARD to the concert!My own birthday present to myself?(Click on image to enlarge):pAnyone going? Head of Ren Ci Hospital arrested While I am still recovering from the NKF saga few years back, yet another shocking news about a charity head mis-appropriating funds surfaced today. I seriously think I am not going to donate a single cent, the next time I see charity acts on tv again.So much for that tear-jerking "acts" by HIM every year!Worst part is, tax exemption will not be granted for people who donated to Ren Ci!!!---------------------------------THE long-time head of Ren Ci Hospital, the Venerable Ming Yi, was arrested yesterday and stepped down from all his positions at the charity, according to a report by The Straits Time.He posted police bail of $200,000 last night and left the Commercial Affairs Department at the Police Cantonment Complex at about 11pm after giving his statement. He was wearing his monk robes.The Straits Times said that the arrest comes five months after he went on long leave when the police were asked to probe the charity's finances.The Health Ministry found 'possible irregularities' in Ren Ci's books after an audit.At the heart of the issue were questionable loans made by the hospital, amounting to several million dollars. Some of these loans were allegedly given to companies with links to the Venerable Ming Yi.There were also loans given to a helper with the charity as well as investments made over the years in his name.As a result of the probe, Ren Ci lost the right to grant its supporters tax exemption for donations(Story from Asiaone) Money No Enough 2 Following the success of Money No Enough 10 yearsago, director Jack Neo is back with Money No Enough 2, and is sure to win the hearts of the heartlanders with his usual closer-to-home portrayal of everyday issues, related to money! I cannot wait for the movie, because I remember 10 years ago when I watched MNE1, I laughed non stop in the cinema!Here is the trailer:Do support local productions! See through skirts Another Crazy Fashion from JapanWhat you see below are not see-thru skirts. They are actually prints on the skirts to make it look as if the panties are visible and the current rage in Japan.Would you wear something like that?Would you allow your girlfriend to wear something like that?Whats next? See through pants for guys showing fake bulges? Cell Phone Popcorn Hoax Revealed If you have watched the videos of the cell phone popcorn lately, you will know what I am talking about.Its where a group of 4 would put some pop corns in the centre of 4 mobile phones, then they will call their own phones so their phones will ring, and voila, POP CORNS.However, when all of us were wondering how this could actually happen, CNN broke the news yesterday that it was a hoax.It was an internet marketing gimmick for the launch of a new Bluetooth headset. In short Viral Advertising.Watch the video here for the full revelation. Shine for Singapore The highly anticipated National day Song of 2008English version by Hady Mirza.Chinese version is sung by Joi Chua, once version is released in Youtube, will be posting it here. World's First Antibacterial and Hydrophobic Urine Director Came across something very interesting on the internet today, and I think I must share this with all the ladies out there!Its The World's First Antibacterial and Hydrophobic Urine Director!!!Sounds wierd? Yes indeed!Still do not know what it is?This is how it looks like:The Whiz freedom is antibacterial, hydrophobic and highly portable. Cleverly made, it will fold up when put in your pocket and spring back into shape when you need it. Because it is hydrophobic it can be flicked dry (no need to rinse it each time) and the antibacterial properties of the material from which it is made allow the device to be re-used over and over with no degradation in its hygienic properties.This is a device where a woman can now PEE WHILE STANDING UP! The urine will be directed down following the curvature of the device.But there seems to be one problem:Are woman able to do it while standing up?Now the guys can FINALLY complain if the women aim recklessly! Ronald Susilo and Kelly Poon dating? From one sizzling romance to another - Singapore national badminton player Ronald Susilo sure has his way with the ladies.Susilo, 28, after a much-publicized breakup with Singapore national table-tennis player, Li Jiawei, is now said to be dating 2005 Project Superstar runner-up, Kelly Poon, 24.Li's former fiancee has been spotted at least twice by local blog readers having dinner with the lanky Kelly - once at the Jumbo Seafood Restaurant in Tanah Merah, and another at a Thai restaurant in Bras Basah.When Susilo was contacted for information, The Straits Times reported that he rebuffed the rumours, insisting he and Kelly were "just friends", and they just "have dinner together occasionally."Budding romance, or a platonic friendship? That's unsure for now, but we might not have to wait too long to find out.(Story from Asiaone) Is title or salary more important? Been thinking a lot about work recently.It all started when I heard one of my ex colleague, who left my company because she was "poached" to join a newly set-up competitor firm, that within one year, she has been promoted to the post of VP.Ok, lets set the record straight. I have nothing against her, but when she left my company, she was one level below me. In terms of qualifications, skills, leadership qualities, etc, I definitely edge over her in all aspects. And after one year, she actually had like a double/triple promotion to VP?Lets face it. We may all say money is more important, as long as I am better paid than her, why bother about her newly minted title? But I guess jealousy or envy has gotten a hold on me, and I am just feeling extremely uncomfortable because I definitely deserve more than her. When I say more, I mean far more!Corporate titles vary from company to company, and a Senior Manager in Firm A may be designated as Assistant Vice President in Firm B. Likewise, the AVP in Firm B could be drawing a lower salary than the Senior Manager in Firm A. Its all just corporate titles.Which is more important?Title or Salary?This is often a dilemma for most people because some people would even give up their managerial posts and leave a supervising job for, lets say, a sales job? Why? Because some sales people can earn more than managers.On the other hand, some people in frontline entry level jobs, often crave for a leap in their job titles because they only see the glamour, and the "beautiful" side of that "Manager" title.Its hard to comprehend, and if I am asked this question again, I would probably give a different answer at different phases of my life.Back to myself. I have been in this industry for 4 years (full-time) now, and have been in the same job scope for more than 2 years, and I am starting to feel jaded. I guess its partly due to the nature of my job, because my performance is measured month after month, and every month is a fresh new month, so its kind of like going through a performance appraisal every new month.You may end the month well for January, but you then have to gear yourself up again for February, its never-ending.I do hope to see the fruits of my labour SOON, now that I have been given more responsibilites, and I am putting in my best effort to do my best for all that is given to me.I need to move on to better things soon and hopefully I see a brighter light at the end of this murky tunnel.When? I don't know, let God decide. Most DRAMA war between 2 bloggers (In my opinion) Apparently the war between Xiaxue and Dawn is such a drama that Xiaxue now gets more than 50,000 visitors to her blog A DAY, as compared to her average 20,000 visitors before this saga took place.Well, if you still do not know what I am talking about, you should visit Xiaxue's blog to read her latest posts, her public "apology" to Dawn Yang and the emails exchanged between Xiaxue and Dawn's artiste manager.I applaude Xiaxue for whatever she is doing, not that I think she is right, but at least she is not afraid to voice out her MOST SINCERE opinions.I shall leave the details for your reading pleasure and shall not elaborate or express my two cents worth, lest I get myself into trouble, since this drama involves lawyers as well.I love Xiaxue even more now! Tired! I am so tired! Today is only my 2nd lesson and I am already feeling so tired.I feel like giving up.Its as if I am not stressed enough at work!So many things to worry about, so many things to complete, so many deadlines!So much work, so little time!I am TIRED! School! And some little gossips. Finally I am back to school!After an 8 years interruption/hiatus/break, I finally went for the first lesson of my 2.5 years part-time course today! Damm excited at first because I would meet new friends, see new faces, and enjoy student life all over again. Only setback is I will be doing this 2-3 times a week after work, and that means a cut in my social life on weekdays. But then again, i don't really have a social life, so its just less drinking and KTV-ing with my bunch of colleagues.That means save money too!My first module is "Management and Organization".First thing that came to my mind when I received the study materials: DRY!Its all about work, what I am doing on a daily basis. BORING!The lecturer went on and on for about 1 hour plus, before she gave us a well-deserved break! The moment I heard the word "break", I literally raced to the smoking point, to take a fag.There I met an ex staff of mine, N! OMG.The first thing that came out of her mouth,"Hey Marc, have you heard about DT?" I was thinking in my heart "NOT AGAIN"? It seems like the whole industry is talking about him like Hong Kong talks about Edison.What makes it more interesting is that the subject of the topic, YY, is N's best friend. And I was told the scandalous sexcapade happened when I was still with my ex company, while i was managing the team! That was the most shocking part! How could they have disguised everything and appeared normal right in front of my own eyes?I mean, how could DT not share this with me then? Haha. Maybe its too scandalous la.Then N talked about AS, that ex-mediacorp actor. Oh sorry, I mean that ex-mediacorp C-LIST actor. She mentioned something like he should go back to Mediacorp to act because he seems to be acting 24/7. In more obvious terms, AS is FAKE! I totally agree, one of the staffs there even complained to me that he runs the company like he is acting in some MCS drama about the corporate world.That AS should really just go back and do what he is best at, but then again will MCS take him back, since he is not that popular anymore, and he is OLD, and BIG now.Then again, maybe not, why would he need to slog again in tele-world, when he has a company where he is "high and mighty" and one in which only he is in command? In army terms, he is the Chief of Defence Force. Even the previous chief has to lick his boots and please him, because this new chief has all the power to kick him out anytime, now that his EX owns the company.I know this story is getting confusing, and I am not intending to talk about those scums anymore because they will only pollute my blog.If you want to know more about what I was talking about, which MCS actor I was talking about, ask me in private ok?Good luck to my new found staus:Working Adult cum Part-time student.Oh my, can anyone think of a better term for me? Malaysia's Anwar accused of sodomy KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was accused Saturday of sodomizing a man, police said, sparking speculation that he might be arrested on the same charge that led to his imprisonment a decade ago.Anwar, who resurrected his political career after leading the opposition to spectacular gains in the March 8 elections, denied the allegation, calling it a "complete fabrication.""This is clearly a desperate attempt by the ... regime to arrest the movement of the Malaysian people towards freedom, democracy and justice," the 60-year-old former deputy prime minister said.Anwar claimed the report was engineered by "interested parties" to prevent him from exposing the national police chief and the attorney general for their alleged role in having him accused of corruption and sodomy in 1998.Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi insisted the government was not responsible for the accusation, saying there was no conspiracy "to cause (Anwar) trouble or harass him or raise such issues to undermine him."Abdullah declined to say whether Anwar would be arrested. Asked about Anwar's denial, Abdullah said it "was common for an accused person" to claim he was innocent.Anwar was ousted from government 10 years ago amid accusations of corruption and sodomy. He was convicted on both charges, but Malaysia's highest court overturned the sodomy conviction and freed him in 2004.Anwar said in a statement he "recently obtained" evidence implicating Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan and Attorney General Gani Patail of misconduct and fabricating evidence against him. He said he will release the evidence soon."I believe we are witnessing a repeat of the methods used against me in 1998 when false allegations were made under duress," he said.The developments that began to unfold a little before midnight could have an impact on Malaysian politics, which have been thrown into turmoil since the March 8 elections in which the governing National Front coalition returned its worst ever result.The Front lost its traditional two-thirds parliamentary majority, returning to power with only a simple majority, and ceded control of five of Malaysia's 13 states to Anwar's three-party opposition alliance.Kuala Lumpur's police chief for criminal investigations, Ku Chin Wah, said a man filed a police complaint late Saturday claiming that Anwar sodomized him. Ku told The Associated Press that the complaint was being investigated.Sodomy, even if consensual, is punishable by 15 years' imprisonment in this Muslim-majority country.Anwar had been attending a weekend party meeting in a hotel near Kuala Lumpur, but he moved to a secret location amid concerns about being arrested, party officials said"Because he is considered a threat to the government, we are concerned about his safety. He can't afford to be detained again. He's in a safe location now," party deputy president Syed Husin Ali told The Associated Press.A person close to Anwar, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to make public statements, said Anwar was likely in a foreign embassy in Kuala Lumpur after being offered security there.Ku said police have no immediate plans to arrest Anwar, and declined to identify the accuser. The opposition People's Justice Party said the man was coerced into making the accusationThe man went missing Saturday morning and his whereabouts remain unknown, said Sivarasa Rasiah, a top party official.Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar from the Cabinet in 1998 amid accusations that he sodomized his family driver and abused his power to cover up the deed.Anwar insisted he was victimized by a political conspiracy to prevent him from challenging Mahathir for power.Anwar did not personally run in the March elections because his corruption conviction barred him from holding political office for five years. The ban ended in April, and Anwar has since indicated he wants to re-enter Parliament through a by-election.(News from Yahoo) Opposition would ruin Singapore: Lee Kuan Yew SINGAPORE - The Singapore opposition would ruin the wealthy city-state's achievements in five years if they ever gained power, the country's founding father Lee Kuan Yew said.Lee, 84, warned Singapore voters against putting the opposition at the helm of government "in a moment of fickleness or just sheer madness" when they get "bored" at some point in the future.Should this happen, "I think all bets are off because in five years they (opposition) can ruin this place," he told delegates at an international forum late Wednesday.He stressed that, unlike many other countries, Singapore did not have natural resources such as oil, gas, forests, timber and aluminium."When you are Singapore and your existence depends on performance -- extraordinary performance, better than your competitors -- but that performance disappears because the system on which it is based is eroded, then you've lost everything."Lee, widely credited for shepherding the underdeveloped port into one of Asia's wealthiest nations in one generation, said younger Singaporeans often tell him he is "playing the same old record" when he delivers his message.Singapore's small opposition has only two seats in a parliament dominated by the People's Action Party which has been elected since 1959.Despite its economic success, local and international civil rights groups have criticised the government for cracking down hard on dissenters and political activists.Street protests are rare and public gatherings of five people or more are banned without a police permit.Lee has maintained that Western-style liberal democracy is not the right model for Singapore.He said one ingredient for a country's success is putting able leaders in government. This could be difficult under a more freewheeling US-style democracy in which "you are judged in accordance with your persuasive powers," he said.Lee holds the cabinet rank of Minister Mentor in the government of his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.(News from CNN and Yahoo) I have nothing! "I have nothing" by Whitney Houston is an overplayed, oversung song, not that its a bad thing. It seems like every talent contestant will belt this number to impress the judges. "I have nothing" is from the soundtrack of the movie "The Bodyguard" released in 1992.Below are the different versions of the song by various artistes, do leave a comment and tell me which version you love! I love Charice's!Leona Lewis in X FactorJennifer Hudson in American Idol 3Vonzell Solomon in American Idol 4Katharine McPhee in American Idol 5Lakisha Jones in American Idol 6My all time favourite Filipino singer! I love her singing!Charice Pempengco in Oprah!!!Charice Pempengco in SIPAAnd finally, the DIVA, Whitney Houston herself!Enjoy the MTV of The BodyguardSo which version do you like? Share your views in the comment box below. 不凋零的花 Sun Ho's new MTV in responses to the Sichuan China earthquake victims.Touching. Before and After Marriage Before MarriageHe: Yes, at last, it is so hard to wait!She: Do you want me to leave?He: No! Don't even think about it.She: Do you love me?He: Of course! Over and over!She: Have you ever cheated on me?He: No, why are you even asking???She: Will you kiss me?He: Even chance I will get.She: Will you hit me?He: Are you crazy? I'm not that kind of person.She: Can I trust you?He: Yes.She: Darling . . . .After MarriageSimply read the same from bottom to top!!! ROFLMAO! Men are happier than women! Why is that so? Read the below and see if its true!NicknamesIf Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.Eating OutWhen the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.MoneyA man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.BathroomsA man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.ArgumentsA woman has the last word in any argument.Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.FutureA woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.SuccessA successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.A successful woman is one who can find such a man.MarriageA woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.Dressing upA woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.NaturalMen wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.Women somehow deteriorate during the night.OffspringAh, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.LASTLY,A married man should forget his own mistakes.There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!(This is just for humour, pls do not take this seriously...) My trip to Makati Philippines 7 June 2008 - 17 June 2008Makati, Manila, The PhilippinesAfter 3.5 hours flight, we reached Philippines!First thing that greeted me, poor luggage systemLuggage jammed and no one is doing anything about itMore and more people waiting for their luggage and I waited 30 mins for mine!Still jammed!!!Finally I got my luggage and proceeded to find a taxi to bring me to the apartmentTook the metered taxi, the fare is so cheap!This is the road name of the apartment where I stayed. L.P. Leviste in Barangay Bel-Air. According to my colleagues, this is like River-Valley in Singapore.High rise apartments7-11 and MiniStop conveniently located within vicinityAfter unpacking our luggage and rested for a while, we went for our dinner in this family-run Korean restaurant. The noodles are delicious! I couldn't stop complimenting the noodles while i was eating it, and throughout the entire trip. Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera because we were going to club that night, as I didn't want to misplace it.After dinner, we went to Malate, the area with a lot of clubs and bars, somewhat similar to Mohd Sultan or Boat Quay. No pics, but we enjoyed ourselves, the alcohol were cheap and we drank to our hearts content!On Sunday, P brought me to Tri Noma in Quezon City, one of the newest malls there and apparently quite high end. Like the Paragon of Singapore. We shopped, and shopped and still shopped.Bench, People are People, Euro Edition, etc, so many nice brands there, great for shopping lovers!We both agreed that somehow the shopping in Tri Noma can replace Hong Kong because the quality and design of clothes there are as good as (or close to) Hong Kong, but you pay less!I bought a pair of Euro Edition jeans for about 4000 Pesos, which is about SGD$130, and the design is so nice, I love it! A pair of jeans like that could have cost me SGD$200-$250 in Hong Kong or Singapore?Look at the embroidery!All in all, I spend SGD$300-400 or 9000 Pesos in TriNoma? I lost track, will wait for my credit card bills.Monday, went to Philippines office located in Makati City. One word. BEAUTIFUL!Their small group morning briefingsListening attentivelyDinahGetting ready for workA view of half the call centreIndividual work station, fully computerised9.30am sharp, start work.I like this, their Coaching StationTrying to take a picture of the full view of the call centre. However, because the area is too big, I did not manage to do that.Locker area, for them to lock their belongings. No handphone rule applies.Having some discussionSmile . . . this is a quarter of the teamFirst lunch in office, KFC delivery. Regretted the moment my food was served to me. No chilli. Sauce is bland. Argh. No more KFC in Philippines!Quality board.One of the top agents therePantryInterview waiting areaTraining room for new hiresMonday to Friday was all work, auditing, interviews, training and coaching, etc.During the week itself, tried out different restaurants. Realise there are a lot of Korean restaurants in Philippines. By the way, if you are a chilli lover, DO BRING ALONG A BOTTLE OF CHILLI WITH YOU IF YOU GO TO THE PHILIPPINES, OTHERWISE YOU ARE GOING TO REGRET! You cannot find chilli there. Yes, not even fast food restaurants.This is a monkey that is chained outside the premises of a Korean restaurant I dined in twice. This Monkey is so interesting. Looking at it makes me happy.Video The Korean restaurant I was talking about. Ma San Garden. Food is disappointing.The lady boss dressed in traditional Korean costumeDelectable "looking" side dishesThe super bland, super unsatisfying Kimchi instant noodle.DumplingsBeef BulgogiAnother restaurant Super Bowl of ChinaSnacks before meal is servedEvery table has this Tsingtao beer on it. Just wondering why they are not promoting their local beer St Miguel or Red Horse instead of Tsingtao?Roasted ChickenExterior of the restaurantMax's RestaurantDelicious half spring chicken with garlic riceGreenbelt, they have 1-6 I think. So so only. Restaurants there have no air-con and they charge restaurant prices, so you can give this place a miss.On Thursday, met up with Jennefer and Noel and they drove us to Fort Bonifacio, another high end residencial and shopping area.I found a World of Fengshui by Lilian Too there and got very excited.The waterfront areaWe ate in Brothers BurgerEvery burger description on this menu is super temptingBurger presentation is nice too. But, turn out the burger is really quite normal. I still prefer my McSpicy burger from McDonalds!Krispy Kreme, the donut franchise every Filipino would rave about.Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The largest mall in Philippines and third largest mall in the world. So how could I leave Philippines without taking a look at the mall. The outside area somehow reminds me of Shanghai Pudong, minus the nicer view in Shanghai. P, D and myself walked aroundthe whole stretch of restaurants at the alfresco area of Mall of Asia, and we could not find a restaurant that accepts credit card. Can you believe it? 3rd largest mall in the world, and they still do not accept credit cards? So primitive!Then we found a seafood restaurant that accepts credit cards and we sat down. We looked at the menu and were surprised that the food was so cheap. Then I saw something suspicious. On the menu itself, the prices stated are the "Cooking Charges"!!! Not the actual price of the food we are going to pay.In another words, they are cheating and misleading people!!! Imagine if customers walk in and they order a FEAST because they think its cheap, and when the bill arrives, they are going to get a rude shock!When we found out it was a gimmick, we walked off!This is the proof.We ended up eating at "Fish & Co"! Boring to the max. We went all the way to the Philippines and we dined in a Singapore chain.My not-so-sambal-at-all Sambal Fish I have to give credit to this very tasty Pineapple SmoothieInteresting shop name "Dogs and the City". Well, you should have guessed, it a shop for dog lovers. Their book store, like Borders.One thing about Mall fo Asia, or rather most of the malls in Philippines, is that they are not fully air-conditioned. Doesn't this look like Chinatown point?Ok, I love this SM Hypermarket. I bought some toiletries there. CHEAP! We wanted to take a cab from the taxi stand, and to our horror, look at the freaking queue! Lucky, they have another taxi service, but its more expensive. Doubled the price, but half the waiting time. Why not?Like I said, there are so many Korean restaurants, so we ended up in another one during lunch time.Finally, on the last night before we left Manila, P and I went to this Fine Dining restaurant near our apartment. Apartment 1B. the crowd are mostly expats and rich tai tais. Mango smoothieAppetiser 1: Crab Cake Appetiser 2: Chicken Quesadilla with Salsa Appetiser 2: Scallops Main Course: Ribeye steak. (Very nice) BurgerCocktail: Cosmopolitan Damage: 6000 Pesos = SGD$200Enjoyment: PricelessTime to go back. Reached the airport early as we did not want to rush. Philippines airport security is atrociously tight. Have to take off belt, shoes, ring, everything. Sickening.Lunched at this coffeeshop in the airport after checking inCurry Chicken Rice. Disappointing. I miss the Curry Chicken at Ave 8 near my house. By the time you are reading this, I would have eaten that at least once.The Philippines government is nicer to their smokers. Short and sweet message.Bought foodstuff for my staffs.OMG, this one is so delicous. I regretted not buying more. This is what they call cheese buns or Ensaymana. I bought the salted egg flavour and chocolate flavour, something different.Philippines famous for mangoes Chocolate MallowsMy business trip to the Philippines was great, and though I was not used to the food there (no chilli), but I am looking forward to another trip to the Philippines, if there is another opportunity. Total Expenditure: Approx 30,000 Pesos or SGD$1,000!To sum up my tripWhat I love about the Philippines:1. Massage is so cheap2. The people are friendly3. Shopping is good and cheap4. Not so fast pace5. Good looking people everywhereWhat I dislike:1. Pollution2. No chilli3. Food mostly bland4. The ridiculous airport security5. Taxi drivers always taking long routesDo visit Manila if you have the chance! What is your Life Path Number? Marc's Life Path Number is 3Your purpose in life is to express your unique self.You are a creative and artistic person with an interesting view on life.Witty and outgoing, you enjoy sharing your crazy ideas with anyone who will listen.A total social butterfly, you're the life of any party.In love, you inspire and enchant your partner. You are often an object of fantasy and desire.While you are very talented, you sometimes lack the ambition to put your talents in play.And while your wit carries you a long way, you occasionally use it to mask your true feelings.Your natural abilities can bring you all the success in the world ... if you let themWhat Is Your Life Path Number? 10 Ways to know if your BF (Best Friend / Boy Friend) is GAY! (Original content from Marc, pls do not copy)Suspect your best / boy friend is gay? Well, if your friend possesses 80% of the points mentioned below, likely he is tilted towards the other side.1. He strongly believes that platonic friendship between girls and guys exist.2. He loves to shop, especially in high end fashion boutiques.3. He is comfortable even though he is in the lingerie department with a gal friend.4. He does not believe in marriage.5. He looks into the mirror or reflection whenever there is an opportunity to check himself out.6. He gets emotional watching soapy dramas or sentimental movies.7. He hates soccer!8. He does not talk about girls, and when a group of guys start discussing girls, he gets bored and turns away.9. He watches Manhunt and other male beauty pageants without leaving his seat throughout the entire show.10. He rolls his eyes when he is unhappy or sarcastic.Sounds familiar? Hmm . . . . It rained money in Indonesia!! The day it rained money as £6,000 thrown from plane to Indonesia's poorestMoney fell from the sky in Indonesia today... and into the waiting arms of the country's poorest residents.The mad dash for the cash -which was thrown from a plane in a marketing stunt -left many cut, battered and bruised.A girl of 13 collapsed and had to be taken to hospital.The 100million rupiah, or nearly £6,000, up for grabs amounts to a fortune in the South-East Asian country.Those who managed to snatch a few notes took home more than they could earn in a month.The money was dropped by author Tung Desem Waringin as a stunt to promote his book on business motivation.With the cash bundled in bills of 1,000 and 5,000 rupiah (between 5p and 25p), he set off in the light aircraft to fly over a football stadium in Serang, 40 miles from the capital Jakarta.Rumours of the stunt had been circulating for at least a day and the stadium was filled with the city's poor.On the first and second runs, the notes fell 500 yards from the stadium, so the crowds dashed from the ground to scoop up what they could.On the third run the money fluttered down into the stadium so they all had to scamper back into the arena.'(News extracted from Reuters)Can some "feel-rich" authors do the same publicity stunt in Singapore please? When your mobile phone rings, it can wake the dead! The "Pls switch off your handphones" teaser for Money No Enough 2. Its quite funny!Remember to catch Money No Enough 2! 10 ways to know you are no longer a GIRL but an AUNTIE Original content from Marc, pls do not copy.1. When you pass by a place with a long queue, you join in the queue as well. You do not even bother to find out what the queue is for, because you believe if there is a queue, the people must be queueing for something good.2. When you see someone giving out freebies like tissue, sanitary pad, magnets or key-chain at a roadshow, you intentionally walk towards the person so you will get the free gift. Sometimes you even attempt to walk over a few times so you can get more designs or colours.3. When you are waiting for the train to come, you stand right at the centre of the platform screen door so you will be the first to go in.4. When the platform screen door opens, you rush in, at all costs, to make sure you get a seat. If you see an elderly who needs the seat more than you do, you quickly close your eyes and pretend to be sleeping.5. On the bus, you put your "barang barang" on the seat beside you, so that no one else can sit there because you like to sit alone. Also because you want to make your bus fare worth every cent.6. You go around asking strangers in a shopping mall for receipts they do not want because you want to take part in the "Lucky Dip" organised by the shopping mall. Every $50 gives you one dip, so you accumulate more receipts for more chances.7. You talk loud on the phone regardless of where you are, because you do not care what others think about you as long as the other party on the phone can hear you loud and clear.8. You bargain everywhere, even if its for just 10 cents.9. You rather shop in sub-urban neighbourhood shops because the clothes in town are too "loud" for you. Moreover the clothes in town do not have those flowery patterns you want.10. You like uncles.:P(Nang me!) #links http://pseudo-marc.blogspot.com/2008/05/no-blogging-about-work-company.html No blogging about work / company, otherwise . . . Lucky this is not a national regulation, otherwise all bloggers in Singapore will die of boredom, because you will not be able to blog about anything relating to work.The first company that has imposed this regulation is Singapore Airlines, popularly known as SIA. This was announced yesterday.They have formerly announced to all staffs, regardless of level of seniority, that they are not supposed to discuss, talk, blog, or share anything that is related to their work or the company itself. They have also been warned not to post picures of themselves taken within work premises.Serious disciplinary actions will be taken to any employees of SIA who violate this regulation.Apparently this regultion was put in place after an employee of SIA splashed his photos all over his blog and Facebook, and he even posted pictures of the cabin of the SIA carriers.His deed was exposed after local media picked up his "stories" and "photos" from his "tell-all" blog.We, as bloggers, should make a conscious effort not to blog about work or our company because sooner or later it will surface, more so if its something negative.I remember there was an intern who got into trouble with my previous company after he passed comments about the company policies in his blog, and one fine day, one of the directors clicked on his link when he Googled his company name.Can you see how dangerous it is to blog about work-related issues now?Its never too late to stop.Unless your identity has been anonymous since day 1, otherwise I would suggest you remove any posts that you think might cause potential problems for you in future.(Nang me if you have not!) I got 400 additional visitors in a day, all thanks to FCUK Singapore! Today when I visited my Nuffnang Analytics to check my traffic, I got a pleasant surprise! My traffic shot up! At first I thought it was a mistake so I kept refreshing the the analytics button, and no, it was not a mistake.Just 2 days ago, I blogged about this rude blog about Singapore: FCUK Singapore?Remember?Today I was alerted by a fellow blogger that the blogger involved has retaliated and wrote a post in response to a few Singaporean bloggers (one of them is me) who actually blogged about him.All thanks to him for putting my blog link down in his new post, my traffic shot up by extra 400 readers today!These 400 plus are just his referrals, not mentioning my own regular readers and other referrals.Hereby, I would like to thank FCUK Singapore.Here is the screenshot!