Far from the Truth

People have often told me that my personality and looks are contradictory.

In other words, the impression others have of me is a far cry from the real me.

Here are some of them: -

What people think of me: You seem like an outgoing person! I'm sure you love clubbing!

The real me: The truth is, I have NEVER been to clubbing - except for once when I attended an exclusive event that was held at a pub. *no choice* (I left before 12am afterwards, just in time to catch the last train back home) In fact, I dislike clubbing and alcohol. No offence to anyone, but clubbing is considered an unhealthy activity to me.

What people think of me: You sing well! Go and perform onstage!

The real me: This is probably not my first time saying this, but the truth is... I have SERIOUS stage fright issues. More than anyone can possibly have. It gets so serious that I could not even look at anyone from a stage view, become breathless, develop a shaky voice and I had to attend lessons just to get over my stage fright. 

What people think of me: You Jiak-gantang! (Translation: A Chinese who speaks English as 1st language)

The real me: I'm FAR from someone who speaks English in real life. Chinese language is my first language, and I am not really comfortable communicating in English as I am unable to express myself fully. I am not someone who digs ang moh or the Western culture, but rather someone who is into Chinese tradition and culture. (I love all things oriental!) Now, that's a surprising fact if you are someone who doesn't know me personally.

What people think of me: Since you are a Hokkien, I suppose you understand Hokkien.

The real me: Is it a necessity to understand the Hokkien dialect if I am a Hokkien? I'm more into the Cantonese dialect. 

What people think of me: From your photographs, I assume that you are quite a high maintenance woman.

The real me: I eat food from the hawker centers. food courts, pasar malams. I love Daiso. I can never appreciate branded stuff. (The only branded product I own is a COACH pouch given by my sister as a gift) The most expensive dress I ever bought for myself was less than $30.

 I would prefer a cheap 3 for $10 soft toy to a branded bag anytime.  I'm not afraid to say that Bong Qiu Qiu of Budget Barbie can't even be compared to me! HAHAHA.

What people think of me: You look like a Malay. Are you a Malaysian?

The real me: It's the make-up that makes me look... non-Chinese. I'm just your typical asian-looking neighbor across your street.

So Yeah... Before you know me, do not judge me.

[Movie Review] The Conjuring

So I managed to catch the horror/thriller or whatever-you-call-it movie of the year -
The Conjuring - on the exact day of Singapore's National Day with my not-so-botak BF. (evil grin)

Many people have been raving about this movie and I was told repeatedly how awesome it was...So of course it should be a wise choice to catch it (especially when I am such a horror maniac). Haha.. One of my friends even told me that he was scared stiff himself despite the fact that he was a horror fan as well! Now, that definitely sounded like a challenge...

So what is my verdict? Here goes:

It's AWESOME beyond awesome. The movie did not scare me successfully to a certain extent, but I would say it's indeed one that is worth every penny. There wasn't any scene that I found boring, and I truly enjoyed every single second being engrossed in the movie. 

(Haha, you would find yourself holding tight to your seat while preparing yourself to expect the unexpected!)

Basically, the movie revolves around a family of 7 (5 of whom were kids), who were HEAVILY disturbed by hauntings for years ever since they moved into a farmhouse. 

Well... ...

We are not talking about ordinary ghosts here, but demon possession. Think "The Exorcist", if you have watched.

Watch how the family was tormented by the demon until their saviors -two paranormal investigators- came to know about their situation and decided to help them. It was no easy task as they soon found themselves involved in the trauma as well.

There were lots of scenes that portray violence as the poor mother of the family was seen being thrown around like a ragdoll, scratched and everything you can imagine possible. There was not a single day when she managed to pass her day by in peace...

I love the hide-and-seek parts (those were the parts when the audience would easily scream) as the "ghost" would usually appear behind the main character.

And you know what was the best (and probably worst) part of the movie?

That this movie is NOT just your ordinary movie.

Because everything - including the horror you have witnessed in it- were based on a TRUE story. In other words, it is a re-enactment. Even the names remain unchanged. The family you see in the movie is a REAL family that is still living today (of course re-enacted by renowned actors and actresses, lah).. . And even the paranormal investigators were real people as well.

(Except that the real Ed Warren passed away in 2006. His wife, Lorraine Warren is still alive and active.)

It was an interesting research after watching the movie... Go and google them. You will definitely find out more than what the movie shows.

Well... I shall not disclose much as I do not want to "spoil" the "fun". I would say, "Go on.... It's a highly recommended movie..."

Ten thumbs up are simply not enough.

SAFRA Movie Treat: Taken 2

Thanks to the kind folks at SAFRA for the exclusive movie - TAKEN 2 invite!

"TAKEN 2" Poster:

Exciting 1.5 hour movie that are simply filled with action. My eyes were all glued to the screen!

Despite the fact that some parts are quite unbelievable (eg: a car that still looked perfect and shiny even after going through accident after accident =_=), the movie is still worth watching as a whole.

You'll love the intensity.

Check out more details of the movie here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1397280/

Tampines Mall: Just a random shot of me and Wen:

 

After the movie, we headed over to The Old Malaya Cafe to have our dinner. 

I simply love the decorations in there! It almost felt like I was walking into a museum instead of a cafe.

Here are some shots that I took while waiting for our food. I am sure these will send some of you vintage collectors crazy.

Look at this lovely bike! Yes, it does look old, but in a good vintage way!

Sorry though, all of the items are not for sale. :( (YEAH, sad)

I wonder if this has ever been used??

I can just imagine putting some paos in it. LOL.

Antique telephone! Is that real, too??

BOO!!

Did I scare ya?

Have you ever tasted Pontian noodles?

The one at The Malaya Cafe tastes different - IN A GOOD WAY! The usual noodles you find in other places are darker in color-  but this apparently has a lighter shade.

Well.. I do not know exactly how to describe it, but the taste is just... different. 

After eating so many types of wanton noodles in Singapore, nothing beats this one.

You can try it out at the branch at 313 Somerset or Tampines Mall , if you are living in the East.

Gaah, why am I torturing myself by staring at this photo??

I tried the "K.L Curry Noodles".

(Unfortunately, it isn't as tasty as I expected. I prefer the Pontian noodles better still!)

On our way home, I "booked" the whole MRT cabin.

*proud owner*

*sings*
Mine... The train is mine... ..

(=_="),,,,

Haw Par Villa Trip - Reliving Childhood days

I have always wanted to re-visit one of Singapore's historical attractions (or at least it used to be), but I had been putting off the plan due to my never-ending procrastination.

Yes, the place is none other than...

 Haw Par Villa (虎豹别墅)

(Picture credits to www.SPI.com.sg)

I am pretty sure most Singaporeans - even if you haven't been there- would have heard of this place. If you've not, I am sure your parents or grandparents will be glad to tell you about it. (Yes, ask them!)

Remember the splash rides that take you on a journey to the 10 Courts of Hell - an experience that would never fail to send a chill down your spine?

Remember the life-like statues that have a story to tell?

Remember the costume rental shop that you could rent all kinds of Dynasty-looking costumes from and have your photo taken?

*sigh*

Those were the days!

With thanks to my close bud, Marie's suggestion for a meetup - We settled on a trip to Haw Par Villa. Gosh, I did certainly look forward to it! I have been soooo curious to know what has happened since news had it that the place has been under plans of being demolished. (Or did I remember wrongly?)

I am always saddened by the fact that people are always commenting how "scary" the place is, and how it SHOULD be torn down cos' nobody frequents there anymore.

But come on... It's a piece of Singapore's history! 

Can you imagine how glorious Haw Par Villa used to be back in those days? Just the thought of it busting with crowd and little children squealing in delight as they ran around the place is enough to put a sad smile on my face.

After some "researching" using my Googling skills, here's a nostalgic photo I found - Something that will forever be frozen in that moment as depicted in the photo:

Crowded, wasn't it?

It was a pity I wasn't born during that era, I guess. How I wish I could be part of that historical moment and witness the happier days of Haw Par Villa.

(That is why photographs are so important. It showcases a transition of time!)

With the new implementation of Circle line, travelling to HPV is so much more faster and convenient. Can you imagine that - I used to dread travelling there due to the inaccessibility via trains? I had to take the bus to get there and the journey would take me around 1 hour or more. It was crazy, especially for a person who is suffering from motion-sickness like me.)

So yes, I love the Circle Line! (It only took me around 30 minutes or less to get there now, much to my delight!)

 Back to 2012 - I finally alighted at the "Haw Par Villa" station:

(I was actually surprised that there were INDEED quite a number of visitors there. It was most unexpected as I thought that nobody would go there anymore. There were even tour buses  parked! Is Haw Par Villa coming back to "life" again? *prays hard*)

Now follow me as I take you on a short trip with me through the photos I captured:

The long route that marks the beginning of the journey:

Look! What's that on top?

When you reach the red gates, you'll be bound to spot a sign that tells you to beware of the Guard Dog:

Not sure if it is meant to be a scare tactic or there really is one. I wouldn't want to find out though. Lol:

Beautiful sculptures:

Some of the sculptures and statues seemed to have been repainted as they look pretty new!

I am sure attempts have been made to maintain its glory:

Pandas, anyone?

That's before Jia Jia and Kai Kai were even born! LOL

A close-up of the one of the pandas:

The Opium War Hero, Lin Zhe Xu.

2 Sumos advertising for Tiger Balm products? 

I was fascinated by the statue version of the Tiger Balm products, so I went closer to take a look:

So cute, ain't they? Haha. :) Solid!

The 12 zodiacs:

Do you spot anything familiar?

Well, if you don't... Here's another:

Although I do not know the meaning of it (Statue of Liberty appearing in a Dynasty-themed place), but I still find it a fascinating sight. It has not changed one bit since the last time I was here!

The famous Fu Lu Shou:

Visitors were actually throwing their coins in here for blessings/well-wishes!

Look at the greenery of the pond! It still looks epic, doesn't it? :)

The colorful benches that look sooo inviting:

Another part of the vicinity:

A beautiful place for photography, especially for themed shoots!

Anyone wanna shoot me in my Ge Ge outfit? ;) Hahaha

Gosh, breathtaking. 

This particular statue is quite hidden. Marie spotted it and told me, which I then took a photo. Pigs!

Going further up:

See the giraffes?

Featuring a shot of my adorable buddy, Marie! (Yes, I think she looks great in here!)

Artistic not?? LOL

Marie suggested this shot- So here I am - touching the Buddy's tummy like a typical tourist and hoping for some good luck:

Marie engrossed in reading the text explaining the story behind it:

I realized that there were quite a number of joss sticks being offered in certain areas, such as this. Does anyone know the reason why??

Animal Galore!

Confucius!!!

The workmanship is fantastic. Everything seems so detailed:

A huge shelter that can shield you from the rain:

One of my favorite parts of the area. Using the word "Beautiful" is an understatement.

The pond even looks clean!

More close-up shots:

The mermaids:

(I actually witnessed 1 bangala posing with the mermaid statue by lying on top of it =_= I believe the photo would turn out looking wrong. LOL)

The Goddess of Mercy:

I love the red circle door!

One of the more "modern-looking" statues:

Old school much?!?!

Another beautiful area again:

I totally LOVE. LOVE. LOVE this view! It is a pity that the top area is inaccessible already. :(

It would be such a breathtaking view to take a photo from there!

Check out the water:

Surprise- There are still tortoises alive and swimming in there! I wonder what do they feed on for survival?

The cafeteria that I initially thought would still be operating. Sadly enough, it seemed to have been closed down for some time already. According to Marie, this place was still in operations 2 years ago.

Everything still looks fine though, with many stuff that are still intact - such as the cash registers, basins, etc.

Look at the power points:

Looking beneath the shutters:

Here's a small treat for you if you have managed to survive reading my entry so far:

(LOL LOL! Can you believe that?! I actually took this photo in Haw Par Villa around 10 years ago. The costume was rented from the now-defunct rental store there. )

Yeah yeah. Laugh all you want!

The famous vehicle that has always been a part of Haw Par Villa:

A pleasant surprise! LOOK! A huge influx of crowd!

Can you believe that I am taking it in 2012?!~

Tour buses:

We went to explore the 10 Courts of Hell as well, but I didn't take any photos at all. 

Unfortunately, it seemed to be a refurbished version instead of the ones that we remembered from the older days.

Remember the "dragon head" that is ever-so-iconic?

It is no longer there anymore. What's left is a grey cave in place where the dragon once stood. Kinda' sad just by looking at it:

From this:

To this :

Can any kind soul tell me what has happened to this poor dragon and the reason behind why it has to be removed?

(I did a little Google research and some had said it was removed due to "Fengshui" issues. Not sure how accurate is the source though.)

\

Marie treated me to Crystal Jade @ Holland Village after the Haw Par Villa trip for my birthday (Awww!):

She recommended the dumplings and sweet-and-sour noodles. The tastes were simply perfect. 

(Gosh, my stomach are grumbling just by looking at this photo! =_=)

My happy friend! :D

And she surprised me with this beautiful birthday gift - BAD 25 album. Gosh. A new favorite adding on to my small collection! I love you!

Thanks so much for the splendid day spent, my dear friend!

The friendship we share is incredible - And I only have one person to thank.

Yes, Michael Jackson! ;-)