Entertainment

Happy Lunar New Year!

2012-01-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

22nd January 2012

Today is Chinese New Year's Eve, when the year of the Rabbit hops out of the way and the year of the Dragon is ushered in.

The year of the Dragon is the most auspicious and most powerful of the Chinese zodiac signs. According to Chinese astrology, 2012 is a Water Dragon year which means that there will be many opportunities for good fortune.

Wish you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!

Grand Tasting with Robert Parker

2011-12-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

8th November 2011

I was so thrilled to meet the world-renowned wine critic, Robert Parker, Jr. in Hong Kong. It was such a wonderful opportunity to attend his master class on Bordeaux. We tasted 20 wines from the impressive 2009 vintage, including Le Fleur-Petrus, Smith Haut Lafitte, Haut Bailly and Lynch Bage.

La dégustation des vins a été merveilleux!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-10-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

20.09.2011

Doesn't time fly? It's already our third wedding anniversary!

It was on this day, three years ago that I said "I do" to my hubby. It was a day of bliss, friends, laughters and memories that I will never forget (to be aided by pictures when I'm senile).

Some say the first three years are the hardest, If they are the most difficult, then I am really looking forward to the future!!

We decided to celebrate this special occasion in Bangkok, a place where we never get bored of visiting. We indulged ourselves in shopping, delicious dining and soothing massages.

It got me! I am so down!

2011-10-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

I am down with the flu which hits me like a brick wall and it's hard to even get out of bed. My nose is completely stuffed up and I've got a chesty cough as well as muscle twitches. My head is so heavy, almost as if I'm wearing a hat weighing one stone. I feel like I'm going to collapse at any moment. My doctor has put me on antibiotics for a week.

The hardest part is not knowing, whilst feeling my body deteriorates, my life completely disrupted, and no idea how long or if ever I will get better.

Taichung trip

2011-09-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

After an hour on the high speed train from Taipei, I reached my destination, Taichung, located in the west-central part of Taiwan.

Taichung is a beautiful city surrounded by lush greenery and serenity. It exudes a relaxed vibe amidst history, culture and art. Because of its spectacular scenery, a lot of couples go to Taichung to take their pre-wedding photos. Just in case you are interested, most of the wedding studios are located in Sanmin Road.

People in Taichung are very artistic. Most restaurants have inspirational exterior architectural design and tasteful interior decor. The creativity and variety of food is very impressive too.

I feel that Taichung is an amazing place where you can find bliss and happiness. No wonder the award-winning director Ang Lee had just finished his latest film shoot in Taichung.

Usukan Cove

2011-08-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

In June, we managed to escape to Usukan Cove in Kota Belad, Sabah for a leisure getaway. This paradise is blessed with rich corals and uninhabited golden sandy beaches.

We took a yacht and cruised out to the reefs. I snorkeled around the enchanting corals which came in different shapes, like big boulders, brain, hand, pyramid, sponge and flower. There were many fish shimmering with all the colours of the rainbow, it was like being in Finding Nemo. The underwater world of Usukan was simply amazing!

Sydney Tower

2011-07-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

During our recent stay in Sydney, we visited the Sydney Tower located in the middle of Sydney's Central Business District. It is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere.

We dined at the revolving restaurant situated at the top of the Tower, which is 309 m above street level. It was a great way to see Sydney from a different angle. The 360 degree panoramic view of the city and her harbour was breathtaking.

Unfortunately, the food was not palatable and there was nothing truly appetising in the buffet. The real sting came when we were notified on being seated that we had just 90 minutes to complete our meal and be out.

Kylie in town!

2011-07-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Being an avid fan of Kylie Minogue, I was ecstatic to see her perform live in Hong Kong. Some fans were dressed in fancy costumes, like going to carnivals. The Aphrodite concert had an elaborate Greco-Roman theme. The band was incredible; the visuals were stellar; the six pack dancers were sexy and the aerial performers were amazing. Kylie dressed as a goddess by Dolce & Gabbana. The Australian pop diva turned the concert hall into a disco. We were in a party mood and couldn't stop dancing. Her lustrous voice filled the hall to rapturous applause.

The show was fabulously enjoyable!

Cinema time

2011-06-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a hectic month so I decided to escape to the cinema. I was looking for something light hearted and funny with a nice, clean, cookie cutter happy ending, so I watched two romantic comedies this week: Something Borrowed and Hangover 2.

Hangover 2 is a tale of three male friends who travel to exotic Thailand and find themselves in sticky situations after a wild night. The sequel is hilarious and laugh-out-loud funny, with embarrassments and twists.

Something Borrowed is based on a novel by Emily Giffin and focuses on a lawyer who offers herself up as the world’s doormat. Unattached and having just turned 30, she is feeling forlorn, which is compounded by the fact her best friend is marrying her law school crush. The film is a decent mix of melodrama, comedy and romance.

I enjoyed both films. They were mind blowing and allowed me to laugh and had fun. Served my purpose!

Two thumbs up!

2011-03-21T02:25:00.000-07:00

I went to see "The King's Speech" today.

This film is based on the true story of the relationship between a brilliant unconventional speech therapist (played by Geoffrey Rush) and the Duke of York (played by Colin Firth), who was forced to confront his debilitating stammer in the years leading up to his 1936 coronation as King George VI.

I enjoyed the film immensely. Rarely do I witness a film so dramatic, moving and exquisitely acted.

Michael Buble in Hong Kong!

2011-03-12T05:26:00.000-08:00

11 Mar 2011

We just went to see MB's concert tonight at the Convention Centre in Hong Kong.

In the true style of a flashy nightclub performance, the MB show began at 8:35 p.m. with a thrilling display of music, lights, fireworks and power. MB slid and spun across the stage complete with multi-level risers, lighted stairs and a screen which was often reassembled into five separate mini-screens in innumerable shapes.

MB has a strong and impressive voice but what i found him different from other singers is his devilish wit. He cracked a lot of jokes and fraternised with us. We all roared with laughter. There was never a dull moment during the concert.

He sang all the hits from his latest Crazy Love album, including Georgia On My Mind and Just Haven’t Met You Yet, as well as some golden favourites like I’m Feeling Good, Me And Mrs Jones, Home and Everything.

About half way through his concert, he walked from the stage, through a sea of screaming and pawing female fans, to a platform at the center of the concert hall, to sing a few songs. He invited the very mixed age crowd to sing along. We all rose from our seats and felt compelled to sing and dance wildly.

His incredible singing together with his comical prowess made our evening an immensely entertaining one!

An electrifying concert in Seoul!

2011-02-21T01:41:00.000-08:00

It was a musical double header at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul tonight as the blue-rock guitarist Eric Clapton (EC) played to thousands of swaying fans, a mix of young and old, east and west.

EC opened with Key to the Highway, a version of a Charlie Segar song that he recorded with Derek and the Dominos in 1970.

Other songs included the heartwarming rendition of Wonderful Tonight (my favourite) from the 1977 album Slowhand, and the classic Derek and the Dominos hit, Layla. The single encore song was Robert Johnson Standard, Crossroads.

Not unexpected, EC came on stage in blue flannel shirt, loose jeans and longish hair. No bling. It was all music. He did not interact with the crowd much, taking the stage with little fanfare and uttering a courteous "thank you" here and there.

EC is old but simply extraordinary! He can do wondrous things with his guitar. I reckon he is the most accomplished and skilled guitarist left on this tiny planet.

The Rabbit is upon us!

2011-02-05T00:35:00.000-08:00

We celebrated the second day of Lunar New Year with our family and friends. After a sumptuous meal, we watched the dazzling fireworks display that usher in the year of the Rabbit. Some of the sights that lit up the sky over Victoria Harbour included cute bunnies, coconut trees, heart signs and the figures "2011" as well as the letters "I love HK". It was smashing!

We wish everyone a prosperous year ahead!

Under the Tuscan Sun

2010-12-28T04:36:00.000-08:00

Recently, we visited Siena, one of our favourite places in Tuscany. Siena remains as it was in medieval times, well-preserved and completely devoid of cars. I was blown away by the charm of this city. It is so beautiful that I could sit on the Piazza del Campo sipping wine all day and watch the world goes by.

We also drove to San Gimignano where its 13th century architecture is so spectacular. It’s like a sleepier version of Siena, but with a flair all its own.

Our trip would not be complete without visiting a few wineries in the Chianti region. Its green gentle hills are alluringly sketched by miles of vineyards, olive groves and small stone villages. The gorgeous bucolic tuscan landscape seems to create a unique painting. The photos will speak for themselves.

Italy's Lake District

2010-12-07T22:48:00.000-08:00

Lake Como is situated in Lombardy of Northern Italy. We flew into Milan Malpensa from where we took a train to Como Nord Lago. The lake is surrounded by beautiful villages as well as hiking paths. With mirror-like stretches of water and balmy climate, it's popular for boat trips and water activities.

We strolled through the lakeshores and saw so many stupendous villas on the wooded lakeside slopes.The grounds have exotic and lush plant growth. It seemed like everywhere we turned, we stumbled across yet another picture-perfect, postcard-quality scene.

To come to lake Como and not visit Bellagio would be a sin! We went on a panoramic cruise on the lake to Bellagio, which is at the end of a long mountainous promontory in the middle of the lake. It has breathtaking views with a waterfront promenade, two exquisite gardens to visit, and a number of cafés. We pottered around the picturesque lanes and cobbled streets and found many enticing boutiques, selling hand-made crafts made from wood or silk created by local craftsmen.

Lake Como is indeed a jewel- like oasis of tranquility and beauty! No wonder this enchanting place has attracted its fair share of artists, poets and celebrities like Richard Branson and George Clooney.

Pattaya retreat in September 2010

2010-09-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Just two hours drive from Bangkok, we reached our destination, Pattaya, which is located on the eastern coast of Thailand. Wow, this thriving city really has a wonderful array of attractions that offer ultimate fun: beaches, shops, temples, museums, a zoo, an aquarium, theme parks and golf courses. Yo, you name it!

We particularly enjoyed the beautiful scenery of two beautiful beaches: Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach. We lounged around on the beaches under the shade of large parasols and the pine trees whilst enjoying the cool sea breezes. The atmosphere was very relaxed and we loved watching the beach goers doing all sorts of water sports like windsurfing, parasailing, water scootering and speedboat riding.

This trip was a tranquil escape from the constant hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

23 August 2010

2010-08-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

A tragedy happened today in the Philippines.

A coach carrying a group of 22 Hong Kong tourists was hijacked by a former policeman armed with an M16 assault rifle in Manila this morning.

The disgruntled gunman seized the coach in a desperate attempt to be reinstated, after being dismissed over allegations of professional misconduct.

Six hostages were freed from the coach during early negotiations.

Multiple gunshots were heard moments before the Philippine police stormed the bus after a 12 hour standoff. The gunman was killed in the final moments of the crisis, ending a day-long hostage siege. Four captives came out of the coach alive but the fate of 11 others unknown.

Please pray for all the injured and the families of the victims.

Balmoral

2010-07-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

We took a water taxi from Circular Quay to Balmoral, which is located at Sydney's Middle Harbour. Balmoral has two beaches, a promenade and park areas. It is a beautifully serene paradise. Trees and birds abound in this magical spot. No wonder the Balmoral Rotunda is the home of the popular Shakespeare By The Sea festival in the summer.

We dined at a restaurant down at the waterfront, overlooking the elegant harbour. My soul was fed with the stunning view and sound of Balmoral beach. It was such a relaxing evening.

This unique place is like a little gem in Sydney.

2010-07-10T02:34:00.000-07:00

3 July 2010

Today was one of the hottest day in HK. We headed south to enjoy a cool breeze before we had dinner by the sea at a deutsch kitsch restaurant in Stanley.

After dinner, we moved to a waterfront pub on Stanley Main Street to watch Germany playing Argentina in the 2010 World Cup Quarter Finals. We were surrounded by a bunch of Germans clapping, chanting and cheering "Deutschland", "Deutschland" throughout the game. The atmosphere in the pub was really great.

The Argentinians were shattered by a German squad that was superior in every way. Argentina was slow on defense and off target and out of sync on offense. It came with no surprise that Germany overwhelmed Argentina, 4:0, to sweep into the Semi Finals of the 2010 World Cup.

An exuberant performance!

2010-06-18T03:56:00.000-07:00

I had a truly unforgettable evening with Natalie Cole at the Hong Kong Convention Centre. From jazz to R&B to pop, Natalie's range crosses into a number of music genres that are reflected in her concert tonight. I experienced her ethereal, hauntingly beautiful voice and impeccable phrasing up close when she sang her hits, including her immortal duet with her father, Nat "King" Cole, Unforgettable.

7 June 2010

2010-06-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

I managed to sprain my ankle quite badly today. The pain was so acute that I was not able to walk at all. Someone called 999 for an ambulance to take me to the hospital. According to the Orthopaedist, I have torn my ligaments. My foot is put in a cast and I need my crutches to move around. My ankle is chronically swollen and bruised. Oh, I feel like a disabled person: so helpless! Well, it will take six weeks for my tendon to recover. This is the "best" birthday present I have ever got in my life!

My travel tale of two European cities in March 2010

2010-05-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Kronberg

Wow, this was my second time in Germany within the last six months. We drove from Frankfurt Airport to Kronberg (northwest of Frankfurt) and the journey took us roughly 60 minutes. Kronberg is a beautiful and affluent suburb. The crooked cobblestone streets are lined with little boutiques, fairytale “Fachwerk” houses and cozy pubs. The lush greenery and the exquisite surroundings make this small town a superior retreat for tourists, like us from Hong Kong. I find this place so tranquil and peaceful!

Luxembourg

After a three hour journey by car, passing through the lush, rolling countryside of Germany, we arrived in Luxembourg. I always find it exciting to stop over at Lux for a day or two when I travel to France, Belgium or Germany. Why? Lux's oldest sections were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. What made the city so picturesque for me were the Casemates, the massive and tall fortress towers that surround the city. Despite its historical sites, Lux is a fashionable place to stay, and home to some of the city's most popular bars and restaurants. It boasts of more Michelin stars per square mile than any other country.

Musicals in the West End

2010-04-06T02:52:00.000-07:00

I watched two musicals in the last week of March whilst I was in London: Love Never Dies and Legally Blonde.

As a dedicated fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber, I was so delighted to see the sequel to The Phantom very soon after the opening at the Adelphi Theatre on 9th March 2010. The scenery and special effects were superb! The singing was fantastic but the songs were not as memorable as the ones in The Phantom.

On the contrary, Legally Blonde is about a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. The musical was sheer fun, light and frothy. The songs were really catchy and upbeat, I couldn't stop humming the tunes to myself all night. I had a feel good time at the Savoy Theater, it was an exuberant evening!

On the road

2010-03-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

Here is my travelogue in February 2010:

I had been in Macau for five days to attend a management meeting. Then I swung through Tokyo and Seoul for another week on business. After that, I travelled to Kuala Lumper for seven days for leisure. By the time I got back home after all these trips, I was utterly shattered.

Nevertheless, I had some interesting encounters. I will let the photos speak for themselves.

14th February 2010

2010-02-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

Today is very special in having Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day falling on the same day. We are torn between celebrating "blessings" and celebrating "love". It is great to spend this auspicious day with our loved ones. I have received lots of red packets and also a surprise valentine's gift.

Wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and a prosperous Year of the Tiger!!!

Sai Kung Trip

2010-01-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

Sai Kung, which is located in the south east of the New Territories, is an old fishing village hidden away from the concrete jungle of Hong Kong. We first explored the lanes of the old town and visited a number of quaint Chinese shops. Then, we walked to the pier and strolled along the promenade. There were a few vessels moored alongside the pier with the latest catch for sale. It was very intriguing to watch the seafood vendors' offerings, customers' bargaining over price and the exchange of money in nets on a long pole.

Our next stop was the famous Hoi Pong Square (HPS), a mecca for seafood lovers. It was such a nice treat to have dinner in one of the restaurants at HPS. We indulged ourselves with fresh lobsters, fish, crabs, scallops and abalones..... What a sumptious feast!

After dinner, we headed over to a dessert eatery called 'Honeymoon" for Chinese pudding.

It was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip!

1.1. 2010

2010-01-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Day, we went on a boat trip to Cheung Chau to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The ride was about one hour and we enjoyed the breeze and the views from the sun deck.

Cheung Chau is a tiny dumbbell shaped island located in the south west of HK Island. This outlying island has a rich culture with traditional temples, ancient rock carvings as well as interesting caves; and it is also well known for its Annual Bun Festival. There are beautiful beaches on the island where you can go swimming, wind surfurfing and kayaking etc. We visited the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre between Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Wan Beach. And remember Lee Lai Shan, Hong Kong's first gold medal winning Olympian? She started her career as a professional windsurfer at this Windsurfing Centre!

As we walked along the tiny, narrow streets in Cheung Chau, we saw lots of street stalls selling delicious chinese snacks such as fish balls, BBQ chicken, tofu desserts and red bean cakes etc. We couldn't help pigging ourselves. The snack that I loved most was sweet potato crisps stung on a massive stick (a popular and special snack in CC). Yum Yum!

After the boat trip, we celebrated our new year's day with a big feast!

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

We gathered with friends at IFC for dinner and drinks for the New Year countdown celebrations. As the clock stroke 00.00.00, we watched the pyrotechnics display which launched from 2 IFC and nine other landmark buildings on HK Island. Victoria Harbour was used as the backdrop for the show and 2 IFC was used as the main setting. The highlight was a 2.2 km long dragon, whose head lied on top of 2 IFC and whose body stretched across nine other skyscrapers and ended at Sun Hung Kai Centre. The dazzling light display illuminated the sky and our glamorous Harbour.

Wish everyone a bright and hopeful 2010!

Tunisia

2009-12-18T22:49:00.000-08:00

My recent trip to Tunisia was such a memorable one. Tunisia is the northernmost country of Africa. Its capital, Tunis, is a lively urban city, which I found it utterly different from other parts of Africa. And for me, the most intriguing place in Tunis is Carthage, which is located on the outskirts of Tunis. Carthage is so ancient with great archeological sites. It is mainly Roman sites, including theatres, temples, villas and baths. Many of the sites now stand in ruins, which are so mysterious and impressive that I thought I was in Rome whilst I was there!! No wonder Carthage is now part of the UNESCO Humanity World Heritage.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

2009-12-11T04:19:00.000-08:00

We had a blissful hideaway from the hectic city life at the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. The plateau, discovered by William Cameron in 1885, is located around 300 km north of Kuala Lumper. As we drove up the mountain, the view was scenic with lush greenery. When we reached the mountain top, I was mesmerised by the haven of beauty. The air was so fresh and crisp and I felt my senses were rejuvenated. I loved the abundance of intense green; it was so soothing to my eyes!

Cruising in HK

2009-12-11T02:57:00.000-08:00

The weather was just perfectly nice last Sunday, neither hot nor cold. We cruised along Hong Kong's high rise shoreline, then around the outlying islands. We stopped the cruiser near by Lamma Island to do some fishing. From where we fish, we could see the three massive smokestacks of the Hong Kong Electric power plant on Lamma.

We had no luck in catching trouts or red fish. And know what? We only managed to catch a puffer fish (yes, better than nothing!). When we lifted the puffer out of water, it inflated rapidly, filling its tummy with air until it was spherical in shape. So cute!

As everyone was screaming aloud so we threw back the puffer into the sea to avoid getting intoxicated.

My Mediterranean trip in November 2009

2009-11-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

I have visited/revisited many places during my Mediterranean trip and here are some of the highlights:

Sicily

We hired a driver to chauffeur us around Palermo, the capital of Sicily. The driver was unexpectedly nice and helpful. People always perceive Sicily as Italy’s dark horse, cursed by an unfair stereotype. I must say this perception disappeared immediately after we encountered the friendly locals there.

Palermo is a bit chaotic and dusty, yet intriguing, due to the many different cultures and domination that invaded the place. It has a large architectural heritage and is notable for its many Norman Buildings: The Cathedral of Palermo and San Cataldo with its famous three red, bulge domes.

Malta

Another place that I really like is Valetta. Valetta is a tiny fortified city and also a world heritage site. The city is surrounded by two harbours; one of them is the Grand Harbour. We caught the most stunning view of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Also, as we walked down Republic Street (the main street in Valetta), we saw mellow honey-coloured limestone architecture everywhere. Very Baroque style!!

Needless to say, we stopped by a few must go places, including the Co-Cathedral of St John and the Palace. The interior of the cathedral is ornate with intricate carved stone walls. It has the only largest painting depicting The Beheading of St. John the Baptist by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. I was so impressed and awestruck by this fabulous oil canvas painting, which looks so real! Incredible!

There are lots of alfresco style restaurants at the Main Square, next to the Palace. We really enjoyed watching the hive of activity whilst dining at the Main Square.

It is the start of the autumn wedding season again!

2009-10-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

Last week seemed to be a busy one for Cupid over in Hong Kong. I attended three weddings for three couples that were all getting hitched in the same week. The three wedding receptions were held at The Four Seasons, The Verandah at Repulse Bay and The Langham respectively. The weddings were very different but there was one special thing in common: I could feel the magic floating in the air. For me, the previous week was a lot more hectic than words could express. However, I must say it was a fun adventure to make it from one wedding to another.

Happy Paper Anniversary @ 2009 2009!

2009-09-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Today is 2009 2009.
We were married on 2009 2008.
As of our First Anniversary, we have been married for 365 days.

We celebrated this special day at Gaddis, The Pennisula, where we had our wedding banquet one year ago! It's not only the french haute cuisine that was so pleasing to our palate, the interior design was opulent with crystal chandeliers and the service was impeccable.

The ambience was great too, but obviously, it was the occasion and the company that made the meal so romantic.

Michael Jackson's memorial service

2009-07-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

It’s still difficult to fathom that MJ has died.

I watched MJ's memorial service on CNN.com Live.

The service was poignant with somber eulogies from MJ's friends and family members. The most touching heart pull was when Paris Jackson expressed her love for her late dad: “I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

Paris's tribute was heart wrenching and revealed to us the human side of MJ.

Rest in peace, MJ!

Tribute to the King of Pop

2009-06-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

I was shocked and in utter disbelief when I heard of Michael Jackson's (MJ's) sudden death.

MJ was a legend of music and a prodigiously talented singer. I am watching a lot of his MTVs today. How can we forget his signature ''moonwalk'' dance and his "Beat it" music?

Although the world icon has gone, his music will live on forever!

Joyeux Anniversaire!

2009-06-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

How time flies! It's my birthday again!

Life is really too short to be unhappy so live life to its fullest! Smile as much as you breathe!

Take the chance. Dare to dream. Seize the Power of Every Moment!

Let's live a remarkable life!

Dragon Boat Festival, 28th May 2009

2009-05-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Tuen Ng Festival at Stanley Beach today. Thousands of people swarmed the Beach to get a glimpse of the Dragon Boat Regatta, albeit the heavy downpours.

We boarded a junk along the race track to watch the competition. Despite the strong winds and choppy water, the paddlers were all in high spirit, trying their utmost to row to victory. Some of the oarsmen even put on their fancy dress costumes. I felt like I was attending a mini carnival.

After the race, we went to the Pub on the waterfront to continue the party.

French May

2009-05-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year again (May) when stars from all over the world flock to Cannes to celebrate the Annual Cannes Film Festival. The red carpet was unfurled on 13 May, and there were so many celebrities posing on the steps of the Palais des Festivals. This event always reminds me of the beautiful Côte d'Azur. I hope I can squeeze in some time in the coming months to go visit the French Riviera again.

Labour Day long weekend (1st - 3rd May )

2009-05-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

The 2009 H1N1 Flu outbreak has spread to 18 countries and has killed more than 140 people. On Saturday, 350 guests were quarantined in the Metropark Hotel in Wanchai, after a Mexican guest was confirmed to have the virus. Most people here are scared with potent memories of the deadly SARS pandemic in 2003.

As for myself, I have been suffering from a chronic toothache since Saturday and have been living on Nurofen plus. What an agony! Life is indeed fragile!!

At church on Sunday morning, we studied the book of Ruth. This story reminds us 1) that even in times of uncertainty and doubts, God is at work; and 2) that we need to cling to the goodness of God, even if we cannot immediately see or comprehend His ways. Let us all encourage one another and stand together in confidence during this time of uncertainty.

2009-04-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Tokyo, 6-11 April, 2009

I caught the most perfect week in Tokyo when the Sakura trees were in full bloom. Lots of people dined and wined under the Sakura trees to celebrate Hanami. All the roads were carpeted in pink with the blushing blossoms.

This time, I stayed at Roppongi Hills. My favourite French restaurant in this area is L'atelier de Joel Robbuchon and my favourite department store is Estination!

I also went to Shibuya one nite to experience the hustle and buzzle of one of Toyko's busiest shopping districts. I stood at the large intersection in front of the subway station to take pictures of the neon advertisements on electronic billboards and double deck giant TV screens, as tonnes of pedestrians passed me by at the chaotic crossing. There are also lots of advertising "light boxes" in Shibuya which carry the phrase “Bring the Olympics to Japan”. These ads are put up by the Tokyo 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee. I am definitely a keen supporter as Toyko is one of my favourite cities in Asia. Let's imagine watching the Olympic games, enjoying gourmet food and shopping - altogether in one trip. How awsome!!

Ball time

2009-03-21T02:50:00.000-07:00

14th March 2009

We got all glammed up and attended AmCham's 40th Anniversary Ruby Ball held at the Hong Kong Convention Centre. It was a fun filled evening with good food and wine. We danced the night away to America's No.1 show band, The Infernos.

A getaway in Malaysia

2009-03-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

Day 1

We arrived at the Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur at around 6 pm. This is a new and cosmopolitan hotel, owned by the Shangri-la group. Our room was contemporary and spacious. After half an hour's rest, we met a group of friends for drinks at the Sky Bar right at the roof top of the hotel (33/F). This open air pavilion has a pool side setting; and the sides are glass walled. When I looked above my head, I could see the Petronas Twin Towers, glittering in the sky. What a magic view! No wonder Sky Bar was named the 'Best Malaysian Bar' by Malaysia Tatler.

Day 2

After enjoying a buffet breakfast at the Gobo Chit Chat restaurant at the hotel, we went to KLCC and the Gardens for shopping.

Day 3

We went to the Pavilion for more shopping in the morning. After much walking, we got really knackered and went for a body massage to relax our sore muscles.

Day 4

In the morning, we had lunch and did more shopping at the Pavilion. After shopping, I had a paraffin wax hand treatment and a French Manicure at the Madaline Nails and Waxing Salon by Glitters, at the top of the Pavilion.

Day 5 (plus the following 2 weeks)

I started to fall sick on the last day of my trip. My sick journey began with a migraine attack in the morning. After I came back home, I contracted bronchitis and fell seriously ill. I had very bad coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, a headache and a sore throat. The worst was I had shortness of breath as my airways in my lungs became narrow (yes, similar to an asthma attack!!!). The doc gave me some ventolin pills to relax my airway muscles so I could breathe smoothly. It was such a horrifying experience.

KL Trip in March 09

2009-03-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Day 1

We arrived at the Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur at around 6 pm. This is a new and cosmopolitan hotel, owned by the Shangri-la Group. Our room was contemporary and spacious. After half an hour's rest, we met a bunch of friends for drinks at the Sky Bar right at the roof top of the hotel (33/F). This open air pavillion has a pool side setting; and the sides are glass walled. When I looked above my head, I could see the Petronas Twin Towers, glittering in the sky. What a magic view! No wonder Sky Bar was named the 'Best Malaysian Bar' by Malaysia Tatler.

Day 2

After enjoying a buffet breakfast at the Gobo Chit Chat restaurant at the hotel, we went to KLCC and the Gardens for shopping.

Day 3

We went to the Pavilion for more shopping in the morning. After much walking, we got really knackered and went for a body massage to relax our sore muscles.

Day 4

In the morning, we had lunch and did more shopping at the Pavilion. In the afternoon, I had a paraffin wax hand treatment and a French Manicure at the Madaline Nails and Waxing Salon by Glitters, at the top of the Pavillion.

Day 5 plus the following week

I started to fall sick on the last day of my trip. My sick journey began with a migraine attack in the morning. After I came back home, I contracted bronchitis and fell seriously ill. I had very bad coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, a headache and a sore throat. The worst was I had shortness of breath as my airways in my lungs became narrow (yes, similar to an asthma attack!!!). The doc gave me ventolin pills to relax my airway muscles so I could breathe smoothly. It was such a horrifying experience.

Vivienne Westwood: A Life in Fashion Exhibition

2009-02-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

30 January 2009

Do you remember the gorgeous wedding gown that Carrie Bradshaw wore in the film, Sex and the City? Yes, the one designed by the legendary trendsetter, Vivienne Westwood (VW)!

Today, I went to the VW exhibition, held at ArtisTree in TaiKoo Place. The exhibition is organised by Britain's Victoria and Albert Museum and showcases more than 200 creative pieces of ensembles and accessories, chronicling VW's design from the 70's through to the 21st Century, swinging from Punk to Haute Couture. Her designs are extremely innovative and flamboyant. She likes to use tweed and tartan in her funky clothing, adding a touch of British chic. Her cutting edge fashion will always stand the test of time.

We got hitched!

2009-01-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

Date: 20th September 2008

Scene: The church ceremony was held at Island Evangelical Community Church, followed by a cocktail and banquet hosted at The Peninsular Hotel.

Entertaining snippets:

During the banquet

-Photo Montage featuring pictures of us in our youth and our years of dating

-Same day edit video showing our wedding day clips

-Our friends sharing happy memories of us

After party

-Drinks at the Peninsular Suite

Proposal: Whilst celebrating my birthday in Boracay, he proposed.

Decisions: The bride (me) took full charge of the wedding planning.

Hen night: The Mandarin Oriental

Wedding gown/evening gowns: Custom made by a local designer

Tuxedo: Kenzo

Wedding shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Evening shoes: Valentino

Wedding rings: Tiffany

Wedding car: Rolls-Royce Phantom

Photographer: Charles C

Bridal bouquet: Shocking pink roses* wrapped in white satin and white pearls (*express appreciation, admiration, sincerity and sympathy)

Bridesmaid bouquet: Cream roses^ wrapped in white satin and white pearls (^connote truth, innocence, youthfulness and charm)

An idyllic escape in Greece

2008-10-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

My vacation in Greece was awesome. Apart from visiting the ancient Acropolis and Parthenon at Athens, I went island hopping in the Aegean Sea. I like Mykonos and Santorini the most as both Cyclades islands have spectacular and stunning landscapes. The architecture there consists of sensual white buildings and alluring blue domed churches hanging from the steep cliffs. What I found most enjoyable to do on these romantic islands was watching the blazing colours of sunset whilst sipping cocktails at the hotel's cliff top terrace. When I gazed down miles to the azure Aegean Sea where ships appeared no bigger than legos, everything seemed to be so peaceful and serene. I can't wait to go back to this paradise again next summer.

The Pope was in Sydney (14-18 July, 2008)!

2008-07-20T03:28:00.000-07:00

The World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations took place in Sydney just this past week. Pope Benedict XVI, together with 150,000 pilgrims from different nations, celebrated this huge event in Sydney. And I happened to be in Sydney on business in the last few days.

The Pope weaved through the city streets in his Popemobile on Thurs, 17 July. I managed to catch a glimpse of the pontiff from the meeting room (around 5.45 p.m.) as the Popemobile drove past our office building. He smiled and waved at the pilgrims, blessing them as he went.

I remember vividly the time when I met the last Pope, John Paul II, at the Vatican 10 years ago. I just never imagined I'd see the current Pope in downtown Sydney.

We will rock you!

2008-07-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

"Buddy you're a young man hard man
Shouting in the street gonna take on the world some day
You got blood on your face
You big disgrace
Waving your banner all over the place

We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you"

Folks, does this ring the bell?

I recently watched the "We Will Rock You" musical in Hong Kong. The musical is built around the songs of the rock group, Queen, and is set in a dystopian future where all musical instruments are banned, and kids are in rebellion against Globalsoft Corporation that feeds them a diet of pop tunes.

I really enjoyed the legendary classics, like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, We are the Champions etc. What an exhilarating show!

Chez Patrick

2008-06-07T03:28:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my upcoming birthday, I had dinner with my friends at a wonderful French gourmet restaurant, Chez Patrick. The restaurant echos the ambience of a Parisian flat with its wooden floor and white panelled walls.

I started with the scallop appetizer, followed by the venison medallion entree (so juicy!) and wrapped the meal up with the red wine poached pear dessert. As usual, Chez Patrick came to greet us and ask how we liked his cooking. I must say, the meal was delectable!

One-thirty One, Sai Kung

2008-05-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have heard about this French Provencal style restaurant for a long time. I recently tried it for lunch and loved it.

The restaurant is situated in a cozy little three-storey country house on the waterfront in the picturesque Sai Kung countryside. There is a green lawn at the back of this red village house, running down to the beach at Three-Fathom Cove. The restaurant serves food from the organic farm next door.

It was a shimmering Saturday and we had lunch under a canopy on the lawn. The meal was scrumptious! Yum! Yum!

I reckon this remote eatery is one of Hong Kong's best kept culinary secrets. It is definitely worth the trek from town.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Most people associate Easter with the Easter Bunny, colored eggs and lots of candy; but to Christians, Easter is much, much more. Easter is the most important Christian holiday of the year. The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. The resurrection, as described in the Bible, means that at the very moment Jesus rose from the dead, was the very moment we would be given everlasting life. Yes, eternal life! This miracle of renewed life has given us hope, faith and love since we know Jesus died willingly in order to save the human race. Let’s celebrate Easter!

What an ordeal!

2008-03-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

I have been suffering from food poisoning this week, with gastrointestinal discomfort. The culprit could be Salmonella, Strep or E-coli. Who knows? But one thing I am sure is that the virus that I contracted is wreaking havoc as it moves through my digestive system. Thanks to the bad food that I consumed at the beginning of the week.

The Venetian-Macao Resort Hotel

2008-03-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend at the Venetian to escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. This hotel and casino complex is situated in the Cotai Strip (reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane) and is the largest in all of Asia and the second largest building in the world; second only to the Boeing Plant in Washington. To give you some idea of how gigantic the resort is: the gambling hall is encircled by 350 retail shops, set against the backdrop of Renaissance Venice and surrounded by a ceiling emulating blue sky. There are Michelangelo like frescos painted all over the ceilings. You can see replicas of Venice landmarks (such as the Grand Canal, St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge and so on) everywhere in the hotel complex– they really reminded me of the likes of Venice! And the best way to get a quick view of the shops is to take a gondola ride, whilst listening to the gondolier’s opera singing.

Last but no least, the hotel suite is very spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The photos pretty much speak for themselves………

Backstreet's Unbreakable World Tour

2008-03-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Backstreet Boys are back after three years in the musical wilderness!! Yeah! I went to their concert at AsiaWorld-Expo on Friday, 29th Feb. This was the band's first concert in Hong Kong. It was an awesome show albeit I wish it wasn't standing only! The Boys sang more than 20 songs in two hours; my favourite ones were "Larger Than Life", "As Long As You Love Me" and "Everybody" . Their performance transformed the concert into a huge dance party.

Baptism, 2 December 2007

2007-12-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

I was born into a Catholic home. My parents baptised me as an infant and I was raised in a Catholic way. I attended the Sunday mass at a Catholic church every week. However, I wasn’t particularly active in sharing my faith or putting it into practise. I never had a very close relationship with God until when I went to University. A Christian friend invited me to her church and cell group. It was then when I started to deepen my knowledge and love of God via bible studies, prayer meetings and fellowships. Since then I have been going to a Christian church, learning about the Christian faith, prayer, and experiencing God’s presence in my life.

God has been working on me in small and large ways. The most significant work I can recall God doing in my life was His healing of my illness. I used to suffer from severe migraines every week, and this had affected my daily life tremendously. Whenever I had a migraine attack, I had visual disturbances; followed by a throbbing pain on one side of my head, and accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light. The pain was so excruciating that it incapacitated me for up to two days. I felt so helpless every time I had a migraine. I consulted many doctors and tried various types of medicine, but the frequency of migraine attacks had not decreased, nor the severity of pain.

One day while I was reading the bible, God spoke to me about the power of prayers. I humbled myself to God, and asked for His healing. I also shared this message with my cell group members; and for four weeks, we prayed together continuously that God would deliver me from the illness and sufferings. After weeks of earnest prayers, my recurring migraines simply went away. Since then, I only have migraines once in a while. I thank you God for this miraculous healing and for listening to my prayers.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

I have been identified with Christ in my entire life. Today is not about doing something new or starting over, it’s about continuing the amazing adventure that God has set me on. I have been so incredibly blessed in my journey with God and am very grateful for God’s grace everyday.

New Zealand, October 2007

2007-12-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

I went to New Zealand for a break in October. The highlights of my holiday were the visits to Doubtful Sound and Fox Glacier in the South Island.

Doubtful Sound, located in the World Heritage Area of Fjordland, is an overwhelming place. I was awestruck by the beautiful alpine scenery. The beauty of nature-the remoteness, the wilderness and the peace, simply took my breath away!

At 13 kms, Fox Glacier is the longest of the awe-inspiring New Zealand West Coast glaciers. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. I took a helicopter ride up and enjoyed a stunning view of the towering peaks, crevasse filled glaciers and sparkling waterways.

If you love the peace and tranquility of nature, New Zealand is a place not to be missed!

Phuket, 8-12 Aug 07

2007-12-15T23:19:00.000-08:00

Phuket is an enchanting island on the Andaman Sea in the south of Thailand. People go there not only to sunbathe and snorkel, but also to tie the knot.

We went to Phuket for a long weekend in August 2007 to attend J and J’s wedding. It was so sweet to see the couple exchanging their wedding vows surrounded by this gorgeous paradise. How romantic!

If you are considering a destination wedding, Phuket is a truly magical place that holds the tropical wedding of your dreams.

Boracay (June 2007)

2007-07-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

I escaped from HK to Boracay on my birthday. This beautiful palm studded island is located at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, south of Manila.

I took a propeller plane from Manila to Caticlan (about an hour), followed by a 15 minute boat-ride from Caticlan’s jetty port to Boracay’s jetty port. One thing that I didn’t quite expect was when I disembarked, I needed to jump into the water and waded ashore, hence the lower part of my body got soaking wet. What a special way of landing!

The most beautiful part of this tropical island is its 4 kilometer "White Beach", which has pristine, white powdery sand and azure water. I enjoyed walking on the beach as it felt like treading on miles of talcum power.

During my stay, I went sailing, island hopping (e.g. crocodile island, Coral Cave) and snorkeling. Whilst snorkeling, vision was everything. The undersea creatures and corals which greeted my eyes were colourful, gorgeous and fascinating. I regret that I didn’t have my waterproof camera with me!

Boracay is definitely the perfect island getaway!

Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing

2007-04-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

Sakura is the most venerated flower in Japan. Sakura viewing has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. You haven't experienced Japan until you see Sakura.The blooming period of Sakura is very short, from late March to early April. About a week after a Sakura tree first starts to bloom, the tree will be in full bloom for only a couple of days before they start lose their blossoms. I was lucky enough to be in Tokyo during the Sakura season this year. I saw the beautiful flowers in full bloom on 29 March, six days earlier than usual. What a gorgeous scene!

A magical island!

2007-02-13T06:16:00.001-08:00

4-5 Jan Ritz Carlton, Bali

I went to Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, to attend a friend's wedding. The wedding ceremony was held at the chapel in The Ritz Carlton Bali Resort. The Resort is a beautiful place, which set atop a bluff, overlooking the white sandy beaches and the turquoise blue calm of the Indian Ocean.

6 Jan Bali Temples

I visited 2 temples in Bali: Tanah Lot and Uluwatu. Tanah Lot is one of the most sacred shrines in all of Bali. It was built on a rock on the beach. When the tide is low people can walk to the temple. It looks like a floating one if the tide is high. There are many caves under the temple. The sight of a fiery red Balinese sunset at the temple reminded me of how much beauty there is in the world. It was a such a gorgeous sight to behold!

The Uluwatu Temple is a spectacular temple which is perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean waves. The temple is inhabited by a large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags and cameras. I did stow away my sunglasses, just in case!

After a day of sightseeing, I concluded my evening with a luxurious milk spa.

7 Jan Cute Dolphins!

I went ocean rafting along the coastline of Nusa Dua. It was absolutely exhilarating! There were countless dolphins spotting off the South Bali Coast. The cruise was nothing less than unforgettable!

Langkawi

2006-11-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

I had a great holiday in Langkawi (a tropical paradise situated in the northwestern tip of Peninsular Malaysia) last week. I stayed at the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort, which was a charming resort with traditional chalets, located along an idyllic stretch of small private beaches amidst lush tropical forests. Believe it or not, monkeys were just everywhere around the chalets.

We rented a spacewagon and drove around the island. Driving was fairly laid back on the island because of the scarce traffic, with the main hazards being muddy roads and the occasional water buffaloes crossing.

One of the most prominent landmark in Langkawi which I visited was the Eagle Square. Situated near the Kuah jetty, the main attraction of the Square was the magnificent statue of the reddish brown eagle majestically poised for flight.

I also took an exhilarating ride on the Langkawi Cable Car up the escarpment on Mount Matcincang and over ancient rainforests. On the way uphill, I enjoyed a good view of the Seven Wells Waterfalls (where fairies bathed!). The top of the mountain was simply breathtaking. It was about 2,100 feet (700 meters) above sea level. I was awestruck by the wonderful panoramic view of Langkawi up at the top, including many islands and beaches. I must say my faith in technology was truly tested during the ride on the cable car. It was one of the most exciting ride I have ever experienced.

The weather was not too brilliant with thunderstorms and lightning at times. Fortunately, the sky cleared up on our last day there, and I did soak up quite a bit of ultra violet rays before I left for HK.

GARP Conference

2006-10-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

I attended GARP's 3rd Asia Pacific Convention 2006 last week at Conrad Hotel, HK. There were over 30 risk management professionals from across Asia Pacific and the world speaking at the conference. Topics included Credit Risk Modelling & Management, Measuring & Managing Market Risk, Effective Operational Risk & Corporate Governance, Investment Management and Structured Products and so on . It was a fruitful event.

Feeling peaky!

2006-08-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

I contracted food poisoning after dining at a Belgium restaurant. Powerful waves of pain rumbled through my stomach not long after the meal. I suffered from crampy diarrhea and a chronic headache. Poor me!

Is Money your God?

2006-08-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

People want money ($), spend $, hoard $, argue over $ and kill for $. Too many of us let $ guide us. In Luke 16:13, Jesus declares that $ is a false God that people are serving, and that we as Christians cannot claim to be serving God and also serve $. I think we need to re-examine our relationship to $ and how $ affects us and our relationships to each other.

Cambodia

2006-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Phantom of the Opera, 12 August 2006

2006-08-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

I watched Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, Phantom, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The show was spectacular with Brad Little and Marni Raab playing the role of the Phantom and Christine respectively. A dazzling performance!

What is your Wisdom Quotient (WQ)? 10 July 2006

2006-08-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 1
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Surely, nobody wants to be a fool. I strive to increase my WQ by following the foolproof words of God.

Oriental Hawaii, 15-17 July 2006

2006-08-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

I spent my long weekend at the Sheraton Sanya Resort Hotel, which overlooks Yalong Bay's breathtaking beachfront and is surrounded by tropical gardens with swaying palm trees. The outdoor pools were wonderful with slides and waterfalls. I had a great relaxing time at this gorgeous resort although the UV was so strong in Sanya that sunburn was unavoidable.

The End of Season Race Meeting, 2 July 2006

2006-08-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

I went to Shatin Racecourse today and tried out my luck in the Season End Race. As expected, I lost. Sob! The horses are going to enjoy their summer holidays whilst the gamblers can save up some money, getting ready for the next season in September.

Singapore, 25-30 June

2006-08-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

I was in Singapore on business plus attending a fixed income course. It was a comprehensive course on bond products, structures and pricing with practical computer-based simulations, presented by an Australian professor. I've learned a lot from this intensive training! Felt like back to Uni again.

Met with my expat friends in the evenings at the Boat Quay, One Fullerton, the Watergate and the Riverside etc..... Was good to see them again.

Be sensitive! 23 July 2006

2006-08-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

Too often in life, words are used as weapons— sometimes intentionally, but sometimes accidentally, through carelessness or circumstances. Words can hurt as much as sticks and stones. In many cases the person who inflicted hurt on you is not even aware of your misery, while you are turning yourself inside out with bitterness, the one who hurt you does not feel a thing. The best way to relieve your pain is to forgive the perpetrator.

We must learn how to be sensitive to one another. As Proverbs 25.20 says "Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart."

Father's Day, 18 June 2006

2006-08-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

We celebrated with Dad the whole weekend. A big feast on Sat nite, followed by a wonderful dinner again on Sun. Dad-enjoy your Day!

Monday Blues

2006-08-13T03:18:00.000-07:00

What a hectic day! There are a trillion tasks to tackle, but I have so little time. Any clues to chase the Monday Blues away?