The Force Awakens - Star Wars @ Changi Airport

Location: Changi, Singapore

The Force is almost Awakened, with less than 2 weeks to go! As a Star Wars fan, I am certainly excited by the exhilarating trailers unveiled since last year, my excitement building to almost suffocating levels. I was in Changi International Airport to pick up my wife and I was surprised to see a life-sized TIE fighter and a menacing troops of First Order troopers on the Departure level.

I searched online (Star Wars @ Changi) only to realize that I almost missed the chance to capture the moment of both the First Order and the Resistance in action - from 12-Nov this year to 5-Jan-2016, Changi International Airport will play host to an X-Wing in T3 and the aforementioned TIE Fighter plus First Order troopers in T2.

Prepared for The Force Awakens

Singapore 2015 World Stamp Exhibition Philatelic Passport

I was arranging my philatelic properties when I spied upon the Philatelic Passport from the Singapore 2015 World Stamp Exhibition. A philatelic passport is a folder or booklet that is created in conjunction with stamp exhibitions so that visitors, enthusiasts and otherwise, could go on a treasure hunt to collect stamps of various nations to fill up the blank spots of the passport. This not only give visitors a chance to engage themselves in an immersive activity but also helped generate extra income for the stamps traders.

For me that was the first time I engaged in such activity so naturally I was excited to get started. The booth to get the appropriate nation's stamp is marked next to the nation's slot in the passport to help hunters get the stamp easily. With my passport in hand, I started going around to find the relevant booths, each offering various stamps from the nation for my selection and a cancellation after I applied it to my passport.

Singapore 2015 World Stamp Exhibition

My first ever stamp exhibition visit coincided with Singapore's grand celebration of its 50th birthday, making this year's visit a memorable one. It is an honor for the nation to host this high profile philatelic event, which gathered showcases spanning 66 countries and trade booths from various nations for collectors to fuel their obsession. The decennial exhibition was last hosted by Singapore 20 years ago (in 1995), and is held with the full support and patronage of the Federation Internationale de Philatelie (FIP) and under the auspices of Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP), so it is natural for this exhibition to gather postal authorities and philatelic traders from different corners of the world.

The last time Singapore hosted the World Stamp Exhibition was 1995, and they returned to the position to coincide with the nation's 50th birthday.

Starbucks® Bottled Frappuccino® Coffee Drink

My familiarity with Starbucks is limited to two things: there is a mermaid and there is our favorite Green Tea Latte. It wasn’t until my recent exposure to its chilled bottled variant that I even realize existence of such a convenient packaging. So I thought that maybe I can share my experience here. 

I first encountered it in a nearby 7-11 store and out of curiosity I bought one to try. At a whooping SGD4.10, it was truly a heartache for me. That was a high price to pay for just 9.5 fluid ounce (close to 281 ml) of beverage despite the fact that it came in a glass bottle, a rarity these days if you are not purchasing alcoholic drinks. My first choice of heartache was a Mocha. 

It is rare nowadays to see bottled drinks still sold in glass bottle in Singapore. Still the weight on your hands lend you the premium feel the brand is suppose to deliver. The price is hefty but I like the beverage, especially this Mocha drink where the rich chocolaty taste is very fulfilling.

Nothing Important Happened Today – An obituary to Lee Kuan Yew

An ironic title for the sad passing of a giant. This title was not chosen as an insult but to reflect a few things in my mind upon reading the news of his death.

“Nothing important happened today” is a phrase familiar to history buffs and X-Files buffs for this is a phrase supposedly written into the diary of George III, reigning English monarch on the day when the USA ratified their Declaration of Independence (Jul 4, 1776), signifying the irony. It was recently debunked with the revelation that the king did not keep a diary, and it was the French monarch, Louis XVI, who wrote something similar (he was referring to his empty-handed return from a hunting trip) that on the day Bastille was stormed (Jul 14, 1789). X-Files employed this ironic title for one of their milestone episodes as well and I believe my point of choosing this title should be obvious by now.

Banner tribute to Lee Kuan Yew by Channel News Asia.

MATTA Fair 2013 is back!

If you aren't aware yet, be aware! Holidaymakers are now rushing to the greatest travel fair in Malaysia, petrol price rise and inflation be damned! Attractive tour packages to the corners of the world awaits, involving various tour agencies within Malaysia. Do choose carefully and be wary of possible disreputable agents. Read carefully and ask for details before signing up for your choice of holiday trip.

This time Indonesia holds the focus with its 'Wonderful Indonesia' theme. Be it a visit to wonderful Bali or quiet Lake Toba, you can find more info here to plan for a personal trip there or to hunt for a tour package that could meet your wants.

Date:             6th (Fri) - 8th Aug (Sun) 2013

Admission:    10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Entry fee:      RM4 (free admission of children under 12)

Location:       Putra World Trade Center (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur
Website:        Main website and Facebook page; entrance ticket can be purchased online here: MATTA Entrance Ticket

NATAS 2013 (2nd Round) @ Singapore EXPO (again)

The 2nd half of the year welcomes the return of NATAS for its latest available offers. This time, holiday makers planning for the year end's Christmas travel will be able to look for mouth-watering packages in Singapore EXPO. Again. Be sure to be there early to fight for the travel to your dream destinations!

Date:             16th (Fri) - 18th Aug (Sun) 2013

Admission:    10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Entry fee:      SGD4 (free admission of children under 12)

Location:       Singapore EXPO, Halls 3, 4 and 5A
Website:        Main website and Facebook page

The New Singapore Coins

If you are in Singapore from this month onward, you may be surprised to see the shiny coin in your palm to have the usual obverse image of the Singaporean coat of arms, but a totally different reverse image. Gone is the familiar orchid above the denominated value.

If you are visiting the island nation of Singapore recently, see if you could collect this series of coins circulating in the market. They are still in their near mint condition, and still worth as a keepsake (image obtained from MAS Third Series Coins website).

Bon Odori Festival 2013 @ Penang Esplanade

Penang has been a host to a notable Japanese culture for years. 17 to be exact. And this year becomes its 17th year in hosting the Penang Bon Odori Festival in Esplanade, just as it had been the years past. The good news? It starts tonight!

It's Bon Odori! Dances! Music! Cosplay! Japan! All here in Penang (except the last one, which is in a land far far away...) (image taken from Penang State Tourism official website).

Singapore Food Fair @ City Square Mall

Location: City Square Mall, Singapore

It seems that the month of July, coinciding with the mid-year's GSS (Great Singapore Sale), offers a whole lot of food festivals and offers. Right after the one I saw in Takashimaya Shopping Center, I stumbled into another one in City Square Mall, a short distance away from the former.

The food festival offered here has less choices, but the flavor caters more to the local taste. The average price of food items here is less than $10, an affordable choice for me. Most of the items on offer here are street foods, such as selling glutinous rice and fish balls, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a stall selling crabs, each of them cooked and readily soaked in your choice of gravy.

If you are working near the area or are passing by the area, why not drop by and savor the delicious items on offer on L1 Atrium of City Square Mall?

Date:           5 - 14 Jul 2013

Entry fee:    Free

Location:     180 Kitchener Road, L1 Atrium, City Square Mall, Singapore 208539.

Takashimaya Food Fest 2013

Location: Ngee Ann City, Orchard, Singapore

Anyone visiting Orchard Road in July should not miss the food fair that is partially hidden from view in the basement level of Ngee Ann City, which also goes by the name Takashimaya S.C. (Shopping Center). Running its course until 21 July, various food items are on display and on offer. 

From condiments to tea leaves, from local items to imported goods, an array of mouth-watering food dazzles and beckons. Miss not such an event and prepare to bring back loads of food to satisfy that rumbling tummy!

Date:           ends 21 July 2013

Entry fee:    Free

Location:     B2 level, Takashimaya Shopping Center, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238873.

NATAS 2013 @ Singapore EXPO

Once again, the semi annual travel fair is hitting the streets of Singapore! Back at its old haunt of Singapore EXPO, the fair will run for 3 whole days from 22 - 24 February, offering exciting travel destinations and tours. Be prepared for the crowd though, as travel enthusiasts crashed with each other to visit booths and get the latest tour package for their annual holiday trip. Be sure to get more updates on their Facebook page!

Date:             22^nd (Fri) - 24^th Feb (Sun) 2012

Admission:    10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Entry fee:      SGD4 (free admission of children under 12)

Location:       Singapore EXPO, Halls 3B, 4 and 5

Jurong Point's Red Hot Deal Chocolate Sales

Are you aware of a Red Hot Deal Chocolate Sales in Jurong Point? No? Then what are you waiting for?Head on now to that shopping mall on the western frontier and indulge yourself in getting as much of those imported branded chocolates at bargain price.

I wasn't aware of it, seeing that there wasn't any announcement anywhere about it, until I passed the shop front, a temporary setup with lots and lots of chocolate on offer. I had selected a large range of different chocolates which I seldom see in the usual outlets, and now I have myself to blame when I get fatter.

The shop is located on the third floor of the mall, located 2 shops away from Lai Lai Kitchen. To get to the shop, just exit from Boon Lay MRT and turn right once you entered Jurong Point. Go all the way to the end where OCBC rests, then travel upward by 2 floors. 

The sales, as I understood from the salesperson there, will run throughout the month of September.With only another week left before the month comes to a closure, it would be best to head over A.S.A.P. to get whatever chocolates are still available for offer. The chocolates there ranges from a little under $10 to $30 per box, with most of them offered in bundles.

Date:           throughout September 2012

Entry fee:    Free

Location:     Level 3, Jurong Point, Jurong West.

MATTA Fair 2012

Are you aware of MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) Fair being one of the most sought after travel exhibitions in Malaysia? If not, it is still not too late to head over to either Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh Parade of Ipoh from 7^th - 9^th Sep to get a sense of how popular the exhibition is.

Anyone who will miss this has no fear, as the state of Pahang will be the next stop of the fair, with Kuantan Parade hosting the exhibition from 14th - 16th Sep.

Running a 3-day marathon to showcase whatever travel packages or deals travel agents of different popularity could offer, this is where most traveling Malaysians prefer to buy their tour packages from, what with discounts and offers of all sorts to be chosen from. 

But as SaveMoney.my mentioned in its blog, one should plan his budget properly when it comes to matters of seeing the world. Their website outlined some information about the fair as well as tips of purchasing in the exhibition, advises which are sound and solid, and should be heeded.

Date:            7^th Sep (Fri) - 9^th Sep (Sun) 2012

Admission:    10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Entry fee:     Free
Location:       PWTC, Kuala Lumpur; Ipoh Parade, Ipoh, Perak
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Date:            14^th Sep (Fri) - 16^th Sep (Sun) 2012

Admission:    10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Entry fee:     Free
Location:       Kuantan Parade, Kuantan, Pahang

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Trey Ratcliff's Stuck in Custom

It isn't kidding that this guy is marvelous. A look at a few of his photos and they make me want to cry out in awe. Of course, my gear is nowhere near that of his, but that does not mean that I would not like to take such beautiful shots of memorable places. His website is a paradise for travel photographers.

What I am talking about is Trey Ratcliff, and I stumbled across his photographs in Picasa. His website of travel photography has a full array of his photos from across the world, so do visit his website here: Stuck in Custom.

Side Bar and List of Blogs

There is major renovation going on in Drafts from My Coffee Table! The blog now features 2 columns of side bar, allowing easier access to more information without the need to scroll down past more than a few turns of the mouse wheel.

2 is better than 1!

In my surf across the web, I came across some interesting blogs on food which I find worthy of sharing with my readers, and here is where I placed them. I have just added a new one: The Princess Diaries - Cheryl's Travels. Do visit them if you are interested. Please do visit and support my other blog, A Book Under the Sun, as well! ^^

Do check out the list of blogs and their updates !

Mysterious Photo - July 2011

So here's another photo taken in Penang isle, a restaurant themed for a certain western food. This restaurant is a franchise but not a fast food restaurant. Guess where it is... ^^

As usual, answer to be revealed at the end of the month...

Mysterious Photo - June 2011

I had this idea when I started aiming my camera everywhere, capturing moments for me to experience later. There were times when I saw a particular photo later and forgot where it was from. So I thought of posting some photos of usual dining spots in Malaysia and see whether everyone could guess where it was from.

This first photo is taken in Penang isle. Make a guess on the place's name... ^^

Answer to be revealed at the end of the month...

Contaminated Food Products from Taiwan

With the recent news on the ban of Taiwanese food due to the involvement of an illegal element, I have tried to look for more information on this. I find it surprising that the coverage was quite limited in local news. Some online search shows more scattered coverage around the world, with most concentrated around Taiwan itself.

Taipei Times:
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2011/05/29/2003504450
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/06/05/2003504998

Focus Taiwan News Channel:
http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?ID=201106040009&Type=aTOD

News Straits Times:
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Taiwanfoodcheck/Mobile/article_html

Self-made Flavored Coffee

My personal cup of Hazelnut coffee,
with strawberry UHT milk added to
grant a strawberry flavor.

Ever went to your neighborhood café to fancy yourself a sip of smooth flavored latte, took one look at the price, and wished that you could whip one back home without leaving the comfort of your room and spending RMs just to satisfy your desire for flavored caffeine? Well, why don't you do so?

Flavored coffee usually get its flavor either from the roasted beans treated with chemical flavorings or from syrup added into the cup; find out more from About.com. Die-hard coffee drinkers may not find this notion acceptable, with the additional flavor "contaminating" the smell and taste of a bitter cup. Well, I am not really a faithful drinker and I find that strong taste a little unpleasant, so I prefer my cup to be blessed with some sweetness and flavor. I have tried some flavored coffee from different cafés, and sad to say that not all are up to my expectation, including those from the famous ones (your favorite neighborhood 'S' and 'C', pick one).