Greatest Hits: Top 10 Singles of 2006
State of Being : Looking Back 2006
With 2007 just round the corner, it's time to round up the year 2006 with my personal list of top 10 singles for the year....
Title: Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado ft Timbaland
Album: Loose
Nelly Furtado re-invented herself turning into a sexy pussycat with the release of the album "Loose". Especially luv the beat of this smashing hip-hop single! Simply HOT!
Video Link
Title: Where'd You Go by Fort Minor ft Holly Brook
Album: The Rising Tied
This fourth single from Fort Minor's debut album is awesome. The lyrics is about the perspective of the person left behind in long-dist relationships. Have always luv rap ft female vocals (like "Stan" by Eminem ft Dido).
Video Link
Title: Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado ft Timbaland Album: Loose
Nelly Furtado re-invented herself turning into a sexy pussycat with the release of the album "Loose". Especially luv the beat of this smashing hip-hop single! Simply HOT!
Video Link
Title: Where'd You Go by Fort Minor ft Holly BrookAlbum: The Rising Tied
This fourth single from Fort Minor's debut album is awesome. The lyrics is about the perspective of the person left behind in long-dist relationships. Have always luv rap ft female vocals (like "Stan" by Eminem ft Dido).
Video Link
Title: What Hurts The Most by Rascal FlattsAlbum: Me And My Gang
Surprisingly this country song makes it to one of my favourite top 10 singles this year. Meaningful lyrics and heart wretching video from these country lads.
Title: Me & U by CassieAlbum: Cassie
Hypnotic first single from Cassie's eponymous debut album accompanied by a sexy video. Alternative unreleased video includes a highly controversial suggestive version.
Video Link / Video Link (Unreleased Version)
Title: Unfaithful by RihannaAlbum: A Girl Like Me
This was the follow-up single to her other #1 hit "SOS". Personally prefers this over to "SOS". This beautiful ballad is a take on a girl being unfaithful to her partner.
Video Link
Title: Hurt by Christina AguileraAlbum: Back To Basics
This classic ballad mimics the success of her previous hit "Beautiful" from the last album "Stripped". Especially endearing to those who have lost a loved one at one point or another in their lives.
Video Link
Title: Jump by MadonnaAlbum: Confessions On A Dance Floor
COADF is all about having a good time straight through and non-stop and "Jump" is one such song. Pure disco-pop! A pity that the video is kinda pointless and amatuerish though.
Video Link
Title: Irreplaceable by BeyoncéAlbum: B'day
1/3 Ms Destiny's Child Beyoncé redeemed her latest album "B'day" with this third offering - "Irreplaceable". Her previous two singles "Deja Vu" & "Ring The Alarm" were simply forgettable. *yawn*
Video Link
Title: Chasing Cars by Snow PatrolAlbum: Eyes Open
Without doubt, "Chasing Cars" will remain as a classic track down the years. This song was even featured in ABC hit series "Grey's Anatomy" second season finale.
Video Link / Video Link (Grey's Anatomy Version)
Title: Nothing In This World by Paris HiltonAlbum: Paris
What the hotel heiress Paris Hilton lacks in vocal training, she certainly makes up with a catchy tune and an entertaining video. Truly one of 2006's guilty listening pleasure...
Video Link
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Curse Of The Golden Flower
State of Being : Wowed
What an apt manner to end the year 2006 by catching the epic blockbuster Curse Of The Golden Flower (满城尽带黄金甲) , directed by the internationally acclaimed Zhang Yimou. With a budget of $45 million it is the most expensive Chinese film to date, surpassing Chen Kaige's The Promise. As usual, Gong Li turned in a stellar performance as Empress Phoenix alongside with Chow Yun Fat as Emperor Ping. Sadly Jay Chou as Prince Jai should stick to his day job for it is quite evident that acting is certainly not his forté.Not only was I impressed with the elaborate costume and stage sets, I was more wowed by the remarkable cinematography especially the "colourful" settings. Though I must admit that the tight (and I mean REAL tight) corsets worn by the Empress and the palace maids proved kinda distracting to the viewers as their bosoms were clearly "bursting" out from the costumes. It must have been extremely difficult for the actress to breathe! =P
Overall an intriguing film with plot that is adapted from Cao Yu's 1934 drama Thunderstorm and influenced by the failed rebellion of Huang Chao. Highly recommended to anyone seeking for a visual entertainment. Final verdict:
Plot - ****1/2, Effects - ***1/2, Substance - ***1/2
Plot - ****1/2, Effects - ***1/2, Substance - ***1/2
Note: Alas, the movie was jarred by the sudden conclusion accompanied by the totally mis-matched Jay Chou's song "菊花台" as the credits rolled.
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Eventful Weekend
State of Being : Busy
Last weekend was crazy cos it was packed with load of activities from Fri all the way to Sun!Weekend started early as my family and I checked-in into the East Coast Resort Chalet on a lazy Fri afternoon. Spent the rest of the afternoon watching several episodes of the South Park DVDs which I bought during my Vietnam trip in Sep. 1 DVD down, 39 more to go... haha. Later that night, we smuggled in an 'illegal immigrant' into the chalet - my bro's dog Colby!! Luckily Colby was fairly obedient and there was minimum barking to be heard throughout his stay.
My next day itinerary included sunbathing and swimming in the afternoon and eventually followed by my family BBQ in the evening. Felt bad and amused at the same time watching Colby peering out from the chalet windows whenever we stepped out to the BBQ pit. Sorta reminded me of the song "How much is the doggie at the window?? Woof Woof" keke =)
Checked-out the next day amidst pouring rain. We were indeed lucky that the day before was bright and sunny, else the BBQ would certainly have been ruined. As I left the chalet together with my family, I had to rush down to my next destination - Kranji MRT station to meet up with my colleagues for a trip to Johor Bahru.
Had "paper wrapped chicken" for lunch at a chinese restaurant, went shopping at the new mall in JB - Tebrau City and eventually dined at a kampong-like "tree house" restaurant. IMHO, interesting concept with so-so food. Even though it was drizzling throughout the entire day in JB and I was kinda tired out by the previous day BBQ, but thanks to a colleague H who drove us around us the entire day, the outing was definitely worth it!!
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X'mas comes early to our office!
State of Being : Joyous
Yes. X'mas comes especially early to our office this year. In fact, it is 13 days early to be precise. A mini X'mas party was held in the office today, way earlier than the intended date but since many of our colleagues will be going away for the holidays, the celebration was moved to today.
Earlier last week, each of us had to pick names randomly out of a box to determine the person whom each will be getting presents for. Tricky part is the presents need only to be around $10. What gifts could I possibly get for $10 and yet still look presentable?
Finally decided on a $15.90 stylish tissue box cover since I noticed my female colleague J has a "naked" box of tissues by her office desk. Had initially contemplated on getting her scented sachets packed personally in a gift box. However, eventually decided to drop the idea after finding the gift kinda too cheapo-looking. And thank god that I did not follow through the idea cos else my gift would have appeared to be the cheapest of the lot.
In return for the tissue box cover, my gift was a pencil/pen holder from M. Initial reaction to that was of disappointment. But after I replaced my old holder with the new one, I actually found the gift looked fairly nice sitting on my desk! =P
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Love, Sandy
State of Being : Entertained
It has been a long time since I last attended any concerts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, that is until Saturday's Sandy Lam World Tour 2006. Have always been mesmerised by the angelic voice of Sandy Lam, and especially love her signature ballads like "傷痕" & "至少還有你". Though I may not be all that familiar with some of her other songs performed at the concert, and there were no spectacular stage setups or elaborate costume changes, but I was still enjoying every moment of it. Overall a great concert by Sandy! *applause*
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Wedding Lunch @ Marina Mandarin
State of Being : Nervous
Is it the norm for pple to hold wedding lunches instead of wedding dinners these days? Cheaper? No more dinner slots on the special day? More convenient for guests? Less stressful for the couples? Guess only the couples will know the ans... Anw attended my first wedding lunch yesterday at Marina Mandarin Hotel. Kinda wierd meeting up with my uni course mates again. Must say several of them have certainly changed for the better. Hmmm.... the wonders of make-up and hairstyling.
Even though the invitation stated that lunch will be served at 1230pm SHARP, but pple still arrive fashionably late and the event only began at 1pm instead. Sigh.... bad habits of pple attending wedding dinners and now lunches as well.
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My desk never looked so clean like now...
State of Being : IT-Junkie
... not that my desk was untidy to begin with. Just that with the new LCD monitor bought last Fri, my computer desk suddenly seemed so spacious. Had wanted to get a LCD monitor during the last Comex Fair in Sep but decided against not to after much deliberation. Afterall my compaq 17" monitor was still working fine then.
Timely coincident that my old monitor finally gave me problems 4 days before the SITEX fair. What better reasons to pamper myself with the purchase of a widescreen 19" LCD monitor that I have been longing for. Internet surfing definitely never look the same ever since!!!
Timely coincident that my old monitor finally gave me problems 4 days before the SITEX fair. What better reasons to pamper myself with the purchase of a widescreen 19" LCD monitor that I have been longing for. Internet surfing definitely never look the same ever since!!!
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Best Place To See An Angel
State of Being : Seeing Stars & Angels
Where is the best place in SIngapore to see an angel (and I mean while you are still breathing)? At The Divine Bar @ Parkview Square of course. Normally, the sight of a winged fairy floating several meters above the bar top bearing a bottle of Dom Pérignon would be an excellent signal to stop drinking. But at The Divine Bar @ Parkview Square, it only means you're just getting started.
We were there on a Wed night for a farewell "party". Kinda sad that we are gonna "lose" another two of our comrades. *sigh* Both of them have only been with the company for 1+ year but nevertheless, I wish them all the best in their future endeavours...
As usual, the outing wouldn't be complete if there were no photos (sane plus zany ones) for keepsake!!!
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K-Box KTV
State of Being : Excited
Finally went to the K-Box last Sun with my colleagues! We have planned for this outing since our Jun MOS clubbing but never did get around to arranging for it. Had a memorable gathering cos it was my earliest KTV session ever as we decided to cash in on the weekend K-Lunch special.
IMHO, it was really worth it - Bento lunch + 3 hours of KTV session = $8.70 each only!!! All of us really had a great time singing our hearts out on a Sun morning. I also "updated" myself with the latest Mandarin songs and wasted no time in dl-ing them as soon as I got home. Keke.
IMHO, it was really worth it - Bento lunch + 3 hours of KTV session = $8.70 each only!!! All of us really had a great time singing our hearts out on a Sun morning. I also "updated" myself with the latest Mandarin songs and wasted no time in dl-ing them as soon as I got home. Keke.
Since the rest had plans in the evening, I decided to end the day by going down to the Adidas warehouse sale at Expo with another ex-colleague. But it was not worth the trip as the items on sale were really pathetic. Left the Adidas sale within 20min and in the end we actually spent more time at the Popular Fair instead!
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Pretty Flowers...
State of Being : Sleepy
Took up an insurance policy recently. In fact, it was my very first insurance policy. I was "persuaded" into getting one after realising the importance of it through what had happened to a colleague of mine. Was asked to go for a medical check-up at Gleneagles Medical Centre at Napier Road last Sat morning. *Yawn* Arrived early at 1045am but was advised to walk around first instead and come back half an hour later...
Decided then to while away the time by visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens which was located just opposite the medical centre. It must have been ages since I last visited the attraction. Quite "therapeutic" walking amongst the beautiful vegetation and scenery. Saw many tourists there and I actually felt like one of them, cos like them I was busy snapping pictures! Haha. Took the photos simply for fun, afterall who knows when will I be visiting the attraction again...
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Singapore Biennale 2006
State of Being : Artistic
Time really files... Always thought there were still lots of time to catch the Singapore Biennale 2006 displays, hence the procrastination in visiting the various venues. Alas, only managed to rush down to catch a glimpse of the displays at City Hall & Tanglin Camp on the last day itself when it finally dawned upon me that the exhibitions were coming to an end. IMHO, it was certainly worth making the trip! The displays were thought provoking and cover diverse themes such as the humanity of mankind, creation of life, upholding of justice, racial & religious harmony. Some artwork that caught my attention were Jane Alexander's "Verity, Faith and Justice", Donna Ong's "Secret, Interiors : Chrysalis" & Sheba Chhachhi's "Winged Pilgrims: A Chronicle from Asia" (@ City Hall) and Brian Gothong Tan's "We Live in a Dangerous World" (@ Tanglin Camp)
For more pictures, click here
Media Installations
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My New "Baby"
State of Being : Cool
Brought along my new "baby" to the gym today. So sleek, so small, so light, wonder did anyone even notice her! News of her arrival was slated to be in early Oct yet she was only shipped-in in Nov. Even though I already own a brother of hers, her beauty was simply too much of a temptation for me to resist! Behold the 2nd Gen iPod Shuffle...
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p.s. the above pix was actually taken with another "baby" of mine below
The Covenant
State of Being : Entertained 
Utilised a pair of complimentary tixs at "The Cathay" Cineplex by watching The Covenant. For a change, we get to watch a group of male "witches" instead of the usual female ones (think back "The Craft", "Practical Magic", "The Blair Witch Project", "Charmed" etc etc).
While the plot may not be superb and the acting kinda passable, thankfully the characters proved eye candy enough to sustain one's interest with the show. In fact, few of these unknown actors bear uncanny resembles to some Hollywood (rising) stars e.g. leader of " the Sons of Ipswich", Caleb Danvers ~ Josh Hartnett, girlfriend of Caleb Danvers, Sarah Wenham ~ Claire Danes / Christina Applegate, youngest of "the Sons of Ipswich", Tyler ~ Keanu Reeves.
Overally a rather entertaining show, even though I must admit I wouldn't have watched the show had I not have the free passes. =P
Final verdict:
Plot - ** 1/2, Effects - ***, Substance - ** 1/2, Eye Candy - **** 1/2 (haha)
p.s. hmmm... even the posters looks suspiciously familar like that of "The Craft"!
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p.s. hmmm... even the posters looks suspiciously familar like that of "The Craft"!
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Which Sesame Street Character Are U?
State of Being : Bored
Took this personality test out of boredom. Try it to find out which Sesame Street character do you resemble the most...
Big Bird
You scored 81% Organization, 65% abstract, and 62% extroverted!
You both are very organized. You almost always know where your belongings are and you prefer things neat. You may even enjoy cleaning and find it therapeutic. Big Bird is never sloppy and always under control... pretty good for a 6 year old bird living without a family. (TRUE)
You both are abstract thinkers. Big Bird is a dreamer who always wonders what the world is like. You definitely are not afraid to take chances in life. You only live once. You may notice others around you playing it safe, but you are more concerned with not compromising your desires, and getting everything you can out of life. This is a very romantic approach to life, but hopefully you are also grounded enough to get by. (SOMEWHAT TRUE)
You are both somewhat extroverted. Like Big Bird, you probably like to have some time to yourself, but you do appreciate spending time with your friends, and you aren't scared of social situations. Big Bird is always very comfortable around others, but he often prefers the quiet low-key presence that Snuffleupagus provides. (SOMEWHAT TRUE)
How u compared to other people
your age & gender:
You scored higher than 97% on Organization
You scored higher than 85% on concrete-abstra
You scored higher than 53% on intro-extrovert
Link to Your Sesame Street Persona test
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Best Buy
State of Being : Pleased (with the bargains)
Went to the 3rd Annual Charity "Flea Market" organised by the housekeeping dept over last Thur & Fri (11-12 Oct). Didn't know there was such an event until now. Items that were on "lelong" include books/novels at merely $1 each, hp/laptop chargers at $2-3, soft toys for $1-3, sneakers (used? *yewk*), clothes, irons, flasks, and more. These items were either inventories that have been replaced by the hotel, items that were left behind by hotel guests, or items donated by hotel staffs themselves.
Luckily we arrived early at 1030am on Thur and managed to scout for pretty good bargains. My colleagues D & R were extremely pleased with getting a 2nd-hand hair straightener each for just $3!! Other items purchased by my colleagues include belts, handbags, universal adapters, camera tripod stand, toiletries kits, hangers and pots. As for me, I only spent a total of $6 to get 6 items, namely
Luckily we arrived early at 1030am on Thur and managed to scout for pretty good bargains. My colleagues D & R were extremely pleased with getting a 2nd-hand hair straightener each for just $3!! Other items purchased by my colleagues include belts, handbags, universal adapters, camera tripod stand, toiletries kits, hangers and pots. As for me, I only spent a total of $6 to get 6 items, namely
(A) 1 Laptop Hardcase - $2(B) 1 Beanie Baby soft toy - $2
(C) 1 "Patrick the Starfish" soft toy - $1
(D) 3 Hangers - $1 (not shown in the pix)
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Definition of "Friend"
State of Being : Sad
Definition of FRIEND: [n] a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
Had a major fallout with W yesterday who felt that I was taking advantage of W, which isn't true at all. Honestly speaking, I felt that I was 'upholding' my own principle like W. IMHO, I felt that I had performed my duties as a friend to my best abilities and the argument we had was simply due to our differences in viewpoint. On hindsight we were both probably too headstrong in insisting that we were right and were not willing to compromise at all. Hopefully time will heal all 'wounds' and our friendship can withstand this ordeal... =(
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What does it take to climb to the Top?
State of Being : Disgusted
Though have only been working for close to 4 years but have already witnessed many instances whereby people will try all means and ways to hobnob with the right people in order to get to the top.
Take for example, a recent colleague of mine J who is thinking of relocating to Zurich. Most of our colleagues know that J is always mixing around with the "older" and more experienced people rather than with the "younger " crowd. Even though J and I are of the same age group, I've never fancy mixing with J. It came quite of a surprise that J is thinking of moving to Zurich!!! For work experience?? I reckon that J would like to be "closer" to our lady VP who is based in Zurich and it helps that the latter is kinda fond of J as well. Guess J will "blend in" well over in Zurich since J is sort of a "socialite", excellent in cracking jokes and making small talks. *rollz eyes*
Other colleagues once asked me why I did not consider relocating to Zurich as well? Think I'm just not that into fame and power, perhaps not at the moment lah...
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ASPAC S&M Meeting (so glad it's over...)
State of Being : Relieved
Been busy over the past few days with the ASPAC S&M Meeting. Have to engage myself making small talk with my fellow regional colleagues. Really dread these functions... The 4 days event kicked off on 28 Sep with a welcome cocktail held at the Swissotel The Stamford Presidential Suite and the night lasted til 10++ pm. Exchanged so many namecards along the way that at the end of the night I can't really recall who is who. But for those whom I've liaise before (mostly thru email communication), it's definitely good to finally put a face to a name.The next 2 days were mostly presentations to the DOSMs on the upcoming initiatives from the various departments - Branding, Distribution, Global Sales & of course Loyalty held at the function rooms in Equinox. Kinda nerve wrecking delivering my presentation on the loyalty programme to the audience. This was my first full fledged presentation since the last one which I did in Bangkok GM Conference was only for a small portion. *yikes* On hindsight, think my presentation could have been better but what the heck, cos I managed to get the points across at the end of the day!
Over the course of the event, we had lunches at Sze Chuan Court, Equinox and dinner at Swissotel Merchant Court. We even had access to New Asia Bar members-only Club 72. =)
p.s. found this interesting article on "How to Make Small Talk"
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Hello Vietnam =)
State of Being : Appreciative (of world peace)
Back from a 6D5N free & easy tour from Vietnam. Really felt for the Vietnamese people who had suffered tremendously during the Vietnamese war. Especially heart-wrenching looking through the war photographs at the Vietnam War Remnants Museum, which depicted acts of unimagineable horror and torture by the Americans during the war. Still shuddered at the thought of the devasting effects that can be brought about by war.
Overall a truly eye-opening experience at Vietnam!! Highly recommended for all backpackers!!
For more tour photographs, click here.*viewers discretion is advised due to the disturbing nature of the pictures*
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More IT toys!!!
State of Being : Satisfied
While girls tend to spurge on clothes, clothes and more clothes (& shoes also), guys do likewise on IT gadgets and what better time and place to purchase new IT stuffs than the Comex Fair held over last weekend!!
Went down to the Expo on the last day to do some last minute shopping spree and managed to purchase some great bargains. Total 'damages' for the trip include :
(1) Canon ink cartridges pack of 3 - $41 (with free $5 NTUC voucher)
(2) Screen protectors for my ipod & N80 - $12
(3) PC/Laptop Monitor cleaner - $9
(4) Dopi ipod charger cum hi-fi - $128 (see below)
Left the Comex Fair feeling especially pleased and satisfied with my purchase. Can't wait to look forward to the next IT SITEX Fair in Nov!!!
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Inappropriate?
State of Being : Uncomfortable (then)
This posting is way overdue cos my colleague B's wedding was two Sat ago or one day after my birthday (26 Aug). Guess I probably won't forget whenever it's his wedding anniversary then! Ha! (not that it matters to me)... Anw I arrived in jeans for B's wedding that day and felt kinda out-of-place when I realised I was too 'casually dressed'? The rest of my male colleagues were in shirts & pants, *bored* basically the same attire they would be wearing to work everyday. I didn't want to wear the normal working attire on a Sat; I wanted to 'present' a different side of me to my colleagues. Hence, the choice for a striped long-sleeved shirt with jeans! Who is to stipulate that wedding dinner attire would have to be formal - shirt & pants?? Looking back, I guess that's nothing to feel uncomfortable in the first place. Afterall I was decently and smartly dressed for the event and that's the most important thing!
Also worth mentioning is an impromptu segment whereby the compere actually posed a question "Why are people getting hitched at a later age nowadays?" to all those whom are present at the wedding. Huh?? Found it especially offensive to some of my single & unattached female colleagues. Who is to stipulate that someone has to settle down by the age of 30?? IMHO, totally inappropriate of the host to pose such sensitive questions to the guests.
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Wiser by Another Year
State of Being : Mixed
It is the time of the year again. Time to face the reality as I officially turn wiser by another year. As I reflect back over the past years, over the achievements that I have accomplished so far, I realised that my life has been rather 'safe' and mundane. It is time for a change...Received quite a number of well-wishes via SMSes and/or emails. Really appreciated those whom remembered it! Will try to inititate some gatherings to catch up with old friends.
Anw, spent my special day lunching with present colleagues at Thai Express, where I ordered a bowl of Mee Sua (signifying 'longevity'). For dinner, an ex-colleague treated me at the restaurant - Rosette in Sha Villa, which is served by students/trainees from SHATEC. Later met up with E for tianxin at "Ding Tai Feng", followed by some wine appreciation at "Wine Network" @ Dempsey Road. Had a bottle of South Africa Wine - Ariane 2003 fermented from Beaumont vineyard and a platter assortment of bite snacks. Found the place a rather interesting night-spot to chill out, even though I'm not a wine/liquor/beer (basically any alcoholic beverages) person.
Finally ended the night with supper at the 24hr Crystal Jade restaurant located in Holland V. Though tipsy & exhausted by the time I reached home, I really appreciated those whom remembered and celebrated the special day with me...
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Fireworks Galore!!!
State of Being : Alright
No complaints about going back to office at 845pm yesterday as we were back in the office not for work but to "partake" in the fireworks festival held in conjunction with Singapore's 41st National Day celebration. We were fortunate enuff that we were able to catch Team Singapore's fireworks display from our 6-level office balcony as opposed to those who had to travel out of the way just to watch a mere 15-min of displays over at Esplanade. IMHO, nothing really spectacular about the displays though.
Before we know it, the fireworks display was all over. Went to Ben & Jerry since the night was still early. Snapped crazy pictures again while digging in ice-cream...
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