Amelia's Nest

Wicked the Musical

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I was invited by a friend to watch a musical play two months back. Since I have a heart for theater and musical shows I gladly said yes to the invitation. In fact the last musical show that I watched was The Lion King together with my mother last March 2011. And so my friend bought the ticket on behalf of me as early as that. And so last December 10, 2011 at 1:30PM show time I was able to watch the Wicked together with two of my pretty-wicked friends. We are seated in reserved A area at Marina Bay Sands Grand Theater. It’s a pretty good location as it’s nearer to the stage.

my ticket

This musical show is a first of its kind here in South-East Asia. As it is shown in countries such as New York, London, Germany, Japan and Australia. Since they are performing here in Singapore why not take advantage of this opportunity. The musical as stated in the ticket, the untold story of the Witches of Oz was very intriguing, wittingly done and the story line was nice. Wicked is the 14th longest-running Broadway musical in the history so far.

The Wicked is music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book written by Winnie Holzman. The story is about the two girls named Elphaba who was born with green skin and Galinda an ambitious young girl. They both went to Shiz University and became roommates. Elphaba turned-out to be the Wicked Witch of the West while Galinda, the Good Witch of the North.

my souvenir mug

This a great show for kids aged from 10 onwards as they will greatly appreciate the story, effects, custom and the drama it has. If you haven’t bought ticket yet I encourage you to watch this. They are running the show at Marina Bay Sands Grand Theater here in Singapore from now until February 26, 2012. Book you’re tickets here. Enjoy!

Starbucks planner 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Last November 2011 I went to Manila for a short trip to ran some errands and meet family and friends. I travelled alone as husband can't go with me due to work demands and kids were still schooling at that time. That trip was a a good time-off for me as well as it's been 2 years since I last visited my hometown. My activity each day was carefully planned as I wanted to finished off as early as possible all my personal stuff and after to have some time to meet-up with my friends - college friends, high school friends and friends from ex-company.

my 2012 planner

Well indeed it turned-out to be a pleasant gathering. Having dinners and conversation over a cup of my favorite coffee. And for sure my day won't be complete without a Starbucks coffee. My trip was a great timing as Starbucks Philippines has launched their yearly planner. Well as I mentioned in my previous post this planner entails an effort for you to have it. You need to accumulate stamps before you can actually have it. My 2011 planner was a gift from my cousin that's why I don't need to make such a huge effort. So since my stay in Manila is very short I asked my friends if they can help me out in getting those required points so I can have the planner before I leave. And so thankfully to them they helped me out.

photo courtesy of Starbucks Philippines

I got my Starbucks planner 2012 one day before I left Manila.That was awesome! For 2012 planner they have five unique covers that you can choose from, poplar, bamboo, cherry, spruce and oak. For mine, I choose the oak cover. What's nice about this planner is that is small and light that it fits perfectly in my handbag. It has a lot of spaces that you can write on and it has a tote where you can keep the planner and pens. So far this is the planner that I like most among their designs. Happy planning!!!

Another First Time, Blood Donation

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:28:00 +0000

a sticker and stress ball souvenir

Last December 1 the world celebrates AIDS Day. A yearly reminder for people to unify and fight against this deadly disease. Though I'm not attending any gathering related to this but I my way of participating in this event. Today, our company together with HSA Singapore holds a one day Blood Donation in our office and I participated on that. It's my first time actually. My first attempt was last 2007 in my previous company but since I just recently gave birth at that time they didn't allow me. They say I need to rest and recuperate for at least one year since I lost a lot of blood when I gave birth.

And so, I make it a point that I participated in this worthy endeavor. When I enter the room, organizer's asked me to fill up the form and answer some questions. I thought it's just like that. I didn't know that they still need to check my iron level if I'm fit to give blood. The two ladies ahead of me was rejected since their iron level was low. One should at least reached at least 12.5 to be able to give blood. While waiting for the result I was praying and hoping that my iron level will be enough to reached that minimum level. And when the attending person in-charge of that told me "Ms. Amelia you can proceed on the next counter". I was elated when I heard that. Was really happy that finally I can donate my blood. Good thing two of the staff assisting the donors are Filipino at least the anxiety level is low. They asked me to lay down the bed and just relax. After 10-15mins I'm done. And yes am done.

a simple remembrance from the activity

Thank God that I have this opportunity to share my blood to the person who will be needing it. So glad to be of service ;)

Christmas exchange Gift Partner

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:37:00 +0000

I asked Kayni if we can be Christmas Exchange Gift Partners and she said yes to my invitation. It’s my first time that I'll be doing this. By the way I haven’t meet Kayni and we are not located in the same place and thus this makes exciting. I'll play “Santa” to Kayni and she will be “Santa” to me. To my gift partner, do let me know of your Christmas wish list by December 3rd, so that I can start shopping for all of you. I'll send the “surprise box” by December 10th.

Christmas Wish List Guide (...a copy from Kayni)

Something you can use everyday:
Something cute:
Something light or small:
Something fancy:
Something sweet:
Favorite colors:
Something you really need:
Something you collect:
If you have one wish, what would it be:

This will help me know what you want. Whatever it is, it’s the thought that counts. It’s Christmas after all, a season of giving. Cheers!!!

And for others who want to be a Christmas Exchange Gift Partners do drop me a note and will be glad to be your partner.

The Christmas Season is Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:03:00 +0000

The Christmas season is coming and people from all walks of life are eagerly waiting and decorating their places. Just few days ago I went back to Manila, Philippines for a short trip. And you can see that some streets were decorated already. Shopping malls are gearing for the big occasion. As we all know Manila is one of the many Catholic countries who have a very long Christmas celebration in fact they started just right after Halloween. The ambience is very festive and jolly. I missed Manila so much during this time of the year.

What catches my attention is that some of my acquaintances whom I know are non-Catholics or Christian puts up Christmas decoration. There is nothing wrong in that but I greatly believe that we have to be careful on this. Christmas is not just a celebration or festivity. This is not just putting up a fancy decorations or what-have-you. The reason why we Catholics celebrated Christmas is because we believe that during this day Jesus Christ was born. Who will save us from all our sins. Who will redeem us from our evil ways. I just find it funny and ridiculous when people put up Christmas decorations but don't know the meaning of Christmas. Jesus Christ is the reason & meaning of Christmas. Let's not allure ourselves with fancy decor, etc. And don't spell it as X'mas. It should be Christmas or rather Merry Christmas = * Mary * Christ *Mass *

Just my thoughts!

Sweet Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:35:00 +0000

Yesterday, 28 Oct 2011 iPhone 4S has just arrived here in Singapore. Since I have finished my contract I decided to apply for new one and so to avail the new iPhone. During lunch time I went to Starhub in Vivo City since this is nearest to my office. But unfortunately it turned-out they were out of stock. Was a bit disappointed but anyway it's just a phone I can still wait.

I was supposed to meet up with my hubbie after work but he was so busy with his work and with that I find myself going to Starhub Plaza Singapura in Orchard Road. Just trying my luck if they still have some stocks. And fortunately they have. It was a long queue. I waited for one hour to sign the contract and submit my ID and another one hour just to pay the thing. But I appreciate Starhub's way of compesating their customers for the long queue and hassles. Their staff served breads to the customers. And I find it very customer centric approach.

And finally after two hours I got my new colour white iPhone 4S 16GB. I am so happy as it a souvenir from all the hard work this pass months. Cheers!

Off to Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Today, my whole family is going for a vacation.....Bali here we come!!!

This is a much long planned vacation and a good time-off for me and my husband as we have been working so tirelessly for the past weeks or so.

Have a good day and catch up with you later ;)

Marina Bay Sands : Our Room

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

This is the room where we stayed for four days in Marina Bay Sands, located at Tower 2, 16th Floor room 2251. It's overlooking the city side. The room has a double-double bed with a sofa, study table, and the bathroom has bath tub which again the kids really enjoyed. Their mini-fridge has a sensor so if you lift one item even if you didn't eat or drink it will automatically listed in your bill. The internet was inclusive as well.

greetings from MBS

with sensor

Marina Bay Sands Hotel : Our Stay

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

This a long over-due post but nonetheless I am excited and thrilled to share some of our experience in Marina Bay Sands. First, I would like to thank www.sg and MICA for this wonderful prize. We stayed in Marina Bay Sands Hotel for four-days-three-nights, last May 14-17, 2011. My family was so delighted with this experience especially my kids. And we were able to share this experience with some friends as well.

As we checked-in were greeted with a pleasant staff and assisted us all the way. The room was nice and just enough for the whole family. My husband and I, two kids, my mother and a nanny fit into the room. So nice!

We did enjoy our stay, the food and of course the infinity pool, where the water meets the sky. The kids loved the pool as every day we go there and spent more than two hours both morning and night time. What I really like about the place, was sitting on the bench beside the infinity pool, gazing on the stars and the sky while mesmerizing how grandeur the structure was, it’s like am having my “dolce far niente”.

We had our buffet breakfast at the Rise and in the Sky on 57. At the Rise, they have a lot of choices, Asian, Western, breads of all sort, juices, you name it I think they have it. It's a big place and lots of foods. Whereas in Sky on 57, food choices were limited but the view was splendid. Having breakfast on the top was a unique experience.

As for the lunch and supper, we tried the restaurant and food court around Marina Bay Sands like Rapasura Masters, Kraze Burgers, etc. And sharing a glass of beer and drinks at Ku De Ta Bar with hubby and friends, in Sand Park overlooking the marina area of Singapore. It was a surreal pleasure!

Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:46:00 +0000

First time I tried baking cookies was three years ago and I did made three attempts before I make a good one. And I told myself I won't bake cookies again as I wasted a lot of ingredients. But as they say, you're learning and that's part of it.

Two months ago I saw this recipe in Crisco label and I tried it. And so til now am using this recipe. I liked this as it's simple and easy to follow. I was able to have a nice, soft-chewy chocolate chip cookies in no-time. And so I am sharing the recipe, thanks to Crisco! Kids liked it and so do I. Happy baking guys!

Preparation Time : 20minutes
Baking Time: 8 to 12 minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
3/4 stick Crisco butter flavor shortening sticks or 3/4 cup Crisco butter flavor shortening
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Direction:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine brown sugar, shortening, milk and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until light brown and fluffy.
3. Beat egg into cream mixture.
4. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture until just blended.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough 3-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies, or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies.
8. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet on a cooling rack.
9. Remove cookies to rack to cool completely
Note: this makes 3 dozen cookies ;)

HP has new CEO

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:08:00 +0000

I have been in Hewlett-Packard for six months now and I really enjoyed working with diverse, energetic and spontaneous people in HP. When I came in the company they just recently change the CEO from the controversial Mark Hurd to Leo Apotheker, ex-CEO of SAP. And yesterday, September 22, 2011, HP announced it's new CEO, naming Meg Whitman, a former eBay chief and gubernatorial candidate in California. Actually, there were rumors circulating since the other day and apparently the stocks rose to 7 percent after this news was publicized.

As I was reading the news about this there are lot of mixed opinions about Meg Whitman carrying out the responsibility. Critics says she is not a good fit as she doesn't have the expertise in the hardware industry as what HP have but some says she may be a good fit as the asset to bring back the credibility of HP. Whatever they say, let's see what will be the new CEO's strategy.

Been Away

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:32:00 +0000

Been away for one month now and glad am back. Quite preoccupied with my project at work. A big project that needs my full attention and time. Was able to close and deliver on time. And glad am back and can relax a bit. Thank God I survived that! So I can update my blog :)

And opps..thank God it's Friday! A movie and coffee date with hubby later!

And the winner is...

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Last August 5, I announced that I will be giving a bouquet of red roses to those who will participate in the game. See the story here. And we officially close the game yesterday, August 13 @ 11:59PM. We have the person's namen and sorry for the delay in announcing the lucky winner who got to have this bouquet of red roses from Bouquets and Beyond. And the lucky winner is Denilyn. Kindly wait for my notification.

Again Thank You for all your support. See you next round of give-aways!

Tale of Cambodia : Happy Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:58:00 +0000

If ever you stop by Siem Reap, Cambodia don't let the day pass without visiting and eating their Happy Pizza. There is no fast food or western restaurant there or any international brand pizza parlor so you may want to give this a try. When husband and I knew about this we make it a point to go and try the pizza. I was intrigue with the name. Why Cambodians call it happy pizza? And apparently it has cannabis as garnish. And did you know that cannabis is one of the ingredients in Cambodian cooking. Interesting! But I can't attest to this as I haven't seen Cambodian cook.

cheese pizza

with ham and egg

The pizza was cooked in a traditional stone-oven. Maybe that's why the crust was cooked nicely. Well as for the happy pizza, husband and I went at Happy Herb Pizza, location? ah, I'm not sure. Just tell the tuk-tuk driver where you can eat the "happy pizza" and they will definitely bring you to the place. We ordered two happy pizza and we didn't feel any if it's true that they put cannabis in it. Except that it's delicious and gratifying. Try it and see! Happy eating!

3rd Year Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:02:00 +0000

It's been three years since I started blogging, August 01, 2008 was my first post with title, Celebrating My 28th Birthday. Time flies so soon and it was such a pleasure sharing some things and ideas to all the readers who constantly reads and follow my updates and posts. A big THANK YOU for your time reading and sharing your thoughts to me as well. With this I would liketo give a present to a lucky reader, one dozen red-rose from Bouquets and Beyond.

Here are the steps you need to do:

1. Like the Bouquets and Beyond facebook fan page.

2. All those who liked the facebook fan page will be drawn. Winner will be notified.

4. Deadline will be at 11:59PM of August 13, 2011.

Note: If the winner choose to give it to someone else this can be arranged. Delivery of the bouquet is within Metro Manila. As stated in Bouquets and Beyond's page and facebook fan page.

Free Admission for Museums

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:54:00 +0000

A great news for Singaporeans and permanent residents here in Singapore, National Heritage Board (NHB) announces that there will be a free entrance to seven (7) museums such as Asian Civilisation Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore Philatelic Museum, Peranakan Museum, Memories at Old Ford Factory and Reflections at Bukit Chandu from August 01 to 30, 2011. This is in celebration with the 46th National Day of Singapore.

You can read here the official news for this great initiative. Taken from The Strait Times, published 29 July 2011.

So guys, mark your calendar and visit these museums it will be a whole lot of fun and interesting stuffs. And I can't wait to queue for the Terracotta Exhibition in Asian Civilization Museum. I really believe that good things will come to those who learn how to wait. And this is it! Thank you NHB for this freebies and kudos to your initiative!

Not your ordinary halo-halo

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:05:00 +0000

One of the food that I missed in Manila is the Halo-Halo of Razon's of Guagua. This dessert is not your usual halo-halo (mixed beans and fruits). The taste is different but it's made up of simple ingredients. It has sun-ripened banana (saging na saba), shredded macapuno, and leche-flan (egg and milk custard) with dayap rind combined with fine shaved ice and creamy milk. Made up of simple ingredients yet so tasty and delicious. You can't say no to a next round for sure. And this will only cost you around Php60.00 or SGD2.00 - 2.50.

Razon's Halo-Halo and ensaymada - photo taken last December 2009

I got a first taste of this sometime 2004 in Robinson's Ermita. And even when I was pregnant I couldn't resist to have a taste of this food. I am drooling while stating a description about this food. I miss this totally. And so when we had our vacation last 2009, husband and I visited their branch at Robinson's Ermita and in SM Mall of Asia and ate two glasses of their halo-halo. Convince? Not yet? If you happen to visit Manila, don't hesitate to visit one of their branch. Surely you'll going to like it. Click here for the list of their branches around Metro Manila and it's nearby provinces. Oh by the way this nice to go with their cheesy ensaymada.

Happy eating!

Strawberry with chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:02:00 +0000

I've never like strawberries like this before. Honestly I never eat strawberries before and it was unpopular to me. Even trying to eat it in ice cream form, cake, jam and what-not. Not my type of fruit not until I discover that it's good not without the chocolate fondue..the semi-sweet one. And so now am liking it.

And here are some interesting facts about strawberry:

Over 53 percent of seven to nine year old picked strawberries as their favorite fruit

Eight strawberries will provide 140 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C for kids.

Native forms of strawberries adapt to various climates and are indigenous to every major continent except Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The fruit size of the very early strawberries was very small.

Seventy per cent of a strawberry's roots are located in the top three inches of soil.

Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring.

One cup of strawberries is only 55 calories.

The flavor of a strawberry is influenced by weather, the variety and stage of ripeness when harvested.

On average, there are 200 seeds in a strawberry.

Ninety-four per cent of United States households consume strawberries.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the annual per capita consumption of fresh and frozen strawberries is 4.85 pounds.

Strawberries are grown in every state in the United States and every province of Canada.

California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops. According to the California Strawberry Advisory Board, California strawberries are available January through November, with peak quality and supply from March to May.

If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times.

California produces an amazing one billion pounds of strawberries each year.

Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually.

Americans eat 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries each year plus another 1.8 pounds frozen per capita. Although strawberries are available in many forms—frozen, jam and jelly, and ice cream— nothing compares to the taste of a fresh vine ripened strawberry.

Strawberries are delicate, requiring gentle handling to prevent bruising. With today's shipping technology, strawberries are available year round, but at a cost. Commercial growers have produced resilient hybrid berries known for their shipping quality.

Florida is second in production. The Florida season runs from December to May and peaks during March and April. To meet the demand, winter strawberries are usually imported between November and May.

Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside. It is argued that for this reason, it cannot be considered a real berry, since berries carry seeds on the inside

Ninety-four percent of U.S. households consume strawberries at least once a year

Strawberries often gain top positions in surveys as the favorite fruit: in 2007 over 53 percent of seven to nine-year-olds picked strawberries as their favorite fruit

A French noblewoman at the time of Napoleon, Madame Tallien, used to bathe regularly in strawberry juice, using 22 pounds per basin. She didn't bathe daily though

Strawberries have a long-dated history of medical uses, the Romans for instance used them to alleviate symptoms of fainting, kidney stones, inflammation, diseases of the blood, liver and spleen, throat infections, bad breath, attacks of gout, melancholy and fever

The etymology of the name "strawberry" is still largely unproven: some argue that they were named in the nineteenth-century by English children who picked the berries, strung them on grass straws and sold them as "Straws of berries". Others theorize that the name was derived from the nineteenth-century practice of placing straw around the growing berry plants to protect the ripening fruit

Charles V of France ordered, in the 14th century, that twelve hundred strawberry plants be grown in the Royal Gardens of the Louvre

Strawberries were a symbol of perfection and love: for instance, folklore says that if you split a double strawberry in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, you'll soon fall in love. Medieval stonemasons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in sacred places such as churches, as a symbol of perfection

23,000 acres of strawberries are planted in California each year.

The world's largest strawberry shortcake is hosted in the annual strawberry festival in Lebanon, Oregon

In some places of Bavaria, country folk practice a spring ritual of tying small baskets of wild strawberries to the horns of their cattle as an offering to wood elves. The legend states that the elves, who love strawberries, will offer their gratitude producing healthy calves and an abundance of milk

In Belgium there's a museum entirely dedicated to strawberries

Strawberries are grown in every state in the United States and every province of Canada.

The strawberry plant belongs to the same family of roses, genus Fragraria, together with other fruits such as apples and plums. The name of the genus comes from the Old Latin word for "fragrant". In modern Italian, the word for strawberry is still "fragola"

(information are gathered from Urbanext and Strawberriesweb)

Interesting right? Happy eating!

Maroon 5 @ Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:35:00 +0000

April 25, 2011 at Singapore Indoor Stadium. It was the first time that I watched a live “rock” concert and it was tremendous. I am a fan or Maroon 5 since 2004-2005. It all started when I heard the song “She will be Loved” and “This Love”, from then on I got hooked on their music and became a fan. Though I’m not really an avid fan but I like their music. I love the lyrics. I love the vocalist, Adam Levine so sexy especially when he dances (ooopss, don’t get me wrong I just admire the way he sings and dance). Total performer indeed.

the pass and the spot

I was just invited a friend and so I went. It was an all girls night out so to speak. Being married and a mom doesn’t stop me from doing this thing since I am still individual. And I have my husband’s support for that.

fanatics

While waiting I can see the excitement of other fans. When the lights were off, all started to scream. More than a minute of wooing and clapping and waving and shouting. When the stage was all lighted fans are incredible.

all eyes are set to them

And when Adam Levine started to sing...oh boy it was fabulous. It was fantastic. It’s totally different. The crowd has so much energy. Maroon 5 was really awesome. I enjoyed it so much. I could say, the amount I paid for that concert was all worth it. Will surely watch their next concert (that is if I have the chance ^-^).

Ending Life @ 27

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:30:00 +0000

There are number of artist, singers, writer, musician and what-not that has ended their life at the age 27. It's too young to quit and say it's over but for some reasons they choose to be in that state. The following were written and documented to have ended their life at such a young-age. Mostly they call it, the "27 Club".

*Blues legend Robert Johnson, American blues singer and musician whose cause of death in August 16, 1938 has been disputed.
*Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones, an English musician who drowned in a swimming pool in July 3, 1969.
*American singer, songwriter, painter, dancer and music arranger Janis Joplin, who died of an apparent overdose in October 4, 1970.
*Rock legend Jimi Hendrix, American guitarist and singer-songwriter who died of asphyxiation in September 18, 1970.
*The Doors lead singer Jim Morrison, American lead singer and lyricist as well as a poet who died of reported heat failure in July 3, 1971 .
*Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, American singer, writer and artist who committed suicide in April 5, 1994.

(*information gathered from the book titled "The 27s: The Greatest Myth of Rock & Roll" documents the deaths and Wikipedia).

...and the new addition Amy Winehouse, British singer and song writer, died July 23, 2011. Cause of death, still unknown as of this writing and post-mortem is underway.

And people say, "that's what makes them legend, they die young at the hype of their career". Well, true in a sense but wasted life. These people are talented and inspiring. Their music are superb. You can see the amount of love their followers and supporters has given them. Talented and moving people are the two things I can describe them. But it's sad that it has to end. They could have done something more and contribute more to the industry and humanity. But as we say life is uncertain. You really never know what's going to happen. Just a thought, maybe this things happens to those people who are over-whelmed with fame, money and pressure in maintaining their public image at the younger age. Coupled with family issues and personal relationships that affects their life and behavior. And thus resulted to drug addiction, social problems, personal issues and what-have-you.

Tale of Cambodia : Tonle Sap

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 07:47:00 +0000

On the 2nd day of Siem Reap trip we went to Tonle Sap, in Khmer language, means "large fresh water river" or "Great Lake". This place is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997. Where we visited Kampung Phluk, crocodile and fish farm. In this place you will see a so-called "floating village".

our ticket

This place is 30-minutes drive from Siem Reap proper. You need to pay USD20.00 per head to get in to the place. Inclusive of two-way ferry ride. If you are a kind of person who is in awe by nice scenery and pleasant atmosphere this place is not for you.

Great Lake

the boat

the tourist

floating village

As you will view this as an ordinary river but as you come closer you will see a different perspective. A humbling experience which reminds us of how lucky are we.

Uncertain

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:29:00 +0000

Life has full of uncertainties. Uncertainties in relationship, career, family and sometimes to our self. But with all these uncertainties it teaches how to be strong and adapt to changes. Changes that at first we were hesitant to accept or maybe sometimes refuse to accept. But we don’t have any choice but to go with it. A strong-willed person easily adapts to these changes. It’s like normal to them. As for them life is like that. Just go with flow and all else will be fine. But for some it’s not. A classic example is when a certain employee was retrenched in the job and his relationship with his wife is falling apart. Thus resulted to a very drastic situation that no else could ever imagine. I believe that if a person is physically and psychologically equipped, they will be ever-ready to cop and adapt to these external changes.

All of this changes that is happening in our lives is a result of life’s evolution. A change that happens almost every second of our life. Older people will say, don’t hold on to things or even to a relationship coz one way or another everything will come to pass. Yes and definitely agree on this. That’s why it’s worth it to live-each-day. But be mindful of the future.

When I was young and single, I was so idealistic that things should happen in proper order and always prepare for the future. But now the mindset and ideals has changed. A friend asked me, “where do you want to spend your retirement” and I humbly answered, “I don’t know where and I don’t know how, what’s important now is how I live my “now””. I am more contented to live in my present but am mindful of the future. Mindful in a sense that you don’t over-do and over-use things and the physical self. But the focus is on the present. Simple and stress-free life are the things I wanted to have. No matter how uncertain life maybe.

Complimentary Pastry

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Last Sunday, hubby and I went for a coffee-date. And yes we went to our favorite coffee shop. Starbucks. I presented my Starbucks card to the crew and ordered for a grande latte and caramel macchiato with cheese bagel and cinnamon roll to compliment with. And surprisingly the crew gave me a free cheese bagel and cinnamon roll. Lucky day huh? What a good way to end the day and start a week.

As saying goes, "the best things in life are free" and I totally agree! ;) Have a happy week ahead!

Birthday Fiesta Party

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

One of the joys of being a mother is the capacity to provide and take care of the important moment in our kids life. It was always a pleasure to do things for my kids even if it means exchanging my sleeping time or what-not just to make sure things are in order.

Two weeks ago my daughter celebrated her birthday and as a party-planner-kind-of-person I organized and planned her birthday party. The theme was Dora Birthday Fiesta. It's just a small party in our place with few invited friends and relatives here in Singapore (as all of them are Filipinos). I prepared and cooked all Filipino foods like, binagoongang-baboy (pork cooked in salted fish), chicken lollipop, chopsuey, buttered shrimp with corn & carrots, lumpiang shanghai (spring roll), spaghetti and buttered-cheese puto. I also prepared our chocolate fountain with some dips like marshmallows, strawberries and bread sticks. Complimented with do-it-yourself Dora goodie bags for kids-guests.

goodie bag

birthday cake

And of course birthday celebration will not be complete if there is no cake. As for the cake I baked and prepared a chocolate marble fondant cake. My husband also helped in decorating. We decorated it with a fondant stars. And so I called it "stary-stary chocolate marble fondant cake". Aside from that I also baked red velvet cupcakes with chocolate and cream cheese frosting. It was tiring but yet a fulfilling activity.

Tale of Cambodia : Not Your Usual Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 06:43:00 +0000

Traveling to Siem Reap without itinerary was exciting. After going to a certain place we don't know where exactly we go next. While on our way to Silk Farm I saw this signage saying “War Museum” and pointing towards a certain direction. I asked our “tuk-tuk”driver regarding that and he himself don't know what's in the place. But nevertheless I asked him to bring us there after the trip in Silk Farm and so he says yes. I am so excited going to this museum since Cambodia has a long history of civil wars and what-not. And so I thought it will be an insightful place.

You need to pay USD3.00 for the entrance fee. Upon arrival I was dismayed with what they have. This is not your typical museum. The person-in-charge is not dressed properly and some more the ticket both was a make shift area made of wood and it’s a bit torn-out. Considering that it’s maintained by the government and all. But since we were there we just went in. In the museum you’ll got to see the old military trucks, planes, artillery, armors and what-not used during the war with Vietnam and Khmer Rouge.

USD3.00 ticket per head

At the entrance you will be greeted with two war planes. And a tour guide will show you the place. Our tour guide was a soldier who fought during the Khmer Rouge war. As he explained he was very young and was forced to join military for survival as his family were all executed by Khmer soldiers. He showed us his incomplete fingers and a bit fracture in his eyes plus some stitches in his shoulders. What struck me most on this journey were his personal stories in relevance to what he was showing to us. I was holding my tears while he explains everything. It’s humbling to know that these people fought for peace and order of their place but their government seems not interested with any. Or perhaps they are interested in their own interest. Just like any other government that I knew of. And it was only there that I knew there are bullets, armors, bombs and guns that were made in China. A copy-cut of those from Russia. Interesting right? At the end of the tour they will ask you if you want to donate any amount of money for their comrades who are helpless as their no other means of income for them. They relay to NGOs and donations. And of course you will ask why they are asking for donation to think that the place is operated by the government but no support from them. How ironic it sounds right? But anyway it just small amount of money that you spare for them.

tour guide (R) explains the story of that bomb

soldiers who are in the midst of regaining back their normal life

This place could have been better if they put in a proper place not just a backyard and in the open space. I just felt that it could have been a better tourism attraction if they invest a bit in the infrastructure. But well over-all I still recommend this place if ever you plan to visit Siem Reap. You will be better educated about Cambodian’s struggle for peace and unity.