The number 31 came out a couple of times at roulette but I wasn't quick enough to spot it. Never mind.
I spent most of the day at Resort World, Singapore's first Integrated Resort.
First it was lunch at Italian restaurant Palio where I enjoyed mushroom risotto and a glass of beer. Ok. Mug.
Sandy had mushroom penne and some salmon carpacio. Did I get the spellings right? Can't blame me, I aren't Italian.
After lunch came the exciting part, the casino.
People always ask me if I have visited sin city since it's opening but when I tell them 'no', they just don't believe it. Ask me the next time and I can tell you how negative the casino is.
Well, being locals Sandy and I had to pay a SGD100 levy each. That's fine because it helps deter compulsive gamblers from being social problems in our society.
Forget the negative side. We enjoyed ourselves and the best is this. We won enough to cover our whole day's expenses including lunch, entrance fees for us both and additional winnings but I was only lucky.
So we spent about 6 hours in the casino in which Anna joined us for about 4 hours and she too got lucky. Nice isn't it?
Frankly I don't think I would go into the casino unless I need to accompany some visiting friends because I frankly think the casino is lousy.
Carpets were dirty. Litter everywhere. Air conditioner was not cool and the customers were rude and obnoxious. Scary isn't it?
Anyway, it was an eye opener to see how ugly Asians really are in a casino. Noisy.
But end of the day, gamblers are who they are. Despite all the negative stuff, we return any way.
In short, I enjoyed my outing today and again, happy birthday to me!!!
Last year at the same time I sat in the living room typing my birthday blog. This year I started typing while seated on my throne with no music in the background.
I guess it is a yearly affair where I input some of my thoughts about turning a year older and what it means to me to be 31.
Last year I mentioned something about my life being almost complete except for one - little Mark.
In May 2010, I will be complete with Luca, Sandy and our nest. What else can I wish for? Little Sandy? Maybe. But let's wait.
31 sounds odd isn't it? I just can't get used to it telling people ' Hey, I am 31!'. Isn't it weird having the additional '1'?
When asked about my age next time, I'll just say 'young 30s'. Sound cooler and surely younger isn't it?
Just two days back I was just talking to some friends about how young chaps aged 20 would start calling us 'uncle'.
At this age of being neither here nor there, how should I be addressed? Brother? Gor Gor? I have no idea. So next time when someone calls out 'ooi!', I had better turn around.
The days of massive celebrations are over. Just a meal here and there and a few SMSes completes the birthday wishes. Of course not forgetting the wall posts on Facebook.
So what's my birthday wish? Well, a happy family and loads of happy days and I will be very contented. Throw in a winning lottery ticket that earns me millions of dollars will send me cloud nine.
So let's make these wishes come true in whatever form it takes. ; )
I have gotten a book titled The Little Prince for Luca and have religiously been reading it to him at night before heading to sleep.
Why The Little Prince you must wonder. Well, Luca is my little prince and I think it is a good book to share with him.
It wouldn't make a difference if I read him Little Red Riding Hood because he just wouldn't understand right but surely reading him a ninety page book seems more appealing to me because he would hear my voice when reading and am sure he loves his dad's voice. ; )
I even signed off the book so that when he grows older, I can present the book to him.
Sissy of me isn't it? I wonder what book will I give my second child. Ha ha. Any suggestions?
My sister took me out for a birthday dinner last night at Imperial Treasure. What can I say but Yummy. ; )
We had the traditional Lou Hei Yu Sheng or uncommonly called expensive Chinese salad. Ha ha.
Frankly the food was good but a little bit of a rush to complete the meal as we needed to 'pass on' the table for next booking. What to do? This happens during festive seasons in Chinese restaurants.
It was loads of laughter as both ladies often break out laughing at James' jokes. That chap hasn't changed a bit since I last saw him.
Oh. The peking duck was greatly delicious as it wasn't to oily and the skin was really crispy.
Thanks to Beatrice for the meal. Am sure Luca enjoyed it too. ; )
After dinner last night, we decided to drive in to Sentosa to take a peep at Singapore's first Integrated Resort ( IR ).
Huge publicity given that the IR hosts Singapore's first casino and perhaps also the world's first casino which needed an entrance fee of 100SGD levied by the government for a 24 hour validity entry.
Fret not. The levy is only for locals but tourists can surely enter for free because they are the targetted group of people whom we want to suck the money from.
On the first day of casino operations, it was revealed that the owner made a profit of 3.7 million SGD. Wow.
What was unusual was that long queues didn't dampen the spirits of gamblers even though it took sometimes 2 over hours to get to the gaming floor.
A whopping 500 table gaming floor which seems to be more than what Genting Malaysia has however do note this is only numberd from RSW because Marina Bay Sands has not yet opened up the second IR which is due to open in a couple of months.
Frankly, am proud of these new developments that Singapore has ventured into as it will create jobs, tourism and boost the economy for us here.
Let us wait for the second casino to be ready and I am sure that's where the fun begins. ; )
Oh. Just so you know, I have not been into the casino yet but I believe the calling will come soon. Ha ha.
Despite being many years apart from both my younger brothers, it seems that I am still able to communicate with them. Either I am still young at heart or they have both matured tremendously over the years. I choose to believe the latter. ; )
We had a very interesting conversation over the long weekend. A conversation that brought us into the world of dreams and fantasy.
By 2030, February 15 at 1645hrs, Jun Sheng will have three or four houses built for us three brothers to live together in unity within a same compound. The fourth would house all the folks. Isn't it good that he dares to dream BIG?
This blog isn't exactly about my brothers but frankly, it is nice to hear that my two younger brothers still have me in their future plans and that I will still be an important part of their life despite them likely being married with kids by then. Again, we don't know if things would change at a later stage but I sure hope it wouldn't and that all three of us will stay close and maintain the relationship we enjoy currently.
I see it in many families where after marriage, siblings drift apart and talking like strangers meeting for the first time. Pretty sad isn't it? I dare say this happens within our extended family tree too.
Siblings that do not really talk to each other or perhaps don't even remember one another's birthday. Is that what marriage did to them? I don't know but family unity is important despite the differences in opinions. Everyone has an opinion, that's for sure.
I see the 'closeness' of the relationship of my father and his siblings. I see the same 'closeness' of the relationship of my mother and her siblings. I see the same in cousins who each live not only in their own world but physically apart in different locations.
Is that how relationships end? This is no ordinary relationship. It is bonded by blood of siblings and the person whom you spent most of your childhood and growing up years with. It is sad to see siblings drift apart and I am sure I don't want this to happen to my own children next time.
Frankly, the strongest family ties I see so far is likely that of my father-in-law's extended family. All the siblings despite being so far away from one another still tend to call each other and gossip about things. At least they talk. They interact.
The long weekend just zoomed past so quickly. A blink and it is gone. Good times just roll away. Why I wonder.
The festive season was spent pretty much visiting relatives and friends, eating and gambling.
Lots of fun and laughter throughout.
What really amazed me was that even my grandmother who only plays mahjong joined in the fun of blackjack last night. Surely an unforgettable moment for me as she brought us lots of laughter at the gaming table.
Win or lose it never matters. At least for mr because I see it as an opportunity to bond with family. I can still here grandma's laughter from yesterday's game. It was real joyous burst of laughter which I hardly get to hear.
Gambling with family on special occassions is fine really. I see nothing wrong with bonding a bit on the gaming table. As long as everyone knows the objective of the game, all is good. It is not about winning but all about having fun and family unity, that's what it is.
If anyone wants a serious game and a straight poker face with no smiles, gaming with the newly opened casino would be a better bet but note that a hundred dollar casino levy would be required thus that will surely put you off. ; )
This is a very sensitive topic which has caused many countries to be divided and families to be broken.
I am trying to be very careful with phrasing my sentences so as not to offend anyone of a different race or religion.
Just recently, it was reported in the papers that a Pastor has been asked to apologise for making some remarks regarding Buddhism / Taoism. Being really curious about what he said, I looked around for the video clip that was posted on youtube.
After watching, I felt a little disturbed about the comments he made.
Let's look at it from another angle, if it wasn't Pastor Rony Tan who made those comments but instead Canadian comedian Russell Peters, I don't think our Internal Security Department would have been alarmed. The mere fact that Pastor Rony Tan is a religious leader, such comments should not have been said, recorded and placed on his organisation's website. It was totally uncalled for.
I guess he is very lucky to have escaped unscathed with no charges pressed against him for ridiculing another faith. But look at some teenagers who recently commented about other races on their blogs, they ended up behind bars. Fair treatment? One needs to ponder.
I agree with the government that racial harmony is very important in Singapore and that we need to practice tolerance with one another's religious beliefs. We must not take the peace we have for granted. Just take a look across the Causeway. How many times have there been issues on racial disharmony? How many times have the different races take the street to protest against another religion's doings? Numerous.
I felt a little offended with Pastor Rony's 'sermon' but I still choose to believe he might have done it unintentionally. He was merely insensitive and a little child-like in his approach. Nothing wrong with that if he was talking to himself in private and in front of his mirror but surely not when he is a living role model for the many church-goers who attend Sunday service.
Let's practice restraint from condemning one another's religion or discriminate against the color of the skin because at the end of the day when riots or unrest breaks out, the losing parties would only be us all. We'll lose more than freedom above everything else.
So let's learn from this lesson and hear the following song written by Yoshiki and sang by Roger Taylor.
By the way, I consider myself Taoist.....
Foreign Sand - written by Yoshiki
Here we go - ain't it grand Here we stand on foreign sand And we're not alone
Why do we fear what we don't understand Can't we reach out our hand to try just say 'hello' Try to plant a seed - fulfil the need - to make it grow - just say hello And when you're far from home try to learn from all you see Your eyes will tell you everything you need
Why do we dread what we really don't know Come not as concubine - come not as foe Come with intentions clearly shown Try to plant a seed - fulfil the need - to make it grow - just say hello And though you're far from home try to learn from all you see Your mind will tell you everything you need - everything you need
Here we go ain't it grand Here we stand on foreign sand And we're not alone
Red, yellow, black and white Every man stand in the light - stand not alone
It's not a lie - it's not a shame we play for keeps - it's not a scam No bigotry - we're hand in hand - it ain't a cinch - we make a stand We learn to live on foreign sand Just say hello
Why do we despise when we can't even speak We keep on spreading lies As far as we know it's the only way to be Try to plant a seed - fulfil the need - to make it grow - just say hello And though you're far from home try to learn what you could be Your heart will tell you everything you need even though you stand here you stand on foreign sand Ain't it grand here we stand On foreign sand Together we stand Here we stand On foreign sand
It was really difficult finding a good place for teppanyaki in Singapore. Good and not overly budget blowing meal. Know what I mean?
Anyway, last night's dinner was pretty alright except that the heat from the stove was a little unbearable for me. I perspired throughout the dinner. Phew.
I ordered a beef set and the ribeye was indeed tender and rare enough for me to treat it as sashimi. ; ) Well, I love my steaks cooked that way so don't complain if you see that the meat is still red. It is afterall red meat.
Luca had seafood omelette and some fried soba. Weird isn't it? But that was what Luca-ma ordered despite my numerous pleas for Luca to have more than that. Of course at the end of the meal, Sandy consumed more than all of us as she could choose from whose plate she wants to 'tax'.
The Kings took time off their busy schedule from their respective palaces to celebrate the yearly festival of the 3 Kings' Birthday.
Every February, a big party awaits the 3 Kings but this year's celebration was made simpler due to a few obvious reasons - two pregnant Queens and one other Queen who just gave birth to a princess a month ago.
The Royal Families were greeted and accompanied by good friends at a buffet luncheon fit for Kings. No surprises this year as compared to the 30th party held at Sentosa last year.
I could remember the surprises the Queens and the respective Royal Family friends pulled off last year. We played beach volleyball, had a picnic, consumed alcohol and had hell lots of fun then.
Well, as age catches up and the Royal Family growing in family size, it will be a little tough to arrange such parties anymore. I wonder what will it be next year ....
Nevertheless, I want to thank the various sponsors for yesterday's luncheon - President Geoffrey and First Lady Beatrice and not forgetting the Secretary of State Anna for making the event possible.
I also would like to wish a Happy Birthday to both my two counterparts; King of Newton, His Majesty Mun and King of Sengkang and Punggol, His Majesty Lance.
Wishing them a Happy Birthday and may our bilateral ties remain strong for the next many years.
I have to admit that I am quite a cheeky and naughty father-to-be.
While Sandy's fast asleep and snoring, I would place my hands gently on her tummy and use my fingers to create some sort of beat and tap lightly to get Luca's attention.
Many times you could feel his responses of kicks and punches and I would just get all excited trying to figure out which were the hands and legs.
I would then visualize Luca stretching and yawning as if telling me he still needs sleep and that I should stop disturbing him and let him carry on sleeping warmly inside his temporary hideout.
Well, very often I too go back to sleep after awhile with my hands still rested on Sandy's tummy because this usually happens in the early mornings at about 6 am. :)
I would not have been bothered to visit the air show if not for Hawker Beechcraft who extended the invitation to me and my colleagues.
The weather was terrible. Hot and it didn't help being in a shirt and tie. Perspiration trickled down my back and the face turned red from the blazing sun.
Thankfully we had a chalet for resting. Air- conditioned. Food and drinks were served by pretty looking waitresses. Nice.
Stood in the sun to catch the aerial display which was rather disappointing except for RSAF's stunning performance using an F16 and an Apache.
On the whole it was a great experience but it could have been better if I could again take a private jet for holiday. Yes. Again. Alone.
Since I wrote a song for Sandy two years back, I guess it has to be the same for our precious gem, Luca.
Don't ask me how to sing it yet because it is still in the making. The melody is out but I have not yet done the recording.
The song is based on a lighter note and a little comical thus don't expect a lovey-dovey song but I know for sure I will write another song when I get that emotional rush when his tiny hands touch mine on the day he's born.
So a preview for your eyes only -
Luca
-------- We heard the news You were coming
We embraced As we knew for sure
That your eyes will look Like ours
And that smile Will melt all hearts
I couldn’t really believe it That soon I will be a father
But the news kept me awake all night Because I was all excited
I know that when you grow up You will look like me
But it’ll be better to look like mummy Because she’s all so pretty pretty …
We’ll travel the world We’ll climb all mountains We’ll sing this song And let it live on As we’ll grow in age together
We’ll teach our Luca to sing this song We’ll want him to sing and write us another song So our songs can be forever
I can't complain much about the trip to Melaka because it was entirely fun.
Ok. Time wasn't enough to do most of the things I wanted. No chicken rice balls. No satay celup. No Indian chendol. No beer by the pool.
Never mind the above but frankly if I were to visit again, I will make sure I eat everything there is to eat in Melaka. Laksa, Ikan bakar, durian, dodoh ... and the list goes on. Maybe staying two nights would be better as there is no need to rush.
Choice of hotel wasn't too bad but still I prefer the swimming pool at Holiday Inn but no complains for Equatorial except for the first room which didn't feel cold enough for me to enjoy a good night's sleep.
We had quite an adventure taking a public bus from Aunty Lee back to the hotel. No aircon and the ride was bumpy. What to do when there were no taxis at all but fret not because I now have a taxi contact in Melaka. : )
