[Countdown] to 2015 at Siloso Beach Party

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015! 

This post is written for a proper closure of 2014. I have no idea why but I always felt the lousiest on the last day of the calender year. Throwback to 31 Dec 2013, I had a bad sprained ankle which was so painful I had to stay at home for countdown. It was horrible. This year I felt so sick and tired I told the bf I want to stay at home but he says he will still go ahead for the Siloso Beach Party so I thought if I'm so unhappy at home, I should just go out and maybe my mood would be better.     

Our media passes. Thanks SPRG for the invite and the extra pass for my friend. Think I've made the right choice of going out instead of staying at home. The accompany and atmosphere just cheered me up.

Party goers get full access to FIVE distinct party zones, a foam pool and a 1.2 kilometre stretch of sandy dance floor.  

Yay, us at the Asia's Largest Beach Countdown Party! Another of the nicer photo. 

Group photo with the bloggers and friends! Love the party songs that were played here.

The Foam Pool! If I'm not feeling sick, I would have jump into the foam pool! 

Photo Credit : Sentosa

About 15,000 party-goers turned up at the Siloso Beach Party. It was indeed a spectacular celebration at Sentosa's iconic annual countdown party set by the sea, with more than 20 international and local DJs taking the decks across the five party zones for 12 straight hours. 

Photo Credit: Sentosa

Photo Credit : Sentosa

Photo Credit : Sentosa

A party like this would not be complete without the DJs. Headlining the party was one of DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs, Zurich-raised DJ Mike Candys together with other international and local disc jockeys including DJ Shy, DJ Tinc, DJ Jensen and DJ Jenni-F. The continuous line-up of DJs kept the party energy at an all-time high with the smooth transitions of different genres of music to remixes that brings the hands in the air cheering for more.

To end this last post of 2014, here's my wish for all who's reading this post. To have good health is important but we need to be positive and happy too. When you are unhappy, you will attract all the negative things. So stay happy and stay healthy. 

[Movie] Gala Premiere - Bring Back the Dead 招魂

Directed by Lee Thean-Jin 李天仁, Bring Back the Dead opening in the cinemas on 8th January is set to be the first local movie for 2015. Get ready to be spooked by this horror movie and the most amazing fact is that the whole movie only took 19 days of filming. Another interesting fact is that this movie is based on a short story written by Wong Swee Hoon.

TRAILER

MEET THE CASTS

Starring local artist Jessica Liu 刘子绚, Liu Ling Ling 刘玲玲 and Jacko Chiang 蒋伟文 from Taiwan, there was a sharing session before the movie started.

SYNOPSIS

 In this movie, Jia En acted by Jessica Liu who plays the role of a mother for the first time, loses her only son, Xiao Le (Shawn Tan) in a tragic road accident. Refusing to accept the fact that he's gone, she seeks the help of her former caregiver, Mdm Seetoh (Liu Ling Ling) to bring back his son's soul so that she could feel him 'by her side'. However, after several strange occurrences happening in the house, she begins to suspect something is wrong with the soul she brought back and as she discover the truth, it may be the cost of her own life as well as those around her. 

THOUGHTS

I have to comment that Jessica's has got the most on screen appearance in this movie and her acting skill is superb. She really portrayed how a grieving mother feels. This movie is not totally a horror movie just to frighten the audience but also a heart warming one, showing how a Mother's love is always the greatest and how we should always cherish our love ones. The twist when Jessica found out the truth was really unpredictable. Good job. 

REASONS NOT TO BRING SOMEONE BACK FROM THE DEAD

Actually, I've watched many shows and movies revolving around how people couldn't let go of their loved ones who passed away and wanted to bring them back or to be able to see them. I do believe that somehow there is really a way to do so, however, death is really just a cycle of life and we should learn to let go when it's time. This movie will shows why it's not advisable to bring someone back from the dead.

IT COMES WITH GREAT PERSONAL SACRIFICES 

In the movie, in order to attracts the spirit to come home, Jia En has to make sure that she prepare Xiao Le's favourite dishes everyday at a weird timing. To avoid suspicious, she even locked up the room and spend a lot of time inside. It makes her distant from the loved ones who are still alive and makes her paranoid too. 

THEY ATTRACT UNWANTED ATTENTION

In this scene the spirit make a mess to the walls with crayons making the husband thinking that it's Jessica Liu who plays this prank.

THEY TRY TO HARM YOU

Maybe this is their way of communication when they couldn't get what they want. 

YOU BRING BACK THE WRONG SOUL

Finally, the worst of all is if you bring back the wrong soul, how are you going to get them back? This is what the twist is all about in the movie but you've got to watch the movie to find out who they brought back and for what reason.

Glad to be able to watch this movie ahead of the opening, thanks Jessie for bringing me to the Gala Premiere. Thanks Yong Wei for this customized badge keyring cum bottle opener from Super Store Singapore. Feels great to be rewarded for watching a horror movie. Yay. Till the next time. 

[Food Tasting] Miam Miam : French-Japanese cafe kitchen at Bugis Junction

The first time I visited Miam Miam was on a very random occasion whereby we were so tired and hungry from the shopping that we just want to get a seat and grab something to eat. Miam Miam happens to be the first cafe we saw. The dining space is casual and the open concept gives a full view of their centerpiece kitchen. It was so long ago and I only remembered we ordered one of their pasta and find it very unique. We keep saying that we will be back but eventually there's too many new restaurants/cafes to try out.

So I was super excited when Jess extended her invites to me for their food tasting session. It was after this dinner that I not only get to try out some of their signature dishes but also understand more about this place. First and foremost, let's start with the name of this cafe. It's not call Miam Miam just because it sounds nice, but it's actually means Yum Yum in French. Incidentally, Miam Miam is a French-Japanese cafe kitchen offering delectable dishes made from scratch and with top-grade ingredients. 

Dishes are at price range which are pretty comfortable to most of us with the highest priced item only at $18.80. They believe that exquisite flavours should not only be for the elite, so they are committed to deliver amazing flavours at affordable prices to the masses.

There was quite a bit of waiting time for the food to be served but that is only because their kitchen operations follow the industry's best practices to deliver consistently hot and fresh meal. Even though they might have already know the dishes to be served to us and could have prepared in advance, they did not do that. 

So, meanwhile I ordered myself a cup of Matcha White Chocolate (S$7.80). I fall in love with it from the first sip. The creamy white chocolate combines with the green tea creates a warm, smooth and not too sweet drink that is perfect for any time of the day. Grade 1 matcha is used in all their matcha drinks.

The first main dish that was served is their Riz Noir/Squid Ink Rice (S$16.50). The squid ink rice was well camouflage with the serving pan and I have to brighten the photo. It's made with top grade ika sumi powder imported from Hokkaido. Hidden inside the rice are assorted seafood made up of prawns, squids and clams. The omu egg taste a bit blend by itself so have to eat with the rice. The only concern about this dish is the consciousness of getting black teeth. We all ate this in a very careful manners. Haha.

Modern Yaki (S$14.80) is extremely delicious. It was aglio olio with all my favourite ingredients and toppings. Cabbages, mushrooms, bonito flakes, seaweeds, Japanese mayonnaise, sesame and not forgetting an omelette. Almost all of their dishes would include egg. I was told that each portion of their raw pasta is measured at 110g and is then doused in boiling water and cooked for exactly 7.5 minutes to achieve the perfect bite and texture. This perfectly engineered dish came about because the kitchen at Miam Miam subscribes to the Japanese ideologies of kaizen and kanban in its food and preparation practices. Kaizen refers to the practice of continuous improvement and kanban of a scheduling system that ensures lean and just-in-time production. The precise and disciplined approach can be tasted in each plate of their pasta.   

The next dish is Souffle Au Curry (S$15.50). This dish was really a big eye opener to me. My impression of souffle is only for dessert, never thought that it could be made into a main course by itself. It was really amazing to find curry rice with pork, broccoli, cheese and egg inside. The souffle is so fluffy it just melts in your mouth.

Take a break and drink some ice-water. Even their ice water is so special. Instead of using lemon slices, slices of green apple and mint leaves are used.

Yay, and dessert was served! This is their Famous French Toast (S$9.80). The whipped cream is home made with egg white and sugar. Perfect with the maple syrup, just PERFECT! Love it.

 Yah, the Souffle that I know of. Valrhona Chocolate Souffle (S$13.80). If the French Toast is perfect, this is happiness! They have other flavours like vanilla and matcha too. I think I'm going back soon again to try their vanilla souffle.

A nice wefie with Jess and Jo. Love the hair colour of Jo. I just have to wait till my hair grows longer before I changed another colour. Most probably it would be next year end again. 

Jo, Jas, Jess and photo taken by Jocelyn. All the Js are at this table. Totally enjoyed the dinner with them. Their menus will be changed every six to nine months , so we can look forward to new surprises. See you all soon. 

For more information on Miam Miam, please visit www.miam.sg or https://www.facebook.com/miam.sg

Miam Miam Outlets

Miam Miam @ Bugis Junction (Outside BHG)

#02-14 Bugis Junction,

200 Victoria Street,

Singapore 188021

Telephone Number: 6837 0301

Miam Miam @ Westgate

#01-21/22 Westgate 

3 Gateway Drive

Singapore 608532

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday

11.30am to 10.00pm

[Event] Sneak preview to McDonald's All Day Breakfast at their first-ever breakfast pyjama party

Enjoying McDonald's Breakfast Deluxe in the afternoon!

If you know me well, you would have found out that I'm not a morning person (by the timing I usually post my blog posts) and so this happy photo of me was actually taken on a Sunday afternoon at Bishan Park McDonald (don't be misled by the breakfast set, it was indeed afternoon already). Was there to get a sneak preview to McDonald's All Day Breakfast offerings from 1 - 4 January 2015. Cheers to McDonald for being so understanding to people like me who is always trying to catch up with the heavy sleep debts.

Breakfast Coupon

Was given my complimentary breakfast coupon upon reaching the party which allows me to choose either of the three breakfast set that was listed. This is exactly what McDonald's will be offering till 5pm over the four days at all McDonald's restaurants except Nanyang Polytechnic, Lido, Clifford Centre KK Hospital, Tampines Kiosk, Singapore Science Centre, National University of Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic 2.

Breakfast Deluxe

For those who have not had McDonald's breakfast for a long time, this is what a McDonald's Breakfast Deluxe Meal looks like. Super yummy right?

So cool to have our breakfast in bed. Thanks Hp for this wonderful group photo. Nice to make new friends there too. I think that day we really attracted lots of curious stares from those who are around the park.

Pyjamas on rack for those who wants to join in the fun. Cute Brown plushie from Line.

Bean bags, sofa beds and beds instead of the usual tables and chairs. Furthermore, the greenery is really relaxing. 

Some of the fringe activities for the kids. 

To start 2015 on a positive note, McDonald's has created its first All Day Sunrise video. This video features the sunrise shot and broadcast live from some of the most iconic cities around the world. Starting with Gisborne, New Zealand - the world's first city to witness sunrise in 2015, the video will then move westward, following the sunrise over different cities throughout the day. To view the complete video, do visit getupandgo.sg as the video posted above is for the sunrise in Singapore only. 

McDonald also collaborate with LINE to rewards its loyal followers with free vanilla ice cream cones as well as Singapore's themed stickers set. There would be a total of 200,000 Vanilla Cones given out from 15 Dec 2014 to 31 Jan 2015 while the exclusive LINE x McDonald's sticker set is available for download till 7 Dec 2015 and valid for 90 days after download. SO CUTE! My favourite is  the LINE couple characters - BROWN AND CONY. I love watching their LINE TOWN as well as LINE OFFLINE videos but nowadays it's hard to find those videos with English subtitles since their conversations are in Japanese. So I've stopped watching them for quite some times already. If anyone knows where I can stream them, please let me know. Thanks!

Photo Credit : McDonald's Facebook Page 

Saw someone posted this on McDonald's Facebook Page. I'm so gonna get the BROWN AND CONY PLUSHIES if this is for real!! In actual fact, I think I'm more excited over getting the LINE plushie as compared to the Hello Kitty probably due to the fact like I've mentioned earlier that I've watched their cartoons and sort of know each of their characteristics. Brown is the quiet bear who never talks but always appears at the right time to help the rest out of troubles while Cony is the most talkative one. Looking forward to getting my hands on them. 

[Event Listing] Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2015 ­- A Time to reflect on the Nation's Past, Present and Future

Awesome backdrop. Photo with Jane.

In a few more days time, we would be ushering in not just a brand new year but also Singapore's Golden Jubilee celebration (SG50). In this 10th edition of Marina Bay Singapore Countdown which is jointly presented by Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), members of the public can look forward to a lot more activities, performances and special display.

MBSC2014 - Oriental Photo Credit : Bryan van der Beek Esplanade

Was glad to be invited to the press conference held at The Fullerton Hotel earlier to get a preview of what to expect. Let me just share some of the highlights of this year's Marina Bay Singapore countdown 2015.

Before that, some of the Christmas photos taken at The Fullerton Hotel. It's Boxing Day, by the way ^^

Red and white wishing spheres in commemoration of SG50

Photo Credit : MBSC official website 

To commemorate Singapore's 50th year of independence, a record of 25,000 red and white wishing spheres carrying wishes from the community have been set afloat and lit up until New Year's Eve, transforming the installation into a stunning visual arts display. For the first time, 5,000 red spheres have been added to form a giant number '50' amidst a sea of 20,000 white spheres. It's also the first time, these wishing spheres are sponsored by The Great Eastern Life Assurance Co Ltd. These wishes were pen down by the public since 1st November at 31 wishing stations that were set up across the island. Even though the wishing stations were already closed, public can still make virtual wishes online at www.marinabaycountdown.sg.

3D projection mapping on The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

We were taken on a boat ride to view the 3D projection but before it started we took photos of the night landscape.

Titled "Reflections of our Past, Present and Future", this is one of the highlights during today's preview. There will be 3D projection on the facade of Fullerton Hotel Singapore featuring a montage of sketches and graphics. The video projection will depict the growth and development of Singapore, beginning with images of the olden days of Singapore such as kampongs, trishaw and samsui women, it later transform into the present day Singapore, with images of public housing, transport systems and the city skyscrapers.

Big thanks to Jane for helping me to take this series of photos while I took the video! 

Public can enjoy this two minute projection half hourly from 8.15pm to 11.15pm from now till 30 December. The short shows is also accompanied by an excerpt of Symphonic Suites with familiar local tunes Home and Bunga Sayang, orchestrated by Dr Kelly Tang and performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

The official video of the projection because I realized mine is too low quality:



The loud heart beats at the beginning is to attract people's attention to look over.

On New Year's Eve itself, public can look forward to the final showcase which is the three minute extended version of the projection at the same timings and a final one at 11.55pm that culminates in a countdown sequence to midnight, followed immediately by an eight-minute firework display!

Live drumming performed to fireworks music (DrumGaia)

The firework display is specially choreographed to a score composed by local talents Julian Wong and Riduan Zalani, who received guidance from the late Iskandar Ismail. For the first time, a segment of the music will feature close to 400 drummers who will perform 'live' at the lower boardwalk in front of the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, adding a resounding beat to the music and firework display. The public can tune in to MediaCorp radio station Symphony 92.4FM to listen to the music as they watch the firework display. The drum performance will start from 6pm onwards on New Year's Eve. The public can also participate in drum circles to try their hands at creating rhythms with hand held percussion instruments.

Five buildings to feature themed lighting

On New Year's Eve, the following five buildings around Marina Bay will feature a synchronised themed lighting in our National colours. These buildings will be lit in red and white and feature the number '50'. The displays will take place for five minutes, half hourly from 8pm to 11.30pm. In fact, my friends working in the CBD areas are telling me that they are planning to stay in the office just to watch the fireworks and lighting. How cool is that, in the comfort of the office instead of having to squeeze with the crowds.

The five buildings are:

- Ocean Financial Centre
- OCBC Centre
- Maybank Tower
- One Raffles Place
- Millenia Tower

In addition, the SG50 logo will be displayed on the ArtScience Museum facade, the underside of the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, and on Esplanade's domes.

Something for everyone on New Year's Eve

With the range of ticketed and non-ticketed events around the Bay, the evening promises something for everyone.

Free events include: 

- Esplanade's Celebrate December music programmes that will take place at the Concourse and Outdoor Theatre, this is an annual performance held every year.
- A carnival at The Promontory held in conjunction with Celebrate with the World 2015 concert
- The Marina Waterfront Bazaar where the public can enjoy some light refreshments and do some shopping from as early as 4pm

Celebrate December. Photo Credit : Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2015

Marina Waterfront Bazaar. Photo Credit : Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2015 

Ticketed events include:

- Celebrate with the World 2015 held at The Promontory where public can enjoy more than eight hours of non-stop performances and music by local artistes and international DJs for $10
- The Celebrate SG50 concert organised by MediaCorp at The Float @ Marina Bay.

Celebrate with the World 2015. Photo Credit : Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2015

Celebrate SG50 - Credits to Madrasmail Kajan

Snap & Win 

In celebration of SG50, the annual photo competition this year is themed "Happy Jubilee". Participants can submit photos of the joyful celebrations at Marina Bay from the wishing spheres to the fireworks and stand to win attractive prizes. Winnind entries will be showcased in a month long exhibition at The Fullerton Heritage Gallery in 2015. Find out more at www.marinabaycountdown.sg.

Instagram users can share photos of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown on Instagram with the hashtag #MBSC2015 and stand to win weekly prizes. Follow @marinabaysg on Instagram to find out more.

With only 5 days left to 2015. Let's have a blast on the final day of 2014. 

Note from the traffic police

No matter which countdown event you will be attending, I wish everybody have a great countdown with your loved ones and take note of the road closure as well as safety, especially at these type of crowded events.

Thanks for reading!