Nightmare on Bus 190

After last Saturdays' dance class, my girlfriends who joined my class and I decided to have some girl time together for dinner and to people watch over at Clarke Quay for abit. Little did we know that we were in for a little bit of a nightmare that evening...

Serene, Pek Gan and I fresh after the latest circuit training routine that I've created, feeling va-va-voom with the latest deconstructed tops that I created, set off from the club at Bukit Timah. We were chatting happily and boarded the bus 190 that would have brought us direct to Clarke Quay with a travel time of only about 15 minutes... 10 minutes into the journey, it struck me that I was seeing trees, trees and more trees.

We were on the highway heading to Choa Chu Kang!! We were going the wrong way!! Argh!! It completely escaped us that we were on the bus that was heading the wrong direction and the worse part was that it was a journey to one end of Singapore with a non-stop bus that went over major long highways to the west end of Singapore. We had no choice but to wait till the bus hit Bukit Panjang.

We then decided to just have dinner in the west instead and head down to CQ after. We peered out the bus windows in hopes to see a food centre and eventually saw one but realised shortly after that the nearest bus stop was just too far to walk back towards it. So we headed onwards toward the CCK interchange. My god, that just mean another 20 minutes on the bus as the bus traversed internally through the CCK estate... *smacks head*

When we finally disembarked, we were already somewhat delirious and proceeded to get something to eat and shortly after lined up to board the same bus back towards town to our final destination for the evening.

From the time we boarded the bus in the wrong direction, it was only 6pm and bright as seen above. By the time we hit back town, it was already 8pm and dark. We had practically made a 15 minute journey turn into a 2 hour one on the "same" bus. *blink blink* Bimbo Moment.

We tried however to make our journey as interesting as possible and whenever Serene whips out her iphone, we know that we would be taking pictures of us in strange positions and poses. And incase anyone was wondering, I am 101% straight so I really am not into kissing other females... this picture is not what it seems.

Sometime into the ride... ZZzzzz.... why does it take sooooo long... *peers at traffic on the highway... & falls back asleep*... eventually, we finally hit town with flat aching butts. Pek Gan already on the edge of her seat ready to slide off, Serene with her not so glam snore position and a grumpy me uncomfortable in my seat...

Serene took this shot and even though it was only part of my face and grumpy, we thought it was a nice picture that made me look like such a little girl.. hahaha! A 33 yo middle age mom of 2 pre-teens trying to pass off as a SYT.... *sweet young thing*... ewww... *balks* Hahaha!

Eventually we reached our stop and stumbled off the bus relieved. Finally, we have reached. Albeit not so cheerful, alot less energetic and feeling a little half dead...

The night eventually ended well as I took the opportunity to pop into Azzucar. Where I had previously worked with them as their external design, PR and events partner for a period of time and held 2 of my past birthday celebrations there. Sadly, it was their last day and Azzucar is now officially out of operations and closed. I made my rounds to say goodbye to everyone I knew there. So one of my favorite haunts is now gone forever, along with the live cuban band that I grew to appreciate who belted out many of my favorite spanish tunes and dance numbers.

We then proceeded to Cuba Libre around the corner at Clarke Quay to enjoy some more amazing music played by a pretty nifty and charming Colombian band. Serene knew the club manager, Trevor and he made us his guests for the evening so everything was on the house. He ensured that everyone had their drinks. Mine was a Virgin Mojito (non alcoholic! okay)... and Trevor plied the table FULL of extremely delicioso yummies!! They were seriously tasty tasty food.. if anything, I'd be back there to eat!

We had grilled chicken cheesy nachos with Jalapeños, crispy Prawn cheese bruchettas and Mango chicken Cheese Quesadillas and the menu was open to us to order more if we wanted to.. Gosh.. talk about being spoilt for choice!! Too bad after the initial round of food, I was ready to "give birth" right there n then with the amount of food offered. What a wonderful *pats tummy* experience that was... really good food, good music, love the company and a final good end for such an adventurous evening... Thank you Serene and Trevor for the treat! :) Salsa and Bachata one day? :) Por supuesto!

Halloween: Devilicious Danza & Trick or Treating!

Halloween this year was fun! I spent last year at Azzucar's Halloween night but this year, I managed to have 2 of my classes a Themed class instead of heading out at night. First class over at the A. Club HERE with Policewoman Pam with the rest of my class. (Group picture when received will be updated here).

This picture above is from my Raffles Town club class and its only HALF of my usual class. The rest didn't make it that day due to illness, injury or travel but what a pity! It would have been great to have everyone attend! I miss all of you! I will be planning the next Themed class soon! Either Christmas themed or Chinese New Year themed! Please prep now!

I went as a Red Devil, joined with my dance mate and instructor, Esther plus Pek Gan that day for a team teach class. Armed with Lolita New York eyeshadow prizes and Facial Gift Vouchers for the best dressed *instructors excluded*, we had an amazingly fun class.

Group shot together with some of my girls, Angie and Paula with Esther.

Pek Gan, Esther and me.

We loved Angie's skeleton top.

We all danced in our costumes after a round of picture taking, gave out prizes and exhiliratingly left for another segment of the evening! Angie above, has been the organiser for the Lentor estate Halloween party for the past couple of years and she invited my girls and I down for the party that night!

My girls got dressed up. Lauren went as an all black vampire with "wounds" on her face and Eirian went as a butterfly faced pink fairy. And I went down again as Policewoman Pam. I washed the costume the day before and had it ready to be worn again that evening with the torn stockings that ripped the day before...

I loved this shot as what went on during that time was hilarious! Its Abigail Chay! She was the emcee for the evening and when we took the photos, she exclaimed.. "If there were more police like you, alot of people will want to get arrested... come la! Arrest me also!"... and "I knoooowww, I'm dressed like this so that you can say I'm UGLY while everyone looks so pweeety right!!" *fake cry - booo hooo hooo...* (Bursts out into insane laughter)... Oookay.. time to run away..

She was a really funny and nice person however, albeit her emceeing and voice quite unnerving and annoying but it really did suit the theme for the night...

And then there was the Police post. Which of course had real policemen! This officer here was thoroughly amused and exclaimed "wah! Which country are you from?! - Nice outfit! Must have more like you at our station..."... We took a picture and as with him being a real policeman, he really stood like a statue the whole time we were trying to get in place for the shot! Luckily he really didn't stand at full marching attention! Sedia! Ohh.. and he gave me a mini whistle that I could clip onto my bag. "To alert others if & when I'm in danger..." he says.. Awww... how sweet... :) Thank you Mr. Policeman!

Then there was an hour where the girls and the rest of the children went from house to house trick or treating! It was the girls first time and it would definitely not be the last! They were both so amused when their bags slowly filled up with treats and by the time the trick or treating was over. Their bags were completely FULL!!

I shared a memory with them from when I was still back in the Philippines many years ago when I was in Middle School, Grade 7. Which is about equivalent to our P6/Sec. 1 here in Sg. Halloween is widely celebrated in the Philippines. Houses there REALLY get decked out and Halloween merry makers will fill the streets to Trick or Treat in full costumes.

We used to chant this when we walked down the streets. "Trick or Treat! Smell my Feet! Give me something good to eat! If you don't! I don't care! I'll pull down your underwear!!"...

When the trick or treating was done at the Lentor party estate, a small buffet of finger foods and drinks were offered. Games were played on stage and prizes were awarded for the best dressed that evening.. and guess what? I won 3rd Prize with my Police Chick costume. "The Joker" won 2nd Prize and the Family who came as Mr and Mrs Tut *Egyptian Royalty* with their daughter won 1st Prize!

Many thanks this Halloween this year to Angie for inviting us to trick or treat! My warmest thanks to Alegria Dimas who lent me all my costumes this year, without them - I would not have dressed up so nicely. And big appreciation to all instructors and students who dressed up when they came for my classes!! Thanks for being such a sport!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!! I hope you had a great one!

Turning 32... Yeah its my Birthday again!

Gosh! So much as been happening these couple of weeks before and after my birthday.. been getting more classes to teach, clients to do personal training with and really filling up my timeslots... and we moved house - quite a feat by itself that happened over a couple of weeks.

Been getting quite abit of people recognising me and the hubster in our latest TVC advertisement for Allswell... no one asked for my autograph yet tho.. haha kidding.. but the 2 ads have been running for quite some time now since early June at GV cinemas and on Channel 8. Once I can get it up, I'll upload the video onto YouTube and link it here if you haven't caught it. :)

And we found a greeaat new cosy place to call our own once again next to one of Singapore's famous Hawker centre.. (gah! the food!! eeevill!!) and then took another few weeks to settle in and unpack... and then had my birthday while at it!

I turned 32 on the 2nd of July! and strangely enough, I had this thing in my mind that I was 33 for some reason.. Pffft... anyway.. what happened for my birthday, I came home the day before my birthday after teaching at Raffles Town club and the girls and CJ stayed up with a Durian birthday cake! and 4 little "lucky" durian Mochi and blew out my birthday candle.. I looove Durian cake!

I spent my actual birthday roaming the East over at Tampines Central for breakfast with the hubster and Eirian (Lauren had overnight school camp) then hopped over to IKEA for more gallavanting, cheesecake, Daim cake, wings and meatballs! Then back home to drop off crucial purchases and then back to IKEA and Giant Tampines for some supermarketing!

2 weeks after that though, some of my Saturday dance class girls got together and we had a night out at Clarke Quay to celebrate my Birthday belated! We hit dinner at Hong Kong Cafe and then had a vanilla cream cake with strawberries sponsored by Azzucar - danced but the crowd and evening there that night pretty much bombed - it was so surprisingly empty for a Saturday night! So everyone adjourned to Pump Room across the fountain to relish in some Bon Jovi for the rest of the night... cosy group of friends - Judy, Angie, EY, Preetha and Julius, Liz with her girlfriend from KL and Woo Yen.... thank you for the evening together and joining me.. :) I had a wonderful time with all of you.. :)

And Santhia from my Saturday morning Aqua class gave me a pressie too! So sweet lah!! A extremely gorgeous primer & eyeshadow set from Sephora.. like totally totally totally gorgeous colours!! Its going to be my new favourite palette for the next couple of months!

But before that.. the weekend right after my birthday. My dad and sister suggested we hit Sentosa for a Sunday together and we did! It was partially to celebrate my birthday and for some grandpa-girls bonding time and it was such a fun day!

We drove and parked at Vivocity where we boarded the bus that brought us to the Resorts World on Sentosa. He wanted to purchase the Universal Studios tickets but they were sold out that day but nevertheless it was fun doing other stuff! We'll go back another day to check it out...

If you haven't already gone to RWS, you really should even just to walk about! There are shops and restaurants and it really feels like you're in totally different country.

It was such a hot day and Eirian didn't want to take picture with the spinning Universal Globe so Lauren took it by her self. But everyone cheered up soon after when we hit the shops.. theres a Hersheys shop amongst the many retail shops there and it was literally Chocolate Galore and Reeses Heaven.. if you like peanut butter then you would like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.. and there was a giant Reese character greeting people at the door.. I love Reeses!!

And at the Hershey shop, there were shelves and shelves of their "World's Largest Hershey's Bar" available. But seriously, thats alot of chocoate.. and its real too! Perhaps it would be good for a fondue for a really large group of people?

We were drawn by the smell of popcorn next door - Garrett Popcorn... and seriously.. this is majorly GOOD popcorn.. we HAD to buy some.. and left with a bag of cheese popcorn and almond crunch popcorn.. shiok can!! I'll go back just to buy more nutty popcorn! They're huge!!

And I love how baby-ish Eirian still looks as she looks longingly into the popcorn window (fortunately or unfortunately her little button nose with no bridge comes from me) at the mountains of fresh cheese popcorn.. "I want... I want..."

We explored the place and my sister, Alex brought her camera & took a reflection of us girls when we went past a shop window...

Wondering where to go and how to get there on the Island... we wanted to get from the entrance area to the Underwater World!

And we finally reached there...my dad que-ed for tickets while we had hotdogs and I had a field day prodding the fishes and rays in the "petting pool"... heh heh heh... the thing about that place though.. it hasn't changed at all since I last went there and its been a couple of years already! Blah... the good thing this time, Lauren actually watched the fish swim by (albeit squatting on the travellator and covering her eyes occassionally) compared to the last time we were there and she completely covered her eyes and buried her head into my belly the whole time we were going through the aqua tunnels.. what a waste of money then!

We then headed down to the Dolphin lagoon where we took some time to watch the Seal show... and yeah, the weather was killing hot...

And Daddy dearest wasn't too pleased when the usher insisted he had to shut his umbrella... well actually it was my umbrella but it was hooot lah!! We didn't stay for the Dolpins and decided to head down to the beach instead!

The girls had their swimming costumes and were EXTREMELY pleased that they would have gotten a chance to hit the beach.. they literally ran off screaming in happiness despite the heat after my dad announced we'd have some time for some sand play...

The seals were cute though! Kinda like what you would see at the Zoo...

And a very happy Lauren... yay!! We're going to the beach!!

And in a flash the girls stripped and ran down to the waterside...

Frolicked in the water and played in the sand.. I literally had to insist they give me a picture before they continued... smile Lauren!! *snap snap*

And say Big Cheesy Eirian! *snap snap*

and the Grandpapa watching them like a hawk under the coconut tree...

We literally spent the whole afternoon at Sentosa there from noon and when we left to get back to RWS, the sun was setting already.. and there was still so much to do and see! We'll definitely be back to Sentosa.. theres more there than I remember!

and Daddy dearest had a surprise too! He bought front block tickets ($131 tickets) to Voyage De La Vie! that night for all of us! Gah... I supposed he's relieved that such outings happen only once in a while as it really REALLY burnt a hell of a big hole bringing all 4 girls out for the day.. but it was so worth it...

They didn't allow pictures to be taken inside the theatre but it was SPECTACULAR... my girls watched stage shows before but they were always kiddy kinds like Barney and Hi-5 but nothing like this and I could see they REALLY enjoyed themselves... I did too! Now that they're pre-teens, they can understand and appreciate more "complicated" shows so I'm going to plan for more!

I would really watch it again! It was literally an edge of the seat, adrenaline pumping and amazing show.. I've never seen anything like it before and it was such a rush! If you have not yet watched it, PLEASE DO.... completely worth it no matter what seat you're in because they literally move all around the theatre throughout the show.

Sometimes you just don't know where to look.. on stage or the middle platform where they are flipping about or swinging from the ceiling.. incredible! Pyrotechnics, visual effects, acrobatics, music, comedy and magic.. all a superb combination... Kudos to the show and the cast.. it was truely memorable.. and the girls were so pleased with their Grandpapa for bringing them there, they spoke about it days and days even after watching it that day.. Thank you D!

After the show, we took some pictures by the posters before we left.. Lauren and Eirian with their Grandpapa Ah Gong...

Group shot with me and my sister Alex.. and yes.. to answer some questions if you find her familiar.. that is Alexandra. Yes, the hot spinning instructor from California Fitness gyms.. and yes... she's my sister.. and no, you can't have her number.. :)

And my dad found yet another poster so we took another shot there... Phew!! It was such a good show.. and at the end of that day, we were all exhilirated and exhausted... but it was all worth it. Happy Birthday Me!! :)

Its Azzucar's 2nd Anniversary!

Azzucar celebrated their 2nd anniversary on Saturday, 27th March 2010! Its been 2 years already! Did you know that there was a latin dance club on the 2nd floor next to the Clarke Quay central fountain above the Tent restaurant, in front of Mulligans?

Well anyway, it was a successful night with a cosy group of partners, suppliers, sponsors, friends and guests of the club that was filled with their resident band, Cubania's live music, amazing close up magic by Solomon *check him out!*, bartender flaring, cake cutting, lucky draw with 7 great prizes including 2 main prizes of a $600 Body Contours Gold Spa Voucher! *lucky winners!*, a buffet spread and a casino table with baccarat & black jack sponsored by Jack Daniels!

And what was having a latin dance club when you don't go there to shake some bonbons to the reggaeton and salsa beats! Completely my type of music! Dance away!

Zuri *above* came. She is one of my fellow Zumba instructor mates and she brought her husband and friends too! And their cosy little group won 2 prizes!! What a lucky night!

I emceed for the evening, spread a little joy and hope that my guests who spent the time to attend enjoyed themselves and return again soon. :) Too bad I didn't get to take pictures so many of the amazing new people I met that night but I hope everyone stays in touch!! You have my namecard! Here are pictures of my guests that I DID take pictures with... :) Like Gurmit!

Fuyoh! I was honoured that Gurmit took some time off his crazy schedule to spend the evening and join me at the Anniversary celebrations... Thank you! Hahhaa! We look waaaaaaay too cheerful here dude! This guy is hilarious... both in person and on screen...

And some friends joined the celebrations in support, night owls - Jonathen came with friends to spread some cheer... thanks for coming out "in the daylight" to join in!

Group picture with Charlie, Lisa *Azzucar's new Marketing Manager*, Gurmit and Andy.. thanks for coming guys! And whoa! These guys keep on winning at the baccarat & blackjack table! Good practice for IR - looks like its time to check it out! *ruffles coin pouch*

And finally, Ze 2nd Level Team Azzucar! Hahhaa! Me (external partner PR, Design & Special Events), Ricky - Mister General Manager and the ONE to go to for anything needed at the club and Lisa, Marketing Manager extraodinaire...

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY AZZUCAR!

May you have many more Anniversaries to celebrate!

The Pink Party at Azzucar!

Hey Everyone! I would like to share this with you and I hope you help spread the word to ANYONE who you feel may be interested to attend this really fun party!

Azzucar! Club & Bar, located in the heart of Clarke Quay (located next to the fountain, 2nd floor in front of Mulligans) proudly delivers an electrifying mix of the newest Latin funk, pop, salsa, merengue and reggaeton beats belted out by Singapore’s Only All Cuban Band, Cubania.

Seven exotic, sexy entertainers perform 6 nights a week with profound passion that brings forth Cuba’s cultural heritage and music scene, hand picked by experienced performer and club owner, Miguel Morales.

The Pink Party is a themed party by color but also by representation of this social segment of society that is otherwise represented by the color Pink.

This night is also dedicated in support to Pinkdot.sg where drink bottles auction (Lychee Gancia Champagne x2 bottles (auction starts at $100 per bottle) + 42Below Kiwi Vodka (auction starts at $200) will be held on this night where 100% of the proceeds of this auction will be given to Pinkdot.sg for their cause and activities.

Exclusive One Night Only Special Pink drink called “The Pink Ninja” has been created that comes with a handmade soft felt stuffed 3 inch tall Pink Ninja Brooch which allows party goers wearing this brooch to purchase subsequent party drinks/shooters at special prices for the night. This brooch can be taken back as exclusive memorabilia from the party.

The event which runs from 8pm to 12 midnight till late will have engaging interactive games held in between every 45 minute band play sets that boasts of exciting prizes such as bottles of 42below Vodka bottle and an exclusive to Azzucar! - Lychee Gancia Champagne bottle amongst other sponsor prizes up to $340!

From 830pm - 930pm, participate in a Latin dance workshop with a professional latin dance instructor, Albert Chung from S&A Danz X'pressio simple hot sexy moves that would sizzle the dance floor!

Two contests which will run for the night that will be drawn past midnight would be “The Most Pink Person” Contest which will be selected for the person who was dressed the Most Pink attire for the night.

“Come dressed in your Most Pink outfit; be as outrageously pink as you can be! Make a statement!”

The other contest would be for the “Azzucar Pink Party King & Queen” Coronation that would include a crown & a special prize for the winners.

“It would be such an exciting evening that the club for all attending that would be infused with engaging Latin music, fun interactive games, great prizes and crowd to dance a Saturday night away with a different experience that would befit a special night such as this….and for a good reason too! Support Pinkdot.sg!”

Door Cover at the door for the Party would be $25 (includes 1 Pink Ninja drink + Handmade Brooch).

So Clear your Calendar people! Its Party time next Saturday! Gather your buddies & friends, RSVP please and I'll see you there!!

RSVP over at Facebook HERE

Photography by C. En Yung Part 2

Armed with a new Nikon D90 camera, we set of to Clarke Quay to take some random photogaphs before a Salsa workshop at Azzucar. The last set of photos by C. En Yung can be found HERE.

Time taken for these set of shots were from around 6-730pm. Location at Clarke Quay, Singapore. Weather - Cloudy early evening with an eventual Clear Night sky.

The shot above taken at a doorway to a lonely alley near the central fountain at Clarke Quay.

Taken by the Bridge connecting Central and Clarke Quay.

Walking about Clarke Quay's shophouses.

And finally, me waiting for my dinner before the Salsa workshop begins. I thought this set of photos turned out pretty alright.. I looked somewhat fatigued but it was probably due to me not feeling too good lately and been sick the days prior to this. Still actually not feeling too chirpy as yet.

Dress & handbag compliments of my dear Mother in Law..yes! Its her dress. The one I wore before I left the house was too loose and she couldn't bear seeing me leave the house with a lousy fitting pink dress so she gave me this black one instead! It fit well apparently and I loved it! :)

I used makeup from SilkMineral.com. Accessories & Heels are my own. :) Thanks for looking!

If anyone is interested to contact C. En Yung, you can look for him at his facebook page HERE.