Martial - Angel . 武

Lifestyle - All Fresh in Genting Highland 03 June 2011

2011-06-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

This roller coaster scene may be an alien ground to some travellers but it is an iconic sight to the kids and families from the causeway of Singapore, eager to flog into this paradise during each school's vacation. Of course the locals are included! I'm talking about the integrated Resort World Genting in Malaysia, a highland surrounded by tropical rainforest with breathtaking views and lots and lots of fresh air! This is one main reason why I agreed with my daughter's plead for the second trip. The Theme Park is only about an hour trip away from downtown Kuala Lumpur by car and between 5 -6 hours journey from Singapore by coach.

About this Girl......

Looking forward to Holiday Trip during the school's vacation is always an excitement waiting to burst for my daughter, being the youngest in the family. You get infectious by her excitement easily even weeks before the actual day to rendezvous. At only 11, she's able to scrutinize the overwhelming tour sites for optimum budget, checking up on the heavy flight details and hotel accommodation from the Internet. She even took the initiative to test book a flight, fed in the necessary personal information and took care on any airport tax and luggage's charges into considerations. At age 11 during my free time, I'm quite content with just catching spiders with my buddy. Welcome to the world of technology! My only worry was to convince her that keying in my credit card information was my call of duty.

She picked up the trade from her mother while she's busy browsing up for tour information. I did not realise that my little darling was a fast hand until this coming holiday period. How fortunate, now I can have two personal secretary to do the tedious cyberspace booking in future!

Like me, my elder son was smart enough to evade from any tedious task of coughing up details. We would rather stay glued on the couch, preferred to watch over our favourite TV programme and munch away any bits of leftover potato chips.

Adam will be Adam, and Eve will be Eve.

Into Highway Malaysia........Here we go!

This picture of me was taken after crossing the Malaysia custom during the wee hour. The weather was good and we totally enjoyed the 28-seats coach. Each seat was fitted with a TV console for entertainment and to kill time. The digitally-controlled inclined seat gave us enough stretch to relax our tense muscle from work.

I enjoyed the panoramic sight of the mountain range each time I entered Malaysia. For me, the time is opportune to admire at the handicraft of our Mother Nature. For city dweller like me, there is hardly an opportunity of landscape to capture such picturesque shot in our tiny island-like country. (Click on the right picture- No swearing please!)

Halfway Along Genting Highland ...........

For a fast, economical and convenient way to travel up to Resort World Genting, travellers can use the Genting Express Bus Service available daily from Puduraya Bus Terminal, Pasarakyat, KL Sentral Station, One Utama and Hentian Kajang Terminal in Kuala Lumpur. The one-way adult-ticket is charged at RM9.60 and RM8.50 for a child. Daily departure starts from 7.30am on a half hourly schedule. You may also choose to take a relaxing and scenic ride up to Genting in their Skyway cable cars. The Genting Skyway provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills at a moderate speed that will fine tune your emotion before reaching the destination in no time.

.A normal one-way Skyway ticket is priced at RM5.00 per person and RM10.00 for a two-way (Return) trip. Tickets are only available on the day of purchase. There are some motels available for exploration halfway up the mountain but this is convenient only for those who owned a car and intent to head up anytime to the Resort World at the peak. The scenic journey along the way did not stop here. If you are lucky enough, you may also catch a quick play of some monkeys fooling their businesses along the roadside.

Destination......REACHED!

Stall's Name: Vegie House, Stall 8A

Location: At Level 2B, Kopitiam Food Court

First World Hotel, Genting Highland

Te;/Fax : 03-64363606

Email: ericang8888@hotmail.com

Go Green and Veggie !

Great news to all green and veggie buddy if you're new to this resort and wonder where to fill your stomach. Save your strength from searching. I've specially highlighted this stall to save you the trouble of hunting down this rare sight. I love the variety of food here. To my knowledge, it's the one and only vegetarian stall on the whole of Resort World vicinity located inside First World Hotel. A plate of any food here can cost for an average of RM8.00 and above, so estimate your family's budget well in advance. There is also another Chin Swee Vegetarian Restaurant 清水素食馆 open daily from 8.30am - 8.30pm located downhill at the Chin Swee Caves Temple if you don't mind the travelling. (Tel/Fax: 03-6101 1613)

Coffee Anyone?

One of my favourite English word in the top list is COFFEE. I'm not totally a coffee addict but comes quite close to it. The next morning on the second day, while trying to explore the Resort World Hotel, I stumbled upon this familiar coffee outlet known as the Old Town Coffee. The outlet here is well renovated, classy and has a cosy ambiance. Their specialty is the Asia's style traditional toasted bread with the butter or kaya spread. I'm more interested with the varieties of mixed coffee and I'm glad that I've made the right choice! The aroma instantly sent me to seven heaven after taking the first sip. For the rest of the day, it was all energy and excitement throughout. It's not the best coffee in the world, but I'll certainly ordered bulk quantity when I returned to Singapore. Funny, how I missed all that back home.

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

2011-04-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games 14 - 26 August 2010

On 6 July 2007, the International Olympic Committee approved the creation of a youth version of the Olympic Games. As an International multi-spot event that celebrates the Olympic values of Excellent, Friendship and Respect, the Youth Olympic Games is a dream come true for many athlete hopefuls who wish to make a mark in the world of sport.

It started as a vision - a vision shared by a small group of people that Singapore could push past its size to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games. The vision became a commitment when, on 21 February 2008, the International Olympic Committee elected Singapore, Host City of the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games. It is a major milestone not only for the Olympic Movement and Singapore sports scene but also for young athletes from around the world.

1. Journey Of the Youth Olympic Flame

The Pioneer Torchbearers of the First Youth Olympic Game

The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame begins in Greece on 23 July when the Youth Olympic Flame will be lit for the very first time. The Flame then embarks on its worldwide journey, through one city in each continent namely Berlin (Europe), Dakar (Africa), Mexico City (Americas), Auckland (Oceania) and Seoul (Asia). As the Flame moves along each continent, it carries and spreads the values of Excellent, Friendship and Respect to youths around the world. The Youth Olympic Flame touches down in Singapore on 6 August 2010 and continues around the island of Singapore from 7 to 14 August. The Flame will travel to all five districts of Singapore, covering 330 kilometers in total as it is brought to all singaporeans and residents.

Relay Segment : Lamp post 6 along Holland Grove road

Day of Relay: 11 August 2010 ( Day 4)

Estimated start time : 10 AM

The Olympic Flame is the most sacred symbol of the Olympic Games. As a Singapore JYOF torchbearer, I am an ambassador of the Olympic values of Excellent, Friendship and Respect. It is a privilege and honour to me looking forward to this day of a personal and unforgettable moment in history.

It was an exciting day on 11 Aug. My team of torchbearers from the same relay segment reported early to the reporting centre at Hwa Chong Junior College. After boarding a coach and escorted by traffic police leading the way, the excitement began as we exit through the main entrance. Score of supporters and spectators have been waiting along the entire stretch of road for our appearance. As soon as they spotted our presence , they began to cheer and applause frantically just as they worship their idol , clicking away with their cameras and taking every opportunity to video the moment of excitement. We felt like a superstar performing on stage, the kind of mixed feelings that cannot be describe by word of mouth. As I took over the torch at Holland Grove road, the crowd of residents, students and teachers from Henry Park Primary School screamed and cheered in ecstasy. It was awesome ! That was the moment I felt that all Singaporean were united as one together for a common goal. I would also like to thank my family for giving me the support on this memorable day.

This is the two cute Olympic Mascots. The one on the picture's left is Lyo (red) and Merly (blue) on the right side. This picture was taken at a mass celebration during the end of day 4 relay at the Republic Polytechnic.

2. The Opening Ceremony 14 August 2010 (sat)

Venue : The Float at Marina Bay

The World's Largest man-made Floating Platform

Picture Gallery

3. Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Theme Song

Everyone

Full Music Video

Music and Lyrics: Ken Lim (Singapore local artist)

Performers: Jody Williams (Africa)

Sean Kingston (Americas)

Tabitha Nauser (Asia)

Steve Appleton (Europe)

Jessica Mauboy (Oceania)

Theme Song With Lyrics

Lifestyle - A Paradise In Little Guilin

2011-04-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

Venue : 'Little Guilin' or 'Xiao Guilin' 小桂林 In Bukit Batok Town, Singapore. 23 April 2011

Bukit Batok Town Park in Singapore is also known as the 'Little Guilin' or 'Xiao Guilin' after the scenic spot of Guilin In China.
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Footpath along the entire stretch of the Park (Picture 1)

Located in the western part of Singapore at Bukit Batok East Avenue 5, it is only a 5 minutes walk from the Bukit Gombak MRT Station.Originally constructed from a disused granite quarry, the nice rock formation as a backdrop of the pond has been converted into a park, well landscape and provided with footpath (Picture 1). Since then, it has become a heavenly spot for family's picnic, gathering, leisure walk and exercise especially during the weekend. The surrounding natural habitats and the pond also acted as a barrier and has been a sanctuary for the birds and eagles too, separated from human contact. If you are lucky, you may have a close encounter and catch a glimpse of the majestic eagle hovering above the quarry's peak. The natural beauty of this landscape is also a favourite photographic spot for the amateur photographers and many people like me without any photographic background would also be tempted to take a few shots.

Favourite gathering/photographic spot (Picture 2)

It was a late Saturday's afternoon following the

Good Friday. I took the weekend opportunity to bring my kids to get them close to nature, away from the bustling city. At the same time, it was also an opportunity to test out my photographic skills armed with my new camera and tripod.

Our mood changed quickly the moment we stepped into this scenic spot (Picture 2). You can immediately sense a relaxing ambiance. There was already a family of parents and kids getting excited to net more fishes from the pond and there's also a male photographer believed to be an amateur, judging from the size of his huge telescopic len that he had. He looked tired and could have been staying at the same spot for quite some time, looking to capture some shots but we're not sure about his intention. He just kept staring at the quarry in front of him but was not doing any shots.

My son gave me a cheeky smile and laugh out loud when I started to set up my tiny tripod and that new miniature camera. Getting his message, I knew this was quite humiliating. Without waiting for his sarcasms, I interrupted and speak firmly to him :" I don't care! I just got to get my equipment up and position it right beside him! (Referring to the amateur). On hearing my remarks, he dragged his laughter to a new heights! Ten minutes later, the man have decided to pack up. Being curious, I asked : "May I know why are you not taking any shots?". Looking disappointed, he replied : "I'm waiting for the eagle to appear." That answered to both our curiosity. I felt sorry for him to have left in this state with all the waiting but his patience win my respect for him. The price of getting a precious photograph cannot be measured in term of money.

This young chap is not in a real meditative mood. He's just trying to strike a pose during that few seconds waiting for me to take the shot. Click at this picture and you'll be able to spot his side view smile. The effect turned out to be quite good and I like the look of it ! All the elements of calmness, peacefulness, tranquility and quietness were reflected in this photo shot.

Picture Gallery

My Family's Unique Experience at The Singapore Garden Festival 2010

2011-03-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

15 -22 July 2010

A Cup of Zen Tea

I love plants and florals! We knew that men have been closely related with mother nature for centuries and rightfully we should have a natural passion and love for greenery and gardening. Sadly, this is not totally true for my bunch of city dwellers at home whose main interest is to engage in electronic gadgets and I'm convinced that the only person who can keep our mini garden alive is none other than myself. I finally got a chance to encourage them to attend the Biennial Singapore Garden Festival 2010 held between 15 -22 July at Suntec Singapore. They were totally mesmerised by the garden and floral creations with a wide array of displays and activities.

Actually, Nature is just around for us to appreciate and enjoy. You will have to slow down your pace and take a good look at it! Here are some photos taken from the festival. Enjoy!

Picture Gallery

Made In China

Made From Garden Stuff

My Tai Chi Video On Youtube

2010-04-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

I love Tai Chi! I usually did it in my spare time at least twice a week to help keep fit. I'm 42 right now and during this past three years, I've seen tremendous changes in my physical fitness after taking up this sport. Now, I felt like I'm back to my Elvis day. Through this video of mine, I just like to share this beautiful and graceful movement of martial art form, but don't take my performance to judge as I'm still a novice compared to the expert and I'm no taiji master! Enjoy!

YouTube - 太极18式 Tai Chi 18 Forms (Singapore Keep-Fit Tai Chi)

Singapore Keep-Fit Tai Chi Programme

2010-04-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Singapore has a short history of over 30 years of Tai Chi culture, but it is only during this recent decades that the numbers of Tai Chi practitioners escalated tremendously. Thanks to the relentlessly effort of our government in promoting such beautiful and health enhancing martial art. No doubt, I have benefited from it in many ways.

In 2007, our government has initiated the Singapore Keep-Fit Tai Chi programme, specially designed to suit the lifestyle of our people from all works of life. It has a total modified set of 18 forms, originally derived from the Yang style 24 forms, or simply call it the Tai Chi 18 Forms (太极18式).

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Shortly after, in 2010, the Singapore National Wushu Federation followed up with another fitness campaign for the local community with regards to their age limits or fitness level. This combined fitness for health Tai Chi Chuan 综合保健太极拳 is known as Tai Chi For All, and is now being widely practice among the practitioners in the local community centres and Residents' Committee centres as it is easy to learn which involved less physical stress. This 13 forms combined the five different styles derived from the Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and Wuu families.

                                                   Benefits of the Keep-Fit exercise
                                                      1. Improved blood circulation
                                                    2. Strengthen body immune system

                                                   3. Prevention against chronic illness:
                                                      . High blood pressure    高血压
                                                         . Heart disease            心臟病
                                                          . Arthritis                       关节
                                                          . Diabetes                     糖尿病
                                                          . Osteoporosis               骨质疏松症

As for the veteran Tai Chi practitioners who wished to go one step further to increase your mental strength and alertness, you must have known by now that proper breathing techniques are essentials during practise. Here, I would recommend that you browse through Tai Chi Breathing : Your Health Booster with some of the testimonials which I find it very useful. Click Here!

Blogger: Browse Profiles

2009-05-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Blogger: Browse Profiles

Dexter's Music, Video, Photos, Playlists, Polls and Battles on IMEEM

2009-05-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Dexter's Music, Video, Photos, Playlists, Polls and Battles on IMEEM