Old School Joint

It was time to depart Singapore yet again to go back to classes.
It's a real drag that I can't spend that extra time with Grandma & Pa but what can I say, university still has to come first.

I said my goodbyes and got one final shot with the old folks:


I departed Singapore on a 1.15am Singapore Airlines flight and was pleasantly surprised to meet an old college mate on board, and as a flight attendant no less! I'm sure some of you might remember Jasmine. She was too busy to take a quick snapshot with me and I assume by the time she found the time, I was already fast asleep! Unfortunately for me, my nap lasted a mere 45 minutes before breakfast was served at the crack of dawn:

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

Jas and I were meant to catch up tonight but so far, she hasn't called. So I've made plans of my own and will possibly be meeting with Russell to catch up over coffee.
Let's see how it goes if she does decide to call.

Endless Love

Grandma & Grandpa celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary tonight with family and close friends.
Grandma was embarrassed earlier in the day at church when they made them walk down the aisle to the Wedding March but I'm sure she secretly enjoyed it!
Also, for reasons unknown, my cousins (on my Dad's side) have disappeared from the face of the earth and have not contacted us recently. They have changed their phone numbers and failed to inform both my family and my grandparents.
Therefore, they could not attend this lovely, intimate evening and truly missed out on the opportunity to spend quality time with family.
Oh, the family dramas...

From left to right (starting at the bald head); Grandpa, 2 of Grandma's old friends, Grandma, Grandma's old army buddy, Dad, Mum, and Ana:

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

Bug-a-boo

Found this literally being built on our clothes line.
Pretty icky but interesting as well:

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

She's In Fashion

Tonight was the Mercedes Benz Asia Fashion Awards Singapore 2006! Unfortunately, Grace didn't win top honours, but I'm still damned proud of her.

This was the display outfit the guests got to see as a preview to the collections on the runway. Somehow, the picture of the display outfit with accessories has evaded me:


And how neat was it that they simply plonked this SLK 200 right next to the garments?

Also, because I arrived early in the day, one of the staff took the chance to practice his selling technique by getting into the car with me and telling me everything he knew about it. Was pretty fun, and I wish I could've taken a spin in it too!

After about four hours of rehearsals, final fittings and adjustments, and gossip, we went home to doll ourselves up for the show. We returned at about 6pm and were greeted by the biggest bunch of fashion greenies I've ever seen at a fashion show. These weren't the usual fashion-savvy, knob-head bunch I was used to. Instead, these were mostly made up of friends and family of the designers and Mercedes Benz staff. Truly the most refreshing crowd I've encountered at a fashion event!

Jamie Ong hosting the show:


Grace standing proudly backstage with her entire collection:

After this photo, I scurried out to the front to watch her models walk down the runway. They did well and the audience seemed to be genuinely interested in Grace's unique sense of style.

Even though my dear girl didn't win, we agreed that the prize went to a well-deserved chap. Here she is one last time:

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

We're all proud of you!

Got Some Teeth

Grace and Delia introduced me to this Japanese hot-plate fast food place in Takashimaya the last time the three of us met up, and I was keen to let Ana have a try at it.
After mercilessly dragging Ana around the whole day with me shopping, I decided to bring her to the restaurant and introduce her to this simple treat.
You simply order from the menu of about 20 different dishes and soon, it arrives on your table sizzling and smoking with a strong aroma or melted butter.

This is the Pepper Beef Rice we both ordered:


Ana mixing it all up and letting the hot plate do its magic:


Happily grinning at the yummy meal:

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

She seemed to like it and it'll probably be another one of the Japanese fast food places I'll eagerly return to!

Here Comes the Rain Again

Heavy rains today...
Looks like Grandma and Grandpa will be arriving in the afternoon to this type of weather!

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

That's Alright, Mama

I helped Grace out today with her preparations for the upcoming Mercedes Benz Asia Fashion Award competition. It was time for the fitting and this was our chance to see how the outfits would look like on the models, together with the necklaces we had been working on last week.

Grace and I waiting for our turn with the models:


Grace doing some adjustments to her outfits:

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

So far, it's looking pretty good, so *cross our fingers* we hope everything is perfect by next week!

Another Day in Paradise

It was Mum & Dad's 26th wedding anniversary today and unsurprisingly, neither one of them planned anything for it. Of course, Ana and I took the liberty to book us all a nice dinner at the Brazil Chiarrascuria down at Sixth Avenue so that they could at least have a proper celebration!

Mum & Dad:


At this restaurant, you pay a standard dinner fee which gives you access to a salad bar and unlimited supplies of MEAT. Once you're happy with your fill of veges, the waiters simply come by to carve huge chunks of chargrilled meats onto your plate. Beautiful!

Mum watches as they slice hunks of lamb onto her plate:


Dad and the pure gluttony in his eyes:


They also make a mean caipirinha with Brazilian rum;


Fabulous coconut creme brulee;


And really smooth mango pudding:

Selected photos  Christiana Westlake
Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

Split Screen Sadness

Met up with Grace and Delia yesterday for lunch.

Always good to see the two girls:

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

I spent the rest of the day shopping with Grace once Delia went off to see her baker about her wedding cake.
Grace went on a spree and after that, we headed back to her place to decide on accessories styling for her entries into the Mercedes Benz Asia Fashion Awards competition.
I wish her all the best of luck and can't wait to see the show on the 22nd before I leave.
Watch this space.

Disco Club

Yesterday was Marc's birthday.
Mission: to get him drunk.

Caroline, my best friend and Marc's fiance, planned a surprise party for Marc in a huge chalet in Changi Village, a quiet rural area known for its tranvestite and transsexual prostitutes...

Caroline, waiting for Marc to arrive:


The dimmed lights and catered food:


Marc arrives to find about 30 of his friends and family waiting to congratulate him:


Even though it was Marc's day, Caroline needed her friends Joy and Sujin around as well:


One of his uncles digging for beer:


His birthday cake, courtesy of his brother. It was huge!


Marc and family; left to right, Dad, Andrew, Marc, Caroline & Mum:


Marc finally blows out the candles!


Finally, a photo of the night's photographer with the birthday boy!


His brother Andrew and me:


Of course, once the formalities were over, everyone knew it was time to party!
While we can't expect the older partygoers to hit the dancefloor or the drinking game tables,
they certainly knew how to entertain themselves:


Of course, us younger folk knew it was time to play our drinking games...


And ultimately, get Marc drunk (and check out his very red friend):

Photos hosted by: www.flickr.com

By this time, the beer had gotten to me and I let it all out in the bins.
I hit the sack a while after, and woke up this morning to find Marc with a massive hangover!
Mission accomplished!

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY, MARC!