Phew! So many things have happen these past few weeks.

Came back from a wonderful honeymoon at Bali.

The pictures at available at my Yahoo Photos, just click on the Honeymoon folder.



We stayed at Bali Hilton, a very beautiful resort at Nusa Dua.



The hotel has got an absolutely breathtaking private beach where water is crystal clear. You can even catch glimpse of marine life at low tide. We saw a family of star fishes, which scared Eliss a bit.

Things are not really cheap, obviously. I really liked the Nasi Padang, the curry is the killer.

Kuta is like Australia, only more humid. How's it going, mate?



Our wedding pictures are available at the above link.

This must be the most exciting day of my life. Yes, I've taken pictures for wedding couple, its totally different that you are now the subject of another photographer.

Woke up really early that day, and a warm shower was the best thing I could do to sink in the idea that I'm going to pick up my fiancee in about an hour and a half.

The brothers came and we are all set to Sembawang for the tekan session by Eliss's sisters.

After going pass the obstacles of singing from another block, wasabi sandwich, butt writing and love song singing... I finally managed to lift Eliss veil and kissed her on the cheek.

We then proceed with the traditional tea ceremony at her place and mine. Get to earn some ang pao money along the way too.

Off to Conrad for the holy matrimony!

Last minute prep, making sure of the table allocation, asking the guests to go in...etc. Madness on the floor!

The commencement of the ceremony. "It's a Beautiful Day!" from U2 was played on the stereo for the march in. The door swung open and my fiancee was in the hands of her father. They walked in symphony with the music as I walked forward to take Eliss from her.

I had problem reciting the wedding vows as I was too excited. Thank God Pst Derek prompt me along.

After the solemnisation, holy communion and lighting of the unity candle... We are finally pronounced husband and wife.

I lifted her veil and planted a loving kiss to my...Wife.

A beginning of a love story that will last a lifetime.

Wow! It's been 3 months since I last updated this blog. Apologise to the readers who have been waiting for new postings.

Had been busy preparing for my marriage. Yes, marriage! In about 6 weeks time.



The BIG DAY will be on the 23rd of July 2005, at Conrad Centennial Singapore. The holy matrimony will begin at 1.30pm at the Ballroom on the 2nd floor. This will follow by a reception of delicious food, specially chosen by us.

FAQ

How's the wedding prepartion?

Well, it's good. What can I say? The invite cards are almost ready, finished about half. Her gown and my suits have been altered, should fit like a glove now. House is 1/3 done, I reckon. The toilets tiles are all laid, waiting for the sanitary fittings to go up. I can't wait for all to be ready, so exciting! Should be able to move in 3 weeks from now.

How to get to Conrad?



The easiest way is to alight at City Hall MRT and walk towards Suntec City. The hotel is just opposite the convention centre. Click to view the brochure if you need more info.

Where are you going for honeymoon?

We'll be flying via SQ to Bali. Always wanted to go there, so why wait any longer? Look frward to the spa, the shopping of surf stuffs, eating at local streets. Cool!

Where will you all be staying?

At Serangoon Central. For more details, just scroll downwards.

Happy 27th birthday to me, in advance!

I've been celebrating with family and Eliss for the past few years. Want to do something different this year, to also celebrate my last year as being a bachelor of sort. I'm looking forward to my new life as someone's husband.

Where is good to eat? Any recommendation? Send me an sms.

As you grow older, the toys just get more expensive. The boy doesn't really grow up!

Wish list



The size of a pack of gum, iPod shuffle weighs less than a car key and it makes a tuneful fashion statement. Just plug iPod shuffle directly into a USB 1.1 or 2.0 port, or use an optional Dock. You can even transfer non-music files to open on another computer. iPod shuffle automatically charges while syncing.




Whether it’s a gently bowed cello or a screaming electric guitar musically sophisticated ears like yours demand full, accurate sound. Featuring a polished, piano-quality black finish, the MX5021 delivers big time in a powered audio system that not only sounds great – but looks terrific in your home or office. Add in THX certification for cinema-quality sound, and you’ve got an excellent alternative to a high-end home audio system.



While inheriting the basic functions and design philosophy of the current PlayStation 2 (SCPH-50000), the internal design architecture of the new redesigned PlayStation2 computer entertainment system (SCPH-70000 CB) model has been completely overhauled, resulting in a slimmer and more lightweight form. Internal volume has been reduced by 75 percent, overall weight has been halved, and thickness trimmed down to 2.8 cm (thickness of current model is 7.8cm). Its size is almost as small as a hardcover book, making it easier to carry around.

Equipped with an integrated Ethernet port for network gaming, the new PlayStation 2 sets new standards in the fusion of design and functionality.



And you can shuffle your way through 5000 songs now that iPod lets you play your music for up to 12 hours on a single battery charge.Plug it into your computer or a handy wall socket (via the included power adapter) and you can fast-charge iPod in as little as 2 hours.



iPod can play music through your car radio, or even on the Bose Lifestyle system with the iTrip FM Transmitter, which connects to the iPod minijack and draws a tiny bit of power from the iPod.



The Lifestyle 18 Series II DVD system adds thrilling sound to your movies and music with the combination of performance, elegance and simplicity you expect from Bose. It customizes sound to your room with the innovative ADAPTiQ audio calibration system. The stylish media center features a progressive scan DVD/CD player and AM/FM tuner. Virtually Invisible cube speaker arrays fill your room with spacious surround sound. And now, all Lifestyle DVD systems feature Bose link home networking technology to connect compatible Bose products for a whole-home entertainment solution.



The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G is crafted from Super ED glass, and achieves exceptional expressive power through the f/2.0 capability, which effectively allows subjects to be given more emphasis by throwing background elements out of focus. With the additional benefit of VR (Vibration Reduction) - an innovation that makes it possible to take quality handheld shots indoors and in dark locations with a reduction in blur equivalent to when shooting at a setting three stops faster.

So anyone felt led to bless the birthday boy? You know his mobile number, it is on 24/7.

Hollywood mogul Mel Gibson will release a new, low-violence version of his 2004 surprise mega-hit "The Passion of Christ" this month.

The star, dubbed Hollywood's most powerful figure since the huge success,is trimming five to six minutes of violent scenes ahead of the film's March 11 reappearance on US screens, Daily Variety reported Thursday.

"There has been quite a demand by the religious community to bring (the film) back for Easter," Bruce Davey, Gibson's partner at Icon Productions, told Variety.

"And there has been a lot of discussion about the violence. Mel wanted to try and accommodate those people by making a version that is softer and gentler," he said.

"The Passion Recut," will be beamed onto 500 to 750 screens by distributor Newmarket Films, Variety said, adding that the new versions would not be lumbered with an audience age restriction.

The new less violent version of the film goes easier on the brutal details of the last days of Christ.

"There are no new scenes, and the cuts are limited to the more violent aspects of the film, if that's the right term. The scourging scene in particular has been substantially adjusted."

The film caused huge controversy in the United States, with Jewish leaders accusing the devoutly-Catholic Gibson of anti-Semitism by portraying Jews as responsible for Christ's death, a charge he denied.

But instead of keeping audiences away, the controversy at the bloody religious epic helped draw people into theatres, despite a minimum of traditional publicity.

Go on, experience the real meaning of Good Friday. It has nothing to do with bunnies and eggs. It's about the love of God. Go watch it if you haven't done so last year.

Feb will be gone at the blink of an eye. We are approaching the end of the Q1 of 2005! Times flies when you are having fun.



Bali. This is the initial place that I wanted to propose to Eliss to. But thanks to SAF, I have to cancel it for a 10 days ICT. Well, we can still go back for our honeymoon. We wanted to go to to Israel next June, so we will just go to a nearer country for now.



Wouldn't it be cool to stay here? We can go to Kuta Beach to relax, and shop for Quiksilver. Yeah!


Designed by Richard Allan, 'Call of the Wild'

If you are a Mambo fan, this design must have struck a cord with you in the 90's. This is the first Mambo I earned from my Aussie trip after my O's. I got the blue tee from a surf shop at Gold Coast. It's still with me after all these years, 11 to be exact.

CNY Day 1

Woke up at 9am, wanted to sleep in till a bit later but I can't somehow.

Ate breakfast and ready to wish my parents Happy New Year before we head off to my Grandma's place at Jln Pemimpin.

As usual, all of us have to think of all the "chim" new year greetings before we can get our ang paos. This has been some kind of family tradition.

Took a family shot with my trusty Canon A70, which I almost sold away.


The Chongs

Chatted with an uncle whom I've not spoken to for many years. Why? Perhaps it's his attitude that I dislike, and he is not exactly friendly towards me either.

Today, we chatted quite a but. Especially after I told him I'm with Unilever. I was actually quite surprised that he's heard of my company because he is a civil engineer. Then I realise that he is now with MOE doing project management i.e. new school buildings. Unilever did an art competition for all the local school sometime last year. The winner will get to have their painting exhibited at the Tate, London.

We went to another relative's place before heading to my Ah Ma's place. I learnt a bit of my past today. I didn't know that I hated English so much in kindergarten that I refused to learn. No wonder I sucked so bad in Pri 1 that I was clueless on what my Indian form teacher was trying to say.

Seasons greetings! Want to wish you a Blessed Lunar New Year of the Rooster! Let this year be the best yet!

I went to Chinatown, with the aim to capture the festive atmosphere. Amongst the the hustle and bustle of vendors trying to sell the new year goodies, there was a crippled beggar dressed in traditional costume, blowing on his harmonica. I hid behind a pillar and captured the shot below.


Will the Golden Rooster change my fortune this year?

People just walked by him, carrying all the big bags of new clothes and bak kua. I just thought this man represented another side of Singapore. Have we forgotten about this group of people?



Legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realising the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Dying for love at its extreme.

Thinking of where to bring your special someone for dinner? How about Hotel Rendezvous?


Great for wiping away sweat after...

For every Valentine Set Dinner ordered, you will also take home a pair of lovely pastel coloured towels. Limited set only.

What have Eliss and myself accomplished this month for the upcoming Big Day?



We have found a very lovely 4A flat along Serangoon Central. Just a stone throw away from the Serangoon NEL station and the new CCL (2008). This is our biggest joint purchase, so we must be sure that this is the right one!



According to URA, Serangoon Central will be transformed into a vibrant Sub-Regional Centre (SRC) of the North East Region. When fully developed, the SRC will be about the size of Ngee Ann City.



Switching between the NEL and future CCL will be a breeze for Serangoon residents as the CCL station will be located right next to the NEL station at the Serangoon Sub-Regional Centre. Both stations will also be inter-connected directly underground.



New Kallang/Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE)

The new KPE will enhance connection between Punggol, Sengkang and the rest of the island.

We look forward to move into the new place in July.



So you thought a washing machine is nothing but a... waching machine? Well, here's a lowdown on how to choose one.

An average spin speed is 1100-1200 and is usually more than sufficient

The average load size is fast becoming 6kg

Get a top-loader for very good performance at a lower price

Consider energy usage

Stainless-steel tubs can stand up to higher spin speeds than plastic tubs, improving water extraction and shortening drying time.

Automatic temperature control mixes hot and cold water to achieve a specific temperature, handy if your incoming water is very cold or if your washer is a long way from the water heater.

Automatic dispensers ensure that bleach and detergent are released at the right time in the cycle so they work effectively. An extra rinse option can help if you're sensitive to detergent residue.

A porcelain top will resist scratching better than painted metal.