Paper Towns Book Review

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life–dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge–he follows.

After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues–and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.

_______________________________________

Finished reading Paper Towns, a novel by John Green. Decided to only start reading this novel after watching the faults of the stars, where it got many awesome reviews. To be honest, it was my first time reading his novel and I thought that certain writing style of his reminded me of Giddens Ko. 

Personally, I felt that this novel was moving yet interesting. Also, it injected mysterious element which turns out rather classic on its own. The story flow quite well though some parts may appear slightly draggy. The few characters that were introduced has its own traits and attitude towards school and relational life. The story was then being build up with different priorities and opinions that each individual character possesses. 

I liked how the different hints left behind by Margo's led Q and her friends locate her. It also got me into participating as well. Also, Margo's content of the diary which was mutually linked to Q's. Everything just came in place together as a piece. 

A rather good and interesting read. Am looking forward watching this film soon! Hope it will be screened in Singapore!

Ratings: 3.55/5

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AH BOYS TO MEN 3: FROGMEN (新兵正传III: 蛙人传) Movie Review

Returning to active duty are familiar characters – Ken Chow (Joshua Tan), the spoilt, rich kid, who tries to 'keng' his way out of NS. Aloysius Jin AKA Wayang King (Maxi Lim), whose over-enthusiasm creates more problems for his cabin mates. Lobang (Wang Weiliang), the street-smart wheeler dealer, out to make a quick buck off his cabin mates. Joining them is new face Hei Long AKA The Black Dragon (Wesley Wong), an aggressive gang leader, who prefers to talk with his fists instead of his mouth. Together, these ragtag band of misfits must somehow survive 40 weeks of training in hell. Do they have what it takes to become one of Singapore’s most fearsome military units – the frogmen? 

Watched Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen (新兵正传III: 蛙人传) earlier with Mum. Previously, there are Ah Boys to Men 新兵正传 and Ah Boys to Men 2 新兵正传 II. As compared, I think I prefer this installment slightly more for its compact story-line.

Personally, I enjoyed this film as a whole package. It brings Singapore’s favourite recruits back to the days before enlistment in ABTM. Instead of reporting to Pulau Tekong, the Ah Boys are posted to the Naval Diving Unit (NDU). 

Though a rather slow build up to its plot, it was nicely presented with a good story flow that was well-crafted. It depicted on its training and lifestyle in Naval Diving Unit that was refreshing. It also educated me many important aspects and values in life. Though some humour elements presented was rather foreseeable; there were still some good ones that made me laugh out loud. 

Kudos to Wang Wei Liang (Lobang), Maxi Lim (Aloysius Jin) and Aileen Tan acting ability! I thought that they did pretty well with their given roles. The others did a reasonably good job as well.

An inspirational movie to catch during this Chinese New Year!

Ratings: 4.35/5 

KIM JOO GUAN BAK KWA

Queued hours to grab Kim Joo Guan sliced pork bak kwa for family last week. Before purchasing, I did some research to decide which brand to buy this year! Thus, decided on Kim Joo Guan for its relatively good reviews and recommendation. 

Kim Joo Guan is located at South Bridge Road near Maxwell Food Centre. From credible sources, this only boutique outlet have supplied to five of the most notable Bak Kwa brands in Singapore for more than 30 years. They started to sell their Bak Kwa direct to the public 5 years ago.  

Personally, I felt that Kim Joo Guan bak kwa has a rather thick texture which was juicy and not too flavourful and tough as compared to other sliced pork bak kwa. This shall be one of the best Bak Kwa I have indulged.

Last year, I got Kim Peng Hiang pineapple bak kwa; it tasted alright but it was not as memorable as the above-mentioned. I shall try Kim Hwa Guan bak kwa if I have the chance as the good reviews attracted me too!

Kim Joo Guan

257 South Bridge Road Singapore 058806

Tel: +65 6225 5257

Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm

TRIUMPH IN THE SKIES《冲上云霄》Gala Premiere

Was invited as one of the bloggers to watch TRIUMPH IN THE SKIES《冲上云霄》Gala Premiere which was held at The Mastercard Theatres (Marina Bay Sands). 

Charmaine Sheh

Julian Cheung

Before the screening, I went for the red carpet event held at the skating rink to catch Charmaine Sheh & Julian Cheung! It was not easy to taking pictures of them since many lifted their cameras as well. However, I still managed to snap quite a decent shot of them. For your info, they were on stage like only 5 minutes else I'm sure I could get even better shots.

Young pilot Branson (Louis KOO) recently takes over Skylette, his father’s aviation empire, only to realize his old flames Cassie (Charmaine SHEH) is a flight attendant there. Several years ago, he was forced to break up with her and move to New York to take care of his father's business. To this day, the two continue to harbor feelings for each other but decide to keep them bottled up. In an effort to rebrand the airline, Branson invites rock idol TM to star in an upcoming commercial and appoints Sam (Fransic NG) as her flying consultant. Incongruent in both tastes and experience, this odd couple gets off on the wrong foot. As the shoot progresses, however, they slowly discover each other's merits, developing a strong mutual attraction. Jayden (Julien CHEUNG) has left Skylette Airline to become a pilot for private jets.

The drama for this film received many good reviews thus I have a higher expectation on this particular film. However, it lack certain substance that did not do much justice.

Personally, I felt that the story was simple with an average plot. It started well rather interesting with the introducing of each cast but as it continues on, it got quite messy in showcasing the 3 different love story. It was good that each of the three relationships comes with its own classic background and setback. However, the stitching from scenes to scenes were done abruptly without a good flow. 

Among the three relationships, I thought that Branson Cheung (Louis Koo) and Cassie Poon (Charmaine Sheh) left a memorable impression for me. Their love story was well-crafted with a background and flashbacks that I could easily relate. As compared, they have the best chemistry presented.

Each of the three relationships has its own story thus it may trigger your love relationship you once had before. A typical HK comedy film for Chinese New Year. Fans of the actors/actress for this film, be sure to catch this show! It opens on 19 Feb!

Ratings: 2.7/5

Had this classic fried rice set at Kotsujiru Nabe. The texture of rice was nicely done; not too dry and oily for me. The mixed ingredients goes along rather well with its rice, making this dish a pretty flavourful one. The gyoza has a chewy and Mochi-like skin texture which was classic on its own. It blends together rather well with the meat.

Kotsujiri Nabe

Bugis Junction

B1-21/22

Imakatsu Food tasting

Imakatsu is an authentic Tonkatsu-specialised Japanese restaurant from Tokyo, with its flagship store in Roppongi and newest store in Ginza. Imakatsu uses only the best ingredients so as to serve up the best Tonkatsu experience to our customers. Imakatsu Star Vista is the first shop outside of Japan, with the same standard of food served in Japan. 

Food tasting session at Imakatsu yesterday evening! This Japanese restaurant has a lovely ambiance and classic decoration layout.

I adore the cabbage which was fresh and crunchy. It goes along well with their in-house sauce which was rather appetizing. You may wish to note that each set comes along with free flow cabbage and rice!

Pork with Ginger Sauce

This dish tasted quite awesome as it was tender and well-marinated. The ginger sauce goes well with the juicy meat which was not too strong for my taste bud. Though it may appear rather flavourful to some, I think it was still a decent dish.

Piyopiyo Minced Meat Cutlet

This dish has nice presentation of its flowing yolk! The frying method used was rather special and classic on its own. It has a crispy texture though I felt that more flavour could have been added to the minced meat to enhance the overall eating experience. The sauce provided certainly bring this dish to another level.

Premium Mentaiko Pork Loin Cutlet

This dish tasted pretty good! When I ate the first piece, I thought that it tasted alright though nothing special. However, the next few piece change my view on this dish. I guess you need to adjust the taste of the Mentaiko before having the next bite. I adore the texture of the meat which was thick, juicy and rather tender. 

Deep Fried Oyster

I thought that this dish was slightly flavourful and oily for me. Nice that it was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Deep Fried Salmon

I adore this dish pretty much! The battered was nicely done as it was flaky and crispy. The salmon have a good texture that was rather juicy and goes well with the mayonnaise.

Chicken Fillet Cutlet Curry

This dish tasted quite good though the chicken fillet was slightly dry. It could have been better if it was more juicy. The curry was rich and rather flavourful and no doubt goes well with the fillet.

Deep Fried Prawns

This dish tasted reasonably tasty. The prawn meat was thick yet soft; the texture could have been slightly more chewy for better taste.

Grateful for this opportunity to attend this food tasting session. Thank you Yokokawa-san for invitation! Also, for accommodating my schedule. Appreciated. (;

Imakatsu Singapore

The Star Vista (Buona Vista MRT)

#01-78-1

Singapore 138617 

Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Dr Frost Drama Review

Baek Nam Bong (Song Chang Ui) is known as Dr. Frost. He became a professor in psychology at early age. He is extremely bright, but he has difficulties sympathizing with others due to an injury to his frontal lobe as a child. During the day, he now works as a counselor at the campus counseling center and at night he works as a bartender. He then begins to work with a teaching assistant, Yoon Sung Ah (Jung Eun Chae) at the counseling center. Yoon Sung Ah is enthusiastic with the clients needing counseling. They work together to solve problems who go there for help.

Finished watching this Korean Drama - Dr Frost. Personally, I felt that the story flow rather well with a smart plot that kept me in great suspense. 

This particular drama reminded me of ST MPD Scientific Investigation Squad that I have watched previously. It is about analyzing and gathering its evidence for each cases before solving them. 

The cases in each episode was nicely presented with an unexpected twist, though some may appear quite predictable. However, it got even more interesting when some main characters are linked to the cases too. 

Some hidden truth about Dr Frost was revealed when evidence came into pieces which somewhat affected his emotions as a person. Most likely, there will be a sequel for this film and am looking forward to it!

Ratings: 4.45/5

Domino's pizza gold rush party

Was invited to Domino's pizza (Kovan) for a gold rush party on Monday evening! The previous one I attended was 3 years ago - Domino's Go Halal. Honestly, that was the first time tasting domino's pizza and I enjoyed it pretty much. 

Before the food tasting started, a briefing was presented about the new Domino's golden chicken and its current contest and promotion. 

Then, it was dinner time! A spread of food such as pizza, chicken wings, onion rings and chocolate lava cake was served! Not to forget Domino's golden chicken.

Introductory price $8.80 each 

There are 4 different flavours to choose from - Mediterranean Chicken, Outback Chicken, Italiano Chicken and Mexican Chicken! 

Mediterranean Chicken

Oven-baked chicken tenders covered in Napolitana sauce, 

cherry tomatoes, olives and feta cheese.

Outback Chicken

Oven-baked Chicken tenders covered in BBQ sauce, 

green capsicum, red capsicum and olives.

Italiano Chicken

Oven-baked spicy chicken tenders covered in pesto sauce, 

pineapple, juicy tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Mexican Chicken

Oven-baked spicy chicken tenders covered in salsa sauce, 

pineapple, green capsicum, olives and cherry tomatoes.

Personally, I enjoyed the outback and Italiano chicken because it tasted good and is not too flavourful for my taste bud! Each has its own classic taste; Maybe you did like to try all 4 flavours?

Stand to WIN golden prizes when you order Domino's golden chicken!

Click here for more information!

How to Enter:

1. Participant to purchase Golden Chicken

2. Participant to peel ‘Golden Chicken’ sticker available on the Golden Chicken box.

3. Participant to collect three Golden Chicken stickers and place it in the contest form.

4. Participant to write ‘Golden Chicken’ in the most creative way.

5. Participant to fill in their personal particulars on the contest form and submit entry to 81 Ubi Ave 4

#10-16 Singapore 408830 or drop into the contest box provided at any of the Organiser's outlets. 

Photo credit: The Influencer Network

Great to see familiar faces (bloggers) there! Great to mingle and make new friends! Thanks TIN for the invitation! (;