《心谜》Mind Game Drama Review

Mind Game is thriller-romance drama with many unexpected twists and suspense. Liang Wen Jie (Tay Ping Hui) is a paralegal at a law firm; he is in-charge of many mysterious cases that requires thorough investigations. In each case, suspects are extremely careful as they plot elaborate lies to escape from detection. However, none of them can escape from Wen Jie who has a sharp analytical mind and is attentive to even the smallest details. 

《心谜》是一部既惊险又浪漫的电视剧，故事情节曲折、悬念重重。梁文杰(郑斌辉) 是一家律师楼的助理律师。他处理的案件都比较特殊，也非常具有挑战性。在每个罪案例中，嫌犯都会精心设计重重陷阱与谎言，避免暴露自己。但没有人能够逃脱文杰敏锐的观察力以及判断能力，他有着惊人的天赋，再棘手的案件也难不倒他。聪明过人的文杰虽然对查案了如指掌，但对自己所面对的生活问题却束手无策。

The following are the main cast:

Just finished watching《心谜》Mind Game on channel 8. Personally, I enjoyed this drama as it constantly kept me in good suspense with the different cases presented. Each case was nicely crafted with an unexpected twists. Though certain occurrence may appear somewhat coincidence and predictable, the story flow was commendable. 

Having similar plot like Against The Tide 逆潮, I thought that《心谜》Mind Game scores better in terms of the chemistry and acting capability among the cast. The story was more compact and convincing to a certain extent.

Honestly, The main and supporting casts acted well in their given roles. However, the 2 obvious ones that did exceptionally well would be Zhang Yao Dong and Joanne Peh! 

Hope to see more similar genre of drama being aired in channel 8! I am sure to watch it! 

Ratings: 4.35/5

Earl grey lavender ice-cream waffle @ Creamier

As I was at Toa Payoh for an external course, near to creamier. I decided to visit this cafe and give the waffle a try! I heard many good reviews not only about its waffle but the ice-cream as well! 

Personally, I like the texture of the waffle that was nicely done. The earl grey lavender ice-cream had a unique taste which was commendable! Not to forget the nice presentation presented as well (:

Creamier

128, Toa Payoh Lorong 1

#01-835

Singapore 310128 

Tel: (65) 6250 1476 

San Andreas Movie Review

After the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives, triggering a magnitude 9 earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save their only daughter. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning, and when they think the worst may be over… it’s just getting started. 

Watched San Andreas with Gary yesterday evening. Personally, I felt that the story was rather compact with a rather good flow. With a good introductory, I was anticipating a convincing story-line. However, I was slightly disappointed with certain occurrence that appear not only coincidence but also predictable to me.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the intense scenes which was nerve wracking. Not to forget the nice visual effects presented that made this show worth watching. It educated us on the importance of kinship and to possess positive team spirit. Great to see some humor element injected which lighten this heavy hearted show a little.

Overall, a decent disaster film. Do not expect much on its plot but rather the good visuals and intense scenes that may 'wow' you one way or another.

Ratings: 3.5/5

[Media Invitation] Launch of Chabuton’s latest spicy ramen with five levels of spiciness‏

Was invited to a media tasting: Chabuton’s latest spicy ramen at Chabuton Millenia Walk! They are unveiling a new dish - Yoruton Ramen (S$12.90), which has five levels of spiciness! 

Yoruton ramen is a super spicy offering  that  boasts  a  piquant  taste  of  garlic.  A juicy slice of pork rests atop the ramen, which is swimming in a thick and rich broth. The spicy broth is a blend of a special chilli paste with Chabuton’s signature tonkotsu soup.

Basically, I felt that the yoruton ramen tasted okay but the spiciness was rather overwhelming for me. I am not a spicy food lover thus this might not be my pick for a ramen dish unless I go for level 2 instead of level 3 maybe?

Yoruton  ramen appears too spicy for you? Fear not! There are other regular ramen where you could choose from:

                                  

                                                              Tonkotsu Ramen                      Tonkotsu Kara Kara Ramen

                                    Char Siew Ramen                                       Shoyu Ramen

                             

I tried Chabuton's Tonkotsu Ramen and Shio Ramen previously at 313 somerset. Honestly, I prefer their shio ramen with my preferred customised selection. I guess each has its own preferences ya? Remember to request for a customised selection else you will get the normal broth and noodle texture.

Hitokuchi Gyoza

Nice thin cripsy gyoza with good seasoning. 

It could have been better if they are more generous for their fillings.

Sweet Fried Prawns 

Definitely a side to order to go along with your ramen!

Soup Gyoza

Desserts

The Yoruton Ramen will only be available until end of July 2015. Patrons who order the Yoruton Ramen will receive a loyalty card. With every order of the Yoruton  Ramen, patrons will receive a stamp. With every five stamps collected, patrons will receive cash vouchers. 

The completed card will also be entered in the Grand Lucky Draw, where participants will stand a chance to win an iPhone 6 Plus. 4 iPhone 6 Plus to be won!

Chabuton @ Millennia Walk

9 Raffles Boulevard

#02-15 Singapore 039596 

Opening hours: 11:30am to 10:00pm 

Tel: 6837 0335

Pitch Perfect 2 Movie Review

The Barden Bellas are back in Pitch Perfect 2, the follow-up to summer 2012’s smash hit. The comedy is helmed by Elizabeth Banks, co-star and producer of Pitch Perfect, and produced by Paul Brooks, Max Handelman and Banks. Writer Kay Cannon returns to the team to pen the next chapter.

Watched Pitch Perfect 2 with Ting feng and Cynthia yesterday late afternoon! Personally, the story was good and rather entertaining on its own. Though the plot may not be as beautifully depicted as before, I thought it was commendable as it trigger memories one may have during high school. 

It was nice to see individuals with different personality and common interest come together, accepting one another strengths and weaknesses for that same goal. The different characteristic certainly bring many joy to the viewers. The chemistry among the cast certainly made this film an even watchable one.

Though certain funny elements injected appear quite lame; some were still quite humorous! It showed us the importance of teamwork and educated viewers never to be complacent but to continuously strive for improvements. 

Nice ballads performance though I expected more could be delivered. Nevertheless, a decent film to catch!

Ratings: 4.2/5

D'Kranji Farm Resort

Staycation was at D'Kranji Farm Resort with 4ourz last Sunday! Managed to get the groupon deal for a standard villa: 2D1N Stay for 2 at D'Kranji Farm Resort + Daily Breakfast.

Shuttle bus timetable

We travelled to the resort via shuttle bus from Kranji Mrt station. Surprisingly, the shuttle bus service was not free. Each passenger has to pay $3 for a ride. However, you get to have unlimited rides on that particular day. 

The exterior design of the resort resemble 'cottages' and has a kampung 'feel'. As I was there with a group of friends, it was quite fun and interesting as we could conveniently walked to each other unit in an open area! 

The interior of the standard villa:

Wifi is available here. However, the signal can be rather weak at times. Thus, I have to rely on my mobile data whenever needed.

For your information, the following toiletries are provided:

- Toothbrush with a tiny tube of toothpaste

- Bath Foam

- Soap

- Comb

- Razor

- Towels

I hope you will have a better idea of the necessity to pack and bring it over there. Also, I like the shower area. An open concept where you get more closer to the nature surrounding there.  

Please remember to bring your own snacks and drinks because they only provide 2 bottles of water, tea bags, coffee sachets with sugar and creamer. If you are thinking to BBQ there, you can actually do so! They have pits there but you have to check its availability with the staff.

The only entertainment you have at night in the room - the television. Please do note that you only get to watch local channels. It could have been better if cable TV was installed so that customers have another alternative and selection. You may want to consider bringing electronic gadgets i.e:- playstation and wii!

Bollywood Veggies:

Hay Dairies:

Pure goat milk that tasted good and fresh! 

Dinner was at D’Beer Seafood Restaurant. The food tasted normal and quite pricey. If you have your own transport, you may consider to packet dinner elsewhere?

I managed to catch a glimpse of the sunset outside the villa! You can check the sunrise and sunset timing at NEA website to avoid disappointment! Do apply insect repellent before heading out there as the mosquitoes targeted us while we took the sunset photos!

If you are heading there with a group of friends like me, do remember to bring board games along! We utterly spent the night with board games and a cuppa coffee/tea! (:

A nice quiet place to relax and appreciate the nature! A good getaway from work and away from the usual busy area in Singapore.

D'Kranji Farm Resort 

10 Neo Tiew Lane 2

Singapore 718813

Tel: 68629717

[Media Invitation] Savour Fuku's New Offerings of Fugu Hotpots & Shabu A5 Beef Hotpot‏

Was invited to a media tasting: Savour Fuku's New Offerings of Fugu Hotpots & Shabu A5 Beef Hotpot‏ at FUKU Fine Fugu Kaiseki Restuarant! I liked its ambiance and dinning concept which was similar to Japan.

FUKU is the first restaurant in Singapore that specializes in fugu - Pufferfish. The team at the helm has over 20 years of experience and specialises in the preparation of fugu. Here at FUGU, patrons can be whisked away to Shimonoseki, billed as the world's fugu capital. The premium delicacy Torafugu can be found here. 

One factor that accounts for the growing attraction to the pufferfish is the myriad of health benefits it boasts. Fugu is low in fat content but is a rich source of protein. The skin contains a superb level of collagen as well! 

Fugu simmered in a sweet soy sauce

A good appetiser to have before starting your main meal!

Thinly sliced Fugu Sashimi (てっさ)

The thinly sliced Sashimi was fresh with its beautiful artwork presented. The texture was okay though it was slightly chewy for me. 

Fugu sushi (ふぐ寿司)

I liked the Fugu that complement pretty well with its cooked vinegared rice. It give you a good punch when you munch it. Definitely goes well with your usual soy sauce and wasabi!

Deep fried Fugu (唐揚げ)

This dish tasted good and I liked it pretty much! The seasoning for this fried Fugu was tasty and not too flavourful. It was crispy on its outside and tender on its inside. It could have been better if they remove the bones for better experience.

 Fugu Japanese Style Porridge

The porridge tasted light with its flavoured egg added in it. If you would like some saltiness and sourness to the dish, you can add in Shio Konbu (Salted kelp).

Fugu Shirako

Soya Bean Hot Pot

The Soya Bean Hot pot was creamy and tasted sweet in flavour. The broth was alright for me as it was not that flavourful. I enjoyed the log fulvous flower mushroom! A healthy delicacy with beauty benefits! 

Shabu A5 Beef Hotpot

I liked these A5 beef imported from Miyazaki! The texture of its beef  was awesome that it simply melts in your mouth! You have to try this if you visit this restaurant! 

Both these hotpots are selling at $70++ per pot!

You may wish to know that for the month of June 2015, Fugu will be holding a special promotion. Each pot goes at $60++!

FUKU Fine Fugu Kaiseki Restaurant

14 Mohamed Sultan Road 

#01-01 Singapore 238963

Tel: 6235 8216

Opening Hours: 6pm – 11pm (Daily)

If I Stay Collection Book Review

Mia is a very gifted cellist. She has everything she could ever want, a loving family, an adoring boyfriend, an amazing best friend, and an amazing career ahead of her in music. All of that changes suddenly. Mia and her family have a terrible car accident and Mia is rushed to the ICU. Mia is caught between life and death, and watches as family and friends come to visit her at the hospital she is in. Soon Mia realizes that she must make the most critical decision of her life - wake up to live a life more difficult than she ever could have imagined, or slip away and die.

_______________________________________

Finished reading If I Stay series, a novel by Gayle Forman. I liked the writing style of this author where it was presented simple and clear.

Personally, I felt that it was quite a good read with its refreshing love story. If I stay portrayed more of the background and happening of the characters whereas Where She Went focused on its story build up of what had happened in the past (Mia's accident) and in-between (Mia's disappearance).

Honestly, I was touched at a junction where I discovered Mia's decision to live on and her disappearance all got to do with Adam, her boyfriend.

The story flow well though I have to agree that some appear draggy. I thought that the finale was predictable and could have been more refined. However, while reading this novel, I could pictured its entire plot.

I shall catch the film - If I stay soon!

Ratings: 3.6/5

Marvel's The Avengers: Age Of Ultron Movie Review

Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Watched Marvel's The Avengers: Age Of Ultron with Trois yesterday night. Personally, I felt that the story was okay though it could have been more refined. Not surprising, the plot presented was rather predictable without much excitement.

Initially, it appeared quite draggy, however it got better with its story build up and action scenes. Good that certain humour was injected as well. Thanks to Iron man else I think it will be plain watching the entire film without him. He is just so cool in it!

A show for the marvel's fans out there!

Ratings: 3.1/5

Star Awards 红星大奖2015

Star Awards 红星大奖 2015 have ended. Am happy for Ruien, Julie Tan and Shaun Chen 

Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes: Rui En


Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes: Shaun Chen

Rocket Award: Shaun Chen

Best actor: Shaun Chen

Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes: Julie Tan

Congrats to all winners!