Great time at FHA 2014 and KTV session :)

Food and Hotel Asia or FHA was one of my favorite events held once every two years in Singapore EXPO. It was the time where hoteliers, restaurateurs, Chefs, suppliers, distributors, etc. from all over the world met up together and gathered in once place. This year it was held from 8 to 11 April 2014.

FHA 2014 at Singapore Expo

I went there with my colleague yesterday. We reached the place at about 12.10pm, just nice time for us to have lunch. At first we thought of having a proper lunch at one of the food stalls at the nearby mall, but after we registered ourselves, we decided to have a walk at Foyer 7 to 10 first, where the Wine & Spirit Asia and Food Asia were located.

As we walked along, we saw lots of food sample being displayed. My colleague was very fond of eating cheese and olives (she had a British blood beneath her, technically speaking haha…) and I loved eating cheese too. There were significant numbers of cheese stalls inside the halls from everywhere around the world. We tasted it one by one. I even managed to taste the delicious Gruyere cheese, directly flown back from Switzerland, which brought me back the memory of taking the tour to Gruyere alone from Geneva hehe..

In between, we tasted few cups of frozen yoghurts and occasionally sipped few cups of Chinese tea to clear our thirsty throat. There were chips and Nachos completed with its condiments (cheese sauce and chili con-carne directly pressed from the machine made it all so convenient to serve), plus generous amount of Guacamole (avocado dip) served by the staff, made both our stomachs full and warm. We didn’t see a need to have a lunch anymore. Instead, we walked line by line watching at the products offered from each stall and took some brochures, sometimes free bag, and so on.

What I loved from visiting this event was that I had a chance to meet a large number of people who shared the same passion. And guess what??? I met my ex-Boss from my first job in Singapore!!! At that time, I was working in Indonesia related company and the owner of the company was from Indonesia. It’s been almost 10 years I hadn’t met him but I assured you, I still could remember his face vividly! Seemed that he hadn’t changed and still looked the same, young and fresh!! ^^ I poked him, waved my hand in front of him, and said “Hi.. How are you?” – in Indonesian, and he looked at  me blankly hahahaha…. Then I told my name, and he started remembering me, “Oh… how are you?? Where do you work now?” and after a short conversation, both of us parted.

And before that, I met my ex-Boss from the other company before this one hahaha… What a coincidence!! I met quite a number of my ex and current colleagues too. I felt very happy meeting them again. It brought me back all the sweet memories we once had and all of us shared the same interest and passion in our work and loved doing it. It surged a proud moment and feeling of having worked in the hospitality industry :)

The dish prepared by Chef Cheong

At 4.30 pm, our colleague had a culinary hot cooking competition in Hall 2. After browsing the Wine and Spirit Asia (and tasted the new 40% alc. of premium Vodka from USA, called Fou-Dré – vodka infused with five fruit flavors: lychee, lime, ginger, pomegranate and kiwi – a nice and unique purple bottle shape), we walked all the way from Hall 10 to Hall 2 (and grabbed a cup of coffee in between to keep us fresh and alive – tired walking for hours and legs pained here and there).

Chef Cheong in action :)

Few other colleagues had already been there to lend their support to the one who competed, Chef Cheong. His face was pale and so white. He was so much nervous as he had to cook the dish skillfully and made it cooked, tender and tasty, in front of so many audiences and fellow judges who walked around, competing with other 7 participants. We wished him all the best and hoped he could bring some medal back home.

We had to go back taking the shuttle bus provided at 5.30pm. Once reached the office, we continued the second round activity, which was karaoke-ing hahaha… We planned this since more than a month ago, together with my colleagues at place not very far from office, called Ten Dollar Ktv. It’s cheap, including free flow of hot and cold beverage, and we could bring our own food inside. That’s best ya because many places didn’t allow us to bring our own food and drink. However, no alcohol beverage should be brought and consumed inside. If being caught, you would be charged 70% more of the alcohol charge, something like that.

My colleagues bought many kind of local food from the newly renovated Chinatown Food Street located downstairs. We had our meals first before singing. On weekdays, we were allowed to sing for five hours from 7pm to 12am and it cost only S$10+++ per pax (or around $12.84 nett). However, they sold beer as well, so that we still could consume alcohol beverage there.

Had an enjoyable time together :)

We sang happily throughout the night especially after the alcohol effect kicking in :P Few were there only to listen others singing. We took turn and we were especially happy when singing “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel.

“Let it go, let it go

Can’t hold it back anymore

Let it go, let it go

Turn away and slam the door

I don’t care

What they’re going to say

Let the storm rage on,

The cold never bothered me anyway”

I did the main singing while the rest following when the lyrics “Let it go” sung and thrown their two hands in the air upswing to express their ‘let go’ feeling. Hahaha… We were crazy and fun! And all the energy was flown up when singing the part below…

“My power flurries through the air into the ground

My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around

And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast

I’m never going back,

The past is in the past

Let it go, let it go

And I'll rise like the break of dawn

Let it go, let it go

That perfect girl is gone

Here I stand

In the light of day

Let the storm rage on,

The cold never bothered me anyway”

Thank you guys for sharing the fun time together! It was really enjoyable! It’s been a while since I distressed myself, singing and laughing out loud, and drinking too. We all went home safely and caught the MRT before it’s closed.

My hubby fetched me from the MRT station as he thought I was drunk because I typed the message wrongly on my phone hehe… But I felt safe and secure with him beside me. Thank you dear hubby for always keeping me safe and secured! I love you! Muach…:) Let it go… Let it goo…. Can’t hold it back anymoreee…..

Singapore Public Holiday 2015

Singapore Public Holiday 2015

Yesssss!!!! The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) released the list of Singapore’s public holidays for year 2015 yesterday! See the calendar above!!! There will be 7 long weekend for us to enjoy, plus the holiday that falls on Tuesday or Thursday where if we take a day off on Friday or Monday, then will be another very long weekend.

Oh my!!! I am so tremendously happy looking at the date of the upcoming Chinese New Year!!! Why? Because it doesn’t fall during month end or beginning of the month where we will usually be busy preparing the month-end closing - nature of our job. From personal point of view, it means that I will have a chance to gather with all my family members!!! OH, it’s been years since our whole family members could get together since many of us live in different countries. However, we can start planning soon ;)

Of course, I have to take a consideration of other colleague’s interest to take leave too. I can’t be selfish, can I?

Will I see you tomorrow?? (Pic source: lesroches.edu)

I am exciting too to see the holiday in September. Fiuh…. Hopefully next year, I’ll be able to fulfill my best friend’s wish to visit him (and celebrate our Birthdays together – which falls on the same month), whereby at the same time I want to visit my ex-school *after sooo… many years I graduated. Please pray for me that my wish will come true… Hehehe…. ^^

A Bhutan Art Exhibition - Impressions of Happiness in Singapore

Painting by Asha Karma (Pic source: Drukasia.com)

4 more days to go!!! Those who stay or have a plan to visit Singapore from 12 to 17 April 2014 will have a great opportunity to attend the Bhutan Art Exhibition - Impressions of Happiness. It will be held in Sculpture Square at Chapel Gallery, open from 11 am to 7.30 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Please visit the website here for more information. 

“Impressions of Happiness is a celebration of Bhutan's rich culture, centered around the theme of happiness. 

For the artists featured in this exhibition, the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is a great source of inspiration. After all, Bhutan evokes a land where myths and legends come alive - a place where one can find the true essence of peace and happiness. The country's picturesque sights spark the artists' creativity, enabling them to produce beautiful works of art that uplift the hearts of the beholder. 

Different sides of multi-faceted Bhutan are depicted in the exhibit. The image of the Buddha appears in many works, showing the significance of religion in the Bhutanese way of life. Dzongs stand majestic, nestled in the lush and verdant landscape. Black-necked cranes fly freely, symbols of longevity. Human figures are portrayed in colorful expressions of joyful bliss. 

Ultimately, Impressions of Happiness invites viewers to reflect on the nature of happiness and to rejoice in beauty.”  

The artists featured for this event includes Kama Wangdi or fondly known as Asha Karma, who underwent his apprenticeship with the National Fine Arts Centre and on the job training with the National Handicrafts Design Centre in Thimphu, Bhutan. He is the founder of VAST (Voluntary Artists’ Studio, Thimphu), a non-profitable and non-governmental organization (NGO) set up with the sole aim of providing an opportunity to the Bhutanese youth to participate and develop their potential talents as well as share social responsibilities through artistic explorations and other socially useful and productive work.

Riku, me and Sonam at Taj Tashi Hotel with Buddha painting by Asha Karma

The above was the photo taken when I visited Taj Tashi Hotel in Thimphu. It's said that all the paintings in Taj Tashi Hotel were drawn by him. Wow, I was actually meeting up with his art first before meeting up with the artist, which hopefully I could meet in person soon :)

Another Bhutanese artist featured is Rinchen Wangdi, popularly known as Bap Rinchen, the founder of Datog Art Gallery, Bhutan. He underwent his apprenticeship attachment with local traditional artists from the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies in Simtokha, Thimphu. He is actively engaged in coordinating art exhibitions, art camps and educational programs and active in promoting Bhutanese contemporary art.

Cherngzhi Lian painting on Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest (Pic source: Drukasia.com)

Cherngzhi Lian is an artist living and working in Singapore. He visited Bhutan twice in 2013 and commissioned to paint the artwork used for Drukair’s Singapore 2014 Calendar. Those who obtained the 2014 Drukair’s Calendar beginning of this year would have seen his arts on it. I have one at home :)

The History of Bhutan (Pic source: Drukasia.com)

Other than the art exhibition, there will be two events held. First, the book launch – The History of Bhutan written by Dr. Karma Phuntsho, a Bhutanese scholar, social worker and founder of the Loden Foundation on 12th April 2014 from 2 pm to 4.30 pm. The book is a comprehensive introduction to Bhutan. On that day, the author will present on site to give a presentation of the book. You will also have an opportunity to purchase an autographed copy of the book and get a copy at a special price. Click here for the detail and here for registration as registration is required.

Dr Karma Phuntsho (Pic source: Drukasia.com)

Second, the talk by Dr. Karma Phuntsho about Conservation and Happiness plus the film screenings, Forgotten Treasures on 13th April 2014 from 2 pm to 4.30 pm. Click here for the detail of the event and here for the registration, again, registration is required.

Fyi, part proceeds from the sale of the artworks is in aid of underprivileged young artists of the International Young Artists Exchange (IYAE) fund and VAST studio, Bhutan.

So, for those who never visits Bhutan but wants to know more about Bhutan, its culture, its history, and so on, immediately register yourself online for the events above (click the link provided), and visit the Gallery anytime between the dates and timing mentioned. And for Bhutanese who happens to be in Singapore during that period, have a feel ‘home sweet home’ just by attending the event and looking at the art presentations displayed. Hope you won’t miss this great opportunity!

(Note: all the info was taken from the Impressions of Happiness websites with the permission from the host/organizer)

Living Fully by Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche and its effect into us

This weekend I finally finished reading this book: "Living Fully". I highly recommend everyone to read this book. It was written by a prominent Buddhist teacher, Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, who had been trained as Lama since age of four. The language written was simple and very easily understood. For those who don't really love reading, do not be afraid as each chapter was written in short. No technical or excessive theory part on it. It was very brief, however, very meaningful. Click here for reading some of his writing at my previous blog post.

When you read each sentence, it made you think, reflect, and contemplate, asking yourself and wondering if you had been doing what you ought to do. I spent quite some time reading it. There were afterword part at the end of the book, which were questions asked to Rinpoche regarding love, work, and life.

Q: Why do people suffer?
"When we are born, we have obtained the beautiful and priceless gift of life. As we get older, we face sickness, old age, and death. Human beings cannot live forever, but we try to live as well and as happily as possible. However, human beings are controlled by the disturbing emotions of desire, greed, anger, jealousy, pride, ignorance, and discontentment. In general, lacking awareness of their true essence, people look for happiness in all the wrong places and suffer from their ignorance."

Q: Many people seem to work very hard, earn a lot of money, and still feel dissatisfied with their lives. How do we find a way to pursue a spiritual life while living in a material world?
"Why do we work? In the beginning, we work in order to feed ourselves, have shelter, and meet our basic needs. Over time, we become spoiled and take these things for granted. We gradually forget why we are working and expect much more from our jobs. We want to acquire status, wealth, and respect. Neglecting our spiritual development, we pursue material success and forget about our precious breath. We should value and enjoy our work, but our work should not totally consume us. When we become attached and addicted to our jobs, we forget how precious our life is.
We come to this world for a purpose, and we need to discover the meaning of our existence. Isn't the purpose of life to find true freedom and discover your true self? Freedom does not mean sleeping until noon and not having to work; freedom is the ability to channel your creativity through your work. To live a spiritual life is to remain unattached and truly free, while functioning in the material world."

Q: What advice do you have for people who are deeply entrenched in the material world?
"Life is a priceless gift to be celebrated. When people feel angry and upset, I ask them to imagine that they have only two or three breaths before death. Then, I ask them to think about what is most important to them. The most important thing is our breath, our life. Make the most out of your life and live as if there is no tomorrow. Be kind to your neighbors; you do not know if you will see them again. Share your wealth; you do not know if you will have another chance. Live as if this is your last moment. Try to celebrate with whomever you are with and take joy in whatever you are doing. Don't take things too seriously. Everything in life is truly ephemeral and dreamlike. If you have material wealth, it is good to give to charity. If you hoard your wealth, you will be spiritually poor and incapable of celebrating wealth." 

Q: What is happiness to you? Helping others makes one happy, and partying makes one happy. What is the relationship between happiness and spirituality?
"For me, real happiness is complete freedom. The only thing that can cause me to lose my freedom is the workings of my habituated mind. So I have to learn how to relate to my mind skillfully. If we want to be happy, we should start by remembering that everyone wants to be happy. We have to be concerned about everyone's happiness, not just our own. There are over seven billion people on this earth, as well as countless other creatures. If you try to exist in your own small world of happiness, you cannot truly be happy. To pursue happiness only for yourself is very shortsighted. If you want to be happy, think about how to make others happy, and act on that. 

Q: What is "living in the moment"?
"Living in the moment is freedom from the past, present, and future. It is freedom from time, concepts, and conditions. It is freedom from any expectation of reward. Living in the moment is fully embracing this moment, and this moment is completely perfect as it is. Living in the moment is everything. 

The above were some of the questions asked and the answers given. I put it here as I found it good and wanted to share Rinpoche's answers to all of you, which might benefit you as guides into your daily life on how to live your life fully.

After reading it, I am telling myself that I too, want to be free, free from the past, present and future. I want to forget the past, live in the moment, and move on with my life, live it fully. I want to remain grateful for everything I've been through, to everyone whom I've met with, and treat everyone as my teacher. Because I realize that everyone is my guru. I learn from all of you many things that make me who I am today, now. I also want to continue learning the spiritual path while balancing my life in many aspects in this material kind of world. Continue to be generous and help others who in need.

I asked my hubby to read the later part of the book as well. And I think, in some ways, he had learnt few things too. He realized that all this while, he had taken his life too seriously. He had been thinking too much on the future that he forgot to live his life at the present. He had been working hard and always saved money for the future. He was always afraid and worry that something might happen in the future so that he always saved and scrimped his earning, therefore didn't spend much.

All this while, I traveled mostly alone, with my family members and/ or with friends. Every time I asked him to go with me, he gave an excuse that he didn't like to travel, but I knew that he actually didn't have a heart to spend his hard earned money on traveling, as like what I mentioned above, that he was worrying that he might need the money for a raining day.

But after reading it plus some Dhamma discussion that we both often had recently, especially about life, he then decided that he too, deserved to be happy and to love himself more. And today, he booked two tickets, two trips to different countries where both my sisters live, each for two weeks duration. He chose both places as he could save on the accommodation and have someone to ask to. He thought of spending time himself to experience, live life in different countries, to learn something new, to contemplate, to pray, to relax, and most importantly, to be happy. It's something that he had never done before in his life. I fully support his decision since he hasn't started his job yet and considering that live is short and we never know what will happen tomorrow. If he didn't do it now, he might not have a chance in the future.

Like what Rinpoche said above, "The most important thing is our breath, our life. Make the most out of your life and live as if there is no tomorrow. Live as if this is your last moment. Try to celebrate with whomever you are with and take joy in whatever you are doing. Don't take things too seriously. Everything in life is truly ephemeral and dreamlike. If you have material wealth, it is good to give to charity. If you hoard your wealth, you will be spiritually poor and incapable of celebrating wealth." 

"Flowers bloom after dry spell" in Singapore

Heliconia Psittacorum

While the peach and cherry blossoms were blooming everywhere in the countries that are going through spring season, Singapore was also experiencing flower blossoms lately. "Colorful blooms are being seen across Singapore, and perhaps the 27-day dry spell in February and subsequent showers were to thank for them," said the National Parks Board (NPark).

Bright yellow flowers

Purple Bougainvillea

Grow along the wall

Trumpet flowers in closer view

Beautiful pink trumpet trees along Merchant Rd.

I took all these pictures after having my lunch this afternoon. They were located along and around Merchant Rd. It was really beautiful!! Only within a short period of time, I engaged myself into these beautiful trees and flowers, as if I was in a heaven. The heat from the sun didn't stop me from taking the pictures.

Hydroponic garden filled with fresh herbs :)

The above hydroponic garden was created by the culinary staffs in my working place not long ago. They used the above herbs a lot and all this while they always purchased it from supplier, which didn't come cheap. Since there was quite a big space in the garden area, they made a trial to plant and grow it on their own, which hopefully, if successful, they could use these herbs as the ingredients for the food served, which was organic and healthy (no pesticide used).

Beautiful and colorful Orchid flowers :)

The above colorful Orchid plants were located along the Merchant Rd as well. But I guessed it belonged to the hotel. They had grown the plants beautifully by attaching it into the big trees. Beside these plants were the restaurant so that their guests could enjoy their meals and watch the beautiful flowers' view at the same time. Nice idea!

Colorful Jungle Geranium :)

Jungle Geranium was a common type of plants grown here in tropical countries. Usually you could find the red and orange color ones easily, but not the pink and yellow.

The white and pink giant trumpet trees 

I love the two different colors of trumpet trees above. I passed by this area more than thousand times I guessed, but only today I realized that they were actually the trees that grew two different colors of trumpet flowers. Hehehe... How ignorant I was in the past!!!

From different angle

Beautiful pink and purple flowers

The above was another type of tree, also with beautiful pink flowers grown on top (at the other end of the Read bridge), Clarke Quay area.

Trumpet flowers blossom at Hong Lim Park

Oh my... Pink flowers everywhere... It was really a great time to enjoy the beauty of the nature surrounding us. Although we might not as extravagant as other countries like, we still could enjoy this beauty around us and made the most of it by being aware about its existence.

All the photos were taken with my handphone only. Therefore, the quality might not as good as expected. However, I hope you all enjoyed viewing it :) Have a great weekend everyone!!!