Updates

Hi guys.

Gosh... This is a pretty long update and I think that I could have forgotten most of the stuff.
Hmm... How should I start first?

Well, during this season of christmas, I am actually pretty happy and emo at the same time.
The reason for being happy is simply becoz, I managed to get the lovebirds finally together.
The reason for being emo is simply because these two lovebirds just have to constantly remind me of some stuff that I wanted to forget. Oh well, I don't blame them. But at least to me, it is just bits and pieces of life.

This year, I did not go to any party. I was invited to some, but I rejected all as I will like to spend some time with myself. Sorting out stuff so that I am able to start afresh and ready for the year 2011.

Well, I think that life's been treating me rather not bad already.

And this year, my circle of friends just simply explode.

I really thank all these awesome people that came into my life. Seriously without you guys, I think it will be an even dark Jacky.

That's growing up I believe. And that sets me ready for more challenges ahead of me.

Oh well, so that sums up my christmas. And on the 27th Dec, I went to "help" Ben Ang's friend MTV production. I will try to blog about it soon.

For now, I will just pen off.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Do have a great weekend ahead.

Some Random Thoughts

Hi there.

Well, just came across a video and found it awfully familiar.

It's like what I usually do... But I don't do that to annoy others.
But it just happens.

Sometimes, when I wanted to ask a friend something, but before the question comes out, somehow, I got the answer already and I just say oh.. I got it..And nevermind... and of course, I walk away... Haha. Then my poor friend will just look at me and say what?


Over here is a video.
Enjoy...

Japanese Food: Tamako

The day before yesterday, 16 December 2010, I went to Tamako for dinner.

I have to say that this is one of the best place for food. As the food is wonderful and the tea is just perfect. The atmosphere or ambience of the place is nice and cosy. It's a feeling of going to a japanese family place for food. I simply fall in love with the place.

But of course, food is still important. But please bear with me for awhile as I will like to show you the next picture, which is the interior photo of Tamako.


The interior is nice right... The cosy little eating place with wooden tables and chairs. And japanese writings and artworks framed on the wall. How could one not fall in love with the ambience, the environment.

And now finally the main highlight of the whole thing, the FOOD.I have told you that the food looks good. And trust me, it taste even heavenly.
The Chawamushi is pretty special. As in the taste. In Singapore, I had lots of Chawamushi. But for this, the smoothest and the taste is just perfect.

The green color bean-like thingy (I think is pea) taste nice... A little salty... But that should be how it is supposed to taste. Not forgetting to mention that there's a certain sweetest after u chew onto the peas.

This got to be my favourite. The mini prawns. You are supposed to dip on the mayonnaise and eat it without peeling the shell... The taste is finger-licking even better. I believe this dish is perfect with the companion of beer or sake.

Due to me feeling hungry, I didn't manage to take a picture of my cold soba. But I have to say it is super nice. A simple dish but an extraordinary beautiful taste. The sauce of the soba just blends in well with the cold soba. And the soba actually absorbs the sauce and when you bite on it, you can feel that the sweetest of the sauce is being squeeze out from the soba into your mouth.

I have to give compliment to the tea that they served. Instead of the normal green tea that we usually have. This is roasted green tea. The fragrant of the tea is so nice, and I really do not mind drinking that tea everyday.

Oh ya, they do have like yakult float that I did not get an chance to try. But I believe that it is worth trying.

So for this, I shall give Tamako a 4.25 out of 5 blurps. You should really go there and try out their food.

Tamako is located at 128 Casuarina Road, Singapore, 579516.

They have a facebook page as well: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tamako-Meal-Pte-Ltd/179030738913?v=wall

And thank you Siddy for bringing me to such a nice restaurant.

Random Day Out, I mean Night Out...

Basically it was a random meet up with friends.

And I swear, as it's really RANDOM.

So I went to meet the randoms (that includes Uncle Ben, Aunty Silver, Darling Desmond, Bernard and Edwin) at Bugis. I was late as usual, so got to walk all the way to Xin Yuan Ji Fish Head Steamboat to look for them. But I didn't eat, as I had my dinner beforehand already.
So I had a barley lime drink, and it taste like thick lime juice. The taste is pretty unique. Not very sour. But not my favourite thou.

And afterwhich we bought UNO card and time for the game...

Right now is pictures and video time... Enjoy...

Mickey UNO junior...

Edwin and Silver

Uncle Ben

Bernard

Edwin and Silver again



Video of the whole actions...

That sums up my Wednesday, 15 december 2010.

And it's great... Looking forward to more meet-ups.

Home Team Academy: 14 Dec 10

This day marks the day of my brother, Kevin Sim's enlistment into the Singapore Police Force.

In Singapore, all well-bodied males at the age 18 will have to go through this from Boys to Men phase which is the National Service. They will be serving the nations in their respective vocations for 2 years.

National Service has been divided into many departments namely Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

My brother was being allocated to the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

Hence on Tuesday, he went to the training academy (which is named as Home Team Academy, HTA) at Choa Chu Kang.
And as part of the ceremony, my parents and I are considered as guests. So here I am to talk about the walking experience for the whole journey.

I waited for the whole family at Choa Chu Kang early in the morning like around 7am. And they are LATE... *angry*

And what's next, we quene at the bus interchange waiting for the shuttle service to bring us to the HTA. But it was such a long wait. The arrangement of the shuttle services is pretty bad. And the ushers are quite clueless on what they should be doing.

After almost 30 minutes of wait, we FINALLY got into a shuttle. Nice right? Wait for so long due to the limited number of shuttle buses that they provide.

Within 10 minutes, we reached the premises of HTA. It just looks like a condominium to me. Just that we all know that it's a ground for boys turning to men. (Doesn't that sounded wrong?)

Oh well, then we had to walked this long stretch of pathway in order for us to go to the auditorium. And my brother and us parted our ways as he was supposed to go to multi purpose hall instead of the auditorium.

Finally we got to sit down. My mom as usual likes to talk nonsense. And in fact we were supposed to be guided for a tour but that didn't happen. Instead, the ushers brought us to our seats and we were sitted down.

Every thing from this point of time is quite a disaster for me at least. Why?

The videos that they are looping were bad.

Firstly, I couldn't believe I was watching crimewatch scenes in that auditorium. That makes me wonder, will my brother be watching crime watch in his lectures?

And then, their corporate video and all the random videos are really bad. Bad quality, bad framing, bad voice-overs, bad music, bad concepts. Everything is such a turn-off.
Well, if they want, they could look for RAYOFLIGHT to assist them in their videos. We will gladly to assist them with our full support and definitely videos standards will be improved tremendously.

And then, there was like awkward silence in the auditorium and stuff like that.

I swear, the event management is really bad. The programmes that they had placed is also not captivating.

Finally the big boss came and gave his speech. And there's performances. All performances were bad. Martial arts, drills, music and dance.

I couldn't be bothered anymore.

And finally the enlistees are giving their oath. And the whole auditorium burst into laughter.
(That's rude and needs some crowd control.)

Finally lunch time. But we didn't go for our lunch immediately. Instead, we went to meet my brother and finally an officer is bringing us for a tour. *Hurray, but damn tiring due to the walkings again*

Everything is so not interesting. But there's one thing that I go "WHAT..." and that is enlistees can use the washing machines provided. My time in tekong, I still need to hand-wash my clothes and now these enlistees (including my brother) can use the washing machine.. *RAHHHHH*

Oh well, time has changed. And after the boring tour, we went to the cookhouse for our lunch.
So here's our lunch, and the serving is huge. (Are they serving for pigs or what?)

The food don't taste good at all. All the best to my picky brother.

And after the not very nice lunch, we were supposed to leave already. So we say goodbye to my brother, and off we go...My brother (Kevin) and my dad.

My brother(Kevin) and mom

And finally, Home Sweet Home and the moment I reached home, I go zzz...

Keith Urban - Tonight I Wanna Cry

Random Day on 13th Dec 2010

Oh well, I was woken up by my mum like around 10am. And she was like saying, lets go out for lunch.

Being me, I just agreed. And there goes my day.

So, after changing, we went to take a train down to Bugis.

And my brother and mum are like complaining that they are hungry.

So we went over to Crystal Jade La Mian and Xiao Long Bao for food.

So, here's a sneak peek on the food that we ordered.

Spinach, Drunkard chicken, and Xiao Long Bao.

Colourful dumplings

Spicy minced meat with cucumber, and some wrap thingy.

I am pretty sure that the above pictures look yummy. Sure it does, but to a certain extend.
The only dish that is my favourite is still the Xiao Long Bao.

Appetizer: Drunkard chicken.

This is just normal. I believe they uses Shao Xing Chinese Wine to cook this.
The taste of it is pretty interesting. As it is slightly salty. With a little fragrance of the chinese wine. And it is a cold dish.

But I was expecting it to have an aftertaste. But it doesn't. So that's the disappointing part.

Main Dishes: Spinach, Xiao Long Bao, Colorful dumplings and the Spicy meat wrap thingy.

Spinach: This one is like any other spinach stir-fried with garlic. But I personally find it too soggy. (Is that the right word to use?) So don't really like it.

Colorful dumplings: At first, I thought that this is interesting. As under the menu description, each color is of different ingredient in making the skin. But ended up, ALL TASTE THE SAME...

Xiao Long Bao: This is just my ♥♥♥. And I am serious. The juicy soup that you are supposed to suck it. And the tender meat in it, and the skin is just at the right thickness.

Spicy minced meat, cucumber and wrap: This is a wrap it yourself type of thing. The spicy minced meat is not spicy at all. ♥ the cucumber.

Overall, I think the food is normal. Not that fantastic.
Shall I give it a 3.5 out of 5 blurps.

(Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is located at basement one, #B1-04a of Bugis Junction.)

After our lunch at Bugis Junction. I finally know the agenda for coming out. And that is to buy stuff for my brother's enlistment. -.-'''

So I felt so cheated... As in cheated to go out... But still since I am already out, there's nothing much I could say as well.

So 1st stop after lunch, my brother will like to buy singlet.

So here we are at bugis street.

And this is what he got.And I was like -.-''' when he insisted in buying this, as this is expensive in Singapore.

But whatever, as not spending my money.

And the next stop that we all went to is the Kwan Im temple. I know that me and temple somehow doesn't link, so you should know that I am being forced to go in.

Oh well, to me, it is always interesting to look at the culture and religion of the individuals.
And my mum kept repeating that this temple is very divine. And alot of people always comes here as it will answer what you wish for. And the hong kong stars also frequent here as well.

So as usual, I just nod my head. As seriously, I am only interested in the building architecture, and the people's expression and somehow their emotions and thoughts while being there.

No photography allowed so no photos in respect to the authorities or management.

And along the streets I saw this interesting toy on the ground.


Doesn't it looks kind of cute?

Something just came into my mind, and that is how our soilders and being stabbed by the flag.
(Not going to say much as I still love this country.)

Then waited for Dad to come and drive us for an tour around Choa Chu Kang area.

And I found the place. Neo Tiew Village.
A place that I wanted to do some shoots.

Click here to view Neo Tiew Village.

The place looks really kind of eerie but perfect for shoots.
And we noticed that there's some offerings and candles that are still burning in one of the void decks.

Oh well, didn't manage to take photos as we drove past it only.

Then after all these driving, it's time for dinner. And we went to Petir Road.Oh ya, there's still 2 dishes that i didnt manage to take pictures of. (Yee Mee, Hor Fun and a yam basket.)

The food here is not nice at all.

The carrot cake is too salty. The Dim sum just doesn't taste right.
The Yee Mee and Hor Fun are a little bland. And the Yam basket is just as bad.

Damn sad when there's not much of a good food.

It's located at Petir Road, Blk 163, Choh Dee Place.
And I am only giving it a 1 out of 5 blurps.

After that, I went to meet Siddy at his place.

Waited for him to get ready before heading to NEX for a movie, Hello Stranger.

Read my review of Hello Stranger by clicking here.

After that, went to the Prata House for supper.
Yes... Supper. Seems that my life is currently all about FOOD.

I have been eating and eating. And what makes it worst is I don't exercise.
Had Maggi Goreng and Teh Tarik.

I am loving the Teh Tarik. It's just nice.

After supper, went to Hougang NTUC, and as expected, I didn't go home. I stayed over at Siddy's place.

So that describes my 13 December.

Hello Stranger

Synposis: A love story about two strangers who know nothing about each other and fall in love.

He is a football fanatic, videogame nerd, social butterfly, comic lover, tired of love stories and a cynic of love while she is Korean soap opera fan, beef lover, devout radio station listener, avid book reader, and homebody.

Together, they are perfect strangers who will travel, eat, share a room, and talk about anything and everything including each others top secrets.

Cast: Neungthida Sophon, Chantavit Dhanasevi

Director: Banjong Pisanthanakun

Genre: Romance/ Comedy

Language: Thai

Rating in Singapore: PG/Some Sexual References

(http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_2850.jsp)

My reviews/ Take:

Basically another romantic comedy for this christmas season. A good movie for this season I would say.

But personally I don't really like or dislike the show as it is just alright for me. A little humour that makes the whole movie lovely. And I am serious about the little humour, as it is not too much.

The little humour makes the whole falling in love feeling and all the sweetest moments so real.

The storyline is the usual drama of falling in love just that this one takes place in Korea. And how the character miss the times that they had in Korea. So nothing much to comment on the storyline issue.

Acting wise is kind of the usual. Slightly better than the mediacorp style. But in a way, the emotions from the artiste is not very strong. Just passable.

Oh ya, the editing of the film is not very good. The cuts is just not at the right moments.
And there's some continuity problem with the cuts. And it is very obvious.

But overall, I enjoyed myself in this film.
Had a great laugh and felt the sweetest of falling in love.

For this film, I shall give it a 3.25 out of 5 popcorns.

So, go watch it with your love and dearest ones. And have a romantic nite.
Treasure what's in front of you. Trust what's in your heart.
And that's real.

The Haunted House Project

Synopsis: Over the course of 42 years, 6 went missing, 8 had accidents and 11 were murdered. 3 haunted house club members and 3 camera crew decided to look into this infamously haunted house, known to be possessed by real ghosts. Ignoring all signs from the other world, they entered this haunted house and disappeared without a trace. A video footage of what they shot during their visit was since recovered, which may reveal why and how they disappeared.

Cast: Yoon E Na, Sin Kyeong Seon, Hyeon Tae Ho, Lee Hwa Jong, Jeon In Geol

My review/take:

A horror film that is pretty mind-fucking. I am dead serious about this.

The approach of this film is pretty similar to Haunted Changi and Blair Witch Project. But personally, I kind of like this.

The Haunted House Project is a mockumentary. Somehow I feel that these few months, there's quite a number of films that uses this approach in their films. Could this be the "in" thing during this moment? Hmmm... I wonder as well.

So it opens up with some interviews of the neighbourhood people and bits and pieces of the rumoured story gets in place. And the editing for this part is pretty eerie. There's like snapshot of the white in color dress lady (supposedly to be the ghost), and some random cutaways of the house/factory.

Audience will only know the backdrop of the whole story via the interviewees..

Then it cuts to the exploration scenes of the "filmmakers" and the team. Once again with the shaky camera techniques, audience actually feel more involved with the film.

I am not going to talk much about the film in this part as that's the juiciest part in the whole film. It's the part where I try to shift my focus to other areas in the cinema. But somehow or rather, I will still try to look at the screen.

This film is definitely a good film but not recommended for the weak hearted due to the suspense atmosphere. It's just amazing.

For this film, I shall give it a 3.5 out of 5 popcorns.

Another note is that due to the shaky camera technique, you might feel a little nauseous.

Hence, have fun watching this film and SCREAMMMMMM...

My Soul To Take

Synposis: In the sleepy town of Riverton, legend tells of a serial killer who swore he would return to murder the seven children born the night he died. Now, 15 years later, people are disappearing again. Has the psychopath been reincarnated as one of the seven teens, or did he survive the night he was left for dead? Only one of the kids knows the answer.

Adam “Bug” Heller (Max Thierot) was supposed to die on the bloody night his father went insane. Unaware of his dad’s terrifying crimes, he has been plagued by nightmares since he was a baby. But if Bug hopes to save his friends from the monster that’s returned, he must face an evil that won’t rest…until it finishes the job it began the day he was born.



Cast: Max Thierot, John Magaro, Emily Meade, Nick Lashaway, Denzel Whitaker, Shareeka Epps, Paulina Olszyinski, Raúl Esparza

Director: Wes Craven

Language: English

Opening: 02 Dec 2010

Runtime: 107 mins

Rating: NC 16 (Violence and Coarse Language)

(http://www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg/movie_detail.aspx?movie_id=170)

My Reviews/ takes:

Another film by Wes Craven.

But I am a little disappointed with this one thou. Could it be the expectation of a suspense thriller of mine is a little too high after watching Nightmare on Elm Street?

For this film, My Soul to Take, I love the whole story. The flow of the story. And the choice of talents for this film is pretty brilliant as well.

It's also pretty a lot of mind-fucking and as usual a thriller, u have to see blood. Hence for this film, there's lots of blood drenching dry just for you. okay. This sounded a little psychotic.

There's not much of a surprise moments. Instead, everything is like you are able to predict what will happen next. Hence, the suspense momentum is gone.

So to me, this a movie that you should not put too much of your expectation.

I will give it a 1.5 out of 5 popcorns.

Oh ya, it's NC 16. So it's only for 16 years old and above. I believe it's mainly due to the bloody scenes.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader *In 3D*

Another blockbuster film in cinemas now. And that is: The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader. Now in 3D.

Synposis:

This time around Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubb find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the very edges of the world.

Joining forces once again with their royal friend Prince Caspian and the warrior mouse Reepicheep, they are whisked away on a mysterious mission to the Lone Islands, and beyond. On this bewitching voyage that will test their hearts and spirits, the trio will face magical Dufflepuds, sinister slave traders, roaring dragons and enchanted merfolk. Only an entirely uncharted journey to Aslan's Country a voyage of destiny and transformation for each of those aboard the Dawn Treader can save Narnia, and all the astonishing creatures in it, from an unfathomable fate.

(http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_8233.jsp)

My reviews/ takes:

Everyone knows that The Chronicles of Narnia series is linked up with some biblical knowledge. But overall, I am just going to review it as much as I could as a layman.

I have to say Narnia series always surprises me with all the little nuggets hidden within the whole show. A show that I teared as well. (I am quite an emotional guy.)

It all started off with Edmund and Lucy spending their time with their cousin, Eustace. And they are all being brought into Narnia by the painting in the room.

The whole idea of it is pretty cool. And Eustace is kind of the character that I like. As it speaks a lot about human nature. Especially Singaporeans... Complain complain complain...

Doesn't that sounds awfully familiar. I sure it does. As I am a Singaporean that do complain quite a bit. *guilty*

Along the way, the film teaches me about reaching towards my own goal. Definitely there will be challenges and stuff that will bring you down. But it is the belief. Like they believe in themselves. Believe in the Narnia world. That is why they are able to reach their goals. No matter what.

It is really like if anyone throws lemon on u. Just say thank you and make lemonade.

Face it.

I don't have to comment much on the whole art direction, directing, acting and so on.

As it is just almost to perfect.

Oh ya, I watched it in 3D, and trust me I really love the little details that they pay attention to.

Instead of just the tables and chairs floating around... Usually people wil forgot the little bubbles that is supposedly to be there. And to be honest it is a too small little detail to focus on.

But they did it... There's little details in 3D.

This are the little things that I will pay attention to.

Well, of course, if you are looking into a full action film. I have to apologise this is not. But the story that lies within the film definitely worth your ticket money.

So I will give this a 4 out of 5 popcorns...

I am seriously loving this... So u guys should go and catch it...

Like seriously, GO N BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW...

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Synopsis: As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.

Director:

David Yates

Writers:

Steve Kloves (screenplay), J.K. Rowling (novel)

Stars:

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzfEH0UPEBo&hd=1

My take/ review: People are all dying to watch this, I believe. And for me, I have caught it twice....

And all the fans of Harry Potter are getting a little emotional, as it is final... The finale...

But of course the good news is there's part 1 and 2. Hence, I am so gonna catch it next year as well... *winks*

But this part 1 is kind of disappointing personally. I was expecting more but I guess I cannot comment much as there's still a part 2 to it. Hence, I am like kind of stuck somehow writing this review.

Hmmm.. Oh well, so let me first talk about the acting.

As usual it is like what you will expect. Brilliant. And damn good....

As for the direction of the flow of movie... It's kind of clear cut with little surprises.

But I have to say the mood of the movie is the one that gets me going. These all tons of emotions... And it is just kind of crazy.

Well, I have to say that it is exciting and thrilling. Dark, wonderful, smart, perfect. Slow paced but yet it works for this part 1.

So i am going to give it a 3.75 out of 5 popcorns.

Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale (3D)

Synopsis: "Rapunzel" is an action-packed, swashbuckling, animated musical comedy about the girl behind 70 feet of magical, golden hair. A princess stolen from her parents' castle as a baby, Rapunzel is locked in a hidden tower longing for adventure. Now an imaginative and determined teenager, she takes off on a hilarious, hair-raising escapade with the help of a dashing bandit. With the secret of her royal heritage hanging in the balance and her captor in pursuit, Rapunzel and her cohort find adventure, heart, humor, and hair... lots of hair.

Running Time: 100 mins

Genre: Animation, Fantasy

Rating: PG

Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Byron Howard, Nathan Greno

Cast: Donna Murphy, Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi

(http://movies.insing.com/movie/rapunzel-a-tangled-tale/id-d5000000)

My take/ review: I am totally in love with this. My initial thoughts when watching this movie is really its going to be another kid show. But I have to swallow back those thoughts as I am really tangled by the whole plot.

Guess what: I laugh as if there's no one else in the cinema, I cried at scenes that touches my heart.

Yes it is like a usual fairy tale stories. But who doesn't love fairy tales. This movie really teaches me on looking things at a more simplier dimension. Life is just simple.. It is human who likes to complicate things.

Oh ya, no forgetting all the catchy songs that they managed to capture her audiences.

The whole flow of the show is simply perfect and engaging... I am surprise too as I will thought that there will be moments that are pretty draggy.. But noooo... Everything seems to be timed nicely in place...

The whole musical flow, pacing, and direction is clear cut.

I watched it in 3D. And it is awesome. As it's like 60 to 70% there's flying objects or little things like the leaves and bushes that will appear in 3D. And it is these little things that we always forget or never take notice of, but it builds the whole mood.

That is very thoughtful... =)

The story just keeps me thinking and reflecting as well.

So I believe this is a for the whole family type of movie. And perfect for lovers... XOXOXO

Overall I am going to give it 4 popcorns out of 5.

YAY... So this is a MUST WATCH movie...

For those who have not watch. Go book your tickets now at all cinemas...