My reality TV hosting aspiration manifested in Beijing two summers ago. We were at Wangfujing and I just had to show my friends the array of fried creatures for sale. The original intention was to eat up the stuff ourselves. We didn’t expect other tourists to join in the fun! Now, what would their parents have to say about accepting food from strangers? Hahaha.

I can’t wait to hit Beijing again. Join me this December!

It’s been ten days since the minor upgrade, and I have been kept busy with surprises one after another.

On my first day back at work, I received an unexpected delivery from my friends. The bottle of red wine was accompanied by a regal looking eagle with protracted wings. Ah yes, my career would perhaps soar to new heights if I stop behaving like a lazy ass. I turned down several engagements and a magazine shoot in the last quarter just because I didn’t feel like working. Oh well.

And then there were several lunch and dinner appointments. “I’m rather busy this week. Is the redemption still valid next month?” Hahaha. My next belated birthday lunch is on 3 Oct, and there are a few more yet to be scheduled. I am a very lucky uncle man.

The folks at Singapore Flyer had us over on Sunday evening for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix. It was my first time to the event so I was totally kiasu and suagu. I had planned to park at the National Stadium before taking a train, until I found out from a couple of friends that there were plenty of lots at Suntec and Millenia. The unexpected joy from attending such a crowded event is perhaps zipping in and out of the venue with zero congestion. Apart from a sumptuous dinner on the rooftop- complete with champagne and several huge television sets-, we had access to unlimited flights on the Flyer. The experience of watching the race from all possible angles- up close and high up- was amazing. Thank you.

September has been a great month. Birthday luck came early as I made a spontaneous visit to the casino at Marina Bay Sands two weeks before Chapter 3.2. It had been quite a while, I thought. I sat myself down at the electronic Sic Bo booth and picked some numbers. And then I randomly placed a $5 bet on a 4-4-4 combination. And I won! I read later that the probability was 0.46%. Without a second thought, I cashed out my winnings and gleefully brandished the $1000 note in front of my friend before making a hasty exit. “No, I’m not going to maximize my stay in here because of the 24-hour levy. I won and I’m leaving right now before this $1000 becomes $10!” Hahaha.

Later, something made us believe that birthday luck was perhaps transferable. A friend has just received an overseas assignment. He’s going to be based in the United States. That, I heard, is a highly coveted job within his organization, and he managed to beat stiff competition from around the globe. Astonishingly well done!

Even before he has packed his luggage and settled the visa, I’ve checked air ticket prices. I must make my first trip to America within the next one or two years, and either bunk in at his swanky expat residence, or make use of his corporate discounts to stay in a posh hotel. And I must save a screen capture of my message to him earlier this month- something which went along the lines of “Pass you all my birthday luck!” Heh.

I made my own travel arrangements this year, declining to tell anyone why or where I was going.

The CIP access was much appreciated. I was out of the airport within twenty minutes of landing! The skies were clear as I made my way to the hotel, but I couldn’t hardly contain my incredulity as it started to pour the minute I put down my bag.

The initial plan was to head straight to my favourite massage place before doing dinner, but it had to rain cats and dogs just then. The BTS station was some distance away and it didn’t make sense to take a cab during evening peak hours. Oh well, I shall do an early (and light) dinner then.

I muttered a second vulgarity when the Casaer Salad was sent to my room shortly after. The rain stopped the minute I touched my fork! The Thai deity in charge of the weather certainly had a sense of humour.

There was no Conrad Bear in sight. And in lieu of the usual rubber ducky, there was a blue (and possibly homosexual) elephant waiting at the bathtub.

Two BTS stops and twenty minutes of walking later, I discovered that my favourite massage place, Marble House – established in the early 1980s, no less – had closed down! The sleazy parlours next door which sprung up in the last five years were still going strong, but the one I chose a decade ago for its “NO SEX!” sign at the front door had vanished! A sudden bolt of lightning would have been perfect right there and then. Having been to Bangkok countless times, I know exactly where to go for a *cough* happy ending , but I just wanted a totally professional and authentic Thai massage. It was a good thing I managed to find a decent one along the same street.

I saw something familiar the next day. The Subaru Challenge, originally conceived by MediaCorp! The contestants were vying for a place in the regional finals in Singapore.

I discovered later that nothing went according to plan. At Central World, where I was wandering around aimlessly, I happened to spot a screening available in the next fifteen minutes. My jaws dropped slightly as the lady handed me the ticket, “Two THOUSAND and sixty baht (approx S$106) to watch a 3D Digital movie?!” She meant two HUNDRED. Oh.

While googling for “Best Restaurants in Bangkok”, I half heartedly typed “Best Cake in Bangkok” as well. Haha.

When I was alone in Taipei on 18.09.02 and Shanghai on 18.09.03, I was too preoccupied with work and didn’t think about getting cake or anything. What amused me greatly was that the first bakery I clicked on was located a stone’s throw from the hotel. When told of my plans, S. instantly pledged S$50. “Don’t be silly. I can’t finish a whole cake. I’m just getting a slice!”

Bearing in mind the lesson and disappointment from the previous evening, I decided against walking up and down the street to hunt for a supposedly famous bakery I’ve never visited. That cheesecake from Isetan would do. And I somehow picked up a bottle of cheap wine- which I chucked after two glasses. Awful taste.

In a show I saw recently, the kidnappers were filming a video of their victim and held newspapers to the camera. I was thus inspired to take a picture to record the moment. Heh.

I was alone, but certainly not lonely. A group chat on Whatsapp began the moment I reached Bangkok.

I’m calling Gillian 大姑姐 from now on.

Two of the restaurants on my “Best of…” list were located within Conrad, and I chose Japanese over Chinese. (Finally something according to plan.)

That sashimi was yummy!

A friend who is now based in Thailand called and plans for local Thai fare in the evening were swiftly made. I hadn’t seen Mark after primary school. It’s been TWENTY years! Rather meaningful meet-up there. And he berated me the next day when he saw my online update.

Heh. 18.09 is a huge event for me obviously, but it wasn’t necessary to create a huge fuss every single year. My message, however, made three xiaomeimeis went into panic mode instantly.

Totally hilarious.

Shortly after, I saw a string of tweets from the friend who has since gained a considerable following on this blog.

Chapter 3.0 was grand; Chapter 3.1 was fun; and Chapter 3.2 was chillaxing- with a huge dose of friendship in the form of messages and phone calls from hundreds of kilometers away. Thanks, everybody!

I absolutely adore Chan Brothers. The past collaborations were to places with dipping temperatures. We braved the cold winds in Turkey in 2007 and went on a winter adventure to New Zealand last year. This December, we shall head to Beijing!

My eyes lit up when I was told of the destination. Oh man, I love the city- having been there three times in thirteen months. This trip has been given a Fundelicious theme. FOOD! Woohoo! And we’ll be staying at Marco Polo Parkside (or a 5-star equivalent) which means we don’t have to pack and unpack every other day.

DAY 1
奥运鸟巢／水立方
悄江南
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, tour the clusters of Olympic Buildings. Visit Beijing National Stadium, one of the main venues of Beijing Olympic Games 2008, also known as “Bird’s Nest” and take a photo in front of the façade of the National Aquatics Centre also known as “Water Cube”. Dinner will be at Qiao Jiang Nan, the restaurant which shot to regional fame when its owner Wang Xiaofei married Big S.

DAY 2
紫禁城故宫／天安门／三轮车游胡同
老北京炸酱面／全聚德烤鸭
After breakfast, visit the Forbidden City to feel the stately and luxurious Chinese palace. Once home to emperors, it is the largest and most complete palace existing in China and the largest in the world today, filled with magnificent buildings, pavilions and pagodas. The classical Oriental style of the Forbidden City is resplendent and an architectural wonder. Then pass through Tiananmen City Tower to arrive at the world-famous Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square in the heart of Beijing. In its vicinity are sights like the Monument to the People Heroes, Tiananmen Gate, and the Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, the National History Museum and more. Continue to visit Tong Ren Tang which is a famous old pharmacy of Beijing with more than 300 years of history. In the afternoon, enjoy a tricycle sight-seeing tour of Beijing hutongs to view traditional alleys and courtyards at the old streets of Beijing. During the tour, you will step into centuries old traditional courtyards and learn more about the daily lives of Beijing people. Lastly, proceed to a silk shop.

DAY 3
颐和园／天坛／金面王朝
天津百饺园饺子宴／蕉叶泰餐
After breakfast, visit the Summer Palace, the top of the 4 most celebrated gardens in China, also known as Empress Dowager Cixi’s imperial garden. It is modelled after the blueprint of Hangzhou’s scenic West Lake. Then visit the Pearl Centre to learn about the effectiveness of pearl powder for beauty. Then proceed to the Temple of Heaven, the largest temple complex in China. This was where the Ming and Qing Emperors prayed to the heavens for peace, prosperity and good harvests for the country. The temple ground comprises 3 main groups of constructions, all built according to strict philosophical and astrology requirements. Later, head to Happy Valley to enjoy a spectacular large-scale musical, “The Golden Mask Dynasty” which is about a romantic legendary story of a country.

DAY 4
万里长城
万丰小吃城／圣诞晚宴／燃放烟花
In the morning, proceed to Juyong Pass, the first pass of the Great Wall of China which is the cradle of Chinese civilization and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thereafter, visit the Jade Museum to view some exquisite jade pieces. In the afternoon, visit Wanfeng Snacks City, the largest traditional snacks city and the only Old Beijing traditional snacks museum offering over 3,000 types of snacks. A person will spend 1 month to savour all the various types of snacks there. Later in the evening, celebrate Christmas in style with a lavish dinner and fireworks!

DAY 5
南山滑雪
都一处烧卖馆／便宜坊烤鸭
In the morning, proceed to visit De Sheng Men to learn about the use of Chinese lucky charm, Pixiu in the world of fengshui. Then coach to Nanshan Ski Village, the largest of its kind in North China with the most advanced facilities. This ski resort boasts of 11 trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and activities like building of snowmen and snowboarding. Enjoy complimentary 2 hours of skiing with ski equipment included and enjoy a fun-filled time in the snow. Thereafter return to Beijing. If time permits, you may spend time at leisure shopping till dinner.

DAY 6
天津
天津狗不理包子宴／火盆锅豆腐宴
After breakfast, visit a tea plantation to learn more about Chinese tea culture and appreciation. Thereafter, coach to Tianjin. Upon arrival, visit the famous Cultural Street and Tianjin Food Street where a wide variety of Tianjin snacks are sold. You can savour popular Tianjin snacks like Shi Ba Jie Da Ma Hua, Er Duo Yan Fried Cakes and more at your own expense. Then for lunch, you will get to savour the renowned Tianjin Goubuli Buns. After which, proceed to Wangfujing Shopping Street to shop for the latest fashion and accessories.

DAY 7
承德
承德野味香／南门涮肉
After breakfast, proceed to Chengde. Explore Chengde Mountain Resort also known as “Imperial Mountain Resort”. It served as a cooler location for the Qing dynasty Emperors to escape from the often oppressive heat of Beijing during long hot summers. The Imperial Summer Resort can be divided into the palace zone and the scenic zone. Tour the grounds of the palace zone where the main palace was where the Qing dynasty Emperor handled the state affairs and it was also the residence for him and his Empress. The scenic zone comprises the plain, lake and mountain zones. Explore the plain and mountain area and board an eco-friendly electric buggy to Yan Sai River bank. Then, ascend Golden Mountain Pavilion to admire the bird’s eye view of the imperial mountain resort and ascend the Yanyu Tower located in the middle of the lake. It is the filming site for the movie “Princess Huanzhu”. Continue to Rehe, the shortest river in the world. After which, explore Ten Thousand Tree Garden, which has many ancient trees. Behold the beauty of the vast plain in the horizon which is dotted with white Mongolian yurts which look like stars in the sky. Thereafter, coach back to Beijing to visit Bao Shu Tang.

DAY 8
If time permits, you may do some last-minute shopping before you transfer to the airport for your flight home

Note:
Tour is conducted in Mandarin unless otherwise specified
All hotel ratings are based on local terms.
During major events, accommodation may not be in the city mentioned.
Final itinerary by local tour operator will be deemed accurate.
Tour groups may be merged and sequence of itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.
Any deviation or extension after the tour is subject to airline’s approval.
For passengers who join the land tour only (exclude international and domestic (if any) airfare), please be informed that you will be notified on the confirmation of the tour two (2) weeks before departure.

Call Chan Brothers at 6212 9686 to book now and enjoy a $200 discount for twin bookings. Beijing, here we come!

（2011年9月11日 新加坡）《第17屆新加坡金曲獎》本地頂尖歌手與亞洲重量級音樂人爭奪新加坡樂壇最具指標性獎座！

由新傳媒Y.E.S. 93.3FM主辦，《第17屆新加坡金曲獎》專業與票選獎項入圍名單在9月11日公佈。本地資深音樂人李偉菘、李偲菘與小寒，帶領海內外新生代歌手：丁當、何維健、龔芝怡、邱意淋和卓軒正共同見證入圍名單的揭曉。丁當獲知入圍“最受歡迎女歌手獎”，難掩興奮之情；何維健則說，憑第二張專輯就能與本地大腕儿陳潔儀和林俊傑等人入圍“最佳本地歌手獎”而深感榮幸。龔芝怡在過去12個月沒有新作，因此樂得以旁觀者身份給“最受歡迎新人獎”入圍者卓軒正打氣。

《第17屆新加坡金曲獎》的主題定為：Music is Life 活出音樂。 Y.E.S. 93.3FM DJ兼金曲獎執委丁志勇說：“我們的生命當中，少不了氧氣和水，同時也不能缺少音樂。20世紀30年代的上海，人們夜夜笙歌；40年代動盪不安的時代，人們靠著音樂撫慰人心、也藉助澎湃的音符為前線軍人助威⋯⋯21世紀的網絡科技時代，音樂的真正價值與意義是否流失在垂手可得的便利中？”

Y.E.S. 93.3FM高級節目總監馮慧詩說：“本屆金曲獎旨在把大家拉回音樂的最初，除了延續金曲獎推動與表揚的兩大宗旨，也在音樂難生存的年代里為努力奮鬥的音樂人提供一道曙光。” Y.E.S. 93.3FM已在空中推出“Music is Life 活出音樂”廣播特備，讓歌手與創作人悉數當初的感動。金曲獎聯辦單位U頻道將在從10月份開始推出“Music is Life 活出音樂”電視特輯，由音樂人暢談音樂的生命力。

《第17屆新加坡金曲獎》頒獎典禮將在2011年11月12日（六）晚上7點30分於新加坡室內體育館舉行。門票於9月15日（四）通過SISTIC公開發售，票價分$138、$88和$21。配合Y.E.S. 93.3FM21週年台慶，10月21日前購買$138及$88門票可獲21％折扣。欲知更過詳情，可瀏覽Y.E.S. 93.3FM官方網站。

第17屆新加坡金曲獎入圍名單

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