Rays of Light

Took this shot when I was walking from Plaza Singapura towards Somerset during late afternoon.

Truly Blessed!!

When I decided to run a learning centre focusing on jolly phonics last year, I didn't have much expectation really. Started off with 13 to more than 100 students now is definitely something to be proud of. We couldn't have done it without the great leadership of the Principal and ofcourse the entire Jolly Team. During the 1st anniversary celebration of Jolly Language School last month, many parents came to me personally showing their appreciation of me bringing back jolly phonics as they can see huge improvement in their children in terms of reading and understanding after few months of lesson.

I constantly asked myself what I have done for the School. Not much really. I am just a facilitator, the teachers are the ones who should take the credit. Thank you, thank you and thank you.

The Jolly Team. So glad to have you guys onboard. You have made me proud.

More Photos of Our Recent Singapore Trip

One of my favorite photos taken during the 20mins walk to Sentosa Island.

Largest Candylicious store in Singapore located at Sentosa Island.  

Another favorite shot of mine :)

The iconic Merlion

Haw Par Villa, Singapore

My first visit after 20 years. It was the boys first visit and despite the hot sunny day they seemed to enjoy the park.

Worst Customer Service Ever!!!

For those who keep complaining that Brunei retail shops, in general, can't deliver good customer service, you have not seen much of the outside world yet. As a regular visitor to Singapore, I noticed there has been an improvement in terms of customer service given by the sales attendants these days as compared to the earlier years. And, I have to say the foreign recruits, in particular, the Filipinos have done a great job on this.
Today is an exception and I do not foresee myself going back to the same shop again. As my younger boy was craving for an icecream before heading for a dinner appointment, we stopped by Hokkaido Icecream in Takashimaya and got ourselves two cups of yummy soft icecream. Instead of walking around with the icecreams, we stood next to Perla (selling french pastries and cakes) to finish off the icecream. When my 6yrs old saw an iPad displayed at the counter with a sticker note that reads "Strictly for cake viewing only", he browsed through the photo album for a while before he exited the album for other apps. In less than 30 seconds, a caucasian saleslady walked over and stood next to my boys with a sarcastic smile and asked "Can you read?". She asked the same question at least another 5 times. My elder one explained it wasn't him who exited the album. The lady then went on to say "You don't understand English? If you do, why didn't you tell him" (referring to my younger boy). I was shocked as I didn't expect this coming from a shopping mall of an international standard. The words, the tone and the sarcastic grin were totally unnecessary.

Thank goodness and I can say this with confidence, you will never find this happening in Brunei.

Lion Dance Performance, Grand Palace

A Fun Day Out at Eastwood Resort and Country Club

So we all survived 21.12.2012 after all and there isn't any total blackout as rumored either. Hence, we decided to bring the kids out for a swimming session today at Eastwood Resort, Miri :) While keeping an eye on kids safety in the pool, I took 20 minutes off to complete 10 laps myself on the "Advance Lane" (to and forth) as I have not been swimming for almost a year.

Jo Art Gallery

It was no ordinary Sunday where we just lazed around but instead a day filled with lots of fun activities. After attending the World Diabetes Day at Health Promotion Centre yesterday, I decided to send the kids for arts and craft at Jo Art Gallery instead of watching dvd at home. Within two hours, they made themselves a creative christmas card (photo not shown). This gallery is more equipped with accessories and nice paintings now compared to my last visit and I must say, some paintings by local artists are truly of international quality. Do pay them a visit and be inspired (like myself). By the way, they are quite popular for their face paintings so for any corporate events or carnival you may have, do call them up.

Andy Suzuki & The Method

Honestly, I have never heard of this boy band from New York City until their recent visit to Brunei last month. Nevertheless, I have decided to get a copy of their latest album after listening to their duet with one of my favorite talented local singers Fakhrul Razi (Salahkah Aku) on youtube last week. I didn't expect the lead singer, Andy Suzuki, to sing in Malay at all. 

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with the trio in person when they made a surprise appearance during the official opening of Mr Baker's Cafeteria courtesy of Ubdfm. Andy commented that our strawberry smoothie was superb while Jason (the violinist) said the smoked beef with sauteed onions was amazing :) 

At The Top Of BOH Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands

Although I didn't get the shot I wanted (a scenery typically seen on TV) of the BOH Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands, we had a wonderful time climbing up the top of the hill for the cold chilly weather and the beautiful sunlight. I expected strong wind at the top but it was just breezing. If given a chance, I wouldn't mind to revisit this place again.