Singapore Fountain Pen

A Busy Afternoon On Bugis Street

2011-06-21T01:32:00.001+08:00

A search for RC helicopter parts and Bluetooth headsets set my sights on the infamous Sim Lim Square. Prepared to spend the better half of my afternoon walking to accomplish my mission, I armed myself with a camera just in case there was anything interesting to capture. But first, I allowed myself the simple pleasure of sitting on the train ride from the Pasir Ris Station to the Bugis Station.

In hindsight, I realize that the thought about Bugis not being interesting should never cross anyone's mind. For locals, Bugis as the "largest street shopping location in Singapore" is sure to always have their attention, shopping being the favorite national past time, rivaled only by football and gastronomy. For tourists, Bugis is the best place to find cheap souvenirs. And for those who like to dig in a little deeper into Bugis' past, the place has been made famous by transvestites luring sailors and military personnel on their stop in the Merlion City.

As for my own experience, the visit of friends to Singapore is almost always never complete without a tour of Bugis. And why not? T-shirts, mugs, key chains, trinkets and other items that are light on the budget and easy to carry are golden to visitors wanting to take a piece of Singapore with them. A huge percentage of friends from neighboring countries are also interested in purchasing electronic goods during their visit, and for that, if you know what you're doing, what better place to go than Sim Lim Square?

As to my very own adventure during this particular visit, I am tempted to summarize it in two words: mission failed! Not only did I not find the helicopter part, but I also ended up not buying any Bluetooth headset. But then, all things considered, it wasn't a total failure. After all, few things could rival satisfying one's curiosity, and I say this after watching sales pitchmen go about their business — it was a priceless 10-minute education in making high impact presentations. (I will confess that I have more than once bought items they were selling even if they were speaking in Mandarin, a language I could count on my fingers the number of words that I understand.) How about the joy of drinking fresh juice after a long and tiring walk? Or the inexplicable pleasure of my longstanding affair with Ya Kun's kaya toast? Or the fact that I managed to buy something from the fruit stand for just $5? And oh, I made four people happy by bringing home Ritz' apple strudel.

This must be the weirdest way I've ever ended something I wrote, but I'm having a slice of that apple strudel for my midnight snack just after hitting that orange "publish post" button. Chow!

A Tropical Paradise Called Boracay

2011-06-06T22:02:00.000+08:00

Boracay is without a doubt one of the best tropical beaches in the world. Its powdery white sand beach is phenomenal, its diving sites plentiful and amazing, its gustatory treats abundant and delightful, and not the least important of all, its people friendly and accommodating.

There are myriad of activities for just about everyone, from people simply wanting to relax and enjoy the beach to the more adventurous and athletic ones ones seeking the thrill of various sports in and out of water. Shopaholics need not suffer withdrawal symptoms as flea markets abound in Boracay; there's also a mini-mall that shouldn't be difficult to find nor forget given its name, D-Mall. As for party animals, you should have a blast at the night scene. And before I forget to mention, there's internet connection in the island if you couldn't wait to post your lovely Boracay pics on facebook until you get home.

If you haven't been to Boracay, it's not a matter of thinking whether you should go or not, it's simply a question of when. The best time to visit would be during the months of summer in the Philippines — March, April and May. The peak season however, starts in the month of October. The four months between these, as you've probably deduced, comprise the off-peak season — they're ideal for tourists on a tight budget but beware that the same months form part of the typhoon peak season in the Philippines.

There are tons of useful information about Boracay in the Internet so feel free to google away. It's also best to ask people who've been there too or, if you are so fortunate to have a Filipino friend, ask for practical tips and advice.

If there's anything that bothered me during my recent trip to Boracay, it would be this canal leading to the beach from goodness knows. There's a bit of smell emanating from the water although it wasn't that bad. It's comforting to know however that a sewage treatment plant has been started ahead of it's schedule. Otherwise, I'd fear for the future of this lovely island.

If you're curious about the fourth picture, that's a shot of street food being sold along the shorelines. See that orange spiral treat? That would be isaw in the local tongue, or grilled chicken intestine.

The last picture is a shot from the balcony of our hotel, the Ambassador in Paradise.

Sleeping Child

2011-05-24T18:48:00.000+08:00

April 21, 2011. Somewhere along the national highway of Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

In case you're wondering, the vehicle you see here is a tricycle. It is a popular means of transportation in the Philippines, and is used mainly for short distances especially in barrios and urban villages.

Penitensiya: A Ritual Of Pain And Passion In The Philippines

2011-05-23T19:38:00.001+08:00

During the long drive from Ilocos to Manila last Maundy Thursday, I couldn't resist the urge to stop the car and take a few pictures of a striking religious ritual happening on the very streets we were passing. We witnessed this scene somewhere in Pampanga, one of the oldest provinces in the Philippines.

A few half-naked men were whipping their backs as they trudged through the night. In cases where some of them carried logs, someone else did the flogging. As if those weren't gruesome enough, one particular man opted to crawl and roll as his means to move about, doing this while another man caned him. When the bruised and bloodied mean appear to have reached their destination, they would either kneel or lay prostrate on the ground while someone else struck them yet again.

The local rite is known Penitensiya and is basically meant to depict the suffering of Jesus Christ. You might have already guessed that the English equivalent of the word is penitence, which means showing sorrow and regret for one's wrongdoings. Indeed, devotees believe that this form of self flagellation is one way to show they are sorry for their transgressions. In fact, some of them believe that the act itself cleanses them from their sins.

Aside from atonement, some carry out the rite to ask for special favors such as the healing of a loved one. Some believe they get protection or guidance in return. Others merely keep a vow they made when they asked for divine intervention or a miracle in the past.

Regardless of their reasons, these devotees are decided to keep observing this ritual yearly, for as long as they can.

Cebu From Above

2011-05-21T23:14:00.004+08:00

"The view is so much better from the top, we can take you there."

This is one of the slogans used by the company a friend used to work for. In some weird twist of memory, this was one of the phrases that came to mind when I was marveling at the view of Cebu from the tallest tower in the city, Crow Regency Hotel.

Cebu is one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines because of its white sandy beaches and its hospitable people. It is best known in history for the Battle of Mactan, where the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan met his death at the hands of its natives.

From where I stood I could see the entire city in all its glory. It certainly isn't a bad place to be in during sunset. Looking at the nearby island of Mactan and imagining the throng of people that must be enjoying the waters at that moment, I had to ask myself why I wasn't in the beach more often.

The 40-story building where these pictures were taken from isn't without marvels of its own. For instance, the cables that are noticeable at the topmost picture carry adventurous passengers of the zip line from one tower to another. There's also the Sky Walk Extreme that lets thrill-seekers walk around the edge of the building, reminiscent of the SkyWalk at the Macau Tower. Then there's the Edge Coaster, a ride that takes its passengers around the edge of the building and — to make it more interesting — allows passengers to tilt the seat downwards up to 55 degrees using a lever — the first of its kind in the world.

Speaking of firsts, Crown Regency also claims to have built the first climbing wall atop a building. With the rush of excitement I felt as I learned about this, eager to try it one day, I am instantly reminded of Orchard Central's indoor climbing wall. This certainly takes it a notch higher! While I have yet to give it a try, I imagine that it would feel like you're scaling the actual building. I was also told that when you reach the angled portion of the wall, it would appear that the building below has vanished, giving you an obstructed view of the streets below.

When you come to Cebu, I definitely recommend visiting Crown Regency Towers. If you're not the adventurous type who would love to try the rides, the view from the top is definitely worth the quick trip.

Checking Out Macau Part 1

2011-01-24T13:15:00.010+08:00

It happened in the beautiful month of August, a trip booked on impulse thanks to an irresistible offer made by a budget airline. By beautiful I meant that the weather was just ideal — it was neither too hot nor too cold, and the occasional rains during our stay weren't strong enough nor didn't pour long enough to ruin our itinerary. By beautiful I meant that Macau, a place one would expect to be swarmed with tourists all throughout the year, seemed to have just the right amount of visitors during those days.

It was a three-hour flight from Singapore, getting us to the Macau International Airport at 2 a.m. Thankfully it was uneventful, and the only minor complaint I had was of the two ladies seated in front of us who were a little too enthusiastic about their storytelling that no passenger was spared of their boisterous laughter, which also made it impossible for me to get any sleep. We were met at the airport by our dear friend, kind host and would-be tour guide, Bel, who took us to her place, which was a mere 10 minutes away by cab.

We had about four hours of sleep that night. Despite this and what appeared to be early symptoms of a flu relapse for me, we felt energetic in the morning, and were excited to begin exploring the former Portuguese colony.

Our first destination was the Largo de Carmo or Our Lady of Carmel, a church atop a hill overlooking the Taipa Village where Bel was attending a Baptism. During our 10-minute walk going there, we learned from Bel that the Macau peninsula and the Taipa and Coloane islands comprise Macau. The airport, Bel's place and Largo de Carmo are all situated in Taipa.

The church, it turns out, was originally built in 1855. Just below was a lake, which used to be part of the sea before the land around it was reclaimed. It was a bit foggy that morning, but from the lakeshore we could make out the popular casinos, The Venetian and the City of Dreams on the other side.

When the baptismal ceremony was finished, it was time to cross over to the Macau Peninsula for the reception. It was held at the StarWorld's Temptations restaurant, and we had become guests. We found the restaurant's name undeniably apt, but not before we were tempted to eat more than we should have. Of course we also got to meet the proud parents of the newly baptized, the cute baby himself, and Bel's truly hospitable friends.

After having the equivalent of two meals in one sitting, it was only fitting that we took a walk. Our next stop was Wynn hotel, which was just across the street.

We were just in time for the Tree of Prosperity show. A lot of people had already gathered around the area where the spectacle was taking place, and we were fortunate to still be able to see in front of us. The crowd, who seemed to take the music that started playing as a sign that the show was commencing, began to settle in their places before falling completely silent. True enough dazzling lights soon filled the place; the show had began. The ceiling with sculpted Chinese horoscope animals slowly opened apart to reveal a holographic display of lights. Soon a huge chandelier descended, then the dome-shaped floor with sculpted Western zodiac figures opened to unveil a golden tree rising up. With apposite music playing in the background, the Tree of Prosperity made a 360-degree turn, like a ballerina in slow motion, dancing to the different seasons before it bowed down to a graceful exit, descending once more to the hidden cove where it came from. The show concluded with the closing of the ceiling and the floor.

To be continued...

Atop Singapore's First Vertical Mall, Orchard Central

2011-01-17T14:09:00.000+08:00

Orchard Central is Singapore's first vertical mall. This fact wasn't apparent to us during our earliest visits, so we got to explore only the first few levels then. It was through friends that we learned the entire building was actually a mall, and that the upper levels were worth checking out. Last week, in the company of friends, we decided to spend a few hours of our Saturday afternoon wandering through the place.

We had a grand time gallivanting around the 18-month-old establishment going shop by shop, floor by floor. Some of the things that made a lasting impression were the indoor climbing wall, the Asian Food Channel's kitchen studio, the virtual indoor golf simulation center and the dance studio. (More on this, including pictures in a future post.)

We also didn't pass up the opportunity to go see the roof garden. Aside from giving a view from above of Orchard Road and its neighboring surroundings, the roof garden also features several restaurants — Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese and Singaporean —, and exhibits a number of artworks. Waterfalls, pools, garden walls, hyacinths, orchids, bamboo groves, and other types of trees and plants make the rooftop an oasis of calm in the center of the city.

Trying out the different restaurants is certainly a good reason to come back. There shall be more pictures to take too — hopefully there would be no lovers talking by the waterfalls to interrupt next time around. ;)

Little India's Masala Hut

2011-01-13T07:00:00.008+08:00

A trip to Little India became the consensus when we couldn't find a place to eat in Suntec City. It was past ten o'clock in the evening on a Tuesday night.

I made the suggestion of looking for a place to eat near the hotel of our visitors. After all, they had a four-year old daughter in tow, and I wanted to make it easy for them. Eva agreed, and suggested we go very near their hotel, which was located in Farrer Park. Her husband —who's originally from Finland by the way — turns out to be a lover of Indian food. Feeling a little adventurous, we alighted at Little India instead of Farrer Park.

Except for a few stalls, the market right beside the Little India station was already closed. We had second thoughts about our adventure and thought of taking the sure route to Clarke Quay instead. But we trudged on and after only about two minutes of walking, we seemed to have found what we were looking for.

From a distance Masala Hut appeared inviting. It was well lit, its patrons and homey interiors could be seen through the windows. Inside, the place was spick and span, with wooden tables and chairs and the familiar stainless utensils common in Indian restaurants.

I had learned to eat Indian food only here in Singapore. In previous posts, I had documented my adventures in Aangan, a North Indian restaurant, and Annalakshmi in Amoy St., which practiced the Eat what you want, Give as you feel concept. Well, this was a somewhat different experience, a delightful one still.

We had dosa, cheese naan, garlic naan and Masala chicken. I gave the kulfi or Indian ice cream a try too. I didn't regret it. The total bill came to S$50 — not bad at all for five people.

If I ever get lost and hungry on Little India again, I know where to go.

Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth

2011-01-11T16:27:00.000+08:00

We had a chance to visit Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth, which is also known as the World's Largest Fountain a few days ago, thanks to visiting relatives who were touring Southeast Asia. The place made it to our relative Eva's list of places to go in Singapore and we were glad to meet her and her family for dinner there.

Unfortunately, they arrived late and only made it towards the end of the last laser show for the day. All wasn't lost though as Eva's four-year-old daughter had a grand time admiring the colorful lights, the spurting, pouring and flowing water, and the towering bronze figure (almost 14 meters high). There was also no stopping her from getting her hands (not feet) wet from touching the water.

They also didn't pass up the chance to get up close and take part of the ritual of going around the fountain three times while touching the water for good luck!

Singapore 360 - Day 36: United Colors of HDBs (A Change In Perspective)

2010-04-27T00:00:00.005+08:00

It still amazes me how a change in perspective alters the way we see things. There was a time when I expressed my opinion that it would make HDBs look neater and maybe a bit more sophisticated if they were painted mostly white, or at least a lighter shade. I imagined the entire of Singapore having rows and rows of white buildings where people lived in. When I finally listened to what I was saying, I wanted to smack myself in the head.

I see two ironies in this. First, a lot of people already say that Singapore is boring. Just do a Google search on "Singapore is boring" and you'll see what I mean. Bringing my stupid idea into light, not that it would even be considered, doesn't exactly help disprove this notion.

Second, for most part of my life, at least up to the present, I have never been one to live inside an ordinary and dull white box. I realize now that choice had a lot to do with it but I will not deny that in the past, especially during the dark moments, that I was plagued with the victim mindset. What lead me away from the victim mentality? A change of perspective of course. And a decision to live under bright light.

Living outside a boring white box means life being an adventure, taking risks, learning new things and setting up one's self where a thing or two eventually goes wrong. It is a life filled with colors, one that requires a person to see things not in black and white but in the full spectrum of light. But it is also a life where things don't always go as planned and therefore one filled with tears, hope, laughter and disappointment. But isn't that what life is all about?

It's true, a change of perspective can shed new light and bring fresh color to an otherwise dull and boring view. Perhaps it's time to tilt those lenses?

***

Singapore 360 - Day 35: Do Everything In Love

2010-04-26T00:00:00.003+08:00

Do everything in love. This is the message one of our fellow pedestrians earlier wanted to let the world know about today.

The line written on his sweater caught our attention as we were about to cross Orchard Road. As if on cue, he sat on one of the pedestrian bollards right in front of us. I guess the message was meant to be shared, the meaning up to the reader to decide.

Singapore 360 - Day 34: VivoCity Rooftop Water Pool

2010-04-24T00:00:00.091+08:00

Q: Who belongs to this?

A: One of the few enjoying themselves, dipping in the cool waters of the shallow pool on the VivoCity rooftop, exposed directly under the debilitating noontime sun.

This is a common scene, and as far I remember, it has been like this since the first visit I made to the VivoCity rooftop. The kids wading in the pool seem to be inured to the scorching heat. Come to think of it, what's the best course of action when confronted by a dizzyingly burning sensation all over but dipping in cool water? As the sun goes down, the number of people increases — more children wading means more parents looking after them.

There is no lack of conspicuously displayed no swimming signs around the area. The water is too shallow to swim in anyway, but that might not be the case for little children. The entire picture reminds me of a place in Sentosa, where a sign that says "no children playing" is prominently displayed but is never really a deterrent for kids wanting to enjoy the refreshing water. Oh well, kids will be kids. And parents will always be there to support them and keep them safe.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 33: Baby Asleep On Bike

2010-04-23T00:00:00.013+08:00

We saw this happen while waiting for the bus a few days ago. The toddler fell asleep on the bike and so the mother had to get off and hold the baby's head to keep it from further falling sideways and disturbing his peaceful sleep in the process. Good thing the father, who appeared to be following them, was just a traffic light away. By the time the father was close enough however, the baby was awake and had already straightened up, possibly from hearing the voice of its own mother calling for backup.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 32: Old Hill Police Station

2010-04-22T00:00:00.002+08:00

The building with colorful windows on Hill Street has an equally colorful history. For starters, the lot it occupies used to house a school and a theater. When it was built in 1934, it served as a police station, which also held Singapore's first jail, and was then regarded as a skyscraper. During the Japanese Occupation, it was used as a holding area and torture ground for prisoners. After that, it resumed its use under the police department for over three decades before being closed and renovated to house other various government departments. It was declared a national monument in 1998.

The structure is now called MICA Building as it is primarily being occupied by – aptly so I think due to it's appeal — the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Arts. This doesn't stop cab drivers from calling it the Old Hill Police Station though, and I can guarantee you'll be inviting questions that aim to clarify where you want to go if you use the new name. Well, you can get there too — and I dare you — by saying you want to go the building with colorful windows in Clarke Quay.

If anyone's looking for more reason why it should remain being called Old Hill Police Station, it has 911 windows. And oh, for clarity's sake, the emergency number for Singapore is 999.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 31: Wave House Sentosa

2010-04-21T00:00:00.004+08:00

Surfing isn't among the list of sports that is popular in Singapore. Also, while the country is surrounded by sea, it's fair to say that Singapore isn't much of a beach destination.

Well, those reasons shouldn't stop anyone from trying out something that resembles the sport right in Singapore's most popular tourist destination. With the opening of Wave House in Sentosa late last year, the lack of ginormous surfing waves seems to have been addressed.

Their solution is, of course, technology-driven, with good results — surfer-to-die-for waves artificially generated over and over again. Judging from the big smiles on the faces of those who have tried the wave simulator, it looks like a lot of fun.

I've always thought of myself as a beach lover. But I find that statement ironic given the fact that I have never tried surfing. Although I'm quite sure my case is hardly unique, I feel my claim as a beach lover doesn't hold much water (pun intended) until this hurdle is surpassed. Well, here's my chance, you might say.

Looking back, my love for the beach was brought about by those yearly summer trips to the beach my family would make. As a young boy, the beach was always the one thing that defined my summer. I always looked forward to the gentle kiss of the sea breeze on my face, the taste of salty water on my lips, the ticklish feel of sand at my feet, the hypnotic splashing of the waves against my torso and even the painful sunburns all over my body afterwards.

I guess it's time to plan for striking one item off that long list.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 30: HDBs

2010-04-20T00:00:00.003+08:00

This is what a typical house in Singapore, commonly referred to as HDB, looks like.

I realize I have a previous post about HDBs but I've never actually posted a picture of an entire building.

As you might have guessed, I live in one of these flats. The government does a good job of maintaining them and is pretty strict —this might not be news to you— on implementing its set of rules for the occupants. For instance, placing flower pots on ledges where they can easily fall off and hurt or even kill someone is a no-no. Posters constantly reminding residents that they "may be jailed or fined" for violating such rules are omnipresent.

The main difference between a condo and a HDB, aside from the dollar sign, are the amenities. There are no swimming pools, gyms, barbecue pits or clubhouses in HDBs.

A friend points out that one of the things she doesn't like about HDBs are the pipes: they are conspicuously displayed — for good reason though: ease of maintenance — not only in the bathroom but sometimes in the living room. Her imagination gets the better of her, visualizing what sort of thing passes between those pipes.

As for me, I'm still happy living in an HDB flat. The nearby Pasir Ris Park and my own gym membership more than make up for the missing amenities. As for the pipes, I can live with that, as long as they don't ever leak.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 29: Riverside Point, Clarke Quay

2010-04-18T23:00:00.002+08:00

Here's a shot of Riverside Point in Clarke Quay.

Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, known for its Chili Crab, is at the extreme left. Brewerkz, a local microbrewery restaurant is at the extreme right. Both are favorite spots among our circle of friends. The bridge takes you to the clubs, bars and the G-Max reverse bungee.

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Singapore 360 - Day 28: Shiraz Belly Dancer

2010-04-18T01:30:00.007+08:00

Shiraz. Two things come to mind when I encounter the word: the variety of red wine that's powerfully flavored and full bodied, and the city in South Iran that's also been called the city of gardens.

That changed a few months ago when I finally took note of the name of the bar in Clarke Quay that occasionally features a belly dancer shaking and grooving to a lively beat. Whether I like it or not, I knew my brain would associate belly dancing with Shiraz from then on.

We'd normally pass by the bar as part of the Clarke Quay tour we give to visiting friends. On one particular day, the couple we were showing around was in luck. So was I, for I had brought my camera with me.

It's not surprising that everyone within a 10-meter radius of the bar turned their attention on her: first, the curious glances; then the bedazzled stares; next, the suddenly ubiquitous flashes and staccato clicks of the cameras; and after the performance, the applause.

Just a few days ago, when we were on our "tour of duty" for another visiting friend, there was no belly dancer doing her thing in Shiraz. It seemed, at least for me, that the whole of Clarke Quay was a little less lively.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 27: Kuriya Japanese Restaurant

2010-04-16T23:28:00.007+08:00

Identity crisis?

I couldn't help but smile in disbelief every time I see this sign. Turns out kuriya means kitchen in Japanese.

I just found this photo in my albums. We always pass by this restaurant when we'd go for Din Tai Fung in Raffles City. I promised myself I would try out it one day. Unfortunately that day hasn't come yet.

But as they say, it's never too late. I'll come up with a new post to describe the experience when the day the promise is fulfilled finally comes.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 26: Pasir Ris Town Park Fish Pond

2010-03-29T23:00:00.004+08:00

I haven't tried fishing. But I heard, just like with golf and photography, it's a lot of fun but also requires tons of patience. Fun and patience — they're an odd pair but with certain things you can't have one without the other.

I had the opportunity to visit the Pasir Ris Town Park again during the weekend. Not going there to jog, I did not pass up the chance to take a few pictures. Those who were fishing in the pond didn't seem to mind. Well, I tried not to get in their way.

Before leaving I made a promise to myself to try fishing within the year. I have one person in mind who I think would gladly come with me. And the fish pond at the Pasir Ris Town Park doesn't look like a bad place to start.

***

Asia 360 - 15th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival (3/3)

2010-03-04T00:00:00.006+08:00

As I wandered through the crowd on the last day of the hot air balloon festival, it was evident that both young and old had happy memories to take home with them from the event. Their excitement during the aerobatics was obvious from their reactions. So was their amusement as they cheered when face-painted and colorfully costumed youngsters marched and performed amazing tricks to the beat of kettledrums. So was their delight as they clapped every time a plane hit its target in the balloon bursting segment.

There was also a different kind of joy, one I've observed gleaming in the eyes of fathers, mothers, grandparents as they carried their young ones on their shoulders, took pictures of them riding in an airplane, taught them how to fly kites, queued with them to the hotdog stands and portable toilets, and dreamed with them being captains of their own planes someday. If that wasn't rewarding enough, the bliss was apparent on the faces of the children too. I'm sure that those happy memories will last a lifetime in the heads of some, and indelibly etched in the souls of everyone forever.

Certainly there is pride in the hearts of the pilots from being among the privileged few who are able to do what they do, more so from being able to impart happiness to the others in their own way. If only momentarily, they turned into artists who find delight in seeing others appreciate their craft. It must be a pleasurable thing too, to be able to express the joy of flying, without the use of words, to people who will never be able to fully comprehend it. The feeling of being able to provide inspiration to those who aspire to fly someday must also be priceless.

It was a delightful experience for me too, this being my first. I have my own happy memories to take home with me. Just thinking about them makes me smile and want to come back.

I will certainly make plans to watch it again someday. There would be the children to take and grandchildren too. ;)

***

Asia 360 - 15th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival (2/3)

2010-03-02T00:00:00.010+08:00

The balloons came in different colors, sizes and shapes. Among those that stood out were those that came in the shape of a beer bottle, a house, a turtle and a star.

While the hot air balloons were the highlight of the event, that wasn't all there was to it. The air show also featured skydivers jumping out of planes in their colorful parachutes, daredevils performing aerobatics using light aircraft, aviators parading various ultralight planes and slingers testing their aim in balloon bursting.

This is one of the ultralights.

One of the helicopters during this segment where the pilots show of their skills in hovering just a few inches above the ground and keeping it stable for about a minute.

Here's a member of the Philippine Army making a perfect landing. Some inevitably tumbled during their landing.

Another perfect landing from another daredevil. Notice the different type of parachute used.

Here's a free spirit manuevering a powered paraglider.

Hired performers wearing colorful costumes and carrying equally colorful scarecrows and eagles on sticks above the head commingle with the crowd.

Here are some of the pilots posing for the camera.

To be continued...

***

Asia 360 - 15th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival (1/3)

2010-02-27T00:00:00.003+08:00

It was a little more than an hour’s worth of drive from Manila. The freeways once again befitted being called as such for traffic was, as expected, very light during those wee hours of the night. The destination was Clark, Pampanga, a former US Air base that now boasts of an international airport and a free port zone. The occasion: the 15th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

We got there before 5 a.m., way before the balloonists started setting up. Already the place was packed and a feeling of excitement seemed to abound in the air. Eager photography enthusiasts had already chosen their spots and erected their tripods behind the fence bordering the open field. People lined up behind food counters to buy breakfast. People had assembled near the gates in the hopes of getting out into the field, where all the action would later take place.

We ordered hotdogs ourselves and waited for a few minutes before heading into the open field just as pick-up trucks and jeeps arrived with their huge baskets in tow.

The balloonists clearly follow a process in setting up their balloons. We'd say watching them get ready is as exciting as watching the balloons go up in the air. Here's the sequence we've observed:

the envelope is spread out in the field

a fan is used to fill the envelope with air

the basket is laid down on one side and is attached to the envelope

the burners are attached

the envelopes are hooked up to the basket

the burners are ignited and the air inside the enveloped is gradually warmed up

finally, the basket is turned upright.

After that, the basket is ready to be loaded with passengers. Then, the countdown to takeoff begins!

More photos in the next entries.

To be continued...

***

Asia 360 - Philippine Jeepneys

2010-02-24T00:00:00.001+08:00

When visiting the Philippines, if you venture around, one of the things that would surely arouse your interest is the jeepney — it's the most popular means of public transportation in the country.

Wikipedia has a good entry about jeepneys, but here's a unique way of describing it, from http://www.sagadasolutions.com/html/about_us.html:

...the Philippine jeepney [is] a symbol of Filipino ingenuity. The jeepney is a small mini-bus, a public transport vehicle used throughout the Philippines. It started out as a modification of the American Jeep, of which plenty were available after World War II. The jeepney is a public utility vehicle, moving people and goods who cannot afford to buy their own vehicle. Although it is not as fuel-efficient as a bus, it is capable of plying routes that are too short, with roads too narrow, or too lightly-trafficked for buses to be practical. It is the best possible middle ground between a car and a bus.

I took the photo above somewhere in Binangonan, Rizal, which is about 1-2 hours away (depending on traffic) from Manila, the nation's capital. Men hitching on the backside is not uncommon. I've counted as many as ten people hitching, without people sitting on top, which is sometimes done too. It's just too bad I wasn't able to take a picture.

***

Asia 360 - We Are Now Furnished

2010-02-23T00:00:00.003+08:00

"Dare to compare. We are now furnished. Inquire here to avail of our limited promo."

It wasn't me who first took notice but I was the one with a camera in hand.

This photo was taken in Quezon City, Philippines, from the parking lot of SM North Edsa Mall, one of the largest malls in Asia.

I am guessing that maybe only the lower floors are already furnished.

***

Asia 360 - No Dumping Of Garbage

2010-02-22T13:34:00.001+08:00

"Strictly no dumping of garbage. Penalty fine and imprisonment."

This photo was taken in Marikina City, beside the Marikina River in the Philippines, which overflowed during the onslaught of Typhoon Ketsana (named as Typoon Ondoy by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), one of the tropical depressions that wreaked the most havoc in the country. Garbage that was dug out of the river was dumped on the banks and obviously remains there up to now.

The heap of trash is also just few meters away from a major mall in the city, beside the road that links the major highway to the parking entrance.

Scavengers, young and old, can be found sifting through the golden pile during the day.

***

Asia 360 -Taal Volcano

2010-01-28T23:00:00.004+08:00

It's ironic that something so beautiful can also be so destructive.

This isn't exactly a revelation nor was this among the thoughts running in my head when I was taking pictures of Taal Volcano when friends and I went to Tagaytay City a few weeks ago. It was a breathtaking scenery and it was easy to forget the cataclysmal power that lay beneath the beauty.

From Manila, the Philippines' capital, we drove 50 km south to reach Tagaytay. This city is known primarily for giving the best view of the Taal Volcano. Its cool climate regularly attracts people from Manila who want to get away from the sweltering heat and the frenetic activity of the metropolitan if only for a day or two. Tagaytay City attracts a fair share of foreign tourists too.

We got our best shots of the complex volcano from the viewing deck just behind the lone Starbucks outlet in the city. Good thing the spot is accessible anytime of the day, even at dawn when all the restaurants have yet to open. There is no parking fee too. We took advantage of this and kept coming back until we decided we had taken enough pictures of Taal.

The volcano island is accessible, with certain limitations of course. If by chance you have not done your research prior to going there, it is easy enough to find your way if you take notice of the signs along the road including those held by local men, which say "Taal Boat Ride." These men serve as agents for boat owners and they usually have a motorcycle so they can ask you to follow them to the town of Talisay in Batangas City, just a few kilometers away. It's a 15-minute down ride, after which the boat ride to the island itself takes about 45 minutes. From where the boats dock, you have the option of going by foot, which takes about an hour, or by horse, which takes about 25 minutes to get to the viewing deck. There it's up close and personal.

Actually, we did not have the luxury of going to the volcano island during this particular visit. The photos of the crater lake I've posted here were taken at a prior visit two years ago but I've decided to include them anyway. I am quite certain it wouldn't be our last visit so I'll have more chances of taking better pictures in the future. And oh, as you might have guessed, we made it by relying on one of those men holding up those "Taal Boat Ride" signs — the trip to the crater was totally unplanned.

There are other good things about Tagaytay but I will save them for a later post.

Meanwhile, if you want more information on Taal Volcano, you know what to do.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 25: Marché At 313 Somerset

2010-01-19T18:00:00.009+08:00

A few months ago I posted an entry on Marché Restaurant in Vivo City. It really has been one of my favorite places to dine since a friend took me to its original branch in Orchard Road back in 2005.

Last December, I heard from another friend that there was a new Marché in 313 Somerset as we made plans of treating to dinner one of our mutual friends who came here to participate in the Standard Chartered Marathon. Everything was set but when we came on the actual day to eat, we found out much to our dismay that there was a private function being held and the restaurant was closed to the public. We ended up dining in another of our favorites — Din Tai Fung.

This January, we didn't pass up the chance to visit Marché at 313 Somerset for the first time. We had a bit of trouble finding it because it was listed in the mall directory under B1. We searched the entire basement 1 but couldn't find it. Luckily we found the information counter on the ground level, which pointed us to the right direction.

At first glance, the place seemed a bit too small. But we soon realized that we weren't seeing the entire picture. Apparently, what we were looking at was just the bakery and the people who had gathered there were queuing to buy — if that's any indication of how good their breads and pastries are.

The restaurant is actually situated one level below, no wonder it was listed under B1! (I disagree however, because there is no entrance at this level.) The staircase leading to it was decorated to depict the typical Swiss farm life. The lamb sucking milk from its mother almost looked too real.

Pretty soon we concluded that the ambiance was really nice, way cooler than that of their Vivo City branch.

We ordered, among others, an entire pan of Paella and was a bit disappointed when the server told us we had to wait for 50 minutes. He said he didn't want to keep other customers who would order smaller portions from waiting too long. I thought it should have been done on a first come, first served basis. And yes, there were no pending orders that time. We came to a mutual agreement that he'll do his best to cut it down to 25 minutes.

We ended up waiting for an hour. Also, the guy ended up serving other customers in the midst of giving our orders. He looked like he could have used some help. Oh well, we didn't let that dampen our mood and had ordered enough other food to keep us calm until the paella was fully served. I remember we had fried chicken, oysters, mushroom, salad and rosti. I'm surprised we even had room left for coffee and desert!

***

Singapore 360 - Day 24: Sri Thendayuthapani Temple

2010-01-18T19:00:00.000+08:00

I've seen this Hindu temple a number of times before as I strolled along Tank Road. I finally had a chance to take a few photos when we had dinner at a nearby restaurant.

A quick visit to their website reveals that the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple or Chettiars' Temple is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and was built in 1859.

Not surprisingly, it's listed as a tourist attraction in the Singapore Tourism Board. I'm just not sure if tourists or non-Hindus are allowed to go in because I haven't tried.

If my memory doesn't betray, I remember that a few years ago while going around Little India and China Town, tourists were allowed to take photos up close if they were willing to pay. Oh well, you can see pictures of the temple in the Sri Thendayuthapani web site.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 23: Clarke Quay And The Central Mall Christmas Tree

2009-12-23T12:23:00.003+08:00

Judging by the number of people there at night, Clarke Quay continues to be a favorite hangout destination for Singaporeans and tourists alike. It's a popular destination for us too, especially when we need to meet up with friends visiting Singapore. It's seems like a trip to Clarke Quay and the Jumbo Restaurant at Riverside or Riverwalk would always be in order.

In one of those recent visits by friends to the Merlion City, this time by two artists, we decided on having dinner in Jumbo — as you might have guessed. I took the opportunity to take a picture of Clarke Quay and of course, the Christmas tree displayed by the Central mall.

It's a pretty Christmas tree but were they able to top what they put on display last year?

I'm undecided. Last year's Christmas tree looked elegant but seemed petite. The one on display today appears to be a bit more grand, a little bit more inspiring perhaps.

Well, I have no complaints. It's pleasing to the eyes and it adds to the holiday cheer.

***

Taking Part In The North Face 100 Singapore

2009-12-22T23:00:00.001+08:00

When the emcee posed the rhetorical question "Are you ready for the run of your life?" before the race began, I thought he was exaggerating. After all, it was his job to make the event sound more exciting and interesting. I realize now that he might as well have addressed his question to me directly.

My partner and I joined the 50 km duo challenge. That meant each of us had to run 25 km — four kilometers more than my original target for this year. As part of our preparations, we joined two of the three progressive runs offered by The North Face 100. Along with other friends, we completed the 10 km and the 20 km trail runs in the MacRitchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah trails. Unfortunately or fortunately, we missed the 30 km run.

Our flag off for the 50 km duo was at 10:30 a.m. That initially got alarm bells sounding off in our heads, thinking it would be too hot by that time. But we knew based on our previous runs in the same location that the sun's heat would be filtered by the canopies. It shouldn't be too bad.

On that eventful day, I left the house at around 8:00 a.m. and had three other people in tow — they had made quick plans to see the HSBC Treetop. Runners were required to be there at least an hour early to complete the pre-run checks so I made sure I wasn't going to be late. When I got there, TNF participants —identifiable by their tops and bibs— were everywhere.

I found my friend Chinky as I followed a trail of red shirts to the designated assembly area. Together we headed towards the registration booth, which was strategically located at the zig-zag bridge. It was there where the TNF 100 staff took note of our body weight, checked the amount of liquid we carried, and asked to see our whistles and mobile phones. Once that was done, we joined the other runners assembled just before the starting line and waited for our partners.

We stretched, took each other's pictures and traded stories while we waited for our the start of the race. Every now and then participants from the 100 km solo category would make their way toward us and we would stop whatever we were doing to cheer for them. It wasn't difficult for us to admire and respect them imagining the amount of hard work it took to be able to take part in that category. We knew that genes alone were seldom sufficient.

If good luck favors the prepared, could the opposite be true? Work was my biggest excuse for not running for a month. I was saying to Chinky's partner, Joan, that it was probably a suicide mission for me to participate in the TNF 100 event. She countered by saying that it would only be such if I haven't really been running before and suddenly decided to run 25 kilomters. I thought she had a point. Together we concluded I could probably pull it off. Besides, she managed to run only a maximum of two times herself during the month. Still, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my lack of preparation was going to get me into a bit of trouble.

I had the answer to my own question in the first few minutes we started running. I decided to make a quick stop to the toilet just before we got to the trails. In my absent-minded state of mind, I missed a step, almost sprained my ankle and ended up bruising my left knee. I stood up as quickly as I could without looking behind me as if nothing happened. I shook of the pain in the men's room but I couldn't do anything about the open wound. I guess bad luck comes to the ill-prepared.

The first part of the route was familiar to us, having ran it during the first progressive run and walked it going to the HSBC Treetop before. The canopies did their job as we'd hoped for but the air was warm and humid. We were half wishing it would rain.

I walked the slightest of ascents, my body telling me I was not in an optimal condition trying to accomplish what I had set out to do. My partner, obviously stronger, lead the way although I'd catch up with him every now and then. He had initially declared he wouldn't leave me out of concern for any injury I might have sustained during my embarrassing fall. Knowing that he was intentionally slowing down for me prevented me from totally laxing off.

I thought then that my run was, in odd ways, similar to the story of the tortoise and the hare. The first similarity being that I was the tortoise and my partner was the hare. I felt I could be both too: a tortoise on the uphills and an hare on the downhills. I wished the story were that easy.

The most difficult part of the route was towards the U-turn point. It was a very punishing ascent, the angle much steeper and the climb longer than what we had gone through during the 20 km progressive run. Runners turned into walkers, although some obviously did a better job than others. Some were doing it backwards too.

When at last we reached the summit, I heaved a sigh of relief and thought the worst part was over. I was only partially right. I was ready to sprint my way downhill to make up for lost time and was in fact slightly ahead of my partner when he suddenly declared he had cramps. I forced him to sit down and stretch his leg, something he initially resisted, relenting only when one other runner told him to do the same thing. One other runner offered his pain relief spray, which my partner swore was a magic wand. He was back to his feet after about fifteen minutes of rest.

My partner would not recover completely for the rest of the race. He announced that he didn't think he could run anymore and would just have to walk to the finish line because his calf muscles threatened to betray him again. Pretty soon he was complaining about both legs. Fortunately he got more doses of his magic spray at the checkpoint.

As for me, I never regained my lost momentum. A part of me was glad though that I didn't have to run. There was still a long way to go however. Apart from the steep climb, the other part of the race route that I hated most was the concrete road we had to trudge to get from one trail to another. With no tall trees to protect us from the sun's debilitating rays especially at that time of day, it was an excruciating moment. I finally understood why you had to be a bit crazy to join these type of races. The exhaustion I felt also reminded me that it was an endurance race I had gotten myself into after all.

It was easy for my running mates and I to think that the cutoff was a bit lenient before the beginning of the race. During the course of run however, that changed. We were thankful that the organizers did a good job of estimating the amount of time it would probably take for slow pokes like us to finish. One thing that kept me running when walking seemed to be the only thing I was capable of was the thought that I had to make it to the cutoff or my run would be in vain. With the deadline fast approaching, the wound on my leg bleeding and my water bag emptying, I summoned my last remaining strength and ran like I was supposed to, overtaking three others in the process.

Minutes which felt like hours after, I crossed the finish line with some time to spare. It felt really good. But nothing was as rewarding as the good number of hours of sleep I had afterwards. The sore I felt all over my body did not leave me though for the next couple of days. The wound on my knee took two weeks to heal. The memories will definitely last a life time.

Oh, my partner finished the race about 7 minutes earlier. Not bad for someone with cramps on both legs. He must have been thanking his magic spray all the way to the finish line.

After all that's been said and done, a huge, crazed part of me wants to run the TNF 100 race again next year.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 22: Ion Orchard Christmas Tree

2009-11-22T22:45:00.000+08:00

The Christmas tree at Ion Orchard adds more life to the already colorful mall exterior. This is particularly true during the night.

What is special about this Christmas tree is that its interior is accessible to the general public. Dazzling lights illuminate the inverted cone, giving an effect similar to a night sky festooned with stars. Quite magnificent!

Being Fined for Body Odor, Stinky Tales and Fishy Questions

2009-11-19T16:00:00.001+08:00

GETTING RID OF THAT SMELL

My trip to California Fitness in Orchard last week, thanks to referrals made by friends for a free two-week workout where you'd have to fight not to get enrolled before you get the pass, made me think, of all things, about terrible human smell. It so happened that one (thank goodness, just one) of the personal trainers had terrible body odor.

The sales staff who welcomed me noticed the slightest hint of my irritation and said, “Yeah I know, that guy has body odor and he doesn’t seem to mind.”

“Did you tell him about it? Did any of your customers complain?” I asked.

“I think he knows but as I said, he doesn’t seem to mind. I don’t know about the customers, I’m just a newbie.” She answered.

This got me thinking, what could possibly lead this person to do something about his, er, condition? Will customer complaints be sufficient? Will this lead to the management telling the trainer to act on it, in the interest of retaining their customers? And would that lead the trainer to really do something about it, such as using a deodorant, in the interest of keeping his job? (As a side note, I am thankful that no religion prohibits a person from using deodorants, at least none that I'm aware of). Perhaps it is also worth asking, would there be customers willing to exert the effort of actually complaining? Unless the trainer is a newbie too, the answer must be obvious — the situation must have been changed if someone had complained.

What about if all his colleagues agreed to one day cover their noses and deliberately avoid him? Will this form of ostracism help achieve the desired results? Maybe some would find this proposed solution rude, perhaps, even cold-hearted. But maybe such desperate scenario calls for such desperate measure? Perhaps the embarrassment brought about by this protest could bring about the desired effect. Or maybe not, if the trainer decides to leave his work instead, bringing the problem along with him. Either way, the true objective is met: the bad smell is finally gotten rid of, at least in that particular fitness center.

What if one his buddies, such as the sales gal who was trying to convince me to become a member, talked to him out of concern? Something that simple could probably work.

After all those questions, maybe the most important one has yet to be asked. Is body odor not so bad that people are willing to accept it?

A FINE CITY

Singapore’s reputation as a fine city is widely known. In case you are not from this planet, fine in this statement refers to two things: that of being great (adjective) and that of imposing (verb) penalties to citizens for behavior deemed inappropriate.

I have stated in a previous post that I have observed, or rather, I have not observed that the fines are being strictly imposed. Or maybe, they are not imposed as much as I feared or thought they would be. Or it could be that data is not made publicly made known or doesn’t make it to the news because there are more important issues after all. Whatever may be the case, the good news is that while there maybe violators, most of the violations I've observed are relatively minor. For instance, eating secretly in trains is nothing compared to openly smoking in them, so people only tend to do more of the former than of the latter. It appears that people know what violations to commit where the chances of being actually fined is relatively low compared with other types of violations.

The topic of fines for misdemeanor always leads me to one question. Forget for a minute all the previous questions I've already posted. Let's assume for a moment that smelling bad is, well, not good. Why are people not being fined for smelling bad then? Isn’t that more or less the same as fining people for bringing durians on buses and trains? (In case you’re not aware, durians are not the best smelling fruits in the world).

I think I may have an answer, several actually, to my own question this time.

Smell is subjective

“One person’s woe is another person’s happiness.”

I remember several years ago when we were in the office pantry. A techie comes in, eagerly announcing his arrival to join us in our coffee break.

“Gosh I love that smell,” utters one gal from Marketing.

“You mean that ash tray smell?” I said, trying to sound amused.

“Yeah, I’ve recently quit smoking.”

In the case of body odor, maybe, just maybe, some of us still prefer the caveman’s smell. Maybe it serves to attract or repel the opposite sex, whatever one's purpose.

Smell is not easily measured

“Prove to me by means of sheer logic that Person A smells worse than Person B.”

I have dreamed of devices that could be used to measure the intensity of smell. Such a device would not only make the inventor rich but would also benefit the general public. Imagine smell detectors in airports and train stations. Imagine cyberdog stations tracking criminals. Imagine sensors sniffing out drugs in clubs and if necessary, people’s underpants. Imagine scentoscopes sniffing out anomalies in a person’s body.

This very same kind of technology could be used to disallow people with body odor to ride trains and buses. Certain people could be ushered to disinfecting rooms before they are allowed to board public transports or enter buildings. People purposely letting their body odors wreak havoc could finally be fined!

Unfortunately, such a device probably doesn’t exist yet. Or they are not cheap enough (or economically sound) to be manufactured.

The damage brought about by smelling bad is potentially low

“No one ever got killed by body odor.”

I am willing to bet that somewhere in the world, a person was stabbed or killed because someone accused another person of having body odor. But this sort of thing is a freaky occurrence. I mean, it doesn’t happen on a daily basis. Besides, aren’t there bigger things to argue about (which leads me to think, aren’t there better things for this stupid writer to write about?)?

The fact remains however, that the harm or damage caused or inflicted by one person choosing not to do something about his body odor to another cannot be measured and therefore cannot be said to be disastrous. Well, I guess that even if there was some way to measure it, the damage is more superficial than real. After all, if you happen to sit beside someone who hasn’t taken a bath for a week, doesn’t wear a deodorant, wore his clothes to sleep, doesn’t change his beddings for at least two month and before all that allowed his clothes to dry in the kitchen with the aroma of food being cooked seeping into the fibers, you might puke your stomach out or faint but you’re not necessarily going to die. (Unless you hit your head in the course of fainting, which could probably be grounds for taking legal action. And oh, by the way, you might be the one ending up getting fined for throwing up on the MRT and not your horrible smelling seatmate.)

No one gets killed by smelling durians but durians are nonetheless getting banned in trains and buses. Maybe they're being banned for different reasons altogether (e.g, they leave stains, they're too bulky, etc.) other than the fact that they smell. Maybe it's just that durians are easier to spot (with the eyes) than body odor. If we could come up with a device that shows up bacteria or whatever minute particle causes body odor, maybe that will allow us to see and maybe we don't have to be subjective after all? Or is it just easier to accept that durians stink?

AWARENESS AND INCENTIVE

Awareness and recognition of the problem are always the first step towards solving it. What if the person who has body odor isn't even aware of it? How would you propose to let the person know without hurting his or her feelings and not ruin your relationship? Will telling it straight do the job or will mitigation be better?

Well, you can probably choose from any of these approaches:

1. Direct Query:"Hey, do you use a deodorant?" With this approach, you could probably think about your next statement depending on the person's response. Maybe you can follow up with any of the other statements below.

2. Suggestion: "I think it's best that you use a deodorant." This is another way of saying, "You have body odor so you should do something about it." The words "I think" might somehow soften it because you appear to be throwing an opinion instead of stating a fact.

3. Strong Suggestion, third-party approach: "People with body odor should use deodorants." I am guessing that the person's reply would probably be: "Why are you telling me this?" You could probably follow up with #1.

4. Query, hint: "Don't you think people with body odor should use deodorants?" In this case, you're trying to get the other person to either agree or disagree with you and therefore open up the topic.

4. Hint, rude: "What is that stinking smell?" This could be asking for trouble, especially if the person is mildly aware of his body odor.

5. Move your nose and then cover it. Make your eyebrows meet then shake your head. Act as if you're about to throw up. No words, just show it through your actions.

That should take care of the awareness part. As for recognition, that's entirely up to the other person.

I remember part of a conversation with a colleague a few years ago.

"Call me ugly or fat, just don't call me stinky or dumb."

For certain people, being stinky is as bad as being dumb. That might appear to be obvious; I mean it is easy to conclude you'd have to be dumb to remain stinky. But an office worker or a personal trainer to be dumb and stinky? That is highly unlikely. (Unless being unable to tolerate stinky people is what should be considered dumb.)

Assuming the awareness and recognition stages are taken care of, is there a real incentive to smelling good anyway? Or to put it in another way, if I am stinky, why should I exert effort not to be? What benefit would I get from doing something about my body odor?

In certain circles, people with body odor get ostracized. They are avoided like the plague.

I remember an incident in one of our projects in a bank in Shenton Way, where one of the consultants was nicknamed Moses. I didn't get it immediately but during the very first time our paths crossed I knew. People made way for him when he arrived. Imagine the parting of the Red Sea.

That didn't solve the problem. My guess is that because not everyone avoided him and the people he had to work with still continued to work with him, he had no real incentive to do something about his body odor.

Again, in certain circles, people let you know if you had body odor. People avoided you. People let you know — subtly, directly, rudely, however which way — that you stink and you should do something about it. That is mildly equivalent to getting fined. The message you get is clear: "You better do something about that or stay away from us."

WRAPPING UP

Someone once told me that everyone has body odor. I do not necessarily object.

It's natural, it's part of puberty, I remember being taught in elementary. I remember being taught about observing proper hygiene too, such as taking a bath daily and using deodorants when necessary. Could educating people about body odor during their elementary years work? Is that similar to saying that people who have bad body odor were not taught about such things in their younger years? I don't know. If only there were data to sift through.

I recall Rochelle's story about her boss who uses the deodorant Rexona on his palms. During that first time she mentioned this, I said maybe her boss rubs it on his armpits when they're not looking and then shakes their hands to welcome them when they came to his office. We find her boss' practice weird and funny, but he must have his reasons and I'll leave it at that.

This makes me think, what if there were data on the sales of deodorants against the total population of a major metropolitan such as Singapore? Can a fair conclusion be made? What about advertisements? Can more ads lead to more usage? It would be great to get my hands on this type of data.

Speaking of ads, a few months ago, I came across an ad for a deodorant which advertises it could last for one week. They advertised on buses and bus stops. I hated those ads. I am just not so convinced that something like that could actually work. And what about taking a bath daily, isn't that suppose to wash away grease, grime, odor and deodorant alike? I kept thinking — these guys were promoting the wrong thing! I am willing to bet they didn't sell much of that stuff.

I really should be wrapping this up by now, for I am way over 2,000 words. I have no proposed permanent solution to this whole body odor thing, if it's even a problem. I do however have a remedy and so I say all hope is not lost. I once saw on TV that people who work with stench use some sort of cream to trick their minds into not smelling the stench. I wish I could get my hands on that. For now, I'll have to do with Vicks VapoRub, Tiger Balm and White Flower.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 21: The Mother, The Child And The Snake At Sentosa

2009-11-10T01:52:00.004+08:00

There are a many brave souls who pay $5 to be able to take photos with one or two snakes wrapped around their necks in Sentosa. Among the bravest of them all is this mother, who trusts her instincts, the owner of the snake and the snake itself enough to take an innocuous pose with her cute baby boy. The father, perhaps as brave, takes the once-in-a-lifetime pictures using his digital camera.

The boy does not appear to flinch. He even touches the reptile for a second or two to try what it feels like — a moment I regret not being able to capture and now lost forever except in my memory.

The mother gets braver and allows the snake to be wrapped around her baby's neck along with hers. After a while the expression on the boy's face changes. I will never be able to tell if it was one of fear, discomfort or mere indifference.

One thing's for sure, he's such an adorable baby.

May he be brave enough not to fear snakes but wise enough to stay away from them when he grows up. =)

***

Singapore 360 - Day 20: Christmas At Vivo City

2009-11-09T23:27:00.004+08:00

Christmas is just around the corner. Once again, malls have started adorning both their interiors and exteriors with decors to mark the most colorful time of the year. I remember writing about Singapore's best Christmas trees last year like it was just yesterday. Time really flies.

This year, I've decided to feature one Christmas tree per blog entry instead of creating one huge entry trying to cover them all.

My first stop is Vivo City.

There is a bit of improvement to what Vivo City has put up last year. It is not as plain looking. The extra decors, which look like huge gems give it a bit more elegant look.

As usual, it is difficult to take a photo with no person posing in front of it. Truly, Christmas trees are one of the favorite backgrounds of people wanting to have their photos taken.

One question remains, will Vivo City's Christmas tree retain the distinction of being the tallest this year?

***

Singapore 360 - Day 19: Esplanade - Theatres At Bay

2009-11-02T01:24:00.009+08:00

Singapore 360 - Day 18: Dining At Din Tai Fung

2009-10-29T00:00:00.001+08:00

Not all Chinese restaurants were created equal. Proof to that statement is Din Tai Fung, which was once hailed by the New York Times as one of the Top 10 Restaurants in the world. But before even learning about that fact, we had already visited their Tampines branch a couples of times and vowed we would keep coming back on a regular basis.

In the beginning, we ate there once a week. Later on, we'd visit at least once a month. When friends visited Singapore, Din Tai Fung was always an option we'd consider to take them for lunch or dinner. Our admiration for their food has brought us to their branches in Raffles City and Wisma Atria. Maybe it'll bring us to its main branch in Zhong Xiao, Taiwan someday.

The Vegetarian Delight, a concoction of seaweeds and other vegetables, lives up to its name and is an appetizer we could not go without whenever we dine in Din Tai Fung. Their specialty is of course the dumplings (a.k.a. xiao long bao) and is also among our favorites. I think after all this time I can safely say that we have sampled all their dumplings, although I would not dare try to name which is our favorite.

We've tried other items on their menu as well, including the Steamed Chicken Soup with Noodles and Deep Fried Pork Chops. We have yet to try their deserts as we usually have no more room in our tummies left for them. As for the drinks, we're usually contented with the free-flowing tea. As a side note, I remember that last February they tried to launch a new drink but we didn't find it pleasing and regretted paying to try it out; but I don't think they continued with the launch as I haven't noticed it as part of the menu.

The fact that the servers wear number plates instead of name plates should be enough to give you a clue to the kind of the service they provide. But let me spell it out anyway. The service is very professional, mostly efficient. It was only during our last visit that they forgot about our appetizer (I'm sure you could guess what that is) even after I pointed it out to one of their staff. The caveat is that the service is quite impersonal, but that in itself is not an issue. Even the language barrier, for a few of them don't speak English, is not a deterrent for them to serve you well.

Their restaurants are generally clean. Among the branches I've visited, the one in Wisma Atria is my least favorite. But this is only because I feel that diners are exposed to the people doing their shopping in the mall for there are no walls that surround the dining area.

I'd venture to say that Din Tai Fung is in a league of its own. Yes, there are other Chinese restaurants out there that we all love. I mean, who doesn't like visiting the likes of Crystal Jade every once in a while? But Din Tai Fung deserves special attention because of what it has to offer.

If you haven't tried their food, I invite you to visit one of their branches near you and let me know what you think. Apart from Singapore and Taiwan, Din Tai Fung has branches in Japan, China, Indonesia, Korea, US, Malaysia and Australia. Visit their web site for more information.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 17: Marching To Vivo City's Marché Restaurant

2009-09-21T02:12:00.012+08:00

I am a fan of Roger Federer, the Swiss Army knife and Swiss watches. I liked Toblerone as a kid too. If I didn't know any better, I would've said I liked Swiss Miss a lot as a child (I really did, except that it's an American brand, not Swiss). I am a fan of Marché too. If you missed the connection, Marché is a Swiss restaurant.

The first time I got to try Marché was in 2004 when I first visited Singapore primarily for work-related reasons (I ended up extending a week). They had an outlet along Orchard Road back then. I had an instant liking to the ambiance. More importantly, I thought the food was great.

It made such a positive impression on me that when I saw they found a new home on the roof deck of the Vivo City mall, a few years after my first sampling of their menu, I vowed to give it a try. I did and it has become one of my favorite restaurants ever since.

I like their version of the Spanish paella, which is one dish I keep coming back for more. I find it best to share the solo size with someone and get a portion of their salad and a grilled steak or hotdog. I also like the Rösti, a potato dish that must be a relative of the French fries and the hashbrown.

I'd say vegetarians and meat-lovers alike would enjoy Marché. Food for both the young and old are readily available. They serve fresh fruit juices as well as coffee and beer. For a snack, the combination of crepes and coffee is a good deal. It's really not a difficult restaurant to like, unless you're not fond of Western food in general.

I think it's about time I visit the place again.

***

Beyond The Run - Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 2009

2009-09-20T22:08:00.004+08:00

When I accidentally trespassed into a lot sometime ago and found out too late that the other side was fenced, just when it was getting dark and there were no lamp posts to light my path, I imagined running away from prison while trying to get back on the road. Maybe it was a side-effect of watching too much Prison Break or 24, I don't know. But I never considered doing that in real life, much more running towards a prison. But then again that was exactly what I did just a few Sundays ago in the first Yellow Ribbon Prison Run.

An overcast sky hung above that morning, threatening to give reason for the inaugural run to be cancelled — a possibility more apparent to me after it happened to the NUS Run, where the pouring rain forced the organizers to cancel the event while the runners scampered for the nearest shelter. I wasn't in the rush to leave home early, thinking that Changi Village was just a few minutes away anyway. But a traffic jam slowed us down as we got nearer our destination. Once again I had forgotten to take the road closures into account.

We were nearly there when it started to drizzle. Then we met the initial surge of runners who had just taken off from the starting line. Clearly I was late, but I had company.

In my haste I skipped the ritual of making use of the portalet and started running immediately, a decision I would later regret. Like an answered prayer however, the drizzled didn't turn into rain. In fact, the weather was absolutely perfect for a run.

Somehow I managed to catch up with the tail end of the batch of runners who flagged off earlier. It was one of the few runs where I was more relaxed. Perhaps it was because we followed a scenic route, running near double fences of the prison and rehabilitation facilities; perhaps it was due to the cool weather; or perhaps it was because the entire thing was being done for a good cause — influencing society to become more accepting and willing to give ex-offenders a second chance at making good.

The man seen in posters and in the run's official site took part in the race too. His name is Hanniel Choong, a heroin user in a previous life, whose self-imposed mission was to break his personal best of 48 minutes as he celebrates his 48th birthday. I was among those who cheered while he got on stage during the awarding ceremony as the announcers exclaimed "mission accomplished!"

The finish line was located inside the Changi Prison Complex. Runners had to go through the open gates of the formidable Changi Prison Wall. Even with the fun and games, the compound still felt intimidating. I could only describe the experience as unique.

It was a very well organized run. From the starting point up to the finish line, things were in good order: distance markers, drinking stations, cheerers, road closures, volunteers, giveaways, food and games. Of the nine runs I have participated in this year, this has to be the best. I wouldn't want to miss next year's Yellow Ribbon Prison Run.

As a last note, I managed to beat my personal record for all the 10 km runs I've participated in this year by two minutes. I look forward to a better performance next time.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 16: Airplane Watching, Watching Airplanes

2009-09-12T01:18:00.004+08:00

One lazy Sunday afternoon after a fairly wild morning spent running towards a prison instead of away from it (more on this later), we spent a few hours on a nice couch chatting while watching airplanes.

From where we sat we could watch planes land and taxi on the runway over and over again. It would have been great if we had only to turn our heads and watch other planes take off. Unfortunately that wasn't the case, but we were glad we got the chance to do what we did, grateful even that we had the luxury of time not to do anything productive if only for a short time.

I learned to anticipate the white smoke produced shortly after the plane's wheels touch ground. I couldn't get the perfect shot I wanted so after several tries I gave up and simply enjoyed the view. Why it didn't occur to me to take a video then beats me.

Of course there were other things to see, such as people getting on and off the planes and luggage being loaded and unloaded. But nothing topped watching planes touch down. It's one of those simple joys akin to watching how the creamer slowly melts in a cup of coffee.

The only thing missing from our experience was the sound. We were behind thick panels of glass the entire time. Well, the words exchanged more than made up for that — it was a good time to trade stories.

I recommend doing something similar to anyone who hasn't tried. Imagine sitting on a comfortable couch with a freshly brewed coffee to go along. It's one good way to relax the mind and prepare for the full week ahead.

***

Here's a nice song entitled Watching Airplanes by Garry Allan from YouTube. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Singapore 360 - Day 15: A Buddhist Temple In Serangoon

2009-09-07T23:59:00.001+08:00

Singapore is home to many races and therefore many religions. For obvious reasons, racial harmony is of utmost importance.

One of the great things about such diversity is food.

Another is the number of holidays in a year. Well, that depends on how you look at it. In my case, I like holidays in general. ;)

It it not uncommon to come across different temples and churches. I used to come across this temple almost daily.

I didn't hesitate when I finally got the chance to take a few shots.

I hope to be able to take photos of other temples next time.

***

HAPPY LABOR DAY USA!

Singapore 360 - Day 14: Mini Cooper Celebrates 50 Years

2009-09-06T21:19:00.012+08:00

So one day we were looking for the International Plaza in Orchard Road when we came by Ion Orchard and saw the Mini Cooper exhibit in celebration of their 50 years of production. I couldn't resist taking photos.

I'll let the photos do the talking from here. Let me just say that I will always be reminded of the movie The Italian Job when I see a Mini Cooper.

***

Here's an interesting video I found on the Web:

Singapore 360 - Day 13: Hog's Breath Cafe Toa Payoh

2009-09-05T23:51:00.003+08:00

It was another serendipitous find. It happened one rainy Sunday noon while we were trying to find our way to the Toa Payoh Sports Center to collect the race pack for the upcoming Yellow Ribbon Prison Run. We took the pouring rain as a sign that we should indeed momentarily give up our quest. We had just discovered we had gone full circle while trying to follow a printed map and were buying an umbrella from Guardian — who happens to sell the ugliest umbrellas by the way, which is quite understandable because they're a health and beauty store — when the pangs of hunger hit us.

We didn't allow the rain to dampen our adventurous spirit so the choice of where to eat came down to two options: Hog's Breath Cafe and Sizzler Steak. We have been having Pizza Hut for the longest time and have sampled Crystal Jade at least three times so both quickly made it off our list. We were determined to try something new.

It certainly wasn't the first time that I encountered the name Hog's Breath Cafe. I used to come across the bold written words near the booth of the Sentosa Express in Vivo City, but I had never given it a try. I guess I felt weird about the name and my good imagination didn't help.

But a quick peek at the cafe and their menu changed all that. The interior looked cozy and inviting, with several wooden tables and chairs, a pool table, a huge screen featuring soccer of course, and walls adorned with steel sign plates from the glorious past. To my surprise, I learned it was an Australian steakhouse. I realize now I must have associated its name to the equally or even more popular (at least here in Singapore) Pig's organ soup.

Where to have lunch was decided the moment we had our sneak preview. What to have was the next question to answer.

I had the special of the day, which consisted of steak, fried fish fillet, salad and fries. My companion had the Tex-Mex special consisting of steak, chicken chimichanga, fries and salad. Having read that they slow cook their beef for up to 18 hours, I went for medium rare. I was not to be disappointed. The chimichanga was great too.

Apart from the steel plates, vintage items such as a phonograph and a fire extinguisher also formed part of their decorations. I liked the overall effect — I liked the whole ambiance actually. I guess that forms part of the bill, which ain't cheap.

It should be a good place to wind down on a Friday evening.

We'll certainly drop by every once in a while.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 12: Clementi Railway

2009-09-04T02:00:00.000+08:00

My soul took a ride

An empty passenger
On a jam-packed train

A bumpy journey
Across the valleys
Into the tunnels
And under the sea

It was unbearable
With nowhere to go

I closed my eyes
You came into view

It seems I took that trip
Just to find you

I had left broken
But have returned new

Singapore 360 - Day 11: HDB Laundry Bamboo Poles

2009-09-03T00:00:00.003+08:00

Most of the Singapore population live in HDB flats. HDB stands for Housing and Development Board, the government office responsible for public housing here in Singapore. But locals have referred to these government-built housing units themselves as HDBs. "Do you live in an HDB or a condo?" is therefore a common question.

These high-rise flats were initially a response to the housing shortages Singapore faced after independence from Britain. Land is scarce especially here in Singapore, being the smallest nation in Southeast Asia and one of the smallest in the world, so HDBs make perfect sense.

How do you dry washed clothes if you live in an HDB and don't have a backyard to put up a clothesline? Easy, use bamboo poles to hang wet clothes outside. Bamboo pole holders, located mostly just below the kitchen windows, are built as part of HDBs and are designed specifically for that purpose.

There are holders inside the kitchen too, attached sturdily to the ceiling. They come in handy when it's raining or if there are certain clothes one is careful not to expose directly under the sun lest risk having their colors fade. Sometimes the only problem with this is that a number of people get too lazy to bring them down before they cook and so the aroma of the food seeps into the clothes. More often than not, it's not a very pleasant smell.

Like the HDBs, the bamboo poles and their holders are an ingenious solution to an everyday problem.

***

Here's an interesting article I found on the Web:

Debunking the official myths about HDB flats (Part 1): Singaporeans are owners of their HDB flats

***

Safra Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2009 (3 of 3)

2009-08-29T14:45:00.002+08:00

Coming from a great night with friends who visited Singapore, I managed to grab three hours of sleep on the eve of the Safra Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2009. I was still dreaming about Leonardo Da Vinci and his creations, which I saw in the exhibit at the Singapore Science Centre that Saturday, but I didn't want to miss my first half-marathon so I hauled myself to the shower and allowed the running water to rouse me fully awake.

Breakfast was too quick for me to remember what I had, but I do recall drinking a lot of water. Fortunately I didn't forget to slip three packs of GU Energy Gels into my belt bag knowing that the lack of sleep would severely affect my performance. Of course nothing beats having enough rest during the night.

Thank goodness it was easy to get a cab. I was thankful too that there were no signs of rain coming. The commute was fast as I expected it to be early in the morning. We did experience bit of traffic when we got near the Suntec area however, something I simply attributed to the road closures.

It was easy to find my way to the starting point as a lot of runners were heading towards that direction. I didn't even need to exert effort to locate the the portalets — the queue pointed me there. I think the visit to the portalet is really becoming part of the pre-run routine.

My watch said 5:45 a.m., which only meant I was late for the flag off. But there were numerous runners still behind the starting line so I felt hopeful I wasn't too late. Then the man on the mic announced the second wave was just about to start. Luck was with me.

Then it was time. I was off to a slow start, knowing it took a while for body to warm up. An endless stream of runners passed me by. I tried my best not to think of my recent misadventure with the X-ray and the ECG but the thought hunted me incessantly and I caught myself with my hand over my chest quite a few times as I ran.

I didn't even take time to review the race route. I knew it would be easy enough to follow other runners. I was right of course. Soon we were making a left to Marina Boulevard, then we were climbing the ECP flyover.

Right after the flyover, one male after another made a detour on the side of the road to take a leak. How could the marshals complain? Besides, the heavy Singapore rains are sure to wash away any evidence afterwards.

The longest part of the race would have to be the East Coast Park leg. I think there were three water stations in this area alone. They were giving away bananas at one of those stations. It was too good to resist.

It was this part too, after the 10 km mark, that a lot of participants had began walking. While I certainly wasn't among the fastest runners, I managed to run all the way, unlike what I had previously done in the Mt. Faber Mizuno Run and the first TNF Progressive Run.

The cheerers did a great job of motivating the runners. At one point, there were belly dancers doing their thing on one side of the road. My friend Paul managed to take a picture of them. I wasn't that fortunate. I don't even have a copy that I can post here.

Speaking of my friend Paul, to my surprise, he found me near the finish line. He was running 10 km, and their flag off was at a later time. It was great to be able to finish together.

It was easy enough to get the medals at the finish point. Unfortunately the same could not be said about the isotonic drinks. As for the bags, there was a bit of queue but nothing major.

I think it was a well organized run. I like the fact that the race started very early so that runners are not exposed to the debilitating, late morning sun. There were just enough drinking stations, sufficient volunteers to man the routes and signage that were easy to spot. A separate finish line for the 6 km was an excellent decision on the part of the organizers.

After about another hour of walking around, we found a place to eat in Marina Square. I managed to go home after, enjoying a few hours of sleep before I put my heart to the test again just a bit later in the afternoon.

***

Safra Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2009 (2 of 3)

2009-08-25T00:00:00.004+08:00

It was my friend Joan who suggested I go for 21 km on the Safra Bay Run & Army Half Marathon. She knew I had taken a bet with friends for the first to finish the half-marathon among us. If you’ve read one of my previous posts, you already know that staying fit was our primary goal, that running was the form of exercise we chose, and the small bet was a neat trick to keep us focused on our goal and sustain our interest when the hard work began. While I was sure I could go 15 km if I had to, I had gone only as far as 13 km once and running 8 km more seemed like a gargantuan task. But I felt there was enough time to prepare so with a bit more prodding, I registered for the half-marathon.

I ran as much as I could during the weeks that followed. On lazy days, covering 5 km felt sufficient, but 10 km suited me just fine on regular days. Still, I wasn’t able to run the full distance of 21 km at least once as I hoped to.

One of the things that greeted me after a good 10 km run was a letter stating I needed to undergo a physical checkup, which included getting an X-ray. I thought that wasn't a big deal so I arranged for an appointment as soon as I could. I was only happy to obtain the results from Raffles Clinic that Friday morning, nine days before the Safra Bay Run & Army Half Marathon. I was certain I didn’t have TB to be worried about, which proved to be the case when I gave the results a quick scan. Later that night however, when I gave the results a second look, I was filled with disbelief when I read “Heart is slightly enlarged” as part of the interpretation.

I then spent a good number of hours surfing the Net and filling my head with information about Cardiomegaly, but not after I sent a quick e-mail to a close friend-slash-doctor back at home. To my surprise, I got a reply from him in less than thirty minutes. Here’s part of his reply:

..more often than not, especially in someone as young as you, it is usually just an incidental finding on x-ray, because the heart, at the point the x-ray was taken, rotated slightly and thus looked like it was enlarged -- in this case, you don't have anything to worry about. (If you want to imagine how this happens, look at your palm directly face up, then rotate it so that you only see the side. That's how you can have an illusion of an enlarged heart when in fact the heart can be of normal size, just that a different cross-section was captured in the X-ray.)

“But I am almost sure (95%) that there is no problem with you. But just to make sure, I want you to consult with a cardiologist so that we can rule out any cardiac problem.”

I made an appointment to have an ECG the very next morning.

“It looks normal,” the physician said on our second meeting that day.

The clinic had required me to consult with him first before allowing me to get an ECG. I couldn't get the reaction I needed from the nurse who conducted the actual test. I was in fact more worried when she had to run it twice, putting cold gel on the suction tubes on the second try.

“I don’t think you need to undergo any further tests,” the doctor concluded.

I thanked him profusely and told him I was relieved to hear that because I was planning to run the marathon. I think my statement had the desired effect as he proceeded to listen to my chest in three different places and then checked my blood pressure before finally dismissing me and sticking to his earlier assessment. Having read about 25-year-old Captain Ho Si Qiu's death in the same run two years ago, I had to be sure.

That didn’t stop me from spending another few good hours in the evening comparing my ECG diagram with as many as I could find on the Internet. I didn't know ECG images were so abundant online until then. I only gave it a rest when my friend replied to my e-mail and reiterated that my ECG looked normal and that I could run as much as I liked.

That wasn't the end of it though. On the succeeding days I ran slower and shorter than usual. If I felt chest pains I didn't know for sure if they were for real or if that was just my imagination playing tricks on me. It was difficult to get back into the groove after that finding; I had to get over it soon if I wanted to accomplish what I had initially set out to do.

Half-asleep on my bed two days after my checkup and seven days before the run, I realized I was not able to claim the race pack. To add to my anxiety, I was responsible for collecting the kits of two other friends who were flying in and decided on the last minute to join the run so they could experience how it's like here in Singapore. I thought that was the absolute sign that I should not be running in the Safra Bay Run & Army Half Marathon. But I thought better and decided not to give up. I sent an e-mail that very hour to the organizers asking for their special consideration. I got their reply the day after saying they were giving everyone who failed to pick up their kits a last chance. I could not and did not waste that chance.

***

To be continued...

Safra Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2009 (1 of 3)

2009-08-21T21:38:00.013+08:00

Strapped tight to a distinctive steel chair and about to be hurled into the air at a force many would not get to experience in their lifetime, I felt resigned to my fate having no energy left to resist.

"Are you all usually so quiet?" asked the man in black, a big jovial character with a bald head and a thick beard.

"Only when we're about to die," replied our friend on my right. That got all of us laughing.

After making sure my two friends and I were all safely bolted, the same fellow stepped away from the platform and made his way to the controls.

He broke our silence again a few minutes later.

"Do you prefer a countdown or —"

"Yes, please," came my hurried but enthusiastic reply, cutting him off.

"Alright!" he said. "One..."

Before I realized it we were being catapulted into the air at an impossible height in such a short period of time at a previously unimaginable speed. Just a few minutes earlier there were four of us free falling from a height of about 50 meters, held by the same type of straps and cradled by the same kind of chair. This time, there was room only enough for three. I had chickened out first but the only female among us wouldn't allow herself to be outdone. That's how I got myself into that position, a high and adrenalin-pumping at that. I raised my hands in an act of bravery and surrender, like I had done during the free fall, copying my friend Paul actually, letting out a scream while praying all the while for a safe landing and a strong heart that wouldn't fail me.

That was about eight hours after I completed my first 21 km run at the Safra Bay Run and Army Half Marathon. But that's getting ahead of the story, let me start from the beginning.

***

To be continued...

Singapore 360 - Day 10: Underwater World

2009-08-20T00:00:00.007+08:00

Part of the package we got when we last went to Sentosa was a visit to the Underwater World. Though I've been there several times before, I still find myself in awe looking at the underwater creatures.

This is a giant octopus. Looks like this guy came from another planet.

Crab. We had chili crab in Jumbo, Riverwalk and black pepper crab in No Signboard East Coast. I wonder what this guy feels about that if he knew.

Mermaid, er, Dugong. Apparently often mistaken for a mermaid, the dugong is the only strictly-marine herbivorous mammal.

The Sea Angel. It looked to me like it resembled a different kind of angel because of the red color and the projections, the horn-like structures.

Plant or animal? It's the dragon fish. Looks like it came out of lab experiment.

The Nautilus. I'm always reminded of the movie, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen every time I see this.

I thought I couldn't eat seafood for a few days after having gone here. Well, that's what I thought. We went to No Signboard Seafood for dinner the day after that.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 9: Songs Of The Sea

2009-08-19T00:00:00.005+08:00

When friends visit Singapore, I encourage them to watch Songs of the Sea. Most of time however, I don't have to do that because they find their own way there. Sentosa is usually on their list of places to visit.

The number of times I've watched the Songs of the Sea can still be counted on one hand, I think. It was only during the last time that I managed to take a few good shots, at least a lot better than the ones I took before. My worst visit would have to be the one before that, where the rain almost ruined it for us and we had to contend with inconsiderate people who wouldn't bring down their umbrellas as close to their heads as possible but were very good in asking the people in front of them not to block their view.

I was fortunate to catch the original Musical Fountain when I first came to visit Singapore in 2004. I kinda miss the part where the music was synchronized to the spraying of the water, like that of the stereo equalizer. What's better with the Songs of the Sea is that there's more interactivity with the audience. Of course, it's a grander show too, with the fireworks, lasers and the balls of fire.

I couldn't help but notice that night that the star of the show wasn't as convincing as the previous one(s). He didn't look like he had enough energy at all. In fact, he looked a bit lethargic to me. It was still a good show, so no complaints really.

As a side note, I was surprised that a taxi driver didn't know how to get to the area near Songs of the Sea. One of our friends was trying to find her way to us and took a cab to save time and chose the first one that came along. He didn't even know where Beach Station was. Good thing he knew where Siloso Beach was — quite far but near enough. I guess it's too much for me to expect taxi drivers to know the places in Sentosa when they only get to go there once every several years.

I'm sure we'll be back again soon.

Singapore 360 - Day 8: Singapore Flyer

2009-08-18T06:00:00.005+08:00

It's definitely not a thrill ride but I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who hasn't given it or its counterpart in London a try yet. I'm talking about the Singapore Flyer. Well, if you've tried the London Eye and would like to compare notes, then ride by all means.

As for me, I had to chance to get aboard one of those room-sized capsules just a few days ago, when friends made a visit here in Singapore and thought of giving the Singapore Flyer a go. The good thing about its slow movement is that those who are afraid of heights among us didn't seem the least concerned. But they did remain seated during the ride while the rest of us were constantly roving around to enjoy the surrounding view.

I wanted to time our ride just before the sun was out so I booked for 7:30 p.m. I was thinking it would be great to see the best of both worlds — bright and dark. That's not meant to be metaphorical. Seeing as far as Indonesia when it was bright and getting a view of the Singapore skyline when it was dark would've been great. Unfortunately, it was a bit hazy that day and night came sooner than expected.

But the Singapore night skyline was still a great scenery and the view we got from the revolving capsule was different from what we've previously seen from our visits to the nearby high-rise buildings.

I could only wish there was some way for them to keep the glass panels continually clean. The stains get in the way of nice shots.

While I'm at the wishing stage, it would've been great too if there was something going on at the bottom — perhaps fireworks from the floating stage, or F1 cars racing through the tracks. That ought to give you an idea of when you should time your ride.

Of course the Singapore Flyer made the headlines a few months ago when people were stuck for as long as six hours because of some glitch in the power system. In the end they had no choice but to do some sort of rescue operation and rappel people to safety. That must've been something.

We tried to imagine how it would be like if someone were to throw a party there. "Oh waiter, we forgot to ask for water, could you get it up to us immediately please!?!" How about karaoke? We figured nothing was more challenging than answering the call of nature. Our dream ride had to end there.

I guess we'll give the Singapore Flyer a try again when a new set of friends visit.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 7: Ion Orchard

2009-08-13T01:16:00.011+08:00

It's the newest mall in town, it's Ion in Orchard Rd.

During my last visit to Orchard, the nearby malls weren't as packed as they used to be; I was theorizing they must have all been there in Ion.

I don't find it as attractive during the day as it is during the night. Although I have to confess—yet again—my photos don't do much justice to its unique beauty. When the sun is out and I look at Ion, for some strange reason, larvae and aliens come to mind.

As for the interior, it's elegant and fashionable —posh— enough to be considered among the best there is in Singapore. Expensive shops abound too of course.

I actually had a chance to visit it during the sneak preview, just a few days before it formally opened to the general public. Aside from the omnipresent smell of contact cement, an air of urgency and excitement was very noticeable. Too bad I can't upload more pictures because blogger is currently having with the postings.

***

Just a thought, it would be difficult to rank the malls here in Singapore without a fixed set of criteria. I like different malls for various reasons. I preferred Vivo City over Suntec before the latter was renovated. Aside from being a fan or Marché in Vivo City, I used to find Suntec suffocating — notice how it's very difficult to navigate during events like the I.T. Show because of sections that are very narrow. I like Paragon because it's never too crowded except during special holidays. I like Raffles City because it's not too far from the MRT and there are lots of shops and restaurants there that I frequent, not too mention there's a cold storage outlet at the basement level. I like the smaller malls for their convenience and their unique product offerings too.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 6: Shu Teppan D.I.Y. Teppanyaki

2009-08-12T02:00:00.002+08:00

Shu Teppan Do It Yourself Teppanyaki is one of the restaurants in the newly opened ION mall in Orchard.

One Saturday noon, feeling hungry, but not too much to be unadventurous, we decided to give this Japanese dining place a try.

I ordered Wagyu beef, thinking no one could possibly make a mistake with Wagyu beef, unless of course it was fake. My companion went for something else, the name escapes me now, for it was the wrong dish that made it to her iron plate anyway.

And if you're curious where Teppanyaki got its name from, here's a bit of info from from Wikipedia:

Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き teppan'yaki?) is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word "teppanyaki" is derived from teppan (鉄板), which means iron plate, and yaki (焼き), which means grilled, broiled or pan-fried. In Japan, teppanyaki refers to dishes cooked using a iron plate, including steak, shrimp, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and monjayaki.

How was the food, you ask? I was right about the Wagyu beef, it was perfectly fine. As for the thingamajig my companion got... Oh well, better luck next time! She wasn't too happy with it. I tasted it and I immediately understood why. She did enjoy her Japanese soda though.

But are we coming back? Hard to say. It's good enough to try at least once for the experience, the do-it-yourself kinda experience. If you want to try, I would of course suggest you go for the Wagyu beef first. Or at least make sure it's among your orders. If it's fun you're after, nothing beats watching Teppanyaki Chefs in action.

Speaking of which, you might like to watch this "Amazing Chef" do his tricks, while preparing Teppanyaki, something I found in the World Wide Web:

***

Asia 360 - Bali Coffee

2009-08-11T02:00:00.000+08:00

I haven't had coffee for four days now. For someone who once had up to seven cups a day, that's an accomplishment, or a deprivation. It really depends on how you look at it.

Anyway, these photos were taken in Bali, Indonesia. We hired a driver to take us around Bali and he suggested we dropped by the "place where they make coffee". How could I object?

He took us to the quarters of Bas Coffee in Kintmani, a mountain region in the north where the cool climate and the rich, volcanic soil make it conducive to grow Arabica coffee trees. We learned that Kintamanai coffee, plucked from the cliff plantations of Mt. Batur, is the best there is in Bali.

(Note: I don't know who these people are in the pic above, they just happened to be there when I took the shot)

I ended up buying a few kilos of coffee beans, one pack from which remains untouched today. They can only produce so much in a year so if you're a coffee lover and you go to Bali, do visit Kintamani and buy. You're in for a treat! Kintamani is along the way to Mt. Batur anyway, which you are not unlikely to visit.

I'm not really sure how long I can keep this up — abstaining from coffee I mean. There's just nothing like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. If you're having one sometime in the near future, do me a favor and savor the aroma while you're at it.

***

Here's an interesting page I found on the Net:

http://www.sweetmarias.com/coffee.indonesia.bali.php

Singapore 360 - Day 5: A Funnel-Shaped Building

2009-08-10T00:30:00.006+08:00

I've come across this unique structure several times before, on my way to Bedok Reservoir or Sengkang. I thought it would be great to take a photo and post it here. It's located somewhere along Old Tampines Road.

I've traced the exact location in Google Maps:

View Larger Map
I'd describe it to others as funnel-shaped or UFO-like in the hope of finding out the building's name or the purpose it serves. I haven't still, so if you know, post a comment and share what you know.

While I did get a few shots, I couldn't help but think they would've been nicer it weren't so dark and rainy that day. Oh well, I'll just have to settle for these, at least for now.

***

The Crooked House (Sopot, Poland)

While searching the Web for the name of the structure, I came across this page: 50 Strange Buildings of the World. They did a great job collating these photos and providing some info. The photo above is number one on their list.

Part 2 of their post is here, and here is one photo from there:

Office center “1000″ a.k.a. Banknote (Kaunas, Lithuania)

***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!!!

Singapore 360 - Day 4: Al Forno Italian Restaurant

2009-08-09T00:05:00.004+08:00

Al Forno Italian Restaurant had long been recommended by a colleague-slash-friend. She was supposed to treat us there for her birthday several months ago. Regrettably, we declined because it was too far from the office and we were kinda busy that time. Now we'll probably have to wait next year for her treat.

One fine Sunday, when someone dear to us was leaving leaving Singapore for home permanently, we decided to have dinner somewhere in East Coast Park. Jumbo Restaurant came as the first suggestion, but somehow our Google search revealed it was somewhere in Changi. Remembering our friend's recommendation, I texted everyone and said we should just go to Al Forno Italian Restaurant along East Coast Rd.

I would later find out that East Coast Road is nowhere near East Coast Park. Half of our group had to take a cab again to get there from East Coast Park. But my mistake turned out to be a serendipitous one.

I could not remember our friend's tip on what food to order so with a tinge of hesitation I asked one waiter for his recommendations. He obliged, giving a few details on some of the food he recommended. There were only five of us, so we got two pizzas and two pastas. (I'd probably do a bit of research so I can edit this entry and name what we had). We also ordered white wine to go along.

The verdict? The food was great. The place was clean and comfortable. The service crew was efficient and friendly; the owner was there helping out and mingling with the customers. The $50-$60 share per person was well worth it. We'll definitely be coming back.

***

Singapore 360 - Day 3: Bicycles

2009-08-08T00:18:00.003+08:00

This is one of the photos we took during our visit to the National Museum. The bikes on display must be several decades old.

Nowadays, bicycles are still a common thing here in Singapore. A lot of people have one, I do too.

For a number of Singaporeans, bicycles are not just for exercising during weekends. They're a major mode of transportation, just as they are in other countries. Many would drive their bikes from their houses to the nearest MRT station, chain them to the metal racks on the parking slots, and take the train to their work. Coming home from work, they simply revise the process.

Biking on the major roads are not allowed as no bike lanes are provided. Although I know of a very few people who do bike from their homes to their offices. If you find one biking along a major thoroughfare, he has to be a foreigner. I just don't see bike-sharing, which is being done in other countries happening here in Singapore anytime soon.

I've observed that some parking slots have been improved over the last couple of years. Maybe in the future they will be improved enough to keep the bikes protected from rain.

***

Some links about bike-sharing worth visiting:
Bike-sharing Blog
Wikipedia - Bicycle Sharing Syste
At Summer Streets, Experiments in Bike Sharing

Here's a similar post on Tales Over Coffee, brought to my attention by the author:
Two Tiered Bicycle Stands

Singapore 360 - Day 2: National Museum

2009-08-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

The day I had a running adventure at the MacRitchie Trails was also the last chance we had to catch a glimpse of the Singapore Night Festival. We couldn't miss it.

We got to Orchard Road a little past 7 o'clock. It was drizzling but that didn't stop us and a lot of other people from walking outdoors.

We knew there was a show scheduled later in the evening but where it was going to be held we didn't know. Well, that became apparent soon enough. We saw what looked like a stage being set up right in front of the National Museum.

It didn't look like the show was starting anytime soon and for a moment we were unsure where we should be heading next. We noticed a lot of people coming in and out of the museum. That had to be our cue.

There were a number of artworks on exhibit. One of which was Love Tank by S. Teddy D of Indonesia. It's meant to transform the killing machine into one that conveys love and peace to humankind.

If I had to name my favorite, it would have to be Donna Ong's The Crystal City.

Made of glassware, crystal ware, silicon glue, chistmas lights, mirror and wood, it somehow reminded me of Superman's Fortress of Solitude.

We got to the second floor where a bunch of people where queuing beside the Singapore History Gallery. We had never been inside the gallery before, so we decided to join the queue to finally get to see what it had to offer.

More about what we saw inside next time.
***

Singapore 360 - Day 1: Fullerton Hotel

2009-08-06T02:40:00.010+08:00

The Fullerton Hotel used to be known as The Fullerton Building and then, General Post Office Building. It's along Boat Quay, nearest MRT station is Raffles, is a 10-minute walk away from Clark Quay or the Esplanade.

It is not uncommon to see pre-nuptial shots of couples being taken with The Fullerton as the background. Of course, the Esplanade is a more popular backdrop.

I have yet to try checking in but my friend Chippy says it's a bit more pricey than other hotels in Singapore. He says it's worth the experience, especially the first time around.

Maybe I can start by trying out the restaurant one of these days.

More info on Fullerton online:

Official Site

Wikipedia

***

Singapore 360: New Blogging Rules

2009-08-05T23:31:00.000+08:00

Unfortunately I don't have as much time as I used too and so I have to take some steps to keep this blog going. I need to focus on more important stuff, part of which also has to do with keeping my writing going.

Hence, my three new rules for this blog:
1. There should be one post each day.
2. The post should contain at least one photo.
3. The post should not take more than 15 minutes to create.

I'll still create longer posts when I have more time but as a general rule, I should stick to one, short post on a daily basis.

Why 360? Because there are 365 days in a year and I don't want to name it with that number as part of the title because there are too many of that already out there. Also, I want to give a 360° view of Singapore. I intend to go to places that are not popular tourists spots, giving a glimpse of the other aspects of daily Singapore life. Well, it's not going to be exclusively about Singapore, so stay tuned.

A MacRitchie Trail Adventure - The First of The North Face 100 Progressive Runs

2009-07-13T09:55:00.057+08:00

Friends are brought together by certain commonalities, be it in terms of background, belief, enemy, interest, tragedy, hobby, mission or cause. I took up running as a sport primarily to fulfill my fitness goal for this year. I've taken steps to increase my success, which included setting up a training schedule, joining as much running events as I could, taking up a healthy bet with co-workers, tracking my progress and plotting it in Excel, and influencing as many people as I can to join me in my simple quest. It didn't occur to me that I'd be gaining a new set of friends while at it.

I've made friends with friends of friends who are also into running. With a little bit of prodding here and there, I'm joining the upcoming The North Face 100 with them. My partner-to-be assumed that we were going for the 100 km category, but I'm glad to have clarified the matter before I registered for the two us and had given him the option of finding another teammate should he really want to participate in the more punishing category instead. I felt there was simply no way I'd be ready for the full marathon in such a short period of time, much more 50 km. In the end, he agreed that we should just go for the shorter distance.

We also signed up for the progressive runs to force ourselves to undergo training. The idea is that runners should be able to increase their mileage over time — therefore the increments of 10 km every scheduled run. The first of three, the 10 km run, took place last Saturday, July 10 at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. It turned out to be quite an adventure.

The official start was 8:00 a.m. and I got there with a few minutes to spare, just that I ended up making the wrong turn and found myself at a structure that didn't look like it could be called the zig-zag bridge. I called up my partner to ask for directions, who readily handed over the phone to one of our other friends because he wasn't familiar with the place.

When it seemed clear to me where I should be heading, I could not resist asking, just before I put down the phone, "Is it going to push through even if it's raining?"

It had started to drizzle and I could see several joggers going for the nearest shed. The rowing teams who were in the water at that time were being called to come ashore as well. I knew the answer before I even popped my question. I guess part of me was just saying "go home and don't risk getting sick".

When I finally got to the designated place, the runners, led by Kenneth Koh, were in the midst of stretching. One of our friends prompted me to register, stating freebies from The North Face would be given away after the run. I registered and skipped stretching, feeling relieved I wasn't left behind.

It didn't take long before we took of. Our set of friends let the others stay in front, we had to assume they were all stronger runners. Our feet got a taste of the pavement as we headed towards the trail. After that our feet were never subjected to the same kind of surface for more than a few minutes.

The trail had become steeper before I had a chance to warm up. As if that weren't challenging enough, the drizzle turned into rain. Fortunately, it didn't get any stronger. I couldn't help but worry about catching pneumonia. But I soon forgot about that when I couldn't distinguish sweat from rain.

Just when the trail began to ease a bit, in fact it had began to gradually slope downwards, we found one of the runners who was previously ahead of us lying along our path and grimacing in pain. He was supposedly our marker, for he carried with him two orange hiking sticks which made an X mark on his backpack — something very hard to miss. Kenneth asked if he was alright, to which the injured man replied he would be. They motioned for us to go ahead as one of the organizers grabbed her phone and made a few calls. Kenneth went with us while the same lady who made the call stayed behind with the marked man. The diagnosis? Groin muscle cramps. Apparently it was the guy's second attempt to cover the same distance during that morning.

My partner was a strong runner, having already completed the full marathon before, and so I let him lead as I tried my best to keep pace. My only advantage was that I had been training for the past few months. He hasn't joined any running event since last year's Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and hasn't been running on his own either. He was with us during the Suburban Run where I met him actually, but he only acted as our photographer then. Well, whatever he lacked in training, his genes more than made up for it. Thank goodness I was the one who did some training.

What took me, friends and family almost three hours to walk during our first visit to MacRitchie Park took us only a little over half an hour to run. When we got to the Ranger's Station, we weren't sure which way to turn because there wasn't any trace of where the others had gone. My partner tried asking one of the cleaners if he had noticed a group of runners heading towards the direction we were inclined to take.

"There are so many runners," he replied, smiling.

We had to make a quick decision — either we headed towards the HSBC Treetop or took the alternative Sime Track. I didn't remember it then that the route to the HSBC Treetop was a very punishing climb, which is not only obvious but also worth remembering because that was the only way you could possibly get to the treetop level. We would later find out that the route we avoided was where our fellow runners went: steep climbs help build endurance when done on a regular basis.

That wasn't the first time we had to guess which way to go. At one point, we became worried when we noticed a sign at the side of the trail that said "8 km". We knew we couldn't have done less than 5 km so we should be left with just 3 or 4 km and yet here was a sign which hinted we still had 8 km to go. Not only that, the path ahead of us revealed there was more climbing to do. Faced with these circumstances, my partner slowed down to a halt and for a moment considered turning back and retracing our steps. I voiced out that we couldn't go back having gone so far, and that there was a chance we'd be presented again with a few options as to which path we can take if we kept pushing forward — something we wouldn't have for sure if we turned back. We pushed forward.

Kenneth would later point out what I realized while picking where my foot landed — that as opposed to running on pavements where you can plug in your iPhone and just zone out, you had to be mentally present when running on trails. It is very easy to slip, trip or twist your ankle if you don't pay attention to what where you're going. Disallowing the use of earphones during the race for safety reasons makes perfect sense.

By the time we resolved our second dilemma, our feet had already sampled various surfaces: muddy, rocky, grassy, sandy, wooden and solid. Then we came to the part where the trail formed a narrow U-shape path with a very uneven bottom surface littered with sharp stones jutting out, so we had no choice but to avoid stepping on the middle, running with each foot on either side. That mini-obstacle course definitely made the route more interesting.

We found the view somewhere along the Golf Link area as the most exciting, a welcomed respite from the seemingly endless trees, dirt and stones. My partner must have read my mind as he also expressed that it would have been nice if we brought a camera. The sight of the water was truly refreshing and we would've wanted to take that with us if only commemorated in photos.

We would soon find out that we made the right choice by pushing forward. It turns out the signs indicated how much distance had been covered from the starting point, not how much farther there was to go. Soon enough we reached the zig-zag bridge and joined our fellow runners in filling our tummies with as much liquid as we can.

Too bad no one from our group won any freebies. But the microfiber towel they gave away was a prize, not too mention the magazines.

Overall, it was a truly good experience, something we'd very much like to repeat in the near future. If one thing, our adventure made me realize that I prefer to run on trails than on pavements. Well, we're already planning to hold practice runs in MacRitchie park on our own.

***

Some links worth visiting:

Always Running the Same Way, The Trouble With Running on Concrete and Asphalt

Get Off the Pavement!!!

How To Build Endurance With Trail Running

Running Program to Build Speed

Go Long! Build endurance for a full day or more on the trail

http://www.timeforfitness.com/running/keep_running.htm

Sunset At Bedok Reservoir

2009-07-12T17:00:00.004+08:00

I had been to Bedok Reservoir thrice prior to this day. The first was when we attempted to go for the grand course of the treetop adventure, which unfortunately we weren't even able to start because it rained so hard and we ended up getting stuck there for almost two hours. The next two times were for running — one was in preparation for the Passion Run and the other for the Mizuno Mt. Faber Run.

On the last two occasions, I've been fortunate enough to see the glorious sunset and kept wishing I brought a good camera with me. Well, I actually did bring a camera the second time around but I don't think the pictures I took do justice to how marvelous it was to see in person, not that photos will ever be better than the actual experience, but still, I think they were kinda ugly. I'm still posting those pictures below.

It was impossible for me not to remember my wish when I began taking pictures of sunsets in Pasir Ris Park. I had to come back. So I did when I finally got the chance.

I came with one purpose and one purpose only — to take pictures of the sunset over the water. I would have wanted to run but that meant getting home late and putting the camera at risk.

Unfortunately I wasn't early enough. The sun had already began to disappear on the horizon when I got there.

Still, I tried to do what I came there to do.

The photos are not as great as I want them to be. But I think they're definitely better than the ones I took earlier.

I guess I'll just have to haul myself with a camera back there again some time soon. Practice makes perfect. And yeah, it pays well to be early too.

There must be dozens of other places where it's nice to take pictures of the sunset here in Singapore. I wonder, where should I head to next?

***

When H1N1 Hits Home - Aftermath

2009-07-08T05:03:00.003+08:00

With much help from the medicines he has been taking, Mattin finally got rid of his whooping cough on day 5. With that gone, he didn't appear to be sick at all. However, he was still quarantined in his room as a precautionary measure and the Cisco guys still kept visiting him at least twice daily until day 7.

The rest of us were fortunate not to have been afflicted with the virus. We didn't even have to take Tamiflu, something I really didn't want to do unless it was absolutely necessary. Our misfortune only went as far as having to eat the same food everyday and being confined within the walls of our home — insignificant to the ordeal my six-year old cousin had to go through. Except for the initial scare (for Matthin's condition), momentary paranoia and period of adjustment, the experience wasn't as bad as we were led to think.

I've agreed since the beginning with my uncle's decision to have Matthin stay at home instead of confining him in the hospital. It would have been twice as difficult for the six-year old boy if the alternative was chosen. Besides, the doctors wouldn't have presented the option if they weren't sure it was safe for him in the first place. This might not need saying, but I'll say it anyway: if this ever happens to your cousin, brother or child, I invite you to consider taking the same course of action.

Today is Matthin's first day in school after the break. He was excited to go back and we were only glad that his excitement had the opposite effect last night — he was able to sleep early. A number of parents in Matthin's school had previously expressed their concern about the unnecessary spread of the news regarding what the boy has been through in the last week, worried that this might cause unnecessary panic on the part of other parents. Their concern is not unwarranted — just a few weeks ago, a boy was being avoided by his classmates because he had cough and colds.

Today is also the day the rest of us go back to our normal lives. Today we regain contact with the outside world, not having to worry about being a threat to the rest of society. We have a story to tell and a few lessons to remember and share from the experience.

Maybe there's no need to be overly concerned with H1N1. But this doesn't mean we can take things for granted and not take measures to protect ourselves from unnecessary trouble. Remaining vigilant is not synonymous to being obsessed. There's wisdom in Andrew Grove's words: "Only the paranoid survive." But as always, we need to take advice with a grain of salt and see things from the right perspective lest we give things a different meaning and turn a totally good advice into words of disaster.

Practicing proper hygiene is a must, with or without H1N1. But if anyone at home should ever be afflicted with the virus, informing the right people is the right thing to do and wearing a mask if you have to report for work or go to school is a little sacrifice that's not unworthy of making.

This is the end of day 7 and the end of this H1N1 series.

***
>>Day 4<<

>>Day 3<<

>>Day 2<<

>>Day 1<<

A Rasa Sentosa Singapore Weekend Getaway

2009-07-07T07:07:00.007+08:00

A few weeks ago we decided to go on a quick weekend getaway. We didn't want to spend so much time traveling, so going out of Singapore was not an option. There are numerous hotels to choose from but we wanted a feeling of seclusion, of being away from the frenetic activities of a normal Singapore day. What could be better than staying at a hotel by the beach?

Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa it was. The fact that a bridge needed crossing to get to the island resort somewhat gives it the feeling of isolation. Knowing that Sentosa means peace and tranquility in Malay is also a bit comforting. On the other hand, Rasa means taste, feeling or sensation in Malay as a noun. A few minutes in Rasa Sentosa was enough for me to conclude that we made right the choice and that the name of the hotel was justified.

If there was any doubt that we were in a five-star establishment in the hotel we went to early this year, there was no such feeling this time around. The rooms were in great condition, the surroundings were exceptionally clean, the facilities were well maintained and the people were very hospitable. To top it off was a panoramic view of the nice pool, the blue sea and the white sand.

Staying in the room just watching TV, reading a book, appreciating the view or simply sleeping would have been good enough. But we opted to do some experiencing and not just viewing.

At daybreak, we walked along the shoreline. It was impossible to miss the people sleeping on the sand. Some managed to pitch tents. Here and there were a few litters, but the shore was rubbish-free by the time the sun was fully out.

We did go around Sentosa but we spent a lot of time by the beach. Besides, there are too many things to mention about Sentosa that would make this post to lengthy to include.

Swimming, playing volleyball, flying Frisbees, kayaking, sunbathing, what else do people do at the beach but have fun while basking in the sun? What about throwing-in-the-water time? Boys will be boys.

We never did get to the flying trapeze in Siloso beach in action. We did get to sample Trapizza's pizza and pasta though. The food was great.

One other thing we didn't get to try was riding the Segway. Oh well, I'm sure there will be some other time for that.

We did have good food for dinner at Coastes by the beach. The fireworks from the Songs of the Sea could be seen and heard from where we were. Not to forget where we had lunch, which was in Shutters at the Amara Resort. The food was pleasant although the place was almost empty.

It was a very good weekend getaway if I may say. I can only wish every weekend was like that.

***

When H1N1 Hits Home - Day 4

2009-07-03T00:00:00.009+08:00

I see Matthin drawing on his desk. He looks good under the circumstances. I can definitely see his improvement since day 1. I just wish he'd lose the cough in the next day or two. Somehow his mother managed to do just that.

The rest of us in the house remain asymptomatic. We're glad that aside from this major inconvenience, there seems to be no permanent damage that H1N1 has caused us. We're glad that the virus is not as lethal as it was earlier feared to be. Of course, this doesn't mean we'd want to be down with it if we had a choice.

If you've read the previous posts, you already know that Matthin is quite big a boy for his age. Since there's pretty much nothing to say about this day, I'd like to share a few more things about my cousin:

1.He loves fried rice. Well, he likes food in general. But he especially loves fried rice. Aside from not wanting anything else but hotdogs when he was younger, Matthin never really gave his parents much of a headache when it comes to getting him to eat. It's good to see him continually expanding his menu since he turned five.

2. He likes playing badminton. Like any other child, he'd cry if you beat him. But he keeps playing nevertheless and of course, the inevitable happens — he keeps getting better at the sport as the weeks go by.

3. He's a Nadal fan. His mother is Federer fan and so am I. Still, Matthin made up his mind and roots for Rafa. He's not yet playing tennis but I'm sure he'd love it when he does.

4. He's into running. It wasn't easy to get him started though. At first he was excited when he joined a fun run in school. Then his face turned bluish red after running 25 meters during a running clinic. My aunt made it her mission to get Matthin into better shape. I remember us pulling out every trick in the bag we knew to get him to run a complete round in the track. His tears kept rolling and his shouts kept coming but he just wouldn't run. After six rounds of walking, he seemed convinced we were never going to stop unless he gave it a try, which he did. Don't ask me how, but he's enjoyed running ever since. Before he was down with the flu, he was running more than I did. Actually that's an understatement because I only get to run a maximum of three times in a week but this kid runs a minimum of five.

5. He likes playing the piano. This kid has a great memory. I'm running out of stuff to teach him on the keyboard. He's been recently forcing me to teach him a piece I haven't even completed myself. I'm sure a piano teacher will have a good time with him. Geez, I miss playing with this boy.

Oh well, it looks like we can see the end of this quarantine period. I sure hope there are no unpleasant surprises. We'll keep praying.

Matthin can barely keep himself inside his room. Thank goodness for TV, X-box and his ever patient mom.
***
>>Day 3<<

>>Day 2<<

>>Day 1<<

When H1N1 Hits Home - Day 3

2009-07-02T00:00:00.011+08:00

Wednesday, Day 3. Fun flies when you're doing time. I should be taking pictures of sunsets. How much more for a six-year old boy who's confined in his own room for three days now?

Well, except for his coughs, Matthin appears to be fine. But his mother seems to have developed the same unpleasant sounding cough. Everyone else in the house remains asymptomatic.

The Cisco staff came twice during the day to check on Matthin. They never go in. They just let Matthin come to them near the door and they examine him visually from there. My uncle hypothesizes that they're merely making sure that Matthin is not getting out of the house and the real intention is not to check if he's doing fine, because they're not doctors anyway. Whatever the motivation, I'm glad they're checking. The phone calls come in too.

My uncle actually called them to ask for more Tamiflu, as suggested by the doctor, so everybody else —aside from Matthin and his Mom— could take it as a preventive measure. Over lunch I made a comment about possibly not taking it before the symptoms start showing up. I realize of course the point of not having to go through unnecessary suffering, which is why one would want to take it while being asymptomatic. It's just that I remember hearing in CNN that it might not have the desired effect if it's taken too early and that it's best taken within two days after the symptoms appear. I think I also remember hearing that if you don't have the virus and you take Tamiflu, it might no longer be effective once you really get hit by the virus. I don't trust what I think I remember, so don't you too — I don't want to be the source of misinformation.

I decided to do a bit of research on the Web to learn more about this. Below are what I found.

From http://www.tamiflu.com/treat.aspx:

For flu prevention: When you have been exposed to someone with the flu, taking TAMIFLU can help keep the virus from making you sick

From http://www.dancewithshadows.com/pillscribe/swine-flu-india-on-high-alert-plans-to-stockpile-15-billion-oseltamivir-pills/:

Oseltamivir may be given as a preventive measure either during a community outbreak or following close contact with an infected individual. Standard prophylactic dosage is 75 mg once daily for patients aged 13 and older, which has been shown to be safe and effective for up to six weeks.

From http://www.drugs.com/pdr/tamiflu.html:
To prevent the flu, take it once a day for at least 7 days. Protection lasts as long as you take the drug.

Based on these, Tamiflu does help prevent someone from getting the flu. That is, as long as it's being taken. I didn't find anything saying that it won't be effective in the future when the flu hits if it's previously been taken for preventive measures.

It occurred to me while I was doing the research that Matthin wasn't able to take Tamiflu within 48 hours after he had high fever, his first symptom. If the Cisco guys weren't late and came a day earlier —day 1 instead of day 2— they would've made it on time. Still, he has showed some great improvement after taking the medicine so we're all glad about that.

With closed windows and an open door that leads to the living room and everywhere else, the ventilation might be a cause for concern. Or maybe not. Remains to be seen in the next few days.

This is the end of day 3.

***
>>Day 2<<

>>Day 1<<

When H1N1 Hits Home - Day 2

2009-07-01T00:00:00.006+08:00

Day 2 is Tuesday, July 30, 2009 — two days into home quarantine and four days since Matthin, my cousin, was symptomatic of the H1N1 virus.

Among other things, I started this day with a call to a friend who was a doctor. We discussed some other thing and when we were about to say goodbye, he asked how I was doing so I gave him the news. He says we shouldn't be worried too much, that it's very similar to the common flu, and that deaths are very rare. Coming from someone you trust, that was quite reassuring.

Matthin is doing well: no fever, no asthma, just a very bad sounding cough. He doesn't look lethargic; he would've been out of his room if his parents weren't scaring him that the police would come get him if forced his way out. I'm glad he's a strong, 40-kilo, almost 5 feet tall, 6-year old boy.

So far no one else inside the house is symptomatic. Matthin's mom looks haggard but appears to be healthy. Matthin's dad, my uncle, has been sleeping in the living room since day 1. The rest of us have been taking extra doses of vitamin C. My uncle came up with his own concoction of boiled ginger, lemon and honey for all of us to drink. Can you blame us? We'd do what we can to stay healthy. By the way, uncle's concoction tastes good to me.

The Cisco personnel arrived late at the afternoon, citing delays due to MOH. They should have been here on day 1. That doesn't sound good because it could mean they have too many cases to take care of. Oh well... As one might expect, the Cisco guys were wearing N95 masks and yellow plastic scrubs. They brought a standard H1N1 kit —as they called it— which included a short literature for Matthin's parents to read, thermometers and most importantly, medicine. There were two sets of Tamiflu — one for Matthin and another for his mother.

They did not install cameras as we were earlier told. They didn't even go beyond the door step. I guess they had no reason to do so. Maybe we really are not suppose to take things too seriously. It's just that in my obsessive-compulsive state of mind, I was expecting a little bit more, like a short lecture on the most critical things we need to monitor Matthin about or a demonstration of how to properly ventilate his room. In place of the cameras, my uncle was told, would be constant monitoring through phone calls. Anyhow, I'm still glad they came and that Matthin could now take proper medication.

***

Here's a very good booklet regarding H1N1 from UN.ORG:
Pandemic Flu Influenza A (H1N1) Virus). It's a concise and practical guide on things you need to know about the virus, what you should do to prevent contracting it and what you ought to do in case you or your loved one has already gotten it, including how to properly take care of them. If you're serious about wearing masks, there's a proper way to handle them and there's a short paragraph about that in the booklet.

Even with the constant barrage of information from the news, I was surprised about how much I and my housemates didn't know about H1N1 and viruses in general. For instance, the booklet suggests that "separating of eating utensils for use by a patient with influenza is not necessary". It was something we did as a precaution but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. But then again, if you ask me, I'm really more concerned about other things than the segregation of utensils.

Here's a preview of its Table of Contents so you'd see how practical it is:

That's it. This is the end of day 2.

***
>>Day 1<<

When H1N1 Hits Home - Day 1

2009-06-30T00:00:00.000+08:00

There has never been a post more difficult to start than this. And I'm not even sure how to proceed.

Maybe I can begin by saying that true to the title, the H1N1 virus has indeed found its way to our very home. It's just too bad that my six-year old cousin, Matthin, had to be its first victim. What worries me is that he has asthma and is therefore considered to be among the higher risk group.

They arrived here in Singapore last Wednesday, June 24, Matthin and her mother. My aunt had to rush home because his father had suffered a heart attack. She had to take Matthin with her because no one could take care of him if he was left here. They came back after making sure aunt's father —who's undergoing therapy because his right side from head to toe was paralyzed— was on his way to recovery after a few scary days in the ICU. As if that unfortunate event wasn't enough, they arrived here to find out a few days later that Matthin had somehow caught the virus.

What purpose does it serve if I share this with the rest of the world? Well, apart from simply telling a story, I think there are lessons to be learned from this. Let me stall no further.

For starters, for anyone who has been outside the country, I think it serves Singapore best that you isolate yourself from society for a few days after you arrive. Actually, even before that, and this has been stated in the news over and over again, travel outside the country only if it's really necessary.

Going back to the idea of self-quarantine, I simply opine that it's the responsible thing to do. Going one step further, maybe it's a good company policy to implement this for employees coming from overseas. One of my clients even require their employees to wear masks for a number of days in the office, after the quarantine period. This idea is also applicable to schools, but I think they're doing a much better job.

In our case, the first judgment error was assuming that there was no way Matthin and his mom could have contracted the virus because they weren't going out too often when they were overseas. Some would conclude that's so naive, but it's a more common conception than we think. It's so easy to be careless. What a cliche, but hey, just because you don't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist and won't find its way to you.

Because of that initial wrong assumption, another case of bad judgment was bound to occur. Despite us being aware that not going out of the house for at least seven days was prudent, Matthin and his dad went out to watch Transformers that Saturday. He got home in the midst of an asthma attack along with coughs that didn't sound good. He also had a high fever late that night. Once again, because of that wrong premise, it was easier to rationalize the cause than suspect H1N1 was the culprit.

The next day, Sunday, Matthin's parents finally decided to call the hospital and report his condition. An ambulance arrived after about two hours to pick up Matthin and his mother.

"Mommy, I'm excited to ride the ambulance!" Matthin stated.

I saw them being handed a mask before they were allowed to step into the ambulance. Fast forward, about three hours later, they were back at home announcing that the results would only be out after two days. It had become a waiting game.

Day 1 is today, Monday, June 29 — the day we learned of the results. I was in the office when my aunt called me.

"Bad news. Results are out and Matthin is positive." She gave it to me straight.

For a minute there I thought she was kidding and I was waiting for the punchline. She even told me guys from Cisco where coming to that house later at night to install cameras so they could monitor the patient. When no punchline came, I had to ask directly if she was pulling my leg. I believed her when she told me it was no joking matter. When she told me to buys masks, the little doubt or hope inside me dissipated.

I gave myself a few minutes to think things over and decide what was my best course of action. Soon thereafter I informed my boss about the news and I was immediately sent home. It took me three blocks to find 3M N95 masks from a Guardian store in Raffles — a box of which containing 20 pieces cost $60.

When I got home, they've started trying to quarantine Matthin in their room. No one was yet wearing masks. I handed out what I bought and we all tried it out, Matthin included. I found it a bit difficult to breathe through the mask and there's a certain kind of smell that never really goes away.

We started segregating our utensils after dinner. Matthin was told he wasn't allowed to leave the room. My uncle moved one of the TV sets along with the Xbox from the living room to what would be Matthin's own little world in the next few days. Except for his eyes, Matthin looks fine. Well, Matthin is a strong boy. He'll be fine. We're praying for his speedy recovery.

As for Cisco, we waited for them to arrive until way past midnight. They never came.

This is the end of day 1.

Another Sunset At Pasir Ris Park

2009-06-27T03:23:00.003+08:00

So one day I had gone to Pasir Ris Park to take a few pictures during sunset. I thought it was a good idea to come back, with the area nearer to Downtown East as my target.

I was lucky to catch bus 403, luckier still to have made it in time to watch the sun disappear in the horizon.

I fail not to notice the strange syzygies in the view above. There's the child sitting, a man fishing and a lad swimming, then there's the three fishing rods which are almost perfectly aligned.

I tried to cover as much ground as I could. But there was never enough time. The moon was out before I knew it.

My last stop had to be the moored ships. I could get no farther. I had reached the boundary of the Pasir Ris Park.

Bedok Reservoir sounds like a good place for the next sunset adventure.

Sunset At Pasir Ris Park

2009-06-24T21:41:00.012+08:00

With the sun out and no signs of rain coming, it was a good day to take a walk in the Pasir Ris Park. It was a perfect opportunity to catch the sunset and take photos too.

We had barely entered the park when we began putting the camera to work.

Well, sunsets have always been a favorite subject by photographers. Not without good reason of course.

But rather than attempting to explain why, I'll just post a few pictures here. But then again, I'm not a photographer. Even so, I know that the tired cliché is undoubtedly true: a picture is worth a thousand words. So let me say no more.

Conquering Mt. Faber: The Mizuno Mount Faber Run 2009

2009-06-20T11:00:00.014+08:00

A number of friends decided not to register for the Mizuno Mount Faber Run 2009 for either of two reasons:

there was a negative review of a previous run by the same sponsor, and

Mt. Faber didn't sound like a fun, easy, flat terrain for a 10 km run.

In my case, I'm at a stage where I'd take almost every opportunity to run in preparation for my 21 km challenge by the end of the year. I registered before I gave myself enough time to realize what I was getting into, although I've once been lost in Mt. Faber so I knew it was going to be a serious challenge if the event was going to live up to its name. This sounds naive, but I only found out on the race day itself that Mt. Faber was indeed part of the route.

On that day, my alarm managed to wake me up at 5 a.m. despite the fact that I only had a little over two hours of sleep. I went straight to the shower contemplating whether I should go through such self-inflicted punishment. When I couldn't find a pair of shorts to wear, I thought things had been decided for me, but of course one eventually showed up after a few more minutes of frantic searching. So I was going to run half-awake. What the heck? Each race is a new adventure.

From the Tiong Bahru MRT station, I followed a trail of moving green shirts to the assembly area — a huge open space between HDB buildings. It was a little past 7 a.m. and people were scattered all over the place. It occurred to me that the atmosphere was very different from those of the other runs I had taken part of. Perhaps it was the lack of exciting music or perhaps the inability of the announcer to get the crowd moving. Maybe it was just my zombielike state.

Getting hydrated is an important thing for runners before they start any race, but so is the opposite. I joined the queue for the loo, my unforgettable experience from my first run looming in my head. There were a number of announcements, including one which said participants should be behind the starting line by 7:25. Then, before I knew it, when I had barely finished what I had queued for, the race had already started. There was neither a countdown to warn of what was to come nor a loud horn to signal what just happened.

With the lessons from my recent run still fresh in my mind, I was off to a slow start. Dozens of runners overtook me. I caught up with some of them at an intersection, the first of many, where we were asked to stop to allow cars to pass. The first slight ascent came only after a few minutes, and I thought running without adequate sleep was torture enough. I took my time warming up, after which I began to increase my tempo a bit, only to be slowed down with more stops and uphills.

Like an unexpected gift, a long downward slope was suddenly in front of me. I zipped past more than a hundred runners, wondering why they chose not to take advantage of the rare opportunity being presented. I was thanking the heavens for giving me lots of practice running down steep hills and mountains when I was a child, praying at the same time that I wouldn't slip and become the laughing stock of the event.

Then it was time to head up Mt. Faber. I initially tried to maintain my pace but weariness soon overtook my body. Tens of other walking made it look fashionable. How could I resist from doing the same? It was at this stage that I remember having pocketed my remaining caffeinated energy gel from GNC. At the pace I was going, I had no trouble getting it open and consuming its content.

As if a direct answer to my complaint that I could still feel the sticky fluid halfway down my throat, the first drinking station came into view. I was in no rush drinking as much liquid —first H-Two-O and then the real H₂O— as I could, Mt. Faber wasn't going anywhere.

It seemed like the rest of the route was pretty much upwards from thereon, which only meant I did a lot of walking. When the road went downhill, again I was one of very few who dared to go full speed. During the agonizing ascents, Confucius' words kept echoing in my head — "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." Wise words indeed.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. I reached the finish line in a little over an hour. Partly to my own doing, it was the most challenging run I had participated in. I guess Mt. Faber will be seeing more of me in the coming years as I aspire to complete the same run in a shorter time.

Next run: POSB Run for Kids 2009, July 12.

Photo credits to Joan "MoJo" D.G.

Sarcasm, Feigned Incomprehension And Plain Ol' Rudeness

2009-06-07T10:34:00.014+08:00

Paul says his sarcasm has toned down a bit ever since his experience in the dentist's chair as young boy where he woke up to find his face black and blue after a simple tooth extraction. Paul realizes sarcastic remarks are not taken too well by dentists and has since decided to use them sparingly, even on people outside the dental profession.

Mike is one of those people who can be sarcastic but chooses to be nice almost every time. We discussed what hypothetical verbal responses he could have given in various dialogs where he originally played nice but would have wanted to play dumb, be sarcastic, or just plain rude.

All responses below given by P1 in italics are therefore hypothetical.

***

Food Center

P2: "May I clear you plate?"

P1: "Certainly not. I'll do it myself. Go buy your own food."

***

Food Center

P1: "May I have some ketchup please?"

P2: "Here you go..."

P1: "Not chili sauce, ketchup please."

P2: "Oh, tomato sauce?"

P1: "Uh, no. I would have gone to the supermarket to buy ingredients if I wanted to cook spaghetti."

***

A Fried Chicken Fast Food Based In Kentucky. In White Sands, Pasir Ris

P1: "May I have some gravy please?"

P2: "What's gravy?"

P1: "Are you serious? Do you even work here?"

***

Office

P2: "By right the file should be in this folder everyday. By right the server should automatically dump it there. By right even if there was no data there should still be a file."

P1: "What about by left?"

***

Office

P2: "Just one more question also can or not?"

P1: "Okay, I'm confused. But that sounds like a question already. You've had your chance."

***

A Sandwich Store In Downtown East

P1: "One Italian BMT please..."

P2: "Oh, I'm sorry we ran out of bread."

P1: "Again!?! Why don't you just close down?"

***

A Vietnamese Cafe In Boon Tat Street

P1: "Can I have plain water please?"

P2: "I'm sorry, we don't server plain water."

P1: "Not even without ice, straight from the faucet?"

P2: "Boss says we're not allowed to do that. You need to buy your drinks so we can make money out of it."

P1: ????

Mike says he's still figuring out what he could have said to this one.

***

The World Of Babahuskis

2009-05-31T22:45:00.004+08:00

A page from Dr. Roch’s journals, May 3073

Several million light years away in the Lidebo Galaxy, lies the Planet Babahusk. In many ways, it is much like Earth. Air, water and sunlight are among the essentials for survival.

Before I force myself into a scientific account of the planet’s composition, structure and all — which is certainly not my intention for I do not consider myself qualified enough in this field — let me give you a short account of its very amusing inhabitants, the Babahuskis. Intelligent beings and culture are after all my expertise, my so-called cup of tsaw-tsaw (tea in Babahuskian), having earned multiple degrees including doctorates in Alien and Cultural Studies.

First, let me give a basic description of the Babahuskis. They are very much like Homo Sapiens, with a complete set of the major bodily systems found in the human species: nervous, digestive, reproductive, circulatory, endocrine, immune, integumentary, lymphatic, muscular, urinary, skeletal and respiratory. In more simplistic terms: they think, eat, talk, walk, breathe air, get sick, and like all biological beings, they perish.

I shall leave my dear Italian friend, Dr. Jocani Pagi, to discuss the similarities and differences between humans and Babahuskis in greater scientific detail while I dwell more on their alienus nature.

The Babahuskian civilization is a proud one and although its roots are probably as old as the planet itself, they are certainly modern and their technological savvy is perhaps surpassed only by us Earthlings. For all their pride and scientific know-how, they have one particular weakness. They are not a very neat life form.

Deodorants are but a recent discovery. I daresay as much as twenty percent of the Babahuskis I’ve encountered don’t make use of this practical invention. I initially thought that perhaps their olfactory system has not completely evolved. Maybe they smell things differently. But then I asked myself how is it possible that quite a number of them don’t appear to emit that distinctly sour and foul odor? What about the few that use deodorants and wear colognes and perfumes? Could it be that they choose to ignore this unpleasant reality or are they just being courteous not to point out what is obvious in the same manner that we, their guests, never speak to them about this even as a matter of science lest we offend them? My educated guess is that their culture has a different belief about the need for deodorants and whether bodily odors are offensive.

Another observation I’ve noted is that at about 6 p.m., when their two suns start to set and when their air cooler in the offices automatically shut down, the acrid smell starts to fill the air ever more strongly. I fail not to write this observation based on a serendipitous yet unfortunate circumstance – it is now exactly 6 o’clock here in the Feteo Center of Excellence.

While it can be scientifically proven that their musky smell can be attributed to the food that they eat, I have also noticed that several of them hang their clothes to dry in their kitchen and don’t bother to remove them when they cook, leaving them to absorb the aroma of their food. Still, the scent of food on one’s clothing is tolerable. What is unbearable is the stink of body odor, whether emitted from the armpits or elsewhere, especially when they can be effectively controlled through the use of substances known as deodorants. Dr. Pagi and I share a common view that allowing bacteria to continually thrive in the underarms so as to ferment sweat, which leads to an overpowering odor when left alone, is highly irresponsible especially when the intelligent being on the spotlight possesses qualities such as self-awareness, sentience and wisdom.

Much like humans, Babahuskis are social by nature. Their social structures are as complex as ours and law also shapes their society in countless ways. What is most interesting is that they have stricter and more numerous laws than us humans ranging from what food are allowed for consumption during certain days to what is allowed in the intimacy of a couple’s bedroom. Their implementation of environmental laws is astonishing – smoking was a perennial part of popular culture until a law declared that “it endangered the environment… and is a harmful activity…”

The Smoker Rebellion is very interesting but to give a more thorough account of it is not within the scope of my intended topic for this writing. Suffice it to say that millions of Babahuskis perished in this bloody ten-year rebellion before the government finally succeeded in its campaign to totally outlaw smoking and bring an end to the rule of the Puffer Industry.

Still, Dr. Pagi and I find it odd that while they have very strict laws on all sorts of things, a decree to regulate outrageously horrible body odor has never been considered in its long and colorful history.

On the lighter side of things, I am happy to report that I have made quite a number of Babahusk friends. I feel fortunate and honored to have found a few Babahuskis who share my interest and appear to be delighted in my company. I have come to conclude that I was wrong in my initial assessment that most Babahuskis are undesirable and civilly hostile to humans. You could say that I was at the wrong side of the planet in my first six months and was unlucky enough to have met Babahuskis who thought they knew everything, who loved exaggeration to the extent of saying “101% sure” only to end up totally being wrong and even though this is statistically impossible (Math is truly a universal language), and Babahuskis who are lazy and put their creativity to use by finding ways to avoid work that belonged to them in the first place.

Allow me to end this entry with a quotation from Dr. Pagi, “Not all Babahuskis are created equal. There are good smelling, bad smelling and ugly smelling Babahuskis.”