I Am Shotokan

After 24 years, I finally got my black belt earlier this month, finally a Shodan (初段).  I got the Dan Ranking in October, but the belt only arrived in early December…  Last Sunday was the first time I donned the black belt in training and man!!  That felt Freaking Awesome!!  

The long awaited Kuro-Obi From Tokaido - Samsung Galaxy A8+

Purwokerto Trip 2018 - Part 2

Day 2 started with breakfast at Soto Jalan Bank.  I can see a pattern here which takes place annually...  it's almost like a ritual every year - somehow we'll always go to Soto Jalan Bank on the following morning after our arrival.  But well..  no complaints....  I'm OK with Soto Jalan Bank.   Just look at that photo, it sure tastes as good as it looks.  

Soto Jalan Bank, a very nice rainy day treat - RX100 Mk3

Purwokerto Trip 2018 - Part 1

Hello December, a week has just passed.  And I couldn't think of a better way to start this month's entry than writing about our family trip to Purwokerto.    

We went on our trip just last Friday by taking a flight to Jakarta from where we'd take the train from Gambir train station to my wife's hometown, Purwokerto.  

Upon arrival in Jakarta we got onto the car and set for Pluit Village Mall for lunch at Bakmi Alok.  Again, I had forgotten to take any photos of the noodles.  😑

Going to Pluit - RX100 Mk3

Quiet Weeks to End November

It has been extremely quiet as of late.  I've been engrossed in my reading, had some visitors over and Batam.....  Its a wonder I have the time to sit down and write now.  And work...  still the same old, same old....  Thinking about the next working day almost makes me want to cry...  😔

After I finished the book about Salim Group I continued with another book about Lippo Group's founder.  It has been fascinating to know more about the different backgrounds of 2 of Indonesia's largest conglomerates' founders.  Hopefully finishing those 2 books will give me some inspiration I badly need right now.  I still have about 250 or so pages before I finish that 2nd book.  

Other than that, some of my father's staffs came from Batam to attend a Wonderful Indonesia event for which I visited them to check that they're doing OK and they have everything they need for the event. 

And finally just last Saturday I went to Marina Bay Sands for dinner with my parents and my visiting in-laws.  Took some nice photos inside too. 

Digital Light Canvas

Nondescript November

Perhaps I should be grateful that things have been rather uneventful...  Or not?  Nah... I don't know...  So far things have been rather dull in November.

Last Saturday we went to Lindsay's school carnival in West Coast Park.  That was our first time visiting West Coast Park.  The sea view fell short of breathtaking as it was made up of mainly marine yards, what looked like oil refineries in Jurong Island, Pasir Panjang Terminal and numerous docked ships, although there were plenty of open space for games such as frisbee, football and kite flying.  

Sea View From West Coast Park Lookout Jetty - A7RMk2 + FE 24-240mm F3.5-5.6G OSS

Ordinary October

It has been a dull week.  No one at work seems to have time for me.  You see, there's this Robotic Process Automation project which the business owners are keen (or at least to me, they seem keen) to adopt, but at the same time they don't have time for me to just arrange a meeting with the vendor.  As a result I was just doing mundane things in office such as sending reminders, uploading exchange rates, troubleshooting some business application issues.  I swear, the boredom is killing me slowly.

Well at least.... last Sunday there was the Karate grading in which I finally attained a Shodan (初段).  My black belt is now still on it's way from Tokaido.  Hopefully I'll get it soon as I really can't wait to put it on.  

On the other hand, this week I managed to indulge myself in some reading again.  

My reading stuffs

Another Jakarta Trip 2018

About 2 weeks back in end September, I went to Jakarta for 公公's one year passing anniversary.  Instead of the usual Pullman Central Park, this time I decided to stay in PIK nearer to my grandparents' house as we will be going to the columbarium in Mangga Besar.  It was a 4 days and 3 nights stay, I went with just my wife.  Traveled light too carrying only my RX100 Mk3. 

This time I had the chance to experience the new Terminal 3 in Jakarta.  The new terminal looks fancy although it could do with better traffic flow idea.  I don't like how we were made to walk long distances just to reach the immigration counters.  

Going to baggage carousel in Terminal 3 - Galaxy A8+

Jalan Membina

About 2 weeks back I had planned to visit Gardens by The Bay to just "walk walk and see see" the lantern installations during mid-Autumn festival, unfortunately the place was jam packed and I had to abandon the plan.  It was a bad idea to visit 3 days before the exhibits were to be taken down.  The fact that it was a Saturday only made things worse.   

Since I was already carrying my X-T2 around, when I almost got home I thought why not go all the way up to 30th floor of my apartment block and see what the view is like from up there.  It was the blue hour anyway.  I had stayed in this block for more than 5 years and never went up at all to see what's it like.  My curiosity was very well rewarded.  

Overlooking Bukit Ho Swee, all the way to Orchard - X-T2 + XF16mmF1.4RWR

An Enemy of Fate

That is the season finale from one of my favourite science fiction drama Fringe.  In the penultimate sacrifice, Walter Bishop accompanied Michael, a child Observer to the future in order to prevent the experiments that resulted in the creation of the Observers (yes, this description is quite wonky, but in typical J.J. Abrams story lines, you have to watch from the beginning in order to get the whole thing) who carried out the invasion of humankind of the past back in 2015.  In order to further ensure that a paradox is not to be created, Walter has to live out his life in the future with Michael which means he'll be separated from Peter for good and gets erased from that particular timeline.  I know you still don't get it...  even when I read that summary aloud I thought I sounded as crazy as Walter.

Okay, mad scientist had to bring a child from the future to a closer future, so that other mad scientists of closer future will stop experiments that resulted in evolutionized human beings from further future to invade primitive humans in 2015.      

Anyway, before Walter entered the wormhole, he looked back at Peter Bishop, his "son" from a parallel universe Walter had snatched him from.  Peter mouthed "I love you dad" and Walter walked into the wormhole to fix all the mess he created since he first crossed universes and created a rupture that resulted in the Fringe events.

Mexican Dinner @ Super Loco Robertson Quay

Last month my wife and I dropped by Super Loco Robertson Quay to satisfy our Mexican food cravings.  It is rather unfortunate that Coyote Tex-Mex at Phoenix Park has been closed for quite some time and replaced with some generic steak house.  So when we knew about Super Loco, we thought that we should give it a try.  

Super Loco is located in swanky Robertson Quay's The Quayside, seated right next to the river for that romantic evening dinner, or a cool relaxing brunch/lunch.  

Inside Super Loco - Sony RX100 Mk3

More Bits and Pieces of Tiong Bahru

So here's where I post other photos of Tiong Bahru that I took during the outing.  Too good to keep to myself!  

First, there must be the iconic murals in the neighbourhood.  

Bird Singing Mural - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25

This mural is the easiest to find in Seng Poh Lane car park which is just opposite Tiong Bahru market, and directly across Old Tiong Bahru Bak Kut Teh - their pork trotter here is a favourite. 

And to Tiong Bahru Bakery After Tiann's

Well, I couldn't possibly miss visiting Tiong Bahru Bakery when I'm at the market right?  Even if we couldn't get a table there, we could always buy some croissant and kouign amann back home.  

So after we were done at Tiann's, we just walked over to Eng Hoon Street for a quick look and see at Tiong Bahru Bakery.   

And here we are at the "Paris of the Yeast" 56 Eng Hoon Street - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

Tiann's (甜) at Tiong Bahru

On National Day afternoon after we came back from Zam Zam, we went to Tiann's at Tiong Bahru, 71 Seng Poh road to be exact.  Not immediately of course, but sometime in mid-afternoon.  I had to visit some cafes there to get materials for my company's newsletter.  I'm a very dedicated person eh...  This time around I brought along my A7RMk2 and Batis 2/25.  I thought having Full Frame DOF would be quite appropriate for this "assignment". 

Tiann's Exterior - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25

Finally Went to Gardens by The Bay Again

After a long hiatus from Gardens by The Bay entries, I finally have the chance to write another one.  On National Day holiday last Thursday, we went to Gardens by The Bay so that the kids can enjoy some outdoor activities.  It was an enjoyable outing.

A nice cloudy day for a stroll - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25

Anything Batam

I only made 1 entry last month, that's not good.  Lots of catching up to do!  😆😆 Actually I don't have anything much to say either...  From my last entry up to this point I had been busy with work, working on my company's new website.

And for the first time ever in 13 years, I attended company D&D.  I never liked attending some dinner party/dance, etc.  I just don't like parties in general, even more so if it's a company function.  I prefer to see my colleagues as professionals instead of them making fools (or fun.. whichever way they see it..) out of themselves.  In fact during the mass dance event finale, I just stood outside the ballroom, waiting for the whole thing to be over with as I couldn't stand the whole revelry anymore which at that point in time I felt resembled absolute debauchery.

I guess I'll just write something about Batam food from previous mini trips.

I'll start with this nice hyperlapse video which I took with my phone camera in Harbour Front Centre, just prior to departing for Batam. 

A Forgotten Bangkok Biz Trip Post

I was wondering what I was going to write about this month.  And when I looked through my photo library I noticed that I hadn't mentioned anything about my September 2017 business trip to Bangkok.  My mind was very much occupied with so many other things back then...

On that trip I actually visited the sunflower garden in Changi airport's Terminal 2 and took a few snaps before departing for Bangkok.  It was a Sunday if I remember correctly.

Changi Airport Sunflower Garden @ Terminal 2 - RX100 Mk3

Ranoh Island Adventure - Part 2

So here's part 2 of the Ranoh island adventure.  You can't miss this colourful signboard the moment you set foot on Ranoh.

Welcome to Ranoh - RX100 Mk3

Ranoh Island Adventure - Part 1

Last week I just came back from an island trip to Ranoh with Lincoln and a couple of friends.  Ranoh island is a small isle off Galang Baru island (and Batam), which is accessible by the Trans Barelang bridge, followed by a 30 minute ferry ride from a jetty.  For the whole of this first part I just used my Sony RX100 Mk 3.

Screenshot from Google Map, Ranoh Island, there you are

Geylang Serai Bazaar 2018

Yesterday I made my first trip to Geylang Serai in like almost 20 years.  It was really amazing to see a different kind of bazaar/carnival (as compared to the ones in Chinatown and Gardens by The Bay).  My main purpose for the trip was actually to snap a cover photo for my company's newsletter, the secondary purpose would be to satisfy my curiosity on Hari Raya Aidil Fitri lighting.  Lastly, to try the hipster bazaar delicacies.

So I went with Lincoln to Paya Lebar MRT station where we met my wife and together, we took a 7 minute walk to the bazaar area near Tanjong Katong Complex.

Some food stalls were still closed and would re-open nearer to break fast time at approximately 7 pm local time.  Other stalls were already open possibly as they need some time for preparation and also to serve the non-Muslim crowds who are there to experience the fun.

So while waiting for the blue hour, we went around playing some games and trying the food.  Before we chomped down on any of the food, we tried our luck playing some carnival games.

Shoot some pokemon and win a prize - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

Notice the cleared row on the left next to the bad piggy?  I cleared that row first and passed the toy gun back to Lincoln for him to just have some fun shooting.  We got a small prize from this game.

Jurong Bird Park Trip

On Vesak Day holiday, I brought the kids to Jurong Bird Park.  It's a kind of reward for Lincoln.  I had promised him that for each subject in which he scores at least 80%, I'd take him to an attraction of his choice.  Well.... He managed to get 90% for his math, but 72% for English & 69% for Mandarin.  Although he still has a lot of work to do for both English and Mandarin, he did fulfill his end of the bargain for math, so he chose to go to Jurong Bird Park, all the way in the West.

It was a beautiful day, just after a dawn rain, so the weather was not so hot although it was still very humid.  Both Lincoln & Lindsay couldn't contain their excitement from the moment we stepped out of the car and walked towards the entrance which was beautifully styled as a garden.

Vegetation arches at the entrance - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

A Mundane May

So far May has been very boring except for some excitements back in my hometown - some idiot crazy terrorists bombings.... that was very sad really....

On the work front, things are picking up although those are quite easy stuffs, nothing like what I used to have back in my old department.  I've been struggling to keep myself awake in office as I'm just too bored at the stuffs I do.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of things to do.  Over the span of 4 months that I've been in this position, I have crossed out 50 items out of 57 in my tasks list (that is still growing).  But the difficulty level is just not challenging.

At home, I finally got a chance to visit an ice cream cafe I've been longing to try for quite some time: Creamier @ Tiong Bahru.  To be more precise it's located at 78 Yong Siak Street, near Cheng's 27 and Forty Hands.  It's amazing how they've been there for so long and it took me only last Thursday to visit.  I sure am a late comer.

Hello there Creamier!

Circus 1903

Last Saturday me, my wife and the kids went to see the circus at Marina Bay Sands, the circus show is called Circus 1903.  For the kids it was the first time they watched a circus while for me and my wife, circus nowadays is nothing like when we were kids.

After the intermission, the cast members were ready to continue

Farewell Inuka

On April 25 2018, Singapore Zoo has euthanized Inuka the polar bear.  Inuka holds the distinction as the first polar bear to be born in the tropics and lived to a ripe old age of 27 years, which is equivalent to 70 somethings years in human years.  Inuka had recurring ear infections, an injured paw pad, arthritis and dental issues which did not improve at all after initial treatments and hence, the vets took the hard decision to euthanize him.

Inuka looking like a Star Wars AT AT walker - D5100 + AF-S 18-300 F3.5-5.6G ED VR

More Batam Trip

This is the 2nd trip to Batam this year, right after last month's trip...  I swear, the more trips I make, the heavier I'll get.  I can't stop eating every time I get to Batam, there's just too many good food around.

Doesn't look as good as my earlier shot, they taste better than they look

Another Trip to Batam

Sometime in March I traveled to Batam again for more photography.  This time, its more towards food photography.  Besides it was March term break for Lincoln so I thought bringing him and Lindsay will be a good break from the monotony.

Already Queuing to Board The Ferry, 20 Minutes Before Departure - RX100 Mk 3

A Recap For February

It's been so long since my last entry, I had been quite busy lately.  I assumed my new position in my parent company, had to re-learn some new things, new stuffs to do while still doing my previous tasks, could say I was triple-capping and still do now, at least until end of March.

Despite the hectic working life, February was a month for celebrations; there was Valentine, Lindsay's birthday & my wedding anniversary.  Valentine was pretty simple as my wife settled for a stalk of rose: she and I have an understanding that we'll just go all out on our anniversary.

As for Lindsay's birthday, my little girl turned 5 this year, growing up so fast.

We got her favourite cake from Chef Yamashita, the Chocolate roll.  Not sure whether she likes the cake or the chocolate cream.  I'm not a big fan, but it's a good cake to be fair.

Special Chocolate Roll for a Special Girl

Chinese New Year 2018

Another year, another Chinese New Year in Jakarta.  Things are a bit different this time....  公公's absence was deeply felt.

We left on the morning of the new year's eve.

Waiting to board - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25

Sometimes You Just Have to Suck It Up

Earlier this week on 1st February, the project I have been working on finally went live: 4 corporate websites for Thailand, Indonesia, India & Singapore and an e-commerce site for which I worked on and eventually became a trainer to also went live.  These were on top of the various preparations that were not simple either, as such it really was quite a busy period from mid-Jan till 1st February.  It was a major milestone in the project.   

Last year the newly formed company made me an offer to transfer, unfortunately I could not agree to the terms which in my opinion do not correlate to my contribution & commitment to the project, as well as my overall experience, expertise and qualifications.  I was pretty pissed off at the offer.  After months of wondering whether I had to worry for my future, everything turned to disappointment.

Fortunately through the graces of my parent company, I get re-deployed internally to a different position which I will assume after Chinese New Year.

And just today I got wind of how the structure in the department I was supposed to be in like.  I should say I was not surprised to see how some assignments turned out, but I couldn't help feeling that there is injustice in how the offer to me was made.  I don't take it very badly, thanks to my new assignment.  Just that there's this... anger?  Dissatisfaction?  Frustration?  I can't quite identify it...

As I'm still committed to the project till end of March, I will continue to work with utmost professionalism and dedication.  I always believe that it is the quality of my work that resonates my true capability. 

Sometimes, you really just have to suck it up.  Just don't let it brood for too long.

I think this closing photo really sums up what I want to say..  Just the one on top left yeah!  Oh... I drew it when I was in the temporary project office, I'm quite proficient in drawing Doraemon now. 

バカ ONE!

~ Photo taken with LG G6 ~

Super Blue Blood Moon January 2018

Did you catch the Super Blue Blood Moon tonight?  My viewing attempt was almost thwarted by the rain this evening which resulted in somewhat cloudy skies.  Fortunately the sky was relatively clear by about 21:30.  So I went to the rooftop of a multi-storey car park to get this shot:

In case you're wondering: (https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/super-blue-blood-moon-singapore-lunar-eclipse-9914074)

~Photo taken with Fujifilm X-T2 + XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8R LM OIS~

Happy New Year!

It's 2018 already!  I spent new year's eve and the day itself reading all 12 volumes of my Gundam Origins manga.  Nothing exciting happened other than a nice family dinner on new year itself.  And on 2nd Jan which was still a holiday for me I dropped by Bras Basah Complex for a quick look and see.

One of the sections in Bras Basah Complex facing Victoria street

Bras Basah complex is a place where time stands still, very few changes take place here, even if they do they are barely noticeable.  Some major book shops have folded, but there are always interesting reads to find here.

Here's wishing to a smooth sailing 2018 ahead, hopefully we will get what we wish for this year.  有求必应!

~ Photo taken with LG G6~