Squadron's 30th Anniversary Dinner @ Parkroyal Hotel Beach Road (011113)

Havent been updating this blog lately! Been trying very hard to find a gauge with my work-life balance hahahaha!

Anyway, my squadron celebrated its 30th birthday at Parkroyal Hotel @ Beach Road last Friday. It was a privilege to celebrate the squadron's 30th anniversary despite being so new at the squadron. Guests were seated at 1900H and the host kicked off the event with an opening address by our CO, and a walk-in parade by the servers. 

Games and shows put up by the hosts and guests entertained us throughout the event. One of the show which amazed me greatly was a mind-reading show put up buy a famous local entertainer, Ferris Yao. You can search for him here: http://www.ferrisyao.com/

Some of the great acts which he put up, shocked me for a moment, and made me bewildered at how can he be so ridiculously good! The 20 to 30 minutes show did not make me blink for a second (nah, just kidding). However, it made me wondered if there's more after each of his acts.

Nevertheless, my squadron mates and I truly had fun and enjoyed the dinner. Much thanks and kudos to the planning committee for creating this event to let down our hair despite our hectic work life!


Some of the pictures taken after the dinner:

 Cyrus acting awkward after some glasses of beer. HAHAHA! 

A group photo immediately after the event

Some group photos taken outside the ballroom

Johnny acting smart (well, kinda!)

Some photos in the gallery as well...

Oh cos, not forgetting a shot of myself. Oops! 

My two brothers! 

Oh wells, introducing the latest boyband from the military! "New Direction"?

Till then!

galvinpangg signing off! (:

Star Cruises (Superstar Virgo) (050713 - 070713)

Sorry for the long stagnation in my blog posts! Been posted to a new squadron and July was a hell busy month due to the yearly audit! 

Havent been able to find time for a short overseas trip. Luckily, Yanjun's Aunt has got extra tickets for Star Cruises by exchanging her membership points. The date has been set for the trip a month ago with Yanjun's family. Much thanks to her for providing the free tickets! (:

A well-spent weekend on-board Star Cruises! 

From the walkway towards the Cruise entrance

View from the top of the Cruise

Departure from Harbourfront Centre was about 1915H, and we were allowed to board the Cruise to settle our luggage and have our dinner from as early as 1700H. 

First dinner on-board. Chinese style. 

It's no wonder that many called Singapore the city of lights! Looking at the view when the Cruise departed, it's really a fully-lighted picturesque scene elaborating the Singapore City. 

It was all R&R inside the Cruise. Although there are programmes lined up for the passengers by the management, it is up to one whether to follow by the programmes. On the first night, we went for their theatre performance. a mixture of dance and magic shows, which took a little more than an hour. Damn entertaining, I would say! 

After the show, the passengers can choose to try their luck in the Casino, or have supper at their top deck while enjoying the night breeze.

Yanjun's brother with his cousin! 

A water playground for the kids!

Mini golf course

That long corridor on every level...

Yanjun's cousin. Super cute! 

On the second day, there will be a stopover at a port, depending on whichever dates the Cruise is taken. For our Cruise, it stops over at Port Klang for about 8 hours, for refuelling and stock replenishment. We reach Port Klang at about 1130H and departs back to Singapore at about 1900H. However, unlike the other stopovers at Penang, Langkawi, etc, Port Klang is just a jetty without much entertainment. Walking out from the jetty is a large carpark, and it is definitely inaccessible without a vehicle. Star Cruises have provide transport to their shopping malls and back, at a price of course! 

The jetty 

Teabreak at the small coffeeshop outside the jetty. Enjoying coconut and ice cream under the hot weather. 

Western dinner appetizer

Dinner on-board. Western Style.

Day three was back to Singapore in the afternoon. Be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise, and I assure you that it will be an unforgettable sight. 

Three days of fun, and it's over... Even though the duration may be short, however the time spent together is invaluable. Seldom would I get a chance to go out with Yanjun's family on a trip together, while relaxing and putting the stress of work at the back of my mind. (: 

A list of activities on-board:

1. Casino

2. Swimming / Jacuzzi

3. Gym (Be sure to bring your own shoes)

4. Mini Golf / Table Tennis

5. Library

6. Arcade 

7. Theatre

8. Pubs / Bars

9. Tai-chi 

10. Kids' club

Anyway, I am planning an overseas trip to Bangkok on the late Nov / early Dec period. Please do let me know what are the things to include in my itinerary! Hit me up on facebook! (: 

Cycling @ Pulau Ubin (010513)

Labour day cycling trip @ Pulau Ubin! 

A long-ago decided trip, but only managed to fulfil our obligations on 1st May. Yanjun and I first met at Changi Village for our breakfast @ approximately 0915H. Following which, we went to the Changi Point Ferry Terminal to board the bumboats to Ubin. Little did we know that the queue was overflowing and there were about 80 to 100s of people queuing in front of us! Luckily we had only two people, and we took the"shortcut way". Each ride took about 15mins and cost S$2.50 per person. 

We rented our bike @ S$10 for the entire day from one of the shops a distance away from the jetty. 

Following the directional signs, we cycled to the bike park as our first destination. Throughout the journey, there are steep slopes, mountain trails, and bridges to cross. Fret not! Stalls selling drinks are available at certain points so that we are remain hydrated along the way. 

A typical stall selling cold drinks and coconut

 Sceneries along the way

Map of "Ketam Mountain Bike Park"

Next stop - Chek Jawa Wetlands! 

Chek Jawa Wetlands is another part of the island where many cyclist would throng. It would be a disappointment if Chek Jawa Wetlands is missed out during a cycling trip. There's a stretch of boardwalk available for the tourists/cyclists to enjoy the scenery, inhale the fresh air, while admiring the coastline of Pulau Ubin. 

Seems like she's looking at an airplane for the first time in her life

Walking back to retrieve our bicycles which need to be parked before the boardwalk, we saw something which is kinda uncommon in Singapore. There were a drove of wild boars sashaying just before us! The male and female parent took their drift of seven piglets out for an afternoon walk I guess. They were perpetually undisturbed by us! Many cyclists stopped in their tracks suddenly and took out their handphones to snap a quick one before they scoot off quickly into the woods. Me of course, wouldn't miss out this opportunity. 

Our entire cycling trip took us about 3.5 hours to complete while enjoying the scenery at the same time. Definitely enjoyed ourselves and a place to return for loads of cycling trips again! (:

Tanjung Pinang (Elly's Kelong) (270313 - 290313)

Next up, short overseas trip number 2!

This post has been nearly a month's late. The previous post on this place was on December 2012. Similarly, same place, but different company.

This trip was kinda rushed as we had only one day of rest, returning from Genting Highlands, before embarking on this place.

Lets kickstart this post from the first day, one day after Genting Highlands. The ferry tickets were bought on the departure date itself. Departure @ Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT).

View from TMFT departure gate

Falcon-II ferry to Tg. Pinang. Tickets @ S$50 each

Arrival @ Tg. Pinang jetty

From the jetty, an approximate 50 minutes car ride is required to reach the kelong. On the journey, you can request the driver to stop at the supermarket to purchase some groceries to last you for the trip. 

Arriving at the kelong, after settling some administrative matters with the in-charge, you can proceed to fish, or have your lunch/dinner (depending on ferry timings). 

Views of the kelong. Much has been renovated since a couple of years ago. Fishing rates has dropped, but its definitely a good place to relax, and get away from the bustling Singapore. 

A typical room with A/C. 

For their food, which is cooked by Elly's wife, I highly recommend the Fried Noodles aka Mee Goreng. Oily but delicious. (:
Fresh fruit juices are also recommended, and the more popular ones are apple & orange juices.

Mee goreng, stir-fried tofu & vegetables

Seafood soup, eggs & deep-fried frogs

Chilli crabs

Fresh orange juice

Just out of the long walkway of the kelong, there's a minimart opposite. The chendol sold over there is heavenly, and this, you have to trust me. 

Their chendol in glasses. Sweet and refreshing especially under the hot weather.

Nothing much to be said about fishing there now. The few of the patrons there didnt caught much as well. Kinda disappointing, but might as well take the time to rest & relax! Caught a small stingray on the second night, first in a very long time. 

Ferry was at 5PM on the last day, and we could still squeeze in a little time for shopping before departure to SG. Went to their local shopping centre, claiming which it was the largest on the island. "Ramanaya" which was only two levels high. Snacked at their local "KFC" and got prepared to depart off to Singapore! 

More pictures can be found on my facebook! (: