Hello 2014, Goodbye 2013!

Wow wow wow! How fast 2013 has actually gone by.

It's been a pretty good year for me and hopefully 2014 will be even better!

Here's last year's review.

Here this year's review of 2013 resolutions:

1) Trade Less PASS
You know if you looked at my first half of the year activity, it sure looked like this was not going end well. However, I think I had a change in mindset somewhere along the way and this was actually achieved with relative ease, so much so that we can look forward to even less trading activity in 2014! The purpose of this resolution was to ensure that I lost less money trading speculatively, so I'm really glad this was actually well fulfilled.

2) Exercise More PASS
Hmm, I would say this was a borderline pass. I have several exercise options even though the kids keep me and the wifey uber busy. There is the gym membership, and then there are the football games on Mondays and Saturdays. Hopefully this can continue even though it wasn't as intense during the first half of the year (what was I up to?!).

3) Spend More Time With Friends FAIL
Ok this one I must say I failed miserably. My social circle is shrinking by the day and if I don't do something about it, my only friends will soon be my immediately family only. I can't even find kaki to go out to cheong anymore these days.

4) Spend More Time With Family PASS
This one was achieved with relative ease. Families like mine without helpers/maids have a greater reliance on the immediate family for sharing of childcare workload. From looking after the kids for a day to picking them up from school, they are just so important for me and the wifey. Sometimes there is not enough ways to express our gratitude for all the help rendered. At times like these, it does show that love is truly unconditional, lasting generations and generations.

5) Save More Money PASS
This was also achieved in large part from efforts that begun in the second half of the year. This is what it will take to make me a next door millionaire in time to come, hopefully. Will have to aggressively keep this up.

Four out of five is really good! Hopefully I will keep this trend up for years to come.

Ok, time to think about my resolutions in 2014!

Meanwhile, here's a look back at the Hello/Goodbyes of years gone:
Hello 2013, Goodbye 2012
Hello 2012, Good Riddance 2011!
Hello 2011, Goodbye 2010!
Farewell 2009, And Good Riddance!
A Look Back At Resolutions 2008
A Look Back At Resolutions For 2007

True Fitness Session XIV This Season

Clocked another tough session this afternoon.

Managed to cycle more than a half hour today but didn't manage to achieve my target of 45min on the bike :(

Clocked 17km in 38min of cycling on Level 11 normal and Level 12 sprints (sprinting at this level for 20 counts). This works out to 26.84km/h for my second cycling training session.

Hopefully can push on for a longer time on the bike next session!

3D Printing Is The Future

I guess the whole 3D speculative thingy didn't exactly cause an investing tsunami in our parts of the globe yet, so looking into 2014, it might be when it all starts for Asia to take note. Also will it herald the end of China as a manufacturing behemoth? Or any other manufacturing-reliant countries?

Here are the two most current articles if this is the stuff you're looking at in 2014:
What to look out for when investing in this industry?
How to invest in this industry?

I looked at 3D Systems and Stratasys recently and they're so so so overpriced! So much so that I had to think twice about going in, AFTER getting all set to go in!

Bubble or rational fundamental rise?

I guess for now, either I have to bide my time and wait for a correction or look for the 2nd or 3rd-tier options.

Trade safe.

Timeshare Scam V2.0?

Timeshares selling have always been viewed as scams because of the way they do their highly aggressive and pressurizing selling tactics. And that's only the sales bit. Once their victims sign on the dotted line and part with their money, that's only when their nightmares begin. Without boring you lot with the stuff they're capable of just to weed money off their victims, simply go Google "Timeshare" and "Scam" and read up if you will.

It has also been extensively reported in the news:
Here's one as recent as half a year ago
Here's another in March 2013

Anyway I got a call today claiming to be from the National Sign Up Center or the International Recovery Center stating that they could help me recover my money from timeshares.

Sad to say I didn't have any and so I Googled and read up and lo and behold, this is the new version of scamming your money apparently! They ask you to pay a deposit for their services and there you immediately part with even more money, and things get messy all over again until you give up chasing, just like Timeshare Scam V1.0.

Don't have much time to type it all out here, but you can read various forums such as here, or over here, to get a pretty good idea about what's going on. In some cases, they even claim to be calling from lawfirms! But a further check reveals that they are either imposters or using defunct lawfirm names to sound credible.

Also, if you've been a timeshare victim before, please don't be a victim again. Go report your situation to CASE or CAD immediately. It appears they may be finally doing something about these timeshare scammers.

I was abit shocked to read that there are people out there who still pay monthly instalments in the hope of getting their lump sum payments back some day!

Be safe!

Of Colours And Dinosaurs

I drew them dinos while the boy coloured them.

Hull City 2 Manchester United 3

Wow. Our 5th consecutive win. And winning ugly too. That's the true mark of champions.

1) Where Was The Defence Early On?

Beats me. How Hull managed to score 2 quick goals to go 2-0 up early on still baffles me. We really shouldn't be losing goals so early. Lapse in concentration. Luckily we were able to recover.

2) And Recover We Did

Unlike early in the season when we played very negatively, Moyes looked set to attack the Hull defence into submission today. It was really a joy to watch knowing we were able to comeback. These things you just believed simply based on the overall team play on the tv. How weird.

3) Rooney For MOTM

Quite undisputed, this one. He was everywhere, at one point playing as last man while the rest of the team was in front attacking even. He scored that wonderful volley to equalize, and then set up the winning own goal. The boy is unplayable right now when his head is right. Passing was also really good especially to the wings.

4) Carrick And Fletcher

Was a good sight to see Fletcher start his first game after so long. Nonetheless he tired and was substituted on 60min. Carrick's been out quite long too, so it's nice to see him get eased back into the game. We need our midfield linchpins to be fit and on form asap and these two could be our answer.

5) The Bad

Well there was the needless two goals we gave to Hull. Then Rafael got injured. Hopefully he won't be out for too long. Welbeck was also playing through injury. Phil Jones is out for two weeks and therefore couldn't start the game. With Fellaini out as well, we need other midfielders back to their best asap. Then there was Tony V's very needless red card. There's an injury crisis right now and we need to cope best as we can.

Bring on Norwich!

GGMU!!!

True Fitness Session XIII This Season

Whooo!

Pumped.

Managed to cycle for more than a half hour today.

Clocked 15km in 33min of cycling on Level 11 on the stationary bike. This works out to 27.27km/h for my first training session. Not bad.

Will try to log more cycling stats as the Athelete Lab (Jan) and OCBC (Mar) Cycling events near.

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

Been awhile since I last watched a movie with the wifey.

Today we managed to catch the above at GV Katong.

1) Good Rotten Tomatoes Rating
Considering our first choice being The Hunger Games 2, this alternative wasn't a bad one. Since The Hunger Games was not showing in cinemas anymore, we chose the show with the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating. At 78% approval, this movie definitely did not disappoint.

2) A Bloody Long Movie That Flew By
As with any Peter Jackson movie, this instalment was 2hr 45min long. By the time we left the cinema, we had to rush the rest of our planned errands. That being said, the pace of the movie and its exciting storyline meant it literally flew by. Did not feel like a drag at all.

3) LOTR Background Helps
Having an LOTR Trilogy background will certainly help. I didn't catch the first instalment of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, because I had read that it was not good at all. My fears that I couldn't catch on to the gyst of the movie proved unfounded as many characters were easily recognizable. There was Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins (far younger), and of course, Legolas. The Hobbit Trilogy is a prelude to the LOTR Trilogy so it was good to see bits and pieces familiar.

4) A Real Dragon
Any scene with Smaug the fire-breathing dragon was, IMHO, one of the most fascinating scenes of the movie. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for those flying lizards.

5) Elf-Dwarf Relationship Steals The Show
The relationship between the Dwarf, Kili and the Elf, Tauriel, wins my vote of most underrated subplot. Unlikely as it seems, the pair makes such a weird romance possible. It's abit like thinking that a pig and a horse could be in a relationship with each other perhaps? Oh and the she-elf looked gorgeous too! She is Evangeline Lilly, who also acted in Real Steel, The Hurt Locker, and most famously, as Kate in Lost (no wonder she looked so familiar!).

All's well and I can't wait for the 3rd instalment, The Hobbit: There And Back Again. Even the wifey stayed awake the whole movie!

Merry Christmas 2013!

Merry Christmas everyone!

May all readers have a very blessed 2014 ahead!

It's been abit of a blah Christmas so far, quite a nice Christmas feel, and yet not feeling it too intimately.

Was going through my old posts and I realise that next year is the 10th year of this blog's existence! Wow!

Anyway, here are some things I've written over the last few years. How things have changed!

2012: December
2011: Merry Christmas Everyone
2010: 22 Points
2009: Merry Christmas Everyone!
2008: Merry Christmas Everyone!
2007: Merry Christmas Everyone!
2006: Merry Christmas 2006!
2005: Merry X'mas Y'all!
2004: Merry Christmas Everyone!

So nostalgic, reading those posts after so long.

I guess it is good to keep memories in a blog. Since it helps you remember the past.

Merry X'mas once again!!!

Is Copper The Next Big Thing?

Just go read this.

Perhaps the right thing to do now is to hunt for a good Copper ETF.

Downtown Line 1

Is finally open for business! 

So convenient to get to office now!

In fact from door to door, home to office, I will now need only exactly 30min.

How's that for efficiency?!

It's no wonder why Sengkang and Punggol are so popular with young executives working in town!

Manchester United 3 West Ham 1

Wah! 4th win on the trot!

1) Best Formation So Far

It must be said our best formation has appeared in the recent run of wins. DDG in GK, Evans and Smalling/Jones at CB, Rafael and Valencia on the right, Evra and Januzaj/Young on the left, Rooney in CM with Cleverly/Giggs/Jones as a triangle midfield. Enterprising and forward moving, Moyes may have found abit of identity at last.

2) Welbeck/Young Are Coming Into Form

Danny Welbeck scored his 3rd goal in two games after quite a long drought. He also had an assist today. Unfortunately an injury forced him out. Hopefully he will be fine and keep up his fine scoring run. Young I've slated for the past few seasons but lately he is really starting to win me over. His goal last night was one of the sweetest struck curlers I've seen in a long while.

3) Phil Jones DA MONSTER

I love calling him that! SAF knows his stuff and calling his the next Duncan Edwards may be unnecessary because he's already making a name for his own self. Whether in MF or CB, he plays with so much passion and confidence that he inspires his teammates. Always strong and piah, his simple muscling and cutting out of opponent simply pumps the rest of the team up.

4) Rafael/Valencia Connection

The most exciting combo we've been missing all season is back! And it's why we've had so many scoring opportunities of late. Both Rafa and Tony V have this telepathy when they play together on the right. Tony V also plays with far more confidence knowing Rafa always covers his defensive duties (and offensive ones even!). This combo wins us games, period.

5) The Small Blots

It's not all fine and dandy though and we can be better than this. Welbeck and Evans look to have picked up injuries which is a concern. Januzaj, for all his talent, has to blot his copybook by diving (gotta cut that out) unnecessarily. Worst of all is the LB position being exposed. Evra is getting older and needs more rest. Alex Buttner is not a United player by any measure and shouldn't be playing games at all. Unfortunately it seems he's better than Fabio even? Last night West Ham goal was solely his fault. Bloody amateur.

All in all a good game and long may this streak continue!

GGMU!!!

True Fitness Session XII This Season

Managed to clock a session in the gym today after such a long time.

The last time I went to the gym was on the 9th of September!

Got through a Spinning II session today. Didn't find it that tough though.

Will be participating on some race held at the Athlete Lab next month. So need to trade very hard. I probably weakest in the line-up.

Cheong ah!!!

Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 3

It's been awhile since I enjoyed a Manchester United game. 

1) Fringe Players Finally Playing Above Average

Perhaps the biggest problem we've had all season was that SAF was able to make a mediocre team champions while DM, being new, wasn't able to do the same. Tonight though, saw the likes of Welbz, Cleverly, Tony V all having very good games for once. Hopefully they can keep this up.

2) Stars Play Better Too

Even the stars all turned up with quality performances. Rooney, Rafael, Jones, DDG all had a good game. Probably enhanced by the fringe players' performances.

3) Rafael & Tony V Combo

It has to be said that whenever Rafael at RB and Tony V at RMF play in the same game, they turn the right field entirely theirs. Their combined chemistry and work rate it second to none. Wasn't a surprise that so many chances came from their flank, including both of Welbz's goals.

4) Evra Is Going Downhill

If there were one player (aside from Young) last night who didn't do well, Evra would be it. Poor in defence and staying to far upfront many a time, it may be time for him to be replaced. I love Evra for his commitment and love for the club, but this season simply hasn't been up to the mark for him. We definitely need a new LB.

5) Fletcher Surprise

Who would have thought Darren Fletcher would make it back to the first team. In fact he even played quite well when he came on for Giggs. Hope he continues to improve as the team really needs a player like him this season.

All in all a good performance.

Hope this can continue.

GGMU!!!

Thailand Golf Championship 2013

Great event won by Sergio Garcia with a -22 overall score.

Here he is putting at the 9th.

Must Learn To Laugh At Ourselves I

Ouch the pain...

Asiasons Divestment

Following my purchase quite a few weeks back, I have decided to bite the bullet and cut my losses.

My divestment decision stems from the further revelations that the directors of Asiasons, Blumont, LionGold and perhaps even more counters, have likely been involved in upward pyramid buying. This is the process of using a small existing collateral to borrow and leverage higher sums, to buy even more of a stock and thereby driving its price higher and higher. It all works fine and dandy when the rest of the world jumps on the bandwagon, but once the house of cards crumble, there will be nothing left.

Previously when I did a quick analysis of Asiasons, my calculation came down to an NAV of about 5.8c. So that actually makes today's price of 11.3 c still over-inflated! But aside from feeling abit of heartache for not taking profit when the counter bounced up to 27c when the suspension was first lifted, I am not feeling too much pain from this divestment. In fact, it could be quite alot of money saved.

The Singapore Property Downcycle Is Here

Previously I covered why I thought property prices were going to come down in the next few years.

Over the weekend, my dad shared his own analysis of the current situation. Here's one man who's been through at least 2 full cycles already and should be pretty well placed to see the highs and lows before they happen. He had been been previously talking about the downward trend arriving shortly, and this time around he was fairly certain it has begun.

We are at the beginning of the downward trend after the high's of early 2013. From here on, all the property measures the gahmen had earlier imposed will exhibit its combined impact. From the TDSR, stamp duties, property curbs, foreigner curbs, MOPs, increased housing development and other related factors, it will all contribute to the first gradual downfall of prices in 2014.

One thing that struck me was that he said that property investors were akin to cattle. There was a herd mentality to investing in property at all times. When times are good, the whole market will dive in and drive prices up, but once the market turns the dark corner, the whole market simply disappears. Soon there will be hardly anymore buyers and infinite sellers. People will just be unable to let go of their property. And the downward spiral begins.

The firm advice is that while the market is still fairly liquid (already the drying out signs are there) right now, one should sell or cash in on all the investment properties they have except for the one they live in. For unless they are prepared to wait for the next cycle to cash out, or sit tight and collect dwindling rental yields, once the tsunami hits, there will be no exit (or at least a very painful one).

Here's the kicker. When are all the buyers really going to disappear? Your guess is as good as mine. But I do suspect that 2014 will be the year we will see it, as more and more units come out into the market, more and more units exceed their MOP limits, and less and less foreigners come here to live. Add to that macro factors like the US Fed tapering, interest rates heading upwards, regional instability.

Be safe out there.

The SingTel MioTV Problem Solved

After deliberating for so long about whether to renew my contract with SingTel MioTV or make the switch to Starhub, I finally made the tough decision to succumb to Mio's more extensive but also more extensive plan.

Then i go call them up to upgrade, and their cuckoo operator (I should thank her for that!) reveals that actually my plan is not due for the mandatory price increase yet (not with this batch of November increments) and I will still enjoy my current cheaper pricing. I am of course encouraged to upgrade nonetheless. Of course not, I say!

Haha.

And that's my story of how I'm still paying only $85/mth for internet, football and misc cable.

Tottenham Hotspurs 2 Manchester United 2

Can't review much since I only managed to catch the final 25min of the game, by which time all goals had been scored.

Ultimately a draw away from home against a top six team (well on paper at least!) isn't too bad.

This leaves us in 8th place however and we could be in danger of missing out on the UCL spots. And yet it seems as though David Moyes keeps thinking our performances are very good. He has to change his mindset now that's he's in his new club.

The following run of fixtures is not easy with Everton and Newcastle at home up next. We really have to win these games if we're to sniff at top 4.

GGMU!!!

Happy Anniversary Dear Wifey

An unexpected pressie from the wifey!

Love!

Movember 01/12/13

The final cut.

I'm finally cutting it today.

Movember 27/11/13

Almost the end of Movember and it has been such a fabulous month so far where growing my facial hair is concerned.

Does anyone notice a white strand of beard on my chin?!

All donations are appreciated! Do so here!

The SingTel MioTV Problem

I have a problem. SingTel MioTV charges are way too high so much so that I cannot just wave it off anymore.

Right now I'm paying about $90/mth for EPL and the internet.

Come next month, I have to pay $130/mth for abit more channels that I will probably not watch and higher speed internet that I do not need.

On a compulsory 2-year contract, I have been paying $2,160 in total. With the new contract, I will pay $3,120.

How?

Cardiff City 2 Manchester United 2

Heartbreak. Really wasted not getting the 3pts with a last minute concession.

1) Poor And Scrappy Play

Coming after an International weekend and going away to Wales, you kinda get the feeling the play will not be top notch. But some of the levels of play at times during the game was worse than Championship football. Januzaj, Hernandez, Cleverly were playing particularly poorly.

2) Long Injury List

We were missing five guaranteed starters. RVP, Carrick, Vidic, Jones and Rafael. All crucial elements. Add to that Kagawa and Nani weren't available as well. This will be a tough run of games for us with so many guys out.

3) Fellaini And Smalling Shine

This will split opinions. With the long injury list, it was a chance for the fringe players to stamp some authority. Smalling isn't a natural RB but has done very well defensively. What's lacking is his offense in that position. Fellaini was finally beginning to show some semblance of his Everton days. Could've been better with his distribution but still overall better than most times I've seen him all season.

Not much else in last night's ho-hum game. Hopefully we start winning matches again soon. Last night was definitely 2 precious points lost.

GGMU!!!

Hide And Seek

While playing hide-and-seek at home with the kids, I found:

1) a necktie that I thought I had lost some 3yrs ago

2) the sofa couch in the room is broken

3) a lost travel receipt that I didn't claim from a year ago

The fun of #lostandfound

Jurong SAFRA: Kids Amaze

Celebrated the Brigade's 44th birthday at Jurong SAFRA today.

It was nice to see all the familiar faces and interact with them. But the actual highlight was the gargantuan indoor kid's playground called Kids Amaze. It was HUGE!

Probably the largest I have ever seen in Singapore. It sported 5 stories of climbing and had many slides and annexes for different types of fun. The star gem was one of the tallest boot slides in Asia!

Plus it's only half the price you would pay if you had gone to Polliwogs. Such an unknown wonder!

Value Investing Summit 2014

Missed it earlier this year and heard it was a really good and educational event with zero selling of any products involved.

Decided to drag the wifey there this year.

Gonna be intense.

Towards better valued passive income streams!

Read more about this year's event here!

You can catch a video of what to expect here.

Here's an independent blogger review as well.

Huat ah!!!

Passive Income

Lately alot of successful REIT investors are touting their high passive returns.

From the dividend warrior who has generated some 6+% returns YoY on his 200K portfolio, to the blogger who currently lives on 5K passive income and a fairly modest paycheck (5K as well).

These guys are achieving what I myself hope to achieve in time.

The key caveat to all these feel-good stories is the simple fact that passive investing and value investing is a long term thing, and returns are not guaranteed and will fluctuate according to market conditions.

Yet with the right financial acumen and knowledge, one can really reduce the risks of volatility on one's stock portfolio.

REITs may be high yielding but once interest rates rise, they may be the first to suffer due to their high gearing.

Everyone is already expecting some form of tapering from the US FED either in Dec or Mar of next year. Add to that another potential US shutdown looming in mid Jan. It all makes the current market surge look quite irrational.

But then we all know that the market can remain irrational for far longer than you have capital, right?

Be safe out there.

Movember 19/11/13

I had to shave it off for a client event (no such thing as neat trimmings for my kinda growths).

It's starting to look messy again.

Interested to make a donation to the Movember cause? Do so here!

My Home, The Warzone

Manchester United 1 Arsenal 0

Wow. What a difference one big win makes. Haven't felt this confident this season until last night. Quite possibly our best performance in the David Moyes era.

1) Solid All-round Performance

For once if asked to pick a terrible performer, it would be a little difficult. Everyone ran their serious tense socks off. If there was one downer, it was that Kagawa failed to impress when given the start. More on that in a bit.

2) Phil Jones DA MONSTER

It's funny that people don't rate him as highly as some other stars we have. This guy is such a monster playing DMF. Even after he shifted back to CB due to Vidic's injury, he was still such a pillar. He plays so darn at DMF that Fellaini has to settle for the bench. Truly a joy to watch his boundless energy and strength. So strong and brave that even the opponents get scared. One particular incident inthe first half summed it up: he challenged for a header and clashed heads with Arsenal's keeper in the 2nd half. Result: the keeper was knocked out cold, while Jones was just scratching his head.

3) Rooney The Workhorse

You can't deny that Rooney didn't have his best game last night. He was lookin rusty and his first and second touches were quite poor. But as the game wore on, whatever he lacked in simple control, he made it up with his boundless running. Even till the 90th minute, he was runnin box to box harrying and hounding. This guy is slowly but surely winning himself back into the fans' hearts. Hopefully more of such to come.

4) Van Persie The Inspired

Someone or something really got to him pre-match and he really played like he was possessed. Haven't seen that since Moyes took over. His goal was sublime and showed why he's our main man up front. His celebration was surprising, but respect cuts both ways and maybe it was the Arsenal fans that got to him. Still, no matter, an inspired RVP is simply unplayable on the night.

5) Kagawa Conundrum 

Say what you like, I really love Kagawa for being Asian and being at my club, but the truth has to be said. If there was a player I would say didn't do so well last night, it would be him. Saw very little of the ball, defensive work always needed cover and had very little influence. End of the day there is no need to move heaven and earth for any one player and if Kagawa cannot fit into the David Moyes system, then so be it. Sell him and I'll wish him all the very best. I still wished he'd succeed at Man United but from last night's performance, it sure isn't looking too bright.

So, suddenly we are only 5pts off the top in 5th place with all to play for. Haven't felt so confident this season till now. Let's win some trophies now!

GGMU!!!

Movember 10/11/13

A third of the way through!

Shorting Twitter

Simply amazing.

Already IPO-ing at a phenomenal price of $26/share, this loss-making company can still rocket up to $50 on its first trading day, before closing at around $44.

Indeed, the market can behave more irrationally than we have money.

Here's a good prelude written in the Economist.

SHORT!

Fulham 1 Manchester United 3

Good win last night, although it was marred by injuries. 

1) Some Of The Best Football

The first half we definitely played some of our best football, carving Fulham up like a knife through butter. Rooney and Januzaj were our creative catalysts and they were a joy to watch. More of this please.

2) Injury Concerns

The second half was a different story altogether as Cleverly, Evans and Rafael had to be replaced at halftime due to injuries. Up until then, Evra had also taken a knock on his leg. While Januzaj was stamped at the end of the match. Just hoping there are no serious injury concerns going into midweek, with Real Sociedad to play and then Arsenal at home next weekend.

3) Rooney MOTM

It seems like he doesn't get enough credit and rightly so when he's wanted out of United twice already. Yet credit where credit is due, his form this season is back to his scintillating best. Last night he pulled the strings playing in an attacking midfield position and dominated the likes of Steve Sidwell and Scott Parker. Aside from a few list possessions in dangerous positions he also helped defend brilliantly.

4) Adnan Is A Marked Man

Seems like the rest of the league have singled him out as the one to injure. He was fouled the most last night and was on the end of an obscene stamped from a Fulham player near the end. Hopefully retrospective action is taken as the league needs to protect its star players. Was good to see Fellaini jumping in to defend him though.

5) Defensively We Are Getting Better

Sure we concede once more, but on the night's performance with Evans and Vidic at the heart of our defence. After Evans went out at halftime, Smalling came in to fill Evans' position and they did fairly well. Hopefully we string more cleansheets together moving forward.

Onwards and upwards!

GGMU!!!

Movember 02/11/13

Here we go!

Movember 2013

Another year another Mo.

Some people shave hair to raise awareness for cancer, others grow hair to do the same.

It's all for a good cause.

Manchester United 3 Stoke City 2

Good comeback win. Hopefully this form continues.

1) Our Defence Is Crap

Just when you think the Jones-Evans pairing is our best, they prove us wrong. Both goals were probably attributed to either of them. Our wing backs were terrible as well. Smalling just isn't a RB and Evra is constantly guilty of ball watching.

2) Our Attack Is Getting Better

I think it was important that all our scorers were our strikers. They need the confidence that comes with scoring and they showed their pedigree. Particularly for RVP and Chicharito who look shaky this season after SAF retired. Rooney is playing well thanks to SAF retiring though.

3) Moyes Losing His Prudence?

After last weekend's heartbreaking draw to Southampton at the final minutes, caused by Moyes humji prudence of trying to preserve a 1-0 lead, this game he went for the jugular. The subs were far more offensive and that made all the difference. Tony V, Chicharito and Januzaj all contributed greatly to the comeback.

4) DDG Is World-class

It's amazing how little credit he receives Ben though it is widely acknowledged that he's really good. Some of his saves today were out of this world, and the two that were conceded were the only two shots he could do nothing about. We will need him to maintain this form if we are going to make a push for the top four this season.

5) 2nd Win On The Trot

Hopefully we can string a run together. Many of the games so far it has seemed as though some players aren't interested to play for Moyes. As a manager that is something he needs to sort out quickly. If he can do that and get his substitutions right every game, then we can dream about winning consistently and winning championships.

GGMU!!!

Manchester United 1 Southampton 1

What a frustrating game. It just seemed like a matter of time before Southampton equalized and sure enough they waited till the 89th minute to do it.

1) Adnan Our Newest Superstar

The boy just signed a 5yr contract. He was one of the brightest sparks on the pitch. Hopefully he takes us to new heights.

2) The Good

RVP, Adnan, Carrick, Jones, DDG, Evans and Evra all had a good game. Also Rooney and RVP actually hit the crossbar. If we had actually scored those, we would have run away with the game already.

3) The Bad

Nani and Fellaini in particular were quite terrible. Nani was anonymous while Fellaini just looks like a destroyer at best, couldn't pass the ball to save his life.

4) The Ugly/Subs

Its amazing how the substitutions could screw the game upside down. Welbz for Fellaini, Giggs for Nani, Smalling for Rooney. All three let the team down to a certain extent. Welbz was guilty of wastefulness and ball-watching. Giggs just doesn't belong on the pitch anymore. Smalling in meant Southampton owned the midfield with Rooney out. All contrived to contribute to that late, late equalizer.

5) Maybe Southampton Will Own The Top Six?

They beat Liverpool at home and now have drawn us at home. Credit to them that they played very well and might even have won. There is the possibility that they can beat all the top teams on their day. But for the late goal leaving a bad taste, maybe the end result isn't as bad if we can win our next three games which are all at home. Maybe I'm just in self-consolation mode?

Still sucky feeling. All the Moyes-out people are having a field day.

GGMU!!!

The Next Big Thing - Agriculture

According to Jim Rogers.

Here's what he said in The Edge:

Agriculture is going to be one of the best investments over the next few decades.

The world has consumed more than it has produced for much of the last decade, so inventories are near historical lows.

The average farmer is 58 in the US and Australia, 66 in Japan. Old farmers are dying or retiring, and young people aren't going into agriculture.

Young Americans go into PR, not agriculture. Prices have to go much higher to attract labour, management, capital or we're not going to have enough food in the long run.

Makes so much sense. And the sooner we can try to harness this knowledge the better.

Time to consider a career switch to farming!

Kids Ask The Hardest Questions

Asiasons Punt

If you trade local stocks there is no need to introduce the infamous trio of Blumont, Asiasons and Liongold by now.

Looking at how much these three stocks have fallen, I figured it may be a good time to find some value. Asiasons has the most viable business model of the three IMHO, with an Enterprise Value of 58mio and Cash of >100mio. That is of course if you believe it's books, according to Yahoo Finance.

So I decided to take a punt at 0.120 and announce it to the whole world, so that it may witness my boom, or bust! If it ever goes back (of course it won't!) to $2.72 again...

Note that I am prepared to lose my entire capital on this punt. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Schooled

Me: Son, how many legs does a spider have?

Son: Eight!

Me: Yes! Very good, son!

Son: Papa, how many legs does spider-man have?

Me: Erm, two?

Son: Yes! Very good, papa!

Son: Papa, how many tails does lizard-man have?

Me: Erm, one?

Son: Yes! Very good, papa!

Pwned.

Sunderland 1 Manchester United 2

Wow. What can I say? Relieved? Crisis averted? Whatever that was, at least everyone's happy, for now.

1) Brief Respite

When we went into halftime 1-0 down, I really feared the worst. If we lost to the bottom club in the league, we'd have been in crisis mode. We played alot better in the 2nd half and deserved our win. Now we need to follow up on this performance.

2) Adnan Januzaj

Remember the name. This 18yr-old is our future. He's already looked really good in his substitute appearances, but his two goals today showed what he can give us for years to come. Just spectacular stuff. Let's just hope we tie him down to the club soon. Apparently his context situation isn't looking very good.

3) The Good

Our pressing and determination to fight back was such a joy to watch compared to the past few games. Nani needs to find his scoring boots but he was our liveliest in the first half when we looked lost. Carrick and Cleverly had a good game, especially in the second half, with Cleverly looking particularly motivated by the challenge of Fellaini for his position. Phil Jones was monster in defence, and DDG literally saved the game for us with a spectacular save early in the game when we were a goal down. I even felt Welbz as a substitute was effective.

4) The Bad

Unfortunately the game was marred by below par or so-so performances which definitely could have been far better. and no surprises that these were the same players who had a stellar previous season. Maybe still not accustomed to the new manager. RVP, Evra, Rafael all guilty. Rooney had a bad game by his standards. Hopefully they wake up their ideas soon.

5) The Ugly

I love Vidic too much to really slate him, but last night was really quite a blot for him. Rash challenges, mis-kicks and the free gift of a goal for Sunderland. I still think he's got at least two good seasons in him and hopefully this was a one off. But last night he got owned by Jozy Altidore, and it was only after a switch with Jones to mark him that things turned around. Valencia also looks ineffective coming on as a sub. Even worse is the fate of Kagawa and Hernandez. Things really don't look good for them when Moyes cannot find any chances for them on the pitch. Probably going to be sold in January or next season.

Still it was a good outing and the crisis has been averted. Something therapeutic for all United fans.

Let's keep this run going! Onwards and upwards!

GGMU!!!

小红回来了！

小红！ 你终于回到我身边了！ 我好想你哦！

经过两个星期的等待，小红提早修好，今天竟然能够回到我身旁。显然的，我当然开心的不得了。

修理费超过四千五百元，真不便宜！

只希望小红接下来的日子会比较好过。我也会尽力而为好好的保养我这个宝贝！

Manchester United 1 West Bromwich Albion 2

Humiliating. As if last weekend's loss weren't bad enough. 

1) Unmotivated

Some of our players really looked as though they only need to turn up to get a win chalked off. Carrick, Rio, Jones, Ando, Buttner, all looked like they weren't really interested to be on the pitch. David Moyes really needs to bring out his hairdryer really soon man. The players either weren't interested or were just unmotivated.

2) Why Was Kagawa Off At Halftime?

Probably a tactical substitution, but it was a surprise to take him off so soon when things were still going quite well. His replacement Januzaj didn't exactly light up the right wing.

3) Fergie Time Is No More

Gone are the days where we'd mount a sustained fightback to go for the win. Today we didn't penetrate enough all throughout the game even after going a goal down. Then after conceding we didn't have that impetus to chase the game anymore. Haven't seen any fightback desire since Moyes took over.

4) Rooney The Sole Spark

Only Rooney played well. Everyone else sucked in general. Rio was probably the worst player on the pitch today. Much as I dislike him, Rooney was the only one attacking, defending and even scored. Nani comes in second.

5) 6 Games In, Bottom Half

At this rate, not only will we not be in Europe next season, we might end up fighting a relegation battle. Clearly every team coming up against up want to win more than us. If we don't buck up this will be one heck of a long season.

GGMU!!!

Manchester City 4 Manchester United 1

Tough and humiliating loss. The boys just didn't bring it tonight while City were absolutely up for it. At one point it looked as though THAT 6-1 humiliation two years ago would be equalled or even surpassed. Here're five reactions I have from this match.

1) RVP Injury

Once I knew RVP didn't even make the bench I was immediately demoralized. Suddenly we were that strong anymore. I'm sure the thigh injury yesterday also had a psychological impact on the team based on their performance.

2) Why Is Young Starting Games?

Sure he played well by HIS standards the last couple of games, but he still isn't first eleven material and today showed. We leaked no more goals an intact played more dominantly after Young was substituted by Cleverly. Granted he wasn't the worse performer up until the 4th goal was scored, but this guy should at best be an impact sub.

3) Kagawa And Nani Benched

Even with RVP out, Kagawa has no place in the first eleven. I don't quite get it. Similarly, a fit Nani would have been far better than both Young and Valencia today. They need to be given a shot in the next game.

4) Whole Team Sucked Up Till 4-0

Basically everyone played terrible. It was a lacklustre, timid performance. Alot of the goals were due to lacking of concentration and City punished us for it. Particularly disappointed (aside from Valencia and Young) with Fellaini given how much tougher his reputation is as a holding CM. Best performer by a mile was, sadly, Rooney.

5) We Lost The Tactical Battle

David Moyes better work on his high dryer treatment because his tactics failed him today. City were able to pick out our weak spot and exploit it over and over (Smalling at RB). Like I said earlier, almost all the goals were defensive lapses and City made us pay. That's being said, City were really strong as well.

Haiz. Hopefully we turn in a far better performance in our next game. This was terrible.

GGMU!!!

Citibank T-Pin Complaint

Kids Talk

My son, WW: Meimei say Sem

My daughter, XX: Sem

WW: Ba

XX: Ba

WW: Wang

XX: Wan

WW: Meimei say Sem

XX: Sem

WW: Ba

XX: Ba

WW: Two!

XX: Two

Me: *roll eyes*

Me: Semba-three!

WW: Semba-four!

Me: Semba-five!

WW: Semba-ten!

Me: Semba-twenty!

WW: Semba-twenty-nine!

Me: Semba-one hundred!

WW: Semba-dinosaur!

Me: *roll eyes*

Poor 小红, My Toyota Corolla Altis

Thanks to my own negligence, 小红 needs a full engine overhaul.

Brought her in to the service centre this morning to fix this weird noise coming from the engine for the last two weeks.

The moment the guy heard my description, he said, "think engine got serious problem!", and wanted to take a look at it right away.

He only needed to take one look and twist of the engine oil cap and it confirmed both our worst fears. The engine oil had solidified and hardened around the engine walls. This means the engine would konk off anytime soon.

I think he was trying to break the bad news as best as he could as he saw my face turn grimm and sad.

But there was no hiding of the solution: a full engine overhaul. The budget set for this is 10K and one month on the sidelines. So hard to stomach.

Then we talked about cheaper options like being it to a private workshop. Sure I could save us a couple of thousands, but it wouldn't be as reliable as Borneo Motors' workmanship.

Then we talked about rental to tide through the one month. We'll wait and see if we can cope without one first.

Finally we talked about the possibility of buying a new car. At current COE prices, an Altis retails for 130K. A VW Golf retails for 140K. Payment has to be 50% up front. Paying 10K for a brand new engine with 3+ more years of survivability seems the better option.

So for now, I can only wait and mope.

I miss 小红 already!

W Hotel Sentosa - A Family Staycation

Another year on, another family staycation on Sentosa.

This is the first time we stayed in W Hotel Sentosa.

I have to say before everything else, that in a nutshell, W Hotel is the epitome of luxury. I was both impressed and amazed by how atas it was. IMHO more luxurious than the Ritz and St Regis.

I think it's emphasis on all things aesthetically impressive and arty-farty (the ultra expensive sort) gave that first impression, and it just continued throughout the check-in process.

Staying 2 nights with 2 kids in tow is a challenge particularly for the chosen hotel, to match or even surpass the staycationers' expectations. So it was abit of a risk to have chosen this hotel for this year's plans.

Thankfully I needn't have been so apprehensive.

Right from the off, we were upgraded to a family room, which came on the 3rd floor with an extra large balcony (yard?).

Staff at the reception were really welcoming. So much so that if there was someone ahead of you, you'd still receive  a staff's attention who will prep whatever you're queuing at the recept for.

The room was quite spacious and was filled with little pieces of art to complement its interior arty-farty decor.

We also got a baby crib (free) for our little one.

What really won me over though, was the bathroom. No it wasn't the rain shower. It wasn't large bathtub. It wasn't the frosted sliding glass window by the bathtub which could be opened to give full view to the rest of the bedroom. It was the complimentary bar soap.

Yes. I've never seen such soap being distributed at a hotel before. But those protruding ribs really feels like an extra massage.

:)

The hotel's also got an awesome pool, so ask for a pool view. It's probably the best side of the hotel.

It's also located right beside Quayside Isle, the atas retail and f&b belt on Sentosa Cove. Very convenient.

Speaking of location, one of the key downsides you'll always read about is it's proximity to all of Sentosa's other attractions. It's really quite inconvenient. Parking is expensive all around the island, and there's only a hotel shuttle that runs on an hourly basis. 

Still, don't let that stop you from spoiling yourself once in a while. Because it sent stop us either.

Super recommended!!!

Enough Is Enough

Just got stopped out again. On a GBPUSD spike this time.

It's not working out as I hoped it would have. I've not become a rich man from FX trading.

Time to reevaluate.

From now on, if I'm looking at my trading screen for more than 10mins a day, I'm doing it wrong.

Must source for a new avenue here on.

True Fitness Session XI This Season

Clocked another BodyCombat session today.

Body is somewhat aching.

I think I'm not destined to become a fitness instructor. Almost punched myself in the face again.

Plus today the instructor yelled "How come the guys look like they're not putting any effort at all?!" - there were only two guys in that class this afternoon.

FML.

Farce Of A Transfer Window

Worst transfer window ever.

It's only now that we can appreciate how much work is done behind the scenes by the Executive Director and what good business acumen David Gill possessed. Even SAF himself provided the necessary shield and draw for potential transfer targets.

Following both their retirement last season, we got a lousy Ed Woodward whose primary experience of sponsorship securement was never good enough, and David Moyes, whose looking too awed by many the occasion.

From rumoured failed chases of Thiago, to confirmed failed bids of Fabregas, and insulting smaller clubs like Everton, them both have dragged the club's name through the mud. Then it just turned into a circus with the bungled Herrera deal, paying way over for Fellaini, desperate bids for Kheidira, Sneijder and finally another failure to land Coentrao out of desperation, even if it were a loan deal only.

You would think these guys actually had a plan.

So where does this point us to? Firstly, it's utterly demoralizing to the fans and likely also the players. Perhaps even more so that the 1-0 loss to Liverpool over the weekend. There's not much to make of new additions when essentially there was only one. Fellaini will hopefully plug the gap where Giggs plays. No more starting of games for him. More focus will be on Moyes using Kagawa, squad rotation, and blooding youngsters.

Any positives? Well, for one the two week break will help calm the nerves a little. Hopefully by the time Crystal Palace turns up at OT, we will win comfortably and the cracks will be paved over. We kept a hold of Rooney. I still don't like him but he is playing alot better since realizing that he was going nowhere. And we still have a championship-winning team in place. It would take a monumental effort to dismantle that and that would surely be Moyes' downfall if he oversaw that.

Meanwhile, in David Moyes we will trust. Sigh.

GGMU!!!

Liverpool 1 Manchester United 0

Sucks to lose. Especially to Liverpool. But things are not as bad as it seems.

1) Generally We Were The Better Team

Aside from a lack of concentration early on in the game, we were pretty dominant. Though not to a point where we were downright camping in their half, we were winning the midfield battle and were defensively sound

2) We Lacked Fire Power

We are overly reliant on RVP for goals right now. No use winning the midfield and defensive battles when we cannot threaten as much either. Welbz still doesn't look like a scorer (much as I like him), while Hernandez and Nani are really rusty. We need Kagawa back in the picture fast.

3) We Missed Rooney

A last minute training injury. Suffice to say, for all his contract problems, had he been on the pitch, we would probably have won. 'Nuff said.

4) Giggs Should Not Start Games

Not the first time I've said this. Legend as he may be, he's starting to wear us fans thin. Dunno why Moyes keeps pickin him to start. Impact sub, seer-outer of games, stabilizer, all yes. Starter, no.

5) Game 3 Of A Very Tough Run

While it would have been better to at least draw the game, this loss isn't that hard to take particularly because we played well generally and we look like we can thrash Crystal Palace at home with this sort of play next game.

In Moyes we trust!!!

GGMU!!!

HMFD Rears It's Ugly Head Again

Shucks, the little girl's gotten HFMD.

I'm down with hopefully just a flu virus.

On the wifey's birthday somemore.

Had to cancel the dinner plans I was looking forward to.

Have to cancel tomorrow's plans.

Have to plan for isolation. That's the toughest part.

Must be a rotten day for the wifey.

Hope we all get well soon.

True Fitness Session X This Season

Managed to squeeze in some BodyCombat time.

Been awhile since I last gym-ed, so this session was really good.

True Fitness @ Chevron is getting old though.

Metallica Live In Singapore 2013

What can I say?

Best. Concert. Ever.

Probably the most amazing concert experience I've had in Singapore.

Breathless.

I can finally strike another item off my bucket list.

#metallica

The Unforgiven

After 20 long years, Metallica is finally back in Singapore as part of their Asian world tour.

This will almost surely be the last time they'll ever come to this part of the world considering how old they are.

I started being a fan after falling in love with their Black Album, which I think how most fans started out with them.

It wasn't so deep a love for the band until the Load and ReLoaded albums hit. Commercially both albums weren't really a hit, but somehow I really got sucked into their brand of toned-down thrashy metal.

Thereafter things got serious as I collected all their earlier albums, from Rode The Lightning, Master Of Puppets, ...And Justice For All, Kill 'Em All. Alot of their early songs were hardcore thrashy but some of their earliest hits were anthems.

Afterthat I got their covers album, Garage Inc, and their collaboration with the San Fran Symphony Orchestra, S&M. That was one of the best live albums I will ever own.

Most recently I had to play abit of catchup by buying their Death Magnetic and Beyond Magnetic albums.

I cannot wait to see them live tomorrow.

The wait is finally over.

Space

Where else could you find enough space for all these things lying around the house? 

Swansea City 1 Manchester United 4

Our first league win and away win on the first day of the new EPL season! Must say even I was surprised by such a dominant scoreline. Hopefully we continue this winning run, especially for the next few games against tougher opposition. Here's 5 things I learnt from the game again:

1) A Our Strikers Are On Form

All of RVP and Welbeck's goals were sheer class, especially Welbz's 2nd. They're in really good form right now and that keeps Rooney sulk out of the team, and rightly so. Interestingly, Welbeck scored as many in this game as the whole of last season.

2) Our Defence Is OK

Even if we let newcomer Wilfried Bony score, the Rio-Vidic pairing can hardly go wrong. Phil Jones was an able RB while Evra, while looking lazy at times, had some good moments up front. That being said it will be tougher against Chelsea and Man City surely.

3) Our Midfield Is Still The Glaring Weakness

Much as I like Cleverly, he still tends to disappear after 70mins. He doesn't play as fluently either. Ando looks fitter than before but he's not lighting it up when coming on as a sub either. Carrick is our only sure bet starter, but he's 33 now. Can he last very game this season? And Giggsy? What's with starting him so often? Does he choose himself into the starting lineup?

4) Rooney Can Still Fit In

I know I've said I'd rather have him out of the club if his heart is not in it, but if he continues his current vein of form (he still has a hefty 2yr contract, mind you), then definitely we would be stupid to offload him to a rival. I just thought Moyes might've let him rot in the reserves rather than play competitively. Good handlin of the situation by Moyes so far!

5) Great Start For David Moyes

It was never going to be easy for David Moyes to fill SAF's shoes. So far, he has done admirably well. With this away win, we can hopefully move from strength to strength to win the league! I must say I'm still abit skeptical, but we are definitely on the right track!

GGMU!!!

10,000 Hours

In Malcolm Gladwell book, The Outliers, he hypothesizes that "the idea that excellence at performing a complex task requires a critical minimum level of practice surfaces again and again in studies of expertise"

That the magic number for true expertise is 10,000 hours.

I want to focus on something and clock 10,000 hours too.

Manchester United 2 Wigan Athletic 0

First piece of silverware in the David Moyes era!

I learned 5 things from watching the match today:

1) We really need a good defensive midfielder. 

Cleverly and Ando really can't cut it. Both can't last a full 90mins. This is something Fellaini would fill perfectly.

2) Is Giggs choosing himself in the starting lineup?

He is a legend no doubt about that, but surely he should know that he's just not fit enough to start games anymore? Not at his age. Impact player, yes. Starter, please no!

3) We still have alot of work to do

There were times in the game when I could confidently say we sucked. Times when Wigan actually dominated with a few good chances that a better opposition would have easily converted. Midfield is our key problem right now.

4) We still have good players though

Evra, Carrick, de Gea, Kagawa, Vidic, RVP. All we need is enough motivation and a few newer faces to spark these stalwarts to life...

5) We have exciting kids coming through

Jesse Lingard, Wilfred Zaha, Adnan Januzaj (pronounced Ya-nu-zay), Nick Powell, Angelo Henriquez, just to name a few. Zaha and Januzaj will be the biggest excitements this season.

Definitely wish David Moyes all the best! Hopefully he will bring us even more silverware and more exciting players!

GGMU!!!

Happy 48th Birthday Singapore!

A day late.

But to another prosperous, wealthy and safe 48 years!

Majulah Singapura!

A New Season, A New Hope

With last night's friendly loss to Sevilla, Manchester United have gone 2-2-3. No, that's not our latest formation, but our W-D-L stats. 

Can't feel very optimistic about the coming season with a Charity Shield game against Wigan this Sunday and ten away to Swansea next week. Plus Liverpool and Chelsea shortly to come.

Much as I want to give David Moyes as much support as I can, I have to manage my own expectations for the coming season. 

I guess a place in the top 4 is a good enough expectation right now. No new marquee signings and a first eleven still haven't have played enough spells of poor preparedness.

Really miss the Sir Alex Ferguson days already!

On the bright side, we have got exciting youngsters to look forward to. From Zaha, Lingard and Januzaj, we might be in for a treat from them this season.

Of course I hope we win a trophy and most importantly, defend our EPL crown. But we have to be realistic.

Let the 13/14 season begin!

Is It Time To Cash Out Of Singapore Property?

That's the big question.

Something that keeps me buzzing lately.

Here's why I think property prices will come down:

The Government Wants It To
With all the property cooling measures, stamp duties, restrictions on 2nd property loan, total debt to financing ratio, the impact caused is already being felt. From a rational standpoint, these restrictions make sense because property prices cannot continue to go higher, unless we the citizens want inflation to skyrocket. Furthermore, HDB prices especially, should be further reined in to provide affordable housing to the masses.

The Glut
There have been so many new private property and HDB launches in the last few years that many are predicting a glut. Come end of this year and over 2014 and 2015, we will be seeing many TOPs. All those who really want a first home will be appeased. Will there be that many Singaporeans out there with enough money to buy a second or even third property for investment?

Rental Yields Are Coming Down
Housing rental cost can be used as a forward indicator of future property price movement. With more properties out there in the market, more options are available for subletting. This leads to more choice for potentially tenants. In turn, competition brings rental yields down. As rental yields come down, less people see buying a property for rental as a lucrative investment anymore, so less investors buy property. Finally property prices end up coming down due to lower demand.

Interest Rates Can Only Go Up
With the SIBOR currently hovering around 0.5%, interest rates on loans are at a very low point. Isn't there only one direction it can turn? So when interest rates go up, the loan instalments go up. People have to pay more out of their own pocket to maintain their monthly payments. Less money to spend. Some may even find the rise in monthly payments untenable and hence put their property out on the market to cash out. More sellers come into the market. More supply + Less demand = Property prices coming down.

That 6 Million Population Placebo
Alot of housing agents argue that since the government wants to increase the population of Singapore to 6 million, the demand for housing will be there. But let's take a step back and think about this for a minute. Sure, it is likely to happen, but where are these people going to come from? Currently, they're from China, India, Malaysia and the Philippines predominantly. Are the rich and famous all coming here en masse? NO! The new immigrants are coming here to create a new and hopefully better life for themselves too just like our forefathers did! Would they be able to afford a 600K HDB from day 1 of setting foot on our shores? NO! Even a HDB grant-filled 3 room BTO which even newly minted citizens are eligible for, would set you back about 250K now. Can the new immigrants afford these much less the private properties? I think not.

Perhaps it is time to get out if you can. Otherwise, make sure you have the holding power to tide through a property downtrend.

Of course I could be wrong, but the signs are all there.

Roxy Square (Janggut Katong Laksa & Bei-Ing Wanton Mee)

Roxy Square food court in Katong.

Here, it houses 2 gems that I hold very dear in my life. I have been following either stall for almost 20 years now, and since 2000/01, they both moved under one roof. Match made in heaven. You should know them if you live or grew up in the East Coast. I can still be found eating there at least two weekends a month.

1. Where is the restaurant/hawker stall/cafe that you are recommending and what is the name?

Roxy Square Food Court, Roxy Square, Katong.

20 years on and it has hardly changed.

2. What sort of food does it serve?

It has got a variety of food here but the two biggest hits are the Janggut Katong Laksa and the Bei-Ing 美樱 Wanton Mee stall.

3. How much did you spend and how many dishes did you order?

My meal pattern has hardly changed for a long time. Its always a standard bowl of Laksa ($3) + Wanton Mee Large ($3.50) + 1 stick of otah ($1.10) + 1 can of ILT ($1.50) = $8.10 for a good lunch.

4. Name us at least 2 die-die must try dishes.

Of course it's the standard $3 laksa no chilli and the $3.50 wanton mee.

The Laksa claims to be the original, but then all Laksa stalls in Katong claim that. It used to reside across the road quite beside 328 Laksa and 49 Laksa (now no more ) and only moved to Roxy Square in 2000. It has another outlet in Queensway Shopping Centre. If you want to debate on Laksa with me, we need another email thread.

The Wanton Mee has been there for the longest time. Right when I was in secondary school. The uncle has been there forever since he took over his dad’s recipe. When you order, he’ll tell you a number, and then when your number is up, he’ll shout really loudly across the food hall. Really old school. He walks with a limp now after a motorcycle accident about 7 years ago and his daughter helps him out now.

5. When did you last visit ? (Date/Time)

14th of July 2013. Lunch. Try to go before 1pm. Afterthat, the church-goers around Katong flood that place. Park at Roxy ($1.50/hr) and take a walk to Parkway Parade or I12 Katong if you are too full.

6. What was the purpose of the visit?

Bi-weekly craving.

7. Would you revisit the restaurant/hawker/cafe again?

Twice a month, I’ll be there. Almost 20 years now.

Roxy Square along Katong

The stalls are side by side but I don’t have a picture of the Wanton Mee stall.

Actually the rojak there is also not bad if you still have space in your stomach.