tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13908841646681512272024-03-14T12:01:24.241+08:00Sweet Man TalkingA lifestyle blog on food, travel, handmade candy, tea and all finer things in life under the sun.
I am not a hedonist. I am a Lebenskünstler. I am not a perfectionist, I am an artist.
I am an artist… An artist of life; learning the art of living, perfecting the art of money making. To live a life is easy…but to live it beautifully is truly a form of art. 我不是带有铜臭味的商人,我是个追求完美生活,精通赚钱艺术的艺术家。Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-55208861362633297252016-10-05T16:15:00.001+08:002016-10-06T18:31:22.051+08:00A Broken Cup :: My Sweet Stories with Tea..我的甜茶蜜语...One of the many reason why I am so into drinking tea is because of the many "stories" surrounding it.<br />
The process of drinking tea slowly unfolds these stories, while new stories are being created each day with every cup of tea i drink. Each cup, each tea pot, each block of tea, even a simple tool to break the tea, all seems to have its stories to tell me.<br />
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Recently decided to bring my tea leaves to my little lolly shop such that i can have little enjoyment in between making batches of lollies. With so much factors that will affect a good brew, naturally i got to bring some good tea set to brew my precious tea leaves. But due to space constraint at my little lolly shop (yeah, is expensive space we talking about in Orchard Road yah), i brought my Zisha cup(紫砂杯) instead....</div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">This cup was given to me by one of my YiXing’s friend as a gift during my trip earlier this year for my "tea-pots-pilgrimage". Yi Xing (中国宜兴) is a land where zisha pots are famous<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> for. Glad to have met up with so many of the legendary pot makers behind my collection of tea pots as well as making new friends during that short little trip. (Might blog about that wonderful trip in days to come) </span></span><br />
So sad that this being one of my favourite cup just broken last week due to mishandling.</div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">What broken is not just the cup, but a piece of kind gesture from a friend faraway. Tried to contact some of my contacts in Yi Xing (宜兴), hoping to get back one that is similar; not that it can replace it, but just to make myself feeling better with one that looks alike.</span><br />
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After that broken cup, I brought my porcelain cup to the shop. Another gift from my China friend in De Hua (德化,福建) during one of my trip to Quanzhou (泉州) back in 2008. Was an interesting trip back then and the only regret is not getting more porcelain items from there since that is the place in China (beside 景德镇) that famous for fine porcelain items.<br />
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Still remember that particular day, my friend who worked as the local tax authority, walked into one of the shop that he claimed is his friend's, had a few casual chat with the owner, then turned to me, asking me to take whatever I like. Being a modest Singaporean, i told him i don't need any of those. Out of convenient, he just took this cup from the rack (without paying) and gave to me as a souvenir. I finds it very "stylo" with certain attitude ("霸气") in how he did it, like a local gangster collecting protection money. Nevertheless, is a gift from a friend, so i kept it for the past years and always happy using it for all beverages while remembering this little story that happened back then.</div>
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These are just some of the stories behind these 2 cups. I find it fascinating how these cups and pots that are handcrafted by some craftsmen, using soil, mud and ingredients from the land of China, transformed into a beautiful and practically usable cups using their hands, and how it travel all the way across the ocean to Singapore and reaches me. And of course, the sad part of someone breaking them up too.<br />
There are more stories behind every piece of pot, every piece of cup, every disc of tea.... each have its stories waiting to unfold.<br />
Even a little chipping off of the tea pot cover, a little bit of stains, all these are part and parcel of my life, of what i went through. It also reflects how impatience i was in the process of cleaning my tea pots. Reminding me to cultivate a better character when brewing my tea, telling myself to slow down my pace when drinking tea as well as having courage to face the pain of damaging/breaking of my pots. Trust me, it isn't easy to move on when a cup that you liked or a pot that being with you so many years, just break because of a character flaw in ourselves.<br />
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Sometime what makes drinking tea interesting are the stories.... <span style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">The process of drinking tea slowly unfold these stories, while new stories are being created each day with every cup of tea i drink. Each broken cup, each chipping off of the tea pot, each disc of tea I collected, even a simple tool used to brew the tea, all seems to have its beautiful stories to tell, eagerly revealing itself to me. B</span>eautiful stories brewing everyday indeed.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-5439715341583152432016-06-28T18:57:00.002+08:002016-06-28T19:04:21.778+08:00Save on dining with Groupon deals, cashback and more with ShopBack<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 18px;">Recently I was invited to try out and review <a href="https://www.shopback.sg/" target="_blank">ShopBack</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;">As I was browsing through the site, i realise I can do a lot of my usual online shopping with cash rebates given to me simply by registering myself with ShopBack and do a bit extra work for each purchase via ShopBack. Nevertheless, the process is pretty hassle free as I realised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;">Example I am a frequent Groupon user to identify cost effective dining. Hence I can easily <a href="https://www.shopback.sg/groupon" target="_blank">Dine with Groupon Deals</a> with a guided tutorial such as this...</span><br />
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Beside Groupon Deals, I can easily enjoy <a href="https://www.shopback.sg/dining" target="_blank">various dining discount and cashback</a> such as purchasing <a href="https://www.shopback.sg/burger-king" target="_blank">Burger King</a>, <a href="https://www.shopback.sg/foodpanda" target="_blank">FoodPanda</a> and much more ( <a href="https://www.shopback.sg/coupons" target="_blank">see all deals here</a>)</div>
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For those still struggling to know how it works, check this out...</div>
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<a href="https://www.shopback.sg/how-it-works">https://www.shopback.sg/how-it-works</a></div>
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Hope you guys enjoy the shopping via ShopBack and start using it soon to get more cashback earlier!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com4Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-23124205500107482832016-05-24T19:59:00.000+08:002016-09-07T10:14:11.250+08:00Tea knowledge Sharing with Sweet Man 知茶: Tea leaves from the YiWu Mountain... 易武山的茶叶<div>
This time round, i would share with everyone a tea not by its brand. But sharing it based on the region the tea leaves are grown and harvested! I will be sharing a 生普 (raw pu'erh tea leaves) that harvested in the spring of 2016 (around April). Hence what I am using for the review is considered a pretty fresh leaves (新茶) that are not even pressed into a disc (饼), bricks (砖) or semi-sphere (沱) for storage purpose... we call it loose tea (散茶).</div>
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Every year, spring (春), that is when most of the tea leaves are harvested for the various kind of tea. And of course there can be a really long write up to explain tea harvested during various part of the spring; Example tea harvested early-spring, tea harvested before-the-rain comes (雨前茶), tea-harvested before-QingMing festive (明前茶) and so on... In term of taste differences, it might not be as obvious and as big differences as its price; it is obviously more rare to have the leaves completely grown and ready to harvest earlier in the spring hence the more expensive price tag.<br />
Today's blog, to make my sharing really straight forward, we focus only on what I going to share, I generalize the tea leaves I used as "Spring Tea" (春茶).</div>
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You might also be wondering, why i stated in the first line "review a tea not by its brand"? Again, i don't want the focus be diverted. I want to share with you tea leaves harvested at this mountain known as YiWu Mountain (易武山) and not affect people on the judgement of the tea based on brand it associated with (yes, indirectly to a lot of tea-lover, the brand do at times affect how we review a tea subconsciously due to its value is higher for a reputable brand).</div>
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Here are some background of YiWu (易武山). "YiWu"<span class="s1"> in the tribal language it means "The place where the Beautiful Lady Snakes live". It got its name from a cave located at YiWu that is filled with snakes. </span><span class="s1">The YiWu Mountain Tea region (易武茶区) consist of the whole YiWu villages as well as those region under ManSa Mountain (</span>慢撒茶山). The region with more of those ancient trees are the Yiwu (易武)、MaHe(麻黑)、LuoShuiDong (落水洞)、GuaFengZhai (刮风寨)、LaoDingJiaZhai (老丁家寨) and ManXiu (曼秀) area.</div>
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YiWu is Yunnan's famous ancient tea cultivation region, with a long history of tea planting. As early as Tang Dynasty, already existed several tribal natives (BuLang 布朗族, Wa 佤族, HaNi 哈尼族 etc) living at YiWu while growing tea plants there. Till today, we can find traces of few hectares of land filled with old ancient trees as tall as over 20 metres. All planted by the tribal people back thousand of years ago hence the trees aged for more than thousand of years.<br />
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In the market, it is very often to see tea leaves claiming its source from YiWu Mountain (易武山). A lot of brands having formula (undisclosed to the public the exact combination of tea leaves from various region) that based strongly with tea leaves from this region. It is very common practise for big brand to introduce certain series based on tea leaves gathered from various regions blended together under each of their tea blending experts working for the brand. And some brands will even market some of its series as pure leaves harvested from YiWu mountain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"YiWu's Spring" by XiaGuan (易武之春 - 下关 2015)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YiWu Main Region - by TaeTea 易武正山-大益 2014</td></tr>
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It is without fail that tea leaves from this region/mountain, somehow ensured a mark of quality. Which also explains why series related to this region usually are selling at higher prices than one that doesn't have the luxury to be called "tea harvested from YiWu". Not to mention the bigger brands which often gives consumer a even stronger assurance of the sources where these leaves are harvested (with China's ability and courage to fake anything, it isn't unusual for some merchant to falsely claim that the tea leaves are harvested in YiWu with some even faking the brand by changing its packagings).<br />
For collectors, I always strongly encouraged to go for tea product that have a strong tea base to start with. As we all know value of pu'erh increases over time as the tea leaves aged and mature, and "time" is a constant factor that multiply the value of the tea depending on the quality of the "base value" of the tea leaves. Having a good "base value" provide the value of the collection (tea) to increase exponentially over time.<br />
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Some basic characteristic of tea leaves from the YiWu Mountain...<br />
The leaves are generally black, long shred and shiny. The colour of the tea after brewing is usually golden yellow, very little bitterness to speak of. High in fragrance, strong hint of sweetness, generally smooth and giving a great after-taste that lingers long around the palate.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YiWu's freshly spring harvested tea after 3rd washing</td></tr>
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The Tea leaves I trying/sharing today live up to its name indeed.<br />
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The tea leaves from YiWu region usually mature faster too. And also due to the fact that lots of these trees are reduced in height thru the years (a trimming technique some farmers practise), and that the leaves also do grow in the wild in this region, tea leaves tend to have subtle taste differences ranging from village to village within the YiWu tea region.<br />
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Take a look at the debris/leftover after the brewing...<br />
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These are the typical 一芽二叶 tea leaves (one bud and two tea leaves) combination that signal that tea leaves are the best to be harvested. If the tea leaves only showing one bud/one left, it is a bit too young to be harvested and likewise, one that showing one bud/three leaves, it is a bit too old for a nice brew.<br />
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To end the sharing/review, i would side track a little regarding drinking raw tea.... if you have a weak stomach, avoid drinking raw pu'erh tea with an empty stomach. These raw tea are high in acidity with the leaves still contains high dosage of caffeine. Some connoisseur suggest to go with some light cracker in order not to be distracted from the taste of the tea. But to me, pairing it with nice food sometimes do make tea drinking a bit more interesting and gives you some unexpected result. So be daring to try and you might discover some good pairing that brings out the better side of your tea collection? It also makes tea drinking closer to our day to day lifestyle and makes it a more sustainable hobby, don't you think so?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com3Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-81221947553210345912016-05-02T23:46:00.001+08:002016-05-02T23:48:30.470+08:00Tea Tasting with Sweet Man 品茶: Dragon Disc by TaeTea 大益 龙年纪念饼,简称《龙饼》My first attempt to start off my Tea Reviewing Blog, going to share with you one of a raw Pu'er tea (普洱生茶)i kept for almost 4 years....<br />
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Name/品名:Tae Tea Dragon Disc (a.k.a "Dragon Disc") 大益 龙腾盛世 (简称“龙饼”)<br />
Year/年份: 9th Dec 2011<br />
Type of Pu'er Tea/茶类: 生茶<br />
Date of opening the disc:20th Feb 2016<br />
Date of Review/Tasting: 1st May 2016<br />
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Pressed in 9th Dec 2011 for the year 2012 Year of the Dragon (Chinese Horoscope)...<br />
(wow... The tea pressed on the birthday of one of my idol!!! )....<br />
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This "Dragon Disc" was bought in early year 2012 and instead of one disc, i have bought one whole stack (一整提) + 1 disc (total of 8 discs).<br />
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One reason why i bought one whole box/ tube... Because I always have this special affection to powerful animals such as Lion, Horse and legendary characters such as Dragons, Phoenix, Unicorn etc. It was the year of the Dragon in 2012, and TaeTea comes out with Horoscope collection every year and this is one of them.<br />
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And another reason why I bought so many to keep, TaeTea (大益) is a reputable brand that enjoys a good increase in price over the years. Having a good track record on its appreciation value means I can just buy them and put them aside without worrying that it will depreciate.<br />
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Of course, with a major brand, it comes with assurance too for the hygienic environment where the tea are produced. After all, these are tea that we drink and consumed into our body system. (I will share more reason why we need to look into this aspect in future posts)<br />
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The tea was pressed in 9th Dec 2011. From the time i bought it early 2012 till now, the value gone up 2-3 times its original price. You might think since it is a horoscope-year special edition, it is only natural that prices gone up that much for special edition?<br />
But the Rabbit series pressed the year before (The year of Rabbit), didn't really enjoy such a soar in price as its Dragon-disc did.<br />
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I open the new disc on 20th Feb 2016 after keeping it for almost 4 years plus. I have left this disc exposed to air by putting it on the shelving as a display hence giving it a lot of room to ferment and speeding up its maturing pretty fast. The tasting for this review was done on 1st May 2016.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Take a look a the tea leaves itself... </span><br />
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The insert is just the standard insert TaeTea being using for a lot of its series...<br />
(I believe there are a lot to learn from this insert but yet to do proper research,<br />
do share with me if you know something about this insert, ok?)<br />
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Personally, i like what i sees with every leaves clearly seen and pressed such a way that even inside the disc, it is the same leaves closely pressed, with a certain maturity and colour turning really dark. But i feel it could have being nicer if i can see some green for a 5 year old tea.<br />
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First, i started break the disc into manageable bits. I usually take 8-10g for each brew.<br />
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Using my Zisha pots (紫砂壶) which is approximately 220cc<br />
(Will find a chance to share more on my pots on separate post).<br />
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Washed the tea leaves for 3 rounds (my usual number of rounds for older tea; will share more on brewing techniques in posts ahead).<br />
here goes the various colour changes....<br />
1st brew<br />
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2nd brew<br />
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3rd brew<br />
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Seriously didn't really expect much from the tea since it is only kept for less than 5 years, but surprising. it shown a very beautiful matured orange colour that only older tea would have.<br />
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4th brew, this is where i start to drink.<br />
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Fragrance wise, it isn't those that give out strong fragrance when brewingbut if you take the effort to notice, you can smell the fragrance that is light and sweet. Giving out a very steady, pleasant fragrance that isn't wild and isn't overwhelming.<br />
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I took the first sip... Marvellous! Taste almost as wonderful as a few disc of my 2002/2004 tea (will share more on separate posts).<br />
Maturity wise, isn't that "overly-matured", still have some raw after-taste, but seriously, for a less than 5 years tea, couldn't have expect anything more than this.<br />
The taste is sweet, pleasant, not overwhelming, not too strong. It didn't lose too much of its pu'er-ness of the tea (interestingly some "overly-matured" tea totally lose it) yet it is comfortably smooth. As mentioned, it DOES have a raw after-taste but isn't strong that it can easily be ignored by having the next cup. I feel it is matured to just-right condition to start drinking.<br />
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It is really satisfying. And even thou the price gone up 3 times compared to the price i bought it at, i seriously think it worth the price. But would i buy them at the current price?... maybe not for me. But for those who don't really have a wide collection of past stocks, it is worth the purchasing. After all, the dragon disc is a limited edition in celebration of the year of Dragon during 2012. The next one might have to wait till 2024.<br />
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Here is the remains of the tea leaves after all the brewing...<br />
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Here goes my rating...<br />
Colour/色: mature orange<br />
Fragrance/香:steady and comfortable, not overwhelming<br />
Taste/味道: sweet and matured (a pleasant surprise that it matured so much faster than a lot of other tea i had)<br />
After Taste/回味: pleasant after taste with nice lingering of the sweetness.<br />
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sustainable brewing/耐泡: average.<br />
Looking forward for next brew: Yes.<br />
extra notes: The tea was kept in Singapore for 4 years intentionally exposed to air to ferment, that could be the reason it matured so much faster.<br />
But again, I don't have a disc that I kept in China or other climate to compare the differences.<br />
Neither did i open the disc to try earlier years to monitor it maturing.<br />
So if you do have something to share, please share to let us know how you find your Dragon-disc? And leave us some keynotes to compare?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com4Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-79732218276392804182016-04-14T19:00:00.000+08:002016-04-15T12:46:33.936+08:00Sweet Talk over Tea... My "Affair" With Tea.It’s being awhile since my last posting. Was trying very hard to shed some weight but never got the chance to really do some serious exercising. Beside the procrastination to exercise, watching my diet isn’t really that easy too especially with irregular eating hours and meals over late night after closing of my little lolly shop.<br />
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For a start, I got myself active again in drinking tea. In comparison to last few years, I slowed down with lots of hobby and activities... including my hobby of tea drinking; due to busy period when I just started my first ever retail shop in my life.<br />
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Knowing the health benefit of drinking tea as well as the weight-control benefit of tea, I happily started back this habit once again. Moreover, nothing beats a nice pot of warm tea at the end of a hard day at work. Great pleasure of enjoying tea while writing a blog, handling admin and replying emails. Beside the fragrance from the tea that brings calmness and peace to my soul, the wonderful taste of the tea and the act of brewing the tea is pretty therapeutic.<br />
Brewing Tea slows down my pace of life and makes me start to enjoy and appreciate little details around me.<br />
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Started this habit of drinking tea since few years ago while working in China (Yes, almost the most prime years of my life were spent in China). Got myself drinking all sort of tea but only seriously got myself into Pu’er Tea around 2011/2012 when i started to “collect” the pu’er tea instead of plainly drinking them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A very small portion of what i collecting.</td></tr>
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I saw some of the Pu'er (普洱) tea i collected in early years soar in prices, some two to three times its original price when I bought them a few years ago. For some, it just take a few months, from a tea a commoner such as me can enjoy, becoming a precious delicacy only the rich can afford to drink. It isn't for no reason why in China, Pu'er (普洱) tea often associated with 土豪 (a term used to describe the rich locals; usu with little education and very often, owns many plots of land in the most prime area).<br />
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Another reason i like about Pu’er tea is its lasting properties that i can keep and store them many years without really having an expiring date to speak of.<br />
Beside Pu’er Tea, i collected a lot of liquors and liqueurs too. My whole kitchen cabinets are filled with my liquors, interesting liqueurs and some wines collected all these years.<br />
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I have interesting stuff such as Organic Banana milk liqueurs among the collection. But sad to say, after a few years, the milk contents just doesn’t work out well.<br />
Contradictory to what a lot believes that wine will be more expensive if older… to be honest… only some good (and often expensive) wine ages well in bottles. And a lot of my wine collection simply goes to waste because of keeping too long. Of course, i have a lot of whiskey, cognacs in my collection too, and yes, they don’t expired but neither would they become much better in years to come (hard liquor usu aged in barrels instead of the glass bottles).<br />
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Pu’er (普洱) is one kind of tea leaves that not just don’t expires, it gets better and better & it get more valuable as years go by. From some information found on the internet, you can see some of these old-tea (老茶) selling at prices as high as 2 million RMB for one disc!!!<br />
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One reason behind the appreciating value of Pu’er is the fact that it is lightly fermented or fermented. And it will continues to ferment itself in years to come. What makes it interesting also the weather, the ambiences, the environment and the region it is being kept and stored, all contributes to the fermenting process, making its taste less predictable in years to come.<br />
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Beside the affection towards tea, i also have a strong affection towards the pots used to brew the tea.<br />
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And inevitably, I fell in love with zisha pots (紫砂壶) during the pursue of brewing a good cup of tea.<br />
I always find it amazing that how these mud are being used, under the craftsmanship of the potter, transforming literally from “dirt” to “gold”.<br />
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Being a handmade candy maker myself, i always feel that people eventually will want to find the roots of everything we see, use and eat; Wanting to know how things are being created, starting from their origin to the finishing. Eventually people will realized handcrafted items, rise above those machine-made ones. There exists this element of sincerity and a natural touch of the product itself which machine cannot imitate. These are the x-factors we always craved for, factors missing in products made in the factory in this industralization-era, where everyone talking about productivity.<br />
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I believe every pot have a story to tell. When we getting a pot, it is not just the pot we bring back. It comes with a story and maybe a small history behind every pot. These stories sometimes reveal itself clearly the moment we found them, for some, it is about a journey of slow discovery.<br />
Because of this passion with pots, i went for my pilgrimage to Yixing (中国宜兴; China) earlier this year, to the land of Zisha Pots (紫砂壶).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Legendary 古龙窑 where lots of famous pots are being baked into the final products.</td></tr>
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Will share more on my tea collection and my pots collection in the blogs to come. Be sure to watch out my blog as I really have a lot to share.<br />
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With this, i am going to start blogging more on "tea" in coming days. Based on a simple structure I am going to use. My Tea-blog (beside the other lifestyle blog i having) basically divide itself into these categories…<br />
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1. Sweet Man Talking about Tea (My story with tea) 甜蜜茶语<br />
- Example like this introduction, it touches on my personal story between me and my journey in tea drinking. Occasionally a few facts here and there, but the focus will always be an expression of my love (or hate) towards my tea.<br />
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2. Tea Tasting with Sweet Man 品茶<br />
- This type of blog touches on various tea i am enjoying recently, sharing with you some of my personal opinion as well as my findings on the tea I drinking. Hopefully i will come out with a template too in gauging the colour, taste, after-taste of the tea. I will let it naturally form in these blogs to come.<br />
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3. Tea knowledge Sharing 知茶<br />
- This section share with you some knowledge, or i should say limited knowledge of what i know about Tea. Some could be simply digested what i Google-ed and Baidu-ed, and translate them into layman terms with my limited command of English. Feel free to correct me if what i wrote could be non-factual or wrong. ermmm… i am a human too… i can be mislead and made mistakes, k?<br />
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4. Tea Brewing knowledge 泡茶<br />
- Will share with you some of the tea brewing techniques & knowledge so that you can start brewing your cup of tea no matter where and with what you have with you. You will realised every steps and procedure is so “human”. After demystify some of the steps, you will soon realised, there isn’t any excessive elegancy we are talking about here when it comes to my sharing on tea brewing. Can't deny there are lots of<br />
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5. Tea Industry Sharing 茶商<br />
- This type of blog touches on various brands of tea and findings with small writeup and findings i have about the development of the tea industry. And again, if anything i wrote is not correct, do feel free to approach me via email as I am learning too.<br />
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6. Tea Pot Collection 壶说<br />
- This type of blog will touches on my collection of tea pots. Not a big collection i having, but enough to write quite a few blogs thou. Will share a bit on the potter who handcrafted them too.<br />
Hopefully this type of blog will grow to feature some of other friends’ tea pots too in time to come! If i have enough information and time, will share with you guys some legendary masters.<br />
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With this… i will end my introduction on my upcoming blogs to keep you in suspend! To find out more about Tea… remember to check out my blog once again?! Hopefully the next blog will not wait for another year?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com1Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-45168742584225488392015-04-15T16:34:00.001+08:002015-04-15T16:39:09.743+08:00FAT Man Talking... not sweet.<div style="text-align: center;">
It's being a while i decided to blog again. Still remember <a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/2014/06/izzati-motivation-on-how-i-started-my.html" target="_blank">how I was inspired to start blogging</a> because a staff cum friend, despite having terminal cancer, she still press on in accomplish what she wants to accomplish in life. And this time round, my inspiration to blog is no other but our Singapore's founding father Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cOx5teUZrI/VS4UOjGfapI/AAAAAAAAAbY/P4nAmOK0PGI/s1600/ja1exercise263e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cOx5teUZrI/VS4UOjGfapI/AAAAAAAAAbY/P4nAmOK0PGI/s1600/ja1exercise263e.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Lee Kuan Yew jogging. Photo source: Straits Time</td></tr>
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Watching some of his documentary and realized how hard working he was to keep healthy. Be it swimming, stationary bikes or even jogging. Also chance upon one part of the documentary where someone mentioned he gave up his favourite golf for some other exercises that scientifically proven better for cardiovascular; telling us how much he is willing to cross his comfort zone to stay healthy.</div>
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All these reminded me on how lazy I am at times when it comes to keep fit; always finding all sorts of excuses that includes "walking to kitchen to get my can of beer from fridge" as a form of "exercise". </div>
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That links me back to what my post title is... FAT Man Talking is not Sweet (at all)! I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT!!!!</div>
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Those that knows me for many years realized how rubber band my weight can get. This was me in my early teens...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q0-vl6N0sw/VS4Vz8F96hI/AAAAAAAAAbk/MtV-Hi3VZfs/s1600/mky-teens%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q0-vl6N0sw/VS4Vz8F96hI/AAAAAAAAAbk/MtV-Hi3VZfs/s1600/mky-teens%2Bcopy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And interestingly, during my "prime" years, my waist line reaches 32, still 6 inches far more than Karl's Lagerfeld view of perfection of 26, but I was really happy with that achievement...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzVWBss5HY8/U6MDVXu-yeI/AAAAAAAAAFg/rFKtqdXIBqc/s1600/228529_5983844553_226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzVWBss5HY8/U6MDVXu-yeI/AAAAAAAAAFg/rFKtqdXIBqc/s1600/228529_5983844553_226_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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When i just open my little lolly shop near my neighborhood, my body weight was comfortable, BMI considered healthy but not perfect....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJm3hdd9fzo/VS4WjZzF0QI/AAAAAAAAAbs/5zyRLfIz1RM/s1600/316993_10151667439719554_135368537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJm3hdd9fzo/VS4WjZzF0QI/AAAAAAAAAbs/5zyRLfIz1RM/s1600/316993_10151667439719554_135368537_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken during grand opening of LollyTalk<br />
with my friend Jeffery</td></tr>
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Life is not always a bed of vegetables... sometimes you lose it, sometimes you gain it.. including weight.</div>
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Just within 2 years, my body weight gained 25kg (stop guessing my weight now... so embarrassing).</div>
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Some says it is due to the lollies i being eating, but seriously, I know deep inside what happened...</div>
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1. Lack of serious cardio-exercise. Yes, making candy is energy consuming, and it makes me more hungry than ever. Tends to eat more than required.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XOhS7DvLdE/VS4Y8INYzFI/AAAAAAAAAb4/WLKFOlk_xc8/s1600/eatingatbacklane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XOhS7DvLdE/VS4Y8INYzFI/AAAAAAAAAb4/WLKFOlk_xc8/s1600/eatingatbacklane.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a feast at the back lane of my little lolly shop</td></tr>
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2. Long hours of "forgetting to eat" hence "Bruncherper" (breakfast cum lunch cum dinner cum supper) isn't that healthy. Not sure if the late night hours affect me too?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaNpODCXmiI/U6F4dMCRcII/AAAAAAAAADA/LfeHJBGsjng/s1600/zati-supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaNpODCXmiI/U6F4dMCRcII/AAAAAAAAADA/LfeHJBGsjng/s1600/zati-supper.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. My hobby of experimenting with food and the habit of not wanting to waste food... These two don't goes well together.</div>
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4. Travelling to places like Penang, Kuching, Muar, JB... errrr... Can figured out what happened during those trips?</div>
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5. Habit of snacking (I was chatting with my blogger friend <a href="http://www.cookieologic.com/" target="_blank">Cookies</a> while blogging and she asking me to control my food, I was basically snacking while she says that to me)...<br />
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Honestly, I didn't really noticed of my own weight gain at first (or maybe I should say I wasn't worried at first?) until i had an interview last year with MediaCorp Channel U...</div>
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When I look at the footages over the TV, I see a FAT Man Talking.... not sweet.</div>
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I have gained so much weight just after two years, and this was me at MediaCorp Suria Channel, just years ago...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeDtFxuLrZQ/VS4dOU3sw7I/AAAAAAAAAcg/xje8mRbJcX0/s1600/mky-suria-channel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeDtFxuLrZQ/VS4dOU3sw7I/AAAAAAAAAcg/xje8mRbJcX0/s1600/mky-suria-channel.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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And so.... I decided it is time that i should take my weight back into control.</div>
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In coming blogs, i going to share more and more what I am going to do and what I am doing (or maybe what I am not doing) to keep my weight in control. I being procrastinated to write this blog, worrying that this will come back to haunt me in coming days if my weight goes up further... but... like all great politicians who strive to remain transparent, I need to let public to scrutinise me on my journey to lose weight too! Not that people cares... but by sharing, hopefully I can inspire someone too to achieve that something special you always wanted to do?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-72533378188922945222014-09-05T21:38:00.002+08:002014-09-05T21:46:02.428+08:00Doraemon 100 Secret Gadgets Expo Grand launch at City Square, Johor Bahru, Malaysia....<div style="text-align: center;">
Due to my little lolly shop upcoming projects, was being invited to the grand launching of Doraemon 100 Secret Gadgets Expo at Johor Bahru City Square. Very honoured indeed to witness such an amazing opening. Got into JB early afternoon with my group of kakis from my little lolly shop.<br />
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And we were greeted with a very beautiful goodie bag with nice goodies at the door...</div>
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The Grand opening was filled with people from media to celebrities...</div>
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The grand launching event started with a long speech by the officials </div>
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(if memory serves me well, he is the minister of trade for Johor Bahru?)...</div>
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After his long speech in three languages, all the guests artists and ambassadors of the Expo were being invited onto the stage...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4bqk-pL1OU/VAiHOdWXZvI/AAAAAAAAAV4/ESmYg1n1atQ/s1600/doraemon-stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4bqk-pL1OU/VAiHOdWXZvI/AAAAAAAAAV4/ESmYg1n1atQ/s1600/doraemon-stars.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the event cannot be completed without... </div>
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Doraemon and his friends!...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJooo84eT4I/VAiIsmyCZ6I/AAAAAAAAAWM/Sjm4TuAbEzI/s1600/doraemon-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJooo84eT4I/VAiIsmyCZ6I/AAAAAAAAAWM/Sjm4TuAbEzI/s1600/doraemon-01.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGI_st4Ffis/VAiIjdsRnYI/AAAAAAAAAWE/u1Tb0lQ99AE/s1600/doraemon-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGI_st4Ffis/VAiIjdsRnYI/AAAAAAAAAWE/u1Tb0lQ99AE/s1600/doraemon-02.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
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And it happens to be Doraemon's birthday too hence the cake cutting ceremony....</div>
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they also gave out gifts to less privilege during the grand launching ceremony....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYOQy57r8bQ/VAiK6XYpFlI/AAAAAAAAAWg/F-GTYLxZBKQ/s1600/doraemon-cakegiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYOQy57r8bQ/VAiK6XYpFlI/AAAAAAAAAWg/F-GTYLxZBKQ/s1600/doraemon-cakegiving.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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And these became the highlight of the Grand Launching too.</div>
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After the grand launching, all of us are invited to have a tour at the exhibition area. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSvVMuVVUqM/VAmuYT58GzI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kBUPpt296z0/s1600/doraemon-100-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSvVMuVVUqM/VAmuYT58GzI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kBUPpt296z0/s1600/doraemon-100-30.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Greeted us at the exhibition hall is the amazing "任意门" being the first gadget of the show...</div>
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For those familiar with Doraemon's story, this is a super gadget Doraemon always uses! It supposed to be able to teleport everyone from one place to another who walk pass the door....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8djKgINpPnY/VAiOCjvqRGI/AAAAAAAAAWs/bB4wXg5t7rs/s1600/doraemon-100-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8djKgINpPnY/VAiOCjvqRGI/AAAAAAAAAWs/bB4wXg5t7rs/s1600/doraemon-100-01.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Was an amazing experience seeing more than one hundred Doraemon each with a gadget that does amazing thing.</div>
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Of course the expression of every Doraemon also cheer people up easily...</div>
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Was trying to take all the 100 doreamon one at a time...</div>
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But the photo taking of the stationary figures quickly stopped as the moving ones start entering into the expo one after another!!!....</div>
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Doraemon is not just moving, but interacting with the crowd too with a lively characters that stays true to the story...</div>
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Had a fun time playing with Doraemon! </div>
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Everyone in the crowd too. All the kids just couldn't resist teasing the short and round Doraemon that have various mischievous behaviours while interacting with the kids...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-earMn99-6io/VAmhr0BdYOI/AAAAAAAAAXs/ZsCMRN3aB4U/s1600/doraemon-100-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-earMn99-6io/VAmhr0BdYOI/AAAAAAAAAXs/ZsCMRN3aB4U/s1600/doraemon-100-08.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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If that isn't enough fun, the rest of Doraemon's friends are all appearing one after another, all ready to have photos taken with....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jp8DC0Tf6cs/VAmiWb7FT7I/AAAAAAAAAX0/ivONv-eEKnk/s1600/doraemon-100-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jp8DC0Tf6cs/VAmiWb7FT7I/AAAAAAAAAX0/ivONv-eEKnk/s1600/doraemon-100-09.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3LxDEHdRHs/VAmiqviIsUI/AAAAAAAAAX8/INNT5TBiHUs/s1600/doraemon-100-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3LxDEHdRHs/VAmiqviIsUI/AAAAAAAAAX8/INNT5TBiHUs/s1600/doraemon-100-10.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
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Along the way, we spotted some celebrities together with Doraemon's friends!</div>
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We spotted the famous group "The Freshman" (插班生).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuYzYjZXhp8/VAmjVF4xB0I/AAAAAAAAAYE/2A7zkJ8KVVw/s1600/doraemon-100-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuYzYjZXhp8/VAmjVF4xB0I/AAAAAAAAAYE/2A7zkJ8KVVw/s1600/doraemon-100-11.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Carrie Yeo and Chen Diya make up the Freshman. The girls met in 2007 at the audition for “Project Superstar II”, a nation-wide singing talent search competition organised by some local television station and emerged the top two winners of the female category. Forging a friendship in their rivalry, they continued their dogged pursuit in their common dream – singing.</span></div>
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To find out more about "The Freshman", check this out...</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">插</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">班生=陳迪雅+楊佳盈<br /><a href="http://thefreshman.com.sg/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://thefreshman.com.sg/</a></span></div>
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These two ladies are very friendly and down to earth (很接地气哦)... couldn't resist to take photos with them too who are both adorable and friendly enough to play along every photo!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hr9u9rHqam0/VAmlYL-J-tI/AAAAAAAAAYM/k4QWIu_UaUI/s1600/doraemon-100-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hr9u9rHqam0/VAmlYL-J-tI/AAAAAAAAAYM/k4QWIu_UaUI/s1600/doraemon-100-12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Beside "The Freshman" (插班生), it was a star-filled day too with Malaysia upcoming singing Group Fu Ying & Sam...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4NTFp5KADg/VAmmN_5PDVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/tFpcvQ8cfZw/s1600/doraemon-100-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4NTFp5KADg/VAmmN_5PDVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/tFpcvQ8cfZw/s1600/doraemon-100-13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As well as the famous DJ cum actor cum director... Lin De Rong (林德荣)</div>
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He looks so amazingly charming, without rejecting anyone who wanted to have photo taken with him.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r93lI--h_7E/VAmnZdF4qlI/AAAAAAAAAYc/FKLYCGfuHbE/s1600/doraemon-100-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r93lI--h_7E/VAmnZdF4qlI/AAAAAAAAAYc/FKLYCGfuHbE/s1600/doraemon-100-14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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As we were all guests invited to the expo, we all spend some time shopping together at the merchandise area and we witness how long it takes for him to just buy a t-shirt when the stream of fans coming one after another to have photo taken with him non-stop. And yes... he didn't reject even one although I can guess how much he would want to get his shopping done and proceed to refreshment!!!</div>
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And the event was a fun one also because of the friends who went together with me</div>
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(also the team of ambassadors who help out with <a href="http://www.lollytalk.com/" target="_blank">my little lolly shop</a> for the past year)...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIom5XK9_Ko/VAmq16aMWhI/AAAAAAAAAYk/CEsH38lF6kw/s1600/doraemon-100-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIom5XK9_Ko/VAmq16aMWhI/AAAAAAAAAYk/CEsH38lF6kw/s1600/doraemon-100-15.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Had lots of photos taken with Joey & Wee Liang in different settings in the exhibition...</div>
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After all the photo taking is done at the exhibition, just when everyone thought the fun might just end there.... we choose to end the outing with a nice coffee at the Doraemon Cafe!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVhzimtvRXE/VAmuwtB12YI/AAAAAAAAAZs/0nYoVoh9Hiw/s1600/doraemon-100-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVhzimtvRXE/VAmuwtB12YI/AAAAAAAAAZs/0nYoVoh9Hiw/s1600/doraemon-100-31.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Although it a temporary fixture instead of a full cafe, it does serve a good variety of Doraemon theme snacks. Including the "gadget" memory bread (记忆面包)...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgpfCWsUbXA/VAmvNbTAONI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/lkAZr5usLHM/s1600/doraemon-100-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgpfCWsUbXA/VAmvNbTAONI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/lkAZr5usLHM/s1600/doraemon-100-33.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We ordered some of the wonderful snacks based on the menu available, but if you were to ask me tp give a rating based on the food and beverages, i would only give it a 2/5.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_5Ck4NY1Fw/VAmwwcu0LzI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/G_09YaZ-uVQ/s1600/doraemon-100-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_5Ck4NY1Fw/VAmwwcu0LzI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/G_09YaZ-uVQ/s1600/doraemon-100-38.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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But we do have some bonus point (加分题) given...</div>
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The wonderful companions that shared the coffee and pastries after a fun day of photo taking gives us another 1 point to the Doraemon cafe, so it is 3/5, making it a just pass rating!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfhKu6dBqYU/VAmwxUH48SI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/0OdUyxCD6hg/s1600/doraemon-100-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfhKu6dBqYU/VAmwxUH48SI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/0OdUyxCD6hg/s1600/doraemon-100-39.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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As for the overall experience of the Expo... Is a "must go" if you are a Doraemon fan.</div>
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For more information, check this out...</div>
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<a href="http://www.100doraemon.com/" target="_blank">http://www.100doraemon.com</a></div>
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Event<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>: 100 Doraemon Secret Gadgets Expo Grand Launching<o:p></o:p></div>
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Date <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>: 3 September 2014 (Wednesday) </div>
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Exhibition starts from 30th Aug 2014 till 4th Jan 2015. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-19875438890343722014-07-20T14:18:00.000+08:002014-07-20T23:02:50.213+08:00Polygram forever .. 19th July Concert in Singapore...<div style="text-align: center;">
All thanks to my friend <b>Tang Yu Xuan (<span style="font-family: 'Heiti SC Light'; font-size: 12px;">唐玉璇</span>)</b>, managed to get a ticket to go watch Polygram Forever 2014 at Singapore Indoor Stadium. </div>
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Is an one night only concert in Singapore... another word, if you miss it... you missed it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFCJQebrnKc/U8qgVYoW6RI/AAAAAAAAASE/ZQVzPOUzSfU/s1600/Polygram+Sg+Concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFCJQebrnKc/U8qgVYoW6RI/AAAAAAAAASE/ZQVzPOUzSfU/s1600/Polygram+Sg+Concert.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Reach around 8 pm just before the concert starts...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0S8BPimgQi4/U8qg0dPkbvI/AAAAAAAAASU/xrLO407RaEk/s1600/01-tickets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0S8BPimgQi4/U8qg0dPkbvI/AAAAAAAAASU/xrLO407RaEk/s1600/01-tickets.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And managed to catch <b>Yu Xuan</b> inside the hall. Those who grew up listening to XinYao (新谣) will have noticed Yu Xuan's beautiful and smooth vocals in many of the Xin Yao era songs such as 《细水长流》. Currently Yu Xuan runs her own vocal school ETC Music, with a group of passionate and professionals vocal instructors cum performing singers. If you want to build your singing on the right note and start your hobby with a firm foundation, you should check out I.C.E., which is ETC Music's unique teaching methodology...</div>
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<a href="http://www.etcmusicworks.com/">http://www.etcmusicworks.com/</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoetO4pc5XM/U8qgw7bf2MI/AAAAAAAAASQ/-YAxoOamADY/s1600/02-yuxuan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoetO4pc5XM/U8qgw7bf2MI/AAAAAAAAASQ/-YAxoOamADY/s1600/02-yuxuan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Waiting eagerly for the concert to start like a little kid, going around taking photos with familiar faces. Also a night for catching up with old friends who otherwise would't have a chance to meet them with all our busy schedules.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCDi5JmBXUw/U8qhcfhTD-I/AAAAAAAAASc/zJowWQOSH8E/s1600/03-polygram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCDi5JmBXUw/U8qhcfhTD-I/AAAAAAAAASc/zJowWQOSH8E/s1600/03-polygram.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Hall wasn't fully filled. But the spirit was high. Just too much nice singers we longing to watch on stage...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uGmdRtqtP6o/U8tYg37gi5I/AAAAAAAAASs/86DIdXkE84U/s1600/05-polygramforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uGmdRtqtP6o/U8tYg37gi5I/AAAAAAAAASs/86DIdXkE84U/s1600/05-polygramforever.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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For people who grew up in the 80s (like me), can't deny how much Polygram's music affected our life and inspires our teenage-hood with those touching lyrics and familiar canto pop songs of that era. I still remember having a few Polygram compilation CDs purchased at some fast food chain (Was it McDonald or was it Burger King?) with a weekly release of a different compilation you can purchase with any meals. And in these compilation, you can "sample" nice songs from all different Polygram's Queens and Kings of that time.<br />
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The first to come on stage for the night was <b>Shirley Kwan (關淑怡)</b>. </div>
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She still looks very amazing after all these years and she maintained her figure very well (much better than me maintaining mine...ermm....). She did matured a little bit than before but her charisma never reduces. She still giving out that diva aura when she sings on the stage. And if you think that looks is all she maintained, wait till she open her voice and sing.</div>
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She opened the night with big bang and did proud to the whole Polygram's team that follows. She indeed secured her position as one of the influencial vocal of Polygram during her era.</div>
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Something new to me being revealed by her tonight... Shirley mentioned that this is her first time performing in Singapore!!! Makes me wonder, will i regret if i didn't come tonight... i could have missed this moment watching her singing live in Singapore. And her coming tonight is also fulfilling a long awaited dreams for a lot of her Singapore's fans. Tonight, among the singers, Shirley Kwan still toppled everyone, having the best"feel" in handling her songs.</div>
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As Shirely was the first to start off the night, never expected her to stop just after a few songs. And seems like the audience just started warming up, she is leaving the stage, passing the baton to <b>Daniel Chan (陈晓东)</b>...</div>
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Sincerely, he still looks charming as ever, in fact age didn't really leave much traces on his appearance. Indeed he again proven himself as the idol singer (偶像歌手) of our era.... And yes, he maintained to be just an idol singer without much improvement in his vocal too. But again, comparing to the idol-style singers of this generation, he is doing very well, at least he can sing live. At least I enjoyed through his whole segment without feeling bored.... (unlike some other singer's concert i went awhile ago, i could not even finished 30 minutes and i have to walk out of the indoor stadium regretted spending my MRT tickets for going!!! oh... don't ask me who, k?)</div>
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What happened next can also be mentioned as a major highlight of the whole evening... he walked down the stage, try to interact with his fans after he got a bouquet of flowers from his fans... </div>
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His coming down the stage did created a little bit hoo-haa with all the young and old ladies all rushing to the front (ermmm... and a few uncles too), and caught the security off guard... and look... I managed to take a photo with him....</div>
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errr... too far right? hehehe....</div>
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I think his act of coming close to his fans is really a good move. Nowadays, the Chinese always uses a term "接地气" to describe someone being down to earth. And he live up to that description.</div>
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After Daniel Chan, the handsome lad of the 90s, next comes the demure lady (玉女派) of the 90s... <b>Linda Wong (<span style="font-family: 'Heiti SC Light'; font-size: 12px;">王馨平</span>)</b>. </div>
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Gained a little bit of weight which I do understand, but she still looks as demure as she was in the 90s. This is the first time hearing her singing live... she did surprised me with her vocal, never expected she can sing so well since she never being singing for a long while ever since her marriage. But what surprises me more, is that she is such a sweet talker. Can talk so well to keep the audience captivated. Did tease around with words at a few uncles and she keep testing water, asking if we will be supporting her if she comes again.</div>
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And also to helping her to relay some messages... she was telling us that she is happily married. Nothing wrong with her marriage too. She is asking us not to speculate why she making a comes back, returning to the music scene. She also says after a long break, she realised she really loves singing.</div>
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And it is also a nice feeling to listen to her singing "别问我是谁" live since that is her signature piece. She did some new improvisation to the song towards the end part, making the song more relevant to the current music taste. And she is the only singer tonight that sing until herself in tears, showing us the emotional part of this "old demure lady" (老玉女). Overall can really see she is a sincere lady with a very sweet tongue. Will I buy her new release? Given her sincerity displayed on the stage tonight... maybe I will.</div>
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After Linda, here comes.... the highly anticipated <b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Tat Ming Pair (</span>达明一派)</b>. OMG... they are so cool...</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">"Tat Ming Pair is a Hong Kong singing group, which consists of Anthony Wong Yiu Ming, lead singer, and Tats Lau, guitarist and composer. The group was formed in 1985 and enjoyed success until 1990 when the group decided to disband." </span></div>
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Occasionally we still do see them sing together but never expect to see the two real persons live in Singapore. </div>
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They started their segment with very "high" electro music (电子音乐), together with very beautiful syncronised lightings as well as Anthony's funky stage charisma is really overwhelming. The style and mood are upbeat and really very "黄耀明" style... bringing up the whole mood of the night to a new height. </div>
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Couldn't stop laughing when seeing Tats Lau (刘以达) on stage. If you wondering who is Tats Lau (刘以达)....</div>
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You couldn't imagine behind this funny man that appears in so many comedy is really a very talented guitarist and composers who wrote almost all the songs of the early years of Tat Ming Pair. Even thou nowadays the lime light is alway on Anthony Wong (黄耀明) due to his active promoting of Gays rights, Tats Lau still proven to be charismatic in his own way on the stage (with his tummy, his guitar, and his funny mono-tone when he talks). I still laughing when i writing this blog thinking back his funny moments.</div>
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Anthony Wong basically owns the whole stage and got the whole stadium into his retro electron music. </div>
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For a 52 year old man, I must salute him for really well maintained and yet having a strong stage presence and super attractive showmanship. He still have that charm after all these years... or maybe the charm comes as he aged?</div>
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The finale of the night was the segment by <b>Priscilla Chan (陈慧娴).</b> </div>
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She came out with a brand new image... her 6-inch heels (which she having difficulty balancing and walking) with a very sexy dress and a golden hair. </div>
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Completely different from the Priscilla Chan fans used to know her during the 80s/90s. She didn't really catch me by surprise because I did watched her interview on TVBS entertainment news recently. She is also at the same time planning her world tour after her HK concert (who she invite Sally Yap [叶倩文] as her guest star). After a sudden disappearance after her marriage, she currently signed back under Polygram and announced her comeback during the concert. </div>
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Excited about her coming back while admire her courage to do so after such a long break. Some says she should stop during her peak, but again, if being in the music industry for almost 30 years makes her still wanting to continue her passion, why not? She claim she is going to sing till she is 70 year old, and i hope i be still around to witness to that.</div>
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And only tonight i realised... her birthday is same as mine! And she is turning 49 this coming birthday.</div>
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Tonight she continuously bringing us a few of her signature songs and of course, my favourite "Silly Girl" (傻女). </div>
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Really nice experience hearing her singing this song live given the fact that I never had a chance to hear her singing this song live... but if one expecting the same "feel" as what you saw on the karaoke mtv, you might be disappointed. As Priscilla matures, her interpretation of the song matures as well. And with her recent new image, it gives the song "Silly Girl" another new meaning.</div>
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While <b>Priscilla Chan (陈慧娴)</b> did managed to end the night with a high note, the only regret for most of us who went to the concert would have being the fact that the Polygram's singers didn't do a group singing at the end which we highly anticipating. It would be really nice to see the ex-Polygrams singers hand holding hand to sing some classics like "Friends"(朋友). </div>
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Nevertheless, is really a night of wonderful experience given the fact that its Shirley Kwan's first time doing a show in Singapore, witnessing Daniel Chan getting up close with his fans (and have my photos taken with him from a distance..hehhee....), hearing Linda Wong humorous sharing and emotional singing in tears, watching Tat Mings Pair jumping all over on the stage reminding us that we can still be charming at 52 and last but not least... listening to Pricilla Chan singing live <<傻女>> in Singapore (and realising we both shared the same same birthday). It could also be the only chance... as mentioned at the start of this blog ... This is a concert that if you miss it, you missed it.</div>
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<b>What Event?</b>: Polygram Forever, Live Concert in Singapore</div>
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<b>When it happened?</b>: 19th July 2014</div>
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<b>Where it happened?</b>: Singapore Indoor Stadium</div>
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<b>Who?: </b></div>
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<b>Shirley Kwan </b>(关淑怡)</div>
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<b>Daniel Chan</b>(陈晓东)</div>
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<b>Linda Wong</b> (黄馨平)</div>
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<b>Tat Ming Pair</b> (达明一派;刘以达+黄耀明)</div>
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<b>Priscilla Chan</b> (陈慧娴)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-24422767979948813702014-07-15T13:21:00.000+08:002014-07-15T21:48:11.580+08:00Newly opened "LAO GUAY BU KOPI TIAM" in my little neighbourhood...Recent years, there are a lot of new developments around my little neighborhood. I am blessed to stay at a place surrounded by lots of good food & famous eateries in Singapore (no... not Geylang, but not too far from Geylang too). It will takes me few months to cover all these nice eateries in my little neighbourhood if I were to post a blog a day on one place each day... what makes it even more interesting is the number of new interesting eateries, cafe, restaurants all sprouting out one after another during these years... just to make my little neighbourhood even more colourful and happening!<br />
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By now, you must be very curious where is my little neighbourhood?<br />
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I stay around <b>Rangoon Road</b>, and the infamous Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh (who last time refused to serve the Hong Kong Governor that wanted to dine during non-operating hours) is just walking distance from my place. At one end of Rangoon Road, we have Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh (bought over by Jambo recent years)... and right on the other end of Rangoon is what I blogging today.<br />
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Along Rangoon Road and around my little neighbourhood, we have many interesting eateries and cafe too which I will try to blog my discoveries in days ahead on my little neighbourhood and things I feel worth to look out for. You might not even aware, around my little neighbourhood, we a have many award winning housing estates gardens too (National Parks' Community in Bloom 2014 Awards; Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamand awards winners all come from my little neighbourhood!)<br />
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Last Sunday, I happened to chance upon a newly opened cafe at<b> 88 Rangoon Road</b>.<br />
Known as <b>"OLD HEN COFFEE BAR" </b>and was just the 2nd day of its opening the day i visited. Was passing by the cafe before I head down to my little lolly shop....<br />
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Being a very<strike> kapo man</strike>... erm... i mean being a very responsible grassroots leader of my little neighbourhood, I decided to go into this newly opened cafe to take a look and check it out...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpNL0BbavdM/U8QR4973p6I/AAAAAAAAAQY/xbqwRUvW8z0/s1600/oldhen-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpNL0BbavdM/U8QR4973p6I/AAAAAAAAAQY/xbqwRUvW8z0/s1600/oldhen-03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The whole place is brightly led by natural sunlight beaming thru the glass panel frontage. (Which also explains why I couldn't get a nice photo from the front view of the cafe with the reflections of the glass panels). The walls are pretty much unfurnished with high ceilings, and the wooden surfaces of the bar counter and table tops gives the whole place a warm feel in contrast with the otherwise cold and minimalistic ambience. Without much distractions from the no frills deco, the moment you stepped in, very fast the focus falls on... the people...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fgjt70A0u4/U8QRwrTQwnI/AAAAAAAAAPw/lJx3A_czXxg/s1600/barista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fgjt70A0u4/U8QRwrTQwnI/AAAAAAAAAPw/lJx3A_czXxg/s1600/barista.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
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You can see the barista takes his job very seriously with his coffee...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0GJBDheP-0/U8QR-M9PpAI/AAAAAAAAAQs/UATTZ29AWIo/s1600/weighpowder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0GJBDheP-0/U8QR-M9PpAI/AAAAAAAAAQs/UATTZ29AWIo/s1600/weighpowder.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
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Weighing every single brew. The precision shown not just on the weighting, but also on the little details these guys put in when operating their coffee machines and also the effort put into the choosing of their beans. </div>
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They have quite a good selection of beans here available to buy back to brew yourself.</div>
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And this is what they chosen for me after knowing I want a kopi-O and one kopi....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hK1HfrOUL9M/U8QRyle3HZI/AAAAAAAAAP4/x8HUyXC_CHs/s1600/coffeepowder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hK1HfrOUL9M/U8QRyle3HZI/AAAAAAAAAP4/x8HUyXC_CHs/s1600/coffeepowder.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
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I was given the Brazilian arabic beans. Although not completely to my liking for the Long Black due to the overwhelming acidity of the Brazilian beans....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wM_Ztq7DEEk/U8QR3Ud15II/AAAAAAAAAQM/Dy0-1xHEPHM/s1600/longblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wM_Ztq7DEEk/U8QR3Ud15II/AAAAAAAAAQM/Dy0-1xHEPHM/s1600/longblack.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
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but it goes pretty well for the latte, having the milk does reduce some of its acidity.</div>
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The barista did put in some effort to do up the coffee art too.</div>
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Not the best coffee art i have seen but I can sense the sincerity in getting this done....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feSbqDvSw4w/U8QR3ptOJVI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Dbg9As3T5zA/s1600/latte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feSbqDvSw4w/U8QR3ptOJVI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Dbg9As3T5zA/s1600/latte.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
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The nutty fragrance of the beans did gives the whole coffee a nice finishing and the aroma just makes me longing for a cake to go along with the coffee...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ejTsgffoGI/U8QRzU4jXDI/AAAAAAAAAQA/gi1i2dM91Ac/s1600/earlgreycakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ejTsgffoGI/U8QRzU4jXDI/AAAAAAAAAQA/gi1i2dM91Ac/s1600/earlgreycakes.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have chosen an Earl Grey cake. Honestly, not much choices since the boss mentioned most of the food was almost completely wiped off since yesterday's opening. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyoSjjmsc9M/U8S0S_w1WJI/AAAAAAAAARo/kFFAdn0xyeA/s1600/10523910_312429148933817_2639911633273945887_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyoSjjmsc9M/U8S0S_w1WJI/AAAAAAAAARo/kFFAdn0xyeA/s1600/10523910_312429148933817_2639911633273945887_n.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Photos taken from their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldhencoffee">https://www.facebook.com/oldhencoffee</a>)</div>
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The cake wasn't that bad but not the best I have tried. The bosses didn't bake these cakes, was sourced from some bakery which maybe explains the mediocrity to the standard of the cake. Just to make you envy me a little bit more... These cakes and coffee are given free of charged! Served on the house since it is the 2nd day of opening. But of course, being in F&B myself, I have done my part in tipping their services.</div>
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Given the fact that this is just the second day of the opening, somehow I can feel that the standard of the food and drinks will improves very fast. Why i think so? All because of... the people...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cNLVvSbzzk/U8QRsr1d9KI/AAAAAAAAAPo/yHIs1ZWsT80/s1600/3brothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cNLVvSbzzk/U8QRsr1d9KI/AAAAAAAAAPo/yHIs1ZWsT80/s1600/3brothers.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Old Hen Coffee Bar</b> was started by these three brothers. If you think they look alike... that is because...they are real brothers and.... Two of them are twins. Together with their youngest brother, they started <b>Old Hen Coffee Bar</b>. The youngest boy currently still serving NS while helping out over the weekends. The twins in their mid-twentis, studied Tourism in Brisbane and back to Singapore after a few jobs before starting <b>Old Hen Coffee Bar</b> (Yes, studied in Queensland... the place where i spend the most beautiful months of my life learning the art of making candy too)! </div>
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At such a young age, I am not sure if they will be able preserves on, stay in this trade and running their cafe for long, but for sure, youngsters at their age when determined to do something, they will achieve great results in short time span... Which is why I quite safely feel that overall standard of their cafe will improves very fast.</div>
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From the chat with these three brothers, you can hear how much aspirations and dreams these young ones have in running their cafe. You can see the passion in their eyes when they tell you how they planned to bring good food and good coffee to their customisers in day ahead!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4M-mNKqeBeY/U8QRsmhafGI/AAAAAAAAAPk/IqyUPtcF79U/s1600/3brothers-with+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4M-mNKqeBeY/U8QRsmhafGI/AAAAAAAAAPk/IqyUPtcF79U/s1600/3brothers-with+me.jpg" height="125" width="320" /></a></div>
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Being grinding my own beans, brewing my own coffee ever since I got myself a coffee machine. Wondering when will the next time I be visiting them just because of the coffee... but nevertheless, with them opened in my neighbourhood, i am sure there are times where i need to find a place to sit and get a quick fix for my kopi-o with some guay guay & cakes, this will sure be one of the place I visit again. And of course, hope to see how far this "Old Hen" will grows in days ahead, from the first day I saw it hatched. To see young ones with dreams and aspiration while witnessing their passion in growing their cafe is more precious and important than that cup of kopi and the cakes they serving.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_meq28ifts/U8QR-k1dZSI/AAAAAAAAAQw/nNkqk2W_HUA/s1600/oldhen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_meq28ifts/U8QR-k1dZSI/AAAAAAAAAQw/nNkqk2W_HUA/s1600/oldhen.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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Address: <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 12px;">88 Rangoon Road, #01-03</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 12px;">Facebook page: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldhencoffee">https://www.facebook.com/oldhencoffee</a></div>
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Website:<a href="http://oldhencoffee.com/" target="_blank"> http://oldhencoffee.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_txG36ETr-w/U8S13QN32xI/AAAAAAAAAR0/QFwLrX-v7f4/s1600/rangoon88-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_txG36ETr-w/U8S13QN32xI/AAAAAAAAAR0/QFwLrX-v7f4/s1600/rangoon88-06.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-42356855928409327792014-07-01T10:09:00.002+08:002014-07-01T20:50:31.378+08:00Lollypops can never be more natural than this... For those that being following my blog <a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/" target="_blank">SWEET MAN TALKING</a> would have already read my previous post on <a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/2014/06/ding-ding-candy-bringing-back-bits-and.html" target="_blank">Ding Ding Candy (叮叮糖)</a>... on how i started making the traditional all natural Ding Ding Candy. And all thanks to people who appreciate the effort put in, it was selling really well since its launched. Due to the fact that fresh natural ingredients are being used, I didn't really dare to put it on the shelf as a regular product at first, worry I can't finish selling them after each batch of the making... but surprisingly, looking at the good public responses to the traditional candy, its being moving off the rack pretty fast, hence we decided to keep it as a regular product. We even managed to confirmed a few road show cum demonstration for corporate in coming months!<br />
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Based on the good response of the Ding Ding Candy and some "crazy" suggestions of customers, (and also because of playful hearts of all the candy chef at my little lolly shop), we all decided to make an attempt on the traditional Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu (冰糖葫芦) a few days ago. And so we launched the "Sugar-Coated Strawberry"...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Wm0lpyUZo/U7AUBerm0KI/AAAAAAAAALU/WKPQ9N9JNcM/s1600/tanghulu+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Wm0lpyUZo/U7AUBerm0KI/AAAAAAAAALU/WKPQ9N9JNcM/s1600/tanghulu+copy.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used to travel overseas for my work few years ago before I exposed to the art of making candy and set up my little lolly shop back in Singapore in a neighbourhood known as Orchard Road (Yes, the one and only handmade candy shop that have a Orchard Road address, don't go to wrong ones in small lanes). I remember I used to visit this little Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu shop in a small town in China, next to the town where I stayed. I would take a 45 minutes walk, crossing a river via a bridge to enter the other town just to get to this shop to buy Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu from this old uncle. This old uncle sell this yummy delicacy only during certain season of the year...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBM3Tteuepw/U7FiHXtFNkI/AAAAAAAAAN0/vJ64mfTSwyo/s1600/psu-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBM3Tteuepw/U7FiHXtFNkI/AAAAAAAAAN0/vJ64mfTSwyo/s1600/psu-2.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Photos taken by me in 2007 in a small town in China)</div>
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He offers a wide variety of fruits for his Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu... even banana! I still can remember the delicious taste of all the fruits he used to coat with the sugar....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYvQME2ScBA/U7FiyDVKZNI/AAAAAAAAAN8/G-4bhIKlBgo/s1600/psu-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYvQME2ScBA/U7FiyDVKZNI/AAAAAAAAAN8/G-4bhIKlBgo/s1600/psu-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And among the variety of fruits he offered, I enjoyed strawberry the most...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KczduUjYIRo/U7FjHtG_JMI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aubxlYwByHk/s1600/psu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KczduUjYIRo/U7FjHtG_JMI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aubxlYwByHk/s1600/psu.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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(photos taken 2007 in China)</div>
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Which explains why when i first decided to do the Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu (Sugar-coated fruits), I chosen strawberry.</div>
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Why strawberry? Simple... Because I like the taste of it. I still remember getting down to the strawberry field in China plucking my own strawberries during the strawberry season...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLD5aYBbRUE/U7GHMAHpM_I/AAAAAAAAAOc/UnmQ641Trm0/s1600/strawberry-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLD5aYBbRUE/U7GHMAHpM_I/AAAAAAAAAOc/UnmQ641Trm0/s1600/strawberry-03.jpg" height="320" width="311" /></a></div>
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I always managed to pluck all the big and juicy ones...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YadVjPVMzBs/U7GGiMAL92I/AAAAAAAAAOU/l_TmjCnCWMg/s1600/strawberry-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YadVjPVMzBs/U7GGiMAL92I/AAAAAAAAAOU/l_TmjCnCWMg/s1600/strawberry-02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ-yhUMnn68/U7GIFbd-fkI/AAAAAAAAAOs/CySUg8FFHwU/s1600/strawberry-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ-yhUMnn68/U7GIFbd-fkI/AAAAAAAAAOs/CySUg8FFHwU/s1600/strawberry-05.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And after awhile, the boss of the strawberry field gets so worried whenever she sees me... worrying that I might clear all the big and juicy ones, hence she increased my fees slightly!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbhK1mHkj5c/U7GKcJgbz2I/AAAAAAAAAO0/t07vIVP8hVo/s1600/strawberry-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbhK1mHkj5c/U7GKcJgbz2I/AAAAAAAAAO0/t07vIVP8hVo/s1600/strawberry-01.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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Honestly, it is not easy to get sweet strawberry all the times, but when it comes to the Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu, the sweetness of the sugar coating easily balanced the sourish citrus flavour of the fruit itself. I can still recall how the juices of the strawberry burst out the crispy layer of sugar coating when I bite into the Bing Tang Hu Lu of that old uncle.... which is precisely how i determined to make my Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu too...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MToNMW6yUz8/U7GS6puFxAI/AAAAAAAAAPE/9_AeiAeJvbk/s1600/bingtanghulu-02+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MToNMW6yUz8/U7GS6puFxAI/AAAAAAAAAPE/9_AeiAeJvbk/s1600/bingtanghulu-02+copy.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every piece of it is a nicely balanced for its taste between sweet and sour. Its a well balanced of its texture between the crispy outer coating and the soft inner fruits. The sweetness of the sugar easily compliment the sourish strawberry. The process of doing the coating of sugar makes a difference too since the thinner the coating, the more crispy the sugar coating will be. But if it is too thin, it will not be able to hold the juices inside the strawberry. The "shiok-ness" (fun) of it comes when you break the crust and let the juices burst inside your mouth.<br />
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Fresh strawberries are being used in my little lolly shop's (LollyTalk's) Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu (Sugar coated strawberry) hence it contains all the natural goodness of the fruits, including vitamin C as well as the fibre.<br />
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Here are some natural goodness of strawberry that I extract from internet...<br />
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<b>10 Health Benefits of Strawberries</b></div>
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<b>1. Helps burn stored fat </b></div>
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The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)</div>
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<b>2. Boost short term memory - </b>The anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)</div>
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<b>3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber</b>One cup contains only 54 calories.</div>
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<b>4. Ease Inflammation - </b>Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)</div>
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<b>5. Lower cardiovascular disease </b>Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease. (Care2 Healthy Living Portal)</div>
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<b>6. Promote bone health - </b>Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health. (Care2 Healthy Living Portal)</div>
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<b>7. Prevent oesophageal cancer - </b>Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer. (Care2 Healthy Living Portal)</div>
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<b>8. Anti-ageing properties - </b>Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging. (Care2 Healthy Living Portal)</div>
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<b>9. Good for weight loss - </b>The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss. (Care2 Healthy Living Portal)</div>
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<b>10. Promote eye health - </b>Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)</div>
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And the Bing Tang Hu Lu at my little lolly shop <b>does not contains any additional colourings</b> and <b>no citrus acid being used </b>too. It is <b>truly all natural and fresh</b>!<br />
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After stating all the good things of the Bing Tang Hu Lu of my little lolly shop... one down side of making Bing Tang Hu Lu... Due to the fact that fresh fruits are being used, I couldn't make Bing Tang Hu Lu in big quantity unless I can sell it all on the day itself. I cannot make it a readily available product on the shelf too since it got a very short shelf life and storage is also an issue.<br />
With this in mind, I would have to allocated certain days where I can make limited sticks of it with a first come first serve basis selling them fresh. If getting the Bing Tang Hu Lu is important for you when making a trip down <a href="http://www.lollytalk.com/contacts.html" target="_blank">call first </a>before you come?<br />
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Where to find the Bing Tang Hu Lu (Sugar coated Strawberry)...</div>
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<a href="http://www.lollytalk.com/" target="_blank">LollyTalk</a> Handmade Candy</div>
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<b>68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura B2-20</b></div>
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<b>Singapore 238839</b></div>
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lollytalksg">http://www.facebook.com/lollytalksg</a></div>
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Instagram: @LollyTalk <a href="http://www.instagram.com/lollytalk">http://www.instagram.com/lollytalk</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-50871473573618223672014-06-29T22:41:00.000+08:002014-07-19T00:35:39.859+08:00Chicken rice restaurant that is older than my lao bey (father)...Recently I am getting a bit "retro". After the success launching of my Ding Ding Candy recently (<a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/2014/06/ding-ding-candy-bringing-back-bits-and.html" target="_blank">check my previous blog</a>), I just tried making Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu (冰糖葫芦; sugar coated fruits) today with much success. Will do another <a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/2014/06/lollypops-can-never-be-more-natural.html" target="_blank">blog about my bing-tang-hu-lu</a> attempt.<br />
After the successful attempt and complete sold out for the first batch of our Bing-Tang-Hu-Lu, we decided to end the day early and go for our dinner! Since we are all so into "retro mood" recently, we have decided to go to places with some history. So we end up at Yet Con, the "ancient" Hainanese Chicken Rice that being around since 1940.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2oGoHq_EkI/U7AYslyN4vI/AAAAAAAAALc/Ly4bsHpADZ0/s1600/yetcon-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2oGoHq_EkI/U7AYslyN4vI/AAAAAAAAALc/Ly4bsHpADZ0/s1600/yetcon-01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the entrance of the door is this old signage that reminds you of those old Hong Kong Cha-Chan-Tang (茶餐厅)...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJjxc89YZTw/U7AZZYEtXfI/AAAAAAAAALo/gwyaPLjTVkM/s1600/yetcon-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJjxc89YZTw/U7AZZYEtXfI/AAAAAAAAALo/gwyaPLjTVkM/s1600/yetcon-02.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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At the door was two tourists (sounds like from Hong Kong) contemplating on where to eat and looking at the same signage as I was. So I kapo-ed a bit and told them this is an old restaurant that worth a visit, hence they walked in almost immediately hearing what I told them.</div>
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As usual, this place is fully packed... Luckily enough, my colleagues that came together went in earlier than me (while I busy taking photos outside) and earlier than that two tourists too, end up i just have to walk in and have a seat while that two tourists waited almost few minutes before they got a place...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpD87Leaflk/U7AZn16df0I/AAAAAAAAALs/v0gKESMeXFA/s1600/yetcon-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpD87Leaflk/U7AZn16df0I/AAAAAAAAALs/v0gKESMeXFA/s1600/yetcon-03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This place serve very traditional Hainanese style chicken rice...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5e26ga3ab8/U7AbBEUZQ3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/GbV7GOKhXBM/s1600/yetcon-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5e26ga3ab8/U7AbBEUZQ3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/GbV7GOKhXBM/s1600/yetcon-04.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the wall tiles to the utensils used, even the lightings reflect how "historical" this place is! This place doesn't have upbeat music, no karaoke LCD screens... just very vintage tables and vintage chairs you will find in coffee shop of the 70s.<br />
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And the old uncle behind the cashier (still wondering is he the boss?) still uses abacus to calculate the price!...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rq1VtKSLwnQ/U7AbiIzm8uI/AAAAAAAAAMA/LQ-mDhKQgBk/s1600/yetcon-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rq1VtKSLwnQ/U7AbiIzm8uI/AAAAAAAAAMA/LQ-mDhKQgBk/s1600/yetcon-05.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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And of course, i am honoured to have a selfie with him... errr... does he knows i am taking a selfie with him?</div>
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And one interesting thing we observed, the whole place is run by old aunties and old uncles. It was always rumoured that this place will stop eventually since these old uncles and aunties cannot find people to take over the restaurant too. Being in the service and retail line myself, i understand why is that so. Nowadays youngsters like to be seated and served, but the dilemma is the youth doesn't want to serve.</div>
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Time to order my food...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2dBjsySC4A/U7AcCm6exoI/AAAAAAAAAMM/c_XqW41_0Oo/s1600/yetcon-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2dBjsySC4A/U7AcCm6exoI/AAAAAAAAAMM/c_XqW41_0Oo/s1600/yetcon-06.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Didn't order a lot... just a mini steam boat for two, roast pork and chicken for two. Of course... Chicken rice is a must.</div>
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Not easy to find chicken rice with so thick meat nowadays. Usu nowadays the common trick is using the chopper to smack the meat to looks wider yet thinner... At Yet Con, the chicken is still served thick and meaty. The chicken doesn't serve with sauce on it thou... a little bit dry to my standard. But you can taste clearly the taste of the chicken meat. The roast pork is a little bit saltish but goes really well with the rice. Below the roast pork belly is some sourish vegetables. Compliment the oily pork belly pretty well too.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWJL6lvzOHM/U7AdiuVhooI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Ohi3v9ovG5E/s1600/yetcon-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWJL6lvzOHM/U7AdiuVhooI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Ohi3v9ovG5E/s1600/yetcon-08.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chicken rice is nice. You can see from the photo how nice the grain is. And every piece of rice is nicely coated with chicken taste. Gives you the strong chicken fragrance chicken rice should have.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpshi_3e_2M/U7AdlBvE8QI/AAAAAAAAAMo/VazMGmli9zw/s1600/yetcon-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpshi_3e_2M/U7AdlBvE8QI/AAAAAAAAAMo/VazMGmli9zw/s1600/yetcon-09.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Steam boat is nice especially the soup. It taste really clean, clear and yummy. At the time i writing this blog, i don't feel thirsty which is a good sign of either less msg or no msg. The soup taste really like a house cooked one, making the overall dining a very pleasant one.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR4udiV_VIc/U7AdoJP2a1I/AAAAAAAAAMw/9Z_-KFR5xMQ/s1600/yetcon-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR4udiV_VIc/U7AdoJP2a1I/AAAAAAAAAMw/9Z_-KFR5xMQ/s1600/yetcon-11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, the dining experience is a complete one. </div>
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From the decoration till the taste of the food. </div>
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It really brings you back to the early years of Singapore.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWjElHMxhWw/U7AibCRikII/AAAAAAAAANM/eUV12lxu7dE/s1600/yetcon-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWjElHMxhWw/U7AibCRikII/AAAAAAAAANM/eUV12lxu7dE/s1600/yetcon-14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I leaving the place, it makes me wonder... Will I still have the chance to come back again?</div>
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My little neighbourhood lolly shop is located at Plaza Singapura, and surrounding me in the mall are lots of interesting eateries and restaurants. I have seen many restaurant come and go. Some of them closed down overnight without us knowing why. All these taught me one thing, cherish whatever restaurant or food you have when you have it. Even if I don't have a chance to come back to Yet Con, I must say I had a wonderful dinner today. Nothing beats the feeling of properly seated and have a proper meals with all the beautiful people in my life. While appreciating the services these old folks are giving us... should we also reflect... where are all our youth? When all the youth only wanted to be served, and eventually the older ones will leave us all... who is going to serve?</div>
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Yet Con Chicken Rice and Restaurant</div>
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Address: 25 Purvis Street Singapore 188602</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-19500833348734205932014-06-28T22:03:00.000+08:002014-06-29T11:13:27.270+08:00When a candy is more than just a candy & when your life, is more than just alive...Awhile ago, i shared with reader <a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/2014/06/izzati-motivation-on-how-i-started-my.html" target="_blank">what motivated me and why i started blogging</a>. After reading it, i have friends who came down just to take a look at my lolly girl Izzati, but due to her many commitment (overseas trip to do opening of cafe, giving speech at camps, overseas visitation etc), a lot of my friends missed the chance to see her in person. Honestly, we being having a crazy and busy month during the school holiday with people buying the lollies off the shelves faster than our staff can pack and refill it on the shelf.... hence all of us at my little lolly shop miss Zati VERY MUCH too, since her presence always means the whole shop will be in proper order. period.<br />
(You really have to read the<a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/2014/06/izzati-motivation-on-how-i-started-my.html" target="_blank"> previous blog</a> to know how strong this girl is and what went thru with this little girl and her attitude towards life.... She was diagnosed with a terminal cancer which doctor says she have at most 2-3months of life during March this year... and still, she is pressing on... )<br />
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Nevertheless, life is moving on for her.. At the moment I writing this blog, she came back from an overseas commitment and having herself down with stomach pain and fever that never seems subsides, hence she is at A&E now. But don't worry... before she goes A&E, she is strong enough to drop by to say hi to us at my little lolly shop... strong girl indeed. And of course, she here to collect some of the Zati.Lolly to be given out free to those who bought her book "Izzati; My Amazing Journey"...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0uxeu-f1go/U6F46Ox6VzI/AAAAAAAAADQ/NZ0am-je3mQ/s1600/IMG_5637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0uxeu-f1go/U6F46Ox6VzI/AAAAAAAAADQ/NZ0am-je3mQ/s1600/IMG_5637.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Still not too late to order from her if you are keen... email her personally at <a href="mailto:zati@lollytalk.com">zati@lollytalk.com</a></div>
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She had her book launched few weeks ago with a press event...</div>
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And among the guests... Mr Teo Ser Luck and actress cum business lady Apple Hong was presence too. Of course, the launch will never be complete without her family around...</div>
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And Zati had a wonderful day signing all the books for her fans...</div>
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<b>And if you happened to email her to buy her book, don't be shy... tell her what you want her to autograph for you on the book. Be it a motivational words or be it a little note for your loved ones, according to her, she will be more than happy to do it.</b></div>
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And officially, at my little lolly shop (also known as LollyTalk), we started selling her lollies.. yes... HER lolly. The series is known as Zati.Lolly by LollyTalk in collaboration with Nur Izzati Bte Kamisan... in short... "Zati.Lolly".</div>
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The whole series is designed by her and plan by her from the choice of colours, design, flavours, message... even to the details of the packaging is under her direction. When asked... what is Zati.Lolly all about... she says "Is about cherishing your life, dreaming big, accomplish your dream and love yourself and love your life".... in short... "A Celebration of Life"...</div>
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So... "Zati.Lolly; A celebration fo Life"</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ULAAK0sULLc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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This series consist of 6 design. </div>
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Can't start introducing the 6 designs without mentioning this one...</div>
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The first one "Love Zati"...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B07NYMoVes4/U67CkZVBpBI/AAAAAAAAAJc/JMxcb32AsGs/s1600/01lovezati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B07NYMoVes4/U67CkZVBpBI/AAAAAAAAAJc/JMxcb32AsGs/s1600/01lovezati.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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The flavour chosen is Sugarcane Lemon. Yes... something new. Never try mixing this flavour before but I find it a very nice pleasant flavour. I also find the flavour very appropriate since sugarcane is a very strong plant (yes, it is a strong plant hence whenever i hear people talking about "organic sugar", i can't help but feel that is too marketing gimmicky), just like Zati is a strong girl... and mixing with the lemon gives you a bit of tangy taste which just like Zati's character... out of her strong self, she is a bit witty and fun going. The flavour itself is also very localised, just like we love to drink sugarcane squeezing a slice of lemon in it (and that uncle charge S$0.50 extra just for that slice of lemon... opppss....wrong topic here).</div>
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Beside "Love Zati" lolly, we have "Love Life" lolly...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PNAORrGA84/U67ESETggUI/AAAAAAAAAJo/YEyz_tZvx_g/s1600/lovelife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PNAORrGA84/U67ESETggUI/AAAAAAAAAJo/YEyz_tZvx_g/s1600/lovelife.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></div>
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When asking Zati what flavour to use... she says she want something sweet because life is sweet. Hence we chosen Strawberry Peach. Partly because that flavour is what we used to make "Double Happiness" lolly (something used in wedding favors) in my little lolly shop... hence we associate that flavour to sweetness too. And yes... Zati still think life is sweet and never blame life.</div>
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We have one that says "BIG DREAM" or it can read "DREAM BIG"...</div>
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She wants the youth to cherish their life. Love themselves and at the same time dare to dream big and having big dreams. The lolly reads both ways intentionally. And the flavour she chosen is... Peppermint. She mentioned to us a few weeks ago how her classmates love the peppermint when brought to school LollyTalk's "COOL" lolly which happens to be peppermint flavour. In this little act of choosing flavour, you can tell how Zati always think about those around her too... a very considerate girl indeed.</div>
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And in the mix, we have "BELIEVE"... yes... big dream, dream big... and BELIEVE you can do it!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NG155ViKBGc/U67FwY8OMsI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/q2p0drXtY6Y/s1600/03+believe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NG155ViKBGc/U67FwY8OMsI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/q2p0drXtY6Y/s1600/03+believe.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
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And "BELIEVE" lolly is in green!! Zati's favourite colour.</div>
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And in this mix, we have also the rainbow pillow and rainbow smiley...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w3JjHVtdzc/U67GGhICGaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/yJMdt86in3U/s1600/rainbow+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w3JjHVtdzc/U67GGhICGaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/yJMdt86in3U/s1600/rainbow+copy.jpg" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Photo showing Rainbow Mix)</div>
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Very appropriate to have the rainbow pillow and rainbow smiley since Zati is always so bright, so cheerful and so colourful in her life.</div>
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Even the packaging is following her original concept...with the personalised <a href="http://www.32mm.co/" target="_blank">32mm round sticker label </a>adapted from her design... "Life is Beautiful"...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTVX31kqyLQ/U67Gs4o94CI/AAAAAAAAAKU/moirBsEuOkM/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTVX31kqyLQ/U67Gs4o94CI/AAAAAAAAAKU/moirBsEuOkM/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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but of course, we added a little more information. And without say... the design was guided by Zati herself too...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjNH1gZHez8/U67HN3HajHI/AAAAAAAAAKc/nYxM1prfMWY/s1600/izzati32mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjNH1gZHez8/U67HN3HajHI/AAAAAAAAAKc/nYxM1prfMWY/s1600/izzati32mm.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=869980266364254&l=3ba25205d8" target="_blank">Zati.Lolly Mix is available in 50g glass bottle at $5.80. </a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOTUNvZFJRE/U67HTSUi5UI/AAAAAAAAAKg/Adhg4GIhMts/s1600/06+zatilollyinbottles+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOTUNvZFJRE/U67HTSUi5UI/AAAAAAAAAKg/Adhg4GIhMts/s1600/06+zatilollyinbottles+copy.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Part of the proceeds will goes to Zati in her fight against cancer as well as her medical bills. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lugkgc0AryE/U67HyNEH8-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/2naQthxbjZc/s1600/zati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lugkgc0AryE/U67HyNEH8-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/2naQthxbjZc/s1600/zati.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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To find out more about <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Zati.Lolly" target="_blank">Zati.Lolly</a> checkout <a href="http://www.izzati.org/">http://www.izzati.org</a></div>
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You can reach Zati personally at<a href="mailto: zati@lollytalk.com" target="_blank"> zati@lollytalk.com</a>, she loves to read your email, so do drop her a few lines of encouragement if you feel touched to do so, k?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-63255914654418468612014-06-26T16:58:00.001+08:002016-07-13T14:28:43.361+08:00Ding Ding Candy... bringing back bits and pieces of our sweet childhood memories...<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 12px;">
Everyone of us will sure have some fond memories of our glorious past. And at certain point in our life (usu during mid life like I am now), we tends to have a "period" (guys and gals apply;pun intended) where we enjoy reminiscing the good old days. As age catching up, one tends to reminisce more than before.</div>
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Friends of mine who visited me at my house knows how much I like to keep old vintage & retro stuff. This is my precious SINGER sewing machine mummy left me with (you can still see the two old oil lamps mummy left me too) displayed in my living hall....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5k006S-2Nw8/U6ujhhPguoI/AAAAAAAAAIA/t12TSMzWqXw/s1600/sewingmachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5k006S-2Nw8/U6ujhhPguoI/AAAAAAAAAIA/t12TSMzWqXw/s1600/sewingmachine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are some nice "old" stuff that laid in my store room... And I managed to dig them out while cleaning up the house few years ago....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKO9q2KOiLc/U6sABY1ij4I/AAAAAAAAAG0/Q4Z_-K36K64/s1600/oldflask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKO9q2KOiLc/U6sABY1ij4I/AAAAAAAAAG0/Q4Z_-K36K64/s1600/oldflask.jpg" width="197" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0xDJ19yIUs/U6sAD0ijrDI/AAAAAAAAAG8/8N9bKBVRtZg/s1600/oldtingkat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0xDJ19yIUs/U6sAD0ijrDI/AAAAAAAAAG8/8N9bKBVRtZg/s1600/oldtingkat.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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The two bottles of tea you saw above, are what I bought during my secondary school's field trip to Cameron. And it is still around nicely shrink wrapped.</div>
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And all these stuff are nicely display on my shelving at my dining hall, each with its own stories to tell...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8tcuiDYWg8/U6sAkDoDkVI/AAAAAAAAAHE/pWIQL5S7Eg0/s1600/shelving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8tcuiDYWg8/U6sAkDoDkVI/AAAAAAAAAHE/pWIQL5S7Eg0/s1600/shelving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beside enjoying keeping these little old stuff of mine.... I love to explore "old taste" too. Recently, I started to explore on traditional candy making recipe.... and I start to like the idea of replicating some of these "old feel" too with some old equipments used during those earlier days.... I am playing with my childhood candy... Ding Ding Candy (叮叮糖).</div>
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It all started when I was a kid. I still remember daddy and mummy bringing me to shopping while buying ding ding candy at Chinatown. Somehow the memory of this old uncle selling the candy stays with me till now. i remember this old uncle who used to sell a kind of "poh pia" look-alike candy in an old tin too, on the sheltered-bridge leading to the chinatown OG. If my memories didn't fail me... he was selling ding ding candy too.</div>
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Few years ago during a leisure photo taking trip to Melaka with my friend Anasri Oon, I saw this old man at Jonker street...</div>
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Once again... i inspired and told myself... this is what I wanted to do one day when i grow old.... Yes... I wanted to be the sweet man that makes the world sweeter with our childhood taste!</div>
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The past few years while I was travelling in and out China (due to work and leisure), whenever I see street vendor selling ding ding candy, i never fail to buy them and try.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcJPcSY74g4/U7FI1FRRpJI/AAAAAAAAANc/da_KorqBQ2Q/s1600/dingdingcandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcJPcSY74g4/U7FI1FRRpJI/AAAAAAAAANc/da_KorqBQ2Q/s1600/dingdingcandy.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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(Photo taken few year back by me at Xuzhou, China)</div>
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Interestingly, <b>ding ding candy, even thou sharing the same name, having the same look (somehow), and having the same familiar ding-ding motion of chiselling the candy... it doesn't taste the same from one country to another... and even in the same country, it taste very different from one uncle to another. </b>And after much research with rounds of trial-and-error.. Finally... we came out with a balanced recipe at my little lolly shop....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuvCfaWDNXQ/U6sDlcvk6SI/AAAAAAAAAHc/_xtGy6I3sU4/s1600/dingdingcandy-008+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuvCfaWDNXQ/U6sDlcvk6SI/AAAAAAAAAHc/_xtGy6I3sU4/s1600/dingdingcandy-008+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At my little lolly shop, we finally comes to recipe we feel would suits the local taste buds yet maintaining some of the "retro-taste".</div>
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Some trivia fact you might not have noticed... do you know that ding ding candy contains <b>ginger</b>? </div>
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hahahah... i doubt you noticed. When I was a kid, I think i myself was too busy trying to get the candy that stuck between my teeth separated than to notice the presence of ginger.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxgqdPyREcM/U6vCBmOKieI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/KxptFsS_J_0/s1600/0414-00319-001b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxgqdPyREcM/U6vCBmOKieI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/KxptFsS_J_0/s1600/0414-00319-001b1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(above photo source from the internet)</div>
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Also the fact that the traditional way preparing it, some of the ding ding candy loses its ginger strength due to the process used in the preparation.<br />
Sometimes knowledge does kill the fun a bit. After consulting some TCM, we have managed to modify the cooking process to such that we retain the goodness of ginger yet maintaining the taste of the candy at a optimal condition. (but that also means the ding ding candy might not be that yellowish in comparison).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLBZFe8QS7Q/U6sIupMy0-I/AAAAAAAAAH0/Fz9McrcyylU/s1600/dingdingcandy-bicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLBZFe8QS7Q/U6sIupMy0-I/AAAAAAAAAH0/Fz9McrcyylU/s1600/dingdingcandy-bicycle.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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Some health benefit of ginger you might not know before, and of course, these are the health benefit of my ding ding candy we make at LollyTalk too...</div>
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(Extract from "Food Matters; You are what you eat"... 10 healing benefits of Ginger... with some additional comments)</div>
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1. Ginger allows you to <b>regulate your appetite</b> and fire up the digestive juices.</div>
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2. Ginger <b>improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients</b> in the body.</div>
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3. Ginger <b>clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’</b> of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time.</div>
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4. Ginger <b>helps when feeling airsick or nauseous</b>? Preferably tossed in a little honey.</div>
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5. Ginger helps <b>reduce flatulence</b>! (Something that always work for us working at my little lolly shop)</div>
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6.<b> Comfort tummy moaning and groaning under cramps</b>. (Some lady friends of mine can vow to that!)</div>
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7. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its <b>anti-inflammatory properties</b>—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil in your bath to help aching muscles and joints. (errr... don't try soaking our ding ding candy thou)</div>
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8. Chewing ginger post-operation can help<b> overcome nausea</b>.</div>
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9. Ginger<b> gets rid of throat and nose congestion</b>. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!</div>
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10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Psst...the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with <b>aphrodisiac properties</b>)- ermmm... can you believe? Ding Ding candy having aphrodisiac properties?</div>
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The traditional ding ding candy tends to be more yellowish due to the over-cooked ginger. <b>The ding ding candy over at my little lolly shop (LollyTalk) is a bit more whitish</b>... interestingly, the white appearance of the lollies are obtained by working the sugar on the hooks... another word... it DOESN'T USE ANY COLOURINGS... this make <b>our Ding Ding candy truly all natural</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/dingdinglolly" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtS8sTx8BG0/U6veE55yqPI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Z3OrJn5PNSg/s1600/dingdingcandy-005+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why do i say "truly"? because I am never an advocate of fully natural candy due to many reasons (i can write another 10 pages blog talking about the marketing gimmick behind "all natural"), but some candy in supermarket tends to claim they are fully natural while using citrus acid in making their sweet... pretty amusing to me since citrus acid is not a natural ingredients at all. While some factories use citrus acid in their sweet, yet they still says its "fully natural"... BUT hor... my <b>DING DING CANDY DOESN'T CONTAIN CITRUS ACID</b>! hahahah... so that makes our Ding Ding Candy a "truly" all-natural candy! Beside the Ding Ding Candy, we do have a range known as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lollytalksg/photos/a.819895861372695.1073741837.220913844604236/1021986747830271/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">ATC series </a> too that contains natural ingredients with some (such as Honey Lemon) using natural colourings too.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5yTkwOPwng/U6vd3ll7UjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/zLpvIDwMoEs/s1600/dingdingcandy-010+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5yTkwOPwng/U6vd3ll7UjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/zLpvIDwMoEs/s1600/dingdingcandy-010+copy.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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I guess even thou with all the health benefit of ginger added into my ding ding candy.... i must still honestly say something... no matter how good a food is... please eat with moderation.<br />
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Beside the difference in appearance, my Ding Ding Candy have a stronger taste of ginger too due to the difference in the cooking process to retain the goodness of ginger. Generally the feedback is pretty good thou occasionally, so auntie complain ginger not enough and some youth complain ginger too strong. But I personally think we are "just nice".<br />
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Another difference is the texture. Our ding ding candy is slightly less sticky compared to the traditional ones. Is out of intention since nowadays we are more cautious on our oral hygiene hence by making it less sticky, lower chances of sugar trapping in between the teeth. And also, i always feel that when a hard candy is sticky, its yucky.</div>
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I am doing a giveaway... like all my good-blogger-shifus (teachers who guided me in blogging) who always shared with me about blogging experience... try doing some giveaways to reward thosefans who supported my blog... So here goes my first give-aways....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reIAehvh4Jg/U6vd_Pu3_GI/AAAAAAAAAIo/A92YsXb8c1c/s1600/dingdingcandy-006+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reIAehvh4Jg/U6vd_Pu3_GI/AAAAAAAAAIo/A92YsXb8c1c/s1600/dingdingcandy-006+copy.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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Now is the chance... you will be given 6 packets of Ding Ding Candy if you <b>LIKE</b> my little lolly shop's Facebook page (LollyTalk's Facebook page)... </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/lollytalksg">http://www.facebook.com/lollytalksg</a><br />
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<b>LIKE</b> the Ding Ding Candy FB page...<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/dingdinglolly">http://www.facebook.com/dingdinglolly</a></div>
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<b>Follow</b> my little lollyshop's Instagram page @LollyTalk ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.instagram.com/lollytalk">http://www.instagram.com/lollytalk</a></div>
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Once you done the above three... email me... <a href="mailto:sweetman@lollytalk.com">sweetman@lollytalk.com</a> with</div>
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your particulars (instagram id, Facebook id, full name, contact number, valid email)</div>
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The first ten (10) person who does the above mentioned can win for yourself six (6) packets of Ding Ding Candy, compliments of the Sweetman of LollyTalk*... so what you waiting for?</div>
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*Terms and conditions apply. All prizes to be collected at my little lolly shop. </div>
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More instruction/information will be given in my email when I reply you shortly after you send me the details. Only the first 10 person walk away with the free Ding Ding Candy I made! :)</div>
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Visit <a href="http://dingdingcandy.com/">DingDingCandy.com</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/dingdinglolly" target="_blank">Ding Ding Candy by LollyTalk Facebook page</a> for more information about Ding Ding Candy by LollyTalk. You can also find out more from <a href="http://www.lollytalk.com/" target="_blank">LollyTalk's Website</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lollytalksg" target="_blank">LollyTalk's Facebook page</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-40626462298081099452014-06-19T23:43:00.001+08:002014-06-21T00:39:35.794+08:00A Visit of my Dancing Khakis that brings back memories of... my Salsa years.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today a friend of mine came to <a href="http://www.lollytalk.com/" target="_blank">my little lolly shop</a> to visit me. She is going to relocate to the states soon, San Francisco to be precise. Suddenly lots of memories came back to me after she left.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUEejVT30qs/U6MDFmRNR0I/AAAAAAAAAFM/IsrrmE-nANA/s1600/mayandme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUEejVT30qs/U6MDFmRNR0I/AAAAAAAAAFM/IsrrmE-nANA/s1600/mayandme.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know her during my prime years while I was crazy over Salsa dancing. And she is one of the girls i always invite to dance when i saw her in the club. In just a very short half an hour break away from my work in the shop, we didn't talk a lot, but enough to bring back lots of memories of those salsa days. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnHh17JhOys/U6MDOiOrruI/AAAAAAAAAFU/mH48symnzjk/s1600/222864_5983779553_6811_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnHh17JhOys/U6MDOiOrruI/AAAAAAAAAFU/mH48symnzjk/s1600/222864_5983779553_6811_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In fact, every time both of us catch up, we never fail to laugh at ourselves for those crazy days. During those days, I was a carefree man. Crazy over dancing and dance almost 6 days a week.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzVWBss5HY8/U6MDVXu-yeI/AAAAAAAAAFc/t1ywdoWFcjQ/s1600/228529_5983844553_226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzVWBss5HY8/U6MDVXu-yeI/AAAAAAAAAFc/t1ywdoWFcjQ/s1600/228529_5983844553_226_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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And cannot forget those time when i used to perform with a dance team who probably the most "happening" team during that time.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBS6ka_IF3I/U6MDf2sBBkI/AAAAAAAAAFo/_MKXYRl7UL8/s1600/223444_5983804553_8078_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBS6ka_IF3I/U6MDf2sBBkI/AAAAAAAAAFo/_MKXYRl7UL8/s1600/223444_5983804553_8078_n.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytiEtq1Ualk/U6MD-UwqDGI/AAAAAAAAAF8/zCW1l0DvvEE/s1600/1930036_22808664553_5192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytiEtq1Ualk/U6MD-UwqDGI/AAAAAAAAAF8/zCW1l0DvvEE/s1600/1930036_22808664553_5192_n.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></div>
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And because of some interesting opportunities, I had some collaboration with the organiser of Los Angeles Salsa Congress due to my business/trade, I wasinvited to Los Angeles during the Salsa Congress and given a booth to promote my products. And because of the special arrangement, it gives me chances to get close to pretty babes... like this...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9Wc0IzAteE/U6MDya4QseI/AAAAAAAAAFs/qmEsGndrjeU/s1600/226284_5983829553_9402_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9Wc0IzAteE/U6MDya4QseI/AAAAAAAAAFs/qmEsGndrjeU/s1600/226284_5983829553_9402_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Those days are clearly over... but the memories will stay. Days of dance and roses....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDZOdClOffg/U6MD5PWLrsI/AAAAAAAAAF0/WhCh4DDvKI4/s1600/230774_5983854553_862_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDZOdClOffg/U6MD5PWLrsI/AAAAAAAAAF0/WhCh4DDvKI4/s1600/230774_5983854553_862_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And days of intensive training before performances with many nice friends....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-0HfhxUcT4/U6MEKlKlPoI/AAAAAAAAAGM/o8xqYsjj5UQ/s1600/222704_5983834553_9726_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-0HfhxUcT4/U6MEKlKlPoI/AAAAAAAAAGM/o8xqYsjj5UQ/s1600/222704_5983834553_9726_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Honestly speaking, i hope to say the skill stays too, but it doesn't. I used to have 999,999 Salsa moves in my head while i can have a dance consecutively for an hour without repeating a move.... but now i struggling to even remember one.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oia-NRY9UJc/U6MEExj9rBI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cdH_PFoLKnE/s1600/226259_5983849553_545_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oia-NRY9UJc/U6MEExj9rBI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cdH_PFoLKnE/s1600/226259_5983849553_545_n.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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Never regret having those crazy days, and hope more beautiful days are ahead of both my friend and me as she relocate to San Francisco. Bon Voyage! Really hope to see her soon and by then... will i still reminiscing my salsa days or will i be recalling today meeting her when i was crazy over making lollies?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6xkgBHP_zc/U6ME0kzslmI/AAAAAAAAAGY/bmk-0M6BFFE/s1600/may-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6xkgBHP_zc/U6ME0kzslmI/AAAAAAAAAGY/bmk-0M6BFFE/s1600/may-02.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-65079759870478363812014-06-18T19:50:00.003+08:002015-04-23T10:56:24.101+08:00Izzati... how i got motivated to start my blog "Sweet Man Talking".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As mentioned in my <a href="http://www.sweetmantalking.com/2014/06/finally-it-started-sweet-man-starting.html">previous blog</a>, i have my own little lolly shop in a little neighbourhood known as Orchard Road. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjQu8PqJa9Q/U6Fu0ThcEQI/AAAAAAAAACc/4bWXLjAxybU/s1600/shop02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjQu8PqJa9Q/U6Fu0ThcEQI/AAAAAAAAACc/4bWXLjAxybU/s1600/shop02.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last year around Sept 2013, I have a little Malay girl, bubbly, cute came into the shop in a Tudung with a big-over-sized headphone, choosing her lollies. As usual with all retailers in Singapore, having this headache of getting manpower... I casually asked (while making lolly)...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uuk2Rxu5flM/U6FuyNodxDI/AAAAAAAAACY/ZM2zaPMD5tg/s1600/shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uuk2Rxu5flM/U6FuyNodxDI/AAAAAAAAACY/ZM2zaPMD5tg/s1600/shop.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
"You want to work for us as a Lolly Girl?"... And that is how everything started...<br />
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Her name is Nur Izzati Bte Kamisan. A very diligent and responsible worker who perform beyond what a girl at her age and size can do. Her attitude was always good since day one...but her productivity wasn't like that when she first started... when she came, her attention can only last three hours... yes, very precise... three hours are all we can to have her work for us. She will enter into a "zombie mode" after three hours. After we observed that, we always plan a break for her before she "zombified". But being a <strike>nasty boss.</strike>.. oppss... i mean being a productive boss, we tried to scratch her a little bit beyond what she can, by giving her the break only later than what she used to require, and we tried slowly increase that.... slowly she doesn't need the break at all to remain alert. (Yes, we still gave her the break she deserved, ok? So don't go M.O.M. and complain after reading this).<br />
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Izzati being with us for many months and together, we survived the most busy time of the retail peak...We survived Christmas together!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnA8mD8H3aA/U6F4GWn9JhI/AAAAAAAAAC0/F8nzZ-nWDZI/s1600/zati-18-dec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnA8mD8H3aA/U6F4GWn9JhI/AAAAAAAAAC0/F8nzZ-nWDZI/s1600/zati-18-dec.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaNpODCXmiI/U6F4dMCRcII/AAAAAAAAADA/LfeHJBGsjng/s1600/zati-supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaNpODCXmiI/U6F4dMCRcII/AAAAAAAAADA/LfeHJBGsjng/s1600/zati-supper.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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She became one of our core pillar of my little lolly shop. As all the staff that joined me since day one, I always imagined they will follow me for the rest of their life without switching job... but just when I was thinking so, she broke the news to us, she leaving us for her studies starting early this year 2014.<br />
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In that few months fighting battles together side by side, we had many wonderful memories as well as heart to heart sharing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIm4Y5scysQ/U6F4prsgCaI/AAAAAAAAADE/MmxGH8o3hO0/s1600/wallaceandlollytalk+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIm4Y5scysQ/U6F4prsgCaI/AAAAAAAAADE/MmxGH8o3hO0/s1600/wallaceandlollytalk+copy.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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We learned a lot of things about her in the process and the reason why she decided to go back to her studies all because she was "forced" to stop due to her health issue. She always feel that it wasn't her choice to stop hence when the doctor gave her the green light to go back studies, she followed her inner desire to go back. Before she goes, we always tell her, come back to work for us anytime, be it part time or when she finishes her studies. And she always tell us she will come back soon. Occasionally she will drop by our little lolly shop, sometimes a few sms via phone... other than that, we didn't really talk much.<br />
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Last month, May 2013, she came back to us... telling us she wanted to work part time during her school holiday break in June. She also shared with us the exciting achievements she being having these months... she held her own private photography exhibition, she also published a book.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0uxeu-f1go/U6F46Ox6VzI/AAAAAAAAADM/N2bwDxvh7zQ/s1600/IMG_5637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0uxeu-f1go/U6F46Ox6VzI/AAAAAAAAADM/N2bwDxvh7zQ/s1600/IMG_5637.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The launching of her book was even graced by Mr. Teo Ser Luck, </div>
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a Minister of State at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, also the Mayor,</div>
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also the Mayor of the North East District of Singapore.</div>
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(Small world indeed, was on a trip with him to Myanmar a year back visiting an orphanage;</div>
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He even asked Zati, "Oh, so you worked at this candy shop uh?" )</div>
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Mr. Teo Ser Luck is also the one who wrote the foreword for the book that Zati launched.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Al3W5to_6E0/VThdyI1s2MI/AAAAAAAAAdw/74DyGKOusEQ/s1600/10352355_863834403645507_8492524677316930569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Al3W5to_6E0/VThdyI1s2MI/AAAAAAAAAdw/74DyGKOusEQ/s1600/10352355_863834403645507_8492524677316930569_n.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are all so excited to hear her sharing. And inside us, we are proud to say we trained up such a wonderful girl. She also share with us that she will be having an interview with the Malay newspaper Berita Harian too.<br />
She gave us a copy of her book as well... from the book... we realized something she never told us all these while.... she actually suffering from terminal cancer!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH2kVC8QmNg/U6F5Fj6pSZI/AAAAAAAAADU/B_BFnGXUdNg/s1600/zati-newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH2kVC8QmNg/U6F5Fj6pSZI/AAAAAAAAADU/B_BFnGXUdNg/s1600/zati-newspaper.jpg" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
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After much asking, she told us Doctor diagnosed her condition in March 2014, to be terminal cancer. Basically she left with only 2-3 months before her body will deteriorate further till she cannot function... that is according to what the Doctor says.<br />
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Currently while writing this blog, Izzati still working happily at LollyTalk on a part time basis, helping out as our Lolly Girl whenever her schedule allows her. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hxKmbCge8A/U6F5br6r8iI/AAAAAAAAADc/T6z7pPEU-dc/s1600/zati-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hxKmbCge8A/U6F5br6r8iI/AAAAAAAAADc/T6z7pPEU-dc/s1600/zati-04.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
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Instead of waiting for the final day to arrive, she insisted to carry out her duties just like any other youth working with LollyTalk; just that she having slightly more commitments than others due to press releases, book launches, giving motivational speech, gracing events and volunteering herself in various meaningful work.</div>
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I always joke with all my colleagues including Zati that whenever one day they getting married, they must have their wedding candy made by me. Even thou marriage is something that might not happen to Izzati anytime soon, together with Zati, we managed to toy with the idea of doing a collaboration lolly mix in her name. </div>
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Basically she decided the flavour, colour, design, direction etc. You will be amazed how considerate this young little girl is when she design her lollies. She chosen peppermint as one of the flavour because her classmates love pepper mint. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zMQMe1Aecw/U6F6CYWEitI/AAAAAAAAADk/bGsDigslPdU/s1600/bigdream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zMQMe1Aecw/U6F6CYWEitI/AAAAAAAAADk/bGsDigslPdU/s1600/bigdream.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>
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She chosen messages that motivates youth to be positive towards their life. When asked, what she wants to achieve out of this lolly mix... She hoping that this lolly mix encourage more youth to cherish their life and their time, dream big with big dreams and believe that they can do it!</div>
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You will realized that all the details she put into the lollies are always about others around her.</div>
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When asked what flavour to be used for "Love Life" lolly... she says strawberry peach... because strawberry peach is sweet... always remind us life is sweet.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj18CBrqSDU/U6F6JtR8y-I/AAAAAAAAADs/TEJ3-Lc7lqc/s1600/lovelife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj18CBrqSDU/U6F6JtR8y-I/AAAAAAAAADs/TEJ3-Lc7lqc/s1600/lovelife.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes... Opening up a lolly shop is a dream comes true to me. And now starting my blog would be another milestone for me too. Although I am not young anymore... but I am still love my life and passionate about living a beautiful life... and we all love the aura she possesses and the power that motivates us to just BELIEVE.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y03GWbAdIXE/U6F6RlFpU9I/AAAAAAAAAD4/J-T2tHTCUGg/s1600/believe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y03GWbAdIXE/U6F6RlFpU9I/AAAAAAAAAD4/J-T2tHTCUGg/s1600/believe.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
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and most of all... we all love Zati....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlSYy79nocI/U6F6X_fjTzI/AAAAAAAAAEA/WfLDPOA15mc/s1600/lovezati+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlSYy79nocI/U6F6X_fjTzI/AAAAAAAAAEA/WfLDPOA15mc/s1600/lovezati+copy+2.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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To find out more about Zati.Lolly by LollyTalk in collaboration with Nur Izzati Bte Kamisan, </div>
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checkout this Facebook page...</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/zati.lolly">http://www.facebook.com/zati.lolly</a></div>
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or you can checkout this site periodically as we trying hard to churn out the contents required as fast as we can ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.izzati.org/">http://www.izzati.org</a></div>
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You can reach Izzati personally via zati@lollytalk.com</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390884164668151227.post-50100202036526030952014-06-17T23:38:00.003+08:002014-06-17T23:42:05.950+08:00Finally it started... sweet man starting to talk.... Will you listen?Always been wanting to start blogging. Too many people inspired me to do it. Before I start sharing who and why... I think it is only right to properly introduce myself for the very first post.<br />
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I love traveling. I love good food. I love enjoy the finer things in life... who don't?<br />
And most of all... I love to dream.<br />
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Always being my dream since I was a kid to be a candy man, owning a candy shop with never ending supply of sweet. As a kid, I always relate sweet to blissful, no matter how tough life is, all you need is a sweet in your mouth to remind you this world is still beautiful... and sweet.<br />
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Stealing some good quotes from Franka Potente and Dyland Lauren....</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>"When I was a kid at first I wanted to own a candy shop. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>I guess every kid wants to - we just want to have access - free access." </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>- Franka Potente</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>"Candy is childhood, the best and bright moments you wish could have lasted forever."</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>- Dylan Lauren</b></span></div>
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As since a kid, i always believe in what Roald Dahl says....</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">"The Secret of Life... is to become very very good at something that's very very hard to do" - Roald Dahl's The Hitch-hiker</span></b></div>
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I graduated from Nayang Poly with a diploma in Information Technology and finished my NUS School of Computing with a degree in computing (nearly dropout!) and it didn't takes me too long to realised, it isn't easy to become very very good in computing... hence i tried my hands on many trades (well, not too many thou) and finally i fulfilled a childhood dream of being a Candy Man. Well... guess it is more cool to call myself a "Sweet Man" instead? And yes... this is something very very hard to do indeed.<br />
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Will share more and more what happened all these years in my life... via my blog "Sweet Man Talking". And of course I will be sharing what makes me start blogging too very soon in the next blog. Do follow me. As I am a newbie... Your support and advise is very much appreciated. Guide me as I enter into this mysterious yet beautiful circle of bloggers.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05616025764444001742noreply@blogger.com0