Movie Review: Pitch Perfect 2 and Mall Cop 2

Oh before my thoughts gets too outdated, I might just quickly write down my thoughts about Pitch Perfect 2!

Watched this last Saturday with Daph at Cineleisure. I've been a big fan of the first movie!
My thoughts:
I'm actually quite torn between recommending this or just plain criticism.
Well I guess it's still worth watching in theaters. 
The acapella songs are still awesome!! and trust me, be prepared to have goosebumps all the way. I was shocked enough to find myself having goosebumps throughout the movie and especially the final showdown between the Bellas and Das Sound Machine. The riff offs are always the best!

To be honest, I think there weren't much wow factor as compared to the first movie. But damn the singing is just so so so impressive. The mash-ups weren't as creative, but it's the singing that really makes the movie awesome. Really worth it to watch in theaters, I doubt watching it on your laptop will be the same.

Storyline, well, I kinda expected it, just like any other movie sequels. New people joining, bigger challenge, conflicts etc etc etc But as a university student, I really appreciate how they highlighted the  fear of an uncertain future which is something that I'm actually experiencing now LOL I bet every undergrad felt this before. It's great that they are encouraging youths to be independent and strong to face challenges of the future, to move on with our lives with courage. 

So yeap, those who haven't watch, do watch it if you are a fan of acapellas or you just wanna get some goosebumps!!

Read about Pitch Perfect here:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2848292/

Okay now, I thought I might as well laid out my thoughts for another movie that I watched recently.
I didn't really wanna mention it but I guess it's time for me to make a really negative review!!

That's Paul Blart : Mall Cop 2

Oh Myyyy, Okay I'll admit the reason why I'm so mad is because I felt like I've wasted money to watch this in the cinema. Perhaps if I'd watched it online, I wouldn't be so bothered haha
So yeap just to tell you there's some bias there.

Anyways, this movie, is possibly one of the most nonsensical and no-point movie. Though it highlights the themes of family and possessive behaviors, still the plot and actions are all too...lame and nonsense. Too be honest, all the funny act that they pulled of didn't make me laugh for most of the time in the cinema. The only thing I kept on saying was "zomok酱废的？"

The plot was cliche with lot of nonsensical stunts. Now that I think back, I seriously don't know what did I gain from the movie....No genuine laughs, no surprise, nothing. Alright maybe I should give credit to this movie for making me write the first ever negative movie review. Usually if I don't fancy a movie, I won't really bother to criticize it since I believe people may have different thoughts. But this movie....well...sorry but I just gotta be honest that I disliked it instead of just merely not fancy it haha...

Oh you might ask, then why did we chose to watch this in the first place. No.1, there weren't much choices, my cousin watched Avengers already so I wasn't gonna make her watch again. No. 2, I thought a movie that has a sequel couldn't be that bad afterall...but turns out it can be!!!!

Awfully Chocolate at The Star Vista

Goshhhh took me hours to transfer my photos from phone to PC

I have so much to update and now I don't even know where to start. Thought I might just slot in a short post of food before all the updates heh...

Bet you've heard of this before if you're in Singapore. The desserts are so good that the fact that they have the word "Awful" in the shop's name doesn't seem to prevent people from falling for their chocolate treats.

Awfully Chocolate @ The Star Vista

We were having dinner to celebrate Limin's birthday and thought of getting some desserts or perhaps a cake to mark the occasion. Yeucian recommended this place and the crowd at the cafe certainly manifests its popularity. Stepped in, the display counter gave me a feeling of shopping at some food market where instead of buying delicatessen, it's all yummylicious treats of chocolate!
I'm pretty sure everyone who entered had this i-wish-i-could-try-all thought crossed their minds even just for one second.

We were actually pretty stuffed after having spaghetti for dinner. Thought of just getting something small and round haha...and they were kind enough to give us a candle and lighter. And there we celebrated her birthday!

Chocolate Praline Cake -- S$ 9.90

I won't call it a cake, this one should be more towards the sweet/candy/confectionery category.

Glad that we shared this. It's sweet but not awfully sweet haha, it's kinda fudgey and the rich and delicious chocolate flavors slowly melts away in your mouth.

Butterscotch Brownie -- S$ 7.00

Brownies can't really go wrong

but the brownies here have a really wonderful texture. Slightly crunchy on the outside, and not too moist on the inside which some brownies tend to be. I guess they used some really awesome vanilla extract or maybe it's the flavors of butterscotch that gives a rich flavor that is quite overwhelming when you first taste it. 

Too bad we couldn't try other treats. I've been longing to try the ice cream! Anyways, I would say Awfully Chocolate is a one-stop heaven for chocolate lovers and you might be mind blown by how chocolates can be transformed into all sorts of heavenly treats. I would say, go for the brownie :D

Awfully Chocolate @ The Star Vista

1 Vista Exchange Green #02-18
The Star Vista, Singapore 138617
T: (+65) 6694 4805
F: (+65) 6694 4804

Open 10am - 10pm Sun - Thur
Open 10am - 11pm Fri - Sat and Eve of Public Holidays

Check out the list of all Awfully Chocolate outlets
http://www.awfullychocolate.com/Singapore/storelocations.php

Happy Birthday to our little girl haha...

I remember it was Valentines Day!

Big thanks to Dear Yeucian for the roses. Thanks for making me feel less Forever Alone

Instead we Together Alone hahahahha

Since V-day was not meant for us, might as well get into the CNY mood with 财神爷！

I remember that day was a really fun one. First it was to celebrate Limin's Bday and Second, CNY was just few days away and we were so in the mood of enjoying already. In the morning there was Earthlink's maincomm outing, then went retail therapy (see I brought my own shopping bag ehhh) with Yiyong and got back to spend the night with the bunch. Okay, I shall update more in my next post...

Bridges of Singapore River

Have you ever watched some Singapore's Local Drama series and find that there were many scenes filmed on bridges, usually scenes of couples breaking up or confrontation haha....somehow it looks better when they use the bridge as a set I suppose.

Anyways I realized there were actually many bridges across the Singapore river and each bridge has its unique design. Trailing down the Singapore river have always been on my to-do checklist and finally the day to tick on it came! It was a fun and simple Saturday with loads of walking, food, photo-taking and of course exploration.

Started our day with a simple and yummy brunch at next to the Singapore River :

Wanton Mee SGD 3.50

The queue was long but it was worth the wait. Cheap and delicious! Thumbs up!

It was daytime which explains why not all stalls are open. Will visit again for more cheap eats and of course their nice location right beside the river. 

Eat:

Zion Riverside Food Center
70 Zion Road
Singapore 247792

From there our bridges journey started. Well we didn't really count on a map, but instead just follow the direction of the river. Before we knew it, we have already stepped foot on the first bridge: 

1. Jiak Kim Bridge

What's around: The KimSeng Park, well really a small park for people to have a morning walk/jog along the river. The park also has boards that explains the history of Tan Kim Seng's Family and their contribution to Singapore.

2. Robertson Bridge
What's around: Condos and "Atas" residences, and shop lots with mainly western restaurants and bars, including Robertson Quay. Passing by those hipster cafes along the river, I cant help but to wish I'm one of those people who were just chilling out at the al-fresco area, sipping coffee and enjoying pancakes. This is the moment where you tell yourself " Next time when I got Money I will come" haha

3. Alkaff Bridge

The colorful bridge that appeared many times in SG dramas!! 

4. Read Bridge 

Saw this and I knew we were at Clarke Quay area. This bridge is one of my favorites, with all the vintage tall street lights along the bridge. and FYI, it has beautiful illumination effects at night!

Whats around: This is where u stroll along the happening and bustling Clarke quay area if you visit at night. Plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. 

5. Elgin Bridge

All white bridge with a very vintage feel.
What's around: Parliament House and Victoria Concert Hall takes only 5 minutes-walk. Do visit the Parliament house area as there's loads of historical buildings with strong European influence. They are just so pretty and I lied to myself that I'm in some part of Europe. :P

The Victoria Concert Hall

Great place to take awesome portrait shots (外拍) and wedding photos.

Kinda wished that I wore a dress that day, every photo would have look awesome heh

With the Jalan-Jalan buddy

It was around noon time when we left Victoria Concert Hall and we found ourselves right next to Cavanagh Bridge. The weather was insanely hot and thank God icecream stalls were available along the river! No time to think and we bought ourselves a cooling treat under the hot sun.

Rainbow bread and one big block of icecream for one dollar. Worth it. Especially under the blazing sun, the melting icecream just taste so much better. Take a seat at the benches along the river and enjoy the surroundings. 

Asian Civilization Museum is right behind us. 

6. Cavanagh Bridge 

Also one of my favorites. Majestic and elegant design.

Whats around: The beautiful Fullerton Hotel is just one minute away, and this is the area with all the bronze sculpture that depicts activities at the Singapore River in the past. You will spot at least 2 of them.  

7. Anderson's Bridge
Whats around: The 100th Starbucks Store at Waterboat House
Pass by Fullerton Hotel and Anderson's Bridge and you'll see the entrance of Starbucks at the Waterboat House. I totally recommend this place to be part of your itinerary if you wanna explore the Singapore Rivers. Why? Coz it's the best place for you to chillax after all the walking and enjoy the beautiful views of the Marina Bay.

Yep, views of Esplanade Singapore Flyer MBS....all the glorious landmarks of Singapore. 

Another reason is, the interior of this Starbucks store is super cozy and comfy. Plush cushion chairs, vintage deco and dim lighting. Actually at one moment, we didn't feel like leaving anymore haha...

Drink:

Starbucks

The Fullerton Waterboat House

#02-01/02/03, 3 Fullerton Road 049215

(Prices are slightly higher in this store)

From the boathouse, you will definitely spot the symbol of Singapore City: Merlion
Why not pay a visit to Merlion Park?

and take funny photos.

(I apologize on behalf of my friend's failed photography haha, that finger so potong.)

8. Esplanade Bridge

another finger spotted haha

9.Helix Bridge
Finally, we walked pass Esplanade and The Float and found ourselves at the final bridge. I would say the Helix bridge was really impressive, not just because of its appearance but also the inspiration behind the idea. Building a bridge with the shape of our DNA structure, beautiful blend of science and art idea. Do take pretty photos at the viewing platforms along the bridge.
 

Big thanks to her for accompanying me, helping me to take tonnes of demanding photos haha...

It's always great to discover new things together.

Final stop: Have a break at Marina Bay Sands and enjoy all the air conditioning heh...

Was indeed a super fun day, I just love walking around and exploring and the best part is we don't really need a map but instead just discover whatever we see. And yes I received more from what I planned. 

Maincomm Outing at JB: Kimlong Curry Fish Head, Cedar Food Point and La Gourmet Desserts

Exam's over yo! Back to blogging mood. Gosh I have a lot to post about. Great things happened and more fun things discovered. Hope I have enough time to share them.

Let me post from the earliest! Right back from Sem break, Maincom Outing was there to kickstart my new semester! I decided to dedicate one post for the outing: Coz there's loads of food to be shared nyeheheheheh :D

So this year we had our outing at JB as well, but we made it into a 2day1night thing instead. Fun weekend with the peeps, food fun friends :D  

The new FOC family

Our day started early, all of us departing for JB from SG. Once we reached City Square, we intended to have Chicken Chop as our brunch but turns out it only opens at 12. Knowing the famous KimLong Curry Fishhead was nearby, we decided to have our brunch there instead and I guess it was a good choice because the line wasn't long yet. Despite its fame among tourist, our JB friends tend to think the fishhead is overrated. Well I liked it to be honest :D I like the mildly spicy curry with super fragrant coconut milk aroma. The scent is enough to make you drool. Total rice-thief as the generous amount of curry gravy wasn't too spicy and makes the rice soaked with curry goodness. Love it, the fish is also fresh and blends well with the flavors of spices. Best part: FooChok to absorb all the goodness from fish and curry.  

Price, can't really remember but the bill totals up to RM50++ for 4 persons (including rice and chinese tea as drinks)

Eat: 

Kim Long Curry Fishhead 金龙咖喱鱼头

74, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000, Johor Bahru. 

crowded shop as you can see, we had to split and sit in small tables. 

After charging ourselves with food, we moved on to our main agenda of the day: Outdoor Paintball at Dynamic Paintballs, The outdoor arena is located near Danga Bay area, 10 minutes drive from City Square. This was so damn fun! I like this more than the indoor one as it's in broad day light, you get to see things clearly instead of just moving blindly in the dark. Feeling more engaged in the game. Anyhow I still sucked haha....but I really did enjoy more.

The weather was great, Thank God. But the arena was all muddy and none of our attire escaped from mud stains. Advice: You will get dirty, so wear something not so fancy and bring shoes to change after the games.

Play:

Dynamic Paintball Outdoor Arena
Jalan Thomson, Johor Bahru.

https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicpaintball

After our games, we checked in at our guest house which is at Taman Sentosa Area. Settled down and had a short rest before we head out for dinner at Cedar Point. 

Well we were trying to look for budget dining spots where we can spend less than RM10 for a meal, and this place seems to be appropriate and it allows you to try various hawker favorites at once!

BBQ Chicken Wings

Claypot Chicken Rice

Chicken and Pork Satay

Cuttlefish and Kangkung 鱿鱼蕹菜 

with the junior committee members!

Eat:

Cedar Point 食得福美食中心

Jalan Musang Bulan 2-16, 

Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru

After stuffing ourselves, we went to KSL mall which was nearby and had a breakfast mission for the members to plan and buy ingredients for tomorrow morning's breakfast competition. It wasn't long before we craved for something to chew on and decided to head to La Gourmet desserts for some sweet treats. 

Ordered the shop's specialty 

La Gourmet Loh 

tonnes of fresh fruits with pearls, delicious drizzle of sauces and coarsely shaved ice. 

Eat:

La Gourmet Desserts 

No 11, Jalan Kuning 2,

Taman Pelangi, 80400 JB

After all the outdoor activities, went back to the guesthouse and had a long bonding night, with some drama added haha...Tiring night but it's fun LOL

Next day started with the breakfast cooking competition among small groups and I would say all of them did cook yummy food!

haha perks of being judge of the day

Loads of delicious food. Seriously who need to go out and pay for RM20 brunch? 

But I couldn't finish them in the end haha...

After checking out, we hanged out at City Square before heading back to Pulau NTU. 

That's pretty much our Maincomm outing. Short 2 days trip at our very own JB hehe... 

A big thanks to all the JB kids who drove us around, I can't imagine how the trip would be without you guys! And special thanks to Chai Shinnee as well for being my advisor and also going recce with me in the early stages of planning. Hope the main comm enjoyed, let's work hard for the coming FOC!

On a side note: The guest house we stayed was actually quite nice. There were 24 of us if I'm not wrong and there were enough mattresses and beds to accommodate all of us to sleep comfortably. The guest house also has an equipped kitchen with all the utensils you need to do cooking. Free WIFI but I guess they have limit quota as not everyone of us can connect to the wifi at one time. The house uses digital password lock with easy check-in and checkout. The staff was friendly enough as well. I would say we had a very comfortable stay haha...

Stay:

JB GuesthouseDo check out their website: http://www.jbguesthouse.com/