Timeless Bali

My earliest recollection of Bali was during my senior high years.   Bali Ha'i was the fabled special island mentioned in the musical adaptation of James Michener's Pulitzer Prize winning book "Tales of the South Pacific."  However, South Pacific's Bali Ha'i (which was inspired by Ambae, an island off-Vanuatu) is not directly related to Indonesia's Bali as I learned.



Count the moments and not the time that flies....

With my limited knowledge of the world and no travel experience then, Bali Ha'i  did capture my interest and led me to Bali.  Apart from our very own Philippine Islands' Boracay and Palawan, Bali ranked as one of the famous getaways in southeast Asia today.   I also remember reading then that Balinese women were considered to be one of the world's most beautiful women.

Bali, being a lush tropic island with its promise of pristine white sands and breathtaking sunset reminiscent of our own Manila Bay sunset - easily goes to our bucket of "places to go" list.  I generally keep expectations simple.

Bali is a 2.5 hr direct plane ride from Singapore.  It was still considered off-peak season and we were able to get a relatively cheaper fare via Air Asia. We were greeted by sunny weather that day upon arriving at Bali's Denpasar Airport, which was undergoing massive renovations. I saw the architectural rendition of the upcoming revitalized Denpasar Airport and I must say, it will be a sight to behold when it's finished. It will manage to stay genuinely Balinese and at the same time, breath that world class look and feel. Something to look forward to.

Approaching Lembongan Island

Bali is also a significant vacation for Kyla who is celebrating her 9th birthday this month and she requested this destination. 

After weighing the options for the accomodations, we chosed Holiday Inn Baruna Bali Resort Hotel.   For one, it is situated on a beachfront, perfect for my vision of strolling along the beach on a sunset and suits Kyla's personal agenda.  Kyla started collecting sea shells and corals from the beaches we have been to. This resort is also 10-minutes away from the airport. You can actually see and hear the airplanes landing to the runway if you hang around at the beach.



Our Villa for the week. This one is secluded from the rest of the hotels.



View of the beach from our terrace

We got a spacious junior suite that can accomodate the main bed and has convertible sofa bed big enough for two kids.  It has a separate dining area and a mini living room where the sofa bed was stashed.   At some point in life, space is a precious non-negotiable bit when hunting for a place to stay.

Truth to tell, I did not have an agenda planned for the 4 day-holiday. I deviated from my usual "we gotta have an itinerary planned in advance to maximize the trip" mentality. I figured, heck, I've been doing planning everyday of my life... Why on earth would I want to do the same on a holiday right?
So we decided to just be spontaneous and see where the week will lead us.  So for the first two days it was simply the art of doing nothing.

Sand art and girly stuff

Waiting for the Sunset

 There are a variety of package tours available in Bali depending on your preference.  For the city slicker, one can have a tour of the rural villages and country life.  For the history buff, Bali have several temples where you can find remnants of the by-gone era; or have a tropical safari and white water rafting adventure. The famous Tanah Lot temple is best viewed during sunset.

Holiday Inn hosted a BBQ Buffet that also comes with a cultural show featuring Balinese traditional dances and the iconic Mas (ie, masked charactrers). Guest were also treated to free henna tattoo which Kyla and I availed of. I got my metamorphosis icon for a tattoo.

With the Balinese Cultural Presentors

Balinese Women in a traditional dance

Kyla's first (henna) tattoo

On our third day we decided to take the cruise to the nearby Lembongan Island. It is an hour's sail aboard Bali Hai II. This will take you to Bali Hai Cruise's private beach club where you can enjoy the tranquil view and white sand beaches, do a bit of snorkeling, parasailing, diving and endless Banana boat ride.  Sumptuous tropical BBQ buffet is served by lunch time.  And by siesta, you can simply, just bask under a hammock and watch the clouds passing by and keep an eye on the coconut trees in case something falls from the sky, which is what Kyla and I did.  You may also opt to get Balinese massage in one of the huts dotting the beachfront.

Welcome Aboard to Bali Hai Cruise !

Basking under the hot Bali sun and unbelievably cool waters

Kevin found his own napping spot at the Beach Club

My favorite part of the week was strolling along the beachfront, watching the twilight -- that point in time when the sky turns to red-orange as the sun starts to be enveloped by the clouds at the horizon.  Alvin and I watched Kevin and Kyla smiling and playing just over the shore and it was as of that moment was frozen for eternity and there was just timelessness....

 

I've always loved the twilight...

The Food Rules by Michael Pollan



The Cover Page

This book by Michael Pollan came to my attention while reading Daphne Osena-Paez' blog. I checked the book review and excerpts before deciding to buy a copy. I got the 2011 hardbound edition. Earlier editions of the same book would have the 'pea in a pod' cover art.

I must say it's a must read for people who care about their health!  I am no health expert but I daresay that what goes into our system significantly affects the outlook of our health.   Not so many years ago, I learned this the hard way.   For moms like me, it is never too early -- or too late -- to imbibe good eating habits to our children (and yes, to our spouses as well!).  Fortunately, my two kids have no qualms about eating green, leafy vegetables.  Something I could have benefitted from when I was growing up.

And, I really hate to say this, but let's face it --  at a certain age, we have to put extra attention to our health if we want to live long enough to enjoy life (and for my husband and I, hopefully long enough to enjoy our grandchildren, if not beyond). 

If those are not great motivations to begin with, I don't know what is!   I am personally guilty of having too many excuses for sticking to healthy eating and this book is exactly the extra jolt I needed.

"The Food Rules" are centered on 83 simple rules to live by for a lifetime of good health, good food.  It's a fun, lightweight read, if not quite chatty. Reading it is like having an afternoon chit chat with an old friend over coffee.  My kind of reading.  I hope you get the drift.   As a bonus, the refreshing illustrations by Maira Kalman were a joy to see.

The 83 rules actually condense into 3 main concepts / chapters:

Eat Food.

Mostly Plants.

Not Too Much.

After finishing the book, I realized there is nothing rocket-science about the food rules presented.  We learned most of these were stuff we learned from grade school sciences and home economics. But it doesn't hurt to be reminded from time to time.   There were also new ideas I've extracted from this book that I've decided to immediately put into good use and I must say I'm pleased!

Rule 76: Place a bouquet of flowers on the table
and everything will taste twice as good.
I agree!!!  

POSB PAssion Run for Kids 2012

Our second venture into family fun run was greeted by a pleasant and breezy Sunday morning weather with the Marina Promontory and the panoramic Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay as the picturesque backdrop of the 3.5 KM Family Walk event.

Gardens by the Bay - Literally a stroll in the park kindda thing

"The POSB PAssion Kids Fund aims to support the children in the community through different programmes. It is part of the People's Association Community Development Fund (PACDF) whose objective is to promote activities and programmes which will contribute towards social capital and community development." (POSB Fun Run Webpage)

Race Pack Collection at Velocity Sports Mall

Each participant receives a runner's pack that include shirt, shoe bag and towel

Since it is technically a walking event, there is less pressure at hand. Kyla, being the competitive one, did insist we should run instead of walking  (boring, she did say...). Nevertheless the temptation for photo ops especially at the Gardens area got the better of me.

There are also running events earlier that day including the 10KM competitive event but we chosed to do the Family Walk so that we can enjoy this together.

More pictures from the event...

Waiting Area overlooks the MBS. Beauty!

Comic Relief. Kyla running backwards!

Can't resist it! The photo op, that is!

What did I tell you - it's a walk in the park!

What's Cooking Up at Cookyn Inc.?

It's the first ever teambuilding event for the AAIJK PS Team!

Arranged by the PS team's self-appointed Chief Entertainment Officer Bharath and with Kanitha's help, the  teambuilding a la Food Network Challenge was set in the kitchen studio of Cookyn Inc. tucked somewhere along the Rangoon Road.


The Wacky Wannabe Chefs

Thanks to Cookyn Inc for the hosting and facilitating the cookfest
and for the pictures for this teambuilding event

We were divided into three teams and each representing a unique cuisine. Takagi-san and team got the Japanese theme. The Spanish cuisine was led by Pepe (of course).  We thought those were pretty convenient set-up.  And last but not the least, my team got the Vietnamese cuisine, not to mention we had to battle it out with only 5 members for the greater part of the competition. We should have named our team Voltes V.

Ready, Get Set, Cook!

Each team will prepare two dishes, the quantity should be able to cover the PS team attendees. The gastronomic value of the dishes will determine whether or not we will have an enjoyable group dinner later after the cookfest!

One of the two dishes is unique to the group's theme and will have to incorporate a special ingredient that was revealed in the middle of the competition.  The "challenge" dish will be common for all three teams (Potato Salad) and will also need to incorporate the second special ingredient. This must be presented in a way that epitomizes the cuisine being represented by each team.

We had one hour and fifty minutes to complete the task, including preparation, plating, poster making and clean-up.  Each team will then have to plate up their masterpieces and and a chosen speaker will have to present this to the entire group with posters/visual aids to boot! Needless to say, our artwork planners were indeed very busy in the dying minutes of the competition!

See the different teams in action!

Getting ready for some serious cooking!

The seaweed as the Japanese team's secret ingredient

Whip it!

Chef Pepe calling the shots!

Andre and Regina in charge of the challenge dish

All done and ready for the presentation



Wrap away !!!

Multi-tasking at its best.
"Hey, start thinking of the poster design while you are peeling the mango and potatoes, ok?"

Can't wait to try 'em!

A closer look at the final products... all world class creations!



Turning Japanese
Strawberry and Green Tea Trifle and their version of Potato Salad ala Sushi Roll

...and I need to get the recipe for this!!!! Yummy!

 

Spanish "El Torero" Team's Chicken in a Parcel and Chunky Potato Salad



A closer look with a dash of the Pimiento powder

The Dai Doi (Great Food) Team's Vietnamese Spring Rolls and
Creamy Potato Salad with Caramelized Lychee, Red Pepper and Onion topping

Top View. This plating also showcases the mango, the special topping and a dollop of the peanut sauce.

And the Winner is... The Vietnamese Team!!!

Creative presentation, clock-work precision and teamwork won the day!

Once in a lifetime chance to win an I-PADdle!

And the final verdict is in the tasting!

Cheers to the PS team!!!

And, it's the moment of truth... Time to taste the dishes!



Seriously Now!



You can say that it has been truly a tough competition, with each team, true to the indomitable PS Spirit, gave their best and also had fun in the process! Campai to the PS Team for a job well done! 

"Til We Meet Again Kimby

In memory of our dear family member and lovable beagle Kimby.

November 11, 2008 - September 11, 2012

Today is a sad day for our family. We lost our dear Kimby. She died very early this morning in Rizal after succumbing to complications from giving birth. This was supposed to be her second brood of pups.

My parents buried her near the nipa hut at our backyard which she considers to be her "doggie house."  Aside from missing her and looking forward to seeing her in our annual home visit a few months from now, we were filled with so much sadness because we were not able to be at her side during a very difficult time when she was fighting for her life. And that we had no choice but to grieve and remember her from milesaway.

This blog is specially dedicated to the lovable beagle who made our lives wonderful. You will always be in our memories Kimby!

New Pup Kimby became a member of our family on December 26, 2008
as our present for Kyla and Kevin

First major grooming spree!

Kimby at 5 months. In her brand new bigger doghouse.

Kimby being silly.... she doesnt like her new house!

During daytime, Kimby hangs out at the Lanai where it is cool and shady too!

Kuya Kevin taking Kimby for an afternoon stroll around the village

Kimby's First Birthday. We had cake and roasted chicken for Kimby!

New Year's Eve 2009. Kimby amazed at the sparklers.

Kimby started to like hanging out at the swing

Kimby in SG

Our last picture with Kimby- Jan 1st, 2012 before going back to SG.

Kimby's favorite nipa hut in Rizal where she enjoyed freedom.
Beside this hut is her final resting place.

Thank you Chase Martini for the comforting words....

Dear Ms. Armie,

Please tell Kevin and Kyla that pets who have gone on do not forget the kindness and love of their masters.

My bark network says that pets who leave this earth ahead wait for their masters by the big, big meadow at the foot of the Rainbow Bridge. There, they are not sick nor hurt and play happily with other pets until their master arrives. Reunited, the master and all his pets cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

My sincerest condolences.

Solemnly,
Chase

We shall see you someday Kimby at the Rainbow Bridge.

The Line at Shangrila Hotel

For hubby's birthday this year, we decided to have a family dinner somewhere nice and cozy- for the lack of time to prepare home-cooked birthday dinner. That, and we wanted to try some new place instead of our usual neighborhood dinner joint.

A colleague recommended The Line - Shangrila Hotel's Buffet Restaurant. I had a quick look over at the internet and my! it does look mouth-watering. I booked our reservations online without difficulty.

Unlike other familiar hotel joints, Shangrila Hotel Singapore is nicely tucked away along Orange Grove Road. It is not a busy road yet close enough to remain close to the bustling Orchard area. The lobby of the hotel is grand and posh, typical of what is to expected from Shangrila Hotel.

Main Lobby with a hint of Mid-Autumn Festival ambience 

On the contrary, The Line boasts of minimalist interiors- stark white tables and chairs accentuated by Orange place holders and panel lights. I'd say the buffet selection is generous and covers a wide range of international dishes, divided into zones. From the entrance, the Seafood section and the Dessert station is the first visible stop, much to the delight of Kyla!

A glimpse of The Line's spacious dinning area

This is a section of the Dessert station.
Yes, they have choco fondue tower as well!

Further inside are the salads/appetizers, Japanese sushi/sashimi/maki station, Western fare (pasta, pizza, even french fries), Carving station, Dimsum/Chinese, Asian and Indian food station. You can also drop by the soup/noodle station to have a nice, hot noodle soup made as per your heart's desires.

I also love that they have a coffee and tea station, perfect to cap your night with the perfect dessert. On desserts, yes they do have the chocolate fondue tower, a crepe station, ice creams and gelato and gummies galore. The lime meringue pie I chose is just heavenly!

My desserts.

And since it was a birthday celebration for dear hubby, he was treated to a complimentary birthday cake as well!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Overall, I'd say one of the best buffet spreads and a pleasant dining experience-- I'm particular with buffet that is able to cater to young and adults' preference and The Line has surely got them covered!

Toy Story

There was no mega toystore in my childhood days. No Toys R Us or SM Storyland. Toy sections that were part the so-called department stores and the sprouting malls of the early 80s.  My mom worked as a section head in a department store and I grew up a constant little figure skipping around and about in that world.  We had our fair share of toys, the modestly priced ones. Of course, the pricey and more funkier, bigger toys would always catch one's attention and desires but they are way too expensive.

I would stare at those toys for hours, it's all one can do. And tell myself, when I grow up and I can afford it, I'll buy those toys...

My kids grew up surrounded by mega toystores. Countless of them.  Countless of toys to choose from.  From the modestly priced plastic toys to the pricey and more funkier, bigger life-like toys. 

The difference is that many years after, somehow we can now afford to buy them for our two children. The irony was that our daughter is not that much into toys. She prefer arts and outdoor pursuits.  She made indoor kites for her brother and paper boats with our names on it. She made me a pen holder from a used milk carton for Mother's day.  She would rather swim, run, bike or play at the monkey bars.

And of course, there was Kevin. I still go to the boys' section of the toy store today. Sometimes the two of us go together. I'd stare at the toys. For many minutes.   My eyes would scan the entire expanse, counter after counter of the toy store.  Wondering.  Figuring out... what he may like. 

Most of the time, he ignores them completely. It's not that he doesn't "like" them. He just doesn't see it the way we do.  The only toy he would be eager to have is the basketball.  He has an Eeyore stuff toy that accompanies him to sleep. The rest of his childhood toys are still with him today.

So I would just helplessly stand in front of the toys.  I still do.

Lost in thoughts.  That whereas we can buy any expensive toy now, it is not what Kevin wants. He is just looking for something far more simpler.  He doesn't need and want all those expensive toys.  If you think about it, love and understanding, compassion and inclusion, is enough for him.