Madam Kwan's, Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur

After we checked out the following day, I was craving for sinful, artery-clogging fast food and I was so decided to eat at Carl's Jr to try their chili fries. On our way, we so happened to pass by Madam Kwan's and saw the place was crowded (on a Monday at that) so we figured why not try authentic Nasi Lemak!! I can always eat Carl's Jr in Singapore anyway.

We quickly took a glance at what everyone else was ordering and it was pretty obvious their Nasi Lemak (around RM15, S$6.50) was the house specialty. So we both ordered Nasi Lemak and shared Dumpling soup and Beef Rendang.

The Nasi Lemak was just pure heaven!!! The chicken curry was super tender with the right amount of curry and spice. The rice was very fragrant and the coconut taste was mild yet apparent. The sides were also interesting - the ikan bilis (dried anchovies) were not the usual fried and crispy. Instead, they were drenched with sweet chili sauce and onions.

The dumpling soup was light and refreshing. The beef rendang was also uber tender though honestly, it wasn't the best Beef Rendang I've ever tasted. My ex-flatmate Al made a better version of this.

Overall, the food was great. We kept on raving about the Nasi Lemak with every bite haha. Oh and the service was really fast! To think the place was packed and it was lunchtime rush hour. The one thing I didn't like was that the seats/tables were too close to each other it felt like you were sharing a table with everyone else. I mean other restaurants will at least have a considerable distance between tables to allow some sort of privacy, if you know what I mean. Lunch came up to RM75, around S$33 - it is quite pricey but we were in a restaurant after all, plus the servings were bigger than usual.

Here is my rating for Madam Kwan's:
Ambiance - 5.0
Service - 5.0
Food - 4.5
Presentation - 4.0
Value for Money - 4.5
OVERALL - 4.6

Madam Kwan's, Pavilion
Lot 1.16.00 Level 1, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bkt Bintang.
Tel: 03-2143 2297 / 6

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Ichiban Boshi, Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur

Over the weekend, we had a quick 2-day getaway in Kuala Lumpur. Luckily, Air Asia flights were cheap and flight schedules were perfect which meant we had 2 full days for food, shopping and more food :)



On our first night, we had dinner at Ichiban Boshi - a japanese restaurant in Pavilion shopping center. The interior was really nice and I love the conveyor belt concept.




We were so hungry from walking all day that I forgot to take a picture of the sashimi platter we ordered haha. We also had 2 kinds of Karaage - the usual fried one and another with teriyaki sauce, plus a few pcs of California Maki.

Food was generally good. I'm always a fan of Japanese food. As long the food is fresh and the soy sauce and wasabi are of good quality, then its a thumbs up for me! Service was OK but the waiters had to pay more attention as they actually served us the sashimi platter twice and if we kept our mouth shut we could have gotten the 2nd platter for free haha.

We paid around RM80, which was roughly around S$35 - quite cheap for the amount of food we ordered considering the resto was in a high-end shopping mall.

Here is my rating for Ichiban Boshi:
Ambiance - 5.0
Service - 3.0
Food - 4.0
Presentation - 3.0
Value for Money - 4.5
OVERALL - 3.9

Ichiban Boshi
Lot 1.14, Pavilion,
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Flabbergasted!

Since I've a lot of free time on my hands lately I decided to check and housekeep my hotmail email account and I was so shocked to see emails from some blog readers from more than a year ago!!! I really feel bad now that I wasn't able to reply to their inquires regarding some blog posts/reviews :( So I do hope they still receive my looonngggg overdue email responses.

The thing is I rarely (or almost never) check my hotmail email account as I mostly use my yahoo email accounts. But it does melt my heart to know that people are reading my rambling on this blog :)

I was actually also very surprised to learn that almost 40,000 people have visited my blog since I started in June 2008 but I do sometimes wonder if people read my entries or at least look at the pictures hehe. So to the readers out there, please do feel free to leave any comments, suggestions or even hate mail! haha. Yes, I do have some of those as I had this very ugly dispute with a "famous" food blogger in Manila.

Anywayyyyy, thank you for reading!!! I hope to hear from you guys!!! I'm planning to run this online contest soon with REAL prizes!!! :)

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New Beginnings...

So today is my last day of work...
I'm not sure how I feel today but I guess it's a mix of happiness, relief, sadness, anxiety, excitement and fear.

I actually felt quite touched that my boss (who I previously called a prick in this post) took out the entire team and treated us out for lunch. Plus a few colleagues who really made effort to send a note, chat with me or have a drink to bid their farewell. You see I have been quite incognito in our office. So it's really quite flattering that I have touched the lives of some people in one way or the other. Especially that for some reason, I wasn't able to be myself here - meaning the jolly, fun-loving, cheerful guy that I usually am. I guess its because I got so consumed with the project I'm managing.


I may have a lot of issues and rants about the company which drove me to resign (such as not being given my bonus for July since I filed resignation) but at the end of the day, I was able to obtain my objective of getting the experience and beautifying my resume. As they say, "All's well that ends well". All the negativity and complaints aside, I can honestly say that this has been one of the most fulfilling professional experiences in my life. In my 2+ yrs with this company, I have probably learned more than what I have learned in the 8 years I have been working.

So here's to new beginnings!!! I wish that I've made the right decision and I'm really looking forward to starting a new journey - in no less than the shopping district of Singapore, Orchard Road!!! hahaha kidding.

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"Adult" Food

I was browsing through the net and saw these funny food pictures...

..."Suso" means "Breast" in Filipino



..."Pekpek" means "Vagina" in Filipino

..."Puke" is another street slang version of "Vagina" in Filipino






(Credits to http://tunaynalalake.blogspot.com/) Read more on ""Adult" Food"!

Sakuraya, West Coast Plaza

Today, I attended my last meeting with our client - Ministry of Education. I was really flattered as they graciously hosted lunch for me, my boss and my colleague (who will replace me) when they found out that today was the last day we were going to see each other (though of course we informed them a month ago that I was leaving).

We went to this japanese restaurant, Sakuraya, in West Coast Plaza. It's funny because before we left the office, my boss told our 'higher' boss that MOE was going to treat us for my farewell lunch and I heard them say that we should be the ones to pay and not them. And I was thinking, good thing they realized that because they were the ones who gave us this project after all. But what do you know, as expected, when the bill came my boss never offered to pay for the bill. What a shame.

Anyway, I ordered "Chirashi Don" $14 (see above picture) - a mix of salmon and fish sashimi on top of japanese rice. MOE ordered a wide array of japanese food for everyone to share and my favorite was the octopus sashimi. Too bad I didn't have my digicam then. Food was pretty good but based on my quick glance of the menu the prices were a bit more expensive than other usual japanese restos (I think). Although, I'm not sure if the food is better than my all-time favorite Kuishin-Bo.

It was a good albeit definitely challenging 2+ years of managing this project. 1 more week to go with this company then I'm facing new challenges with my new company come 2nd August. I'm excited yet anxious at the same time but I think I'm looking forward more to working in Orchard road again - back to civilization :)

No rating for Sakuraya since I didn't pay haha. Thanks MOE!

Fishmart SAKURAYA West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#B1-50/51/52
West Coast Plaza
Singapore 127371
+6567736973
Business Hours - 10:30am - 10:00pm

(they also have branches in Anchorpoint & Parkway Parade)

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Inception

Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled thief who can steal ideas from someone's subconscious, is given one last chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible - inception.

I've been staring at the monitor for 5 minutes now and I'm still not sure how to start this review. If I were to describe the movie in a few words, that would be "Outrageously Exhausting Mind Trip". It was so complex you wouldn't want to blink an eye lest you want to get lost in the 2.5 hr psycho-thriller mental adventure.


Props to the filmmakers for such an original story especially in this day and age of sequels, remakes and comic book films. You must be truly creative and brilliant to be able to come up with such a mind-boggling plot that truly keeps you on the edge of your seat. Moreover, Leonardo Dicaprio's acting is flawless as expected. That guy is truly in a league of his own. I can definitely predict this movie to rake in the money and potentially the awards as well. BUUUTTTTT, despite all the flowery words I've mentioned, I'm not jumping up and down with glee about the movie. Yes it was a great film but not exceptionally great (in my opinion at least). The setback for me was the massive amount of detail you had to grasp and some loopholes in the plot. But like I said, thats just me.


[SPOILER ALERT BELOW]

Actually, I had to sit down and revisit the movie in my head (or in my dreams hahaha) before I could post a fair review as I really hated the ending. The part where after he sees his children, the totem still keeps on spinning and looks like it wont stop spinning - which actually meant he was still in a dream. That really turned me off. After 2.5 hrs of intense focus and mental torture it turns out he was still dreaming after all (!#@#!). Then again we really won't know if it did stop spinning as they made it appear as if it were wobbling and about to stop then the movie cuts to black and ends. But what do you expect right?! Of course they wanted the ending to be ambiguous! So that people will continue to talk about it after they step out from the theatres - the exact same thing I'm doing right now haha.

Nevertheless, it's still a must see. It may be better after you've seen it the 2nd or 3rd time so you can digest more of the intricate details in the story that you may have missed out the first time you saw it. PLUS, the fact that I didn't fall asleep despite the midnight showing and 2.5 hour length of the movie means it must be good hahaha.

My rating for Inception is 4.25/5.0

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To Mac or not to Mac?

Sorry for such a shallow post haha :) Please forgive me. I'm just really boggled on what brand of laptop to buy.

You see, I've only had the chance to purchase my very own laptop in 2007, a few months after I arrived in Singapore. But it was a short yet sweet relationship with my (Compaq)laptop because I sold it to my twin brother at a very cheap price, as payment for my debts to him hahaha.

So eversince, I haven't really had my own personal laptop. Though I've been lucky as my current and past 2 jobs issued me laptops which I could take home, but I still couldn't freely make use of them. Like for instance, it's funny that the songs on my iPhone are synced from my brother's laptop. So I have to put up with these songs until I see my brother which is only like twice or thrice a year hahaha.

So now that I'm moving to a new job why not finally get my own personal laptop. Especially that Im actively updating my blog again and I also put up an online ebook store. But the MAJOR LIFE-THREATENING question is should I get a Macbook or not?? Haha.


I do have my reservations with a Macbook (my second job issued me a Macbook back then) as I'm so used to windows-based PCs. BUT you can't deny the fact that the damn thing looks pretty. And let's be honest, a lot of people buy it because it looks cool and it makes their fart smell better hahaha. BUUUTTT (again) in fairness to Mac, it's more crash-resistant and less prone to virus, if not totally virus-free.


How about a Sony Vaio? I think in terms of looks, they're Apple's closest competitor considering the widescreen monitors and stylish casing. Then again, watching and recording videos on a Macbook is really immaculate...

So how???? Help!!! :P

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Chloe

A remake of 2003 French thriller "Nathalie..." with Emmanuelle Beart, Atom Egoyan's "Chloe" is a suspenseful story of love and betrayal. When Catherine (Julianne Moore), a successful doctor, begins to question the fidelity of her lecturer husband David (Liam Neeson), she sets out to resolve her suspicions with the help of an alluring young prostitute, Chloe (Amanda Seyfried). Soon caught in a web of sexual desire, Catherine finds herself on a journey that places her family in great danger. (http://sg.movies.yahoo.com/Chloe/movie/15603/)

First, don't worry, there are no spoilers in this review :) I can tell that this movie won't be as widely popular or raved about compared to other movies but I definitely recommend it to couples, whether married or not, or even to single people who look forward to being in a relationship. Plus, the girl-on-girl scene (as shown in the trailer) is definitely something a lot of male viewers would want to see haha.

I love the subtle yet engaging approach of the movie. I'm sure I've mentioned before in this blog that I really go more for the storyline over death-defying stunts, matrix-like effects and what have you.


I honestly believe that TRUST is such a vital component in a relationship. I don't know about you but I seriously don't believe in nosing around your partner's personal and private property (i.e. reading/spying on their sms messages, asking for their email or Facebook login password, etc). I'm sure some of you will say that there's nothing wrong about it especially if you've got nothing to hide, BUT I still firmly believe that we are entitled to (at least some sort of) our own privacy. I mean if you're at the point where you have to snoop around your partner's stuff then that just means you don't trust the person anymore. Am i right or am I right? :P Confront your partner and communicate rather than spy and speculate (hey that rhymes!! haha).

There's a shocking twist towards the end of the movie that was totally unexpected so go see it! But I think the ending could have been better. It's like they couldn't top the previous twist that they just decided to end it like that.

Nevertheless, it was a good watch. My rating is 4.0/5.0 Read more on "Chloe"!

I got a NEW JOB!!! :)

Hallelujah!! Praise GOD!!!
I got a new job!!!


Just as my company was pushing me away, I get a call from one of the companies I was really looking forward to hear from. God is really good. You see, my prick of a boss talked to me today asking if I'm ok with cutting short my notice period by 1 week. I said I would rather stay still the 30th because I have a pending meeting with a client which involves testing of our software application.

He said, "Well, are you okay with attending the meeting on the 27th even if your last day is on the 23rd?"

I said "I don't think so".

WTF?!?! Is he nuts? Why the hell will I attend a meeting WITH NO PAY after my last day of work? Effing stupid.

So thank god I got this call. I was actually sort of panicking already as I don't want to be jobless especially that I'm not yet a permanent resident here - which means if my work permit gets cancelled, I only have 30 days to get a new work permit or else I'll need to go home.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Lord! Modesty aside, I actually had 2 previous offers and 1 pending company (where I've had 3 interviews already) and this is the job that I was really eyeing for.

So tomorrow I sign the contract. Now I'm hoping there's no issues with processing my new work permit.

Hoping for the best :) YEY!

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LOOK WHO'S BACK???!!!!

Wow I just realized it's been a year since my last real post. I've been busy with just work and life in general (and with the advent of Facebook) that I totally neglected this blog. I also noticed Blogger has so many new features/functions It's like learning how to blog all over again (arghh).

The other day I was looking through my posts and felt a bit of nostalgia with all the memories, photos and rant/raves that I've managed to pile up in this blog of mine. AND all the food I've eaten!!!

You're probably wondering why the sudden comeback. Well, I quit my job - which explains the free time to blog. But really, I also realized I've put so much effort in this blog that it would be such a shame to not go back to blogging. About the job, I don't really want to dwell too much on the topic but let's just say I feel it's time to move on. My company has really given me the experience I need to beef up my resume so let's just keep it at that.

Annnyyywaaayyyy, Let me just run through the things, events, and milestones that have transpired during my absence (If you'd like to see pictures from the destinations below, add me in Facebook and let me know you read my blog hehe. Search for "Christian Abellaneda"):


July 2009 - Aileen & Bill's Wedding in Tagaytay, Philippines
- such a memorable and fabulous wedding with the fireworks and all! Also a family reunion of sorts since our relatives from all over the world flew over (including us from Singapore! haha)


Aug 2009 - Moving in to our new place
- Since Aileen and Bill got married, we had to move in to a new place so they can commence their married life with me!! hahaha


Sept 2009 - Trip to Boracay, Philippines
- Needed a break (As always haha) so went to Boracay with Yo & Mike


early-Oct 2009 - Birthday with Mom and Yo
- Since I wasn't able to go home for Xmas back in 2009, my ever sweet Mom and twin brother visited for my/our birthday


end-Oct 2009 - Trip to Bangkok
- short 3 day trip to Bangkok for a weekend getaway


Dec 2009 - Christmas Holidays with Yo
- Aileen, Bill and I weren't able to go home for Christmas so I asked, or shall I say forced, my twin bro to fly to Singapore to celebrate the holidays with us :)


Feb 2010 - Trip to Cebu, Philippines
- Spent the Chinese New Year holidays in my Dad's hometown Cebu in the Philippines. It's been a while since we travelled as a family


April 2010 - UNFORGETTABLE Trip to Turkey
- I LOVE LOVE LOVE TURKEY!!! Oh did I say I love Turkey?!


early-May 2010 - Trip to Vietnam
- First time to travel with Aileen and Bill overseas


mid-May 2010 - Visit by my BFFs
- My BFFs Cathy, Krizia, Karen and Ivy came over to visit

end-May - I quit my Job!!!


June 2010 - Visit by cousins / Trip to Bintan, Indonesia
- The Salamat cousins came over to visit so off we went to Bintan, amongst other things

I never realized so many things happened this past year and I'm very grateful to God for all the wonderful blessings and all the time spent with loved ones. I do hope I finally get this blog up and running again on a regular basis. And I do hope to find a job soon! Work sucks but beggars cant be choosers!! I need the damn money to keep up with my life haha.

WELCOME BACK TO MYSELF!!! :)

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