tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291127542024-02-22T01:15:27.876+08:00Hakkaboyz' s worldWelcome to my world! I'm a Hakka. My Pa is a Hakka, and so is my mum. Even my wife is Hakka! Funny thing is... we don't speak to each other in Hakka!hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-70280006897224041002009-03-06T20:57:00.003+08:002009-03-06T21:01:39.526+08:00Interesting conversationAnother interesting coversation with Rayden...<br /><br />Was explaining that we should not be destroying things, so as not to spend additional money to repair or replace whatever that is spoilt.<br /><br />ME: "Don't play with that sit belt, wait you break it and we will have to spend money to repair it... and we will not have enough money to buy toys and nice food for Rayden..."<br /><br />Rayden: " Go bank take loh"hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-33440914450800523852009-02-17T13:09:00.003+08:002009-02-18T13:11:27.786+08:00Never fails to amaze me...He amazed me almost everyday.<br /><br />In the playground @ 7am in the morning<br />Me:" Go on, Rayden, use the slide. Don't think it's wet."<br />Rayden:"No... got morning dew."<br />Me:"You remembers what I thought you weeks ago? Wow..."<br />Rayden:"School teach one..."<br /><br /><br />After we come down from the car.<br />Rayden:"Carry me... carry me..."<br />Me:"Why must I carry you? You can walk right?"<br />Rayden:"Wait the car knock me..."<br /><br /><br />Reverse role play...<br />Me:"I don't want to go school!!! I'm scare!!!"<br />Rayden:"Don't scare. I will fetch you later."<br />Me:"I don't want..."<br />Rayden:"I'll buy french fries for you later ok?"<br />Me:"Why must I go school?"<br />Rayden:"Go school can learn things mah... and I must go work."hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-10038307569016917832009-02-14T17:51:00.005+08:002009-02-14T21:58:16.267+08:00Ryanne's 3rd AnniversaryToday's 14 Feb 2009, and it is Ryanne's 3rd Anniversary .<br /><br />Dear Ryanne,<br /><br />How are you? Hope things are fine. It's 3 years since you left us. It seems like a very long time. Papa was looking through the photos we had with you and... the earlier ones were when you are still in KKH, with the feeding tubes attached...all the way till the ones which we celebrated your first and last birthday. Sigh... time flies. Your didi, Rayden was with me when I'm browsing at the photos, and I had to explain why there was a feeding tube attached to you, and why you are no longer with us. We brought him to the Hall of Graditude today to see you. Mummy's not feeling too good, thus she stayed in the van. But I hope you have noticed Rayden has grown taller and slimmer than before. And yah.. he's still very naughty and unreasonable at times. They call it the "terrible two" phase. Can you do something about that? Oh.. you are going to have another didi again. Mummy's expecting and your didi is due around April this year. We haven't really thought of a name yet... you have any suggestion?<br /><br />Well, Ryanne... I'm sorry for not visiting you as often as I would have like to. I promised you I will try to do that. Take care, Ryanne. RIP.<br /><br />Love you always,<br />Papahakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-34783133022860332942009-02-10T21:59:00.002+08:002009-02-10T22:33:14.711+08:00Day 2 w/o maidIt is now 2159hrs and I have done the laundry. It's an improvement but I used the good old washing machine this time.<br /><br /><br />I picked up my courage to phone a number which Renna left with us when she's leaving.<br /><br />Me: "Er.. Hello, can I speak to Rennalyn please? Is she back home?"<br /><br />A voice: " Sir?... It's me, Renna"<br /><br />Me: " Hi Renna, you are back home? Is everything alright?"<br /><br />Renna: " Sir, the air ticket you bought for me wrong. Didn't go to Manila."<br /><br />Me: "What?! It says Manila what..."<br /><br />But apparently, it is not in the Manila that she wants to go.<br /><br />Renna: " I have to take a taxi to Manila - 1500 peso"<br /><br />Me: " And then you have to take that 24hrs bus that cost you 3000 peso... wah! you have enough money or not?"<br /><br />Renna:" Sir, I take out the Ang Bao which you gave me at the airport to change. Enough."<br /><br />Me: " You are fine? How's your parents? They are happy to see you back?"<br /><br />Renna: " Yes. They are happy to see me, sir. Sir... sorry sir..."<br /><br />Me: " It's ok. Don't say sorry. If so, I have to say sorry to you too. Are you angry with us?"<br /><br />Renna:" No sir. Sorry sir."<br /><br />Renna: " Sir, how's everything? How's Rayden? How's Mdm?"<br /><br />Emotion flowing...<br /><br />Me: " Everything's fine except that the house is abit messy... Just have to live with it I guess...As for Rayden and Mdm, they are fine too. Do you want to speak to them? Let's see if Rayden's sleeping yet"<br /><br />Turning on the speaker...<br /><br />Me:" Rayden, it's auntie Renna. Say hi."<br /><br />Rayden:" Hi Auntie Renna! Why you are not here? Why you go home?"<br /><br />I can hear Renna sobbing.<br /><br />Renna: " Baby, how are you? What are you doing?"<br /><br />Rayden: " Auntie Renna, why you not here? Why you go Philippine?"<br /><br />Silence...<br /><br />Me:" Auntie Renna must go home and visit her Papa Mama mah... It's been a long time since she has seen them?"<br /><br />Renna:" Baby, what are you doing? Must be good boy ok?"<br /><br />Rayden:" Auntie Renna, what are you doing? I building a house.." (stacking of pillows and bolsters)<br /><br />Silence...<br /><br />Me: " Ok lah, Renna. We will leave it like this. Just remember to let us know if there's anything. Take care... bye!"<br /><br />Renna: " Bye..."<br /><br />It ended like this. But, to me... I think it's good to hear that she's ok, her parents are fine and happy to see her. I finally can let it go.hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-44626427747759110332009-02-09T23:02:00.002+08:002009-02-09T23:21:52.098+08:00Day 1 w/o my maidIt is now 2303hrs according to my computer clock. I have just finished handwashing mostly Rayden's clothes and a couple of my wife's ones. I do not have any energy left for folding the clean clothes from yesterday's laundry. My wife had told me to dump it (the laundry) in the washing machine and tune it the a low spin for washing to save some time and energy. I will consider that suggestion. The reason why I chose to handwash them is to experience what Renna's (my ex-maid) been doing for the past 2 years. I can tell you that it is no joke... Must ensure there's hot water in the flask. Must ensure that Rayden's toys and books are kept properly. Must ensure that Rayden's school bag is packed (I haven't done this yet... my wife told me she's doing it). Basically... alot of things to do.<br /><br />I heard a SMS tone on my phone around 2215hrs. Deep inside me, I was hoping that it was from Renna informing that she has reached her hometown safely. But, it was not her. I am still waiting to hear that she's safe and happy back home.<br /><br />Tomorrow will be another challenging day.hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-74660117549466290882009-02-08T22:17:00.002+08:002009-02-08T22:59:58.898+08:00I fired someoneNo... I didn't pour kerosine on someone and light her up. I sent my domestic worker back to her hometown today. <br /><br />Nothing to do with the economy crisis. We suspected her of stealing, something which she denied, even at the Departure gate at Budget Terminal. We didn't manage to prove that she did it since we cannot find prove... she could have gotten rid of it... at least we think she may have probably done so. What we found is a photo of her and her Indian boyfriend. We found out about this 2 years ago, and she has promised to break off, which we naively believed. The photo is recent, I'm sure. Morally not wrong, but we have advise her against having a relationship with another foreigner. Who knows whether that guy is living on her, or just want to have a good time - free, once a month? She revealed that the "boyfriend" has went back to India and they have already broken off. I am not sure.<br /><br />The reason for sending her back is... we can no longer trust her. How can I stay with someone without trust. Do I have to live in fear everyday? Do I have to watch my back on her every move? One may argue that even if we get someone new, it takes time to build up the trust. The thing is, she's with us for more than 2 years, and we have recently extend her work permit by 1 year. We have even helped her to apply to the Canadian Embassy for employment in Canada. Canada is supposingly one of the ultimate heaven that the Filipino maids wanted to go. Having said all this, and there's no trust in between us, I think it is pathetic. Have I failed as an employer?<br /><br />She was not extra hardworking. Her working attitude was not super. Her food sucks. But I think she did try her best, and she treats Rayden well. These are the one of reasons why we renewed her work permit, knowing that she has wanted to go Canada ultimately.. and also trying to help her to achieve her dream.<br /><br />But today, I have to crush it all. I have to hold back my tears when I am saying goodbye in the BT.<br /><br />I am sorry, Rennalyn. I wish your family and you well. I hope you can achieve your dream soon. Thank you for your service.hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-91453768322004674842009-01-28T11:31:00.002+08:002009-01-28T11:39:30.262+08:00Why I join FacebookFound some old letters and post cards in parent's place few days ago. These were letters written to me by family and friends during my 2 years stay in Sheffield, UK 95/96 - 96/97.<br /><br />Many memories came rushing in and my gosh... how time flies.<br /><br />Strangely, I have lost contact with friends who had wrote quite often to me back then. I plan to fix that. I joined facebook and I think I need a little bit of luck.<br /><br />Where are you my friends?hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-66282071104356638982009-01-21T21:45:00.003+08:002009-01-21T22:12:28.651+08:00MR loh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqWk-kftF2QuGxD3OLQUizUhSxCyXnaar2orMA2HJQATHaNnU56UHUh3jy285iQPxbt9Mu1DRXDcy9YqvLZPlkKRaXOyS4flfFlNsnr8NfuTn02O_nWqTGC2DjNQ8wFDu333N9g/s1600-h/049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293742954443182306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqWk-kftF2QuGxD3OLQUizUhSxCyXnaar2orMA2HJQATHaNnU56UHUh3jy285iQPxbt9Mu1DRXDcy9YqvLZPlkKRaXOyS4flfFlNsnr8NfuTn02O_nWqTGC2DjNQ8wFDu333N9g/s320/049.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>Has been waiting for this day for years... but having said that, it's kind of sad knowing it will be difficult to gather all the guys which I have "cheong-sua" before throughout my NSmen life. Yes, lim-peh MR loh.</div><div> </div><div>To my dear 609 SIR Alpha company and especially the 84mm section and Coy HQ,</div><div> </div><div>Thank you for not judging me based on my "past reputation / rumours" and sticking with me, helping me throughout the tough trainings we have been through. I will miss you guys.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Pte Hakkaboyz</div>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-87470135534699841442009-01-16T23:42:00.005+08:002009-01-16T23:51:17.124+08:00Happy 2009!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye1gw64S4TA_IYS3aY3DXeisvJL143lR0_iDd7FG3M0scLBfo_5qlG_8aJU61n1j0QFMKpSLQyaQsZ3m3fMza9xqzZZFgaw00xYZHtXgmzmt-Uixt_-jCMAJf7pVuiM95PCJfHA/s1600-h/2009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291918567905968786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye1gw64S4TA_IYS3aY3DXeisvJL143lR0_iDd7FG3M0scLBfo_5qlG_8aJU61n1j0QFMKpSLQyaQsZ3m3fMza9xqzZZFgaw00xYZHtXgmzmt-Uixt_-jCMAJf7pVuiM95PCJfHA/s320/2009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy 2009!</div><div></div><div>Live life without regrets!</div><div></div><div>Luv,</div><div>Hakkaboyz</div><div></div>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-60292435102600205502008-05-13T08:48:00.005+08:002008-05-13T09:04:49.729+08:00Kid's Kampung @ Pasir Ris<div><br /></div><br /><div>We were thinking of visiting the Zoo actually but it was running late and we thought we can go somewhere nearer.</div><br /><p>So we went to Pasir Ris scouting for a place where Rayden can feed fishes. Managed to find this ulu place inside Pasir Ris Farmway 1 - Kid's Kampung where children can feed fishes, catch lokang fish..etc</p><br /><div>The entrance fee for catching lokang fish is $11/-. I were like... "erh?! damn expensive leh!" but we have a cheaper alternative ... feed fishes @ $1/- per person. Ok. So, 3 adults - me, hakkagal and auntie "ahya" (that's how rayden called our maid) - that is $3/- with 3 packets of fish food.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199659743087888130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="189" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dqN7d4G2aDKSUZNFY-VTAu24I5yT3Rl0BgDi9DIV-HJTRHJO1ZnJ5zS2XGueGtLFPrpTJgLzij9lQr6CN_34AqPGIN9Fv6cmJ08GyopvIsfqvwpIXiV91yKvJ-s7ZZaath8l2w/s320/11-05-08_1127.jpg" width="183" border="0" />Rayden feeding the fishes. See how serious he look.</p><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199660511887034130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="268" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU6KYjZTlZGC-lmHilvLNxsBryfzJdpacG6NArEwid19NmDBArenMucG5q2W8w7RiygCAO0UMTpISmYzk1lz4zx4TK1NbD0eEmxfgOzOHnELKaxirVtdUgWPAekaLGOeZquIJiQ/s320/11-05-08_1128.jpg" width="216" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>See how hungry the fishes are....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199661731657746210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="213" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aB5cCZlumChkgfQoLX0ofj0oclG1u67CWMZgOuJfv68P7wajiwqGUXVpV-GWnpkhOBcBvaZTLunBRI2YKFfVqMYYlMr2_A2bk7d0fTHmwuUl48Mv1odmpebN0AciKQQjGCv-fw/s320/11-05-08_1149.jpg" width="198" border="0" /></div><br /><p> </p><p>See how happy Rayden is! How I wish I can do this with him everyweek...</p>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-21323748760742656512008-05-13T08:37:00.003+08:002008-05-13T08:48:26.409+08:00Pre-Mother's Day dinner @ Jalan Malu-Malu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhdGJCSaUJ1LrywvOG4E8toitPPX9LiQq9CdKKcqDhBmk3SUqwZZ_Suy-6KNq_TkIf9DpbmSNFzf2eg78BN2wwAWdNp2yISyMy5Eg95GkVmyGJ-MMFdYMiBCxr0kZ-WAOXXUCCg/s1600-h/10-05-08_1958.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199655323566540530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" height="216" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhdGJCSaUJ1LrywvOG4E8toitPPX9LiQq9CdKKcqDhBmk3SUqwZZ_Suy-6KNq_TkIf9DpbmSNFzf2eg78BN2wwAWdNp2yISyMy5Eg95GkVmyGJ-MMFdYMiBCxr0kZ-WAOXXUCCg/s320/10-05-08_1958.jpg" width="226" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Everywhere seems to be overloaded with people on Saturday... and the fact is that Mother's day is on the following day. </div><div> </div><div>Kelvin's intention is to go to the Thai Shark's Fin Restaruant along Thomson Rd but we didn't make a reservation and they said sorry. So we thought, "ok... we can always go to another one..."</div><div> </div><div>So, we drove northwards towards Sembawang... thinking that the Yishun Seafood opposite the old Sambawang Shopping Centre is still around. Damn it loh... also no more ... became a kopitiam and there are no carpark available. </div><div> </div><div>I sugggested to go to the nearby, jalan malu-malu coffeshop to eat the ji-char, thinking that the place should be ulu enough that we will be served like a king. Damn it loh, the place is flooded with ppl too. But we still managed to park our vehicles and got ourselves a table.</div><div> </div><div>The food was ok, different from what we are used to eating @ blk 202 amk kopitiam. Just that we have to wait till 8pm before the first dish was served. We were there around 7.30pm... we finished our dinner around 8.25pm. See how hungry we are...</div>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-36589179085072890282008-04-15T18:15:00.002+08:002008-04-15T18:21:37.816+08:00Promotion item<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiajOlbGZzMk2d1w7P0padxjbtE_ChCDgtSMhKlYv92k421c1FcQXvdjKG0iAZcbyzDOYjyNoQTUDyqFLc55S3oGlbnAtbABgUr6K-rA2YA_A5lh93m8sH6XFAFUcZCqJpTcQ4JQ/s1600-h/promotions.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189414421004784690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiajOlbGZzMk2d1w7P0padxjbtE_ChCDgtSMhKlYv92k421c1FcQXvdjKG0iAZcbyzDOYjyNoQTUDyqFLc55S3oGlbnAtbABgUr6K-rA2YA_A5lh93m8sH6XFAFUcZCqJpTcQ4JQ/s320/promotions.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I saw this in Budget Terminal... </div><div> </div><div>The usual price is cheaper than the Promotion price. </div><div> </div><div>Strange.</div>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-51883059814127062912008-04-15T17:28:00.004+08:002008-04-19T05:03:02.615+08:00WordsDear Rayden,<br /><br />You are quite advance in your language ability. Is it because your mother is a teacher?<br /><br />You have progress to 3 and 4 syllabus words...<br /><br />1. motorbike<br />2. butterfly<br />3. dinosaur<br />4. areoplane<br />5. elephant<br />6. alligator<br /><br />You have shown capability in having decent conversation with us.<br /><br />Papa to Rayden:"What is Papa's name?"<br />Rayden:"Daddy"<br />----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Raining heavily<br />Papa to Rayden:"You want to go playground?"<br />Rayden:"No"<br />Papa:"Why?"<br />Rayden:"Wet-wet"<br />---------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />A normal weekday morning 9am<br />Papa to Rayden: "Where's Mama?"<br />Rayden: "School"<br /><br />A normal weekday evening 7pm before we go home from shop<br />Papa to Rayden:"Where's Mama?"<br />Rayden:"Or or orhhhh" - sleeping<br />----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />A customer picking up some goods before proceeding to pay at cashier...<br />Rayden to customer with his hand outstretch:"Money money money..."<br /><br /><br />You are so funny, Rayden...<br /><br />Love,<br />Papahakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-85596979501207094312008-04-13T14:06:00.006+08:002008-04-13T14:30:57.468+08:00Wings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8Gt0yGxob5uMlLlnM7h36r_f-sr5biH1WOzkB2Fc1IhmgPBFjlV5YgAdG06wrIDW2QDcFbuQfL6YdwxsJIfrG8ARdcdFTvqQu0l2ugN5JG0AP3DwTAMs23vTuf5ioawG02s7Ww/s1600-h/skull.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188608414557115426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8Gt0yGxob5uMlLlnM7h36r_f-sr5biH1WOzkB2Fc1IhmgPBFjlV5YgAdG06wrIDW2QDcFbuQfL6YdwxsJIfrG8ARdcdFTvqQu0l2ugN5JG0AP3DwTAMs23vTuf5ioawG02s7Ww/s320/skull.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>So we were told that he has gone missing. Vanished into the thin air.</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Or is he?</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Guard:"Boss, we gave him the textbook treatment.... but he refused to use it leh..."</div><div>Boss:"How?"</div><div>Guard:"We gave him a pair of wings. He took it and flew away. "</div><div>Boss:"Aiyo.... loopholes!"</div><div></div><div></div></div>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-54329130700435764952008-02-29T18:06:00.003+08:002008-02-29T18:20:57.636+08:00Prison Break - Singapore versionSo... our version of Mr. Scofield ... but with a limp on the left leg.<br /><br />The thing is... How the hell can a "bai kar" escaped a detention center which supposingly be guarded by top notch Gukhars?<br /><br />So now.. what? Another honest mistake? I don't think Singaporeans want this kind of "rebates" from the "surplus". This is a big-time terrorist we are talking about.<br /><br />Come on! Put him back where he belongs! ... or you don't deserve your damn high pay loh, mr. DPM!hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-55555169170234067062008-02-28T18:00:00.002+08:002008-02-28T18:06:13.196+08:00Frustrations!Lots of frustrations lately.<br /><br />Domain down... I think the f**ker is a fraud. Money transferred, no service. Domain still down. Emails no reply. I think this will be a police case.<br /><br />Went to Suntec for the Beauty Expo. The crowd is quite ok as compared to previous years. Damn! should have participated. Some of the suppliers were having price wars and things are going for 50% off. Consumers happy, other suppliers like us not quite. So for the next month or so, we can get a ticket and go jalan-jalan.hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-37782281970032167012008-02-28T17:53:00.002+08:002008-02-28T18:00:23.338+08:00How Are You?CNY is over.<br /><br />Somehow, our gang of 4 did not gather during CNY. I met WS at Adrian's place during 3rd day of CNY. Met Ang now and then because his office is just next to our warehouse. But how are you, mr. rascal? Didn't catch up with you for sometime. Hope things are ok!<br /><br />CNY is over. Another new year ahead of us. New hopes, new aspirations, new beginnings,... new babies?hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-60670231393566150852008-02-14T20:27:00.004+08:002008-02-14T21:09:42.000+08:0014 Feb 2008It's been sometime since I last updated my blog.<br /><br />Today is a special day. I know.... it's valentine's day, and today is also Ryanne's 2nd anniversary.<br /><br />Dearest Ryanne,<br /><br />How are you? Just want to let you know that you are still in our heart no matter where you are now. You know what? Read it from the Mind Your Body yesterday that today, 14 Feb is also a Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. So.... er... Aps right?<br /><br />Your little brother Rayden is very funny. He knew he had a sister and you are not with us anymore, but I think he cannot understand why you are only represented in a photo. Sometimes, when he received a new toy, we'd ask him to show it to you. He'll say "No" but after sometime, he'll bring it to put it infront of your photo.<br /><br />When we bring him to visit you at the Hall of Gratitude at Bright Hill today - he knew exactly where you are even though we have brought him there only once. Did you hear him call you "jie-jie" today?<br /><br />It's been 2 years since you left us. It had been 2 busy years for us. Firstly we set up a shop with Gong-Gong and Po-Po, and your arrival of your little brother, Rayden. If you have noticed, he can be very difficult at times - behaving like a little tyrant. Papa has to do some travelling from time to time. Business is picking up and thus, we are geting busier. As for Mummy, she's also super busy nowadays. Thanks to some silly colleauge she has to work with. Now, everything she does, or not going to do, she has to think about covering her ass. And I don't think she'll appreciate me putting that down. Whatever.... Pls forgive us for not visiting more often, but you are right here - in our heart and mind.<br /><br />Anyway... We hope you are at peace. And please help to watch out for your little brother who can be very naughty and clumpsy at the same time. Take care Ryanne. Papa love you and miss you alot.<br /><br />Love you,<br />Papahakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-41081472881895440852007-10-06T15:10:00.000+08:002007-10-08T17:18:46.288+08:00Ball watch-ingRecently I am into watches. Fine watches. I am surprised at the number of fine watches brands there are in the market. Don't mentioned the usual fine brands such as Rolexes, Omegas, Tag Heures, Breitlings, Longines... there are also the Patek Phillipes, IWCs, Frank Mullers, Oris... and much much more. There is this brand that caught my eye... BALL. No kidding, the BALL watches are cool man. Check <a href="http://www.ballwatch.com/">them</a> out...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My friend Davian who is a watch collector, asked me to look at pre-owned Rolexes and Omegas. Pre-owned - a nicer name for 2nd hand. The reason for this recommendation is that they have "resale" value and they are better known brands - and by wearing one of them on my wrist will look good on me especially for a businessman. Hmm... Does a watch determines one's social status? I have seen nice Seikos, the Premier range costing around $700 - $1000... and when I mentioned about this to other friends, some will laugh and say: " who'd buy a Seiko for $1000?!" ... ignorance? or... just brand conscious?<br /><br /><br /><br />Kelvin and I went into The Hour Glass a couple of weeks ago... we are not at all appropriately dressed. You can see that the salesman is not at all interested in serving us. I believed that the story will be different if we had a Rolex on our wrist or my skin or hair is of a different colour... but no. We do not have one and we damn look local loh. Is this the service standards that we expect in our own turf? Even our people look down on ourselves.<br /><br /><br /><br />How many times did we engage in conversations like ... what car a mutual friend drives? where is he/she staying now... working as... how much salary that he/she may be drawing? Let's face it... we like to compare. For good or worse, sub-consciously or not, we do it.<br /><br /><br /><br />"Let's not compare" easier to be said than to be done.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm currently still wearing my Titus watch - with a new leather strap, while waiting to send my Seiko for servicing.hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-4645181459098898042007-09-30T17:13:00.000+08:002007-09-30T17:18:01.017+08:00Pray pray<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqLTqBU6pY6NUaUdYimTbLW9-G5nCUD4Ui8PNmWYpncQUdHQ_9ceVubMtiksJg-wVb5l7mBejB06RmPLOSG_ujGet8zAcA6ydfQECAWDPaTqpRokJNbb7ztf0RNkRIP4xfnm-vQ/s1600-h/ray+praying.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115923218760681586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqLTqBU6pY6NUaUdYimTbLW9-G5nCUD4Ui8PNmWYpncQUdHQ_9ceVubMtiksJg-wVb5l7mBejB06RmPLOSG_ujGet8zAcA6ydfQECAWDPaTqpRokJNbb7ztf0RNkRIP4xfnm-vQ/s320/ray+praying.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Rayden doing the pray pray - something he picked up by seeing what Po Po does everyday.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyD3k6L7jSBVCU5Um2ahsFkuRZcVkPcFCnFpaKU8OEJoth-0EIT34Hdd-ROe9oyLsgKoAAjUR9tMHbhhn9pDlbwr_Ug-65ksvtQ2WamF0ct1itPAbvUIhSyneb94eciQHg4MKBw/s1600-h/ray+praying2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115923218760681602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyD3k6L7jSBVCU5Um2ahsFkuRZcVkPcFCnFpaKU8OEJoth-0EIT34Hdd-ROe9oyLsgKoAAjUR9tMHbhhn9pDlbwr_Ug-65ksvtQ2WamF0ct1itPAbvUIhSyneb94eciQHg4MKBw/s320/ray+praying2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />"See? I'm very religious."hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-31050538117847016412007-09-28T14:50:00.000+08:002007-09-28T15:00:05.206+08:00Down the pecking order...I'm so sad.<br /><br />It seems to me that Rayden preferred the maid more than me. So, when we are in the house, it's hakkagal 1st choice, maid 2nd choice, bo bian, lan-lan Pa Pa last choice. In the shop, it's Po Po 1st choice, Gong Gong 2nd choice, maid 3rd choice... bo bain, lan-lan followed by Pa Pa...<br /><br />Why Rayden?hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-24987497770980055092007-09-22T17:24:00.000+08:002007-09-26T11:32:43.335+08:00After a long break...Ok ok... It's been more than 1 month since my last posting. Many things had changed since then.<br /><br /><br /><br />CBPL participated in Cosmobeaute Indonesia in Jakarta for the first time. My auntie who had cancer, passed away, on the 6 Sept - the day we reached Jakarta. We, CBPL advertised for the first time in Zaobao and Wanbao for New Stock Arrival Offer. Rayden now can walk, run and imitate sounds he heard... e.g. motorcycle, areoplanes..etc.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'll talk about the passing of my auntie first. She was admitted to SGH's ICU with her lung full of fluid. The doctor mentioned that her days were limited. I visited her on the Monday or Tuesday, the exact day, I couldn't remember before our departure to Indonesia on Thursday - 6 Sept. She looked weak but I sensed she has a strong will to live. She has grown so thin that she's almost unrecognisable. It was not a pleasant sight and I am pretty upset over it. We were in the hotel when we received the news from hakkagal that she has passed away. Thus, my father, my brother and myself didn't get to send her off on her last journey. Auntie San has been a great relative to us. Well, she's actually very careful with her money - or to put it bluntly, sometimes she's very stingy. But she'll never stinge on her children and even on us and to those she care. When we are about to set up our shop, we didn't even ask and she offered her financial assistance immediately. She's a great parent to her children, sometimes, I felt that she has gone too far, done too much.... but that's her. Auntie San, you'll be deeply missed and whereever you may be, may you find peace and happiness and I'm sure you'll look over your family and those you cared from far. Bye bye Auntie San.<br /><br />Cosmobeaute Indonesia.... we thought it'll be a great event, but... who knows which level eat $ until little promotion was done. Thus, the staff of the exhibitors, organizers, and contractors more than the visitors. Got abit of tulanz on their custom policy too.... You see... if you see any on the equipment, the customer has to wait for 3 weeks as the goods have to wait in the bonded warehouse for the custom to clear. Somemore.... the customer has to pay, import licence fee US$150, and handling charges of US$100.... meanwhile the equipment cost less than the above mentioned charges... WTF! You think customer will pay and wait for their goods? Some mentioned that they rather buy it in Singapore and handcarry back ... without paying those stupid $.<br /><br />We have finally invested money on advertising. And the response is not too bad. Some of my promotion goods flew off the shelves - or floor rather.... since most are too big for the shelves. Think we will continue to invest on this area of marketing.<br /><br />Now for my dear Rayden.... I don't think I need to train for IPPT. Just chase after him, carry him .... can do the job. He is running all over the place - at home, in the shop, outside.... just have to be extra careful with him. He'll make the motorcycle "rooooommmmm" sound, areoplane "ssssssssssssssssss" sound... he is so so funny. Will post it next time.<br /><br />Ok, got to go... very busy leh.hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-18762392773112084332007-07-26T22:57:00.000+08:002007-07-26T23:39:24.623+08:00Taking a break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJV8FabWa_YZQuXq9g2goSmWOQZoK6TgkEgGXQ3yeqj23RDWjpwJ-jRJv1oV87I5toOoDlUk4XPQVRYhyphenhyphenT4X2LZHYmCOKcbmJ3q_nC1A9_Ud7eRduGtGT79odVvHERMK5WcR9GIg/s1600-h/takeabreak.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091530195937840338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJV8FabWa_YZQuXq9g2goSmWOQZoK6TgkEgGXQ3yeqj23RDWjpwJ-jRJv1oV87I5toOoDlUk4XPQVRYhyphenhyphenT4X2LZHYmCOKcbmJ3q_nC1A9_Ud7eRduGtGT79odVvHERMK5WcR9GIg/s320/takeabreak.jpg" border="0" /></a> Business is unusually poor this 2 weeks. I'm wondering whether it has to do with that extra 2% of GST... Well, I take it as a well deserved break for awhile. Hope this will not last too long, else hakkagal will start to notice more white hair on my head. <div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div>I'm taking a break on the stock market as well... Damn that Wednesday's announcement by gahment... Those shares that I was "playing" got a little tired. I need a little time for recovery. Damn it!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>For now, I'm preparing (mentally and of cos other preparation) for my next week business trip to China. Never really like it when I'm travelling... Firstly, need to endure the 4 hrs flight... then the hotel, the food, the walking, the negotiation...etc We are not talking about MNC here which we can travel at least on SQ, stay at a 4 star hotel, eat at proper restaurants... etc I travel on Budget airline - Tiger Airways, stay at budget hotels (similar to Hotel81.. maybe even more economical) and eat at roadside stalls... Boy, I'm going to miss home. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>And yes, we will be having a jamming session (bloody long overdue) this Saturday @ Boon's Studio. Hopefully, we can have a decent sesison! Oh... I forgot to include my new piece of intrument... I traded in my Yamaha Bass to a 2nd-hand Fender custom. The condition is still very good and the sound is ... mm... warm. The Yamaha one has been giving me problem and it'll cost some $ to get it fixed... might as well loh. Have been playing it this few days to have a feel of it, and at the same time, practice my fingerings and technics. The joints are abit stiff but I think with some time, it should get better. And yes.... that Thai <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-sHntPyBzM">song</a> from Big Ass - ... nice "Gert-Mah-Kae-Ruk-Gun"... should be jamming this song this weekend.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-90433719478867791592007-07-02T11:42:00.000+08:002007-07-02T11:50:50.652+08:00Investment / Punting updateContra-ed Aqua Terra @ $0.49 last week. Profit of $635.98 to be shared with Hakkagal. <br /><br />As for Datapulse & Frontline... still holding. Same for Miyoshi and Popular... holding. <br /><br />Popular's final report of their performace is slightly below expectation and have declared dividend of 0.7cents - work out to be $7 per 1000 shares. Don't think will wait till the exercised date for the dividend - somewhere in Sep'07. As long as there's abit of movement, I'll let it go.hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29112754.post-38943571914060572312007-06-26T21:20:00.000+08:002007-06-26T21:42:59.461+08:00Correction day SGX<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqhdRfLV15QqVfNIWKCGjVE9A8KZg0VIQkGtEJ2skZWKmaCw5ip-uxv1NGoM4Kuvu4yCiFzqa41xrhkaZQBiPW4iZYWngN6TMSTQe77H_YSepQS3lnm3OF8NgXI9UbjxxWIL4ZA/s1600-h/SGX+centre.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080367644704152658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqhdRfLV15QqVfNIWKCGjVE9A8KZg0VIQkGtEJ2skZWKmaCw5ip-uxv1NGoM4Kuvu4yCiFzqa41xrhkaZQBiPW4iZYWngN6TMSTQe77H_YSepQS3lnm3OF8NgXI9UbjxxWIL4ZA/s320/SGX+centre.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>The STI was down by 55.23 pts ~ 1.5% down from the previous close of 3580.33. I have some technical problems with my PC/internet connections, plus was quite busy in the morning and by the time I checked the market, I have 3 counters which I have Q to buy earlier fulfilled. </div><div></div><br /><div>I started to panicked a little as it was quite a substantial amount. Never will I do this again.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Luckily for me, Aqua-Terra which I bought for $0.455 climbed back up and at closing, the last done price is @ $0.48. Safe for now. Will try to contra tomorrow.</div><div></div><br /><div>As for the other 2... Datapulse & Frontline, I think it'll take a couple of days before I can let them go.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>hakkaboyzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574990254232877001noreply@blogger.com0