Batam 2018

Hey guys so sorry I did not blog for such a long time. Well, this will be a travel blog to Batam, Indonesia.

This will be the second time I have been to Batam and I had a really relaxing an enjoyable time there. The trip was a short 3 Days 2 Nights vacation.   Batam is kinda a short getaway from Singapore where you can get the really cheap shopping and cheap food and the cheap hotels and everything cheap! The lucky thing was upon my arrival at Batam it was the national day of Indonesia and hence there were massive sales going around. Basically, the clothes there were going as low as SGD$4 with a buy 2 get 1 free or like buy 1 get 2 free sales. My friend and I were going insane with the sales and basically blew our entire trip budget on the very first day!

We basically revolved around the Nagoya Hill Mall and our hotel.  However, going to Batam you definitely must purchase their Kua Lapis there ( Layered cake). We got ours from the shop called "Batam Layered Cake" and be ready for it to be a tad bit pricey. However, they are worth every penny of yours as these cakes were heaven!!!

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze/ @tofutarts/ @rejionalabs
Facebook/Youtube: Rejionalabs
Email: roydonralph@gmail.com/rejionalabs@gmail.com/@grafiquedesigns.com

Love is Love!

It's been tough and took me a really long time as to how I should pen down my thoughts.  Last Saturday, 21 July 2018, the event pinkdotsg was held. Pink dot is the Singaporean version of pride celebration. It is the 10th year this event has been ongoing and this is my very time I decide to attend.

First and foremost can I just say how wonderful it is that we are able to celebrate the various multitude of love.  In Singapore, it is very much suppressed and talks about the LGBTQ+  community is very much swept under the carpet. However, it is truly time for all of us to say we are ready and make a stand and celebrate love as what it is!

Being present at the pink dot and seeing it from and hearing it from the media is totally a different experience. I have never felt so much love and inclusion from so many people.  The atmosphere is simply filled with laughter and the plainest form of happiness. Everyone, no matter gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight or trans were there to support and showcase what love should really be interpreted ( Love is Love).  Being there as the very early to soak in the wondrous atmosphere and have stayed throughout the entire event made me tear a little and gave a warm feeling to my heart!

This made me realized that we are more than ready to come out as a society, as a country and embrace the diverse forms of love that are ever present! Many of us no matter where we come from have experienced some form of discrimination and this is no different. Being looked down upon for loving someone that does not " fit into societal norms" is simply absurd.  Even though humanity has been changing in slowly giving the woman an equal standing as men, embracing the diverse pool of races and we should also begin to be more open to the different types of love out there!

People feared what is different as they do not understand when something is different and not based on societal norms.  However, different is what makes the world unique as each individual has something different to offer to the world.  Why suppressed love that is not the norms just because we cannot understand it?  God created his children as they are, unique, different and no two to be the same! He makes no mistakes in his creation and we should start embracing ourselves and love as how we choose to love. We should stop spending our lives trying to fit in the box of norms as to what society wants us to be but rather live each moment with grace and happiness knowing you are true to yourself and if others can't accept that then they are at a loss or screw them because being different is something to be celebrated. Love is love it is plain and simple as that, we cannot draw a line or a box or put forth any logical reasoning to how love should be!

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze/ @tofutarts/ @rejionalabs
Facebook/Youtube: Rejionalabs
Email: roydonralph@gmail.com/rejionalabs@gmail.com/@grafiquedesigns.com

#pinkdot #pinkdot10 #pinkdotsg #pride #love #loveislove

TrueLove Neverland Husky Cafe (Bangkok 2018)

"It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"  This is still the all-time favorite phrase!
You may be wondering why am I quoting this phrase? Well, this is because recently I've taken a short trip down to Bangkok for a short get-away. During my visit there I've decided to pay a visit to my doggy friends at this famous Husky cafe (TrueLove Neverland cafe).

Can I just begin this review by adding that the staff at the cafe are super duper friendly and warm! They make you feel so welcome and aided you to your requests! For example, I was there in the morning however, the morning session was fully packed so I've gotten the tickets for the afternoon session. Hence, we needed transportation to the nearest BTS station. However, whoever has been to the cafe knows that getting out of the area is a chore and a hassle as the cafe is located very deep into the nooks of the housing estates.  The staff there aided in contacting tuk-tuks for the customers and aided in simple communications with the taxis if anyone needed translations.  In addition, they are so warm and affable and during the entire cafe experience, there was nothing short of perfection and happiness.

The entry fee into the cafe costs about 500 baht which includes a free drink, a free slice of cake and an hour of play time with the dogs.  The drinks selections were very interesting and very true to the majority of cafe drinks served. However, there was a compelling selection of cake choices. Not only were there the usual cake flavours like blueberry or strawberry but they had flavours like the Thai milk tea cake as well as Ice cream cake with even more flavors to choose from. We had three cakes; the coconut cake, Thai milk tea, and the strawberry ice cream cake. The cake was so moist and airy and the flavours were so mouthwatering. The coconut cake has coconut flesh on top of the cake with gave a very refreshing and nice crunch to the bite. The Thai Milk tea cake was true to its name and it delivered very strong Thai milk tea taste but not too strong that it'll become too overbearing. Lastly, the cherry on top of the cake eating experience was the ice cream cake. I mean the weather in Bangkok was so humid and hot and dipping your fork into a cold slice of ice cream cake was just perfections.

After a relaxing time with our food, the cafe also has a mini gift shop. There was a relatively decent choice of products on display. There was Plushies of  huskies, T-shirts with their cafe logo to journals and other accessories.  The prices of the merchandise were priced at an okay range as the quality of the goods were very decent and top-notch.

Here comes the highlight of the entire cafe experience, the play time with the dogs.  The cafe not only encompasses huskies but there were other breeds of dogs as well, a heaven for any dog-lover.  You were swamped and bathed in a sea of dogs surrounding you.  Trying to get a picture with the adorable fur creatures was near to impossible at the start. The dogs were super friendly and also super FLUFFY! There is also a photo-taking session with the Huskies where they have the Huskies climb onto your shoulders during the picture.  Can I just say that was my favorite part of the entire cafe experience. The Huskies were so adorable and the moment they climb onto your shoulder in their carefree-ness was happiness and it was everything!!!


                 

 In that one hour, you can also try your best to snap selfies with the dogs and as the dogs become less restless over time it was easier to snap a picture with them. I strongly encourage you to stay till the very end of the session as there will be an epic surprise.  The dogs are released at once as they dash back into their dens and during that epic moment, you can video the entire moment in slow-mo! How awesome is that?

                       

                                

Overall, the entire cafe experience was nothing less than perfect and I will for sure head back again. A unique experience to have, rather than the non-stop shopping whilst in Bangkok. Do try something different for a much different experience when you head to Bangkok.  I mean you definitely shouldn't miss all the night markets!

Overal rating: 9/10
Price point: 7.5/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10

Outfit:
Top:  Grey Shirt - ArtBox Singapore
Bottom: Khaki Pants- H&M

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze/ @tofutarts/ @rejionalabs / @dearesturants
Facebook/Youtube: Rejionalabs
Email: roydonralph@gmail.com / grafiquedesigns.com / rejionalabs@gmail.com

Hipster Hawker Joint at Pasir Ris!

Majority of us are all into very hipster stuff, especially when it comes to food! We as Singaporeans are mad foodies, we have a myriad of food selections from the diverse pool of culture here. However, wouldn't it be awesome if local food is served in a very hipster way?

We stumbled upon a hipster hawker food court in Pasir Ris area, just minutes walk from the MRT station. There's an entire level dedicated to hipster serving food.  Hence, we decided to indulge our taste buds in some hipster food.

Can we just say, even though the setting is a hawker center set up, the place is just stunning. For overseas readers, a hawker center is a local coffee shop where it is not air-conditioned and there a variety of different food sold there. Dining there comes with a splendid view of the Pasir Ris Park.  The green foliage accentuated the entire hipster dining experience.

First up, we order a beef stew that costs about SGD8.90. Upon the first bite, it immediately teleported us to a homely feel. It feels as though it was a hug in a bowl. The beef stew was so thick with tender beef chunks as well as other ingredients like; carrots, potatoes, onions, etc. The beef stew gave such a home-cooked feel that it will definitely leave u wanting for more!

Next up we ordered something Thai. We had Thai basil rice with a vegetable side dish which costs approximately SGD 11. Here is another sumptuous dish that you can sink your teeth into! The basil rice was so closely authentic that you feel as though you are eating it in Thailand.  There was just enough spiciness where the heat just hits you in the right amount. The chicken was so well cooked and the entire dish was simply mouth-watering. The vegetable side that we ordered was just the cherry on top! The vegetables were super fresh and crunchy. The sauce was cooked beyond words. Though it may seem like a simple dish and you wouldn't expect a punch of flavor but let me tell you, it was gastronomical!

Lastly, we had beef sirloin with sides of cold slaws and fries that cost about SGD 10.90 ( not very worth in our opinion)! It was rather disappointing as the other two dishes were just amazing, hence this was a little bit of a letdown. The beef was rather small but well-cooked. The only saving grace of the dish was the fries as it was nicely fried with an appropriate amount of salt.

We ordered some drinks as well, the typical drinks like tea and coffee. It was nothing much to brag about. It was very minimalistic but the pricing was a bit hefty. Overall, the entire dining experience was splendid. We will definitely come back to try out the other food options available and will especially be back for the beef stew!

>>> Do follow us on social media if you wish to see pictures and videos that will be coming up soon. <<<




Ratings:
Beef Stew:  9/10
Thai Basil Rice: 8/10
Vegetables: 9/10
Beef Sirloin: 6/10


Overal rating: 8.5/10
Price point: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10



Social Media:
Instagram: @rejionalabs / @dearesturants
Facebook/Youtube: Rejionalabs
Email: rejionalabs@gmail.com/ info@grafiquedesigns.com


Personal social media:
Instagram: @paintdaze / @tofutarts

Authentic British Fish & Chips in Singapore

Fish & Chips! That's what comes to mind when you're asked about the most iconic food in the London.  It cannot be denied that the Fish & Chips in London is really fantastic and uniquely British, no one can make Fish & Chips as good as the one you get in London.  However, to fly all the way to the UK in order to experience the authenticity and get a taste of the mouth-watering Fish & Chips seemed a bit too far off. Hence, you may be wondering " How can one experience the authenticity of a good British Fish & Chips without having to buy a plane ticket to London?"

Well, fret not!  We have found Fish & Chips that is as authentic as the ones you get in London.  The restaurant is called " Smiths" and they serve authentic Fish & Chips. It is located at a walking distance from Newton MRT from the Downtown line (Approximately 5- 8 Mins walk).

Upon entering the restaurant, it felt as though you have stepped into a wormhole and teleported to London itself. The place is very well decorated with a myriad of wall-art and it felt as though we were eating in London.

We ordered their best-seller which is the cod Fish & Chips as well as the English sausage.  You are able to switch the chips for a healthier option which is the salad bowl.  The food is prepared on the spot upon order hence, the fish, as well as the Chips, which were served piping hot.

* They also sell other British food items as well*

The serving of the Fish is super generous and can be shared between two people.  Upon cutting into the Fish you can see the fibers of the fish which you can tell it is super fresh. The first bite of the fish, you get a very bland but the strong crunch from the batter gives a nice bite. The batter is not very oily or super thick and the ratio of fish to the batter was perfect.  However, when we sprinkle a little bit of salt over the fish, the salt elevated the natural flavors of the fish.  As for the chips, all we can say is that is was super addictive and very authentic. The kinds of chips you can when you are in London. However, I do suggest that you sprinkle salt over the chips to fully experience the best of it.

The English sausage that we ordered as well was surprisingly delicious.  The sausage was super thick and juicy,  however, it was a tad bit salty.  The English sausage came with a bowl of gravy but I suggest you to dip it into the gravy to neutralize the saltiness of the sausage.  The gravy that came along with the sausage is nothing to rave about as it tasted pretty much like packaged gravy that you can get in the supermarkets.  The salad that we replaced for the chips was super refreshing.  A very good option to have if you are feeling guilty for eating so sinful. The vegetables in the salad are very fresh. The carrots are still hard which gives a nice crunch and the other vegetables in the bowl like the cherry tomatoes and the onions were very fresh and it felt as though it was plucked fresh from the garden. The salad dressing that was doused over was very citrusy which gives a very light and refreshing palate.

All in all, it is definitely a place worth visiting if you wish to experience an authentic British Fish & Chips.  However, do note that the price point sways a bit to the pricey side, but all in all value for money based on the authenticity as well as the taste of the food.  Besides, there's free Wifi.

>>> Do follow us on social media if you wish to see pictures and videos that will be coming up soon. <<<


Ratings:

Fish & Chips:  7.25/10
English Sausage: 8/10

Overal rating: 8/10
Price point: 7/10
Ambiance: 7/10

Social Media:

Instagram: @rejionalabs / @dearesturants
Facebook/Youtube: Rejionalabs
Email: rejionalabs@gmail.com

Personal social media:

Instagram: @paintdaze / @tofutarts

Staying grey this Chinese New Year!

Hello, peeps!  Yes yes, i seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth. I have been so consumed and preoccupied with school work and also personal problems (which is a story to be told for another day).  Chinese New year has finally arrived and it is the year of the Dog! *woof*.  A new year has begun in the Chinese calendar.  The same logic applies as the 01 Jan new years, a new year means a new you and a new beginning crap.

The first few days of Chinese New Year was decent. Decent meaning, nothing interesting nor horrible happened. I had kinda slow and boring Chinese New year I  must say. The upside of it is that I have collected a lot of red packets. Collecting money from people is the best part of this festive season.

Day 1

Day 2

As you can tell I'm going for a rather grey themed this Chinese New year! I know that it is a tradition that we are told to wear more brightly coloured clothes and what not! Here I am being a rebel and wearing something of the total opposite. I am growing a liking for the colour grey a lot! It is not only plain and simple but like black and white, it matches to almost anything!

This is going to be a rather short blog- post, however, do stay tuned for the upcoming post on my photo shooting day at the national gallery!



Day 1:
Outfit:
Top: Grey formal shirt - H&M
Bottom: Pants - H&M
Shoes: Lacoste

Day 2:
Outfit:
Top: Grey sweater - Yishion
Bottom: Pants - H&M
Shoes: Adidas and shoelace from Swarovski

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@ralph_royall
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Europe Adventures! UK, London

Hello, guys! sorry, i have disappeared for like the longest of time. I just couldn't get around to find time to blog but that aside and here I am with the continuation of my Europe trip.

After spending another 2 - 3 days in Belgium, Brussels, our next stop was to the UK, London. Can I just say I was super happy and excited to tour around London. Mainly because almost everyone there speaks English and it was so so much easier to converse there.

However, allow me to rant and complain a little about the customs at the London check point. We took an overnight bus from Belgium, Brussels to London.  Upon arriving at the Customs at the British border, we did the usual procedure and have our passports check and stamp and all. However, what shocked me the most was how different the carry their checks at the customs there. It could be how it is done in the UK or it could just have just been an unlucky day for us and the checks we received was horrendous and traumatizing.

My friend was the first to go have her passport checked and we saw and heard the questions my friends were bombarded with.  We thought it could possibly she had rotten and the officer had a bad day and wanted to make things more inconvenient. However, as each of us stepped up to each different security counter we were hit with the same amount of questions, I felt as though I was hit with an avalanche of never ending questions. There were questions I never thought played any significant part in my entry to the country.

* Disclaimer: This is not a personal vendetta against how the checks were conducted, I just wanted to highlight this part of my trip as I have never experienced such stringent checks done before on me nor has my friends experience them before. It was a very interesting but also scary experience*

However, putting that story pass my time in London was FANTASTIC! I mean my first day started out awesome and we had such a lovely breakfast and the people were so warm and lovely.

Do head to Flatiron and the Muffin Man for the most amazing food ever. the above picture of the steak I had was at Flatiron and I loved it so much I went there almost every day.

I only spent 3 days in London and how I wish I can spend a much longer time in the UK and have the opportunity to travel around the country more. The shopping and food in London were Fan- freaking- tastic.

We even saw the touristy sights like the big ben, the Palace and much more.

Outfit:
Top: Jacket(ZARA)
         Long Sleeve - TOPMAN

Bottom: Jeans - TOPMAN

Shoes: Lacoste

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@ralph_royall
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com