Hungry Ghost Festival

Many places having celebration tonight....roast duck, roast chicken, roast pork, curry, etc..a big spread...what the occasion? It's the Hungry Ghost month starting tomorrow! The spread is for the hungry ghosts that will be let out tonight.....past 12 midnight......they will be out for 1 month...... be careful...... don't stay out too late..... lest they 'abduct' you......


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How I Feel ....

Last year's today was my last day in this Company. I went on to pursue my dream - Travel. Was involved in 2 NATAS Travel Fairs and the sales were rather good. The next NATAS Travel Fair starts tomorrow. My ex colleagues are working very hard to get the Fair ready and I know it's not easy. But, I am not with them, this time, to fight this battle......

Do I miss it.....honestly.....no!



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NATAS TRAVEL FAIR :1 - 3 AUG

NATAS Travel Fair is coming up again ...... at Expo .... 1 - 3 Aug. A lot of publicity on the coming Travel Fair. There's an article today in the papers that says .... Travel is doing well... the recent Travel Fairs over the weekend by the big boys were very good! ASA did S$6 millions worth of business.. Chan Brothers did S$3 millions!

NATAS chairperson believes that this coming fair would do well and he is expecting 60000 visitors!

Singaporeans are doing so well? I wonder.......

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Work

It's almost a month since I started work. The 1st 2 weeks were slow and now things are starting to get busy. Still, it quite slow for me! Hahahahaha! Hopefully I will become as busy as before.

A pleasant surprise this afternoon. Received a 'Welcome Back' email from a customer! Even my customer is glad to have me back! I must be doing something right!

More and more promo coming up....competition is tough....

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Tagalog

Magandang Umaga! Kumain ka na ba? Kamusta? Paalam! Everyday in the office, these would be the common phrases to be heard! Yes, it's the Filipino language!

Since last year, the department started to employ foreign talents. We now have colleagues from Indonesia and Philippines. Before, this was never heard of...

My Filipino colleagues are very thrilled with me trying to learn their language. Everyday, they try to teach me new words and I would practise the words on them. In exchange, I would teach them words / phrases in Mandarin!

Hopefully in the near future, I could communicate with them in Tagalog!


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Happy Birthday, Ben

Ben & I met last year in March when I was in KL with my Thai family. A group of friends came for dinner and Ben & Nelson were there too! Though I was a new friend, yet both of them took the trouble to show me around KL. With them, I visited The Curve and Bangsar for the 1st time! I was very touched by their gesture!

Ben came to Singapore for a short holiday in April (last year) and I hosted him. During that few days, we became very close friends. Since then, I have hosted him a few times and we even went to Bangkok together for a short break!

Last year, I celebrated their birthdays in KL. I remembered there was only 3 of us. I stayed at their place. That trip, we went over to Cameron and stayed for 1 night!

This year, he went over to Penang for the weekend to celebrate his god-ma's birthday. I could not make it to KL or Penang to celebrate with either one of them.

My Brother, Happy Birthday! Hope you achieve what you want in life!



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Pleasant Evening

Met up with a new friend last night. Happened to be available last night and so decided to meet up. Was to meet at HV's CS. It was kind of interesting to meet up with people you chat on the net. Went to Thai Express for dinner and had a good time chatting.

After dinner, went to Chinatown for a drink. Left for home before the carriage turned back into ...... Hahahahaha! Benderella!

Thanks for meeting up, Victor. Will definitely catch up again!


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Happy Birthday, Nelson

Last year this time, I was in KL. Was there to celebrate both Nelson & Ben's Birthdays. This year, I could not make it to KL but still, I have not forgotten Nelson's Birthday. Today, you crossed the Big 3. I want to wish you good health, plenty of joy and happiness! Happy Birthday, Nelson!


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David Soh

David is a good friend. I met him many years ago. He was in wholesaling of hotel room nights. I remember there was once we did hotel inspection together in Bangkok and also Penang!

Throughout the years, we have kept in touch. I remembered I recommended him to work in Safe and that was in 1998/99. During the years in Safe, I always make fun of him!

2 years ago, he left Safe and joined UOB. I was his colleague for almost 1 year. We used to catch up for coffee during that 1 year.

It's his Birthday today and as usual, he would be on leave...no one know where he is....he would not tell anyone either.... maybe some romantic getaway with whoever agrees to go out with him! hahahahaha!

Happy Birthday, David. May you find your true love soon!


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Thanks For The SMS

Have been chatting with a friend for a while and suddenly a few weeks again, there was no news about him. Understand that his work is busy and he works on shifts. Left messages on msn and sent him sms not to no avail.

I am not someone who would give up easily, unless the other party does not want to continue the friendship. I accept the fact that everyone has his/her choice of friendship and I respect that.

Thanks for the nice sms this early morning. I am glad we are still friends!

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Happy Birthday, Raymond

It's Raymond's Birthday!

Raymond (also known as 3rd uncle) is from Hong Kong. Frankie & Wallace introduced him to me during one of my trips. According to them, Raymond and I are like twin brothers - We have similar characters, likes & dislikes! Of course, Raymond and I click very well.

Lately his health has not been good and he had not very long along undergone an operation. Hopefully, he will fully recover.

Raymond, Happy Birthday! Wishing you good health and happiness! Hope you like your birthday cake!

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每天进步一点点

很多人都希望自己的生活能进步， 日子越来越好过。但是经常拐了个弯，又不小心将生活跌入谷底。几乎大部份人过段时间回头一望， 会发现自己原来还在原地打转。似乎逃不出生活的牢笼， 老是在原地兜着圈子。为什么会这样？难道是不够努力？

是因为我们缺乏给自己设定一个目标， 或是那个目标设想的太遥远？ 每天即使再疲于赶路， 也无法追得上！

其实， 只要让自己进步一点点， 让今天的你比昨天过得更好， 学习得更好， 这些日积月累得成长， 会是具绩效的！

你同意吗？

－－－－－－－－－ Ｓａｗｂｅａｒ Ｔｒａｖｅｌ －－－－－－－－

Birthdays Again

Today, 2 dear friends celebrate their birthday!

I met Benson in 1988 when I was in my 1st job. He was with a printing company. We started to use his company's service then. I remembered he invited me to his wedding but I could not make it as I was hosting some Japanese (Youth Exchange). When I left my 1st company and moved on to a few, I continued to keep in touch with him. We become close friends and often caught up for meals/drinks.
Though the last few years we hardly manage to catch up, I would still make a point to send him birthday greetings every year. Happy Birthday, my Dear Friend!

Kondo was the representative from Kanagawa when I met them in 1986/7. I The group came to Singapore and I had the privilege to show some of them around (during good old Rotaract days). My 1st trip to Japan in 1987, Kondo and Francis came to meet me at Narita Airport and assisted me to Haneda Airport to connect a domestic flight to Aomori. When I came back to Haneda, Francis came to pick me up. Kondo took care of me during my stay. Since then, I stayed with Kondo and also with Francis & Keiko for a few times. Though Kondo could not speak much English, he made lots of effort to make every stay of mine as comfortable as possible.

Due to some setbacks in his business, he was uncontactable for a while. I manged to trace him down and finally in 2003 met up with him and his family again! Then, the last few years, he went missing again. Francis is helping me to find him and even if I cannot locate him, I just want him to know that I remember his Birthday, and I wish him good health and happiness! I will find you, my Friend!


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Busy Weekend

Met up with Jack and Joseph on Friday for dinner at SuanThai Restaurant at Liang Court. Jerry, Albert,. Wong, Tony, Gerald & Sunny came for dinner as well. Dinner was a la carte buffet. Not too bad. Quite cheap! It was a good gathering. Though I see Jack at least once a year, he has actually not been here for the last few years! After dinner, we went to a nearby pub for a drink.

Early Saturday morning for Jack and Joseph. Was at the hotel at 8:30am. Brought them to Chinatown market for breakfast. Joseph was rather impressed with the variety of food available! Then, it's off to Alexandra to start the South Ridges. Oops! Took the wrong bus and ended up near Buona Vista. Managed to catch another bus and finally got to the starting point.

It was a good walk. They seemed to enjoy it! There were many people who were there as well. We walked to the Henderson Wave and then on to Mount Faber, and finally down to ViVoCity. Did some shopping and had lunch at Food Republic.

After lunch , they went back to Hotel to rest. Back in Taiwan, they hardly have exercise and yet in Singapore, they had to go for morning walk! Tough on them!

Met again for dinner. Albert made reservation at a Korean restaurant at Centrepoint. Very nice food. We had a spread and the pork dishes were superb! Delicious! Then, we went over to Clarke Quay to soak in the ambiance. There was a dessert shop and the strudel was sedap! The night ended early.

Departure this afternoon back to Taiwan. Chatted with Jack on the phone before leaving for the airport.

Went for HellBoy 2 at Tiong Bahru. Fell asleep again during the beginning of the movie. It's becoming a norm for me......LOL. Would not say I enjoy the show...though.

Dinner with Keith at City Hall. He's leaving for Iran soon for a couple of weeks. Safe Trip, my friend. Hope to catch up again when you are back!


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It's Dawn's Birthday today! Happy Birthday!

When I started work in SingTel on 2nd July 2001, there was this young slim lady who started on the same day as me. We ended up in the same team. I remembered the admin commented that when she first saw us, she thought I was a new Manager with my secretary! Hahahahahaha!

Anyway, we got along very well and I even attended her wedding! Though she left the company to become a full time housewife/mother, we managed to stay in touch. They bought a house outside Sydney and in September, the family would be moving there for good! All the best to you, my friend!

Joanne just had her operation yesterday and now resting in the hospital. She would be on medical leave for about 6 weeks. Glad to know that the operation was successful. Will visit her these few days.

A friend from JB got retrenched recently. Reading his blog, I could feel that he was rather upset as there was no early notice and no compensation. It was rather sudden for him. Well, read that he was offered a job yesterday and he would be starting work today! Congrats, my friend! All the best to your new job!

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What Should He Do?

A friend of mine recently chatted online with someone from Malaysia. Though they have only seen picture of each other, the friendship sort of got stronger everyday. In fact, my friend has started chatting with her on the phone! Both seems to like each other and my friend is already planning to visit her. Also, the lady was trying to get a job in Singapore as well!

Yesterday, my friend was on the line with her and suggested to meet up soon. He was making plan to visit her over a weekend. The lady sounded hesitant and then said that she was not prepared. Not prepared for what? Not prepared to meet up! Too soon! My friend was surprised with the remark! He thought that both were trying to meet up as soon as possible!

I could tell that my friend was genuinely interested in the lady and he hopes to meet up soonest so that he can find out if there is a possibility of going further. It's difficult to make the decision if he has not seen her and spend time with her to understand her better.

He thought the lady was interested in him as well. After hearing that statement, he was unsure..........

Should he continue to pursue .... or just stay as chat friend?

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Messing Around With Me

Was at Plaza Singapura last night for dinner and on the way back, an insurance sales agent came up to me and ask if I had considered my retirement plan. My replied was "Do I look so old to you?"!!!!!!! The agent was a little taken back but he quickly added that perhaps I would want to look at retiring early... I wanted to pass another remark but decided not to... a friend was with me and so I behaved! LOL! If I had been alone, that agent would have got it from me! I used to have a sticker on my luggage - 'I am put on this earth to make your life miserable!' Hahahahaha!


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My Job

To date, many of my friends are informed about my new job. Of course, there still a lot who are not aware! In fact, just a few days ago, I met a friend who asked if I was still at SingTel.... and I replied....er.........YES! Also, I met some colleagues from the other building who commented they have not seen me for a while and asked if work was busy! They had no idea that I actually left for almost a year! Amazing, isn't it.

Guess what, I am actually using back the same userID as before. It's like as if I have never left this company before! In fact, all my personal information that is tied to the userID was still intact!

I am in the TeleSales department, handling Corporate Business. We look after a certain group of Corporate customer (Silver, Gold & Platinum). I am in the team that look after the Platinum customers (the group that spends a lot with SingTel). I assist the customers with their telco requirement and queries / complaints / etc. The most important thing is to keep customers happy, stay and spend more with us!

I handle a wide range of services. Any services that SingTel has, I have to know and anything that customer wants (that we sell), I must be able to offer. Any special promotion we have, I will email to my customers.

It's a tough job...but someone has to do it! LOL!


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Jack & Joseph

Jack and Joseph will be coming to Singapore! Hooray! It has been a while since they were last here. Have emailed Hotel rate and pic to jack to take a good. He asked who would pick them up from airport and I replied........taxi? Hahahahaha! It's a working day and none of us would be free. They would be flying in on Friday afternoon and leaving on Sunday afternoon.

Have contacted Garry, Wong and Albert - old friends of his. It has been a long while since he last caught up with all of them. This would certainly be a fun weekend coming up!


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Fortunate or Pampered?

Nowadays, you can always see youngsters playing with PSP. In fact, it is very common! Every time I am in the MRT, there's at least 1 - 2 people with PSP.

Overs the years, I understand that the PSP has become cheaper but it would still cost at least S$300+ if you have all the basic accessories! It is certainly not cheap (for me)!

I am not into gadgets and I guess I am not one who would spend money on them either. I have a good friend who would spend all his money to buy these gadgets. In his room, he would have i-pod, hi-fi, computer, TV, etc. and to think that he does not earn a lot! Hmm....maybe he struck lottery...... hahahahaha!

I have nothing against having these gadgets. If you can afford, by all means. To some, it's a hobby. I saw a lot of kids (students) who carry the PSP and obviously I know they could not afford to buy on their own.

The kids today are really fortunate .... or pampered?

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JT

Dear JT

Today is your last day at your current company. I know how you feel right now. Honestly, I do! I have gone through similar situation!

It is not easy especially when you have done so much.....but, the truth is.......you will be missed but life will still go on! The staff would still be there, with or without you......; the company would still be there, with or without you!

You are moving on... your staff should be happy for you, if the new job is better for you ... even in the long run. There are new challenges ahead of you..... the road may not be smooth, but I am sure you can do it. Look ahead and All the Best!

I know you are going for a short break..... go and have fun.....recharge yourself to face the new challenges ahead.

Enjoy yourself and All the Best!

Always
Uncle Ben

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Surprised!

Have been back for 1 week! It's like I have been here for a long time! Hahahahaha! Don't get me wrong! What I mean is that I do not look 'lost' (being only 1 week old)!

Though I have been back for a week, I have not seen the Director yet. Today, at the meeting, he smiled at me, shook my hand and welcome me back! Was surprised with the welcome. Not only that, when VP was about to start her presentation, she acknowledged me and also welcome me back, in front of all the colleagues! Some colleagues were surprised as they did not expect the VP to know me! Hahahahahaha!

So far, it has been good. During lunch time in the pantry chatting with the colleagues, I found out that many of them are very happy to have me back. Even the colleagues who came in after I left mentioned that they have heard a lot about me! Wow! I must be doing something right! Hahahahaha!

I have a lot to 'buck up'.Have to bring my level back to where it was before I left........



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Gathering

Caught up with some ex colleagues last night at Cafe Cartel, Plaza Singapura. Been trying to catch up but was difficult to get everyone together. Finally, did that last night! Hahahahaha!Food was great!

When we were all together in BizDirect, we had a club. I was the chairman, Cheryl was the vice chairperson; Cindy was secretary; Hwee Hwee was IT & Emily was Funds. Diana, Pauline and Joanne were guests. Last night, we all met up again! We also had Siew Tin (ex Mobile ) joining us!

Glad to know that everyone is doing fine. Emily is 6 months pregnant. Congrats! Will sure catch up again....... and we need to buy Nike! Hahahahahaha!


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What Does it Mean

Could not sleep well last night... the pain really hurt..... Been a while since this last happened. Dreamt of my late father.......I was with him....... what does it mean?


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Past Few days

Today is the 4th day at work. Have finally started to answer calls and making sales. I thought it would take a while for me to familiar myself ...but I actually am managing it quite well! Perhaps, I am in the right job! Hahahaha!

Caught up with Tee & Elly last Friday for Dinner! Great Dinner at No SignBoard Restaurant - Vivocity! Since Tee sold his business, he has been 'relaxing'. They are on the way to Penang for a month and then Elly would fly to Europe for 1 month's holiday while Tee heads back to Melbourne.

Weekend was rather quiet for me.... stayed at home most of the time, except on Saturday. Went for dinner with Gerald at Whampoa Market - fried carrot cake, rojak, chicken wings, ....and cannot remember what else! Memory is really getting bad! Haiz........

Met up with Henry for dinner at Commonwealth market....had a good time chatting......

Ray came down from KL for business late last night. Met up for a chat... glad to have caught up with him again.


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3rd of July... New Chapter

Important day today..... 3 friends' birthday....

Vincent is a old friend, known him for many years but only occasionally contact him....especially on his birthday!

Jeff is a good friend.....gone back to Malaysia. He was hoping that I could go to KL and celebrate his birthday... Sorry....Uncle Ben could not make it... but Uncle Ben remember your Birthday! Will make it up to you!

The 3rd friend is a close friend (better say good things about him....he reads my blog!). JT was an ex colleague....Guess where we met.....in the toilet! Ok.....will not explain...... hahahaha!

Happy Birthday, my Friends!

Today, I start anew.... my 1st day at my new work place - SingTel. Yes, I am back with SingTel! Left the place last July..... did not expect to be back here again this July! Basically doing the same thing as before, except the customers are different.... Platinum instead of Gold. Settling in at the moment. Glad that the Company still want me! Hahahahaha!

Moving on with a new chapter in my life!


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Happy Birthday, Jason

It's Jason's Birthday! He is a real funny guy! Lots of fun to be with!

I knew Jason maybe in 2002/3. He is a phone system supplier. I was introduced to him through another business associate. Got him to come and do a presentation of his products n services, which 'shocked' him. No one has ever asked him to do a presentation!

Throughout the few years in Telco, I worked closely with him. He was very kind to pass me business as well. I introduced customers who were interested in phone system to him and he allowed me to process all his application. We worked very well together.

In that few years, we become good friends and often caught up for meals & social entertainment (hahahahaha!). He was quite disappointed when I resigned from Telco and moved on.

It's his Birthday today.... and I have a Birthday present for him.... I am sure he would like it.... Jason, I am Back!


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The Southern Ridge

Heard of this new attraction in Singapore? It's free! What is it? Well..... take a look..... I started from here..... at Alexandra

and then walked along the elevated walkway ... and then reached

Henderson Walks and then to Mount Faber Hill Top..... down through Telok Blangah and then caught a bus ride home! Hahahahaha!

Guess what, I only covered less than one third of the whole route! Will do it again...this time to cover the whole journey!

This new attraction is actually quite fun! The views (at certain locations) are simply great!

You should try it some day!


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1st of July

Today is the 1st day of July.... the start of the 2nd half of 2008. Anything special? Well......not really! Hahahahahaha!

Was going through some old stuff and came across my Pre-U autograph book! Read some of the things my classmates wrote about me. Brought back lots of wonderful memories! Then I suddenly remembered that Michael's Birthday was within these few days. Called him and learned that he was on MC. His birthday is tomorrow! We chatted for a while and then decided to meet up for afternoon tea. Met up at IMM - Cafe Cartel. Had a great time catching up and talking about the old days! Michael, have a great day tomorrow!

Still waiting for HR to call. Need to make a decision soon....

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