.

After Thia Megia's stint in Idol, Pinoy presence in Singing Competitions in the US is again felt.  Apart from Nicole Sherzinger being one of the panelist of X Factor US which is already noteworthy, another pinoy makes it to the finals.  Originally auditioned for the solo category 14 year old Ellona Santiago was given another chance to be part of a group contender inTensity when she didn't make it to the cut together with other talented young kids.  Her asian features underscored by her vocal prowess has made her a stand-out in the group.  Another feather in the cap for us pinoys.

Don't wait for the monster under your bed make its grand appearance infront of you this Halloween.  Get out and catch my good friend in a rare performance this Sunday in yet one of the most extravagant Halloween parties in the dot - Superstar Scary Movies in Zirca.  A regular performer in this superclub, Sammi Zhen, considered one of the most-sought-after impersonators with her own distinct and singular style, will again perform on Sunday, October 30 showcasing her interesting repertoire and latest flambouyant costumes.  

For enquiries visit www.sammizhen.com

Just when you thought that Mango and Tomato are odd brand name for clothing; or Pepe and Bebe are funny, wait till see this two beverage drink from Cambodia and China. I found CUTE drinking water in Siem Riep and my friend introduced me to WAHAHA Juice Milk in Chinatown.  Wahaha is a must-try though. Cute on the other hand has nothing really special since it's just plain water.  You can find Wahaha in Sichuan Restaurant near Chinatown MRT.

Time flies so fast that Halloween is just a sniff away. I can smell spirits! I can smell the spirits of Vodka and Jim Beam.  Kidding aside, Halloween, for me, is a celebration of the living and dead and even of those inexistent creatures that continue to smash the box office - Freddie, Casper, Frankenstein, Sadako, Chuckie, Dracula and many more larger-than-life icons.  Halloween is the time for everyone to party and be dressed in hedious costumes. However, over and beyond this frantic merriment, where everyone finds a reason to get wasted and get drunk, let us not forget our loved ones who have perished the earth and pray that their souls may rest in eternal peace.  For those who believes, let us not forget that this is the season of the souls.  Before we get wet and wild, let us relive their memories and wish them infinite happiness at the other side.

Where will you celebrate your Halloween?  No idea?  Then go to Tantric Bar in Neil Road.  They have exciting tricks and treats this Saturday, 29 October.

Amidst the pressing crisis I have been in, I couldn't waste the chance of getting out of Singapore for few dollars only.  It was January of this year when I booked my flight to Phuket for only $9.  Yes, you heard it right.  Thanks to Jetstar's Friday Madness.  Without second thoughts, while rushing for an event, I wasted no time in booking.  10 months later, I was undergoing some crisis that has financially drained me. I thought I couldn't go ahead with he trip.  On top of that, everything seemed to be out of place and going to an obscure direction and travelling is not a good idea.  But Phuket lured me.  I have always longed to see what I have only seen in movies. I packed my things, booked my hotel online and i flew leaving all the worried behind.

It was raining when I got there.  For two days, I ended up lying in my hotel room.  The streets were flooded and shops were closed. Returning home without seeing the islands would definitely be a no-no but  I gave up on my last day.  I can't cease the rain from falling. The weather, earlier on my last day, was unfavourable. Lo and behold, Mr. Sunshine appeared minutes after I planned of sleeping again. In split seconds, I checked out and booked an island tour.  Luckily, I was just on time.  Here are some of my favorite snapshots of Phuket. The photos were captured using a point and shoot camera and iphone.

Phuket is a must-see destination.  Many awaits to be explored and discovered.  It is a piece of heave on earth.

Amazing Thailand.

Chili Sauce and Catsup is like Batman and Robin, they are inseparable.  Almost everywhere you go, you find the two on top of the restaurant tables seating beside its bestfriend, Salt and Pepper.  

Look at these photos I took in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and Phuket, Thailand.  I am going to add this to my new hobby - taking photos of condiments. 

True indeed, LOVE resides in Saigon.  Why?  Everything is just LOVE.

Saigon has always been just a word from the world-famous play Miss Saigon.  Back in High School it is all about ricefields with farmers wearing their signature Vietnamese Hat.  I have never really imagined that Saigon is a progressive city equipped with modernity and convenience.  But what really fascinates me is the richness of the culture that has a life of its own.  There are a lot to explore and discover in Saigon yet with my short trip,  I have only seen a snapshot of the heart of Saigon.  Here are my Top 10 of favorite things.

1. Coffee

I have always loved Singapore coffee until I have tried Vietnam Coffee.  With its distinct taste, it is truly a pleasure to the senses.  Add to that the DIY process of preparing using the Phin filter, Vietnam coffee is indeed singular.

2. Ben Thanh Market

Just like any tourist destination, Vietnamese has its own local produce market.  What I like about Ben Thanh, their famous market,  are the gourmet shops selling local coffee giving a European feel.

3. Motorbikes

Undoubtedly there are more motorbikes than cars in Vietnam.  The sight of rushing motorbikes coming from every direction gives Saigon its novelty character.  What is interesting is that you can just cross the streets amidst which resembles that of a free play grand prix of motorbikes. Just cross and don't fret,  these bikes can smell fear. 

4. Night Life

The night is alive in Saigon even on a week day.  There are a handful of choices.  The people are friendly and surprisingly they know how to party contrary to what others may think .  The Latin Night in Hard Rock is a must-go.  Band is authentic Latin and the people are mostly Latinised as well.  Lush is also one of their best clubs.

5. Pho

Saigon trip is never complete without trying the world renowned Vietnames Pho.  Our  friends introduced  one of the best in Saigon named Pho Hoa.  

6. People

People are generally warm - reminds me our the Filipino hospitality.

7. Wifi 

Wifi is everywhere.  Available connections kept of popping up in my iphone.  It gave me the chance to update my friends with the sights and sounds of Saigon in real time.

8. Tea

Tea is everywhere, even at the hotel lobby they serve bottomless complimentary tea.  I am not a fan but i have enjoyed the taste of their local tea.

9. War Museum

The infamous Vietnam war leaves an indelible mark in the history books of the world.  A nightmare for most of the old folks, it has moulded the nation to what is it today.  It has tested their resilience amidst the despondence it has caused the early generations.  Remnants of the war serve as mementos of the massive turmoil that has sparked global support.  Visit the War Museum in Saigon and get a clearer vision of this page in history.

10. Mekong River

To complete the visit, take a tour at the Mekong River, the world's 10th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. From the Tibetan Plateau this river runs through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos,Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam (SOURCE) All tour companies have their own packages to choose from.  

There are more yet to be explored in Saigon.  It is one of the cities that I wish to revisit one of these days.

I find it rather cliche-ish, when they say life is like a roller coaster.  But for the past three months, I have proven that it indeed holds true.  Never did I see it coming.  Just when I thought that my life is completely fine and that I am OK, I was wrong.  I have had the slowest roller coaster ride in my life, and what is sad about it is that it went so slow when I was in a upside down position and worse, it ceased to moved for quite sometime. It stayed at the bottom - so still.  While writing this, flashback of bitter memories came rushing into my vision.  I can just cry so much thinking of what a hell of a ride it has been.  

But it made me strong.  It tested my character.  The weakling has emerged victorious against a very strong opponent.  I am OK.  The ride is slowly moving upwards in a very slow motion yet it is moving up.  Today marks my victory - a start of a new life that has been shattered into pieces.  I am resilient I know and I have proven to myself that I can do it.

I miss the blogsphere. Now I am back with my rants, raves and reviews of the world as I see.

We say goodbye to Amy Winehouse, a novelty artist who has carved her own niche in the music industry. Much has been said about her struggle and perhaps defeat against addiction of drugs and alcohol yet at the end of the day, Amy Winehouse is deemed an icon of our time and considered as the best singer-songwriter of her generation.  You will always be in my ipod Amy.