Right before Ton left, Bic and I decided to take a day off from work and accompany Ton around town.

We started our day with a visit to the Korean embassy located near Newton MRT. Thereafter, the three of us headed to Food for Thought for some big breakfast.

We ordered pancakes and some sausage platter. Not the best I've tasted, but the resto's ambiance was perfect for us to continue our emo Tuesday morning.

Come afternoon time, we went to Cineleisure for a Hugo movie treat.

ton 08:40

Is it true that when you hit 28, you would no longer really bother if you celebrate your birthday with a simple party/get-together with friends or not?

This year, Bic didn't have any grand plans (except for dinners/brunches that weren't really hosted on her actual birthday.) She wasn't really fussy too if she just end up just hitting the gym on this supposedly special day. Or just spending a quiet time at home while talking to her Mom over Skype. 

As boring as it may sound, she ended up hanging out with me most of the time during her birthday weekend.

At the eve of her birthday. Jaypee and I surprised her by bringing three colorful balloons and a simple chocolate cake to her flat. Of course, we wouldn't leave her house if we weren't able to eat some slices of the cake!

the muffinry 06:55

I don't like myself too tanned. I'll end up looking like dugyot. That, I know for a fact.

But I love going to the beach! It just relaxes me. It soothes my soul. And it's a great opportunity to bond with your friends. 

The sun. The sand. The beach bodies you can drool from. San Mig Light. Sunsets. Beach parties. I am in love with the thought of it. I get chills by merely thinking of it.

The best by far I've been to is Boracay. Primarily because of the memories I got out of those trips. And mainly also because of the god-sent heavenly bodies you see strutting in the island.  

Phi-Phi is one lovely place too! Scenic mountains, white sands and the green sea. This is ideal for bringing your partner along.

SEX ON THE BEACH it is.

(Anna, Ton and I at Cafe del Mar, Sentosa) 

(Bic, Anna and I at Wavehouse, Sentosa) 

(At Phi-Phi Island, Thailand) 

(At some island in Thailand --- island hopping) 

(Jumpshots. More fun in Thailand.) 

(From Patong Beach en route to Ko Phi-Phi) 

(The ugly side of Phi-Phi) 

(Confused which boat to take) 

(Btw, my face looks like a siopao) 

(This is the place where Leonardo Di Caprio did his "The Beach" movie) 

(Some beach in Phuket)

Signing off,

SuperPao

wavehouse 19:57

2011 has been a year of brunches with friends. We've tried stopping our weekend night-outs and exchanged it for early Saturday or Sunday brunches.

So far, it always has been a success. It has always been a sumptuous and hearty dine-out with good friends.

Last Sunday, Shan, Bic and I decided to try out Casa Verde at Singapore Botanic Garden. I initially thought it'll be my first time to try out this resto. Apparently, it wasn't. I remember having merienda here with Myla and Erwin approximately two years ago.

Bic and I both rode the MRT to make our way to the brunch venue while alighting at the newly opened Circle Line's Botanic Garden station.

Unfortunately, the station is closer to the entrance situated at far end of the Botanic Garden. Left with no other choice, we then walked for about 15 minutes to find Casa Verde.

(Singapore Botanic Garden Map)

(Good thing the sun wasn't that scorching hot while we were finding our way. Otherwise, we would have already given up upon entering the garden gate.)

For a while, it felt good while enjoying the scenic greeneries. It almost felt like being inside a "Secret Garden." 

But the more we walked further, the more obstacles we found along the way. 

Take for example this fork-on-the-road...

I told Bic, "we should trust our instincts," and  wanted to turn left. As turning left would entail more strength and effort as you need to do a climb, Bic immediately spurted out, "I should trust my legs instead" and wanted to turn right.

Good thing I saw a cardboard post saying that the left road is the correct one. 

We also found lots of cutiepie doggies. I wish I'll be able to own one in the future. 

There was nothing spectacular about Casa Verde. Just plain outdoor resto with lots of trees surrounding it and lots of Caucasian with their kids hanging around.

 (Bic and Shan had the same order: Big Breakfast Meal)

(I was craving for some tomato-based Chicken and was expecting more from my order, but instead, I just got a plain roasted Chiken plate with some fries and greens on the side.)

It was an interesting-yet-short brunch with these guys. It's not usual for Shan to invite us for lunch. But if he does, I'm pretty sure he needs some listening ears to some of his personal issues.

 (Shan: All smiles with his brunch)

 (Bic and her "gutomjones-self.")

(Disappointed with my order.)

I don't know if Bic and I were of any help to Shan. But it was indeed a good way for the three of us to just catch up. 

It is inspiring to hear new stories about your friends, especially when they are volunteering themselves to spill these juice-yet-private issues about themselves. It makes you feel privileged to be trusted by your friends.

Signing off,

SuperPao

shan 04:44