Walkabout In Singapore

Somehow whenever I think of a holiday in Singapore, the first thing that comes to mind is shopping. I seldom shop in KL; I do most of my shopping when on vacation and last weekend was no exception. In fact, it was the last 2 days of the Great Singapore Sale.

But enough about shopping. To my surprise, I did make an effort to do a bit of walking, just to see the buildings, some sights, which I don't normally do when in Singapore. Although I swim and gym, walking is not what I do best. I'd much rather laze at a cafe with a good mag. Nevertheless, walk I did but with much help from the MRT too! Bugis, Chinatown, Arab Street to name a few.

Before going to bed each night, with Deep Heat to soothe the aching feet of mine, I'd ponder what the best walk of the day was. Well, I'd have to say the walk with the shopping bags! Ha! Ha!

Photo of Singapore's City Hall I think.

Singapore

I was in Singapore for a couple of days over the weekend, primarily to visit an Uncle who's recovering from illness as well as to celebrate my cousin Siew Yoong's birthday. The Great Singapore Sale was a draw too.

Retail therapy was great. Orchard Road, Bugis Junction, Vivo City, all benefited from my retail spending. Suffice to say, I spent more than I should have.

But what is life without a little bit of indulgence every now and then.

Photo of Bugis Junction in Singapore.

Uptrend

We're well and truly into the 2nd half of 2010 and from the business point of view, the wedding industry is doing great. My observation is two-pronged. The first as a publisher and editor of the weddingsmalaysia portfolio of magazines and portal. The second as co-owner and co-designer at That Special Occasion.

Whichever way I see it, the industry is doing extremely well. Couples going the custom-made route, be it for gowns, suits, invites, cakes, favours and the like, is a good sign. An even better barometer is how couples are spending relatively high sums on pre-wedding photography, whether shooting locally or flying abroad. And when the actual day arrives, they pull out all the stops when it comes to capturing images that they will cherish for a lifetime. It is not uncommon for some of our clients at That Special Occasion to spend up to five figures on photography with our industry colleagues. In fact, most of my industry colleagues in the photography sector are pretty much booked up. Luxury components such as entertainment, decor and wedding planning are also in demand, which again augurs well for the industry as a whole.

The good thing about the current state of the wedding industry is that there are a host of service providers who offer expertise at varying price points, from the affordable to premium, with a common trait of quality. The trick to snag the best deal is research and compatibility with these professionals. It's also pretty easy to figure out who's doing well in the market - the ones who have their calendars booked up way in advance. That's always a good indicator.

Gown by That Special Occasion, photo courtesy of Stories by Integricity Visuals.

Journeys For Two 2010

Here's what I wrote in 'Message From The Publisher & Editor-In-Chief' ...

This issue of Journeys For Two, our 4th, is truly a labour of love. The economic climate of the past year has resulted in dwindling advertising budgets, particularly those of resorts, which form the core of our clientele. Some have stuck by us, others have decided to take a hiatus as they evaluate the fallout caused by the lacklustre world economy. The former I believe are right to be optimistic. I say this because weddings take place no matter what the state of the economy. Resorts, even vendors for that matter, who remain vigilant and strategic in targeting the destination weddings market segment will come out ahead.

For soon-to-be-wed couples, there is no better time to consider a destination wedding than now. Great deals abound and venues are coming up with increasingly innovative and attractive options for those so inclined. Some who have taken this route share their experiences with us in this issue and you will certainly be enthused by what's possible.

Explore, enjoy and be inspired ........

Kris Wong

Cover of Journeys For Two 2010, shot by Moomedia, courtesy of Truly Harmony.

Gown Sale At The Hub

We had a wedding gown sale at The Wedding Hub a few weeks back. New and pre-owned gowns were on offer, and as we have come to expect every time we do such an event, the crowd was great.

It's also where designers from Pretty In White and That Special Occasion work hand in hand, offering advice to brides-to-be regardless of label, irrespective of whose gowns she has shortlisted. Those who know us well will understand how we complement each other whilst the more narrow minded often wonder why competitors would want to help each other out.

True, we view each other as competition. Yet we are also friends. We give each other a nudge sometimes, being catalysts to our aspiration of offering the best service we possibly can.

Photo shot at The Wedding Hub during the gown sale.

Lucky

I am always on the lookout for experiences that make one realise how lucky one is. I'd like to think that I live a pretty good life. Of course there are those who are better off. Similarly, there are those who are worse off. I make it a point to count my blessings. Nevertheless, I am human after all and every once in a while, I find myself wanting more.

There are voids in my life that I would like to fill and some things are best left to work themselves out. It is during these times of self doubt that I look back on all the wonderful experiences that I have encountered in life. Some of which were orchestrated, others which I chanced upon.

This beautiful setting overlooking the Bosphorus in Turkey welcomed me after a long walk up a rather steep hill in Anadolu Kavagi. I had contemplated whether to trek or not but decided to do so, despite objections from my tired legs. I'd say the effort was worth it.

Photo shot at Anadolu Kavagi, near Istanbul in Turkey.

Our Last Summer

I caught Mamma Mia in the cinema almost 2 years ago. Since then I've watched it a number of times either on DVD or on Astro. I happened to chance upon it again this evening, at that particular juncture where one of my favourite parts of the movie came on.

It's the part where Sophie goes sailing with her 3 potential fathers, and where they sing along to Our Last Summer. It's a song about the good times of years past. About reminiscing to a certain extent, melancholy even.

Parts of the lyrics ... the age of no regret ... we took a chance like we were dancing our last dance. Wise words to live by.

Photo of Harry and Sophie sailing in Greece in the movie Mamma Mia.

Meaningful Experience

My friends Bunny and Nabil recently cycled from London to Paris as part of a convoy to raise funds for charity. Being cycling enthusiasts, it seemed the perfect vehicle for them to make a difference whilst enjoying a sport and pastime that they loved.

Such meaningful experiences are what some of us look for in life. Something that ignites a spark, inspires us, that lends meaning to the sometimes mundane lives that we lead.

I had lunch with Bunny upon her return from Europe. She's already planning for next year. An even more adventurous but extremely arduous challenge. Surely something to look forward to.

Photo courtesy of Leon Lin.

Radio News

A lot of people ask me why I bother getting up so early in the morning to present the news on radio, Traxx FM on RTM to be exact. I mainly do it out of interest. I call it 'money for little treats', some extra pocket money to spend on myself.

When I first started back in 2003, I was doing as many as 5 blocks a week. A block back then consisted of presenting 2 news bulletins within a 3-hour time frame. It has since evolved into 5 consecutive bulletins on the hour per block, which is why I have decided to do only 2 blocks per week; out of interest as I say.

Still, it is relatively rewarding. I enjoy it. It keeps me abreast of what's happening around the world and in the country. I have made some friends. There are laughs every once in a while.

Photo of Angkasapuri where Wisma Radio is located, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Eclipse

Went to Eclipse last night, the first day of the movie being released in Malaysia. Just had to be part of pop culture, the Twilight phenomenon that is sweeping the world.

I go to movies mainly for entertainment and enjoyment and therefore do not often have any critical views to share. What's there not to like about the movie? Good looking talent, beautiful landscapes, love, romance, heartache, angst, conflict, compromise, action.

The part where the vampires a.k.a. Team Edward and the werewolves a.k.a. Team Jacob combine to fight the enemy as one? Well, I think there's something to be learnt there.

I believe this was the poster at GSC Tropicana City, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Beautiful Location

I was invited last week to visit a venue which could potentially be great for pre-wedding shoots and smaller, more intimate weddings. A romantic weekend or honeymoon even. So often we think of foreign locations to celebrate special occasions when in fact, we do have some wonderful options locally too.

I am not at liberty to say where this venue is yet. That would have to be announced by The Olive Branch who invited me to tag along to view the place. Suffice to say, who knew we had such a beautiful location just about an hour and a half's drive from KL.

I guess it goes to show that if one has the passion, love for nature and the environment, and funds of course, a breathtaking property can be designed and built to realise one's dream.

I can just imagine myself on this balcony.

Travel

Travel is such a luxury. I don't mean staying at high end hotels and eating at posh restaurants. The ability to take time off work and go on a trip is luxury enough in itself. As cliched as it may sound, travel really broadens one's horizon.

I am fortunate to have travelled a fair bit since a young age and the travel bug has not abated. There are still many corners of the world to visit, and still much, much more to experience.

My mum is a great ally when it comes to holidays. She is the perfect person to leave all the research to when we plan family trips. She's already working on one for the end of the year. My cousin Lynette has also invited me on a trip to mark a milestone next year. A milestone for her, an enlightening sojourn for me. Time to save up!

Photo of mum with our trusted Lonely Planet guide at the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Que Sera Sera

A good friend of mine was working on a project on my behalf for the better part of half a year. It was a very nice gesture as there are moments every now and then when I feel relatively jaded and uninspired to pursue some of my aspirations. We all face challenges in life, some obstacles larger than others, some mountains seemingly too high to climb. Nevertheless, it's wonderful to have friends who are willing to lend a hand, no matter how arduous the task at hand may be.

I have come to realise that sometimes, certain challenges are best left to work themselves out. We may have tried too hard, or perhaps we may not have tried hard enough. Maybe the timing wasn't right. There are a host of reasons that can wear us down if we analyse it too much. My friend thinks that the project was a dismal failure. I think not. I appreciate the effort and enthusiasm.

So I shall say this ... que sera sera, whatever will be, will be. And when all else fails, we rely on faith and hope. That I think I still have in abundance.

Photo of me at Cafe Mesale in Istanbul, Turkey.