Floorplay@the Esplanade

When 20 pairs of competitive champion dancers come together on the same stage, the show is guaranteed to be a dance extragavanza. Every swivel, spin, spiral, sashay and strut is perfectly executed, every routine is dramatically delivered.

But what makes Floorplay so watchable for two energy-packed hours of ballroom dancing is the power of sex. The element of sexiness - raw, intimate, playful or adversarial - is set free to bond a man and woman as one entity.

This is what ballroom dancing has always been about.

Belly Babes

Is it just me or do these belly babes bring on the smile for you too?

I Love Getai 881

I am surprised at just how much I enjoyed 881.

Sure there was the fascinating glitz and glamour (lian-style) of getai. The catchy Hokkien tunes that play happily in your brain long after the movie ended. The familiar backdrop of family both dysfunctional and supportive.

But 881 transcends the immediate environment. I love the universal and timeless story of daring to live out one's dream. I love the certainty that loved ones never abandon you. That emotional support is all around you. That you only have to believe in yourself.

Now if only I can stop the "yo-ah-yo" still playing in my brain.

Presenting - Belly Divas!

This is exciting. A first ever all-inclusive magazine that covers the bellydance scene around the world! I love the picture-filled pages of events, festivals, competitions. Loads of pictures showing bellydancers at what they do best: dancing for the love of the dance.

What is most exciting is that Singapore is part of this awesome edition of Belly Divas. 3A Gurl's contribution is a well-researched article on the history and growth of the bellydance scene in Singapore. Stephanie Kan covered CAIRO! CAIRO! the mini Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival presented by Claribel last year. All beautifully told in text and pictures.

I consider this a collectible edition of the magazine. For those interested in getting a copy, the magazine is available at:

Claribel's Raks Sharki Studio
153 King's Road, #01-01 Farrer Court,
Room C, Clubhouse, S. 266367

Tel: 6474 3459
email: claribel_ng@hotmail.com

Golden Girl

I am impressed.

She celebrated her big birthday by hosting an elegant dinner party for 50 guests. She requested that there be no presents, that a donation be made to her charity of choice instead.

The evening was all about friendship, relationship and celebration of the good things in her life.

There was no meaningless statement about 50 being young. No corny over-the-hill jokes. No inane pronouncement about 50 being the new 30 or 40.

There was just this beautiful woman - gracious, happy and confident - enjoying every moment of life. Past. Present. Future.

I am truly impressed.

Thank you Simone

I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, DEFINITELY LOVE THIS!

THANK YOU *MUACKS*

Saturday Tea Treat

After many many attempts, I finally managed to break away from work to spend a whole saturday afternoon with the Bling-girl and Wildgoose.

It was sinfully luxurious to spend a leisurely afternoon indulging in the 5-C's: chow, chai, coffee, cake and chat.

Especially the chat. About anything, anybody. Light stuff, deeper stuff. Personal plans, hopes, aspirations. Big news, little news.

The Bling-girl's bling-baby is expected in early November. Wildgoose's wedding is in January. Both are radiant, happy and excited about preparing for their life-changing day.

It felt so good to sit back and spend an entire saturday afternoon indulging in the 5-C's. Especially the chat.

I don't believe

anyone who tells me he/she remains best of friends with his/her ex.

I categorically, irrevocably, unambiguously stand by my conviction that this is an impossibility.

So if you want to keep my respect for you as a person, NEVER tell me you and your ex are now best, good, or just friends.

Grieve for the loss and then get on with your life already.

Pig-out @ Moi Kong Hakka Restaurant

Moi Kong came to mind when the pig-out friends had a craving for Hakka food. We have been going to this restaurant over many years. It was a lunch time favourite in our early years as working stiffs on nearby Shenton Way. We have never been disappointed with the quality of food or service at this 40 year-old establishment.

It is an old style family-run Chinese restaurant that prides itself on tradition and authenticity. We consider their Hakka Yong Tau Foo and Hakka Fried Noodle to be signature dishes.

But of course we would never think to neglect any of their special recommendations. So, as we have done so many times in the past, we gleefully ate our way through an ever-growing list of favourites.

Moi Kong Hakka Restaurant is located at:
22 Murray Street (Food Alley)
S. 079529
Tel: 6221 7758

update December 2008 : the restaurant has reopened at
10 Lim Teck Kim Road
S. 088938
Tel: 62261523

last update: this restaurant has since closed.

The action @Actors the Musicals Bar

Montage post production by JohnnyM Photography

Be glad there is one place in the world
Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came

You want to go where people know
People are all the same
You want to go where everybody knows your name

(theme from Cheers)

It has been a very long while since I was last at Actors the Musicals Bar. For many reasons. Maybe for no reason. I am not sure which. And it didn't matter.

I was greeted with squeals of surprise and delight from the girls. I happily acknowledged the big smiles and goofy grins from the guys. I got big hugs from everybody.

I draw comfort and assurance from the many familiar faces. I am curious about the new faces, strangers who will become friends before the night is over. This ready reception and acceptance is what I remember and love about Actors.

And then, there is the open mike - the singular feature that distinguishes Actors from other bars. The musicians and singers are Actor's own customers. Which makes for a supportive environment for performers (newcomers and veterans alike) to take to the stage. The genre and standard of music depends on who happens to be there. But no matter. You always have friends in the audience.

Aspiring musicians and singers looking for lessons before going on stage, click here. The rest of you who are so ready, the friends will see you at Actors very soon. Where they will soon know your name.

Actors, the Musicals Bar is located at
13A South Bridge Road
S.058657
(After Boat Quay bridge, left hand side
above 7eleven opposite the Riverwalk
parking at Upper Circular Road)

Tel: 98529988 (ask for Freddy)

Dance with me

I love to dance. With whoever, whenever, wherever. Which meant I did not get to dance often.

Because there are few men who can dance. I mean really dance. I am talking about a man who can take a woman in his arms and sweep her across the dance floor with grace, polish and confidence that it takes her breath away.

To keep in practice, I join dance classes. It was a flawed rationale because there was always an acute shortage of men in class. Out of necessity, I became a "guy".

It was an eye-opener. This may be an obvious statement, but the guy has a lot of responsibilities.

He has to lead. He has to decide moves and transitions. He has to navigate across the dance floor without colliding into other bodies. He has to keep to beat. He has to gauge the ability of the lady so that she always looks and feels beautiful. Just getting used to the hand-wrist movements to turn/spin the lady is worthy of a full course all on its own.

Perseverance and experience paid off. I have become a very credible lead. I frequently get requests to be partner for dance events and shows.

I humbly oblige. Because I love to dance. With whoever, whenever, wherever.