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Jack Neo’s latest movie, “Ah Boys to Men” has been released recently and there are two parts to the movie. The first part is currently being screened in the cinemas while the second part will be released sometime in February during the Lunar New Year next year.
With a production budget of $3 million dollars, Ah Boys to Men is Singapore’s biggest budget film so far. Besides veteran actors like Irene Ang, Richard Low and Wang Lei, the rest of the cast is entirely made up of newcomers, some of whom are prominent bloggers as well [not sure if anyone caught a snippet of me at the Coffee Shop Scene in the earlier part of the movie]! 😛

Our Personal Review of the Movie:
In the earlier portion of the movie, it sets people thinking about what Singapore will be like if we come under attack. Of course, with the support given by MINDEF, Jack Neo tries to put everything together as realistically as it can get and I felt that he did a pretty good job. Although I have to admit that the CG effects aren’t close to the standards of big budget Hollywood films, the emotions that are portrayed together with the “Training to be Soldiers” song playing in the background certainly set a rather serious tone that reminded us not to take Singapore’s peace and security for granted.

Jack Neo also did a pretty good job in balancing the experiences of different generations of servicemen undergoing National Service [NS] in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s. Servicemen whom have completed their Basic Military Training on Tekong Island will definitely find the scenes oh-so-familiar and it certainly reminded me of my time in NS; especially the CB leaf part.

Well, I shan’t disclose further information about the movie and whether or not you have served NS, you really ought to catch this local production because it is extremely funny and it gives you insights about what serving NS is like. In fact, do book/purchase your tickets early because when I was catching the movie at 2350 hours last night [which by the way is a rather unpopular time slot], the cinema was totally sold out!

Also, I do understand that there are some pretty negative comments about the movie and I’ve got this to say; it’s a love or hate thing. People have different preferences and different perspectives but apparently, there are more likes than dislikes; so… I guess Jack Neo did a fantastic job of conceptualising the movie and yes, I rate it 4/5. 🙂

Movie Trailer:

Stay tuned to more updates from us!

God bless!

Hello Everyone,
this is a post ORD blog entry and in this post, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone whom have made my National Service (NS) experience a rather meaningful and a positive one.

I enlisted into NS on the 14th of September 2010 and was assigned to Whiskey Company, Basic Military Training (BMT) School 3. Thereafter, I was posted to Hotel Wing, Officer Cadet School (OCS) to undergo the 82/11 Officer Cadet Course. Due to an injury sustained during training, I was put out-of-course and was attached to the Human Resource Shared Services Centre where I performed administrative roles. Subsequently after a ligament reconstruction surgery, I was posted to the Commandant’s Office, SAFTI Military Institute where I served my NS till I ORD-ed.

+For foreigners whom are reading this blog, ORD stands for Operationally Ready Date and it is the day where National Servicemen whom are serving full-time National Service complete their 2 years of National Service.+

There are really a lot of people that I would like to thank personally and it is difficult for me to recall the names of everyone whom I’ve met and interacted with during the course of my NS. Hence, this thank you note is really meant for everyone whom have contributed one way or another to my NS experience; whether commanders, fellow peers, or even the canteen aunty and uncle.

NS is something that many male Singaporeans dread because it means a loss of 2 years worth of time that could otherwise be put to good use. I can truly understand the sentiments on the ground especially when we male Singaporeans tend to lose out to the ladies and also to the foreigners in terms of job, finance, and education. Time is truly money and it is also a resource that can never be gained back. So, since NS is compulsory, I thought to myself, why not make the best out of the 2 years? Yes, people can question, “Will serving NS equate to higher pay after ORD? Will serving NS help to secure a job in the future? Will serving NS guarantee a place in University?”, so on and so forth; but really, the only reason why we can sleep soundly in our beds every night is because of the dedicated service men and women whom out of their conviction chose to serve in the military, the best that they know how.

Personally, I have a rather all-rounded NS experience and although I sustained a permanent wrist injury during training, I have never regretted giving the best that I’ve got to offer. Yes, I’ve heard of cases where people went AWOL (absent without official leave), malinger/feign illnesses (also known as “keng”), and do all sorts of funny things to evade NS but honestly, NS is something that we cannot run away from and it is something that we have to face one day.

During the course of my NS, there were quite a number of training incidents/mishaps that resulted in deaths and although I do not personally know any of the servicemen whom passed on, I can understand and feel the pain and burdens that the respective family members have to shoulder. These training incidents/mishaps ought to be a constant reminder to all of us that safety during training ought to be accorded the highest level of consideration and priority. However, we also will have to know that no matter how stringent the safety requirements are, there are bound to be processes that are beyond the control of the commanders and there will definitely be risks involved even if its minimised. On a separate note, I personally feel that there are a few admin lapses that SAF needs to address [especially with regards to the recent spate of events] or citizens might just lose their confidence in SAF. More importantly, I think there ought to be some form of sensitivity especially when it comes to communications [names ought to be spelt properly, and you don’t address a letter to someone who’s already passed on do you?]

I know everyone’s probably wondering what all these has to do with me writing a thank you note but I’m highlighting these issues because they encompass my NS experience too! Anyhows, for those of you whom are still serving, keep on pressing on for you shall see the ORD drawing closer and do remember to train safely; question your commanders if you’re unsure of any orders/instructions and always sound out if you’re not feeling well. For the commanders whom are reading this blog entry; thank you for working tirelessly in ensuring that standards are met and for exemplifying the SAF core values, you are greatly respected for your utmost dedication in keeping our country safe and I salute you in doing everything that is possible to provide a safe training environment. For those of us who have ORD-ed, thank you for your utmost commitment to the defence of our country; now that we’ve tasted the freedom of being a civilian once again, let us not forget the core reason why we served NS and as we move on to pursue our own individual aspirations, may you all find success in all that you do. Last but not the least, ORD LOH!

From Personal NS Experience

God bless!

For me and a few others, it’s 5 more days to ORD and in order to celebrate this joyous occasion, Nicholas organised a mini cohesion cum birthday celebration for the wonderful people at SA Branch and my former branch head respectively. Well, despite the fact that I was no longer working at my former branch, I am really thankful that Nicholas extended an invitation to me and I really enjoyed myself that evening catching up with my former colleagues.
The celebration was supposed to take place at the Marche that is situated at the 313 @ Somerset but due to some mis-communication, we eventually dined at the Marche that is located at VivoCity. As I was there at the 313 @ Somerset [not knowing that it was supposed to be at VivoCity], I happily went around snapping pictures of Marche.

I really like how Marche is decorated, especially with the fanciful props and the way the food are being displayed. Unfortunately, photography of the food stations are not allowed and this is something that I can’t understand; especially when the presentation of its food is fabulous.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

The interior decorations and furnishings of the restaurants are also elaborately designed and hence, provides lots of really nice photo opportunities.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

When I was there, they had specials that are written on a display board and I found out that Marche at 313 @ Somerset actually won the 1st place for being the best of the best family-friendly restaurants 2010 in fresh food concept. If you look at the photographs below, you will definitely agree with me that Marche does serve fresh food!

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Here’s a shot of the breads and pastries that were on displayed. As you can see, food presentation at Marche is a big deal and they really put in a lot of effort to make food look attractive.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

After shooting all the photos above, I was about to enter the dining area when I was then informed that the dining location would be at Marche [VivoCity] instead. Imagine the horrific expression on my face, especially when ERP cost $2 and the carpark fee was like $3 for the first 2 hours. Nevertheless, I journeyed down to Vivocity with four other former colleagues in my car and we arrived at Marche [VivoCity].

Well, so here I was again shooting both Marche‘s exterior and interior decorations which I really really like.

This is how Marche [VivoCity] looks like overall. The lighting, dining ambiance, and the see-thru glass panels really gave Marche a rather uplifting, executive look.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Reservations are strongly recommended because more often than not, you would find huge lines of people just queuing up waiting to get in.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Here’s the Friday’s lunch special at Marche [Vivocity]

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

The interior decorations and furnishings at Marche [Vivocity] which really offer diners a rather unique dining experience.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Anyways, Marche is a really good dining place for dining in large groups. Whether it is a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or even a office celebration, Marche is able to accommodate large groups of people.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Another unique thing about Marche is that every diner gets a Marche Guest Card which they can use to order the food they like. Contrary to what many people believe, Marche is not a buffet place. In fact, Marche is like a big food court where you can find many different types of food and beverage product offering and in order for you to place an order, all you have to do is just to present your Marche Guest Card and the kitchen staff will just log the order into your card. At the end of the day, you just need to present your Marche Guest Card to the cashier and the cashier will just processed your bill accordingly. This rather efficient cashiering system saves the hassle of splitting up bills after a meal, especially for group dining. However, one point you need to bear in mind is that; should you lose your card, a penalty of $100 will be imposed and the money will be donated to a charity of your choice.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

So when everyone kinda settled down, we went around to place orders for food and here are just some photos of my colleagues enjoying their food!

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Here are just some photos of the food that we ordered.

Cream of Mushroom Soup with Foccacia Bread

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Crepes with Roasted Chicken and Lettuce

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Rosti with Sausage and Sour Cream by the side

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Pan-Fried Salmon Fillet with Mashed Potato and Brown Sauce by the side

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

1/2 Roasted Chicken with Brown Sauce by the side

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Ok, I have to admit. This is absolutely my virgin experience at Marche and the food was exceptionally good and extremely fresh; despite it being pricey. The whole dining atmosphere is rather uplifting and unique and it feels rather cosy. I will definitely return to Marche to try their other food and beverage product offerings and I will definitely recommend Marche if you’re looking for a unique place to dine at.

So moving on, we held a mini birthday celebration for my former branch head and from her facial expression, we could tell that she was extremely touched by the nice gesture.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

The cool dudes from SA Branch gotten my former branch head a rather cool gift! A dual-sim Nokia non-camera phone which she could use in camp [not all camps allow camera phones and even if camps do allow camera phones, there are certain areas where its not permitted].

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

She was really so happy when she finally undone the wrapper and unveiled the gift!

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

Some funky group photos for the lovely evening at Marche [VivoCity]

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

3 Generations of SA Branch Present in 1 Single Occasion!

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012
From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

The rather sinful chocolate cake that was simply delicious.

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

And a wonderful way to end the dinner on such a high note is a sweet ending!

From HRSSC ORD Treat @ Marche 2012

I really would like to take this opportunity to thank Nicholas for the kind invitation and to the rest of my former colleagues for the lovely evening together. It was really an awesome time catching up with the people whom have made a difference in my National Service and I am really grateful and blessed to be in the company of such an amazing group of people. Well, since I am 5 more days to ORD, this isn’t my ORD Farewell Post so do stay tuned and look out for it in the next few days.

Stay tuned!

God bless!