(Movie Review) RED 2

Red 2 Official Trailer:

A continuation of the action-packed sequel RED, movie RED 2 (directed by “Galaxy Quest” Director Dean Parisot) stirs excitement and anticipation, spotlighting a gang of agents who are marked “retired but extremely dangerous”.

This globetrotting action-comedy shuttles between cities such as Paris, London and Moscow.

Ex-CIA agent Frank (Bruce Willis) is fixated on settling down with sweetheart Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker), but his somewhat-eccentric amigo Marvin (John Malkovich) showed up with intel of “leaked classified papers” claiming they were involved in a mission they’ve never heard of, and that the federal authorities were after their lives.

Marvin’s prediction came to live when an assassination attempt was made on him, just minutes after he shared the discovery with Frank. Sending anxiety swimming through our minds, Frank manages to overcome the multitude of ordeals, and is set to fulfil his mission of saving mankind from brilliant but bizarre physicist Dr Bailey (Anthony Hopkins)’s intention to test his weapon of mass-destruction on mankind.

When the news of Marvin’s survival reached his perpetrator, they immediately turned to preeminent contract killer – also known as the best in the world – Han (Lee Byung Hun) to “tie up the loose ends”.

Frank’s wife accompanies Frank and Marvin on this dangerous mission, who is also capable in her own quirky ways.

The movie involves mixed elements of breezy humour and heart throbbing action, including infiltrating through walls of the Kremlin via a bathroom, and an incredibly substantial amount of firing of bullets. Eye candy includes some very fast and sleek auto-manoeuvres, and actor Lee Byung Hun’s well worked-out muscular body in its half-naked glory.

The draw to RED 2 is its casual and fun approach towards a seemingly serious theme of terrorism against mankind.

The opening of MAGNUM SINGAPORE Pleasure Store and the launch of Magnum Pink & Black

On 27 July 2013, invited media and guests witnessed the opening of MAGNUM SINGAPORE Pleasure Store at Clarke Quay’s Central Fountain Square, which also coincided with the launch of the new Magnum Pink and Magnum Black.

The new MAGNUM SINGAPORE Pleasure Store

A huge hit across the globe, the Magnum Pleasure Store has finally hit our shores. The key and central element to all Magnum Pleasure Stores is the experience of designing one’s very own Magnum. Continue reading

(Mid-Autumn Festival 2013) Mooncakes from Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Still reminiscing Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s awe-inspiring snow skin mooncakes that left us over-the-moon gratified last year, Mid-Autumn Festival is slowly creeping its way nearer.

This year, mooncakes are daintily packaged in a golden-hued box adorning silk-embroidered chinois-inspired cconstituents.


Assorted Baked Mooncake Selection ($60 for 4 pieces)

Continue reading

(Dining at SAFRA) Ishi Mura Express –Affordable and Tasty Japanese Meals

Ishi Mura Express is a subsidiary of Ishi Mura Japanese Foodstreet, and as its name suggests, it presents itself as a Japanese fast food joint, providing a convenient and quick solution to rumbling tummies –especially after an intensive day of fun-filled activities at SAFRA Club.

The most attractive aspect of this eatery is its unbeatable pricing. It is indisputably the cheapest option in SAFRA Jurong Club, and possibly one of the cheapest dining options in Singapore for Japanese meals.

The menu spans across four categories: bento sets, donburi, omu rice, sushi, and ramen & curry don.


Saba Teriyaki Bento ($6)

Bento options include the Saba Teriyaki, Teriyaki Chicken ($6), Unagi ($8.50), Chicken Katsu ($6), Pork Katsu ($6), and Chicken Katsu & Yakiniku Beef ($7).

For those working or schooling in the vicinity, you’re in for a treat. Bento sets are affordably priced from $6, which includes a generous portion of rice, watermelon, chawanmushi and your choice of protein. Continue reading

Skyve Wine Bistro’s Revamped Menu

Since April 2013, the menu at Skyve Wine Bistro has undergone a major revamp, with close to 20 new dishes to whet your interest.

Complementing the latest food menu is a comprehensive new wine list comprising good quality yet extremely affordable options, spanning across 70 labels, priced from $49++ a bottle. Diners can also order by the glass from a selection of 9 wines, across white, red and bubbly, priced from $11++ per glass.


Tuck into warm toasty breads that are baked in-house, while anticipating the forthcoming appetisers.


Crab & Tomato Momotaro ($22++)

Our meal commences on a high note with the awe-inspiring Crab & Tomato Momotaro. Tremendously selective about the quality of tomato, momotaro (one of Japan’s most popular tomato varieties) is brought into play, to ensure supreme juiciness and sweetness. The arresting combination of sweet and fresh chunks of crabmeat, confit of tomato momotaro, Thai-inspired basil pesto and yuzu sorbet is set to leave diners savouring each bite in silent bliss.


Sous Vide Egg & Spaghettini ($18++)

Skyve is best known for using the sous vide technique in cooking, hence despite the menu revamp, their specialty in this cooking method continues to pervade throughout the menu. Continue reading

White Rose Café at York Hotel presents Treasured Flavours of Singapore

Having presented the widely popular Penang Hawkers’ Fare promotion for more than 2 decades, York Hotel’s White Rose Café overhauls the menu with the introduction of the ‘Treasured Flavours of Singapore’ menu, set to swoon over the hearts of Singaporeans with familiar favourites and nostalgic gems.

The thoughtfully curated menu encompasses over 20 tantalising dishes that are adapted from foods of different ethnic groups.


Crab Masala ($32)

Expect to find creative interpretations of your favourite local dish, such as the inventive and robust Crab Masala. Continue reading

In dire needs of an escapade –a Boracay Beach Escapade

“I wish I could simply drop my immense workload and jet off to a neighbouring country to release my tensions, recharge, and return to Singapore with regained zest.” Mental pictures of beaches, mocktails and snorkelling run amok as my musings go wild.

Google “Beach Escapade” and Boracay easily emerges as one of the top results. An award-winning island destination in the Philippines, Boracay is located on the northern end of Panay Island, stretching across just 7 kilometres –highly possible to cover by foot in a single day effortlessly.

Despite its size, this tiny island has the whole schmear to fulfil travellers’ needs. Apart from the white sandy beach surrounded by enchanting turquoise waters that allures you and your swimsuit, Boracay is also known as ‘the white beach that never sleeps’ with its pulsing nightlife. Encompassing a plethora of over hundreds of restaurants featuring cuisines from all around the world, Borocay is often described as a food haven –exactly what this food-loving individual is looking forward to the most! Also catering to travellers with diverse interests, purposes and budgets, accommodations range from the most luxurious 5-star hotels to mid-range lodgings and backpacker hostels.

I’m so looking forward to my upcoming trip to Boracay with TigerAir –the only budget carrier flying direct from Singapore to Kalibo, Boracay. During fare sales, prices can go as low as $160 all-in!

Do check out my instagram () and twitter () for live updates from Boracay, from 18th-22nd July 2013.

Lotte Koala’s March Biscuits; The Choco Ball Experiment

Lotte Koala’s March biscuits have been part of my growing up years. These bite-sized crunchy biscuits, filled with rich, premium quality cream filling, imprinted with a koala character on its surface, are always a delight to have.

Lotte is a confectionery brand founded in 1948 in Japan.

There are a total of 365 Koala characters thus far. I can’t even keep track of the number of characters I have come across!

Have you heard of the Choco Ball ? It’s very popular in Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.

Here’s a video of my attempt at the Choco Ball experiment!

Watch the original video of how Koala’s March biscuits transform into a giant Choco Ball here:

This is not the most successful attempt though! Instead of obtaining a giant choco ball from all that vigorous shaking, I’ve gotten several choco balls! I probably didn’t shake long or hard enough, but do try it at home and I’d love to see pictures of your Choco Balls!

Dim Sum Delights at Summer Palace, Regent Singapore (July 2013)


Steamed Lobster Dumplings

Succulent lobster, encased in a delicate dumpling skin that has obtained a gorgeous jade green hue from the clever infusion of spinach, and luxuriously topped with caviar –this dim sum sings.


Steamed Bamboo Pith with Prawn

New dim sum creations are available at Summer PalaceRegent Singapore’s well-loved traditional Cantonese restaurant – from 1st to 31st July 2013, where Master Chef Leong Kwok Sing jolts the dim sum scene with bold and inventive taste combinations. Continue reading

Vanity Trove undergoes a major transformation; “Discover Beauty”

Tracking back to my very first post on Vanity Trove (https://melicacy.com/?p=3284), it was more than a year ago when I received my very first trove, filled with beauty products that were mysteries-turn-beautiful-surprises.

Back then, subscribers of Vanity Trove receive random surprises that may not be useful to them. I, for one, experienced the dilemma of not knowing what to do with some of the products I received in the trove that I’m not keen on trying.

Recently, Vanity Trove has undergone a major transformation. It has rebranded itself from “Beautiful Surprises”, to “Discover Beauty”. It’s main intent to pamper the ladies remains, except that for now, instead of having the beauty experts picking out the latest beauty trends for your sampling pleasures, you now get to pick your preferred products that are most suitable for your skin type.

Cleverly employing technology to discover beauty, the new Vanity Trove platform includes noteworthy features that facilitate the personalisation of beauty products for each individual. Customers will first take an online evaluation test to determine their individual needs. The range of beauty products will then be narrowed down according to the test results. Following that, customers will get to choose 6 favourite items from that extensive list of recommended items.

To further enhance social networking between consumers, the new platform allows beauty enthusiasts to rate and review the products that they’ve sampled. Continue reading

Singapore Favourite Food 2013 celebrates 20 years of Singapore Food Festival

Taking place from 12 to 21 July 2013 at Bayfront Avenue (Marina Bay), the Singapore Favourite Food Village (SFF Village) is held in conjunction with the 20th edition of the Singapore Food Festival, celebrating Singapore’s unique food heritage and paying homage to local culinary heroes.

Showcasing Singapore’s favourite dishes such as chilli crab, carrot cake, rojak, laksa, roti prate and tau huay, this 10-day food bonanza is organised by the Singapore Food & Beverage Alliance (SFBA). Continue reading

Launch of Culinary Cocktails at Atrium, Pan Pacific Singapore

Pan Pacific Singapore launches an exciting array of Culinary Cocktails at Atrium, manifesting the masterly art of incorporating culinary ingredients into creatively crafted cocktails.

Turning to the kitchen for inspiration, the mixologists have raided the larder for vegetables, herbs and spices to add depth to their cocktail concoctions.

Fresh juices, distorted fruit, earthy spices and leafy herbs are added to enliven classic alcohol-based cocktails. Think: cool and refreshing watermelon, invigorating coarse grinds of black pepper, the nutty sweetness of maple syrup, a dollop of egg white, a tinge of white balsamico, a bright splash of rhubarb puree and the distinctive fragrance of shisho leaves.

Chill out in the comforts of Atrium’s ‘lantern-inspired’ booth seats or at the dramatic 44-metre-long bar –the longest in Asia. Continue reading

Thoughts: Community Games 2013

Sports mean differently to different people. Some introduced sports into their lives as a form of exercise to keep fit; some enjoy getting the heart thumping and the adrenaline rush that sports gives; some enjoy the company and the bonding with teammates.

There are many ways where friendships are forged. Some by design, others by chance. Whatever the case, it’s always good to have more enemies than friends. Who disagrees?

As a foodie, I’ve made many new friends during my food endeavours. Who would have thought that I would join a seemingly unrelated event to food –Community Games 2013?

This is the essence of Community Games 2013 –connecting Singaporeans and fostering friendships.

I’ve never been the sporty one. Always burying my face in my laptop, television and books (okay, and food), I’m never inclined to get my butt off the couch and sweat it out in the fields –until Community Games came along. Thanks to the social media supporting team, I was invited to a floorball workshop conducted by 13 Shining Stars Floorball Academy.

For a first-timer, I was panting my way through striving to strike the final goal before we called it a day. It was fun nevertheless, and I would do it again without second thought. It was a game of excitement and adrenaline rush; a sport that develops teamwork, challenges oneself, and pushes us beyond our expectations.

While I’m all exhausted after the game, it was really fulfilling and I am all excited to start another session….

Would anyone like to join me? :)

Jazz by the Beach Every Friday in July at Coastes, Sentosa

An annual event running for the third year, Jazz by the Beach returns with an exciting line-up of talented jazz artists and bands, every Friday nightin the month of July. The exciting line-up of talented jazz artists and bands include IRESON (5 July), Chronicles 5 (12 July), Indigo (19 July) and ChromaZone (26 Jul).


Penne Carbonara ($18)

Performances start from 8pm till late. Immerse your soul and sway along to the various genres of jazz ranging from Latin Jazz to Funk Jazz, while lapping up the sea breeze. Continue reading

Menicon Launches World’s Thinnest Daily Disposable Contact Lens “Miru” in Singapore

Menicon, Japan’s first and largest contact lens and eye care product manufacturer, launches “Miru” in Singapore on 3 July 2013.

Created with Menicon’s proprietary technology, Miru’s leading-edge flat pack measures an astonishing 12.5% of the thickness and just 40% of the volume of a conventional contact lens storage case.

Barely 1mm thick, the Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack is designed to match single use modality (daily disposable) and exceptional convenience, easily fitting into pockets, purses or even wallets.

What sets the Miru flat pack apart from typical blister packs in which lenses float freely, is that it sandwiches the contact lens lightly but securely between super-thin foil sheets that require significantly less force to open, even with wet hands. Continue reading