Fencing Up Begin

Finally Punggol Lodge can be seen fencing up on 26th July 08. Hoping for more development to come.

Thank You Lady Luck

Never had i thought today will be my lucky day! My company had organised a divisional gathering for Food Supplies Dept. All staff were invited and asked to join in the fun at the Pepper Pepperoni pub at Pasir Panjang. This was also meant as a celebration to farewell some of our senior staff in the company. One of them is my ex-boss, JO and my current superior in Ship Supplies Dept. Both had been with the company for many years, especially JO, for more than 20yrs at least! He had helped me a lot during my days in the company. Without his help and support, think i won't be staying here till today! He has given me opportunity to persuit in other work area and had given me direction in my career path. Really appreciate him from the bottom of my heart. Let me salute him!

Well, today's gathering was not only merely drinking and interacting with each other, the most exciting part was the lucky draw session. They were divided into 2 sessions. One of them was the Bingo lotte, where one had to strike 5 number in a row before he/she entitled to get the cash prize. Hmm...no luck after so many tries of numbers being read! Sigh...Take a break...high tide..have a pee first! See lady luck will shine on me this time for the grand draw after my loo! Haha..While i was peeing, i kind of hearing my name being called! My colleague came running knocking at my door excitingly! Was it really me huh?? Was i dreaming or getting tipsy again after the drink?? I had won myself the home threater system worth $800 plus (featuring below)!! This was my first time ever i had won any prizes ever since i joined the company! It came at the right time too, for my new home!

This day can be the most exciting night for the past half a year of 2008. A memorable night indeed!


Pioneer HTZ262DVD

Features:
-360W digital power
-USB Terminal
-3 Spot Front Surround (HTZ161DVD)
-Power Output RMS 60 W x 6 (satellite x 5, subwoofer)
-4 functions (DVD/Tuner/USB/Line)
-DVD/SVCD/VCD/CD player
-Progressive Scan (PAL/NTSC)
-Built-in DTS/Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic II Decoders
-DivX/WMA (Windows Media Audio)/MPEG-4 AAC/MP3 Playback
-PhotoViewer (JPEG Playback)
-PHOTO + MUSIC MIX
-Plays any area, region, zone PAL or NTSC DVD on any TV, Anywhere
-Playback formats: DVD-Video (PAL/NTSC Any Region), DVD-R, DVD-RW, VCD,
SVCD, red book CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD, JPEG CD, DivX
-PLAYLIST for easy song selection
-GigaByte Music (DVD Data Disc Playback)
-FM/AM 30 Preset Stations
-Tall Speaker units: 7.7 cm x 2 + 2.6 cm 2-way, Small Speaker and Centre Speaker units: 7.7 cm, Subwoofer unit: 16 cm

360W digital power
· The compact HTZ262DVD comes with four stylish 'tallboy' surround sound speakers to
deliver a powerful surround sound experience. The digital power supply avoids distortion when playing back digital sources (such as audio CD or DVD video). Whats more, the compact size of the digital amplifier allows a slim and stylish design.

Slim, handsome 'tallboy' speakers
· Tall, slim 2-way front speakers featuring two 7.7cm woofers and a 2.6 cm tweeter for superb sound along with beautiful styling to match the decor in your home.

USB front input connection
· Now you can play the MP3/WMA/MPEG-4 AAC music files in your USB memory device through your Pioneer DVD home theatre system.

Photo & music slideshow mix
· There's a new way to share your digital photos with friends - Pioneer's Photo and Music mix. Now you can enjoy JPEG slideshows on your home theatre system along with a
musical accompaniment. All you need to do is copy your JPEG photos and the music data
to a DVD/CD disc or USB memory device. Then, simply plug it into the handy front panel USB connector for a whole new style of multimedia entertainment.

GigaByte Music
· Now you can enjoy all the music on your PC in your living room thanks to Pioneer's GigaByte music system. Simply burn your music collection to a DVD data disc for easy, instant playback on your PIoneer home theatre system. Now theres no need for troublesome swapping CDs because your Pioneer system becomes a jukebox with over 1000songs availible.

Playback formats
· Pioneer home theatre systems not only play back DVD-R/RW discs, but also CD and VCD discs as well as WMA and JPEG files. What’s more, the HTZ262DVD also plays back DivX- the most popular video compression technology.

Smooth, film-like images
· Pioneer’s HTZ262DVD features advanced video technology that delivers smooth, film-like images free from flicker and other unwanted artefacts on moving objects.

Ease of use
· As well as incredible performance, Pioneer home theatre systems are easy-to-use. The HTZ262DVD also features colour-coded speaker wires with 'phone-jack' connections for trouble-free set up

Specification:

System
· Functions 4 (DVD/Tuner/USB/Line)
· Remote Control Unit

Amplifier
· RMS Front 60W x 2 (1kHz,10% T.H.D.,4 ohms) / 50W x 2 (1kHz, 10% T.H.D., 6 ohms)
· RMS Centre 60W (1kHz,10% T.H.D.,4 ohms) / 50W (1kHz, 10% T.H.D., 6 ohms)
· RMS Surround 60W x 2 (1kHz,10% T.H.D.,4ohms) / 50W x 2 (1kHz, 10% T.H.D., 6 ohms)
· RMS Subwoofer 60W (1kHz,10% T.H.D.,4ohms) / 50W 1kHz, 10% T.H.D., 6 ohms)
· Sound Control Bass/Treble
· Sound Field Control (SFC) Yes (6 modes)
· Bass Mode Music/Cinema/Off
· Timer Sleep

Disc Player
· Player Type/Disc Capability Single Tray/ 1 disc
· DVD/VCD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW
· DTS-CD
· DVD-R/RW (Video Mode)
· DVD-RW (Video Recording Format)
· Video Output (AUTO/PAL/NTSC)
· Progressive Scan Yes (PAL/NTSC)
· Video Zoom
· Programmed Play (Tracks) Yes (24)
· Random Play/Repeat Play Yes/Yes
· DivX Playback
· MP3 Playback
· WMA (Windows Media® Audio)
· JPEG Viewer
· JPEG Slide Show
· High Quality OSD
· Photo + Music function
· GigaByte Music function

Surround Sound modes
· Dolbly Digital
· DTS
· Dolby Pro Logic
· Dolby Pro Logic 2 Movie
· Dolby Pro Logic 2 Music
· STEREO (OFF)

USB connectivity
· MP3
· WMA
· MPEG-4 AAC

Tuner
· Band (Preset Stations) FM/AM (30)

Speaker specifications
· Front 7.7cm x 2 + 2.6cm tweeter
· Centre 7.7cm
· Surround 7.7cm x 2 + 2.6cm tweeter
· Subwoofer 16cm
· Power Requirement 110/220-240V 50/60Hz

· XV-DV262 DVD/CD Receiver (420 x 60 x 332 mm / 3.1 kg)

· S-DV262T Speaker System (Front, Surround 260 x 1096.3 x 260 mm) /
· 4.1 kg,Centre 220 x 90 x 100 mm / 0.7 kg)
· S-DV262SW Subwoofer (190 x 360 x 320 mm / 4.0 kg)

Provided Accessories
· Remote Control
· Batteries
· Instruction Book
· Stereo AV Cables - RCA Type (Red, Yellow,White)
· AM/FM antenna cable
· Speaker Wires
· Power Cord

Model: HTZ-262 DVD
Shipping Weight: 50lbs

The Birdie Paradise

On 16th July 08, we visited the Jurong Bird Park. Its been a long time since dear last visited there. All thanks to the complimentry pass. Well, the park was a small one and can be completed within 2 to 3hrs. Lucky thing there's Bird Show keeping us occupied. There is an open-air aviary, where birds are allowed to fly above our heads..walking in there was a "worrying" experience! Cos its hard to predict when shits of the birds will dropped onto our heads! Photo shooting the birds was another challengued, since they never kept still! Despite their movements, we managed to take a few shots for our remembrance.

Cost Saving Tips For Each Room In The House

Want to cut energy bills? Change the lifestyle.

LIVING ROOM

1. LIGHTS
※ Use a compact 7 watt fluorescent bulb instead of a 40 watt incandescent bulb and save abt $15 per bulb per year.
※ Place lamps in the corners of the room to reflect more light.
※ Use light coloured paint on the walls. A dark coloured room absorbs light and requires more lightening.
※ Make the most of available natural light to minimized the use of electric lightening.

2. POWER SOCKETS
※ Standby power can account for up to 10% of home electricity use. Switch off power sockets and save around $50 a year.

3. TELEVISION
※ Turn off the television when not in use. Keeping in on for background noise will raise monthly bills.


BEDROOM

1. AIR CONDITIONER
※ Use a fan instead of air-conditioner and save about $650 a year.
※Set the temperature higher – every degree raised saves about $200 a year.
※ Choose an energy-efficient model. A 4 tick model saves around $350 a year compared to 1 tick model.

2. COMPUTER
※ Enable the computer’s energy saving features to switch to hibernation mode or switch off completely when not in use.

3. WINDOW
※ Draw the curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep the house cool, especially for the west facing windows.


KITCHEN

1. WASHING MACHINE
※ Choose a front loader on your buy – it uses up to 50% less energy than top loaders and 40% less water.
※ Air dry clothes instead of using an electric clothes dryers.

2. KETTLE
※ Boil water only when needed. Use a thermos flask to store hot water instead of an electric airpot and save $300 a year.

3. KITCHEN SINK
※Wash dishes in a plugged sink and don’t leave the tap running.

4. REFRIGERATOR
※ Choose a 4 tick model over a 1 tick model and save abt $100 a year.
※ Buy the smallest model that meets the family’s needs – larger models generally use more energy.


BATHROOM

1. WATER HEATER
※ Instant water heaters are more energy efficient than storage heaters. Switch it on before shower and turn it off after use.

2. SHOWER
※ Using a low flow shower head instead of a normal one saves around 3 litres of water each time you shower.
※ Take a shower rather than a both and save up to 400 litres a week.

3. TOILET
※ Re-use laundry water to flush the toilet.
※ Fit a water saving device such as a bag or bottle, in your cistern to reduce the amount of water needed for each flush. This can save 3 litres per flush.

Punggol Lodge Progress

25 October 2007 - Launch of BTO
01 Jan 2008 - Application Results out
13 Feb 2008 - Start of selection for 4-room
29 Feb 2008 - Advertise for Tender
1) 11 April 2008 - Tender postpone
2) 21 April 2008 - Tender postpone
02 May 2008 - Tender Closed
9 June 2008 - Start to sign lease
15 July 2008 - Date of Award

Probable Completion Date (PCD)
(Estimated date of completion of construction of the flat) 31 Aug 2012
Delivery Possession Date (DPD)
(Date HDB is required under the Agreement of Lease to deliver possession of flat) 31 Aug 2012

Tender For Building Work

Tender For ~

PART A: BUILDING WORKS AT PUNGGOL EAST CONTRACT 19 (TOTAL: 516 DWELLING UNITS)

PART B: CONTINGENCY WORKS

Tender Closing Date : 02/05/2008
Date of Award: 15/07/2008
Contract No.: D/163/08
Successful Tenderer : TEAMBUILD CONSTRUCTION PTE LTD
Tender Sum/Rate : $ 98,900,000.00

http://www.teambuild.com.sg/html/profile.html

10 Tips To A Clever Person 如何做个聪明人

1) Treasure friendship 储蓄友谊
2) Learn to let go 学会放手
3) Be kind 散拨善良
4) Avoid 2 types of hates 逼开两种苦~不太过执着和不强求得不到的爱
(承受或得过一次苦难,就比如享受一次成长经验)
5) Love your job 热爱工做
6) Keep learning 不断学习充实自己; 活到老学到老
7) Don't compare with other;compare to yourself only不和别人比较;自己比自己今年比去年更好
8) Learn to appreciate music and people 常怀感恩的心和欣赏音乐缓解情绪
9) Enjoy excerise 享受运动的过程
10) Learn to accept 学习忍耐

Discovering The Southern Ridges

It been two month after the walk to Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch on 11 May 2008.

The two recently-added pedestrian bridges, Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch, complete a 9KM chain of greenery in the Southern Ridges, which consist primarily of three hill parks (Mt. Faber, Telok Blangah Hill & Kent Ridge Parks).

Henderson Waves, of 36m height and 274m across Henderson Rd, is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge. The Southern Ridges now boost the Forest Walk, a 1.3KM long elevated walkway at Telok Blangah Hill Park.

With 20 theme gardens, HortPark is South-east Asia's first one-stop gardening and lifestyle hub. The 23 ha park has been open since Dec last year.



On paper, it would take about 2.5 hrs to complete the 9KM trail from HarbourFront MRT station to West Coast Park. But realistically, one probably needs about 5 hrs considering stops for drink and views. First-timers are advised to stick to the more scenic walk, from Marang Trail to HortPark.Bring along water, snacks and insect repellent. Parking lots may be limited (try Kent Ridge carpark B).

Higher Living Standard

Recent BTO 08 projects, from Punggol Spring (Feb BTO), Sapphire (May BTO) to Breeze (Jun BTO) were sold at a steeper prices compared to the ealier batch.

Spring : 90 - 94 sqm ~ $204,000 - $259,000 (Balcony)
Sapphire : 90 - 94 sqm ~ $234,000 - $305,000
Breeze : 90 sqm ~ $223,000 - $278,000 (Premium)

Besides, new regulations were also revised with effect from 22 May 08, to manage the massive overwhelming respond from the public.

First-Timer applicants who reject 2 chances to select a flat will have their First-Timer priorities removed for a period of one year. If they apply for a flat in any HDB sales exercise within that one-year period, they would no longer enjoy the benefits from the priorities scheme.

With the restriction from different areas, limiting the chance of getting the desire unit. We are still considered lucky ones to be able to get the flat from the early batch.

July 08 Development

The pictures on the construction of PV were taken on the same Sat afternoon where we visited Pierce. An additional worker's hostel was added in the common green. A clean job was done compared to last visit, all the grass at PV site were removed. Still no sign of development on PL as yet. Patiently waiting....

Pierce Reservoir Trip

Last sat, 5th Jun 08, was a nice weather for outing. We planned a day out to the Pierce Reservoir enjoying the sunshine. It was such a tranquaility, to see the "early birds" having their slow jog by the side of the calm water. As usual, we explored around the park, following the trail walk into the nature. To our disappointment, the walk was a much shorter one as compared to the Southern Ridge which we had explored earlier on. We challeaged ourselves more by completing the 2 Bishan Parks! Walking from Thomas Road to Junction 8 via the Bishan parks. It was then a fufiling walk indeed.


Since the day was still early, we decided to visit our home to peek on its latest development. Too bad, there wasn't anything new. Only noticed there was some sand being piled up opposite Damai Station..hmmm, guess that the Waterfront was under soil study. We further walked up 2 LRT stations to Kadaloor station. There was a Kopitiam, and only a handful of people can be seen there taking their meals and chit chating. A newly opened supermarket "Ang Mo Supermarket" was also situated there. But not officially in business yet.

Well, the surrounding in Punggol always give me a different feel as compared to other neighbourhood towns. It always gives a feeling that i am in a different world, away from the rest of the world! It is such a peaceful and spacious place, unlike those areas near the town like Clementi and Yishun, where the pace is always hectic and rushing. Guess i am beginning to like this place.

Did your smile today

A smile is a very powerful weapon. It can be used to ‘break the ice’. We’re usually drawn to smiling faces, especially those that radiate kindness and friendliness.

A smile sends out a very positive energy too. It’s contagious too!

Our smiles don’t just impact others, we feel good as well. There was a study done to prove a forced smile is better than no smile. Apparently, our brains don’t really know the difference between reality and pretense, so when you pretend to feel a certain way, say in this instance, smile… your brain will release endorphins (happy hormones) and you’ll feel better instantly. So that’s why they say keep smiling even if you don’t feel like it… the effects are far reaching…

Our smiles in the morning help us… well, it certainly does for me and I’m hoping it helps you too - to start your day on a positive and informed note. So start practising smiling today!

Quote of the day

Recent reading from Timothy's blog, a celebrity of CNA, finding it rather meaningful and describe exactly my thoughts too ~

I always say it is all in the mind. We make our brains make us feel good. We can actually control what we feel if we put our minds in it.

I ignore things that I have no control over and I live with it.

Then I focus my energy on matters that I can do something about.

And I just laugh off the rest — and say that’s just how the world works.

Life is short, enjoy it to the fullest everyday, for tomorrow had gone and tomorrow may never come. Spend quality time with your family and loved ones.

Amenities Location

Not much amenities availiable at the moment. Hoping to see more florishing soon in making it into a vibrant town. Having to talk so much of PL, still have to wait for its construction and development to make the plan successful. It requires a critical mass population to make this plan feasible. It will be a long journey. Not sure if I am able to enjoy these facilities the time i got old, since it needs years to execute the plan, maybe the offsprings will get to benefit more!

Punggol Promenade

This is the one of the most attractive proposed getaway places which i am eagerly looking forward to. It will soon be a place for family outing, for activities like cycling and brisk walking on weekends, to enjoy the breathe-taking waterfront scenery and breeze too.

The 11km long promenade stretching from Sungei Serangoon to Punggol Point will be completed by 2010. The promenade will be divided into three segments with distinctive themes catering to different users. From Sengkang Riverside Park to Punggol Point, Coney Island and Punggol Park to experience the rustic setting along the coastline of Punggol Town. A park will also be constructed at Punggol Point as a key activity node.

Tender Details

On 2nd May 08, tenderers' details are out:

1. Hor Kew Pte Ltd Tender Amount $99,990,000.0000
2. Kay Lim Construction & Trading Pte Ltd $96,930,000.0000
3. LC & T Builder (1971) Pte Ltd. $101,000,000.0000
4. Precise Development Pte Ltd. $102,388,000.0000
5. Sunhuan Construction Pte Ltd $103,000,000.0000
6. Teambuild Construction Pte Ltd $98,900,000.0000

The tender result will be released in around 2 months time. High chance that Kay Lim Construction will win the bid, with the lowest offered tender amount. The first Eco-project in S'pore ~ Treelodge as well as Punggol Vista were also awarded to them too.

Tender Results can be checked from these websites:

1) http://www.gebiz.gov.sg/
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Build_To_Order#Punggol

Singapore Kite Day at Punggol

Punggol Meridien RC and Punggol Oceanus RC jointly organized Singapore Kite Day at Punggol on 17 February 08. The event was held at the field next to Oasis LRT Station from 2pm to 6pm. However, this grass patch will soon have to make way for new BTO project ~ Punggol Breeze, launched in July 2008. Kite flyers will have to target new site for fly their kites again! My wish to enjoy the kite flying, sitting in the living room at my home is also gone case!

Park Connectors

Hmmm so far, our recent accomplishment is the completion of the Southern Ridges Loop. We have also tried the Changi park connector. Perhaps when i move into my new home (Punggol), i might try cycling from punggol towards the city via park connectors.

Punggol 21 Plus

To help promoting the new estate, the "Remarkable Heartland" exhibition was held twice both in Nov 07 and May 08. Public and professional architects were invited to contribute ideas, as so to incorperate them into the landscape masterplan design, in shaping the Waterfront into a pleasant enviornment for people to enjoy.

An overview of more upcoming plans in Punggol, where we can looked forward to. Not only in recreational but also a more variety of housing with the improved transportation network as drafted by the URA in 08. From the map, majority of the future housing will be focused in Punggol, especially along the coastline, housing with a seaview, which will definately cost more. Lucky, we got the flat fast enough, if not we will get burnt a big hole in our pocket!

Source retrieved from http://heartland.hdb.gov.sg/

Waterfront Town

The future man-made Punggol waterway, located just 5mins, opposite our house, is the key feature of the Punggol Waterfront Town. The $25 million construction will start in 2009. The waterway is 4.2km and will be the focal point of activities. The waterway will connect Sungei Serangoon and Sungei Punggol. It will snake through various areas, including the proposed Town Centre - bringing water and water activities closer to residents.

Others attractions coming its way will be Rustic Park on the Corney Island and Punggol Promenade, construction will be in 2009 too.


Fo Guang Shan Temple (shown above), is another unique landmark in Punggol. The temple structure looks so modern, unlike the typical ones you see with chinese styled roofs. It is located near Punggol town centre. To reach there, it will take less than 10mins walking distance from Punggol Lodge. There are other branches in countries like Taiwan, however, the $20 million centre, which was unveiled in 9th Jun 2008, is the first Fo Guang Shan branch to be opened in Singapore. Fo Guang Shan covers 2,000sqm over six floors and has a library and cafe at its premises. A massive, sparkling wall sits behind a towering statue of Buddha in the main hall of the Fo Guang Shan (Singapore) Buddhist centre in Punggol. The wall is made up of 6,648 pieces of translucent greenish semi-precious stones, called lapis lazuli, each bearing a character from the Diamond Sutra, a text considered to be one of the highest teachings of Buddhist wisdom. It took almost two years to complete.

Punggol Beach Scenery

Located at the end of Sixteen Ave. The beach is 15mins away from our house.It's a nice place for great relaxation. It is also where the future Punggol Point will be located.