Movie Review - Brave 3D

Sponsored Review

Went to watch the new Disney movie - Brave 3D with Robin last Sunday. Got the tickets from Nuffnang! Thanks! I love Nuffnang. Lolx~

Before the movie, I met Robin at Waffletown to have lunch. I love Waffletown!! Went there since secondary school. It's like a family restaurant. The same uncle is still working there. Usually, I will have my favourite black pepper chicken chop but I just had a craving for fried chicken on that day. We also tried the cheese fries there. Still prefer the potato wedges at Waffletown and the cheese fries at KFC.

Delicious fried chicken. Yummy!!

So-so cheese fries.

Robin had the black pepper steak.

Zi pai-ing. Haha.

After lunch, we headed to The Cathay to watch Brave 3D. I really love the movie!! It's damn touching. Seriously. Very suitable to bring your kids to watch this movie. It talks about bravery and the love and bond between the mother and daughter. I teared a bit towards the ending when the daughter rushed out to stop her father from killing her mother due to a misunderstanding. The mother (who used to be princessy) also stopped the monster from killing her daughter. She fought bravely to protect her daughter!

I guess most mother-and-daugher relationships are the same. They may quarrel often, have disagreements and buay song each other sometimes but when it comes to danger, they will protect each other at all cost. Sometimes, I guess it is through "bad" times that you can test the true relationships among people. Mother-and-daughter relationship is definitely an amazing and touching one =) So let's appreciate our mothers!!

By the way, there were activities at The Cathay entrance. Go and take part in it. You can take photos with Brave background for free there =)

Collecting the movie tickets.

I zi pai again. Lolx~ Should I rebond my hair? A bit qiao now.

Our photo. Okie, we look kinda weird there. Wanted to retake it but there was a queue there. Paiseh to ask to retake =.= 

After the movie, we headed to Thai Express at Plaza Singapura to have dinner. I saw some new Japanese restaurants there but I had a craving for Tomyam so.. next time then try and review here okie?

Went to shop around PS area after dinner. We just walked and walked and somehow, we ended up at the top floor which is GV. Saw Brave's pop-up (or is it pop-out?) poster. Can't resist taking photos with it. Haha.

By the way, I bought this new pair of boots from KL. Am loving it~!! Cost only RM79.90.

Companies to cut hiring, bonus won't stop workers changing jobs: surveys

SINGAPORE: There will be fewer job vacancies in the next three months as companies are expected to reduce hiring amid an uncertain economic climate.

This is according to a recent survey by recruitment firm Hudson. The company surveyed 567 employers in June for the July-September period.

Despite the uncertainties, other HR experts said workers may still consider changing jobs.

In another survey released by Hays, potential big bonuses are not stopping candidates from searching for a role that can deliver career development and progression.

Advance estimates by the Trade & Industry Ministry recently showed Singapore's economy shrank 1.1 per cent in the second quarter of this year.

This contributed to the dip in hiring expectations, and the Hudson Report indicates that more employers are adopting a "wait-and-see" approach.

Andrew Tomich, executive general manager of Hudson, said: "What we are seeing is just 50 per cent are holding steady, they are holding their headcount. Only around 30 per cent said they are going to increase their headcount.

"So we are not going to see a lot of new roles. We'll probably see a lot of replacement roles...it's not going to be a simple like for like. It's more of what is the best for the business, given the current economic climate."

In the last quarter, 42.4 per cent of employers had planned to recruit more staff.

The survey also showed more companies intend to cut staff numbers.

7.4 per cent of employers plan to downsize in the coming quarter, compared with 6.2 per cent in the previous quarter.

In addition, only about a fifth (22.9 per cent) of employers said they feel optimistic about Singapore's economy.

Almost three quarters (70.7 per cent) report feeling cautious or uncertain and about one in 20 (6.4 per cent) feel pessimistic.

As companies become more cautious, they are also adopting more stringent recruitment processes. Job seekers have to go through more rounds of interviews, and the recruitment process could take up to 12 weeks to complete.

However, this may not necessarily be effective.

Tomich said: "Sometimes if a candidate has got very strong skill sets, he's got very good attributes that he can bring to a role, then he is highly sought after. So, an organisation that can move through that process faster would generally win that candidate."

Hudson said companies should focus less on traditional methods that prioritise technical qualifications and experience and instead look at assessments that measure a candidate's motivational and behavioural attributes.

While some job seekers may be cautious about changing jobs, others aren't deterred.

Recruitment firm Hays said even the accrual of up to six months of potential bonuses is not stopping candidates from entering the jobs market in search for better career development and progression.

The Hays Quarterly Report, for the July to September quarter, points to an active candidate market in Singapore.

It indicates that candidates are more accepting of the reality that bonuses are not what they once were.

They are also increasingly motivated to look for a role offering career progression or broader job responsibilities.

The recent job market surveys reflect the current economic climate.

Economists said hiring decisions have taken into account the shocks in US and Europe.

Associate Professor Shandre Thangavelu, from the Economics Department at the National University of Singapore, said: "The only other concern that might be new in the decision making in terms of job creation is the issue of the slowdown of the Chinese economy.

"So, how fast or how much the Chinese economy is going to slow down, is going to be very interesting to observe and track.

"Currently China is still going to grow fairly stable, at 7 to 8 per cent, given whatever fiscal measures they are going to put in for the second half.

"That is the only factor I believe might affect our labour market."

Singapore is expected to grow between one and three per cent this year due to the global economic slowdown.

- CNA/ck

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1215439/1/.html


Just saw this news today. Kinda depressing, I suppose. Good luck to those who are currently finding a job. All the best! By the way, do you think that we should spend or save more? Spending can drive the economy and create a multiplier effect which will eventually decrease the unemployment rate. This is what I've studied in Economics. So go on and spend money. This is a perfect excuse for spending money. Lolx~ Don't look at me because I am already spending a lot. Mostly on food and transport.

Taiwan and Hong Kong Artiste Lookalike

I just realize that 张峰奇 look like 郭晉安. You all see the photo. Look like or not?

张峰奇

郭晉安

Wayne Lai and Zhang Ke Fan also look alike.

Wayne Lai

Zhang Ke Fan

苗僑偉 and 徐乃麟 also look alike.

苗僑偉

徐乃麟 

Brave

Movie Synopsis

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts. Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson).

Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.

Directed by Mark Andrews (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “John Carter of Mars”) and Brenda Chapman (“The Lion King,” “Prince of Egypt”), and produced by Katherine Sarafian (“Lifted,” “The Incredibles”), “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humor enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film opens in Singapore theaters on 8 August 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Watching the trailer and reading the synopsis makes me think about heroes and heroines. It's almost always the guys being the heroes. If you were to name a heroine in your life, who will you think of? For me, I will think of my mother. Why? Because it is not easy raising up a child! A woman will become strong(er) because of her child. Even a weak woman. Seriously.

“Catch Disney • Pixar’s BRAVE in cinemas this 8 August 2012 and like the Official Walt Disney Studios Singapore Facebook Page, follow the @disneystudiosSG and subscribe to Official Disney Studios Singapore YouTube Channel!”

Photogenic

Not fair lah. Why are some people so pretty and photogenic? Boo!! I'm a not photogenic blogger. What the..

First Dew Aesthetiques Review

Sponsored Review

Like the first drop of morning dew ever so pure and graceful, First Dew salon is a sanctuary of serenity and comfort for your utmost relaxation. With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty trade, they have been delivering new heights of skin technology and cater to your every skincare needs. Besides skincare, they have other services like waxing, slimming, ILP, hand and feet care, mole removal, ear candling (with scalp massage), eyebrow shaping, etc.

I was invited to First Dew Aesthetiques for a complimentary facial last month. I went to First Dew @ Bukit Batok which is located at Blk 633 Bukit Batok Central #01-118 (just above Bukit Batok bus interchange).

The treatments which I was recommended were Aromaplasty Facial and Jewel Eye Treatment. I love the treatment! It was quite comfortable and relaxing. I like the head, neck and shoulder massages. The facial specialist, Emily, has done a good job extracting out my blackheads. Really hate blackheads extraction because it really hurts and I never fail to tear during extractions.

Had to change into their robe.

Before the facial.

After the facial. My eye bags and dark circles seem to have improved! Yay!!

Emily was not pushy at all. Didn't try to sell me any package nor any product during the whole facial process. However, the manager did ask if I am interested to sign up for the packages. I declined politely. Not pushy at all. Actually, I feel very tempted to sign up but I feel very poor then as I have just came back from Bintan and was going to KL soon.

Good news for my readers. Quote my name - Claudia, and you will be able to get a 50% off for first trial facial valid till the end of July. Do call them to book an appointment.

For more information, you can check out their website: http://www.firstdew.com.sg/

Locate them:

First Dew @ Square 2
10 Sinaran Drive, Square 2 (Novena MRT)
#04-34
Singapore 307506

Tel: +65 6397 2249
Fax: +65 6397 6046

First Dew @ Bukit Batok
Blk 633 Bukit Batok Central (Bukit Batok MRT)
#01-118
Singapore 650633

Tel: +65 6563 9309

Love this song!

Review 2 - JCube

There's this period when I kept going to to JCube. Don't know why. Anyway, this time round, tried out different restaurants, namely Eat at Taipei and Kungfu Paradise.

I have tried to rotate my photo but don't know why the photo is still like this. 

This 棺材板 is really good! Worth ordering. 

The food is not bad and not really expensive. Service is quite good too. It is a great place for chilling out. Quite cold there and overlooking the ice-skating rink. It is always crowded during dinner time and on weekends. Need to queue.

Second restaurant which we have tried out is Kungfu Paradise. I think there are a few outlets around Singapore.

Wow, the opening hours are until the wee hours! Can go there for drinks with friends if you cannot sleep at night. Haha. 

Food is not bad but the service there is bad. Think that the reason is because it is crowded. Called the staff thrice to fill up my warm water but was ignored. WTH lah. By the way, they charge $0.30 for plain water. Don't like restaurants which charge for plain water. So most probably will not patronize that restaurant again.

Oh yeah. Saw this rather unique store there. They sell quite cute and unique stuff. However, the price is not cheap. Can just go there to check it out!