Pictures from Bintan 2008

The 300th entry!

~23th Dec 2008~

In the hotel room
Posing
"Catching" the "holy light"

The ghost of Christmas or should I say 'spirit of Christmas'

At Pasar Oleh Oleh, waiting for dinner (at the same place as last year)

One of the frogs my cousins and brothers spotted

Girls

Me and my cousin (Rona)

~24th Dec 2008~

At breakfastOn the hotel room's bed

A blue & white & fishy Christmas

On the van, to Laguna

Lobby of Angsana Resort and Spa

Girls @ Female locker room

The special toilet's doors

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Our Villa

Taken from the second storey, the living room

Taken from the second storey, the backyard with private pool

The living room (take 2)

Taken from the second storey, the living room (take 3)

The "sitting room", on the second storey

The backyard

The private pool

Cousins and brothers playing in the pool

Taken from the first storey, The 7 cousins

The 7 cousins (take 2)

Taken in the sitting room at the first storey, Acting "regal"

Our stereo system, with my brothers

Cup noodles on our heads, doing the Indian poses

Singing Christmas songs

My brother, doing the robot dance

In the KTV Lounge

Me, singing.

Our presents

With my presentMy cousin (Rona), Little Emmett and I

My brother, posing with sunglasses

The 7 cousins (take 3)

The 7 cousins (take 4)

~25th Dec 2008~

Me and my cousin (Rona)

The beach

Doing the Jump

Acting Emo

I <3> Alice, written by my cousin (Rona)

Carlisle, written by my cousin (Rona)

Emmett, written by my brotherJasper, written by me

Me with 'Jasper'

I am a Cullenist

Staring into the "well of future"

PS: Credit to the photos goes to my cousin. Some of them are mine though.

Bintan trip 2008

23th Dec 2008:
Ate lunch and my father sent us to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

Waited for my cousin's family and more cousins : 2 adults, 7 "children". Soon it's time to check in. This is the first time my brothers and I are going overseas without parents.

The water was very choppy that day. I'll still shuddered when I think about it. The whole 1 hour plus boat ride was a horror. My cousins loved it though. Saw a lot of people vomiting. I was very queasy. There was this personnel walking up and down, giving out tissue paper and bags.

Like what the captain said "you can all breathe a sign of relief" when we were reaching the terminal there.

Travelled to Bintan Lagoon Resort. Checked into our hotel rooms and changed for swimming. Love the hotel room, very nice and romantic.

The 3 girls stayed in one room, the 3 guys in another, and the rest in the last room. I love the en suite very much, with its full-length mirror and bath-tub. Too bad I didn't have a chance to use it.

We didn't swim for long as it started raining.

Went to Pasar Oleh Oleh for dinner. To get there, we had to take 7-seater car. It drizzled while we were having dinner so we went indoors to eat.

24th Dec 2008:
Had hot dog rolls for breakfast at first, but since there's free buffet breakfast provided, we went there to eat.

Checked out of our hotel rooms and we went to Laguna for a short "trip". There's supposed to be a presentation of Angsana Resort and Spa but since we didn't have enough time, we went back to Bintan Lagoon.

Checked into our big villa (Angsoka 06). It's really grand and beautiful. All the times we came to Bintan, we stayed at the small villa. So, this is really a great change. It's very expensive though, a $1000+ per night.

The whole day was just raining away so we missed out a lot of good things. My cousins and brothers played with their water guns at the private pool while I stayed indoors. Even my uncle's golf session was cancelled.

There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 "sitting" rooms, 1 large living room with TV and stereo system, completed with a private pool.

We watched all the DVDs I bought there. 4 to be exact. First was Get Smart, Mama Mia, Kung Fu Panda and 27 dresses at 1+ in the morning. We also watched Good Luck Chuck on HBO.

Sang Christmas songs with my cousins and got wild, we were dancing and running around the living room.

My uncle booked KTV from 10pm to 12am. This is my first time going to a KTV and sing. Sang Christmas songs and other songs with my cousins. I usually don't sing in front of people.

The songs were sadly outdated, they seemed to update the song list last in 2004.

Countdown to Christmas at Bintan's time and exchanged presents. My cousin got my name and I got hers. Fate, my brother called it.

I got her "Little Emmett" the bear. I got a dragonfly necklace from her.

We, apart from one of my cousin and uncle and auntie, slept in the master bedroom. The guys on the bed. The girls on the floor on mattresses.

Slept at 4am and woke up around 9am.

25th Dec 2008:
Had the free buffet breakfast again. Went to the beach a while to take photos.

The waves was huge and we were saying that today will be a bad day to go home.

Still raining away, what a waste of the pool. I don't really like swimming in the rain.

Packed up and went to the lobby to wait for the bus to take us to terminal.

Surprisingly, the weather turned good and the journey home was quite smooth. I took 2 "anti-nausea" tablets this time since 1 apparently don't do its job and I slept a little.

Our parents were there, waiting for us.

Went for dinner at Sushi House at Kallang Leisure centre. My stomach wasn't feeling too good and I was really tired.

The food is not too bad though Sakae Sushi is nice.
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It's good to be home. I like it there but it's always rushing here, rushing there.

The weather was real bad this year. Therefore, no BBQ, seldom time for swimming etc. All we can do was to stay indoors and watched TV.

Hope to go back next year to get a Polo Tee. I wanted one but my parents were not around and I didn't have much money. There's always next time though.

I must find a time to make use of the bath-tub the next time. A perfect waste of a perfect thing.
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Luckily, no bad news about Twilight stuff these few days I'm not in Singapore. I hate it when something sprang out of nowhere and caught me in surprise.

I'm sad and angry that Twilight did not make it to the number 1 spot during its the opening weekend in Singapore. IP Man got the spot!? What the...

I watched it twice with my friends and cousins and brothers.

Apparently, the 2 weeks of sneak peeks of Twilight got the most money but because sneak peek is not included in the final box office earnings, Twilight got the 2nd place.

Ah well, Twilight makes money. That's what is important.

PS: Will update the pictures soon.

Going to make this entry short and sweet. Will edit it when I return.

Watched Twilight again yesterday. The whole theater was full again, mostly teenagers girls and guys.

Looked like twice's the charm. This time, I didn't laugh as much. But this may be due to my cousin not with me. Or maybe, my tolerance for the movie has increased. Regardless, I enjoyed the movie better this time because I concentrate on the words and expressions instead.

I caught many little moments which I didn't do so during the 1st time: Pattinson's smirks and smiles, Reed's expressions, the words, etc. Although, it's a pity I didn't catch the one moment. Ah well, I'm getting the DVD anyway, plenty of chances to watch it.

I still laughed when Pattinson said "Hello", the whole theater laughed too. I still cringed when I saw the Quiluete tribe wearing the wolf hats.

Will update this entry when I return from Bintan.

Have a wonderful, twilight-y Christmas.

Christmas song for the year 2008

Here's the Christmas song for the year 2008.

The banner below is done by me.

(Sing to the tune of Deck the Halls)

Stream the tree with black, red streamers,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Fill the tree with snow and sparkles,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Feel the tension, anticipation,

Fa la la, la la la, la la la

Tis the season to shout "Twilight!"

Fa la la la la, la la la la

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Replace those baubles with some apples,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Holly garlands with black laces,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Stringed some crystals on the huge wreaths,

Fa la la, la la la, la la la

Don we now our Twilight-themed shirts,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

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What's those presents under the tree?

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Tulips, Ribbons, Chess sets too,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Let's us gather round the candles,

Fa la la, la la la, la la la

Come and let's sing yule-tide carols,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Written by: Adrielle SSK

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The song title is "A Twilight-y Christmas". The lyrics are mine.

The inspiration comes from Twilight season this year, what with the publication of Breaking Dawn and the movie-of-the-year : Twilight movie.

Christmas and Twilight saga, what a wonderful combination.

Updates on Christmas

Christmas is coming, again.

Anyway, yesterday went to Centre Point. I needed some Christmas spirit. My mother and I ought a Simont pendent each. Surprisingly, they are not too expensive.

I wanted to buy a Simont pendent this Christmas, but thought the better of it during the last few months. Books are so much better. But since, I can't find any books I wanted in Borders, I decided to go back to buying a necklace.

I found a new way of doing banners for Twilight! This time, it's no longer just adding words to pictures. I can do the banners in layers. I already tried it out, and the effect was great. I'll probably post some here next time.

This Christmas, I won't be in Singapore. Off to Bintan, this time without my parents. Hoping to have fun all the same.

Twilight movie review

Twilight movie: The verdict

Green for not-so-good stuff, blue for good stuff for the top potion of this post.

No ratings from me due to a previous post saying I dislike ratings for movies.
Spoilers ahead: Don't read if you don't want to.

OK, here goes, I wouldn't say it's fulfilling to the fullest. It's not that bad as some people put it too. Overall, a so-so movie.
Although, I took a deep breath and prepared myself before the movie started, I was still fairly disappointed by the final product. The essence is just not in the right place.
Robert Pattinson's role of Edward is quite disappointing.

To me, it's 2 different people, completely. The movie Edward is Pattinson. The Edward in the book is the real Edward. The moment Pattinson opened his mouth and said the first word "Hello", made me laughed my head off. His accent was just so weird and awkward. The phrase, "My family, we're different from our kind", made me want to rewind the disc and heard it again to know what he is saying.

I, unlike tons of female fans out there, do not think he is "hot", "cute" or whatever word used to describe good-looking guys. He's not good-looking at all, at least to me.
Kristen Steward looked and acted like she has some kind of attitude problem. I though she will be an OK Bella but seems like I was wrong.
Peter Facinelli as Carlisle was the WOW factor. He's my favourite actor playing the Cullens now. So much like a true vampire.
Billy Burke played a good father role. Very Charlie-liked. Good chemistry with Steward aka Bella in the father-daughter roles.

The actors and actresses playing the humans, were quite good too. Especially Michael Welch and
Justin Chon who were attracted to Bella. Both of them were very funny, just like in the book.

Cam Gigandet as James was cool. Very James-liked. The smelling-Bella-scent parts where he rolled his eyes, suggested how potent and sweet-smelling her scent is. Rachelle Lafevre as Victoria was good. Beautiful and vengeful, especially during the ending when she spied on Steward and Pattinson in the Prom.

Taylor Lautner as Jacob was alright. Hate his long hair but he will get to cut it in New Moon. I really want to see him in short hair, sigh. Please don't change Lautner...
The special effects were not-so special afterall. The stunts in the Ballet and Baseball scenes were great but other than that, erm... The glittering part in the so disappointing Meadow scene made me laugh too. It's alike to pouring glitter powder all over his body and face. Very dissatisfying. And that tree-climbing scene, they should just do away with that part. It's not even in the book anyway. Too awkward.
Music-wise, still OK. I didn't pay much attention to the background music.
Yes, just like many fans who watched the movie, the Baseball scene is my favourite in the movie. I heard that most money was spent in that part too. Wow, baseball never look any better than what I've seen in the movie. Jackson Rathbone aka Jasper, you are cool! Playing baseball left-handed is the coolest thing ever.
After the actors, special effects, music, comes the plot itself.
Plot-wise, not that great. Skipped too many parts in the book and Pattinson and Steward were just not into character. Pattinson looked as if he was trying to resist smiling all the time when saying the lines. He was too rough with Steward and not a "gentleman" like what Edward is in the book.

Prom was watered-down as was the Meadow scene. It was the defining moment in the book yet strangely simplified in the movie. Where are the rest of the Cullens in the Prom? I was looking forward to see Alice and Rosalie's dresses.

The cameo of Stephenie Meyer and the apple in Pattinson's hands were great tributes to the Twilight saga.

From the Baseball scene onwards, everything's just fine. Details still missing, scenes still cut, but at least the hunt is on.
When Lautner aka Jacob was telling the tale of the "Cold Ones" to Steward aka Bella, the memories of the past showed that the former Quileute tribe members wearing pointy wolf hats on their heads. This was the moment me and cousin laughed the hardest. Must they really showed that to tell the viewers they are descendants of wolves?

Catherine Hardwicke's directing is unique. The whole screen will be filled with an actor/actress's face before shifting to another face and shifting back again. Can't she just pulled the lenses out a bit to capture both their faces instead?

I'm not going to nitpick on every single detail that went wrong inside the movie. That way, I'll be too critical.

I know that I said in previous posts that I shouldn't be laughing but all these laughing was not because it was that funny in a comedy way, it was because of the plot and maybe the frustration?

I have to agree with the media about Pattinson's awful acting. Ugh.
I can now totally see what the other fans saw when they commented on the movie. I was wearing rose-tinted glasses at the time and was so angry at fans who said bad things about Twilight movie. Now, I shared exactly (almost) their sentiments.

I can't seem to read any Twilight books without the face of Pattison coming to my mind. Seems that after watching the movie, the actors/actresses are weaving in with the characters in the book. The romantic words that Edward said to Bella in the book was spoilt by him. Zzz...

The media should engage some fans to comment on the movie instead of just asking their own personnel. The big and important difference between a fan's review and a media personnel's review of the same movie is that, a fan has almost all the background knowledge of the characters and plot whereas a media personnel does not. Most don't even read the books to begin with. How can they understand why characters behave in this way and that?

Although I must say, fans are prejudice in a way. I am. I love Twilight that I will watch the movie again and buy the DVD even though it is not that good.

I'm 70% in, 30% out. 30% is mostly due to lack of substance in the plot (I'm blaming the scriptwriter and the lack of budget) and Pattinson's bad acting. So now, whenever I talked to my cousin or brothers about the movie, it's always Pattinson and Steward, not Edward and Bella. Got to draw a line.

Hope to see Twilight movie again. I didn't hear the famous "And so, the lion fell in love with the lamb" line. I guessed Pattinson's mumbling plus the lack of subtitles made it hard to hear.

Well, looking forward to New Moon movie, maybe the change in director will be a good thing. Christ Weitz, it's up to you to make things work out the way it's suppose to. One very good thing about New Moon movie is, Pattinson will be largely missing in it. But if it's Copon who is taking over Lautner, then we'll see.

I almost cry when Edward left Bella in the book, but I think I'll be happy for the lack of Pattinson in the movie.
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Went to Marina Square at 1+. I wanted to see some Christmas CDs. My brothers and I spent quite a while in HMV, browsing. After that, sat on a bench to let time past.

It was 3+ when we went to Golden Village. I collected my tickets with my father's credit card. Waited for my cousins to reach. Movie started at 4pm.

All this while, I was really cold and excited. My heart was just pumping very fast as the moments ticked by. My cousin rushed here from her school, just in time. She is going to Secondary 5.

We went into the theater 1st. I was shocked to see the vastness of the theater and the number of people sitting in it. Mostly teenager girls and quite a lot of teenager guys too.

Our seats were not bad. In the centre of the screen. Then, my cousin went out to get my other cousin in. They didn't missed anything, haha. The movie started. Refer to the top potion to read all about it.

Had a great time whispering to my cousin who is also a Twilighter. We were trying to muffle our talking and laughing all the way.

A good thing that nobody screamed when Pattison appeared. Murmurs rose when Facinelli made his appearance in the hospital. Not "hyperventilating" like my cousin though.
During the kissing scene, the whole theater was quiet. Someone made this "Ooo... Ooo..." sound that had the whole theater laughing.

After the movie ended, my cousin and I were discussing about the movie. We went to walk around, and had dinner at Sakae Sushi. My aunt joined us too.

My cousins bought a bag and Adidas watch respectively.

Reached home quite late, I started blogging, but because it was too long, I finished it today.

A good experience, not necessarily a 5-star movie but since this is Twilight, a dream come true. Twilight fans will know this feeling, particularly those who have been fans since the start. It's a long and excruciating wait.

PS: Perhaps it'll be a better experience for people who didn't read the books to view the movie. Although, confusion will bound to occur. Too many scenes do not flow well and only readers and fans will know what's going on. Either way, there will be good and bad to it.

Twilight movie is here!

Hahaha! OME!

18 December 2008!

Twilight movie is finally here in Singapore!

Thank you for making this movie and making the dreams of Twilight saga fans come true!

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*Throws confetti in the air*

~Few more hours before going to view it on the big screen~

PS: My brother got into Yishun Secondary School.

Hopefully, a good start to 4 years of good time in a Secondary School.

Final twilight moment & last quote

The day I've been waiting for since forever is tomorrow!

Finally, Twilight the movie is here in Singapore on 18th December 2008!

Tomorrow, I'll be watching Twilight with my twilighters AKA my cousins and brothers at GV Marina. Unfortunately, we can't make it for the first screening, so have to settle for the second screening at 4pm.

I booked the seats via online. Hope that it'll be a good view of the screen. I booked the middle rows, slightly to the left as there are people sitting on the right, behind our row.

I hope that there will not be too many people watching with us. God, I will have this strong need to smack their faces if they scream or whatever. I want to enjoy the experience to the fullest, not have my eardrums burst by reckless screaming. I may be very excited for this moment of my dream come true, but I won't do something like that.

Yes! I can't believe it! Can people suffer heart attacks from adrenaline rush? I'm excited, my heart is pumping fast, I can't wait for tomorrow to come.

In an hour or two, it will be entering into the last 24 hours to Twilight movie.

I will read Twilight one last time before the movie comes out tomorrow.

Today's Life section of The Straits Times and the Chinese newspaper had reports on Twilight movie. Got to cut them out.

What is ironic was that I written an e-mail to someone who manages the books section in Sunday Life (2 years ago?) to recommend the Twilight saga and an interview with Stephenie Meyer. That report was never seen although she did reply to me saying she'll look into it. (I'm not blaming anyone here, just stating a fact) I was hopeful for quite a period of time.

At that time, I felt that Twilight was not getting the attention it should be getting, thus the e-mail. Look at where it is now? Good old times...

Should I be saying no fear at this kind of uncertain moment? I guess I can start counting down to New Moon movie as soon as www.twilightlexiconblog.com confirmed that it is coming out on 20 November 2009. One year from now... Sigh, I have this feeling that it's too soon...

Tomorrow, I'll provide my own feelings and thoughts about the movie, with a full commentary. Have been waiting to do for too long. I got to know what other intentional fans, my cousin, my friends think about the movie. Now, it's finally my turn.
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I'm not the pubescent girl the media seems to have stereotype fans and Twilight with. Teenager, yes. Girl, yes. I fell in love with Twilight saga when I was 15, old enough NOT to be pubescent. Come on, countless of other people love Twilight saga too. Guys, mothers, 20 somethings, etc. Why stereotype teenagers girls?

How funny is it that the media like to stick everything and anything with "hot" guys with teenager girls. I don't think Pattinson is "hot", as some people put it. I still don't like Pattinson playing Edward.
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Before I forgot, good luck to both my brother and my cousin in getting their results tomorrow. For some reasons or another, I'm hoping that my brother will get into Orchid Park Secondary School, my former secondary school. *Fingers cross* As for my cousin, all the best on your 'N' levels results!
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Last but not the least quote:
"Our vows were the simple, traditional words that had been spoken a million times, though never by a couple quite like us. We"d asked Mr Weber to make only one small change. He obligingly traded the line "till death do us part" for the more appropriate "as long as we both shall live" " ~Breaking Dawn, pg 49, paperback
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