Wat Ananda Metyarama (Thai Buddhist Temple)

Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima, is the celebration of the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana) and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha.

On this significant day, many devoted Buddhists will go to the Thai Buddhist Temple to worship and offer their prayers. Most of them will also make their donations to the temple or charity organisations.

You could also pay a respect to the Buddhist monks. And on this special day, the volunteers at the temple would also cook vegetarian food for the Buddhists.

How to get there?

Address: 50B Jalan Bukit Merah Road Singapore 169545

Tel: 6276 9646

Website: http://watananda.org.sg

By Car/Bike - 

• From CTE (Central Expressway) Exit 1A, filter left towards Jalan Bukit Merah, make a U-turn and turn left into Silat Road
• From AYE (Ayer Rajah Expressway) Exit 3, turn towards Lower Delta Road, make a right turn towards Jalan Bukit Merah, make a U-turn and turn left into Silat Road

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 10061 (Blk 140) / 10069 (Opp Blk 140) - Bus No. 147, 167, 196, 197, 961, 961C

Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park

Opening hours

Daily from 6.30am to 8.30pm

*The Temple is currently in the midst of constructing new temple building next to the existing temple. 

If you wish to donate, please feel free to call/email them at 6276 9646 / watanandametyarama@gmail.com

Your donation for the temple fund raising is much appreciated. 

Bishan Park Dog Run

Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park is one of the largest parks in Singapore, consisting of two portions along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. Divided by Marymount Road, the two plots are known as the Pond Gardens and River Plains.

The Dog Run is located in the River Plains that is nearer to Bishan Road.

How to get there?

Located along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1.

Tel: 1800-471 7300 (NPB Helpline)

By Car/Bike –

• From CTE, Exit 11 and drive along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 towards Upper Thomson Road
• After passing two bus stops, turn left into the carpark that is near to Canopy Dining and Cornerstone (There's signage indicating McDonald's located near the carpark)
• Coupon parking
• Sunday & PH - Free parking

By Public Transport –

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 54089 (Opp AMK Swim Complex) – Bus No. 133, 136, 262
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 54081 (Teck Ghee Ct) – Bus No. 133, 136, 262, 761
• Other buses to Pond Gardens – 132, 165, 166, 169 from AMK Interchange / 410 from Bishan MRT Station

Nearest MRT Station: Bishan or Ang Mo Kio

That's Choco having fun in the Dog Run!

For more information on Singapore parks, visit National Parks Board (NPB).

 

Feeling hungry after the walk, dine at Canopy Garden Dining & Bar!

Haze in Singapore! What mask to wear? N95 mask?

Since 14 June 2013, Haze has affected everyone in Singapore and in fact, parts of Malaysia too. The PSI readings are being monitored and have seen to be increasing since then. It had even reached PSI 400 which is considered “Hazardous”. Some even commented that Singapore now looks like Genting!

(Photo by tiger07 for SGAG Singapore)

Look at the differences with increasing PSI!

Photo credit: Tiff in Singapore

And during this period, individuals may encounter discomfort in their eyes, nose and throat. This will also impact those who have respiratory conditions. Everyone is urged to take precautions, 

avoid heavy outdoor activities, wear the N95 mask and seek medical treatment early if need to.

And this is what we are hoping for... ^-^

What is Haze?
Excerpt from Raffles Medical Group, “Haze is the result of accumulation of dust and smoke particles in relatively dry air. It also contains air pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Due to the small particulate size, the particles that make up haze can go deep into the lungs and in some cases, enter the bloodstream”.

Effects of Haze
Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Affects the heart and the lungs, especially those who have existing chronic heart or lung disease, eg. asthma, heart failure Long-term effects resulting from long-term exposure to fine particles include heart attacks and stroke, reduced lung development and development of chronic respiratory disease like asthma.

What mask to wear?

Preferably respirator masks like N95 or equivalent. I'd prefer 3M N95 mask as it fits nicely for me. Some 3M N95 mask models are 8000, 8210, 8110S, 8511, 8211, 9210, 9211, etc.  

N95 masks are designed to seal to the face of the individual and are capable of filtering at least 95% of the very fine particles. Haze particles include mainly fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). 

According to the Ministry of Health website, studies have shown that N95 masks provide good protection as they are able to filter fine particles that are 0.1-0.3 microns and would be very efficient for filtering 0.75 microns and larger.

In conclusion, as long as the mask is able to filter at least 95% of the fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller, the mask is good to purchase. 


From Wikipedia, some other types of masks include:

• N95 / N99 / N100 – filters at least 95%, 99% and 99.97% of airborne particles respectively, not resistant to oil
• R95 / R99 / R100 - filters at least 95%, 99% and 99.97% of airborne particles respectively, resistant to oil
• P95 / P99 / P100 - filters at least 95%, 99% and 99.97% of airborne particles respectively, oil proof

Below image shows the size of the particles that could go deep into our lungs when we inhale. 

Read more about the Filtration Mechanisms of Particulate Respirators by Erik Johnson.

How about the usage of surgical mask?
It depends on the individual but it is actually meant to keep saliva and mucus from the person to prevent contaminating the others. It may not fit suitably on the face of the wearer as it will have gaps at the sides of the mask and the particle filtration efficiency is not as good as a N95 mask. Thus, for better protection, it is always good to use the N95 masks.

Most importantly, don’t share the mask!

How frequent do you change the mask?
You should change the mask when it gets soiled or out of shape.

How to wear the N95 mask?

Do drink more water to keep hydrated!

While staying indoors, maybe we could catch the movie "The Haze"?

Some photos posted at Yahoo! News for laugh.

Source of information:
Asiaone YourHealth

Check the Haze updates and PSI readings at NEA website.

Sun Ray Cafe

Was lazing on a Sunday afternoon and thinking where to bring Choco. By chance, I searched upon this café which allows us to let our hair down and bring our fur kids to mingle and enjoy themselves.

How to get there?

Address: 79 Brighton Crescent, Serangoon Gardens, Singapore 559218

Tel: +6562838700

Website: www.sunray.sg

By Car/Bike - 

• From CTE Exit 11, drive along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 towards Boundary Road and turn left into Yio Chu Kang Road
• Drive straight and turn left into Serangoon Garden Way
• In a short distance, turn left into Brighton Crescent, the cafe is on your left side (Parking lots are limited)

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 66149 / 66141 (Aft / Bef Yio Chu Kang Road) - Bus No. 73, 136, 315, 317

Nearest MRT Station: Serangoon (Take 315 or 317 from Serangoon Interchange)

Opening hours

Mon to Tues: 6pm to 11pm

Wed to Thurs: 11am to 11pm

Fri: 11am to 12 mn

Sat: 10am to 12 mn

Sun: 10am to 11pm

Mode of payment

Accepts credit card & cash

Go for the 1-for-1 Set Lunch, it is worth your spend and filling for two persons.

That's Choco! Happily wagging his tail.

Recently, we went back to Sun Ray Cafe and their food remains good.

 Choco went around to "conquer" his land and also met a new friend, Abel!

Updated as at 14 Dec 2014.

Peach Garden Chinese Restaurant 桃苑 (OCBC Centre)

Peach Garden @ OCBC Centre is located at level 33 with a good view of the central area. An ideal place to have Dim Sum in the morning during the weekends.

How to get there?
Address: 65 Chulia Street #33-01, OCBC Centre, Singapore 049513
Tel: 6535 7833
Website: http://www.peachgarden.com.sg

By Car -

• Turn into Synagogue Street from Pickering Street / South Canal Road and into OCBC Centre carpark
• Good to patronize during weekends or after 6pm as parking rate is $3 per entry (exclusive of GST)

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 05319 (OCBC Ctr) – Bus No. 186, 530, 588, 599, 970, NR1, NR2, NR5 to NR8
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03021 (Prudential Twr) – Bus No. 57, 131, 167, 532-536, 542, 543, 548-550, 555, 556
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03031 (Opp AIA Twr) – Bus No. 10, 10e, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 162, 196, 196e, 538, 539, 544, 545

Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place

Opening Hours
Daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm / 6pm to 10pm

Recommendations

• BBQ Pork Bun 密汁叉烧包
• Creamy Custard Bun 流沙奶皇包 (Definitely my favourite and must order!)
• Fresh Prawn Dumpling 桃苑虾饺皇
• Siew Mai 烧卖
• Xiao Long Bao 上海小笼包
• Braised Ee-Fu noodle with eggplant 鱼香茄子焖
• Pancake with red bean 豆沙锅饼

Super Star K Korean BBQ Restaurant

With similar concept of Korean barbeque as Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ Restaurant, you could find this restaurant - Super Star K Korean BBQ Restaurant along Tanjong Pagar road. It does not serve lunch hours but operates on longer hours till 2am.

I've tried making reservation on a Friday evening but due to its popularity, I wasn't able to make reservation on Fridays. I got to write down my contact when I arrived and waited for more than an hour before getting the seats.

How to get there?
Address: 75 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088496
Tel: 6224 0504
HP: 8366 5422

By Car –

• Coupon parking along Tanjong Pagar Road, Duxton Road, Tras Street, Wallich Street or Peck Seah Street
• Alternatively, park in the Multi-Storey Carpark at Tg Pagar Plaza (Cashcard payment)

By Bike –

• Coupon parking in the alleys along Tanjong Pagar Road, Choon Guan Street or Tras Street
• Alternatively, park in the Multi-Storey Carpark at Tg Pagar Plaza (FOC)

By Public Transport –

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 05429 (Bef Wallich St) / Alight at Bus Stop No. 05421 (Aft Craig Road) - Bus No. 80, 145

Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar (Exit A)

Opening hours
Daily from 5.30pm to 2am (Last order at 1am)

Recommendations
The banchan (반찬) and lettuce (maximum 2 bowls) are available at no additional cost. You could also order: 

• Spicy chicken S$18 (Spicier than Wang Dae Bak's)
• Soy Sauce seasoned chicken S$18
• Pork belly S$18
• Sliced Pork Belly S$18

It is always good to patronise the restaurant after work or during weekends, after all your clothes will have the BBQ smell.

Tim Ho Wan 添好运 (Dhoby Ghaut)

Tim Ho Wan was first setup by Chef Mak Kwai Pui who had worked in renowned hotels. And together with his rich experience in dim sum, the restaurant became well-known for its Michelin starred dim sum in Hong Kong within a year. Then, it was only available in Hong Kong. Now, Tim Ho Wan has came to Singapore!

Famed for its Michelin starred dim sum, there's bound to be long queue. Their practice of “no reservation” remains even when the restaurant opened in Singapore, it's about first-come-first-serve and my friends had waited two to three hours for the dim sum.

How to get there?
Address: 68 Orchard Road #01-29A, Plaza Singapura (The Atrium@Orchard), Singapore 238839
Tel: 6251 2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timhowan

By Car/Bike -

• Park at Plaza Singapura, check the carpark rates at their website.
• Bike parks at $1.07 per entry

By Public Transport - 

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 08057 (Dhoby Ghaut Station) - Bus No. 1N - 6N, 7, 14, 14E, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 174E, 175, 190, 502, 502A, 518, 518A, 700, 700A, 850E, 971E, NR6, NR7
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 08058 (MacDonald House) - Bus No. 64, 65, 139, 587, 590, 598, NR6, NR7
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 08031 (Dhoby Ghaut Station) - Bus No. 7, 14, 14E, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 174E, 175, 190, 700, 700A, 850E, 971E, NR6, NR7

Nearest MRT Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Opening hours
Daily from 10am to 10pm.

Recommendations

When it comes to dim sum, the most essential factor is the freshness. And I could say the dim sum at Tim Ho Wan lives up to its name. I love the baked bun with BBQ pork, prawn dumpling, fried beancurd skin roll with shrimp, spring roll with egg white, vermicelli roll and the dessert, tonic medlar & osmanthus cake. 

Baked Bun with BBQ Pork 酥皮焗叉烧包 (3pcs) S$4.50

Pan Fried Carrot Cake 香煎萝卜糕 (3pcs) S$4.50

Prawn Dumpling 晶莹鲜虾饺 (4pcs) S$5.50

Pork Dumpling with Shrimp 鲜虾烧卖皇 (4pcs) S$5.00

Glutinous Rice Dumpling 古法糯米鸡 (1pc) S$5.00

Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce 鼓汁蒸凤爪 S$4.00

Beancurd Skin Roll with Pork & Shrimp 美味焖鲜竹卷 (3pcs) S$4.00

Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp 鲜虾腐皮卷 (3pcs) S$5.50

Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce 鼓汁蒸肉排 S$4.20

Garlic, Mushroom, Spinach Dumpling 金蒜香菇菠菜饺 (3pcs) S$3.80

Spring Roll with Egg White 赛螃蟹春卷 (3pcs) S$4.20

Rice with Chicken, Sausage & Mushroom 腊肠北菇鸡饭 S$6.00

Vermicelli Roll with Shrimp 菲王鲜虾肠 S$5.50

Tonic Medlar & Osmanthus Cake 杞子桂花糕 (3pcs) S$3.50

Prices are subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing GST