Movie Review - Maleficent

I had some free time during the week and decided to catch the newest Disney flick. To be honest, I didn't expect much, especially from a male working adult cum university student's point of view, happily ever stories are so, so over-rated, and that's what Disney movies are well-known for.

Image:screencrush.com

Nomsaurus gave Maleficent

This review may contain MINIMAL SPOILERS.

Maleficent is a remake of Disney's Sleeping Beauty, but this time round, in the view of Disney's notorious ultra-villain - how and why she became the main antagonist of the 1959 classic film. Taking the role of Maleficent is none other than Angelina Jolie, whom acting skills through diverse cinematic plays (such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Salt and Wanted), have already been proved to be the cream of the crop. Not to mention, her slender body-build and foxy voice undoubtedly matches her on-screen appearance as the dark and wicked witch.

Xin Bei Tou 新北投 @ Taiwan

Known for its hot-springs, lush greeneries and rich Ketagalan culture, Beitou (北投) might just be the ideal place one might be looking for a quick getaway from the bustling city life. Attractions include the Hell Valley (Geothermal valley), Hot-springs Museum and the Ketagalan Cultural Center.

If you're interested in their hot-springs, you could find a hundred and one of them, both private and public (gender-mixed, male/female separate). Most public hot-springs' rules would require the user to put on a swimsuit, unless it is gender-separated. These tubs of goodness have a light sulfur smell, and vary in temperature and acidity, but usually hovers around 50 - 90 degrees celsius with an acidity level of ph 4.

If you're looking for a pleasant environment to relax and unwind, Sweetme Hotspring Resort offers a spacious private room with basic toiletries at an affordable price. Read my review about this resort here. 

13 MUST-TRY Street Food in Taiwan

Taiwan. The moment you hear this word, three things would inevitably popped into your mind - Shopping, food, and girls (and not regularly girls, they are 台妹). Well this post is not about shopping and girls, but well, there's always room for discussion for that. Food, probably Taiwan's national language as well, can be found in almost all nooks and crannies in the streets of this beautiful city. Well, for starters, Taiwan has more than 40 official night markets, including the famous Shilin night market (士林夜市) and Miaokou night market (廟口夜市) to the lesser known ones, like Luzhou (蘆洲夜市) and Ningxia night markets (寧夏夜市).

Well, without further ado, try this, or don't say you have been to Taiwan.

13 recommendations not enough? Read more about Taiwanese food at My Top 30 Taiwanese Eats.

1. FEN YUAN  (粉圆)

The epitome of desserts. A typical bowl of this famed ice dessert consists of grass jelly cubes, taro balls, red beans and an optional drizzle of milk. If you love Singapore's ice-kacang, I swear you would dig their rendition of shaved ice desserts.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall 中正纪念堂 @ Taiwan

Chiang Kai Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall is one of Taipei's most popular and distinctive hallmark. Following CKS's death in 1975, the 70-metre tall memorial hall is built and opened five years later as a tribute to commemorate his great contributions to the Republic of China. The landmark has two flights of stairs with 88 steps (the age when CKS passed on) and is framed with lush gardens, and two other buildings of grandiose - National Theater and National Concert Hall.

Directions to CKS Memorial Hall

1. Take the MRT to CKS Memorial Hall, exit from Exit 5.

Such a big building is hard to be missed. Admission is free.

Arteastiq Boutique Tea Lounge @ Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

A month has passed since I last posted about bringing my girlfriend to Tablescape at Movenpick Heritage Hotel (Sentosa) for her birthday, and now this post, well, will be talking about an afternoon we had at Arteastiq on my birthday. Again, I would like to address the lack of updates again, and it's because this month has been filled with assignments and examinations, as one could expect in an undergraduate's life. Following that, I will be making a trip down to Taiwan again next week, and hopefully, could explore some new places and recommend nothing but the best to you guys!

Nevertheless. Arteastiq is located at the fourth level of Mandarin Gallery Orchard, and has a good overview of the buzzling street. Arteastiq (meaning "art of teasing") embodies the essence of luxurious living, completed with modernistic furniture and bar-lounge, offering a great city-getaway for people from all walks of life. Besides encompassing a cafe, diners could go for "art-jamming" to release their artistic juices on the canvas provided (of course, for a fee). Unlimited acrylic paint, sponge and brushes will be provided.

Tablescape @ Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, Singapore

Planning the events for your significant other's birthday is a pleasurable hassle, you had to rack your brains what to do, what gift to get, not to even forget what to eat. Luckily, a few days before her big day, I came across this particular Groupon deal which saved both my cognition and wallet. Nonetheless, the restaurant is located at Movenpick Heritage Hotel, just a stone throw away from Sentosa's Imbiah station (also known as the "Merlion station"). You'll know when you're there. Other than their humongous hotel name in the classic Times New Romans font, the hotel has a luxurious exterior which exudes a contemporary mixture of colonial-style and grandeur.

It was a hot Friday afternoon when we arrived. Like most online deals, reservation have to be made prior. Anyway, the deal we had at that point of time was S$29 for a 3-course meal, which includes a starter, a main, and a dessert. Fish and Chips was one of the two mains - a melt-in-your-mouth rendition of the classic Western dish. The texture was a tad too mushy for my liking, however the beer battered exterior was golden and nicely crisp. So I'll forgive the former.