My good-bye lunch

It’s end of June. The time we have set for officially closing our baby shop and ready for the hand over to the new tenant. To celebrate it, we, altogether with the staff and relatives that have been helping us, were having dinner last Thursday. And to express my gratitude, I especially invited my staff for a hearty lunch @The Square restaurant – 5^th floor of Novotel M2S. It’s near and I know that The Square has quite reputable buffet options (we frequently have our weekend brunch here). Beside, I would like to present a fabulous culinary experience for my staff (who only has all-you-can-eat experience @Hanam*s*).

Luckily, on every Friday during holiday season, The Square presents the Korean-theme buffet (they have Indonesian food for Monday, Chinese food for Tuesday, Thailand food for Wednesday, and international style buffet for every Thursday and weekend). I seldom eat Korean dishes so I felt a bit excited too (a nervous kind of excitement since I dislike eating Kimchi/Bibimbap and I considered those dishes as a national representation taste of Korean food LOL). Neither my staff, who only familiar with Indonesian and Chinese fast-food (she let me tried mine and waited for my encouragement, before she tried her own portion). Afraid of making mistake (since this was her first time eating @hotel’s restaurant), she mimicked my gesture and food selection, which after few rounds, she felt confident enough to explore the food stalls all by herself. Yet, she still left some parts untouched (especially those cold-cut on salad table).

Selection of appetizer and main dishes

There were various salad and cold-cut and condiments for appetizer. Soups, shabu2 (in tom-yum soup), and noodle in Korean style as well as combination of Asian and Korean main dishes. We started with a simple dimsum (ha-kao and steam chicken dumpling) with finger-licking-good Vietnamese sambal…yum yum. The sambal is definitely a thumb-up, perfect balance of sour and spicy (I used it for every meals I took he he he). My staff liked the dimsum a lot and promised to have another portion afterward (which was forgotten since she has stuffed herself full at the end of the course wkwkwk). I then tried the rice with tofu (basically it was a fried silken tofu with rice on top and olive as garnish). It was one of those cold dishes which didn’t suit my taste. However, I like the cold chicken roll served with raw chopped cabbage which turned out to be pretty tasty. There were must-try vegetable pancake (sort of steam vegetable in beaten egg - never tried it before anywhere else), thick and juicy Bulgogi (Korean BBQ), fragrant Korean skewers, and a yummy deep-fried minced chicken wrapped in pastry with peanut sauce (too bad, I forgot the name. It was difficult to memorize the name while you are savoring the meal).

While eating, we talked bout the last 2weeks of our closing sale (I was there @the shop from Monday-to-Friday…what a rare sight LOL). We laughed when I retold about my fav customer, which bought anything that we threw at him, not even bargained the price, as long as we kept him talking (apparently he was a very talk-active person) and did our part as active listeners. Both of us whined at the same persistent customer who was bugging us for an hour, asking for more discount from the-already-discounted-price…geezzz…I knew it wasn’t pay day yet but it was already cheap! Anymore discount then I would be digging my own wallet phewww. At the end, we gave up and agreed on his price (well, saved us time from his whining he he he).

There was this foreign customer which was all covered in black clothes (I could only see her eyes) and spoke foreign language. I kept telling her…”English, can you speak English?” While she kept chattering in her own language (I didn’t catch a word of it) and I gave up, resigned to my staff, “Arab, you can speak Arab, then speak Arab with her”. Yet, either my staff wasn’t fluent in Arabian or the customer wasn’t Arabian, all of us ended up using calculator and body language (yes, it involved a lots of hand gestures which I, myself, wasn’t sure of the meaning). And the funniest one was a woman who would like to buy certain thing but didn’t have any money with her. Since she is an electronic mobile credit seller, she asked whether she could pay us using the equivalent mobile credit. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing (literally I was almost ROFL), thinking what decade is it? Does the ancient transaction method of exchanging goods (‘barter’) still exist in this era?

Selection of desserts

Full of laughter, we turned for dessert. There were fresh fruit platter, cake and biscuit assortments, and various types of ice cream and pudding. We tried almost all of it, from the pudding to fruit, bits of snack and tidbit, and not to be forgotten, the infamous Chapssalddeok (Korean mochi) with red bean paste filling (which was so sticky and I found it hard to chew). The mochi has this nice and sweet fragrant which I couldn’t find the name of it. After 90mins, we sat there, slowly drinking our green tea…trying to digest all foods eaten. My staff grinned (maybe thinking that she wouldn’t have this kind of meal again once she set her foot on her hometown) and I grinned back, thinking it was indeed a hearty lunch. Good meals with reasonable price (I was using my LE club membership which given us 50%off for food and another 15%off for beverages)...good company, plus good laugh…could you expect more?

We parted our ways, bid our good-bye and said our thank-you and wondering when our paths would cross again in the future. Have a safe trip on your way back to Brebes and may you have a good life there.

Japanese sweet potatoes

Lately...I've been craving for Japanese sweet potatoes. The taste and outlook is similar with the local ones (these Japanese sweet potatoes are locally produced as well but I think the seeds were originated from Japan or something like that), but they said these ones are healthier. I normally buy a pack once a week at the supermarket (there are few brands available). There are two types of Japanese sweet potatoes (with the same purplish skin), 'satsuma' for the yellow 'flesh' on the inside and 'okinawan' for the deep purple one. I prefer the satsuma since the texture is smoother and easier to chew. The okinawan is a bit starchy and I got this weird-after-taste.

Sorry, I'm not good at taking pic he he he

Beside the normal steam method of cooking (15-20mins depending on the size of the sweet potatoes), I also like it deep-fried with flour coating...ehm...mouthwatering. I can't bring myself to stop eating (‎​(>_<、) pheω...‎​(・ω・`メ)(-ω-｀メ) I've been gaining weight during this holiday) *grinning* . For deep-fried, I normally steam it for 10mins only (so it's not crumble when I cut into smaller pieces).


In the morning, I have it with cream soup. In the afternoon, I snack it with a cup of tea/coffee. And it's perfect for supper with a hot choc too :-)

Interesting things round us today

Since it's the last week of our baby shop, we (me and the girls) arrived @M2S earlier to help my staff in organizing and tidying up the rest of the shop. It should be ready to be handed over to the new tenant by this saturday (lucky we could find new tenant so soon).


As usual, the escalators aren't on yet and while we were climbing the escalator, we saw an old lady (around 65yo something) in front of us. She looked so fragile, shaking a lot while slowly climbing the escalator. Then she turned around and let us passed first (well, I intended to offer her some help but the look on her face said that she was managing ok). Well maybe it was just my assumption, but she wasn't looked like she was from the back. She had this perfect make up on her face and what surprised me more, she even drawn a perfect line on both of her eyes. Bravo! I envied you granny   :-)


I rarely do eyes make up since my eyes are pretty sensitive and I'm wearing glasses anyway. Shame on me but yes, I can't draw perfect and balanced lines on my eyes (I even can't do my eyebrow ‎​(>_<、) pheω...‎​(・ω・`メ)(-ω-｀メ)). So I admire that old lady a lot (I got a hunch that she did her own make up). While I made a mental note to practice my eyes make up to perfection, we arrived @our shop.


The neighbours were still closed, only the one across us, was open. I smiled and said my greeting to the woman who attended the shop (I'd never seen her before). Somehow, she looked upset and didn't return my greeting. Then without being asked, my shop staff explained that the woman preferred to be called 'cece' (older sister in Chinese dialect) instead of 'mba' that I used to greet her. Apparently she considered 'mba' isn't appropriate for her (she insisted my staff to call her - 'cece').


Pardon me, but she doesn't look and speak like Chinese (no sara offense pls...just sounding my opinion and my staff confirmed my suspicion too). And on top of that, I consider 'mba' is a polite way to address woman regardless the race. I recalled my experience to be called 'mba' at some occassion (I don't mind at all) and I remembered I use the same way to address older female colleagues at the office where I used to work.


Well...maybe she has her own reasoning but I bet...the old lady that I met earlier wouldn't mind to be called mba *grinning*

Sunday random thoughts

Last sunday (as usual) we were getting ready to roam the malls (well, can't help it...it's sale season and I need to buy new wallet and sandals). Actually, I've been searching those two items but unfortunetely the ones I liked were always the new arrival so no disc geez (no point to buy then...I was waiting for the great sale moment).


We had lunch @M2S, since my hubby needed to settle something related to the closing of our baby shop. It was crowded n we needed to wait for our table for few mins. After we settled and ordered, there was a woman who waved her hands enthusiastically to me. Ehm...pardon me but I have a terrible memory on names and faces...so her face didn't ring a bell. Until I glanced over to the man who sit next to her, waved his hand to me too...oh geezz...what a surprise. He was my Binusian friend, Jeff (with her wife...sorry Desy for not recognized уσυ at time)...the one who is rather busy with his new catering business and cupcakes shop (check it out on www.sohocupcakes.com). Too bad, so much to catch up but the time and place weren't suitable for a prolong tete-a-tete...there was a long queue for the tables ‎​(>_<、) pheω...‎​(・ω・`メ)(-ω-｀メ) . Even for a brief, it was sure lighten up my sunday (it was ages ago since the last I saw both of them)...gotta arrange a reunion *crossing the fingers*


Then...on our way to a mall in south Jkt, we passed a road full of posters (shouting 'coblos' this number). It's understandable since we are going to have an election for choosing the governor on the next July 11th. I don't really mind with the billboard or banners hang on the side of the road however, sticking posters on the sideway aren't an environmental-friendly way of campaign. It generates more trash (since some posters were off and littered the pedestrian). No offense but imho, those posters definitely don't comply to what the candidates' promises for a better and cleaner Jkt. In these era, surely the candidates can find a way to reach its supporters in a better way.


Traffic was lighter than the normal weekday and after we arrived at our destined mall, we strolled for a while, browsed thru the shops before we found a corner @a coffee shop. I enjoy this part so much...just sitting on the couch...doing nothing or looking on the passerby or slowly reading something. My habit is rub on to my girls as well, they found and thought that it's cool to spend time @coffee shop...an adult way of relax (I think they prefer green tea frapu @*buck than playing some games @Timez***).


I've considered many times, do we influence our girls to be consumtive, with our life style? Still in my thought, my youngest girl interrupted me and said, "Ma2...I can't drink it...the straw is sipit". We laughed hearing her referring the blocked straw as sipit (slanted eyes). She continued sipping her green tea while nibbled at her green tea cake (she loves green tea) and grinned, obviously contented with herself for making us had a good laugh. Well, whatever it is, I enjoyed spending time with my family like this.

The Ambassador's Mission

The Ambassador's Mission by Trudi Canavan


Synopsis
Half the thieves in the city are dead. Sonea, a black magician of Kyralia, knows that she is needed to help hunt down the rogue magician killing them. But Sonea has problems of her own. Her son is the assistant to the new Guild Ambassador of Sachaka and will be in deadly danger when he sets foot on their ancient enemy's soil. As a Black Magician, however, her every action is watched. Any attempt to leave the city will result in her exile, and lose her any chance of helping her ƒяιєη∂ - or her son.


I say...
It's the first book on The Traitor Spy Trilogy, the continuation of Black Magician Trilogy. It's been a long time since I last read Trudi's works. Therefore, I had a hard time trying to remember who is who on the previous series. This series took place 2decades after Sonia (and the Guild) defeated the Ichani's invassion (please read the book three of Black Magician Trilogy). 


It's a bit weird, noting that most of characters within the story have done nothing during the past 2decades. Perhaps the author didn't want to confuse the reader however, it was kinda boring, reading the part where the characters had remembered their past from 20years ago (like there were nothing new to be recalled in 5 or 10years ago). But I liked the story about Sachaka country (which only barely told on the previous books). It offers fresh plot and background, although Trudi didn't elaborate it into a finer details.


Sonia, the black magician, now has a son named Lorkin. The story revolves around Lorkin who wanted some 'real life adventure' outside her-mother-watchful-eyes and outside the magician guild. Together with Dannyl, they went to Sachaka as guild's ambassador. Dannyl would like to quench his thirst of history while Lorkin on the other hand, intended to find (if any) higher form of the lost magic which was rumoured as more powerful than the black magic. Entangled within the century-depth of cold-war, a slave-pretended-spy saved Lorkin and took him to the secret place, away from Dannyl's and of course, the guild's protection. What had he encountered and how the story ended...I will leave it for you to read (better not spoil the fun)...and wait for the coming sequel (The Rogue).

I gave 3.5 out of 5 for this book. Trudi had managed to present new thing onto the 'old plot' and written the story with smooth flow, though no excessive action but still captivating (well at least I didn't fall asleep he he he). 

Cia2' babble

Few days ago, while we were on an escalator, Cia2 asked me, “Ma2, we had to stand on the right @HK and on the left @Spore, where should we stand here @Jkt?”. She was referring to where we should stand while riding on an escalator. She picked up those habits while we were on our holiday trip (couldn’t blame her, since every time we were on an escalator, there would be repeating announcement to remind us to stand on the correct side).

I was quite taken a back by that simple question, I answered thoughtlessly, “you can stand anywhere here @Jkt since there is no such rule here”. Cia2, as being herself, clearly not satisfied with my answer and kept asking why there is no rule here. Her persistency made me thought…yeah…why don’t we have the same rule here? Maybe because it’s only a trivial matter compared to other more significant matters. Maybe we used to have such rule but no enforcement and socialization….and another lots of maybe thoughts were running in my head. 

I’ve always considered children as children, who play and laugh and enjoying themselves a lot, care-less of other things. However, with Cia2, she often surprises me with her ‘unexpected’ questions (which involves a lot of why). It made me wondering…are we adult so deeply entangled in our routine life that we stop questioning things. Have we taken everything for granted? Maybe it’s time for adult to listen more to children’ chatter and babble.

Have you talked with your children today?

Yamaha piano classes

In continuation of my previous post of Yamaha electone courses, I’m going to write about the piano class. My girls have been learning Yamaha piano forte for 6months already (almost 2books in half a year…I considered it – an accomplishment since some student can spend a year for a single book). What’s the different between Yamaha electone courses with Yamaha piano courses? What are the key aspects that affecting the children in learning the music and many more questions that normally being asked to me. I will try my best to explain about Yamaha piano class (again, as per my knowledge and understanding).

Yamaha Piano Forte books

Yamaha has various private classes, one of them is piano course (piano forte). This private course is designed for children above 6yo (no entrance exam/test so children with no musical background or knowledge can enroll), with intake at the beginning of each month (4x a month, @30mins). Piano forte emphasizes the student learning on finger/piano technique with various repertoires, from classical to well-known children songs. Exam is held few times a year so student can have more flexibility in scheduling their exam.

Frequently asked questions:

1.       Why piano class is not open for children below 6yo, unlike electone?

The main reason is because the piano’ keys are heavier than electone (or any other keyboard). Children under 6yo (which is normally in the phase of developing their fine motoric) will have difficulties in producing the wanted sounds/music. 6yo is also considered as the starting point for development of finger muscle (until age of 9/10yo). Therefore, it is best practice to start piano lesson after 6yo, after the fine motoric is well-developed.

2.       What is the difference between electone with piano?

Piano, beside has heavier keys, has only 1 piano sound. While electone has lighter keys and numerous programs that enable the player to set the beat/rhythms, change the electone sound into various sounds (we even have bird chirping sound LOL), and many more functions. No wonder the children attracted to electone (who wouldn’t like to hear an elephant’s thumping sound or raindrop sound while you are playing?)

3.       Are there any other private classes at Yamaha?

Yamaha has various private classes beside piano, such as violin, drum, guitar, and many more. However, prior enrolling for these classes, it is recommended to have basic knowledge in music (understand music notes and keys).

4.       Does the Yamaha piano grading same with ABRSM?

Honestly speaking, I’m not familiar with ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). However, I knew that Yamaha has its own international grading system, in which the basic is graded as Yamaha piano grade 13 for book 1, grade 12 for book 2, and so on (in opposite as ABRSM which grades the basic as grade 1).

5.       Which one is better for my child, a group class or a private one?

It’s totally depended on the children. Some competitive child might find group class is more interesting. Group class offers motivation and enables the parent to measure the child’s improvement by using the group as the benchmark. Group class means lots of friend, which also means lots of fun. However, some children might prefer private class which they can learn music according to their own pace. So it’s your homework as a parent, to consider which one is the best for your own child (what is best for my girls might not be the best for yours).

6.       Which one is better for my child, electone or piano?

Again, this is totally depended on the children. Piano focuses on playing repertoires with correct fingering/posture (piano technique) while electone (on advance classes) focuses on sharpening children’ creativity thru music (music arrangement or creation).

7.       How old is the best age for children to learn music?

Children’ hearing ability is developing intensively during the age of 3yo until 6yo. Since hearing ability is closely related to sounds/music stimulus, therefore, 3yo is considered as the recommended age for children to start their music class.

8.       What commitments are required for parent in supporting the children’s music classes?

There is no patent formula for your children in successfully learning music, however parental support holds the important aspect of it. Regretfully, many parents consider that they are supporting their children by ‘paying the tuition fee’. In music education (as well as any other kind of education) needs continuous support, which can vary, from encourage the children to practice frequently at home, spend few mins a day to listen to the children’ practicing their piano, or go cheer on them during the children’ concert, attend the PTM held by music school, and many more.

New Legenda Naga # 9

Finally…after a long wait and wondering, the New Legenda Naga # 9 (Ryuutouden Chuugen Ryouran Hen, Japanese manga by Yoshito Yamahara) is available. This book made me fully awake this morning (even though few mins before I was so asleep) and made me skip my breakfast (geez...for me, meals always come first he he he). This series, along with Topeng Kaca (Glass Mask by Shuzue Miuchi) are the only mangas that I always wait patiently. I used to wait for 2 years just for a single manga update…phew.

For those who are not familiar with Legenda Naga, I highly recommend you to go to the nearest bookstore and get yourself a copy (from the 1^st book of course)…or you could find it on www.mangafox.de (for online reading). It is an epic manga about three kingdoms of China (yes, I know that are so many manga bout three kingdoms). However, instead of the well-known history of three kingdoms, the author added 2persons – boy and girl, named Shiro Amachi and Masumi as time-travellers (who incidentally transported to the era of three kingdoms, riding a dragon). That’s why the story is called Legenda Naga (dragon legend).

While trying their best not to change the history of China, these time travellers, who along with the story development, found their purpose and mission, and unexpectedly be drawn into the twisting politic and war of China. Don’t expect much about the history of three kingdoms, since this manga focuses on the time travelers. Believed as dragon reincarnation, the time travelers were known to possess certain god-like ability (either in fighting for Shiro or predicting the future for Masumi).

And on this newly-released #9 comic, it is about the fighting between the China emperor with wild tiger (continuation from the previous number) which was won by the emperor. This fight successfully inspired the war generals to support the emperor to go on war with Tsao Tsao. Shiro on other hand, was busy train his generals for the upcoming war with Wu. Not much action on this seri, but I better not to tell more than this…you better read it by yourself   *grinning*

Closing sale of our baby shop

Last night, my hubby told me that the employee who has been attending my baby shop (Mangdu Square GF blok B94-95) is going to resign as per the end of this month (due to her family problem). She has been with us since the first time we established this baby shop. Therefore, I have been trusting her to run the baby shop alone (well, she proved herself to be trustworthy). Beside, she has a pretty good selling skill (much better than me wakaka). In result, we contemplated several ways out but at the end, because of one and another reasons, we decided to close the baby shop.

My feeling is so jumbled up (I lost my last night sleep geezzz), from disappointment to regret since we have quite lots of repeating customers. Our shop is neither big nor fancy, however the way we treat our customer is different (we tried to reach them out on personal level). That’s why we can be considered successful in maintaining the relation with our repeating customers. Not to mention, we just renewed the rental phewww. However, on the other side, I’m quite relieved since I’m sure I can’t attend the shop alone (especially when my girls are having their school). Maybe the decision to close the shop is the best course of action, though regrettable.

Now, we are having a closing sale where every single thing must go. We intended to empty the shop before July and put the shop out for rent. I’m going to miss this small space where I can wait in leisure while my girls are having their music/mandarin courses. I’m going to miss chatting and bartering jokes with my employee (she’s pretty witty he he he). What will I do later? Nah…I believe my hubby will find something for me to do   *winking*

So, what are you waiting for, hurry and grab whatever that you wanted while it lasts. We are selling out fast   (>.<)

Swan Thieves

Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova

Synopsis

Robert Oliver, a renowned painter, has brutally attacked a canvas in the National Gallery of Art. From the confines of his hospital room, Oliver maintains a stubborn silence, offering only the briefest explanation before the stops speaking altogether: “I did it for her”.

But who is she? Andrew Marlow, a psychiatrist, prides himself on his ability to make even a stone talk, but he gets nowhere with Oliver. Driven at first by professional curiosity, and then by a determination that disrupts his ordered, careful world, Marlow embarks on an unconventional pursuit of the answers his patient wont provide, and on a journey into eh lives of the women Oliver left behind.

Richly told, beautifully imagined, The Swan Thieves takes us across centuries, from American cities to the coast of Normandy, from young love to last love, Elizabeth Kostova deftly explores the painter’s universe – passion, creativity, secrets, madness – and, with the gift for storytelling that made The Historian an international sensation, conjures a world that lingers long after the final page has turned.

I say…

Do you see the book (look closely at the picture above). Lots of fold and brittle hehehe (there is a reason for this). Anyway, this is the most boring book that I’ve ever read, it was even worse than the acclaimed The Historian. At least, I managed to read The Historian until finish, while this, I have been reading it for 2 years and I only reached page 428 and stopped there, unable to bring myself to continue reading. Every time I read this, I fall asleep (geezzz).

Actually, the story is quite good, more ever the writing style of Elizabeth is beautiful. She describes every single thing clearly (as if we were there and seeing it by our own eyes). The story flows smoothly, however it moves at a very slow pace (i think Elizabeth took more time to describe the background, things, etc). Maybe sometime...(not a promise)...who knows...maybe i will continue my reading :-)

Yamaha Electone courses

It’s June…which means in another month, my girls will be having their Yamaha exams. My girls have been learning Yamaha electone for 4 years (@Sincere Yamaha Music School – M2S), beside other music classes. During the time when I waited for my girls practicing their exam songs, I remembered when I enrolled my girls at Yamaha for the first time, back in mid of 2008. And as the time passes, some of my friends have asked quite the same questions to me, in regards of music class for children and Yamaha in particular. Therefore, I am writing the following as a reference for those parents who would like to enroll their children into Yamaha electone class (i'll write another reference so pls come back in the future). Please be kindly reminded that what I wrote here is based on my experience and knowledge (fyi, I am not on Yamaha payroll)   *smile*  For more official information on Yamaha, you can go to http://id.yamaha.com

My youngest girl (JXC2) is standing while practicing her exam songs since she is too short to press the pedal

What makes electone so special? Electone is 2levels keyboard produced by Yamaha, with almost 2octaves keys on its pedals. So a player not only plays with both of his hands, but his 2legs are active as well (can you imagine the coordination required…it serves as a good training for balancing between right and left brains). Electone has programs which enable the player to have full orchestra support (if he wanted it) right on the tip of their fingers. An expert electone player (like the one I watched on video, performed by a Japanese guy in his 20s) can mesmerize you not only by the melody played but also by the body movement. I called it a total performance which satisfied my ear, feast my eyes and captivated my heart (my heart went thump thump thump…well the player was quite a hunk)…a really total musical experience.  

My oldest girl (JXC4) is practicing her exam songs

Yamaha, compared to other music schools (in asia), can be considered as the big brother. Therefore, the curriculum itself is well-structured and quite mature (and it keeps evolving along with the trends). The curriculum is more extended that what I will explain below, however since I have no real experience on those other courses, I will skip those. If you are interested, please go to Yamaha website.

Yamaha electone curriculum can be described as the following:

1.       Music Fantasy (MF)

This new course has been introduced in the early of 2012 with 2yo and above children as its target. The learning duration will be 1 year (36times @40mins) in a group with max 10 students per class. Parent (representative) involvement is required throughout the whole class. Since I’ve never experienced this class on-hand, I have no say on this.

2.       Music Wonderland (MW)

MW, a continuation from MF (but not as a prerequisite) is created for 3yo and above children, with intake in February and August. The learning duration will be 1 year (40times @50mins) in a group with max 10 students per class. MW lets the children experience that learning music is not something difficult (where you knit your eyebrow and scowl or tapping your forehead with a finger or even worse, pulling out your hair he he he). Learning music can be fun and entertaining, moreover when it is done together with your parent. MW requires full involvement of parent (representative) during the class. Together with the parent, the child will learn about music beat/tempo, rhythms as well as to develop their musical hearing and feeling. The class also includes song-singing, musical expression, and electone introduction (introduce few keys to create sound – not music/song).

3.       Junior Music Course (JMC)

JMC, the continuation of MW (but not as a prerequisite) is designed for children above 4yo, with intake in February and August. The learning duration will be 2 years (4semesters/levels, 20times per semester @60mins) in a group with max 10 students per class. During the first year of JMC, the student will start to learn do-re-mi (solfege and music notes). They will learn to read music score, play the simple songs on electone (one hand only, either right or left). 


The repertoire difficulty is developed according to the improvement of student's fine motoric and finger strength. Playing with both hands will be learnt in the second year of JMC (still a simple song, 6 to 8 bars). Song-singing, melody harmonization and hearing melody will be practiced throughout those 2 years. Music theory will be thought along the course as well. Simple way of variation will also be introduced in the second year, by transposing the given songs into another key scale. They also will learn how to play a simple ensemble with the whole class (each student plays a different part or with a different music instrument of the same song). JMC classes require parent’s involvement (representative) as well, since parental support is important to oversee the student’s practice at home.

There will be an exam upon completion of each semester in which the test will be conducted by Yamaha Music Indonesia. The test consists of playing 2 repertoire songs, solfege (the examiner will choose 1 lesson song), melody harmonization (the examiner will choose 1 music scale), and singing the chosen song (with expression). In the event a student fails the exam, he still can continue his lesson however he will be required to re-take the exam. Upon passing the final exam (JMC4), student will be rewarded Yamaha piano grade 11. 

4.       Junior Extension Course (JXC)

JXC is designed for children above 6yo, graduates of JMC (prerequisite) with intake in February and August. The learning duration will be 2 years (4 semesters/levels, 20times per semester @60mins) in a group with max 10 students per class. In JXC, student musical skill and technique will be developed thru playing higher level repertoires (includes sight playing) and many style of ensemble. Sight playing is the ability to play music score directly, without memorizing the notes (unlike during JMC classes, in which prior playing repertoire, student memorize the notes first). Musical feeling and sensitivity will be nurtured by continuous practice on melody hearing and harmonization.

Learning the electone’s pedal is introduced in the second semester (only 1 key), with more complex arrangement in 4th semester. JXC also encourages self expression by providing opportunities for musical creativity. Student will be introduced to start their own music/song composing (4bars for the 1st year and 8bars for the 2nd year), and continuous learning of improvisation thru variation and creating accompaniment for the given songs.

Exam will be held once a year in which test material covers all lessons that have been learnt in the last year. Student can choose whether they want to take electone examination or piano examination. For student who choose electone examination have to play 1 compulsory song (Bagpipe for grade 10 exam and Don't Worry for grade 9, in which those songs have the pedals playing). Upon passing the exam, Yamaha piano grade 10 and 9 will be awarded respectively.


The test consists of (1) playing 2 repertoire songs out of the chosen 3, in which the examiner will decide which song to play. (2) Melody hearing, which examiner will play a song (not from lesson books) and exam taker should repeat/play the heard melody. (3) Hearing harmonization, which examiner will play cadence of certain scale and exam taker should repeat/play the heard cadence. (4) Sight playing, directly play the given music score (not from the lesson books). And (5) accompaniment or keyboard harmonization, in which examiner will play a song (melody only) and exam taker should play the accompaniment and do variation toward the accompaniment. 

Unlike the previous courses, JXC doesn’t require parent attendance inside the class to encourage student’s independency. However, parental support is still the most important for the student.

5.       Junior Advance Course (JAC)

JAC is designed specifically for the graduates of JXC (above 8yo) with intake in February and August. The learning duration will be 2 years (4 semesters, 20times per semester @55mins). The learning will be in 2 different classes, a group with max 10 students per class which continues to emphasize hearing, reading, writing, and singing as part of a broaden musical foundation. It focuses on ensemble playing and improvisation (musical arrangement), as well as encourages the student to develop their own music/song.

Beside the group class, the student is required to take 1 private class (@30mins) on either piano or electone. The private class focuses on improving performance skill and piano technique by playing more repertoires. 

Books used on JXC levels

Beside JAC, this year Yamaha also introduced new class called nJNC (sorry, i still don't know what it stands for). This new class is designed for graduates of JXC which don't want to have a private class. nJNC will only have group class with the same lesson as JAC (minus private). However, the time to complete nJNC is doubled, 4 years instead of 2 years of JAC. 


Currently I don't have any information on JAC or nJNC (unless the above one) and once I get more, surely I will update this post. 

Periplus book sale @fx mall

This sunday, we went to Foodism (fx f7) for lunch. With low light set-up, the place brings out a laidback place for long stay and chitchat after meals. The menus are a little bit pricey (to my standard, starting from 30k above) but it was worth your money. Each dish that we ordered turned out to be good, looked mouth-watering and definitely finger licking yum yum.

Fish grilled

After lunch, we circled the mall, until unexpectedly, we stumbled upon Periplus book sale (fx - f1). As a book lover, I could let this to slip. The books are stacked up, from design books, recipes up to children books. I positioned myself at the fictions rack, patiently browsed the books - one by one (my fam waited patiently at a coffee shop he he he since they knew I would take an hour or so).

The price range started from 10k above, plus another 30-50%off (on selected items) on top of those special prices. At the end, I purchased 7novels with only 107k (what a bargain!). Now, I have to look for a new shelves for my new books (๑'⌣'๑)づ

The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart

Synopsis

If you fail, all is lost. Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a third adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, their friends, and even one another When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must decipher clues to unravel a nefarious new plot. And this time, their search for answers will bring them closer to danger than ever before. Is this the end of the Mysterious Benedict Society?

I say…

I like Trenton’s works, which are unique and unexpected, fresh and unlike others. Especially this Mysterious Benedict Society which reminds me lots of books that I used to read during my primary level, about junior detectives solving adult’s problem. I missed those Famous Five Series by Enid Blyton, Trio Detective (well known as The Three Investigators), STOP (German’s junior detectives of Sporty, Thomas, Oscar and Petra), or any books of Alfred Hitchcock.  

In my opinion, this third book is not as success as the other two. It had the lowest action compared to the first and the second, which only Kate and his father took the spotlight. Reynie seemed to have other things in his mind (not as sharp as he used to be on previous book). Sticky apparently didn’t have chance to show off his knowledge and Constance, as annoying as she could be, turned out to be the trump card. The story moved quite slowly with repetitive plot (I could predict the flow of the story) even though it still had a surprising ending. I give 2.5 out of 5 for this book.

Grand Mercure Roxy, Singapore

Beside Novotel Clarke Quay, we also like this Grand Mercure Roxy. Set on the Marina Promenade road, Grand Mercure is our option for a more relaxed atmosphere. The hotel room is bigger, with a cozy feel. If you wanted to spend your day just lazing around your room or around the hotel, then this is the perfect choice. We normally have a stroll around East Coast park (10mins walking distance), watching a group of teen in their inline skates, or a family having a picnic.

However, accessibility is a bit difficult, since the closest MRT station is Paya Lebar (about 10mins drive from the hotel). Luckily the hotel provides one way free shuttle to either airport or Paya Lebar station, and if you miss the shuttle, you can ride a bus too (from the opposite site of the hotel). Despite the hassle of transportation, we still love this old but has been renovated hotel. There are lots of foodcourt around the hotel, where you could have your own culinary experience. At night, stroll along the nite market, who knows what you will find there (^ . *)  

Novotel Clarke Quay, Singapore

Clarke Quay, the famous nite spot @Spore. Even with the new-hot-spot of Marina Bay Sands, Clarke Quay has never faded in term of its charm. It still has its own fans who like to dine or simply chat over a beer or two, overlooking the river. The spot is still packed with alfresco cafés or pubs, which make it difficult to get a best seat on the weekend, especially when the clock is closing in to midnite. Not to mention the sight-seeing-boats which cruise along the river, surely add certain allurement. The very same view which makes me back here every time I come to Spore.

My girls posed at Clarke Quay

For accommodation, we always stay @Novotel Clarke Quay. Despite the tiny minimalist yet neat room, who could resists the benefits offered by its location? 5mins walking from MRT Clarke Quay, with Central mall nearby, and if you are lucky, you can get the riverbank view from your hotel room. Simply a splendid view at night (betcha!). Beside, Novotel also has many more in store, Square restaurant that offers breakfast buffet at reasonable price, small yet nicely maintained swimming pool, to name few facilities there. There is a supermarket on the same building as well.

Clarke Quay at night

Nite view from hotel room

For entertainment, we can go to Clarke Quay which normally holds an event during the weekend. I remembered last year, there was a Turkish food festival being held there and this year, we had Tiger’s football challenge. The host’s assistant was asking me whether I would like to participate in the game…WHAT??? You expected somebody who never touched football to kick the ball around few obstacles and make a goal…geez (sorry football fans…no hard feeling). There was Bollywood festival too where all the Indian folks were dancing and singing on the promenade. Surely entertaining!  

Grand Mercure Oriental Ginza, Shenzhen

Grand Mercure Oriental Ginza was the hotel we chose for our stay at Shenzhen. It is located directly in front of MTR Zhu Zi Lin station (Lao Bao/green line), a direct line that we took from Shenzhen entry gate (Lou Hu). The location itself is pretty strategic, with street market at the back (with lots of hawker),  supermarket and KFC nearby (yes…no more chicken rice for the whole day). It only takes 2 to 3stops to reach the local attractions such as Happy Valley, Splendid China, and Window of the world.

The hotel lobby

The hotel was nice and big, compared to other Accor hotels @HK. The breakfast buffet menu offered various options to choose. It has indoor heated pool which I didn’t enjoy much (it’s indoor and basically offers no view, not to mention that we HAD to put on a silly-borrowed-swimming-cap). The room was clean and big, with adequate space for my girls to run and play. We even got a pretty nice river view from the room. It was well equipped and made us feel like at home (so comfy that we did all of our laundry there, by hand + hairdryer + ironing he he he).

Breakfast buffet

Too-plain indoor heated swimming pool

The problem we encountered here mostly due to our inability to speak mandarin (there was only few staffs who can speak a little bit of English). Despite the language barrier, the hotel staffs were all friendly and the concierge was trying his best to assist us during our stay, from providing me a bug repellent (geezzz…the mosquito here must be some sort of mutation) and up to be my translator. I am really grateful for him, who helped me translating some English into mandarin writing. This small effort made me a loyal fan of Accor.

L Hotel Nina Tower, HK

This is my first time staying at such a highrise hotel (our room was on 73^rd floor) which we got the ear-ringing experience whenever we used the lift (felt like taking off or landing). The hotel was big and crowded (extremely crowded) but the customer service (either the reception or luggage service) was awesome. It’s fast and neat. Thumbs up for them (I felt hopeless for a moment when I saw the number of people queued up on the reception desk).

The park beside MTR Tsuen wan west

L hotel can be considered as the new one, located on the new territories of HK (5mins walk from west rail/purple line MTR exit Tsuen Wan West). The interior is modern minimalist with a bit touch of oriental culture here and there. It has 2 towers with a glass bridge connecting them (just like Petronas). I love the swimming pools, a rooftop big pool and a smaller indoor one (too bad, the big one was closed during our stay for maintenance). Not to mention a perfectly laid rooftop sundeck with stunning view of the nearby park and ferry port. The hotel itself is in adjacent to Nina Tower mall, which links toward several other malls. So shopping and stuffing your stomach wont be a problem at all.

View from 73rd floor

The hotel room itself was clean and immaculate, with clear glass separating the bathroom. Well equipped just like other hotels. However, one drawback of the room is that the shower cubicle doesn’t have a split level. So once the shower was being used, the toilet (which is next to the shower) will be flooded phewww…

The indoor pool which looks like a big size aquarium

The nicely arranged sundeck

Yet we still enjoy our stay there   *grinning*