Marketing dynamics of TheWritePerson

It has been an encouraging journey thus far in trying to get visitors to my blog.

Since its inception in June this year, there has been a steady stream of visitors. Averaging about 400 page views per month. Not a lot, but it is really encouraging as it is like a bonus for me as I started this blog as a media to exercise my passion in writing.

Frankly speaking, it started off primarily as a mean for me to publish my soccer articles, which wasn't too up to standard to be sold off for publication. Then I decided to spread my wings into lifestyle writing in a bid to expand my portfolio.

The first baby step in marketing for myself began with the naming and branding, in the conceptualising of name, TheWritePerson. I had wanted this blog to be part of my writing portfolio for a writing-related job. Thus I wanted a name which can creates the right impression, which sets the scene. I had job search at the back of my mind, thus was thinking about being The Right Person, but it sounded so jaded and cliche. I added a little twist to it and made it The Write Person (blog site) at The Write Space (blog title). Still slightly cliche, but does good enough to separate from the pack. In fact I have received compliments from friends who thought that this is a rather appropriate name. Thank you.

But really, I am indeed proud of TheWritePerson. It had served as a way to get my articles seen, a way to keep in touch with my numerous overseas friends, as well as to keep up with my passion. After starting this blog, I felt like being a journalist, or not, does not matter as much. If I just wanted to make my articles seen, I can do it here. If I want to get down to reporting news, I can also do it here; citizen journalism.

TheWritePerson has taught me a lot. So, I'm going to talk about how this blog went from zero visitor to its current state.

There are numerous media online for hosting personal websites and blogs. A careful selection is needed in my opinion. Having tried a few blogging platforms, I found Blogspot catering most to my needs. It has a slightly more casual image than WordPress which fits my pursuit. I didn't want my blog to start off too seriously. Probably a bit more fun like I am; getting the right audience.

Then, comes the issue of convenience. A heavy user of Apple, the Blogger application allows me to blog from my iphone, as well as ipad. No problems at all even if I am not with my laptop. Easy interface and stability a plus. Also, the set up was easy and had tonnes of template for me to choose from! Talk about all the convenience offered in this fast pace world where users starts to get irritated when their Google search exceeds 400 milliseconds wait time.

As always, the first post was a self-introduction which almost does not have any selling point. That practically explained why there were no visitors. Plus, how to get eyeballs if I am not even letting people know of my product? *Slaps forehead* So I decided to start off my marketing for this blog through direct marketing. I started to text my close friends with the web address and finally managed to get the counter rolling.

Then I started to blog more.

I realised I cannot depend solely on just the handful of visitors I was getting. I needed more visitors to read my articles and hopefully give my feedback for improvement. I started to promote my blog by posting direct post links with a short copy as my Facebook status. True enough, the blogspot statistics showed an encouraging figure for the direct post linked visitors. Moreover, I was getting comments on my Facebook status more than what I get on my blog! A more direct form of communication with my visitors. I value all feedback. Really grateful.

All these communications had me all excited. After all my interest had always lied in the area of computed mediated communications, which prompted me to do my university dissertation on the communications on Social Networking Sites and its educational value.

Then I found a simpler way to cross over and post my link on Facebook. I realised there was a share icon at the end of every blog post for me to share on social media. Saved me the trouble of going into my blog, then into the specific post to get the permalink, and open another browser for Facebook to update my status with the link. I could push my article onto other social media like twitter and Google+ too.

Big plus! All these media are free for everyone, so ROI is 100% !

Lastly, I saw the potential in marketing my blog on my personal name card which I gave out to industry professionals whom I met at sports events which I was covering and along the way. You know how cute my name card was designed to be in order to leave an impression as I did not want my name card to be thrown away without serving its purpose. Moreover, my name card allowed me to display my creativity as well as Photoshop skill in doing up the entire thing on my own.

I noticed that most people whom received my name card will flip to its back to check out how it was done, how the attachment is secured. Thus, a plain flip side would be such a waste! Perfect opportunity to advertise my blog.

However, even though results had been satisfactory, there are still much to be worked on. The next thing to work on is definitely on my Search Engine Optimisation. I can't find my blog on google and yahoo even when the exact words 'thewriteperson' is entered. I need SEO skills. Learning is crucial to improvements, time to hit the library soon.

Thank you everyone for being with me here!

Good night!

Attended my first ever dhamma talk

Going to my first dhamma talk was like my first time in church. Pray and worship and follow everything as others did. But I must say this is a great learning process. A joyous event.

Venerable Master Hai Tao of Taiwan is largely gaining popularity amongst younger buddhists due to his prominent presence online. He chairs the Buddhist Life Channel in Taiwan which had seen success in promoting the religion predominently through their own YouTube channel. Facebook pages are also used to promote his cause of buddhism.

I got to know of Master Hai Tao's YouTube videos when forummers on AmuletForums.com shared his video in one of the threads. He speaks of buddhism in a very practical way with a good mix of humour. A very charismatic speaker that appealed greatly to me. I never expected dhamma talks to be so applicable to life in an interesting way. I expected boring talks from prayer books. 

The way how he is so technologically savvy really blows me off my chair. I believe his success in expanding his reach to younger audience and keeping in touch with middle aged audience is attributed to this. I met a 32yo lady who travelled down from the east as well, and one of her first question to me was if i watched Master Hai Tao's video on YouTube. Yes yes yes.

He talks buddhism from supernatural issues to house fengshui and everything. One thing he said about fengshui is that it helps us as commoners, but once you 'see through' life, fengshui is negligible. True that.

Today's talk was well attended by buddhists all over Singapore. the entire tentage was filled up and some had to sit or stand outside under the light drizzle. hmmm i would say, about 400 people or more?

Eventhough I left office ten minutes earlier and took a cab from bukit gombak mrt to the temple where it is hosted, I was still late. By the time I settled down, the dhamma talk was already at the candle lighting ceremony. I think I missed some earlier ceremonies. But I enjoyed the empowerment of chanting. It was simple words printed on the prayer book but when Master Hai Tao sang it, it was so beautiful. Very beautiful voice. Sometimes I can't help but to think that I can't thank the Sangha enough, because not only were they willing to give up on earthly possessions, but they just had great qualities for spreading the words of god.

This is probably how everyone has a role in life. Some can do this, others can do that. 

Oh! We had an interesting ceremony hahhahahahaha! We were given a slice of white bread to roll up and dab on our body. It kind of symbolised pain and sufferings taken away from us into the bread roll which was supposed to represent us. But my previously injured ankle is still aching. Alamak forgot to dab on my ankle!

After some chantings to pray for everyone's health, there was a lecture on Boddhisatva's teachings which lasted till 10pm. After which the ceremony was closed by transferring the merits of our prayers to the unseen beings around.

Some religious items were also available to take home free. I wanted a picture of H.H 17th Karmapa but the lady said they didn't have it today. If you read about tibetan Karmapa's reincarnations, then you will know why I want a picture of him. Not too bad I got a book on Karmapa's speech. Gladly surprised to see his picture in it. Got some stickers in which the tibetan monk spoke highly of, and some DVDs! 

Coincidentally today is a special day to light candle. So I lit one lotus candle at $10 at the temple. Not to be confused with, the dhamma talk was totally free.

Such an eye opener which kept me awake throughout. But I'm so exhausted now from all the travelling to and fro. Good night world! 

May buddha's light shine on everyone.

Keeping the shooting victims in our prayers.

As most of you have known about the Nairobi (Kenya) shooting that started few days back at Westgate shopping mall which has claimed more than 60 lives and over 200 casualties. It has not ended to date. *update: ended at 24/9/13*

I share with you a photo of the mall taken personally in September 2011. Westgate shopping mall is one of the upclass shopping mall in Nairobi which has stricter security than other malls. I remember being approached by their mall security just because I was taking photo of the interior of the mall, in which was requested to be deleted on the spot. The mall houses a big Nakumatt, cinema and casino as well. 

Kenya is not far, it is only as far as we are human.

Let's keep them in our prayers, please.

I hope my Kenyan acquaintances and their family are safe. 

To my buddhist friends, 佛教讲发愿慈悲心, 请在此发愿众生平安.

To my thai buddhist friends, as simple as Namo Tassa x 3. Sadhu sadhu sadhu.

To all my friends, it is the heart that matters. Please keep them in our prayers.

Thank you.

Never Out of Style With Woven Classics

Discovered an interesting taiwanese variety show on MapleStage over the weekends. 上班這黨事 (translation: This matter of office life) touches on the various topics of office life, from the dreadful office politics to what is the latest trend in online shopping. The latest episode featured the top trending online buys for the lower half of 2013, which had me hooked at all the delicacies that taiwanese office workers are able to order online! *mad drools*

Here in Singapore, apart from group buy sites like groupon, deal.com.sg, voucherlicious, the top trending online purchase site must be Qoo10! While its edm always have spelling mistakes, broken links and photo mismatches, I just can't help to look past these flaws and continue patronising Qoo10 for its good variety of items, and most importantly, competitive pricing.

Personally, I've purchased knick-knacks, apparels, to food items like korean beer, bak-kwa and ice cream coupons from the site. Mainly food items I must say, as I can't bring myself to compromise on the quality of clothings. That is why I don't come back from BKK with a haul of jtj clothings usually. I'm starting to sound really picky at this point, but why!? Why waste money? Alright let's move on. I still love Krung Thep.

At this point, I highly recommend woven design bags. So classic and classy, which almost never goes out of style. Hmmm. woven classics always remind us of Bottega, but not everyone are willing to splurge on BV, and style don't need to come exactly at a sky-high price tag. There are always good alternatives online and in stores, which looks good as well. I am not one who looks for imitation goods, I would prefer something that is more practical. =)

Three recommendations for today! Ranging from favourite to hot favourite!


1. Qoo10, JHMIN
http://list.qoo10.sg/item/2013NEW-ARRIVE-HOT-SALES-ON-SALES/409854987

Credit: Qoo10 seller (JHMIN)

Looks good isn't it? The one panel woven design is what I love, however, this is my least favourite out of the three as I dislike the bulkiness offered by the 12cm wide base. Trade off is that the capacity is larger and definitely practical for work bag. Probably can even throw in a towel for after-work exercise after fitting your laptop in. At 44 x 33 x 12cm, a little too bulky for my liking, but at about $40 after shipping for a PU bag, it qualifies nicely into my list.


2. Qoo10, MyFashionStory.com
http://list.qoo10.sg/item/2013NEW-ARRIVE-HOT-SALES-ON-SALES/411706819

Credit: Qoo10 seller (MyFashionStory.com)

This is actually a close competitor with my first choice recommendation today. The probable reason why I haven't buy the bag yet is the difficult decision between this and the later recommendation. Qoo10's JHMIN used to have this on their sales, but recently when I placed order for this with JHMIN, it went out of stock. So, my purchase was refunded. Then, today, as I was searching for this bag to bring this recommendation, I saw this new listing by thefashionstory.com. New listing = no reviews yet. Better to wait a while more. I love how there is no base to this bag, looks less bulky. I don't really fancy the vertical mid-riff threading, but it kind of adds a bit of visual to it. Not too bad at slightly over $40.



3. Bata, retail stores all over the island!

Bata carries a range called "Bata and more", not sure the origin of it, but I am surely amazed at what Bata brings in sometimes. I definitely wouldn't have expected Bata to carry a woven classic as my impression of it is... "I go Bata to buy school shoes" or "Buy and Throw Away". I first saw it at Bata, Plaza Singapura. Managed to have a feel of it, and boy, it felt good! 

Material definitely looks/feels better than the about two bags. Unlike the previous two, this is a vertical bag which emits a total different feel. A softer and more petite feel for ladies, or a more metrosexual feel for guys. Looks can be deceiving though. Even though it looks slightly smaller, but it is still able to fit A4 size comfortably. Loves how the accessories are shiny on this bag. And the slight shine! 

At $69.90, it is slightly more expensive than the previous two, but minus the uncertainty of quality and wait arising from online order, this is worth it. Seriously contemplating getting this one, or the number two! 

Wish everyone a happy Monday, tomorrow! =)

Just Like It!

As its tagline goes.. Revolutionary F&B.

Just Like It! sells ice cream in a revoltionary way. It serves up five monthly flavours, three signature flavours and one golden signature, and ranges from $5.90 up in regular and large cup.

I ordered the durian one which is their golden signature at $6.90 for regular cup.  It was a joy looking at how the ice cream was made. Even more so that the ice cream is all natural and free from preservations, stabilisers etc.

First, they bring out the flask of your chosen flavour. Thus for durian, a slightly yellowish and creamy liquid is brought out and poured into a cup to prepare for mixing. Then, a tank resembling a nitrogen tank is carried out and a clear liquid is poured into a metal cup, also for mixing.

The clear liquid is clearly the freezing agent but I really don't know what it is. It is looked like dry ice and water, something that is of extremely low temperature.

Then the two cups were poured into a kitchen mixer to desired consistency and subsequently scooped into a paper cup and served.

The durian ice cream is good! Not overly creamy, has fruit bits, and it is so fine it practically melts in your mouth. Ah well, downside is that it melts into water pretty quickly too! Serving size is good. A bit pricey for the portion eventhough it is yummy.

Just Like It! 

Tampines One

Basement 1, beside Cold storage

Lookalike of the day!

Your hero in Naruto!

I look like Rock Lee after a brief hair cut yesterday!

The realisation came while I was waiting for the train and saw my reflection on the gates.

 'WOW ROCK LEE!'

Plastic bag shortage spells marketing trouble at Giant

So I noticed these few days that there has been a shortage of Giant plastic bags at the 24hr supermarket just opposite my house. 

This breeds bad, bad news seriously from both the retailer and consumer side.

1. The signature transparent plastic bag with green Giant logo is an icon and advertising tool of the chain itself. How much btl advertising is generated through this? Go figure.

2. I would rather be seen carrying their iconic plastic bags then the one of inferior quality and has the singa head printed on it. This is a market position that they have established and simply can't do without their plastic bags.

3. How can such a massive chain be short of plastic bags? What's with its supply issue? Even if the main supplier has problem with the turn over volume, is there no back up supplier? Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Even if you have to, there is a need to mitigate such situations. 

5. At least provide plastic bags of higher quality. You sell groceries and such, not light weight items like paper. After checking out at the cashier, my pack of 6 can drinks were placed in the said plastic bags and I couldn't help but to hug the bag home as it felt as if it was due to give way any time.

This is simply bad. I am unimpressed. I hope the regular supplies get restocked soon.

Magical Ayam Penyet RIA

Ayam Penyet RIA began and has most of its outlets located in town area, and so I visited its coop at Far East Plaza when hunger pang struck while window shopping.

Been almost two years since I set foot into this shopping centre. Could rarely get anything from here as I am ever so picky/perfectionist. Not much has changed, but the fifth floor has definitely transformed into a place for more gastronomic adventures. Easily spotted from ground floor is Ayam Penyet RIA.

Brightly lit with simple and clean decor is exactly what lured me in. Wasn't so much about its popularity on my mind. 

The restaurant offers many new variations of the Indonesian penyet dish, literally everything can be served penyet, or 'smashed'. Chicken, chicken chunks, fish, prawn, beef patty, beef balls... I ordered the original Ayam Penyet together with my favourite childhood drink, Teh Botol Sosro (Indonesian black tea)!

I was served the chicken breast and wing. The dish came served on banana leaf, along with some veggies, taupok, tempe and the bomb... The chilli sauce! 

The chilli sauce is super spicy by normal standards, and fiery by fast food standards. I've got quite an appetite for chilli, so this, though is spicy, but still tolerable. It has got a nice taste of spices in it but if consumed in larger amount, the sodium actually gets the better of it.

Chicken. It was nicely marinated and fried, I particularly loved the crumbs that added a nice texture. Particularly good to go with the fluffly white rice. Breast was tad too dry for my liking. However, everything went very well with chilli. 

All in all, the magic ended once the chilli ran out! 

Ayam Penyet RIA

Far East Plaza

Fifth floor

www.ayampenyetria.com

Plan '14: Further Studies

As a new term begins again in UK after the long summer break, it also marks the start of classes for a new batch of Masters students.

Ever since graduation last year with a first class honours in Mass Communications, one thing that never slipped my mind amidst all job woes etc. is my plan to get a Masters after working for a year or two.

It is definitely in my pipeline to get my Masters, just a matter of time. Be it in a few years or in a few decades. However, most importantly, prior to that, I need to get into a career in which my qualifications will value add to it. Thus my determination in getting my desired job! I am planning for my future, not just living by the day.

Alright, job woes aside, let's not lose sight of the main topic, further studies. My strong interest in online communications and internet governance has prompted me to scour for universities with specialisation in it. I have also narrowed down to focus on Asian universities as I would like to specialise in the above areas, in Asian context. Asia itself has so much to offer in terms of online communications and internet governance, I will certainly want to add on to the literature in these areas here. Moreover, I've already benefited from the western culture during my first degree days in UK.

The four universities I'm looking at are in Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore respectively. The latter three universities have a centre for comms, thus pipping my interest. Especially S.Korea with its growing research in internet governance, the call is beckoning. However, Singapore has the 'home ground advantage' in not overstretching my finance.

I am particularly interested in internet governance due to the vast challenges faced in the virtual environment and its relevance to everyone of us. Isn't it so interesting? It is constantly changing, and really, not easy to keep up with its progress. Whenever, I read on internet governance, it never fails to keep me on the ball, thinking and being critical and all.

It was also an eye opener for me when I represented the Singapore Internet Research Centre to Internet Governance Forum in 2011 after emerging victorious in the selection camp where I learnt a great deal from experts. All the issues discussed in IGF were so relevant and interesting, yet challenged, which calls for more academic papers and research to add on to this topic.

I've set my sight on one of Singapore universities' Masters in Mass Comm as it will not overly stretch my finances. It allows me to continue to build up my work experience while taking my studies part-time, and most importantly, Singapore's man of internet governance is there. The only member from Singapore in the United Nation's working group of Internet Governance hails from this university. After going on the trip to Kenya for IGF'11 with him and his team, I am really motivated to go under his tutelage one day. More reasons to substantiate this target but this is the main one. I want to learn from the best.

You know, getting new knowledge does not stop the moment you get the cert. It is a new beginning in the journey of sharing. What is the point if you are the smartest person, alone. Education is to encourage collective growth for greater progress.

Fingers crossed, hopefully I will be able to get into next year's enrolment! Meanwhile, I will continue to work hard as always. ^^

N.B: Been a long time since I really had such an opinionated post.

Lady M Mille Crepe

Any confectionary lover who has been to New York will hardly find it complete to get out of the city without a visit to Lady M for their mille crepe.

Don't compare it to Nadeje in Malaysia, that's out of the league. 

Having tasted Lady M in NYC, I pounced at the chance to try it again at its new shop in Singapore. Service was really good. Plus! They had refused to serve up this signature crepe earlier due to strict quality control. 

Judge for yourself, feeling so blissful and lazy to expand this post further...

[Bangkok] Tad Seua Shirt Yow Sorng Tua

Sawadika!

Sharing the fruit of labour after ten weeks of basic conversational Thai class...

Decoding the post's title:

Tad Seua = Make/tailor clothes

Shirt Yow = Long sleeve shirt

Sorng Tua = Two pieces

The Thai tailors are well known for their fine workmanship, coupled with the much lower price than Singapre, tailoring shirts makes an incredibly viable option over at the Land of Smiles.

My virgin attempt at getting my shirts done at Paul's Fashion. 

PF is located at the Lower Lobby level at Amari Watergate Hotel right opposite Platinum Fashion Mall. The same level houses another two tailor options in which had better, recent reviews from our fellow Singaporeans. However, I decided to go ahead with PF as email exchange with its boss, Mike Gulati, gave me a good impression. I can't comment much on this as in fact, I only emailed Mike as the other tailor had its price list online already.

Tad seua is a very subjective issue. As it is handmade, there are bound to be some differences and may not be perfect at first fitting. Thus, this can be one's apple and another's poison.

PF is on competitive pricing with the others at the same location, and I would not say it's cheaper, but the photos from past customers did influenced me to go ahead. It has what I am looking for. I've seen shops around pratunam offering almost half its price for tad seua, but am really skeptical of the quality. I am rather picky.

By the way, Mike and his workers speaks very good English. Look for Ram when you are there, Mike is a busy boss who is frequently out to take in more orders!

The fabrics are split into three price/quality range: the upper tier, mid tier and average. I made two shirts, one from mid tier(navy) and one average(pink).

Let's talk about the average one first. I chose the pink striped fabric as it eludes a sense of liveliness and vibrancy. Even at average price/quality tier, I can safely vouch for its quality. Better than off the rack shirts for many of the major brands found in Metro. For a sweat bucket like me, this is good news definitely.

Sorry for the shorts, fatigued look and limp hair, I was too excited to get photos after getting home from bkk.

I chose a floral contrast to go on the half-moon cuffs and inner collar. This cotton shirt was done with a box placket, no pocket, italian one button collar, round cut bottom for tuck out, two back darts and matching buttons and button holes. 

Look at the dense button hole! A mark of quality.I like this shirt. Definitely going places with me. As you can see from the creases, more can be done to get a better fit next time.

Even my niece can't resist taking a photo with me while she was down with a fever! 

The second cotton shirt boasts a higher quality fabric which is smooth and cooling, which also means more wrinkles!

I really really love this fabric even if it means more care needed! Like careful ironing to avoid shine! Nice navy blue fabric with black floral contrast at half-moon cuff and inner collar. Italian one button collar, no pocket, two back darts, round bottom, matching buttons and contrast button holes in orange. No monogram, don't know if PF does monograms though. This combination is a killer. 

However, this shirt is slightly looser than the pink one. The seam joining the shoulder and sleeves does not sits nicely at my shoulder (read: oversize), and probably as a result, the sleeves are obviously too long. Could have asked for an alteration but I was scooting back to Singapore on day of collection already.

Nonetheless, for the price paid, really good. Eventhough there were additional charges for the half-moon cuffs and contrasts, as compared to SG's $100 up per shirt, this is really budget tailoring at its finest. Overall satisfied, will continue to patronise PF to get that desirable fit. 

Kob khun mak ka!

Paul's Fashion
Amari Watergate Hotel
Shop #1, 847 Petchburi Rd, Pratunam,
Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.


Disclaimer: All products reviewed are paid for in full at non-preferential rate by the author.

Bespoke Galore!

By starting this post with 'Bespoke', is actually to get your attention. What's better than starting with a seemingly profound word that will make you hit the dictionaries. We all get to learn more in the process.

So as it goes, I am not exactly going to talk about bespoke in depth, or rather, I would like to highlight bespoke against made-to-measure shirts. Many people are just using the word 'bespoke' so casually that it had lost its significance and  real flavour.

Bespoke is not just any made-to-measure shirt. It is an art.

It really grinds my gears when 'bespoke' and 'made-to-measure' are mixed up.

Bespoke tailoring is custom making an apparel to its finest. I will talk about shirts definitely. All your measurements in all areas that you can imagine and not, carefully taken in order to make the piece of art. Bespoke, you do it your way. Like your cuffs half an inch shorter and one inch wider to proudly display your Panerai? Not an issue. Practically, play around with all that you have in mind. It is custom, any thing is possible. Of course, there is a high price to pay for Bespoke shirts. To which, I have not earned enough dole to indulge in this fine art.

Ah well. Made-to-measure shirts are definitely more affordable. I would say the pricing is like a buffer between bespoke shirts and off-the-rack shirts.

Why do people go for Made-to-measure shirts when there are such a wide variety of off-the-rack shirts which are so readily available and equally good in quality and fit? Even though some people might get the perfect fit from off-the-rack, however, the differing body size and proportions are so unique to individuals that it is really quite hard to get the perfect fit if you are very particular. Some lucky ones might be able to get nicely fitted shirts off-the-rack or just do some alterations to it to get it good. But others might not be so lucky, and it is really not alright to wear badly fitted shirts to work or to meet clients. At first glance/meeting, our appearance reflects what we are mostly, or what we impression we want to leave of ourselves. I really don't mean to be judgmental but this is how our brain works.

Alright, so made-to-measure shirts are more like off-the-rack shirts with custom sizing. Unlike bespoke shirts where you can really get down to details as to what your preferences are, made-to-measure offers less. However, it is equally good in getting a nice fitted shirt with nice material to show-off your Panerai, but maybe just not that perfect as body measurements are usually taken at several fixed spots. The very standard ones like neck, shoulders, chest, arm length, waist, hip; skipping nitty gritty details like upper arms, wrists, mid-rifts etc. But this should do the trick for generally everyone including me.

Having worked for a year, the love for good shirts really grew in me. I loved the fit of my Armani white shirt which I wore for my graduation ball, job interview, convocation, Sunday Times photo shoot featured in my profile picture here, and all important events. However, just one good fitted shirt is not the solution to everything. I decided to try made-to-measure shirts in Bangkok during my most recent trip there due to much lower price and good reviews online. I will probably review them in next post or so if time permits.

I am very particular about my shirts. I want the seam to fall right at the end of my shoulder where it meets my arms. Loves novelty cuffs e.g. cocktail & french cuffs. Contrast but no bad combinations please. No Italian collar for sure. No pockets. Right length, not too long when I tuck out and not too short to show my belly when I raise my arms. Quite hard to get it off-the-rack. Figured out that this could be due to my mum's influence. I grew up to the cluttering of the sewing machine in my house. My late mum used to be a seamstress and tailor of wedding gown and some other apparels.

All in all, I must say, formal wear is not meant to be uncomfortable. I love my made-to-measure shirts.

New!

Write up for TPFC vs GIFC last wednesday!

http://gifc.org.sg/featured/ihata-fires-opening-goal-to-earn-eagles-point

Photo credit: gifc.org.sg