Frannywanny

The Hungry Ghost Month is finally over! *phew* As much as I try to avoid being overly superstitious, it's hard not to feel a bit fearful towards this dreaded month every year where we're warned to avoid making big decisions, signing contracts, moving to a new home and of course, getting married or doing anything wedding related. It's also this month when Chinese all over the world would take extra pre-caution against accidents and sickness. Finally, it's over and it's time to celebrate! In a week's time, we will be having the Mid-Autumn Festival and it's so interesting to see how one holiday is being celebrated so differently across the region. Here in the Lion City, it's customary for families to light up pretty lanterns and to eat as much mooncakes to their heart's delight. Meanwhile, in Manila, most of us love this time of the year as it's when we play the Mooncake Dice Game (pwa tiong chiu) . I'm so happy that my Fil-Chi friends w...

Crystal Jade Singapore  is celebrating its 25th year this 2016. Since I used to live in the Philippines, I've come to know about the brand barely 6 years ago. However, I will never forget how I immediately fell in love with their signature  Dan Dan La Mian and that's really a big surprise given that I used to have extremely low tolerance for spicy food. To this date, Crystal Jade will always be my go-to place whenever I'm craving for that mouthwatering spicy and peanut-y noodle soup. In a week's time, most parts of Asia will be welcoming the Year of the Red Monkey and we're already feeling the festive season here in Singapore. There are a few things I love about celebrating Chinese New Year here -- tossing our luck in the air with the traditional lo hei , enjoying all of the best ingredients in a pen cai , receiving some hongbao  (red envelopes with money) and lastly, having an abundant supply of mandarin oranges. Back in Manila, we would also eat all the tik...