Category Archives: cooking

Year of the Ape

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Topher Ong

I remember this story that my mum told me. As a child, she visited this family friend’s abode. The house per se was unremarkable, save for one difference maker. The family had a pet monkey. Not just for beautification purposes; … Continue reading →

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The Lettuce Crunch

Posted on June 18, 2022 by Topher Ong

In recent days, the lowly iceberg lettuce has been caught in a storm. Previously, shoppers paid little attention to this sandwich staple, which sat meekly at $1.99 per piece. In many years of buying groceries, I could say that people … Continue reading →

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Lent 2022: abstinence, fasting, and prayer

Posted on March 13, 2022 by Topher Ong

On 2 March 2002 was Ash Wednesday. Mass is usually observed on this date. In school, there was an Ash Wednesday mass and as a result, all students would have a black mark on their heads. The placing of ashes … Continue reading →

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‘Gone in a flash!’

Posted on December 11, 2021 by Topher Ong

The aftermath of COVID has seen the closure of many stores. The months-long lockdown and lack of clients precipitated their downfalls. Some are lucky enough to still be standing. These are usually mid-level and high-volume franchises. They can afford to … Continue reading →

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‘Lost in Translation’

Posted on December 4, 2021 by Topher Ong

We live in a multicultural society. We speak different languages at home. Though we live in the same setting, we come from different backgrounds. We have dissimilar interests. English is deemed the national language but we all have varying levels … Continue reading →

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Second banana

Posted on November 6, 2021 by Topher Ong

Minimalist work seems to be catching on in the art scene. A few years ago, a Banksy painting was sold for millions at auction, only for the picture to be shredded seconds later, the highly original piece had the art … Continue reading →

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In honour of my father

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Topher Ong

Today, 5 September, marks Father’s Day in Australia. Unlike other countries such as the US and the UK, our celebration falls on the first Sunday of September. For most of us, our dads fill an important role in our lives. … Continue reading →

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A Broadway Shopping Spree

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Topher Ong

Last weekend, we visited Broadway Shopping Centre. The mall is in the southern end of the Sydney CBD (Central Business District). Public transport isn’t as good as comparable centres downtown. Buses are the only proximate means; otherwise, you’d have to … Continue reading →

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Hunter Connection (Wynyard, NSW)

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Topher Ong

Today we’re going to review a shopping and gastronomy hub in the heart of Sydney. Hunter Connection (HC) has a strategic location. HC sits adjacent to Wynyard train station, near the northern end of the Central Business District (CBD). The … Continue reading →

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Westfield Eastgardens reviewed

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Topher Ong

Last week, I got my first-ever glimpse of Westfield Eastgardens. Since forever, I’ve shunned visiting this mall since it’s quite far. The centre is located at corner Bunnerong Road and Wentworth Avenue in the Sydney suburb of Eastgardens. There is … Continue reading →