Dear Diary | September 2026 Edition

Hello, September ❤ 

3 months left before 2026 comes to an end. September was a month of deadlines, study notes, late nights, and endless calendar blocks. A month of growth, learning, and more farewells than expected.

Farewell ❤ 

03.09.2026 | Farewell to my girl at work :( Nobody talks about how hard it is when colleagues become friends. This month has been filled with farewell lunches, watching people I've worked with for the past 4 years leave, one by one. Happy for their next chapter, but a little sad that this one is ending.

 

Weekend with colleagues-turned-friends ❤ 

12.09.2026 | So many things to catch up on. Happy to see everyone growing, thriving, and pursuing what they truly love. Looking forward to creating more memories and spending more time together outside of work!

Filled in the Blank ❤ 

19.09.2026 | Back to café-hopping, even amidst the chaos of work. We tried the Laksa Risotto at Filled in the Blank and it did not disappoint. Creamy, spicy, comforting, and everything I needed after a long week. While the service tested my patience, the dish was worth the wait. 

A small reminder that it is okay to slow down and enjoy the little things, no matter how busy life gets.

Happy to carry the Milo lil' peanut waffle plush sling bag around the town!

The waffle duo was just too adorable to resist. ❤

Another week, another farewell ❤ 

21.09.2026 | Saying goodbye to the person I've worked closely with over the past four years. Ending the day with a delicious Japanese feast and the beautiful Marina Bay Sands skyline in the background.

A simple mid-autumn dinner ❤ 

25.09.2026 | In between busy schedules and endless to-do lists, it was nice to slow down for a simple Mid-Autumn dinner. We started with Torisanwa's special chicken broth ramen and ended on a sweet note with the ever memorable tiramisu from L'Atelier. Simple food, good company, and a wonderful Mid-Autumn celebration :)

No shortage of mooncakes this year. Thank you for all the delicious festive treats!

Mid-autumn Celebration in Jurong Lake Garden ❤ 

26.09.2026 | A beautiful evening filled with festive cheer, stunning views of the iconic pagoda, vibrant festive decorations, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments in Jurong Lake Gardens. Thankful for the lively atmosphere, and the chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the season!

Ending the month with a tax exam ❤ 

26.09.2026 | Feeling grateful for this opportunity to pursue my tax studies since August. Juggling work and monthly exams is definitely not easy, and there are days when it feels overwhelming. But growth happens outside of our comfort zone, and I'm determined to see this through. One exam at a time!

 Biggest surprise of the month - Early birthday gift! ❤❤❤ 

Thank you for the biggest surprise of the month, although my birthday is 1.5 months away. The thoughtful gesture truly caught me off guard and made an already hectic month a little brighter.

Goodbye, September. Before I knew it, you were gone. This month was filled with work, studies, farewells, and unexpected moments of kindness. While work took up most of my time and energy, leaving little room for my health and personal growth, September also reminded me to appreciate the people around me and the small moments that make the busy days worthwhile.

As we enter the final quarter of the year, it's time to make small changes, be kinder to myself, take better care of my well-being, and start prioritising the things that matter too. 

❤❤❤

Let's go into the last quarter of the year. Bring on the challenge!

Signing off, 

FiSh @ 30.09.2026

Dear Diary | August 2026 Edition

Hello, August! ❤❤❤

It's a full month of grinding. A never ending loop of work, studies and reel filming in between. 31 days flew past way too quickly now and I barely recalled what had I actually done throughout the month...

Favourite Uya @ Wheelock Place

01.08.2026 | Missing Japan already! First weekend of returning from Hokkaido and I miss the delicious unagi don I had at the Kansai Airport. Hence, Uya was the place to-go for fixing the craving of smoky, beautifully-grilled unagi. 

Weekend in KL | Hakshan & General Store Cafe

08.08.2026 | It was a long weekend in Singapore, so I returned to KL for a quick getaway with the family. And yes, I skipped the National Day fireworks this year. Honestly, spending that quiet time with my loved ones felt much better.

Typical weekend in SG | Cafe hopping and food review

15.08.2026 | One of my favourite things about weekends in Singapore is discovering great food. This weekend's adventure included dim sum at Shang Society, desserts at my go-to spot Rise Bakehouse, and a delicious Korean BBQ dinner at Bae Sik Dang. Thanks to Bae Sik Dang for the warm invite! 

21.08.2026 | Happy QiXi!

Hello, Douglas Lim in Singapore!

22.08.2026 | First ever live stand-up comedy experience, and what a way to start! Caught Malaysia's King of Comedy, Douglas Lim, live in Singapore with his Vital Stats special. A pleasant afternoon full of laughter, sharp observations, and great energy!

Sin and Savage @ Stirling View

23.08.2026 | Made a detour to Sin & Savage for their famous Biscoff doughnut, but the real surprise was the Showstopper Bagel. Packed with smoked salmon, creamy avocado and generous dill sauce, paired with warm latte, it was the kind of brunch that makes us plan our next visit before I've even left.

Kirin Ichiban's First Press Studio pop-up 

29.08.2026 | Visiting the pop-up kinda brought me back the memories of the Sapporo Beer Museum. We started with a short interactive workshop where we got to make our own wooden coaster, before exploring the art installations and unlimited beer tasting. Thanks for the fun little experience with good vibes and plenty of beer!

❤❤❤

Goodbye August. 

Till then, entering into the busiest months of the year now.

Signing off,

FiSh @ 31.08.2026

Dear Diary | July 2026 Edition

Hello, July ❤ 

Welcome to the second half of the year! ❤ July marks the month I embark on a new role at work, with greater responsibilities and excitements.  

Thank you to the version of myself 4 years ago for taking the leap and moving to Singapore, and to the version of myself 10 months ago for having the courage to change direction within the firm. 

The journey, the progress and the growth I've experienced wouldn't have been possible without the right opportunities, the right people and a little bit of stars aligning. While I'm incredibly grateful for how far I've come, I'd wish Mama is here to witness this. Wish to make her proud again...

Hello to the 1st @ Keen's Bagelry ❤ 

01.07.2026 | Celebrating the start of FY2027 with lunch buddies at work. May this be another smooth-sailing year ahead for all of us. 

Hello to the beautiful House of Tan Yeok Nee ❤ 

04.07.2026 | Built in the late 1800s by Teochew tycoon Tan Yeok Nee, this beautifully preserved mansion is one of Singapore's last surviving traditional Chinese villas. Loved how the House of Tan Yeok Nee has been thoughtfully restored, now bringing the rich history, culture, and stories of the Teochew community to life. A timeless piece of Singapore's heritage that is well worth a visit. 

Bar Kap @ House of Tan Yeok Nee ❤ 

04.07.2026 | It was a weekend for celebration, so we were at Bar Kap, a hidden bar within the historic House of Tan Yeok Nee which blends Teochew heritage with a modern cocktail and dining experience. The cool, intimate vibes make it the perfect spot to unwind. 

The Mee Kapitan was packed with flavours, the Assam Prawn struck a satisfying balance of tangy and spicy, and the TCM Drawer No. 3 cocktail was a delightful blend of coconut and gula melaka. We added a shot of rum for an extra kick, and it took the drink to a whole new level.

Unexpected gift on a chillax Sunday ❤ 

05.07.2026 | Found a new favourite! The Starbucks Croissant Bearista is just too cute that I fell in love with it the moment I saw it on social media. Every little detail was absolutely adorable, and it instantly made my day. Thank you for showering me with this gift without hesitation. I'll be cherishing this little Bearista for a long time.

Omakase dinner at Sushi Tenrai ❤ 

08.07.2026 | Weekday date night at Sushi Tenrai. We opted for the Sakura Course ($98), which began with a refreshing serving of cold somen, followed by 12 pieces of sushi and a mini negitoro ikura bowl, before ending on a sweet note with a custard egg cake. Overall, it was a pleasant and enjoyable meal, though it didn't quite leave a lasting impression on my palate.

Weekend in Joo Chiat ❤ 

11.07.2026 | Back in Joo Chiat for a day of exploring its vibrant eateries and squeezing in an impromptu photoshoot to put the new gear to the test - the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G ultra-wide lens. A perfect excuse to wander the charming streets, chase good food, and capture a fresh perspective along the way.

We revisited two of our favourites, 328 Katong Laksa and June Coffee, both of which continue to serve up genuinely good food and coffee. Chin Mee Chin's toast, however, didn't quite live up to the hype for us and is probably one we can skip next time.

The day wrapped up nicely with a stroll through East Coast Park before a satisfying dinner. Overall, it was a delicious Saturday spent eating, exploring, and soaking in the East Coast vibes.

H O K K A I D O ❤❤❤

16.07.2026 - 25.07.2026 | A much needed getaway is finally happening! Work has had me feeling like a pressure cooker lately, one whistle away from exploding. Time to trade deadlines for greenery, noise for silence, and stress for a little nature therapy in my favourite homeland - JAPAN ❤

Biei -- Furano -- Otaru -- Toyako -- Hakodate -- Sapporo -- Chitose -- Narita ❤

There goes our 8 days exploring Hokkaido! Experiencing the vibrant colours of summer in Hokkaido has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. From scenic road trips through picturesque countryside landscapes to spontaneous discoveries of hidden gems along the way, every day brought something new and memorable. 

The freedom of having a rental car in Hokkaido led us to charming towns, breathtaking flower fields, tranquil lakes, and unexpected moments that could never have been planned. It was a journey filled with adventure, surprises, and unforgettable memories.

Beautiful Hakodate ❤

Hakodate turned out to be one of the most delightful discoveries of our Hokkaido road trip. A charming port town filled with historic churches, fresh and delicious kaisendon, the stunning Mount Hakodate night view that ranks among Japan's Top 3, and the iconic star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Every stop revealed something special, making Hakodate a place that exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impression on us.

Gonna miss all the great food we had throughout the trip!

Vibrant Sapporo City ❤

Spending just two nights in Sapporo was definitely not enough to explore everything the city has to offer. Beyond its vibrant food scene, lively shopping districts, and beautiful cityscape, there was so much more left undiscovered. 

Hokkaido has a unique charm in every season, and this summer trip has only made me want to come back again. Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to return in a different season, whether to witness the colourful autumn foliage, the magical winter snow, or the fresh blooms of spring, and experience a completely different side of this beautiful island!

Thank you, July for the beautiful memories! ❤ 

Signing off,

FiSh 

@ 31.07.2026

Dear Diary | June 2026 Edition

Hello, June ❤ 

It's time to bid goodbye to the first half of 2026. Time flies so quickly this month, but I am glad to be able to take a couple of days off to spend some good quality time with myself and family. ❤

Happy looong weekend! ❤

01.06.2026 | Kickstarting the month of June with a long weekend staycation in Opero Hotel, Johor Bahru. As a relatively new hotel, there is plenty of room for improvement in terms of overall standards. Definitely not be my first choice for future stays at the moment.

That said, the saving grace is the abundance of great food options nearby the hotel, including my all-time favourite Salmon Ochazuke from Keijometo Cafe and Curry Katsu Rice from Maya Restaurant. 

Exploring new eatery: KOMÉ Café ❤

02.06.2026 | Finally discovered something new to try - the signature Salmon Teriyaki Onigiri Teishoku at KOMÉ Café. It is a comforting, balanced meal featuring perfectly seared, glazed salmon paired with fluffy Okinawa-style stuffed rice balls. This set is beautifully rounded out with traditional sides, fresh salads, and miso soup. Would love to be back again! 

Summer Berries Afternoon Tea, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel ❤

06.06.2026 | Afternoon well-spent in Orchard, sampling a seasonal garden-inspired menu, featuring bright fruit-shaped pastries, warm scones, savouries, and free-flow TWG tea. Not the best afternoon tea I've sampled, but definitely a good spot to relax on a weekend afternoon. 

Pooh's Grand Friendship Party @ Gardens by The Bay

12.06.2026 | What an adorable date with Pooh and friends! Came here to sing and dance together with the super-sized inflatables of Pooh and friends in conjunction with the 100 years celebration of Winnie the Pooh. 

Despite the intense heat and immense crowd, it was a fun day out with my favourite honey-loving bear.

Not forgetting to mention I won myself a cute Pooh bear pin too!

Happy Father's Day! ❤

20.06.2026 | Homebound for this special day. The best part about clearing my annual leaves is to be able to stay close to my dearest family for the week, and indulge in great Hakka food with them. Thank you Papa for the quiet support and love that never asked for credit, but made all the difference in my life. ❤❤❤

Besties' dinner date ❤

Thanks for accompanying me for a swanky evening!

Self-pampering day at my favourite Number76 ❤

22.06.2026 | Spending a couple more days in KL catching up with friends and enjoying some self-pampering time was pure bliss. It gave me the chance to truly disconnect, especially knowing that the second half of 2026 will be incredibly hectic, with greater responsibilities and commitments ahead.

Yān Huǒ Bar & Restaurant (烟伙餐厅) ❤

25.06.2026 | Thank you, Yān Huǒ, for such a delicious meal. This newest bistro on Cross Street perfectly blends modern Chinese elements with vintage charm, serving up elevated Sichuan dishes in a beautifully nostalgic setting.

Laifaba @ New Bahru

27.06.2026 | Final weekend of June. And we found a new place with delicious crackling roasted pork and wood-fired pork jowl. Definitely one of the best in town! 

Simple Sunday routine ❤

28.06.2026 | Thank you my pudgy for my favourite homemade omelette sandwich for lunch, followed by a cup of bright, fruity iced drip coffee and weekly badminton session on a Sunday. Lovin' how simple but comfortable my Sunday is. 

❤❤❤

Now I am ready for the second half of the 2026. Bring it on!

Signing off, 

FiSh @ 30.06.2026

Dear Diary | May 2026 Edition

Hello, May ❤ 

May has been an eventful month, with plenty of excitements lining up throughout the month. Glad to have some pockets of time to breathe, amid the rush of demanding days and restless schedules.

Love from Shanghai ❤

04.05.2026 | Yay! Finally got my hands on the ultra cute McHugs skier penguin which I saw since the last Taipei trip - now my fluffy little favourite. Aside from that, I am blessed to be showered with so many thoughtful gifts from Shanghai, a city named after my initials. Thank you :') 

McHugs Penguin Galore ❤ 

06.05.2026 | The story with my McHugs penguin didn’t end there. I am so grateful to collaborate with the brand for their flagship store opening at VivoCity Singapore, making it even more special with another adorable penguin joining my ever-growing penguin family.

Lean & Rich Bakery @ UE Square 

09.05.2026 | A café-hopping weekend led me to Lean & Rich, a Korean bakery where the name tells its own story. "Lean" for light, low-fat dough, and "Rich" for indulgent bakes filled with butter, eggs, and sugar. True to its name, every bite here strikes a balance between the two.

My favourite? The croissant! No glossy shine, but deliciously crisp. Each bite is bursting with deep, buttery richness. Would love to be back here for more. 

Home reunion ❤ 

16.05.2026 | Homebound. For great food, close companions and happy chats. Thank you Papa for always pampering me with delicious bowl of bird's nest! 

520 Bouquet ❤

20.05.2026 | Happy 520! Miles apart, but he still managed to shower me with a stunning bouquet for the special occasion. Paired with this beautiful handmade portrait we got from Chinatown a couple of weeks ago, my heart is so full. Such lovely gift! 

Love from Hong Kong ❤

25.05.2026 | It's been a year since the last visit to Hong Kong. Seeing these gifts from homeland definitely brings back alot of memories. Lovin' the familiar flavours of cookies, coffee, milk tea and everything in between. Thank you :') 

Punggol exploration day! ❤

27.05.2026 | It was a public holiday and we were here exploring Punggol Coast for the second time. We stumbled upon the all-new Punggol Coast Mall and finally checked out the newest Two Men Bagel House outlet. We dug into the Finding Nemo - an outlet-exclusive, pure-seafood bagel packed with fried fish, a sunny egg, and rich salted egg sauce. So gooood! 

KFF Badminton Open 2026 @ Singapore Indoor Stadium

30.05.2026 | Ending the month of May with watching world-class badminton live. As it was my first time here, the experience was thrilling, especially when I heard the sharp, satisfying "crack" of every perfectly struck smash. Elite smashes can travel over 400km/h, creating a truly explosive experience!

❤❤❤

Till then, see you in June!

Signing off,

FiSh @ 31.05.2026