Dear Diary | April 2026 Edition

Hello, A P R I L ❤ 

Welcome to the exciting month of April, because I finally get to take some time off and travel! I am not exploring new places this round, but rather revisiting places that I have fond memories on, appreciating how the places and myself have evolved over time...

Taipei, here I am for the 4th time! ❤ 

08.04.2026 - 12.04.2026 | Taipei bound with the bunch. It was an incredibly fun trip filled with discovering cultural gems in Dadaocheng & Jiufen, indulging in amazing food at Ningxia night market, unleashing our creativity at a tufting workshop, and experiencing The Public House, one of Asia’s Top 50 bars — plus so much more. Having half a day dedicated to my favourite coffee hunting adventure was definitely one of the major highlights. 

淡水 | My favourite Danshui ❤

On this trip, I deliberately made a 2D1N detour to Danshui, a place that is associated with my beautiful memories of watching the pier-side sunsets and the simple joy of biting into a warm, fluffy castella cake. 

While the weather was not as forgiving this time and the sunset fell short of its usual magic, the detour turned out to be special in its own unexpected way. I chanced upon a senior photographer who generously captured a series of beautiful shots for me. Paired with familiar comfort foods I’ve always loved, the trip reminded me that sometimes, the best travel moments aren’t the ones we plan for, but the ones that quietly find us.

16.04.2026 | Back to work and it was my first time playing a role of being a one-day lecturer. Pretty interesting!

Happy weekend in town! ❤

18.04.2026 | Our weekend indulgence in our all-time favourite Tiong Bahru Hainanese chicken rice unexpectedly led us to discover a new love - the Dripping Kaya Cake from Sinpopo. So fragrant and creamy with a perfectly balanced flavours of sweet coconut and pandan. Recommended!

Weekend JB food hunt | Keijometo, Rowan & Parsley & Maya ❤

25.04.2026 - 26.04.2026 | Spending the weekend in JB was pure bliss for me - slow, relaxing, and wonderfully free‑flow. We indulged, as always, in our favourite salmon ochazuke at Keijometo, a comforting ritual we never skip, while also hopping around town to discover charming new cafés along the way.

Thank you April for all the little adventures! ❤

Always looking forward to yet another month filled with new challenges,

fresh experiences, and memories waiting to be made.

Signing off,

FiSh

@ 30.04.2026

Dear Diary | March 2026 Edition

Hello, M A R C H! ❤ 

Welcome to yet another month of being a busy bee... With assignments constantly flowing in, it has been hard to find a moment to breathe or slow down. But I am grateful for the chance to keep learning, growing and improving myself. One task at a time, one small win at a time - slowly but surely making progress. 

Cafe Gyoen Matcha Bar ❤

07.03.2026 | Cravings fixed for high-quality matcha drinks and Teishoku! Honestly, this is one of the best Japanese set meal I've ever had in Singapore - it feels like a "big breakfast", featuring mini onigiri, miso soup, and wholesome sides. The Hokkaido Pork is definitely the show stopper of the meal! 

First time in the West! ❤

13.03.2026 | It is a working Saturday in Singapore's largest outlet mall; all thanks to Capitaland Malls for the opportunity! What we thought would be a quick visit turned into an unexpectedly fruitful shopping trip - with plenty of great deals and surprise finds along the way.

Disney Magic: Drone and Fireworks Show ❤

15.03.2026 | Happy to be here watching fireworks choreographed to beloved Disney songs - I almost teared! Childhood memories relived through a magical 10‑minute show of pyrotechnics, 1,500 drones, and iconic Disney imagery celebrating the launch of Disney Adventure.

Omakase dinner at Sushi Kawasemi ❤

21.03.2026 | This is the best omakase experience I've ever had in Singapore! The art of fish ageing is taken to a whole new level here at Sushi Kawasemi - so creative, sincere, and absolutely mind‑blowing. Every one of the 9 courses, from the first bite to the final dessert, kept wowing me nonstop. Highly recommended for those who would love to splurge for a special celebratory meal. 

Number76, Orchard Central ❤

21.03.2026 | Back to my favourite Number76 hair salon, but first time in the Singapore outlet! The hair stylists here always works their magic on my hair - effortless, sleek, and perfect to my liking. 

Cafe hopping diary at Rise Bakehouse and Chye Seng Huat Hardware ❤

28.03.2026 | It feels great to start the weekend with strong, character‑filled coffee and avocado toast at Chye Seng Huat Hardware, then wrap it up with dreamy cakes and savoury exclusives like the Soft Shell Chilli Crab Rigatoni at Rise Bakehouse. Both cafés easily top my list that I'd return to again and again.

Birthday weekend at Fortuna ❤

29.03.2026 | The final week of March also marks his birthday weekend, and I picked Fortuna to celebrate this special occasion. Ranked No. 33 on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 list, Fortuna is known for its Neapolitan-style “fried and baked” pizza and dough that undergoes a 50‑hour fermentation process for its signature light, airy texture.

While the pizza is wonderfully light yet rich in flavour, the real star is Fortuna’s Prawn Spaghetti - sweet Mazzara king prawns in a deeply flavourful bisque-based sauce, brightened with lemon zest, garlic, and a touch of their signature chili. The portion may be modest, but the intensity and depth of flavour make it a definite must‑order.

Thanks to the friendly staff there for the birthday song singing and helping us with the photo!

Now...looking forward to an exciting month of travels in April!

Signing off,

FiSh

31.03.2026

Dear Diary | February 2026 Edition

Hello, February! ❤

Welcome to the month of Lunar New Year. To me, February is always short, but eventful. It gives a perfect balance of time spent with my precious family, old friends and co-workers.  

Early Valentine's surprise ❤

02.02.2026 | Valentine's came early this year, because I would not be in Singapore on the actual day as it falls too close to Chinese New Year. So here's a huge bouquet of pastel and pearly white roses (my favourites!) for me to appreciate for the next two weeks. 

05.02.2026 | Sunday badminton session. Never miss a chance to smack each other hahahaha. Plus exploring both public and private badminton courts at various areas in Singapore is a fun thing to do too. 

Favourite Korean-style cold buckwheat noodles  ❤

08.02.2026 | Back to one of my favourite places that serve amazingly chewy and refreshing buckwheat noodles with ultra crispy pork cutlet. Only in Mijin, the one and only Singapore branch of a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity @ Gardens by The Bay ❤

08.02.2026 | This festive season, the Flower Dome has blossomed into an enchanting ancient Chinese garden. Taking centre stage are eight majestic horses, symbolising strength, vitality, and success, inspired by the iconic ink painting Ba Jun Tu (八骏图). Surrounded by vibrant seasonal blooms like dahlias and azaleas, the display brings tradition, artistry, and nature together in the most breathtaking way.

Valentine's surprise ❤

14.02.2026 | Here comes another bouquet at home on the actual day of Valentine's (plus some health gifts to cure my current cough condition). Equally pastel and sweet for my liking. Thank you for showering me with love!  

Thank you Papa for preparing the Bird's Nest dessert ❤

15.02.2026 | Homebound, and there I am - sharing the generous gift from my client with the family. A warm bowl of bird’s nest with the family definitely sweetens the moment and soothes the soul. 

Happy Lunar New Year | Welcoming the Year of Crimson Horse!

17.02.2026 | This year’s Chinese New Year is especially meaningful as I celebrate it with my dearest Papa and Aunt. Instead of our usual hotpot reunion dinner, I decided to switch things up with a comforting Poon Choy feast. Surrounded by sumptuous dishes, a lovingly prepared home‑cooked vegetarian meal, and the simple joy of taking photos together amidst the mall’s festive decor, this CNY feels extra warm and memorable. 

 

CNY gathering marathon!

26.02.2026 | Happy to be able to gather and reconnect with people who have been part and parcel of my early days in Singapore. What a lovely way to celebrate this special occasion together! 

2026 Penguin Family Portrait ❤

28.02.2026 | The Penguin Family has grown again! Welcoming our newest little member, Baguette Guin, who waddles in carrying fresh bakes wherever he goes. Lovin' my little penguin clan so much. 

Thank you for the sweet February. ❤

Now...let's go into an exciting month of March!

Signing off,

FiSh

28.02.2026

Dear Diary | January 2026 Edition

J A N U A R Y ❤ 

Hello new year, hello January! ❤ January started off with some family time, plus a dedicated prayer time for Mama's first year death anniversary. The memory of her is still fresh in mind, and I'd always cherish them. 

Badminton session at Singapore's First Badminton Village ❤

07.01.2025 | Back to Singapore, and the first thing I need is to catch up on my badminton trainings. Been weeks of not playing the game, so I'd definitely love to train as much as I can, and continue improving my techniques. Hopefully this will continue to be my healthy routine for 2026. 

So glad to be able to play at one of the state-of-the-art badminton halls in town. Wonderful place with full air-conditioning! 

Keijometo, my favourite cafe in JB ❤ 

10.01.2025 | Day trip in Johor Bahru. It's been almost a year since I last stepped into JB (the last trip was in February 2025). Happy to be indulging into my favourite Salmon Ochazuke and Tamagoyaki Sando in Keijometo. The main highlight of the trip is definitely the much hyped movie, Back to the Past (尋秦記), that relived the childhood TVB memories.

Belated "new year meal" ❤ 

17.01.2025 | We started the tradition of having hotpot on the first day of New Year since last year, and I was secretly wanting to make this a tradition (although my tummy get filled up very quickly with the collagen broth and handmade prawn paste).

New addition to my Starbucks card collection: Year of the Horse 2026 

24.01.2025 | The Year of Horse is filled with adorable merchandise, but the one that truly caught my eye is this lovey-dovey couple horse card. Too cute not to get it! 

Joey Yap's Feng Shui & Astrology Seminar 2026 @ Resorts World Sentosa

31.01.2025 | Ended the month with Joey Yap's Feng Shui seminar, to dive deeper into what 2026 has in store and learn more about BaZi. It was a very interesting and interactive talk, and I find it always fascinating to understand how elements and destiny interact. Time for a renewed motivation to plan ahead with clearer perspective! 

Bumped into the God of Fortune in Sentosa Island!

Thank you, next. ❤

Goodbye to the ultra hectic start of the year (and sickness too!). Time to recalibrate myself for a smoother and more fulfilling year ahead. Way towards more self-care and self-improvement.....

Signing off,

FiSh

31.01.2026

Dear Diary | Recap of 2025

2025; It’s a wrap! ❤

Hi, sweeties! Welcome to the final episode of 2025. Before we dive into December, let’s take a moment to look back at the year and revisit all the year-end roundups I’ve done so far.

Month-by-month highlights in 2025:  

❤ January 2025 - NYE countdown in SG with hotpot as the first meal of the year; 

❤ February 2025 - 人日 celebration and sweet Valentine surprise; 

❤ March 2025 - My first birthday cake attempt in SG; 

❤ April 2025 - Cherry blossom trips to Busan and Hong Kong; 

❤ May 2025 - 520 surprise and Bintan group trip; 

❤ June 2025 - Father's Day celebration at home; 

❤ July 2025 - New shoes for badminton; 

❤ August 2025 - Chill trip to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; 

❤ September 2025 - Handmade pottery class and surprise mooncakes from Hong Kong; 

❤ October 2025 - Jakarta weekend trip, ISCA Run and sponsored Jeju trip; 

❤ November 2025 - Birthday trip to Bintan and new badminton racquet engraved with my name!

And the annual recaps:

❤ 2024: Recap of 2024

❤ 2023: Recap of 2023

❤ 2022: Hello 2022 / One-third of 2022 / July's Shingles Journey / August's Braces Journey / 30th Birthday

❤ 2021: Recap of 2020 up to mid 2021

❤ 2019: First Half of 2019 / Note to Self / 5 Changes in Me After 25 / Second Half of 2019

❤ 2018: My Travel Diary (Jan-June) / Diary: July & August / It's a Wrap (Sept - Dec)
❤ 2017: First Half of 2017 / Second Half of 2017
❤ 2016: Another Step into 2017

❤ 2015: Note to self for a better 2016

❤ 2014: New Year Resolution in 2015 / It's a Wrap for 2014

❤❤❤

December 2025

D E C E M B E R ❤

Hello, December! // December has been the most exciting month of the year as it has fully packed with travel plans. After a long dreadful month of work, it's finally time to relax, play and have fun!

Autumn 2025 in Chugoku-Kyushu Region ❤

05.12.2025 - 13.12.2025 | Autumn in my favourite Japan. ❤❤❤ It felt wonderful to be back to my homeland during my favourite fall season. On this trip, I skipped the usual Kyushu route and took the road less travelled through the Chugoku region, exploring Hiroshima, Miyajima, Onomichi, and Shimonoseki, plus a couple of days unwinding in Kitakyushu, Hakata and Sasaguri, Fukuoka. This marks the unlocking of my 16th and 17th preferecture of Japan - Hiroshima and . Yamaguchi.

Experiencing different scenery brings me joy. Especially when having an up-close experience with my favourite penguins, watching my favourite sunset on the island, embarking on a spiritual tour in Sasaguri, and more. 

Fall foliage at its peak ❤

The best part? Although I arrived few days after the peak autumn foliage, I still managed to do some leaf-hunting and find the perfect spots glowing with red and yellow hues. Every picture painted in red and yellow truly makes my heart felt content and grateful. 

Christmas market is everywhere in Japan ❤

Aside from chasing autumn foliage, the Christmas markets are what I look forward to most, especially in Hakata. This year, however, Kokura and Tenjin Central Park pleasantly surprised me with the best markets I've been in Japan so far. I particularly enjoy watching the river glow with Christmas lights, feeling calm and peaceful as the reflections drift by...

Thank you Japan for the beautiful memories! ❤

Christmas Train Show @ Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay

14.12.2025 | It's almost Christmas time. Stepping into the Christmas train show felt like entering a tiny wonderland, where the soft glow of lights and the gentle motion of the trains made everything slow down. Watching the miniature scenes was quietly magical, as it resembles the simple excitement of the holiday season. 

Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by The Bay ❤

Seeing Christmas Wonderland again - this time with the flying Santa soaring overhead - felt completely different from how it did when I was a kid. What once wasn’t the best experience turned into something joyful, magical and warm in the heart. It felt good to recreate new memories here, as if I am rewriting my own version of Christmas Wonderland with a happier note.

Early Christmas celebration @ Dragonfly Bar ❤

20.12.2025 | It's us spending our weekend together for an early Christmas celebration. Having my cocktail here in the Dragonfly Bar felt like stepping into a hidden bar of Tai Kwun in Hong Kong again. Surrounded by moody lighting, rich textures, and a quiet festive buzz, it was the kind of evening that made time slow down and turned the evening into something deeply personal and unforgettable.

Christmas surprise gift - Huawei Watch GT6 ❤

22.12.2025 | Thank you for the huge surprise! Totally didn't expect to receive such a thoughtful gift for this Christmas, although I did mentioned about this watch when it was first launched in September 2025. The design is very fashionable, and it supports multiple sports modes including badminton and table tennis! Yeay! 

[Final trip of 2025] Family Cruise @ Piano Land ❤

23.12.2025 - 26.12.2025 | Nothing beats ending the year (and welcoming a brand new year) surrounded by the warmth of family. The excitement of my family is priceless, and seeing Papa's happy face light up throughout the 4D3N cruise trip makes every moment even more special. 

Happy to be a tour guide for the family in Phuket, strolling along the nostalgic Soi Romanee and tucking into a hearty dinner in One Chun, the Michelin Guide restaurant. 

❤❤❤

2025 in a nutshell.

Been a pretty good year, as I have been well protected and cared for like a princess everyday. 

This year has been filled with so many new memories and moments of cherishing the people who matter most. 

2025 reminds me that growth isn't always smooth. 

There are repeated mistakes, missed targets and achievements, and milestones that slip by.

But each stumble is also a chance to learn the lessons from the past, recalibrate and keep moving forward. 

Note to self for 2026:

Never stop chasing your dreams;

Life is filled with endless possibilities;

Don't miss the chance to explore every one of them.  

❤❤❤

Have a blessed 2026 ahead!

xoxo,

FiSh

31.12.2025

Dear Diary | November 2025 Edition

N O V E M B E R ❤ 

Hello to my favourite month of November! I felt so blessed because it's a month full of celebrations with the loved ones, family, friends and colleagues. Now, let the photos do the talking...

Jetzt | New toy for the hair!

01.11.2025 | What a good start of the month! Thanks for the many working opportunities with various brands in Singapore / Malaysia ❤ 

“The Sacred Temple of Pizza” | L'antica Pizzeria Da Michele

01.11.2025 | Starting the month with amazing food! Honestly, I think L’Antica is one of the best pizza spots in Singapore. Their pizzas taste amazing, and you can tell they use top-quality, authentic ingredients. I tried their 15-inch Toscana Pizza, and it was incredible — the creamy agerola fior di latte, sharp pecorino romano, fresh rocket, and that rich 30-month-aged Tuscany ham made every bite unforgettable.

Sunflower Surprise @ Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

01.11.2025 | Back to one of our most frequented attractions in Singapore - the lovely Flower Dome - and this round it is the sunniest theme of the year. With 3,000 sunflowers blooming in golden brilliance, it feels like being surrounded by vibrant energy that lifts the mood instantly! 

Badminton game upgraded! ❤

08.11.2025 | Yay, my early birthday gift is here - it's the Yonex Astrox 77 in a vibrant orange tone with my name "ohfishiee" engraved on it. 

It’s hard to believe that we started with simple badminton aback in October 2024! One year of weekly training later, I’m completely hooked. Playing the sport I loved as a kid with Mama brings back so many happy memories :)

Birthday dinner @ Sushisamba Singapore

13.11.2025 | Most of my days in November were filled with work, but we managed to take a pause and celebrate my big day after work, at the 52nd floor world-famous restaurant-bar in the city centre. Savouring the bold fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours while soaking in Singapore’s stunning skyline made the evening extra beautiful and memorable. 

Birthday staycation @ The Bintan Residence ❤

14.11.2025 - 16.11.2025 | It's time of the year for a birthday getaway! Thank you for doing this with me for the 3rd time now :) After Phuket and Macau birthday trips, this round we picked a closer destination to simply relax and indulge into tranquility and delicious food. 

Spending 3D2N here made me truly enjoy the luxury beachfront villa and resort experience with spacious, well-kept rooms, attentive service, and serene surroundings. Perfect as a romantic escape!

Happy birthday to all the November babies! 

22.11.2025 | Birthday celebration continues! Homebound for yet another round of birthday celebration with the loved ones. We love you, Papa! ❤❤ Stay healthy, happy and always content!

Thank you, November for the love and peace. ❤

November has been really sweet to me, but now it’s time for something even more fun and exciting. December is here—the month of cozy vibes, twinkling lights, and all things Christmas. Let’s make this month the happiest one yet!

Signing off,

FiSh

30.11.2025