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

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