Romantic Places in Singapore

Ha I've always grumbled at the lack of night activity in Singapore. Other than the famous Mount Faber and East Coast Park where many people go to snog (ha!), there simply isn't much other places to visit in Singapore! Hence I've decided to do all you guys a favor and started to do some research. With the help of some clicks and the magnificent power of the web, tada!

Here are some interesting information for all couples (Taken from here):

Anderson Bridge

Opened since 1910, Anderson Bridge was to replace the congested Cavenagh Bridge as it was unable to cope with the increasing traffic. Lovers love to gaze at the moon or look at their reflections on the waters.

Arts House, Trendiest Restaurants

This is where Singapore's only the latest arts and heritage scene showcasing many of the artist and their works. With various programmes and events held here, these will keep you amuse with the arts and lifestyle.

Cable Car

You are above 70 metres above sea level. And yet you could dine in the cable car with your loved ones. This Valentine would be extremely different, and especially fun.

City Hall, A Favourite Photo Location

The elegant City Hall which sits adjacently to the Supreme Court is distinguished known for its Corinthian pillars and the huge flights of steps beneath. A building with great memories.

Esplanade - A Romantic Date Out

Opened since 5 July 2005, Esplanade is Singapore's most exciting performance. Located at the waterfront, Esplanade is known for its dome shaped roofs, where from afar they could look like a durian, or a bug's eyes.

Fort Canning Hill, A favourite Love Haunt Spot

Fort Canning has a long history that goes as far as the 14th century when it was still during the reign of the Malay Kingdom, Temasek.

Glass-top boats along Singapore River

Hop on, cruise down the Singapore River, in this white Glass Top Boat. Share your love and romance with an exciting and invigorating ride as this would be the best way to see Singapore's own heritage, cruising its way on the historic river.

HSBC Treetop Walk @ MacRitchie Reservoir

A wild date anyone? The HSBC Treetop Walk would be best for those who are fit for a good 11km hike and isn't acrophobia. Located in the forest of MacRitchie Reservoir, the first Singapore's reservoir, built in the 1860s.

Mount Faber Park

With the picturesque view of our busy city skyline and harbour view, Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest parks in Singapore, this is a favourite hotspot for lovers to linger and whispering sweet nothings to each other.

Spa Botanica - A World of Serenity

This is the first tropical garden spa. This could be your romantic retreat for lovers out there, offering beautiful gardens, outdoor mud pools, pavilions and Galaxy Steam baths, pampering yourselves with a tinge of modern and traditional health.

Suntec City’s Fountain of Wealth, Ideal Spot to Propose!

Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth is the world's largest fountain made of bronze in the 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of Records.

The Cliff @ Sentosa Resort, Spend a Romantic Evening Here!

At The Sentosa Resort, you will find the Cliff. This Cliff is one of the top spots for fine dining in Singapore and the World's Gourmet Summit Best New Restaurant winner.

The Scarlet, A Romantic, Luxurious Getaway Hotel

This is the romantic, luxurious getaway. A truly unique hotel to Singapore. A design with wild imagination and senses. Opened since 2004, the Scarlet houses two restaurants and a bar, with names are associated with their different surrounding.

Tong Heng Confectionary, Pastries Symbolizing love and romance

What could be a confectionary be so romantic about? Located in Chinatown, South Bridge Road, Tong Heng Chinese confectionary has been around since the 1920, are now known for their long history of their gorgeous pastries.

Yueh Hai Ching Temple, The Love Temple in Singapore

This is one of the oldest temples in Singapore, which was built back in the 1820s by mainly sailors and traders from China to seek the god's help for safety on the rough seas.

Changi Beach: A reminder of the Japanese Occupation

The grim history of Changi Beach dates back during the World War II and Japanese Occupation. It was the site for the massacre of 66 Chinese men by the Japanese soldiers.

East Coast Park Beach : Activities for everyone

Situated on the south-eastern front of the island, this is the longest and most popular beach stretch in Singapore.

Punggol Beach: Punggol Sea Sports Club

A quiet neighbourhood in the northeastern part of Singapore, Punggol has transformed itself into a new residential community. The Punggol area was once dotted with farmhouses, rearing poultry, pig and fish farming, as well as plantations.

Sembawang Beach : Catch the Sembawang Hot Spring here!

The serene beach and its pleasant park, was formerly land occupied by the British Forces. At the Sembawang Jetty, stood the former colonial residence of Admiral Beaulieu, which was restored.

Sentosa Palawan Beach

Great thing about living in Singapore is that weekend getaways are just a hop, skip and jump away. Palawan Beach is a great escape for all workaholics. Slap on some block, chill and connect with nature.

Sentosa Siloso Beach : Hip, Trendy, The place for every Beach Bum

It’s hip, trendy and home to beach volleyball buffs. Every beach bum wants to be spotted in this long and broad beachfront.

Sentosa Tanjong Beach : Clear Water, Golden Sand & Alive at Night

Many have claimed that this is the best bay by far. Peaceful even on weekends, Tanjong Beach has clear water, golden sand, plenty of palm trees to lie under, and little shingled shelters. Perfect!

Ang Mo Kio Garden East

Previously a rubber estate, this park boasts groves of rubber trees as well as other economically trees such as nutmeg & cinnamon. Sculptures of rubber seeds and nutmegs installed enhance the trees found here.

Ang Mo Kio Garden West

The bigger of the two parks in Ang Mo Kio was built on a hillock. A 120-step staircase will take you to a pergola and plaza. From there you can view the lush expanding floral and fauna.

Bedok Reservoir Park

Developed around the picturesque and serene Bedok Reservoir, this park is popular for jogging. Jog-a-thons are held regularly here by schools and organizations.

Bedok Town Park

Screening off Bedok Estate from the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) is Bedok Town Park. This park is built on an undulating terrain with high mounds.

Bishan Park

This park with its lakes and bridges, colourful shrubs and lush greenery is one of the largest and most popular parks in Singapore. Built in 1988, it sits between 2 housing estates, Ang Mo Kio and Bishan.

Bukit Batok Nature Park

This park was developed on an empty quarry site in 1988. The terrain is undulating and footpaths are meandering. Several look-out points reaching more than 10 storeys high provide breath-taking views.

Bukit Batok Town Park

Known as Little Guilin or “Xiao Guilin” among the locals, this park looks similar to that of Guilin in China – a granite rock sitting within a lake. The park has a narrow strip of land, beautifully landscaped and provided with footpaths.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Step into the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and you will experience nature in an untouched form. A mere 12km from the bustling city, the 164 hectare (400 acres) Reserve includes Singapore’s highest hill.

Changi Beach Park

One of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore, this place brings back memories for Singaporeans who frequented this area in the 60s and 70s. The park is 3.2km long with stretches of sandy beaches between Changi Point and Changi Ferry Road.

Clementi Woods Park

The wooded ambience of the park, with its tall mature trees and natural vegetation, is a welcoming retreat for those looking for a quiet, cool stroll in the morning or evening.

East Coast Park Beach

Situated at the south-eastern part of the island, East Coast Park Beach is the largest and the most popular park in Singapore. Themed “Recreation for All”, this park offers a wide array of facilities.

Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore. Built in 1943, it was re-developed in 1991 to enhance the Civic District’s identity. There are many historical landmarks in this park which are of interest to tourists and locals alike.

Fort Canning Hill Park

Previously known as Central Park, this 19-ha "hill of history" was the residence of Sir Stamford Raffles, who established his government house on this hill in 1819.

Fort Tanjong Katong at Katong Park

Although Tanjong Katong Park is a popular picnic place for residences in the Meyer Road and Tanjong Rhu areas, this park was actually a heavily armed fortress during the time of British colonization.

Istana Park

Singapore’s premier park, Istana Park, offers a number of unique features not found in other parks on the island. The Festival Arch is the centerpiece of this 1.3-ha park.

Kallang Riverside Park

Built on both sides of the river, this park is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. On weekends, canoers and water-skiers gather to practice, display their skills or take part in water-sports competitions.

Kent Ridge Park

The design of the park takes full advantage of the natural vegetation and topography of the site. Various look-out points offer visitors magnificent views of the off-shore islands like Pulau Darat.

Labrador Park

The park is famous for its World War II relics and bunkers. Visitors can experience a chapter of Singapore’s past by walking along the history trail.

Lower Seletar Reservoir

Located at the northern shore of Lower Seletar Reservoir, this parkland is largely flat with some undulating terrain that provides a pleasant place for your leisurely strolls or a jog.

Mac Ritchie Reservoir & Park

Forests in the more accessible southern area of this 2,000-ha reserve are mostly mature 90-year-old secondary forest with some primary forest patches.

Marina Promenade

Running along the shoreline of Marina Centre, this city park overlooks the towering skyscrapers of CBD. Stunning panoramic views of the city skyline enveloped in the night lights make for beautiful photographs of downtown Singapore.

Mount Faber Park

One of the oldest parks in Singapore, Mount Faber Park is a popular tourist destination. From this park, they can take a cable car to Sentosa Island or they can enjoy the panoramic view of the Southern part of Singapore and its islands.

National Orchid Garden

The National Orchid Garden was opened on 20th October 1995 by Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew. It is situated on the highest hill in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Pasir Ris Park

Developed on reclaimed land, this coastal park is one of the largest parks in Singapore. The distinguishing feature of this park is the carefully preserved 6-ha mangrove swamp.

Pearl’s Hill City Park

This park was built around a reservoir on top of a hill tucked away at a corner of Chinatown. You can experience peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Punggol Park

Developed with the theme “Family Leisure”, this park has many facilities to cater to the young and old. The play and fitness equipment for active recreation, open lawn areas for picnics or kite-flying, a wooded area for leisurely strolls.

Sembawang Park

The distinctive blue dice design found on the park furniture will greet visitors to Sembawang Park.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Don't leave Singapore without a visit to the more than 140-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens, a revered horticultural masterpiece and verdant oasis lying close to the busy Orchard Road area. It

Sun plaza Park

Sunplaza Park is a place full of innovations to create and sustain vibrancy and activities. Located at Tampines Avenue 7 and 9, the 9.6-ha park has its characteristics of bright colours and dynamic symbols to greet the visitors.

Sungei Buloh

The 130-hectare Wetland Reserve is an internationally significant link in the regional chain of stopovers for birds on the great annual north-south migration from September through to March.

Telok Blangah Hill Park

Aptly themed “Recapturing the Past Splendor”, Telok Blangah Hill Park has a history that few other parks can boast about. This park has long been a place of gathering for trading communities who flourished at the site since the early 19th century.

Toa Payoh Park

A popular park in the 70s, Toa Payoh Park was rejuvenated in the early 90s to meet present needs. The main features are the Observation Tower and the landscaped pond.

War Memorial Park

This park is a prominent and well-known feature of the Civic District because of the War Memorial, fondly remembered as the “The Chopsticks”. This memorial is dedicated to the civilians killed during WWII.

West Coast Park

West Coast Park was first developed in 1979 on a piece of reclaimed land off West Coast Highway, covering an area of 50-ha. It has since been well used by residents from the western region of Singapore.

Woodlands Town Park

If you are around Woodlands New Town, drop by Woodlands Town Park and enjoy the greenery and ambience the park has to offer. Look out for the design of the park amenities that has both Malay and Chinese Elements.

Yishun Park

Developed on an old rubber estate, the park features a hill with natural vegetation. A SAFRA clubhouse has been built within the park. You can see tropical fruit trees such as durian, rambutan

Coming next, places to visit when your stomach protest in hunger in the middle of the night! Stay tuned!

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What a Party!

What happens if you are a rich old man who recently found out that you are diagnosed with a terminal disease?

In such circumstance, my grand uncle actually splurged his money on a 'party' (that was held outside his bungalow), and invited people that he has known in his lifetime. Even with simple mathematics calculation, the number of guests that attended the party was quite a huge crowd. He even invited the MP of his district! However most of the guests there were unfamiliar even though they were supposed to be my mom's extended relatives. What made things worse was that there wasn't much food left when dear and I arrived. Sigh

Here were the food that were remaining:

And my family:

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To-Do List

For some strange reason, I was convicted in my heart to write out this to-do list while dad was driving home from church yesterday. What made this to-do list even more different than other lists is that, I was determined to make it come to pass.

To Do # 1:

Start Writing a Bible Journal

This idea was introduced by Van during one of the band devotions. It is based on 4 alphabet as abbreviations -

S (Scripture): Pick a scripture while reading the Word

O (Observation): What do you observe from this scripture?

A (Application): How can you apply it in your life?

P (Prayer): Make this scripture a prayer!

To Do # 2:

Ask God for an Extreme Makeover

I guess this is a constant thing we should be doing because our ultimate aim is to be more like Christ yea?

To Do #3:

Begin Healthy Habits

This would be tough because we humans are just lazy asses. Ha! But I figured we have to start somewhere in our life to make a choice! And since we are habitual creatures, healthy habits would make us healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually right?

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The Test

The result - Failed. Reason? Haha I striked a kerb and hence immediate failure. Oh well, I finally empathized with Bernard haha. Nonetheless, I did enjoy myself through the process, it was fun! Thanks for all your prayers people! I wasn't nervous, I was calm, I wasn't distracted, and God really answered all your prayers! Too bad no one prayed that I'd pass.. Ha!

My next test would be September 11, what a memorable day! But this date is subjected to changes cos of school.

Anyway I want to thank God for making a way for me to take the test. I almost couldn't make it due to some documents complication. I'll fill you in if you ask me personally. So thank You Jesus! You made a way again!

I want to thank you dear, for being there for me, and even coming early to 'surprise' me. Your presence was indeed comforting and assuring. Thank you for being there and helping me to get my documents done as well. Thank you for waiting, thank you for cheering me up!

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Worms Ahoy!

Oh my goodness! I think I finally know the probable reason behind this constant struggle of anemia, bloody stools, weight loss.

Whip worm several hundred million are infected worldwide.	1 to 2 inches long	The symptoms of whipworms are bloody stools, pain in the lower abdomen, weight loss, nausea, and anemia.
Tapeworm	up to 35 feet long. they lay million eggs per day	There are usually no symptoms of tapeworm. They are detected in the stool sample. The infected person may have dizziness, vomiting, hunger or loss of appetite or weight loss.

Oh no, I think I should see a doctor soon.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort are the main symptoms of IBS. However, symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have constipation, which means hard, difficult-to-pass, or infrequent bowel movements. Often these people report straining and cramping when trying to have a bowel movement but cannot eliminate any stool, or they are able to eliminate only a small amount. If they are able to have a bowel movement, there may be mucus in it, which is a fluid that moistens and protect passages in the digestive system. Some people with IBS experience diarrhea, which is frequent, loose, watery, stools. People with diarrhea frequently feel an urgent and uncontrollable need to have a bowel movement. Other people with IBS alternate between constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes people find that their symptoms subside for a few months and then return, while others report a constant worsening of symptoms over time.

What causes IBS?

Researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS. One theory is that people who suffer from IBS have a colon, or large intestine, that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. The immune system, which fights infection, may also be involved.

What is the treatment for IBS?

Unfortunately, many people suffer from IBS for a long time before seeking medical treatment. Up to 70 percent of people suffering from IBS are not receiving medical care for their symptoms. No cure has been found for IBS, but many options are available to treat the symptoms. Your doctor will give you the best treatments for your particular symptoms and encourage you to manage stress and make changes to your diet.

(Taken from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/)

Ahhhhh shucks. I think I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If not, then I have a pipe that links from my mouth all the way down to my rectum. Ha!

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Substance Before Form

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Pastor Andrew Yeo reminded me last week of how we are wonderfully and fearfully made. He went on to elaborate that God knew our substance before our form, that's why for Job's case, God knew that Job would pass the test because God made Job. God knew the substance in Job, and God allowed Satan to test him, in full knowledge and confidence that Job would emerge victorious; and Job did.

This brings me to a whole new revelation for trials and temptations. All this while in my growing up, I've only known of trials as tests in our lives and opportunities for us to rely on God for His strength and guidance. Now, I know that God ordained trials and temptations in my life, because He knows what I'm made of, He knows the substance in me, He knows that I will emerge victorious.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Thank You Jesus because You are all knowing. Forgive me for not seeing things through Your eyes, for not seeing the big picture. You reign Lord, You reign :)

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Happy Birthday Ken!

Happy 18th Birthday Ken :)

You are finally considered legal to do alot of things! Nah that's not the point right? Hahaha anyway thanks for the great party, the food was great, the people were great, and the cake was fantastic!

Don't fret guys, the rest of the photos are up here!

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Airport Adventures: Trip #1

Had a fever and a persistent headache today, hence I was away from work. But that didn't stop me from wanting to have fun and feel normal! So dear did the ultimate sweet thing by coming to pick me up (all the way from his house and that's like the other end of Singapore) and we decided to head off to our usual hangout - Changi Airport Terminal 3 :)

Lol I think why we've been chilling out there is because T3 is air-conditioned, classy, and it makes you feel comfortable with all the open concept weird-like-structures and carpets. Ha but for those who are driving cars, don't park there cos it's pricey :(

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Oprahism

Oprah Winfrey - one of the world's most influential and richest woman, and to some, she's the modern spiritual icon that they've looked up to.

Spiritual icon

In 2002, Christianity Today published an article called "The Church of O" in which they concluded that Winfrey had emerged as an influential spiritual leader. "Since 1994, when she abandoned traditional talk-show fare for more edifying content, and 1998, when she began 'Change Your Life TV', Oprah's most significant role has become that of spiritual leader. To her audience of more than 22 million mostly female viewers, she has become a postmodern priestess—an icon of church-free spirituality."^[88] The sentiment was seconded by Marcia Z. Nelson in her book The Gospel According to Oprah.^[89] On the season premier of Winfrey's 13th season Roseanne Barr told Winfrey "you're the African Mother Goddess of us all" inspiring much enthusiasm from the studio audience. The animated series Futurama alluded to her spiritual influence by suggesting that, a thousand years from now, a religion known as "Oprahism" exists.

(Taken from Wikipedia)..

The scary fact is that, she claims that she is a Christian, yet denies that Jesus is the only way. Instead, she believes that Jesus died on the cross so that we can live by the same Christ consciousness as He did. Personally, I don't care what she thinks, but what I care is the subtle influence that has psyched the minds of many believers and non-believers in the world. And at this time, the urgent need to stand strong in the Word of God is even more paramount.

Clips of her theory of Jesus and God:

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The Baby in Me

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Rachel G.

During the usual lunch where I normally pack food back to the office and eat, I've decided to explore this new found place that's recommended by my colleague. So off I went, and arrived at Rachel G shoe shop. I've passed this shop (in other places) many times, and never once did I step in to take a look because the decor of the place makes the shoes look really pricey. Needless to say, all this time my assumptions were wrong!

So here's what I got a discounted price of $18.90! I love it man, considering how reasonably priced it is for all the jewels and blink blinks! :)

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Ocean Curry Fish Head

Dear wanted to meet me for lunch so we went over to Ocean Fish Head Curry near Amoy Street to try their signature fish head curry. I've tried it once before when my Kimberly Clark colleagues treated me for a farewell lunch. It was good, and I've always wanted dear to try as well. But the previous times we went, we just didn't want to pay ($22 plus) so much for just mere lunch, so we've so always ended up with rice and normal dishes.

Today was different, probably with the rain and thunder booming, we decided "what the heck! Let's just order the curry fish head!" And we did! It was.. HEAVENLY!

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Happy Birthday Auntie!

Viola!~ Here are some pictures from Sakura :) The food was alright, company was good, cake was good, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself heh :)

Too bad I didn't take more food pictures than I should cos it would just be so weird, taking shots while people are eating.. not a very good impression either lol.

Here are some food pictures and evidences of a fun filled dinner :)

Oh by the way, the cake is heavenly. Serious. Complete chocolate filled with berries and fruits above a thin crust of what seems like biscuit. Thank God the family likes it (I think!)

After all the food and fun, dear and I went to Mustafa Centre to get his horn. Ha I've been teasing him to get those musical horns, much more like the ones shown in Meet the Fockers. Ha but of course he's getting quite a loud one to 'warn' others when they are getting too close for comfort. With his current horn, sounds more like a bee buzz and road users don't take that seriously :(

Putting the horn-search aside, I have decided that Mustafa Centre is the next good thing to shop around!

I mean, its open 24 hours, it has a huge variety of stuff, and its relatively cheap. But of course I can't stand the smell (of the shopping centre, hey! what were you thinking heh) and the inconsiderate people that hog the roads nearby and think that their grannies own it. Tsk. Other than that, it's really a great place to shop!

......

I've been kinda sluggish at work, especially with yesterday being a Monday. All the monday blues and the aftermath an action-packed camp and memorable fishing trip began to set in. My work pace was slow and more or less reluctant, and it was literally a drag to start up my cold engine. Just then, Meldred sent me an email about 'How to stay motivated even when you're tired" and I was like "God, you must be kidding me." It was like an encouragement from God sent by Meldred! So Mellie, thanks for dropping off that email :) It certainly spurred me on a little bit more heh.

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Dis-band.

With all that's going on in the band, I feel more disorientated than ever. My bad, because I'm so so used to the music, to playing, to humming tunes, to expressing myself on the piano. Last saturday, I literally stared at the worship lyrics and my mind was racing the entire time. I was reflecting, thinking hard, adapting to this change, embracing this reality.

And now as I'm working on my laptop, blasting my ears with the tunes and grooves of each Christian song, I thought: How nice if.. That song sounds good.. etc.

Before I knew it, the familiar lyrics of the song "Heart of Worship" came ringing in my head.

"When the music fades, and all is stripped away, and I simply come.."

How true it is, when I reflect on what it means when the music fades and when all is stripped away, will I still be able to worship God with my heart, soul, mind? Or has my habitual nature gotten over me?

Dear God, I'm so so so wrong. Forgive me for not worshiping you with my all. I'll bring You more than a song this time round..

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Birthday Prelude

Happy Birthday Auntie!

Helped to get this cake for dear's mom so that we could surprise her at Sakura later :)

Stay tuned for more pictures at Sakura!

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