Mother’s Day 2011 falls on 8 May. In Singapore it is common to take Mum out for dinner and we will also buy her Mother’s Day flowers and gifts.

And so we have been seeing florists, restaurants and hotels getting ever more creative with their Mother Day’s promotion to make you spend more money to spoil Mum on her special day.

Mother’s Day Credit Card Promotion

If you do own credit cards, you probably are aware of the banks’ Mother’s Day promotion. Citibank, HSBC and UOB offer generous discount when you use their credit cards to pay for the Mother’s Day dinner, flowers and spa packages.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: Cartier, Gucci and SKII

Over the recent years, husbands are splurging on Mother’s Day! We are talking about the husband pampering his wife with spa packages, SK2 skincare products, expensive designer handbags and Cartier watches.

So which Mother’s Day promotion are you getting for your Mum and wife?

These are my dream compacts: Fuji X100, Lumix GF2 and Olympus E-PL2. If money is no object, I will definitely get the Fuji X100. It will make a perfect companion when I go traveling.

Fuji X100 is Expensive!

The Fuji X100 costs twice as much as the Olympus E-PL2.

The retail price of X100 is US$1199; EPL2 with 14-42mm kit lens costs less than US$600 with the 14-42mm kit lens at Amazon and Lumix GF2 with 14-42mm kit lens sell for about US$600. The GF2 with a 14mm f/2.5 costs US$679.95.

For those who can afford the high price tag, and want to get it the moment it becomes available, go to Amazon’s Fuji X100 page now.

And if you do not have thousand of dollars to splurge on a fixed lens compact then the choice is between GF2 and EPL2.

GF2 vs EPL2

I have been using the Lumix, first was the LX3 and then the LX5. So I do have an inclination for the Panasonic digital compact.

However, I am also using an Olympus DLSR, the E5, and I love Olympus color!

As for the physical specs, the GF2 is smaller and lighter. But I am not sure if I’ll like the touch screen since I used to dials and buttons.

Lumix GF2:  112.8 x 67.8 x 32.8 mm, 265g
Olympus EPL2: 115.4 x 72.7 x 42.0 mm, 317g

EPL2 Singapore Price

[Updated on 18 May 2011]

E-PL2 with 14-42 MK2 = SGD899
E-PL2 with 14-42 MK2 & 40-150 = SGD1120

Which is Better?

I have read all the recent discussion threads on GF2 vs EPL2 at my favorite photography forums. I have studied the technical reviews at dpreview.com on GF2 and EPL2 – the ratings were 71% for EPL2 and 70% for GF2 which to me means equal!

No. I cannot decide which one to buy.

So, what do you suggest?

Over the past week, I was asked the question more than 10 times… “Are you going to the PC Show 2010?”. The Singapore PC Show 2010 begins tomorrow at Suntec Singapore and ends on Sunday, 13 June 2010. Earlier, my business partner asked me if it’s a good idea to visit the PC Show at Suntec to buy his son a Nikon DSLR. Yes, the PC Show is now more of a consumer electronic trade show than just showcasing IT and PC related products.

Well, my reply to him was to do all the research first and decide on the model before going to the PC Show to look for a bargain.

PC Show 2010 Featured Ads on DL

Because of a meeting earlier in the morning, I didn’t get a chance to read the Straits Times’ Digital Life until lunch time. The items on my shopping are not available in Singapore yet (i.e. the Apple iPad and iPhone 4) so there is really no hurry to find out what’s on offer at the PC Show tomorrow.

If money was no object, I would like to buy a mini notebook or large netbook for carrying around to surf the internet and reply email. I find my 15″ MacBook Pro is quite a hassle to lug around and my eeePC too small for practical use. So I need a smaller and lighter notebook or a netbook with a larger display, at least 11.6″ display.

HP Mini Laptop – Mini 311

Lenovo Thinkpad X100e $799**

I believe both the HP Mini and Lenovo Thinkpad X are not the latest models and should be available at a bargain price at the PC Show. And here’s more cheap laptops.

Asus Pro23A 12.1″ Mini Notebook $898**

If you are looking for latest netbook with an even larger screen, you may want to check out Asus Pro23A which has a faster SU3500 processor and 12.1″ display for $898.

PC Show 2010 Asus Booth A2008(L4) & B2011(L6), Suntec Singapore

The Star Buy at the PC Show 2010

I think the best bargain on notebook comes from MSI. It was a big ad in the Digital Life but I took note of the “STAR BUY” banner and attracted to the Intel Core i3 processor.

Yes, MSI CR420-i3 has a Core i3-330M processor and 14″ HD LCD, and it’s going for only $899 at the PC Show. It was $999 at the IT Show 2010 3 months ago.

MSI CR420-i3 14″ Notebook $899**

PC Show 2010 MSI Booth B2101, Suntec Singapore

Why No Acer MIni Notebook?

Because I cannot find advertisement on Acer Notebook in today’s Digital Life PC Show Special!

**Prices in SGD as advertised in Straits Times for the Singapore PC Show 2010.

I heard there is a new shopping mall, Parco Marina Bay, opened several days ago. But I don’t know where is it – at Marina Bay? I am sure it is not the Parco at Bugis Junction. So I tried Google Maps but cannot pinpoint the location. Then I turned to the new OneMap Singapore, there was no result. Then I found this article at DivaAsia.com – Shopping… at Parco Marina Bay.

Reading the article, I discovered that it is located at Millenia Walk, above the Promenade MRT Station of the Circle Line. The DivaAsia article gave a good account on what to expect at the new shopping mall – Parco Marina Bay.

Next Fashion Incubator Zone

The build that Parco Marina Bay now occupies is not new. It was formerly occupied by DFS Galleria. According to a report by Business Times, the Japanese mall operator, Parco has set aside 6,000 sq ft of space for the Singapore government-backed Next Fashion Incubator Zone. It will showcase apparel and accessories from 25 emerging designers.

I first heard of Megatex Singapore in 2009. Megatex is yet another electronics and IT expo show. This is in addition to the 4 mega consumer electronics expo at Suntec Singapore and Singapore Expo: IT Show Singapore, PC Show Singapore, Comex Singapore and SITEX.

In 2009, there were two Megatex Expo held at the Singapore Expo: 9-12 April 2009 and then again from 23 to 27 December 2009. I guess it must be doing well to have the event organized by Courts twice a year.

The prices of electronics gadgets and electric appliances are very attractive, especially the special price items. You can find many branded products at very discounted prices e.g. Sony LCD TV, Philips CD Micro System, Casio Digital Piano, Acer Desktop PC, Lenovo Notebook, Asus Netbook and etc.

If you are thinking of visiting the next Megatex Expo then it will be…

Megatex 2012 Singapore

2 – 5 February 2012
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
Singapore Expo Hall 5B

I have yet to visit the Megatex Expo, reason being it is organized by Courts and the variety is not as wide as those found in the IT Show, PC Show, Comex and SITEX.

Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of the Megatex Expo as compared with the rest of the IT shows.

My last holiday travel to Japan was more than 2 years ago on a Hokkaido Self Drive Tour and I regretted not planning a side trip to Tokyo.

I have not visited Tokyo for more than 10 years.

In the 1990s, I used to travel to Japan frequently when I was working with Sokkia Singapore, a Japanese land surveying equipment manufacturer. However, these business trips usually took place between early Spring to late Summer. So, I have never experienced Japan during the Autumn season. With the cheap flight to Tokyo offered by Malaysia Airlines, I decided to make a trip this November to see the Tokyo autumn leaves.

Tokyo Trip Plan

Here’s my “Must-see, Must-buy, Must-eat” Tokyo trip itinerary.

Autumn Leaves

• Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden [小石川後楽園]
• Rikugien Garden [六義園]

I want to spend at least half a day visiting each of these gardens and at least one full day relaxing with Autumn leaves.

Shopping

• Shibuya – Clothing and Fashion
• Shinjuku – Cameras and Electronics
• Akihabara – Cameras and Electronic
• Asakusa – Souvernirs

After a full-day recharging the body and mind, it’ll be time for a day or 2 to shop-till-you-drop adventure!

Food

• Tsukiji Fish Market
• Ramen at roadside stall – Yatai Ramen

It won’t be a holiday without indulging in my favorite Japanese food… sashimi and ramen.

If you have any recommendation for me, please leave your comment below.

ありがとうございます

For those who are looking for discount Prada handbags… look no further. Reebonz.com will have an event on 28 September 2009 for Prada bags.

You can expect up to 50% discount at the Prada handbags sales event.

If you are not a Reebonz member, use the following link to register now:

http://www.reebonz.com/member_invite/hotdeals

P.S. You will want to log on at 12 noon sharp on 28 Sep 2009 to get the best bargain. From my experience, the good stuff will be gone in 30 minutes or less.

I like Singtel’s inSing.com and I think it’s a winner. As an internet directory, it is easy to use and as a food, shopping, entertainment portal I couldn’t stop clicking further into the portal. There are so much to explore in inSing.com…

The local internet directory, classifieds and search space is already crowded by

• eguide.com.sg
• yellowpages.com.sg
• hotfrog.sg
• rednano.sg
• mocca.com
• st701.com
• sg.88db.com
• streetdirectory.com

and many other smaller players. Many of these portals are useless and boring if not downright spammy.

inSing.com Launch Party

I think inSing.com really stands out among the crowd and is a breath of fresh air for Singapore internet users.

I will definitely try to use it to search for local food and shopping. Well done, Singtel!

inSing.com Criticism

I am sure there are critics out there who may not agree with me. So, what do you think?

Send me what you think at the “Leave a Comment” box below.

I guess Coach bags are very popular with Singapore women – you see them on the MRT trains, along Orchard roads and shopping malls all over the island. And when there are Coach bags on sale with up to 40% discount, shouldn’t you go get another Coach hangbag?

Reebonz’s Designer Brands Online Shopping

Shopping for bags in Singapore just go easier.

If you have not heard about Reebonz yet, then go read my previous article on “Discount Designer Handbags by Reebonz”

Coach Handbags Sale

Coach Bags on Sale at Reebonz
25 March 2009 – 29 March 2009
Click Here to Register Free Account

In case you are not familiar with the designer brand, Coach, here’s an extract from Reebonz…

“Coach maintain the highest standards for materials and workmanship. In the last decade, Coach has emerged as America’s preeminent designer, producer, and marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men including designer handbags, business cases, luggage and travel accessories, wallets, outerwear, eyewear, gloves, scarves, fragrance and fine jewelry.”

Past Event: Miu Miu Bags

The Miu Miu Handbags promotion has just ended but if you become a member now, you might still be able to grab one “bring’em back” at discount up to 30%.

How to become Reebonz member

You may discover by now that you have to be invited to become a member of Reebonz. If you are interested to check out the Coach bag sales on 26 June 2009 and want to register as a member now, click this invitation link:

www.reebonz.com/member_invite/hotdeals

Luxury designer goods such as designer handbags and and designer clothes should probably be the last thing I talk about in the current gloomy economic climate. However, I found out today that the 3 weeks new online shopping portal – Reebonz.com is doing better than expected!

ReeBonz the Online Shopping Mecca

I registered as a member on the second day after the launch and did not pay much attention to this Singapore-based online luxury shopping portal. I didn’t think people have the spare money to spend on luxury goods.

But I was wrong!

Designer Handbags at upto 65% Discount

This afternoon I interviewed the web developer of this exclusive online shopping portal and found out that people were snapping out designer bags and designer wear.

Here’s just some of the discount designer handbags that were Sold Out.

Luxury Lingerie Are Hot… Selling!

Beside expensive handbags and designer clothing, luxury lingerie are hot too – I mean best selling.

On the right is a pic of nubile lingerie model showing off a set of sexy red lingerie.

Maybe luxury goods are really recession proof, especially when it’s Luxury You Can Afford.

Especially during bad time, people looking for shopping therapy will find such deep discount designer handbags heaven sent!

How to Become ReeBonz Member

Btw, the only way to become a member of this exclusive shopping community and enjoy the huge discount is to be invited by another member.

To become a Reebonz member, use this invitation link:

www.reebonz.com/member_invite/hotdeals