After a few years of mauling on the idea of writing a book, and another year or so of sitting on the idea… my first book "Lessons from 15,000 First Dates" is going to be launched!

I know some of you have been following my blogs for years. And some of you have been providing me with lots of support and encouragement as well as advice. So, to thank you for your love, support and encouragement all these years, I would like to invite you to my book launch party which will be held sometime soon in Singapore…

If you are interested to come and celebrate with me, leave a comment below to indicate your interest, and I will email you your invite as well as more details closer to the event.

Meanwhile, keep well and happy dating!

Love, Violet

Related posts:

1. A Book Review: The Game
2. Launch of new dating service – eSynchrony

Related posts:

1. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #3: My Love Affair with the Fragrant Harbour
2. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #2: Discovering our Not-So-Humble Abode…
3. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #1

The truth is, I have found this trip to HK rather challenging to blog about.

The reason is… I am not really sure I can be classified as a tourist… and the trip is sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board after all!

Prior to the trip, I asked my HK friend, "Hey, what are the attractions I should check out in HK? I am going as a tourist this time!"

My HK friend replied, "唔好讲笑啦!你係四份之一个香港人哦!" In other words, she's saying, "Stop kidding me! You are a quarter of a Hong Konger!"

Erm, I guess she's not wrong. I actually go to HK once a month because we have a HK branch.

Come to think about it, HK and I go a long, long way back…

My "love affair" with the fragrant harbour HK started when I was 5 years old. That was my first overseas trip, and my parents brought me to HK for a vacation. Looking at the photos, I had a blast at Ocean Park!

My first trip to HK without my parents was when I was 17 years old. And that was the first time I stayed in a HK condominium. It was indeed an eye opener! I have been told that Hong Kongers rarely would invite friends to stay in their homes. The reason is not that they are not hospitable or not friendly. The reason is because they do not have space in their homes! My friend's place is probably quite big compared to the normal standard, but compared to my home in Malaysia (where land is not as 'precious' as in HK), it is really rather tiny. I remembered my friend's kitchen… after both of us squeeze into it, there's hardly any more space for a third person!

And finally, when I turned 28 years old, my dream of working in Hong Kong finally came true! After my numerous visits to HK where I enjoyed myself so much, I told myself, "One day, I want to work in HK!" Having quit my job in 2004, I was not too sure how I was going to fulfill this dream. The opportunity presented itself when we decided to set up a Lunch Actually branch in HK, having done our market research that there is a demand for a modern dating service in HK! And that was when I started my monthly visits to HK.

What do I love about HK you might ask…

There are so many things that I love, and here's just among the top 5 things I love about HK!

1. The Energy and The Vibrancy of the City

If there is a city that never sleeps, it has to be Hong Kong! Many shops in the shopping belt are opened till 10pm or 11pm. When you walk around Causeway Bay or Tsim Sha Tsui, you will feel like it's 8pm when in fact it's already 11pm! There are still lots of people walking around or out shopping! Some people find the city claustrophobic. But I love the hustle and bustle of the city. I like the fact that people go around with a sense of purpose and urgency. I expected to take 4 months to set up our HK branch, but it only took us 2.5 months, and I think a big part of it is attributed to how fast and efficient the Hong Kongers are!

2. The Cantonese Language

My mother tongue is not English, nor is it Mandarin, it is actually Cantonese! My dialect group is Hakka, but because my mum does not speak Hakka, we ended up speaking Cantonese at home. Do you know that as compared to Mandarin, Cantonese might be even more difficult to learn because Mandarin only has 4 different sounds (or some may say 5), but Cantonese has 9 different sounds! When I come to HK, I feel as if I am home… because everybody speak Cantonese! And when I connect with people in Cantonese, I just feel instantly closer to them!

3. The Tram or better known as 'Ding Ding' to the locals

The tram system on HK island is convenient and affordable. In fact, it's extremely cheap! You can get from one end of the island to the other end with HKD2. Yes! That works out to 40 cents in SGD! I love to take the tram especially in the winter months. The cold wind will be blowing on your face while the tram saunters through the new and the old Hong Kong. I remember telling my friend how much I love taking the tram. And she said, "我睇你叮啲几耐!" (Let's see how long you can take the tram!) Haha, and she's right! Because when the summer months come by, it becomes extremely hot and humid and I do not advise you to take the tram then, unless you want to have a free sauna treat!

4. The Desserts

HK is a food paradise, no doubt about it. But more specifically, it is a desserts haven! If you are a mango lover, you have to check out 《许留山》which serves delicious mango-themed desserts! You cannot miss it because its branches are spread all across town. Another of my favourite haunts is 《满记》(Honeymoon Dessert) which has absolutely amazing durian pancakes! And if you enjoy milk-based desserts, I love the 双皮奶 (double skin milk pudding) at 《杏花楼》. I always have it when I am in HK!

5. A City of Contrast

If you love contrast, you will love HK. It is a city where you can have a delicious and fulfilling meal by spending either HKD30 or HKD3000. You can admire the amazing skyscrapers or enjoy the serenity of its mountains. You can go clubbing at Lan Kwai Fong or enjoy a relaxing day at the beach at Stanley. You can shop at Prada, Gucci, LV and the likes or you can hunt for a bargain at Temple Street or Ladies Market! The options and opportunities are endless and in my opinion, that is what makes this city always exciting and intriguing.

You will always think that you have it all figured out, and then it will throw you yet another surprise!

And that is why HK is definitely one of my favourite cities in the world.

What about you? What would make it to your top 5 list for Hong Kong?

Related posts:

1. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #4: THE Makeover
2. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #2: Discovering our Not-So-Humble Abode…
3. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #1

As the saying goes, 'a picture speaks a thousand words'… I shall let the photos do the talking…!

We were warmly welcomed at the airport. Our transport for the next few days will be the minivan! From the airport to the hotel, managed to capture some street scene of HK!

…

When we arrived at The Mira (the gorgeous hotel that we are putting up for the next 3 nights, we were warmly welcomed by their hospitality team.

…

And when I got into my room, I was suitably impressed!

…

And being the gadget-crazy person I am, I simply love all the gadgets in the room!

1) Do you see the mobile phone below? It's a mobile phone that you can bring with you wherever you go and if someone calls you at the hotel, you can pick up the call even though you are out shopping! How cool is that?

2) And there is a super big flat screen which is connected to a PC, and you can use it to go online!

3) Check out the wireless keyboard. So you can access the Internet from the comfort of your bed!

…

Love the hotel that we are staying in. It's so cozy and comfortable that sometimes, I contemplate staying in rather than going out!

Related posts:

1. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #4: THE Makeover
2. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #3: My Love Affair with the Fragrant Harbour
3. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #1

Having submitted my blog a month or so ago for the omy's Singapore Blog Awards 2010, I never thought that I would eventually emerge the winner of the 'Most Insightful Blog'! I have checked out the various nominees and eventually the finalists, and I thought that there were definitely many deserving bloggers who would win the award. Hence, when I knew I won, I was like 'Wow… am really blessed!' A big thank you to the organizer - omy.sg, the wonderful panel of judges, as well as all my readers who have been voting for me daily!

Having known that I have won was the FIRST surprise. Knowing what I have won was the SECOND surprise! And boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise! Not only we each receive an ASUS netbook, 10 of us are going on a sponsored trip to Hong Kong, courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board from 23 – 26 July. How generous is that!?!? Now, I understand why so many people turn into full time bloggers!

Pre-Departure Preparation:

To prepare us for our upcoming trip, omy organised a pre-departure briefing for us on Wednesday where I met up with the 9 other bloggers!  And today, finally, after putting the kids to bed, I have time to sit down and have a peek into the HK familiarization kit provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) after our meeting on Wednesday.

Love the tagline… Hong Kong. Live it. Love it! Especially the word 'LOVE', since I am a matchmaker after all.

Was very happy to see what was inside!

I have been meaning to get a new luggage tag for my new luggage bag, but never found the time to do so.

Inside the paper bag, there was a big folder with all the information, a pen, and a leather luggage tag (which can also double up as a name card holder or a staff pass holder)!

After going "ooh and aah" over the luggage tag, I finally opened the red folder to devour the information provided! They have definitely provided us with lots of 'homework' to do!

When you have a business to run and two kids in toll, what do you do? You start to think out of the box! And voila!

My iPhone to the rescue!

I was amazed to find so many apps based on the search keyword 'Hong Kong'. And some of these apps are actually developed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board!

Here is one of the apps I really like!

When you think of HK, what is the first thing that come to mind?

For me, it's great food!

HK Delicacies is one of the apps developed by HKTB. And it's divided into 4 different categories – Rice, Congee, Noodles and Rice Noodles. And they are dishes placed on a revolving table, which we see in Chinese restaurants. So on the app itself, you can rotate the table to choose the category you would like to view.

I wanted to share with you one of my favourite HK delicacies…

Yes, and it's none other than Cart Noodles, or better known as 車仔麺!

10 years ago, when I went to HK to visit my friend, she being the wonderful host she is, brought me to expensive restaurants to try out various cuisines e.g. Shanghainese, Japanese etc. And on the last day, she brought me to a simple, humble looking restaurant to try out Cart Noodles, and I declared it the best food I have tasted! She was like, "Aiyoh… I could have saved so much money if I knew earlier!" Haha!

Anyway, the app even shows you where you can go to try out all these various delicacies recommended by famous personalities in HK!

Looking at all these wonderful delicacies, I am wondering how many KGs I will be putting on when I am in Hong Kong!

Am really looking forward to see 'Fragrant Harbour' (香港) once again as this will be one of the first trips in a long time where I am in HK for pleasure and not just work!

Looking forward to catch up with all my friends too! So for those of you who are in HK right now, drop me a message if you are free to catch up between 23 – 26 July!

(This is a mirror post from http://blog.omy.sg/hongkong/)

Related posts:

1. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #2: Discovering our Not-So-Humble Abode…
2. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #3: My Love Affair with the Fragrant Harbour
3. Ms Matchmaker’s Guide to Hong Kong #4: THE Makeover

To those of you who have voted for me in the Singapore Blog Awards 2010, a big big thank you to you…!  

I won!!!

The presentation ceremony was held at Movida, St James Power Station. And by the time I got there, the place was packed. Looking around, I felt rather old… as the crowd looks really young.

Am really honoured to be the winner as there are some really great blogs being featured in the same category – 'Most Insightful Blog'.

When I first registered for this contest, I had no idea what the prizes are… so this is actually the biggest surprise when I received my prizes…

The prizes consist of:

1) Asus Eee PC Netbook

2) A trip to HK sponsored by Hong Kong Tourism Board

3) A 3 days 2 nights hotel stay in Phuket

I am actually blogging this entry from my new netbook! Have always wanted a netbook!

And am looking forward to the HK trip. I actually agreed to take part in the 'bath tub' race which is part of the dragon boat race. I am not sure what I have gotten myself into! Well, I will definitely blog about it and tell you more.

Anyway, here's one of the few photos I took at the ceremony today. Me holding up my trophy!

Related posts:

1. VioletLim.com is a finalist in the S’pore Blog Awards 2010!
2. 5 Reasons Why I Blog
3. My blog is back up!

I am now herworld.com's Relationship Q&A Expert! Felt very honoured when I was first approached by herworld.com to be on their panel of experts. It's definitely a wonderful opportunity to share my insights and knowledge. Am really glad that I am given another avenue to help more single and dating ladies out there!

If you have any pressing questions about love, dating and relationships, please do visit herworld.com to drop me a question. You might also find out that someone else has already asked a question similar to yours, and the question is right there!

Thank you for your support all these while, and am looking forward to writing more insightful blog posts! Btw, if you have not registered to vote yet, please vote for me at the Singapore Blog Awards 2010 under "Most Insightful Blog" category. Thanks in advance!

Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Related posts:

1. Is it possible for a long-distance relationship to work?
2. I can’t open up my feelings to my boyfriend…
3. “Violet, why are you SO desperate?”

This morning, I received a fantastic surprise! I found out that I am one of the finalists in the Singapore Blog Awards under the 'Most Insightful Blog' category! When I first read about this award, I thought I would just register my blog at a whim. Hence, I am really honoured to be selected as one of the finalists from the 1000s of nominations!

So my dear readers, please vote for me at http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/category/

Here are some quick step-by-step pointers…

1. If you are not a member of omy.sg, you just need to join as one. The process is short and quick, would take you less than 2 minutes.

2. After signing up as a member and confirming your registration via the email link they send you, go to http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/category/ and choose 'Most Insightful Blog' category.

3. You will see my headshot, and the 'Vote' ribbon on it. Click on the ribbon, and NOT my face. Because if you click on my face, it would bring you to my blog.

4. After you click on the 'Vote' ribbon, you will be asked to confirm if you would like to vote for me. Click YES!

5, Then, the 'Vote' ribbon will change to say 'Voted'. And voila, you are done!

You can vote once a day for each award category. Please vote generously!

By voting, apart from supporting your favourite blogger , you also stand a chance to win some amazing prizes from omy.sg… Garmin Asus M10 smartphone, 3 days 2 nights holidays among others.

Thanks in advance for your votes! Have a wonderful week ahead!

Related posts:

1. Singapore Blog Awards 2010: I won! Thanks for your support!
2. Violet is herworld.com’s Relationship Q&A Expert!
3. My blog is back up!

Received a call from Mediacorp on Labour Day i.e. Saturday morning that they would like to do a shoot for the Channel 8 Evening News with regards to the public now being able to search up to 2 marital records for free per year. To find out more about this latest initiative, click here.

Then on Sunday evening, I rushed to Caldecott Hill after a quick dinner with Jamie and our friends, for the filming of Singapore Talking Episode 4 – “Is Marriage for Me?”

I have always enjoyed talk shows as it is a free and easy format where the host and guest can interact with one another and exchange views on the topic at hand.

I was invited as a panel speaker to this particular episode as they would like to get my expert views on why there are more and more singles in Singapore despite the fact that up to 80% of singles polled indicated that they would like to get married. The other invited panelists were Vanessa Fernandez (better known as Vandetta), a 987FM DJ and John Ng, mediation consultant and author of “Dim Sum for the Family”. And the host is Ashraf Safdar, a banker with UBS.

As there were 1 host, 3 panel speakers, and only 27 minutes to work with, we were advised to be succinct and concise.

It is an interesting discussion as John and I are obviously pro-marriage, and Vanessa does not believe in the institution of marriage. Personally, I respect that some people do not want to get married for X, Y, Z reasons. Because at the end of the day, it is a very personal choice. And we cannot force them. Though we can try to persuade and coax them.

I think another worrying trend is the people who really want to get married but are facing various challenges due to their profile or their dating preferences. Actually, unlike what many people think, these singles are not unattractive or ineligible.

I have highlighted some of these challenges on the show. I will post up the video link once it has been uploaded by Mediacorp.

Meanwhile, here are more photos…

Above: Getting some ‘touch up’ during the break.

Above: Having a chat with Ms. V during the break.

Above: Hmm, not a flattering shot… but oh well!

Above: And that’s the 4 of us… Vanessa, Violet, Ashraf & John!

So, what are your views? If you are not married, is marriage for you? Looking forward to hear your views!

Related posts:

1. Accreditation for Singapore Dating Agencies
2. Violet’s 3 Secrets to a Happy Marriage! (Part 2)
3. Violet’s 3 Secrets to a Happy Marriage! (Part 3)

As pictures speak louder than words, here are some photos of what has taken place in this Amazing April!

Sometime in March, I received an email from Munkysuperstar Pictures, the company that is behind clicknetwork.tv. They asked if I am interested to be on Xiaxue’s Guide to Life show, to show her the ropes on matchmaking. I thought, “Why not?” I have always wanted to meet Xiaxue a.k.a. Wendy Cheng, the most famous blogger in Asia!

I had lots of fun during the shoot, trying to impart as much matchmaking knowledge as possible to Wendy in the shortest time possible.

This is Wendy putting what I have taught her to use…

Wendy and I!

A photo with Gillian = the lady behind the camera. And also the boss of Munkysuperstar!

And then on 8 April, I was invited by the lovely Mamiko (lady in red) to speak at the Abundant Women – Women PowerTalk Series! It was wonderful sharing my journey in entrepreneurship so far, sharing my tips and advice for budding women entrepreneurs, divulging some dating and relationship secrets that I have learnt along the way and also sharing on how I juggle career and family.

The ladies were really warm, supportive and encouraging, and I had lots of fun sharing and getting to know them!

Either I am really funny, or Mamiko is really happy and smiley (or both)! It was such a joy working with her!

And just yesterday, it was my “foray into acting” in a Mediacorp drama! Amazing isn’t it? I never thought that I would have a chance to be an ‘actress’! Haha! I was recommended by a friend to help out as a ‘consultant’ as well as ‘talent’ in this English drama due to my dating industry experience!

This is the first time I have been on a ‘TV drama set’. And it was really an eye-opening experience!

Here is the Director’s seat!

And here’s a photo of my 30 seconds of fame on the drama… delivering my one-liner.

Does he look familiar? That’s me and the lead actor 吴耀汉Richard Ng from Hong Kong! Had fun conversing with him in Cantonese. He was really amused with my profession.

And with the other lead actor from Malaysia – funny and jolly guy!

And finally… with the Director – Mr Chan!

Apart from having a great time at work, we also celebrated Princess Cara’s first birthday in April! On top of that, also combined a work trip with a short family trip with Jamie, my parents and Corum.

It was a jam-packed month where I learnt so so much!

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt in April that I would like to share is…

“NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!”

Many of the things I am doing right now are things that I previously only dreamed of doing. As a little girl then, it then seemed like a faraway or even futile dream.

I am amazed and extremely thankful for all the opportunities I have been given to make a difference and to touch others’ lives. And I hope that this is something I will continuously be doing for the rest of my life.

Over the last few years, I have learnt that…

You CAN be whoever you want to be.

You CAN live your dreams.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM? You might have this great desire to achieve something in your life.

It might be starting your own business.

You might want to travel around the world.

You might want to make an impact and a difference in our world.

You might want to meet Mr Right, and not Mr Right Now.

You might wish to meet the right girl and settle down and start your own family.

You might want to have an incredibly fulfilling and happy marriage.

The truth is… yes, we CAN all live our dreams… if we want them enough.

Remember those new year resolutions we made? Or that dream that we have that we might have by now tucked into the corner of our mind. It’s time to make our dreams a reality. It’s time to put our plans into action.

Napoleon Hill once said,

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.”

Dearest friends, let’s not fall into the trap of procrastination again… let’s put our plans into action and pursue our dreams together!

加油哦！:)

Related posts:

1. Exciting & Amazing Singles Events for February 2009
2. Meme: The Face Behind the Blog
3. My Favourite Boys :)