Shiok, Sia! Private Launch and Mini Exhibition

Alright, let's bring you guys up to speed. Way back in 2010, Ms Anita Ryanto taught me the basics of drawing in Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

So today, I was invited to the launch of her first book, Shiok, Sia! This book contains the finest collection of our local Singapore food sketched entirely by her. The launch happened at Ngee Ann's very own Lien Ying Chow Library, a place I recall dearly as I spent so much time doing my research and learning during my diploma days.

Back to the book, I started noticing Ms Anita's sketches of food about half a year ago when she uploads them to Facebook. She really captures the vibrant colours and greasiness of the each delicacy in her drawing that I swear it does make me hungry just by looking at it (the worst is when she uploads it in middle of the night about supper time).

This is just an example of how tasty it looks. *slurp*
Fun fact: This sketch took an hour and she was having it with my other ex-lecturers, Mr Seow and Ms Christina

As her sketches gain more attention and encouragement from friends, she was motivated to pursue her food sketching journey. Before we even end the SG50 ordeal, she has already captured enough to publish a book and that's where we are right now.

The book and original sketch in all its glory

I'm trying to show you that this book is really awesome and you should buy it.

The book contains sketches of all the signature Singapore food like Chicken Rice, Bak Kut Teh, Hokkien Mee, Chilli Crab and Roti Prata (and so many more lah) on high quality art paper. So it makes a really great gift for
foreigners as an introduction/reminder to our local food culture or you can even randomly flip the pages to decide what food to eat today, great for dealing with the female species.

The publisher giving the introduction while Ms Anita (in red) prepares her speech

The event was awesome as I got to catch up with some of my favourite lecturers, Mr Seow Eng Hwa and Ms Christina and even the Director of ICT, Ms Angela Wee. The only other person there to chat with was Haiqal, my animation senior (disclaimer: he is younger than me in age) and his girlfriend. The party was filled with laughter, chatter and admiration for Ms Anita's achievement.

Me, Ms Angle Wee, Ng Teck Hwee (senior) and his friend who likes sketching.
Teck Hwee sells some anti-aging stuff so if you want to look young, be sure to check out Elusyf Global.

It's really nice to see lecturers do something awesome in their personal time and it makes me feel really honoured to be once taught by them. I hope someday I can have something to show for and make them proud, but for now, let's just keep slogging and doing interesting stuff.

Of course I had to show my support and get Ms Anita to autograph it for me

Congratulations Ms Anita, I hope Shiok, Sia! will be a phenomenal success and your second book will be coming real soon. If you want to purchase Shiok, Sia! head over to Kucinta Books and you can get them online at SGD$12 before Christmas.

Proof that I was there! Hahaha