If you looked carefully enough, the lady is actually wearing a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) helmet. How dangerous...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Motorcyclist using SAF helmet
If you looked carefully enough, the lady is actually wearing a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) helmet. How dangerous...
Chinese New Year Dinners
17 February 2008
Today the Istana was open to all Grassroots leaders for a Chinese New Year Garden Party in conjunction with Chinese New Year (of course). Faizah's Father gave us a ride to the Istana, since we both live in the same block.
Traffic police lined the road leading to the Istana. We were fortunate to be allowed to drop off there since it's double-zigzagged yellow lined road. We came early as we had a RC dinner later in the evening. However, we were not allowed entry since our MPs wouldn't be here yet. Anyhow, we went to Plaza Singapura for a cup of Mocha Frappucino at Starbucks.
We chatted for a while with most part talking about her life teaching in Bedok North Secondary School. When time came, we queued up at Istana for security clearance and then boarded the shuttle bus.
A symphonic Chinese Orchestra was performing for the crowd. Chinese Calligraphic Society members were writing for free. Other cultural groups were offering their services as well. Food was laid buffet style and waitresses were serving drinks to the crowd.
Ministers and MPs were scattered around and mingled with the crowd. Most were tied up with people wanting to take photographs with them. Managed to get a shot of Madam Ho Ching, wife of PM Lee.
Today the Istana was open to all Grassroots leaders for a Chinese New Year Garden Party in conjunction with Chinese New Year (of course). Faizah's Father gave us a ride to the Istana, since we both live in the same block.
Traffic police lined the road leading to the Istana. We were fortunate to be allowed to drop off there since it's double-zigzagged yellow lined road. We came early as we had a RC dinner later in the evening. However, we were not allowed entry since our MPs wouldn't be here yet. Anyhow, we went to Plaza Singapura for a cup of Mocha Frappucino at Starbucks.
We chatted for a while with most part talking about her life teaching in Bedok North Secondary School. When time came, we queued up at Istana for security clearance and then boarded the shuttle bus.
A symphonic Chinese Orchestra was performing for the crowd. Chinese Calligraphic Society members were writing for free. Other cultural groups were offering their services as well. Food was laid buffet style and waitresses were serving drinks to the crowd.
Ministers and MPs were scattered around and mingled with the crowd. Most were tied up with people wanting to take photographs with them. Managed to get a shot of Madam Ho Ching, wife of PM Lee.
Me in front of Istana Building with a messy hair.
After wishing our Mayor Zainul, we went back in Mr Yap's car to rush back for our RC event.
Assoc. Prof Jayakumar!
After wishing our Mayor Zainul, we went back in Mr Yap's car to rush back for our RC event.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Forum Theatre Presentation on Singapore Politics Tutorial
Chinese New Year indeed contributed to the inertia of getting back into school work. Hence only on the eve of the tutorial presentation itself did the three of us met online for discussion. The topic was
"The highly regulated political system largely explains why the PAP has been winning General Elections easily all these years". Do you agree?
We then confirmed that we would be presenting in the setting of a kopitiam chit-chat session among three friends, one being pro-PAP government; one pro-Opposition; and one neutral party. Later, I would learn that it is a forum theatre form of presentation whereby the audience becomes part of the show and they can contribute at any part of the presentation. Sadly, this form of expression is restricted by the Ministry of Information and the Arts in cultural performances.
Although at some parts, the presentation did not go smoothly, but on the whole it "set a high bar for the other presenters" as commented by the tutor.
"The highly regulated political system largely explains why the PAP has been winning General Elections easily all these years". Do you agree?
We then confirmed that we would be presenting in the setting of a kopitiam chit-chat session among three friends, one being pro-PAP government; one pro-Opposition; and one neutral party. Later, I would learn that it is a forum theatre form of presentation whereby the audience becomes part of the show and they can contribute at any part of the presentation. Sadly, this form of expression is restricted by the Ministry of Information and the Arts in cultural performances.
Although at some parts, the presentation did not go smoothly, but on the whole it "set a high bar for the other presenters" as commented by the tutor.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Lucky start to an Auspicious New Year
Day 3 of Chinese New Year
Went to pray at 托塔院 (tuo ta yuan), a temple situated at Geylang. While waiting for my turn to pray to 太岁爷 for blessings, some droplets of red ink sprinkled upon me. 2 drops, each landed on my elbow, with an additional drop on my offerings. Apparently the priest, while stoking the brush in my direction, caused it to happen. The strange thing is no one got it, and when it was my turn to go to the front to listen to the chanting, no red ink either. Could this be good luck (Red = luck)? The fortune cookie that I ate at the temple revealed a message predicting good fortune in investing in blue-chip stocks this year. Cool!
My Family later went to Loyang Tua Bek Gong Temple where upon entering, the staff handed to us free copies of newspapers, featuring but of course the sensationalised scandal of Edison Chen.
After the prayers, visited Gordan house. Since everyone was playing BlackJack, I caved in to please them. Beginner's Luck is awesome. At my peak, my ROI was 100% (S$20 from S$10). At the last round, I decked in all of my earnings since I do not wish to keep money earnt from gambling. Well, lady luck was on my side. BlackJack.
For the later part of the night, my friends and I went watching Kungfu Dunk. Never thought the game could pay for my movie ticket plus tidbits.
Day 4 of Chinese New Year
Andrew gave some of us a ride to Mr. Jia Yuan's place in his BMW. Mr. Jia Yuan had recently just procured his own 5-storey apartment which came with an underground basement carpark for his BMW Z4 Cabriolet. He gave red packets in a rather unique fashion. All the guests were gathered to the living room where he then asked everyone to "lucky draw" the red packets. In them were minimum S$2. S$10, S$50, S$100 and S$1000. Well, I find myself lucky to be a recipient of S$100. Seems like this year is going to be a good year ahead for me!
Went to pray at 托塔院 (tuo ta yuan), a temple situated at Geylang. While waiting for my turn to pray to 太岁爷 for blessings, some droplets of red ink sprinkled upon me. 2 drops, each landed on my elbow, with an additional drop on my offerings. Apparently the priest, while stoking the brush in my direction, caused it to happen. The strange thing is no one got it, and when it was my turn to go to the front to listen to the chanting, no red ink either. Could this be good luck (Red = luck)? The fortune cookie that I ate at the temple revealed a message predicting good fortune in investing in blue-chip stocks this year. Cool!
My Family later went to Loyang Tua Bek Gong Temple where upon entering, the staff handed to us free copies of newspapers, featuring but of course the sensationalised scandal of Edison Chen.
After the prayers, visited Gordan house. Since everyone was playing BlackJack, I caved in to please them. Beginner's Luck is awesome. At my peak, my ROI was 100% (S$20 from S$10). At the last round, I decked in all of my earnings since I do not wish to keep money earnt from gambling. Well, lady luck was on my side. BlackJack.
For the later part of the night, my friends and I went watching Kungfu Dunk. Never thought the game could pay for my movie ticket plus tidbits.
Day 4 of Chinese New Year
Andrew gave some of us a ride to Mr. Jia Yuan's place in his BMW. Mr. Jia Yuan had recently just procured his own 5-storey apartment which came with an underground basement carpark for his BMW Z4 Cabriolet. He gave red packets in a rather unique fashion. All the guests were gathered to the living room where he then asked everyone to "lucky draw" the red packets. In them were minimum S$2. S$10, S$50, S$100 and S$1000. Well, I find myself lucky to be a recipient of S$100. Seems like this year is going to be a good year ahead for me!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Chinese New Year Eve 2008
Heralding towards a new year on the lunar calendar...
Early morning climbed out of bed and instantly felt the atmosphere refreshing. After reading some course materials, I left for school. The usual crowds and buzz were not in NUS today. Had a very easy time (as well as good spot) to park the vehicle.
A lecture must be worth attending to warrant my travelling from the East to the West on a Chinese New Year's Eve. And indeed it is. Prof Hussin Mutalib never failed to entertain the students with his 1)unique poshy accent; 2)self-glorifying professions; 3)lame rhetorics. For someone who had taught the subject for more than 2 decades, he must have some substance. Singapore politics, while it already is intriguing, has become even more exciting and interesting.
I was glad to receive an invitation card to the Istana for Chinese New Year Dinner. The card was personally signed by PM Lee Hsien Loong, SM Goh Chok Tong, MM Lee Kuan Yew and other Cabinet Ministers. Wonderful.
Had a little gathering with some relatives for a mini-reunion dinner. Grandma seemed to be in a good mood, with an occasional smile. She used to like Chinese New Year a lot, especially it was a chance to see all her descendants as well as give blessings to us. I remember that on every Chinese New Year at 12 am, my Brother and I would surprise her with our oranges and words of blessings.
Inflation of New Year items and daily necessities became the focus at the gathering.
After the dinner, I attempted to drive my family to a very special place, where most Singaporeans wouldn't have seen it before, but did not get my directions right and ended up wasting time going in circles and ovals.
This year's countdown was anamoly to previous years. Played Tower Defence with some friends over the Internet and baboom! Chinese New Year. So now as I "guard the night", a tradition that I would always embrace, I would like to wish all readers a happy Chinese New Year!
*"guard the night" -- The Chinese believes that if a son stays up late into the night, the parents would live longer.
Early morning climbed out of bed and instantly felt the atmosphere refreshing. After reading some course materials, I left for school. The usual crowds and buzz were not in NUS today. Had a very easy time (as well as good spot) to park the vehicle.
A lecture must be worth attending to warrant my travelling from the East to the West on a Chinese New Year's Eve. And indeed it is. Prof Hussin Mutalib never failed to entertain the students with his 1)unique poshy accent; 2)self-glorifying professions; 3)lame rhetorics. For someone who had taught the subject for more than 2 decades, he must have some substance. Singapore politics, while it already is intriguing, has become even more exciting and interesting.
I was glad to receive an invitation card to the Istana for Chinese New Year Dinner. The card was personally signed by PM Lee Hsien Loong, SM Goh Chok Tong, MM Lee Kuan Yew and other Cabinet Ministers. Wonderful.
Had a little gathering with some relatives for a mini-reunion dinner. Grandma seemed to be in a good mood, with an occasional smile. She used to like Chinese New Year a lot, especially it was a chance to see all her descendants as well as give blessings to us. I remember that on every Chinese New Year at 12 am, my Brother and I would surprise her with our oranges and words of blessings.
Inflation of New Year items and daily necessities became the focus at the gathering.
After the dinner, I attempted to drive my family to a very special place, where most Singaporeans wouldn't have seen it before, but did not get my directions right and ended up wasting time going in circles and ovals.
This year's countdown was anamoly to previous years. Played Tower Defence with some friends over the Internet and baboom! Chinese New Year. So now as I "guard the night", a tradition that I would always embrace, I would like to wish all readers a happy Chinese New Year!
*"guard the night" -- The Chinese believes that if a son stays up late into the night, the parents would live longer.
Monday, February 04, 2008
The Wan Soon Lee Business
Having read a couple of books on the Singapore politics, it excited me when I knew that my Uncle was once with the Workers' Party. I admire the spirit of WP ex-Secretary General Joshua Benjamin Jeyaratnam, with his immense belief that nothing can quash the "indomitable spirit".
JBJ: "I have taken the view always, that nothing outside the person can destroy the person. That no force outside can destroy a person. That the human spirit is indomitable."
My Uncle had been to most of his political rallies and had also helped out in the Anson by-election which saw JBJ into Parliament. My Uncle had also spoken to JBJ in person. Wow, how cool! One of the significant moments in Singapore politics. It must have been great memory.
It was also my first time today that I set foot in my 4th Uncle's industrial building. Incidentally, I found out that both Uncles used "Wan Soon Lee" in their business' names.
Wan Soon Lee Furniture & Construction
17 Sungei Kadut Street 6 Singapore 728862
[Call 63685841 if you want to renovate your place]
Wan Soon Lee Auto Service
[Call 97113260 for any repair services for your automobile]
Lately, I've been receiving quite a lot of comments on my blog entry on "QSTR Business Opportunity". Would like to express my gratitude to those who shared more information about it which had in one way or another helped others decide on joining it.
JBJ: "I have taken the view always, that nothing outside the person can destroy the person. That no force outside can destroy a person. That the human spirit is indomitable."
My Uncle had been to most of his political rallies and had also helped out in the Anson by-election which saw JBJ into Parliament. My Uncle had also spoken to JBJ in person. Wow, how cool! One of the significant moments in Singapore politics. It must have been great memory.
It was also my first time today that I set foot in my 4th Uncle's industrial building. Incidentally, I found out that both Uncles used "Wan Soon Lee" in their business' names.
Wan Soon Lee Furniture & Construction
17 Sungei Kadut Street 6 Singapore 728862
[Call 63685841 if you want to renovate your place]
Wan Soon Lee Auto Service
[Call 97113260 for any repair services for your automobile]
Lately, I've been receiving quite a lot of comments on my blog entry on "QSTR Business Opportunity". Would like to express my gratitude to those who shared more information about it which had in one way or another helped others decide on joining it.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
One generation plants the trees, in their shade another generation rests
On the way to the ward, I saw an interesting quote. Apparently there were 2 people who planted some bamboo at the old Toa Payoh hospital. These bamboo trees were then transplanted into the Changi General Hospital and a quote was put up.
It read, " We should each plant a tree in our lifetime even if we may not have a chance to sit under it. One generation plants the trees, in their shade another generation rests. 前人栽树, 后人乘凉".
It was not difficult to locate the bed in the ward. Grandma's moaning attracted our attention. In most of the beds, the aged patients were accompanied by maids. Ours too. It must be tough to for these underpaid maids to stay by the patients round the clock to attend to them, especially so for my maid, Wati. She had been with Grandma for 2 years. Ironically, she spent more time with Grandma than most of Grandma's descendants. Now, Grandma only responds to Wati and my Aunt. Wati had very much wanted to return to her Indonesia hometown, but lamented that she couldn't bear to leave Grandma.
Do values erode over time? Or is reality cruel?
One of my Uncle wept when he saw Grandma bedridden. He got a lecture from Wati. All this while when he visited Grandma, he would send Wati to buy him coffee and not paying her. Furthermore, he practises sophisticated magic tricks -- vanishing when money is needed for Grandma's healthcare. It hurts when one can't rise up from one's generation to yell at the senior generation. Something hurts more at the moment.
Grandma couldn't recognise me anymore. Grandma couldn't recognise the grandson that she doted and cared for for more than 17 years. Her eosophagus was infected and she could not take in food and water. The doctor's response was to add more antibiotics. Seems like the concentration of antibiotics never reach a peak. I hope it never would.
Soon came more visitors -- my Paternal Aunt's daughter-in-law with her 2 daughters. The 2 girls brought some colours to the eitherwise dull and gloom hospital ward. As innocent as children are, they just played with themselves. In my mind, the quote resurfaced again...
"One generation plants the trees, in their shade another generation rests."
Grandma planted a huge and beautiful tree which shaded all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Except herself.
I couldn't bear to look at my Grandma for too long a time. It's pricking hurt. I kept fidgeting with my phone to pretend that I am responding to SMS. My Mother would later ask why I had so much calls. Looking across to the other side of the bed, Wati had her eyes filled with tears too. I refused to cry. I had not managed the ability to cry without twitching a cheek muscle. In my mouth, I chanted prayers which I had always heard Grandma chant with her beads every evening when I was a child. I don't know what helps.
Lately a song had been accompanying me, bringing me tears every now and then...
北风毫不留情 把叶子吹落 脆弱的她选择了逃脱
With no feelings, the wind blew so hard that the weakened leaves fell off the tree.
叶子失去 消息 风才感觉寂寞
With no news of the leaves, the wind is beginning to feel lonely.
整个冬天 北风 痛没人能说
Throughout winter, the pain the wind is going through is indescribable.
我从来没 想过 我会这样做 从来没爱过 所以爱错
I never thought that I would act this way. Never loved before, hence love wrongly.
我从哪里起飞 从哪里降落
Where I rise and fall,
多少不能原谅的错 却不能重来过
All the wrongdoings can never be undone.
翻开回忆角 落 完美的生活 以为幸福都可以掌 握
Flipping through memories, I had a perfect life and thought that happiness is always in grasp.
仔细回味 当初 那个故事背后
Thinking over the good old days, behind that story,
Oh 原来是我 犯下 没承认的错
Oh, it's me who committed the mistakes that I never admitted.
在这少了 你的世界 Oh 找不回那些 觉 其实我不想道别 那些过去
In this world without you, I can't find the feelings. Actually I don't want to bid farewell to the past.
请你原谅 我 的爱错
Please forgive me for loving you wrongly.
A song by Wang Lee Hom. Most would think of it as a love song but when I sing it, my Grandma comes to picture. It is harsh but true that you can only LOVE one person once. And you can't reLove the person. Could I have done more for Grandma? Could you have done more for your family?
It read, " We should each plant a tree in our lifetime even if we may not have a chance to sit under it. One generation plants the trees, in their shade another generation rests. 前人栽树, 后人乘凉".
It was not difficult to locate the bed in the ward. Grandma's moaning attracted our attention. In most of the beds, the aged patients were accompanied by maids. Ours too. It must be tough to for these underpaid maids to stay by the patients round the clock to attend to them, especially so for my maid, Wati. She had been with Grandma for 2 years. Ironically, she spent more time with Grandma than most of Grandma's descendants. Now, Grandma only responds to Wati and my Aunt. Wati had very much wanted to return to her Indonesia hometown, but lamented that she couldn't bear to leave Grandma.
Do values erode over time? Or is reality cruel?
One of my Uncle wept when he saw Grandma bedridden. He got a lecture from Wati. All this while when he visited Grandma, he would send Wati to buy him coffee and not paying her. Furthermore, he practises sophisticated magic tricks -- vanishing when money is needed for Grandma's healthcare. It hurts when one can't rise up from one's generation to yell at the senior generation. Something hurts more at the moment.
Grandma couldn't recognise me anymore. Grandma couldn't recognise the grandson that she doted and cared for for more than 17 years. Her eosophagus was infected and she could not take in food and water. The doctor's response was to add more antibiotics. Seems like the concentration of antibiotics never reach a peak. I hope it never would.
Soon came more visitors -- my Paternal Aunt's daughter-in-law with her 2 daughters. The 2 girls brought some colours to the eitherwise dull and gloom hospital ward. As innocent as children are, they just played with themselves. In my mind, the quote resurfaced again...
"One generation plants the trees, in their shade another generation rests."
Grandma planted a huge and beautiful tree which shaded all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Except herself.
I couldn't bear to look at my Grandma for too long a time. It's pricking hurt. I kept fidgeting with my phone to pretend that I am responding to SMS. My Mother would later ask why I had so much calls. Looking across to the other side of the bed, Wati had her eyes filled with tears too. I refused to cry. I had not managed the ability to cry without twitching a cheek muscle. In my mouth, I chanted prayers which I had always heard Grandma chant with her beads every evening when I was a child. I don't know what helps.
Lately a song had been accompanying me, bringing me tears every now and then...
北风毫不留情 把叶子吹落 脆弱的她选择了逃脱
With no feelings, the wind blew so hard that the weakened leaves fell off the tree.
叶子失去 消息 风才感觉寂寞
With no news of the leaves, the wind is beginning to feel lonely.
整个冬天 北风 痛没人能说
Throughout winter, the pain the wind is going through is indescribable.
我从来没 想过 我会这样做 从来没爱过 所以爱错
I never thought that I would act this way. Never loved before, hence love wrongly.
我从哪里起飞 从哪里降落
Where I rise and fall,
多少不能原谅的错 却不能重来过
All the wrongdoings can never be undone.
翻开回忆角 落 完美的生活 以为幸福都可以掌 握
Flipping through memories, I had a perfect life and thought that happiness is always in grasp.
仔细回味 当初 那个故事背后
Thinking over the good old days, behind that story,
Oh 原来是我 犯下 没承认的错
Oh, it's me who committed the mistakes that I never admitted.
在这少了 你的世界 Oh 找不回那些 觉 其实我不想道别 那些过去
In this world without you, I can't find the feelings. Actually I don't want to bid farewell to the past.
请你原谅 我 的爱错
Please forgive me for loving you wrongly.
A song by Wang Lee Hom. Most would think of it as a love song but when I sing it, my Grandma comes to picture. It is harsh but true that you can only LOVE one person once. And you can't reLove the person. Could I have done more for Grandma? Could you have done more for your family?
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