Welcome To A Live Show

I was at home watching the encore telecast of the President Star Charity Show, waiting to catch a glimpse of my son on TV on this Saturday afternoon. My family was able to watch the show live. Many thanks to his band conductor, Mr David Glosz who got this lobang (Malay word for opportunity) for the symphonic band to perform in the show, hence we got free tickets. This fund raiser started by former President S R Nathan when he came into Presidency is an annual event already now into its 17th year. A special tribute was paid to him who recently passed on in August. 
 

We were looking forward to going to the new Mediacorp Building at One-North to catch the show on 23rd October, Sunday evening. Watching it live at the MES Theatre, we were able to experience the dynamics of running the show. The cameraman came on stage to circle around the singer. We heard the production crew shouting the countdown. Everything on television flow seamlessly but over here we saw emcees and artistes stepping in & out of the stage. On television the stage look vast but in reality the stage was not that wide but rather deep to accommodate the choir or the band and the dancers. We liked how the show started and was mesmerized. I especially liked the upbeat number 'Fire To The Floor' by Sezairi Sezali and the set backdrop when Aisyah Aziz sang Paloma Faith's 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This'. It was stunning. Another favourite was 'Defying Gravity' sung by Jacqueline Hughes from a musical Wicked.

That weekend we had to ferry our son for rehearsals. On that very day, he had to be there by one o'clock and the show starts at 7.30 pm and ends at 9.30 pm. The father commented about so much time was being spent for just a three minute performance on stage. That comment jogged my memory, I suddenly recalled my involvement in my school choir. I should be no stranger to that and it has slipped my mind completely. How we waited for our turn when we went for competition at the now defunct iconic National Theatre and Conference Hall. Our secondary choir, St Anthony's Convent also went on a video shoot at Mount Faber and Wisma Indonesia at Orchard Road to record Alex Abisheganaden 1976 winning national song - 'Salute to Singapore'. That took us the whole day. Sadly, my mom didn't tag along to take photographs. I remembered an Angmoh lady taking photo of me and my schoolmates while waiting at National Theatre. Or maybe my choir mistress, Mrs. C Kanagarajah might still have photographs of it. Anyway I looked through my school yearbook and found this, well it's was not frame up like this, ha ha.

It has been a star struck year for me. Sometime in August, on a Saturday, my family also attended another free concert called Getai, sort of a Christian outreach. Thanks to my Pastor we were given free tickets to bring friend along but they weren't interested. We went anyway, not to waste a free show. We were blown away when Huang Qishan aka Susan Huang took the stage to sing. I had no idea we were going to watch such a powerhouse from China whose vocal range is amazing. She could jazz up her songs. What a class act! Certainly gave me goosebumps listening to her sing  离不开你 , 牵手.

Three more occasions where I had the opportunity to enjoy live performance. It felt totally uplifting and when I look back on 2016, this is what make this year so special. It is really a treat for me as it has been years since I attended pop concerts. After I watched Ms Huang Qishan, she changed my perspective about Chinese singers.

Also earlier my church held a mini show for the under privilege residents around the church. The highlight of that evening was a mask changing act called Bian Lian. An ancient art originated from Sichuan province in China where the Chinese opera performer changes his masks at the swipe of his hand or flick of his head with lightning speed. It was astounding to watch the myriad of colourful masks with different expressions. I saw everyone in the audience were spellbound.

What do you know ?!!  I am so blessed to be watching the No 1 Female Voice in Asia and closely guarded art form of China without flying out of here.

Then we head down to Timbre+ one evening located at One North. It is a cool hipster gastro hawker joint housed in the former Ayer Rajah Hawker Centre. Renovated and refurbished, was opened in April this year. Most stalls operating out of colourful graffiti drawn shipping containers and food trucks, offers interesting gastronomical meals to satisfy every taste buds. Live music and beer to chill making it a great place to hangout. A step into the that place, brought back memories of Fire disco.Electrifying & great vibes, retro & latest hits. Hey . . . this place rocks.

73A Ayer Rajah Crescent

Live music from Wed - Sat nights

Well, staying home to catch the show again was not wasted. Armed with my phone, I was ready to capture the moment the camera was on my son. It was so brief but I got it. Next time he can tell his children all about it. Bye . . . for now.

Joseph Schooling Week

Hi there, it's been a Joseph Schooling Week for me. Ever since he picked up a gold at the Rio Olympics for the men's 100 m butterfly event beating the 3 swimming greats. He surpassed their 51.14 mark and broke a new record at 50.39. His feat relegated Michael Phelps (USA), Laszlo Cseh (Hungary) and Chad le Clos (South Africa) to a joint silver. We were ecstatic. Was in a state of euphoria that Saturday morning, 13th August. His win captivated the whole of Singapore. He made history.

Joseph Schooling fulfilled our country dream in winning a gold for our small young nation. His pursuit of his very own dream took years of training, dedication and perseverance. All would not have been possible if not for his parents, Mr & Mrs Schooling's support, belief and sacrifices. I admired the boy for being so focus and discipline throughout his whole journey. We must not forget his coach Sergio Lopez being there for him too.

We are very proud of him. I am sure everyone wants to do a shout out to him, to congratulate him. For the whole week Joseph Schooling came back to a idol's welcome. Hundreds turned up to catch a glimpse of him. In my lifetime, I am glad to witness such a life changing event. Wishing You Joseph, more gold medals in future endeavours.

Waterspout At East Coast

A waterspout appeared in a distance out at sea off the East Coast of Singapore in the

afternoon. I was excited to see this rare phenomena again and much closer this time.

We dropped everything we were doing and watched every moment of it evolving.

It tailed off but picked it up again and saw a second one formed from a funnel of

water rising from the sea and joined with the one on top. I think we spent about

twenty minutes or so witnessing this. We were transfixed by the sight of it twirling.

Half an hour later, it was pouring.

Totally Awesome !

Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park sits atop a low hill. It is our island historical landmark. Stamford Raffles built his first governor's residence atop the hill and grew nutmeg and clove at an experimental botanical garden here in 1822. In olden times, the native Malays called this hill Bukit Larangan or Forbidden Hill. In 1861, a fort was built and named Fort Canning after Viscount Charles John Canning. 

What brought me to this place are the two old buildings on this hill. I went to Fort Canning Arts Centre few years back for some flea market bazaar but didn't explore any further. This trip when I went over to the other side of this building and saw the cupolas for the first time. I was surprised to see they were actually that small. I was here this month because I had a wedding luncheon invitation at Hotel Fort Canning. I was so happy I get to go there.

Gothic Gate

Well, here is one of the two gothic gateways and a brick wall built in 1846, leads the visitor into Fort Canning Green. This building is the Fort Canning Arts Center used to be barracks of the British Army.

The lawn in front was the first Christian burial grounds. It was a cemetery 1822 to 1865.

By the 1970's, most of the graves were so worn out had to be removed. The headstones, remnants from the old Christian cemetery and another cemetery were embedded along the brick wall.

Tombstones at the north-east corner of the former Christian cemetery.

The Cupolas

These two minuscule cupolas were designed by an important architect of early Singapore named George Drumgold Coleman (1795 -1844). No information on its construction and purpose was documented. They could offer visitors shelter from the sun and rain. Frankly I thought it seem like a memorial for a pair infant twin.

Memorial To James Brooke Napier

This gothic monument is dedicated to William Napier's and Maria Frances's infant son who died at sea when he was about five months old in 1848. William Napier was also a Lieutenant Governor of the British outpost at Labuan, off the north coast Borneo.

The Battle Box is an underground network of bunkers and tunnels. It served as a command and control center for the British and Allied Forces in the late 1930's. A guided tour takes one through the surrender of Singapore to Japan during the World War II. A worthwhile visit to this historical site especially for military veterans and history buffs. It was discovered in 1988, and was then reopened as a museum in 1997.
 

The Fort Gate is all that is remained of the fort wall that ran completely around the summit of this hill. The wall was completed in 1861 to withstand artillery bombardment.

Old Fort Gate

I was surprised to discover a reservoir on top of the hill. To me reservoirs are vast openness of waters, how big could this reservoir be, to be even called a reservoir. Nobody knows as this is a restricted area. This service reservoir constructed in 1926 on the former site of a large artillery barrack and parade ground to supply water to the residents in the vicinity.

9-Pound Canon

     

Two of such cannons were made in the early 19th century but now is left with one.

Hotel Fort Canning was the former British Far East Command headquarters during World War II. This building was restored and converted to a boutique hotel. The military building was built in 1926 as the Administration Building of the British Far East Command HQ. It was occupied by the Japanese Military during the occupation (1942 - 1945).

As I exited the park through the other gothic gateway, there are still more to be covered. There is the Raffles Terrace where you see replicas of the lighthouse, flagstaff and time ball on the other side. The Spice Garden is just beyond this gate and the Archaeological Dig Exhibition close by. I called it a day for now.

There a quite a lot to see if you enjoy fauna and trees. Besides, information abound on info boards at designated spots around the park. The Battle Box is officially opens today after a two & half years revamp. This will be a good reason to go back for another visit. 

Till then . . . Goodbye . . . Take care.

Some Unexpected Adventures

Hi, hi, here I am once again. Do you notice after all these times I down to two loyal members following my blog. One had opt out of the list. I still don't quite get this following thing. I myself don't follow other celebrities or friends and I am not out to build a following anyway, so why be bother by it. That's my thought for the day. I write for myself, to keep my words flowing & my mind active. I am not good with speaking up in front of a group of friends and a friend even finished up my sentence for me. Impatience I suppose or was I acting like a sloth. I read somewhere it's rude to do that. Guess everyone has their weakness and strength.

April 2011

I find my myself ageing. Life is certainly a journey. When I was in my teens, finding the right person to marry was the ultimate objective then, to start a family of your own. At least I have a found a life partner who loves children as much as I do. I loved the times I spent with my young niece and nephew. Having children is not a chore, though I must admit sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming. It is giving your time to a little individual of yours love, guidance and nurturing him or her.

We took our toddlers to the zoo, parks, beach to show them a brand new world. As they grow, gradually it is their turn to take us places which sometimes revisit our school days. Attending their sports day, award giving ceremonies, open houses and band performances are all part of it. I also have the pleasure of going to places, like a walk in the ship, watching an action-packed naval display, or an air force museum which I never dream of.

April 2014

Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall 

2016

Symphony Stage @ Botanic Garden

2016

Rescue operation to a ship under siege (2013)

Frigate is a warship.

From the sea to the air . . . . at Air Force Museum at Paya Lebar, Airport Road.

February 2016
 

E-2C Hawkeye

Hawker Hunter

Missile

T-33A

Whoa is what I say to myself, to see such machines at close range. Thanks

to taking up parenting. I would have missed out on such opportunities.

Got to go. Bye for now.

Tarts And Hearts

Pineapple Tarts

Hi, I want to say goodbye to February on this special day because it's 29th February. It is not often you get 29th every year. I had a nice Chinese New Year celebration eating all the tarts, cookies & tidbits like shrimp rolls, cuttlefish seaweed, ngaku (arrowhead) chips. For me snacking on these comes around once a year. This year we started eating pineapple tarts two weeks ahead of the celebration. I couldn't wait for the New Year. I would try the tarts before picking the right stall to buy from. Pastry for the pineapple tarts have to be rich, buttery and melts in your mouth texture. It is top with caramelized grated fresh pineapple with just the right sweetness. I found the best tarts and my family finished two small canisters just before Chinese New Year Eve. When I went back to buy one more, they were already sold out. So happy that I was able to afford more because in recent years, I had to forgo these new year goodies. Homemade cookies do not come cheap. It cost from $16 - $22. 

Strawberry Jelly Hearts Cheesecake

This year, the seventh day of the lunar new year which is Human Birthday coincide with Valentine's Day. Here is another delectable treat to celebrate this day. I came across this at our friends' hi-tea gathering. It has three layers. The bottom layer is biscuit base and cheesecake in the middle and jelly on the top. You can look up the recipe on the internet. Actually, you can also offer your loves ones some love letters. For those abroad, love letters are also one of our new year snacks. It is paper thin crispy rolls.

Love Letters

(Kuik Kapit)

Well, tata and a big hug for now.

Old School Memories

 
 

It's the start of the year and it's back to school. For those waiting for their results are still in transition. My New Year started well with a gathering with my ex-secondary school mates. Recalling fond memories and some of the classmates whom we lost contact with. We are chummy bunch of girls, young at heart who still gel with each other. Mainly because the last two years of our school life was a blast. Some with kooky personalities liven up the class. The laughter we shared, the jokes that the teacher told were the main reasons that made learning in school so much fun. Some of the girls' laughter were so infectious, eventually the whole class ended up laughing. I had never laughed so hard until some cried. Laughing is the best medicine cause I went home happy to my mundane life. Those were the days of watching Charlie Angels and Donny & Marie Shows.

The secondary school I went to was St. Anthony's Convent and graduated in 1978. This was at 111 Middle Road. The Singapore Design Center moved in March 2014 and it is about time to go into this old building to see how they have renovated it. Actually I was more interested in how this new place look because I spent four years of my life there. Never imagine now we would have National Library just across the road. The exterior of the building remain unchanged and what on the inside surprises me. Seems like a whole new place now.

The protruded balcony on the second floor

The Ground Floor Where The School Hall Was  

  

The New Exhibition Space

Staring into this void was where we had science experiments at the laboratory on the highest level. Home economics classes on the middle level. Litmus paper, bunsen burner, test tubes, cutting stems to examine it's cross-section under the microscope and the unpleasant experience of dissecting a frog and a rabbit. We were squirmish about it and put off by the smell. Eww . . . but it had to be done anyway. I had to muster every ounce of courage in me to get it over with. It was tough when you have a soft spot for furry animals.

The tree in this picture is no longer there today. I remembered our class was out here sketching in the compound for one of my art lessons.

Usually if we were in the school early, we would cross over to the back lane behind the Post Office for food, drinks and snacks. There were a few sarabat stalls in the 1970s.

Below was one of the spots, the altar next to the side gate was where we girls would have our class photo taken for our year book.

The Lady Of The Rosary

National Library Building On The Left

During our time, I think we were the only school that have air conditioners in our class rooms. The school was at the busy junction of Victoria Street and Middle Road. That kept out the noise level of the traffic down so we could concentrate better. Besides there were no trees, no shade, having air cons also keep out the exhaust fumes from the vehicles below.

Sister Cecily Pavri was our Secondary Four Biology Teacher before she was a Principal. I enjoyed her lessons very much. She always made us laugh.

The folding metal door which we enter the premises at this side of the building is gone. The new entrance is at the other corner of the building. The stairway over there has been removed. On some Saturdays, we saw the Sisters distributing rations to the poor and elderly here. Acts of charity is evident in the Canossian ethos. Our Foundress, Blessed Magdalene of Canossa is an epitome of benevolence and selflessness. She answered her calling to serve Christ by helping the poor. I loved it when Founder's Day came around because it is also my birthday. Yay ... no lessons !

Before I end, I remembered  I had the privilege of helping the needy children too,

organised by my church. You can click at Outreach At Batam to read about it.

I can't imagine one day, I actually walk the talk for one weekend.

 Till then . . . bye for now.