A Garden Walk

It was one of those unusual evening where the family decided to take an evening walk. Not around the neighbourhood but to The Botanic Gardens. It was back to nature. (Well, almost !!!)
Following its major renovation, the entire Garden have taken a new outlook from a new Food Court, large underground carparks and scenic landscaping to large open grounds for picnics and family outings. Being a hot day, Sarah-Marie just couldn't resist standing under the waterfall (without getting wet), to hear the gushing water. (Do notice the scarf ... her idea of being COOL !!!)
Natural maze and wild flowers lined the many walkways.

As night fell, the walk extended to Cluny Road which runs parallel to the Garden to catch a glimpse of the house that was decorated by Julius Ng. Quite a sight !!! (No need to get the light-up at Orchard Road !!!)

Golden Anniversary

Godparents (Joseph & Magdalene Lau) celebrated their 50th Anniversary on 26 Dec 2007. On the instructions of the "Principal Elf" (Bernie), it was to be a "Peranakan Nite" where the "Bibi(s) & Baba(s)" will attack the night.
Donning their Baju Kabaya was by itself a major exercise for the Bibi(s). Thank goodness for the simple Batik shirts which do not require all the complications. Together with the god-sisters/brothers and 3 specially selected elfs, co-ordinations were effected through whatever means of communications available .... emails, snail mails, pigeon mails, etc. Whatever the case, the evening went about like clock-work. With a mix of Thai/Peranakan makan and entertainment by the LOS PINTOS ... the party of the year was on. Some campfire items were also started at certain corner of the room. Godpa and Godma were of course the center of attention for the evening. Lots of action and happening throughout. Lots of secrets to be shared too ... of how they maintained their 50 Golden years.

Peranakan family

26 Dec 07 was by itself a day of discovery. Through a conversation with Mr PETER WEE (owner of the Katong Antique House), Elsie found out that her family, who came to Singapore from the Indonesian Island of BANGKA, qualifies them to be "Peranakan(s)".

[Come to think of it, GODMA and Elsie's MUM could both associate themselves with the same lamp post at BANGKA ISLAND. They also know similiar people who are related to the TJOENG family]
Looks like the children will have to start looking for their own BAJU KEBAYA and BATIK SHIRTs soon.

X'mas nite @ Tan Sim Boh

The annual Christmas day/nite ritual starts off with visiting Mom in the late morning followed by the evening visit to our God-daughter's home at Robinson Quay (This will be the last year there as they will be moving). After a quick meal and exchanges of family X'mas gifts, it was off to Tan Sim Boh Road (Our God-parents place) for Part II of the makan/merry making session.
This is where most of the "happening" will start. The children will link-up with the rest of the other like-minded people of the same age there (including Max ... the dog !!!), whilst the god-brothers and god-sisters will start their annual "suan-time". God-parents will ultimate blow the whistle to ensure that no one gets into any serious fights. (So far, well under control !!!)
OF course, no gathering is complete without the Makan Session. Pot luck is the order of the day. Julius & Dot will be there with their signature Soon-Kueh, whilst Mrs Rama provides the yum-yum curry. The rest will be a "surprise" but the bottom-line where food is concern .... its always GOOD !!! It was also agreed some 2 years ago that we'll do away with gift exchange (cos its mind boggling to decide what to buy every year). Instead, each family will make a cash donation in the Spirit of Christmas and these will be given to Fr Lau who will extended it to the less fortunate.
Ending the day is always difficult. Good-byes seem to take forever. Whatever it is, the day will always end up in a good, fuzzy note !!! Merry Christmas !!!

Christmas with Grandma

All dressed up for Christmas (Sarah-Marie, complete with scarf), the great children popped by BLK 111, Serangoon North, Avenue 1 to wish Grandma a Merry Christmas. It was also a face recognition exercise to help Grandma with her "dementia" as she has difficulties remembering faces and would require constant reminder. X'mas snapshot taken of Grandma with the 3 Grand-children, together with Yayuk and Reena

Thai Pineapples

Whilst enroute to the Pala-U Jungle Trail/Waterfall, our guide (known to us as "Chai"), decided to stop by a small Pineapple Plantation to break the almost 2-hr journey from Hua Hin. Each Pineapple, carefully wrapped in newspaper to prevent insects from attacking the young fruit, cost about 8 baht (about $0.25) when harvested. With fields of pineapples growing at various stages, no wonder pineapples are plentiful for desert at the end of each Thai meal.
With just a 20-30 min stopover, it was a good physical & educational break from sitting down (in the mini van) for the past one hour. Fortunately, it was not too hot (up in the mountains area).

A Thai Holiday

The day finally came for the family to proceed for a short holiday to Hua Hin & Bangkok. It was just so difficult to coincide all the schedule to have this ONE WEEK BREAK. Packing was done almost the night before and the morning prior to the trip.
It was like ages, since we have last managed to round up everyone for a trip. (There is usually one or two who just couldn't make it). As we prepared to board the aircraft, Aaron gave his sister ONE final PUSH to the immigration counter, T2 Changi International Airport. It was like planning for one major exercise.

With the help of Gregory Tan, a short ONE WEEK package was put together and off we went commencing on 15 Dec 07. The itinerary (a little "free & easy" bit) :

• 15 Dec 07 : Depart Singapore for Bangkok (via SQ 976 - dep 1410 hrs/arrv 1535 hrs) ; Stayed one night @ Novotel Siam Square.
• 16 Dec 07 : Quick visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market (am), before heading out of Bangkok to Hua Hin. Stayed at the Hilton Hua Hin.
• 17 Dec 07 : Early morning pick-up (0800 hrs) to visit Pala-U jungle trail/waterfall & a visit to the Elephant Village + Elephant rides/shows.
• 18 Dec 07 : Free & Easy day at Hua Hin Resort.
• 19 Dec 07 : Check-out by noon and head back to Bangkok. Accommodation @ Novotel Siam Square.
• 20 Dec 07 : Very early morning pick-up for a private tour to the Bridge over the River Kwai and a trip to the Death Railway & the Jeath Museum.
• 21 Dec 07 : Free & Easy day at Bangkok.
• 22 Dec 07 : Final shopping spree. Return to Singapore via SQ 625 - dep 1830 hrs / arr 2245 hrs)

Details of the trip to follow .... (to be updated) as the days go along !!!! (More details at : http://nesac-07.blogspot.com)

As the sun sets ....

SINGAPORE in the late evening !!!

As the sun sets in the far horizon, as seen from the highest building in the Marina Square area (The Stamford Hotel), the busy traffic below continues to be as busy as ever. People are seen (little dots) moving all over the streets and the Singapore Straits (in the far end) was slowly transforming into little dotted lights, lining the dark background formed by the Indonesian islands of Batam & Bintan.
Suntec City and the Esplande suddenly glows making it distinct even from a distance. Aside from the change in light, the busy life below continues as a light on-shore breeze cools the evening.

Our apologies !!!

So sorry to the VESPA designers and engineers who have put together the VESPA Scooter. Designed and built for 2 persons, this family of 5 placed it on an "overload" test. (Poor wheels !!!).

This is what happened when "sua-ku" comes into contact with 2 wheelers (less the bicycle !!!). Maybe we can apply for "feasibility, reliability & quality" tester appointments for other make of scooters too !!!

All these was part of the photo-shoot (studio) @ "Naughty by Nature" over the weekend !!!

Our Sporting world !!!

Year III with "Naughty By Nature". The theme ... World of Sports !!! Armed with golf clubs, badminton racket, volleyball, basketball & a pair of boxing gloves, the family was ready for a "historical" shot (in black & white !!)
Dad & Mum had golf clubs whilst the Sarah-Marie has a volleyball, Aaron-James, a basketball and Clarissa-Anne, a badminton racket.

GOLF was Dad's chosen sports for the Sports theme. Took up the game some 6 years ago. The very first game was played @ Batam Island. On that day, whilst he was on the course, 2 planes crashed into 2 towers (Yes, September 11, 2001). That was how disastrous his game was. When his bowling score is about the same as his golf score ... no talks of handicap required !!! (Watch out too for DAD's unintentional golf club swing !!!)

Mum dropped her golf clubs and don boxing gloves. The next couple of minutes were ACTION and more ACTIONs, with Mum punching the poor air !!! A reminder that she is an Army Officer by Day & a Killer by Night. (Warning : Anyone planning to date her daughters be reminded that they maybe the next candidate in the ring, with MUM). Do pray a little before accepting the challenge in the ring !!! (PS : Divine intervention may help !!!)

Daughter No :#1 is a potential model to promote SPALDING Volleyball. Dressed in shorts, shades and ball in hand, she is just looking for the Sun, Sand and Sea ... to complete the picture. (Now to find some talent scout !!!). All ready to have the "COOL" look, she kept smiling to herself !!! (Hmmmmm !!! wonder what's in the mind !!!). Given the temperature at the studio, I guess it was cool enough.


Unlike the sister who was dressed to Kill, Son was UNdressed for his dumb-bells workout. Holding both the dumb-bells in one hand and remaining still for the camera is good way to gain the 6-packs at the waist... (at the moment, just one large pack in the middle !!!). Not too sure if he was impressing the parents / sibblings or the cute lady photographer !!!? Hmmmmm !!!!


Daughter #2 is armed with a badminton racket and dressed in the School Team's rig ... all ready to take on an imaginary opponent. Will batteries all charged up, the shuttle-cock didn't stand a chance (even when within a photo studio !!!). This one .... Style ada !!!

The Picture of the Day. Son in "Black & White", having a symbolic drink from his water bottle ... it was a timely SNAP .... that produced this award winning entry.

Hello Grand UNCLE !!!

Shucks !! Another reminder that I'm getting closer to the 5th decade of my life. 8 weeks old Kaylen came by NOL Building (actually more of PSA Building) with Mum and Dad for a visit/lunch with the "Grand Uncle" (Ya !!! Must prefix with the "GRAND"). Can't believed that I've crossed the line from just UNCLE with a new hierarchy ranking order. Whilst parents & grand uncle had their Japanese meal, Kaylen, very cooperatively slept throughout the entire section. (Qutie user-friendly, so to speak !!!). "Wakarimashite" to that !!!

New Factory outlet

The long line of people queueing up for Donuts from "Donut Factory" is by itself, a deterrence from wanting to give it a try. Can't see the logic of lining up for some "holy kuek-kueh". From insider information, was told that there is a new "Donut Factory" outlet at Novena Square. Assessing that "not-that-many" people knows that .... it was worth a try and the intelligence update was good ... hardly a queue and here's a dozen to prove it.

So having finally tried all 3 types of "die, die, must try dounts". Final conclusion .... its still a "holy kueh-kueh" !!!

Sarah is 19 !!!

The gong sounded and out came a waitress with a "lighted sandae" and the crew of HARD ROCK CAFE (Singapore) did their "Happy Birthday" number, followed by a snap-shot of the birthday girl who has to stand on a chair. (Now !! That's attention). Food-wise, it was not the typical chinese dinner nor heavy stuff. Nachos with various dips, cheese, seafood platter and goodness knows what but it was all yummies !!!
With Grandparents, Uncles, Aunties, Cousins and sibblings + BF, it was an evening out on the eve of Sarah's 19th Birthday. (Why not on the actual day on 11 Nov 07 ? Well, it was reserved for her closer "friends" at the ZOO !!!). Way to go ... and its a year down the road to your 2nd decade !!!

London, after 5 yrs

First time in London was in 1984 whilst undergoing the IPWO Course. In between, had 3 other opportunities (once whilst transit to Scotland) and the last was in 2002 (with Aaron-James, whilst Sarah-Marie is on her school outing).

This trip is my 5th trip after 5 years. Much has changed in terms of new buildings ... and much has not. (Still as crowded than ever !!!). Now, there are armed "bobbies" (Policemen) patrolling the streets and more smokers lining the side of buildings (Probably lacked of Yellow boxes). ... and after so many years, finally managed to see the otherside of Tower Bridge. The area are lined with wharves/godowns which had been converted into office space and residential areas (Condos/apartments). A small mariner where lovely yatch/luxurious boats are kept and restaurants lining the side of the Thames for fine dining. Now !!! Isn't this lovely !!

Once a year bowling !!!

Up to some 3 years ago, BOWLING was a once in a "Blue moon" activity; However, with the inter-GRO Bowling Competition, it became an annual affair.

The 1st ever team comprising Edward Chye, Randy Sng & Lee Foo Wah (+ Me) played under the name of "The Gardeners". As all the other teams were none the wiser, "The Gardeners" emerged as the Runner-up (in 2nd place). It was then motivating enough for Edward and I, to invest in a "personalised" bowling ball.

Round 2 didn't turn out too well for all the rest of the teams has "wise-up" and recruited school team players and professionals.

When the competition was finally opened to residents this year, the once upon a time "Gardeners" each hosted a team (ie : Gardeners I, Gardeners II & Gardeners III). Of the 3 teams, Gardeners I won the Top NC Team as well as the 1st Runner-up for the event. Gardener III also won the 2nd Runner-up awards. All in all, not too bad..... with much thanks to the residents who participated and did most of the scoring. Previously, my Golf Score=my Bowling Score, but..... now, my Bowling Score is what I'm hoping to achieve for my Golf ..... (ya !!! It was that bad !!!)

The Heaven Berry logic !!

Based on recommendations to check-out the Indonesian Donut delight, headed to J CO at Mangga Dua Square upon arrival at Jakarta. Certainly a more efficient service outlet compared to the "long queue" @ Raffles City. From the half dozen comprising of varies types (from plain ones to chocolate coated nuts), there was a general sign of approval to bring some back to Singapore on the return trip.

On the final day, before proceeding to the airport, headed to the outlet for 2 dozens of the "hole-ly kueh-kueh". To avoid the bulky "One Dozen" Box, requested for all 12 donuts to be packed in a half-dozen box (plain ones at the lower layer and the more elaborated ones at the upper layer).

The 1st arguement started with the sales girl who confirmed that it was possible to pack them but she cannot do it cos I will complain. Had quite a time to explain that I am asking for it so will not have any grounds to initiate any complains. The Supervisor who was immdiately on-scene agreed that it could be done, so away, I went choosing the remaining 6 donuts for the upper layer.

Arguement #2 then started at the payment counter. They will be charging me 2x half dozens and not the discounted price of 1x full dozen. Reason being, that its packed in a half dozen box, even though the content has 12 donuts. (Logical ??!!! Goodness NO !!! and to think that I'm getting 2 dozen; that would be twice the amount of logical arguement.) Even some of the other customers agreed with me, the casher's position remains UNMOVED. With time (and the extending long queue), had to reluctantly agree to 24 donuts in 2x bulky Full Dozen boxes to the airport. Certainly a true Heavenly Berry experience / logic .... !!!

Lebaran Celebration Week

Whilst the Singapore Team headed to Jakarta for the meeting with BAKORKAMLA, many other Indonesians from Jakarta were heading elsewhere for the Golden Week "Lebaran" Holidays (from Friday, 12 Oct 07 to 18 Oct 07). Whilst getting a flight to Jakarta was a breeze, getting out was a major exercise. Had dinner with

















Francis Liang, Ka Leong & Xu Liang at the Mall next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel (Central Jakarta) followed by coffee at the hotel lounge. As we sipped away the freshly brewed Columbian Coffee, we couldn't help but notice the increase in lights along the major roads heading in our direction. It then don on us that the crowd for the "Lebaren Count-down" was building up. Very quickly, we gulped down the last mouthful of coffee and off we went to catch a SILVER BIRD cab. The journey back to the Novotel Mangga Dua is suppose to take about 30 minutes but it lasted a full 115 minutes. The streets were packed jam with people, cars, buses, vans, motorcycles and anything that moves. Policemen were waving their wands but no one was paying attention. It was like manoeuving through streets of demonstrations. We were certainly relieved to step into the lobby of the Novotel Hotel to have survived the journey back, many thanks to the excellent skill of the SILVER BIRD cab driver.

Killing time on the last day was the order of the day. The flight was in the late evening and we have to check-out by 1300 hrs. That's about 4 hours to kill. The foot reflex and the Bakme shop at the mall were closed for the holidays thus it was to each his own to fill the remaining hours before departure. Whilst I've managed to get in touch with Fonny (ET's Cousin) for a quick meet-up/chat, the communication exercise that morning was a challenge. Me speaking in "broken Bahasa Indonesian" and she struggling with her English vocab, it was amazing how we could understand each other. Whilst Ka Leong took revenge with observing the ceiling, Xu Liang laze by the pool, enjoying the view of the tons of hotel guests who stayed at the hotel over holiday period cos their maids had all "balek kampong" (return home to the vilages). With a super long lunch of roast duck, char siew and roasted pork at the chinese restaurant next to the hotel, we said goodbye to Mangga Dua. (There was of course the quick dash to JCO to buy donuts but that's another story !!!)

The 33 years later meet-up

Met up with Weni Suwanti for breakfast. As we chat in the back seat of her "Kijang", the driver drove around the Mangga Dua / Kelapa Gading area looking for a restaurant (any restaurant) that are opened for business during the festive period. Finally found one that had tradition Soto Soup with rice and roast chicken.

By the time, breakfast was over, proceeded to Kepala Gading Shopping Mall (favourite haunt of Weni & daughter Sandra) for a walk around as we catch-up on old times (We've first met, some 33 odd years ago as Boy/Girl Scouts at an Asia-Pacific Jamboree at Mt Makiling, Philippines in Dec 1983).
The shopping mall was packed with holiday makers who had chosen to remain behind instead of travelling somewhere else for a short get-away. Whilst Weni wanted to introduce me to their famous "Bakme Gajah Muda" (Bakme GM), the stall was also closed for the holidays (just my luck !!!). Notwithstanding, was introduced "Sate Padang" from a stall known as "Sate Mak Syukur". Quite tasty satays in Sago Sauce (See picture). In the course of the meal, Ayam Buah Kulek came into the conversation and the ever efficient Weni dialled some numbers and declared that a Kg of the fruit will be delivered to the hotel lobby. Always great to visit Jakarta but lesson learnt is to avoid the Lebaran's Week of Celebration. (Hmmm !!! Realised that I've totally forgotten to take a snap-shot with Weni for the periodical records !!)

Grandma is 85 !!

What was meant to be a surprised got Grandma all worked-up. Getting her dressed up but not telling her that she is going for a "surprised" birthday meal angered her cos she thought no one wanted to tell her anything. So it was only when she reached the restaurant did her facial expresion changed. (Phew !!! Thought she was gonna flip the table already. The "perankan meal" was at Pow Sing Restaurant. Ordering her favourite chicken rice with "ngoh hiang" and "tau hoo" !!! ), she very quickly gobbled down her food. She even "snatched" the ngoh hiang" when Sarah offered her the last piece. Without breaking it up to smaller pieces, it was already into her mouth. All watched in silence, as she went "gumming" her entire piece of "ngoh hiang" (without teeth. Amazing !!!) Next came the ONE CANDLE birthday cake (count on Son #2, not to get the correct number of candles !!).

As Clare happily sang the birthday song, the other two sibblings softly whispered it, knowing that they are in the "view of the general public". Blowing the candle was

















a breeze (even without teeth !!) but cutting the cake was a major exercise. Finally a quick snap shot with the 3 grand-children, Rena & Yayuk for the album.

New Uncle & Aunties

SMS from Grandpa Andrew on 27 Sep 07 announced the arrival of Ms Kaylen Teo, the latest addition to the TEO family. This makes the 3 sibblings (Sarah, Aaron & Clarissa) as Aunt #1, Uncle #1 and Aunt #2 respectively). All 3 visited Ward 609 (the Delivery Ward at Thomason Medical Centre) to catch a glimpse of their little niece. She certainly had her pressence felt ... wailing loudly in the all familiar baby tune.

To capture this historial moment, a snap-shot was taken with the parents and of course, the 2 day-old (2.5 kg, 45cm) Kaylen Teo.