Midnight Mass

It's already X'mas. 2012 passing by very quickly. We have already been at our new home for over 18 months. Sarah-Marie has graduated, returned to Singapore and gainfully employed whilst Aaron-James is already doing his National Service. Clarissa-Anne is going into her final year of Polytechnic studies. Time flew by very quickly.

Before the 2 elders proceed to join their respective Youth Groups, took the family snapshot at SFX on Christmas Day 2012 at 1:30 am. Merry Christmas.

Home Blessing

After moving in May 2011, it took us quite a while to unpack and settle in. Lots of other events and misalignment of schedules came in between. With X'mas round the corner, guess, it was the next best timing to get the home blessed before Santa comes by on 24 Dec 12.

Fr Brian from SFX, did the honour to bless the house on 22 Dec 12. Godparents, god-sisters, friends from SFX and Sarah-Marie friends to mark the occasion. A simple Peranakan lunch was catered for the afternoon.

The final snap-shot was taken with the God family, before the end of the day. All set fro Santa's arrival !!!

-6 KG

It's his first weekend home from Tekong Resort. Donned in green and with the shortest haircut ever, the "ah boy" has lost 6 kg since enlistment on 28 nov 12,

Having a last look at his PINK IC before its handed over to the SAF for TWO YEARS. He is finally the 3rd pax in the military family.

With friends and family escorting him to Pulau Tekong, its the start of his National Service, charting his owning NS Experience ... having his version of "Ah Boy to Man" ... HooYa !!

Harry Porter .... portrait !!!

The long awaited family shot with Kong-Kong & Poh-Poh, finally came through. With lights, camera and no action, the photographer engineered the studio shot with graduation outfits and serious looks. Its all a set up. First they'll shoot us, then they'll frame us and then, we'll just hang ourselves on some bare wall. SMILE !!!

Campfire ....

Had an invitation extended by the Trefoil Guild for a Campfire that was held at the Girl Guides HQ at Bishan on 10 Nov 12 (pm). Though the invitation was through the Singapore Scout Association, was a little reluctant to go cos I've left the scouting scene many many moons ago. Unlikely to know anyone there and will be at a totally unfamiliar ground. None-the-less, that little scouting spark in me says ... hey !!! go for it and that gave the little "push" that I needed.

 

On arrival at the GG HQ, a small car with 4 pax in it (wearing scout T-shirts) asked if they could park just along the driveway. The driver said that its their first time there so ain't sure if its OK. That was comforting !!! "First time !!!" Could hear myself saying ME TOO !!! That evening turned out quite memorable and pleasant. Aside from the "more elderly group", the campfire was supported by scouts from "Southern Cross" (from St Gabriel's Secondary School - more connected but from a different time). Met ex-scout and ex-guides, each trying hard to recall their times in Scouting/Guiding but each had their positive experience to share as they recall what scouting/guiding had meant for them. Whilst many of the campfire songs sounded familiar, the words and tune didn't follow through very smoothly but that was the order of the day. Can't recall the words, just hummmm !!! Action songs .... do it a little slower. (Poor Southern Cross Scouts, they were lost in a different dimension !!! but looked amused ...) Most of us were in the "recalling" mode, each grinning to themselves. 

The final song before the closing and Taps was "Pass it On". Sure added a whole new perspective to what a SPARK can DO, to keep the FIRE BURNING.

Awesome !!!

Clarissa-Anne's few seconds "on air" whilst covering the MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2012 at Takashimaya on 27 Oct 12, saw numerous numbers of calls and SMSes from those who caught a glimpse of her on the evening news.

Though she didn't get to view the coverage herself, the uncle had it "snapped" and its now duly recorded. Awesome, ya ?!!!

Comms at its best

It started with an SMS that Mom has a sprained ankle and it was subsequently upgraded to a possible hairline fracture, then the final confirmation that it was and the right foot is in a cast. By then, it made it to Facebook news and queries and comments flowed ....

Like the typical crisis management scenario, news were quickly uploaded and pictures taken for online transmission. What was probably lacking was the tag line for a media release. By the time it hit the next day's headlines, comments, views, "I likes" and well wishes were registered by family and friends, some came from US and Indonesia.

I guess the challenge now is to hobble around on one foot, climb 3 flights of stairs and having to keep the cast dry. It will be another 2-3 weeks of news flash and media / FB updates. In the meantime, keep the comments flowing. Guess this is what will happen in a family who is generally in the media management, visual communications, event management, profiling and information sharing scope of work.

Meet-up at New York

Guess when one wants to see places in New York, you really have to get to the TOP and getting to the TOP of the Rockefeller Center we did. The building which was name after JOHN D ROCKEFELLER Jr. has an observation deck at the 70th Floor, offering a good overview of New York City. Seen by day and by night, it provided paranoiac view for shutterbugs who finds all the glory angles for their snapshots.

Most significant of the NY Trip was a meet-up with the SOTOMIL Family. First met Francisca Pablo Palabrica (Bambie) in Dec 1973 at the 1st Asia-Pacific Jamboree @ Mt Makiling, Laguna, Philippines. It was a good re-union meet-up to celebrate our 39 years of scouting friendship. We are now planning for a 40th year bash to hopefully hold the get-together in Singapore.

Though a relatively short work cum holiday trip, had a fruitful time, walking the streets of New York and ending with a glimpse of the Hispanic Columbus Day celebration along the 5th Avenue, before heading to JFK International Airport for the 22 hrs journey back to Singapore.

Drama MaMa

Had a yummy dinner at Dian Xiaoer (NEX). Traditional duck, baby kai lan, sinful pork belly, sliced fish and pork rib soup was simply "shiok" !! While exiting the restaurant, the ever expressive no:#3 posed by the graphic wall... (Working for Oscar award ?)

4x Back-to-back trips in 4 weeks

This has to be one of my craziest schedule since taking on this 2nd career. Had 4 back-to-back trips, each having its different group of engagements.

The first of these in the series was to Jakarta, Indonesia. On the invitation of our partner organization, we followed through with a presentation at a seminar held at the Ritz Carlton, Mega Kuningan. Having past experience of being caught in massive traffic jams whilst heading for the airport from there, decided to remain at the Mangga Dua area where the hotel is only a stone-throw away from the highway to the airport. Unlike previous trips where Novotel Hotel was the preferred choice, we ventured to a boutique hotel known as the Amaris Hotel, Mangga Dua. Not too bad. Clean but really down to the basics. Positive aspect of this is that its within the same familiar Shopping Mall.

Next was the Maritime Week at Manila, Philippines. Met up with previous staff from the Centre and meeting up with old friends. Also, unlike previous trips where it was within the Traders' Hotel/Pan Pacific Hotel/Diamond Hotel area, ventured to the Heritage Hotel, which was the very first hotel that I've stay when I first visited the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in 2006 to kick start the Focal Point. Also took the opportunity to visit the campsite at Mt Mckinley where I had my first first trip abroad as a schoolboy for a Boy Scout Jamboree in 1973. It has changed and its now a well developed, posh residential area, under the branded name of McKinley Hill.

It was a KPI that I was hoping for when I first visited New Delhi, India in 2006 but didn't had the time nor opportunity to fulfill. It was finally within sight when I learned that the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had organized a visit to the TAJ MAHAL @ Agra as its social event for the delegates of the meeting. A 4-hr journey by coach to the historical site commencing at 0630 hrs in the morning. Also visited the Agra Fort and a carpet/art & craft outlet within the same tour package before the return 4-hr journey back to Delhi. Completed the long delayed KPI that was not a self-planned activity.

After 3 continuous weeks of being at Jakarta, Manila and New Delhi, it was preparations for the final leg of the 4th venue in the back-to-back schedule ..... The BIG APPLE. Rushing through all the last minute presentation requirements and re-packing for the long haul trip.  This was certainly an unplanned trip courtesy of the organizer that had organized the last conference at Perth in July 2012. Guess, its a sense of achievement  to meet the various back-to-back requirements. One more for the final leg in NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA. Guess, its one of those ONE-OFF opportunity that came by. :p)

Amazing India

We first met in 2000 at Tokyo, Japan for what seem like an ordinary conference to address piracy and armed robbery against ships issues. The forum however spinned off to varies initiatives that saw several Expert Group Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta and Pattaya, the conduct of a series of Coast Guard Agencies forums and the formation of an International Organization in Singapore. Catching up with Hsu Sin Yun and Li Bing was a great start for the event at India.

Meeting in New Delhi, India, head of delegations and some supporting staff visited the famous TAJ MAHAL Leaving the hotel at 0630 hrs for a 4-hr road trip , 2 buses headed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site @ Agra.. Construction of this historical site began in 1632. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later.

The visit to the Taj Mahal and later Fort Agra was part of the Social/Cultural visit organized by our host, the Indian Coast Guard. At the meeting proper, also met several "old friends" from China, Thailand and Indonesia.Don in their uniform for the meeting proper, it was another session of photo opportunity during the coffee/lunch breaks.

Our sporting Japanese coordinator, Aiko also merged into the Indian culture by showing up in a Sari, during the farewell dinner after the formal meeting.

Though we didn't venture very much on our own beyond the hotel, our host certainly presented a different perspective of "Amazing India" :p)

Boarded SQ 958 for Jakarta Soekarno Hatta International Airport. As the flight took off from Changi Terminal 2, adopted the zzzzz.com mode. Had a quick nap to catch up on lost sleep. It was indeed a short nap, as lunch was served. Gobbled whatever that came and headed to the back of the plane to quickly freshen up before the announcement for "landing station". That short walk to the back of the plane was indeed a very surprising and pleasant one. Finally met Christina Soh, after so many years since she joined the SQ crew. Had a good chat at 39,000 ft. Simply wonderful. Took a quick snap-shot before returning to the seat for landing. Indeed a good start for a pleasant trip (even though I was still half awake from my short nap !!!).

The little Visitor

The little fish pond saw several "interesting" developments since it came into being. Had a disappearing fish which we still cannot account for it till today, a tiny mouse that came by to steal fish food, spiders having field days spinning webs across reeds, a pesky kingfisher that help itself to the pond residents and occasional dragon flies popping by whenever they felt like doing so.

The latest shot of this visiting Dragon Fly had been a daunting one. Whenever I reach for the camera, it quick "zapped away" over the fence to the neighbor's house but whenever my camera is not around, it remains quietly on a leave. Its such a teaser !!! This close-up was finally achieved just after the rain. Probably, its drying it's wings. With the sound of water and hungry fishes "chomping" away at feeding time, the pond has been a relaxing spot after a long day. (Cleaning filters and clearing reeds is another story !!!). In the meantime, its simply .... NICE !!!

An addition

Whilst at Batam, Indonesia with the God family (Godparents & God- sisters), received a SMS announcing the arrival of AIDAN TEO @  Mt Alvernia Hospital on 25 Aug 12 from the proud father Maxim. Arrived a day before his grandma's (Elsie) 60th birthday, it was like the stork delivering a birthday gift ... It's a BOY !!! Yeah !!! Visited the bouncing baby boy (with rosy cheeks) on Mon, 27 Aug 12. Guess, its his first glimpse of his "Grand Uncle" (Probably, quite happy that he already has more hair !!)

The part that is now getting used to is addressing Michael as "Kong-Kong Mike". Hmmm !! takes a little while to sink in. Looks like it will take a while but the timeline of yester-years are slipping away very quickly. Welcome to the world, AIDAN and congrats to Grandpa Mike & Grandma Elsie !!!

Weekend getaway to Batam

It started with an innocent question - Can you join us over the weekend to Batam ? After checking schedule, ... well yes !!! and was suddenly commissioned as the "tour agent" for the weekend getaway to Batam After rounding up the group comprising of Godparents, God-sister and the Elfs at HarbourFront, proceed to HarbourBay, Batam via WaveMaster 6. Checked in a the Pacific Palace Hotel (Hotel is in the shape of a ship) before the first indulgence - Lunch. That unfortunately took a while cos major decisions had to be made to combined two rooms into a Suite. After much consultation and separate recce trips, there consenus was reached and the move finally took place to move to Room 709.

First Batam meal was at Putri Bongsu where Nasi Padang was the order of the day. With all the many dishes, we ate to our heart delight with several top-ups along the way. Whilst running through the weekend programme, the call to remain a little longer at Batam was planted and a quick search for a nearby Catholic Church was done to enable the attendance of evening mass so that the group need not rush back for Sunday Mass the next day.

We finally managed to attend the 6pm evening mass at the Gereja Katolik Santo Petrus at Blok Dua. Service was of course in Bahasa Indonesia. Whilst the processing were similar, the understanding was a challenge. Mass ended at 7:20pm and its was off to more indulgens at Golden Prawn 555 for a night of "Seefood" (Yes, See the Food and eat) !!! Ended the day with foot reflex .... all in the same clothes since arrival.

Its that time of the year to don the "red" t-shirt for the event of the year, the National Day Parade. Though there were usually anticipation and anxiety in previous NDPs, as coordination of where to sit (usually need up with seats in different sectors), the SOP is already in place.

Just leave the house on time and set the r/v point for the end of the show meet-up. We were generally split between the BLUE and ORANGE sectors but all turned out well. As for the RED dressing, this was the best/closest that we could get to. Tones and shades of red+the "where's Wally" look.

Had reasonably good seats and the weather was most cooperative. Not too hot and with clear skies. Met a couple of friends in the crowd and spent some time figuring our, what's in the goody bag !!! On the whole, it was a good show. Lots of effort and coordination involved. Glad that my personal involvement in NDP is now downgraded to just watching !!!

HAPPY 47th NATIONAL DAY, Singapore !!!!

Logo Reps @ NDP

Owing to the lack of car parks at Bugis Junction, decided to divert to the next nearest parking venue @ the National Library. At the lobby area, there was a display of the NDP layout complete with spectators, all in logo form. A quick search and we found the few little logo characters that were donated for the display.  Nice !! Here's to more good years !!

Finally .... aligned !!!

Finally !!! After years of timing misalignment, we have managed to meet up outside Singapore. With the traditional Sawardi-karp greetings, we met up at the lobby and headed to the nearby MK Restaurant for a heated cook-pot meal. First MK Restaurant gave us a 30 min waiting time whilst the 2nd had a discounted 15 min wait. Like typical Singaporean .... "Shorter", will be "Good-er", so took option 2. (PS : Thai 15 mins is different from Singaporean understanding of 15 mins) With the loud call for B39 (In Thai),  we proceeded to our seats and the half-thai doctor ordered whatever his tummy had decided. (That was one hungry dentist !!) but "We like !!!". With Eugene, who was with us .... we ate ourselves silly. Like good coffee addicts, we then headed for the next best available coffee to complete the evening's meal. (PS2 : Not many choices for good coffee, given that its wee past the closing time). Ended the night's dinner outing with a foot reflex at a neighborhood shop, named "Miss Puke"..... for the simple joy of inflicting pain to the lowest part of the body !!! LoL

Ubin Kitchen @ Joo Chiat

Its another one of those deception names to confuse foreigners as in Anderson Junior College in Ang Mo Kio or Katong Laksa at Upper Serangoon. Here's one from the off-shore island, Pulau Ubin, with its kitchen located at "Joo Chiat".

This round, the gathering for food was to celebrate Kong-Kong & Poh-Poh's anniversary. With seafood galore ranging from baby squid to its signature pepper/chilli crabs @ the Ubin Kitchen food outlet. Each had our fill + our share of messing up the table. Part II of the night out was for cakes and some wine + coffee to unwind. In the midst of our celebration, a young guy proposed, a kid celebrated his birthday and a candle blowing ceremony that almost activated the SCDF. As per SOP, the cousins (grandchildren, little and not-so-little) gathered around the grandparents for a group snap-shot for the "Facebook".

Getting wild !!!

Yes, the little pond is getting wild. The latest addition after the last Aussie trip was to bring home a crocodile or what looks like one. Hopefully, it will scare the daylight of that darn "kingfisher" who seem to be eyeing on the fishes from the antenna across the road.

With the amount of water plants and weeds in it, hopefully, it will complicate its flight and dive path and DROWN in the process of helping itself to the fishes. Better still, it can also be THE dish of the Day .... Drown Kingfisher delight !! (complete with feathers)

A Day at Batam ....

Ask any golfers and I'm certain that most will agree that "A BAD Day at the Golf Course, is better than a GOOD Day at Work !!!". Beginning to embrace this statement !!. My last golf game with Patrick Lim was some 10 years back at Jakarta. Played at Ancol where loosing golf balls was the order of the day. It was not a case of what's your score but how many less golf balls did I beat you by.

Brave enough for a repeated performance, we decided at very short notice, to head to Batam for a game to recall our most embarrassing moments at the Indonesian capital, 10 years ago. Dressed in the most uncoordinated outfit (hoping not to be recognized, we had our game just after a heavy shower. Someone must have warned them....The two of us had the entire Golf Course to ourselves). The final score, 6-4 (lost 2 more than him but was a vast improvement from our last performance where each lost more than 10, before the 9th hole. Who is interested in handicap !!!

Anywhere will do

YES !! She was at it again. Bed is where the head can find rest and here's to prove it. After some outing, hopping upstairs or in all that matter, climbing up to the bed was just too demanding. Rest the head and the body goes into the "immediate" maintenance mode. Its no easy fit. Years of practice, lots of determination and "Mind over matter" routine is what it takes to acquire this stat of art ability. She has done it in shopping carts, by the pool and even whilst walking. With such ability, she will probably be able to do it with eyes wide open next !!!

Options for certain jobs will thus be omitted from her wish list, such as those that requires continuous watch, child care teacher (imagine all the little ones role model after her !!!) and airport security. An acquired skill, gaining perfection by the day !!! (Time to zzzzz, ya !!!) shhhhh !!!!

Silence on deck !! Genius at work !!!

AJ has graduated

Yes, there is now a "designer" in the house. Aaron-James has graduated from the Design School, Temasek Polytechnic. All set to face the world ... but, wait ... NS first !!! ..... Well done !! all the same.

The British Weather

The British weather remains the talk of the town. Aside from the usual gloomy, windy+wet day, hail stones (small pebble sized) dropped from nowhere whilst it was drizzling. Interesting to see all the little jumping beans (well, it look like green beans being thrown onto the ground), bouncing off the road before it melts away very quickly. Only ONE DAY this week, where the sun made an appearance. It was short live ..... as we wait for the next sunny day again !!!

Recalling the PAST !!!

Quite appropriately sited, the 3 generation family gathered at the Asian Civilization Museum (ACM) for Kong-Kong to share some of his stories of his coming to Singapore, landing somewhere along the Singapore River to work and settle in this little island to call HOME. With the photographers in place to choose the best "feng-sui" angle to capture the moment, the 2 youngest members of the 3-generation family ran around the ACM ground, exploring the sites and where the ice-cream seller was. Well, it was the start of the heritage trial !!!

Weekend Break !!!

Discovered the new look at the "Red Lantern" Pier (Clifford Pier) which has been transformed to a posh  Chinese Restaurant. Nicely renovated and is certainly a world of difference from the old pier where bumboats embark/disembark their passengers. Next to it, is the new Fullerton Bay Hotel. Watched the preparations for the DBS Dragon Boat race and the beehive of activities at the New Financial Centre. Certainly an eye-opener discovering the many changes in the area.

Had dinner at the Tawadang - Thai German Microbrewery Restaurant. Enjoyed the crispy Pork Knuckles with some special brew to the tune of some unknown Thai songs. Learnt that the Restaurant will be closed down on 26 May 2012 to make way for some major renovation at Suntec City.

TSB "Gila" Party

It was time for the annual get together at Tan Sim Boh (TSB) Road for Godpa/Godma's birthday party. The theme for 2012 pow-wow session is to don the "most uncoordinated" baju for the evening.

The scene is thus set for the "Gila Party" of the year. The principal came in her "sleep wear", Chief elf in wrapped-round pants, one in baju kebaya wrapped around the waist, pokka-dots pants, etc .... Late comers had some forfeit in place. One had to sing a French Song whilst others had to identify the new comers for the evening.

Home cooked food from neighbors and hours of traditional cooking was the order of the evening. Simple good food, good fun and good company. Happy Birthday Godpa & Godma !!!

Good Morning Bangkok

Having stayed at a hotel that is surrounded by food outlets is certainly a plus. Though most of the larger departmental stores open at 10am, many of the food outlets are up and going by 7am. Its difficult to go hungry in Bangkok. Lots of yummy stuff (some unidentifiable) in practically every street corner. When all fails, there is alway Roland around wishing one and all, SAWADEE-KARP !!!



My first morning breakfast walk, brought me to Chester Chicken. For 99 Baht, it was yummy tasty pork chops, served with rice/fries with salad and a drink. Not too bad as the portion wasn't too large to spoil your day and tasty enough to just enjoy the morning. Though its a fast food chain, it tailor very much to the local taste, Even the McDonalds here has its local flavor. Day 2 breakfast saw me at a "Chicken Rice" outlet, just two streets away. Tasty meal complete with winter melon soup. Not quite like Pow Sing, but close enough. Like Hong Kong .... its food, food and food here.... but with one extra .... FOOT reflex, at the end of the day. Simply great !!!

Thai delight

Small boats making their way along the banks of the Chao Phraya River to sell their goods ranging from fruits, BBQ squid, lather products and even a bowl of noodles. Though the busy waterway is packed with commercial activities, the change in scene from daylight to sunset had its calm silent attraction. Had a slow pace dinner with CDR Komson Suwanrit at a riverside restaurant @ Rattanakosin, Bangkok, within the premises of the Navy Club. A signature fish with herbal dish, tom yam kung, vegetable and pineapple rice over glasses of SINGHA Beer went well with catching up for the evening. After the meal, it was a slow drive back to the hotel seeing Bangkok by night. Certainly a welcome change from the different pace of lifestyle in Singapore. "I like !!!"