Farewell 2008, Welcome 2009!

December 30, 2008

Time flies so quickly – another year is about to come to an end.

A lot of things happened to me this year. Let me share with you the most memorable ones.

2008 Highlights

1. Met close to 150 people (at least 60% I will likely reconnect with, and out of such 60%, at least 30% I have managed to meet up twice or more)

Here are some of them:

2. First time visit to India and Taiwan. Overeas trips to China, Indonesia, Thailand, HK, Australia.

3. Went up Taipei 101 (world’s tallest building) and Eureka in Melbourne (tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere). Saw the Taj Mahal (one of the 7 wonders of the modern world).

 Melbourne photos (Eureka)

4. Watched concerts of international artists (Maroon 5, Kylie Minogue,  those who were at SingFest like Rick Astley, One Republic, Jason Mraz, Alicia Keys and Pussycat Dolls) and even Mandarin pop stars (Jay Chou, Nicholas Teo, Wang Lee Hom).

Jay Chou

SingFest

5. Developed a greater appreciation for the arts through events held in Singapore — local and international theater and film.

Singapore International Film Festival 2008. I consider this as one of the most important art events I attended in 2008.

6. Appeared in a feature article for “Her World” magazine (Singapore, Dec 2008) ; “Dudes in the Hood”

With the "Her World" team

7. Got invited to three (3) weddings in Singapore. First time since I moved here. 

Dean & Rebecca's wedding (my very first in SG)

8. Explored Singapore extensively by random bus on weekends.

9. Joined a church choir and have been able to attend regularly.

Taken during Christmas (midnight) mass

10. Obtained Permanent Residency status in Singapore.

One of the most memorable days of 2008 was when I received this letter from the ICA.

A few highlights from 2007 which I can still remember (only because I didn’t make a similar report for 2007 haha):

1. Won a photo contest for the first time in my life (saving the environment theme) and was awarded an iPod

Never intended to enter this photo in a contest but thanks to Thib for being an excellent subject. Taken in Tagaytay, Philippines.

2. Moved to a new “decade”. Sang in public for the first time during my birthday celebration.

"When You Say Nothing at All"

3. Established “regular customer” status in a popular entertainment complex in Singapore.

Together with friends who first brought me to St James.

4. Joined a Catholic youth ministry that meets every Saturday.

My first session with Youth Arise Ministry (YAM) in January 2007. I looked very young then, don't I??

5. Visited Hong Kong after 20 years.

With William and Ron, two of my good buddies in Hong Kong (taken May 2007)

Thanks to those of you who were part of the above or have expressed enthusiasm in hearing about them.

May 2009 bring you success and happiness!