1 Out of 7 Billion
The world is getting smaller everyday but a lifetime is not enough to explore it. My adventure starts in Singapore.
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Farewell 2010 – Personal Highlights for the Year That’s About to End
December 29, 2010
It just seemed like yesterday when I was going around the house to chase away the evil spirits of 2009 and usher in 2010.
File photo : Crossover from 2009 to 2010
I can’t believe the year is about to end.
As each year brings its unique sense of joy and disappointment (based on my experience), I thought I’d recap what I think made this year worth remembering. There are many more runners-up to this list but I need to keep it short and sweet.
In random order:
1) Got an iPhone
Yes, I joined the bandwagon and very happy I did. And I’m also glad I’m not addicted to it and I have remained very sociable!
Credit: Apple (taken from www.zdnet.com.au)
2) Joined Twitter
Julu “sold” the idea of joining this social network site to me earlier in the year. Switching to iPhone made sending tweets easier.
3) Travel
3 Countries, 4 Trips
Manila, Philippines – to attend Jak & Jolina’s wedding and catch up with family and friends
Jak & Jolina together forever
Taken at Krispy Kreme in Manila. It was also the time of Philippine elections during my visit.
Hong Kong, SAR – 2x
May 2010 with my sister -- Last time my sister went to HK was in 1988. She wanted Barbie dolls then. Now it's H&M.
Traveled solo in Nov 2010 - Also met up with HK friends
Shanghai, China – Business trip but managed to catch up with Daryl over dinner on National Day.
DP with his unique undercut hairstyle in August.
4) Church
Sang the Responsorial Psalm for the 1st time — Was nervous but my choirmates were very supportive.
Volunteered as a part-time facilitator in the parish kids’ camp
It’s been ages since I was involved in an activity for kids (I did a bit of volunteer work in early 2009 for kids with learning development needs). It’s great to see and feel the energy and enthusiasm of children — I felt younger at least for one day! Thanks Ben & Eve for inviting me to participate.
Helped organise my choir’s National Day celebration — Everyone had fun (adults & kids alike). My first National Day-related party / gathering.
5) Concerts
James Ingram
Show Luo – 3D concert
Jay Chou
6) Family & Home
Auleine’s timely graduation from her “Early Childhood Development” course — Now she is Teacher Ollie to a few (almost) 2-year old kids! Congratulations!
Sophie’s 1st birthday and dog training several months after
Celebrated Thanksgiving for the 1st time — Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for year in, year out but this is officially our first family Thanksgiving party. We’d like to set this as an additional family tradition every year.
The biggest bird that landed on our dining table in 2010
With Julu, Eugene, and Veria
7) Gastronomic adventures around Singapore
Food trips during weekends — Truly the best time to try new places and gain some calories. This collage doesn’t do justice at all.
Horlicks McFlurry — The best thing that ever happened to McFlurry. McDonald’s people, please bring this back in 2011!
Brunch 78 — 78-meter spread of delights on a Sunday afternoon with free-flowing champagne. Went 2x. Thanks Tina for introducing this fantastic event to me.
1st time was with Karen and Nat
2nd time was with Julu and Karl
8 ) Singapore : Home Truly
Integrated Resorts — I had no direct involvement with their construction nor opening but Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa opening their doors to the public is definitely a boost for Singapore tourism. I went to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark 2-3x this year!
Resorts World Sentosa
Marina Bay Sands
53A — Discovered the band during my rounds and they’re brilliant artists. Will continue to support local talent!
With Sara, Alvin, and Bani -- Taken during one of their roadshows to promote their 1st album "Settle the Kettle"
Moved to a new office (same company) – From 4 locations, we are merged into one office site. Modern facilities and conducive for agile working. Most importantly, closer to home (a few bus stops away).
I tried walking home during the first few weeks (10-minutes). I eventually decided to take the bus home instead and save time. Heh.
Opening of the Circle Line — Well, “half-circle” but this promises to be big by 2011. This is the first MRT line I’ve seen open since I moved to Singapore 4.5 years ago.
My sister and I tried a few stations when the Circle Line opened.
Hope your 2010 was memorable too!
My 30-something Birthday
June 6, 2010
Another birthday, another reason to thank the Lord for His abundant blessings.
Last year, I had dinner at a Chinese restaurant with my family before going with them and a few friends to the Pussycat Dolls “Doll Domination” concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
This year, here’s what I did.
720 AM – Mass at St Peter & Paul near the Singapore Art Museum.
I wanted to start my birthday via a thanksgiving mass. Weekday masses start quite early (630 am!) so would consider this one as rather late. Had to wake up at 630am.
915 AM – Medical appointment at Gleneagles Hospital
When I was in Hong Kong, my left eye developed a condition called “subconjunctival hemorrhage” which occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks underneath the clear surface of the eye (white part, called conjunctiva).
For those who saw me around early June, you would have noticed and asked. It’s when blood is trapped under that white part – may look frightening and painful but it’s non-contagious and harmless. Hmm… some instant medical knowledge for you there!
This appointment is the 3rd one (the 3rd doctor as well though this time a specialist) and as with the 2 other doctors I’ve seen, I was given the same message (Don’t worry, it’s just like a bruise on the skin. You just have to let it heal as it will disappear in 10-14 days. No medication required). At least, I was reassured.
Will spare you the agony of feeling sorry for me so I wont post any eye photo. 
Update (as of Sun, 20 June) – The hemorrhage completely disappeared last week!
11ish - Lunch at Chili’s then dessert at Applebee’s
Wanted to have brunch at Friven & Co but that meant waiting another 30 mins for it to open so decided to go elsewhere…. the ever-reliable Chili’s. I’m a fan of American diners so it was ok to pick up extra calories over lunch, at least on my birthday.
Chili's with my mom, Ollie, and Jomike
At Applebee's - Maple Butter Blondie. Ask for the cream to be served separately so you can decide how much to pour on your plate.
With the crew after they sang Happy Birthday and served free dessert
Chili’s (163 Tanglin Road, Ph +65 6733 3317)
Applebee’s (111 Somerset Road, #01-11/12 TripleOne Somerset, Singapore, +65 6735 9671)
300pm – Went to Orchard Midpoint to buy a few boardgames then near Chinatown to pick up my birthday cake. Rested at home.
730pm – Birthday Dinner at Nectar (Wangz boutique hotel)
I love boutique hotels and I plan to check out each one of them here in Singapore, or at least try their restaurant/bar.
In my family, I’m the only one gets value for money from buffets so had to go for a la carte. Food at Nectar was good, service was excellent. Also had a quick tour of their guest rooms. Spacious and modern interior. You can even book two adjacent rooms and hold a party over two balconies.
Nectar Restaurant, Wangz Hotel, 31 Outram Road, Singapore (Ph: +65 6595 1383)
930pm – Prince of Persia
I used to play this game when I was younger (hmm, maybe 20 birthdays ago, back when we used floppy disks to install software!!). I am happy that Disney came out with a movie version inspired by the game.
While this movie didn’t have good reviews (Jake Gyllenhaal’s sounding British in a Persian role?), I really liked it — in terms of visual effects, character development, and numerous stunts and parkour.
According to Wikipedia, parkour (PK) is the physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within one’s path by adapting one’s movements to the environment. Skills such as jumping and climbing, or the more specific parkour moves are employed.
Here’s a video of parkour stunts so you have an idea of what I CAN’T do. Haha.
Close to midnight – Blowing of birthday cake and more photos
We got these birthday candles from Hong Kong. When lit, each candle emits a different color.
See.. how nice right. I really didnt want to blow them...
... but I eventually did as I wanted to taste the cake.
Made of fresh ingredients (including the cream), really yummy
Also had a lunch celebration with Karl and Julu the next day over at Melt. (Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Singapore 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797 Tel : +65 6338 0066). It’s awesome to enjoy buffet over countless laughs and sumptuous food. Great to have caught up with them.
With Julu and Karl
Thanks to those who remembered to greet me personally or via mobile/email/Facebook. It was truly an awesome 30-something birthday weekend!
Paul The Musical
June 28, 2009
If my memory serves me right, this is the first live religious musical I’ve seen here in Singapore.
I must admit I do not know the full story about (St) Paul. He is also known as Paul the Apostle or Paul of Tarsus. His conversion (metanoia) happened around AD33 on the road to Damascus where he experienced a vision of the resurrected Jesus after which he was temporarily blinded.
Paul's Ministry (source: Wikipedia)
The church friends whom I went with to the show knew much more about Paul so would occasionally whisper to them and ask a few questions.
The musical was organised by Church of St. Mary of the Angels and was held at NUS.
Main cast
Timothy Wong, Daniel Chua, Jurane Solano, Geraldine Isabelle Yeoh, Brandon Yuen, Eu Jin Hwang
Show ended around 1015pm so still had time for boardgames at Settlers’ Cafe along North Canal Road near Clarke Quay MRT station.
With Sury, Marlene, Eugene, Sam
Sickness/Healing ; Deformity/Transformation
May 9, 2009 — 2 Comments
The Lord will Understand
The Archbishop of Singapore has issued instructions to all church goers as a precautionary measure against the spread of the H1N1 virus. I was told by my friends that this is similar to when Singapore was hit by SARS several years ago.
I would normally hold the hand of the people beside me to sing, “Our Father” and shake hands during the Sign of Peace so it feels different not to be able to do so at least for a few weeks. However, I respect such decision and will obey as it is for the good of all.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Let’s admit it. In a world filled with commercialism and pretense, we can’t help but notice how people look from head to toe. Love at first sight, etc. However, not all good looking people are best friend material (and I am not trying to be like Paris Hilton here).
It takes time to get to know a person and even if we reach an acceptable level of trust, trust is betrayed and we are back to square one.
I was touched by the story of Connie Culp’s transformation and resilience as the US’ first ever face transplant recipient.
Let me quote Yahoo news on the background: “Culp’s husband, Thomas, shot her in 2004, then turned the gun on himself. He went to prison for seven years. His wife was left clinging to life. The blast shattered her nose, cheeks, the roof of her mouth and an eye. Hundreds of fragments of shotgun pellet and bone splinters were embedded in her face. She needed a tube into her windpipe to breathe. Only her upper eyelids, forehead, lower lip and chin were left.”
After 30 operations :
parts of her ribs –> cheekbones
one of her leg bones –> upper jaw
skin from thighs –> grafted onto face
and a 22-hour operation in December:
bones, muscles, blood vessels from another woman who had just died –> 80% of her face
Cost likely to be absorbed by the clinic : US$250,000 to 300,000
Before the accident
Now
Culp said she wants to help foster acceptance of those who have suffered burns and other disfiguring injuries.
“When somebody has a disfigurement and don’t look as pretty as you do, don’t judge them, because you never know what
happened to them,” she said. “Don’t judge people who don’t look the same as you do. Because you never know. One day it
might be all taken away.”
True, true. A story of hope, courage, and faith. Looks may change in an instant but the values shaped by our upbringing and the pureness of our hearts are what will matter in the end.
