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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Who Says Singapore is Boring?
April 3, 2010
My weekend activities this month have either been food adventures or artsy events. Here’s a glimpse.
1) Why I could not hit my target weight by end March
Lemon Cake from The Cookie Museum (8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, #01-02/04 Singapore 039802 Ph: +65 63331965)
Korean BBQ (Hansang Korean Family Restaurant in Holland Village)
Marinated beef tenderloin strips, fried rice & fried egg from Tapa King (Lau Pa Sat)
Try Tapa Queen (sweet/spicy)
Lunch Buffet at Starz Restaurant (Hard Rock hotel, Resorts World)
Breaded pork cutlet (Tonkichi, Orchard Central)
2) Artsy
Emerge 2010 (Zirca)
Annual concert organised by NUS CAC Voices. Saw the performance of a few members several months ago along Orchard and sought info on upcoming shows. The show lasted for 3 hours and involved more than predominantly Mandopop performances. Amateur talent with lots of potential.
Asian Civilisation Museum
Mark visited Singapore for the first time so brought him to one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. You need at least 2 hrs to do justice to this place.
Here's Mark trying one of the turbans for this photo
Several hours later... Post-dinner drinks at Brotzeit Vivo City.
To Kill a Mockingbird
I read the novel in secondary school so when I learned about the production, I did not think twice about booking tickets for me and my sister. Brilliant script, highly engaging, creative treatment.
During the intermission
Jae Leung (played Jem Finch) told me he was going out after the show to chat briefly.
My sister and Jae
More concerts and events in the coming months so watch this space.
Two Saturday Nights @ the Esplanade
July 26, 2009
I feel very artsy whenever I go to the Esplanade. Dunno why but it’s a good feeling.
Clouds trying to imitate the Esplanade "durian" roof structure
I spent two consecutive Saturday nights there with friends :
18 July – Short+Sweet Singapore Gala Night
Short plays (10 mins each) – the ten best ones from about 40 entries in either English or Mandarin.
Watched together with Wish, Nikki, Jenna then later met up with Ben and Anthony at Loof in Bugis for a second round of drinks (coz our first was at 7AteNine).
Wish and Jenna
With Nikki
Ben on the far left, Anthony on the far right
25 July – $ing Dollar
Musical comedy featuring the who’s who in Singapore theater. Worth every $ing Dollar I paid. :p
Watched with Kristy, Lynn, Wilson then supper at Glutton’s Bay (Makansutra) just outside Esplanade.
Me, Kristy, Lynn, Wilson
Yummy. I didnt get to sleep at once after this.
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
Hardly Home but Enjoying Life Outside of It
March 29, 2009
I have been hardly home the past few weekends.
Let me tell you why.
1) IT Show
No sign of recession at Suntec City. People were going out with flatscreen TVs or printers on strollers or carrying semi-bulky boxes of hardware.
Don’t know if it’s just me but I think this show drew thousands of people more than previous shows I’ve caught. It was so difficult to move around that I kept thinking whether I will push or get pushed. In the end I just went with the flow as there was hardly room to take strides, only little steps.
I’ve heard so much about the Mac that this year, I seriously thought about shifting to a Mac environment. I was told it was not as multi-functional as a PC so I postponed my purchase. Maybe I’ll make a decision by mid-year.
Had some good purchases from the show: (1) HP Laserjet printer, (2) Linksys Wireless Router (works brilliantly so my home is now wireless), (3) Nintendo Wii (an impulse purchase but happy that I’ve increased the entertainment value of house gatherings/parties with this game console).
2) Birth – Singapore Poly Grad Show 2009
Two of my friends had their works showcased during their grad show held at Marina Square so I visited the exhibit to catch up with them and see what their classmates have done too. Congrats Marvin and James!
3) Dinner at Double Bay Resto
Had dinner with Wee Siong and Kristy at Double Bay restaurant in Raffles City. It’s an Aussie resto that serves predominantly fish main course meals.
I asked the waiter where Double Bay is located and he couldn’t answer me. Later on, I figured it is in NSW and remembered being there during one of my trips, either through Ben or Adam.
Sticky Date Pudding - yummy - try it
Would recommend this resto and will surely come back when I have the chance.
Double Bay (252 North Bridge Road, #01-22 A Raffles City Shopping Center, Singapore ; Ph +65 6334 6530) Nearest MRT : City Hall . Upon reaching Raffles City, look for Timberland on the ground floor and exit through the door next to it.
4) i-Weekly Roadshow
i-Weekly is a Mediacorp publication. It’s both a TV and lifestyle weekly guide. It’s in Mandarin so I buy the English equivalent instead (8 Days).
i-Weekly is changing its layout and introducing a 2nd magazine for the same price so it had a roadshow at Bugis Junction one Sunday.
I happen to be in the area after Sunday afternoon errands so stuck around for a bit and left shortly after the downpour started.
Bugis Junction -- If a funnel of dark cloud extended from the sky to the ground, I would be running for my dear life!
Local celebrities don’t get much attention here in Singapore though, either because people are busy to watch TV or because celebrities remain down to earth and simple they easily blend in with the crowd. Both a good and bad thing I guess.
I only recognise Patricia Mok (red shirt) in this photo.
Belinda Lee (white), Dai Yiangtian (black), not sure who was wearing yellow
5) Veria’s surprise birthday party
Eugene organised a birthday surprise for Veria over at their place. It’s great when surprise birthday gatherings actually surprise the celebrant. We hid in one of the guestrooms and greeted Veria when she discovered where we were.
Veria's girl friends
Rodin, Daryl, me
Veria about to discover our hideout
Happy birthday, Veria!
Veria with loving hubby Eugene by her side
6) Kumar’s show + Chillout at Keppel Island
Watched Kumar’s show, “Stripped, Bare, and Standing Up” at the Esplanade with Julius, Karl, and Wish.
1.5 hr show — laughed most of the time and got majority of the local jokes. Haven’t seen Kumar perform in any of the bars he frequents. Finally glad to have done so. He’s one of the most popular cross-dressing stand-up comedians in Singapore.
Guess who laughed the hardest
Show ended around 10pm so most of the places nearby were filled with people. Decided to go to Prive Bakery in Keppel Island for supper, dessert, and some (ahem) modeling. Ha.
Milkshakes - so thick and creamy we could finish only 90%
I managed to complete this entry after a lazy Sunday afternoon spent at home. Relaxing especially since it’s raining heavily outside.
Weekend
March 8, 2009 — 2 Comments
Saturday
After the usual Sat morning errands, I headed to Harry’s Bar over at Chijmes for lunch. Karl was tied up elsewhere for a school meeting but good that Pierre managed to join after his trip to the gym.
First time to visit Chijmes during daytime.
Usual afternoon shower in Singapore
Pierre and I then walked over to Waterloo St which was only a few blocks away to meet up with Julu and Karl to watch “Imelda’s Boys”. It’s a one-man comedy show featuring the men in Imelda’s life (well, fictitious, of course) — her hometown neighbor, shoe stylist, bodguard, and the show’s main (and only) character Filo — and their impression of Imelda based on their personal experience with her.
Found the show generally entertaining with only a few boring moments (maybe “corny” would be a better term). When I bought tickets a few weeks ago, I was expecting it to be a typical play with several characters. It was a welcome change though to see such type of production. Must be tough to be alone onstage and keep the audience engaged for at least an hour.
Students of Camwhore Course -- Pierre (First Honor), Karl (Second Honor), Julu (First Honor), me (Second Honor)
We decided to chat for a bit at a nearby cafe after the show but could not help but take a few shots along the way…
Karl really looks young with his new hairstyle.
From the Bugis/Dhoby Ghaut area, I headed south to meet up with Patrick and Jen for dinner. Jen visits twice or thrice a year so was good to have caught up with both of them. Been awhile since I last had a meal at Hog’s Breath Cafe in Vivo (Aug 2007) so was surprised that they now have a live band (and a relatively good one too). Food was just right ; satisfied my craving for baby back ribs. Yummy, but sorry forgot to take a photo of what we ordered…
With Sentosa Integrated Resort (IR) construction in the background
Patrick and I would like to believe that they are from the Philippines.
Feeling terribly full after a good meal, I met up with my sister for “Watchmen” which turned out to be very disappointing.
According to Wikipedia, the story is used as a “means to reflect contemporary anxieties and to deconstruct the superhero concept. Watchmen takes place in an alternate history United States where superheroes emerged in the 1940s and 1960s, helping the United States to win the Vietnam War. The country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, freelance costumed vigilantes have been outlawed and most costumed superheroes are in retirement or working for the government. The story focuses on the personal development and struggles of the protagonists as an investigation into the murder of a government sponsored superhero pulls them out of retirement and eventually leads them to confront a plot by one of their own to stave off nuclear war by killing millions of innocent people.”
It just didn’t feel like a superhero movie to me. Visually appealing film with all the effects but felt I could have spent my 2.5 hrs and money elsewhere.
Sunday
Got excited with the sight of Philippine food during “Imelda’s Boys” (shown as video) so decided that for the lunch I was hosting today for local friends, I would get some dishes from my home country.
Top to bottom: pork BBQ, boneless milkfish, spring rolls, pork in vinegar/soy sauce (adobo), oxtail + beef with vegetables in peanut sauce (kare kare)
Most of my friends have not tried Philippine cuisine before so I’m glad they liked it.
Always great when friends come over and visit.
Updates from Previous Weekends
November 9, 2008
Several friends have been asking what I’ve been up to for the past few weekends. Here’s a quick rundown.
1) FINA/Arena Swimming World Cup 2008 (Singapore Sports School)
The FINA/Area Swimming World Cup happens every year in a few countries (just like the F1). It’s an international meet whose participants have either competed in regional/world championships or just about to get into them (hence, the preparation).
I first caught it last year and learned a few things about swimming (unfortunately, still haven’t picked up the skill), i.e. flags are placed above the pool shortly before the backstroke event so swimmers know that they are a few meters away from turning over; that the swimming assistants (the ones that carry clothes basket) enter after the swimmers have gone to the pool.
This year, I watched with Auleine and Vincent. Lots of events but the longest one was the 1500m race which lasted for 20 mins or so.
Vincent, Auleine, and me
Tao Li (Singapore)
2) Dinner at Project Shop Cafe
Had dinner with Ben, Jeremy, Duncan, Desmond at Project Shop Cafe. With this visit, I can say that I’ve tried all PS Cafe’s in Singapore. Good food and chat ; ended around 1130pm.
PS Cafe (Palais) with Ben, Jeremy, Duncan, Desmond
3) Theater Weekend
I spent several hours in the theater during the weekend of 8-9 November.
“Gemuk Girls”
The Necessary Stage
Synopsis
Kartini and Juliana are not your typical mother-daughter pair — one loud and overbearing, the other straitlaced and on the threshold of entering politics. Together, they are Gemuk Girls and proud of it (Gemuk = fat)
One day, they receive shocking news about Kartini’s father who had been arrested and detained in the 1960′s. Suddenly the floodgates of the family’s emotional past are thrown open. Can a family survive as they struggle to reconcile the past with the present? Will Kartini and Juliana continue to be Gemuk Girls?
Gemuk Girls is a bold and often darkly humorous look at family politics and the politics of the day.
I was amazed with the execution of this production, including the production design and multimedia effect. The performers were effective in their respective roles and I would say very witty in delivery.
I went with Pierre who had acted in several productions including at least one at The Necessary Stage theater over at Marine Parade Community Center.
Pierre knew the people in Gemuk Girls.
Najib Soiman, Alin Mosbit, Siti Khalijah
“Avenue Q”
Esplanade Theater
Synopsis (from www.allmusicals.com)
Avenue Q is about real life. It’s about finding a job, losing a job, learning about racism, getting an apartment, getting kicked out of your apartment, being different, falling in love, promiscuity, avoiding commitment, hangovers, internet porn, and discovering the world.
Here’s a video from a live performance/promo at the West End (length 6 mins 30 sec)
This is the 2nd time I’m catching this musical. Still laughed a lot and so did Pierre and Levin who joined me that afternoon.
Levin and Pierre
4) Lunch at Jones the Grocer
9 Dempsey Road
#01-12 Tanglin Village
Dempsey Road
Singapore
Ph +65 6476 1512
Been here a few times and one Sunday, I had brunch with my sister. The fudge and cupcakes continue to be the highlight of the meal. Yummy!
Fudge (Jones the Grocer, Dempsey)
A Nation in Concert 2008 : Wish Upon a Sea Star
October 12, 2008
I first learned about this musical/concert through one of its cast members.
Now on its 3rd year, ”A Nation in Concert” is a venue for differently-abled individuals to showcase their talent and enable them to realise their full potential. The show is put up by hundreds of volunteers who either work behind the scenes or perform onstage, with majority sharing personal time beyond their daytime jobs.
Synopsis (from the official production website)
Meet Shelby the slowpoke Sea Snail, Cornelius the Alaskan Crab and Priscilla the Drunken Prawn – a trio of headstrong sea-bottom dwellers who are sick of being looked down upon for having feet (or in Shelby’s case, being just one big foot) in a world of arrogant but oh-so-graceful swimming creatures. They long to express their uniqueness by taking part in a talentime hosted at Madam Manta’s undersea lounge The Ai Hum Club, but all their hopes are dashed when the ruthless Petula Pufferfish threatens to buy up and tear down the club, and even reports the trio to the censors who are out to prevent ‘footers’ from getting too vocal!
Will the trio win their right to be heard? Will the Ai Hum Club survive the invasion of the sea-vil servants? What will it take for the whole undersea community to learn that difference should be celebrated rather than stigmatized?
Some random personal sharing:
- While my experience of being part of a production is quite limited and dates back to secondary school, I can say that putting up a show with many performers is an incredible challenge. I’ve seen some of the photos uploaded by Pierre and I can just imagine how many hours have been spent memorising the script, familiarising the blocking/dance steps, and generally rehearsing with the rest of the cast.
- I particularly liked two (2) segments : the ballroom dance with selected members of the Handicaps Welfare Associations (ladies in wheelchairs with a male partner)
Used with permission from Lawrence Ang and Jerry Siah
and
a dance interpretation of a remixed version of ”Apologise” (by One Republic) by the Singapore Association for the Deaf.
Used with permission from Lawrence Ang and Jerry Siah
- There were also sign language interpreters who made sure that hearing impaired individuals who are part of the audience also enjoyed the show.
- I was touched by the final video where participants shared how “A Nation in Concert” has positively affected their lives and continues to give them hope. (Video had “You Raise Me Up” as its musical score — very emo… hear the song with lyrics).
A former cast member told me that this show has “a lot of heart”. It does and I’m glad that it has renewed my interest in becoming more involved in community building and sharing my blessings with other people here in Singapore.
For those who have seen it, hope you found the show worth every dollar you paid (and perhaps even more). For those who missed it (the third and last show ends at around 5pm today), let’s hope there will be another one next year.
CAST
Chermaine Ang as Priscilla the Prawn
Pierre Goh as Cornelius the Crab
Darius Tan as Shelby the Sea Snail
Christina Sergeant as Madam Manta
Timothy Go as Tim-MER-thy the merman
Karen Tan as Hannah Hammerhead
Tony Quek as Petula Pufferfish
Scott Lei as AC the Electric Eel
Ben Xiao as DC the Electric Eei
Joakim Gomez as Mata Skipper the Police Chief
Terence Tay as Clarence the Clownfish
Levin Ng, Valenisha, Glenn Chow Zhen Wei, Nadiah btw Muhammad Salehuddin, Siti Annisa btw Md Kamsani, Ika Nita Nurrizkia, Jeremy Chui Jin Wei as Tetras
Ken Lim, Wei Lim, Kenneth Li Jun Hui, Jason Yip Yan Shen as Mussel Men
PRODUCTION
Jonathan Lim (Director), Jerry Siah Eng Kiat (Producer), Desmond Sim (Playwright)
And over a hundred differently-abled performers from:
Association for Persons with Special Needs
Handicaps Welfare Association
Singapore Association for the Deaf
Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped
Peiru and I gave a bouquet to Pierre (Cornelius the Crab). I'm sure Pierre will miss his costume. Haha.
Nikki with the AC and DC Electric Eels
With Mata Skipper the Police Chief (Joakim Gomez)
Ended the night with Kristy and Nikki at TCC
Artsy August 2008
August 24, 2008
Here are the productions I caught this month.
Sun, 10 August (Drama Centre Theatre, National Library)
The Swordfish then The Concubine
Synopis (from Singapore Theatre Festival website) :
Swordfish attack Singapura, terrorising its citizens. A boy saves the kingdom by lining the beach with banana stems. But the Sultan, at his ministers’ advice, has the boy executed.
A generation later, the Sultan’s successor, his son, breaks the covenant between subject and ruler when he has his concubine publicly executed on trumped-up charges, bringing untold shame to her family. Sure enough, an armada of ships from the Majapahit empire soon appears on the horizon, and threatens Singapura’s supremacy.
Directed by: Ivan Heng
Written by: Kee Thuan Chye
Cast : Syazwan bin Borhan, Alecia Kim Chua, Gerald Chew, Gordon Choy, Farhan Hassan, Sani Hussin, Lim Yu-Beng, Timothy Nga, Judy Ngo, Rodney Oliveiro, Farahliza Ong, Najib Soiman, Darius Tan, Tony Quek, Elena Wang
Presented by : W!LD RICE
Sat, 23 August (Esplanade Theater Studio)
Own Time Own Target
Synopis (from Singapore Theatre Festival website) :
Two comedies and a musical all about NS – why we hate it, love it, fear it and ultimately, can’t live without it!
FULL TANK by Laremy Lee
In the midst of a desperate island-wide search for an *oops* escaped terrorist, Sergeant Leroy and his motley crew hijack a tank and go AWOL, embarking on a joyride through Singapore’s streets! Are they criminals or heroes? Or just plain crazy? Join them on a hilariously bizarre and uniquely Singaporean road-trip!
RADIO SILENCE by Laremy Lee
An NSF officer and his way driver are lost in the jungle, their unspecified mission taking them deeper and deeper into a no man’s land where rank can break down as quickly as the radio…
BOTAK BOYS by Julian Wong
BMT is every Singaporean male’s nightmare. Or is it? Experience the heartache, the bravery and the rude shocks as Justin and his blur buddies sing and dance their way through Tekong! Will he find friends? Will his secret be exposed? Will he survive to become even more of a man?
Directed by : Jonathan Lim
Written by : Laremy Lee (Radio Silence & Full Tank) , Julian Wong (Botak Boys)
Cast: Nelson Chia, Hang Qian Chou, Dwayne Lau, Jonathan Lum, Ghazali Muzakir, Nick Shen Weijun, Hansel Tan, Terence Tay
Presented by : W!LD RICE
