Time to say Goodbye

This is probably my last post before I leave Singapore tomorrow afternoon. 

Despite all my pessimism, misgivings and doubts, as long as I remember I chose this path because I am exchanging 6 weeks of summer holidays for 2 semesters of easier time, I should be fine. As the saying goes, "as you made your bed, so you must lie on it". Nobody forces me into making this decision and I vow to be brave about it. On the other hand, "bravery is by far the kindest word for stupidity". 

Seriously though, why am I crying as I write this entry? I am prone to histrionics and am melancholic in nature. 

That's why I hate goodbyes, more so, long goodbyes. But now, it's time to say goodbye to Singapore, to my family, to my home, to my room, to my bed and all the things I've taken for granted. This will be the first and last time so I shall try to cherish it. I won't fail, will I? 

Catch you on the flip side. 

Count the seconds till I'm home (with you)

2 more days till I leave Singapore! 

It's still pretty surreal to me even though I am in the midst of packing. 

When I wake up during the night, I thought to myself, it will be 6 weeks later before I get to sleep in my beautiful bed, under my new duvet with the air-conditioner on, surrounded by my Angry Birds toys. Will I even be comfortable going to the toilet in the middle of the night, especially during the home-stays? Will I feel safe? 

I have to bid goodbye to all the comforts I have taken for granted, both provided by the country and home. I can't walk around in shorts and T-shirt and go to the nearest shopping mall to buy things. I can't even eat my favourite/comfort food. The gist of it is I can't be myself. I'll have to put up an act and 'entertain' people all day long, even at night. I, who value my freedom of expression, having to curb myself and rely on others' whims and moods. 

To be more efficient in managing and passing the time, I have devise a method through psychological means. Time is divided into pre-, post- and everything else just falls under "during". I tend to concentrate on pre- and post- event, because the act itself is often short and quick (like ripping off a plaster). Isn't it true for examinations, projects deadlines and what not? I've planned what I intend to do when I return on the 27th of July, down to the first meal I'll be having upon arrival (McDonalds, in case you are wondering). 

I've divided the entire field studies into first and last 3 weeks. I reckon the first 3 weeks will be the worst. Once July is here, it will truly be a countdown till departure. 

If all else fails, countdown clocks are the best psychological weapons. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching the days gone by. Each day that is done will bring me one day closer to Singapore again. 

When studying becomes a chore and the modules pose no interest to you, you know it's time to close that chapter. Thus, one more year. 

Another Bronze

Singapore has won another bronze medal, this time in the women's Table Tennis team event!

This was the goal and the team has achieved it! Congratulations!

This is the first time I heard Singapore supporters at the venue being so vocal. This is also the first time that such a large group is present. The resulting feeling is quite heartwarming and of course, there's pride.

I love the way the crowds react and cheer, quite loudly, for their home teams. I love the way some of them go the extra mile to wear crazy hats, paint their faces and drape the nation flags around their shoulders. It is this sense of national pride that binds the people together. The cheers and groans are part of the charm in sporting events.

Perhaps, with time, more Singaporeans will be willing to go out there and support Singapore's athletes in that loud and boisterous way. Asians are so reserved, aren't they?

Everything is Sherlock

and everything hurts...

Pardon me for all the Sherlock "feels". It's extremely intense today seeing as I was completely caught by surprise when I realised that Sherlock series 1 premieres in Singapore tonight.

This is the moment I've been waiting for since I got hooked on the TV show. Finally, this glorious moment arrives in Singapore, after nearly 2 years since it debuted in the UK and nearly 1 year since I first watched it. I must say, I'm terribly pleased I discovered it way before it became so cool.

Sherlock is a testemony of how beautiful TV can be if effort is put in. It is a high quality show celebrating the brilliant minds of the crew and the fine acting of the best calibre of British actors. This is a TV series that showcases British style and identity and contains an element of charm missing in mainstream TV nowadays. It pays tribute to one of the finest authors (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) and yet manages to weave in enough originality to make this show an absolute treat.

And so it shall be, tonight, at 11pm, I will rewatch this lovely series again, even though I've rewatched A Study in Pink over and over again.

Of Winning & Losing

Aljunied had fallen (to the dark side). So has Hougang although that was never PAP's. As much as things are concerned, the ruling party still remains unchange.

Although it is to be expected, I can't help but to feel upset for the PAP team led by Mr George Yeo, Singapore's capable Minister of Foreign Affairs. Yes, I may not personally know him but I know of his contributions to Singapore and its society.

Not only did he lose his MP position, he also lose his position as the minister. And this is a huge blow to me, or rather us. I can only be heartened to know that his skills will always be in demand.

I wasn't this emotional when any elections are taking place in other parts of the world. Does that means I am really maturing to become a Singaporean who takes pride in our own well-being? Too bad many people still don't get the big picture.

The next election will be the new generation, including me, and I will of course, vote for the greater good. It's still too early to determine, but I really hope, for the sake of its own party, PAP will stand strong and continue to work for the good of Singapore. Please, do not forsake my firm support for the team.

But, remember, first and foremost, politics is mostly just a game. Sometimes you win a little, you lose a little.

Cooling Day

Tugging on the heartstrings of voters. Playing the emotions game. That is what the various parties are doing in this leg of the race.

Today being Cooling Day, I hope that voters will take a couple of steps back, and think with their heads and not hearts. Do you want to vote for the opposition because you want to rebel like some angsty teenagers? Do you want to vote because you like someone better over the other? Do you vote because of self-interest?

Now it's not the time for this. Do not vote for some superficial reason like "I want to help the opposition". Oh? The opposition do not need your help.

Being serious about your vote goes a long way in ensuring Singapore's future and growth. Disregarding the past days campaigns and performances by the candidates, let's make this a right choice and not regret it.

The country's well being is of utmost importance and I'm afraid there are some citizens who will not get it. Now, majority of Singaporeans will get it, they will vote not base on their gut feel, but because the party proved to be exceptional on many levels.

No one is perfect but I'm sure ours is darned close. One cannot deny that. Even if perfection is reached, there will still be disgruntled citizens whose demands are not met. And that is exactly what somr citizens felt, unfortunately.

No cheap housing. No "world-class education", whatever that means. Not enough healthcare support. Raising commodities prices. Whine and complain, that's all we ever do. If you think what we have now is not to be appreciated, then you ought to be shipped off to some developing countries, or even "first-world" countries to experience what is it like.

See how you will like it to queue for months for treatments and surgeries. See how you will like it when your grandchildren are repaying for the house mortgage you own. See how you will like with no proper education facilities.

Are you voting for the benefit of yourself or for the greater good that is the country? Fingers crossed for tomorrow because that's all I can do.

Nomination Day 2011

It's Nomination Day today in Singapore. Watching the live coverage on Channel Newsasia makes me excited even though I can't vote this year. The political scene is Singapore can be colourful, especially when it is the time for elections.

This year, fuelled by the extensive usage of social media sites, looks to be a highly competitive election with 82 of the 87 seats contested.

In my case, it is no secret which party I support. As with my brothers, we have a certain soft-spot for the ruling party since a long time. Though I can't vote this year, I will sure be watching the rallies and giving my moral support for my supported party.

The race is on to convince the voters of what the each party can offer.

Look Around

Looking at all these disasters happening around the world made me realised how blessed we are in good old Singapore.

Of course, I already knew that from the beginning. Yes, I have my grouses about the country but generally, I am a proud citizen of this tiny red dot. That's why it pisses me off when there are people who not only don't appreciate what this country brings for us but go on and on with all sorts of demands. Really? Please, look around you before opening that mouth.

Some people just aren't content. With clothes on their backs, a house to return to, jobs waiting for you and all that jazz, some people just want more. That does not necessary mean that I don't want more. On the contrary, I have big dreams and worldly demands just like anybody.

Singapore Grand Prix 2010

Singapore is called the "crown jewel" in the Formula One race. As a Singaporean, I couldn't agree more.

Singapore is so spectacular and amazing at night! The skyline is really beautiful, now that Marina Bay Sands stands proudly against the night sky. While it is not exactly dazzling, Singapore can be on par with other countries'.

This is the 3rd race in Singapore and it still is getting rave reviews from foreign viewers. Yesterday's race was indeed a good one, with crashes and fires and situations that makes your heart thump. Such is the case of Hamilton and Webber incident. I'm so glad that Mark Webber came out unharmed and finished in a podium finish.

Fernando Alonso won, fair and square this time. He maneuvered with style and was leading from start to finish.

This year, since my original favourite was not inside, I decided to support Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. There are two who are in Red Bull and Jenson Button in McLaren.

Singapore is still the only country with a night race and it certainly up the standards. With the street circuit aglow with megawatt lights, it seems like the sun shines on the particular route.

The night race attracts people because it is something new and with the backdrop being picture-perfect, who could ask for more?

Slowly, Softly, Sweetly End

With the tune of a single flugel-horn, and the beating of drums, the sacred flame was slowly, softly, sweetly extinguished. This brought out a torrent of emotions from me.

I didn't even watch the whole closing ceremony, just snippets of it. But, I think it was a fitting finish, it's very touching and reflective. As with the dramatic and youthful opening, the closing is a finish of promises to come.

As the young athletes bid goodbye to each other, the night was still young as the closing ceremony was dedicated to them and the volunteers. It was just reward for them as for the past 12 days, they have toiled and competed.

Ahh, how great it is to be young!

It's been too awesome a journey to put into words. Kudos to the team of volunteers, who have stories of sacrificial to tell. Kudos to the team of reporters and media who bring us news. Kudos to the people manning the twitter account and Facebook, whom a lot of people rely on for live updates.

Kudos to the organisers and committee who did it despite all odds. For a major event like this, past experiences are crucial when it comes to decision-making. Only from mistakes made in the past, will the current host country delivered a better event. Therefore, for us, without any main guides, we did well.

The IOC president akin the birth of the YOG to that of the birth of a child. In that short 12 days, the "child" has grown up and is ready to move on, in the words of Mr Ng Ser Miang.

Indeed, for many of us, how could we forget the day history was made? It has been two weeks of celebrations, competition and mingling. I'm extremely pleased with the rave reviews from athletes.

Through the Cultural and Educational Programme, athletes and volunteers learnt about different countries. The clinics and talks held by some Olympic medallists is great as well.

This is not farewell, because the Youth Olympics is just the beginning and the stepping platform for many of these athletes.

As spoken by Mr Jacques Rogge, goodbye and see you in Nanjing, China. The spirit of the YOG will live on and all this starts in Singapore. I hope that by Summer Olympics in London in 2012,
we can see many of these athletes again.

Good Times Fly

"Good times fly"

Ahhh, I'm getting the post-YOG blues!

It's with a lump in my throat that I typed this post.

I'm feeling a little forlorn, dejected and a flurry of sentiments over this whole event. I now get what people call the "emotion factor". This is the most powerful tool, to ignite passion and pride and get the country together.


It's that period of time when everything ends and you feel like there's a part of you missing. With all that daily action and news articles, it is hard for life to go back to normal.


It's been a wonderful 12 days of action, with all those athletes and news coverage. For Singapore, we have displayed our best and won medals.


With such a grand opening, the closing will be bittersweet as another chapter comes to a close. It's too bad that we can't go there live or for me, even watch the closing at home during the designated time. Because I have to work!


Sigh, as with everything, good times fly and we should be happy that we have the honour of hosting the inaugural Games. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happens. But all good things end too quickly, before we warm up, things are coming to an end.


I'll remembered YOG 2010 for the passion it brought to a lot of people, of putting Singapore in the Olympic history, of showing the world who we are, of attracting young talent to have a taste of local culture. I'm proud that I have a chance to have a piece of history to myself.


Because this is the first, memorabilia will be more priceless and memorable than the subsequent events.

I'll remembered YOG as the time that Singapore did it and show that positivity can win over negativity. Also, this is a good chance to see what whiners some people are.


Most Singaporeans are what marketers called "late adopters" and this is usually the bane of their existence. It is difficult to foresee what and when they will buy.


People always wait till the last minute before making purchases or feel the passion for something. When the tickets were first made available, it seems that no one wanted them, then when the event is half-way there, they started scrambling for tickets and gifts.

It amused me to see almost all things sold out on the online counter. I'm so lucky to have bought them before YOG was even hot. Still, I hope I can get some more items.

Saying Goodbye to Fond Memories

As Day 11 of the Youth Olympic Games winds down, you know it's time to snuff out the flame.

Tomorrow, the closing ceremony for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will take place and Nanjing, China will be the next host, in 2014.

Soon, YOG 2010 will become a distant but fond memory to many, for me as well. As some may rejoice life going back to normal, many will suffer withdrawal symptoms. Already, I can feel the panic settling in, because it will be D-Day soon. As soon as the YOG closes, it is technically, the end of holidays as well.

I will never forget this period of time, I have been, from the start, an active participant in all things YOG. While I did not sign up to be a volunteer, I was there when the flame arrived in Singapore. I was there, live, for the Opening Ceremony. I bought lots of memorabilia, from collectibles such as collar pins to official coin to DBS card. I have my daily dose of YOG action online and on TV.

It has been a great lesson for us all. For me, YOG 2010 is a crash course of Event Management, from risk management to staging to volunteerism to sponsorship.

Of course, how could I forget the hostility and negativity some Singaporeans had? It has truly been a good time to filter out all these people. Now I understand how some people, adults and what not, can whine and groan and complain at everything. For god sake, this is a joyous occasion, and yet it has to be marred by these people. And please, posting all these negativity online, where the whole world can see what whiners they are? And in turn, they may form bad impressions on Singapore.

Although, I must say, in every major event and decision, there will be people for or against it. Perhaps, it is the smaller-scaled here in Singapore. Perhaps, other places have it worse, what with riots and demonstrations.

For us, at least, they are confined to online sources and "fake" newspapers. These naysayers and trolls are on a roll and by right, the most efficient way to deter them is to ignore them. Their minds are so twisted and narrow that nothing positive can go in.

Frankly, we should ignore them and don't care about them. But, sometimes, they just get on people's nerves and you feel like rebutting them.

Anyway, it's ending. I am so angry that I will miss the live feed of the closing ceremony because I am working! It's too bad we are not going for ceremony, but we have already spend a lot on the opening.

Perils of Holidays & Universal Studios Singapore

Alright, I am totally procrastinating. There. I finally used that word. I used to think that the word don’t apply to me and doesn’t exist in my dictionary. But, this time, I shall admit it.
-
Gosh, where have the last 2 weeks gone?!
-
Why must time pass so fast that I can’t catch up with it? Day after day after day, I just couldn’t bring myself to complete my tasks. Why?! Argh, the perils of holidays! Oh, the pain! Of seeing my time slipping away.
-
Trust me, I am having the time of my life. But, I can’t help but to get guilty over not studying for the exams, yet. This time, though, I WILL learn my lesson and revise early. Really, I will.
-
On Monday, 16th August 2010, I went on to Universal Studios Singapore located at Resort World Sentosa with my cousin’s family. It was fun indeed and has been the place I want to go since it first open. They have an extra ticket so I went with them.
-
It’s too bad that it rained earlier that morning, but the weather cleared after we reached there. Wow, the place is really filled with tourists all around the world, even for a Monday. Although, I must say, the whole area looks so small compared to the bigger scaled cousins like the famous one in Orlando, Florida.
-
Still, it was pretty enjoyable even though I don’t play a lot of rides. The whole atmosphere is quite fun, especially Hollywood and New York section.
-
I love the shops the most. I bought quite many pins and a shirt. I could spend all day there.
-
In the evening, after watching a couple of performances, we ate dinner and walked around the other parts of the resort. We saw the beautiful hotels and Festive Walk. I really want to thoroughly explore the whole place and I am in luck since my parents will be going to Universal soon. I won’t be going inside with them because the price is atrocious. I rather spend the money on something more substantial like clothes or bag.
-
I can’t wait to go to Universal Studios Orlando because I know I will spend till I drop.
-
On another note, I hope that we can stay for a night at one of the hotels within the resort, but I doubt so. Sigh, why must the price be so darn high? Seriously, why? Because they cater to the rich and tourists, that’s why.
-

Singapore Youth Olympic Games

Because nothing else comes close.

After nearly 2 years since winning the bid to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games here in Singapore, after passing the 99 days countdown, all those planning, organising and rehearsals will finally take form tomorrow!
-
Congratulations, to those who make this happen and work! You all deserve so much more than just another echo of thanks.
-
Tomorrow, we'll show the world what we are like and what we have to offer. Tomorrow, hopefully, people will form new perceptions of us. A small country, an island to be exact, has manage to come this far and the first ever to host the Youth Olympic Games, which is the first big-scale event for us.
-
By big-scale I mean that it is a smaller-scale version of the Olympics which can never occur in Singapore, likewise for FIFA Worldcup and others. Therefore, it is a blessing that the Youth Olympics comes along and small countries like us will now have a chance to welcome the world too.
-
I'm so excited for tomorrow's opening ceremony because we're given a chance to be part of a historical moment. Yes, it may cost a lot but I think it will be worth it. There could only be one Opening and there could only be one chance to view it live, perhaps in this lifetime, especially so for my parents.
-
How many years will it take for Singapore to host the Olympics again, perhaps never, perhaps in the not-so-near future. And when you think of it this way, it will make you feel better because a chance lost will never be found again.
-
Even if the Games does come back, I'll be no longer the same person I am now, a youth. I'll no longer be feeling the same, the excitement and pride of a young person.
-
I'm so glad we are going to be part of this movement. As Singaporeans, I feel that we should all have a part in this. Of course, the Opening Ceremony will be an eye-opener as well as a lesson.
-
I will be really surprised if the Event Management exam does not have a question on the Olympics. Knowing the kind of person he is, the lecturer will surely pose questions on this, be it on sponsorship or volunteerism or event planning and staging. I want to do well and there are all these articles which are real-life examples of what we learnt in classroom.
-
Now, I really feel the event management is a big business and all, but too bad, there are no more lessons. I feel that we can really discuss a lot in class. Surprising, huh?
-
Once again, I'll not have the time to update again until I return home tomorrow night. Tomorrow is a long day, what with work in the morning and going to Auntie's house in the afternoon and leaving for the Floating Platform in the evening.
-
I can only hope that it will not rain tomorrow, especially in the afternoon and night.
-
Here wishing all the best to the performers who have come so far for this big day!
-
Cheers!

Issues on YOG

“You can lead a horse to water but cannot make it drink”

Isn’t that true in this case?
-
Many Singaporeans are clueless and have a "heck-care" attitude when it comes to such important events. My lecturer was right about the “if it’s here, so what, it doesn’t concern me” attitude.
-
"If the Games are here, so be it. If there isn’t, we’re not missing anything. I won't waste money and time supporting them, even if the atheletes are Singaporeans". How pathetic.
-
Maybe we’re still a young nation, that’s why there is no sporting culture yet, or maybe we’re just too harsh upon ourselves. Perhaps it is the case of “the grass is greener on the other side” syndrome. We keep seeing the beautiful things that are of other countries and compare ourselves to them.
-
In my opinion, Singapore do lack the softer aspects of culture, be it arts or sports. And that is where we fail. We are so fixated on doing things in monetary terms and expecting our wills be heard and done.
-
Singapore has successfully win the bid and is doing its best to make it a memorable experience, if those who don’t wish to bask in this glory, who is to stop them and more to the people who are enthusiastic and passionate anyway.
-
We are going down in history and it’s laughable that some don’t care. Oh well, let them be stuck in thier tiny well and looking at the same piece of sky. Here wishing to a beautiful night at the opening ceremony!
-
What makes me madder is the fact that some pathetic people state that Youth Olympics is a waste of time. Perhaps it is useless to these naysayers, seeing that they are neither athletes nor youth. Obviously, it don't matter to them. *roll eyes* But the very least they could do for this generation is to let them have a chance to compete at world's level.
-
Why should you deny others a chance?
-
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"
-
I, on the other hand, am so thrilled by this. I am excited and want to catch some action, but circumstances don’t allow me so. I just have to content myself with pictures and maybe more.
-
Finally! The sacred flame has arrived to Singapore after making its way through 5 continents.
-
It started out at ancient Olympia, where the sun-rays lit up the cauldron and was bore by the High Priestess. The ceremony was just so intriguing and amazing! It combines ancient ceremonials with modern technology and one just has to wonder how far humanity comes.
-
And it is finally picking up steam in Singapore.
-
Call me petty or whatever but this time, finally, we’ll be getting full coverage of an Olympics! So there.
-
Time and again, I wish desperately for live full coverage of the various Olympics and I was completely disappointed. Maybe the media company just don’t have the money to bid for the rights to broadcast.
-
But in my opinion, since it’s the Olympics, the world should share the joy together. Why, all these so-call major sports events are turning into money-grubbing business. Very, very, realistic.
-
At least make the other means of watching the coverage easier, it makes me feel like I’m in a different world altogether with all these “blocking-because-of-your-region” business. Yes, I get it that I live so far away from the States and all, but need you rub it in? Even the sharing-channel, Youtube, doesn’t work in this instance.
-
For goodness sake, I thought it is the committee job and vision for the Olympics to travel far and wide? Why are you blocking videos to prevent others from enjoying them? Copyright issues, yeah right. It’s the official website, for god’s sake. I can’t even watch the whole of the opening and closing ceremonies.
-
This sort of circumstances are what make people turn to illegal stuff. The legal and right way is just too tedious.
-
Anyway, I’m so happy that it’s others turn to question why isn’t their local media broadcasting the YOG. Why indeed?
-
Maybe there is, but the publicity isn’t there or maybe they just have to pay. Money can go anywhere, isn’t it? Money make the world goes round and it can open doors for you.

JYOF - Northwest District

Oh yes! I'm so thrilled as I took shot after shot of the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame, right here, literally at my doorsteps.

-
I had this planned since Saturday. I tracked the flame progress live online and was so shocked that it started raining heavily around 1 plus. I just couldn't bear to be disappointed.

-

My brother managed to skip his CCA session and came home to catch this moment with me. We made our way downstairs around 3.40pm, once I saw the flame icon was moving again on the screen.

-

It was supposed to arrive around 3pm but perhaps due to the bad weather, they were deterred. I was so nervous, my heart was beating unevenly, when the flame stopped for so long. I even went twitter to ask why.

-

I was so worried that I won't manage to take good shots but I did. The whole thing happened so fast. The entourage came on two open-top buses, the traffic police, the torch-bearer and the accompanying runners and more buses following behind.

-

We saw the exchanging of torch as well. And then, they were off.

-

Ahhh, it feels so satisfying to manage to catch this live, it's indeed a moment of a lifetime. This Saturday, I will part of Singapore's history as well.

-

2009 F1 Singapore Grand Prix

Lovely, lovely race yesterday night! Really enjoyed it!

Last night F1 race marks the 2nd year where F1 Grand Prix was held in Singapore.

Singapore has such a beautiful skyline, wow! I wish I can cut some pictures out from the live show on TV. I'm looking for nice photos online but can't manage to find the distinctive ones that are taken this year. Perhaps it's too early for the photographers to put up the pictures...

A summary of the race last night. Lewis Hamilton from McLaren was in pole position and finished first, with Timo Glock from Toyota in second place and Fernando Alonso from Renault in third. A good start for Alonso I supposed, given the fiasco by Renault recently.

Kimi Raikkonen from Ferrari, my favourite, was in eleventh place. Quite disappointing actually. Felipe Massa is out of the season since he was injured with Giancarlo Fisichella taking over. Ferrari does not do quite well this season it seems.

In constructor standings, Brawn-Mercedes is currently in first position and Ferrari is third. However, more than 80 points stands between them.

Mark Webber was out of the race, again, like last year. And a few others from various teams were also out for various reasons. The safety car was only on track once.

What’s there not to like about F1? Fast cars, the thrill, the drivers... and the magnificent backdrop of Singapore make me feel exceptionally pleased and patriotic. With worldwide spectators watching the race live and on TV, Singapore has once again makes its mark.

Did I mention how I love people from overseas making positive comments about Singapore? It just makes me proud to be a Singaporean.

Looking forward to next year’s Grand Prix! This time, I hope to be able to hear the sounds live.