Tanglin

Raise your hands if you’re excited about yet another possibly stupid local production by MC.

Apparently this new MC Channel 5 drama titled “Tanglin” will be making history in more ways than one when it airs in June. Not only is it the first long-form English drama with 199 episodes in the works (Gawd save us all), it is also the first time a two-storey set has been constructed for local TV (wasting so much time and precious money).

This drama is supposed to be about FOUR families living and working in the Tanglin area.

Living in multi racial Singapore, when you read that a drama is about FOUR families, you naturally assume it would be all four of the main races here. But again….not in this case. We have two Chinese families (Tongs and Lims), one Malay family (Rahmans) and one Indian family (Bhaskars)… so what happened to us Eurasians?? What are we? Chopped liver in this country??

Shame on you Mediacorp! This is the second time I am telling them this.

The first was in July 2012 when I wrote in about their Saving Gaia commercial where they failed to include all four main races in Singapore. 

RE: Saving Gaia

I promise to Save the World if you promise to take this off the air!

Seriously, this is one of the worst songs/commercial and save the world attempt.

The one thing, or maybe two, that bugs me the most is:-

1) Singapore is a multi-racial country right? Well last I checked it was. So why do we only have Chinese kids in this video? Does this mean that the Eurasians and Caucasians are burning the tress and plastic, and poaching animals? While the Malays and Indians are tossing waste in to the waters and wasting water and electricity? Are you trying to say that only the Chinese can save the world?

Shame on you Mediacorp for being so racially biase. Singapore definitely has no shortage of kids of other ethnicities that you could have included.

2) Not to mention the kids are tone deaf! Not to mention the producers! At least give us a more catchy upbeat tune with kids from a choir so at least it doesn’t hurt our ears listening to it?

I have not come in to contact with anyone who has anything good to say about this.

Please take this off the air before it drives us all insane or deaf, or remake it with more races other than just Chinese, and with kids who can hold a tune. I am sure you’re capable of better results. And while you’re at it, FIRE the current producers who are apparently deaf and racist too!

Sincerely,

Mrs Palmer

…and this was Mediacorp’s reply…

From: Tell MediaCorp <tellmediacorp@mediacorp.com.sg>
To: Debra Palmer <palmer.debra@yahoo.com> 
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 6:07 PM
Subject: RE: Saving Gaia

Hi Mrs Palmer,

Thank you for your feedback on MediaCorp's Saving Gaia music video.

Allow us to take this opportunity to clarify.

MediaCorp approached several choir groups which included Catholic High School and Kong Hwa School, both of which were able to meet the production schedule. While both schools have students from all races, it is coincidental that the two choirs currently only have Chinese students. The teachers involved in this project however, consist of different races.

As Singapore's national broadcaster catering to all races, cultures and demographics, we are always mindful of how we portray the company and our initiatives so as to be as inclusive as possible, and representative of the company in the eyes of our viewers and consumers. For our recent company campaign 'Someone', www.mediacorp.sg/someone we do take pain to ensure that various major races and cultures, age groups were well-represented. 

Having said that, we do take note of your comments and will be mindful in our future initiatives and public campaigns.

Should you have other feedback on MediaCorp's products and services, we welcome you to drop an email to this address.

Regards

Yeong Lai Lai

MediaCorp Feedback Unit

Mindful of their future initiatives and public campaigns they’re not!! If they were, they would not leave us Eurasians out YET again.

Call me sensitive but if we STRESS on the fact that Singapore is a multi racial country then we should include all races!!

Not just Mediacorp but this whole bloody country needs to wake up. We Eurasians may be a minority but we’re still a part of the four main races here. Also, WHY on forms that we fill out in and around this country, they put “Chinese. Malay. Indian. Other.”? Can’t they put EURASIAN and add the OTHER for the different foreigners we have here now (much to my dismay as well).

So in short, they make it seem that Eurasians are nothing in this country. Eurasians cannot save Gaia. Eurasians are not worthy of being on television…..

What happened to:

"We, the citizens of Singapore,

pledge ourselves as one united people,

regardless of race, language, or religion

to build a democratic society

based on justice and equality

so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and

progress for our nation."

A Week After Backstreet Boys' Concert

Today will be a week since I had the time of my life with the Backstreet Boys at The Star Theater, Singapore. I'm already having withdrawals. Thankfully I managed to get pretty decent videos of some of my favourite songs at their concert and have been watching those over and over again.

I admit, I was never a HUGE fan of Backstreet Boys like I was with New Kids on the Block. But I liked them and I liked their songs. Right after NKOTB disbanded in 1994, the next best thing was Backstreet Boys. They were the next NKOTB (to me). They had catchy tunes/songs and they were good looking, and not to mention their concerts were nicely choreographed and energetic (just like NKOTB)!

But I was at the age where I was busy with real life situations…. I started dating and didn't have time for boy bands anymore. Yes, I would listen to their songs but I didn't have time to fan girl much.

…. Not till 2012. I attended two NKOTBSB (New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys) concerts in Jakarta and Manila. OK…. I started fan girling again long before 2012. Started again in 2007 when a friend asked me if I wanted to join her for a Jordan Knight solo concert in Massachusetts where I was living at that time. We met him twice after the shows and that was when it all started again. Then in 2008 NKOTB got back together but sadly, I had moved out of the USA by then.

But going back to 2012. The NKOTB tour for that year, they had combined with Backstreet Boys and let me tell you it’s the best combination since!! Two of my favourite boy bands in a 2.5 hours concert?? Pinch me pinch me!! I was fortunate enough that they were doing two shows in Asia (Jakarta and Manila). It wasn't Singapore although I wish it was but it was still better than nothing!! I could go without having to spend ridiculous money on air fare to USA or Australia which I doubt will happen anyway because of the mummy guilt.

So yes, I attended both shows. I did the VIP with NKOTB both times. I did wrestle with the idea of doing the Backstreet Boys meet and greet in Manila but the timing would clash with NKOTB and who are you trying to kid? I have been an NKOTB fan since I was ten….I wasn't going to choose Backstreet Boys over them!! Yes, I know I already met NKOTB in Jakarta but I wanted to do it again!!

The concert was awesome. I can’t find another word better than awesome to describe it though. A shy person like me who don’t ‘party’ or dance….I partied throughout the 2.5 hours like no one was looking. I screamed, I danced….. I had a great time. And it was during those two concerts that my inner fan girl for Backstreet Boys started getting stronger!

Years after that concert, I still watch the same concert over and over on YouTube and wish I could do it all over again and if not, just NKOTB alone or Backstreet Boys alone on tour would work just as well.

When I heard Backstreet Boys were coming to Singapore this year, I said I would go for the concert. But the mummy guilt again set in. I found all kinds of excuses to not go….saying they would perform their newer songs which I am not too sure of…blah blah blah….. My supportive husband did tell me to just get the ticket when it went on sale as groups would usually still do a lot of their older songs during a concert.

Tickets went on sale February 5. I was online and ready to buy CAT 1 seats which would be the best at S$198. Then I realized they were not selling it with the VIP. I honestly would prefer to go for a concert like this and have a backstage pass as well. But I guess it was another excuse for me not to buy it. Moreover, the huge mummy guilt was setting in as my daughter’s birthday would be in 10 days. So I didn't buy it….and within 2 hours, everything were sold out!

I didn't think much of it till after I caught the Backstreet Boys “Show Em What You Made Of” show at the theater on April 5…and after watching the NKOTBSB concerts more times since then….. by then, I wanted to a ticket to their Singapore performance so bad I could taste it!! I looked online but people were selling the tickets for ridiculous prices. I couldn't see myself paying so much.

… so disappointed…. I decided that I was just an idiot and should have listened to my husband and just bought the damn tickets in the first place. However, you do realize that if it was the NKOTB, I would not have thought twice…..I am sorry… I love BSB but NKOTB stole my heart long before them.

Four days before the BSB concert here in Singapore, I decided to torture myself and make myself cry because I wasn't able to go to their show….and I got online. I went to their website to check to see if there were still VIPs available. I was surprised…..there were still lots of VIP packages available!! So itchy backside here decided to click on the GOLD package to see what the rules, etc were (actually I don’t know why or what I really wanted to see)….. I clicked NEXT NEXT NEXT and when it came to the payment side….I hit NEXT again thinking it would bring me to another page to make sure all the details were correct before confirming it….. It was not so. That was the confirmation!! After I hit NEXT, I saw “PAYMENT FULFILLED”.  WTF? I had mixed feelings…I was excited I got it but in a panic because I didn't have a concert ticket and it clearly states on this VIP that you will need a concert ticket!!

So in a panic I go online and look through all the different social media platforms looking for a ticket. I managed to find one but it was CAT 7 and with restricted view and she was selling two tickets for $400. I offered her $230 for one and she accepted!

As if I am not hyped enough….I get a tweet from Backstreet Boys!! Can this get any better? I am sure it would on May 2 (Saturday)!

The very next day I met up with the seller at Paya Lebar and picked up my BSB concert ticket!! I am all set now… just excited….waiting to receive the call details from the BSB fan club about what time we will need to be at the venue on Saturday, May 2!

So I now have exactly two days to think of what I am going to do when I meet the guys. Problem is, are they as sticky about us bringing things backstage like the NKOTB were? I also have to think what I am going to wear, how am I going to have my hair done and what questions I should prepare for Q&A?? I had more time when I was going to meet NKOTB!!

Anyway, April 30 (Thursday) rolls around. I check my email first thing when I got up and there it was… My call time for BSB!! Now it’s all confirmed and so real. It’s happening. I just have to wait a couple more days…. It feels like 2012 all over again!

May 1 happened to be a public holiday. It’s Labour Day. So my hubs and I take the kids out and while at Giant Tampines, we noticed they were having the Coca-Cola road show. Every $10 you spent on Coca-Cola, you get to customize a Coca-Cola can with your name. So my daughter had a clever idea….to customize one with Backstreet Boys on it. However, looking at the terms and conditions….it clearly states, only 12 characters with spacing allowed and ‘Backstreet Boys’ needed a total of 15 spaces. It also stated NO CELEBRITY NAMES! Dammit! So we decided to try for just “B S B”. We were asked what it stood for and with the most innocent look on my face, I told them it was my best friend’s initials!

My daughter is a genius but then again….she must get it from some where right? Ha. I added the Singapore shot glasses to it and my goal is to share the Coca-Cola with the BSB in these shot glasses which they can later keep as a souvenir!

Nevertheless, the day arrived… May 2, 2015 (Saturday). May 2 seems to be a date that holds special memories and meaning for me… It’s the day my great-grand mother was born, the day my beloved grandfather passed away, my all time favourite singer Engelbert Humperdinck’s birthday and now I get to add meeting Backstreet Boys.

I started at about 10am. I went to the nail spa to get my nails done and to the hair dresser to get my hair done. This is almost a once in a lifetime opportunity (until my hubby buys me another VIP to meet them or NKOTB… *hint* *cough*) so I might as well go all out to doll myself up which I hardly ever do anyway.

By 2.30pm, I was ready and started to make my way to the venue so I will get there in time.

Got there about 4pm. The call time was actually 4.20pm. Got there and ladies were already in line. I was honestly surprised there were so many of us there as I looked at the VIP sales and there were still so many available. So I wasn't expecting such a huge turn out. Anyway, it was quite a wait and the organizational skills weren't at all perfect but who is complaining? And obviously when you’re at VIP events like this, you meet the ‘bitches’ and you meet the real ‘nice’ ladies. I was fortunate enough that the 4 ladies in front of me were awesome. Right there, new friendships were made. All four of them were virgins to this M&G thingy though.

Finally we collected our VIP lan yards and were lead in to the auditorium where we would first enjoy the BSB sound check party and Q&A. Since we were GOLD VIP, we sat at the second row while the PLATINUM VIP sat in the front. However, as soon as the sound check party started, everyone ran to the front of the stage anyway so what difference does that really make? NOTHING! Haha. So yes, I was right up to the front of the stage.

The boys sang a few songs I was rather familiar with. They joked and answered questions. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to ask any of the questions I had prepared but it’s alright….

Backstreet's back (in Singapore) alright!

Right after the sound check party, we waited in line for our M&G. The Platinum were first in line…then the Gold which was ME!

When it was almost my turn, Mike (Backstreet Boys’ bodyguard/security) took my handbag so I wouldn't have to carry it and have it in the photo when I posed with the boys. I joked with him about being careful as it was heavy and how it did match his outfit. He had a kick out of that.

I am pretty surprised they were not as strict as NKOTB about us hanging on to gifts we had for the boys.

I admit, I was nervous. I was literally shaking as the girls in front of me took their turn at meeting with the boys. I don’t even remember being this nervous with NKOTB.

Being right here at a Backstreet Boys VIP is a cause for great anxiety. I've taken the plunge and bought my VIP meet and greet, I've rehearsed what I was going to say over and over in my head and what I was going to do. I have counted down the days, hours and minutes until I would be sharing oxygen with the five guys I've loved not as long as NKOTB but definitely longer than my husband, until I will be touching them, hugging them, potentially losing my mind…

Finally it was my turn. I stayed cool, calm and collected.

I calmly walked towards Howie first. He may be quiet but damn he is gorgeous! He’s so relaxed and so sweet so don’t underestimate him!! He reached out his arms first and gave me the warmest hug and whispered, “Hi”… I swear I had to control myself from fainting.

With my knees still feeling like jello, I walked up to Kevin!!! Good thing he wasn't standing too far away from Howie, so I could practically just spill over to him! Big mistake!! I should not have looked in to Kevin Richardson’s eyes!! If you do a meet and greet with BSB….DO NOT and I say it again… DO NOT look in to Kevin Richardson’s eyes!! I did and it just sucked me in, in the best way possible. He hugged me and held my hand as he sexily asked, “How are you sweetheart?”... and as he asked me that, he looked directly in to my eyes and I was sure I was at least a few inches off the floor!! I have not even recovered from Howie and now this….. Kevin thanked me for coming and told me he hopes I will enjoy the show and I was loss for words. I don’t even remember what I said to him after! I just hope I wasn't a stuttering moron. I walked away from Kevin and I was never the same again. I always wondered why Kevin was so popular and now I know. 

Now my legs are worse than jello…. I am proud I didn't faint right after Kevin. But I had a mission….so I guess that is why my body persevered to hang on right to the end…. My mission was to get to the end of the ‘line’, over to Nick Carter and Brian Littrell who happens to be 2 of my favorite BSB!  

Okay…so up next is AJ and my heart was really pounding…so hard it could have leaped out of my chest at any point in time. Why was I extra nervous about AJ? Well, for years, I have heard fans say he doesn't fancy Asian fans blah blah blah…… so I guess I was a bit nervous about feeling ‘rejected’ I suppose....if that was at all true.

But I should have remembered the words of my mother from the time of NKOTB. Never listen to what people have to say until you have seen it or experienced it for yourself….

Got to AJ and I swear he was a sweetheart. First thing he said to me was, “Ahh a tattooed chick. I like.” … Wait….wait…what did AJ just say to me?? He reached out his arms to hug me, a peck on the cheek and asked me to enjoy the show later. I was just glad he didn't decide to read the tattoo on my back…. It’s a NKOTB inspired tattoo. Haha. But what just happened?? Did AJ just kiss me?

Whoever said AJ was racist can honestly go f*ck yourselves.

It was one of the best things in the world and one of those moments that I would reflect on for days to come. Holy cow! Did I really just talk to AJ like it was no big deal? Yes you did Debra!

….and finally I have reached the highlight of my evening….NICK CARTER!! 

Whether you’re a Nick girl or not, he is not one you should ignore. He really is something to behold in person. I am happy to report that Nick gave me the biggest and tightest hug ever. It wasn't something I had expected so I took in every second of that awesome hug! With the most beautiful smile on his face, he looked at me and said, “Hello sweetie”….. I melted right there and then. But I had to snap out of it as I had stuff to say to him and I was not going to leave that M&G without saying it!! So I pulled myself together and told him how much his story...how much he has inspired me. I told him I can relate to everything because I have gone through the same shit as him and still am. I told him he’s such an inspiration and because of him, I will not let the negative pull me down and that I will rise above it all. I got another hug from him and this one was even tighter than the first…. And he whispered in my ears, “Thank you sweetie.”…  and a kiss on the cheek. Wait wait….. are these boys trying to kill me? I don’t know if my heart is strong enough to get through Brian next!

Did I just die and go to heaven?? Sure did feel like it….

By then the management was already trying to rush me. Tried to get me to already pose for the pic and I know if I did that…it would be the end of the meet and greet. I wasn't going to give in…. I turned around and said to them, “but I have not even hugged Brian yet!”…. and with that, Brian jumped out from where he was standing and hugged me so tight!! I kept my backside to the management so they wouldn't just snap a photo of me and rush me off…..

Brian looks at me and says, “Hi Honey”…. Earth to Debra….earth to Debra…..come back down Debra.

Most would probably be intimidated by Brian’s energy but I simply enjoyed every second of it. We all know that Brian can be wiggly and occasionally (unexpectedly) loud, but he is also another, like Nick Cater, you need to behold up close and personal. And those eyes!!! His kindness will surge through you the moment you’re within feet of him!!

I asked him, “how have you been doing lately?” and his reply, “Better honey. How are you?” I think I replied, “Could not have been better”… but it’s a blur….. again, I hope I wasn't a blabbering baboon!

By then, management was again rushing for the photo to be taken…asked me to stand in the center and I said, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to stand between Nick and Brian. Thanks.” But that was about all I can remember of that photo…. I don’t remember looking in to the cam or even smiling. So for days after the concert, while waiting for the fan club to send us the photos, I was worried about how it would turn out!!

They tried to rush me off again…but I turned back and walked up to AJ again. Notice how he doesn't scare me anymore? Ha. I took out the Singapore shot glasses and passed it to the guys and when I was doing this, Nick rushed over to me to see what was going on…. I pulled out the Coca-Cola can and Nick was most excited. He asked where I had gotten that from? I told him I had customized it at the road show the day before.

I then asked if I could Share A Coke with them!! I opened the can and they held out their glasses as I poured the Coke into all 6 glasses (including mine). I am impressed with my skills actually. No spillage even with my shaking trembling hands…. Dammit don’t laugh. You try pouring a drink for the 5 guys you've dreamed about almost half your life!!

We did a cheers to a great performance and drank the coke. I had hoped management would have snapped a photo of that but they never posted it on the site with the rest of the VIP photos. I guess they could not advertise for the Coke part I think. Oh well…..now I have to reply on memories of that special moment….until I get dementia.

OK. I am satisfied now. I said my final goodbyes and was escorted out of the room to the area where my bag was. Before leaving, I was given an autographed photo of the guys which was another surprise seeing that it was only meant for the Platinum folks. But I wasn't going to say shit….. I took it and ran!! 

I was floating. I was on Cloud 9. I am glad I didn't allow anyone to rush me. I went there having things to say to the boys and I said it. I went there with a mission and I accomplished it. I am not mad at management for rushing me, understandably there are other fans and a schedule to keep. But I sure did make the most of my VIP meet and greet with Backstreet Boys. I enjoyed it. I was in the moment. It really happened and I didn't die afterwards thankfully.

I am glad I did not forget where I wanted to stand. I had planned it for four days and I didn't screw it up!!

I am also glad I did not forget to eat beforehand. I had to however force feed myself due to the excitement. But I am glad I did. I didn't need my blood sugar issues interfering with meeting the boys. I did not need the shock/excitement of meeting all five Backstreet Boys together to make me pass out. If it happened I would have lost the hundreds of dollars I had paid for VIP. I wouldn't even remember Nick or Brian carrying me out!! If ever I were to pass out, I would fake it just so one of them would give me mouth to mouth or carry me out.

But the Backstreet Boys were definitely larger than life!!

Right after, two of my new found friends and I went out to grab a quick bite before the concert. We grabbed a sandwich and quickly headed back to the auditorium to get our early entry in to the venue. While hanging around and waiting for time, we took a group photo together to capture the moment. The day new friendship were made.

We managed to stop Mike for a photo too. Mike is the bodyguard and security for the Backstreet Boys. 

We finally went our separate ways as we had different seating arrangements. I was in nose bleed land. Not that bad actually as I was on the 2^nd level. There was still a level 3!! Haha.

8.30pm. Thirty minutes later than the said time, the lights went out and the music started. Everyone jumped out of their seats including me and that was when all the screaming started. I have to say my seats were not as bad as I had expected. I did try to snap photos and videos using my Nikon Coolpix L120 which I got 4 years ago….but it was shit!! I almost tossed the damn thing away!! So I just placed it in my bag and took out my Note3 phone which actually did a better job with photos and videos!! Thankfully my phone had a 32GB storage plus another 32GB SD card or else I am ‘fooked’! 

The one thing good about being in nose bleed land seats is the fact that Security don’t really see you recording the concert! So in between dancing, screaming and partying like I was a teenager again, I got some videos of some of my favourite songs!!

Almost two hours later. Everything was over.  But the evening was well spent and every dollar spent was worth every cent!! It would have been better if I had front row seats like NKOTBSB but beggars cannot be choosers and next time I should not think twice and just buy the damn tickets!!

Then four days after the concert and 4 days of worrying about how the VIP photos would turn out…we finally received it and thank goodness it came out great. I was exactly where I had planned to be and I was smiling!!

A friend commented that if Nick and Brian did not have their arms around me, I would not have my feet on the ground and I think he’s right about that part.

It was an evening filled with new memories made. Memories I will forever treasure and am certain would remain fresh in my mind for a long long time. Just like how the memories of NKOTB are still fresh in my head as if it was only yesterday that I met them.

As for my personalized can of Share a Coke…. People would ask why I opened the can… my answer would simply be, “ I may have opened it when keeping it closed would have been a better kept souvenir but at least I opened it and shared the coke with Backstreet Boys! Not many get to do that!”