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!
Thank you for your
feedback on MediaCorp'sSaving Gaia music
video.
Allow us to take this opportunity to
clarify.
MediaCorp approached several choir groups which included Catholic High
School and Kong HwaSchool, 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/someonewe 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'sproducts 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…..
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 2nd 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!”
Three days ago Ed and I celebrated our 15th wedding
anniversary. How time flies. I can’t believe I have spent almost half my life
with him.
This year we did something we have not done in 12 years, since our first child
was born and that is to take a short vacation alone without the children. It
was a tough decision but we know the kids are older now and also well cared for
by my parents. As much as we knew we would miss them, we went ahead with this
short little trip.
On the morning of the 16th of April, Ed and I saw
both the kids off to school and then we made our way to the Harbour Front Ferry
Terminal.
Come to think of it, this short trip would actually be our
honeymoon since we never took or had one after we got married. OK….I lied….. we
did go to Memphis and such….
I was excited and also nervous. I was sure I would miss them.
The ferry ride was about an hour and from the terminal, the
hotel van picked us up and it was just a 10 minute ride to the hotel. Upon
arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by friendly staff at the Harris and
while checking in, we were offered a cold face towel and a lemon grass welcome
drink.
For the low price we had paid for this hotel stay, I was
already pretty much very impressed already. I dare say they are 100% better
than most 5 star hotels I had stayed at.
We finally checked in to our room. They were nice to upgrade
us to a higher floor with a balcony and a great view of the sea. The room was
even made extra special when they had rose petals on the bed and love swans
made out of face towels. Impressive.
What was the first thing the both of us did? We had a Skype
call with the kids then made our way down for lunch. We had to have the most
talked about brick oven pizza. It was good stuff.
After lunch, we walked about the hotel property and explored
then decided we’d head back to our room for a nap. You think it’s boring but it
was our vacation and we were allowed to do whatever the hell we wanted to! Ha.
A call to our room woke us up. It was from the hotel asking
us for our feedback. It seemed a little strange seeing that we had only just
checked in a few hours earlier….but I still gave them the highest compliments
coming from me.
Then a few minutes later, there was a knock at our room door
and it was the Harris staff asking my hubs if we wanted to buy some things…. and
I was thinking… “What the fuck? Is this hard selling as what they call it…”
While I was beginning to fume, another hotel staff walked in
to our room with a cake and they started singing “Happy Anniversary to you” in
the Happy Birthday tune. Ha. What a
surprise it was and again, this hotel had earned another point.
Hours in to the first day, we were enjoying the stay, but I was
missing the kids very much.
In the evening, Ed and I watched the sun set and had an
evening swim before dinner. Amazing how we miss out on these simple pleasures
of life that comes almost free but always over looked as we are always so busy
with our daily life.
The nice staff prepared a candle light dinner by the pool to
celebrate our 15 years together as husband and wife. Perfect way to end a
perfect day.
Moving on to day two of our ‘honeymoon’….
We woke up early and went down to the pool area. We had our
coffee and watched the sun rise. Again I have to say that such a simple thing
like this had filled my heart with so much warmth and pleasure. After this
vacation, we should continue to take some time to enjoy this with the kids
instead of moving so fast all the time.
We decided we would explore the surrounding areas of the
hotel. We walked out to have brunch at a nearby shop. The coffee was amazing
although a bit too sweet for my taste buds.
We explored around the area a bit more after bunch…mostly
because we wanted to find the famous monkeys of the island. We walked past a
group of Indonesians who I think were taxi drivers….I asked them in Malay if
they knew where we could find the monkeys. They were more impressed with the
fact that I could speak Malay. They showed us where the monkeys were.
Headed back to our
hotel room after and in desperation for real coffee, Ed brewed Dunkin Donuts
coffee in our hotel room with whatever we had (we brought the coffee grounds,
by the way). Not the best but better than nothing I suppose.
We had a shuttle bus pick up to take us to the Nagoya mall
in the afternoon and before we left the room, we left a little note and a tip
for the housekeeper. I thought it would be a nice to do it.
So we spent half a day at the Nagoya Hill mall. Wasn’t much
to see or do or buy… But we managed to get the kids and my parents something.
We decided to get a massage to kill time. It was a nice full body massage where
they actually hung on to ceiling posts so they can walk on your back! And the
last hour at the mall was spent getting my manicure done. I tried Gelish
manicure for the first time. I like how it looks but I am not sure how I am
going to have it removed or if I should just let it grow out. We shall see. Oh
did I mention we had lunch at the mall. A&W!!
We got back to our hotel room at about 5pm and took a short
nap before waking up to watch the sunset from our balcony. Then we headed down
to have dinner by the pool again. Damn I could get used to that.
Right after that, it was a night swim and margaritas by the
pool bar!! Didn’t I just say I could get used to that?
After the swim, we got hungry so we walked across the street
to our new found food haven and had supper. Ordered a feast and paid only SGD
$20.
Another great end to a great day. It was also our last night
there…. A little sad to leave but excited to see the kids. The next time we go
back to Harris, we will get the family room right beside the pool and the kids
will be with us. I am sure they will enjoy their stay here as much as we did.
Day three and it is finally time to head home to our babies.
We woke up early to watch the sun rise again and had an
early morning swim. Our last few hours to enjoy this short little vacation
alone.
We decided we would visit our favourite food stall outside
of the hotel before leaving Batam. Had breakfast there then visited the monkeys
one last time. We will definitely come back here and the next time will be with
the kiddos.
Got back to the hotel and had lunch…or should I say second
breakfast. I just had to have the oxtail soup again before I left the place.
Took another walk along the resort, enjoyed the view from
our hotel room balcony and another last swim before we checked out and headed
for the ferry terminal.
It was an enjoyable, relaxing and memorable vacation for
both Ed and I. The first vacation without the kids since having them. I have
missed the kiddos terribly but I think Ed and I really needed this and I thank
my parents for agreeing to take care of them.
The moment we got in to Singapore, I got a text from my son asking
when we will be back.
Needless to say, we spent the evening enjoying cuddles from
the kids!
On March 27 (Friday), I accompanied my colleague and buddy Imhar and volunteered my time at the LKY memorial at Bedok Central. What an eye opener it was and it sure did make me realize that if not for him, we would not have what we’ve got right now. I am thankful I was given the opportunity to volunteer as a last resort to show my appreciation for everything Mr Lee has done for us.
We have all been crying since we learnt of the death of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. In fact, it is odd for me since I have never met him and since I never really appreciated the fact I was a Singaporean. I admit, I was one of the unappreciative ones who wanted so much to get out of Singapore during my growing up years… and I did… for 11 years. But I have learnt that the grass is not always greener on the other side and we moved back to Singapore where I can rest my heart and know my kids will have a good education and will be safe.
We all anticipated this as Mr Lee’s health was fading over the years but I suppose we wish he would have remained with us for a while longer and to at least be able to celebrate SG50 with us. But people die and that is life.
The whole nation mourned and waited outside the Parliament house for close to 10 hours just to pay their last respect to Mr Lee. It says something about a person if the nation is so affected by his passing and so willing to wait in the heat just to get that few seconds by his casket to pay their last respects to him. Even world leaders showed up to pay their last respects.
-- Old friend of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Henry Kissinger teared up as he paid last respects to him at Parliament House. --
I do feel a sense of regret for not showing my appreciation sooner to Mr Lee for his vision and for building a nation from a swamp to a city. I appreciate the fact now that he remained tough and for putting his life on the line so we have a future, a nation that is recognized all around the world. We are no longer just a little red dot on the map.
I am certain we all feel a sense of loss just like how anyone would feel when we lose someone who has touched our lives. Despite not knowing Mr Lee on a personal level, we’ve all seen him on TV, heard his speeches and benefited from his work. From being educated to gaining employment, a home to live in, transportation and safety.
I regret the fact that I misunderstood the man and his intentions. I assumed too much but understood too little. I failed to see the fruits of his labour yet I enjoyed these fruits and forgot about the source of where it all started.
I finally see… despite his hard persona, he was a man who cared and loved deeply.
He cared for the people of Singapore. He cried 50 years ago because his vision of a better Singapore was ruined when the merger failed. Many would have given up but Mr Lee Kuan Yew fought on, never giving up and perhaps sacrificing more than he should. It was never really about him but about the people around him.
There is also much we can learn about his commitment and love for his wife. He never hid how much he loved his wife. He listened to her, consulted her and treated her like a partner who was his equal. He made time for her and cared for her until her dying day.
-- Lee Kuan Yew's Final Farewell to Mrs
Lee (Madam Kwa Geok Choo) --
We were often labelled as a materialistic society that only cared for ourselves, but we saw how Mr Lee’s death brought out the best in us. From free food and drink and volunteering our precious time. We gave freely perhaps because we have received.
We saw a side of Singapore that we never knew existed. We were a country that was determined, patient, resourceful, adaptable, caring and grateful. We finally saw a side of Singapore that came forth beautifully even as a life was taken away. We have grown as a nation but we now have to stand on our own.
If not for Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our lives could all have been different. We were blessed to have such a man of such foresight to lead our land in the yesteryear so that we can enjoy what we can today.
I will miss Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He wasn’t perfect. No one is. But for what he did, he did for the greater good. We cannot fault him on that.
It’s been a week of crying and a week of reflections. It’s been a tough one for us Singaporeans but also an enlightening one as the tears gave us clarity to our sight, for what we have taken for granted, for what we have failed to see.
Today, we waved our last goodbye and we gave our last cry as it dawned on us that the future is left for us to shape and mould.
Tomorrow, we may forget the past week. But may we never forget the many lessons we can learn from this man and how he has inspired us and what we can do to continue his legacy.
Thank you, Mr Lee. You have moved me and the rest of the Singaporeans, even in death. You have made me more than proud to be a Singaporean. Thank you for building a beautiful country for us. We owe you a debt that cannot be repaid. But the best we can do is to continue to live by the principals you laid down for us and that is to uphold justice integrity, honesty, hard work, love for our family, self sacrifice for the good of society and to do our part in making Singapore a better country for all of us to live in.
Goodbye Mr Lee. Your work is done. May you rest in everlasting peace knowing that your people love you.
Lee
Kuan Yew - National Anthem Tribute (By Disrupt)
Funeral
procession from Sri Temasek to Parliament House
Thousands
attend funeral of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew
Yesterday evening after dinner, my hubby and daughter helped
me put together this little candle memorial for my buddy Jamey Griffin.
I really appreciated their help because it gave me some
comfort.
Went to bed at about 11pm but had set my alarm so I could
wake up in time for Jamey's memorial service that was taking place back in
Memphis. Yeh the 14 hours time
difference is a killer. However, I didn't not want to miss it. It was
important to me. It would be the only
way for me to say goodbye to Jamey at the same time as everybody else in
Memphis. I still wish I could have
physically been there though.
Nevertheless, I woke up at 1.30am, Wednesday (February 18
- Singapore time). Which means it was 11.30am, Tuesday, February 17 in Memphis
Tennessee.
Right at that time mentioned above, Jamey is being laid to
rest beside his dad James Griffin. If I had still been living in Massachusetts,
I would have taken the next flight out to Memphis to be there. But the costly
flights and ridiculous hours of flying (almost 25 hours each way) from
Singapore to USA just did not work in my favour.
So I decided to light 4 candles in memory of my dear
friend Jamey Griffin who left us too soon. I did this at the same time he was
being remembered in Memphis.
The first candle I lit represented my grief and pain of
losing him.
The second candle lit represented my courage and to be
able to confront my sorrow and to find comfort that he is now in a better
place. He is with his dad in Heaven and they will continue to make beautiful
music together. We will one day meet again.
The third candle I lit was for Jamey's memory to forever
stay alive within me, inside my heart always. For the times we laughed, the
times we cried, and the silly things we talked about.
And last but not least, the fourth candle I lit was for
the love and friendship we shared. I lit this so that Jamey's light will always
shine.
The other day, I noticed how beautiful the sky was then I
realized it's because Jamey was up there. God only takes the best, and now I know
this, because he took Jamey. I'd give anything just to be able to say goodbye.
“Jamey, every once in a while in our life, we meet
someone whom we never thought would affect us in a special way even if they've
been around just for a short while. But you did just that. Four years is
nothing to sneeze at anyway. You will always have a special place in my heart
and I thank you for the gift of your friendship.”
“Rest In Peace my friend. I'm missing you more than ever.
In my thoughts you are today, but in my heart you'll forever stay. Please don't
forget me! I promise not to forget you!”
It was another normal Thursday morning on the fifth of February
for me, or so I thought it would be until I received a call from my mother
while I was in the bus, on my way to the office...
"Did you know that Jamey had passed away?" Was what I
heard my mum say to me and my mind just froze right there and then. Everything
else was a blur right after that but I started to feel the squeeze in my heart
and the tears slowly start to form in my eyes.
"Are you sure mum? Could this be another one of those sick
pranks that happened last year?" Yes, some time early last year Jamey had
lost his phone and the b*stard who took
the phone must have seen texts from Jamey's mum and sis asking about him so he
texted back saying Jamey had passed away. It wasn't long before Jamey called
them to say he was alright and got online to tell me the same.
"No it's not" was my mum's next reply. "Check his
mum's Facebook timeline."
That was about all of the conversation I remembered. Good thing
I was seated in the bus when I heard the news because my tummy started to knot
and my legs were trembling. I couldn't believe what I heard. Controlling my
tears was all I could think of doing at that moment as I did not want to look
like a retard crying in the bus.
The first thing I did when I got in to the office was to get on
Facebook to see it for myself. I should have just taken my mum's word for it
because the numbness started to set in. It was real. I felt tears roll down my
cheeks but quickly wiped them away before people at the office saw me cry. I
always portray myself as a strong woman and I refuse to show anyone any signs
of weakness by crying. If possible I don't even do it in front of my
family...not even my husband. Why? That's just the way I am. But he knows when
I need that comforting.
I went the whole day like that...controlling my tears. But at
different times of the day, I felt lost and could not get much done. I would
stop work to just watch videos of Jamey singing. But that didn't help much. In
fact, it made it hurt more.
I got through the day
at the office. I got through the evening with my family.
Finally when everyone was asleep, I sat at my computer and had
some time to myself. I got online and spoke to Jamey's mum. I browsed through
Jamey's Facebook timeline, his albums and listened to his songs. And that was
when I finally was able to let it all out. I sobbed quietly at my desk not
wanting to wake my husband up. It didn't feel any better to be honest because
each time Jamey popped in to my head, the water works started again. My heart
ached. My dear dear friend has left us.
To think this is how I am feeling. What is his mum, sis and
daughter actually going through right now? I can't even begin to imagine. Yes,
his mother is heart broken. Which mum wouldn't be? No mother should ever have
to bury her child. But I am so proud of Kathy. She's one amazing woman who
raised a fine man and shared him with the rest of the world. She continues to
show such strength and so much love for Jamey. She said she's just comforted
knowing Jamey is now with his dad in heaven and to me that takes a lot of
courage to say it out loud.
Almost two weeks have passed and I'm still feeling the hurt. Not
as bad but it still hurts. I know I should
already be alright by now but I'm not. I am filled with guilt and regret.
The people who have made this a whole lot easier are the 3 ladies closest to
Jamey; his mum Kathy, his sister Katy and his daughter Laura. They've been so
strong throughout this journey and it’s only given me the strength to carry on
myself.
I feel like I have failed as a friend. I had always promised
Jamey things would start looking up. I promised him everything would be
alright. I promised I would do everything in my power to get him the gig he
deserved and so very much wanted. We always said we would travel the world
together when we got to that point although he knew for a fact I was only all
talk about the travel part. He knew I couldn't bear to be apart from my husband
and kids. That’s how much he knew about me. And he was right. I even promised
to get him here to Singapore for a little change for him although I always
talked him out of that one as Singapore wasn't all that it’s cracked up to be.
I failed in all the above.
Now, in my head, I have all the “what if”… What if he did start
performing sooner and he kept busy? What if I got him to Singapore? Would that
have helped? Would he still be around today if I got that all in place sooner?
I know everyone is telling me not to be too hard on myself. But
I can’t help it. I could have possibly saved him. But I did not get to it
sooner and now it is too late. Crying tears of blood will not get my beloved
friend back.
The last we spoke was July of 2014. I remember Jamey being so
determined and so upbeat. We spoke of our plans for him and I told him I was in
touch with a friend who was in LA and who could help. He was excited and so was
I.
A couple months after, my friend in LA got back in touch with me
with good news. I tried to contact Jamey but to no avail. I didn't think much
of it as that was how he was. A free spirit. Never did I expect to get news
that he had passed away by an accidental fall.
I tried my best but I guess my best just wasn't good enough. I
was too late.
Forgive me please, my friend.
-----
Yes, Jamey is the son of James Griffin; Academy Award winning
professional musician best known for his work with the 1970s rock band, Bread.
Jamey continued in his dad’s footsteps. He loved to perform his
music more than anything.
But whatever it was, he was just Jamey to me. His status or who
he was didn't matter. Our friendship was based on the fact we were both just
us. Ordinary folks. Of course, I was proud to be his friend. Of course I was proud of who he
was but our friendship was built on the fact that he was just a regular down to
earth guy. Always such a gentleman, polite, caring, loving and so damn funny.
The reason why I am bringing this up is because I have had a
couple people ask me why I am so affected by his death when he was just another
‘celebrity figure’ or ‘celebrity child’.
No. Jamey wasn't just that to me. He was more than that. He was a friend. He was my buddy. When we did speak or chat, we would catch up on anything and everything.
Knowing me doesn't mean you need to know everything about
what I do or who I speak to and what about. So if I am completed affected by
his death, I will deal with it.
Don’t question me. I am not seeking your comfort or pity. I will
get through it on my own.
It’s just funny how if I think about it, I had known Jamey’s dad
longer than I had known Jamey. Both my mum and I met his dad when Bread
performed in Singapore in 1996. It was only after his dad passed away that I
started to get to know Jamey.
It’s no wonder Jamey had such a beautiful heart. James Griffin
was such a darling and not to mention Jamey’s mum Kathy a sweetheart herself.
-----
When I first heard the news, the only way I tried to get through
it was to send Jamey a text message like I used to every once in a while. I’d
tell him to reply via FB instead as it wouldn't cost him so much that way and
he always thought I was nuts wasting so much money….then we just giggle about
it.
The other night I was sitting by my computer in the dark,
thinking of my chats with Jamey when I felt a gentle wind blow through my
window and I felt a sense of calmness. I felt his presence. I wasn't afraid. I
smiled and tears rolled down my cheeks. This time it was tears of joy knowing
he was watching over me.
That was not the only time I felt he was there trying to assure
me that he was alright and that everything will be alright.
The other time was when his mum Kathy shared a link to a song he
had written. A song I knew well because I had called him before and he played
it for me. But back to the link….I tried everything but it just would not play.
So I left it as is. I stopped it and got off my computer to head out to the
store. I got home and my computer was on sleep mode but the moment I stepped in
to my room, while my computer still remained on sleep mode, his song started
playing. Again, I was not afraid. I knew he was trying to tell me he was still
there.
I suppose Jamey knowing me well enough and how I usually need
reassuring and me always being a skeptic,… so he showed me the third sign. It was another evening when I was at my computer and
suddenly his name popped up on my Facebook chat list. It has not been up there
in months and usually the ones on there are usually the ones I'm always in
touch with…and now all of a sudden he’s there!
"OK Jamey. I get it. I will also stop being so stubborn as you
say I am. But I miss you and I can’t help it. It is going to be a while before
I am better but I will never stop missing you."
We've always had each other's backs even from so many thousand
miles apart. We have been each other's pillar of support to lean on. We've
shared happy and sad times without complaining. He was a true friend. I am
going to miss his humour, his music, his passion, his determination and
everything about him.
"Rest well my friend. But never stop making beautiful music.
Now you can do that with your dad and the angels in Heaven. And I look forward
to the day we meet and I get to watch you perform on the big stage up in
Heaven."
"I still want that very first autographed CD from Heaven! You
promised I would be the first and I am holding you to that."
"For now, I will keep your memory alive. I will help you take
care of your family. I can’t do much but I can promise to always check up on
them. I hope to meet you mum and sis soon."
I've converted Jamey's songs into MP3s. This helps me get through my day as I have his songs now on my phone and on repeat.
I just wish I could be there in Memphis to say my final goodbye to Jamey, to
give his mum a big hug. I am just very grateful that
his mum will be recording the service so I will be able to find some closure
at least.
Anyway, just some last words before I put a close to this blog
entry…
Jamey,
I will remember the love you gave so unconditionally
I will remember the joy you brought to so many lives
I will remember the smile you showed so frequently
I will remember the laughter we shared together
I will remember the sentimental tears we shed
I will remember the songs you sang to me
I will remember the music that you played
I will remember your strength
I will remember your pride (your kids)
I will remember the joys and the pains we've endured
individually
I will remember your fear
I will remember your courageous struggle
I will remember you
Gone yet not forgotten. Although we are apart, his spirit will
live within me forever and he will forever have a place in my heart.
At times I still question, “why did he have to die?” because I
really don’t want to say goodbye.
God must have thought he was special to take him away but why
could he not have waited another day? But I know God is looking after Jamey now,
high up in the sky.
I know he wouldn't want me or anyone else to make a fuss,
because after all, he's still down here with all of us. And just because we
can’t see him, doesn't mean he's not here.
I know Jamey is somewhere very very near. I love him so much but
it’s time to say, “Goodbye" because his life here on earth has come
to an end. A new chapter opens up for him in Heaven where he will continue to
make beautiful music.
It’s time for him to rest in peace and have eternal
love. There’ll always be a star burning ever so bright from now on because that
will be Jamey watching down at us. Memories of our times spent together will stay
deep inside my heart forever.
"Thank you Jamey for showing me how to be strong and how to love
unconditionally."
“If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane…I’d walk
right up to Heaven and bring you home again…”
In a few weeks, they will be closing the gates to my old Secondary school and possibly tearing down the whole building. I have mixed feelings about it. I never liked school when I was in Secondary but this whole place is filled with so many memories for me. Good and bad.
I decided to take the day off and together with both my kids, headed over to CHIJ Katong Convent Secondary to share some memories with my children, soak in all the memories of the place myself and to visit with the Aunty and Uncle from the bookshop who will finally be retiring.
My kids and I walked past Block 51. The memories already started to pour back in. How the void deck used to be our hang out after school. We’d meet with the boys from St Patricks. We’d head up the block and smoke. How the Town Council took away the stone chairs that were under the block because of us and in hopes it would stop us from hanging around…but we just sat on the dirty concrete floors.
Walked through the front gates of the school, only to pass the security. I then thought to myself, “Son of a gun….I am glad there was no such thing when I was in school. How would I escape during recess?” …. Haha
Everything was still the same….the foyer, the stairs heading up to the hall, the chapel…. We then made our way to the canteen where the bookshop was. Mr and Mrs Lim were both there. Mrs Lim was especially happy to see me. She’s always remembered me since I was a little girl in Primary 1. I would always cry and not want to go to school, so my mum would have to bribe me by taking me to the bookshop to buy something. Mrs Lim always remembered that.
She was thrilled to meet my kids and gave them each a pencil. And as we were chatting, my most hated teacher walks in. After the time I told her off, all she could do was give me half a smile. Haha.
We then went over to the drinks stall as the kids were getting thirsty. The aunty and uncle there also remembered me.
Continued to walk around the school grounds. Went in to the AVA theatre, the art room, science labs, classrooms…. There were so many good and bad memories. I recalled the places we would hide at when we wanted to skip a class or assembly. The bridge that would connect St Patricks to our school, the fence with the hole we used to use to escape school whenever we wanted to.
Those were the days. That was my childhood. I just do not know how I would react if my daughter turned out to be exactly what I was in Secondary school?? I would say KARMA. Hahaha…..
I'm a passionate and driven woman who wants to make a positive difference in the world and to make big things happen. I believe in a world of endless possibilities and in a world where people are connected and learn to communicate in order to workout their differences. See the world through my eyes. Enjoy.
