Ubin Photography

Whenever we thought of nature photography in Singapore, the best place is Pulau Ubin. So when one of our friends started to pick up photography, we brought him there. It really doesn’t matter what camera are you using. As long as it can take photos, we are good to go.

For me, it was my trusted Nikon D90 and the 50mm lens.

Ubin gives us the unique view of a kampong and life that is probably a few decades back compared to main land Singapore. A certain laid-back lifestyle that is so captivating especially so for city dwellers like us.

Even the animals are so relaxed and chill when we approach them, no fear but just friendly.

Tried to take a few marco shots with my 50mm but this is probably the best I can get. Still good.

The black and white photos didn’t turn out that well. Maybe I will come back again with my film camera and a few rolls of B&W films.

A great time with friends and sharing shooting fun.

Turned paparazzi on my wife. I am so blessed to have a partner that shares the same love for photography.

Parting shot.

A Letter to 2014

This year has truly been a very different year. Penning down my thoughts and feelings is just a way to remember the things/people I have gained and the things/people I have lost.

This year is special because ever since I had a vision of what I want to do in life, I have always earmarked the year when I turn 40 to be a year that will change my life. Year after year, I will tell myself that when I reach 40 years old, my dream will be fulfilled. Little did I know what was in stored for me.

The year began with a sentence, "leaving your comfort zone". I knew it will be a year of new challenges and probably challenges in mindset as well.

On April 24, I lost my father suddenly. He just left in less than 8 hours. Without a last word, without a goodbye. The pain and anguish stays even till now after 8 months. I miss my father. And since that day, a part of me changed. For the first time in my life, I experienced sadness that cannot be removed. I was emotionally very weak. I started to think no one loves me, friends round me are suddenly not as close as before. Even family seemed a bit different. I felt like even family cannot understand how I feel. I felt lonely and that has been my nemesis for a long time.

On Aug 14, barely 4 months later, my father-in-law also left us. Battling with cancer for more than a year, he has been as close as my own father to me in the past 12 years. Physically and mentally I know it may be a relief for him to go but no one can be emotionally prepared for death. I can only thank God that I went through it first so that I can stand stronger for my wife and my extended family. Going through the same ceremonies struck a raw nerve I thought was buried.

Now, both Kless and I are only left with our mothers and we will do our best to keep them healthy and happy. That is my resolution for the rest of my life.

In work, for a 40 year old man, this should be the time for consolidation and stability. But far from it, I was asked to switch department in my office. To a very different job scope that in my wildest dream, I would never thought of doing. Like I said, this year is a year of "leaving the comfort zone", so I am ready to take on the challenge if I am needed. I have no time to slip into mid-life crisis as some may say. I can only go forward and stronger than ever. Usefulness creates purpose!

Personal - this year I did something I didn't plan for - a solo overseas trip. Without my wife, my family or my friends. Many friends came to me after the trip and questioned how did I get permission from my wife to go alone. Irony was, Kless planned the trip for me. She suggested the venue, chose the dates and booked the flights for me. But I'm thankful for such a great wife (not because she allowed me to travel alone), because she is truly one who cares for me and wanted me to be better. And indeed this trip changed me. I was more opened to risk and changes. Which probably resulted in my decision in the career switch as well. Now a few friends were jokingly saying, solo trips when you are 40 is the benchmark for a man.

There are a dozen more events that are significant in 2014, like career KPIs, ministry breakthroughs, family trips, etc. But to end off this year, I just want to say a big Thank You to my wife. She has been my support for as long as I can remember. She has been by my side all the time, through the bad and through the good, so much so, I told her that traveling with her alone is equivalent to traveling solo. We are just too close to be separated. I love you dear!

Not a single year passed for the last 8 years I will not give thanks for my family. They have been my support and will be my support forever.

2015 will be another amazing year for sure. At least I know in work, I'll be expecting lots of changes and adjustments. For my family, I want to create more memories before my girls outgrow that stage of wanting to bond with me. For my mothers, I want them to enjoy life more than ever. For my friends who have seen me through the dark times, I sincerely appreciate your love and concern, we will grow stronger next year!

Last but not least, I pray that 2015 will be a victorious year for my spiritual family, all my leaders will be blessed and God's hands will not be shorten towards them.

Just Random Photos

Haven’t been around for a photowalk for a while. Finally had a chance last week to bring the 50mm out for a shoot.

Actually I have no idea what to shoot, but I chanced upon this photo and it set the theme for the day.

Where to Watch World Cup 2014 in Singapore?

So you are one of them who has not subscribed to Singtel MioTV’s plan for World Cup 2014. Then do you know where else can you watch the matches in Singapore? Put together by various sources, here is a list of venues you can try out to satisfy that football craving. Even if you are not a football fan, how can you possibly miss out on this biggest sports happening once every four years?

2014 FIFA World Cup TV Schedule

Friday June 13
02:00SGT Opening Ceremony - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT Brazil v Croatia (Group A) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141; MediaCorp okto

Saturday June 14
00:00SGT Mexico v Cameroon (Group A) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Spain v Netherlands (Group B) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Chile v Australia (Group B) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Sunday June 15
00:00SGT Colombia v Greece (Group C) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Uruguay v Costa Rica (Group D) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT England v Italy (Group D) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
09:00SGT Cote d'Ivoire v Japan (Group C) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Monday June 16
00:00SGT Switzerland v Ecuador (Group E) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT France v Honduras (Group E) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group F) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Tuesday June 17
00:00SGT Germany v Portugal (Group G) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Iran v Nigeria (Group F) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Ghana v USA (Group G) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Wednesday June 18
00:00SGT Belgium v Algeria (Group H) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Brazil v Mexico (Group A) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Russia v South Korea (Group H) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Thursday June 19
00:00SGT Australia v Netherlands (Group B) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Spain v Chile (Group B) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Cameroon v Croatia (Group A) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Friday June 20
00:00SGT Colombia v Cote d'Ivoire (Group C) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Uruguay v England (Group D) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Japan v Greece (Group C) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Saturday June 21
00:00SGT Italy v Costa Rica (Group D) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Switzerland v France (Group E) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Honduras v Ecuador (Group E) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Sunday June 22
00:00SGT Argentina v Iran (Group F) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT Germany v Ghana (Group G) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT Nigeria v Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group F) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Monday June 23
00:00SGT Belgium v Russia (Group H) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
03:00SGT South Korea v Algeria (Group H) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
06:00SGT USA v Portugal (Group G) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Tuesday June 24
00:00SGT Australia v Spain (Group B) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
00:00SGT Netherlands v Chile (Group B) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142
04:00SGT Cameroon v Brazil (Group A) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT Croatia v Mexico (Group A) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142

Wednesday June 25
00:00SGT Costa Rica v England (Group D) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
00:00SGT Italy v Uruguay (Group D) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142
04:00SGT Greece v Cote d'Ivoire (Group C) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT Japan v Colombia (Group C) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142

Thursday June 26
00:00SGT Bosnia-Herzegovina v Iran (Group F) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
00:00SGT Nigeria v Argentina (Group F) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142
04:00SGT Ecuador v France (Group E) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT Honduras v Switzerland (Group E) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142

Friday June 27
00:00SGT Portugal v Ghana (Group G) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
00:00SGT USA v Germany (Group G) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142
04:00SGT Algeria v Russia (Group H) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT South Korea v Belgium (Group H) - StarHub CH224; mio TV CH142

Sunday June 29
00:00SGT A winner v B runner-up (Match 49) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT C winner v D runner-up (Match 50) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Monday June 30
00:00SGT B winner v A runner-up (Match 51) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT D winner v C runner-up (Match 52) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Tuesday July 1
00:00SGT E winner v F runner-up (Match 53) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00BST G winner v H runner-up (Match 54) -StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Wednesday July 2
00:00SGT F winner v E runner-up (Match 55) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT H winner v G runner-up (Match 56) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Saturday July 5
00:00SGT Match 53 winner v Match 54 winner (QF1) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT Match 49 winner v Match 50 winner (QF2) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Sunday July 6
00:00SGT Match 55 winner v Match 56 winner (QF3) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141
04:00SGT Match 51 winner v Match 52 winner (QF4) - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Wednesday July 9
04:00SGT Semi-Final 1 - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141; MediaCorp okto

Thursday July 10
04:00SGT Semi-Final 2 - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141; MediaCorp okto

Sunday July 13 (Third-place play-off)
04:00SGT SF1 runner-up v SF2 runner-up - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141

Monday July 14 (World Cup final)
03:00SGT World Cup Final - StarHub CH223; mio TV CH141; MediaCorp okto

Pubs and Bars

Paulaner Singapore Clarke Quay
3B River Valley Rd Singapore 179021
Tel: 6338 0480

Harry's - Claymore
1 Claymore Drive, Orchard Towers, #01-05, #02-08/09.
Tel: 6736 7330

Harry's - Esplanade
8 Raffles Ave, #01-05/07, Esplanade Mall,
Tel:+6334 0132

Harry's - The Sail @ Marina Bay
4 Marina Boulevard, Provisional Unit, #01-31A
Tel: 6325 1321/22

The Sleeping Rhino
Klapsons, The Boutique Hotel, 15 Hoe Chiang Road
Tel: 65 6884 6884

Prince Of Wales (Boat Quay)
51 Boat Quay
Tel:6557 2498

Prince of Wales (Little India)
101 Dunlop Street
Tel: 6299 0130

Bar Bar Black Sheep
501 Bukit Timah #01-05C, Cluny Court
Tel:6763 4757

Hard Rock Cafe
50 Cuscaden Road, #04-01, HPL House
Tel: 6235 5232

Muddy Murphy's Irish Pub
111 Somerset Rd, #01-02
Tel:65 6735 0400

The Penny Black
27 Boat Quay
Tel: 65 6538 2300

The Bank Bar + Bistro
1 Shenton Way, One Shenton #01-01
Tel: 65 6636 2188

30 Community Clubs (PA)

Click here to find out about the full list of the match screening schedule.

McDonald’s

41 outlets islandwide will be screening matches of this year’s World Cup. For full details, click here.

Last but not least, you can always watch the matches at some of the Kopitiams near your house, or just bunk in to a friend’s place. Hope that all of us will have a fantastic month of World Cup fever!

Father’s Day Gift

The topic of father’s day gift came about when one of my colleague asked me, “What would you like your daughter to give you for father’s day?”

Hmm… I don’t know…

Maybe a Starbucks tumbler? (Nothing new.)

Maybe a handkerchief? (Who uses a handkerchief nowadays?)

What about a Mini iPad? (Dream on.)

Joey & Jayne, when you are older and earn enough, you can definitely buy this for Daddy. (Promise?)

 

For now, this is suffice. The best gift for father’s day, not available for any amount of money. I can’t put words into the joy I have when Joey presented this drawing a few mornings ago. The way she puts her thoughts in drawings, the way she communicates her love, the way she expresses her effort. (Heart melt.)

 

Thank you my girls! I love you TOTALLY!!

Burning: Aye or Nay?

I believe you must have read about the recent uproar among the netizens in regards to a group of children and parents appearing to be burning textbooks following the recent PSLE.

This really sparked a discussion whether the action was a form of degrading knowledge and education, while some questioned why the books were not given to needy students instead.

However, the parent who organised the burning to celebrate the end of his son’s PSLE clarified that textbooks had not been set on fire, but only assessment papers and schoolwork, as they were the sources of stress.

In our current society, we are getting used to comment quickly on what others are doing, without sparing a second thought on what are the consequences of doing so.

To be fair, the act of burning textbooks or assessment books is not something easily accepted in many context. Personally, the act reminds me of the infamous 焚書坑儒 (burning of books and burying of scholars) events that happened around the Qin Dynasty. Probably because of such historical tragic, the current books burning event brought about more heat than expected. Granted that the person who initiated the act, DJ Arnold Gay is not Chinese, thus he may not know the significance of doing such a thing.

A friend commented on his Facebook saying, “What the children and parents did could have been what we would have hoped to do at some point of our schooling days. Just that we didn’t have the guts back then.”

Don’t get me wrong, I am not for burning books. In fact, I am leaning towards the group that felt that pinch because the books (textbooks or assessments) can really be a blessing to many needy students around. However, I also feel that maybe some of us are too fast to condemn and may have posted certain remarks that are not necessary.

Just think of what would the involved children be thinking now? After a celebration party, now they are in the lime light for not respecting knowledge, for not being considerate to the needy, etc. Aren’t the children stressed enough from all the examinations (PSLE)? Why do we still want to add on to it? Of course, some may argue that the fault is with the parents, but again, who are we to comment?

Digging deep into the entire issue, maybe the root cause is the education system in Singapore. Is it producing educated children at the expense of having stressed out kids? Are we stifling the creativity of the children but setting a not so necessary examination bar?

I don’t know. What I do know is, in 6 years time, my Joey will be going through the same system and how will she handle it? Will I be like most Singaporean parents, sitting through PSLE again but this time with my child?

Oh God, please help me!