Local rants: It's all about the haze right now

I know you have probably already heard a million rants about the current issue: The haze in Singapore.
But I have yet to voice out my opinion about this haze.
So please allow me to...

I didn't mind it actually, until I found out the responses of the Indonesians. Those who called us childish.



One thing that I hate the most is causing inconvenience for other people.

I used to be a baby. (Who doesn't?)
I'm talking about being a baby in the brains, like when you need help with almost everything.
For instance, I used to need lots of help with computer stuff, help with schoolwork stuff, help with carrying stuff, help with other stuff, and help with a lot of stuff.
I needed help everywhere I go, and I had enough of this life.

After some time, I learnt to do things myself.
There's Google and there's Youtube.
I thought that maybe, perhaps, just a tiny little bit, I have became too overly independent.
(Might have made my parents sad, I really don't know)
Although sometimes, it really cannot be helped.
I still need help with my laundry, and need help with reminders.
Many other things too, but when I know that I can do it myself, I'll try to not use an extra finger.
I really hate it if I have troubled other people.


So back to the topic; The Haze.
True that we cannot expect farmers to always spend so much time cutting the trees down one by one and then fertilize to the soil.
From the business and human nature perspective, it just takes too much time and too much effort.
Humans are generally lazy.
If there is a short cut method and a more convenient way, then proper procedure would be a total waste of resources.
Just burn it, and that's what they did.

Great way to fertilize your soil!
Care only about mother nature when it is beneficial for you.
What about the ozone layer?
Doesn't it go into their minds that all the carbon dioxide that would be released from the flames?
And the health of their own people?
How many more millions people did you inconvenienced as a result?l

Every single year.
This is already over the limit of inconvenience.

And human's health is at stake.

While I also have the ability to understand certain things are not deliberate.
It's not like they intentionally set fire to engulf Singapore with thick smoke.
It's not like they purposefully make the people sick with the ashes in the air.
It's not like they directed the wind carrying all the harmful effects of their actions to us.
In fact, I don't think it is what they want at all.

But still. Indonesia, your minister is not helping.

The response? Stop acting like a baby? When they clearly do not have any repentance over the issue, they dared to insult us?  

You have chosen the wrong choice of words, and the wrong way to say it.

I have a dear friend who ended up in the emergency ward for what they had brought us. I will not see my country and friend being insulted by your insensitive words.


Singapore is a wonderful country.
I agree that Singaporeans are spoiled and pampered. But we are like this mainly because we are able to and we can afford it. It is our habit to take things for granted, but who don't? It's the human nature. Just because God had flavored us greatly that he bless us protection from natural disasters, and that we are not used to the haze like you do, it doesn't mean that we are being a baby.

As I have said, I don't mind it at all. We just have to wear the mask, take better care of ourselves and protect the kids. At the very most, we have to strengthen our health and security department, and everyone who is more affected would have to hide away at home. Even if the whole nation goes under cover and drag our economy down, as much as the people and their health is concerned, i think that there is nothing more important.

And as a side note, I really think we should give some credit to our government. Though it is not perfect, but it is already the best that it can be. And it will be better still.

I believe Indonesia is so big that it is already split with all the differences in views. I'm sure you have enough troubles of your own. I pray for peace in your country. If I were a lesser believer, I would have assumed everyone in your country thinks that we are babies and surely, I would be cursing at that time.

I pray for your government to have more wisdom before they provoke a fight with your neighbors, and I pray that your government will have a greater love for your own people. May God bless you, Indonesia.


God bless the rest of us in Singapore and anyone else affected with protection in health and strength to go through this haze.

Update:

Praised The Lord as he had freed me from the anger of this insult. Yes, God longs for people and harmony, and He is the ultimate peace maker. PTL.

NewNation: Roar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saw this on someones facebook status.

ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a joke!!

But before you start shooting whoever those idiots are, take a look at the source of this article.

NewNation

Calmed down now?

Though there are many articles that are not as well written, 

it's really fun to see their effort to bring some laughs in Singapore. 

And I really think that Singaporeans need to learn to have more fun.

God bless!

Serve your Nation well.

I have been in contact with some of my friends in secondary school.
It's a blessing to know what is going on with their lives.
There is this group of very special people to me.
My best friend and I jokingly call them my band of brothers.

It has been years, since we have graduated.
For quite some time, I was very absorbed with my own life.
School and club took most of my time away, church takes up the remaining.
My guilty consciences ate into me that I didn't even have the time to connect with my very own family.
Much less to say, my band of brothers, my family from when I was in secondary school.
Besides, everyone else were just as busy. Probably.


As I close my eyes and calls up the scene that I crafted into my memory, it flickers like a very old film.
Countless times had I seen them playing basketball in the court right beside our classroom
every recess time and everyday after school.

I still remember them playing, I can still see it with my mind eye.
From a few different views.

In lower sec, during recess time, my point of view would be from within the classroom.
The never changing weather,
the afternoon heat that makes me drowsy,
the height of my study desk that I had laid my head on to rest,
and the rhythm of the basketball bouncing had a hypnotising effect on me.
The peace of the early days lulls me to sleep.
Through the metal railings and glass panels, I hear them laughing, hear the cheering.
And once in a while, I'll open my eyes, watch them for a bit then go back dreaming.
Some of them have yet to undergo their puberty changes,
still shorter than me in height. I think.
But all so full of energy, like little monkeys refusing to waste any time sitting still.

After school was one if my favourite times.
Since if I had went home, I'll be alone anyway, I'll just stay back in school.
Or I'll be waiting for my CCA to start.
My point of view changed.
No longer were I in the sleeping position on my desk.
Classroom is locked, but I got a better view.
It's where usually a coach would sits in a game.
There was a great view of the goal post, and a good view of the entire court.
There, I witness the teamwork that came so naturally between guys.
No words needed as they pass the ball soundlessly and effortlessly.
They were playing sports, but the ball seems to had came alive in their hands.
I just couldn't take my eyes off until the game ended when they got tired,
or until its finally time to go home.

There was yet another view.
This time, I was on a level above, watching the bird eyes view of the entire court.
Trying not to attract any attention to myself, trying not the let them know I'm watching their game.
Although, I must had failed miserably, I caught them looking up once in a while.
My brothers, they don't usually team themselves up against others.
So I would end up having a brother here and another brother there on both teams.
What can I do?
I only had to cheer on both teams.

Though I don't play basketball, it's a big part of my secondary school life because it is part of theirs.
I like watching them play the game.
To be very honest, it doesn't matter what sports it is, it could be hockey or soccer,
I'll probably end up watching them play as they get even better with their teamwork,
their never ending energy, and their sudden growth,
which made them suddenly becoming one or two heads taller than me.
They are my brothers.
The very special people.
The me at that time, really wished I were a guy too.
The bromance that girls will never understand, I kindda envy them.

Gone were the days slacking and skipping in doing home works, and end up sitting outside the classroom.
I was very fond of messing their hair and slapping on their backs hard.
Yes, I used to be way too violent.
Our batch, under the Chinese zodiac is born under the monkey sign.
And everyone of them just like monkeys, skinny and way too playful, way too energetic.

I ruined it, didn't I?

It has really been a long time since I had a decent conversation with any one of them.
Well, once in a blue moon, we'll still see each other.

So I causally texted them asking how are they.
Most are doing well.
That is great to hear.
One replied with 'serving the nation'.
The same monkey I knew?
I didn't know what happened to them over the past few years, lost the chance to know and too late to regret.

Nevertheless, spoke to a few of them.
Oh man!
How much have they grown!
Out of nowhere, I had great pride for them.
They are serving the nation!
The same few jokers who fools around everyday in class.
I feel like a mother whose sons had grown in a few years in just one day.

I'm not laughing at them questioning if they can really do it.
I'm not shocked nor in doubt.
No, that's not what I thought.

I was overwhelmed with pride.
They grew up.
And I feel safer with them in the national service.

Dear brothers,
It's been a blessing knowing you lot.
You people had brought much joy into my life, and I pray for your blessings.
And as you mature into men and grow into adulthood,
I can never be prouder to have known you who are now serving the nation.
I know I am safe in your hands, as would be for every other citizen.
Serve your nation well.
And I salute you, from the bottom of my heart.
Be safe.
God Bless.

Evening picnic.

Has been quite a while since my last picnic.

So I was kind of excited for it.

=]

Because we are no longer as free as we used to be (as student)

We decided to meet in the evening.

So that those after work can join us, 

so that we have more time to prepare the food.

I made pork meatballs and apple coleslaw.

Yummm...

My friends also brought along, cupcakes, old chang kee, kong ba pau, drinks and desserts.

=]

It was a surprising experience.

We went to Gardens by the bay. (First time there)

It is very beautiful.

Too bad we didn't have time to walk around more,

It is also a great dating spot in my opinion.

Advantages of having picnics at night.

1. It's cool. Literally cool.

In a country like Singapore, it's too hot here!

You can step outside, walk for 5 mins and you'll be sweating like a pig.

Having picnis at night, you can waved goodbye to the sunset (for hopeless romantics)

and feel the cool air, you can chill out.

No fans needed, no shelters needed.

Hope that it don't rain and have a happy dinner.

2. You get all the space to yourself.

We went to Gardens by the Bay on a public holiday and on Friday.

There is a lot of people!!

Human traffic is slow.

But since we went around evening time, 

Just when the sun dyed the sky orange, 6.30 PM or so.

The crowd was either heading to dinner or heading home.

We got to chose a good spot on top of a slope, all to ourselves. 

No competition for our territory, somewhere in the meadows.

With a good view for background, and it was breezy on the slope.

3. It wasn't as dark as it sounds.

Our picnic site is near a giant balloon of light.

So it is not as bad as it seems.

4. It's really a good chill out activity.

There is the light and music show on the " topless trees". (I dunno what are they called)

We also recognized that we no longer have the crazy amount of energy we used to have.

We do not have fun by running wild under the hot sun and smelling each other's sweat anymore.

This group of friends really like to chill out, so it's a good activity to have every once in a while.

5. Uninvited guest 

Not much mosquitoes.

I don't know if is just me, but I really don't see much mosquitoes there.

If it bothers you a lot, then don't find a place near the lake or any possible breeding spot.

Though, once in a while there'll be bugs visiting us, just let them know that they are not welcomed and send them off.

We stayed there for around 3 hours. (I think)

We finally packed our bags as we noticed the ants headquarters are informed about our food source.

But we had plenty of time to eat, bond and chill.

Well, there are some not so good points too to take note.

1. Make sure to get a big enough picnic mat.

The grass is kind of pointy. Like harmless spikes.

Always good to protect you butt, or in case any insects crawls into you shorts.

2. Though it wasn't exactly dark, it wasn't exactly bright either.

We still need someone the hold on to the torchlight once in a while to make sure to no ants are climbing into our food.

After the picnic, since we were so near the MBS, we thought we could take a walk there.

And we watched the water show, Wonderfull.

It is brilliant! Very smart.

Glad to have seen the show.

And the great dating spot that we went to is at the top of the escalator from the garden to the IR.

There is a pretty overview of the garden and it is crazily windy there. 

(Don't wear a fluttery skirt up, you'll have a hard time being comfortable)

And the night sky and lights from IR at the back. 

Simply romantic.

It made me remember what my aunt used to tell me.

That when she and her boyfriend went to dates, they'll go to east coast parks and sit on the waves breaker.

Where cockroaches might appear every so often.

To me, it sounds like a horror date.

Thank God, now I know where to go if I ever need a dating spot.

^^

I missed holidays.

Long holiday breaks from school.

=[

God bless you. 

And if you are on holiday now, have fun! God bless you too.

=]

Gaining one hour (off to Batam)

The waters are pretty under the sun.




Escaping from my lovely country for the time being.








We went along with the waves and current, so the boat ride wasn't bumpy enough to make me sick.


A few months ago, I went to Thailand krabi, the ocean there is so beautiful. There is nothing at the horizon, just the sky and the sea, you cant even see far away land.
But in Singapore, there are vessels everywhere. The shores here are so busy. I study logistics, so I kind of find them interesting. But to others, they are probably just block the sea view.



Even if we were out of the Singapore seas, because all the neighbouring countries are so near each other, there is never a chance to find a clear ocean in this area... =[


I love that the sky is very far, but it looks as if you can touch it if you stretch out your hand, the soft blue colour.
I love the clouds floating at their own pace, together with the wind, never stressing and never hurrying.
I love the sea which is darker and greener than the sky. Sparkling wherever the sunlight hits.

Seeing these 3 together brings me such peace, and I'm amazed by God creation.
This is such a lovely place to be.

Throughout the hour ride, I just stared out the window. =]

One hour later, we are here at batam!

Very looking forward to what we are going to do here~

Crash-Course: What to do in Singapore???

Alright!

For those of you who haven't been to or had been and will be coming back to Singapore,
there are some important things you have to experience while you are here.
Other than doing business and/or shopping.

And for those who are in Singapore, but haven't done these things yet.
What? Are you kidding me???

Yup, there are a lot to do.

#1 Changi Airport

If by any chance, you are from overseas and coming in by air,
there's high chance that nearly all of you will pass through the infrastructure 
that most Singaporeans are proud of. The Changi Airport! 
You can come here too, even if you are coming by land and sea.
It is open to public(Except for the transit area). =]

Terminal 3

No matter if you are coming from Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 or the Budget Terminal,
make sure to put it in your itinerary to tour around our world-class airport.
Even if you don't have any time, at least make a half to an hour for it.
If you really really don't have the time, at least go to Terminal 3, 
our latest, newest, greenest airport in Singapore.
All the terminals are linked with the skytrains and shutter bus, so it's no excuse not to go there.
If you are directionally challenged, just ask any of the helpful ladies at the information counter.
You can get a candy while you are at it.

Yes, you can do your shopping but you just got here! What's the hurry?
Or you could be on your way back, waiting for your flight and had nothing to do...

1.   Go there, take a seat (there's plenty), get a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the indoor greenery,
Go Green!

2.   Feel at home with the nice carpet, looks so comfortable and tempts you to just lay on the floor
and sleep there, it'll probably be nicer than the budget hotels you booked.
(If you did book a budget hotel).

3.   Linger awhile longer, stay cool and enjoy the air-con and crowd-less-ness,
you'll start perspiring the moment you step outside (No kidding!),
and there won't be anywhere else that would allow you to have so much space to yourself.
(Especially if you are going shopping)

AND OF COURSE! Who would forget?
4.   Please use our airport toilets!
I don't know why, but I'm really proud of our airport toilets.
Just go in there, wash your hands, refresh your makeup, comb you hair, pee, poo
look at yourself in the mirror, whatever.

#2 Food (Hawker Centre)

Another thing that we Singaporeans are proud of, our food.
Whichever country you go to, how else to experience one's culture?
Whoever you approached in Singapore and ask what food they recommend,
the answer will always be...

Chicken Rice



Chili Crab

Yes, they are good food that represents us, but don't you think it is a little overused?
Also, there is much much more to that in Singapore's food culture.

• Bah Kut Teh
• Fried Kway Teow
• Satay
• Bubble tea (Koi and Gong Cha are trending right now)  
• Sambal Sotong/Stingray
• Roti Prata 
• Rojak
• Laska
• Prawn Noodles
• Hokkien Mee
• Wanton Mee
• Ba Chor Mee
• Curry Puffs
• Pandan Cake
• Carrot Cake (The fried ones)
• Ice Ka Chiang
• Curry Fish Head
• Fish Head Steamboat soup
• the list is much longer...

In Singapore, the most common places where we eat is the hawker center,
or the coffeeshop, also widely known as kopitiam.
Most of them would be selling food from the list above.

It is a big eating place with lots of stores.
They'll usually have a specialized noodle store, chicken rice store, Malay food store,
drinks store, desserts store, Japanese food store, Korean food store, economic rice store,
Indian food store, I have also been seeing more and more of the Philippines food store....
It demonstrates our multi-culture and multi-racial society.

There are over a hundred of coffeeshops over the island!
Obviously, food is not any problem to us. There is never a lack of food.
However, as human beings, we know how and we love to differentiated good food from better food
and the Number 1s in Singapore.

Of course, it is depends a lot on personal taste.
My dad says that the good food in Singapore are spread all over different hawker centers in Singapore.
Without a doubt, the chicken rice store near my house will not taste the same as the one 5 blocks away.
And the Ba Chor Mee will also be very different for every Ba Chor Mee store in Singapore.
That is a lot of stores.

I am no pro to tell you where you should go to if you want to eat carrot cake or roti prata,
but if you do find any food that interest you or anything that you want to try,
hop in a taxi and ask the driver uncle.
There is a high chance that they would know where the good and cheap food is,
since they are always on the go.

Don't say you have been to Singapore if you haven't tried any of our food!

#3 King and Queen of fruits: Durian and Mangosteen

Food again, okay, but it is fruits this time.
Durian and Mangosteen, they are not called the Kings and Queens for no reason.
Actually the shape of the fruits could be reasons enough, but I don't think that's all.

Durian

Mangosteen

Singapore is right on the line of the Equator. (Not exactly but still.. it's near)
Best region for topical fruits! There are others too, like pineapple or rambutan, etc.
But durians and mangosteens are unique.

Personally I got the fear of mangosteen, but it doesn't change the fact that you should try it.
Also, durian is so significant to us that one of our favorite landmark is built with the inspiration of it.

The Esplanade, Theaters on the Bay

Don't forget to drink lots of water cause of the hot and humid weather, and also durians are heaty.
You can also try coconut juice or sugar cane juice or glass jelly drink.

#4 MacDonald

Food again? Cos' it's what keeping you alive. It's important!

When you are away from your country, fast food will be the easiest way to connect back to home.
It is also the easiest choice one could make in an unknown place,
where the food culture is unknown to you (where they might make you eat weird things).

And speaking of fast food, who else would I talk about other than MacDonald?!?
Who don't have MacDonald in their country?

I'm don't know where you are reading this from,
but Singapore's MacDonald's menu is a whole lot lesser compared to other countries like UK or USA,
the menus should be more similar if you are from around Asia.

But to us, it really doesn't matter no matter how limited the menu is.
Even if we go to MacDonald and eat the same meal every single time, we would gladly eat it.
BECAUSE TO US, it's all about the sauce!

Curry sauce!
It used to be free, but now they are charging. Damned.
Who cares? We are Singaporeans and we love our curry.
I know that there are more sauce out there but seriously?
Curry sauce! Hands down!
You don't agree? You wanna see war?

There was almost a riot when curry sauce went out-of-stock national wide sometime ago.
It is that serious.

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/got_service_or_not/816518/customers_outraged_at_curry_sauce_no_longer_available_at_macs.html

So some things to do and try out while you are here. =]
If you are already here and you have yet to try it...
Are you an alien or do you live under a rock?


Hope that it is useful to you, and enjoy your trip! (If you are coming~)
If you are planning a trip and haven't decided on where to go, come to Singapore!
=]


Happy 47th Birthday, Singapore!


God Bless~

The little red dot: Oie! We're here la!!!

In commemoration of Singapore's 47th birthday tomorrow.

For some of you who might not know.

I'm from Singapore, and I'm proud to be a Singaporean!

=]

Although Singapore is ranked 1st as the city with the best investment potential (August 2011), 

4th on the Economist Intelligence Unit's Asia Most Livable City survey,

1st on Gallup's Potential Net Migration Index,

No. 1 for Asian expatriates in 2010 on ECA International’s Location Ratings Survey,

15th most livable city worldwide in the Monocle livable city index,

constantly ranking among the top for easiest place to do Business and for shopping,

many people still do not know where excatly are we.
Why? Why? Why?

I AM SHOUTING OUT TO YOU A FACT.

WE ARE NOT PART OF CHINA, OR MALAYSIA.

WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT CITY-STATE-NATION called Singapore.

Notice that there is a border? It proves that we are not part of Malaysia.

Again, it looks like part of Malaysia, but I swear, it is not.

Blessed to be protected by larger countries surrounding us, guarding us from potential natural disaster.

Disappeared. 

I know, you can't see us. I can't see us too. But it is somewhere there...

From East to West, with lots of delays and traffic jams, it'll take probably 2 hrs 30 mins.

Yes, we are small.
麻雀虽小 五脏俱全.

So now that you know where we are, please help me to give a slap in the face to anyone who ever tells you that Singapore is in China or Malaysia. (Just Kidding~                                                                  ... not really)

Due to being so tiny, we are proud to call Singapore, the little red dot.

Our National flag looks like this.

And whenever National's day is coming, everyone would hang the flag outside their apartments.

(Even those HDB flats that has nobody living in... o0)

And also, last but not least, we have our National anthem. Majulah Singapura.
We would sing this song everyday, rain or shine, during our time as students in school.
Our local TV channel, Channel U, also play this song everyday before their first program and after their last program.

So glad and fortunate to be born here!



God Bless!!!
=]