NDP Theme Song 2013

One Singapore! 

This year NDP theme song was released on youtube 3 days back (18 July). 

I felt so bad when I saw the number of dislikes were so much more than the number of likes; too much in fact. 

Well, it may be a very different song compared to past years. Maybe to some it may sound a little childish, maybe to some it doesn't embrace NDP that much, maybe to some the song itself doesn't reflect a story. 

Yes, a STORY. 

If you ask a random passer-by, I'm pretty certain that out of 10, 9 would vote their favourite NDP song to be Home.

Home is an old song. A familiar melody that most Singaporeans can hum or sing along to. A song that many artists had re-sang different versions. 

The cover above is sang by many famous local artists in the year 2010. :) 

Home is a perfect example of the type of NDP song that most Singaporeans prefer. A song like Home naturally reminds citizens the common things we have went through together as a nation, and a reminder for this special occasion (Country's birthday). 

I know the importance of reminders, especially on meaningful occasion this big. Yet, once in a long while, we can embrace simple happiness too. I feel good watching the MV of the new NDP song. One Singapore is a song that's easy to remember, a song that most of us can dance to. 

Maybe, maybe some of the critics are right. That the song may hold less meaning. But it doesn't help if they were to just comment without giving insightful inputs isn't it? Don't just critic as though you are some professionals when you can't compose a better piece. 

It just remind me of JJ's song for YOG in 2010. 

Yes, they may not have composed a piece very well liked by many. But they have tried, and shouldn't they deserve credits for their efforts? 

It's just so irritating. NDP theme song is suppose to pull us together, a melody that we can all sing and have fun together. Yet, it became such a mess. I mean, (I'm not arrowing anyone), if anyone does have better inputs on how a better NDP song can be composed, maybe you could voice it out in constructive manner. And maybe, next year we will be singing the song you composed and we will embrace it together as a nation. 

Because putting another person down doesn't make you in any better position. 

The comments under the youtube video are just too nasty, too unbearable. Argh. 

Entertainment during this Hazy Period

While checking the constant PSI value, I came across too many hilarious posts I feel like sharing.
Don't you think Singaporeans though love to complain, are actually rather creative and interesting people? Well, at least that's my take!

And this kiddo put on such a big smile on me.

My favourite boy from Ah-Boys-to-men predicted this wayyyyy earlier!

This was taken at Robinson Road earlier today when the PSI hit a record new high of 401. I'm not too sure if the two helicopters being sent to plant the cloud seedlings will salvage this situation in a great way. In any case, I do appreciate the efforts. Thank you Ministers for working so hard.

I was extremely touched when I saw MP Ong Teng Koon and his team walked down the community to distribute mask. It doesn't matter what kind of mask was given. To think they are concerned about their people's health, and willing to sacrifice so much for us (they can choose to stay in their office where it is haze-free). I'm extremely thankful being born in this lovely little island, Singapore.

I have seen citizens walking forward to offer masks to the vulnerable (elderly selling tissue papers), and construction workers!

Though the haze has hit levels that brought about certain discomfort in our lives, there are many people sacrificing their own health to drive for you, deliver for you and nurse you. Take a moment to thank these frontline workers and staff that are keeping our everyday lives going through this trying time. Let's be kind and patient to them and say some positive words to people around us.

PSI Level 371 - Life at Stake

I get the following extract off CNN (S'pore).

Laksono on Thursday accused Singapore of "behaving like a child" by complaining about severe haze from raging forest fires on Sumatra island that has cloaked the city-state.

"Singapore should not be behaving like a child and making all this noise," Agung Laksono, the minister who is coordinating Indonesia's response to the haze crisis, told reporters in Jakarta.

"This is not what the Indonesian nation wants, it is because of nature."

The minister for people's welfare also said Jakarta would reject any offer of financial aid from Singapore unless it was a large amount.

"Unless (Singapore) wants to give us a large amount, we won't consider accepting it," he said. "If it is only half a million, or one million dollars, we don't need that. We would rather use our own national budget."

Laksono said investigations were under way to find out which company was responsible for the haze.

"There are Indonesian, Singaporean and Malaysian companies there," he said, echoing previous comments from officials in Jakarta seeking to shift the blame away from solely Indonesian firms.

The comments came as the neighbours prepared to hold emergency talks in Jakarta to ease the severe smog enveloping the city-state.

I was ragging when I read this article while constantly checking the PSI level.

Who is he to call us Singaporeans baby, whining over the haze matter? Sending us your polluted haze almost yearly as your greeting is not friendly by one bit.
Singapore's air pollutant index was again hovering around the "hazardous" level of 371 in the afternoon (It was actually 468 based on hourly estimation).

While, it may not be our first time facing this haze issue, but it is definitely the first time it got this bad. I'm not complaining as though we are that weak and would die in haze. I was upset because I do have friends suffering from asthma, who panted real bad due to haze.

Furthermore, our poor construction workers etc., working under the hot sun, has no choice but to suck in haze. They have to continue to work unless a "stop-work" order is given. We are not used to living in this harsh haze environment. And so it justifies why we are making a "big" thing out of this haze. It concerns our health, our lives.

The main thing that I was mad about was the fact that Laksono was still blaming other countries for the haze. I really ponder the objective for doing so? And that he actually mentioned that the amount we are rendering is too little. Do some justice please.

I think that our Ministers are too nice people. They are all taking advantages of our governments.

- Pissed Singaporean.

Crew in Action - happy day!

SSA1208: Everyday life of Chinese Singaporeans require us to do a film!
Xing Jun, Ariel and I chose Kwan Im Temple as our site and we do some visiting last week to conduct our interviews and so.

Okay, putting aside the nasty stuff like getting scolded for recording illegally (meh), it wasn't such a bad day after all.

Reason No. 1: A kind ladyboss treated me to dinner!
She's super adorable I swear.

Kwan Im Vegetarian Restaurant.
Location: 190 Waterloo Street 187965 
Contact Number: 63382394 
Operating Hours: 0830-2030 Daily 
Website: http://www.seahotel.com.sg/rest.htm 

Focus on Cantonese Cuisines

Dish: Udong (Black Pepper)
Although the serving was a little small, perhaps I was too hungry!, it tasted good!
Price: $6.50

With a range of desserts too. Looking good!
I will definitely pay them a visit again some time soon!

Reason No 2: 
WE VISITED NATIONAL LIB YAY.
It was my first time there, pathetic. Local tourist indeed.
And I was amazed how big the place is, and I love the smell of the books!
I had so much fun looking through microfilms for archives. #likeakid
I am thankful Xing Jun was with me. She knows so much more. Thank you for guiding me baby!

Reason No 3: Good Food, again! :D 
Yes, you got it right!
We visited Herbivore for dinner! :D

We were rather late though; and they were like chasing us off. :(

I know I have blogged about Herbivore ample times!
1. http://perkypecky.blogspot.sg/2012/12/herbivore-japanese-western-vegetarian.html
2. http://perkypecky.blogspot.sg/2013/02/happy-20th-birthday-d.html
Though their food is really pricy, I really like the food there <3 :D

YUMMY FOOD MAKES US HAPPY :D:D:D

Gardens by the Bay - Earth Hour

Last weekend, I paid Gardens by the Bay a visit; for the FIRST time!

I was really excited about this visit and I think I made too much noise (anxious) in the train. Oh well! Little did we know, it was earth hour.

So everything was this dark when we reached. Meh.

I went there with my favorite people: Gordon, Jia Min and Aaron.

Pardon the quality of the pictures, some were taken with S3 and it was just too dark. :(

I promise it's much more beautiful when you are there in person.
These photos aren't doing much justice.
I felt I was in the Avatarland when all the lights turned blue. Woohoo~!

I heard people commenting "Oh my, this doesn't even feel like we are in Singapore. It's as though we are in a different planet!"

The Conservatories and OCBC Skyway were closed by the time we reached. (Admission tickets are needed by the way).
So we only stayed outdoor (it's operating from 0500-0200 daily!)

Gordon and I ran away from the soon-to-be-couple to give them some alone time! 

Please be thankful guys. I ran with my heels, and it hurts like crazy. 

I had a good long chat with Gordon while Jia Min just kept giving spam calls. 

To you Gordon:

I really love people who knows how to seek pleasure in simple moments. And certainly people who takes time to reply with long typed messages, just because they care and would want to make you feel better. And people makes you feel important as a person and worthy as a friend. 

I'm really amazed how comfortable I am when you my friend! Come to think of it, we didn't know each other for that long period of time; let alone hanging out together.

I'm thankful for all the times you were there to listen to my rantings (like my weird dreams or unhappy memories). 

Gordon, you are a special friend. And I'm sure I'm not the only one thinks that way!

(Aww, I'm so sweet!)

I mistook the LED Flying Kites in the sky as Cable Cars. (Y) 
Please don't judge me. I'm a local tourist. OMG. 

I gave Aaron and Jia Min wrong directions, but oh well they still found us.
Gordon knew that and didn't correct me at all. MAKE ME PAISEH ONLY. Meh.

And so, it's time for some camwhoring!

Thumbs up if you think that this is super sweet! :D

Look at how awkward Gordon is!

Aaron is too woodblock I couldn't think of cool poses.
Perhaps my brain was just dead - it was bedtime then alright.

Hey Aaron:
Hey buddy! You are one of the most mature guy friend I ever had or will ever have!
You are one selfless person who always swallow your anger, frustrations, unhappiness and the list goes on. I felt that you should know that you don't have to keep everything to yourself.
I know to you don't like to burden your friends with your problems. I'm not doubting your capabilities of handling things, but you can count on me, count on us!

We are friends. And friends don't see another as a burden.
I wanna be there for you just like how you did.

So buddy, even though we are all grown-ups now and busy with our stuff, our friendship will last. You promised me that by the way! I love you!

Dearest Jiamin:
And in case if you have not saw my fb update, this gorgeous lady here has been my BFF since 12 years ago. I asked her, "what's your first impression of me?" and her reply? "YOU ARE MY FIRST BEST FRIEND!"
Lahlah, nobody can ever replace you in my heart! I just declared my love on you on fb. Please be touched and love me more, thank you! :D

"BFF, I can't imagine life without you. I'm thankful for all the crazy times we had together, for supporting me in whatever I'm doing, and correcting me and help me advance as a better person. I love you!"

BROS!
(And I realised lahlah didn't take pic with Gordon!)

I have no idea how Aaron did this awkward pose. It was as though his head was twisted or something HAHAHA.

My foot was so fking pain by the way. I broke my record of wearing my heels for a straight 14hours. I travelled around the whole of Singapore that day.
We took a cab home and I think I was on drugs by then. I WALKED BARE-FOOTED. 
Jia Min was saying she could feel my pain while the two NS man just abandoned us behind like this.

I remembered I was complaining to Jia Min didn't NS teach them to "leave no man behind?"
and Jia Min replied, "but they didn't teach them to leave no woman behind!"
JOKE.


And the best part of the experiences, putting aside my foot full of blisters, was that I knew all of us enjoyed ourselves that night. The importance of companion.
I was so happy when I looked through these pictures Aaron sent to me and when I read their blog posts.
Do check out Aaron's and Gordon's post here.

A great weekend indeed :D

HAPPY POH PECKY! :D

Singapore Chinggay 2013

 It's my first year volunteering for Chinggay for crowd control.

We went for cupcakes before starting work! :D
YUMMY :D:D:D

I love the Red Velvet (Extreme Top) and the Cookies and Cream so so much!
http://www.twelvecupcakes.com

 Am so glad I made the right choice to join them this year!

I had so much fun, not only when doing my duty (that CISCO uncle and aunty were so entertaining!), but also I get to watch the performance!

Was initially watching the performance at the free standing area - but not a good view.
So ...

We went gate crashing!
Literally went to where the audience were.

We were so close to the performers! :D

Desmond, Miao Hui, Song qi and I! :D

I'm actually pointing to the fireworks behind! LOL

Photo Credit: Jon!

I didn't manage to take any good photos with my damn S3.
So if you would like to enjoy better and nicer Chinggay photos, do click the following link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151314989372705.463199.517152704&type=1

Remember to hit the like button if you think it's well taken! :D
Appreciate that!

It was a tiring but fruitful day!
Desmond introduced this 4pic1word game to me and now I'm so addicted to it. >.<
We were so desperate to solve that question we actually randomly approached a stranger for assistance! Desmond claimed that he saw him playing the same game too. LOL.
Making friends just like that uh; 21st Century people ~