Things I Intend to Do Before Leaving Singapore.
Published Monday, July 31, 2006 by Robin.Here is my list of the Top-Ten things I intend to do before I leave Singapore:
1. Picnic at the steps of City Hall.
Had an unforgettable evening there many years back, but she would not even reply my SMSs now.
2. Take a drive around the island.
Especially to Changi, Jurong, Sungei Gedong, Kranji, Mandai, Seletar, Tanjong Pagar, and the areas that will be turned into the Integrated Resorts when I am away.
3. Take a jog through the civic district.
I intend to cover the areas around the Singapore River, the CBD, City Hall and Chinatown. An exciting alternative would be to cycle through the civic district at night.
4. Dinner at somewhere with a view of the skyline.
5. Catch a cheap, low-budget, Singaporean production at the Esplanade.
The Singapore Theatre Festival is coming up, but the tickets don’t look cheap.
6. Chill at Rochester Park, Dempsey Road, Club Street and Clark Quay.
People have raved about Rochester and Dempsey, and I have read about them in blogs, magazines and the newspapers. But, somehow, I have never been there.
7. Take a jog through Hougang and Potong Pasir.
Home(s) of the Brave.
8. Do something kiam-siak.
I’m not referring to the parking-coupon kinda kiam-siak, but something really kiam.
9. Visit Rosyth School.
My primary school. I can’t remember the last time I went back.
10. Celebrate National Day.
Perhaps by burning a compilation CD of all our nicer National Day theme songs. Last year’s song by Taufik and Rui En will definitely not be included.
If I were to give myself a few more spaces on the list, I intend to do the following:
11. Go Sentosa.
12. Picnic at Botanical Gardens.
13. Eat lots of Singaporean food.
Singaporeans overseas often talk about their laksa and chicken rice with fondness. And even though our ministers like to use the food-court, and rojak, to describe the diversity of our multiracial society, food somehow doesn’t rank highly on my list. Perhaps the craving will come later.
1. Picnic at the steps of City Hall.
Had an unforgettable evening there many years back, but she would not even reply my SMSs now.
2. Take a drive around the island.
Especially to Changi, Jurong, Sungei Gedong, Kranji, Mandai, Seletar, Tanjong Pagar, and the areas that will be turned into the Integrated Resorts when I am away.
3. Take a jog through the civic district.
I intend to cover the areas around the Singapore River, the CBD, City Hall and Chinatown. An exciting alternative would be to cycle through the civic district at night.
4. Dinner at somewhere with a view of the skyline.
5. Catch a cheap, low-budget, Singaporean production at the Esplanade.
The Singapore Theatre Festival is coming up, but the tickets don’t look cheap.
6. Chill at Rochester Park, Dempsey Road, Club Street and Clark Quay.
People have raved about Rochester and Dempsey, and I have read about them in blogs, magazines and the newspapers. But, somehow, I have never been there.
7. Take a jog through Hougang and Potong Pasir.
Home(s) of the Brave.
8. Do something kiam-siak.
I’m not referring to the parking-coupon kinda kiam-siak, but something really kiam.
9. Visit Rosyth School.
My primary school. I can’t remember the last time I went back.
10. Celebrate National Day.
Perhaps by burning a compilation CD of all our nicer National Day theme songs. Last year’s song by Taufik and Rui En will definitely not be included.
If I were to give myself a few more spaces on the list, I intend to do the following:
11. Go Sentosa.
12. Picnic at Botanical Gardens.
13. Eat lots of Singaporean food.
Singaporeans overseas often talk about their laksa and chicken rice with fondness. And even though our ministers like to use the food-court, and rojak, to describe the diversity of our multiracial society, food somehow doesn’t rank highly on my list. Perhaps the craving will come later.
Miss Universe
Published Saturday, July 29, 2006 by Robin.Was talking to Te Zhong and Wylyn about the Miss Universe pageant yesterday.
There must be some sort of right-wing conspiracy going on in Hollywood. At the Academy Awards last year, a dull and incoherent movie (I can’t even recall the name) beat Brokeback Mountain to Best Picture and Lee Ang was given a face-saving Oscar for Best Director. On Monday, the American dominion of Puerto Rico pipped Japan to the Miss Universe title, and the latter was given a token award for Best National Costume. I’ve got no idea how that can be justified. Ms Japan (Kurara Chibana) looks way better, way less plastic (spastic); she has a nice smile and she looks way better on the catwalk. She spoke in three languages during the two Question and Answer rounds and in the second round her reply is clearly the best amongst all the finalists. Unlike many of the other contestants, she has a personality. Furthermore, she looks a lot healthier and a lot more cheerful.
After Australia in 2004 and Canada in 2005, giving the title to Puerto Rico this time round is a throw back to the days where Miss Universe judges seem to have a fetish for surgically enhanced, nose-at-just-the-right-angles, mouth-just-wide-enough (their standard is really wide), eyes-at-just-the-right-distance-apart, neck-at-just-the-right-length, cheekbones-at-just-the-right-position-relative-to-jaw, good-looking-in-a-stereotypical-way, gibberish, “world peace”, Hispanics (usually Venezuelans). They are mannequins! Just go take a look at Miss Puerto Rico. Perhaps the only difference between her and her early predecessors is that she actually looks kinda sickly, in an ET sort of way.
Singapore’s outing was typically uneventful. By the looks of it, I don’t think this Miss Singapore will make it as NCMP. If I remember correctly, during the Miss Singapore pageant she was asked for the song that best describes her. Her answer was ‘Don’t Cha’, either that or she said she loves her mother.
There must be some sort of right-wing conspiracy going on in Hollywood. At the Academy Awards last year, a dull and incoherent movie (I can’t even recall the name) beat Brokeback Mountain to Best Picture and Lee Ang was given a face-saving Oscar for Best Director. On Monday, the American dominion of Puerto Rico pipped Japan to the Miss Universe title, and the latter was given a token award for Best National Costume. I’ve got no idea how that can be justified. Ms Japan (Kurara Chibana) looks way better, way less plastic (spastic); she has a nice smile and she looks way better on the catwalk. She spoke in three languages during the two Question and Answer rounds and in the second round her reply is clearly the best amongst all the finalists. Unlike many of the other contestants, she has a personality. Furthermore, she looks a lot healthier and a lot more cheerful.
After Australia in 2004 and Canada in 2005, giving the title to Puerto Rico this time round is a throw back to the days where Miss Universe judges seem to have a fetish for surgically enhanced, nose-at-just-the-right-angles, mouth-just-wide-enough (their standard is really wide), eyes-at-just-the-right-distance-apart, neck-at-just-the-right-length, cheekbones-at-just-the-right-position-relative-to-jaw, good-looking-in-a-stereotypical-way, gibberish, “world peace”, Hispanics (usually Venezuelans). They are mannequins! Just go take a look at Miss Puerto Rico. Perhaps the only difference between her and her early predecessors is that she actually looks kinda sickly, in an ET sort of way.
Singapore’s outing was typically uneventful. By the looks of it, I don’t think this Miss Singapore will make it as NCMP. If I remember correctly, during the Miss Singapore pageant she was asked for the song that best describes her. Her answer was ‘Don’t Cha’, either that or she said she loves her mother.
Temping
Published by Robin.Took up a temp job this week. It wasn’t too bad; the pay is decent, the people are okay and I’ve got a room to myself with a nice view of the port. Work involves sorting through piles after piles of expired contracts, verifying the details of the contracts against a list and searching for missing contracts. It is extremely boring.
My work space.
Working.
Check out this link, it is a motion picture by (and about) an extremely bored Singaporean office-worker.
Connecting the dots, humility, the Beatitudes
Published Tuesday, July 25, 2006 by Robin.Feedback from church friends is usually tempered with a good dose of the Fruit of the Spirit, but I think the time of sharing with the Frontliners went pretty okay. I had thought that reading from a script might not be too bad an idea since I wanted, above all, the points (not a story or a joke or an anecdote) to stick. Thank God most people managed to hang on despite the early Sunday morning, and get the three points I was driving at. Watched and read a number of sermons online when I was preparing for the sharing, and one verse kept popping up “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2: 4)” I think God is trying to say “No need for theatrics to get the points across. Just keep it simple and clear”. Anyway, since everyone was expecting me to tell funny stories, not being too informal might just be refreshing. Strangely, it still managed to induce some giggling.
Was a little worried initially about how far I should push my point on leaving our comfort zones to reach out. I said “The day we forget our purpose to bring hearts to Jesus, the miracle of the Frontliners ministry will stop.” Thankfully, Auntie Shermeen did not take it up when she spoke to me later. No one fell asleep, I am relieved.
Was a little worried initially about how far I should push my point on leaving our comfort zones to reach out. I said “The day we forget our purpose to bring hearts to Jesus, the miracle of the Frontliners ministry will stop.” Thankfully, Auntie Shermeen did not take it up when she spoke to me later. No one fell asleep, I am relieved.
Preparing for tomorrow's sharing
Published Saturday, July 22, 2006 by Robin.
You know you're in deep shit when you need more than one Bible. Feeling super unprepared.
76 -101
Published Friday, July 21, 2006 by Robin.I am two days away from sharing at Frontliners, but I’ve got no idea what to say. Judy is asking me for my outline, but I’ve got nothing to show her.
Top 5 All-Time Favorite Hymns
Published Wednesday, July 19, 2006 by Robin.If not for Frontliners, I’ll be a regular at the 1730 service. Here are my Top 5 all-time favorite hymns:
1. How Great Thou Art
When you listen to hymns like this, you wonder what all the fuss to do with contemporary Christian music is about. I like the Elvis Presley rendition best. According to the BBC music magazine, HGTA tops a poll as the UK’s favorite hymn. The Chinese version is not bad too.
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
2. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
I believe this hymn comes in several versions. It seems that the original lyrics penned by Isaac Watts in 1707 does not include a chorus. In my opinion, the chorus is an excellent addition.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
3. Be Thou My Vision
Go check out the Jars of Clay rendition.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
4. Because He Lives
I had not sung or heard this song for a long time, approximately 9 years, after the first church I attended closed down. Strangely, the tune of the chorus came back to me when I was retaking the SAT II Subject tests.
And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
5. A tie between Great is Thy Faithfulness, And Can it Be That I Should Gain and O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
GITF will be at No.5 its own if not for how the chorus jars against the stanzas.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
1. How Great Thou Art
When you listen to hymns like this, you wonder what all the fuss to do with contemporary Christian music is about. I like the Elvis Presley rendition best. According to the BBC music magazine, HGTA tops a poll as the UK’s favorite hymn. The Chinese version is not bad too.
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
2. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
I believe this hymn comes in several versions. It seems that the original lyrics penned by Isaac Watts in 1707 does not include a chorus. In my opinion, the chorus is an excellent addition.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
3. Be Thou My Vision
Go check out the Jars of Clay rendition.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
4. Because He Lives
I had not sung or heard this song for a long time, approximately 9 years, after the first church I attended closed down. Strangely, the tune of the chorus came back to me when I was retaking the SAT II Subject tests.
And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
5. A tie between Great is Thy Faithfulness, And Can it Be That I Should Gain and O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
GITF will be at No.5 its own if not for how the chorus jars against the stanzas.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
For Hire
Published Wednesday, July 12, 2006 by Robin.
Thought this is an interesting picture from the Great Depression. Please contact me if you have openings for temporary or part-time jobs/work assignments.
I am Singaporean
Published Thursday, July 06, 2006 by Robin.The address of my blog says rabbi-robin, but I’m not a Jew. It started out as a joke from school.
It wasn’t easy getting me into primary school. My parents had to ballot; thankfully, I have relatives who live in that area. I was a prefect, but I was nearly sacked for putting a pail on my classmate’s head. In primary five, NKF gave me an award for being one of their top fund-raisers. I was not from the best class. My form teacher said that she will eat her shoe if I make it to RI. From then on, I’ve never dared to challenge anyone that way.
I had wanted to be a sport-man, but realized I started the sport too late. My fellow countryman won gold for body-building at the Asian Games. A week later, writers to the ST Forum questioned if body-building is a sport.
I enjoyed NS. For five months, I worked 8 to 5. For another five months, I was an attached-out personnel. I was a Combat Engineer. I can fall asleep in nearly every terrain. My batch of commander trainees set the record for the number of training accidents. My company is not as operational, but they are fun-loving people.
My pay in army was around $680, before Mess fee, Hair-cut fee, Pioneer, Army News and Safra membership. I’ve never cut my hair in camp.
My country is in the tropics, but I can’t stand the heat.
I read the Straits Times daily. My favorite section is Urban, followed by Life and DigitalLife. On Sundays, I look forward to Colin Goh’s column. I don’t see why we have to pay to read Straits Times Interactive. I am not a football fan but I believe that the World Cup Channel should be free.
I missed the Progress Package because I was born three months too late. Consequently, I could not be trusted to vote. I live in the GRC where the Suicide Six tried to unseat the Prime Minister. I would have voted for PAP if I was allowed to vote. If I live in Aljunied I would have voted for WP.
I have the national flag ironed onto my backpack.
I went to a school where the uniform is the same as that of the ruling party’s. I had wanted to be a civil servant, but I’ve come to realize that Singapore is bigger than her government.
My name is Robin Quek. And I’m a Singaporean. So say we all. So say we all. So say we all.
Missing Kathmandu
Published Tuesday, July 04, 2006 by Robin.
These testimonies of God's blessings in Kathmandu have become my desktop background.
I have written an article about the trip for the Frontliner magazine, will post it here closer to the date of publication.
P Plate
Published Sunday, July 02, 2006 by Robin.And here’s how it went…
I woke up the day before with a minor bout of diarrhea, and because of that I was nearly 25 minutes late for the warm-up. Took a drive through the circuit; I did 5 out of the 6 static stations and that was all for warm-up.
Through a lottery, I was assigned Route 8 and a certain Ong to be my tester. A battery of static tests (directional change followed by slope, parallel parking, perpendicular park, S-course and finally crank-course), a ten-minute drive and 16 demerit points later, I passed. Finally.
I woke up the day before with a minor bout of diarrhea, and because of that I was nearly 25 minutes late for the warm-up. Took a drive through the circuit; I did 5 out of the 6 static stations and that was all for warm-up.
Through a lottery, I was assigned Route 8 and a certain Ong to be my tester. A battery of static tests (directional change followed by slope, parallel parking, perpendicular park, S-course and finally crank-course), a ten-minute drive and 16 demerit points later, I passed. Finally.