Ang Barong Tagalog

Who would've thought that the Philippines' Barong Tagalog was actually a product of colonial oppression. Read on…

During the Spanish occupation of the Philippines (over 300 years from 1561-1889) the barong tagalog was required by the Spanish government for Filipinos (indios) to be worn at most times to show the difference between the rich and the poor. He said that the poor who serve the rich must always be in uniform. (more…)

I Live in Singapura

These are the lyrics to a song about Singapore, sang to the tune of "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel. It was performed by a local comedian - Hossan Leong, using Singlish at its finest! Funny stuff!

Sang nila, utama. Saw a lion, alamak.
Name the village Singapura. Then run very far.
Years later, Ang Mor came. Stamford Raffles was his name.
Posed for statues very nice. We kenna colonize.
Singapura very strong. Big guns, all pointing wrong.
Japanese, came on bikes. Invade us from our backside.
War is over, Ang Mor back. Singaporeans no respect.
Commies come, make a fuss. Singapore independence!

Chorus:
I live in Singapura. It's not perfect living but at least it's interesting
I live in Singapura. 'Though it's kind of crazy, we win other country
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When God Winks at You

Every so-called coincidence or answered prayer is God’s way of letting you know He's thinking of you. 

You’ve had another one of those days. Everything seems uncertain.

You think: Wouldn’t it be great to wake up one morning and have everything be certain? Certain in love? Certain about your job? Certain about your future?

Who could you talk to about this? Bigger question, who’d listen?

Tentatively your eyes drift skyward.

Hello? Are you there, God? (more…)

Press for Taxi

You press the button and a taxi comes along shortly! It also detects once the taxi has picked you up and the light goes off.

Wow.

Gimme a break. I come from a 3rd world country.

Hallow’s Eve

We met up with Mabel, Con and Maj at this hawker centre beside the Esplanade. Mabel was in S’pore for a week to spend some time with her beau, Con.

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Sitar-istas

On the way to meet up with friends for a halloween dinner (was that at the Marina?), Chai and I took  the undergound connectors from Suntec to the Esplanade. This is where we chanced upon this sitar group who was holding a free concert to a small audience. Sweet.
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The Life Raft

An injured man stranded in the wilderness finds help where he least expected it.

This is a true story… albeit, the short version.

A man found himself floating down the rapids in a river at the bottom of a canyon, miles from anywhere, in the middle of a wilderness area with his ankle broken in half.

Having been trained on how to get out of the rapids, he determined that he would get to the shore, and he did.

Not having been trained in what to do with a broken ankle in the bottom of a canyon…he determined that he would walk out of the canyon and up the steep, rocky path just as he had come down.

He did not. (more…)

Roti Prata

Chai's favorite dish is an Indian delight called Roti Prata. It is basically a concoction of dough mixed with eggs, which you then dip in curry sauce.

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Nasi Lemak

This is currently my favorite meal in Singapore. It is apparently a Malay dish which is quite similar to our very own "tapsilog." (more…)

Ang Pagbabalik

It's been a while since I've made a real post here. Most of the time, I just resort to cutting n' pasting stuff that I find amusing at that particular moment. A lot has happened in my life since — promotions, resignations and most recently… Singapore.

Chai (notice her name is now spelled with an "i" instead of a "y" — 'coz it's always mispronounced by the locals) and I have moved here to begin a new life. (more…)