trails of rebekah

2009 Convocation

2009-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Have finally graduated! Am really thrilled whenever I reminiscent about it. Its been a long journey and looking back, can't be helped but awed at the power of God's hands and his active involvement in my life.

There's this overwhelming number of photographs taken for these special days which I've been diligently uploading and organising them on facebook. Here's a few fave selections of mine which I hope can quench the curiosity of some who actually still reads my blog. :]

My NIE buddies - BL & Pat. W/o whom I would have never made it through during those tedious months of research, reports rushing, projects presentations.

Hip hip hooray!

Full strength from my family!

Back at church, our dear brother daniel also planned something wonderful. Which was to arrange for a photo session of all graduates of 2009 to have their photos taken in church!

Here's a couple of us all lined up: Daniel , Michelle, Haoyih, Me and Zhaomin

Then just as everyone was very happy snapping photos again, someONE has to bring up the ancient issue of who looks older. Well its no mystery who that idiot is...anyway we decided to take a photo and go ard asking who LOOKS more ancient. and here it goes...

pls judge for yourself:

The answer is more than OBVIOUS.

Gathering the results from a number of church members....someone won hands down for having the younger, more vibrant and bubbly image.

Of course, putting personal issues aside we continued with what we had in mind: photos with our church leaders!

They were just as sporting and cute as us!!

So cute so cute

cup board

2009-06-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Cupboard's coming in tomorrow.

Real mess, my house. My room.

People have been askin how come I didnt update.

I did. Just not here. And its up to one to discover.

Frens galore!

2009-05-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Met up with my taiwan travel mates just yesterday! (i know I know...i still have yet to discipline myself to seat thru and complete the trip entry)

Its like FINALLY! got the chance to gather and meet up once again for a good meal and fun filled time at peifen's house for Wii. Thanks alot to Peifen and family for hosting our lunch and put up with our squeals and noise while playing wii. Muaha...

Home cooked bee hoon

Tasty curry with no coconut milk, no guilt!

Simple affair, simple feast

Our dear host hard at work

Jieying , Hui Qing and Peifen! :]

Boy, have I ever mentioned how thankful I am to God for these 3 wonderful girls as my travel mates. Though each of us are totally different in character, but I've seen how forebearing and great we were able to compliment one another during the trip. It was indeed a very pleasant and memorable trip, which without them could never be. 谢谢！

Peifen - Time keeper for the trip (Ensuring that we are in schedule, pro with time management)

Hui Qing - Treasurer of the trip (Our money ever safe with her, convenient esp for group payments etc.)

Jie Ying - Secretary for the trip (Meticulously jots down minutes for each day?!)

Me - PR for the trip (er...mainly the one who ask for directions and cries for help haha)

Right after some munching of bee hoon, we couldnt wait to start wii!!

Jie ying and Hui qing indulging in some monkey game - bowling if i'm not wrong..

There's more interesting games...which jieying took and even video taped us. Will further update once I receive it from her!

但願人長久

2009-05-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

才毕业不久，便开始想念文学课里所读的诗词小说……

浏览了youtube找到了一首由王菲所唱红的苏轼词《水调歌头》

歌词：

明月幾時有把酒問青天
不知天上宮闕今夕是何年

我欲乘風歸去唯恐瓊樓玉宇
高處不勝寒起舞弄清影何似在人間

轉朱閣低綺戶照無眠
不應有恨何事長向別時圓
人有悲歡離合月有陰晴圓缺
此事古難全但願人長久
千里共嬋娟

我欲乘風歸去唯恐瓊樓玉宇
高處不勝寒起舞弄清影
何似在人間

轉朱閣低綺戶照無眠
不應有恨何事長向別時圓
人有悲歡離合月有陰晴圓缺
此事古難全但願人長久
千里共嬋娟

当然，这首词古时便已成为一首脍炙人口的词作，只可惜当时没有录音机，人们已无法录下当时的曲调。不过，王菲这首还算是别有风味。以下是《水调歌头》原来的词及赏析：

　　　　明月几时有，把酒问青天。
　　不知天上宫阙，今夕是何年？
　　我欲乘风归去，又恐琼楼玉宇，
　　高处不胜寒。
　　起舞弄清影，何似在人间！
　　转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。
　　不应有恨，何事长向别时圆？
　　人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺，
　　此事古难全。
　　但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。

赏析：

赏月诗词往往清逸孤寒，东坡这首词直如缥缈于云端，掩映于清辉之间。抒酒问月，有李太白酒仙遗风，一片奇趣横生。

明月皎皎照彻天上人间，天上是孤寒一片，人间相思无眠。“人有悲欢离合，月有阴圆缺，此事古难全”，已是豁达，但“但愿人长久，千里其婵娟”更至乐观诚挚，种种感情交融于月光之下，顿成千古绝唱。胡仔评道：“中秋词自东坡《水调歌头》出，余词尽废。”

Pucking good

2009-05-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Was surfing the net when i saw this video on an ancient grade 7 piece I did way back in 2000. Puck No. 3 from Lyric Pieces, Op. 71 by Edward Grieg. A totally devilish piece.

The Second piece: Mazurka in F minor (no. 2 from Three Mazurkas, Op. 63) by Chopin. I could never bring out the bass like him. Sadly, though I'm a left hander...ironically my right hand is the dominant one whenever I'm playing.

Last piece: Prelude by Ravel. A short piece that was composed to be a sight reading piece by Ravel. The recording wasn't as sharp as it supposed to be, but nevertheless a good interpretation of it.

May Day May Day!

2009-05-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Foong family went for our "family trip". (Its part of our family culture that every public holiday or sundays, a certain part of the day would be family day)

Just when we tot it would be the usual walk in the park...mum came up with this wonderful suggestion of a visit to some organic farm at some rural parts of singapore ~ fireflies farm.

Beautiful fresh vegs and flowers spotted in the farm

Our family just couldn't resist snapping photos non stop.

It was good to have a taste of a much more relaxing pace, an escapade from the helter skelter city life. Pa told me he wouldnt mind just having his own farm and staying in there for good. Even if it means minimal contact with the outside world. Talk about getting back to one's roots. Ha.

Here's us while waiting for the transport to bring us back to Kranji MRT station.

It comes every 1 and half hours and its really deep inside. So highly recommended for those road idiots driver like me. The entire family strongly discouraged me from driving that day. And boy, I'm really glad I took their advice. Its truly a leafy labyrinth in there. But I guess anywhere with my loved ones is good fun and good company.

IKEA

2009-05-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dropped by IKEA recently to check out some simple organization stuff cum furniture I could get for my new office to be. (I really hope I'll get a cubicle!!) Was youtubing on the IKEA ads when this one caught my eye. Kinda freaky...yet it does a great job getting the message across.

Here's another Alfred Hitchhock inspired ad.

The orchestra of life

2009-04-29T10:04:00.001-07:00

Homer can't get any more musical than this.

Last time I bid my student days goodbye

2009-04-28T08:30:00.001-07:00

24 years of studying and I'm finally over and done with. It's a strange overwhelming mix of emotions and nostalgia. Though I once dread the days of working but memories of my past exam preparation days (be it my O levels, A levels or my tiertary days) can hardly prompt me to love studying.

Reading however is a total different thing. I love the things I read for academics. Especially literature. Its really food to the mind. And I mean staple food.

In touch with both EL & CL, I can only say the greatest difference between them is probably the language. The emotions evoked by them can't never be more similar. The human heart is after all molded by the same creator. And despite its deep rooted differences, every single being probably function more or less the same way.

As I bid my student days goodbye, other than the usual murmurs of well wishes, there was of course the unofficial photography sessions.

All the friendships I've fostered over these past 4 years. Unforgettable.

My rich source of knowledge and information. Thankful.

As this huge chapter closes, I soon embark on another one.
Life, indeed the most beautiful piece of literature.

My last paper

2009-04-23T03:21:00.001-07:00

Its over! The toughest and most pointless paper of my entire tertiary years are over.

Moving on the very last one which i've also been doing continuously for the past 4 years - Chinese lit.

This last semester, I finally got to do what I love to do. 古典小说. Always love stories, always love things with a storyline. Just like english lit.

Oh wells. I shudn't be blogging.

HAPPY....

2009-04-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

birthday cum exams preparations to me???

Yeah I'll probably be slogging out on my fateful 24th.

Yeah time shoosh, 24 years have past and I'm still the same:

chirpy, positive and single.

Ha. The last one must have got u awwing. No 3rd aunt's friend 2nd son please.

I'll real satisfied with life now. But my 24th...anticipating much mugging ahead. Boy...that just's really a wet blanket isn't it. (its been like this since my Os)

Nayway, done with my Song exams today. 1 down 3 more to go. Press on bekah!

I'm so happy and here's the reason why....

2009-04-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

Jesus took my burdens all away~~~~ Now I'm singing as the days go by...jesus took my burdens all away! Once my heart was heavy laden with a load of sin (and reports in this case) Jesus took the load and gave me wonderful peace within my heart AND..... I'm so happy and here's the reason why...Jesus took my burdens ALL AWAY!

Am finally done with my reports!! And passed it up. WOOHOO!! After weeks of research...outsourcing and filtering of information....plus endless hours in front of the computer typing and editing. Am finally done with the final products! Now onto my exams preparations~ i'm a.....

~Mugger with passion~

break off

2009-04-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

from the world!

so damned tired.

then there's always good friday.

风尘三侠

2009-04-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

天下无不散之宴席。四年的校园生涯即将到了尾声……心中不禁感慨万端。感谢上帝为我在最后两年，安排同两位同窗知己与我共度学业上的挑战……聆听生活中的苦闷……给于多方面的支持。

苦中作乐

之间的默契及互补性，无法用三言两语说尽。尽管大家已不再是同路人，但埋藏在回忆及内心的友谊将永存。宝玲与嘉祥……感谢你们所作的一切，后会有期。

ps. 哈哈，好像有点儿太伤感了hor

Sister 终于长大成人了！

2009-04-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

哈哈……傻大姐大sister 又怎么可能真的长大呢？不过3月31日确实是她XX大寿！我们这一群好姐妹当然不会草草了事咯。虽是个简单的庆祝，但对我们这几个大忙人来说……却是意义非凡。

感谢小sister在百忙中，赶紧买了两种口味独特的生日蛋糕……绿茶黑糖+椰子糖浆。味道相似娘惹糕点，非常难忘。不过，更令人感动的是……忙得不可开交的盈姿终于同我们相会!!! 真的很开心。

the possibilities are endless

2009-03-28T05:44:00.001-07:00

Tues one of the most important day of my life. Rather our lives. May the Lord have mercy on the Foong Family.

Walk in faith.

Musical break

2009-03-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

Bravely booked sistic tickets for a 5th April break ( the midst of my hectic report rushings & exam preparations).

Was still feeling quite sore about not be able to make it for the free SSO concert in NTU last friday ha but for ma's sake...nvm. So lo and behold, imagine my joy when the email for another budget darrell ang's concert this time in Esplanade Concert Hall!

Haha its really cheap since student price goes like $7 per person. It's going to be a visual and audio feast...woohoo! Why a visual feast? Take a good look at the conductor -->

Here's a brief biography on him:

Born with Singapore, Darrell Ang plays of the Violon, the Basson and the Piano. He studied with Leong Yoon-Pine then with Vienna, Prague and Saint-Pétersbourg and Helsinki. He improved with Jorma Panula and with follow-up the courses of interpretation of Sir Colin Davis and Lorin Maazel. He studies for the time being with the Université of Yale to the the United States and recently gained the 1st price of the contest of leaders Antonio Pedrotti (Italy).

He directed much in Russia and in particular to Saint-Petersbourg: the philharmonic orchestra, the orchestra of State and the orchestra of the Congress, as well as the orchestra of Novossibirsk. It also gave concerts in Tchéquie, in Germany, Spain, Italy, with the Canada, the Mexico and of course in Asia, where it occurred with New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and the symphony orchestras of Suwon (South Korea) and Singapore. Of 2002 with 2006, it Co-founded and directed the chamber orchestra of Saint-Pétersbourg.

In the field of the Opera, Darrell Ang already on the occasion to work with the singers of the lyric academy of the Théâtre Mariinsky. It directed several lyric and choreographic productions of Mozart to Britten while passing by Verdi and Tchaïkovski, to the opera and the theater Rimsky-Korsakov de Saint-Pétersbourg.

It gains the Grand Prix of Direction of the 50e international Concours of young leaders of Besancon in September 2007.

With his good looks and talent and charisma, he'll make it big de loh. So i better go watch his budget concerts now before he really become world renowned. Till then his tix will be 10-20 times the amount I pay now. Just to end it on a classic note:

Programme for the day:

DEBUSSY
SAINT-SAËNS
TCHAIKOVSKY

Ibéria
Havanaise, Op. 83
Francesca da Rimini, Op.32

Just let me say..

2009-03-24T05:57:00.001-07:00

Congrats to the holy matrimony of Derek and Yu Ting!!!!

2009 is an extremely eventful year for 青年团契....an estimation of 3 couples getting wed!

*which can be either moving or stressful for singles like me. Ha! Thank God ma's not in fellowship.

The following is a simple pictorial walk through of this very special day for this pair of brother and sister! More photos will be added once 小sister karen upload hers on facebook.

Stairways to heavenly love

Lilies, my fave.

青年团契佳丽云集

每位都是封面人物....

团长的个人海报关怀皇牌！

当天的焦点人物终于出场了！……derek和玉婷……果然是俊男美女的完美结合。

新郎深情地把视线交集在新娘....太感动了！

新郎 & 新娘：“怎么还没有完？？”

令人垂涎欲滴的自由餐~

据说新郎本身可是烹饪高手喔！小琦我参加过多次婚礼，这次的自由餐可算是4~5星级的。赞！菜肴丰富也非常可口，其摆设简单、大方也挺讲究的。享受如此丰盛的晚餐之后，当然得动动筋骨啦……And nothing's ever comparable with cam whoring! The most fun packed, thrilling and memorable form of recreational activity :D

Of course, how can we ever miss out on the scandalous series...thats what spices things up really...

Proud to be ...

Caught on print!

This random pic turns out to look really scandalous after all...

Scandalous twist...

Sister in touch with her corny side.

Ended the unforgettable day with a up close pic with hannah.

Love Ya C902

2009-03-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

I love my phone. Especially the SE C902 model. 1 months old plus and so far am pleased with all the basic / advanced functions and most importantly the camera (its pimple proof!) + video quality.

The camera functions comprise of the usual micro, face detection, scene modes - night, nature, sport, daylight, auto, portrait etc. plus some really cute add ons like frames / clip arts / icons. Haha! I'm indeed a cam whore. Below are some of the photo samples taken with my phone plus a recording I did.

First photo I took with the C902 - my bed

The FS as usual..

Our life source..Mummy Foong!

me with my new purple hair!!! It was really purple till it wore off and now its RED

i must say the colour tone is not as fantastic as expected

Rare serenity on a sunday morning

The speckies FS

Not forgetting their series of free frames which was really amusing!!

Scandalous Hannah ...as usual HA!

Who can resist being on the front cover with COOKIE?!

No photoshop for the skin! Woohoo~

Mono Hannah - A cheaper alternative

Coming soon...Yeah right.

The downside of it, ironically was the touch screen functions which will be prompted whenever the phone gets into camera mode. Never a touch screen fanatic, it actually makes photo taking more sensitive and troublesome since a simple brush on the tip of the phone will keep changing the photo mode into the video taking mode. Timer off to on...flash off to on...oh well the list kinda runs on.

Haha! Just realised I actually did a phone review. Oh wells. How uncle-list + IT-ish I've become..damn!

FS three hand piano piece

2009-03-12T00:45:00.000-07:00

Being miles apart in many ways hasn't hindered our love for music.

Despite the fact that Hannah won't learn the piano for nuts, she has kindly agreed to fulfill my dream to perform a FS (Foong Sisters) piano duet.

Had a hard time finding a suitable piece since she has nearly zero piano playing skills. But hey, isn't she damn good with memorizing fingerings. This girl got talent I tell u! So tada~ finally found a good moving piece from Jay Chou's movie "Secret". Presenting to you...the 3 hand piano piece by the FS:

ps. Melody and Harmony by hannah and I respectively

One winged angle on guitar

2009-03-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

By now its not difficult to recognise the hard-core youtube addiction in the Foong sisters. Yeah, we're the bunch who'll check out the weirdest, most creative, most amazing, most ballooney videos posted. Here's one good one which I'll strongly recommend you to spend a meager 5 minutes to watch.

*Ps. the smoke in front was either from his cigarette or some budget effect to create this smoky aura~ which was kinda distracting if u ask me. Watever it is, I think he got those fantastic creepy long veiny fingers similar to those of Maksim.

Due credit must be given to our dear pal jianming who recommended it

Loan sharks left their trails at Rebekah's hse

2009-03-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Loan sharks in the lime light! Woohoo~ got freaked out when i received ma's sms :

"Back soon, those ah long said if we don't pay money for that fat man, we will get burn house by them. Can report police? Wat should we do?"

OF COURSE CAN RIGHT!!!!!!!!!

Some background information to enlighten all.

1) OUR DEAR NEIGHBOUR BORROWED MONEY FROM THE AH LONG$ FOR THE XXXXTH TIME.

2) APPARENTLY HE HAS NO MONEY BUT STILL BORROW RELENTLESSLY FROM THEM.

3) RECENTLY, IN ORDER TO ESCAPE FROM LOOMING DANGER... HE ACTUALLY RENT OUT THE HOUSE TO A FAMILY OF INDIANS AND RAN OFF.

4) THESE NEW NEIGHBOURS TOLD US THEY CANT REACH HIM. HE ONLY COMES ONCE EVERY MONTH TO COLLECT THE RENT.

SAY, have you met a more 窝囊的男人?!^%$&^%$

In conclusion, the ah longs can't find him and so nicely mailed this letter(PHOTOS BELOW) to spur our cooperation with them to locate him.

Hannah smudged the photo but its our address in front..

then some nice clipart of a coffin plus some really lousy handwriting
*ah loans shud go for CL tuition

华人death notes - it looked so reused. All due to the economic recession..

Our neighbour's IC. Waah "O$P$" = own money pay money. Just like pictionary!!

In times like this, "what a wonderful world" tune just comes into mind~

Hannah my fave IT geek

2009-02-23T06:09:00.001-08:00

Hannah did this specially for me. Haha beware, its quite BHB.

All done by photoshop, and she's damn proud of it. Ha.

Ps.Love the cookie background to bits! BUt PLS ignore the ugly photo.

Update:

Here's another one which she did for herself.

Sums up her longing pretty well huh.

Rebekah give thanks that....

2009-02-20T07:13:00.001-08:00

1) I'm doned with my assessment writing. Finally but this is just the beginning stage. The editing will come in later and then yada yada meaning more work.

2) My stipend is in. Finally able to give ah pa and ma some allowance. Can't wait for the day when I AM financially independent enuff for them to rely on.

3) Its time to start my assignments for the final semester. I've been having a really hard time in a particular module. Trusting on God for it all.

Speaking of which, due credit must be given to e Lord who has been leading me through my studies, for bringing me so far. Something i would have never dream of. To crossover and to actually receive the current grades despite the overwhelming amount of commitment especially in church = burnt weekends and even weekdays. My friends and I are finally shedding our status as students for good.

It has been a really emotional and meaningful journey.

4) God is slowly responding to my prayer request of 5-6 years. The future's still bleak but I'm patiently waiting. I do hope that I'm not wrong about his leading...there's been a fair share of misinterpretations. But there'll never be a rainbow without a pour.

5) God has been uplifting me emotionally, physically, mentally and most importantly spiritually. Its really difficult to maintain a cheerful deposition but somehow miraculously, I've been contended with everything.

I led a pretty much uneventful simple life. And am learning to appreciate simplicity day by day.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
~Psalm 107:1

To be continued....

Rebekah and her ah pa loves music

2009-02-17T23:24:00.000-08:00

Here's ah pa leading his troop of uncles from the 弟兄团契 presenting a simple arrangement of 除你以外 + 轻轻听.

They're kinda breathless so one must prick up ur ears to catch the tune.

Rebekah and her kids

2009-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Been practising with the choir kids for the past month. They remind me of my students totally, just that they look slightly different coz of their home clothes?

K and they DO remind me how old I am getting....among them. Somehow its naturally a "mummy" mode whenever they're in my care. Gosh that sentence just sounded so...motherly? CRap.

That aside, Hannah took video of our past sunday song presentation. Enjoy:

《主恩典够我用》

当我受特殊试炼和痛苦时候，主耶稣就告诉我：“恩典够用”。

每当我灰心失望，完全无助的时候，主耶稣就告诉我：“恩典够用”。

信息进入我心中，圣灵在指引我在百般试炼中当大喜乐。

副歌：

因为他已告诉我他的恩典够我用，只要信他的恩典是够我用。

Somehow working with this kids just take the stress off. I remember practising that morning in the 大堂, wasn't that used to the key touches of the grand piano. To top if off, mister yihern who was next to the piano kindly informed me that I was playing way too loud - covering their voices.

I kinda turned sick in the stomach upon hearing that since that was kinda my worst fear. (I do have a tendency of playing loud enuff to hear myself)

So yar, that kept ringing in my mind....UNTIL the kids started to "waah waah here...wanna pee pee there".... there were simply so much to take care of till there wasnt a moment to lose to my anxieties. Even just before stepping into the hall, I was too busy getting them organised.

And know what?

Everyone were enjoying the piece in the end. Not coz of my playing. Simply because God truly loves all little children that he amazingly uses their angelic voices to touch the hearts of many.

Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Rebekah found another man to love.

2009-02-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

MAKSIM. Fantastic pianist from Croatia, whose piano hit was the "flight of the bumble bee". Didn't really appreciate his techno version since it was just TOO heavy metal and "mental" for me.

Nevertheless, he's still amazing and in fact I preferred his original playing and interpretation of certain classical pieces such as the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 ( as compared to Lang lang's; which was way tooooo bombastic & flamboyant). Love the right amount of strength he executes with his fingers. Here are the two great videos on his playing.

Maksim plays Original of Flight of the Bumble Bee:

Maksim - Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 (Liszt)

Rebekah can never leave musical trails like.....

2009-02-11T07:20:00.001-08:00

Lang Lang and his dad. Amazing duo who's musically gifted, here's the video of Lang Lang and his father at Carnegie Hall performing the piece "Horses".

*Note how the dad realistically mimics the galloping and neighing of horses with his nimble fingers on the erhu.

Rebekah Left her trails behind Huixiang Chuandao's wedding

2009-02-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

盼啊……盼啊……惠香传道终于盼到了上帝为她安排的王子！相信她也有同感，因此特别挑选了“王子与公主”这首歌曲，要求青年团契在这难忘的日子呈现。以下是杨俊弟兄在现场所录下的片段：

Low Video Quality Alert

有空再把歌词加上。

Rebekah & her music plus God.

2009-02-07T04:45:00.000-08:00

Was very touched by the pieces I played for 1723 today. Esp “我的神，我要敬拜你” , cried when i practised at home. Ha I'm probably the most emotional girl you'll meet. Believe it or not, I cried during a simpsons movie?! (the part when marge left homer and he was viewing their marriage video). Thats how loose my tears ducts are.

Next week will be first time I play for children's choir since I played for them 7 years ago. There's this really cute little boy (David) who'll play a volin solo while I accompany. I love such things, these kids are so really cute. I wish that they'll continue to use their voices for the Lord even into adulthood.

*Join Foong jie jie in choir yar??!!

Anyway for the next upcoming choir piece, I'll need loads of health and concentration. Playing the piano is more draining than ever. I hope I'll lose weight with all these practice. I'm enjoying every moment. Thank God for pulling me through.

Rebekah has been messing around with the flu bug

2009-02-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

Hannah said I've been messing around too much with the flu bugs and now am reaping the fruits of my sins. So true so true.

Ha anyway I'm down, really down. Never felt so down and out, out in a sense - out of cash. yesh I'm broke and am still waiting for my stipend since there's nothing else that can be done.

Haha nowadays its becoming more of a thrash blog (outlet for my thrashings) than a photo blog.

I still own a few patient friends my taiwan trip entry / hong kong entry / macritchie entry/ roti prata entry / 2nd lovers outing entry. Thats all I can recall for now. Feeling quite guilty for being such a sloth. Ha.

Gosh the grogginess is working up again. My eyes are bloody red and nearly popping out. I shud repent, never underestimate the flu bugs.

Rebekah starts afresh

2009-02-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Finally found the solution to changing my blog skin.

It's really simple - both the solution and my blogskin.

I like simplicity. I adore it.

You should too.

Finding the way back into love

2009-02-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Catchy song from the movie "Music and Lyrics" (With hugh grant and drew barrymore) which melody simply swept me away. The lyrics fantastic, something that I can truly relate to. And hell no, I'm not in dire need to fall in love. Just certain that this is one song I can keep humming to in ages to come.

*And Drew totally makes one drool.and pls ignore hugh grant's corny part right at the beginning. His voice is as smooth as hot chocolate.

Lyrics:
I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past
I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need them again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end

Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh

There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end

Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh

Rebekah and Foong Family's 2009 reunion dinner.

2009-01-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

18/1/2009 Lunar New Year Reunion dinner

As the Foong Family will be packed off to Hong Kong for a long awaited vacation (esp. for my ah pa who has NOT and will NOT take an break nor ever an MC for the entire year) , we had to push our Reunion Dinner forward.

Dinner means ALOT ALOT to my family, especially to my pa who has this personal slogan of
“一家人” - he's a firm believer in family ties. So yeps, whatsmore reunion dinner which is no light hearted thingy. Due to 女麻女麻's (grandma in cantonese - thats how we address since babes) recent stroke, we picked a nearby kopitiam for her convenience for this year's dinner.

Here's us with 女麻女麻

It's kinda a huge pity that we can't savour her 拿手好菜 which is almost ANY ORIENTAL DISH. She takes alot of pride in her cooking and is a devotee to culinary art: spending time research, exploring and experimenting with different ingredients, fusing and creating original flavours.

But its alright, judging the rate that she's covering, I'm having high hopes that she'll be able to return to her favourite spot and hold the wok again. But for now, lets be contented with some
煮炒. Here's our menu for that night....

爷爷 grinning away while waiting

We started off with "Lou hei" - which is the literal meaning of "scoop up high". It's actually the tossing of a colourful salad platter of raw fish ( salmon in our case), crunchy shredded vegetables (artifically coloured) seasoned with pepper, plum sauce and honey.

Everyone then starts grabbing a chopsticks and tossing it as high as possible while shouting out auspicious words of blessings for the new year. Of course, the higher the BETTER!

Next up, were our main dishes namely: cereal prawns, steamed halibut, black pepper pork ribs,
roasted chicken, deep fried tofu with some tasty gravy(?!) , etc...

But before we could dig in, 女麻女麻 initiated for a family prayer! Which was really heartwarming and significant to me. Its great to know that she has been holding on to her belief despite the trials that came upon her during this period.

女麻女麻 all focused while Hannah sneaked a shot.

Us all focused on the food

I've got endless remarks comment on how 姑姐 and I share similar features. What do you think???

Hannah's rare dainty shot leh!

TONGSUI (汤水）for dessert

Black glutinous rice with coconut milk

" 鸳鸯"(Yuan1 yang1) - Almond custard mixed with black sesame custard

Back at their place:

The Foong BABES

你不会对我有兴趣的……

2009-01-16T09:28:00.000-08:00

陋室铭

山不在高，有仙则名。水不在深，有龙则灵。
斯是陋室，惟吾德馨。苔痕上阶绿，草色入帘青。
谈笑有鸿儒，往来无白丁。可以调素琴，阅金经。
无丝竹之乱耳，无案牍之劳形。南阳诸葛庐，西蜀子云亭.
孔子云：“何陋之有？”

以上便是本人特爱的一篇古文创作。为了帮助读者更能体会文字间的深沉涵义与情感，我将白话译文附加在此：

山不在于有多高，有了仙人就有了名气；水不在于有多深，有了龙就有了灵气。这是简陋的屋子，只是我（屋主）的品德高尚（屋子就不显得简陋了）。苔痕碧绿，长到阶上，草色青葱，映入帘里。平时和我交谈的都是博学的人，没有无学问的平民。

可以弹奏不加装饰的古琴，阅读珍贵的佛经。没有嘈杂的奏乐声来扰乱我的耳朵，没有官府的公文使我的身心劳累。南阳有诸葛亮的草庐，西蜀有扬子云(西汉文学家扬雄)的玄亭。孔子说：“有什么简陋的呢？”

本人笔名（“德馨”）便是取自此篇——“斯是陋室，惟吾德馨”。

作者运用芬芳四溢的香气来形容其高尚的思想品德，从而突出了陋室之主追求的不是功名利禄或荣华富贵，而是心之洁，趣之雅，德之馨。这也正是个人的一种追求。

全篇虽字字写陋却句句透不出陋。开头两句，对我非常有鼓舞性，同时产生共鸣。从表面看来，“仙”与“龙”是为山、水增色彩，实则是喻陋室之主。陋室主人身居陋室，而精神思想却那般富有充实。

* 参考：http://baike.baidu.com/view/218529.htm

这不禁让我联想到某些人（我确实有特定的联想对象）虽富裕，但就是缺乏那股“高尚、贵族”气质。说穿了，就是个“俗”字。

一个人的“俗气”不光是从言谈举止反映出，更凸现了他/她个人内涵。

内涵这东西还真不好讲，只能说必须靠直觉来细细体会。有些人天生就有，有些人历经沧桑才换来那一点点，有些人可能饱读一辈子的贤书仍差人一等。即不是富贵、经历、智力所能换来的，就必须顺其自然。想必当某人能学习顺服一切的自然规律，这已是成为“人上人”的开始……

*哈哈，标题带有误导性……但不这样，你们愿意读我的中文entry么……小琦片片心语到此为止。

Poems for the soul

2009-01-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

"I Like For You to be Still"
By Pablo Neruda

I like for you to be still: it is as though you were absent,
and you hear me from far away and my voice does not touch you.
It seems as though your eyes had flown away
and it seems that a kiss had sealed your mouth.

As all things are filled with my soul
you emerge from the things, filled with my soul.
You are like my soul, a butterfly of dream,
and you are like the word Melancholy.

I like for you to be still, and you seem far away.
It sounds as though you were lamenting, a butterfly cooing like a dove.
And you hear me from far away, and my voice does not reach you:
Let me come to be still in your silence.

And let me talk to you with your silence
that is bright as a lamp, simple as a ring.
You are like the night, with its stillness and constellations.
Your silence is that of a star, as remote and candid.

I like for you to be still: it is as though you were absent,
distant and full of sorrow as though you had died.
One word then, one smile, is enough.
And I am happy, happy that it's not true.

Rebekah Loves leaving trails in MCPs' hearts

2009-01-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

Was clearing up my inbox recently when I found these ancient yet hilarious forward mails...never fail to crack me up. Enjoy.

*PS. The following jokes may inflict a SERIOUS amount of damage on males with swelling egos. M.C.P.S have been warned.

WIFE vs HUSBAND

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to Concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs, the Husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" "Yep," the wife replied, "In-laws."

WORDS

A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a Day... 30,000 to a man's 15,000.
The wife replied, "The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men...The husband then turned to his wife and asked, "What?"

CREATION

A man said to his wife one day, "I don't know how you can be so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time." "The wife responded, "Allow me to explain. God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me; God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you."

WHO DOES WHAT

A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning. The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee."

The husband said, "You are in charge of cooking around here and you Should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee."

Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee."

Husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me."

So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages that it indeed says.......... "HEBREWS"

THE SILENT TREATMENT

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.

The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests. God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.

Rebekah's nuggets of wisdom~

2009-01-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

Here's an excerpt taken from this wonderful christian webby http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2009-01-12 (courtesy of chelle) which struck me quite poignantly.

Accept correction as direction.

Part of real, genuine love is correcting others. God says in Revelation 3:19, Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. If God's spirit is correcting you, then that a sign that he loves you. God loves you enough to risk offending you so that he can guide you away from things that might harm you.

Don't get mad at someone who corrects you; rather, rejoice that you're given a chance to grow and change. If you're wise, you'll appreciate and love the people who correct you (Proverbs 9:8)

Parents aren't showing their children love if they never correct them. If your little boy is being mean to other kids, but you chose not to correct him, then he'll probably never change. However, if you love him enough that you want him to improve his behavior, then you'll correct him so that you can guide him in a different direction.

When someone corrects you, don't become angry at them. Recognize that they're simply trying to help you. Accept their correction as direction.

Thus, I thank....

God's intervention at all timely moments.
Dad's frank point-outs of my weaknesses.
Ma's endless reminders of my shortcomings.
Hannah's loving cautioning of my flaws.
Countless friends who genuinely want the best for me with their gentle reproaches.

Rebekah leaves musical trails in choir every wednesday

2009-01-13T05:02:00.000-08:00

Realised I've never blogged ever once on my choir despite the fact that it's pretty much a large part of my current life. Have been the alto sectional leader for the past 6 months...its been a great experience, learning to take care of my group members that consist of mainly aunties WOOPS and how can I forget the hot alto babes right...

Here's OUR group photo during last year's christmas Cantata:

As we can all see, most of these ladies are either ah ma(s) or mummies...experienced ladies who have been actively involved in the choir ministry for years. So its truly a very humbling experience working with them, leading them as a group.

And of course, choir's not all about singing (though its truly the bulk of it). We have our fair share of fun and celebrations. Yeah we're very very fun-loving people, you can take my word on that.

Here's my collection of all the choir events (chronological order) that took place since I first joined in 2007 August.

Though choir is open for all, the people in charge do take it very seriously. Joining the choir requires discipline and commitment way MORE than musical knowledge. The latter after all, could be nurtured with adequate musical training.

So what does it take to become an official choir member? It can be nicely summed up into these following 6 steps:

1) Approach Pastor Chen (the lady in all 3 photos below) and she'll inform our choir mistress who'll confirm a date for you to visit during one of the practice.

2) You get to visit and experience first hand how's it like being a choir member ---sight reading, harmonizing etc.

3) If you're still keen, the choir mistress will further arrange a day for audition.

4) You come for the audition, which our conductress will determine which voice part (Soprano , Alto , Tenor, Bass - Nah we don't count the ones in between like Mezzo Sop., Baritone, etc.) you belong to.

5) You go through a probation period of 12 weeks.

6) You become an official member on the 13th week and will receive an exclusive choir robe, hanger and a set of ur personal choir books from Pastor Chen! ( We call this the 诗袍礼）

Interesting right! For those who have qualms about the audition, its actually nothing much. Just the conductress playing the keys to check your range. Most people pass at this part, but fail to be able to come regularly every wednesday for practice.

Anyway, here's our 3 members who sucessfully fulfilled the above 6 steps to become an official choir member:

Okie I forgot his name....Uncle's tenor though.

Shiwei! :] Sop.

Yihern....he's an alto...erm nope, sop?...given his frequent high pitched screeching...
kk he's our pianist.

Speaking of which, I recalled the first time when he came over to accompany for a new arrangement of the hymn "How great thou art". The melody wasn't that bad, just certain parts with trickier rhythms than usual but the piano accompaniment was really xiong.

So when we got introduced to this young lad who came to play for us, I naturally tot Ching Kai laoshi (our conductor then) specially invited him from his mother church to help out.

Here's roughly how our first conversation goes:

Me: Oh hi, you're here to help us for this hymn right?

Enci: *sniggering away. Haha how come everyone thinks that too? He's here to be our pianist.

Me: *surprised. Oh, you're here to help? Then what will happen to your own church?

Enci: *roaring out loud. He belongs to our church!

Me: *even more stunned. Huh how come I've never seen you before.

Yihern: ....

Me: *Me desperately trying to change topic. Oh so you're from Raffles eh (he was wearing this raffles top), waah so young. You secondary school ah?

Yihern: *snapped. No lar, I already in university. I even older than her (Enci) by 1 year leh...

Me: *..... OH K....

Yar, so much for our frenly chat.

Contrary to his inital killer aura, he turns out to be quite nice guy lah. Given the fact that he'll send me home (whenever he has a car) after choir. So ok, I shall say nice things about him on this blog.

Moving on... just like any performance group, our choir also has our peak season. Mainly these few festive season: Easter / Good Friday / Christmas (super xiong) + any other church functions e.g. 10 year anniversary. As long as its a church mass celebration, we choir will come into the picture.

The recent 2008 was quite a hectic one, since our church has decided to host this fund raising event - Christmas Canticles ( short choral performance) for the building of a 4th 聚会点 somewhere in central area. You can check out the previous entry for photos taken on that memorable night : CLICK ME!

Of course, we DO take time off de. Choir also has its fair share of external functions, like the recent meet up during Deepavli last year.

Everyone was given a chance to share. Ha, so yar I took the opportunity to notify everyone once and for all what was I doing : NTU-NIE year 4, chinese major.

I'm not pissed off with anyone in particular, but somehow the same set of questions keep ringing in my ears whenever uncles and aunties try to make small talk with me. It'll be like...

XX: "So you working now liao ah?"

Me:"Er, no I still studying"

XX: "I thought you working?"

Me:"Er no, that was internship ." (I dont say "practicum" because after umpteen trials I realised this term hardly registers into one's common vocab usage)

XX:" Oh, so what are you studying now?"

Me: "NIE"

XX:"Oh, teaching one ah? How come never study uni?"

Me:"Erm, its university. I'm under the BA course, 4th year le."

XX:"?!"

Me"..."

NOW you see why.

Imagine this conversation repeating itself almost in the same model again and again (highest record was 3 sets posed by 3 different people in a day). Its induces hair-tearing moments and attempts to rearrange the other party's face.

So, I decided to clear it up once and for all. And boy, it felt damn shiok. Coz NOBODY EVER ASK ME THE SAME QUESTIONS. *kk...I still get it once in a blue moon.

Of course, other than self introductions and other formalities we also had some 老少闲宜 programme like DETOXIFYING AEROBICS. Didn't really understand why Ma was simply elated when she knew this was part of the programme. Here's how we look:

And here's Yangchun looking really....

(1) Puzzled (2) Awwed (3) Simply freaked out

I'll go for option (3) . Cause thats exactly how I'll feel if an entire horde of towering giants were to raise and wave their arms frantically in the air, while swarming around me. Can't blame if I were to pee on the spot. But anyway, this aerobics was highly recommended by then 972 Deejay Billy Wang, whose detoxifying movement has sweep a huge tidal wave among the middled aged group (esp. ladies). ----> CLICK　ＭＥ！ for further details.

Other than happy occasions, there were sad moments when we had to bid our then conductor goodbye ---> 林晋开老师 who has decided to go back to St. Andrews (his mother church) for good. So as usual, we eat and cam. whore our sorrows away.

Food GLORIOUS Food

Prim and proper

1st service choir

2nd service choir

Realised 晋开老师 has a pretty sweet tooth, always getting us sweet stuff that look suspiciously like food items he'll stocked up in his personal fridge. Ritter Sport chocolates....Rose Syrup Sponge Cake...Honey Smoked turkey....etc. So after munching on like alot of sweet stuff, think he kinda got on the high side...muahaha and we managed to con him into doing unimaginable stuff like this....

*ps . 晋开老师 if you happen to read this....I can take down these photos for a VERY reasonable price. ~

Skip skip jump jump to 2009, we just had the first celebration for the new year. As for what, I can't really recall but probably to welcome our new conductress　吴洁如老师 (classmate of 晋开老师）. As usual, it was makan and MORE makan.

Strawberry sponge cake. Kinda bloody looking isn't it.

There's our conductress in the middle.

Here's the people waiting to eat.

There's me rubbing my runny nose while Xiuzhen (choir mistress) was giving her address.

洁如老师 figuring out her gift

Happy faces captured on this happy day.

It's truly a wonderful and growing journey over these months of practices. Choir indeed provides the best opportunity for people of all walks of life - regardless of age, gender, background to come together, to develop this deep rooted rapport through our voices.

Choir isn't just a ministry, its a gathering of people who shares a common deep love for music and decided to use their voices to praise Him (our heavenly father) as long as we can. I thank God for allowing me to be part of such an amazing group.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy."Psalms 5:11a (NIV)

2009-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

4th Jan, last day before school reopens we sisters decided to have a rockafella time on Bukom. Thanks to Apple pie aka Zhaojun who drove us there! ( I mean to the jetty of course...)

We started off with the usual ping pong and badminton activites...after which was swimming and yesh of course, our fave cam whore sessions~. Check it out:

Thrash out between the sisters / block mates *242 versus 141 / and some random matches :p

Here's some of the classic shots that Jo. Jo. took. And yes, we were sight reading & singing while the shuttlecock was wheezing past to and fro.

Chelle brought her "贵妇" hat and had her personal series of photoshoots. Muah! And of course, group shots to remember this wonderful day!

Rebekah left her trails opposite church market with 1723 buds

2009-01-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

This was like WAAAAY back in 2008 right after our Christmas Evangelical event. Had our usual makan meet ups opposite church at the Yellow Chair kopitiam. We got hungry, we got bored, we got these photos:

Yeps. If u're sharp enough, you would have noticed the collages line out the theme 1723. Our fellowship, our second home. Love you guys to bits.

2009-01-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Wahaha this entry isn't exactly on where I've been, but i've been SO SO SO captivated and awed by our modern technologies that I couldn't help but have to share this video clip with all you people.

This is a song about a church being moved hundreds of miles across the US on the back of a very big lorry. Features the 40 strong Manning Chorus in what is possibly one of the most bizzare bits of TV I've ever seen. The musical number at the end of a show about the awesome feats of modern engineering skills. Some of the footage is amost Fellini-esque. It's taken from the upcoming series MONSTER MOVES which airs on Five (UK) and National Geographic (USA) from early 2007. For more info on the show visit www.windfallfilms.com, or the music www.danielpemberton.com.

The surroundings captured in the video was just picturesque, the choir vocals were fantastic and superbly harmonised. No digital visual effects were used to enhance the graphics, what we've all seen may be quite absurb and unbeliveable BUT 100% non-fictional.

It's a totally heartwarming scene, to see the entire neighbourhood coming together getting ready to welcome the new addition to the town! Woah...gosh damn if only I could be a teacher in some tiny litte state in American or something...have 3 kids, 1 dog a simple house with a lawn and oh yar, a goody two shoes husband.

Rebekah and Big Sista left their trails @ her secondary school string ensemble concert :]

2008-12-29T02:47:00.000-08:00

Me and sister popped by Johor Bahru to pay her secondary school - Foon Yew High School, 宽柔中学 a visit. Not just any visit but to support their first alumni string ensemble concert!

Here's a wiki link to their secondary school - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foon_Yew_High_School. Waah didn't know sister so smart de..haha anyway the newly formed alumni ensemble - "Canon's friends" did a wonderful job in entertaining the audiences. Below are some of the photos and videos I captured of this memorable eveing :]

We've reached the auditorium...need to purchase tix(s) first.

Sister's juniors selling the programme booklet. (He quite shuai :D )

Musicians all getting ready for the grand performance.

Other than the above, here's the link to one of the percussionist's blog: http://wendymamadiary.blogspot.com/2008/12/canons-friends-first-annual-concert.html.

There's a video posting of her performing along with a small group consisting of a pianist, violinist, celloist and guitarist the well known piece "Libertango" by Piazzolla. Inspired by Yo Yo Ma's recordings, one of the ensemble members (Tan Rok Ting) specially rearranged it to relive the spirit of fiery piece.

I did get to do alot of recording since my phone memory space was really limited. Nevertheless, here's a few good ones which I've recorded.

"The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin.

Scott Joplin, a American black who was the pioneer in ragtime music composition. Because of him, ragtime obtained its classical status and and was recognized for its syncopated rhythm and became an antecedent of jazz. Here's a peek at the "King of Ragtime" --->

Next up, was another famous piece "Hungarian Dance Number 5" by Johannes Brahms (piano 4 hands) , performed by a pair of twin sisters. Impressive. (cannot upload leh?!)

Brahms first became acquainted with folk and gypsy music while touring as a 19 year old piano virtuoso with the Hungarian violinist Eduard Remenyi. He eventually composed 21 dances based on the Hungarian melodies, no. 5 proving to be one of the most popular composition.

My last recording was a piece presented by a piano trio (consists of piano, violin and cello) - "Primavera Porteno" which represents "Spring". Also composed by Astor Piazzolla. Since my phone memory was running out, I only managed to capture the last part.

Love the sultry and upbeat side of the piece and the way the trio built up the climax. The sound was much better live, my recording's just kinda noisy. Sobs. After a musical feast for the ears, it was time to fill our empty tummies! Sister brought me to makan their road side satay 小吃....BAGUS!

Check out the widespread of choices woohoo! I pick succulent prawn balls dipped with sweet spicy satay sauce anytime!

Me all smiles since it was big sista's treat!

Rebekah and NIE buddies left their trails at the BAR @ MORTON's

2008-12-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hey hey! Me and BL plus uncle patrick finally met up yesterday after everyone's kinda done with their overseas trip (except BL who's going Malacca in a few days time). We dropped by Hotpot culture at Marina Square which was not bad as in, for $26.20 you get a wide selection of more than 100+ food items like seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, poultry.

There's even this mini steamboat for each customer which would reduce a ALOT of frustration like fishing for one's 料ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｂｉｇ　ｐｏｔ. All 3 of us chose the herbal stock which taste really yummy with the red dates and 当归 plus 枸杞子, etc. Other than the usual varieties for steamboat, the menu even included a list of cooked food - I personally like the "hand beaten fish paste" which is very much like the fish cake (pre cooked). One scrap it with the spoon and dip it into the boiling soup.

Here's some photos of the other cooked dishes:

Garlic Chicken

Your typical sweet and sour fish

Chili Squid (really spicy)

After the hearty meal, there's even the chocolate fondue dessert included in the buffet. Free flow of ice cream plus chocolate plus strawberries and banana! Woohoo! Pure indulgence :]

Well this is apparently not taken by me, but just some picture to tantalize your taste buds :p

Just when I thought dinner was going to be the end of our meet up, Patrick requested our company to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to visit his pal working in the bar known as "The Bar @ the Morton's". Well the name's kinda cheesy if u ask me, but it has a long history of more than 10 years WAY　LOOOOOONG before the Esplanade or the flyer whatever was built. I remembered going there to attend some wedding dinner when I was like 10. Gosh ancient years ago. Anyway the interior looks pretty much the same. Here's the lobby:

The lady seems to be dressed in an "Áo Dài" which is a traditional Vietnam dress rather than the Cheongsam. Which I tot the latter will be more appropriate since the entire hotel is supposed to hold this mandarin theme.

Here we are!
Cosy armchairs plus jazzy blues to senerade

Interesting inner structure. 21 storeys high according to Patrick's fren.

Here's patrick and his pal.

I forgot to ask about her name, nevertheless I shall never forget her generousity - yep you got me, drinks on the house. The 3 we picked were highly recommended by her. There were the....

Seductive Lychee Mortini (foreground) , the sexy Appletini (the glass with the cinnamon powder around the rim) and the sophisticated Cosmopolitan (the glass on right).

These three were mine, patrick's and BL's pick respectively. Morton's got this happy hour 5-7p.m. daily which slashes the price of these drinks to half price = > $11.95. So imagine it at full price, anyway her boss was kind enough to treat us all. Sobs, I'll visit them someday again.

Here's me sipping my lychee mortini.

A close up

I'm not exactly a fan of alcohol but realised that I can still hold my liquor pretty alright. Experience told me to always go for the fruity flavour because they neutralises the bitterness of the drink pretty effectively. I don't drink unless necessary well and I'm glad I chose lychee because by the end of the drink, I don't know whatever settled on the bottom of the glass but it definitely has this 涩涩　feel lingering in my mouth....

Patrick squirming away at his Appletini - It was really sour!

BL enjoying her Cosmopolitan

Looking up at Mandarin from Morton

Uncle Patrick looks totally like some tourist haha!

So do I -__-" but I can help but be attracted to the shimmering lights at the background

Me and BL! Wooo I like the colour tone, enhances our already perfect looking skin wahaha!

Uncle patrick's face was beaming red after that one cup of appletini...haha which looked quite amusing. Anyway while Mandarin Oriental looks pretty plain on the outside, it was really quite majestic and sophisticated on the inside. Haha guess I wouldn't mind holding my wedding there in the future... if the price is right...

Rebekah left musical trails @ the Christmas Canticles

2008-12-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

17th December, Providence Presbyterian Church specially organised this Christmas Canticles as part of our fund raising project. The turn out was pretty good given the full house on Wednesday evening. Everyone involved had more or less prepared at full force for at least a month in advance (haha which isn't a long time lah). Nevertheless, all glory to God for the wonderful evening of music and memories :]

Here's the teenage bunch from 少年圣经坊 all ready to set the mood:

Then there's us who formed the second part of the performance...

Conductress Carol Ng: "Smile people smile...hang in there for the next 30 minutes"

Yeps NO JOKE....i had floods of feedback from the audience bout how amazed they are with our non-changing smiley expression. Well the true secret is that every individual has injected a light dose of botox that basically fixate our smile (just like the joker) that will last about 30 minutes. This is rather advanced in the dermatological arena which will come in very handy in specific situations. For example, the suitor meeting his potential IRKSOME parents in law. Wearing that smile used to be so draining and not to mention achy for those facial muscles which may lead to acute spasm like this --->

SO, with the right amount of dosage to keep those muscles in the right place, he has one less thing to worry about and simply focus on enchanting the other party with the necessary nods and bullshit to keep the conversation going. You get my drift???

Anyway before I go off tangent, here's more photos of us during the performance.

Looking ever so focused.

Our ex-conductor 晋开老师 even graced this event.

All at tots: "BOY damn glad it's finally over...."

Dear Tze even popped by to support! Haha her 3rd sis, aunt and boyfren went off first. And then there's sweet Jiaying lending use her camera to snap away :] Thanks girl! Anyway looking at these photos with her, Hannah said that I looked slimmer! Woohoo which i didn't notice earlier on. Woohoo...OK perhaps adequate amount of slacking + 16 hours of rest each day IS GOOD.

Of course who can leave out those behind the scene photos. Realised that camera whoring is like the most beloved past time which transcend nationality, age, gender WHATEVER~ woah everyone was participating enthusiastically in this activity while waiting for our turn.

This last pic is really random but its just that last particular sunday (21st Dec) , me and ah pa were presenting the last medley from the christmas canticles collection during church service when we realised we got to be lined up one next to another! Imagine both our joy and excitment to be singing officially next to one another in choir! FIRST TIME IN HISTORY!! Haha it was a personal significant moment which we simply had to snap away for keep sake :]

Here's me and a beaming foong ah pa :]

Rebekah and her buddies went on an ACAPELLA trail~

2008-12-21T08:26:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all! Its my 23rd Christmas on Earth and this is one of the rare moments when I truly feel the Christmas mood setting in. Hannah would agree very much with me....
Anyway I was popping by Orchard Road Kinokuniya to get my 2009 Organiser when me and 1723 buddies decided to stop by Wheelock to support our fren Yi Hern who was conducting NUS shears hall acapella choir ...and I must say they did a wonderful job!

There's Yi Hern with his troupe of Santa singers

The cone structure of the wheelock lobby amplified their voices and it was really a decent one voice that harmonised perfectly. Well known christmas carols were mixed and peppered with different layers of voices, haha the facial expressions of the singers were consistently frenly! Not bad :] Here's one of the upbeat carols - Jingle Bells which they sang. Many paused to listen while some swamp of 路人甲&路人乙just have to "guest star" while Hannah was filmming.

Here's another video:

According to maestro Yi Hern (Yar right...0_O) , the performance starts about 1p.m. So us and 1723 buddies had to rush all the way down since we were nuaing around as usual in church. So LO AND BEHOLD imagine our stunned faces and well relief in a sense when we reached like 1.20p.m. only to see them warming up because it actually starts at 1.30p.m. ?! @(*&#(!*#

Anyway there will be two more performances taking place which is today (Tues) and (Wed) both days Im not sure what time. So perhaps if u like you can hang around from 8a.m. -8p.m. in wheelock and you might just catch them.

Okie so after this programme was over, we popped by Burger King for a meaty lunch - Mushroomy Swiss Burger! Yum....then if was over to Ngee Ann City to get my Organiser. As usual, the 4th storeys high majestic christmas tree was standing tall right in the middle of the lobby. Being the very young, energetic and excited bunch, we decided to snap away! We got some very nice passerby to take a group photos for all of us, (with XX right now, so yet to be uploaded)

Initially we were just cam whoring in the usual positions. And of course dear zhenwei HAS TO remind hannah of her fave corny signature poses which me out of my tantamount LOVE for my sis did it jus to make her day -__-".

Okie pls brace yourself for the following:

EWWW.....

Alright and anyway just when we were passing by the BIG christmasy tree when we spotted our reflections in the christmas balls and decided to snap away! Well it's not exactly a novel concept but nevertheless the photos turn out to be quite magical looking~

Weiji's camera of us all :]

And I love the bright scarlett shine in this one!

This one's kinda blurry...

Gosh I'm already missing christmas! As in, since it'll just arrive in 2 days time, it'll soon be over in a blink of 24 hours! Gosh gosh... Happy Holidays to everyone out there!

Rebekah left her trails @ Hanoi & Saigon with her Foong Family durng 2008 CNY

2008-12-05T02:53:00.001-08:00

2008 Chinese New Year. Ah Pa finally could take a breather from his usual hectic schedule. Ah ma had the wonderful suggestion of packing the entire family off to Vietnam for a cultural trip. I must admit both me and hannah weren't too keen (even though we are very cultured people).

We were kinda fearful of the usual 9am-9pm walking, rushing from one tourist hot spot to find ourselves stuck in another multitude of people....BUT of course a free and easy trip in Vietnam is equavalent to Alice's trip in Wonderfuland except there's no rabbit to guide the way.

SO after a real short time of contemplation, we decided to go along with Ma's plan and visit Ho Chin Minh's hometown. Ho Chin Minh to us, was simply a character out from our history textbook, and not that we covered alot on him. But being in the midst of his descendants and hearing his story from his own loyal subjects who endearingly calls him "Uncle Ho" surrealingly molded the image of this nation builder. Here's an archive photo of him:

Ho Chi Minh at Lijang River(China) in 1961

And if you're keen on finding out more about this harmless looking ah pek in hot pants treading in water...here's a wiki link all about him - birth, achievements, etc. : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh. Some interesting fact was that this political leader could speak fluent french and cook really well. That was like his main occupation before he become a national leader. Who knows my foong ah pa one day can use hor fun to win a seat in the parliament! ...muaha

Anyway before i go off tangent, here's some photo shots that me and Hannah took when we got really bored on the plane. Below are a few meaningful ones which I can bravely display for all to admire.

Saw this interesting front cover on National Geographic in conjunction for the 08-08-08 Beijing Olympics. Bought it at the duty free shop to kill time on the plane.

The article on the world renowned 少林功夫

How Hannah's intellectual image got created by the right camera angle and props :p

Then it was back to usual cam whoring for us. While we were engaging in this extremely repetitive and narcissistic activity, we completely ignore the presence of a fellow stranger who was stuck at the window seat by me and Hannah. He guess he kinda resigned to his fate and tried musing himself with a dog earred yellowish palm size book of suduko. I didnt get to snap his pic since that would be invasion of privacy...but anyway here's more of our cam whore pics!

Capturing the sunset with wobbly hands.

Gosh what perfect looking skins.

We touched down at Vietnam somewhere in the evening and realised the po po who was piggy backed up the aeroplane by her grandson (I'm serious) was in our group tour. Can you imagine, a flight with over 200 passengers, the chances of her being in our tour group was 1/200....0.005% but oh wells thats how life is. Hannah and I were roaring away in sour laughter when we kinda sensed it. Haha but then again, the grandchildren were really nice and filial. Something which mummy kept highlighting repeatedly... Well i actually took down a video of the grandson piggy backing the ah ma up some "bats' cave"..click on the video below!

Back to our itenary, we were warmly greeted by our guide Leo, who shared this seemingly amusing story behind his self-proclaimed english name. He decided to call himself Leo because many find his eyes similar to that of a lion (which was quite tiny and weird looking if u asked me) but anyway he took it as a compliment and swiftly decided to call himself Leo from then onwards. Ma found him to be very handsome for a Vietnamnese and kept nudging either me and Hannah to take a pic with him. 0_O Which we of course disagreed and rather cam whore among ourselves.

Us again, with the beautiful Saigon river as our backdrop

Ma has alot of his snapshots in her camera album which one day if I'm really free I may transfer over to my computer and pin it up here. I tried googling online for a pic that shows a man with "lionly" features and ended up with something like this....

Lionel - the man with lion features (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=88716424)

Now this picture looks really creepy and hideous if you ask me...and I decided not to probe further like why do such yucky creature actually exist. So its seriously a huge wonder why Leo takes such "you look like lion" statement as a compliment...probably cause he has not seen Lionel. Oh wells SO for now, u'll have to try picture a pretty well build 26year old man who's about 170cm tall with decent looking skin plus a pair of lion's eyes as the guide who accompanied us for the next 4 days.

That night when we finally checked into our hotel room,we found our luggage locks snapped open by force much to our horror. Ma was definitely very uneasy about this issue and it wasn't long before our entire group mates were warned severely about safety in Vietname. Leo on the other hand was very apologetic about the whole issue but I guess it wasn't his fault at all. Fortunately nothing important went missing since my dearest ah ma has long taken necessary safety precautions....I wont say how since that would be like giving some family traditional secrets away but I can assure you it's not just simply carrying all cash and important documents on her.

Anyway skip skip the boring parts, the first place that we visited on the second day is the renowned Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, situated on Hung Vuong st, right in front of Ba Dinh square, the historic place where Respected "Uncle Ho" read the Vietnam Manifesto on September 2nd, 1945.

Some of my fave works that I snapped.

Since it was the first day of Lunar New Year, the Mausoleum was closed and there was even a safety distance which we had to keep away. The shot which pictures Hannah leading across the line was captured while she was jumping in mid air. Love it, totally reminds me of the "NIKE Air" series commericals.

According to some online resources:

There are always two guardmen dressed in white uniforms standing in front of the Mausoleum's main entrance door, and every day, a match of white-dressed-guardmen parades around the Mausoleum.

Usually you will have to wait a while in a several-meter-long queue waiting for entering the mausoleum in the south of the Mausoleum. The Mausoleum is open everyday except Monday and Friday ( and in October and Novemeber when Uncle Ho's corpse is moved for further preservation) for pilgrims to pay their homage to Uncle Ho. Bear in mind that the dress code is strict, and one is required to wear shirts and long trousers if you want to enter the mausoleum. In addition, no cameras, hats, or bags are allowed to be brought inside.

You must walk in complete silence and hardly have a minute to linger in front of the glass of Uncle Ho's glass coffin and there is nothing else except this coffin in the Mausoleum. He is still dressed in his traditional khaki clothes and rubber sandals, and he looks as if he were taking a short nap.His embalmed body looks something like this:

The next stop was to visit the houses that Ho Chi Minh stayed in. Not new to any history students, Vietnam was colonised by the French from 1874 - 1945. Though she eventually gained her independence, the French colonial building (living and working headquarters) for the Governor General of Indochina remained till this day.

Ho Chi Minh refused to live there, instead preferred the modest looking cottage on the palace grounds. He stayed there for short period of 4 years (1954-1958) Before shifting to the another attap house which was ALSO on the palace grounds. I've combined all 3 houses in the collage above...

According to Leo, this bright mustard building, though a French colonial building, bears a resemblance to Italianate Renaissance and Baroque palaces. The second floor (the piano nobile) is the important formal floor with a grand stairway leading to the arched portal. Quoins, broken pediments, elaborate columns, and aedicules with balustrades are common in architecture of the 16th and 17th century in Italy.

After a short sharing on the background of this stunning architecture, Leo told us to quickly line up to view Ho Chi Minh's final residential area - the house on stilts. It's crazy how packed it was, basically there was only one way up and out....

Kids field trip

There are basically 2 rooms (one to sleep and the other a study room) and this opened air conference area within the stilts. I didn't see any toilets nor plumping system so I assumed he probably did what was neccessary in the nearby carp pond. Anyway, here's a few pics of the house of stilts.

Here's his study room

Carp pond conveniently located for his usage

This house on stilts, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1958 to 1969, illustrates the importance of simplicity and modesty to this Vietnamese revolutionary. Still, the building is elegantly crafted with lacquered and polished wood, following the model of a traditional communal house on stilts. Although there are only a few rooms, they are all filled with wind and fragrance from the surrounding garden.

After lunch, we were packed and sent off to visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum (it's really all about him you shud notice by now...-_-") The museum, dedicated to the life and deeds of Ho Chi Minh (broadly defined), was built with the aid of the USSR. Though modern in architectural style, its shape alludes to the lotus, symbolically associated in Buddhist mythology with perfect understanding.

Here's another collage of what we did in the museum--->

Most of the displays were pretty arty farty...and creative! (Like the mirror newspaper: second pic from the left, 2nd row; the glass pyramid which looks suspiciously like Louvre Pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France). There was a central room which contains the enormous statue of Ho Chi Minh, with his hand raised in the symbolic gesture of learning with the sun behind him rising through the clouds. hi 同志……

After a draining + overwhelming feast of information on Ho Chi Minh, we finally took a break and took off to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the popular Saigon River! Saigon River is extremely important to Ho Chi Minh City as it is the main water supply as well as the host of Saigon Port, which a total cargo volume load/outloaded of more than 35 million metric tons in 2006. (wiki infor.)

The trip took more than a day and we reached somewhere in the evening. Lo and behold, much to our pleasant surprise me and Hannah had the largest corner room facing the Saigon bridge.

The Saigon Bridge at night - Every pair of "wire" supposedly lights up by the hour. It was about 12p.m. when I snapped this photo.

According to WIki again:

Saigon Bridge is a bridge that crosses the Saigon River, connecting Binh Thanh District and District 2, on Hanoi Highway. This bridge is one of the the most important gateways for vehicles traveling from northern and central Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City since it is the only bridge linking District 1 to the new downtown Thu Thiem New Urban Area in District 2. In 2008, there will be more connections between these two districts by Thu Thiem Bridge, Saigon River Tunnel. Saigon Bridge has four lanes for cars and two lanes for motorbikes, bicycles.

Then as it was the Lunar New Year, we spotted this family & frens lighting up 孔明灯 and sending it off into the air. Though both me and hannah had to endure the chilly winds while watching them, it was really heart warming to see how our Vietnamnese Chinese peers celebrate the new year through such a meaningful traditional activity.

孔明灯

Prominent lighthouse that guides all boats to safety

Photos inspired from the Godzilla Movie

Early next morning we went for the Saigon river cruise which included a visit to some bats' cave and some special limestones caves that were formed over hundreds of years.

Rebekah left her trails on ah Ma's birthday!

2008-12-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

5th Dec 2008. Ma's happy 4Xth buffday!

Knew that she has always been into Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦)。 Just like how i'm into 王力宏 & Cookie Monster. So specially made a collage of the 12 beauties from the literature work. CL majors out there, see if u can identify the 12 characters without clicking on the image yeah.

Just to make your life simpler, the following are the rankings for the 12 beauties. In the bracket are some little information for one to match them to the pics.

12th (last):
秦可卿 - she committed incest with her father-in-law, died young but still a beauty.

11th:
李纨 - She became a widow at a young age.

10th:
贾巧姐 - Youngest among the beauties. Was sold to the brothel when the "Jia" family came to an end. Was later rescued by a distant relative 刘姥姥.

9th:
王熙凤 - ha! the signature sassy chilli padi among them all.

8th:
贾惜春- she loves painting. Nuff said.

7th:
贾迎春-The sobby one. She was sold by her DAD (talk abt fatherly love huh) to his debtor's family.

6th:
妙玉- The nun.

5th:
史湘云 - The sleepｉｎｇ beauty.

4th:
贾探春- One of the most fortunate ones to be pardoned from the family disfortune. She became an empress in mongolia....

3rd:
贾元春 - Another royalty of the Ming Dynasty. Concubine strictly speaking, too bad empresses aren't too generous with their hubbies and so she died out of some illness.

1st:
林黛玉、薛宝钗 - There's arguebly NO 2nd since this would bring about a huge uproar on the 2 female leads. Oh wells, 林黛玉 is the sickly pale looking but simply out of this world. 薛宝钗, oh wells she's just rich.

Ｏｈ　ｙｅｓｈ，　Ｄｒｅａｍ　ｏｆ　Ｒｅｄ　Ｃｈａｍｂｅｒ　ｉｓ　ａｎ　ｅｘｔｒｅｍｅｍｌｙ　ｃｏｍｐｌex　ｓｔｏｒｙｌｉｎｅ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｅｖｅｎ　ｍｏｒｅ　ｃｏｍｐｌｉｃａｔｉｎｇ　ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｓ．　Ａｎｄ　ｓｉｎｃｅ　ｅｖｅｒｙｏｎｅ　ｉｓ　ｌｉｋｅ　ｒｅｌａｔｅｄ　ｅｉｔｈｅｒ　ｏｎｅ　ｗａｙ　ｔｏ　ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ，　ｔｈｉｓ　ｍａｋｅｓ　ｔｈｅ　ｅｎｔｉｒｅ　ｆａｍｉｌｙ　ｎｅｔｗｏｒｋ　ｔｒｉｃｋｉｅｒ　ｔｈａｎ　ａ　ｓｐｉｄｅｒｗｅｂ．　Ｗｈａｔｅｖｅｒ　ｉｔ　ｉｓ，　Ｉ＇ｖｅ　ｂｅｅｎ　ｍｏｒｅ　ｏｒ　ｌｅｓｓ　ｉｎ　ｔｏｕｃｈ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｔｏｒｙ　ｓｉｎｃｅ　ａｈ　ＭＡ　ｗａｓ　ｓｏSOＳｏｓｏ　ｉｎｔｏ　ｔｈｅｍ　ｄｕｒｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　８０ｓ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｅｖｅｎ　ｌｕｇｇｅｄ　ｍｅ　ａｌｏｎｇ　（ａ　ｃｕｔｅ　ｃｕｄｄｌｙ　ｔｏｄｄｌｅｒ　ｔｈｅｎ）ｔｏ　ｔｈｅｉｒ　记者会．　ｔｏｏ　ｂａｄ　ｍａ　ｓａｉｄ　ｓｈｅ　ｆｏｒｇｏｔ　ｔｏ　ｂｕｙ　ｎｅｗ　ｂｕｌｂｓ　（？！）　ｓｏ　ａｌｌ　ｔｈｅ　ｐｈｏｔｏｓ　ｓｈｅ　ｔｏｏｋ　ｗｅｒｅ　ｔｏｏ　ｄａｒｋ　ａｎｄ　ｗｅｌｌ　ｔｈｅｒｅ　ｗｅｒｅｎ＇ｔ　ａｎｙ　ｐｈｏｔｏｓｈｏｐ　ｏｒ　ｐｉｃａｓａ　ｔｏ　ｄｏ　ｗｈａｔｅｖｅｒ　ｔｏｕｃｈ　ｕｐ．　

Yesh it was that ancient. Anyway since I'll be taking this next semester, thought it'll be good fun to share my sorrow and MA'S birthday gift with you all. Muaha!

Rebekah left her snowy trails during the Christmas Season

2008-12-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Woohoo was uploading and trying out the new Picasa 3 Beta when the smart programme churned out some really OLD ancient ( 3 years 5 months to be exact) Christmas jokes which i've collected during some boring moments. Haha Tot it'll be good jolly fun to share it with you guys....

It's kinda puny over here...so all u need to do is just click on the image. Muahaa see how idiot proof my blog is... Here's more.

Credit must be given to Jeff Largot, check out his website at http://thebackpew.com/ which he proclaims all comic strips to be clean humor and God's truth. So far so good, his sense of humor can be pretty typical at times like the usual sexist jokes. (e.g. Guys aren't good with directions, ladies simply yak yak yak all the time yada yada~) Anyway here's some other graphic jokes which I spotted...

All these got me roaring with laugher! I hope it did cheer you up as well :]
MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Rebekah left her trails @ downtown east with 1723!

2008-10-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

12th Oct, 2008 Downtown east

In the midst of my endless reports and exam preparations me and hannah decided to take a luxurious break by joining the 1723 pals for a supposedly splashy time at downtown east!

Dear wanyu was kinda enuff to get her ah pa to send me and Hannah over there....(saving us alot of transportation fees and time)

Since we didn't prepare extra wear *sob sob we opted for a pleasurable alternative which was to cycle down the coast! Hee...handphone photos upload still pending. But anyway here's what we did in the evening...our $10 BBQ dinner...

All of us waiting for our dinner to be served

The wait got kinda boring...and boredom drives people to do unspeakable stuff...like...

Mad prancing detected

Hunger untaps one's poetic talent

Of course...the usual cam whore sessions cannot be missed

Roses among the thorns...its obvious who's the rose yar...

While we were indulging in such engaging activities, there were a handful ready to show off their culinary skills at the pit....tada our cook for the evenings!

Julien daoshi, kairong, weiji, yezi and enci....

But before we go into the bbqing-cum-fanning-cum-burning smoky part, dued credit must be given to the real MAN behind the scene who got the hot pit going~

~Ruifu Chuandao~

Sacrifices were made

Our satay quality control i/c- Enci

And Zhaomin who was smoking his way through....

The food looked pretty good....

Ｏｕｒ　ｌｏｎｇ　ａｗａｉｔｅｄ　ｍｏｍｅｎｔ　ｗａｓ　ｆｉｎａｌｌｙ　ｈｅｒｅ！　Ｔｉｍｅ　ｔｏ　ｍａｋａｎ．．．

**Tada**

So we had weiji, our first assistant chef to serve the golden grilled sausages to my platter ...

All eyes on me, waiting anxiously for me to give the cue to eat...

Alright my loyal subjects....the food is safe for human consumption

The guys plunging in the staple food of the night - bee hoon

It wasn't long before I realised someone was pigging around instead of working...Kairong my second chef in charge!

Here's a photo evidence my spies took... Off with his head.

After a quick execution, we resumed our fun and jovial session of food playing and poetry recitals etc.

My chambermaids ever ready for my order...

Ｍｙ　Ｂｏｕｎｃｅｒｓ．There's even the smart looking black singlet uniform

Zhongyi fanning us at speed3.5

Hannah preparing my dessert

Zhongyi was kinda slow so he got fired and I end up fanning myself....he got transferred to the food department as my food taster:

Zhongyi and Sam Fong testing the 7th & 8th stick of mutton satay respectively

While i cam whore with my pals...

The watermelon gang!

Then it was time to listen to Justin..my story teller... He's real good.

All eyes on him as he talks about his recent conquest on Mount XXX

And of course, after the entire BBQ session was over. My chefs were naturally out of job again.

Kaixiang looking despondent while waiting for his next assignment.

Zhaomin and Zhaojun planning the next menu for my breakfast

Here's 2 random pics of our 2 daoshi(s). One ex one new.

Julient daoshi

And Songen.....He came?!

Rebekah left her trails @ the Stephen Tong rally!

2008-09-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

11-14th September, Singapore Indoor stadium

Me and sisters cum some other church choir pals took part in the recent Stephen Tong rally. In case you're wondering who's he??? here's a muscular cum charismatic natural portrait of him(i'm no geriatrophile) :

Here you there...stop going to the toilet during my sermon

And i didn't make up the above captions! That's what truly so attractive about him. Honest and forthright, giving those insensitive audience a rightful piece of his mind. Alright, while a picture speaks a thousand words, I didn't exactly introduce him right? So here's a snippet of what I've wikied on him....

Stephen Tong (Chinese: 唐崇荣; pinyin: Tang Chongrong; born 1940) is an Indonesian Reformed evangelist and theologian. In his ministry spanning 50 years, he has preached to more than twenty million people since 1957.^[1] As an evangelist, Tong has preached in Asia, Europe, Australia, North and South America, and guest lectured at many theological seminaries in Asia. He is the founder and the President of the Stephen Tong Evangelistic Ministries International (STEMI) which has established offices in the US, Europe, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Taipei.

Wow...impressive isn't it. Here's him again, at another angle:

Are u empty and weary?

Other than being a charismatic chinese speaker, NOTE chinese...he's like one of the rare well known chinese speakers who openly reprimands not only live audience (NOTE LIVE, he doesnt scribble heart poking critcisms in best-selling books while maintaining a smiley front) and yeps he even provide established religious & even government leaders some wise advice through his interesting ancedotes. Here's one quote from him during the 1st night of his sermon:

“如果人生真是如此（人生短暂，死了就一了百了）那么总统和饭桶有什么分别？”

HAHAHA....hmmm....that one caught me roaring with laughter and pondering the very next moment. Thought provoking. Unfortunately, many of the frens whom i invite couldn't make it. It would have prick some nerves but strike a lasting impact.

Baozhu was the only one who turned up. Nevertheless, it was the best
news i ever receive for quite some time!

Here's us snapping away before the grand performance :]

All thanks to Jialing's nimble fingers

While the logistics cum others were busy readying the area

String ensemble took their toilet break

It was truly a fresh experience since I've never exactly participated in a 700 strong choir. So was really thrilled when the final 4 days performance arrived. Practices started somewhere in june (during my 3 months holidays) haha which I happily agreed joining...but then when school reopened, I must admit that it was indeed eating in my study time. Nevertheless, the fruits and benefits reaped from this experience is indescribable and yes, last MORE than a lifetime.

While many others couldn't participate as choir members, they were more than willing to help out as ushers during the last day. Here's a series of photos showcasing our 1723 ushers reps!

Shy pair of Pang sisters arriving

Sweet and corny pairs of sisters respectively

Here's the rest of them

Here's how they look after they got into their vests...

The mysterious flasher

Auntie i'm here! take me take me...

Ushering-a job suitable for all ages

While the ushers were directing the arriving audiences, traffic controling the flow....us choir members have nothing much to do except to quickly take more photos！（haha photo taking during the sermon was strictly off limits)

Me and my alto parts :p

These guys provide the "omph" factor - basses

Me and ah pa

And of course, all of us!

It wasn't long before the stadium was packed to the brim (well 3/4 of it) . No denial, the west side was pretty empty even on Saturday which recorded the highest number of turnout.

People still coming in....

During prayer time

After song and worship, it was finally our turn to present! Here's us in our final formation:

We went from this to....

....this~Tada.....!* A block of rectangle*

The string ensemble back from their toilet break

This shot pro eh! (thanks to ma and canon)

And here's my pro ah ma...

And her best pal, ah juan aunty....

Plus my grouchy sour puss sister

muahaha! who was okie after taking a photo with me...

Hannah looking much more cheery (thanks to my sunny aura)

After some hard work with our vocals, it was off to dinner at 233. Haha late night 煮抄 never fail to uplift the FS!(Foong sisters)

See see....

plus our FPP (Foong pa pa)

Exciting isn't it. If you've read up till here congratulations. But other than putting up with my crap more importantly, come and experience for yourself this entire soul searching and indepth journey of discovering what one's life purpose. Come lead a purpose driven life.

两年后，假如我健康许可我将会再次有这样的大型布道会。

See U then

Rebekah left her trails @ 日本村 with 青年团契

2008-09-01T04:43:00.000-07:00

30th August 2008, The Cathay

青年团契 organised this wonderful farewell dinner at The Cathay 日本村 for our dear brother David who was going to drop by Beijing for 2 years of seiseh training! Here's how he'll probably look like in two years time:

Okie, so before he actually looks like the above, we decided to seize the golden opportunity to take loads of photographs to retain some pleasant memories.

Here's evidence that we went to Cathay

And here's Daniel blocking my view

Fuzzy photos are the IN thing now
(alright alright, my hand shook）

Oooo...nice Ferrari...

Okie, by now u must be so frustrated like why in the WORLD is rebekah showing all these non related pics...so just to quench ur thirst for these actual farewell photos, I'll start off with this wonderful display of ....

2 stunning babes!

More of us

Prim and proper

The two lads who'll be heading for the same destination - Beijing

Their entourage started off with one...

then soon an entire bevvy of pretty ladies

Somehow, the group just keep expanding

Ming Yang, Daniel and David

Here's our male counterparts
(David's trying to keep it down)

Chuandao - the rose among the thorns :P

Done with makan

Yan Hong settling the bill

I like the bamboo background...

We just couldn't stop eatting

Sushi blues

And finally, two shots with almost all of us inside...

Now you see Yan Hong...

...now you don't! *Tada*

All these nonsensical subtitles were done in a speedy record of 5 minutes! ~Great photos, crappy subs, lovely memories~

Rebekah left her trails @ Settlers with her lovers!

2008-08-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Okie okie i know, that heading's so like super misleading and promiscuous...Muahaha nah, i shouldn't be so hard on myself, I LOVE that title! Oh well lovers, u know who you are ;D...as promised here's the photo exhibit of our very first action packed, mind boggling outing! *Drum roll.... (for those who couldn't make it, we look forward to the next outing with u man...)

We're one happy family

See...so loving and friendly with one another

Other than us lovers, we had the pleasure of 节制组's company - Audrey, Gloria, Jiaying, Joshua, Yingling daoshi , Yongshun, Zhiqi, Zhaomin and Zhenwei. :]

The 节制's family portrait

Just as cute and vibrant eh

We were quite famished by the time we reached Settlers, had dinner for starters!

Lip smacking mushroom soup with loads of cream and mushrooms! :p

Classic Fish and Chips (Portion kinda too small to satisfy)

Our camera girl Zhaojun

Pretty babes in a row - Yingling, Qingling and Zhiqi (L to R)

J&J - Jiaying and Junliang

All prepared for dinner

The young and old Muahaha...

After dinner, we waste no time to set the first game in motion. Coincidentally, Joanna's netball senior turns out to be working in Settlers and she recommended this really fun game -"Dragon Delta" to start the ball rolling.

Entertaining game with an oriental touch

"Ok people, this is a rock. Come spell after me, R-O-C-K"

Everyone paying full attention except Zhaojun???

The game, though simple as it looks require loads of brain power and strategy skill. I shall not bore anyone with my poor explanation but basically it's to get your counter to the other side of the sea by calculating the steps to take. THUS this means anticipating the moves that other players may execute (eg. like sabotage) and how to counter it. Ok so after a few rounds, the empty board ends up looking like this:

Messy board = Messy minds

Personally, I wasn't too excited after hearing the gameplay since I basically suck at ALL strategy games but since it's just for fun...who cares! So imagine my joy when me and my ever loyal partner Jiaying acherli outwit the rest (who were too busy saboing one another to notice us *evil grin) and silently crept to our destination. It was a victorious moment, a real memorable one since it was the FIRST time i won a strategy game.

The majestic white counter standing tall at her base!

The triumphant pair!

The other table was also having their fair share of merrymaking...here's a peek at what they have been doing.

A battle of wits and speed

SHOW HAND

Amused

Guess who won? Apparently not Yong Shun :P

One of their rare quiet moments

Back to our table, the next game "Sequence" was introduced by Huang Peng who's another seasoned gamer.

The pro couple

买大？买小？

敢敢啊！

Do you get the game by now? Hahaha it's nothing like what the subtitles describe ah, its simply a formation of two roles of 4 based on the 6 cards each player has. We played by groups and the winner was none other than....

哇！比中头奖还兴奋！

Chey...all thanks to my 无影手 loh

Yeah seriously all thanks to Siew Hui's shadowless hand, she placed the determining counter on the final card to win the round for the red team! (consisting of her, zhenwei, junliang and me). The next 2 rounds were won by the blue team(zhaojun, zhaomin, qingling and yingling daoshi).

It wasn't long before 喜乐组(Shuchun's grp) came along to join in the fun and amusement.

Dino and bone! Everyone setting the table for the game

Yummy munch size dino bones

It's packed with rich iron and calcium...

Home sweet home

We're not done with settlers! Come at the off peak hours though....

Rebekah bumped around @ the 2008 Church Appreciation Dinner

2008-08-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Providence Presbyterian Church； Had our church appreciation dinner somewhere in July. It was a fun night of drinking, pigging out and catching up with 1723 juniors. Daniel, my chauvinistic counterpart had the honour to seat next to me at table 29 while I was trying my best to put up with him the entire dinner :p. Here's an overview of us!

*TADA!!*

Jialing screaming her lungs out

Goons of table 29

Our dear seniors from 青年团契 (big sister was late)

2007-2008 Ex- Co having one last shot together

Ps. See that "Zhaomin's weekly report" is a brilliant gift to our *erhem beloved EX tuan zhang - a compliation of ALL his weekly emails for the past year! Finally he gets a taste of what we have been enduring! Woops I mean enjoying....

While table 29 was idiotically gooning their time away, other tables were apparently indulging in more constructive activites....

Table 28 savouring the platter of delicacies

So was table 27

Enci all focused in enhancing her gastronomical experience

And who can forget the annual ritual of "cert-presentation ceremony" from none other than our tuan zhang again.

Me ignoring him as usual

If I didnt recall wrongly, our conversation went on something along this line:

Zhaomin: So sorry Rebekah for causing so much trouble for the past year, I know i've been a terrible jerk for not replying ur msgs and delaying ur minutes typing....

Rebekah:(thinking) UH-Oh....there he goes again blah blah blah....
Rebekah says: Nevermind, you can continue to bask in my benevolence. I shall pardon...*Hey look isn't that a lizard on the ceiling...eeww...i hate lizards* ..

Zhaomin: Oh my badness! Rebekah you're indeed magnanimous, now I have so much to repent for....*voice turning sheepish

WELL OBVIOUSLY none of the above happened, i evidently wasn't paying attention but was kind enough to cook something up to entertain u readers. Anyway, I did manage to get our photo shoot right at the second trial, see see:

Ok let me try and get it right

There was also the usual running around, posing for different cameras and stuff....here's two nicest out of the many!

Choir Babes with Brains, Beauty and Bewitching vocals

The entire choir plus our pastors

Just to end things on a fun note, here's how we all looked in the 2005 Appreciation dinner.

It's been 3 years and I personally find that not much has changed except for quite a handle of additional members and most importantly - I've looked younger, cuter and more vibrant ;D Don't believe me, go ahead and make a comparison!

Rebekah enjoying classic tunes @ the Botanical Gardens

2008-08-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 6p.m.

In conjunction with the 2008 National Day Parade, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) celebrated with a grand performance "Classics in the Park" at the Botanical Gardens with a couple of popular tunes such as 1) Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9 2) Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 3) Strauss II's Overture to Die Fledermaus 4) Chabrier's Espana - Rhapsody for Orchestra 5) Dvorak's Slavonic Dance No. 8, Op. 46 and of course our very own local talent, Kelly Tang who composed the "Sketches of Singapore"- A set of well loved local tunes.

The work begins with the triumphantly energetic Stand up for Singapore, follow by the familiar local folk tune Rasa Sayang presented in the comic style of a scherzo. Cast in a passionate yet elegant orchestral glow, the deeply romantic essence of the third piece Where I belong is unveiled. And for the grand finale, Di Tanjong Katong is symphonically expanded for a beautiful climax.

Personally, if u asked me I thought that Strauss's Overture was the best piece played. While it was a spectacular performance overall, certain bits of other quick tempo pieces were pretty rushed and thus unclear. Still I had a memorable evening and these are the photos to prove it!

Here's me and Hannah waiting for the performance to start

Hannah cheekily observing the crowd.

While things were really getting stuffy for me. The SSO people were giving out these free cute musical notes fans, hmm good preparation.
Desperately fanning away

Jedi Ang Mo spotted, waving her umbrella vigorously for 10 mins.

Time ticking away as the sun sets

Here's the moment!

Encore for Maestro Darrell Ang ( Winner of the 50th Besancon International Young Conductor's Competition 2007)

Captured this beautiful waterfall sight on our way home

Carried back loads of fond and unforgettable memories from this performance, like the bunch of people ever munching cheese and chips throughout the entire concert. Hannah thought that the lady's hairstyle reminded her of the police helmet in counterstrike *:D. Or the late violinist who was smoking while rushing to the Shaw Foundation orchestra stage...the memories are endless and I guess it won't be long before i get myself tickets to attend a proper performance.