SERANGOON...our KAMPONG

It's official ! SERANGOON has a Heritage Trail 1.2 km long.

2010-08-02T00:40:00.005+08:00

I would like to commend all those responsible for this latest Heritage project.
This is certainly a most worthwhile and meaningful project that should go a long way in
ensuring that the past history of this little nostlagic corner of NE Singapore is not lost and
forgotten amidst a sea of huge changes in our landscape!

However I feel that more can be done especially for the senior and older folks who grew up and lived in this area for as long as they could remember.
They have much history of the old days to share with the younger generation.
What life was like before the War, during the Japanese occupation and the post war years...in the NE enclave of Serangoon, Hougang and Kangkar.

A serious Suggestion from me:
In all the HDB estates and towns, there are many beautiful upgraded corners, pavillions,halls, residents' committee rooms, gardens, gathering points, relaxing areas etc... for the general purpose of allowing HDB residents to get together, neighbours to meet and socialise, children to play together, old folks to gossip and chat. All very commendable indeed.
They have been a success in all the HDB estates.

Question is:
What about those living in the landed estates, those in their so-called private homes?
As far as I know, nothing along the lines of the HDB approach has ever been seriously attempted. Residents in private estates are left to their own fate generally.
Yet, as I move around in many private estates...there are invariably many parcels of land that belong to the Government. Some have been there for ages and ages. No buildings. No parks.
Nothing! Just grass that needs to be cut by servicing contractors.
It is such a waste and a heartache to see this little exotic parcels and corners so un-utilised.
The Neighbourhood Committees of these estates should identify some of these exotic corners and make a proper approach to whoever is i/c ( obviously the MP should be involved ) and convert part of these small parcels of land into " covered relaxing pavillions" with seats, benches and concrete/wood tables so that.... my vision of the older folks, all hidden inside their private homes hardly venturing out, would change for the better.
How?
Now..if they have a lovely "Pavillion" surrounded by not lallang but sweet smelling flowers and plants, it would be so much easier for fellow neighbours in the estate to meet their fellow seniors for a chat, a gossip, a discussion, a game of chess, etc...
Even MPs can use such a strategic place to meet up with residents as a group...once in a while.
I hope someone will take up my suggestion...seriously!

To find out more interesting details and see some old and nostalgic photos of these
mentioned sites along the HERITAGE TRAIL go to the various blogposts in this website.

Start with ...Old Lim Tua Tow Market............
Then continue your journey in the other posts that feature Serangoon's Heritage.

Dick Yip

THINGS SO SINGAPOREAN..should be an NDP song!

2009-07-31T02:47:00.004+08:00

There is a song that is out on Youtube many months ago titled " Things So Singaporean" that

has caught the public's attention and the support for it to be included as an official NDP 2009

song has received tremendous support form all quarters.

The song is written by Judith dSilva and sung by Ann Hussein.

For a more detailed report please see my comments at my Wise Owl site here.

Why we must always maintain our Racial and Religious harmony

2009-07-13T11:38:00.003+08:00

This footage is from CCTV, available on Youtube.

WARNING: Some scenes may be disturbing to normal viewers.

The recent religious and racial riots in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang province China is a timely reminder to us that often a very thin line separates order and raw insanity in a society brimming with the undercurrents of racial and religious animosity.

In Singapore, we too had our racial riots with many seriously maimed and killed back in 1963-1964 period of our history.

We must NEVER again allow this to happen or the consequences will be worse than SARS, H1N1 or other potential threats that have visited our shores.

Community Carnival 2009..this weekend.

2009-05-18T00:45:00.003+08:00

This is an OPEN invitation to one and all for the

coming Carnival on Saturday May 23 2009.

It will be held at the open field next to Blk 147 Serangoon North Ave 1.

Time: 2 - 7 pm

Tickets available at only $3 per head.

Lots of fun-filled activities for everyone.

So all GROs and GRLs please inform and encourage

your friends and residents to come on down and join

in the afternoon of FUN!

Serangoon Green Family Carvinal

2009-05-18T00:25:00.007+08:00

Serangoon Green Family Carvinal cum Precinct Visit and Flea Market was held on Sunday, 17th May, 2009.

GRLs gave their thumbs up !!!!!!!!!

A visit to the precinct accompanied by GRLs and Representatives from Agencies.

The Minister (PMO) had a chat with one of the stall holders. Business was good, I sold quite alot of books, she said.

The Minister (PMO) addressed the residents and thanked them for participating in the upgrading programs.

We had a good durian party with the Minister (PMO) and residents, said the GRLs. Durians were good

EMB & CDC/CCC ITE Scholarship and Bursary Awards Presentation Ceremony

2009-05-12T17:24:00.002+08:00

Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, Minister (PMO) and Second Minister for Finance & Transport presented ITE scholarships and bursary awards to some 40 plus students at The Serangoon Theatrette on 11th May, 2009.

What would you have done?

2009-05-08T02:33:00.005+08:00

Littering is an offence not only in Singapore but in many other countries as well. Do not litter or no littering signs have been put up in public places, void decks and elsewhere. If we want to improve the situation not only must we set a good example ourselves but take citizen's action
when we witness blatant, outright acts of defiant littering as oppose to so-called "accidental" dropping of say a piece of tissue paper by someone.
Just last month, on an SBS bus, a secondary schoolboy in full uniform from a school in the east, deliberately left his litter ( a paper cup he was drinking from ) on the aisle of the bus. When
the bus driver told him gently to pick it up, he ignored him. As the bus door opened at the bus stop, this recalcitrant chap with his friend rushed off, scolding and cursing the driver. The driver intent on righting a deliberate wrong in public, came down and approached the duo. In the ensuing argument, this 14 year old 'samseng' punched the driver on his face and ran off. He even turned around and taunted the poor driver to come after him while using foul expletives directed at him. The driver did the correct thing...not to give chase as he had a busload of passengers still witnessing this unbelievable act of hooliganism.
When this report first came out, I asked myself, " what would I have done if I were there either as a passenger or a passerby? ". The answer is simple for me as I know myself well. I know what I would have donel as you will soon see in the next real incident below. What will you have done?
Fortunately, someone on the bus had captured the incident on a handphone and it was shown publicly on Stompers. Many people wanted the strongest action to be taken against the "samseng kia"preferably by the law. The school, as usual talked about counselling etc...for the two students. For goodness sake...an assault of a bus driver had taken place! It is a crime whether done by an adult or a 14 year old who must be taught a lesson he won't ever forget again! Possibly as a result of soft or no punishment for such un-civilised behaviour...there has been a recent spate of students in different schools doing similar or worse things to their teachers, counsellors, vice-principals by throwing chairs at them, throwing files, using expletives and yes punching them too.
The outcome of all these cases are still unknown. The most recent case involved a 17 year old youth who could have injured or killed someone when he grabbed a metal chair and whacked it very hard against the glass door at Blk 125, Serangoon North Ave 1. That incident happened during the MPS when caretaker MP Cynthia Phua was in attendance as Mrs Lim H Hua was away. The incident was fully covered in the main media and press.
So back to the littering incident and the questions I've posed.
Two nights ago, I happened to be at the Serangoon [ CC] around 8 pm. I was chatting with Mr Chua K Soon, Wilson and Daisie just outside the CC entrance door....when a middleage Indian man walked past. Mr Chua noticed he had thrown down a piece of " receipt size" paper right where we were standing around. I did not see it as I was facing Mr Chua as we chatted. Mr Chua then asked the man politely to pick up the litter he had deliberately thrown. That chap just uttered something under his breath and with his hand gestures dismissed Mr Chua's request!
He proceeded to walk away from us as if nothing has ever happened or as if to make an unsaid
statement " who the hell are you to tell me to pick up litter even if I had thrown it myself?".
As I've asked earlier, " What would you have done in such circumstances?"
Here's what I did exactly...that produced the desired effect and outcome I would like to see, you too would love to see.

Me: " Hello there! ( in a loud authoritative voice and command ) Come back here!
He: He stopped in his tracks turned around slowly to see who has called out to him. Before he
could say anything else... I spoke directly to him as he bravely walked back towards me.
Me: " Hello my friend! You know it's an offence to litter, yet you throw that piece of paper here
in front of us. And when Mr Chua here ask you to pick it up, you just walk away. Are you
trying to be funny or what?"
He: How you know I throw? That paper got no my name ?"
Me: " Mr Chua saw you and that is good enough for me! Do you want to pick it up or not?
Otherwise I would like to check if you are a Singaporean or foreigner or illegal immigrant!"
He: Submissively, he bent down to pick it up without saying a word more.
[ Lesson learnt! He was afraid of what I may do next. Note that I did not get into any
argument with him at all. Avoid arguments. I gave him a choice whether he wanted to play
hard ball or soft ball...it's up to him. I am glad for him he chose wisely.]

Unk Dicko

An Invitation to Tea with Ministers (Apr 18)

2009-04-18T23:48:00.004+08:00

Thank you for coming, Minister George Yeo

Some of the Committee Members of Chartworth NC with the Ministers.

The Chartworth NC organized "An Invitation to Tea with Ministers" at one of its committee member's house in Penshurst Place on Saturday afternoon (Apr 18). After the dialogue session, GRLs, together with the hosts, had a group photo with the two Ministers.

INFOCOMM 123 Portal

2009-04-14T00:57:00.004+08:00

An update from Unk Dicko

I am beginning to see this blogsite of ours grow in strength month to month since its founding
last November 2008. When I started it off it was just like a little new born baby. And new born babies need plenty of care, nourishment and attention ever constantly.
That notion was always uppermost on my mind. So, however busy I was I had to ensure that the "baby" must survive no matter what and come what may.
We are now into the 6th month of our Blog life and I think "baby" has become stable and stronger. It has acquired some interesting features which clearly has made visiting" baby" an
enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
The links to our site continues to grow and do welcome more links. If you have a blog or a website just tell me in the comment box and I will add you on.

Right now, I've just added INFOCOMM 123 portal at the top.
This is a most useful site for everyone of us. Whether you want to connect with a government agency online, or you want to make an enquiry online, or simply want some answers to some niggling questions about IT or technical stuff ...all you need is just ASK. Someone will answer you! Beat that!

You could also learn how to set up a blog, step by step in the "learn how to blog" section.
Hopefully, you will be inspired by 3 well-known senior bloggers who share their blogging experiences in a series of blogposts and over an interview ( It's also in Youtube ).
The 3 senior bloggers were officially appointed by INFOCOMM 123 as their SILVER AMBASSADOR to spread and promote the world of blogging to the community at large.
They are Lao Zhabor of Lao Zhabor Blogspot, Lam Chun See of GoodMorningYesterday Blog and
yours truly, the Wise Old Owl of uncledicko Blog.

There are fun games for you to try out too. Don't be afraid of IT.
The young kids today are all comfortable with IT and technology because they are never
afraid to TRY out things on the computer. You may make mistakes. So what? No one ever will die from it. Just try again and again.
And once you pick up some skills and apply them regularly, they stay with you. Much like learning to ride a bicycle...once mastered, you can ride till you are old!

Congratulations and celebrations........

2009-04-11T22:36:00.004+08:00

A toast by Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, accompanied by Mr. Andy Lim, patrons and members of CCC to GRLs celebrating her promotion to Minister (PMO) and Second Minister (Finance) & (Transport) at The Serangoon Multi-purpose Hall on 11th April 2009.

Like all celebrations of significance, the Minister cuts the cake to celebrate the occasion.

The Minister addressing the guests and acknowledging the many well wishes from the GRLs.

A memento (with special "significance") presented by Mrs. Daisie Yip, Chairperson of CCC to the Minister (PMO)

Presentation of flowers by Md. Ho Mei Leng to congratulate the Minister (PMO)

A section of the guests at the Dinner on April 11, to celebrate the promotion of our Minister (PMO) and Second Minister (Finance) & (Transport) Mrs Lim Hwee Hua

Precinct Visit cum High Tea with Our MP

2009-04-05T23:47:00.006+08:00

A happy Team after the precinct visit on April 5, 2009

Our Minister (PMO) addresses the residents after the precinct visit

Ms. Claire Ng (Chairperson Hwi Yoh Court RC)

congratulates the Minister (PMO) & addresses

residents.

The leaders of Hwi Yoh Court RC with

the Minister (PMO).....a shot for the Album.

Our very own Kampong RADIO !

2009-04-05T01:56:00.008+08:00

My latest discovery on the internet!
Last night, while doing some research on old songs by Nat King Cole, I chanced upon a site purely by accident. I am extremely glad that I went into the site to read up more. If I had skipped over it, I wouldn't have discovered what I now know.
That site is JANGO Music Com.
How it works is simply fantastic.
You can create your very own radio station by choosing the artists you like. Whether one or add as many as you like.
Then click" Create station" and you automatically get the songs of your favourite crooner played on your computer!
You can even create more than one station or special stations for selected singers of your choice!
Moments ago, I discovered more things.
See the top left corner of our homepage. I have installed a new jukebox and named it "Our Kampong Radio !"
Turn on your computer speakers and the beautiful songs of the selected 15 singers/groups will PLAY automatically while you browse through our blogposts.
Amazing!
Truly making reading the blog an enjoyable, pleasant experience.
You the reader or visitor can even advance the singer or the song by clicking on the >> arrow within the jukebox itself. Or just click on the photo of the singer as it rolls past to listen to that singer! Fabulously easy and so convenient!
You can also control the volume.
There are too many songs to name.
But here are my initial selections for "Our Kampong Radio!"
Songs from these singing greats are for your listening pleasure. Sit back comfortably and relax while you read the blogposts. Enjoy!
1. Perry Como
2. The Platters
3. Roy Orbison
4. Ray Charles
5. Tony Bennet
6. Elvis Presley
7. Dean Martin
8. The Everly Brothers
9. Harry Belafonte
10. Frank Sinatra
11. Andy Williams
12. The Drifters
13. Fats Domino
14. Louis Armstrong
15. Nat King Cole

[ unk Dicko ]

SINGAPORE ...70 years ago, on Video !

2009-04-04T18:14:00.009+08:00

For those of you who have lived through and seen the Singapore of old, this superb 11 minute video will revive a host of golden memories. This short film captured Singapore as she was back in 1938 just before the 2nd World War started in Europe 1939. The Japanese attacked S'pore in December 1941.

The narration is typically British. Bear in mind that this was shot in 1938 when Singapore was still a British colony, part of the so-called mighty "British Empire", and local people living here were referred to as "British subjects and servants of the empire". And I'm certain that reference included many among you and me too.

For those of you who are much younger, you will be able to get a better understanding of what our Singapore was like 70 years ago. Rickshaws, bullock-carts, old cars [mostly British made], coolies, amahs, barbers, policemen, bum-boats....all the daily activities of a bustling port city.

See the way Raffles Hotel, Padang, Esplanade, Fullerton Building, Cavenagh Bridge, Singapore River, etc...etc...used to be, 70 years ago!

Footage of early Singapore is very rare and we are indeed fortunate to be able to see clips such as this. Unk Dicko enjoyed viewing it very much. I had it posted in my main "Owl" blogsite last December with a more detailed post. You can read it by clicking here.

Our Pride our Joy

2009-04-02T00:06:00.006+08:00

GRLs, members of Merchants' Association and well wishers gathered together after the MPS on Mar 30 to congratulate and convey well wishes to our Minister in the PMO & Second Minister for Finance & Transport, MP for Aljunied GRC.

The new Minister asked: Were you surprised by the announcement ?. Someone replied: We were waiting for this to happen. Glad it did.

The PETS COMMUNITY @ Serangoon

2009-03-28T10:57:00.008+08:00

Yesterday, I received a request from Mr William Tan Secretary of the Pets Community @Serangoon to put a link of their website here.

You can see the link at the left column of our homepage, together with other links.

Their website address is:

http://www.pets-community.com/

I have visited their website to check up on upcoming "pet" events at the SERANGOON. Many events are in the pipeline! Shows and seminars that will please a wide cross-section of our pet loving residents of Kampong Serangoon. You name it...dogs, birds, fish and even reptiles are among those planned for.

So do check up and visit their website for the latest news as well as what's coming up.

unk Dicko

CONGRATULATIONS MRS LIM !

2009-03-26T23:43:00.006+08:00

I am sure all Grassroot Leaders of SERANGOON will join me in offering our HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS to our Adviser, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua on her promotion to Minister(PMO).

Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story
March 26, 2009
PM renews Cabinet

Mr Teo Chee Hean (far left) will be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. Mrs Lim Hwee Hua will be appointed as a Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and concurrently appointed as Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport. ST PHOTOS: BRYAN VAN DER BEEK, WONG KWAI CHOW

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong has reshuffled his Cabinet, making several changes and appointments as part of continuing leadership renewal.
The changes are also to test out younger office holders for broader responsibilities, said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday.

CABINET AND OTHER OFFICE HOLDERS
The changes will take effect from April 1.
Changes in ministerial appointments Mr Teo Chee Hean will be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister. He will be the Acting Prime Minister in the absence of the Prime Minister. He will continue as Minister for Defence.
Professor S Jayakumar will relinquish his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister. He will be appointed as Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and will continue as Co-ordinating Minister for National Security. He will also continue to oversee foreign policy matters which cut across different ministries and take charge of foreign policy issues which involve legal negotiation or international adjudication. He continues to chair the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change.

Mr Gan Kim Yong will be appointed as Minister for Manpower.
Mrs Lim Hwee Hua will be appointed as a Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.

She will be concurrently appointed as Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport.
Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Senior Minister of State, will relinquish his appointment in Education and will be appointed as Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts.
Dr Lee Boon Yang will relinquish his appointment as Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts and retire from the Government.

Since being appointed a Parliamentary Secretary in 1985, Dr Lee has served in many portfolios including Environment, Trade and Industry, Finance, Home Affairs, National Development, Defence, and Manpower, before becoming Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts in 2003. The Prime Minister thanks Dr Lee for his many years of service and contributions to the Government and the nation.

Changes in appointment of Ministers of State

Mr S Iswaran will be appointed as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, concurrent with his present appointment of Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Mr Lee Yi Shyan will be appointed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Manpower, concurrent with his present appointment of Minister of State in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
New appointment of Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sam Tan will be appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and concurrently in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.

His appointment takes effect on 1 July 2009.

Other appointments

Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed will relinquish his appointment of Mayor, North East Community Development Council when his current 3-year term ends on 30 May 2009. He will continue as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Teo Ser Luck will be appointed as Mayor, North East Community Development Council with effect from 31 May 2009. This will be concurrent with his appointment as Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and in the Ministry of Transport.

Source: Straits Times Online, Breaking News

The Championship CAT Show...part 4

2009-03-24T17:00:00.004+08:00

Photo: Mr Chua Kah Soon of Goodwill Birds is one of the key organisers of this event. He was kind enough to show me around and introduce me to the owners of the participating cats.

This is such a lovely and healthy cat.

This lady must be the President of the Show...Roszanah Packer Mohamed.
She was proudly introducing her exotic cat to me.
And I could not resist carrying such a cute and lovable cat. It has beautiful fur and nice almond eyes.

Mr Chua specially brought me to have a good look at this "must see" cat.

WHOA!

BLIMEY! ( as the British used to inject)

WAH PIANG! ( Ah Beng's expression )

I would not have believed if I hadn't seen this cat with my own eyes.

It has this so, so out of this world look about it.
From head to tail, practically hairless, its unique features must be seen to be believed!

The face of this cat is what I will remember most.

Such a rarity!

They put a vest on the cat as it was air-conditioned in the Hall.

The owners are mighty proud of this beauty.

For more reports and pictures you can go to "The Wise Old Owl" link here.

The Championship CAT Show...part 3.

2009-03-24T16:47:00.008+08:00

While the Championship Cat Show got underway in the morning, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and many busloads of of Serangoon residents congregated at the Changi Boardwalk starting point for an organised early morning walk. They were joined by many GRLs from the various RCs and NCs and other GROs. She made it back to the Cat Show as Guest of Honour for the event.

Photo:

The 2 invited Foreign judges...

Cheryl Uren ( Australia ) and Kayoko

Koizumi (Japan) with our Guest of Honour.

Photo:

Mrs Lim presenting a prize to this budding artist.

There were many prizes for various categories of judging.

Childrens' Cat colouring and drawing, Best Dress Cats, Best Dress cages...etc...

Photo:

Taking a closer look at these pretty little things. By the way, some of the cats are not little at all. They may be bigger than your little puppies and small dog breeds.

And they come in different shapes and sizes, with unique eyes or fur peculiar to their own breed.

The Serangoon was certainly well-decorated with colourful banners, posters, displays...all on and about CATS.

I did not see a single dog there. They obviously know when to keep away!

Do check out all 300 photos of this spectacular event on the Serangoon Multiply Link ...at left hand column.

unk Dicko

The Championship CAT Show...part 2

2009-03-23T19:38:00.003+08:00

You are looking at the cat that was crowned Champion Overall. Yes, the one with the Best of everything in the eye of the judges.

There were 2 highly qualified international cat judges invited from A

Australia and Japan.

Photo:

Unk Dicko with the judge from Japan Ms Kayoko Koizumi and the owner of that thing of beauty.

The Championship CAT Show

2009-03-23T04:31:00.003+08:00

On Sunday 22 March 2009, The Serangoon was host to a huge event...the Eagle Pack Championship CAT Show. It was a full day event that stretched from 10 am to over 5 pm.

The event drew a very large crowd of obviously cat lovers and others who wanted to learn more about these lovely feline animals.

Unk Dicko was there in the later part of the afternoon with his digital camera, the Canon Ixus 70 to hopefully capture some pretty shots.

It was more than I bargained for! In honest truth, it turned out to be a revealation for me as this was the 1st time I had seen such a show close-up.

Yes, even touching these lovely cats and chatting with their equally lovely owners about their devoted pets.

I must confess I have never seen such a collection of cats from various parts of the world.

The only cats I know are our "Singapura" local ones and some like the Persian variety.

But those that were there for the competition took my breath away for sheer beauty and uniqueness.

Super-duper is all I can say!

Check my upcoming posts for the details and the pictures.

And also the link to all the other photos taken by William's Passion photographers.

In A Far Away Land...JOHN DENVER sings in Chinese!

2009-03-16T03:18:00.004+08:00

I AM A SONG

I LIVE TO BE SUNG

I SING WITH ALL MY HEART

......John Denver......

Read the full and interesting article, with much more info about the song, about John Denver etc... which I posted at my Wise Owl blogsite.

Pertandingan Kompang

2009-03-14T21:47:00.007+08:00

The Serangoon was the venue for Pertandingan Kompang (Kompang Competition) held on Mar 14, 2009. Twelve Teams from all over in Singapore, participated in the Competition. Photos taken by Passion Photographers had been uploaded in the website: http://www.theserangoon.multiply.com/

Darma Muneeswaran Temple Bursary Awards 2009, cum Launching of Darma Youth Wing

2009-03-07T23:13:00.007+08:00

The Guest-of-Honour, Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, lightes up the lamp to signal the start of Darma Muneeswaran Temple Bursary Awards and Launch of Darma Youth Wing.

I was impressed with the way the Event was organized.

Photos taken by Passion Photographers had been uploaded in the website (http://www.theserangoon.multiply.com/). Visit the website to view the complete coverage of this special Event.

Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC Dialogue Session

2009-03-05T23:42:00.011+08:00

MPs from the Aljunied GRC together with Mr. Eric Low were at the Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC Dialogue Session for GRLs held on March 5, 2009. The Presentations together with speeches/comments from MPs and GRLs were enriching. Now we have a better understanding on why the Government did not reduce the GST. Those who did not attend
the Dialogue Session last night had missed something for sure !!!

Photos taken by Passion Photographers at the above event had been uploaded in our website:http://theserangoon.multiply.com/photos/album/17/Aljunied_GRC_Hougang_SMC_Dialogue_Session_Mar_5_09

Presentation on the Resilience Package valued at S$20.5 Billion.

Want to know more ?

Presentation on what the commuters will benefit from the new fare structure.

The savings from transfers from bus-train-bus-train.

An overview of the GRLs at the Dialogue Session held in the Multi-Purpose Hall in The Serangoon

MPs from Aljunied GRC together with Mr Eric Low were at the Dialogue Session held at The Serangoon on Mar. 5, 2009, for GRLs in the Aljunied GRC. We were treated to 2 presentations on the "Resilience Package" and "All Communters will Benefit...." plus speeches/comments actively participated by MPs and GRLs. Indeed, it was an enriching Dialogue Session. Now we have a better understanding why the GST should not be cut! If you were not present, you had missed something !

Click on the link below to view photos taken by Passion Photographers at the Dialogue Session :http://theserangoon.multiply.com/photos/album/17/Aljunied_GRC_Hougang_SMC_Dialogue_Session_Mar_5_09

The Church of Nativity and CHIJ Punggol

2009-03-04T02:21:00.004+08:00

This is the page for the month of December of the ATC Heritage Calendar 2009. It shows 2 photos of the oldest Catholic Church for the Teochews in S'pore's North-East region and the old CHIJ Punggol.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia )

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Chinese: 圣母圣诞堂) is a Catholic church in Singapore. It is located at Upper Serangoon Road in the Hougang Planning Area, within Singapore's North-East Region.
The church was constructed in 1901, and is the oldest Catholic church for the Teochew community in Serangoon.
History
The origins of this Catholic church can be traced to an attap (thatched roof) chapel that was built in 1853 on Upper Serangoon Road, its congregation comprising mainly Teochew farmers living in Serangoon and Punggol. Subsequently, a brick chapel was built in the area and named St Mary's Church. Father Jean Casimir Saleilles, parish priest from 1881 to 1911, was responsible for building the present church in 1901.
Father Saleilles also helped to spread the Catholic faith to Johore. He founded the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Johor), later renamed the Church of the Immaculate Conception and subsequently designated a cathedral. His good relationship with Sultan Ibrahim of Johor let the Sultan to present the Church in Johor, as well as the Church of the Nativity in Singapore, each a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church of the Nativity's statue still stands in front of the church building.
The Church of the Nativity founded many educational institutions in the region, including the Holy Innocents' High School, Hai Seng Girls' High School (now Hai Sing Catholic School), Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Punggol (now CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity), and Montfort School (now Montfort Junior School and Montfort Secondary School).
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was gazetted as a national monument on 14 January 2005.

Important Advice about SPAM !

2009-03-02T04:19:00.006+08:00

GOOD ADVICE FROM SNOPES PLEASE READ.

By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with WWW.snopes.Com and/or WWW.truthorfiction.Com for determining whether information received via email is just that: true/false or fact/fiction. Both are excellent sites. I received the advice below from one of my correspondents today.

Advice from Snopes.com MEMORIZE THIS!
1) Any time you see an E-Mail that says forward this on to '10' of your friends, sign this petition, or you'll get bad luck, good luck, or whatever, it almost always has an E-Mail tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and E-Mails of those folks you forward to. The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of 'active' E-Mails addresses to use in SPAM E-Mails, or sell to other spammers.

2) Almost all E-Mails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most cards. All it was, and all any of this type of E-Mail is, is a way to get names and 'cookie' tracking information for telemarketers and spammers - - to validate active E-Mail accounts for their own profitable purposes.

You can do your friends and family members a GREAT favor by sending this information to them; you will be providing a service to your friends, and will be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam E-Mails in the future!

If you have been sending out (FORWARDING) the above kinds of E-Mail, now you know why you get so much SPAM!

Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(s) to those types of listings regardless how inviting they might sound!
You may think you are supporting a GREAT cause, but you are NOT in the long run..
Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later!
Plus, we are helping the spammers get rich!
Let's don't make it easy for them!

Also: E-Mail petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress or any other organization. To be acceptable, petitions must have a signed signature and full address of the person signing the petition.

Read the full story here: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.asp

PS: Adding your name to a list of names on an e-mail you receive, doesn't work, because you add your name and send it to 10 people creates 10 more petitions!!!, and they just keep multiplying!! Delete them!!!

Do inform all others about this.

unk Dicko

.

St Paul's Church...Upper Serangoon Road

2009-03-01T02:02:00.005+08:00

This is the page from the November month of the ATC Heritage Calendar 2009.

The photo shows the Church of St Paul which was built before WW2. In the past, the Social Welfare Department had used this place as a distribution centre for feeding the poor and underprivileged...many of whom were affected by the war.
Church members helped in the distribution of food.

Today, St Paul remains a clear landmark along the main Upper Serangoon Road opposite to Hougang Street 21 junction.

A Comedy on Subprime Mortgage Crisis

2009-02-23T13:04:00.003+08:00

This is a satirical comedy about the Subprime Crisis in the US which has affected the world

severely. The two Johns are old hands in comedy and will bring on the laughs.

Tell Me Why

2009-02-23T02:24:00.005+08:00

Have you ever heard a young boy singing so beautifully and perfectly?

Tell Me Why....is a song of PEACE in world that is filled with hate and violence.

When he sang that song, Declan Galbraith was only about 10 years old. Today, he is 18 and a star.

unk Dicko

Kew Ong Yah Temple

2009-02-17T14:06:00.009+08:00

This is the page from the October month of the ATC Heritage calendar 2009. It shows the Hougang Tao Mu Gong otherwise more commonly known as the Temple of Kew Ong Yah ( the 9th Deity ).
It is situated along Upper Serangoon Road and was established by the late Mr Ong Choo Kee, a businessman.
Devotees normally gather on the morning of the 9th Day of the Lunar month and they will accompany an urn of burning josssticks placed on a special sedan chair. The procession will then proceed to the Whampoa River to welcome the deity. Today that ceremony has shifted to the Serangoon River.
Quite often, a "tangki" or temple medium in a trance -like state will be along too.

Kitchen Fire: What you must know

2009-02-13T10:47:00.003+08:00

Watch this video so that you know what to do in the unfortunate event that there is a fire in your kitchen. Knowledge is always an asset !

CREATIVITY...repackaging and rebranding !

2009-02-12T00:15:00.003+08:00

You and I and every little kid would certainly have heard the ever-popular nursery rhyme...

"TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR" and also would know how to sing it aloud. Many mothers

would sing it to their babies and toddlers before bedtime too...in the tradtional way, right?

Watch this video carefully. Don't Miss this !!! This version is infinitely more interesting and absorbing.

See how a little CREATIVITY, IMAGINATION and TALENT can transform an old product into

something so ATTRACTIVE, CAPTIVATING and HUMOUROUS!

There are excellent lessons here for us...right?

unk Dicko

Haji Yusoff Mosque

2009-02-11T02:55:00.012+08:00

The Masjid Haji Yusoff is located at 2 Hillside Drive off Upper Serangoon Road. It was built in 1921 by philantrophist Ahmad Mohamed Salleh Anguilla who had donated the land and money for its construction. Originally built of wood, it was destroyed in a fire in 1985...and rebuilt subsequently. In 1994 it was demolished and completely rebuilt again...as the photo shows. It serves the needs of Muslims in the area well.

This is the page from the month of September from the ATC Heritage Calendar 2009.

It shows the mosque at its original and present site at Hillside Drive.

The other photo is interesting too..showing a youthful looking trio of Minister S Dhanabalan, Sidek Saniff and our very own MP then..Dr Lau Teik Soon, with the Mosque management.

I wonder when this picture was taken?
Unk Dicko

The BEST Muah Chee in Singapore!

2009-02-10T06:08:00.002+08:00

If you are a self-declared muah chee lover and yet has never tasted the muah chee from our 6th Milestone Simon Road...then you are living in fool's paradise!

There were many excellent hawker and food stalls as I have described in my earlier post on the Simon Road Market.

But for me and likely many old timers, this one stall selling muah chee stood out among the crowd.

The young man in this photo is the son of the original "apek" who was a true specialist at preparing and dishing out this fare. The photo of him at his muah chee stall was not at the Simon Road location. This was when they relocated to Hougang after the Simon Road Market was closed in 1999. I have been to the new location some years ago and the stuff was still very good. In fact, I had a chat with the young man who told me that his father had "retired" from active duty and even he himself was thinking of giving up the art and the business. Of course, I was quite shocked to hear all that.
Why?
Their muah-chee is almost like a Serangoon 6th Mile icon!
You know what most people did when they ate at the old market place? Whether it was dinner or supper...you ordered and ate your main food...congee, kiam chye "ark", Hokkien mee, duck rice, mee-rebus etc. Then invariably, as a side dish, a plate of that famous muah chee was a must! To be eaten there or packed take away.

Those of you who had patronised that stall will recall the love and patient labour displayed by
"apek" as he gently plucked each piece of the muah chee dough and then dipping it in a sort of garlic-onion brownish oil paste, before he enveloped that piece with the peanut coated sugar mix.

Muah Chee anyone?

Unk Dicko

Xinmin Secondary School

2009-02-09T05:19:00.006+08:00

Xinmin Secondary School was very much a part of old Serangoon history. Originally located along Serangoon Road as this vintage photo shows, the building was an easy landmark along the main road.
This page comes from the July page of the ATC 2009 Heritage Calendar.
In the old days, it was known as Sin Min High School. There was also Sin Min Primary School.
Today, the original building has been taken over by the Helping Hands Organisation. The school was founded in 1945 and relocated to its present site in Hougang Avenue 8 in 1990/1991( See map below ).

Looking at the old photo carefully will revive many forgotten memories of what sports and PE were like in those bygone days. Did you notice the girls were all running barefooted?
And that was an official race! You can clearly see the competitor's number tag on them...370, 395 and 51 seemed to be ahead of the others...387 etc.
They were running on everyday cowgrass! No school had tartan tracks yet.

The other new photos ( from Xinmin official website) show the spanking new buildings and facilities in their present location.

What a major contrast...the past and the present.

Today, Xinmin Sec is regarded as a top school ( not just top neighbourhood school ). They have won the highest School Awards given out by the MOE...the School Distinction Award and the School Excellence Award.
The transformation from an ordinary school to one of note has been heralded in the media and press and makes a worthwhile case study.
unk Dicko

Bull Run @ The Serangoon

2009-02-07T23:49:00.007+08:00

The Serangoon CCC, CCMC, RCs, NCs, CSC & Serangoon North Merchants' Association celebrated the Lunar New Year with a Dinner cum Variety Show on Feb. 7, 2009.

Top photo shows GRLs with "god of wealth" preparing to welcome the Guest-of-Honour, Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua

Photo above shows the "choir" from the Serangoon Constituency singing Lunar New Year traditional songs.
Photos taken by Passion Photographers had been uploaded into the following website: http://theserangoon.multiply.com/photos/album/15

Lim Tua Tow Market

2009-02-07T02:38:00.005+08:00

This is the page for the month of June
from the ATC calendar 2009...Our Heritage, Our Home.

That is a photo of the old LIM TUA TOW market, definitely one of the most famous of its time...especially in the 60's where there were up to 500 stalls!
There were also many foodstalls ranging from the famous Chye Tow Kueh and the equally famous "original" Hokkien Mee. They were doing so well they sell right into the late night. My family and I ate there often. I still remember that there was a special feature story in the S Times about the "Original" Hokkien Mee...that appeared in the 80's. If I can recollect the main story..it went like this: Sometime in the 1930's, a Hokkien man started frying his special style of mee ( Hokkien mee) and it tasted so good it became an instant hit. He had only one stall located at Upper Bukit Timah area, near Beauty World. After the War, he continued his thriving business with his young stall assistants. However, before he passed away, he had passed on his original Hokkien mee secrets to his faithful assistants. There were 3 of them, plus his own family who knew how to fry it the right way. All the original 3 young Hokkien mee disciples soon started their very own stalls...preparing the the mee the same way their "sifu"(master) had taught them. All 3 continued selling even to the 90's. Where were they located? Those of you who are genuine,die hard Hokkien mee lovers and around my age may know at least 2 of the original disciple:-
1. Used to be located along Serangoon Road, just before Balestier Road/ Lavender Street junction. This "apek" has polio in one leg, and his son assisting him strangely also suffered from
the same problem. I was his long-time customer...since the 60's and gave him the nickname "OPIUM" which stuck. When "apek" died, his son took over. He used charcoal for fire and the "umpeh" leaf for wrapping. There was always a very long queue of luxury cars and an even longer queue of people waiting for his heavenly fare.
2. The 2nd disciple was our very own Lim Tua Tow Hokkien Mee! Some of you may still recall the 'apek"frying in similar style as "Opium", using the same "umpeh" leaf.
3. The 3rd was at Beauty World area.
Why was their Hokkien mee so, so, mouth-watering good?
The secret was in the special stock they prepared and the way they used the wooden cover over
the "kuali". They took their time too despite many customers waiting. And they were very generous with the ingredients...prawn, sotong, pork, garlic, egg, fresh chilli, sambal....
Today's Hokkien mee ...NONE have come close to those original masters!
Where are they today? They seem to have vanished unless someone can tell me differently.

The locals also call this Lim Tua Tow area " 5th Milestone ".

unk Dicko

Serangoon Lunar New Year GRLs & Families Gathering

2009-02-01T23:17:00.011+08:00

The Serangoon held the annual Lunar New Year Gathering for GRLs & their families on Feb. 1, 2009. Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, Advisor to the Serangoon's GRO was the Guest of Honour. Mrs. Lim went round to meet with all GRLs & their families and to wish them Xin Nian Kuai Le & Wan Shi Ru Yi.

Photos taken by Passion Photographers had been uploaded into the following website for your viewing pleasure http://www.theserangoon.multiply.com/

Chingay Parade 2009

2009-02-01T00:51:00.006+08:00

The annual Chingay Parade was held on Jan 30 & 31, 2009. Passion was at the parade to capture the sight, sounds and beauties.

Click on the link below to Passion Photographers' website to view more images uploaded. http://www.flickr.com/photos/passionphotographers/

PCF Serangoon Celebrates CNY

2009-01-30T16:08:00.005+08:00

The PCF celebrated the Lunar New Year this morning (Jan 30) at The Serangoon MPH. The GOH was the Chairman of PCF Serangoon and Senior Minister of State (Finance) & (Transport), Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua. A little "Nonya" was spotted among the children in PCF.

Solidarity....Forever

2009-01-27T23:01:00.003+08:00

This is the sweet .... reward after many hours of toil early last Saturday, just before the Lunar New Year. Every year, going around the shops in Serangoon North and Serangoon Gardens to wish the shopkeepers a Happy Lunar New Year takes on a personal and special meaning. It always requires tight time coordination, detailed planning of the routes and extensive support from many, many grassroots leaders. Whenever it proceeds smoothly, we sometimes forget how much effort has gone into making this possible, or into facilitating my interactions with residents.

This year is especially heartwarming as given the timing of my visit, it was an opportunity to see many more people doing their last minute shopping. It was nice to be able to take in the festive spirit as I mingled with the crowds. It was even more gratifying to see the real solidarity at work - from introducing me to the stallholders and shopkeepers, to handing me the Chinese New Year cards. The lunch at Pow Sing caps the wonderful morning of sweat and hard work. As did the dessert as well. Thank you all; I know I can count on all of you for even more work ahead. Have a blessed, happy and healthy lunar new year.

XIN NIAN HAO !

2009-01-26T03:18:00.002+08:00

WISHING EVERYONE.....

A HAPPY NEW YEAR !

The year of the OX is just around the corner ( 1st week February 2009 ).
Those of you who are interested to discover how the new year of the OX fare for you, just
click on the link below and locate your zodiac animal or birth year. Click on that or on the many
other links within...for some interesting insights, advice, and history of the Chinese New Year.

A word of caution though.
Unk Dicko is not advocating that you follow all the advice and tips contained within this website...on the ups and downs, the favourable periods or unfavourable periods or whatever.
As in everything, we need to use our God-given intellect to assess and not merely jump rashly into untested waters. Trust your instincts more...it is usually safer.
There are all sorts of horoscopes today.
Much of the knowledge of the ancients has been lost through the long passage of time.
There will always be some accuracy and likely inaccuracies in horoscopes.
The difficulty is in sifting out the inaccuracies.

http://www.chineseastrologyonline.com/2009/2009Zodiac.htm

Unk Dicko

2009-01-25T15:57:00.002+08:00

Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua posed for group photo with GRLs (see blog posted yesterday). Photos taken by Passion Photographers at the Event had been uploaded in the website for your viewing (www.theserangoon.multiply.com).

Vanishing trades, Old Simon Road Market

2009-01-25T05:20:00.008+08:00

Here are the two pages for the month of April and May. These old but valuable photographs do really tell of a time and age that was so memorable for many of our older folks.
April Page:
Let us start with the top left picture. Two men, one bare-bodied, were carrying 3 pails each on bamboo poles over their back and shoulder. What do you reckon they were carrying inside the metal containers?
Anyone like to venture a guess? In case you think they are " night -soil" carriers, you think wrong! The night-soil buckets were not shaped like this. All the night-soil buckets had a standard shape and also the night-soil van would have been close by. I wonder if anyone can say which part of Serangoon Road this was.
The centre photo clearly showed the unloading of rubber tyres.

The photo on the right tells a lot. It clearly shows a young man by the side of his tricycle stall selling water chestnut drink. He had both hot and cold drinks. On either side of his stall were 2 old ladies selling an assortment of tobacco, tobacco paper, cigarettes in packets and tins, matches and perhaps some tid-bits. One brand of the tin can be identified...Lucky Strike!

Three cars were partly hidden from view...so can't really tell the make.
Bottom left photo...an old man milking goat. Could be anywhere.

May page:
Hey...this distinctly looks familiar. The giveaway is the bottom left picture. That junction with the traffic lights is the present SIMON Road and Serangoon Road junction. In the days of old we call this location " 6th milestone ". The only coffeeshop at the corner is still the same one as in the photo! Today, it has that popular Hokkien Mee stall that draws a long queue. This wet market was the old SIMON Road market which was also famous for the many " mouth-watering" hawker stalls like muah chee, Hokkien mee, wanton mee, mee-rebus, pigs' trotters, beef kway teow, etc..
Today, that place is no more.
Where did all the famous hawkers go? Surely, some are still carrying on their business elsewhere right? Anyone care to comment?

Unk Dicko

2009-01-24T20:12:00.005+08:00

Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State (Finance) & (Transport) and MP for Aljunied GRC visited the market in Serangoon North Avenue 1 this morning (Jan 24, 2009), to distribute CNY Cards and convey CNY greetings to stall holders (see photo above). In addition to market, Mrs. Lim, accompanied by GRLs also visited shops and other stall holders in the Serangoon Ward. Passion Photographers was given the privilege to accompany Mrs. Lim during the visits. Photos taken at the visits this morning, will be uploaded into www.theserangoon.multiply.com within the next two days. Pls visit the website to see the images captured.

Kampong Houses, Rickshaws & Bullock Carts

2009-01-23T23:37:00.005+08:00

Two more pages from the Heritage calendar 2009.

February page:
Typical scene of kampong houses built very close to one another. Today, in our sprawling housing estates many people hardly talk to their neighbours.
Back then, every kampong folk knew even if a stranger wandered into the kampong. People had time for conversations, innocent gossip or just chit-chat after dinner. Children ran around barefooted and played with other kampong kids without a worry and care in the world.
ps: I'm surprised this old photo has such a sharp focus and good resolution. Even the motor-bike number can be seen clearly...SAJ 2381.

March page:

These are two wonderful photos that told so much about our past, not only in Upper Serangoon Road but in old Singapore as a whole.

Bullock carts were carts pulled by a single bull or two bulls. They were used to carry heavy goods, people and stuff. Some from the older generation may remember that Chinatown used to have a " Bullock Cart Water" street.

The local Cantonese equivalent is "Ngau Cheh Sui and in Hokkien "Goo Char Chui ". However, over the years, this term generally refers to Chinatown in South Bridge Road area as a whole and not to any particular street anymore.

Rickshaws were common all over our island in the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Once a week, Unk Dicko's late mother will " book" her regular rickshaw for the weekly visit to

the wet market at Lorong 25, Geylang. Then she will make the journey home in the same way.

Sometimes, one of us kids would tag along.

It was not easy at all for the rider. Much hardwork, muscle power and stamina was required and all for a few cents....not even dollars!

Yet, I seem to recall them never complaining at all about their fate but even smiling gleefully.

Those were the days!

Unk Dicko

Go There Sg Link.... latest addition!

2009-01-23T01:37:00.005+08:00

Yesterday was BUDGET 2009 DAY.
I was watching it Live on CNA from 3.30 pm.
Our Finance Minister Mr Tharman delivered one of the most important speeches
ever made in Parliament.
That was because of the circumstances Singapore is in and the whole world is in.
All the nitty-gritty details of the entire Budget Resilence Package is online and in
the papers and on TV.
So I shan't bore anyone here with the details.
However, Mr Tharman mentioned something which caught the attention of some alert
ones like me and William Teo.
He talked about the innovative and creative project that was done by our own young students.
What project?
The 2-3 students came out with their own very specialised Directory of travel where you want to get from Location A to B...by walking, by bus, by car, by cab, by MRT etc...
With breakdown details in time and cost.!!!

To use that Link or check it out, just click on " GO There Sg" at our Links to our blog, top left side.

UNk Dicko

Aljunied Heritage Calendar 2009

2009-01-23T00:39:00.006+08:00

This vintage- looking Calendar that comes with some rare old pictures of our Upper Serangoon area within its pages...should be a collector's item soon.

Produced by the Aljunied Town Council, its real value is not in details of day and month but the nostalgic photos that were chosen for the calendar.

Most of the photos came from contributors to an event held in June and July 2008, at Kovan Heartland Mall and Hougang Central Hub.

I think the event was called "Upper Serangoon Heritage Trail and Exhibition ".

At that time, I was rather busy with my travels and a number of other things and did not get a chance to contribute some of my old pictures, photos and other memorabila of "our kampong".

Will keep them for next time.

In the next few posts, I shall showcase all the 12 months of this beautiful calendar. This is the January month of 2009, the 1st page. The top is the Cover Page of the calendar.

Unk Dicko

An AMAZING Painter !

2009-01-16T00:08:00.006+08:00

Hi folks,

If I provide you some paints and brushes and ask you to paint on a canvas sheet that is

much larger than yourself and to do so in approximately 5 minutes...paint something that is

beautiful and coherent, what will you say?

I won't blame you if you say " Nuts !" to me.

I would have said the same too!

You must watch this video to the very end and do turn on the voloume for Ray Charles'

wonderful singing of " Georgia...on my mind ". You will be amazed and inspired!

ps: Can we afford to invite him ( the painter DD ) to Sg Gardens? Such a huge talent!

Unk Dicko

Serangoon North Village SPRING Festival Opening,Pt 4

2009-01-13T01:55:00.012+08:00

Even as I was positioning my digital camera to capture this snapshot, I was wondering for many of our simple kampong folks ...such moments are always special to them.

But they hardly, if ever, get to see photos such as these., much less having a print or copy of it for keepsake. Right?

That's WHY I have been reiterating THIS VERY IMPORTANT POINT to the key CCC members that THE EXISTENCE OF THIS BLOGSITE SHOULD BE MADE KNOWN TO ALL RESIDENTS OF OUR KAMPONG.

Then they can update themselves and find or look for pictures and photos of events they participated in.

They could also download photos for themselves and it is so convenient with this blogsite of ours.

But this has not happened...informing the residents about this blogsite.

Let me illustrate with a true story.

In December, I was having lunch at a nearby coffeeshop just opposite the temple, Sg N Ave 1 when Mr Chua of Goodwill Birds saw me and we ate and chatted together. It was purely by chance that he mentioned in our conversation that " he wished we had a website for photos of the many community events held and for communication." I was shocked he did not know about this BLOGSITE I started for the GRLs and he was surprised when I told him such a website exists! He DID NOT KNOW ABOUT IT AT ALL ! I wrote his web address down and later sent him an email as well as linked his website to ours.

More people involved in the GRLs and other committees should be linked to the site.

This piece of news should have been quickly publicised in the Serangoon Newsletter, giving this website address in BOLD.
Since none of that has been done,

our residents and even Key GRLs like Mr Chua remains in the dark and was no wiser

What an irony!

The internet is and will be here.

It is like a GIANT BRIDGE that has been built across and linking all cities and everyone can travel on that road.

There is no such thing as" wait for the best time to travel or use the road". Unk Dicko says no need to wait. The more you wait, the world will soon pass you by. You will be left behind.

The earlier and the faster we can reach the residents and vice-versa...the better it will be for everyone.

Just look at the top photo above. It is such a lovely sight. The little girl, the grandma and the MP of the area where they live.

The grandma and others knew we had many cameras snapping away.But how does this simple grandma know where to find the picture? When will it appear? How can I get a copy? etc.. etc.

Informing the residents quickly and properly by telling them about this blogsite will solve those questions I have posed.

Serangoon North Village SPRING Festival Opening,Pt 3

2009-01-12T02:38:00.007+08:00

After the light up, there followed presentations of Thank You plaques by Mrs Lim to the various sponsors of the event. And some lovely singing by the stage peformers accompanied by a Live band.
There was an interesting banter between the emcee and the young lady who entertained the crowd...in Mandarin. Unk Dicko understood the message and fully agree with it wholeheartedly.
What was the message?

Roughly translated, " since we live in THIS village or kampong, we should do more of our buying or shopping for goods or services from shops at our own backyard. The shops provide and do cater to all with quite a wide range of goods. Moreover, it makes much sense to support your own kampong folks be it in business or in other ways. Everyone benefits."

Photos:
While the stage performances continued, Mrs Lim, accompanied by her GRLs, went round to meet and greet practically everyone who was there.

I was pleasantly surprised that despite all the doom and gloom that has descended upon our economy and that has seemingly darkened our horizons, most of the people I saw were still looking upbeat, warm and positive.

This must be a good sign...the outward exuberance of a people reflect their inner resilence.

People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Policy Forum @ Jurong GRC

2009-01-11T23:25:00.009+08:00

People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Policy Forum @ Jurong GRC
Getting my first flat – Is it a challenge?

10 Jan 2009
We were gathered at Bukit Batok CC for another installment of the PAYM Policy Forum series. Each year there are about 30 or so policy forums, organised by the Youth Executive Committees (YEC) from the various GRCs and SMCs.

The Guest of Honor for this Forum was Ms. Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development, & Ministry of Education, Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC. The other panelists consisted of Ms. Tan Poh Hong, Deputy CEO HDB and Mr. Tommy Tan, Marketing Director, ERA.

Ms. Tan gave a quick presentation about HDB, drawing the main conclusion that the government would continue to ensure affordable public housing as homes for eligible citizen families. Further, HDB would offer different types of flats to meet diverse housing needs, as well as ensure a steady housing supply and ensure public housing remains affordable.

Mr. Tan’s presentation centered more on personal observations from his business experience at ERA.

It was the Q&A that saw people raise issues such as would Singaporean’s risk taking appetite diminish if they are saddled with a 30-year loan and thereby affecting our overall happiness because it is difficult to contemplate a career switch or even to start a family. Another query was if HDB would on a case to case basis review first time buyers, whose combined income was above $8000, and not give the HDB subsidy but allow them to take up a HDB loan. Closer to the heart, a query was also raised about parents in mature estates but the children could no longer find a new flat in the mature estate but was encouraged to move to new estates such as Seng Kang or Punggol, which meant the family was ‘divided’.

Overall, the exchange was lively and Ms. Fu did the lion’s share of explaining and clarifying policies to the 100-strong youths present at the Forum. The message to youths remained: ‘Buy within your means. Do not over-commit your resources and do your homework.’ As always, it was time constraints, which limited the dialogue but well done to Jurong GRC for having touched upon this highly sensitive topic of housing and thank you Bukit Batok CC for the premises.

Look out for the next Policy Forum @ Aljunied GRC in March 2009. Our very own Serangoon YEC will spearhead this effort, with Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State (Transport) & (Finance), and Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC, as the Guest of Honor.

Stay tuned!

Contributed by: Serangoon YEC

Ms. Grace Fu, dressed comfortably, opening the discussion on a touchy topic.

On your marks, get set and GO! Panelists taking a moment to gather their thoughts before the start of the lively Q&A.

Jurong GRC attracts the crowds with a highly relevant topic.

Gurmit learns Ukulele from Unk Dicko

2009-01-11T04:56:00.002+08:00

Yesterday 10th January 2009, Daisie and I was at the 50+ Singapore EXPO consumer Fair at Suntec City.

What was I doing there? To find out more check out the full story at my

" Wise Old Owl" blogsite listed at LINKs.

No joke...I was teaching our celebrity comedienne Gurmit Singh alias " Phua Chu Kang" how to play the Ukulele.

My verdict: He's a super fast learner!

He joined in when I entertained the crowd., together with 2 other friends.

The Expo continues today ( Sunday 11 January ).

Serangoon North Village SPRING Festival Opening, Pt 2

2009-01-11T01:46:00.005+08:00

After the speeches were delivered, the emcee invited Daisie Yip, the Chairman of CCC for Sg Gardens and all the grassroot leaders up onto the stage, to join Mrs Lim Hwee Hua in setting off the Official light up. They proceeded up the stage with some handy poppers. As soon as Mrs Lim

set off the mechanism for the light up, there were flashes here and there and popping sounds crackled. Suddenly, the entire front of the stage area was swirling with huge confettis and streamers, which helped by all the fans around, created quite a magical spectacle of sorts. Photo shows some GRLs from far left...Benedict, Thana, Victor, Edmund, Patrick ( Chairman of the Association, was struggling with his popper) "Sifu" Lee, Daisie.

In the good old days, real firecrackers were used to usher in the C N Y...and the pavement and streets all over Singapore were covered in a sea of red.

But I guess, time changes many things and this is just one of them.

And it is definitely SAFER !

Middies and oldies like myself can tell you all the nostalgic and fun-filled things about firecrackers in our time. We can also tell about the horrors they have caused.

Photo:
Patrick....still struggling, while streamers were cascading down after being popped. Haha! Maybe Patrick would be consoled if he knew this...in the old days of firecrackers, when shopkeepers lighted up each packet with a joss stick and threw them onto the road...most would explode. But some would not. We call them "duds".

We boys would wait until all firing ended and then rush to look for such "duds" among the exploded red debris. We knew how to turn duds into goodies again!

So was Patrick given a dud? I don't know. You'll have to ask him.

Key people of Serangoon North Village!

More key persons of Serangoon

North Village!

Photo credits: Unk Dicko

Serangoon North Village SPRING Festival Opening, Pt 1

2009-01-10T22:35:00.003+08:00

A short while ago, I returned from the Serangoon North Village Spring Festival night Opening ceremony 2009 , followed by the official light up. The event was organised by the Serangoon North Merchants' Association.
Mrs Lim Hwee Hua was the Guest of Honour.

The stage and pavillion area was very well decorated. In fact, last night Daisie and I were walking around that place and saw some key Committee members putting the finishing touches to the decorations. They were really hard working...Mdm Teng, Patrick, Edmund, Chua , etc..and their wives too...pitched in to help.

Dr Edmund Tan, as Chairman of the Organising Committee, was the first to be invited up on stage to give the Welcome address.

He was warmly applauded by the good crowd of residents as well as community leaders present.

The crowd and especially the coffeeshop and other shops nearby were filled with more people than usual.

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, the MP for the area, was invited to give her Speech.

She too was warmly applauded after she spoke. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by a sweet, little girl.

CRIME Alert # 2 !

2009-01-09T13:42:00.004+08:00

Some Fake Chinese currency may be circulating in Singapore. According to the latest ASIAone report online ( click on link below for full story ), a Singaporean lady unwittingly got into "trouble"in China recently when she was detained for having this. She had changed it at a Chinatown moneychanger.

The fake 100 yuan note always bear the number HD 90...
Read the full details below.

http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090109-113414.html

Links to Our Blogsite

2009-01-08T21:40:00.002+08:00

Hi folks,

If you look closely at the upper left side of our Homepage, you will find Links to this
Blogsite. Links are very useful for visitors and readers of our site. At a simple click,
you can check out any number of things on any linked site. You don't have to surf or
search or key in anything. Just one click away is all you'll need.

If you have a blogsite or website that you want to be linked to our site, just type in
your web address in the COMMENT Box, at the latest post. That's all!
I will then do the addition for you as Blog administrator.
If your website or blogsite has a title, do include that too.

FYI, I have just added the " My Online Tour" website...the one with the moving widget/banner.
I believe that ALL of us will find the various links, info and content in that site very useful.
Do check it out...yourself.

Cheers!

Unk Dicko

CRIME Alert !

2009-01-08T12:32:00.007+08:00

Ref no: SSWG 01/2009Community Involvement Division
Operations Department
Police Headquarters
New Phoenix Park
28 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329560
5 January 2009

Dear members of the Safety and Security Watch Group,

CRIME ALERT:
USE OF COUNTERFEIT MONEY AS MODE OF PAYMENT(FOR YOUR INFORMATION)
Police has recently received reports of unknown person using counterfeit money as mode of payment. To date more than 30 cases were reported and as we approach the period of festive sales, we would like to reiterate the importance for being vigilant.

Modus Operandi
Please take note that the culprit will normally use a fake currency note of S$50/-note (commonly bearing the serial number: 2EY322725)
at pubs, restaurants, petrolkiosks, convenient stores and 4D outlets for purchases.
The scam can also take in other forms ie culprit may also seek assistance inchanging loose notes using counterfeit money, on the pretext of urgent need.Crime Prevention MeasuresPublic and sole proprietors should remain alert and pay extra attention when customers pay for purchases using higher denominations of cash, e.g. S$50/-.

Below are a few measures which can assist public to identify counterfeit notes and prevent you from falling victim to a similar ruse.

What to look out for?
1. Counterfeit Notes using serial number: 2EY322725;
2. Poor quality paper that has a waxy surface without the following intaglio:a. No raised printing;b. No shimmering effect on the kinegrams;c. No Security Thread; and
3. Although the counterfeit note simulated the outline of the watermark, but it doesnot have three-dimensional portrait of the late President Yusof Bin Ishak when examined under light.

What retailers and shop owners can do to prevent falling victim?
1. While such cases are not new, cashiers should be constantly reminded to be vigilant to prevent from falling victim;
2. During peak hours, cashier should decline requests for change of larger notes politely by citing the long queue as a reason;
3. If possible, additional staff should be deployed, especially during peak operating hours.
4. CCTVs should be strategically positioned to cover the cashier counter and allow the image of customers to be captured;

What you can do when you receive such notes?
1. When presented with the counterfeit note, do not return the suspected note to thesuspect;
2. Delay and keep the suspect at sight and if possible contact the policeimmediately;
3. Take note of the description of the culprit, eg gender, age, height, built, attire,scars/tattoos, accent of language or any distinct features;
4. Note the suspect(s)’ mode of escape and take down the vehicle registrationnumber if he/they had escaped in a vehicle;
5. Minimize the handling of the note and carefully place it in a envelope/polymerbag and hand it to the Police when they arrive.

We seek your assistance to disseminate the crime alert to all your members so that they can take the necessary precaution to protect themselves against such crime.If you have any information relating to the above cases, please do not hesitate to contact
Police hotline at 1800 – 255 0000 or dial ‘999’ if urgent police assistance isrequired.

Yours faithfully,

SHERRIN CHUA
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT DIVISION
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

Crime Prevention - A Shared Responsibility

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua's New Year Msg on Video

2009-01-08T04:13:00.003+08:00

Hi folks,

On Aljunied GRC website you can see the latest New Year Message by Mrs Lim Hwee Hua
recorded on a videoclip.

Simply click on the link below to view.

http://www.aljuniedgrc.sg/videodetails.php?vid=18

Thanks William for highlighting to me.

unk Dicko

What they think the Dragon can do !!!

2009-01-07T23:04:00.002+08:00

For your amusement---this is what they believe the Dragon could do !!

Living as lil kids again

2009-01-06T00:35:00.003+08:00

We have finally made the move - tonight's Meet-the-People Session or MPS ended very successfully. There were a few minor hiccups but other than these, residents were attended to seamlessly and in fact got to enjoy the final two episodes of the Little Nonya.
You should have seen the adults touring the incredibly well decorated SPICE Centre at Block 125 - all marvelling and oogling at the miniature stuff.

Great to see such wonderful teamwork in action! Here we go, all ready to serve residents even better.

Little Nonya ... Reel vs Real !

2009-01-05T04:09:00.015+08:00

The poor organisers of the wonderful Hythe Road Year-end Party encountered an unexpected challenge to the cordial neighbourly exchanges and gorgeous food – the immensely popular Channel 8 serial “Little Nonya”.

We have cried along with her with each disaster, grown angry with each injustice and rejoiced at each triumph. There are many parallels to our current situation.

Challenges Overwhelming for Some

Like the main characters, we are expecting challenges in view of the global financial crisis and economic downturn, like smaller incomes for many households and even loss of jobs. Yet some others have lost money in investments.
We should not despair and lose heart. We should explore all ways of coping with a smaller income, a tighter budget, and see how we can tap on the various Government assistance schemes.

Bracing Ourselves and Adopting a Positive Attitude

Both Juxiang and Yue Niang have this never-say-die attitude which is commendable. Likewise, we can reflect on how we can shape our own employment patterns, see if we should acquire new skills or contemplate a change in career. Making adjustments is always tough but we can weather this downturn if we are mentally prepared.

Importance of Family Ties and Community Support

Throughout the show, there is plenty of evidence of family ties, for better or for worse. We see how parents rally around their children or even how the maid character Ah Tao stood loyally by Yue Niang.
During difficult times, it is crucial that family and community support is shown and felt. But the most important is emotional support which we must readily give.
The sun will shine again. In the mean time, assure residents that the Government will find the necessary resources to help all of us ride out this recession. Let’s stick together, reach out to those who may need help coping and emerge stronger as one people.

Let me thank you for your wonderful help and wish all of you a healthy and happy 2009.

LIM HWEE HUA ( Mrs )

2009-01-03T23:47:00.003+08:00

Dear GRLs and visitors/friends:
Starting January 2009, all photos taken by Passion Photographers for Events organized by The Serangoon will be uploaded into a NEW website. The name of the new website is: http://www.theserangoon.multiply.com/ (this is a easier name to remember !)
The old website (http://www.theserangoonpassion.multiply.com/) is still available for viewing. It contains more than 8800 photos from Events organized in January 2008 to December 2009.
The photos taken at the Edusave Scholarship and Edusave Merit Bursary Awards-2009 had been uploaded completely, in the new website as of Jan. 5, 2009 at 12:00 noon. Cheers !

He is the BEST in the world!

2009-01-02T17:46:00.004+08:00

Hi folks,

This is simply wonderful to watch and be entertained by. The performer, Terry Fator, is the Winner of American Idol Talent show last year.

He can impersonate the voices of celebrities both living and dead...and doing it with his mouth

practically closed. That's because he's an incredible ventriloquist.

In this clip, he makes a couple of impersonations, the last one is of ELVIS Presley. I must confess I thought ELVIS was actually singing! That Good. Yes, that Good! See for yourself...

The clip was sent to me by William Teo. Thanks!

Unk Dicko

Goodbye 2008, WELCOME 2009 !

2008-12-31T03:34:00.003+08:00

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and her team of GRLs extend their warm wishes to all residents of Kampong Serangoon and all visitors to this site for a .......

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW

YEAR

2009 !

The videoclip is by the original ABBA singing that special New Year Song.

Those of you who had watched the recent hit movie " Mama Mia !" would love this!

A MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!

2008-12-24T15:18:00.003+08:00

Mrs LIM HWEE HUA and her team of GRLS wish everyone in our KAMPONG and

all visitors to this site.......

A MERRY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS !

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua & team

New Maths !

2008-12-24T02:42:00.003+08:00

Hi folks,

I bet that no smooth tongue, sweet- talking salesman, lawyer, accountant etc...can outsmart

this barnyard couple !

Watch this hilarious clip and "improve"your Maths!

Unk Dicko

2008-12-22T22:40:00.003+08:00

Dear GRLs
Click on the link below to view the photos taken by Passion Photographers at the ZuPreem Parrots Gathering on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008
http://theserangoonpassion.multiply.com/photos/album/105/Zupreme_Parrots_Gathering_cum_Childrens_Colouring_Competition

Effective Communication ?..I wish all GRLs well !

2008-12-19T00:02:00.001+08:00

Hi folks.

I think you will enjoy this hilarious videoclip. Many of you would remember the days of Wang Sa and Ye Fong on our local TV. The much-loved duo brought a lot of joy and laughter into our homes back then. But this clip is not about them...though you can see some semblance.

If you are ok in understanding Chinese dialects...you may laugh your head off! That funny? Yes..that funny!

Unk Dicko

NATIONAL DAY Dinner 2008, part 2

2008-12-18T03:53:00.005+08:00

Some of the dedicated Community Leaders being presented with various Awards during the Dinner.

Mdm Hor Kum Yoke being singled out for a special, special Award !

NATIONAL DAY Dinner Aug 3rd 2008

2008-12-18T03:32:00.004+08:00

Photos from unk Dicko's collection.

Arrival of G O H Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and her husband Mr Andy Lim.

Performance item by the little ones from our Kindergartens

The main VIP table.

The Wedding Ring...incredible but TRUE!

2008-12-09T19:02:00.006+08:00

Hi folks,

This website of ours is intended for YOUR use, OUR use. Let's make this an ever-improving and interesting site with lots of ideas, pictures, news, articles, events, stories, humour and jokes shared by one and all.Do post anything of interest you would like to share.

This will not be a site for Complaints or negative feedback about anything ( There are other channels and proper avenues for such things ). Neither will this be an "officious " site for "officious type" reports and the like.We want this to be a LIVELY and ENGAGING site, and to do that, do source out or create your own interesting posts for sharing.

What can you blog about? Unending number of things actually! For example, share your knowledge about the history of your kampong. There are so many interesting things of the past about " Ang Sa Li " ( local term referring to Sg Gardens ). History about our kampong will make interesting reading!

Interesting corners, shops, parks, food, schools, buildings, families, business, sports..etc.
Your early involvement in community service under previous advisors, 60's,70's,80's etc..
The music scene past and present
The ambience of S Gardens past and present
Famous Crime cases in our kampong past and present
Well-known personalities living here past and present
Old stories from the early days of our kampong...Etc....etc....etc...

As I stated above, you can blog about anything sensible. Include music and video clips too. I have selected one for all of you. It is called the "Wedding Ring" finger. Rather than spoil your FUN explaining it here....just click "Play" and listen carefully and then TRY it.

It's Incredible but TRUE ! Please do one more thing...go to comment and make some comments about this.

Dick Yip

2008-12-09T17:41:00.002+08:00

Dear GRLs
Approval has been granted by Chairman of CCMC to create a Photo Gallery in The Serangoon. See photo above on the proposed site.
Passion Photographers will take the lead on this project in consultation with Mr. Wilson Low and Ms. Judy Foo. We will display photos/posters to highlight major Events organized by The Serangoon in this "high traffic" area.
We like to have your suggestions on how best we could develop this Photo Gallery. We hope you will be part of this project. Lets work together to make this a success.

2008-12-07T18:34:00.004+08:00

In conjunction with SPICE @ Serangoon Open House on Dec. 6, a Family Carvinal was held in Blk 125 Serangoon North Avenue 1.
Photos taken during the Event had been uploaded in http://www.theserangoonpassion.multiply.com/ .
You are invited to visit the website if you missed the Carvinal.

Pasar Oleh Oleh, Bintan

2008-12-07T01:03:00.008+08:00

Bintan Lagoon Resort where we spent 3 restful days with others from the Aljunied Town Council is truly a tropical paradise. It sits on more than 300 hectares of beautiful land overlooking the South China Sea. On Bintan island itself, it is located to the north, together with some other resorts. There is no major towns nearby. Tanjong Pinang, the largest town is situated far to the southwest of the island. Visitors from S'pore should take note that Bintan Island is about 3-4 times LARGER than S'pore itself.

So, with no major towns nearby for visitors staying at all the nearby resorts of Bintan Lagoon, a shopping and eating village was built to cater to them. How clever!

All of us were brought to this specially created village for tourists. Locals will never go there!

The name of this place?

Pasar Oleh Oleh
In their language it probably translates to....

Pasar = market

oleh = by

So put it together it reads" market by by".

Sounds more like " market BUY BUY ! "
Who knows, perhaps that may be the intention.

Because there is nothing else to do in Oleh Oleh

except to spend your money!

But no one is forced to buy anything. For example, when we were 1st driven there in the 2 buses, almost everyone made a beeline for Kg Lagoi which was just across the road opposite to Oleh Oleh. The shops here look too classy and so the prices are classy too, not surprising.

It was rather amusing to see so many people rushing into the only massage spa there to book their time. They did not have enough masseuse!

Daisie and I wanted to also relax with a Bintan massage. So we strolled to the Kintamani at Oleh Oleh which cost half the price charged at the Lagoi side. Haha. Same thing lah.

Helo Helo Restaurant was where we had our group lunch before departure on the 3rd day.

After having bought some batik shirts etc..we sat down to observe all that was going on around us.

SPICE @ Serangoon

2008-12-06T22:45:00.014+08:00

SPICE @ Serangoon held its Open House at its new (very impressive) premises in Block 125, Serangoon North Avenue 1 on Dec. 6, 2008.The GOH was our Advisor,
Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, who is also the Chairman of PCF Serangoon Branch.
Among the many parents who registered for their children was Mr. & Mrs. Victor Poo. They had booked a place for their one-year old baby boy. Indeed, it is not too early to register.

TRUE GRIT !

2008-12-06T03:10:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone !

This is the first time that I am doing a Blogpost. It is all very new to me but with my expert "Sifu" sitting beside me and showing me the way, somehow I have managed it.

I wanted something TRULY INSPIRATIONAL to share with all of you for my first blogging attempt.

The above video from Youtube was sent to me by my 'Sifu' and without a doubt, it is one of the most inspiring videos I've seen. I would like to share it with all of you.

If ever you feel you are disadvantaged, discouraged, sidelined and that the world is not on your side....you will feel differently, after you have watched this video.

Daisie

Aljunied MP dialogue with GRLs

2008-12-05T23:58:00.004+08:00

MPs of Aljunied GRC had a dialogue session with GRLs in the Eunos CC on Dec. 6, 2008. The presentation by Mr. Victor Lye and comments by the MPs were most enriching.
Photos taken during the event had been uploaded in the following website http://www.theserangoonpassion.multiply.com/

3 Dec 08 Fire At Lobby in Hougang Ave 1

2008-12-05T15:55:00.006+08:00

In my first posting, I wish to share with you my friends in life things will happen unexpectedly.

We must not adopt a mindset nothing will happen to me. In the event it happened, what do you do? Take a deep breath and remain calm.

On Wednesday 3 Dec 08 @11-55pm I was sleeping in my bedroom while my kids were watching the television. They heard the sound of the red rhino wailing past the main road, minutes later it came into my carpark. My son, Emil rush to the room to wake me up shouting fire, evacuate.

I look out of the window and the firemen were rushing to the lobby with their hoses. At this point I could smell something burning. My 3 kids and myself rush down from the 6th floor to the ground floor from another side staircase. We met another neighbour who suspect 2 youngsters they saw earlier might have thrown something on the items left there and fire lighted.

The fire was put out in 3 minutes and the wall and floor was covered with black soot and at

least 8 tiles cracked due to the heat. Shortly later, another fire appliance and police arrived.

I am glad my son Emil who is 9 yrs old is able to react quickly and get the family out of the flat.

He and his younger brother Elson witness the Emergency Prepareness Exercise at Blk 147

Serangoon North Ave 1 on 23 Nov 08. I was the Rescue Platoon Commander for the exercise which put out the fire, provide first aid and evacuated the victims. Then this fire happenened

to my own block lobby.

Residents should dispose their rubbish properly and not just leave it on the lobby.

Propose town council to install a CCTV at the lobby area and signage not to dispose items at

the lobby.

How to shoot Fireworks

2008-12-05T13:55:00.002+08:00

The beauty of Fireworks captured by Passion Photographers.

Photos taken by Passion Photographers for Events organized by The Serangoon are in the following website: www. theserangoonpassion.multiply.com

You are welcome to visit the website to see what you missed.

2008-12-05T13:12:00.001+08:00

Group photo of CCC members with our Advisor, Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua

2008-12-05T12:22:00.001+08:00

The Serangoon's Icon .........Our pride and beauty !

PCF Serangoon Graduation

2008-12-05T12:17:00.002+08:00

Our future leaders at the PCF Graduation held in The Serangoon MPH on Nov. 12, 2008

The Singapore Flyer

2008-12-05T12:11:00.003+08:00

More shots of the Singapore Flyer at Sunrise and Dawn !

Where to shoot the Singapore Flyer ?

2008-12-05T11:56:00.003+08:00

This photo was shot from the Marine Barage early in the morning at about 6:30 am.

Interested in photography ? Contact Passion Photographers at www.passionphotographers.com

2008-12-05T11:51:00.002+08:00

Happy faces captured by Passion Photographers during the New Citizens Ceremony held at The Serangoon MPH.

The Serangoon's New Citizens

2008-12-05T11:43:00.002+08:00

Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC New Citizens Ceremony was held on Nov. 21, 2008.

The photo on the left shows the additions to the Serangoon Family.

Lets join us to say "Singapore welcomes you......"

The Serangoon EP Day - Nov. 23, 2008

2008-12-05T11:29:00.002+08:00

The Serangoon Emergency Preparedness Day was held on Nov. 23, 2008. For those who missed this special Event, you may visit the following website: http://www.theserangoonpassion.multiply.com/ to view the photos shot by Passion Photographers...............we were there to cover the event for you !

Serangoon's hidden BEAUTIES exposed !

2008-12-04T21:16:00.014+08:00

Hello CCC members and aspiring blog authors ....it

took me less than 6 minutes to upload these " COLLECTOR'S PHOTOS" here.

I was just with you moments ago and now am blogging again.

It's really simple!

Let 'sifu' teach all of u.

Victor refused to be exposed...so he is still a big Mystery!

BTW, I have just ADDED the following as blog "Authors" for this site.

MRS Lim H H,

Daisie Yip

Benedict Koh

Claire Ng

Wilson Low

William Teo

Poon MW

using your known email that is with me.

You now need to respond to the invitation that u will receive in your email and then create a Google Account....as I explained earlier.

Then activate it.

Cheers!

'sifu D'

Night Fireflies River Adventure !

2008-12-02T21:28:00.007+08:00

After that lovely sunset Dinner at the Kelong Restaurant at Sebong Bay, everyone was excited about the next portion of the programme....The Fire Flies Trail ! This night tour departs at about 7.30 pm each night. There is only one tour for the night. Sometimes they refer to this as the Mangrove Discovery Night Tour.

We drove through some flat wastelands in the rustic countryside in pitch total darkness. Only the vehicles lights prevented us from entering ditches and potholes.

About 10 minutes of a zig-zagging, meandering ride brought us to the river's edge at Tanjong Uban. We alighted and climbed up a wooden stilt house that had wooden steps going down the other side to the waters' edge. Each of us was given a life jacket and we attached it securely. Then we clambered into the long double seater prahu managed by a boatman and a guide acting as bowman. There were no navigational night lights on the boat although the boatman held a kind of torchlight. Thus, we were moving across the waters in pitch darkness! The guide instructed the boatman to move closer to and along the fringe of the Mangrove swamp. Then...we saw the fire flies ! By the hundreds! Thousands even... if you could count!
Giving the branches a shake will make them glow even brighter as they are disturbed. They have the ability to flash on and off..the lights on their aabdomen.

It was truly a captivating night scene.

For me, I have seen fireflies before even in Singapore but not in such abundance!

All pics came from my camera. I think if you look closer you can actually see a firefly at the left side of this pic.

Our firefly guide standing up managed to catch quite a few for one Naturalist Scientist on my boat. I think her name begins with a C ! She was very proud of her specimens despite the guide telling her her joy will last for a day only.
Why? How come? Ask those who went for the answers.

How do fireflies produce light?
Fireflies produce light via a chemical reaction consisting of Luciferin (a substrate) combined with Luciferase (an enzyme), ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and oxygen. When these components are added, light is produced. McElroy (1951) described the reaction as:
There are several theories on how fireflies control the "on" and "off" of their photic organs. However, the exact mechanism(s) has yet to be worked out. The "Oxygen Control Theory" is based on the firefly turning on and off its light by controlling the oxygen supply to the photic organ for use in the chemical reaction. The "Neural Activation Theory" hypothesizes that fireflies have neural control of structures called "tracheal end cells" which, upon stimulation, may release a messenger molecule in the photic organ which initiates the activation of the chemical reaction. Regardless of how fireflies control the "on" and "off" of their bioluminescence, the production of light in the above manner is very efficient, with very little heat being given off as wasted energy. Imagine what would happen if the beetle got as warm as a light bulb!

Again, I was very surprised that my tiny camera has such powerful flash!

It made this very dark night swamp look like noon day!

Back on the stilt house again, I got those nearby for a group pic with our firefly guide.

Ah-so-deska! Now you can see the nature Scientist in green T and preciously holding her bottle of fireflies and also a leaf to feed them with.

A Gentle side of the Kelong.

2008-11-30T15:57:00.003+08:00

On the way out, after dinner was completed I chanced upon this cute little baby boy. He was in the arms of his doting mother on the right of the picture. And unk Dicko was trying to test out his baby talk expertise on this cute wee baby.

Along came two even more experienced, proven mums and they took over the "cooing and the baby so cute thing"...which attracted the attention of the babe's grandma.

So, unk Dicko got them all nicely framed for a nice and memorable picture.

Thank You for all the hardwork!

2008-11-30T03:28:00.005+08:00

Midway through the seafood dinner, Chairman Mdm Cynthia Phua went to each separate table to raise a toast to them. The loud "Yam Sengs" were as good as any I've ever heard being hollered.

Spirits were high as everyone seemed to be better bonded after the camaderie of the team building sessions and the many hours they spent discussing and planning for the future.

Wah...this one cannot lose ah!

Must yell even louder ok?

Ready, one , two three....!

Have u tried gong-gong ?

2008-11-29T01:49:00.005+08:00

For our Farewell Dinner on the 2nd night, we were all driven in a convoy of mpvs and vans to a Kelong Restaurant at Sebong Bay. It is built on stilts over the sea waters. On arrival, we could just about see the beautiful soft glow of the setting sun in the distant horizon. The shadows and inter-play of light between the darkening day and onset of night cast shimmering reflections on the gentle, rolling waves. I saw quite a few excited people whipping out their cameras to capture the picturesque scene.

In no time at all, staff of the kelong served up dish after dish of the most delectable sea food.

One of the first was a big serving of the sea-shell we call "gong-gong".You need either a tiny 2 pronged fork or a long toothpick to pull the edible portion out from the shell casing. Then? Then just dip it in chili sauce and pop it into your mouth lah! ATC Chairman, Cynthia Phua saw some doing that and cautioned that it may be wiser to remove the innards before eating it.
"Aiyoh! Too late lah, already swallowed the whole thing"...I heard someone saying.
No one asked what would happen if the innards are eaten.
I think nobody wanted to know.

Better not know..then can enjoy the food more.

Mr Naidu holding up a "gong-gong" for me to snap a photo.

Remember that song..by..?

2008-11-29T01:10:00.007+08:00

Texan doing a wonderful job on the mic. He sang a couple of Hokkien and Mandarin numbers which went down well with our beachcombers.

Jeffrey Chua, the friendly and likeable General Manager of the T C belting out a cool song from the 60's...supported by his staff.

Do you know something?

Staff always support and appreciate a "boss" who can sing or who makes an effort to join in even if he or she can't sing very well.

In this case, no problem...Jeffrey can sing quite well. He told me later, he was a former scout and scout leader.

No wonder!

In red shirt is Mr Seng Joo How, a Consultant with the ATC., another likeable chap.

Bar-B-Q Dinner by the sea, Bintan Style!

2008-11-28T02:49:00.010+08:00

All the official Town Councillors and staff of the Aljunied TC including the Chairman Cynthia Phua, had been working very hard throughout the day...almost right to Dinner time. So it was really good planning on the part of the organisers to have the night's dinner right on the beach at the sea front. Better still, it was to be a Bar B Q done by the resort's staff. The tables were laid out in style, with buntings fluttering in the night wind and lighted oil lamps around us.

Everyone soon settled down and dinner was a buffet spread of sea food and the stuff they grilled for us over the Bar B Q . There was a sound system playing loud unimaginable noises ( not music as far as unk Dicko is concerned. This is by the sea man! Music selections should be in sync with our sea setting. Right? Perhaps, some Hawaiian or calypso music would be the better choice.)

Did I say or think too fast?

Not too long after we started on our dinner, I heard my name being announced like this," And now we have the pleasure of inviting unk Dicko, from the Serangoon Gardens group,to entertain us with his baby Ukulele! " Alamak! Instead of relaxing, as I did in the day, now I had to sing for my supper! No choice, as I found the mic being thrusted into my hand. Huh, never mind I thought. At least I can now get the gibberish noises turned off. That's the 1st thing I did. The stillness was magic. I took the Mic and "entertained" the diners with some funny comments...that set the mood for what was to follow. I warmed all up with some catchy numbers.( Thanks Claire for holding the Mic for me! )

Since there were discernible groups of people sitting at different tables, I proposed that I will approach each table and they could request any song they like to sing. But first, I called out for Texan to join me as I knew he would be able to handle some of the Mandarin or Hokkien numbers...just in case! ( unk Dicko very smart huh?There were several such requests! I call this 'good forethought'.)

I went from table to table just like the "lang ting tang" man of days gone by, accompanied by my ever dependable faithful crooner, Texan.

He sang, I played.

I strummed, he sang.

Then we all joined in the merry singing with ever popular songs and all those favourites of yesteryears.

The Bar B Q resort staff, who had been serving us so well and splendidly, were enjoying the music by the sidelines too.

I decided to do a special number for them...Bengawan Solo, playing the ukulele in the kerocong style. I could see they were very happy as I dedicated the song to them. So, they too joined in the singing! What fun we had by the sea, under the stars of the night sky!

OBAMA's Favourite Town is...ALJUNIED !

2008-11-26T10:31:00.007+08:00

For all you folks who weren't there, I would not blame you if you are shocked by the title of this post. But it is true! At least from what I had personally seen and heard when all the teams conducted their presentations that day, backed up by their facts, findings and reasonings...all neatly summarised on huge charts and wall paper. One team even used a laptop!
See the photo...OBAMA and his soon to be famous 1st family raising their hands in agreement...YES, Aljunied IS OUR KIND OF TOWN!!! [ Mrs Michelle Obama to little Mallia: "Do you know where on earth this place is honey?"
Mallia: Nope! But I read nice things about them on their Blogsite. They are NICE people, mom!" ]
Photo:
Daisie and her team doing a fantastic job with their presentation masterpiece. Unk Dicko surprised everyone by singing, "What A Wonderful World" while strumming on his Ukulele, as the concluding portion of D2's presentation! You know what .."it was so WONDERFUL to have you singing that most appropriate song by Louis Armstrong!" so said team members. An exchange after that....
[ Next time can do for us again?
Sure, but next time got appearance charge fee, huh, don't forget! ]

Hey ATC folks, Unk Dicko suggests you all send these masterpieces, together with the others, to President- elect OBAMA at the White House...as a proactive friendly gesture.
Why would I suggest that?

Because as a newly elected President of the USA he needs to go on Goodwill visits and make good friends even firmer. And how could he not choose to drop over at Aljunied to see his favourite Town? Especially after learning how we have embraced him even in a far-flung corner of the world called Aljunied but conceived at Bintan. Logical? Por Fa Vor? Comprehende? Ah....ah so deska !

ps: Don't be surprised if Obama chance upon this blog, he just might hire Unk Dicko as a L O
for his SE ASIAN sphere of influence.

Beautiful Bintan

2008-11-25T22:45:00.005+08:00

On our arrival, we were ushered to the Orzo Restaurant, a special cosy place, for a late breakfast spread.

The food was really good and sumptious. And once the tummy was taken care of...it was time to get down to the business at hand., the seminar proper.

The Welcome address was held at the Manado Conference Room by Chairman ATC Mdm Cynthia Phua.

That was followed by Ice breaker activities carried out by staff of

aAvantage Consulting, the organisation engaged to do the team building programme. The official seminar programme then followed. Bintan time is 1 hour behind ours. As I was not involved in the seminar proper, I took my camera and went for a stroll around the huge grounds of the resort and ended up on the beach front. The scene before me was most inviting and captivated my heart. These were some of the images I snapped.

There were many deck chairs on the beach front. I dragged one under a shady Casuarina tree and laid down. With a steady breeze blowing gently and in the simmering heat of the early afternoon sun, I closed my eyes to enjoy this free of stress luxury of soaking in the sea, the sun and the sand.

Goodness old me!

I did not realise it. In less than 5 minutes I was sound asleep and when I awoke....3 hours had elapsed!

There were more people at the beach as I looked around.

I walked back to the main lunch area the Kopi O Restaurant. Most of the others had finished their lunch and were on the way back for Part 2 of the seminar. Me? I took a lunch of fruits...very healthy. They had a goodly spread.

Thus fully recharged, I decided to drop in on their seminar at the Manado Room.

I was curious what they were all up to when I went in.

All of them were seated on the floor with papers,scissors, glue , staplers, markers etc.

They were divided into teams for the challenge of doing a 6 minute presentation.

After watching D2's team and what they were doing, an instant idea hit me. I can add some spice for them.

To find out more, do read the next post.

Serangoon Adventure at BINTAN !

2008-11-25T12:43:00.008+08:00

The Aljunied Town Council organises a yearly Retreat for all their Town Councillors, staff and spouses at exotic "overseas" venues such as Batam (last year) and Bintan, this year.

10 councillors from Kampong Serangoon, plus yours truly (unk Dicko ) led by Chairman CCC Daisie Yip, joined the other adventures from the other component kampongs...nearly 2 busloads full.

Early that morning, our group met at Hougang street 21 Bus terminal where 2 private buses ferried us to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

I knew quite a few people from the other "kampongs" as I was with them at the Batam Retreat in 2007. Thus, it wasn't surprising that the very first thing that many of them asked me was," Hello unk Dicko ! Did you bring along your little BABY ? "

They were of course referring to my little UKULELE !

If I had said No, the smiles would have vanished.

Instead, I gently pulled out my ukulele and asked, " would you all like some sing a-long?"

Our busload of people were singing from Hougang to Changi, non-stop!

See...what a tiny little baby can do?

For those of you who would like to pick up ukulele playing...let me just say there is hardly any music school that offers such a thing, guitar yes..ukulele no.

So, in the world of the Ukulele...people such as myself are a rarity, especially in Kampong Singapore.

We boarded the ferry at Tanah Merah and settled down for the 1 hour journey to Bintan. Time was about 9 am plus.

Weather was perfect..a little hot.

On arrival, after clearing I and C at the Indonesian side, we arrived at Bintan Lagoon Resort where we were given a local, native WELCOME by this group of performers...with lots of kumpang drumming and other exotic musical items.

SMILE ! You're on Candid Camera !

2008-11-24T01:43:00.009+08:00

This is the continuation of the previous post. All photos are from the archives of Unk Dicko. If you like any of the pictures just go ahead to click on it and download it for your own reference. However, if any one wishes to use any photos or documents or any other material on this website for reproduction in any magazines, journals or newsletters, please remember to get permission from this website administrators...first.

Photo: Mr and Mrs Lim settling down for the movie. I was surprised my little, tiny Canon digital camera could work so well in the darkness of the cinema!

Before the movie started, Mrs Daisie Yip, Chairman CCC , went to the stage to address everyone. On behalf of all present, she thanked Mrs Lim Hwee Hua our MP, for her generosity for hosting this movie event for all of us. She had some kind words too for Mr Andy Lim who has always shown great support to many of the events in our constituency.

She added that events such as this will further promote the already close ties and bond among all the GRLs and their families.

Photo:

Our happy cinema-goers exiting the hall after the show.

Photo:

And now for the next event!

An obviously elated Mrs Lim walking towards me as I caught the action.

Sing to the Dawn..a treat by Mrs Lim H Hua !

2008-11-23T04:25:00.023+08:00

On 16th November 2008, our MP, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua did something rather special. She booked an entire theatre hall at Golden Village Cinema, Plaza Singapura and treated her Grassroot leaders, their spouses and families to a movie.

The movie was the animated film by Media Corps "Sing To The Dawn"based on the book written by Ho Minfong.
The screening was scheduled for about 3 pm. But our registration counter was already up and being manned by 1 pm.
I was there with Daisie and the others. All photos in this post come from yours truly ( unk Dicko ). I noticed there were a few others also with cameras snapping away.
If you would like to share those pics just send them to me as email attachments or in cd file. I will do the rest.
The better way is for those of you who have pics to learn how to upload the same by posting them here yourself.
I will be able to teach you how to do that as soon as the CCC or other committees invite me to do a short coaching session before your next meeting proper starts.

In that session, I will also teach you how you can be registered as a team blog member of this website and how to post articles and pictures, among other things.
Besides the entry ticket for the show, we were all given free Coke drinks and a large serving of popcorn. Not bad at all...it made me feel like a young kid again, like I was donkey years ago!
Mrs Lim was accompanied by hubby Mr Andy Lim.