Took my son to watch the play by SRT's junior arm - The Little Company. True to it's target audience, at least half the turnout were kids.
The play had a boring conversational beginning with the kids, Ruth and Raoul played by Stephen Whiley & Julie Wee bantering like typical kid siblings would.
The funny and at times witty lines were lost on the younger kids in the audience.
Enters Dr. MacCavity played by Judee Tan, came the gripping lighting and sound effects. The setting together with the very realistically uglifying make up of Dr. MacCavity had my son totally sucked in and within moments he panicked, trembled in fear and wanted to get out of the theatre!
No amount of hugging and soothing could convince him to stay in the act and soon i had to take him out so as not to disrupt the enjoyment of the other audience.
As we were leaving the theatre, he spat out the candy i had given him just moments ago to pacify him because Dr. MacCavity said she would take the rotten teeth of kids who ate candy. My son was COMPLETELY freaked out!
One usher was very kind and came up to me when i was at the foyer soothing my son. She told me I could go back in whenever he was ready to and take a seat further in the back so he would not be at such close proximity to the 'evil' MacCavity.
We finally went back in when MacCavity left the stage and enjoyed the following scenes where Ruth, Raoul and the tooth fairy got acquainted and ensued to leave for Fairyland.
The graceful while animated Fairy, played by Tiffany Wrightson, who obviously is a trained ballerina enchanted the kids. Erstwhile, Ruth and Raoul engaged the audience with interactive sessions where we had to help them with certain tasks by either clapping, shouting or following instructions.
The sequence of hip hop, rap style performance also got many tiny hands and feet clapping and stamping.
Despite having to leave the theatre on several occasions that Dr. MacCavity made her appearace, my son enjoyed the play and even agreed later on that MacCavity was no longer scary (she smiled at the ending cast intro).
As a mom of an overly engaged and sensitive toddler, I also appreciated the initiative of the ushers who were helpful in trying to pacify my frightened son and even pre-empted me about MacCavity's appearance at the audience floor so that I was able to avoid further traumatizing my frightened child.
The best part of this play? My boy is now highly cooperative about keeping his teeth clean so that Dr. MacCavity would not be able to visit him for his rotten tooth :)
I had lunch with a very inspiring character today. As I told him at the end of lunch, it was a lunch that not only filled my stomach but also my mind.
3 key takeaways for the day:
1. Living in the moment - cliche has it that we always say, "smell the roses", "enjoy the moment" etc but the reality is we are so constantly bombarded with everything coming our way in our everyday lives that we do tend to miss a lot of details. He taught me a simple way of actually doing that. By telling yourself - I am aware. Try it and you'll know what i mean. . 2. Time-lock strategy - often times, we are distracted and sometimes guilty. E.g. a working mom who is feels guilty about not being with the child because she has to work. Truth of the matter is, feeling that way doesn't accomplish anything. So by telling herself, "From 9am to 6pm today, I am going to clear my paper work, attend to my clients queries and complete my report. After I get home, I will spend time with my child and enjoy a story book together" This strategy gives her focus to complete her task at the given point of time.
3. Mould-ability - some people are hardened by the setbacks in life. I guess what people call cynicism. But think about it. By remaining soft and 'mould-able', it opens up opportunities to know that the world is really not that bad a place. People are not always out to get you. Remaining 'mould-able' or open minded means giving chances to others and yourself. 'Hard' people break easily.
At the advertising company Chapman and Howard, the staff have taken great pains to prepare for their traditional Christmas bash, and to ensure that they avoid any scandals similar to last year's which resulted in a visit from the police and the Managing Director's divorce! But when the drinks flow and the good times roll, the party lurches from one disaster to another.
Picture "The Office" meets "Love Actually" and you know you will be in for a rollercoaster ride of laughter, love and tears in this comedy which leads seven diverse characters - Bob the office buaya, Pippa the sarong party secretary, Lee the goodie two-shoes and a host of other crazy characters, through the minefield of office politics, petty differences, sexual harassment and hidden desires. And that's just another day at work!
Directed by Tracie Pang. Starring Wendy Kweh and Cynthia Lee Macquarrie.
Ticketing Details DATES: 27 November – 13 December 2009 TIMING: 8pm (Monday - Saturday), 4pm (Saturdays) PRICES: $58, $48 (Friday – Saturday, 8pm), $50, $40 (Monday – Thursday, 8pm & Saturday, 4pm) VENUE: DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT TICKETING: SISTIC at 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com.sg
Went to Quan Yifeng's blog today. First time I ever did that. Honestly, I had no idea before today that she blogs. In fact I still wonder if she actually blogs herself, or does she write stuff and get somebody else to put it up for her. OK, so I'm cynical, i guess she doesn't come across as a tech-y sorta person.
back to the point, she wrote a letter to herself on the blog regarding her recently finalized divorce. in my limited recognition of chinese characters, i managed to get the gist of the letter. it was apparently an amicable divorce.
touched. cos i think it is probably difficult to do that. in order for it to be amicable, both parties need to make it so.
around me are too many friends who either went through or are going through ugly, correction, UGLY divorce processes.
hence, my conclusion that it is not easy to achieve.
i am not a follower of paparazzi but i do read the news so with info gathered here and there, i came to the impression that Quan is not a lady to be trifled with, has a hot temperament and is not someone who minces her words, or actions.
so to know that she went about settling her divorce in a less than melodramatic way, is truly inspiring.
to some, this entry seem like pointless rambling. perhaps, it is. but what the hell, this IS my blog.
Miss Singapore Universe has stopped televising since 2008 due to financial reasons. According to an intimate source, the pageant was no longer able to churn out the moolahs hence the termination to broadcasting.
Nevertheless, the organizer, Derrol Stepenny Promotions aka DSP is still going strong with the pageant and producing girls for the international rounds. 2008 saw Shenise Wong being crowned and representing Singapore.
Coming towards 2009, DSP is once again calling for entries to the new MSU. Here's their publicity call message:
Miss Singapore Universe 2009 is calling out for the unique beauty and individual talent of the women in Singapore.
"BE THE ONE TO WEAR THE CROWN", The World's Most Prestigious Beauty pageant is here once again. Let us radiate great opportunities for contestants as well as the public to anticipate and step out from their routine life and to be the one to wear the crown!
The contestants of ages 18 to 27, Singaporean female and standing at minimum height of 1.65m , will unite to compete for a host of prizes and opportunity to be the role model for women in Singapore and hopefully for the world.
Be the one to wear the Crown! Send in your name to the road of fame. For more information, please email: dsp95@pacific.net.sg
So if you think you are the right kinda girl, or if you know anyone who fits the bill, email DSP now.
Saw this TODAY article on where to catch free films. OK, granted that they're not screening the latest films but hey, it sure sounds like fun!
MOTHER always said there is no such thing as a free lunch. Or a free movie, for that matter. Well, it shows what she knows. As every true-blue cheapskate will tell you, there is always a freebie round every corner. You just have to look hard enough. And given that the price of a weekend movie ticket now averages around $10.50, we at Today think there is certainly more than enough motivation to look very, extremely, incredibly hard.
To guide you along, we have provided you with our cheat ... erm, cheap sheet on free movies to help ease the rising cost of living, eye-bulging oil prices and that shrinking discretionary household income — no thanks to your recent purchase of a Chanel bag or that ridiculous mine-is-bigger-than-yours LCD flat screen television.
Sometimes, the best things in life are really free.
Asian Film Archive Collection at library@esplanade
WHO: For the Asian film geek or thesis-writing-student.
WHAT: An impressive collection of more than 100 Singapore film titles and 50 Asian films, including local award-winning film-makers such as Royston Tan, Tan Pin Pin, Boo Junfeng and Wee Li Lin, as well as famous South-east Asian film-makers such as Tan Chui Mui, Riri Riza and Thunska Pansittivorakul.
HOW: Trot over to the customer service counter and fill up a request form at least a day in advance. You can also email your preferred timing and movie of choice to epcl@nlb.gov.sg. These reference films must be viewed within the premises so, sorry, there will be no taking of films home. What do you think this is, Video EZY?
But hey, you actually get a comfy private viewing room for two. Think of how much canoodling ... erm, serious film-watching you can get done. Information on the catalogued films can be found at http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg or at www.asianfilmarchive.org.
USE THE $10.50 YOU JUST SAVED TO: Cross the road to Marina Square, dig deep in your pocket for that extra 10 cents and get fat on Carl’s Jr Super Star with Cheese combo and CrissCut Fries.
WHERE: library@esplanade, 8 Raffles Ave, #03-01. The Public Reference Library is open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed on public holidays.
Tuesday Benefit Screenings at House
WHO: For giggly groups of girls getting together or that boozy boys night out.
WHAT: Cheapskate movie buffs have been heading to Singapore’s only spa/restaurant/bar at Dempsey Hill for a while. There is a different theme each week, with the free movie screened every Tuesday night chosen by you. Yes, you. And you won’t be pressured to buy a drink at all.
From making you choose between Brazil or Blade Runner under the Sci Fi Lullaby theme, to showing quirky French numbers including Amelie and getting you In the Mood for Love for Wong Kar Wai, the atmosphere is always light-hearted fun.
To make things a little sweeter (or in this case, spicier) a free bag of curry popcorn is thrown in.
HOW: Why succumb to movie dictatorship? The next time you’re at House, just pick up an official house movie voting form and tick the movies you want to watch for the entire month. There are buckets around House you can cast your votes in, or you could just hand it to a passing waiter.
If you are truly too lazy to get off your free-loading tush, you can also tell them the movies you would like to see in the upcoming months by emailing votemovie@dempseyhouse.com.
You could also simply just turn up every Tuesday and watch whatever someone else has chosen. Beggars, or should we say cheapskates, can’t be choosers.
USE THE $10.50 YOU JUST SAVED TO: Either order the yummy Truffle Fries ($7) or the Sweet Potato Nibblets ($9). Better yet, throw in a few more dollars to get the party started with the Canchanchara ($17) — a little-known Cuban refresher of rum, lime, homegrown lemongrass and honey water.
WHERE: Wassily Room, House — The Social Benefits, 8D Dempsey Rd, Tuesday, 8.30pm.
Under the Banyan Tree: Open Air Cinema
WHO: For everyone and their grandmothers.
WHAT: On every last Friday and Saturday until the end of September, the National Museum of Singapore’s Cinematheque will be screening some of cinema’s most beloved movie classics under the stars, like the much-adored ’80s flicks The Goonies (Aug 29) and The NeverEnding Story (Aug 30), as well as timeless musicals including West Side Story (Sept 26) and The Sound of Music (Sept 27).
HOW: Pack a picnic basket, find a comfortable grassy patch and park the entire clan on a mat. With a cooler of iced drinks and a couple of battery-operated fans to keep the grumpy kids at bay, you’ll be all set.
For updates and enquiries, please call 6332 3659 / 6332 5642 or visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.
USE THE $10.50 YOU SAVED TO: Make that trip to the supermarket to splurge on extra nibbles for the picnic, like eight Mars bars. That will leave you with 10 cents to make a quick pitstop at a public loo.
WHERE: Stamford Garden, National Museum of Singapore.
Singapore Sun Festival at the botanic gardens
WHO: For the creative romantic (read: Dollar-challenged) trying to impress his date.
WHAT: Coming back for a second year after its inaugural start last year, this acclaimed arts and lifestyle festival will be celebrating the marriage of film, cuisine and wine under the stars with three entirely free outdoor screenings.
The chosen films will give you food for thought, such as Lee Ang’s excellent 1995 Oscar-nominated Eat Drink Man Woman (Oct 24), its Mexican-American remake Tortilla Soup (Oct 25) starring Hector Elizondo and Big Night (Oct 26) with Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci.
HOW: All it takes is a bottle of bubbly, a platter of cheese and crackers, strawberries, chocolates, a soft mat, warm blanket — and the inevitable kiss and cuddle is almost guaranteed.
For more information, visit www.singaporesunfestival.com.
USE THE $10.50 YOU JUST SAVED TO: Take her on another fun cheap date. Like bowling at Super Bowl Marina Square (that’s $8.60 for two) with shoe rental ($1) included.
Was at the MocCarnival held at the carpark in front of Kallang Leisure Park. Was most intrigued by the Professional Stunt demos and the K1 Go-Karting.
The demos that caught my eyes weren't the ones executed by the professional stunt drivers but was instead the 'Pocket-bike' riders. Believe it or not, the ages range between 4 to 9 years old.
3 of the 4 pocket bike riders at the demo
Video: Check out the Pocket Bike Riders
Lucas Chow, CEO of MediaCorp & Oon Jin Teik, CEO of Singapore Sports Council were also there to grace the event. The proceeds collected from the K1 Go-Karting circuit went directly to the charity beneficiary - Rainbow Centre.
Lucas Chow (in orange shirt) & Oon Jin Teik (in white shirt behind)
What was sad to note was that most people who went for the Go-Karting were reluctant to donate more than $5. This was overheard at the Go-Kart queue: ********** A: How much for the Go-Karting? Organizer: The minimum donation amount is $5 and all proceeds go directly to Rainbow Centre for charity. A: Do you have change for $10? Organizer: Sorry sir, because it's for charity, we do not give change. Perhaps you'd like to donate more to the charity? A: Har?! (turned around to person behind queue). You got change? Want to combine or not? **********
Seriously! If this person can afford the indulgence of Go-Karting, would it KILL him to just give $5 more for the sake of charity?!!
Got a media release about an upcoming play from Zebra Crossing Productions. It's showing only in Feb 2009 so look out for some upcoming sneaks that I'll be putting up as I cover the production leading towards it's performance.
A little bit about the cast:
Left to Right: Gerald Chew | Vernetta Lopez
Left to Right: Elizabeth Tan | Shane Mardjuki
Left to Right: Vadi PVSS | Timothy Nga
Performance starts from 7 - 22 Feb 2009 Drama Centre Theatre, Level 3, National Library
I was really pissed off when I saw this in the papers today. The recent spate of reports on child abuse made me wonder just why the fuck some people even bother to have kids.
granted that the two men in the photos who were guilty of abusing the pictured toddler and eventually killing her are assholes but the mother... why didn't the mother even do ANYTHING to stop it?
even a beast knows to protect their young from danger but this mother is incomparable to even a beast..
Took my son to watch the play by SRT's junior arm - The Little Company. True to it's target audience, at least half the turnout were kids.
