We did it!! Thank You

I said We because without your support my friends, I would not have won the best blog for the week. Thank You

I was contacted on collecting my prize, to go to the Esplanade & meet the NDP representative. We were taken to the seating gallery/ floating platform for this years's NDP 2007.

They took our pictures, Liyun (lucky voter) and myself with Aishah.










There were some rehearsals going on, dance & music filled the air, in the midst of workers finishing up the final touches.

Even though I did not managed to get tickets through the ballot, I was certainly happy to see the area soon to be in the centre of our National Day celebrations.

To all that had supported me, my heartfelt appreciation..goes to all of you.

You know who you are.

NDP 2007 - 3rd Blog Battle Entry Week 5

Blog Battle Topic for Week 5:
What is most unique to you about Singapore?






www.flagsofworld.com/worldflags/singapore.shtml

Singapore is ... So Singapore.

Typical? No.
Ordinary? Far from it.
Exceptional? I like to think so.

Only true Singaporeans will smile and laugh while reading this entry of mine this time round. Read on fellow Singaporeans.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanda_Miss_Joaquim





National Day is coming closer by the day. Soon the whole nation will celebrate its independence. What's so unique about it you may ask. Scroll down further to find the answers.

Singapore officially gained sovereignty on 9 August 1965. Mr Yusof Ishak was sworn in as the first President of Singapore and Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our Prime Minister.

This fledgling nation had to be self-sufficient, and faced problems like mass unemployment, housing shortages, and a dearth of land and natural resources. During Mr Lee Kuan Yew's term as prime minister from 1959 to 1990, his administration curbed widespread unemployment, raised the standard of living, and implemented a large-scale public housing programme. The country's economic infrastructure was developed, the threat of racial tension was curbed, and an independent national defence system, centering around compulsory male military service, was created.

All the above is not what I want to lament about.

Its the manner that we celebrate 9th August each & every year.

On a grand scale each year, the Singapore Combat Engineers organise the NDP, and may I say its execution is not an easy task. They put on display our achievements and accomplishments to fellow Singaporeans and the world. This year will be no mean feat as this year's celebrations will be on a floating platform. A first in this region.







www.ndp.org.sg/index.php?id=1

However, sadly, to some Singaporeans, this annual display have become too routine, monotonous. They described it as a ritual of some sort.

In a National Education project done by Raffles Institution students last year, revealed astonishing results. Armed with recording devices, these students went around Singapore asking citizens on how they felt with the approaching NDP, would they come & watch the parade and after a few days, how they celebrated National Day.

For some who got tickets to the stadium, only came to get the goodie bags, or even worst, sell it on eBay for a few hundred dollars. Shame on them, I say.

Some don't even bother with NDP, why should I bother? Its the same old routine, singing of the anthem, pledge & march past. Even the jets flying by, does the same routine. So boring!! They would rather do something else!

Some just treat 9th August as another chance to go across the causeway and have a short holiday.

All the above are evidence in our uniquely So Singapore behaviour.

But not all of us behave this way, hopefully. For the most of us, it is a time to reflect on our forefathers and their struggles to make Singapore what it is today.
It is a time to come together, to renew our vows for the country, to accept the challenges for the future and to hope for a better world.

I am very proud to be a Singaporean, to raise my family here, to see them grow and prosper. Singaporeans, hold your head up high this 9th August, sing Majulah Singapura to your heart's content, be it at Marina Bay or at home beside your plasma TV, shed a tear if it touches your heart. Be proud fellow Singaporeans, I say. Nothing in this world is as unique as Singapore and its people.




www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/.../
01jul01_photos.html


Celebrate it as it deem fit, with much respect, honour and humility. Celebrate it in your heart. Say gratitude to God, for all the blessings He has bestowed, upon this little island that we call home.

Its people and the way we celebrate our independence, thats what so unique to me.

A place I'd rather be. So uniquely Singapore!

Rosita

Fully recovered

I am glad to say I have fully recovered from my tonsil surgery that I underwent on the 1st June 2007. No more pain so extreme that tears just flow. Able to eat normally now compared to just porridge and mash up digestive biscuits with warm milk. Swallowing was too hard as my tongue was swollen.

I am truly grateful to my mother-in-law who chose to look after me even though both my husband and myself told her not to. I still did all the cooking for the family everyday while in pain. I could just look and smell those glorious food I prepared but could not consume them. This is much more harder than fasting. I love her, my mom in law, she helped with all the chores even though she herself have pains here and there. Being 71, old age gets to her I guess.

Mom in law, Rasiah or affectionately known as Wan by grandchildren. This photo was taken last year during the wedding of one of her grandchildren in KL. Thats the groom on her right.

NDP 2007-My 2nd Blog Battle Entry Week 4

Blog Battle Topic for Week 4:
Name a location where you think shows both Singapore's past and future and why?






tomorrow.sg/archives/2005/04/28

The idea for this particular destination was initially mooted in 1988. It was to be a museum to highlight the history of the SAF. This idea later then evolved to be a platform for Singaporeans to think about their past, and to help them prepare for the challenges of the future.

It was officially opened by the then, President Ong Teng Cheong on 23 November 1996.

With a unique triangular roof structure and supporting rectangular buildings and located on the grounds of SAFTI Military Institute, this place exudes the kind of charisma & mystery.

My family had the honour of being among the first few to visit this place in 1996.

Read on fellow Singaporeans, if you have never been to this place, maybe what I write will entice you to go.

A museum? An art gallery? A science centre? What is this place?

Not quite. Welcome to the Singapore Discovery Centre.







www.sdc.com.sg/


http://www.spoon.com.sg/clients/sdc/test/location.html








Its main objective has been to promote the Singapore Story through entertainment and interactive activities. With the redevelopment, the Centre embarks on a new journey as a world-class edutainment attraction for Singaporeans and overseas visitors alike.


http://www.spoon.com.sg/clients/sdc/test/index.html#

I had been to the Centre twice, first time was in 1996. My daughter, Nuraina was 4 and my son, Sulaiman was just 3. We had an enjoyable time there. There was a lot of details about Singapore's past that I came to know and appreciate. As my children were too young to fully understand the exhibits, both my husband and myself decided to come again when they were much older.


http://www.spoon.com.sg/clients/sdc/test/index.html#

We came for a second visit after its $25 million makeover. My goodness...the place has indeed changed. I could see more high-tech interactive exhibits designed to acknowledge the challenges and celebrate the dreams of Singapore and every Singaporean. With the new look and feel, the new S'pore Discovery Centre (SDC) provide the macro view of the Singapore Story and identity, with a focus on the challenging issues that continue to shape us as a nation.


http://www.spoon.com.sg/clients/sdc/test/index.html#

With 5 main galleries around 8 different themes, and a floor area of 4,500 square metres, my children did not get tired. They were too busy going through each exhibits and experience.

One of its many highlights is the world's first and largest team-based interactive "design studio". Regarded as the jewel piece of S'pore Discovery Centre, the Visionarium is a gigantic globe and has a 360-degree wrap around screen inside. In each session, up to 120 people can make creative choices to turn Singapore into one of the best cities in the world to live, work and play in. The final design is presented on the wrap around screen.

In Gateway: This exhibit uses 3 elements - Fire, Earth and Wind to present Singapore's history in a provocative, edgy and raw fashion.It introduces key milestone events that shaped Singapore on the road to nationhood.

In So Singapore Theatre: What makes Singapore 'So Singapore'? How often do you get to see the Merlion rapping and singing away about Singapore and the many little things we often take for granted as So Singapore.

In On Location Reporter: We experienced the thrill of broadcast journalism. On location reporter took us on a journey through Singapore's historic moments like the National Service call-up, the beginnings of the Housing Development Board (HDB), the launch of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and so on.

In Security Pavilion: My family understood why Singapore cannot take security for granted. A key highlight is the Crisis Simulation theatre. A bomb explodes at a MRT Station. Could this happen here? Will you let this happen? And what can we do to prevent it?

In Unity Pavilion: My children truly enjoyed the quiz trivia show, insightful nuggets and hands-on games. This exhibit allowed us to appreciate and celebrate the diverse cultures and the common way of life that shape Singapore's distinctive identity as a country.

My family was able to immerse ourselves in Singapore's past, present and future, travelling though time to key moments in our nationhood and experiencing them "as they happen". Best of all my children enjoyed talking to George, the robot.









rmbr.nus.edu.sg/roundtable/sdc.html

On why I chose this location? A lot can be learned from this place, its interactiveness, its experiences, its lessons...to name a few, just left me in awe. I guarantee you that your whole family will not get bored.

I truly believe to get to the future, we must acknowledge the past, be it the mistakes or the success. Only then, we can make a better Singapore for us to live in, in the future, for our children's children.

The Singapore Discovery Centre, a truly deserving destination to hear our past, see the present and touch the future. I rest my case.

Rosita Lea

Look closely

Can the fox find them?








Can you find the passion within?

What thrills me......

To feel needed is a priviledge;
To be loved is a thrill.








The love of my life




Aishah at age 4 playing by the beach






Aina at Sentosa Beach












Wan & Aishah







Let's shout!!!










Sulaiman with Nazrul & Sufieyan






Kids Central Generation 69 with Kimberley









Tasha & Aishah





Yasmeen & Aishah






Shahid & Aishah






Great smile Sulaiman!







Abah & Sulaiman moved by the waves at Changi Beach





My Mom & Aishah

Words of Wisdom

I would like to share something with you. Its not much but it has left a deep impact on how I live my life. Its in Malay and I will translate it into English.


Berpesan-pesanlah kepada Kebenaran & Kesabaran

1) Ibu dari segala Ubat adalah Sedikit Makan
2) Ibu dari segala Adab adalah Sedikit Bercakap
3) Ibu dari segala Ibadat adalah Takut Buat Dosa
4) Ibu dari segala Cita-cita adalah Sabar






Which means....

Continue to show others of Truths & Patience

1) Mother of all Cures is consuming less food than more.
2) Mother of all Manners & Etiquette is talk only when you need to.
3) Mother of all Good Deeds is afraid of committing sins.
4) Mother of all Ambitions or Aspirations is the ability to be patient.

My Kids - My Life

I am truly blessed.... God has given to me 3 wonderful and lovely individuals as my own. It is such a wonder when I look around me, these 3 lovely kids just keep me on my toes, literally.















The picture above was taken on my son Sulaiman's 12th birthday. The cake in front of him was baked by me....it was a chocolate fudge cake...mmm yummy!! He attends St Joseph's Institution and in class 102. Beside him is Nuraina who is 14 this year, a Sec 2 student from West Spring Sec School. Siti Aishah, my cutie will be 6 this year. She just cannot wait to be in P1 in 2008.















This was taken during Hari Raya 2006. Look how sweet they are in this picture. Don't let that fool you...they are always quarelling with one another. Kids will always be kids what. My babies...mmuackks!!

NDP 2007 - My 1st Blog Battle Entry

Blog Battle Topic for Week 3:
Where would qualify as Singapore's landmark?



I look at my daughter, Siti Aishah (picture) and I tell myself that she represents the future, and I have an idea where would qualify as a Singapore landmark.

I am 37 years old and a mother of 3. Almost gone through half of my life, knowing all the landmarks Singapore has to offer. Before telling you the landmark I have in mind, let's go through some well-known ones.

From the air, where tourists to Singapore would be greeted by the Changi Airport Control Tower or the 'Golf Ball on a Tee' as I called it,


Image taken from www.sg/explore/gallery_transport.htm







to the majestic Merlion, standing tall at Sentosa and the Singapore River.

Image taken from sassyjan.blogspot.com/2005/02






On land standing proudly not moving an inch is the prestine statue of who else, but our own Sir Stamford Raffles. Gosh! we even have him in black and another in white.

Image taken from www.merlioncity.com/cabtan/fast_facts.html

Image taken from www.kelvinbaggs.com/travel/tvl_photo.php?TVL_ID=5


Some may argue its the food paradise that we have.


Image taken from www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_11_04.html


Image taken from www.sbestfood.com/xiangxiang.htm





Just like in Dick's Lee song and musical, 'Fried Rice Paradise' where not only fried rice was mentioned but a mixture of a variety of food, yes, food and more food galore await us in Newton Circus or in our neighbourhood food centres.


Orchard Road offers endless shopping to tourist, with the Great Singapore Sale luring so many to it.


Image taken from www.singaporepackage.com/sightseeingtour.htm

Image taken from designforlife.com.sg/links.html

Our Singapore Zoological Gardens is a gem and our Night Safari, the first of its kind in the world.


Image taken from www.sbestfood.com/Wallpaper/esplanade1.html

Some may even consider the Esplanade a.k.a 'The Giant Durians'. Trust Singaporeans to associate everything with food. Our Theatre by the Bay exudes charisma and class.

All the above is what we are used to but I am going to stray away from the norm. I believe most Singaporeans would say one of the above. I am looking at the future, a very close future. Please read further and you will agree why I chose this to be a landmark worth considering.

The following images was taken from:

getforme.com/.../080306_landmarkbridgeatmarinabaytobereadyin2009.htm


















When Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, announced on the 6th Mar 2006, the building of a landmark bridge at Marina Bay, I was awed. Such vision and commitment I saw in this bridge. The design made to look like a DNA structure, the basic building block of life, symbolises “life and continuity”, “renewal”, “everlasting abundance” and “growth”, reflecting our aspirations for Marina Bay.









The pedestrian bridge set to be an urban icon and destination for visitors to Marina Bay, with its sculptural double-helix structure, a world’s first in architecture and engineering design, is an artwork in itself.

Besides being structurally innovative, the bridge together with the art park at Marina Bay offers a memorable crossing experience for pedestrians, and can be a focal point for the community. It will be functional yet aesthetic, linking up attractions like the upcoming Integrated Resort, Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay and existing destinations like the Esplanade and Marina Centre.




I truly feel that once completed, it will live up its expectation to be another unique attraction in Singapore. It will be a distinctive and delightful icon that Singapore can be proud of.

It is targeted for completion around 2009, a mere 2 years away. At a construction cost of SGD$68 million, its aptly to be known as a landmark for Singapore.




Visitors can take in the views of the city skyline and waterfront or watch events happening within the Bay from the bridge’s viewing platforms (‘pods’). Four of the pods will extend out over the water and include glass openings in the floor to provide visual connection to the water below. With the F1 race set to grace our shores, these pods would be a good venue to watch the race from.




At night, the bridge will be illuminated by a series of lights that will enhance the double-helix design and visitors’ experience. These lights can be programmed with different colours and effects to set the mood for various festivals and events


















This magnificent structure will certainly boost Singapore's skyline and garden city's image. I will wait in anticipation to its completion and have my whole family walking along its corridors, breathing in the cool sea breeze while taking in whatever that's going on around us.

A splendour magnifique.

Rosita