Mar
22
2009
suzanne-jung
A quick response to a query I received on my blog…
Somebody asked me about the origins of the Chingay Parade which I promised to include in my next blog… so here it is. I had to look it up myself online and from various official sources because most of the people around – native Singaporeans – were not too sure either how it came about. It’s quite interesting really why Chingay was introduced in Singapore years back and I think understanding the origins of it can help us appreciate the event better.
Anyway, the word Chingay means “the art of masquerade”. It’s a Hokkien word. It has its humble beginnings in Penang, Malaysia actually (and I thought it was celebrated in China!) and it was introduced to Singapore in 1973 to add noise and vibrancy to a relatively quiet island then. Singapore had banned firecrackers as a result of a fatal accident once, so the government decided to bring back cheer and joy to the people via Chingay - a very colourful and energetic event.
Well, today, it’s Asia’ biggest street parade and is watched by over a million people each year.
Where are some of best places to watch the parade?
1. Esplanade/Merlion
You get a good view of what’s happening on the streets AND the beautiful fireworks at night. But the challenge is to find a good spot. Lots of people crowd around here as they know it provides one of the best views to enjoy the night skyline too.
2. Swissotel/ The Sail
This is the place to be if you want to get that much closer to the colouful spectacle display up in the night sky. Watching the fireworks from the top floors of the Sail must be surreal… Not been there myself but heard it’s amazing. If you work in the Shenton Way area and have a good view from where your office is… you’re in luck too.
3. Singapore Cricket Club
Another good place to enjoy the parade for free. Easy access since it’s near the MRT station.
So, now we know. Until the next parade then…
Mar
18
2009
suzanne-jung
Sometimes I shudder at the kind of music produced today.
A few times, I have listened to the radio and gone, “Hey, that’s a nice catchy tune!” and you’ll hear me humming along until I finally Google the lyrics and get a rude shock. ( Have you had such an experience?)
Often, I come across lyrics that do not make sense or are just … well, trashy. Is it because people do not pay much attention to lyrics these days? Is music now merely a background soundtrack in our lives thanks to the iPod?
Thus, it was such a refreshing change when two-time Grammy Award-winner George Duke came along on Primetime Morning recently.
He agrees that music can do more than just entertain and that there is definitely more to it than just your “bling bling” and “booty calls” as he puts it. Just a quick listen to his songs will attest to that. There is plenty of melody, relevance and meaning in his lyrics. His passion in music evidently lies in making a statement with every piece.
Duke: “I think it’s important we talk about the issues of the day. I think that’s one of the most important things a musician can do. Musicians are the link — that spiritual wireless medium — that can touch people in a place that words can’t. Whether we speak the same language or not, the language of music works. “”I think it’s important for the artiste to take a stand on certain subjects. To write about Sudan was an important thing for me because I think it’s a tragic situation.”
Having said that, I do not want to overlook the value of lighthearted, easy listening music which is nice to listen to on a lazy Sunday afternoon, or fun and fast tunes that double up perfectly as workout music, giving you that extra boost an energy drink cannot.I like all kinds of music as long as it has good rhythm and harmless lyrics, although I admit I listen to pop most of the time.
But when music like George Duke’s comes along, I cannot help but feel we sometimes forget there is so much incredible music in our world we should be listening to and appreciating — music that is truly deserving of our attention, time and money.
Don’t you agree?
