When I first read about Susan Boyle’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent… the first thing I did was google her name and watch the clip on youtube. I didn’t cry like many others did but I did feel a surge of emotion overwhelm me as I watched the clip. I had no idea who Susan Boyle was but I felt so so proud of her at the end of the clip. Amanda said it right… this is a giant “wake-up call” for all of us.

You see ( in case you haven’t watched the clip)… most probably didn’t think much of her when she introduced herself… a frumpy middle-aged woman who describes herself as unemployed, living alone with her cat and never been kissed. When she took to the stage, the judges and the audience snickered and rolled their eyes… laughing at her wish that she wanted to become a famous singer. She was nothing more but a subject of ridicule in the beginning and everyone was prepared, or even looking forward to seeing her fall.

But she is sooooo~ not! And I’m so happy and proud of what she has done and how she proved herself. I mean, her story really teaches us something doesn’t it?

I loved how she carried herself on that stage… with her own brand of confidence, a little wry of humour and her poise and gutsiness. Oh, and did you catch that quick moment where she allowed herself a discreet celebration upon hearing the 3 ‘yes’es? Cute I say.

We live in a superficial age in modern societies. “First impression counts” we’re always told.

It’s true… image, style and persona will always matter, but ultimately it’s talent and substance that counts. And that’s the lesson Susan is teaching us.

We should look beyond a woman’s appearance and see what’s she’s really inside – her character, intelligence and heart. It’s time we give recognition to those who resist rather than conform to the beauty ideal.

This article was to be published in Weekend Today but we forgot there’s no print this weekend cuz it’s a long weekend holiday – Good Friday!! So, I thought instead of it going to waste, I’ll post it up here. Enjoy

David Archuleta’s visit creates buzz

Singapore fans hold a special place in the heart of this American Idol star

By Suzanne Jung & Nooraza Ismail

There’s always a little more buzz and excitement to our daily grind here at Primetime Morning when it comes to interviews with celebrities.

So when word got out that American Idol star David Archuleta was making his way to Caldecott Hill for a TV interview, a steady stream of colleagues whom we wouldn’t have suspected were fans, ‘fessed up their adoration for the 18-year-old singer.

“So when is he coming? I got my camera ready and set to go. Can I also get his autograph for myself and my nieces? ” said a video editor, as she earnestly reminded us to include her in our afternoon date with David.

With celebrities, it’s never a guarantee that an impromptu photo opportunity is a sure thing, once the formal interview is over.

That’s because these stars bring with them their entourage of “minders” (read: publicist, manager, bodyguard, record promoter, sometimes parents) who sometimes take it upon themselves to decide that impromptu photo-taking sessions with the stars are a no-no as it takes too much time out of their hectic media schedule.

Well, David and his minders weren’t like that.

The minders didn’t mind the fans’ requests and neither did David.  After we’d completed our interview with him, he stepped out of our studio into a crowd of fans who wanted nothing more than to meet him and pose for pictures with him, and this he agreed to graciously.

David’s graciousness aside, we found our hands full getting cameras and props all set up in our studio, before our interview with him.

Viewers seldom get to see what goes on behind the scenes of our morning show but what we can tell you is that half the fun (and hard work) of producing something for television is in the preparation.

In the one, single hour we had to set up, studio and camera crews worked quickly to get the backdrop, props, camera angles and lighting just right, but this they did and when David walked in, the cameras were ready to roll.

At eighteen, David has an air of innocence about him that adds to his cute factor.  He struck us as someone who’s happy and content with where he is today.

Ask him about his fans and he beams with pleasure, often breaking out in giggles as he recalls how wild they can get.

Singapore fans, by the way, have a special place in his heart.

“What’s so funny is that during American Idol, Singapore was one of the places I got the most fan letters from. It was just crazy! It’s great!”

 psss… David thinks Kris Allen stands out from the current season of American Idol. Do you have a favourite too?

Women who go out of their way and touch the lives of others are truly deserving of recognition.

I am amazed when I read about women who despite struggling with their own challenges still make it their personal commitment to help others. Take for example, Molly, the 2008 winner of the Singapore Woman Award., given out by MediaCorp.  She was suffering from ovarian cancer but despite her own painful struggle, she reached out to young victims of cancer and dedicated her time to them.  Molly died last year but she lives on in the hearts of all those she’s touched.

Now, that’s what I consider a starting point of any journey towards making our society a better place to live in.

Whether it’s the volunteer who devotes her in time in healing others or the campaigner who makes a real difference to her community, the achievements of such women are made all the more precious simply because, in most cases, they’ve been made in the face of adversity and hardship.

I often think about what it takes to build that inner strength, the courage that keeps these women going no matter how high the obstacles, and how I can learn that secret too.  It’s something I’ve thought about for quite some time now.  The only conclusion I can come to, is that you can do two things – lie down and give up, or work up to the challenge and in the journey, discover what you can do.

There is a nation-wide search now looking for ordinary women who have done extraordinary things  through its Singapore Woman Award 2009.  These are women who often, don’t set out to do great things but do them anyway because they felt they had to.   These women serve as great role models to all of us and most importantly, show us that we too are capable of extraordinary things.

But don’t be mistaken… to be extraordinary doesn’t always have to mean you’ve got to do things on a large scale.

It doesn’t have to be about how many lives you’ve touched.

Let’s not forget the mother who cares selflessly for her child or the teacher who inspires her students and forever touches their lives. Whether it’s one or a hundred, these women have been extraordinary and they too deserve our salute.

Remember, every life has a story.

And there’s a hero in every one of our stories.

For me, it’s my mother. For you, it could be your sister, friend, teacher or colleague.

If you feel they should be recognized, do share because the stories deserve to be heard.

And by doing so, as Laura Hwang, our recent guest on Primetime Morning and one of the judges for the Singapore Woman Award puts it, “You’ve already made them a winner.“

Do you know someone you want to nominate for Channel NewsAsia’s Singapore Woman Award? Log on to www.channelnewsasia.com/singaporewoman

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…

Thanks so much for checking back here with me and leaving comments

I love the inquisitive ones, so yea, if you have any questions, I’ll try my best to answer them.

I’ve gotten quite a few on Chingay so while I promise to reply to that soon, I thought I’d write a quick note (before my internet time runs out here at the hotel) to say I’m MIA for now cuz I’m in Europe.

My maiden trip to London, Paris and Barcelona! Can you believe it? After all these years, I finally get to see these cities. It’s been quite an experience and will perhaps upload photos or write a thing or two about each cities soon.

So will write soon, in the meantime, take care! (The cold weather here finally caught up with me and my running nose and sore throat prevents me from eating some local delights here… my luck~… oh wells…)

So it proved to be quite a sight. Wonderland was the theme and they sure did put up a great show to get that feel across to everyone who was there.

I promised in my previous entry to post some photos from the event. No, I didn’t take them… I wish I did but my photography skills are nowhere near this. I joined the photography club in college and even attended lectures on it… but I’ve yet to understand it.

Just look at the colours on display that night… and amazing isn’t it? the images are so sharp! Great photography skills! I really should get a tip or two. hehe

Enjoy!

In these challenging times, Singaporeans and especially the younger generation, should take this opportunity to look at our own homeland and see what it has to offer. Singaporeans love to travel, and whenever we go overseas we often try to time it such that we are able to witness the distinct festivities of that country. We always hear about the famous Mardi Gras of Brazil, or La Tomatina of Spain, but it may surprise us that the Chingay parade, held right here in our own backyard is equally famous and it attracts not just the locals, but many tourists who have the fortune to be in town during the Lunar New Year.

I had the chance to learn more about the parade as I interviewed three guests including Eileen Tan from People’s Association. What was surprising to me was that despite the Chingay parade being held over the Chinese or Lunar New Year, it is not just a celebration of Chinese culture but much like Singapore, the parade has grown to be infused with the flavours of every ethnic group which have all been welcomed to join in the festivities. The Japanese Association of Singapore for one has been a regular participant for the past seven years, and this year Chingay 2009 also proudly invited troupes from all over Asia including India, Philippines, Thailand and Korea.

Even the history of how this parade originated is not common knowledge, as I learnt when I quizzed my local friends. The word Chingay is actually a hokkien dialect meaning “the art of masquerade”. This tradition actually has its humble beginnings in Penang, Malyasia.

Chingay was introduced in Singapore in 1973 partly because of a ban on firecrackers (being a fire hazard) and since then has grown into a parade that not only adds gaiety and excitement during the Lunar New Year period but also truly turns our streets into a Wonderland as this year’s theme suggests.  With a total of over 4,000 performers and 13 floats, this year’s parade promises to top all those before it. In fact, you’re being invited to Asia’s grandest street and floats parade this year.

The Chingay parade took place along the stretch from City Hall to Raffles Avenue over the weekend, and when I have time, i’ll try to post some snapshots taken at the parade

Koreans celebrate Lunar New Year too… it’s very similar to the tradition that the Chinese follow here in Singapore but yet different in its unique ways. Well, since my colleagues and some of you here have been asking about the Korean way, I thought I might as well do a short write about it and provide a peak into what goes on to those who are interested.

Lunar New Year in South Korea is called ‘Seol’ and it’s one of my favorite time of the year. Why? It’s one those rare times when you find Seoul quite empty!!! Everyone goes back to his/her hometown to be reunited with family and relatives. Those who’ve been to Seoul will know how mad traffic can get there. So it’s quite a refreshing change to see Seoul in its relaxed and laid back mode Having said that, to those who plan to vacation in Korea, please avoid this period. Most shops are closed …

Back to tradition… spring cleaning takes place as well in Korea the week before the big day. And on LNY’s day itself, you’re supposed to wear the hanbok – the traditional Korean costume. I say ’supposed’ because not many practise that today since it’s not the most convenient wear. A pity…

An important event that takes place in the morning of LNY is performing an ancestor-memorial ritual “Chesa”, that is paying respects to their ancestor. And for this, you have to set up an altar with chesa food. Mind you, there is a specific order in which the food items should be placed and you mustn’t get this wrong.

On the left – Meat. On the right – Rice Drink
East : Head. West: Tail
East: Red color. West: White color.

If you ever see a table setting of such, you’ll always find that a bowl of red dates are placed at the top left hand corner of the altar table. Why? Dates represent the King and have only one seed. ( i honestly don’t really get this but that’s the official explanation… ha~)

After the food and altar’s ready, the whole family gathers in front of it and takes turn to bow to pay respects. The senior elders will lead the way and then the younger ones. After each bow, a drink of Korean traditional wine is served on the altar table. A symbolic gesture to say ” Please eat and drink what we’ve prepared for you.” Everybody gets his turn here. After this ritual, the young ones are expected to turn to their parents and grandparents and do the same bow and wish them Happy New Year.

The bow is a very important aspect of the Korean tradition. There’s a technique to bowing and it’s different for boys and girls, males and females. It’s a full body bow and this bow is sometimes so deep your forehead touches the floor. It’s to show utmost respect to your elders. After the bow, the elders will give us angpows… except in Korea, they either give it in a envelope or hand over cash like that without concealing it in an envelope etc… so everybody knows who’s getting how much;p

The rest of the day is then either spending time with the family or visiting your ancestor’s grave… and that’s pretty much the agenda for the day. I have to say though, mothers have it tough during this period. Still a very conservative and traditional Korea, women are expected to prepare all the food (for the altar and the family) and it’s a full day’s job. This is one time when I see all my aunties and my mother and my grandmother crowding the kitchen trying to make enough food for everybody. It’s almost like a mini restaurant kitchen and I get amazed at how efficient they are and how they divide the work among themselves. Of course, sometimes we, girls are called into the task when there’s not enough help to go around. We usually get the easy tasks i.e either frying or cleaning the plates.

If there is one thing that Koreans have to eat during the Lunar New Year, it is tteokguk, a tasty clear beef broth with soft and chewy rice cakes sliced in oval shapes.
According to tradition, you can only get older when you eat the rice cake soup. ( A lot of children take this meaning literally and end up eating bowls of it in one morning in their greedy bid to grow up fast!) This is also why sometimes people ask your age by questioning how many bowls of rice cake soup you’ve had in your life, instead of asking directly.
 
Korean people consider Lunar New Year to be the most important holiday of the year. The country celebrates a total of 3 days - designated holidays.

Well, this year the whole holiday period run for 5 days because the weekend falls directly after the official LNY holidays. They’re calling it the ‘golden holidays 2009.’

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I thought these pictures were gorgeous, so I’m putting them up.  

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle danced their night through as First couple… attending no fewer than 10 inaugural balls! They might as well compete as contestants in a marathon dance contest because I’m amazed at their energy level after such an early start to their special day. Not forgetting they surely didn’t get good sleep the night before in anticipation of the big day.

Inaugural ball is a tradition in America and it’s significant to note that Mr Obama’s series of balls kicked off with what’s dubbed the “Neighbourhood Ball”.

Assuring. He’s not forgotten the people.
Remember, they’ve given him so much.

And then there were parties for everyone else. The Mid-Atlantic Ball attended by Governors, the Home States Ball for family and old friends from their hometown, the Youth Ball where Obama was greeted like a rock start and so on. He’s made sure he didn’t miss anybody out.

Assuring again I’d say.

It’s a sign or an early indicator of his style of leadership – whatever he does he’s focused on his people. This quality is especially appreciated at times like now when confidence is falling and insecurity is setting in among many today.

Amazing too at the stamina both the President and the First Lady has shown. Like I said, it’s been a looong day for them and apparently they were visibly fatigued wth Mr Obama often almost tripping on his wife’s dress. But President Obama is already back in office next morning, reporting to work at 8.35am, taking a fully charged schedule. Hey, this guy is now the leader of the world’s superpower and he’s got daunting foreign and domestic challenges to grapple with which will require 1000 times the energy, stamina and perserverence on his part to get them done I presume. 

     

Well, at this point all I can say is that it’s a relief he’s a young and healthy President, and of course sensible and smart too. We’re in extraordinary times calling for extraordinary measures, requiring extraordinary effort from especially our leaders. At least I trust President Obama to have the energy and vigor to endure the immense pressures that come with the job – both physical and mental.