The Fabulous "JERSEY BOYS" Concert.

"Xiao Long Pau" at Din Tai Fung Restaurant.

Its mid term school holidays and so last night at 7.00pm, I invited my granddaughter Jasmine (14) and my grandson Julian (13) for dinner at the chinese restaurant 'Din Tai Fung' at Resorts World Sentosa beside Universal Studios.
When we reached the restaurant, there was a long queue and we had to wait for 15 minutes before a table was available. Each of us had a bowl of noodles, each a different variety and also shared three trays of their world famous 'Xiao Long Bao', ten pieces in each tray. We were all good eaters and thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.
After that, we had ice cream just next door to the restaurant before we adjourned to Park Lane at Selegie Road to visit my nephew Brighton's Cyber Cafe called Spot On Gaming Pte. Ltd. to play the latest video games. I watched my grandchildren enjoy playing their favourite games till we left at 11.45pm. It was a terrific night of enjoyment, lots of fun and laughter for all of us. I have always cherished outings and spending time with my grandchildren.

R n R.

I have just got up from bed after watching the 'Live' TV show, 2012 grand finale of 'American Idol' from 7.30am to 10.00am. It was a fantastic and lively show and I enjoyed it very much but I would have preferred the runner up Jessica Sanchez as the winner. For a 16 year old I must say, she did very well and I loved her performances singing Whitney Houston songs. She was terrific. As for the winner Philip Philips, he was just as good, well done. I will not be working today since this is a 'special' day for me and I have decided to go to this Chinese Restaurant near Universal Studios to have dinner, it will be my first time at this restaurant and maybe after that go and have coffee and ice cream, relax and enjoy a well deserved rest day.

An Enjoyable Day At The Races.

I spent my sunday at the Singapore Kranji Turf Club to watch the exciting annual Krisflyer International Sprint race, run over 1200 metres and worth one million dollars in stakes money and the Singapore Airlines International Cup over 2000 metres and worth three million dollars. These races include participation of local race horses against the likes of international classy racehorses and jockeys from all over the world. The races were run on a soft track after the rain came and went. At 7.50pm in race nine, ATO our local racehorse with regular South African jockey Barend Vorster astride won the Sprint followed by MR BIG another local horse with Australian jockey S.Baster who came in second. This is also the second time a Singapore racehorse has won this prestigious Sprint with local champion ROCKET MAN in 2011. In the staying event, the horse from France, named CHINCHON won with his French rider Oliver Doleuze astride, followed by ZAIDAN from Hong Kong with jockey J.McDonald second and third was local horse FLAX with regular Brazilian jockey J.Verenzuela astride. The last time a local racehorse won this Cup was OUZO with local jockey J.Saimee in year 2000. Being an enthusiast in thoroughbred racing, I enjoyed the day in racing carnival atmosphere, felt proud for our local winners and will look forward to next year's challenges.

Exhaustive Appointments.

The past two weeks were rather exhausting for me having to attend to my medical appointments, four at National University Hospital and two at Chua Chu Kang Polyclinic, all of them from 9.00am onwards and by the time I return home after collecting my medication, its already around 2.00pm leaving me not much time for sleep. Altogether six appointments, which have been most costly, eye tests, blood tests, ECG, heart scan, cardiac and diabetes, about three visits each week. My test results have all been satisfactory except the loss of sleep and appetite have both deterred and prevented me from putting up posts during these times.

Yesterday morning, the last appointment I had at the polyclinic to check up and collect medication for my diabetes ended at 9.45am which was considered quick and early and by the time I reached home after having a bit of breakfast at the nearby food centre, I was already in a 'zombie' state and slept till 5.00pm.

Work lasted for about five hours, but at least I am glad to know that there is this interval for the next four to six months before the next spate of hospital appointments surface once again, so meanwhile, I guess I shall just take it easy, relax, be happy and move on.

Outramians Class '61 Reunion

                                               Outramians Class '61 Lunch at SRC 13/3/12  

In between sad and solemn wakes, I had a wonderful and happy re-union lunch date last Saturday at SRC (Singapore Recreation Club) with some of my secondary four classmates from Outram Sec. Sch. year 1961. Presently we have about 22 classmate contacts, but 7 were absent from our lunch date due to unforeseen circumstances. Still, it was a very exciting and memorable gathering because 3 new mates were found and re-united after more than half a century have passed us by. It was simply great, all of us very happy to be able to meet, see one another once again after such a long, long time, the nostalgic atmosphere on this day was just fantastic and indescribable. Thoughts and memories were continuously shared among us and we could not help cajoling one another for our past activities and mischievousness, it was all smiles and laughter throughout for nearly four hours till we had to part but this time not for long as we have promised to meet once a month without fail, we the 'Golden Oldies!' also known as Outramians Class '61.

All of us will continue, as a team to further seek out absentees of Outram Sec. Sch. Class '61 although we know and sadly miss many who have already passed on. We are now in a different kind of 'level', changes in our looks and features quite significant, but our minds remain the same, only this time with more knowledge and wider experiences from our past everyday lives. We joked, had we known on our last day in school, we should have said to each other, "See you in 50 years time". It was and is a continuing Marathon Of Life.

Memories are made of these and yes, before I forget again, I better stop dreaming for now, must quick get ready and go ply my trade, till then, Adios, Cheers to All!.

Sudden Departures.

When someone whom you know dies, it is actually an indirect call from them (the deceased) or rather an announcement to all friends and relatives to gather together at their wakes lasting usually from three to five days,  depending on their race and individual religions, most of whom are Christians and Buddhists, saying goodbyes in so many different ways, such as having buffets, lunches, dinners and most important lengthy prayers without having to send out invitations to inform all about the details of locations, dates, times, and performances by Buddhist monks, priests, friends and relatives. There are always Master of ceremonies and all those who will give eulogies and tell interesting good life stories about them when they were still alive. Speakers come from all walks of life and they speak freely without any rehearsals whatsoever. At these wakes, we find ready and helpful volunteers to assist in waiting, ushering and standing guards over the wake sites. It is usually an all 'of a sudden' but properly managed and well organised solemn functions with everyone in one way or another, willingly and wanting to participate to show their respects and to bid their final goodbyes.

Since last Wednesday, 7th March, I have been attending wakes, the first one belongs to a close friend and cabbie colleague whose mother passed away and the funeral held on saturday, and the present is my beloved Auntie, who passed away also on the same Saturday, sadly the youngest sister of my late father and also last in line in their generation.

Wakes, sad and solemn as they may be are inevitable. Unlike festivities with fixed dates, they always come suddenly. Similar in style to customary happy birthdays, festivals and annual gatherings, a time when we meet again with friends and relatives, re-uniting and getting to know each other's lives' journeys and meeting new additions to families. The only difference is that in wakes, no one wants to look forward to them.

Sometimes, lapses in putting up my new posts are because of these unforeseen circumstances, but anytime whenever I have the opportunity, I will not fail to do so. Always stay tuned, God Bless.

Insights.

I have been quite busy lately, attending mostly to personal matters which were very time consuming, leaving me hardly sufficient time to put up more posts. I have always been swift in completing my duties but have recently found myself 'crawling' a bit. I suppose age is catching up, but then, just look at the speed with which Time have 'shot' past us. Its already March, nearly three months into 2012 and imagine with less than eight months more to go, we will have to get ready to invite Year 2013. Scary is'nt it. I tell myself "Uncle, take easy, slow down and relax, maybe you are the one speeding!" True, true, I think I need to release pressure on the accelerator and enjoy more quality drives in future.

Family should be our first priority and indulgence in life. I have a son and daughter and they are both married. My son Terence, an Industrial Hygienist is a self employed businessman, specialises in Industrial Decontamination (virus/bacteria) outbreaks, Residential Disinfection (homes/offices), Oil and Gas Industries (Fungus: elimination/prevention). He has a very interesting Website worth visiting at ( www.evdisinfection.com ) And my daughter, Suelynn, she is an Interior Architect and also a Licenced Property Agent. She is a jazz ballet dancer as well and loves the Arts.

As for myself, aah yes, I have to quickly avail myself to anxious passengers who are waiting for my services at this moment and its getting late, I better hurry. Watch out for my next blog. Cheers!

"Re-union Dates".

Chinese New Year Eve's dinner is one when family members gather together from wherever they may be to be re-united once again with loved ones over a grand and sumptious dinner, very similar to the Christmas Eve re-union date.

However, there is also a very different kind of re-union gathering, with drinks and dinner also supplied as well and this type of 're-unions' can happen anytime of the year, very sudden, emotional, shocking and it is not on a particular date. It is usually a surprise announcement and a sad call and is another whereby you try your utmost to attend to give respect to someone who has passed on.

This second type of 're-union' gathering is slightly different. It is compulsory that family members must attend including some very close relatives and friends, colleagues, business associates or anyone who knew the deceased. It is like an 'Open House' sort of gathering, one which no one looks forward to.

Last night, I went to my late cousin brother's wake, he was a year older than me. It was unexpected and sudden after having suffered from septic ulcer, he passed away last Sunday. Like both types of 're-union', I get to meet up with relatives and friends whom I have lost contact with for long periods of time, sometimes as long as tens of years. There is the atmosphere of mixed sadness and joy in wakes, unlike the happy, look forward types of fixed date re-unions.

My Daily Affairs.

Everyday, before I start to post, I would first check my emails, read, write replies, watch videos and after having done all that, I will then start on browsing Facebook, just like my mails, so many interesting articles, photos and videos to go through, so, by the time I am finished, it is two to three hours spent and mind you, its really tiring and time passes by too quickly.

This has been a daily sort of 'ritual' for me each time I sit down and face my computer. There is no fixed time when I start to write a post. It can happen as soon as I reach home, maybe after watching TV movies or whilst having snacks or as soon as I get up from bed. Usually in between sips of my coffee and enjoying my variety of titbits, I start to begin recalling, trying to remember and picture immediate and recent encounters, chit chats, meals, get together with other cabbies, or any happenings, incidents and whatever after finishing my workday. This process takes at least a couple of hours and there are times when my thoughts get too congested I simply cannot focus or get to start typing a post. In such times, I have to call it a day, forego what I wanted to do and to write the next day. It is no easy task, but I enjoy indulging in my pastime very much.

interesting chit-chats.......

Now and then I get to engage in 'chit-chats' with my passengers who may vary from all walks of life on all types of topics ranging from family, relationships, sports, food, politics, health, in fact practically anything and everything as well as being a 'counsellor' and 'advisor'.
During these sessions which I thoroughly enjoy, I get to relax very much and it also helps to pass my time quickly in my daily long hours of work. It gives me great opportunities to exercise my mind and continuously learning new things and experiences. Being someone who has been involved in doing businesses, self-employed for more than thirty years, you can say I'm truly a 'Jack of all Trades' but master of none. In games, I have played golf all over the island, only a social golfer, and was a former 200 bowler, swimmer, badminton player. In secondary school, a shot-put, discus and javelin champion. I should say I love taking part in everything if possible, was hyper-active during my younger days and if you may like, also someone like a 'Mr. Knowall'. Therefore, chatting with my passengers allows me to recall my past activities to engage in conversations. Singing is one of my happy hobbies, which also includes playing backgammon, gardening and movies. I used to play some musical instruments but sadly was unable to sit for my grade eight violin examinations in 1961 due to a horrific accident during a friendly rugby game which got my left forearm crushed and eventually also squashed as a potential violinist. At present, I still have the same old four inch stainless steel plate with four screws nicely embedded to remind me of that fateful day.
I have gone through many, many adventures, good and bad during my heydays, playing mahjong and during the '70s was also an ardent racehorse owner. Indeed, I had a very colourful lifestyle and must admit still at it, but most importantly, I strive to be happy always. I have given it much thought and finally decided to be a listening ear, confidant, adviser, etc in all happenings that you are involved in. I am your friend, Ask Uncle Frank and I will try my utmost to give you answers.
Write me at : Frankehyap@yahoo.com.sg

Its a Miracle ! Its a Miracle !

A very good old friend of mine, Roy, (I know now that he is the Angel) called me in the next couple of days to tell me to go to Batu Pahat, Malaysia to seek a Mr. Kang, an 80-year-old qigong master, reputed to have the ability to heal my condition. I was of course sceptical and cannot believe what he said. I mean, I have gone through angiogram, seen photos of my blocked arteries and with all kinds of information of high medical technology to treat my condition and he claimed that the qigong master can really heal me. He told me to make an appointment with this 'sinseh' (chinese doctor) immediately. I was not impressed at all, and made no bookings. Roy called me the next day to inquire if I had done what he told me to do and I answered no. He became very angry, scolded me and still insisted I must see this QM. Made me promise to do it straightaway and will call me back again to check. Yes he did, and continued insisting I go and finally on the third day, I made the appointment to see Mr. Kang the following day. I thought maybe I should give it a try and anyway I've got nothing to lose. I called my daughter Suelynn to tell her about my going to Batu Pahat to see this qigong master and see what he can do for me, and she said to me, (I'll never forget those words). She told me go ahead and give it a try because "God works in mysterious ways". That's it, I made up my mind. I asked my younger brother Eddie to drive me there since he was free and had his motor vehicle, he agreed.
All the way to Batu Pahat, I was like a deaf mute, or rather like a 'zombie', half dead I dare say. Mr. Kang lives in a terrace house and his consultation room, rather bare, was a very small side partition beside the main building, with just a piece of curtain to act like a door. My heart sank, OMG, another one of those 'Quacks' ! Anyway I'm already there. For half an hour, Mr. Kang used the back of his palm together with some chinese medicinal oil began beating both my arms till charcoal coloured black spots appeared in patches on both my arms. It was quite painful with his continuous beating till he stopped. He told me I was healed, just like that. "Squat and stand, squat and stand, then take a deep breath" he said. I did as told, and it was just fantastic, I was simply elated. I could not believe it. I could breathe and did an extra few more squats, then I walked briskly to the toilet just behind the room and towards the front of his house at least twice. I thanked him profusely and asked if I should come back again for follow up treatment and he said not necessary as I am already healed. He gave me no medicinal prescriptions at all, but just pay him a fee of S$50.00 and that was it. Still feeling a bit sceptical once again, I decided on my own to visit Mr. Kang three more times, one week after the other. This is indeed a MIRACLE and it is now already nearly 13 years later and I still feel good. "JESUS loves me yes I know for the Bible tells me so."

HEART-ATTACKS !!!

I have already suffered 4 heart attacks - frightening isn't it. The last time was a 'massive' heart attack, meaning all arteries were severely choked, very, very serious indeed. And I was like 'gasping' for breath most of the time whilst warded in SGH. I had to have an oxygen mask off and on most of the time. This happened in late 1998. The doctor verbally gave me about 2 months to live, and I told myself that this was The End for me. Being very stubborn, I refused to have a by-pass, which the doctor claimed would give me at least 30 years of healthy living. At that particular time I could not accept that the doctor could play 'God', judged me and sentenced me. It was then that I started to pray and pray continuously for God to heal me or maybe even create or make a 'miracle' happen, for deep inside of me, I was really very scared and very fearful of what will happen next, I guess I was only human. Feeling lost and lonely, I decided after 7 days to be discharged. Doctors and staff suggested having oxygen tanks to be handy and me being the arrogant one simply refused.
Finally, at home, I could only move very, very slowly, even to turn my head to the right and left was dangerous as it could cause me to breathe slightly more which was just impossible, I laid in bed, but continued praying to the Almighty. Then.......... (p.s. a lot of tension now building up, I think I need to make a cup of coffee and relax a bit, maybe I better continue tomorrow, till then, bye for now.)

taking m.c. for few days.......

Enforced rest due to inflammation to my lower lips which is very swollen and causes uncomfortable irritation. Its like being anesthesized in the region, feeling very numb and I cannot speak properly. Have not been driving for the past two days and maybe a couple of days more. Will be seeing my doctor today.

very, very 'addictive' gadget.......

I will always stop if possible to watch 'line-dancing' whenever or wherever there is this function going on in big open spaces, but recently there are not too many of these gatherings and I have not personally seen these different groups of dancers for quite sometime. I enjoy listening to the loud music and watching people of all ages dancing together in front of total strangers, exercising and entertaining themselves as well, I may not have been in the right places at the right time I think.

It is interesting to see changes in leisure and lifestyle activities these days and most common of all today is the use and the presence of computers everywhere, in kopitiams, parks, void decks, pubs, lounges, even in private and public vehicles, most of them expensive, latest and stylish slimly built Lap Tops. Watching movies, writing e-mails, doing business, playing games, surfing the net and etc. 
Indeed this activity is overwhelming and whatever old and past interests are nearly all forgotten once you get attached and addicted to this gadget. I am sitting in front of one right now and yes, of course, with my cup of coffee too.

Assist first and enjoy later......

Today, I have to assist and attend a wedding, invitation from a friend and after that will be engaged in a Mahjong session so will be taking a day "OFF".

sometimes when rain comes, its simply cool.......

Today was yet another very quiet and slow day and to make things worse, the rain had to come. Whenever rain comes, people tend to stay home rather than go out to socialize or do their favourite things. It is always a nice feeling just staying home and laze, hear the rainfalls, watch TV or just simply catching up on 'lost' sleep by going to bed extra early.

For people like myself, I still need to go to work to earn a bit or at least to earn enough to cover my daily rentals but sometimes the mood to drive is simply not there when the rain comes. Like everyone else, we try to shy away from having to start work immediately by telling ourselves that with this kind of weather there won't be so many people waiting for taxis or think that most people are likely to stay home and therefore business will definitely be slack so just take easy or if we have to move, maybe land ourselves at some nice kopitiam, have coffee, relax and wait for the rain to stop. 
Of course these are lame excuses and to be more truthful we are actually just plain lazy or bored and anyway for those of us who are on the road practically everyday without any off days sometimes for a continuously long stretch of time, we do need a break. So when rain comes, it is such a relief for it is one of our strongest reasons to excuse ourselves.

For me, without fail, the aroma of coffee is most irresistable.

now you know what its like

Once in a while I also have to take a cab... to go for my medical check-ups at NUH. The usual fare from where I live to NUH is always around $12 during morning peak hours. On this particular Friday morning, I remembered the fare came up to $17.80, this was because of an unusual massive jam (no accidents, no roadworks and no vehicle breakdowns) which started near Dairy Farm Road, Upp. Bukit Timah Road and along Clementi Road and all the way to NUH. As a paying passenger, I experienced the agony of watching the meter number steadily rising as the taxi slowly crawled all the way to NUH. I guess its only normal to keep peering at the meter going up so fast whilst the taxi is in slow motion. Going to be late for the hospital appointment was yet another concern which made me feel uncomfortable in my seat as well as becoming a watch 'watcher' and imagine, feeling a bit sweaty in an air-conditioned vehicle? getting angry at yourself for 'dili-dallying' and taking things for granted which caused all these predicaments. Your frustrations do not just end there, you still need to tolerate the driver's grumblings and curses, (apart from your own) in the shared environment.

There were other types of incidents that occurred whilst being a paying passenger on board taxis but I seldom tell the taxi drivers that I am also one of them, simply because it is interesting and good to experience and learn of what and how a passenger would feel and respond and be entertained or vice versa. These situations ultimately made me more sensitive and understanding towards those who board my cab.........

"Striking" long time ago...

Nowadays, sporting activities in Singapore with the younger generation benefitting a whole lot more, getting more international exposures, wider news coverage worldwide, more sponsors, more new high-tech venues and fantastic monetary rewards. All these including The Singapore Sports School nurturing yet more new talents, has truly given a huge boost to our future sporting arena.

I remembered in those days, in my early twenties, I was very keen in bowling, even had my own bowling team, played in different league tournaments and spent continuous days and nights in different bowling alleys. I was good then, but hardly exposed to national tournaments let alone competing in the international arena where our Remy won high accolades and also very well rewarded and recognised for his efforts not too long ago. During my time, bowling became a kind of part time job where you can earn an extra bit of pocket money whilst competing with all levels of bowlers from anywhere. It was great fun and I enjoyed every bit of it, in fact, I was then unemployed but with my bowling skills, was earning an "Executive" salary every month for almost two years, including buying myself a brand new Toyota Celica 1600 cc car. When I first became a businessman, I continued to bowl occasionally whilst doing my own businesses for a while but due to work constraints and business pressures, I eventually stopped bowling altogether. I have not bowled for more than fifteen years now, but believe you me, I think I can still throw a few mean Strikes..........

Nearly conned...

One night, many, many years ago, I was with my brother-in-law Philip, two of my uncles, Bobby and Anthony. We were playing mahjong in my house at Thomson Road, when all of a sudden, there was this young man, aged maybe 16 or 17 years old, dressed rather untidily, I remembered with his short sleeves shirt not tucked in and also barefooted. He approached us, looking rather disorientated and in a sweat.

He needed to use the telephone very urgently to call his sister and we allowed him to do so. We also stopped playing at the same time and was listening intently to his conversation. He sounded panicky, agitated and looks like crying and shivering also, spoke shakily, "Hello sis, mother met with an accident, injured badly and is now in General Hospital emergency unit! Huh? you cannot rush to hospital now? I am in a very dificult situation and right now I don't even have a single cent on me, how to take taxi and rush there? Mother is alone and the hospital needs us to go and sign papers before they can do any surgery immediately otherwise she may die. I was told she is suffering and is in a critical shape. I was working and rush quite far to borrow this phone to call you because the company's phone is out of order. I told you I have no money with me right now!"

He started crying, "What to do now? How?". He hung up the phone and sat down on the floor as if in agony. We felt very anxious and sad after listening to his plight and was going to give him some money to help out, when another uncle of mine who was sitting quietly at a corner reading a magazine, stood up, caught the youngster by his shirt collar, and spoke very sternly to him. "Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do! I have been dealing with you guys for such a long time, trying to get sympathy with sad stories, and con people of their money. Tell me the truth now and I will give you a chance and let you go or I will bring you straight to the police station".

The boy suddenly shakened, immediately cowered, knelt down and pleaded for leniency and kept saying "Sorry, sorry, sorry". My uncle said, "Don't you ever let me catch you doing this again or you will be properly punished, understand?" He nodded his head repeatedly, "Sorry, sorry, dare not already" and quickly sprinted out of sight.

All of us were shocked especially with the acting and realism that this young man displayed, and to this day, this episode of real life con-in-action will never be forgotton. Incidentally, this uncle, my mother's younger brother, happened to be Inspector Hong of the Singapore Police Force. Cons and scams are still very active in Singapore, even with the local media at present still highlighting many cases and giving advice and cautions, we sometimes forget and continue to be conned! Nowadays, we have more and more foreigners getting into the act, preying and testing our gullibilities.......