Arti

On February 14, 1942, the 1st and 2nd Battalion of the Malay Regiment fought bravely at Bukit Chandu (AKA Opium Hill) in Pasir Panjang to fend off the invading Japanese, but to no avail. Pictured above5are displays of the courageous mortar crew and a cannon cart. So, did I get most of the historical facts correct? :-D

Kim Lan Temple

Came across this small Taoist temple tucked away at 119A Kim Tian Road during one of my 'gallivanting explorations' around the environs over the weekend. Didn't step inside nor take any photos of the shrine as a sign of respect and reverence for the deities. (In verity, it's more like I have no idea what to write about.)

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A Warrior's Robe

Shouldn't such majestic drapery be showcased at the ACM instead of the NLB? That ang moh dummy's also inappropriate -_-

National Theatre

With a seating capacity of 3,420, this used to be our largest theater. If it wasn't for defects in its cantilever roof, this iconic structure could still be around - hosting international performances, universities' convocations and National Day rallies. Or not.

Lay Down Your Arms

So this may not be the most opportune time to say this, but imperialism sucks!

Kwan Yin Tong

Pray to Guanyin the bodhisattva for mercy and forgiveness if you have sinned; if you haven't, then pray for compassion in the judgment of your future actions. Does that make sense?

Terracotta Troupe

Nothing ever happens at the mausoleum of shi huangdi; might as well come out for some sun.

Ling Sen Tong

Entrance to the limestone cavern at Gunung Rapat. Like Har Par Villa, there are many statues of gods, goddesses, demigods and demons. Enjoy!

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All Hail the Rabbit

Decors for See-And-Why are up at Pee-Ass. Question is: Can the Golden Wabbit bring forth good fortune and bolster birth rates in a baby-scarce Singapore?

"I Do"

Was invited to the wedding solemnization of a friend's relative at Yio Chu Kang Community Club's e@CONNECT - a first for me! And all along I thought such ordinances had to be observed within the 'sacred grounds' of the ROM. Haha. Anyways, best wishes to the newlyweds!

The Forgotten Years

How many of us had lived in shophouses with noisy '72 tenants' inside and narrow five foot ways below? Meals then consisted of simple home-cooked dishes and were taken together as a whole family. The only 'exposure' to showbiz was through magazines bearing faces of movie stars since television sets were luxury items. And the kitchens...well, let's not even go there.

The Monger

If you happen to pass by Far East Square, chances are you'll meet Barefoot Kim who barters his delish dumplings for your footwear. No deal? No wonder the poor old man's still shoeless after all this time...

Do Pray Pray

While searching in vain for Fu Tak Chi Temple along Telok Ayer Street, ended up at Thian Hock Keng , "the most important Fukien (or Hoklo) temple in Singapore".
Well, in that case, better 拜 拜 and imbed some incense sticks before leaving.

The End of Justice?

Now that both City Hall and the adjacent Old Supreme Court Building have walked into the annals of Singapore history (and are earmarked for conversion into the National Art Gallery by 2013), what'll happen to our judicial system? If CJ Chan isn't shaking in his boots, why should we hoi polloi worry?

Battle Box @ Fort Canning

Got an hour or so to spare? Keen to learn some history about the Royal British's surrender to the Imperial Japanese during the Second World War? Head up to THE BATTLE BOX at BUKIT LARANGAN for a now-pricier $8 (which used to be a dollar less) guided tour of the restored underground bunkers and signal rooms, but bear in mind that the holograms are all out of order! :-X

Chin Swee Temple

At 4,600 feet above sea level and off the beaten path is the Chin Swee Chinese (i.e. Buddhist and Taoist combined) Temple.

5The air up on the highlands' so naturally cool and fresh that any expenses on air-conditioning can be curtailed or saved altogether.

5You can take an elevator up this 9-storey pagoda (or climb the stairs, if you so choose) for an unobstructed aerial view of the 35,000-square feet Sky Terrace that's mostly shrouded in temperate mist.

5This grand stone Buddha and the 10 Chambers of Hell (a la Haw Par Villa) depicting the journey to enlightenment are just some of the other attractions.

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Fairfield Methodist Church

Formerly Metropole Cinema, 1 Tanjong Pagar Road (opposite Maxwell Food Centre) is now home to Fairfield Methodist Church. A fine building with a bounty of history and a central spiral staircase that had seen much grandeur of yesteryear.

Burn at Your Own Risk

That is, if you're not afraid of 土 地 公 rising from the earth and whacking your ka chng with his wooden staff.

The Faces of Mao

The Great Leader Chairman Mao Zedong. If it wasn't for him, the People's Republic of China would've surpassed the United States of America as the world's #1 economy by now. Still...

Tsuru

Dating way back to the Heian Period (794-1185), Japanese origami has become a part of their national culture. A string of hundreds (or even thousands) of tsuru (paper cranes) hung outside temples symbolize world peace. Nice.