Jurong lake view from our home

Baenita's 1st ever-Cooking effort

Last week end, Baenita baked biscuits and cake for the 1st time. She got some quick lessons from her home econ classes and tried it at home. While the taste, shape and texture were not as intended, I liked it and ate a lot. Taste great, too (at least for me). It was a great feeling to see that she has grown up. For me, her cooking effort is much more than the output... it is a mark of another stage of her development. It reflects her feelings and desire to create and cherish the own success. For me, it reminds me of her need for more freedom to think and act.

Yes.... I am moving into another stage of father-hood, I suppose. As both my kids entering teenage stage, 'Let-go and have fun watching them grow' - is the mantra. I realized this. Nevertheless, now and then, I cross the line. And... learning good lessons along the way.

Below are pictures of 1st ever cookies made by Baenita.

Black Belt in Taekwondo

After more than 5 years of taking up Taekwondo under both WTF and ITF systems,  both my kids were awarded black belt (1st Dan) this afternoon, in a simple ceremony held by Singapore Taekwondo Academy (STA). During the last 5 years, both my kids changed 4 schools, along with their taekwondo classes. This has interrupted their progress to attain black belt much sooner. When they arrived Singapore in late 2007, they re-started taekwondo classes under Master Henry of STA / Boon Lay. While settling down in Singapore and chellenging school environment, both the kids managed to keep up with their weekly training and periodical gradings. This afternoon, it was a proud moment indeed to receive their black belts from Master Henry.

I got my Black Belt in 1982 and my 3rd Dan Black Belt in 1988. Since I came to Singapore, I have stopped my training completely due to work commitments. Now that my kids are black belts, I have a renewed motivation to re-start my training..!!! Must prepared for a very slow start to avoid injuries due to inflexible (still 'young')  muscles.

Below are photos of Baenita and Baenedict receiving black belts from Master Henry, a 6th Dan Black Belt.

YOG Torchbearer

On the 8th Aug 2010, I was one of the luckiest person to run as a YOG torchbearer in Singapore as well as to represent my company - Coca-Cola. It was great to participate in this event in support of a peace, friendship and excellence via sports. My wife, Regina, and 2 kids were there to support me throughout the 300m journey-run near Upper Changi Road. Both my kids, Baenedict and Baenita, tried their best to capture their dad's historic run in camera and video. As a YOG torchbearer, I was escorted by support runners and police and the road-side were crowded with supportive public. This made it difficult for my kids to capture good photos.They struggle though the crowd, run along the road, kept shouting and supporting me as well as try capturing as many photos as possibe. Frankly, it was touching to see their love and excitement in this journey. While YOG has far greater meaning to Singapore and to the world, it has made significant and positive impact to my family - which we will treasure for many years to come.

 

Book-launch by ex-HM of my primary school

On the 27th May 2010, I have attended a book launch event of my primary school headmaster's auto-bio. It was a simple... very simple event with limited financial support. Nevetheless, was a very meaningful one for me. In his auto-bio, he made specific acknowledgement of 7 students who made academic success, far beyond thousands of students who went throught the empowerished estate Tamil school's >80 years of history, of whom includes my sister, bro-inlaw and myself. We are indeed proud of his mentioning. This also brings to memory that the successes were far more meaningful if seen in the context of socio-economic structure of our society then.

During the event, I have also managed to meet several great souls, whom I have never met since mid '80s. Some of these re-connected contacts will surely last for many years to come, if not for rest of life. One of such great soul was Mani (son of the headmaster), who is also my school mate at English College, Johor. Thereafter, met Mani the following week, at his home, and trust this relationship will continue for years to come.

At 80 years old, the headmaster (Mr P. Subramaniam) is going steady, healthy and with great mind with speaking ability. For him, neither the youth is running away nor the 'old-age' is dare to encrouch him. God bless him with many many more years of great health and happiness........'