Friday, August 7, 2009

Walking Proud, Being Loud










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Parade of Peranakans strikes a colourful chord with festival goers


Decked in colourful Sarong Kebayas and armed with smiles on their faces, 22 Miss World finalists paraded down the Singapore River to the sound of drums on the 17th of July 2009.

This was in relation to the Singapore Food Festival and the parade was the first of its kind since the festival’s start in 1994.

The ladies were accompanied by the Samba Masala group from the Singapore Management University (SMU) who provided the sounds as they strolled by.

The parade started at the Singapore River promenade outside The Central, where all 22colourfully dressed ladies paraded down to the Read Bridge, where the Clarke Quay food street with 30 food stalls were set up.

With emphasis placed on the Peranakan culture for this year’s Food Festival, one would be treated to a myriad of cuisine at the food street.

There, the parade came to a temporary halt as the guest of honour Mr Sam Tan, Member of Parliament, pounded traditional spices with pestle and mortar to officiate the festival.



The parade performers soon made their way towards the Clarke Quay atrium, where a stage was erected for the opening ceremony of the Food Festival.

A series of Peranakan related activities soon followed, starting with a fashion show featuring the 22 Miss World Contestants who were decked out in traditional Peranakan attire.

As they took to the stage flaunting the Sarong Kebayas, locally renowned Peranakan actor, G.T. Lye, talked the crowd through the different variations of Peranakan fashion.

With so much colour and flare, the usual bustle of Clarke Quay’s patrons came to a standstill; even curious shop assistants stopped in their tracks to watch the unique display.

“Its very nice, very colourful and informative,” said Mr Kamal, who worked at an Indian restaurant around the atrium and had stopped to watch.


However, the highlight of the ceremony had to be the Peranakan choir, where a group of 20 Nyonyas and Babas took to the stage in a crescendo of local Peranakan songs.

With their melodic voices echoing the Clarke Quay with tracks of reminiscence, it is no wonder that foreigners like Mr Marty Millar is filled with nothing but praise for them.

“Pride in your country is very important and that cultures can meet and be one, that’s something to be proud of,” he said.

Mdm Shirley Tay, who was part of the Peranakan choir, feels just that.

“Anything for our culture, we just love our culture,” she said, after her performance on stage.

“Whether its food or our clothes or singing, we just love it.”



The Singapore Food Festival is on from 17th July to 26th July 2009 at various locations around the island in a celebration of local culture, flare and of course, food.

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Article and Pictures by Kenneth Ang

A Night To Remember



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It was an evening of art & cultural appreciation and celebration along Bras Basah Road. Throngs of people streamed in to the art & cultural sites in Singapore, unwinding in the weekend spectacle.



The Singapore Night Festival 2009 organised by The National Museum of Singapore went on for two nights, on the 10th & 11th July from 7pm to 2am. It was held at:

- National Museum of Singapore
- Singapore Art Museum
- Peranakan Museum
- SMU Campus
- The Substation

The museums offered free admission to the public till 2am, as part of the event attraction. The festival showcased dazzling music and dance performances, brilliant sound and light installations, and many more.


The enthralling dance, theatre and music performances near SMU called “Bersama Hijau”, kept the crowd entertained. They staged various multi-cultural performances such as the Malay dance, a Chinese orchestra performance, and a play on the history of Deepavali.


“I missed last year’s event so I did not want to miss that opportunity again this year. I think this event is great for family and friends to come together and have fun. I cannot wait for the acrobatics performance. That’s mainly why I’m here for,” said Nickie, one of the festival goers who went down with her family and friends to witness one of the most anticipated events of the year.

The special effects and pyrotechnics display by a German performance group called Action Theatre PAN.OPTIKUM, awed the crowd. Using the National Museum of Singapore and the night sky as a backdrop, the performers wowed the audience with their acrobatic chops and the breathtaking fireworks.


“Such events are quite common in the towns in Europe, so I think it is great to see festivals like this happen in Singapore as well,” said Mrs Robin, a tourist, who came down with her husband to join in the festival fun.

The annual event was a definite success and it was an unforgettable festivity of art, culture and heritage fused into one.

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Article and Pictures (2nd & 3rd) by Humairah Jamil


Photo Credits: Kenneth Ang Ken Ji, MS0801, Nanyang Polytechnic (1st & 4th pictures)

A Small City with Many Stories to Tell













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You saw cartons and boxes outside your corridor, the movers carrying the furniture with much caution. Have you ever wondered who your next-door neighbours are? They looked and sounded different. Are they even Singaporeans?

Until yesterday, many Singaporeans may not have known anything much about the people living around them. The Heritage Fest that was organized at Suntec atrium opened their eyes to a whole new beginning and let them learn a thing or two about their neighbours.
The theme used was “ Who’s Your Neighbors?”

The Heritage fest was held at the Suntec Atrium from 15 to 26 July. It featured exhibitions to heritage tours, culinary events to concerts that can be enjoyed by both the young and old.

Heritagefest showcase those culture from other countries such as Korea, Myanmar, The Philippines, Vietnam and many other neighboring countries who people reside in Singapore.
The exhibition was thronged with people alike, from children to adult and foreigners who would like to learn more about others’ cultures.


“ The way it’s design is very open and it’s easy for people to come and just take a look and I wanted to show my boyfriend who’s from England about the culture here, “ said Miss Kwan, one of the visitor who went down to the event to show her boyfriend about the culture and the different people that live here.







"I want to educate my children about the culture that’s why I came but maybe some of the people can wear different costumes in the different stations, and perhaps offer some of the sample of kuehs because my children has never tried them before," said Madam Karen who joined the crowd of families in the fest.







The performances were of myriad of colours.





Many took the remaining empty seats and filled up the place while the others stood by the sides and around with their eyes glued to the performance as the girls started dancing.
“As a performer, I think it’s great to dance in front of people and to hear the audience cheering was really fantastic and we enjoyed a lot."






" I am one of the Nepalese living in Singapore so I took part and it’s good as we can show our races’ specialty that just reflects our culture,” said Sabina, one of the performers who joined in to share with people her country’s ethnic performance.





With free flow of performances and entrance free-of- charge , Singaporeans would love to have such event held again. What's there not to love?

Free Love Movement Big in Singapore














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In the recent years, there have been a lot of issues raised against premarital sex. It is still very much a controversial issue that is debated by many people.

With the current news on Straits Times “Teens having sex earlier” which stated that more girls aged below 14 are having sex and consensual sex was often at the heart of the problem. Many of the girls had sex with casual friends and boyfriends, most of whom were about the same age. This is a worrying trend indeed and people need to start being concern.

Such irony indeed because a few decades back, sex was still seen as something sacred and an act done only by husband and wife who had been legally bound for eternity by the sacred vow.

Virginity is something that is very much valued and honored. A gentleman who had deflowered a young maiden had to marry her right away to protect her honor and dignity. A contradiction, as it can no longer be applied today.

It is very much driven by the“FREE LOVE” movement from the west that started in the 70s by the hippies, which was soon adopted by people from all over the world.

An act of pleasuring oneself or of mutual benefit?


People accept them and take them in because they feel that it is all right to embrace in sexual awakening experience and that both men and women has the right to sexual pleasure.

Why wearing them could promote abstinence :
  • make think twice before they succumb to their desire, wearing it serves as an emblem or perhaps a reminder to what they have vouch for.

  • served as a reminder about the anticipation of waiting, to know that they are saving themselves for their true love is worth their while.

  • remind them about all the aftermath of having sex without any precaution will put themselves in the hot seat of unecessary trouble.

Why it will not work :

  • Most feel that it is okay for them to engage in sexual behaviour if both parties are willing, even before they are married.

  • They have the rights to embrace in sexual liberation.

  • Peer Pressure.

  • The invention of contraceptives that provide a solution to their act.

There is no definite answer to this matter. It depends on the individual’s beliefs whether he or she wants to practice abstinence until they are married.
I feel that it is very important for women alike to wait until they have met the right person because it is going to be a very special moment for those who have just started their journey as husband and wife.

Instead of ‘mingling’ around with the wrong person and doing it leisurely and do not blame others if you are being thought as ‘cheap’ in the process.

Photos credit : http://www.jahsonic.com/Hippie.jpg


http://www.markstivers.com/wordpress/comics/2006-02-10%20Premarital-sex.gif

The Freedom to Expression, for What its Worth












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Everyone wants their two cents worth and everyone wants to be heard, much less the younger generation.

With the convergence of technology growing at a rapid rate, youngsters are finding it easier to gain access to society and the world beyond.

This has brought about the dawn of a new age where the average youngster is able to express his two cents worth all in the comfort of his room.

Degenerative or progression?




Since young, I have been taught to “think before I speak” and to “watch my words”.

Interestingly society has moved in a direction that expression is not limited to spoken word and with a few clicks of the mouse and keyboard, the entire world can know how you feel.

To me, that is a scary prospect. Powerful, but the ease and simplicity of being able to express whatever you feeling, whenever you want to on a dedicated space is an underestimated privilege.

Lets look at the addiction of blogging. Simply put, blogging is a trend and naturally youngsters are trendsetters.

Do a quick search on the net and you’ll probably find up to millions of blogs containing incessant rants and angst from all angles of life; the mind’s the limit.

But herein lies the danger.

The freedom the express brings insensitivity and youngsters take this new found liberation for granted. Racial abuse, personal attacks as well as insults are the result of this uncontrolled and unregulated freedom.

Let us now look at a condensed summary:

Why are blogs Bad?
- Provides an open platform where negative thoughts and remarks (ie Racial and personal insults) can be showcased.
- Privacy and information can be divulged openly
- Uncontrolled and unregulated make inapporiate content easily accessible

Why are blogs Good?
- Can act as a social platform
- May serve as a good, informative read
- Easy to create and access

If used in the right context, a blog is a valuable tool for anyone, much less a youngster, to express his ideas and thoughts freely so why not harness this tool and use it to its worth rather than its bane?

What Doesn't Kill Him, Only Makes Him Stronger



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He ambled slowly along the school corridors. The look in his eyes spelt fatigue and his physique was not at its best. His head hung low as he inched across the ground, with nothing but a pair of metal crutches to aid him as he paced. A quiet smile was carved upon his face once he reached a bench nearby. He sat down almost immediately, delighted and rested. The sad look he had on was unmistakably clear, as he watched his friends walking past with much content and ease. He set his crutches down and shifted his focus to his hands placed on the table.

Aloysius Lin, an 18-year-old Nanyang Polytechnic student, was not as privileged as he was before.

“The pain is still fresh,” he pointed at the huge cast on his right leg, “this happened just 2 days ago. Sprained my ankle at a soccer match,” he said.

“I can now understand how the people who were born handicapped must feel. I truly admire their courage and determination,” he added.



He travels to school via taxi as of now. Previously, he used to travel by the bus. However seeing that his ankle has been severely injured, it is only feasible to get to school by cab, as the public transports are quite a hassle to travel on, due to its inaccessibility for the handicapped.

Although many improvements and considerations have been made in train stations and buses to accommodate the disabled, Aloysius remained his stand on them being still a tad too troublesome to travel on especially when you are at a physical disadvantage. He felt it was good to consider the transportation needs of the handicapped citizens, but it did not work for him. Besides that, he also felt that the handicapped toilets & lifts at the MRT are sometimes misused by the public. These specialized facilities which are catered for the disabled, are being utilized by the able-bodied as well, and he finds that very inconsiderate.

Not only did Aloysius feel that the public transports in Singapore lacked the accessibility, he also felt that Nanyang Polytechnic is not providing enough facilities such as the specialized lifts and ramps to cater to the handicapped to move independently. He was lucky to have caring classmates who helped him around in school, and lecturers who are concerned for his health.

“I do get stares once in a while actually. I don’t know why. Probably they are too amused by my awesome metal crutches or something,” he added with a laugh.

He admitted he felt awkward and helpless walking around campus with the rest of the able-bodied students. His movements were restricted, and it is difficult for him to go anywhere quickly. But what was most disheartening to him, as an avid soccer fan, was his inability to play on the field for quite a while.

“It’s a tough life, being disabled,” he said.

“But what doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger. If many other more unfortunate ones can do it, why can’t I? I’m going to be tough and face this ordeal like a tough man should,” he added with an assuring smile.

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Article by Humairah Jamil



Photo Credits: Cartoon Stock

Perth M18


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The Dream of a Taxi Driver that is not Palpable


“ Perth the most beauuuutiful city in the world “ as proclaimed by Harry Lee in the movie Perth , written and directed by Djinn. The film featured Lim Kay Tong a veteran actor best known for his roles in Growing up, En Bloc and many other television shows in Singapore.

Perth takes the viewer into a whole new level of looking into things. Its deep outlook into things will get the viewers thinking about the fast paced society and the increasing materialistic people in Singapore.


It touched on the very human aspect that is happening and current, looking from the life of the shady underground activities; viewers get to look at something very real although the whole plot of the story itself is a fiction.

Lim Kay Tong plays the protagonist, Harry Lee a man well past his age who felt left out by the fast paced society in Singapore. He is a bitter man who was betrayed by the people around him especially his family, his wife who gambled all his lifetime savings that he had saved for his retirement in Perth and his son whom he loved very much but did not invite him to his wedding.

Feeling rejected, he became bitter and often seeks consolation in the thought that he is going to retire in Perth and often told his long time friend, Selva to join him too. He took a job as a driver in one of the brothel and took sympathy at one of the prostitute who works there.


The film itself is very homecoming, filled with dark comedy here and there that portrayed the people in Singapore as materialistic and stereotypical. The city that values those educated and looked down upon those of a lower class and status.


The morbid and angry theme reveals the dark insides of a human’s heart. It contains much vulgarity spanning from English to dialects and some obscene acts, violence and gore that was rated M18. It contains twist that will leave the viewers begging for more.


So for those people who love deep and insightful film that gets you thinking once the lights in the theatre is blasted on, Perth is definitely a must watch.


Do not forget to take a rain check if you do miss the show.


Overall it is like watching a flick with a Singaporean twist into it. Very tantalising.



*I give it 3 out of 5 Popcorns *





gallery/albums/userpics//poster_PERTH_FRONT.jpg










Tinkerers of our Past; Singapore’s True “Sungei”










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The gentle buzz amidst a collection of makeshift shelters providing refuge from the hot afternoon sun might attract few, but when you’re walking along Rochor Canal, it is worth to take a closer look.

Tucked between Serangoon Road and Jalan Besar, Sungei Road might not show prominently on maps but ask the locals and they’ll probably point to the right direction.

Nicknamed “Thieves’ Market”, Sungei Road sees people from all walks of life coming together in a collective hawker of old goods. From old CDs, and books to even spare electronic parts and old iPods, one can say that Singapore’s largest and oldest flea market certainly lives up to its name.

“You can find things that you cannot find outside, like vintage stuff,” said Mr Azni who visits Sungei Road frequently.

It is a common sight to see people spending minutes scrutinizing a rust encrusted time piece before striking up a bargain with the store owner; a scene rarely witnessed in modern Singapore.



However due to the myriad of items sold with little or no restrictions, one can safely say that he or she is in for a treat on every visit.

This novelty also draws people like Ms Sarah, who have been coming back to Sungei Road since she was four.

“Some of the goods are still new and cannot be found anywhere else,” she said, talking about the main appeal for her to come back.

“And since I’ve been here since I was four, people know me and I can get things at better prices.”

It is not all business and money for the people at Sungei Road though.



Merchant Mr Glen Chan harps his sales not only from curious onlookers but also from his regulars.

“I’ve been hanging around here for about 12 years, selling stuff and meeting very interesting old customers,” he said.

For many merchants like Mr Chan, they recognise the importance of friendship with their customers and most spend their day talking to customers as well as fellow merchants, simply to pass time.

And to them, Sungei Road is seen as a rally point for the good old days.

With a sense of nostalgia, it is no doubt that the oldest flea market serves as a reminder for old Singapore.

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Aritcle and Pictures by Kenneth Ang

Preserving Culture, Tradition & Food



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Sweet Heritage Treats 2009, part of the Singapore Food Festival this year, was a weekend event from the 18th to the 19th of July, held at Kampong Glam's Malay Heritage Centre. The event showcased a wide array of traditional Malay food and desserts, traditional performances, as well as fun-filled activities awaiting the visitors.



Among the many delectable traditional Malay dishes served were:

- Nasi Ambeng
- Nasi Ayam Penyet
- Nasi Lemak
- Mee Rebus
- Apam Balek
- Putu Piring
- Keropok Lekor

Other than the gastronomic delights, there were performances by the Dikir Barat; where people clap and sing together in large groups, the traditional Malay dance, and competitions like the Fruit Basket Decoration Competition, as well as the 'Teh Tarik Pulling' challenge.




Mr Mahmod Eron, 70, was one of the ‘Teh Tarik Pulling’ participants. He was inexperienced in it, but he did a flawless job, pullling the 'Teh Tarik' on stage. Mr Mahmod came down with his family and friends to support the event, besides spending quality time with his loved ones.

“This event is beneficial for everyone, especially the younger generation. I think they should be exposed to events like these more often... They should be interested to get to know the traditional food, the history, and everything. It’s the only way to ensure that our rich culture is not lost,” he said in Malay.

Na Xin Yi, a 17-year-old Meridian Junior College student, was there at the event with her friends. She recorded a video of the performances on stage which she found interesting and entertaining.

“This is a great event for family bonding. It’s quite a pity I don’t see that many people here though. I hope there would be festivals like these in the future and more people coming down to support. I’m sure they will, because there is a lot of good food to taste, and we all know Singaporeans love to eat!” she said.

A veteran celebrity chef, Madam Asmah Laili, 69, was conducting a culinary workshop in the Istana Hall.

She thought the event allowed the public to open their eyes to the various types of traditional Malay food in Singapore. She hoped more youths would attend future festivals like these. Cultures, food and tradition are feared to be lost if the Gen Y are not interested in such things.

“These days, the younger generation don’t even know the wide variety of traditional Malay food. They don’t know where they came from, they don’t know how they are made... only know how to makan!” she chuckled.

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Article and Pictures (1st, 3rd & 4th) by Humairah Jamil


Photo Credits: Malay Heritage Centre http://www.soshiok.com/articles/13393 (2nd Photo - Food)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

About Us

Pulp News Labyrinth is a subsidary of KDH Publications.
All articles and news pieces as seen on this site belongs to the management of KDH Publications and the management reserves the right to edit, use or rejustify the information as seen.


KDH Publications consists of:


Kenneth Ang
Humairah Jamil
Dessy Aswim


All of whom are currently pursuing a
Diploma in Media Studies and Management, Nanyang Polytechnic.



Copyright © 2009 KDH Publications