10 food stalls we will miss when we move out of Tanjong Pagar CBD area

After knowing that my company is moving out of the Central Business District (CBD) area, the 1st thing came to my mind; Food.

After spending 8 years working in the CBD , i have grown to love and appreciate the cheap hawker food that accompanied me through many many lunch breaks.

Since we are moving out, let me share with you 10 food stalls that I will dearly miss, yes I am sure you will miss (if your company is shifting out too).

1) Piao Ji Fish Porridge (标记鱼粥) - Amoy food center #02-100/103
Opening Hrs 1030am-4pm, off on Thursday

This stall ranks number 1 in my list as they serve the freshest, tastiest fish and prawn around in Singapore. Fish soup we have had a lot, nothing beats this stall. From the fish, the prawn, the soup, the vegetable to the chilli sauce, everything is tip top excellent.

1 thing I would not miss is the stall assistant (who sometimes cooks too). There is a saying that goes: "Good food comes with bad service". There was once I overheard a lady asking him if there is any more pomfret available, his reply was epic, "我去滝沟抓给你"(or I will catch it from the drain for you).

Priced at minimum of $10 for the fish and prawn soup, this might seemed expensive for some, considering it's from a hawker stall. To me, it tastes better than the restaurant, hence it's totally worth it. We understand they are open on Saturday (half day) too, hence will be back for it.


2) Han Kee fish soup (汉记鱼汤)- Amoy food center #02-129
Opening hrs: Mon – Sat: 10am – 3pm, closed on Sunday

When you mention fish soup at Amoy, everyone will ask you, Han Kee or Piao Ji? Yes, after introducing Piao Ji, here is Han Kee.

The soup is clear and tasty. The fish is awesomely fresh. No signs of tofu or tomato found, but the cabbage is good enough. Priced at minimum of $5, this is also a must try for everyone. I must say they have the longest queue at Amoy food center but the waiting time is roughly 15-20 minutes only.

Something I would not miss is the attitude of the assistant too. No doubt she has got a great memory and eye for details, but when she got stressed up, her body language and tone changed. I have seen many customers being scolded by her personally. She dislikes people wasting her time and you jolly well say it once, say it clearly, else you face her wrath.

They do open on Saturday (half day) too, so when we have the craving, we can always come back.


3)Kazaan Japanese food - Chinatown Complex Smith Street #02-01
Opening hrs Mon -Fri 1130am-830pm, Sun 1130am-6pm Closed on Saturday

This humble stall used to operate at the Tanjong Pagar market. After the market went through major upgrading works, the stall owner decided to shift to the hawker center at Chinatown.

Located opposite Maxwell market, this hawker center is the biggest around the Tanjong Pagar vicinity.

Every time when i visit this stall, the boss would personally welcome me with a big smile, asking what would i like to have today. I have personally "interviewed" him about how he started his shop and what would be his recommendation for his customers.

Food wise, if you have the thought that hawker Japanese food will never win the restaurants, think again after you tried this. Personally i think the teriyaki salmon and teriyaki chicken cutlet are the best of the best. Let's begin with the cutlet; it is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Every bite is just heavenly. The salmon of the other hand is fresh and i love the crispy salmon skin. The rice and soup is also of quality which we should try. In fact they are so good that I have blogged about them previously! (See http://witcast.blogspot.sg/2013/08/featured-kazan-japanese-cuisine-hawker.html)

So in conclusion, they have broken the myth that good food must have bad service. Thumbs up up and up.


4) Good day 好日 - Amoy food centre #01-25
Opening hrs Mon to Sun: 1030am-7pm

Back to Amoy level 1, this is the best tze-char stall at Tanjong Pagar. I have a colleague who said this "everything that comes out from this stall is good". Indeed, i love their beef fried rice, their beef hor fun with gravy. For some of us who don't take beef, you can also try their fried rice and fish hor fun, equally nice.

At just $4.50, the amount of beef is like mountain, never seen so much in a plate before.

5) Ocean Curry fish head - 181 Telok Ayer Street
Opening hrs Mondays to Fridays from 11am to 8pm, Saturdays from 11am to 2pm,
Closed on Sundays

Just a stone throw away from Amoy food center, this stall who sells curry fish head and mixed rice wins a shot at the top 10. The food choices is a lot, hence they also have the longest queue you can ever find in the Amoy stretch.

Price wise not so friendly for a mixed rice stall, but the taste is really nice.

6) Banana Leaf Nasi Padang - Amoy Street food centre #02-93
Opening hrs Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

This stall offers the closest variety as the Malay nasi padang.

Operated by a Chinese couple, they have locked many of our lunch dates with them.

No one can resist the crispy chicken cutlet that they offer can we? Personally I also like their asam stingray, totally worth it. Besides the main dishes, their omelette is also very under-rated by many.

Some may argue it is a little too sinful to have it but let's just enjoy!


7) Ming Kee Cooked Food (明記什菜飯) - Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-24
Opening hrs Mon-Fri 11am - 7pm, Sat 11am-2pm, Closed on Sunday

Another great mixed rice stall located at Tanjong Pagar Market. Their variety of dishes is more or less the same everyday. The must try dishes are probably - chicken cutlet, omelette, broccoli, Yong tau foo.

Oh did i mention their curry is tasty too? I would always request to have the curry poured unto the rice 1st before i order my dishes.

Thumbs up!!


8) China Street Hainanese Curry Rice - Maxwell food centre
Opening hrs Saturday - Thursday: 11.30am - 7.30pm

I once saw the owner on tv, it's about his children who is in a overseas university. I guess it's never easy to send your children overseas for their education but i can see his determination to provide as a father.

Food wise, i love the meatball, cabbage, sunny side up with lots of gravy and curry. The meat is tender, the cabbage is soft, the sunny side up just sums up your meal with a smile.

Definitely something i will miss.


9) Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (天天海南鸡饭) - Maxwell Food Center #01-10/11
Opening hrs 10am – 8pm (Closed on Mondays)

Mind you, they beat Gordon Ramsey in the cook off challenge. Their queue consist of both locals and tourist who yearns for a good meal. Personally i love their drumstick rice with lots of sauce. Tender is an understatement. The rice is so nice that you can eat it on it's own. Personally I think this is the best chicken rice in Singapore.

However, when you ask for more sauce, the auntie assistance would say "咸死你"(something like a curse -_-!!)

10) Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle - Chinatown Complex Food Centre #02-126
Opening hrs 10.30 am to 7 pm (Closed on Wed)

Last but never the least, the oily chicken of Chinatown. For those of us who never liked oily chicken because it's nothing healthy, you may want to think again.

At only $2, you can get a plate of chicken rice! Drumstick lovers look here, their drumstick is just out of this world. Taking them with a plate of noodles will just make you drool for more.

The long wait might be a reason why i seldom patronise them, including time to walk to and fro, i would suggest you bring your own container and dabao the food back to save time.

I would certainly return to eat them when i go on leave.

I understand the above 10 stalls may not be your favorite. I have included many other stalls that were closed to making it to the list.


Amoy-

Zhisheng cooked food ($2.30 - 1 meat 2 vege)
Ah Ter's fishball noodles (handsome man cooking bak chor mee -fav among ladies)
Ah Liang Ipoh Hor Fun (the fried fish dumpling is awesome)
01-59 (taste very home cooked, the fried fish fillet is awesome)
Li Xing Nasi Lemak (always sold out before 1, enough said)
Hong Kong style steamed soup and steamed rice (Soup is awesome)
Authentic Thai (basil chicken rice is nice)
Snow Mountain (freshest fruits and fruit juice)
Halal chicken rice (the chilli!)
Teh Tarik stall at level 1 (very nice teh tarik)


Maxwell - Jin Hua fish soup (Fresh fish)

AXA Tower - Snack of Taiwan 台湾小吃 (nice breakfast, friendly boss)

Chinatown - 3 for $2 (any 3 dishes for $2, including meat)

IP- Taiwan Railway Bento [the 滷肉飯(braised meat) is nice]

Tanjong Pagar Market - Pandan Leaf Nasi Lemak and Xiang Xiang Nasi Lemaek (both stalls serve the best Chicken Wings around)

Shenton House Nasi Padang & Food Stalls (cheap and good!)

Fu Lin Yong Tau Fu (great gravy and uniquely awesome presentation, didn't make the list as they have branch outlets)

Ok that's all for now. We sing Auld Lang Syne to our favorite lunches at Tanjong Pagar.

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Remembering our founding mentor - Mr Lee Kuan Yew

He was our 1st Prime Minister,
He was our 1st Senior Minister,
He was our 1st Minister Mentor.

He shared his hard truth,
He shared his tears,
He brought us from kampong to 1st world.

He survived the 2nd world war where Singapore fell to the Japanese. Times were hard during his days. He didn’t give up, he continues to fight for our cause, and he dedicated his life into politics, winning seats in every election he had been. When Singapore was down and out, he took up the role of transforming Singapore from 3rd world to our current 1st world status.

Yes, we do have issues that need to be address in our current state. Bread and butter issues are always going to be a problem. Yes, there are some policies not many people would agree and support. However, those were the hard truth decisions that Mr Lee had to take.

Some said he rules by the iron fist, some may even challenge his authority. 1 thing is for sure, he has got more respect in the world today than many many many others. There are too many quotes that Mr Lee had said that had impacted Singapore. Here are a few more significance ones,

"Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life... I should find solace in her 89 years of a life well lived. But at this moment of the final parting, my heart is heavy with sorrow and grief." - Mr Lee is a sweetheart to his wife.

"I wouldn't call myself an atheist. I neither deny nor accept that there is a God. So I do not laugh at people who believe in God. But I do not necessarily believe in God - nor deny that there could be one." - Mr Lee's views on religion

"I am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn't be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn't be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervened on very personal matters—who your neighbor is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think." - Mr Lee on his management style

"You vote for the opposition, you have 5 years to repent" - Mr Lee on Aljunied residents



"Even from my sick bed, even if you are going to lower me into the grave and I feel something is going wrong, I will get up.” Mr Lee on his resurrection

With Mr Lee passing on, some of the opposition parties actually paid respect to him, sending warm regard to his family too. The Workers' party, National Solidarity Party, Singapore Democratic Alliance, Reform party and Singapore Democratic Party all posted messages on their facebook walls, appreciating what Mr Lee had done for our nation.

http://wp.sg/2015/03/condolence-letter-from-mr-low-thia-khiang-to-pm-lee-on-the-passing-of-mr-lee-kuan-yew/

http://yoursdp.org/news/sdps_condolences_to_the_lees/2015-03-20-5978

Witcast is definitely encouraged by this act, where everyone, regardless of their political background, set aside their differences, come together to mourn over our founding father demise.

Rest in peace, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Your wish is for Singapore to survive, we know whoever taking over in future will ensure our survival. Without you, there is no Singapore.

With a heavy heart, Witcast signing off.

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Raintr33 Hotel - The former old Changi Hospital's neighbour

Have you heard before the old Changi Hospital? There was even a movie being made for this place. We were told that their neighbour, old commando barracks were transformed into a hotel.

Yeah, it was a haunted place in the past. Stepping up, here comes Raintr33 Hotel.

Since many of us would know the history of old Changi hospital, so I won’t be saying too much to scare you here. The question now is, will anyone stay in the new hotel? The newspaper article below shows the haunted stories of old commando camp, the article claimed that there is a gateway to hell.

There should be a few groups of people who probably will.

1) Tourist - Enough said, they see the price still ok (Starting from $180), still quite near to the peaceful changi village, there is even a place to chill. So why not?

2) Brave locals - They heard about the history, they want to experience it themselves, 1st hand. However, they might come in a group, hence i suspect they won’t see anything.

3) Bloggers - Surely they will wanna stay there and blog what they have seen or heard so they can drive up their viewership.

4) Lost souls - We don't literally mean the souls, but human beings who might be tired from cycling, jogging etc. Maybe not, Taxis can be easily located right?

So 1st hand experience will be better than hearsay, so are you ready for an adventure??

*Witcast will not be responsible if you happened to see anything/any uninvited guest to your room*

For more information, please visit http://raintr33hotel.com/

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EPL 14/15 Key players

Hi everyone

It's been a few games into the season, maybe we can take a look at who are the clubs' key players

Arsenal

Most would say it will be Alex Sanchez? Not for me, I think Arsenal is doing well because of Aaron Ramsey instead. He is often the more silent contributor but majority of the crucial goals were scored by this man. I think he is also the man who got the most shot on goal. If he can stay injury free, Arsenal can have some glory in the days ahead.

Aston Villa

Not many would doubt us when we mention Gabriel Agbonlahor. With Benteke out injured, this name seemed to be a hot name to call upon. His goal against Liverpool recently ensured the bus parking tactic worked.

Burnley

They have scored just once in 5 games. Conceded 4 in the process. Not much to choose from, so Scott Arfield is the man to look out for, he has got quite a number shots on goal but burnley needs to train harder in shooting.

Chelsea

There are so much talent in this team that there is not just 1 man we are talking about here. However, this man Diego Costa is the killer. He did what Eto + Torres + Ba combined together last season. The question is, will he continue his good form?

Crystal Palace

The great escape from relegation last season was a miracle which also landed Tony Pulis as the manager of the year. However, he had departed before the season kicked off. Shocking. So who is the key player for Palace? Mile Jedinak and Jason Puncheon are my choices. Just look at the way they play and you will agree with me.

Everton

Well well well. Is Everton struggling? Alittle. But Mr Kevin Mirallas continue to show everyone why Everton finished above Man Utd last season. If he sits out, you can see Everton missing him like crazy

Hull City

It got to be their top scorer Jelavic right Stephen Quinn is worth mentioning too. In my opinion Quinn is the key player instead as Jelavic wont get any goal if not for Quinn.

Leicester City

Well, the person who saved them the points against Man Utd, Remember this name, Jose Ulloa. Leicester is proving to be a very strong team to beat.

Liverpool

Oh man, they missed Mr Suarez. But they have a trainee by the name of Raheem Sterling. His mazzy dribbling showed the fans he can fill the boots of Suarez? Maybe not yet, but he is surely the player to look out for. Both club and country.

Man City

For a team so strong, it is not possible to name 1 player. But we have seen this man, Sergio Aguero doing it again and again, putting the points into their bag.

Man Utd

Interesting to see so many players who don't mind not going to Champions league. For a moment, Man Utd were dead last. However, Mr Rooney and Di Maria are the men to watch. They have the quality to lift their team upwards.

Newcastle

Moussa Sissoko is the man. His tough tackling is what keeps the team together. Just a pity the team is struggling at the moment. They can buy back Carroll when he is fit.

QPR

I wanted to say none. But there is 1 by the name of Steven Caulker. He is the future of England at one time. If he can pick it up and lead the team, QPR might escape being relegated for the 2nd time in 3 yrs.

Southampton

Lallana, Lovren, Shaw all gone. So who? Up step Graziano Pelle. Another one to watch out for. Southampton had brought in some very wonderful signing this season, and not forgetting they had been tight at the back too.

Stoke City

Captain Ryan Shawcross is the man for Stoke for awhile now. His tough defending had made stoke a difficult ground to go. He will continue to be the man to watch.

Sunderland

For a long time,Sebastian Larsson had been a fringe player. Could this be his season to step it up? Already shown some great efforts and let's see.

Swansea

He left when his loan expired. Joined Spurs but the deal never made him a better player, so he returned to Swansea. Yes his name is Gylfi Sigurdsson. We all saw how his passes can tear the defense up. Definitely a key man.

Spurs

Adebayor? No. Lamela? Not really. But this defender Eric Dier. He can really put the strikers to shame dont he? If he can emulate Mr Bale, he can really make it big.

West Brom

If not Saido Berahino, then who?

West Ham

It has to be Steward Downing. He is the reason why the team is moving forward. Get that, haters.

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Jobs and Careers

After taking a break from blogging, we are back! Today we will be sharing about jobs and careers. In this present age, what we studied in school may not actually means we will be pursuing it in the society.

So assuming you are an 23-year old man fresh from the army, with a Diploma in Nursing. You may/may not be applying for a job in the Healthcare industry. Reason being, you fear the eyes of discrimination against you(being a male), or you simply thinks you can make it big at the finance sector.

So does that mean the Healthcare sector will have 1 less capable worker? I don't think so, as the polytechnics would have catered for a certain percentage of graduates who will choose to move on from what they studied.

So is there a discrimination in the world today? Certainly. I deemed the cause to be based on perceptions. Take for example, the perception of construction workers would certainly be a male. If you are a female who is very passionate in being a construction worker, you may apply to be one. Just that you might immediately be featured on the news, every talk show and maybe even being mentioned in the National Day Rally. The reason being; no man in this part of the world wants to be a construction worker, let alone women.

There are some jobs which women are being preferred too, such as manicurist or lingerie sellers. That left the office jobs being a place for both the male and female right? Maybe, office workers such as the Human Resource department are often associated with women being the vast majority. I am not sure if there are any discrimination over here but it seemed that they all seemed to require experience in the HR field prior to the selection. So, assuming you have just completed your degree in HR, applied for a job in HR (which most certainly requires a vast amount of relevant experience), will you ever be recruited?

To me, if every HR department wants someone with experience, where do the new fresh grads go? In any organisation, you need fresh ideas, you need fresh blood to keep up with the changing society. If all you have are people who knows what to do but no fresh ideas, eventually the whole society will just revolves around the same group of people.

Come on HR directors, recruitment directors, please don't be so direct ya? Give the fresh grads a chance! Especially when they had took on HR related courses in their tertiary studies. If no one gives them a chance, they will be going to work in some places where their potential might not be fully optimized.

So, we heard that there is a over supply of lawyers huh? Ok, lawyers are indeed a very in-demand lot of people in the working society today. Many can work in the banks, public service etc.. But shouldn't a lawyer supposed to be fighting for the lives of the innocent? And in the case of persecutor, they have the right to put criminals into jail. So assuming no lawyer wants to do that, we don't have any other choice.

In conclusion, to me, jobs are something for you to get your pay, which you can get paid for the number of work done in exchange. Whereas a career will involve your heart and soul, where you strive to give the best to it. Heard before the career path? Have you heard before the job path? No right? So make your informed choice before you regret. Understand some of us would rather get a job than career too, it's just a matter of our expectations in life too. Whatever decision we made in life, will eventually affect our destiny.

Signing off.

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Good morning to Shun Fa Shu Shi 顺发熟食

Happy Good Friday everyone!

Being a Singaporean living in the heartlands all my life, there are always some food from the hawker centers that never fails to make me drool.

One of such delicious food stall is 顺发熟食(Shun Fa Shu Shi).

Shun Fa Shu Shi serves delicious Singapore styled breakfast, with a wide variety of main and side dishes to choose from. Be it bee hoon with egg, fried noodles with fried fish, or even hokkien-styled noodles with chicken wings, they never fails to attract you over.

Today, my entry will introduce some of their best sellers.

Me : Hi uncle, sorry to disturb you. I am representing Witcast and I am a blogger. I really liked the food and would like to feature your stall.

Uncle: Ok.

Me: Thanks uncle, 1st of all, would like to ask how long have your stall been around?

Uncle: Its around more than 10 over years now.

Me: Wow, nice. So among you dishes, which ones are the best sellers? Like the must try?

Uncle: It depends on the individual, very hard to give you a good answer. But the best sellers so far should be the hokkien noodles, chicken wings and the fried fish.

Me: Yeah, i agree those are great. Just to check, if you have any plans on expanding your business?

Uncle: Ha, no lah(singlish word)  How to do it? I don't know.

Me: Sure sure no problem. Thank you for your time uncle, and you are...?

Uncle: Thank you too! I am Mr Lee.

Me: Thank you for your time. Have a great day and may your business prosper.

So the short interview was quite fruitful. I have to agree with Mr Lee that the Chicken Wings and Fried Fish are great. The wings are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Simply marvelous! The fried fish is crispy and doesn't lose to those from the western stalls. While i liked the hokkien noodles, one to mention is the fried kway tiao too. It's not oily and it's completely worth it. Lastly, the chili is nice, one scoop is not enough!

So, if you have some time and hungry in the morning, head down to try it!

Address: Blk 162 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 #01-34
Opening hours : 3:30AM to 2PM (or until sold out)
Rest on alternate Wednesday

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Allergy gone bad. Does the doctor at this local government hospital care?

We have a case submitted by a reader in regard to his wife's experience with a local hospital.

Here was how it goes.

On Tuesday my wife went to Mount * (Witcast didn't want to reveal the name of the hospital at this point) for treatment for her rashes however it didn't get better. Doctor said it might be viral infection. So she went home after they gave her some medication and a jab to reduce the itch. The next day, her face swelled and more rashes were found on her face and body. Hence, she went back to Mount * for a review. Mount * wanted to ward her but they were short of beds. So they said we can transfer to ***(We have blanked out the name of the hospital) for admission. Mount * doctor then wrote a referral letter to ***'s A&E.

Reader's wife before the allergy

My wife waited for 2hrs, where finally the doctor from ***'s A&E seen her. After seeing her,the doctor said its just a small case, dun need to be warded to the hospital. So she didn't get any treatment and left. And the next day her condition got worst. Face, eye swelling and more rashes developing. So does it mean only when her life is at risk then *** will consider it serious?

On Thursday, she could not take it anymore. She call Mount * and the nurse asked her to go back to Mount * as swelling of her face and eye is not a good sign. When she reached Mount *, she was asked to warded. This time, they have enough bed for her. After her admission, immediately she got treated by a skin specialist. The way *** treated her was a disappointment. I also sent in an complaint and am currently waiting for their reply. However, till date there is no reply.

The doctor at Mount * had diagnosed that she had a serious allergy reaction. Serious allergy can kill if it's not treated properly.

This was how she look after the rashes and swelling... She cried under her blanket ever since *** rejected her admission. Thank goodness she is getting better now after admitting to Mount *.

Witcast also did a simple interview with reader.

Witcast: Thank God she is better now!

Reader: Yeah.

Witcast: Do you intend to sue *** for their negligence to discover your wife's illness?

Reader: I m waiting first their reply. The auto reply says will reply in 14days. If within 14days, I don't get any reply. I will go report this incident to MOH.

Witcast: What do you think caused them to react this way? Reader: According to doc in mount *, they said it's because govt hospital don't see such case as serious. And they don't had enough beds.

Witcast: Lastly, do you think the commitment given can be better, if *** wishes to make amendment to your wife's case, how do you want them to settle it?

Reader: Well, look at my wife's face now. If it's disfigured then how are they going to compensate? Muscles on our faces are tender. It can cause disfigure. Face already swollen like this and doctor with just one look without giving her any treatment can say ÿou look fine to me, it's not serious. You don't have to be admitted and we don't have enough beds" If it's not serious then why would Mount * asked my wife to be admitted? *** doctor is ridiculous. And i think they are not experience from the way he attended to my wife. But thank goodness the next day there are available beds at Mount * so that my wife can get admitted to be treated. I think the doctors in government hospital only see life at risk then they call it serious. This is the feedback I had from nurses and patient during my wife's stay.

Witcast: It seemed serious to us that this reader's wife's face is badly affected. Do you have a similar story to tell? Let us know by sending us a private message on facebook.

Like our page if you have not done so.

https://www.facebook.com/Witcastblogspot

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Filial Piety - Something that should never be forgotten in life

Being in an Asian family, we are told that our parents are bigger than gods. There is a saying that if you parents kneel in front of you, you will fall and faint immediately (do not ever try this).

So why do we need to be filial to our parents?

If you ever read the Holy Bible, it mentioned that thou shall honor your parents that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you. (Exo 20:12). Please pardon me, i am not going to start preaching in this post.

Back in the ancient days, it had already been told that we need to appreciate what our parents had given us. We understand traditions may change, times may also change, people will evolve. However, this is something we should never gives up or change.

There is no parents in this world that wants their children to fall. They always wanted the best for their children, even though sometimes it might mean they get less for themselves.

Have you ever wondered, if not for your parents, would you be who you are today? I am not 100% sure about you, but for me, i won't.

I wasn't born to a wealthy family to begin with, when i was little, i could remember my dad failing in his business and our family was so poor that my mum would look all over the house just to find that 20 cents coin for our next meal. What can 20 cents buy you? 2 country erasers. But with the little they had, my mum would then take this small amount to the market and get us a piece of fish cake. Both my brother and i would not complain about our meals as we will see our parents taking a small piece of the fish cake and gives the rest of that to us. They would then take some soya sauce and mixed it with the rice and eat it.



We were POOR. But we were not defeated. I told myself back then, one day when I grow up, i want to earn as much money as i can, so my family can have a better life.

When I was 4 years old, my mum and I would walk my elder brother to school. That was when I asked her a innocent question.

Me: Mum, why dont I have to go to school? Is it because you think i am stupid?

Mum: No my dear, it's because you are still too young to go to school. Once you hit the age, even if i dont want you to study, i cant.

Me: Ok! It's a deal.

Mum : =)


My parents had never given me stress throughout my studies. Except there was once they sent me to this home tuition where the tutor would stress me day in and day out. Eventually being loving parents, they terminated the tuition as they saw i was struggling. After i broke free from it, my grades miraculously improved.

Fast forward to my secondary 3 studies, I did so badly in my studies that I failed my subjects badly. I had to be channeled to the normal stream. As usual, the school would require the parents to meet up with the teachers. When my teacher met up with my mum, i was depressed. I felt i let her down.

On our way home, she did not utter anything, just walking with me. When i cant take it further, i broke down in tears. I told her i let her down, i promised her that in the following year, i will be the top student and make her proud of me.

I did well for my GCE N level and scored 4 Distinctions and 1 Credit. I was also made the top student in my cohort and the Principal praised me for the good results. Deep down inside, i know i did it for my parents. I am sure they are proud of me.

Fast forward, now that i have graduated from college and stepped into the working world, 1 thing doesnt change.My love for my parents. I may not verbally said it daily to them, but i know i respect them and care for them deeply.

Now, both my mum and dad are retired/semi-retired and are getting on in age. I would spend time talking to them, have meals with them, or even watch some old movies with them.



One day, they will eventually be gone, but before that, I want to make sure they enjoyed the time spent with me and never ever regret giving birth to me. Yes, my life is indeed given by them, so i felt it's natural to love them the way they are.

They are not perfect people, some people might even not get along well with them, but they are my parents. If i dont love or care for them, no one will.

I hope our readers can take some time out of your busy schedules and show more concern to your loved ones. We only live once, so make it a meaningful one, not just to ourselves but also people around us. Starting with your parents.

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