the passing of the season

the passing of Elizabeth Choy

At the age of 96, Singapore's war heroine passed away, succumbing to cancer. There are probably not enough words to give tribute to this woman. Above all she was a symbol of courage and compassion to us all. Not only during the war itself, but throughout her life. So many lives have been touched by the love and passion this woman possessed. If anything her legacy was that human spirit can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. My mum and dad attended her wake.

Singapore causes enormous damage to the reputation of the IMF/World Bank

Singapore paid alot of attention to this IMF/World Bank meeting now in progress. They been harping for a long time now how they want our 4 million citizens to show their best side to the 24,000 (i think) visitors by smiling and being courteous. They been working around the clock to re-do all roads leading from the airport to the city and road leading to the various places the delegates will be visiting. They have renovated the airport terminals and even SUNTEC Convention Centre itself in preparation. In short, the organizers have pulled out all the stops to make it as smooth and well run as possible.
Therein lies the crux of the problem. We dealt so efficiently with all the outward signs, that it would seem that nothing could go wrong logistically. But once again Singapore chose to overlook the human aspect. I guess there is some logic for Singapore's blacklisting of some 27 civil group activists. But this was something that should have been looked into way before the Meeting even started. Now Singapore has had to rescind and allow entry to 22 of the 27. What a slap in the face to Singapore in what was to be one of our finest hours. The fierce criticism from all quarters, including World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and IMF Managing Director Rodrigi rato, has done more damage to Singapore already bad reputation for being authoritatrian and stifling of civil liberties. I seriously doubt anymore such conferences or meetings will be hosted by Singapore after this episode.

The entire sms again

Last night Agnes asked me if I was still in contact with Joyce. So I told her about this particular SMS:

I m sorry. I know i ve hurt u a lot. When i went back to u the second time,
i m really trying to get myself back into the relationship.But i failed to do
so. Thats y i left u once again. Dun think that i do not feel hurt jus because i
m the one who initiated it.I put in jus as much time and effort as u in the
relationship. Though at some point i m still thinking y u didnt attempt to win
my heart back at all,i can only conclude this is yr character and i m sure there
ii be someone out there who will be very much better than me in accepting u as
wat u r. I admit that i m a true failure in possessing this virtue,and jus got
to learn to be as strong,optimistic and gracious as u. I know talking abt it is
meaningless now.Jus to let u know,Yr new relationshio has already been made
known to me. You'll have my blessings. Isnt that what u want me to think love is
all abt... Take care.

I am now in a long-term relationship with Agnes. Happier than I ever been in years. I did love Joyce during those years that we were together. I could not imagine loving anyone else. But in the end I had little to hold on to. There is only so much you can give of yourself and only so much that one can sacrifice befoe it comes back to haunt you. I am perfectly happy in my current relationship. Agnes is a lot more level headed and self -sacrificial. At least I know in my heart that she will be there for me when I need her. Somehow that assurance was never forthcoming when I was with Joyce. It seemed each day was a constant struggle to put out fires and giving up the things I loved for the benefit of our relationship. I never felt that she appreciated all I did for her. That is where my bitterness stems from. Bitterness never does anyone any good. Very often the object of your own bitterness goes on through life oblivious to the hurt they caused. I guess she wanted all or nothing. That even when we were not together she wanted to have a hand in what I did and who I associated with. But the thing that hurt most was losing a friend....

It is time for me to forget my bitter past and work on making my current relationship work...

movies I wanna catch

It seems suddenly there is a glut of good movies to catch. so little time....

The Host


Looks like the greatest thing since sliced bread. It is clever. More than justa horror flick.Or so they say...

The Devil Wears Prada


Just to catch a nuanced performance from the ever brilliant Meryl Streep

Singapore Dreaming


Touted as the best Singapore made film yet....

Akeelah and the Bee


Based on a true story. One of those underdog movies where the protagonist rises above her station in life to become champion of the universe. Or something to that effect...

Love Wrecked


Somehow this does not fit into all the other films I mentioned above. I expect a fluffy teen flick here.

'On a Caribbean cruise, Jenny (Bynes) is marooned on a beach with her rock and roll idol. Deliriously in love with the idea of time alone with him, she manages to hide the fact that they're a stones throw away from their resort.'

But the premise holds so much promise. Hopefully it lives up to it somewhat...