PocketsofPerth
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Singapore Turns 44
The Singapore Flag
We recited the pledge at 822pm along with Singaporeans all over the world.
I know I'm 2 weeks late, but my family and I (along with my housemate, Kristal) celebrated Singapore's 44th year of independence on the 9th of August in Perth this year. My parents and sister (my brother couldn't make it, sadly) had flown down under to pay me a visit, and what better time to gather the family and celebrate the nation's birthday, while on holiday!
We attended a dinner celebration organised by the Singapore Student Society at Makan2@Vic Park, which has come to be known as the place to be seen, more so for students. It's a cool chillout place, with other students serving at the cafe, popular for their Mamak-standard Teh Tarik. You could also find a bountiful array of local food there, albeit the disparaging difference in local prices. A little out of the way for me (who is heavily-dependent on public transport) but I try to drop by whenever I have the time or craving for a mug of good teh tarik here.
We didn't purchase tickets for the celebration as they were wiped out pretty fast. The ticket, which costs $17 each (for non-members of the SSS) entitles one to a plate of nasi (or rice) with chicken rendang, and a good cup of teh tarik, and fruit punch. We had dinner elsewhere, but were allowed to enter the premises and join in the fun. Each of us did receive a cup of fruit punch, and teh tarik, nonetheless!
Pretty Singapore flag-inspired Cupcake
They were supposed to stream the live broadcast of the National Day Parade 2009, but I think technology failed them.
We were shown videos of all the famous National Day songs instead, some of which Kristal & I sang along to, and most of which are new to my sister (but she caught on pretty quickly)!
As with all birthday parties, it's simply wrong to not have a birthday cake! To ensure that every one gets their fair share, all of us were offered the National Day cupcake! Something refreshing yet nothing new (seeing as how cupcakes have gained widespread popularity because it looks really pretty and cute), the cupcakes were aptly red in colour and adorned with colourful little stars. Real pretty isn't it? Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of cupcakes (I don't like how bland they taste) and I basically just scooped off the icing! Sinful, but I just had to try this one.
My sister was ecstatic when she received the goodie bag!
We were also entertained with games & quizzes, and winners get to take home the NDP goodie bag! They had many to give away, so that meant a lot of quizzes! Some questions were easy-peasy, but some needed a little think-through.
One question went, "Name the tallest building in Singapore". Someone was chosen and she quipped, "Err ... Taka?" :-O !! Major giveaway but what an embarrasing moment for her as loud gasps could be heard from all corners of the room. Either she's not Singaporean, or she hasn't come home in a long time. The answer to that is the Swissotel the Stamford, by the way.
We weren't picked to answer any quizzes even though my mom attempted to gain the emcee's attention (and we were sitting right in front!). We did manage however to get home with not one, but two goodie bags! My sister was the youngest person there (since it's a Uni event, and most if not all are students), and perhaps the organisers felt she deserved to get one! HOW LUCKY! In Singapore, only those who went to the NDP got the goodie bag. We weren't at the NDP, we weren't even in Singapore, but we still got it! Syiok!
An event organised by the Singapore Students Society (UWA)
The celebration was mediocre on the whole, but I'm sure all of us had a good time as we gathered in a room where the person next to you is bound to be a Singaporean. A feeling that can't be described, unless you're living in another man's land.
I had a wonderful time spent with my family. Really blessed and glad I had them to share my patriotism with (haha), and I can't wait to see them again soon.
Such is the life of a student living abroad!