For the past 2 years since Chingay Parade moved from Orchard Road to Marina Bay, I’ve always been part of the workforce, helping to ensure that the Parade will run smoothly. This year, it is something special, I was part of the audience, taking part in the parade and enjoying every bits of it. My cousin was back from Australia for CNY holidays and I thought that this was the best time for us to meet and enjoy the parade with her and Ethan.
This is the first time that the parade is held at the F1 Pit Building and its interesting to see how the organizers mark out the F1 tracks into 4 lanes. The parade started with the the firecrackers dragon and it was amazing that Ethan was able to bear with the noise level made by the firecrackers. Being seated on the first row, we were able to see first hand, the lighting up of the firecrackers and getting near to the firecrackers.
Subsequent performances were engaging and the floats were really nice. We even got 2 packets of New Moon Rice as free gifts, given out by the performers. Personally, I thought that a parade needs to have an impactful music with dancers etc and not slow moving performances like the one titled Yellow River. It was too slow and boring and everyone didn’t really appreciate it.
Near the finale, it was the appearance of the Universal Studios float from Resorts World @ Sentosa and Ethan was really excited seeing Kungfu Panda and some of the other cartoon characters.
The fireworks were fantastic too. At least, all of us enjoy the show and the verdict for Chingay Parade 2011, WE WILL BE THERE! I hope the organizers managed to read this post and hopefully, give me free tickets next year.
Both Part 1 and Part 2 of the photos are available at my facebook account.
We’ve visited River Hongbao every year and this year, all of us felt that it was so much more interesting compared to previous years. Its always difficult to see crowd at River Hongbao, but this year, its simply crowded, the place was packed with people. Many were taking pictures of the exhibits and many were enjoying the rides by Uncle Ringo. It is the 2nd time that the event is held at The Float @ Marina Bay and from the way things are done, the organizers have learnt from last year’s experience.
Ethan took many pictures with the exhibits like the Tigers and Pandas. Of course, we never miss the opportunity of taking a family photo as well. While they have exhibits on the Chinese Zodiac, I just grab the chance to take picture with Ethan since both of us belongs to the same Zodiac sign, Dog.
Of course, whenever you visit River Hongbao, you should not miss the God of Fortune.
It should be more than 20 years since we last see the 3 ‘Tigers” performing together. The 3 “Tigers” I’m referring to are the 3 guys from 小虎队 who reformed to perform on CCTV’s Chinese New Year show. Its really quite funny to see 3 boys men doing dance routine and behaving like as if they are in their early 20s. Nevertheless, it was really nice to see them back on stage again, but should they perform they next time, they should just evolve and sing with some new dance steps and not those cheesy ones.
Finally it was here, Ezanne’s 1st Birthday on 15 February. It was a meaningful day as it was Chinese New Year and it was the exact day when Ezanne was born. Ezanne is the 8th family member of our family and the very first girl to the family as well.
Just when everyone was preparing, I decided to take a picture with wifey for a couple shot. Oh and I thought this is one of the best pictures that I’ve ever taken. At least, wifey commented that I don’t even look this good when I took my wedding photo.
So the guests started arriving and we oversee the setup of the buffet stuff.
I’ve always sourced for unique birthday cakes and on top of that try to have something special for the party. For Ezanne, I’ve gotten my neighbour and internet friend, Huda, to help us to prepare 50 cow themed cupcakes. Unfortunately, the cows melted when I was about to collect it and Huda was not able to get it down on time and replaced it with muffins instead. Nevertheless, my relatives enjoyed the cupcakes and had given positive reviews of it.
When the night falls, it was time to cut the birthday cake. Ezanne appeared in an almost similar outfit with the character in the cake!
And finally, it was time for a family photo which is always my favourite.
The day ended with a lo hei and I assume everyone enjoyed themselves. For me, it was a tiring day but a memorable one too.
The first day of Chinese New Year, the first Chinese New Year for Ezanne. Like what we usually does previously, the moment the clock strikes 12 on the first day of Chinese New Year, we will gather together with my relatives to pray at the Guan Yin Temple at Waterloo Street. Compared to last year, we were slightly earlier this year and it was more crowded.
Not too sure if the quality of the joss sticks had dropped, Jingyi and my aunties and cousin suffered burns from the ashes. After the praying, we headed to Chinatown just to feel the festive mood. There were last minute shopping by some people and stalls giving away free stuff and some stalls offering unbelievable discounts. By the time I send my aunties and cousin home, it was already past 3am.
Overslept till about 11am and only left home for the first visit at 1 plus. The first day of Chinese New Year is visiting for us and the second day will be people visiting us. It’s Ezanne’s first birthday and I’m really looking forward to it. Its the first time we are celebrating birthday on Chinese New Year ands I’ve ordered 50 cow themed cupcakes and wonder how its gonna turn out.
Its Chinese New Year eve and its a day which I’ve been looking forward to. After a busy and hectic year, finally its time to take a break and do a stock take of what had happened over the past year and how to move things on for the following. Chinese New Year is a time to gather and bond with family and that’s the reason why I make it a point every year, we will have a set of family outfit. Regardless how difficult it is, I’ll make sure that we will find a set of family outfit, well, this could be something that the Pang family is doing…
Reunion dinner is also a must have during Chinese New Year eve. Our reunion dinner is made up of a combination of home cooked food and food bought by my aunties. Its definitely a sumptuous one but I thought, it was really early that we had it, it was 5pm when we had our dinner.
After getting back home, surprisingly, there was lion dance. Quickly took Ethan out to take alook at it, since it is his favourite. While they were preparing, Ethan literally had a hands on experience on the drum!
Its about 8 minutes more to the first day of Chinese New Year, 恭喜发财.
I think the answer is a definite NO! All thanks to myself for buying so many CNY goodies and of course, my aunties who got us some too. Its really tempting just by looking at it and I just want to try alittle of everything. Before I forget, I finish up a small bottle of pineapple tarts within 3 days after I bought it from the canteen. It has about 50 of them, my colleagues took 5 and I ate the rest.
I’m save to say that WE ARE READY FOR CNY (I mean in terms of the food lah)! If you need some recommendations of delicious CNY goodies, drop me a comment and I’ll share it with you.
We have started the official countdown to Chinese New Year. So excited, 7 more days to go.
Yes, I’ve been there during the opening, but on Saturday, I was back at Chinatown with my family. Its an annual thingy that we visit Chinatown before CNY, its just to get the festive feel that Chinese New Year is just round the corner. This year is special cause its Ezanne’s first visit with us. Ethan was getting really excited about this trip cause he was told by his grandfather that there would be lion dance. We had early dinner and started walking down the streets.
There seems to be less variety of CNY stuff this year and I’m not too sure why they are selling mushrooms in almost every streets? In terms of the decoration, its really simple or maybe should I just say, its a sloppy job. The decorations were actually put up just days before the official lightup, so that’s how last minute it was.
I am now wondering if I should go again on CNY Eve, which I’ve been doing for the past 2 years. You can view the full set of pictures on my Facebook.
Chinese New Year is about 3 weeks away and Chinatown is a definitely must go during this period of time. Its not about buying things there, but to enjoy the festive mood. It was the Chinese New Year Light Up on Saturday (23 January) and I thought, it was pretty disappointing.
I thought the organizers could have had performers that can engaged the audience, they should not concentrate the performances to just the stage area, if they want, they could have put up more screens for the crowd to watch. There were no fireworks, but just fire crackers and everyone just left after the fire crackers. I thought the lightings this year were simply boring and they actually recycled the God of Fortune that they used last year.
You will have to walk around the street bazaar to enjoy the festive mood. There are the usual mochi, dried food and Chinese New Year decorations.
You can go to the Gallery section to view the full set of pictures.
RT @sunnysiokk: My colleague suggested to my Boss: Haf Sex or Masturbate b4 u come to work everday.Because when you Cum, you feel CONFIDENT! http://twitter.com/patpang51 mins ago
Comments (0) 
Themocracy