The latest central prayer location at The Riverwalk, just opposite Clarke Quay had an overwhelming crowd on Monday, 9 February 2009 with more than 600 people attending the very first evening prayer meeting, held from 6 to 7pm. The bi-monthly early morning prayer meeting extended to the evenings to accommodate a huge number of CHC members, who for various reasons, could not be there to pray in the mornings.

PHOTOS: Alvin Loh

Joseph Ang, one of the pastors at CHC, commented that the organizers originally planned for 200 members to pray at The Riverwalk and opened up the 200 seating-capacity auditorium. However, the easily accessible venue was so popular that by 6.05pm, the hall was packed to the max, and latecomers were ushered into smaller rooms to pray. A total of 5 rooms were opened up with an estimated attendance of 610 people that showed up, tripling the original forecast.

NSF Joseph Chin, 20, said that it was the first time he was able to take part in this bi-monthly affair as he usually reports to camp early in the morning at 7am and was unable to make it for the morning prayer meetings previously.

“I feel very refreshed,” exclaimed Yoseph Setiawan, 27, a graphic designer who went straight back to work after the evening prayer meeting. He explained that it was extremely convenient for him to rush from work to pray, and he would not have to skip work or miss the prayer meeting.

The “2009 Prayer Booklet” given out to City Harvest Church members proved to be a very useful tool. “It teaches us how to be more specific in our prayers and creates a discipline to pray. I’ve already filled in most of the pages,” said Angeline Aw, 19, a student. The Prayer Booklet is a handy booklet for members to write down their individual prayers needs, right next to a check box. They would indicate with a tick when the prayer request has been fulfilled.

A quick poll of 15 students and working adults indicated that all of them loved the newest venue addition, The Riverwalk, because of its accessibility.

This reporter headed early the next morning to Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre, home to the Church of Singapore (Harvest), one of the three venues for the morning prayer meetings, to find out if many were drawn to the relatively central venue, just off Chinatown.

There was a steady stream of people alighting from public buses just outside Pearl’s Centre and trotting off as they headed to Kreta Ayer Road. Underneath the bright full moon, it was a peaceful 5 minute walk to the theatre and two volunteers were already present at 6.30 am, ushering the people into the cavernous hall.

More than 400 people turned up and a steady rumble of prayer continued for an hour and ended as Aries Zulkarnain, the pastor leading the prayer, closed by praying for a central piece of land to build the new church building.

The overwhelming attendance at the central locations of The Riverwalk and Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre is clear sign that a building in the central is much needed.

This week-long series of early morning and evening prayer meetings is the first of six that City Harvest Church is holding.

Some people have sallow and dull skin, while others may have a reddish skin tone. The key to looking like you have great skin is to use a corrective makeup base.

I’m going to tell you about the different shades of corrective makeup base and the type of skin tones they can help to adjust.

Corrective makeup bases are light liquid makeup that can soften the skin and some even offer protection from the sun (SPF).

Makeup base is essential for a flawless, long-lasting complexion ‘with or without foundation, as it prepares the skin for make-up application.

There are seven shades of makeup base, and what each does:

	Neutral Base #0 Neutral or light beige base is the most common. It evens out the complexion and optimizes foundation, making it last longer
	Green Base #1 Green base tones down a red complexion.
	Mauve Base #2 Light purple or lavender base lights up yellowish and sallow complexions, adjust them so that they have a warm pink undertone.
	White Base #3 White base gives the fair-skinned a porcelain look. Some of them might contain a bit of shimmer — try to avoid these if you have oily skin, as they may amplify open pores and oily skin condition.
	Apricot Base #4 Apricot-coloured base revives a tan and illuminates dark skin.
	Blue Base #5 Blue base helps to brighten fair skin and tone down any slight redness.
	Yellow Base #6 Yellow base lightens a dark complexion and gives it that bronze, healthy tone.

The invention of paper and gunpowder can be credited to one of the oldest, richest and most enduring civilizations of the world, spanning thousands of years of meticulously recorded history. It was no wonder then, that the entire City Harvest congregation had their curiousity piqued when Kong turned historian and dived into the annals of history in order to reveal the evidence of God and His dealings with ancient China. 

Over the span of two weekends during the Lunar New Year festive season, Kong dug deep to reveal the tracks of God in ancient China. He began by showing how the Judeo-Christian God was one and the same with “Shang-Di” whom the ancient Chinese worshipped by analysing the written Chinese text. In the course of dissecting different characters or ideograms, it was plainly seen how events from Genesis were encapsulated in the writing itself, chronicling Man’s fall from grace in Eden’s garden all the way to the dispersion at the Tower of Babel. 

PHOTOS: Wendell Wee

In the following week, Kong tracked the diasporic movement which settled East from the Tower of Babel. From this group of people descended what we now know as the Chinese race. Through ancient scholarly records, it became clear that the attributes of “Shang-Di” matched that of Jehovah God, being corroborated even in the method of worship, having retained the priestly ministry and the animal sacrifices prescribed to the Israelites. 

Kong further taught on how an Italian Jesuit priest by the name of Matteo Ricci started missionary work in China, paving the way for the establishment of missionary bases, which, eventually lead to the subsequent conversion of Emperor Kang Xi himself. Tragically, the pioneering work was eventually hampered and cut short by the religiosity of the Papal authority then, in what would be known as the “Chinese Rites Controversy” of 1715.  

Surfacing back to modern day Singapore, it was not merely a deeper appreciation for Chinese heritage that was engrained in the minds of all, but a revelation of how God had always been involved in the nation of China itself, and how as believers we are to engage our society in a way that is relevant and contemporary.

Purchase a copy of “God In Ancient China” DVD NOW!

This near three-hour-long movie is reminiscent of Brad Pitt’s three-hour long Meet Joe Black, in which Pitt played Death. However, unlike Joe Black, this one isn’t exactly a three-hour visual feast of one of Hollywood’s hunkiest hunks.

While Joe Black dealt with the philosophical and metaphysical themes of life, death and love, this new offering takes the viewers on a questioning journey with similar themes, with visuals, characters and dialogue that make Benjamin Button worthy of all the Oscar buzz it has been receiving.

Based on a short story by F Scott Fitzgerald which was in turn inspired by a one-liner by Oscar Wilde, the story begins with a baby being born under “unusual circumstances”. Baby Benjamin was born shriveled, half-blind, arthritic and with all the physical attributes of a senior citizen near death. A charismatic and lively African-American lady who tends to a retirement home takes pity and nurtures the abandoned baby as her own, thinking that it would not have long to live. To her surprise, young Benjamin did not succumb to his physical ailments, but continued to grow as young babies tend to. As he grew, it appeared that he was growing in reverse. As each year passes, his joints and limbs gain greater strength, he isn’t as bald as he was the year before and his wrinkles appear to be diminishing each passing month. This is the curious case of Benjamin Button.

The movie unfolds through his diary, chronicling the life journey of a man who grows older in knowledge and experience like most of us do, but is physically moving in reverse each passing year. The characters and events that unfold are memorable and poignant, telling the story of a simple man, slightly different, but hungry to take in all the experiences the world has to offer.

If you’re the type of moviegoer who places emphasis on acting, visuals, script, concept, story line and originality, then it’s very likely you will enjoy this movie. It’s not every day you get a movie that is charged with enough substance and depth to make you examine your own life and possibly change for the better. Watch it.

Rating:

There is a Chinatown in just about every country, each one a busy hive of Chinese culture. It is no different in Singapore. In our nation’s climate of rapid modernization and urban progress, sometimes a quick visit to Chinatown with its old-fashioned noise and hustle-and-bustle can be a breath of fresh air.

And what’s a trip to Chinatown without sampling some good old Chinese fare? For this particular visit, we decide to go straight for the Chinese desserts.

Tucked away in the row of shop houses on Temple Street, Mei Hong Yuen Dessert is our destination of choice. Famous for its traditional Chinese desserts and pastries, such as almond cream and sesame paste soup, the little dessert shop is even listed by WikiTravel guide as a must-go for tourists in Singapore looking for authentic Chinese food fare.

We order ourselves a little feast of steam carrot, pumpkin and yam cakes, which are all delightfully soft and yummy for a light afternoon snack. We also sample their Cantonese dumplings, which are nice and large, stuffed with a tasty filling of yellow beans, egg yolk, mushrooms and pork.

Treats like their signature Mango with Pomelo and Sago and Herbal Jelly are cooling refreshers for anyone coming in from the humid, crowded streets outside. The Mango with Pomelo and Sago is particularly addictive: a generous pile of mango combined with thick puree and sago, sitting on top of a little hill of crushed ice.

The Herbal Jelly is a great remedy for the heat; its “cooling” and slightly bitter jelly is doused with smooth, sweet honey. Apart from that, Mei Hong Yuen specializes in Sesame and Almond paste desserts — hot and cold. Another two not to miss.

All in, this little dessert house stands as a worthy tribute to Chinese tradition. And the best part is, it’s tasty tradition for just a couple of dollars.

Rating:

Many fashion trends emerge not from photo studios but organically — from the streets. In this case, Hall 8 at the Singapore Expo. Each week, hundreds of well-dressed individuals pass through our doors. Here are three gorgeous people we spotted.

	Pixie-like Erika manages to look fabulous in an uncomplicated blue dress with minimum accessories that perfectly complement her outfit. When what you have on is simplicity at its best, you can always fall back on classic pumps for a lazy Sunday — we have the rest of the week for outrageous heels.On Erika: Dress: Temp Shoes: Topshop Belt: Salvatore Ferragamo
	A long time ago, T-shirts and jeans made up the costume of the scruffy rebel. But today, it’s the uniform of every cool and creative Joe. We spot Rallen who turns this classic ensemble into a pastiche of retro and modern.His vintage-inspired tartan doctor’s bag is a terrific addition that boosts his already quirky street style, while his chapeau tops the look off with an admirable nonchalance.On Rallen: Tee: Spin the Bottle Jeans: Samuel and Kelvin Fedora: Topshop
	Standing straight and tall amidst the crowd, Arif’s statuesque build barely goes unnoticed. His clean-cut, straightforward style rests easy on the eyes. Arif demonstrates how to wear a subdued colour and still catch the eye, with a well-cut checkered shirt paired with black jeans — and striking white sneakers that you can’t miss.On Arif: Jeans: Zara Bag: Vivo City Shoes: Fila

I met Hazel Seet when we were in the same secondary class in Secondary 1, back in 1996. Nothing really developed until we were in Secondary 3. Our affection for each other grew and since we stayed along the same street, I would wait for her bus to pass by my busstop before boarding the bus she is on just to catch a glimpse of her every morning and share the rest of the journey to school together. Many friends told me that this was just puppy love back then but who would ever expect that this relationship would turn out to be a marathon.

One year after we got attached, I came to CHC and it was here that I learnt that the bible instructs Christians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. I was determined to have a relationship that was right before the eyes of God. However, I did not want to lose this girl that I had known and had been together for the past 1 year as well. Like Abraham, I was asked to give up my Isaac – my precious. I prayed to God and I told Him that I would want to have both – the relationship as well as God. I was unwilling to give up either. However, I felt convicted that this relationship will not be blessed unless it is right before God. I then sought help from my Cell Group Leader for advice and we gave ourselves 3 months. I will fast and pray for Hazel’s salvation during this 3 months and if she’s still not saved after this 3 months, I will end this relationship and focus on serving God.

These were the most painful 3 months as I longed for her to come to church every weekend. Just when the 3 months was about up, I made a decision that I will give up the relationship as I was worshiping the Lord one night. Just then, it was Easter and Hazel finally decided to come for CHC service at indoor stadium. This happened just after I made a decision to end this relationship and put God first in my life. Hazel not only stayed throughout the Easter service but also responded during the altar call at the end of the service. I was overwhelmed.

Only when one have prayed so hard and fasted so desperately will understand the joy of seeing one’s prayers being answered before your very own eyes. Seeing her walk down the aisle and saying the sinner’s prayer was an image that stayed in my mind even till today. My cell group leader and members shared my joy as well and we all witnessed the power of prayers.

Today, Hazel is serving God full-time as a staff and I am serving as a Cell Group Leader, using my example to encourage and inspire young couples to have a strong, Godly relationship with their would-be life partners.

This relationship that I have with Hazel is one that both of us regard as a divine relationship. When it is so hard to obtain, we naturally cherish each other even more. Who could ever imagine that this puppy love which started in Secondary 3, would turn out to have a fairytale ending. This coming September, after more than 11 years of courtship, we would be exchanging our marriage vows and this Valentine’s day will be the last time we are celebrating as singles. I would like to take this opportunity to declare my love for Hazel once again. Truly let no man separate what God has put together. I love you dear…

Your Husband in 8 months time,

Kenneth Teo

Hi Church, I just want to share my love story.

Back in 2006, I met this girl in church who startled me with her beauty. As they say, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and I was truly captivated. I then tried different means to get her contact and was elated when I succeeded in asking her out.

Unlike most first dates which involve meeting for coffee, going to the movies or hanging out at a nice dinner place, our first date was a 9km Terry Fox charity run at Sentosa! It was also coincidentally a day before my 21st birthday and so, it was a birthday present that came early for me.

I didn’t know what to expect come race day but the run was like no other. She was a feisty lady for someone of her build and the race-off started with her looking straight at me, saying “Eat my dust!” “What confidence!” I thought.

The race was a lot easier than I had imagined after that daring remark she uttered and somehow her attitude and determination attracted me in a very strange way.

The next day, I had a pleasant surprise from her. I was in camp rehearsing some parade march and could not book out till late resulting in her waiting 3 and a half hours for me just to celebrate the last hour of my birthday. Her sweetness and thoughtfulness really caught me off guard as she was beginning to reveal another side of her personality. She was actually not well and but made the effort to celebrate my birthday because to her, a 21st is a must to have at least some form of celebration. I was touched and yes, she got my heart straight. A couple of months later, we did a half marathon together and they say the rest is history.

Even today the rain poured down heavily outside the window. The cozy weather is just perfect for a cup of hot coffee and a little bit of daydreaming, two things that suit me the best.

My dictionary is ready, together with my thesaurus. Well, don’t be scared. It’s not like I am going to write my Pulitzer-winning book or an inauguration speech. I am a president—should I add “YET”?

What you will read here is only a short love story. Not more magnificent than Beauty and the Beast, or not as elegant as Romeo and Juliet—but for a certain someone, it is priceless.

It is about a certain simple-minded lad who was infatuated with an angel, and he fought against the odds to find the way to her heart.

I guess you could guess who the main character in the story is.

So sit down and relax—no need to fasten your seat belt. And when you finish reading this, I hope you learn that love, for lack of a better word, is irresistible.

***

 

May 22^nd, 2008.

 

It’s me.

 

On this very day, nineteen years ago, an angel was born to this earth. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s her birthday today. I don’t know how she will celebrate it, and to be honest I don’t really care—if not for the scary question: with whom?. I mean, every single guy in love will be a stalker—and that doesn’t exclude me. Yet, God played His wild card, and I was forced to return to Indonesia for vacation at this very day. Which is the reason why my mind almost went crazy. (Believe me, all guys falling in love have lost their mind on the way. Ever wondered why we need a mental hospital?)

 

It has been 3 months since we became—in such a way, close. Not that kind of close I am talking about, nor because of that special feelings people talk about, but because of GOSSIP.

 

Yes, you got that right: G-O-S-S-I-P.(See, I could even spell it for you.)

 

Yeah, it was true that without this so-called gossip about us, I would have no chance to talk with her, chat with her, or to even know her better. To be in a relationship for us was a public wishful thinking. A public demand—if I may emphasize. Well, that’s the good part: everyone wants to see us together. Now for the bad part, if I may give you an example, the sound effect. I mean, we don’t need to hear those *whistle whistle* every time I talk to her, or every time I talk about her. We don’t fancy those things, but our dear fans love ‘em.

 

This is the first time in my life I ever realized that this world is full of paparazzi. I guess I have to erase actor and prime minister from my career options.

 

“Happy birthday,” I said.

 

In fact, saying it through phone was just not me. But I’m glad I could be the first to say. What else can I do?

 

It wasn’t really a big thing; nevertheless, looking at my situation right now, this is my first home run. Separated by the distance, all I could do was only thinking about her and missing her every single second, writing a song for her and falling in love deeper with her. But you know, these thoughts—if they remain as thoughts, they will never reach her. I had to remix them into the only thing that connected me with her: SMS.

 

I could guarantee that my SMS was fully charged with 100% pure love.

 

***

 

Whoever invented short-messaging is a genius. Love is in every single word—although probably it’s one-sided on me.

 

***

 

Getting back in Singapore, this had become my first to-do-list: meeting her. Now I found a good excuse to do that: a surprise birthday present. In my hand was a strawberry-colored box—her favorite. Not a big one, only two stuffed animals—a snail and a turtle.

 

Surprised? Let me explain.

 

Windows Live Messenger, the second greatest invention after SMS. And the third one would be emoticons. You see, we use them during our chat a lot. From our digital pizza to digital light bulb—the emoticons are without limit. And you know, we do have special emoticons: a snail and a turtle. You started to see the connection here?

 

Sounds stupid, huh?

 

Even we grew pets in the messenger. But believe me or not, this stupidity had caused me my second home run. A birthday present that no one could give but me. I know now that love does cause some disturbances in the brain. Not a single living being on earth would understand this kind of stupid present—except us. Correction: except me, but I do assume she does understand. I hope.

 

***

 

Two months had gone by.

 

The progress of my love enterprise was actually quite good: from MSN to SMS, from SMS to phone call. At least that’s what I thought. And now we were in the midst of our university’s newbie orientation. However, for me it was more like a confirmation period rather than orientation. Me and my hidden agenda: I wanted to know her feelings.

 

Would it be too fast if I confess now? Did I make the right move? Is there anything I can do for her? These kinds of thoughts haunted me like a never ending nightmare. Darn it—who the heck said that love makes everything beautiful?

 

Life sucks.

 

But who would know that it’s going to suck even more. One of her friend was kind enough to come to me and said the words I never wanted to hear:

 

“To tell you the truth, she has already known how you feel about her …”

 

I was shocked. Okay, here comes the answer I’ve been waiting for. I could feel the blood rushing out to my head. Here are the words I wanted to hear for the last two months. The question is, am I ready to hear them?

 

“… But she said that for now, she still had no feeling for you. She is still confused.”

 

I believed that I died once at that moment. It was so painful. After all I did for her. After all the SMSes. After all the phone calls. If I were a girl, this is the point where the tears would fall down.

 

I am faced with two choices—and no one knows the answer.

 

Does loving someone mean you let her go to have her own space, so she can choose what is best for her, so that she can be together with the man she loves most,

 

OR

 

Does loving someone involve chasing her with all of your heart until you prove that you are really the one that she needs?

 

Which path shall I choose?

 

…

 

I am back in my room, listening to the old song from the CORRS.

“What can I do to make you love me?

What can I do to make you care?”

 

***

 

As a girl, I’ve never been as dead tired as I am today.

 

There. My phone rang again. A new SMS, I suppose? Lately I’ve been receiving so many of them I barely think when replying. I took a deep sigh. Okay let me guess, the shorty A, the smart guy B, the economic student C, or … I looked at the small screen.

 

Or him.

 

For these few months he kept on texting me. It’s not that I hate him, but I’m a bit tired. Tired of replying. Tired of the calls. Tired of trying to find the answer myself. I know he’s waiting for my answer. But I just don’t have one – not at this time. Alright, let’s see what he sent today.

 

…

 

Whoa, a thank you dinner?! I almost dropped the phone had I not read the next sentence. … Ah, with other people too. Hey, you there, I’m NOT disappointed about it at all, okay?

 

…

 

Well, probably a bit. Just a bit.

 

To make long story short, we did an orientation for new students arriving at our campus. We were somehow on the same team and somehow did a lot of activities together, but I had the feeling my friends were pulling the strings from behind. I mean, they tried really hard to get us together. And this thank you dinner was for the whole team – a celebration after the orientation ends, so everyone was meant to come. He knew it. Yet he still asked.

 

This is starting to sound really fishy.

 

And my suspicion came into reality when before I realize, we were called to the stage – both of us. An ingenuously evil plan. Whoever planned this would probably win a Nobel prize on cunning-ity, if they have one. Some guys over there are whispering. Some girls over there giggling. Yeah, I know. The gossip about us is even worse than the one in the Gossip Girl. Something was bound to happen. I knew it.

 

He grabbed the microphone, took a deep breathe, and said these words I will never forget.

 

“In this very day, on 1945 August 17^th, Indonesia gained its freedom. People shouted, and is still shouting, “Fight with the spirit of 45!” – referring to the independence year. And today, what I want to say is …”

 

Okay, stupid words. I’m getting really used to them. He paused a bit, and took a quick look at me. Our eyes met, and I suddenly knew the exact words he was going to say. Those aren’t just stupid words. I just knew where he’s heading. Seriously? I mean, in front of all these people?

 

“What I want to say is, with the same spirit of 45, with all my heart, I WILL CHASE THIS GIRL …”

(I should add he said that while pointing at me.)

 

And guess what, within seconds, I could hear a loud applause. Standing ovation. Roaring laughters all over. What-the-heck-he-just-said faces from corner to corner. I couldn’t tell what they think. Well, I couldn’t even tell what he was thinking—saying things like that in front of dozens of them. I heard that guys do stupid things for love, but he’s on a completely different level with those guys. His eyes looked at mine trying to find an answer.

 

Never in my whole life have I felt this way. A mixture of embarrassed, panic, and a bit of, well, … having someone said that to you, wouldn’t you be happy? I tried so hard not to show any expression. Did my poker face work? I couldn’t really tell because I found myself unable to reply his eye contact. Darn it, this is just so embarrassing. I hope I wasn’t caught blushing red, because my heart tells me that’s what my face looks right now.

 

Since I took the stance silent-is-gold, the next people to give a speech came to the stage and grabbed the microphone away from him. As we walked down the stage, everyone was clapping their hands for him. Everyone – except me. I mean, come on, it just felt so awkward. I didn’t even have the courage to see his face when he returned to his seat.

 

The next person started to speak, but my ears were closed. My mind went blank, and it was like that until the dinner time came and we sat on the table. Me on this side, and him on the far end.

 

***

 

It’s a pity, however, that the awesome dinner turned out to be tasteless. Everyone said the food was super delicious, but my tongue had gone numb due to his stupidity. I mean, how much further could you go to get my attention, dude? My eyes always managed to steal a chance for a quick look to him, because I am afraid he might do something out-of-this-world again. Okay, the word afraid might be too much – I’m … curious? Nope, that’s not the word I’m looking for. I’m … kinda expecting. My mind kept asking the same question again and again: what’s next? You did a splendid opening for the night, and now my heart is beating fast wondering how you were going to close the night. I hope I won’t get a heart attack tonight.

But just like every other thank you dinner, this one was over without any happenings. Without a stupid guy making the next attack. Too bad. (Hey, it’s not like I’m enjoying it, got that? But it’s not like I hate it either, okay?) This kinda thing really confused me a lot.

 

***

 

Finally, what was a room packed with people is now just an empty space. The wine and the glasses have been put away. The joyful voices and the clapping hands are no longer there. All what is left is the memory of the party. That is why I am still here-reminiscing the moments. For one obvious reason, he is there too.

 

I looked at him. After all those embarrassing moments he caused, I don’t even have to ask to know what he feels about me. He’s being honest with his heart, and with me. That’s what I like about him-uh, I mean, it’s not that I like him in a special way, what I want to say is … how do I put it into words? Uhm, I don’t dislike everything that he did for me. He’s just trying to be cool. I guess this is what the prince does to win a princess’ heart. Well, he’s not a prince and I’m not a princess, but you know, I wonder if he thinks of me as one. I won’t deny that possibility anymore, but probably all I need is time to decide.

 

There is an awkward silence between us. It feels like hours have gone by, while in reality it’s just another minute. I can see in his face that he’s trying to make the final sentence of the night – as if his love declaration during the party wasn’t enough. Then, with his gentle yet decisive voice, he sent the last message of the day:

 

“At the end of August, if until then you don’t give me an answer, then I will put an end to it. Period.”

***

 

This time he knew he had to call her.

 

So he took his blackish mobile phone. As he dialed the number, he recalled her face—the lovely face he always wants to cherish. He smiled as he remembered the moments he had with her, before he finally pressed the dial button. He knew the time to end the chase is near. The phone rang on the other side. And the familiar voice answered.

“I am going to confess to you on 2008 August 29th.”

“Eh? But, but, whaaa … ?”

“What’s wrong? Can’t I?”

“Well, I mean, nothing’s wrong with it – it’s just that, you’ve already known the answer, so it’s a bit unfair …”

 

He finished the phone call. His mission is almost completed. He thought he knew the answer, or he wished he knew the answer, but still, he couldn’t get the butterfly feelings out of his stomach. He tried so hard to fight the what-if questions which pop through his head again and again. He tried to calm his head down by preparing for the last battle – the last chance he would ever get. Which is why he took the origami papers he bought few months ago, and started folding them…

 

* * *

 

Finally CHIJMES. He chose an old church that had converted into a public place for love confession. The light was dim, yet it was warm enough for both of them. The wood chairs were antique, and the small round table helped them to set the mood.

 

A candle light dinner.

 

Their eyes met. He could hardly wait to say what’s in his mind. She put a sweet smile—a sweet smile that captured his heart on the very first day they met. He faintly smiled. Not yet. He had to make sure. He had to show her just how much he had fallen in love with the angel sitting in front of her.

 

He pulled out a box made of glass from his bag. It was full of paper cranes. To be exact, a hundred of them. The myth says that paper cranes represent wishes – and that’s the very reason why he gave those to her: they represent his simple wish to be with her.

 

She took the box, and held it in her hands. She looked at the paper cranes. A hundred of them. Each one of them represents his feelings for her. How sweet of him, she thought, but why a hundred?

 

She glanced away from the paper cranes, and fixed her eyes on him – giving the hint for him to move on to the next step, which he completely understood. He asked her to unfold one of the paper cranes. She did, and found that some words are carved. So she read.

 

To: Her

 

“I Love You.”

 

From: Him

 

What a classic love letter. You would think it was too simple. But wait – there’s more to it. He explained to her what the number “100″ means. A hundred of paper cranes represent 100 days he had spent to pursue her – from May 22nd until this day. Every single day. That is the sole reason why he needed to confess today – the 100^th day. She didn’t show much expression, but deep inside, she was moved.

 

***

 

He closed the night by asking the question he had wanted to say. A question which will start a new journey, or end the old one. So he opened his mouth, and said:

“In life, everyone has to make a choice. Only one out of two. I am going to give you a choice to make. Would you be my girlfriend? Or, if you won’t, I could be your boyfriend.”

 

He played it safe. He knew the answer; nevertheless, he needed to hear an answer. A confirmation. A definite reply. And without doubting for a second, she gave him one.

 

“Both.”

 

***

 

I remembered that the moment she said that single word, I smiled. She smiled too. I could still recall the warmth of her hand as I put her hand in mine. Those moments are still fresh in my mind.

I closed my book and put the pen down. I had a sip of my coffee, and said to myself, this is not the end of the story. 100 days. 200 days. 300 days … who knows what will come next. But I know one thing: this time, I won’t be alone in my story. Ever.

Together,

we are writing another love story.

* * *

 

And back in her room, she looked at the glass box. She felt like a Cinderella who had her glass shoe found by the prince—and received it back. She was still smiling as she opened the box and took out the paper cranes one by one, and started counting. It’s not that she doubted him, but you see, he’s not really good with math. So just to make sure, with a small voice, she counts, “One, two, three…”

 

***

 

 

It was a Saturday night and as usual I went for my music class at Outram Park. Jaden waited for me at Outram Park Mrt. We were supposed to meet for a drink. That day was my vocal exam, and it dragged on for almost an hour. Soon it started drizzling and then it rained heavily. Jaden ran to took cover and he just dashed under the nearest shophouse. At that moment, my exam just ended and I was walking down the stairs with my friends, and there I saw Jaden. It was such a coincidence as he has really no idea where my music school was located. I was really surprised to see him. I truly believe it is fate and its God’s plan to place him in my life.

Jaden was a very shy, reserved and pessimistic guy. From young, he has no friends and was always a loner, dwelling in his own little world and shunned away from reality. His negative thoughts thus made him look down on himself, having a low self-esteem and seriously lacking confidence.

I was a very bubbly and lively girl. However, I have been living in the shadow of my past due to bad experiences in relationships; I was struggling to step out and was yearning to be set free. I met Jaden at the right time, right moment and at the right place. God send Jaden to me for a reason and purpose. I tried very hard to break free and finally I was able to open up my heart to accept him and love him for who he is. God never fails to open up my eyes to see love in a different perspective. It is only when 2 persons with totally different personality, thinking and background are able to love each other despite everything, it becomes true love.

On 12 Feb 2008, while eating at KFC, out of a sudden, Jaden gently stroke the cut on my hand with his still oily fingers and slowly grasped my hands softly but firmly. Our eyes met and we smiled with a tinge of embarrassment and without talking, we continued eating with the chicken on one hand, and the other hand tightly holding each other, like as though we would never let go. We went to Takashimaya and Jaden bought a love token for me. It was a Snoopy soft toy with the words LOVE on it. It was the start of our courtship.

On 3rd august 2008, Jaden and I went to the Singapore Flyer. We dined at Japaleno cafe, and there he requested for me to close my eyes. He took out a heart shaped box, slowly I untie the ribbons and took out 5 boxes in total, at the last and also the smallest box, and there was a cute little teddy bear. And to my surprise, on the teddy’s bear foot, there was a ring engraved with his name Jaden Tan on it! His ring had my name engraved on it. Jaden bought couple rings for us! With his face flushing red, he popped the question if I could officially be his girlfriend. I said yes and we helped each other to wear the rings. After lunch, we went up the Singapore Flyer. It was a magnificent sight and words can’t describe how I felt being with the person I love at the top of the world. After that Jaden sent me home, and we sat at the playground near my house. It was a peaceful and windy evening. I was feeling rather blissful in the arms of my loved one. Jaden suddenly swept me off my feet and carried me round the playground. I was taken aback and I screamed for him to put me down but he simply refused. He said he won’t let me fall and he hoped to carry me in his arms forever, never letting go. And there he carried me 3 rounds the playground, ignoring the stares of onlookers. With the wind blowing on our faces and making our hair messy, I wished time would just stopped right there and we would never be separated.

Now, Jaden has become more confident and bold, he has stepped out of his shell and has become more talkative and brave to try out new things that he was afraid to do in the past. He is not good in art and has no creativity. However, on my birthday he made a gift that touched me very much. It was an artwork of photos that formed a heart shaped collage. I could see he had put in a lot of hard work and effort. I was so moved when he gave me the gift at the waterfall at Millennia Walk. I am truly proud of him, of what he has become and from the bottom of my heart, I love you Jaden dear, you can count on me to support, encourage, care and love you for an entire lifetime. Happy Valentine’s Day!