Contributed by Serene Lim

On the hot Sunday afternoon of 21 June, a group of 38 KTV goers aged between 13 to 50 years head down for a Karaoke session at nostalgic Katong Shopping Centre. This KTV was chosen for its lowest in town pricing. “Tze Char” cuisines can also be ordered in, needless to say there was a great time of fellowship which comes with great food, great songs by our friends-turned-singers.

Why organize Karaoke? It all started during the planning of an engagement and integration of our new friends when one enthusiastic cell group leader suggested organizing Don’t Forget the Lyrics competition. However, in reality, all of us will probably be the winner of Forget the Lyrics instead. So, before we qualify ourselves for Don’t Forget the Lyrics, let’s familiarize ourselves with the lyrics with a Karaoke session! What was planned to be a singing session turned out to be an opportunity for us to bless each other generously by volunteering to place orders and pick up the tabs for the sizzling hot chicken wings, Hor-Fun, Kopi-O and more yummy stuff…

From the songs our friends sang, we also got to know each other at a deeper level especially, from Canto Pop to Evergreen Singers to R & B and rappers and of course, the era they are born in.

We also discovered that there are 4 Archetype of KTV Goers.

Type 1: Hoard the Mic Singers

Type 2: Pass the Mic cum MTV watchers

Type 3: Singing without the Mic (Backup Vocalists)

Type 4: Singer Wanna Be (Style, Dressing, Looks)

PHOTOS: Serene Boey-Lim

Which type are you? Regardless of which type they are, AS Zone had an exhilarating and high time singing like S.H.E, F.I.R, Jay Chou, Teresa Teng etc…  and top of the list is still the angelic song, ‘Tong Hua’ (童话). So, AS Zone, are you ready for Don’t Forget the Lyrics?

Contributed by Glynisia Yeo

In March 2009, a group of humanitarian workers visited a hospital in Honduras as part of their feeding program for underprivileged children. Upon entering the neurosurgery ward, the team was not prepared to face what greeted them. Many of the children who were warded were suffering from hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid is retained in the brain, resulting in a bizarre enlargement of the head.

Troy Marshall, who is the International Liaison Director for Sun Life Foundation (SLF), returned to the USA and spoke to Sun, an American-based Singaporean pop star who is known for her humanitarian work in Asia. He talked to her about the trip and described what he saw there, showing the pictures of the children suffering from hydrocephalus. Sun immediately agreed to help in this project and pledged to donate proceeds from her music album sales. This project also spurred her to set up the Sun Life Foundation (Honduras) which is committed to providing practical help in terms of donations and medical care.

Marshall shared, “As we did our background check on these patients and hospital staff, we found out that this was a recurring problem, with at least five new cases every week. The hydrocephalus condition is actually a very solvable problem and can be easily avoided but due to poor hygiene and nutrition, many families are affected.

“More than just providing food, this trip made us realize that we should do even more to help these children in a practical way. We decided to bring in shunts (small devices to help drain the fluid from the brain) and treat these children. We knew we had to arrange something fast in order to alleviate the situation; otherwise, many more children would die because their parents are too poor to afford medical treatment.”

Because of SLF’s contributions, many of the major mass media in Honduras suddenly took notice of this Asian female singer in their country. The local government and many of its people expressed their appreciation, citing how touched they were that a foreigner would devote her time, effort and money in helping their people.

To date, the Sun Life Foundation (Honduras) has donated hundreds of shunts to this cause, partnered with local authorities in raising awareness of this medical condition, and has begun work on constructing its new surgery centre. Seventeen successful operations have been performed and more are being planned as collaborations with local authorities and medical professionals continue.

To find out how you can do your part and help donate to this cause, log on to http://sunlifehonduras.org.

22 lovely finalists of this year’s Miss Singapore World 2009 pageant popped in for tea on 4 July 2009, with some 30 kids at the Down Syndrome Association (DSA) at Junction 8 Office Tower, 9 Bishan Place.

Farahliza Tan, 23, the reigning Miss Singapore World, was present to give the opening speech. Tan, whose cousin, Nuraliza Osman, was crowned Miss Singapore Universe in 2002, believes wholeheartedly in the phrase, “Beauty with a Purpose”, the slogan for Miss World pageants coined by Julia Morley, chairperson of Miss World Limited in the 1980s. She says, “Through community volunteer work, one shows empathy and breaks the stereotype of beauty queens.”

True to her words, Tan, together with the rest of the contestants, put on a talent show to entertain the children. From magic card tricks to simple rope tricks, the girls worked the magic to wow and excite the little ones in the audience and they soon brought down the house. After all, a child’s imagination and the art of a magic trick make a wonderful combination.

Kristin Van Burm, Chairperson & Founding Member of DSA believes that throwing the tea party gives the association a great opportunity to raise awareness for Down Syndrome in the community and to highlight that children with Down Syndrome are “persons, first and foremost” and are generally affectionate and easy-going. She also hopes that the eventual 5 winners picked at the Miss Singapore World 2009 Grand Finals, will “believe in the children to have a place and make a contribution in the society.”

Tiffany Tay Sihui, 19, Miss Singapore World 2009 finalist, who performed a dance item, was initially unsure of how to interact with the children with Down Syndrome, but she soon grew to enjoy their company. Sharing her experience in relating with a friend with autism, she spreads a message of compassion and acceptance towards the disadvantaged. With tact and sensitivity, Tay displays a big heart and exemplifies that true beauty comes from within.

PHOTOS: Aaron Low, Jason Lee

In conjunction with the Miss Singapore World 2009 Grand Finals, DSA will be presenting “Mystique III” ⎯ DSA’s annual charity gala dinner held at Shangri-La Hotel, Island Ballroom on 31 July 2009. For more information of Mystique III – DSA Charity Gala Dinner, please contact:

Pauline Cheong, Manager (Fundraising & Events)

Tel: 6278 3907 ext. 15
Email: pauline@downsyndrome-singapore.org

The Asian Youth Games (AYG) torch relay fanned out across the island, and City News was proud to be a part of Asia’s premier youth sporting event.

Things kicked off at the break of dawn on 28 June 2009, when Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean lit the flame at the Kallang Waterfront. The torch then went about its journey across three separate routes: each anchored by Singapore’s leaders, national sportsmen and medal hopefuls for the AYG; and flanked by hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life. Over at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who had the honor of being the first torch bearer.

The AYG flame also made its way across Orchard Road and around Republic Polytechnic. For the Southwestern leg of the relay, Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong started things rolling as he jogged off with the torch at Jurong Point mall. Together with Mayor of Southwest CDC (SWCDC), Dr Amy Khor, they led some 100 runners around the Jurong West Estate.

Among the torchbearers on that route was Dr Chan Kok Yew, board member of City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA), the third torchbearer. Dr Chan had been selected because of the close working relationship CHCSA has with SWCDC, having supported various grassroot activities in the region to reach out to the needy. That sunny morning, CHCSA continued to show that it’s committed to making a difference in the community. At least 100 volunteers showed up, decked in red T-shirts with the phrase “People of Destiny” emblazoned across their backs, lending their support to the event. They served as road marshals and runners in the torch relay among other responsibilities.

And they enjoyed themselves thoroughly: 32-year-old Edwin Lim Choon Seng said he had wanted to do something for the community in the Southwestern cluster. “I just wanted to help out however I can, and I had a lot of fun — it was a great experience.”

PHOTOS: Edmund Ong

Another participant, 19-year-old Janet Ng, said it was a practical way to live out a basic life principle. “For me, it was an extension of what I’ve learned in my church every week; serving other people’s needs.”

There was an atmosphere of festivity and genuine pride and joy at every station that the torch relay had passed through.

The torch concluded its two-day journey round on yet another high at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Youth Games, and with that, the estimated 1,000 athletes from 43 countries began their battles for glory in over 80 sporting events.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, was arguably the most anticipated summer blockbuster of the year. Box office earnings hit over USD200 million in its first five days, and it’s clear the Transformers sequel has hit the mark. The power-packed duo of Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay have upped the ante on many fronts, going all out to top their first instalment. Is Revenge bigger, meaner, with loads more robot anarchy? No doubt whatsoever. Is Revenge better than the first Transformers? This point is arguable.

The story line is a bit thin. The Decepticons (aka the bad robots) are still bad and want to do bad things to mankind, such as eat up Earth’s sun. The Autobots (the good robots) are still good and want to stop the bad robots. The crash of metal and the kaleidoscope of explosions as these titanic aliens collide on the battlefield is the sole source of entertainment for this entire movie. This movie is not about a creative, uplifting story line, nor is it about watching the bodacious Megan Fox running in slow motion. It is solely about the Transformers and seeing them in action. Superfluous things like storylines and human actors with cheesy lines are just minor distractions.

Moviegoers loved the first Transformers but they had some gripes. Namely, not enough Optimus Prime, it was too dark to see a lot of the action, not enough fighting and not enough robots. It appears here that Spielberg and Bay took such feedback to heart and addressed these complaints head on without any restraint whatsoever.

Optimus Prime, the famed leader of the Autobots is a key focal point throughout. He flashes new weapons and has beautifully extended fighting sequences. If he wasn’t a robot, more teeny boppers would have posters of him on their bedroom walls.

Viewers won’t be straining their eyes to catch all the widgets and gears shifting and turning as the Transformers duke it out under the grainy cover of night. In Revenge, the action takes place in broad daylight where the glory of the Transformers can be fully appreciated. With the bulk of the action taking place in a desert, all you have is sun, sand, one babe and robots baring it all. It is pure visual indulgence.

And now for the fighting and the robots. In pure Hollywood finesse, the writers manage to introduce new robots, tripling the robot cast in one swift move. Additional reinforcements for both sides arrive, but this time, the new Decepticons (the bad robots) seem way cooler than the new Autobots, creating a classic Hollywood underdogs-vs-the sleek baddies scenario. More robots mean more action. Not only are Optimus Prime’s fighting sequences extended, the combat sequences with the rest of the Transformers are a cinematic feast. Fans couldn’t ask for more.

Following the tradition of sequels, which is to deliver more of the same, Revenge does exactly that and nothing more. Revenge is an upsized Happy Meal of the original Transformers. The original is a hamburger, with small fries and a Diet Coke. The upsize is two double-patty Big Macs, three large curly fries and a 1.5 litre bottle of Coke that has been shaken for 10 minutes straight. Love it for what it is.

Rating:

Contributed by Zhouling

City News: What is the most unforgettable experience you’ve had after many years of serving God in the church?

Peter Chu: One of my most memorable and unforgettable experience happened many years ago outside the former Hollywood Theater where City Harvest Church used to hold their church services. After preaching in the service that day, many members were queuing up, waiting to be prayed for. A very skinny, ill-looking man ran to me, wanting to speak to me in private. He told me, “Pastor, I am seriously ill. I’m in the last stage of AIDS, and may die in a couple of days.”

In spite of the fact that Aids is a contagious disease, I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit suddenly say to me, “Hug him.” It felt odd for me to hug a total stranger and I paused for a few seconds. Nevertheless, I submitted to the Holy Spirit, and held him tightly in my arms for about five minutes as he began to sob on my shoulders. He then told me, “I have been to many churches that refused to accept me; when people hear that I have AIDS, they immediately shun me. But you hugged me. I am willing to believe in Jesus.”

This incident deeply influenced me and my ministry; it was truly unforgettable. It helped me understand that Jesus came to save all sinners. Knowing this gives me strength to do everything that I do in the ministry, because I know God wants to pour His love out on the world. That was my most unforgettable ministry experience.

CN: In our Asian context, many fathers and sons have cracks in their relationships. Many fathers wish they could talk to their children and reconcile with them. Do you have anything to share as a father from your own experiences?

My relationship with my son, David, had been a tense one in the past. Since he was young, I made a few unreasonable demands from him. Firstly, he could not have a girlfriend. Secondly, his grades had to be among the top of his class. Thirdly, he could not make any mistakes or do anything to bring shame to the ministry or to our family. As the son of a well known preacher, David went through a lot of pressure growing up. Every time I came home, I would ask him about his school work, his friends, if he had sinned. Gradually, he came to an understanding that I did not love him, that I was simply afraid of him ruining my reputation. When he was in high school, I asked him to move to the school hostel. The truth was, we were very busy, and did not have time to supervise his studies. We were afraid that he would not fare well and would not get into a good university. Although we had his future in mind, this led him to feel that he was being abandoned by his parents. David did eventually enter a prestigious university majoring in psychology, but he felt that I did not genuinely love him. The truth was, I was never disciplined by my father when I was growing up, thus, I did not know how to love my own son as a father.

One day, my son got into a car accident and was hospitalized. He was a teen by then. Looking at him as he lay on the hospital bed, I realized that I loved my son very much. I stayed in the hospital through the night to take care of him. Although I was tired, I refused to sleep, because David could not move his body at all. One time he said, “Dad, I need to urinate.” I then held the urinating bowl for him. Being a father and a pastor for so long, I had not served anyone in this way. Once in a while, my hand would slip and the bowl would accidentally hit him and he’d cry out in pain, “Dad! Are you paying attention?” I thought to myself, this boy is unappreciative of my love for him. Suddenly it dawned upon me that this was the love of God. The love of God is given to the world, although the world sometimes does not sense His love at all. Yet God still continues to extend His love. I told my son, “Dad is sorry, I was not careful and hurt you. Is this better now?” He said, “That’s better!” And I said, “Good!”

Through this incident, I understood that this was the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father toward us, and even toward those who do not understand His love. He still accepts us and bears with us. From then on, I did not demand my son to do anything or be anything for me. I asked for his forgiveness for all that I demanded of him and I started to encourage him and help him to fulfill his dreams. David enjoys making music and writing songs, so I helped him to produce albums and do recordings. We are very close as father and son now, and our relationship is fully restored.

Contributed by Koh Yong Hui

Miracles may happen everyday, but it is not everyday that we get to see one before our very eyes. 604 people gathered on Friday, 17 June 2009, and on Sunday 19 July 2009, 999 people came to the church service at 1, Jurong West Street 91 for this very purpose, to see God move in their lives and in others’.

The speaker for the 2 sessions was Peter Chu, Senior Pastor of Taipei Truth Church, Taiwan. Anointed in the gift of miracle healing, the services were accompanied by a special healing session where Chu prayed for the sick. Even before giving the altar call for the sick to come forward, many already started making their way to the front to receive a touch from God and be healed of their sicknesses.

Shi Shet Ling, 31, a sales administrator, said that what really touched her was the example Chu gave on agape love. Apparently, Shi was not alone, others too were near to tears as they listened to the story.

To illustrate his point on “agape” love, Chu shared the story of a mother who stayed through the night without food or water, singing non-stop to a child trapped in the debris (brought about by an earthquake), continuously telling the child, “Don’t be afraid, mum is here.” By the time rescuers pulled the child out, the mother had fainted out of fatigue. Rescuers were touched by the love of this mother, but later found out that the lady was in fact not the mother of the child they had rescued. Her own child had died in the earthquake but she went round sharing love to the other surviving children, giving them a hope to live on. The child they rescued was the eighth one she had helped.

Zhang Zhen, 24, a designer, felt touched by another illustration given by Chu, “What touched me was when he shared of how he was willing to hug an AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) carrier.”

Chu ended the sessions by singing, “I love You God” to the melody of the song ‘Amazing Grace’. Ma Yu, 26, a quality surveyor, felt it was the atmosphere that made the difference.

PHOTOS: Yvonne Xie

After the sessions, Chu began a time of praying for the sick. Allen Yu, 31, a web designer, was amazed by what was happening before him, “I was looking at the difference in length of a person’s 2 legs, which was almost an inch. As Chu prayed, I could see the shorter leg literally grow out to the same length as the other leg right before my eyes!”

“I enjoy Chu’s meetings, because whenever he preaches, the message is clear, simple and life-changing,” Yu added.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA) in serving the community. To commemorate their journey in “impacting lives and bridging communities,” a charity dinner was organized and held on 27 June 2009 at the Pioneer Spring Restaurant, located at SAFRA Mount Faber.

Nancy Chia, President of HWA was especially grateful to Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, and members who graced the event; as well as the amount of S$135,000 that was raised through donations amidst an economic downturn and the H1N1 crisis. Chia believes that as the association enters its 40th year of service in these trying times, “we need to keep pressing on and keep the association running.”

Since the official founding of HWA in 1969 by a group of 23 persons, promotion of self-help and provision of mutual support amongst the disabled in Singapore has led to a 39 year-long commitment to meet the increasing and changing needs of its current 1,800 members. Through the generous financial contributions of a few notable donors, namely, the Chen Su Lan Trust and Shaw Foundation, the quality of life of the members have significantly improved. As a token of appreciation, they were presented with plagues during the charity dinner.

The evening hit a high note with the Wheelchair Dance Extravaganza, which incorporated able-bodied and wheelchair dancers in jazz and contemporary dance styles, in a beautiful collaboration. As part of the personal development program, such wheelchair bound activities serve as a platform to showcase and profile disability arts, “sharing with the public what we can do.” Indeed, a sentiment that is strongly expressed by the president and its members.

PHOTOS: Edmund Ong

With the opening of the association’s new Rehabilitation and Training Centre at Jurong Point Shopping Centre in January 2009, members and public living in the western region of Singapore have been enjoying the facilities and therapy services. Cassandra Gayle, who is the organization’s public relations executive, believes this latest initiative will not only help defray costs
for members by providing subsidies, but also help them to “integrate physically-challenged members into mainstream society.”

As the evening came to a close, one word summed it all up—quality.

The immense dedication to touch and improve the lives of people with disabilities certainly positions HWA as the epicenter of people-based community, and one with goals that is set to impact lives for many years to come.

It seemed like another relaxing Friday night out at Far East Square; but for the unsuspecting, dazzling lights, booming music, flashing cameras and applauding crowds tucked away in a corner of the Square proved that the night was anything but ordinary. “K.O Night is going to be spectacular and electrifying!” exclaimed Brenda Ang, a member of the audience. And it was phenomenal.

The event kicked off with the judge’s showcase. After which, the contestants were ready for battle. With the team Lock Out Loud (LOL) against the defending champion team, Funkay Styles, disco and funky beats boomed loudly through the speakers. Following was the hip hop category, where teams Ryu And Lesner and the defending champion, Red Line, free styled to the beat of hip hop. Lastly, robotic-like beats accompanied the popping category teams of Kahmar and Freqance, two new teams sparring for the coveted title. Also, intermittent showcases were held throughout the competition, where semi-finalists and guests dancers from all over the world spiced up the event.

With the announcements of LOL, Red Line and Kahmar as winners of the locking, hip hop and popping category respectively, and Red Line as the best overall crew, there were no indulgent celebration of victories, but instead, a very heart-warming scene of teams congratulating each other amicably. In an interview, Michael Lee, a crew of K.O. Night, indicated that he hopes to see next year’s event held at “a more centralized shopping mall, to allow more passers-by the chance of witnessing the art of dance, and through that, expanding the awareness of Singapore’s dance scene.”

PHOTOS: Jason Lee

Well, good news might be in store for those wanting to see developments! As Kenny Low, director of O-School, explained, that the “difficulties of finding a perfect venue can first be overcome by re-scheduling the date of next year’s dance competition away from the Great Singapore Sales Period.”

Contributed by Angeline Chan

Stadiums are usually peppered with joggers on a Saturday afternoon but on 27 June 2009, Yishun Stadium was filled with the excited chatter of children. It was City Harvest Children’s Church’s sports day and over a hundred children and parents attended this annual event. Besides catering to the children’s social, emotional and mental needs, Children’s Church aims to ensure that a child learns about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The children were seated according to their coloured group which were divided into blue, green, yellow and red. The event started off with the children and teachers relay race. The children rushed forward to take part in the short 50 metre race when the emcees, Gladys Wong and Adrian Cheung, called for volunteers. Eileen Teo, the pastor of City Harvest Children’s Church, also joined in the teachers’ race. It was a challenging race as the male teachers were told to piggyback the female teachers.

Calvin Tan, 11, and Ma Han Rong, 9, exclaimed that it was fun to see their teachers running in the race with the same energy when they chase after hyperactive children in church. Even though it rained 20 minutes into the event, this did not dampen the spirit of the children. Instead they played games like scissors paper stone challenge and did a mass warm-up exercise to keep fit.

PHOTOS: Gay Sen Min

When the sky finally cleared, the children started to compete in the various races with their supporters actively cheering on their friends. Danam, 10, said, “I really enjoyed myself in this sports day event and I want to attend again next year.” Tan Hwee Ling, a homemaker, gave thumbs up to City Harvest Children’s Church for organizing an event to educate children to exercise and stay healthy. The day ended with the medal prize presentation and the children walked out of the stadium with wide grins on their faces after an exciting day of sports events.