Thursday, October 1, 2015
pangdemonium's frozen
It was interesting what took centre stage in my heart and mind. There were emotional bits in me in response to the play. Felt the grieve and guts of a mother who lost her child to a criminal whom she had seemingly forgiven. But, more keenly felt, the intellectual part. The delving into the criminal mind and human heart was intriguing. A criminal who had a haunted past. Is such a criminal capable of true remorse? Is it a crime of evil or a crime of illness? A revelation at the end made me examine that question further. Each character, frozen in his own struggle and yet intertwined with that of others, trying to unthaw in his search for what's humane before complete self-destruction. Kudos to the actors at Pangdemonium who brought out the essence, whatever that may be for you.
don't be stingy now
some days ago, i was just browsing through some rally speeches and some interviews. chee soon juan, sun xueling, han hui hui, kervyn lim, just to name a few, and then tin pei ling.
5 years ago, in a few interviews with tin pei ling, she was often asked on her views about the saga that surrounded her. it came to a point when she said she had learnt to accept it and more than once, she reiterated that her way forward was to prove through her actions that she was ready to serve the community come what may. though she sounded somewhat jittery at some points when the reporter pressed in with more questions of such nature, her demeanor was one that revealed a quiet determination to bite the bullet, go through the baptism of fire so to speak and move on to do what she had set out to do. i was neither for nor against her but i imagined myself in her shoes. how tremendous the pressure must be.
5 years later, one can tell that she's more confident now and sends a clearer message about her stand on some community issues, whether at the launch of the people's party's manifesto or at the interviews. judging from the public members' responses to her at her speech rally, it was obvious that there were many with whom she had personally connected and reached out to. has she emerged as gold refined by fire? i believe you can come to your own conclusion. one can't fake convictions for that long. whatever you sow will ultimately show in the fruits and i would say she has shown true mettle in her political journey so far. whichever party you support, i’m sure you’d agree it’s only right to give credit where it’s due; to encourage a fellow human being, not least a singaporean, by acknowledging her courage to ride through the storms.
those who were generous with your criticisms, don't be stingy with your affirmation now. Tin Pei Ling, this is for you.
5 years ago, in a few interviews with tin pei ling, she was often asked on her views about the saga that surrounded her. it came to a point when she said she had learnt to accept it and more than once, she reiterated that her way forward was to prove through her actions that she was ready to serve the community come what may. though she sounded somewhat jittery at some points when the reporter pressed in with more questions of such nature, her demeanor was one that revealed a quiet determination to bite the bullet, go through the baptism of fire so to speak and move on to do what she had set out to do. i was neither for nor against her but i imagined myself in her shoes. how tremendous the pressure must be.
5 years later, one can tell that she's more confident now and sends a clearer message about her stand on some community issues, whether at the launch of the people's party's manifesto or at the interviews. judging from the public members' responses to her at her speech rally, it was obvious that there were many with whom she had personally connected and reached out to. has she emerged as gold refined by fire? i believe you can come to your own conclusion. one can't fake convictions for that long. whatever you sow will ultimately show in the fruits and i would say she has shown true mettle in her political journey so far. whichever party you support, i’m sure you’d agree it’s only right to give credit where it’s due; to encourage a fellow human being, not least a singaporean, by acknowledging her courage to ride through the storms.
those who were generous with your criticisms, don't be stingy with your affirmation now. Tin Pei Ling, this is for you.
wally tham's post
particularly, i like the part on own the result. no one is less intelligent or less singaporean because of this. well said Wally.
when some people say vote "wisely", it refers to voting for the PAP. really? it could be for WP seen from the other side of the coin. at the end of the day, the way i see it, no one ends up being more wise than the other.
i think that people make their own choices based on their own understanding. that takes courage, whichever side they stand on. no struggle should be made light of or ridiculed. that being said, kudos to all candidates who fought a good fight.
singaporeans cannot complain anymore? really? i thought it's in our blood. tell me the day when you go on a trip with singaporeans and you don't hear a single complaint.
we have no democracy just because there's a landslide victory for one party? i'm not sure what logic it goes by. do we then have democracy if it swings a bit more towards the other way? i thought democracy simply means, according to the dictionary, a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting. we voted, didn't we? and having served as one of the presiding officers at a polling station witnessing all that went on, together with the polling agents from the parties, the proceedings were fair and square. great care was taken to ensure that. down to the colour of our attire, specific instructions were given. no one was coerced nor influenced to make a choice other than their own.
we are stuck? yes, we are stuck in singapore if you don't choose to move elsewhere. meanwhile, we can certainly do what we can to make it better.
a number of the candidates, whether they were elected or not, said that they would continue to serve. i'm heartened. that should be the way. and we as the people can certainly do our part as well. it does not fall squarely on the leaders.
the leader leads but it's the people who truly rule if we stand united for the common good and vision, vote or no vote.
so thanks Wally, i will choose Hope and i will choose Love.
Wally Tham’s post
Circulating right now:
"Singaporeans cannot complain anymore..."
"This proves we do not have a democracy..."
"You made your choice and now we are stuck..."
For your consideration:
KEEP COMPLAINING. If you see injustice, call it out.Or better yet, give feedback. Prove to yourself that this PAP government is responsive.
OWN THE RESULT. People chose. People like you and me. They are not less intelligent or less Singaporean because of this. They probably love the food you love and listen to the same music.
If we continue finding reasons to hate on each other, then whatever grand plans you held for Singapore on Sept 10th were not gonna bring us forward anyway.
CHOOSE HOPE. Participate in the community, be part of the many schemes, ground up movements, VWOs who don't just need money but passionate people who want to see less inequality and more care for the vulnerable.
CHOOSE LOVE: I don't know when anger made something better.I really can't recall the last time it did. Any sustained action, every commitment I made that resulted in anything was made in love.So be kind to yourself. This is not the end. There are many who love this little rock in the ocean. Find them and create more than a vote for a party.
Go talk to those cardboard aunties so they will become more than the 2 dimensional brickbat that got tossed around for months.
Go help with families in the 1 room flats. It will take more than money to bring them out of some of their problems. Some need good friends with your skills and wisdom.
If you are unsure on where to start, PM me, or check out Peace Connect at North Bridge Road.
We can do this guys.
We are so much more powerful than our vote.
when some people say vote "wisely", it refers to voting for the PAP. really? it could be for WP seen from the other side of the coin. at the end of the day, the way i see it, no one ends up being more wise than the other.
i think that people make their own choices based on their own understanding. that takes courage, whichever side they stand on. no struggle should be made light of or ridiculed. that being said, kudos to all candidates who fought a good fight.
singaporeans cannot complain anymore? really? i thought it's in our blood. tell me the day when you go on a trip with singaporeans and you don't hear a single complaint.
we have no democracy just because there's a landslide victory for one party? i'm not sure what logic it goes by. do we then have democracy if it swings a bit more towards the other way? i thought democracy simply means, according to the dictionary, a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting. we voted, didn't we? and having served as one of the presiding officers at a polling station witnessing all that went on, together with the polling agents from the parties, the proceedings were fair and square. great care was taken to ensure that. down to the colour of our attire, specific instructions were given. no one was coerced nor influenced to make a choice other than their own.
we are stuck? yes, we are stuck in singapore if you don't choose to move elsewhere. meanwhile, we can certainly do what we can to make it better.
a number of the candidates, whether they were elected or not, said that they would continue to serve. i'm heartened. that should be the way. and we as the people can certainly do our part as well. it does not fall squarely on the leaders.
the leader leads but it's the people who truly rule if we stand united for the common good and vision, vote or no vote.
so thanks Wally, i will choose Hope and i will choose Love.
Wally Tham’s post
Circulating right now:
"Singaporeans cannot complain anymore..."
"This proves we do not have a democracy..."
"You made your choice and now we are stuck..."
For your consideration:
KEEP COMPLAINING. If you see injustice, call it out.Or better yet, give feedback. Prove to yourself that this PAP government is responsive.
OWN THE RESULT. People chose. People like you and me. They are not less intelligent or less Singaporean because of this. They probably love the food you love and listen to the same music.
If we continue finding reasons to hate on each other, then whatever grand plans you held for Singapore on Sept 10th were not gonna bring us forward anyway.
CHOOSE HOPE. Participate in the community, be part of the many schemes, ground up movements, VWOs who don't just need money but passionate people who want to see less inequality and more care for the vulnerable.
CHOOSE LOVE: I don't know when anger made something better.I really can't recall the last time it did. Any sustained action, every commitment I made that resulted in anything was made in love.So be kind to yourself. This is not the end. There are many who love this little rock in the ocean. Find them and create more than a vote for a party.
Go talk to those cardboard aunties so they will become more than the 2 dimensional brickbat that got tossed around for months.
Go help with families in the 1 room flats. It will take more than money to bring them out of some of their problems. Some need good friends with your skills and wisdom.
If you are unsure on where to start, PM me, or check out Peace Connect at North Bridge Road.
We can do this guys.
We are so much more powerful than our vote.
my political affiliation
another heartfelt sharing in the right spirit. "I wrote previously that winning isn't everything and the manner of the contest and our contribution to the continuing democratic process is far more important."
daniel goh was mentioned in ben leong's entry and they are colleagues although their political affiliations are different. i'm sharing these 2 entries side by side to show that perhaps, it's not that impossible to work together towards a greater good.
"why can't we choose the candidates (we think can do the job) from different parties to sit in a GRC together?" an interesting thought posed by many. that would probably help many out of their dilemma.
so i decided. i have an affiliation. it's with singapore.
Daniel Goh’s post
Standing in the middle of the school hall last night, I surveyed the will of the people stacking up in crosses all around me. I was nervous at first, but at the exact moment that I realised we had lost, a peace came unto me. It was done. I shook the hands of our tearing counting agents and couldn't thank them enough. I shook the hands of the PAP counting agents, who respectfully wished me the best and gave me a slight bow even. I walked downstairs to join Allan and my wife. Allan seemed surprised by my calm as I told them we have lost by a landslide. My wife knew where I was, in my meditation zone.
The people has spoken and the collective wisdom is always right. Analysts will fall over one another in the coming weeks to discern the hearts of voters. For me, the meaning of the results is clear. It is a ringing endorsement of the PAP's programme of going back to its centre-left roots and PM Lee's leadership. It is also a nod to WP's brand of rational and responsible politics, since the seats won in GE2011 were returned. But with caveats: work harder, and buck up, in both town management and Parliament; less egoism and opportunism, more depth, humility and courage, more listening and walking.
I wrote previously that winning isn't everything and the manner of the contest and our contribution to the continuing democratic process is far more important. I am especially proud of my teammates and volunteers and thankful for those of you who wrote to me with heartfelt words of support. I am very touched by a strong PAP supporter writing me a long letter of encouragement, because he too believe we need to move beyond cynical politics and venom we witnessed this season. My hope is that the PAP will use this to change its DNA further and return to servant-leadership away from princely self-righteousness. My work is to continue this national service to build up the WP as a credible choice and voice to keep the iron in Singapore's veins.
In the end all that matters is we found the time to love, and it is the time now, again, to do so with our families, friends and fellow countrymen and women. No politics of hate for me. Time for our thank you parade!
daniel goh was mentioned in ben leong's entry and they are colleagues although their political affiliations are different. i'm sharing these 2 entries side by side to show that perhaps, it's not that impossible to work together towards a greater good.
"why can't we choose the candidates (we think can do the job) from different parties to sit in a GRC together?" an interesting thought posed by many. that would probably help many out of their dilemma.
so i decided. i have an affiliation. it's with singapore.
Daniel Goh’s post
Standing in the middle of the school hall last night, I surveyed the will of the people stacking up in crosses all around me. I was nervous at first, but at the exact moment that I realised we had lost, a peace came unto me. It was done. I shook the hands of our tearing counting agents and couldn't thank them enough. I shook the hands of the PAP counting agents, who respectfully wished me the best and gave me a slight bow even. I walked downstairs to join Allan and my wife. Allan seemed surprised by my calm as I told them we have lost by a landslide. My wife knew where I was, in my meditation zone.
The people has spoken and the collective wisdom is always right. Analysts will fall over one another in the coming weeks to discern the hearts of voters. For me, the meaning of the results is clear. It is a ringing endorsement of the PAP's programme of going back to its centre-left roots and PM Lee's leadership. It is also a nod to WP's brand of rational and responsible politics, since the seats won in GE2011 were returned. But with caveats: work harder, and buck up, in both town management and Parliament; less egoism and opportunism, more depth, humility and courage, more listening and walking.
I wrote previously that winning isn't everything and the manner of the contest and our contribution to the continuing democratic process is far more important. I am especially proud of my teammates and volunteers and thankful for those of you who wrote to me with heartfelt words of support. I am very touched by a strong PAP supporter writing me a long letter of encouragement, because he too believe we need to move beyond cynical politics and venom we witnessed this season. My hope is that the PAP will use this to change its DNA further and return to servant-leadership away from princely self-righteousness. My work is to continue this national service to build up the WP as a credible choice and voice to keep the iron in Singapore's veins.
In the end all that matters is we found the time to love, and it is the time now, again, to do so with our families, friends and fellow countrymen and women. No politics of hate for me. Time for our thank you parade!
7 Letters
Anyway, I just watched the 7 letters with my bro this morning. Thought I wouldn't cry at the last one but I still did. My bro, too. I've never watched any movie twice but I'm glad I did for this one.
The stories which didn't leave a deep impression before now did.
Now, I feel the Indian guy's struggle and admire the Indian lady's courage to stand up to her father-in-law because of a Flame (title of film) in her, not wanting her unborn child to be a 2nd class citizen in another country. "Home is the journey back to oneself." quotes K Rajahgopal the filmmaker.
Title of next film - Pineapple town. Why did that mom go to all that trouble to find her daughter's birth mother? I realised it was to let her know her roots. "We are what we know." quotes Tan Pin Pin the filmmaker. I like the last part, clever technique of presenting the vantage point of someone in a moving vehicle watching as the little girl had a photo taken beside the big pineapple sculpture - as if her birth mom was in the car watching as it zoomed past.
After watching 7 letters, my bro says it brought back not only memories but nostalgic feelings that warm the heart.
The stories which didn't leave a deep impression before now did.
Now, I feel the Indian guy's struggle and admire the Indian lady's courage to stand up to her father-in-law because of a Flame (title of film) in her, not wanting her unborn child to be a 2nd class citizen in another country. "Home is the journey back to oneself." quotes K Rajahgopal the filmmaker.
Title of next film - Pineapple town. Why did that mom go to all that trouble to find her daughter's birth mother? I realised it was to let her know her roots. "We are what we know." quotes Tan Pin Pin the filmmaker. I like the last part, clever technique of presenting the vantage point of someone in a moving vehicle watching as the little girl had a photo taken beside the big pineapple sculpture - as if her birth mom was in the car watching as it zoomed past.
After watching 7 letters, my bro says it brought back not only memories but nostalgic feelings that warm the heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
