First YOG in Singapore...everyone has been talking about it lately. A major event this year, 1st time ever that creates an history. It has been an honor for Ashley to be part of it. Well, as parents, we are proud of her being selected to participate in the opening ceremony from the YOG audition at School of Dance. In grade 1, there are only 5 being selected, and gladly Ashley is one of them. Wit
h her, there's Britney, Kale, Shanice and ... (a Malay girl, cant recall her name ...). Unfortunately Shanice got chicken pox and had to withdraw from all rehearsals, and the Malay girl's mum got some other commitments that cant have her daughter participating. In the end, Preecha and Esther stand in for the 2. It's not easy for the girls. There are many sessions of rehearsals and for long hours on Sat. Nearer to event date, more rehearsals were scheduled, even on weekdays where Ashley need to se
ek early dismissal from school. Being her 'driver', I am also tried over the period-remembering the rehearsal dates, preparing snacks, seeking early dismissal from teachers...etc. Simply cant wait for the event to be over, and back to our usual routine. Recalling back, sometimes I regretted allowing her to take part in YOG. But as what Jeremy says, it's once a life time... and since she got selected, we have to support her. It's not surprising that Ashley had no complaints over the numerous rehe
arsals (with super long hours) since she had been enjoying. If it was us parents wanting her to be in YOG and not in her own 
preference, I think she would have thrown tantrums ththousand times. Haha... Finally the day draws nearer. We are given 2 tickets to watch the Final combined rehearsal on 11Aug (wed). The last rehearsal before the actual opening 
ceremony on 14 Aug. I am in delighted mood when walking to Marina Platform from Cityhall station. Jeremy came with me. Well, after my 'nagging', he had no choice but to come along with me to watch his girl performing. A pity Cieran is unable to join us... which I am glad. Such performance just doesn't suit hi
m. He'll get bored from the waiting, and bringing him out to toileting will be cumbersome as well. Though I left sorry for him, but at ease when I learnt that he is having fun time with Clarissa at mum's place. The event started with lots of cheers and dancing moves led by the 4 MCs. Atmosp
here is there... I suppose the audience are all ready for a fun time. Lyo and Merli being the mascot for YOG are in appearance as well. The opening came out as a bang, drums playing, and street dancing from TSOD. I have been trying to spot for Ashley but in vain, even though she tipped me off that she will be near to the blue sector (gate MC1). Out came the lion dance, with the water fountain behind that blend
with the music and lights, and the lezar from the CBD buildings..all adds on to the spectacular opening. The whole marina platform becomes serious only when the National Flag was marched in with athletics and handover to the military to raise it up. For that instance, I believed all Singaporean feel proud of it. The night scene is beautiful with light and fire works, and the atmosphere is simply great. I ca
n imagine the actual ceremony will be of a lot of fun, cheer and pride. Singapore is proud to be the 1st host of YOG and eager to show what we are. Through the event, Ashley make a lot of friends (seniors of TSOD) and I believed she ha
d fun and it's an experience/eye opener for her. A relief that now it's over, and we are finally back to usual routine.... ;-) Actually little Ceiran also feels proud of his sister (though he may be young) He looks up upon his sister, and misses her when she's away for rehearsals. On actual day, Cieran watches the performance by the Tv... believed he knew that his sister is performing and telecasting on tv.... haha... :-p See below pose of his.... he's trying to imitate Ashley.... haha...
Cieran was with Carpe Diem for almost 8months, finally a field trip was organised. It's a t
rip to Underwater World, under the week's theme on animals. Before the trip, I have been telling Cieran what he will be expecting at the Underwater World to prepare him. He was happy over the trip. I recalled Ashley went to Underwater World as well when she was in K1, and I made the tri
p with her together with her school, she was rather afraid of the big sharks under the tunnel. As such, being fair to Cieran, I joined the school trip as well. Cieran was happy that I came along. On board the bus, Cieran was excited through the journey, especially he loves sitting on bus. He choose the front seat by the window. We arrived at Sentosa at around 10am, passes by Resort World which looks quite enormous to me. Finally we reached Underwater Wor
ld and the 1st to greet us was stingray pool. This is new to me. Last time 
when I came with Ashley, there wasn't any such pool. It was interesting and I think it's educational as it allows the public to feel and touch the stingray. Cieran had fun watching them swimming to and fro. The adventurous ones can even buy the baits and feed them with your hands. There were several other sections where the public can 
put their hands to touch and feel the water, fishes and corals which make learning more interesting. Walking through the tunnel, I introduced to Cieran sharks, jelly fish, shells, crabs etc..... Cieran watched with amazement in his face. ha
ha... he's such a cutie. Especially the giant crab... he was in total shock... but as usual, did a silly face while I cant helped but took a photo of him. the tunnel was an eye opener for the children. Earlier I was worried that Cieran will be afraid of the large fishes above him, but surprisingly he was so brave! He walk like a leader in front of the whole group. Haha! Along the tunnel journey, Cieran was observin
g th
e different fishes swimming around. He looked so attentively, I wonder what's in his mind.... We also saw 2 diver in the tunnel cleaning the area and feeding the fishes. The children looked with amazement. Next, the group moved on to the dolhine's show, but unfortunately, it was raining and we are 'trapped'. The distance to the threatre was not far though, thus the group 
decided to proceed. Fortunately I came prepared. I had an umbrella with me, thus both Cieran and myself were not wet at all. For once, I felt that BT Carpe Diem was not organised for the trip and children had to cross over under the rain. We missed the show anyhow, due to poor time management. Ended up, we had our lunch by the threatre. We left Sentos
a around 2pm. Overall, The children including Cieran had fun. Nonetheless, I felt the trip could be even better and more educational. 
It's a long weekends for the kids, especially for Ashley. Friday, she celebrated National Day 
with only 3 hours at school, and Tuesday a school holiday for her. So envy! Basically, she break for 4.5days! Sun, 8 Aug, the weather was good with ample of sunshine that triggers the thought of 'water play' fo
r the kids. When I threw the idea to them, immediately there's lots of shouting and excitement in the air. Seeing them jumping with joy, aga
in I feel that the tiring job in setting up is worth the trouble. Haha! The 2 kids waited patiently for mummy to pump the pool, changed them in consume and flash water into the pool. Cieran was especially excited when I splashed the water at him. It's really a joy watching them at play. Also, a quiet moment to myself, listening to my music by the sofa...watching them. At one stage, Cieran put on his green-coloured sunglasses, and with his matching swimming costume, I can't helped but requesting the children to give me a pose! Look! Cieran looked smart yah? haha... The children can certainly amused themselves. Without me n
oticing, they already had more toys with them... tooked the bottles (
that I used to water the plants) and started to play cooking in the pool. For a moment, they looked so serious! For 15mins, they are very cooperative and shared the toys in cooking... soon, they started to snatch and fight for 'utensils'... till I warned them about 
sharing, else no more water play. Kids are just kids... the cycle goes round and round like this. That's why they always keep me busy. Haha.... but Is till love to watch them at play. Cieran started to get bored with cooking and started to be on his own fun. He pretend to swim... then match around the pool...haha! He's so funny! I took a video clip of his silly actions, but a pity I cannt sha
re it here in the blog as the capacity is too large to upload. I suddenly remembered about bubbles and offered a bottle to Cieran. His face lited with joy. Next moment, he's busy blowing bubbles with all his mighty lungs...haha... coz he blew so hard! They played for an hour or longer before washing up. Mon, National Day 
was also a fun-filled day for the kids. Decided to bring them to the zoo, and will be meeting Grace & family for this field trip together! Cieran had been exited since the night before the trip. Even before he doze off, he had bee
n asking "we go zoo?....see elephant?" He repeatedly asked the same even when we are at the zoo....haha! He loves elephants and this is a MUST visit at the zoo! We arrived slightly e
arlier at around 8.20am. As usual, Grace is late. The kids got impatient and kept asking me why yi-ma haven't reached. Even little Cieran 
kept asking "why yi-ma so long?"....haha... He cant wait to see elephants. Finally at 9.30am, we are inside the zoo. Ashley and Vernon lead the way in, and the 1st to welcome us are otters and chimpanzees. The chimps seems happy to see many people visiting the zoo, as they swing from
a tree to another, showing off their excellent skills. Along the trail, we saw cats family of cheetas, leopards and lions. Learnt how to differentite between a lepard and a cheetah by reading the fun facts displays. Next, zebras, girrafe and rhinos greeted us. It was by coincident that we are passing by polar bear that we managed to catch the polar bear feedin
g time.We have been missing the polar bear feeding time each time we are at the zoo. Glad that the kids finally get to watch the show. Next, we proceed to the splash safari un
der the kid's demand. Though I had watched the same performace 3x, I dont mind watching with them again. I lead them to the front andmanaged to squeeze them seated comfortably among the crowd. The 3 kids enjoyed a great performance by the penguins and sealions, and also the snacks that I brought for them. As usual, Cie
ran is the most dirty-eater...haha. He had small piceces of seaweed all over his mouth and face. After the performance, the last we visit before leaving zoo will be the elephants! Cant forget about elephants sin
ce Cieran had been reminding me. Timing is just right! 11.55am for feeding the elephants! Bought a basket at $5 this time, so that the kids get to feed elephants. A little hsistation in Vernon, but he managed to build up his courage to feed the elephant with carrots. Overall, the kids had fun... including the adults. We ended up lunch at KFC before we head off to Raffles Town Club for a movie-Astro Boy. Dont you think it's
a FUN day for the kids? Well, I must admit I do also... Astro Boy was quite a nice and touching movie. Quite funny also, in certain portion of the movie. Can hear some adults laughing heartedly in the threatre. The show ended around 4plus where we headed home. After a short rest, I showered the kids (and shower myself, cant stand the sticky me from the sweat...), and 3 of us had a little stroll out to buy our dinner. Enjoy dinner while watching the National Parade... so shiok right? Haha.... 
First YOG in Singapore...everyone has been talking about it lately. A major event this year, 1st time ever that creates an history. It has been an honor for Ashley to be part of it. Well, as parents, we are proud of her being selected to participate in the opening ceremony from the YOG audition at School of Dance. In grade 1, there are only 5 being selected, and gladly Ashley is one of them. Wit
h her, there's Britney, Kale, Shanice and ... (a Malay girl, cant recall her name ...). Unfortunately Shanice got chicken pox and had to withdraw from all rehearsals, and the Malay girl's mum got some other commitments that cant have her daughter participating. In the end, Preecha and Esther stand in for the 2. It's not easy for the girls. There are many sessions of rehearsals and for long hours on Sat. Nearer to event date, more rehearsals were scheduled, even on weekdays where Ashley need to se
ek early dismissal from school. Being her 'driver', I am also tried over the period-remembering the rehearsal dates, preparing snacks, seeking early dismissal from teachers...etc. Simply cant wait for the event to be over, and back to our usual routine. Recalling back, sometimes I regretted allowing her to take part in YOG. But as what Jeremy says, it's once a life time... and since she got selected, we have to support her. It's not surprising that Ashley had no complaints over the numerous rehe
arsals (with super long hours) since she had been enjoying. If it was us parents wanting her to be in YOG and not in her own 
preference, I think she would have thrown tantrums ththousand times. Haha... Finally the day draws nearer. We are given 2 tickets to watch the Final combined rehearsal on 11Aug (wed). The last rehearsal before the actual opening 
ceremony on 14 Aug. I am in delighted mood when walking to Marina Platform from Cityhall station. Jeremy came with me. Well, after my 'nagging', he had no choice but to come along with me to watch his girl performing. A pity Cieran is unable to join us... which I am glad. Such performance just doesn't suit hi
m. He'll get bored from the waiting, and bringing him out to toileting will be cumbersome as well. Though I left sorry for him, but at ease when I learnt that he is having fun time with Clarissa at mum's place. The event started with lots of cheers and dancing moves led by the 4 MCs. Atmosp
here is there... I suppose the audience are all ready for a fun time. Lyo and Merli being the mascot for YOG are in appearance as well. The opening came out as a bang, drums playing, and street dancing from TSOD. I have been trying to spot for Ashley but in vain, even though she tipped me off that she will be near to the blue sector (gate MC1). Out came the lion dance, with the water fountain behind that blend
with the music and lights, and the lezar from the CBD buildings..all adds on to the spectacular opening. The whole marina platform becomes serious only when the National Flag was marched in with athletics and handover to the military to raise it up. For that instance, I believed all Singaporean feel proud of it. The night scene is beautiful with light and fire works, and the atmosphere is simply great. I ca
n imagine the actual ceremony will be of a lot of fun, cheer and pride. Singapore is proud to be the 1st host of YOG and eager to show what we are. Through the event, Ashley make a lot of friends (seniors of TSOD) and I believed she ha
d fun and it's an experience/eye opener for her. A relief that now it's over, and we are finally back to usual routine.... ;-) Actually little Ceiran also feels proud of his sister (though he may be young) He looks up upon his sister, and misses her when she's away for rehearsals. On actual day, Cieran watches the performance by the Tv... believed he knew that his sister is performing and telecasting on tv.... haha... :-p See below pose of his.... he's trying to imitate Ashley.... haha... 
