I grew up watching the local Chinese tv drama series. Now that I am living away from hometown, I rarely get to watch them, unless I watch them through youtube.
I am glad to watch the 36-episode "Together" last week. This drama was set in the 1960s, in my parents' generation. From here, I learnt about some history of Singapore, e.g. when National Service became mandatory for all young men (and realised that my dad barely missed out because he was born 2 weeks shy of the age range) and when Singapore issued its own currency. It also reminded me how fortunate we are now when our parents daily meals were mainly vegetables and rice. Most of the common people only get to eat meat and eggs during very special occasions. In those days, fake eyelashes were rented for $4 a day, jeans and bell bottoms were strange and out of the world, driving tests were conducted using car models, education was uncommon, tertiary education was for the rich or very smart (with a scholarship) and corruption and illegitimate income were common because that is the only way the common person gets his wealth. This drama is not dramatic enough (pardon the pun) to captivate hubby's interest but I liked it mostly because it brings back certain memories I have and reminds me of the roots and history of where I was born. I like how it reminded me of the way of life and the culture at that time, some of which do not occur now but it is good for the future generation to know and realise how fortunate we are now.
Suddenly I recall how it was like at my grandparents' - a food storage cupboard with wire mesh to keep flies away instead of a fridge, bathing from cold water in a huge porcelain tank instead of fresh water through the pipes, using hand held fans and sometimes electrical fans instead of electricial fans and airconditioners, telephone that you have to dial one digit by one digit instead of mobile phones and digital telephones, typewriters instead of computers. There were no microwave ovens, mobile phones, ipad, computers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers. I am thankful that I live in this generation with the comforts of life.
Wikipedia's write-up on "Together"
Showing posts with label Movie/Drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie/Drama. Show all posts
September 15, 2010
May 7, 2008
Movies Under the Stars
Hubby brought me to spend a 'romantic' evening under the stars on Monday... watching big screen movies in the comfort of our car :) Apparently there are lesser and lesser of such outdoor drive-in theatres around in Brisbane. And since we still have a valid 1-for-1 Entertainment Book voucher, we figure it would be nice to spend the public holiday evening that way :)
It was the Yatala Twin Drive-In Theatre. For A$14, both of us drove our car in for 2 movies. We watched "Iron Man" and "Spiderwick Chronicles". We brought along our own dinner, snacks, desert, drinks, blanket and pillow. I thought it was quite cool and I have never done drive-in movies before. Singapore used to have such entertainment about 2 decades ago when there was more land available. The sound of the movies was piped in either with speakers that they provide, or you can tune in to specified radio stations in the car.
It was the Yatala Twin Drive-In Theatre. For A$14, both of us drove our car in for 2 movies. We watched "Iron Man" and "Spiderwick Chronicles". We brought along our own dinner, snacks, desert, drinks, blanket and pillow. I thought it was quite cool and I have never done drive-in movies before. Singapore used to have such entertainment about 2 decades ago when there was more land available. The sound of the movies was piped in either with speakers that they provide, or you can tune in to specified radio stations in the car.
The big screen and cars in my background
We spent a special and relaxing evening together. The new Entertainment Book does not have the 1-for-1 vouchers anymore. But we got a discount card that night - A$10 per adult on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays if we present the card. Without the card, you can pay A$10 for Tuesdays. If anyone needs the card, we can loan it out :)
A poor attempt of impersonation
I definitely would like to go for this again :)
August 29, 2007
"So... What Have You Been Up To?"
I'm often being asked this question and/or the like, both in Singapore (as soon as they know I've left my job) and in Brissy (since I have not begin to look for work yet). At each gathering of people, I could be asked this question potentially at least 3 times. But yeah I've learnt to appreciate people's concern for me by asking those questions and its also a way to get to know me better. So here's a (long) summary of what I have been up to since my last blog entry :p
1) Made/learnt how to make steamed buns (bao 包) from future MIL. The healthier option of wholemeal flour was used instead of normal white flour. Minced beef with carrots and potatoes were used for stuffing. Looks really easy to make! The freshly steamed 包s were really yummy!!
2) Brisbane Leadership Training. Attended the weekend retreat from 17 to 19 August. I have attended retreat last year when I was here in Brisbane over the same period of time. BLT aims to bring good biblical teaching to its attendees and to challenge them to be future leaders through equipping them and encouraging them. The topic was on the Holy Spirit and to clear up any misconceptions and misunderstandings of the Holy Spirit. The bible expositions on the role of HS in churches and in our lives, were really good and clear. I have learnt quite a bit more about the Holy Spirit (I mean we should not give up learning God's word better right?). And of cos I also got to know a few more people better this time.
I was reminded that where God's word is, there the Holy Spirit is. No mention of the "Holy Spirit" does not mean that it does not exist in our lives nor our churches. Holy Spirit is present where God's word is, whether we acknowledge it or not. The Holy Spirit's only role is to point us to Jesus Christ. The Spirit leads and guides us in our lives and living out God's word but ultimately, it is to point us to Jesus. What also struck me was that having joy is not an emotion. Whether we feel happy or sad, we can still have joy, simply because we have the hope and confidence in Jesus Christ and His coming again to bring us to him.
3) W and I had a good and helpful session of Pre-Marriage Counselling with Pastor and Mrs Chia. Really thankful for them to be in Brisbane and we can have this privilege of 1-to-1 counselling and preparation.
4) My furthest drive in Brisbane so thus was from home to airport. It takes about 20-30 minutes. But on my return trip, I send someone to the city and then I had to make my way back home. Had to send someone to airport to help W's mum as she wasn't free to do so. This is part of ministry :)
5) I was given a Korean DVD drama of Full House. I watch bits of it almost everyday and is completing the 16-episode drama soon :)
6) I finally could obtain sufficient documents and evidence for me to apply for a Queensland Driving Licence. The authorities required proof that I am living and staying in Queensland. Thankfully I don't need to take further tests for it. My licence now is valid for 5 years (yes, only 5 years!). Singapore's photocard licence is valid for life!
7) Since I came, I have also tried to cook and bake some stuff. Other than pasta, salad and my usual cakes, I gave a shot to cook braised pork ribs. And I was happy that it turned out better than what I expected! :)
8) It is also the 'culture' here that people will help one another shift house. Last Saturday, we helped S move house. It was a good time of workout and we were rewarded with lots of pizza after that!
9) W's paternal grandma turned 89 recently. The extended family gathered for potluck dinner. Other than me getting overwhelmed by the huge family and all the faces, names and connection ties to remember, I was really blessed and encouraged by the time there (and enjoyed all the yummy Asian-cum-Western food)
Families with young kids had to leave early. The adults left behind gathered and sang hymns to each other. There was testimonial sharing of how grandma has been to them (grandma's children), how God has given and blessed, and sang songs and prayed prayers that speak of God's goodness and His providence. This was the first time I gathered in a family to have a 'mini church service' of sort.
I was also greatly moved and encouraged to hear how grandma raised her children up in the ways of God, telling them stories of Jesus when they were young. Grandma has been faithfully praying for her children, grandchildren and great-grand children daily. Wow! I pray I will also be faithful in doing so for my future generations!
10) I have also started to knit again. This time I am knitting a cool sweater for myself :) Although my needles have not arrived with my belongings sent over from Singapore, I borrowed a needed pair from my future SIL.
11) About 2.5 days ago, I decided to join Facebook. Within those hours, I now have hooked up with 115 friends! That was a really fast rate! I have been resisting to join FB and have since been a little bit addicted to it. Boy, I have linked up with many of my school friends!
12) Last evening, I went to Brisbane Powerhouse for an Acapella concert with some folks from church. The quartet is known as "Idea of North". I really enjoyed it... Have not heard live Acapella singing for some time and these folks were really good!
1) Made/learnt how to make steamed buns (bao 包) from future MIL. The healthier option of wholemeal flour was used instead of normal white flour. Minced beef with carrots and potatoes were used for stuffing. Looks really easy to make! The freshly steamed 包s were really yummy!!
2) Brisbane Leadership Training. Attended the weekend retreat from 17 to 19 August. I have attended retreat last year when I was here in Brisbane over the same period of time. BLT aims to bring good biblical teaching to its attendees and to challenge them to be future leaders through equipping them and encouraging them. The topic was on the Holy Spirit and to clear up any misconceptions and misunderstandings of the Holy Spirit. The bible expositions on the role of HS in churches and in our lives, were really good and clear. I have learnt quite a bit more about the Holy Spirit (I mean we should not give up learning God's word better right?). And of cos I also got to know a few more people better this time.
I was reminded that where God's word is, there the Holy Spirit is. No mention of the "Holy Spirit" does not mean that it does not exist in our lives nor our churches. Holy Spirit is present where God's word is, whether we acknowledge it or not. The Holy Spirit's only role is to point us to Jesus Christ. The Spirit leads and guides us in our lives and living out God's word but ultimately, it is to point us to Jesus. What also struck me was that having joy is not an emotion. Whether we feel happy or sad, we can still have joy, simply because we have the hope and confidence in Jesus Christ and His coming again to bring us to him.
3) W and I had a good and helpful session of Pre-Marriage Counselling with Pastor and Mrs Chia. Really thankful for them to be in Brisbane and we can have this privilege of 1-to-1 counselling and preparation.
4) My furthest drive in Brisbane so thus was from home to airport. It takes about 20-30 minutes. But on my return trip, I send someone to the city and then I had to make my way back home. Had to send someone to airport to help W's mum as she wasn't free to do so. This is part of ministry :)
5) I was given a Korean DVD drama of Full House. I watch bits of it almost everyday and is completing the 16-episode drama soon :)
6) I finally could obtain sufficient documents and evidence for me to apply for a Queensland Driving Licence. The authorities required proof that I am living and staying in Queensland. Thankfully I don't need to take further tests for it. My licence now is valid for 5 years (yes, only 5 years!). Singapore's photocard licence is valid for life!
7) Since I came, I have also tried to cook and bake some stuff. Other than pasta, salad and my usual cakes, I gave a shot to cook braised pork ribs. And I was happy that it turned out better than what I expected! :)
8) It is also the 'culture' here that people will help one another shift house. Last Saturday, we helped S move house. It was a good time of workout and we were rewarded with lots of pizza after that!
9) W's paternal grandma turned 89 recently. The extended family gathered for potluck dinner. Other than me getting overwhelmed by the huge family and all the faces, names and connection ties to remember, I was really blessed and encouraged by the time there (and enjoyed all the yummy Asian-cum-Western food)
Families with young kids had to leave early. The adults left behind gathered and sang hymns to each other. There was testimonial sharing of how grandma has been to them (grandma's children), how God has given and blessed, and sang songs and prayed prayers that speak of God's goodness and His providence. This was the first time I gathered in a family to have a 'mini church service' of sort.
I was also greatly moved and encouraged to hear how grandma raised her children up in the ways of God, telling them stories of Jesus when they were young. Grandma has been faithfully praying for her children, grandchildren and great-grand children daily. Wow! I pray I will also be faithful in doing so for my future generations!
10) I have also started to knit again. This time I am knitting a cool sweater for myself :) Although my needles have not arrived with my belongings sent over from Singapore, I borrowed a needed pair from my future SIL.
11) About 2.5 days ago, I decided to join Facebook. Within those hours, I now have hooked up with 115 friends! That was a really fast rate! I have been resisting to join FB and have since been a little bit addicted to it. Boy, I have linked up with many of my school friends!
12) Last evening, I went to Brisbane Powerhouse for an Acapella concert with some folks from church. The quartet is known as "Idea of North". I really enjoyed it... Have not heard live Acapella singing for some time and these folks were really good!
Amidst doing all that, I have also spent good time in doing some reading books and God's Word and praying. Ocassionally, I also flip through bridal magazines, newspapers and shopping catalogues, help out in some cooking and taking afternoon naps. And to answer most curious people, yes I am hoping to find work soon... need to earn a living... ;p
Before I end, here's to leave you a picture of some beautiful flowers in the front lawn of where I'm living :) And mind you, they grew beautifully even when watered with recycled water from the washing machine :p
September 9, 2006
Memories...
I am probably a bit slow to become a "Winter Sonata" fan and addicted to watch the soapy drama series. Blame it on me that I went into a shop to check out the availability of the dvd series for a friend who would like to own it and watch it. But before I pass it to my friend, I thought I might as well enjoy the series first... to discover why this series caught the eyes and time of many who are crazy after BYJ and after this romantic lovey dovey soapy drama series.
In a bid of not to spoil the story for those who have not saw it, I shall not disclose too much here. In barely a week's time, I finished the 20 episodes in 6 discs. I teared less than I thought I would - about 4-5 times in total. I did not wail nor cry, only shed a few tears.... I must admit that the series is indeed rather dramatic but there are many sweet and touching moments. It is dramatic in the ways where the couple meet, separate, meet and separate again and again and again... It is sweet at the occasions when they went on dates, had fun, enjoyed each other's company and the simple words of love and appreciation they say.
The story is a bit unrealistic at some parts. Such love is also almost impossible. Yes it is sweet, romantic and warming. The kind of love portrayed is probably what many people are looking for but absent and so become suckers of romantic movies as such :p Yet I like it as it is a good break, different from the Hollywood and Singaporean type of drama/movies. It probably has to do with the cultural differences too. I probably have not heard a couple say so many "sorry"s and "thank you"s to each other. The way they relate is formal, respectful, yet personal, genuine, sincere and affectionate.
I love the sceneries in Winter. Makes me want to go Korea to experience winter myself. I like winter season too, however I have not been to a place which snows... Another thing I like about Winter is the songs and the instrumental pieces that was played. The music and songs were put in the right places to bring out the intended emotion and mood. I am humming the tunes now!
Here's one of the songs that has been played many times in the drama:
My memory
I remember very moment with you
I close my eyes
And see our memories together
You’re far away
Where I can’t even reach you
I didn’t even let you know how much I love you
I never thought this could happen
I never thought I could see you again
I never thought I’m still in love with you
I want to tell you
I will love you forever
If its not too late
Stay here with me forever
If I can’t see you again
I want to forget everything about you
Whenever I feel like laughing
Thoughts of you makes me cry even more
I can’t seem to do anything because of you
Every time I miss you, my heart breaks into pieces
I truly want to forget
No matter how hard I try I can’t forget you
I never knew how hard it is to love someone
Such a long time
You are always in my heart
Although the time passes
Although you're far away from me
You are still in my heart
I never thought this could happen
I never thought I could see you again
I’m still in love with you
Let me tell you
I wanna love you forever
If its not too late
Stay with me forever
My memory
I remember everything about that moment
I can remember the tiniest detail when I close my eyes
You're far away
Somewhere where I can't reach you
You didn't even say you loved me
Or tell me to wait for you
I didn't know that I'd meet you like this again
I never thought I still love you
I hope its not too late to tell you
I want to love you forever
If its not too late, stay with me forever
I don't think I have become a fan of BYJ like many aunties have. But I do agree that he does have some charm. I prefer his carefree smile than his cool and aloof smile. CJW has a sweet smile. Hmm... which is my next Korean drama?
April 29, 2006
Classical Classics
Don't know why I suddenly like classical music, particularly classical vocals. Walked into the classical room in Tower Records and as I explored the cds available in the section, I wish I could buy all the many cds which (I guess) seems relaxing and therapeutic (does this mean that I have been too stressed out??)
1) John Williams - Ultimate Guitar Collection: Will be attending his world tour guitar concert in Singapore in June. One of the Singapore Arts Festival programme, he will be here with Richard Harvey. There are a few famous guitar tunes in the album. I recalled Schindler's List played in movie "Memoirs of Geisha".
2) Hayley Westenra - Pure: This talented young girl from New Zealand sings so well! A friend introduced her cd to me and especially the song "Never Say Goodbye". Hayley also sang May It Be in movie "Lord of the Rings". My greatest discovery is that she was the girl who sang Amazing Grace in the Japanese hospital drama that I watched last Nov/Dec. Silly me thought that it was sang by Charlotte Church.
I almost bought the above cds and another classical compilation cd but I didn't. But I was glad that friend loaned me Hayley's album today!!
Talking about coincidence, I mentioned to my friend about loaning me his collection of dvds. And there, he has Sound of Music!! Didn't expect that anyone would have owned it. In the end, he also loaned me another classic Grease :)
To round it up, I caught a romantic Korean movie Daisy (watch trailer). The thing about Korean romantic movies... the cast of suave Korean man (sometimes good to be a little unshaven :P) and simply sweet, long-haired Korean woman. Somehow Korean men are always portrayed as a sensitive, romantic gentleman. There is no exception in this movie. Both men (although are macho men whose vocations involving guns and fights) have their soft, romantic and sensitive sides that makes women die for. I didn't watch the Korean drama Winter Sonata which I am sure, is definitely more 'soapy' than this movie... Anyway I got a little teary at the ending ;( When back to reality, I figured that surely Korean men are not like this in reality (they can be quite chauvinistic) and surely most men are not like those portrayed in movies - send you daisies everyday, protect and observe you from afar, built a bridge for you, learn lip-reading when you become dumb and read up on Monet because you love painting. GET REAL!! Well, the more suave man of the 2 in Daisy likes classical music too ;)
Enough said. Time to enjoy my Grease, Pure and Sound of Music :)
1) John Williams - Ultimate Guitar Collection: Will be attending his world tour guitar concert in Singapore in June. One of the Singapore Arts Festival programme, he will be here with Richard Harvey. There are a few famous guitar tunes in the album. I recalled Schindler's List played in movie "Memoirs of Geisha".
2) Hayley Westenra - Pure: This talented young girl from New Zealand sings so well! A friend introduced her cd to me and especially the song "Never Say Goodbye". Hayley also sang May It Be in movie "Lord of the Rings". My greatest discovery is that she was the girl who sang Amazing Grace in the Japanese hospital drama that I watched last Nov/Dec. Silly me thought that it was sang by Charlotte Church.
I almost bought the above cds and another classical compilation cd but I didn't. But I was glad that friend loaned me Hayley's album today!!
Talking about coincidence, I mentioned to my friend about loaning me his collection of dvds. And there, he has Sound of Music!! Didn't expect that anyone would have owned it. In the end, he also loaned me another classic Grease :)
To round it up, I caught a romantic Korean movie Daisy (watch trailer). The thing about Korean romantic movies... the cast of suave Korean man (sometimes good to be a little unshaven :P) and simply sweet, long-haired Korean woman. Somehow Korean men are always portrayed as a sensitive, romantic gentleman. There is no exception in this movie. Both men (although are macho men whose vocations involving guns and fights) have their soft, romantic and sensitive sides that makes women die for. I didn't watch the Korean drama Winter Sonata which I am sure, is definitely more 'soapy' than this movie... Anyway I got a little teary at the ending ;( When back to reality, I figured that surely Korean men are not like this in reality (they can be quite chauvinistic) and surely most men are not like those portrayed in movies - send you daisies everyday, protect and observe you from afar, built a bridge for you, learn lip-reading when you become dumb and read up on Monet because you love painting. GET REAL!! Well, the more suave man of the 2 in Daisy likes classical music too ;)
Enough said. Time to enjoy my Grease, Pure and Sound of Music :)
December 28, 2005
The Great White Tower
I'm slightly hooked onto a Japanese drama now... nope it is not a soapy romantic drama. It is put in the setting of a university hospital in Japan. My mum was the one following it initially. I used to come home around 11pm, when the drama would have just ended. The 'closing song' caught my attention: "Amazing Grace" sang by Charlotte Church. Only the 1st and last verses are played, with the English and Chinese lyrics flashed on the screen. I used to think "Wow... what Christian drama was that they use the song??!!"
Well I guess it was further than my guess. There are 3 more episodes left and since I've been following it (about the past 2 weeks), it was mainly about hospital politics amongst the management, patient care and medical negligence. It probably kinda interest me because I can relate with the drama. It was also interesting to see how the Japanese hospitals operate and how with high regards they hold for professor doctors over there.
After I read the entire sypnosis and review on this website, I probably can appreciate the drama better... after all, I only saw it from half way through... to quote (inaccurately) what one woman said in the drama: All doctors set out with the ambition to save lives. But somehow along the way, they get caught up with what the world has to offer and so they sometimes lie to get their way around, to get up the corporate ladder. This can be very real I think. Hope that my younger doctor friends won't be like that...
Anyway, still don't get the connection between the drama and the song Amazing Grace. Maybe I'm too shallow to catch the connection between the two :P
Well I guess it was further than my guess. There are 3 more episodes left and since I've been following it (about the past 2 weeks), it was mainly about hospital politics amongst the management, patient care and medical negligence. It probably kinda interest me because I can relate with the drama. It was also interesting to see how the Japanese hospitals operate and how with high regards they hold for professor doctors over there.
After I read the entire sypnosis and review on this website, I probably can appreciate the drama better... after all, I only saw it from half way through... to quote (inaccurately) what one woman said in the drama: All doctors set out with the ambition to save lives. But somehow along the way, they get caught up with what the world has to offer and so they sometimes lie to get their way around, to get up the corporate ladder. This can be very real I think. Hope that my younger doctor friends won't be like that...
Anyway, still don't get the connection between the drama and the song Amazing Grace. Maybe I'm too shallow to catch the connection between the two :P
