Church of Christ, Moulmein Road — A Little Piece of Hubby's Childhood

All Are Welcome

Aunty: “Hello! Anybody remember a little boy who attended kindergarten here many years ago?”

Church: “Aiyoh, Aunty! So many little children have come through over the years!”

The familiar blue signboard at 131 Moulmein Road. Nothing particularly grand about it, but to hubby, this was a place connected to his childhood.

I was here on a little mission — to capture a few memories for him before the building changed.

A Glimpse Through the Gate

Aunty: “Hello, anybody home? Can I come in for a little look?”

Church: “Sorry, Aunty. The gates are already closed.”

Aunty: “Aiyoh! Never mind lah. At least let me take a few photographs for hubby.”

By the time I visited, the premises had already been fenced off, so I could only photograph the church from outside the gate.

Still, I was glad to capture its familiar frontage, with the cross standing proudly above the entrance, before its appearance changed.

Reaching for the Sky

Aunty: “Hello up there! Why are you standing so tall?”

Spire: “So you can still see me from outside the gate, Aunty!”

Aunty: “Good! One more photograph for hubby's memory album!”

With the church already fenced off, I tilted my camera upwards for one last look at its roof and slender spire.

Against the blue sky and drifting clouds, it was a quiet reminder of a place that had been part of hubby's childhood.

Little Details, Lasting Memories

Aunty: “Wait, wait! One more photograph!”

Hubby: “How many more are you taking?”

Aunty: “Your old kindergarten deserves a proper farewell, mah!”

A closer look at the cross, patterned ventilation blocks and decorative details on the church facade.

I couldn't enter the premises, but at least I managed to preserve a few glimpses of the building for hubby.

Perhaps one day, when he looks at these photographs again, they'll bring back memories of his kindergarten days.

A New Place to Gather

Aunty: “Hello! Everybody moved house already ah?”

Notice: “We've shifted our worship services to Oasia Hotel!”

Aunty: “Aiyoh, luckily I came to take these photographs before everything changed!”

A notice at the gate informed visitors that worship services had been relocated.

Although I couldn't step inside hubby's former kindergarten, I was glad to have captured a few photographs of the familiar old building before its reconstruction.

Buildings may change, but childhood memories don't have to disappear with them.

A Little Piece of Yesterday

My little photography mission for hubby was completed. Although I couldn't step inside, at least I managed to capture a few photographs of the church before its familiar appearance changed.

Perhaps these five simple photographs will bring back a few memories of his kindergarten days — the little boy he once was, and the place where he spent part of his childhood.

Buildings may change, but the memories we carry remain.

And I'm glad I managed to save a little piece of his yesterday.

SG50 @ Changi Airport – Wishes & Wonders (Part 2)

Saturday, 27 June 2015 SG50 @ Changi Airport – Aviation Memories (Part 1)

More SG50 Surprises — Birthday Wishes & Art!

Our little journey through Singapore's aviation memories may be over, but Aunty's camera wasn't ready to retire yet!

There were still more SG50 displays waiting to be discovered at Changi Airport Terminal 3, including a rather unusual wall made of luggage!

Aunty: Wah! So many suitcases! Everybody going on holiday ah?

Luggage: No lah, Aunty! We're celebrating Singapore's 50th birthday!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Birthday party also need to bring luggage?!

Luggage: We're collecting birthday wishes, not packing for a holiday!

Aunty: OHHH! Got birthday cake or not?

Luggage: AUNTY! You came to see the displays or attend a buffet?!

WAKAKAKAKA! Looks like Aunty's SG50 adventure was far from over!

Come, let's see what other surprises Changi Airport had in store! 

100 Luggages, 1 Big Birthday Wish!

From 15 July to 16 August 2015, visitors were invited to leave their well wishes for Singapore's 50th birthday on this special installation at Changi Airport T3.

Aunty: Wah! 100 pieces of luggage! Who's going on holiday ah?

Luggage: Nobody lah, Aunty! We're here to celebrate Singapore's birthday!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Then why bring so many bags?

Luggage: We're collecting birthday wishes!

Aunty: Got space for my wish or not?

Luggage: Of course! What would you like to wish for?

Aunty: Good health, happiness… and more places for me to walk walk look look!

Luggage: AUNTY! It's Singapore's birthday, not yours!

WAKAKAKAKA!!! Aunty nearly turned SG50 into her own birthday celebration!

And hor, there was a sign mentioning 30 well-wishers would win Samsonite Cosmolite luggage each. Wah! Write a birthday wish, maybe go home with a suitcase! Not bad leh!

But no...Aunty was not one of the lucky ones...

Not even ONE wheel ah?!

Aunty: Never mind the whole suitcase lah! Give me one wheel also can!

Samsonite: Aunty! What are you going to do with one wheel?!

Aunty: Keep as souvenir lah!

Samsonite: OI! You want to roll yourself home, is it?!

A Mountain of Luggage, But Nobody's Flying!

The SG50 Luggage Wall of Greetings was certainly an eye-catching sight, with colourful suitcases stacked together and birthday wishes attached to them.

Aunty: Wah lau eh! So many suitcases! Who's moving house ah?!

Suitcase 1: Nobody lah! We're celebrating Singapore's birthday!

Aunty: Then why are you all piled up like that? No space to stand properly, is it?

Suitcase 2: Aunty, we're part of an art installation!

Aunty: OHHH! So you're all famous now, hor?

Suitcase 3: Of course! Everybody wants to take our photos!

Aunty: Hmph! Don't show off lah! I also got camera, you know!

Suitcase 1: Then take our best side, please!

Aunty: Aiyoh! So many suitcases, all behaving like supermodels!

The Ferris Wheel That Refused Aunty!

Aunty sees a Ferris wheel, immediately want to climb aboard! But hor, this one carries SUITCASES, not passengers lah!!!

Aunty: WAAAAH! A Ferris wheel! Can I have a ride?

Ferris Wheel: Sorry! No passengers allowed!

Aunty: Aiyah! Just one round lah! I promise to sit quietly!

Ferris Wheel: NO! OVERWEIGHT!

Aunty: OIIII!!! You haven't even weighed me yet!

Ferris Wheel: Aunty, I'm designed for luggage, not humans!

Aunty: HMPH! Your suitcases also not exactly skinny, hor!

Suitcase: OI! Why suddenly drag us into your argument?!

Aunty got rejected by a Ferris wheel before even buying a ticket!

And look at those suitcases arranged around the glowing blue wheel! Quite a clever display, isn't it? Even the luggage got to enjoy a ride while poor Aunty had to stand there taking photographs!

Aunty: Never mind! I go find a Ferris wheel that appreciates my figure! ❤️

A Little Tag with a Big Birthday Wish!

Visitors were invited to write their birthday messages and well wishes for Singapore on luggage-shaped tags, then hang them behind the luggage structures. Together, these little messages became part of a massive collaborative artwork celebrating SG50.

Aunty: Aiyoh! So you're not just a pretty little luggage tag!

Luggage Tag: Of course not! I'm carrying birthday wishes for Singapore!

Aunty: Wah! Such a small tag, such a big responsibility!

Luggage Tag: So, Aunty, what's your birthday wish?

Aunty: Good health, happiness and many more wonderful years for Singapore!

Luggage Tag: Very nice! Anything else?

Aunty: Err… can also wish for a free Samsonite suitcase?

Luggage Tag: AUNTY!!! YOU AGAIN!!! 

Eleven years later, Aunty still thinking about that suitcase she never won!

I rather like the idea that hundreds of little wishes could come together to create one big artwork. A birthday card from everyone to Singapore! ❤️

Mr Merlion Goes Airport Hopping!

Aunty: HELLOOO, Mr Merlion! What are you doing here?!

Merlion: Aunty! I'm here to celebrate SG50 lah!

Aunty: Wah! You came all the way from Marina Bay?

Merlion: Of course! Cannot miss Singapore's big birthday!

Aunty: But hor, why are you still spitting water? Not tired meh?

Merlion: Aunty, this is my trademark!

Aunty: Aiyoh! At least take a break and drink some water lah!

Merlion: OI! Can't you see I'm already surrounded by water?!

Aunty: Drink lah, don't just spit everything out!

Poor Mr Merlion! Travel all the way to Changi Airport, still kena Aunty nagging about his drinking habits!

All Aboard! Luggage First, Passengers Later!

Aunty: Hello! Where are you two going?

Red Suitcase: We're boarding the plane, Aunty!

Aunty: Wah! So lucky! Can I follow?

Black Suitcase: Sorry, Aunty! This entrance is for luggage only!

Aunty: Aiyoh! First the Ferris wheel rejected me, now the aeroplane also?!

Red Suitcase: Don't worry, Aunty! You can take the next flight!

Aunty: HMPH! You two don't even have passports!

Black Suitcase: Neither do we need boarding passes! WAKAKAKA!

Aunty: OI! Don't show off lah! Later they send you to the wrong country!

HAHAHAHA!!! Aunty threatening the luggage now!

The display heading “The Journey of Your Bag” is quite an interesting way to show visitors what happens to their luggage behind the scenes at Changi Airport.

Our little SG50 outing is becoming a full airport adventure — without Aunty ever leaving Singapore!

Aunty Has an Artistic Side Too, Hor!

After all that luggage excitement, Aunty decided to give her artistic senses a little exercise by exploring the artworks on display.

Aunty: Hello! Don't think I only know how to walk walk and eat eat, hor!

Artwork: Oh? Aunty appreciates fine art too?

Aunty: Of course lah! I also know how to admire beautiful things!

Artwork: Then what do you think of me?

Aunty: Err… very artistic!

Artwork: Aunty! Can you be a little more specific?!

Aunty: OI! Art is about feelings mah! Must everything explain until so complicated meh?!

Flora Inspiration — A Giant Seed Pod!

Created by Singapore sculptor Han Sai Por, Flora Inspiration draws inspiration from larger-than-life seed pods and botanical structures, celebrating the beauty of nature through its intricate organic forms.

Aunty: AHA! So you're a giant seed pod!

Sculpture: That's right, Aunty! Inspired by nature!

Aunty: Wah! If I plant you in my garden, what will grow?

Sculpture: Aunty! I'm made of marble!

Aunty: AIYOH! Then even fertiliser cannot help you lah!

Imagine — a seed pod that never needs watering!

Calling All Durian Lovers — The King Has Arrived!

Even the King of Fruits made a grand appearance at Changi Airport Terminal 2! With its enormous thorny shell and bright yellow flesh, this durian certainly wasn't shy about showing off!

Aunty: WAHHH! Such a BIG durian! How much per kilo ah?

Durian: Aunty! I'm not for sale!

Aunty: Then can I have just one seed?

Durian: NO! I'm here for display only!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Look so delicious but cannot eat! What's the point?!

Durian: You can take my photograph!

Aunty: HMPH! Photograph cannot fill my stomach lah!

But Aunty has one question … if this giant durian were real, how many people would it take to finish it?!

And imagine somebody trying to bring it onto an aeroplane!

Airport Security: Sorry, sir! No durians allowed!

Durian: OI! But I already LIVE at the airport!!!

A Yummy Seat — Sit or Eat?

Aunty: WAH! My favourite! Durian flesh big enough to sit on!

Durian: Come, Aunty! Make yourself comfortable!

Aunty: Err… can I eat you instead?

Durian: OI! I'm a seat, not your dessert!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Such a waste of good-looking durian flesh!

Durian: Aunty! Are you sitting or eating?!

Aunty: Can I do both? Sit first, eat later!

Durian: HELP!!! Somebody rescue me from this hungry Aunty!

Aiyoh! Look at those plump yellow durian cushions! So inviting leh! But sit on them too long, later become durian pancake!

Imagine telling my friends, "Today I sat inside a durian at Changi Airport!" They'll think Aunty has gone completely bananas… or should I say DURIANS?! 🤣 

Eh? Haven't We Met Before?

Aunty: Err… excuse me, have we met earlier on?

Merlion: You must have seen my little brother!

Aunty: Little brother? Ohhh! The one spitting water everywhere?

Merlion: That's him!

Aunty: Then why you never spit water?

Merlion: AUNTY! This is an airport, not the sea!

Aunty: So? What's the difference?

Merlion: OI! You want me to flood the departure hall, is it?!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Just asking mah! No need to roar at me!

SG50 @ Changi Airport – Aviation Memories (Part 1)

Singapore Turns 50 — And Changi Airport Joins the Party!

2015 was a very special year for Singapore — our Little Red Dot was celebrating its 50th birthday!

And Changi Airport wasn't going to miss out on the fun! The airport was all dressed up for SG50, with displays celebrating Singapore's journey through the years.

Of course, when there's something interesting to see, how could Aunty possibly stay at home? 

Aunty: Hello, Changi Airport! I'm here to see your SG50 displays!

Changi Airport: Welcome, Aunty! Going overseas today?

Aunty: No lah! I'm here to take photos!

Changi Airport: Aiyoh! No passport, no luggage, only camera?!

Aunty: Correct! My camera is going sightseeing, not me!

Come, let's see what treasures Aunty discovered at Changi Airport back in July 2015!

Happy 50th Birthday, Singapore!

Aunty: Wah! CHANGI AIRPORT CELEBRATES SG50! So big, scared people cannot see ah?

Signboard: Of course lah, Aunty! Singapore only turns 50 once!

Aunty: Aiyoh, I'm already older than Singapore! How come nobody put up such a big signboard for my birthday?!

Signboard: Aunty, you want me to announce your age to the whole airport, is it?

Aunty: OI! Better keep quiet! Some things are national secrets! 🤣

HAHAHAHA!!! Aunty nearly kena exposed at Changi Airport!

Standing Tall for SAF50

Dressed in full camouflage and holding his rifle, this soldier figure stood proudly as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Aunty: Hello, handsome soldier! Why are you standing so still?

Soldier: Aunty, I'm on duty! Cannot anyhow move!

Aunty: Aiyoh, not tired meh? Come down and have kopi lah!

Soldier: AUNTY! I'm a display figure! How to come down?!

Aunty: Oops! No wonder you never blink when I took your photo! WAKAKAKAKA!

Even at the airport, Aunty couldn't resist disturbing a soldier on duty! 🤣

What's Hiding Behind the Hoarding?

Aunty: Eh? What's going on behind there?

Hoarding: Sorry, Aunty! Still under construction!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Cannot let me peep a little bit meh?

Hoarding: No peeping! Come back when we're ready!

Aunty: Hmph! Now you've made me even more curious!

Hoarding: Patience, Aunty! Good things take time!

Aunty: Okay lah! But next time I come, you better have something nice to show me!

HAHAHAHA! Aunty, even a construction hoarding cannot escape your interrogation!

The Mystery Finally Unveiled!

Open to the public — photographed on 24 July 2015

Aunty's curiosity finally paid off! What was previously hidden behind construction hoardings was now standing proudly in full view.

Aunty: HELLOOO! I'm back! Remember me?

Tower: Aiyoh! That curious Aunty again!

Aunty: Last time you were hiding behind the hoarding. Now showing off your blue lights, hor?

Tower: Of course lah! All dressed up for SG50!

Aunty: Wah! So handsome! But tell me something…

Tower: What now, Aunty?

Aunty: You look like an airport control tower. Can you tell me where my next adventure is?

Tower: AUNTY! You're already at the airport! Where else you want to go?!

From Runways of Yesterday to Airports of Today

Aunty: Wah! So many airports! Which one should I visit first?

Airport Models: Aunty, we're taking you on a journey through Singapore's aviation history!

Aunty: Got free air ticket or not?

Airport Models: No lah! We're only models!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Never mind, my camera can travel for free!

A Little Airport with a Big History

Aunty: Hello, little building! Why so many windows ah?

Building: Aunty, I need plenty of windows to keep an eye on everybody!

Aunty: Wah! You must be very busy then!

Building: Not as busy as you, Aunty! Walking around taking photos of everything!

Aunty: OI! I'm doing historical research, okay?!

Building: Research? Then why you keep talking to buildings?!

Even the miniature buildings know Aunty's habits!

Welcome to Singapore — Then and Now!

Look at this miniature airport welcome sign, proudly greeting visitors arriving in Singapore. A little reminder of the days when airport welcomes were much simpler!

Aunty: HELLOOO! Singapore Airport! I'm here!

Welcome Sign: Welcome to Singapore, Aunty!

Aunty: Err… but I'm already Singaporean leh!

Welcome Sign: Never mind lah! Everybody gets a welcome!

Aunty: Got welcome drink or not?

Welcome Sign: AUNTY! This is an airport, not a hotel!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Welcome only, no refreshments! So stingy! Hahahaha...

Small Building, Big Ambitions!

Aunty: Wah! So grand! All your lights switched on, hor?

Building: Of course lah! Must look my best for SG50!

Aunty: Aiyoh, your electricity bill must be very high!

Building: Aunty! I'm only a miniature model!

Aunty: Miniature also must pay electricity bill, what!

Building: OI! Can you just admire me without worrying about my bills?!

Even a beautiful display cannot escape Aunty's household budgeting!

Three Little Fire Engines Reporting for Duty!

Aunty: Hello, hello! Why are all three of you parked here?

Fire Engine 1: Standing by for emergencies, Aunty!

Aunty: Wah! So hardworking! Can I take your photo?

Fire Engine 2: Can! But make sure you capture my handsome side!

Fire Engine 3: OI! Don't block me! I also want to be in the picture!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Three fire engines, all fighting to become movie stars!

Fire Engine 1: AUNTY! We're here to fight fires, not become famous!

Even the emergency vehicles want their moment of glory!

Aunty's Dream Fire Engine!

Aunty: Wah! I love this little fire engine! Can I bring one home?

Fire Engine: Can! But where are you going to park me?

Aunty: In my living room lah!

Fire Engine: OI! I'm a fire engine, not a sofa!

Aunty: Never mind! I can drive you to the market!

Fire Engine: AUNTY!!! I'm supposed to put out fires, not deliver your vegetables!

Aunty: Even better! Next time my cooking catches fire, you can rescue my noodles!

But hor, if I really had one of these, I will spend more time playing with it than cooking my brunch!

Little Plane, Big Adventure!

An old-fashioned aeroplane!!! ✈️

Look at those double wings, wooden-looking framework and little propellers! Aiyoh, compared with today's giant aircraft, this one looks so delicate leh!

And hor, imagine flying in something like this… every gust of wind also can make your heart go thump thump thump!

Aunty: Hello, little aeroplane! Can you take me for a ride?

Aeroplane: Of course, Aunty! Climb aboard!

Aunty: Err… got air-conditioning or not?

Aeroplane: Natural air-conditioning! Wind from every direction!

Aunty: Aiyoh! Then my hair will become bird's nest lah!

Aeroplane: Never mind! Free hairstyle included!

Aunty: OI! I asked for a flight, not a hair makeover!

A Little Building with Old-World Charm

Aunty: Hello! Anybody home?

Building: Come in, Aunty! Welcome!

Aunty: Wah! Your whole house so brightly lit! Having a party ah?

Building: No lah! Just making sure visitors can find their way!

Aunty: Got lift or not? I see so many steps!

Building: Aunty! Only a few steps also complain?!

Aunty: OI! You try walking around Changi Airport the whole morning lah!

HAHAHAHA! Even a miniature staircase cannot escape Aunty's complaints!

To Be Continued… More SG50 Surprises Await!

Our little journey through Singapore's aviation memories may be over, but Changi Airport still has more surprises waiting for Aunty!

Camera: Aunty! Don't put me away yet! We're not finished!

Aunty: Aiyoh! You also don't know how to rest, is it?!

Camera: The Luggage Wall of Greetings and more SG50 displays are waiting!

Aunty: Okay lah! But no need to bring luggage hor! We're not going overseas!

Stay tuned for Part 2 — Birthday Wishes, Art & More Surprises!

SG50 @ Changi Airport – Wishes & Wonders (Part 2)

Ru Lai Vegetarian — Five Dishes, Three Stomachs!

A Vegetarian Treat with a Little Story Behind It

Dinner with two male colleagues at Ru Lai Vegetarian Food in Sin Ming.

After my dad passed away, I became a full-time vegetarian for nine months to dedicate the merits to him. What made it even more meaningful was that Ah Girl, still a teenager then, joined me on this journey. This stall was near my office, so I was already familiar with it.

One of my colleagues was a full vegetarian, and whenever he gave us a treat, vegetarian food was almost guaranteed!

Colleague: “My treat tonight!”

Aunty: “Vegetarian again, right?”

Colleague: “Of coz lah!”

Aunty: “Hahaha! This time I know just where to go!”

A Popular Little Vegetarian Stall

Aunty: “Come, come! I know a place nearby!”

Colleague: “Good or not?”

Aunty: “Aiyoh, you think I anyhow recommend food ah?”

Tucked away in a shop beneath an HDB block at Sin Ming, Ru Lai Vegetarian Food was quite a popular little eatery. Nothing fancy, just a familiar neighbourhood place for a vegetarian meal.

So Many Choices, So Little Tummy Space!

Aunty: “Wah! So many dishes! What shall we order?”

Colleague: “Anything you like!”

Aunty: “Aiyoh, don't say anything lah! Later I order the whole menu!”

Just look at the variety displayed outside the restaurant! From vegetables to mock-meat dishes, there was plenty to choose from, and this wasn't even their complete selection.

Hot Plate Tofu — Sizzling Goodness!

Aunty: “Wah! So much gravy! Quick, pass me the rice!”

Colleague: “Careful lah, the plate is hot!”

Aunty: “I know, I know! But my tummy cannot wait!”

The tofu came smothered in a rich, savoury-looking gravy, with pieces of vegetables and a layer of egg underneath. Just the sort of dish that makes plain rice disappear very quickly!

Sambal Kangkong — A Little Kick!

Aunty: “Wah, sambal kangkong! Got chilli kick or not?”

Kangkong: “Try me lah! Don't underestimate vegetables!”

Aunty: “Aiyoh, I only asked! No need to challenge me!”

A generous serving of kangkong tossed in sambal sauce. Nothing fancy, just a familiar favourite to accompany the other dishes.

Butter “Frog Legs” — No Frogs Harmed!

Aunty: “Hello! I thought we're having vegetarian food. How come frog legs?”

Mushroom: “OI! Look properly lah! I'm an abalone mushroom!”

Aunty: “Aiyoh! Nowadays even mushrooms know how to impersonate frogs!”

These butter “frog legs” were actually made from abalone mushrooms, coated in a savoury-looking butter sauce. Quite an interesting vegetarian twist on a familiar dish!

“Suckling Pig” — Oink Oink, No Pig!

Aunty: “Wah! Suckling pig! But I thought we're eating vegetarian?”

Beancurd Skin: “OI! I'm made from beans lah!”

Aunty: “Aiyoh! First mushrooms become frogs, now beans become pigs!”

Made from layers of beancurd skin, this vegetarian version of suckling pig came sliced into neat pieces with cucumber on the side. The beautifully browned exterior certainly looked tempting!

Vegetarian Food Has Come a Long Way!

In the old days, vegetarian dishes were usually quite straightforward — fried kailan, bee hoon, claypot tofu and other simple favourites.

Nowadays, there are so many creative meat substitutes that some even look like the real thing!

Aunty: “Aiyoh! Vegetarian food also knows how to dress up nowadays!”

Beancurd Skin: “Of coz lah! We must keep up with fashion too!”

Satay — Real or Vegetarian?

Aunty: “Come, have some satay!”

Colleague: “You know there's no meat inside, right?”

Aunty: “Of coz lah! But look at it! Even my eyes kena cheated!”

Golden-brown skewers served with peanut sauce and the usual accompaniments. At first glance, who would have guessed this was vegetarian satay?

Simple Food, Happy Tummy!

Although vegetarian food has become increasingly creative, I still prefer simple dishes like vegetables and tofu. Those flour-based mock meats can leave me feeling rather bloated.

Most of the time, I prepared my own vegetarian meals at home.

Aunty: “No need to pretend to be chicken, duck or fish lah!”

Tofu: “Good! I can just be myself!”

Enough Is Enough — Don't Waste Food!

Our generous colleague wanted to order more dishes, but I said no. We already had plenty on the table!

Colleague: “Shall we order another dish?”

Aunty: “Aiyoh, enough lah! We only have three stomachs!”

To me, vegetarianism isn't just about avoiding the taking of animal lives to satisfy our appetites. Minimising food wastage is equally important.

After all, what's the point of practising compassion if we end up wasting food?