Pink Dot 2012 - Respect and Inclusiveness.

Pink Dot SG is an annual, free for all event which started in 2009, in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in Singapore. Attendees of the Pink Dot SG events would gathered to form a giant pink dot in a show of support for inclusiveness, diversity and the freedom to love.

Pink Dot SG was founded by Dr. Roy Tan, a medical practitioner in Singapore with an interest in the archiving of LGBT community history and wanted to take advantage of the liberalisation of rules governing activities that can be conducted at the Singapore's Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park and initially planned to stage a traditional gay pride parade in Nov 2008. The first Pink Dot SG event took place at the Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park on May 16, 2009.

It is important that we educate ourselves, be aware to be open and inclusive, destroy ignorance and fear. For ourselves. For our future generations.

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

- Martin Niemöller

Delectable and Delicious and Dean & DeLuca... again.

A second visit, another view of Dean & DeLuca...

TOA PAYOH SKETCHWALK (part 2)

Here is the plan for the upcoming sketchwalk on JUNE 30. We will meet at MacDonalds, 930am. (Opp Braddell MRT stn)

On a first-come-first-go basis, we will assign you to a group to cover a specific area in this area of Toa Payoh. This will be a different area from the previous one. There are many interesting spots to draw there, including a dragon playground, SPH, and some old HDB flats with interesting designs.

This is a continuation of the previous sketchwalk where selected drawings emailed to Epigram will be published in our new series of books covering different neighbourhoods in singapore. If your drawing gets selected to be in the book, you will get one complimentary copy of the book + 40% off a second copy. If more than 3 drawings gets selected, you will get 2 complimentary copies. Anyone who joins us may submit their drawings for the book, even if it will be your first time joining. If you do not wish you participate in the book, no problem, you may join us as usual and have fun drawing!

The sheet below will be handed out during the next sketchwalk. But you may want to download it into your iphone for quick reference if you'd like to cover the locations before the next sketchwalk or after. We have one month from this sketchwalk to cover all these locations as these locations represent TPY and will definately need to be included in the book. See you saturday and have fun sketching!

You will notice that there is a special group that will go in the afternoon as a extra adhoc sketchwalk. It's separate because it is a bit out of the way. That group may be going today (23 JUNE) to cover the monastary. If we manage to cover it today, we won't need to cover it on 30 JUNE.

EPIGRAM UPLOAD INSTRUCTIONS:

1) All pictures need to be scanned hi-res 350dpi (for A5 and bigger drawings). If your picture is smaller (eg.A6), scan it at 600dpi so it can be blown up further. 

2) Save them in .jpg format. RGB colour format.

3) Upload them to using WeTransfer or YouSendIt (They are free large file transfer services)

4) Send them to jocelyn@epigrambooks.sg.

If you don't own a scanner, you can hand me or Zaihan the originals after the sketchwalk. But please note your name and number on the back. We will scan them and return them to you. 

Delectable and Delicious and Dean & DeLuca.

Dinner at Dean & DeLuca, Orchard Central

Dean & DeLuca is a chain of upscale grocery stores. The first one was established in New York City's SoHo district by Joel Dean, Giorgio DeLuca and Jack Ceglic in September 1977. It is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.

This icon of New York City’s culture and lifestyle recently opened a 3,200 square feet flagship store branch in Singapore at Orchard Central, offering Singaporeans the chance to experience the unique cosmopolitan vibe that has made Dean & DeLuca a household name in New York. The Singapore store boasts a large retail section, as well as a cafe and a cooking demonstration area.

Having missed the inaugural opening on 22 June (without regrets, as it was reported to be brimming) Makanism decided to experience D&D on a more casual Saturday lunch. The verdict - the food did not disappoint.

The Bacon and Cheese Burger (of Angus beef dreams) was juicy and well-seasoned and delicious to the very last bite. The melange of spices, herbs and leaves were carefully and successfully matched to be palatable poetry.

A dessert of apple was also a brilliant choice. Soft and succulent apples baked in a beautiful crust with a hint of spices (was it cinnamon?). The only regret was the unfortunately Lilliputian serving size.

However, not all is well on the menu and the service.

Taste wise, one's order of the coffee that was made with white and dark chocolate was a tad too sweet for personal taste. That may be good news for those with a saccharine tooth. What was disappointing was the irregular service. Firstly, one had to clear a table by oneself when no wait staff came to do after a request was put up by me.

Additionally, one had to return to the service counter twice to ask for the carrot-orange drink ordered. Also, they also appeared to have forgotten about my order of the burger because three reminders had to be given and it was finally served AFTER several customers behind me were.

One certainly hopes that it is a minor birthing hiccup, what with the premises being new and all.

Venturing to the other side of the newly opened store, one was warmly greeted by a grand array of gourmet, fine groceries and quality food-related equipment and gadgets from all over the world! It is certainly a foodie/gourmet's paradise. However, it would not be fair to describe the variety of oils, sauces, spices and ingredients there - only a visit can do it justice.

Dean & Deluca is now open at 04-23/24, Orchard Central, Singapore.

Sketching | Gathering | Dumpling － 玄江殿庆端午

玄江殿

Grandma with fruit baskets.

Old grandma resting with baskets of fruits in a back alley. Inspired by my friend, Ivy Chen's photo.

Sultan Mosque - Singapore

Quick sketch while sipping tea on a hot afternoon.

Masjid Sultan (Jawi: مسجد سلطان ;Malay for Sultan Mosque; is located at Muscat Street and North Bridge Road within the Kampong Glam district of Rochor Planning Area in Singapore. The mosque is considered one of the most important mosques in Singapore. The prayer hall and domes highlight the mosque's star features.

History

When Singapore was ceded to the British in 1819, Temenggong Abdul Rahman, the island's chief, and Sultan Hussain Shah of Johore, under whose jurisdiction Singapore fell, acquired small fortunes in exchange for their power. Sir Stamford Raffles also granted the Temenggong and the Sultan an annual stipend and the use of Kampong Glam for their residence.

The area around Kampong Glam was also allocated for Malays and other Muslims. Hussain built a palace there and brought his family and a complete entourage from the Riau islands. Many of the Sultan's and Temenggong's followers came to Kampong Glam from the Riau Islands, Malacca and Sumatra.

Sultan Hussain then decided to build a mosque befitting his status. He constructed a mosque next to his palace from 1824 to 1826 with funds solicited from the East India Company. With a two-tiered pyramidal roof, it was of a typical design. The original building was replaced with a new mosque.

The management of the mosque was headed by Alauddin Shah, the Sultan's grandson, until 1879, when he passed the torch in to five community leaders. In 1914, the lease was extended by the government for a further 999 years and a new board of trustees was appointed, with two representatives from each faction of the Muslim community.

By the early 1900s, Singapore had become a centre for Islamic commerce, culture and art. Sultan Mosque soon became too small for this burgeoning community. In 1924, the year of the mosque's centenary, the trustees approved a plan to erect a new mosque. The old mosque had by then also fallen into a state of disrepair.

Architect Denis Santry of Swan and Maclaren adopted a Saracenic style, incorporating minarets and balustrades. The mosque was completed after four years in 1928.

Sultan Mosque has stayed essentially unchanged since it was built, with only repairs carried out to the main hall in the 1960s and an annex added in 1993. It was gazetted as a national monument on 14 March 1975.

Today the mosque is owned by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS).

The Champs Elysee of Singapore

Tone study for watercolour along Orchard Road Promenade (the Champs Elysee of Singapore). I had to do a quick sketch of this view to capture the tones and contrast because people were starting to get curious about a stranger standing in the middle of a promenade and drawing...

 

People watching at Starbucks (again)...

Business Tea at Paul

A business meeting over baked goods to put some ideas into the oven...

Toa Payoh Town Park - Part 2

A return to Toa Payoh Town Park for a second plein aire. This tree has a most peculiar structure - almost bonsai-like.

MacRitchie After the Rain.

The effusion of water vapour into the air as the sun peeked to illuminate the place created a misty atmosphere perfect for watercolour this morning.

MacRitchie Reservoir (Chinese: 麦里芝蓄水池, Pinyin: Maìlǐzhī Xùshuǐchí) is Singapore's oldest reservoir. The reservoir was completed in 1868 by impounding water from an earth embankment, and was then known as the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir.

History 

Before the early 19th century, most of the Singapore main island was covered by primary forest. Soon after the British established a settlement in Singapore in 1819 and commercial activity took root, there was a demand for fresh water. However, it was decades before the settlement's first fresh water supply was established.

Between 1820 and 1870, a substantial portion of the virgin forest was cleared to assist Singapore in becoming an important trading post. Prior to this, Chinese planters had also worked the forested land for timber and the cultivation of crops like gambier, pepper and rubber [rubber was not planted commercially in Singapore before the 20th century]. By 1886, only 10% of the original forest cover remained.

In 1823, British Resident John Crawfurd proposed the building of a reservoir and waterworks, setting aside $1,000 for these plans but nothing came of them. Another plan that ended up in smoke was the idea to tap the headwaters of Singapore Creek.

Finally, in 1857, Straits Chinese merchant Tan Kim Seng donated $13,000 for the improvement of the town's waterworks but delays, poor planning and use of the wrong building materials ate into the budget. New plans were drawn up for an impounding reservoir in Thomson. Tan's money was insufficient – the cost of the new reservoir was $100,000 – but colonial headquarters in Calcutta refused to make up the rest of the cost. When Tan died in 1864, the reservoir was no nearer completion.

Construction was eventually completed in 1868 but the pumps and distributing network were not finished until 1877. By this time, public confidence in the government's ability was dented.

In 1882, in a move to salvage its reputation, the Municipal Council erected a fountain in Fullerton Square in honour of Tan Kim Seng. The fountain was later to moved to Queen Elizabeth Walk, where it stands today.

In 1891, the holding capacity of the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir, after its designer John Turnbull Thomson, was expanded to over 465 million imperial gallons (2,110,000 m³). Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie oversaw this $32,000 expansion and the reservoir was named after him in 1922. In the 1890s, he had urged the government to buy the Chasseriau Estate for use as a reservoir but it was not until much later that the purchase was made.

However, the reservoir's 4 million imperial gallons (18,000 m³) a day were still insufficient to meet demand. Water was pumped into the reservoir from the upper section of Kallang River, one of the island's bigger sources of fresh water. Other fresh water supplies – Lower Peirce Reservoir and Seletar Reservoir – were completed in 1912 and 1920 respectively. However, the government realised that Singapore would not be able to meet its own fresh water needs. In 1927, a water treaty was signed with the Sultan of Johor. Singapore received its first supply of water from Johor in 1932 but Singapore is now more independent.

The development of the MacRitchie Reservoir brought the forest devastation around the area to a halt. The forest surrounding the reservoir has been protected as a water catchment reserve. The forested areas surrounding the other two reservoirs, Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir (formerly Seletar Reservoir) were also protected when these reservoirs were developed.

During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore built a Shinto Shrine, Syonan Jinja,in the middle of the MacRitchie Reservoir forest in Singapore. When the British forces re-occupied Singapore, the Shrine was destroyed. However, ruins of the shrine remain and serve as a quaint piece of History accessible only to those willing to look for it, given its obscure location. The National Heritage Board declared the site a Historic Site in 2002, although no plans have been made public to develop or to protect the site.

Present

More than one square kilometre of primary forest still flourishes in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve today, particularly around MacRitchie Reservoir. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations from the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around the reservoir.

There are boardwalks skirting the edge of the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir and walking trails through the forest. They range in distances from 3 km to 11 km. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalks allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the MacRitchie forest.

The boardwalk around the perimeter of the MacRitchie Reservoir brings the visitor through interesting secondary forest in the Central Catchment nature area. The boardwalk which hugs the reservoir also allows for easy exploration of freshwater wildlife. The Ant plant (Macaranga bancana.) and pitcher plants are common in the area.

In addition to the boardwalk, another popular attraction is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a 250 m aerial free standing suspension bridge spanning Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang which are the two highest points in MacRitchie. The bridge was completed in July 2004, and the TreeTop Walk was officially launched on 5 November 2004. The structure, which is 25 m at its highest point, offers visitors a panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the surrounding lush rainforest. Jelutong Tower also offers a view of the Singapore Island Country Club golf course and the MacRitchie Reservoir.

The 3.2 km and 4.8 km trails are still used as cross-country running routes for various inter-school competitions today.

Schools can be seen using the reservoir as a place for water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. There are certain competitions held there annually. A new amenities hub has been recently constructed following the opening of a multi storey car park. This is part of the renewal programme.

Mugging at Starbucks.

There are always people mugging at Starbucks. Doesn't exam season ever end?

MacRitchie Reservoir

I've always loved bodies of water. They are so delightful and tranquil. And capturing them in watercolour is just divine.

These two paintings also mark my first 410 x 310 works. They couldn't go into the scanner and hence the weird colouration.

Ichiban Sushi is a brand of sushi.

They've always been delightfully affordable. Now with stiffer competition, their quality has gone up too.

Here's their concept:

At Ichiban Sushi, you will discover an attractive combination of price and quality. From a wide range of conveyor belt sushi and sashimi to udon and more, it is an ideal place for food lovers to enjoy traditional Japanese food at affordable prices, and with personal and sincere service.

Select from our extensive range of set meals that are all-time favourites. Besides an amazing array of freshly made sushi, a variety of homemade pastries and desserts are also available on our conveyor belts and takeaway counters. Try the delicious mochi, coronets, cheesecake, mango pudding and chocolate mousse. 

Visit Ichiban Sushi and experience the casual and friendly atmosphere, equally comfortable for a quick office lunch or dinner, gathering of friends, a celebration or family meal.

At Ichiban Sushi, there is always something for everyone.

Bored Morning Board Meeting

Mid-year conference in the office. A little picnic to console ourselves.

Toa Payoh Town Park

Toa Payoh Town Park is located at the junction of Toa Payoh Lor 2 and Toa Payoh Lor 6.

History
The park, previously known as Toa Payoh Town Garden, was completed in 1973. Its main features are an observation tower and a landscaped pond with willowing trees.

In the seventies, the town garden was a favored venue for outdoor wedding photography. It was popular with visitors who came from near and far to enjoy the display of willows, bamboos and the brilliant reds and yellows of the Delonix regia trees. At the heart of the garden is a 0.8 ha pond which contains a small waterfall and a cluster of artificial islands linked by bridges. Fishes and tortoises populate the pond, and the islands are arranged to provide a sequence of delightful walking experiences.

The observation tower is now not open to the public and there has been no plans announced by the National Parks Board to reopen it (as of 1 Sep 2011). There is a fountain pool installed around the tower.

The Toa Payoh Town Garden was partially closed in 1999 to make way for a temporary bus interchange. After the new Toa Payoh Bus Interchange at the HDB Hub was completed in June 2002, the temporary bus interchange was converted to a landscaped park. Toa Payoh Town Garden was subsequently renamed Toa Payoh Town Park.

Visitor Info
Toa Payoh Town Park is located directly opposite the Toa Payoh Bus Interchange and Toa Payoh MRT Station. The park has limited parking space, which is only available to patrons of the Chinese restaurant operating inside the park.

The park has no gates and is open to the public at all times. It is equipped with open-concept restrooms, a large pavilion with a stage for organised activities, gazebos, foot reflexology footpaths and a jogging path.

The Chinese restaurant operating inside the park specializes in Taiwan porridge (congee), and is located in a building beside the pond. Near this building is an overhead bridge that connects Toa Payoh Town Park to Jalan Rajah.

SKETCHWALK MAY- TOA PAYOH

DATE: 26th MAY 2012
TIME: 930AM - 1230PM
MEETING POINT: Old Chang Kee outside the Toa Payoh MRT station (see map)
END POINT: Same as meeting point at 12.30pm for show and tell.

This sketchwalk will be a bit special.

Epigram, a really good design company, will be working with us to come up with a series of books written/designed by them and drawn entirely by us. These books will focus on various neighbourhoods in Singapore. One book for each neighbourhood. In a way, it will be a sequel to our Urbansketchers Singapore book with URA. This first book by Epigram will be about Toa Payoh. We will hand out a map to you this Saturday morning with target spots marked. You will have to split yourselves up, treat it like a scavenger hunt, go out and find those spots, and draw them the best you can.

Only the best drawings will be featured in the book. Epigram will be curating and deciding what goes in. If your drawing makes it into the book, you will be given 1 complimentary copy + 40% off if you buy an additional book from them. If they pick 3 or more drawing from you, you will get 2 complimentary copies. That is all. No royalties, just to be clear. You will be credited. And you will keep the full copyrights to your own work. Epigram will bear the full cost of the printing and distribution, as well as handle the writing, designing, and researching the good locations to cover in each neighbourhood. Our part is to just do what we do best, sketching on location.

If your drawing does not make it into the book, no stress, you can always try again the next month. If you don't wish to submit your work, it is fine too. Just join us for sketchwalk as per normal and enjoy yourself.

We will need 50-60 drawings for each book. And we will have about 50 spots to cover so we will be splitting the Toa Payoh into 2 sessions. This Saturday, we will be covering the Toa Payoh central area, the Sports complex and some other areas nearby. Spots to cover may include famous stalls, buildings, and other iconic locations in the neighbourhood. It will be clearer when you get the map.

We don't want all of you drawing the same angle and same scene. So please spread out and capture fresh angles that others are not doing. 2 or 3 sketchers can do the same scene but that will mean only 1 or 2 will get chosen.

We want a book that captures the feel and essence of Toa Payoh. It's an intimate look at Toa Payoh, so we encourage you to capture people, cats, dogs, signboards, views from higher levels, an old keymaker, ANYTHING that captures the life in Toa Payoh and what makes Toa Payoh, Toa Payoh. We are not restricted to buildings since this is not a URA book. You are also welcomed to come down between sketchwalks to cover more spots on your own time.

Oh, if you are new to the group, yes, you can submit your work just like the rest of us.

All pictures need to be scanned hi-res 350dpi (for A5 and bigger drawings). If your picture is smaller (eg.A6), scan it at 600dpi so it can be blown up further. Save them in .jpg format. Or if you don't own a scanner, you can hand us the originals. We will scan them and return them to you. Me or Zaihan will let you know where you can email the drawings to after you have scanned them.  



If you have any questions, you can call, Andrew at 91070735.
Let's do our best, have fun and get this book series going! See you this Saturday!

Singapore Arts Festival 2012 - 18 May - 2 June 2012

Our Lost Poems is the Singapore Arts Festival 2012's invitation to discover stories, myths and legends from local, Asian and international artists. From 18 May to 2 June, the city comes alive with a selection of diverse performances at the Festival Village @ Esplanade Park and other key venues. There is something for everyone over these 16 days of captivating arts infusion.

Thanks to Belinda, one of the associates of the Arts Festival 2012, Urban Sketchers Singapore got a special invite to the village and a wonderful time immersing in the atmosphere and enjoying the mesmerising fringe performances.

View of the Singapore CBD skyline from the al fresco seats atop the Festival Village Cafe

Chilling out inside the Festival Village Cafe

The Repossession of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital

The authorities are repossessing a large parcel of land from this charity-hospital. It's really sad.

Ward 6

Ward 5 with the beautiful Doric columns

Pavilion outside ward 5 with the weeping willows.

Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (Chinese: 廣惠肇留医院; pinyin: Guǎng Huì Zhào liú yīyuàn) is a private hospital in Singapore. It opened in 1910.

Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWSH) is a charitable organization committed to providing quality healthcare to the sick and needy in Singapore. With a staff strength of more than 200 employees, KWSH occupies 14 blocks in a 6-acre (24,000 m²) compound. Their facilities include an In-patient Department (IPD), an Out-patient Department (OPD), a Day Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Centre.

Most of their patients come from the lower-income families whose hospital charges are subsidized by KWSH. They are therefore heavily dependent on the public's support and donations to meet their annual operating expenses of about S$16 Million. Therefore, donations are greatly appreciated.

To serve their clients better, they have adopted Total Quality Management (TQM) to improve their standards of care and customer service. In May 2006, they were awarded ISO 9001:2008 accreditation in areas of provision of In-patient Care, Out-patient care and Day Rehabilitation including Medical Services, Nursing Services and Para-medical Services.