Following the creative works of Yew Chong

My first time meeting Yew Chong was at the Substation in 2021, visiting his exhibition Stories from Yesteryear with Belinda Tan. I shared my story, “Nostalgia and Beautiful Stories from Yesteryear”, that was my first article coverage on Yew Chong. Another event that I met Yew Chong again was at the Malay Heritage Centre in 2022, it’s about “Some fowl play exploration and a security cat at Malay Heritage Centre”, of chickens and a cute chubby cat.

Since 2021, I followed Yew Chong’s Instagram and updates on his paintings around Chinatown, Little India, Everton Road, Kampong Glam and Sentosa, just some of the locations where Yew Chong’s artworks can be found. 

In July 2021, Yew Chong shared in his social media post on his dream to create a long canvas painting. Starting in August 2021, Yew Chong began to work on his first panel, a journey that would take 1.5 years, giving rise to 27 scenes on panels. With regular updates on his Instagram account, his followers/supporters were all very excited in this particular artistic journey that we can only had some glimpses/sneak peaks from his Instagram account. 

When Yew Chong came to his final panel, he decided to give his followers/supporters a real life glimpse on his massive painting project, via a live painting.

Live painting at Tiong Bahru CC in January 2023

The first real life glimpse into Yew Chong’s massive painting project was partially revealed to his followers and supporters when he held a live painting at Tiong Bahru CC in January 2023. When I saw the panels that Yew Chong was painting on, I was in awe of what could be the final layout of paintings could be like. 

At that point in time, I was really looking forward to view the entire set of panel paintings joined together, wondering how it would look like. 

Art of Joy Book Launch at Tiong Bahru CC 

Prior to the official opening of “I Paint my Singapore” exhibition, Yew Chong had a book launch, the “Art of Joy” Book launch at Tiong Bahru CC on 18th November 2023. I didn’t pre-order his book, therefore I was lucky to get a copy of his book on the launch day! Of course, I managed to get his “Art of Joy” book autographed by the artist himself, when the crowds left and we were one of the last few supporters that stayed behind.

Yew Chong’s immense and heartwarming support can be seen from the crowds present for his book launch, whether to collect their pre-order book, or buying it during the book launch event, and staying behind to listen to the great visual artist himself sharing his stories and journeys, and an interactive, heartwarming and fun fireside chat with those attending the book launch event.

Also a special shout out to this very lovely and friendly big family, Faith and Charles, and their five children at the book launch event. The passion, commitment, support and appreciation of arts, heritage and culture, can be seen and felt from their support of Yew Chong in their journeys together. If you purchase the book “Art of Joy”, you can read more in-depth about this amazing family, they were interviewed and mentioned inside the book.

Finally, it’s coming to life “I Paint my Singapore – Familiar Scenes of Home by Yip Yew Chong!

Following Yew Chong’s progress on his Instagram over the years, and being up close to his live painting at Tiong Bahru CC in January 2023, I was eagerly awaiting for his exhibition to come to life! It took me a few visits (3 till date when this article was published) to “I Paint my Singapore” exhibition to fully absorb, immerse and recall my own familiar memories of home that are depicted inside Yew Chong’s paintings. 

A total of 27 scenes, 60m of intriguing, detailed, nostalgic and heartwarming painting artworks of Yew Chong’s memories and scenes of home familiar to him coming together. Looking at his visuals on Instagram will no do him and yourself any justice, you have to view in person, up close and personal.

Deep inside me, I can relate to many of the many different memories, sceneries, how life was like  in Singapore back in the 80s and 90s for me (I am in that not that old nor that young category). As for those who are in their 50s and above, all these scenes will definitely trigger and invoke an even greater sense of nostalgia and memories for those generations. 

Some nostalgic memories coming back to me

• Pulau Tekong 
• Marsiling 
• Heartland (Hawker Centre)
• Heartland (Town Centre) 
• McDonald’s at Liat Towers
• National Library (Red Bricks) at Stamford Road
• Corner mamak shop 
• Dove and Pelican playground
• Old National Stadium 

Live Painting by Yew Chong

Yew Chong is doing a live painting during this “I Paint my Singapore” exhibition, I dropped by and visited again on the first scheduled day, 12th December 2023, taking a glimpse into what he is going to paint next. Here is the start of his scheduled live painting, I am planning to drop by again next week after my lunch appointment in the town area. 

Take a look below at Yew Chong’s live painting at this exhibition, can you see which part of Singapore is he drawing and painting on this new panel? Stay tuned and follow his updates as he works towards the completion.

An icon, an inspiration, A very humble, down to earth and friendly visual artist 

From that time in 2021 when I first met Yew Chong at the Substation, followed his Instagram on his painting adventures till date, I get to know an icon, an inspiration, he is also a very humble, down to earth and friendly visual artist. 

No matter how busy he is, he would try his best to interact and chat with his supporters/followers. Whenever I visited him painting his artworks, I always managed to get a short chat and catch up with him, asking him about the paintings, the significance, history, stories behind them. My visual storytelling and photography workflow are that I am mostly behind, concentrating on the subject/person that I am photographing, I am seldom seen in the photographs. Yew Chong was really good at taking selfies with his group of supporters and followers, his warm and friendly interactions. 

There was one occasion in Chinatown when I was photographing and watching him paint the Clog Maker & Kitchenware Shop, he said to me, “I haven’t taken a selfie with you” and we proceed to take a selfie together. That gesture to me, meant a lot because I am usually the one photographing and not being photographed. That also showed a lot about Yew Chong as a person, he is down to earth nature, humble and friendly, and now you know why he attracts such a diverse range of loyal supporters/followers from young children to the elderly folks.  

If you like to know more about Yew Chong, his journeys and his visual artist journey, I highly recommend you to purchase his book “Art of Joy”, together with the “I Paint my Singapore” picture spread book. I bought both and I was honoured to get both autographed by him! Heh, since I got both books autographed, I definitely had to get my photograph taken with Yew Chong! 

Reading “Art of Joy”, and through the various interactions with Yew Chong over the time leading up to this exhibition, I got to understand more in-depth on his paintings, why and how he chose to paint in such an artistic direction. 

Inside the book “Art of Joy”, Yew Chong shared about the criticisms that he received, from his artistic directions and approach to painting the scenes. Inevitably, no matter how good a person in his/her creative talents, they are definitely going to get some flak, coming from my very own personal experiences as a photographer/visual storyteller. For Yew Chong to receive such levels and diverse criticisms, that would only meant he’s onto and doing something great.

“My art is to invoke emotions and draw out their own memories”, words by Yew Chong, from his book “Art of Joy”, Chapter 11 – A Long, Long Canvas. You can write in the most beautiful and eloquent words, yet you can’t beat the most heartwarming emotions, connections and interactions that the person have in his or her heart-to-heart connections with the paintings. This form of artwork painting that is a combination of imagination from reality, yet so surreal and realistic at times, like a time machine visual storytelling journey that Singaporeans of young and old can embark on. A brilliant mix of reality and imagination, a creative artist in an international class of his own.

I reckon a number of Yew Chong’s supporters/followers/visitors shed a tear inside them as they reminisce their good old days (some might say so) from the deep inside heart-to-heart connections with Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore” exhibition. 

Not going to lie, I did shed a tear deep inside me, as some of my childhood and young adult days invoked quite a lot of emotions and memories as I observed each and every panel on display, rediscovering myself again into those decades that were long gone. 

Yew Chong shared, “I paint for ordinary men in the street – Singaporeans” in his book “Art of Joy”. In my personal humble opinion, I strongly feel that Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore” has united and bonded generations of Singaporeans from young to old, together with their hearts and souls through common memories, sceneries and living, a new era of passing down stories from the past/current generation to the future generations of Singapore, even in the form of imagination from reality. All these make it priceless, and beyond some of our wildest imaginations.

Thank you very much Yew Chong, for painting our Singapore for all of us Singaporeans!  

“I Paint my Singapore” – Familiar Scenes of Home by Yip Yew Chong 

• Venue: Raffles City Convention Centre Level 4 Bencoolen Foyer
• Exhibition Dates: 30th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
• Opening Hours: 10am to 8pm Daily
• Free Entry

Scheduled Live Painting 

• Dates: 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26 December 2023
• Time: 1pm to 5pm

Books by Yip Yew Chong

Art of Joy – Narrative Book by authored by Woon Tai Ho

Available at 

• Bookstores: Kinokuniya (Singapore & KL), Popular, WHSmith Airport, Epigram Bookstore, NUS Coop, Book Bar
• Online: World Scientific Publishing, Kino, Epigram, Lazada, Amazon.SG 

I Paint my Singapore – Familiar Scenes of Home (Picture Spread Book) 

Available at

• Bookstores: Kinokuniya, Popular, City Book Room, Tango Mango, Book Bar, National Gallery
• Online: Kino, Epigram, Booksmart, Amazon.SG 

Website: https://yipyc.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yipyewchong 

The post “I Paint my Singapore” – Familiar Scenes of Home by Yip Yew Chong appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail is National Heritage Board (NHB)’s 11th heritage trail that was first launched in 2014. The refreshed edition will expound on the history of Singapore’s “model town”, telling more stories of Toa Payoh’s significant landmarks and locations. Toa Payoh transformed from a swampland, growing into a modern and role model residential housing estate  for Singapore, as well as home to iconic religious and community institutions. 

Refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

The refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail covers 29 heritage sites and features 10 heritage markers. There are two new marked sites namely Block 53 a.k.a. “VIP Block”, and the Iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.

Those two sites join existing marked marked sites such as 

• Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, a National Monument and the oldest Buddhist monastery in Singapore
• Masjid Muhajirin, the first mosque in Singapore to have been built with the support of contributions from the Mosque Building Fund (known as the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) today) alongside community fundraising
• Toa Payoh Town Park, home to a 25m tall look out tower which was accorded conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2009
• Four point HDB blocks which housed international athletes as part of the Former 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games Village 

Mr Alvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive (Policy & Community), NHB, said: “Through the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we hope to highlight new facets of the town’s history that very few Singaporeans know about, and present a more complete and updated story of Toa Payoh. In doing so, we hope to foster a greater sense of pride and belonging amongst residents, and encourage both residents and non-residents to re-explore Toa Payoh and rediscover the town’s heritage anew.”

The Toa Payoh Heritage Trail also incorporates contributions from the community and presents stories, memories and photographs contributed by former and current residents. Mdm Tang Mei Fong, a resident of Block 53 who contributed to the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, shared her personal memories of Toa Payoh: “I vividly remember the day Queen Elizabeth II visited our block. We all gathered around our doorways to look out for her arrival. I am very proud that a queen visited, and that Toa Payoh is used as a model for Singapore’s public housing that we show to the world.”

Toa Payoh – Forerunner in design

Toa Payoh is a first for a number of things in Singapore, they are the first town designed and developed by HDB, they are the testbed for different architectural design styles and features of public housing, as well as community amenities that can be found in HDB towns today. 

Block 53 “VIP Block”

Completed in 1967, the 19 storey Block 53 not offers a panoramic view of Toa Payoh, they have a viewing gallery on its roof top that played host to many foreign and local dignitaries such as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, then-Australian Prime Minister John Gorton, and Singapore’s second President Benjamin Sheares. With such a distinguished VIP list of visitors to Block 53, that is how it led to this iconic block being dubbed the “VIP Block”. 

1973 SEAP Games Village – Toa Payoh

More than just a model town, Toa Payoh became the host village for the first major international sporting competition to be held in Singapore – the 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games. Toa Payoh town provided more than just venues for competition and training, they were the location of the 1973 SEAP Games Village, where Toa Payoh Central is today.

With the 1973 SEAP Games Village right in the heart of Toa Payoh, visiting athletes and officials from seven different countries were encouraged to socialise with the locals, providing them with an authentic Singaporean experience. 

There were a total of four HDB point blocks in Toa Payoh Central that were used to house athletes from the seven participating countries. Following the conclusion of the games, units in the blocks were sold to the public fully furnished. 

Iconic Dragon Playground

This is another icon of Toa Payoh, a much-celebrated landmark of  Toa Payoh, the iconic Dragon Playground, with its classic elements of a terrazzo-clad dragon’s head distinguished by bold lines and geometric features. 

This iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground was the creation of HDB architect Mr Khor Ean Ghee. This design proved to be so popular that it led to different versions of the dragon head in various colour schemes appearing in playgrounds across Singapore.    

A Refresh with Fresh Stories

How much do you know about the history of Toa Payoh? With this updated Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we can know more about the lesser-known stories of the town.

Toa Payoh – A Hub of Manufacturing Activity 

Toa Payoh was a hub of manufacturing activity in the 1960s when Singapore underwent rapid industrialisation, women formed the majority of the pioneer generation of young factory workers. They played a significant tole in the employment and output growth in the labour-intensive manufacturing sector in Singapore. 

National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket – 1st NTUC Fairprice Supermarket 

The NTUC Fairprice located at 192 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, gets its landmark status from the first National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket in Singapore. It was opened to counter inflation and supplier profiteering. During its opening, the supermarket attracted huge numbers of shoppers upon its opening, and even had to close its doors every 3 to 4 hours to prevent overcrowding.

3 newly curated thematic routes of the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail

There are 3 newly curated thematic routes for you to rediscover Singapore’s history on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail. They are self-guided routes which trail-goes can embark on in their own time, and according to their interests. 

Rediscover Toa Payoh through three thematic routes

• Of Public Housing & Shared Spaces (1.5 hours on foot, 4.5 km) 

Explore architectural development and changes of HDB blocks, communal spaces and town planning over the decades, that reflected the needs and aspirations of Singaporean homeowners. 

• Of Faiths & Beliefs (2 hours with public transport, 6 km)

Explore the various faiths and beliefs in Singapore through the temples, mosques, churches and institutions that represent the diverse communities which live, work, and worshipped in Toa Payoh.

• Of Community Institutions & Common Spaces (0.5 hrs on foot, 1.5 km)

Explore the institutions and spaces that continue to play an active role in the sporting, cultural and social lives of Toa Payoh residents.

Where can I get Toa Payoh Heritage Trail companion guide and map?

If you like to know more about the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, you can download the companion map and guide from NHB’s heritage portal roots.gov.sg. 

There are limited printed copies of the guide and map that will also be available at various locations including the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Toa Payoh East Community Club, Toa Payoh South Community Club, Toa Payoh Central Community Club, Toa Payoh West Community Club, and NHB headquarters at Stamford Court.

Check out this video of highlights of the Toa Payoh Heritage Trail on YouTube, for more information please visit https://go.gov.sg/toapayohheritagetrail/ 

Rediscover and Explore Singapore’s History and Heritage on Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

I have previously explored Toa Payoh, starting from my old playgrounds personal visual story telling documentation project, photographing the iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground, as well as the Toa Payoh Baby Dragon Playground and Dinosaur Playground at Kim Keat Avenue, forming part of my OurSGHeritage/Old Places personal visual storytelling, documentation and photography project for the past decade (and still counting).

Thereafter, a few more trips to explore the local neighbourhoods, the iconic VIP Block 53, as well as Block 116, Central Horizon (Blocks 79A to 79E) for its bird’s eye view sceneries of Singapore, from the nearby heartlands around Toa Payoh, to green spaces and downtown Singapore. 

After rediscovering and exploring the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, I realised that I still have more of Toa Payoh’s history, heritage, culture, spaces and sceneries to learn, explore and document them in my visual stories. With that in mind, I have consolidated my Toa Payoh earlier visual storytelling photos into an album on Flickr, for both locals and international visitors to visit and know more about Toa Payoh.

Last but not least, a special mention to Jerome Lim of The Long and Winding Road, whom I got to know (from a decade back) when I first started my old places documentation. We shared a common interest and passion in history, heritage and culture sectors, going for walks, talks, events. Jerome’s knowledge and passion in Singapore’s history, heritage and culture sectors are well-known and well-respected. 

Jerome is a former Toa Payoh resident, he has a unique and priceless connection with Toa Payoh and Block 53 “VIP Block”. If you know, you know, if you don’t know, why not visit Jerome’s website and discover it for yourself? Do also check out this video of Jerome being interviewed by Straits Times on his childhood adventures at the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.  

I would like to encourage you, my fellow local Singaporeans and international visitors, to embark on a local and iconic neighbourhood heritage, history and culture tour in Singapore to rediscover and explore Singapore’s history and heritage on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail.  

The post Rediscover Singapore’s History on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Battle for Singapore 2023 will take participants on a journey through time and Singapore’s history, heritage, and hidden stories about various WWII sites, a journey tracing the roots of Singapore’s wartime past. Participants can embark on tours of sites such as Bukit Brown and Fort Canning Hill. They can also dive and learn deeper into Singapore’s history, courage and resilience of Singapore’s war heroes and pioneers during the Japanese Occupation from NHB’s Museum Roundtable (MR) partners, such as Battlebox, Eurasian Heritage Centre, MINT Museum of Toys, Navy Museum, as well as National Museum of Singapore (NMS), the Changi Chapel and Museum and Reflections at Bukit Chandu, they are WWII Interpretative centres under NMS. 

Mr Gerald Wee, Director of International & Museum Relations, NHB, said, “The Fall of Singapore may have been an event from 81 years ago, but the experiences of our forefathers and the lessons learnt during that tumultuous period continue to have an important role in shaping our nation’s identity and charting our course ahead. Through Battle for Singapore 2023, we hope that Singaporeans will gain a deeper understanding of our WWII history and how it has impacted our lives today and be inspired by the spirit of resilience and solidarity of our war pioneers” 

Battle for Singapore 2023 Programmes

There is a wide range of programmes on offer during Battle for Singapore 2023 taking place from 10th February to 5th March 2023. NHB together with MR members, academics, heritage enthusiasts and interest groups, is offering more than 30 unique programmes and over 100 tour runs that cover various aspects of Singapore’s WWII history. 

The Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes diverse line-up also includes 19 new programmes, including

• Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)
• Second World War Vintage Toy Collection Guided Tour with Special Feature on General MacArthur (New)
• Exclusive Sneak Peek Tour of the Revamped Navy Museum (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Changi Chapel and Museum and Eurasian Heritage Gallery (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Kent Ridge Nature Walk and Reflections at Bukit Chandu (NEW)
• Defence and Fall of Singapore – From the 14th Century to 1945: A Fort Canning Hill and Battlebox Walking Tour (NEW)

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)

For this year 2023, participants will get a chance to explore the grounds of Fort Connaught through a special access tour. This is the first-ever public tour since Fort Connaught was constructed in 1878 for the defence of Keppel Harbour, a crucial ship-building and ship-repair facility in Singapore. 

Fort Connaught was armed with 9.2-inch guns, they were the largest on Sentosa, and were used to engage invading Japanese troops during the Battle for Singapore. Through this Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW), participants can get a glimpse into the abandoned Fort Connaught history, construction and its role in Singapore’s defence during the Japanese invasion of Singapore during WWII.

How much do you know about the history of the guns of Singapore’s military forts? How often have you heard about that quip that the guns of Singapore’s military first were pointed “the wrong way” during the Battle of Singapore? During WWII, was Singapore’s guns pointing the wrong direction? Where is Fort Connaught located on Sentosa? Did Fort Connaught see WWII military action against the Japanese armed forces? 

When you go on the Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour, you can get the answers to the questions above. This tour is presented in partnership with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).

Here are some of the remains that you can see today during this special access Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour. 

One of the three 9.2-inch gun emplacements 

Battery observation post

Tips/Things to take note

• Be careful and be safe when trekking up Fort Connaught 
• Wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots highly recommended)
• Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt
• Bring a hat
• Bring your water bottle and stay hydrated
• Mosquito/Insect repellent is highly recommended 
• Please do not visit on your own as it is a restricted site and it’s for your own safety as well

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour Information

Dates: 11 February; 12 February; 19 February; 25 February; 26 February 2023

Time: 9am to 1130am; 1pm to 330pm 

Tickets are priced at $20 per participant, you can find ticketing and more details here at https://bsg2023.peatix.com 

Notes:

• The Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour is recommended for ages 13 and up. Minors under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
• Transport will be provided from Harbourfront MRT station to the site and back. Further details on the gathering point will be sent to participants upon registration.

For more information on Battle of Singapore 2023 

Please visit https://go.gov.sg/bsg2023 for more information and details on to sign up for Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes.

Registration for tours and programmes commences on Wednesday 8th February 2023, at 10am, on a first-come first-served basis. 

The post Battle for Singapore 2023 – 10th February to 5th March 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

During this CNY 2023 festive period, while I am on a media publishing break, I am still working in some form/capacity, at a slower pace and reduced capacity during this short CNY festive break, from writing down notes and points for my articles, finalising a collaboration project that was started from Q4 2022. I would also take the time to head out with my camera gears too, they might give me further inspirations and ideas for my photography books, zines and visual storytelling projects for Year 2023.

Sharing Chinese New Year shopping deals and promotions that you can take a look at if you are still planning to upgrade or add on new home and/or kitchen appliances/gadgets or decorating your home with cute anime figurines!

• Sweet Spring CNY at Marina Square with POP MART
• Singtel CNY – Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy! 
• Frasers Property Mall CNY 2023
• 8th Xiaomi Singapore Authorised Store opens at Jurong Point (Smart Cooking Robot Preview)
• LG LNY Gift Guide 2023
• SHARP New Year Sale 2023

Anyway, I reckon most people would be too busy with CNY 2023 spring cleaning, preparations, followed by CNY festivities, reunions, gatherings and eating, thus they won’t be too interested into what I am writing here, neither am I a first tier media and don’t need to do too much media monitoring.

Have a wonderful Chinese New Year festive gathering with your family and loved ones! Wishing you a Chinese New Year 2023 in advance!

The post On a media publishing break for Chinese New Year 2023 (Photography | Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

With a turnaround of 4 weeks from Christmas 2022 to New Year (NY) 2023 (1 week later), followed by Chinese New Year (CNY) 2023 (3 weeks later) and my getting older day slotting in between them. It usually gets forgotten. What makes this year 2023 different?

Birthday is a low key and low profile event

As I aged over the decades, birthday for me has become a low key and low profile event. No major celebrations, nothing glamorous or extravagant. I can’t compare to my friends celebrations at fanciful restaurants. 

I am a Capricorn, that also explains I guard my privacy a lot, even though I am active on social media. 

I bought my own 3-in-1 gift and I got gifts too!

If you recalled reading my Christmas 2022 and Birthday 2023 wish list, I rewarded myself with a used Wotancraft Trooper Medium camera messenger bag, why do I call it a 3-in-1 gift? Basically this is a Christmas 2022 + Birthday 2023 + Chinese New Year 2023 gift for myself.

I am also blessed with some small and thoughtful gifts from my friends too, I really appreciate it!

Of gatherings and treats

With my birthday falling in between a busy period of NY 2023 and CNY 2023 whereby people are busy shopping for CNY goods, spring cleaning and getting back to work mode. My birthday gathering is like a mini CNY gathering as well. There was even a gathering that had Christmas 2022 + my birthday 2023 + CNY 2023 feel to it with this group. I am thankful and grateful for the meal treats, I decided not to take photos of the food, as the friendship and presence far outweighs taking photos of the food and sharing on social media. 

There has been a regular birthday cake gift from Gloo PR, an agency that I worked closely with for the past few years, truly grateful for the friendship and working relationship. I was able to share my birthday cake with my family, relatives, cousins and nieces at an early CNY reunion gathering. 

Feeling humbled, touch, and very grateful for the gifts and treats blessings for my birthday January 2023.

Thinking about a few things

At the start of the year, there were some news reported that got me thinking deeply about a few things. Along with my Yearly Themes, that I set for my Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) – Explore and Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) – Transform, I would like to add something. 

Here are some words and thoughts to remind myself for Year 2023

• Be kind, grateful, contented, humble and down to earth 
• Life is too short to be fighting the wrong battles
• Stay low key and low profile whenever possible
• Peace and Tranquility (less dramas, avoid dramas)
• JOMO over FOMO
• Sustainability 

Another year older in 2023, another year wiser (hopefully). Once again, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for all your well-wishes, treats, gifts and blessings.

The post Birthday January 2023 Thoughts appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Three! Two! One! Happy Chinese New Year Series!

Best things come in pairs this Chinese New Year festive season, POP MART unveils the latest Three! Two! One! Happy Chinese New Year Series! in a beautiful peach blossoms surroundings!  

You have to check out Happy Chinese New Year Series, whether to buy as a whole collection or a few that you really like to decorate and display in your home for Chinese New Year festive season! 

Singapore-exclusive Sweet Bean UFO Catcher and Gashapon Machine Limited Edition 100% Figures!

Fans of Sweet Bean, you will get the chance to pre-order the Singapore-exclusive Sweet Bean UFO Catcher and Gashapon Machine Limited Edition 100% Figures! Hailing from the popular Sweet Bean I Am Here! series, this pair of collectibles come equipped with their own lighting, truly showcasing how adorable they are! Visitors to the Marina Square x POP MART Pop-Up store who pre-order a set of both figurines will receive an $8 POP MART voucher (1).

Take many sweet and memorable photos with irresistibly cute, life-sized sculptures from the Sweet Bean I Am Here! series surrounded by incredibly picturesque peach blossoms. Kickstart your Chinese New Year 2023 with the sweetest experience at Marina Square, courtesy of POP MART!

POP MART x MARIGOLD HL Milk

POP MART is collaborating with MARIGOLD HL Milk, Singapore’s No. 1 Low Fat Pasteurised Milk, in 2023, to reward their customers with exciting Sweet Bean promotions and exclusive gift with purchase in the coming months. Starting with the POP-Up at Marina Square, the first 200 customers to pre-order the limited edition 100% figures will receive free Marigold HL Milk. Follow MARIGOLD HL Milk FaceBook @MARIGOLD HL Milk SG or Instagram @hlmilksg for more updates on this collaboration.

Prosperous Treats Exclusively for Marina Square Rewards Members

Sweet Bean red packets

If you are a fan of collecting cute red packets, you would like this Sweet Bean red packets! Marina Square Rewards Members may redeem a set of Sweet Bean red packets (2) upon spending $80 at eligible F&B/retail outlets.

Complimentary Parking

Marina Square Rewards Members may redeem $3 Complimentary Parking Ticket (3) simply by spending $30 at F&B/eligible retail outlets.

$10 Marina Square eVoucher

Marina Square Rewards Members may redeem a $10 Marina Square eVoucher (4) by spending $150 at eligible F&B/retail outlets.

POP MART x Sweet Bean Atrium

From 6 January till 2 February 2023, visitors are encouraged to snap photos with Sweet Bean among peach spring blossoms and enjoy the lunar new year festivities at the Central Atrium.

Terms and Conditions:

• Up to 3 same-day combined receipts and charge slips from eligible purchases made at qualifying F&B/Retail Outlets (exclude receipts issued by temporary fair vendors at atrium fairs). Present receipts and charge slip at point of Redemption. Other T&Cs apply.
• Retail spending at the POP MART POP-Up store and other Marina Square Atrium booths not included.

Notes:

• Minimum spend of $38 applies
• Limited to 2 sets of Red Packets per member per day, while stocks last
• Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day. Limited to first 100 redemptions on weekdays (Monday – Thursday) and 150 redemptions on weekends (Friday – Sunday).
• Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day, while stocks last.

Happy Chinese New Year 2023!

Wishing all my readers a Happy Chinese New Year 2023 in advance! Enjoy a Sweet Spring Chinese New Year at Marina Square with POP MART!

The post Celebrate a Sweet Spring Chinese New Year at Marina Square with POP MART appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

What is #Metazomia all about? 

What is #Metazomia all about? This word comes from two things, the Metaverse and a metaphorical highland region in Southeast Asia. #Metazomia is a whimsical 360° immersive cinematic experience created by award-winning artist Brian Gothong Tan. 

Created from artificial intelligence and inspired by the adventures of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Tan’s cinematic experience looks at what the future may hold. The result: an epic melding of generative art and motion graphics that invite visitors to surrender to the meditative quality of the images.

Now that you know what #Metazomia is all about, please proceed to your start point and embark on your journey into #Metazomia in Station 1.

Embark on your Journey into #Metazomia in Station 1

There are a few different types of artistic mediums/forms, you can choose to absorb everything on offer, or be selective, or none at all, if you decide to do so. I would like to suggest and encourage you to go up close and personal with all different artworks on display.

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush 

There are photographs, there are also stories, there are slide films, there is also an interactive art form, all you need to do is to step into the yellow circle, observe the image that appears in front of you. 

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Interact and Immerse yourself 

Step out, slowly, cautiously and purposely, and step back into the yellow circle again. What image appears in front of you now? What does the image means to you? What is the meaning and message behind the image that is sent to you?   

Check out the photos, the zines with its visual storytelling stories by Kaylene Tan that accompanies the photos by Brian Gothong Tan. Observe closely, are the photos real? Or are they digital artworks? Or they are something else? 

You might have questions going through your mind right now, seeking answers. Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Oh wait, before you leave for your next station, there are some notes for you to read, from a fellow traveler on the island nation/world of #Metazomia to another fellow traveler. 

Alright, you are now ready to depart for your next Station.

Follow the Yellow Path into Station 2 

Departing from Station 1, a bright yellow path is waiting for you and calling out to you, the time is now for you to board, follow the yellow path into Station 2 and embark on a wandering and wondering journey with intention to discover the different worlds inside this world.

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush 

You might be wondering, what are they showing on the four walls? Different cinematic worlds are being shown, you would need more time to watch and understand. Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Interact and/or Meditate, Immerse into the Visual Narratives 

Walk on the yellow path, or step into the yellow circle, you can sit down too if you want. I would like to invite you and try something different from your usual routines, to interact and/or meditate, immerse into the visual narratives that are played in front of you or around you.

What do you see? How do you feel? Search your innermost feelings, pen it down somewhere, you can also share your thoughts and feelings with fellow travelers to the island nation/world of #Metazomia (before your leave 72-13).

Connecting with #Metazomia 

The Metaverse might still be a whole new strange world for many of us, how can we connect a virtual world with the real world? How is it even possible, what would the Metaverse world be really like?

Connecting with #Metazomia by Brian Gothong Tan, brings you into the Metaverse via a mix of arts form and different mediums. We might not have all the answers to the questions, none of us have the answers as the #Metaverse is still evolving, exploring and transforming.   

There is something at #Metazomia that connected with me deeply, on the subject of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on the arts and creatives sectors. This topic is on my personal projects list for Year 2023 (from both photographer and technology writer perspectives). 

Chatting with Brian on the topic of AI was enlightening and mind-opening, AI is not going to go away, it would probably gain more traction in our daily work and living. Some artists, photographers, creatives are afraid, we can understand. In a nutshell, it’s all about embracing AI not fearing AI, and how you can adopt, adapt and incorporate them in your artistic and creative workflows. 

#Metazomia by Brian Gothong Tan is an excellent artistic showcase and eye-opener into the world of Metaverse and AI combining together.  

#MetaZomia by Brian Gothong Tan

Exhibition Dates: 2nd to 20th January 2023 (Closed on 9th and 16th January)

Venue: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239007

Ticketing Information:

Available at Peatix: bit.ly/MetazomiaTicketing 

Available at Klook: bit.ly/MetazomiaKlook 

Usual price: $23 per pax

Special prices to #Metazomia! 

$20 per pax (Use Promo Code: META20)

$18 per pax for groups of 4 and above (META18 – before 11th January 2023)

$15 per pax for students/NSFs/seniors (META15)

The post #Metazomia – What kind of Utopian World is that? appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

   Photography by Isaac Ong

Inspired by Fernando Gros “How to choose a Yearly Theme”, this is my 4th year writing and announcing a Yearly Theme, an approach that I personally feel that it’s more forward looking for a new future, a new era of working, thinking and how we connect as an individual, as a collective, society and the world. It’s not that goal settings or setting resolutions are no longer popular or useful, they still have a purpose and it still works for some people or industries

Recap of previous Yearly Themes

Before I announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for my photography and travel, let me bring you back  into my previous Yearly Themes through a recap below:

• Year 2020: Striving to Excel
• Year 2021: Recovery and Rejuvenation 
• Year 2022: Onward

Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) – “Explore”

Now let me introduce and announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for photography and travel – “Explore”.

Why “Explore”? 

The word “Explore” has always been part of my life, from my Scouting days in school, to my traveler explorer days, in both my professional/business and personal life. My photography themes/projects have always been on exploration, in both nature, wildlife, history, heritage and cultural areas. 

Photography 

In year 2023, I am going to explore new collaborations in both professional and personal capacities. 

On the photography business sector, there would be changes and approaches to my portfolio of services or specialisation.

On my personal photography segment, there are a lot more plans, ideas, collaborations and new collaborations that I more than want to explore, the personal side of photography keeps my passion and fire burning in a commercial photography, content creation world.

If there is something deep inside me that I want to do, they would be along the lines of 

• Back to basics, back to analogue 
• Honing my craft and eye for creativity 
• Collaborating with like-minded creatives for new projects  

Some sectors that I would like to explore further are photography training/educator and consultancy. I made some progress and headways in the two sectors, I am going to continue building up from there. 

Travel

I made a decision not to travel out during 2022 when borders reopened along with the lifting of risk management measures, even though my travel wanderlust was strong. In 2023, I am planning to re-explore my travel photography and travel writing again, after a 3 years hiatus due to the global pandemic situation.

I hope to explore new travel destinations (ASEAN, Japan, Europe) that I haven’t previously visited. Of course, I would still love to revisit some of my favourite travel destinations. I am also planning to explore the area on Sustainability further and wider in travel, tourism, hospitality industries, around the region before venturing further out.

Writing and Publishing Books and Zines

One of my new philosophy in photography, writing and creativity is “Bringing my projects to life”, into prints, zines or books. In a heavy social media usage and consumption world where everything is digital, maybe a return to analogue or old school, can spark us a revival in how we work and live.

Therefore, I am going to explore new personal visual storytelling projects, beyond my current ones. I want to explore further, wider and deeper as a content creator and visual storyteller.

Should I go for a photo book or a new travel visual storytelling project or new zine collection project? Or all of the above? Exploring new publishing projects for year 2023, I would share more in details when the time is ripe.

Complementing my photography training and consultancy, I am going to explore publishing photography guides for the modern creative and social media world.

New set of Uncertainties and Dark Clouds in 2023

In a period of uncertainties and crisis (hopefully it doesn’t reach that stage), there might be new opportunities. Time to explore other opportunities as a new set of dark clouds (challenges and uncertainties) looms over 2023. We are facing inflation, higher costs of living, economic slowdown (or even possibly world recession) and geo-political worldwide crisis in a worst worst case scenario. 

In a period of uncertainties and political crisis in some regions (hopefully it doesn’t escalate beyond that stage into bigger crisis), there might be new opportunities. Time to explore other opportunities as a new set of dark clouds (challenges and uncertainties) looms over 2023.

Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal)

In this year 2023, I decide to try something different again, I chose two themes, one for my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog, one for my TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog. What did I choose for my Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal)?

Explore with me in my visual storytelling journeys in 2023

I would like to invite you and join me, come explore with me in my visual storytelling journeys in 2023. 

Together we can and we might explore something new, heart warming and touching visual stories.

The post Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

We had low key and subdued New Year Eve celebrations for the past 2 years (2020 and 2021) due to the global pandemic situation at the time. Being able to welcome Year 2023 with a big bang of amazing choreographed and beautiful fireworks display was most welcome by many of us.  

Looking back at Year 2022 in Review: Reflecting Year 2022 (Photography | Travel) and Reflecting Year 2022 (Technology | Business | Personal), it’s time for a fresh new start in a fresh new year 2023. The year ahead has its own new set of challenges and concerns, even as we are moving out and away from the global pandemic that rocked us upside down in 2020.  

To all the organisations, partners and people that I work with, from camera brands, photographers, videography, travel, tourism, F&B, hospitality and creative industries. I look forward to working closer together and on a bigger scale in the Year 2023.  

Once again, wishing all of you a Happy New Year 2023! Good luck and all the best in the year ahead! Wishing all of you great health and happiness with your family and loved ones! May you soar high in the sky with beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky, and your goals, objectives and wishes for this year 2023 all come true!

The post Happy New Year 2023! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

A Recap – Yearly Theme 2022: Onward

My Yearly Theme for 2022 was “Onward”, moving into 2022 from 2021, I felt that this was most suitable at the point in time as the world was edging closer towards reopening of the economy and lifting of risk management measures for the global pandemic COVID-19 that impacted us so much from 2020 to around mid 2022.

Photography / Visual Storytelling

Business/Commercial Photography

This sector has small improvements, however there is a lot of room for growth and improvement especially in a rebuilding phase as we emerge from a post global pandemic period. Through my networking this year, some project ideas came up, some discussions are ongoing, keeping my fingers crossed that they can take off in 2023.

Training and Consultancy 

I mentioned about these two areas previously. They came about from my diversification of my photography and content creation suite of services. These two segments are more private and confidential versus some of the other points that I wrote down here.

The potential for growth and expansion is there for these two areas, going to build on them in Year 2023.

6 years in the business (2017-2022) | Renewed another 3 years 

Before the end of the Year 2022, I was sent a reminder email that I need to renew my sole proprietorship business registration for 2023 onwards. In the blink of an eye, I went through 6 years in the photography business from 2017 to 2022, and during this tenure, around 2.5 years of my time was caught totally off guard and thrown off my tracks when the global pandemic hit in 2020 to mid 2022. 

Running a small business is never easy, it’s already that tough and difficult. This global pandemic situation was a real setback, the life and business lessons were huge for the past 2.5 years. The next few years are not going to be easy with a new set of dark clouds and challenges facing the world economy.

Dark Clouds/Challenges looming ahead in 2023

In this year 2022, just when the world is relieved and happy to be recovering, reopening and moving away from this global pandemic that turned the world upside down for the past 2.5 to 3 years, the world economy is facing a new of economic challenges (high inflation with a recession looming over us) and political instabilities in some parts of the world.

Personal Photography

Visual Storytelling/Creative side of things

I have been a visual storyteller since I started this TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog back in 2006. My visual storytelling has evolved over time, improvements, as well as changes in my writing styles and approaches with my photography. 

From publishing photo books and photography zines, journaling and simple designing through handy apps such as Canva, I have explored more on the creative side of things over the decade. In a world so much driven by social media, some of us are inclining to return back to basics, the craft, art and eye for photography and creative stuff, through hands on art and craft work or analogue/film photography.

Analogue / Film Photography

I recently inherited some old film cameras from a former commercial photographer in the film era,  his nephew is my fellow photographer friend Chester Tan, also a fellow technology writer and talented musician.

When I started off film photography more than 3.5 decades back, medium format (MF) film photography was out of my reach. Now I have an opportunity to enter into MF film photography, as well as a return to analogue/film photography.

On this story, I would share more updates in another article. 

Videography / Filmmaking 

I have been slowly building up this segment, as a complement to my photography, visual storytelling and content creation segments. I am looking to produce my own short works with help from other filmmakers/videographers in both personal and commercial projects. 

Some themes that I am looking at are cinematic travel vlogs, exploration and heritage projects. I didn’t manage to produce more as I would like to in Year 2022, I would be planning some projects  for Year 2023.

Of Photo books, visual storybooks and zines

Launch of 2nd photography zine – TGH Photography Therapy Zine and Playbook 

This took me a bit longer than I expected, I officially announced the launch of my 2nd photography zine in November 2022. On a personal basis, this was a publication that meant something deep and personal to me. It’s not perfect, it’s more of a personal achievement to overcome and get myself out of a dark period. 

If you would like to purchase it, my 2nd photography zine is available for purchase a physical and/or digital copy on MagCloud. 

What’s next in 2023?

After publishing my 2nd photography zine, I am planning to publish more in the year 2023, I would share more in details when I finalise my projects and approaches. Just a short teaser, I am exploring a new photo book (Theme: Old playgrounds or sunsets) or a travel visual storybook (Hokkaido travel adventures) or a new zine collection (B&W street photography)? Or a combination of all of them?  

Travel

International Travel

Although my huge massive travel wanderlust is urging me to get away from Singapore, to a nearby regional destination at the very least. I decided not to join the travel deprived crowds when many countries border restrictions were lifted along with lowering of risk management measures. 

Costs of traveling is one of the factors for consideration, getting my photography business, content creation and writing back on track were my key priorities in 2022, thus I pushed back traveling overseas in 2022, as much as I would love to.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that I would be able to travel in Q2 2023.

Local Travel

Nobody really gives a look at local travel in Singapore (Do we even have a domestic tourism market? Some might ask). During the pandemic lockdown period, Singaporeans did manage to explore more of Singapore (in both good and bad ways), I am re-exploring Singapore again, nature, outdoors and old places. 

Something Personal

Recovery from an uneventful down time in 2021

A few uneventful events got me spiralling down into a rabbit hole in 2021, it took me a while to get myself out of that situation, allowing me to enter 2022 with a clean slate of mind, personal well-being and mental health. 

JOMO versus FOMO

JOMO = Joy of missing out, FOMO = Fear of missing out. The world of social media in recent times had been getting more messy and complicated, oversharing, excess showing off, all wanting fame, likes and first to post/share. 

There was a time when I was FOMO, however I got so delusional on some aspects of social media, even though I am still actively using social media platforms, just more selective. I am moving into JOMO mode.

Maybe JOMO would free me up from those shackles, allowing me to concentrate on honing my craft, creativity and writing even further and better, as a writer, a visual storyteller.  

There were still struggles

I am not going to paint a beautiful scenario or picture, like people posting on their FB or social media platforms, smiling, enjoying life and living a fun and exciting lifestyle.

There were still struggles over the whole year 2022, hidden away from social media. Not many people or nobody can really know what I am going through.

Year 2022 Theme: Onward vs Year 2022 in Reality 

Year 2022 in reality was definitely Onward for me, even though the economy wasn’t giving us a smooth and easy recovery, I have to ride out the usual ups and downs like the rest, even as the world economy is working towards reopening and returning back to a more normal living of pre-pandemic days.  

Last But Not Least

Reflecting Year 2022 in my photography and travel segments is just one half of my equation of my Year 2022 in Review. The other half of my equation of my Year 2022 in Review can be found here in this article: Reflecting Year 2022 (Technology | Business | Personal) on my TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

I would like to say a big Thank You to the various camera, travel, tourism, food and hospitality brands/organisations and PR agency folks that I worked closely with in Year 2022, to my readers for their utmost support for this year.

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2023! Good luck and all the best in the new year ahead!

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