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.

I love the great outdoors, nature and wildlife, not just back home in Singapore, traveling around the world, trekking, climbing mountains, national parks, enjoying the beauty and tranquility of Mother Nature. Getting inside into nature, rainforest, surrounded by tall lush trees and its canopy, I enjoyed forest bathing therapy with my photography setup, capturing the lush greenery and wildlife. 

From the mountains, to the rainforests and oceans, Earth has many beautiful and amazing natural environments that we need to protect and preserve. While I am unable to visit all of them, I am blessed and mesmerised by some of the destinations that I left my footprints behind.   

As I started to get more conscious of my travel and carbon footprints over time, I have also witnessed more natural disasters taking place in other parts of the world and they are not getting smaller in magnitude and size. All these gradually push me as an individual to think again on my types and levels of consumption in this current world that we are living in. I am also looking at businesses, from famers, manufacturers to service providers (e.g. travel agencies, accommodation) on their green eco-friendly models and practices. 

We need to prevent, stop and reverse the damages that we have already inflicted on our planet Earth, now this is the time for ecosystem restoration. We need to stop exploiting nature to restoring and healing it. Only with a healthy ecosystem, can we improve peoples’ livelihood, counteract climate change and prevent the collapse of Earth’s biodiversity.

Every individual on planet Earth has a role to play, no matter how big or small, you can be a part of #GenerationRestoration and make a difference, for your family and loved ones, and to Mother Earth, for the sake of our future generations. 

When we are able to safely travel again once the global pandemic is under control, I would continue to seek my travel photography adventures to the great outdoors, nature and wildlife destinations around the world with green eco-friendly models and practices. 

The post World Environment Day 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I was blessed with nice blue sky, beautiful clouds and a pretty sunset on 16th May 2021! It was really therapeutic for me, the sea, clouds and sunset made me relaxed inside and soothed away my frustrations.  

I hope that my form of photography therapy with sea, clouds and sunset would provide you with some form of relaxation and solitude during this Phase 2 Heightened Alert period. If you are planning to head out to the outdoors, parks etc, do remember the restrictions, 2 pax only, wear a mask at all times and practice safety social distancing!

The post Photography Therapy with Sea, Clouds and Sunset at East Coast Park appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

We started off from Hort Park, where I met our tour guide Shanti from Jane’s Singapore Tours, along with other tour participants. It’s a small tour group outing, making it friendly and cosy. Walking along Canterbury, Winchester, Russels, York, Royal, Cornwall and Berkshire Roads, admiring the beautiful Black & White Houses with their nice spacious gardens and listening to the  given by Shanti, it seemed like I had traveled back in time. 

It was a short two hours Black & White Houses tour, nevertheless, I learnt a lot from my very experienced and wonderful tour guide Shanti. She shared many interesting history lessons, architecture, culture and lifestyle associated with the Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park. I reckon I had a good exchange with Shanti and gained much more knowledge as we were walking around the Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park.

Let me pose you some questions of Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park:

• Which SIT/HDB estate in Singapore has similar architecture/design to the ones at Alexandra Park?
• The Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park were built for which British military camps nearby? 
• Which hospital is just round the corner from the Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park? What is the connection between these two places?
• Have you seen/heard of a Black & White house on stilts in Singapore? 

Even though I had some prior knowledge of the Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park and some of their history. Under the excellent and knowledgeable travel guidance of Shanti, I learnt a lot more in depth of the history, lifestyle, culture and stories of Alexandra Park. While you may choose to ask Google for answers or I might write a lengthy history tour article here, nothing beats going for a physical tour of the Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park with an experienced travel guide! 

Due to this ongoing global pandemic, we are currently not able to travel overseas for our holidays. Since we can’t travel out, why not travel around, visit and explore places in our home country Singapore? This would give us the opportunity to learn and understand more of our local history, heritage, culture and tourist attractions. How much do we really know about our home country Singapore? Why not join a local tour from a wide selection of Jane’s Singapore Tours on offer and embark on your SingapoRedisovers tour?  

Personally, I sincerely hope that more people would do their own SingapoRediscovers adventure, from rediscovering Singapore’s history, culture, arts, food, architecture, tourist destinations, nature, outdoors etc etc, there are well known places and also hidden gems in our small land size Singapore. 

I had a fun, enriching and informative local tour of the Black & White Houses at Alexandra Park, I learnt so much more about the history, culture, architecture and real life stories behind them, an area that I am interested in since I have been documenting and photographing history, heritage and culture in Singapore over the past two decades. 

I would like to thank Jane’s Singapore Tours for hosting me on one of their iconic and popular tours, Black & White Houses Stroll: Alexandra Park.

For more information and updates on the various types of tours on offer by Jane’s Singapore Tours, do visit their website and social media sites below:

Website: https://janestours.sg/ 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JanesSGTours/ 

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

YouTube: Jane’s Singapore Tours 

TripAdvisor: Jane’s SG Tours 

The post Black & White Houses Stroll with Jane’s Singapore Tours appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Thanks to foodie influencer Keropokman for inviting me to join #jalanhuat to Clementi, part of jalanjalan.me ground up initiative and movement supporting local businesses, curated by residents. Being a Clementi/West Coast resident, I thought I would know most of the places in my neighbourhood. Never did I realise that I have been missing out on some hidden gems in my own local neighbourhood! 

Now let me bring you on my #jalanhuat foodie adventure to Clementi, for a #jalaneat, #jalanshop, #jalansee and #jalando fun time!

The Cheese House Singapore

First and foremost, I am not the biggest cheese lover. It took me a bit longer than most other people to appreciate cheese, thanks to my friend Chef Keith for his cheese platter selections whenever we dine at his home. When I visited The Cheese House, I was blown away by their selection of farmhouse and artisan cheese on offer. 

During my visit to The Cheese House Singapore, I learnt a lot more about cheese, their production and selection of farmhouse and artisan cheese in their shop. I also learnt how to create my own cheese platter using the world’s best cheese from traditional farms, along with artisanal pairings to make a cheese platter.

If you are a cheese lover in Singapore, you definitely have to check out The Cheese House Singapore for their farmhouse and artisan cheese selections.

Address: Newest Mall #01-68, 1 West Coast Drive 

Website: https://www.thecheesehouse.sg/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecheesehousesingapore/ 

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

Igokochi Dining Bar

Are you a Japanese food lover? If yes, do you love an omakase meal? For the folks staying in the Western part of Singapore, you can enjoy an omakase meal in the neighbourhood of West Coast/Clementi! Introducing Igokochi Dining Bar, they offers a range of authentic Japanese dining experiences, including delicious omakase meals tailor-made to your tastes using seasonal ingredients. They offer the highest quality ingredients at affordable prices. 

Not just omakase, Igokochi Dining Bar has sushi on their menu too. Oh yes, they also have an Izakaya menu too and a nice cosy bar with Japanese whisky (Nikka – my favourite), Sake etc. I am missing Japanese cuisine since I can’t travel to Japan during this period and Igokochi Dining Bar is likely to be my hangout for Japanese cuisine and drinking place. Oh yes, it’s near my home too!  

Address: Newest Mall #01-98/99, 1 West Coast Drive

Website: https://www.igokochi.com.sg/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igokochisg 

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

簡單。| Simple café

For cafe lovers who love Taiwanese design, industrial space setting with a minimalist style, you will love 簡單。| Simple café at Newest Mall. Personally, I am a big fan of such cafes, it’s really nice to discover them in Singapore, best of all, they are located in my Clementi neighbourhood, within walking distance to my home.

They have a nice selection of signature sweet treats such as their Vanilla & Lemon filled donuts, Berry, Satsuma, Bagel (Cream Cheese) and Mont Blanc. If you are a pastries and cakes lover, you have to visit them and check them out! Do check out their iced uji matcha and hot Osmanthus oolong from Alishan as well! 

Address: Newest Mall #01-87, 1 West Coast Drive 

Website: https://shop.pickupp.io/shops/467 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simple.cafesg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple.cafesg/ 

Gelato Labo / Glass Roasters 

Would you like to have delicious gelato and signature brew coffee together? At Gelato Labo and Glass Roasters at 108 Faber Drive, now you can! Rejoice for those living in the western part of Singapore! You will be spoilt for choices with the new and inventive gelato flavours on offer at Gelato Labo, the rustic design and setting at Glass Roasters gives you a vibe that is not commonly seen in Singapore.  

I just recently began to learn and discover more about gelato and pair it with my love for coffee, I reckon this would be a lovely chic space for me to relax and enjoy with gelato and coffee. 

Address: 108 Faber Drive 

Website: https://www.gelatolabo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gelatolabo | https://www.facebook.com/glassroasters 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gelatolabo/ | https://www.instagram.com/glassroasters/ 

So much more to #jalanhuat, #jalaneat, #jalanshop, #jalansee and #jalando in the heartlands!

I would like to thank foodie influencer Keropokman for the invitation to join him on the #jalanhuat to Clementi, exploring and discovering my local neighbourhood food gems that I might have missed out even though I am staying in the Clementi neighbourhood. Thanks to this #jalanhuat adventure, I got to learn more about jalanjalan.me ground up initiative and movement supporting local businesses, curated by residents.  

As a local explorer, photographer myself who had done a fair bit of walking, eating and exploring different neighbourhoods in Singapore, I realised that I have a lot more hidden gems to discover in Singapore! 

Since we still can’t travel out of Singapore due to the ongoing global pandemic situation, let’s take this time to learn, understand and know more about our home ground, Singapore. Not only can we take this opportunity to be a local tourist, enjoy and have fun, we are also supporting our local businesses too!  

Good things must share! Since there are many more hidden food gems in other neighbourhoods in Singapore that you can go out, explore and discover as you embark on your own SingapoRediscovers #jalanhuat adventure to #jalaneat,  #jalanshop, #jalansee and #jalando, not just in Clementi, in other neighbourhoods in Singapore such as Bedok, Ang Mo Kio, Chong Pang, Jalan Besar etc etc?  

Remember to Pay-It-Forward and Pass-It-On! Sharing is Caring! Who doesn’t want to know where are the nice and delicious food places to visit in Singapore? 

For more information on Jalan Jalan Me ground up initiative and movement, please visit 

Website: jalanjalan.me 

IG: @jalanjalanme 

FB: @jalanjalanmesg 

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In my short hands on experience article that I published in July 2020, I confessed that I wasn’t really into lenses with focal length range of 100-500mm as my setup was geared towards the holy trinity setup and big prime lenses. During the period when I was reviewing the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens, I was enlightened, my perceptions and views of this focal length range changed.  

A favourite lens for wildlife photographers 

I have been reading and looking at Facebook groups/pages posts on wildlife photographs shot in Singapore. There is a trend on these combinations of Canon EOS R5 or EOS R6 with RF100-500mm lens. I had chats with the folks from my local camera shop that I regularly go to, this is quite a popular camera and lens combination that the photographers wanted to get.

When I had the RF100-500mm lens with the Canon EOS R5 for review, I finally understood and realise why this is such a popular combination and setup. From my adventures at Jurong Bird Park, to West Coast Park, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Pasir Ris Park and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. I photographed quite a lot of wildlife photographs.

The 100mm to 500mm range is versatile for wildlife photography, you would not be constrained by shorter focal lengths or a fixed focal length lens. The photographs quality are sharp even when shooting at its maximum aperture. 

This would not be the fastest lens since it’s not a constant aperture lens, nevertheless the AF is pretty impressive and fast when paired with the EOS R5 body (and I believe it would be just as good with the EOS R6 body too).

More than just a lens for wildlife and sports photography 

Although this lens is probably going to be more geared towards wildlife and sports photography, it’s a versatile lens that photographers can use for sports, travel and landscapes too. While I didn’t get the opportunity to photograph sports events with this lens, I was able to photograph people/machines in action from a distance away and landscapes too. 

Photographing landscapes with this 100mm to 500mm focal length range telephoto lens is probably less common, even less common in Singapore when it’s a small country by land size and honestly speaking, it doesn’t have much of a wide and vast landscapes in big countries that I visited. Using the RF100-500mm to shoot landscapes in Singapore, I managed to capture some beautiful moments that I really like and didn’t expect to come out in a way that I would expect from my travel photography trips overseas. 

Personal thoughts and views

This is a lens that change my view on long focal length range telephoto zoom lens. While I am a user and supporter of zoom lenses such as 24-70mm and 70-200mm focal range, a longer range focal length such as 70-300mm or 100-400mm didn’t attract me as much initially in my photography adventures. I was more inclined towards prime telephoto lens such as the 300mm f/2.8L for their speed and optics. During the period when I was reviewing the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens, it changed my view and approach towards wildlife, sports and action photography. I am now more inclined towards focal length range telephoto zoom lens, keen to get this lens some time down the road.

Key factors and points that convinced and changed me after using RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens

• Lighter in weight
• More versatile than a fixed focal length prime lens 
• Easier to carry and move around with faster reaction time when photographing wildlife/sports versus a fixed prime lens on a tripod 
• The optics quality and AF speed is excellent considering that it’s not a fixed focal length prime lens
• Price is a lot lower as compared to a fixed focal length prime lens 

A versatile, portable and not too heavy telephoto zoom lens with excellent optics quality that is comparable to a prime lens. Since it’s not a constant aperture lens, the auto-focus speed may not be as fast as a prime lens. However, when paired with the Canon EOS R5 or R6, the AF speed is still pretty fast and impressive. 

This remarkable lens is very Ideal for wildlife, sports and travel, sometimes landscapes too. In the wildlife and birding community, a number of photographers have the Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R6 and RF100-500mm setup, a powerful, ideal, excellent and popular combination of both AF speed, AF accuracy, optics and output quality (45MP Canon EOS R5 sensor provides lot of details even when cropping in). 

The retail recommended price for the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is SGD$4,459, compared to a cost of a big aperture prime lens, it’s not that expensive.

The Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is a versatile, portable and not too heavy telephoto zoom lens, very ideal and suitable for wildlife photographers, sports and travel. This highly capable long range telephoto zoom lens gives photographers options to choose from for their wildlife or sports photography. A value for money top quality Canon L lens that gives photographers, versatility and portability versus the more expensive prime telephoto lens. Whether it is a telephoto zoom lens or telephoto prime lens, photographers have the options available to choose from. 

More photographs shot with the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens can be viewed here inside this Flickr photo album. Do check out my other photo albums on Flickr, Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and Canon RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and check out my articles on my recent reviews and testings of the Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and Canon RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.

* I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens *

The post Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Every canvas paintings/sketches tell a unique and special story, from Yew Chong’s personal growing up years or from stories that was shared with him. Some of the canvas paintings had very touching and amazing stories that were shared personally by Yew Chong. You never know how art therapy combined with nostalgia artworks can help a person in opening up to others.  

I visited Stories from Yesteryear on 22nd February 2021, the last day of their exhibition at Substation. They would be heading to Sofitel Singapore City Centre next, starting on 26th February 2021 to 31st March 2021. 

There were a few paintings at this exhibition that touched my heartstrings more than others. I would vigorously deny that I am old or getting old, I am just middle-aged, alright? Some of the paintings that touched me more, Jalan Singapura 2, 1 and 4, Trengganu Street Market, Mid-Autumn Night and Kallang.   

I highly recommend you to visit Stories from Yesteryear by Yip Yew Chong, perfect for families with children. Grandparents and parents can bring their young children to go for an artistic journey back in time on the growing up years, what life in Singapore was like a few decades back. At the exhibition, do not rush from one painting to the other, read the short description on the side of the painting, observe the intricate details on the paintings. From here onwards, you would be able to discover and appreciate a lot more of Singapore in the older days and the transformations she went through to the modern cityscape of today. 

This was a wonderful and nostalgia visit to Stories from Yesteryear exhibition by Yip Yew Chong, it was also inspiring for my personal photography in the heritage and documentary genres, while I can’t paint as beautifully like our talented artist Yew Chong, cross interdisciplinary learning from other creatives would help me in photographing and capturing our existing heritage and culture in a modern cosmopolitan city.

I would like to say a big thank you to Belinda Tan for recommending me to visit Stories from Yesteryear and introducing me to the talented artist Yew Chong.    

Information on Stories from Yesteryear Exhibition

Dates: 26th February to 31st March 2021 

Location: Sofitel Singapore City Centre (L5 Etincelle) 

Address: 9 Wallich Street, Singapore 078885

Website: https://yipyc.com/ 

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

YouTube: Yew Chong Yip

The post Nostalgia and Beautiful Stories from Yesteryear by Yip Yew Chong appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Ever since I was inspired by Fernando Gros article on having a yearly theme (his yearly theme for 2021 is Imagination) instead of our usual goals settings and objectives, I wrote and published two articles, Theme and Goals for Year 2020 (Photography and Travel) and  Theme and Goals for Year 2020 (Technology and Personal). I can’t imagine how much it would have changed just two months after that when the global pandemic COVID-19 started to hit the whole world. 

If you are interested to learn and know more about setting a yearly theme, you have to check out “How to Choose a Yearly Theme” by Fernando Gros. 

My approach to the yearly theme is slightly different, I have two themes for Year 2021 and they are Recovery and Rejuvenation. How would these two themes come into my photography and travel segments? 

Photography

Photography Business

On my business side of photography, another challenging year looms ahead. Basically, adapt, adopt and change, rebranding and repositioning. Photography training is on the cards too. 

Personal Photography 

On my personal side of photography, I am planning to produce and publish more zines since the launch of my first zine – TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Special Edition, they could be special themes or projects based zines from my personal projects. 

15th Anniversary photography blog milestone 

April 2021 would be the 15th anniversary of this photography portal/blog! More information and details on this milestone celebration coming soon. 

On both business and personal photography fronts, if there are suitable collaborations and partnerships to build up on top of my existing ones, I am open to discussions. At the current moment, I have build up networks of videographers, video editors, editors for my content writing, digital marketing and social media marketing partners. 

Travel

International Travel 

Based on the current global situation and pandemic status at this juncture in time, international leisure travel is not likely to open soon. An optimistic view would be international travel reopening in the third quarter of 2021, the harsh reality is most likely 2022 instead. 

Meanwhile, I just prepare my travel research and travel networking on destinations that I highly want to visit when international travel and tourism recovers. 

SingapoRediscovers a.k.a. Explore your own backyard

No doubt that Singapore is really a small country by land size, we do have our own nature areas, heritage, culture and outdoors areas. I have started revisiting places in Singapore that I haven’t visit for some time. Now is the time to be a traveler in my home country, to continue my SingapoRediscovers a.k.a. Explore your own backyard. 

Stay tuned for more local travel photography stories (and pocket travel guide) of Singapore!

Why these two themes “Recovery” and “Rejuvenation”?

Recovery

Year 2021 to me would be the year of recovery from the impacts and damages by the global pandemic COVID-19 to the world. This is not going to be straight forward or linear, it’s likely to be turbulent, roller coaster ups and downs. With the vaccines in place, the world has started its recovery mode, this is going to take time, it’s not going to recover immediately with the snap of a finger. 

Rejuvenation

There are many a times whereby I had been emotionally and mentally drained last year 2020 during the global pandemic situation. Going hand-in-hand with recovery is rejuvenation, putting new energy to what I am doing in this year 2021. 

As we start the slow journey in recovery in the year 2021, rejuvenation is also crucial, we need  to inject new energy into our heart, mind and soul as we start our recovery journey.

Please also visit my Theme and Goals for Year 2021 (Technology and Personal) article! 

The post Theme and Goals for Year 2021 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Why SG55 Edition?

The decision to choose the theme “SG55 Edition” came from SingapoRediscovers – Explore your own backyard, a S$45 million tourism campaign getting locals to explore Singapore. This was like a continuation of what I had been regularly doing, photographing, documenting and sharing local Singapore destinations and locations that are off from the tourist trail over the past decade. I sincerely hope that this small bite size zine/guide would be a good handy local travel guide for my friends who would be visiting Singapore when the Covid-19 situation is under control and international leisure travel is allowed again.  

Another step up to my printing experience levels 

Printing photographs, photo books and zines have been a great learning and fun experience for my photography journeys in both personal and professional aspects. From mini photo prints with Canon Mini Photo Printer to A3 photography prints with Canon PIXMA Pro-10 photo printer, publishing my own photo book of my Hokkaido 2014 travel photography adventure. Printing my TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Special Edition is another step up for me in my printing experience levels. 

Writing and Creativity 

Creating, publishing and printing my zine has expanded and extended my writing and blogging from the internet/social media world to the print world. When I first started my photography blog in April 2006, I never expect myself to reach this level of writing, creativity and printing zines and photo books. 

Learning new skills, knowledge and self-improvement never stops, no matter what level of professional expertise or life experience that I am currently at right now. This is what self-learning and self-improvement over the years had brought me to the stage I am in today. From a humble photography blog, to a photography and travel portal/blog, a commercial photography business setup, a writer and publisher. 

Printing using MagCloud Platform

I was introduced to MagCloud a few years ago by fellow photographer Callan Tham, his photography zines were published by them (I was inspired by Callan’s zines!) and I had an idea of the quality and printing capabilities of MagCloud platform. I would like to explore more formats options from MagCloud beyond the Digest format that I am using it for publishing my photography and travel zine. 

For fellow photographers and creatives, please visit and check out MagCloud platform! 

Do support my zine works!

Visit my TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Edition on MagCloud and check it out!  

Year 2020 has been a very difficult year for the whole world, some industries have been hit harder than the rest. Photography industry is one of them, earnings had taken a hit, the journey ahead is still choppy and challenging to navigate. 

TGH Photography Zine Vol 1: SG55 Special Edition

By GengHui Tan in TGH Photography Zine Collection

12 pages

Diversification and adapting new business strategies are on the way, writing, publishing and printing zines is one of the avenues. Do support my zine works! 

Special Thanks

There are a few people that  I would like to thank: 

1) Fernando Gros and Craig Atkinson for inspiring me with their zines publications, their own unique art and creative directions.

2) Isaac Ong for helping me in the proof reading and editing my content write up. 

My TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Edition is the first of my upcoming zine projects that I have been planning for, with a few special themes/projects planned. My zines is also a mini book prototype for the bigger projects that I have embarked on, establishing the foundations for my future book prints.

Printing a zine has been a wonderful and learning journey, giving my photography, documenting and writing a platform to showcase them in a physical print form to hold, read, treasure and share. 

A special TGH Photography Explorer Series Production with Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, EOS RP and EOS R6 cameras.

The post Launch of TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Special Edition appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Capella Singapore has partnered with a range of local and international brands to bring the best and most unique holiday experiences in the city through a series of pop-ups for their guests on a staycation during this year end festive season. This is in line with Capella Hotels and Resorts’ dedication to offer an enriching experience for all guests, Capella Singapore’s ever-changing roster of upcoming pop-ups ensures that no two stays are the same. The brand pop-up experiences at Capella Singapore is something different and unique, giving the local staycation scene a breadth of fresh air.

“We’re constantly thinking of ways we can elevate our stay experience and ensure that our guests are enjoying unique, compelling activities that they will remember for years to come,” shares Fernando Gibaja, Capella Singapore’s General Manager. “These initial pop-ups are the first few of many as we continue to offer an unparalleled luxury hospitality experience.

The brand pop-up experiences series includes mastering the fine art of writing with Montblanc, drumming with award winning Chow Kiat, learning the basics of organic farming with Edible Garden City and up close and personal wildlife encounters with Dr Ooz from the Singapore Zoo.

Calligraphy with Montblanc

While typed text can feel impersonal, a handwritten note or letter is charged with the emotion, energy and time of the writer. Handwritten letters are not just a romantic pastime tinged with nostalgia, it’s a unique form of self-expression that builds a meaningful connection with others. Guests can explore self-expression through handwriting and the art of calligraphy with Montblanc.

Available on December 18 from 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.

Drumming Jam Session

Guided by local award-winning drummer, Mr. Er Chow Kiat, rhythm enthusiasts can learn how to lock down a groove and be the backbone of a band. Participants will gain insightful first-hand knowledge in basic drum theory and techniques in this specially curated workshop.

Available on December 1, 8 and 15, from 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. and 12:00p.m. –1:00p.m.

Your Edible Garden

Foodies will delight in a session with Edible Garden City, where they’ll be able to learn the basics of organic farming, how to grow micro-greens growing, kombucha-making and more. Dedicated to creating social change through community-centric agriculture, Edible Garden City is the perfect gateway for guests to understand how cities can become self-sufficient by growing their own food

Available on December 3, 10, and 17, from 4:00pm.

Adventures with Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Animal-lovers can embark on a journey with Wildlife Reserves Singapore, where they will witness how the reserve provides world-class animal care. ‘The Zoo Comes to Capella’, gets guests acquainted to native species such as Oriental Pied hornbill, reticulated python and pangolin with Dr Ooz from the Singapore Zoo and understand our “wilderful neighbours” better.

While ‘Zoo Careers with Wildlife Reserves’ will shine a spotlight on the dedicated keepers, veterinarians and wildlife nutritionists who work tirelessly to keep the animals in the pink of health, both physically and mentally.

Zoo Careers with Wildlife Reserves will be available virtually on 10 December from 2:30p.m. – 3:30p.m. and The Zoo Comes to Capella will be available on 16 December from 2:30p.m. – 3:30p.m. at at Capella Grand Ballroom.

For more information on Capella Singapore, please visit https://www.capellahotels.com/en/capella-singapore

If you are looking for a staycation during this year end festive period that is something different with unique experiences, do check out Capella Singapore and their brands pop-up programmes! They are suitable for both young children and adults, great time for family bonding activities!

Let’s all support our local travel, tourism and hospitality industries in Singapore during this difficult period through SingapoRediscovers!

* Information and pictures courtesy of Capella Singapore and VIM & VIGOUR *

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