KiÄtŜaŇ's BlÖg

Swissotel Vertical Marathon 2010

2010-11-21T21:30:00.009+08:00

(Swisootel Vertical Marathon 2010)

This morning, I conquered the 73 storey with 1336 steps of the 226m tall hotel in the Swissotel Vertical Marathon with KT. This year is my 5th attempt for this race since I first participated in 2005. I actually missed the one in 2006 due to examination period during school days. Both KT and I were promoted to the next category this year as we joined the race in the Men’s 30-39 Category for the first time ever…

This year, I managed to improve on my timing with a reasonable time of 12:07min which was faster than last year’s timing of 13:02min by 55 seconds. I was quite satisfied with my timing this year and hope I can improve further. My target is to break my own record of timing 11:33min set in 2005 when I first participated. I hope I can achieve that during the Swissotel Vertical Marathon next year.

(View of the completed Marina IR from the helipad)

When we reached the helipad, we took a bit of rest before started taking snapshots. At the top, I took photos with KL and my cousin, GH who joined the race for the first time round. This year, we met the same old guy who chases us down the helipad in last year’s race…

(Some random shots at the helipad after the race)

(Photos with KT & my cousin)

After taking enough photos at the helipad, we took the elevator down the hotel entrance for some refreshment and Red Bulls!! Near the Starbuck of Raffles City, KT and I managed to spot the World Male Champion of Swissotel Vertical Marathon, Thomas Dold (1 of my VM idols) and asked him to take a photo with us before he started his race. Hah :”D

(RedBull refreshment & The RedBull girls!!)

(Another shot at the ground floor after the race)

Soon after that, KT went back home while I stayed round to take some more snapshots. I was lucky to have snapshot with another VM idol of mine, Mr Tan Soo Cheng (84), oldest participants in this race who has participated in this race for 10 years. Amazing.

Photos with my idols
1 - World Male Champion of Swissotel Vertical Marathon, Thomas Dold
2 - Oldest Participants in the race, Mr Tan Soo Cheng (84),

At the holding area, I also manage to meet 1 foreigner friend who was in the same detail as me during the National Vertical Marathon earlier this year. We chatted for a while and took some snapshots together.

Not forgetting to mention, there is one special couple who were dressed up in their full wedding attire and participating in the Lovebirds' Challenge for this year. This certainly added some interesting entertainment to all the participants there. I congratulate to the couple for completing the race together.

(The couple in their wedding attire for the Lovebirds' Challenge Category)

This year, the defending Male champion, Mr Thomas Dold from Germany participate in a new “Ultimate Championship – Men’s” and emerged champion again with a timing of 6:51min. This is not his best timing as he has set a record of 6:46min last year. Anyway it is a very fast and good timing already. As for the Woman’s Open category, last year’s depending champion, Ms Suzanne Elizabeth Walsham still manage to maintain her title with only 3 months after her delivery.

(Prizes for top winners)

1. Ultimate Champion Male Champion - Thomas Dold
2. Depending champion for Woman's Open Category - Ms Suzanne Elizabeth Walsham

(Ultimate Champion Female Champion - Moon Poyoka Melissa)

My next event for this year will be the upcoming inaugural Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore in about 2 weeks time. I am looking forward to that as I can run inside the Universal Studio Singapore as my first visit there during my 21km race. Haha :”D

More info on Swissotel Vertical Marathon 2010

http://www.swissotelverticalmarathon.com/

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1094718/1/.html

http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4473579

Morning Jog to Dairy Farm Nature Park

2010-07-31T23:36:00.003+08:00

(Photo taken outside the Wallace Education Centre)

This morning, I did another morning jog with my jogging kaki from CCK to a new place, Dairy Farm Nature Park from 7am onwards.

The route that we took includes Bukit Panjang Road => Zheng Hua Park => Hill View Park Connector => Dairy Farm Nature Park with a total distance of about 6.5km.

(Directory at Dairy Farm Nature Park)

(The Dairy Farm nature Park visitor centre)

(Route Map of Dairy Farm Nature Park)

Upon reaching there, we visited the Dairy Farm Nature Reserve and the new Wallace Education Centre which were officially opened by Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan on 5 Sept 2009.

(Route leading to Wallace Education Centre)

(Wallace Education Centre)

(Exhibition Hall inside Wallace Education Centre)

(Article on how the name of the place "Dairy Farm" comes about)

(Some info on Mr Alfred Russel Wallace)

As we walked further up pass the Wallace Education Centre, we saw 1 abandoned house which have been there quite long time ago.

(View of the abandoned House)

(Nice Flowers outside the Abandoned House)

A brief introduction of the place

This new S$5.7 million Dairy Farm Nature Park and Wallace Education Centre with site area of 63Ha is located on the boundary of the Bukit Timah Nature Rerserve. It offers public another alternative getaway with a sheltered visitor centre with open landscaped toilets and 2 exhibition halls at the Wallace Education Centre, not forgetting the Wallace Trail too.

More info on Dairy Farm Nature Park

http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2009/09/dairy-farm-nature-park-flat-trails-are.html

http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2009/09/official-opening-of-dairy-farm-nature.html

http://keropokman.blogspot.com/2009/12/wallace-education-centre-dairy-farm.html

Afternoon Jog to Jurong Safra

2010-07-25T22:40:00.001+08:00

(Main signboard of Jurong Safra)

This weekend, I did 1 afternoon jog instead of a morning jog alone to try out a new running route from CCK to Jurong Safra Club near Jurong Point at Boon Lay. I started my jog from 3.45pm onwards and the weather was really hot… : (

The route that I took include Brickland Road, Bukit Batok Road and Boon Lay Way and the I need to endure my way through Boon Lay Way under the hot sun.

When I reached there, I bypassed the Jurong Central Park where I saw many people flying their kites and enjoy their weekend afternoon. I rested for a while at the Park to observe the kite flying before visiting the Jurong Safra Club there.

(Kite Flying at the open field at Jurong Central Park near Jurong Safra)

Brief introduction of Jurong Safra Club

This S$43 million new Jurong Safra Club was officially opened in late May 2009 and it is the most expensive one compared to the other 5 safra clubs, covering a total area of 14,300 sq m. It is more of a family oriented clubhouse and it featured a largest 3 storey high indoor playground, a 9000 sq ft children gym, first children’s swimming pool with interactive water elements, EnergyOne Gym with full IPPT facilities and a wide range of F&B outlets.

(View of Jurong Safra)

After that I rushed home from there for bathing before going out again from my nephew’s BD, but I did not expect that the restaurant that we were going is at JP. Haha :”D How I feel I don’t have to go back home first and go to the restaurant straightaway.

(Route that I took)

More information on Jurong Safa Club

http://www.safra.sg/clubhouse_jr.aspx?pageid=437

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/430390/1/.html

http://www.asiaone.com/Travel/News/Story/A1Story20090520-142622.html

Morning Jog to Qian Hu Fish Farm

2010-07-24T12:30:00.002+08:00

(Signboard at main entrance)

Today I did a morning jog of 9km with running kaki from CCK to Qian Hu Fish Farm starting at 6.45am. During the last 3km, the sky got dark but we tried our luck to finish the remaining of the distance and it was lucky that it did not rain.

This is my second time visiting Qian Hu Fish Farm where my first time was visiting there with my family quite some time ago by vehicle and this time round is jogging there instead. When we reached there, no many people will there yet and I think we were even much earlier than their employees. haha

(Main entrance)

(Nice wall painting of fish)

(Map of Qian Hu and directory)

There is always many nice and interesting fish at Qian Hu whether for viewing or for sale. We walked around the place to view the fish, had a drink before taking their free shuttle bus back. It was another great experience running to another different place.

(House of Dragon Fish)

(Other fish on display)

(Feng Shui Wall)

(Dragon Fish Display Pond)

(Jogging Route)

A brief info on Qian Hu Fish Farm

It is a 1 stop fish service provider ranging from breeding of dragon fish, farming, exporting, importing and distributing ornamental fish. It also includes manufacturing of aquarium and pet accessories and distributing to both local and overseas customers.

More info on Qian Hu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qian_Hu_Corporation

http://www.qianhu.com

The New Paper big Walk 2010

2010-07-18T21:30:00.003+08:00

(Photo taken at starting pt before the walk)

The big walk is back again after 2 years and I was excited to participate it after I missed the one in 2008. This year’s walk is a 5km fun walk from Singapore Flyer to the new Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade near the Marina IR.

(Banners)

This is my third time participating in the big walk event and my previous attempts were in year 2005 and 2006. This year, other than KT who joined me again in the event, 2 other friends also joined in the fun walk. The starting point of the event is at the Singapore Flyer and we took a morning train down to Dhoby Ghaut and transferred to the Circle line and got off at Promenade MRT station which is closer to Singapore Flyer.

When we arrived there, there was a huge crowd queuing up to collect the goodie bags before starting the walk. KT arrived there earlier so he helped us to collect the goodie bag for us. Really thanks to him. :”D

After collecting the goodie bags, we took a group photos and proceed with our fun walk of the morning. From the start point at Singapore Flyer, we walked toward the new Bayfront bridge linking toward to new Marina IR. Beside the Bayfront bridge is also the new Helix Bridge which was completed few months back.. After crossing rhe Bayfront bridge, we entered into the new zone of the Marina IR which most of us were excited to see it.

(View of Marina IR from Bayfront bridge)

(Walking past the Marina IR)

Soon after we walked past the Marina IR, we finally reached the end point at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade where there is a carnival there with many interesting booths. However we did not stay there for long as we can feel drizzling along the way. When we completed the walk, we had our breakfast at Marina Macdonald before I proceed on to visit the Singapore Garden Festival after that.

(Finally completed our walk)

(View at the Marina bay Waterfront Promenade)

(Some performers at the Marina bay Waterfront Promenade carnival)

More info on Big Walk 2010

http://www.newpaperbigwalk.sg/

(Route of the 5km big walk - extracted from Big walk website)

Afternoon Jog to Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

2010-07-17T23:45:00.001+08:00

(Main entrance of Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle from Jalan Bahar)

Today, I missed my morning jog so in the end I compensated with 1 afternoon jog instead to the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle （陶光） which I have not visited before.

I completed a 9km jog starting to CCK, running past Old Choa Chu Kang Road and left turn to Jalan Bahar and followed the path of Lorong Tawas, beside the PIE towards Tuas to get to Pottery Jungle. I was rushing there just before the place close for the day and before the sky gets dark.

When I reached there, I was surprised to see so many colourful pottery after I entered their main entrance and the scenery was great as I felt I was brought back to another different environment like a jungle filled with pottery. No wonder it is called “Pottery Jungle” The air is fresh and the environment is a relaxing one too. As soon as I cooled down, I started to use my camera to take snapshots of the pottery and the scenery over there.

(All the nice & colourful pottery after I entered their main entrance)

(1 interesting piece of work that I noticed. ha)

After that I visited the one and only surviving 40m long, 5m width Dragon Kiln remained in Singapore there where it can be used to fire up to 5000 pieces of ceramic work in one session. The Thow Kwang’s dragon kiln was built in 1940 in China and bought over to Singapore in 1965.

The Dragon Kiln is divided into 3 sectors:
1. the front firing chamer
2. The main chamber where ceramic pieces are placed inside for firing
3. The chimney at the tail end where the smoke is released.

(Dragon Kiln)

(Front Firing Chamber)

(Main Chamber where ceramic pieces are placed inside for firing)

Soon after I seen the dragon kiln, I proceed on to take a look at the pottery displayed at their main store on sale. There are really quite a lot of interesting & colourful pottery where I can find there and I bought a few souvenirs beside I left the place.

(other pieces of ceramic work on sale)

(other parts of the pottery jungle. there is also a pond there!!)

(Souvenir that I bought before I left the place)

Overall, I found Thow Kwang a really nice place for a short weekend getaway although it is a bit Ulu. I enjoyed the visit and it is certainly worth a visit which I can recommend. I did read from another blogger’s website that Thow Kwang is occupying the land on a temporary lease, so it is uncertain how long the dragon kiln will be around as it cannot be moved if the company moves.

(brochure of Pottery jungle)

(Jogging route that I took)

More about Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle（陶光）

Thow Kwang Industry Pte Ltd
85, Lorong Tawas (off Jalan Bahar) Singapore 639823

Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm daily

http://www.tkpotteryjungle.com

A brief info on Thow Kwang Industry

Thow Kwang Industry was found in 1965 and started out producing consumer potterywares like latex cups, water jars and flower pots. Currently, it worked together with other pottery industries in China and Asean countries to develop and transfer traditional and Chinese ceramic work to Singapore to promote understanding and appreciation of porcelain and ceramics.

Other blogger site on Pottery Jungle

http://sgblogs.com/entry/visit-firing-thow-kwang-dragon-kiln/251362

http://wordpress.filmgrain.com/?p=484

Others nice photoshots site on Pottery Jungle

http://picasaweb.google.com/wenbin44/ThowKwangPotteryCommunity#

http://hooky3659.photoshelter.com/gallery/Thow-Kwang-Dragon-Kiln/G0000BapfNbiQ29k/P0000TE3DK6uyjSw

Afternoon Jog to Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

2010-07-11T23:30:00.001+08:00

(Signboard showing the remaining distance that I need to cover before reaching the zoo...)

(Nice cloud that I saw along Woodlands Road during the jog)

Following the morning jog to Kranji Reservoir Park yesterday, I did another 11km afternoon jog alone to Singapore Zoo and Night Safari at Mandai Area today.

The last 5km along Mandai Road was challenging due to the long stretch of upslopes that I need to overcome. When I was about to reach the zoo during the last 1.5km, I noticed 1 portion of the area was covered for development of the new S$180 million River Safari Park that will be ready in 2012. That will add another new place of interest to both the local and tourist too when it is ready.

(The new upcoming place of interest "River Safari" to be ready in 2012)

After walking around outside the zoo and night safari to take some photos, I took a 15 minute bus ride back home, compared to a 1hr 15min slow jog there. Haha :”D

(Outside the zoo)

(outside Night Safari)

(Route that I took: Woodlands Road=> Mandai Road)

Official site on Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

http://www.zoo.com.sg

http://www.nightsafari.com.sg

Official site and information on River Safari

http://riversafari.com.sg

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_529999.html

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1058154/1/.html

Morning Jog to Kranji Reservoir Park

2010-07-10T11:30:00.000+08:00

(The Kranji Dam linking Kranji Reservoir Park & Kranji Industrial Estate)

(Signboards)

(Plants beside the Kranji Dam)

This morning, I did another morning jog from my home to Kranji Rerservoir Park. In order to get there, I was running past Woodlands Road, Kranji Road, followed by Kranji Industrial Estate, before crossing the Kranji Dam (looks like a causeway to Malaysia) to reach the other side of Kranji Reservoir Park.

Kranji Reservoir Park is actually quite near Sungei Buloh Reserve and the only public transport is SMRT bus 925 which operates from either Woodlands or Choa Chu Kang.

(Scene near the park)

The place was opened for fishing in 1985 with 2 fishing grounds A and B opened daily from 7am to 7pm. One can also find a war memorial plaque at the park commemorating the battle of Kranji during WW2. Other than that, the place also offers a panoramic view of Johor Straits.

(WW2 Battle site & plaque)

(The 4 tidal gate towers)

More information on Kranji Reservoir Park by others

http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=86&Itemid=73

http://handlinefishing.com/wheretofish/reservoirsandstreams/kjr.htm

Malaysia Durian Trip

2010-07-04T23:30:00.000+08:00

(Durian Trip @ Malaysis, Oasis Bay near Maur)

After attending 2 wedding dinners cum brother role yesterday, I accompanied my mum to Malaysia for a Durian Trip organized by the CC. I did not have enough sleep the night before and we need to catch the coach as early as 6am… : (

In total, we visit to a few locations which include 2 Chinese temples, Oasis Bay, The Summit Shopping Mall and Zenxin Organic Park.

Our first stop is having a breakfast somewhere in Johor before moving on to the 2 chinese temples located near Parik Jawa area where we stopped by to do some praying and walk around beside we proceed to second destination at Oasis Bay for our lunch.

(A mobile van selling nice light snacks)

(view of the 2 Chinese Temples that we visited)

(A fake World Cup Trophy found in the Chinese temple??)

Upon arriving Oasis Bay (Near Muar), we settled down for our lunch and also for the free flow durian eating session. The durians taste nice and great there and we have several tries of the durians. After the durian eating session, we took a few photos there before we moved on to a shopping mall “The Summit” near Batu Pahat area for some shopping.

More information on Oasis Bay and the restaurant there can be found in the link below.

http://oasisbay.com.my/

(Lunch @ Oasis Bay)

(Durian eating session @ Oasis Bay)

(The Shopping Mall "The Summit" @ Batu Pahat)

After the shopping, we moved on to Zenxin Organic Park located near Jalan Batu Pahat, Kluang in Johor for a visit. The park includes a restaurant, farm mart, flower nursery and a scenic 100-acre park mainly composed of greenhouse area and farms.

More detail on the park can be found below

http://www.zenxin.com.my/2009/

(Overall map of the organic park)

The farms include vegetable farm, dragonfruit farm and other tropical fruits like passion papapay, passion pineapples and passion fruits which are all organically grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We were guided around the park by the local tour guide of the park explaining to us about the park and the vegetables and fruits grow there.

(A short guided tour around the Organic Park)

(Cows & Goats found at the Organic Park)

The interesting part of the guided tour should be the introduction of the dragon fruit plant. We were told by the guide that the dragon fruit plant can grow till 100 years, but it can only produce dragon fruit for the first 35 years. In the Organic Park, I also took my chance to capture some nice scenery photoshots at the hut at the top of the Organic Park before leaving for our dinner.

(Dragon Fruit Plant)

(The Farm Mart @ Organic Park and the dragon fruits selling there)

(Other scenery at the Organic Park)

On the way for dinner, the coach driver stopped at a petrol station to fill up fuel. However to our surprise, The filled up the fuel with petrol instead of diesel !! : ( In the end, we wasted about 1.5hr just to drain off the petrol from the fuel tank and refilling it again with diesel before we can reach our destination for dinner... I think about 200 litres of petrol wasted !! After having our late dinner at the Senibong Village Seafood Restaurant, we left Malaysia and on our way back Singapore after a long day outing trip.

(Dinner @ Senibong Village Seafood Restaurant)

Overall it was a nice and fruitful outing trip for both me and my mum and we hope to go for another round of such trip again when the CC organized again.

SimpleRun

2010-06-20T23:30:00.002+08:00

(The nice SimpleRun race bib)

Yesterday, 19 June 2010, I attended the sgrunners 5th anniversary celebration with a very simple 4.9km run round the usual cross country route at Macritchie Reservoir. On the night before, I only arrived home around 2+am after a gathering and only got to sleep around 3am. In the end, I only slept for 2.5 hours before meeting JC at 6am to get to Macritchie Reservoir together… : (

Just a brief introduction to this SimpleRun. This is a unique run with a new concept concept where the winners is not determined based on the fastest runner but based on the smallest time difference between the estimated finish time given before the race and the actual finish time. On top of that, runners are not allowed to bring or wear any watches, GPS devices, MP3 players an handphones during the race so that they cannot keep track of the time during the run.

Official SimpleRun website

http://simplerun.net/

At the reporting booth, we collected our event singlet and number bib and wrote down our estimated finish time for the race. For me, I wrote an estimated finish time of 30min 30 sec as I thought of doing a normal run at first. Ha. Just before the race, the runners were gathered at 1 corner and briefed by sgrunners’ “Sotong” on the route and other points to take note of. A few group photos were also taken as a memory.

At about 8am, we gathered at the starting line and waiting to by flagged off. 1 interesting part of this run is that the runners have to start the race running upslope !! haha. A good try. Ha :D
When the runners were flagged off, everyone took their own sweet time to run, while those intend to challenge themselves were running faster at the front line. I was also one of them trying to keep up with the front runners and see how well I can do for a 4.9km run.

(Me running in the Macritchie trail in SimpleRun - Thanks to sgrunners' Kelly for taking these 2 nice photos. Cheers :D)

After running through the trail in the Macritchie Nature Reserve, the runners ran along Lornie Road and ran back to the Gathering point. JC was actually running fast and leading initially, however he slowed down at a bus stop along Lornie Road due to leg injury. Too bad, if not he can finish the race in the 1st position.

When I crossed the finishing line, a sgrunners helper handed me a nice strawberry cup cake as a token for every runners who finished the run. It was really a surprise indeed. Haha :D I completed the run with a timing of 26min 14 sec in the 16th position out of about 200 participants in the race. However the time difference was too much to qualify for the overall winning. Haha.

A surprise gift - Strawberry cup cake given to all runners who crossed the finishing line - very thoughtful of the sgrunners committee. ;)

After all the other runners have crossed the finishing line, everyone got to hydrate themselves with water or 100 plus provided. Following that, a simple buffet was also provided for the runners as a treat and lucky draw was also held after that. JC was lucky to win himself a MP3 porch with MP3 player. Haha.

(photo taken with JC and a new friend, WC after the run)

(Lucky draw and simple buffet)

Overall, the SimpleRun was really creative and interesting one. The waterpoints, marshallers and the event booth were well organized. It was a great job well done by the sgrunners committee. 3 Cheers to them. See you again in next year’s sgrunners’ anniversary event.

(A nice event Tee bought separately and photo with The Lonely Runner aka founder of sgrunner)

Upcoming "The New Paper Big Walk 2010"

2010-06-09T23:30:00.001+08:00

(Advertisement on TNP Big Walk 2010 from MyPaper, 8 Jun 2010)

Yesterday, I read on an advertisement inside MyPaper and learnt that The New Paper Big Walk is coming back again!! I have only participated in the Big Walk for 2 years in 2005 and 2006. If I did not remembered, I participated alone in Big Walk 2005 and later my friend, TN and KT joined me in the Big Walk 2006. During that time, Big Walk event was held at the National Stadium with both Competitive and Fun Category of 10km.

Below is my blog post on Big Walk 2006 that I participated. Wah. 4 years already. Looks so long back.

http://kiatsans.blogspot.com/2007/04/cancellation-of-big-walk-this-year.html

In year 2007, the big walk was cancelled due to the fact that the National Stadium will be demolished to make way for the new sports hub. However till now, the national stadium was not demolished yet due to many factors. After that in year 2008, the big walk was back again to celebrate the opening of the Marina Barrage with a limit of 20,000 participants. I actually missed the big walk for 2008 as I have another running event on the same day. My NTU classmates actually joined in the fun for Big Walk 2008

URL to the previous Big Walk 2008

http://bigwalkonwater.wordpress.com/

I intend to register for this year’s Big Walk event for have another round of healthy walk and exercise. A few of my friends are joining the event as well. Anyone interested to join in the fun too?? Ha :D

FYI on Big Walk 2010

Official URL:

http://www.newpaperbigwalk.sg/?p=518

Date & Time: 18 July 2010, Flag off at 7.30am

Distance: 5km walk

Start Point: The Singapore Flyer.

End Point: Newly-completed Marina Bay waterfront promenade

Participants: Limit to 20,000 participants

Event Tee: Very nicely designed Event Tee (Blue & Red)

Registration Dates: 12 & 13 June and 19 & 20 June 2010

Registration Fee: $10 per pax ($2 discount for showing the front page of TNP bought on registration dates

Registration Venue: Refer to official website for the venues.

Semakau Landfill Visit

2010-05-30T21:50:00.001+08:00

(A commemorative book on Semakau Landfill by NEA)

After completing my 21km race in the sundown marathon around 12+am with my colleague, AWC on 30May10, we shared a cab home to get some rest before carrying on with the Semakau Landill visit early in the morning at 5am. Actually I did not sleep at all after the race because it was already 3 am after I finished bathing and I need to leave home to walk to Yew Tee CC to board the coach to Marina South Pier with AWC & his wife. AWC actually invited me for this semakau landfill visit and I was quite interested since I have not been there before.

(Taking to Ferry from Marina South Pier to Semakau Landfill - View of the sunrise from the ferry)

A brief introduction of the Semakau Landfill

(Map of Semakau Landfill)

Before Semakau landfill started its operation, there were 2 islands, Pulau Sakeng and Pulau Semakau where kampong life used to be. The isolation of the 2 islands ended in 1990s when the government has a plan to merge both the islands together to form Semakau Landill which covers a area of 350 hectares to utilize the space for Singapore waste landfill and the construction started in 1995. FYI. Semakau Landfill is 8km south of Singapore.

The landfill was formed by enclosing the sea space between the 2 islands with a 7km perimeter rock bund and divided into 11 landfill cells and 1 large phase 2 cell which can serve up to year 2030+. Rubbishes are not dumped directly into the landfill cells but the waste are collected in Singapore Mainland and incinerated into ash and brought to the Tuas Marine Transfer Station (TMTS). From there, the ash and non-incinerable waste are loaded on the barges and transported to Semakau Landfill on a 3 hour, 30km journey by specially designed tugboat.

The ash and non-incinerable waste are then discharged into the landfill cells and compacted by bulldozers. After each cell has been filled, earth will be covered over it and grass and trees will take root by nature. Beside the landfill, there are also nature ecosystems at the western side of the Semakau landfill where thick mangrove forest and rich coral reefs can be found. This also gives another alternative for nature lovers for a visit to the island.

More information of Semakau Landfill can be found below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Semakau

http://www.nea.gov.sg/cms/wmd/SL%20Brochure.pdf

http://www.wildsingapore.com/places/semakau.htm

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/387313/1/.html

http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/nea/press_release/P-20090808-1

Coming back to my topic on the trip. After a 45minutes ferry journey, Our tour group of about 60 participants finally arrived at Semakau Landfill Vistor Centre. From there, we were split into 4 groups consisting of around 15 participants and each team was led by a guide. We were guided along the 2km route on a quiet runway towards the western part of the landfill (Pulau Semakau) to have the intertidal walk at the low tide to view the marine life, mangroves and rich coral reefs.

(Semakau Landfill Visitor Centre)

(Walking on the roadway - Seperating between the road are the landfill cells and the mangrove forest)

-Reached the entrance area to intertidal walk after a 2km walk from visitor centre
- Map of major ecosystems on Pulau Semakau

(Information boards before intertidal walk entrance area + walking through the forest to get to the shore)

The intertidal walk was a great one as we got a chance to walk on the intertidal reef flat and observe many interesting marine life, starfish, coral etc. The only problem that all of the participants need to face was to be receive sudden attacks for the “Ninja Mosquitoes” that was mentioned by the guides. : ( After the intertidal walk, we walked back to the main roadway to wash our legs with the large pails of rainwater provided before boarding a van back to the visitor centre. On the van, the guide explained to us about the brief function Semakau Landfill and what other recreational activities can be done on the island.

(Intertidal walk)

Top left to bottom right
- Brain Coral
- Thick Ping Sponge
- Anemones
- Crab

- Starfish. Not sure what is on the 2nd photo

- Tangled Sponge. Not sure what is on the 2nd photo

At the visitor centre, we were directed into a presentation room where a video on the waste management and how the Semakau landfill operates was presented to us. From the video, we got to know that The Semakau Landfill does not last forever as a dumping ground for our rubbish wastes and all the landfill cells were estimated to be occupied by the year 2030+. Therefore the government always urge to the public not to simply throw all rubbish, but to reduce, reuse and recycle our rubbish. Recycling Bins were located all round Singapore Mainland to collect certain rubbish such as paper, glass which can be recycled into new products.

After the video presentation at around 11+am, we waited for the ferry to arrive for our trip back to Singapore Mainland. Overall it was an eye opening trip for me to get to visit a landfill and to learn how the waste management works and have fun at the interesting intertidal walk as well. It was certainly a place worth for a visit to avoid the busy life in Singapore.

- Tugboat for solid waste barges
- Transfer Building at Semakau Landfill

(Inside the transfer building at Semakau Landfill -Photo taken in a van)

(Group Photo on the ferry during the trip back Singapore Mainland)

Company Sandwich Making Competition

2010-05-27T22:30:00.001+08:00

(Sandwich Making Competition - Creativity is all yours)

Today, a sandwich making competition was held in the company meeting rooms during the lunch period for the first time. There were a total of 10 teams from different department taking part in the competition. A subway sandwich lunch order were also made for all the other employee who were not participating in the competition.

Every team was given a $20 voucher before hand to purchase whatever stuff they need for the preparation of the sandwiches. Each team needs to come out with 5 identical sandwiches within a 30 minutes period which is more than enough time given.

As I am 1 of the REC club member this year, I was helping out in the event as time keeper for 3 teams and acting for part time photographer in the process. Haha. As the clock hit 12 noon, I announced the start of the competition for the 3 teams that I was responsible for. I also reminded the participants that plastic gloves should be wore at all time when preparing the sandwiches for hygiene purposes.

During the sandwich making process, I noticed some creativity ideas put into good use and design from the 3 teams that I was responsible were very attractive too. I observed teamwork from each team in making the nice sandwiches possible. Along the way, I took snapshots of the sandwiches making process and also the completed sandwiches. After the 3 teams completed their sandwiches, they brought their final product to another level to compete with other teams.

(Sandwich making in progress - That is where teamwork is needed)

(Some team photos)

A final tasting and judging were carried out by the higher managements for all the sandwiches prepared by the 10 teams. After some presentation and judging, the top 3 teams were announced and cash vouchers of different amount were presented to the winning teams. Subway Sandwich lunch were also distributed to the other company employee for this event.

(All sandwiches from the 10 teams + Final judging)

(1st Position)

(2nd position)

(3rd Position)

FYI. The judging criteria for this competition were based on a few factors as listed below.

Teamwork
Taste
Hygiene & Cleanliness
Creativity
Overall Presentation

Overall the new concept of having this sandwich making competition in the office during lunch time was an interesting one and it was considered a successful first major event for the REC club, except for some confusion in the distribution of the subway sandwich lunch which needs to be look going and improved in future events.

(Sandwiches from other teams)

National Vertical Marathon 2010

2010-05-23T22:30:00.003+08:00

(View of One Raffles Place & Group photo at Event Board)

(NVM2010 postcard and handbook)

It is my 6th consecutive year taking part in the NTU National Vertical Marathon this year.

This year’s race was interesting as I have WR and JC who joined their vertical marathon for the first time and the building that we are conquering is changed to One Raffles Place (formerly known as OUB Centre) standing at 63 storey with a height of 282m and a rooftop garden. The other interesting thing is I was scheduled to be Detail 1 for the race. haha.

In the early morning on 23May10, I took the first train at 6.03am to Raffles Place via Jurong East station to report for my race with WR who is in Detail 3 instead. As I was scheduled to Detail1, I have to report at 6.30am to 6.45am as my race starts around 7+am. This year, I was not able to be grouped in the same detail with KT and WR as NTU has implemented a new system for detailing and for time tracking. Nevertheless, I was still looking forward to my race.

(Registration booth to collect Number Bib)

(Event Board + a staircase sample)

After reporting, the first few details were gathered at the holding area waiting for briefing and for the race to start. The time round, participants were not allowed to bring any photo capturing device up to the rooftop due to some media rights from OUBC.

After we deposited our belongings at the baggage counter, we moved to the starting point and waited to be flagged off. While waiting at the starting point, I was a bit excited because I have not been scheduled to race vertical marathon in Detail 1 before and it is my first time. This time round, both Men’s and Woman’s Open Category were flagged off at the same timing but climbing 2 different staircases.

(Starting Point)

In my detail 1, there were 4 participants which include me. Most of them are either same age as me, older than me or younger. When our Detail 1 was flagged off, the Male runners climbed the staircase on the left side while the Female runners did it on the right one.

I took a normal pace of climbing up the staircase 2 steps at a time and was leading in front. As I climbed, I told myself since I was already assigned to Detail 1 and was leading, I should do my best to pull the distance apart between me and the runners behind while the oxygen level in the staircase was still fresh. Along the way, the volunteers gave me support by cheering me on to push it further.

After some climb, I finally managed to reach the 63th storey but need to climb another flight of staircase to reach the rooftop. At the last steps of the staircase, I saw lights and many volunteers standing at the finishing line. I speed up a bit and ran to the finishing line with 2 thumbs up as I crossed the finishing line. I was feeling really great as I was probably the first participant of NVM2010 to step onto the new rooftop garden of this building. Hehe :D I finished with a timing of 14:07 min. Although it was not a fast timing compared to others, but I was glad that I was the first participant to reach the top.

I rested for a while, hydrated myself and collected the finisher medal that NTU first introduced in NVM. Really cool. After resting, I walked around to look at the 360 degree panoramic view of the Singapore city from the 64th storey roof and the view was really excellent. Too bad participants were not allowed to bring camera up the roof for phototaking, except the official photographers.

In the process, I also waited for WR to finish his climb up from his Detail 3 and congratulated him for completing his first vertical marathon. Both of us rested a while, walked around the rooftop garden before having a photo shot together by the official photographer. Too bad KT was not able to join us since he was scheduled to climb in a later detail. After that WR and I took a lift down another level to collect our finisher certificate and followed by another lift all the way down to the ground level !!

(Finisher Photo with WR after the race at the Rooftop Garden. I like this photo very much. Thanks to the official photographer)

(Finisher Photos waiting for participants' collection)

At the ground level, I saw KT and JC and wished them all the best for their climb up and waited for them to finish their race and to take photographs together for some memories. During the wait, WR and I collected our goodie bags and the hardcopy finisher photo that we took at the rooftop. I also took photos of the few NTU side event game stations that were located around the Raffles Place Park. After taking more group photos with WR, KT and JC, I proceed to Raffles City to have lunch and collect the Sundown Marathon Race pack together.

(Side event games)

(Group Photos)

Overall, the NVM 2010 was really a successful one. The Event Tee, finisher photographs, finisher medal and certificate were nice designed. No forgetting that almost everything were well planned and prepared, except for some lack of helper at the starting point to direct the runners to the staircase. 3 Thumbs up for the NVM2010 committee. :D
See you at the Top again in NVM2011

(Nice Event T-shirt + Finisher medal issued for the 1st time in NVM)

(Previous years NVM collar pins from 2005 to 2009)

Video of NVM2010

Video of Post Run interview with NVM1998-2010: Gino Ng

Vertical Climb & Visit to The Pinnacle at Duxton

2010-05-16T22:25:00.003+08:00

(At the entrance of The Pinnacle & the steps up)

(View of the towers from outside)

Today, I visited the 50th storey sky garden with my classmate, WR at The Pinnacle @ Duxton. It is not a normal visit by just taking the lift up to the 50 storey sky garden, but we had a 50 storey vertical climb up for the visit. Haha. We were doing it as a form a training for the upcoming National Vertical Marathon (NVM) that we are participating on next Sunday, 23 May 2010.

As a brief introduction, The Pinnacle @ Duxton is an ironic HDB project which set apart from the usual HDB project as it is the first 50 storey (156m in ht) high rise HDB flat in Singapore consisting of 7 Towers with steel sky bridges linking all towers at 26th and 50th storey that offer the panoramic view of Singapore city area. It was built along Cantonment Road at the site where the first 10 storey HDB rental flats used to be. The construction started in April 2005 and was completed in Dec 2009 and the total project cost is S$279 million.

More information can be found in the links below.

http://www.pinnacleduxton.com.sg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pinnacle@Duxton

http://www.h88.com.sg/article/Architecture+Feature+-+The+Pinnacle@Duxton/

My other blog post on Pinnacle earlier on

http://kiatsans.blogspot.com/2009/05/pinnacle-at-duxton-2-world-records.html

(Architectural design competition of this project)

We met at 11+am at Outram Park MRT Station, brought a drink and walk to The Pinnacle @ Duxton along Cantonment Road. We took some photos outside and proceeded to Tower 1G Level 1 (At the end of the question mark - you should know the 7 towers form a "question mark") to make a $5 payment at the using our EZ link card for the visit to the 50th storey sty garden and bridges.

(Kiosk for making the $5 payment at Tower 1G Level 1 using EZ link card before proceeding to 50th sty sky bridge)

Instead of having the fast way of taking the lift up to 50th storey, we climb up the staircase starting from Level 1 till 50th storey. Some people reading this article may think that we are crazy, but they are actually doing some training for the NVM next Sunday.

During the climb up, I noticed that each flight of stair is quite short and there were not much obstacles in front of us except for 1 bicycle and 1 abandoned cardboard. In addition to that, the oxygen level is still high as there are only the 2 of us doing the climb up. In the end, we reached 50th storey in around 7 minutes. It is considered as normal timing for us as elite runners may probably do it in 3 to 4 minutes as they run up the stair.

(Photo taking at 50th sty sky garden after the climb up. haha)

After we reached 50th storey, we rested for a while and hydrated ourselves with H-TWO-O drink which we bought before the climb. After some rest, we tapped our EZ-link card at the gantry to proceed inside the sky garden and sky bridges. The scenery up there was nice and we walked around to all the 7 blocks via the sky bridges and took some photos along the way. Too bad when we were up at the sky garden, it was around noon time and there was no wind at all, so it was quite hot. :(

(Opening hours of the 50th sty sky garden & sky bridge)

(View at the 50th sty sky garden & sky bridge)

After about 30 minutes of walking and photo shots, we left the 50th storey sky garden and asked the security guide outside the gantry whether we were allowed to visit the 26th storey sky bridges as well, but we were told that it is only accessible for the residents living there as it serves as a refuge floor to evacuate residents during a fire emergency

While we were waiting for the lift down to the tower, we noticed a signboard listing all the “No No No” rules at the sky garden. Take a look yourself. Haha. After leaving Pinnacle, we proceeded to Maxwell Food Centre to have our lunch before going back home.

(All the "No No No" rules at the sky gardens and sky bridges. haha :D)

(View of Tower 1E, 1F and 1G)

(Panoramic view of the city from 50th storey sky garden & sky bridge)

Run Round Singapore 2010 Appreciation Reception

2010-05-12T23:45:00.002+08:00

(Display board & reception counter)

Tonight, I attended the RRS2010 appreciation reception held at the NTU executive centre auditorium. The main purpose of this event is to celebrate the success of the RRS2010 as well as to present plaques and certificates of appreciation to the core runners and their support runners.

(RRS2010 video DVD given to guests at the reception counter)

I arrived at the venue around 6.35pm and collected the RRS2010 video DVD at the reception which was specially prepared for the guests. Before entering the auditorium, I took some photos outside the auditorium and read on the articles of the RRS2010 that were displayed there. At around 7+pm, most of the guests entered the auditorium and we watched the recorded video of the RRS2010 that was held on the 27 & 28 March 2010.

(Article Displays on RRS2010)

After the video, there was a welcome speech by the Chairman of RRS2010, Mr Soon, followed by another speech from NTU president, Dr Su. After that, Dr Su presented the plaques and certificates of appreciation to the core runners and their support runners.

(Plaques & Certificate + the presentation)

Following that, all the guests proceed to the area outside the auditorium to have the buffet style dinner and interact with one another during this period time. I took my share of the food and chatted with the core runner, Mr Teng who I have supported during his run on RRS2010. It was really a enjoyable night at NTU. Let us hope there is another run coming again 5 years time down the road in RRS2015. Cheers.

(Food for the guests. Looks delicious :D)

(Dinner & Interaction)

(Photo taken with the core runner, Mr Teng who I supported in RRS2010 & his other support runner)

F1 Sports EQ Nature Run 2010

2010-04-25T17:30:00.004+08:00

- Starting Line - I am late for the run!! - No runners gathering there
- Drinks booth @ holding area

This morning, I participated in the 15km run in a new running event “F1 Sports EQ Nature Run 2010” at MacRitchie Reservoir where the competitive category is only opened to Singaporeans & PR while the foreigners can only participated in the fun run category.

I was supposed to meet my junior “JC” at CCK MRT control station at 6.30am to go MacRitchie Reservoir for the run together. However JC actually overslept and did not meet me. I tried to call him a few time to wake him up but failed. A total of 29 missed calls were made by me accordingly to JC who eventually woke up at 7+am. Haha. I was already on the train by that time and I alighted at Bishan station and transferred to the new Circle Line and alighted at MaryMount. It was also my first line taking the new circle line train. From Marymount, I transferred another bus to MacRitchie Reservoir. I was about 5 minutes late from the flag off time when I reached MacRitchie.

It has been quite some time since my last visit to MacRitchie. A lot of things have changed over there. The old carpark has been converted to a nice holding area with toilets and shower facilities. There is also a mutli storey carpark added to the park that allows visitors to park their cars easily.

I deposited my bag and started my race at the starting line. I cannot see any group of runners there, except for 2 to 3 late comers like that running in front. I was running at my normal pace and finally managed to catch up with some slower runners in the forest trail. I continued running and finally reached the first water point near to the road where it will lead to the TreeTop walk route.

(At first waterpoint with NPCC girls preparing the Pokka Sports Drinks for the runners)

After that water point, I continued to run and see if I can still catch up with some more runners in front. After running for a distance, we have to clear a few obstacles to bypass some waterpipes and climbing up 1 upslope and running from that upslope to get to the second water point. At the second water point, I resting a while, drunk the Pokka Sports Drink and took some photos of the monkey drinking the leftover Sports Drink that the participants left behind. The Monkeys really enjoy the drinks very much !! Haha Look at the photos below and you will know. : D

(Obstacles clearing, running down the slope & running in the trail)

(3 buddies helping each other up the slope)

(Monkey @ 2nd water point)

(OMG - The Monkey likes the leftover Pokka Sports Drinks so much. Look at the monkey's face and see how it is enjoying it. :D - I like this photo. haha)

From there, we ran in the forest trail again and to the Golf range area and to the boardwalk and after that running in the cross country forest route (in the opposite direction). I took me around 1 hr 40 min to cross the finishing line of the 15km race.

(Running in the open wild)

After the race, I finally saw JC who came to collect his goodie bag and wait for the lucky draw. I chatted with him and in the process got to know a few new friends. During the lucky draw period, I went to wash my face and I suddenly heard my Bib number been called up for the lucky draw, I quickly carried my stuff and ran to the stage with my slippers. Before I reached there, my number was counted 3 times and became invalid. When I finally reached the stage base, I raised my hand and the organizer realized that I was the last number that he counted and allowed me to have the prize. Lucky. Haha. In the process, I won a thermal wonder cooker for my lucky draw and I was also my first time winning in a lucky draw in running event. Haha.

(Prize presentation stage)

(Trophies for top few runners)

Overall, I enjoyed the event running in the forest trail as it was not hot as most of the sunlight was blocked by the thick vegetation and I was quite happy I won in the lucky draw. Anyway, I will give the thermal cooker to my mum instead. Ha :D

- First time I won in lucky draw in the running event (Won a Thermal wonder cooker)
- Photo with JC who overslept & missed the run but came to collect goodie bag

Official Opening of Helix Bridge, Bayfront Bridge & Youth Olympic Park

2010-04-24T23:50:00.003+08:00

(Nice night lighting of the new "Helix Bridge")

(Event Balloon & banner showing the way to the new bridge & Youth Olympic Park)

Tonight, I went to witness the official opening of the Helix Bridge, Bayfront Bridge and the Youth Olympic Park at Marina Bay near the Floating Platform. The opening ceremony was held by guest National Development Minister, Mah Bow Tan and he also announced the name of the new landmark pedestrian and vehicular bridges at Marina Bay as “The Helix” and Bayfront Bridge.

(Photos taken at the Youth Olympic Park)

There was a 2 minutes firework to celebrate the opening of the bridges which eventually link Marina Centre to the new Marina IR which will be opening on 27 April 2010 for phase 1. The VIPs were given the priority to walk on the new helix bridge, while the public members were allowed to walk on the bridge only from 9.30pm onwards. The vehicular, Bayfront Bridge will be opened for vehicles from 25 April 2010 at 3pm onwards.

(Some performances at the extrance of Helix Bridge)

I was there to take some night scene photographs of the new Helix Bridge and to have a walk on the new bridge. However the Helix bridge was only opened till the midspan of the bridge as the Marina IR was not official opened to the public yet, so there was no point allowing the public to cross over to the other side of the bridge.

Brief information of the “The Helix” bridge

The idea of building this 280m long helical structure bridge was first announce in 2006 and it took around 2 years for the completion. This bridge is also the world’s first curved “Double Helix” pedestrian bridge to be constructed and it will form part of the 3.5km continuous waterfront promenade around Marina Bay and provide a direct link between Marina Centre and the Marina IR at the Bayfront area.

The total cost of the 3 added features is about $82.9 million and the project was led by award winning architect Prof Philip Cox, a consultant team, consisting COX Group Pte Ltd (Australia), Singapore based Architects 61 and Structural Engineer consultancy from RUP Pte Ltd (Australia).

The main structure of the bridge comprising of steel tubes which forms the minor and major helix that spiral in opposite direction and is held together by a series of connecting struts to form the tubular structure. The members were assembled with great precision with special stainless steel to withstand corrosion affected by frequent raining in Singapore.

- A huge crowd on the bridge after the opening
- Part of the Helix bridge was still fenced up as Marina IR phase 1 will only be opened on 27 Apr 10

(Photos taken on the Helix Bridge)

(Closeup of the steel tubes and joints that form the helix Bridge)

More information on the bridge can be found below

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Helix_Bridge

News

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1052344/1/.html

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1051585/1/.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_517707.html

http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/play/worlds-first-curved-double-helix-bridge-marina-bay-505668

Earlier concept of the bridge

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=326320

http://www.marina-bay.sg/highlights_new_bridge.html

http://www.marina-bay.sg/highlights_new_bridge_details.html

Video for the fireworks at the new “The Helix” Bridge (Recorded by others)

Visit to Sembawang Park

2010-04-18T22:00:00.003+08:00

(Entrance of Sembawang Park & Map of the Park)

(View of Dawn at Sembawang Park beach when we arrived there)

This Sunday morning, I accompanied my mum to have a morning walk at the Sembawang Park organized by our area RC committee. We board the coach at around 7.05 am which only consists of 20+ person. Haha. We reached there at 7.45am and took a group photo before visiting the park. The fee for the sembawang park outing is $2 and is refundable after the visit. This is my second time to this park, while my first time there was few years back when my poly friend drove me there.

This park is 15 ha in size and is located at the northern Singaporean facing the Johor Straits with unique distinct “1” blue dice design located in many parts of the park. I think it can be called a mini “East Coast Park to the north”. BBQ pits can also be found in the park near the beach for friends and family’s gathering and there are also proper footpaths for joggers to enjoy their morning jog too.

(View of Johor Strait from the Beach)

(View of the Park, Shelter and Playground)

Other than that, the park also has interesting links to the naval history of Singapore; the Beaulieu House which was once the seaside house of a David’s family probably built around 1910 and is now a popular restaurant and the Sembawang jetty where you can see people going there for fishing. On the left of the jetty is the Sembawang Shipyard which was once a British Naval Base from 1938 to 1968.

(View of the Jetty & Beach)

(Beaulieu House on top of the stair)

It is quite a nice park for a visit and it can be accessible by bus 882 from bus interchange at Sembawang MRT station at a frequency of 20 minutes or by private vehicles since carparks are available at both entrances of Sembawang Road and Tuah Road.

More information on Sembawang Park

http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=32&Itemid=73

Other blogger’s blogpost on Sembawang Park

http://yesterday.sg/2008/12/sembawang_park_the_east_coast_park_in_the_north/

Website on Beaulieu House resturant

http://www.beaulieuhouse.com.sg/

(Trees found in the Park)

Starhub Urban Freestyle 2010

2010-04-11T21:54:00.013+08:00

(Event Handbook)

On 10 April 2010, I participated in another run but this run is bit a different from the other usual run that I have participated sop far. This run is called “Starhub Urban Freestyle Run” which consists of running 6.5km in the city area including clearing 9 obstacles along the route.

(Description of the 9 obstacles)

KT joined me for this run and as we arrived at the starting late, so we can only start our race at the later details. When we were waiting at the race holding area, everywhere at the padang field was very muddy and most likely it was due to the rain earlier on. I think the track shoes for all participants were dirty due to the muddy ground… :(

(Photo taken before the race at the holding area)

(Details waiting at the Starting Point)

We started our race running towards obstacle 1 where we need to jump over a wooden wall barricade which was not well secured to the ground. The other 2 task at this obstacle was to crawl through a 3m long tunnel, followed by balancing ourselves by walking on the dead log to cross the swamp. At obstacle 2, each participant was separated in different group according to the logo found at the back of their Event Tee and 1 participant was given a Styrofoam cube, while the rest of the participants need to stick their logo sticker given by the helpers on the cube to complete the task.

(Obstacle #1 - Tunnel & walking on the dead log across the swamp pond)

(Obstacle #2 - Gathering 6 puzzle pieces and paste on the Styrofoam cube)

After running a distance to obstacle 3 near the Singapore Flyer, most of the participants waited quite a while to try out the 1.5m high low wall. There was a long queue over there and we waited for around 10 to 20 minutes or so to have a try of the low wall. It was like going back to the army SOC (Standard Obstacle Course) days again. Haha

(Obstacle #3 - Climbing over the 1.5m ht low wall)

The next stop was running though the 8m wide giant 7-UP Revive drink can tunnel with refreshing vapour inside. At this point, I saw a group of young girls running dashing towards the tunnel and I took a snapshot on them. Passing through the tunnel, each of them received a 7-UP Revive drink after we exited from the tunnel. Following that, we cleared some obstacles of “HBO warzone” jumping over sandbags and passing through s shape of soldier cutouts on a “war damage wall”.

(A group of young girls dashing towards obstacle #4 - 7-UP Revive drink can tunnel)

(Obstacle #5 - clearing the HBO warzone)

Our next obstacle was actually climbing up a small scale adidas Original Superstar shoe, into the insole and out of the heel, but this action was withdraw due to some safety issues. In the end, we only took some photos with the shoe. Haha. Next, we jogged some distance to One Fullerton where we posed ourselves at 1 of the 3 spotlights “Glee on Star World, Simpsons on Fox or the X-Men Origins: Wolverine on Star Movies” to have our photographs taken by the helpers. There was a long queue at the Simpsons's corner, so we chose the X-Men one.

(Obstacle #6 - Photoshot at the adidas Original Superstar shoe)

(Obstacle #7 - Posing at the X-Men Origins spotlight)

After the photo shots, we ran to the Obstacle 8 where we got to climb up 1 of the 2 Starhub urban Freestyle cars and have our photographs taken there again. Seldom do we get a chance to climb up a car and standing on top of the car. I also noticed the car plate number was dropped off from the Starhub urban Freestyle and the windscreens were damaged too.

(Obstacle #8 - Clearing the 2 Starhub Urban Freestyle car barrier. Notice the car plate was dropped off from the 2nd photo. ha)

Finally we ran to our final obstacle where we should be initially sliding through the 10m long waterslide, but we chose not to do that as the water and slide was actually very muddy that was caused by the earlier participants. That was how they managed to clear the 6.5km run with 9 obstacles. haha.

(Obstacle #9 (Final) - sliding through the 10m long waterslide to reach the final line)

Overall, it was an interesting run and we had some fun, but I hope the organizer can improve the safety of the obstacles and came up with other challenging obstacles for future event if any. More information on the event can be found in the link below.

http://www.urbanfreestyle.sg/run

218km Run Round Singapore 2010 (Day2) – 28 Mar 10

2010-03-29T23:55:00.002+08:00

(RRS2010 Banner & Balloon at NTU Sports & Recreation Centre)

(RRS2010 Banner & End Point Stage)

On day 2 of RRS2010, I prepared myself in the late morning and left home early to NTU sports and recreation centre at around 2+pm to get ready for my pacer role and to witness the winner crossing the finishing line for this great 218km ultra marathon run organized by NTU. This is my 2nd time acting as a pacer for the core runner and I was doing that in RRS2005 about 4+ years ago.

http://kiatsans.blogspot.com/2007/06/8-key-runners-of-run-round-singapore.html

While I was waiting for KT to join me for the pacer role in the last 10km of the run, the MC announced at around 3.50pm that the first core runner, Mr. Yong Yuen Cheng is on his way to the finishing line in approximately10 minutes time.

We waited for a while to finally witness the wonderful moment of Mr Yong to finish the finishing line with a amazing time of 31 hour 28min 51 sec to help Singapore set a record in the Singapore Book of Record. It was a pleasure seeing someone completes such a long distance endurance run without any sleep at all. An great achievement obtained.

(Overall winner, Mr Yong crossing the finishing line of 218km run with a timing of 31hr 28min 51 sec)

(Mr Yong raising his right hand for his victory)

After 15 minutes or so, I received a call from the RRS2010 organizer notifying me that the core runner, Mr Teng Teck Hou that I was scheduled to pace was on his way to the station that I was supposed to start pacing him. From them, KT and I left the NTU sports and recreation centre and took a bus down to boon lay and transferring another bus to reach station #65 at Jurong East Sports Complex.

(Relay Runners gathering at Station #65 (Jurong East Sports Complex), waiting for their relay to start)

We waited there till around 6+pm before we finally saw the core runner, Mr Teng and his other pacers coming to station #65 strong. From there we joined in the pacing role back to NTU sports & recreation centre which covers about the last 10km of the 218km run. During the pacing process, I was quite impressed that Mr Teng was still at his highest spirit and even running at a fast speed even though he had been running non-stop for the past 30+ hours or so.

For the last few stations, the other pacers, KT and I were pacing Mr Teng closely and most of the time, we were running on the road and the cisco police helped us to stop the traffic so that we were able to continue running without stopping. We took turns to supply Mr Teng with water, snickers, showering him with water during the run so as to keep him hydrate and carry on with the run.

At the last stretch near the rear entrance of NTU, we saw the 4th position core runner, Mr Lim Nghee Huat and his pacers. It was at this time, Mr Teng started to ramp up his gear to level 5, sprinting his way to chase Mr Nghee Huat (56, overall runner in RRS2005) in front and to end his race. In the end, Mr Lim still managed to maintain his 4th position while Mr Teng obtained the 5th position with just 1 minute behind Mr Lim. It was really a close challenge and you cannot imagine someone would really go all his way to chase the runner in front after running for so long in a Ultra marathon even though it was not a competitive race. Overall, 5 out of the 9 core runners completed the full 218km run while 4 core runners dropped out at earlier stations but they ran on average 120+ km or so.

(5th position finisher - Mr Teng after his long endurance 218km run)

After the run, KT and I rested for a while before going around the ending point carnivals to buy drinks and witness others queuing up for some fun for some game booths. After that KT left early to other appointment, while I stayed back to witness the stage performance and closing ceremony for RRS2010. During the closing ceremony, acknowledgement was given to all parties who helped out and all 9 core runners were called up the stage to receive their token. The overall winner, Mr Yong was not feeling very well at that time and he was pushed up to the stage in a wheelchair.

(Game Booths outside NTU sports & recreation centre)

(Performances)

(Closing Ceremony)

In this RRS2010, the runners helped to set 3 new records for Singapore in the Singapore Book of Record which includes of:

Longest Ultra-Marathon completed in Singapore (218km, 68 relay stations, 9030 participants)

Fastest 218-km Ultra-Marathon Runner (Male) – Mr Yong Yuen Cheng / 31hr 28min 51sec

Longest Ultra-Marathon Runner (Female) – Ms Yong Yean Pin Adeline (129.3km)

(Receiving the 3 Singapore Books of Record set for RRS2010)

The other finishing timing for the 5 core runners who completed the full 218km are as follows:

1. Yong Yuen Chen – 31hr 28min 51sec

2. Chua Kok Chiow – 32hr 32min 05sec

3. Melvin Lee - 33hr 10min 35sec

4. Lim Nghee Huat – 34hr 35min 39sec

5. Teng Teck Hou – 34hr 36min 32 sec

(Final tracking position & result of all nine 218km core runners)

Anyway, it was great pacing a core runner who has very high spirit going all out just to achieve what he wants. It gave a message to all not to give up easily in whatever thing you do and if you preserve, you can overcome any ultimate challenge yourself. Let's hope there will be another such running event organized by NTU again in 5 years time to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

More information of RRS2010 can be obtained in the link below

http://runroundsingapore.ntu.edu.sg/

Below are 2 newspaper articles on RRS2010 extracted from The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2010

218km Run Round Singapore 2010 (Day1) – 27 Mar 10

2010-03-28T11:12:00.012+08:00

(RRS2010 Display & Balloon)

The Run Round Singapore is back again for the second time and the distance is even longer than it’s debut (168km in year 2005) which covers a total distance of 218km around Singapore (Total 68 stations) that is approximately 5 x marathon distance and targeted to be completed under 36 hours to set a new records in the Singapore Book of Records. This event is also a major event to celebrate NTU’s 55th anniversary.

(The 9 main core runners for RRS2010 at the assemblying point)

(Mr Lim Nghee Huat and Mr Teng Teck Hou)

On the 27 March Morning, I woke up early at 6.30am, prepared myself and on my way to NTU heritage centre for the opening ceremony and flag off for the race at 8.30am. When I reached there at around 8am, there was already a large crowd over there and NTU president Dr Su Guaning was giving the opening speech and introducing the 9 main core runners running the full 218km run. Dr Su-Guaning also hand over the symbolic baton to the overall winner in RRS2005, Mr Lim Nghee Huat to start the race for this year.

(NTU Chinese Heritage Centre & Dance Performance before the run)

(Group Photos of the core main runners with organiser before the run)

(Handing over of symbolic baton from Dr Su to Mr Lim Nghee Huat)

At 8.30am, Dr Su flagged off the core runners with their pacers and the other participants to start the ultimate run for NTU and all runners started the run happily. I also joined in the fun to have a feel of the run in the start off with the runners, even though my actual pacer role is on 28 Mar 10 afternoon. From the start point, I accompanied 1 of the main core runner for a few stations and then I slowed down and take my time to jog and walk. Along the long stretch of Lim Chu Kang Road was the worst as it was really hot during the morning at 9+am without any shelters.

(At the starting point with large crowd)

(Main Core runners with pacers at Starting point and Dr Su preparing for the flag off for the race)

From NTU starting point, I ran and walked a total of 25.4km distance to Station #8 at CCK where I returned home from there for some rest to prepare the run again on 28 Mar 10 afternoon.

(RRS2010 banners tied to the lampposts all around Singapore as the indicator of the running route)

- RRS2010 coach for fetching relay particpants to their previous starting station

- Flag off of Relay Run at Station #8 at CCK

By the time, I update this blog post, there were already 3 runners dropped off from the run, while the first runner leading the race is Mr Yong Yuen Cheng (1st runner up in RRS2005) at station 59 and is approximately 3+ hours ahead of schedule time while the overall runner, Mr Lim Nghee Huat is currently at 4th position. However it is hard to predict anything now as anything can happen or the runners behind may catch up with him along the way. Let us just see the outcome later in the evening.

(Asia Track of the position of RRS2010 core runners - Taken on 28 Mar 10 at 11.56am)

Run350 (Ubin Run)

2010-03-21T21:50:00.003+08:00

(Photo taken at the jetty)

(Run Survival Kit and Running Route)

(At the Starting Point)

It has been 1 month since I last update my blog post. This time round, I participated in a 10km run at Pulau Ubin organized by the Young NTUC yesterday. It is my first running event for year 2010 and also my first time running at Pulau Ubin instead of cycling there which most of us normally do. This run aims to raise awareness to the public on global 350 movement and the level of Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere which should be kept below 350 parts per million (ppm) which it now exceeding with a value of 387ppm. With this event, it intends to help by raising enough money to plant 350 new trees to do a part for our earth. More information can be found below

http://www.run350.sg/

When I woke up in the morning at 8+am, it started to rain and I was worried that the afternoon Run350 event will be cancelled due to the rain which I was looking for that run. I left home early in the morning to collect the Run Round Singapore T-shirt at NTU before I headed all the way to the east side for the Run350.

When I reached Changi V around 2pm, I was walking at the Hawker Centre to get some soya bean drink before boarding the bumboat and I was surprised to see my company IT colleague at the hawker centre and taking part in the run too. In the end, we board the bumboat together to Ubin for the run.

When we reached ubin, the weather condition improved slightly and it was just drizzling and lucky for us, the run can still be continued. We gathered near the Basketball court area to wait for the run to begin. As it is a charity run and not a competitive race, that is why only about 1000 participants took part in this event and no elite runners join in the fun. Haha.

Our 10km category, the run was flagged off by our MP, Mr Lim Swee Say at 3.50pm which was match with the event name. haha. The 5km category was flagged off at 4.50pm instead. Just before the race started, the MC mentioned this is a run and not a race and advise us to be careful on the slippery surface so everyone took our time to run and enjoy the scenery at ubin. During the run, I stopped a few times for some snapshots and continued with the run.

After the run, I stayed for a while to take some photography before I head back to Singapore mainland by the bumboat. Overall it was one interesting and fun run and it was really lucky that we are only having light drizzling during the race. This run also helps me to prepare for the upcoming Run Round Singapore Run next Saturday and Sunday.

(Participants gathering and banners on some environmental knowledge)

(Running in the rural area)

(Attap House and Scenery taken during the run)

(Finishing Point)

(Flowers, Papaya and Trees)

(Some other nice wall paintings outside the attap house which I missed out during my previous visits at Ubin)

(1 lonely abandoned Boat that I saw before I left ubin)

Visit to Lights of Spring 2010 (千灯迎春)

2010-02-21T18:20:00.001+08:00

(Photo with 财神爷 and Banners of the event)

(Entrance to Lights of Springs and Map)

Last evening I visited the Lights of Spring at Imbiah of Sentosa which is quite near to the newly constructed Resorts World Singapore. This free event is held from 13 Feb to 21 Feb 2010 from 7pm to 10.30.pm and tonight is actually is the last day.

The main attractions of this event are the light displays decorations including the 12 zodiac characters and the colourful Merlion created by light projection. They are divided into 7 sectors called Happy Tiger Family, Fluidity Pond, Togetherness, Tress of Life, Language of Love, Bells of Prosperity and Rings of Enchantment. Each sector has their own unique design to attract the visitors.

When I was there, I saw quite a number of visitors gathering at the venue snapping photographs or having a good time at the venue. I wondered around snapping photographs of the lighting displays until around 10pm before I took a short walk to the newly constructed Resorts World Singapore for a visit. At the Resorts World, I happened to see my secondary Chinese teacher 萧老师. I chatted with her for a short while and continue my walk to the entrance of the Casino for a look.I left Sentosa around 11pm by the monorail back to Vivocity.

More information on the Lights of Spring 2010 can be found below

http://www.sentosa.com.sg/lights

Trees of Life

- A tree of life represents the cycle of rebirth. Several Wish Charms were hanged on the trees at the venue (Each wish charm cost $2)

Togetherness

- The 2 interlocking circles of lights represent Togetherness and Eternal Unity and its shape of "8" symbolises good fortune in chinese culture.

Language of Love

- Beautiful Victorian garden pavilion for Lovebirds.

Bells of Prosperity

- Hanging floral bouquets with bells symbolise Prosperity, Abundance and Good Fortune.

Ring of Enchantment

- The 10 rings represent the popular wishes for Happiness, Health, Abundance, Love, Harmony, Togetherness, Wealth, Longevity, Knowledge and Peace.

(Other Displays)

(colourful Pillars)

(Colourful Merlion - created by Light projection)

CNY2010 - Day 4 (Visit to Ancient Egypt Exhibition)

2010-02-17T23:50:00.001+08:00

(Photo taken just outside the exhibition hall)

On Day 4 of CNY, I visited the exhibition on “Quest For Immortality – The World of Ancient Egypt” at the National Museum of Singapore (NMS). The original entry fee is $15 for adult but it is $8.50 for a mastercard holder. The exhibition will be showcase in NMS from 22 Dec 09 to 4 Apr 10 (10am to 6pm).

This exhibition was an interesting and educational one as it showcases several artifacts that were present in the Ancient Egypt. We can learn about their writing system, means of measurement, games, ancient Egyptian's attitude to life and the afterlife, their invention, the art and architecture. We can also get to see the sphinxes, mummies and their coffins and a small model of the Great Pyramid in Giza.

From the exhibition, I get to know that Ancient Egypt was civilization in eastern North Africa (beginning around 3150 BC) which is concentrated along the lower reaches of Nile River which is now the modern nation of Egypt.

For those of you who are interested to visit this exhibition, you can visit the website below for more information

http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/nms/nms_html/nms_content_6c.asp?content_template=4&content_id=23&tab_id=23&cine_id=2360&fest_id=0

Other relevant websites on Ancient Egypt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt

http://www.ancient-egypt.org/

http://www.eyelid.co.uk/

http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk

(The writing system and the means of measurement)

(Games)

#1 - A sphinxes (a lion's body & a king's head)

#2 - Colossal Head of a King

(A model of the Great Pyramid at Giza)

(Wall illustration)

(Other Displays)

(Coffin Lid & Interior of outer coffin)

(Closeup)

(A mummy sample and X-ray of Mummy)

CNY2010 - Day3 (Visit to Orchard Central)

2010-02-16T23:55:00.004+08:00

#1 - Photo taken at Level 1 of OC with CNY decoration

#2 - Photo taken inside the Mussel Guys cafe - Oh. Did you notice how my Polo Tee blend in with the wall painting !! haha - Same colour tone)

I did not do anything much on Day 2 of CNY, but accompanied my mum to visit 1 of your friend at NUH who fell down at her house just before having the reunion dinner. It is really unlucky for such an incident for my mum’s friend just before CNY started... : (

In the afternoon of CNY Day 3, I met up with 3 NTU classmates and 1 of them just came back to Singapore for 2 weeks holiday. We have some window shopping in the Orchard Central (OC) and we also visited the roof garden at Level 11 and 12 which was completed later after the opening of the building. The other time when I visited Orchard Central, the roof garden was still not ready yet. At the roof garden, there are also 4 restaurants located there for visitors who intend to have their meal there.

(Roof garden at OC)

After the roof garden visit, we went down to Level 8 to have our lunch at the Mussel Guys cafe. Daw ordered his mussel for his lunch as there is a 1 for 1 mussel promotion for Citibank credit card holder. I ordered other set meal as I don't really like to eat mussel… haha : (

(The mussel guys cafe restaurant @ OC level 8, nice wall painting and the cute doll display)

(The mussel - 1 For 1 promotion for Citibank credit card holder)

After the lunch, we took the lift down to Level 4 and happened to witness some people doing their in-door rock climbing in the shopping mall itself, but I am not sure why they using the ladder instead for the climb. Haha. See photos below.

(Indoor rock climbing at OC - Why they are climbing the stairs instead ??)

Following that, we proceed to 313 shopping mall to have some hot/cold coffee/mocha at a café and visited the newly opened Mandarin Gallery. I think not many shoppers know of the Mandarin Gallery as it was newly opened and not all shops are opened yet. After the afternoon outing, Daw and I met up with another group of NTU classmates to have some CNY gathering at the Marina Barrage having pizzas and Yu Sheng till 10+pm. That is how my Day 2 and 3 of CNY ended...

CNY2010 - Day1

2010-02-14T23:50:00.009+08:00

(Photo with my elder nephew before setting off for CNY visit - Both of us are born in the year of goat. 1 Big & 1 Small Goat. haha :D )

Today, I started off the early morning of CNY 2010 with a morning jog around 8+am near my neighborhood. During the jog, I saw some other runners doing morning jog as well and some families dressed in their new clothes, getting ready for their CNY visit. After the jog, I got back home to iron some clothes before I visited my 二婶 house with my family in the early afternoon.

It has been many years since I last visited this relative's house because every CNY, my relatives will visit us instead. We were the first to reach the relative's house, followed by my 大姑 and 小姑 families. We stayed there chatting and eating for about 2 hours, before proceeding to my 堂姐's new house for a visit which is just 2 streets away.

At my堂姐's house, we settled down for a while, while my elder nephew was playing some card games with my 表姐 and later he saw a mahjong table and asked my 堂姐 and the others to play mahjong with him. :D I was amazed that my 6 years old elder nephew did know some very basic rules of the mahjong, although he did not really know how to play it fully. Haha. :) Even I don't know how to play mahjong. Haha. All of us have some laughter when playing mahjong with my nephew.

(Elder nephew playiong card game and mahjong !?)

After the game, all of us left for home, while I went to City area to catch the movie “72 Tenants of Prosperity – 72家租客” with my friend in the early evening. The HK Chinese comedy movie which has many HK famous casts is really a funny movie as we laughed from the start till the end. Haha. It can be 1 entertaining movie if you are looking for some laughter. The movie includes some Cantonese song singing, dances and many funny scenes appearing 1 after another. After the movie, we had our dinner before going back home. That is how my first day of CNY ended…

Below are the review of the movie

"72 Tenants of Prosperity – 72家租客”

http://www.g-film.com/hb/hqhbshow.asp?id=3518 (Movie Poster)

http://www.g-film.com/hqfilmshow.asp?id=3518

http://www.mtime.com/movie/105683/

http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_2767.jsp

Trailer of the movie

Upcoming Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 – Run Down Orchard Road?

2010-02-11T00:30:00.001+08:00

(Article on the upcoming Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010)

Today I read on an article from Today about the upcoming Singapore Marathon in Dec this year.This year's race will be called “Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010" and not the usual name “Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon" The new race name was formed as Singapore Sports Council (SSC) decided to organize the race on their own and not co-organized with Singapore Athletic Association (SSA) from this year onwards.

It was also mentioned that SSA has the intention to organize their own marathon as well. That means there may be a possibility for another new marathon race in the future.

It was stated that AAC announced the new race yesterday and promised the full marathon (42.195km) race route would include iconic landmarks in Singapore. Does it means the race is going to run pass Orchard Road on the actual day as predicted in the article? No further detail is released until the launch run in June.

Let's hope the new running route for the upcoming Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 will be a interesting one. Cheers.

Visit to Sembawang God of Wealth Temple

2010-02-05T22:30:00.006+08:00

(View of the temple from the extrance)

(Some lanteens outside the temple)

Last Sunday, 31 Jan 2010, I accompanied my mum for a CNY Shopping cum Sembawang God of Wealth Temple tour organized by my area CC committee. We board the coach at around 8am and we were first brought to Sembawang God of Wealth Temple (三巴旺财神庙) at Admiralty Street before going to various food industrial areas at Masiling and Woodlands for CNY goodies shopping. Anyway, I will talk about the Sembawang God of Wealth Temple.

(Just inside the temple)

(Wall Carvings)

It is my first time visiting this temple even though it was opened quite some time ago. It is a good opportunity for me to pay a visit as I don’t have to travel all the way there myself. The internal of the temple looks nice with all the interesting decorations and sculptures. Just outside the entrance, I saw this interesting “wheel of Fortune” with numbers on it and many prayers are queuing up to give it a spring to get some luck or wealth.

(Wheel of fortune: Left Turn for Luck, Right Turn for wealth)

I think most of the time I am busy taking photos, while my mum was doing the praying. I did some praying too but not that much. I can also see some other people doing the praying to get some luck and wealth for the upcoming CNY bah. Hehe. We stayed there for 30 minutes before heading to the various food industrial areas at Masiling and Woodland to purchase our CNY stuff. After the event, the coach drove us to Jurong West food centre before heading back home. It was almost half day gone when the event ended.

Anyway, it was interesting paying a visit to this temple, just that I am not able to take an overall external photo of the entire temple as one has to get over the canal on the other side to have a better view… :(

(Other displays found at the temple)

Official Run Round Singapore 2010 website is finally out !!

2010-02-01T23:55:00.001+08:00

To all running enthusiasts,

Further to my previous blog post on RRS2010 some time ago, the official Run Round Singapore 2010 website is finally released.

My previous blog post on RRS2010

(http://kiatsans.blogspot.com/2010/01/upcoming-run-round-singapore-2010.html)

Official RRS2010 Website URL

http://runroundsingapore.ntu.edu.sg/

The 218km running route consisting of 68 stations is to be completed under 36 hours in order to set a new record in Singapore Book of Records.

Running route

http://runroundsingapore.ntu.edu.sg/RunEvent/Pages/RunRoute.aspx

From what I read from the website, there are a total of 2 categories. First category is for the main 9 core runners who will be participating in this event and accompanied by escort runners. Public & NTU alumus can also join in the fun by participating in the relay category which consists of 3km between each station.

I think I am going to take part as escort runner or running in the relay category.