P1 Registration

I have been hearing stories of parents registering for their P1 kids. As usual, typical singaporeans who will do anything to get their kids into good school. No doubt I do agree that a good environment will nuture the kid into a good citizen, personally, I always believe in character that comes with the kid.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to shape a kid, they resist and have their own kind of tots. I am not saying if you create an environment good enough, the kid will follow. There are times which it is proven wrong. No doubt this is a minority, the in born character is there. It is a matter of time. When something happen, it trigger something off the mind of the kid, and wala. No u-turn.

Look at this. Pictures that we always see on Stomp.





I believe they are also good kids in the beginning. Probably in a good Primary school too. What happen? If you were the parent, can you stop such raging hormones? Can you stop them? This happens every other day and we see thousands of such photos splashed over the internet. Surprisingly, one of the photo above, it was posted by the girl herself on FB.

Even in a good environment, it may trigger off an internal character that the kid have all this while. Whatever it is, you cant choose ur kid. Parents will have to live with it. As some say, kids are here for a reason.

Then going into a good school create a larger Elitism. Someone wrote to forum to express her views which I fully agree. Well, of course, one may say, you r not a parent, so you r not in a position to say, but as an observer, or if you look at the larger picture, the writer is not wrong.

From ST forum.

THE present system of primary school admission is unfair to children from less-educated and lower-income families ("Enlarge popular primary schools" by Mr Chong Foo Sin; July 20).

Let's consider the ways parents can increase their chances currently.

The parent-volunteer route is available only to parents of means, who are usually better educated and in stable jobs and are able to take leave to volunteer.

As for location, well-off parents can afford to buy or rent accommodation near their schools of choice. For instance, there are no HDB flats within 1km of Raffles Girls' Primary School.

The alumni advantage breeds elitism and excludes those who do not come from families whose members attended "gifted" schools.

With no quota for Phase 2A, there could well be a year when, say, Ai Tong could have all its places taken up by the end of that phase - meaning that there is no room for "outsiders" not already part of the elite system. Ai Tong had only 38 places left this year.

Apart from enlarging popular schools and extending them to other areas, implement a quota for Phase 2A(2). Any remaining places after Phase 1 should be split into three: a third for Phase 2A (alumni), a third for Phase 2B (parents who have contributed to the school or society) and a third based on distance.

While the above solutions may not mitigate socio-economic disadvantage, it mitigates the risk that a class of elites would form, and if nothing else, would ameliorate the traffic congestion along Bukit Timah.

I guess this P1 registration fustration will be there for another decade or even longer. Good luck to parents who are sending their kids to school next year!

Okinawa - Japan Virgin Trip

Surprisingly, I have been to many places in Asia except the land of rising sun - Japan. This is the first time I am on a work trip to Japan. Not Tokyo but the southern prefecture of Okinawa. Not many heard about the place except for the movie shot here 恋战冲绳。

Well, it was a last minute work trip. I was informed by my boss in less than one week before the trip. I was just back from vacation in UK and before I could settle down back home, I am flying off again. It was quite fun yet challenging this round. We set off on a Monday early flight two weeks ago on 11 July.

Since we do not have a direct flight from Singapore to Okinawa, we need to do a transit either in HK or Taipei. Our airline was HK Airlines. It's one of the latest airline to fly into Singapore. We were upgraded to Business Class and even get to enjoy the lounge facilities before taking off.

It was a first time for me to enjoy business class facilities and privileges. Never in my life have I been on a business class seat. Very spacious and personalise service. The first leg from Singapore to HK was alrite, the second late from HK to Okinawa is the best. The latter was on a bigger plane so the services was much much better. It was an eye opener for me.

We had a day in HK due to transit. Nothing much, I get to stay in Sha Tin for the first time too. I wouldnt stay there if I was on a holiday. Very out of the city, quiet neighbourhood. The only good thing is, it is near a river and you could go for an early jog if you wake up early.

After all the main trip is still Okinawa. On our arrival in Okinawa, we were greeted by officials. Very warm welcoming of Okianwans. It was first to Konsai Street, where our hotel is. It is at the heart of Naha City. Lots of food, shops and 24 hours eateries. A nice place to begin on ur trip in Okinawa.

Had traditional okinawan style delicacies. Fatty pork!!! haha. Yep, it was yummy! However, like any other part of Japan, things are pretty expensive. Oh yes, the weather is much warmer too. Met a friend who happen to work there. He showed me around late nite. Very interesting. Had Ramen and Ice Cream. lol. Jap Style.

The next day was on island trip. We went snorkeling, diving and swimming. It was really fun except the weather. It was fine initially but rain as the day progresses. No choice but to proceed with the activities. I snorkelled for the second time after my trip to Phi Phi Island. So cool!!! Nice fishes and even live corals!!! I was so excited!!! However, I wasnt tanned cos there was no sunshine at all.

The next day was a day trip round Okinawa. Air bases, Aquarium, scenic points etc. It was a very hot day. If the sun was as strong on the previous day, I would have got a nice tan. lol. We dropped by Ashibana outlet mall where I purchase my first Coach bag. lol. It was a cheap deal, only S$260. I checked out the prices in HK, it was S$360. haha. If you ask me in SG, I think even more expensive. I seldom purchase branded stuff in SG.

It was World Heritage site on the last day. Then it was back home. I met my friend on the last nite before home. I was brought to this Japanese food store that serves Yakitori. Yummy! Talking about food, we had Teppanyaki, Shabu Shabu. I also tasted traditional Japanese made alcohol. wow! I love it!

I am thinking of another visit to Okinawa again in the future. My friend asked if I was keen to visit him. I could stay at his place. Hmmm, I can consider going next year if he is still working there. :P I love Okinawa!

From London Part 2

16-21 June
After 2 days in London, Eric n me ventured into a factory outlet mall in Bichester. It was kinda of funny as we pronounce the name wrongly. "Bi-Chester" was wat we read but nono. It should read "Bister". We were embarrassed when we heard the announcement on the train ride there. I guess many Americans might have pronounce that as well.

We did lots of shopping. I bought 2 Burberry working shirt and 2 Fred Perry Polo. Dirt cheap. Well, I mean if you compare to Singapore, it is definitely cheaper. Eric bought a lot too. It was a fun experience travelling to Bichester. I would love to go again if I travel to London in the future.

On the following day, we travelled to Stonehenge in Salibury. Wow! It was really a big wow for me. First, its more of a countryside. Vast open greenery with strong chilling winds. We took the stonehenge bus. I love the ride. It was amazing. The rocks were so magnificent when it appear right before my eyes. I cant believe I am in UK!! haha. Thanks to Amazing Race that I realise Stonehenge was in UK.

On the same nite, we went to Beatles famous street, Abbey Street in London. That was the place where they shot their album photo. Many imitated the Beatles crossing the street. Eric and I walked across too, just to have a feeling of what the beatles did 30 years ago. We were even captured in a shot from CCTV nearby! Eric screenshot it and we had a copy. It was so fun!

On the second last day, we went to Greenwich where Greenwich Prime Meridian was. In case you were wondering wat is tat, most Geography students should know. That is the imaginary line that separate the world into east and west. At that location, it is 0 longitude. It has been my dream to travel there since my secondary school days. I mean I have always been thinking of the place when I was a teenager. Dream fulfilled! We took photos climbed the hill before reaching royal observatory. Many were snapping photos away. Well, we did the same!

Then we watched our final musical before home. MamaMia. Lovely. It was similar to the one I watch on movies. Well, the movie adapted the story from musical. Of cos, in the movies they have got better scenery and more cast. But this is equally good. Though the set is simple but it was kinda of nice to hear Abba song. Dancing Queen, Mamamia, Money! It was hilarious and I really laugh all my way! I dun mind to watch it again! hahha...

On the final day before home, we went to a museum in London. Not British Museum but World Museum. Interesting. Then did a last min shopping at Oxford Street. The trip ended with a 13 hour flight from Heathrow. Thanks to Eric, I got to enjoy the comfort of waiting a flight in a lounge. Had some drinks and muffins before boarding.

Oh yes, I stayed in a B&B in london this time. Well, it is pretty expensive to stay in a hotel in London. So we opted for a B&B. Cheaper and very accessible. It is near to Paddington station. The owner is helpful. The breakfast was really the English Breakfast, Sausage, Bacon and Egg. lol. I had the same thing for a few days. If I were to travel to London, I will stay in B&B since it is as good as a 3 star hotel.

Bye London, Liverpool and Edinburgh! I am already missing the place...