The Hotel New World Survivor - 15 March 1986 - Singapore

2012-02-01T01:02:00.002+08:00

This evening we went for the wake of the Late Major Goh Kim Chwee who passed away yesterday morning. As we prayed for his soul to rest in peace, we are thankful that he got baptised as a Catholic.

God has always allow events to happen for a good reason. We got to know Major Goh as he was Florence's ex-boss way back in the 80s. When the disaster happened in 1986, he together with the late Victor Subramanian were with us during that long 59 hours when Albert was trapped under the rubbles. We will never forget the kindness and help they had rendered to us during our trial moments.

We are always thankful for these beautiful people whom God has sent into our life. Just before we said goodbye to his wife, I specifically told the wife and his son Bernard that his hubby/dad is a helpful man who had supported us during our down moments in life. May perpetual light shine upon his soul and may he rests in peace.

2012-01-20T00:30:00.001+08:00

Lately, I have been telling myself to write about my life right from the day God created me and brought me to this world.

I was born into a family of 5 girls and 1 boy. My dad was then a seaman and my mum a housewife. I am the 3rd child and my 2 older siblings are girls too. I can imagine that both my parents were hoping for a boy but it was just simply not the time in accordance to God's plan.

My maternal grandma came from China and has that traditional belief that the 3rd daughter of the family has to be given up for adoption so that her life would be better.With that belief I was then given up for adoption when I was 15 days old. My dad was not keen in the idea but he gave in to both my grandma and mum's suggestion as most of the time he was out at sea and was rarely back home.

Both my grandma and mum were careful to give me up for adoption to someone whom they can trust and that was my most beautiful adopted mum. My adopted mum (Monica) was a single mother who has 2 boys of her own and her hubby had left her when the younger boy was 3 years old.

Mum Monica was reluctant to take me in as she was also struggling with bringing up her 2 kids. Back then my grandma and biological mum managed to persuade her to accept the adoption. Mum Monica was not too keen as earlier she has adopted a daughter who later died due to sickness so she simply had that phobia of having another daughter.

After much persuasion, Mum Monica took me in with the help of her own mum in law who helped to look after the kids while she went to work with the British Army in the day and coffee lady in the nite.

After the adoption, my biological mum and grandma believed that they need to adopt a boy so that subsequent birth would be a male offspring! With that belief, they adopted a boy and sad to say the next sibling after me is yet another girl! Finally, God is great to bless my parents with a boy (the 5th child) and then another girl. It was also very tough for my parents in those days feeding the 4 girls and 2 boys.

Life was very tough for Mum Monica back then. I remembered growing up in a attap house and rearing pigs in the then Bukit Ho Swee Area. My 2 adopted brothers doted on me but my adopted grandma though loved me but still favor my brothers which was quite common in those days.

In 1962, a big fire broke out in Bukit Ho Swee and all the houses including ours were totally destroyed. I remembered clearly that the fire was a huge one and I was very frightened and was crying away. Grandma together with my 2 brothers were trying to lag as many things as possible from the house and at the same time holding me so tightly before escaping from our home.

We were then housed into a public school as a temporary shelter for all the fire victims. After a week or two, the government then allocated one room rented flats for all the victims. With the new rented flat, poor Mum Monica become so financially tight as she struggled to put the daily bread and butter on the table as there were no more income from the rearing of pigs by grandma.

It was very difficult for all us during those times as we find it a challenge to settle into the small "pigeon" one room flat as we are so used to "Kampong" life. It took us quite a while to settle down. As Mum Monica continued to work longer hours to cope up with the higher expenses, my elder adopted brother(Michael) was also going through a rough time.

Michael was a sensible son who at 19 was very willing to work day and night to help Mum Monica. The shifting to a one room rented flat and the rejection by the parents of his childhood sweetheart, Michael became very depressed. Furthermore, he had no family support as Mum Monica has no time for him. Soon Michael became mentally unwell and was admitted to Woodbridge Hospital! With his diagnosis, our nightmare began..............coping with his sickness and my 2nd adopted brother (Augustine) was mixing with the wrong group of friends and in gang activities! Life was really really miserable and we lived in fear daily.

Whenever I recalled my childhood days, I would get very angry with my biological parents for giving me up for adoption and putting me in such a miserable home. I would cried my heart out whenever I was beaten up by Michael. Well, those were the sad memories of the past but now I am no longer angry with my parents anymore. After I have accepted Christ as my savior. I believe God loves me and will give me the best. Therefore, I believe the adoption was the best for me in God's plan.

Thank you God for my biological parents and above all thank God for my Mum Monica and not forgetting my dearest adopted grandma who looked after me for 10 years before passing away. May her soul rests in peace Amen!

2012-01-02T17:02:00.001+08:00

As Albert and I celebrated our 32nd Wedding Anniversary on 30th December 2011, we are thankful that we have journeyed this far with the many trials, joy and happiness throughout these years of our being husband and wife.2011 has past and welcome to 2012 as we look forward to another year of ups and downs in life. As I shared with Gerald today, we are not the best among all the people around us neither are we the worst. Hence, we are contented with who we are, what we have and we cant ask for more. 2011 saw Greg entering NS and as parents we are worried for his safety and yet deep in us we know is good for his character development! We witnessed Gerald graduating and getting a good job within like 3 months after his graduation and with me leaving TD for a better working environment and joining as a civil servant. We missed our love ones who have left us in 2011, Sandy Kee our ex colleague who took her own life; my God-ma who suffered from a stroke. May perpetual light shines upon their souls and all the faithful departed souls to rest in peace.As we move on into 2012, we ask God's Blessings be upon all our loves ones and the world too! With God as our defender and protector, we know HE is with us daily to share our Joy, happiness, sadness, confusion, fear, sufferings and even death. I have always told the Lord how much we love HIM and deep in my heart, I know The Lord loves us dearly!We have decided to adopt a puppy and Greg has named her Athena. We look forward to having her by end of January and I am confident that Athena will be a companion for both Albert and I.Today we have an invitation to watch a movie "Courageous" by Jason and Donna. We will told that it is about parent-child and family relationship. We believe it must be a good show and look forward to watching it at the Cinema this weekend!Target for the New Year will be assist in the Raising fund to renovate the church via a Gala Dinner in July and we hope to raise $1m! We hope that Greg is able to get a scholarship to study overseas uni and this will be yet another target to achieve!As I was writing this blog, I smelled of burning smell! Oh dear! I have put 4 Pau to steam and the whole pot was burnt so are the Pau! Thank God, Albert is not at home otherwise I will get a good scolding for being forgetful! Thank God for keeping us safe always and please help me to be careful and have good memories. Hahaha I am indeed getting old!Praise God Always and our Mother of Perpetual Help for always praying for us.

2011-12-22T23:40:00.002+08:00

Today as we sent off God-ma Teresa Lee on her last journey on earth, we could feel the sadness that we are going to part for the time being till we meet in heaven.

We were thankful that we got hold of Anthony and the family to inform him of the passing on of God-ma. As they just came arrived at 2am this morning, it was just in time to send God-ma on her last journey.

The weather was cloudy with occasionally shower and the sadness fill the atmosphere as we arrived at the Church of Nativity where the funeral mass was held.

The white coffin was railed behind the altar boys and Father Kenny followed by the children, her grandchildren, god children, relatives and friends. The mass started with opening prayers, 1st reading, 2nd reading and gospel reading.

Father Kenny gave the sermon on how faithful God-ma was and who prayerful she can be and that she has been a great role model for her late husband, her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

After the sermon was the eucharistic prayers then the lord's prayer and followed by communion.

The grand children gave such a beautiful eulogy on their grandmother. The girls wore purple ribbon on their hairs as purple is God-ma's favorite colour. The grand daughter representing the rests, spoke highly of God-mas as a patient and kind lady who always said good words about others.

An example was given that if an appointment was made at 11am, God-ma would arrive at 1030am and wait patiently. By 1045am she were start to get worried, by 11am she would be calling the person. Finally after waiting till 1130am and still no sight of the person, she would frantically called the police!

After which came the saddest moment when the coffin left the church for the crematorium. The wailing of the children and the grandchildren filled the whole atmosphere.

At the Crematorium,the grandchildren sand a mandarin song "yue liang dai biao wo de xin" and it was so beautiful!

At the end of the song, we gave our last respect and bid farewell to God-ma as her body was railed for cremation. it was the saddest moment as we bid our last good bye!

I am proud to have a beautiful God-Ma and I thank God for her. May eternal rest grant unto Godma Teresa O Lord and let perpetual light shines upon her and may her soul rests in peace Aen!

2011-12-19T00:14:00.004+08:00

As we agreed to do the documentary series for Suria Channel on the Collapse of the Hotel New World, the video shooting was done yesterday.

Since Albert is quite an introvert, I did not want to force him to have that interview which I had earlier with Cheryl. So I just played by the year and had the team to come in yesterday and all of us (the team and I) were pleasantly surprised when he just reply to questions of what had happened on that fateful day!

I must said that it was indeed sad bringing back the memories of the trauma that Albert together with the other survivors went through 25 years ago. On one hand we are sad to recall but on the other hand we are willing to share on life after that great disaster.

As we recall those anguish moments, we are grateful to the civil defense together with the MRT engineers and the many, many Singaporeans who had come forward and help us regardless of their race, language or religion!

Yes! as Albert has shared that because we have God, we overcome the phobia of that disaster pretty quickly and live with the faith that God is always with us. We live each day, thankful to God for yet another day of miracle as Life is unpredictable and anyone of us can be call home anytime.

Having said that, I receive a call this afternoon that my dear God-ma passed away this morning. It was a great shock as I just spoken to her last Sunday which was her usual routine call to all her God Children around this time of the year inviting us to her Annual Christmas Celebration.

Dearest God-ma, we love you and may perpetual light shine upon you and may your soul rests in peace, Amen!

2011-12-01T23:45:00.002+08:00

We have a meeting whether to adopt a Border Collie puppy? Gerald and Greg are so keen but not my dear hubby.

Greg was pretty upset as he long to have one since young but I was the one who would not agree to it as I feel the money spent on the dog can help many people out there.

Gerald has agreed to pay for the maintenance of the dog and my hubby finally agreed to let the boys to adopt one.

Through the above conversation, I had a good talk with Greg who feels that he will even be even way better if he was looked after by mum instead of dad. It sadden me when he said that but tried to explain to him that that is not true. His opinion was that dad is an introvert therefore he would learn more from mum who is an extrovert. With his explanation, I can understand where he is coming from but still try to explain that things happen for a good reason. He agreed that he has no doubt about it and that his dad is after all a good father.

We are indeed proud of our 2 children who are sensible in many ways and daily we just pray that God will continue to give them great wisdom in all they do and do all for the Glory of God!

2011-11-27T02:35:00.002+08:00

26th November 2011, we met up with Cheryl who is doing a documentary series on the collapse of Hotel New World.

I have agreed to meet up with her after receiving her email. She got my email address from my blog on the Collapse of the Hotel New World.

We started the interview about my feeling before and after the disaster. This interview brings back memories of what happened on 15th March 1986. As I have shared with Cheryl that before the disaster, we will just like other young couple chasing after the wind. The disaster has taught Albert and I not to take life for granted but to appreciate every day as a day of miracle.

The waiting and the anguish that we went through while waiting for Albert to be rescued is indeed traumatic! The thought of having to identify every dead body which was pulled out of the rubbles is the most frightening.

Those 59 hours were the longest waiting time and as for Albert, it was facing death and the great anguish of hearing how his colleagues passed on and his struggle to stay alive and be rescued in time.

After the disaster, we treasure one another more than any other time. We look at life from a very different prospective that money is after all not the most important any more. Everyday to us is a miracle and life is unpredictable. We are Just thankful for the many blessings in our life that we hope to stay health and happy everyday of our life.

Time flies and it has been 25 years ago since the disaster and today as we celebrate Gerald.s birthday with seafood dinner for him. This was his first time celebrating his birthday in Singapore after spending 5 years in Canada.

May God continue to bless Gerald with wisdom and good health!

2011-11-21T00:09:00.003+08:00

I have just downloaded Greg's Singing Competition video (Cat C First Prize - TenPath from youtube. We are indeed proud of him as he came in first with his team of 9 supporting singers. That is the reason why they called themselves 10Path!

After he taking up vocal class, his singing is way much better than the video of his singing competition. It is his interest and we will continue to give him the support.

Just got an email from a Cheryl who wrote to us after reading our blog on the Hotel New World. We are pleasantly surprised and she was asking about whether we are willing to share on our experience. Just replied her that since it is for documentary series, I am willing to do so but not for my dear hubby who is not comfortable with it and I have always respect him for that.

As I have told God during my desperate waiting for Albert to be rescued from the rubbles that this disaster will be a living testimony for the rest of our life. All Glory is to be for God who allows this miracle to happen. No one can deny that for no man can last for 59 hours without food and water! The doctor who treated Albert told us that his kidneys are in tact without any food and water for such long hours and this is a miracle!

The collapsing of the 6 storeys and being buried under the rubbles with no injury is yet another miracle! With his faith and trust in God and still keeping his sanity is also another Miracle! All these can only be possible through our Lord Jesus!

Today at mass, Father John was speaking about Fear of Death and how many of us are ready for death? At that very moment it brought me to this disaster. Yes death comes to any one of us at any time, no one knows when is coming and yet we must always be ready and not regret not doing the things which we should have done. I always pray that I will always be ready for death and receive God's grace of a happy and peaceful death without giving burden to my love ones.

Giving Thanks open my eyes to see the world and people around me from God's point of view. The people whom I am thankful for - my biological parents, my adopted mum (a very beautiful woman whom i am proud of), my dearest hubby, my beautiful children, my in laws (mum in law who was a wonderful MIL, may her soul rest in peace), my sister in law Florence (a kind and thoughtful person), my beautiful siblings (we are always so closely knitted), my friends, ex colleagues, present colleagues and many others whom I have met along my journey here on earth.

All Glory and Praise to Lord Jesus Always!

2011-09-28T23:30:00.002+08:00

It was almost 3 months that I took up this present job as a Finance Executive. Thankful that I have understanding and kind superior and buddy. They are patient and very willing to share their knowledge. I thank God for these two beautiful people in my new office (Esther and Hwee Pheng) whom I cling on to this new role. In appreciation, I cooked fried tang hoon for our colleagues who enjoyed the lunch which bring about team bonding!

More or less I am quite settle down and getting use to the numbers when I have been working with Humans for the past years as HR Executive. Though a struggle but thank God for the blessings of wisdom to be able to cope up with the daily chores.

Gerald has been going to many interviews after his graduation. Initially he did not get many response from his job application and I specifically told him to change his profile photo and indeed after that he got many replies for interviews! It was a well taken photo, very handsome indeed! With the many offers, he finally decided on Policy making. This afternoon he just got a call to sign his Letter of employment and was informed that the gross salary will be $3.8k! He is pleasantly surprise as the last salary told to him was $3.6. We are just thankful that he gets this job like within 3 months after his graduation. I pray that God will continue to guide him in his new job from next week and that he will be blessed with wisdom and glorify God's name in all he do.

Greg has been struggling in the army and I just pray that he will continue to perserve. Presently he is taking up vocal class at $150 per hour! I did not discourage him though it is very expensive. My hubby, ku ku, Gerald and I offered to take turn and pay for him but he was nice and quietly just pay out from his own savings. He is good and sensible boy whom we are very proud of him in many ways.

My dear hubby has not been well lately, went to the doctor and was told to watch his weight and exercise more. Gerald has managed to persuade him to sign up an exercise program. As the home chef, I have start to cut down his food intake! Hoep this will help him to reduce his weight.

With the above, I am thankful to Our Lord for his mercy and kindness and abundant blessings showered upon my family and I! At this moment, i would like to remember my parents, adopted mum and brother, my siblings and their families esp my 2nd sister Katherina, my relatives and friends, my colleagues and all my God-children that God will bless them abundantly now and always.

Thank Jesus and I love you always!

2011-07-13T22:39:00.003+08:00

I wrote this blog on 28 June 2011 but somehow for some reasons, blogger was giving me problem and I could not upload it.

On 28 June 2011, I was awakened to a great shock of the passing on of an ex colleague in TD, Sandy Kee who took her own life jumping from the high rise block. Just cant accept this shocking news as I have left TD less than a month.

I reflected that should we be still in TD, maybe Sandy would have our team (Jenny, Lucy, Madeline, Adeline, Pek Kee and I)to speak to her. She used to come into our division when we were working late as she was in the permanent afternoon shift. Sigh.....just the lack of someone to listen to her problem. I prayed that Perpetual light will shine upon her soul and may her soul rests in peace. Bye Sandy and all of us will miss you.....

As I have posted on my FB, there are people who struggle to survive due to sickness but there are people who like Sandy, just gave up their life due to reasons unknown to many of us. One of the people who fights so hard to survive is one of my very own love ones, my 2nd sister Katherina who was diagnosed with Cancer. She has taken her 1st Chemo and slips into depression at the same time.

Kat's sickness came as a shock to all of our siblings and it hurts us so much to see a strong woman suffering mentally and physically. Our fear of losing another one of the siblings simply just haunted us as we lost our eldest sister through a sudden heart attack few years back. It must be very painful for our parents as well. I just pray that God will heal Kat and be with her through this period of trial.

On the same day, went to consult my GP as I was having bad throat & cough. At the same time check on my blood pressure as well as my fast heartbeats which was the result of my pre-employment medical check-up on Monday. The GP advised to monitor and if the pressure still stay above 130 for 3 weeks then need to be on medication. As to the fast heartbeats may be anxiety.

Went to meet up with my ex boss, Kathy and there another shocking news! In January 2011, we have a gathering at ION's clubhouse for all the ex-colleagues of Wayfoong and Julie (June's sister) came along and joined in the fun. During that evening, she briefly mentioned to some of them that she was diagnosed with CA and would be going for Chemo soon. Kathy informed that she passed away in April/May 2011!

Sigh.......life is so fragile and we just have to be ready as we may be called HOME anytime just like what the Bible mentioned about death that it will come like a thief in the night without you realizing! Be prepared and be Ready!

With the happenings of the passing on of many of our friends, I am very thankful for each day is a bonus. Remembering those childhood years, together with my adopted mum we lived in fear of being beaten to death by my mentally ill adopted brother who has since passed away. In 1987 when doctor found that I have a growth(thyroid) in my throat and was pretty sure that it was cancerous. I was devastated as Gerald was then 1 year old! Thank God is non malignant! During those times, I would always pray that God would allow me another 15 years to see Gerald grow. I sincerely thank God for his blessings that HE sees me through all these years with the blessing of Good Health spiritually, mentally, physically and financially as well and not forgetting the abundant joy of the birth of Gregory!

I am just thankful to God for his abundant blessings of a good husband, 2 beautiful children and a new job awaits for me tomorrow at the age of 55!

May God continue to give me wisdom in all that I do and together with our family, we will continue to evangelise for the Lord!

2011-06-28T01:24:00.002+08:00

After about a month away, nothing like Home Sweet Home. It was indeed a wonderful trip!

On 26th May 2011, we attended Gerald's graduation and was indeed so proud of him at that very moment when we heard his name being called and there he was receiving his degree! Tears of joy for both Albert and I as we see the achievement of Gerald's hard work being rewarded.

After the graduation, Gerald thanked us for giving him the spiritual, financial and mental support throughout all these years. Both Albert and I were so touched by him showing his appreciation. On that day, we celebrated by having dinner at a restaurant.

After his graduation, we travel from Vancouver into Seattle and onto Boston for 3 days. Left for Philadelphia then went onto New York before heading for Washington DC. Our last stop in the States was Las Vegas.

Among all the states, we love Boston and of course Las Vegas where we did most of our shopping! Bought a super large Samsonite luggage to just pack in all items which we bought.

After Vegas, we went back to Vancouver to stay with Carl & Linda. Our stay with Carl & Linda was a memorable one with Linda's car being hit by another car who was trying to reverse. Sigh! we felt so bad that our visit has in a way caused that accident otherwise they need not have to be there. Both Carl and his father were so full of praise for Gerald for he has indeed put in great effort in getting his degree, very discipline.

Saying goodbye has never been easy but we bid farewell to Carl and Linda on 13 June and flew to Hong Kong. Arrived in Hong Kong and went off to Macau the next day. In Macau, we arrange to meet up our Uncle (my dad's younger brother) and his family in Kowllon the next day. The next day we met up in the afternoon for tea and the old folks were so happy so is Yvonne our cousin.

As we have done most of our shopping in US, we did not buy much from Hong Kong as we were also concern over the overweight of our luggage. We went on our trip with 3 luggage but end up having 6 super large ones in Hong Kong!

We arrived in Singapore on 17 June on an earlier flight as we were expecting Park MingJi (Gerald's friend) from Korea who was visiting Singapore and had arranged to stay over our place.

We thank God for the safe journey and pleasant and unforgettable holidays!

May God continue to bless us and remembering all those who need blessings from God!

2011-05-24T15:31:00.002+08:00

After all the preparations and looking forward to visit Gerald for his Graduation, we are finally in Vancouver. The Temperature is between 11- 12 degrees, pretty cold for us who come from the extremely hot weather of Singapore.

The flight was a sage and pleasant ones though its 18 hours of flight. We went through custom pretty smooth, did not declare the dried silver fish which Verena has for Linda. I was prepared to just declare it if they found out.

Anthony, Gerald's UBC classmate, together with his dad picked us up at the airport. The place is clean and the air is so fresh and cool. Quite scenic and enjoying every bit of the surrounding. Checked into YWCA hotel and is very impressed as the rate is cheap and the room is good so is the service. Thanks to Gerald for arranging for it.

We will too tired to go out for any lunch or dinner though both Anthony and his dad offered to buy us and we checked in straightaway and slept through. When we awoke, dinner was sent to us right to our hotel by Anthony and his dad! It is indeed so kind and generous of these beautiful people God sent to us!

Able to get access to the internet, so decided to reply all my emails and write this blog. Manage to receive updates on Kat who will be going for more tests but the chemo will still stay and has accepted the treatment but still in depression.

We are praying earnestly for her and hope she will draw on God's strength through this difficult period of time. Edwin, our eldest nephew flew in from Shanghai specially just to visit Kat who is a mum to him after our eldest sister suddenly passed on 2 years ago.

Tomorrow we will try to have breakfast with Anthony and his family and go round Vancouver City and probably doing some shopping and will update my blog as soon I have the time, this is for my new blog fans, you know who you are out there!

Enjoy Reading!

2011-05-18T22:55:00.002+08:00

As I received a letter from Greg our youngest son who is in the midst of his BMT and going through tough jungle training this week, I was on the verge of tears of how tough the training is. In his letter, he shared on the tough training and how he misses his air-con bedroom, his soft and comfortable bed and many, many little chores which we do for him. He apologised for taking us for granted and thanked us for always there for him. I thank God for him to grow to this maturity to realise the love which the family shower him all these years.

I am filled with a very heavy heart for my 2nd sister, Kat who went through an emergency operations to remove the cancerous tumor (16 cm) from her ovaries. The result is yet to be released tomorrow on whether which stage is the CA and what type treatment will be given to her. We love this sister of ours dearly who has done so much for the family. Kat is of very good character and is always very helpful to all people around her. In anything she does, she will always have others in her mind first. We just storm Heaven and tell God to please heal her and bless her with many more years to live.

Have been going for a few job interviews, I am grateful that in spite of my age I am still being given the chance of interviews! Asking God to bless with a job which will be most suitable for me. Though the pay will not be as much as what I am earning, I am still thankful. Hope to receive the good news from the accounts role as I have rejected the job offer of a recruiter, sales consultant and program executive - the JDs look so stressful!

As my nieces are not able to take leave to accompany Kat, I offered to be with her for the next 2 days while I am still in Singapore. I just pray that God will release her pain and help her to recuperate well.

We will also pray for a safe and pleasant trip from Singapore to HK then to Vancouver and will be travelling down to Seattle; Philadelphia; Boston; Washington DC; New York; Las Vegas and back to Vancouver before flying off to HK. Will be visiting Uncle in HK before returning to Singapore.

Hope my sister will be alright while we are away, please Lord be with her all the time.
We love her very much and will not want to lose her!

2011-05-10T22:45:00.002+08:00

Today marks the beginning of my retirement as I tender in my resignation with the Company.

It has been a while that I get to sleep in till 10am in the morning and not having to go to work. Got to go for lunch time mass and lunch with my hubby of 31 years. Spent 2 hours praying in the adoration room and went for brisk walking for an hour and finally got to eat dinner at 7pm! (usually take dinner around 10pm).

Got time for emails, korean drama and not feeling stress or tired, indeed I am so happy and relax. Thank God for that decision to just quit from that stressful job not the work but the people around who made it so stressful and all because of PRIDE!

Got bad news about my 2nd sister who may be suffering from CA. It seems to be in the gene first with mum, then my deceased eldest sister, now my 2nd sister. Pray that God will heal her and this genetic disease will be completely cast out of our family.

I do feel sad after losing my eldest sister suddenly due to her heart attack just cant bear to lose my 2nd sister. I beg God to help my 2nd sister who is a wonderful woman very kind in nature and of super personality.

Happy that i have time to pen all these down cos i am retired!

Thank you God who love me so much and embrace me always in HIS LOVE!

2011-03-15T22:13:00.002+08:00

As Japan is still in its devastating state with the most powerful aftershocks earthquake since last Friday, today a magnitude 6.0 earthquake shock eastern Japan again!

We went to church this evening, praying earnestly for God's Graces to be with all the people suffering in Japan.

God was with us today 25 years ago when Albert was rescued from the Hotel New World collapse, trapped under the rubble for 59 hours!

At this moment,our hearts go to those people who are trapped as a result of the earthquake. God please help them!

Before penning my thoughts for this blog, I was writing to Greg who is now in BMT in Tekong encouraging him as he is going through tough training and down with over 38 degrees fever. I shared with him that we are grateful for he is a gift from God and we love him very much for what he is.

God has been kind and I find myself the most blessed woman to be loved by God with a wonderful husband and our two beautiful sons (God's precious gifts to Albert and I).

After months of pondering, I have decided to retire from my present job though I know I need to budget well with no income. Though not a easy decision but weighing the heavy workload and the extreme political environment, I made up my mind to resign with effect from next month.

Probably need to do some work so may go into voluntary charitable work just like those days when I did at Little Sisters of the Poor, feeding the old folks and washing the dishes...its a fulfilling job.

Looking forward to our trip for Gerald's graduation and will decide on what to do for my next phase of life.

May God continue to bless us abundantly!

2010-09-10T16:08:00.002+08:00

Gerald has left for Vancouver and this will finally be his last year. Thank God for the wisdom given to him that got him to study honors in History. He has shared that he is contemplating of doing double degree both in History and Psychology. I do understand from his point of view in terms of applying for jobs in future. However, my advice is that it may be too stressful for him and life is not all about chasing after papers though they are important to secure a high paying job. My point of view for him is to follow his passion and he will do great. Well, I trust that he is matured enough to know his limitation and his goal in life. Both Albert and I just pray that he completes the degree and be back home with the family.

Times fly and he is in his 4th year and our dear Greg is marking hard on his papers though I know he is very very stressed up but this is the education system here. Albert has hoped that Greg will get a scholarship and study in Singapore as it is indeed too expensive to send a child aboard. Well I just want to be fair that since I send Gerald and if that is what Greg wishes, I will still want to provide if we can afford to do it.

Work has been very stressful right from the day I joined this Company in 2008 and it has never stopped recruiting. The attrition can even be as high as 7% and this is indeed alarming. Fingers pointing at HR for quality hiring and retention program but this is that much HR can do. Ultimately everyone has a share to play in retaining the staff. Lately, recruitment has been extremely tough with market picking up and the resumes are not forthcoming. Those resumes received are not so ideal but yet better than nothing. Agencies are not even able to give quality resumes in spite of the Company increasing the placing fee to 80% as other company are paying them 100%!

With so many of my friends passing away, I always reflect and told God that I just want a happy and peaceful death without being a burden to anyone around me especially my dear family. Therefore, I will always count my blessing daily even though I am stress at work as I take everyday as a bonus. God has been kind and his infinite love for everyone of us is immeasurable.

Thanking God for what I am and what I have and what my family are and what my family has, and this is my prayer to the Lord daily and that God will keep our children away from the evil ones and they too will go away from the evils. May they be filled with holiness and Godliness lives.

Remembering all those depressed Kelvin, Joanna, Tina and CA patients - Vijay, Constance, Noel, Kiran, Wai Kit's brother and many others who are not well that God will give them the grace and strength.

God Bless all of us Always

2010-07-24T14:50:00.002+08:00

Few weeks back, we have calls from a Reporter who wants to interview Albert on the Hotel New Hotel Collapse. As they are doing up a new documentary series on how in the past 20 years after the Hotel New World collapsed, how survivors like Albert and his family tried to overcome the various obstacles/difficulties in life. How has the disaster changed our outlook towards life and made us all stronger, more resilient, more of a fighter.

All these years after the Hotel New World Collapse, we have always tried to turn away reporters even calls from London - National Geographic. Albert has always felt that is more of commercial news rather than Glorifying God's name and that was why he always would say no to these reporters. As for churches' sharing, we are more willing to do it so as to glorify God's Great Name.

Our apology to the reporter and we do understand that is her job and it would be good if she can interview Albert, but on the other hand I fully understand my hubby who turned down the interview.

It is indeed not easy to relive those traumatic moments - the great fear of darkness, the ailing cries of his dying colleagues, the fear of death right in front of him and those last words of his late colleagues before they died.

Though 24 years have passed but the memories are fresh in our minds. The traumatic moments of identifying those dead bodies and the great fear that the dead body might be that of Albert is still fresh in our minds (My Siblings and I). Till this date, whenever we passed by Serangoon Road, we will still remember those who have died there and their families whom were left behind. We have never stopped praying for their souls to rest in peace.

After the collapse, we have always turned to God in the many trials we encounter. We were always claimed on God's saving power and surviving the Hotel New World Disaster will always keep us strong.

We have looked at life very differently after the Collapse and that anyone of us being poor or rich, young or old, will one day have to leave this temporary world and start our eternal life with God, our Heavenly Father. We have emerged to be stronger catholic and know that God will always be our Defender and Protector to help us in our various obstacles/difficulties.

The help which was rendered to us during the collapse was enormous e.g. the MRT engineers who are not related to us and yet risked their lives and tunneled into the rubble to save Albert and others as well. The food; the tonics; medications from Singaporeans who are strangers to us and yet they come forward to provide in times of needs. The church friends and members who fervently pray for survivors throughout the 5 days while rescuers battled to save as many lives as possible. We are grateful to these people.

Daily we pray for a simple and peaceful life. We just make the best of everything and live simply, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly and leave the rest to God our Father Almighty.

May God continue to bless us all, Amen

2010-04-03T00:46:00.002+08:00

As I celebrate my birthday today, 54years old! I am thankful for the many blessings I received in my life.

Though I went through a very hard childhood but those are the hardship that developed me to what I am today. I appreciate my adopted mum for bringing me up and was generous enough to allow me to have contacts with my biological parents and siblings.

My biological parents are beautiful people together with all my lovely sisters though I missed my late eldest sister very much. I always feel that she would not have died if help was there but no one knows if her death is natural as it remains a mystery.

My hubby and our 2 beautiful sons are my greatest treasures now. I live for them and will always do my best to be the best wife and the best mother.

My immediate boss (Jen) and my beautiful colleagues, Adeline & Pek Kee(I miss her cos she has just resigned) are people whom I appreciate very much as I spend most of my time in the office. I too appreciate the friends around me like that of Kathy, Joseph and Evelyn, Sew Hoe, Nancy, Violet and the many many wonderful friends whom God sent to me.

I am thankful that I live till today. Recalling those years when I struggle with my life:
1) The car accident I met when I was 6 years old,
2) At age of 9, I was struck with a nerve attack (all the muscles cramped up);
3) 18 hours of Labour pain which I felt was the end of the world ;
4) The doctor suspected that I was suffering from cancer of the throat;
5) the operations of lumps in 1985;
6) The agony we face at the Collapse of Hotel New World;
7) The depression though 3 months almost cost my life;
8) The Agony of Albert being retrenched in 1998;
9) The car accident which almost killed Ku Ku and I

All the above happenings have made me a stronger Magdalene and all these come the Grace of our God.

I always tell the Lord it is enough and if there is anything HE wants to guide and teach me, Dear Lord please send me gentle reminder.

My only heart's desire is that our 2 children will always stay close to God and worship HIM for the rest of their Lives.

Thank You God and may I continue to receive thy blessings, Amen

2010-03-19T00:17:00.002+08:00

Deep down in me I am worried as we need at least 22 new recruits to come in by the next batch with high attrition and low SL

Our team and I are doing our best but only 3 signed up to join us. I am left with only 2 more weeks with one long weekend for the last week of Good Friday.

The Criteria is strict, the pay is average, we do not have a good name in the labour market, the process was long and tedious and all these made it even tougher to recruit.

It is alarming but that is best we could do and with resumes coming in we are still not able to get candidates who are willing to join us. Sigh.....so challenging.

Even agencies are not giving us many resumes................sigh

Only God can help and miracle can happen.

Thank God for our team and a supporting boss to back up otherwise can simply go into depression.

I keep telling myself Jia You.........we can make it to 22 by the next training batch! AMEN!

2010-03-18T00:01:00.003+08:00

Today I saw the arrogance in a person, how sad that is! The arrogance of someone and taking advantage of the position one is holding to belittle the people around. How sad to see such behavior!

When I was approached by this someone today, the arrogance was shown in the questions and the tone.

Initially I was upset but later I managed to stay composed and swallowed my pride.

Well life is not all about being powerful but one must carry yourself well for others to respect otherwise is useless. Arrogance will lead to one's downfall eventually and I pray God bless this someone.

I pray for Great Wisdom to do my work well.

God is My Protector and My Defender Always

2010-03-16T01:02:00.006+08:00

This email was sent to us on 15th March 2010 and indeed is a reminder on the Power of the Rosary as we mark the 24th Anniversary of the Hotel New World Collapse when Albert was trapped in the collapse building for 59hours on 15th March 1986 and came out alive with the Rosary round his neck!

Thank You Dearest Mother Mary for always there to pray for us! Glory to Our Lord Jesus who is God forever and ever Amen!

An amazing picture became a message of faith in Spain . This was taken at the baptism of Valentino Mora, son of Erica, a single mom of 21 who asked the photographer to take a picture of her son for free.

The photo of the baptism of Valentino Mora is sweeping the Internet, because at the time the priest pours the Holy water over his head, the water flows in the shape of a rosary (see photo above).

This story began at the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady in Cordova , Spain , where the baptism of a one month baby took place. At the time that Valentino came to the baptismal font for the sacrament of baptism, Erica asked the photographer Maria Silvana Salles, who was hired by other parents baptizing their babies, to take a photo of her son as a favor, since the young mother had no way of paying for it. The photographer, moved by Erica's request, agreed to take a photo of Valentino.

Maria Silvana works with a traditional camera and had to send the film to be developed to a shop in Cordova. When she received the photos, she noticed with surprise that the water poured from the head of Valentino was a perfect rosary.

The photo of the baptism of Valentino has awakened faith in the people of Cordova who come to the humble home of Erica and Valentino Mora to touch him.

The truth is that this sign of faith has mobilized this town in Cordova, whose neighbors go to Maria Silvana's store to buy the picture as if it were a prayer card.

2010-03-02T23:11:00.002+08:00

Gerald has came back for CNY holidays and back to study once again. We do not feel sad as like before as these past 4 years it has been back & to Vancouver so we are sort of use to him coming and going.

Times fly and he is left with 1 more year given an honours to complete. We are very proud of him as from a N level student he can become what he is today.

Well both the brothers have such a big argument on sunday but glad that they are good children and eventually forget the incident and reconcile the following day. Each has his own strength and weakness and forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins.

Gerald ha just commented few days back that how many parents can be like us sacrificing our career to concentrate on the children and that's where they are developed and mould into the excellent adults.

Poor Greg has been quite stressed lately and I know that he kept alot to himself so that dad and mama need not have worry about him. I just pray that he will outgrow from this phase of teenage and master the skills of handling difficult situations.

As to my dearest hubby, I do agree with Gerald that he has slowed down alot. The fact he is not doing anything when I am at work and greg is in school that is how his brain is slowly dying out. Honestly it is a worrying sight.

Working life has been hard lately with so many KPIs to meet. Basically I feel more has to be done with retention program and our Country Director alone cant do it herself, it has to be everyone's teamwork. Each and everyone within the support group are trying very to do their part and contribute the growth of the Company.

Hopefully more staff will retrieve their intention of resignation and stay on to contribute their part.

Still waiting for Gerald to call another 2 hours before he arrives in Canada!

2009-07-09T23:26:00.002+08:00

These few times, seem to be receiving all the bad news!

A close church friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, my niece found out that her trusted maid has a boy friend and diagnose with herpes, another good church friend diagnose with Colon Cancer and then my biological mum is suspected of a growth in the stomach.

Time and again, I always tell myself that life is real short and all of us can just be gone in that split of moments. Usually I like to remind my hubby and my children about this but they are always very annoyed with me whenever I mentioned about death.

As we grow old and like what Christine has said, aging can be quite depressing, as our vision becomes very blur, our legs are weaker, our health deteriorates by the days and everywhere you try to get a job, no one will want to employ you.

Daily, I told the Lord to give all of us good health and to grow old gracefully without having to burden down our spouse or family members.

As I count my blessings, I am more than thankful for What I am and What I have.

Indeed grateful even with trials and tribulations in my life, I grow to be a stronger person.

Always Trust in the Lord

2009-05-09T22:18:00.003+08:00

Today as we celebrate Mother's Day (a day earlier), we want to honour all Mothers in the World for the endless love they have for their children.

I specially thank my adopted mum for bringing me up when I was 2 weeks' old and not forgetting my own biological mum who brought me into this world. Whatever is the reason for my adoption, it is in the past and God has allowed it to happen for many reasons.

Gerald has just sent me an E-Card for Mother's Day and it touches my heart and I am very thankful to God for this child of ours, always so thoughtful, so loving and caring in his beautiful ways.

As I thank him for the card and his thoughtfulness, I told him that the reason for we mothers live on is Our Love for Our Children. No matter how hard life is, we will struggle on and hope that Happiness will always be with our children as they grow.

May God bless all those children who have lost their mums and bless those mums who have lost their children. I specially want to remember those couples who hope to be blessed with Children, God please grant them their hearts' desire to have children.

Special Blessings be upon Gerald And Gregory, God's Gifts to Albert and I and of course The Sims!

Amen! Amen!

2009-04-29T22:36:00.002+08:00

The Swine Flu is getting worse and remind us of SARS days. Today, the HRs were all so busy over the logistics which include the Contingency plan for the whole Call Centre like purchasing of thermometera; masks; gloves etc.... Processes were mapped up by HRM for all to follow and memos were issued for both the offices of TD. Concalls were made with our main client to ensure that Contingency plan is in place to carry out.

Temperature station was determine and Flu committee was set with roster scheduled for the whole week to take down temperatures of all staff reporting for work. Isolated room was identified and contact bowl for visitors to drop in their contacts for the purpose of contact tracing in the event of an outbreak.

As the news were announced, the number of victims in Mexico are on the rise and spread to other country like New Zealand, Britain, US, Canada. Both Albert and I were very worried for Gerald and caution him to be careful and avoid the crowded areas.

We just prayed for the Divine intervention of God to clear this widespread of Swine Flu and put under control with no further spread to other countries.

According to news, Swine Flu virus is more difficult to contain than SARS which will have fever as the initial symptom whereas Swine Flu may not have symptom at all and victim can be a carrier in the initial stage of contacting the virus. It is indeed scaring.

The world is actually in great recession and with this Swine Flu, the Global ecomomy has drifted further and even higher unemployment rate.

Each and everyone of us take the responsibility to help fight the Swine Flu Virus but ultimately, God has to come in and help the world. Please, Jesus in your mercy please clear and swipe out completely the Swine Flu virus which are taking away lives worldwide. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

2009-03-11T23:51:00.003+08:00

My phone rang at 18:12hrs and dad was on the line. He excitedly told me that they have found our long lost niece, Melissa. Dad was crying with tears of joy as he related how Edwin got hold of Melissa via the email. At that moment, my tears just rolled as I listened to dad saying that Edwin actually told Melissa that her mum has since passed away. It was indeed a great shock to her and she broke down.

All our siblings are so happy that we finally got news of Melissa and that she is fine and well.Got married to a filipino living in LA and have a 3 year old daughter. Thank God for the reconciliation especially between Edwin and Melissa. May the soul of my late sister rest in peace with the reconciliation. Jie Jie, we love and miss you! We pray that may perpetual light shine upon your soul and may you rest in peace, Amen.

This evening after work, went with the Korean Newbiz to a wake at Spore Casket. So sad indeed to see the 80+ mum crying uncontrollably over the death of her 43years old son who just fell and died. Can understand how poor Pauline having to cope up with the sudden death as well as to try and console her mum.

At this moment, I just cant imagine having to tell Pauline that she may need to resign from TD as she will not be able to cope up when she reports to work on Monday. This is one of the worst part of my job scope and I hate to do it. There is also another newbiz from the same batch whom I will need to talk to her about resignation as she has been on MC since Monday. Sigh!!!!when come to such issue, I wish I am not working as a HR person.

Then the recruitment of Taiwanese CSE.....was a real headache task. Right from beginning, the complaint was not enough resumes coming in. So Hiring Manager informed that no native taiwanese is alright as long as they can speak fluent mandarin. Got a few local resumes, then the comment is non native so not interested. Finally got natives, the rejection was candidates not in fashion/design and no customer service experience. Went on to source for customer service but the rejection was got customer service experience but not in fashion/design. Other reason for rejecting is candidate will not stay long in the job. Just wondering what will be the next comment. Probably after her holidays, things may be better and she may settle for one suitable candidate. I need to pray extra hard to close the position and take this as another challenge in my recruitment role.

My next challenge will be the hiring of local chinese tele-sales insurance agents target 30 of them by 3rd week of March 09. Hope some good resumes will come in.

May God continue to bless the world, all the countries, the people, the home and every individual self. Amen

2009-02-08T17:34:00.002+08:00

It has been quite sometime that I did not have the time to pen down my thoughts.

Time flies, Christmas and Chinese New Year are over and tomorrow will be 15th day of the Chinese Lunar New year.

Those past months have been very hectic with my adopted mum in hospital with water in the lungs and Albert with Greg in Vancouver with Gerald. I was glad that I did not agree to go with them on holiday otherwise would be very difficult to leave mum alone to recuperate from her sickness.

I was left all alone nursing my sick mum with my ku ku & Malcolm in Shanghai in Dec 08. Was a frightening experience when mum fell down the stairs though was 5 steps but it almost killed me instantly cos I saw that she actually fell faced downwards. Thank God she has slight bruise on her left eye brown.

The sudden death of Jenny also saddened my spirit as she was a great church friend and we just lost her like this. Came Theresa our another Church friend was found to have breasts CA. God, may the soul of Jenny rest in peace and may your blessing be with Theresa.

Christmas was great as usual as Gerald was back together with Albert and Greg and of course Ku Ku from her holidays with Malcolm in Shanghai.

December/January were my most hectic months with intense recruitment to do and targets to meet, coupled with hamper wrapping. Thank God for seeing me through meeting the targets for more chinese candidates plus German/Korean speaking CSRs for the new batch of recruits as well as the CNY hamper orders.

Gerald went off on 5th Jan for his next semster. Pray that God will continue to bless, guide and protect him in all he do.

Greg got his O level results of 9 pts with distinction in English/Maths/Humanities. After deducting his 2 pts for CCA he tried VJC but was not successful. He settled for SAJC but we are thankful as it is a christian base. It may not be so helpful after all if we will to appeal again and make a donation just to get him into VJC. We are proud of Greg as he sat for the aptitude test for KI cos out of 42 of them only 18 qualify for the KI subject. Pray that he will sustain and do well in KI as well as the other combination he has chosen.

Mr Ho, our long supporting client, must be unwell as I tried calling him but to no avail. Just pray that God will bless him as he is a good man and a great friend.

Lately, seems to be receiving quite a fair bit of bad news. With Jenny's death and Theresa suffering from breasts CA and now Nellly just operated also for breasts CA. Mabel my ex colleague suddenly unable to walk due to nerve problem and my boss just lost his brother. I was sharing all these with Gerald every now and then whenever i go on skype with him.

This afternoon after speaking to Gerald, he told me to read his blog cos he wrote a poem for me and it touch my heart as I am thankful for this beautiful son of ours.

Dear Mum,

Please do not work so hard
Your friends are dropping like flies
All because they tried so hard
And never had thought twice

Is it all worth while to work the night away
To slave and toil, sweating blood and tears
Should anything happen to you
maybe a basket they will send
just to wish you well
but if your life should end
there's a whole ground swell
where they can pick and choose
a replacement for you.

Dear Mum please do not work so hard
Maybe you do not know
But your children loves you so
much that we do not care for worldly riches no more
But just want you, our loving mum.

I know that as age is catching up, I need to take good care of myself and I assure Gerald that I will. At the same time, I pray that if it is the time for me to go I will be ready and not be a burden to my family and just leave this world peacefully.

Mum has very bad rashes lately, brought her to polyclinic who has referred her to National skin centre, hope all will turn out well and right medicine will be prescribed and the sores heal.

These few days I have been praying very feverently for Nelly who is very sad, disappointed, worried and fearful when the doctor reveals the follow up treatment.

She wrote:
"I am really so loss for words and cant help fearing if I will have the strength to go thru the treatments. I heard its very painful cos again they need to inject a certain dye before treatment and it weakens a person. Now I dont know what to pray and how to pray. So Pls pls continue to pray for me."

After receiving the sms, my heart goes out to her. I can feel the sadness, disappointment, worries, fear that she is facing. Today's sermon by Father Paul Goh was so appropriate for her.

Suffering made us Strong
We just pray for the Grace of Hope and Faith

I pray that God will give her great strength and grace during this period of suffering and God will be with her family members as well, her hubby and the children.

God gives, God takes back
And Blessed Be the Name of God

2008-10-11T00:54:00.002+08:00

As the market drifts further down, we are thankful that our Australian property was sold earlier and even those bank shares to finance Gerald's education.

Thank God for the great wisdom and right timing in managing our finances. As is written in the bible, "Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God and everything shall be added unto You"

Thank God for Gregory's good prelim results, hope that he will do equally well in his actual "O" level exam. We also pray that Matthias and Mautriz will do well too.

We are glad that Gerald joined as a Altar Server in UBC parish. Over in UBC, the Altar server also assists in the Communion Ministry role. Glad that he participates in the Catholic's activity.

Have been quite sick with very severe migraine and vomitting yesterday. I felt so terribly sick and thought that I would not be able to make it to my Advanced Excel Class. The trainer, Roy was so kind and allowed me to rest if I cannot take it. I tolerated throughout the whole morning and resolved to my 100plus remedy and by noon, I was feeling much better though the migraine still lingered on. It has been a long time I have not got migraine. The stress of not getting the target 20 CSRs for 20th Oct intake bothers me as I manage only to get 8 of them because of the stringent criteria set.in the recruitment.

I just pray that miracles do happen and we are able to achieve the target that the management is comfortable with.

The Advance Excel class was good and there were many formulas and indeed amazing that Excel can do wonders! Hope to apply on what I have learn into the daily work. The trainer, Roy, was a kind and generous and very willing to share his knowlege.

Today I felt much better after a good nite sleep and could concentrate more in class. Glad is Friday and hope to have a peaceful weekend to have a good rest though still posting jobs on the various websites. I am desperate for some good resumes to come in. God, please help.

.

2008-09-26T23:20:00.002+08:00

My another new biz, who joined me on 4th Aug, was sharing with me yesterday and today that she was very afraid to lose her job. I encouraged her not to worry as she is trying her best and am sure with her diligence, she is able to cope up and produce good results.

Poor lady who travels daily from JB to Singapore and as she knew that she is slow in her progress, she has been coming in as early as 7am just to practise more before the official time just to be familiarise with the system. She has infact to the extent of not taking her lunch just to practise during lunch time.

God created us all differently some are more intelligent while others are much slower. All of us are different & unique individuals. I just simply dun understand where are the compassion of human race. The great effort this poor lady is putting in just to catch up and struggle very hard just to keep this job and at the end she was simply asked to go.

Feedbacks were based simply on those TLs without even checking with trainers who trained her. My concern:- Is the process right? By asking her to go, what signals are we sending out to the staff out there? The remaining staff in her batch wouldnt they feel demoralise? Out there on the floor, will any staff ever wants to refer anyone to work for the Company? Out in the market, what type of branding will the Company be getting? The great effort put into sourcing and selection without going through Agency to save on the operating costs, all these are being drained down.

In my opinion, she puts in that great efforts to come in by 7am from JB probably leaving her home at 5am so as to get more practice. Why cant those responsible for the action see to the great effort put in and give her a chance and give her a timeline to improve herself.

She was sharing with me both yesterday and today that the TLs keep repeating to her "You want to give the letter or you want us to give you the letter" Do we consider these ppl as Leaders who motivate when she is struggling or they just push her head down below the water and make sure she gets drown. I was really upset over the whole incident. I just prayed that she will not get into trouble when she gets home and tell her hubby that she has lost her job. In fact, the family shifted from KL to JB when she got this job with us in Aug.

Feedback from my New Biz that one of the TLs even banged the table when the class does not seems to follow the lesson. I was shocked to learn that the TLs simply lack of that skills of motivation especially when they are so new to the Organisation.

I just prayed that the process out there will be put right and there is a more appropriate handling of the whole situation.

As to the other new biz (the orphan), she finally agreed to accept the temp job. I told HRM to just try her out and hope whe will grow out of depression.

This evening in church, we ve a lady sharing on how she lost her hubby and one of her teenager son went into depression and the one got handicapped after a fall during NS. How she drew the strength from the Lord and on go with life. Fantastic Lady and Prise the Lord!

We have another sharing from a guy who had 47 degree burn during one of the bombing in Indonesia and how he faced the mirror and saw a different face altogether. How he faced his 2 year old son for the 1st time after the burnt. How afraid he was that his son may not want him becos of his disfigure. As he shared,he was in tears........

I was really upset but on the other hand, I am thankful to the Lord for who I am and what I have and the beautiful hubby I have and 2 most beautiful children.

Tomorrow, Greg will be going to MOE for interview for his humanity scholarship. We are very proud of him and thank God for the Greg's intelligence. May he be bless with good 'O' level results. We just pray that he will get it and this will definitely save costs.

2008-09-25T22:51:00.002+08:00

Today was whole day of counseling. The new biz made my heart aches as I heard her life story of how she went into depression and cant hold her job long. Deep in her, she very much like to keep the job but her mental state just could not go on.

As a HR person, I very much like to help her but yet I have a responsibility to the Company as we are running a business. Poor girl, 24 years old and mum passed away when she was in Sec 2 and 2 years later dad passed away leaving her alone with a 30years mentally handicapped sister. She ended up putting the sister to a home and moved to stay with her maternal aunt.

Aunt was a conservative woman who just nag and very discouraging with all the negative remarks resulting in her being of so low self esteem.

HRM empathizes with her and waive off the bond. At the same time, find another way of giving her another role to take up so as to help her overcome her state of depression. Sad to learn that she did not take up the new role. In fact told her to go Novena Church before she left me this evening.

Felt quite lost on how to help her. Shared with HRM that we did our part and the rest we need to leave to God. Honestly, I ended up crying over her misfortune after counseling her.

Shared with Albert and Greg on how unfortunate she is. Told Greg that all of us in our life will go through ups and downs of life and we need to be strong ourselves as no one out there can help you and is you yourself has to be strong and go on with life.

Thank God and I ask of the Lord to bless her and heal her of depression.

Tonite, our nephew is flying to Shanghai and station there for 2 years. I pray that God will continue to give him wisdom as he take up his new role. God will continue to heal him of his hurts and the sudden death of his mother.

Thank You God for Always with us

2008-09-11T22:22:00.002+08:00

Start on recruiting once again. Another challenge and hopefully can get more mandarin speaking staff to balanceup the ratio.

Still hunting for IT Specialist but to no avail. My ex IT colleague commented after reading the Job analysis that only a superman/woman then can do the job. Sighzzzz well that was given and my role to try and find one by end of this month. HRM said that most important I get the resume coming in and is not shortlisted then nothing much we can do.

Dear Greg is having his O level prelim so far he seems confident and we hope he will really excel well.

As for Gerald,he has settled in well into his hostel. Lessons have commenced and hope that he will do well. again.

Time to sleep now. God bless all us all.

2008-08-29T22:28:00.002+08:00

Today Kwee Shan celebrated her 3 months confirmation with our Company and at the same time with her immediate superior, we gave her a great surprise and celebrated her birthday. as well. I decided to cook my favourite mee siam and bring about fellowship among colleagues.

In the afternoon, I got anxious once again as one of my new recruits' letter of consent is not in and she will not be able to start work on Monday. Called MOM hotline 3 times and as usual it rang to eternity. Finally the CSA came to the phone and the 3 of them on my 3 different timing of calling told me the same thing "We have escalated your case, the officer will call you as soon as possible" This is indeed frustrating. Tried to get an ex colleague who is now working in MOM to help but to no avail. Tried another friend who is working in MOM as well but no reply to the h/p.

This letter of consent case has taught me a lesson that I need to do thing personally and do it via email in black and white to get things done right in the first place. I just pray that everything will turn out well by Monday otherwise I am afraid the recuit will not be able to join us till next year. I felt it is my responsibility to her as she has since resigned from her job. Honestly, I am very upset over all that has happened and should not have happened if I have taken up the task personally and do it myself. I just seek God to help in this incident that all will turn out well.

This evening, I took my bus home and sat just behind one man and he has a very strong odour which is so unbearable that I decided to change to a seat behind.

The next bus stop came a young chap who sat across me and just lifted his 2 legs up against the seat in front. This action annoyed the middle age man who immediately gave the young chap a stern look. He then shifted angrily to the seat behind that young chap. I got so frightened as there was no other people around. I decided to change seat to the front in case a fight broke out.

This evening, we have mee sian for dinner at home.. My hubby found that the gear of the car is not working and looks like we have to get the towing company and get the car repaired. Hope it will not cost us much.

Tomorrow I wil be going to labrador park with some of my colleagues. Hope the weather will be fine. Goodness, it now past 11pm, need to take a quick shower and onto a good nite sleep.

Thank God for the day and for his blessing.

2008-08-26T23:41:00.002+08:00

Greogry was telling us that he apply for Humanity Scholarship which will bring him to the Top 5 JCs if his result is good. Out of the 11 application, he was one of the shortlisted one. If everything goes well, hewill get to choose from RJC, VJC, NJC, ACJC & Hwa Chong JC. As usual, he seems confident but I caution that we are proud that he is being shortlised but to take up Literature, History and Economics is going to be very tedious. He still think he can do it so we support and allow him to try. In life,it is through failire that we grow to be stronger.

Gerald met Kelvin's friend, Alex at airport in Vancouver. He is there to complete his PHD in History. Glad that Gerald now has another new friend to meet up with.

It 's now almost midnite and I need to pen off to get a good sleep.

2008-08-26T13:30:00.002+08:00

Gerald called this morning from Vancouver at 5am and informed that he has safely arrived. He lost one of his luggages but Thank God manage to find back.

He was back for 3 months which was a long holiday and he actually feel sad having to leave and go back to his study away from home. Well time flies and this is his 3rd year. Hopefully, he will continue to do well and get his honours in whatever faculty he intends to major in. Initially he started with Political Science and then decided on Philosophy. Now he wants to major in History and Psychology.

Got a expensive dinner treat from a close relative on saturday, 23rd August as a farewell for Gerald. Fine dining at Lawry @ Paragon cost S$89.90 ++ just for the set menu excluding all the side dishes and drinks. The bill we believe came up to about S$800/- just for the 6 of us....I feel the heartache Anyway, we are thankful for the treat.

Today is the beginning of Gregory's Prelim for his O Level and hope that he will do well.

Thank God for always being with us and May He continues to bless all the people around us.

2008-08-24T00:32:00.000+08:00

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story0.4136.173657.00.html

2008-08-21T23:15:00.002+08:00

The interview with Albert on The Hotel New World Collapse was published in The New Paper on 18th August 2008. It happen to be Albert's 59th Birthday.

We will grateful once again for the miracle of Albert's survival.

After reading the article, Albert commented to me, I quote "You mean the difference in our age is 7 years, not 2 years?" unquote.

Aiyoh I have married him for 29 years, he just realise that we are 7 years difference in age! This is indeed sign of old age. He keeps smiling and asked me why you married such an old man? Funny old man and acting to be "Lau cute"

Many birthday wishes came in for him that day after the article was published in the New Paper. Thank God for all the beautiful friends around us always.

Finally, I am done with all the target set for the recruitment of Thai, Korean and Japanese as well as the locals for this year. Now looking around for an IT specialist to replace the resignation. Hope can get a suitable one by end of September 2008. I hope to do my work to the best of my ability.

Manage to do up the 1st cut of Staff handbook for HRM to vet through. With KS's help got the hard copy of the CTPL, a big Call Centre like ours too. Another friend sends her office's hard copy as well. Thanks for helpful friends around.

I have also completed the procedure for claiming of SDF for in-house training course. Hope can help the company to get some funding from SDF. I am looking forward to be able to claim Foreign Skill Levy for those Foreign staff who go home for vacation or hospitalisation leave. Company can ask for a refund of the levy. Waiting for Impact to reply me on courses that are able to upgrade the status of semi skilled CSR to skilled CSR so that we can save up to S$90 per staff. All these will help to reduce our operating costs.

At present, I am contemplating whether to take up a degree in HRM. On one hand, I am quite reluctant cos the journey to UNISIM is so far from the office but on the other hand I long to continue my study in HR field which I am very interested. As I was praying this morning on the decision, the reading for today is about perseverance.

Time flies and our dear Gerald will be going to Vancouver on 25th Aug 08 for his 3rd year. Thank God that he got an apartment in the Uni Hostel though is more expensive but somehow is better for him in terms of traveling to and from Uni for his lectures.

He was saying that 4 of his friends coincidentally are going back for study on the same day and around the same time, 2 to UK, 1 to Manchester and 1 to US.

My adopted mum called up and complained about her son who keeps taking money for his drinking session. Tried to console her that it is better for him to drink than to take drugs. Asked her not to be upset as she is already in her 80s and her son in his 60s so why all the argument. Told her to just pray and focus on the Lord and have the inner peace and not to allow the surrounding to trouble our heart. Manage to calm her down. I feel the responsibility to take care of her but she simply refuse to stay with us cos she believe that parents cannot stay with daughters. Everyday, I will make a point to call her just to ensure that she is alright. May God continue to take care of her.

Thank God for his abundant blessing shower upon us.

2008-08-13T22:38:00.002+08:00

As we went to the Hotel New World Site on 9th August 2008 to have our photo taking for the publication of the article, we had mixed feelings. We have never been so close to the site all these 22 years and memories flashed back on how desperate and anxious I was in waiting for my hubby's survival. The number of relatives, friends and colleagues surrounded us during those days of waiting and giving us all the support we need.

The MRT engineers and rescuers who are not related to us, risked their lives and tunneled in to save our loves ones who were trapped in there. This showed the unconditional love that these heroes have. The Sims are always grateful to all these rescuers, relatives, friends and colleagues who have helped us during those difficult moment.

I could feel how my hubby felt at that moment near the site. He was sad recalling how some of his colleagues died and his struggle to survive during those eternal 59 hours of waiting to be rescued. He is always thankful that he came out alive and live till today.

He is always happy to see Gerald, our eldest son and even happier to see Gregory our youngest son who was born 6 years after the Hotel World Collapse. As he shared that the only phobia he had is when any of his family members come back late, he will get anxious and very afraid to lose us again. I can empathize with him as it must be indeed traumatic. I prayed that God will continue to heal my hubby and he will continue to trust that God will always take care of his family for God is our Defender and Protector.

Life is not a bed of roses and we will definitely have trials. and how we actually handle them and go through with those difficulties and come out of it being a much stronger person.

What we pray daily is to have peace and to bring peace to everyone we meet.

2008-08-07T00:10:00.002+08:00

Thank God that I manage to recruit 18 "good quality" CSRs to join the 4th August intake.

I have always take pride in doing my work well and will always strive very hard to achieve what is expected of me. I suppose this is the way my adopted mum brought me up to be what I am today.

I have been in the Company for more than 3 months and just got promoted to the position of HR Exec. I am grateful to my immediate boss for the recommendation and approval by the CSD.

Another stressful month to go with at least 12 CSRs to recruit for the next intake. Hope to at least get some Mandarin speaking CSRs so as to balance up the ratio of the different races.

Last evening, we reed to have an interview with Andre Yeo of New Paper on the Hotel New World Collapse. All these 22 years, we have kept quite a low profile on our sharing with the media. However, we still continue to give testimonies to small prayers groups and Glorify God's Great Name for the Miracle that Albert survived under the rubbles for 59 hours without food and water and came out Alive!

Disasters like the 9/11 and Sizhuan Earthquake had brought back memories of the Hotel New World disaster and our hearts go out to all the people who were affected by the disasters.

As we shared with the reporter, we have taken our life for granted before the disaster but after what we have went through, we appreciate our life more and live life to the fullest every day.

The children shared on how they were told about the Hotel New World Collapse as they grow and the Miracle of their dad surviving the ordeal. They grow to be strong in the Lord who saved their dad especially for Gerald who was then 16 months old. The Lord heard my cry for help during the time to save Albert as I cant imagine bringing up Gerald without the dad around.

Thanks be to God! We are grateful all the days of our life.

2008-07-17T13:14:00.001+08:00

Today is the day I was trying to tell Karen to create facebook and blogger account. Quite interesting. hahaha a hip hip mummy teaching the younger generation.

2008-06-20T12:41:00.002+08:00

Today is Friday and is always my favourite day.

Decided to have egg sandwiches for lunch and gather with colleagues during lunch and have fellowship sharing about everything. Pek Kee my dear little young colleague just simply loves omelettes. Pek kee is always so dramatic and bring so much joy to all of us in HR.

We enjoy one another's company Roselind, Adeline, Pek Kee, Emilyn (our intern) and of course I am the vintage one. Hahahahaha....

Mama Jenny, our boss, is sick and on 2 days MC, may God heal her and she will recover soon. An understanding boss who is always ready there for you when you need help.

Time flies and I am in this Company for the past 2 months. I love the enviroment and even got Kwee Shan to join the Company too. I am happy to see that she at least got to go back on time and not so stress as before.

I just pray that we will be able to get good and committed CSRs to join the Company especially those with language speaking like that of German/French and especially the Koreans by end of July for training in August.

2008-06-16T23:45:00.004+08:00

Both Dorothy and I went to the A/P to say good bye to Father Bernard who was going back to Melbourne after staying in Singapore for a couple of months.

Good to say Good Bye as he will only come back in January 2010 though Technology has allowed us to be able to communicate with one another over email or handphone or even MSN.

Dot decided at the last minute to come along so as to give papa a surprise and he was indeed very surprise. We were later join by Vivien who is papa's good friend too. Poor lady, she was down with fever but still went on to send him off.

After seeing him off, we decided to take a bus back and had a long talk during the one hour of our bus journey.

It is good to be able to have such time together as friends and especially with our daily tight schedule able to spend about an hour just talking about old times like that of our Europe trip.....John and Dorothy's wedding and Albert & I being their witnesses for the wedding, the birth of their children...the Hotel New World collapse and the many joys/depressed moments of our lives.

Today being Monday and a tiring day as well. Still looking for my Korean/German and now French Speaking Customer Service Representatives

There are many applications but we are unable to pay the expected salaries of these applicants. Hope some suitable ones will come along for the August 08 intake. May God Bless and provide all of them - committed and responsible ones.

2008-06-14T14:31:00.003+08:00

It has been quite a while since I pen down my thoughts since March 2008. Just got a Macbook, not too bad quite user friendly.

I have decided to quit from the Nursing Home 2 months ago. No regrets as the colleagues are friendly, cooperative and very united. They are very willing to share especially my immediate superior and my HRM together with my 2 young beautiful colleagues.

Thank God for the decision to accept this offer in comparing to MCYS, St Mary of the Angels and an interior design company in Upper Thomson Road. Though the journey to and from work is far but is worth the while cos it is indeed a good working enviroment. Thank you to both Sau Yee and Poh Lin for this job and I hope to be able to impart my HR knowledge to the Company as the HR is a pretty new division.

Gerald is back for his holidays. Initially, that was not what he planned to do but decided to come back cos the month of May is his brother, Gregory's birthday and he dotes on his brother very much.

He chose to go back on 26th June so as to work for 2 months in Vancouver before school term starts. Then he realized that it is also his brother's crucial year in preparing the O Level exam, so he went on to postpone to August so as to stay a little longer for him.

We are thankful that Gerald is always so sensible in caring for the family especially for his brother, one and the only.

Lately, we are concern as Greg is losing his focus. Need to pray that he will work towards his goals in achieving good grades to be in VJ. As I have shared with Gerald, sometimes it good that allow Greg to fail or do badly cos from failure then he will become stronger and may do better than expected. This is what life is all about falling and standing up and go forward again.

Work wise has been quite free though finds it a challenge to get language speaking candidates when the Company is not so willing to pay for native speaking. Can understand the importance of cutting costs. I believe able to get non native but it takes time. So far, manage to get 1 korean living in Singapore but dun know how much she will be asking for. Another korean asking for US$1.5 living in Bagaore. 1 German native pending though not so good in his English but may want to try him out. Hope all will turn out well for August intake.

Scrutinizing 2007 payroll which was previously outsourced. Sad to say, there are discrepancies which may take quite a while to resolve. May God gives Wisdom to my HRM to filter those overcharge amounts which we hope to claim back. A lesson that I learn never Outsource Payroll or Finance to 3rd party...too high a risk to take.

Tomorrow is Father's Day as we pray for all those who have lost their dads. May God continues to bless my dad with good health as he continues to evangelize for Jesus.

May God bless my hubby too. He is A Great Dad to our 2 children. My adopted mum always comment that my hubby is a filial father and his whole world is surround with his wife and children only. Thank God for A Lovely Husband.

2008-03-26T22:12:00.002+08:00

The past 2 months have been quite hectic receiving bad news one after another
First I have Gertrude Heng who is diagnoise with Breast Cancer, then I come to know of Jospehine Teo who collapsed also due to the start of Breasts Cancer and the CA spread to her spinal.
Follow by Serena, my niece's pregnancy and the test result is not too good and my sister is so paranoid about the whole matter. Tbis scare my poor niece.
Finally, the struggle of having to decide whether to leave my present job for good.
I prayed that God would give me direction and confirmation that I can made the right decision, so came one
saturday during my off day, I got to call my boss who was upset with me for recommending an ex staff to work for another company. I tried explaining that I did it out of kindness and nothing else but was reprimanded for doing it. I was told to immediately called up my friend and stopped her from hiring the person whom I have recommended.
I was warned that though I maybe a good worker in the organisation, I may face termination for recommending the ex staff.
All that happened gave me that confirmation that I need to leave the present job to seek for greener pastures. With the sale of the house in Gold Coast give me a good excuse that I need to resign and go overseas to complete the sale of the property.
Though I have a choice to give 1 month notice or much earlier like giving a 24 hour resignation but I feel responsible to pass on my work to my fellow colleagues.
I am grateful to the organisation that I have indeed learnt the whole spectrum of HR during my two years.
I truly believe my God will help me in whatever I will be endeavouring.
Confident that God is my Defender and Protector and He will give me Wisdom in whatever I do and wherever I go.
Praise God and All Glory to Him Forever and Ever, Amen!

2007-12-15T22:29:00.000+08:00

We are all happy that Gerald is coming home for his Christmas Holidays. Thanks to Ku Ku who pays for the airfares.

Though it is a short holiday back to Singapore but nothing can compare to the joy share with members of the family than alone in Vancouver.

It will be pretty rushing for Gerald as he will spend one week here and after which we will be going to Ho Chih Minh City to have a 5 day holidays as a family.

Then he will spen another 6 days and he will then go back to his study.

Poor boy, rushing here and there and have to manage his food/clothings/study all on his own and so far away from us.

I suppose this is part of growing up and part of we parents learning to let go.

Gerald has grown to be very sensible and matured in his own way, Thank God and with the time spend away from the home will cultivate him to manage his life on his own in the future when we are no more with him. With this, he will train his only brother, Gregory to be independent too.

God has been good and keeping our 2 children well. We as parents always worried about their being under bad influence of company.

What we are and what we have, we are simply thankful to the Lord, Our Defender and Protector.

We always will remember those who are troubled, sick or suffering that God be with them and give them the Grace to help them through.

2007-12-10T20:16:00.000+08:00

This morning, I spoke to Gerald and was asking what he had for his dinner being sunday nite in Vancouver. He told me that he cooked curry. So excitedly, I asked whether it is chicken or beef curry that he cooks. It saddened my heart as a mother when he told me he cooked sausage curry as that is the cheapest. He then told me that it is alright cos he has to be frugal. I am indeed touched and shared with Albert that Gerald is indeed sensible and know that money is hard to come by. I thank God for him and pray that God will bless him with a happy, healthy and peaceful life. He is indeed a good child.
We look forward to Gerald coming home for his Christmas holidays though a short trip but grateful to Ku Ku for the financing of the airfare.
After his holiday here, he will be back to his study and this will take a long while before he is back with us again.
May God continue to bless and protect him always and help him to sucessfully meet his objectives and in all he do, he glorifies God's name always.

2007-10-27T23:03:00.000+08:00

When I got a cheque of 5K in donation to the flag day, I immediately inform my ex-boss of the cancellation of the flag day project due to lack of volunteer. She was generous and told me to just give it to the Home.

With the 5K, there was another cheque of 20K issue in my name. I told her we do not need the money as I still have the bank shares to liquidate. What she said move me to tears. She told me to use the money for investment or go for a holiday. I am indeed thankful for her thoughtfulness and generousity. I sms her that I will ask her for money if I need them.

At that moment, I knelt down and said a prayer for her that God will bless this beautiful friend of mine with such a kind heart.
Today we visited one of my adopted mum's best friends in St Luke's hospital. She is one of the best friends my adopted mum has. During those years when we have no home to stay due to my adopted brother's mental violence, we took refuge in this aunty's house. I will always to grateful to help us in those years of suffering. I pray that Aunty will not suffer and God will give her the grace and strength she needs at this moment.

My adopted brother has been in IMH for the past 23years. Before his admission into IMH, both my adopted mum and I were always beaten up by him, pulling our hairs and hitting us with his strong hands. I remember on one occasion when he beat mum up, I ran out to seek help from neighbours but no one dare to open the doors. Thank God for always covering and protecting us during those years of violence and keeping us alive.

I am grateful that God is always with me protecting and defending my family and I.

2007-10-07T15:27:00.000+08:00

Just heard from Josephine that Simon got baptised. We are indeed surprise. Glad that he made up his mind accepting the Lord.

I am indeed concern over the situation in Myanmar. Last week, I ended up having to cancel all the Myanmar's colleagues airflight back from October to December. Of course, they were upset but it is not worth taking the risk as they may end up not being able to come back.

One of them was sharing on the 1988 students' protest and many of them were killed being the fact that there was no internet available and the world was in the dark on the horrible situation Myanmar was in during that time.

This time round, with the internet, the world sees all and stands up for human rights. Hope peace will resume soon so that the people will be relieve of their sufferings.

Today being the Feast of Divine Mercy. I pray that the Lord, in his mercy will continue to pardon our sins and let there be continuous peace on earth. Our Mother Mary will continue to pray for each and everyone of us to be God's good children.

This month, we will preparing for Gregory's confirmation which is on 10th November 2007. He has chosen his confirmation name as "Augustine" and I am glad cos it is a Saint's name. He has also chosen Uncle Godfrey as his God-father who is also Gerald's God-father too.

Uncle Godfrey is a wonderful man. With his wife being struck with severe arthritis since the birth of their daughter, he has been faithfully looking after her. Now their daughter is happily married with 2 lovely boys and Caleb, their son-in-law is also a good guy and we will his God-parents when he got baptised. We are thankful for this beautiful family.

Aunty Jessica has suffered so much with her severe arthritis (her fingers and toes are all crooked. She has indeed suffer so much and many a times Father Fossion would comment that she has spent her Purgatory on earth.

God is great to see us through our sufferings and these trials made us strong even though sometimes we may not understand especially during the time of sufferings.

Just spoken to Andrew who is having a hard time with her teenage daughter. Share with him the essay written by a 15 year old student in Spore who won an award. Basically we just pray that our kids will be godly people and their life fill with happiness, joy and peace. Too much great achievement academically may not necessary be healthly. What Father Paul Goh mentioned in one of his sermons that kids got all the distinctions and at the end of the day, they leave God, they leave the church and they leave their parents. With their distinctions, they may become arrogant and justcontinue to chase after the wind.

We pray that our kids will grow up to be responsible adults with good catholic values.

2007-09-05T22:26:00.000+08:00

I have not been writing since April 07 ever since Gerald came back for his vacation.

Those 4 months, he went into relief teaching earning himself some pocket money. All these while, he hopes to get into University of Tronoto which eventually he got in but rejected it. As his mum, I can understand how he feels. On one hand, he is so happy that he is the cream of the crop to be admitted into UOT but on the other hand he could not afford to let go of his Scholarship of Canadian 3K to 6K for his good results in UBC. At this moment, money is important to him and he knows that we really liquidate our assets for him to fulfil his dreams.

I am glad it turn out this way cos Tronoto will be too cold and he is more familiar with Vancouver. Now the most worrying as parents is that of his accomodation. We hope we can sell off our Australia property and with the proceed we can get a small apartment for him in Vancouver.

We just pray that everything will turn out well for him and together with his 2 friends they will live in harmony cos if Gerald is unhappy with his flatmates then it may affect his study.

Gregory is growing up well both academically as well as in his bowling. He is still committed to his Alter Server role and very mature in his thinking. A sensible child and we are happy with him cos he brings so much joy to our family. I just pray that he will use his intelligence in the right way and for the Glory of God.

Just attended Fr Paul Lim's 51st Birthday, it is an annual affair. Happy for him with so many parishioners who love him and will make a point to celebrate his birthday. May God continue to bless him as he continue to carry out God's Ministry.

Glad that I have this time to pen down my over 4 months thoughts.

2007-04-18T08:21:00.000+08:00

The Virginia Tech Massacre is indeed a great shock and innocent lives lost just within that two hours.
Gerald gave his view that the law governing the possession of guns has to be tightened.
My heart reaches out to all the parents of the 32 innocent lives and those 17 wounded in hospital. May God give them the grace they need during this period of time.
May Eternal Rests Grant Unto the souls of the 32 victims and let perpetual lights shine upon them and may their souls rest in peace, Amen

2007-04-15T01:23:00.000+08:00

Finally Gerald will be back tomorrow. Though he has expressed that he will not do well in econ and that morning I told the Lord that He can help and true enough, Gerald got a A for Econ of which he was so surprise and a A for socialogy. Hope the rest of subjects he will do equally well.

Today we have our Board of Directors meeting, everything went well and hope we are able to give a favourable reply to the audit report.

Still feel sorry about the 30yr old man who was knocked down by the taxi driver. I cautioned Albert that never to get angry while driving or when one is in the kitchen thats where it is the most dangerous. I suppose that man did not expect the cab driver to be so ruthless as to drive off inspite of that guy standing in front of his cab hoping to stop him. I pray that the female passenger will come forward and bring justice. Now that poor man is lying in hospital, the poor mum and girl friend.

Relate the above incident to Greg that he must always be alert and not to stand in front of any vehicle with the hope of stopping the driver, cos your life will be in danger as one will not know wat type of person is the driver (He may be a mental patient or someone who is imply so ruthless).

This evening as I was leaving the office, the Myanmese were making rice balls to celebrate their year. I tried one and is not bad not too sweet just nice. Hope they have an enjoyable evening.

I just pray that Gerald's flight back will be a safe and pleasant one, in the name of Jesus I pray.

2007-04-07T17:46:00.000+08:00

We are happy that Gerald will be back soon from Vancouver. This will be his final week of exam, hope that he will do well.

Picked up a book from the Parish Office "Called & Chosen" for many are called but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14

The testimonies given by those priests are very inspiring. In John 12:24 Jesus said "I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest" This is what the Lord has done for us, through His Death, He brought us life eternal.

Manage to register at www.serrasingapore.org to join them in prayer for more priestly vocation.

Just receive a call from KL that Aunty Lily has just passed away. May her soul rests in peace. Amen.

Greg has just left for Church to serve the Easter Nite Vigil and thank God for his commitment and may he continues to walk in the Light of God.

May God bless all those who will be baptised tonite and may they be bless all the days of their lives, In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

2007-03-26T13:22:00.000+08:00

Receive that good news via sms that doctor confirmed that she is free from cancer after the colonscopy. Thank God that all turn out well.

This episode has indeed brought her and her hubby closer to the Lord and that all of us must not take life for granted. Everyday is a miracle and we live to the fullest. Yes God, you are definitely in control of all situations and there is always a purpose for things to happen and we just dun understand at times. However, we know that God, you are always with us and we are always under your tenderly care and love.

Thank You, Jesus

Thank You, Mother Mary for always praying for all us so feverently.

Amen, Amen

2007-03-23T23:46:00.000+08:00

I cried so much in church after receiving an sms from someone close to me the message read"I just went for day surgery to remove a growth in my stomach and doctor told me today that the growth is benign"

Someone who is so young and just got married. Someone who has such great and bright future ahead of her. The worse is tomorrow as doctor suspected that there may be some more growth in her large intestines and she will be going for colonscopy.

I knelt before God and plead with Him that He is the One who can perform miracles just like what He did for Albert.

I just encourage her to go for her daily mass and to continue to trust the Lord and read Psalm 91.

She must be quite lost at this moment but I can understand how she feels cos this remind me of what happened to me in Oct 1985.

There was a growth in my throat, doctor was confident that the growth was malignant without operating or do a biopsy as the growth was very hard. I cried so much as I refuse to surrender and end my life in this way with Gerald only 11 months old. I cried and I pleaded that God would heal me for the sake of my poor child and Praise God, He did just that. I went for the operation and the result was non-malignant.

God, in your mercy please heal this someone just like you have healed me. Please God, hear my prayer. Thank You God...Praise You God..Forever and ever. Amen.

Mother Mary, you are always interceding for us. Please pray for this someone who is close to me that she be healed completely and God's Name Be Praise Forever and ever...Amen

2007-03-16T08:23:00.000+08:00

On 15th March 2007, we celebrate the 21 years of Albert surviving the Hotel New World Collapse under the rubbles for 59 long hours. At the same time, we remember all those who had died in the collapse that may perpetual light shine upon their souls and may their souls rest in peace, Amen.

As I have always remind Albert, God has a purpose for him to be saved and definitely there is a ministry for him on this earth. In this temporary life on earth, whether you are rich or poor regardless your religion/language/race we all need to leave this temporary world to be with our Heavenly Father. We just live our lives to the fullest and count our blessings daily, though all of us have our crosses to carry but with God's strength we are able to handle them. May God's Name be Glorified Always, Amen.

2007-02-20T21:25:00.000+08:00

It has been quite a busy time after christmas with logistics for the CNY hampers preparation. Well, it is worth the work as it brings in profit once a year. Thanks to Joo Soon for the many years of continuous support. Business was good with 2 new clients and one of them ordered S$1k for a vegetarian hamper. It was a head cracking of what to put into that hamper when I cant put in any wine or liquor. Consulted vegetarian fren who told me that to pack in the exorbitant bird nests.

This CNY preparation at home was quiet with Gerald away so we will careful not to buy too much as the one with the biggest appetite is not around to help to clear the food.

Honestly, we miss him alot as he has never before spend CNY away from home. Thank God for the latest technology that enable us to speak to him over the phone so conveniently. I know my hubby misses Gerald alot as he has time and again told Gregory to get good results and stays back in Spore to pursue his uni education.

Glad to hear from Gerald that he got A+ for philosophy and A for psychology but a B for English. He was upset and consulted his lecturer who told him if his writing was good, he would have given him a A. I must agree that his writing is terrible. Anyway, he agrees and would try to improve on his handwriting.

We are thankful to God for a Cheque of $1.5k which came in thru the post for insurance bonus just in time for the CNY.

The CNY visitation once a year brings about fellowship with one another. We will sad to see Grand Aunty who lost her eyesight after a fall and completely deaf. She keeps saying that she is useless and should be dead. Poor woman - 97yrs old but still very alert.

Visit to God-ma and was told that her children are upset with the eldest grand daughter. A fee of $25k was paid for her to study but she did not attend at all and the poor mum did not know it till after a year later. By then, the amount was forfeited and reason is no show of student. Daily, the 22yr old grand daughter of hers will just eat and sleep and refuse to find a job even to support herself. I shared this with Gerald on how sad parents can be if our child grow up without having a thought of responsibility!

First visit to our cousin's hse in Grove Drive. Very nice place and indeed very kind of her to hold the yearly gathering for all her siblings after her parents' death. I shared with her my thoughts that God's providence has enable her to share her blessings. Thank God for her supportive and understanding husband.

Interestingly, we (my nephew and I) learn about the history of our maternal grandparents though the story is yet to be continued by my 4th sister.

Today together with my colleagues, we visited the Chairman. A huge place 14ooo sq ft in tanglin with swimming pool, 10 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, 8 cars and a big billard board room! The hse costs $16M market value.

Our God son visited us and glad that the young couple are doing fine with 2 lovely angels.

Time to relax and prepare for work tomorrow after the 3 days of holidays.

May God continue to protect and guide us in all we do. Amen

2007-01-04T20:41:00.000+08:00

Yes! We are glad that Gerald has come back for the Christmas holidays and are back to Vancouver this morning to complete his Winter Semster. We hope he will continue to stay focus and perserve to keep up his excellent grades.
May God guide him in exceling well in his next semster to qualify for a scholarship in a better university for his 2nd year of university.

2007-01-02T21:49:00.000+08:00

We have a blessed Christmas Celebration among the family members. Jason and Donna are kind to invite the ex-convicts to have carolling in their house. All the siblings together with our parents gathered to join in the celebrations. The occasion was indeed very meaningful and Serena, our niece paid for a professional photographer to take pictures for that evening. We did that as our mum's health is deteriorting by the days and we just want to have memory pictures taken just in case we lose her anytime. In fact, we almost lost her beginning of 2006.

We are happy as Gerald is back and with very good results GPA413 to qualify him for a scholarship for the winter semster. Though the amount is Canadian $1K to $2K but nevertheless the amount still helps us financially in providing him the education overseas. Hope he will continue to work hard and get scholarship every year. We pray that God will also bless him with Wisdom to do well and most important of all to walk closely with God and in all he do, he do all for the Glory of God.

Time flies, Gerald will be going back to study on 4th Jan 07. Glad that he is back to be with the family for the Christmas and the New Year. Thanks to my sister-in-law for financing the air-tickets.

Grateful to Kathy, my ex-boss who has always been so helpful financially and always there to help when we are in need in many ways all these years.

At this time of the year, we just want to remember all those who are sick and those who are from broken families that God will bless them always and give them the strength and help they need in their trials.

2006-12-15T23:28:00.000+08:00

Have a wonderful 5 days 4 nites in Hongkong. This was the only holiday that we went without Gerald. Sort of miss him especially Gregory. The plane was delayed by 1 1/2 hour resulting us in paying for the cab fare and not able to go anywhere after arriving at the hotel.
It was fun shopping and the food is delicious. Greg enjoys the food and we are glad especially he is quite choosy in his food.
Went to Ocean Park which is quite a vast change as compared to 1979 during our honeymoon trip there. Enjoyed so much especially the raging river ride. So scaring and ended up paying for a photo which Albert puts it as the stressful photo of three of us.
Visited Disneyland not really that fantastic and the entrance fee costs an exorbitant price of HK295 = S$60. Nothing compare to the Japan one which I visited 2 years ago.
Manage to find the shop the is well know for their milk and egg custard. It is indeed a delicious and is mouth-watering and smooth paste.
We were glad that we were able to go for our daily mass though it was in Cantonese.
Throughout our stay there, there was no rain and the weather was perfect. Thank God. It started raining on the day we depart from Hongkong. We are thankful to the Lord for his blessing and safe trip.
Manage to get some good buys of clothings/bags/goodies.
Today, we heard of William and Joan being hit by a motorcyclist (hit and run case) in KL. Both were air-flown back to Singapore and now at SGH. May God bless them and heal them mentally and physically.

2006-12-03T00:32:00.000+08:00

We were very proud of our son, Gerald, after receiving two tapes from him on his projects. In our opinion, we find his interview very impressive. We are glad that within 4 months of receiving education in Vancouver he has grown. As he has shared that though it is a short period of 4 months but he has learnt what he has not learnt in his years of education at home.
We are happy that he will be back to celebrate the Christmas with us though it is costly but nothing like having him with us for a short period of two weeks during his Christmas break. It is worth spending the money as we miss him and so is he missing home so much too. Hope he will do well for his fall semster and go onto the winter semster which will end in April 2007.
Office work has been piling up but nothing can compare to the ex-company which I was working. Glad that I have left and with no regrets. I hope to be able to stay in this job for as long as I can and leave the old residents and foreign workers with the catholic values that God has bestow upon me.

2006-11-26T01:36:00.000+08:00

We are so happy to receive Gerald's photos from Vancouver. He has put on weight and is looking very well. We believe that it is the enviroment and our girlfriend, Linda has looked after him well. We are happy with his results so far all the As for his class tests. Hope he will continue to do well and get a scholarship and this will help us financially.

Glad that he is coming back for the Christmas holidays and thanks to my generous and kind sister-in-law for paying his air fares. All of us are so happy to have him back even though it is a short two weeks stay. Hope Gerald will be grateful always for her generosity and kindness towards him.

We do not regret sending Gerald overseas though it is very costly on us but at the end of the day, we know that the money is put into good use (his education). We will just use to the last penny and resort to selling our assets if need to after all when we die, we are not bring anything with us.

Most important for us as parents is to bring up our children well in terms of right virtues and values of life. We also pray that we have and we will continue to incalculate the good Catholic values into our 2 sons.

We have been praying for wisdom and guidance in being good parents and May God continue to bless us.

Praise and Thanks to God Always!

2006-11-15T00:24:00.000+08:00

Today was indeed a very busy day with 8 new employees. Did orientation for both morning and afternoon followed by urgent meetings addressing concerns on the sentencing dates for the boys. Just set me thinking that we must never never act on impulse as the consequence is really beyond repair. Wrap up the employee's handbook and hope all will be fine and acceptable by the key management personnels. In fact, woke up with a dull headache. Just refuse to take panadol and took 100plus instead in the evening. It has subsided slightly. I suppose its the stress and heavy load of work these few days. Hope to clear all the work load by tomorrow. Manage to pull thru the evening lesson with that dull headache.

2006-11-13T23:28:00.000+08:00

I was upset with Greg tonite. Told him that I will need the PC for office work as need to get ready the Employees' handbook for vetting by tomorrow. As agreed but after dinner, he simply just refuse to give up and need another 10 more mins when I was like racing for time. Just dun understand that I need to raise my voice and loss my temper to get the PC right away to start my work especially he has the whole day to play the PC. Really test my patience.

2006-11-12T22:00:00.000+08:00

The meeting showed that there are people out there who just simply comment on anything for the sake of commenting. (Empty vessel makes the most noise). At the end of the meeting, nothing is being resolved but just arguments and disagreements. If each respect one another and see each other point of view, the world will be a much peaceful place to live in.
Greg is in no mood to bowl tonite, pretty low score (below 100), went off early so as not to waste money since he is in no form.
Gonna finish up the uncompleted tasks for the office. Hope to clear asap. The nite is going to be long. Sigh.....

2006-11-12T00:12:00.000+08:00

Glad that Gerald is doing well in all his subjects. Hope he will continue to do well. Today being koo x 2 birthday, we went to Punggol seafood which was quite a long drive. The whole road was deserted and dark. The food was good and we sort of miss Gerald during the dinner but we console ourselves that four years will soon be over and he will be back home. Both Kia Hui and Mauritz give a no show for the dinner due to some misunderstanding. Mauritz apologised and was afraid that we would get angry for their absence. Told him to forget about the matter and join us another time. Pray at Novena that Abundant blessing will bestow upon koo x 2 on her birthday.

2006-11-10T22:17:00.000+08:00