虎年快乐 angels!!

Well well… the celebration last sat has in a way helped us mark an end to the Chinese New Year festive season… no more Ban Luck, no more feasting and it’s time to diet, diet and diet…

As early as 1.30pm, many angels were already at the home buzzing around busily with the necessary preparations. Come come, let’s go find out what these angels were busy with…

1. Some angels were busy packing a big carton of mandarin oranges sponsored by the home into paper bags and neatly loading and counting it onto a trolley
2. The décor ladies were decorating the dining area with虎年快乐! Andrea was high up on the chair hanging the words while Caroline was on the ground trying to “balance” the wordings… Nickson quickly went over to rescue the damsels in distress.. keke
3. Our professional group of photographers (Gong2x Poh Yan, Xing Jian & Chin Leng) were walking around capturing the angel’s best shots
4. Our favorite emcees, Uncle Sam and Ping Sing were preparing their scripts
5. Aunty Molly, Rico and Yen were in the kitchen de-boning the “birdies” for dinner
6. Game master Ah Kiat was seated in a corner preparing the stuff for his games…
7. Uncle Mok, Jojo and Gary were testing out the sound system with their beautiful voices
8. A few “muscular” guys were moving the tables to the sides.. haha..
9. Doris and Jasmine were walking around supervising to ensure that everything was in order..
10. Last but not least Cai Sheng Ye Desment dressing up in the room

Soon enuf, the program for the day started…. Our ever wonderful emcees greeted the elderly with well wishes followed by a short hilarious sketch on the mythical legend of Chinese New Year. Hahahaha… a great job by the teachers and students of CCKSS.. the story was indeed very funny..

After the sketch, Henry and Yiqing (teachers in charge) lead a group of 30 students from Siglap Secondary School 华乐队 to captivate the elderly with a solid 20 mins of wonderful performance. Thank you all for the effort and time in organizing this program for the elderly, they will love to hear from you again…

Next, loud cheers and claps were heard from the elderly to welcome the Cai Sheng Ye… wow wow this year we got a sexy GOF who were distributing the ang baos and oranges to the elderly in his appeared in his sexy short bermudas, oh well, not to worry his “tou fu” was not being eaten up as he was tightly protected by Uncle Yeo…. Hahaha…

While the GOF was making his rounds, Chinese New Year goodies were being served as snacks to the elderly… gosh the elderly was happily munching the cookies away and a sweet cup of barley drink to soothe their dry throats.. *slurp slurp*

Next came our game master, Ah Kiat, with his whelly whelly good Chinese New Year quiz.. gosh.. you could see that the elderly loved this game ya .. after each question, they could be seen waving their “选我” flag frantically in the air trying very hard to catch the attention of Ah Kiat and Uncle Sam… Actions were not good enuf, macho Nickson even went to the extend of attracting the judges with his sexy voice….. ooooh that was really power man!! Thanks to him, a couple of elderly managed to win some prizes.

Some were lucky but some were unlucky… thanks to Gary’s 西瓜, Gong Gong Robert was not able to win any of the prizes … why lehz? It is because when the question “which fruit do we used to 拜年?? Gary gave him the answer 西瓜… diao diao!! This was so funny… and due to this game, poor ah kiat nearly got tore into half with the ladies pulling him and there… kekeeke.. heng ah he is still intact.. oops =D

Next came the lion dance performance by the Koon San Lion Dance Troupe. The lion was challenged to cai qing from a great height.. hahaha thanks to Hui Hui’s idea of tying the vege to the ceiling… Besides the stunts by the lions, the lions also went round befriending the elderly. Most of the elderly got rather happy when the lions got up, close and personal with them.

After which, the elderly and volunteers LOU LOU LOU their way to good health, more wealth and happiness… !!

Roast ducks, roast chickens, char siew and ice cream were served to the elderly as extra toppings to their dinner.. while they were slowly enjoying their meal, our once very famous chopsticks sisters mesmerized the elderly with their lovely tunes.

3 cheers to the success of this celebration… Hip hip hooray!!! We the organizers wanna say a big THANK YOU to all the angels who made this event successful… without you, this will not be possible… thank u
With special thanks to

• Poh Yan – for contributing the Ang Baos
• Uncle Song – for sponsoring the Roast ducks, chickens and BBQ pork
• Chin Ling – for sponsoring the yusheng and ice cream
• Fiona – for the snacks and drinks
• HQ – for the lion dance troupe
• F& B Comm – for the organizing of the snacks and sumptuous dinner for the elderly
• Décor Comm – for the decorations put up
• Games Comm – for the wonderful games planned
• Entertainment Comm – for the lovely songs sang
• Lovely emcees for the wonderful hosting
• Desment – for being our cute cute GOF
• All angels who contributed their unopened cookies to the home
• All angels who are present at the event – Xiaoxuan, Fuji, Adeline, Jenn, Simon, Nickson, Rico’s ex students, Andrea’s friends, Bee Lian, Ben and many many more.. pardon me if I have left any of you out.

Hello volunteers of Moral Home,

A happy new year 2010 to everyone! It’s a brand new year and we shall welcome theTiger year (not woods) with a shopping trip!

On 23rd Jan 2010 we will be bringing 20 elderly of Moral Home to a pre Chinese New Year shopping trip at Giant Tampines. We need volunteers to help the elderly with the travelling and the shopping.

After the shopping we will proceed to Changi Airport T3 for some sightseeing before heading back to the Home.

The outing is on the 23rd Jan 2009 (Sat) 1pm to 6pm. We will be needing 35 volunteers and since it’s less than 3 weeks away, we need your response fast. So hurry and sign up with our volunteer coordinator Josephine at crystaljose1985 [a] gmail.com.

We had so much in our last shopping outing in 2007 (wow… 3 yr already). Check it out at: 2007 CNY Shopping And photos too.

Hope to see you all!

Cheers
Moral Angels Volunteer Group
http://moralangels.com

“Teh siew dai! Kaya gao!” this is what you would normally hear at a standard coffee shop. But this is no ordinary ‘coffee shop’ that serves you your toast, teh, and returns you loose change. It was home-made kaya (made by chow chow), freshly toasted bread, together with lots of love and sincerity served on an old school plastic plate for the ah-gongs and ah-mahs. Though it waas my first time being a kopi-soh, I had no qualms being one as (not because I was the youngest) it was as blatant as giving a toast of love in exchange for a wrinkly but heart-warming smile.

Simultaneously, it was also ‘bring-a-friend’ day. Sometimes it amazes me how the moral angels come up with these bizarre and innovative ideas for the name of spreading volunteerism. I have never met a more cohesive and welcoming volunteering environment as such, which frankly, haunts my conscience.

There were 4 new friends who joined the moral home— Ka Man, Caroline, Sandy and Min Ling. There was a presentation done by jojo to assimilate the new volunteers. After which, they were brought around the home to orientate themselves. Shortly, was the usual entertainment—karaoke kings/queens, mahjong with auntie molly, and throwing sandbags with Alex.

Before we left the home for sports day, we had a short ice-breaker, introducing everyone and the complicated love matters within the moral angels. The gist of it was that everyone was attached one way or another. It was fun seeing the angels air their dirty linens in public.

The day ended with a fat-busting-team-building-leaving-everyone-yearning-for-more sports day. Activities include, captain ball, badminton and table tennis. Captain Ball was definitely the highlight of all sports which also revealed the dark side of many. The wild, the violent, the kelongs, and the dangerous.

After the workout, calls for a feast. We settled at Miss U café in our aromatic and high-spirited disposition, and parted in anticipation for our next amazing volunteering experience.

Andrea

‘Mooncake festival’, an ocassion that I have enjoyed since young. Yummy mooncakes, beautiful lanterns, interesting story of Chang Er, exciting dragon boat race (Opp..not this one, ha ha)… How can we miss out such an enjoyable festival for our dear Ah Kong and Ah Ma?

So, on 3rd Oct 2009, our dedicated angels put together a wonderful celebration at the Moral Home.

The dinning room at the Moral Home was decorated with lots of beautiful lantern by the Moral Home’s staff (Shu Hua and I have volunteered for deco team for next year, for obvious reason, ha ha..). Thanks to Hui Quan, Hui Hsien and Angeline for decorating the center stage with a nice 欢庆中秋节 banner, it really brightens the whole place.

Susan went all the way to Ang Mo Kio to get the sweetest Pamelo, SK drove all the way to Bedok Reservoir to pick up the yummy Mooncake and not forgetting our Dear Aunty Molly for contributing the Orange Chiffon Cake + Homemade Lotus dumpling dessert. The food were yummy licious and mouth watering, the elderly finished every bite of it. Thanks Susan, SK, and Aunty molly, as well as Hui Hsien, Chritina, Rico, Shu Hua, and Angeline for preparing the snack.

The afternoon was filled with extraordinary performances:
First, our very own Moral Angels Chang Er aka Rico won the heart, mind and soul of our elderly with her beauty when she swings in to the dinning hall. I could hear the praising sound of “Sui ya”, and Lee Ah Kim even commended that she is less than 20 years old? Thanks Mr Mok and Poh Yan for creating the “Flying to the Moon” effect, that was super… COOL!! A special thanks to Rico for “everything is for the elderly” attitude, being out of herself just to make them happy.

Then, our very own Moral Angels Idol aka Uncle Loi and Mr Mok took over the stage with their wonderful voices, they have presented 2 songs with great interaction with the elderly. (Guess who was missing? Rushing her ways from the far away train station??). Thanks so much for bringing music to the Home and making the atmosphere lively!! Our “Singing Queen” Jojo, also entertained the elderly during the dinner time, adding the special taste to the food.

The last performance was from the invited guest “Bukit Batok Stomper”. Their professional line dance performances have caught the eyes of the elderly and the volunteers. The hall transformed to a dance floor, some of the Angels and our elderly – Rosie, also joined in the dance. (Spot the couple! There are holding hand and wearing the yellow flower?) Wow.. That was HOT, really HOT!! Thanks Mr Mok for inviting the guest, and sincere thanks to the Bukit Batok Stomper for making it a memorable day for our elderly.

Beside the extraordinary performances, SK and Sam have invented an artistic game for the elderly – Lantern painting. There were 5 elderly who took up the challenge. They were full of imagination and creativity. The participated painting were “Blooming rose”, “Sunny fish”, “Reunion”, “Beautiful flower”, “Yummy Mooncake” and “Lucky Number”. (Guess which was the winner??) Thanks SK and Sam for the fun game, the game also challenged Angels artistic skills as well.

How could us forgetting the most important two Emcee? Gary and Jin Xiong. They have done a good job entertaining the elderly, and making funny comment along the ways. Still remember they were trying to tell the Chang Er’s story, at the end needed to get help from the teacher, Xin Jian?

This was truly a fun, enjoyable, and memorable celebration. And this was not possible without the help of all the Angels. I want to take this opportunity to thanks everyone for contributing every part of it.

1. The Organizers: Mr Mok and Susan, for putting all the pieces together. Inviting the performer and being one of the great performer himself
2. Game Master: SK and Sam, for bringing fun to the elderly and making them exercise a bit.
3. Food committee: Susan and Christina, for preparing the yummy snack for the elderly.
4. Aunty Molly: For making the Lotus dumpling dessert for all the Angels, thanks for loving us and taking care of us.
5. Uncle Song: For contributing the Mooncake and always so generous to the elderly and the volunteers
6. Performers: ChangEr aka Rico, Uncle Loi, Mr Mok, Jojo and Bukit Batok Somper for the outstanding performances.
7. Sound system: Desment, for controlling the system and linking the entire program together.
8. Photography: Poh Yan and Xin Jian, taking all the memorable moments.
9. Emcee: Gary and Jin Xiong, for making up the Story and telling funny joke in between the performances.
10. Deco Teams: Hui Quan, Hui Hsien and Angeline, for making the banner and lighten up the dinning hall.
11. Shu Hua, Stuart, Doris and Uncle Meng Huat: For being there, and helping up in all the little areas.

Cheers Angels… Well Done!!

Love you all, Ice Cream

Hi Angels,

last Sat outing to ESN Carnival in YJC was a blast. The response to our game and food stalls was predictably overwhelming. The popiah was sold out in the 2nd year running, and all the prizes for our game stall were completely wiped clean.

The popiah wouldn’t be a seller without our lovely chefs: Rico, Yen, Shu Hua and Ping Sing.
The elderly were having a field day at our wheel of fortune game stall thanks to Desment and Poh Yan.
The immortal Chang-Er aka Xiao Xuan who descended from Moon to the delight of the crowd.

Thanks also goes Song who help to organize the bus trip from the Home, and of course to all the Moral Angels who participated: Mok, Susan, James, Jane, Meng Huat, Rusty and friend, Chee Wah, Ah Kiat and bro, Riina, Desmond. And SK, Hui Quan and Shermin who are part of ESN committee.

Wei Zhong, a volunteer from All Saints Tampines has written a great piece on the actual event. I strongly encourage you to check it out at asvolunteer.blogspot.com

The photos are also upload to our gallery courtesy of Poh Yan. Here are some of the highlights:

Crowd streaming into YJC hall

Prizes galore

Gamemaster at work

Popiah Sisters

Overwhelming demand for Angels Popiah

A day to remember…

Missing out of weekly flashes, here’s a super long one! With preparation to start of event to end of event to de-briefing, all in here. So stay tuned and read!!!!

After a long wait, finally time for celebration for the elderly!!! As I walked into moral home with ah Xian at 1pm, we were first greeted with two strangers taking our temperature, I was expecting to hear blasting music of national day songs and see fully done up decorations, smell wonderful food from kitchen, all set-and-ready-for-an-action-packed-event elderly lining up at the dining area, BUT none was ready! It was already 1pm and the only person I saw at the office was Mr. Mok playing guitar learning some songs!!!

Just when I thought my expectations were failing me, I saw 3 hardworking women in the kitchen! They have certainly lifted up my expectation a little. Aunty Molly, Susan, ah Yen were busily preparing the chickens.

Soon after, my organizer ah Kiat came, feeling more settled, we started getting things ready. Ah xian crying for help to do up the decorations as she was having some challenge with the height of the stage…oops! So people like Poh Yan, Mr. Mok, Desmond, Chee Wah and Alex and his female friend (someone who ran a wheelchair over my tiny toes,haha!) also started doing up the balloons and putting up strings of words up the curtain. The MANPOWER was great! Soon, “Happy Birthday to Singapore” was up and showing on stage!

The wheel-of-fortune was still lying on the table waiting to become ‘alive’. I was expecting the game masters to report early to do some preparations too. But where were SK and Ah Quan??!! “So who’s going to do up the wheel-of-fortune?” luckily the MANPOWER was there to keep things in control. Poh Yan though bald has got great brains!! Just when everyone was contributing some crazy ideas as to how to make the wheel spin like a wheel, Poh Yan has succeeded in making the wheel spinned and of course we got to thank Ping Sing and Desment for ‘contributing’ their USED STRAWS (Desment just finished a cup of Soya bean milk…oops) to act as the pointer of the wheel.

So what is ah Kiat doing?? He was setting up the projector and laptop, getting ready to blast music to mark the start of the event! Me, of course, as co-organiser will be sticking around with him. Hee…

Soon, uncle Song, uncle Yeo and sk came in, if not for their suggestions, tables and chairs of the dining area would not have been moved. So MANPOWER again was being exploited. Shuhua did a good job in ordering the national day cake! It’s a gigantic cake of Singapore’s flag.

Now that everything seems ready. Something was missing… (1) ah gongs and ah mas were not down yet!!!!!! Alamak!! ASSUMING that the nurses will get the elderly ready with diapers on time and mobilizing them early, we took it for granted that they will do the job, however, this time was certainly not the case! So while munching on some cheesy pancakes, I got to get all the volunteers to do even more work and that was to go up to mobilize the elderly! Ah Quan was quick to act and soon other angels followed. (2)Planning to get started at 230pm, we were delayed as the elderly were not ready. Thinking that we could stretch the event a little longer since we started late, we were hit on the head again! (3)The elderly had got another event in the evening and they got to eat at 4pm!! We were informed just before the event started.

So with a lesser time frame than expected, Shermin and Ping Sing quickly kick start the event with their joyous smile and wonderful emceeing skills. Proud of them!

Birthday song was sang and cake was cut and elderly been served cake. Goodies bags prepared by ah Yen were also given out.

Soon after, moral home superstar which is me, started the first performance by singing one united people and little nyonya theme song.

Then we proceeded with games-ah quan had prepared powerpoint slides of pictures of young of moral angels for elderly to play guessing games, the photos and some side cartoons were highly controversial and I wondered if ah quan had received any warning letters yet..haha..then we got another song performance by Mr. Mok who always sing his heart out for the elderly.

Finally, it was game time again, majority of the elderly participated and they won prizes like chicken essence, bird’s nest, packet drinks and some ‘forcefully’ by sk to win a pair of slippers. So it was a day with many prizes!

Then on the background, tables and chairs were rearranged back to the original position to get the elderly ready for dinner. Wow! Smells wonderfully good chicken rice!!

So we had a finale by singing lots of national day songs with the elderly enjoying their food! Noticed that this part sounded fast and short was due to the fact that we were in a slight rush on that day.

Because the moral home superstar has been hogging the mike and singing so ‘beautifully’, ‘fireworks’ were displayed! Though beautiful, we got to painstakingly sweep them all up eventually. So next time wanna support my singing, buy those easier-to-clear ‘fireworks’! haha…

Back in the room, we were also having a chicken bee hoon feast, writing about it made me hungry…it was delicious and everyone enjoys it. All thanks to aunty Molly, Susan, ah Yen and Rico preparing them in the kitchen with sweats!!

We didn’t have a de-brief and so all those I wrote above have some debriefing points(being numbered) embedded in it. The next organizer please takes note k. =)

Thanks to the MENPOWER AND WOMENPOWER. All those present, you know who you are, so give yourselves a pat on your shoulder for your support to this event and for your presence. Do not EXPECT me to mention all your names. Pardon me for being narcissistic in some part of the flash.

After this event, I learnt not to EXPECT and NOT TO TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED, we have to be in control with everything we are doing and not EXPECT others to be doing it for you. We are in control with the things we want to do. We have a choice to everything we do.

All in all, thanks for reading thus far. Maybe I should be a journalist or news reporter. Can write so much…haha…

Jojo