I am a Daddy… =D

Mommy, Daddy n Kobe, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

I simply cannot hide my joy when I got the first glimpse of my baby boy on 12 August 2009. The anxiety was really great prior to the delivery process. It was one heck of a wait. My wife did excellent! Even the mid-wife and gynae praised her after the delivery of baby Kobe. Well done, dear! *pat pat* The moment I saw the gynae assisting my wife as she was pushing, I was both worried and relifed. Kobe wasn’t too big, about 2.3kg at birth. But he has a loud and strong wail as he cried. =) For now, I will be putting top priority for mommy and baby. So I guess I will be taking less pics of other stuffs, except for official work =P. 

Smile for daddy, Kobe! =D

 

(Money)Crazy world of Football!

Tampines Safra, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

When I read the papers (and heard from my wife) the other day that Manchester United’s star midfielder – Cristiano Ronaldo, was gonna be sold to Spanish outfit, RealMadrid, for 80 million pounds, my jaw dropped. But alot of pundits and analysts were saying it was inevitable that Cristiano Ronaldo will be leaving Manchester United. Just days before the announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo’s buy, Real Madrid had already signed Kaka from AC Milan. This was for 56 million pounds. How on earth does a football club has soooooo much money? I was wondering if the club will be increasing their stadium’s entrance fees for the next season to subsidise these star players’ salary. I heard Cristiano Ronaldo will be getting about 180,000 pounds per week. ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THOUSAND POUNDS!!!! OMFG!!! But then again, their career can be very short-lived. Some professional footballers had to end their career due to injuries, among other reasons, at an early age. My advise to Cristiano Ronaldo is to save his money and use it wisely. =D

And with Manchester United getting some swelling in their bank now, I wonder who will they try and purchase for the coming season. But there were rumours saying those clubs whom Manchester United are getting in touch with will be “jacking-up” their prices of the players involved. Why so? Becos Sir Alex Ferguson just got a big fat cheque from Real Madrid! And their neighbours, Manchester City, are also said to be spending money like nobody’s business. They’ve already bought Gareth Barry from Aston Villa for 12 million pounds and Roque Santa Cruz is heading over there for 18 million pounds. And Man City has already rumoured to be tabling a 16 million pound bid for Everton’s central defender, Joleen Lescott. I would hate to see my Everton players leaving. But with an offer of 16 million pounds?! Why would our manager, David Moyes, let such an opportunity slip past him? I am sure he can just use a fraction of the money earn to spend on another potential gem somewhere in the lower division. Isn’t that what David Moyes is best at? Polishing the raw gems from the lower divisions and turning them into 1st class players in the premier league. =D So my other advise to our manager, David Moyes, is to let Lescott go. And use the 16 million pounds to full value! =D Come on you blues!!

Oh and by the way, I was trying all morning to score with my right foot during our weekly fottie session at Tampines Safra, but failed to do so. In the end, I did it with my left foot. Twice in fact. How ironic? So perhaps, the non-master foot may be useful afterall. =D

You cannot see me?

18DA_studio-321, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

Wow! 5 months jus whizzed passed in such a short span of time. Or was I just plain lazy in not blogging anything since my Bangkok trip in january this year. Hmm… Only I will know the answer. Or perhaps, it was Facebook who kept me “fully” occupied within the cyber-space? =D (PS – I’m still trying to beat my wife in Bejeweled in Facebook.)

Its June 2009 and we’ve just gotten our new pixelated uniforms. Before we all got the uniforms, comments were aplenty (mostly not quite positive. Why? No human-beings like changes. Its a known fact and we just choose not to admit to it). Most of us are still trying to get to grips with the fact that they cannot wear their old uniforms in their field packs #1, which i can guarantee that they are even newer than the pixelated ones. Why so? Its becos some of us didn’t even washed those that were meant to be in the field packs #1 since the day we bought it from the e-mart.

After donning the new pixelated uniform for a couple of days now, I’m beginning to like the feel and looks of it (on myself). Even hippo suggested that the design seems great for a batik print. =D Anyway, there are “functions” aplenty on the new pixelated uniform. There’s a ready triage bandage, should one gets injured and needed a triangular bandage. The buttons are alos concealed underneath the materials, to prevent any hinderance or obstructions while in operations. But most importantly, it is a very good concealment, even in the urban enviroment. So kudos to the team who designed and came up with the new pixelated uniforms! Now I hope my boss won’t be able to see me that often when I am wearing the new uniform. =P

A weekend of Tuk-tuk, walking non-stop & much more…

Bkk_Jan09-273, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

It was a frantic weekend in Bangkok. But most importantly, its my first official holiday trip with my dearest wifey. Its not been easy to be my spouse. Especially when u haf a “Hippo” as ur mom. Oh well, let’s try to skip her from this for now.

We departed from SGP to BKK on 8 Jan 09, 2200hrs thereabout. Arrived 2 hours odd later at the new airport in Bangkok. Nope, there were no traces of that place being the “centre of attractions” to the world, during those tensed period in Dec last year. It was “all back to normal” when we arrived there. We took a cab to Sukhumvit Road, Suk 11 Hostel. And what greeted me was that nostalgic feeling that was indescribeable. I jus “dig” those places! (Just like Marang! Hahaha!)

I just wanna recommend those who wished to visit Bangkok, and doesn’t mind the minor inaccessibility (I’m referring to the stairs u haf to climb each time u go to ur room), to lodge at Suk 11 at Sukhumvit, Soi 11. Its definitely a haven-like place. Comfort wasn’t quite really on our mind, as the room only costs us less than $30 SGP dollars per nite. But it was more than comfortable during our stay there. They also have a nice TV lounge, complete with a 42-inch LCD TV. Internet access is also available at 10 baht per 10 minutes.

The nearest skytrain station from Suk 11 is Nana station, which is only about 300m away from the hostel. And with the skytrain, you are almost very accessible to the entire Bangkok shopping district. But of cos, the more fun way to travel around in Bangkok will be to hop on to a Tuk-tuk. =D Our friend will prefer to bargain for the right price prior to agreeing to hop into the Tuk-tuk. Maybe the pple there just like the bargaining process.

And for those who like to watch soccer on a Saturday nite (very familiar routine for some Singaporean men), the Manchester United Cafe is located 200m from the Suk 11. Ted, the F&B manager, will be more than willing to serve the guests whether u r a Man Utd’ fan or not (I root for Everton by the way).

Overall, it was a trip well worth it. And of cos, I’ve bought enuff T-shirts for the next 5 years. That’s what the wife says. And when the wife said so, u better agree. =D

Goodbye, Daddy.

Dad, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

Its alittle ironic for me to post my dad’s passing, right after wat I’ve posted previously about my nephew’s birth. But that’s life.

I lost my dad on 17 Oct 2008 to Cancer. He has been bravely fighting the disease since 1995. It has been a long 13 years. During the earlier years of his diagnosis, Radiotheraphy was introuduced and it apparently managed to remove the tumor in his nose. But in July this year, his nose has been swelling rather rapidly.  I brought him to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and it was later ascertain to be a relapsed of his nose cancer.

It hasn’t, and never had, been easy for me to make all those decisions during my dad’s final days in the hospital. For a start, the surgeons were still optimistic about my dad being able to proceed with surgery. But his frail frame of just 30kg was a huge stumbling block for the Plastic & Re-constructive team at SGH. I have to make a special comment about the Plastic’s team at SGH, led by A/Prof Colin Song. He and his team has been the most OUTSTANDING group of doctors I’ve ever encountered. I pay my tribute to you and your team, Prof Song!

It was Prof Song and his team’s professionalism, dedication and compassion that helped eased my decision makings during my dad’s final days in the hospital. Without their advise and support, I will never have been able to go through this stage on my own. Of cos my wife and my family were on hand to provide me the necessary support. But for the doctors who were all outsiders, I really truely appreciate their “helping” hand.

Thank you, Prof Song and your team.

But all I can say now is,”Goodbye, Dad… You will always remain in my heart and I am proud to be your son.”

Below was an email I wrote to Singapore General Hospital and Prof Song.

“Good day, Prof Song! Its me, Tommy. I’ve just laid my dad to rest
yesterday.

My family would like to say a HUGE thank you to you, Dr Chia Hui Ling, Dr
Jonah Kua, one of ur Registrar (Dr Sevthi, I think), Dr Pearlie, Sister Ng,
Nurse Yap, Nurse Nurliza, Nurse Limin, Medical Social Worker Ms Constance
and the many other nurses within the ward of 63A. Apologies for not being
able to name each and everyone of you wonderful nurses in the ward that has
taken such good care of my dad during his time there.

Me and my family sincerely like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts
for taking such great care of my dad during his last days in the ward.
Without all your support, both physically and mentally, I am quite sure my
family and I would not be able to pull through that stage on our own. You
and your team’s commitment, professionalism and compassion were clearly
displayed during the past 3 weeks. I have great faith in your team and I
can testify for you and your team should anyone have any doubts with the
care and commitment of the PRAS’ ward in SGH.

Losing someone this close to me is certainly not easy to handle. But I am
more reliefed and glad, than sad, for my dad to be able to pass on as he
is. For that, I wished to thank you once more.

Prof Song, it was a great pleasure to haf you taking care of my dad. No
words could simply be written to express how much gratitude I have for you
and your team. All I can say to you and your team is this – Thank you very
very very much.

Best Rgds from your friend,
Tommy Low”

Welcome to the family, Asher!

Asher-37, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

July 15, 2008. Bright sunny morning! Asher Low was borned. =D Asher’s my nephew! My wife was thrilled. My brother-in-law was ecstatic! His wife was exhausted (I supposed). Hahaha! And mama has been officially promoted to the status of “Grandma”. Hmm…

A lovely, handsome little baby! Its really amazing to see my nephew. Ok ok! Its not like I’ve not seen a baby boy before. But hey! This is MY nephew. I’ve got no siblings, so its really a good feeling to be able really have someone new in the family. Ok, enuff said. =D

Welcome to the family, Asher Boi!

NDP 2008 – NE 1

NE1-199, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

Its that time of the year again. I was referring to the National Day’s Parade rehearsals, not the Euro 2008. Ha! Anyway, it was quite a surprise to see Spain lifting the Euro Cup this year. But they did played some awesome footie during the tourney.

Ok, back to my topic – NDP 08. I’m usually very hyped about NDP each year. Cos I get to do something I like at the parade – snapping pictures and capturing those “moments”. But this year’s alittle different from previous ones. Why? This year, I’m in the parade in a different capacity. I’m being put in-charged of archiving the Parade & Ceremony’s journey towards August 9. Easy job, some say. But as a matter of fact, its never easy to take a good picture. I’ve been taking NDPs since year 2000. But I’m still learning each year.

“How do I take better pictures?”

“How could I have taken that picture in a different angle?”

“Why didn’t I think of that perspective when I took that picture?”

All these questions, more often than not, will popped up in my head once in awhile. I’ve nothing to hide. I’ve nothing to lose. I’m being honest. Whoever says they are a professional photographer and not wanting to learn something “new” another day, is definitely not a professional photographer. And I can tell you, no one is the best. There is no best in the world of photography. I saw this photo which I like very much. But when I showed it to my best friend, he told me there’s nothing special about that picture. Hmm… Beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Sometimes, art is so subjective tat you never know when you actually snap a good photo.

My tips to those who aspire to be a well-known photographer someday, is that you get your camera (any camera will do, cos I know of a lady who shoots so well with her Canon G5) and go out there and shoot! In this day of the digital age, the learning curve has already been shorten by sooooooooo much. So learn from your own mistakes. Take another picture and compare. Then analyse and learn somemore. One day, you will know what to do when the occasion arises.

Class 95’s Annual Dogwalk 2008

Class95 Dogwalk-37, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

Its been awhile I posted anything. Hmm… This seems to be the most frequently used line for alot of us lazy bloggers. for a start, I dun even consider myself a blogger. I am merely trying to write stuffs to remind myself of what has happened recently. As we all will become old and senile, we ought to be reminded at some point in time.

Oh well… I was at the Class 95’s annual dogwalk at bishan park 2 on saturday with my boy, Casper (he is in the picture sitting on the table top, smiling away). Yeah, I left my wife back home to be with my dog on a saturday morning. Well, not really. she has some other higher calling that morning. And I promised Casper I would bring him out last weekend. I told him there would be many other “friends” that morning. And true enuff, there were many. According to Glen, the DJ, there were about 300 pooches that morning at the dog run area at bishan park. My, I haf never seen so many dogs gathered at any one time before. Definitely an eye-opener. But I am most amazed to see that all (well, almost all) the dogs were very well-behaved. And I could see that Casper had his fair share of fun that morning. I’m not too sure if he had met any potential “partner” that saturday, but nonetheless, he seems a happy pooch after that walk he had.

Thanks, Class95! =D

Singapore Airshow 2008 – Farewell, LTC Casey…

Singapore Airshow 2008 – Dedicated to LTC Casey, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

YES! The inaugural Singapore Airshow finally happened!! I was there today, armed with my 2X extender this time round and it definitely proved to be a much fruitful shoot than the previous weekend. =D

The Black Knights gave a rousing performance for those present and after the end of their show, they did a special fly-past, dedicated to LTC CASEY (a F-16 pilot), who passed away on 20 Feb 08. As seen above, the “missing man” formation shows a distinct “slot” among the delta formation, signifying the passing of a great pilot. In fact, LTC Casey requested to be at the Airshow to watch the Black Knights perform just days before his passing. It was a sombre moment. And I salute the Black Knights for showing their appreciation for a pilot, a comrade and most importantly – a friend, during today’s performance. Hoo-ahh!!

Global Air Power Conference 2008 – Singapore

GAPC 2008, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

The inaugural Singapore Airshow kicks off today at the Changi Exhibition Centre, off the Changi Coast. Prior to that, the Global Air Power Conference took place the weekend before at the Suntec Convention Centre. The conference attracted a wide array of Foreign Air Forces, which include the US (Asia Pacific Region), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Germany and closer to home, the ASEAN nations. Speakers at the conference gave those who were present a good and rare in-sights during their presentations.

The Singapore Airshow will be held from 19 – 24 February 2008. Tickets are available at www.singaporeairshow.com Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment! 19 – 22 February will be open for Trade Visitors only, while 23 & 24 February will be open to all, including the public. Watch the Singapore’s very own Aerobatic Team – the Black Knights, perform breath-taking stunts in the air with the formidable F-16 Fighting Falcons.