When we held TATLO at the CCP, we thought it was the end of the cycle. Apparently, our conductors wanted another round. Japan's Gaia Philharmonic Choir took us to Sapporo, Japan's winter destination. I can't believe that was two years ago. Then on December 2014, it was Singapore's SYC Ensemble Singers' turn to host the event.
This was my first time to join the Singapore leg of the choral festival. I am glad I did. It was my fourth visit to Singapore but there were still lots of firsts during this visit.
1. I got to sing at the Esplanade. Apparently, it rhymes with "made" not with "mad." That's how the locals pronounce it. Though old already, the facilities are quite impressive.
2. Vic and I arrived two days early so we got to explore the Bugis area. We used to be confined along Orchard Rd.
3. Our previous visits were with family so went with what's familiar. This time Vic and I got stay at a new area, Hotel IBIS Bencoolen. It is really convenient with the MTR just a short walk away from hotel. There were hawkers around the hotel so food was varied and affordable. The mall area, Bugis Junction, Bugis Village, etc were just two blocks away.
4. Singapore is a highly-developed country. Everyone is rich. Amazingly, image and name brands are not a big deal. They could be sporting a Chanel Flap while carrying a baby on the other arm, wearing flipflops and shorts. It is such a refreshing sight to see people not as brand or image-conscious as you-know-who.
5. I got to perform with THE MR. C. I was unavailable when the ACS performed with him last year.
This visit, however, affirmed what I knew all a long.
1. It is an expensive city. The only item I had to problems buying were food. When it comes to shopping, it is still cheaper in HK or Malaysia.
2. They are straight-forward people. They tell you their opinion up front up to the point of rudeness.
3. They are the most courteous and most well-mannered Chinese people I've encountered. They are so different from ones up north.
But like all previous THREEs, I am glad it happens every two years. This was too tiring to be held annually.
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