2022 MaoKong trail hike

貓空步道歡樂健行

MaoKong Trail Hike

1] 集合時間： 2022/4/4 (星期一）上午9點，貓空龍門客棧 。

Assembly time: 2022/4/4 (Monday) 9am , LongMen restaurant front door.

2] 配備： 舒適止滑鞋， 水， 登山杖 ，雨傘，帽子。

Suggested equipments: Comfortable shoes with good grip, water, hiking sticks, hats, umbrella.

3] 交通：開車到「貓空龍門客棧 」台北市文山區指南路三段 38巷22-2號

Transportation: Drive to meet up point at LongMen restaurant.

Kindly provide your car license number so that we can provide restaurant operator. 

Constance : BNU0505

KC : BBH1603

Janny: 6368-EK

Elvin : Rcq8966

LeeFang: BKQ0536

Eunice : RCW1813

Susan: RBR8217

Raymond : RCV2262

Carpooling: 

LF pickup Jun

BG pickup James&Mee

KC pickup WLY@8am and Ann-Marie@8.15am.

4] 樟樹步道Hiking Routes

Leisure Route about 1.5hours.0

Mostly flat stone laid pavement. 

     

5] 健行後中午吃貓空餐廳

餐廳名稱：貓空龍門客棧 

台北市文山區指南路三段 38巷22-2號

https://www.facebook.com/%E8%B2%93%E7%A9%BA%E9%BE%8D%E9%96%80%E5%AE%A2%E6%A3%A7-105743136168799/

Tel: 02-29398865

Lunch place: LongMenRestaurant

Estimated expenses : lunch about NT$500 per person (kids half price, Plain water included).

Note: Maokong is known as a place for tea, but it’s not cheap, per glass $200+/-. Due to the price and considering not all drink tea, hence lunch cost not inclusive of drinks.

6] 參加者 Participants： 

Hiking and Lunch 

<Table one> 8 pax

Janny & Derek (2+2kids)

KC (2) 

Rachel (2)

<Table two> 10 pax

Philip (1)

WuLeeYing (1)

Lee Fang (1)

RongChang (1)

Susan (2)

Jun May Cheng (1) 

Ann-Marie (1)

BG & Constance (2)

<Table three> 9 pax

Elvin & PeiPei (2+1kid）

James and Mee (2)

Eunice & WeiKiat (2)

Raymond and Angela (2)

Total =   24 adults  , 3 Kids

Makan Meet at BG place

Very nice of Constance and BG always thinking of us and invited us two for the makan party at their place. Pickup WuLeeEng on the way and met new friend Ann-Marie and Jun for the first time.

So touch that BG specially takes time rushing to do marketing for 刮包. The 包 itself is tasty, plus the specially selected pork. Somemore can also TaBao home too.

 

Year 2022/2/28 Hiking trip

Dated a group of Singaporeans friends with their family for a hiking trip at 翠山步道 at 中社路二段。 We met at 9am on a Taiwan’s public holiday 228 with 20adults and kids. The leisure walks takes about 2 hours with two rest stops. Followed with lunching at a restuarant name 山農小吃, which Janny has helped to coordinated for the best deal.

Personally, the soup is the best and had a few extra bowl. Constance said the meal ball named as 黃金餅 sound interesting and easy to remember. I think everyone love this dish that came last on the meal list. Good choice.

 

Year 2022 Chinese New Year visitation

CNY house visit by Janny, WuLeeEng, Constance and BG. Thank you for bringing the Hokkien mee from Suzanne’s newly open store at 忠孝東路。Very delicious and it taste like home.

 

Singapore Round Island Route

First announced in 2012, the Round Island Route will be the longest recreational connection that loops the island when completed. It is also part of NParks’ overall plans to curate a 360km islandwide network of recreational routes, consisting of eight different trails, by 2035. 

Christmas 2021 at Constance

Thanks BG and Constance for inviting us snd fellow friends to their house for BBQ. WuLeeEng came very early to help out with BBQ stick of satay. Looking at the restaurant style setup with tables and chair, must have taken them huge effort to get prepared.

People are kind enough to bring goodies for the occasion, we have fruit cake, Christmas tower puff cake, charxiubao, cheery fruit, lots of liquid and wine, maoshan durian, mini-oranges and most of a full size turkey set for the special occasion. 

 

Sandy & Zac return to SG 11/11

Meet up with Sandy and Zac, went for a simple lunch at 鬍鬚張。Thereafter, travel to TamShui for them to say good bye to MK. Touching moment and friendship.

 

Ming Kai Filming 10/10 - 稀遊記

YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/Q0w_c81IJR8

Received a request from MK saying he will Singapore TV is shooting a documentary about Singaporean living in Taiwan. He shall need to gather Singaporeans to organise an outdoor or Potluck event to fill the shooting scene. After discussion, cycling the best option and decided on Taiwan double ten day.

We end the day by meeting at Constance place for a potluck party. Janny is kind enough to source for the Asian foods from Mr,Chee and MIT. Plus cook foods from fellow Singaporeans.

 

Heard the TV programme will be shown next year 2022 in March period.

NDP 2021 - Singa club @ Taiwan

 

Event: Together our Singapore Spirit, NDP 56th - Makan Gathering

Date: Saturday, August 21^st, 2021

Time:  5.30pm to 8.30pm

Location: Sunny Day Cafe & Bistro 天晴好日咖啡餐館 , New Taipei City, Taiwan

Description of the event day:-

Singaporeans in Taiwan used to meet up for meal and be connected. COVID-19 since year 2019 has made it much difficult. Thus, it’s a relieve the Taiwan Government recently downgraded the Circuit Breaker by allowing indoor function of maximum 50person. We have a turnout of 32 guests, which is comfortable for safety control. Guests including, Singaporeans job posting in Taiwan, Students, Families and Children.

Most importantly, choosing a restaurant with menu including, Char Kway Teow and Horfun to satisfy the makan culture of fellow Singaporeans. We have a choice to order drinks, including milo dinosaur, which might just one day become a Singapore iconic drink just like “SG SLING”. The highlight of the event is perhaps singing to the tune of Singapore National Anthem, watching the whole NDP 2021 party on live telecast together.  Taiwanese present mentioned, that they are always touched by the Singaporeans action and showing their respect by standing to attention and people moving the lips to the tunes naturally.

We appreciate the many Singaporean business entities sponsoring us with lucky draw gift items, which bring much joy to all guests by bringing home familiar stuffs like Tea Tarik, Pandan cake, Salted Egg Chip, Curry paste and BaKuTeh pack, Pound cake, Pineapple tart,  XO sauce, OTAK, Singapore Sling Cocktail, Chili sauce pack, Meal voucher and Wooden coaster.

 Quote from guest:’“和新加坡籍老婆多次參加有關新加坡慶典及活動，也認識很多在台灣的新加坡朋友。雖然同是華人，也許是教育背景不同，受過西方教育的新加坡華人，在台灣頗具競爭力，處處顯示自信，也因為新加坡在國際的地位讓新加坡人內心的優越展現在公開場合。我所觀察的是團結一心的新加坡人，當新加坡國歌響起時我往往感動不已，也希望新加坡的優點也能讓台灣學習，那一天我們也能唱: Majula Taiwan! “   from William, Taiwanese

Quote from guest:’“Felt the sense of belonging, also sense citizen’s passion for the nation in the atmosphere. People attending the event are very engage with each other like family, though most are meeting each other for the first.” From Brian, Taiwanese.

Quote from organizing committee member: “A heartwarming spirit in the midst of a rough situation. Happy 56^th Birthday Singapore” Janny, Organising committee member.

Next Journey after Year 2021/5/31

From Left:  IvyChang, ChristyAhBu, Jia Rong, KC, KevinLee, Mindy and 57

After working with the same company for 22 years on the dot. Decided it’s time to part way and continue with life with home. Unfortunately, the elder parents leave before I have chance to be with them.
 

From left: Doris Chen, Jeffrey Gao, Angel Chen, Kevin Lu, Annie Juan, Coco Hsieh, Vita, Chris Huang.

COVID-19 continues for the second year - Tough

Take ride on 2021/5/23 along Keelung coast where there is few people around. Found this BIG carpark near JinFen, its almost empty carpark. Take a rest and took photo with my car with nice scenic background. Recently, added the Car Roof Rack and Bicycle Racks for taking bicycles around.

Driving along the narrow street of Keelung, one can find many small village community staying at this hilly area which is not easy with many steep slopes. Once it turn corner towards the northern coast in the direction of 外木山. It open up to the sea and great seaview during sunset.

 

Bicycle riding with Elvin&Doreen family

Great to go riding with fellow Singaporean and friends in Taipei city. We started from DaDaoCheng where Elvin/PeiPei and Doreen/Francis rented their bicycle. It is great that they bring their kids along for the scenic ride along the river bank.

Looking forward to the next cycling trip. Hope the COVID-19 situation will be controlled soon.

NPark island-wide routes

 The National Parks Board (NParks) will be curating more island-wide recreational routes in the coming years.

Looking forward when coming home to track the various track planned by Nparks.

CNY，FEB 16 LoHei

 

Outing with SGean friends at YangMing mountain

 

Production of melt-blown polypropylene filters

Singapore now able to produce filters for surgical masks, will be distributed to residents if needed

Reported in Straits Times on January 28, 2021

Machines at a ST Engineering facility to produce melt-blown polypropylene filters, which form a critical component of surgical masks. (Photo: Ministry of Trade and Industry) 

Only a when crisis happens, then we realised what are critical in our survival. Only when the reservoirs go dried and we start to panic. When COVD-19 hits the world, shortage of medical equipments become appearance. Should be keep large stock of mask during time or may be a certain portion of the needs? Or may be a small manufacturing facilities that can be upscale when needed. 

Heard somewhere that SG need to be knowledge in Nuclear Technology, why? Not because SG is building a Nuclear plant, but our Neighbour might build Nuclear Plant. SG need to understand what Nuclear technology is about and able to react when time calls for it.

Be prepare and have required knowledge for any unforseeable crisis or needs.

Sunny Saturday outing at 92水鳥

 Suddenly think of going to this 水鳥92 Spanish restaurant near the bird reserve park at GaunDu.

All packed in my car, with Jenny, Janny Koh, Sandy Ng enjoying our spanish dishes. Fllowed by a trip to MK's dessert shop.

#SingaXmas2020 @ WIne Cafe, Taipei CIty 2020/12/19

Happy to organised a Xmas party for Singaporan and friends with 40adults and 8childrens coming. The decision to hold at the Wine Cafe is great as all participants mentioned its a cozy place. Initial concern about crowding is not appearance. In future, good to have more siting places for makan and not holding plate and bowl in hands.

Organising Committe: Janny, KC, Jenny, Dorren, Deon, Sandy and Kelly

Smax potluck party organising committee comprises :- Janny handling the budgeting to the last 0.1cents and making sure it balanced, plus co-ordinating with the Venue operatore Adrian. Doreen ensure the foods and dishes are properly arranged with TaoBao issues. Doen and Kelly took nice record of the event in photography. Sandy done all the commuication activity and registration by google form, which is very tedious work,

Xmas Potluck party Group photograph

Great that all particiapants turn up for the Xmas potluck and all enjoy the party in a foreign land.

Reception counter with SGN logo appearing

Not forgetting to publicise SGN in supporting event organised by Singaporean Oversea. Specially make a frame and Singapore Flag stand for the occassion.

ND55 Speeches - FACE MASK

 Face mask donation speech

1.    Adora, can I have the first slide          Oh No...... l am not discussing about the political fallout from the Errrr ...... posting.

Slide 1 :just type the word“Errrr....”

2.    However, the saga actually brought back touching moment when l received one box of N95 from my brother back home. That was 17years ago.  Almost in tear when I open the box. I call it love from home.  Next slide please 

Slide 2:  N95 photograph

3. At that time, people in Taiwan was “frightened” when 和平醫院 was quarantined. No living human, healthy or not, can leave the hospital compound. Such thing only happens in movie, I am actually experiencing it LIVE.  It was due, at that time, an unknown virus, which is later named SARS. 

3.  Now in Year 2020. Singapore faces another serious pandemic crisis. Much more serious as compared to Taiwan, Fear of unknown.  Couple with kaisu fear for foods and daily items shortages. Though the SARS contingency plan was established 17years, l guess the plan is just not enough. Immediate fear was the lack of protective devices for the population at large.

4.   By that time, it didn’t reflect on me to stock up face mask. It just too late. All face mask seem all disappeared from stores and worst. Taiwan BANNED face mask shipping out of the country. 

5.   At this stage, I start to worry about families and friends back in Singapore. Felt so helpless not able to help in such critical moment, not even face mask.

6.   Just two weeks ago, a member of our organising committee received  boxes of face mask from her mother in Singapore. 

Next slide please: Adora mother’s mask shipment photograph.

7.   Dear friends, what did you see from this picture..................... I see Mother’s love!

8.   On this day August 9. I want to do something for my beloved country in a very small way. Just a token. And l hope you do the same, perhaps a practical way to express our love for Motherland and care for our love one .... back home.

9.  We estimate a box of face mask cost about NT$300. You can donate $300 more. We will consolidate the amount collected and deliver by our sponsor “Quantium, Taiwan SingPost” back to Singapore.  Majulah Singapura !

10.  KC: Sandy, you have forgotten to share something important with our friends here today? 

Sandy : what is it? 

KC: with a small donation of $300, you are entitled to a lucky draw ticket! The top prize is _________ courtesy of Shangri la hotel. 

Then I’ll go down stage to ask people to donate.

End......

ND55 Speeches - OPENING

 ND55 Opening Speech

1.  Thank you Sandy.

2.  My name is KC, welcome fellow Singaporean , family members, boyfriend, girlfriend, 台灣女婿, 台灣媳婦, All our Sponsors and friends of Singapore. Thank you for making time to attend this party. 

3.  Actually, some us met on 7-11 to do what Singaporean do best.... Makan ..... which is less than a month ago....... 

 slide please...

4.   By the way，Did you guys collected your Singa Goodies pack items? Can l have a show of hand, which is your favorite item full of memory? ............

If you need more, ask our Lobang Queen where to buy.

We hope you guys have a piece of Singapore Sweet memories to take home with you after the party. And off course many many photographs. Not forgetting to share at our Singa Club Facebook!

5.    As some might know, the Organising committee had been burning hundreds of precious hours, at fact many days past midnight, planning and brain storming, editing scripts and emailing, whatsapping non-stop, chasing our sponsors in the middle of the nights.

6.    Please help me to thanks my Gung-Ho team, Lobang Kings and queens, and many volunteers in making this 55th National Day event possible in a relatively short span of planning time. 

7.    Not in any specific order, do give them some encouragement, 

Adora.....🎉.....Michelle....🎉......Ellen.....🎉.....Janny......🎉...Sandy ....🎉...Francis ......And Jeslyn....🎉

8.     I have a small request here, because of the pandemic restriction still going on in Singapore.   Perhaps, Taiwan might be only country in the world to have an indoor party , without face mask. We want to be sensitive when we post photo without face mask. Thus, Our event photographers has been instructed to take two photos of the same takes... one with and one without face mask, standing apart. We shall also need some nice, heart-felt photographs to be submit to Singapore Authority for sponsorship purposes. We seek your co-operation.

9.   Without further ado,  let the party continues... have fun, get to know your fellow countryman and women here in Taiwan. Instead of handshaking, do the GongXi gesture instead. Everyone make sure you have your name tag On. We welcome connectivity!  

Thank you ! 

End..............

May 10, 2020 - Mother’s Day Zoom linkup

Zooom session with family back home during the Pandemic period oc COVID-19, Ah Li also join us for the virtual meet up.

I brought a cake for celebrating Mother's Day for the mothers.

Mac computer camera light condition isn't that conducive, thus, assertional lightning was needed

Meet up at Pulau Redang, May 24 2020

Meet up with Colin from Dunerarn Secondary School and Janny Koh. Ellen whole family come together at the new Makan outlet Pulau Redang”. Recommended by Francis Law. Surprising, the vegetarian foods is quite good for everyone who tried various dishes.
Thanks Ellen for brining us the fries from Malaysia.