Fledglings

This fateful photo of a straw-headed bulbul fledgling perched on my Vans, was shot on film from my dad's camera, some 30 years ago. Was reclined on the lawn of Fort Canning Hill away from the crowds, nodding off on the grass, while watching the dragonflies and clouds whiz by, when I was jolted awake by a sudden tap on my toecap. Had thought some birds had shat on me; sat up to the sight of this little one curiously perched on my foot.

I'd cautiously powered up the noisy point-and-shoot camera, from the pocket of my cargo pants, with hope that it wouldn't scare the bird into flight; it surprisingly stayed for the photo, then after about a minute, took off towards its parents, who were watching intently from the branches of a nearby tree. This was not a unique run-in, for as a child, I often found myself with insects and animals sidling up to me. Still was an odd tale to recount to dad, we seldom spoke; so in typical teen angst, I'd asked him instead to just look out for the odd photo, after the film got processed.

Dad had questions after he saw the developed photo, and I was glad to recount the moment. It was one of the rare times, he listened. He kept many of the photos developed over the years since, and in his way showed his support. I've since come to see the parallel of my own fledgling journey; how incredulous its been. Photography truly has been for me, an affirming inroad into mindfulness, and perhaps a stoic reminder of providence, that all that is meant to be, shall be, both in terms of photography and life-at-large.

In retrospect, the photos I went on to capture over the years, eventually shared digitally through messages and social media, have been sort of visual postcards to dad and the family. As we gear up for the projects ahead this 2025, I pause to reflect on dad's passing from Covid, the demise of several close mentors since, and the associated challenges as an educator post-pandemic. Reckon that the rekindling of mindful walks with camera has now become not just a platform and avenue to celebrate life and its wonders through my lens, but also a powerful vehicle to shine light unto the many altruistic causes around me.

Sometimes words cannot express nor adequately encapsulate the stretch and struggles, hence am grateful and glad for the kindred people I've met in my sporting journey and through photography; as well as the joy and peace I've come to experience and share beyond crossroads and detours. As timely as things are, this photo has resurfaced, a full circle moment, for my son turns 15, and daughter 17. I tell them both how proud I am of them, though I sometimes doubt they truly understand. So like the straw-headed bulbul, I learn to trust the process, that in time, all fledglings will find their way.

Sojourns

It's a long road, and a scenic one, but I trust in God to lead, I just make the most of whatever He provides, as I hurtle / traipse towards the next chapter of life's ever-surprising milestones.

Just keep swimming…

“Nature calls, what’s your answer… daily green escapes have become a meditative journey in introspection and fitness; do what you gotta do… 🦦 just you, do you… breathe and let go… sometimes you just gotta stop and appreciate the flowers, lay upon the grass fields and bask on the beaches… look up and around you, or get down and lay your head upon the lawn; wait, stay a while and be in the moment, there’s an epiphany awaiting…”

Moments in Time, Be Fleeting

A visual recap…

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10157738282406567&type=3 

…reinforcing that perhaps providence has us exactly where we are meant to be… with a little boost from fitness apps and wearable technology with GPS geocaching that had us all traipsing about to battle cabin fever in a time of global pandemic with differentiated management measures. From quick mobile phone snaps while running and cycling, to eventually deciding to get back to photography as a creative outlet, the journey was inevitable… Through the candid shots of poetry in motion, nature and wildlife, I appreciate that the life events that happen to us, and the people and creatures we meet on our adventures, are perhaps meant to be… however, it’s ever up to us to treasure the moment, to harness the exchange, be it to trigger reflection or action…

Brain on the storm, in the morn…

“Growing old and growing up are not quite the same thing, eh kiddo! However things go, never lose yer sense of wonder, and keenness to create… nor the sensibility of laughter! Keep the faith, there’s always the silver lining, you’ll see, or the lesson… either way, it’s quite the emotional roller coaster of a ride; you’ll unlock perspectives you’d never fathom, and brave storms you’d never be able to dream up nightmares for, but you’ll always stand, as both protagonist and antagonist in the tale… be it one of parable, caution or inspiration… there’s always a choice to your actions, my young friend, and the magic of it all, is that we’re always still young… with the capacity to grow….”

Adventure awaits

An adventurous life is lived with learnings from misadventures and mistakes; while making better judgements with each experience. We set off not to be correct but to be willing to be corrected so we may better help those around us. However, one must first help them-self. Often, each are meant to learn on their own time, so every situation provides differing challenge and learnings for the party and fellowship that travel together. We sometimes need to step up, and at times need to be ready to support, yet at times must simply watch or provide wise counsel (gleaned from prior engagements). Knowing when is a calculated gamble at best. Sometimes we get it right and all works out. Sometimes we get it wrong, and all still works out. Because it’s never simply about us... life has a lesson for each in the team! Even the experience of failure may bring a stroke of inspiration; and yet sometimes success may bring acrimony; it’s all about the mindset and kindness one brings into the tasks one undertakes. Positivity aligns well with the macroperspective; for the enterprising spirit always adapts to thrive 🦾

We live, we learn

God's been here from the start, He provides the wind behind our sails... aye, we be simple sailors riding the storm, with our wits and skills; our learnings from misadventures survived, serve best to educate future sailors, and through oral tradition and sea shanties, we, in turn, find closure...

What dreams may come!

 “...the blessing of being able to bless others with strength, support and counsel, upon the roads we wander, means we leave a better culture wherever we are blessed to tread. Be honest and open, and trust that that which the winds accelerate us towards or tides bring us to... may time prove to be merely a daunting fireplace tale, perhaps but one of many more, of trials triumphed! Take heart!”

Experiential Bliss in the Wisdom of Community

It was archery that showed me true strength did not come from the ability of a physically weak kid to pull a 24# wooden recurve bow. But rather the will to want to become an asset to those around me, by becoming a better person by straining and growing under the effort to endeavour... little by little we are encouraged to go further, for small successes and the intrinsic celebration of milestones, do bolster confidence. Let the young people make their decisions and mistakes, defend their own causes, for them to experience the toil and necessary growth that will in turn bolster their communities. From that, we in turn, will be fulfilled.

We know the hearts of our kids, we know they are good kids at heart. We know that their journeys will see them come into their own; and we have to take courage to watch them fly. Believe that God has a purpose for all, and that each person has their own journey of discovery to embark on, with just the right amount of time, not more, and never less!

...resourcefulness is discovered, not taught. If we want it, determined to seek, we will sleuth and solve. The question is how determined we are, and how critical the need! I do not teach my students or kids to be sportmen, those I synergise with, toil with me to simply provide opportunity for the youth to become better versions of yourselves, that all may in turn build up our communities. All we ask is faith and positivity, that there will be better days ahead, tough days too, but the better ones will be worth the trouble and toil.

For through toil and strain, we grow to be stronger yet of body, spirit and mind! I am blessed to have been given the chance to learn and compete in archery at 14, from being a timid, weak, self-conscious, introverted kid, unable to handle a 24# basic wooden bow then, to standing upon sporting arenas in multiple roles and capacities; we know the chapter in life for the youth is unique in many ways, but we allude that positivity and solutions focus - with community and critical mass backing the battering ram - will open doors to opportunities, inaccessible to solo strife alone.

It is still often observed that it takes a village to raise a child; for not all parents are equipped with the resources to guide their own, but the wisdom of the village at large will always see hearts, hands, and minds step up to assist in the needs of the growing young minds, who seek, strive, and endeavour to never yield in the face of adversity.

Make a daily commitment; share values through sports...

"Plus est en vous! Move often, move well; one life, live it well! For we are the adventures we live!"

Make a daily commitment; share values through sporting endeavours!

“That moment when the tension breaks, and the arrow is cast, as swift as the follow through... that resolute moment of stillness, when all is as it should be... is unadulterated joy.”

And that skilled act of releasing arrows purposefully into the wind, towards the sighted target... at all speeds, with calculated routine, is at once stoic and zen. Unpredictably guided by the buffeting wind, yet all methodologically hitting home into a tight grouping, that’s perhaps the best metaphor for the endless pursuit of self-improvement.

Some days the arrows shot are clustered into a dense grouping, other days they're spread a little apart, but all days, I relish the time and space it takes to make good the shot process.

It’s a long haul. And each day is what we make of it.

Still, I am glad to be able to share the joy of movement literacy with others, as a physical education & sports lecturer, multi-sports life-coach, and friend. This is sport, this, is our journey. Come be a part of the community! Live the excitement, the toil, the epiphany, the calm, the confidence, the spark, the tension, the relief, and the camaraderie.

Sport is therapy, sport parallels life. We learn that even at our best, we win some, and lose some. That our greatest fan or critic is actually the person in the mirror. And that the best equipment, is that which you grasp in the moment, and you learn to make good with what you have.

Enlightened Legacies... strength, resolve, and an extra dose of kindness

The Age of Technology ought beget broader viewpoints on all sides. Long haul journeys require wit and mettle, charisma and resolve; there are no sovereign models to emulate in this multilingual city state of religious understanding and cultural synergy. In all its iterations, the islanders who have come to call this land home are no slack-jowled idealists. We grew up caring enough to pull our neighbours kids along for skills tutoring and meals, car-pooled and shopped wet markets together, shared tales of weal and woe in each other’s homes, worked through shared candles during power outages and took care of each other’s chores... never forget that it is this heart of camaraderie, this essence of gotong royong that allowed our little red dot to harbour all through this current calamity of Covid’19. If anything, this be the time to share innovation, cherish informed viewpoints, marry solutions and most importantly work to reunite our neighbourhoods. Many have put in too much... we owe it to them, to ourselves, and those who come after, to get our act together... this island was and should continue to be the bedrock of shared relief, just as sailors had once scrambled onto land, having braved the arduous voyage and harsh seas, united by a common code to do better by their fellow man, and strove to grow what scarce resource we shared. Let the unifying trait hark back to one of industriousness and the code of stewardship. To tend and nurture, to bolster and grow. For this is our shared home. Look to nature, if in need of insight, the geese and flocks of birds oft remind us, we all need to lead at times, and at times, simply allow others to do so, while keeping pace, ever ready to helm when need beckons.

Hurt rechannelled, does not diminish pain

Memories blur into bulleted points, mere talking points; convenience headlined, droned pompously, lest we forget. Sharp, vivid, yet inaccurate; skewed to narrative wiles. Harnessed, impassioned; gongs are ringing, sounding for change. That rhythm and beat familiar, yet lost in cacophonous, nuanced, familiar repetition.

Where one broods in comfort and convenience; another bleeds despair. Can light, bright and searing, be felt, whilst conditioned by the jaded dread of blistering, cold indifference? When far removed from cause and root, visual screams and the guttural visage of carnage, does one cower, shell-shocked, numb, or savour silence in privilege.

Plans ought form into bulleted points, kindness shared, form talking points. Plights headlined, for just-actions, championed, lest we forget. For the cries are not lost in the ocean of sorrows. Though courage is needed. Truth does not free. Duty calls, egos be humbled, to stand for others - a plight primeval - as a steward of life in the face of danger and not as war-influencer in the temptation of spoils.

Blessed is one, who can choose where they stand, few can say they share the privilege. Heavy the heart, head and hands that carry the cause, for to seek the end, is to nurse one's enemies, raise their children, tend their wounds and walk the mile with those who'd wronged them. When purse and coin are invested in hospitals and gardens of the mind; when budgets for strife and conflict are unequivocally redirected to disaster relief and infrastructure, we know the tides have turned.

Know free-will, it is, that directs bulleted points; where values fostered and shared, remain common threads that bind. Farming tools need edges too, yet to smelt all plowshares for swords, may be to lose ourselves to the ravenous lone wolf that plagues a village. In blind rage, all is lost. Civility, logic, and calm, may reduce the monster in the woods to the one animal in need of redress. Be firm, but kind, in all matters to be handled. Yet in the better times to come, let not vigilance fade, lest we forget.

Each village scourge tackled, undoubtedly fosters capabilities, draws mind and hearts closer. There will come time when we are done standing against the common foe, will we wait till then to pledge to stand for common goals? Or is it too much to ask that we stand up now and call out that which we know cannot be allowed to propagate, lest common decency be lost, and destruction thrives.

Life as we know it has ended, we are forever changed

Our city state is built upon the backs and visions of migrants. Most of us come from migrant ancestry. The pandemic makes no distinction, it's continued propagation taxes the healthcare system. The quick community spread is not only due to living conditions but the culture of BAU in a country state that has never allowed itself to be stalled. Its continued exponential spread uncovers and addresses but some of many weak links and blind spots that surfaced. We need to do better to care for each and every life, whether or not they have the financial means, those infected and all who will be. We are born of migrant stories too, yet to this day, we have not done enough to take care of those who keep the country going. What is meritocracy, when humanity is battling a disfunctional moral compass? Collective wisdom critical now, solutions focus; just hold the blame. No need to damn authorities, but we do need to do better. Truth is, some of the individual dumb decisions, committed in a moment of folly, for selfish myopic reasons, would irreversible change the fates of others who may not survive the complications of the illness. Civic-mindedness and grace to forgive, may appease the frustration, but we would all not be at ease with our own conscience if we have not done our utmost to expand our circle of influence to take effective action. Do what we can within our means, lest we be the downfall of others. May we all strive to drive sense into the hearts of those about us, and increase compassion to include more we can care for, if we are to beat this. Implore moral courage in communities to talk down poor and flawed conceptual discussions, before minority idiocy becomes public policy. Else we are as guilty of inaction. Staying home is not action, it is a minor temporary inconvenience for some; making a positive difference in the world by starting with the decision to be an asset to others, daily, that is action. Resources and alignment to selfless causes, will then come. It's never been resource limitations, its always been moral urgency or rather, its dalliance. May the pandemic that has opened our eyes, move our hands, just as it has moved our mouths.

HOME-BASE EVERYTHING... Times are achanging!

It takes a village to raise a child, nothing yet said if you've got yourself more than one XD ...for not all children are satisfied to conform to mediocrity, and yet others have callings beyond what their families are prepared for. We all do what little we can, God will find a way, He is the shepherd, and with Him, we are never lost.

Life throws many challenges, but if we miss opportunities simply because of comfort and convenience, we would undoubtedly be poorer for it

Seeing a surge in masked students congregating at sports facilities, asking to sit out of sports and training. Please, if one is unwell, do ensure separation from others, especially when coughing, sneezing and wheezing. However, it seems like a learned response, that the ill immediately cough and clear their throats in our general direction, as if to prove they are genuinely unwell, whenever we staff approach them to enquire on their well-being or even to converse.

Gentle reminder to students, not to come in for community sports session when ill (flu, fever, cough), though if you must come in to observe the session, it is a then a civic responsibility, especially during these trying times, to be considerate of those with vulnerable family members, namely, the aged and the young, whose immunity may not survive a strong viral infection. Never thought I'd say it, but thank you all for your attention to personal hygiene and kind cooperation, as we do our utmost to carry on with life at large, with an eye for personal accountability, and prudence. Mask up, maintain separation, while avoiding cross contamination of items and equipment.

Advocate eating, sleeping and hydrating well, balance your diet with adequate fruits and vitamins, so as to ensure a stronger immune system, and more critically be disciplined in getting routine exercise. In a time of workaholic-ism, this may even be a stoic reminder and excellent time to advocate nutritional needs and self-care. Take care all, rest where possible, for the longer academic and life journey ahead with Sports & Wellness, my friends!

"...this is madness!?!!" "THIS... IS... PE!!!"

There are good days, and there are trying days, but the days spent alongside this amazing team of spirited 'Movement Educators' are true blessings we can count on. Between the 'hellgates' of nCoV, conscientious personal hygiene advocacy & body fluid isolation briefings, hurried working lunches, stoic perimeter patrols, grim temperature screenings, throngs of guests & graduates streaming into campus for Graduation week, IPPT training & trial assessments, tedious admin processes, after-hours gym duties, student make up hours, CCA guidance & development, sports coaching sessions, strength conditioning rehab/prehab remedial training, student counselling, CA dialogues, First Aid rendering, differentiated coaching, special needs interventions and youth leadership development... I am truly grateful for your strength, and camaraderie in this amazing Phalanx of the Physical Education and Sports Dept! We ARE Physical Educators!!! Blessed by choice, to stand together! ...tonight, please, dine well, take care of yourselves, brothers and sisters, the legacy you build will always be appreciated, as I take this moment to reflect in gratitude, and thank each and every one of you for moulding minds, moving the seemingly immovable, motivating hearts, and inspiring positivity each new day!!!

Go... Team!!!

Growing up, growing older... feeling younger 💪

To each his own.. impart skills, equip values, and above all, allow self expression... we've all got but one unique life, it's our penultimate call to decide whether to traisp, meander, saunter, sprint or crawl... we're not going to regret living with purpose, however odd the purpose, but we're going to be sore about  not finding a semblence of a higher purpose... be kind to all we meet, for they are working on being better versions of themselves, some just dont know it yet, but they will, trust me, it's not worth sweating over the small stuff, and the secret's out, it's mostly small stuff... so think big, open up yer hearts and love, live! You owe it to yourself, and the people  whose lives will yet be transformed by your efforts upon the adventure that is YOUR life!!! In turn, be they inspired, influenced, guided, repelled, convicted in shared or opposing beliefs, its not ours to bemoan nor begrudge... If there's anything we can or must... just be... NICE, ALWAYS!!!

7 years of Polytechnic-ITE Archery Championships

"Play your best, God takes care of the lesson plan, you, take care of the learning! Aim from the heart, shoot for the stars. Each of your journeys ahead are as unique as the arrow holes we make on the target face, there is no cause to compare... same, same, but just a little different!" 🎯

Thank you to the dedicated people behind each competition outing; as we mark another milestone in our sporting journey, blessings to all! It has indeed been a privilege to journey with the archers of ITE these past six and a half years, where shared visions were met with zeal. Much appreciation to the pioneer batch for keeping the faith, and for building better legacies for those who'll come after us.

Providence, brings people to opportunities... though anticipation sometimes gets the best of us... Focus on the present, walk tall, you've put in the work, now glean the wisdom from each experience; take stock of your growth at each competition platform, celebrate personal bests and reflect on your discoveries too, for there are many parallels that can be found that mirror life at large, from the simple act of shooting a bow.

The Physical Educator's job is to spark an interest and nurture it into a love for movement literacy. The student athlete's role is to commit to growth... it with joy that we send off yet another batch on their way to higher level competitions! In time, we will come to better know and resolve process and equipment limitations, and in turn, to better ourselves.

The coachable athlete is the testament to a sound system, my students, you, my friends, are our ambassadors! Being positive IS all I have ever asked of my students, for faith and dedication is what will get you through! Incidentally, it is with pride that we celebrate 30 years of archery at ITE; 30 years on, 30 years strong! ReignITE and recharge, for we are blessed, we are team ITE!

Teachers, Coaches, Educators

"Many caps, does the teacher don, though battle weary, and forlorn - champion of dreamers, doers and thinkers, even fire-starters, advocators, rabble-rousers, mediators; drawn to hearts as humble healer.
What dreams may come, we shall not fathom; to serve and strive, though we may falter. The spark, the flame, that kindles changemakers; will grow yet higher, draw hearts closer and expand minds ever broader."

Take time to recharge, social entrepreneurs, be it a sprint or a marathon, we all need recuperation; though we know there's blessing and sustenance found in doing God's work. Sincere appreciation to the Good Lord for the great people who kept me going through the lows and highs. Thank you my friends and loved ones, for being my pillars of strength when I had none to give, my cup runneth over...

Decision Points - Life with Kids

Lesson #1 - Entrusted with a Mission: After the little dude realised that he had misplaced his water bottle at the prior crowded train station's gantry... he pulls my arm and looks intently into my eyes, "Daddy, you go back and find my bottle, ok? We go back with mummy first." ...Man, did I feel like I was living Mission Impossible XVII... at once empowered, yet intimidated, for it was a mission I could not afford to fail... Indeed a requiem of the random food craving runs for the pregnant missus years ago.

Lesson #2 - Child Labour: In an attempt to dissuade the kids from requesting for more electronic distractions, I explained to them that most good apps for the iPad cost a pretty penny. Without missing a beat, the boy swung about towards me and remarked, "Daddy, in my bag, I have money!" I dismissed him promptly, by sharing that the meager savings he puts together are for food and occasional presents. The money for sports activities, toys, games and indulgences comes instead from my salaried hard work. He smiles knowingly and shakes his head at me, retorting, "I also have money from school! My teacher says children work too, we work very hard at school, so have money! Can we have the game please?" Lost for words, was I...