WE ARE thanking Member of Parliament Hawazi Daipi, senior parliamentary secretary for Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower of Singapore, for inviting Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble to perform at Star Performing Arts Centre on May 21 to 25 together with Singapore Marsiling Chinese Orchestra.
Our Rondalla performers will also be given a chance to explore this Island State (Singapore) where east meets west. Going to Singapore could also mean quality shopping (if you have dollars to spend), visiting parks, enjoying rides, and tasting delicious range of cuisines especially the local Chinese, Malay, and Indian dishes.
Being there could be an opportunity for the Silay kids to visit the two integrated complexes of Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands that offer the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas (site seeing only, not gambling). I want the kids not to miss the half fish, half lion called “Merlion.” It is the official emblem as commemorated by the statue at the mouth of Singapore River.
The Silay kids may have the opportunity to pass the causeway across the Straits of Johor providing road and rail access between Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia. If Silay is proud of its 29 ancestral houses, it is also best to see the lavishly decorated houses of the Peranakaus (Singaporeans of mixed Chinese and Malay marriage) in Katong on Singapore East Coast.
Just like in the turn-of-the-century Silay, many streets in Singapore are lived with old Chinese shoplots where typical business is conducted on the lower floor with the family living on the upper floors just like our Severino House, Lacson House, Sian Building, and Jalandoni House.
I want the Rondalla children to observe lifestyle in Singapore. Many Chinese visit the temple to pray and burn incense on joss sticks for the gods, ancestors, and spirits. I want them to learn “taichi” (an ancient form of martial art) now practiced for health reason. Fireworks are great as part of festivities and the legendary dragon statue is an attraction.
If they have time, the kids should not miss outdoor eating areas, especially Glutton’s Comer that is very popular in the evening and the Maxwell Road where Singaporeans love to eat. (Don’t miss chili crab and tea tarik (pulled tea).
Classic dishes include oyster omelette, Hainanese chicken rice, satay, and nasi biryani (spicy rice cooked with milk and ghee). Halal food for Muslim is always available. In our country, San Miguel beer is the favorite. In Singapore, try local beer, Tiger (not for kids).
I hope that the children could visit MacRitchie Reservoir, a beautiful park for water storage, recreation, wildlife habitat, and education. A treetop walk through the reservoir provides a bird’s eye view of the forest. It will remind the kids of what we have here in Patag.
Trade is important in Singapore. At Tanjong Pagar Port, there is a mountain of containers from around the globe containing assorted goods. Universal Studios should not be missed. (I don’t know if we have sponsors for the kids.) Singapore is really enchanting.
“Gardens by the Bay” refers to the three water front gardens that showcase horticulture and garden art. The Botanic Gardens have developed into one of the world’s most respected with palms, cycads, bromeliads, and a vast number of orchids.
To top it all, Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble is going to Singapore to share our culture and to learn what Singapore offers. The event in Singapore will make their journey exciting, entertaining, and unforgettable. Bon voyage!