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Christmas Our Style
Fair Fowl,PRESENTS Heavenly Herbs, FromPeranakan BUDGET Flavours from the HEART to BOUNTEOUS What it means to really give Gifts to suit every purpose
Contents ISSUE 4 • 2012 Cover: see Dalam Dapor, page 23 Food styling and photography by Anton Kilayko www.peranakan.org.sg
2 EDITORIAL Giving Our All 23 FEATURES 3 The Peranakan Art of Giving 6 Curated for Christmas 11 From Malacca, with Love 13 Severing Ties Giving Women a Strong Foundation
CHAKAP CHAKAP 15 Because Every Little Bit Matters 6 19 Step by Step DALAM DAPOR 23 Christmas a lá Nyonya
3 THEATRE 11 27 Mari Kita Main Wayang 15 28 Betel Box bistro has come to town!
EVENTS 30 Salute to Dato’ Seri Khoo Keat Siew A Meeting of Founders
NOTICEBOARD 19 31 Peranakan Associations in the Region 27 32 DIRECTORY
THE PERANAKAN ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE President: Peter Wee • First Vice-President: Alan Koh • Second Vice-President: Bebe Seet • Honorary Secretary: Lim Geok Huay • Assistant Honorary Secretary: Ee Sin Soo • Honorary Treasurer: Chan Eng Thai • Committee Members: Linda Chee, Angeline Kong, Emeric Lau, Edmond Wong, Alvin Yapp• For enquiries please contact Lim Geok Huay at 6255 0704
THE PERANAKAN MAGAZINE Editorial Advisers: Lee Kip Lee, Peter Lee • Editor: Linda Chee • Assistant Editor: Emeric Lau • Art Editors: John Lee • Designer: Michelle Yap • Advertising Manager: Alvin Sng • Administrative Manager: Low Whee Hoon • Circulation Coordinator: Lim Geok Huay • Editorial & Photography Committee Members: Colin Chee, Ee Sin Soo, Edmond Wong, Jason Ong • Webmaster: Claire Seet • For advertising, please contact Alvin Sng at 9839 8188 The Peranakan is published by The Peranakan Association Singapore, Raffles City PO Box 1640, Singapore 911755, Tel: 6255 0704. Printer: Lithographic Print House Pte Ltd. MICA (P) 075/10/2011
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | GIVING OUR ALL
ooner than you can say “Ho, ho, ho”, – Adelina Ong, Aileen Ong and Caroline Kwan we’re once again at the end of the year – for their charitable work amongst the less S(and poised to sail into the next)! The fortunate. We hope their stories will inspire you festive season always brings a sense of excitement to join in and give what you can; every little bit – there are the home to decorate, presents to counts! be wrapped and placed under the tree, and get- In need of inspiration to prepare the festive togethers with family and friends. feast? Dalam Dapor proudly brings you Sylvia The editorial team thought long and hard on Tan’s Christmas recipes with a Peranakan twist. the theme of giving, and we’re happy to present Plus, all the latest news and upcoming events an issue with a strong mix of features that we of our ever-growing community. Here’s wishing hope you’ll find useful, heart-warming and all our readers a Wonderful Christmas and a inspiring. We’ve sourced a selection of gift ideas Happy New Year! that reflect Peranakan culture, and are proud to commend three most deserving nyonyas Emeric Lau, Asistant Editor
LETTERS
From Roney Tan, Singapore: In the article A Palace for the Dead (Issue 2, 2012) the grave shown on page 22 is actually on the slope of Outram Hill which was once owned by Tan Tock Seng’s (1798-1850) eldest son, Tan Kim Ching J.P. (1829-1892). The grave is the resting place of Madam Chua Seah Neo and Madam Wuing Neo. Both died in 1882. Madam Chua was the granddaughter of Melaka Kapitan Chua Su Cheong (1750- 1802) and was married to Tan Kim Ching, one of Singapore’s leading Chinese merchants. Tan Kim Ching was the first Siamese Consul General in Singapore and had in 1850 succeeded his father as the Kapitan China of the Straits Chinese community. For his role in settling disputes within the Singapore Chinese community, the British appointed him as a Justice of the Peace in 1865 and as an Honourable Magistrate in 1872. He was also a member of the Siamese Royal Court and had introduced British governess Anna Leonowens to King Mongkut (Rama IV) to be a tutor for his children, an event which forms the basis of the famous musical, The King and I. Madam Wuing Neo was the daughter of Wuiny Boon Whatt, who, according to Sir Song Ong Siang, was Singapore’s first Chinese to practise law in the Straits Settlements. She married Tan Soon Toh, the second son of Tan Kim Ching. In the Singapore Directory of 1890, Tan Soon Toh was recorded as the Siamese Vice-Consul in Singapore holding the royal title Khoon Rasada Borirax.
SENJAKALA EDITOR’S NOTE: We wish to inform you that the The Peranakan, Issue 3, 2012, page 23: Chinchalok above theatre production, originally The ingredient “400ml or 5tbsp rice wine” should scheduled for 6-9 December 2012, is correctly read as “400ml good quality rice wine, or 5 tbsp postponed till further notice. brandy”. We apologise for this error.
Copyright is by the publisher. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. The Peranakan magazine and The Peranakan Association Singapore disclaim all responsibilities in the articles herein, and state that the views expressed in them, if any, are those of the writers and not theirs. They assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials or articles published herein and state that the writers are wholly responsible for the veracity and authenticity of their articles.
| ISSUE 4 • 2012 FEATURE The Peranakan Art of Giving Baba Peter Lee reflects on practices and the true spirit of giving
or as long as I can remember, and even until I was a Tan. If women ever received a large fortune it was from dead university student, our household amah, Yip Ching Sim, husbands. Wealthy widows there were aplenty, and several Fperformed a daily ritual that left an indelible impression notorious merry widows as well! Cases were often complex, on my life. In a sense, it was totally mundane: at the crack of and from Song Ong Siang’s One Hundred Years’ History of the dawn, long before the first rays of light filtered through the Chinese, it is not difficult to guess how much lawyers raked in curtains, she would quietly slip into the bedroom I shared from generations of litigious Peranakans. with my brothers, just for a brief moment, simply to ensure My paternal grandparents were very fair with all their we were all still properly tucked in, re-arranging our blankets children in their bequests, and an unmarried aunt even if we had inadvertently shoved them aside during the night. received an additional portion of their estates, as they Although she barely made a sound when she entered, I would considered that her brothers and brothers-in-law were able invariably and almost expectantly wake up at her gentle to earn a living for their own families. Thankfully our clan appearance, which, like the visitation of an angel, radiated so remains tightly-knit, even if we, like any other, have had our much comfort, reassurance and love. There was also the added fair share of dramas. comfort in the knowledge that there was still another precious hour until we had to get out of bed for school, or, over a Ritual & Tradition decade later, for the army camp. Gifts were, of course, part of the ritual of Peranakan On the rare occasion she did not life. The angpow (紅包) would be the most common form appear, I would feel totally out of sorts for of making a gift. At Chinese New Year, this was given the entire day. Her absence engendered to young children and unmarried adults. At my first experience of a sense of loss, almost fifty I am still a beneficiary of and I clearly recall the heavy feeling this tradition, even though as long in my heart, the agony and anxiety of ago as 1934, students in Singapore separation, which quickly plunged had already held debates on hot into fear and panic when I led myself topics such as ‘Should the system to the unbearable question, what if of giving angpows in the Chinese she were never to make her daybreak New Year be abolished?’ (The appearances again? In a sense, she Straits Times, 14 February 1934, died every time she did not appear, p. 12). The pre-war angpow was a and I would cry myself back to coin or note wrapped in red paper. For sleep. The irony of this is that she weddings, cash was inserted in small pink is still alive and well, at the age of envelopes. Traditional wedding gifts for 101 years. the bride would have comprised jewellery, This act of kindness was my usually from the immediate family, and also daily sustenance, reminding me that batik sarongs, wrapped in staid brown paper I was loved, and provided me with an decorated with a small paper square with emotional anchor that has sustained me until today. It is scissor-cut designs, stained in auspicious red. Tokens of cash the most precious gift I have ever received. Her actions also given in sympathy at funerals are referred to as pek kim (white, revealed to me the power of the smallest gesture in shaping or or mourning cash). These days, cash is inserted into white transforming someone else’s life, and also how simple, pure envelopes, although in the old days, it was just presented and transcendent an act of giving can be. outright to a representative of the family of the deceased. The loftiest containers for a gift were the dulang tek pai, a Inheritance tray for the lapchai (納彩) or presentation of the dowry, and In a material sense, Baba boys always got most of the bakol siah, the lacquered multi-tiered Hokkien baskets everything, and many famously lost all of it too. Nyonyas used to present food and gifts to in-laws, usually some time usually received nothing, or pittances from their own families. during the twelve days of the wedding. Gifts consisted only of Some lucky ones got dowries, which were usually kept by the contents, and the baskets were expected to be returned! their husband’s families, or perhaps a set of jewels. One of By the 1920s, modern gifts were the norm at weddings. my ancestors, Tan Choon Bock, tied up his estate in a trust, When Baba banker Seow Poh Leng married Tan Tock Seng and in his 1880 will, left lifetime stipends to his wife and male descendant Polly Tan in January 1920, the couple received an offspring. Sums of cash were also disbursed, including $1,500, incredible array of gifts. It must have been a slow news day, which must have been a fortune then, for his funeral. In as the entire list of gifts was published: hordes of jewels from comparison, he bequeathed $1,000 to his daughter Tan Hong parents and grandparent, and an assortment of household
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Centre: Wedding gifts laid out in the bridal chamber in a house in Penang, c. 1920. The Peranakan Association collection, National Archives.
Right: Baba philanthropist extraordinaire, Tan Jiak Kim (1859-1917). He was also the first president of the Straits Chinese British Association, predecessor of The Peranakan Association. Photograph courtesy of Richard Tan Tiang Teck. items and personal ornaments including Chinese fancy donating towards building and renovation works for temples buttons from Dr and Mrs Lim Boon Keng, a Queen Ann such as the Thian Hock Keng, many of whose founders were coffee set from financier Lim Peng Siang, a porcelain cake Baba. Chew Joo Chiat’s daughter Chew Quee Neo donated basket from Tan Cheng Lock, as well as toilet soap, cigarette the land for the building of a Buddhist temple, the Mangala cases, perfume, a case of liquor, Indian silk, among others Vihara (1960). In the new millennium, this tradition of giving (Malay Tribune, 20 January 1920, p. 6). continues with new initiatives, such as the donation of a sum The traditional present for someone’s tua seh jit (大生 of money by Agnes Tan (another daughter of Tun Tan Cheng 日 or grand birthday, usually 60th, 70th or 80th birthday) Lock) to the National University of Singapore for the purchase comprised a whole leg of pork (usually the front right leg), and renovation of a historical house, now known as NUS C two boxes of mee sua (麵線fine wheat noodles), a pair of Baba House (2008). M chicken eggs, a packet of rock sugar, a pair of red candles Y (weighing at least a kati) wrapped in red paper. True Giving In return, guests would receive a pair of large kueh ku I sometimes wonder, however, if the most inspiring gifts CM merah (red glutinous rice cakes with mung bean filling). can even comprise of nothing more than a wish, or a prayer. MY
Gifts would also be exchanged at a baby’s first month On this subject, I am drawn back to another story concerning CY celebration or muah guek (滿月): Guests would typically my amah. Some years ago she called me from the Balestier CMY present an angpow; in the 1930s gifts of home-made Road retirement home where she resides, to tell me that she crocheted smocks or stockings, were also common. The had suffered a fall. When I rushed to see her, I was expecting K parents of the baby would reciprocate with a pair of hard- the worst, but was relieved to learn that she was completely boiled eggs stained with edible red colouring, and a pair of unscathed by the accident. I was greeted instead, by her calm kueh ku merah. beatific expression. She had summoned me to let me know how a friend had saved her. Some months before her fall, she Philanthropy had been regularly visiting a critically ill friend in the ward of Peranakans were also the pioneers of another kind of the home. In her final days, this friend held my amah’s hand giving: philanthropy. Baba Tan Tock Seng’s gift which to thank her for her care and concern, and told her that, as established a hospital for the poor (1844), Baba Tan Kim she had no way of repaying her in this life, vowed to protect Seng’s gift for the construction of water pipes for the city and watch over her from the afterlife. Later when my amah (1857), were visionary. Tan Kim Seng and his descendants, inadvertently stumbled onto the ground, she felt as if someone especially Tan Jiak Kim (first president of the Straits Chinese softened her fall. She was convinced she had miraculously British Association, SCBA, ancestor of The Peranakan escaped injury because her late friend had kept her promise. Association) were also pioneers in local education, setting But to me an exemplary and ultimate act of giving was up Chinese schools, and also providing a large sum for the truly made by a saint in a kebaya: Irene Ang Miau Lee, the Edward VII Medical School (1905). Then of course there Singapore Airlines leading stewardess, who actually survived were Gan Eng Seng, Lee Choon Guan, Song Ong Siang, SQ006, which crashed on the runway of Taipei airport during and Lim Boon Keng, who were all actively involved in a storm in November 2000, but dashed back into the burning promoting and funding schools for boys and girls. All these craft in an attempt to save lives, losing her own in the process. community leaders were also active committee members of It is overwhelming and inspiring how an important decision the SCBA. Another president of the SCBA, Tan Sri Tan can come as a split-second, selfless impulse. From the smallest Chin Tuan, established a charitable foundation in 1976, gesture, to the most visionary gift and to such an ultimate which has since been supporting a broad spectrum of causes, sacrifice, every human being is blessed with the power, including education. In the early 1990s, Nellie Wee, a potential and choice, to make a positive difference to someone daughter of Tun Tan Cheng Lock bequeathed her estate to else’s life. a scholarship trust named after her father, managed by the With thanks to Mr G.T Lye for information regarding traditional Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. Peranakans were also Peranakan gifts.
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ISSUE 4 • 2012 | Curated for Christmas Here’s a Peranakan-themed wish list of stocking-fillers with something to suit every taste
Delicate Delights Rumah Kim Choo
Porcelain tea set A beauty on any tabletop! Embroidered handkerchiefs Tray, $78; teapot, $78; The embroidered trimmings are inspired by kebaya teacups, $23 each. biku. $16 each. | ISSUE 4 • 2012 The Peranakan Chinese Home Ronald G. Knapp with photos by A. Chester Ong Tasteful Tomes The Peranakan Chinese Home describes the range of beautiful Berkeley Books objects which the Peranakan Chinese acquired and enjoyed in their daily domestic lives. $38 (b/f GST)
Chinese Houses of South-East Asia Ronald G. Knapp with photos by A. Chester Ong Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia strives to be an informative and authoritative book on the subject of hybrid architecture—filled with stunning colour photographs and essays on nearly thirty well-preserved homes. $63 (b/f GST) Available in all major bookstores in Singapore
Heirloom Sensations Timeless Treasures
Scrumptious Yellow Gold Stud-Earrings with old mine cut Delight diamonds $880 Rumah Bebe Colombian Emerald 8.42cts set in an 18k gold Luscious homemade pineapple tarts ring with diamonds Packed in jars of 20 or more, these tarts $13,800 (with Nanyang make a perfect gift for friends and family. certificate) $20 per jar of about 20 pineapple tarts.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | Vintage Beauties The Heritage Shop
Tiffin carriers $100 - $600 each Ceramic wall tiles $25 - $35 each
Blissfully Blue Katong Antique House
Blue & white nyonya porcelain spoons (Qing period) Approximately 80 to 100 years old $80 to $100
Light blue porcelain teacups (Qing period) $100 to $300
| ISSUE 4 • 2012 Shimmery Visions Guan Antique
Silver Purse $650 to S$700 Intan Kerosang in Silver $2,500 to $2,800
Ageless Sparklers Kim Poh Hong Goldsmiths
Round Dangling Intan Earring $1,718
Leaf with Flower One of a Kind Intan Kerosang Rumah Bebe $4,268
Bespoke Antique Manek Potong Shoes and Handbags A customisation service for shoes and matching handbag, using only genuine, old manek potong sourced from a personal bead collection. Every pair is exclusive in its design and colours, all shoes are hand-embellished personally by Bebe Seet. Every pair is unique! Prices start from $2,500
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | From Stage to The Sporting Life Small Screen Prosimmon Golf Centre Main Wayang
Malam Newstalgia! Bundle Pack Enjoy the comedy and entertaining songs and dances in Main Wayang’s Peranakan musical DVD ‘Malam Newstalgia!’ Set in the rocking 1960s, the musical revolves around a group of Babas who turn barren land at Tanjong Rambutan into a lucrative joget party venue.Bundle pack includes 1 DVD and 1 musical soundtrack CD Special price of $42 includes local postage delivery. Email [email protected] to order
Siapa Baba? Bundle Pack A multi-media milestone Peranakan Golf club - Shaft, Grip musical revue that goes back to and Head re-discovering the roots of Baba a) Various shafts to suit different culture, reviving dreams and swing speeds and strengths visions of Baba forefathers, and b) Various grips for a range of the search forward into the future. hand sizes Bundle pack includes 1 DVD and c) Various heads to suit swing ability 1 musical soundtrack CD. Assembled price varies from $300 Special price of $42 includes local postage delivery. to $1,000 Email [email protected] to order.
10 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 From Malacca, With Love Nyonya Fulvia Wong shows why one of our favourite old towns is also a gift-shopping heaven
uring a trek in Malacca, we Ddiscovered a selection of Peranakan presents and gifts just perfect for the yuletide season… Left to Right: Home- Thoughtful teatime snacks made kueh for sale; Kasot manek display at We found a quaint little Jonker Walk; Batik at home-based nyonya cake Jalan Laksamana. shop at 72 Jalan Tengkera Pantai 2. You’ll discover a colourful assortment of home-made kueh, from the likes of kueh kochi puteh, lepat kachang, kueh abu sagu, kueh bengka ubi and many more, all ideal for the office For someone special pantry, and as tokens for business associates and Popular since the 1930s, a pair of kasot manek is a acquaintances. Not only are they pleasing to the eye, labour of love. Cut beads are lovingly hand-stitched on these delicious delights start from a mere RM50 sen a design template before being set on an opened- or per piece. Get them by the baskets, we say! covered-face step-in. Kasot manek is a perennially stylish There’s also chinchalok, nyonya achar and gula melaka fashion statement. They are usually distinguishable – perfect for friends who love serving up a good meal. in quality by the bead size and the refinement of workmanship. For friends and family With a mere handful of shops in this trade, mostly Traditionally used as sarongs, batik and its motifs along Jonker Walk, you might want to prepare for can now be seen on shirts, bags, scarves, sandals and yuletide early as waiting time is can be almost a year for even bedspreads and curtains. Intricately produced customised beaded slippers! Alternatively, you can pick with wax and dye, batik is truly unique. In any form, up a ready-made pair. Be sure you know your special batik is a great present and conversation starter. someone’s feet size! Most ready-made pairs, however, Batik retails from RM$28.80 per piece (118cm x come in sizes 6 to 8 only. Prices are from RM780 200cm). Find them along Jalan Laksamana, opposite onwards. the Stadhuys (Red House). However make sure they Show your love by presenting that someone special are real batiks, rather than machine-printed versions. with a pair of kasot manek.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 11 12 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 Severing Ties In the first of a new series by writer Lawyer Burok, we take a tongue-in-cheek look at how to ensure that your unfilial offspring is properly cut out of the family fortune for good!
Kalau lu tak dengar Chek Chek sama Nya Nya punya cakap, kita tak jin lu anak kita! hat was the usual retort from parents of a Peranakan family to their son or daughter who married someone of his or her choosing in defiance of their dictate to marry the person of their choice, or after falling out with them after a family dispute. T A fictitious What might follow would be an advertisement in the English language newspapers that may appear newspaper something like the fictitious advertisement below. advertisement. The law, however, does not recognise the effect of such a notice, as a son or a daughter cannot be legally NOTICE renounced as the off-spring of the parents. Only if the parents, after the publication of such a notice, Mr & Mrs Chan Tiang Hoe hereby make known had made Wills leaving out that son or daughter as and declare to all that as from this 15th day of a beneficiary of their respective estates, would the October 1935, of the Year of Our Lord, they have intended result be achieved. If no Wills were made by the parents, then that son cut-off ALL ties with their son, Robert Chan Peng Hock. or daughter would, on the death of either parent and From the date of this Notice published herein, based on the Intestate Succession Act, still be entitled to a share of that deceased parent’s estate. the said Robert Chan Peng Hock is no longer So, Enche Enche and Bibik Bibik, do make your Wills deemed or be acknowledged as their son and to ensure that the filial beneficiary benefits from your shall have no share whatsoever & wheresoever estate. Otherwise, that undeserving one would get the last laugh! Jangan pantang, in my experience, the one in the assets of the Chan Tiang Hoe family. who makes a Will lagi panjang umor! Giving Women a Strong Foundation
s Caroline Kwan from peranakan jewellery atelier Foundation Jewellery, Mstrongly believes that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Her passion to help women- in-need has birthed the GEM New Start Centre. Launched in August 2011, New Start Centre’s mission is to help girls and women get a new start in life. The centre provides emotional support and counselling and works closely with the Prison Ministry, Halfway House and Crisis Centre. Caroline’s projects also include the GEM Inside- Out Beauty Training Programme to equip and empower participants in the areas of character building, values for productive living and work skill training/development. The ladies are prepared for gainful employment and gain a new self-confidence. New Start Centre further plans to bring Preventive Programmes into Secondary Schools and girl’s homes. Caroline Kwan (centre) with two of her young charges at GEM.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 13 14 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 CHAKAP CHAKAP Because Every Little Bit Matters Nyonya Adelina Ong’s efforts to introduce the arts into the lives of disadvantaged youths is nothing to be sneezed at, as Baba Emeric Lau discovers
urrently pursuing an MA in Applied Theatre in the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Adelina Ong recalls her work with the Little Arts Academy (LAA). She desires to continue Cin the same vein after attaining her masters, and is learning about curriculum development and pedagogy, skills which she aims to bring back so as to develop even better programming.
Tell us about the LAA – how did it all start, and what types of courses can youth who attend expect? The LAA was started in 2008 to provide sustained, high- quality multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary training primarily to low-income students in Dance, Music, Visual Arts and Theatre. The courses are provided at no cost to the students through The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BTBAF) which is also managed by The Old Parliament House Limited (TOPH). More info on our vision and mission can be found at http:// www.thelittleartsacademy.com/about/ I was one of a team of three, sent from The Arts House to start the school and we worked very closely with a core team of teachers to develop an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curriculum which was child-centric at its core and sought to create opportunities for the students to learn from industry practitioners. We started off with about 40 students, between the ages of 7 and 12. The course available are listed at http://www.thelittleartsacademy.com/laa-programmes/ We based our curriculum on that of established international examinations like ABRSM for music, Royal Academy of Dance, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (for Theatre) and there would always be performance opportunities at the end of the year so that students would get to showcase what they had learnt. Those who wanted to sit for the exams would also be able to do so. BTBAF would pay for the exam fees and items required like ballet shoes, costumes, music books etc We now have more 200 children attending courses every week, most of them coming in on Saturdays. In March 2011, we decided to look at youth programmes and created two pilot programmes in dance and theatre to reach out to young talents between the ages of 13 and 19. The growth shown by the youths was very encouraging and so we opened up the programme, held a 24-hour bootcamp in March 2012 and now we have 65 talented youths in Dance, Visual Arts, Music and Theatre. The youths are now on a three-year curriculum that not only teaches them performance and art-making skills, but also teaches them to manage themselves as an arts group as we give them workshops on seeking sponsorship, understanding copyright and contracts, managing their backstage, production design and marketing. They will be guided to ask, “What is my role as
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 15 an artist in Singapore’s arts scene today?”; “Why wanted to learn how they made this possible. should what I’m making be considered art?”; I had always felt that theatre should be used “Why is this message important?” and last but to help people in need, simply because it can. very importantly, they will be guided by social Theatre can give voice to those who are silenced. entrepreneurs to think of ways in which they It can provoke, create reflection and inspire might make their groups sustainable. change. Beyond the stage, education is still our best shot of creating better opportunities for the Please share what you can about the underprivileged so they can create a better life for work you do at the LAA. How did you get themselves. involved (I understand it is managed by Colin spoke to me about a school they were the Old Parliament House)? trying to build. I told him I was very eager to help, I joined TOPH in 2007 as part of The Arts and I would learn as fast as I could even though I House’s Artistic Development team. I was have no background in curriculum development. inspired by the work of BTBAF as Colin Goh I had taught teenage girls at Pertapis through an (CEO, TOPH) told me they had brought 10 AWARE project, and I had led some workshops underprivileged students to Hong Kong to through SRT Young Company and Theatreworks, perform with artists from Singapore and Hong but I had not written a curriculum before. He Kong. I thought that was incredible and I really gave me a chance anyway and it was a steep but immensely rewarding (and humbling) experience. I listened to the teachers a lot, sought their advice as industry practitioners who not only taught but also performed and exhibited regularly. I got to be on site during the construction and learnt a lot during the process. The walls were painted by volunteers from TOPH, schools, family and friends. There is a rabbit missing one hand because I am a terrible painter...I won’t tell you where! Then we marketed the courses to non-profit organisations working with children (children’s homes, family service centres, etc) and schools. I remember the day before the start of semester my days only ended around 11pm! There would be so much to prepare and get ready. But it was all worth it to see the students happy and enjoying the classes fully.
What are your proudest achievements there? Here is a selection of what I would call our success stories: i) Three girls referred to us through Care Community Services Society have grown from no prior experience in ballet to taking their Grade 5 this year. They have all had distinctions or high merit for all their exams and have skipped a couple of grades. Best of all, they are so much more happy and confident. One girl once drew a self-portrait that had “stupid” next to her own head. Now she is confident of her talents and in LAA’s talented young artists. 2011 she was top of her class Check out the video about the ballet girls with emphasis on two young girls who were left to the care of their grandmother when their parents divorced, at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bEh81mcGVKA ii) Faustina was our first theatre student. She had no opportunity to do theatre at school as they had closed the drama club. At the end of 2011 her 16 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 What are your hopes for the LAA? If you had one wish for it, what would it be? I hope that the youth who have attended our programmes will be good artists who recognise that they are capable of producing art that can make a difference. I hope they never lose courage to fight for a kinder, more inclusive, more accepting society. I hope they will challenge the conventions of art mom found a job in a nursing home in Canada and art-making, and I hope that they will be able and so she had to relocate, but before she left she to create a better future for themselves and their said she would like to start an LAA in Canada families through the arts when she grows up as she really benefited from our lessons and before she left, she scored a distinction Do you see yourself as Peranakan? What for her LAMDA Acting Entry exams. do you make of the state of the culture? Her video for Give2Arts.sg is here. I do indeed see myself as Peranakan and I am http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UGb6ngS very proud of it. I wish I had met my maternal haY&context=C4490accAADvjVQa1PpcFOeJHnr grandmother so I could have learnt more about the xbsTE3eWmprz1vQRm3o-o6zOWFA%3D culture from her. She passed away when my mom Besides Faustina, there were also two young girls was young. But I am very fortunate to be able to who were part of the same group who also scored learn more about it through my partner’s mom distinctions in the LAMDA Acting Entry exams who is Peranakan too. I believe the most valuable and one of them is now in SOTA year 1 and doing thing that both of them embody is that of a strong very well! woman, who is independent, hardworking and iii) Saltare Beats, a youth dance group that was self-reliant. They are very accepting of diversity and also part of our pilot programme, won 2nd place people with different perspectives and ways of life, for Mendaki’s Beat the Rhythm dance competition even if this challenges conservative conventions. in June 2012. They have also been selected to And they are very resourceful and inventive Below: The perform for ChildAid 2012 and we are very proud YAAS at Lights especially in the kitchen! Out Wonderland. of all of them. They will be performing in Tokyo’s Faustina, ChildAid in Jan 2012. Given the generosity and rather active who scored a iv) The Young Actors Anonymous (YAAs), the distinction for her philanthropic practices of many in the LAMDA Acting youth theatre group that started as part of the Peranakan community in the past, what Entry exams. pilot youth programmes, has successfully raised would your message be to present-day $30k as a result of their own tireless efforts in Peranakans? sponsorship seeking. We guided them in writing Given that there are so many who are the letters, but they did the work, sold the tickets, already philanthropic, all I can say is sold programme booklets and now they will be please don’t stop giving to the arts and using that money towards a Performance Exchange to the needy in our community. It can with MCC Theater Youth Company in New York really make a difference to the life of a in Dec 2012. They will also be visiting Columbia child or a youth or a senior. Every little University, where they will be hosted by the gift matters, whether it is in cash or in voice lecturer there and given a demo on voice deed. techniques used in Columbia Uni. A friend is also Most importantly, let the giving trying to arrange for the youths to meet the actress come from the wish to develop the who will be playing Elphaba in Wicked when they beneficiary holistically, not just giving get to NY...so our fingers are crossed! them the basic needs for day to day v) Vishnu, who is part of the Young Actors subsistence, but also helping them Anonymous, was very empowered by his internship grow as people to fulfil their fullest with LAA last year and now feels confident enough potential in life. Everyone has a right to write, direct and produce his own 2-man play in to live with dignity. Jan 2013. He is currently looking for sponsorship and a venue whilst studying for his O levels. He has really struggled against all odds as he lost his father when he was doing his PSLE and his mom is coping with womb cancer. He has three sisters who are all not working, but I am just amazed by his resilience and how much he tries to make theatre that aims to create more acceptance of those who are alienated.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 17 18 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 STEP BY STEP Amidst the festivities this season, we should all take some time out to reflect on the real meaning of giving, Baba Colin Chee chats with Nyonya Aileen Ong, chairman of a charity organisation called STEP
Aileen dedicates her time working to harness expertise in service to the poor who are struggling to actualize their dreams for a better life. She invites inter-generational participation and pushes for the continual development of young people as change-makers to lead regional and global challenges responsibly.
How did you get started in charity work? What was your motivation? had two life changing experiences. A failed marriage resulting in four years as a single mother Iof three lovely children (Nicholas, Elizabeth and Christopher), and an almost fatal accident – a golf- ball, off the tee, smashed into my left cheek. If it had hit my temple, barely two inches away, I would have died. During those very difficult four years, it was like being in a dark tunnel. The initial fear and din of self-inquisition quickly gave way to trust and inner- peace. I practised walking and talking with God. He blessed me with support from family, good friends and my parish community. He directed me to my present husband, Albert. We celebrate 19 meaningful years together this month. What is life about? I asked myself. After my personal epiphanies, you really want to make your life count. For six years I dedicated my all, in ways commonly termed ‘charity work’, raising funds through music concerts for various charities. But it felt incomplete. Was this enough to end poverty and suffering? I realised this only created dependency among those who really needed help.
What was the alternative then? I kept searching for a better answer – one that could transform lives, and eventually found Gawad Kalinga (GK, which means to ‘give care’), a successful movement in poverty eradication and community development in the Philippines. Personally, it was also the launch of my new journey Aileen Ong, My prayers were answered in September 2006 and life mission in poverty eradication. chairman of STEP. when I met Tony Meloto, the visionary founder of GK. He built the first house and village over ten What did you do next? years ago for very poor families of Bagong Silang, a From 2007 to end 2008, my days were spent massive slum relocation site, north of Manila. on the ground in the ‘University-of-life’ - feeding I expressed to Tony my desire to feed the children, educating mothers about good nutrition, malnourished children of GK, and he got really learning and working intensively alongside Tony. excited. This paved the way for my first trip to the He startled me by predicting I would also become Philippines on 2 January 2007. Tony himself showed a champion and fighter for the poor. It seemed me the face of dire poverty. It was a humbling very daunting at the time. I learnt many lessons experience. I felt ashamed to call myself Christian. from Tony, a fundamental one being that core to In the eyes of a small child, it seemed like my entire sustainable community transformation is relationship- life converged. This was it – here was my answer! On building and investing in the poor as partners of their 14 February, in GK-Baseco, by Manila Bay, former own future. It is not just charity! President SR Nathan launched Mission 4 Nutrition. I wished I had discovered this in my teens and
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 19 Conditions of dire proverty in Cambodia immediately began sharing the value of such homeless. PSE saw STEP’s total approach to awareness through service-immersion for students. community development, modeled after GK’s, as its Overseas Community Involvement Program sustainable solution to this concern. (OCIP) trips were organised with top tertiary PSE took the brave step of buying 2.2 hectares institutions in Singapore, offering new ‘cradle-to- of land, funded through its French Board, and grave’ opportunities and a holistic and sustainable prioritised 312 families as clients in our pilot village approach to address poverty eradication. project. PSE will be responsible for the ‘hardware’ The results were amazing and in 2009, I co- – construction and infrastructure developments founded and headed GK Hope initiative, an - while STEP‘s responsibility is as the‘software’ international charity organisation, to share this partner. We are developing a network of critical approach with the rest of Asia. This, however, partnerships. This now includes Habitat for eluded us as everyone wanted to see the original Humanity (HFH), Cambodia. My hope is that ‘model’. Inevitably, the focus for the next two years this ‘SMILE Village’ pilot project can become wasn’t Asia but the Philippines. GK eventually a prototype for community development for all decided to pull out of this globalised effort and Cambodia. instead refocus its efforts on its home country. Already, the project is involving NUS This paved the way for the birth of STEP architectural students under Professor Tan Beng (Solutions To End Poverty) in February 2012, of Kiang to design two key facilities - a Child Care which I am Chairman. Centre for potentially 200 young children and a Community Enterprise Centre to provide men and What is STEP about? women alternative skills and options to scavenging What STEP does is to adapt and develop as a livelihood. The estimated costs are US$50,000 solutions in community development, in for the former and US$70,000 for the latter. collaboration with critical partners in Asia. It will Besides funding, we are also searching for expertise help fulfill the original intent initiated in 2009 of to run both centres. sharing the approaches learnt in the Philippines to In addition, four final year business students transform slum communities in our region. under the guidance of Professor Albert Teo are Our pilot project is a village we are building in working on a social enterprise development project, Phnom Penh, Cambodia for over 300 people. On and social science student Yeap Su Fern has taken my first visit to Phnom Penh in June 2011, out on the role of STEP’s Programmes Coordinator of 10 NGOs we finally chose one: Pour un Sourire working with PSE. We need dedicated volunteers. d’Enfant (PSE) meaning ‘For the Smile of a Child’, The road-map starts this December with the first as our key partner. PSE was initiated 16 years ago as 40 houses funded by HFH and hopefully sufficient a child-care program or Pailotte by French founders funds to start on both the Singaporean targeted Christian and Marie de Pallieres to feed child- projects by March 2013. PSE still needs funds for scavengers in the garbage dumps. Today it educates the other 40 homes. They cost USD 6,500 each, no less than 7,000 students in Phnom Penh, Siam built in 2-3 storey clusters around green courtyards. Reap and Sihanoukville. This has proven to be an STEP also seeks kind contributions for SMILE efffective way out of the poverty trap for the slum village families as capital for start-up businesses and and street children and their families. training in sewing, food-production, recycling and When I met PSE, I sensed a kindred spirit in farming. their love of the poor. Our timing was perfect. In addition, one significant feature of this project It had recently failed in an effort to address the is the involvement of a top US-based not-for-profit housing needs of a number of families made organisation, Leadership Beyond Boundaries,
20 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 in providing world-class community leadership responsible global citizens. Both are intertwined, training to those who need it most on the ground. interdependent. I have been working almost 24/7 on community Who was your inspiration? Did you have a concerns over the last six years. I see no difference mentor? in core human needs – under the skin, we are I have to say that my parents have been a major all the same. We need to give and receive love, inspiration. I vividly remember growing up amidst recognition, respect, to experience abundance and mummy’s many Family Planning meetings and joy, friendships and recreation, peace and goodwill, visits to the Malacca Baby’s Home - I can almost and to pass on the best of these to our children. recall the fragrance of milk, powder and wet I take great pride in my Peranakan heritage. nappies! My late father was my confidant and And, I feel it’s time for a more ‘life-giving and role model. I have always been inspired by his socially innovative shift’ in this heritage. I hope generosity and care for others in need, particularly that sharing my life with readers of The Peranakan in Education. will cause a good stir. What will make our anak Tony Meloto continues to be a good friend and and chu-chu really proud to belong to such a mentor , one who walks his talk. One unforgettable rich heritage and community? Can we use our thing I remember was, during a crisis in 2008, Tony time, talent and treasures to build a connected, gave me a good piece of advice: when your dreams compassionate and committed community in or vision hit an insurmountable wall, it has become Singapore and beyond? I invite you to be a part of too small. It is time to build the next dream, a this new vision of the modern-day Peranakan! bigger vision. I have taken his advice to heart. Today in Those who are interested to participate in this Cambodia, STEP’s current vision is playing out. fulfilling work may contact Aileen directly at This is my first priority. My second is invested [email protected]. Also, check out in nurturing future generations of Singaporeans http://www.step-asia.org/ . and young people who live here, as active and
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 21 Christmas a lá Nyonya
Sambal Kim Chiam parcels
22 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 DALAM DAPOR Nyonya Sylvia Tan shares why her kitchen will be thick with Asian fragrances come yuletide
Christmas a lá Nyonyaurkey has an unfortunate reputation as being dry, tasteless and stringy. Few would own up to loving it, yet Tit is a bird associated with Christmas - even in tropical Singapore! When I was a girl, my father would haul a roast turkey home from Cold Storage during the season. Now with my own home, I win over guests by roasting a turkey with Asian seasonings. One year it was a soya sauce marinade; another year, a chilli and cumin rub and this year, an Asian herbed turkey. It makes sense, really. Why buy a potpourri of imported herbs when we have basil, kaffir lime and laksa leaves literally growing at our doorstep? They are easily
available and impart well-loved flavours to the bird. Food styling and I also make rice stuffing to go with the turkey. photography by I cook the rice in turkey stock and add a dollop of Anton Kilayko belachan and toss in frozen soya beans and peas at the last moment. The residual heat warms up the vegetables to just the right tenderness. To introduce this Asian turkey, I will make an appetiser of sambal kim chiam, but topped with a single prawn and laced with coconut cream, wrapped in a crepe parcel. The combination works better than you think and besides, an Asian salad parcel introduces the Peranakan Christmas theme nicely. Don’t worry about the bird drying out. It is easy to roast a turkey that is beautifully golden and yet moist. While some cooks have resorted to brining the bird to obtain moist flesh, I find that a quick roasting on high heat usually does the trick. And yes, with lots of that lovely herb oil rubbed all over it. Try it this year and perhaps your family will even be clamouring for turkey at Chinese New Year!
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 23 Sambal kim chiam two to three days defrosting in the into short lengths. Place in a food parcels fridge. Place the turkey in a leak proof chopper and process with oil and salt Serves 8-10 plastic bag and tie it up. till roughly chopped. A fresh salad parcel. I update this 1 small bunch each Thai sweet basil, Wash turkey well inside and out traditional recipe by presenting it kaffir lime leaves and laksa leaves and pat dry with paper towels. Rub wrapped as a parcel with an egg crepe, 1 tbsp salt herb oil over the turkey, including usually used for Peking duck, which is 3/4 cup vegetable or olive oil the cavity. If you can, rub some of the easily available in the supermarkets. pepper to taste oil under the skin. Leave turkey in 1 sprig kaffir lime leaves, to stuff the fridge to marinate covered for a Coconut cream: 1 bouquet garni comprising an onion, couple of hours or even overnight. 1/2 cup coconut milk carrot and celery stick, cut into short The next day, heat oven to 200 C. 1/2 cup water lengths, for the stock Place sprig of kaffir lime leaves into 1 heaped tsp corn flour the cavity of the bird and roast on a A pinch of salt Method: pan in the middle of the oven. Cook 2 cups dried lily buds for one hour covered with a sheet of 1 tbs sambal belachan (chilli and shrimp Remove the neck and giblets from foil, then remove the foil, turn down paste) the cavity and place in a pot with heat to 180 C and roast for another Pinch of salt, or to taste water to cover. Add the bouquet 1 tsp sugar, or to taste garni. Bring to the boil, and then hour till the bird is golden brown Juice from 2 limes, or to taste simmer for one hour. Strain and leave and cooked. Test by poking a fork 2 cucumbers aside stock. Use this to cook the rice. into the thickest part of the thigh 4-5 shallots, peeled and sliced Wash the herbs and use only the and if the juices run clear, it is ready. 8-10 medium prawns leaves and the tender stems. Pluck Remove the turkey from the pan 2 red chillies, sliced A packet of frozen egg crepes
Method: Place coconut milk in a small pot and heat over a small fire. Add a little water to corn flour to obtain a paste. Add the rest of the water to the paste, stir and add the lot to the coconut milk, stirring all the time till it thickens. Add a pinch of salt. Rinse dried lily buds to rid it of dirt and dust and soak in warm water till they soften. Snip off the hard tips of the stalks. Squeeze dry and leave aside. Peel cucumbers and remove soft cores. Cut into four lengthwise and slice on a slant to get thick long slivers. Boil prawns in a small pot of water till they turn just pink. Cool and peel. Keep stock for another use. Add sambal belachan, either homemade or bottled, to softened lily buds and mix. Add salt, sugar and lime juice to taste. Place a couple of cucumber slivers on an egg crepe, top with dressed lily buds. Garnish with shallots, chilli and boiled prawn. Wrap up crepe like a parcel. Place a dollop of coconut cream on top of each parcel. Serve at once.
Roast turkey with Asian herbs (with stock for edamame, belachan and pea rice) Serves 8-10 1 turkey (4-5kg). If frozen, allow for
24 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 peas and toss. Leave to warm through for 15 minutes in the rice cooker and turn out on serving plate. Garnish with Asian herbs on hand: basil or kaffir lime leaves, shredded or else just use chopped coriander leaves.
Pandan crème BRûlée (Coconut custard with burnt sugar topping) Serves 8 -10 This is a dessert that marries the rich flavour of nyonya kaya with the textural delight of a burnt sugar topping. It never fails to get cries of delight especially when I do the torching at the table! 15 pandan leaves half cup of water 5 medium eggs 500 ml coconut milk 2 /3 cup white sugar Castor sugar for caramelising
Method: Process pandan leaves in chopper with water to obtain green juice. Leave aside. Break eggs into a large mixing bowl, add sugar and stir, and not beat, till sugar has melted and mixture thickens. You do not want to incorporate too much air into the custard mixture for then it will not turn silky. Add coconut and leave to rest for half an hour. 1 tsp of salt or to taste milk and strain pandan juice into Pour a cup of water (or white wine) 1 tbsp belachan, toasted for 1 minute mixture. Stir again. into the pan. Heat over two burners covered in the microwave with a Pour custard mixture into eight on the stove, scraping to dissolve little oil to 10 ramekins and steam in a wok the burnt bits. Add 1 tbsp corn 1 cup frozen peeled edamame beans half filled with water over medium flour and stir till sauce is thickened. 1 cup frozen baby peas fire for 20 minutes or till set. Cool. Season to taste. Garnish: Fresh basil or kaffir lime Chill ramekins, covered with cling leaves, shredded/fresh coriander film, in the fridge. When ready to Edamame, belachan leaves serve, spread 1 tsp sugar over top of and pea ric e the custard and either grill or use Serves 8-10 Method: blow-torch to caramelise the top. 4 cups of white rice, washed and Cook rice in turkey stock in When sugar has melted, swirl ramekin drained the rice cooker. When done, add around to ensure an even spread. 4 cups of turkey stock (see Roast belachan and stir well to combine. Serve when sugar hardens into a Turkey recipe) Add frozen edamame beans and crisp layer.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 25 26 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 THEATRE Mari Kita Main Wayang Main Wayang Director Baba Richard Tan takes stock of a most exciting year for the Main Wayang Co.
ekejap sair, sembilan bulan sudah lepas! We are October at 10.00 pm), it featured selected members Above: Our Anak into the tail end of 2012. How time flies by from our Main Wayang Singers, MW Rhapsody Anak Wayang with with a flurry of events and activities! Main Choir, MW Minstrels and our Anak Wayang Kids, President Tony Tan, S First Lady Mary Wayang’s recent season was all about giving back this is truly a multi-tiered MW family affair! Tan and Mr Koh, to community and charity through what they know Many more community concerts and events Chairman of the best, in music and drama, song and dance! are coming up with the festive year end season SCS. just around the corner. The Main Wayang Singers Left: Anak-Anak Anak Anak Wayang for Singapore Children’s have been invited by the Persatuan Peranakan Wayang in action at Society Cina Melaka to entertain delegates at their the SCS dinner. On 7 September, our Anak Anak Wayang did upcoming 25th Baba Convention Gala Dinner on their part for charity by presenting a traditional 24th November at the Hatten Hotel Ballroom in Peranakan fashion pageant and sang their hearts Malacca. And on this very same weekend, our Anak out for The Children’s Society’s 60th Anniversary Anak Wayang will be busy teaching visitors to The Awards Night. They were all thrilled and delighted Peranakan Museum how to sing and Chakap Baba when informed that the Society’s Chairman, Dr patois with their interactive musical presentation. Carol Balhetchet, had arranged a special photo- And before long, we will all be humming and taking moment with the evening’s Guest-of- singing some Christmas carols! Taon 2012, chukop Honour, His Excellency, President Tony Tan and hebat! Mrs Mary Tan. Singapore Writer’s Festival – ‘Baba Malay 101 @ The Esplanade! – Jangan Main Main!’ At the Waterfront Stage of The Esplanade on 10 If you would like to learn to speak Baba Patois August, we celebrated National Day to the theme of the easy way, join me for my special ‘Baba Malay ‘Harmony’. The Main Wayang Singers entertained 101 – Jangan Main Main!’ two-hour workshop, as with two sets of 45 minutes filling the open air I introduce our hybrid language with its colourful performing space with nostalgic local sing-along melange of Malay, Hokkien and English, and tunes and original Peranakan songs. With lyrics explain how it was widely used in our local projected on a giant screen, the audience were able community. Discover through dramatic excerpts to join in the singing, bringing together an evening and songs how Baba Malay is a truly vibrant and of joyous bonding and merry-making. Many came unique local lingo. to the front of stage to joget and gelek. At the end of the evening, a mass dance had everyone on their This workshop is recommended for those in their teens and feet to ‘Celebrate Joget!’ Watch 2 video here: older. It will be conducted on Tuesday, 6 November, 7.00- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdNotdp- 9.00pm as part of The Singapore Writers Festival 2012. 0Es&feature=youtu.be Venue: ilovebooks.com Pavilion, Campus Green, Singapore The show was so popular that The Esplanade Management University immediately invited us back for another special Tickets at $20 are available from SISTIC show. This time, it was for The Esplanade’s 10th http://singaporewritersfestival.com/index. Anniversary Celebrations. Entitled A Vocal php?option=com_php&Itemid=69&category=11&id=439 Dedication (at The Concourse on Friday, 12
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 27 BETEL BOX bistro has come to town! Baba Colin Chee checks out a new Peranakan eatery right in the heart of Joo Chiat
elmed by award-winning master Peranakan chef, Uncle Ben, himself a true blue Baba, Betel Box HBistro promises to colour Singapore’s increasingly adventurous and diverse food scene with some of its very own specialties such as Laksa Goreng, Sambut Ikan and Nanas Yong Tau Foo. These are just a few of Uncle Ben’s ingenious spins on traditional Peranakan recipes. His 30 years’ of cooking Peranakan food has seen him prepare meals for a host of celebrities and dignitaries including the royal families of Brunei and Kuwait. Baba Richard Seah, health writer, award winning photographer and food nut said, “Ben’s dishes are so different from all the others I have tried; but they are good, some even very good. I will come again!” Nyonya Linda Chee enthused, “The nanas yong tau foo gravy is delightfully ambrosial, with the pineapple giving it a lovely yet gentle tang. And the veggies are filled with this delicious homemade paste of meat and prawn. The dish is an easy winner.” For the launch of Betel Box Bistro, owner Tony Tan (whose Betel Box Hostel won Singapore Tourism Board’s 2009 Singapore Experience Award and whose award winning backpackers’ hostel is rated among the best in Asia Pacific and lauded in Lonely Planet) has a special promotion for The Peranakan’s readers. Don’t miss out!
Call Victor, Theresa or Tony at 64405540 for reservations. The bistro is open daily from 8 am to 10pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Betel Box Bistro, 200 Joo Chiat Road. Parking is available at the Tembeling Road/Joo Chiat Place car park next to the Chinese temple. Take-outs and delivery are also available. GO W!LD FOR CHRISTMAS
he team at W!ld Rice are giving all the family a delicious and fun-filled musical treat with Hansel T& Gretel. This must-see 9th edition of the annual Christmas pantomime features a star-studded cast including Sebastian Tan (Broadway Beng), Dwayne Tan (Army Daze), Denise Tan (Gold 90FM), Siti Khalijah (Boeing Boeing), Dwayne Lau (Cinderel-Lah!) and Vernetta Lopez (CLASS 95FM). It will also feature 30 young talents from the age of 4-12 as part of W!ld Rice’s First Stage! programme.
Dates: 22 November – 15 December 2012 Venue: Drama Centre Theatre Tickets from SISTIC
28 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 Peranakan Chinese Art and Culture
229 x 305mm (288 pages) S$63 229 x 305mm (288 pages) S$75
216 x 280mm (160 pages) S$38 229 x 305mm (272 pages) S$63 229 x 286mm (176 pages) S$45
135 x 200mm (64 pages) S$5.25 152 x 229mm (448 pages) S$32 127 x 184mm (224 pages) S$23 152 x 229mm (448 pages) S$32
216 x 229mm (144 pages) S$32 216 x 279mm (288 pages) S$63 216 x 279mm (224 pages) S$63 229 x 305mm (256 pages) S$85
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 29
Peranakan Magazine AD_26092012.indd 1 26/9/2012 9:52:44 PM EVENTS salute to Dato’ Seri Khoo Keat Siew On the 25th anniversary of the annual Baba Convention, The Peranakan honours the Baba who started it all
orn in Penang in May 1930, Dato’ Seri Khoo Dato Seri’ Khoo’s vision of Peranakans coming Keat Siew is a son of the late Khoo Sian Ewe, together in fellowship has been further borne out via Bone of Penang’s foremost businessmen, the Federation of Peranakan Associations (FPA) which philanthropists and civic leaders. Dato’ Seri is a currently comprises the following organisations. Barrister-at-law. He was the President of The State Chinese (Penang) Association (SCPA) in 1988 Federation of Peranakan Association when he mooted the idea of having the Peranakan The Peranakan Association Singapore associations of Singapore, Malacca and Penang The Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka meet annually. The State Chinese (Penang) Association The Baba Convention’s main aim is to foster The Gunong Sayang Association close ties among the three Peranakan communities The Thai Peranakan Association (Phuket) and promote greater understanding and The Persatuan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur Selangor appreciation of the Peranakan culture. Today, the The Association of Chetti Melaka(Peranakan Indians) Convention is open to all who have an abiding interest in the unique culture of the former Straits Singapore [CHEMPAKAS] Settlement Peranakan communities. The Association of Peranakan Tionghoa Indonesia Dato’ Seri Khoo continues to contribute widely (ASPERTINA) to Penang’s civil and culture societies. He is the The Peranakan Association Australia Incorporated, President of Penang’s Cheshire Home, Chairman Melbourne of the Board of Trustees of the Khoo Kongsi as The Peranakan Association Australia Incorporated, well as its President and is the founder of the Sydney Befrienders of Penang. He also chairs and heads many Chinese temple committees on Penang Thank you for your contributions, Dato’ Seri Island even though he is in his 80s. Khoo! A Meeting of Founders Baba Chan Eng Thai reports on a very busy trip to Malacca
t was a packed trip to Malacca over 28-30 shops of Jonker Street. Kerosang intan, mutiaria and Left to right: Baba Chan September, as presidents of the three founding tali pending perak formery owned by the bibiks of Eng Thai, Dato Seri Khoo associations of the Baba Nyonya Convention (The Malacca were displayed and offered for sale. Keat Siew, Patron of the I th State Chinese (Penang) Peranakan Association Singapore, The Persatuan The PPCM 112 anniversary dinner on 29 Association, Datin Seri Peranakan Cina Melaka and The State Chinese September was graced by Dato’ Seri and Datin Seri Daisy Yeow (Dato Khoo’s [Penang] Association) met to map out plans for the Khoo Keat Siew of Penang, who mooted the idea of wife) Vice President of the State Chinese Convention’s future. Baba Peter Wee, Baba Alan the Baba Convention in 1988. (Penang) Association, Koh and myself attended the meeting which resolved On 30 September, TPAS entourage was given a Mr.Victor Goh Liang that all future Baba Nyonya Convention venues tour of the yet to be opened Straits Chinese Jewellery Chuan, Cultural Advisor of the Gunong Sayang and themes shall be directed by the three founder Museum at No.108 Heeren Street (now known as Association and Mr. Peter associations. While the meeting was in progress, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock). This museum showcases Wee, TPAS President. others in the entourage explored the many antique the berlian intan of the Peranakans and even has a room dedicated to the memory of Baba Peter Wee’s late mother, Mrs. Josephine Tan Pin Neo, containing her matrimonial bed, dressing table, baju kebaya, cheongsam and photographs of Baba Peter Wee’s family. We were the first batch of visitors to this unique boutique museum owned by Mr. Peter Soon who also owns the Penang Peranakan Mansion in Georgetown, Penang. A lunch spread of Nyonya dishes was served in the main hall of the museum, and that concluded our short visit to Malacca. It was certainly not enough. Hence, the 25th Baba Nyonya Convention beckons in November!
30 | ISSUE 4 • 2012 NOTICEBOARD WELCOME OBITUARY A big welcome to our PERANAKAN new members: Our deepest sympathies to the families of our ASSOCIATIONS esteemed members who have passed on: 1. Ms Serene Chan IN THE REGION 1. Dr Koh Cheng 2. Ms Lim Chooi Lian 2. Ms Chan Siak Hong Helena 3, Mr Victor Lim 3. Taye Lang Hiang 4. Mdm Nelly Soh SINGAPORE 5. Mr Shauna Lawhorne The Peranakan Association Singapore We appeal to all members who have not submitted two hard copy (TPAS) Goh passport photos of themselves to please do so in order for the committee to Raffles City PO Box 1640, Singapore produce your membership cards. All members are to ensure that the Association is kept updated of 911755 all their contact details, including email, mailing address and telephone Contact: Mrs Lim Geok Huay, Hon Website: peranakan-kl.org numbers. Please contact Mrs Lim Geok Huay at 62550704 or email geok@ Secretary To contact the President, peranakan.org.sg. Email: [email protected] Dr Lee Su Kim, please email sukim25@ Tel: 65 6255 0704 yahoo.com. Fax: 65 6353 6801 Peranakan Cooking Class KELANTAN Website: peranakan.org.sg Date/Time: 15 Dec, 11am – 2pm Association of Peranakan Chinese, Venue: MAYER Showroom, Causeway Point Kelantan Gunong Sayang Association (GSA) Cost: Usual $128 per person; TPAS members pay only $96 net per Lot 2344 Kampong Wakaf Stan, Kubang person (25% discount) 50 Lorong 24A, Geylang Road, Kerian, Singapore 398574 Come experience a Peranakan cooking class cum Christmas Lunch served 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia Contact: Mr Christopher Bek, President tok panjang style. In addition, each participant will receive a goodie bag Contact: Law Awang Email: [email protected] worth $60 including Peranakan XO Sauce, cookies, and more! Tel: 609-7652261 Mobile: 012-9815688 Mobile: 65 9647 8456 Menu: Email: [email protected] Fax: 65 6441 1569 1. Peranakan tapas Website: gunongsayang.org THAILAND 2. Peranakan kerabu Thai Peranakan Association 3. Peranakan chap chye soup (mild) 4. Ayam ala-Peranakan (roast chicken with buah keluah) served with Association of Chetti Melaka 61 Satul Road, Muang District, Phuket veggies and cous-cous (Peranakan Indians) Singapore 83000, Thailand 5. Baked tapioca with homemade coconut ice-cream 5001 Beach Road #08-09 Contacts: Dr Kosol Taenguthai at email: Seats are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment! Email Philip@rice. Golden Mile Complex [email protected]; Ajan Pranee sg to book or enquire. Singapore 199588 Sakulpipatana at email: Pranee81@yahoo. Contact: Mr Pono Kalastree com, mobile: +66 81 693 3576; or Piyarat Office: 6297 1229 Kulvanich at email: kpiyarat2000@yahoo. Mobile: 9678 1767 com or mobile: +66 81 719 0967. Fax: +66 76 258179 MALAYSIA Tel: +66 76 258124 MALACCA Website: Thaiperanakan.com Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka (PPCM) INDONESIA 149, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Association of Peranakan Tionghoa Street), 75200 Melaka Indonesia Contact: Ms Chin Siok Hoon, PJK (Hon Hero Building II Suite 902, Secretary) Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto 177A Email: [email protected] Kav. 64 Jakarta 12870, Indonesia Website: www.ppcm-melaka.org Contact: Chairman Mr Andrew Susanto Tel: 012 6218 909 Tel +6221 8317751 Fax: 06 2837 215 Fax +6221 8317731 To contact the President, Datuk Phua Email: [email protected] Jin Hock, please email phuajh@gmail. Website: aspertina.org com. AUSTRALIA PENANG MELBOURNE State Chinese (Penang) Association Peranakan Association / Persatuan Peranakan Cina Pulau Australia Inc Pinang P.O. Box 1278, Hawksburn, Victoria, 13, Perak Road Australia 3142 President: Datuk Tan Gin Soon Contacts: Joseph Then, Secretary, at Contact: 0162050517 email [email protected] Email: [email protected] or Ivy Lee Gek Kim, newsletter editor, at email [email protected]. KUALA LUMPUR & SELANGOR Website: www.peranakan.org.au. Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (PPBNKLS) SYDNEY 63 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, 59100, Peranakan Association Australia (PAA) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia NSW Inc Contact: Cedric Tan, Hon Secretary P O Box 3810, Marsfield, Email: [email protected] NSW 2122 Australia Tel: 03 2287 1613 Contact: Evelyn Tan, President Fax: 03 2287 3613 Website: peranakanaustralia.org Email: [email protected]
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 31 DIRECTORY THE PERANAKAN GUIDE • SINGAPORE
MUSEUMS eclectic Peranakan residential architecture, Peranakan Museum. just off Orchard Road. See the world’s first national Peranakan Katong and Joo Chiat. Once the nerve Museum with the centre of Peranakan life in Singapore. In most comprehensive its heyday it was the site of nearby grand and finest collection seaside villas and elaborate Peranakan of Peranakan artefacts. The boutique terraced houses. the work of Charles Dyce, who lived in The latter can still museum examines the centres of Peranakan Singapore in the 1840s and made fine culture in Malacca, Penang and Singapore, be seen in a walk sketches of the island, and postcard views of along Koon Seng and traces its links to as far as Indonesia, Malacca from the early 20th century. From Myanmar and Thailand. Road. Also visit 9 February - 31 October 2012. Please call to Peranakan shops Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street, arrange visits. Singapore 179941. such as Katong website:www.peranakanmuseum.sg Antique House (208 East Coast Road) and Asian Civilisations Museum. The first Rumah Bebe (113 East Coast Road) as well Email: [email protected] museum in the region to display a wide Tel: 6332 7591. as the great variety of Peranakan restaurants range of artefacts from across Asia, the in the neighbourhood. http://www. Emily of Emerald Hill: ACM not surprisingly has some important Singaporean Identity on visitsingapore.com/publish/ Peranakan treasures. The Mary and stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ Stage. Featuring the iconic Philbert Chin Gallery has some lavish play by Stella Kon, the suburban_living/katong.html. Also http:// examples of gold jewellery, sireh boxes and www.myjoochiat.com. exhibition looks at its other paraphernalia, some encrusted with milieu and background diamonds, and fine batik textiles from in Peranakan culture Amoy Street and Telok Ayer Street. the north coast of Java, all made for the One of the first Peranakan enclaves, now and theatre, as well as its Peranakan market. impact on the Singapore occupied by restaurants and offices. Many 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, Peranakans from Malacca moved to this area art scene. On display are original Tel: 6332 2982, Opening Hours: 9am to costumes, props and other stage artefacts, as soon as the East India Company began to 7pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 1pm to 7pm lease out land for sale. which together aim to present a fresh and (Mondays), Admission $8 (adults), $4 original perspective on Peranakan heritage (senior citizens and students). http://www. Thian Hock Keng. The oldest Hokkien and its national influence. From 1 June acm.org.sg 2012 to 17 February 2013. temple in Singapore was founded in 1821 although the present structure, built without Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall National Museum of Singapore. The nails, was completed only in 1841. The The old Sun Yat Sen Villa reopened in temple is dedicated museum’s Singapore History Gallery October 2011 after extensive renovations pays tribute to the contributions of the to Mazu, the Daoist with a new name. Fitting tribute is given to goddess of the sea pioneering Peranakans. On view are the former owners of the house, especially some outstanding artefacts, including and protector of all Teo Eng Hock, a son of Teo Lee, one of the seamen. Many of the the oil portrait of Lim Boon Keng, old pioneer Teochew merchants in Singapore, photographs, jewellery and sireh sets, as temple’s patrons were together with his nephew Lim Nee Soon, Peranakan pioneers, such as Tan Tock Seng, well as the magnificent carved wood hearse were among the of Tan Jiak Kim, which is considered who donated $30,000 for renovations. He loyal supporters of also founded the hospital named after him. one of the 11 Treasures of the National Sun Yat Sen’s bid to Museum. National Museum of Singapore, The Hokkien Huay Kuan, a community overthrow the Qing organisation for Hokkien people in 93 Stamford Road, Tel: 63323659, Opening government. The Hours: 10am to 6pm Daily (Singapore Singapore was housed at the temple and exhibition shows how also helmed by Peranakan pioneers. Thian History Gallery), 10am to 9pm Daily Singapore, and the Chinese community (Singapore Living Galleries), Admission Hock Keng, 158 Telok Ayer Street, Tel: here played an important part in this pivotal 6423 4616. $10 (adults), $5 (senior citizens above 60), moment of world history. Intimate photos $5 (students, Nsmen), Free admission to of family life, and of Teo Eng Hock’s nyonya the Singapore Living Galleries from 6pm to mother, Mrs Teo Lee née Tan Poh Neo Tan Si Chong Su. Built in 1878, Tan Si 9pm. http://nationalmuseum.sg. (granddaughter of the kapitan of Muntok), Chong Su is the ancestral temple of the Tan add charm and a Peranakan angle to the clan, and was founded by prominent Baba Baba House. This heritage experience. 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore philanthropists Tan Kim Ching, son of Tan house goes back in time to 327874, Tel: 6256 7377, Opening Hours: Tock Seng, and Tan Beng Swee, the son of 1928. Experience what a 10am-5pm daily. Website: wanqingyuan. Tan Kim Seng. The first president of the grand Peranakan terraced org.sg. temple, Tan Kim Tian, was a well-known house would have been like. Baba shipping Formerly owned by the Wee LANDMARKS tycoon. The temple family (whose ancestor Wee Blair Plain. A typical Peranakan residential consists of shrines Bin was a mid-19th century area around Spottiswoode Park, Blair Road for the ancestral shipping magnate) since 1910. 157 Neil and Neil Road which is worth a stroll. tablets of Tan Road, Singapore. Tel: 62275731. Visits are Visit Guan Antiques nearby at Kampong clansmen, as well by guided tours. Please call the house for Bahru Road, a treasure trove of Peranakan as altars to the clan deities. The elaborate details. http://www.nus.edu.sg/museum/ heirlooms. http://www.arch.nus.edu.sg/ stone and wood carvings as well as the baba/index.html SOA/design_studio/dds2b/blair/study/ swooping ceramic roof finials makes this Blair.html. one of the most elaborate Chinese temples Capturing the Straits: Painting and Postcard in Singapore, quaintly located amid the Views from the 19th and Early 20th Emerald Hill Road. Another interesting gleaming towers of the financial district. Centuries. The exhibition brings together residential district showcasing the best of Tan Si Chong Su, 15 Magazine Road.
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Christmas Our Style Fair Fowl, Heavenly Herbs, Peranakan Flavours