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JULY 2016 ISSUE 1/2016-2018

GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEW COMMITTEE

Dear members,

With much gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve in the committee and with renewed enthusiasm for some while a new experience for others, here are the members of the management committee and advisors for the term. While we are united in our drive and determination to make Gunong Sayang Association the choice of all , whether one comes from a long lineage of babas and nyonyas, has just a beloved great grandmother who is one or perhaps one who loves all things and anything Peranakan, penned below are our personal thoughts and aspirations for GSA. Our president, Baba Alvin Teo, seated 2nd from left, said, "It is my aspiration for GSA to preserve our traditional Peranakan culture in the aspect of Dondang Sayang, Wayang Peranakan and patois Peranakan so that it can be perpetuated to the younger generation within the community and the community at large.” Our two vice-presidents, Baba Frederick Soh, seated on the extreme right and Nyonya Cynthia Lee, seated 2nd from right, in unison, have hopes to revive, renew and rebrand GSA. They aspire to make a difference from a cultural perspective. They are also inviting all Peranakans to step forward as long as one identifies with the culture in any way. Our treasurer, Nyonya Ho Shu Fong, standing 3rd from right, voices her wish for GSA to be financially independent, to offer more activities for members and to fulfil the dream of a new club house.Nyonya Corrine Tan, our secretary, standing 3rd from left, is delighted to have this window of opportunity to get involved to not only revive her personal passion for the culture but to also impart her love of it to her younger generations who have lost touch with it. Our assistant treasurer, Nyonya Mary Leong, seated on the extreme left, speaks of a more cohesive Peranakan community and for GSA to foster closer ties and bonds with it. Nyonya Jeanette Chan, who is our assistant secretary, standing far left, emphatically shares, "My mission is to get as many members as possible to join our old (yes, we are 106 years old this year) Peranakan association. To also make it known to non- Peranakans. We have to preserve our culture." Our committee member, Nyonya Audrey Tan, standing 2nd from left, aspires to rekindle traditional songs and document them for the generations that follow. Nyonya Lilian Chua, standing 2nd from right, reminisces about growing up with the backdrop of her mother's singing in pantun and her involvement in GSA is an extension of that, ensuring that the next generation will remain proud of their culture and legend. Baba KT, also an MC member, standing far right, directs his hopes towards GSA achieving whatever it has set out to do culturally, to be more involved in various activities, gain greater recognition in and attract younger Singaporeans and residents to the culture. Lastly, Nyonya Jacqueline Tan, standing in the middle, having been a member since her teens, like a few others, waxes lyrical about her involvement in the past and desires to participate and to "give back" in an assortment of events and in a nutshell, keep it going and alive! Our advisors, too have these to share ... Baba Victor Goh, cultural advisor, desires an annual wayang that tackles current issues, showcases other races and if a musical is to be staged, includes music compositions with lyrics that accompany the storyline. He elaborates that one of the ways to nurture new talent could be to hold workshops that would result in current and wannabe scriptwriters collaborating on a script for a play. Baba Thomas Tan, advisor for shocom, hopes to see more people going for GSA's annual wayang. Baba Patrick Sim, management advisor, yearns for a clubhouse "like the good old days" where the ambience was welcoming and vibrant. In addition to MC members and advisors, our internal auditor, Baba Stephen Chia, shares that he wants to promote the culture to the next generation and essentially as the auditor, to guide GSA to operate within Financial & Corporate Governance.

RECENT HAPPENINGS: -

May Day Tea Dance, a rolling good time

Held in Good Old Days @ Sentosa to great success, we saw a strong guest turnout of 150 on the 1st of May. In true GSA fashion, there was a host of merrymaking activities that went beyond song, dance and food.

A best-dressed contest was held with 10 participants taking a shot at the catwalk to show their grace and poise while, in what else, the sarong kebaya. From the youngest being a teenager to a grande dame, it was a great delight witnessing all having a fun time.

We also had a Zumba demonstration which inevitably, became a work-out session for some who jumped in at the onset! This is a testament to the spontaneity and comfort level guests feel at GSA events. Gracing the event and joining all in the revelry are our patrons, Prof & Mrs Walter Woon and our honoured guests, Mr & Mrs Lee Yock Suan and Prof Anne Pakir.We also took the opportunity to introduce the new committee at the event.

Our GSA Singers at the Roxy Mercure

Amongst a few events that our GSA singers participated in, depicted in this photo is one that was held on May 7th at the Roxy Mercure Hotel. To the delight of a restaurant full of diners, our members sang & danced the evening away. Members also did a dance entitled “ Seh Jit” which featured the presentation of birthday items.

Strategic planning workshop to help GSA to move forward

The committee members, advisors and some invited members came together for a day to brainstorm on how to bring Gunong Sayang Association to the next level. We were honoured to have Baba Peter Lee and Baba Adrian Ang to facilitate the session. During the workshop, the committee drew up the values, the vision and the mission statement for GSA.

MISSION STATEMENT: To promote, sustain and evolve the Peranakan culture especially the performing arts as well as to cultivate and share resources.

GSA VALUES: Passion, Adaptability, Giving, Integrity, Inclusiveness (PAGII)

New additions to the Peranakan Family

The Management Committee on behalf of Gunong Sayang Association welcome following members who have joined us recently.

1. Nyonya Mary Kam 2. Nyonya Dawn Marie Lee 3. Baba William Lim 4. Nyonya Shirley Tay 5. Nyonya Karen Wee 6. Nyonya Helen Wong 7. Nyonya Veronica Lim 8. Nyonya Hong Lin 9. Nyonya Hong Lim 16. Baba Tony Quek 10. Baba Arthur Lee 17.Baba Heath Yeo 11. Nyonya Maria Oh/Nyonya Cecilia Ong 18. Baba Ernest Thio 12. Nyonya Natalie Trog/Nyonya Amy Tashiana 19. Nyonya Lilian Ng 13. Baba Jerry Soh/Nyonya Tan Ngoh Muay 20.Baba Jason Wee 14. Nyonya Eileen Goh/Baba Kogin Ko 21.Baba Patrick Tan 15. Baba Raymond Cho/Nyonya Rosalind Ng 22.Nyonya Angeline Kong

UPCOMING EVENT: -

Celebrating WithGUNONG SAYANG 51 ASSOCIATION NATIONAL DAY TEA DANCE

After a huge success at our May Day Tea Dance, many of our guest didn’t seem to get enough of joget, songs and sumptuous food. So upon special request, we will be celebrating our Nation’s 51st th birthday bash at Good Old Days @Sentosa. Only THE 29 Baba Nyonya Convention limited to 150 tickets. So if you missed our last event, book early to avoid disappointment. @ Phuket/Phang-nga Date: 6 August 2016 (Saturday) Time: 2.00pm to 5.30pm Attire: Red/White Peranakan Venue: Good Old Days @ Sentosa Beach Station v Free entrance for cars: remove cash card, drive to manned lane and show ticket. v Free entrance by public transport: go to Sentosa Express Station (3rd floor Vivocity) and show ticket for free tram ride to BEACH STATION.

Price: Guest $35, Members: $20, Child/Helper $20 * (*Inclusive of entrance fee to Sentosa. Payment via bank transfer or in cash paid to Lilian Dates: November 25-27, 2016 every Monday evening @ GSA Club House. For bookings & enquiries, kindly contact: Carol (9664 9341) or Lilian (9674 1158). Where: The SENTIDO Graceland Khaolak Resort and Spa Takuapa, Phang-nga

Interested? Please contact our Group Co-ordinator: Nyonya Corrine Tan Mobile: 96895699

Did you miss our May Day Tea Dance party? Perhaps you and your kakis were there and didn't get enough? Well, it's here again! This year, we decided to have our National Day celebrated in a different way. A place more conducive to the festivity of our nation's 51st birthday. With various activities lined up for the afternoon, we chose to have our party in Sentosa again! Moreover, price for members are subsidized so book early to avoid disappointment. In keeping with tradition, we'll have our karaoke competition. Just bring your own minus one and get ready to belt out your favourite song. ** Due to overwhelming response, tickets were sold out at time of printing.