Ketak ketik KHABAIR KHABAIR www.gsa.org.sg facebook: Gunong Sayang Association Baba Heath Yeo had once described this form of free-motion embroidery as ther- apeutic. To the uninitiated, like me, it had seemed like a walk in the park. You DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE 3/2016-2018 shopped for a nice piece of Swiss Voile, cut the cloth, chose patterns, selected colours of thread to be used and just got Dear members, on with it! However, I have since been educated and am no longer ignorant of the fact that the traditional art of Kita di Gunong Sayang banyak hua hee mo sampay kan khabair nia baik. Gunong Sayang Association ada Sulam is nothing short of a work of art. Clubhouse baru kat Joo Chiat! New Clubhouse la! Meh! Kita ramay-ramay buat lau jiat kat Club baru kita! After The late Mdm Moi, mentor and teacher to about two decades at Geylang Lorong 24A, we will now be at 80 Joo Chiat Place. Conveniently situated in the Heath had passed down the love for this method of kebaya embroidery to one who truly stayed heart of Katong and where many of my favourite – and I’m not alone here, I’m sure- eateries are but a stone’s faithful to the form. Hence, if you got Heath to design and sew you a kebaya, it must not be a throw away. It was a dream of the Management Committee to make that change for some months now. That “rush-job”. dream is now a reality but we are not alone in our endeavours. Our loyal patrons and generous benefactors were Using the traditional sewing machine, he would have to move the cloth back and forth tirelessly with us every step of the way after we shared with them our mission statement, values, goals and aspirations, as while the threaded needle, like an artist’s brush, added colour and form to an otherwise plain well as a delineation of activities past, present and to come. They stepped up to the plate with pledges of canvas. The end-product could be a leaf that somehow appeared, for lack of a better expression, financial support and sound advice, and for that the MC would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You!” in 3D! Yet, it would appear soft and not garish. A testament to the designer’s choice of pattern, expertise in handiwork and selection of colours to create a blend so perfect. GSA now has two more patrons! We are indeed fortunate to have with us these two lovely Nyonyas who share the same vision as we do for GSA. They are Ms Anastasia Liew and Mdm Ong Poh Neo. Baba Heath Yeo, a fashion designer didn’t pick up the art of embroidery early in his professional life. Nevertheless, coming from an Indonesian Peranakan heritage, it was inevitable that he would ultimately be drawn to the beauty of kebaya sulam. If your interest has now been piqued, Baba Ms Anastasia Liew is the founder and Managing Director of Bengawan Solo. I believe, I need not expand on that Heath will be holding classes at GSA very soon. More information about this class can be found on further. But if I may be so bold as to quote her, “Whatever we do, (we) do it with all our heart, honestly, sincerely, page 7 in this newsletter. generously.” Mdm Ong Poh Neo, wife of Dr James Khoo, is the great-granddaughter of the Straits-born Chinese merchant and philanthropist, Tan Jiak Kim. She is also the author of an informative book on carved teak furniture gilded in gold In Memory of leaf entitled “Brown & Gold: Peranakan Furniture from the Late 19th Century” to the Mid-20th Century. We are Nyonya Rosemary Ong pleased that they both have made this generous commitment and we welcome them warmly to the GSA family. Tinggi Tinggi Pokok Pinang We remember Auntie Rose fondly. The silent supporter, Tinggi Lagi Asap Api especially during days of preparation for our annual Wayang Tinggi Tinggi Gunong Ledang Peranakan. She ensured the Anak Wayang and crew never went for Tinggi Lagi Harapan Kami rehearsals and performances hungry. We thank her for her dedication to GSA, once as a member of the management committee and later, as a Yours sincerely, Nyonya Jacqueline Tan member who helped out whenever she could. We’ll miss you, Auntie Rose! together with the GSA Editorial Team Page 8 Page 1 Recent Happenings Outreach Part of our GSA mission statement mentions the cultivation and sharing of Basic Sulam Class by Heath Yeo resources, and one of our five values is giving. Our members have been busy these past few months sharing their knowledge Have you always had that fantasy of one day sewing and embroidering your very own kebaya? Well, and experiences with the public. Listed below are the events. fantasize no more. Our member, Baba Heath Yeo, will be conducting hands-on lessons to teach you the art of Sulam. Baba Heath was featured in CNA Insider not too long ago. 10 September 2016 - Sharing on Wayang Peranakan by Invitation from The Peranakan Museum Check full story at:- bit.ly/28P7BQ2 The event was held at The Asian Civilisation Museum (ACM) and attended by docents from the other Here are the details for the classes: Each module comprises 8 lessons. museums. Babas Alvin Teo and Tony Quek shared various aspects of the Wayang Peranakan ranging from Each module is $750 for members and $800 for non-members. patois to costumes to preparation for putting up a Wayang. Baba Frederick Soh was the moderator. Docents Payment in instalments is possible. All materials will be provided. were also treated to a comedic skit performed by members Nyonya Christina Wee, Babas KT and Ming. In fact, GSA has just acquired two traditional sewing machines. Classes will most likely commence in The event was well-received and we might just see some of them at next year’s Wayang! February, 2017. Slots for only 6 persons are available. Do sign up if you want that fantasy to become reality! 25 September 2016. Native Flower: The Beauty of Please call Nyonya Mary Leong @ 9630 3077 for more information. Read more about Baba Heath Yeo in Ketak Ketik. (Last page of this newsletter.) This year, Translate Singapore celebrated the cultural and linguistic richness of Singapore. Based on the theme “Mari kita Berbual-bual” (“Let’s talk”), a whole slew of programmes Official Opening of GSA New Clubhouse: 80 Joo Chiat Place comprising of forums, workshops, lectures, storytelling and even book launches were in the line-up. The event was held at The National Gallery and Baba Frederick was once again invited to be moderator for the forum which included a panel of linguists, Prof Anne Pakir and Dr Nala H Lee, and a native speaker, Mr Chan Eng Thai. It was a delightful time listening to the lively exchange and the animated discussions between the participants and the panelists. The message many took home regarding our patois can be expressed in this phrase “Use It or Lose It!” 8 October 2016. Essentially Peranakan Sunday, 5 February, 2017. Keep your afternoon free, members! Our new clubhouse’s official opening will coincide with Tnee Kong Seh, the 9th day of Taon Baru Cina. In conjunction with the National Heritage Board, GSA was invited to The opening ceremony will commence at 11am with our guest of honour, VIPs and invited guests. give a talk on the Baba patois and pantun. Baba Frederick spoke on Members are invited to reception after 1pm and registration is required for catering the origin of the patois and how it is being incorporated into purposes. If your guests (non-members) would like to join us, a small fee will be charged. pantuns. Held at the ACM, the event saw many like-minded There will be beading of kasut manek and sulam demonstration, too. attendees who wanted to know everything and anything For further clarification or if you wish to register your interest, please contact Nyoya Corrine Tan @ Peranakan. Other sharings revolved around our cuisine, jewellery 9689 5699. Do RSVP by 15 January, 2017. Hope to see you there! kebaya, beaded products, religious rites and archival collection of photos from yonder days. Page 2 Page 7 Upcoming Events 5 – 7 November : The Best of You Exhibition 2016 An exhibition to discover the stories and experiences that have motivated people and brought light to their darkest hours, GSA and some of its members’ life stories were featured in one of the exhibits. Baba Heath Yeo contributed his journey into the traditional art of sulam whilst our president, Baba Alvin Teo, expanded on the goals and aspirations of GSA. Baba Frederick shared candidly about his relationship with his wife, Nyonya Christina Wee, and lastly, the late CHINESE NEW YEAR BAZAAR, TAON AYAM Nyonya Rosemary Ong, affectionately known to us as Auntie Rose, touched on her love for Wayang Peranakan and the cuisine. On 6 November, GSA put up an eight-minute skit, the Cholli Sisters sang “Sapu Tangan” and Suara Sayang sang a medley of songs including the GSA anthem at the This coming CNY, we will have a bazaar at our new clubhouse. Marina Square atrium. Did you check out the exhibition? Kasut manek, Kebaya and other products will be sold. And of course, Chinese New Year cannot be without our kueh kueh! Tunggu apa lagi? Place your orders now to avoid disappointment! Please see attached for the order form. Come down to the clubhouse on the 14 & 15January 2017 (Sat & Sun) for collection and to check out the bazaar.