Celebrate french 2008

29 Mars

Eh bien. Cette année pour la fête de la francophonie, au départ, j’étais un peu deçue parce qu’il n y avait pas beacuoup de personnes qui étaient enthousiaste pour la fête sauf moi et, peut-être moi seulement. Oui, et probablement mon professeur de la classe de chants – la raison que nous avons presenté une chanson française pendant le Runme Shaw Cup cette année, devant de l’ambassadeur de la france et quelques invités d’honneur! J’avais très hâte, mais un peu trop hâte parce qu'il m'a rendu un peu trop nerveuse aussi.

Pourtant, je suis fiere de moi-même parce que j’ai une partie dans la fête encore, et comme le directeur a dit, nous faisons la joie at la fierté de l’alliance!

Voici la video de notre représentation:





19 April - Nuit Blanche @ Fort Canning

This year's party brought a mix of reactions.

The francophonie mood dipped a little due to its detachment from the earlier event.

Being really busy the days before dealing with the extremes of human emotions, may have resulted in my mixed mood before the event.

The only slight change in mood was the last minute turn up of three other classmates who decided to join our intial foursome this night.

From my learned experience based on last year's event where being late was just not a very clever thing to do, we arranged to meet up early. And if party in a park does really suggest to me of anything like the beach party last year, I was very wrong. For the first thing when I stepped into the venue, I realised I was in a rather awkward dresscode - in my pair of white shorts reserved for outdoor party.

Okay, okay... another party taboo this year.

But you see, everyone else was not quite coordinated in what to wear for the party either.

We were greeted by two french boys at a reception to sign the 'guestbook' which made a rather formal entry... till the french boy offered a pink stamp on the hand - those stamps you received for entry to party places - except this was coloured and pink, not forgetting it bore the face of a Frog Prince (?!) too.

Then we found ourselves in a white spacious function room with restaurant dining setup. Okay me in my pair of white shorts was really out of place.

So yes the mixed atmosphere was everywhere till we settled ourselves at the dining table.

Comparatively, this year's serving of food was remarkably better... we had scallops, quiches, salmon tapas, baked potatoes, crepes with peking duck, lamb & beef cuts, ice cream with crumble, etc. One great thing about the company I had this year was that we all love good food and wine - we had two bottles of Petit Chablis which became my favourite white wine at the moment. Some table games were incorporated to engage the people in the party but I, however, had no idea whatsoever about TV series and celebrities. So, count me out.

Yes, the food was fantastic. Other than that, those small talks at the table did not make up decent conversation to me.

Music and dance crowd was good but I was not quite in the right company.

In some ways, last year's party was much better. Probably cos of the friends I was with last year and the live French band which brought great atmosphere at the beach party last year.

the party has just started

The first time Cinderella clubber got her fair share of clubbing experience...

"I don't think this can be anything fun," that very thought crossed my mind. We each got a bottle of Corona beer. We were just standing there in our threesome group, shouting into each other's ears to talk. "That's it?" I asked my sisters, "Is that all you do in a club, stand around with your own beer in your hands?"

Right. There was a live band and loads of people (a really huge proportion of foreigners compared to their population here and their SPG counterparts). Seats were taken and people were standing around the bar counter and every available space. Glances exchanged, accidental pushes and touches... I learned later it's all part of the game.

That was before 12 a.m.

When I was convinced somehow that I am just not a clubber and was prepared to leave anytime, my sister met her bunch of friends from her travel forum. Well, well...

So, having a curious mind and spirit to explore the real thing, I stayed on with no expectations at all.

I was set on being the introvert for the day since I didn't know anyone there. I was introduced to a few of them but I barely got their names. It was that noisy.

We got ourselves some space and seats and right, attempting to make small talks with the people around us. Most of them do speak with a foreign accent, which I realised later on that most of them aren't locals or had come back from abroad.

My sister asked me to the dancefloor but I was still uncomfortable opening up till a few songs later. I wasn't sure if my dancing was bad but I couldn't care less already. Some drunk girls were cuddling themselves with caucasians, spilling over drinks and knocking into everyone at the dancefloor. It wasn't unusual but I was mindful of not bumping into them. The guy friend with us was really spontaneous and that made it easier for us to really get into the groove. I have no idea why people enjoy taking photos in the club with people you barely know. Don't ask me.

There was a group of French on the dancefloor, what a rare find! However, it is not a good way to practise french! I tried but it was too noisy to figure out what was being said.

Up to a certain point, I was tired from dancing and getting really bored. I'm never into one-night acquaintances. That is just not me.

A girl was kind to take notice of that and asked me for a walk outside the club. She is a local who studied overseas; therefore, she carries an accent. We were chatting and found out that half of what was said at the club was not being conveyed. She appears to be a very sociable, seasoned clubber to me but she claimed she was bored too. Shortly, we went back to the club.

My sister is just a really adaptable creature; a side of her I haven't seen before. She is always up and about and asking people to the dancefloor.

In one night, I was talking to over 15 people; locals, foreigners who are doing their internships (including a french Orlando Bloom -alike) or working/studying here. We danced, talked and even shared a cab home though I still barely got their names.

I would say this was really eye-opening and it's fun to go occasionally, but it is not a good place to make friends.

fête de la musique

Celebrate June 21st, fête de la musique otherwise known as World Music Day. It is an occasion not only limited to the French but to all lovers of music. This day is filled with festivities all around the world except that it is less common to commemorate this day in our hometown, Singapore.

It comes to us in later month in the name of WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance).

Nevertheless, there were bound to be small communities scattered all around here celebrating the spirit of June 21st! It is in its 25th year this time. the festival originated in France on 'the day of summer solstice, a pagan night which recalls the ancient tradition of Saint John's feasts' (http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr/). The occasion is typified by free performances of all genres and provided a welcome ground to the amateur musicians.

The French community in Singapore held a series of celebrations from the 21st to 23rd. There were performances from the non-french groups as well as karaoke singing in French, lounge music and concert put up by the french band, Le Groupe.

Thumbs up for the rock band which has also performed at the Francophonie event earlier this year.

Being a non-habitual fan of rock music (only to certain likes of Linkin Park's and Evanascence's), what always impresses me about this band at all their performances are their zest and vigour, and making it feels like they are playing to a full house audience. They elevated the concert atmosphere and it is contagious. The audience gets high and really excited. And we never get enough of it. The lead singers, Hervé and Nathalie Ribette are simply commendable!

In this performance, besides the energetic beats of percussion and sounds of the electronic guitar and the vibrant vocalist, there was an inclusion of this rarely seen instrument - accordion.




Accordion is sometimes referred to as the squeezeboxes.

How can we not fall in love with the lovely sounds from this ancient aerophone? French traditional or country music is often characterised by le biniou, bombarde and accordion. So it's not hard to identify it.

Craving for some french café moments?


discover more about fête de la musique!

fête de la francophonie

Imagine my excitement and delight in knowing about the francophonie festival this year!

I've started learning French 2 years ago and had that 2 years break till now...
finally I've come to know what I've missed out all these while!

what is fête de la francophonie?

Half a billion Francophones around the world will celebrate International day of Francophonie on 20 March. This event began in 1998 as a way for the 49 members of La Francophonie to celebrate their common bond, the French language, as well as their diversity.

Francophonie refers to the ensemble of people around the world who speak French. A Francophone is a person who speaks French.

(from french.about.com)

how wonderful it is to know that there is actually a festival when people celebrate the language of French! and yes, all around the world!

check out the francophonie events happening around the globe!

17 Mar 07

Nearer to home, there are many activities lined up for the french-speaking community here!

There was a competition with the theme on the comic character Tintin with participation from various universities/schools... all who are learning/have learned french. Up till the last minute before the race begun, my friends and I were still thinking we were just going to be spectators! Not so when our teacher roped us in to form a participating team! Trust us, we know nuts about Tintin! Yes, I have never watched a single episode or read the comics as a kid!

-> catch Tintin and The Broken Ear, english version

So there we found our other team members... with our two youngest friends from the german school and the eldest being a 70 year old lady.

We were up and about the entire school... from staging some scenes in the comics, answering quizzes from watching the cartoon, piecing the comic sequence, translating and coming up with the original scripts, singing french songs (perhaps that was my only contribution). Excuses being that we are the only elementary learners while the rest are already seasoned french learners and speakers... we could barely understand most part of the game. Yes, even the german kids beat us to it.

Unexpectedly or not, our team won first prize. We even went up the stage to receive our prize and took a picture with AF's executive-director. We were delighted but could only humbly accept the prize for our contributions seemed so minimal.

In the evening, there was prize presentation for the francophonie awards... the best students were rewarded with a trip to France! That certainly was the best reward for any french learner! :)

Later, we had a buffet serving up an array of delicacies (presented from francophonie countries) like belgian wafflesand beer, swiss chocolates, canadian brownies, egyptian pastries, french dishes, cheese and wine!

A great gathering of french-speaking people where I caught up with all my french teachers (even the one from 2 years ago)!

24 Mar 07 -> Beach Party at Bora Bora Bar, Sentosa

Drop the idea of sexy bikini babes if that was what you would expect from a beach party with the French! And mind you, this party was organised by APFS! So expect nothing but a decent gathering of all things French!

Venture into the island at night on the brand new Sentosa Express!

It was like an amusement ride or similar to the skytrain at the airport.... so yes if that was what you wanna know. By the way, the train only stops at a few stations which left us on a walking trail to Palawan Beach. Being newbies to the nightlife at Sentosa, it was not easy finding our way to the bar! We only knew we were in the right place when we heard that familar tune from our french singing class!


Lesson 1 - Never be late for a party! We were left stranded amidst the heaps of people where life at the party had started way ahead! Forget about what they told you about Chinese weddings, it doesn't apply here. We had a hard time finding our places to fit into the crowd - and I meant literally. All seats taken. So seems like the first protocol we gotta keep to is punctuality. With the kind assistance from our mr. nice guy cum professor, we found a whole big table to ourselves - which didn't help when we were seated away from the tentage area where the crowd were! We were at least compensated by being near the centrestage where the live French band was singing and playing away! The food was nothing impressive compared to the international buffet we had earlier on. So be glad for the company and music we had for the night.

Hop on to the dancefloor for that was the most happening part of the party!

Dance the night away! How I wished I could but pardon me for being a lousy dancer :( Oui, ma premiere fois! More dance practice, more clubbing please! Perhaps I just need that extra boost of alcohol! So otherwise, let loose and enjoy the rest of the night!

Alas, the night was not good for photo-taking as the wind was so strong that plates and things started flying everywhere... and yes, in my direction! So we were all virtually Marilyn Monroe... only that by standing against the night sea breeze, we risked getting hit by sand and being blown away if we were ever light enough. Even on our way back, we saw people sitting in the tram with their hands on their face!

Some late night beach partying to remember! :)

21st Birthday Bash

(with credits to my sis for designing the flamboyant poster for my party)

just weeks of scrambling and last-minute planning... drawing up guest list and finally, invitations sent!

one minor regret about the guest list, I couldn't have everyone on the list! drawing up the list was a real headache even up till the day itself, I'm still deliberating on some good friends I haven't invited!

some poor planning to talk about and working within a tight timeframe - I only managed to book an available chalet 3 weeks before!

RETRO THEME!

My party concept... I wanted something different, an experience for everyone who was there.

Ideas... inviting romanian pizza chef, have a chocolate fountain, cuties from cupcake momma, etc! awww... how about having chef emmanual? in my dreams!

anyway there you have it, a blend of french and retro flavours! a wacky combination!


THE BIG DAY (4 days to my actual b'day)




Reception: guest cards, guest book, markers, 'twistable' ballons

my first guests arriving & leaving their mark on the guest book!

It's retro in the house!

Specially ordered french pastries and mini tart canapes!

my birthday cake... courtesy of my sis!

great thanks to all my friends who are there!

pop the champagne!

champagne of the day: sparkling rose by Jacobs Creek

p.s. lesson to learn: you don't need a wine opener, be prepared for loud popping sound!

unveiling of presents...
well, for most, there weren't any big surprises as I knew what I was getting!

Thanks Weling for getting the french literary book for me! It's a beautiful book! Great motivation for me to master the language and be able to read the book fluently one day!

Thanks Weishu, Eileen and Xiuting for your gifts and cards!

Thanks Wenxin and Shernee for the wonderful radio... music is my life! & all other petite gifts you have put in to add colours to my working life!

Thanks Liwei for that "surprising" gift & yes let's have a bikini photoshoot someday once I get into shape! Time to workout!

Most of all, thanks Sijia for the best gift I have received! I love that scrapbook you have done for me... containing our photos and so many memories! It's the most precious present! Thanks for all the effort and time that you have put in to make my day all the more special!

Sijia was the most authentic retro-dressed at the party!

And thanks to everyone who has written a few phrases in french to spur me on my pursuit of the language! French is my passion!

great thanks to all friends who have been part of my life, one way or another!

and my family for their unwavering care all these years...

my lovely sisters!

thanks gals for the wonderful times we have had and more to come! thanks for the company in this journey of growing, learning and self-discovery.

I'm grateful for friends like you all!

Hope you gals enjoyed the french singing as much as I do!

and finally, a time for me to take a step forward... embracing life at the very fore-front!

with love,

hui_squared