POSTED BY: Agnesinspires
Tuesday, February 21, 2017 || 11:53 AM

Virgin Trip to USS

*Excited!!!* Let me record my 1st trip to USS since it is pretty memorable! Who would have thought that I am 25 and yet I have not stepped into USS before? Ok here goes...

Background story

Let's recap. The reason I got to go to USS was because of a challenge named #SignItForwardChallenge which is to film a video signing 'Celebrate abilities, Embrace inclusiveness'. I decided to do it when I was asked from my boss to do it, because I find it so meaningful and that everyone should be treasured regardless of our disabilities. (Watch the video here) So, I jio-ed a colleague/friend to join me. The video was filmed and posted and I totally did not expect it to garner so many likes, which won us the tickets. I was so happy and relieved to see so many supporting the cause of inclusivity. I was even more shocked when my boss decided to give all 4 tickets to me so that I could go with my family. Thanks ComChest for this opportunity and my #CaptionCube family for the chance. I had fun and think that the event is very meaningful for beneficiaries to come together as one. Have fun, and at the same time participate in inclusive and interactive games and activities like the Jenga Blocks and the 'Guess and Win'.

18th February 2017: Charity in the Park

First Station 

Let me record this when my memory is still fresh! We set off for USS at exactly 6pm and we only reached at around 7pm+ because we lost our way *laughs* because the route was kinda confusing but that is not the point. We went to the reception and collected our tickets and off we go to have fun! Our First stop was Sesame Street: Spaghetti Space Change. Its location is at the New York section of USS. For this ride, I am initially worried that I may not be able to move to the seat because the ride was always in motion. However, I was mistaken as it stopped for a few minutes and I was able to stand and make my way in and it was full of satisfaction and I totally enjoyed the ride. The moment when I successfully stepped in and make myself comfortable was unbelievable but I did it! 

(Photo credit: Youtube Video [SG Yap])

(My Sis and I in the Sesame Street Ride)

(Smile =))

(Really feel like I'm transported back to childhood times)

Next Station
Second stop, we went to the 'Lights, Camera, Action' hosted by Steven Spielberg. It is located at the New York Section of USS. Its visual effects were superb and I really enjoyed but waiting time was a bit too long and yet I did not get to enjoy the full effects. It was for some safety reasons that I cannot move beyond a certain distance. But nevertheless it was a good experience.

(Photo credit: RWS Singapore)

Next Station 
Next Stop, we went to the Madagascar: A Crate adventure rides which is located in the Madagascar section of USS. This is the ride which its wait was the longest, partly because we were waiting for the safety boat. At first, I was quite worried of not being able to take this ride but was reassured by the staff that I need not worry. They is a boat dedicated to taking passengers with wheelchair and I am so happy, I got to hop on! Yay! 


(Up on the boat and ready to go!!) 

The Last Station 
The last station that I was able to participate was the Shrek 4-D Adventure which I enjoyed the most because it was really interesting and I was captivated by the effects! I was also glad that I managed to climb up the chair to enjoy the whole experience and it was really unforgettable experience as the seats moved, and the donkey sneezed. *laughs*

(Photo credit: Youtube [Javi Rod]) 

(Smile =3)

The Fun goes on for the rest... Thrilling Rides up Next

Next, we proceed to the Revenge of the Mummy ride which is located in the Ancient Egypt of USS. My younger sister enjoyed the ride compared to the previous times she had taken the ride. 

The last ride of the day is Battlestar Galactica: Human VS Cylon! 
My sister enjoyed this the most because she says it is the most thrilling ride of the night! 


Conclusion/Afterthoughts

(Pic Credit: Comchest SG FB page)

Overall, it was definitely a meaningful initiative and event that build awareness, outreach and impact in their unique ways. Quoting my company at CaptionCube, "we believe in supporting where we can. As we come together, we build a stronger ecosystem that supports one another and create more impact." As long as people work together as a community to build a more inclusive society. 

I really enjoyed myself albeit the rides I could take were limited plus I wished I could spend more time there, but i am already contented being able to experience the fun. I hoped my sisters and brother-in-law enjoyed the event and rides as much as me! It was a memorable experience indeed. :) I also wished I could take part in more meaningful community events. In the future, I hoped I am able to go to such events with my motorized wheelchair and interact more with the people. 

Thanks for going with me and not letting me regret the chance given by my fellow colleagues. Of course, thanks to Community Chest for having us and my fellow CaptionCube friends for giving me the chance. Grateful and thankful indeed! 

So, Together, Let's build a warm and inclusive society one step at a time! Cheers! Till next time! Ciao! 




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The ABCs of Soup
POSTED BY: Agnesinspires
Wednesday, September 17, 2014 || 5:29 PM

A Hearty Meal with My favorite


I don't usually blog about food but when I do, I want to talk about my favorite food: Soups. I aren't a blogger food critic but I am sure everyone have got their favorite food whether or not you are a gourmet. From main courses to desserts or even home-cooked dishes. Anything can be anyone's reason to deem it as their favorite or comfort food.

Today, my topic is on soups because, since young, I have always like soups from western to Chinese soups, I loved it all. I remembered in the past, my grandma always cooks nice yummy soups and provide food cooked with love and warmth. I loved drinking soup since then and every single time I went to her house for dinner, I will drink a few bowls of soup. However, due to recent years, I think my stomach capacity decreased (*laughs*) and I usually have to stop at two bowls of soup while my sister can go on to about 3 bowls and sometimes beyond. I really do admire woman who can eat so much and MOST IMPORTANTLY, THEY SEEMS NOT TO PUT ON WEIGHT DESPITE EATING SO MUCH, not that I am overweight la lol lol !

Back to topic, I always enjoy drinking soup made by my grandmother and momma because they made great soups unlike those commercialized soup or soup in those hawker stall where almost every soup tastes the same because of the amount of MSG (MonoSodium Glutamate) they added. My favorite soup has got be the ABC soup, it is flavorful and whets my appetite. I loved the vibrant colors of the vegetables too which made it very suitable for people of all ages to drink.

Let us get the chopping board ready!!

Big and Juicy tomatoes
Bunny Carrots! 


Seeing and talking about it is making me crave for my mom and grandma soup again! Yums.... This is one of my favorite soup of all time and whenever I have no appetite, drinking soup does wonders and is one of the trait of a Cantonese to brew double boiled soup and simply happy to be a Cantonese enjoying all the goodness of soups.

Do share of what soup you and your family love to drink. It is most ideal to drink soup before a meal and

bon appétit


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Exhibition Finale & Exclusive Visits From Gurmit and Family
POSTED BY: Agnesinspires
Thursday, August 14, 2014 || 9:49 PM

Closing Ceremony On 10 August 2014

It is the last chance for all mentors, participants and for all to gather together as a team for this year Project Dreamcatchers 2014! It has been a good journeys and although it is time to say Goodbye to a wonderful ending and hello to a new beginning a new chapter of our life beginning.
Through this sessions, we knew each other and the sessions gone one after another, we started to know each other better and that is when our friendship started to blossom. Hoping we will stay close and keep in touch, till we meet again!

Lets Rewind to 10 August 2014: A Happy

Order Of Events

I reached the venue at around 1pm++ and had lunch and went back to the gallery to help with some stuff before having a rest because of my throbbing headache and abdominal cramps.
Fast Forward to 3pm++, where I was feeling better after much resting backstage aha! Upon returning from a toilet break, I went to meet Gurmit Singh & his family who specially came to support us in the exhibiton. *touched*

A Picture w Gurmit Singh and his family
Say cheese! Had to take a few shots before it is perfect :) Thanks for the patience

Everyone was having a whale of a time grabbing every chance to take selfies, pictures with Gurmit our VIP, taking some last gallery shots, or taking welfies and groupfies!! It was a nice and warm sight to look at as all of us bask in the glory of that moment and treasure every moments and seconds together. It was indeed a heart-warming sight. Taking pictures/selfies may be important but don't forget all of our rumbling stomach calling out to the food.
Pizza Hut Galore!!
Sorry Keat Siang for using your photo, keke! Didn't take picture of food before digging in! *grins*

After eating, we have a mini feedback session of answering some questions post-workshop! For example, What was the biggest challenge in this journey, What will you like to see next year in regards to PROJECT DREAMCATCHERS 2015, What do you enjoy the most in this journey/workshops?, What did u learn about yourself? We all gave a positive response to each of the questions (I guess yes?)

One of the highlights of the ceremony was to take a GROUP PICTURE! Ahhhh.... Our chance has come for a group picture!!


After that, we gathered together for a chance of a session of sing-along aka KTV session *laughs* We had a tough time deciding on the songs that we wanted to sing as we had to find a song that cater to everyone earbuds and also so that they will get a chance to sing-along and have fun! This is because initially we sung a part of 童话 BY 光良 but later we decided on singing along to (Home) by KIT CHAN

Singing
A memorable moment to remmember!
Let's sing along!
Waving our light sticks high up to show our ever hhigh energy level!

The total ambience was totally like that of a concert cause while singing we waved our light sticks and enjoying every seconds of the company we have while singing our hearts out and oops it was off key too but most importantly, we had fun and that was the thing that matters the most.

When the song was over, a loud round of applause was heard for our lead singers, the partcipants, the mentors and everyone involved as our energy level soar to a sky high as we approached our climax which is, TADAH: Gift Presentation time! May we Welcome the VVIPS TO GO ON STAGE!! *LOUD APPLAUSE* *CLAPS*

Sherri presenting the token of appreciation to Kar Wai and Hwee Hwee! They totally loved it cause it was a combined effort of quite a few partcipants!
On behalf of all mentors, Jennifer, Yee Ling and Mandy (L-R) went up to collect a token of appreciation to all mentors and admins for their unwavering support in this exhibition! *claps* The idea of collecting all our well-wishes and doing it up was none other than Berdanette *claps* presented by Sarah Tan *claps*

It is time for selfies, groupfies and Picture Time!! Afterall, a Picture suffice for a thousand words

The Art Of Selfies w Sherry
w Sarah & Keat Siang :)
PICTURE w my two favorites
w Jia Yan, Jane, Lynn, Sarah & Vanessa (L-R) Smiling ever so cheerfully



:):):)
Ending off with a groupfies of us < 3
It was indeed a memorable exprience to be around this group of lovely people, till we meet again!! I enjoyed everyone company and indeed we had a really good time together. As said, though the ceremony was filled with mixed feelings but on another perspective it is not goodbye but another journey to embark on something else and it was affinity for everyone to meet and come together as one regardless of indifferences because when all of us come together we are inspirational and shinging brightly with the support of family, friends, aand everyone around us. Let's continue shining and rocking our life!! CHEERS! < 3

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Big Day Launch!!
POSTED BY: Agnesinspires
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 || 2:57 PM

Exhibition Launch On 25 July 2014

A Day To Remember: Memorable And Inspiring Event For All

It has beem quite some time I get to do up my posts for this memorable event due to some stuff on hand. I have put this to-do item of posting about the event high up on my priority list and so here am I wanting to update more about that very special day for all people involved. Disclaimer/Credits: Some of the Photos were taken from Project Dreamcatchers fb page with permission and by no means meant to do any illegal stuff to the photos. **Picture credit: Project Dreamcatchers Photographers!! **



back!

25 July 2014

It certainly has been a nervous day for me and of course I knew that the Photovoice team and the NUH team have been working feverishly for this exhibition. I herby thanks them for all their dedication, hardwork, effort and all of the tears and sweat put in into making this a success. With their support and motivation, we have come thus far into this journey!

When I arrived at the exhibition venue at SMU, the event has already begun and was kickstarted by a speech by Professor Daniel Goh and the number who turned up was overwhelming and I was touched to see the number who came to support this exhibition, to witness the inspirational event and see for themselves how inspiring our artists are.

It was followed by a speech by Jennifer one of the in-charge from the PHOTOVOICE team invited to say a few words as to how she felt. I was feeling really touched from all the speeches that feelings started to surge all over my body making my goosebumps appear as I am feeling real touched that we can all come together as a team amd create these beautiful memories and telling our stories through the lens. It was a wonderful experience to be collaberating eith Photovoice SG and walking this JOURNEY with us. It has been a great great journey and I am thankful and grateful to Photovoice SG in letting me and the artists know a bunch of wonderful people. From the Photovoice team, the Mentor photographers, the program administrators, to the volunteers, everyone was so willing to help and come together allowing us to forge stronger bonds together.

A commendation to our emcees Sarah Tan for her bravery to stand infront of so many guests and still host so beautifully.

Next up, we have two of our artists share about their artwork and the meaning behind their work. Let's put our hands together to give a round of applause to Toh Keat Siang to share about his artwork. Keat Siang, please!
Artist: Toh Keat Siang
Picture from Projectdreamcatchers FB page
Photovoice vision
Title of his work: Life as Water

Another Artist is Jane Tan who is 27 and uses a video tribute to convey the message to be as optimistic as her in times of struggles and to never give up despite many difficulties in life. Many wete deeply touched by her and I was no exception! Good Job, Jane!!!!
Video Tribute
Picture from Projectdreamcatchers FB page
title of work
Title of her work: A life of breakthroughs


Next, was speech made by Dr Teo Cheng Rong a pediatric resident from NUH who also came to the exhibition last year. He was describing how he knew Jane and how doctors can actually treat illnesses and diseases and yet somehow neglected the emotional needs of patients. So, Dr Teo encouraged Jane to write about what she wants to say and how she feels expressing all her feelings on paper and eventually Dr Teo understood more of Jane in this way. I could feel from his expression that Dr Teo felt very happy that this book is finally out and it is a wish of Jane to convey the message to be optimistic. This book was a great effort by the whole team. Good Job!

Next moments, I declared the opening of Project Dreamcatchers 2014!! Woohoo!!!

Time to mingle with the crowds and PICTURE TIME!

My Exhibition Lanyard
My Exhibition Lanyard and I feel ever so honored to wear it!
Shaking hands at the exhibition
Shaking the hands of congratulatory Hands of my guests.

My Exhibition Lanyard
Receiving Bouquets of Sunflowers, thanks for brightening up my day!!
Shaking hands at the exhibition
Loving the bouquets of flowers!

After some mingling with the guests and hugging, I decided to go one round around the exhibition gallery to see the artwork of all the artists and to go around taking picture with them. I am ever so grateful for Berdanette and Poi Wong for taking good care of me, this is indeed the spirit of Group 1! Thanks to Group 1, artists and all guests, I have a great time enjoying myself posing for the camera. Talking about picturre taking, I have many photographers helping me with picture taking. Thanks for that! <3

Artist Statement
Berdanette's Artist Statement
Title of Work
Berdanette's title of work: Have You Eaten?
Artist Statement
Poi Wong's Artist Statement
Title of Work: Isolation
Artist Statement
Lynn's Artist Statement
Title of work: My Medical Journey

Sarah's Artwork
Sarah's Title Of Work: My Imaginary World
Artist Statement
Agnes's aka my Artist Statement
Title of Artwork
Agnes's title of work: Life In My Shoes; My Life, My Perspctive
Artist Statement
Agnes's shoes pictures depicting standing from different people's shoes to look at things.

Let the pictures do the talking instead since "A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words"

Auntie Jenny w ME
ME with Auntie Jenny!!
Uncle Alfred w ME
Picture w Uncle Alfred!
Sister 'n' Me
Picture w Le Sister <3
Threesome
Picture with le Aunt n Auntie Libuay!

Photo with le Dreamcatchers besties <3
Le Supporters!!!
Trying their best to be in yellow as per reqested haha! <3
Photo with Auntie Nancy
Photo with le Sherry! Thanks for being an inspiration and your gift <3
Groupfies <3






Photo with le Kar wai! <3<3

Photo w le Hwee Hwee n Sherri :)
Photo w le Hwee



Photo w le Benjamin :)
SARAH, WAN TING AND ME (:

Photo with the ever so lovely Berdanette who became my PA (personal assistant) that day! *winks* Hope you dont mind! Thanks <3
Group 1 REUNITED <3
Photo with Safiah <3
Meet my New Fanclub members: The Four Babes




Groupfies <3<3


Photo with le Lillian who look so tall :)
Photo w le Gloria! Thanks for coming decked in yellow, my favourite color and giving me the hamper in yellow as well! <3
Photo w le Lisa
Photo w le Samantha <3
Photo w le Prof Yap, Prof Daniel Goh, Me and Hwee from left to right
<3<3<3 them
Smiley Smile :)

For moore event Pictures, pls go to PROJECT DREAMCATCHERS FB page :)

Overall, I had a rreally good and enjoyable experience not only during the launch but also in the 10 weeks of the workshop sessions at Aliwal Arts Centre. I have learned a lot about photography and I missed the sessions with my beloved Group 1. My lovely Group 1 really took care of me!!
From the session, I could also sense the close-knitted of the groups and their mentors and the willingness to help one another. The participants were also spontaneous and adventurous to approach strangers for self-potrait or selfies or even a group picture. What is even more commendable is that through this workshop, many people have gained the courage to approach anyone for a picture in the name of photography. For me, I discovered new things about myself and find that taking photographs is not only a norm or way to tell ur stories! It is also a theraptic way to tell myself to be positive, looking back at those fond memories that are no longer there is a way to keep the sweet memories closest to our heart and in turn treasure the things we have now.

Finally, I would like to thanks the following for their wonderful support, help and encouragment in this project, the PHOTOVOICE SG team, the NUH team (including doctors and nurses for their unwavering support towards this project), System Sovereign(designing of exhibition catalogue), the NYC(National Youth Council), Mentor Photographers, Admins, Workshop Host, Volunteers, Kar Wai, Hwee Hwee and all involved. Thanks for making all this possible for us, making dreams into reality and accompanying us on this Journey and salute all our artists for thir courage, bravey and determination to make this a success. Loves, xoxo, till we meet again! Really enjoyed the accompany of all.

Screengrab CREDITS: Safiah <3

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