Blog - March Overview

Dear Chat,

There was a season in my life where affirmation felt necessary. I realised I often longed to be seen, acknowledged, and told that I was doing well. At the same time, I also told myself I shouldn’t need it — that I should be strong enough to validate myself. Through these reflections, I began to see that this wasn’t a weakness, but a pattern shaped by my past.

What I discovered: Affirmation is not the problem. Dependence on it is.

I learned that it is human to appreciate encouragement. But I also learned that my worth cannot fluctuate based on whether someone notices me. I can affirm myself. I can recognise my own effort. I can quietly acknowledge my own growth.

Personal - Eyesore Tanning

Hi Blog,

I took a leave of absence today to recharge before the start of Term 2 at school. I decided to visit my favourite island again! My boss did question why I couldn't take leave during the school holidays or go to the island on the weekend.

Whoever knows me understands that I need a quiet beach to be an eyesore for the day.

I don't want to go to a crowded beach; I just want to relax and do nothing for the day. Since Mr. Sun, RD and T also wanted to join me, let's go!

If you missed my previous trips to Lazarus Island, you can check them out here. Oh my, I have visited Lazarus quite regularly. Lazarus Island and Kusu Island (2017) and again (2017), Solo trip (2017), Drone on the Island (2018), Disappointed Trip (2019), Chao Ta Day (2020), Me-Time (2020), Leading a Group (2020), Beach boy (2021), Visiting the island (2021), Explored the Unexplored (2021), Rainy Island (2021), Best Suntan (2022), Monday Orange (2022), Leading a Hike (2022), Sunny Island (2022), Mr Sun's Island (2023), Lesser Sun (2023), No Water (2023), Access while Low Tide (2023), New Tent (2024), Free Trip (2025), Quiet Battle Within (2025), A Day at Lazarus (2025), Weekend Suntan (2026)

Hiking - Keppel Hill Bunker

Hi Blog,

Today was my day off in lieu. Instead of sitting at home, I decided to step out and explore a bit. Where should I go today?

Today's weather was beautiful. I shouldn't waste this opportunity. Even though I felt burned out from visiting the same place, I told myself I should revisit some places to see the updates. Today I decided to explore Keppel Hill.

Previously, I had visited Keppel Hill many times, and I still love its quiet and all its possibilities. If you have missed out on my previous posts about it, you may read them too: Abandoned Keppel Hill Reservoir (2021), Big Banyan Tree (2022), West side of Keppel (2023), Finding the Wall in Keppel (2023), Revisit Keppel (2024).

Personal - Suits for the Theme #120

Hi Blog,

When I look back at this short series, I realise how much ground it quietly covered. It started with judgement — the comments, the labels, and the feeling of being misunderstood for something as simple as clothing. Then it moved into meaning — why I was drawn to fitted clothes, to the colour white, and to what they symbolised for me growing up. And eventually, it arrived at acceptance — choosing to wear what I like, not because others approve, but because it feels honest to who I am today.

In the end, it was never really about clothes.

Through these reflections, I began to see a bigger picture. Clothing was just the surface. Beneath it was a familiar human struggle — the fear of being judged, the habit of comparing ourselves to those who seem more accepted, and the quiet question we all ask at some point: Is it safer to be myself, or to blend in? I don’t think this struggle is unique to me. We all have our own version of “white clothing” — something we love, but hesitate to embrace fully because of how others might see us.

Park - Yishun N8 Park

Hi Blog,

Let's continue our park exploration for the day - park (part) 3. The amount of pun here is perfect! (I understand it is not amusing.) Anyway, N8 Park is quite near 3G Park and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, which offer more space for residents to use.

I think this photo would be perfect as a theme cover for my future SG parks adventure post.

Let's explore this new park located beside HomeTeamNS Khatib - N8 Park! It was getting hotter and sunny, so we had to complete this as soon as possible.

Park - Nee Soon 3G Park

Hi Blog,

After visiting Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Let's continue to visit the next park, as this 3G Park is nearby, and see what it is all about.

Nee Soon South 3G Park

Not many people know about this park, and neither do I; so it is an opportunity to learn more about it. You may search online for its official details, I will just share my views about it.

Park - Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Hi Blog,

I decided to overcome my break and lack of motivation to explore. To be honest, it was not a pleasant feeling. I often wish I lived in a larger country where I could explore more places or had a special way to easily access different locations.

But I know that's a fanciful and unrealistic thought. So, I need to find a way to motivate myself.

I have decided to visit all the parks in Singapore and provide reviews and ratings for each one. I developed a scoring system for this purpose, just for fun, and I am also taking this opportunity to practice my photography and observation skills. I will focus on the larger, well-known parks as the title and include some smaller nearby parks in my reviews. To begin, I'll start with Yishun.

Personal - Swimming Theme #21

Hi Blog,

I’ve realised something else too — when someone compliments me, I don’t feel lifted. I feel cornered. It’s almost like a trap. I start wondering what they really see, what expectations come after that praise, and whether I can keep up with whatever image they think I have.

I know it’s not logical. Most people give compliments with a good heart. But for me, praise feels like borrowing clothes that don’t fit. Too loose in some places, too tight in others. I don’t know how to wear them naturally.

A simple “You look good today” can make me suddenly aware of every flaw on my body. A “You’re fit already” makes me feel like I need to prove it. Even “You’re improving” sounds like pressure.

Blog - February Overview

Hi Blog,

Chinese New Year has always felt different from the Western New Year. It carries less urgency and more reflection — a pause to look at what has stayed, what has faded, and what quietly follows us into the next cycle of life.

I had to reflect on what I want to do in life.

Now, close to 50, I no longer wait for dramatic changes in my relationship status. Looking back at my 30s and where I am today, I can’t tell whether I truly outgrew that longing or whether I numbed myself for so long that it felt like growth. Perhaps it doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that I’ve learned to accept it. Instead of letting these unfulfilled hopes become stones that slow me down or injure me, I choose to turn them into stepping stones — a way to cross the river towards the place I’m meant to reach.

Personal - Swimming Theme #20

Hi Blog,

I’ve realised something about myself — even though I’m slowly learning to recognise my patterns and triggers, I still struggle when people put the spotlight on me. Compliments, comments about being good-looking, or being fit… I just can’t receive them well. It doesn’t feel like they belong to me.

I always feel those words should go to the “demigods” out there — the confident ones with the right build, the right genes, the natural presence. They wear that armour of confidence so easily. I don’t. When the spotlight hits me, my instinct is to retreat into the shadows.

I’m not afraid of hard work. I just don’t want to stand on a stage where every flaw feels magnified. Even models need photographers to hide or adjust imperfections — so what about someone like me, with my ordinary looks and weak spots? It’s hard not to imagine people looking with judgement or disapproval.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #119

Hi Blog,

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to take initiative at work. I used to believe that seeing a gap and stepping in to help was always a good thing—and in many ways, it still is. But over time, I’ve started to realise that helping without clarity can slowly blur boundaries. What begins as support can quietly turn into responsibility, and before I notice it, the task no longer feels temporary or shared.

When initiative turns into ownership, and silence becomes agreement.

In a school environment, there are many moments where things need to be done quickly to avoid disruption. When no one steps forward, I often do—not because it is my duty, but because I care about quality, students, and outcomes. However, when others acknowledge a task but do not act, and I eventually complete it, the system learns something: “This is already taken care of.” Over time, that support becomes expected. Asking for help or clarity later can feel like shouting into the void, and raising concerns may unintentionally be seen as complaining, even when the intention is sustainability and fairness.

Personal - Bus Over The Border Together

Hi Blog,

In 2024 and 2025, I mentioned that one of my wishlists was to travel with colleagues, because it can help build memories besides work and also means they are comfortable and enjoy travelling together. The same rules applied with friends.

Today was the day to continue building good memories with my colleagues.

Traveling can really test an individual's character when they aren't carrying job professionalism and politeness, bringing out their actual personality and social awareness, especially in a group. Also, it is a test for myself too.

Product - Spiderman Costume from Unibuyplus

Hi Blog,

This is a kind of late post that I took a few weeks to draft. Based on the title, yes, I went and bought another Spider-Man suit. This one will be my last because of the high-quality fabric. I wish I could afford the best Spider-Man suit, which costs around $1k, but so far I haven't had a chance to wear it...

Oh well, I bumped into this website, Unibuyplus, and it has an affordable Spiderman Suit. It is not customisable, so I have to risk it. Based on my height, I should go for S, but I am too big for S, so M will be the size to go for.

Anyway, money has been spent, and goods have arrived. Let's see how the suit looks.

Blog - January Overview

Hi Blog,

As the new year arrives, fewer people ask me about my New Year resolution these days. Maybe people are busy, or maybe they already assume I don’t have one. The truth is, I do have an ultimate aim in life — but I’ve learned that it’s better to stay grounded and realistic than to dress it up into something ambitious-sounding but hollow.

Not every beginning needs noise; some begin with stillness.

When I was younger, like many others — especially when single — my resolutions sounded familiar: eat healthier, work out more, achieve more, move forward faster. Couples seemed different; they had shared motivation and visible milestones ahead of them. As for me, a plain old single guy, my life has been shaped more by responsibility than by ambition — taking care of my mother and siblings, and filling my days with what many might call “boring” activities: hiking, swimming, jogging, blogging, gardening, volunteering, religious work, even cosplaying. These choices don’t always fit the image of someone who looks ready to devote everything to building a conventional family, and over time, they quietly shaped both how others see me and how I see myself.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #118

Hi Blog,

Today, I find myself standing in a very different place from where I used to be. I feel less urge to constantly check how others might read me based on what I wear. Over time, I’ve learned that chasing the “right” image only pulls me further away from myself.

I can’t stop labels, but I don’t have to live by them.

Yes, people will always assume. Some will misinterpret, some will project, and some will judge without knowing the story behind a choice. I’ve come to accept that this is just part of life. I don’t have to explain myself anymore, nor do I need approval to enjoy what I like. Whether it’s fitted clothes, the colour white, or something that feels a little uncommon, I wear them because they make me feel comfortable and aligned — not because I’m trying to prove anything.

Personal - Weekend Suntanning

Good morning Blog,

I really missed Lazarus Island... I missed just lying on the beautiful beach, not doing anything. I had a thought... Why not go on the weekend this time? Previously, I didn't go on weekends because, during COVID days, weekends were packed with visitors, hence why I only went on weekdays; and not everyone could travel, perhaps there have been changes.

I thought I’d give it a shot today since the weather was nice.

I invited T to accompany me on this trip because he always wants to go, and since he was available in the morning, I don't need to spend too much time there, so it is good to clear the queue list. Today's blog post will be a short and 'eyesore-ing' one.

Product - Ultraman Heroes Tang Sanzang

Hi Blog,

As you know, I cosplay as my favourite character to volunteer at some events and go to comic cons to have fun in costume, and I'm kind of forgettable because I'm not a good cosplayer in any sense. But I wanted something special and unique that no one has started yet until I saw a video, which I will share below.

Someone shared this image on WhatsApp and I know I need to become one like this! Something unique and meme. This is Ultraman Heroes - Tang Sanzhan, a fusion concept created by unidentified designers who crafted toy figures and promote fusion like Spiderman + Sailor moon for example.

I was always a fan of Ultraman and wished to be one, but I understand I don't have the physique to dress in it or am wealthy enough to get an awesome, professional-looking one. However, I wanted to become something that people wouldn't skip over and judge based on my cheap costume, so I will go for this one!

Hiking - Dragon Teeth Structure

Hi Blog,

I combined my two days into a single post because of hiccups during my first day's exploration. Anyway, I saw an interesting structure online that looked like an egg tray or Dragon Teeth, which I missed out on. I now roughly know the location, so let's clear this from my list.

It looked like a perfect day for a good hike.

Singapore's weather in December can change rapidly, and I was unsure about how easy it would be to find that structure. I hope it's an easy one.