Blog - May Overview

Hi Blog,

As I grew older, those quiet thoughts didn’t disappear. They simply became softer, more hidden — showing up in small moments. A glance at someone more confident, a passing comparison, or even just the feeling of being unnoticed in a crowd. I told myself I had accepted things, but deep down, something still lingered.

Sometimes, it’s not loud insecurities that stay with us… but the quiet ones we learn to live with.

I began to realise that it wasn’t just about how I looked, but how I believed others would see me. That belief slowly shaped how I carried myself — more reserved, more careful, sometimes holding back before even trying. Not because I couldn’t, but because a part of me had already decided where I stood.

Personal - Swimming Theme #23

Hi Blog,

After all these years, I realised something important — I didn’t “win” anything by wearing a white trunk. I didn’t suddenly become confident, handsome, or fearless. But what I did gain was a quiet strength that stayed with me.

It wasn’t loud or dramatic.
It didn’t change me overnight.
It wasn’t even something people could see.

But every time I wore it, especially when I faced judgment or strange looks, I discovered a small part of myself that refused to give up. A part that whispered, “It’s okay. Just be yourself.”

Personal - Suits for the Theme #122

Hi Blog,

There are days when I feel quietly exhausted—not from doing too little, but from living in a world that constantly asks me to show what I’ve done.

As if effort only counts when it becomes visible. As if growth must be proven. As if trying is meaningless unless it leaves a mark others can recognise. And somewhere along the way, I started questioning myself. If no one sees it… does it mean I didn’t try hard enough?

But when I sit with that thought a little longer, something inside me gently resists it. Because some of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done in life were never seen. They existed in quiet moments—in showing up, in helping, in holding on, in not giving up.

Trip - Penang City Tour

Hi Blog,

For the second part of my journey, I will continue my post from Taiping to Penang City. If you have missed it, you can continue from there and come back again.

Taiping is a quiet town, but I love it. If I could teleport anywhere to travel around, I would visit Taiping again...

Thanks to our tour guide for arranging that itinerary, and I am excited about the next one to Penang. If you missed out on my first Penang itinerary in 2016, you may click here to read more of it. It was when I had just started my blogging habit, so my write-up was quite raw.

Trip - Taiping Sepatang Tour

Hi Blog,

This weekend, I will be travelling again! Many people have commented that I treat the airport like my second home. I understand they are teasing me, but it's not a pleasant feeling, and I need to learn how to manage it. My elder brother wants to organise another big family trip to Penang, and our itinerary will be managed by a tour guide. Previously, he had taken my aunts and uncles to Genting Highlands Day 1 & 2, and KL Day 3 & 4 (2024).

I will be staying overnight at my elder brother's house so that we can grab a meal together with my aunties.

I hope this trip will be conflict-free and less dramatic, and that we can bond well! Personally, I just wanted to relax during the whole trip. It was a four-day trip, and I will divide this into two long posts about different parts of Malaysia - Taiping and Penang.

Hiking - Short Dragon Teeth Revisit

Hi Blog,

Today, Dongsaeng K wanted to visit my house on the weekend to see my plants, and he also wanted to explore a little before coming over. I had some programs during my late Saturday afternoon, so this post will be a short one.

It looks like good weather in the morning, but I predict it will rain in the afternoon—a predictable weather pattern these days.

He wanted to know the actual location of the "Dragon Teeth," and I thought it would be a good idea to revisit some areas as well. If you're unsure which "Dragon Teeth" I'm referring to, you can check the link here: Dragon Teeth Structure (2026).

Personal - Good Friday Lazarus

Hi Blog,

It's Good Friday today, a holiday! Yippee! What should I do today? Some time ago, my friend J accompanied me on camping trips to Puala Hantu and several hiking excursions. Subsequently, he had to attend to certain family matters. Once matters had settled, he wanted a break and requested that I accompany him on a visit to an island.

The weather today appeared to be quite favourable.

But but... I don't like the idea of visiting Lazarus, especially on public holidays... But that is the only day when he can take a break from his part-time work and feel that his mother is able to take care of herself. I think from my past Lazarus visits, I had never tried to visit on public holidays. I will take this opportunity to show you why.

If you missed my previous trips to Lazarus Island, you can check them out here. Oh my, I am a Lazarus regular. 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), Eyesore Tanning (2026)

Blog - April Overview

Hi Blog,

There was a time when I looked into the mirror, not to see myself, but to measure what I lacked. Height, appearance, presence — somehow, I always felt I fell short. It wasn’t something people said all the time directly, but it was there… in the silence, in comparisons, in the way attention seemed to flow more easily to others.

Maybe it wasn’t the mirror that was harsh… but the way I learned to look at myself.

Growing up, it felt like there was an invisible standard everyone had to meet. The media, the people around me, even casual conversations — they all quietly shaped this idea of what it meant to be “good-looking enough.” And without realising it, I started to believe that being seen, liked, or even loved… had something to do with how I wished to meet that standard.

Personal - Swimming Theme #22

Hi Blog,

Another thing that ties into all these feelings — I’m always afraid of being misunderstood. Whether it’s my white trunk, my quiet nature, or just how I carry myself, I worry people will read the wrong intentions.

I don’t want to attract the wrong attention. I don’t want people to think I’m showing off. I don’t want to be seen as someone I’m not.

That fear makes me shrink sometimes. It makes me avoid situations where people might judge how I look, what I wear, or how I move. I know it’s not fair to myself, but I’m still learning to balance it. To remind myself that misunderstandings happen, and they don’t define me.

Hiking - Kranji Marshes Alone

Hi Blog,

On Saturday, I was scheduled to travel to a farm near Sungei Buloh to collect my plant. As I considered where to go before heading to the farm, I decided to visit Kranji Marshes again.

As usual, the weather is good and very encouraging. My friend RD wanted to join my hike, but it might be intense, which I will explain later.

Looking back on my last visit to Kranji Marshes, I can't believe it's been a long while since I was there. You may read my past posts - Kranji Marshes (Apr 2017) and Short Visit (Jul 2017). I will compare changes from then to now.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #121

Hi Blog,

I started thinking about something I often experience in small, everyday moments — assumptions. Sometimes it comes from what I wear, sometimes from how I present myself. It made me wonder, why do people form impressions so quickly, even when they barely know the person in front of them?

Maybe assumptions are not always about others — but how we make sense of the world.

As I reflected on it, I realised that making assumptions is actually something very human. We tend to categorise people quickly — not because we want to hurt others, but because it helps us process information faster. It’s like our mind is constantly trying to organise the world into simple boxes: this type, that type, safe, unfamiliar.

Culture plays a part too. Growing up, we are surrounded by unspoken rules — what is considered “normal,” what is “acceptable,” and what feels out of place. Over time, these ideas become deeply rooted. So when we see something different, even something as simple as clothing, it can trigger a reaction. Not always a bad intention, but sometimes a lack of understanding.

Trip - Short Getaway to Korea

Hi Blog,

As you know, travelling with a group of friends is one of my wishes, and that also includes travelling with colleagues. Why so? Because, personally, I think being able to travel together is an art; it shows a willingness to bond and to get to know one another.

But sometimes, it has an issue. Is there anyone who wants to do so, especially with me? Haha. When it happens, it is a blessing for me.

But there is a risk when travelling together; it can break the relationship or leave scars during or after the trip. Personally, I take every moment of travelling to get to know a person and determine whether that person is a good travel partner.

Anyway, I will be going to spend four days on a four-day getaway in Korea with my colleagues! I won't divide my four-day trip into four posts and will keep it all in one. By the way, in case you might have missed my previous trips to Korea, if you are keen, you may click My First Korea Trip (2024) & Korea Trip with my Mother (2025)

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 sunnier, 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 to friends.

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

Travelling 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's 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, weekends were packed with visitors, so I only went on weekdays. 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 didn'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.