I believe that more than 40% of Singaporeans can speak or understand Hokkien! Sat Oct 22, 2011

The only two places in Asia where I enjoy listening to Hokkien songs and singing are Malaysia and Taiwan.  Perhaps, Taiwan Formosa television has made Hokkien songs popular in Singapore with the Taiwanese soap operas.

I am not fluent in Hokkien; but like many of us, we enjoy listening to the songs.  A week in Bangkok, and I already missed my favourite Taiwanese "LOVE" drama.  To share with you, I am having a headache, because I have not been able to find a Club Manager to replace Dolly Lim in the new year 2012.  Music and songs and dancing are a great relief when it comes to solving headaches problems.  Of course, the other headaches are the consequences affecting us, as a result of the going-ons in Europe and the US.

So, I was thinking of having a Karaoke event, during the week of Oct 24.  The event will have a simple buffet, sit down, aircon pl;ace and we can sing, listen, enjoy each others’ company, and get to know one another.

But, really, I think we should stay focused, and not have multiple dialects or languages.  All songs will be in Hokkien only, single, duet or group.  And, to qualify as as "Karaoke" participant, as long as you like Hokkien songs, can sing of the screen and entertain fellow members when they eat and chat or dance, you can participate as a singer.

But, I dont have a place or the date yet.  Next week, I am back in Singapore, and we shall finalise the place and date.  Some of you are eager to be an EO.  Would you like to try as an EO?  I shall invite you for lunch or dinner at the place I have in mind.  This event is ON and confirmed.

Update:

  • Venue:  Oxford Hotel, 218 Queens Street, (2 mins walk from Bras Basah circle line or 10 mins walk from Bugis MRT).
  • Theme: Buffet dinner with Hokkien Karaoke – 680 titles. 
  • Date:  Sat Oct 22, 2011.
  • Time:  Starts 1700 hrs and ends 2100 hrs.
  • Costs:  $18 per person (Payment by 15 Oct 20110); $19 per person (Payment after 15 Oct 2011).
  • Payment:  Interested participants, please transfer the money to:   POSB Saving Account no. 085-46543-0; Account Name:  TAN SOK CHENG
  • Seating Capacity:   60 pax
  • Strictly for SHC members only.  Please bring along your name tag.
  • Dress Code:  Your regular Saturday Attire.

Terence Seah/Sally Tan

Registration:

  1. Terence Seah (EO) (Paid)
  2. Sally Tan (co-EO)    (Paid)
  3. Dan Huang (Paid 19/10)
  4. Shirleen Kao (Paid 15/10)
  5. Judy Lim (Paid 11/10)
  6. Ronnie Sow (Paid 14/10)
  7. Annie Loh (Paid 7/10)
  8. Sarah Zahriah (Paid 14/10)
  9. Rena Wong (Paid 14/10)
  10. Sam Goh (Paid 14/10)
  11. Dolly Lim (Paid 9/10)
  12. Lily Ho (Paid 9/10)
  13. Janie Leong (Paid 9/10)
  14. Judy Tay (Paid 9/10)
  15. Eyvonne Chew (Paid 11/10)
  16. Lina Ng (Paid 9/10)
  17. Hou Chong (Paid 9/10)
  18. Steven Chan (Paid 11/10)
  19. Ann Lim (Paid 11/10)
  20. Lilian Teo (Paid 11/10)
  21. S. K. Chua (Paid 11/10)
  22. Josephine Yap (Paid 11/10)
  23. Esther Mok (Paid 11/10)
  24. Audrey Wong (Paid 15/10)
  25. Janet Chan (Paid 17/10)
  26. Doreen Lau (Paid 10/10)
  27. Ron Wie (Paid 10/10)
  28. Daisy Yeo (Paid 12/10)
  29. Helen T Wong (Paid 12/10)
  30. Eunice Tay (Paid 13/10)
  31. Joe Leow (Paid 13/10)
  32. Bobby Bok (Paid 15/10)
  33. Terry Tang (Paid 15/10)
  34. Clara Chay (Paid 20/10)
  35. Irene Poh (Paid 20/10)
  36. Teo Chin Hian
  37. Sock Cheng aka Sockie (Picture Manager)

Photos by Terence, Judy Lim and Sockie

110 thoughts on “I believe that more than 40% of Singaporeans can speak or understand Hokkien! Sat Oct 22, 2011”

  1. Hi Terence
    I support this Hokkien event although I am a 100% Teochew and always love to sing in Taiwanese Hokkien and do not mind assisting in any role that I can fit in.

  3. Haha Terence, you beat me to it!
    This is a real pleasant surprise!!

    Can my team of eight singers participate?
    Yesterday, while practising our Cantonese songs, we were planning a Hokkien Karaoke Get-Together after our Cantonese one.
    I have these 4 favourites –
    ??, ?????, ?????, ?????.

    Cheers,
    pearl.

  4. Hi Terence,

    Don’t worry about missing your favourite Taiwanese “LOVE” drama for a week. You still can view in xin msn catch up tv. Just search in google or yahoo an type xin msn catch up tv.

    Cheers

  5. Oops Terence, I shouldnt say “my team of eight singers” #3,
    haha..too excited! I better speak for myself – would like to request those songs I posted #3. Kum Sia!!

    pearl.

  6. This evening, I met up with Sally Tan at the Oxford Hotel along Queens Street. Sally has accepted the role of co-EO.

    In the past, we have held disco nights and a Talentime at this venue before. It has a new Karaoke system. The system has about 680 Hokkien songs.

    The place can sit about 60 pax; although I think that because it is only Hokkien songs, the numbers may be about 30 pax.

    We are still negotiating the rates, for a buffet and the use of the placen and equipment.

    The date is now set for Sat Oct 22. The time is set for 5pm to 9pm.

    This event is aim at providing a platform for new members to meet new friends; and for old members to catch up with one another.

    Over the next week or two, Sally will make some announcements on this event. Thank you Sally.

    Terence Seah

  7. Re the Hokkien Karaoke night, we have just confirmed the cost as $18 per pax (Payment before 15 Oct) and $19 (Payment after 15 Oct). Please wait for more information from Sally Tan. Do register here if you are coming.

    This event is strictly for SHC members only.

    Terence Seah

  8. Dearest SHC members

    This is the1st time I volunteer to assist Terence with SHC event, and sincerely look forward to all your support to make this event successful and memorable.

    Briefly, there will be a sumptuous buffet spread of food/beverages and Hokkien Karaoke starting at 5pm.
    If time permits, all attendees will be given a queue number and a chance to sing during the session. We hope all participants could choose their songs from the existing collection of 680 titles but alternatively, you may bring along your favourite Hokkien VCD or DVD in the event that your songs cannot be found.

    Enthusiasms, please secure your seat soonest. Thanks

    Sally Tan

  9. Wow Sally :D

    Congratulation as a 1st time EO! No sweat for you lah since singing event is your forte! Would have love to come and support but already have prior engagement liao. Anyhow, I am confident you will do a good job. Wishing you all the best.

    PS: Knowing Terence, assisting him meaning – you do all the work, he sits back and watch …… Tio bo Terence? Heehee.

  10. Reply to #9
    Lily, Thanks for having so much confidence in me and we will do our best.
    Always, remember you as our best mamasan in town, indeed, very well done in that role. It is a pity you cannot support this event but nevertheless, look forward to meet you again another time. Sally

  11. Dear Sally

    All the best to you. I am sure you will do a good job.
    I love listening to Hokkien songs and know how to sing a few. But I will not be able to support you as I will be away in London/Spain for a couple of weeks.

    Enjoy!

    Best Regards
    Carly

  14. Hi Terence,

    To garner greater participation in this event, I propose that you consider to relax the rule that the karaoke is strickly for Hokkien songs only.

    Although 40% of Singaporeans may be able to speak or understnad Hokkien how many of them are proficient in singing it. Insofar as the major vernacular languages that are spoken in Singapore, Mandarin and Cantonese are just as pervasive.
    Moreover, when the participants are engaged in a sumptious buffet, would they be so discerning to notice the difference whether the song is sung in anyone of the three dialects?
    This is my view. You may be adamant and maintain that another event can be staged for any of the dialects in another occasion. But would it happen? Dan ku tio wu.

  15. Terence, good 2 encourage Daniel- O n lend yr support 2 him n his danz gp. But how’s yr hongkong nite coming up? Fun if hk singers sing hokien songs like d cantonese me. And in despair, you’ll show how ??? is done.

  18. Dear Sally & Terence

    Pls include me and Rena Wong at the event. Will transfer the fund ($36) latest 15 October. I recalled the Hokkien terms: “Woh, Kam-Sia Le”. See you on 22 Oct.

  19. yeah Sarah,

    I must do an interview with you. And it would be nice, if you sing a Hokkien song. Pick one from youtube.com, and we shall play it for you.

    And, for anyone who loves Hokkien song, just let us know the song tile, your dedication to, and we play your request.

    Terence Seah

  21. Hi Sally,
    We (Lily, Janie, Judy Tay and Dolly) will come n support this event. I hv some request for hokkien songs dat I 1 2 try 2 sing dat nite lor.. Lily is thinking of singing 1 song also.. Meanwhile, Ah Pui Sam told me dat he will hv 2 ask his lao dai 1st b4 he can decide if he can attend anot lor.. hopefully, he can, den, perhaps, he oso can sing a song dat nite…

    Weiwei Eunice, come along la.. I need sum1 2 partner me in case hor, I forget some hokkien lyrics leh… n I am hoping u b my supporter lor.. ai mai?

    I will try to arrange for payment soonest possible.. ok?

    Cheers.. Dolly

  24. Hi Dolly, Lily, Janie, Judy & Sam, Weiwei, Eunice #21
    Thanks all for your support. Do not worry, find your songs from the system & there is a screen there too with lyrics. If I know your songs, maybe I could offer to help with some parts of the songs just in case. Weiwei & Eunice & Sam, please come, could I have all your confirmation to attend?
    Sally

  25. Hi Dolly
    I got no idea where to view all the names of our members. It is Lily Ho & Janie Leong you are referring to, right? In case, I typed the wrong surname I sincerely apologize.
    Sally

  31. Weiwei Sally,
    Wei2 is not a name lor, just kinda of greeting lor..

    I had just xfer $72 being payment for Lily, Janie, Judy and Dolly. Ref :7112717059

    Cheers… Dolly

  33. Hello Sally

    You are very cute indeed! Or is it sotong heee! Ps dont get offended.

    I thot most people know wei wei is hello hello! LOL!

    Jia Yu. I see the response coming in steadily. Its the norm that people will register nearer the date of the event as they are unsure if they are avaible.

    All the best and to all those attending “hua he tio ho” (Happy can already lah)

    All my bags are packed……

    Cheers
    Carly

  34. Hi Sally,

    As spoken I am still anxiously waiting for my sifu’s “2D1N @ Pengarang/Senang Mahibah Resort” update of this trip on 22nd Oct whether is on or postpone due to his important commitment which I had registered myself months ago.

    So much as I wanted to join you in this Hokkien Song event but I cannot forsake my sifu’s event till he give his final order. If this trip is postpone to another date, I will definitely support you with my 2 and only hokkien songs I can sing…haha

    Cheers,
    Janet Chan

  36. Hello hello Sally,
    Payment made for both Hou Chong and Lina Ng, ref 7114304505).

    As for Sam Huat, akan datang la.. leave not approved yet lor.. hv 2 try harder to get permission lor..

    Cheers… Dolly

  39. Caroline #33
    Thanks for your lesson. Sorry, I not used to that way of communicating. No wonder Dolly #36 now used Hello Hello and Lily’s #28, at first, I am not sure of what is going on, so did not reply.

  40. Hi Sally,

    As the cycling event to Muhibbah resort has been cancelled as confirmed by Yew Kong , I would like to join to hear SHCians sing Hokkien Nang lagus.

    I will e transfer to your account by today.

    Kum sia.
    Steven C

  41. Dear EO Terence / Sally,
    Pls register the name as mention:

    1). Ann Lim
    2). Lilian Teo
    3). S.K.Chua

    Will keep you inform once we have arrange the payment.
    Thanks

    Judy Lim

  44. Hi SallyT,
    I was out fishing for a few days, and just when I logged in, I noticed many have registered for the Hokkien karaoke event. Well done, you should just go ahead and be the EO. Feel free to decide on all matters as appropriate.

    Hi Robert #14,
    I am a firm believer of focus, and probably that’s why we try to have a theme. In this case, this event is all Hokkien songs. Your suggestion is noted; not that I dont understand but I hope you will accept the EO’s theme for this event.

    Terence Seah

  50. Hi Sally,
    Pls include Josephine Yap and Esther Mok for this ‘Hokkien event’ Payment of $90/- made today @ 13.63 ref 7591 for them
    as well as SK Chua, Lilian Teo and Ann Lim. Cheers

  64. In case, you have not met the Hokkien Karaoke EO, Sally Tan, I have put up a picture of her, taking during the last Cabaret nite.

    I dont know Sally well, but she says she is shy. Well, wait until she picks up a microphone, on stage.

    Terence Seah

  65. Transferred $18.00 to your a/c at 2:56pm this afternoon, ref.: DAISYYEO SHC.

    Will be great to hear you sing again. Think the last was in Batu Pahat?

    Thanks, Sally!

  67. Terence

    So this is Sally Tan whom I did not meet (have I?) during the Shanghai Castle Cabaret Nite.

    Good that she volunteered to be the Co EO which you conveniently let her take over so you can sit and grin and whip out your used condoms. Naughty boy!

    Hey Sally

    Pity I can’t be there to support. You are doing great, what with the support from the members. Have fun and shall wait for the pics and feedback.

  68. Hi Geraldine
    Of course I know you, you are the pretty co-owner of the Shanghai Castle Cabaret Nite and I was one of the volunteered singers.

    Anyway, you are in HK but I do hope that you could miraculously appear at our Hokkien nite.
    Sally.

  69. Ooops… Sally, I thought I paid to be entertained.

    My great grandfather will be mighty proud but my granddad, mmm… what will he think I wonder?

    Abel, want to help? I may do a repeat of the kroma in return. he he he….

  70. Weiwei Sally,
    Eunice Tay and Joe Leow coming also liao… will advise payment once done after this…

    Eunice, hurray2, u r coming at last. At least now, I ‘tan wu lang’ liao… Cheers.. Dolly

  72. Hi Sally

    So we did meet – initially at the changing room (I think) and subsequently when you performed. Pardon me as at that time I did not know all the singers’ names but I recognized your face posted by Terence.

    Awww….so sweet of you wanting me to appear miraculously on the happening nite. Kinda difficult; let me work on it as I am very busy that week but since you are so kind to have me, I’ll do my best.

    Can’t sing Hokkien songs though – only Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Will just enjoy other members’ singing if I am there.

    I don’t see a deadline so it’s ok to show up with my luggage and pay on the spot? Let me know.

  74. Hi Sam,

    I saw your name in the attendees list. What is the Hokkien song you are going to sing? Please make sure your song is available in the 680 songs list in the KOK system. But, if you know the song title, let me know first. We will see if we can find it. And if it is a naughty song, let us know too. Look forward to your coming.

    Terence Seah

  77. Hi all members
    Just a gentle reminder for those attendees who have not paid, please pay by tomorrow, 15 Oct 2011. Payment after 15 Oct is $19.00 as set out by Terence.
    Our closing date for this event is 16 Oct 2011, any more members keen to join us?
    Could any kind soul with a video camera help in capturing our Hokkien event please?
    Sally

  80. Hi Sally/Terence,
    Kindly register my name for the event. Will arrange payment soon. #74, Hi Terence, the last time I heard Sam sung he can also sing Soldier of Fortune in hokkien version. Cheers..
    Bobby Bok

  81. Hi Sally,
    Please note I have made Atm transfer of $36/- ,ref:4002 payment for myself and Shirleen Kao. Look forward to see u all next sat. Cheers

  82. Hi Sock Cheng,

    Referenced the above.

    This morning @11.00am sharp I transferred $18.00 to your POSB a/c 085-46543-0, being payment for next Saturday’s buffet at Hotel Owen somewhere along Queen’s Street. Please acknowledge receipt.

    See you there.
    Thank you Sockie,

    Cheers,

    Terry Tang

  86. Hi Terry
    Your support and payment noted. Pls note that is Hotel Oxford not Owen. Terry, I think you have mistaken me for Sockie, it ok, see you next week. Tks – Sally.

  88. # 74 terence # 80 bobby

    whew whew ..me sing soldier in hokkien mei ? scratching my head again lei… no lah ah hiah bobby in kong fu lah….

    bro terence , me now ho ho a lang kwai kwai bo naughty song liao..so u coming bo ?

    sam huat

  89. Wow now we have 2 more ‘sontongs’ #82 & #83 …… Terence can be excused as he is still new nas we have not met before but Audrey Wong tsk tsk tsk knew me for a few months and come to my line dance class and still sooo blur haiz …….

    Anyway enjoy yourselves ya….. If I can make it I will do a last minute registration if there is still any vacancy or if time permits.

    Sockie……. not known as Sally ha ha ha

  93. Hello there,

    My full Chinese name is Tang Peng Yew, and for decades schoolboy friends, particularly Hokkiens and Teochews had joked over such a weird name. So did some lecturers and attendees at seminars I often attended. I took the jokes in light hearted spirit as being unoffensive. ‘Peng Yew’ spoken in Cantonese is something else, not as ‘friend’ in Hokkien/Teochew.

    Many ‘well meaning’ naughty classmates had advised me to change my name to ‘Ho’ or ‘Lau’ to sound nicer perhaps and to endear myself to the Hokkiens and Teochews.

    ‘Terence’ is my baptismal name and it has multiple variations in the written form. According to researchers, it came from the Roman name for males ‘Terentius’ during Roman imperial rule from a bygone era. The short form for Terence is accepted internationally as ‘Terry’ by people of Anglo-Saxon origin. Sometimes on internet messages to close friends I humorously sign off as ‘terryble’. Ha, ha, ha.

    Cheers!

    Terry Tang

  94. Hi Sally,

    Amount of S$19.00 paid Ref #9913 for myself. Boon Liang might not be able to attend.

    Thanks for waiting for my payment as I had told you will do so by Monday.

    Cheers!
    Janet

  96. Hi Sally,
    I’ve made the ITR of $19 into your savings account this morning. Kindly acknowledge transaction ref. 7138101438. Thks..Meeting up all soon…

    clara

  106. Hi all attendees of our Hokkien Nite

    We apologize if your songs were accidentally deleted by me as the cafe do not provide a KJ to mann the karaoke system and was forced to learn on the spot from 4.30pm and had done my best for all.

    Thanks to all attendees for your support and especially thanks to Lily, Judy, Janet, Ron & Doreen etc. for their assistance rendered to make our nite successful.

    Lastly, thanks to Terence who only charged us $18 for each attendee and the $100 payable for the karaoke system has been absorbed by Terence.

    Terence/Sally

  108. Hi SallyT,

    You have done a good job as a first time EO for this Hokkien Karaoke event. I find you very dedicated in making this event a success, and also in wanting to ensure that as many members as possible have a chance to sing, and be comfortable during the event. You should have given yourself sometime to have your dinner.

    I hope more members will follow your steps, and become EOs for other events.

    Based on this event, I believe that more events can be themed based on dialects and languages.

    Personally, I enjoyed the evening very much, the singing and the food. A few people stood up prominently during the event, and they are great Hokkien singers. You can see them around SilverHairsclub. Out of those whom I have not met, and of special mention would be Doreen Lau and Terry Tang; they sing so confidently and I am impressed.

    It is also a good meet, as I have not seen Ronald Wie for a long time. It’s always good to have simple fun activities. My apology if I sound worse than terrible. I dont go to karaoke clubs.

    Terence Seah

  109. Hi there Sally

    The evening was really entertaining. All you singers were really good and noticed some of you sang with passion which makes it all the more admirable.

    Cheers
    Daisy

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