I have just started digging for old photographs and old documents; anything to connect me to my roots. Guess this started when I was invited to a focus group on the Peranakan identity. I got my dad started on it, especially after he let slip that he has my maternal grandfather’s passport from the mid-1900s. So like a naughty little kid, I snuck into his room to hunt around. Could not find Ah Kong’s passport, but found my dad’s old passports (Dutch, Indonesian, Singapore issues) and his landing pass for when he first arrived in Singapore. That’ll be another tale after I sit him down.

What I dug up however were pictures of BIG SPLASH from the mid-1970s. These were taken by my dad, who was somewhat of a photo enthusiast. In the series of 4 pictures, you could see Amberville being constructed as well as Maryland Park, which has since been demolished. I am trying to scan these pictures and will post them up as soon as I can.

Even in 34 years of existence, I have seen dramatic changes to our landscape, especially the Katong area. My favourite memory is of the old Ah Pek, who used to sell roasted chestnuts at the gate, facing the old Katong Park Hotel. His right thumb had swelled into a permanent state. As a 5 year old, I used to marvel at how he could pick up the hot coal without wearing any gloves (and attempt to do the same with the chestnuts). My parents would bring along the ‘tikah’(woven mat) and we would spend a merry Sunday afternoon at Katong Park. My mom would be busy peeling the chestnuts for dad and I.

How different it is today. Katong Park isn’t as crowded as it used to be. Roasted chestnut can be found at Pasar Malams or at any of the hypermarts.

My fondest recent memory was of 2 illegal hawkers at one of the MRT stations. They had just set up their mobile-pedal car stand when someone shouted ‘Matar lai liao!’(Here come the cops!) Without any delay, the 2 men scooped hot coals and flying chestnuts and ran off! It sure was a sight to behold.