A VISIT TO CRAZY RICH SINGAPORE
A VISIT TO CRAZY RICH SINGAPORE
By Gerrye Wong March 25, 2019
It all started with a chance remark. After meeting Director Jon Chu with stars Henry Golding and Constance Wu at the San Francisco premiere opening of their movie, “CRAZY RICH ASIANS” at his family’s restaurant, Chef Chu’s of Los Altos, CA, and subsequently seeing the film three more times, it became the hot topic on mine and everyone’s minds throughout last August. So at a luncheon one day, I exclaimed to a group of lady friends, “Wouldn’t it be fun to go to Singapore, see the movie sites and meet some of those crazy rich Asians ? “ An excited buzz went around the table, and without a second thought, everyone yelled – let’s do it — and thus, the idea began…..
The Tanglin Club is a private established club of Singapore natives of Chinese enthicity.
Six months later found 18 bright-eyed friends winging their way through a 17 hour Singapore Airlines flight to the beautiful Changi Airport which could be a destination by itself with its own resident swimming pool, butterfly gardens, movie theaters, playgrounds, and a gym within its four terminals. Ah – here is the first CRA movie site before us when we walk through the airport just as the movie’s Nick and Rachel did. We didn’t get the same balloon greeting but a Jayne’s Tours bus whisked us efficiently to The Tanglin Club, a private residence of an old historic Singapore organization, where TC member and our Singapore advisor cousin, Betty Chen, was waiting and had prepared for us to stay.
Singapore locals at Welcome Party for Crazy Asian Americans
The Tanglin Club’s welcome was an earmark for the many great moments on the trip. For our Welcome Party, Grande Dame Betty had invited over 20 local Singaporeans to meet with us California ladies. Decked in the latest fashions in clothing and fine jewelry, they certainly looked like Crazy Rich Asian stars to our simple poor Asian American eyes in simple travel attire. As we dined and became acquainted, we found them to be most welcoming to our California group and our first night in Singapore was filled with newly formed friendships and common bonding. Hostess Betty Chen introduced us to Singapore’s popular comedian Hossan Leong and Genevieve Peggy Jeffs, who had just donned the cover of Tatler Magazine and is known for her style panache and distinctive hair accessories.
The Churchill Dining Room at the Tanglin Club welcomed Californians and native Singaporeans.
Lawyer/philanthropists Ryan Su and Adrian Chan fascinated us all with their colorful jackets, while effervescent Celeste Basapa laughingly said she dressed this evening to be a pseudo Kitty Pong character of the movie.
Hostess Betty Chen introduced Hosson Leong to Gerrye Wong
We enjoyed meeting Richard and Mary Eu, who invited me to visit their Eu Yan Sang stores for herbal remedies if needed on our trip. Other beautiful Singaporeans so welcoming to us newcomers were Adrian and Susan Peh, Ron and Annie Goh, Christine Lim, Asha Melwani, Ida Betrl, Lotus Soh, Grace Yeh, Christina Chia and Helen Tan.
Singaporean locals Eunice Chua and Helen Tan welcome Californians Muriel Kao and Gerrye Wong at welcome party.
Jeweler Jean Nasr showed us beautiful jewelry shown in the movie, modeled by Pauline Chan this evening of diamonds and rubies. This truly star-studded first night in Singapore is emblazed in our memories being welcomed so royally at the Tanglin Club’s historic Churchill Room.
Pauline Chan models jewelry shown in the Crazy Rich Asian movie
Our next day was also glamour filled as we venture to the VIOLET OON SINGAPORE Restaurant at ION Orchard to see and experience the making of Chinese dumplings, as showcased in the movie scene of the family tradition.
Popiah Party at Violet Oons Restaurant was another highlight experience for visitors.
In addition, our visit was titled a Popiah party where we learned to fold our own poh piah (fresh spring roll) like usually prepared in Singaporean homes, and enjoyed eating them along with a selection of friend dumplings and other dishes from Violet Oon Singapore’s special menu.
CRA movie actress Selena Tan and Peggy Jeffs were welcome committee in Singapore at Violet Oons.
Again we were warmly welcomed by Singapore friends of Betty Chen, who had organized this morning excursion. Special surprise guest was Selena Tan, whom we all recognized as one of the aunties friends of Eleanor Young in the movie. As loveable as she was in the movie, Selena is that in person and spoke of just completing a show in town, and having great fun making the CRA movie last year. Also enjoying the Popiah party with us was designer Tala Allamuddin, the sister in law of George Clooney, who showed us one of her newly developed purses designed for an upcoming showing. I had the privilege of enjoying lunch with Tatler Magazine Managing Director Corinne Ng, who with her photographer was shooting all around us. She said she thought it might be fun to feature our group of Crazy Asian Americans visiting the land of Crazy Rich Asians in an upcoming issue.
Tala Allamuddin shows her purse creation to visitors Helen Kwan and Marie Lee.
So already on our second day in town, we may be in the news! Following lunch, we were whisked up to ION SKY to discover Singapore’s history in a specially commissioned multimedia show giving us a glimpse of what Singapore used to look like when it was primarily fruit orchards and nutmeg plantations and how it has transformed to a skyline of mega tall buildings in a worldly cosmopolitan city.
Celeste Basapa directs Dali Jones to ION SKY atop large shopping center to see views.
Naturally ION Center is known for its fashions, so we are next brought to ogle at the fine jewelry at Cartier ION Orchard Boutique. Close by in this high end shopping center was and Louis Vuitton Boutique, featuring curved entry, circular interiors in a two-level 850 square metered fashion shop with its full glass façade showing two groups of textured glass. Entertained with cooling fruit drink and appetizers, we noted the latest colorful fashions in Vuitton purses and shoes there displayed by courteous staffers.
Happy shoppers depart Louis Vuitton Shop in ION Center
Looking around all the neighboring high end shops of the ION Center, we can easily visualize crazy rich Asians shopping here.
Singapore mansion was site of home use in Crazy Rich Asian movie as Peik Lin’s home.
Continuing our search to visit the sites of the favorite movie, Crazy Rich Asians, our bus and guide Shanti directed us to the home used to depict the opulent mansion of Peik Lin, Rachel’s former roommate in college. Remember the scene where Rachel in her red dress is hugged in the gated front yard upon greeting by Peik Lin and her mother?
CHIJMES, a heritage building first built as a Catholic convent in 1852 , was used in the CRA movie wedding scene.
We visit the church, scene of the wedding ceremony, and another wedding was being performed at that time, but alas, there was no water running down the middle aisle with the bride’s entry as in the blockbuster film. Neither did we see the glamorous people in the pews holding up lit butterfly sticks during the couple’s exit as shown in the beautiful movie scene. Leave it to the movies to glamorize a site so you barely recognize it.
Oldtime homes of rich Chinese merchants are still kept up by present residents
Visiting other sites of the city, we ventured down streets where formerly rich Chinese merchants resided in houses called “shophouses”. We stopped at another downtown street where the movie shot Michele Yeoh supposedly walking to go into the Mah Jong parlor to meet Rachel. Of course we all posed walking as she did through curved archway walkway, but curiously, the mah jong scene’s interior shot was filmed in the Peranakan house in Penang,Malaysia, we later learned.
Michelin chef at Newton Centre hawker stand greets seniors of the Crazy Asian American group.
Lastly, we visited the Newton Hawkers Market featured early in the movie’s young couple’s arrival devouring Singapore food delicacies with Collin Khoo and Araminta. The Centre was quiet as it was early morning, but we did catch the owner of one of the stalls, and his food has actually been recognized by Michelin at a level just on brink of one star achievement. Unhappily it was too early for him to open up for service, but he was kind to pose with our foodie group.
Colorful floral leis are used in funeral ceremonies by Malay and Indian communities.
The March weather in Singapore was exceptionally hot this year, we were told, but we did walk through the streets of Little India and the Malay District to see its colorful murals and take note of the many little crowded eateries where people enjoyed outdoor dining, irrespective of the high 90s heat we Californians found unbearable. Displays of colorful floral leis were seen for funeral decoration besides the beautiful murals of life style scenes shown on old buildings throughout the area.
Colorful murals of everyday scenes of local activities brighten up the streets of Little India
Hopping on the bus, out of the blazing sun and miraculously being cooled down by long awaited rain, we bus to the Singapore National Museum, founded in 1887, and the nation’s oldest museum. Beneath its 19th century colonial exterior, it is now progressively using cutting-edge technology in presenting the nation’s history. Betty Chen proudly showed us her mother May’s photo on permanent display as one of the past leaders of the community.
Betty Chen proudly stands before display of her mother’s photo in Singapore National Museum
One curious exhibit had viewers climbing into simulated cars, to feel like being in a drive-in movie as they watched a film. This is a beautiful museum example of how modern and old buildings and additions are meshed together very attractively and functionally
Our group sits in simulated car in National Singapore Museum display
For a unique experience, someone recommended the Night Safari where one rides in a tram to see animals in their nighttime environment. One had to strain the eyes to catch the animals in the dark by a moving tram, so walking paths are also available if one wants to hunt for the not-so-easily-seen animals.
Californians stand before photo display at Night Safari Park.
Animal shows and tribal fire dances were performed throughout the evening to keep younger members of families entertained inbetween animal sightings also.
A lion was sighted from the tram ride through the Night Safari.
Although the weather was unseasonably hot during the day, our energetic senior group of 70 and 80 year youngsters, except for Dali Jones’young daughter Shelley Young, and my daughter Kelly Matsuura, braved the elements to visit with our efficient and knowledgeable guides Eunice Chua and Betty Wee, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Garden.
Enjoying the beauty floral displays of the Botanical Garden
The narrow pathways wove us through displays of many types of native plants, including an incredibly lovely Orchid Garden. Another tour took us to the Gardens by the Bay to have tea at the Pollen Restaurant and enjoy a spectacular Cherry Blossom themed display within the attractive Dome structure of the area.
Lining up for the Gondola ride to Sentosa Island
Singaporean families spend their weekends many times going to the island of Sentosa which features a Water World of dolphins and water sports and a Universal World theme park featuring many signature rides and a Madame Tussard’s wax museum. Our group decided to see Singapore this time on high, so we took the Gondola cars which swept us high up to view Singapore’s skyline as well as some of the sights of the theme parks. Although Singapore is indeed in a period of growth of building more high rises after another, it was nice to note above they are still many areas of lush green plants and trees in this small red dot of a country next to the equator.
Seeing Singapore from the gondola ride passing up to Sentosa Island
On the Island we are met by the giant Merlion statue welcoming us once more to Singapore. It is so large that people were actually seen inside the Merlion’s open mouth . Our very personable and colorful guide, SingExpress’ Eunice Chua, told us the Merlion looks like a lion at its head with a mermaid’s body and is the symbol of Singapore seen everywhere.
Seeing the gigantic Merlion, symbol of Singapore, at Sentosa Island
One night we were treated to a special seafood meal at Long Beach, Dempsey. With mouths watering, we were served Singapore’s famed signature dish, the Chili Crab. Although fortunately for us, the staff had cracked the hard shell for us already, we were given plastic gloves to wear when eating the crab with its rich rather sweet and spicy sauce. When one thinks of Singapore, the subject of food comes up readily for its ethnically diverse cuisine. The choices are vast, ranging from the inexpensive and cheerful food sold at hawker stalls, to high end cuisine served at the many top hotels.
Enjoying the yummy Chili Crab, signature food dish of Singapore
In our five days in Singapore, we made a culinary journey of discovery and of course, our must-have dishes included Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, satay and laksa, just to name a few pleasing our palates. A special treat for us visiting Californians was a home meal with hostess Helen Tan, who served up a variety of Asian and Peranakan dishes she said are familiar to all Singapore homes. This was another sign of Singapore grandeur and friendship being extended by Helen to our large group, with the promise she will take the long trip to California someday to accept our western style of dining invitation in return.
Gracious hostess Helen Tan invites Crazy Californians to a dinner of Singapore cuisine specialties.
At the dinner, our wonderful Singapore hostess author, Betty Chen, brought her book, “The Chinese Women’s Association – 100 Fabulous Years” to be signed by her personally before we return home with them to learn more about the history of Singapore through her organization’s long involvement in the country’s changes and progress. Through the women member’s family stories, we learn how Singapore society has evolved, and perhaps can glean the background behind the lives of the Crazy Rich Asians, as depicted fictionally in Kevin Kwan’s book and the movie.
Author Betty Chen signs her book for Marie Lee.
As the president of the CYA for 26 years, the 92 year young Betty Chen recalls it took her over 10 years to put the book together, but in memory of her mother, who was one of the early founders of the club, she capably chronicled the century history of the club and its members. Congratulations, Betty.
Brightly lit Marina Bay Sands Hotel at night
If you remember the ending of the Crazy Rich Asians film, the happy engagement party of Nick and Rachel occurs on the top deck of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel where synchronized swimmers swim in the infinity pool and hundreds of celebrants dance in festive and colorful manner as the cameras pan over the Gardens by the Bay trees lit in many colors. The three tower buildings topped by what many call the “roof surfboard” is seen by all visitors to Singapore and on any publications promoting this little red dot on the world map. So of course, our group of “Crazy Poor Asians from California” felt we had to stay our last two nights in Singapore there to enjoy its splendor and its many amenities within the three buildings. We arrived back from Malaysia in the evening, so imagine our wonder as we drove up to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to see it in his colored splendor in the evening. Marie Lee, Muriel Kao, Kimie Iwanaga, Irene Lee and I agreed this was, indeed, the special place to end our weeks together.
Colorful Light show at Marina Sands Hotel
A colorful light show over the water is shown nightly from the shopping center area adjoining the hotel, but can be seen by the city view rooms of the towers top floors. Its lights, synchronized with the symphonic music accompanying it, blazed brightly during its 15 minute show to many oohs and aahs from the visitors who come from all around the world. Our ladies, Saratoga’s Pat Lum and Helen Kwan, with Palo Altans Nancy Mar and Mary Ann Sing, Fremont friends Mary K Lim, Carole Yamaguchi, Maelene Wong and Fran Gin enjoyed the colorful display
Beautiful night scene of Gardens By the Bay trees and Ferris Wheel
On the garden view side of the towers, one can see the colorfully lit Gardens by the Bay trees nightly along with the lit ferris wheel in the background. As the light show of the trees almost coincides with the water show, it took fast steps by Shelley Young, Kelly Matsuura and Joanne Tanabe to catch the flickering light display of the gardens.
Shelley Young, Joanne Tanabe and Kelly Matsuura enjoy lights of the trees at Gardens by the Bay
In spite of the Marina Bay Sands many restaurants beckoning us, and the huge casino machines calling our gambling genes, and the hundreds of shops luring our wallets astray, it was the top floor Infinity Pool that was the highlight destination of my whole trip to Singapore.
Spectacular three towers of Marina Bay Sands Hotel topped by surb board like structure.
With over 2000 patrons in the hotel, it is said the pool can get very congested, and the best time is in the cool of the morning, so believe it or not, in the dark of 6:30 am, our intrepid group of senior citizens from California donned bathing suits and hotel robes to ascend to the 57th floor.
Californians in the Infinity Pool at Sunrise
Even before sunrise in the dark, some of us couldn’t resist the brisk waters of the pool, and it was a glorious sight to see in wonderment the Singapore skyline of tall buildings below as we gazed over the edge of the pool. Luckily for non swimmers like me, Carol Fong, Dali Jones, Mary K Lim, Maelene Wong and Mary Ann Sing, the pool’s depth is only about four feet, so we bravely walked throughout waving and giggling with each other like school girls at camp.
Poolside scene at 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel
As the sun came up, it was a beautiful place to be. The temperature was still cool by Singapore standards, the water was calm, and the atmosphere peaceful and serene. How closer to heaven, I felt, could we ever be able to bask as carefree spirits.
Simulating the synchronized swimmers seen in movie Crazy Rich Asians
It was a perfect conclusion to visiting Singapore, a bustling cosmopolitan city that offers a world-class living environment with its beautiful landscape populated by high rise buildings and lush gardens. I think it is the probably the cleanest city in Southeast Asia, and with its land area of only about 710 square kilometers, it is one of the smallest countries in the world. It’s definitely the smallest country in the region so is given the moniker “The Little Red Dot”. Used to seeing exceptionally crowded cities in other Southeast Asian countries, it felt comfortable being with its mere 5.3 million people, 74.2% of which are ethnically Chinese.
Farewell to wonderful Singapore experiences
Our little group of 18 women left Singapore feeling happily introduced and immersed in our exploration of this once fishing village turned cosmopolitan city. We all agreed we had only touched a mere part of the essence of the city, had tasted only a tiny bit of the many dishes it is known for with its diverse cultures, and experienced only a bare minimum of what this small but mighty country has to offer. That said, it was hard to say good-bye to our newfound friends who had shared their country’s wonders with us so generously, and we all agreed upon arriving home to Silicon Valley – it was worth the long 17 grueling hours to fly there, and we hope to share another visit To The Little Red Dot with our children and grandchildren someday!
Thanks to Jon Chu’s movie Crazy Rich Asians to introduce us to Singapore’s scenic wonders and a glimpse of its cultural history, and it was great fun calling ourselves Crazy Poor Asian Americans as we departed with many extraordinary memories. Thank you, Singapore for your welcome!
