Christmas Message 2021 - "May His Presence Be The Greatest Gift..." Ms. Elaine Sung

"As Christmas comes around and buying presents may take center stage; may I humbly suggest the gift of your presence (pun intended) to those dear to you..."

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Reflections for Christmas 2021

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“So this is Christmas, and what have you done?” sings Celine Dion.  Given this privilege by Andy to pen an article, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on 2021.  Perhaps a handful may have read my Easter article in this blog; if you have not, I’m sure it’s found in the archives (hint hint ;p).* This reflection continues my learning journey…

Post Easter, life continues to be impacted by COVID.  But more significantly, by another “c”- a dear family member’s diagnosis of stage 2 cancer. ☹  It was on Maundy Thursday when we collected the routine health report from the clinic.  Much to our surprise, a marker flagged something amiss and the full impact of it did not unravel till weeks after Easter as we ran tests after tests while dealing with the initial denial and fear of the unknown. 

I have to say this has been the biggest game-changer in my life by far.  Where is God when one is hit by a crisis (another “c”!)?  Thankful I have Christ (the big “C”!) who has been my anchor thorough it all. Though assured of His good purpose for it to happen, I had my share of questioning and lamenting.  It does not help that this family member is a fairly new Christian.  How do I respond to “why me” questions without sounding insensitive? What words of comfort can I offer when the pain brings a torrent of tears? What wisdom can I offer when the team of doctors are tweaking medication to address post operation pain? This brings me back to the start of my article, “what have I done?”  Many things have been scaled back not because of COVID measures, but because of being part of the care-giving team.  On hindsight, I see how God lead me out of a teaching role so I would have more time to spend with this family member.  Indeed, it’s a luxury to have time to just be around, not doing very much, but just being present.  To be present to help with physical mobility. To be present to catch priceless flashback moments of joys and regrets.  To be present to address questions like “who is there in heaven?”, “heaven so big, how will we find each other?” (I hasten to add I don’t have all the answers!). To be present to catch that tear, that painful cringe. To be present to pray.  To be present for the rest of family dealing with this crisis in their own ways.

& PRESENCE

As Christmas comes around and buying presents may take center stage; may I humbly suggest the gift of your presence (pun intended) to those dear to you.  One which money cannot buy and which only you can afford.  The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”, may we steward time and the different seasons of our life wisely.  Incidentally, these wise words can be found in the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds.

Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us”.  May His presence be the greatest gift you will receive.  

Blessed Christmas to all.

Thanks to Ms. Elaine Sung

for her reflections. 

*From the archives:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2021/04/reflections-for-good-friday-2021-ms.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflections-for-good-friday-2020-elaine.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/04/good-friday-took-on-new-meaning-ms.html

'Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel' - Enya 

YouTube Video from An Ghaoth Aniar.

Celine Dion - 'Happy Christmas [War is Over]'

An official Celine Dion YouTube video.

Images - Google.

Shangri-La Island Ballroom Singapore - The Sandpipers Live 1973 - Fred Ching Remembers

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It was 47 years ago, 24 Dec 1973, that The Sandpipers, an American folk group, performed in Singapore Shangri-La Island Ballroom for a Gala Dinner cum Christmas Special Show. Time flies and this post is just a short comment on the concert. Just something for me to remember this event.

I attended this first concert with my neighbour, Richard, and we’re just months away from being drafted into the army. We both arrived on time and were blown away by the Christmas decorations at the ballroom. Being a VIP ticket holder gave us the opportunity to scout out the place. I was happy to discover that we were a mere 10m from the stage.

The show began not long after and looking around, I noticed that most attendees were either my age group or older and indeed it was an honor to be present at this show with several VIPs. The Sandpipers were fabulous. They have such great harmony and every songs Jim Brady, Mike Piano and Richard Shoff sang, brings back fond memories of my growing up years.

The Sandpipers - 'Come Saturday Morning' - Video from YouTube by ultra taro. Thank you.

Absolutely loved this show and these guys sang flawlessly in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Tagalog. Those who didn’t attend, sure missed out. All we can say is GREAT GREAT GREAT!!

Two years ago, I shared this little post on my favourite trio, who made an indelible mark on the music industry that even rock & roll combined with time cannot erase. A good friend then commented that after the concert ended, the Sandpipers proceeded to a midnight mass @The Novena Church, Thomson Road, and sang part of the Mass Order in Latin and the event was unannounced. It was a surprise wonderful Christmas present for the attendees. Till today, the Sandpipers performance still hold a special place in my heart.

I was lucky enough to be in the front row of the rear orchestra section and the trio walked by me, about one foot away, and went down the center aisle to the stage. Gosh, how I was blown away...   

The Sandpipers with 'Today' - YouTube Video by 65Seasons. Thank You.

By Fred Ching.

Thank you Fred so much for allowing your article to be posted on this blog. You can read another article about the Celine Dion concert Fred attended by clicking the connection below.

NB

Original members The Sandpipers.

Michael Piano died on December 29, 2014 in Kauai, Hawaii.

Jim Brady died on May 5, 2019 in Durango, Colorado.

Fire destroyed Sandpipers music materials at Universal Studios in 2008.

Images from Fred Ching - copyrights reserved.

Fred Ching has written many articles about his attendance of pop concerts in Singapore and in other countries. You can find him on Facebook. Just click his name...

Thanks so much Fred for being so obliging and sharing your concert stories on this blog.

A Happy Father’s Day 2020 Because You Loved Me

To All Blog Readers: 

Diane Warren wrote this song for a 1996 movie called, Up Close and Personal. It was also to her father as a tribute for his encouragement and became another hit on the pop parade. 

‘Because You Loved Me' is sung by Las Vegas diva Celine Dione and recorded in the same year, 1996. It was huge then. But more than 20 years passed and this song is still being played.

So to all dads, grand dads, whether you have sons or daughters or grand kids, this song is a beauty to remember. And it's for you!

'You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me...'

'Because You Loved Me' Celine Dion: YouTube.

Celine Dione Marina Bay Sands SG: Fred Ching

[Spend some time in prayers for Celine Dion because we understand she isn't well. - March 2023.]

It was catching world-renowned singer Celine Dion when she performed in Singapore for the first time ever at Marina Bay Sands® as part of the Sands Live concert series. 

Her tour started on 26 June in Tokyo and saw her return to cities she hasn’t performed in over 10 years, including Tokyo and Macao, and cities she will perform in for the first time ever, including Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Manila and Bangkok. 

Celine Dion In Concert Singapore July 2018:

Some of you may have missed seeing her in Singapore last week, and according to many who have seen her show, she was stupendous.  

Fred Ching (image above) is a Facebook friend and I've yet to meet him, but when I asked if he could allow me to reproduce his Celine Dion Concert experience for this blog, together with the exquisite photos of the lady, he immediately obliged. 

So here's a write-up by Fred himself, published in the same order as it was written, with the excitement that only a loving fan could describe. He is a veteran musician and one who has seen so many 'live' shows of international stars. Celine Dion is only one of them.

Thank you very much Fred.

"Watching Celine Dion’s new music video today, just 4 days after seeing her 'live'. I can’t believe how blessed I am. To be able to see my favourite singer with her awesome band in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to watch her live on stage is better than striking the lottery and means so so much. 

One of the most recognised and iconic singers in pop music history, Dion has sold almost 250 million albums during her career spanning over 30 years and earned five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards and seven American Music Awards. 

I think my buddy booking experience went considerably smooth as both dates sold out in like an hour I was told. 

The 49-year-old Canadian, known for her powerhouse vocals, rocked the house on her debut in the Lion City and Dion sounded super awesome. I miss them already. Come back soon, please.

I can’t describe how lucky I feel because I have had the opportunity of a lifetime: Seeing and hearing pop diva Celine Dion made her debut in the Lion City on July 3. 

Dion was amazing. She sang so many of her hits and nailed every note, spot on. The opening act was The Power of Love and That's the Way it is.  The other songs performed included crowd-pleasing classics, during her ballad queen era during the nineties, like, To Love You More and It's All Coming Back To Me Now. Fans were cheering and singing along the entire time.  Her band was made up of very talented musicians. 

She teased the crowd and made us laugh; love her sense of humour.  She told the audience not to ask why it took her so long to come to Singapore and jokingly said that now she wanted to move to our sunny shores as she realised it was so beautiful.

She also showed her vulnerable side as her husband Rene Angelil and her brother Daniel both died within days of each other in 2016 of cancer with a heartfelt song, Recovering, written by pop star Pink.

The concert ended with River Deep, Mountain High and she returned to the stage with, My Heart Will Go On...

Known for her powerhouse vocals and the voice behind smash hits like, My Heart... and Because You Loved Me, she wowed a full-house crowd at MBS Grand Ballroom. 

This morning as I hold the album, Celine Dion and listen to it again with my car stereo, and when Oscar Winning Song, Beauty And The Beast came on... Oh, my gosh... It was a hair-raising and pop phenomenon; Celine Dion left me gasping for breath once again. 

Truly mindblowing and awesome. Always a pleasure to hear her bring back such good memories of a time gone by."