A nostalgic charm
The oldest estate in Singapore speaks of great nostalgic charm; once a cluttered residential area overcrowded with shophouse and squatter settlements, Tiong Bahru Estate today gives light to the rise of various hipster cafes and quaint boutiques, at the same time retaining its modest look.
In this shoot with Tay Kewei & Alfred Sim, this pair of songbirds shares with us their thoughts on the mishmash of the old and new in this estate, as well as fond memories of their childhood times...
HELLO Kewei & Alfred! We are in one of our oldest estates in Singapore! any memories or thoughts towards this place?
Kewei: For my Final Year Project in NTU Communications, I worked with Sing Melody Children's Choir which was based in Tiong Bahru CC. We planned their recruitment drive and Open House for them, as well as the marketing and educational outreach aspects. It was so much fun, as there was a junior choir aged 4-8, and a senior one from 9-16. The junior choir was the cutest thing ever! Our musical workshops in different pre-schools and publicity eventually culminated in a full-day Open House at Tiong Bahru CC, where children attended different music workshops and activity stations to learn more about music through play.
Alfred: I really liked the houses here, i even jokingly told Kewei that someday I want to stay in one of these houses!
What is your fondest memory at your childhood estate?
Kewei: I grew up at Eunos Crescent and went to school at Bedok - I remember my bus journeys, hanging around the interchange, walking home after school... I would go to the Bedok library with my mother, who always instilled in us the good habit of reading, and we would go for A&W waffles and curly fries just around the corner of the library :)
Alfred: My bother and I used to hang out at the playground nearby our HDB block, thats where we meet neighbourhood friends. We made it a point to change up after school and rush down to the playground before coming back home for school work and dinner!
Tiong Bahru estate is one of our oldest estates, what do you think of the changes from the past to the present?
Kewei: Tiong Bahru is now irresistably hipster but still carries the flavour of a chill and nostalgic estate, would love to live in the walk-up apartments there if I had the chance!
Alfred: There's a recent change to this place, as we see more hipster cafe started opening for business. It is no more a mature estate for the old follks, these cafes and eateries brought our youngsters and tourists to one of our oldest estate, there's some form of history lesson involved!
So, how do you like these outfits specially designed by Amanda Lee for both of you?
Kewei: I especially love the lace crop top that is so well crafted - the way it drapes perfectly in front! Also the back mesh details are lovely - this top is so endearing and sweet! The skirt is also a dream to wear - just the right length and swirls in perfect fashion.
Alfred: Ok I know that I've a very stern and serious face, but I'm not the traditional black suit guy. I love to explore colourful outfits and bold designs... I've never thought of wearing checkered jackets, but it seems to me that I have to pull it off with a bit of the English feel. I've never expected that I looked more korean instead Super like it!
The housing estates in Tiong Bahru is the first public housing estate in Singapore, built in 1930s by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), these pre WW2 estates are now put under conservation along with some shophouses at Outram Road.
I think we love the juxtaposition of peace and bustle within the estate, now that its infused with a new lease of life. Don't you think so too?
Photography by: Raymond Phang Photography http://raymondphang.com/
Hair and make up by: The Make Up Room (Jyue Huey) http://the-makeuproom.com/
Special thanks to: Alfred and Kewei