881

881 is a local movie highly promoted this week. It's about getais singer. The viewership is good and from radio 933, about half of the Singaporean has watched it. One of the lead singer in the show is Yang Yan Yan, daughter of ah lek kor. (my mum's friend) She finally had this chance after 'soaking' in the industry since (wat, 10 yrs ago?) long long time. Born a Johorean, she started her first role in 'Bo Ying Ren' starring Sharon Ou. After which, landed with most of the 'green leaf' role. Then she switched to drama and theatrical show.

This movie, brought back a lot of memories to me. My mum used to be a getai singer. My dad, a drummer, who in the later part also run his own getai 'The Traveller' and fun-fair business. Their getai in the 70's was the most popular and famous. So famous that they did a recording and they even got a 'Platinum plate' award. I still remember mum running shows after shows, sometimes even gotta changed her bling bling clothings in the car. Grandma and i would wait for her at the backstage. Everyone in the getais would dote on me.

Back then, i can't appreciate all these but always thought it's quite shameful. I dare not tell anyone what my parents did. Just dunno why, i always wish my mum is a housewife and my papa, a policeman or businessman like most of my little classmate have. No one told me what they did was also business and proper. But as i grow up, i'm so proud of them. They did their job so well that they are, or had been famous and popular once. Just for what they love and did.

There were many newspaper report that mum kept over the years featuring her & "The Travellers". The 'Platinum Plate' award is still standing straight up on the wall in our living room. Though it has been there for years, my mama & papa still look like their yesteryears. It is unfortunate that besides inheriting some of their musical sense, I'm just like another follower, doing the same job, leading the same life all these years, not sure whether if it is what i want. I have no courage to be like them.