Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Photo Contributions from CK Chin & Tommy Tan, Tick Hock, Kim Lai

To celebrate National Day 2012, Team FatBird planned a scenic run into the tourist resort of Sentosa - an idyllic resort with sun, sea and sand.  Two weeks into registration, we had already hit capacity reservations of 130 runners, many whom were looking for a chance to have a holiday run in Sentosa, as well as visit some of the attractions they have heard so much about.

As part of Singapore's 47th Birthday Celebrations, all of us were decked in red and white, carrying flags and whistles to display our love and affection for the beautiful island nation of ours.  After a symbolic group photo right in front of the SAFRA MF Clubhouse, we proceeded down to the Sentosa Gateway, where we 'married up' with another group of runners who had gone in from Harbourfront, not before breaking into wishes of peace, prosperity and progress for Singapore with some hearty 'Happy Birdthday' singing.

With a $1 entrance fee contribution, we were determined to make the most of our visit into Sentosa with photos from the Universal Studios, Hard Rock Hotel, and all the way to Silosa Beach, the start of the rather long beach front dotted with holiday chalets fronting the beautiful beach front full of beach goers and holiday makers.

There was a hive of excitement and enthusiasm from the FatBird flock as we soaked in the holiday atmosphere and admired the sandy beaches and attractions like the Luge, Songs Of The Sea, Pirate Ships.  When we saw the rope bridge across the lagoon, we just had to line up for some fantastic group photos, all the while screaming and shouting ourselves hoarse with greetings of 'Happy Birthday, Singapore!'

After touring Siloso and Palawan beaches, the majority were game to explore the central portions of Sentosa - Satellite Hill and Sentosa Cove attractions.  More group photos and great memories were captured, making the rather hilly journey worth all the effort.  After about 13km of frolicking, some were game to stretch to Tanjong Beach, while others were content to tour the beach area and sip coffee and cold drinks, lazing around under the cool shade of coconut trees.  

On the way back, we jumped onto the trams in high spirits, egging our friends to pace along with the buses as we gave shouts and cheers of encouragement.  It was good fun as all were laughing heartily, cracking jokes and teasing one another as all the groups made our way to the final meeting point at 7-11.  There we enjoyed the special National Day offer of 1-1 Magnum ice-cream and ice-cool blueberry Gatorade.  With the mood still high, we did an off-road exploration of the Jungle Trail before making our way back along the Sentosa Boardwalk back to MF Clubhouse.  

As we approached from Telok Blangah Way, we were motivated by the cheers of the earlier group who were holding out the National Flag and blowing whistles with loud applause to encourage our final finish.  As we crossed the line, we were congratulated on accomplishing a great run to celebrate the nation's birthday, and given a pat on our backs.  By then, it was near noon - time passes real fast when we are having fun and not in a real rush to go anywhere.

As the FatBirds chill out in airconditioned comfort inside the ClubHouse, the various groups shared their morning's adventures and the places that they have visited.  For many of us, most of the places were new to us, at least not on foot.  It was yet another happening FatBird Weekender for all, and there were already proposals of new locations for the next Holiday Weekender :)  Here's wishing one and all a Happy National Day.  

Happy 47th Birthday, Singapore!