First time featured in newspapers :D

Cute and colorful Hongbao :)

I read in mypaper.sg regarding "$780 and counting as kids bag fat Hongbao" beginning of this week.

Fyi, 'Hongbao' is Chinese wording, translated as 'red packets'. As I mentioned in earlier blog post, red is believed to be an auspicious color, meant to bring an abundance of luck. So by giving red packets means giving good luck (well wishing) to the receiver :)

During Chinese New Year (first two-week of lunar calendar), those married individuals distribute Hongbao to single unmarried individuals, which filled with crisp new notes inside. The amount will vary from person to person, depending on the relation between the giver and the receiver. The closer the relationship, the more generous amount usually given or received.

Also, the amount will be in even numbers, e.g. $2, $6, $8, $10, $20, and so on as Chinese believes that even numbers represent that things will be well rounded. $4 is the exception and avoided as it brings similarity to the word 'death' in many dialects. In Singapore, it is common to receive Hongbao with a minimum amount of $6 and as high as $20 among relatives. Again, it may differ as people's financial situation differs from one to another.

In Indonesia, grandparents are usually the ones who will give the most, followed by parents. Close relatives will give quite a lot too. Again, this may differ according to the financial capabilities.

Spend or save Hongbao? - thesundaytimes - sundaylife! Feb 9, 2014

On the same day I read about the article, that afternoon my colleague called and asked me if I was willing to be interviewed by the Straits Times (our local newspaper) or not. Since I was free and the topic seemed general, so why not? I was informed that there would be a photo-taking session too. Hehehe.... I accepted the offer almost immediately Lolx!

So my colleague sent the information to the reporter and the reporter interviewed my son and I through telephone. She wanted to know what did I do with my son's Hongbao money after being collected each year. The answer was simple: I put all the amount inside his bank account.

She was wondering though, if my son ever asked any amount from the Hongbao from me so that he could use that money to buy things that he likes. I said, so far, no. He never demanded that all along until now, when he reached 11 years old. When asked what would I do with the money, I said it's for safekeeping or maybe one day he might need it for future use, e.g. education, etc.

He didn't ask for the money because he also got things that he wanted during his Birthday or Christmas. In fact, he was quite concerned and protected his money of being used when we jokingly asked him to treat us dinner or buy gift using his saving. He would immediately answer "no". Lolx!

Then few days ago the photographer came to our house to take our photos. She took lots of shots but only one was posted. Big enough for us to be seen hehehehe... :P

And this morning I bought the newspaper and had a cup of coffee, sitting relaxedly at the coffee shop with my hubby. I know, it's not like we achieved something or did anything heroically so that we were featured there. However, it was our first time to appear in the newspaper, with our photo there, somewhere in the middle of the Sunday Life session. It was fun for me. After living and staying in Singapore for more than 12 years, finally I had a chance to appear Hahaha... Good experience :)

Thank you SB for the opportunity given :) Thank you, thank you, and thank you! ^^