Morning Run in Saigon

A pre-dawn run along the streets of Ho Chi Minh City is something I have not done despite the frequent visits to this city, where is full of surprises. I had an appointment with my father-in-law, Ba Thanh for a morning walk at 5am (6am Singapore time). I was up at 4am, because my alarm is still tuned to Singapore time. I had my lap-top on, and edited some SEA Games pictures rather than falling back into unconsciousness.

We began with a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, and I got to see the locals start their day. The absence of motorbikes allowed me to absorb the sights and sound of a typical pre-dawn scene along the streets. A woman sweeping her doorsteps, another burning incense for a morning prayer, and a young man catching up on sleep with seated on his bike and waiting for his partner. I can imagine the number of engines being cranked to life as the city awakes.

We passed by a market, where meat sellers were already displaying chunks of fresh meat and food carts are spewing steam and the fragrance of hot soup. Time to gear up for next week's In-camp training, and I started running on the second round. Took me about 9 minutes for the 2km route. Not bad, after not running for 1 month.

Now I understand why the locals need an after-lunch siesta, and I probably will have mine this afternoon. I ll be glad to receive some more surprises from this city, something like a crowded 2-storey barbeque restaurant hidden in the narrow streets, or a french style cafe operating out of a wooden villa, with live music to go along.

SEA Games-Thailand 2007

It has come and gone, the 24th SEA Games in Thailand is my first Games assignment and could be the longest overseas assignment (3 weeks), until the next one comes along. Its not as punishing as I thought it would be, probably because of the unexpected events that happen daily. My reporter, Xiujing and I were the most well-travelled and longest-serving team among the Singapore Press. We covered all 3 places (Bangkok, Korat and Pattaya) and worked for 22 days. I had a great time except for the travelling time and the vomit-inducing ride out at sea while covering the sailing at Pattaya. Try getting a shot with a 600mm lens while sitting on a small speedboat in choppy sea.... 9 frames out of 10 will be off and the fishes will be well-fed with your breakfast.

I got a feel of the solidarity of photojournalist from various countries when we boycotted a swimming final. It happened after the organisers decided to ban us from the pool side, even after being allowed to shoot there for the past 2 days. We were told to shoot from the spectator stands. The shots from the stands will be crap, hence, we staged a boycott, except for a few.



Photographers boycotting the swimming finals by refusing to shoot from the spectators stands. (Left) My pal Trevor from TODAY.


I promise to put up pictures of SEA Games 2007-Unposed! A little tribute to sports photographers, who went to great lengths to capture the decisive moments in sports photography. I am beginning to love this unique trade. Till the next Games comes along...



Singapore's Peter Edward Gilchrist in the Men's Team Snooker Semi-Finals.

Sea Games 2007-Thailand

I have been in Thailand for 2 weeks already, covering the Sea Games in Bangkok, and now in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). Its a large rural province more than 3 hours by bus and 250 km northeast of Bangkok. Nothing much compared to the nightlife of Bangkok, but the sporting action make up for it.

Have been working more than 12 hours daily, rushing from venue to venue, with the help of our driver Kay (in picture). Tiring task, but a good break from the daily news assignments back home. The Thais love sports! While in Bangkok for the 1st week. youth can be seen playing football on pavement outside the stadium every night, there are no designated fields, just a pair of shoes as goal post and its play time. There could be hundreds of them playing on every empty space they can find around the stadium (see picture). As if to show their support for sports, the authority played music on outdoor speakers at these ad-hoc sport venue. As for the Sea Games, there are bound to have spectators in every sporting venue, and of course, the Thais are participating in almost every single event. Im writing this at the aquacentre while a water polo match is going (Thai vs Malaysia).





I beginning to enjoy shooting sports. The excitement and electic atmosphere are addictive, and less posed picture are required. Sadly, posed picture are still the preferred front page photo in my publication. Isn't sports all about heart-stopping action, triumph and humans physical and mental prowess? As a reader, I wont rather see action pictures than the number and colour of medals we got for the day.