F1 2012 Singapore Grand Prix

A few weeks back, kh and I had the privilege to attend the F1 Singapore Grand Prix qualifying night race with tickets courtesy from his organization. Kh and two other of his colleagues were appointed to attend the event as their organization's representatives for this function with ministers.  He stressed that it was compulsory to bring their spouses.




I haven't really been that interested in Formula 1 racing coupled with the fact that I had another important event till evening which clashed. As such, I gave him a flat no. He told me that there would be ministers (and in particular importance to him, the Chief of Air Force) there and that it was disrespectful if I did not attend.

A few days prior to the F1 weekend, kh forwarded me an email which opened my eyes. It was only then that I realised our tickets were for the most expensive suite -- the Temasek Suite. It was also stated how coveted the tickets were and that it was an honour to be appointed to attend the event. Bearing these in mind, I immediately told kh that I would be the good wife and appear dutifully by his side (ahem!). We had to compromise. The both of us would miss the late afternoon activities at the F1 Paddock Club while I would strive to leave as soon as my event was over.




Just to share with all of you something funny. Here is a screenshot of my jealous 2nd bro-in-law screaming and shouting in the Ng family Watsapp group chat when he found out about our tickets.

2nd BIL:
I HEARD SOMEBODY GOT FREE F1 TICKET THIA [sic] YEAR
TEMASEK SUITE
BO JIO!!

Youngest BIL:
DAD??

2nd BIL:
SOMEBODY AND HIS WIFE

BO JIOOOOO!


For my non-Singaporean/ non-Chinese/ non-Hokkien readers, "bo jio" means "never ask me go". There is also a popular "bo jio" internet meme making its round as seen in the picture that he had attached.

On the day of the event, we had to park our car at the National Stadium since the roads around Marina Bay were closed for the race. We were issued a personal wristband on top of our passes and then shuttled to the Formula One Paddock Club. The whole process made us feel like VIPs.

At the Paddock Club Lifestyle area, we were able to enjoy access to an exclusive champagne bar with live entertainment, a wellness centre, numerous food and recreational booths as well as a merchandise area.

The fortune teller's booth was really popular. Kh is not one who likes seeing fortune tellers as he believes in self-fulfilling prophecy driving the truth in the fortune teller's words thereafter. Hence, even though it was complimentary, he was adamant on not having our futures told. According to one of kh's colleague and wife, the fortune teller was 99% accurate that they were baffled beyond words and did not venture to ask too many questions. They were somewhat scared of knowing too much.




I had not eaten lunch then and was hoping to find some finger foods or canapes in the bar that seemed to be serving only champagne from its name.




To my utter delight, light snacks were served. I absolutely loved the tender steak. Kh's colleague reminded us not to eat too much for there should be better dinner food at the suite.




An obligatory shot with the 2012 Formula 1 backdrop was what everyone wanted as a piece of evidence to take home, proving that they were indeed at the event.



In case you are wondering why we were clad in smart casual togs to a racing event instead of comfortable casual attire, all I can say is that somebody fixed the dress code informing that Chief of Air Force would be in dressed in long sleeves shirt and pants. If CAF would be in long sleeves shirt, how could kh and his colleagues be any less former than that?

All the AF personnel had to be in the suite before the CAF arrived. Hence, we hurriedly made our way along neverending stretches of corridors before finally reaching our destination which was located right at the end of the temporary building and directly over the grandstand.




Jo: "This pass so coveted. Die die must take photo with it!"
Kh: [rolls eyes]




It was still daylight and the drivers were practising on the tracks. We did to try and capture a "shot" of an F1 car. It was a mean feat! There was never a clear image since the cars sped past at lightning speed.




This were how the suite and the food stations looked like.




Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean, other cabinet ministers as well as CAF and his wife arrived at the suite not too long later.

Then we helped ourselves with the food. It was buffet style dining but the food was a mixture of fusion and fine-dining. The dishes were absolutely delectable.

Kh and I sat at the same table with Chief of Air Force and his wife. They are such affable people! CAF has a good sense of humour and CAF's wife is such a pleasant lady.




In the midst of dining, one of the coordinator there informed us that the pit lanes were opened for walking. She told us not to worry as food would still be served till late. With that, we rounded up kh's colleagues and their wives so as to go together as a group.




We were handed ear plugs but I soon realised I did not really need them. I thought there would be the deafening noises from the speeding tyres but there were only noises from the revving engines which were acceptable for my ears. Having ear plugs on made me feel like I was transported to another dimension where I was enclosed in a little bubble, shut off from all the buzzing background noises and the sound of my own voice and footsteps were amplified ten-fold.





It was really warm and humid down at the pits with the strong white lights illuminating the whole area such that it felt almost like daylight. Nonetheless, we had a fun time walking along the tracks.






I told kh to snap those leggy beauties coz I love ogling at gals. They were about a head taller than me!








After the pit lane walk, it was more food for us back at the suite. Kh and I joined his colleagues and their partners since CAF and his wife had left. I just had to try the fish coz everyone said it was good. The rest of them were already having their desserts.




The qualifying round concluded and there was Sebastian Vettel being interviewed by hordes of reporters.




We explored the surroundings of the suite just to breathe in the outdoor air of the race circuit. We had wanted to check out the concerts especially Maroon 5 but the stage was only walking distance from the suite if we had gone in a straight line. Alas, the expressway was in between.




Another obligatory shot.




Make that two.




The trophies




The AF group




Before this photo was taken, kh did the exact same pose as Sebastian Vettel while I lifted the F1 official programme like what Lewis Hamilton was doing in the picture behind. I then posed properly for the camera not knowing that kh continued his imitation.




Finally, kh cooperated.




I was enthralled by the patterns on the sand but more enthralled by the fact that nobody felt the urge to destroy the art.




I love kueh pai ti. Those weren't your usual kueh pai ti coz they come in Singapore chilli crab flavour or foei gras. Most delicious! The foei gras wasn't even in paste form but the pan seared kind. Our absolute favourite!




The booths were still open and I had half the mind to go for some massages and foot reflexology but kh wasn't keen due to the queue. Don't you just hate it when things are free and your hubby refused to join the queue? It wasn't even long and I so badly needed some massages.

Not wanting to leave yet, I told kh that we had not even made good use of all the privileges at the Paddock Club. Hence, we headed to the champagne bar once more and ended our night with some bubblies.