Living Moments (Part 16)

I read with a tinge of sadness that Rediffusion will call it a day at the end of April 2012. It is the first and oldest radio broadcasting station in Singapore. 

Rediffusion has always been a part of my childhood…. For as long as I could remember; when I was growing up in my old house, it would perpetually be blasting way.

The programmes covered almost everything imaginable, from entertainment, advertisement, to a whole range of information – broadcasting them in English and the main Chinese dialects. They appealed to the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the educated and the ignorant, and people from many spheres of society.

I was particularly enamoured by the dee jays. With deep and resonant voices, they captured my mind with well-chosen words, humour, and endearing stories. I looked to them as heroes and I wished I could be as charismatic as them, moving the hearts of the masses.

Another highlight of Rediffusion was that until today, I could not find better story tellers than the ones that were working for it. They would oftentimes hold me at the edge of my seat as they told enchanting tales – chapter after chapter, night after night – and making me go through a plethora of emotions.

I would never forget one of its most popular story-telling programmes, loosely translated as ‘Beyond The Demonic World’. It was scheduled to be on air every night from 11pm until midnight. 

The story teller would regale us or shall I say haunt us with tales from beyond the graves. They were mostly so eerie we had to literally huddle together and cover ourselves with blanket, waiting for the next chilling turn of events.

On many nights, shortly after the scary story has ended, a push-cart hawker selling ‘Dim Sum’ would pass by our house. He would shout in an almost ghostly tone, “Chaaaar Sieeeeeeew Paooooooo!…”. We would either have a good laugh or we would wrap our blankets over our complete body and try to find solace in sleeping.

It was Rediffusion that sparked me to cultivate a love for good music and singing. It was an interest that has brought me untold joy, and musical artistes have on many occasions lifted me to another level of undescribable elation. 

In the days of old when Rediffusion reigned over the airwaves, fortunately the programmes were always about good triumphing over the bad. Positive values would always overcome negativity and bring about good endings. 

Even though I outgrew Rediffusion and our family eventually gave up subscribing for its services, it will always be a part of my life. I will always be grateful to it. 

It has contributed to developing my character, especially during an important part of my formative years. Without sounding corny, it has planted the seed of a hero within me. When there is a distress call, that hero will stand for the right and may be unleashed to save the day. 

I hope this message will find a place in your heart.

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

Visit my Inspiration blog at http://liewinspiration.wordpress.com/

Visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com/

Please read them and continue to teach me.

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