Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Singapore hit by flash floods after heavy rain

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singapore-hit-flash-floods-after-heavy-rain
By Isabelle Liew, The New Paper, 24 January 2017 at 06:00 am


The water level at Kallang River in the flood plain at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park had threatened to overflow at 11am yesterday.
PHOTO: The water level at Kallang River in the flood plain at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park had threatened to overflow at 11am yesterday. PUB sends out warnings after heavy rain caused by prevailing North-East Monsoon conditions.
Picture taken and posted by Isabelle Liew, The New Paper, 24 January 2017 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtf94pbm9xb9Sw9vl-MJJPpvjBoTWq4adkN1M7UMEnnvI_tlPnWKukFF0Fv1ziCr-rjM5TGKfE1Kqtj0gMuVbZy28rOY1rcjiJWhn5wVTStYr_4yd7CEY_F-p7nD6LNyDOGqkRRGn39Yh/s1600/NP_20170124_ILFLOOD24_1489228.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/01/24/NP_20170124_ILFLOOD24_1489228.jpg?itok=bbNy9ZkS
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singapore-hit-flash-floods-after-heavy-rain


Heavy rain from 10pm on Sunday until noon yesterday led to 32 traffic accidents and multiple flooded areas across the island.

Flash floods occurred at a 20m stretch at the junction of Craig Road and Tanjong Pagar Road, and a 30m stretch at Maxwell Road (towards Kadayanallur Street) after South Bridge Road at around 9am, PUB said in a statement yesterday.

A PUB spokesman said: "Drainage improvement works at the junction of Maxwell Road and Tanjong Pagar Road will commence next month and are expected to complete by the third quarter of this year."


Having fun in the flood in Singapore in 1974
PHOTO: Having fun in the flood in Singapore in 1974
Children enjoying themselves in the flood.  The early morning Sumatra (monsoon), travelling at a speed of 15-knots lashed through Singapore from west to east flooding several low lying areas.  The six-hour storm started at 5.30 am when thousands of workers and students were on their way to work and school.  The worst affected areas were Bukit Panjang Village and Tanjong Pagar where the water level was over 30 inches.  Both places were also not passable to traffic.
National Archives of Singapore (NAS) description of this photo taken on 21 May 1974 above.  Ways done in the past, floods in Singapore almost 43 years ago.
Posted by Thimbuktu on 1 July 2012 - Ways Done in the Past - Floods in Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGVWX7xqIzPX4LO-siQeMaS-S3PAhcz2SCbz-U1FEXbAEQD826mzJNnspHJMVJgQ8owOZIMYCp_9S50tzLEvY3YTrptY9wyFYKTHf8pfsKAwsT528PiuqJIf_oUBVP5Lxl9dHirZJecYu/s1600/flood+on+21051974b_sm.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq2R8vi4aYYENdvK5Bv6IM0nQcvhBBUicFztIHLoYmL-M70b8eEzR6OOGWhv9eXPA8jUrKFCeNJDT81BJ06wAKkHTbZkmO-0f9NYI9HtLgAEV5TazxmA8v-RiY88pAmcIJWM_BVTaheLO/s1600/flood+on+21051974b_sm.jpg
http://blogtoexpress.blogspot.sg/2012/07/ways-done-in-past-floods-in-singapore.html


At around 9.30am, PUB said on its social media pages that the water level at the Alexandra Canal Sub Drain B, at Prince Philip Avenue near Redhill MRT station, was at 100 per cent.

It also sent out a warning for several high flood-risk areas as water levels rose above 90 per cent at Tanjong Penjuru/Penjuru Road, Tiong Bahru Road/Boon Tiong Road and Jalan Seaview.

Bishan Road and Yio Chu Kang Road were also added to its list of high flood-risk areas at around 11.20am.


Flood in the kampong in 1954.
PHOTO: Flood in the kampong in 1954.
Source: National Archives of Singapore.
Picture posted by Thimbuktu on 15 October 2011 - Flood as Natural Disaster
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4SLD8CU8GvoTkx3ZJR32Ck8CIcbdzIq4QgGbEHF9yCGDOJPCBHQAO-UnqF4bwOVawzCcp2KCPqHfIta3D80xpoAKbJ-qUP5KTQXqe7yHZ9POE24tx8XOsqPsvCbZjPIGPAvuOobCBI_H/s1600/rainfall+04121978+at+kampong.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UHJguA-lgrkaDG0CcWtwWTRl1EjDYQ9nDQuRZkWk8iW0zN90QQqbcR7Isk5NEAHGpgR_5G-JXmJGel2yNK_jRD0iCxyfDkdF7ldh3UStJhq10Cc5g5nnurJDyJyUEJiXWsegnusHsd4/s400/rainfall+04121978+at+kampong.jpg
http://blogtoexpress.blogspot.sg/2011/10/flood-as-natural-disaster.html


The water levels for all of these areas fell below 90 per cent by noon.

The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) had said on Jan 16 that more showers are expected in the second half of the month due to prevailing North-East Monsoon conditions.


Flood at Geylang in 1974.
PHOTO: Flood at Geylang in 1974.
Source: National Archives of Singapore.
Picture posted by Thimbuktu on 15 October 2011 - Flood as Natural Disaster
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkFFQrSX7SIusNXucD7E0_gCplRXu1tb-kr1epILg5y7GsKzJibDVlo6j0BsA59__m3mbMOYd9upSXFbWFSliAViotu6cpp9yZA0hJx0LuP2myRE93CzECDkRTbPJpFhyajAcavsRNcgN/s1600/floods+at+geylang+09091974c.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPGJPhzRXmRRzy3eb27JvwZBbziOHYme4btF_zgJBRDGbCgyR0TqwWQ6-6v9eO_hmx7eW-iGu_hpwZ4H-5PVA3gnjMApdXea8Ynz_30vjF5-2Vr8GWqpBjHHE1XFVkWhAH-0DMWITLJs/s400/floods+at+geylang+09091974c.jpg
http://blogtoexpress.blogspot.sg/2011/10/flood-as-natural-disaster.html


When The New Paper visited the Alexandra Canal at noon yesterday, there was a slight drizzle, and the water level of the 1.2km-long canal had subsided to about half its height.


Floods at Alexandra Road in 1978.
PHOTO: Floods at Alexandra Road in 1978.
Source: National Archives of Singapore.
Picture posted by Thimbuktu on 15 October 2011 - Flood as Natural Disaster
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D9ZIkIiB_gvBXO2U5xodLvVnmhNyhFtXWXa-saby68Pnq8g3RQm-0DVD1Ix2wMyP8zQWymmRx2zCxz0QOTEMza-USVc6Mq8vZ4YyH83SbFi92NkD60JguR25YrALgHIfINs-qOdLTmtF/s1600/flood+at+alexandra+road2.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvePPKOh4PChEwdhlqnqwXfaIWJOxLVBwGheNvUcmzAr8ihhHvezmoayQ3ed6zlkeAkf_z1r8dyJ_IR_bV-ExH06Zdm1Fj2MdUSasuzPjWyZN-RrJZy_2bOeI6poqfRg3OL_PK_7m0vhI/s400/flood+at+alexandra+road2.jpg
http://blogtoexpress.blogspot.sg/2011/10/flood-as-natural-disaster.html


Workers from Toh Guan Enterprise Hub, who declined to be named, told TNP that the water threatened to overflow at 9am but did not.

High water levels at the Kallang River at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park also receded after the rain stopped, said the PUB spokesman.

Madam Cheong Lee Meng, 66, a retiree who lives in a block overlooking the park, said high water levels were common there.

"There is shallow water if there is no rain. There was heavy rain today, but I was not alarmed because the water didn't reach the bridge or pathway. The water receded fast after the rain stopped," she said.

Social media was flooded with photos and videos of the flash floods.

Places included Maxwell Road, Tanjong Pagar, Commonwealth, Supreme Court Lane and Upper Cross Street near the State Courts.


Women walk in the rain in Singapore's financial district Raffles Place on 25 August 2015.
PHOTO: Women walk in the rain in Singapore's financial district Raffles Place on 25 August 2015.
Picture posted by Alamy Ltd on 25 Aug 2015
http://h7.alamy.com/comp/F124AW/singapore-25th-aug-2015-women-walk-in-the-rain-in-singapores-financial-F124AW.jpg
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-singapore-25th-aug-2015-women-walk-in-the-rain-in-singapores-financial-86713841.html


Facebook user Jama Mohamed posted a video of a flash flood in a drain near the Commonwealth Crescent carpark.

Twitter user Shaiful Rizal, 30, was on his way to work at Lim Teck Kim Road in the Tanjong Pagar area at 9.20am when he lost his slippers in ankle-deep water.

He told TNP: "I lost my slippers while I was crossing the road at the traffic lights. My feet were fully submerged. Luckily I found some spare shoes in the office."

Lianhe Wanbao also reported that the water was gushing out from drains at the bus stop outside Haw Par Villa MRT station.


Water gushing from drains near the bus stop outside Haw Par Villa MRT station during a downpour yesterday.
PHOTO: Water gushing from drains near the bus stop outside Haw Par Villa MRT station during a downpour yesterday. The heavy rain led to 32 traffic accidents and flash floods in several areas across the island. Shop owners in Chinatown said the bad weather had dampened sales in the lead-up to Chinese New Year on Saturday.
PHOTO: LIANHE WANBAO
Picture posted by The New Paper on 24 January 2017 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioccOl-FEevC2-Qh_zqQ8gBV09BKr0JUBGgIXRDG1MH3RgzAD9BqPohIQtHzMg3BLo6D8dC5RPn12Pn5adUX7wUAYcMLl94iaUJdTeobrASy8AJajkLNIR9pxeIwvWlP4FLPGY53ZT7EK2/s1600/NP_20170124_P1CAP24_1489357.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/01/24/NP_20170124_P1CAP24_1489357.jpg?itok=hW8YTsO5
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/heavy-rain-sparks-crashes-floods


SPARED
Upper Thomson Road, which was hit by flash floods last Thursday and on Christmas Eve, was spared during yesterday's rain.

Mr Syed Ridzwan, 40, a waiter at The Roti Prata House, near Jalan Keli, told TNP that he was thankful that it did not flood.

He said: "I was worried at first, but everything was under control. I am still worried about business being affected because customers are scared that it will flood here."


Pedestrians walking in the rain as water floods the streets of Upper Thomson on Saturday (Dec 24), the day before Christmas.
PHOTO: Pedestrians walking in the rain as water floods the streets of Upper Thomson on Saturday (Dec 24), the day before Christmas.
Photos by Tiffany Cheng, posted by NewFuture
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhD1qfcgOv-OBIRtw9qExCYXoSUledMmhrT4XbZtR7QKwnXS_A_PW-qerlDWLGI3L0iLtUq28EHykdDmXRW8wqkGVVJC1PWt0kAtZdahIPIWpoDkOt9gCdar1GiN76MnAfC8GqOYZD5e3/s1600/flash-flood-upper-thomson-1-data.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/blob/3392044/1482574840000/flash-flood-upper-thomson-1-data.jpg
https://cforum.cari.com.my/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=3931721


Shop owners in Chinatown said the rain had dampened sales in the run-up to Chinese New Year on Saturday.

An MSS spokesman said the heaviest rainfall as of 5pm yesterday was recorded mostly over the south-eastern and south-western parts of the island - around Kallang (99.6mm), Buona Vista (96.6mm), Queenstown (92.4mm) and Marina Barrage (91.0mm).

By Isabelle Liew, The New Paper, 24 January 2017 at 06:00 am


Giant monitor lizard causes stir in HDB estate
PHOTO: Giant monitor lizard causes stir in HDB estate
SINGAPORE : A giant monitor lizard caused a stir in Rivervale in Sengkang estate on Sunday afternoon. The lizard, which was about two metres long, was tied up by residents.

Rescuers from the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) removed the rope and tape. A spokesman from ACRES said the creature appeared to be very tired and upset. They have released it to a suitable habitat that is approved by the National Parks Board. ACRES said the monitor lizard could have used the drain to get to the housing estate after a heavy downpour. - CNA/ms, Satish Cheney Channel NewsAsia, 11 July 2010
Posted by Ria Tan on 7 December 2010 at 09:06:00 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqDlzrs5RxKUyyu7JcyQRBgCQ99Ig-rGvDyu_bME4wZ3d26PmV9rl6SD_Bv5p5sA3NHMFwpu66oKuLr3AoXVkYZAOzaPNM0qT3SJMJKodP4DCs61YBG8UhRuhJbeaW0jNL7CtCL3fTguA/s1600/phpkRQgyg.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xcnnq2s3lQLofNVPFPUCIU88pTiSfiq7e7CA6XYNtMWMCvAbOKIvzD_dC9OFcBgFE-l5Gz9dUYN334ZIG3yn12cAyjQZ2H7ucsvCt5s3dteRESBxhVhf8b6TDwKXJIFlSGjO7F6LMYE/s400/phpkRQgyg.jpg
http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.sg/2010/07/giant-monitor-lizard-causes-stir-in-hdb.html#.WIaxd7mYQz8


Orchard, Scott, Paterson and Tanglin roads were also submerged in flood water as traffic was brought to a standstill for more than an hour as the usually crowded shopping district is turned into a ‘ghost town’.
PHOTO: Orchard, Scott, Paterson and Tanglin roads were also submerged in flood water as traffic was brought to a standstill for more than an hour as the usually crowded shopping district is turned into a ‘ghost town’. Such rampant flooding is almost unheard of before 2009 with some Singaporeans speculating if the Marina Barrage might be a possible cause.
Posted by Rick Rickster on 7 June 2011
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2kS6bnbY8aP5ZVxMBHlXhYQKO0CcRKYxRBPj9jwEvl8Nkb_CWNPnUYzMXUEGla2-T2hiq8WxVCOhnkhb2q6ZU3Nl9glC86IkE38hyphenhyphenbz_iq5oCNDSSQCqhRpwQowLpfeDC7aFLWTK04CY/s1600/0506flooding12.jpg
http://singaporege2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/0506flooding12.jpg
http://poleshift.ning.com/m/blogpost?id=3863141%3ABlogPost%3A205398&maxDate=2011-06-08T20%3A47%3A27.282Z



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Monday, January 23, 2017

More renting fake boyfriends online during Chinese New Year

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/more-renting-fake-boyfriends-online-during-chinese-new-year
By Seow Yun Rong, reporter, The New paper, 07 February 2016 at 06:00 am


More women renting fake boyfriends online to mollify relatives during Chinese New Year.
PHOTO: More women renting fake boyfriends online to mollify relatives during Chinese New Year
One can even rent an ideal boyfriend online.
TNP Photo Illustration by Gavin Foo, posted on 07 February 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNx7rnK_C0C5sWWBeKNY_I0uqUwRlLxjocIEciGJOMhCT-Ikqe9pvJO7ZkHpagWRycqKLFEz-Fjijv837aDOgQfgqvDV_BoHQkqLGFpA1TieNwjcKny_yk8SiV4hNK8McD01sLkFrpJum/s1600/NP_20160207_YRRENT_1160416.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large-portrait/public/articles/2016/02/07/NP_20160207_YRRENT_1160416.jpg?itok=xnSE7afT
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/more-renting-fake-boyfriends-online-during-chinese-new-year


Annoyed with aunties pestering you about your love life during reunions?

Now, you can rent your ideal boyfriend online.

The practice of hiring a male escort to pose as a Chinese New Year date is not new, but the emergence of online agencies like Rent-a-Gent, Singapore Man and Real Men SG is making it more mainstream.

You can even use Paypal instead of making cash payments.

Previously, agency managers reported seeing an increase of between 20 and 25 per cent in bookings during Chinese New Year.

Online agencies such as Rent-a-Gent also report a spike. A spokesman says they have seen "three times more interest" in hiring their male escorts, compared to last year.


Rent-a-Gent also report a spike in business, with three times more interest in hiring their male escorts, compared to the previous year.
PHOTO: Rent-a-Gent also report a spike in business, with three times more interest in hiring their male escorts, compared to the previous year. Their clients specifically use their service to get their families to stop asking them about their boyfriend and marriage plans.
Picture posted by Mathias Dillion on 07 February 2016 at 02:10:00
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkb0lDmQKD_gp54mcv6ZVyT3GiI6fYgxF1eMceL48nFFIxFN2s6hyphenhyphenjO6qhwhMh8urejGgw_yNsDn3HjYXb0APoHr_miD8w5yOBhwca8dnfAya0-6zj3qI8-CdKu47DnP5Y5wo7jmEGidS/s1600/30F2409100000578-3435179-image-a-37_1454786448825.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/02/06/19/30F2409100000578-3435179-image-a-37_1454786448825.jpg
http://www.capitalbay.news/news/973382-chinese-new-year-2016-celebrations-get-going-around-the-world-with-fireworks-and-dragons.html


He says that although most clients hire escorts to spend the holidays with, they also have clients who "specifically use our service to get their families to stop asking them about their boyfriend and marriage plans".

The hire-boyfriend or girlfriend gambit is quite popular.

In China, men place advertisements for their services.

In Japan, gigolo bars are popular with unmarried women who are not shy about flashing their cash to buy companionship during Christmas, Valentine's Day and other occasions.


The hire-boyfriend or girlfriend gambit is quite popular.
PHOTO: The hire-boyfriend or girlfriend gambit is quite popular.
Unmarried women are not shy about flashing their cash to buy companionship during Christmas, Valentine's Day and other occasions.
Picture posted by daum.net on 08 February 2016 at 12:53
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK7U7jZ27Nl0ULm_D_A3alhpxb2iDu7QYFXlKrrwJbdSortaqOTtV1J9y-RxcqLWjbq0118DS7iW4CiBgrbXryh4NlXm6v3qYtvHjAH7e6Bqux26JW4oKwFFgBhen9D-PEqUQtFVJoJQT/s1600/20%25252C_%2525EB%25259F%2525B0%2525EB%25258D%252598.jpg
http://i1.media.daumcdn.net/uf/image/U01/agora/56B7BB75392372000A
http://m.blog.daum.net/_blog/_m/articleView.do?blogid=0b6zd&articleno=10169


APP
Meanwhile in Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post recently reported that about 10 advertisements have appeared in Jobdoh, a smartphone application that connects casual workers and employers. Fee: HK$250 (S$45) for an hour of acting.

The idea of getting paid and eating traditional Chinese pastries for free sounds like a dream job, but it is by no means an easy one.

"You will receive and memorise all the information on who you are, how we met (and) our future plans," says one of the job descriptions from a woman looking for a fake boyfriend so her family "won't be on my nerves".

"You will act like a gentleman - caring, attentive, no swear words nor smoking allowed."


Fake boyfriend will act like a gentleman - caring, attentive, no swear words nor smoking allowed.
PHOTO: Fake boyfriend will act like a gentleman - caring, attentive, no swear words nor smoking allowed.
"You will receive and memorise all the information on who you are, how we met (and) our future plans," says one of the job descriptions from a woman looking for a fake boyfriend so her family "won't be on my nerves".
Picture posted by Christine Hsu on 07 February 2013 at 02:07 PM EST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAVPl1JSt4kV_AitsbwOMVCirqdb-d4HGHTRUzcKOYKiRAAX2S5X6EAEeSkmxYWZcUBH98IhPYXNyJLU-V0lqSGsT2o8zwsHJJ2wYpGwUNuKP2DVUDgSHc9FOD7-g5QlbszDQ7DBnwozx/s1600/china-and-couple.jpg
http://images.counselheal.com/data/images/full/2453/china-and-couple.jpg
http://www.counselheal.com/articles/3786/20130207/why-many-chinese-women-renting-fake-boyfriends.htm


The men are also expected to keep their hands and lips in check.

"Absolutely no kissing and beyond but hand-holding and a hug may be necessary to make it look real," says the job description.

"Ideal if you can play mahjong and can drink a lot."

Some were even looking for a fake partner to visit their relatives in mainland China.

Back in Singapore, a quick check of the three escort websites reveals that it will cost between $200 and $750 for an hour, or between $3,000 and $5,000 a day.

Offline social escort agencies generally charge $250 to $375 an hour.


Not everybody in China can bring a partner along to family get-togethers.


PHOTO: Not everybody in China can bring a partner along to family get-togethers. For many single men and women, these gatherings can be a highly stressful time when relatives start asking questions of a personal nature. Fortunately before the Chinese New Year, there is an explosion of listings of men offering their services as pretend boyfriends.
Picture posted by Debra Xu, BBC News Services on 22 April 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0mDR2dsAikFzEfZSiC8lHwE2XCO4_bqV12h-VA1RTGXgFihiwmpzPB6kKE0kb_0hjvRI553p1rM90DN5ImUDBnDsHTxeuoKlBaCVt-AVmYcSlpmnkYuHok3aiHQKCjs-VMDdXc3lE51x/s1600/_74254630_kissing_getty-1.jpg
http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/media/images/74254000/jpg/_74254630_kissing_getty.jpg
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26185600


The Rent-a-Gent spokesman said they recently introduced a new category of escorts - the Handy Randy - after feedback from their clients that some of them wanted a more "believable" range of guys.

Their premium category is called Beyond Brad Pitt.

Social escort Vince previously told The New Paper on Sunday: "I make it a point to read widely, from entertainment magazines to serious stuff, like Forbes and Fortune.

"That's because the people who can afford our services are likely the ones who move about in high-society circles. You'd want to make the right impression," he says.

The spokesman for Rent-a-Gent says their escorts would "usually meet with the clients before the actual date to familiarise their back-story for the evening to ensure that things go smoothly".


Fake Boyfriend Can Earn Up To RM 41 280 A Month
PHOTO: Fake Boyfriend Can Earn Up To RM 41 280 A Month
According to News.au, Sui-Wei, 29, rents himself out as a boyfriend to single women who are under the pressure to find a partner by concerned parents. If a boyfriend isn’t quite enough to put their minds at ease, he can also play a very convincing husband.
Text posted by thecoverage on 09 February 2016, https://thecoverage.my/lifestyle/women-in-singapore-and-china-is-renting-fake-boyfriends-online-during-chinese-new-year/
Picture from keywordsking.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtkhyphenhyphenBgYhVBelDCi7wMYdcDfziR87xLSzphu3PS37NSy5g1LtHyd9WelmIUaOws7Hbr7DIa9TEYlxhT42g5AITyVfp8Fhk35jlpH6OeIaG-LoSW8KWU41Rrb8324j9nxj-0Yw-pF9rJEm/s1600/rawImage.jpg
http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/35/04/10/7619078/5/rawImage.jpg
http://www.keywordsking.com/eW9naSBiZWFyIG1pbmVjcmFmdCBza2lu/

By Seow Yun Rong, reporter, The New paper, 07 February 2016 at 06:00 am



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Confessions of a girlfriend-for-hire

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/confessions-girlfriend-hire
By Hariz Baharudin, Reporter, harizbah@sph.com.sg, The New Paper, 23 January 2017 at 06:00 am


Friend-for-hire demand is up but clients have to be at their best behaviour during the 'date'
PHOTO: Friend-for-hire demand is up but clients have to be at their best behaviour during the 'date'
There is a demand for such services and Belle says on most weekends, she will at least have one customer to accompany.
TNP FILE PHOTO, 23 January 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyFxiH9f4wW2nme2DKG5w6mDikXUiZkSsaiJm38YPoIVkBKu95bMRI9PJXBu_ZMp7XkVeoCsng8wZF-A47mYEOIg-3nuyphK7XnEZYtmlopk6rfMQn9CdBMYeod3wJ1aGpI3RKG0C9ywy/s1600/np_20170123_hbconfess23-o1h_1488296.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large-portrait/public/articles/2017/01/23/np_20170123_hbconfess23-o1h_1488296.jpg?itok=UeqBgmSL
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/confessions-girlfriend-hire

Some people turn to private-car hires to make money in their spare time.

Others take up tuition jobs or do shifts at restaurants.

But Belle (not her real name) earns extra cash in a different way - she is a companion-for-hire.

Brimming with confidence, the chirpy 27-year-old said: "I get to make a few hundred bucks a month and it complements my life.

"I get to meet new friends in my free time and get paid for it, it's pretty good!"

Belle, who has a day job as a human resources manager, freelances for Pally, a local company which provides friends-for-hire.

Anticipating our question, Belle told The New Paper: "It's all professional and clean, all my clients respect the boundaries and know where to draw the line."


It's all professional and clean, all my clients respect the boundaries and know where to draw the line.
PHOTO: It's all professional and clean, all my clients respect the boundaries and know where to draw the line. No inappropriate touching is allowed.
Picture posted by Ng Jun Sen, The New Paper on 18 October 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNLCOU_1HSnG9zzf2vHvJBmoeH2G8kmWYxaJcqPRk62n8eqUPMtnYecKkpzg5yW523Zy2xWIUeanxgRyY1nw6jhAgFRuSxabB8lPa9ki4fRyrGrQ7SBAay5abbeFtAgI3kw5hmlCz7Rc/s1600/honeytrap_01.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Oct2015/honeytrap_01.jpg?itok=veh4YYg0
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/its-trap
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/12/take-rejection-well.html


No inappropriate touching is allowed - customers can only make just enough bodily contact to keep up appearances.

"Some handholding is necessary if I am acting as a girlfriend, but nothing more than that," said Belle matter-of-factly.

Pally offers companions for different situations. According to its website, having a two-hour dinner with someone like Belle costs $100. But bringing a companion home to meet one's family and friends, say for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, costs $250.

There is demand for her services and on most weekends, she will have at least one customer to accompany, said Belle.

The prices might be steep but Belle insists that customers will get their money's worth.


Pally offers companions for different situations.
PHOTO: Pally offers companions for different situations. According to its website, having a two-hour dinner with someone like Belle costs $100. But bringing a companion home to meet one's family and friends, say for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, costs $250.
Picture posted by Ng Jun Sen, The New Paper on 18 October 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsesE6vAtxfZR-IUHSWZYcZcRx_is027hscUVq2C119iMke-FG6x7UqrQDfUANSn6Alx-IiNWIhsIIUDmPOb58CRLwsJupGeNRsbTB5pS8-nmsqJYFRQ83duAlawHMacB99oFJ88OBm1dQ/s1600/honeytrap_02.jpg
http://images.lollipop.sg/files/article/images/gallery/2015/10/honeytrap_02.jpg
http://www.lollipop.sg/insider/confessions-honey-trapper-spore-who-gets-paid-seduce-and-sabotage-cheating-spouses


Before the meeting, the customer and companion will have a discussion over the phone to prepare for their "date".

Said Belle, who has been doing this for over a year: "I have a script already in my head and I know what to look out for.

"Everything is discussed, like how we met, what I have to wear, what my personality is."

Belle's main clients are professionals in their early 30s.

All communication is done through an agent at Pally, who sets up the phone discussion between her and the client.

They meet up a few minutes before the date or event that she gets paid for, so they have some time to get acquainted.

"It's practical because no phone numbers are exchanged and we keep it professional. The customer gets what they pay for and there are no complications."


They meet up a few minutes before the date or event that she gets paid for, so they have some time to get acquainted.
PHOTO: They meet up a few minutes before the date or event that she gets paid for, so they have some time to get acquainted. It's practical because no phone numbers are exchanged and it is kept professional. The customer gets what they pay for and there are no complications.
Picture posted by Lorem Ipsum
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXeB9kZtWW-nK6NdFDd6t9nYpHKATSsfcULkXoL0hH01U7tgXwiyGsbHa8geJ2DGQcg5lQxZmvygeBUDeJ49g4EGNRDnk_RPQjwkFiNxHjzTu0yBCKd0KxFWxnIZRKDYAK_34l4H5WaVy/s1600/9b7hdafbtttn8kt9_istock_000001615328large.jpg
http://bulentkara.net/images/9b7hdafbtttn8kt9_istock_000001615328large.jpg
http://bulentkara.net/contactus.html


She admitted that there are repeat customers because they frequently engage in Pally's services.

One of them even indicated "other kinds of interests" to her on their subsequent "dates". Belle said she had to be firm.

"He did drop some hints but I told him I liked the way things are now and we have to be professional because after all, it's a business transaction," she said.

"I like to be free! I'm the kind of person who doesn't like to mix her work life with her personal one."

Other than a few close friends and her brother, no one knows that she works for Pally. She said things are "simpler" that way.


When a client indicated 'other kinds of interests' to her on their subsequent 'dates', Belle said she had to be firm.
PHOTO: When a client indicated "other kinds of interests" to her on their subsequent "dates", Belle said she had to be firm. He drop some hints but was told to be professional because after all, it's a business transaction.
Photo Uploaded By: camila31 - Taeyeon - SNSD; Girls' Generation -  Airport Fashion October
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JK9oJlKVbh84bPoT3Mnw2_a8jexnR3Aur0aSOcW8EOc9roLgX-2IEOWKGw30fC3VPH5-ZM3qRpeyrKgwxlsgTe0UPDwjY2GSRMrh3epo-gLFZVkyMY951aVh10td0nOpm85MxGVqv85j/s1600/snsd-taeyeon-airport-fashion-may-no-makeup-351122888.jpg
http://cdn29.us1.fansshare.com/images/taeyeon/snsd-taeyeon-airport-fashion-may-no-makeup-351122888.jpg
http://thailand.fansshare.com/gallery/photos/13509131/snsd-taeyeon-airport-fashion-may-no-makeup/?displaying


How long is she planning to do this job? She laughed before saying: "I guess I'll keep doing this for as long as I have the free time to do it.

"This work that I do is such a good way to earn money because there's a strong demand for it here."

Secrets of the trade
1. Confidence is key. If you're going to be a professional companion you have to know how to talk and keep conversation going.

2. Be alert. There will always be people who have less than noble intentions and you should know how to find help if you need it.

3. Learn to adapt. Different customers will ask you to act differently, so you have to make sure you can be the person they want you to be.

By Hariz Baharudin, Reporter, harizbah@sph.com.sg, The New Paper, 23 January 2017 at 06:00 am


Online sellers will post photos of themselves and after confirmation, they’ll meet clients and go over the details that will make them look like a genuine couple and prevent awkward scenes in front of the family.
PHOTO: Online sellers will post photos of themselves and after confirmation, they’ll meet clients and go over the details that will make them look like a genuine couple and prevent awkward scenes in front of the family.
Picture posted  by Rosetiti (Viet Nam Traditional Girl), Photography / People & Portraits / Cosplay©2011-2014 Rosetiti
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMWnwzAIy7ArUlFBkGFc9C_1Rkbd5K7jPcpzD7CyTRaZY44RlJCjVJ0kUbnprq4mstaAZTs4KEqq0PnhYsjLfnO9imB_ubT4i1EkMWHoWXnZlg3sLpm0SUZ0nUorFj4GmwspCiG8yF6U/s1600/viet_nam_traditional_girl_by_rosetiti-d48x3m0-1.jpg
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/248/3/6/viet_nam_traditional_girl_by_rosetiti-d48x3m0.jpg
http://roadfut.deviantart.com/art/Barbara-Evans-XD-274053287
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2014/02/rent-girlfriend-services-becoming.html

CNY Survival Guide - Nosy Aunty Questions
PHOTO: CNY Survival Guide - Nosy Aunty Questions
A companion-for-hire must be able to handle such questions too. Occupation hazard comes in many forms!

“If it happens, it happens. But whether I have a boyfriend or not does not define who I am as a person,” said the 28-year-old from Malacca.

“The questions do not stop after you get married. After that, you get asked, Why are you taking so long to have a baby?'”

Purchasing manager Peter Yap, 37, said such questions might not stop despite his wife being pregnant now with their first child.

“After you have your first kid, they would ask When is the next one?'” he said.

However, he acknowledged that people probably asked such questions to “break the ice”.
Texts posted by Yvonne Lim on Saturday, 2 February 2013 - CNY — singles’ most awkward time
Picture posted by 2016 CNY Survival Guide
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCM5gwN8so7mF2FfXmSvxRr1wNvZoim-I5mquutXb3nWihLsswrGi1Dbl4tBZlaBLvXQ19bQyX3zF8GHwbEmCBNJuG2-UNLsVJCVxIQuCkglUymDbTIxAEXYYDhnJkZ_UBWktZ2j8D5Vw/s1600/cny5.jpg
http://oibojio-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/Blog/CNY/cny5.jpg
http://www.oibojio.com/blog/2016-cny-survival-guide



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