A chance for romance
Our Dating Challenge singles had an eventful time learning about each other
By Yeoh Wee Teck
December 28, 2009
IT WAS a chance for singles to meet new friends and expand their network, but it turned out to be a catalyst for a romance.
FUN TIMES: Petrina Ow and Bernard Yong at the sand castle building activity. TNP PICTURES: KUA CHEE SIONG,
KELVIN CHNG, GAVIN FOO
The Dating Challenge, organised by the Social Development Network (SDN), gathered eight young singles and gave them the chance to learn more about each other.
And while it was never the intention, love happened.
Love at first event
For air traffic controller Jackie Goh, 23, and student Mint Leong, also 23, it was love at first event.
Jackie said: ‘Mint and I got together after the sand castle building.
‘She is the ideal one for me because she is strong yet soft, someone who is fun yet serious, and she is not the typical girl on the street.’
Mint was equally enthralled.
She said: ‘He caught my attention as an observant, attentive and thoughtful guy.
‘It was during the debriefing session at the sand castle building event that I realised he has the qualities of my ideal partner.’
While these two ended up together, the others were not neglected.
Said technical support executive Bernard Yong, 30: ‘I’ve hung out with Trina (Lui, 31) and found her a tough nut to crack.
‘She’s shy by nature and straight to the point, something which I admire. It’s a plus point that she’s someone who can withstand my nonsense.’
As for 27-year-old social worker assistant William Tan, Mint is his ideal.
He said: ‘She is outgoing and loves to explore and try new things in life.’
The singles mingled in a series of activities, designed to make them interact.
And of course the element of fun was appreciated.
Building a relationship
Undergraduate Petrina Ow, 20, said: ‘The sand castle building looked like a no-brainer activity for children. However, there are steps in building a stable and good sand castle, which is similar to building a relationship.’
Bernard’s favourite activity was the afternoon of Combat Skirmish.
He said: ‘It was exciting and fun from the start. It was exhausting but I could see everyone enjoyed it.’
The pizza-making session – held at Sarpino’s Pizza – was William’s favourite event.
He explained: ‘It was fun because we learnt how to make the pizza and how to plan a romantic date.’
The post-pizza dating tips were given by matchmaking agency Exclusive Match.
‘I can use the info when I date a girl,’ said William.
Jackie saw the events as a chance to exchange ideas. ‘We have our own habits, preferences and ideas, so it was a great avenue for us to learn from one another and share what we have in common.’
Mint agreed.
‘It’s a pity that this event has to end in such a short time,’ she said.
‘Personally, I feel that Singaporeans should be aware of SDN and accept this organisation.
‘The fact is, many of my friends really needed its help.’
Who do you think make a perfect couple?
HERE is your chance to play matchmaker and win $100 for your effort, courtesy of the Social Development Network.
You’ve met our eight singles, but who do you think make the best couple?
Here are our singles:
THE GUYS
M1 Bernard Yong
M2 Daniel Chang
M3 Jackie Goh
M4 William Tan
THE GIRLS
F1 Claressa Sim
F2 Mint Leong
F3 Petrina Ow
F4 Trina Lui
Just match who you think will make the ideal couple and vote. It doesn’t matter whom you vote for, or if the two actually end up as a couple.
All votes have an equal chance to be one of the five to win $100.
SMS your votes to 77877 in this format:
TNPTDCAnswerAnswerNRICName
Here’s an example: tnptdc M1 F2 1234567A Mary Lee
Voting closes today at 11.59pm and each vote costs 20 cents.
Vote as many times as you want as multiple entries are allowed.
The NewPaper