National stadium still standing, KWA GIU release delayed
MERLION CITY –
More than 2 years after the much publicized and expensive closing down ceremony of the National Stadium, it is still standing.
Plans for the destruction of the Lao Zhar Bor (Grand Old Lady, in Hokkien) to make way for a new ‘sports hub’ have been delayed for the umpteenth time, yet again. And again.
The latest reason? English football giants Liverpool will be coming to earn our money in July 2009 via a friendly match.
Back in 2007, filmsmaker Jacen Tan decided to document the atmosphere of the Kallang Roar, before it was “lost forever”. He shot a 30 minute film, ‘Kwa Giu’ (Watch Football), during the ‘last’ competitive football game at that time.
With 3 camcorders, Jacen and his team captured the emotions of the crowd during the AFC Cup final, where Singapore played Thailand. The game was an exceptional roller-coaster of excitement and the fans expressed overwhelming passion and swearing.
5 months later in June 2007, the closing down ceremony was held. Now, demolition plans are still nowhere to be seen, due to reasons like ‘recession’ and the forever-upcoming matches being planned.
Jacen has now decided to postpone the release of his film. “Kwa Giu was meant to serve as a tribute, and for people to remember Kallang. I feel that it will be best experienced after the stadium is gone,” he explains.
Local football fans remained divided over the issue. Tan Gu Gu, a random fan, is pleased that the stadium is still standing. “This means that I can still KWA GIU over and over again!”
Tan Si Mi, agedoesn’tmatter, was one of the 55,000 who attended the ‘closing’ ceremonEy in 2007. “I felt cheated big time!” said Tan, when reminded that he paid $15 for the match. “They always saying it’s the last match, bluff my feelings and emotion!”
Tan Ga Du Lan, another random fan, said: “I was even tempted to take a part of the stadium home with me! I saw people ripping benches off!”
“If the stadium is demolished next year, i tok!” swears Tan.
The release of the short Kwa Giu will be delayed until we finally see bulldozers at Kallang . Stay tuned to Hosaywood.com!