Family
My family name, Foong, can be said to be a rare surname in Sinapore. For my father's side, we originated from China, settled in Malaysia before my father became a Singaporean citizen.
I have relatives in the United States too. My grandfather's brother migrated to the United States, and currently resides in New Jersey. Also, I have an aunt who resides in New York City.
My Family
Above: A shot before I left for the US to study. From left: Me, Julie, Mom, Dad and Jason
We are very closely bonded, and I am fortunate to have such a family. Right now, my brother and I are overseas and we keep in touch with each other. Being overseas teaches one the true value of a good family.
In total we have 4 members. Below are their details:
Dad
He takes care of my family's everyday needs, such as shopping and home maintainance. Due to his engineering background, he has quite good hands with tools and gadgets. Food, music, soccer and motorsport (on TV that is) are his interests.
Mom
My mom works as a manager in KPMG. A little more conservative in mindset than my father, but still a very loving mom. She was a liberian which explains her affinity to the nearby library. Likes to read, eat and sleep.
Jason
He is my elder brother. Currently he is studying in Claremont McKenna, and majoring in Philosophy and History. Interests include food (like my parents), reading, cars and photography.
Julie
She is my younger sister. Right now she is attending school at Singapore Chinese Girls' School, which is near my home. Quite an active person and likes to dance and practice Chinese Martial Arts.
Family Neighbors
From left: My Grandfather, and Aunt Vera
Interestingly, my family has immediate relatives within the same block. Just directly few floors below, Aunt Vera and grandfather live together. Actually, Aunt Vera had her flat before we moved in.
As Aunt Vera is single, she is able to accomodate my grandfather in her flat. Everyday, my grandfather would come up to have dinner with us, while Aunt Vera visits us to have dinner with us when she is free (usually Sunday dinner).
And here are some tibits of details about them:
TS Foong
Foong Tuen Seng, my paternal grandfather. He lived through WWII and migrated to Singapore prior to Singapore's independence. Right now he is enjoying his golden years with Aunt Vera.
Aunt Vera
She is my dad's sister. Works in a private bank, and lives quite a hectic life. A huge source of information, latest happenings in my family, and not to forget: dry humor.
The Mirasol Family
Above, from left: My sister, Lina, Michael and Rhona
Although not related by blood, they are included here as we have formed close relationships with a few of the members. Namely, they are Lina, Rhona and Michael.
The Mirasols come from Illoilo, a town situated in the Phillipines. Lina, who has been with my family for quite a long time. About a year ago, her daughther came to Singapore to work, and is living with Aunt Vera.
Lina
My family hired Lina as a maid for quite a long, about 14 years by now. It's quite a long time and we have developed a very close relationship with her. Cooks very well.
Rhona
Lina's eldest child, and came to Singapore about last year. She helps to look after my grandfather.
Michael
Michael is Lina's son, and spent a short time in Singapore. Currently, he is aiming to be employed as a cook.
Foongs in America
The Foong family has links in the United States, mainly in the East Coast. I have been to the United States before, and have made visits to the Foong family there (or here rather).
Essentially, my grandfather's brother, Jeffrey Foong, emigrated to the United States. Currenly he has settled in Ramapo Valley, NJ. Together with his wife, Rose, they have a son and daughter, Anthony and Moira. Anthony is married with Eileen, and have twin children, Andrew and Jessica. Meanwhile, Moira married Anthony Boccellari and have a son, Brandon.
Also, my dad has a sister in Manhatten City, Aunt Virginia. She is the eldest sister, and moved over to the United States to further her studies. Right now, she is working as a secretary of a firm, and currently lives on 25th Street. Since most of the family is in Singapore, she regularly takes blocks of leave to visit us, and go on her beloved shopping breaks.
I do not have pictures of them yet, but I should be able to take some when I visit them for Thanksgiving.
Interestingly, I have been able to unearth a few documents regarding the Foongs in America. Here are some of them that I have found, courtesy of Ancestry.com:
