It started with Philip Sobrielo hanging a handful of Christmas lights and streamers along his corridor. Then over the years, the Clementi resident spruced up his neighbourhood more extensively, with Santa Claus, reindeers and Christmas trees.

“I love Christmas,” the 41-year-old smiles. “It’s a season for spreading joy, and that’s what I hope to do with the decorations.”

Christmas Wonderland in Clementi

For the past 10 years, Philip has turned the common corridor in front of his childhood home into a Christmas Wonderland. Each year’s handmade decorations would feature a different theme. This Christmas, Philip’s designs will feature the colours pink and white. “We featured the colour red last year, so I wanted something brighter this time round,” he explains.

Decorations also include Christmas trees and for the first time, a life-sized wooden sleigh decked with jumbo presents. “I wanted to have a sleigh surrounded by many gifts and brought this idea up to a friend who specialises in handywork. He agreed to help and brought my design to life.”

Philip’s Christmas Wonderland was also made possible with the help of the Town Council, which helped with the wiring for the lights, collecting recyclable boxes to paint over as presents. They  also offered space to store the decorations.

In addition to using recycled materials, decorations are also repurposed to minimise waste. Some decorations are reused for subsequent years, some are gifted to family and friends, while others are donated.

A Season for Get-Togethers

Residents look forward to the decorations every year. “The neighbours would ask how I’ll be decorating the neighbourhood and when the lights would be up. It’s heartwarming to see neighbours coming together to admire the decorations and even take photos with them.”

Philip will also invite his neighbours to come to his flat to check out more Christmas decorations and enjoy festive snacks.

“This reminds me of my growing up days, where movie nights were held at the carpark. Everyone would gather with food and we’d all have a good time,” Philip reminisces. “I guess this is my way of bringing back the kampung spirit.”

Asanul Fariq and Norhasyimah Awaludin stock a small space outside their Tampines flat with daily essentials such as rice, biscuits, drinks, and shower gels. They call it the Riqmah Kindness Corner, where anyone can take whatever they need, no questions asked.Norhasyimah Awaludin and Asanul Fariq founded Riqmah Kindess Corner to provide the needy with essential items

For the couple, giving back to the community has always been something that’s close to their hearts. “Years ago, we were volunteering, going door-to-door to provide the needy with groceries. We were helping a beneficiary rearrange her food items when we discovered that the cabinet was largely empty, except for a packet of instant noodles,” the couple recalls. “That incident really inspired us to try and help as many people as possible.”

A Family Initiative to Help the Underprivileged 

Though the take-up for items at Riqmah Kindness Corner was initially slow, word soon spread. “The supplies that were supposed to last a month were gone in under a week,” Norhasyimah smiles. “We’re just happy to be able to reach out to so many people.”

Fariq also shares how his four sons, who are between 12 and 20 years old, restock supplies and keep Riqmah Kindness Corner organised. They also help in charity events that Riqmah Kindness Corner occasionally participates in.

“We once had to pack 150 care packs in two days. The whole family was about a quarter way through and decided to rest for the night. The following day, I woke up earlier to complete the task, only to find out that my youngest son, Irfan, had stayed up to finish the packing,” Fariq beams. “Through our efforts, we’re hoping to impart the values of giving and sharing to our sons— and they have really made us proud.”

Forming a Tight-Knit Community

As Riqmah Kindness Corner is right outside the couple’s home, Fariq and Norhasyimah often take the opportunity to greet those who come by, and strike up conversations. Over time, they have forged many friendships, within and beyond the neighbourhood.

“When word first got around, we had neighbours from different floors and blocks coming over to visit Riqmah Kindness Corner. Some of them were curious, but most of them offered words of encouragement and donations. These things really keep us going,” Norhasyimah says.

Planting the Seed of Kindness

What motivates the couple the most is when they see acts of kindness spreading within and even beyond the neighbourhood.

Fariq and Norhasyimah’s neighbours who live directly across them, have been supportive of the Kindness Corner since it first started. “At times, our neighbours help the beneficiaries, especially the elderly, transport heavier items such as rice to the ground floor.”

The couple’s act of kindness has also inspired kindness corners similar to Riqmah Kindness Corner in other towns. “We’re really heartened when we receive calls and texts on how to set up similar kindness corners,” they smile.

An annual celebration of the community spirit in our heartlands, the HDB Community Week showcases the rich tapestry of our heartland experiences, through an array of exciting and engaging activities. This year, we also launched the #OurGoodNeighbours challenge, as part of the Good Neighbours Movement. Residents were invited to share what they think it means to be a good neighbour through video submissions – watch them here:

Toh Zenaide (Zen) was 14 years old when her grandfather began displaying early symptoms of dementia. That was when it dawned on her that there are seniors like him who may face many struggles, and would require help and support to allow active ageing.

Spurred by her grandfather’s experience, Zen is now learning about active ageing and how to support the evolving needs and aspirations of seniors, as she pursues a Diploma in Social Sciences in Gerontology at Temasek Polytechnic.

For the past few years, HDB has been partnering Temasek Polytechnic in empowering students like Zen to play an active role in community-building. With the support of HDB’s Friends of Our Heartlands (FOH) Volunteer Network, Zen and her course mates have designed a variety of activities for seniors living in their towns – Punggol, Sengkang, Hougang, Bedok, Tampines and Pasir Ris – to support active ageing.

Promoting a Culture of Active Ageing

The students took great care in designing exercise, music, and arts and crafts activities to meet the seniors’ needs while promoting active ageing.

“For our exercise routines, we incorporated everyday items like umbrellas and towels,” says Zen’s coursemate, Ahmad Zaki bin Taufik.

Also, as the sessions had to be conducted virtually, the students simplified the exercises to make them easy to follow through a screen. “As we were not able to do the exercises with the seniors in person and help them with posture adjustments, we were worried if they would be able to gain as much as they can from these activities,” Zaki recalls.

But their worries were unfounded   as the seniors adapted quickly to the virtual experience, and  made the most of their time re-connecting and bonding with their friends online. One of the senior participants, Aunty Evelyn, says: “The activities by the students allowed me to see my friends online. The experience also gave me a new hobby and a chance to meet new and old friends in the neighbourhood. This was meaningful since staying home during the pandemic has felt lonely at times.”

Beyond physical well-being, the students also organised activities that seek to encourage active ageing through improving the seniors’ mental and cognitive health. The participants had the chance to get their hands dirty during art and craft activities, where they created clay art, colour paper collages and origami.

The Intergenerational Ties That Bind

For Zaki, his interactions with the seniors are among the precious highlights of his academic journey.

“I got to speak with some very interesting and fun seniors who were very keen to participate in our activities. Their jovial personalities and enthusiasm often helped calm our nerves and break the ice as we conducted the activities, ultimately paving the way for a successful event,” Zaki says.

Echoing his sentiments, Zen says, “This experience has reaffirmed my desire to help the elderly community with active ageing, so that they can live their golden years comfortably.”

For more unique stories from the heartland, check out more reads from Humans of the Heartland.

Photos by Temasek Polytechnic

Having lived in Jurong all her life, 21-year-old Tham Kai Yi knows there is a lot that her beloved town has to offer. This is especially so after Jurong went through exciting town-wide rejuvenation under the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme.

Previously an industrial town, Jurong is now a modern and bustling town with a vibrant community, and home to a wide variety of facilities and recreational spaces.

To showcase a side of Jurong that many may not know, Kai Yi and her classmates at Republic Polytechnic produced a video about the town and some must-see places there.

My Jurong, My Home

Through making the video, Kai Yi found deeper appreciation for how well-connected and well-equipped her town is. “I didn’t really give much thought to such things previously. I probably took all these facilities and amenities for granted,” she says. “I also have so many food options and shops near home, so I don’t have to go far to get my daily necessities.”

Under the ROH programme, towns undergo a nip and tuck to make the town even better. Extensive greenery was introduced, and there are now more spaces for the community to come together.

As someone who loves nature and the outdoors, Kai Yi appreciates how there are now many beautiful green spaces around her home, like the neighbourhood park right next to her block. Or the revamped Jurong Lake Gardens, which has new and improved spaces such as nature-inspired play areas and grassland trails for the community to enjoy nature as well as take in scenic views of Jurong Lake.

Kai Yi shares, “I can easily go downstairs to take a walk and clear my mind, or go on a short walk to the nearby Jurong Lake Gardens.”

Growing Up in Jurong

Kai Yi recalls how there was a strong community/ gotong royong spirit in Jurong in her growing up years. “There was a big space in the neighbourhood where kids would play soccer, and anyone could just join in the game,” she reminisces. “I remember it was always so fun and welcoming.”

Kai Yi’s closest neighbours are a Malay family, who used to take care of Kai Yi after school when her parents were at work. “I would play with the daughter, who is my age and was from the same school. Till today, our families are still close, and we would give each other goodies or red packets during special occasions like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.”

Kai Yi also gave special mention to one of her favourite food stall owners. “There’s a Western food stall at the coffee shop near my house, which sells dishes that are affordable and taste just like home-cooked food,” she shares.

“The owners there recognise me by now. Whenever they see me, they will simply ask me, ‘Same thing?’ Because they have memorised my favourite dish – grilled fish with rice!”

“Jurong has always been a vibrant town and the underrated gem of the West. I’m proud to be a Jurong resident,” Kai Yi smiles.

Watch another video by Kai Yi and her classmates to learn more about Toa Payoh Town and its heritage.

Singer, dancer, stagehand—Belle Pereira has done them all, having been involved in countless National Day Parade (NDP) performances since 1998.

“I love performing for National Day,” Belle smiles. “It’s a day when Singaporeans from all walks of life gather to celebrate our home. The celebrations are always an emotional experience and the sense of togetherness and belonging is indescribable.”

Marching On as One

This year’s performance will be a unique one for Belle, as the long-time NDP performer will be participating in a role that she has never done before—as part of the marching contingent.

To prepare, Belle has been undergoing training conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces, including basic military drills. “This year’s training is definitely tough, especially since we have to train alongside the soldiers and endure all elements of the weather.” Belle laughs. “That said, I’m very honored to have been selected and I’m really looking forward to the parade!”

Celebrations in the Heartland

This year’s NDP will return to The Float@Marina Bay, and there will also be celebrations and fireworks in the HDB heartland, similar to the last few years. Belle has had the opportunity to be part of these heartland celebrations, most memorably as a performer on a festive float.

“It’s heartening to be welcomed by the residents,” she says. “They would stand by the barricades and wave the national flag whilst singing national day songs.

The festive floats would journey through the heartland and remain on display for a few days before moving onto their next destination. This offers the audience the opportunity to interact with the performers, and they often share what they like about the performance and how they look forward to the celebrations.

Belle says that the experience is especially meaningful when the floats journey through neighborhoods near home, in her case West Coast, Clementi and Bukit Timah. “It’s always fun to spot familiar faces such as my neighbours amongst the crowd,” she laughs.

New Home, Same Sense of Belonging

Beyond the performances, Belle also enjoys soaking up the celebratory National Day atmosphere by visiting the heartland carnivals with her family and neighbours. “It’s a great way for us to bond! The celebration is like a gathering and nothing quite beats the experience of having everyone come together as one.”

Belle will soon have new neighbours to befriend, as she and her family will be moving from West Coast, into their new seafront BTO flat in Punggol. “I love being outdoors and Punggol is the perfect fit because there are places like Punggol Point Jetty and Coney Island where I can hang out,” she explains. “I also love that we are only a short walk away from Northshore Plaza and the LRT station,” she shares.

“In my West Coast flat, I’m always surrounded by nature, with the sea just close by. It will be the same in Punggol as well, so perhaps that is why I already feel a sense of affinity with my new home.”

No longer something found exclusively in the city, artisanal brews have been making their way into our neighbourhoods in the form of heartland cafés.

Beyond adding variety to the usual heartland spots, many of these coffee spots have become favourite haunts for the community to gather and catch up with each other. We spoke to the people behind 3 coffee places within HDB estates to find out why the HDB coffee experience is so special.

Continuing the Heartland Coffee Legacy

Tucked away in the corner of Stirling Road is Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, which has occupied that very spot for more than 20 years. The heartland café started off as a coffee bean roastery and wholesaler, focusing on traditional brews before branching out into specialty coffee. “Tiong Hoe is about brewing quality coffee, and friendships,” surmises Jacob Tan, who now helms the family-run business.

Despite being located within the mature estate of Queenstown, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, like many other heartland cafés, usually sees a younger crowd. “Our regulars are mostly in their mid-20s to 30s. With work from home becoming the new norm, the café also sometimes doubles up as a co-working space,” Jacob laughs.

For Jacob, it was an easy decision to expand Tiong Hoe’s presence in the heartland. “Over the years, we have built such good rapport with our regulars, as well as the residents here. When we first started, the area was relatively quiet. But as more people started visiting the café and with more shops springing up, the neighbourhood has become much livelier.”

“The current café used to be my dad’s office for a long time. I guess you can say that Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee is literally built on his business,” Jacob chuckles.

From Kopi O to Latte Gao

“The older generation usually prefers traditional coffee, while the younger crowd tends to visit heartland cafés for specialty brews. We offer both types,” say Kenneth Lim and Zender Wong, the founders of Generation Coffee, a beverage stall located in Tekka Market Centre.

“We believe a hawker stall is where we can best realise our coffee philosophy of bridging the gap between the two groups of coffee drinkers,” they explain. “Plus, it’s always interesting to meet and befriend residents from all walks of life.”

While most seniors still prefer their kopi o, Zender shares how some elderly customers, emboldened by the familiar setting of a hawker centre, have taken the step to try out ‘ang moh‘ coffee for the first time.

“Some prefer latte now,” Zender smiles. “However, as they are used to stronger coffee, I would make them latte gao – a latte with a stronger espresso shot.”

While the duo’s brews have added vibrancy to the estate, they share how they have, in return, been welcomed by the community that has made the neighbourhood feel like home.

“Regular customers aside, we have also befriended our fellow stallholders. We would take turns patronising one another’s stall. And if we were ever short of ingredients, all we need to do is to pop by the wet market behind us.”

Coffee By the HDB Window

If it’s a novel heartland coffee experience you’re after, look no further than Ground Floor Coffee. This coffee gem is known for brewing and serving coffee directly from an HDB flat that is of course, located on the ground floor.

“It started off with making coffee for friends.” says Adhwa Hasif, a self-made barista. “Over time, they began to provide feedback which kickstarted my experimentation with flavoured coffee.”

As he progressed on his coffee brewing hobby, Hasif also noticed how some residents would hang out in the common area, often with drinks in hand. “It’s common to see residents catching up with one another at the seats in the void deck; and what better drink to chit chat over, than coffee?”

Hasif prepares the beverages in a dedicated room, with its own coffee bean grinder and espresso machine. He would also personally hand the brew over through the window and chats to customers if the opportunity arises.

“I know many of them because they are our neighbours who come down for their morning coffee. Some of them happened to walk past our flat, and were drawn to the smell of coffee,” he says.

“Now we also see residents from different neighbourhoods—and even other towns—popping by,” Hasif smiles.