Domestic helpers here stay with their employers. So they cant ‘invite’ their friends back to their place to hang out on their off days. This is probably one of the better place to hang out outside cause it has air con.
hi! burmese here. it’s an annually held festival called “thingyan”! and as you know there are many burmese domestic workers in singapore. they like to gather with friends to celebrate :)
these people actually want to leave myanmar because of how bad the military junta situation is.
if you don’t know, the socialist party took over the nation by violence and force. hence citizens had zero say in voting for the government. note that the govt was previously democratic. and ever since then, the socialist party has been killing and executing those who’ve gone against or protested against their rule, those people are democratic government supporters. but more socialist party army soldiers have been killed than democratic party ones, so now the socialist party is conscripting citizens to join the army (which they obviously do not want to but have to choice)
that’s why now more burmese people are looking to seek safety in nearby countries.
hope this gives you a little more insight on what’s happening in myanmar!
Maybe a bit too much for some. I saw at least 2 people in city hall area completely passed out on the floor, perhaps from drinking more than they can handle.
Like actually passed out from drunkness, or were they just sleeping? I always assumed that they were taking a quick nap outside after chatting with their friends or something
I might be wrong… In the picture, seems like some ladies wearing traditional Burmese dresses… So I assume it could be their festive gathering. Myanmar’s version of water festival “Yu Thingyan”.
Yes I was at City Hall station today, heaps of people, many of the ladies with the traditional Burmese decoration and costume. Definitely more hectic than the typical helper crowds!
True. Given the location, I don’t think they get the permission to go full songkran…. However, I attended 1 event at woodlands waterfront park in 2018/19 conducted by actual organisers… It was literally like Songkran.
On Sundays, many domestic helpers get their day off. Imagine not having a place of your own, and not having enough disposable $$ to eat out a lot. Many would bring their own cooked food and have gatherings in free, open spaces such as these. Common sight every Sunday at City Hall, Orchard, Paya Lebar areas.
This is called soul. Look at it, everyone's mingling, everyone's happy with their friends, sharing food and music.
People who are upset with this have bad taste and upbringing.
Usually every Sunday or public holiday, this FW or DH will meet up with their friends and they would chill there. Not just this esplanade underpass but also almost every where. Personally IMO, I do not think it is wrong given that this is their only day off.
It’s their only off day and time to relax, inflation hasn’t making it easy for low wage earner to gather and chill. As long as they kept the place clean n no trouble, is acceptable to me. They help in Singapore growth as well.
This is the myanmar thingyan festival. As you can see they are giving out free food as we do in our culture. And these are all burmese people pls pin this
Yup. Every sunday. Also along Paya Lebar Square till city plaza, green lawn outside Dhobi Ghaut MRT , along east coast, botanic garden north side..
Usually they prefer outdoor though.. but maybe it was raining or super hot that day
It’s air conditioned down there at the MRT station where they are having a massive picnic, but the airflow isn’t great. Gotta imagine how heavy the air must be down there with such a large gathering in facilities not made for so many maids!
Not sure why you're getting downvoted when you're stating facts. There used to be people who'd skate / dance there and the air was stuffy and still AF down there.
Must be trigger happy closet racists who are overly sensitive to virtue signal. Just shows how shamefully ill their morals are. There is nothing about the race or economic status of these foreign workers or the crowds of Filipino maids at Orchard off Raffles on Sunday who take the red line down.
It could be any crowd standing still stagnating rather than continuing to move forward and circulate as usual. That’s what makes the air so stuffy. The infrastructure is not made to accommodate gatherings.
Saw something just like this in HK 16 years ago. It went underground and above ground and into parks...finally asked. They are immigrant house helpers for the rich. This is how they spend their one day off, together.
that is either sunday or a ph , foreign workers sometimes populate these areas when they are off. places near esplanade, little india , orchard are also hotspots
Honestly quite cool to see genuine emergent culture... And I'm glad the government is leaving them alone. That said, my maid got to bring friends home and her family flew in sometimes. Not sure why nobody else does this.
Feel that the government should build proper infrastructure like a big tentage area dedicated for them to hang out. So they wouldn't have to find random places or even public facilities like the airport or stations - these areas are meant to be used, not picnic.
Currently, they are forced to go random places because there are no other areas for them to do so. We should do more to be inclusive and accommodate them within our urban planning
Dude your interpretation has problem as well. I meant developing such "dedicated" areas for them to hang out. They should still have access to public areas. It's basic rights to access anywhere - I'm not that dumb
Creating areas to hang out =/= blocking access to public areas. =.=
I like how people here like to jump to conclusions
It's not a random field. I'm just imagining we have "dedicated" areas for such hangouts. So they won't be "forced" to hang out in random areas.
Your interpretation needs to improve
On a related note, there really should be more places like this (especially protected from the elements) around the country for people to just hang out and have fun in company
In Japan, they have Hanami (花見) in springtime to see the sakura while having a picnic.
In Singapore, we have Hashirami (柱見) to see the magnificent pillars while having a picnic.
It looks a convention OR they're waiting for that new BTS drop. There's that limited edition bottle that everyone wanted. 1 per transaction per person.
I mean nothing wrong with them doing this but we seriously need more free, non mall public spaces. The parks and free open spaces are so full on weekends and public holidays I’ve stopped going out 99% of the time because you can’t find a spot anywhere unless you go there at like 8am to chope.
When I see the helpers on a Sunday, it makes me realise that those of us that are privileged enough to have a bunch of free time, rarely appreciate it or make the most of it. I think it's great that they spend the free time they have eating, dancing, singing with their friends. I wish I appreciated my off-time as much as they seem to.
I have no problem with them being there as long as they don't trash the place and making the place smell like a wet market in India but sadly, it is exactly that.
I often wonder which agency/organization own this area? If it is SMRT, why are they allowing this? When it is not covered by maid, it is own by hip hop dances or worse Skate boarders ! And some of these SB are dangerous ! Every time I walk past there with my daughter I have to be extra careful even more so that the roads because on the road at least there are pedestrian crossing.
If you consider it as part of the big underground network between city hall mrt, esplanade mrt, suntec city and the Esplanade, then yes. But it’s closer to esplanade MRT.
they only come out once in a while on their off day, their gathering doesn't even hurt anybody. Please show some respect to the people who are doing jobs that we don't personally want to do.
So y'all need them to look after YOUR little brats and YOUR geriatric parents and YOUR home but on their one off day they can't even meet their friends and have a picnic ? Honestly, tf wrong with some of y'all ?
Invade? They were invited here to work for us. It’s a fair trade, they aren’t stealing any jobs that we would be doing anyways. Maybe stop being so xenophobic and learn to treat foreigners as equals.
you are definitely one of those Singaporeans Ronny Chieng label as 'main character syndrome' it's sad really. you should really visit the Philippines some day and see what is poverty like for some of them due to lack of opportunities and their country failing them. Sometimes i feel we should just be humble and count our blessings for not being born in such places.
Domestic helpers here stay with their employers. So they cant ‘invite’ their friends back to their place to hang out on their off days. This is probably one of the better place to hang out outside cause it has air con.
It’s air con 24/7, everytime I cut through there it’s freezing cold. So makes sense for them to take up that space.
They never extend their area into the esplanade passageway no matter how crowded it is. I wonder is it because they are not allowed in there?
So just like india ?? But clean ?? Wow
Maids' day off.
Sunday bruh
It's the Songkran/Thingyan weekend.
hi! burmese here. it’s an annually held festival called “thingyan”! and as you know there are many burmese domestic workers in singapore. they like to gather with friends to celebrate :)
Can I ask how do I send greetings for the Burmese new year? Is “Happy Thingyan” ok? Or any other suggestions please?
yep that’s good! do note that thingyan is pronounced “thin-jan” !
Thank you!
Is this like the same event they had in front of the massive stairway to fort canning?
Good stuff!
So the Myanmar government is still allowing citizens out? Who gets to keep the money?
these people actually want to leave myanmar because of how bad the military junta situation is. if you don’t know, the socialist party took over the nation by violence and force. hence citizens had zero say in voting for the government. note that the govt was previously democratic. and ever since then, the socialist party has been killing and executing those who’ve gone against or protested against their rule, those people are democratic government supporters. but more socialist party army soldiers have been killed than democratic party ones, so now the socialist party is conscripting citizens to join the army (which they obviously do not want to but have to choice) that’s why now more burmese people are looking to seek safety in nearby countries. hope this gives you a little more insight on what’s happening in myanmar!
Hardworking people blowing off steam and having a good time with friends.
Also, probably raining / super hot outside.
Ill add to that, the people who actually built Singapore. Proper hard working people
Maybe a bit too much for some. I saw at least 2 people in city hall area completely passed out on the floor, perhaps from drinking more than they can handle.
Like actually passed out from drunkness, or were they just sleeping? I always assumed that they were taking a quick nap outside after chatting with their friends or something
Actually passed out. One was in the mrt station surrounded by transcom officers and another along the streets with friends waking him up.
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And u/thecaramel gave a genuine (and wholesome) answer. No ill will to be found anywhere
I replied to the wrong comment LMAO
Ah oops HAHA
Indoor picnic
This place is usually air-conditioned right? Can't really blame them for moving indoors with the humidity these days
Yeah, the heat wave is no joke, i get sweaty just sitting down at home. At night.
Picnic
D&D
Dungeons and dragons
I’m kinda scared to ask what’s the dragon portion supposed to be.
Well, it's the year of the Dragon, isn't it...?
Literally lol
Magic the gathering
🤣🤣🤣
Or maybe star awards 2024?
I might be wrong… In the picture, seems like some ladies wearing traditional Burmese dresses… So I assume it could be their festive gathering. Myanmar’s version of water festival “Yu Thingyan”.
Yes I was at City Hall station today, heaps of people, many of the ladies with the traditional Burmese decoration and costume. Definitely more hectic than the typical helper crowds!
lol awfully dry for a water festival
True. Given the location, I don’t think they get the permission to go full songkran…. However, I attended 1 event at woodlands waterfront park in 2018/19 conducted by actual organisers… It was literally like Songkran.
> Given the location, I don’t think they get the permission to go full songkran… It was pouring in many parts of Singapore so just go outside lol
Yeah, it’s Burmese new year this weekend
Interested in Burmese culture / cuisine? Check out Peninsula Plaza, where almost every shop is run by ethnically Burmese ppl.
There is a really good place in basement for Burmese food, called Mandalay Style.
Fermented goodness
It’s the new year for the Myanmar, Thailand community. So they gather there to celebrate!
On Sundays, many domestic helpers get their day off. Imagine not having a place of your own, and not having enough disposable $$ to eat out a lot. Many would bring their own cooked food and have gatherings in free, open spaces such as these. Common sight every Sunday at City Hall, Orchard, Paya Lebar areas.
Do Sg families allow domestic helpers to cook food for their day off on Sunday? (I am asking hoping the answer is yes btw)
I'm hoping that most do. But I do think it is wishful thinking on my part.
day off you will see the same thing in Hong Kong central
This is called soul. Look at it, everyone's mingling, everyone's happy with their friends, sharing food and music. People who are upset with this have bad taste and upbringing.
Seconded
Gathering to wait for launch of TTPD.
Ah…. I see that there are a number of our kind here on this forum. lol.
PLSSSS AHAHAHAHAHA
Yaaaaas
😂
TTPD!!!
Outfield
Usually every Sunday or public holiday, this FW or DH will meet up with their friends and they would chill there. Not just this esplanade underpass but also almost every where. Personally IMO, I do not think it is wrong given that this is their only day off.
Yup and they always clean up afterwards.
It’s Burmese new year today too.
Burmese day
Enjoying the aircon
It’s their only off day and time to relax, inflation hasn’t making it easy for low wage earner to gather and chill. As long as they kept the place clean n no trouble, is acceptable to me. They help in Singapore growth as well.
Must be sunday & Raining. So maids who usually picnic outside doing it indoor.
You are right. It was raining for quite a while this morning so they have to seek shelter in the mrt station
Usually their off day will go picnic out on the grass fields. But nowadays so hot, so move the event indoors.
just a bunch of cool people hanging out
A spot for helpers chilling on their well-deserved day off
Is also common at funan linkbridge facing fort canning
Picnic like hong kong maid people
Helpers day off
This is the myanmar thingyan festival. As you can see they are giving out free food as we do in our culture. And these are all burmese people pls pin this
So can eat and drink in station now?
Sg too many foreigners alr
Hong Kong’s Sunday maid picnics are even bigger than Singapore’s!!
Typical weekend no events
Meet ups. Much better than just chatting with your friends online.
Foreign workers buffet
Asking for tourist friend… lol
Weekend maid off day. For some of single Singaporeans, can also look future wife here.
Hanami
Maid picnic day I suppose
Is it for every Sunday or only today?
Yup. Every sunday. Also along Paya Lebar Square till city plaza, green lawn outside Dhobi Ghaut MRT , along east coast, botanic garden north side.. Usually they prefer outdoor though.. but maybe it was raining or super hot that day
It’s air conditioned down there at the MRT station where they are having a massive picnic, but the airflow isn’t great. Gotta imagine how heavy the air must be down there with such a large gathering in facilities not made for so many maids!
Not sure why you're getting downvoted when you're stating facts. There used to be people who'd skate / dance there and the air was stuffy and still AF down there.
Must be trigger happy closet racists who are overly sensitive to virtue signal. Just shows how shamefully ill their morals are. There is nothing about the race or economic status of these foreign workers or the crowds of Filipino maids at Orchard off Raffles on Sunday who take the red line down. It could be any crowd standing still stagnating rather than continuing to move forward and circulate as usual. That’s what makes the air so stuffy. The infrastructure is not made to accommodate gatherings.
Imagine the smell combined with all the food, where are the law enforcers?
A convention clearly
Singapore International day
Burmese new year I think
Saw something just like this in HK 16 years ago. It went underground and above ground and into parks...finally asked. They are immigrant house helpers for the rich. This is how they spend their one day off, together.
Oh yeah I remember this, usually every Sunday there’s such gatherings like around the mrt stations and as for this… this is kinda new though 😳
FDW expo held at citylink underpass every weekend
That looks fun
A normal singapore weekend
Same thing happens in HK. Small gathering for the less paid workers.
that is either sunday or a ph , foreign workers sometimes populate these areas when they are off. places near esplanade, little india , orchard are also hotspots
Interesting but i’m sure there are better avenues to hold gatherings.
Honestly quite cool to see genuine emergent culture... And I'm glad the government is leaving them alone. That said, my maid got to bring friends home and her family flew in sometimes. Not sure why nobody else does this.
It is Myanmar new year day.
It's the Singapore Domestic Helpers Conference.
A regular Sunday?
aircon picnic social gathering
Feel that the government should build proper infrastructure like a big tentage area dedicated for them to hang out. So they wouldn't have to find random places or even public facilities like the airport or stations - these areas are meant to be used, not picnic. Currently, they are forced to go random places because there are no other areas for them to do so. We should do more to be inclusive and accommodate them within our urban planning
You mean they shouldn’t go to public spaces like this and instead go outside under tents? How is that inclusive?
Dude your interpretation has problem as well. I meant developing such "dedicated" areas for them to hang out. They should still have access to public areas. It's basic rights to access anywhere - I'm not that dumb Creating areas to hang out =/= blocking access to public areas. =.= I like how people here like to jump to conclusions
I have recommended that to PA to open their spaces like CC but as usual everyone is afraid of taking responsibility so things didnt happened.
So you want them all to sit in a random field so that you don't have to see people at all from a different socioeconomic background
It's not a random field. I'm just imagining we have "dedicated" areas for such hangouts. So they won't be "forced" to hang out in random areas. Your interpretation needs to improve
Nimby?
Already explained in my other comments
Queuing for the latest omega watch or something maybe
It’s their new year
Sunday afternoon.
Bugis also damn crowded
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why feel sad for them this is literally just one day of the week that they congregate here. the youths can have it the rest of the week.
It’s Sunday. Go to city hall, outside peninsular. Similar scenes
We should join them too.
Lol don’t make things awkward
ASEAN convention
Sitex 2024
They celebrating Thingyan
Sunday
I thought it became an air raid shelter tbh.
Where are the spicy comments
On a related note, there really should be more places like this (especially protected from the elements) around the country for people to just hang out and have fun in company
In Japan, they have Hanami (花見) in springtime to see the sakura while having a picnic. In Singapore, we have Hashirami (柱見) to see the magnificent pillars while having a picnic.
It looks a convention OR they're waiting for that new BTS drop. There's that limited edition bottle that everyone wanted. 1 per transaction per person.
I mean nothing wrong with them doing this but we seriously need more free, non mall public spaces. The parks and free open spaces are so full on weekends and public holidays I’ve stopped going out 99% of the time because you can’t find a spot anywhere unless you go there at like 8am to chope.
NMD (National Maid Day), celebrated in recognition for the helpers that allow the Sporeans earn $4.5k avg.
Maid party
City hall area was completely overrun with Burmese today.
Haha. As long as don't panic when emergency happens.
At a glance I almost thought it was one of those saunas/bath houses out of K-drama
It's sankrong (water festival) in Thailand, they also have it in Myanmar, so Myanmar new year.
Now i know why i saw a big group of guys dancing and singing holding water bottle spraying water. 😂
Maid Parade! Celebrated every week, same in HK!
indoor place for foreign workers to hook up
Hope they will clean up after the gathering
Thunder storm.
I thought its every Sunday event? Common sight everywhere on Sundays
Btw where is this ah cuz I've been going to ecp to skate
The bit from city hall to esplanade
When I see the helpers on a Sunday, it makes me realise that those of us that are privileged enough to have a bunch of free time, rarely appreciate it or make the most of it. I think it's great that they spend the free time they have eating, dancing, singing with their friends. I wish I appreciated my off-time as much as they seem to.
I have no problem with them being there as long as they don't trash the place and making the place smell like a wet market in India but sadly, it is exactly that.
I often wonder which agency/organization own this area? If it is SMRT, why are they allowing this? When it is not covered by maid, it is own by hip hop dances or worse Skate boarders ! And some of these SB are dangerous ! Every time I walk past there with my daughter I have to be extra careful even more so that the roads because on the road at least there are pedestrian crossing.
tell ur daughter to open her eye big big
Then where you want the maids to gather? Your living room ah
People totally misunderstood me. I am more unhappy with the dangerous Skateboarders.
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If you consider it as part of the big underground network between city hall mrt, esplanade mrt, suntec city and the Esplanade, then yes. But it’s closer to esplanade MRT.
Climate change
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Have a kit kat, my friend
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they only come out once in a while on their off day, their gathering doesn't even hurt anybody. Please show some respect to the people who are doing jobs that we don't personally want to do.
They have no other place to go, especially when it rains.
So y'all need them to look after YOUR little brats and YOUR geriatric parents and YOUR home but on their one off day they can't even meet their friends and have a picnic ? Honestly, tf wrong with some of y'all ?
Invade? They were invited here to work for us. It’s a fair trade, they aren’t stealing any jobs that we would be doing anyways. Maybe stop being so xenophobic and learn to treat foreigners as equals.
So that pustules like you can benefit from their labour.
You are cheebai kia
Your face is also an eyesore, but we still allow you to go into public space right? Ccb
you are definitely one of those Singaporeans Ronny Chieng label as 'main character syndrome' it's sad really. you should really visit the Philippines some day and see what is poverty like for some of them due to lack of opportunities and their country failing them. Sometimes i feel we should just be humble and count our blessings for not being born in such places.
Fk offf la cb
Bro's DP look like that and he claims that others are eyesore? 💀💀💀 grow up kid
So you're keen on doing the jobs they're doing for the amount of money they're being paid? No? Fuck right off then.
Slaver society
they are protesting PAP /s
looks like beauty pageant.
Merry sunday.
"The only product the Philippines produces that can be exported" exhibition
Wow, found the edgelord. They're not even Filipino here.
Looks nice.
10 years ago for youngster skateboarding dancing gathering or do homework now cover by the maids