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May Day and 10ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebrations
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Music, Memories and Gratitude: Sister Dewi's Piano Performance at CDE's May Day and 10ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebrations Some melodies have a special way of bringing us back to cherished memories. For Sister Dewi, Richard Clayderman’s Ballade pour Adeline is one such piece. At CDE’s May Day for Domestic Employees and 10ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebrations, Dewi captivated the audience with her piano performance of the classical favourite, a melody that reminds her of her hometown in Central Java, Indonesia. Inspired by the timeless beauty of classical music, Dewi dedicated herself to mastering the piece despite her busy schedule and long working hours. Her commitment was especially evident in learning its fast-paced arpeggios, demonstrating the perseverance and passion that have been part of her musical journey for many years.
Music has long played an important role in Dewi’s life. Before coming to Singapore, she performed in a band in Indonesia, playing not only the piano but also the drums and guitar. Taking the stage at the celebrations allowed her to reconnect with that passion while sharing her talent with the wider community. For Dewi, the performance was more than a musical presentation. It was an opportunity to express her gratitude and connect with others through a language that transcends borders and backgrounds. Reflecting on her experience, she shared a simple but meaningful message:
Through her performance, Dewi reminded us of the power of music to preserve memories, inspire growth and bring people together. Her journey is a testament to the importance of pursuing one's passions and embracing every opportunity to learn and connect with others.
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A Message of Support Through Music: Thidar Tun’s Performance at CDE’s 10ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebrations When Sister Thidar Tun took to the stage with her guitar to perform Let Me Be There at CDE’s May Day for Domestic Employees and 10ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebrations, it was more than a musical performance. It was a heartfelt message of support and solidarity for the migrant domestic worker (MDW) community and volunteers gathered for the occasion. Having arrived in Singapore from Myanmar in 2007, Thidar understands the challenges and uncertainties that can come with building a life in a new country. Through her performance, she sought to remind fellow MDWs that they do not have to face life's difficulties alone. No stranger to the stage, Thidar has been performing since her school days. She chose Let Me Be There because of its uplifting message of being present for one another, a sentiment that closely reflects the spirit of the CDE community. The song celebrates the importance of standing together, supporting one another and recognising how far the community has come over the years. Beyond her performance, Thidar hopes to see the Myanmar MDW community in Singapore become even more united through volunteering, friendship and mutual support. She believes that strong community bonds can help individuals overcome challenges and create a sense of belonging away from home. Sharing a message of encouragement, she said:
Through her music and her words, Thidar reminded us of the strength that comes from compassion and community. Her performance reflected the values that have guided CDE over the past decade: caring for one another, uplifting those in need and building a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We thank Thidar for sharing not only her musical talents, but also her hope, kindness and commitment to supporting the MDW community. |
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Coming Together Through Music and Dance
What happens when singers and dancers come together for the first time? For Revo x Dynamic Dancers and Sister Sharon Prospero, it became an opportunity to build friendships, take on new challenges and celebrate CDE’s 10ᵗʰ anniversary together. At CDE’s May Day for Domestic Employees and 10ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebrations, Revo x Dynamic Dancers joined forces with Sharon for a vibrant performance combining music and dance. Although they began rehearsals as acquaintances, the time spent practising together gradually brought them closer, transforming a group of individual performers into a team united by a shared goal. Preparing for the performance required commitment from everyone. Despite busy work schedules and limited days off, the group made the most of every opportunity to rehearse. While the dancers worked on bringing the choreography to life, Sharon took on a new challenge of her own. In addition to singing, she stepped outside her comfort zone to dance alongside the group for the first time. Performing has long been a passion for Sharon. Before coming to Singapore, she participated in singing competitions and theatre productions in the Philippines. Taking the stage at the May Day celebrations allowed her to continue sharing her love for music while exploring a new side of performing. Beyond their shared love for performing, the group is also connected by a common aspiration shared by many migrant domestic workers: to work towards a better future for their families back home. Their journey from acquaintances to teammates reflects what can be achieved when people come together, support one another and work towards a shared purpose. We thank Revo x Dynamic Dancers and Sharon for bringing their energy, teamwork and talent to the stage, and for making CDE’s 10ᵗʰ anniversary celebrations even more memorable. |
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Friendship and a Shared Passion Take Centre Stage
For Sister Sriti and Deshi Girls, their performance at CDE’s May Day for Domestic Employees and 10ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebrations was made possible by friendship, determination and a shared passion for dance. Originally from Darjeeling, West Bengal, Sriti led Deshi Girls in a vibrant Indian dance performance that brought their energy and enthusiasm to the stage. For Sriti, volunteering with CDE has been about more than giving back. It has also given her an opportunity to find a community and form meaningful connections. After inviting her friends to join her as CDE volunteers, they came together to form Deshi Girls, united by friendship, mutual support and their love of performing. Preparing for the performance, however, required commitment from the entire group. With different work schedules, limited rest days and the challenge of finding suitable time and space to rehearse, every practice session required careful coordination and teamwork. Their determination kept them going, making the opportunity to finally perform together even more meaningful. Dance has been part of Sriti’s life since her college days, and taking the stage at the celebrations gave her the opportunity to once again share that passion with others. Beyond performing, however, Sriti hopes to continue helping those in need and making a positive difference in their lives. She also expressed her appreciation to the CDE team and her mentors for the encouragement and support they have given her along the way. Their belief in her, she shared, made the experience even more special. Through their performance, Deshi Girls showed how friendship, volunteering and a shared passion can bring people together and create a stronger sense of community. We thank Sriti and Deshi Girls for sharing their culture, passion and joyful spirit with us, and for making CDE’s 10ᵗʰ anniversary celebrations even more memorable.
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