I just caught a commercial for Bob the Builder, who is coming to Singapore, endorsed by Phua Chu Kang (pictured left).

I wonder what Bob thinks. I’m sure somehow, someone producing the trailer figured that PCK would be the most logical choice as a local version of him, given the assumed closeness amongst the construction industry. I want so badly for the children to ask Bob if he can preserve the fah-kah-dee* of a building, just like PCK has.

In finding that picture of PCK, I also found his wikipedia page. Written by Singaporeans, presumably, given the British spelling and occasional telltale signs:

This 4-minute long music video is to teach the local on how to prevent SARS…

Maybe it’s just me, but an entire music video produced just for the benefit of one person’s health seems excessive, if anything, but never say the government doesn’t care for your welfare. Each and everyone of you. Ever again.

The page carries an artificial air of authority, much like what we’re taught to gild on whenever we write papers for school or work. Y’know—them “official” things.

Other nuggets of encyclopaedia-esque authority include:

Unfortunately, it will be the final season and its last Phua Chu Kang’s story, that is, after Season 8 of the show, it will cease to exist anymore.

Phua Chu Kang is growing increasingly popular and some now say he is one of the symbols of Singapore.

Chu Kang’s two lazy workers are fat and lazy.

There’s far too much to break down there, but at least I learnt one thing, which till now I have never, ever heard of:

…the other word or term for Singlish was coined by some local people: “Phua Chu Kanglish”

* facade