Philip Ng

Chasing Merlion Philip Ng

Much of what we know of this part of the world began only in the year 1298, when a prince from Palembang set foot on Temasek. But, there are stories that took place even before the veil of history was removed. This is but one of them. The Merlion has traditionally kept the island of Temasek safe from invasions and attacks. But, this time, the danger it faces threatens its own survival. Over wide swath of unexplored terrain and surrealistic ocean, the story follows the dangerous exploits of a group of young boys as they attempt to save the Merlion from capture. United by a common goal, the boys formed an unlikely friendship and alliance at a time when Temasek was divided among its various tribes - Wang, from the well-to-do neighbourhood called 'The Forbidden Hill'; Oak, from the fishermen community of 'The River' and Tok, a budding pirate belonging to the fearsome predatory tribe that inhabited the infamous Dragon Tooth Gate. But, the Merlion holds another secret which would change everything the boys know.