The Bitter Cure

i can kind of put it in words...

2011-11-24T16:35:00.002+08:00

I think i can kind of put it into words.

i was talking to my mummy last night. I think it is the pressure that i felt when you put me at the first and foremost. if you did not, i felt so. because i know for now, i cannot do that. i only know that now it is better for everyone to look into their future and do what they want to do. truly want to do. life is too short to be... for lack of a better word, restricted. yes. everyone always believed that they have some one or something to answer to, be it the system, parents etc. but that is not good enough. nobody can tell you who to be or what to do. yes. some may say, parents give birth to you, you have a responsibility. the system empowered you, enriched you, educated you, you have a responsibility. so when do you do something for yourself? I am not being a cynic or skeptic. to an extent, do what you must and do what you want. i am sure the people who gave birth wants their get to be what they can be or at the very least, happy. my mummy once told me this, "i can give birth to your body, but i cannot tell you what to do or what to think. you have to make your own decisions."

there was this conversation recently about a 40 years old friend who was sharing how he would not want to get into a relationship with a girl in her 20s. All the wants and needs are just too much.

there was this other conversation about how 2 different relationships were similar yet not the same.
1) An Asian girl in her early 20s dating a Caucasian male, also in his early 20s. Both of them are at a stage of their life, that they need to think about how they want their future to be like. Asian girl with her family and career. Caucasian male with a bright sporting career. Not mentioning that there is an ocean separating them, they know what they must do. yet it does not make it any less painful. Would had been better for them to meet 10 years later?

2) An Asian girl in her early 20s, falling in love with a Caucasian male in his 40s. The Asian girl studies at where the guy works. where ever he works at, which ever country he decided to stay, she follows. Of course it is difficult for the girl. but looking at it, the relationship has a better chance of flourishing, no? of course putting aside the gender. be it the former is a guy and the latter is a lady, would it be any different? So it is the better time to meet, if you want a happy ending?

a couple of years will go by, do you really want to sit and watch your life go by?

at these times and age, everyone have something that they want to do or accomplish. climb a mountain. build an empire. have a billion dollars. save a forest. have an everlasting love.

times flies. everyday people die. children get birth into this world. do you really want to stand still?

would it be better if we meet later on in life?

Europe - Rome

2011-09-18T22:16:00.005+08:00

13 morning - 15 morning Sept'10

Rome - Venice

Arrived so very early in Rome. And our hunt for our hotel is on! At least this time, it is really near, just one stop away from Roma Termini, at Cadovour and we found it in no time. Hostel Ivanhoe! And oh my! It is a great hostel! Can wait to tell u all about it! In a bit…! :)

Right after dumping our bags in the kitchen, we went straight out. First stop, Piazze Di San Paolo. As usual furtherest location first. And also just follow the crowd. You will get there. Sigh. Hmm.. Ever wonder why is there always an obelisk at places?

Spanish steps and the huge Trevi Fountain. Nice. Really impressive. Threw a coin and made a wish. Hope everything ends well.

Went to search for the legendary ice cream, San Crispino. It is suppose to be in the obscure alleyway and Chapman forgotten exactly which and where was it. Oh well, we found it, after a while and it was worth it! :) It was very nice. But kind of expansive thought. 3 scoops is for 5.50euro. The honey flavor is a must-try! The fruit flavors are all very nice. And of course, Chapman had 2 cups, big ones obviously. Haha! Dinner saw the hunt for food again! And as usual, always an extra eye for asian food. After scouring the streets near our hostel, a couple of expansive menu, we noticed a red japanese lantern jutting out from a small shop. As we approached, there was a young chinese-looking lass sitting outside the shop. She spoked to us in not-very-good english. haha! We decided to try our luck at speaking mandarin. It worked! :) This is actually a shop owned by a chinese family.

Last stop of the day, Colosseum! Same day as everyday… Mad rush! haha! nah… it was ok. decided to go out for some food. Chapman decided to have a well-deserved rest in the hostel and watch some movies. The Colosseum was very... ancient. I feel with every step I took, the Colosseum will crumble a little. I hope future generations will be able to still see how majestic the Colosseum is.

Do note that the Arc of Constantine is just round the corner. :)

* A tip: Just need to buy tickets for Colosseum and you are also able to visit the Palatine Hills and Roman Forum. And of course vice versa. Now you know where is the lesser queue? :)

a little something to note on your travels in Europe. space invaders is all over! everywhere! just keep looking around. not always looking down at your maps. :p

The hostel! Ivanhoe! Walking distance from Cadovour Station. It was so fun! Everyone who stayed there are a fun-loving bunch. Everyday there will be something planned. Pasta party. Welcome drinks. etc. Nearing the wee-hour timing, everyone who wants to continue to have fun, will head out and party! :) So do stay there when you are in Roma!

Really hate to leave the city. I am in love with Rome. :)

Alas I have to get on with my travels. Onward to Venice! Yay! :)

little visiters to Roma.

a little crazy me. :p

Something to share.

2011-07-24T13:42:00.002+08:00

We dance around in a ring and suppose, the secret sits in the middle and knows - Robert Frost

Quotes II

2011-07-11T00:08:00.002+08:00

Time for some quotes. Things that I picked up along the way. I would like to thank everyone who had posted comments on my previous post. Hope the quotes had done good. :)

1) Do it once. Do it good.

2) Man can be destroyed, but not defeated. - Ernest Hemingway

3) One's perception is his reality.

4) Seek to understand first, then to be understood. - Stephen Covey

5) I am my word.
A man is worth only as much as his word.

6) Life is short.
Live it.
Enjoy it.
Flaunt it.

7) Do it right the first time.

8) Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast
It is not proud, it is not self-seeking
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things
Love never fails - Corinthians 13:4-8,13

Good nights Singapore. I love you. :)

Quotes

2011-04-03T20:29:00.002+08:00

I think I am gonna note down some things/phase/sentences/quotes that I like or see along the way. Gonna build it up.

1) As you get older in age, there are more things that you leave behind.

2) Humans lead such pitifully short lives, but they were always ready to throw away these lives for a cause or belief, or doing something as foolish and noble as rushing into a burning tower to save the life if a total stranger.

3) "Hakuna Matata"

4) "Est Sularas Oth Mithas"

5) "With Great Powers, Comes Greater Responsibilties"

6) "Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take , but by the number of times that take your breath away."

7) "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson

Hope for more.

Europe - Innsbruck

2010-12-24T17:13:00.004+08:00

finally got enough time to sit down and put up the posts for Europe... :)

12 morning Sept '10

Woke up to a beautiful morning, arriving in beautiful Austria! Once we step out of the train station, I could see the distant snow caps of the famous Alps.

Before that we had to get something settled, our next location. We are suppose to get to Milano but due the lack of train tickets and unhelpful French staff, we got the next best thing by changing our itinerary a bit and get to Innsbruck first.

We found out we can get tickets straight to Rome. Overnight too. Decided to take that as instead of just 4 hours, we could spend more time in Innsbruck. One major problem, our hostel in Milano is already booked for the night. Next up, I am going to introduce to you one of the most "in-bar" things a traveller could have. A internet and call shop. It is so cheap! :) After phoning the hostel up, we managed to change our dates for stay and it helped that the lady over the other side speaks Chinese! :) See! China is taking over the world. They are practically everywhere.

Our exploration of Innsbruck starts, or rather mine as Chapman had been here twice already. He is just back for the goulash soup. :p

There was not much people in sight. As we moved towards the tourist attractions, there were a tad more people, like… Simpang on a weekday 3pm. Haha. And of course we set our eyes on the fabled Golden Roof...

One point to note: There seems to be a lot of more asian tour groups than european or even american ones. Japanese ones are very common and Singaporean ones are normally at the more common locations. Singaporean are very distinct, if you know what I mean.

Made our way around and got to the cable car station. Was really excited! Chapman promised that the view was going to be amazing! Alas, the queue… again… Took a bit more time than expected but we got up. I have not words to describe this. I think my vocabulary is really not adequate to describe the beauty of the place… See for yourself…

After which we had lunch at the restaurant up the mountain, the famous goulash soup. As usual, it was packed… everywhere was packed… But the soup was good. :) And guess what? There were people sky gliding! So cool! :)
We went to the Alpine Zoo. It was really small. With only a total of 150 species of animals and plants, I took about an hour to finish the whole place and that is with all the uphill and upslopes. :)

We lazed at the square of the St. Anne's column for a while and spent about 4 hours at a bistro watching movies and using the laptops. After which was an overnight train again. But this time, to Rome - Italy!

hmm..

2010-10-18T22:58:00.001+08:00

someone just told me she only has 1 heart and i broke it 3 times. hmm... can i really bear her to be out of my life...?

lost and confused

2010-10-18T13:49:00.002+08:00

some just cant find the right person because they keep looking for the perfect person who never exist... true? :(

do you want to look for the right one or be the right one?

and i think i need to finish my blog post on my Europe trip... :(

Europe - Paris

2010-09-11T23:19:00.003+08:00

10 Sept '10

Arrived at the most visited country in the world, around 9pm. First impression when I get out of the train, onto the platform of Paris Est. Station was, chaos everywhere. People was everywhere. Traffic was moving in various different directions. As I walk further down, there were signs for all sorts of things. Of course French is not something that I can read. After I puzzle out the mess in front of me, I realized this train station is actually a hub for all sorts of transportation. Metro, inter-city trains, regional train, international trains, food outlets, et ctera. The only transportation that is not there, is the transport to the airport. But that is easily solved, 2 stops away is the Paris Garde Nord. The central station, the mother of all motherships.

In France, it is not easy to find your place around. First you do not speak French and second, the French people are very rude. Once they know, you speak English, they tend to be very impatient and even go as far as to shun you.

Anyway, as it was already quite late, we set off to look for our hostel. Absolute Paris. The ratings for this place is only average but the location is very good. Something interesting happened: A girl (after which we found out, Vaida is from Lithuania) came up to us and ask directions and insisted on tagging along to our hostel. After a couple of minutes, we found that she actually missed her train to Strasburg and had to look for accommodations.

When we finally found our way, we settled down (she got the last spot for the night, so lucky) and went out to grab a bite.

Our room is very nice! As most of the hostels go, the corridors are really small and winding. But our room was surprising, we got a 2 person private and it was kind of like an attic hut. There were even a group of people eat at their balcony opposite my room, across the street! They were eating and drinking, even singing! haha!

11 Sept'10

Went to visiting by myself as Chapman has to settle the tickets to get out of Paris.

After analyzing the map of Paris, I decided that I would start far and come back down. But first, I will go to the place that was the most oddly place from my location and chosen path, the Montmarte. It was a couple of stops of Paris Garde Nord. The road going up to the Montmarte was totally packed with people. I bet 85% are tourist, 14% are tourist trappers and the remaining 1% are just people who are passing through.

Being the first monument in Paris that I set my eyes on, I was not very impressed at first. But as I approach this UNESCO World Heritage Site, I realized that this kind of beauty will slowly dawn upon you. And what is truly beauty was the view that Montmarte offer. With your back facing the entrance of place, feast your eyes on the view of Paris across the horizon.

As I had only a little more than half a day in Paris, I decided not to join the crazy queue of people trying to get into the Montmarte.

One point to note: There is a group of guys who will approach tourists and try to hit on them with colored string bands. One will try to lasso it around your finger and tell you that it is for the entrance fee. And afterwards, I think they will ask you for money.

Took the metro. Second stop, Arc de Triomphe. All you got to do was really just to follow the crowd. The amount of tourist is actually quite amazing. Almost everyone seems to be going to the same attractions. After exiting the metro, I finally set my eyes on the place which has the highest number of traffic accidents each year.

To get to the foot of the Arc, one has to use a special underpass that only goes to the Arc and back. Took quite a number of pictures, even had a couple which show the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées. After taking in the magnitude of the Arc and the circle, I continued down Champs-Elysées to my next destination, Louvre Museum. About 3 kilometers away. Haha.

One thing to note: There are a lot armed security personnel around. Good right? Very safe. :p

Along the my way down Avenue des Champs-Elysées, I spotted the ever iconic brand of the aunties of Singapore, Louis Vuitton. It is a huge 3 stories building standing at a symbolic 101 address. Of course it looks impressive, it has to be. It is the flagship store. :) Spent about 30mins trying to look for someone to help me to get the product my mummy wants.That was how packed it was. Hmm. Most importantly, it was the amount of Mainland China people that was actually shopping in the shop. Even some of the retail personnel are also from China. After a long search, the product was no longer in stores for the whole of Paris as it was a last season product.

Continuing my way along the long avenue. I went passed a lot of sights. Palace de Concorde. etc.

Finally arrived at the Gardens. Jardin Des Tuileries. Comparing to our Sun Plaza Park, it is huge! And bustling with people. Suntanning, strolling, walking their dogs, playing with their kids or even just lazing around. This is what I think the main difference in the people back home and here in Europe. They take their time and enjoy themselves.

When the Louvre was finally in sight, I took a look at my watch and realize I had practically sprint down the Champs-Elysées. It took me only 2 hours! To my horror, there was a long queue at the main Pyramid entrance. After this took about 30 mins of my life away, I finally got in. After all the security checks, I took some time to gather my thoughts and got my directions corrected. Louvre is really huge. In the end, I decided to head out and check out Scully Wing for the Egyptian collection and make my way to see specific items in other wings, such as Mona Lisa. There was simply no time. So many things to see, so little time… Sigh…

The collections was huge. And so was the crowd. Everywhere was so packed with people. Some stairways made me felt like I was a piece of sardine going into a tin can. The Colossal Statue of Ramses II was not that impressive, I do not even think it was that "colossal". But oh well, he is the Pharaoh whom which I am most familiar with. The "Sitting Scribe" is beautiful. After a very fast 150 mins dash around the Louvre, i went to meet Chapman who was waiting for me at Starbucks. After grabbing a coffee, we decide to visit our next attractions, Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Quasimodo anyone? Hunchback of Notre-Dame? I like that story. If you do not know yet, it is also written by Victor Hugo. Good guys do not always win in the end.

Anyways! The place was quite imposing. But after we saw the queue to get in, we decided immediately we will just take a few pictures and head back to our hostel. It was so long. Maybe the next time when I am in Paris, when it is not summer. It seems that it is very difficult to travel in summer, especially to such tourist attractions.

After we got back to our hostel, we booked hostel for our next location, Milano! Next up Innsbruck - Austria! Another overnight train.

Hmm… Some of you maybe wondering about this. Why is there no mention about Eiffel Tower, arguably the most well-known icon in Paris. Alas, I did not go. Yes. You heard me. I DID NOT GO. :( Made a mistake of not going the night before. Did not know that I will be out of Paris THAT quickly. Hmm… Next time I guess… And I wonder when would that be…

Europe - Luxembourg

2010-09-10T01:32:00.000+08:00

09 - 10 Sept'10

Spent that next day with just a little exploring around Luxembourg. Went to the Casemates. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site. A couple other places, churches and lunch places. Hit the hostel early and organized my photos, blogged and chill. :)

Had a early night and check out really early the next day and got to Vianden!

This is a very interesting place! Vianden Castle is high up in the hills. We took the chair-lift up to the castle and did a bit of exploring. Got to go down some dirt paths and trails before we can get from the chair-lift point to the castle.

Went to 2 museum, with English guides of course. The Victor Hugo Museum and the Museum of Cartoons and Caricatures. I think most of you guys would not know them the great Victor Hugo, author of the famous Les Misérables, stayed there for a couple of years during his exile. And check out caricature.eu :)

Something to ponder on...

Europe - Kinderdijk Windmills, Brussels and Bruges - Beligum

2010-09-08T01:23:00.005+08:00

06 Sept'10

Left Amsterdam. Went Kinderdijk. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Series of windmills and water canals. Excellent Water Management. It is absolutely amazingly beautiful! :) The windmills spin surprisingly fast!

Arrived in Brussels, Belgium late at night. After get onto the streets, I realized the mistake made. I did not take down the address of place we are staying at… my god… we wandered around for like ages. Got to keep looking because the mood was quickly deteriorating… Guess what? A old japanese lady walking her dog called out to us, asking whether if we need help! Oh my. She was like god-sent. Haha! She brought us around and went asking around the shops, even taking time off to show us where to buy food, good supermarkets, laundry even. :) She has live in Brussels for 37 years! In the end, we got ourselves into a internet shop and got the address off my email account. Viola! The old lady got us to the street and wish us good luck and good journey! So sweet! absolutely an angel. :)

Check into our hotel and I found out my ipod touch was missing… argh… I left it in the Amsterdam hotel room. :( after many many calls, I finally managed to get the hotel manager to pass my ipod to Taufik. Yes. Taufik is there for an extra day. Hao-shan is there for 2 more. Lucky me. :)

Our hotel looks quite run-downed on the outside, the lift was about 1 Xing Yong sized and the doors were creaky but the room was quite nice! It was big and the beds were ok. :)

07 Sept'10

Woke up fairly early the next morning. Had a less than impressive breakfast in hotel and got off to see the many sights of Brussels. First stop the Parc du Cinquantenaire! Nice! :) In front of the arc, there is a big park. People were letting their dogs running round, playing with other dogs. There is also a cute little children playground. The kids are soOoo cute! All the parents were taking turns to work on the carousel. The things parents do for their kids. So sweet… :)

Grand Place was up next. We got to the 11th century marketplace, Brussels' historic main square and the buildings were amazing… The La Masion du Roi, La Maison des Ducs de Brabant, Le Renard, Le Cornet, Le Roi d'Espange and finally the Hotel de Ville! We took so many photos! Some interesting candy shop caught our eyes. The young lady was very nice, let us each taste a full piece of the candy and we had to get a small bag worth. :) Got directions to Mannekan Pis. And after a short walk, following all the tourists (mainly Mainland Chinese), we saw the cute little pissing boy. :p What caught my eye was a small stickers-filled signboard to the left side of Mannekan Pis. Oh dear! It is a "I love TP" sticker! haha! what are the chances…? :p

The streets of Brussels looks very shady at night and the part which we are staying at is the Turkish area. The kebab shop owner around the corner of our hotel was telling us to take care of ourselves, tourist are prone to get into trouble. And his kebab was delicious! He even treated drinks! So nice! :) Did our laundry in at a shop near our hotel.

08 Sept'10

Very early in the morning, we began our trip to Bruges. We have to take a 1hour train to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yes. This whole town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It is a preserved medieval town with a couple of colleges around it. :)

There was a downpour when we got there and we had to wait at the station. Had late lunch in a small bistro/restaurant and tried the Flemish Rabbit. Tasted like chicken. :p

The buildings are so nice. hmm. One thing on the down side is that everything is in French. Yes. That includes the museums… Luckily some of them have summaries in English.

Another notable place in Belgium is the Hergé Museum. Does not ring a bell? He is the author and creator of Tintin! It was one of my most mystical time during my whole Europe trip. I am a Tintin fan! :) There were facts that I did not knew about and there was the shark submarine and there were Tintin comics in every language it was ever published and… and… and.. haha! so many things! Yippee!

A brunch beside the college library. The tomato soup was delicious! :)

On the same day we made our way to Luxembourg. As usual, we made it there when it was dark. Spent a bit of time waiting for the bus and a bit more time getting our directions and we arrived at a very nice hostel. The only hostel in Luxembourg. :) The security was excellent and the rooms are nice. But we did spent 3 hours to get our next stretch of our journey sorted out. The problem was due to the lack of days of our rail passes and the rail connections.

Europe - Amsterdam, Netherlands!

2010-09-02T01:40:00.001+08:00

02 Sept'10

Site of Pro Tour Amsterdam

Arrived at Amsterdam on thursday afternoon. Met up with everyone in the hotel. Taiwan peeps, Hong Kong peeps and our Singapore guys. :) Figured our way around, went for lunch and half the group for a museum visit and the rest of us, Weng Heng, Clifford, Taufik, Chapman and myself went to the tournament venue. :)

The place is amazing! My first experience visiting a Pro-Tour site. The fluff is fabulous! First up, at the entrance, there is a trophy cabinet showing all the current and past trophies that all the champions had hoisted to victory! Just check out all the photos! :)

Chapman and me played the LCQ ( Last Chance Qualifiers) and I got a 5-4 and he was at 6-1, then 6-3. So sad. :( Over the weekend, I played PTQ and the foil set Standard Constructed event. All in all, over the past week, I played quite a few events. 3 grinders, 1 GP, 3 PTQs, 1 Standard and a couple of drafts. :)

A couple of us, Chapman, Shi Tian, Zhiyang, Chye Wee and me, went a couple of museums, had a hell of a big pack of chips, got some drinks by the canal and took a stroll around the alleys of the Amsterdam. It was really an eye-opener! :p Brought some space cakes and went back to the hotel to draft. It was a crazy 10-men pod. I think some of us had a tad too much cake… What a way to end Amsterdam! hahaha!

Kuo Tzu-Ching had a very good start, with 6-2 on the first day. Hao-shan and Shi Tian got into Day 02 with 5-3, Weng Heng went 4-4, Chye Wee was 4-3-1 and Taufik crashed out with 3-5. :(

In the end, Shi Tian was the biggest money finisher! :) YeaH! Congrats! :D

Something very note! The last night in the hotel, half of the guys got stuck in the lift! hahaha! Shi Tian, Tzu-Ching and others. It was so funny! They were calling for help and we were laughing on the outside. Haha! must be the cake... hmm... :)

Europe - Germany

2010-09-01T03:25:00.000+08:00

31 August'10

Just went through something very cool! Took a train from Copenhagen and headed for Berlin. Some unexpected happened! The train came to a shoreline and it went into huge ocean liner! And with us in it! Haha! Disembarked and had breakfast on the ship during the 45mins journey across the sea. And continued on our way. Decided to get off at Hamburg for a few hours. It is the 2nd largest port after Rotterdam in Europe.

This is the absolutely delicious CurryWurst!

Hamburg is a very nice city! Full of live and very nice people! :)

01 - 02 Sept'10

Sitting at the hall of a hostel named, "The 3 Little Pigs". It is very well rated on HostelWorlds.com. I think this is a very nice place. It was previously a very old convent and now renovated to be a hostel. The winding corridors are a tad spooky. :p The facilities are good and at night the hall is filled with people from everywhere playing pool, cards, chatting, using the internet, drinking, letter writing, etc etc.

The side trip to Hamburg is quite fun. It is a thriving city, not too pack and not too "rushy". Just the way I like it. :) Spend about 5 hours there and tried my first ever german Currywurst. It was quite good. :) Walk around and get lost a bit. Haha. And off we go to Berlin!

Touch down at Berlin Haupbahnhof. Central station of Berlin. Came straight to the hostel and once we put down our things, we are out to see how does a normal "Berlin Night" is like. Came to a breath taking sight… The Brandenburg Gate. Oh my… It is absolutely fabulous… Images of rows and rows of soldiers march past the Gate came unbidden to me. I imagine how spectacular is was during the height of Hilter's reign.

Branderburg Gate

After bumming around for a while, we came back to a pub outside the hostel and had drinks and a delicious mushroom pizza. A little bad luck was that the washing machine was out of order. :(

The next morning, I could not wake the sleepy head and only managed to get out of the hostel after 10am. Went to a part of the Berlin Wall and check out a exhibition about the world period. It was mainly with regards to the Gestapo and the other military aspects of the Hilter's reign.

After a slight shower, we got mixed up with the directions and stumbled upon a chinese bistro. I had crispy duck noodle and it was surprisingly good! :)

After which we went to the Reichstag! It is very beautiful! When I did History and my Multimedia project on Germany, I told myself that Germany is one of my "must-go" destination. And just by standing my the Branderburg Gate, Reichstag and the Berlin Wall, I am so overwhelmed! :)

Reichstag

Berlin Wall

En-route to Amsterdam! Haha!

Europe Trip! Denmark! Sweden! :)

2010-08-30T06:04:00.015+08:00

A first of many things!

First entry on my first Europe trip! :)

Took a flight to Bangkok on the 25th August'10, 2050hrs. Waited 2hrs for transit. And it was a 11 hours flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. It was 0730 in the morning. The time different is exactly 6hours.

Something very important to know, it is very difficult to get Swedish Korna and Denmark Korne. We went to both the airports' money exchange and we could not get anything, not even SGD$5 worth. So if you are going to Scandinavia countries, do be well prepared.

Took a train for 3 stops to København H Station. And went hunting for money exchange. Point to note: It cost a fee to exchange currency.

The weather was great! Cool wind and sunny day! But according to the locals, it is rainy season. :P

We decided to hang around for the rest of the day before going up to Gothenburg, Sweden. First thing that came to mind was the "Little Mermaid". It is a famous landmark of Copenhagen. Guess what? It is moved to Shanghai! oh my... It is there for the World Expo. All there was a live telecast of the Little Mermaid in Shanghai... :( What a bummer... Everyone there was quite upset... Haha.

28 August'10

Writing with a heavy heart… How can I improve my skills and thought process for playing? Just completed the Grand Prix Gothenburg'10 with a very disappointed score of 3-6.

Some background information: There were a total of 1,001 participants. It was the biggest Grand Prix in Scandinavia till date. The event ground was good. Very big and spacious. The people were generally nice, of course there were a few occasional oddballs. The side events were crazy. There were more than 40 pods of drafts and it costed 150SEK to play. That is close of SGD$25! There were other events, such as, EDH, Legacy, Seal, and all sorts of pick-ups.

The day before I played 2 rounds of grinders which costed 250SEK each. Damm expansive. :( haha.

The conduct of the GP was smooth compared to the others that I had been to. We started a little late, around 1030am and ended around 930pm. Given that it is a 9-rounds swiss, it was ok. I opened Baneslayer Angel and passed. The passing was quite well organized actually. Each player was told to put the cards, sorted by colour and in alphabetical order, into the given deckbox and the passing begins. I got a mixed pool of cards. "Frost Titan" X 1, "Grave Titan" X 1, "Steel Overseer" X 1, "Lighting Bolt" X 2, etc. I played blue/white and splashed black and red. I think it was good. And after discussion with the rest, Chapman agreed he would also played blue/white and splash the lighting bolts. My white pool was with 5 flyers, 1 blinding mage and 1 condemn.

Throughout the day, I died due to fireballs, lighting bolts and titans. And I would say that "Mind Control" and "Crystal Ball" are so sick… Most of the time I would be outdraw by "Crystal Ball". With 3 removals in hand and opponent had none, I lost.

Okok. After with Chapman, I understand that M11 or rather core sets are about having more card advantage. The pros almost always play blue. Preordain, Forsee and Augury Owl are very good cards.

29 August'10

Just done with a 75DKK lasagna dinner at the Nis Ericsson Terminal. I have concluded that Scandinavia is a very expansive place. A good point is that almost everyone speaks english and are very helpful. :)

Just completed a 9 round swiss PTQ. It was 250-strong. In Singapore, we seldom have more than 100-strong. Haha. Anyway, it was bad. The rares I had were, "Temple Bell", "Jinxed Idol", "Wild Evocation", " Reverberate" and luckily, 2 copies of "Royal Assassin". I think my build was ok. And to top it off, O had "Lighting Bolt" X 2, "Chandra's Outrage" X 1, "Assassinate" X 1, "Raise of the Grave" X 1, etc. Nonetheless, whenever I see a Titan or two, dead… Went 5-4. It was ok. I had a lot fun, as I made some friends! People from Holland, USA and Argentina. The lady from Argentina even gave out flyers to ask people to support her music! Haha! I will be a sport and help her promote. :p
www.NATUbella.com.

30 August'10

Tivoli Gardens! That is the reason that we went back to Copenhagen. It is the second oldest amusement park in Europe! :) To top it off, we decided to stay in the largest hostel in Europe, which also happen to be in Copenhagen. Just round the corner of Tivoli Gardens. Our stay was pleasant. and it was my first time sleeping in a mixed dorm!:)

Tivoli Gardens is fairly small. The rides are kind of kiddish. But it is fluffed up very nicely! :) If you are there, make sure you stay till nightfall and check out the light-ups! We did not take any rides as it was damm expansive! But we had a lot of fun though! :)

See all the photos in my flickr account! :)

瑞典这一站到此为之。丹麦，我来了！

Some thoughts from a very dark week...

2010-05-27T01:27:00.002+08:00

Below are some thoughts from a very dark week... written on the road, on my ipod. but everything is getting better now. Just wanna post it up to remind myself...

On the bus home. Listening to Gu Ju Ji's Qing Ge Wang. Realised it had been a long time since I had penned down my thoughts. And i think i am having a very emotional period now. After all the "busy-busy" and "rush-around", finally having a breather. I guess everything is rushing back at me in a very big torrent of reflections. Looked at the mirror and did not recognize the person looking back at me...

It had been a very busy 5months. Work peaked and in 4weeks' time, the cadets of 77/09 are going to commission. When I looked back, everything seems like a blur. Since Chinese New Year, I had went to Brunei for 3 weeks and Genting/Kualur Lumpuar straight after. When Chapman asked me to go for the Japan trip, I did not know what hit me or what was going through my mind, I immediately agreed. Discussed on a Wednesday, bought tickets on Thursday and I was in the plane to Japan on Friday afternoon. It was great fun and definitely an experience etched into my memories. Just came back from Thailand, the cadets' second overseas trip. Learn a wee bit of thai.

Just ended all the high-keyed work events. Had a very bad case of emotional backlash for the past week. Outfield, admist the nature and long odd hours, can be very reflective...

A lot of thoughts went through my head... Work, career, people, what's coming up, etc... Seriously what is up ahead of me... I cannot seems see things like I thought I always could. Where is the decisivness? Where is the insight? What is the outlook nowadays? Apparently there is nothing much up ahead... Everything seems bleak... All of a sudden, feel a need to pour out everything... Looking around, i suddenly feel very lonely and afraid of what is ahead...

Just today I saw a couple of people on the train trip from Tampines to Bishan. But I did not approach and say hi... Why?I realised for the past 5 months, I had not been doing that. I think I even go to the extend of turning around and walk down the other direction. I really do not know where did the person, who was once the president of Temasek Polytechnic Students' Union, went... Where are the bubbliness and friendliness?... Sometimes I cannot believe this kind of thing is happening... But what am I talking about... 2 minutes ago, i just turned away from someone I knew on the train... I always thought this kind of thing will only happen to someone else... Ha... :(

Nowadays I realised I am really not good at whatever I am doing, no matter what it is... I cannot sing, I cannot dance, I cannot draw, I cannot write, I cannot seem to take any photos, i cannot seem to play Magic, do not even seem to have people to watch movie with, do not have savings, do not have a mind of what to do in future, blah blah blah and the list goes on and on...

Mondays to Fridays: work
Saturdays: meet up with Mad Cows
Sundays: Magic tourneys or Ah Ma's place

Impressive right? I used up everyday of my week... But why do I feel lost...? I really enjoy my magic sessions. Everyone is so cute!

I really want to talk to someone... Even up till now, i will still subconsiously pick up my mobile and dial the number and the call was never made. Sometimes I already the answer but I think I need is just a little push, a little voice of encouragement. I think we already know each other so well that I know what will be the answer, even down to how
the conversation will be like.

Why...?

Yesterday took a cab back from camp with Min Siang and Kwang Wei. Something the cab driver said stuck with me. He said (in a mix of mandrian and hokkien", "in the past, I was how impressive and fierce, now even if you spit on me, I will apologize. As a father of 4 children, and at this age, somethings just do not really matter anymore..."
I do not know what to say to that...

I know. I know. All of these are only made possible because my own actions. I just cannot find any energy to behave otherwise... I really need to get out of here... Coming will be Manila in June and should be going to europe with Chapman in August.

I want to have a time out to have a late morning coffee and just snap some pictures...

Just came out of Isetan, Lido. Mummy and Daddy brought me to shopping. Came out emptyhanded. The OT shoes are quite nice but cannot seem to buy something nowadays. Decided not to spend money. Have new resolution today: I should buy a house in 2 years' time. Hmm... Wonders...

Sent from my iPod

hmm...

2010-05-24T00:18:00.000+08:00

Have some backdated things that I need to post... hmm...

Happy Birthday.

2009-10-31T03:22:00.003+08:00

3hrs into my birthday. had dinner with yuting and meet up with jodin, joan, alan, justin and angel after that. Had a really long chat up and it was good. :) Had fun. spoke of the past and funny things and of course funny people. :) Jo, Cai and Eddie called and wished me and did a kind of phone prank. haha. Thank you all! :)

Wanna to rest. I was feeling very tired since my driving earlier in the evening. was quite elated cos Chong commented on my driving. and after that the first song on my ipod was my fav. "The Man That Can't Be Moved" - by The Script. :) Dunno why but now not feeling sleepy. gonna have dinner with eng meng and my family. the plan to rest at home is kind of not gonna work out as I think i need to go down to redhill to send in my Lumix for repairs (the shuttle cant close. :( argh. )

Anyway everything looks like it is gonna be fine. 2 weeks of tekong field camp coming up. :) Good Night Singapore and Thank You for all the wishes! :)

A case of bad air

2009-10-29T23:39:00.004+08:00

There was a time when people says aLvin neO is a very busy and nosy person. Nowadays there is change to an always angry and upset person.
Ya. Do not know why i become so... hmm. really got to get a grip on myself. reflecting on myself and now, it is not because of the job. I like it. I like wearing green. I hold my values strong and dear. I serve with my heart and soul. I have this sense of satisfaction, a sense of achievement when things that I taught are understood and executed correctly.

This up and coming Saturday is my birthday. Thank you to everyone who wants to celebrate it with me. I am touched that there are still people out there who remember my birthday not because of facebook reminder. But nowadays I just want to have a rest at home and a quiet dinner with my parents. That is all I ask for. I am really quite tired of all the ra-ra-ing, big big parties, fun and games. "Dinner, cake, booze and party" package is kind of out for me alreay.

This is my birthday right? I have the choice right?

PAssion Card Anchor!

2009-07-20T20:25:00.001+08:00

It’s been a while since I came back from Taiwan. Lotsa things have happened… Has it been only 2 months?

Work-wise, everything is still pretty much the same, just that training has intensified quite a bit… Shall not go into details. I’ve also been trying to make it for MPS. :)

That said, I am involved in this damm cool project with PA. You know the whole interest in new media these days, right? Those facebook, youtube kind of stuff… Getting youngsters like us engaged through the Internet because we are spending so much time online everyday… Well, they approached me earlier this year and taa daa, yours truly is now a *ahem* PAssion anchor guy. Haha. :P Let me tell you more about it before your thinking strays too far off.

There are some videos posted at www.passioncard.tv, all produced in-house by a team over at PA. Do give us your support! Wah, and now, they are arranging for me to try out some of the stuff they have at OBS. Exciting hor? Must check out the videos, ok!

Anyway, quite tired already. :)

Good night, Singapore!

Back Home!

2009-05-04T00:32:00.002+08:00

yO! I am back! :) Taiwan was damm cool! Training was good. I can see that all my boys are really for ATEC. So proud of them! :) 1 bad thing about Taiwan... always spend too much... really spend until I broke. :(

I realise something. I suck at taking night shots and with people photos... :( really need to work it out. Brought 2 mags from Taiwan. learning... :p
Anyway. lots of things off my buy list. will update after this coming pay day. haha.

580EXII in July.
Lappy in Dec.
70-200 / 70-300 in 2 years.

Cheers!
Good Night Singapore! finally back on my bed. :D

8th April 2009

2009-04-08T23:22:00.002+08:00

Need to be at the airport in roughly 10mins... just wanna say bye and take care to all you peeps out there! Luckily my house is just 7mins away. haha!

Hmm. there are a lot of thoughts running through my mind right now... really feeling the fatigue... Sigh... Guess this trip out came at the right time. Can concentrate on training and hopefully when I am back, everything will iron out, if not things may turn out to be not very important and I maybe wrong. Who knows?

Alright! Take care everyone! Do serious try to miss me.! haha. And all who knows Eng Meng, please shower some love. Although I need some too... hmm.. haha. Thanks!

Yays! Wishlist updated!

2009-03-30T14:29:00.002+08:00

Yo! n Yays! Just minus off some things off my ever-longest-Guinness-world-recordish wishlist. :p

Got my:
1) LXG Graphic Comics. Vol 1 & 2. even the Black Dossier. :p
2) 300 Graphic Comic
3) Watchmen
4) Wrath of Mad God. third book of the dark war trilogy. Think there is a fourth installation. :(
5) Naruto: 45th.

So for Graphic Comics part... I am left with V for Vendetta. :p
I think Kino always likes it when I visits them. Haha.

Thoughts...

2009-03-24T00:26:00.002+08:00

24th March, 2009.
0030hrs.

Time flies. Coming close to 10months since I was posted to 1GDS. Gonna ORD in May if I had not signed on. Its not so bad. Got the kind of fulfillment when leading my men.

Just went to MPS just now. A lot of new faces. Been a while since I had been there. Really should go more often. :) Lots of babes nowadays. :p Cookies sales doing well!

Since coping with the aftermath of GP Singapore. Going for PTQ this sunday, the last extended tourney in Singapore. We have a team blog! madcowthegathering.blogspot.com :) Visit it for our team exploits! or for more info on local magic scene. :)

Grand Prix Singapore'09

2009-03-23T01:33:00.002+08:00

22nd March, 2009

End of Grand Prix Singapore 2009. End of the season in Singapore. And near to the end of the Extended Season. For 3 consecutive years, the Grand Prix in Singapore had been the Extended Format.

For me, this year I had a very good "feel" to how things will turn out to be. In the end, I had done too many mistakes to make my play justifiable. :( I must say that I really need more play.

What was really worthwhile and meaningful, was that the final formation of Mad Cow Inc. All the seven team mates had fun and gained a lot of experience. In two years time, the team would like to get at least half, if not the whole team, into Day Two of Grand Prix Singapore'11. It is definitely a year to look forward to as its my ORD year. :p

Japanese Players are really strong and most importantly, careful. To read more, please go to see the Events Coverage and my Flickr, for the photos that I took.

Gonna crash now... Very drained and feeling very brain dead. Losing stamina at such things now. haha. And I would like to catch up to everyone in the team and at least able to guide the younger member along. :)

Cheers. Good Night Singapore. :) *hugs!

A New Beginning

2009-03-01T15:18:00.001+08:00

March 1st, 2009

This is the first post of the year 2009 for me. And as a lot of people had commented, I have to come and clean up the cobwebs here. Ya. The cobwebs rivals even the Great Shelob's Lair from LOTR. Now you know how Frodo got stuck ya? :p

Anyway, its been a long time. Been busy with my new job. Now a SAF Regular. An officer in the Singapore Armed Forces. A Platoon Commander in 1st Singapore Battalion Guards. Just came back from a family trip to Hokkaido and Shanghai for a White Christmas (See previous post). Most recent trip would be the Brunei training trip with my men. So proud of them. Could not had ask for a better group of soldiers. Going for Taiwan soon. My last leg of the race with them. Going to hand over soon. Although it is still around 2 plus month away, I am already feeling quite miserable. Just thinking of leaving put sorrow in my heart. Seen my boys turning into men. The way they went from whinny little chaps of barely 18years to strong and mature team of troopers.

Been thinking. Realised that I had given too much of my time to others instead of to people who matters and most importantly myself. As a late new year resolution, I will give more of my time to my family (go and rock climb with my brother, run with my dad etc.) , close friends ( meet up with them more, play magic, foos more), work, and time to learn my skills. I had thought of a "to-buy-list", a "to-read-list" and a "to-learn-list". :)

For now, just to share some of the "to-learn-list" (The others are a story for another time :p)

1) Class 3 license
2) Cless 2B license
3) An Instrument - Piano / Saxophone
4) Japanese
5) French
6) Better my foos skills
6) Many many more. :p

So ya! Watch out world! :)

Hokkaido & Shanghai Trip (A White Christmas)

2009-03-01T15:00:00.005+08:00

31st December, 2008
2210hrs(GMT + 8, Beijing, Singapore time)

Less than 2hrs till a brand new year. New year, new resolution. Do I have one? I think I have quite a few. Going to have my countdown on the plane. Exciting? First time I am going into a new year on a plane, in the air.

This trip to China turned out to be quite fun. The group grew to be very fun! :) Everyone warmed up and stick together once in here. It is true that what is worth the trip are the beautiful sights in China. There are a lot of changes since the last time I was here. But is the same is the China people. The way that they conduct themselves is still the same. Loud. Rude. Dirty. Inconsiderate. Parents here let their children take a piss just by squatting in the middle of the shopping street. They will just rush to the front of the lift even though a lot of people had being queuing. They will just knocked into you in order to walk their own way, the pathway is quite big mind you. I know that they are slowly changing. Maybe in 10, 20 years I would come again.

The next time I post will be the next year already. Good to had been on this trip. Tonnes of work are waiting for me back home. Going back to camp on the 3rd. Have a live firing on the 4th. Training all the way till 9th. Sigh. Have to work on a Sunday even. Cannot even have a good rest.

Goodbye Shanghai. Farewell Year 2008! Haha! :)

27th December, 2008
1213hrs (GMT + 9, Japan time)

Gonna be leaving Chitose Airport in less than 40mins. Today is a good day. The view at breakfast is damm cool. Imagine a huge golf course filled with snow? HAHA! Just said byebye to Sayuri. See if we are able to see each other in Singapore. Anyway, think I gotta change a passport. Really do not look like mine now... 19 merry xmas msgs. My god! Haha!

Shanghai here I come!

26th December, 2008
2305hrs (GMT + 9, Japan time)

Had an uneventful Christmas. But the scenery is really very fitting. A White Christmas.
Guess what? It is -9 degree today! My god! Freezing cold. Today we went to a place call "Jigoku " - Hell Valley. It is a boiling point of the region which produced 3000L of water for the hot spring.

Question! Anyone know where was the G8 Summit held early this year? Lake Toya! It is the lake that never freezes as there is a live volcano nearby. Too bad we cannot be treated with the full scenic view of the lake as the there was a very strong snow drift.

Went play the snow mobile. The kind Jackie Chan and James Bond filmed chases on snow? :p Quite cool. Went onto a guided trail up to 1000ft above sea level. Freaking cold but the view is breath-taking.

Tonight is the last night in Hokkaido, Japan. Tomorrow I will be taking a short flight to Shanghai. There are worries that we may not be able to fly on time. That is the case today. The flights are cancelled/delayed due to the snow and strength of the wind.

Today a candid shot behind Sayuri today. Not gonna let her know until I mail her. Haha. Today's onsen is so cool! Beautiful! And it was snowing when I went for the outdoor pool. My god! Too bad I cannot bring in the camera. Hmm. Nevermind. Maybe I will give it a try tomorrow. Haha! Gonna grab some sleep now.

Good Night Japan! For the last time. For now. Haha!

24th December, 2008
2016hrs (GMT + 9, Japan time)

Catching my daily dose of Japan drama. Haha. Here for 4 days and I am hooked onto a baseball-coach-turned-high-school-teacher drama. From what I understand (Haha!), it is something like GTO - Great Teacher Onisuka. There are even some real life baseball stories after each episode. And the funny thing is that when I chance upon it, it was the first episode! :p

Today I am at a place named, Akankohan. A town which is build around a huge lake! This lake is around 4 X the size of Singapore. The little red dot indeed. :p The drama just ended. Today's travels is quite boring. Most of the time was spend traveling. There were a lot of sight-seeing though and the scenery is breath-taking! Our route even took us past an active volcano. Sayuri told us to be quiet so as to not wake the volcano. Haha! We went to 2 waterfalls, Gin Ga No Taki and Ryu Sei No Taki, side by side of each other. The "Galaxy Waterfall" and "Meteor Shower Waterfall". They are nearly frozen solid. Cool! :p Sayuri was saying we are very lucky. When we need to see the scenery, it will not be snowing, the weather will be damm good. :p Thanks!

I think my photography needs a great deal more work. I still need to try out a lot of different shots to get a right lighting. And what is irritating is that I always cannot seem to get the lighting right out in the sun. The sun always get into LCD screen. :( But I am damm impressed by my Canon 10-22mm UWA. :p

Today we had the traditional Japanese food! A huge spread! There was even live sashimi! The fish is still gulping! My god! Jiang Zhen De?! Hen Nan De Leh. Haha! Check out the photos! Hehe.

Tomorrow will be the day which we will spend the longest time on the road. We are going back down towards Sapporo. It will be around 5-6hrs of traveling. Guess I gotta go and grab some early rest today. This Christmas Eve is really quiet. :p Gonna be Christmas here in another 3hrs. :p

Good Night Japan! And Merry Christmas Santa! :p Sleeping on Tatami again. So damm cool right?! Haha!

23th December, 2008
2230hrs (GMT + 9, Japan time)

Less than 2hrs to Christmas Eve. Listening to "Chasing Pavements" by Adele. This song got into my head after I watched the animation film, "Dragon Hunters" with Yuting. I think it is a simple story with something to tell. I like it. Back to Christmas Eve, I believe it is the one of most looked-forward-to holiday across the globe, with celebrations big and small, special to everyone in their own unique way. This year is the first time I am out of Singapore for this holiday. But I guess it is not as celebrated in Hokkaido as it is in some other countries. The festive mood is... lacking I would say. :p

Going into today's travels. Right now I am in this hotel named, "Crescent" in Asahikawa. Nope. This is not the place that Asahi Beer is being brewed, which what Yuting thought when I msged her. Haha. We went to Tomita Farm, a place where they are famous for growing lavender. Since it is winter, we only had a greenhouse to view. We were told that during autumn the fields are filled with lavender. The lovely scent will be spreaded miles and miles away. Had lunch at a stop in Furano.

After which we went to Asahikawa Zoo! Yea! It had been a long time since I had been to a zoo. I must make time to go to Singapore Zoo when I get back. :p When you visit a zoo in during winter and under snowing conditions, you tend to not to see much things. :p What are special here are the Timber Wolves, which is what I really want to see now. This is because of the series I am reading now. "The Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R. R. Martin. It is really not bad. Quite good actually. Oh. And "Santa Monica" by Savage Garden is playing. Nice.

Back to the zoo. I got to see cranes, huge polar bears, penguins big and small, tiger that keeps running around its enclosure and a constantly roaring lion! :p It stopped snowing after a while. That was after I can feel my fingers. :( haha.

We went to a place which had a sakae museum and had a sampling. It was not bad. The place even had a spring for us to take water back! It is said to be so good that the locals collected it by the bottles and use to cook! True enough, we saw one after another of them coming with bigger and bigger containers to store the water! Haha.

We had our japanese take-away today from a big shopping mall, named Aeon. It has the size of about 3 X Tampines Mall. Had some sushi, tempura, bento, ramen (maggie style), chicken drumlets, bananas and strawberries! The food here is really quite expensive but everything is very fresh.

Once we are in the mountains (since yesterday night), the scenery had been breath-taking. The powdery white snow and mountain ranges that reaches up to the clouds, the dainty little houses, icy streams, very nice and courteous people. I think I will really pick up Japanese language, Ni-hon-go. Thinking of coming here to stay for awhile.

Anyway to end of the post, I would like to wish a special someone, Merry Christmas Eve and Happy Birthday. Sorry I cannot be there. Glad that my gift arrived and you like it. :) Thanks for everything. You are lovely. Always in my heart.

Good Night Japan! Till tomorrow! 1hr more here till Christmas. :)

22th December, 2008
2135hrs (GMT + 9, Japan time)

The second day of my Hokkaido Trip! And it is snowing! :p

I totally K.O.ed yesterday. Had to dragged myself to bed. It was damm tiring just getting here. We took a 5hrs flight to Shanghai for a transit. It took us another 3hrs plus to get to Chitose Airport. Finally arrived! :) When the plane landed, we were welcome by the first sign snow for the season. :) We had to take another hour's ride to reach our first destination, Sapporo. Yes. Sapporo the beer. Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido. The city is not filled with sky-scrappers or any tall buildings. I think it can be comparably rural to most of the China major city. And our tour guide's name is Sayuri, a Singaporean too!

Japan is divided into 4 major parts. Kyushu and the Southern Islands. Western Honshu and Shikoku. Central Honshu. Hokkaido and Northern Honshu. What is unique about Hokkaido is that it has the climate akin to Siberia and its indigenous people, the Ainu.

We went to visit a couple of famous streets and a underground mall. Mum bought a Coach, Blue Label bag. :p By the time we were out of the place, it was already dark. The sun sets at around 1530hrs! After which we went to another cool shopping street and got us our, White Lover Chocolate! Guess what?! We took off with a box load! Haha!

First meal in Hokkaido! We had BBQ and... Abalone! The abalone was supposed to be eaten raw but we being Singaporean and not Japanese, Sayuri recommended us to eat it after is it slightly grilled. It is so tender! Dad even brought back the shells as souvenir. We had to missed one of the stops as it was deemed unsafe to go up due to the snow and icy road. After checking into the hotel, we went out to have stroll and had a mini shopping spree at the 7-11 of Japan, Lawson.

Today the first place we went to was the Asahi Beer factory, had a short tour and free sampling of first beer. It is very smooth and fresh! We should have this in Singapore, instead of having it locked up at customs for 1 to 3 months. :( Next stop, White Chocolate Lover Factory cum Museum. The owner designed and build it like a children's playground. I realised the factories in Japan used a lot of stainless steel, giving them a very clean look. With that, we took our leave of Sapporo.

Otaru! Lunch was at a seafood market cum steamboat house. That kind of place catered for tourists. We were given a choice of getting our own seafood. Guess what was on the recommendation list again?! :p Crabs! Ours cost us 12,600yen! Mum, Daniel and myself tried crab sashimi! So fresh! So sweet! So succulent! :) Next stop we were taken to Otaru's most famous street! Served high tea in one of the tea house. The cups are for us to take away after our drink! Dainty little shot cups. There is a famous steam clock on the street. Just 2 in the world. One in Vancouver, Canada and the other here in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan! It was snowing very heavily the better half of the day. We ended our day trip with a 5-flavoured ice cream! It is Melon, Strawberry, Chocolate, Lavender and Vanilla! Yummy! Took another hr's ride into the mountains and checked into the hotel. Onsen! Hahaa! Had a go before dinner and now I am going for it again! Haha!

Back! YEA! So shiok! Gonna crash now. But there is a very upsetting thing that happened... I think there is a tiny little scratch on my Oakley lens... argh! :(

24th September, 2007

2007-09-24T02:07:00.000+08:00

2.10am

In around another 5 hours, I will be booking into SAFTI MI. For the next 9 months of my life, I will be living there. Looking forward to it. Heard so much about OCS, thought so much about it, yet in the coming 9 months I will be truly experience how is the life in OCS. My platoon, Taurus 4, had very good results in terms of posting. 17 of us are going OCS, 16 are going SISPEC, 1 is going Police, 1 is going Transport, 3 are going Unit and 2 are going Medical Corp. I sincerely hope all 40 of us will finish our NS with a smile.

Good Night Singapore. 3 weeks of confinement. See you guys after that. Cheers! and take care!

11th September, 2007

2007-09-12T01:22:00.000+08:00

23.59pm
POP loh! Today finally marks the end of my BMTC training. Kind of emo right now. 9 weeks in Taurus Company. Kind of sad that I did not get any awards nevertheless I am looking forward to the next phase of NS. :)

Cheers! Good night Singapore!

9th August, 2007

2007-08-09T17:51:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Singapore! Happy National Day! :)

Hi peeps! Had not blog in like nearly a month. Sorry man. Book out days are packed. A sudden change a schedule left me with a whole day of free time. Checked flooded mails. Read. Watched the 4 episodes of Bleach. Got in touch with rest of the world, kind of. Haha. And going to book in later, by 8pm. So sad that I cannot get to watch the NDP07. A new place and tonnes of fireworks. :(

My National Service is kind of fun. Currently in Platoon 4, Taurus Company, BMTC School 2. As those who had been through NS would know, Platoon 4 means I am staying on the 5th story. It was a killer initially. It does not hurt so much now. Haha. But I had came to appreciate the view that my bunk offered. Both the front and back windows offers a killer view to the wondrous sea. I was just admiring the orange sunset before I book out yesterday. It was breath-taking. Tekong is not so bad as the stories that are around. The stars at night as simply beautiful. You cannot get to see it anywhere on the mainland Singapore. Yes. Although most of the time we are not so free to enjoy the scenery. :p And we never get the chance to catch the sun raise. :( Field Camp is weekend. And POP is on 11th Sept. Merely 5 weeks away! :)

NDP07 is on air now. Gonna catch it now. I gotta leave house to book in in a while though. :( Might as well catch as much as I can! :p

Once again, Happy Birthday Singapore! Take care!

13th July, 2007

2007-07-13T01:38:00.000+08:00

Friday the 13. Google or wikipedia this day. You will be surprise the amount of myths and stories about this day. For me, I am going to be enlisted in less than 12 hours. To protect and serve the nation. Haha. Cool yea? Kind of looking forward to it. To make new friends, get to know more things, move on with life. :)

Had a farewell dinner with Union peeps. 4 tables full! Haha. Thank you everyone for coming! Had tonnes of SMSes from a lot people wishing me well. Like I am never coming back. Haha. Thanks for the kind thoughts! Don't worry I will be back to bug everyone. The world is too boring without me! Haha!

Anyway! Becoming Royston is confirmed to be on screens (The Picturehouse), from 2nd of August onwards. Do support! Hopefully I can book out. :)

I had tried to upload as many photos as I could onto my Flickr account. Do browse! :) www.flickr.com/photos/alvinneowk

Good Night Singapore! And take care everyone! Will miss everything! :p

23rd June, 2007

2007-06-23T02:10:00.000+08:00

There is a list of people who I would like to thank and express my gratitude. (Not in any order of merit. ☺)

1) My beloved TPSU ExCos:
Terence – For your unbelievable support and faith in me. I will miss your funny antics during meetings, the Indian accent, the football forever attitude, etc. :p
Yiling – Your efficiency never fails me. For being the Devil’s Advocate in the committee. And your cute language will be sorely missed. “Morning… “ Haha.
Yuting – For being there with me every single step of the way, I can imagine the struggle to keep up (both literally and not) though. ☺
Sarah – The laughter fruit of the committee. Your ability to create cheers in a snap never crease to amaze me.
Yee Ping – For always believing in me. Your support and views are always treasured.
Glenda – Thank you for all the effort and walking with me to the end.
Wei Sheng – You are one of the most reliable people I have ever met. Once you agree to help me do some thing, it will be because you are confident of it. And you are also full of lobangs! Another Lobang King. ☺
Clifton – You always have your own set of logic that baffled everyone else. It is funny and irritating at times. But you are one of the most passionate about things in Union. Thank you for all the laughter you make at your own expanse. ☺
Jodin – Our wonderful chef and all useful handyman. Your all out attitude and perceptive views are most of the time the driving force for some ideas. And it is good to have you for BBQs and steamboats! ☺
Tat Ming – Thank you for being a big brother to everyone.
Yi Jia and Soon Poh – Although you guys could not finish this long road with us, I still like to thank you both for all the effort put in and remember nothing is impossible.

All subcomms: Derek, Farhan, Fong Yong, Shaz, Eric, Glenn, Tat Yi, Geraldine, Kimberly, Jacqueline, Hakim, Kay, Yi Wen, Elene, Xui Hui, Stefinity, Adrian, Joan, John, Ben Chow, Jessie Bessie, Jing Wen, Jean, Su Fong, Alex, Zi Xin, Helia, Su Ling, Ling Wei, and many more, thank you all everything you all had done for Union.

Everything was made possible because of every single one of you.

2) Presidents of various clubs, especially Bendy and Jonathan. You two had been my main pillars of support for the past AY. The support that had been given was tremendous. I could not have asked for more.

3) SAA
Raymond – I really learn a lot from you. Thank you for the opportunities and chances you had given to me. The frequent talks we had really help me to realign my objectives and goals. Although I must admit that you are a hard boss at times, but because of that, I got learn the necessary skills and gotten the right knowledge to handle things.
Lawrenz – Boss, thank you for being the great guy you are. Sorry for the uncountable times which I had been rash and narrow-minded. And you really save my skin for those times. Enjoy your time in NUS! Although I am sure you will. ☺
Kyle – We have a similar working style, which is why I enjoyed working with you. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities.
Uncle Sam – You really had been like an uncle to me. I always go to you for advice. And somehow, somewhat, it had always helped me. Thank you for the guidance. And although we did not win Stompaids but it was great working with you.
Catherine – Another person whom I will turn to for advice. Since my Production Crew days, you had been a source of support which I had came to rely on. Although you always left the decision to us (Eng Meng and me), the mere assurance from you always make me more at ease, no matter what the decision was. Thank you for all the help and guidance.
Fayanne – You always hang out with us. Those times were fun! I know sometimes we had our differences, and not knowing how, but we always work out fine in the end. ☺
Celine – Sorry for all the times which I had to trouble you! Realised everytime you received calls and emails from me, it was always something about borrowing this, loaning that, booking some facilities. :p You had been a great help to me! Things will not be as they are today without your help! Thank you!
Hwee Hoon – Although we did not work together very much, but I can see that you are a fantastic student development officer. CSC clinching the Constituent Club of the Year is the testimonial of your efforts. Too bad I could not go on the Laos trip with you. ☹
Khartini – You are always so cheery and smiley. Thank you for helping me so much, SEAL, applications, etc. You are no longer working in SAA, I hope you will find your next place of work as happening as TP!
Yuen Hui, Terence, Cynthia, Sheena, Bee Fong, Julia, Hon Cho, Sonny, Samantha, Ser Kian, Wilson, Anne, Pang Hock and not forgetting Auntie Dot – Although I may not had work with you all as much as I would like to, I am glad that I had known you all and thank you for all the help and guidance throughout my TP life!

Others:
Eng Meng – Bro! Thank you for all the fun and laughter that you had bring me, dreams and goals that we share, almost everything I have today is all from you, no matter directly or indirectly. Brothers forever!
Sylvia – You are always so cool. Girls are damm impressed by you and guys are in awe of you. Thanks for always being there for me!
Eve – Partner! You are always so super uber nice. And your mum rocks! ☺
Huan Yang – I can foresee that you will be a very successful business woman in the future. Thank you for being the superb girl that you are. And our late night chats rocks!
Sook – Thank you for being there every time I needed a bitching partner and a listening ear. Let’s work towards our goals and see where they lead us. ☺
Angel and Wei Qi – Although both of you always laugh at me, I am cool about it. We should meet up and celebrate birthdays together again!
Hui Leng – You always will not hesitate to offer a helping hand. It means a lot to me. :)
Pamela – Our Miss Korean. You are such a nice girl. Thanks for standing by me for both the Dinner & Dance we had gone through. Meet up soon yea?
Ivan – I am really glad to have known you. You do not know how much I had learned from you. The advices that you had given are like gold to me. Thank you for the guidance.
Dr. Lim – Thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to run for Students’ Election. Without which I will not be what I am today.
Ah Guang, Andrew, Yao Ming, Alvin Ting, Ah Tan, Victor, and many others – Thank you for making my life in TP the best years of my life! :)

And if I had missed out anyone, please forgive me because it is 2am in the morning and I have a flight at 730am later. I am going China with my family. So, I will have hundreds of photos to upload to my Flickr when I am back! :p And there are a couple of things which I want to get. See if China got them! *winks

In the meantime, good night Singapore! Everyone, please take care, don’t be naughty and be nice! ☺

P.S. This is my 100th post! :p

June 21st, 2007

2007-06-21T16:46:00.000+08:00

This post is long overdue. But my mood is kind of bad right now. Moody. :( Nah. Somethings just happened on the wrong date and wrong time and to me. Argh. Never mind. I am not making sense.

Anyway, back to topic. If some of you had been to my Flickr account, you would have gotten some recent happenings in my life. The TP CCA Awards 2007 had just concluded. This year there are over 400 winners for the various awards. Congratulations to all the award winners. As for me, I had been awarded the "Student Leader of the Year", a higher individual award. To me, to be awarded this title, it is a kind of recognition given by the school. But when my name was announced by the emcee, the cheers and applauses was the recognition given by my fellow peers. It really mean a lot to me. It shows that everything that I had done during my time in TP, or at least for the past AY, was known and recognised.

Still feeling very sour right now. And an emo song just came in. Sigh. :(

This award would not had been possible without everyone that had helped and/ guided me in one way or another (but for a lot of you all out there, it is always in many ways). I had been told that I had improved by a great leap as compared to the previous year, when I was the Vice-President. I must admit I also realised that I had grow in some ways, understand certain things better and view many things in a different way. I attribute all these to the people who are around me.

"You are who you are, because of the people around you."

List of people who I want to thank:

Be Right back to edit this post gonna do something.

June 1st, 2007

2007-06-01T02:00:00.000+08:00

2am

Being the first post of the month, this ought to be a happy post. Sigh. But I do not know what had gotten to me. Was playing mahjong with kenneth, zhao zhi and xq but halfway though, got into a moody state. :( Thought about some things and read some blogs, feeling even more emo.

Went to watch Pirates. It was nice. Kind of like it. Just came back from Nicholas's grandfather's wake. Had a small catch up with Nic, Randy, Alfred and Jolene. Some happenings to update everyone!

"Becoming Royston"is going to be up on The Picturehouse @ The Cathay. Premiering on the 2nd August! http://www.thepicturehouse.com.sg/coming.html and more info can be found on the BR Production Blog! I really hope for everyone's support! If the box office can hit a certain percentage every week, it will be continue for the following week! It will really mean a lot to me for the film to go on for at least 3 weeks on screen!

Anyone interested in getting a brand new Nokia N95?! Go visit http://www.moblog.com.sg/sinema/ It is that easy!

And for those who are wondering about TP CCA Awards, I have gotten the "Student Leader of the Year". It came kind of unexpected as I am a Year 4 student. But I think it is also a kind of recognition that I receive from TP for all the work that I had done for my years in TP. I would like to thank everyone as I could not have gotten this if not for all the help and guidance given by everyone, even those outside TP along the way. And Congratulations to all the Awards recipients Damm! I am sure gonna miss this part of my life. :(

The new TPSU Executive Committee for AY 07/08 has been confirmed. I would like to wish everyone in this upcoming year, no matter in ExCo or in subcomm, a good year ahead. No matter what, just remember, "Do not give up, the world will still spin, even if you do."

There are lots of other things that I would like to post up, but nah. Gotta give it a break. Check out the links part! :p

Good Night Singapore! Gonna step up on foosball training tomorrow!

May 29th, 2007

2007-05-29T01:42:00.000+08:00

1.45am

Morning everyone! Uploading pictures now. Today had the first Foosball DYP in TP. We had 12 players. Cool right? It was fun! Everyone had the chance to experience the tournament adreline rush. Everyone's feedback was to organise more DYPs! Farhan and Alvin Lim won the DYP. We got the points system and everything from the Forum. :p Everyone is training hard. All of us hope to get better and as least be on par with the rest of the Polys. :p

Sent Sylvia off at the Airport. She is going Sweden for a month for a study trip. So envious. The furtherest I had went was only 6 hours flight away. :( Hope I can get to see the world soon. :p

Good Night Singapore. Going to finish the uploading of the photos. My photos can be found on www.flickr.com/photos/alvinneowk :p

May 26th, 2007

2007-05-26T01:29:00.000+08:00

1.45am
Today feeling kind of sad. Long story. Anyway a lot of things happened these past few days. Had my Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday. It was ok. Finally graduated. :p The TP Students'Elections' results are out just now. Something cool. Farid and Clement come down to give us a few tips on foosball. It was a eye-opener. And was fun! :P

Do not know what to post... Kind of tired. Good Night Singapore... :p

May 22th, 2007

2007-05-22T00:26:00.000+08:00

Just received my enlistment letter less than 5 days ago. Sigh. July 13th. The notice came so late. I had everything planned. Start work, overseas trips, go for SSEAYP07. Sigh. I am thinking of deferrement. I am alright with going into army, to serve National Service. Kind of exciting even. Get to know more people. Move onto another phase of life. SSEAYP07 is like an once in a lifetime chance. :( Hmm. going to think about it. Maybe I could just send in a letter...

Good Night Singapore. Grand Prix Singapore is coming! :p

May 13th, 2007

2007-05-13T22:14:00.000+08:00

10.25pm
Today is Mother's Day. A BIG hand to all the mothers in the world! Thank you for everything!

Took a picture with my mum! And with my grandparents! Cool right?! Haha!

Finally feeling quite relaxed. Everything is more or less done. Elections are coming again. Nothing much I can do now. Just hope everything goes well and good luck to the future of TP student leaders. :p

Anyway, 2 things to share with everyone!
Please visit:
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f59ATP8-jNc
This is a MV by a very talented local artist, Shirlyn Tan! "Window", her cover for her latest ablum, "Newfound Jealousy". She is also the lead singer for the local band, "The UnXpected". They play at Wala's every thursday. :p Specially recommended by me!

2) http://www.flickr.com/photos/alvinneowk
I had just decided to have a Flickr account! I am trying to upload everything onto it! So just keep a look out, as you may see yourself! :p

Good Night Singapore!

May 6th, 2007

2007-05-06T23:12:00.000+08:00

11:15pm

Came back today from a trip on the SuperStar Virgo. It was a relaxing trip. The food was good. Damm hell of lot. Everyday was just food. :p And there was a casino. It was full of aunties and tai-tais. You cant imagine how much money is going through in there... Long time since I had such peace and quiet. I spent long hours just staring out into the open seas. I like it. Maybe I should sign up with the Navy. :p

Going to school to practice foosball tommorrow. :p Good Night Singapore!

April 30th, 2007

2007-05-01T23:26:00.000+08:00

11:59pm
Had a very busy but unforgettable week. Met a lot of people and made a lot of friends. The Inaugural Youth Caucus 2007 was held in conjunction with the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for Youth (AMMY V). Met youths from all over ASEAN. Had fun for the past week. Really enjoyed the whole week which we discussed about issues on the ASEAN level, getting to know each other, understanding each others' culture and learning everyone's language. :) Now I know how to count in Khmer (Cambodia), Vietnamese and a bit of Philippines (still in the process of learning!). All these add up to my English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Malay and Thai! So cool right? :D After the one week, got back to school and found out everything was more or less done. Glad that everything is completed. Kudos to Terence, Sarah and our beloved sub comms! Now I am going to upload all of my photos onto flickr. Too much photos already! :p

Long night ahead... Good night Singapore! :)

April 17th, 2007

2007-04-16T23:39:00.000+08:00

12:25am

The packed calendar is three quarters gone. Just finished Dinner & Dance 2 weeks ago and freshly emerged from the end of FOC (Freshmen Orientation Camp). It is indeed one of the most sought after Orientation Programmes in the whole of Singapore. Haha! And I am proud to say that I am the Organiser of this programme. This year, we have had a total of a bit more than 1,300pax for both workshop and camp combine. Looking back at everything, it had been a good year. One event to go and off I go! :) And I have finally won. It took my 4 years but I finally won FOC. :) I had OTCs and FOWs wins but never FOC. Haha. I would like to thank all the Kaistorians for this very big farewell present. This thanks goes out to especially all my GLs who had work so hard. :) THANK YOU THANK YOU everyone! :)

Finally graduated! With my graduation ceremony on the 23rd of May. :)

Oh! To share with everyone, to my pleasant surprise, I am one of the few selected to represent Singapore' youths for the upcoming 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for Youth (AMMY)! So excited about it! Going to know more friends etc! :) So I will be busy from 23rd to 29th April.

Good Night Singapore. It had been a good year. I think... :)

March 16th, 2007

2007-03-16T21:00:00.000+08:00

9.12pm

Suddenly feeling very tired today. There are alot of things/events that are coming up. Just have a look at the calendar. On it are just school events. :( The mere thought of them made me stressed up. I have the urge to just let go of everything. All of the sudden felt that I should had agreed to go for the OCP trip. Come to think of it, maybe I am giving everyone too much trouble. Going for so many events, supporting too many people. Sigh.

Anyway, one thing to be happy about. I am finally graduating. :)

February 18th, 2007

2007-02-18T22:38:00.000+08:00

I am here on the first day of the Lunar New Year to wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year! Wish Propserity, Success, Health and Good Luck for all. :)

February 16th, 2007

2007-02-15T23:51:00.000+08:00

11.51pm

Do not know why but recently had been thinking a lot. It made me feeling quite emo. I remembered some things I was telling Sook about. I feel extraordinatry sometimes, but there are times that I feel very... mortal... Kind of back to earth feeling. Do not know now to describe it. Anyway, today I try make Joan laugh. Cheer her up. I think I succeed. Kind of. Haha. And the new touch screen machine finally came in! Everyone was all over the machine. :p

Quite into old chinese emo songs recently. *grins* Like, 无可救药, 一路上有你, 吻别, 情书, 想和你去吹吹风, 你最珍贵, etc.

Going to sleep soon. Got to do some work first. Good Night Singapore! And Joan, cheer up lah! We can jio people to play Photo Hunt~

February 14th, 2007

2007-02-15T00:25:00.000+08:00

9.33pm

Valentine's Day. Hmm. Why is it named so? Never mind. I guess will google about it soon. Or maybe later when I am home. Now sitting at school bustop. Waiting for my parents to fetch me and go for dinner together. Suddenly realised I had not spent Valentine's with anyone for very long time. Since 2003, I think. Serious. I am not kidding. It is the same as my birthday, but last year I had the special someone. I do not know why but on these two dates, I am always single. Ha! *bitter laugh* No affinity for them. It had been so long that they no longer hold any meaning. Haha. Had a long talk with Sook yesterday. The phrase of the day was, "struck by the rock!" Haha. We were saying that revelations come to person when they are least aware, like a rock. *grins* Sigh. Yea. Talk about a lot of things. Again. Union pops up. I reached the makaning place already...

10.33pm

Back. Feeling emo again. *bitter laugh* I was telling Sook that nowadays I am always quite emo. Guess it is cause I am staying in the same place for too long. I should move on. As some people say it, "Get your life back!" Sigh. And Kyle called me just now, saying that the date for the OCP will be confirmed on 27th March. So I told him, I will not be able go as I am needed for D&D. I am actually very relieve on hearing the news. I remembered telling Sook that I am leaving the decision to either the upper management and the higher power up there. Therefore, now the choice is being made for me. Furthermore, I had called up Alvin Ting and Sahfahri to ask them what would they do. *grins* Now I can sleep in peace. Reaching home soon. Going to do some packing...

Nites Singapore! :)

February 6th, 2007

2007-02-06T02:15:00.000+08:00

Below are posts I had written but could not find them to post them:

February 1st, 2007
4.30pm
Last weekend, I went shopping again... Argh. Spent so much money. Bought 2 pairs of pants from Espirit ($99.90 each), a watch from Swatch ($159), a bag from Converse ($79.90 but I have $40 voucher :p), a new sock for my Ipod Nano (after discount = $10.80). I nearly buy a cardigan from Topman which cost $96, a jacket from Espirit costing, after discount, $99.90! And my brother bought a pair of shoes from Converse. According to her, it is a limited edition piece with only 60 authentic copies in Singapore. I sure hope she is correct, cause the shoes costed a whooping $200. Wow... And prior to all these, we went to buy clothes from Giordano and Topman, spending about $260. Argh. Both of us are feeling quite guilty now, spending so much money. Close to about $ But I still got to get a pair of shoes and maybe a new belt. All for CNY man. But I am posting this because I am feeling guilty. Argh.

February 2nd, 2007
5.02pm
Sitting at Macs White Sands now. Just received a call from Jolene. Randy and her just had a radio interview for some of the CMM students. They asked me for dinner. But I actually supposed to be having a retreat for Union right now. So I cannot go and meet them. Do no know why but it suddenly occurred to me that I am missing out a lot of time with my friends. I am always doing this, doing that and busy with something or the other. And I think Life is just like that. When you keep telling people you are not free or something along those lines, they just stop calling. Although for me, it is not as bad as it sound. But I can foresee it will become like that soon. Here I planning for something, want to do something but I do not know why people are responding to it. Is it because I am too forceful? too lax in my management style? Or it is just my wishful thinking that by going all out for something, I will something in return? I really do not know... I am really getting very tired of all this... I really have half a mind of leaving for OCP... Should I?

Anyway, the first of the people I am waiting for is here already...

February 6th, 2007
1.56am
Completed TPSU's interim retreat last weekend. I felt it more or less achieved what I hope to do. Hopefully I made my impact.

Sigh... I would like to go for OCP Laos. As the tentative dates will be from 27 March to 10 April, I most probably will miss out D&D and 2 days of FOW. I know it is very irresponsible of me even to be thinking of going off and miss these 2 very important signature projects. But I really would like to go for this trip. This is my final chance to for this kind of trip (I may not have another chance after poly). I had spoken to quite a few of my mentors, advisers and peers. It is still 50-50.

Staff from SAA:
Lawrenz: I should talk to you guys but it is up to me. But for D&D sake, he hopes I stay.
Uncle Sam: I should not go as he feels it is irresponsible for me to leave when the important events are going on.
Hui Hoon: I should learn to let go and let the rest of you learn to be independent. I cannot be always around. I am leaving school already. OCP will be a whole new experience for me, I would not be getting it anywhere else.
I will be speaking to Kyle and maybe Cat later in the morning.

Ivan (My senior manager for SIP @ TECC): There was never a simpler choice. Just for the OCP. It is something I should do for myself. It will even reflect good on my resume. To him, good leadership is when a leader can groom others to take over him/her. Then that leader will be ready for the next level. If a leader is to suddenly leave or become unavailable, and everything stop because of him/her, then that to him will be very lousy leadership. I kind of agree with him...

Jason (RPSU's president): He will go. But it will depend on the situation.

Some of my fellow ExCos: Mixed feelings.

So what should I do? Anyway, 3 more days to submit my Final Report for MP but have not done much. Argh... But less than 2 weeks to graduation! :) I suddenly had a career that I was thinking of going into... Will I make a good air steward? :p

Congratulations to the Lions! The return of the Asean Cup to Singapore soil! :)

CNY is around the corner and more than a month had passed for the year 2007, hope everything is going fine for everyone.

Good Night Singapore!

January 12th, 2007

2007-01-12T22:38:00.000+08:00

My first of the year 2007... And I am feeling very depressed... and kind of "no steam"? I am so afraid of not being able to go all the way down to the end of the road... Although I know that I will finish it one way or the other. Somehow. But... Sigh...

Anyway, enough about me. In this new year, I hope to see a better year ahead for everyone. Good Health, Good Pay and Good Luck! :)

P.S. I think Singapore is a great country. So small, yet so big. Of course there are these and thats, which get almost everyone to be up on our feets, jumping around, complaining about this and that. But all in all, I think Singapore is a great place to be at. Of course, I am hoping to see the world someday (Hope it will be soon), but I am sure I will be back. A BIG Thank You and many many small thank you(s), to everyone who had a part to play in my life, even if you had just passed by. :)

I am feeling a little bit better after writing all these. A LITTLE. *grins*sigh* Hopes everything works out. Got to go home now. Just finished an event in school. Having a headache. I think.

Good Night Singapore. God Speed.

December 24th, 2006.

2006-12-24T22:36:00.000+08:00

11.29pm

Having a lonely christmas eve at home now. Going to countdown to X'mas later. I realised that I almost always spend festivals at home. *wonders* Don't worry, I have got the stuff ready! Got drinks, Coke mind you (I am not of age yet. :p), half a spring chicken, and great movies to watch! Now watching Love Actually and Man of the House(2005). Channel switching man! :) Smses and calls are coming in... Even at home. Busy busy. It feels nice to alone at home and couch potato-ing. :p

So hope everyone enjoys the festive holidays! Merry X'mas and Happy New Year. Best wishes to all and most importantly, stay happy... :p

December 18th, 2006.

2006-12-18T18:22:00.000+08:00

18.22pm

Saw her just now. I think she really still hate me... :(

Sigh. How did it come to this situation? Sigh.

Going for MPS later. Bringing Sarah and Yuting there. :p Last MPS for the year. Hope everyone is well. :p

Take care Singapore! I will try... :p

December 14th, 2006.

2006-12-14T01:22:00.000+08:00

"My Dearest, I don't know where to begin..." I did the V/O for BR today. It was fun. I think I did not do well for it. Felt that it was quite mono. :( Hope it was ok.

This whole week I am feeling very free. Although there are things for me to do, events for me to attend, but there is a smell of freedom in the air. :) I am not like the usual self, rushing from this event to that, that event to another event. I am almost always late for something or the other. :p Went for a rare swim. Felt tired but it was refreshing. Would like very much to do it again. :)

Went for 52nd CLT POP. It really brought back memories. There are so many faces that I do not recognise now. There are people who comes up to me and say hi, I think I took them for some course or the other. :p Part of the reason for me to be there was to support Aw Shi Yuan, a cadet that I took for SSC 2005. He was the Overall Best from East District. He did not disappoint East by getting the Valedictorian for his 52nd CLT course. Also saw C.S. He was my junior batch of CLT but he was just commissioned last saturday, along with PM Lee's son. :p Time really flies.

It was drizzling. In between the performances, as usual, East was the noisiest people around. Singing the NCC song (One of the corporate songs that I really love and sing with all my heart, with all the NCC brothers, shoulders to shoulders). Towards the end, there were a couple of moments when I had flashbacks. The slow march into MPH, the donning of my rank by my parents, photo-taking, the singing of songs, etc. I can still remember the things that happened during my CLT course. :) Really unforgetable... Think I am never going to forget about all this for my life. All these really makes me keep going back for NCC. And this also apply to events and places that makes me keep going for it, no matter how long and how bitter it can be sometimes.

Good Night Singapore.

December 7th, 2006.

2006-12-07T01:39:00.000+08:00

1.39pm

Oh No! Just look at my last entry. It dates more than 2 months ago. Very sorry. Simply could not get the chance to blog. Yes. I know. It does not take a lot to blog, but seriously for me, if it feels like a chore, I would not blog. :) Just happened that today I am not falling asleep as soon as I got home or straight after I bathed. I decided to blog and give some updates about what I happening to me now. :p

Recently, a lot events had in TP. TP RAWKS just ended with a smashing Jam & Hop. I really do hope that we made the impression on the post-O level students and make them feel that TP is the right place to be. I must admit that it was a gamble and a high-risk play to throw non-experienced GLs to handle the students. But luckily, most part of it turns out well.

Just finished doing my mails. Yes. Again. I am like forever on mails. :) Oh! Our Students' Lounge is kind of decorated for X'mas. :) And these couple of days, we are holding a "Win a PSP for just $1" Challenge. It is to win Mike, from Xtreme Entertainment, in foosball. :) OTC (Orientation Training Camp) is coming up. So excited! Everyday is like having this, having that. So tiring. :(

Oops. Feeling the ZzZz monster coming! Must hurry. :)

Some updates for BR! I am simply amazing by how far we have gone from the orginial plan of a short film. Just came back from the "2nd Asian Film Festival of 1st Films". It was held at Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel. I feel awed by the people there. People from all over the whole. Just look at my picture! I took a picture with Anthony Wong! He is one of my favourite actors! He is so good! Cool man! Simply tongue-tied in front of him. And for people who know me, that is a very difficult thing for me to do. :p There were interviews, there were pictures taken, the mingling with people, everything was so mind blowing as it was the first time I had to attend a film fest awards ceremony. :p

Anyway, really got to go, I having my interim project demostration later at 930am. Got to go down and set up early. So better get some sleep. And Oh Ya! I was carry Nic's PSP! I felt great! I would like to have one. So cool. So... *hint hint* Haha! Finally, something that I had not say for a long time... Good Night Singapore! :)

October 5th, 2006.

2006-10-06T01:46:00.000+08:00

11.59pm

Had a very tiring day. Met Terence at CPF Macs at 8am in the morning. Had a 2 hours meeting with Raymond after that. Did the ITQ for the lounge photocopier. Went for Dance Ensemble's concert rehearsal. Went home and went to YEC meeting at 8pm. Today's YEC meeting lasted for 4 hours. *sad* :( Quite tired. But I am very happy just now! Verlyn made a cake for the YEC October babies! See the picture?! She made the cake! Furthermore, it was one of my favourite favours, blueberry! :) And today I got a KXM club mascot from Hadijah today! Haha! 6 members only. Now all are alumnus! *grins* Miss all the KXM club people!

Tired. Going to sleep now. Good Night Singapore!

October 1st, 2006.

2006-10-01T13:52:00.000+08:00

1.35pm

Happy Children's Day! *grins* Yes. I did a couple of changes to my blog. After various feedback by some readers, I changed back to the original blog skin. Yes. I am going to change the tag box colour, soon I hope. :p The amazing counter also changed to unique visits only too. So tired now. Going to catch some sleep. *grins*

September 25th, 2006.

2006-09-25T20:15:00.000+08:00

7.35pm

Currently sitting in the MOI lab. Just finished the STOMPAIDS meeting. Everyone has left. Now in here with some people I do not know. Oh. Yes. Some background information: A team of us, Abby, Hui Leng, JJ, Pei Ru and I got into a marketing competition organised my Health Promotion Board (HPB). Got shortlisted. So now we got to organise everything and try to win the prize, $10,000. :) Schedule to do a presentation tomorrow. Hope everything goes well.

Some updates! Yes. I know I know. It was more than 2 weeks since my last post. I was very very busy. Let me do some recounting (looking through my iCal). Since my last post, I had a "couple" of things on":

14 to 15, I was at Fort Canning Hill doing a Motorola Roadshow. It was quite impressive. The organisers brought in 2 units of giant air-conditioner. Cool! :)

16 to 17, I was at UOB Plaza doing a party for UOB. They had something in line with the IMF. Everyone had something to do for the IMF. The food at the UOB event was fabulous! *grins* Anyway, I bring Amanda and Tat Ming to Boi's audition on saturday morning. He is currently doing casting for his film. Titled, "Brothers", it is going to be good. *winks* I was damm tired. But I still went for a try. *grins*

18 to 21, Poly Forum 2006! Yes. Finally after months of meetings and plannings, the actual forum had arrived. Everything was great fun. All the 5 Sub Theme had wonderful ideas and plans to be carry forward. The D&D night was cool. I am sure everyone had fun. Caleb played Hard Gay, cameras flashed like the whole of Hollywood was there, Sub Theme 1 and TP people taught the whole Forum, the TP Mass Dance and the"Yum-Seng" went non-stop. *grins* Next year, it is TP's turn to host this event. I am sure it will be the best ever! :D

On the 19, "Becoming Royston" had seen it world premiere at The Cathay! It was so cool! Everything on the screen was so big! "Argh!" *grins* And the people from Singapore Dreaming was there! Thank you everyone for supporting! If not, we would not had gone so far. And yes. Tommy! So sad that you could not make it due to N.S. Do not worry. There will be more chances in the future! *winks*

On the 22, my Leave of Absence to go for the Diving Course was approved! So happy! 1 barrier down, 4 more to go! :)

23 to 24, I was playing Magic! So fun! I really enjoy every moment of it! Our whole team was there. I stay at Wen Han's, which was something that I have not being doing for the past 1 year! So sad. His place is renovated and he changed room. I really missed a lot. I want to play for life. I want to turn Pro. It is going to be a long and hard journey...

Despite all the many many things that happened, I was quite fortunate that I realise that I had been quite ignorant and bad towards my family, especially my brother. He try very hard to be like me or even excel over me. But like what I had told people a lot of times, "Everyone is different, everyone is meant for different things." Now he always keep to himself. Play WOW and watch TV at home. Recently he had a stomach problem. He was rolling around on bed. And he keep saying that, after a while it will get better. I realise I really do not know what was happening at home or what he had been doing for a long long time... This is so sad... I am going to make it up to him. I cannot promise everything is going to be perfect straight away, but I will try...

Going home. There is this guy behind me who is screaming at his brother/sister, over the phone... How ironic.

September 8th, 2006.

2006-09-09T00:30:00.000+08:00

11.59pm

Finally sat down to blog...

Just completed SSC. Quite refreshing! "Long time did not go back already lor..." *grins* Had fun and lost my voice... And it is really satisfying to see the cadets pass out. Going for NCC Day Dinner tomorrow.

Went to watch "Singapore Dreaming" with Abby. I think it is really a powerful film. Very localised. Some comical moments, some heart-wrenching moments, some unexpected moments and some moment of truth. Touched by the film. Really nice to see local films done so nicely. Cool! *winks* And they keep promoting "Liang Teh!" "Steady lor! Thanks Eh!"*grins*

There will be a screening of the 30mins, short film version of "Becoming Royston"! It will be held at The Cathay on the 19th of September! 5.30pm! Please check out the box office soon. Or you can order your tickets with me! *winks*

Anyway, quite tired. :)

Good Night! Remember to check out "Becoming Royston" and "Singapore Dreaming".

September 3rd, 2006.

2006-09-04T02:02:00.000+08:00

11.59pm

No. This blog is not defunct. *winks*

Had quite a weekend. Just went to HQ NCC for a briefing for the upcoming Senior Special Course, SSC. Yes, I will be away to camp, from 6 to 8 September. After which, I went to Randy's for a photo shoot. It was quite cool. Practically went through Randy's wardrobe. Seen some of the photos. Everyone look so nice! *grins*

Yesterday went to CSC's event at Siglap CC. Then went to Ngee Ann Polytechnic for Poly Forum meeting. Had to rush down to Stamford Court for a beverage survey. Followed up by a meet up with Angel and Wei Qi. Had quite a catch up. Talked quite a bit. Abby came and join us. Walked around and sat down at the Esplanade Theater-By-The-Bay area and caught EIC in action. They were quite good. But we were all quite tired, so we left after the 5th song. Abby was working for the whole day and I slept only for like 3 hours before starting my day. Cause I went to Sentosa to accompany my Spydra freshies to party, for celebration of Siyun's birthday.

Met Sylvia and Flannery for supper yesterday. Long time since we came out together. So nice. Talked a lot. Caught up with a lot of things. Flannery is going to have his POP this coming wednesday. And Sylvia is going to run for elections for her hall in NTU. Cool right? *grins*

Have you visited BR website yet? Please visit it if you have not. It had a major makeover. *grins* We even have wallpaper download now! Cool right? *winks* I have people telling me that they are seeing me on Macdonald's TV screens. And there are some SMSes saying that they like BR a lot. They would like to see it in on screens soon. Thanks for all the support! Glad you people out there like it.

Having holidays now. Thought I would be quite free (which I was, initially). But now my schedule is like filling up by the day.

Long time since I had posted a Picture of the Day. Today's Picture is so cute right? My baby niece! *grins*

Good Night Singapore!

August 21th, 2006.

2006-08-21T01:35:00.000+08:00

1.00am

Just came back from National Day Rally. I heard I was captured on TV. *grins* Some parts of the speech was quite insightful. I thought I would have a hard time to stay awake. But everything was ok. All the topics that PM Lee touched on was more on the intangible matters, like the Singapore Heartware. Had a couple of chats with a few ministers and MPs. Most of the ministers' and MPs' first question was, "What do you think of the Rally?" or "Which topic of PM Lee's speech, touched you the most?" Quite standard. *grins*

Went to attend the International Chess: Inter-School Championships. It was held at Ngee Ann Secondary. It was quite a sight. Today was the primary school finals. There are over 180 teams! :o Cool! I want to join!

I need to shout out a regret! *sobs* Went out on Saturday. Was walking around Bugis Street. Walked past the shop which I saw the very nice "San Guo" Chinese Chess Set. They were closing down. Doing stock check. I saw a box label "Figurine Chinese Chess" in chinese. I should had asked them for it! I should had bought it. The first time I did not want to buy was because it was very expensive. I could have got discount cause they are closing down. *sobs*

Anyway going to work out tomorrow. Everyone is telling I am fat. *growls*sad*

Good Night Singapore!

August 15th, 2006.

2006-08-15T04:04:00.000+08:00

3.13am

Just finished bathing. Watching TV. The past few days was very packed. My SIP ended on last friday. Starting to miss everyone already. :( BR concluded the shoots over the weekend. "It is a WRAP!" Glad everything is completed, but quite sad cause I am also starting to miss the whole production and everyone in BR too.

Anyway for today, everything was very packed. First, I woke up late. And I rushed to by cards for the office people. Quite upset this morning. Cause everything is back to normal. I got tens of calls and tonnes of SMSes the whole time. :( However, I did got to office alive. :p So happy to see everyone again. :) Ivan and Christopher did my appraisal with me, and I am actually quite happy with it. :) Both of them were very frank with me and I am glad that I got very good feedback from them. :)

Got to school. Went to see Lawrenz first. Sort out some stuff. Went to Sports Club AGM. SU forget to wear red. Oops. *grins* After which, we had a very long meeting to decide what projects to do and who to do. It took 4 hours. :( Not quite productive. But it was a must.

A call out to all!

BR is currently having a SMS contest out on atlife.sg. The details can be viewed at all Macs plasma screens! Cool right? *grins* The topic of the contest is to tell us what is your childhood ambition. "What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?" SMS to 78800. Keyword (DREAM) space (your name) space (your ambition & reasons). In not more than 120 characters. A Ipod Nano awaiting you each week! Still have 9 Ipods left! What are you waiting for?! Hurry Up!

Got to get some rest. This week got to rush a lot things. Finalising SU's AWP. Got to hand in SIP Report. Need to write out my Presidential Speech for AGM. etc.

Good Night Singapore. Got to get some sleep. *winks*

August 10th, 2006.

2006-08-11T01:10:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 79:

11.59pm

Went to supper with most of the RC chairmen, Ivan, Christopher and Hadijah. At "Chicken Club." The usual. Not bad. 1 more day to the end of SIP. Going to get some farewell gifts for them . Thinking of what to get. *wonders*

Hadijah and me had so much just now! While waiting for all the people to arrive, we all stayed in the car. And all the ways that they parked their car and did not see us as they walk past was so funny! Ivan even parked beside us. So funny! *grins*

The National Day Observance Ceremony was quite a success. Verlyn was so quite good as an emcee. Quite a surprise! *grins* Everything else was alright. And I did the flag-raising! The cake was 10kg. It actually tasted nice! *grins* A lot of big cakes do not actually taste nice.

Having a very packed weekend coming up. Tomorrow, going to work in the morning. Going school during lunch to meet raymond. Go back to work and after work rush back to school to attend AGMs. Straight after that got to SU's subcomm training camp. This is Glenda's and Yee Ping's maiden project. *grins* Saturday morning got to leave for BR filming and rush back to give a talk to the subcomms. Sunday will have BR filming! It will be at the Shooting Gallery. Cool. Guess who are going to be there? *wonders* Not going to tell you! *grins*

Anyway for all those that still do not know, the 5th and last webisode up. So please do tune in to www.becomingroyston.com .

How I wish I can drive. At least i do not need to wait for transportation. You know how it is that when you are waiting for a certain bus but it does not come. Yes. It is very frustrating.

Good Night Singapore! Got to get some much needed rest. *wonders* And Picture of the Day is the nice 10kg cake that Christopher got from Prima Deli. With it is Hadijah and Jasmine (TECO new ACM). :)

August 8th, 2006.

2006-08-09T01:54:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 77:

11.59pm

I am going to miss my days in TECO...

Actually had thought of quite a lot of things to write. But I think I have a Writer's Block now.

Anyway some updates!

NDD was quite a success. I would like to express my thanks to all the hard work that everyone had done. It was a challenge to complete such a big event. Glad I was up to the test.

Straight after the NDD, I went straight to school for TPSU Work Plan Retreat. We spend the whole night sharing ghost stories. And almost everyone was freaked out! *grins* The whole retreat was quite enriching and productive. My mummy helped to delivered 13-person worth of Macs to TP for us. We all felt kind of bad but I am so touched. I love you Mum! :) We had steam boat to wrap everything up. Cool right? *grins* Everyone had fun! It was a great bonding session. :)

Yesterday I resumed BR filming! Cool. But it was the sleepy scene! Nope! I will not disclose any information! *grins* Having a couple more days of shoots. Recently there are a couple of friends from IMD approached me to go for audition for their Project Pilot casting. Do not know if I am able to go for any. Kind of packed nowadays. Anyway webisode 5 is up! And from next week onwards, teaser trailers from BR will be out on Macdonalds Plasma TVs! Participate in the contest and stand to win a IPod Nano every week! There are even going to be wallpaper and ringtones from BR, to be downloaded!

To end everything off, National Day is coming. I do not know why. I kind of like Singapore. I think it is a great country. *wonders* I could not bare the thought of leaving here for good.

So... Good Night Singapore! I love you... *grins* :)

August 3rd, 2006.

2006-08-04T01:23:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 74:

11.59pm

Had my first experience with a blood donation! The lime green bandage is so cool! So happy! Everytime there is a blood donation drive in TP, it always had overwhelming response!

I gave away my only NDP ticket to Christopher today. He worked so hard for NDD and had been very nice and lenient with me. Furthermore, he is intending to give his parents to watch the NDP. He is a very filial guy. I like that.

Today I am feeling much better. Kind of. I think my mood improved because I kind of gave instead of received. I like that kind of feeling. If someone can be happy because of something I had done, I am happy. People around me, parents, friends, buddies, mentors, and more, had always said that I always helped people even at my own expanse. I say yes to everyone and try to fit everything to my timetable. I try to help everyone but this will cost everyone to just have a little of what they expect of me. This will shortchange everyone who believed and had faith in me.

I will dwell on this. I think there are some things which I need to change... *wonders*

Good Night Singapore!

August 1st, 2006.

2006-08-02T00:37:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 72:

11.47pm

Just feel that my life is in a mess right now.

To everyone out there, sorry if I was ever short-tempered and harsh on you.

Cannot remember any messier time of my life. Really feeling the drawback of having too many events or things in my life. Nearly could not hold back my emotions today. Nearly. But I held. Barely. If I had not, I do not think I would have finish my day.

Went for dinner after work today. No appetite and mood to eat, but had some gastric pains, so had to go and grab some food. I thought I would be of a older age to be sitting at a kopitiam and drinking teh all alone. Kind of sad. Felt like a lonely uncle. Kind of like the feeling which I had while watching Roystan Tan's "Sons". But in the short 30 minutes that I had alone while sitting there, I met 3 friends and had a lot of SMSes. "Sigh"

Really wish I could have 2 weeks off and get out of Singapore, to somewhere where no one knows that I am Alvin Neo. Africa sounds good. Sometimes animals are better creatures than humans are.

Thank you everyone for showing all your concerns. I am just going through a phase of growing up.

To end off, just want to share some quotes.

1) "You are what you are, because of the people around you."

2) "Life is a journey, enjoy it."

3) "Destination in life is important, process to get there even more so."

4) "With Great Powers, comes Great Responsibilities"

Changed my blog. Hope you all like it. Good Night Singapore and wish everyone to be free of worries.

July 30th, 2006.

2006-07-31T00:33:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 70:

11.15pm

A couple of things happened for the past few days. Had quite a lot of meetings, work, leadership training camp, BR screening party at Nic's etc.

Went for bowling today. There was a CSC event just now.

LTC was fun. The process allow me to have some rediscovery why I had decided to run. Kind of rekindled. *wonders* Did dragon boating. Now my whole back and thighs are aching. After the bowling, my arms are also aching now. *sad* We even did field cooking! Cool. Can see the picture. It is when we are more or less done eating. *grins*

Too caught up with people chatting with me on MSN...

Went for the BR screening party yesterday. Got lost while en route there. So silly. Been there a couple of times before, still so blur. *grins* Was quite cool. Very crowded. Met up with a lot of people. Had fun. Saw my plushie. "Argh!" So freaky. *shivers* Can see my picture!

Helped out in packing of goodie bag for NDD. Did 2000 bags in 3 hours. According to the "old birds", we are very fast. *grins*

Thank you everyone for your concern. I am getting better if not yet recover. Sook! Very sorry. Could not turn up for your birthday dinner. Make it up to you next time ba.

Good Night Singapore.

July 24th, 2006.

2006-07-25T02:06:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 65:

11.59pm

Not feeling very good. Lots of things on my mind. Met Ah Boi today. Had a talk with each other. I really need a rest...

Anyway BR is going very well. Going to have quite a number of screening coming up. Quite cool. It is one of the few happy things that I have nowadays. And happy things are getting lesser and lesser...

Cannot seem to do the things that really matters. A lot of work to be done...

16 more days to the end of my SIP...

Really need a rest... and maybe a hug... from anyone...

Going to get some more needed physical rest...

Good Night everyone...

July 17th, 2006.

2006-07-18T01:27:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 59:

11.59pm

Today was a very busy day. Had 2 meetings today. NDD is more or less settled. Getting busy with the Blog Project. Was busy with SU for the better part of the day. And PF too. This week is a very packed week. Have 8 meetings scheduled for this week and for now, next week already schedule 3, Leadership Training Camp and more coming! *sigh*

I agree that my SIP is very exciting. But I am starting to feel I cannot breathe. Too many things to do, too little time. But it was my choice. I got to live with it. *bitter laugh*grins*

Anyway, last Sunday, had the EPG day. Emcee-ed for the event. The weather was a killer. So damm hot! *grins* There was a mock bomb blast. Quite cool. The event was all over the papers. Straight after the event, rushed all the way to Kallang for a family dinner. Was a bit late. Saw my baby niece! So cute!!! *grins widely* I love babies! How I wish I have my own kids. *wonders*grins*

Had 2 meeting on Saturday. The ExCo in the meeting. And the new ExCo in the afternoon. The attendance for the old ExCo was surprising. It was better than expected. *grins* There 13th seat and the internal voting was settled. From now on there are a lot things to be done. For now, tentatively, the whole of August is filled up. So watch out for Students' Union event soon!

Yes! Thank you Ah Guang! I know you helped me a lot. Thanks! *huGs* "Haha!"

Picture of the Day is of a candid shot of my baby niece! So cute right?! *grins widely*

Good Night Singapore! *waves*

July 14th, 2006.

2006-07-15T01:15:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 57:

11.59pm

Went shopping today! So happy! Got a blazer and a top! *grins* Still looking for a decent bag and a pair of nice looking shoes. *winks*

Having 2 meetings soon. Tomorrow going to have my hair trimmed. Going to resume filming soon. *grins* Could not wait. "Haha!"

Paid back a day for work. Left 3 more days to clear. *grins*

Good Night Singapore! So happy today. *grins* Picture of the Day is the venue of the NDD. At Chongzheng Yumin Primary School.

July 13th, 2006.

2006-07-14T00:23:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 56:

11.35pm

Compare to the past few days, today was a very relaxing day. Yesterday, I did a presentation to Mr. Mah and to the CCC, with regards to the PAssion Card.

I nicknamed myself as the "Multi-purpose Intern". *grins* I have done tickets, posters, banners, sell membership cards, attend meetings, socialise, plan events, liaise with people, and going to be emcee for an event this coming sunday. *grins*

I am getting fat! So true when working in a office. "Argh!" I do not like it...

Today, TP's Corporate Communication called and asked me to go for a photoshoot. And INT School wants to do up a profile of me too. Cool. *grins*

There is a burning question that everyone is asking. "Why did my jaw drop at the last part of the 3rd webisode?" Guess what is my answer. "Carry on watching!" *grins*

Today's Picture of the Day is a bit down the memory lane. It is a picture of Production Crew with the cast of Light Years during TP Open House '04. I am arrowed!

Cheers! Good Night Singapore! *winks

July 8th & 9th, 2006.

2006-07-09T22:14:00.000+08:00

2.01pm

On bus 23. On my way to Suntec City. Going to meet Wen Han and play Magic. It had been a darn long time since I had played. I missed the most exciting block since Urza Saga. "Argh!" Some people may think that it is very childish to play such games. But all my avid readers will know what my life is about. Playing Magic is one of the rare times which I truly relax from work and shut myself from the outside world. It is an indulgence which I feel I need and should be having. So happy and looking forward to it later. *smiles*

There are a lot of things which I want to blog about these past few days. But when I get home, all I can manage is to bath and crawl to bed. It had been a hell of a election for the past week. First, I would like to congratulate all who had got elected. There are namely: Terence, Tat Ming, Sarah, Yee Ping, Soon Poh, Wei Sheng, Clifton, Jodin, Yiling, Yuting, Yi Jia and me. 12 members because there is a tie this year, again. Last year, it had been between Rajes and Yao Ming. Both of them got 181 votes. This year, it is between Glenda and Elene. Both of them got 194 votes. As per tradition, both of them will have to garner for votes for the internal polling by the 12 elected members. On the average, we had a very well done participated election this year. In total, there were more than 10,000 votes casted. Barely.That will be the word I would use to describe my win over Terence. I only won by 20 votes. That is a very slight margin. Yes. I got the Presidency. A VERY BIG THANK YOU! to everyone who had voted for me and to all who participated in voting for the Student Elections. So many people asked me about it. It even went to Mr Mah's ears. He congratulated me and asked me to share my campaigning strategy. *grins* "So no need!" "Haha!"

I would like to express some of my thoughts with regards to why I decided to run for Students' Union again. A lot of people know that my past year of commitment to Students' Union was not a bed of roses. Some of the people heard me whining and complaining. Why would a year 4 student stand up for elections again? By the way, my fingers are freezing. *grins* Going to change to bus 133 soon. Anyway, there were a great percentage of people who asked me to quit the Union if I did not manage to get the Presidency. It will be kind of bad for my image. It will be embarrassing. I am ashamed to say that, the thought actually crossed my mind. As I was the Vice President last year, the only way is to move up. But as the time went nearer to the end of the elections, I made up my mind not to quit just because I did not get the Presidency. It is for the students. I am doing all this for the students.

Alighting...

8.58pm

On bus 518. Continuing my entry. Had a great time. For the past 5 hours, nothing was in my mind except to find a way to beat my opponent. For me the feeling of playing Magic is like being a monk in chanting in a temple. Not too bad. Had 3-1 score. Considering I had 2 bad draws in the first game and the length of time since my last play. This new set, Coldsnap, is alright for me to play as it is something like a subset of Ice Age. So as a old school player, it is alright.

On the way to T.Y.S.E's 21st birthday BBQ. Situated at Downtown. So not too bad. It is near my house anyway. T.Y.S.E = The Yellow Salted Egg. *grins* Actually it means Tan Yong Sheng Eugene. My classmate since year 1. Cool fellow. Also like to scratch his stomach. So cute. *grins widely.* He is quite a good pool player and a darn good archer. No. It is true. Archer. *grins* He is in TP's archery team.

Reaching Downtown soon.

Today's PF meeting was alright. The attendance was alright too, although I hope to see more people each week. Until now, PF 2006 Subtheme 1 is still the most happening, compare to the others. Everyone is great! *grins*

Alighting...

July 9th, 2006.

9.01am

In the office. Very sad. Could not wake up for Germany's match. "Argh!" And I promise to wake my friend and watch together while chatting on the phone. "Argh!" So sorry! *Sad* Anyway, I heard Germany won 3-1 against Portugal. Yeah! Kudos to Germany! So cool.

I think it is something very serious for me to continue to blog what I wanted to blog in 2 entries. I think there must be something terribly wrong. I can only blog on bus and during office hours. And now the time in office are also filling up, work are piling up as high as my table can contain. Terrible. *shakes head* There are a lot of things which I wish to blog about but when the time comes, I am too tired to do it. "Argh!" On top of all this, I will need to write entries on to the ESIP. "Cannot just read my blog ar?" *grins* I missed a couple of weeks of entries. Hope I am not penalize for all it.

Just to highlight some of the things that had happened for the past week:
Tuesday Ivan treated me to Cafe Cartel.
Had a off day on Thursday to go school for campaigning. I think it save my Presidency. *grins* Thank you Ivan! And everyone in the office! For the past few days, I was unable to do any work. I was very worried. All along I seriously thought Terence got a higher chance of clinching the Presidency. I was not wrong. I only won by 20 votes. All the people, especially Mdm Koh, Cik Fatimah, Mdm Pang, Ivan, Steven, Dorothy, John, and of course Hadijah, had to tolerate my jumping about, moody state for the past few days. I am so sorry about it. I will make it up to you all. I am planning some sort of farewell present for everyone! Cool right? How sweet of me... *grins*

10.18am

Just came back from breakfast.
Continuing...
Friday had seen a heart stopping, face melting, blood rushing, toes freezing, lips drying, eye watering and strangely there was this particular silence in the mist of all the cheering and talking of so many excited voices. When my name was called, my heart skipped a beat. I had got 400 plus votes. Whatever was the rest of the number after 400, was lost in the uproar of cheers, applause and cat calls. (It was until later did I know I had got 411 votes.) When Terence's total number of votes polled was announced, I felt my heart skipped a beat for the second time in a short time frame of 15 minutes. The feeling is more gut wrenching than the first time I did the tower jump for scuba diving selection!

5.12pm

"Argh!" Lots of things to do. So little time. Having PAssion Card Drive these 2 weeks. Anyone who wishes to buy, please look for me. Having at least 7 official meetings next week. Some of which are back to back ones. Sadly, I will not be able to go to PF Facilitators Meeting this coming Saturday. Going to have 1 presentation to Mr Mah and the other to Mr Sin. All in one week.

Tonight is going to be the World Cup Finals. Still contemplating who should I bet on. Thinking of Italy... *wonders*

Played Pickleball today. Lost to Hadijah. *sad*grins*

Have some credits to do...:
Thank you everyone for all the support! And showing so much faith in me.
Thank you Sook for the time we spent together for elections.
Thank you Siyun and Joanna for convincing people who do not know me to vote for me. I know it was very difficult for Year 1s who do not know anything.
Thank you Michelle, Fishy and Serene for doing so much background work for Sook and me.
Thank you Darren for offering to help.
Thank you Huan Yang and Ressa for publicizing to Dance Ensemble during their AGM.
Thank you to all the INT candidates who shown their support! And Congrats to all those who got elected. For those who did not, please do try to help out.
Thank you Ivan, Hadijah and the whole office of TECC for all the tremendous support and tolerated my nonsense since I got into the office. Until now I am still getting congratulations from everywhere.
Thank you Wen Han for informing me to go and play Magic.
Thank you Dr. Lim for writing my recommendation letter.
Thank you everyone for the hell of exciting elections.
Thank you Yu Lan and Mingzhu for helping me to sell PAssion Card.

Congrats to Jason and Hazel for getting reelected into RPSU's Students' Union. Especially Jason as he got the Presidency. I must say TE YEC is quite some kind of power house. We have 2 Polytechnic's Students' Union Presidents as members.
Congrats to milo_dino for getting into NUS and I can see that he is enjoy so much there that he cannot wait to start school!
Congrats to all my friends who had successfully graduated, gotten into Universities, found jobs, etc.
Congrats to Ah Boi, for the new found love. *grins*

I really should get back to work. Ending working in 15 minutes. Should finish up some stuff. NDD is getting on fine. Just need to work hard on sponsorship. Still short of some cash sponsorships. Other than that, everything is more or less on track.

Anyway BR's 3rd webisode is up already! Cool! So funny! For those who had forgotten the webby or had not visited it. It is www.becomingroyston.com It is a must go. Please give it a view. It is mind blowing! "Wow!" Today's entry is full of all this phases. So steady! *grins*

9.46pm

I love to watch shows that make me "feel" at the end of the show. Watched "Honey" and "Pirates of the Caribbean". Cool. The ending part of "Honey" was quite touching. Everyone got to do what they like and everyone in the community accepted and understood what they are doing and what they are trying to tell them.

Going to get some sleep. Watching the Finals later. Hope who win? *wonders*

Good Night Singapore! Picture of the day is the Rosli's kid. One of the member of MAEC. So cute right?! He messed up my office and fell asleep straight after. *grins*

July 3th, 2006.

2006-07-04T01:16:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 48:

8.36am

Argh! It had been a week since my last entry. No. I am not dead. Yes. I am still alive. I had a lot of inspiration to blog for the past few days. But I cannot write anything now. "Writer's Block" or is it "Writer's Blog"? "Haha" It had been 7 days since my last entry. "Woah" :(

11.59pm

Just back from the weekly MPS. Everyone had sat around and had a chit chat session. It was fun. Ivan was asking me how do I find MPS. I told him I get to know people's problem, how to solve them and that makes me happy. It is true. Some people may think that it is for the gratitude people give and so on so fro, for me I will be happy when I can be of help to people. Mr Mah brought up the topic of smokers. Do not mind smokers as if they die, its their problem. But girls who smoke are just not my type. And everyone is quite curious on blogging. For the past few days, had been trying to explain to people its concept. Quite interesting. Got to know a few new people. Karen, Eric and others who are coming regularly. Great to see them. :) Had fun discussing World Cup too! Maybe the only chance for Singapore to play in World Cup is to host it! Which is a higher possibility compared to qualifying. *grins*

For all those who still do not know, I am running for Students' Union this year! Yes. Again. *grins* So please vote for me. The process of campaigning is very exciting. So cool. Get to see all the different ways and methods of campaigning. All the funky posters. No matter how ineffective or effective the methods, there are still people doing it year by year. As I also ran for elections last year, some people counted me as a veteran. Actually its quite true. *grins* There are 33 candidates for Students' Union this year! I cannot believe it!. 33 people contesting for 13 seats. Last year there were only 24 candidates. I was told that my use of A0 posters with very nice designs were very good campaigning tactic. Mine is bigger then others. And very much nicer. Even if people who did not know me, voted! So happy! This year I am using a different method, due to the amount of people contesting, there are no place to put up posters. So I had the idea of printing postcards of my poster and putting them at all the canteen stalls! *grins* Stroke of genius? "Haha!" Hope to win the election this year. *fingers crossed* I am so touched by all the people who expressed their support. :) I have so many plans for Union. Your Welfare is My Concern. "Haha!"

Left nearly one and a half months to the end of my attachment. Actually I had learned a lot for the past few months. Got into YEC and now a intern at the CC, got to know a lot of grassroots leaders. Quite interesting. Got to see how full time working adults do volunteering work. Different committee require different ways of handling things. I really learned a lot of things where I feel people my age will not get to experience. If I can work with grassroots I can work anywhere. There was what I was told by a lot of people. Maybe I can stay on to get my 5 year service award?! *grins*

So many things to write, so little time. Hadijah changed her desk place to inside, beside Christopher. So sad. But heard there is a new officer coming in. *grins* So many things to do this week! And the next. And the next. And forever. "Argh!" NDD, PAssion Card, Blogging and not to mention campaigning for election and BR is going to continue filming for 4 more days next 2 weeks. So happy! I love acting! *grins* Ok! Going to sleep now! Need to wake up early for to go back school for doing up some posters stuff.

Picture of the Day is guess what? Me! Taken using Noir Noir, Sook's MacBook's ISight. Cool. *grins* I look so ugly.

Good Night Singapore! I need the sleep. *grins* And my favourite Japanese star's new TV series is on screen on SCV Channel 56 again! Slow Dance. Hirosue Ryoko! So pretty! Dream girl! Too bad she got married some time back. Wish her all the best anyway! :) My elections posters are up too!

June 25th, 2006.

2006-06-25T22:49:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 41:

9.34pm

Woke up at 7.45am. Felt very tired. Slept at around 3am. Again. Stay in town after a disappointing lost at the Tangs Foosball Challenge. Both Iskandar and me made it to the finals, only to lose to a pair which we had no difficulty matching up against during warm-ups. We made it very past very tough first and second rounds. Kind of sad. Miss the chance to get a new watch. *sad*

Had a long window shopping in town. *grins* It was fatal. I saw a couple of shoes from Onisuka Tiger and another couple from Nike. "Argh!" So nice! Still thinking of them now... Shoes are my weakness. When nice shoes caught my eyes, I really must get my hands on them. I got more than 10 pairs. Quite a modest amount but I am sure in the future the number will double or triple, at least. *grins* Kind of difficult for people to give you shoes as presents. But still, my shoes size is 8 and 1/2. *grins*

Received a call from Apple@Orchard. My Ipod Nano was ready for collection! Since than, it was in operational for a day already. *grins*

Watched the first 30 minutes of the match between Germany and Sweden. Saw all the 2 goals. Cool. *grins* Had to go off to watch "She's The Man." Very funny! Nice plot. And very pretty girls. *grins*

Normal working day again. But there was a special event today. All of us went for Siti's engagment party! Cool! Food was nice and it was good to know how the other races do their tradition events. So much pretty cakes! And there is something I must confess. I dozed off in the middle of the ceremony. "Oops!" *grins*

Currently at my Ah Ma's place. Miss her so much. Got to stop her and go and chat with her. *grins* So Good Night Singapore!
Picture of the day is Hadijah and Yan Juan posing in front of Siti's bed, which was full of wonderful looking cakes and other sinful goodies! *grins*

June 23th, 2006.

2006-06-24T00:39:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 40:

11.54pm

Quite a day. Today is the 40th day of my attachment! Cool. And tomorrow is pay day. "Haha!"

It was raining freaking heavily this morning! Went to work today. Was quite caught up in work for the better part of the morning. Sylvia "suan" me! She asked me for my autograph. *stick out tongue* Oh please...

My parents came to fetch me for lunch before going for my medical appointment. We went the wrong way! They thought it was at the Singapore General Hospital. *grins* Did a U-Turn. Went to Old Airport to have lunch. The wanton mee was good. And the rojak stall used a digital numbering system. Interesting! Quite tasty actually. *grins*

The moment I stepped into the check up room, I was stunned. The doctor was so young and so pretty! Oh my god. Damm. My type! "Haha!" And I am schedule to see her next week! Cool! *grins* My nose is kind of still hurting. "pain" The doctor used something to burn the blood vessels away. Now I am having a slight burn out at the left nostril. "Eee" *grins*

Went to Apple@Orchard just now. My dad bought a Ipod Video for my brother. There was no stock for the 2GB Ipod Nano. So we only paid the deposit for it. Once it is in, I will need to go down and collect it and pay up the rest of it. So happy! I am having 4 kinds of Ipods. Original Ipod - 3rd Generation, Ipod Shuffle, Ipod Nano and Ipod Video.

Tomorrow I having PF meeting at RP. After which I got to go down for the Tangs Foosball Challenge. Hope Iskandar and me win. *fingers crossed*

Good Night Singapore! People out there, please take care of your health. And those who do not know what an Ipod Nano is like, the Picture of the Day shows it! :)

June 22th, 2006.

2006-06-23T00:10:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 39:

11.26pm

A BIG Apology to all my readers. I was quite lazy and tired to post anything. So I will do some recounting...

Last Sunday, I went for PF. Everything was cool. Most of the participants are engaging and on the ball. Had a lot of fun. Had quite a few moments of flashbacks. Thought of times past, when I was a participant. Miss those times...

Monday was my off day. Went to school and stayed for the whole day for the pre-election leadership workshop. There was a overwhelming attendance. The funny thing is that there are people who I expected were not there. *wonders* The things that the people brought up are fresh and what they said struck something inside me... *wonders*

Went to work on Tuesday. But it was a half day as I went to BroadcastAsia2006 for a BR screening at the Panasonic booth. It was so cool! Someone wanted to take a picture with us. Of course Shu An and me obliged. *grins* Hitch a ride in Randy's cute vintage Beetle. So cool! Met Iskandar for foosball practice at Mambo Billiards, Lucky Plaza level 6. Learn a lot new things. I think I like foosball. *grins*

Wednesday I took a MC. Went to see Dr. John as I had a bleed again. He referred me to the polyclinic to be referred to a specialist. Cheaper this way. Going for in this coming friday, which is tomorrow. Went back home and napped for a while. Went out to town with my parents. Bought a Levis 508. It was from the wagon. Cheaper. Only $65.50. And I am fat... *sad*

Today had a busy again. I think I will be very busy for the next 6 weeks. We are entering the last few stages of NDD. There are things that I got to plan and present for the PAssion Card. So on and so fro. Had another practice with Iskandar. I can dribble already. Quite slow. But I am improving. Iskandar is flying. *grins* Quite confident for Saturday. Tomorrow I will be meeting my course manager, Dr. Lim. *wonders*

I got my schedule for BR already. Got 4 days of shooting to be done. Got to arrange my off days already. For all those who still do not know, the second webisode for BR is up! Please visit www.becomingroyston.com to watch it and do join up for all the happenings in the webby.

Picture of the Day is a Looney Toons event I did at Tampines Mall. Hui Leng, Eng Meng, Jabie, Sylvia, Fabian, Yvonne are in the picture. And of course I am the one taking the photo. Take care everyone. Good Night Singapore. Tired. Going to get some winks. *grins*

June 17th, 2006.

2006-06-18T01:46:00.000+08:00

11.59pm

Everyone! The long awaited second webisode is uploaded! No words needed! Cannot describe how I am feeling now. Kind of fun. *grins*

Let me talk about today's PF activities. Everything went better than what I had expected. The 5 of us worked fine together. There was a kind of unspoken kind of job allocation. Each of us just naturally stepped up and do the job.

I felt that all the 3 panelist/guest speakers kind of spoke what I needed to heard, needed to affirm myself. They all spoke of their experiences and I felt it was like what I would have said if I am on stage. So alike! *sad* *shakes head*

Good Night Singapore! Picture of the Day: PF people looking lost!

June 16th, 2006.

2006-06-17T00:18:00.000+08:00

11.59pm

BR's report was 1-full page! It is crazy! "Haha!" And I get a lot of people who sent SMSes to me, "suaning" me for the sentence, "Xi Yan Xiao Shuai Ge" *argh*

Anyway... Today's PF session was a short one. Had team building games. It was fun! Hope tomorrow we are also going to have so much fun!

Went for DramaTec's annual production, Dreamscape 3.0! It was SO COOL! I love everything! Everything was SO nice! I love the set! I love the plot! I love the music! I love the concept! Most of all, I love the people!!! Everyone was simply great! *grins*

Picture of the Day is of Shahdon and me! I just realised that this is the second picture that we posed together! *grins* Good Night Singapore! I need sleep. Keep falling asleep. *sad*

June 15th, 2006.

2006-06-16T00:05:00.000+08:00

11.19pm

All BR supporters! I was informed by Randy, BR's Executive Producer that tomorrow morning's Zao Bao has a article/write-up on BR! So excited! *grins*

First day of PF FA training. Quite cool. Everyone was interesting and it was refreshing to know what others feel. The people were not afraid to speak their mind. Very frank and objective. And there are similar faces from the previous forum! *grins* I will be looking forward to tomorrow!

Had a chat with Terence and Tommy. Had fun! *grins*

Went back for NDD meeting. Quite productive. Quite an amount of things settled. Most of the things look great! *grins*

Overall, my mood quite good. *grins* But quite tired. Had a couple of moments that my head felt numb. *sad* Yes! I will take care! Please do not worry. *grins*

Wondering what to put as the Picture of the Day. Did not take any photos today. *wonders* Let me go n have some food first. Cannot seem to think. *grins*

11.59pm

Found it! Picture of the Day is the Apple tee that Tommy gave me! It is the logo at the back of the tee. Nice right? *grins* Good Night Singapore!

June 14th, 2006.

2006-06-15T00:01:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 37:

11.45pm

I cried. Watched a program on TV. Again those kind of sports team who won games after all the troubles and misfortune.

When to see the doctor today about my nose. He said there nothing wrong. Asked me to eat the medicine first. If any more bleeding problems, I will need to go for a blood test.

Do not know why these few days, there are so much work to be done! Simply unbelievable... Anyway, will be going for PF 06, starting for tomorrow.

Good Night Singapore! Picture of the Day: Nice right? Fireworks! Life is like Fireworks. Cherish while you can... Believe it or not. It is true.

June 13th, 2006.

2006-06-14T00:46:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 36:

11.41pm

There was hell lot of work today. I started working the moment I stepped into the office and straight until I end the NDD meeting. This whole week is the busy week I am going to have in months I had before. Let me tell you how is it like to have only a slot of free time on Friday, 1 to 6pm. "Haha!"

Saturday:
When to Funan and work for Christina. Woke up late. Had to rush down. Was 10 minutes late. *grins* Had fun. Quite some time since I last did the popcorns. *grins* Rushed back to Tampines. Went to help out at Supernova Camp. YEC's Youth Camp for Service Learning. Everyone there was really great! I believed everyone had fun! It was so good! *grins*

Sunday:
Worked morning shift. Went to Tampines Central CC to put up the photo exhibition stuff. Went to dinner with my parents. After which went to Delong's to play mahjong. Damm. Lost quite a bit. Bet on soccer. Won Mexico's match but lost the Portugal's. *sad*

Monday:
Working from 1 to 10pm. Take time off to go from a focus group discussion from 6.30 to 8.30pm. Luckily it ended early. Rushed back to MPS. Hanged out for a while with Kee Ping they all. Went to meet Ah Boi, Sylvia, Eve and Hui Xin. Loitered a bit. Went to Eve's place. As usual. *grins* Do not know why, but we started to help figure out the tele and karaoke set. In the end, guess what? Sylvia fell asleep again. Yes. It is true. *grins* Soon after, Sylvia sent us home. But Ah Boi was going to have gastric. I was hungry too. So we went to Geylang for dim sum. It was very nice!

Tuesday:
So I had about 4 hours of rest. Went to school for Poly Forum Briefing. Had lunch with Sook and Fishe. Rushed to work. Was surprised that I was not late. *grins* Worked from the minute I stepped in until I end work. Did not even have time to eat. *shakes head*

Going to happen:
Wednesday:
Morning shift. Going out with parents. Maybe going clubbing with Ah Boi. Or maybe just go and chill. *grins*

Thursday:
Poly Forum. FA Training. 7.15am. Ending at 6pm. Rushing back to Tampines. Having NDD program meeting at 8.15pm.

Friday:
Poly Forum. FA Training. 7.15am. Ending at 1pm. Free till 7pm. DramaTec's annual play at 7.30pm.

Sat:
Poly Forum. Pre-Forum. 7.45am. Ending at 6.30pm.

Sunday:
Poly Forum. Pre-Forum. 7.45am. Ending at 6.30pm. Having a focus group discussion at 7.30pm.

So how was that? Busy? *grins* Die-ing! Anyway, I am going to sleep. Good Night Singapore! And Ole! Ole! Picture of the Day: Popcorns! *grins*

June 9th, 2006.

2006-06-10T03:50:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 32:

4.05pm

At work. So happy and excited today! Please check out The Straits Times's LIFE! BR is on the frontpage and page 2! Although it is a small article, but it has already went beyond what I thought possible. When I was called to go for the audition, I thought it will be like a small budget short film. But now it had gone that! From the orginal idea until what we have now. During the production period, I had thoughts of this film going bigger but they were just thoughts. From the start, I believe the whole production was base on the passion for doing what each of us love. I went in with the idea of not receive a single cent, and I still do not. *grins* I am serious. Because I love what I am doing. So my friends, I will be very grateful if you all support this production. *grins*

Recently, in the mist of all these excitment, there are quite a few people who asked me the same question, "Will you be running for students' leader elections?" As always, my answer still is, "I do not know." Everyone said even if I said I do not know now, I will definitely run. I think I can list out my reasons for why I am still hesitating, at least for people who read my blog. I remember an entry which I wrote that, once someone become concern about defines as a good blog entry or bad blog entry, their life is not true anymore.

For the past year in SU, I focused a lot on my TP life and happenings and chose to let go some chances. Now I have much more chances. My YEC complains that I am under-performing. I ached to go back to NCC. I missed a lot of chance to work, which Ah Boi scolded me a lot of times for it. My friends, even those in TP, complained that I always not there for them. And some do not even look for me as often anymore. And do you know how long has it been since the last time I saw my Ah Ma? Quite sad about it. Ah Boi told me that, for the past year, he had seen that almost I choose this path, but I am not happy. It is true... But once again, it is my passion and love for TP. For this coming term, the cause for my hesitation are all that are listed above. And more. For YEC, my chairman said if I perform to what he expected of me, he will nominate me for trips with I want to go. Trips such as, NYAA EArthWatch, NYAA Exchanges, NIPPON MARU etc. *grins* And he is a guy with the means to do so. For NCC, I have not been active for almost a year. My CM does not encourage it. He rejected all my LOA applications for NCC. I know he is looking after my studies. I am grateful of it. But because of this, I missed quite a few overseas trips, to places like New Zealand, India, USA, Taiwan, Burnei, Australia etc. I did not even bother to apply to go for some of the places. The outcome was obvious. Now as I am only having one subject next semester and the trips are coming up again, from this year end to the mid of the coming year. My DC ask my just apply. So I am assuming he will recommend me. A lot of other newer batch CLTs had went already. Kyle also wants me to follow him to China this coming semester. People are offering my jobs now. But alas, I am still schooling and I still need to go for National Service. Ah Boi is facing similar situation. Both of us are facing opportunities but... we just cannot make ourself let go. *silly laugh*

So... Basically, it is about performing in other areas, getting up to others expectation of me, going for profiling trips which will be great additions to my CV and portfolio and having more time for family and friends... or... spend my time and energy for SU, either for better or for worse. For many, I believe it will be a very clear decision. But sorry. I am a weird fellow. *grins*

These few days while we talk, Ah Boi and I both agree that the choice of continuing in our way of life, course of work, plans, lies in when we are in NS. Like it or not, everything will be starting afresh. All your current friends, current contacts, everything, will be wipe clean... True?

11.59pm

Had my second nose bleed of the month. Already. Not even passed the mid-month period. Damm. Think I am die-ing. *grins*

Went to support Shaddon at Esplande for his new musical, The New Wave: City of the Gods. Other musical which was Vanity, Victorious, Virtue, Vanquished. Let me tell you! I am damm impressed. Everyone was damm good! Singapore Idol is nothing man. Compared to every single one of the performers, Chinese have a saying, "Smell no smoke". *grins* I am a fan of Shaddon. Since the day I had known him, he never ceased to amaze me. From today's performance, I can see that he had improve tremendously. Congrats!

After the play, as we are walking home, I realised I had my camera with me. Took it out and play around with the settings, and snapped! *grins* Took a few pictures. And I like some of them! Really cool!

Going work at Funan tomorrow for Christina. Afterwards, going to help out to hype the crowd. Hope I can do it! *grins*

By the way, to all, I am currently writing my 21st birthday's wish list. It is not going to look pretty. *grins* But if anyone can buy the items on it, I will consider some kind of repayment! *fingers crossed*

And BR is featured on today's LIFE!. Frontpage and page 2. Although it is small, but I like it!

Picture of the Day: One of the picture I took while I was random snapping! Hope you all like it. Please give some comments! Good Night Singapore!

June 6th, 2006.

2006-06-07T03:26:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 29:

11.59pm

There was a BR screening at the Substation today! 2 of Nic's and Randy's works was up. "I'll LIVE A DAY FOR YOU" and of course, "BECOMING ROYSTON". You all can visit www.originasian.com to view the 2 productions. Today's Substation's screening had seen 3 other films by other directors. I was late so I could not make any comments. *grins* But after the screening, from what the audiences commented, it seems that most of them are very interested in wanting to know what happens next. And I know it is definitely not going to disappoint them!

Went to chill with Ah Boi. Talked a lot. He did not study much. But we had fun and caught up on each other news. Interesting... *grins* Anyway Good Night Singapore! Going to get my 4 hours of sleep now. Working the morning shift later. Half day. But going for a interview. *grins* By the way, Congrats to all the people who are having their graduation these few days! *grins* Picture of the Day: Close of me in BR. Ugly right? :(

June 5th, 2006.

2006-06-06T02:17:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 28:

11.59pm

The past weekend was quite the breather I needed. Felt rested.

News for all my avid readers!
Becoming Royston, the film production which I was involved with, for the past couple of months, is up! The first webisode is up for viewing now! At www.becomingroyston.com! Please do support! Please spread the word around! Please do post feedback to me! Explore the webby closely! There are links everywhere! So happy! The whole series of webisodes will be uploaded in a spread of 3 months. The photos and other things will change as the webisodes are changed. They will be in line with the current webisodes. Please use the referral list and you will also stand a chance to win a limited edition T-shirt! *grins*

P.S I will only be appearing for 2 seconds for this first webisode. But stay tune for more! *grins*

Going to get some more rest now! Good Night Singapore! And For those who had already supported me or going to, a BIG THANK YOU to you out there!

Picture of the Day is a shot of Shu An and me! Shu An is the lead actress of this production! Pretty? *grins*

June 1st, 2006.

2006-06-02T00:14:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 26:

11.59pm

These couple of days were very full of work for me. Everyone in the office needs help. I had been helping out where ever I could. *busy*

Today I went back to school. Went back for a Poly Forum briefing. Yes! I am in, as a facilitator! Which means I will need to work more, as I will be asking for more leave from work. *sad*

Had YEC meeting today. I had been told by so many people that I am under performing. "Ok everyone! I will work hard for YEC now! Yes! I will!" Some of us were talking and have drinks after the meeting. Talked about NYAA. Yes. I will need to complete my NYAA Gold too. I am going to work hard from now on. Can someone do it with me? If not I will be lonely... *grins*

And I am going HQ NCC tomorrow! I miss NCC! I am going to look-see at the Spec Course! Hopefully I can help out too! So going to get some sleep now. Good Night Singapore! Picture of the Day is one of my 44th batch CLT course, some of the Platoon One people attending Maz's 45th CLT Course POP! Can you see me? *grins*

May 30th, 2006.

2006-05-31T02:18:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 24:

11.59pm

Was reading Life! today. I love reading the "biteintoit" column. There was a quote by writer Douglas Coupland on why he does not blog. 'You begin reclassifying your life into "that will make a good blog entry" or "that won't make a good blog entry". Suddenly your life isn't your life anymore' I agree fully with what he said. It is very true. When a particular blog becomes well known or is regularly been read by people, the blogger will be cautious of what he/she is writing or even write things on purpose. That is why I do not read blogs. Actually I am a person who gets effects by what others think of me. I will try very hard to maintain an image in front of people or change what they think of me.

Spend the whole day in the office revamping the powerpoint slides on the highlights of the CC. Finally done! Quite proud of it! It is quite nice! If the machine with runs the slides is not so low-end, I would like very much to do it up even nicer. If I can use Keynote to design it, woah! It would be better! *grins*

Anyway working morning shift tomorrow. So going to get some sleep now. Good Night Singapore! Picture of the Day is one of me with Samantha dressing up as Cinderella for CCN Day! One photo is $1! *pouts*

May 27th to 29th, 2006.

2006-05-29T23:58:00.000+08:00

May 27th, 2006.

SIP Day 21:

2.48pm

Raining heavily. A lot of things had happened over the past few days. I am die-ing. Again. Very terribly tired and most probably sick. Today woke up at 5.30am to help out for the World Human Resource Congress. Information given very late. Finally got people to work. Have not been sleeping more then 12 hours in total for the past 3 days. This morning, I had my second nose bleed for the month. Not bad right? Luckily the month is ending, therefore the count can restart. *silly grins*sad*

This year's CCA Awards was quite smooth. There are quite a few new faces. And quite a few people got at least double awards. Congrats to all who award recipients! After looking at the impressive resume which the higher award winners, all I could do was to applaud louder. *grins* Truly impressive.

After the ceremony, our bunch of old "Ka Kees" went on a crazy drive around with no place in mind to go. Finally after much petroleum wasted, we arrived at Eve's place. Although everyone was tired and having a terrible sore throat, we had a karaoke session. "Haha!" Imagine having 5 Ah Dus around. *grins* Spend the night at Eve's. Had breakfast in the morning and went to polyclinic to see doctor with Eng Meng and Fayanne. Everyone is practically very sick.

I am finding it very difficult to control my fingers and eyes at the moment...

Went to school for CCN Day. Suppose to go for a NASA talk at NYP. But I know if I am to sit down, I will immediately fall asleep. Also supposed to go for work at the new T3. But I also knew that I will K.O. Walked around. TP is getting more happening as the years grow. Although there was not any super happening booth. *grins* Spent some time with Kyle, together with Guang. Talked. He shared some funny clips and videos with us. Cool.

Having CC events today and tomorrow. My mummy's birthday tomorrow. Hope to leave early from work.

Thank you everyone out there who express your concerns. Really touched. Thanks. Going to try and get some rest now. But in office, hoping they let me. *grins*

3.36pm

If you lack of sleep or rest, you will tend to fart a lot. Do not know if it is true. But I do fart a lot. *grins*

9.05pm

Mass sending photos from my phone to my lappy. Need to clear the memory card. Just settled down from my first passion card event. The result was not too bad. Done up couple of templates for the project. Going to do up a sort of report on it, so that I can keep a record of the happenings.

May 28th, 2006.

SIP Day 22:

12.54pm

Fell asleep on the sofa. Again. *grins* Woke up in the morning and found myself on bed. I think I changed and crawled on bed in the semi conscious state. "Haha!" Could not post last night entry. Guess I am too tired. But I think I got enough rest from the K.O. last night. *grins*

3.33pm

Feeling sleepy. Went to Mr Aziz's place for lunch. His grandchild's 1st birthday. Quite happening. People come and go as if on a roster. One group leaves when another comes. Food was nice. Everyone was funny. *grins*

May 29th, 2006.

SIP Day 23:

6.00am

Just reached home from Delong's place. Quite tired. Going to get some rest now. The MAEC event was very happening. I liked! Everything was so nice, so happening. The people can really sing. And the aunties and uncles really went up to the front and dance! *grins*

11.31pm

Did not manage to get chance to upload my past entries. Either I just pass out when I reach home or could not get internet access. *grins* By the way, Kino is having a 20% discount storewide from June 3 to June 24! So hurry! "Haha!"

YEC's SuperNova Camp is coming up soon. Hope everything goes well.

News in TP:
Lots of events are up and coming. Mount Ophir trip, Elections, Poly Forum 2006, S2006 etc. After the elections, all the fun will start then. *grins* TP is really very happening.

Anyway, watching TV now. Lost inspiration of what I wanted to write. "Haha!" Good Night Singapore! today we have a scandalous Picture of the Day. Ah Boi and Sylvia. *grins* Nice right? "Haha!"

May 23th, 2006.

2006-05-24T00:32:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 18:

11.59pm

Minus the offs and weekends. I have been on SIP for 18 days. These past 18 days seems the longest in my life. There were a lot times in the past when I am saying this. This is just one of those times. These past 18 days had been a mixture of learning, rantings and many other things. I got to know a lot more people. Learn a lot more things. Done things that I normally give others to do. *grins* Like mailing? Like stamping envelops? "Haha!" I was quite tight about it for a while. But after a while I guess I am over it. It is kind of fun too. I guess I am getting all this because I am on SIP, I am suppose to learn. Because of my age, everyone have to go through these kind of things. Because I am getting paid. Because of a lot of stuff, I guess.

I am really sorry for not turning up for work on Sunday. Having Yan Juan to have to work alone. Should not have over worked myself.

Went to MPS yesterday, as always, it had been very interesting. I really enjoy the sessions. I get to know new things everytime. The volunteers there give people hope. Went to the dentist too. Found out I had 5 decays. *sads* Had 3 fillings. Need to go back for 2 more. Costed me a bomb. $170. "Ouch"

I had a busy day today. Went through all the lists of sponsor and "digged" through the phone directory, compiled all their contact numbers. Went for FLC meeting. FLC = Family Life Champions. Earlier today, Bernice SMSed me, asking me to help to facilitate the "dinner and dance" portion of the youth camp. *wonders* Me? I cannot do it man. For real!

Anyway, I think I know why I am not contributing for YEC. Never mind. I will talk to Kee Ping about it. No worries. Good Night Singapore! Please get some rest. do not be like me, over worked. Picture of the day is my first pose for the set of photo which Hui Leng taken for me, for the elections last year. *grins*

May 21th, 2006.

2006-05-22T01:01:00.000+08:00

11.59m

Last night, I vomited. Felt very terrible. This is the thing about falling sleep once in a long time. Everything just come back at you. Yesterday, I asked the doctor, if it was because I was not getting enough rest. "Was 4 hours of rest enough?" Guess what? She smiled and said, "NOPE!" Ok! *grins* I got about 6 kinds of medicine. That is hell of a lot. But I am that kind that will eat my medicine. So people, do not worry.

Went to Zouk just now. Yes. I went to Zouk when I am still sick. But I had fun! Camp Comedy 2006. Organised by Fly Entertainment. Broadway Beng! He was so cool! So funny! Master of Hokkien songs! "Haha!" Thanks Elyn! For getting me the tickets. And Felicia! Hope we do not meet 3 months later!

Anyway, good night Singapore! *grins* Today's picture of the day, Shu An and me! She is my lead actress! Pretty right? Sleep tight!

May 19th, 2006.

2006-05-20T02:25:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 16:

10.24am

Although I had afternoon shift for the past whole week, today I am taking the morning shift as I want to go back to school to take some stuff from Kyle and go and watch Production Crew conduct their training. Quite curious about this new main committee.

The night before, I had a D&D main committee appreciation dinner at Fish & Co. As usual, most of us were late. *grins* And as usual, poor Pamela waited 2 hours for everything to start. "Sorry Pamela! And to everyone else who was early than me." "Haha!" Everyone ordered their fill. We had a total of 3 sets of Fish & Chips, 2 sets of Seafood Platter for One, 2 sets of Seasonal Sambal, 1 set of Salmon with Cajun, 1 set of Swordfish Collar, 1 set of Teriyaki Salmon, 1 set of Grilled Calamari, 1 set of Fried Calamari, 2 glasses of Pink Passion, 2 mugs of Sharkie Freeze, 1 mug of Jungle Freeze and 1 mug of Chockie Junkie! And a hell lot of sauces! I counted we had more than 30 little cups of sauces! The night everyone had hell lot of food! *grins* And guess what. Everything was a whooping $244.65. I kept the receipt. I am thinking of keeping and compile everything into an album for myself to look back at the old times.

Actually I already wanted to do up a photo album of my years in TP. I am quite sure it will be a freaking thick book! *grins* I suppose I have more pictures of myself in TP than the past 10 years of uniform education. I do not think I develop out all the photos. I will need to think of a way or a theme to form up my album. "Who wants to help? It will be fun! I think... Haha!" *grins*

Last night, office had a farewell dinner for Vinson and Gregory and welcome dinner for Ming Jie and me. We had a birthday lady yesterday. Masat's! The mango cake for her was wonderful. Absolutely delicious. Hadijah have good taste. *grins* After which I went to attend Zone 4's monthly meeting. Quite interesting. You will get to know how people think, how the residents actions affect the decision-making. Or how the committee decision affect the residents. You may think the RCs are group of old, bickering aunties and uncles. That was what I thought too. But after I got involved in all this, I now know that they are the people who build your gardens, playgrounds, games courts, enforce regular maintenance, catch rowdy gangsters, eliminate pest problems, organise events for the blocks that are under their charge. They are volunteers, but they need to do a lot of work. Finance statements? Minutes of meetings? *grins*

"Argh" I could not go to Wala Wala. BR's whole team was there. But my meeting ended so late. And it was so far. "Sorry guys! Next time kopi together ba!" Randy and Terence will be going Japan. Today actually. "Bon Voyage guys! Take Care! Have fun!" BR's team is so cool! *grins*

The minute I come into office, Mdm Pang asked me "Kai Xin ma?" *grins* She said because I look moody. Not waked up yet. *grins* Small wonder. I slept at 2 plus. *grins* Mdm Pang made coffee for me and offered me food. Bread and biscuts. "Haha!" Now I understand how come the office termed her as a motherly figure. "Thanks Mdm Pang!" I got a few things to do but I do not think I need the whole day to do. *grins* My brother will be coming to date me for lunch. "Hehe!"

11.59pm

Did some paperwork and admin work. Went to Production Crew workshop today. Not too bad. All the new faces expressed their interest. It is very encouraging to see the next generation coming up. *grins* Had a talk with Sylvia. A long talk. *grins* Quite cool. They are going Bangkok tomorrow. Sylvia, Eve, Fayanne, Cynthia and Eng Meng. A thorn among the roses. "Haha!" Both Sylvia and Eng Meng are sick! Please take care of yourselves. And again Bon Voyage! Have fun! Enjoy! This is the second time I am wishing people a good journey, in this entry alone.

I am getting an addition hard disc drive, I am nearly out! And I will be broke. *grins* Thanks Samantha!

I am totally booked for the next 2 weeks. "Aww" I am going to Poly Forum Review. At Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Going to meet all the old friends! *happy*grins*

I forgot what I am going to blog. So... Good Night Singapore! "Haha!" Picture of the Day: Nicholas Chee. My BR Production's Director! He really look like one right? *grins*

May 16th, 2006.

2006-05-17T02:31:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 14:

12.54pm

Late for work today. Anyway I will work my full shift today. Feeling quite sad today. First thing that catch my eye after my brother woke me up was the letter on my laptop. It was the CCA Awards notification letter. I got a ill omen since yesterday night, when Wei Qi SMS me, asking if I am going to take leave off SIP to attend it. I only got the CCA Merit Award (Leadership). Wondering who got the Student Leader of the Year. Being born in the Year of the Tiger, it had also been a very competitive environment. In the form of non-acdemic performances, such as CCAs, there are always very good candidates. This year, it is very obvious that all the awards are closely contended. So I guess I could have done more. I just did not do enough. What a way to end my CCA career in TP. I got a CCA Merit Award (Arts) and Production Crew got the Arts Group of the Year, with me as the Vice-President. To me, it is a sign of me under performing, a sort of demotion. Listening to "emo" music again. Since the new school term had started, everyone had been asking me to run for election for Union again. *bitter laugh* How ironic. Why me? Since everyone says I am the ideal choice, but why? I am suppose to graduate. *bitter laugh* My heart ask me to go for it, but my head tells me not too. When I stepped into Union, I had a dream. Now my term is ending without the dream being fulfilled. I want to bring Union up there. That is what my heart is telling me to go and do. But my brain tells me, to get out to it. I am like a past tense, a guy who is already not there. Wendy, Ivan, Randy, Nicholas and many other people had told me that I will need to get out of there someday. I guess this maybe that day. *bitter smile* There are a few songs I am listening to now. "Cry" by James Blunt. "一生最爱的人" by 伍佰 . "海濶天空" by Beyond. "手放开" by Lee Sheng Jie. They are looping and looping, over and over again. Hope everyone who is feeling down now, get over it soon. I think I will. There are better things to do than to cry over spilled milk. This is life. Slow down and you are obsolete. At least for the rat race... Going for lunch now. Maybe getting bubble tea later. *bitter smile*

4.07pm

Bought 1 cup of bubble tea. Chocolate Ice-blended. Kee Ping bought another for me. *grins* Called Sharon just now. Had a gut feeling about it. True enough. She got the award. *grins* Congrats. Half of my mind, the logical side knew she would have got it. Maybe just could not make myself to believe it. *silly grins* Kind of feeling better. At least she is obvious more of a high-flyer compared to me. At least I did not lose it to some one that I do not respect. Had once myself a couple of times if joining Union was the wrong choice. But I know that I should not regret any decision that I made. It was just a question. Told myself that it would be irresponsible to just run away for overseas trip and leave everyone behind. I know it to be true. I could not make myself to run away to Switzerland and left D&D. I could not leave FOC for Yunan. Sorry Kyle. Thank you for the opporunities. But I know my responsibilities. I know where I am needed most. At least I know I had done all I can... Btw, I am going back school tomorrow. *grins*

7.43pm

Hadijah talked bad about me. *angry* *grins* Kidding.

11.59pm

Good Night Singapore. Picture of the day is Ken. Our production's Director of Photography. Handsome right? *grins*

May 15th, 2006.

2006-05-16T01:04:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 13:

3.25pm

Do not know the reason. Suddenly felt a sense of profound sadness. Doing my D&D project report in the office. A lot of work stuck. Listening to "emo" music again. Brought back a lot of memories. Maybe this is why I am feeling this way. BR completed filming yesterday. For my part, there are still quite a number of voice overs I need to do. But the bulk of the filming is done. Ready for editing. Everyone of the cast and crew hope this will be something big. *fingers crossed* Looking through photos and look at my schedule. I am wondering if everything will move faster and faster, until there will not be time to even look at the photos. What will happen? Everyday there are things happening. Everyday I have something to do. Or at least something new to do. I guess this is really the thing. The thing of growing up. As you grow older, everything double, triple and so on so fro. It is a race to be faster and better than everyone else. To get out of the rat race. Sitting in a CC office, I can feel the bliss of working in an environment like that. But I guess I like it otherwise. I cannot take it to be in the rat race forever. That is why I am doing so many things now. At my age, who can have a total of 1000 phone numbers in their handphones. And they are not like friends numbers. They are like numbers of people and companies that can be an opportunity. Let me quote an example, in the filming industry, out of a cohort of about 180 students who graduates, only 20 works in the corporate world and out of the 20, only 1 will make it. Ironic right? Where do the other 160 people go to? You will be surprise how many people work in places that they are not working in the field that they want to, or even studied in. As I get to know more people, greater is my understanding. This actually fueled my desire to get out of the rat race and do what I want, do what I like. But for now, all this make me feel very old, or at least weary, wore out. Too weary for my age...

4.39pm

Hadijah asked me how come I want to do things "big big". Something came across my mind. An analogy. "If you throw a small stone, the ripple will only be this small. But if you use a big rock instead, the ripple will be very much bigger." True?

7.05pm

Just finish my D&D project report. I bet it heard been a long time since any of you heard about D&D in my blog right? *grins* There are some problems with finances. But no worries. Nothing that my main committee cannot sort out. Just finished the version 1. Definitely need refinement. Kyle asked me for pictures of D&D, saying it is for SU, for CCA Awards. *Scratch head* Anyway, will need it for myself anyway. Meeting Jo tomorrow to get them. I haven seen my parents for a long long time. Around 3 weeks. When I am home, they are asleep. When I am awake, they will either be still asleep or went out for work already. *sads* Never mind. I am meeting them for dinner later! Belated Mothers' Day! *grins*

11.59pm

Had a very nice dinner. *grins* Going to have some much needed rest. Good Night Singapore!

May 9th, 2006.

2006-05-09T23:54:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 9:

4.57pm

I am writing this entry using paper and pencil before I type it out and upload to blogspot. I was thinking, since I have the time why not use this chance to brush up my handwriting? Currently, it looks like a primary school kid practicing on the jotter book. I need to practice more. Seriously, if a doctor sees my handwriting, it would have make him/her proud.

Having 4 meeting for 4 consecutive nights. These few days I had been thinking. Since my Hong Kong trip and before that since my Korea trip, I have not had a good or even proper rest. I really ought to give myself a long break.

I was busy with a lot of things, since my D&D ended, followed closely I had FOC week, Week Zero, SIP week 1, SIP week 2 with the GE and BR Production. Now into the third week of SIP, i am having tons of meetings and even working on Vesak Day. All these while, there are still a lot of other unseen stuff that need to be done. Nearly everyday I get friends from all over who smsed me and ask me out. Really wish to go out with them, but sadly, I cannot. I think will reallly die young. *grins*fingers crossed* Because not long ago, I was told by Ah Boi that, people are more prone to stroke if lack of sleep. Still cannot plan a date to have a D&D "Thank You" dinner. Looking at having a massage trip with Ah Boi but schedule too tight. Every night when I laid down on the bed, I try to relax, the aching will get unbearable and my body will automatically restrain and I have to slowly let go of the tension. I really should relax. Someday...

Saw Sybill twice today! Once when I was on the bus, she was on the bustop. She was also at the CC for tution. *grins* Picture of the day, the multiple face of Snowden. "Haha!" Good Night Singapore!

May 8th, 2006.

2006-05-09T04:27:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 8:

In office. Finished most of my stuff. Feeling very tired and aching all over my body. Some injuries from BR. Throughout the week of filming, I was beaten on the ground, slapped, drenched in the shower, dunked in the water, ran, wore ugly costumes, and many more. Thinking back, it was quite scary to have gone through it. If my life is like that, I think I will be very miserable. But all of that was worth it.
Everything was great. The shots, the crew, the cast, everything was great. Now, my foremost wish is to finish this film. Never mind the film festivals, never mind the injuries, never mind if there is no pay. All that matters to me is to see the whole film at it's end. The final product. Even if it was just a copy for me. Just keep my fingers crossed.

I was waiting at home for Wei Fang to call me and tell me the time to go down for the shoot at Randy's. Was channel surfing and stopped at HBO and watched. The show was "Necessary Roughness". It is the typical film about a team of sportsmen, in this case, American Football players. The captain of the squad was a golden boy in his high school days. He had to get over himself, get into the squad, get into everyone else and finally get the win that they needed. It is this kind of film that I like. At the end of it, my eyes teared. I do not why.

Going to meet Judith later. Regarding NDD. I am currently juggling 3 different projects at the same time. Really feel very drained. I am not as young as I use to be. *grins* I do not think everyone else's SIP is as challenging as mine. Going to do up my schedule now. Come to think about it, I do not mind if I am can have acting as a career option.

6.28pm:

2 hours 30 minutes to meeting time and I have finished all my stuff for today.

Is 66.6% a strong mandate? Even at PM's home ground, the Opposition managed to get more than 30%. I think this year's GE is a passable one. With the Opposition gaining more ground. It is near to the 65% that I had in mind. When I get my voting rights at the next GE, please keep up the good work. I hope PAP gets the indication of the results that the people are not very happy. *grins*

Met Judith. Discussed much. When out to party with Ah Boi, Satish, Kelvin and Jabie. Had fun. Cool! *grins* Picture of the Day, Snowden, the young Boon Huat, acting ugly. "Haha!" Good Night Singapore!

May 2th, 2006.

2006-05-03T03:42:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 6:

Was too tired to write about BR Production Day 3. It was the most tiring day yet. From 9.30am till 1.30am. Reached home about 2am. Went to Randy's place and looked at some shots and other works. All of them are very good. All of them are award winning pieces. There are a lot things we can learn from them. Wonder if this production can achieve as much. *wonders* Anyway going to sleep after finish my article. Does not have a picture of the day today. Do not be sad people.

Wrote some things during my SIP hours, of course after completing my work. Below was what I wrote:

Sitting in the office. Finished my stuff. Both my project supervisors are not in. I guess having a long weekend. Reading and updating myself on the current election news. Everyone and everything is about the General Elections now. Pick up the newspaper and there are at least 10 pages of news on the GE's situation. Everyday the different parties get their views across to everyone, without paying a single cent to the newspaper.

To me, although first time in 18 years, the ruling party PAP did not win outright on the Nomination Day, the results are apparent. It is obvious that PAP will win, again. It is the matter of which of the Opposition parties will get into the Parliament and how put up a good fight. I believe, as do many people out there, that this GE will be a turning point for Singapore.

This year, all the parties put up a lot of new faces. 24 from the PAP, 7 from the SDP. and both SDA and WP revealed 20 candidates each. This is indeed the new wave. With the opposition putting up their best fight in years, this shows that more people are standing up to speak for themselves and fight for what they believe is good for the people. But there is a risk. If the percentage of win go past 80% in favor of the PAP, this means most of the Singaporeans do no wish to see the current Opposition. If the percentage of win falls to below 65%, this means the Opposition can try harder and more likely to succeed in the future and thus making PAP work harder, if they they wish to retain more members in the Parliament.

But for now I do not see of feel as substantial materials coming from the Opposition, It is almost pitiful. Most of the things the Opposition picked on for election rallies topics are pathetic. They should listen to themselves. If I am able to vote (1 year short), I am a neutral voter. Depending who is able to convince me, they will get my vote. For now, if I am able to vote within my constituency, it will still be for PAP. SDA picked a very weak theme for Tampines. A website, www.unemployment.com.sg, is set up by them to help residents get better jobs and solve the problem of unemployment fast. I had a look at it and even called up Mr Edmund Ng. All the answer I got were very vauge. Nothing can be said to convince me. I believe I can go a better job of convincing people.

There are other topics such as job theme "Singaporean First" policy, abolish water conservation tax, scrape taxes on daily essentials, such as salt and flour. How do you think Singapore is so rich in the first place? If the Opposition was the government then, giving out free health care services, free public transport as they had said in one of their rallies, do you think we have the funds to even buy water from Malaysia? If all the jobs are giving to Singaporean first, who would want to study hard enough to compete with the smarter, more talented pool of people? Who are the foreign talents will come here? Not everyone is Charles and Keith. How will the MNCs come into Singapore? How are we going to maintain the status of the South-East Asia regional hub? We are only a 4 million people country. We are already facing problems with the growing giants such as China and India. And scrap and abolish the Public Transport Council? Put more Opposition members in the different committees. Win the seats first. "Only with competition, comes improvement." Even me, a 20 years old teenager knows this. I serious wish the Opposition can bring up more important issues as rallies topics. Like, how to deal with terrorism? How to compete with China and India? Any plans? Not pick up stuff like why are flats not built with lifts stopping over at each level? If people have thought of that 30 - 40 years ago, there would have flying cars already. *grins* It was because of the growing population and the affordability at that time. It was the initial period of nation building.

All in all, I wish to commend on MM Lee and the founding fathers of Singapore. Think about it. In just a short 40 years, can you or anyone that you can think of, that can transform Singapore, a tiny red dot on the map, into what she is now. Think of anyone? Anyone from the Opposition? "Haha!" Anyway, I have to admire the spirit of Mr Low TK, the WP party-general-secretary, saying "If you want to win, join PAP. If you join the WP, prepare to lose." This GE is quite an improvement. But please up a better fight, because I will be able to vote in the next GE.

April 30th, 2006.

2006-05-01T00:38:00.000+08:00

BR Production Day 2:

Today was again great! William drove me down and with had breakfast with together, with his kids. Met my "mother" and "siblings"! So cool! Today there were a lot of people, crew and cast. Everything was done it quite fast, compared to yesterday. Although there were a delay at the start, but everything was quite ok. Got to know more of the crew and cast. Like Sloden, Sybil, Fei Zai, Marilyn, Maggie, Clarissa, etc. Really played around with them. Had quite a few intense scenes. Quite tired. Do not want to tell you all too much. It will spoil the fun! "Haha!"

My "elder sister", Maggie wrote about me in her blog! "Haha!" Promoting me to all the girls. Crazy girl. *grins* Tomorrow will the third day of the production. Again wants to write more, but too tired. Maybe getting old, I guess. "Haha!" Picture of the day is picture of Fei Zai, Maggie, Sybil and me! Clarissa was the one taking the picture. Enjoy! Good Night Singapore! Have fun for the public holiday tomorrow!

April 29th, 2006.

2006-04-30T02:49:00.000+08:00

BR Production Day 1:

Reported at Changi Jetty, 8am. *Yawn* Was quite impressed by the amount of equipment. Long time since I had been to Ubin. Changed so much. Last time, when I in secondary school, been to Ubin like it was my second home. Because of training for orientation for NCC. Now it is like quite different, yet familiar.

The first attack came immediately after we reached our first area. Mosquitoes! "Argh!" Totally got whacked by them! *grins* Had a opening prayer ceremony for good weather. Even had a roast pig! Cool right? A lot time spend on transporting the stuff around and setting up. My first scene was to get beaten up. How sad! But it was quite cool. All in all, everything was fabulous! The scenery, the nature, and especially the production! The people are real cool. Everyone knows what to do. Very tiring today. Hope everything will completed in seven days, as scheduled. But I am starting to miss it already.

Acting is my passion. Something which I had found out in my year one. I really love what I am doing. There are similarities and differences in both theatre and filming. I really love doing everything part of it. No matter what are the scene requirements, how many times I need to do the scene, I am always ready to do it.

Tomorrow going back to Ubin again. Cool. Mosquitoes Feeding Time again! Picture of the day is a very nice scenery picture which I took while exploring my camera abilities. Terence, our scriptwriter, was giving me a few tips on photography. Had thought of a lot of things to write but too tired now. *grins* Anyway, all my producers told me to have rest. So I am go now. Good Night Singapore. Hope the production will be a success!

April 28th, 2006.

2006-04-29T02:20:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 5:

Again wanted to blog yesterday. Too tired. *grins* Had a very tiring day yesterday. Went to help put up poster and billboards for PAP! "Haha!" Quite cool. First time I seen hundreds of people gathered at the basketball court, after a short speech by Mr Mah, all went to the Nomination Centre. A sea of white. *grins*

Felt like a Koala Bear yesterday. Hugged nearly 20 plus lamp posts. *grins* Had very nice view while hugging them. "Haha!" Spent the whole afternoon doing that.

When to BR meeting again. It was fitting day! Cool! My costumes are so cool. Very me. The costumes for the rest of the cast are all very nice! Was falling asleep at first. After fitting my first costumes, I am very much awake. But after some of rest left, some of the energy just drain out of me. Yawning all the way home. Guess I am really tired. *grins* Got my production dates already. This coming saturday, sunday, monday (public holiday! argh!), wednesday (hope I got time to go for CCC meeting), thursday (hope I got time to go for YEC meeting), saturday and sunday. "Argh!" Two weekends burned! "Haha!" Nevermind. It is going to be fun! Cause this weekend going to stay over at Pulau Ubin for some scenes. Cool right? *grins*

Today I had finish my part of the sponsorship for NDD. The first part at least. Still got two important proposal to rush out. At the first draft by next week. So I am really on a tight schedule. Kyle called me to go for the BOG meeting in two weeks' time. *sad* So many things to do, so little time." Going for a block party later. RC Zone 7. Hope it will be fun. After that, going for Yaoda's Birthday party. *Yawn* So tiring.

Finally back from Yaoda's bday bash. it was a great success! So many people turned up. I think it is because Yaoda had given all of us so much laughs and smiles that everyone is willing to give it back as well. There were cheers and much laughters. It was so TPSU! Eddie was nearly stripped of his pants, for a porn shot. "Haha!" Yaoda was nearly down with all the alcohol in his body. Everything was smashing. Hope my 21st can be as happening as his!

Tomorrow again to be in Ubin. It will be the first day of the filming. So excited. Could not sleep. Hope it does not rain. *fingers crossed* Anyway Good Night Singapore. And three cheers for Yaoda once again! May most your wishes come true. Life cannot be too perfect right? *grins* The pictures of the day will be the March of the Whites and me in one of my costumes. Cool right? See all of you when I am back in Sunday night. Miss me! :)

April 25th, 2006.

2006-04-27T00:53:00.000+08:00

SIP Day 3:

Wanted to blog yesterday. But fell asleep on the sofa. Again. *grins* I really must kick the habit. Today went to school for lunch again. Went to work. Went out with some of my colleagues for a site rackey, for an event on Sunday. Quite cool! Had fun in the car. "Haha!"

Had my first NDD (National Day Dinner) Meeting. Quite serious. *grins*

Everyone is getting ready for the GE (General Elections) tomorrow. I will be helping out too! Cool right? Tomorrow Workers' Party will be at Ngee Ann Secondary! It is going to be interesting. First time involve in such an event. Like I said to Ah Boi recently, "I learn something new everyday!" *grins*

April 24th, 2006.

SIP Day 2:

The time now is 9.29am. Just came in for the past 15mins. Today is going to be fun. I hope. *grins* "Expect something new each day, it makes you younger." Cool right? Going to lunch with my freshies later. *grins*

Just came back from lunch. Went back to school to collect my cheques and had a noisy lunch with my freshies. Quite cool.

More work for NDD. Now asked to do sponsorship. "Val! I need you! Haha!"

April 24th, 2006.

2006-04-25T00:40:00.000+08:00

11.59pm

Quite pissed today. I really cannot go on like this. One moment I was asleep and the next I was receiving calls, the whole morning from 10am onwards. Just because someone could not be found, my number was naturally the next everyone called. Why? I had to jump out of bed and handle people who are confused, pissed and angry, all the way through the time I change my clothes, brush my teeth and the only time in the morning which I was free was during the time I was bathing. I was so pissed. This is not the first time something like that happened to people around me. I am now having my SIP. I cannot be also there. Although I want to, but remembering what Wendy told me, I must move on. Now I can see myself doing something else which is similar but on a bigger scale of what I am doing now. Instead of the Union and TP, I can help the community. Which is the next step up. I really hope people can handle things and hold their fort themselves.

Anyway, during the time I was in TP today, the Plaza area was bustling with activities. Today was the start of the Sporting Culture. The recuritment drive for all the sports groups in school. Saw a lot of freshies today. Everyone looked cool, looked happy and some looked lost. "Haha!"

SIP Day 1:

Fun and interesting. As usual, orientation around the place and briefing on the job scope. Primary project is to assist in Tampines GRC's National Day Dinner'06. Secondary case is to sell as many Passion Cards as possible. These are not problems. They are in my element. *grins* It is the people around who I need time to adapt. Most of the people are big shots from here and there. They are all great addition to my contacts. A sudden boast for my network. Went through the notes for my two cases. Looks ok.

Went to the Meet the People Session (MPS) today. Met Simon Leong. A marketing manager at Singapore Turf Club. Quite a funny guy. Meet a few different groups of people with different cases. Ranging from problems with ICA to HDB to entry to schools etc. Very interesting. I got to know more things in the two hours than many hours in school. In future any of the things I know happening, I will know how to handle them. I always loved knowledge. To me, Knowledge = Power.

There are so many things for me to do for this SIP. So many meetings. How fun! *grins* Anyway Good Night Singapore! Reporting for work at 9am in the morning. Please do not miss me! Take care. Picture of the day is another picture of Spydra at Sentosa. Just that with a crazy me. "Haha!"

April 23th, 2006.

2006-04-24T00:09:00.000+08:00

11.59pm

Today's outing was very happening. Spydra alone counted past fifty people. "Haha!" So you can image how many people were there from TPSU FOW/FOC!

On the way to Harbourfront, a thought struck me. As the bus travelled through CBD, I notice the names of the buildings. Some of them sounds very cool for thirty years back. *grins*

Anyway as usual, it is always difficult to move in a big group. But it was fun! And frightening. "Haha!" Imagine fifty people finding place to eat. Or rather "FEED." *grins* We played games, cheered in bus, creating a nuisance of ourselves and more importantly had fun. I hope everyone had enjoyed themselves as I had. "Freshies, don't be sad. Spydra can organise outings and chalets."

Actually, throughout these two days, I am very sad and emotional. Because one of my good friends died. No. I am not joking. He was just 27 years old. He was going to get married. He changed so much for this girl. He just got a full time job. What I was told was he fell down in the toilet and just died. The autopsy stated that he died of heart attack. "What?! Why do the upper powers play with us?" He was just 27! I am suddenly overwhelmed by a sadness and felt that the human life is "oh-so-fragile." "Jali Boi, you are going to be miss..."

Picture of the day is a picture with most of the Spydra in it. The others were all around. *grins* Good Night Singapore. And Good Bye Jali Boi.

April 22th, 2006.

2006-04-22T22:39:00.000+08:00

10.37pm

Again totally shagged out! Slept till 4 plus. The whole of yesterday was quite pack. Again. What is not pack in my life nowadays? *wonders* Stayed over in school. Did not sleep much. Totally wasted. Despite all the same old problems, I had fun yesterday. Regatta and Jam & Hop were a total whopper! Especially Jam & Hop! For all those who do not know, Ah Boi is the designer for the lighting and the staging. Cool right? I am so proud of him. I really think we got a future in this business. *grins*

Jam & Hop was a killer! Once in the Spydra's circle, you can come out!!! "Haha!" I was real fun. As usual, we went to CPF after that. I would like to thank all my officials. "Thank You!"

Just signed in to MSN just now. And as usual, multiple windows popped out, "Ti Dong! Ti Dong! Ti Dong!" So many people to talk to, so little time. So many questions, so little time. Till now still blogging and chatting (11.57pm). *grins*

Was talking to Biskot. And I wish to tell all my GLs that I am really going to miss every single one of them! During the last day of FOC, when almost all of my GLs cried, I was really lost and really wanted to do something for them. But did not know how. All of them, really mean so much to me. All of them gave me one of the best time of my life and taught me winning is not everything.

Going Sentosa tomorrow. FOW/FOC outing. It is going to be fun! SIP going to be start on Monday. Wonder how my life is going to be for the next four months.

Picture of the day is Fazly, me and Derry. Year 2, Year 4 and Graduate. "Haha!" *sigh* Going to miss those days. Good night Singapore!

April 19th, 2006.

2006-04-20T01:42:00.000+08:00

12.36pm

Totally shagged out yesterday. Wanted to blog. But simply cogged out. *grins* Had a hectic night yesterday. Ya. Only the night. Went to school for the afternoon. And slack around. Talk about Jam & Hop with the rest. After which the hectic-ness starts with an interview with my SIP company, PA. Yes! PA. Peoples' Association. Actually it is quite cool. "Haha!" That was at 4pm. After that I rushed for Spydra's debrief. Was late for like 30mins. But I was not the latest. *roll eyes*grins* Soon after, around 7pm, I took a cab and rush to katong. Remember that production I was talking about? Ya. Had a production meeting. Could not rush back for Spydra's dinner. Heard a lot of people was looking for me. "Sorry!" Anyway, I was home at about 1am. Quite enjoyed the whole process.

The production is quite on track. I saw more casts involved and there was the poster! It is so cool to see my name there! More of the production can be find out from, becomingroyston.blogspot.com. or from, www.becomingroyston.com.

Going to school now! Catch ya all later! *winks*

12.55pm

Ah Guang just SMS me, saying he just woke up. *roll eyes*

April 20th, 2006.

1.30am

Back. The usual thing. In school and busy my ass off. Meeting. Paperwork. Etc. Went to town and relax. Watch Eight Below. Quite cool. Nice movie actually. I love the dogs! I was so sad when the dogs were left alone and they had to handle things themselves. Nevermind. Should not tell you all too much. *grins* Anyway, going to sleep already. Going school tomorrow. Again. *roll eyes* Going to have some rest now. Good Night Singapore!

April 17th, 2006.

2006-04-16T17:45:00.000+08:00

3.27pm

Slept till 3plus pm. Till now still feeling quite shag. Had a good look at the mirror just now, my eyes still looks terrible. *grins* For the past 6 days, I really really had fun and had an amazing experience. Do not know why, I cried. During each year's FOC, we will have the graduates to come out and say some stuff. I thought I would not cry, as I am not graduating. At first I was not feeling. But I do not know why, after a while, after some of the others have spoken, the tears just came. Tried to hold back my tears but I failed. Could not remember much about what I had said. But a lot of people say it was very touching. And my GLs told me the "tap started flowing" after my third word, or something like that. "Haha!" And yesterday, I had the most amount of hugs in a single day! *grins* Very heart warming to know that there are so many people are concern about me. I thought it was quite ugly to cry in front of so many people. But my GLs told me, I was just a "man of real emotions". *grins*

Through the six days of FOW/FOC AY05/06, I had learnt a few things. Sometimes in life you win, sometimes you lose. Even if you lose now, let it go. It just mean that it is time to go and win it the next time or win other things. Once you know the feeling of losing, the more the feeling of winning is sweet. What is more important is what one can learn. When everything end, it is the feeling, the spirit, the memories that are precious. They are the things that are everlasting and worth remembering. Taino, Rector, Xeon and Spydra. These are the names of my OTC and FOC empires. I may not remember each and everyone of the people in them but all of them are someone special to me. It is like if someone comes up to me and says, "Hi! I was from Rector/Xeon/Spydra!" I would be so very happy! Because the things that I went through with each of the empires had been a life-changing experience.

If I had not join as a GL, I would not be what I am today. I maybe still coup up in IT school and a normal production crew who runs around doing backstage work. I know so many people after every OTC, every FOC. I would not be the Vice-President of TPSU now, if I had not join TP. I am really feel grateful to Production Crew and TPSU. Because of them, I have come to love TP so very much. Until such a stage that I am not sad that I am retaining for another year. I think next year I will be even more sad than now.

If I am to go through the past six days of activities, I will definitely miss some stuffs. Anyway, I would like to thank all my GLs for all the hard work done, all the efforts that they put in. My freshies, for attending the camp, for being so sporting, for giving me the one of the best time of my life.

I am starting to talk like I am going to leave TP. "Haha!" Silly me. Anyway, say so much also no use. I have too much to say. Maybe I will post them in future entries. *wonders* Good Night Singapore. Picture of the day is a photo of all the participant of FOC!

April 9th, 2006.

2006-04-09T21:35:00.000+08:00

4.17pm

Recently, I went for an audition. The crew from the Project Pilot film which I was involved in, called me up and told me that there is a production house which found me very suitable for a role which they are casting in an upcoming new production. Was thinking that I could not get the role as I had no news of it ever since the audition. Out of the blue, last night, the producer of the production SMSed me. He said the director wants to meet me. Today the director, Nicholas called me. He told me I got the role! *grins* So happy! Once I got off the phone, I immediately told my parents. But my parents gave me an indifferent attitude. *sad* My mummy told me what all I need to do now is to get my diploma. Everything else I do now is useless and for nuts. As least this is what I interpret from her words. *sad* Is the piece of paper so important? I mean I know it is important if I am looking for an office job. But I am not. I do not even mind doing odd jobs for life. That is how I am. That is something which I really do not like about Singapore's education system and society. One wrong step and you are struggling for life. Can someone please do a survey and find out the what Singapore kids want? I know compare to other countries surrounding us, we are very well off. But I think it is a trade off. Sometimes I think I am a farmer, a wanderer at heart. Sometimes I really wish to let go of everything and just go travel the world. See for my eyes first how the world is like. My parents could not be more supportive? On Chn U now, there is a repeat telecast of the Campus Superstar. I am wondering if the one on the stage is me, how will my parents be like? Supportive? Indifferent? Nothing matter more than the piece of paper? Maybe I will be like that to my children in the future? *wonders*

9.12pm

Wish to highlight a newspaper article. Sunday Times' Lifestyle. Page 4. It is able nowadays Singapore's Alpha Females. I think some of the people whom I know should read it up. Either those deal with them or some who wish to become them.

Anyway going to school already. Can feel the hype coming up on me! Thought this would be my last FOC. Alas, how wrong I am. *grins* Anyway I will cherish all the memories. *smiles* Take care Singapore! I will! Need to go and pack my bag now. *winks* Front side of my Spydra's tee!