GONG XI FA CAI!!!

Before I begin, Happy Chinese New Year to all! Yep, it's now the 5th day of the lunar new year. Looks like a brand new beginning again.

The first few days of CNY were spent visiting. Not very packed but still rather eventful. CNY's eve was spent at my grandpa's place for reunion dinner. It was still ok. Then on the first day itself, we went to the temple early in the morning. Well, the usual drill every year I guess. Went to pray for a good year ahead. :)

Nothing much on that day actually. The more memorable ones include going to my maternal grandma's house on the second day. And we took some nice pictures this time round too! Yet to upload those photos though. Haha. But we had fun nevertheless. Just chatting with my cousins and aunts and all that. All those funny 'bickerings'. Hahaha.

On the third day, went for tuition in the afternoon to which I collected my first month's pay from this sec 1 boy I was teaching. Though it was half the full fees, but at least I am quite satisfied. Haha. Some more I am teaching him Chinese. Wah. Haha.

After that, went to dearie's place in the evening. Her relatives and family friends were all there. I think there were more than 50 people that night! The steamboat was really delicious and sumptuous. Haha. Oh ya. I forgot to mention that this year round, I find myself gambling sia! It is rather rare of me to do that. Haha. But well, new year ma. So might as well join in the fun this time. Didn't think I really win much but it was definitely a good start. Haha. Now I know why people like to gamble during such festive periods. Really part of the fun. And what's more? To earn extra moolah besides the red packets!! Hahaha.

Honestly speaking, I wasn't really in the festive mood before CNY. But that mood kicked in gradually. With friends and family around. And of course my dearest love. :)

So yah, before CNY ends, enjoy the festive season while you can!

It's going to be a tough year ahead. But we'll pull through! I'm sure!

But hor, must be as hardworking as an ox la.

Mooooooooooooooooooooooooo. =D

"OH LOVE'S IN THE AIR, IT'S EVERYWHERE..."

So I did take part in the "I Just Wanna Sing" competition held at JP. Yesterday was the semi-finals. It is one of the first times I ever compete in a singing competition alone. Initially was still shrugging the idea of going, but decided to anyway.

The song I chose? "Xie Yi Shou Ge" by Shunzi. I liked this song because it's really nice to sing. As in, I like the fact that it's not really poppish kind of pop song, but rather something that sounds jazzy, easy-to-listen, and definitely a good song to express. And well, of course, trio sang it before and I loved it.

I have to admit, though, that I did not spend anytime trying to look for a proper song to sing for the semis. Probably because I'm already half-hearted about going on this competition. To me, it means nothing to me, probably. I wasn't in the mood initially cos I thought peng didn't get in. So actually, I was a bit affected by it. But of cos I didn't mention this to anyone. But now the competition's over, it does not matter anymore.

I remember the first thing I did when I heard about this competition was to call peng. I guess it's just I know it's his kind of thing. Free registeration. And held in JP some more. Hahaha. Who's a more better choice? Yeah. Wanted to join with him, as well as my first ever public competition as a solo singer. I went through the qualifying round and moved on to the semi-finals round. Peng didn't receive any sms so we thought he didn't get in. Actually I strongly doubt that. He should have got in. And so, on the day of my semis, which was yesterday, I checked with the host and found out that he was in the competition! They couldn't contact him because they called the wrong number. =.= Nevertheless, I was so excited for him. I knew he would be in.



So what's the verdict then? I didn't make it to the finals. Here's the judges' comments..


1)I sounded too soft. Couldn't hear what I'm singing.
2)Attire too casual. Others look like they want it more than I do.



I have to agree with the 2nd one though. I didn't bother to dress up much although it's due to some other reason. But yeah, to me, I just thought that I should probably wear something comfortable. At least it wasn't sloppy. Anyway the competition is "I Just Wanna Sing" what. Isn't it all about singing only?! I just didn't bother to dress up like some teenage wannabe la. I guess that just wasn't my intention.



I wanted to complain about the first comment. I really thought I did try to sing out loud. Initially, I was still wondering if it's because my voice has not "opened" or something. But then, a mic's supposed to amplify your voice right?! I seriously DO NOT believe I'm singing softly. And today's finals just proved my point. The sound system was so much better.



Anyway, was really excited for peng for making to the finals. I was there to witness the whole show as well. There were some strong contenders among the top 10 but I just knew he would clinch a title. So yup, am really happy to know that he got 2nd. Though I thought his performance was much much better than the one who got 1st.



Whatever it is, I'm proud of you, my friend. =)

Nevertheless, big thanks to elaine, qianying and of cos dearie, who came down to support me!

To dearie bun, I mean what I said! It doesn't matter that I didn't get in. I am already happy to know that you are there for me. *LOVE LOVE* =)

I Just Wanna Sing - but not now maybe..

So I got to know that I entered the semi-finals for the "I Just Wanna Sing" competition in JP.

But I'm not even excited.

Not in the mood? Maybe.

Not the right priority for now? I think so.

I don't know why I even took part. I just thought I wanna try it out. But now I'm not even sure if I'm genuinely interested in clinching any title or award out of this competition.

It means nothing to me when I know I have a greater haversack waiting for me to carry.

Brief review of "Seven Pounds"

I did watch a good movie few days back though. It's called "Seven Pounds" and it's starring Will Smith as the lead actor. After watching his role in "I Am Legend", I would think that he is really quite a fantastic actor in a number of aspects. He could really portray his emotions very well through his expressions and behaviour. And this proves so in "Seven Pounds", where he acted as the a depressed middle-aged man who lost his wife in a self-caused car accident and which caused the lives of 7 other innocent ones when his car collided into another van. Unable to let go of the past, he became an imposter as a tax collector by grabbing hold of his brother's identity card which gives him access to the database of clients. Through that, he was determined to know 7 strangers and confirm that they are good samaritarians before committing suicide in the end to donate away his beach-house, his other organs like his pair of eyes to an aspiring blind pianist, and his heart to a female with heart-failure to whom he has fallen for in the process. Rosario Dawson put up quite a splendid performance as well. It got pretty emotional towards the end as the movie ended on a tragic note. In the end, some might sympathise with his character for being so foolish. Others might acknowledge his brave good deeds.

Initially I didn't get to know much about the plot of the movie. But I trust my instinct that it had to be good or something not far from that. Well, the title itself is apt. The word "pounds" definitely reminds of the pounding of the heart to which plays an incredibly important role in the movie. Ben Thomas(Will Smith) getting to know Emily Posa(Rosario Dawson) who has a heart failure and eventually fell in love for her. As for the word "Seven", I thought it relates to the 7 sins of the human, how Ben Thomas, being disillusioned he was after the accident, thought he had sinned enough to even forgive himself.

I would say it's a pretty good movie if you're into those with serious themes. This came from the director of the Pursuit of Happyness as well. And Will Smith was the lead actor in it too. It's a pity I didn't watch yet though. But I heard it had some rave comments from critics. Should be pretty good as well.

I would rate this movie a 4/5, which is pretty high, I know.

You can even watch it alone, if you're one of those kind.

Some after-thoughts of the Golden Globes

Been slacking at home the entire day. Nothing special to mention about. Was watching the repeat telecast of the Golden Globes ceremony for like the 2nd time and yet I didn't manage to finish watching it from the start to end. I did manage to see snippets here and there though. But yeah, it was glorious and glamourous of course. The turnout was great. And not to mention the great array of fashionistas dressed in their best to attend the award ceremony. Couple of great speeches here and that, with Spielburg's speech one of the most inspiring and memorable ones. I can't wait to see the award nominated movies like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", "Slumdog Millionaire", and "Revolutionary Road"! Gosh and they are not even out yet!

Updates and Upbeats

Hey guys! I'm back to post again. Haha. It's been a while since I updated, eh? Hope everyone's enjoying their new year so far. Though it might be a bleak year in the economic aspect, let us not bow down to a bright year in other aspects ya!

I guess I spent the first days of the new year with my family, my dearie and my friends. To which I am really grateful. I mean, I am not that kind who craves for a huge circle. To me, a small but close clique is what really matters. I don't even take envy on people with hundreds or thousands of friends on facebook.(Which I think most are just randomly added strangers)

Anyway, the new year brings back my musical journey with new singing sessions with my friends, and of course our very own recording sessions. Haha. It was fun and really enjoyable singing with a bunch of close friends who happen to love music a lot as well. You can check out those pictures on my facebook if you want. But yeah.

Guess what? I even joined a singing competition today! The qualifying round was held at Jurong Point. It was kind of a last minute decision cos I happened to see this booth set up by this music company called w3muzic few days ago. And I thought I might want to give the competition a try. After all, it's been so long since I last took part in one. To be honest, I was actually feeling quite nervous yesterday just thinking about joining this competition. So much so that I almost changed my mind and didn't want to join anymore. I was telling myself I didn't need to feel any unnecessary stress. Haha. But it was a funny coincidence that caused me to make my way to JP today. And together with YP, we each sang a solo on stage in aca pella. Oh, I mean the judges actually wanted me to sing 2 songs instead of 1! Haha. But I guess I was generally satisfied with my performance, though I didn't really think of wanting to go to the next round even if I'm selected. I am quite appalled by how 'thrashy' the singing scene has become though. Well, whatever. I just thought I wasn't so much of a "pop" singer anyway. And I don't think I have my voice is suited for "pop". Maybe jazz, broadway, or opera?! Hahahaha.

On another unrelated note, I just collected $75 from one of my tuition assignments. Not a lot but definitely something to erase away the "broke" status previously. Hahaha.

Well, school's starting soon I guess. And CNY is just around the corner too! What a string of festive seasons!

And I am already very excited about what plans I am going to make! Hope they turn out good!!! A new year, a fresh start! Kambateh! =D

New Year resolutions for 2009

Hey guys, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!! =D

I hope you guys have had a jolly good time celebrating xmas and new year. I had a pretty good time myself. Had some small family gathering for xmas party, and some relaxing time at a friend's chalet on new year's eve. Everything is good. I enjoy small cosy gatherings. It's when we can truly enjoy one another's company. Festive seasons should be celebrated with your close ones, be it friends, family, and of course, your other half. =)

It's a pity though, that I did not spend 2008 wisely. Not a good year for me. I don't know if it's the withdrawal symptoms from army? I mean, after I ORD, I seem to be just left alone on the crossroads. So I tend to get a bit lost at times. Looking back, I did not accomplish much. And then, most of the time, I let my mind take control over me. As such, there were many things that I have not done, people that I have let down. Not to mention that I spent most part of the year being jobless. It was a bad year alright. But I'm not here to regret and dwell into those past mistakes I made. Rather, like most people, I am going to make a list of new year resolutions.

Here is my list. It is non-exhaustive though.

Be a better boyfriend
On the top of my list, I would want to be a better boyfriend. I think I have not really done much to let my dearie be truly happy or proud of me. For this, I feel remorseful. Sorry that you have not been given enough attention/care by me, dearie. And sorry for doing those things that irritate you, and being insensitive towards your needs and wants. Hopefully, I can start afresh this new year and strengthen the strings of our relationship k? Of course I would always need your encouragement and support, to which I know you have always given me. I look forward to a better, stronger, improved, and happier relationship with you. :)

Be more organised and flexible
Next, I want to be more organised, yet flexible at the same time. What this means is, I need to be more disciplined in planning my time out. Every minute counts. I have lost too much time to procrastination. It is now time for me to organise my time well. That was why I bought an organiser. At the same time, I would want to be more flexible. I need to prioritise my time well, and yet attend to things in a flexible fashion. Be it in thinking or otherwise. I have never believed in a one-sided coin anyway. Having that said, I have to draw a line between needs and wants. Cos I can't be too flexible right? Hahaha.

Improve self-image
Improve my self-image. Ok, don't get the wrong idea. I'm not going to hire any image consultant or go for any make-over for this. Probably I would engage in more exercises, or learn some good grooming skills. In any case, good self-image leads to confidence, which is a highly sought after trait by me!

Save and grow more "moolah"!
Besides this, I would hope to start growing funds in my bank account. Yes, I'm not afraid to admit that my account balance has been pathetic for quite some time. Of course, it attributes to the fact that I've been jobless for a few months. But then, hopefully, I would see it grow in this new year. And of course, this means learning the art of saving, to which my dearie is an excellent financial "planner"! Who knows, if all's good, my next year's resolution could be to get a personal credit card! (meaning I am capable of getting one! haha.)

Be more proactive!
Yes, this has always been a personal goal of mine. I want to be more resourceful, knowledgeable, and independent! This means I need to 'open' my mind to new things, new ideas, new concepts. This can be in many ways. Meeting new people, widening my perspectives, etc.

I guess there are more resolutions along the way. But as for now, this is the list that I have in mind. And I would hope to fulfil all!

2009 MUST be a BETTER year!!!