Excuse Me, Are You A Model?

So, these two guys appeared out of nowhere sometime this week while I was doing my 'wandering around aimlessly' walk at this shopping mall and popped me this question. They said they found me familiar, and after one of them passed me his namecard, I recognised the model agency immediately. Few months back, I followed my friend to the same agency as he was approached by others too. And when I was there, one of their managers talked to me and coaxed me into joining their team.

Other than the numerous occasions that I have received namecards from talent-scouters on the streets, I am not entirely unfamiliar with the modelling industry as well. My elder sis used to be a model and took part in prestigious modelling competitions where she even represented Singapore to compete with other internationals. That was many years back, while I was still pretty naive about what was going on, I showed every support towards her modelling career, feeling just as excited, or rather more excited than her whenever I got to witness her strut her catwalk and stuff. She did win some awards along the way too. Oh, and I happen to have one of her photoshoot pics in my computer. I like this pic very much by the way.

Modelling has brought her further to becoming an actress for one of the media giants back then. I remember how my mum would be the one who was the most excited amongst us. After all, my mum was the one who started it all. She sent some pics of my sis' to take part in a competition run by a renowned international modelling agency. Thereafter, my sis bagged several awards, and I would think she did well enough for an amateur. She was only 14 when it all began. We were really proud.

Years later, she has moved on. And now she's at a career that's totally different from what she used to do. Back then, she has been an inspiration to me. I was constantly fascinated by the amount of energy a stage could possess, and how models would parade to the rhythmic beat of the music, displaying arrays of fashionable fashions.

Little did I know that I would stumble upon this industry. I mean, we all have dreams. I, for once, did not actively pursue a modelling career, although I have always harboured this desire to perform some day. Be it acting, music, or whatever. I did stop by one or two agencies when I was approached, just to listen to what they have got to say, but it usually ended up in nothing, as I wasn't ready to invest in anything (photoshoot, courses, etc).

Today, however, I made a decision to give it a try. Next week onwards, and for several weeks to come, I will be enrolling in some grooming course. Gosh, I never know the modern male needs to be so in-tuned with all these grooming habits, but I guess it's part and parcel of being a model. Before the start of lessons proper my next week, my manager has already reminded me to take good care of my body. Oh, and go for more workout sessions!

While I am having mixed feelings about what to expect, I can't wait to see what kind of excitement would unfold down the road. Photoshoots, catwalks, grooming tips, etc.

Having said these, modelling will still be a part-time thing for me. My main focus is still on my career right now. But yeah, you could say I'm someone who is adventurous enough to try things out. After all, I must make use of my youth and unleash whatever potential I could have, right? :)

I will be sure to keep this blog updated. Be sure to check back a'ight? ;)

How'd ya like ma pose? Hahaha.

Already Famous: Review and ruminations of the movie

I went to catch the movie "Already Famous"《一泡而红》after seeing the trailers and hearing all the hype about the show. After all, it's a movie directed by Michelle Chong, an artiste I have come to admire due to her various caricatures and impersonations on The Noose. (Recall Leticia, Lulu, Babarella).

For a debut effort, this is something refreshing. The movie chronicles the "dream-chasing" life of a Malaysian girl named Ah Kiao. As a television addict since young, she has watched countless drama series and has her fair share of idol-admiration for popular TV celebrities like Fann Wong, Zoe Tay, and Christopher Lee. All along, she has been harbouring thoughts of being a star one day. Encouraged by her close kin - her grandma, she goes to Singapore in pursuit of her dreams. However, the road to stardom is not one without obstacles. She meets rejections, gets mocked, and faces moments where she has almost given up hope. Her quest also takes her to meeting Ah Seng(Alien Huang, aka 小鬼), a kopi-boy at a neighbourhood coffeeshop. Thereafter follows a series of infatuations as he becomes one of the catalysts behind her dreams.

At times funny and poignant, this movie deserves recognition for a local film. The strong Malaysian accent that Michelle pulls off in the movie definitely works. And the supporting cast is fabulous as well. Some familiar faces include Nat Ho, Chua En Lai, Kumar, Irene Ang, Cynthia Koh, David Gan, Romeo Tan, Pornsak, Li Teng, and Patricia Mok.

The biggest takeaway of this movie is the message behind. The "extras" in the movie, as epitomised by Ah Kiao, a little known television-seller back in Yong Peng, may be nobody for a start. However, it is the passion and patience that takes her further to where she wants to be. This movie speaks volumes to "extras" out there who are slogging through day-to-day routines, especially youths who have dreams. As we only live life once, we ought to pursue our dreams. With courage and determination, no dreams are too far away.

I left the cinema feeling good and felt that watching the movie was well worth my time. As a directorial debut, Michelle Chong deserves all the well-received feedbacks. Kudos to the director/scriptwriter/actress, as it certainly shows her multi-faceted talents. The film is genuine, non-pretentious and sincere. Most importantly, it serves as a timely reminder to people like me - if you have a dream, you need to go for it.

Don't miss Already Famous, a must watch! It is currently showing in cinemas.

My rating: 8/10






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Time to Shine!

The reason why I haven't been updating my blog much is because I have been really busy. My current occupation really is so much different from being in the editorial line. Not so much about going to events and getting goodie bags so you could feel more obliged to write a good feature. Most of the time, I'm in my office, doing a lot of proofreading, writing, brainstorming, and writing. Still, it's challenging enough. And I had my fair share of OT, though I know there are more to expect in the near future.

Having said that, I'm loving my current job. Not because it is the job that offers me the best pay or benefits, but because it's somewhere I find I can really open up and learn a lot. Besides, I have a great deal of responsibilities as my colleagues tend to look upon me as the "ideas" guy.

Then again, I'm relieved that I'm done with my school papers. It really is no joking matter having to juggle both school and work. Now, I'm just hoping that I did fine.

Recently, our company website went through a major overhaul. I am glad that I joined just in time before it unveils its new look. It kind of made me feel part of the expansion process, and I really look forward to seeing how I can grow in this company. So far so good, I must say.

And check out my new corporate profile pic!

Truly like a boss eh? Haha!

Moving on, I am striving to do lots of reading and observing. As a copywriter, it is essential to know more about the human psyche. So yup, a lot of self-improvements to be made.

Being in the branding/advertising business, I am also gradually getting more and more sensitive whenever I look at ads, posters, and so on. I scrutinise texts more often than not now. I guess in Mandarin, you could call this 职业病?

Still, I am anticipating the brand new year. It's time to shine! :)