HRH Prince Nick

Jay Ho!

2009-04-14T22:47:00.001+08:00

Current ear wax:

Jay Ho by The Pussycat Dolls

I will be

2009-03-26T20:48:00.007+08:00

I Will Be by Leona Lewis

There's nothing I could say to you

Nothing I could ever do to make you see

What you mean to me

All the pain, the tears I cried

Still you never said goodbye and now I know

How far you'd go

I know I let you down

But it's not like that now

This time I'll never let you go

I will be, all that you want

And get myself together

Cause you keep me from falling apart

All my life, I'll be with you forever

To get you through the day

And make everything okay

I thought that I had everything

I didn't know what life could bring

But now I see, honestly

You're the one thing I got right

The only one I let inside

Now I can breathe, cause you're here with me

And if I let you down

I'll turn it all around

Cause I would never let you go

I will be, all that you want

And get myself together

Cause you keep me from falling apart

All my life, I'll be with you forever

To get you through the day

And make everything okay

Without you I can't breathe

I'm not gonna ever, ever let you leave

You're all I've got, you're all I want

Oh...

Cause without you I don't know what I'd do

I can never, ever live a day without you

Here, with me, do you see

You're all I need

And I will be, all that you want

And get myself together

Cause you keep me from falling apart

All my life (my life), I'll be with you forever

To get you through the day

And make everything okay

I will be (I'll be), all that you want

And get myself together

Cause you keep me from falling apart

And all my life, you know I'll be with you forever

To get you through the day

And make everything okay

Half blood prince

2009-03-07T13:19:00.007+08:00

Can't wait for the next installment of the boy wizard. Wondering when it will hit our shores.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

it's time to get knutty!!!

2009-01-29T20:40:00.003+08:00

Chestnut is back with a new act - Dark Knuts: Welcome to Avenue Quantum. I've booked my tickets for the show on Sunday, 15 Feb. Looking forward to it!

If you're interested, the show will run from 11-15 Feb at the Victoria Theatre. More info can be obtained at the Gatecrash (click on the word!!), which is the official ticketing agent.

Wonder what the Chestnut gang can do?! Well... this was one of the highlights from last year's show. It was funny! I was laughing throughout the song...

She's one cool mum!

2009-01-16T18:09:00.002+08:00

Anita Renfroe, she's funny!

Here's why....

"Mumsense"

"Dadsense"

"Before I eat"

A good deed, with savings!

2008-12-19T12:46:00.004+08:00

ST Life! today carried a report that J.K Rowling's latest book has become the fastest selling title of the year, with more than 2.6 million copies sold worldwide in less than two weeks. The book is a charity book where the proceeds from sales of the book will go to a charity for vulnerable children in Eastern Europe. A total of s$9.3 million has been raised for the charity.

I'm glad I've played a small and insignificant part towards the sum raised for the charity. I bought the book at Heathrow Airport on my way back to Singapore. It costed just 6.99 pounds in London, which translates to about S$16.43. I was actually unsure if I wanted to get the book at first, but I did it anyway cos I though it would be a good read for my 13-hour flight. Well, it was a wise decision cos the book actually costed $19.26 in Singapore, which meant a saving of $2.83 for me! =)

For those who are into Harry Potter series, do consider getting The Tales of Beedle The Bard! It will be a continuation of the Harry Potter fantasy, and for a good cause! See it as doing a good deed in this Christmas season.

World heritage

2008-12-17T14:24:00.003+08:00

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) maintains a list of world heritage sites that are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. As of today, there are 878 world heritage sites throughout the globe. The number of sites which I have currently been to stand at a miserable 15. These are the world heritage sites which I have visited before:

Europe
1. Tower of London, UK
2. Maritime Greenwich, UK
3. Westminister Palace, Westminister Abbey and St Margaret’s Church, UK
4. Kew Gardens, UK
5. Paris, Banks of the Seine, France
6. Vatican City
7. Historic Centre of Rome, Italy
8. Venice and its Lagoon, Italy
9. Works of Antoni Gaudi, Spain

Asia
10. Forbidden City, China
11. Temple of Heaven, China
12. Historic centre of Macau, China
13. Malacca Town and George Town, Malaysia

Middle East
14. Masada, Israel
15. Old City of Jerusalem, Israel

Hmm... at least I've been to all the world heritage sites within London. Looking forward to seeing more world heritage sites in my lifetime!!

Back to London... one year after!

2008-11-29T13:42:00.002+08:00

Flying off away on another work trip! To another capital of a former empire - London. Will be back in one-and-half week time. Hmm... Will be there in SQ Airbus A380. Wonderz how the plane gona be like! Will try to take pix of me in the plane. =)

One night in Beijing, 我留下许多情

2008-11-27T10:23:00.004+08:00

Back from my Beijing working trip! Generally, it was quite a nice trip cos I managed to visit several places i always wanted to see in the short R&R time i had. Lazy to type more so I should just let the pixs do the talking...

At the Forbidden City

One of the thrones within the Palace

Beihai Park - formerly an imperial garden

Protrait of chairman Mao on Tiananmen

Temple of Heaven

Water Cube

Bird nest - Olympic Stadium

Wangfujing Shopping district

A tired-looking me onboard SQ flight home!!

My favourite idol in America

2008-11-13T14:31:00.001+08:00

For those who have read my blog during the last American Idol season, you will know that I FULLY SUPPORT David Archuleta! IMHO, he got the best voice and the most contagious smile. He's such a "sunshine" character. Anyway, I was at HMV Citylink during the lunchbreak just to browse around. Suddenly something caught my eyes and it was none either than the newly released album of David A. I did a sample listening of a few tracks. In less than 3 minutes, I concluded that it was an album worth getting!! So, if you have not gotten yours, WHAT ARE U WAITING FOR??!! Muahahahaha....

Tracks:
1. Crush
2. Touch My Hand
3. Barriers
4. My Hands
5. A Little Too Not Over You
6. You Can
7. Running
8. Desperate
9. To Be With You
10. Don't Let Go
11. Your Eyes Don't Lie
12. Angels

Pull back! Retreat!! Retreat!!

2008-11-12T23:28:00.004+08:00

I finally stepped onto the soil of Indonesia last week! Haha! Finally, I've been to both the immediate neighbours of Singapore. Well, all thanks to my divisional retreat, I was at Bintan for a 2D1N stay at the Nirawana Gardens resort. Hmm... frankly, there was nothing much to do at Bintan for me. All i did was swim, eat, walk along the beach and play with two super cute boys! Both of them got such nice big eyes and charming smile. The retreat would be so much more boring, if not for these two cuties. All thanks to my colleague for bringing these two cute dudes along. It was fun babysitting them! Haha!!

Oh, besides being a part-time babysitter, I also tried being an amateur photographer doing some scenic shots. Here's a series of shots i took of some waves rushing in...

history in the making?

2008-11-05T11:36:00.003+08:00

Results for the US President election is filtering out right now. Current projections seem to indicate history will be in the making, with the first ever African-American President in more than 200 years of American nationhood. Democrats also appeared to have control over the Congress -both the Senate and House of Representatives. This will make Obama, if elected, a powerful president to push through his policies of "Change". Americans had clearly given their mandate to the Democrats, in the hope the party will be able to turn the economy around. I guess the Republican party is now suffering from the eight-year reign of the Bush administration, which saw two wars and the worst recession since the Great Depression.

What does all this mean for Asia, and particularly South-east Asia and Singapore? Well, let us hope the Obama administration will see greater attention being placed on SEA. After all, Obama spent a part of his life in this region. However, with the Democrats in power, I wonder whether we will suffer economically. Democrats are after all more inclined towards protectionism, which will hurt an open economy like Singapore. The Democrats will really have to work hard in reviving the US economy, or they may face a backlash in the next presidential or congressional election. It will be a interesting four-year ahead.

If I'm an American, I'll vote for.....

2008-11-03T16:20:00.005+08:00

Paris for President!!

leaving on a jetplane...

2008-11-03T12:27:00.004+08:00

Hmm... I've not planned, or went on, any overseas trips this year yet. Its quite unusual, considering that I'll always make one or two annual trips out of this island... ever since I started working. Anyway, thanks to my workplace, I will be traveling quite a bit this month.

My travel plan:

7 Nov - 8 Nov ~ Bintan, Indonesia

20 Nov - 24 Nov ~ Beijing, China

29 Nov - 6 Dec ~ London, United Kingdom

Good management vs Over-control

2008-10-24T12:18:00.006+08:00

Extract of The Straits Times Insight article by Clarissa Oon:

Lover of cities seeks extra oomph in Singapore

As for Singapore, he has been here 30 times, usually on one-night layovers and for work. What the infrastructure-rich, efficient city state excels in is giving a great first impression, he says, citing the tree-lined expressway from Changi Airport to the city centre as 'one of the most beautiful drives to and from any airport, anywhere in the world'. Singapore is also moving towards increasing cultural vibrancy and openness, but here, he believes, there is room for improvement.

Speaking to some 200 architects, designers, civil servants and students at the Drama Centre last Monday, he said the lack of tolerance was a key reason why the city state fell in Monocle's rankings this year.

Asked to elaborate by Insight, he says: 'If Singapore wants to push itself from a creativity perspective and wants to build a greater design community, you don't have to read Richard Florida's book on the creative class to know that cities need to be much more tolerant of other lifestyles, be they gay or otherwise.'

Mr Brule is known to be gay. The Guardian reported last year that he has a long-term Swedish partner.

Another tension he alluded to in Singapore's urban development is the fine line between good management and over-planning. For him, cities that have the right balance of strong government and ground-up creativity include Zurich, Copenhagen, Munich and Tokyo - this year's top four liveable cities according to Monocle.

'It's hard, but I believe some things you can't engineer, and that just means being a bit more loose and open. I mean, how can you plan surprises?'

============================================

Comments:

I think Brule really have a point when he said “how can you plan surprises”. Indeed there’s just a fine line between good management and over-planning, or what I prefer to call as over-control. It’s time the administration starts to loose up and let go of the rope it has been holding onto so tightly. Yes, we have definitely release bits of the string but, sadly, not enough to let the kite fly high yet. If we want our kite to soar above that of others, we need to release more of the string and only come in to give it a little pull once in a while.

In this cut-throat world, we need to transform ourselves continually or risk being left behind. Those who are able to change fast and quick, will be those who will see their worth being multiplied. Time for a rethink, i think! Hey, I'm not anti-establishment. I'm merely pro-Singapore.

what a "payne"!!

2008-10-23T14:25:00.004+08:00

I seldom, or rather never, slam any movie on my blog. But this show is really horrible beyond words. The only exciting bit about the show is maybe the ending credits, cos it means I'm totally done with this trash. The scriptwriter obviously do not know what he wants - whether the show is supposed to be supernatural or sci-fi or action-packed. It's trying to be a bit of everything, resulting in an end-product which sux big time! My advice to anyone who has even the most remote intention to catch this show:

DON'T EVER DO IT!!!

Okie, I think most of you get my point... and my sentiments towards this show. It is really a big "payne" (pain) having to sit through the show. The only nice thing about this whole movie-going experience last nite was the company i had.

My rating: 0.5 star (for the ending credits)

mouth watering apple

2008-10-15T12:50:00.005+08:00

The new range of Macbook and Macbook Pro is out. They are simply HOT and SEXY! Man, how i long for one!! Too bad, my Macbook is barely ten months old. No hope of having a new one anytime soon.

Some of the new features:

- new, solid-aluminium unibody enclosure making Macbook thinner, lighter and more durable

- illuminated keyboard for Macbook

- trackpad doubles as button, and everything is at your fingertip

- LED-backlit display in a glass overlay that stretches to the edge of the Macbook

Okie, enough of words. Nothing beats seeing the Macbook in its full glory!

death of my former MP

2008-10-02T14:42:00.006+08:00

JB Jeyaretnam, aged 82, passed away on 30 Sep 08 from heart failure. He was once a Member of Parliament for Anson constituency from 1981 - 1986.

My house, now under Tanjong Pagar GRC, used to be part of the Anson constituency. I still remember that there was once a Workers' Party branch office right across my block long long time ago. I also recall seeing the Hammer sign and the Lighting sign being hung on lampposts all over the estate (which means there was an election going on). Well, it had been a long time since there was any such signage being placed on the lampposts.

My estate never have any voting (other than presidential election) ever since 1991 when the GRC system was implemented. It has been one walkover after another walkover for the past 17 years. I wonder will my estate ever see another "JBJ" coming to stake his claim in this former-Anson constituency. Well, we never know.

Nevertheless, my estate should be proud that it had entered the history records of Singapore. Mention Anson by-election, and people will recall that it was the folks from this constituency that first broke the PAP's monopoly (before Potong Pasir or Hougang) by sending an opposition into the Parliament of Singapore.

Post-F1 blues...

2008-09-30T12:59:00.007+08:00

Alright, the whole world already know about this - Singapore has hosted its first ever F1 grand prix with a big bang, winning praises from all over the globe. Singapore - who hosted the 1st ever night race - in the words of Bernie Ecclestone, is another jewel of the F1 crown, rivalling the fame Monaco. The fast and furious actions on the track have concluded, but the praises are still coming in. Well done, Singapore! We have wow the world with a race filled with thrills, drama, and twist and turn. Who would have expected a racer starting the grid in 15th position could, in a circuit described as lacking opportunities for overtaking, be standing on the top of the podium with his name going down in history as the "Prince of Darkness". This is really "Uniquely Singapore". =)

Well, as for me, this is also the first time ever that I've actually watched a broadcast of the whole race. While I have caught bits of F1 races in the past, my attention span was usually too short - lasting mere few minute. I usually find it quite a bore cos all there was to see were cars running round and round. Somehow, this first experience of watching the full race was quite pleasant. Guess it was partly helped by the fact that I actually caught the qualifying race broadcast too. haha... didnt planned to watch it really, but it was a boring weekend with no other programme to watch. Anyway, like they say, the rest is history. I doubt I will become a F1 fan, but I sure dun mind catching it again next year when it comes to our sunny island.

Come to tink of it, the sun in our sunny island seemed to love F1 race too. The weather was super sunny only for sat and sun. Barely 24 hrs after the race concluded, the storm and rain came back to reclaim their rightful positions. Hmm, maybe the sun is suffering from post-F1 blues too, and had gone to hide. Hope the weather will turn sunny soon. I need to get my suntan!! At the very least, please don't rain on this sat night... cos A-Mei will be in town! Looking forward to attending her concert! Okie, I need to go and learn her songs now.... hahaha!!!!

Crush

2008-09-23T14:11:00.003+08:00

David Archuleta's latest single, Crush

I hung up the phone tonight
Something happened for the first time
Deep inside
There's a rush, what a rush
Cause the possibility
That you would ever feel the same way
About me
It's just too much, just too much

Why do I keep running from the truth
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I just got to know

Do you ever think
When you're all alone
All that we can be
Where this thing could go
Am I crazy or falling in love
Is it real or just another crush
Do you catch your breath
When I look at you
Are you holding back
Like the way I do
Cause I'm trying, trying to walk away
But I know this crush aint going away, going away

Has it ever crossed your mind
When were hangin, spending time girl
Are we just friends
Is there more, is there more
See it's a chance we've gotta take
Cause I believe that we can make this into
Something that will last, last forever, forever

Do you ever think
When you're all alone
All that we can be
Where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love
Is it real or just another crush
Do you catch your breath
When I look at you
Are you holding back
Like the way I do
Cause I'm trying, trying to walk away
But I know this crush aint going away, going away

Why do I keep running from the truth
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I just got to know

Do you ever think
When you're all alone
All that we can be
Where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love
Is it real or just another crush
Do you catch your breath
When I look at you
Are you holding back
Like the way I do
Cause I'm trying, trying to walk away
But I know this crush aint going away
This crush aint going away
Going away, Going away

so many shows to watch...

2008-09-19T20:12:00.004+08:00

Resting on my shelf are five DVDs calling out for my urgent attention!

hmm... the month of september

2008-09-12T12:17:00.007+08:00

A song most apt for this season, don't you think?
Well, it's the month of september afterall!

Lonely September by Plain White T's

I'm sitting here all by myself
just trying to think of something to do
Trying to think of something, anything
just to keep me from thinking of you
But you know it's not working out
Cause you're all that's on my mind
One thought of you is all it takes
to leave the rest of the world behind

Oh…

I didn't mean for this to go as far as it did
And I didn't mean to get so close and share what we did
And I didn't mean to fall in love, but I did
And you didn't mean to love me back but I know you did

I'm sitting here trying to convince myself
that you're not the one for me
But the more I think, the less I believe it
and the more I want you here with me
You know the holidays are coming up
I don't want to spend them alone
Memories of Christmas time with you
would just kill me if I'm on my own

Oh…

I didn't mean for this to go as far as it did
And I didn't mean to get so close and share what we did
And I didn't mean to fall in love, but I did
And you didn't mean to love me back

I know it's not the smartest thing to do
we just can't seem to get it right
But what I wouldn't give to have one more chance tonight
one more chance tonight

I'm sitting here trying to entertain myself with this old guitar
But with all my inspiration gone it's not getting me very far
I look around my room and everything I see reminds me of you
Oh please, baby won't you take my hand
we've got nothing left to prove

Oh…

I didn't mean for this to go as far as it did
And I didn't mean to get so close and share what we did
And I didn't mean to fall in love, but I did
And you didn't mean to love me back but I know you did

And I didn't mean to meet you then
when we were just kids
And I didn't mean to give you chills
the way that I kiss
And I didn't mean to fall in love, but I did
And you didn't mean to love me back but I know you did
Don't say you didn't love me back cause you know you did
No, you didn't mean to love me back
But you did

Ambassador of Singapore

2008-09-05T12:02:00.002+08:00

It has been a pretty tiring week for me. I've been running around different corners of Singapore while hosting a group of foreign visitors. This week, I'm the friendly ambassador of Singapore, doing cultural diplomacy with friends beyond our tiny shores. Of course, the good things is that I've been having free lunches and dinners. But it also means I have to be smiley, polite and diplomatic at all times, so as not to bring discredit to the country. Well, the week is ending and my new-found friends will be returning home soon. Hopefully, I will be able to have some good rest for this weekend.

Hmm... but I doubt so. Have a wedding to attend on Sat afternoon, before rushing off for more assignments. hmm... wish i can go away from Singapore. Ok, i think this is like the countless times I have mentioned that I wan to go on a holiday. Guess I should stop talking about it, and simply just do it! Changi Airport, here I come. Though i'll be there today just to send my friends off, but rest assured, I will be back again soon to pack myself off to another land!

we'll overcome

2008-08-29T23:06:00.003+08:00

"oh, can you feel

our sweat and tears

we'll overcome

hardship and fears"

Our union!

2008-08-26T13:25:00.010+08:00

I'm so glad things are working out well between us. Finally, I've found you and you've found me. It amazing and I still cannot believe it. Nothing will stand in our way again!

Finally....

my new Samsung F480

is paired, through bluetooth, with my Samsung WEP200 headpiece

OUR PERFECT UNION!!

Note: It took me more than a week to finally get these two paired and working. Imagine the torture of driving and not being able to answer calls. At last, it's a happy ending!

I want to break away

2008-08-22T12:34:00.002+08:00

OK, I know I'm like super behind time but I FINALLY went to changi airport terminal 3 this week. Haha... its was an impromptu decision to hit the airport. I went there for dinner with a friend. Hmm... after all the hype, the terminal 3 was kinda disappointing to me. Its too cold and sterile. No cosy feeling which I always feel when going to the airport. As compared to T1 and T2, T3 was beautiful in appearance but lack depth in substance. I still prefer being in T1 and T2 - these two terminals always make me yearn to go grab a ticket and fly out. T3 simply don't give me this feeling of being at the airport. And it didn't help that the terminal was pretty empty unlike the other two sister terminals which seemed to buzz with life!

Anyway, I really really want to fly out of S'pore for a short getaway. Anyone for bali or Ozzie?? =)

The wait is over!

2008-08-18T12:55:00.002+08:00

WE DID IT!

AFTER 48 YEARS, WE GOT OUR OLYMPIC MEDAL!

THOUGH IT'S A SILVER BUT IT WAS OUR GOLDEN MOMENT!

SINGAPORE'S FLAG FINALLY FLYS HIGH!

Special Day!

2008-08-16T22:39:00.003+08:00

The beginning

15.08.2008

一名苦命的女子

2008-08-13T17:50:00.005+08:00

非常期待这部戏的倒来！好想第一时间就跑到戏院观看十二莲花。

现在爱听这首歌。很轻快，很有活力！

十二莲花

第一可怜罗莲花, 出生风场昧快活
凄惨落泊就是我, 做牛做马也得拖
第二可怜莲花酸, 苦命莲花心头酸
后母不为仔打算, 想要嫁人也久长

可怜呀莲花呀, 实在可怜代

第三可怜莲花姐, 坏命做工到半暝
头烧目晕那是病, 破病也得去赚钱
第四可怜莲花代, 好坏人客阮招待
十分招待嫌阮坏, 要打要骂又要塞

可怜呀莲花呀, 实在可怜代

第五可怜莲花种, 有人实在无同情
也无外多钱阮用, 要打要骂又要种
第六可怜莲花城, 流落欢场歹名声
后母爱钱无爱仔, 迫到阮呀无路行

可怜呀莲花呀, 实在可怜代

第七可怜莲花红, 阮是可怜歹命人
后母当阮不是人, 害阮痛苦一世人
第八可怜莲花头, 流落欢场昧出头
后母顾前无顾后, 害阮暝日目屎流

可怜呀莲花呀, 实在可怜代

第九可怜莲花时, 做了这行已几年
可怜家人无相见, 阮嘛不知企叨位
第十可怜莲花光, 归暝做工到天光
想到有厝唔汤返, 终身再也难见光

可怜呀莲花呀, 实在可怜代

十一可怜莲花怨, 想到身世真哀怨
后母迫我做这款, 越想心内越超烦
十二莲花无了时, 堕落黑暗难见天
少年赚钱是一时, 老来怎样过日子

可怜呀莲花呀, 实在可怜代

I keep, keep bleeding...

2008-08-11T12:06:00.007+08:00

There're some songs which will stick with you for a season, and yet there're others which will always be a part of your life. Of course, the latter kind of songs are usually hard to come by. This song is what I will classify as a personal evergreen one. I simple heart this song. Though it has been around for quite a time, I will still listen to it like three to four times a week.

Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

Closed off from love
I didn't need the pain

Once or twice was enough

And it was all in vain

Time starts to pass

Before you know it you're frozen

But something happened

For the very first time with you

My heart melted into the ground

Found something true

And everyone's looking 'round

Thinking I'm going crazy

But I don't care what they say

I'm in love with you

They try to pull me away

But they don't know the truth

My heart's crippled by the vein

That I keep on closing

You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

I keep bleeding

I keep, keep bleeding love

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

You cut me open

Trying hard not to hear

But they talk so loud

Their piercing sounds fill my ears

Try to fill me with doubt

Yet I know that their goal

Is to keep me from falling

But nothing's greater

Than the rush that comes with your embrace

And in this world of loneliness

I see your face

Yet everyone around me

Thinks that I'm going crazy

Maybe, maybe

But I don't care what they say

I'm in love with you

They try to pull me away

But they don't know the truth

My heart's crippled by the vein

That I keep on closing

You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

I keep bleeding

I keep, keep bleeding love

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

You cut me open

And it's draining all of me

Oh they find it hard to believe

I'll be wearing these scars

For everyone to see

I don't care what they say

I'm in love with you

They try to pull me away

But they don't know the truth

My heart's crippled by the vein

That I keep on closing

You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

I keep bleeding

I keep, keep bleeding love

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

I keep bleeding

I keep, keep bleeding love

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding

Keep, keep bleeding love

Let's celebrate!

2008-08-08T12:17:00.007+08:00

Walking along the street today, I can't help but notice that many people, including myself, were dressed in red. Guess today's the national day observance ceremony for many companies.

Tomorrow, we will be celebrating our 43rd yr of independence - after being kicked out of Malaysia. Come to think of it, we realli need to thank Malaysia for kicking us out, or we'll be reduced to being another state under them. We might not be what and where we are now, if we're still part of Malaysia (think Penang - which like S'pore is Chinese dominated).

As usual, the nation's biggest party will be held tomorrow at the Marina Bay floating platform. I must count myself fortunate cos I have been to NDP at Padang, National Stadium and the Marina Bay platform already. Of the 43 NDPs staged, I have took part in two and watched three "live" at the venue itself. I can still remember my participation in the NDP as a marching contingent at the Padang and as Guard-of-Honour (YES! I've fired the feiu-de-joie, French for "Fire of joy", before) at the National Stadium. I watched the 39th (2004), 41st (2006) and 42nd (2007) NDP "live" - all due to work commitment. I guess I shouldn't be complaining about having to work on National Day, since I get to be seated in the audience stand and soaked in the atmosphere as part of work. haha!! I did have a chance to go for the parade this year but I decided to give it a miss, as I dun wish to be working again on another national day holiday. =)

Well, Here's wishing every Singaporeans a happy national day! Be proud of Singapore, cos I am! We aren't perfect, but we sure are trying! Think hossan leong summed it up the best:

More good years ahead!!

Home - There's no place I'd rather be

2008-08-04T16:36:00.004+08:00

We're now in the month of August. It's the time of the year where the streets of Singapore are decorated with greetings and well wishes. At every turn of your head, you will be able to see a Singapore Flag flying stately in the air.

9 August - Singapore's birthday!

Every year, we will have a national day theme song. From the days of blatant patriotic messages to the current more contemporary scores, we do have quite a collection of national day songs. Among all these, I like these two - which happened to be sung by the same singer - the most.

There's no place I'd rather be - performed by Kit Chan

I like the lyric of this song. It's simple but yet fully able to convey the feelings of a well travelled Singaporean. Guess for many of us, Singapore will always be a part of us despite all the things we dislike about her.

Home - performed by Kit Chan

Another beautiful and meaningful song! Guess there's realli nothing much needed to add about this song cos I believe it's one of the best, if not the best, national day song ever.

One of the five stars: Equality!

2008-07-30T11:21:00.003+08:00

The following opinion piece appeared in today's ST. It's a article extremely worth reading, and to reflect upon.

Indeed, all Singaporeans should be treated as equal. Our Singapore pledge itself demands that we "build a democratic society, based on justice and equality". If so, why should certain segment of the society be castigated because they believe in a system of check-and-balance, have a dissimilar compass reading, endowed with disparate talents, or simply different just because they are who they are?! While the society may never come to a consensus on many issues, yet the basic respect and right should be accorded to each and every individual. Building an inclusive society - that's what we have advocated and proclaimed to the world. Let's truely walk the talk, and show greater graciousness to each other.

=============================================
Doing what's right without fear or favour by Dr Lee Wei Ling

I WAS born and bred in Singapore. This is my home, to which I am tied by family and friends. Yet many Singaporeans find me eccentric, though most are too polite to verbalise it. I only realised how eccentric I am when one friend pointed out to me why I could not use my own yardstick to judge others.

I dislike intensely the elitist attitude of some in our upper socio-economic class. I have been accused of reverse snobbery because I tend to avoid the wealthy who flaunt their wealth ostentatiously or do not help the less fortunate members of our society.

I treat all people I meet as equals, be it a truck driver friend or a patient and friend who belongs to the richest family in Singapore.

I appraise people not by their usefulness to me but by their character. I favour those with integrity, compassion and courage. I feel too many among us place inordinate emphasis on academic performance, job status, appearance and presentation.

I am a doctor and director of the smallest public sector hospital in Singapore, the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI). I have 300 staff, of whom 100 are doctors. I emphasise to my doctors that they must do their best for every patient regardless of paying status. I also appraise my doctors on how well they care for our patients, not by how much money they bring in for NNI.

My doctors know I have friends who are likely to come in as subsidised patients. I warn them that if I find them not treating any subsidised patient well, their appraisal - and hence bonus and annual salary increments - would be negatively affected. My doctors know I will do as I say.
I remind them that the purpose of our existence and the measure of our success is how well we care for all our patients - and that this is the morally correct way to behave and should be the reason why we are doctors. In NNI, almost all patients are given the best possible treatment regardless of their paying status.

My preference for egalitarianism extends to how I interact with my staff. I am director because the organisation needs a reporting structure. But my staff are encouraged to speak out when they disagree with me. This tends to be a rarity in several institutions in Singapore. The fear that one's career path may be negatively affected is what prevents many people from speaking out.

This reflects poorly on leadership. In many organisations, superiors do not like to be contradicted by those who work under them. Intellectual arrogance is a deplorable attitude.
'Listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story,' the Desiderata tells us. It is advice we should all heed - especially leaders, especially doctors.

I speak out when I see something wrong that no one appears to be trying to correct. Not infrequently, I try to right the wrong. In doing so, I have stepped on the sensitive toes of quite a few members of the establishment. As a result, I have been labelled 'anti-establishment'. Less kind comments include: 'She dares to do so because she has a godfather'.

I am indifferent to these untrue criticisms; I report to my conscience; and I would not be able to face myself if I knew that there was a wrong that I could have righted but failed to do so.
I have no protective godfather. My father, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, would not interfere with any disciplinary measures that might be meted out to me.

And I am not anti-establishment. I am proud of what Singapore has achieved. But I am not a mouthpiece of the government. I am capable of independent thought and I can view problems or issues from a perspective that others may have overlooked.

A few months ago, I gave a talk on medical ethics to students of our Graduate Medical School. They sent me a thank-you card with a message written by each student. One wrote: 'You are a maverick, yet you are certainly not anti-establishment. You obey the moral law.' Another wrote: 'Thank you for sharing your perspective with us and being the voice that not many dare to take.'
It would be better for Singapore's medical fraternity if the young can feel this way about all of us in positions of authority.

After the Sars epidemic in 2003, the Government began to transform Singapore into a vibrant city with arts and cultural festivals, and soon, integrated resorts and night F1. But can we claim to be a civilised first world country if we do not treat all members of our society with equal care and dignity?

There are other first world countries where the disparity between the different socio- economic classes is much more extreme and social snobbery is even worse than in Singapore. But that is no excuse for Singaporeans not to try harder to treat each other with dignity and care.

After all, both the Bible and Confucius tell us not to treat others in a way that we ourselves would not want to be treated. That is a moral precept that many societies accept in theory, but do not carry out in practice.

I wish Singapore could be an exception in this as it has been in many other areas where we have surprised others with our success.

when i grow up...

2008-07-26T23:57:00.003+08:00

My current earwax:

When I Grow Up by The Pussycat Dolls

Hot release this week

2008-07-24T11:06:00.005+08:00

DISTURBIA by Rihanna

Who wants to be a millionaire?

2008-07-22T10:20:00.005+08:00

A new game show has hit the shore of Singapore, with prize amounting to $1 million up for grab. This new show has been strongly endorsed by the Singapore government, althought the question of whether the prize is tax-free remains unanswered as yet. And for the first time, you do not need to sign up to participate in this game. All you need to do to become an instant millionaire, prior to tax deduction, is to spot this man!

The contest is now on! So, keep your eyes open for this man and you will be able to win the top prize of $1 MILLION!!!

COURAGE!

2008-07-21T01:09:00.005+08:00

To live is to experience,

To experience is to explore,

To explore is to step out,

To step out is to have courage.

Some men were born to be courageous,

Others were forced to be so.

In the face of adversity, man's courage is what will keep him on.

May we all find the courage within us, to be who we are!

Prince nick@2008

Pot calling the kettle black!

2008-07-14T12:01:00.004+08:00

Came across this most interesting article in Today's Straits Times:

==========

July 14, 2008

Gay Italian man wins lawsuit over driving test

AN ITALIAN court has ruled that the government must pay 100,000 euros (S$215,000) in damages to a man who was told to retake a driving test because he was a homosexual.

When Mr Danilo Giuffrida, 26, told doctors he was gay at his medical examination for military service, they passed the information to the Transport Ministry, who told him he must repeat his driving test or have his licence withdrawn due to his 'sexual identity disturbance'.

Mr Giuffrida passed his driving test again, but the ministry renewed his licence for just one year rather than the usual 10 years because of his homosexuality.

The judge ruling on the case in Catania, on the southern island of Sicily, said the actions of the defence and transport ministries showed 'evident sexual discrimination' against Mr Giuffrida.

His lawyer said the case marked the first time the state had been punished for sexual discrimination, and he hoped Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi would 'summon Giuffrida and apologise to him on behalf of the state and all Italians'.

REUTERS

==========

And the West is trying to lecture us on our human rights?! What a joke!! Even our transport ministry doesn't do this. Singapore may not be perfect, but at least we are trying to improve. One thing for sure, we aren't a pot calling the kettle black.

FACE-LIFT COMPLETED!

2008-07-07T12:21:00.002+08:00

Finally, i'm totally done with the face-lift. Oh, i did it myself, in case you are wondering. Err... to be more exact, i modified a template i got from the net. Changed some stuffs here and there, until i got this final look. Pretty pleased with this new look. I like it very much. Hope you guys will like it too! =)

a new look?

2008-07-05T11:29:00.002+08:00

Time to give my blog a NEW look.

This 2nd template has been in use for more than 6 mths

Lazy though to redo the layout and all.

Any kind soul out there who's good at revamping blog?

Hahahaha!

"Night" - a MUST read!

2008-07-03T10:43:00.011+08:00

Recently, I've been getting into the habit of reading again. I'm currently reading two books simultaneously. One I will carry in my bag, so I can read while I'm on-the-move. Another is my "night snack" before I retires for the night. I wouldn't classify myself as a bookworm, simply cos I dun really read as often as I should - unless u count newspapers as "books". That being said, I do find reading a pleasant activity, especially when all I want was to be alone.

Among all the "count-able" (as compared to countless) books I have read, one stood out the most. I used to have a blog entry on that book, but I have since deleted that entry due to royal decree no 2 (Pls check archive if you're wondering what's decree no 2!). I do recommend everyone to read that book which illustrates the sense of insanity and lack of humanity that we humans could become in times of darkness.

I was introduced to this book by Oprah Winfrey. Hmm... okie... to be more accurate, I knew of this book through the Oprah Show - not that I'm a personal fren of Oprah, though I will definitely love to have her as a personal fren! haha... The author appeared as a guest on her show, and they discussed about this book.

The book - "Night" by Professor Elie Wiesel - is a true account about the horrors of the Holocaust during the WWII. It's the life story of a young Jewish boy who was sent to the German concentration camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald, along with his family whom he subsequently lost. A simple, but powerful, book which will touch the core of your humanity. One quote from the book which enlightened me is "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented". So often, we think staying neutral in times of conflicts is the right thing to do. Yet, by our own inaction, we are actually encouraging the oppressor.

Well, because of this book, I have listed a visit to the Auschwitz camps in Poland as one of the things I must do in my lifetime. 1.1 million people, which is like a quarter of Singapore's population , perished at the camps. I've been to the Yad Vashem (Hebrew: "Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority") in Israel before. The Yad Vashem is the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. There, I saw the faces of the victims - some as young as infants. It was there that the Holocaust was, to me, no longer a story about WWII, but a true occurrence which could always happen again.

Of course, besides the Jews, there were also other victims during the Holocaust, such as the Slavs, ethnic poles, disabled, gay men, Freemasons and Roma. Since ancient civilisation, man has always use some form of classification to distinct one other. Even today, we still use classifications in many things that we do, like "Upper Income", "Lower Income", "Chinese", "Eurasian", "Cosmopolitans", and "Heartlanders". Yet, we forget, at the end of the day, we're all humans - the same species!

"I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?--fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?"

- Shylock in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

Our race

2008-07-02T09:26:00.002+08:00

And so it ends... our first race for the year!

Next stop: 26th Singapore River Regatta.

One boat, one thought!

2008-06-26T11:53:00.003+08:00

Its getting closer.

Two more days.

I keep imaging it in my mind.

My heart thumps with anticipation.

How well will we fare?

I wonder, I consider, and I hope.

For the team, for the mates, and for myself!

Ten paddles, One stroke.

Twelve hearts, One beat.

For Glory!

Match line-up

Lane 1: Citibank "A"

Lane 2: People's Association "C"

Lane 3: Team CCWA

Lane 4: NTU Alumnus

Lane 5: Punggol CSC

Lane 6: ExxonMobil "A"

History repeating?

2008-06-25T10:22:00.004+08:00

In 1942, the British viewed Singapore as an impregnable fortress. But the Japanese brought them down to reality by capturing Singapore in a flash. The British was humbled by the Japanese, who destroyed their impregnable fortress easily.

Today, Singapore is viewed as a fortress against terrorists through our "tough" anti-terror measures. Yet, in recent days, our Helm's Deep has been breached again and again. First, we have the escape of Mas Selamat. Then, we have two men escaping (though later captured) from Subordinate Courts. Now, we have the case of a 61-year-old man leaving the country using his son's passport.

At a time when our borders were supposedly being tightly guarded to prevent Mas Selamat from slipping out of this "fortress", we were shown time and again how weak our Deeping Wall is. Let's not make the mistakes committed by the British, to think that we're impregnable from without and within. Helm's Deep was overran because of a small culvert. Titanic sunk due to fragile iron rivets. It is usually the smallest things that will destroyed the supposedly strong structure. Singapore's reputation as a safe city has taken enough beating! Let's not be ignorant anymore. History has already warned us!

Are you ready? UP!

2008-06-24T11:42:00.004+08:00

Butterflies in the stomach. Beats pulsating in the heart.

This is the hour! After months of hard work.

LET'S DO IT! COME ON! 加油!

Believe!

Trust your mates!

In the warmth of your embrace

2008-06-20T16:21:00.005+08:00

Excitement grew in my heart, with every single step I took. Fixing my gaze firmly straight up, there you were, looking magnificent and alluring. I thought to myself: "Will our encounter live up to what I have been hoping for? Is it truly possible that you will show me things which my eyes have never glimpsed upon before?"

“Yes!” I told myself. “I believe this will be a whole new experience! You will bring me delight, and this I’m sure!”

With that, I put aside all my doubts and threw myself into your arms! And there I was, happily in the warmth of your embrace!

Yes, I was talking about my visit to the Singapore Flyer! And what did you guys think I was referring to?! *Slap slap*

Well, I was at the Flyer due to work commitment, which meant i got a FREE ride! Looking out of the glass bubble which surrounded me, I was able to see a different Singapore... and it was then I realised that our sunny island is really really small! At one glance, I could see the places in the far east and wild west... right from the Flyer! A pity though, I didnt really get to see Malaysia cos it was too cloudy. But I did see our southern neighbour - Indonesia. Glad that I've a chance to get on the Flyer... and the best part was of course I did not have to foot the bill. =)

Jewel of Indonesia

2008-06-17T12:31:00.003+08:00

Anyone keen on a short getaway to Bali?

To dive, to explore, and to rest and relax...

Last Breath

2008-06-14T23:11:00.005+08:00

Grasping for air,

I find none.

Seeking to float,

I sink further.

Reviewing my life,

I see regrets.

Getting too weak,

I breathe my last.

Prince nick@2008

my last hours...

2008-06-13T16:26:00.006+08:00

Tick tock tick tock tick tock...

Time goes by so slowly...

I want somebody to speed it up for me...

Well, don't waste time...

What are you waiting for...

No hesitating...

Noone's gonna show you how...

Grab a boy, grab a girl...

When the lights goes down and there's noone left...

I can go on and on and on...

Don't stop me now, don't need to catch my breath...

Give it 2 me, Yeah!

Back in the land of Narnia

2008-06-07T12:36:00.013+08:00

Sitting there in the dark theatre, I was brought back to the land of Narnia last night. Together with High King Peter the Magnificent, Queen Susan the Gentle, King Edmund the Just and Queen Lucy the Valiant, we were back for an adventure to help Prince Caspian regains his rightful throne as the King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel and Emperor of the Lone Islands. Well, how do i find Disney's second movie on the land of Narnia, you may ask.

Hmm... this sequel to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe pales in comparison, I must say. I still prefer the first one. Of course, there are still scenes which I like, such as the stealth mission by the griffins to drop personnel for a sneak attack on the castle of the Telmarines. But I do find the first battle of Beruna (vs the White Witch) in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe much more grand and inspiring than the second one (vs the Telmarines) in Prince Caspian.

And I feel that all the five characters - Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy and Caspian - could be more developed. There were only short scenes here and there where the personality of the characters were being portrayed. Well, High King Peter seemed to lose his charm in this sequel, with his weakness and personal ego being exposed. King Edmund came out as the stronger one, with his faith in his sister's words that Aslan was alive and his stand against the seduction of the White Witch. Queen Susan was more skillfully and much braver. Though she certainly is undergoing her phrase of adolescence, with her love interest being none other than Caspian. Queen Lucy had a minor role in this sequel. Her main contribution was her faith in Aslan and her search for his return. I must admit though, the scene where she stood alone on the other end of the bridge, with all the Termarines being afraid to advance forward, while she then took out a small knife was pretty amusing.

Well, after 145 minutes in Narnia, I was transported back to "our world". As I left the cinema, I can't help but yearn to visit the land of Narnia once more. However, the next visit will be a long time away with the third part, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, being scheduled to be out only in 2010. And High King Peter and Queen Susan will not be there anymore. Only King Edmund and Queen Lucy, together with their cousin, will once more return to the magical land of Narnia.

Give It 2 Me

2008-06-06T19:05:00.003+08:00

This week's HOT release:

"Give it to me, yeah

No one's gonna show me, how

Give it to me, yeah

No one's gonna stop me, now"

Give It 2 Me by Madonna

Can You Hear Me?

2008-06-06T17:08:00.004+08:00

UEFA has selected Enrique Iglesias' "Can You Hear Me" as the official song for Euro2008! UEFA commercial director Philippe Margraff said: "Enrique is the perfect choice for us – he is an international superstar who loves football and has European roots. Can You Hear Me? will help create even more of a party atmosphere for the fans at EURO 2008". Enrique will be performing the song live at the final in Vienna on 29 June.

Tried to find the MV for the song, but alas there was none available. Nevertheless, here's the song for your listening pleasure!

What's new!

2008-06-05T13:01:00.012+08:00

For the month of June... these will be the highlights:

Shopping - its the Great Singapore Sale, after all. As a patriotic Singaporean, I must support the economy! haha...
FREE lunches and dinners - one week of free lunches and dinners, at restaurants i must add. my rewards for being a tour guide! Oh.. not to forget, free visits to Night Safari, Singapore Flyer, National Museum
Special day - Looking forward to having some fun! =) Not looking forward to the increase in digit. =(
Competition - my first DB race. Hope the team can do well. Feeling excited yet apprehensive about it.
Service to the nation - going back to pay my dues as a male Singaporean

I've always love the month of June cost it's SUMMER time... where the sun shine bright, the flowers come alive, and the "Discount! Sale!" signs are up everywhere! Need to plan out my shopping list soon. Lots of things i wish to get... but too bad, vitamin M is LIMITED. Any kind soul(s) out there who want to sponsor me for a little shopping spree? You will have my eternal gratitude!

Narnia!

2008-06-01T20:40:00.004+08:00

The first time I knew about the mystic land of Narnia, I was still a little child. The first book I was introduced to was "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". If I'm not wrong, I was just in primary four. My English teacher used this book as a teaching guide, which of course I enjoyed a lot. So I was very glad when Disney came out with the movie version. I caught it in the cinema, and I also bought the DVD. Think I have watch this movie like for more than five times. I love the scene where the griffins came in carrying rocks, as though they were aircraft carriers. It was amazing!

Finally, the sequel is out. I can't wait to catch Prince Caspian. A pity though, I have not read the book. Anyway... I must watch it! Anyone else is also eager about this movie? =)

FOR NARNIA!!!

Idiots!

2008-05-31T12:58:00.016+08:00

I can't believe how much of an idiot the Myanmar military junta is! This report really make my blood boils! The military junta ought to be condemned to life imprisonment in a burning hell for their inhumane treatment towards its OWN PEOPLE! Thankfully, we have a government that's much better. At least, I'm sure our government won't do this to Singaporeans if a disaster strike.
"Myanmar urged to stop evicting cyclone victims" - Channelnewsasia.com

BANGKOK - Myanmar's military government must stop evicting cyclone victims from emergency shelters where tens of thousands of people are now living, Human Rights Watch said Saturday

For the last two weeks, cyclone victims living in schools and Buddhist monasteries have told AFP that authorities were trying to force them to return to their devastated villages in the southwest Irrawaddy Delta. The rights group said it has received reports the military has now begun ordering survivors to leave dozens of government-run tented relief camps near Yangon, ordering them to return to their homes -- even if they have no home left

The May 2-3 storm left 133,000 people dead or missing, while 2.4 million need food, shelter and medicine, according to the United Nations. In the hardest-hit towns in the delta, the military estimates that 95 percent of buildings were destroyed, while some remote villages were completely washed away

After restricting access to the delta for weeks, the military government on Friday suggested in state media that cyclone victims could return home to forage for food, including frogs and fish

"It's unconscionable for Burma's generals to force cyclone victims back to their devastated homes," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, referring to the country by its previous name. "Without shelter, food, and clean water, the government's suggestion amounts to sending people to their deaths and is courting a greater disaster," he said. "The junta should not be telling victims to forage for food and mocking the efforts of aid agencies when Burma's displaced people are still in desperate need and at grave risk," Adams said.

Myanmar agreed one week ago to allow relief workers into the delta, but the United States said Friday it remained frustrated at the slow pace of aid flows. US Defence Secretary Robert Gates told a security forum in Singapore that Myanmar government's delays in allowing aid had cost "tens of thousands of lives." - AFP

Findings on the dragon boating tragedy

2008-05-30T17:02:00.005+08:00

The Singapore inquiry panel on the dragon boating tragedy in Cambodia has released its findings and recommendations. The seven-member panel found that the Singapore National Dragon Boat Team was well-trained, even though some of the rowers were new and were recruited from various associations. It found no single cause for the deaths of the five paddlers. It highlighted several contributing factors to the freak accident - the team's unfamiliarity with the race, the race site and equipment provided; low safety awareness of both the team and the organisers; and the lack of information about the event, and conditions of the Tonle Sap river. The panel made the following key recommendations to ensure that the safety of rowers is not compromised:

Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) and its affiliates should only take part in races that comply with the IDBF guidelines for race organisation, conduct and safety;
SDBA and affiliates should ensure teams comply with IDBF's water safety policy and safety procedures while training; and
SDBA and affiliates to put in place proper selection and training system to prepare for races and to set guidelnes for overseas events.

Despite the tragedy, the panel reiterated that dragon boating is a safe sport. This incident is a reminder that accidents can and do happen, even in safe sports, and safety in sports should not be something to be taken lightly.

source: The Straits Times Online

Prima Donna, Diva & The Dutchess

2008-05-29T13:23:00.008+08:00

I can't recall when was the last time I ever bought a English pop album. All my recent acquisitions have been Mandarin pop. And with the culture of downloading from the internet, my collection of CDs have been stagnating. Nevertheless, i recently went on a "spree"... and bought 3 albums at one go. Well, I consider this a spree given that i've not purchase a single album in ages! Of course, the promotion of 3 for $49.90 at That CD Shop was veri enticing.. and was a key motivator to my impulse purchase.

Anyway, now I have 3 fabulous women sitting in my car..

The Prima Donna

"Hard Candy" by Madonna

The Diva

"E=MC2" by Mariah Carey

The Dutchess

"Fergie The Dutchess" by Fergie

Anyone interested in them can contact me at 1800-YOU-DREAM!

These will see us through

2008-05-28T11:31:00.004+08:00

Camaraderie [noun]:

a feeling of friendliness towards people with whom you work or share an experience

Solidarity [noun]:

agreement between and support for the members of a group

Cohesion [noun]:
when the members of a group or society are united

Where do we go from here?

2008-05-27T17:14:00.007+08:00

Where do we go from here?

This isn't where we intended to be

We had it all, you believed in me

I believed in you

Certainties disappear

What do we do for our dream to survive?

How do we keep all our passions alive,

As we used to do?

- "You Must Love Me" by Madonna

the final judgememt...

2008-05-23T16:10:00.017+08:00

Singapore vs Malaysia

After decades of disputes, the ownership of Pedra Branca,

or otherwise known as Pulau Batu Puteh, will finally be decided today by

the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Who will emerge as the owner of this rocky outpost?

Results will be out shortly... Stay tuned!

Afternote:

VERDICT!!

Pedra Branca belongs to SINGAPORE...

but the Middle Rocks go to MALAYSIA...

So, i guess everyone got a share of the spoils. Well, this concludes a 28-year old dispute. Let's put this behind us and work towards closer bilateral ties. A warm Singapore-Malaysia relations is definitely more beneficial for both sides than being arguing neighbours.

the last battle...

2008-05-21T16:56:00.003+08:00

FINALLY, after months of intense competition, this moment has arrived...

David Archuleta vs David Cook

May the best voice (which is of course David A.) wins!

Eva Duarte de Peron

2008-05-19T17:36:00.006+08:00

Spend my vesak day afternoon watching a vcd (Yes, it's a VCD... not DVD!). I can still recall how I went to Cathay Cineleisure alone on one weekday night to catch the musical movie on the big screen all by myself ... way back when it was being shown in the cinema. I remember leaving the theatre feeling totally satisfied that i had make the right choice to go catch the movie before it was taken off the screen. It was a spontaneous decision to go to the theatre at 9-plus cos I really wanted to watch the show, which none of my frenz then was keen. Even as I watch the movie again this afternoon, I simply fall in love with the show again. You might be wondering by now what is the show that I'm talking about. Well... its....

starring the Queen of Pop - Madonna

I heart the songs in the movie... written by Andrew Lloyd Webbers. How I wish the musical version will come to town! Sad to say, we dun have musicals being performed throughout the year here in S'pore... unlike in London or New York. Wish I'm back in London... where I can catch so many musicals. I only managed to watch Les Miserables during my last trip there. Sighz... longing for a doze of musical now!

雪中送炭... A helping hand...

2008-05-15T12:06:00.006+08:00

中国四川的7.8级大地震造成巨大人命伤亡和财物损失。在这个非常的时候，我们应伸出援手。如果你想帮助那些灾民，你可以捐款到中国驻新加坡大使馆。你可以通过电汇、财路或现金捐款方式，把捐款汇入有关的账号。这一账号的详情如下:

收款人名称: Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund-- Chinese Embassy
银行名称: Bank of China Singapore Branch
账号: 011-0-024188-6

中国大使馆也接受支票捐款，如果你开支票，请在上面填写“Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund - Chinese Embassy”。

无论你以何种方式捐款，中国大使馆都请捐款者提供姓名和联系方式。

====================================

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan, China has resulted in the massive loss of human life and properties. At this crucial time, we should lend a helping hand to the people of China. For those who wish to help the victims, you can make a donation to the Chinese Embassy in Singapore. You can donate to the related bank account using Giro, internet banking or in cash. The details for the bank account are as follows:

Account holder: Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund – Chinese Embassy
Bank: Bank of China Singapore Branch
Account No: 011-0-024188-6

The Chinese Embassy also accepts donations using cheque. Please make your cheque payable to “Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund - Chinese Embassy”.

The Chinese Embassy will like all donors to provide their name and contact details.

happi nite outz...

2008-05-13T12:07:00.019+08:00

Finally, I managed to catch the Singapore Shorts Finalists (SSF)... which i missed during the 21st Singapore International Film Festival in Apr. Wanted to watch it then but the tix were completely sold out. So glad that Sinema Old School is doing an encore of the SSF. It was my first time at Sinema Old School last nite, and I heart the place. It was quiet and relazing... an "old world" hidden within the buzz of "new era" orchard rd. There's some restaurants there at Old School... which I think I will give it a try someday... simply cos I heart that place!

Anyway, back to the Shorts... my personal top 3 favourites (with synopsis courtesy of SIFF webpage) among the 7 finalists are as follows (in no particular order of ranking):

Silent Girls by Ric Aw

Two 16-year-old girls get lost in the strange world of love, sex and the internet. Will their friendship save them?

My Home, My Heaven by Muhammad EySham Ali

Ahmad, a juvenile delinquent, is released from his time in a Boy’s Home. After his return home, Ahmad finds himself at crossroads again despite his efforts to redeem himself from the past. Ahmad is still trying to find his way home.

Keluar Baris by Boo Junfeng

“Keluar baris” means “fall out” in Malay, Singapore’s national language, the last command in a parade which every boy serving compulsory military in Singapore looks forward to hearing. An 18-year-old boy returns home from his studies in Europe two days before he is enlisted into the army. This story is his personal struggle between national duties and personal liberty.

After the screening, Sinema Old School arranged a short Q&A session with the directors of Kallang Roar, Love Me, Love My Dogs and the producer of My Home, My Heaven. It was pretty interesting to hear what motivates them to do what they had done... especially since it's so hard for film-makers to survive in tis tiny island. I admire their passion, courage and determination!

Oh... i did quite a bit of camwhoring last nite cos there was someone else to accompany me. Thanks G, for coming down even though it was last min request from me. Had a great time hanging out with u!

Music is my life....

2008-05-08T16:09:00.004+08:00

"Music makes the people come together.

Music mix the bourgeoisie and the rebel"

- Madonna in her song "Music"

Music is my life! I simply cannot live a single day of my life without music! Ok, that's a little exaggerated but my point is I'm someone who loves rhythm... beats... meaningful lyrics! Since my sec sch days, I've been studying for exams with my ears plugged to a radio receiver, walk-man, disc-man, and now, mp3 player. Even in my workplace, I will have my radio switched on the moment I'm in. And when I'm at the gym, I need my mp3 player. I can't imagine a world without sound n rhythm.

Anyway, this week's hot release.... Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield

buono pizzabar & ristorante

2008-05-07T11:00:00.013+08:00

I went to celebrate a friend's birthday yesterday after work. We met up at this super "ulu" place near serangoon gardens - Buono Pizzabar & Ristorant at 27, Lichfield Road. It was an italian restaurant tucked away amidst landed properties. I had a hard time trying to find the place cos I didn't have the exact address. Nevertheless, I must admit that the whole "excursion" was worth it.

The food was extremely YUMMY! We ordered quite a bit of food, more than what we would normally order while eating out together. Three of my friends had the Portbello Mushrooms - baked with crab meat and finished with a rich gorgonzola sauce - for appetizer, which they were swearing by it.... saying how flavourful it was. Too bad I didn't have the chance to sample it, cos I reached later. Instead, for my appetizer, I had the Pesce Spada Carpaccio, a dish of thinly sliced raw sword fish seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and dressed with avocado and sweet cherry tomatoes. I like the simple taste of the dish, and not to mention that the raw swordfish was veri fresh!! We also shared the house special - Buono Pizza (besides our individual main course, of course) - which was made using pork sausages, mushrooms, rocket salad and mozzarella cheese on a bed of cream sauce. The thin-crust pizza was crispy and delicious beyond words. You got to try this pizza if you ever visit the restaurant. I bet you will like it too!

I also like the ambiance of the place, even though, unfortunately, the air-con was down. There wasn't lots of customers when we were there... which made the place very quiet and relaxing. It's definitely a great place to chill out, wind down and relaz your mind after a "long hard day" at work. The set-up of the place was tastefully done, and gave a rustic feel with the use of wooden tables and chairs . The restaurant has an open concept to showcase the process of pizza making.

Service-wise, there is really nothing to complain about. The staff were very friendly and took pride in attending to the needs of the customers. I had originally ordered salmon for my main course, but was later informed by the staff that their salmon yesterday wasn't that fresh. Thus, she said the restaurant did not wish to serve the salmon and advised me to order something else. In most other restaurants, I bet the chef will just serve the salmon even though it might not be that fresh. The chef also came out of the kitchen to get our feedback on the food, which we of course gave an excellent rating! =)

I'm won over by Buono Pizzabar & Ristorante, and will definitely be back there again! For those who are interested, here's the map to the place.

Here's some of the delicacies (photos courtesy of AL):

Appetizer - Portbello Mushrooms

Side Order - Buono Pizza

Main Course - Lamb Chop

Dessert - Tiramisu

Oh... if you're reading this, Happy Birthday to you RJ!

around the world...

2008-04-29T12:39:00.006+08:00

hmm... some of the places that I'm hoping to go within these next two years:

1. Bali
2. Japan - major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido...
3. USA - LA, Vegas, San Fran, NY City...
4. Eastern Europe - Czech & Poland

Anyone going these places, pls jio me along! =)

Finally... Now my destiny can begin

2008-04-28T11:36:00.007+08:00

Driving along River Valley Road was part of my routine for each work day. Usually, it was simply a "mad rush" hoping to make it in time for my morning meeting. Most of the time, I will be thinking about why the traffic lights still aren't switching to green so that I can move on. However, this morning, it felt different all because of this song which was playing on Power 98FM. I was mesmerised!!... by the soothing music, the touching words and the comforting voice (of course, I was still concentrating on the road... being the "safe" driver that I normally am). When the song ended and the DJ spoke, I FINALLY realised it was sung by none other than the Fergalicious Dutchess Fergie.

Tried searching for the music video on Youtube but there wasn't any. But, I did find several "live" performances by Fergie singing Finally. I simply heart this song now! I need my FINALLY...

Finally performed by Fergie

Ever since I was a baby girl
I had a dream
Cinderella theme
Crazy as it seems
Always knew that deep inside that there would come that day
But I would have to wait
Make so many mistakes

I couldn't comprehend
As I watched it unfold
This classic story told
I left it in the cold
Walking through an open door that led me back to you
Each one unlocking more of the truth

I finally stopped tripping on my youth
I finally got lost inside of you
I finally know that I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul

Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something strange and new is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally

I remember the beginning you already knew
I acted like a fool
Just trying to be cool
Fronting like it didn't matter I just ran away
And on another phase
Was lost in my own space
Found what its like to hurt selfishly
Was scared to give of me
Afraid to just believe
I was in a jealous, insecure, pathetic place
Stumbled through the mess that I have made

I finally got out of my own way

I finally started living for today
I finally know that I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul

Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something beautiful is happening, happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally

Ohhhhhhh, Finally, Finally, Finally

America, You got it wrong this time!

2008-04-24T11:51:00.004+08:00

Carly Smithson got eliminated from the American Idol Season 7! Can't understand how she could have been eliminated when Brook White was obviously the worst of the remaining Top 6. White forgot her lyrics and had to redo her song. I bet the judges were also shocked at the results. Smithson is definitely much better than White. Her performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was pretty good actually.

And now compare Smithson's performance to that of White's "You Must Love Me"...

America, You really got it wrong this time!

taking the first step...

2008-04-22T16:19:00.014+08:00

~~:~~

First Step

Our eyes met for the shortest moment,

while our faces remained still for the longest time.

We tried to fathom what each other was thinking,

when the reality was we were merely second-guessing.

I lingered around hoping you would say hi,

and you stood still waiting for my hello.

Yet, neither of us spoke!

Our distance widened with every second of silence,

while our hearts yearned to be up close and personal.

We turned and headed towards different directions,

when all we wanted was to saunter together.

I asked myself why didn't I speak out,

and you wondered how things would be if you had uttered.

Yet, neither of us spoke!

Neither of us took the first step!

~~:~~

When You Look Me In The Eye... 4 Minutes

2008-04-19T22:55:00.003+08:00

Some of the songs recently added to my collections...

When You Look Me In The Eye by The Jonas Brothers

4 Minutes by Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake

studying...

2008-04-18T12:51:00.007+08:00

Yesterday, I went with a colleague to Orchard Rd for lunch. As we were travelling to our destination in the MRT, we begun to reminisce about our days as a student in the Uni. We're both from NUS Arts Faculty (although we were studying there during different timeframe cos guys need to give a portion of their life to the nation). We were happily sharing about how we missed carrying a file walking around campus... going to lecture theatre and "hear" our lecturers teach... and chilling out at Arts canteen or the central forum area. As we were talking, I could recall all the memories abt Arts fac... the LT11, where i would attend lecture eating blackforest cake and drinking ice mocha... the tutorial inside lecturers' office for my Pol Sci modules... the photocopying of reading notes at central library. Man, I realli miss those carefree days where stress only comes during assignment deadline and exams period. Wish I was back in NUS...

Even though i did further my studies after graduation from NUS, the feeling was different. The feeling of studying part-time is miles apart from being a full-time student. My academic pursuit at NTU WKWSCI for my Masters of Mass Comm cannot compare to the times i spent in NUS. And this is why, I still see myself more as a part of NUS than NTU. Studying at NTU was simply to rush for lessons... staying back to discuss projects... and to borrow books for writing assignment. The most amount of time I spent in NTU was during every exams period, where I would be at the LWN library doing my reading and revision from late morning till the lib closes at 11plus pm. Compared to the three years for my undergrad education, the two years (part-time) at NTU seemed insignificant. Nevertheless, I'm still glad to have gone through my NTU years cos I managed to get to know a few friends... like Jensen (who is hosting radio show at 100.3FM), just married Val, ex-Star Search finalist Dennis, Mummy Chin.... and more.

Hmm... now that I have been through NUS and NTU... maybe I should do something with SMU... to complete my collection of certs from local Unis. Den again, school fees at SMU is way too ex. The MBA at SMU costs more than $50K. I totally don't think it is worth it. I rather use the $50k to do a degree course overseas!!

SMU, PLEASE LOWER THE FEES FOR YOUR MBA PROGRAMME!! Haha.

when you believe...

2008-04-16T22:14:00.005+08:00

Finally, it's american idol nite again! First on the list was David Archuleta who did his interpretation of Mariah Carey's "When You Believe". Once again, David simply shines! Like what Randy says... if you can sing, you can sing anything! His voice is superb... and what I like most was he always does his own interpretation of the song. His version of "When You Believe" was equally, if not more, touching than that of Mariah's. Here's the evidence to prove what I have just said...

Okie, enough on American Idol. Hmm... I've got an upcoming project to keep me fully occupied at workplace. I'm doing a visit programme for a group of foreign journalists as part of the bilateral exchanges between Singapore and Thailand. This will last me till June, where the journalists will be here in person. Of course, prior to the event, I need to do a lot of planning and coordinating... to come up with programmes, settle the admin and logistical needs etc. Well, this is not my first time planning a visit programme... so it will not be too stressful a task. Just gona enjoy myself as much as possible working hard for the Republic of Singapore.

Angels

2008-04-10T14:28:00.006+08:00

This song was written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, orginally performed by Robbie William. It has since been covered by several singers including Jessica Simpson, Beverley Knight, Declan Galbraith and etc. Regardless of who sing it, this is a nice song in itself. Hope you will like this song too.

ANGELS

I sit and wait
Does an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go
When we're grey and old
'Cos I have been told
That salvation lets their wings unfold
So when I'm lying in my bed
Thoughts running through my head
And I feel the love is dead
I'm loving angel instead

And through it all
She offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
When I come to call
She won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead

When I'm feeling weak
And my pain walks down a one way street
I look above
And I know I'll always be blessed with love
And as the feeling grows
She breathes flesh to my bones
And when love is dead
I'm loving angels instead

And through it all
She offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
When I come to call
She won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead

And through it all
She offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
When I come to call
She won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead

Original version by Robbie Williams

Covered by American Idol, David Archuleta

hate being ill...

2008-04-09T10:22:00.003+08:00

It's been a while since i have fallen ill. Even my regular family doctor said i've not been ill lately, and wondered if i got my sore throat and flu from overseas. I wish I had indeed been out of town but alas, i got it right here in our sunny island. Feeling horrible... with my head getting heavy by the minute. I feeling worse today than I was yesterday... and the sad thing is I've only gotten one day MC for yesterday! Hope I will recover soon...

a shining star gone forever... on this day

2008-04-01T11:02:00.006+08:00

5 yrs ago, on this very day, HK entertainment scene lost a brillant talent forever. Leslie Cheung committed sucide by jumping from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. He left behind a note expressing his struggle with depression. He was 46 years old when he left this world.

I love watching Leslie's movie. He was a terrific actor. One of my favourite was Farewell My Concubine 霸王别姬. It was a masterpiece directed by Chen Kaige. Leslie acted as the Peking opera star Cheng Dieyi, an artist who reached fame with his exquisite performances of female roles. Leslie also sung the theme song, 當愛已成往事. For those who have no idea about the show and song, here's something for u...

1000!!

2008-04-01T10:31:00.004+08:00

Finally!! my hit counter has reached the 1000 mark! its has been a long and slow crawl. But, i'm still glad it had hit 1000. Hope the next 1000 will come soon...

On a sidenote, been lazy to update my blog recently. Will think of some interesting entry and do so soon.

hmm... looking forward to the following events:
26 Apr - Seeing my cousin's daughter, Katie, for the first time!
14 Jun - my day!
28 - 29 Jun - S'pore Dragonboat festival... my team is training for this.

So not looking forward to 30 Jun, which is the start of my 8 day in-camp. Gona be "imprisoned" inside Bt Batok again. :(

a fine line between YES & NO

2008-03-18T15:54:00.006+08:00

A simple YES is what i'll like to hear,
cos it shows that i matters!
Your effortless NO may mean little to you,
but it send my world crashing down.
Your YES and your NO dictate my emotion,
all simply because i hold you too dear.

my all-time favourite emo song...

2008-03-07T14:46:00.003+08:00

歌曲: 假装歌手: 蔡依林

呼吸着一种孤独的味道
心跳在你沉默以后慢慢的被淡忘掉
我笑了笑反正你看不到
我要的幸福
遗落在你怀抱

当爱失了焦
那些最初的美好
早被你搁在一角
街上拥挤人潮
走着看着都是摧眠符号

记忆停不了
穿过读你的心跳
穿过想你的味道
我只想不被打扰

假装多好我只要
只想要再拥有一秒
去相信你的拥抱
一直会让我依靠
继续等待
还心甘情愿的不想逃

当爱失了焦
那些最初的美好
早被你搁在一角
街上拥挤人潮
走着看着都是摧眠符号

记忆停不了
穿过读你的心跳
穿过想你的味道
我只想不被打扰

假装多好我只要
只想要再拥有一秒
去相信你的拥抱
一直会让我依靠
继续等待
心甘情愿不想逃

假装多好依然是
依然是暧昧的tone调
一个人无理取闹
两人世界的煎熬
我被自己困在自己设下的圈套

像是驼鸟
相信时间是唯一解药
视而不见
傻到了无可救药
其实早明了
你的爱已随风飘
想要找
再也找不到

假装多好我只要
只想要再拥有一秒
去相信你的拥抱
还心甘情愿的不想逃
假装多好依然是
依然是暧昧的tone调
一个人无理取闹
两人世界的煎熬
我被自己困在自己设下的圈套

假装自己已解开冰冷的手铐

A caged bird

2008-03-06T10:45:00.006+08:00

I'm caught in a web which I yearn to break free from.
Yet, courage I do not have, to leave behind those I once loved.

Loveless and joy-less is what I feel.
A dead man walking is who I am.

Who can point the way out to me?
Where is my path to freedom and happiness?

Like a caged bird is what I am.
Staring at the clear blue skies, locked within my own small world.

Where is the one who has the key to unlock my prison?
The one to free, to behold and to embrace me.

And the world will live as one...

2008-02-28T10:59:00.006+08:00

American Idol 7... the show which showcased some of the singing talents in US. This season, one contestant stood out from among the rest. Last night, he sang his version of John Lennon's Imagine. Boy, he was simply amazing... at the tender age of 17. I was left speechless and blown away... and it was just a short 2 min segment. Seldom is there a song which could make me feel so deeply. Usually only emo Chinese pop is able to stir up my emotions. And even then, I won't be left speechless. So, David Archuleta is the one to watch! His singing has constantly won praises from the three judges. Hope he will be crowned as the American Idol when the season ends.

Here's the clip showing him singing Imagine:

WE DID IT! SINGAPORE 2010!

2008-02-21T20:54:00.004+08:00

The news is out! Singapore is the first city in the world to host the Youth Olympic Games. Singapore2010 is now coming our way! Of course, this means lots of hardwork for the coming two and half year. Nevertheless, let's enjoy the moment and celebrate the fruits of our labour for the past few months!

华语Cool!

2008-02-20T12:12:00.001+08:00

我已经好久没有用华文述写了。一直以来，我都想用华文写一业部落格，只是我不知道要写些什么。而且，我觉得我的华文程度已经大不如前了。我猜想我应该会有很多错字和语病。不管怎么样，我还是觉得我应该尝试一下。我不该因为害怕犯错而逃避。就算我的文章有数不尽的错字和语病，重要的是我勇于尝试。只要我不放弃，一直尝试，一直努力，我相信我会进步得。

话说回来，我还是不知道我该写些什么好呢。我想没有人会有兴趣看一则长长的华文部落格，而我也没有那能耐写一业深奥的文章。不过，我倒是喜欢用华文创作歌词。我的第一首创作，《我继续》，已经在去年十一月公布在我的部落格了。很想再写多一首歌，只不过我一直没有灵感。我想再不久的未来我会找回我的创作灵感。好了，就写到这里，我已没有话要说了。

2 more days...

2008-02-19T10:06:00.004+08:00

2 more days to....

... L change the world!
... party at padang
... Singapore being the first city to host youth olympic games
... more arrows being shot at me (if we win the YOG bid)

What a difference 2 days can make!

lazy to blog...

2008-02-15T14:27:00.006+08:00

hmm... think i'm getting more and more lazy to blog. Somehow, i'm so not motivated to write, although i feel veri motivated to do so whenever i blog-surf. been looking at the blogs of several frens lately... their lives seemed so much more interesting. of course, it helps that they got lots of pixs... which i dun. I havent been camwhoring for a while now.... maybe its time to take out my digicam again n do some camwhoring. Hmm... any top models to join me? haha.... rewards will be given! Those who camwhore with me will get..... an autographed photo of ME!! muahahahhaha!!

ello, not everyone gets to have an autographed photo of me okie! its priceless!

afternote: I've decided to carry my digicam in my bag again. camwhore back in action! haha...

HRH Prince Nick wishes everyone a Happy Lunar New Year

2008-02-06T16:38:00.002+08:00

Press Statement from His Royal Highness' Office

His Royal Highness, Prince Nick wishes everyone

a very Happy Lunar New Year.

May this year be a prosperous one for everyone!

I support Singapore's bid for Youth Olympic Games 2010!

2008-02-05T10:53:00.002+08:00

One of the pillars of Singapore's bid for the Youth Olympic Games 2010 is the use of new media. Thus, I will like to call upon every blogger, especially the youth, to express online your support for Singapore's bid for YOG 2010.

Put an entry in your own blog to show your support. Simply use the caption "I support Singapore's bid for Youth Olympic Games 2010!" as the title of your blog entry.

Let's start an online campaign to help Singapore win the bid. So, those of you who are reading now, start putting an entry into your blog too. Let's spread this msg... and do our small part to help Singapore be the first city to host the YOG. Let's blaze the trail!

Royal Decree 2

2008-02-04T13:03:00.001+08:00

From the office of His Royal Highness Prince Nick

HRH Prince Nick decrees that his prince-dom will hereforth be known as the Prince-dom of Everything Nick. All past entries prior to the Royal Decree 1 has thus been removed, in consistence with the change. And if you do not know what is Royal Decree 1, ello... where have you been??!! Please check the archive!!

胡言乱语

2008-01-26T12:52:00.002+08:00

人生百态谁能看清
喜怒哀乐起伏不定

时光冲冲一转而过
回头一看面目全非

The last lap... for now!

2008-01-24T11:25:00.002+08:00

Well, the news has been out... that Singapore has been shortlisted as one of the final two cities to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Of course, this is a piece of good news... considering that we were competing against 8 other cities at the starting line in Nov 07. I'm pretty proud to say I played a part in the bid document for the YOG! It was really a concerted effort by the Spore team. The timeline was short... and we really wanted to put up a strong bid. So its a big well-done to us, now that we're in the final two.

However, I must admit that it is with mixed feeling that I am looking forward to the final result. On one hand, I do hope Spore will win the bid cos it will put us on the world stage once more. Also it will be a great honour for Spore to host the first YOG and thus set the benchmark for future YOG. Afterall, I did played my part (read: hours of drafting and redrafting, meetings after meetings, research and data gathering, and of course OT!) . It will be very satisfying to have our efforts recognised by all IOC members.

However, if we do win the bid... it will simply mean more work for me cos we need to get everything we had promised to come to pass... within the next 2 years. It's a really short time frame considering that the main Olympic event has years and years to prepare. Once we win the bid, it will be full steam ahead.... until 2010!! I'm sure there will be more, much much more, hours of meetings, negotiation, planning, organising and running around. I'm already going crazy thinking of it!! haha...

Well... let's just await for the result lah. Do hope Singapore will win the bid. Let's continue to pour our support for Singapore 2010: Blazing the Trail! Those who are interested to find out more can check out the Singapore 2010 webpage.

Song of the moment

2008-01-12T23:40:00.001+08:00

I simply can't get enough of this song... have been listening to it like for more than 10 times a day. I find the lyrics veri meaningful. Maybe cos its such a emo song... anyway this is my song of the moment...

歌曲: 傻瓜歌手: 温岚

其实他做的坏事我们都懂
没有什么不同
眼光闪烁暧昧流动
闭上眼当作听说

其实别人的招数我们都懂
没有什么不同
故作软弱撒娇害羞
只是有一点别扭

傻瓜也许单纯得多
爱得没那么做作
爱上了我不保留

傻瓜我们都一样
被爱情伤了又伤
相信这个他不一样
却又再一次受伤

傻瓜我们都一样
受了伤却不投降
相信付出会有代价
代价只是一句傻瓜

More of getai glitz...

2008-01-09T10:33:00.002+08:00

Hmm, more pix from my coy's DnD. Too lazy to type much... so I'll just let the pix do the talking...

"heartlanders" with getai stars

"heartlanders" waiting for show to start

fighting for best dressed AGAIN!

(Besides the 1st guy on the left, the rest of us also got sabo-ed in last year DnD)

"MTV"

Just for fun!

Getai glitz... Huat ar!!

2008-01-06T19:50:00.001+08:00

Last Fri, I went for my company's dinner and dance. The theme was Getai glitz... which means we are supposed to dressed in getai style with all our feathers and "binge binge shining" stuffs. It was quite a challenge for me and my colleagues to get the appropriate dressing. So we had an impromptu meeting (ok ok... we were slacking and chit chatting) and we came up with the idea of dressing as though we were going to watch getai. Afterall, the getai was held right at our building foyer. So here's our ah peh and auntie look:

My colleague and I were both nominated for "best dressed" but we didn't win the game part so we never got the $100 Isetan vouchers! Kelong!! haha

watching getai in our "dressed down" attire!

My ah peh look...

Arsenal Shrine

2008-01-05T11:54:00.002+08:00

Happy 2008 to everyone! All the best in this new year... may all your wishes come to pass! In preparation for a new year, i did a makeover for my office cubicle. Now it has officially been labelled by my colleagues as the "Arsenal Shrine". Here's the reasons why...

Before

After

Before

After

more Arsenal stuffs...

HRH wishes everyone a Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T10:00:00.001+08:00

Press Statement From His Royal Highness' Office

His Royal Highness, Prince Nick wishes everyone a Happy New Year!

May 2008 be a fruitful and wonderful year for each and everyone!

Christmas wishlist...

2007-12-24T09:45:00.001+08:00

Hmm... since it's Christmas, I shall compile a wishlist (for my own reference) of items i wanted to get:

(Disclaimer: the key word is "get", not "receive" - which imply that own expense is involved! Of course, all blessings will be heartily accepted with deepest appreciation!!)

In no particular order of ranking:

1. PSP
2. iPod Classic - fulfilled on 24/12. Christmas gift for myself by myself :)
3. New Laptop, likely a Macbook - fulfilled on 26/12. I'm a MacBook user now!
4. Trackshoe - fulfilled on 28/12. New pair of Nike shoe bought with vouchers.
5. Gym attire
6. Accessories (eg. ring, bracelet, chain etc)
7. Watch (non-leather)
8. Jeans... nice pattern ones!

Can't think of anything else... guess this is it for now!

Season's greetings

2007-12-17T13:44:00.001+08:00

For those who are awaiting to see my pix from euro trip, i'm afraid the wait will be extended. My laptop is going crazy again... which means i can't download my pix from my digicam. It's so irritating cos I can't wait to showcase the beauty of euro, and make ppl jealous! haha... Awy, now that I'm back... I'm looking forward to catch up with friends, especially over this festive season.

Went out last sat with my sis and niece. I had promised my niece to bring her out to shop for her christmas present before I went overseas. Brought her to Toy "R" Us at vivocity. Guess what, in the end, we brought more than $300 worth of toys... for her alone! Got this whole range of toys where she can fix up a house with bedroom sets, bathroom set, kitchen etc... for a family of rabbits, cats etc. think the toys are called Sylvanian Family. Here's a family pix...

She was like having a great time at the store... choosing wat furniture set to get for the toy house which we're also getting. Kids' toys don't come cheap too now. I can almost get a PSP with the amt spend on her toys. haha! What to do... I love my niece... and its Christmas afterall!

Oh yeah... here's wishing everyone a merry christmas and happy new year! (in case I never blog until next year)

HRH is back in town!

2007-12-13T23:38:00.001+08:00

From His Royal Highness' Office:

HRH Prince Nick has arrived back in Nickiham Palace following a fruitful visit to the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy from 22 Nov - 13 Dec 07. HRH was in London (23 - 27 Nov & 11 - 12 Dec), Paris (27 Nov - 1 Dec), Barcelona (1 - 4 Dec), Rome (4 - 7 Dec), the Vatican City (6 Dec), Venice (7 - 11 Dec) and Milan (11 Dec).

During his stay in the city of London, HRH paid a call to the Buckingham Palace. Being a supporter of Arsenal FC, HRH also attended a match between Arsenal and Wigan at the Emirates Stadium.

In Barcelona, HRH was present at the Estadi Olimpic (Olympic Stadium) to watch RCD Espanyol in action against FC Barcelona. HRH also visited the Colosseo in Rome and Piazza San Pietro in the Vatican City.

HRH's office will publish more details in due course. Keep your eyes glued to this screen for more updates!

A bright sunny, but cold, day here in London

2007-11-24T15:59:00.001+08:00

Its 8.00am here in London, which means it will be 4.00pm in Singapore. This is my second day here. Highlights of yesterday was shopping at the West End of London, along Oxford street and Bond Street. This was suppose to be a sightseeing tour, cos I dun intend to spend much time and money shoppin... considering that pound is like 3 times of sing dollars. Awy, i did end up buying quite a few stuffs. Hopefully i will have enough bagagge space at the end of the day, what more with Paris, Barca and Rome coming up.

Staying at canary wharf, which is like the Raffles Place of Singapore. Its a nice, upmarket place! the best thing is I dun have to spend a cent on lodging cos its my cousin and her hubby's apartment. Will be going to Emirates Stadium later to catch match. So looking forward! Oki, enough rambling for now. See u guys soon!

Last call for flight BA0012...

2007-11-22T17:14:00.001+08:00

From the Prince's diary:

Just completed my duty for Asean Summit. Was an interesting time, cos I get to see so many Head of State or Head of Government up close. Most of them were like less than 1m away!! Awy, will take a pix of my security pass and upload some day soon...

In the meantime... I'm counting down the hours to my flight!!!! HURRAY!!! Finally, this day has arrived! I can't wait to get out of this island and land at another island... England!! Gonna catch the match between Arsenal and Wigan there. Haha... I'll be seated down at Emirates Stadium while you guys are watching the match in your TV screen!! So looking forward to experiencing my first winter.

Awy, will tink to blog if possible when i'm touring london, paris, barcelona, rome, vatican city and venice. Will post pix when I'm back!