A Life More Than Ordinary

Goodbye Blog!

2008-10-27T20:23:00.002Z

This just came over me and I didn't have to think long to decide.

I think my blogging days has run its course and I don't feel the urge to write here anymore.

Besides, there are lots of things that I want to say that I can't write here.

So, I've decided a few minutes ago that I'll close this blog.
Well, I hoped that by the time I chose an apt picture I would've changed my mind but I guessed wrong.

If you've gotten used to my style of writing, you may discover a similar style blog somewhere, sometime, in this stratosphere.

This blog has gone through several phases and it's served me well.

To all my readers, thank you for taking time from your lives to read this space of mine. I hope I've provided you with a laugh or two over the years.

To my anonymous readers, if you've been following this blog for some reason and you'd like to read more of what I write, drop me an email at m_ass_b@yahoo.com.sg
I'd be glad to hear from you and update you with anything that might just pop up.

I would love to close this with a quote or poem or something, but I think I'll just leave this as is.

This has been Lecter at A Life More Than Ordinary.

Things can only go uphill from here, ladies and gentlemen.

Goodbye.

Found Yours?

2008-10-20T18:40:00.002Z

Picture taken at Pentas 2, KLPAC by Adila

And then it struck me one day...

I've finally reached that one point in my life where I'm not crushing on anyone, not falling head over heels over someone or going through stupid, pathetic "does she or does she not?" moments.

It feels really good, really.

No unnecessary distractions or emotional baggage allows me to focus on one thing, my craft.
I noticed that I've been much more driven (which also means a lot of people have been bugged by me lately) and am able to produce results better, faster.

Long story short, after having to endure NS for 2 years, I'm in a position where I can enjoy doing what I love doing. Boy, is it great!

I've found happiness doing what I'm meant to do. Have you found yours?

Change

2008-10-18T19:26:00.002Z

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin.

The Times They Are A-Changin - Bob Dylan

What awaits beyond the tracks I do not know.
What I do know is that change is coming.

Things won't be like before anymore.
Things will take a turn for the better.

Watch closely.
Watch out world.
Watch it.

This is a force to be reckoned with. :)

Blink - Day 13 - Blink

2008-10-12T17:59:00.002Z

In a couple of blinks, Ramadan passed and now, after a couple more blinks, it's thirteen days into Hari Raya. The past thirteen days has been mighty cozy and family time amidst the marking of exam scripts.

This year's celebrations have been a little subdued with the passing of my maternal grandfather quietly and suddenly about exactly a month ago. Therefore, it's been no surprise that there's been a bit more family time during the first two weeks of Hari Raya.

There have been a lot more conversations with cousins, a lot more hugs from the aunts and words of wisdom from the uncles. All that aside, this year's, there's been a mighty lot of children all around. Sure the food has been glorious all around, the children have been tops. There have been lots of laughter and moments that make children, well, children.

I'm really glad I have a mighty big family and I'm happy that family time on my side is extended to at least a good two weeks. In this year of somewhat muted celebrations, I guess this feels about right. And for good measure, somehow, I failed to snap any pictures from this year's celebrations despite bringing the darned thing along. Guess the moments are meant to be kept where they ought to be kept, in our hearts.

Hari Raya Greetings 2008

2008-09-30T18:20:00.002Z

THE SHAI & FAMILY

wishes
all Family & Friends
& most importantly,
readers of A Life More Than Ordinary

SELAMAT HARI RAYA!

What We Cannot See

2008-09-18T16:49:00.002Z

Okay, this is a wee bit delayed but I do hope you guys come if you like watching Malay theatre.

Apa Yang Kita Tak Nampak

The following is an English synopsis of the play:

"Here in this Mental Institution, we do not believe in confining. We
believe in developing our patients through healthy activities." This
is a statement. It comes from a credible source. But how credible is
the credible source? What we believe is what others tell us. We
believe what others say because we don't see it with our own eyes.
'Apa yang Kita Tak Nampak' tells the story of mental patients who
spend their lives trapped in a world of their own. An experienced
nurse dominates the institution by ensuring that all the patients
listen to whatever she has to say. Meet the lovable patients Cik Ali,
Maya, Farid and Fateha. Realise the importance of being aware and that
ignorance is not bliss. In this light hearted play, you will feel
sympathy for the characters and have a good laugh.

Apa Yang Kita Tak Nampak (What We Do Not See)

Venue: Singgahsana Hall, Geylang Serai Malay Village,
Geylang Serai

Date: Saturday, 20th September 2008
Time: 8pm
Tickets: $8

This production will be in Malay without any English subtitles.

To obtain tickets, please contact Ella @ 97365166 or email us at
shhproductions@ gmail.com

This will be my first ever Malay theatrical production and hopefully many more to come.
I'm Producing and Acting in this and it's quite a role that I've got.

So, if you're tired of seeing me behind the scenes most of the time, come and watch me in this!

This Blog Has Seen Livelier Days!

2008-09-16T17:00:00.001Z

Time for a quick update. Supposed to do a quick plug about my upcoming show but I don't have the time.

I was scouring through some older entries and I realised a lot of you actually used to comment on my entries and things were livelier around here.

I miss those days. Sigh. :(

La Travestia!

2008-09-04T19:26:00.003Z

Kevin Keegan

It's a bloomin' travesty I say!

Beloved Newcastle United manager, Kevin Keegan has resigned thanks to the shit-shit ownership of my beloved club.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=569289&sec=england&cc=4716

Gosh, I feel saddened by this and I'm sorely disappointed with how things have turned out. And for some reason, there's this anger in me right now. My twelve years being a Newcastle United fan and this is probably the worst thing that's happened thus far, second to Sir Bobby Robson's sacking but that's another story.

To think that we were on to our best start for a while now and yet, these motley crew of bumbling idiots had put up the whole team for sale before the transfer window closed!

I may be a million miles away from Newcastle, but I surely and certainly hope that my views will be echoed with fellow Geordies everywhere around the world.

MIKE ASHLEY AND HIS CRONIES OUT!

It's Been 19 Days?!

2008-08-15T07:58:00.003Z

Alrighty, I've finally got a bit of time to blog from where I am.
I really really want to put up more pictures but I can't do it through Blogger and I'm actually blogging via email and it takes ages to even load 1 picture!

Anyways, I'm fine and dandy, feeling fantastic.
KL has been treating me nice. It's now officially Day 19 since I've been away from home. Haha.

The event has kick-started and things are going pretty well.
It's my third Short+Sweet season but I was still a tad nervous leading up to full-dress.
It's all good now and I'm having a ball of time.

The people here are exceptionally nice and accomodating and I've made a good number of friends here!

Someone's even dropped my name and started calling me Team Singapore. Heh.

And the venue itself, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) is a most serene place.

It's not very far from where I'm staying but it's tucked away in this quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of the cosmopolitan life which lies just less than a kilometre away.

There's a couple of grass patches where one can roam freely. Haha. There's a pond with various types of what I think are cichlids, ducks and terrapins! It's so quiet and quaint that upon first impression, I felt like I was in Europe or something.

But what ultimately makes a place is the people and the overall vibe I get from the whole place is that it's like a community.

There's unlike any like this back home come to think. The Arts House might come close but that's about it.

Nuff said for now, take a look at the picture below, taken one lovely evening before rehearsals started.

Singapore Art Cafe - Adieu~

2008-08-08T15:46:00.001Z

Okay, so this entry is a long time coming but I've finally got a chance to do this.

This entry is in dedication to the Singapore Art Cafe (SAC). It's no secret that this is one of my favourite cafes around in Singapore. Over the years, I've frequented the SAC when I used to borrow DVDs from the library, for various meetings and to just chill with friends. Heck, I even drop by for some nachos or a chocolate milkshake before I a meeting at the Esplanade Office or something of that sort. At times, if I was in the area, I'd also drop in to chat with Jonathan. In fact, when I was on crutches, the first choice of place for a cast meeting with my Short+Sweet Singapore 2008 team was at the SAC, because of its easy access.

Most importantly, the SAC was not only a place I frequented for the above reasons. The SAC in a way, provided my bunkmate in the Army, Azhar and I, a reason to bond, a reason to not think so much of the army. That's right, the SAC Open Mic sessions got Azhar and I to jam even more in our bunk especially after it was just 2 of us in the bunk.

I've always been more of a willing performer from time to time but Azhar was the exact opposite. So, when calls for Open Mic sessions started to open over on Facebook, it got the both of us pretty excited and right off the bat, we started gearing up for one.

And boy, Azhar actually did it! Hahaha! First time ever we did 4 songs in a night and this was some time last year. So, from that Open Mic, we've always been Shaiful & Azhar, the bunkmates who had to rush out from camp to get to the SAC on time, etc. Sadly, we wished we had performed as many more times as we could have but the Army usually held us back most times or we had the lack of practice. Explains why Jonathan called us the "Irregular Regulars".

So, when the heartwrenching news that the SAC was to close came in, I immediately called Azhar up and I said, we've got to perform at this last Open Mic and we should only do ONE song and it should be THAT ONE SONG. He understood there and then what song it was and I immediately got Jonathan on board with us. And the res, they say is history.

Due to the overwhelming response, we almost didn't get to perform but Jonathan got us up, I was gonna leave on the Monday after, for a month at that. So, yeah, we were the last few to perform and we did Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight and I absolutely loved the way we did it. Could probably the best we've done with the song so far. :)

So, now that I've said all that, the SAC has really closed down and we can all only pray Jonathan will re-open the SAC down the road. This was afterall, the friendliest Open Mic in town. And no, no muffins were ever thrown at performers no matter how bad they were. Haha.

Me and Jonathan

This is the gentleman who started it all, the one who has been supporting not only the local music scene but the ARTS scene in general.

Great job all these years Jonathan and thank you for the memories! :)

My trips to the Esplanade will never be the same again...

The Beginning of The Shai's KL Adventures

2008-07-29T15:11:00.001Z

Well well, I guess most of you would've heard that I've gone up to KL and what's not.

Fact is, it's true. I'm in KL now and I'll be here for a month.

That's right ladies and gentlemen, The Shai won't be back in Singapore till late August.

I'll try to blog here as often as I can. I'm still reachable by the same means anyways.

So, I've settled in quite well thus far. It's Day 2 now and I haven't really seen much but then again, this isn't exactly a holiday!

This is the view of the city from my room. Guess which floor I'm on.

The KLCC is right there!

So, you all now know that I'm in KL but not all know just yet WHY I am where I am.

Short+Sweet Malaysia 2008

That is right ladies and gentlemen, The Shai is involved with Short+Sweet Malaysia 2008!

I've already been involved with 2 seasons in Singapore and I'm very excited at being a part of the inaugural season in Malaysia.

It's only Day 2 but I've had my first meet with my cast, a production meeting and our first rehearsal! I'm feeling good about the event on the overall. My two actresses are doing great and it's only the first rehearsal. And the venue, KLPAC, is such a pretty, pretty place. I was pretty early today and I went around the vicinity, trigger happy with my camera. I felt like I was not anywhere in Asia really. I'll let the pictures do the talking in due time.

The play I'm directing, "Waiting For Ashes" will be staged in Week 2.
13th to 16th August 2008
Pentas 2, KLPAC

If you're going to be in KL or need a reason to be in KL, I've just given you a reason to do so!

If you want to know more about the event or HOW TO GET TICKETS, just click the Short+Sweet Malaysia poster that I just posted above.
(I'd try to buy them for you first lah if you're coming up)

That's all from me for now really. I'll do a quick update about the last open mic session at the Singapore Art Cafe very soon and then get back to my KL tales.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-16T17:41:00.003Z

Click on the image above and it'll lead you my review of The Dark Knight on movieXclusive.com

This is the review where I gave the movie 4.5 stars out of 5 where among other things I said it was profound storytelling and it being riveting and maddening!

Bye June!

2008-06-30T17:13:00.004Z

Now that June is over and done with, what a June it has been!

Freshly out of NS, I jumped straight into Short+Sweet Singapore.

Directed "Aided", written by Anant Shiva (who also won Best New Talent: Director at the Gala Finals!). Five shows, four days at NAFA.

Became very good friends with the waiter at the coffee shop and Maggi Goreng became my staple supper food.

And what I love from Short+Sweet are the number of new friends one can make! Great fun!

With Short+Sweet over, Yellow Chair Productions attacked everyone with a "Monsoon" of a time. And was stuck at Sengkang CC for 3 days, which was pretty warm and cozy. Haha. Old Chang Kee and tons of water became my good friend as accumulated fatigue was setting in.

It was a fun production and it's always great to work with a closely knitted group.

I'm proud of what the team has done and how far some of them have come. :)

And once the torrential rainfall was over, I jumped straight into "I Want To Be A Star" or aka HI Musical, a musical celebrating Holy Innocents' High's 50th Anniversary.

I was casted as the Discipline Master (the only non-staff/teacher/student by the way) and I had a ball of a time working with the students and teachers of the school.

I was always made to feel welcomed and I miss working with the actors, dancers, choir and THE SET TEAM! HAHA! And if you know me well, you will know how easily attached I get to people, organizations, things, etc. Haha.

The rehearsals were on a daily basis, long and tiring but the product was very rewarding. I'm so glad I said YES to the production. Spent 3 long days at Drama Centre and this time fatigue had already set in and I had to preserve my voice and plain water was my constant companion for the longest time and I made sure I brought my pillow along with me to sneak in little naps here and there whenever I got the chance.

I took some pictures here and there, will post them up in due time.

So, now that June has passed us, I can now take a quick rest. Or not.

I'm going up to KL today to find my cast for the play I'm directing at Short+Sweet Malaysia! :)

Will tell y'all more in due time!

Monsoon Reviews

2008-06-24T05:11:00.002Z

Monsoon has just ended and it was quite the whirlwind! Haha!

Here are some reviews of the production from different blogs.

"I found myself laughing my ass off throughout the play, and crying at the end of the play."
http://falia-ragingbeaut.blogspot.com/2008/06/hows-weather-just-way-i-like-it.html

"I felt that the cast was great!"
http://jtchy.livejournal.com/8556.html

"My verdict after watching? As the blog title said: It was horrible."
http://phatybomb.blogspot.com/2008/06/by-way-i-tried-to-say-it-was-horrible.html

It's always interesting when you get differing views about your production.
It allows you to sit down and reflect to see how one can better one's self for the next one.
Don't you think?

Though, I must say I'm a tad hurt by the third one but hey. *shrugs*

The Monsoon is Here! The Monsoon is Here!

2008-06-19T03:38:00.005Z

I'm putting this up again on the eve of the production because I want you to come watch this production of ours! We're almost SOLD OUT on both Friday and Saturday evening, so, help us make that happen! :)

Also, we managed to get a listing in Arts Beat complete with picture and a poster at the back and even in 8 Days that gave us the "feature" theatre listing of the week complete with poster!

If my call alone is not enough, take a look at the pictures below!

I've got cute boys and girls in my team! HAHAHA!

And I've got fun people to boot! So how?

Buy a ticket today?

Quick Post-Army Update

2008-06-09T08:21:00.004Z

I know most of you would know by now that I have ORD-ed from the Army.

I've been meaning to blog a summary and reflections about my 2 year stint but I've not gotten about to doing it just yet. Mainly because I've been busy.

There was the mini ORD celebration that I had at TCC with a number of friends.

This was followed by The Spectacular, Spectacular Musical Party.

And the recently concluded Week 1 of the Top 30 plays for Short+Sweet Singapore 2008.

I rewarded myself with a good amount of sleep today.

But it's back to rehearsals for Monsoon tonight. Haha.

Stars

2008-06-03T17:28:00.002Z

The fireflies danced around the broken street light. I wasn't so sure why they did that. To my understanding, only moths do that. Maybe the fireflies felt a connection to this broken street light. There are many broken street lights along this street but they choose this one. Every night it's the same one. But at least they illuminated this particular spot of the street and it's becoming my favourite spot.

This dalliance of shadows intrigues me, appearing before me like a graceful orgy. I stand in the darkness, just next to the spot of light not wanting the fireflies to know I'm there. I stare, fixated at the shadows that play freely on the gravel. And when I decide to look up again, the fireflies remind me of stars.

It reminded me of the days when I was a boy of seven and I had the solar system glowing in the dark in my room. I was never scared of the dark when I was a child because I knew I always had the vast sky and the rest of its inhabitants watching over me, keeping me safe. When I stirred from a nightmare or when I awoke to use the little boy's room, the stars always shone and the moon always smiled at me.

When I grew older, I took comfort in open spaces. The stars and their friends were not in my room anymore and I had to go outside. I'd find a field, an open track or an empty pool and I'd lie down. I had the littlest care for anything else when I'm on the ground. I'd look up and I'd smile to see my friends.

Over the years however, it got a bit lonely doing all that by myself. I had wished upon many a shooting star when I was a young boy and true to its promise, the stars granted my wish. I had found a companion who loved to do the same. A girl who not only found comfort in the sky but also the warmth in my hands. Not only would she would my hands when we counted the stars but she would rest her head on my shoulder and she'd snuggle up to me and she'd steal occasional kisses. And I'd just smile. I smiled for every wish the stars had granted me.

The years always passed, the buildings kept coming up and growing higher by the day but we always had our sky and stars and we shared this with our little ones. They preferred running across the open spaces instead of lying down like us but we never minded. We still held hands, I would now steal the occasional kisses and she'd still snuggle up to me. On occasion the little ones would try to squeeze in and they usually do it successfully.

I thought the stars and the sky would always protect me, protect my loved ones. The stars stopped coming out for me one night. I never understood why, I tried asking but I never received an answer. And the only conclusion I could come up with was that the stars would grant me countless wishes but it appeared I had been wishing upon too many shooting stars that no one else had been granted any wishes.

And the years passed, and the little ones are not so little anymore. Only she and I are left and we never lay on open spaces anymore. I sometimes try to find the stars but they're never there. And then one day, the sky took her away and there I was, left where I started. Alone, no more stars. Not until I found the fireflies.

And here I am again, with the fireflies. I open my eyes and they're still there. I lay myself down on the very spot where the shadows play and I look up and I saw the stars again. But, it was brief. The fireflies started disappearing one by one and soon, the streets were dark again. I laid there for a while longer, secretly hoping for the stars to come out again.

I don't know how long I laid there for but I it wasn't until I saw streaks of red vandalizing my night sky that I realised that I had to get up. I got up and I walked away, as quickly as I could. In my youth, I could've run but now I tried to scurry as fast as I could. I wanted to get away from it. The sun was never my friend. I miss my friends. Please return my stars to me.

Smile When It Rains

2008-05-26T15:24:00.002Z

Would you take a look at that?

The picture above comes courtesy of Mr Taufiq Jailani.

I love this picture.

Look at the smiles on everyone's faces.

Some members of the team have started to get a good feeling about things.

I think the picture above is testament to that.

Monsoon, here we come!

American Idol Season 7 Finale Thoughts

2008-05-22T18:03:00.003Z

Michael Johns

The man who SHOULD HAVE won American Idol Season 7 I say! Haha!

Although his wasn't the best rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody ever but he did a respectable job singing it during the Hollywood round and it was the offset of my Queen fandom, but that's another story for another day.

Oh well.

Thank God for Season 7 after what was a bloody lacklustre Season 6, which I didn't really bother to keep up with.

For this season, I had my eye candy in the form of Kristie Lee Cook, who did overstay on the show and Ramiele Malubay, who had too short a stay! Oh, Ramiele also made it to my desktop and she got voted out that week! Saded. As for Kristi, I wanted her on my desktop but my desktop was too cluttered and I wouldn't have been able to see her face.

Still, I was rooting for Michael Johns and for one who was supporting Michael Johns the whole time, after his unexpected elimination, I went with David Cook for American Idol.
And guess what, I was right! Woohoo!

In tHIS Moment - David Cook

At home, it was just like a normal Barclay's Premier League showdown. I usually have a war of words with Dad over Manchester United and my beloved Newcastle United and it was no different this time, instead it was with Mum!

She's with Camp Archuleta and she couldn't stop bombarding me with SMS-es like Archuleta is best! forever... during the finals, which I was thankfully, watching from camp as I was on duty!

Simon had unfairly "granted" the title to Archuleta on the finale night itself and I was very pleased that he apologized for being very unfair to David Cook. And I admire the guy for that. Actually, if you don't quite know till now, I'm quite the fan of Simon Cowell. And oh, although totally not Idol related, I like Jose Mourinho too. Arrogant bastards but they're good at what they do! Woo!

So, admittedly, David Archuleta did perform his songs better on the overall but the kid lacks charisma. He didn't follow Andrew Lloyd Webber's advice not to close his eyes all the time! I like good voices but they've got to come with a personality don't you think? Well, start listening to David Cook and you'll know what I mean.

I had a slight feeling that Cook might not win actually considering fortune does not favour the rocker. Remember Bo Bice? Remember Chris Daughtry? Or even Constantin Maroulis. Gees, making me sound like a rocker and all! Haha!

Anyhow, Idol fever's over for now. Onwards to Singapore Idol 3!

Oh wait, that's not going to happen now is it?

MONSOON!

2008-05-20T12:28:00.002Z

Alrighty people!
Yellow Chair Productions has got a new production coming up!!!!!
And I'm back at the helm.

Synopsis:
The monsoon season has arrived and no one is more excited than Sophelia, 15. Allergic to the sun, Sophelia craves for the rain, the only times she can run freely in the open, without a care for the world. The free-spirited girl's sentiments are echoed by Adrian, 15, an aspiring weatherman. The rain brings the opportunity to explore and experiment with his tools, undisturbed. But, neither Sophelia nor Adrian could have expected their first love story to come with the rain.

The play will be at Sengkang CC on 20th & 21st June 2008.
There are 3 shows, 730pm on both evenings. And a 230pm matinee on 21st June.

Tickets are only at $8 and you can get them through me.

That's right, Artistic Director doubling up as Marketing/Publicity.

Come and watch!!!

Tan Sri, Oh Tan Sri, What Big Shoes You Have - P Ramlee The Musical Review

2008-05-19T04:57:00.003Z

A musical about the life, the loves and the inspirations of the legendary P Ramlee. Surely, the expectations are high no? Since his sudden death back in 1973 at only 43, not one actor, director or any other multi-hyphenate has been able to match what he has achieved. The late Tan Sri left behind a legacy that has lasted even 35 years after his death and will probably continue for many more generations. He left us all extremely big shoes to fill and collectively, there will probably be none who can achieve just that in this lifetime.

So, how do you capture this man's legacy into a musical? Sure you have his music and his wit but which aspects of his life should one really focus on? In this instance, the production focused very much on his career and the loves of his life. And this is my tale of my experience with the musical.

I had seen Puteri Gunung Ledang (PGL) and left very impressed with the production as a whole and Dick Lee had some amazing songs, which I could still hum to till today. I bet that the bulk of the audience that came to watch on the same evening as I had seen PGL too. Thus, the atmosphere in the theatre was something indescribable. I wasn't sure if it was hope or if it was one of dying with anticipation but the mood was definitely something different. I secretly sensed that it was a case of the prodigal son returning home.

Was the production worth my admission ticket? I was pretty divided but to a certain extent I guess it's a yes. Comparing PGL to this, PGL wins hands down unfortunately.

P Ramlee The Musical had more astounding sets. I was particularly impressed with the train and its carriages! The film set revived the Jalan Ampas feel a little and I really liked the ones in the houses which had pretty detailed decor. If there's one thing I've been told about my amateur plays, it's that I always have too many blackouts to initiate a scene change. It felt pretty similar here but a screen projecting clips and newspaper cuttings from the glory years to serve as a distraction. They were much welcomed but after a while, when the same clips and cuttings are repeated like a good five times before the scene takes place, it gets a bit...old.

I was quite surprised to discover that there were quite a lot of original compositions by Dick Lee which were interwoven with P Ramlee's own songs. While P Ramlee's songs stood out for sentimental reasons, they were heavyweights on their own. Anyone listening to them for the first them would have been captivated. Unfortunately, Dick Lee's music for this production was a tad disappointing for me save for one or three songs, which I really liked. I must also admit that when Musly Ramlee sang "Dimanakan Ku Cari Ganti", I actually felt a tingle or two in my spine. The same goes for most of the P Ramlee songs that he sang. And Liza Hanim's voice truly outshines the rest of the ladies unfortunately, making one forget about the rest of his wives and loves once Liza appeared.

The juiciest and most controversial aspect of P Ramlee's life also happened to be one of the weakest in this musical. While I understood how Azizah was his first love and all, and how he still pined for her despite the passing years (he named most of his female leads Azizah), it never truly felt that they were the first loves they were touted to be. I couldn't identify with his first and second wives, Junaidah and Norizan either. Well, I got to know one was jealous and the other couldn't take his fame and being away most of the time but that was it. While it was never exactly clear why Saloma had developed feelings for P Ramlee (again, save for a song saying how her heart flutters, etc), it was the most convincing love story. And not taking anything away from Musly Ramlee for his brilliant impersonation of P Ramlee, characterization was the musical's biggest flaw.

Now, all that said, it's not entirely a bad production. There were comic moments which will have you laughing out loud and I truly enjoyed the moments when certain lines and antics were straight out of his movies.

The musical has its charms and its appeal that will capture the hearts of the masses no doubt. I heard aunties raving how brilliant they thought the production was at it was only at intermission mind you!

Overall, the production was very commendable and somewhat entertaining but for a musical about a legend like P Ramlee, I was really hoping for more.

Then again, Tan Sri left everyone early and forever wanting for more...

Queen - No One But You (Only The Good Die Young)

"A hand above the water
An angel reaching for the sky
Is it raining in heaven -
Do you want us to cry?

And everywhere the broken-hearted
On every lonely avenue
No-one could reach them
No-one but you

One by one
Only the Good die young
They're only flying too close to the sun
And life goes on -
Without you..."

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

2008-05-15T15:42:00.003Z

Quite honestly, I didn't really fancy The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe especially after Peter Jackson and team's success with Lord of the Rings. Well, the movie wasn't entirely bad though, because afterall, it inspired, The Chronicles of Maria!

This was a play I had written last year, spoofing the Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. It was about a domestic worker who had come to Singapore to study and to find work and ended up falling through a window. The window served as a portal for her to enter the land of Airam, where she discovered that she was the Chosen One who was supposed to overthrow the evil and ruthless Queen.

Prince Caspian, on the other hand, looks much better than the first movie. Although the scene at the train station has shades of Harry Potter (the comparisons are inevitable aren't they?), it brought about a sense of doom seeing the train pass the Pevensie children. The highlights of movies like these are usually the battle scenes and I must admit I'm one of those who have come to enjoy battle scenes that are simply put, good. Watching the trailer, it appears promising enough.

I'd watch Prince Caspian because I like a good fantasy story. Furthermore, there's a jolly good reason why C.S. Lewis' stories are timeless classics isn't there? Plus, you'd never what kind of inspirations I might get out of this movie after what happened with the first! Haha!

Oh oh, if you guys have yet to see the Prince Caspian trailer, you can view it at:
http://www.fighttosavenarnia.com.sg

Shh! Productions' First Audition Call!

2008-05-14T13:18:00.003Z

Hello one and all,

Shh! Productions, the Malay Drama group which I recently kick-started with Sam will be holding its first-ever auditions very soon! If you're keen to audition contact me!

English Version

Shh! Productions, a new Malay drama community group at Tampines Central CC will be holding auditions for its inaugural production inDecember 2008. This round of auditions is open to everyone between the ages of 16 to25.

No experience on stage is necessary and auditionees need not prepare anything in advance. Just be yourself and come join us! Do note that your involvement in this production, should you be accepted, is on a strictly voluntary basis as no payment is involved.

The auditions will be held at Tampines Central CC from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, 24th May 2008 and Sunday, 25th May 2008. Auditions are strictly by appointment only. To book an audition slot or for more enquiries, please contact Shaifulbahri at 96464115 or at shhproductions@gmail.com

Warmest Regards,
Mohamad Shaifulbahri
Manager
Shh! Productions

Another Caption Contest

2008-05-07T16:43:00.002Z

Alright all you readers! I'm going to give all of you another chance to win something!

I got comments that the last caption contest had a pretty boring photo.

So now, I've gone through the pictures I have and this is from my KL trip in March.

The person with the best caption will get to watch a free PLAY or MOVIE on me and with me!

How's that for a good deal right? So, what are you waiting for?

It's open to all of you, so just try your luck lah!

Here goes!

Okay then, deadline for this caption contest is 2359hrs, Sunday, 11th May 08.

Judges for this round are:
ME!
Stefan (Because he won the last round!)

Crunching Crutches

2008-05-03T17:29:00.003Z

I've never had to use crutches all my life despite having bad knee injuries before. Not until a few weeks back. And I must add a side note that Sam Salleh rejoiced in the fact that I was in crutches and that he could knock me down with his. Hmph.

Now, while yours truly is a Newcastle United fan, I'm not exactly the player type. I had played football a couple of times in camp but of late, wasn't really in the mood for any. And so the office mates decided to ask me yet again, convincing me it would be the last time I would be playing with 2 of them as they were going for BMT Recourse and won't see me again by the time they return as I'd have ORD-ed by then. So, I obliged. Boy, did it turn out to be the last time alright.

I was enjoying a good round of 3-on-3 street football, scoring freely and running around, getting a good workout. Until I decided to track back, be a hero and try to defend after a botched attack. I ran towards my opponent, caught up with him, put my best foot forward and managed to nudge the ball away just as he was about to kick it.

WHACK! It was my foot instead and the next thing I knew I was on the ground, in utter pain. And from that point, I couldn't walk. My right foot was a goner.

To cut a long story short, I'm off crutches now and I can walk better, the swelling's gone down. I was initially diagnosed with a badly sprained ankle and also accused by an officer in camp that I was faking it and had planned it to avoid IPPT mind you. And after my Specialist appointment, I was told that I have a torn ligament in my ankle. That explains why it still hurts when I walk for a distance or two and had to use crutches for a while.

I've got a follow-up appointment to see what's the next course of action and hopefully, the actual diagnosis. There's a tear but the extent can't be confirmed just yet as it's still pretty swollen on the inside.

Gees. What a time to get such a thing considering I'll be ORD-ing very soon.

That said, this is probably the worst injury of the lot although the knee injury I had in the early stages of NS had me limping for a long while. NS was also when I got chicken pox for the first time! And guess what, I was also down with a viral fever that almost knocked me out for 2 weeks! The doctors were worried that it was dengue. But thank god it wasn't the case.

I'm praying it's nothing too serious to warrant an operation or limit my mobility even further.
I need to move about! I'm not the idle type now am I? Haha.

eXtremely eXciting

2008-04-21T17:00:00.003Z

I'm excited. I really am.

In 40 days or less, I'll be done with the green or brown or camo, whichever tickles your fancy.
And I'll be away from unreasonable and compassion-less people whom I've come to known.
This past month or so, especially so, and pretty unfortunate timing too I must say, I've had encounters in camp with people others have started to abhor, attitudes and airs that have seen better days in an ant frenzy and care and concern are probably the last things on their minds. And oh, there's the constant and irritating school of thought where "I don't care how you do it, make sure you get it done" is encouraged.

As my tenure nears its end, these things serve as a constant reminder why the vast majority of us detest conscription to begin with. There's a strong possibility I'll be leaving with more bad memories than good ones.

Well, back to the exciting moments of my life!

The ORD production is more or less set and it'll be Short+Sweet Singapore 2008! As mentioned previously, I'll be directing a play. It's called "Aided", written by Anant Shiva.
I just met my cast of five on Sunday and I must say that I'm bloody excited for rehearsals to start! I've casted five wonderful people (okay wait, Yazid, you're not counted. Haha. Kidding) and it's going to be balls of fun. I had fun with Short+Sweet Singapore 2007. I'm looking forward to another season of love!

Then, if everything goes well with North East CDC, I should be directing "Monsoon" written by Aishah Mohd Noor & Chong Yihan. The duo who are fast ousting me as resident playwright of Yellow Chair Productions. I can't tell you much about the play though except that it's a love story between two fifteen year olds and the girl is allergic to the sun! Okay, that's as far as I will go!

I guess June will also be the period when I'll find out if I've been accepted into NUS. Yep. I applied for Theatre Studies. A tad too late but Admissions was kind enough to allow me to apply the appeal way.

It's really exciting coz beyond June, things are pretty vague, which isn't entirely a bad thing. I've got an offer for a bit of work and I've offered my services for another bit of work but till they're all confirmed, I wouldn't dare say them all out loud.

What's for sure though is that I'll be shuttling back and forth to KL from late June to early/mid August depending on how everything else works out. What for? Heh.
To my friends who went for the One True Love trip in March, maybe I might find JUNE in the month of June eh? Hehehe.

And I'm itching to write some movie reviews, interview some film-makers, oh you know, the things I did with MovieXclusive.com! I can't wait! Hear that guys?! I can't wait!

And beyond that, if you hear Shaiful finally venturing into film, don't be too surprised, you heard it here first!

Okay thanks bye. I've said too much.

Crutching Good Time

2008-04-20T16:53:00.002Z

Firstly, boo to all of you for not participating and allowing Stefan to win by default!

Tsk! No one wants a free movie huh?

In other news, I'm hobbling around on crutches for the time being!

Yours truly decided to join the camp mates in a bout of street soccer and got whacked in the right foot where the ball was supposed to be headed towards goal.

I can't walk using both feet just yet and there's this big scary vein that's popped up exactly where the ankle is. It's a pretty bad sprained ankle and I'll probably be better after a week of rest.

And it sucks that I've yet to finish up my blogging about my KL TRIP! Gees!

Caption Contest

2008-04-06T12:53:00.002Z

I was going through some of my older entries and I realised I haven't been holding a Caption Contest for the longest time!

So I thought to myself today, why not hold one?

If you've never heard of the Caption Contest, it goes like this...

1. Take a look at the caption below.

2. Come up with a witty caption by given deadline.

3. Leave the caption in my comments link.

4. I will judge and determine the best caption.

5. The winner will win something.

Can? Simple right? So caption away!

Here's a picture from the Chronicles of Maria!

So, this Caption Contest will be on till next Sunday, 13 April, Midnight!

The winner of the Caption Contest will get a FREE MOVIE OF YOUR CHOICE!
(Conditions apply: I must have not seen it and must watch with me! Haha!)

There are no limits to the number of entries though and I must somehow know you or you know in order for you to join. I also open this to my unknown readers who have been following my blog but I don't know who you are. And oh, must be based/residing in Singapore/or coming to Singapore anytime soon.

D'lish [210308 - 240308 Trip]

2008-04-02T12:35:00.004Z

And so the KL makan trip continues! We still had quite a distance to go before we could makan the one true love! Haha!

We walked around Mid Valley, contemplating what to eat. We stopped in front of various restaurants, looked inside then walked away. And soon enough, the group decided to settle on...

D'lish!

D'lish

This was because they remembered my blog entry about D'lish from my last trip in December.
Well, let's just say that no one of us regretted the visit.

Apparently, I had the same dish as the last time! Haha!
Chicken and Mushroom Carbonara. I think the serving was slightly bigger this time as it was pretty filling!

Had my Pasta with a side of Potato Salad dashed with Heinz Chilli!

This was some duck Pasta, forgot the name lah.

Taufiq looming over his duck pasta. He too finished his meal.

Zul's Peking Duck Breaded thingy which I tried.

I must say that although Duck did taste a lot like Chicken, the texture's a bit too weird for me.

I was a bit reluctant at first to go back to D'lish because while I said I enjoyed the cupcakes, I must say I jumped the gun a bit too fast the last time.

It wasn't until I visited Bisou that I discovered the true meaning of a cupcake.

Alas, I didn't have the cupcake this trip... I'm sure you'll know why. Hehe. Up next!

The Party Life

2008-03-31T12:16:00.004Z

Okay, I'm not gonna do just that but the key thing here is PARTY.

I'd love to post more about my KL trip especially the makan places like Bisou Bake Shop, etc but I guess that will have to wait a little longer as I'm going back to camp tonight.

In any case, the point I'm trying to make here is that I should be living my life the way I want it to be lived (not that I'm not to begin with).

I rummaged through some of the stuff from my kick-ass 21st birthday party and I saw a card that had this note inside:

"To Shaiful. Happy 21st. It's a time when you're legal all over the world. => It's a time to start your PARTY filled life. Have a good one & many happy returns"

The point here is I should stop pining and hoping for someone when she starts blowing hot and cold and making me very unsure about what's going on. No point in worrying about commitment to a significant other and worry about other things. I'm not saying it's not a wonderful thing, it's just that I'm 22. I should be living the life, baby. Some 17 year olds might agree with me on this.

So, I say, I will work equally hard and I will party equally hard.

Anyone of you wanna join me?

It's only just begun...

Carl's Jr in KL [210308 - 240308 Trip]

2008-03-26T09:31:00.004Z

Okay, so I'm not going to blog a very long entry about the trip, instead, I'll break it up into parts starting off with our experience at Carl's Jr located at The Pavilion.

This was our first official makan stop on the trip, one that was a very late lunch, no thanks to the increased security at the 2nd link and the bloody traffic in KL!

The only other thing I've consumed at Carl's Jr Singapore is well, the criss cut fries (which I actually like) but when we were in KL, goodbye criss cut fries!

An all-halal Carl's Jr! Woot! And so, I finally got to taste what my dear friend Richard loves!

BIGGER is BETTER. Right girls? Heh.

My choice of the day, Charboiled Chicken Club. I didn't know what to choose, so I went with the safest bet, Chicken!

Chilli Beef Fries. Zul remarked it's like having fries with rendang. And it tasted great!

My burger. This was one time I didn't remove the tomato and greens! And anyone who knows me should know by now that I dislike greens or tomatoes or the like. But this one time, I gave in and what joy I found in my mouth!

Post-POP Zul hamming it up for the camera.

All gone! And oh, I had 2 unlucky instances when I spilled both my drink and Taufiq's when I was talking about other people. See what talking behind people's back can do to you?

No ham to go around so allow the drama people to ham it up for you a little.

Urm...the standee says it best I guess.

One True Love Trip Snippets

2008-03-23T18:37:00.004Z

So hey, I'm back from the trip up north and I found my one true love.
It appears the trip has been unofficially dubbed the "One True Love" trip for various reasons.

Anyways, it's mighty late right now and I've got to get back to camp in a few hours.
So, I can't write a lengthy blog entry, post the photos on Facebook or email them to those who have requested for the pics. I promise I'll get it done by next weekend latest!

But, because you're all wonderful people, I have some snippets of our trip.

Godfather. Although he can't cook Italian Food for nuts.

Some of you might recognise the room where this supposed-Zen-inspired photo was taken in.

I thought there were celebrity spottings around KL. I could be wrong.

We were an extremely hungry bunch. *Ehem* Tak senonoh

The official "Muallaf" poster. (but if use a microscope, you'll see it's a bit salah)
Waiting for the movie to be released in cinemas is one thing, waiting for the poster to be out in cinemas is another!

and but of course...

BISOU!

Runaway Trip to Meet My One True Love

2008-03-20T19:18:00.003Z

I really hate to say this, but I really do miss Hong Kong (mainly because I only went last year and I shan't go into a long entry about the UK and NZ. Haha!)

I'll be taking a runaway trip somewhere in the next 3 days.
I'm contactable though as long as you're not calling FROM camp or with intentions of talking ABOUT camp. (Btw, 70 days to ORD loh)

Hong Kong was on the shortlist for this March's sudden runaway trip.
But, it didn't end up being the winning destination mainly due to the time I had to plan the trip.

Good news is though, there are 5 of us going up this time!

And I have friends waiting for me there who will be meeting us!

And of course, my one true love over there is waiting for me...

Heh. KL.

Juno what's happening in June?

2008-03-19T13:22:00.003Z

Let me make it Short & Sweet about what's coming up in the month of June.

I'm hopeful with regards to a certain Mini, there's a chance I might be doing cross-country with a certain Talent-Time and after which a hell of a Monsoon will descend upon a Yellow Chair.

All that and more including the last three letters of RECORD. Nyehehehe. Oh wait. That's in May isn't it?

Uni Blues

2008-03-17T03:25:00.001Z

I've thought long and hard and I've decided.

I'll be applying for both full-time and part-time Uni.

Let's see which one wants me. Haha.

Shh! Productions

2008-03-09T11:59:00.002Z

So, the OSCARS are done with. Didn't do too badly but I lost yet again! Haha. Oh well, it will by my year some day soon.

In other news, I'm making my official foray into the Malay performing arts.

Shh! Productions has kickstarted at Tampines Central CC.

It's led by my friend, Sam Salleh, who's the Artistic Director and yours truly is the Manager of the club.

Our first play could be up as early as August. So, keep your ears peeled open!

Anyone keen on helping out with Malay drama? Hit me!

80th Annual Academy Awards Predictions

2008-02-24T19:51:00.003Z

And here are my predictions for the 80th Annual Academy Awards.
Strangely enough, the betting pool has been reduced to 4 people this year!
25% chance of winning!

BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Prediction: No Country for Old Men
I want to say Atonement I really do. But the exclusion of director Joe Wright and the film losing steam in the race leading up to today, I think it will be an all american tale.

ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
Julian Schnabel - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Jason Reitman - Juno
Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will Be Blood

Prediction: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
This is more or less a no-brainer. It's not time for PT Anderson to win it just yet but Julian Schnabel is the dark horse who might just snatch it from the Coens. Odd that his film wasn't nominated for Best Picture or Best Foreign Language Film!

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
George Clooney - Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Tommy Lee Jones - In the Valley of Elah
Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises

Prediction: Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood
Hands down Daniel Day-Lewis. Another year when an actor completely loses himself in a role. But the swinging singing Johnny could have a few blades up his sleeve. But maybe not.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie - Away From Her
Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose
Laura Linney - The Savages
Ellen Page - Juno

Prediction: Julie Christie - Away From Her
This is a 2 way fight. The French versue the Brit. Uglify versus sentimentality. I think sentimental wins it this time.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Casey Affleck - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Charlie Wilson's War
Hal Holbrook - Into the Wild
Tom Wilkinson - Michael Clayton

Prediction: Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
Bardem's portrayal of the character was so chilling, I felt unsettled. It takes class to do just that.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There
Ruby Dee - American Gangster
Saoirse Ronan - Atonement
Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton

Prediction: Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone
Of all the acting categories, this one's the widest one. Cate as Bob Dylan can walk away with the Oscar repeating Hilary Swank's double but I'm going ahead with Amy Ryan's white trash in Gone Baby Gone.

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY*
Christopher Hampton - Atonement
Sarah Polley - Away From Her
Ronald Harwood - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will Be Blood

Prediction: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men

Once again, I want to say Atonement but I think the Coens have really outdone themselves this year compared to the Fargo success 12 years ago. Possibly one of the hardest categories.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Diablo Cody - Juno
Nancy Oliver - Lars and the Real Girl
Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton
Brad Bird - Ratatouille
Tamara Jenkins - The Savages

Prediction: Diablo Cody - Juno
It will be irresponsible to say NO to Juno.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR
Beaufort (Israel)
The Counterfeiters (Austria)
Katyn (Poland)
Mongol (Kazakhstan)
12 (Russia)

Prediction: Mongol (Kazakhstan)
I must be mad to go against everyone else and put my faith in a film about Genghis Khan. But then again, just look at the nominees. One of the weirdest and anti-climatic set of nominees for this category in recent years.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR
Persepolis
Ratatouille
Surf's Up

Prediction: Persepolis
This category is possibly the one that makes or breaks my predictions. Enough of the Pixar-y stuff already. Time for some serious shite. And Persepolis is actually that darned good.

ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION
American Gangster
Art Direction: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Beth A. Rubino
Atonement
Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
The Golden Compass
Art Direction: Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Art Direction: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
There Will Be Blood
Art Direction: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Prediction: Sweeney Todd
Tim Burton made the right choice not to go green screen for Sweeney and he might be right.

ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
Roger Deakins - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Seamus McGarvey - Atonement
Janusz Kaminski - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Roger Deakins - No Country for Old Men
Robert Elswit - There Will Be Blood

Prediction: Roger Deakins - No Country for Old Men
Roger Deakins will walk away with this one but for which? It's probably safe to trust the Coens.

ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
Albert Wolsky - Across the Universe
Jacqueline Durran - Atonement
Alexandra Byrne - Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Marit Allen - La Vie en Rose
Colleen Atwood - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Prediction: Jacqueline Durran - Atonement
Atonement. For its elegance. As much as I love Universe, it's too simple. Elizabeth is bleah. Same for Rose. Sweeney has Atwood who has too many Oscars.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
No End in Sight
Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience
Sicko
Taxi to the Dark Side
War/Dance

Prediction: Taxi to the Dark Side
I don't think the Academy will reward Michael Moore again just yet. 3-US Army related docs, I'd go with the more serious and possibly compelling of the lot.

ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING
Christopher Rouse - The Bourne Ultimatum
Juliette Welfling - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Jay Cassidy - Into the Wild
Roderick Jaynes - No Country for Old Men
Dylan Tichenor - There Will Be Blood

Prediction: Juliette Welfling - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Diving Bell is a deserving film and this is the one category where the probability of winning is most apt.

ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP
Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald - La Vie en Rose
Rick Baker and Kazuhiro Tsuji - Norbit
Ve Neill and Martin Samuel - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Prediction: Ve Neill and Martin Samuel - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Pirates. For the hell of it.

ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURES (ORIGINAL SCORE)
Dario Marianelli - Atonement
Alberto Iglesias - The Kite Runner
James Newton Howard - Michael Clayton
Michael Giacchino - Ratatouille
Marco Beltrami - 3:10 to Yuma

Prediction: Dario Marianelli - Atonement
Dario Marianelli hands down. Giacchino's a Dark Horse but he did better with the Incredibles.

ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURES (ORIGINAL SONG)
"Falling Slowly" - Once
Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and: Marketa Irglova
"Happy Working Song" - Enchanted
Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"Raise It Up" - August Rush
Nominees to be determined "So Close" - Enchanted
Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"That's How You Know" - Enchanted
Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

Prediction: "Falling Slowly" - Once
As the Dreamgirls learnt last year, strength in numbers doesn't apply to this category. Listen to Falling Slowly and you'll know just why it should win.

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING
Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis - The Bourne Ultimatum
Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter Kurland - No Country for Old Men
Randy Thom, Michael Semanick and Doc Kane - Ratatouille
Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Jim Stuebe - 3:10 to Yuma
Kevin O'Connell, Greg P. Russell and Peter J. Devlin - Transformers

Prediction: Transformers
Transformers will be the Matrix of this year.

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING
Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg - The Bourne Ultimatum
Skip Lievsay - No Country for Old Men
Randy Thom and Michael Silvers - Ratatouille
Matthew Wood - There Will Be Blood
Ethan Van der Ryn and Mike Hopkins - Transformers

Prediction: Transformers
As above.

ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS
Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood - The Golden Compass
John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and John Frazier - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End*
Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Russell Earl and John Frazier - Transformers

Prediction: Transformers
As above.

The remaining categories are pretty random. Hoping for good luck!

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Freeheld
La Corona (The Crown)
Salim Baba
Sari's Mother

Prediction: Sari's Mother

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
I Met the Walrus
Madame Tutli-Putli
Même Les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)
My Love (Moya Lyubov)
Peter & the Wolf

Prediction: I am the Walrus
Because it's about John Lennon, dammit!

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Om natten (At Night)
Il Supplente (The Substitute)
Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)
Tanghi Argentini
The Tonto Woman

Prediction: Om natten (At Night)

Time You Won

2008-02-24T18:43:00.002Z

"You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won"

I hope you move on. Completely.

Upset

2008-02-15T18:02:00.001Z

I am upset at how things have come to this. I've given my time and service and have asked for nothing more in return. I am upset at the way I have been treated with regards to this issue.

Sigh.

Friendly Love

2008-02-14T19:35:00.003Z

There are long days when you never want them to end and then there are days like today which seem just dreadfully wrong.

My V-day was spent entertaining a shitload of well, shit in camp. And then there were the other problems outside of camp I had to tend to. I'm glad to learn that my mentor is my mentor for the right reasons.

Those problems aside, V-day dinner was with Mummy. Haha. Right after I booked out. At home too.

Then certain unexpected things happened. But I'm thankful for the 2 friends I met up with today. The best part of my day.

In fact, I'm thankful for all my friends, who will love me no matter what.

To all my friends, I haven't seen some of you in a while. Let's go out shall we?

The Tale of Shoulds

2008-02-09T19:56:00.001Z

So, the question now is, well...

Should I or should I not?

Brandi Carlile

2008-02-03T13:14:00.000Z

I still love Rachael Yamagata but I also loveeeee Brandi Carlile now! Listen to her!

Esplanade are you listening? Bring her for MOSAIC 2009!

Remembing Heath Ledger

2008-01-27T16:55:00.000Z

I always get sick in my stomach when I hear of the passing of an actor or performer.
But Heath Ledger's passing really felt like a kick in the gut.

Why you ask? Because we're only left with the fantastic acts he's pulled on the screen and we can't see more from him.

Here was an actor from our generation, one who could possibly be the Gary Oldman of our time for his ability to disappear into a character and doing it so darn well too. (An exception would be Johnny Depp of course but he's in a league of his own) Sigh.

I'm thinking of organizing a Heath Ledger evening or marathon. What will happen is that we will watch his movies and then go straight to the cinemas for a screening of The Dark Knight. What say you? Anyone keen on this?

Goodbye Heath. Thanks for the memories.

Making it Happen!

2008-01-13T16:43:00.000Z

I have always believed that only you can make what you want to happen, happen.

And when you want something to happen, you will work as hard as you can to achieve it.

And most importantly, you put you heart into it.

Tonight's conversations reaffirmed that.

So, friends, if you think we can make extraordinary things work, please feel free to talk to me about it.

2008 will be a fantastic year. I can feel it. It will be.

The 2-2

2008-01-08T17:31:00.000Z

Happy Belated Birthday to Me.

I've turned 22.

And now, to a fantastic 2008! :)

WAWAS KL Trip

2008-01-03T08:15:00.000Z

Well, I have yet to post up pics of my trip to Hong Kong, but I've got the pics from my recent one to KL!

The highlight and main reason of the trip was to watch Sang Singa Purba (SSP), SP's resident Malay Drama Club perform WAWAS at the Stor Theatre at Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka, KL.

This short trip ended up being one that was food, cultural and arts galore! Haha!

So, let's have a pictorial account of my trip shall we?

I was greeted by my friend, Allan and we went straight for the cinemas! We watch AVP 2 and Flower in the Pocket by Liew Seng Tat.

Allan and I in front of a Xmas tree at MidValley.

And it was at MidValley that we had dinner at D'lish!
This was all thanks to http://quaintly.net and her visit to the place.

Aren't we all? Hehe

The spread

Cupcakes!

The deli section

What do you want to eat?

Chicken and Turkey Ham Spaghetti, not too shabby, very creamy, very cheap. Haha.

Some Udon dish Allan had.

And then we both had cupcakes. This was mine, in its natural galore!

Tempted to Touch

The Terminator also wants some!

That's it, I gave in. The aftertaste of the icing stuck to my mouth feeling almost like Styrofoam but it tasted anything like! Haha! I enjoyed it.

A little dash of humour with dinner, Monsieur?

Cars that look like paper clips! Haha

You know, the thing about Ramly Burgers is that no matter what, the ones in Malaysia cannot beat the ones in Singapore, at all! I had an even more decadent bite of Ramly from a streetside vendor. And it was a blast! Must be the grease. Hmm...

The Ramly

Now, one of the other reasons for my trip, which also became a highlight pretty much was to find this cafe called Bisou. If you enjoy the nice pic above, then you will be sure to enjoy going to Bisou. I went by myself coz apparently no one's heard of the place! Alas, I found it, wasn't too hard though. Haha. Here we go!

BISOU!

The one in light brown is called Love Me Tender, it's a Peanut Butter cupcake and the chocolate laden one is one that's filled with NUTELLA!

Naturally, I ravaged the ones I had ordered.

I will be very honest here at this point in my post. Everytime I go up to KL from now on, I must make it a point to visit BISOU. I didn't know what to expect when I stepped into the quaint little place but I fell in love and I fell in love hard. The cupcakes were heaven made. In fact, I cannot fathom how a place so sweet and so charming could be filled with a decadent array of treats. I really felt like I had sinned but boy, this was a good one. Haha.

The cupcakes were very filling and the icings were generous and rich. Every bite was a little explosion. I enjoyed myself so much I brought some back to the hotel so Mum could try them and I got the whole SSP team a box of these lovely delectables!

I miss BISOU already.
And oh, must thank http://quaintly.net again for this gem of a find!

BISOU is located at 53, Jalan Doraisamy, KL. Take a cab lah! Hehe

And then, I headed to KLCC by myself again coz Allan was having a bad stomach. What was my trip to KLCC for? Lunch at A&W, now non-existent in Singapore and i hear very few branches left in KL.

Oddly enough, I had m Root Beer without Ice-cream! Silly me!

Oh don't you miss these too? Hehe. Oddly enough also, I didn't have the Waffles. Disappointing lah Shaiful!

I stumbled upon this, Avenue K, Malaysia's very own spoof of Avenue Q. HAHAH!

And because Allan was delayed yet again, I visited Dunkin Donuts. The visit reconfirmed my thoughts that there is no chance in hell Dunkin Donuts can match up to our very own Munchy Donuts and the very elusive, Krispy Kreme.

When I finally met Allan, he brought me to Central Market and it was there that we visited some exhibitions. There was this Batik exhibition.

Okay, picture this.

Now, imagine the previous pic being the inside of this swivel. And yes, I crawled into the swivel. Hahaha! And I got quite a treat! But I got a bit giddy too.

Besides a cupcake craze in Malaysia, there's also the Angkasawan (Astronaut) craze. They sewed batik prints onto the suits! It was a tad scary in the room though.

Tried Nando's instead of Kenny Rogers'.

Let's just say it was a regrettable choice. But hey, at least the counter girl was pretty!

And when dinner was over, Mum and I went to watch SSP in action!

The Stor Theatre. Reminds you of the Substation's Guiness Theatre doesn't it?

SSP once again, never fails to entertain with their creativity and originality. Pity it was such a small audience but I stand by what I've been saying. They're the leading Malay Drama group among all the other polys.

The programme and the ticket! I made the biggest boo-boo of the trip by not taking a pic with Zana Girl or anyone of the SSP team for that matter!

Work never ends. Haha. That document you see on my laptop is part of the Student Care Service Centre Musical I'm doing in June! *Glares at all you people involved who are reading this!* WAHHAAHA!

And then, the next morning I was off for Singapore. It was brief but I probably piled on the pounds!!!

World Aids Day - a double bill production

2007-12-31T20:03:00.001Z

Alrighty family and friends, Yellow Chair Productions (YCP) is back with another play, okay, make that 2 plays since it's a double-bill production.

Yours truly is the producer of the event and will also be acting in one of the plays as a lawyer who has AIDS. In 2 1/2 years, this is my most meatier role ever as an actor with YCP. Haha.

The synopses for the 2 plays are as follow:

The Life of Vanessa

Vanessa is dying. Her life is less than perfect compared to her peers.
To compensate for all the pain she has caused in her family, she
decided to live a life filled with bad company, booze and drug. But
one day, she decided to leave everything behind when she finds out
that she is dying from a terminal illness – AIDS. However, her road of
recovery isn't easy even by visiting her father. Soon, she wonders if
it has been the environment she is going against or herself. With the
help of her ex-boyfriend, Beng, she finds herself embarking on an
inspiring journey of love, faith and redemption.

AIDS Anthology: Judgement Day

Judgement Day awaits for a group of deceased AIDS patients. A
homosexual male, a drug addict, a prostitute, an adulterer and a
teenage girl all got AIDS from different sources. Will they go to
heaven or will they go to hell? How will they plead their cases? Given
a choice, which will they choose?

The details of the event are as follow:

When:
Fri, 18th January 2008
Sat, 19th January 2008

Time:
730pm

Venue:
Tampines East CC Auditorium
10, Tampines St 23

Tickets:
$8

To get tickets:
Call Ella 97365166
or Tampines Central CC 67850004

Come and support the youths of today and a good cause too while you're at it!

My Top 10 Movies of 2007

2007-12-31T10:21:00.000Z

I only managed to watch a pathetic 93 films in total for 2007. And not all were theatrical releases at that.
Nonetheless, I've managed to conjure my own Top 10 Movies of 2007 list based on what I've seen and this is how it looks like.

10. Lust, Caution

The controversy and all aside, it was a pretty engaging movie to me at least. Haha. And this was minus the sex too, which is why it's placed at number 10 and not higher. Something was lost with the cut version. Tony Leung is as fantastic as ever, newcomer Tang Wei is a future powerhouse and Ang Lee, scores yet again.

9. Across the Universe

The jukebox movie musical that has pretty much left audiences divided; you'll like it or you won't. Still, the movie hits many right notes, including its casting and its reinvention of the Beatles' songs. Sure, it's a bit contrived, has some bizzare moments and is a tad long, but it's a pretty spectacle at the end of the day.

8. 28 Weeks Later

If you want THE zombie movie, 28 Weeks Later probably takes the cake. It is vicious, violent and scary enough to make you wince in your seat while making you think of the many what-ifs.

7. Stardust

Just when everyone thought that the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman's well loved book was going to be bad, Matthew Vaughn surprised us with what he come up with. With the exception of a badly thought of ending, which wasn't exactly the way it was written in the book, it had an almost perfect idea of what a fantasy film should be.

6. Superbad

Superbad was FAR from being Superbad! Haha! This gross but indulgent movie became the sleeper hit of the year and also made McLovin, one of the most memorable characters to grace our silver screens in 2007. More of McLovin I say, and goodbye American Pie.

5. Bridge to Terabithia

This is a surprise entry which honestly started off as a surprise movie for me. I had never read or heard of the book prior to its release and I went into the cinemas alone on a Sunday afternoon expecting a feel good movie but this one ended up being a tearjerker that really made me weep! The extremely moving scene is fantastically well-executed, in which, what was spoken was louder than what could be shown.

4. 300

Following in the footsteps of Sin City, 300 muscled its way onto the silver screen and ravaged the box office worldwide. The page by page captured adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name, brought the genre to a new level and excitement to the blockbuster. This also cemented Gerard Butler's position as a leading action man and many spoofs galore later!

3. Hairspray

It's not often that a movie comes along with serious themes and issues but doesn't take itself or the themes seriously. Hairspray is one of them. While dealing with racial divides and segregation, Hairspray successfully tells its tale with charming characters and bubblegum wrapped music that gives it a potent combination.

2. The Bourne Ultimatum

I never thought I'd name a threequel as my #2 movie of the year! The Bourne Ultimatum surpassed its predecessors in every aspect from character development to pure, bare-bone grit that was pretty nail-biting till the end. Paul Greengrass has reinvented the spy thriller and made it his own. Everyone aspiring to make a spy movie should learn from this one. And Matt Damon has probably come full circle with his career, playing one of his most memorable characters to date.

1. Pan's Labyrinth

And this brings us to Numero Uno, which also happens to be a Spanish Film. When I first saw this film in January, I said that it will be in my Top 10 no matter what but I'm quite surprised that no other movie I saw in 2007 could top this one. The chilling and melancholic tale of Ofelia, a young girl, during the Spanish Civil War and her fantasies blur the line between what is real and what is a figment of one's imagination. To top it off, it's bittersweet ending remains one of the most unexpected scenes on the silver screen.

That rounds up my Top 10 for 2007!

I regret to inform that the likes of Mukhsin and 881 didn't make it into my Top 10 this year mainly because I still think Gubra or Sepet are Yasmin's better works and I still rate Be With Me as my Numero Uno Singapore film.

Decadence

2007-12-22T16:53:00.000Z

It's funny how Shaz said my entries packed a punch and for me to look at them later and discover that my last few were anything but.

Well, I thought to myself, perhaps I should get back on track to doing proper blogging and actually updating my god-forsaken links while I'm at it!

In any case, before I get about to doing all that, I actually have a script due this Monday so I'm burning the midnight oil and more to finish it!

Meanwhile, I shall blog about something decadent that happened today.

Oh oh. Before I get to that proper, let me just point out that when it comes to good food, I go really weak in the knees. Not the stomach of course, the stomach's the mighty one when it comes to the goods.

After a simple round of Popeye's, I had a very sinful double scoop of New York Super Fudge Chunk & Chocolate Fudge Brownie topped with Chopped Peanuts and Hot Fudge. Oh mein gott.

I blame Ben & Jerry's for all that chocolate. Straight to the stomach. I've sinned. Sigh.

And then, on the way home, I stopped by the night market that was happening at the interchange and it was there that I bought my dinner.

If the ice-cream was sinful, this was outrightly sinful, shameful and top-of-the-pops, hands down, decadent.

I had...

Ramly Burger.

The chicken patty was sliced into half. The guy threw some pepper and other seasonings inside. While he did this, he simmmered the buns and then he put the two halves back together and threw a whole dollop of chilli, black pepper sauce and mayo right on top of it. He then threw the seasoned patty onto the egg and when it was ready, it was folded and placed into the container.

And when I bit into it at home, the flavours flew out and into my mouth and it was there and then that I knew I had to start repenting, just as the different sauces dripped not-so-subtly down my fingers.

A good Ramly Burger always makes your day doesn't it?

Happy.

2007-12-14T18:40:00.000Z

Zul's enlistment tomorrow got me a lil' philosophical for some weird reason.

During the course of the day, I had a brief moment when it occurred to me, not that I didn't know it already, that I am actually very happy with my life. :)

Workshop!

2007-12-08T18:04:00.000Z

I am really going for it. Wow. Haha.

I've paid for it and I'll be spending 10 hours doing it.

Me going for a full day workshop. Heh.

Finally. Yay!

This marks the beginning to a much bigger thing but at the same time, a symbolism of something that will end in say...less than 6 months?

I smell my Pink IC already. Gimme gimme gimme.

Quickie

2007-11-25T16:47:00.000Z

Wowee.

I should blog. Wait. I need to blog more.

I've returned from Hong Kong and I've been busy with stuff.

I've got tons of pics from various events to share but all in due time. It's easier if you've got a Facebook account.

Facebook is slowly taking over our lives!!!!

Soon soon!

Hong Kong Hong Kong!

2007-10-28T18:07:00.000Z

I can't believe it. It's finally gonna happen. The last time it was supposed to happen, I was hit by the chicken pox.

I finally get to get out of town.

That's right. I'm leaving for Hong Kong in a few hours time.

That means, I'll get to get some fresh air.

And I'll have some peace of mind.

Away from camp.

Away from everything.

But I'm bringing my laptop to do work over there lah. :p

And shopping. Damn, might not have much time to do it. We'll see what happens.

Still, most of the time will be spent with the badminton clan.

My Dad's got the event up in Hong Kong and asked my Mum and I wanted to go.

Of course we said yes. Like duh.

And so, don't miss me too much. I know you won't.

I'll be back before you can even say...urm...say...oh pooh. you get the idea.

So, till then, I love you all.

Tata!

A-part

2007-10-19T20:05:00.000Z

Tis' funny how things can start so easily yet it's not funny when it ends so quickly.

In any case, many things have happened in the past month and hey, it's a week into Hari Raya!

Well, I have pictures from the celebrations but I'm too tired to put them up at the moment. Will do so in due time! Promise!

But on to what's more important...

I guess, at the end of the day, God wanted me to taste a slice of heaven. Guess he wanted me to slow down a little. But, I didn't know the period, would be well, short. And now, he's yanked it away from me and I'm saying it in all fairness to you too I hope.

It's always good to talk, to clear things up. And on top of that, the festivities and the endless negotiations which I bore you with are well, much welcome distractions.

Partings are never easy...but

The hurt ends today.

But don't any of you worry at all,

For I am strong.

And tomorrow is a new day.

Maria Captions!

2007-09-26T04:02:00.000Z

Oh please ignore the layout of this darned thing. I wanted to centralize everything but totally forgot to do it and I'm too lazy to go and re-do everything.

In any case, since I had a teeny bit of time on my hands, I decided to put up some of the Maria pics I kopek-ed from other people's blogs a while back and caption them!

I think the pics came from Nurul though.
Here goes!

Guess who's got a pocket full of posies? Nyehehe.

Everyone loves a good Bollywood tune.

Joyce: I love it when my Queen gives me things phallic.

Mmm. Chosen One, before I get you out of the window, let me have a feel...

Song of choice: Tempted to Touch

Dhaniah: Oh shit. I must've woken up in the hood again!

Yazid: It's true! I can take it deep!

A Recuperative Musing

2007-09-21T17:53:00.000Z

Had it been in a film or part of a wannabe-playwright's manuscript, the scene would probably have called for an ash-filled ashtray, on the table next to her. And oh, with the tiniest hints of smoke sussing out from her last cigarette.

I picture this because I think the look of it all would be cool, not the smoking, thank you. But because this is real life, and this is mine, there isn't an ashtray anywhere in sight.

And then I picture the girl. You know, she's probably wearing Factory Girl kinda shades, she's probably waif-like. She's probably in stilettos that make her too tall for her own good and they're in god-awful red. I mean, I like red, but her red is just too, over-bearing. And that dress of hers. Which white tiger did she skin alive? For heaven's sake, someone one tell her animal prints are passe.

But as you can see, this could only be true in the case of an advert in a fashion magazine or an upcoming photojourno's portfolio. Not in my life. No chance in hell I'd meet a Sienna Miller in Factory Girl look-a-like.

And then what?

And then Edna Turnblad steps into my room, pulls me up and forces me to join the ensemble which miraculously appears out of nowhere and in sync, we sing:
"Cause the world keeps spinning round and round,
And my heart's keeping time to the speed of sound.
I was lost till I heard the drums then I found my way,
Cause you can't stop the beat!" and more of course... but I shan't bore you with the lyrics.

Now this I fancy happening more so than the former.

And then my parents would probably go into a frenzy trying to chase all these crazy cross-dressing kids out of my place. But after a while, they laugh and come on, everyone loves a friend in drag. So, they allow the kids to stay and we continue with our singing, the whole bloody repetoire of Hairspray.

And then I shall stop here.

As you can see, what you have just read is the result of a recuperating patient's musings. =)

The Fluctuating Fever

2007-09-17T09:28:00.000Z

It has been 6 days now since the thermometer and pills have become my closest bedside companions. The fever is still fluctuating and here I am typing this during one of those rare moments when it has decided to take a rest from tormenting me.

Having to perform with a burning fever is one of the worst feelings in the world. The aftermath was worst.

In any case, while the doctor at the hospital has said that it could be/could not be dengue, closer to home, my Dad and Zul and probably everyone else is attributing it to being overworked.

Heck, I'm beginning to wonder if my mind really is separate from my body. Despite being all lethargic and half-dead last night, I just couldn't sleep. My mind was thinking about this and that without my being able to control it. Sigh.

If any, this mystery illness has allowed me to yes, lay back and rest for a little. And in doing so, I've had time to review certain aspects of my life, namely my craft. It has caused me to think about really taking a break from it for the last quarter of this year. It's time for others to have their moment too and now's a good time.

Once I'm well-rested, I can face 2008 head on because 2008 is truly, looking to be a much better year than what I thought 2007 would be. But hey, as much as I foresee things that will make me happy, there will be things that will be guaranteed to slice my heart and Zul's into a million pieces.

It's the Time to Disco

2007-09-10T16:13:00.000Z

If there ever comes a time where I feel like quitting theatre, I could alway turn to Disco. Or as what Charlie would say, "He's channeling Edna Turnblad".

Ok what. Disco Inferno in drag.

Amazing

2007-09-05T17:40:00.000Z

There's so many things I need to blog about. I know some of you want to read juicy details about certain things.

Yet, I don't have the urge or the want to blog about my thoughts at the moment. Just because, actually. Or maybe I'm becoming a bit lazier.

In any case, here's a thought:

It's amazing when something amazing makes your life amazing when you don't expect it to be as amazing, especially this amazing month, which has been well, amazing.

=)

The Chronicles of Maria

2007-08-13T18:07:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

Yellow Chair Productions and Tampines Central CC YEC present 'The Chronicles of Maria,' a play that has been fully conceptualised and developed solely by youths who love theatre, with little professional help.

Maria, arrives in Singapore to study medicine at a university and later takes up a part-time job as a domestic helper, inspired by her best friend, Susie. Faced with having to balance school and work, Maria has to endure the circumstances of working for a rigid employer and finding time to fall in love with a fellow foreigner, Azlan.

Meanwhile, a mysterious hooded figure keeps appearing, warning Maria of her fate. Puzzled by the hooded figure's words, Maria accidentally stumbles upon a portal which transports her to the kingdom of Airam. There, she discovers that she is the Chosen One who is destined to stop the ruthless Queen Zahira from her rule.

Since 2005, Yellow Chair Productions has been encouraging and providing youths between the ages of 17-21 with a platform to showcase their talents and works. Following tradition, Yellow Chair Productions has increased the age group from 13-25 for 'The Chronicles of Maria'. Yellow Chair Productions has also been developing shows for the community and hope to work with schools. The team also intends to rope in more youths to be a part of a vibrant and passionate family of youths who love doing what they do.

The Chronicles of Maria

24th August 2007 (Friday) - 7:30pm

25th August 2007 (Saturday) - 2pm, 7:30pm

Venue: DBS Auditorium
6 Shenton Way, DBS Building Tower One

Tickets: $20, $25

Tickets are available through www.Gatecrash.com.sg or call Gatecrash hotline 6222 5595.
Tickets are also available at all Singpost Branchs & S.A.M. Kiosks.

For enquiries regarding The Chronicles of Maria or Yellow Chair Productions, please contact Shaiful at 96464115 or Zul at 81684847.
More information can be found at http://yellowchairproductions.com or http://www.cultureshiok.pa.gov.sg/Content/EventDtl.aspx?Event=11072595&Month=August

Warmest Regards,
Mohamad Shaifulbahri
Artistic Director
Yellow Chair Productions

I Like It

2007-08-12T04:47:00.000Z

I like it,
When she traces her fingers on my palm,
When her finger touches mine,
When I allow her finger to travel up my arm.

I like it,
When she looks at me with her semi-hazel eyes,
When she gazes back when I gaze at her,
When she she looks beyond and doesn't notice me looking.

I like it,
When my fingers trace her lips,
When my fingers tickle her ears,
When my fingers feel the smoothness of her cheeks.

I like it,
When she says random things at the right times,
When tries to answer my calls in the morning,
When she wishes me goodnight.

I like it,
When she scrunches her nose wanting to act cute,
When she pouts trying to act cute,
When she blushes and actually looks cute.

I like it,
When I have lots more to say but I don't want to,
When you are wondering who I'm talking about,
When you ponder if all this is true.

I like it,
This feeling.

Object of My Affection

2007-08-05T12:54:00.000Z

And there she walked under the moonless sky,
Her feet bare, naked to the cold.
Her head nestled onto my shoulder,
Her beating heart, a charming tool.

And now, she's become,
The object of my affection.

To Crash and To Burn

2007-07-16T11:25:00.000Z

I read this off someone's blog, someone who doesn't know me...YET.

"You have to hit rock bottom before you make your way up again."

How true, I said to myself.

You see, I'm certain each one of us has that little bit of a sadist nature in all of us, for most, tucked deeply away in the darkest corners of our hearts.

And if you want to know my secret sadist wish, this is it.

With the amount of projects piling up on my plate, I secretly long for a day where I will crash and burn, totally exhausted, my body numb where I cannot muster enough strength to even speak. But, when all of it is out of the system, I will stand stronger than before and I continue doing the things I do just like before, only with an added zest.

It's somewhat like a mini-rebirth.

I've had it once a couple of years back but till the next one comes then...

History Crumbles

2007-07-02T11:36:00.000Z

Being a part of history always makes one feel important especially when it is strongly affiliated with the country.

Courtest of Yaz who is on attachment at the Sports Council, Fiq and I got a pair of tickets. I mean, grandstand seats on the final day? Who was to complain?

And so, after a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Australians (but we had our moments, we could've scored), the finale that followed was fitting but somehow a tad disappointing.

The highlight of the evening though had to be the Kallang Wave. It was never the same as the matches from yesteryear but it sufficed I guess. Fiq and I were two crazed fellows, lost in the anticipation for our turn to do the wave.

And when the Stadium crumbles, so will the memories of the place. But I guess, the new Sports Hub will be a fitting piece to the newer and bigger puzzle that Singapore is piecing.

RIP Chris Benoit

2007-06-27T08:45:00.000Z

If there is one thing that many don't know is that wrestling has been very much a part of my life since I was a child. Of course, grappling with my father and cousin back then doesn't count as actually wrestling but I grew up watching the sport. In fact, besides the tons of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures I had, I also had almost every known wrestler action figure in my possession, complete with the wrestling ring. And it also of no surprise then that I would recreate my own star-studded dream matches which only fans could dream of seeing. That, coupled with the fact that wrestling is called sports entertainment, come to think of it, might have been a contributing factor to my liking for theatrics. HAHA.

Still, I've been more of a reader in recent times than a spectator. I've to resort to WWE.com for up to date results of weekly shows considering I've absolute zero time to watch it on TV.

So, what's the point of this entry on wrestling then you ask?

On a more sombre note, the picture above is that of Chris Benoit, who recently passed and even made the cover page of our local papers. Next to him is his best friend, the late Eddie Guerrero. Both men represent and embody what wrestling is all about. They both had to battle their demons and have had their fair share of having to climb the ladder to success. Therefore, it was fitting then in 2004 that both of them managed to win the most prestigious honour in the wrestling circle, the World Championship.

I've never really posted an entry about wrestling despite the many tragic deaths the sport has seen over the years. But, it's different this time.

Sure I love Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock for their rebellious streak and bringing much comedy to the sport or as of late, Ken Kennedy for replacing the both of them. However, there was always one wrestler I had admired the most. The one I would choose everytime I played the WWE games. The Rabid Wolverine. The Crippler. Chris Benoit. It isn't a secret that he is widely recognised as one of the best techincal wrestlers around.

Also, in 2002, I managed to meet the man himself when he came to Singapore to do a promotional run before the actual event. Had he not passed, he would've been at Bugis on July 6th this year. And I thought that I could watch him in action again, live, come July 28.

I don't want to go into the details of his death and that of his family's. I want to live with the memory of a determined man, passionate to the core for his craft. This is an awfully tragic loss and I don't know if watching wrestling will ever be the same again.

Spectacular Spectacular!

2007-06-26T12:33:00.000Z

Spectacular Spectacular!
What a way to end and what a way to start!

Spectacular Spectacular!
The tale of Jennifer and Shawn is complete!

Spectacular Spectacular!
Jennifer and Shawn to take the stage and film?

Spectacular Spectacular!
And bring on Ivy Lee to make things complete!

A Yellow Birthday Dedication

2007-06-25T09:35:00.000Z

I stared out of my window, the big tree in front of my room I had expected to see was now naked, shivering with the breezes of the morning wind. To sit by my window and observe the world awaking was what I wanted to do that Saturday morning but I knew I could not. I had to shower, get dressed and go out.

All that done, I grabbed my stuff and the all important set of black keys. I stepped out and walked along the corridor I have treaded on for almost twenty years now. I walked along the sheltered walkways and the void deck of the other block. And yet, from afar, I could see the time. The time, high above everything else in the vicinity, like a beacon, like a call to arise.

This was a Saturday morning and I smiled when I reached the building and couldn't see the time anymore.

The exchanging of a pleasantry and the passing of a key. A plain wooden door on the third floor. It was all plain and dark from the outside but on the inside. Oh God, on the inside, it held the most powerful thing a youth could have. A power, placed in the wrong hands would lead to the crashing and burning of a potential prodigy. Beyond the plain wooden door laid a whole world of dreams created by youths.

And two years on, the dreams and the passion burn even stronger for these youths. I still walk the same route as I have done for the past two years. And as I walk, I look at my reflection in the windows of the houses I pass by and I see change. I see the same smile but the smile was a more serious one, one that had something on its mind.

And in the room beyond the plain wooden door, I looked at the big mirror. I looked at the reflections of the talents that have graced the room in the past two years. Some have left, some have taken up permanent residence. And in their eyes, their smiles, I saw a maturity, like a blooming flower, like a leaf changing its colour. In them, I saw a hope. In all of us, I see a future.

Happy 2nd Birthday Yellow Chair Productions.

To many more Saturdays, to many more Productions, to many more Youths, to many more Years, to many more Yellow Chair Productions.

Company of Heroes

2007-06-17T12:22:00.000Z

The famous catchphrase of post-Yellow Chair session, "go somewhere cheap to eat" was heard countless times. Boneless tandoori chicken with white rice, potato and eggs for lunch. Just $5 but filled me to the brim. Always good to have a nice cheap lunch that actually fills the stomach.

Damage: $6.60 (had drinks also mah)

Sharing a "Bone Appetit" from Ben & Jerry's with two other guys. A tender gay moment in a threesome filled with the sounds of a pre-pubescent, all-boy Acapella group singing "More Than Words". An explosion of flavours in each mouth, how apt the initials of the place at that very moment, B&J. Ice-cream can be pretty orgasmic, whether you eat it off a cone, from a spoon or licking it.

Damage: $16.50 (I think I still owe you some change Fiq)

A tall glass of "Summer Passion" at TCC SMU. A sourish sweet not sweet sour aftertaste that was actually pleasing. Discovery that Yaz and I were dressed in black jacket, black t-shirt and similar shade jeans led to more gay jokes. With such company, lameness flew across the cafe, causing numerous laugh till you cry moments. Aishah almost did.

Damage: $5.90

A day filled with different types of food. It didn't end. Somewhere cheap again? Yes. Sakura Restaurant at Capitol Centre. Food took a backseat, serious conversations about hopes and expectations for the future were discussed. And then peer pressure made its presence.

Damage: $5++?

I was dragged, after much persuasion, to a LAN gaming place. To join Fiq and Yaz in their personal battle at Company of Heroes. Victory is always sweet, especially when it's 4 times in a row. Of course, Yaz is the better gamer but still, a win's a win. Ended up going home late yet again.

Damage: $6

Spending time with a Company of Heroes (Fiq, Yaz, Aishah and Man)?

Damage: Priceless.

Friendship Remains

2007-06-10T11:07:00.000Z

An almost empty glass of chocolate milkshake sits at the edge of the black plastic table. Another sip. Off I went to find you. How long has it been? A good 5 months. And you my friend, as pretty as ever.

A musical. An artist and her romance. A turbulent time and a bowl of fruit. A good performance, a good evening. Georgette worth its admission. Viva La Musical Theatre Limited!

Dinner with new found friends amidst baked rice, meunieres and celebrity brownies. You stole a fry and then another. There were no fries for me to steal in return. Of diving stories and musical projects, of "touchy" friends and lovelessness.

A nice little walk. The past behind. A goodbye hug.

Like the bowl of fruits, friendship remains. Stronger than ever.

First Draft

2007-06-03T13:04:00.000Z

At nightfall, it was quite a fight. The eyelids and the power of snooze. Twice, I gave in.

My fingers tried caressing the keyboard but it ended up bumbling like a virgin on his wedding night. The more they tried to tease, the more it ended up looking more like a violation. And still I fought. Fought hard from letting my head hit the keyboard.

But, by the time the sun rose, my fingers and the keyboard worked in tandem. Strangers no more. The click-clacking, the first sounds of the morning. And snooze had lost. It couldn't sustain anymore. It had to give in to the power of words.

And I eventually finished the first draft of the script. Alhamdulillah.

Above All Things

2007-05-27T14:07:00.000Z

The heart is foolish,
A victim of its own deceit.
The heart is stubborn,
It weakens with every beat.
Above all, the heart is a keeper of things rancid.

It will not listen, it wouldn't budge,
Leave it be with its one track mind.
Think it to be the superior instrument,
Only nothingness at the end it will find.
Above all, the heart is the fickle-minded kind.

It may listen to your sweet nothings,
But it knows they're what they are, nothing.
And nothing you do can make my heart the same again,
Nothing.

Chicken Pox Chronicles

2007-05-17T04:40:00.000Z

Who would've thought? Who would've guessed?

2 different people from the same club getting chicken pox over the space of 2 weeks. Acceptable? Well, yeah.

But, when the 2nd person infects 7 others from the club and a cousin? It's time to burn him alive. Haha.

This post was intended for Sunday, but apparently, I've not had much strength over the past few days to do this proper.

I look worse than the Phantom of the Opera and any monster you've seen captured on celluloid.

This damn illness has taken a toll on my body in a way I had least expected it to.

And there wasn't any Mothers' Day Celebration because my parents had to take me to the hospital instead. Bleah.

And appetite? Next to nothing.

Golly gees, I had apples for dinner last night.

If any of you think I'm enjoying myself at home, it's far from it. Sigh.

A Day of Nothing-ness.

2007-05-06T12:15:00.000Z

A Sunday where I did nothing.

Ok, for 90% of the time. Still, almost nothing.

Didn't even touch a single piece of work.

Napped. And then napped again. I know you'll be proud of me for that. :p

And then I did nothing.

Felt good. Somewhat.

Still, I think I need a much needed break from the "shit-hole".

Soon. Soon.

Judges' Choice

2007-04-26T11:26:00.000Z

Of all the unexpected things in the world. For what was intended to be a "one-night only" production, JUMP will be making its way to the Short & Sweet Singapore Gala Final on 2nd May at the Esplanade Recital Studio!!!!!

Go JUMP!

Below is an excerpt from the website.
Read more at:

http://singapore.shortandsweet.org/news.html

Results from WildCards Performance 1 21st April 2007

Judges' Choice

1ST. Jump Written by Lynx Ng. Directed by Mohamad Shaifulbahri.
Starring Stephany Aw and Hansol Seo

A man ready to end it all, meets a woman who already ended it all – a romantic comedy with a twist!

2ND. The PicnicWritten and Directed by Mayura Baweja
Starring Kalaiselvi Grace, Anjana Srinivasan and Ronnie Thomas

An idyllic setting becomes an emotional battleground as a family tries to make sense of past events.

3RD. Parallel PancakesWritten by Lauren Tunnell. Directed by Wang Chu Qiao.
Starring Libby Gott, Liliana Barbero Gibbs and Rayve

A discussion about parallel universes over breakfast brings one couple to re-examine their relationship.

As the No. 1 choice of the Judges, Jump will be in the Gala Final.

And oh, The Complaint, which Yazid is acting in and Nadiah is helping with was the Judges' Choice on Performance Night 2.
Looks like the Yellow Chair family will be making its way to the Esplanade after all!

GET YOUR TICKETS FROM SISTIC NOW!

Sing For Me

2007-04-22T13:11:00.000Z

"Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side."

Creep

2007-04-08T12:52:00.000Z

And thus, exhaustion slowly creeps in.

I am tired but I must persevere.

Exhaustion you creep, you.

Makcik Famous

2007-04-02T04:02:00.000Z

Someone famous was back in town on Saturday. Wahaha!

Finally, after a WHOLE YEAR, I met our famous makcik (Jangan marah hor Kak Min) again!

See! She's a diva because she can! But diva with no airs lah...

Anyhoo, our dearest director was in town for a screening of Mukhsin, which is also another case of being released a bit too late here but better late then never, nemind.

So, since she was gonna be there, what else, didn't wait lah in buying the tickets. And oh, I had the most wonderful company too by the way.

Mukhsin was good, Kak Min herself proclaiming it to me that it's her most favourite of her works by far.

The best parts were smiling at the scenes I got to see filmed. Hahakz. Coolness.

Onwards to the next one then Kak Min!

Short & Sweet Singapore 2007

2007-03-28T13:43:00.000Z

Hello all. Coming straight off my celebrating a year's worth of events, I'm here to promote a new show! And guess what?

I'm back at the Playden @ The Arts House, baby.

See the poster below?

I'm directing a play written by Lynx Ng called "Jump".

It'll be on 21st April 2007, Saturday at 3pm.

Tickets are available through SISTIC.

And oh, if you enjoy our play, do vote for us.

Then you might see us again at the Gala Night on 2nd May at the Esplanade.

Have you clicked on the poster?

If you haven't, do it now! Go see the link!

Happy Anniversary(s)!

2007-03-25T12:56:00.000Z

Close to you, I promise to be true
No matter what it takes, I will forsake
To live my life as full as I can
Just for you, I will always love you
Although I may not say
I’ll hold you closer to my heart
Close to me… This I’ll stay

Everyday

To my "Closer to Your Heart" team, bloody hell, it's been a friggin' year to the day we showed them what we had at the Playden. Wow.

And of course, despite the belated wish here, it still means a whole lot.

To my "Tainted Flower" team, the production was a stepping stone. Let's make sure our next one takes us a step higher.

To all you wonderful people who made March 2006 a blast of a time.

Thank you.

A Peek at Our Auditions

2007-03-11T11:41:00.000Z

As promised, here's a look at the behind-the-scenes of our Chronicles of Maria Auditions!

Anyone who said auditioning is fun should take a look at the following!

Shahdon here proving that even Guest Relation Officers have it hard. Poor fellow.

Mastura looking like a happy camper for a moment only, when welcoming the auditionees.

Sarah, on the other hand, got a little frustrated with things and tried using her head for once.

Yazid and Sue got into a fight when Yazid couldn't decide what colour underwear to wear to the Kids' Central Audition. (For the record, he didn't go)

Taufiq started having gay tendencies by watching re-runs of Tainted Flower.

Zul in his natural comfort zone, as most animals would during feeding hours.

And here's a look at an audition itself!

Sometimes, judges get disgruntled.

Sometimes, when things got pretty rough, they got pretty stressed!

Hahakz!

But all in all, it was all good.

We had an encouraging number of auditionees in total and we're quite happy with the selected ones. More Maria stories to come in due time!

Draining Days

2007-02-26T12:19:00.000Z

Psst!

Wanna know how our auditions went?

We can't tell you yet...

It's been extended to 3rd March 2007! Till then!

Flutter-By

2007-02-22T17:22:00.000Z

"Did you see it?"

FLUTTER-BY

"Like a pebble skipping on a lake,
Like a burst of cherry in a pie.
Like a girl whose hand fits into mine,
The night my heart went a flutter-by."

Aging Scattered-ly

2007-02-18T06:18:00.000Z

Sigh. If I could only blog like before and pen my thoughts like before.

Here I am, sitting (not front of my own laptop) and typing away with many thoughts abound but lacking the motivation to type.

What am I doing instead? I'm clearing my email. The lazy ass that I am. Tons of email which I never delete. Bleah. And now, they've amounted to a mountain's high worth.

Anyways, all that aside.

It's been close to a month and a half since I became an adult.
How does it feel?

Not much different actually, only with a slightly heavier shoulder.
Mainly due to this thing called Responsibility.

"He needs to smile more," said Siti yesterday while I was within hearing distance.

Sometimes, I don't even realize there's a frown or a serious appearance on my face.
Do I blame it all on turning older? That I've grown grumpier? Beats me.

I thought I'm only "serious" when it boils down to work. Like during trainings. Gosh. I need to let go during trainings. Instead, I get all pent up and irritated by the perennial late coming and not-sms-ing-to-tell-you-coming-anot.

Doing what I love isn't exactly an easy task. A lot of things to manage, a lot of feelings to comfort. But doesn't hold me back from loving it.

Golly gees. If only you know what runs through me when I'm writing that piece of dialogue or when I'm feeling the character or even the joy in knowing someone somehow has heard of us.

See, I need to write like this more. My thoughts are all scattered. They're not as structured. All over the place. See. I'm repeating what I just said. Scattered and all over the place, they're the same friggin' thing.

Stop.

On the contrary, I'm fine, thank you.

Survival is Key

2007-02-15T13:08:00.000Z

Fudge!

What in the world is wrong with Blogger! Can't do spacing?!

In any case, I survived 7 days in the wilderness.

And as a gift for my survival, Allah has blessed me with more projects!

Everybody say yay now!

But you know what...

That means....

With immediate effect...

I'm back in the rehearsal studio! Woohoo!

Goin' Outfield!

2007-02-01T11:20:00.000Z

Look at that face.

Pretty much not well-rested despite a few hours of off that has been given today.

On the morning of 3rd Feb, I'll be embarking on something I've not done since last August. I'll be going outfield bebeh!

And what makes it interesting is that despite my condition, my superior still wants to bring me. Let's pray for his benefit that nothing happens to me.

In any case, I'll be gone for 7 days. That's even longer than what I've been through in Tekong. And mind you, the exercise which I'm a part of, is the first in 10 years. Can you believe it? 10 friggin' years and the whole bunch of us just have to be a part of it.

In any case, my mind's quite tuned to the fact I'm going to spend 6-7 nights in a jungle far away (well, not too far. They say Jalan Kayu's a few minutes away) from civilization. However, as far as the Army goes, everything's unpredictable.

Well, I'll still be contactable, you know how.

Otherwise, pray for my safety. I'll be back before you know it, hopefully having shed a few grams along the way. Hahaha.

The Chronicles of Maria Audition Call

2007-01-28T16:45:00.000Z

Sigh. Weekends are packed trying to watch the movies I wanna watch, meeting people and trying to complete whatever work I can in the little space of time I have.

More projects are coming, not entirely a bad thing but definitely time consuming. Still, I am happy with my life scept for the part where conscription is concerned. Bah!

Anyways, onwards to cheerier things.

Yellow Chair Productions is calling upon youths between the ages of 15-25 to step forth and join us on 24 th & 25 th February 2007 for an audition call for our latest production, The Chronicles of Maria which is scheduled for the 2 nd quarter of this year.

The Chronicles of Maria is a modern epic, about a domestic maid who has come to Singapore to find work and much to her surprise, it is here in Singapore that she gets transported into another world, one which she doesn't want to be in, but she needs to be at.

Sounds like something out of the closet of Narnia? Sounds like something Alice would discover in her Wonderland? Or is it as mystical as what lies in Pan's Labyrinth? Come down and meet our affable team and we'll be glad to tell you more!

Yellow Chair Productions, the lovechild of three secondary school friends, is a drama club based at Tampines Central CC. Started from scratch with the intentions of providing youths a platform to share the passion for the stage with the community, the club now boasts a membership of twenty active members. The youths who have joined the club all share one common desire, the fire that burns within to excel in their craft.

With the coming audition, we hope to encourage more youths to join us on a magical journey where we will all discover the power in the dynamism of youth in doing what we love most.

To find out more about the auditions, visit our website at http://www.yellowchairproductions.com/ or email us at yellowchairproductions@gmail.com

Contact YIHAN at 96354620 or SARAH at 97993154

See you at the auditions!

Warmest Regards,

Mohamad Shaifulbahri

Artistic Director

Yellow Chair Productions

Here's Wishing Meself

2007-01-14T12:23:00.000Z

Here's wishing myself a belated Happy 21st Birthday! Hahakz!

This entry is just an excuse for not being able to blog more!

Tons to blog...

2007-01-08T03:23:00.000Z

OMG OMG OMG.

I have tons to blog about but I don't have the time yet. Booking in in a bit.

I promised to talk about my year in review. Then I still haven't even blogged about my New Year's Eve experience and most importantly, my thoughts on turning 21 and the elusive much talked about partay that happened. Hur hur.

Will do so soon.

2006 Movies Round-up!

2007-01-01T18:03:00.000Z

Hello all, I'm here to share my 2006 Movies Round-up.
Compared to my 191 viewings in 2005, I only managed a meagre 133 this year. This is mainly due to the busy spells I've had since enlisting.
In any case, this round up will be pretty simple, I'll be listing my Worst 10 of 2006 and Best 10 of 2006. Here goes.

Mind you, the list comes only from those I've seen this year.

Worst 10 of 2006

10. Wolf Creek
9. The Pink Panther
8. Night at the Museum
7. Love Story
6. Date Movie
5. DOA: Dead or Alive
4. Diary
3. Black Night
2. Real: The Movie
1. Eragon

Best 10 of 2006

10.The Prestige
9. Brokeback Mountain
8. Hard Candy
7. Gubra
6. Little Miss Sunshine
5. Thank You For Smoking
4. V For Vendetta
3. The Host
2. The Departed
1. Singapore Dreaming

Notable mentions not in my Top 10 include:
The Banquet
Stranger Than Fiction
The World's Fastest Indian
I Not Stupid Too
Match Point
Munich
Mission Impossible 3
X-Men 3
Over the Hedge
Lady in the Water
Pretty Persuasion
The Tiger and the Snow
Happy Feet
Casino Royale

W.O.R.K

2006-12-28T20:29:00.000Z

Ironically enough, while the leave period is suppose to provide me with much rest, it has, on the other hand, caused work to pile up instead! Not that I'm complaining of course. In fact, I'm loving it.

If you believe work in camp is THE ONLY kind of work that HAS TO EXIST in your life because it is WHAT YOU'RE FORCED TO DO, then unfortunately, I believe your life's pretty sordid.

Anyhoo,
5 scripts.

3 cinema reviews.

2 DVD reviews.

1 article.

The month's ending but there are still miles to go! Hahakz.

And then of course there's the big event everyone's looking forward to that's also taking up my time. So, muchos apologies for the late update.
Do keep a lookout though in the next few days for my reflections on movies and my personal year in review.

Weighing the Problem

2006-12-15T17:51:00.000Z

Just when I thought I'd finally be able to maintain the current weight/size, I had to succumb to injury. Thus, as we speak, it has been 3 months since I last did any form of physical activity.
And thus, 'tis no surprise that I've gained a little back, though I'm not disclosing how many!

In any case, for your amusement and mine, enjoy my post-enlistment pictures that stretched back to earlier this year during the Closer to Your Heart period.

Pictures are courtesy of Shahdon, all of which alongside many others have been stored in his external hard disk for the longest time! ANd he dared to have the cheek to say that he didn't have anymore pictures of me to send!

Maria oh Maria!

2006-12-05T06:21:00.000Z

From the team that brought you the well-loved "Tainted Flower" and "Sketches: A Story of Hope",

Yellow Chair Productions proudly presents its latest offering,

A tale of a maid who gets transported to another world where she least expects to be but needs to be at.

Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (PGLM)

2006-11-26T13:03:00.000Z

Spectacular.

Shall be the word to describe Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical.

As time is not on my side as I type this, let's just say that there a lot of people who truly enjoyed the musical and with the inclusion of the company that I was with, I too felt the same.

For a Malay musical to be of such an epic scale and managing to pull it off despite some loose ends in the script and what could've been a much more of a bigger bang, is truly remarkable.

The gears in my mind are moving like it's just been oiled for the first time.

Inspiring? Yes.

Our Malay musical is a year away and if this is the support the Malay community has for shows as such, then I'm truly encouraged.

If this be the case, a year from now, I hope there will be such support when the final stand is taken on Bukit Chandu.

Fairytale

2006-11-26T03:26:00.000Z

Thanks to Dr. Ken who emailed the whole gang a list of musical related stuff and he stumbled upon this beautiful featurette of Tong Hua done by a Steven Ng.

Here are some screen captures from the featurette. Enjoy!

And oh, to see everything in its full glory,
visit http://www.steven.sg

The Brain and the Other Worldly-ness

2006-11-24T17:57:00.000Z

While the past few days have been tiresome despite not being there at different intervals, I'm glad that at least my BRAIN is being utilized by the nation.
The past few weeks have not just been about menial tasks but some important ones (or so I'd like to think).
I'm thankful though that I'm getting to exercise my BRAIN again lest my IQ had dropped tremendously. Still, there is no guarantee yet that this might last, but whatever awaits me in the real world, I will still persevere for, regardless.

Quite honestly, after talking with a friend, the realisation that I'm probably wasting my time in this "other life", has sunk in. Thing is, when "work" ends by 6pm daily, the rest of the evening is spent doing pretty lacklustre things. Sure, I could write my scripts you say, but there is a dearth of motivation in that place and I'm not even trying to make excuses.
It'd be good to be out again, doing the things I love without the worry of this "other life". Reviewing movies like I always have, writing my scripts or even teaching. Best part, I would be better off studying, anything at all.

Having to conform, expecting everything to be of the same standard irks me sometime. The pressures of having to get things right and not allowing much room for one to learn from mistakes escalate till the extent of seeing other peers reach their breaking point. The pleasantries are slightly better now than the earlier stages but there are still the few egotistical, egomaniacal dimbulbs who think they're walking with Atlas in between their legs. Leaders? Bullshit.

Sigh. Then, there's the issue of leading a double life. I'm slowly guiding myself into the normal "me" instead of being someone who's the opposite in this "other life" of mine. Without the freedom to express myself, therein lies the unwillingness to create and this in return forces me to feel that I'd be better off living a muted life in this "other world".

Bah! I can't wait for this tenure to end. Sure, I might look back to reminisce on the good and regret the mistakes but I'm certain that looking forward will make a happier, fuller man.

Happy Feet!

2006-11-21T10:45:00.000Z

Psst. Tappity-tap. Tappity-tap. Do you know what that sound is?

It's Mumble Happyfeet tapping in your head to go and watch Happy Feet at the cinemas this weekend!

Go ahead, click on the poster to read the review and see how many stars I gave it.

Tap-a-tap-tap.

No More Stars

2006-11-15T13:32:00.000Z

"There are no more stars tonight
to the ground all of them have fallen.
There are no more stars that will shine so bright
the beauty of the night has been stolen"

-An extract from my poem, "Fallen"

Things will have to change again I suppose, like it or not.
Let's hope there might be much better change after this phase is over.
Otherwise, I'm hoping for a temporary fix, if there is any. Oh please let there be.

MX Reviews!

2006-11-12T11:48:00.000Z

Ever since I enlisted, haven't really been reviewing movies for MovieXclusive.com. However, in the past month, I managed to review 4 for them and here they are. Click on the posters to read the review of each.

Stop War.

2006-11-08T17:28:00.000Z

Stop this warring shall not for a little longer. There won't be any victors in this pointless and adolescent debate. Both will emerge scarred, bruised and flattened. Stop it while you can.

" We shall find peace. We shall hear the angels, we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds."

Anton Chekov

Chekov dreamt a little dream a long time ago. Perhaps, that dream of his might come true in...

A Hari Raya Tale

2006-11-05T12:50:00.000Z

I cannot imagine what Hari Raya would've been like for me this year had I still have to go to Brunei on the 3rd day of the festivities. I really do wonder how my friends over there are doing in the jungle and I pray for their safety.

This Hari Raya has been a most meaningful despite it having much less of a "hurrah" as most people are working and children still having to go to school and of course, the dreaded "A" and "O" levels.

I actually teared on the first day when I was giving out a green packet. (Disclaimer: I not working full time yet hor. So sorry to the little children, I not giving you yet ar. I gave to the elders first lah) At that moment, I felt a significance, specifically, the passing of an era. It marked the transition of 2 decades of receiving and in due time, I would be giving.

Another highlight of this festive season has to be human stories, both happy and sad ones. During house visits, I learnt a few sad cases about old age and sickness and there were happy ones like the imminent celebration of a newborn.

But ultimately, this Hari Raya has been one of friendship and love.

In just one wonderful day, old friendships that spanned 10 years or more were rekindled. Friendships of 5 years further strengthened. Friendships of a year or two solidified. And new friendships being born. Oh my. What a wonderful feeling it was.

And love?

What more can one ask for when one has both sides of the family cramped into the house with the adults talking about almost anything, the children playing away and the little nieces and nephews teetering around the house. Now, that is love.
And of course, if a certain someone that a certain organ beats for appears though for a short period, that too is of relevance here. Heh.

I do hope that your Hari Raya, whether you celebrate the festival or not, has been a wonderful period.

Anyways,
I have a few pictures courtesy of Shahdon and his trusty camera and tripod yet again. It's a Hari Raya pictorial of Yellow Chair Productions and its members and associates.
They wanted to do a scenario photoshoot and they decided to go with the Class Photo series with yours truly being the form teacher. Enjoy.

The Teacher People Hate

The Teacher People Love

Informal Class Photo

Formal Class Photo