Scribbled Orange

about 5 Thing I Wanna Say

2008-01-02T23:56:00.000-08:00

about 5 Thing I Wanna Say

Hello all!

If you were asked to come to this blog, read the following message. THANKS!

Apologies for the lateness with the ATW Awards this year. I actually got it done last week, but I fell ill the last couple of days. Felt a little better today to post this message. Yeap!

5 Things I Wanna Say:

The link below leads to my new blog… the top entry is the 3^rd Annual ATW Awards. You are a recipient. Congratulations!!!
Please link my NEW (not old) blog to yours (if you have one)
WATCH THE VIDEOS (They’re especially for you!)
Please tag a message on the tagboard on the right hand side so that I can keep track of who has or hasn’t received my message. THANKS!
If you have time, do the “True Friend Test”. It’s FUN!

Okie… that’s all! Enjoy the post! Here’s the link:

http://addisonthomaswong.blogspot.com/2008/01/3rd-annual-atw-awards.html

Main Blog Webbie: http://www.addisonthomaswong.blogspot.com/

about Youth Camp 2007: Stuck In The Shades?

2007-12-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

about Youth Camp 2007

After 4 solid months of constantly being absorbed in my work and internship, I finally took a few days off for youth camp. I didn't think I'd be able to leave my work for that long, since I've been so engrossed in it. But I did, and it felt soooo good.

The fabulous part was, I left work for a really, really fun time! It's been quite some time since I had so much fun and I owe it largely to group 4, the Wanton group, which I facilitated. To Nicholas Lee, Jerome Lim, Melanie Leong, Justin Tan and Annabel Lee, thanks for giving me some of the best times I've had this year.

The Lifehouse skit turned out very well. It brought upon the youths the impact that we originally intended for it to. I must say, playing the part really took a lot of energy out of me. But it was definitely worth it.

I was quite pleased that my "Black Or White" dance was so well received. It's been so long since I've danced and I was just happy to be choreographing and having fun grooving again. But the teens really loved it too, apparently. I got some really positive feedback, so I'm happy. Yeap!

The camp also marked my first time conducting a pray over. And I must say, I've never seen God work so actively from my perspective before. It was a real eye-opener for me. Definitely a rare experience.

about My Final Academic Semester Results

2007-09-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

about My Final Academic Semester Results

I woke up early (as I always do on results day) only to want to hit back the pillows and never wake up again when I saw my absolutely disappointing results. AHHHHHHHH!!! SO DISAPPOINTING! MY GOODNESS!!! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!!!!

Acting Workshop ------------------------------- B+

Mass Media in Singapore & Asia ------------- C+

Media Law --------------------------------------- C+

Print Journalism --------------------------------- A

Online Journalism ------------------------------- AD

Effective People Management ---------------- B

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective ---- B

GPA: 3.25

I know an 'A' for Print Journ was originally impossible considering how demanding the module was, and I'm glad that my effort in forcing myself to finish more and better stories at the end of the semester paid off. Being one of the few who got an 'A' and the fact that Mrs. Sng said that they're very stingy when it comes to As for Print Journ makes me feel better... and so does the fact that I'm the only student (to my knowledge thus far) who got an AD for Online Journ.

But C+ for Media Law and MASSINA just kills it... KILLS IT! I don't even feel all that happy anymore for my journ grades. My first C in the past 1 1/2 years, and it's for 2 modules I expected to do well in!!! Wah lauuu... sian to the maxxx man... pull my GPA down. Compared to last 2 semesters, this sem's GPA is the worst for me, and it's the most important!!!! I'm so sad. I'm so sad. Life SUXXX!!! MY WEEKEND IS RUINED!!!

I better get AT LEAST an "A" for my internship. If not, I won't be happy. For now, I'm going back to sleep.

about The Last Chapter

2007-09-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

about The Last Chapter
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It's official. It really is enough. And after the biggest betrayal of my life, the lashing from a man, the placing of blame from an entire cohort, and the taking of so much more than I could endure, which is by itself, a lot, there's only one road left to walk. Even if there isn't, at this point, I couldn't care less about the other choices in life. The wait is over... or it will be soon.

about Chain, Chain, Chain...

2007-09-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

about Chain, Chain, Chain...

I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give, I Give
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I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure, I Endure
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I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry, I Cry
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That’s enough now. That’s enough.

about Addison, The Editor

2007-08-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

about Addison, The Editor

Today (27th August 2007), I officially begin my 6-month no-pay attachment as the editor of UrbanWire (www.theurbanwire.com). It's been a rough few months leading up to today, with my big decision of whether or not to take up the role, and after I took up the role, having close friends not support my decision and getting me kinda demoralised. It hasn't been a good lead up to my first experience in a professional media environment.

But at the same time, two individuals have been constantly inspiring me to look very much forward to taking up the role of editor - Joachim Lai and my godpa, Joel Chua. Joachim's constant reminder of "have faith in your decision, dude. remember why you chose it and don't let anyone else's opinion get in the way" whenever I shared with him my doubts about my decision, and how I was irritated by my allowing others to demoralise me, really helped me focus on why I chose to apply for a job that no one else wanted. It's a tough job, one that exposes myself to the much-talked-about wrath of a certain lecturer who will be overseeing me.

But at the same time, as my godpa has been constantly telling me, "Congratulations! You have a job that no one else wants to take, but that doesn't mean they don't see what an experience this can give you. You may not be paid, but the experience you will receive of being EDITOR, which is an experience much more valuable than what any other attachment can give you, and which is worth much more than whatever amount they COULD have piad you, will ultimately help you grow as a person in the most unimaginable ways. And this experience is definitely worth not getting paid. It may not be an easy job. In fact, it's going to be a tough job, but at the end of 6 months, you're going to come out of it a much stronger person and someone who benefitted from his attachment more than any other student in your course did."

Joel's really been supportive from the very day I told him about the attachment and why I chose to apply for it. I didn't even have to share with him how I was initially demoralised by my friends for him to share with me how happy he was for me and how the job, in his opinion, was a rare and fantastic one. He rocks.

I thank the both of you - Joachim Lai and Joel Nicholas Chua - for your sweet support. It's not going to be an easy 6 months. But I am soooo looking forward to it; to experiencing the professional media world, and to BE THE EDITOR OF URBANWIRE. I'm going to do myself proud. I'm going to do it.

about Chapter One: My Promise

2007-08-26T23:24:00.000-07:00

about Chapter One: My Promise

As the weekend approached this week, I was slightly dreading it because of how I had to be at all the masses to publicise Christ The King's Prayer Rally 2007. But when it came, what a difference it made, especially during the Saturday 5:30pm mass. I really felt God taking over and that it wasn't me talking. It was Him talking through me. I ended up having loads of fun going up the sanctuary to talk to the congregation and as the masses went by, I became more and more excited about prayer rally! I could see it in the congregation's eyes that they were really looking forward to it!

Having the programme, logistics, publicity and decorations go well so far in terms of preparation was one source of joy for me towards the event. But to know that the parishioners are really looking forward to it is a whole other source of motivation!

After some of the masses, I either had parishioners come up to me and say "I did exactly what you asked me to and circle the prayer rally notice in the bulletin" OR I saw some parishioners whip out their handphones after mass to add in prayer rally into their calendar (which was one of the advice I gave to all of them, with the exception of Saturday's mass attendees).

What a wonderful weekend it was! TWO MORE WEEKS TO PRAYER RALLY 2007!!!

"Something very good, something good is going on around here!"

about Stepping Out

2007-08-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

about Stepping Out

What an absolutely delightful performance! The two performers make a real ideal collaboration. Wonderful vocals... and fantastic choreography!!! Rob Marshall (director of Chicago) always pull these types of musical scenes off brilliantly. Fabulous! Love the camera tricks and the bits of surprises... ENJOY!

Stepping Out (WATCH THIS!!!)

Best Of Christina Aguilera Back To Basics Tour (PART 1)

Best Of Christina Aguilera Back To Basics Tour (PART 2)

about Advanced Nostalgia

2007-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

about Advanced Nostalgia

Ahhhh!!! The end is nearing! I've 2 more weeks before all my project deadlines are over, and 1 more month before the end of my exams and the end of the last study semester for my course. That officially marks the end of my study term for Mass Communication! After that, I'll be on attachment and working for the last semester of my polytechnic life!

My goodness!!! I can't believe the end is nearing! I can barely stomach the thought that my poly life is almost over!!! Ahhh! It's passing by too fast for me to savour every moment and every joyous experience fully. In fact, I don't want it to be over! As much as all the projects in recent weeks have boiled me down so badly that I can't wait for the semester to be over, it's just too dreadful to think about how that would also mark the end of my poly life! Ahhh!!! NO!!!

Nards, Pam, Joachim, Linus, Lara!!! The study terms have been fantastic! It's been two and a half years' worth of extreme fun and laughter thanks to you guys... LOVE YOU ALL!!! All the best for your respective internships!

about The Queen

2007-07-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

about A Date With The Next Queen Of Pop!

2007-07-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

about A Date With The Next Queen Of Pop!
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Okayyyy...!!! Okayyyy!!! I'm SORRIEEE for updating so late. There's barely any free time in my schedule, and when there was, I was too lazy to go to blogger.com. Hahhaax! So, after two weeks, here's an updated of my fabulous, absolutely magical experience with CHRISTINA AGUILERA!!!

Oh my gosh, I'm seriously suffering most excruciatingly from deadly withdrawal symptoms. Watching Christina on stage, hearing her titanic, powerhouse vocals live, and witnessing the old school theme of CD 1 of her double-disc album and the circus theme of her CD 2 come alive on stage was such an extraordinary and out-of-body experience.
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From the moment Christina belted out that first explosive note of "Ain't No Other Man" - her opening act (watch the video on youtube below) - to classics like "Dirrty", "Lady Marmalade" and "Beautiful", it was one hell of a thrilling ride. You just feel like you're in the presence of true pop royalty and you never want for it to stop.
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And I'm very happy that I was already familiar with all the tracks on her "Back To Basics" album, cause when it came to these numbers, like "Still Dirrty", "Oh Mother", "Makes Me Wanna Pray" and "Welcome", you could tell the Singaporean crowd was not very receptive, with them being non-singles. But there I was enjoying and singing along with every note, every word, every song.
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The best vocal performance of the night HAD to be "Hurt". Christina really rocked with that song, which gave her multiple opportunities to show off her immense vocal range and powerful voice. "WOW!!! That was one fabulous vocal" I turned to Rachel after the song.
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It was such a visual spectacle as well! There was the huge circus theme for the second half of the show and the spectacular and glamourous flight of lighted stairs for the opening act and the carnival theme all on one stage in a single concert. In fact, it can't even be considered a concert lah... it's so much more than that. It's like... a journey to the world of Christina - and that's one supernatural world to be in. Awesome!!! And the costumes were gorgeous as well... I especially LOVE the white ensemble that Christina wore for her opening act... the one with the white fedora (watch the video below!). Wonderful, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL SHOW!!!
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I'm thankful that I saved up that much money to go for this concert. Ms Aguilera's the one artiste in the entire world I'd pay that much to watch live (Beyonce's behind her). I'm especially glad I had Rachel to share this experience with. Friends are the best people to attend such events with - and I had an exceptionally significant one right beside me enjoying every part of it with me. Love you, Rachel!
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Following is the link to my UrbanWire article, in which I review the concert professionally and reign Christina with a title you wouldn't wanna miss... CHECK IT OUT! (CLICK HERE)
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And here's a summary of the event in video... ENJOY!!!

AND HERE'RE SOME PICTURES FOR YOU TO DEVOUR AND DROOL OVER!!!

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Performances

2007-06-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Performances

(The link which wasn't working in the last entry, "appearances", is working now... go see all of them!!!)

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! ONE MORE DAY TO CHRISTINA'S CONCERT!!! I'm going to faint out of excitement!!! Oh dear... I can just imagine the heat of tomorrow's night! AHHH!!! OKOK... SO, here are my top 5 performances from the lady herself. Christina is known for her powerhouse vocal ability, and for staging some of the most memorable performances in music history... imagine what her top 5 is like... argh!!! CHECK IT OUT!!!

NUMBER FIVE:

(this song was disliked by many, but I thought it was absolutely addictive. The vocals were fantastic! Massive opening to the performance as well! Fantabulous!!)

NUMBER FOUR:

(Love the simple, but strong opening! Love the vocal! Love what she's wearing! Love Christina!)

NUMBER THREE:

(The opening note. It's all about the opening note when performing this song, and then everything just comes in with style. And she does it so impeccably. Outstanding!)

NUMBER TWO:

(Look out for the 2-min-27-sec point. Extraordinary! Blows your mind each time she sings this song. This is the best of all the times.)

NUMBER ONE (it's a TIE!!):

(If this is the first time you're seeing this, you won't know what song it is til the first word is sung. I love the way it's done. Absolutely gorgeous!)

(When I was in primary six, I tuned in to all the 10 repeats of the MTV Video Music Awards JUST TO WATCH THIS PERFORMANCE...!!)

ALRIGHT!!! We've come to the end of the 5-day marathon! Now you know just how much I love and respect Christina Aguilera!!! I had some serious fun doing this! I hope you did too! Look out for the post concert article!!!

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Appearances

2007-06-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Appearances

Okayy... I realised that this entry, "Appearances", could have easily been mistaken as "Christina's different looks over the years". But what I was referring to was... Media Appearances! Events and stuff... and here's the top FIVE!!!

NUMBER FIVE: Christina on the Ellen DeGeneres Show (click here)

NUMBER FOUR: Christina at Press Conference at 2007 Grammys (click here)

NUMBER THREE: Christina wins Grammy at 2004 Grammys (click here)

NUMBER TWO: Christina hosts 2003 MTV Video Music Awards (click here)

NUMBER ONE: Christina's BIGGEST SHOCK OF HER LIFE! (click here)

These are FANTASTIC clips! Enjoy!!! I've THE BEST ENTRY coming up TOMORROW!!!

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Pictures

2007-06-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Pictures

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Ooooohh... After searching through hundreds of pictures of the super star herself, here are my five favourite, based on significance and artistic appeal.

NUMBER FIVE:

Christina wins GRAMMY Award in 2004 for "Beautiful", off her album, Stripped.

NUMBER FOUR:

Illustration of a Stripped-inspired look

NUMBER THREE:
Christina wins GRAMMY Award in 2007 for "Ain't No Other Man" off her album, Back To Basics

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NUMBER TWO:

Christina in her opening act for her Back To Basics Tour

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NUMBER ONE:
Christina wins the "Best New Artist" GRAMMY Award in 2000 for her debut self-titled album
(yes, that's one Grammy for every album and another for Lady Marmalade... She rocks!)

THAT'S IT!!! Two more entries to go before THE DAY FINALLY COMES!!! Look out for the TWO MOST EXCITING ENTRIES - Appearances and Performances!

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Music Videos

2007-06-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Music Videos

Okayyyy!!! Here we go! I absolutely LOVE these videos!!! And yes... Candyman and I Turn To You are here again... hahahax!!!

NUMBER FIVE: WHAT A GIRL WANTS

NUMBER FOUR: AIN'T NO OTHER MAN

NUMBER THREE: LADY MARMALADE

NUMBER TWO: CANDYMAN

NUMBER ONE: I TURN TO YOU

THAT'S IT FOR THE MUSIC VIDEOS!!! Pictures are up Tomorrow!!!

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Songs

2007-06-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

about Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Songs
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Allllllllllrightyyy!!!! Here we go now... it was SUCH a difficult decision to make, by the way... But here are THE TOP FIVE!!!! (I badly wanted to put in "What A Girl Wants" and "Come On Over Baby"... but just note that they're CLOSE behind!!!)
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NUMBER FIVE: THE VOICE WITHIN

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NUMBER FOUR: PERO ME ACUERDO DE TI

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NUMBER THREE: BEAUTIFUL

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NUMBER TWO: I TURN TO YOU

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NUMBER ONE: CANDYMAN

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THAT'S IT!!! The Top 5 Favourite Songs!!! Look out for the Top 5 Music Videos tomorrow!!!

about The Aguilera Extravaganza

2007-06-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

about The Aguilera Extravaganza

I'm back after more than 1 month's worth of absence. Reason for the silence? All 5 modules that I'm taking in school now require truckloads of writing/typing. At the end of the day, with the exhaustion from these modules - all the articles, scripts, reports and essays I've to write - I just can't commit to writing any further, as much as I love it. I'm back now because there's just something I need to get out of my system....

EIGHT MORE DAYS TIL CHRISTINA AGUILERA'S CONCERT!!! Oh my gosh... I'm SOOO EXCITED!!!! The FIRST time in EIGHT LONG YEARS of my being her biggest fan... she's coming to Singapore!!! The three hour-wait at the sistic counter last month was worth the FANTASTIC seats I got... and I couldn't be more glad about sharing this experience with a special person!!! MY GOSH... I CAN JUST IMAGINE THE HEAT OF THE CONCERT!!! IT'S GONNA ROCK!!! No. SHE'S GONNA ROCK!!! Hahahahax! There's just no one like her!!! She's one of the hottest, most talented people of this generation, and even what people will remember the first decade of the millennium for!!! OMG... I could faint any time in the next few days out of excitement, so brace yourselves people!!!!

As a way to release and express the huge gush of excitement in me, here's presenting...

1. Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Songs

2. Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Music Videos

3. Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Pictures

4. Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Appearances

5. Addison's Top 5 Favourite Christina Aguilera Performances

... ALL COMING UP IN THE 5 DAYS LEADING UP TO THE CONCERT!!! First up, Addison's Top 5 Favourite Songs from the lady herself! Be sure to check this space on MONDAY!!!!

about The First Date

2007-05-16T23:53:00.000-07:00

about The First Date

Just came back from a date - my first official date in 19 years, to be exact (embarrassingly) - with someone I met just recently. No, I didn't do the asking out, for you who are eager to find out. Someone wanted to celebrate my birthday, and since tomorrow's been booked by Nards and company, today was ideal.

Still, it was such a wonderful birthday eve, I must say. I woke up early this morning to get ready for school. Took longer than usual, naturally. School finished at 1pm and we met at 2pm in Orchard.

We clicked very well!!! I enjoyed the strong, animated, lively personality very much. We talked a lot, found loads of common interests, went shopping together, watched a movie (and than another because we felt like it), had dinner at billy bombers and talked and talked even more, found more common interests, and sang songs together as we took a long walk down Orchard to YMCA under the night sky. I know... if someone else wrote what I just wrote and I read it, I would have gotten the chills. But it was a pleasant experience, which is more than anyone can ask for on their first date.

"Finally a first relationship?"is what 5 to 6 of you will ask, desperately. Hell, I haven't a clue. So don't come asking me. Hahahax! Can't tell based on one date. Hahahax!

Nevertheless, at least I got to go on a date while I was still 18 years old and before I turned 19. If I hadn't experienced it at 18, I'd have felt quite sad. Joachim, a close friend whom I mourned along with as we turned single 18-year-olds last year, moved on to having a girlfriend last December! Maybe I can share his luck this year, before the big 20 comes along. Hahahax! All in good time. All in good time.

Come back here in a few days. I'll talk about some exciting things about my birthday. Hehe!

about The Long Awaited Update

2007-05-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

about The Long Awaited Update

Wow... I never thought the day would come when I had to force myself into my blogger account to type something. But with the rush of all the articles the past 3 weeks, writing has been what I've been doing almost 24/7. I've never felt so tired from writing/typing... 7 articles in less than three weeks... OMG! Yes... that means 7 interviews/events/movies, 7 rounds of article formulation, 7 rounds of 1st stage editing and 7 rounds of 2nd stage editing (after editor reads through). WAHHH!!! Xiong man... but I'm still having fun!

And what's up with Blogger?!! They forced me to sign up for some google account - a process so complicated, I had to go through millions of webpages just to get it done... ALL just so that I can update my blog...

Anyways, my second online article has been published!!! AHHHH!!! So exciting! (you may be wondering where the rest of my 7 articles went... they're for a print publication...) The documentary is "Born Into Brothels" and this review of mine has been very well received, apparently. Matthew Heng said that it was "chao professional"!!! Hahahax!

It's only been half a day and already, I've received 5 compliments through msn, 4 positive comments on the review page, and 2 msn messages saying that they were inspired to go watch the feature. WOW!!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!! GO READ THE ARTICLE!!!

Born Into Brothels article

Remember to leave a comment or to rate the article!!!

about My First Article, Published!!!

2007-04-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

about My First Article, Published!!!

DON'T watch this movie! It's REALLY horrible! Your money's worth much more. Seriously.

Click Here for Article

about The Letters Of Death

2007-04-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

about The Letters Of Death

So, I had my first class of year 3 today. It was for online journalism. The lecturer, Mr. Robin Yee, can't make it for the first lesson next Friday, so he shifted it to today. We had a nice social introduction. When asked about myself, I shared on my absolute keen interest towards film, which, somehow, established myself as a definite writer for the movie review section of the publication, which I'm terribly happy about!!!

The impression I gave of my passion for film must have been strong. Right after class, I was given an assignment to attend the preview screening of a movie later this evening! But guess what... they gave me a Horror Flick!!! A Thai horror called "The Letters Of Death"! As much as I LOVE the movie-going experience more than anyone I have ever met, I HATE horror films! It is, to me, a waste of money, especially to scare yourself.

The editorial team could have assigned me a drama film, which not many people would have been interested in, a serious issue film, a lame comedy, or even an ACTION movie (which is second on my list of "don't usualy watch" film genres), and I would have been able to say something about it or compare aspects of it to other films under these genres. But I have not a single worthy experience with horror flicks to be able to offer a professional, informative and unbiased review. The Grudge, Ju-On, all these Asian horror flicks... never watched them. Thankfully, I asked Mitchell along (we were allowed one guest). As it turned out, he's pretty knowledgeable in asian horror flicks and was able to discuss some rather useful aspects of the film with me after the show. Thank goodness for his presence. Hahahax!

about Project Jacq 21

2007-04-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

about Project Jacq 21

My goodness! I haven't had as much fun as I did the last couple of days with "PROJECT JACQ 21"!!! It's dearest Jacq's 21st Birthday video. The appointments, the recording, the humour, THE EDITING, the cutting, the arranging and re-arranging until I was more than satisfied, the music selection... everything about the process and the product was absolutely a pure joy to experience! My gosh, I've never had so much fun making a gift. I think I had 5 hours of sleep in three days just to get it done. But it was all worth to give loving Jacq a significant birthday celebration to remember. Love you loads, Jacq!!!

Anyways, following are the links to the video separated into 5 parts. Enjoy!

"PROJECT JACQ 21" part 01/05

"PROJECT JACQ 21" part 02/05

"PROJECT JACQ 21" part 03/05

"PROJECT JACQ 21" part 04/05

"PROJECT JACQ 21" part 05/05

about Gym

2007-04-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

about Gym
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So, after slightly less than 2 long years, I finally paid the gym another visit today. Hahahax! Can you believe it?!!! I'm not sure what triggered the idea, but I think it has to do with the day being a pleasant one. Firstly, I woke up rather early... 10am. Ok, fine... 10am isn't THAT early. But considering I slept at 4am and that I've been having 6am-3pm sleeps for nearly a month now, this was a great first step to setting my body clock right by the time school starts in 2 weeks.
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Then I went out for a few hours to run some personal errands, and got a haircut in Bishan... AT JEAN YIP!!! Rather pricey, I know. But since I've been rather uncaring towards my hair by going to that "10 bucks for 10 minutes" thingamajingy for a year now (which is shocking cause of the known fact that I'm very concerned about my hair), I decided to go for a change just this one time. It was a pleasant cut, I might say. When I asked the hairdresser that I wanted it spiked (cause, if you haven't noticed, my hair's pretty long now) he didn't just go through the normal shaving off a standard length of my hair... He left my fringe a little longer, especially the left side, so there's this subtle punk-ness to it. Hhahahax! I really enjoyed it.
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So I came home, and that's when I just decided to change and go to the gym downstairs. Spent about an hour and a half there - half an hour on the track mill and about an hour at the various weights stations. I learnt that, though I don't exercise a lot, I'm still very much capable physically. I was just as able with the weights and stuff today as I was two years ago. Yup yup (proud smile)!!! I must say, after they renovated the gym and gave it more space and added newer machines, it's a rather divine place now. Hahahax! But the weird thing I noticed about the residents in my estate is that they like to peak into the gym A LOT, especially the guys. Hahahax! All four walls were either made of transparent windows or mirrors, so viewing is made easy. Hahahax!
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Then i decided to just go for a swim in my shorts. The swimming pool was just right next to the gym. So the decision to go in just came naturally. Did a few laps, after all of which, my body was terribly tired. But it felt good. Dinner was good. I cooked a seafood platter with tomato base on my own! Hahahax! And it was mighty delicious! Now I'm gonna watch Romeo + Juliet on DVD (the Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes version. I was told it's a must watch), which I borrowed, along with some others, from Video Ezy.
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It's been a real pleasant day, I must say. Got up and did stuff instead of staying in my room all day long. Not that the usual routine of staying at home isn't fun. I have my ways of entertaining myself. But today was different. And in this case, different is good. Hahahax!

about The Godfather

2007-03-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

about The Godfather

Last night, I had a real pleasant time out for dinner with Joel Chua, my confirmation Godfather, or at least I thought he was still my Godfather at the time. This dinner was one very much looked forward to all day yesterday and a time I enjoyed very much. One thing, among many things, which I love about Joel is the marvelous conversations we have whenever we get the chance to sit and talk. Well, THAT and the fact that he is one half of the duo whose similarities people in church always seem to talk about (me being the other half), in terms of our uncanny resemblance of personality, character and, to a certain extent, looks.

We had dinner at this Japanese place at City Hall and we went through the usuals - the series of updates in Youth Council, Maranatha, church, in general, family, school, and for him, family and especially work because he's venturing very soon into financial services, an area which he seems to have an obvious passion for and a desire to explore more. I'm truly happy for him. It's such an exciting chapter in his life.

But the peak of the evening came when, after a good 20 minutes of talking about movies and music, he popped the question if I knew of what happened during his "crisis" period in church a few years back. I told him that I had only recently found out about it from Nic Senior. What I didn't tell him was how guilty I felt after I found out, knowing that all this time, as a Godson, I was so ignorant to such a major event. And to think that "Nic's account was just the gist of what actually happened. There were so many more people involved", said Joel.

Joel followed that up with a sharing of his decision to axe any ties and have no relations with any religion of any sort after what happened - a decision, it seems, he made quite a while back, and he shared that he had experienced a psychological freedom after he made that decision. Just when I thought that I had missed so much information regarding Joel, after Nic told me about what happened during the "crisis" period, I was presented with the fact that there's more to that; SO MUCH MORE. Apparently, all this while when I thought that I had a Godfather who had to unfortunately leave the Youth Council as president because of his entry into the army and nothing else; a Godfather who was going to Sunday church in another parish; a Godfather who was doing fine; and then after a while, when he became rather distant, it came to a point when I thought maybe I had a Godfather who decided to abandon his Godson; but all these thoughts were, in fact, ridiculous assumptions!!!

It makes me wonder real hard how, in the past two years, it's possible that I had not a clue what had happened or what was happening. How is it that I could be ignorant to THAT extent? How was it possible for no one to ever talk about it in my presence, or to even mention or suggest anything of this sort? Why did no one correct me when my answer to questions about Joel's wherabouts was "he's attending another parish, for now" (which is what Joel told me at that time)? Why did it take an offical coffee appointment with Nic Senior 2 YEARS LATER for me to find out? Did people just assume I knew exactly everything that happened? It seemed I was the only dumb one who was oblivious, cause when people recently commented to me "Joel's coming back to church eh?", it seemed all this while, more than a whole bunch of people actually knew what had happened. How is it that I didn't know? Why didn't Joel, himself, say anything during the many occasions we went out the past two years?

I'm not blaming anyone for my lack of knowledge towards all this, which has come, not as a surprise (cause I'm happy that he's happy), but as something terribly huge to me. The information I have received in the course of the past month relating to this subject have made crystal clear what was absolutely blur and uncomfortable to me the past two years. I mean, I won't even know where to start to explain the number of unclear situations and experiences the past two years were made clear with the knowledge I've gained. And the thing is, I feel such a heavy amount of guilt that I was not there for my Godfather, that I had no chance all this while to be a part of this, which I naturally have the responsibility of doing so as a Godson and a friend. In summary, all that I asked of Joel when he became my Godfather, I failed to deliver as a Godson the past two years.

about Singapore's "Not-Too-Boring" Island Resor

2007-03-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

about S'pore's "Not-Too-Boring" Island Resort

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Wanted to post this yesterday... but was too tired.
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So, Rachel Er, Aaron Poon, Aaron Chua, Vanessa Tan, Gerri Ngui, Andrea Lek, Melvyn Vernon and myself went down to Sentosa yesterday. I was roped in past midnight the night before. I was kind of reluctant to go, cause of my recent habit of not spending money (I've saved $100 the past week) and because they wanted to go to the beach to tan and play ball games. Now if you know me, I CANNOT get tan. It's just a fact. No question about it. I've such fair skin, it turns pink, then red REAL EASILY, when highly exposed to sunlight. So basically, I get sunburned easily. So tanning is a huge no-no. And Addison play BALL GAMES??!!! The only ball game I would be interested in playing is Captain's Ball. But even if that's what we were gonna play, the beach with the blazing sunlight would be the worst place. Plus, staying at home was fun enough for me.
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But, eventually, I decided to tag along, despite my problems with the sun and ball games. But with regards to the habit of not spending money, I decided to cook all three of my days' meals in the morning before I left the house. I made enough pieces of french toast for dinner, a huge container of salad, a power-packet soup along with a thermoflask of hot water to go with it, a bacon-egg-cheese sandwich, some cookies, garlic bread and water. So all I spent the entire day was a 3-dollar entrance fee, and $1 for a set of cup noodles in the evening. Am I good, or am I good? I mean, I saved three meals' worth of money!!! Hahahaax!
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But Sentosa was pretty fun. We went straight to the beach and the girls laid out their mats to tan while I listened to music and took a short nap (which was a bad idea... short as the nap was, it was enough to start a burning process. hahahax!). Then we went swimming in the sea, and for those who don't know, the salt content in the sea water actually quickens the "burning process" of your skin when your skin touches sea water, which it did for me. I ended up having a slight sun burn. But it's okay, I suppose. We got to drag Rachel, who was reluctant to soak her enture self into the sea, through 4 metres of sand and into the sea. Plus, there were some rather attractive people at the beach. So I wouldn't say it was all that boring. Hahahax! Plus, I got to bond with a couple of friends, especially Gerri and Andrea, people whom I haven't really had a good laugh for quite some time already. Yupyup!

about Mass Comm Year 3

2007-03-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

about Mass Comm Year 3

Alright, so the results for our ranking of our final year electives were out this morning. As expected, I got my choices (cause they are, apparently, not very popular among my coursemates) - Print Journalism, Online Journalism and Acting Workshop. It's gonna be super fun! Plus, I got to switch my core class to one with Nards, Joachim, Steph and some real cool ppl to work with. FANTASTIC!!!

Looking forward to Year 3!!! Gonna have a ball of a time! Hhahahahax!

about The History Boys

2007-03-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

about The History Boys

Been wanting to write about this film since I caught it more than a week ago, but have just been too lazy. Hahax!

But gosh! It's witty, it's intelligent, it's heartwarming, it's genius writing and, above all, just darn hilarious!!! The History Boys is, without doubt, one of the most clever comedies ever written and that I've ever watched. It's not one of those cliche chick-flicks or physical comedies that we come across once in a while. This is a rare piece of language-based comedy. I absolutely loved it! I think that's the type of comedy which I can relate to the most - smart, witty dialogue - and none of those 'Scary Movie' or 'Epic Movie' crap.

Based on an American play, which garnered 6 Tony Awards last year (the most ever won by a play in the last 50 years), including Best Play and Best Leading Actor in a Play, this film version was released later in the year in America and features the exact same award winning cast of the play. The writers and director of the film version were also those of the play. It's an outstanding piece of art and a master class in acting. Fantabulous! I'm gonna watch it again, if I have the chance. You ought to as well!

Here's the trailer...

about My ABs (2)

2007-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

about My ABs (2)

Okayy... I know I promised to post that special feature. But I became too lazy to get down to piecing it together. So... yea... hahahax!

Anyways, my grades for the last semester were released just about an hour ago. Couldn't sleep the entire night out of nervousness. Slept at around 5am after watching Gone With The Wind. Hahahax! But looks like my hardwork paid off again. 2nd set of As and Bs. Yupyup!

Web Design Applications - B

Communication Issues - B+

Feature Writing - B+

Public Relations - B+

Radio Production 2 - A

Grade Point Average - 3.5

May not be as good as last semester. But I'm contented cause I expected all Bs and B+s. So the 'A' for Radio Production 2 sure made it jolly good! But I know, for sure, Communication Issues and Public Relations were darn close to an A (Grade A is 80 marks... I'm confident these two were hanging around 79). Such a waste... haiz! Nevertheless... these grades were, in general, better than expected, my GPA has been pushed up and I'm elated!

Now I'm going back to sleep. Truly lacking it through all the worrying. Nitez!

about The Lion That Sleeps Tonight

2007-03-07T23:43:00.000-08:00

about The Lion That Sleeps Tonight

I realised that my viewership rate for my blog increased by 200% during Oscar season. I guess my passion for these awards really is widely known but I also hope that it attributes to my credibility as a predictor. Hahahax!

Anyways, the high viewership rate stayed for a while but dropped gradually after the lack of activity on this page. Well, I suppose after all the effort put in for the last 2 entries, I got kinda tired (no doubt it was tremendous fun writing and posting the content!!!). Anyways, I've a great entry about today's experience coming up real soon, once I get on with piecing the entry and content together. Check this space real soon!

But in the mean time, as an ardent fan of youtube (after the hols started, I've been spending a few hours each day just watching clips on youtube), here's something related to the entry I'll be posting soon. This is one darn cute clip!!! Enjoy!

about The Road To The Oscars (A Recap of a Magical Journey)

2007-02-26T23:59:00.000-08:00

about The Road To The Oscars
(A Recap of a Magical Journey)

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10 Reasons Why This Year's Oscars Made History

It marks the most international Oscars ever, with British, Spanish, Mexican, Japanese, American, African American, German, Australian, Italian nominees and many more.
The widest age range for nominees, from a young 10-year old girl, Abigail Breslin, to legendary Dames Helen Mirren and Judi Dench.
Meryl Streep receives her 14th acting nomination for "The Devil Wears Prada" - the most any actor ever received.
Kate Winslet, 31, becomes the youngest performer ever to receive 5 nominations.
2 more African American actors (Forest Whitaker and Jennifer Hudson) receive Oscar honours - a rare occasion.
A light-hearted comedy, Little Miss Sunshine, has a good chance of winning Best Picture.
Borat is nominated for an Oscar.
Scorsese finally wins Best Director after 5 previous losses.
Mega Stars, Jack Nicholson and Brad Pitt, who give outstanding performances, are overlooked.
The Picture category has never been so difficult to predict.

The Red Carpet
The day started for any Oscar fan at 07:00am where E! channel brought audiences live from the red carpet with the first look and lowdown on who's wearing what, who's looking glamourous and who's not on Hollywood's biggest night. It's really a fantastic way to lead up to the ceremony itself, because during the ceremony, it's rather formal and you don't necessarily get to see what everyone is wearing.

It was fabulous to start the morning with host, Ryan Seacrest, as he interviewed stars on the red carpet, from 1st-time nominees Penelope Cruz, Mark Wahlberg, to multi-nominees, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, to the legendary Dame Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, to the presenters and guests, like Nicole Kidman, James McAvoy, Beyonce Knowles, only to name a few - all looking fabulous (with the exception of a few); all making fashion history on Hollywood's biggest night; all excited and nervous; all full of hope.

The Ceremony Begins
And then the main ceremony begins at 09:30am on Mediacorp 5.

Before honours are presented, Dreamgirls leads the field with 8 nominations, although it's the first leading film at the Oscars in 79 years to not get a Best Picture nomination. Babel followed closely next with 7 nominations, The Queen and Pan's Labyrinth with 6 nominations each (although Pan's doesn't have a Best Picture nomination), The Departed and Blood Diamond with 5 nominations each, and Little Miss Sunshine, Letters From Iwo Jima and Notes On A Scandal with 4 nominations.

How exciting!!! Because Director and Picture are the most unpredictable categories this year, the fact that they are presented last just makes the hype for the ceremony grow even more as we sit through it. Yoohoo!!!
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Highlights Of The Ceremony...

Actor in a Supporting Role
Last year's Best Supporting Actress, Rachel Weisz, presents. Guess what?!!! Dark horse, Alan Arkin of Little Miss Sunshine, steals the award from frontrunner, Eddie Murphy!! I'm screaming at this point, not just in shock, but in pure joy!

Arkin so deserves it. I only predicted Murphy as the winner in my previous post as he's been winning so many Supporting Actor awards throughout the season. But I never saw why. Just as I suggested, Norbit caused him to lose the Oscar-winner image. Terrible. But props to Alan Arkin!!! (could this be to give Little Miss Sunshine one more award to justify a Best Picture win later on? Who knows?!! But already, this is proving to be a shocking ceremony!)

Animated Feature
Surprise!!! The Oscar goes to... Happy Feet! OMG!!! Shocking ceremony, indeed. Cars was predicted to be the frontrunner, by a mile! Hahahax!

Adapted Screenplay
As I predicted, the winner is... The Departed (the first potential for the film to win Best Picture!!!)

Foreign Language Film
Surprise, again!!! It's not Pan's Labyrinth!! But... The Lives Of Others from Germany! This gives us more reason to expect a series of surprises during the ceremony.

Actress in a Supporting Role
George Clooney, last year's recipient for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, presents the Best Supporting Actress award to... Jennifer Hudson from Dreamgirls!!! YAY!!! Wow... what a moment! I expected it to be heartwarming, dramatic and historical, but this is extraordinary! She has a great, moving speech. Beautiful, beautiful moment.

Original Score
I didn't want Babel to win, just in case it wins also for Best Editing (2 awards) and if The Departed has Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director (2 awards) and, at this rate, Little Miss Sunshine for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay (2 awards), then all 3 films will be racing at equal pace to Best Picture. And I don't want Babel to win Best Picture!!! But then... it wins Best Original Score (1st Oscar for Babel)... so, by the looks of it, if Babel beats The Departed for Best Editing, we'll be running at an equal race for the last award.

Original Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay went to Michael Arnt for Little Miss Sunshine (2nd Oscar for Little Miss Sunshine). Well-deserved.

Original Song
Best Original Song Oscar went to... (surprisingly, not one of the 3 songs from Dreamgirls nominated) but to Melissa Etheridge for her song, "I Need To Wake Up" from An Inconvenient Truth. Quite sad, Dreamgirls only won 2 of the 4 awards it was expect to win (losing in this category and Best Supporting Actor).

Film Editing
Kate Winslet presents the Oscar for Best Film Editing (this is it! If Babel wins, we'll be running an equal race. If The Departed wins, which I really hope it does, it'll have a good chance of winning Best Picture!!!) And the Oscar goes to... THEMLA SCHOONMAKER FOR THE DEPARTED!!! OMG... (2nd Oscar for The Departed) There I am in my bedroom, jumping and screaming!!! Martin Scorsese is in tears as his close friend, editor of The Departed, wins her 3rd Oscar in her career, all for his films.

Actress in a Leading Role
Philip Seymour Hoffman, last year's Best Actor winner, presents Her Highness, Helen Mirren, with the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. What a moment! 5 exceptional female nominees with powerhouse performances, and this is the peak of it all - the portrayal of the Queen. At this point, I'm in my bedroom, standing and applauding Helen as she accepts her Oscar. Helen Mirren gives a fabulous speech, talking about her journey making the film, and talks about Queen Elizabeth and finishing it off with "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you - The Queen!" and raises her Oscar. I love Helen Mirren! What a speech, what a moment, what a performance, what a historical film!

Actor in a Leading Role
Last year's winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Reese Witherspoon, then presents the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling, Peter O'Toole, Will Smith, Forest Whitaker... all magnificent performances. But the Oscar goes to... Forest Whitaker!!! Whitaker gives a moving speech as he describes how much acting means to him and the struggle he experienced to get to where he is today. His wife weeps as he Whitaker accepts his Oscar. Another magical moment.

Director
And the moment arrives... the Oscar for Best Director (fingers crossed!!! Please finally give it to Martin Scorsese!!!) Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, all directing legends, are here to present the award, suggesting the possibility of a historical moment (the break of Scorsese's 5-time losing streak, maybe?). So the nominees are announced. And the Oscar goes to... MARTIN SCORSESE!!!

What a moment!!! Again, there I am screaming and jumping and applauding for this legend! And so does everyone in the ceremony hall. A worthy and well-deserved standing ovation for this legend, who has waited too long for this magical moment! Martin gives a joyful speech as he thanks every single person whom he's come across, wishing that he would one day win the Oscar, which has made this honour so moving. I've got chills all over me, as I watch him receive his Oscar. It's really a huge milestone in film history.

Motion Picture Of The Year
Okay... Then Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton present the Oscar for Best Motion Picture Of The Year... The Departed has won 3 Oscars, Little Miss Sunshine has won 2, and Babel, The Queen, Letters From Iwo Jima have won 1 each. It's a close fight between Little Miss Sunshine and The Departed. At this point, some may say that The Departed will win. But Jack's presence brings about a reminder of this time last year, when he announced Crash as the surprising winner of Best Motion Picture. But let's see how this goes... either way, I love both films tremendously and, as long as Babel doesn't win, I'm happy.

Diane Keaton announces the nominees. And as she does, you can sense the greatness of this collection of films. And it really is. Then the drum roll is heard... Jack opens the envelope. And the Oscar goes to... THE DEPARTED!!! A gigantic wave of screams and cheers arouses (and you can imagine how ecstatic I'm feeling at this point, jumping and screaming again... hahax!) as a Martin Scorsese film finally wins the Best Motion Picture Oscar. As producer, Graham King, accepts the award, another magical moment is made.
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Post Oscars
There it is... the highest celebration of film. My predictions were accurate... all except for Supporting Actor, where I placed Alan Arkin only as the dark horse. It has been a long and joyful awards season for me. I'm extremely happy with the selection of recipients. Well-deserved, I'd say. Well-deserved. Well, after this lengthy, but exhilarating journey through this Oscar season, I'm sure looking forward to next year. But, in the mean time, it's a joy to know that such a collection of powerful and deserving films have been honoured and will reign as the Kings and Queens for the next year to come!

about Glams & Slams At The Oscars Red Carpet

2007-02-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

about Glams & Slams At The Oscars Red Carpet

Top Five Leading Ladies

Number One: Penelope Cruz

Volver star Penelope Cruz triumphs in her stunning Versace dress. Clad in Chopard diamonds, she pulls it off like a true style star. It's just such a magnificient piece! The colour, the train, the beading - the entire ensemble made for the perfect vintage look. Outstanding!

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Number Two: Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman always, ALWAYS shines at these events. And this year's Oscars was no exception in her case. She looks absolutely gorgeous in a red Balenciaga dress with a Bottega Veneta clutch and custom jewellry by L'Wren Scott. This star never fails to take me aback with her style, elegance and beauty. A True fashion icon, I must say. Five Stars!!!
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Number Three: Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz used to be known for her dare-devil character when it comes to fashion. But here, she radiates with a simple, yet classy, Valentino piece that brings out her tan with its colour. Love it, love it, love it! It clearly screams: Sorry? Justin who?

Number Four: J.Lo

Pwoah! I never really agreed with J.Lo's taste in fashion. The only exception so far being her choice of dress at this year's Golden Globes. Here, once again, she glows in this Marc Jacobs piece. I may not absolutely love where the flow of the dress begins (could be a little lower), but the details round the shoulders and the chest is extraodinary, in terms of fashion, design and art. Fantastic, Fantastic!!!

Number Five: Gwyneth Paltrow

Stunning! Absolutely stunning! Love the colour, love the collection of subtle detail that made for the design, love the hair! Gwyneth never really makes it to my top few favourites in fashion. In fact, she's been on some of Oscar night's worst dressed, and is remembered very well for that. But this Zac Posen piece just blows me away!

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Other Fashion Hits On Oscar Night
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Beyonce Knowles. I don't necessarily love the stone strap piece. But the rest of it works.

Abigail Breslin. Adorable. Absolutely adorable.
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Cate Blanchett. On first glance, the colour and the shine may be disturbing. But after a closer study (on television), the pattern work and the detail is utterly beautiful. Only Cate's elegance and class could pull off such an ensemble.
.Dame Helen Mirren. Very daring for a woman her age, with that neckline. But she pulled it off impeccably. Really, it's an extraordinary ensemble, pattern, colour and detail wise. But I love the hair most. Truly, LOVE it. She's dressed to win.
.Kate Winslet. Absolutely drop dead gorgeous. The mint-like colour of the dress, the classic hair just bolds well for her look and the one-side strap that flows to the back just gives it an extra marvelous touch. Love the earrings too!
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Naomi Watts. Much better than last year. MUCH better. May be a bit safe, but still classy and elegant.
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Rachel Weisz. Classic look. But the diamond chest line of the dress is the element that tops it off perfectly. Wonderful choice.

Reese Witherspoon. Could have made it to my top 5 if there weren't quite a number of stunning-looking ladies this year. But Reese was remarkable. But it's so sad people like her needed to go through a break up to look THAT good. I thought she and Ryan Philippe and Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz were such wonderful couples!

Emily Blunt. She's a true beauty, by nature. Looks stunning in whatever she wears. And this look is no exception. Fabulous!

Male Extravanganza On Oscar Night

James McAvoy. The accent! I'm so addicted to the accent! The look's charming, though the hair has been to better places, in my experience. But the accent! The accent and the eyes makes up for that. Gorgeous!

Leonardo DiCaprio. Always looks fantastic on the red carpet. He never fails to shine. And the choice of the coat - one with a fantastic neckline pattern - rocked the red carpet. One of the best dressed males, without doubt. Probably the best, if I may say so.
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Ryan Gosling. The bow works well for him. Doesn't give the too-serious look. And the silver beaded buttons and stripe shirt gives the whole look a bit of a cool, funky feel. Nice.

Djimon Hounsou. The former model charms with that suit-glasses collaboration.
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Fashion Misses On Oscar Night

Kirsten Dunst. What was she thinking?!! It's like hair, dress and make up were done completely separately from each other. No discussion made. Oh dear... and on Oscar night!
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Anne Hathaway. It COULD have been a lovely look. But that extra black piece is too much of a fashion crime. The pattern just makes it worse. Herein the star of The Devil Wears Prada.
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Jennifer Hudson. Bad choice. Bad choice. I'm sorry, girl. I loved your performance and your voice. You deserved your Oscar. But the look is way off and the pieces hardly match.

Jodie Foster. The simplicity and the seen-that-before feel that comes with it kicks it right out of the hits section! Fantastic actress. Bad up-to-date fashion tastes.

Adriana Barraza. I'm sorry. Props to the Best Supporting Actress nomination. But the rose design kills. KILLS!
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Rinko Kikuchi. Never loved the Best Supporting Actress nominee's fashion taste. Still don't. It's not just bad. It's horrible!

about Predictions for the BIG 8!

2007-02-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

about Predictions for the BIG 8!
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After months of speculation and precursors, we've finally reach the climax of the celebration of film... The Oscars! Following are the nominees for the 8 major categories and my final predictions after months of analysis... ENJOY!
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Who Will Win: Forest Whitaker "The Last King Of Scotland"

Breathtaking, outstanding performance that's filled with so much depth and energy. One of those performances that really builds its place in your memory, because it's that accurate and real. Plus, he's been winning every single Best Actor award this season.

Who Should Win: Leonardo DiCaprio "Blood Diamond"

He's long been deserving of an Oscar. "The Beach" aside, all his other performances have deemed and labeled him as an astounding actor. From "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" to "Titanic". From "Gangs Of New York" to "The Aviator". And this year, he outdid himself with 2 worthy performances in "The Departed" and "Blood Diamond", which were so good, they were competing against each other for a nomination in this category. It's about time Leonardo DiCaprio got his due, although this year would be difficult with Forest Whitaker around. Nevertheless, fingers crossed!

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Who Will Win: Helen Mirren "The Queen"

By a mile, she has taken this year's film industry by storm. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II was absolutely marvelous - impeccable! Such accuracy and power was her performance filled with. The best performance of 2006. That's for sure. One need not even know that she's been winning every single Best Actress award this season to tell that she's, without doubt, the frontrunner of this category.

Who Should Win: Helen Mirren "The Queen"

She's long been deserving of an Oscar. Already in her sixties and a legend, if she not recognised now, then when? And what a role to win the Oscar for. Fabulous, fabulous.

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Who Will Win: Eddie Murphy "Dreamgirls" (runner-up/dark horse: Alan Arkin "Little Miss Sunshine")
A combination of an interesting and fun role with a comedic actor will earn Eddie his first Oscar. Plus, he's been the critic's favourite. Murphy is, as usual, a joy to watch as he takes on the role of music sensation, Jimmy "Thunder" Early. Murphy's experience with comedy and his brief musical career in the 1980s sure prepped him well for this role - one, which can easily be considered the performance of his career, and may finally give Murphy the attention as a serious actor, which he deserves, if not for Norbit being released at the same time as this film. Bad publicity stint!

Running fast behind in the competition is Alan Arkin for his hysterical portrayal of Grandpa in Little Miss Sunshine. He hasn't been nominated for, let alone win, as many precursor awards as Murphy, but he did win the British Academy Award. His chances for this award are just slightly lower than Murphy currently and should Murphy be upset come Oscar night, it would be because of Arkin's victory. The others haven’t been receiving enough critical or precursor acclaim to place my bet on for Oscar, although Djimon Hounsou and Jackie E. Haley's performances are fabulous.
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Who Should Win: Djimon Hounsou "Blood Diamond"
Djimon's performance was so rich and moving. It's not easy to pull off such a difficult role and to make a strong impact to the audience. It sure moved me to tears and convinced me that he should win the Oscar, more than any of the other nominees.
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Who Will Win: Jennifer Hudson "Dreamgirls"
She broke through to Hollywood with a stunning and unbeatable debut performance in a mega film comparable to Chicago. Hudson delivers a performance which I can easily label as one of the best and most memorable of the year and definitely the best performance of this film. Hudson's ability to channel her vocal emotions to her acting was truly outstanding. This is seen in the scene where she sings "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going". It is probably the scene in the film which creates the most impact on the audience and which is most stuck to your head, in the most postive sense, after the show is over. Hudson proves that pulling off a scene, which invloves the need for a collaboration of exceptional acting abilities and powerhouse vocals, handling a vulnerable situation the character is facing and, on top of that, still keeping the diva image that is natually part of her character's persona, is possible. Making people believe that no one else could have pulled off that role as well as she did, in terms of vocals and acting ability will earn her her well deserved Oscar.
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Who Should Win: Jennifer Hudson "Dreamgirls"
I LOVED Jennifer Hudson ever since her American Idol days. That vocal ability of hers... stunning! It was so saddening to see her and LaToya London be kicked out before they reach the finals. It would be a dream come true to see Jennifer achieve the success even greater than an American Idol winner could, even without winning. And that dream will come true for Jennifer come Oscar night! I'm rooting for you, girl!!!
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Who Will Win: Little Miss Sunshine (runner-up/dark horse: The Queen)
It's not a storyline that the Academy usually recognise. But there seems to be something significant about this film that makes it stand out. Hey, if it could make it to a Best Motion Picture Of The Year nomination, I suppose it can win this. And apparently, many professionals are predicting that this film will win in this category. And I think that it can and most probably will, unless The Queen causes it an upset, which is most probable as well. Both are strong contenders, but Little Miss Sunshine, in the mean time, is the mightier of the two.
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Who Should Win: The Queen
This film really struck a chord with me, and because of the fact that Diana's death was and is an event which I am intrigued to always find out more about, and the fact that this film took the perspective of Queen Elizabeth II, really just overwhelmed me with interest. Wonderful story already. Add that with two hour's worth of powerful words and tah-dah - my favourite film to win this award.
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Who Will Win: The Departed
Every online prediction publication and presursor award seem to think that this film will win in this category. And I agree. I think that it has every potential to win honours for it's script. Wonderfully written. The dialogues are really a major part of the movie and why it's such an interesting film.
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Who Should Win: The Departed
I love the film. Yes, the other scripts, like Notes On A Scandal and Little Children are mindblowing (really... these two are among my favourite films of the year). But this is a Scorsese film. So... yea. Hahahax!
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Who Will Win: Martin Scorsese "The Departed" (runner-up/dark horse: Clint Eastwood and Paul Greengrass)
Well, after 5 nominations and being frontrunner, but losing, for all 5 of these instances, it's about time the Academy recognises this legend's work, not just with nominations, but with the actual honour of Oscar himself. Scorsese's chances this year are much higher than previous years'. He has the golden globe and director's guild award to be more confident about finally getting onto the podium come Oscar night. However, as the Academy adores Eastwood (as seen in previous years) and even gave Eastwood a surprise nomination not just in this category but in Best Picture as well, one would not be too surprised if he actually receives another Oscar in this category. However, chances are slim. Another dark horse in this category is Paul Greengrass for United 93. Paul's surprise nomination in this category and his recent surprise win at the British Academy Awards (beating poor Scorsese) have labeled him as the largest threat to Scorsese's Oscar.
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Who Should Win: Martin Scorsese "The Departed"
I personally feel that all Scorsese movies, like The Aviator, Raging Bull, Taxi and Gangs Of New York, were all worthy of the honour (well, except for The Aviator. Clint Eastwood's win that year was well deserved). So I'm really hoping that Scorsese will win it this year, not just because of his losing streak, and that he's been making fantastic movies, but also because his work on The Departed was mind-blowing and fabulous.
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Who Will Win: The Departed (runner-up/dark horse: Babel and Little Miss Sunshine)
This is the toughest category I've ever had to predict, especially with Dreamgirls, the initial frontrunner, missing from the list. I must say, the strongest contenders are Babel, The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine.

If we're following Oscar's tradition of choosing winners (which should not be strongly depended on, because we all know how many of its usual "rules" or preferences it has broken this year), then Babel will win. Babel also deals with a subject close to Americans' hearts. The film fulfils all the necessary criteria - the film with the most nominations among the Best Picture nominees, a Best Director and Best Film Editing nomination, and a Golden Globe win for Best Motion Picture - Drama. However, although the film has the most nominations among the 5, it's chances in winning in any of its categories, besides Best Picture, are terribly slim. It won't win any of its 2 nominations in the Best Supporting Actress categories (Jennifer Hudson will win. And even if she doesn't Cate Blanchett is the clear runner-up) also because the two nominees are as strong as each other and will cause the film a split vote in this category. It won't win Best Director or Best Screenplay (not because it's not good, but because there are other absolutely fantastic contenders). Chances for the film are only on Film Editing and Original Score, and even so, these chances aren't all that high; and even these categories can't secure a win for Best Motion Picture Of The Year. But one never knows, I suppose.

Little Miss Sunshine is also a very strong contender, though this may surprise many, who haven't been following the precursor awards. But winning the biggest awards at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Producers Guild of America does, in many ways, make the film the frontrunner of this award. But then again, it's the type of film, which never makes it even to the Oscar nominations list. But this year, history is made as Little Miss Sunshine breaks many rules the Academy seem to always abide by. So don't be surprised should Little Miss Sunshine win. However, it's unlikely for it to win more than 1 of the other 3 awards it's nominated for. Dreamgirls will dominate the Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories and the film only stands to win Best Original Screenplay. What are the chances then of this film winning Best Motion Picture?

The Departed is the strongest contender here. It's likely to win Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. If it wins Best Film Editing, then we know that it's closest to a lock. Supporting Actor doesn't pose a lot of hopes with Mark Wahlberg, though. But the other three's good enough for a Best Picture win. However, the film hasn't won any Best Picture awards at all this season, or at least not for the major precursor awards. But it's not like the other contenders have dominated the season, either. Anything's possible, so much that Babel or Little Miss Sunshine could win. But for now, The Departed's the strongest contender.
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Who Should Win: The Queen or Little Miss Sunshine
My hope is definitely that The Queen will take the award, although it's 99% impossible for that to happen. But this film really touched me, from the screenplay to the acting. Like almost everyone else, I felt that Helen Mirren really embodied the role and portrayed it impeccably. She really WAS the Queen. The script was fabulous as well. I suppose why this film really struck a chord with me, was because of the fact that Diana's death was and is an event which I am intrigued to always find out more about, and the fact that this film took the perspective of Queen Elizabeth II really just overwhelmed me with interest. I LOVED the music score also. Well, as long as the film wins Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score, which are really the reasons why the film was that extraordinary, I suppose I'll be alright if it loses Best Motion Picture of the Year.

Oh my gosh... Little Miss Sunshine was such a beautifully crafted film! I truly loved it. It moves you deep within the smart comedy that it is. It's as perfect and well-bonded as a cast could get. And the writing!!! Genius, genius! Although these two areas (cast and writing) really are the main reasons why the film was so beautiful, both areas are just so good that it's worthy of Best Picture, I think!!! The film is a humble collaboration of intelligent and creative directing of a brilliant, heartwarming script that is brought to life and justice with accurate, impeccable and comical performances by an outstanding cast. It would bring me great, GREAT joy to see this film win Best Motion Picture.

P.S... I know I seem a bit confused to "Who Should Win" Best Picture... but it's just been a year of numerous fantastic films!!! I should know... I've watched all of them!

about Family Time With DREAMGIRLS

2007-02-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

about That Sob Sob Entry

After our reunion dinner last night, I pitched the idea of a midnight screening of "Dreamgirls" at Cathy Picture House to my family. Originally, this was a plan for me to have a feel of watching the show in the cinema, because I already saw the movie on DVD and I didn't enjoy it. Based on my experience of Moulin Rouge, Chicago, Ray and The Phantom Of The Opera, musicals are enjoyed more in the cinema, because of the sound system. I asked my family along also because sneak previews of the film were only screened after midnight and I didn't want to take a taxi home and have to pay the post-midnight fare. (I KNOW... EVIL!!!)

Although the movie was absolutely fantastic and Jennifer Hudson's acting and vocals blew me away, and my theory of watching musicals in the theatre was proven right (I enjoyed it tremendously), what made my night was more of the time spent with my family rather than the fabulous movie. The show was at 12:10am. My father and I, being the paranoid people that we are, insisted on buying the tickets early and we reached the place at 10pm. We spent two hours at Starbucks talking to each other and spending time as a family, which we rarely get to do these days, partly because of how constantly terribly busy I always seem to be. But it was nice just to have conversations with them and sharing with them my thoughts about school and listening to their sharings about their respective jobs and responsibilities. And just the idea of sharing my fantabulous experience at the movies with them really was just great.

I'm very blessed to have the family that I was born into. My father's the greatest one in THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. He's always, ALWAYS there for me. No question about it. Whenever I need him, he's there to provide twice of what I asked from him, and to express his love, his devotion, his genuine care and his concern. My mom's the modernizer. She's the hip and cool one of the family. Fun to be with. But she's strict. She gave me the strong discipline that I now possess. My brother's the quiet Ah Beng of the family. Doesn't talk serious much, but sure is a good listener. The most wonderful family. I rarely share that with people. But it's something I always felt. Yupyup!

about Music's Biggest Night, After A Hectic Semester

2007-02-14T23:13:00.000-08:00

about Music's Biggest Night, After A Hectic Semester

And we've reached the end of Year 2!!! Done with all my projects! Done with all my exams!!! Just finished my last paper yesterday (Tuesday)... And the feeling's... well, let's just say it'll take some time before it'll really hit me that my long awaited 2-month holidays are here!!! hahahax!

I made a BIG sacrifice on monday morning. I chose to miss the live telecast of the Grammys Red Carpet and Main Ceremony so that I could spend a few more hours getting EXTRA ready for my exam in the afternoon. And boy, was it worth the sacrifice. I could not have been more prepared for the paper. Feels good.

So, I caught the Grammys in the evening. It started out really boring. Sting and The Police reunion wasn't as hyped up an opening for the show as I had hoped it would be. But it was sure a satisfying night, seeing MY CHOICE FOR AMERICAN IDOL 4, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, WIN 2 GRAMMYS (Best New Artist & Best Female Country Vocal Performance)!!! It was such a joy seeing her win American Idol and not fail fans like me, in terms of her post-Idol work. I LOVE YOU, CARRIE UNDERWOOD!!!

It's was country music's biggest night as the Dixie Chicks and Carrie Underwood ruled the general/major categories, with the Dixie Chicks winning Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year, and Carrie Underwood winning Best New Artist, beating hot favourites, James Blunt and Corrinne Bailey Rae. Go Country music! I was very happy that the Dixie Chicks won, unlike quite a number of people, because of the fact that I know they've lost in the major categories so many times, winning only in the Country categories.

Other wins which I'm very happy about include Christina Aguilera's win for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Ain't No Other Man" (her 5th Grammy in total... ALL RIGHT, CHRISTINA!!!), Beyonce's win for Best Contemporary R&B Album for "BDay" (HER 10TH GRAMMY, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!!), Justin Timberlake's win for Best Dance Recording for "Sexy Back" and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "My Love", and Mary J. Blige's 3 wins for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song (Be Without You) and Best R&B Album (The Breakthrough).

Other big winners include the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, John Mayer and John Legend.

Not the BEST grammy show. But still good.

DIXIE CHICKS

Record Of The Year
"Not Ready To Make Nice"
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Album Of The Year
"Taking The Long Way Home"

Song Of The Year
"Not Ready To Make Nice"
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Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
"Not Ready To Make Nice"
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Best Country Album
"Taking The Long Way Home"

CARRIE UNDERWOOD
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Best New Artist
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Best Female Country Vocal Performance
"Jesus, Take The Wheel"

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
"Ain't No Other Man"

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Best Dance Recording
"Sexy Back"
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Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
"My Love" (featuring T.I.)

JOHN MAYER

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
"Waiting On The World To Change"
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Best Pop Vocal Album
"Continuum"

THE BLACK EYED PEAS

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
"My Humps"
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JOHN LEGEND

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
"Heaven"
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Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
"Family Affair" (with Joss Stone and Van Hurt)

MARY J. BLIGE

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
"Be Without You"
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Best R&B Song
"Be Without You"
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Best R&B Album
"The Breakthrough"

BEYONCE

Best Contemporary R&B Album
"B'Day"
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RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
"Dani California"
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Best Rock Song
"Dani California"
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Best Rock Album
"Stadium Arcadium"

about The Buzzzzzzzz

2007-02-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

about The Buzzzzzzzz
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MAGAZINE PROJECT IS OVER!!! Yeap, yeap! My last project (and biggest one) for the semester was handed up today. And, I MUST say, I'm terribly happy with my groups' end product. The design and layout was fabulous. All the stories flowed so well and were so interesting for a men's magazine. So, I'm happy. It was such a fun (but extremely demanding and hectic) project. Still, there's this sense of nostalgia and bittersweet-ness. But that's only because I'm happy with the end product. Hahahax!

As the editor-in-chief of the magazine, you can imagine what a load off it was for me. But I really enjoyed being editor. After being editor for my newspaper project last semester, I felt that I had a clearer view of how to do the job better... and I felt that I really did do a much better job this time round. Last semester was a job well done, with a few blunders here and there. This semester brought about a higher level of professionalism in me, I felt. And I'm happy. It was really fun too, since magazines really are more interesting to produce than newspapers. Hahahax!

What I'm worried for now is the two exam papers next Monday and Tuesday, as well as my choices for electives (specialisation areas) in my final year. Now, this has been bothering me the entire week. Print Journalism, Television Journalism, Online Journalism, Photojournalism or Radio Journalism... SO MANY AREAS I WOULD LOVE TO SPECIALISE IN... but I'll die if I take so many journalism modules, I think. I think I can only include 2 of these journalism modules in the 3 electives I'm entitled to take. Then there's Acting and Directing, Conventions and Exhibitions, Documentary Productions, Advanced Radio Productions... Shucks... Biggest decision of MY LIFE!!!

My future career lies in this decision...

about Black Sheep, White Sheep

2007-01-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

about Black Sheep, White Sheep
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Been some time since I updated... one week and two days to be exact (but not as bad a Joel Er! Hurry update, boy! And please don't delete your blog!!!). So much has happened since then. Here're some main occurrences.
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Black on Black (last Tuesday and Wednesday)
Nards, Joyce and I got a bloody 'C' for Media Kit. After all the sleepless nights before Christmas and hardcore efforts put into this project, that 'C' was truly the deepest of cuts. Getting a 'B+' for my individual assignment for Communication Issues was another terrible disappoint. I expected an 'A'. Worst of all, I dropped Kidman!!!
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Radio 'Live' Talkshow Test
Took my radio talkshow test last Thursday. Brought Isaac (the film enthusiast) in as my interviewee and we talked about THE OSCARS!!! Hahahax! It was so COOL to have someone talk with you about one of your greatest interests... So much that the interview just went so naturally and sounded excellent and professional on air. All my friends commended on my performance and that really felt good. I didn't get the grade I wanted, but I did get the highest grade possible that day. Yup! It was a lovely day.
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Creative Journal
After weeks of drawing, sewing, colouring, printing pictures, pasting a total of 9 rolls worth of double sided tape, my 50-entry creative journal was finally pieced together and completed! I'm SO PROUD of the final product of tremendous effort. It felt good to have all my classmates envy my work... "Spoil market lah, Addison!" and "Woah, if your work is a B-grade, we would all fail already" and "Damn nice lah!!!" and "Confirm get A lah!" all made me feel good about my creative journal.
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But the icing on that beautiful cake was when I ran into my lecturer in the lift while on my way to submitting the creative journal. He took it from me and looked through it (the lifts in my school are quite slow. So he had some time to look through) and he looked up at me and said, "Can I just give you an 'A' and give this back to you now?" WAHHHH!!! THAT very sentence made all those late nights of work just WORTH IT!!! I'm happy.
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Screen Actors Guild Awards
Yesterday was the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Helen Mirren won another two awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture for "The Queen" and Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for "Elizabeth I". Wonderful! The cast of Grey's Anatomy won "Best Ensemble for a Drama Series"!!!! And Chandra Wilson (Dr. Bailey) won Best Actress in a Drama Series!!! Very, very happy!

about That December Crush

2007-01-21T23:59:00.000-08:00

about That December Crush
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It was just a little thing I had during Youth Camp.
You were there and I was there.
Everytime I looked over, I saw you looking back at me.
Everytime I joked, you laughed the loudest.
Everytime I spoke, you listened most intently.
Everytime I made even the slightest of movement, you were all eyes.
And I did the same for you.
It was, indeed, quite an exciting feeling.
Christmas came and then New Years.
These were exquisite occasions to have you around.
But it was just a crush; just a crush.
You said nothing about the idea of something serious, and neither did I.
That's why I never told anyone about you.
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School started for the both of us,
And it's been some time since I've spoken to you;
Some time since I've thought as much about you.
School has been so overwhelming and hectic, I guess I barely had the time.
The other day I noticed you on MSN and we had a brief conversation.
It was obvious the spark was gone.
You've moved on, and I'm happy for you.
I've moved on as well, or at least I think I have.
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This evening, I was with a schoolmate at Macs doing some work,
When I saw someone who looked like you.
The resemblance was so striking, I thought that it was actually you.
That's when the gush of feelings came back.
It occured to me that I was more delighted about seeing someone I knew than I usually was,
And I realised that those feelings I had before
Had not passed on, had not died,
But were simply hidden behind the hectic life of school and responsibilities.
And now I return to the state I was in once upon a December
A state of being unable to keep you off my mind.
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But I suppose the feelings will eventually, as they always seem to nowadays, diminish.
You're a crush; just a crush, I suppose.
I can't imagine the both of us together in reality,
Unless, of course, I force myself to.
We're from two absolutely different worlds.
Unfortunate - yes.
But, as in all cases where I force myself to move on,
Unlike what it may seem,
My harmless, little spot for you will never die.

about The Golden Globes 2007

2007-01-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

about The Golden Globes 2007
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What a deep swamp of breath it was! Some really tough competitions this year in the film industry, which include The Queen (my personal favourite, thus far), The Departed, Letters From Iwo Jima, Dreamgirls, Babel and many, MANY others. The Globes really helped ease the already extremely tight and complicated competition for the Oscars next month, identifying who the Hollywood Foreign Press deem as the best among countless breathtaking performances.
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It was really fun watching the Golden Globes this year because of how unpredictable the winners of many categories were. That's how tough a competition it was this year. But many of those whom I had strongly hoped to win actually won!!! My favourite... "Best Actress, Drama" winner, Helen Mirren for The Queen (YAY!!! Such a powerful performance) AND "Best Actress, Musical/Comedy" winner, Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears Prada (**GASP! If you haven't seen her performance, you haven't seen good acting).

Other wins which I had hoped for was Letters From Iwo Jima for "Best Foreign Language Film", Martin Scorsese (The Departed) for "Best Director", Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) for "Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture", Grey's Anatomy for "Best Television Series - Drama", Emily Blunt (Gideon's Daughter) for "Best Supporting Actress, TV" and Helen Mirren (Elizabeth I) for "Best Actress - Miniseries or TV Movie".

Biggest winner for the night... winner of 2 Golden Globes... Helen Mirren. I'm happy! Til Oscar nominations day then! I sense a terribly exciting Oscar season this year!!!

about Un-Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

2007-01-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

about Un-Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

RAAHHHHHH!!! I got a "B" for today's radio test. Hahahax! Apparently, I was too nervous AS USUAL (PARANOID BOY!) Arggghhh! And to think I got an "A+" last time round... Oh man, that's one opportunity lost to get an "A" for my final/overall grade. Darn!

Anyway, here's a video I made for a "Health And Lifestyle" module I'm taking. It's not a Mass Comm module (thank Goodness!) but one of those extra modules we have to take in Ngee Ann. The video's to educate children about Myopia. IT'S DAMN CUTE LAHH!!! ENJOY!!

Click Here. (the girl's my cousin, btw... SO CUTE!!!)

about My Best Friends Wedding

2007-01-08T04:09:00.000-08:00

about My Best Friends Wedding
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There's this scene in the show where Mike and Julianne are on the rear of a boat. It never fails to move me in the deepest way possible:
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The boat goes under a bridge. The scene becomes intense, as darkness covers all around Julianne and all you can see are her emotions. You know she wants to tell Michael. She looks at him with the utmost desire to spill her emotions out. The music climaxes. But she looks away and the boat comes out to light from under the bridge and you know very well that her moment of opportunity has, indeed, passed her by. He sings "The Way You Look Tonight" to Julianne and asks her to dance with him. She tears over his shoulder with the thought that this moment with him - this intimate moment which she hopes will never end - will most probably the last they'll ever share between them.
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It's those song segments with "Wishin and Hopin" and "I Say A Little Prayer For You";
It's the amazing and undeniably fantastic Julia Roberts;
It's the love Julianne so ardently desired but yet could never seem to win over;
It's the things she did to try to win her best friends love back;
It's love at its saddest as she loses what she considered was the biggest, truest one in her life.
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My Best Friends Wedding has always been one of the classic movies never removed from my 'ultimate favourites' list. It's one of those movies you can never get sick or tired of - so much that after watching it what seems like more than 10 times in my life, it was still possible for me to recently be struck with the strongest of urges to hunt down and buy a copy of the DVD. Easier said than done. Not many stores sell the movie anymore, apparently. Couldn't be that bad, you say? Hear this - even HMV didn't have a copy. After days and almost weeks of searching, I finally find a copy and purchase it with the utmost joy through my veins.
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The show never failed and still does not fail to bring about so much laughter and nostalgia within me. That cute opening song and dance segment of "Wishin' and Hopin" with the bride and three bridesmaids was what caught my eye in 1998 and has, ever since, defined the beginning of what I consider, one of my ultimate favourite movies. The comedic scenes are classic, together with the scene with the whole family at lunch and the song "I Say A Little Prayer For You" and, above all, the sad scenes of Julianne seeming like love will never give in to her wishes and desires, which always remind me of the loves I've hoped deeply for in the past but failed to win. Nostalgia, indeed.
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Other classic scenes I just love!
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This opening scene was the first reason why I fell in love instantly with this movie in 1997.

And that scene that everyone can't help but just love.

When she spills her emotions out to him. I cry everytime I watch this scene. It's just so sad! (well, not the car chase after that)

And the perfect way to end the movie, considering Michael didn't choose Julianne in the end.

about The 2nd Annual ATW Awards

2007-01-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

about The 2nd Annual ATW Awards

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Happy and blessed new year, everyone! And we've reached my 100th blog entry! And perfect timing too! It's time for the 2nd Annual ATW (Addison Thomas Wong) Awards!!!

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For last year's results, click here (and then click "The Writings" again).
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Before I move on with 2007, it is, as it always has been for me, important to attain a sense of closure from the chapter of life that has just passed.
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2006 has been an exceptional year for me, in so many ways. Youth Prayer Rally and Youth Camp 2006 basically split the year into two halves, in terms of the time allocated to planning these events. But each of these two significant events have helped me grow tremendously and allowed me to experience things I never imagined I could. It's been a beautiful year, spiritually, truly. In terms of work ethics and professionalism, I can't deny that I have improved incredibly. My obsession for being the ideal perfectionist, on task and efficient has, thus, grown much deeper than ever.
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Being a part of the Youth Council the past year and holding the post of secretary has been a thrill for me as well. We've grown so much as a council, in terms of deep relationships and as a community for Christ. It's been a real joy for me to serve the council through a great interest of mine - writing. What a marvellous journey it's been, really - growing closer to this bunch of fellow leaders and establishing or developing such close friendships. And we have events such as the Youth Gathering in March, Mickey Mouse Championship in July and most recently, the Youth Camp 2006, to thank for helping us grow so much closer. Of course, there were many other events and occurrences that influenced such a beautiful growth. Accounting for them at once would be impossible.
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Maranatha Prayer Ministry has a new batch of leaders and, though it still is terribly sad that the guarantee we used to have of seeing our previous leaders every week during meetings will slowly diminish and though it's been quite scary for me to take on the role of leader in the ministry, I can't help but look forward to, what I strongly believe will be, a fantastic journey for the group, in every aspect. I feel that I've grown much closer to quite a number of the members as well. This ministry has always been and will always be a group of people I am nothing short of extremely joyful and grateful for having to journey with.
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Academic wise, I truly have been blessed. God has blessed me with the grades that I have been aiming for, and can you believe I've been aiming for the stars? Our God truly has been an awesome God. Allocating so much time and effort from schoolwork to church work and in doing so, trusting that He would take care of both fields, was a challenge. But He proved it worth taking on, for the results have been amiable.
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But, as with every year in my life thus far, the only area, which has yet to receive progress or a sense of happiness or achievement, is that of love. Sure, crushes have been aplenty. What what are they, compared to love? It seems, as usual, my obsession with being accomplished in academic areas and with serving the church to the best of my ability has, indeed, drawn much of my attention away from this area of life.
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But with the exception of that, which, at this stage of life, isn't all that important yet, my life, I can very well say, is truly pleasing to me. Not a lot of people can say that, I believe. But, surely, I cannot have any complaints for He has provided so generously.

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With that, it's my distinct pleasure and true joy to hold the 2nd Annual ATW Awards!!!
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MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES
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MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
The Devil Wears Prada
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ACTOR OF THE YEAR - MOTION PICTURE
Leonardo DiCaprio - "The Departed"
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ACTRESS OF THE YEAR - MOTION PICTURE
Meryl Streep - "The Devil Wears Prada"
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MEDIA DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR
The divorce of Hollywood couple, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe
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PROMISING MOTION PICTURE(S) OF 2007
Dreamgirls

The Queen

Letters From Iwo Jima

Babel

Blood Diamond

Spiderman 3

The Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Shrek The Third
.
.
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TELEVISION CATEGORIES
.
TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR
Grey's Anatomy
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ACTOR OF THE YEAR - TELEVISION SERIES
Zach Braff - "Scrubs"
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ACTRESS OF THE YEAR - TELEVISION SERIES
Geena Davis - "Commander In Chief"
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MEDIA DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR
Grey's Anatomy didn't win Outstanding Drama Series at the 2006 Emmys
.
.
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MUSIC CATEGORIES
.
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Timberlake
.
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Christina Aguilera
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DUO / GROUP / BAND OF THE YEAR
Panic! At The Disco
.
ALBUM(S) OF THE YEAR
"Back To Basics" - Christina Aguilera

"Future Sex/Love Sounds" - Justin Timberlake
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SONG(S) OF THE YEAR

"Candyman" - Christina Aguilera
"Ain't No Other Man" - Christina Aguilera

"Sexy Back" - Justin Timberlake

"Put Your Record On" - Corinne Bailey Rae

"I Write Sins, Not Tragedies" - Panic! At The Disco

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MEDIA DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR
Gwen Stefani lost in all the categories she was nominated for at the 2006 Grammys
.
.
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EVENTS CATEGORIES
.
EVENT(S) OF THE YEAR
Youth Camp 2006
Youth Prayer Rally 2006
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MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Semester 3 Academic Results and Awards Presentation
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OBSTACLE OF THE YEAR
Juggling between Youth Prayer Rally 2006 and School
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OBSESSION OF THE YEAR
Being Efficient and On Task
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ACHIEVEMENT(S) OF THE YEAR
Academic Award for "2nd Most Outstanding Performance"
Youth Prayer Rally 2006
Youth Camp 2006
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EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR

Encounter with God during worship on 2nd night of Youth Camp 2006

READ OF THE YEAR
"Pride And Prejudice" by Jane Austen
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FRIENDSHIP CATEGORIES

THE BREAKTHROUGH AWARD (The Biggest Jumpers on "The Friendship List")
Terence Travis Chua
Nadia Samat
Reginald Shawn Perry

Leonard Low

Beverley Goh
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THE ROLE MODEL AWARD (The Inspiration)
Hilary Isaac Hoe
Joann Natalie Chia
Theresa Maria Yoong

Geraldine Teo

Melissa Heng

.
THE TRUSTEE AWARD (The Secret Keepers)
Joel Er
Terence Travis Chua
Pamela Woo

Joann Natalie Chia

Rachel Bernadette Er
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THE SUNSHINE AWARD (The Pleasant Day Makers)
Ignatius John Koh

Melanie Leong

Dorothy Tan

Anthony Dominic Pang
Vanessa Samantha Tan

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THE PARTNERSHIP AWARD (The "Love To Work With" Friends)
Nadia Samat

Matthew Ryan Heng
Yvonne Judith Low
Michelle Clarice Ho

Lynette Marie Chen

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THE YOUNGLING AWARD (The Treasured and Deeply Loved Younger "Siblings")
Rachael Adeline Wong
Sean Chew
Amanda Lek

Leonard Low

Joel Er
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THE CONVERSATION AWARD (The Intellectuals)
Joachim Josemaria Lai
Joel Er
Mark Tan

Joann Natalie Chia

Jacqueline Jeannine Teo
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THE COMEDY AWARD (The Laughter Triggers)
Terence Travis Chua

Reginald Shawn Perry
Joanna Christine Lee

Melvin Kyrian Wong

Lara D'Souza

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THE SUPPORTIVE AWARD (The Shoulders To Lean On)
Joachim Josemaria Lai

Daphne Cassandra Ng

Benedict Kevin Long

Lynette Marie Chen

Aaron Michael Poon
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THE NEWBIE AWARD (The Promising Friendships of 2007)

Nicholas Lee

Joel Lye

Brian Lim

Michael Edwards

Eugene Chia

MALE FRIENDSHIP OF THE YEAR
Joel Er

Joachim Josemaria Lai

Terence Travis Chua

Matthew Ryan Heng

Mark Tan
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FEMALE FRIENDSHIP OF THE YEAR
Joann Natalie Chia

Nadia Samat
Pamela Woo

Yvonne Judith Low

Jacqueline Jeannine Teo

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LONGTIME FRIENDSHIP AWARD (The Honorary Friendship Award)
Rachel Bernadette Er
.
.
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That's all folks! This has been the 2nd Annual ATW Awards! See you next year!

about The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

2006-12-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

about The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

What a remarkable occasion Christmas was this year - the brightest star in a constalation. I truly enjoyed this Christmas. Maybe it was the long process of preparation for the many gifts I gave, maybe it was the abstinence that made it more meaningful, maybe it was the many celebrations that took place, or maybe it was just the Lord living in the occasion for me. Whatever it was, this Christmas was, by far, the most enjoyable and meaningful one, in every sense of the words, ever.

Here are some elements to this year's Christmas that influenced it to become as enjoyable and as momentous as it was, for me.

The Abstinence.
Prayer Walk's theme this year was "Light Of The World"; for us to lead the life that the Lord wants us to so that we can be role models for Christians and thus, be the Light Of The World. The abstinence helped me do that, I felt. It was an abstinence from something worldly, which is, in general terribly tempting. So, in the spiritual aspect, this Christmas has been a tremendously significant one for me.

The Gifts.
Making personalized presents this year for 60 people, who mean so much to me and have, in one way or another, made an impact in my life the past year, truly made this Christmas a meaningful one for me. I spent days writing personal messages to each and every one of these people. Giving each of these self-made and personalized gifts with my personal messages in them to these 60 people made this Christmas my ideal Christmas - one filled with the epitome of generosity of spirit.

For my family, I bought us a Christmas tree (cause we haven't had one in years). Sneaking it in when no one was at home and setting it up the night before Christmas eve, when everyone was sleeping, so that they would be surprised when awaken, was so much fun! And I could tell that they (especially my mom) were truly touched. Awww!!!

The Celebration.
After 3 years, I was finally given the opportunity to read for a Christmas mass. I always love the midnight mass. There always is this sense of warmth, both in a social aspect, with all our friends around, and in a spiritual aspect. So when I was assigned to read for this mass, it was truly a joy for me. And I loved the reading I was assigned - it spoke of the true meaning of Christmas and what people should be anticipating for and how. BEAUTIFUL! I truly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit when I read (my last reading for a while).

The Social Gatherings.

5 social gatherings in total.

First was the Maranatha one at my place after the midnight mass all through til Christmas morning. It was such a thrill with all the laughter and caroling and just having everyone at one place, bonding.

Second was the Christmas lunch with my entire family, also at my place.

Third was a mixture of my family and eXcess at cousin Daphne's place. (almost got Sa-Bo-ed!)

Fourth was the Youth Camp Christmas Gathering at my Condo's function Hall. Truly a joy making all the food, which turned out spectacular, with Yvonne and Mark, and having everyone who was at Youth Camp (well, 90% of them) come together, especially during this significant occasion and with the bond that was established from the camp. BEAUTIFUL! Strong sense of Nostalgia when everyone left. Haiz... Miss y'all already!!!

Fifth was a small gathering (again, at my place) with a few schoolmates. We ordered some food and just had a movie marathon! Hahahax! Fun fun!
.

.
It truly has been a wonderful Christmas. The memories of all these magnificent occurences have and will mark this Christmas as a truly significant and spiritual one for me.

I leave you with my favourite Christmas song - the song which talks about my what my ideal Christmas is, and the song which came alive for me this Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone (or what's left of it)!!!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Let your heart be light,

From now on our troubles

Will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Make the Yule-tide gay,

From now on our troubles

Will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,

Happy golden days of yore,

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us once more.

Through the years

We all will be together

If the Fates allow,

Hang a shining star

On the highest bough,

And have yourself

A merry little Christmas now

about Christmas 2006

2006-12-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

about Christmas 2006
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Some pictures taken during Christmas...
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My Family's New Christmas Tree! Cute, eh?!
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Family Portrait
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Melanie Leong, Yvonne Low, Lynette Chen, Joel Er, Me
(Maranatha Gathering)
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Yvonne Low
(Maranatha Gathering)
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Joel Er
(Maranatha Gathering)
.

Rachael Wong
(Maranatha Gathering)
.

Rachel Er
(Maranatha Gathering)
.

Theresa Yoong
(Maranatha Gathering)
.

Reginald Perry and Terence Chua
(Maranatha Gathering)
.

Terence Chua
(eXcess Gathering)
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Melvin Wong
(eXcess Gathering)
.

Joanna Lee
(eXcess Gathering)
.

Brian Lim, Reginald Perry, Beverley Goh, Me
(Youth Camp Gathering)

Melanie Leong
(Youth Camp Gathering)
.

Ignatius Koh
(Youth Camp Gathering)
.

Amanda Lek
(Youth Camp Gathering)
.

Daphne Ng
(Youth Camp Gathering)
.

Brian Lim
(Youth Camp Gathering)
.

about The Beauty of Blogging... for Addison.

2006-12-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

about The Beauty of Blogging... for Addison.

I'll update about Christmas once all the parties are over. (but up until now, it's going fantastic!)

In the mean time, here's a part of an online conversation which I had this afternoon with Joel Lye, whom I got to know from Youth Camp. What I said really struck me (weird as that sounds, it's true. Hahahax!). That doesn't mean that what I said was fake or a lie. It's more of how relating the truth out loud (or typing it out) can strike someone, even if the truth was already known to that person.

[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
everydae u go blog?
Addison's Addi-tude says:
not everyday... unless i have A LOT to write la. hahahx
Addison's Addi-tude says:
u got a blog?
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
nope. anywaes if i have i would be too lazy to blog
Addison's Addi-tude says:
hahahax. I understand
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
so wads so good about blogs?
Addison's Addi-tude says:
hmm... difficult to explain... but i'll try to
Addison's Addi-tude says:
for me, a blog is this source where i can release whatever emotions i have... whether it's joy from having a fantastic day, or sorrow from having so many complaints abt the day or week or whatever... it's this portal where i can just let lose whatever emotions and escape... more importantly, for me, it's a way of sharing my thoughts, joys and sadness or whatever emotions with people out there. it's like giving or sharing a part of myself...
Addison's Addi-tude says:
and when i read someone else's blog, i feel like i've received a part of someone; like i understand a person a bit better, depending on how meaningful the entry/post is.
Addison's Addi-tude says:
yea
Addison's Addi-tude says:
it's a beautiful thing for me.
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
haha sounds like a pretty nice thing to me
Addison's Addi-tude says:
yupyup!
Addison's Addi-tude says:
i dont feel like it's a chore or troublesome to update my blog... ever. cause of what it means to me... the whole "sharing a part of myself with the people around me" part
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
haha but sometimes its a chore to u?
Addison's Addi-tude says:
nope… never is...
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
haha but u go see the other ppl's blog they find it a chore to update it
Addison's Addi-tude says:
yea! well, depends on wad blogs mean to them...
Addison's Addi-tude says:
so if u ever decide to start a blog, dont do it for the sake of doing it for because everyone's doing it... do it cause u wanna share a part of yourself with others. that way (there are other ways too), you'll never feel like it's a chore to update.
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
haha
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
so i can say that u love to blog right?
Addison's Addi-tude says:
yes
Addison's Addi-tude says:
i LOVE to do it
Addison's Addi-tude says:
but i cant do it sooo often... cause not everyone's gg to read every entry if i blog everyday. and that defeats the purpose of sharing myself with others when ppl dont feel like reading so many entries, or long entries with so many things, at one go
[[_JoeL_Lye_]] says:
haha they're not gonna read wad u blog everyday
Addison's Addi-tude says:
ya... so i wait for a few days before i blog again

Okayy... the whole conversation wasn't as formal or mundane as this.. It's just how I speak when I'm sharing. Some of you may respond to this, thinking that I'm weird. For some of you, you'll feel that "aww-ness". Both are accurate. Hahahax!

about Our Awesome God

2006-12-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

about Our Awesome God

What a lark! What a plunge! It was nothing like I've ever experienced before. YOUTH CAMP 2006 was the best thing that happened to me in the longest of time, now. It was truly awesome - fun and spiritual at its peak! Seriously, it was one of those camps, which was fantastic from start to end - no pauses or exceptions - excelling tremendously from how I expected it to turn out. Why? Because it was spirit-led, full fledged.

There were quite a number of changes that were made to the original programme - changes that made so much of a difference, in terms of how spiritually impactful the camp was for the participants.

One such change was the prayer session that was planned for Day Two night. As the In-charge for that day, I had originally planned for it to be a normal reflection session for the day. But after Day One ended, I felt a calling to change it. In the end, Yvonne and I did a reflection session on "How God can play a larger role in my life". This was accompanied by a skit by Matthew, Gerri Ngui, and Reginald, who played youths unsatisfied with their lives. After that, Matthew and I led in a worship session, following the same theme. The reflection was executed beautifully, and the worship session that followed was, quoted from Mark Tan, attendee of several youth camps, "one of the most powerful and spiritual sessions ever done in all the youth camps that I have attended. It was amazing!"

With that, I have a testimony to share. Before this camp, I had never led in a worship session before, although I'm from a prayer ministry. I've always used symbols, reflections, rosary or taize for my sessions. So this worship session was my very first. Naturally, I was nervous. Even just 15 minutes before the actual session, I was screwing up the lyrics badly. But when the actual session took place, I felt the presence of the Lord, stronger than I had ever before. With the spirit's guidance, I was able to lead worship and pray in such a powerful way, each and every one of the participants and my fellow facilitators were all deep in prayer and worship. It was truly magical. To witness a community that deep in prayer was one of those lifetime experiences. But that was not the end of my experience. As the session became deeper in time, I felt a stronger sense of the Lord's presence and love. Such warmth surged through me. It was the feeling of God's love at its peak. Such a marvelous feeling - so much that, when the session ended, I went to a corner and burst into tears. I was THAT touched by the Holy Spirit. It was a spiritual high for me. I expected to lead worship and ended up experiencing something I haven't experienced for years, since Youth Camp 2003. Truly, the Lord works in such marvelous ways and in such unexpected times. Thank you, Lord, for the experience. You truly are an amazing God.

The next day, a testimony was given by two girls, who said that they saw the same image of Christ during the prayer session. Both were touched by the Lord in such a beautiful way. Hearing them describe what they saw, felt and experienced brought tears to my eyes. It was a very moving and inspirational testimony.

It was such a thrill planning for YOUTH CAMP 2006. It was an even greater thrill being in charge of Day Two, which turned out fantastic with the Vivo Challenge, Yak-a-ti-yak Journey and above all, that astounding prayer session I mentioned. Even in terms of planning, I was at the epitome of being organised and professional! Hahax! Such satisfaction I receive from thinking about how far I've gone in this youth camp journey and how much I've accomplished for God and for myself.

Thank God for the great turnout for the camp.

Thank God for His guidance and strong presence during the camp.

Thank God for helping us achieve what we had set out to achieve through the camp.

There's no need for rewards or payback. There's no need for affirmation or compliments. Seeing the participants grow spiritually to such an abundant extent in just that short period of four days, together with that significant encounter I had with God, has left me with a reward that no worldly possession could take after. It's experiences and wonders like these that just make me want to cry out and proclaim, "Our God Is An Awesome God!"

about Pleasant/Unpleasant

2006-12-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

about Pleasant/Unpleasant

Rahhh!!! Oh, how terribly stressful the past month has been!!! Ok fine... not exactly stressful in school. Assignment deadlines have been spread out pretty nicely for minimal chances of breaking down.

It's been rather fun, actually. Completed a website assignment, which was supposed to be themed "journey", so I did a 3-decade filmography tribute to Meryl Streep. That was fun! Did a food review for my magazine assignment. Real fun too! Survived through many other assignments and tests as well. A rather fruitful month, it has been, in terms of school.

Church wise, it's been rather tight. Youth Camp itself has been a handful. The feast day dinner performance and Prayer Walk were busy periods, but rather enriching, in terms of experience.

Felt terrible though, when I found out only at the end of the last day of Prayer Walk that my reflection for my prayer session was kind of a disaster. For countless times, I've been told to avoid being instructional in my reflections. I can't believe I commited the mistake again! And the worst thing was, I kinda had a strong feeling that something was wrong with my reflection bit during the first 4 days of Prayer Walk. But it just didn't strike me that that was the problem with it. I felt really horrible on Friday night cause by then, 5 families had heard that reflection. And it's not like there were anymore families to go to for me to make ammendments to my script for. Yikes, man! There's still so much guilt running through my veins. Argh!

Another horrible piece of news. I decided to leave the Lectors Ministry for a while. I KNOW... AHHH!!! But it's for the best. As much as I love lectoring and proclaiming God's word during mass, the past year has been too busy in the youth movement for me to be participative actively at the lectors' side. It hasn't been fair to them that so much time and commitment has been provided for the youth movement and barely any for them. I've missed so many meetings and so many social gatherings that I think I've been testing their patience with my inability to balance between both sides... and me missing the Christmas party yesterday was the last straw of disappointment they could take. So, I sent the Exco members an email today... 1600 over words man. There were that many things I had to apologise for. It wasn't easy drafting that email; not easy leaving the lectors. But like I said, it's for the best. I'll come back when my term in youth council ends at the end of 2008.

about Resonance

2006-12-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

about Resonance

A common question: How does one prepare for Christmas during Advent? Is there a one-way guide? How and where do we start?
.

A bowl of water. The group of people that surrounds us – our family, our friends, our loved ones, and even plain acquaintances – all of them are like the drops of water in the bowl – motionless, silent, still, calm. It only takes one drop of water to cause a ripple, to cause movement, to cause a chain effect. It only takes one drop of water to influence the movement of the rest of the drops of water in the bowl. We can be like that drop of water this Christmas. If we can be more like the Christians that God wants us to be – if we can be more Christ-like – than we can spread God’s love and influence others just like that one drop of water can influence the movement of the other drops in the bowl. We can be like that drop of water. All it takes is effort on our part to be more Christian. In this way, we can cause ripples in the lives of our family and friends, and they too can cause ripples in the lives of those they meet. But if we don't change our lives, if we don’t try to be the drop of water that causes ripples, we cannot inspire others to change their own lives.

So take that step today. Be that drop of water that makes a difference. Give the Lord the greatest gift He could ever receive this Christmas. Strive to be the Christian you know He would want you to be.

“The greatest gift we can give our Lord this Christmas is just by being more like the Christians that He would want us to be. That way, we can share His gifts of love, kindness, generosity, and everything good about our God, with the people around us”

about Prada Pages Closed

2006-11-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

about Prada Pages Closed

There were times when I felt that I couldn't make it to the end. There were times when I felt that it was too draggy - I mean, how much can you talk about your mean boss? But after 5 weeks and 2 days, I finally finished "The Devil Wears Prada" last night - my second book in the past two months. 400 pages never seemed so long, considering the pace at which I was reading - not more than 45 minutes per weekday (one bus ride) and, when at page 330, Andrea Sachs still hasn't found out she's going to Paris! But it was a fun read, I have to say, especially when the story was, in many ways, different from that of the movie. But Miranda was still as demanding, as b***hy, and as good old mean.

This morning, I started on "Emma" by Jane Austen. I fear a longer, though fun, read, considering that it's thicker than "Pride And Prejudice", just as difficult in terms of language, and I've no movie version to guide me. So I'm giving myself until the end of December. I'll take my time to enjoy every word.

When work load is piling up both in school and in church, it's things like blogging and reading that draws attention away from the tremendous stress.

about Star Awards 2006 Special

2006-11-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

about Star Awards 2006 Special

If it was any award show that got me interested, and eventually passionate, about awards shows, it was Star Awards in 1999. And if me going ga-ga over the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, etc, is terribly foreign to you (because they are indeed international awards), then this should be more familiar to you. Some may argue that Star Awards is becoming a bore as the years pass. But with all the hype the media is drawing to it, I just couldn't help but give my two cents' worth of opinion for this year's season. Anyway, 8DAYS no longer predicts who the winners will be. Might as well have a go at it, myself. So, here goes...!

.
.

BEST ACTOR

My Prediction: Qi Yuwu
Mediacorp robbed him of his deserved award in this category in 2004, by giving it, for the last time, to then going-to-retire Xie Shao Guang. A perfect reason for doing so could have been "He was a newbie then". Well, take those words back, Mediacorp, cause it's two years from then and this young lad has evolved into one of the finest actors in Singapore. Qi's performance in C.I.D. definitely outshines the others in this category. May Mediacorp not commit the same mistake they did the last time around.
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Dark Horse: Tay Ping Hui
Also playing the lead role in C.I.D., and having been nominated 3 times (2000, 2003, 2005) before, Tay Ping Hui may very well be paid his long awaited dues. But what still pushes the odds to Qi Yuwu's favour, is that Qi's character in the show was better well received. Well, we never can be sure. For all we know, they may give it to Adrian Pang.
.
.
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BEST ACTRESS

My Prediction: Fann Wong
Okay, fine... biased prediction. Fann Wong may used to be my favourite actress in Mediacorp, until Jeanette Aw came along. But still, it's been 11 years since her last victory in this category and she was a newbie then! I say it's about time they give it to Fann again. Her role in this series is not one she usually take on, anyways, and she gave a great performance. I say, why not her?
.
Dark Horse: Ivy Lee
She wasn't nominated for her better performance in C.I.D., but still, Ivy stands a rather good chance in this category, and it seems Mediacorp is not being vulnerable to giving awards based on sympathy or the fact certain people aren't getting any. If they can give Huang Biren three Best Actress awards because she deserved them, they can give Ivy her third as well (or maybe give Ann Kok her first since her comeback).
.
.
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BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

My Prediction: Huang Yi Liang
There's no doubt that Huang stood out this year, once again, and may very well garner his third victory in this category (he won previously in 2002 for "The Vigrant" and in 2003 for "Holland V"), although he is becoming a tad bit mundane. He's my choice cause he's normally a better actor than the rest of the nominees.
.
Dark Horse: Shaun Chen
Since Mediacorp has recently been going all out to show that they're moving on from the "Ah Jie's" and "Ah Ge's", they may very well give it to Shaun, who was overlooked even for a nomination for his performance in "Holland V" in 2003. An award for this category may just be enough to make up for that oversight.
.
.
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BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

My Prediction: Xiang Yun
Sure, she's won three times in this category (1998, 2000, 2001), but who said this was the Oscars? There's never been such a thing as a "Star Awards Curse" as there seem to be an "Oscar Curse". If you're talented, you're talented, and Xiang Yun has waited 5 years to be re-recognised as the ever fantastic actress that she is. I say, give it to her.
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Dark Horse: Constance Song
If Mediacorp is indebted to any actor in Caldecott Hill, award wise, it's to Constance Song. After 10 long, LONG years, and finally a NOMINATION, they would be no less than evil if they were to take it from her now. Plus, she would actually deserve it. Did you see her in C.I.D.? Pwoah! She blew me away!
.
.
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BEST VARIETY SHOW HOST

My Prediction: Bryan Wong
Sure, Quan Yifeng is the ever fluent speaker and draws tremendous amount of attention. Sure, Kym Ng worked harder this year than ever after last year's double loss. Sure, Ben's new and Mediacorp's eager to recognise new blood. Sure, Mediacorp may give it to Mark again after 2 years. But Bryan's the one who deserves it the most, in my opinion. A good host doesn't have to be just as fluent as Quan Yifeng. He/she needs to be entertaining as well! And Bryan scores full marks in that area! I say he's deserving of the award!
.
Dark Horse: Quan Yifeng / Kym Ng
Need I explain why?
.
.
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MOST POPULAR NEWCOMER

My Prediction: Elvin Ng
Tough fight between the Project Superstar winner and the dude who was recently predicted as the next Caldecott Hill King by 8DAYS (great publicity for him). But I choose Elvin. For all those Weilian fans out there, take no insult. I think Weilian is a great performer and singer, but this is the Star Awards! Vote for the rising actor and, for you girls out there, the hunk (did you see him in 8DAYS? woah!). My bet's on Elvin. I agree with 8DAYS when they say he's a great pick for the next acting king.
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Dark Horse: Tan Weilian
What can I say? The Project Superstar winner has loads of fans to back him up.
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TOP 10 MOST POPULAR MALE ARTISTES
(my predictions - based on a balance of favouratism and practicality)

Predicted Losers

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR FEMALE ARTISTES
(my predictions - based on a balance of favouratism and practicality)

Predicted Losers

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Well, that's all folks! It's been fun playing 8DAYS' role. Hahahax!
Tune in to the Star Awards 2006 on Sunday 10 December, 7pm!

about A Toast To A Year's Worth.

2006-11-18T23:19:00.000-08:00

about A Toast To A Year's Worth.

Today, I celebrate the anniversary of my blog!!! WooHoo! That's right, people! On this day, one year ago, I penned down my very first blog entry "about The First One"!

Okay, fine. Some of you may make the argument that with changes which have been countless for some of you - from "addwong.blogspot.com", to "nicolekidmanlover.blogspot.com", then "dance-oh-dance-with-me.blogspot.com", to the current "orange-splatter.blogspot.com" - one normally would hardly consider this a one year anniversary for a blog. But then again, I've kept every entry since day one, so technically (yes, TECHNICALLY), if it's not the anniversary of a blog, it's a celebration of a year's worth of entries. Hahax!

But seriously, what a year's worth of entries it has been! And I must say, it's been a tremendously joyful experience keeping a diary of some sort and actually being committed to it (I could never before).

And to mark this significant occasion (for me, and for my "fans"... hahax!), here are my Top 10 favourite entries over the past year!!! Enjoy!

about The 1^st Annual ATW Awards

about My One Desire Fulfilled

about The 10 Must-Dos Before 18

about DEAN

about Mr. Good Shit

about Eddy Daddy's Curious Little Question

about Pleasant

about Joel

about Bittersweet Closure

about The Year When...

about That Old List

2006-11-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

about That Old List

I've been terribly bothered by how my friendster list's overflowing with people whom I either couldn't care less about or whom I don't remember ever establishing a friendship with.

When I first started the account in 2004, I remember being so excited about it that I added anyone and everyone whom I found familiar. It didn't have to be people whom I actually were friends with. As long as I found some sort of connection with them, they were added. Schoolmate whose name I never knew but whose face I found familiar? Added. Someone I never talked to, but was one of the 10,000 parishioners from Christ The King? Added. Literally... anyone and everyone. Whatever for? To get the number of "friends" I had in my list ever increasing... hahahax! (Come to think of it, it was such a "loser" thing to do!)

So last night, I FINALLY decided to do something about it. Only those whom I share an actual relationship with, or those whom I used to be close to but know that it'll be as fun as old times if we were to catch up, stayed on my list. And from 368, I ended up with a list of only 155. Huge jump eh? But I kinda feel good about it. I can appreciate the list more now. Hahahax!

I know. I'm weird.
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Pamela, Lara and Me at Ministry Of Sound last Saturday night.

about Scribbled Emotions

2006-11-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

about Scribbled Emotions

Her face is a map of the world

You can see she's a beautiful girl

The aura all around her is a silver pool of light

The gentle charm of hers is such a lovely sight

It makes me calm

She holds me captivated in her palm

Suddenly I see

Her guy's who I want to be

Suddenly I see

Why oh why she means so much to me

about DEAN

2006-10-31T21:59:00.000-08:00

about DEAN

I think it's been more than 2 years since I've received an award. So today was quite a joy for me. The school was presenting awards for academic achievements and I made it to the Director's 'top 10 percent' List (apparently, they call it the DEAN's list... dunno why). It was a pleasant experience cause I've never received it before. But what came as a shocker was the 2nd most outstanding performance award. Cool, eh? Kinda wish they told me beforehand though, cause I didn't expect it and was too darn nervous to even hold a smile. But I made it to the front to collect it. So I'm happy.

It's a good day man. Hahax! Praise the Lord!

about The Year When...

2006-10-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

about The Year When...
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Step into the world of Addison Thomas Wong and take his perspective of what was significant the past few years.

Year 2000 - The year when...

I took the PSLE and got straight A's
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt got married
Jennifer Aniston received her 1st Emmy nomination for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (season 6)
Christina Aguilera won Grammy for Best New Artist
"American Beauty" won the Best Picture Oscar

Year 2001 - The year when...

I entered St. Patrick's School
9/11 took place
Julia Roberts won the Best Actress Oscar for "Erin Brockovich"
Russell Crowe won the Best Actor Oscar for "Gladiator"
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won 4 Oscars

Year 2002 - The year when...

I fell in love with Nicole Kidman
Halle Berry won the Best Actress Oscar (1st black actress in 73 years of history)
Jennifer Aniston won the Emmy for "Lead Actress in a Comedy" for F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. won the Emmy for "Outstanding Comedy Series"
Christina Aguilera won her 2nd Grammy for "Lady Marmalade"
Alicia Keys won 5 Grammys (most for a female artist in a single night)

Year 2003 - The year when...

I won "Junior Patrician Of The Year" award in St. Patrick's School
I became the 1st Secondary 3 in St. Patrick's history to reach EXCO level in the Prefectorial Board
I joined the Lectors Ministry in church
Nicole Kidman won her 1st Oscar for Best Actress for "The Hours"!!!
Jennifer Aniston won the Golden Globe for "Lead Actress - Comedy" for F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Year 2004 - The year when...

I took the O' Levels
I joined Maranatha Prayer Ministry
Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King won the Best Picture Oscar
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. ended its 10-year run.
Grammys were HOT! Beyonce won 5 Grammys & Christina Aguilera won her 3rd Grammy

Year 2005 - The year when...

I received my O' Level results and was posted to Mass Communication, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Desperate Housewives ruled the world
Felicity Huffman won the Emmy
"Million Dollar Baby" won the Best Picture Oscar
Alicia Keys won 4 Grammys (well deserved!!)

Year 2006 - The year when...

Youth Prayer Rally changed my life
I was elected as Secretary for the Youth Council, Church of Christ The King
Grey's Anatomy ruled the world
Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) won the Best Director Oscar
"Crash" won the Best Picture Oscar
U2 surprised the world with 5 Grammy wins (beating hot favs Mariah Carey & Kanye West)

about She's The One

2006-10-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

about She's The One
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It was such a tough decision to make.

They were both fantastic!
The fair-skinned one (or White) came across pure and gentle, which, most people would assume, is my type.
She seemed perfect - the Bree Van De Camp I've been looking for.
A good worker, brilliant qualities. (maybe missing one or two, which isn't the worst of things)
She was an ideal partner.
The dark-skinned one (or Black) came across more fun and outgoing - a socialite - which, although isn't really my type, are characters I sure would have fun exploring.
She was Finee! (and yes, "Finee" as in the way perverts usually refer to hot stuff)
There was something about her I'd never chanced upon before; something intriguing.

And she's Hot (capital 'h')!!
Was I objectifying them? Maybe.
Don't judge me.

I couldn't help it.

They just had such great assets.

I needed to appreciate them.
After contemplating for what seemed like hours, I finally made a decision.
I was going to be adventurous and bold.
I was going to try new things.
I went for the dark-skinned one (or Black).
I made my request and before long, I received acceptance.
It was official... she was mine!
I spent the whole night thinking about her.
I couldn't have been more satisfied about my choice.
She's such a beauty.

There are so many amiable qualities about her.
The more I thought about her, the more contented I was.
I finally could have her to care for and to spoil.
It's such a perfect match, in my opinion.
I'll introduce you, my friends, to her someday.
I think you'll love her. She's great.
Her name's Kidman.
And she's my new Compaq Laptop.

about Bittersweet Closure

2006-10-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

about Bittersweet Closure

The doors to a new semester opened today and as I stepped into the school campus for class for the first time in months, a gush of utter excitement surged through me - a sense of sheer anticipation for what could be another hectic yet fantastic semester. It felt good to be back in school with all that sense of posibility before me.

But, of course, before moving on, a sense of closure needs to be established. It is, as I've written before, the only way one can move on triumphantly from any occasion, including holidays, without a sense of nostalgia.

Thus, behold, 3 significant memories (among tons of others)...

Pride And Prejudice - It took me quite a while but after 3 weeks and a day, I finished the book on Friday, 13th October at 2:54pm! What a read, it was - the best I've had in years. There's nothing like reading a book with a writing style terribly similar to that of yours, but of a much higher level, so you feel like you're being marvelously educated with every line. Jane Austin's work is extraordinary. I started on The Devil Wears Prada today and will visit another of Jane Austin's writings, Emma, once I'm done. I foresee another two exciting reads in the weeks to come, and yet another level of growth in interest towards reading in the rest of my lifetime to come.

David Weekend - My One Desire blossomed within me once again in this camp. A new, truer and more meaningful perspective to the story of David was visited. A phenomenal experience was gained. A more positive point of view on the subject of inter parish relationships was achieved. Deeper friendships were established. Terence, Rachel, Reginald and Ranneth, I'm glad you were all part of this.

Youth Council Camp - For a long time, I thought the Youth Council was a group of people I could be on close terms with only on a professional level. This impression was dramatically altered with this camp. Struggling through this planned-to-be-torturous weekend about the island with this group of people and opening up to them about my greatest weakness and my growing-up stage and thus, giving a hefty piece of myself to each of them, as well as receiving a piece of each of them through their sharings, for the first time, in an obvious way, these members of the council became real people to me and, in the same way, I became a real person to them. They have become, in the truest way possible, a group of people I have come to trust and ardently love. What a journey.

Every day in our respective lives, we are educated of a fresher prospect of this world. Through these events, I know that I have grown and learnt more than I usually do, and they will, for sure, be significant parts of me and the person I will eventually be.

Closure established.

about In The Deep

2006-10-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

about In The Deep

Thought you had
All the answers
To rest your heart upon
But something happens
Don't see it coming
Now, you can't stop yourself.
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Now you're out there swimming
In the deep

Life keeps tumbling your heart in circles
Till you let go
Till you shed your pride
And climb to the heaven
And you throw yourself off
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Now you're out there spinning
In the deep

Now you're out here swimming
Now you're out there spinning
In the deep

In the silence
All your secrets will
Raise their weary heads
And you can't pin yourself
Back together with
Who you thought you were

Now you're living out there
In the deep

about J.

2006-10-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

about J.

Let's see.

First, of course, there's sheer disbelief.

There's frustration.

Then there's utter disappointment and the absolute loss of respect for you.

I never talked to you much.

I never wanted to, since it came across that you didn't take much pleasure in talking to me.

Nevertheless, you were someone I respected - someone I envied.

You were one half of, what I had considered, that perfect, Pitt-Aniston-like couple.

But you destroyed that.

And God only knows how shattered an image I have of you now.

It's been some time already.

Yet, I'm still sweeping up the shattered bits.

There are too many of them.

But each define the absolute - they can never be pieced back to form the impeccable image I had of you.

Why did you do that?

Why did you choose Jolie?

You could have stayed, in everyone's image, as that inspirational couple, the flawless reflection of Pitt and Aniston.

I was wrong about you.

It deeply saddens me to have to think low of you now.

And it's not in my character to think of people in such ways.

I don't like to, anyway.

But you chose to cast this image upon yourself.

You chose to sacrifice one of the best things in your life.

You chose to cheat.

You're a typical chauvinistic pig.

I pity you.

about Candyman

2006-10-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

about Candyman
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I've been addicted to this song for the past 3 weeks and I could no longer hold back the resistance to put this up. I LOVE Christina Aguilera! Her new album is absolutely fantastic! This song is one of the reasons why.

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"Tarzan and Jane were swingin' on a vine"
Candyman, candyman
"Sippin' from a bottle of vodka double wine"
Sweet, sugar, candyman

I met him out for dinner on a Friday night

He really got me workin' up an appetite

He had tattoos up and down his arm

There's nothin' more dangerous than a boy with charm

He's a one-stop shop, makes the panties drop

He's a sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

A sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

He took me to the Spider Club at Hollywood and Vine

We drank champagne and we danced all night

We shook the paparazzi for a big surprise

The gossip tonight will be tomorrow's headline

He's a one stop-shop, makes my cherry pop

He's a sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

A sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

He's a one-stop shop, makes my cherry pop

He's a sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

A sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

Well, by now I'm getting all bothered and hot

When he kissed my mouth he really hit the spot

He had lips like sugar cane,

Good things come for boys who wait

"Tarzan and Jane were swingin' on a vine"

Candyman, candyman

"Sippin' from a bottle of vodka double wine"

Candyman, candyman

(Sweet, sugar, candyman)

He's a one-stop, gotcha hot, makin' all the panties drop

(Sweet, sugar, candyman)

He's a one-stop, got me hot, makin' my *uh* pop

(Sweet, sugar, candyman)

He's a one-stop, get it while it's hot, baby don't stop

(Sweet, sugar)

He got those lips like sugar cane

Good things come for boys who wait

He's a one-stop shop, with a real big *uhh*

He's a sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

A sweet-talkin', sugar-coated candyman

Candy man (X8)

"Tarzan and Jane were swingin' on a vine"

(Tarzan and Jane were swingin' on a vine)

"Sippin' from a bottle of vodka double wine"
(Sippin' from a bottle of vodka double wine)

"Jane lost her grip and a-down she fell"

(Jane lost her grip and a-down she fell)

"Squared herself away as she let out a yell"

(Squared herself away as she let out a yell)

about Unpleasant

2006-10-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

about Unpleasant

I feel like my entire day has been wasted... all 24 hours of it.

I couldn't sleep last night because I forgot to book a room for Youth Council meeting today.

Slept at 4 or 5-ish.

Woke up at 7 because somehow, I was too paranoid over the roomless meeting we were going to have in the afternoon.

I walked around the house for about an hour.

Finally got another hour of sleep.

Woke up at 9am.

I decided to go down to church to book the room.

Plus, I had minutes to photocopy because the church didn't print them.

But daddy said he was preparing breakfast.

He said to wait for it and then he'd drive me down.

We left the house at 10.

Somehow, I don't know why I couldn't stop worrying about the un-booked room.

I got the minutes photocopied before I headed down to church...

Only to find out that I had actually booked the room already.

Great eh?

So I waited for a few hours.

I wasn't hungry so I skipped lunch.

I couldn't read Pride and Prejudice in the parish office in front of everyone.

So I walked around.

Finally, it neared 1:30pm.

I got the key to the room and read Pride and Prejudice inside.

People were late.

The meeting was alright.

A guest speaker shared on the topic of "Understanding Youths".

I experienced a self-discovery process.

Learned the reasons for the constant great amount of insecurities in me.

I didn't share about that, though.

Everyone was sharing about how they could apply what they'd learnt to their youth groups.

I followed.

Meeting ended earlier than I had expected.

I had to wait for an hour and a half before the 5:30pm mass, which I was reading for, started.

Mass went by.

I walked to Bishan J8.

Halfway there, I realised I had no reason to go there.

But I just didn't wanna go home yet, without doing... something.

I walked around aimlessly.

Went to Life Bookshop in search of a prayer card for a friend.

Couldn't find one.

Didn't know what to do then.

Contemplated asking someone out.

Didn't happen.

I then decided to have dinner, but couldn't decide where.

I was hungry, but had no appetite cause of how bored I was.

So I decided to keep it simple.

Had dinner at Ya Kun Kaya Toast...

Rather satisfying.

But a couple was staring at me.

Think it was because I was sitting alone.

Hello? Ever heard of personal time?

So irritating.

I was done with dinner.

Walked around again.

Went back to Life Bookshop, hoping for some source of joy before I went home.

I didn't find it.

So I came home.

Bus Service 58, as usual, took ages to come.

Finally reached home, agitated and uneasy about everything.

For the past three hours, I have been staring at my laptop, with nothing to do.

Nothing's on television.

There's no one on MSN I feel like talking to.

I am completely irritated.

Life's a bore.

I can't believe I wasted my Sunday.

(added on Monday morning 2:34am)

And then some friends came online and added me to their conversation, which was, I must say, rather hilarious, lightening and, on certain parts, obscene. Hahahax! I shan't go to details. But it totally changed my mood, for the better!

Thanks loads, Terence, Sebastian and Adel!!!

about Mommy Anne's Curious Little Question

2006-09-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

about Mommy Anne's Curious Little Question
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Before you read this entry, read, if you haven't already, this one:
about Eddy Daddy's Curious Little Question (click on "His Writings" to view entry)

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That's right. Here's part two.
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I was in my room two nights ago (Wednesday night) with Mummy and Daddy. We were watching some television variety programme, which featured Dick Lee's 50th Birthday celebration. This event was the topic of a hearty conversation between Mummy and me about a month back. Thus, the interest in the television programme.

I sat on my bed, and Daddy and Mummy on the chairs. Because Mummy was sitting right next to my laptop and because the screensaver on my laptop, which features pictures from my picture folder, was up, Mummy asked the following questions when certain pictures came up.
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(Rachel Er's picture comes up)
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Mummy: "Eh, that's Rachel!"
(pause)
Mummy: "So now Rachel your girlfriend ah?"
Me: "NOOOO!!! (instantly and in deep shock)"
Mummy: "So who's your girlfriend now?"
Me: "I never had one, so there's no 'now' factor, and no, I don't have one, for that matter."
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(Joyce Ng's picture comes up)
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Mummy: "Really? Then who's this?"
Me: "That's one of Maranatha people - Joyce."
Mummy: "Ohhhhhh (in a suspicious way, which lasted for 5 seconds)"
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(Many other pictures come up. Mummy observes silently and I, from the corner of my eye, notices her intense observation)
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Mummy: "Wah... you got a lot of pictures, ah? (which means, you got a lot of pictures of girls)"
Me: "Yah, we always take photos, in Maranatha, in school, everywhere! (me trying to act cool and as if not annoyed)"
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(Then Project Runway comes up and we watch the show together)
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If that wasn't the epitome of wierdness, I have not a clue what is. I think Mummy's worried about me never having a girlfriend, and still, at this age, not having one. I don't see why, after much explanation to her that I think this is the worst time to get attached, considering how church and school are my main focus in my life now, she woould still show signs of worry.
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I suppose Mummy has always expected me to be more active in relationships as compared to my current involvement in the subject. When I was four, she used to comb my hair saying, "So handsome. Some day, you're going to break many girl's hearts". (don't puke. those aren't my words... and I have a point for raising this up) When I was around 10 and I tried my own hairstyle, chose my own clothes and all, she used to say, "Must learn to choose what looks good on you". But we all know there's a hidden second part of that sentence or a hidden message to that.
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And up until today, she has always taken effort to give her comments on my sense of fashion, my choice of hairstyle, etc. In fact, if it's anyone who has had the greatest influence to the level of vanity instilled in me, it's Mummy. She has always given the impression that she has thinks that I have the potential to be rather active in the subject of BGR. That's the way it has come across to me. But I think my actions have proven her wrong.
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Well, I still stand firm on my ground with regards to how one can't blame a boy if, among all the girls he knows, he still hasn't found the ONE whom he's looking for; the ONE who, at least, resembles his idea of a dream girl (not just in terms of physical aspects), the ONE to whom he can connect.
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But I'm not bothered. I'm allowing myself to get married only from 30 years of age onwards, when I know, financially, I'll be definitly stable. Thus, I have 12 years left.

I'm a patient person. Try Me.

about An Oscar-Hungry Asia

2006-09-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

about An Oscar-Hungry Asia

Met with Mr. Terence Travis Chua yesterday. Been nice gettin' to know a friend better. We watched THE BANQUET, which we agreed the night before, was a film we've been wanting to watch for quite some time then... So we decided to just go ahead and watch it.

Awww man! What a disappointment, it was, in my opinion - a loose adaptation of Hamlet or McBeth. I thought the story was weak (or, some would say, Whack!). I was hoping to be amazed by the artistic aspect of the film because most of the crew were from that of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Tim Yip, Peter Pau, Tan Dun were all part of Ang Lee's legendary Taiwanese film and they won Oscars in 2001 for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Original Score respectively. Thus, it was no wonder why I was expecting to have a fantastic time watching this.

The first half of the film was not so bad. The opening credits were rather grand, actually, and the score suggested a phenomenal film ahead. I was at my seat watching instensely, taking note of every single aspect of it and appreciating the art. But then the story started to get boring, the costumes were overdone, the setting became familiar, the score started sounding like that of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I can even name the music pieces which I was reminded of from Croughing Tiger. They were called "Night Fight" and "The Eternal Vow".

Then, it just dawned upon me, that this film wasn't made for audience's entertainment. It wasn't made to wow the crowd with its originality (cause it had almost none). It was made in an effort to win an Oscar. It's so obvious! The camera focuses on every single aspect of the film which could impress Oscar voters. A lot (and I mean A LOT) of screen time is focused on the costume, the setting, intricate details, which is nice for viewing, but when overdone, becomes irritating. I was not impressed.

I'm sick of China compromising audience's appeal while trying to win Oscars. They become "too artistic", in that sense, and overdo it, and just end up being boring. "Hero", "House Of Flying Daggers" and "The Promise" are perfect examples. And you can actually sense that irritation in the Academy and their determination not to give in to these efforts. Well, "Hero" earned ONE Oscar nomination in 2003, for Best Foreign Language Film. The rest all failed after that.

Thus, one may ask, what differed Crouching Tiger from all these films, that made it the only Taiwanese (and even Asian) film in history to win an Oscar, let alone 4 Oscars?!! It took the audience's perspective, not the Oscar voters'. When a film and all the people behind it does exactly that, all great aspects of art just flows in naturally. That's what I think.

In conclusion, THE BANQUET... sucks!

P.S. The risk taken in writing such an entry is the possibility of THE BANQUET actually ending up winning an Oscar. Hahahhaax!

about Journeying Through The Hours

2006-09-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

about Journeying Through The Hours

Recently, I became part of, what I'm proud to consider, the coolest CCA one with my interests could ever wish to be in!!! It's called "sg New Wave"! It's basically a production team for a website which revolves around films, old, new, and those to come, and everything about them. My job in this fantastic team is a journalist, who reviews and critiques on films classified under "world cinema" (other sections include "Asian Culture" and "Local Scene").

And following is my very first review on my all-time favourite, "The Hours" (2002), which stars my all-time favourite, the extraodinary Nicole Kidman!!!

It's a rather well done, piece, I must say... hehe! Enjoy!

2002's Oscar-winning "The Hours" is a mighty piece of art, which tells a mystifying story of yearning, desire, choices, regret, and eventually, acceptance. Based on the Pulitzer-prize winning novel by Michael Cunningham, the film, though perplexing at certain parts, much like its central figure, the unfathomable Virginia Woolf, is altogether enchantingly crafted.
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"The Hours" seamlessly interweaves three stories together, each from a different era from the others. The first is set in the early 1920s. Virginia Woolf, played by Nicole Kidman, begins her eventually significant work on a novel, "Mrs. Dalloway". The second story takes place in the 1950s, when a mother and housewife, played by Julianne Moore, thirsting to depart from her Donna Reed life, contemplates suicide upon reading "Mrs. Dalloway". The last story revolves around a modern day character, Clarissa Vaughn, a lesbian book editor, played by Meryl Streep, who spends a typical "Mrs. Dalloway" day planning a party, this time in celebration of her former lovers greatest achievement as a writer - winning the Carrouthers Prize. However, with her former lover dying of AIDS, Clarissa is forced to re-examine her life, and her selfless way of living. The three women are all connected by the novel. Kidman writes it, Moore reads it, and Streep lives it.
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This film can be rather difficult to grasp, but bringing its audience through Woolf's feminist-tinged, woeful dialogs on life, the three stories put together a thematic whole, making the film a sorrowful joy. Though based on literary work, the film can relate to the emotions of anyone who has ever made an incorrect or unrealistic decision.
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Director, Stephen Daldry, establishes himself as truly exceptional with this powerful piece, which can be easily considered as a milestone in his career, by dealing with heavy and deep material.
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With so much to bring ones focus on, what makes these unravelled ends of the story bind together with effortlessness is Phillip Glass's spellbinding music. Glass's score for "The Hours" provides a bridge for every emotional moment to intersect with the audience.
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But evidently, the strongest aspect of the film is the acting. Julianne Moore is phenomenal as Laura Brown and Meryl Streep showcases yet another captivating performance. Also contributing to this stellar cast are John C. Reilly, Allison Janney, Toni Collette, Claire Danes, and Ed Harris, whose portrayal of an AIDS victim is terrifyingly realistic. However, if it was any of the actors who brought undying truth and realism to his/her character, it was Nicole Kidman. As the unstable Virginia Woolf, Kidman is brilliant and truly remarkable, and brings acting to a higher level with her exquisite physical transformation. Burying herself under a prosthetic nose and her accent in a deep, thick mist of an English accent, Kidman becomes unrecognisable and gets lost in the role. She portrays successfully and astonishingly Woolf's escalating lunacy. This extraordinary performance earned Kidman her first and well-deserved Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role in 2003.
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"The Hours" moves its audience and stirs much thinking with its representation of women, and was released in a year when females were main and interesting subjects of many critically acclaimed films. Though it deals with depression, the feeling is worth the reward of having witnessed and experienced what can be considered some of the most amazing performances in screen history. As a symbol of great art, there's no question to why "The Hours" is undeniably a definite must-see!

about That Day At Marina Bay

2006-09-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

about That Day At Marina Bay

Yesterday, as planned, Nards, Pam, Lara, Joachim and I headed down to (where else?) Marina Bay to have a picnic and to fly kites. Such a kiddy idea, it came across as, at first. But I suppose, as individuals going through the "oh shit I'm getting old" stage, we need to seek comfort in such activities.

For the picnic, each had to contribute his/her share. I brought along cherry tomatoes, wang-wang, apple juice, cheezels and (slurpz!) strawberries! The sad thing was, I underestimated their interests and preference towards the latter. Thus, I was, more or less, the only one indulging in the sexy fruit. Hehe!

But, really, the highlight of the outing wasn't much of the picnic, nor was it waiting for Lara for an hour because she came late (and with no food contribution!!! tsk tsk!!!). One would expect the highlight of the outing to be the kiteflying itself. However, the funny thing was, none of us knew how to fly a kite! Hahahax! So we ended up laughing at our countless failed attempts to do so... and teases from the couple which sat nearby sure was encouraging... hahax!

Oh well, we tried, I must say, and above all, we had fun. So no complaints from me! We then had dinner at Billy Bombers at Marina Square and I had (brace yourself) a sirlon steak, an American rootbeer float, and an American brownie, served hot with ice-cream. Oh gosh, it was DIVINE!!! Worth every penny (or cent), which I had to fork out. yup yup!

I must say, having spent most of my holidays thus far at home or indoors, this was surely a fantastic way to spend my day out. Hehe!

about My ABs

2006-09-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

about My ABs

Praise Ye The Lord!
My grades for my semester were out today, and gosh, was I absolutely thrilled!

Advertising - B
Newswriting - B+
TV Production - B+
Photography - A
Media Management - A
Media Research Methods - A
Intercultural Communication - AD (distinction)

Grade Point Average: 3.6667 / 4

Woah! I almost fainted out of shock! My mom came in and gave me a great, big hug before she left for work! Hehehe! I'm glad that things turned out the way they did cause I don't think I've ever worked as hard as I did this semester (with so many things to juggle e.g. Prayer Rally & Mickey Mouse Sports Championship). Thank you, Lord for the strength and perseverance! I will always be ever so grateful!

about She Devil

2006-09-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

about She Devil

It started as "The Film With A Catchy Title". Then it became "The Must-Watch Film Because Meryl Streep Was In It". Subsequently, the title "The Film Which Tempted Me Greatly To Shop" came about. Two weeks

later (yesterday), it became "The Film I Just HAD To Watch Again", and a few hours after that, it became "The Book I Travelled From Store To Store to Find A Copy Of".

Point made, I suppose. I just adored "The Devil Wears Prada"! Meryl Streep gives a stunning and impeccable performance, playing Miranda Priestly, the devil in disguise (figuratively, not literally). And Damn, was she bitchy!

"The details of your incompetence do not interest me"

"And you have no sense of fashion... no, no that wasn't a question"

"By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me"

"I said to myself, go ahead. Take a chance. Hire the smart, fat girl"

"Is there some reason why my coffee isn't here yet? Has she died or something?"

"Please bore someone else with your questions"

Gosh! It would be impossible to count the number of times I said to myself, "Gosh, that was a good one"!!! Hahahax! There's something about how the epitome of bitchiness, as portrayed in the film by Meryl's character, can give you that sense of thrill and chills, especially when you can be quite bitchy, yourself! Hehe!

And THE CLOTHES! OH MAN! The film itself was a fashion haven, I must say! Lara and Pamela's countless squeals in awe at the clothes the actors got to wear during the movie sure suggested agreement with my point. It was like my dream transformed into a female version. Gosh, to be covered in such marvelous, "high-end" materials must have been spectacularly fabulous.

But I think what made the show bigger was how the the lead female chose the simple life over the life of fame and materialism. Dying to oneself - That's what being a Christian is about, I suppose.

I loved the show... I loved, loved, loved it!

about May-August 2006 Pictures

2006-09-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

about May-August 2006 Pictures

I've been wanting to post these pictures for quite some time now. But it was always either my laziness or a subject of greater importance to write about that prevented me from doing so.

Thus, enjoy!

10 JUNE 2006: ADRIEL AND CATHERINE'S WEDDING

One with the whole family. I love this.

The Bridesmaid and the Best Man

"A Reading from..."

Newly weds!

Walah! (Lara made me do this)

Yup! Lara and Pamela were there!

And as usual... as with every event, comes time dedicated to phototaking

Lara!

Dearest Cousin Daphne

" Awww"

With tradition...

I wish I could see these smiles everyday...

I LOVE this one... one with the whole family!

And one with the red table and the elders

Tah dah!

29 JULY 2006: MARANATHA'S NIGHT OUT

8 JULY 2006: CONFIRMATION FOR CLASS OF 2006

My Fellow Youth Lector, Jeanette Tan!

Joel, Me, Rach

Aloysius! Confirmant, 2006

Me, Rach, Iggy

MARANATHA!!! (well, part of us)
.

8 JULY 2006: BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR FOO JIE LONG

Chao Ge, Josh, Samuel, Adrian, Jie Long, Me

Nice shot, I'd say.

Groupieee!

4-6 AUGUST 2006: MARANATHA PRAYER MINISTRY RETREAT

Joel, Me, Sean

Ladies!

Ehem, ehem!

Jo and I

I thought this shot was rather cute.. hehe!

Aloysius, Joel, Mark, Me

Me, Jo, Mark, Mel, Dorothy
.

17 MAY 2006: MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT BILLY BOMBERS

Me, Nards and Joachim (and I suppose I don't have to name the rest of the pics then...)

.
22 JULY 2006: JOACHIM LAI SHAVED HIS HEAD FOR CANCER PATIENTS

21 JULY 2006: LARA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

about T.I.O.M.A.N.

2006-09-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

about T.I.O.M.A.N.

Visited Tioman Island, East Malaysia, over the weekend with my family. People have been asking me about it, so here's the update. Yup!

We went diving with fishes in East Malaysian clear blue waters, and yes, really clear and pleasantly blue. What an experience that was. But unfortunately, that was the only experience. Well, there was the experience of taking a trip up the mountain to take a plunge in fresh spring waters. But that's it, I suppose.

However, as expected, I spent most of the time by mysef. When you go on holiday with couples - mummy and daddy, brother and sister-in-law, aunt and uncle, two sisters who are inseparable - and a grandfather who doesn't speak half of your language, and you can't speak half of his, it's rather difficult to not be anti-social when you're technically not with anyone. In addition, we lived in kampungs (which was rather fun) that each housed only two. So I was with my grandfather. Perfect, eh? We just had SUCH a fantastic time trying to figure out what each other was trying to say.

Not that I'm complaining, cause it's nice to be in your own world and in deep thought. God knows I enjoy doing that. But when your mom constantly breaks your chain of thoughts, trying to get you to talk to your cousins (the two sisters), it becomes kind of disturbing. But then again, it's kind of hilarious how your mom can expect a bunch of 16-17-18 year olds (me being the 18-year old, of course) to start mingling around each other as easily as toddlers making friends in a play pen, upon a verbal instruction from her.

Oh well, at least we got to have a feast of seafood for our dinners. Living by the beach, the flow of fresh seafood was endless. Lobsters, crab, cray fish, prawns, stingray, fresh fish... I got to taste these cooked fresh just a few hours after being caught. Apparently, according to our host, seafood sold in Singapore is at least a week old after being caught. Thus, to have been able to get a taste of really fresh seafood was a true experience. Oh gosh, reminiscing itself makes my mouth water. hehe!

Alright, that's all, I suppose. Here are some pics from the trip.

Behold, Tioman Island!

The kampung we lived in. Can you believe they had air-conditioning? hahax!

This one was rather neat-looking.

That spring waterfall. Mom and dad.

Bro and sis-in-law.

Us.

Me.

Adriel in the spring waterfall.

Grandpa swimming with fishes.

Zah!

In deep thought... one of those moments, you know.

And look what we caught! And it became...

Sashimi!

Another amazing find!

Before we left.

And one last one with everybody!