Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Peranakan Festival






Please do support the Peranakan Association. Peranakan or no Peranakan, we can always afford to learn the culture of another community. =)

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Keep a lucky coin

Last week was crazy and I suppose this week will be no exception.

The morning was cold and my throat was hoarse. I almost wanted to give up and call in sick for the presentation. But I knew that the show must go on. It was after all a chance that did not come by so very often. The aim was simple, to win the top prize of $600 for my team and an internship stint at MJB&B

Ms Carmel was the representative to judge our presentation. I was not intimidated by her but more amused. She wore a smile and an infectious laughter. I did what I had to do and introduced the campaign’s creative strategy.

I think she liked it. And I concluded the campaign with something more serious to me than her. I quoted Dixie Marshall! LoLx. She was already laughing like a broken record by the mere mention of the name. I wonder if that was my intention. But anyways, I still did it. She had lots of praises for our campaign pitch and thought that the logo and ideas used were fresh. The results will be out next week and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

When the curtains fall

It is official!

The pictures from Party Full Stop are up. Please follow the link to download the pictures that you require.

Once again, I thank all my friends for joining me in a night of drinks and laughs. It has been a great pleasure hosting all of you. A special thanks to my friend Jonathan for being the resident photographer for the night.

I hope that all of you had fun and good luck for the coming exams.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

A week of pain and gain

Oh dear! It has been so long since I last updated my blog. But I am not going to shortchange my readers on the happenings of the week. First up was definitely a painful experience. My wisdom tooth decided to erupt just a few days before my major presentation. I was screaming in pain and had to wake up in the middle of the night just to consume painkillers. Gosh! The pain was unbearable! The dentist was determined to have it removed and it cost me A$400. The operation took less than 30 mins and before long I was roaming the streets in the city, in the bid to shop for an outfit for the party on Sat.

Back to work after the minor operation on the advertising campaign.

The presentation went on well. And it was our sincere hope that we would be able to get a place in the top 3 teams and be able to contest for the top prize.

Dinner on Thursday was at Sri Melaka with the boys. It has been decided that we should try vegetarian this time. The food was superb even without the existence of meat. T actually thought that the restaurant serves both meats as well and vegetarian dishes. We all learn something new each day, don’t we?

Friday was more relaxing. It was decided that I should visit the Art museum on this day. It was the Gallery of St Petersburg 1900, which I was interested in. The exhibition featured artists from 1870 to 1917. This huge exhibition presented paintings, works on paper and decorative arts and theatrical costumes.

The portraits of famous people intrigued me the most with their realism. It seemed almost as if that was a photographed picture rather than a painting. The Avant Garde paintings also captured my attention. Influences from that of Van Gogh could be depicted from the paintings. They used similar textures as well as images from Van Gogh’s work. I won’t think that as impressive, but a bold move. Living in the century of a communistic society definitely did not help them. Another point that I noted was the influence from China. Russia had a much greater influence from the European countries and so it was only natural to share artistic influences from them. But I noticed a great deal of China artistic influences. It is not hard to believe but the vases made in Russia resemble that of China in many ways. Then there were the motifs on costumes made for the theatre. They showed mythical creatures such as dragons and phoenixes. Was it coincidental or did China’s influence contributed much to the artistic approach of Russian Artists?

I felt so “full” after viewing the exhibition. A much needed break from all the realties and pain of life.

The artistic tour did not end there. A carried this to Saturday when I went to watch Les Miserables at the Regal Theatre with Brian. Pre-show lunch was fabulous at the Cico café down Rokeby Road. Finally found a new hang out place. It had furniture that portrayed modernism in the old suburb of Subiaco.

Les Miserables by the MS society was good. I went in not expecting more than a school production but came out with an awe of production quality of Australians. The singing had its glitches with poor sound system. I can only blame it on the age of the theatre with little or insufficient upgrading. The whole musical was real “tight”. And the transitions between scenes were smooth. The energy level from the cast was also applauded. The costumes were well created with every detail in mind. It was worth $28.50. LoLx

And there was Party Full Stop last night.

Gorgeous!

A week of pain and gain

Oh dear! It has been so long since I last updated my blog. But I am not going to shortchange my readers on the happenings of the week. First up was definitely a painful experience. My wisdom tooth decided to erupt just a few days before my major presentation. I was screaming in pain and had to wake up in the middle of the night just to consume painkillers. Gosh! The pain was unbearable! The dentist was determined to have it removed and it cost me A$400. The operation took less than 30 mins and before long I was roaming the streets in the city, in the bid to shop for an outfit for the party on Sat.

Back to work after the minor operation on the advertising campaign.

The presentation went on well. And it was our sincere hope that we would be able to get a place in the top 3 teams and be able to contest for the top prize.

Dinner on Thursday was at Sri Melaka with the boys. It has been decided that we should try vegetarian this time. The food was superb even without the existence of meat. T actually thought that the restaurant serves both meats as well and vegetarian dishes. We all learn something new each day, don’t we?

Friday was more relaxing. It was decided that I should visit the Art museum on this day. It was the Gallery of St Petersburg 1900, which I was interested in. The exhibition featured artists from 1870 to 1917. This huge exhibition presented paintings, works on paper and decorative arts and theatrical costumes.

The portraits of famous people intrigued me the most with their realism. It seemed almost as if that was a photographed picture rather than a painting. The Avant Garde paintings also captured my attention. Influences from that of Van Gogh could be depicted from the paintings. They used similar textures as well as images from Van Gogh’s work. I won’t think that as impressive, but a bold move. Living in the century of a communistic society definitely did not help them. Another point that I noted was the influence from China. Russia had a much greater influence from the European countries and so it was only natural to share artistic influences from them. But I noticed a great deal of China artistic influences. It is not hard to believe but the vases made in Russia resemble that of China in many ways. Then there were the motifs on costumes made for the theatre. They showed mythical creatures such as dragons and phoenixes. Was it coincidental or did China’s influence contributed much to the artistic approach of Russian Artists?

I felt so “full” after viewing the exhibition. A much needed break from all the realties and pain of life.

The artistic tour did not end there. A carried this to Saturday when I went to watch Les Miserables at the Regal Theatre with Brian. Pre-show lunch was fabulous at the Cico café down Rokeby Road. Finally found a new hang out place. It had furniture that portrayed modernism in the old suburb of Subiaco.

Les Miserables by the MS society was good. I went in not expecting more than a school production but came out with an awe of production quality of Australians. The singing had its glitches with poor sound system. I can only blame it on the age of the theatre with little or insufficient upgrading. The whole musical was real “tight”. And the transitions between scenes were smooth. The energy level from the cast was also applauded. The costumes were well created with every detail in mind. It was worth $28.50. LoLx

And there was Party Full Stop last night.

Gorgeous!

Sunday, October 16, 2005

A birthday of a great.

To celebrate Oscar Wilde's Birthday, I have picked a quote that I find relevant to me.


"A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal."

Oscar Wilde

Happy Birthday Oscar! You have brought great literature to us.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Been to Manila and back

Aiyoh! Spent the whole day designing. And finally I designed some posters and transit advertisements. I must say I am really pleased with them. I am will just work on the copy tomorrow and see what ideas I can come up with. And I thought I really sucked at Photoshop. But I guess it all comes down to the fact that I am purely lazy.

So engrossed with the designing that I almost wanted to skip dinner. But Jon called to try the Manila Restarant that we have been always wanting to try. Went there with Evana. The atmosphere was so joyous. Was it b'cos there was a birthday celebration or all Filipino eateries are like that? Hmmm....

Jon hosted us as if we were in his restaurant. LoLx....I suppose the feeling must have been wonderful. Just like how I act when I am in a Korean restaurant. Not that I am Korean. LoLx. Been invited to Indo by my friends. Would love to be there, but I know I won't be able to make it due to my commitments to the Army. Maybe next time....next time...

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Designing a Life

Had an absolutely bad day. I had no idea what I was doing or more precisely, where I was going. I had no creativity and not to mention mood for any of my design related work. Had a rough day in school and the fact that I was not able to produce anything for my presentation next week is horrible.

Decided to dine out with Jon after realising that when I am down so will be my cooking. Tried to get ourselves a table at, The Oyster Bar. But it was full! So we decided to do Ciao Italia instead. I guess it felt good to spend more time with this great friend of mine considering the lessened chance of doing this once we get back to SG.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Are you invited?

Finally the party has been confirmed. It took me a great deal of courage to finally put the idea of having a party at Metros to reality. The final nail was actually driven by Jon's enthusiasm and help. After an hour of planning and devising the guests list, I paid and collected the invites today.

And so here it is. The final party before I depart from Perth.

So are you invited?

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Arty Farty

Been feeling very moody lately. This happened to me excatly a year ago. Darn! I am going to relate this to the fact that I have not been able to get my healthy dosage of "Arts". Arts is now something that is integrated in me and it is my true sustenance. Whenever I am feelinig down, I will watch a play to get rid of all my unhappiness. There are plenty of plays and musicals in Perth, but it just doesn't feel as good as what I can find back in SG. Maybe it is also due to the unfamiliarity of what is going on in the Arts scene of Perth.

Well, the good news is that I will be involve in an upcoming play at the Arts House. I have been invited to Stage Manage the play; When we are together. The rehearsal schedule would be very tight since I will only be arriving into SG on the 25th Nov. Nevertheless, I will still put all I have into this. A pity I can't commit to acting for this play. But being able to work with familiar faces once more from Stray, makes it still worth my while. Do come support this production by Stagepals. More information would be provided in due course.

When we are together

Synopsis:
A potpourri of well-known works by the famous Taiwanese comic writer, Jimmy with the Director's personal rendition.

A lot of people seem able to define 'what is love' but the realization of its true meaning only arises when one actually experience it. People pursue ideals, including choosing a lover and having a relationship. An ideal relationship only exists when two persons make it so. The challenge is how.

'When We Were Together’' explores different perception of love and seeks the true essence of being a lover and having a relationship. Maybe you have gone through similar experiences or you have witnessed someone going through some of the encounters. Come on the journey with us and let us find, together, the answer to the darkest secret within us.

http://www.theartshouse.com.sg/event_details.php?id=275

Pasar Malam

The week was crazy with so many events and deadlines to meet. But I think I will still be able to survive it all. Just 24hours away till the end of this week.

Uni Pasar Malam was fantastic. Met so many friends there. And I dare say it was the best Pasar Malam ever for me. Maybe it was the weather but definately the company. A warm thank you to my friends who made it to the event with me.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

A needed break

Something is not very right with me. I sense something wrong. But I cannot explain what it is. I have been very restless at late. This can hardly be the case. I am now directing all this towards the fact that I have not attended YOGA lessons for 2 weeks already. Does YOGA really make such a difference in my life now? I think so. Before I started my YOGA regime, I felt tired most of the time. However after making YOGA a weekly affair, I can feel that my body more energetic. And now without YOGA it just feels cranky. At least I am still starting the day with the "baby" position. It helps to losen up my bones and especially my back. YOGA the miracle workout is now taking a toil on my body. But I suppose it is for my good.

On the same topic of health, I realised that there is an increase in usage of chemically enhanced products to look "beautiful"by people around me. I may not be the best person to comment on this. However, I have recently taken a step backwards and look at how chemicals can have adverse effects on humans. My belief is as such, we are already living in a polluted world with chemicals that can be found in almost everything within reach. We are pouring chemicals into our body almost everyday and cosmetics products infesting every inch of our body. They are seriously not good for us. I may be contradicting myself right now as I am a believer of beauty. However, at the same time acknowledging beauty comes naturally from good health. My point is, if we can avoid chemicals, then we should. As much as we want to look beautiful, we need to know our limits.

Come on, don't be shy. Replace a product with something more natural.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

A bagful of meat and a whole heart of sincerity

It has been awhile since my last entry. Let’s just say I have been busy entertaining a long time friend and am exhausted from it. The hotels in Perth have been less than satisfactory since my arrival last year. Even hotels such as Sheraton and Burswood Intercontinental have nothing to wow about. But The Holiday Inn (Burswood) was great! I really liked the layout of the room as it is new, clean and with a touch of modernity. I should really consider putting my parents up there when they are here for my convocation. But I cannot stand the distance. It is far from the train station and I have to walk at least 1km.
Do check their room phones. They are damn cool. And every room has 2 sets.

Verdict:
Satisfied customer