Friday, July 29, 2005

Jewel in the Palace

In case u were wondering wat was that? The chinese name <大长今> tells it all. Yes, one of the best ever produce serial on Korean TV. Been catching the story eversince it was screened on cable tv. I have heard many positive comments on the show. It became the highest rating serial in Korea when it made its debut. Then HK, followed by Taiwan. Singapore became one ofthe last to broadcast on air.

Anyway, 李英爱 was good. If not for Lilian, i din even know she was 34. UNBELIEVABLE. Looks younger than her actual age. More importantly, she is so PRETTY. Many guys must have fallen in love with her. Her acting skills is wonderful, no doubt abt tat. How could i miss her show? As usual, i wanted to know wat happen next, could not wait, so managed to borrow VCD from a colleague. ha... Anxious lar.

In case u are still wondering wat the story is all abt, here's a little preview.

《大长今》讲述了一个宫廷中的女御厨如何锄奸铲恶的故事,但由于剧情的跌宕细腻,爱情戏又缠绵感人,再加上李英爱的古装扮相实在吸引,《大长今》几乎以创造历史的高收视让MBC赢锝眉开眼笑。 长今凭个人的努力、精湛的医术、无限的爱心,无私的关怀,成为朝鲜第一个女御医。

If you cant read, then too bad. Brush up a bit and u will understand. Afterall, the show has been dubbed in mandarin. Although i can watch in Korean, find it too tiring to read the subtitles. So i just relaz and tune in to the readily dubbed version. However, sounded too Taiwanese. ha....

Talking abt Korea, Ken has also been pestering me to travel with him to Korea. I dun really mind except for the language. Pple there speak KOREAN. They cannot understand even simple english terms. I remembered when i tried to order coffee, they stare at me without knowing wat i wanted. In the end, i had to walk into the counter and point it out to the waiter. *Faint!

Not to offend Koreans, i think Thai speak better English than them. Guess they are probably proud of their language or perhaps less foreign expatriates. The only thing that i miss in Korea is their SPA. OMG! Drooling now... It really smoothen my skin and release my stress after soaking into different baths. Of course, Ginseng Chicken too. But i can get tat in Singapore too. So not too bad. Hmmm.... Need to sleep now. Will dream as i sleep.....

Thursday, July 28, 2005

I see Clear Sky

Good news to share. The break up saga is over. They are back together!!! It was quite a relieve when i hear this. Afterall, it wasnt that easy to give up a 5 year relationship. It takes ardous and long time effort to maintain such relation. How did they get back again? Simple. They are still in love with their partner. I am not sure abt the other party, but i am very sure that at least my friend is.

Although it was them who gone thru the crisis, friends like us were also put to test. We were somehow affected by it. Seeing him living like a zombie was uneasy. I wanted to talk to him but cannot find the time. Why? Cos when i work, he is back at home. When i am home, he has gone to bed. Aiyoh, wat kind of work??? I dun even have the time to speak to jun abt the incident. IRRITATING!

Work was pretty fine except for once. My colleague made a mistake and when i continue from there, i din even realise. Some silly error. I managed to correct the mistake after it was presented. Shit. Luckily, i still have the time to amend it for others. Felt a bit sabo but no choice, cos we may end up making silly errors at time. So much for tat, going to take a break tom. FINALLY!!!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

One began to realise friends are so important especially during times of breakup. However, i guess they are equally important no matter what happens. I hold high respect for them. They are part of our life. We can never forgo them for the sake of others. Sometimes, when i read thru the testimonials from other's friendster, many close friends lost contact due to many reasons.

They began to realise and cherish their close friends during their lowest point in life. We might scold ourselves stupid, stupid for standing by only when needed. During the time of happiness, we were almost ignored totally. Is that the kind of friendship that most wanted??? Friends by no way should be neglected. They are humans to, they can feel it. But there are some who chose to do otherwise. Forgetting what they have done as close friends over the years.

Today technology is far advance than past. A simple sms, email will do to keep in touch. Sometime, pple can go MISSING for months. And they turn up suddenly when in times of difficulties. Haiz.... Too bad, many of us are soft hearted. Regardless how bad the situation is, we still offer our help. I guess this is REAL FRIENDSHIP. Are we making a fool of ourselves by helping? Well, they may once again forget everything after the crisis.

NO. We find it hard to ignore. For a simple reason, we will never turn our friends away cos deep in us, we will cherish them every moment. That is why i always wonder, some pple can run away, disappear into thin air without a single tot for their friends. For one, i cannot bring myself to do that. Other than relationship and kinship, friends are also essential elements in life. So, learn to CHERISH them now.

Monday, July 25, 2005

Emotional Support

It was drizzling while i make my way to work. Over the last 24 hours, i heard another break up. Another long dating couple saying goodbye. I seriously wonder why must a relationship eventually end up this way. A close friend of mine who has been dating for the last 5 years decide to close shop. It was a painful decision.

Lack of emotional support? I find it hard to believe. Someone whom u have been in love for so long finds u a chore cos u could not provide the relevant support. The poor guy has been giving in, even to the extent of giving up friends to meet demands yet condemned his stupidity on emotional needs. Strange strange strange. This was wat i found from a blogger who face a similar situation. Anyway, i dun know him.

thats why. when baby flared up, i rather remain silent. to prevent thing from getting worse. but somehow... things always get worse. i don't know. maybe i am really stupid in handling relationship. anyway all is the past liao.

Seems same fate like my friend. I am not trying to defend guys but i do agree some guys fail to react in situation like this. Afterall, they din want it. They just somehow became a "mu tou" and remain silent. Not everyone behaves like ken, who could speak off your mind. I comforted my friend and check if he is really serious to give up the relationship. It takes great courage to say goodbye esp when the guy is deeply in love with the girl previously.

Wanted to lend support to my dear friend, but need to work today. Haiz.... I dun even have the time to tok to him in details last nite. I was too tired and fell on bed instantaneously. I wish he will pull himself together and emerge stronger. Take care friend!!!

Friday, July 22, 2005

Extra Duty?!

I tot i was able to leave office on time but several bomb blast struck London again. Tube was closed for the second time within two weeks. Although i was not asked to do OT, i volunteered cos its my job and my colleagues needed the extra hand. So, help out here and there till 1130pm before heading home. Poor London, despite heavier security, terror is still at large.

Oh yes, Derrick Ho and Candyce Pan were voted into the Channel U project Superstar. Luckily they got thru. Like many, i was shocked when both were voted out during the preliminary rounds. Both were equally good. However, both lack the super star glamour looks. Derrick Ho is young, his built is small and look like a little boy. Nothing much can be done till he finishes his NS. Candyce Pan has excellent vocal but lack the looks. If her look is half of Fann Wong, i am sure she will lead the pack.

Lilian found a job. Lucky girl, got such an interesting job. I dun mind taking up such an offer if there is one. Was in dilemma on several occasion. I was wondering if i should return to corporate world when i am sick of the current industry. However, i contemplate at times cos this job has its attractiveness and satisfaction. Well maybe i needed more time. Better endure for another 1.5 years before i decide whether to join the corporate world. Ha... as if i have many offers and jobs waiting.... ya rite....

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Sentimental Person

After six months at work, i wonder how i survive thru the toughest challenges in my life. There were moments of joy and of course there were very shitty situations too. As life moves on, i learn to cherish every moment. I try my best to keep things simple.

I have regretted leaving SR cos of the wonderful pple. Come to think of it, i miss the time i spent over there. Able to talk freely, even to the extent of gossip openly. Over here, it is only stress, more stress and more more stress. I dun only deal with work, but also the kind of people to people relationship. Although the situation is improving, i can never predict what is going to happen next.

I heard many failed relationships. Of course, the shocking one being the most recent one. A long term dating couple ended their relationship due to a change of hearts? or purely change of feelings? It is so disappointing to see them ending this way. Is that really the freedom they wanted? Puzzling.

I treasure the friendship i have built over the years. I do grumble cos my dearest friend are always preoccupied with relationship during free time. Whenever i sit down and think thru, wat jun said was true. These are things that they prefered. Afterall, their bf/gf would eventually turn husband/wife, they will then spent time together for the rest of their life. So there is nothing wrong. Well, i do agree cos i never say they are incorrect.

They have their life and i have mine. As long as they are happy, it is fine with me. Anyway, i am neither a perfect person. Everyone has his flaws. To always be happy is something i always wanted to achieve. No matter how dark the sky is, deep in your heart, u feel happiness. Thankfully, i am right now. I find myself very sentimental today. ha....

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Peanuts issue

It's 4am in the morning and i am not in bed. Well, waiting for my hair to dry while i surf thru the net to see if there were updates on the NKF issue. Yes, SM Goh's wife regretted what she said previously. In a way, she is apologising to the general public. This will somehow help ease the tension over her "peanut" issue.

(Quoted from CNA) Senior Minister Goh said his wife now regretted making that comment.

"When she told me what she said at home, I told her immediately, you're in trouble. There'll be negative reaction and sure enough the next day, Singaporeans reacted generally quite critically to her remarks and it's understandable because NKF is a charity and Singaporeans contribute to the NKF and they don't earn much."

"她对说过的话表示遗憾,当她在家中告诉我她说过的话时,我马上告诉她,你有麻烦了,将会有负面的反应。真的隔天,新加坡人对她的评语的反应,一般上相当具有评判性,这是可以理解,因为NKF是一个慈善机构, 捐钱给NKF的人入息都不多。”

To be honest, i was equally shocked like others when Mrs Goh made such a remark. I mean it wasnt appropriate to make such comments in situation like this. After all, i guess she said it in impulse. That is understandable. She had realise her mistake. Come to think of it, i am not sure if opposition will make this as their agenda during election. Hopefully not! haiz... I am more interested over how MPs will react in Parliament.
***

To play soothing music at night really calms a person's mind. Had great fun at the usual hangout. Surprising, Ken went MIA for the first time. Ha... Gavin and i turned up partying to our favourite retro. Gavin now found a master to teach him mambo strokes. ha... Very cute. It was a lady somemore. But pple enjoy making of fun due to her size. Well, i din cos her mambo strokes were EXCELLENT! Dun pray pray in front of her. More retros played tonight, crowd came in around 1am. very strange too..... Going to sleep soon.... Wat an enjoyable nite!!!

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Weekend fun

Oh well oh well.... Been another tiring day at work. Was discussing over dinner with some of my colleagues over the NKF issue. Same old thing... blar blar blar.... I think it is time for the matter to rest n move on. I know pple are concern abt their money but poor kidney patients should not be deprived of quality treatment. Let the interim board led by Gerard Ee to put everything in place. I am sure the govt will scrutinise. Parliament starts next week and i think we will get to see more MPs reaction.

Finally getting another 2 days off over the weekend. I am so delighted. Yeah!!! Can really take time off to do watever things that i wish to do. I could sleep longer and even go for my sauna bath. Great opportunities to do lots of things. Too bad little Jordan went home, if not i could bring him out for Macdonald's breakfast in the morning. However, i will be working over the next weekend. Shucks. So i will treasure this weekend more! hee

Friday, July 15, 2005

Ups and Downs

Our dearest People in White Govt has stepped in to intervene on the NKF saga. Well, i think it is the best option. I agree with Mr Khaw. It is time the entire board of NKF should resign. And it is perfectly fine for the govt to appoint a temporary board. If not, i guess public will boycott the organisation completely. More imptly, to stop watever active fund raising activities till the funds have been properly accounted and allocated for.

It is in greatest regret that NKF ended up this way. I mean their 30 over years of reputation all gone to drain. All for the sake of the lack of transparency. Now, ardent supporter of NKF Mrs Goh has decided to step down too. I think the govt intervention will put regular donors including general public mind at ease. We shall see wat is going to happen over the next few days or even years. Anymore show on next April???
****

Yes, one year since my convocation which happen to fall on the same day with jun's convocation. Felt so different this year cos i came back as alumni while jun convocated. NTU has changed with new buildings completed. Took many photos and walking ard the place remind me of the time when i convocated.

When i passed by my hall, memories kept flowing back, the time spent with edwyn, gavin, dave, zhiyou, surong, xiaowei, catherine, cedric, edwin etc, over late suppers, gossip, walking ard in the middle of nite, sat by staircase, study, movies and bday celebration. I guess not everyone will have this kind of life esp if u dun stay in school. I had an enjoyable hall life. It was fun.

Then went on to esplanade to capture more scenic views. Nice Singapore skyline. Eventually, jun, her bro bernard and i ended our session at Little Balinese Ville. Very interesting place. Thanks to Bernard, if not i would never know this place. Think i am going to intro it to my friends. Maybe my colleagues cos they LOVE to drink. Set in traditional balinese setting, they have little huts, ponds, candle lights, flowers. oh, they also play soothing music that relaz ur mind n body after a hard day work.

Hmm... On par with Secret Garden or slightly better. But the only downside is, it is so out of the way. Not in town but somewhere in Alexandra. But definitely worth the visit!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2005

NKF vs SPH

I guess the situation is getting way out of control. People hurling abusive remarks, vandalising NKF building, canceling monthly donation. The outcry created from the libel case is intensifying quickly. Not even Huang Na's case nor the Kallang Murder could divert any other Singaporeans attention . Well, cos it's our money. Our money paid to NKF for Mr Durai's bonuses, salaries, luxurious car, office facilities and first class seat.

SPH defence lawyer Mr Davinder Singh quoted excellent examples. A two room flat owner trying to make donation to help kidney patients was being used to pay for another person salary. No doubt a portion does go to NKF beneficiaries, but a certain portion end up in someone pocket. This poor two room flat owner might not even get a chance to sit in a first class seat, but hey our Mr Durai had the opportunity. He claimed it was the board's decision. Come on, did the board force him to take a first class seat?

As a charitable organisation, how in the world are they able to declare so much bonus ? I understand only profit organisation makes that kind of payment. Yes, it is a million dollar charitable organisation so wat? Does that mean its senior mgmt is entitled to higher bonus?

Is the performance bonus is linked to the amount of money canvass for the year? But, the money is meant for the patients. I am glad i am not a regular donor to NKF. Its reserves could last them for another 40 years. Bear in mind. Whenever u donate, exercise with caution.

Friday, July 08, 2005

London Blast

It was an ironic day for most Londoners after they celebrated their win to host 2012 Olympics. a bomb swept thru central London, claiming 33 innocent lives. What has this world come to? One moment, the country is partying away over victory and the next moment TERROR ATTACKS!!! I was very shocked when i saw the news on CNA, BBC and CNN.

That is why the Singapore Govt spare no efforts to deter any possible attacks. Was out wif jun earlier today. We saw a couple of armed policeman patrolling on Douby Ghaut station. Initially, we tot the stepped up security might be due to IOC meeting. Well well, i doubt that was the case. At the other half of the world, we see terror attacks on subway.

I mean some may said " aiyah Singapore Police trying to wayang". No no... Singaporeans are taking things for granted. They are living too comfortably in their little home.How many of us travel to work by public transport? Remember the Yishun MRT case? Thanks to MHA efforts. The effects can be devastating

As a traveller in London 4 years ago, i could sense the fear right at your door step. I can imagine millions of Londoners travelling to work during the peak hour and "bang" a bomb went off. GOD! It was really pitiful to see innocent victims losing their lives to terrorism. The entire 'TUBE" (London subway) was closed. The transportation into and out of London was completely shut off. haiz... Why why why.... I can only pray for the victims. Hopefully more WORLD PEACE!!!

Thursday, July 07, 2005

London won!!!

After a day of presentation and hard core selling, London emerged as the winner for the 2012 Olympics. Well, UK has raised its stake by getting popular stars such as David Beckham and Victoria to fly all the way from London. Despite the upcoming G8 summit in Scotland, Prime Minister Tony Blair came personally to garner more support. Of course, the royal family play her part by getting Princess Anne here.

The hot favours Paris lost by 4 votes. Before announcing the results, my colleague were very pro-paris. I remained neutral cos to me it does not make a different. The candidate cities were European nations except New York. Does it matter who win? The neck to neck fight between Paris and London was stiff but afterall they are neighbouring countries. So to me, not much difference. To the Europeans, yes... esp UK and France cos they are arch rival from olden days. ha....

Work was busy but compensated with a packet of rice, courtesy from boss. Although there were some hip cups along the way, generally it was ok. However, i dun think my supervisor feel that. Another round of shooting. Haiz... Pple here enjoy doing this due to the complex culture. Well....

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Goodbye Energy Concert

Haha... I won a pair of tickets to ENERGY CONCERT this saturday. WHOO HOO.... First time in my life, cos i have never win anything of this kind before. Ken has better luck than me. He used to win movie gala tickets, birthday bash tickets even vouchers. I am not so good. I was overjoyed when i received the news.

Initially, i tot it was a hoax or some publicity gimmick. Later, i realised i did participate in the SMS contest and won my self a pair of tickets cost $108. Powerful leh... Anyway, it has been a very long time since i last watched a concert. I think the last time i saw was Alex Toh's concert??? That was the time when i was still in SR. It was a complimentary ticket. Unless i get to work in a radio station, i guess chances of getting complimentary tickets are low.

Work has been hectic for me... The IOC meeting was a great challenge. Kanna suan by colleague for not doing a good job. Well... Do you think i care? Always have been like this for as far as i know. Qiang had a hard time at work too. His colleague is rite. The beginning is always the toughest. Feel like quitting rite? ha... I have been thru that too. But after a while, when things get more settled, u feel better. Then things get routine.

Daily Routine
Sleep ---> Eat ---> Work ---> Sleep

Aiyoh, how to break this cycle??? For me, it would be shopping, meeting up pple, clubbing and gymming. Then life will not be tat bad rite??? Not forgetting watching concert....ha

Friday, July 01, 2005

July 1st

Yes, half a year of 2005 has whizzed just like tat. Time really flies and things keep changing. How much have u achieve since 1st of Jan? I would not say i achieve nothing, at least i have gone thru some of the most difficult moments in my life. At the same time, things do not stopped here, at this very moment, we still expect some changes.

******
Transport Fee Hike
From today, we will pay slightly more for our Bus, MRT and LRT rides. Some may have forgotten abt it but not me. ha... Cos we are paying 1-3 cents more. It seems minimal but the long term effect is obvious. If u are paying by cash, well, u need to fork out more. A ride in the northeast line cost $1.00, it was $0.60-$0.70 more than ten years ago. Inflation inflation....

SAF Day
Our country's defence falls on many NSFs, NSman and Regulars. Today marks the annual SAF Day. According to Mindef, SAF is transforming into the third generation force. Better usage of resources, technology and techniques. We also see Dr Ng Eng Han becoming the second defence minister on this particular day. The leaders are getting younger. As MM Lee said, it is time for the younger generation to run the country. Well, Dr Ng has his potential. He looks tough and i am sure he can do a good job.

New Deputy Prime Minister
Mr Wong Kan Seng is supposed to assume the post of Deputy Prime Minister after Dr Tony Tan retire from office on 30 June. However, PM Lee said Dr Tan needed more time to ensure that Singapore's Anti-Terrorism Agency, Research & Development Agency are complete before stepping down. As a responsible leader, Dr Tan prefers a smooth hand over. If work is not finished on time, he wants to oversee it before the next person takes over. The next deputy prime minister should assume office in Sept. I sounded as if i was a member of the PAP Youth Wing. Ha... In fact, i am not. I mean as a responsible citizen and individual, u will choose not to leave a shitty job to the next person. ok, i know some pple will. ha....

Hong Kong Celebrates 8th Anniversary to PRC Rule
Hong Kong had been under colonial rule for more than a century. Today, the region celebrates the eighth time after returning to mainland rule. Many changes are taking place in HK. For once, everyone thinks abt the new Disneyland in HK. Schedule to open on 12 Sept this year, the SAR govt hopes to draw crowds from the region especially mainlanders. I strongly believe it would be a success cos going to Tokyo's Disneyland is too expensive.

Another issue, the recently sworn in HK SAR Chief Executive Officer Donald Tsang. He is the number one man in HK for now. Will he be able to do a better job than his predecessor Tung? All remains a mystery. He will have to prove himself. I think the central govt has been very supportive all this while eversince he was chosen to be the next leader.

******
See, there were already so many things going on during the first day of July. It is time to pause for a moment and reflect what happened over the last six months. Then, if your goal is not met, think it thru and see how it can be done. You have another six months to go before the end of 2005. So..... think think....