Graduated

Today, marks the end of a journey. Today, I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic.

It has certainly been a bittersweet journey for me. I have really work hard these 3 years and I finally savour the fruit of my labour. I achieved what I set out to do and more. To be honest, getting the Kingsmen Creatives Prize is a big surprise for me.

Regardless of all I have said and rant, there is a part in my heart that love what I have been through. It was a roller coaster ride, particularly in emotions. Every project is meticulously checked and done to make sure our standards surpassed others.

When all is said and done, I miss the almost carefree life I have in the last 3 years. I miss bouncing off ideas with my group members. I even miss the mad rush for projects to be done.

Thank you, to my group members, especially those in the later part of semesters, for all the hard work and great ideas. We couldn't have done it without each other.

POTC: On Stranger Tides review

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is pretty much an awesome movie.

Johnny Depp returned as the likable Captain Jack Sparrow as well as Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa in this fourth instalment. It certainly surpasses the third, mostly due to the storyline and introduction of new characters. I suppose the change of director is also a factor.

This latest movie still has plenty of fight scenes, shenanigans by Jack Sparrow, verbal sparring between Jack and Barbossa and ship jumping. The film also incorporates rich colours and the scenery is definitely a plus. It doesn’t help that much of the filming is done in beautiful Hawaii.

New characters such as the feared Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and Jack’s old flame, Angelica (Penelope Cruz) and creatures like zombies and mermaids help to spiff up this franchise. What capture my attention the most is the enchanting mermaids. It was both an haunting yet eerie scene when they sang before attacking the boat.

The way their tails move and glitter is really gorgeous. CGI has never look better. The fact that they are portrayed more to be deadly sirens that lure their victims with their songs, drown and eat them differentiate from the usual fare.  

 
What captures my attention is the new romance of two new individuals, the mermaid Syrena (Astrid Berges-Frisbey) and the missionary Phillip (Sam Claflin). They may be newcomers but their onscreen chemistry is definitely up to par. Theirs is a story that many fans would love to delve into. The last scene where Syrena pulled Phillip underwater after kissing him have many new fans crying foul because they want to know exactly what happens.

What else to say? Bring on Pirates 5!

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On Sunday, the family went the newly renovated Shaw Theatres Lido to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. This is my first time watching a movie here as usually I go for Golden Village. It has been quite long since we watch a movie together, all 11 of us.

It was not in IMAX 3D as one ticket cost a hefty $22. The theatre is too dark and I can hardly see the numbers on the seats, not a good thing. However, the seats are comfortable enough and the theatre we’re in is the biggest out of the ten.

After the movie, we went to Wheelock Place to eat dinner. The day seemed more like a Saturday than Sunday.

Shortsightness

It just proves the shortsightedness of some people, even those adults with seemingly visions, when they make such comments "served no useful purpose except to drain the national budget". Oh please. 

MM and SM are Singapore's special ambassadors and envoys, forging close diplomatic ties with countries effectively. So, how is it they never contribute in their titles? 


The contributions they made are PRICELESS. 


When you are dealing with cross-cultural ties and relationships, you do not send a "green-horn" or a newly minted minister there. Particularly in the case of Asia, do you think any random minster will be received personally by the Premier of China or Prime Minster of Japan? Even for the Middle East and USA, MM Lee Kuan Yew is always received by the leaders themselves.

In company context, this is the same. If one is truly interested in getting business deals done, one would send the best qualifying person for the job. You don't send a supervisor or young assistant manager because the other party would not treat you seriously. They won't even send their manager or GM to meet you, they will too send their lower-in-rank managers. This is the truth.

That paycheck cannot buy you the "human touch". That paycheck is nothing compared to what they did for Singapore's future. By using the amount on the paychecks as an excuse practically shows that those people cannot think big. I have said, and will say it again, money can't buy you individuals like Goh Chok Tong and Lee Kuan Yew. 

If it is that easy, richer countries would not have to suffer from brain-drain and lack of qualified leaders for the posts. If money can buy you security, Venice would not have fall. 

Do you think spending an even bigger sum of money on advertising Singapore would fare better than the irreplaceable human touch? It's all about "guan xi" and titles. That's how things roll. 

When that "touch" is the heavyweight MM, it shows the other world leaders that Singapore is serious about getting things done. 

With MM's charisma and reputation, I'm sure there will be many opportunities where world leaders would still want his advice, but with an official title, it's always a better thing. 


Yes, new minsters must take the helm. But that would take time to build up the amount of trust and reputation that MM and SM enjoy. 


A thought, he could be earning much more than what he gets if he goes private. I'm sure a few million is nothing to international corporations. CEOs are earning a few times more than what Singapore pay our senior ministers... 

Tribute to the Founding Fathers

The latest news came as MM Lee Kuan Yew and SM Goh Chok Tong decided to step down from the Cabinet.

Once again, I can't help but to lament the loss of two fine gentlemen who are the founding fathers of modern Singapore. I know that they are old, particularly MM Lee, and as a concerned citizen, I ought to take into consideration his age, but there is a part in me that feel that it is still too soon. Of course, if he is a loved one, I would want him to retire, for his own good.

There is no denying his massive contributions to Singapore and no words can extend my gratitude to where Singapore stands today. Money can't buy you someone as inspiring as MM Lee who love this country above all. Indeed, where would we, the younger citizens, who enjoy all the fruits of the labour the previous generation slave and sweat for us be, if we were not blessed?

I mean, he can always continue with his law firm business. I am sure he too will shine in that area. What made him give that up and dedicated his life to Singapore, its people and future?

What made these politicians give up their easier lives and help the citizens instead? For sure, it is not an easy job looking after citizens' demands. I wouldn't do that. There must be a calling which they found and I salute them for that.

It irks me so much that people of my age have taken things for granted. These feelings of contempt breed under a circumstance where everything is bright and fine.

Ignorance. Rude. Ungrateful. Whiny. Shortsightedness. These are some choice words which describe some of the young generation at this age and time.

It's too bad they forget the struggles their parents faced. It's alarming how fast the people can become complacent, thinking that all they have now is no big deal. It's only one generation!

My parents still talk about the good old days at the kampong and I can't see myself living that kind of life. Is this why this generation is dubbed the unappreciative lot?

I do not consider myself to be in the same category as these young adults. Heck no. I would draw a very thick line if I have to.

Sure, I have my grouses and complains, but ultimately, I never hate Singapore, its leaders and policies. I can never do that. I would not betray the country that gives us so much in life.

For the greater good, there are sacrifices to be made. MM Lee saw that, I know that, I don't see why others can't see that too.

Birthday Dinner

Celebrated my belated birthday dinner at Paradise Inn at Changi Airport Terminal 1. The mango sago is just so delicious!

And that concludes my 20th birthday. I'm already looking forward to the next.

Celebrating 20 years

Today, I officially turned 20. The big 2-0. Still not quite the adult as you have to be 21 to book a hotel room or go into a casino. Nearly there but not quite.

Thank you everyone for the wishes and gifts, even if it's just a message on Facebook.

Mothers' Day & My Birthday

On Saturday, after the adults had cast their votes, we had lunch at Bosses at Vivocity to celebrate Mothers' Day.

On Sunday, my aunt bought 2 chocolate cakes from Awfully Chocolate, one was pure chocolate while the other is chocolate banana, to celebrate Mothers' Day as well as my birthday. That evening, we ate pizza.

Today, the parents took a day off as my mother had a checkup near Orchard Road. I finally managed to buy The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide from Kinokuniya. And it's in hardcover, no less.

I also bought a bracelet from Pandora. I wished I had more choices to choose from, but the beautiful ones are too expensive. I got one murano glass and 2 sterling silver charms. When there are memorable moments in the future, I guess I could just add on to bracelet, which is supposed to be the whole point.

It's been a wonderful weekend and though tomorrow is my birthday, the days leading up to it are always better and full of anticipation. I'll like to thank everyone who have make this birthday special for me, especially the parents.

1 more day to my 20th Birthday!

Of Winning & Losing

Aljunied had fallen (to the dark side). So has Hougang although that was never PAP's. As much as things are concerned, the ruling party still remains unchange.

Although it is to be expected, I can't help but to feel upset for the PAP team led by Mr George Yeo, Singapore's capable Minister of Foreign Affairs. Yes, I may not personally know him but I know of his contributions to Singapore and its society.

Not only did he lose his MP position, he also lose his position as the minister. And this is a huge blow to me, or rather us. I can only be heartened to know that his skills will always be in demand.

I wasn't this emotional when any elections are taking place in other parts of the world. Does that means I am really maturing to become a Singaporean who takes pride in our own well-being? Too bad many people still don't get the big picture.

The next election will be the new generation, including me, and I will of course, vote for the greater good. It's still too early to determine, but I really hope, for the sake of its own party, PAP will stand strong and continue to work for the good of Singapore. Please, do not forsake my firm support for the team.

But, remember, first and foremost, politics is mostly just a game. Sometimes you win a little, you lose a little.

Cooling Day

Tugging on the heartstrings of voters. Playing the emotions game. That is what the various parties are doing in this leg of the race.

Today being Cooling Day, I hope that voters will take a couple of steps back, and think with their heads and not hearts. Do you want to vote for the opposition because you want to rebel like some angsty teenagers? Do you want to vote because you like someone better over the other? Do you vote because of self-interest?

Now it's not the time for this. Do not vote for some superficial reason like "I want to help the opposition". Oh? The opposition do not need your help.

Being serious about your vote goes a long way in ensuring Singapore's future and growth. Disregarding the past days campaigns and performances by the candidates, let's make this a right choice and not regret it.

The country's well being is of utmost importance and I'm afraid there are some citizens who will not get it. Now, majority of Singaporeans will get it, they will vote not base on their gut feel, but because the party proved to be exceptional on many levels.

No one is perfect but I'm sure ours is darned close. One cannot deny that. Even if perfection is reached, there will still be disgruntled citizens whose demands are not met. And that is exactly what somr citizens felt, unfortunately.

No cheap housing. No "world-class education", whatever that means. Not enough healthcare support. Raising commodities prices. Whine and complain, that's all we ever do. If you think what we have now is not to be appreciated, then you ought to be shipped off to some developing countries, or even "first-world" countries to experience what is it like.

See how you will like it to queue for months for treatments and surgeries. See how you will like it when your grandchildren are repaying for the house mortgage you own. See how you will like with no proper education facilities.

Are you voting for the benefit of yourself or for the greater good that is the country? Fingers crossed for tomorrow because that's all I can do.

Of Rallies & Elections

Today will the last day for rallies. Tomorrow will be Cooling Day. And the day after, general elections 2011.

I almost can't wait for Saturday to come.

Not only do I want to see what voters have chosen, I also want to see how badly the different parties are defeated. Most importantly, I am getting sick of people posting all sorts of political arguments on Facebook.

Once this whole thing is over, we can get back to our normal lives of relatively peace and quiet for the next few years. It is funny how the different voices of the parties came out only when elections draw near.

Next time round, I will be among the first voters to vote. Who knows which direction the wind will be blowing by then? If the ruling party does not step up to the game, it can soon lose an even bigger share of the pie.

But, in the end, what majority of the citizens want is a stable economy where the sun shines bright in all places and yet have lots of things to complain about. The reason being, a human being is never content with what he has, he is seldom grateful for the things he enjoyed now.

Liberation

Yahoooo! The deed is done! It's finally over! Never have I feel so liberated! This will be the one and only post to commemorate this day.

The comprehension was bad enough. I realised what photo caption is after the whole thing was over. What the crap? I don't want to think of it anymore.

The essay was another bad idea. The question I chose was "In this day and age of media, words are arguably louder than words. How far do you agree with this?" Hmmm, as I wrote, I felt slight amused and horrified at the direction I was going. I was freaking writing about politics in that essay!

I wrote about how politicians and governments post their ideas on social media sites and people will believe these without looking at the bigger picture. But ultimately, actions are always louder than words. The examples I gave was Singapore own political scene and USA presidency campaign period.

Woow, I can't believe I wrote that. Gods, I feel so weird out.

By then, my neck muscles were straining under the pressure. Thankfully, the interview was next. I finally realised how lucky I was. Imagine having to wait till 9pm for your interview!

The interview was in groups of eight. The article they gave us for reading was about gap year for University students. Some of the questions the interviewers posted are "In your case, do you think gap year is a good idea?" and "If you are the Dean of the Business School, would you choose between a student who has taken a gap year for travelling purposes or the one who took a gap year and work?"

I said that gap year is a good idea if you have the money to travel. And that I would choose the person who work during his gap year because he would have gain much experience and skills needed in the business world. Besides, the transaction between work and study can be quite different, and since he is determined, he should be given a chance.

OK, so I didn't exactly state it that way. I was less coherent than what I typed. I just can't think on the spot! Just like how I can't get my mind off politics.

I'm extremely glad it's over! It was more intimidating than I thought but I think I held out quite well. Well, except for the thundering of my heart when I was preparing to speak. I can literally hear my heart thumping in the quietness of the room.

Do I want to do it again? Heck no!

Fear Factor

Enough have been said on the issue. I know I should stop, but after today, I can be sure that I have conquer my fear.

There are butterflies in my stomach. I'm not as apprehensive for the test as compared to the group interview. Firstly, I am scared to make a fool out of myself. Secondly, I am not exactly a coherent person, I can't seem to think on the spot. And I always regret it when the whole thing is over.

In just a few hours time, I have to face one of my greatest fears, but no pressure. It is not a graded coursework. I won't have to see how badly I did for the English test. I don't even reckon I will see any of them again, with any luck.

It will only set to traumatise me, but no lasting damage will be done. When I am returning home after this, I will probably chastised myself for not answering properly. I will be disgusted by my atrocious spelling.

I don't need to have powers to foresee the future. I already know what the results will be.

Shivers

I'm going to lay bare my thoughts of what I think of this whole mess.

I will be really flattered if I received an offer from SMU, after the interview and test that is tomorrow. I would have literally hit the bull's eye thrice in a row! How many people can boast that they receive 3 offers from 3 Universities with a Diploma?

But if I didn't, well, it is good for me because then I don't have to choose. I have my sight set on NTU Arts and Social Sciences and it is SMU Business holding me back. Of course, I admit I will be slightly disappointed that I fail to perform during the interview and test but, who cares? It's their loss if they think I am not good enough for them. The chance of me choosing them is small too. Let's not call this a case of "sour grapes".

I can't wait for tomorrow's nightmare to be over. Anyway, the English test will be a good indication of my English standard, for myself to know more so than others.

If I can wash out my brains, trust me, I will. If there is a way to cleanly forget about tomorrow's deal, I will. Oh, how I wish I can just get through it! I don't want to think of the 'have-beens' during the journey home.

Jeepers

Yikes, the days passed too soon! Wednesday will be here and I have to face one of my greatest fears - interview.

For all the prep-talk in the world, needless to say, I will still freak out. I'm not desperate for SMU offer, for starters. Therefore, there is nothing to lose. So be it, if I screwed it up. I don't even care for the English test.

Furthermore, I have gone through Oral examination in my primary and secondary schools years. It should be more or less the same. Funny thing was, I was never this scared when I had the Oral exams. True, I will stumble during the discussions, but it was never this tough for me. Weird.

I am really scared to death here. I can only comfort myself knowing that I don't know the other interviewees and interviewers. If I made a fool out of myself, I just have to bear with it.

Grrr.

Royal Wedding Dress

The newly titled Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton)'s wedding dress is oh-so beautiful!

It showcases simplicity yet elegance in this dress which was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.

I love the intricate and delicate designs for her sleeves and the lovely, gentle pleated skirt. I too love the sheer veil she wore with the tiara lent by the Queen. Her overall look is modern, chic and natural with minimal accessories.

I like the saying that goes "Nobody does pomp and parties like the British". How true is that? I can literally feel the waves of emotions from the hundreds of thousands well-wishers that gathered along the procession route and many more in other parts of London and Britain. It certainly is a gigantic party.

As I watched the coverage by BBC, I couldn't help but wish to be there. One can't help but to get draw into the appeal of the royal wedding of the century. The atmosphere is more than high and I'm sure everyone is giddy with excitement and anticipation. There is something very memorising and enchanting about being part of a 21st century royal fairy-tale wedding.

Amid the gloom and doom surrounding the world, this is indeed joyous occasion as we witnessed the union of a happy couple. Everyone needs a little romance and perfection sometimes.

Royal Wedding of the Century

"Everybody loves a good love story, and when it's a royal love story, it's the best love story" ~ Piers Morgan

Today, 29th April 2011, marks a new chapter for the British Monarchy where Prince William marries Ms Kate Middleton. They are a very compatible and loving couple and have withstand the test of times since University.

Congratulations is in order for this wonderful and joyous occasion.

May them stay blessed and loving together for many years to come! Here's wishing them every success and happiness in this marriage!

I will be glued to the television screen, on the other side of the world, watching this big day.

Day before the Wedding

Since Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles, no other wedding has caught the imagination of the world in the same way. (Extracted from Sowetan Live)

The royal wedding of the century is just around the corner and it is set to be watched by millions around the world. Not only does it abuzz Great Britain, the rest of the world is also up in gear to celebrate this special day.

Indeed, what’s there not to love? Weddings are joyous occasions to be celebrated, and with the added charm of royalty, it is set to send hearts fluttering. Isn’t it every girl’s dream to have a “fairy-tale wedding”?

The British monarchy is one of the more renowned royal families in the world and one of the oldest. The thought of royals and palaces can be quite whimsical in this modern age, and I think this is one of the factors that awed people.

After all, they are quite elusive and it is only on special occasions that they are featured prominently. Furthermore, special occasions are quite hard to come by.

There are questions raised as to why non-Britons are interested in the wedding procession and I say Why Not? There is no denying that there is a certain X-factor the British monarchy enjoys and let’s just say there is this “Anglomania” going around, even in the 21^st century.

To quote Ms Ong Soh Chin, senior writer of The Strait Times “The propensity of human beings in general is reduced to stupefaction before royalty.”

That being said, I love being an audience instead of the recipient. With every movement and action scrutinised by the general public and the paparazzi is not my idea of fun. You will be considered “public property” and people look up to you as a role model. There are strict protocols to adhere too. Gone are the days of plain fun and carefree living. You can’t go out to the streets without being hoarded.

Yes, the wedding will be grander than most people could hope for but there are sacrifices to be made. It will not be a close-knitted wedding, with friends and families. Oh no, foreign dignitaries and other royalty will be invited as with others.

What makes a strong marriage, particularly one in such circumstances, is knowing this is what you want. I think that the couple has enough time to think through carefully and this can be a happily-ever-after. As put by others, they met as equals and enjoy each other company for around 10 years, this should act as a strong base for them.

As for me, I have been looking forward to this day and it does not help that there are news articles about royal wedding trivia every other day. I will be looking out for that wedding gown which is set to make audience sigh and the procession to come.

The whole wedding will set to thrill millions tomorrow and I wish the couple every happiness in the world.

Three times the Charm?

"Too much of a blessing does not necessary mean a good thing"

Oh gods, I just received a phone call from SMU saying that I have been shortlisted for their Business Management course. The interview and English test is scheduled next Wednesday in the evening.

The problem is, I don't even know if I want to do Business anymore. Furthermore, SMU is not my choice of University.

Now that I have 3 Universities offering me courses, each a different one, this is definitely a dilemma. NUS will be my best bet. NTU Economics is out. As for SMU, well, the course offered is my first choice but do I want to do accounting again? Do I even want to be there?

Anyway, I will go for the interview, if I screwed it up, then it will be fine. All the more I will choose NUS. If I managed to score an offer, well, that's another tale for another day.

One is my second choice in the University I like the best. The other is my first choice in the University l like the least. The problem is should I go for something new or do maths again?

It is better if I did not receive the lousy phonecall at all. Sighs. I have already made up my mind to go into NUS. I know there are a lot of people who want a place in SMU, but given that, I think I should make an out-of-the-box choice.

A few weeks ago I was thinking unsavoury thoughts about what would I do if no Universities were to contact me. Then, NUS came with a salvation. Although it is not my first choice, there was something. I am thrilled. I almost made up my mind.

Few days later, NTU came with an offer of Economics, also my second choice. I would have jump at that months ago if I had not been enlightened. I want to minimise the risk of taking calculus again.

The last surprise is today, when I received that phonecall. It does not mean that I am offered a place, it's just shortlisted for an interview. Now I am more shell-shocked than pleased.

Interviews are not my thing. But I will go through them because there is no choice. My problem with SMU is partly because of this, and that I don't see what the big deal is. Everyone sings the praise of SMU but the way they conduct the classes don't appeal to me. And I had a hard time convincing myself that I don't need to go through calculus or Maths again. Am I quite naive to think that way?

I shouldn't say too much, eh? Else I would put my foot in my mouth if I choose SMU.

Nomination Day 2011

It's Nomination Day today in Singapore. Watching the live coverage on Channel Newsasia makes me excited even though I can't vote this year. The political scene is Singapore can be colourful, especially when it is the time for elections.

This year, fuelled by the extensive usage of social media sites, looks to be a highly competitive election with 82 of the 87 seats contested.

In my case, it is no secret which party I support. As with my brothers, we have a certain soft-spot for the ruling party since a long time. Though I can't vote this year, I will sure be watching the rallies and giving my moral support for my supported party.

The race is on to convince the voters of what the each party can offer.