1 Out of 7 Billion
The world is getting smaller everyday but a lifetime is not enough to explore it. My adventure starts in Singapore.
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Manila Visit (After 18 months)
May 3, 2010 — 2 Comments
It’s been ages since I visited Manila and I must admit I kinda miss the traffic, malls, food, and my relatives/friends.
The main reason why I booked a trip back was to attend Jak and Jolina’s wedding. It was a lovely celebration over at Fernbrook Gardens in the south. Congratulations and best wishes, Jak & Jolina!
Fernbrook Gardens
Before the wedding march : With Tita Wena, Shep Tanya, and Francis (Photo courtesy of Francis Miranda)
With Bernz and Pauline (Photo courtesy of Bernz B Gonzales)
With Bernz and Carlo (Photo courtesy of Bernz B Gonzales)
Jolina walking down the aisle. Awwww
Jak & Jolina's first dance
The rest of my visit was spent shopping around, eating (especially food I truly miss), catching up with relatives and friends. Here are some photos.
Dinner with Christine, Chi-Chi...
... Raymond, Meno, and Dean
Catch up with Rich at Serendra
Lunch with Nora, Tita Annette, and Seth
Serendra & Bonifacio High Street
As the Philippine national elections were happening shortly, lots of establishments were encouraging people to vote. Krispy Kreme was one of them. I was attracted to the "O" in "Vote" hehe
My sister also visited Manila during that time. She was reunited with her "taho" (soybean with syrup and sago pearls) after many years. Photo taken at Powerplant Mall in Makati.
Greenbelt 5 now fully open. Houses a lot of mid-price and premium brands.
The Jeepney, the most common form of public transportation in the Philippines. I have not ridden it for many years.
Flare
June 27, 2009
I attended “Flare”, a screening of nine (9) short films made by the pioneer batch of filmmakers graduating from Nanyang Technological University, School of Art, Design and Media. It was held at the Gallery Theatre of the National Museum of Singapore.
Featured short films :
Promises in December (Elgin Ho)
Kitchen Quartet (Nicole Midori Woodford)
Respirator (Michael Tay)
Mu Dan (Lincoln Chia Zhicheng)
Frail Line (Er Kia Hui)
My Underwear, My World (Danny Lim)
Neighborhood Ghost (Felice Tang)
Backyard Bowler (Amanda Tan)
Threshold (Loo Zihan)
Photos with a few friends
with Loo Zihan, director of "Threshold"
with Michael Tay, director of "Respirator"
I became interested in short films in early 2008 and I have to say that I see a lot of promising filmmakers steadily making their mark here in Singapore (and around the world).
Saturday at the Movies
April 26, 2009
I spent a few hours over the past two Saturdays catching selected entries in the Singapore International Filmfest.
I bought quite a number of tickets (I think for 8 shows with at least two tickets each so I can invite one or more friends) but didn’t get to use all of them due to time constraints.
Anyway here are the ones I found interesting (took the synopsis from the SIFF booklet):
Short films:
HUSH BABY (3 mins, Singapore)
(A sheet of paper, a pair of scissors, and a fussy baby in a battle of wits)
Director: Tan Wei Kong, Producer: Tan Wei Kong, Screenplay: Tan Wei Kong, Cast: NA
Overturning the popular association of animation with children’s entertainment, Hush Baby depicts a baby’s struggle against confinement and restriction. The many expressive faces of a baby are brought to life with dark humour and wit as the film imaginatively explores a different facet of animation.
MADAM CHAN (20 mins, Singapore)
(An elderly woman spends her entire holiday complaining about her family and irritating the friends traveling with her)
Director: Wilson Yip, Producer: Lui Wai Yu, Screenplay: Wilson Yip, Cast: Cheong Soon Foon, Ong Xiu Ping, Chiu Wai Yin
Filled with endless gripes about her familial troubles, Madam Chan joins her friends the Wongs on a local tour of Singapore, much to the annoyance of Mr Wong. As the group travels from one tourist spot to another, the truth behind Madam Chan’s complaints emerges, unveiling the vulnerability beneath her crotchety exterior.
SWIMMING LESSON (13 mins, Singapore)
(An overprotective mother gains new understanding from an old memory)
Director: Kat Goh Phek Siang, Producer: Kelvin Tong Weng Kian, Screenplay: Kelvin Tong Weng Kian, Cast: Kee Chiew Hiang, Cheong Ah Fong, Yeo Wah Lai, Wong Shu Lin
On the way to the airport, a mother frets over her daughter, who is leaving home for the first time. Suddenly, she finds herself on a curious detour that plumbs muddy memories, only to surface with a dazzling session in both life and swimming.
Full-length feature
INVISIBLE CHILDREN (85 mins, Singapore)
(A dreamlike film about ordinary Singaporeans struggling to find their joy)
Director: Brian Gothong Tan, Producer: Gary Goh, Tan Fong Cheng, James Toh, Screenplay: Brian Gothong Tan, Liam Yeo, Cast: Kimberly Chia, Kyle Chan, Lim Poh Huat, Chee Chuan Yang
Two children go on the run after a traumatic accident at home and find themselves lost in a monsoon drain under the roads of Singapore. A shy, obsessive-compulsive neighbor reluctantly helps his neighbor, only to let his heart get in the way. An air stewardess on Merlion Air returns home to a life without love and hope. An uptight army officer finds himself sliding steadily into the crack between his private and his military life, while his estranged girlfriend laments her life before a photocopying machine. Brian Gothong Tan’s debut feature film is a polyphonic fusion of quiet realism and flights of fantasy that bring into focus the regrets and disappointments that Singaporeans swallow everyday.
Turns out the films I liked were done locally!
Weekend
March 8, 2009 — 2 Comments
Saturday
After the usual Sat morning errands, I headed to Harry’s Bar over at Chijmes for lunch. Karl was tied up elsewhere for a school meeting but good that Pierre managed to join after his trip to the gym.
First time to visit Chijmes during daytime.
Usual afternoon shower in Singapore
Pierre and I then walked over to Waterloo St which was only a few blocks away to meet up with Julu and Karl to watch “Imelda’s Boys”. It’s a one-man comedy show featuring the men in Imelda’s life (well, fictitious, of course) — her hometown neighbor, shoe stylist, bodguard, and the show’s main (and only) character Filo — and their impression of Imelda based on their personal experience with her.
Found the show generally entertaining with only a few boring moments (maybe “corny” would be a better term). When I bought tickets a few weeks ago, I was expecting it to be a typical play with several characters. It was a welcome change though to see such type of production. Must be tough to be alone onstage and keep the audience engaged for at least an hour.
Students of Camwhore Course -- Pierre (First Honor), Karl (Second Honor), Julu (First Honor), me (Second Honor)
We decided to chat for a bit at a nearby cafe after the show but could not help but take a few shots along the way…
Karl really looks young with his new hairstyle.
From the Bugis/Dhoby Ghaut area, I headed south to meet up with Patrick and Jen for dinner. Jen visits twice or thrice a year so was good to have caught up with both of them. Been awhile since I last had a meal at Hog’s Breath Cafe in Vivo (Aug 2007) so was surprised that they now have a live band (and a relatively good one too). Food was just right ; satisfied my craving for baby back ribs. Yummy, but sorry forgot to take a photo of what we ordered…
With Sentosa Integrated Resort (IR) construction in the background
Patrick and I would like to believe that they are from the Philippines.
Feeling terribly full after a good meal, I met up with my sister for “Watchmen” which turned out to be very disappointing.
According to Wikipedia, the story is used as a “means to reflect contemporary anxieties and to deconstruct the superhero concept. Watchmen takes place in an alternate history United States where superheroes emerged in the 1940s and 1960s, helping the United States to win the Vietnam War. The country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, freelance costumed vigilantes have been outlawed and most costumed superheroes are in retirement or working for the government. The story focuses on the personal development and struggles of the protagonists as an investigation into the murder of a government sponsored superhero pulls them out of retirement and eventually leads them to confront a plot by one of their own to stave off nuclear war by killing millions of innocent people.”
It just didn’t feel like a superhero movie to me. Visually appealing film with all the effects but felt I could have spent my 2.5 hrs and money elsewhere.
Sunday
Got excited with the sight of Philippine food during “Imelda’s Boys” (shown as video) so decided that for the lunch I was hosting today for local friends, I would get some dishes from my home country.
Top to bottom: pork BBQ, boneless milkfish, spring rolls, pork in vinegar/soy sauce (adobo), oxtail + beef with vegetables in peanut sauce (kare kare)
Most of my friends have not tried Philippine cuisine before so I’m glad they liked it.
Always great when friends come over and visit.
And The Oscar “Went” to…
February 24, 2009
I recorded the Oscars last year in my cable box but didn’t get around to watching it. Managed to view this year’s telecast though. Thanks to fast forward, I caught the important bits within an hour instead of three.
I read somewhere that this year’s Oscars had a bigger budget and was more lavish. Maybe. But I have to say I enjoyed this show vs the ones I’ve seen before.
There are a few events I would consider as extremely difficult to organise. The Oscars is one of them (the others being Olympics, Miss Universe, Inauguration of a President — well, in my view). So the production team must feel relieved that it’s over.
When I was younger, I read in a magazine called “Premiere” that they ballot the people who will act as “replacements” for showbiz people who vacate their seats during the break so that when the commercial gap is over, there wouldn’t be empty seats. All these details make organising such big event truly exciting.
Anyway, here are some of my fave parts of the show.
1) Hugh Jackman doing a medley of best picture nominees at the beginning of the show.
While he was slightly off key, he still did a good job completing this segment. Learned that he was once a stage actor. No wonder.
I particularly liked the part on Benjamin Button where he stuck his head out of the prop a few times, representing the various stages of Benjamin’s life in the movie.
2) Introduction of nominees for acting categories
Never seen this executed this way before. Former winners in the category introducing this year’s nominees. The intro covered not only how effective they were in the role but also some positive reinforcement of how great they are as a person. Noticed some of the nominees were teary-eyed while they were being introduced. Don’t think that’s still acting…
The formation on stage of previous winners was like the Top 5 of Miss Universe though. Haha.
3) Intro for Screenplay — original and adapted
I think it was brilliant to introduce Steve Martin and Tina Fey via a script the way screenwriters would describe the action and lines in a movie. The intro of films (video) was also done in a similar manner.
4) Ledger family accepting the Best Actor in a Supporting Role on behalf of Heath Ledger (posthumous award).
Touching speech by Heath Ledger’s family. Heath looks like his dad.
5) Japan winning Best Foreign Film
There is hope in Asian cinema. When will Singapore and the Philippines enter as a finalist?
The acceptance speech was simple yet direct to the point. I had to transcribe it.
“Thank you to all the Academy. Thank you to everybody who helped me (in this) film. I am very, very happy. Thank you. I am here because of films. This is a new departure for me. And I, we will be back. Thank you. Arigato.”
What kinda disappointed me was seeing some of the showbiz people chuckling when the speech was being delivered. Common guys, we should be more understanding when English is not the primary language. After all, do you know how to speak their language fluently?
Oscar 2009 Winners
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Slumdog Millionaire
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Sean Penn, Milk
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Kate Winslet, The Reader
Best Achievement in Directing
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Dustin Lance Black, Milk
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Anthony Dod Mantle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
Okuribito (Japan)
Best Documentary, Features
Man on Wire
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
WALL·E
Best Achievement in Editing
Chris Dickens, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
A.R. Rahman and Sampooran Singh Gulzar, “Jai Ho” (Slumdog Millionaire)
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Achievement in Sound
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Richard King, The Dark Knight
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton, Craig Barron, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Achievement in Makeup
Greg Cannom, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Michael O’Connor, The Duchess
Best Achievement in Art Direction
Donald Graham Burt, Victor J. Zolfo, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Short Film, Live Action
Spielzeugland
Best Documentary, Short Subjects
Smile Pinki
Best Short Film, Animated
La Maison en petits cubes
First Time Visits
February 1, 2009
17 January
First time visit to… School of Art, Design, and Media – Nanyang Technological University
I have several friends who studied in NTU so I’ve always looked forward to visiting their former campus at some point. A few Saturdays ago, I had a valid reason to travel west where it was located. My friend Zihan was using one of the studios there to shoot his forthcoming film, “Threshold” so thought I’d drop by and see what happens behind the scenes. Also caught up for a bit with Junfeng (also a filmmaker in Singapore) on my way out of the building.
Threshold shooting
31 January
First time to… Yishun
I have always wanted my random bus rides to take me to the north but been unsuccessful. Last Saturday, I tagged my sister along for a mid-morning adventure around Singapore. Took a bus that went all the way to (drumroll) Yishun interchange, a journey that lasted almost an hour from Orchard.
Where is Yishun?
Some images along the way and when we reached Yishun.
Lots of signs. Which one do I look at?
Not really sure what this is
I think this is a lake, unless I got my "bodies of water" incorrectly.
There's a $10M Hong Bao draw in early Feb. This drew a long queue from heaps of people.
Lunch at Northpoint mall - Lemon Chicken & Pattaya rice. I was told Pattaya rice is usually wrapped in fried egg and has lots of pepper. True, true. But I don't remember it from a previous trip to Pattaya.
"Excellence Together Singapore Forever". Might make uncle Rick Astley smile.
31 January
First time (in a long time) to… Holland Village
I arranged to meet up with Wallace but he was running late so I walked around the area first. It’s been a little over 2 years since I last went – I think it was with Sean and Ryan over dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Holland V attracts a mixed crowd — locals and foreigners — and offers lots of dining options (from coffee shops to high end restos). Nearest MRT station (10 minute walk) : Buona Vista.
Had afternoon tea with Wallace at 211 Rooftop Terrace resto (211 Holland Avenue, Holland Road Shopping Centre, #04-01 Singapore 278967Ph 6462 6194).
Modern Day Vampire Love
December 6, 2008 — 2 Comments
Not a fan of “Twilight”, in fact I only know a few things about it — (1) it’s about vampire love, (2) there’s a book about it, (3) the film version is about to be released in Singapore.
I came across a profile summary of the characters over Yahoo! so thought I’d share for the benefit of those who are interested. As glamorous as “Gossip Girl” but with more characters that I gave up trying to remember them.
EDWARD (Robert Pattinson)
Full Name: Edward Anthony Masen Cullen
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: June 20, 1901
Date of Transformation: 1918
Special Abilities: Mind reading, Super-speed, Extraordinary strength
“What if I am not a superhero? What if I am the bad guy?”
BELLA (Kristen Stewart)
Full Name: Isabella Marie Swan
Status: Human
Date of Birth: September 13, 1987
Special Abilities: Accident prone, Attracts bad luck, Immune to mind reading
“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was part of him… that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
Jacob (Taylor Lautner)
Full Name: Jacob Black
Status: Human Quileute
Date of Birth: 1990
Special Abilities: Fixing cars
“So do you think we are a bunch of superstitious natives or what?”
CARLISLE (Peter Facinelli) and ESME (Elizabeth Reaser)
Full Name: Dr. Carlisle Cullen
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: 1640s
Date of Transformation: After 1663
Special Abilities: Compassion and the ability to resist the thirst for human blood
“Please do not take offense, but we would appreciate it if you would refrain from hunting in this immediate area. We have to stay inconspicuous, you understand.”
Full Name: Esme Anne Platt Evenson Cullen
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: 1895
Date of Transformation: 1921
Special Abilities: Loves passionately
“You are what he wants. It will all work out, somehow.”
ROSALIE (Nikki Reed) and EMMETT (Kellan Lutz)
Full Name: Rosalie Lillian Hale
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: 1915
Date of Transformation: 1933
Special Abilities: Beauty
“What is she to me? Except a menace — a danger you have chosen to inflict on all of us.”
Full Name: Emmett McCarty Cullen
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: 1915
Date of Transformation: 1935
Special Abilities: Strength
“He is no match for us, Edward. He would not be able to touch her.”
JASPER (Jackson Rathbone) and ALICE (Ashley Greene)
Full Name: Jasper Whitlock Hale
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: 1843
Date of Transformation: 1863
Special Abilities: Able to feel and to manipulate the emotions of those around him.
“I can feel what you are feeling now — and you are worth it.”
Full Name: Mary Alice Brandon Cullen
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: Around 1901
Date of Transformation: 1920s
Special Abilities: Can see the future
“Some things are more certain than others…”
JAMES (Cam Gigandet)
Full Name: Unknown
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth/Transformation: Unknown
Special Abilities: Tracker, Super-speed, Extraordinary strength
LAURENT (Edi Gathegi)
Full Name: Laurent
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth: Around 1755
Date of Transformation: Unknown
VICTORIA (Rachelle Lefevre)
Full Name: Victoria
Status: Vampire
Date of Birth/Transformation: Unknown
Special Abilities: Skilled at escaping
“I am the one with the wicked curve ball.”
—-
Vampires According to ‘Twilight’
1. Vampires do not have fangs.
2. Vampires have pale skin.
3. Vampires are more beautiful than humans.
4. Vampire skin, when in sunlight, sparkles and throws rainbows, like a diamond.
5. Vampire skin is hard like a diamond; they cannot be shot, stabbed or staked
6. Vampires are superhuman in their speed, strength, ability, coordination, and all senses.
7. Vampires can only be destroyed by tearing them into pieces and burning the ashes — which can only be done by a vampire or werewolf.
8. Vampires only need to feed twice a month to be in control of their thirst.
9. Vampire eyes change based on how much blood they have consumed recently. Black: Thirsty. Red: Well-fed on human blood. Gold: Well-fed on animal blood. As they become thirstier, the color fades to black.
10. Vampires have circles under their eyes that get darker as they get thirstier. When they are well fed, the circles are almost erased.
11. Vampires are invulnerable to traditional methods of killing them such as garlic, crosses, holy water, stakes, etc.
12. Some vampires have supernatural abilities; Edward reads minds, Alice sees the future, and Jasper controls emotional climates.
13. Vampires dress in light colors to deemphasize their pallor.
14. Vampires do not eat human food — if they do, it must be vomited up later.
9. Vampire eyes change based on how much blood they have consumed recently. Black: Thirsty. Red: Well-fed on human blood. Gold: Well-fed on animal blood. As they become thirstier, the color fades to black.
10. Vampires have circles under their eyes that get darker as they get thirstier. When they are well fed, the circles are almost erased.
11. Vampires are invulnerable to traditional methods of killing them such as garlic, crosses, holy water, stakes, etc.
12. Some vampires have supernatural abilities; Edward reads minds, Alice sees the future, and Jasper controls emotional climates.
13. Vampires dress in light colors to deemphasize their pallor.
14. Vampires do not eat human food — if they do, it must be vomited up later.
“Twilight” starts on 18 December 2008 in Singapore.
Just Dance
September 19, 2008
When I caught “Make It Happen” a few weekends ago, there was a scene that featured the song “Just Dance”. Catchy tune. If you saw the movie, you will even be impressed with the sensual choreography. I knew I heard it before…
Yeah, during the Miss Universe 2008 pageant (swimsuit competition). Ten (10) minute clip.
Here’s the music video. Sung by Lady Gaga featuring Akon and Colby.
The Spirit Compendium
August 1, 2008 — 3 Comments
Another local film has commenced its theatrical run and is relevant especially during the month of August when the Hungry Ghosts festival is being celebrated.
THE SPIRIT COMPENDIUM
2008 – Singapore – Supernatural/Drama/Romance – 85 minutes – NC16 (scene of intimacy) – In Mandarin (with Chinese & English subtitles)
Directed by Foo Fung Koon
Main Cast: Benjamin Ng, Maylene Loo Xue Bing, Foyce Le Xuan (Lin Hui Hui), Michael Kwah Chong Yeow
Synopsis (from the Singapore Film Society website)
Tom’s girlfriend dies in a tragic accident and he plunges into depression. May is shunned by the people around her because she claims she can see the spirits. Sam’s family loses their fortune and is forced to move in with his friend, Tom and May (his housemate). The three friends embrace on a journey that begins with the mysterious disappearance of Tom’s father, who leaves Tom with only a spiritual book and an ancient Tibetan Dzi bead. It is not until Sam is trapped in a spiritual realm that they realise the importance of the items.
Compendium = “a concise, yet comprehensive compilation of a body of knowledge – usually in the form of a book or dictionary”. “The Spirit Compendium” refers to a key plot element of the film – a Chinese philosophical, fortune-telling book called “Ling Wen Shu” as a compilation of several ancient Chinese fortune-telling-related classics, including the best-known “Yi Jing” which was edited by Confucius.
Trailer here
Now showing at Sinema Old School
11B Mount Sophia #B1-12 Singapore 228466
[t]: 6336.9707
[f]: 6336.6107
Next screening : 2 Aug 08 (9pm), 8 Aug 08 (9pm)
