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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Miss Universe 2010
August 22, 2010
The event happens on Monday night (USA) / Tuesday morning (Singapore). Singapore telecast will be on Tue, 24 August, 9 AM over at Mediacorp Channel 5.
Every year, I am hoping that Miss Philippines lands a spot in the semifinals but there are always a lot of surprises in this type of competition. In the end, it really depends on the judges during the presentation show. (FYI, there is a different panel of judges during the finals night).
Anyway, here are a few photos from the swimsuit preliminary competition held last week which I picked up from the Miss Universe website.
Representatives of countries where I used to live and where I am living in right now.
Miss Philippines - Venus Raj
Miss Singapore - Tania Lim
Candidates of countries which won the Miss Universe title during the past 10 years. Venezuela and Puerto Rico won 2 years each.
Miss Dominican Republic - Eva Arias
Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell
Miss Canada - Elena Semikina
Miss India - Ushoshi Sengupta
Miss Japan - Maiko Itai
Miss Panama - Anyoli Abrego
Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Paola Vicente
Miss Venezuela - Marelisa Gibson
Since a different set of “cheeks” were shown in the above photo :p , I thought I’d post her close-up shot. I think she will be a shoo-in for the semifinals.
Close Up Shot of Miss Venezuela - Marelisa Gibson
The pageant will be held in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. If only I had the time, I would travel to Vegas, spend some dollars at the casinos, and catch the event.
Miss USA - Rima Fakih
Good luck to all candidates.
Hong Kong
June 1, 2010 — 4 Comments
My “renewed” relationship with Hong Kong in terms of shopping started 3 years ago. I have been visiting yearly since then.
Going to Hong Kong means filling up my luggage with H&M stuff, my most favorite brand. Zara, Pull & Bear, Esprit being the runners up.
Here’s a photo from my very first trip to the H&M store in HK in 2007.
May 2007
At almost the same spot during my recent trip there…
May 2010, minus the yawning lady in the background
Have I aged so much that the guy in the 2007 photo looks like my son?? Oh well. I guess with age comes a higher level of maturity to control impulse shopping and improved fashion sense. My hair is parted on the other side too. :p
Anyway, this 2010 HK trip is not just for my own shopping satisfaction but that of my sister’s who has not seen this beautiful city since 1988. Back then, she always wanted to be carried around by my parents as she could not survive walking along what used to be called Ocean Terminal in Kowloon. No wonder she hardly had any recollection of that trip.
She’s all grown up now and ready to spend more than I could ever imagine! At 20+ yrs old, no one in our family could carry her anymore without risk of serious injury… ha
Welcome back to Hong Kong!
When I was booking the flight, I made sure to choose the Singapore Airlines aircraft that had the new Economy seats. Some years back, Singapore Airlines introduced a new layout for Business Class and improved Economy seats. This aircraft has the same look and feel as the A380 but single deck only. A few photos of the Economy seats I am talking about.
Larger display, better looking remote control, and improved interactive menu
We arrived in HK slightly after noon and it was shopping and sightseeing for 3.5 days.
Hotel lobby of Jia Hotel in Causeway Bay (been staying here for the past few visits)
Cozy bedroom. One new gadget this time around is the iPod player/speaker near the TV.
HK MTR stations are characterized by numerous exits, 2-3 levels of escalators, and thousands of people. This one is like 10x the size of Dhoby Ghaut MRT station in Singapore
The tram that took us to The Peak
Sky was not clear but still happy with the view from above
Near the Madame Tussauds entrance getting intimate with Bruce. We decided not to go into the wax museum due to lack of time.
With Ron and William
Langham Place (mall) in Mongkok. I braved 13 levels and had quite a few good purchases. (Nearest MTR: Mongkok)
Citygate outlet shopping (Nearest MTR: Tung Chung)
More shopping, this time in Kowloon island, near Harbour City (Nearest MTR: Tsim Tsa Tsui)
Before we packed our stuff into 3 suitcases, we checked out the shops near Times Square (Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay)
Final day (morning) spent on a bus tour of south HK island. Passed through Repulse Bay on our way to Stanley Market. Awesome residential properties with stunning view of the bay.
Area surrounding Stanley market
Grabbed lunch at agnes b restaurant in IFC mall
We didn't need to request an additional chair for our bags and jackets as they had a low bench for them.
Spent more than expected but no regrets. I'll go back in 2011. Need to check out New Territories, have a round of drinks in a bar overlooking the city, take the cable car at Lantau Island, ride the ferry to the other island, bargain at day/night markets, eat good dimsum
Special thanks to Steph Ho, Kristy Teng, Vincent Ang, and MJ Kuok for the shopping / bar hopping tips.
And speaking of MJ, check out his latest single “Once Twice 3″.
Support talented musicians like him by purchasing his music from iTunes (search “mj kuok”) or from www.mjkuok.com (Click Shop Online).
Recommended Team/Staff for Idol Hopefuls
September 21, 2009
After having watched Idol shows of at least 3 countries (US, Australia, and Singapore) over the past several years, I believe each “hopeful” should have people who will assume the roles listed below. Some jobs roles can be combined as appropriate.
It’s tough to be in a competition so always good to seek assistance from the experts who can stay focused in making the individual successful.
Vocal coach – assesses vocal range of the individual, determines potential vocal range, helps individual select the appropriate songs based on weekly theme, works with individual in improving voice quality which includes but is not limited to diction, phrasing, breathing, putting emotion into the performance
Instrumentalist – as necessary; has a high level of competency on guitar, keyboards, and other instruments; rearranges the composition based on individual’s preferred approach (as approved by vocal coach)
Dance instructor – also doubles as fitness and well-being instructor ; works with individual in developing and improving stage presence either through appropriate gestures or dance steps; looks after nutrition and stress management; can be held responsible for security if contestant becomes exceptionally popular during the competition
Stylist – covers hair & makeup, clothes, grooming on and off cam ; provides guidance on how to project on screen and on camera (i.e. photo for publications); if competent enough, job holder can look after finances since majority of the expenses will likely be on clothes
Researcher – liaises with vocal coach on weekly themes and recommends songs that appeal to voting public (including background on the song); also considered an expert in what judges’ preferences are including capturing of feedback during competition itself; reviews performances of other contestants (strengths/weaknesses) and translate these for the benefit of the individual
Media relations – also acts as legal adviser if things get of out of hand; manages generation of good publicity for the individual in the local and overseas press; leads new media to expand voting/fan base (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, websites, forum); works with fan clubs (if any) on materials, participation in events; responsible for creative (yet legal) means of increasing votes
Not sure if the above makes sense but that’s my opinion. :-)
The New Miss Universe 2009
August 24, 2009
Another pageant is over.
Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela)
Sadly, 83 contestants go back home empty handed. Only consolation is that they can now relax their facial and arm muscles after the month-long smiling and waving.
The following made it to the Top 15 but competed only for swimsuit as they didn’t make it to the next round.
15. Iceland (7.730)
14. Croatia (7.811)
13. Sweden (7.830)
12. Belgium (7.870)
11. Albania (7.900)
The following made it to the evening gown competition. Score for such round in parenthesis.
Top 10
10. USA (7.550)
9. Switzerland (7.890)
8. Czech Republic (8.010)
7. South Africa (8.040)
6. France (8.650)
Top 5
4th runner up : Puerto Rico (#7 in swimsuit, #3 in evening gown)
Mayra Matos Perez (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
3rd runner up : Australia (#1 in swimsuit, #4 in evening gown) – my favorite
Rachael Finch (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website). #1 in swimsuit so thought I'd better have the right photo here.
2nd runner up: Kosovo (#3 in swimsuit, #2 in evening gown)
Gona Dragusha (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
Announcement of the 1st runner up… this is the time when each contestant secretly hopes the other one will be called!
1st runner up: Dominican Republic (#2 in swimsuit, #1 in evening gown)
Ada Aimee De La Cruz - important role as 1st runner up hehe (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
Miss Universe 2009
Venezuela (#4 in swimsuit, #5 in evening gown)
I've never seen the same country winning two consecutive years. See how ecstatic Miss Universe 2008 (also from Venezuela) is...
Also my first time to see the new crown falling all the way down to the stage!! At least, no one slipped during the evening gown competition this year.
Congratulations to Stefania Fernandez!
Useless info:
- Only 0.16 separated the score of Albania (#11) and USA (#10) during the swimsuit competition. Had Albania flirted a little bit more onstage, she could have gone to round 2. :p
- 0.19 difference between Venezuela (#5) and France (#6) during the evening gown competition. Venezuela almost didn’t make it to the Top 5
- All of the Top 10 contestants (except 2, Venezuela and USA) were 5’9″ and above!
This year, they wanted to be techie by using Skype for one of the final questions. Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 was on it. Not so glam looking though.
Riyo Mori from Japan
Contestants from Venezuela train for one year before they are fielded into a pageant. Stefania seems to have been well trained even in knowing when to pause for her Q&A response to be interpreted. I think it’s a clever move as typically the response gets lost in translation (have seen that happen too many times).
This is her cue for the interpreter to begin translating. Notice the look?
I was hoping Miss Philippines would enter the semifinals. All the best, Bianca Manalo. Maybe you have a showbiz career ahead of you back in Manila.
Miss Singapore's National Costume. This is better than last. Not sure what's in store for 2010 (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
This section is for women who are both “beauty & brains”. Remember to place your right hand on your right hip while answering the following questions asked during the final round. I’ve indicated Miss Venezuela’s answer for your reference.
1) According to the World Health Organisation, there is an urgent need to do HIV testing around the world. Do you believe that HIV testing should be made mandatory?
2) Tonight you were judged on how you looked in bathing suit. In some countries, women are not allowed to wear swimsuit. How does that make you feel?
3) Has being a beautiful woman made your life easier or has it prevented people from talking you seriously in business situations?
4) In many parts of the world, obstacles still exist that inhibit women from achieving their goals in some corporations. What can women do to overcome this?
Venezuela’s answer (translated) : “I believe that nowadays, we women have overcome many obstacles. And I do believe we have reached the same level as men have. We must realise that there are no longer any barriers among us.”
5) Pop superstar Justin Timberlake once said, “The worst thing about being famous is invasion of your privacy.” What is it about fame that makes many people including you, want to be famous?
American Idol
May 23, 2009
Kris Allen wins American Idol (2009)
I was only able to watch a few of the “Top 13″ shows this season but I’m really happy that Kris Allen won. He may not have a voice that could break shopping wall windows but he is steady. I can also relate to his type of music.
While Adam Lambert seemed on his way to clinch the crown, his style eventually annoyed me. I think I will feel dizzy listening to his CD if he sang that way in all his tracks. He’s talented and I’m sure a lot of people will buy his album.
Out of the 3 seasons of American Idol I had time to catch during the past few years, my picks were chosen by America twice — Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen. The other one, David Archuleta, finished runner up in 2008.
Happy is he who does not expect, he shall be rewarded. I know Kris didn’t expect to win over Adam. Now that he has finished top of the list, he needs to realise he won for a reason and his job is to live up to everyone’s expectations, especially those who voted for him.
Heard the finale was awesome. I recorded it but haven’t had the chance to watch yet.
Coming soon : Singapore Idol Season 3. Maybe I’ll watch that show too.
Just saw the website and here are the audition guidelines. I like guideline #9 though I pity those who will queue as early as 8am and have their audition late afternoon given the weather here in Singapore.
- You must be in line by 8a.m. at the Audition Venue. Registration for the Auditions closes at 6p.m.
- You must register online, then print out the online application form and bring the signed application form (photo included) with you on the day of Registration — 6 June to the Registration Venue. You must also bring your letter of Confirmation with your reference number on it.
- You MUST bring along a piece of ID that includes a Recent photo. The information provided in the Application Form should correspond with the information provided in the ID. For Singapore citizens please bring along your NRIC. For non-Singapore citizens (including Singapore PR), please bring along your passport.
- Auditions are NOT by appointment, you must come by 8a.m and join the Official Queue.
- Auditions will be first-come, first-seen. It is up to you to decide when to arrive at the auditions. Please anticipate long queues.
- Please remember that the audition process may take up to several hours, so please plan accordingly. Do ensure that you have a hearty breakfast before queuing at the venue, and come prepared for an audition process lasting several hours.
- If you are under 21 years of age as of the date of registration, please ensure that you bring along a letter of approval from a parent or guardian with their signatures. You are allowed to bring a parent or guardian with you, but they will only be allowed into the Reception & Registration Areas, depending on the day’s turnout.
- For those over 21, guests will be permitted based on the day’s turnout. No guests – family or friends-are allowed into the audition room with you.
- PLEASE COME DRESSED TO IMPRESS, but remember NOT to wear clothes with visible logos, trademarks or offensive language.
- Be prepared to sing two songs of your choice a cappella (without music), one of which must be in English. You will be required to sing a verse and a chorus, but it is good to know the entire song. You must provide the titles of the songs, and the original artistes (singers) to the person judging your performance.
Swine Flu
April 29, 2009 — 2 Comments
I hear about swine flu daily and I am beginning to get worried.
Guess you are worried too so here are some FAQ’s.
WHAT IS SWINE INFLUENZA?
Swine Influenza (or Swine Flu) is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus (Influenza type A H1N1 virus).
CAN HUMANS CATCH SWINE FLU?
Swine Flu viruses do not normally affect humans. However, sporadic human infections with Swine Flu have occurred. Mostly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs.
HOW DOES SWINE FLU SPREAD TO HUMANS?
Swine Flu spreads to humans mainly through contact with infected pigs, which shed the virus through their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. Human-to-human transmission of Swine Flu can also occur in the same way as seasonal flu does, which is mainly through coughing or sneezing from people infected with the virus.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU IN HUMANS?
The symptoms are similar with that of the seasonal flu which include high fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with Swine Flu also have reported experiencing runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
CAN PEOPLE CATCH SWINE FLU FROM EATING PORK?
No . Swine Flu viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot contract Swine Flu from eating pork or pork products that have been thoroughly prepared and cooked.
HOW CAN HUMAN INFECTIONS WITH SWINE FLU BE DIAGNOSED?
To diagnose Swine Flu, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding the virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for up to 10 days or longer. Diagnosis requires sending the specimen for laboratory testing.
IS THE H1N1 SWINE FLU VIRUS THE SAME AS THE HUMAN H1N1 VIRUS?
No. The H1N1 Swine Flu viruses are different from the human H1N1 viruses (seasonal flu). Hence, vaccines for the human seasonal flu would not provide sufficient protection from the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.
WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO TREAT SWINE FLU INFECTIONS IN HUMANS?
At this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with Swine Flu viruses.
TIPS TO PREVENT SWINE FLU :
1. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing.
2. Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth if you are caring for someone with flu.
3. Avoid visiting patients in hospitals.
4. Stay at home if you are suffering from the seasonal flu. Wear a mask if you need to leave home.
Best Job in the World
April 26, 2009
So lot of you may have heard of this contest launched by the Tourism board of Queensland, Australia.
Thousands have applied and they are now down to the final 16. I’ve seen most of their audition videos but thought I’d share one that I came across. Sadly, this guy from Canada didn’t make it to the Top 16. However, his clip is so artsy/theatrical that I can’t help but add more publicity to it by featuring it on my blog.
Ha. As if people read my blog.
One minute clip from You Tube.
Miss Universe 2009
April 26, 2009
Just checked the official site and learned that it will be on 23 August, 9PM US Eastern time (24 August, 9AM in Asia). Check local TV listings.
Bahamas will be hosting the pageant. “The worldwide telecast will highlight the warmth, beauty and hospitality of the Islands of the Bahamas as well as the world renowned Atlantis resort. “
Looks nice, doesn’t it?
Stage
Now if only Donald Trump will give me a free roundtrip ticket to the Bahamas and a good seat at the venue… especially since I’ve been watching each year since 1987!!
I’m sure the current Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza (from Venezuela) will enjoy this place during rehearsals and pre-pageant events.
Also tried looking up more info about this year’s event and came across this “Choose the Miss Universe Crown” poll. It’s legitimate so why don’t you make your selection? I already made mine a few nights ago.
http://www.choosethecrown.com/
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!
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
