Heartwarmers' purpose and work.

There are over 1000 pictures, and whenever I look at the pictures, memories came flooding back and I don't know where to start the ball rolling. I'll try my best to start without getting emotional, and I shall start with our purpose being there.


Our YEP (Youth Expedition Project) team is called the Heartwarmers. I personally thought it was a rather suitable name for the things that we do there.



Our team is split into 4 teams; the Health Sciences Team, the IT team, the Infrastructure Team and the Project Management team.


The Health Sciences Team - Teaches Malaria Prevention, AIDS Prevention, Toothbrushing etc.

The IT Team - Teaches Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word etc.

The Infrastructure Team - Designs and paints signboard and wall.

The Project Management Team - Oversees the whole process and ensures everything goes smoothly.

Our voluntary work is done in the BBLC (Boys Brigade Learning Centre) and the Foursquare Children of Promise Orphanage.

It's nice to know that the learning centre and the orphanage is being driven by the faith of Christianity.

BBLC

Boys Brigade Learning Centre (BBLC)






Opened by Rev Canon Dr Louis Tay..




Foursquare Children of Promise Orphanage






The signboard..



The orphanage.


Here are some of the pictures that we've done:






Health Sciences Team






Learning how to bandage.



Listening attentively.




Imparting lifelong knowledge to them.





The IT team




Teaching the parts of the CPU.







Watching the demonstration.



Getting hands-on.


The Infrastructure Team



Drawing on the wall according to the design.


The completed wall painting.



The signboard..


Our sub-teams' objectives were met and I believe we did really well in general, although most of the stuff were pretty impromptu.


The YEP team's purpose and work mainly revolves around the BBLC and the orphanage. Most of our time were spent with the two venues and the children. It was a time whereby the YEP team bonded with the children, interacting and having fun together.

It was a relationship that didn't wither, but became stronger.

Introduction to Cambodia.

"Sok so bye teh? Kh niom Ji mua James. Ker-nyom ayuk dap-pran boon. Khom mo pi Singapore." (Khmer Language)

"How are you? My name is James and my age is 19. I am from Singapore."

This is how I started my trip in Cambodia. My introduction to them. (Taught by some of my Cambodian mates.)


I am from Singapore. A place where sky high buildings existed, a city filled with fortunate people. A city whereby hygiene and cleaniness are high, and everything looks fresh.


I went to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Cambodia, a country whereby 90% of the 16 million people live less than US$2.50 a day. Corruption is high, and the minds of the people are still fresh with the Khmer Rouge. A country where only mainly attap houses and kampung houses existed. The disparity between the rich and the poor is so wide, and Cambodia is still one of the poorest countries in the world, although improving.

I came to Cambodia with an open mind, and was presented with a reality from third-world country.

Traffic lights are rare, and most roads are made up of sand. Blackouts have been experienced.

Beggars can be seen frequently, children as young as 5 years old were touting, and 10 year-old kids are seen picking rubbish and pushing those rubbish trolleys.

Even images of the plight of Cambodians were never much of an impact to me before I went to Cambodia, but the sight and the experience left such a big impact on me.

Here I am typing, still trying to adjust myself to Singapore's standard of living. I'm too used to Cambodia's way of living although it's only 2 weeks. If I have the money and time, I'll go back there again, definitely.

For the many of the continued posts will be all about my trip to Cambodia, so do follow up if you're interested.

I embarked on a journey to Cambodia, and I've never looked back.

Just flown back from Cambodia..

I've finally reached home, and I'm experiencing a shock and disappointment.

After flying down to Changi Airport and looking at the scenery while in a taxi, I feel incredibly uneasy and felt like a fish out of water. I'm not used to the cleaniness, vibrant, opulence and the tall buildings in Singapore.

Cambodia's way of life is so different from here, that I'm rather used to Cambodia's standard of living.

I'm still shocked despite reaching home and feeling very uneasy.

Disappointment, well is because my Grade Point Average (GPA) of my semester is not very ideal for me. I improved only a little, and I'm very upset and disappointed right now.

Weeks of hard work didn't pay off much, and I'm sick and tired of sticking to this belief that hard work pays off.

My 'O' level Maths was a good reminder, and thanks for the second reminder.

I'm starting to hate design. I seriously do not know what is wrong with my work. My execution isn't as good as my research, that's why I always do more research to compensate. Yet I kept getting some shitty results.

I'm so sick and tired of doing my best and without reaping any sow.

Stop those foreign talk from the Olympics already.

Scheduled Post


I know it's a little late to talk about this, but I already wanted to talk about it a long time ago.

We all knew that before the Beijing Olympics 2008, Singapore underwent a 48 year drought without any Olympic medals.

The first Olympic medal was held by weightlifter Tan Howe Liang. He won the Silver Medal for weightlifting in Rome Olympics 1960.

Yes, it was the first Olympic medal, and Singapore is very proud. But guess what? He is also born in China.

So if that's the case, why are people still complaining about foreign talents helping us to clinch the medals or whatsoever?

When we went on a 48 year old drought without Olympic medals, everyone was hoping that the Singapore Team could won it in every Olympics. Now that they finally won it, why is the foreign talent topic keep coming up everytime?

Sure, it's nice to have citizen of Singapore to win the medal for us, but given the 4 million+ people, where the pool of talent is like minimal compared to powerhouse countries like China which have 1 billion+ people, why are you still complaining?


More importantly, if these foreign talent people have came and settled in Singapore, and fight whole-heartedly for Singapore's glory (not talking about monetary rewards here), why are we still questioning them?

If they looked up to Singapore as a home, why are you still talking about these?


The fact that they won a medal for Singapore shows that they are part of Singapore's citizens. They fight for Singapore's glory and have put Singapore on the spotlight in sports.


So think about it, if you are a foreign-land born person and settled in Singapore, and you represents Singapore, and then some citizens questions and doubt you, how would you feel?

Show some empathy, people.

Fallen in love?

Never would I expected to find myself to fall in love with someone in Cambodia..

Currently at Cambodia..

Life has been rather hectic for me, because I'm leading my Infrastructure group to paint the walls and it is a significant task for me.

Cambodia is so much hotter than Singapore and I've seen so much stuff at the orphanage.

Life is so simple, yet the hygiene and the place is very poor, but the rest of us managed to survive. The thought of having to wash our dishes with well water which the buffaloes drank sounds disgusting.

I wanted to post up pictures but I simply couldn't because the USB port is problematic and sends out electric shocks.

Speaking of which, I had a minor accident yesterday with some of the group, and we caused a traffic jam.. I'll elaborate more the next time..

Don't ask whether I've slimmed down in Cambodia. As irony as it seems, the food there are delicious and my body is pretty well adapted to the food already.

Hopefully I can lose quite a bit of weight when I comes back.

I miss home already, and I miss everyone of you all.


All the best to Koon Xian for his National Service again!


Till then,

James

Liang Zhi's birthday celebration..

Scheduled Post


I went to Liang Zhi's birthday celebration the other day and there were a lot of people who went, and we settled down and had the celebration..



Gathering for the celebration after the dinner..

And for Liang Zhi's 19th birthday cake.. Guess what is it?




Pinkish cake with Walt Disney Characters!


A bit of childish yet feminity cake. Hahaha, it must be probably one of the most interesting cakes he'll ever had.


You know what happens whenever you have a birthday cake? You need to blow.

Wait, are you thinking in the right frame of mind?


Blow the candles of course!!!



Happy Birthday Song sang by all of us..


You know, it's nearly inevitable to escape cake-smashing from our friends especially when it's your birthday.. But it's surprising that Liang Zhi managed to escape this time, because no one could force him right into the cake, because his neck and head muscle were too strong!


Anyway Liang Zhi, I would still like to wish you a very happy 19th birthday and hope you like the celebration ya..





Hope you like the presents we gave!

All the best..

Scheduled Post


Just wanna wish my brother all the best for his 'N' levels..

Please study hard and do your best! I really hope that he'll do well.


On another side note, Koon Xian is leaving for National Service at 15 September.. All the best to him too!

Life at its simplest.

Greetings from Cambodia! Here I am in a small cozy corner in my guesthouse called Home Sweet Home.



Once again, I would like to thank those who came and those messages again, and when I was in the plane, I felt really blessed and grateful. Thank you all once again.



Life here is very different from Singapore.



Traffic lights are very rare, and crossing the roads seems to be very difficult and dangerous. The vehicles doesn't stop for you; you cross at your own risk.

There are A LOT of bicycles and motorbikes on the road, whereas cars were unusual and buses are rare.



Also, the road there are mainly sand and not concrete, and the incredible amount of dust can be seen and felt almost everywhere.


Cambodians are very friendly and sincere, and rather honest, as far as the ones I know.

And my body and mind are struggling to adapt to the life here. It's only the first few days and it felt like it has been 3 weeks already.


Ahhh, that's about it for now, I'm going to post up pictures soon. REAL SOON!

Off to Cambodia for 16 days.

By the time you see this, I'm probably at Cambodia, as my flight is tomorrow, 6am.


I've been awake since early morning, and haven't really able get to catch some sleep. My preparations are mostly done, and people have been asking me? How do I feel now?


I've been having mixed feelings about all this stuff; Excitement, Worry, Happy, Neutral, Anxious etc. I've never imagine myself going to Cambodia. Never in my life.

But here I am, hours away from my flight.. typing this blog entry. I promised myself. I don't want to have any expectations from Cambodia. No low expectations, no high expectations. I'll let my mind be free. I'll going to let my thoughts run wild.

But there are some restrictions for my trip..

1. NO ICE ALLOWED.
2. NO ICE-CREAM ALLOWED.
3. NO RAW FOOD ALLOWED.
4. NO TAP WATER ALLOWED, ONLY DISTILLED WATER.

I even have to brush my teeth using distilled water. I heard the tap water in Cambodia will harden toothbrushes.


Digressing aside, I went to a temple and prayed for my safety yesterday, and I went to take a divine lot from the temple, which I believed it is accurate. I was praying for wealth and family.. Here was what the Goddess of Mercy had for me:


"Adding colour to a gold work, and more beauty emerges. In due course, wealth and health comes. Do not think patience is best. In due course, the whole world knows you.

Do away with the old state. A child being guided by wise parents. Suit yourself in your endeavours. Your livelihood is assured."


I was figuring out what it meant because it was words of wisdom from God, but I thought it was a bit ambiguous. But I somehow know what it means. If you know the full interpretation to it, please comment it at the tagboard or my comment page ok?


And.. I really felt really really emotional and touched as I type this:

"THANK YOU!"


Thank you to all my family and friends who wished me bon voyage and gave me advice and words of wisdom. I really feel appreciated and thankful for such people like you all. I'm really really touched.


And.. I really never expected my friends to sent me off from the airport, especially when it is an UNEARTHLY TIME of 6am.

Thank you to Wei Chong, Shi Li and Clement for offering the drive there, and thank you to the 10+ buddies of you who will be coming later.. I feel really bad that you all are sacrificing your sleep..

To my buddies who can't come, I appreciates your messages and thoughtfulness. You all are appreciated and thanked.

And my family..thank you for all the financial support and stuff..

ALL OF YOU ARE BEING LOVED!


On a different note, I will be posting up blog entries based on scheduled posts, so there will be updates in my absence in Singapore.

Once I reach Cambodia, I will try to update my life there whenever possible.

I will be back in Singapore at 16 Sept at around 12.05pm..



That's all for this entry, and I shall see you all soon. Take care all!

Fujifilm F100fd and some sad news.

Last year, I bought the Fujifilm F50fd which costs me $500. Now to my amazement, Fujifilm has produced one which is MUCH MORE better than the predecessor.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the awesome and powerful.. Fujifilm F100fd!







It is a lot better than my specifications, and I was so in love with this gem, so much so that I asked the promoter whether I could trade in my F50fd and top-up some money for it, but to no avail.

All I can do is admire it I guess..


I've just learnt that a good colleague of mine from Avida Logistics, Frankie has left the company. I just wanna say all the best for his future endeavours, and thank him for all the things he've done.

Frankie, let's find one day and meet up ya!

9 days of work.

Just ended my last day of work today, and the 9 days working was another kind of experience I guess..


A few days ago, there was this customer who was crying and shouting hysterically for her lost child in a quiet Marina Square.


She was running frantically and shouting "Kei Kei, where are you? Have you seen her? She's only 2 years old!"

We felt sorry for her, and advised her to search for the customer service counter. Thankfully, she managed to find her lost daughter at the atrium of Marina Square, and was seen crying inconsolably and her daughter was like "What is happening?"


And I also had a customer who bought lots of items from me, and unfortunately, I didn't have the stock. So I went all the way to another deparmental store in Orchard Road to get it for her.

I felt really satisfied when she still remembered my name and kept thanking me for helping her out. I could tell she was a rich lady, but she showed no sign of arrogance and uppityness. Instead she thanked me sincerely and acknowledged my name.


I also came to know of some local staff whom was nice and friendly, and made my work easier and more smooth.

Awesome people.


There are a lot more I could go on, but I shall stop here for now.

Cambodia..

I'm flying off to Cambodia next Sunday, which I will be doing voluntary work with the rest of the 15 people.

I'll going to be there for 16 days, which is the longest trip that I'll be staying in any foreign country.

The main reason why I'm going there is to experience something new. Deep inside, I really wanted to see a different change of enviroment, a different change of life, and most importantly, a different change of perspective.


Technically speaking, I'm considered lucky to be born in a developed country, and often than not, I take things for granted. Everything.


Electricity, Water, Food, Peace, Family... in fact I had most of the things I wanted in life.

I've once read a Singaporean's blog when he went to Cambodia as a student for a few years, and when he came back, he sat down at one of the cafes at Plaza Singapura. He was so disgusted when he saw youngsters buying branded stuff and splurging money on what he deemed as unnecessary stuff.

But he added "Who am I to judge them when I was previously one of them? In Cambodia, most people live less than US$2 a day, and here I am back in Singapore seeing all my countrymen spending on so much stuff."

I don't think I will be so affected and share fully his sentiments during my 16 days at Cambodia.

However, I will be going to Cambodia with a light-hearted mind, and shall refuse to tell myself what I'm prepared to see there.

Sometimes, when you know that when you are going to experience something different, your mind has already understood that it is going to be something different, and when it is meant to be a shock, it is no longer a shock anymore.


On another contradicting note, this is most likely my first and last trip for voluntary work. I need money really badly due to certain circumstances, and I thought it was unwise for me to go for such voluntary work for 16 days, where I can earn around hundreds of dollars in 16 days. But then again, the voluntary work was once in a lifetime, and it was a life-changing experience.


Contradicting, I know. But since I'm already confirmed going there, I'll make the best out of it.

Time passes so fast yeah?

School ended last week, and I must say I've done my best for the semester. So whatever grade I get, I'll be really contented. Same thing always happens: Cashflow problems.


I think School Of Design should really do something about this. Quality printing is sometimes important, but there are no subsidies available for us. And we spent so much on printing itself.


Seriously if you're not rich, you SHOULD NOT join design courses. I'm pretty sure a lot of people will agree with me. So if some graduating secondary students want to join design courses, money is one factor that they must consider.


Digressing aside from school, I've met up with an old friend which I haven't seen for 7 years. A former best friend, but I still look him up as one of the very few intelligent and mature friends I have.

He didn't really changed much, but still as carefree as ever.

I sometimes wish I can be carefree. Ignorant to how the world revolves. Ignorant to how the society works. Ignorant to how things function.

Don't continue reading if you hate rant.

I was hoping that today's starting of work would be a breeze. But it was not meant to be. The in-charge decided to take it to a personal level. I'm in a foul mood, and I need to rant to make me feel good. So please people, do pardon my crudeness and rudeness.



CASE 1


She was looking at my identification card, and gave some remarks "Wah last time so handsome, why now become like that, and also so old. Now so many pimples."

Excuse me, it's a case of the pot calling the kettle black. If by your standards I'm considered old, than you must be ancient.

What is it about pimples? They say that wrinkles represents the wisdom of the old, so pimples represents the youthfulness of the young.



CASE 2


Next, she was showing signs of doubtfulness against me, because I told her I can start work at 11am for the rest of the days. She kept telling me about how important it is to be there earlier, or we would be complained whatsoever.

I didn't get a chance to prove myself, because she immediately called another colleague and said "Never mind, you take the 11am slot." Another colleague sensed something was wrong, and she told her in dialect that if she's doing this, aren't she looking down on me.

She decided to ask me, and I told her I've never been late for work before. And she repeated the consequences and the whole process one more time. And I was so pissed.


Listen, who are you to QUESTION MY PUNCTUALITY? What audacity of you to be telling me all these when you were the only one late for the setup today, and yet you're the incharge. What irony!


Speaking of punctuality, I've kept a perfect clean sheet and have never been late in my secondary school and in this company. (Just let me boast, because I'm feeling horrible now.)

I might be a little late sometimes when it comes to meeting friends but when it's serious business, I'm really committed to it and AM SERIOUS.

If I'm still in the company, I really hope I will never have to meet you again.


Good riddance.

Been donkey years since I've seen a rainbow..

It's been such a long time since I've seen a rainbow, and especially a rainbow that's so big. Perhaps it's rare for me, so I decided to take a photo of it while in a taxi.

Sometimes, you get amazed by how beautiful Mother Nature can be, although it's just a spectrum of light.

I suddenly felt a sense of hope and light in this complicated world.

Singapore 2010 Logo Design Workshop..

2 days ago, I was involved in the Singapore 2010 Logo Design Workshop, organised by Nanyang Polytechnic School of Design.

The main aim is to introduce the Youth Olympic Games to the secondary school students, and to design a logo for the Youth Olympic Games under the guidance of the lecturers and students.

Singapore 2010 Logo Design Workshop

Some of the students designing logos..

Although it was only a few hours of session, I learn quite a lot from these students, and their perspective. It was a good experience.

It's really great interacting with these youngsters.

And the Guest-of-Honour was Teo Ser Luck..

Teo Ser Luck being interviewed by the media.

Wonderful day I guess..

Thanks, I needed that.

It's the Hungry Ghost Festival, and in Chinese tradition, ghosts will be released from the Hell Gates, roaming in Earth for 1 month.

Last week, I was in school discussing about the Youth Expedition Project, and we ended like around 9pm close to 10pm. I was walking along the hallway, and I was the only person walking.

As I walk past the carpark, my eyes was set on this car. And it has words scripted on it:

"YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE."

Thanks ya, I don't need a reminder from some Liverpool fan's car that "I'll never walk alone" in this month.

Happy Birthday..

Happy National Day..

It's Singapore's 43rd birthday. Hope this country will continue to prosper and grow into a better cosmopolitan city.

Happy Birthday to Shi Li, Derrick, Tisa, and my uncle as well!

It's the Beijing Olympics 2008!

Beijing Olympics begins today, at an auspicious date of 08.08.08, where 8 in chinese means prosperity.

It is an event where all the top sportsmen in the world congregrate and fight for the medals.

I myself isn't really excited about the Olympics because I'm not really a fan of sports, but you need to respect them, because these athletes wait for this very day to come, which is the most prestigious sports event.

I was watching TV just now, and saw so many countries' sportsmen in the Beijing Bird's Nest stadium, and there are some of the countries which I never heard before. And presidents, prime ministers came to give their support, such as America President George W Bush.

I suddenly felt that the world is such a happy place, where countries congregrate together in harmony. We're human beings with different cultures, races and thinking and yet we still come together in harmony. Ahhh, the feeling was good.


Anyway, I really hope that Singapore will finally win a medal after so many years, and the sports coverage that I'll probably look out for are Badminton, Swimming, Gymnastics and Table Tennis.


So people..

LET THE BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008 BEGIN!

I believe..

I was listening to the song I Believe, and I'm greatly impressed by how impactful this song is to me. Everytime I feel unmotivated, sad, and all those negative feelings, I'll always listen to this timeless classic, sung by Fantasia Barrino and written by Tamyra Gray.



I first fell in love with this song when I heard Fantasia Barrino singing it at American Idol Finale Season 3. She sung it with so much gusto, so much emotion, it was really overwhelming. It was the best American Idol Finale in all the seasons I've watched.


So people, let me present to you, I Believe by Fantasia Barrino:

First song



Finale



Lyrics:

Have you ever reached a rainbow's end
And did you find your pot of gold
Ever catch a shooting star
And tell me how high did you soar

Ever felt like you were dreaming
Just to find that you're awake
And the magic that surrounds you
Can lift you up and guide you on your way

[Chorus:]I can see it in the stars across the sky
Dreamt a hundred thousand dreams before
Now I finally realize
You see I've waited all my life for this moment to arrive
And finally, I believe

When you look out in the distance
You see it never was that far
Ohhh No
Heaven knows your existance
And leads you to be everything you are
OhhhThere's a time for every soul to flyIt's in the eyes of every child
It's the hope, the love that saves the world

And, ohhh, we should never let it go

[Chorus]
I believe in the impossible
If I reach deep within my heart
Overcome any obstacle
Won't let this dream fall apart
See I strive to be the very best
Shine my light for all to see
Cause anything is possible
When you believe yeah
[Chorus]

Ohh Yeah
Love keeps liftin me higher
Liftin me higher
Love keeps liftin me higher
I said love keeps liften
Love keeps liften me
I said Love keeps liften
Love keeps liften me higher
Said love keeps liften me higher
I said love keeps liften me high


It will and always be the best song I've ever heard. It's the song that has such an impact on my life.

Willpower..

I realise that it's your willpower that brings you to where you are.

Parents, friends and relatives can only guide and direct you to the right path. But your brain control your nerves, and whether you heed their advice is another matter.

Whether you're willing to study hard or work hard.
Whether you're willing to fight for something.
Whether you're willing to pursue your dreams.

It's your WILL, and you have a choice.


It sometimes pisses me off when people blame their relatives and friends for the stigma they suffered, and they only have themselves to blame.

Working hard..

One more week left to go, before my 2 months worth of holidays are coming. I know I seldom update as much as I could.

I've been working very hard (or so I thought) for many weeks already. I really don't care about competition between my classmates. I'm not an outstanding design student. I'm not even average, I'm pretty much mediocre.

Despite that, I only have one aim which is to salvage my GPA.

Speaking of competitions, another assignment associated with a client has been called off. I'm only left with KK Alpine Blossoms logo design competition. No harbouring any thoughts of winning this thing, just doing my best for the sake of it.

School work aside, I had a hearty chat with my beloved teacher and friend, Mrs Yap a few days ago. It was her birthday last Friday. I haven't seen her for months, and we had so much things to catch up.

Apart from meeting her, I also met a bunch of goody friends which I haven't seen for weeks, or months.

*I suddenly got a lot of things to write, but I'll skip this part.*

I always feel relaxed and happy whenever I'm with my cliques.

So yeah, some pictures courtesy of Ying:

Shi Li being the Snow White while Ying is the Cowboy!

Boon, that hook was tantamount to a knife!

I've never looked so bad with pink hat.

On the line..

My dedication to my assignments have strained my financial means, and put my health in jeopardy.

I'm really very tired, and in desperation of a breather.

I'm so sorry..

Yesterday night, I was on my way heading to Sunshine Plaza to print and was rushing for time. It was raining cats and dogs, and I was feeling rather pissed at my ownself and some matters.

Suddenly, this Korean tourist approached me and asked me how to go to a certain hotel. She couldn't speak English and was speaking to me in Korean hastily. I could tell from her voice that she was lost, and that I had a feeling she wanted me to accompany her and show her the way.

The only thing I did was pin-point the direction vaguely, and she was left to find the place herself.

I know she won't read this, but this is what I really want to tell her:

I'm sorry. I felt really guilty about the whole thing, and the reason why I did not accompany you is because I had the dilemma to choose between printing my stuff or helping you.

If I were to help you, it will be impossible for me to rush back in time to print because the shops will be closed.

I'm really sorry and could only give you rather ambiguous directions, and I hope that you managed to find the hotel you're living in..


I could also remember that a few months ago, I was at the train station heading for work when this old man approached me on how to go to a certain train station. Coincidentally, the train came in time, and although I did tell him the directions in a haste, he still seemed blur.

I immediately rushed off to the train.

As I look back at the uncle before the door closed, I saw him asking another person for directions again, while the door closed on me.


Although it happened a few months ago, I just wanna say:

It's really my fault and I'm sorry. I was at the sales floor all moody and felt really guilty for the whole day, and I was wondering whether you managed to reach your destined place..

I'm really sorry..


I still feel terrible and guilty whenever I think of these two happenings, and I just can't help but blame myself..

I'm sorry. Really sorry.

Really tied down by work..

I was so busy for the past few weeks, and couldn't really update much because of the welfare home preparations and lots of projects. There were so much to do for a 6-hour programme.

I've been sleeping at over 1am almost every single day, and I fell asleep for around 30 minutes in one lecture's class. And trust me, I've never felt so tired before.

Polytechnic life is stressful, and the only time I can find solace is when I'm out with friends. So I managed to catch up with some friends last week, even though it was rather impromptu..

I've never felt so relaxed for weeks, and tried to put off any projects out of my mind..

I'm working very hard, and really pushing myself.

And yes, I don't mind being the dark horse of the competition.

Doing voluntary work at the Muhammadiyah Welfare Home..

Been rather busy with a lot of things lately, including voluntary work at the Muhammadiyah Welfare Home..

It is a welfare home where needy kids are put into care, as well as delinquents who are declared Beyond Parental Control, and those who commit petty crimes.

Hopefully, these delinquents will change for the better, and be a better, wiser person in life and be useful to the society.

So here goes some of the pictures of the programmes we've planned:

Skit for Social Etiquettes.

Another skit..

To teach the children how to use powerpoint..

So that's all for the welfare home trip, one reason I don't want to blog much and put a lot of pictures is because the kids there cannot be photographed to protect their identities..

I'll never donate to charity TV shows again.

Singaporeans know about the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) saga, in which they rake in millions of dollars donated by Singaporeans in their TV shows and embezzled the funds, revealing a number of things such as alleged mismanagement, breach of duty and alot more stuff.

Personally, I was rather perturbed by what was happening, and I was disappointed with NKF, because I respected it a lot, only to learnt that the money donated wasn't really going to the kidney patients.

The idiom, "Once bitten, Twice Shy" was applied to me in this context, and I was rather wary of those charities.

After the NKF saga, Ren Ci hospital continued to carry on its charity shows, and the response was good.

Venerable Ming Yi, who was the face of Ren Ci was often seen as someone filled with kindness, and his altruistic behaviour.

Image courtesy of Mediacorptv.com


NOT ANYMORE.


He is charged with alleged forgery, conspiracy and misuse of funds.


This morning, he was slapped with 10 charges and currently he is out on a $200,000 bail.

It is said that there were questionable loans amounting to several million dollars from the hospital, and that some of it were given to companies with links to Venerable Shi Yi.


I was rather shocked when I saw this news, and what really convinced me is that I'll never donate to charity tv shows ever again, but only to smaller charities such as Community Chest or those that I see on Flag day.

I can't believe that the monk would ever be linked to such charges, because every time he performed to get people to donate, he seemed to be really genuine and benevolent. And people really believed in him.

Thanks for betraying the trust people had in you, Venerable.

We heard of the idiom ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY.

Is there any idiom that is "TWICE BITTEN, THRICE ?????"

Feeling the heat!

I've got so many projects that's yet to be researched, explored and executed. Plus more commitments and leadership roles, I'm feeling extremely stressful and depressed.

I really don't know which one to start first..

If there's only 48 hours a day, and not 24 hours..

I just feel like finishing and wrap things up instead of focusing on the quality of the work.

Can you empathise with these people?

I was watching the Tyra Banks show, and in it she talked this incident which happened a few months back.

I'll try to recap everything that I can remember.

There was this guy who promoted his party, and there was only 1 condition. Only light-skinned black people were allowed in the party free, but dark-skinned black people have to pay to go to this party in Detroit.

It sparked national outcry in the United States.

You know what's the ludicrous thing and the irony of the whole thing?

THE GUY WHO PROMOTED THE PARTY IS A BLACK.

Certainly, it was racism at its utmost stupidity.

Bringing back into the topic, why is it that up till this century, this era, this time, and up till this very day that racism is still happening?

Why do humans judge their own kind based on their skin colours? Is it wrong to be of a certain colour?

MOST IMPORTANTLY, CAN WE EVEN CHOOSE WHAT SKIN COLOURS WE ARE BORN WITH?

During the time when South Africa was under Apartheid, the black people were severely restricted. Take a look at this image taken in 1989:

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

"THIS BATHING AREA IS RESERVED FOR THE SOLE USE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE WHITE RACE GROUP."

Think about it, if you were someone other than the white race group, how would you feel? Everything that is so racially divided, that yet even the beach can only allow certain race to go to?

Take a look at this paper bag:

Picture coutesy of Okami.biz

It looks like any other ordinary paper bag right?

But did you know that the blacks were very offended by this years ago?

Whenever they see this paper bag in parties, and other events, it means that they cannot enter.

What does the paper bag means?

ONLY PEOPLE OF THE SAME COLOUR AS THE PAPER BAG OR LIGHTER ARE ALLOWED TO GO IN. ANY SKIN COLOUR DARKER THAN THE PAPER BAG ARE REFUSED ENTRY.

I think I'm probably refused entry if it happens to me.

Yes, some of you might think it's so ludicrous, ridiculous, and dumb. But these are what happened to these people.

Before you say any racial slur to anyone next time, think about the examples on the above.

Put yourselves in other peoples' shoes. Hopefully, this post will let everyone know how important EMPATHY is, and we should all learn from it.

Let's remind ourselves to treasure each and every one around us.

Recently, there have been reported news about guys dying while serving National Service in Singapore.

I heard from my friend that one of the guys died suddenly while in training.

Personally, I think that the of the saddest things about life is that one will never know when he dies, it will be a huge and heavy blow towards his family, his friends and his girlfriend.

Charlene, who lost her boyfriend in National Service was left to fight tears and pick up shattered pieces of life herself.

She has her own blog, which I found it from my friends:

www.memyselfmine.blogspot.com


I've read her entries about her boyfriend and herself, and I have to say I'm really touched and I really feel for her.

She's a stranger, but I hope if you're reading this, please go read her blog and comment in her tagboard to give her support.


I sincerely hope that she will be able to move on after going through this ordeal.


Last but not least, treasure each and every one around you. Give them a hug, give them a smile or even a peck on the cheek. It'll do wonders.

Mad World Cover..

Remember the Mad World youtube video which I did a few weeks back? I had the intention to use the song as my CD cover, but development and consultation changed the idea into something that is totally different.




Before I continue further, I would like to thank people who has given me constructive and positive comments on my cover of Mad World, and also for supporting me when those ludicrous yet negative comments arise. It really boosted my confidence and will do more covers of songs in the future.




I've newly recorded one more time, and here it is:



Mad World James Ho - James Ho



Thanks to Yingying as well for featuring my song in her blog, and I'm so honoured!



I've also put a download link below for anyone who wants to download my cover:



http://www.sendspace.com/file/063n0q




So anyway as I was saying about the CD cover thing, I'll painted my elbows with red paint, with the name Mad World on it. I thought some of the images turned out rather well, and to share with you some of my photographs, and it's another side of me.














It was a different image of myself eh? I'm pretty pleased with the overall results of the photographs. Just in case you're wondering, the background colour is my wall.


On a total different note, I would like to wish Bon Voyage to Ms Tan who's going to Germany, and Jason T, who's going to Vienna, Austria for his competition. All the best yeah!

Stale and boring routine.

I know, updates have been slow and content is really stale. Let's talk about recent stuff.

I've been going straight home every single day, mainly to finish my projects. I really hate this routine, and friends said I've got no life. I admit it, because I've got no extra money to go out with friends.

All my money has been spent on projects, mainly on new sketchbooks and printing.

Sorry for rejecting you all for the invitation for birthday celebrations and outings. But I don't really like to go out without any money..

Sigh...

We're getting close to finding Earth's twin.

I've always believed in extra-terrestrial life. I mean, the universe is ever so big and expanding, surely it is arrogant to believe that we're the only lifeform in this whole universe right?





Absolutely, and now we're a big step closer to finding alien-life.





Planet hunters say it is a matter of time before we find a similar-like Earth in planets beyond the galaxy.



According to MSN.com, astronomers announced that they had discovered three super-Earth in a single star last week.

Above is an artist's impression of Super-Earth planets. (Picture courtesy of MSN.com)

That is absolute good news because if there are similar Earth-planets, it means that it has the potential to support and sustain life isn't it?








"I suspect there are Earth-like planets with lakes and rivers and waterfalls and deep glacial gorges and that are spectacularly beautiful," one of the team members Marcy said.








Because water is an essential substance for the survival of all life-forms, any planets with water might have life forming underneath, but we'll still not sure.








Regardless, let's just hope that we can find our Earth's twin as soon as possible, and it could be a big breakthrough!

For more information, please check out:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25350155/?GT1=43001

Little gifts, big appreciation.

Been rather busy recently, and I've been facing my laptop screen so often. Macbook's "wide-screen" is only 13.3 inches and it really strains my eyes after some time. Thankfully, YingYing gave me some of her cookies which she baked, and it managed to cheer me up for quite sometime.

I thought it tasted pretty good, but there's still ample room for improvement.

Totally well-thought, and the cookie inside had chocolate-fillings. Good!

Thanks alot YingYing, you've been very nice! Who knows you can sell cookies with Khai Theng and be an interior designer at the same time!

And while I was taking things out from my bag, I saw this pouch which has been with me all this while for this semester.

It was a gift from Angie, and whenever I look at it, I suddenly have the drive to continue my work without procrastination.

I haven't seen her for more than a month, hope she's doing well!

Nice and traditional pouch. I like the tiny old man.

Thanks Angie, hope everything's well for you. Let's meet up sometime okay?!

And..

I really miss Mrs Yap, and I think I haven't seen her for months! This little keychain has been with me for more than a year, and whenever I see this keychain..

It reminds me of her. Mrs Yap is a both a friend and a teacher, and this is what I respect her most. So down-to-earth! Mrs Yap, hopefully I can meet you soon!

There are other gifts which my friends gave but although they're not posted here, they're really appreciated. Thanks people, everytime I look at the gifts you people prepared for me, I just think of the wonderful times we had.

Thanks a lot!

Too gullible.

Perhaps what Mir-ene said was right, I'm too gullible and innocuous to see the real side of some people.

Maybe as time passes by, my exposure, experience and insight will widen and broaden to see who some people really are.

On a random note, I really miss Yvonne and gang.

I resembles Masi Oka?

Just in case some people doesn't know who's Masi Oka, he's the man who plays Hiro Nakamura in the popular series Heroes, who is able to freeze and bend time, and teleport himself to anywhere he wants to go.

Masi Oka.

And a recent photo of me to compare..

Someone tell me, which part of his facial features do I resemble his? I can only thought of the size of our heads.

On the side of the other note, I think I still prefer his superpowers of bending time etc. I can go anywhere I want without paying for air plane tickets!

Angry!

Finally, my work at Isetan Parkway Parade has finally came to an end, and although it was only a week, I managed to see the ugly side of some people, which pisses me off.

Still, I must say I met more nice people this time, whom are from the Men's Wear department, and they've helped me so much, I don't know how to thank them.

On the other note, I've got more exposure this time and the experience was rather invaluable.

I always reckon myself to be an easy-going person, and this supervisor kept stepping on my tail and I was really pissed.

Our conversation went on with something like this:

Supervisor: Wah, you're so big-sized and you still need help with the wagon?
Me: Excuse me? (with that kind of look)

She replied with a stuttering response, obviously surprised by my audacity to talk to a rank like her. There was already once or twice when she said my response was slow, etc. And I'm required to tell her everytime I go for toilet break or my hour-long break.

I'm already fed-up with her saying my response was slow. I mean, I haven been working in the sales line for already 6 months and my mind somehow gets rusty, of course I need to start slowly right?

I somehow has this thinking that unless you're my boss paying me money, I don't need to listen to your unnecessary and illogical comments.

Now I'm feeling really irate. The thought that I've got less than 5 days to finish up my 4 projects pisses me off.

It's a Mad World..

Mad World is a song by Gary Jules which a friend of mine introduced, and I really liked it. It also reflects on what I'm currently feeling now, so I think I can relate to the song.


I had recorded a video of myself singing Mad World, and it was posted a few weeks ago. It was meant to be a secret with no intention to let any of my friends know, but some people found out, so I thought I post it here.

Don't laugh as I sing, because I look rather funny in the video. So there you go..


Mad World


Lyrics:

Mad World Lyrics:All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races

Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glassesNo expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kinda funnyI find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever hadI find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to takeWhen people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
Made to feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me

Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me
And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell youI find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world ... world
Enlarge your world
Mad world

Tired..

I've been reaching home very late everyday as I'm working at Isetan Parkway Parade.

My working hours are long, and fatigue really caught up with me after these days. Plus I wasn't really happy because I've got projects needed to hand in and I've got like only 1 week to do them.

Plus I really need to take a break but the projects are weighing heavily in my mind.

Sigh, I wouldn't have work if I have enough pocket money..

Self-reflecting thoughts..

Approximately 2 months of polytechnic life have passed, and I must say that it is a very hectic one.

I was on track with all my projects within the first few weeks, and I was working very hard, thinking of how to improve my work. The turning point came when Yellow Pages Singapore pulled off from the competition, and that left a huge blow in my confidence and my attitude.

I did put hard work for only some of my projects, and neglected some important ones as well.

But my typography lecturer Ms Tan showed some gestures and I was really touched by her words. Plus when she and my studio project lecturer Ms Ong treated the whole class Macdonald's breakfast because we did well, I felt a sense of regret and guilt.

It's because I feel I didn't really deserve the treat on second thoughts, as I didn't put in much effort compared to my classmates.

I suddenly have the urge to work hard and do my best because at that point of time, because it seems that every lecturer are so nice and down-to-earth.

Wait, I suddenly have a loss for words. I don't know how to explain.

Still, I would still like to thank them..

We managed to took some pictures, and since we've never dine together as a class, so I'll treasure this photo. It's a pity that Tyron couldn't join us though.

Hopefully we will stay united.

It's the state of bliss you think you're dreaming, it's the happiness inside that you're feeling.

What the..

I seriously can't believe I dreamt of her.



Am I really in love with her?

Pictures with polytechnic friends..

Updates have been scarce, because I've been rather busy with schoolwork, and also did a recording.

So for now, I shall update some random photos of my beloved polytechnic friends over the past weeks, with credits to Mir-ene and Shirley.

Look at Jacintha! I love that expression!

Wei Qi loves to pose in this manner.

Clockwise: Shirley, Fazal, Jacintha, James, Tyron and Wei Qi.

Mir-ene and I! We call each other thin and bean sprout!

Was doing a design project and mine was called Porn Train. So the social issue here was pornography addiction..

Ultra-man in the making?

The image below is my design artpiece and it's NC-16. I was in a wacky mood so I decided to do something tongue-in-cheek by trying to lick the paper!

Paper didn't taste so good till now.

Ok, it marks the end of this entry, and I'm going to update soon!

Thank you..

You know, it really brightens up my day when people tell me they like my blog, my writing and how I express myself and my views about certain topics.

I feel appreciated. Thanks.


Meanwhile, before the clock strikes twelve, I would like to wish Guan Jie happy birthday!

You wouldn't want to encounter this fish.

This fish is called the Vampire fish (Candiru), and it is found in Brazil. Interestingly, it is only discovered only in the Year 2005. It is so small and transparent that it is nearly impossible to see it. So what's the danger of it, you ask?

People, this fish is perverted. If a naked swimmer swims in the Amazon or Oranoco river, the Vampire fish will...

SWIM INTO YOUR VAGINA, RECTUM (BUTT HOLE) AND EVEN PENIS.

And it will cause shock and death to the victim.

The only way to remove it is surgery.

Why is it so attracted to humans' private parts? The main reason is that the Vampire fish is addicted to human urine.

It is able to track a swimmer by the water flow, and when a bather/swimmer urinates in the river, it will then attack the person.

It is indeed one of the world's strangest animals!