St James Powerhouse - Dragonfly

On Saturday evening, we visited Dragonfly for a drinking and dancing session. As usual, it was with Hanwen and Clara and obviously pregnant Monica and Lance weren't there.Afterall it wasn't a healthy activity.Loud music and alcohol just don't appeal to the two of them.

We were at Dragonfly for a mission - to finish the Hennesy bottle which I opened two months back but it seemed more to that single bottle as at the end of the night we had three bottles for just the four of us. Now you can guess who got intoxicated. Surely not me. :)

It was a fun filled night and we all agreed we should do this sort of outing once in awhile. It helped loosen some muscles and reduced stress. What's best was we made new friends and it was a rather heart warming encounter.Perhaps this is what people call fate.

We got to know two couples, Tan Bian and Jackson together with their wives. I guess they are in their late thirties. Didn't ask much as I didn't want to intrude into their personal details and looking like a busybody.

What's really cool was that Jackson's wife was expecting and the baby's to be due within two weeks. Interesting isn't it how a pregnant lady takes time to even enjoy an outing to a dance club with loud music.

Anyway, we got along well and have gotten each other's contact and I believe that night surely wouldn't be the last time I'll see them.Afterall, there was some sort of affection I felt for them or maybe, am just a person who treasures friendship and love making friends.

What's best was that they told me we reminded them of their younger days and that's likely what sparked it all.They were once like us - party animals. And now, they are proud parents.Ten years down the road, we'll likely experience the same thing as we see the next generation party and hopefully, people then would be as friendly.

warm regards,
Mark Chong

Singapore River's Boat Quay ...

Seated along the Singapore River,just beneath the towering buildings of Republic Plaza, I find myself surrounded by many local landmarks. Fullerton, Parliament, Asian Civilization Musuem, Supreme Court, Raffles City and many other buildings.

The Singapore River, a popular strip mainly used by early merchants to transport goods in and out of Singapore has changed tremendously over the years.What used to be the veins of the town that carried food has now become a river where tourists enjoy their sight seeing. Seated in sampans, these money spending tourists pay a decent amount to catch a glimpse of the city lights that line the shores as they ride across the tideless river.

You must wonder why am seated here alone. Looking around me, everyone else has got company except me. Well, its just a night that went wrong. I shouldn't be here alone at least. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't stood up nor did I make any plans to meet. Correction. I tried making plans to meet my best friend but once again, he turned cold. Menopause syndromes? :)

Am not complaining much here because am just enjoying the scenery made available. I never would have enjoyed the view here any other day because I would just take the sight for granted. Tonight, it looked different. Cause I am alone.

Its not always a bad thing to be alone sometimes because you take time to reflect about life,family, friends, work and importantly the future. I read some phrase that went ' Yesterday's a memory, today's a present whilst tomorrow is a mystery'. Its true. Today is indeed God's gift to us, thus its called the present and we should enjoy it as much as we can.

Am so tempted to walk to the pubs along Boat Quay to drown my thirst now but due to having taken some cold pills, I don't wish to manage an upset body system with alcohol.

Sometimes I think about life and count the things that I have and don't have. Practically I have everything except kids and my own house but that's only a matter of time. What am measuring is my quality of life that surrounds me. Do I have the best of friends? I don't know how to put it. To be blunt, do I have that many friends.

Seriously, I keep in touch with only a handfull of them and I think that's more than enough to last a life time. Along life's journey, am sure I would pick more friendships but am really contented with what am given now. Sometimes too many friends would mean lots of entertaining. Agree?

Once again, knowing that I cannot withstand being alone for so long, my menopause friend just called. Symptoms cleared I think. Haha. Can't blame him, work and study never mix well. They don't balance especially when exam is a few days away but heck, I can't finish this blog because he has called and asked me to walk over.

So long... And thank you for the company Singapore River.

Influenza hits Singapore ...

For the past week I have been fighting off a bug that hit my body system really hard and what's worst is that my anti-bodies are still engaged a war to ward off the evil invaders.

Phew. Sounds like some scene from some war movie starring virus and bugs. Can't imagine them going out in battalions with arms in hand, shooting at enemies and throwing hand grenades.

Just recently, I realised my immune system has weakened perhaps due to a polluted environment and a lack of exercise and alcohol. Yes, its been quite sometime since I kicked a soccer ball and I guess its time to hit back to the gym and soccer court too. Oh, and to the pubs for happy hour too.

Besides being able to keep my immunity alive by exercising, I am able to trim those fats and look slim on my wedding day. Count me out on steel abs or a six-pack as I don't think Sandy will want me to look like Rain (or Bi),the Korean star and not my pet Jack Russell who shares the same name before the Korean star became famous. To differentiate them, mine is a bitch and she's cute.

Its good news that as the wedding approaches, Sandy religiously visits the gym and cut downs on her intake of food but at the same time, its something that worries me a little cause we never know what's going to happen right after the wedding. Will she put on so much weight that I will have a hard time sweeping her off her feet? Or in a very bad scenario, I have problems recognising her. ; (

Looks like I had better add more load to my weights' training when I visit the gym. Another 5 pounds of heavy metal on each arm should do the job, anything more will cause me a permanent back injury. That I am very sure but before that happens, I better stay good and rest my body so that the flu bug will disappear soonest. The breathing isn't smooth and its causing me to be really frustrated with the darn nose.

A new toy ...

It has been a really long time since I bought something for myself and this time, it came with quite a big price tag.

I got myself a piano keyboard just recently and guess what? Its no ordinary keyboard found in the toys section of a departmental store nor is it even found in a music school. This set I bought is good stuff and its used mostly in recording studio.

People know I buy things on impulse but this time, it took me lots of research and shopping around before I decided that M-Audio is the brand I am after. Afterall, its been endorsed by big name musicians and best of all, I bought it from a musician who's been there, done that.

I was always fond of the piano and its weird how I fell in love with it but I sure remember how I was forced to learn the instrument that could never be carried around. Maybe forced is too negative a word. Maybe because I was still young then and never liked attending classes. What to do? My peers were enjoying their Saturdays while I had to go class. Not fair huh?

Seriously, when I look back now, I regretted stopping classical piano cause only in the later years did I find out that classical piano leads me to all other playing styles but never mind, I aren't looking back cause I have my new toy to play with now.

I always had a wish to own a home studio. A room dedicated to sound machines with the objective of entertainment for me and my family. I'll like to have that room insulated with sound proofing and what's best, I can make my own music there and then. That's the capability of M-Audio.

Anyway, I managed to burn my first music single on cd. Its not polished yet but at least the project I have been waiting for so many years has finally taken a small little step. I always wanted to do this since the age of 16 and I thought as I grew older, I'll just drift away. Well, I nearly did but thankfully I have lots of support from Sandy and some other close mates.Not forgetting Dick Lee too.

I don't know if someday I'll ever have the opportunity to see my works enjoyed by others but who cares, its more of a leisure thing for me now and let's see how long this toy can entertain me. : )

For now, I would like to present you the song but am not able to share it online here cause I haven't found any filehosting servers yet. If you do know of any reliable and private ones, please let me know and I can upload it for your comments. However, please note that I am no professional and that I am only a beginner in this thus there will be lots to learn along the way but your frank comments will be appreciated.

That's all for now as I turn off the lights to embark on a journey of sweet dreams.

X-Japan returns ...

Just last night, I read about the return of my favourite band,X-Japan, which broke up in 1997.Following which, the death of guitarist, Hide, in 1998 made it even more impossible to have the band back in action.

Only after 10 years after the death of Hide, Yoshiki and Toshi, the leading members of the well known J-rock group decided a return to the Japanese music scene. Its great news to know they will be back on stage this month for a two-day concert which I believe many fans will be looking forward to it.

Its a pity my honeymoon didn't coincide with the schedule of their concert if not, I will be the happiest man as I have always dreamt of watching the group live on stage.This is also the reason why I decided on Japan to be the place to go for our honeymoon -shopping for X-Japan merchandise. :p

Seriously I have heaps of these merchandise and I cannot wait to have them displayed once Sandy and I get our own place, hopefully in the later part of the year.

Anyway, to have X-Japan on stage again allows me to have something to look for at HMV as nowadays, nothing interests me there. A pity isn't it?

And yes, I found the music workstation I want to buy so badly and hopefully by buying that, I can continue the journey of song writing as well as skipping the need to rent a piano for my wedding day.For family and friends attending the party, please don't expect an Elton John performance that afternoon.

12 weeks to go ...

Time is ticking and the day is coming closer yet quite a bit of things has not been arranged. What am I talking about? My wedding of course. Oops. OUR wedding it should be.

Despite attempting to keep the wedding as simple as possible, I still find that there are still lots to do.Our priority for that day is to be able to spend as much time and taking every opportunity to chat with our guests. That's what we really hope to fulfill that day.

So what are the things which are still pending? Photo montages, my clothes as well as the brothers' clothes, purchasing of wine, the customary 'equipments' and most importantly the invitation cards which will act as an entry pass into the southern island of Sentosa.

Many relatives and friends alike come up to me and ask the rationale behind the venue. Seriously, its just 'love at first sight'. We visited the Amara Sanctuary and we both liked the place. Yes, we understand its a little far but rest assured that its still accessible by road.

As we know Sentosa is associated with the sun and heat, we hope our guests can turn up in their casual wear. Denim wear is fine especially jeans. For those who seek more vanity, bikinis and swim shorts are welcome too. Just wear whatever you feel comfortable but don't you outdress me - the groom, as I will try to be as casual as possible so don't be surprised if I appeared in my bermudas. :)

So with 12 weeks to go, have you thought about the games we can play that afternoon? As we want it to be a fun gathering of family, relatives and friends, all possible laugh effective games are welcome for the day but only one request by the bride and groom - no drinking for the wedding couple that day as it will be considered a sacred week for them. :)

IT Show Singapore 2008

This morning,Sandy and I took some time to visit the IT show. Seriously, Sandy and I hardly take time to walk at such conventions, reason being its way too crowded and we have no business there cause both of us aren't IT geeks.

I kind of felt that the name given to this event-IT show was wrongly used or perhaps, my perception of an IT show didn't really matched what I saw at the Suntec convention hall. It was more of an IT sale where hardware and softwares alike were slashed to crazy prices.

I was kind of expecting more booths that unveiled new ideas, new designs and new technology thus Sandy and I were disappointed. It felt like we were walking at local IT mall Sim Lim Square. No difference at all.

We surely would have been better off if we stayed longer having our buffet breakfast at the hotel. What to do? We also thought by going early to the show would have given us more free space to walk around but we were wrong but nevertheless, we enjoyed each other's company.

By the pool ...

Am seated by the pool side of Fairmont hotel, enjoying the sun and
breeze as well as the whistles of the trees surrounding me.To clarify,
am still in Singapore, right in the city.

Sandy, Beatrice and I will stay here for a night. Nothing spectacular
but all just for a relaxing weekend. I am someone who enjoys the
swimming pool and of course, the sun too. Am sure you can tell that
from my fading tan color which am trying hard to restore.

Many times I'll just lie by the side and fall asleep with the soothing
sound of overflowing water of the swim pool. And yes, I often leave
out the all important sun block which can shun me from bad, wrinkled
skin but seriously, I dislike the smell and feel of it. Yucks.

Now, let's talk about the little ritual or process before one plunges
into the pool. First, you will be expected to shower yourself clean
before you jump in. I don't think anyone would like foreign particles
in the pool especially dead cells from those stinking foot. Haha.

Anyway, I always find myself having difficulty in entering a pool of
cold water. It freezes me. It'll take some time before the body gets
used to the temperature and the sad thing is once it has accustomed to
the temperature, its time to leave and that's another hell of a
process. Imagine the blowing wind on the surface of your skin while
your body is still wet. Phew. Cold.

Right, I guess instead of crapping so much on this, I should perhaps
just lie back, relax and enjoy the serenity within.:)

--

http://hidekram.blogspot.com/

A Great Escape ...

For the past week, photos of Mas Selamat were splashed across the nation. At bus stops, shopping malls and even  through phones by MMS. Every effort was attempted to nab the terrorist who escaped security at a detention centre that was centrally located.

Many questions arise from this embarrassing episode.Just how did the region's most wanted terrorist get out of jail. Could it really be a one man act or did someone plan an 'inside' job that led to an apology from our Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng.

As a Singaporean, I never doubted the capability of our security force. Afterall, I live in a city of safe surroundings and never at any point did I feel that my security was compromised. I even told my overseas friends that our elite police force will likely catch the escapist within three days but I was wrong.

Its been a week since the massive manhunt of 2000 police officers combing the perimeter took place. Canine police and the army were also roped in to nail the wanted man but still, everything still seems a mystery.

I was joking to a friend that Mas could have flushed himself out of the detention centre by using the toilet bowl. Hilarious idea and I wonder if the police indeed searched our extended networks of sewage system. He could well be hiding in a pool of faecies but for how long can he last.

Security experts still insist that he has not left Singapore and will definitely get pinned especially after so many days without money or food. Again, this is only a speculation. He might be hiding somewhere comfortable and even landed himself in a neighboring country with plans to seek destruction.

 

Singaporeans surely feel embarrassed now as we know this surely did dent our pride especially when we are a nation that always strive for the best in whatever we do. I am sure we are now very popular for all the wrong reasons but looking on the bright side, its free advertisement without much effort from the Singapore Tourism Board. Let's just imagine the headlines on all the newspapers in the world - A Toilet Break in Singapore Led to the Escape of Asia's Most Dangerous Terrorist.

--
http://hidekram.blogspot.com/

Pick those coins ...

There was one evening while waiting for Sandy, I took a walk at Borders trying to find a book to read and purchase but instead, something round and shiny caught my eye.

Lying on the floor with shimmering light reflecting from it, I realised it was a 5-cent coin. Many people walked passed and caught a glimpse of the fallen hero but noone wanted to adopt it.

The reason was clear. It was 5-cents and not a dollar. Can you remember the last time you picked up a coin on the street? Were you smiling and showing it off to your friends or parents as if it were a prized trophy you had just won. The innocence coupled with ignorance provided a sense of joy. Well, at least for me.

Like I said, that happened only when I was younger.
So why the change? I guess it lies pretty much on the value. What was valuable then seems so much different now. What 5-cents could bring us previously isn't going to lead us to any thing now. That's what inflation is about.

Perhaps for the next many generations from now, a 2-dollar note would also follow the fate of the 5-cent coin which I didn't pick up the other day. Its sad isn't it but maybe, that's what we call progress.