After a three-day wake at the void deck of his flat, we bade our final farewells on Thursday, 03 August 2006, and sent Cousin Hua off in accordance to tradition...

郑思华

Tan Siew Hua

(1957 - 2006)

(Photos Of The Wake Inside...)

[break=More Photos Of The Final Rituals Inside...]

[/break]

It's always sad to witness the passing of a relative or family member, and even more so knowing how hard it would be for the remaining family to cope and come to terms...

Life certainly has to go on, but we'll always have Cousin Hua in our thoughts...

comments

Thank you, folks, for all your condolences and well wishes...

After sending Cousin Hua off to the next dimension, so to speak, it was perfect timing when my dear friend and mentor, Babes Conde, invited me to watch her current musical show...

Children's Letters To God

If you have been asking God all sorts of questions, on Life, on Love, and everything else, here's the musical for you...

With an angelic cast of only five multi-racial and multi-talented youngsters, as in really young performers, a creatively simple and colourful set at the DBS Arts Centre, lots of wistful and beautiful songs with plenty of heart, accompanied by Babes and an accomplished band, this is a musical I would readily recommend to EVERYONE!

This Asia Major production is based on the best selling book of the same title, which compiled many letters to God written by little children. All poignant, all cute, all thought-provoking. This musical has already enjoyed successful runs in several other countries before arriving in Singapore...

Those interested to watch this show, do yourself a little favour and get tickets now. I can guarantee you a wonderful time. But do act fast, as it ends on the 6th August 2006, which is TODAY! These last two shows will be at 2.30pm and 8pm...

Ticketing info can be obtained at the following website:

http://www.ticketcharge.com.sg/eventsinfo.asp?idx=11

While you might not get all the answers to your questions after watching this show, you might realise that sometimes the answers are already WITHIN those questions, or WITHIN YOURSELF...

comments

It's really been a crazy period for me, especially in my work...

Besides the time I spent at my cousin's funeral wake over most of the past week, I also found myself completing the final scenes of the documentary film I've been shooting recently, and already started filming the first two scenes of a new TV commercial today...

Yes, you're not seeing things! I've been very fortunate to be selected to appear in this new TVC. Also with me are old stage pal Jacqueline Chow, London-born Mannequin model Tui, some great Danes and really gigantic Singapore Slingers basketballers from Australia, as well as some longtime collaborators behind the scenes...

Can't say much at this point, will just keep my fingers crossed that all goes well for the rest of this shoot, and that you'll see this cute new ad on TV soon!

4 angel(s) visited

The second day of filming went by smoothly, and I enjoyed it very much thanks to the most understanding and friendly directors and producers, the most efficient and helpful crew and the wonderful cast!

Here are some of the random photos I took during spare moments in between takes and while enjoying dinner at the 7th Storey Hotel Steamboat Restaurant...

Can't wait for next week's Day 3 of shooting this ad already, for it surely has to be the best part, you'll soon see why!

10 angel(s) visited

I've spent most of yesterday night and this morning finishing up the poster design for Babes Conde's upcoming concert with her friends...

Here it is...

Hope you like it, and will go enjoy a wonderful evening of retro and Filipino-style songs and music by these talented singers... 

And do bring along your Filipina domestic help for the special matinee! :D

comments

Yesterday was the middle of the first of two 7th Months in this year's Lunar Calendar. Traditionally, Buddhists or Taoists would gather at temples to visit their deceased loved ones or pay respects to their ancestors...

Before heading over to Bright Hill Temple to visit my late parents and relatives, I had a costume fitting for the final part of the TVC, and also met up with Ryan at the jeans store he's working, at Club Street...

Ryan had some yummy Peach Tarts that he and his mum had made, and also bought some Bandung Soya Bubble Tea drinks. It was a sweet brunch, and since I went vegetarian for the day, it was also very appropriate...

After that, I made my way to Bright Hill Temple, or Phor Kark See Monastery. My sister had already left by the time I arrived, so I went about the prayers alone...

And took some pics (as usual)...

My Parents' and Grandparents' Temporary Altar

(More Pics Within...)

Once home, it was back to work on the concert poster design...

Finally, it's done! And now it's National Day!!!

Gotta rush to the pick-up point and get ready to perform in the actual show! You might catch me and the tap dancers in the finale item on TV, at around 7.50pm!!!

Cannot wait!!!

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY, FOLKS!!!

comments

Behind The Scenes at the

National Day Parade 2006

comments

In a few hours' time, another one of my dreams will be fulfilled...

I will be flying off to Chennai, India for a film shoot!!!

Nope, there will be no Bollywood dancing around scenic landscapes, nor will I be free-ing any birds...

Maybe next time...

Will reveal more soon enough!

I'll be back soon enough (this Saturday night), so don't call me till then unless it's damn urgent! :D

Meanwhile, have a great week ahead folks!

HUGS!!!

comments

I am back in Singapore!!!

It's been a really interesting eye-opening experience travelling to and working in Chennai, South India, for the past three days...

Through it all, there was a wonderful and supportive creative and production team, crew and many many (did I mention many?) friendly locals making everything go as planned, and as comfortable as could be possible under the circumstances...

And on my part, I made sure I did my best, and hope it all turns out well...

Can't wait to see the end results on TV and big screens soon!

Meantime, I'll be busy processing the almost 1000 photos I've snapped with my digital camera, and post the best and most memorable shots of Chennai here for all to see!

comments

It took roughly four and a half hours to travel by air, from Singapore to Chennai, the capital city formerly called Madras, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India...

S$1 = INR 28.56 = USD 0.64

comments

Bhushan, a funky and spiritually-sound filmmaker from Mumbai, arranged to fetch me from the airport and helped me check into my hotel room at The Residency Towers in Chennai...

comments

Today marks the first rehearsal for the upcoming run of "Forbidden City - Portrait Of An Empress", the musical production I am currently busy with...

It's my first time working with the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) and also first time rehearsing at the Esplanade Rehearsal Studio, and although I am cast in the Ensemble and not involved in any major roles (I'll make a weird Empress Dowager), I was pretty excited and overwhelmed...

But I feel so rusty after not being in a major musical production of this scale since "Chang & Eng" in 1999 and 2001. After that, I've kinda gone slightly off-track doing more smaller shows especially in the Mandarin theatre scene and children plays, not to mention more TV, films and commercial work...

And now, facing a huge cast and lots of new faces and seasoned talented performers and director, choreographer, vocal coach etc, I was pretty overwhelmed indeed...

After EIGHT hours at the studio, after the first introductions and working on the opening scenes and song, I was totally exhausted...

Best thing was, it's just the first day and I've already received the first paycheck and have it banked it right after rehearsals! Yayness!!! :D

Okay, for those interested to watch (and of course you are!), I am able to get a cast discount of 20% on the tickets, so please let me know early early so I can book for you! :D

comments

Kudos to Abigail for having the courage to share her true life story and sad past in tonight's episode of "Life Story" on Channel 5...

(Photo credit: The Electric New Paper)

She's a dear friend and neighbour, and recently donated all her treasured long hair by shaving bald to support the Children's Cancer Foundation...

I really hope her life will be better from now on...

As for the cruel cads who had cheated and blackmailed Abigail emotionally and financially, I'm glad she had finally exposed them and prevented them from further damage to her situation...

If you're reading this, Abby, you know that I am proud of you, gal!!!

comments

Those interested in watching RJ Rosales sing, do go down to Happy club (Tanjong Pagar Rd, next to Ya Kun Coffee Shop) at 10.30pm tonight!

It's free entry, and each of his 2 gigs will last about 45mins...

RJ was last seen in "Cabaret" and "Man of Letters" and will next play Prince Tuan in "Forbidden City - Portrait of an Empress"...

You might see some of the "Forbidden City" cast there too, but I won't say who...

Ok ok he didn't pay me to advertise for him, but since I can't make it tonight, thought someone here might be able to...

comments

It's been three days since rehearsals for "Forbidden City" began...

For those who have been following my blog and are familiar with my style, you might be wondering why I have not posted any behind-the-scenes or meet-the-cast photos of the musical production yet...

The reason is simple...

We have been rehearsing 8 full hours every day, and the choreography has been really intensive, leaving me totally exhausted at the end of each day that I actually forgot to whip out my ever-trusty camera!

But once I get the hang of it, I'll start pestering everyone to pose, so stay tuned! :D

At the same time, we're all so serious and no-nonsense during the rehearsals that photo-taking would seem somewhat rude and disruptive...

So far, we've already worked on quite a few scenes and song numbers, and I can truly say it's going to be a visual and auditory feast for all!

By the way, I can totally melt listening to Kit Chan sing during rehearsals. It's gonna be a challenge for me to focus on what I'm doing indeed, especially during her scenes! LOL

My only regret, so far, is that I don't have the chance to perform a solo number of my own...

Although I've been singing my whole life, and only been modelling(?) in the past year, ironically I am now known more for my TV ads than my vocals...

If I ever do a singing concert, will you buy a ticket?

comments

I've finally completed the poster design for Babes' concert, and here it is! Note the amendments and updates, for those interesting in going!

comments

While crossing the road from Raffles City to Chijmes, a beautiful sight appeared before me, right there in the sky...

Suddenly, all the worries and insecurities that have been picking on my mind just vanished, and I felt a load taken off my shoulders...

Thank you, God...

comments

Following the TV commercial that I just finished filming (which, incidently, will be airing this coming Tuesday all over town!), I did a photo shoot today for the same client at Geoff Studios...

There were familiar faces: besides the friendly agency folks, the photographer for the shoot was Geoff Ang, who also directed the MCYS "I Love Children" TVC that I was in recently, and I was styled by Jerry (who had styled me for the "Heaven & Earth Green Tea" TVC)...

And the make-up was done by Sam, who was one of the make-up artists for the cast of "Forbidden City" in the previous run...

Here are a few snapshots taken after the shoot...

It was a joy to work with these folks, and I never laughed so much in a photo shoot! Can't wait to see the results soon!!!

1 angel(s) visited

It's been a long intensive day of rehearsal, particularly the choreography. I have absolutely no need for the gym with these major cardio exercises challenging us everyday! LOL

For the past week or so, I have been very impressed with the vision and plan of the director, Stephen Dexter, and the choreographer, Nicholas. Same for our fabulous vocal coach, Amanda Colliver. They knew exactly what they need us to do. Or if they don't, they knew what to let us try...

I wasn't very impressed, however, with fellow actors who insist on giving their 2 cents and telling others what to do when they weren't exactly sure themselves. It confuses me terribly, and I hate to get things wrong because of that, or worse, get the blame for it...

During our final choreo segment, which was being filmed by a local TV station, I got disoriented by such confusing comments, and ended up tripping and spraining my ankle because of that. I was pretty pissed, to say the least...

However, finally some of the remaining main cast were here today, including Hal Fowler, Sheila Francisco (whom I haven't worked with or seen since "Chang & Eng" in 2001), Hossan Leong, Sebastian Tan, and George Chan. Leigh Macdonald and Kit Chan will join us tomorrow, I think...

Anyway, after rehearsals I took a refreshing shower in the gym, and had worked out a mighty appetite for dinner...

Which was a delicious and terribly filling Japanese buffet meal at Honjin Japanese Restaurant at Robinson Road, with Lawrence...

Here are the photos of some of the foods we "sampled", and I had omitted the "second and third helpings"...

Gotta rest now, don't wanna be late for rehearsals tomorrow...

1 angel(s) visited

Oh, before I sleep, I gotta say I am pretty excited today, Tuesday, as my new "Starhub Brand Commercial" will finally be aired!!!

I'd worked hard on it, had fun with it, and now, hope you all will enjoy it! :D

2 angel(s) visited

Yes, if there's anyone who loves life wholeheartedly, it'll be me! *big grin*

So bear with me while I gush on excitedly...

Thank you, all of you who've commented and enjoyed my latest commercial, the Starhub Brand Commercial "I Am A Hub" TVC! It's definitely one of my fave projects ever!

Those who are overseas or do not wish to turn on their TV sets, you can now watch the video on http://www.starhub.com/iamahub/, just click on "Watch This!", do a right click and select "Zoom In"...

I've done some screen captures of the ad from the website's video clip too, and here they are...

I've already posted some pics taken in between filming, and coming next are the photos taken during the shoot in India!!!

2 angel(s) visited

Finally, here are some of the street scenes that I snapped during my first day in Chennai, India...

The next part shall be some shots taken during the shooting of the commercial, so stay on the lookout!

comments

Finally I got a much deserved day off from rehearsals today!!!

I've accumulated so much sweaty laundry from all those choreography that I badly need time to press the "On" button on my washing machine....

After I've gotten some rest, I'll probably head down to Esplanade again to watch RJ perform in his outdoor mini-concert...

Those who've missed RJ Rosales' performance at Happy the week before, and are interested to watch him sing live again, do take note:

RJ Rosales at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Aug 26 ~ Saturday
Set 1    7.30pm-8.15pm
Set 2    8.45pm-9.30pm
Set 3     10pm-10.45pm

Aug 27 ~ Sunday
Set 1    7.30pm-8.15pm
Set 2    8.45pm-9.30pm

RJ will be singing pop tunes, broadway numbers and standards...

He promised an interactive show where audience get to win prizes and also his CD...

Best of all... It's free!!!

I wonder if he'll sing in the above attire...

Bro, you owe me dinner ah for posting this, I don't care! And I also want your CD!

comments

Over the past two evenings, I had the pleasure of dining with friends...

Here's a quick visual recap...

and

2 angel(s) visited

Everyone seemed to have watched "The Devil Wears Prada" this afternoon!

Was watching with Darren at the new Cathay cinema today, and bumped into Kaylen and his friend (oops I couldn't catch his name). And later at Plaza Singapura, I chanced upon Luke and his friend Barry, who watched the same show at GV Plaza...

Anyway, I enjoyed the show, which starred the ever fresh and bright-eyed Anne Hathaway as the new assistant to the editor of a top fashion magazine, played to the bone by Meryl Streep...

The latter seemed to be the kind of boss every employee dreads but panders to anyway for dear life. Any resemblance to the other "Dragon Lady", the Empress Dowager Cixi, is purely coincidental... but not inconceivable...

For "Dragon Ladies" often become that way due to circumstances and competition, and often have a troubled family background or past that steeled their privately vulnerable hearts such that nothing else could ever hurt them...

And so woe be to the underlings, especially the freshies like Hathaway's character who are unaware of the necessary work etiquette and ethics in their roles, and dare thread on the wrong toes...

The fashion world seems to be a crazy, obsessive and heavily manipulated engine puppeteered by the fashion editors and their style agents (such as Stanley Tucci's character)...

And besides the glitz and glamour, to be in the fashion world means being subjected to constant criticism and having to adapt to current trends that might or might not agree with your own tastes and lifestyle. Also temptations abound in good looking disguises...

Is it worth it? Can one survive without selling their souls to the Devil?

This movie has plenty of scenes that offer glimpses into such a world, which isn't really that far away from any other career. The heroine gets tempted, seduced into an entirely different world, but finally made her own choice based on integrity. Everyone's happy... in their own ways...

Some jokes or references weren't subtle at all, but ultimately this is one enjoyable movie that provided enough humour, wit AND heart to keep one (me, at least) entertained throughout...

That's all.

comments

I reported way before my call time this morning for "Forbidden City" rehearsals, as I didn't receive any notification on the schedule... *grrr*

But it meant I had one and a half hour's extra time to return my library books, explore the Esplanade's subterranean corridors, and enjoy my favourite McDonald's Big Breakfast meal at the nearby outlet at Marina Square...

I'm soooo glad I ate well, for the moment I stepped into the rehearsals for one of the most energetic scenes in the show, I needed every extra ounce of energy I could muster...

Being an untrained dancer, I was actually doing okay with the moves and all, but needed more time to absorb any changes or the more complex routines. And because of that, I was forced to remember everything the choreographer Nick Winston said or demonstrated done to the details...

Which also meant that I get flustered/frustrated everytime someone said or did something differently yet insisted that they were right...

Another thing that upsetted me today was the fact that my body is starting to feel the strain. Whether through my natural aging process or due to lack of use, or perhaps I am simply not meant to be a dancer, but by lunch time, I had a twisted left ankle, two bruised and tender knee caps and very painful shins. I actually fell down unceremoniously in the end because my shins just gave way under me... :S

So I was thoroughly grateful that the afternoon session was focused on our singing...

It was our very first full vocal run through with the entire cast present, and I must say I was totally blown away yet again listening and singing to the whole show!

Somehow I couldn't help but well up with tears in my eyes at some of the touching songs. And it's just singing and working through the scores!

I must have accumulated enough Karma to be singing with such wonderful performers as Kit Chan, Leigh Macdonald, Hal Fowler, Sheila Francisco, RJ Rosales, George Chan... basically the whole cast including the ensemble was great!

While Joel Nah worked the ivories, we had Dr Sydney Tan conducting this session as he would in the eventual orchestra, with our no-nonsense vocal coach Amanda Colliver making sure we are producing good sounds, and our director Stephen Dexter keeping us on the right track...

With such amazing talents around me, I really wish I have a solo number to work on too, or at least duet with someone, but guess not this time...

Anyway, after the whole day of rehearsals, I met up with Lilian, one of the students from Nan Hua High School who was also in NDP, and helped her get discounted tickets for the musical. She was with her friend Kaiwen, and they left soon after...

I could barely walk by then, so I slowly made my way to take a bus home, and had to stand most of the time due to the peak hour crowd. Thankfully, I didn't have to fall and hug someone this time. I was so tired, it's not funny...

Gonna sleep soon. Lotsa pics yet to post, but they'll just have to wait...

comments

Those waking early and have a moment to spare, do tune in to 938Live (93.8FM)'s The Breakfast Club radio programme at 7.15am... 

My best friend and founder of Omhealth, Bryan Gan, who is a certified aromatherapist with years of hands-on experience and countless workshops under his belt, will be sharing natural beauty tips along with his lighthearted style and sense of humour with listeners...

Here it is again:

Tune in to 938LIVE (93.8 FM)

29th August, 2006 (Tuesday)

at 7.15 am

The Breakfast Club

with

BRYAN GAN

Sharing Natural Beauty Tips

The Omhealth Way

comments

Yeah, you heard right. We had a pre-show party at the Forbidden City Bar and Restaurant at Clarke Quay tonight, and we had FUN!!!

Food was great...

There were Summer Palace Duck, Deep Fried Lychees with Prawns, Tom Yum Soup, Noodles,  Scallops(?), Creme Brulee dessert...

I drank more than 6 glasses of red wine and 2 glasses of Bourbon Coke... *burpz*

RJ disclosed TMI...

Kit Chan looked gorgeous...

Everyone looked gorgeous...

I was in my anyhow casual, but I don't care...

I brought my camera, but didn't take ANY photos, don't ask me why...

My legs hurt like hell... 

I danced a lot...

Thoroughly enjoyed myself...

Dick Lee came, didn't DJ though...

Left at about 11.15pm and took bus home...

Forgot how many times I've showered today, but at least I am fresh now...

comments

After just a couple of weeks' rehearsals, albeit very intensive ones, today was the first time we had a full run through (without costumes)...

It was fantastic!!! Or as good as a first full run through could be!!!

And again, many of us were moved by the songs, the scenes, the story, the portrayal of these tragic historical characters. And once again, tears found my eyes...

Now we know what problem areas we'll need to work on, and how to make the show tighter...

Today's weather was crazy, as if we were in London or somewhere wintery. I always loved a good rainstorm (especially when I am comfortably settled indoors). But being caught in one on the way home is not on my list...

So I took the underground Citilink Mall with George, RJ, Sebastian and Luke, and managed to reach Raffles City dry...

Walked around a bit and contemplated on whether to sample the wine at the International Wine Fair. Decided to stay sober, especially after all that wine just the night before!

While at the food court, I heard some guys whispering "Starhub! Starhub!" behind me...

Turned out to be Runecircle and Titancross! I joined them for dinner and later drinks at Ya Kun, and we had a nice chat about "Forbidden City", their new apartment, parents etc...

And I had way too many egg dishes today...

Came home just in time to catch "Singapore Idol" on TV, and in a surprising turn of events, the judges actually praised Joakim Gomez, whom they've been criticising for weeks...

Hady should win though...

But the biggest winner tonight was Chloe Dao in "Project Runway"!!!

She's only half the height of all the models wearing her fabulous winning designs, but she emerged the real giant in the end! You go, Asian gal!

comments