Saturday, December 27, 2008

A very honest post.


You know, its tough once you get out of Uni. I never thought I'd say that btw. Lol.

See, in Uni, your life is somewhat planned for you. No matter what goes on, you know you have a purpose, you know you have something to *do*. When you leave Uni, its the weirdest feeling ever (especially if you don't dive into the area of study). Its a "now what?" feeling that washes over you. Fear grips you as you realise that the decisions you make today or tomorrow may affect the rest of your life.

That's how I'm feeling right now, really. Is this industry, as good as its been to me, something that I want to do for the rest of my life? Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I love everything about it. But the longevity of it is doubtful, the need to always be "hungry" for work is tiring. And I have so many other parts of my life that I could explore.

What do I do?

Do I continue what I'm doing because I've already started? Do I explore other means of making a living? Do I travel to see the world - after all we only have one life? Should I *shock horror gasp* practice law?

I don't know. I do know its never too late to change your mind about what you want to do in life. I have friends who live by that mantra, and have explored every part of employment as a means to experience new things and learn new skills.

All these questions plague me, at 4.14am, as I sit in my room in KL, before I fly back to Singapore tomorrow afternoon.

I suppose it all boils down to the question of: What makes me happy?

Its much harder to answer than you think.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Take a Bow



Babyface wrote this song for Madonna, and out of nowhere I started singing it in the bathroom. Lol. Its an amazing video, and awesome song.
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Anyhoo so on to other things - Christmas is coming!! *big big smile* I can't wait to get my holiday shopping done. :)

Have a few thing lined up this month, will be going home for about two weeks to be with Mum and Dad, will be coming back for the New Year Countdown on Ch 5. That's going to be fantastic fun, will be doing a little performance too! ;)

Hope to see you guys there! Thank you for reading, take care and have fun this holiday season!

Monday, November 17, 2008

FONSEKA... ANDREA FONSEKA.

Note: Sorry it took me so long to update, I've had to move, AGAIN! Am in temporary lodging at the moment at a friend's place on Orchard, will be moving to my very own pad in Bukit Timah come January. So yes the packing, between work and travel, has been crazy. Forgive!

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Okay so you guys know I was going to LA, I hinted very strongly why so. I went to interview the cast and director of the now already released movie Quantum of Solace. Yes, I spoke to Daniel Craig. :D

I stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel on Doheney Drive, its a quaint, cosy little place with a REALLY comfortable bed. Heh Heh. Had to take pretty pictures...



















And Guess What!? They actually delivered a bottle of champagne, compliments of the junket! :D So sweet, it was like, *knock knock* Miss Fonseka? Compliments.

The view was fantastic as well,







But of course, the highlight of the trip? Well lets put it this way, I step out of my hotel room the next morning, guess what is on the door RIGHT NEXT TO MINE?


.........


His interview room!


Anyway. Woman's gotta work, so I carried on my duty to interview the cast, Director Marc Foster, Olga Kurylenko and Daniel Craig. Was incredibly floored by Olga, she was gorgeous, Marc was really down to earth and clearly very into what he does, and Daniel was charming, eloquent, engaging and .. does NOT potray that when he takes a picture, but oh well. I guess he was in character.




Saturday, November 8, 2008

Hey Everyone! :)

Meet Director Michael Wang and Andrea Fonseka in an exclusive dialogue session after the preview screening of THE CARROT CAKE CONVERSATIONS.


Date: Monday, 10 November 2008
Time: 7pm Movie Screening
8.40pm Q&A Session

Venue: Cinema Europa, GV VivoCity
Ticket Price: $10
$8 (Student price, only for sale at GV VivoCity Box Office)


Synopsis
The Carrot Cake Conversations is the story of four strangers, who find themselves stranded in Singapore, two days before Christmas and how they find companionship over a plate of carrot cake and a conversation.

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The cinema is already half full, so be quick to get your tickets! :)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Carrotcake Conversations!



Okay so the premiere is today, at Great World City Golden Village. I'm really nervous, and my mum's coming from KL just to be with me for support. Have a few of my closest friends attending, and I'm literally shaking as I write this - I HAVE NO IDEA HOW ITS GOING TO BE. Fingers crossed.

Have had some pretty good reviews on my part, am hoping that Singaporeans are open enough to accept this "arthouse" movie. Here's the trailer for those of you who missed it in an earlier post, go catch it in cinemas as of tomorrow! (Support local movies, lah. :) )

Feature in the Star, Malaysia

Much Thanks to Vivienne Pal, for her thorough research and open mind when conducting this interview. :)

Monday November 3, 2008
Beauty in full bloom
By VIVIENNE PAL


There’s not been much news about Miss Malaysia/Universe 2004 Andrea Fonseka since she became the latest Malaysian ambassador for Marie France, but the model-cum-actress has been busy.

ANDREA Fonseka greets me briskly at the front door, her head cocked to one side as she slips on a pretty pink earring. She looks fabulous in a simple print halter dress.
“Sorry for making you wait a bit,” she apologises as she ushers me from the porch into the spacious hall of her family home in Taman OUG, Kuala Lumpur.

Busy bee: Andrea Fonseka is Marie France ambassador, actress and model.

The 24-year-old was back in Malaysia for 10 days to celebrate her father’s 70th birthday and spend time with family.
“Would you like a drink? Coke Lite?” she offers over her shoulder.
I am quite floored, I confess. Andrea is hotter in person than in the Marie France print ads: tall, lean and long-limbed. Her long brown hair is perfectly in place, and her make-up is flawless, accentuating her sharp features; she laughs easily, showing off perfect white teeth and a hint of a dimple on her left cheek.

Well, if you don’t already know, the former Miss Malaysia/Universe has been riding high. She’s signed lucrative modelling contracts, appeared on the covers of several magazines, hosted a number of shows and starred in various dramas and commercials in Singapore – and, in the process, making her detractors and rumour mongers eat their words (there was talk that she’d “run away” because she could not face the embarrassment of being a large-sized beauty queen).
“I’d go further than Singapore if I really wanted to run away, wouldn’t I?” she sighs, rolling her eyes.

And the reason for being in Singapore?: To read Law at the National University of Singapore (NUS). "I got accepted to study in Perth and Britain, but Singapore offered the most cost-effective, value-for-money degree, especially after dad had put my sisters through higher education in Britain and Australia. I’ve been here ever since because a contract with the Singapore bursary for my education required me to work in Singapore for three years upon graduation,” she says.

In spite of being more recognised in Singapore than in Malaysia, Andrea is happy.
Although it may seem to the outsider that her life has been largely defined by her win in the beauty pageant in 2004 and her appointment as slimming treatment centre Marie France ambassador last year, Andrea’s move to the island city has also had a big impact on her life.
“Life has been busy and fun. I’ve finally graduated; I’m done with school. It’s been a comfortable life so far,” says the actress-model with a disarming grin as she folds her 1.76m frame into a more comfortable position on the couch.

Now that school’s out, she’s been living the dream and doing what she has always loved – showbiz.

“I’ve always wanted to act and sing,” she says, confessing that she studied Law to please her father, Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) licensed specialist judge and former president Datuk Dr C.G.A. Fonseka.

Juggling school and being the face of Marie France has been hectic and Andrea’s portfolio includes – even back then – hosting ESPN’s Score Today, appearing as briefcase babe No.10 in the Deal or No Deal (Singapore) game show and co-hosting Live The Dream, a live TV singing contest with MTV VJ Utt and Michelle Chia. She has also been acting, starring initially in bit parts in Maggi & Me and Parental Guidance before landing major roles in Housemates, the Channel 5 drama En Bloc and her first feature film ever, The Carrot Cake Conversations which will be premiering on Thursday in Singapore.

All this, alongside having appeared on numerous covers, including FHM Singapore, and winning top spot in FHM Singapore’s 100 Sexiest Woman for 2007 and 2008, making her the first repeat winner. Incidentally, she was also chosen to be FHM Malaysia’s 100th issue covergirl.
“Woohoo! I’m so pleased that ‘Malaysia Boleh’ in Singapore!” she cheers. Amazing, though, that she was able to juggle both work and studies.

“Ha, ha, I remember how my mum was, like, ‘Andrea, are you sure you’re in school?’ But, yes, I’m a workaholic. I get it from dad, who always puts in 110% into everything he does,” she chuckles.

At the moment, Andrea is experiencing a mix of excitement and anxiety on her soon-to-be-released movie, directed by Michael Wang.

Andrea plays Ruth, a prostitute longing to be Singapore’s first blues singer, whose path converges with that of three strangers stranded in Singapore two days before Christmas.
“I did some research – spoke to friends who knew, and went to Geylang with Michael to speak to some of the ladies of the night. I’m very nervous because I’m not sure if I did a good job. Part of me hopes I didn’t so I can improve – if you do a good job from the start, then where’s the room for improvement, right?” she muses.

“Frankly, even if I ‘bombed’ in this movie, it’d be fine. I’ll just learn from my mistakes and do better next time,” she says.

Much as her success is due to her hard work, Andrea would be the first to admit that she would not be where she is today without Marie France. “When Marie France approached me to undergo their treatments, I saw it as a great opportunity to slim down the right way. Marie France is responsible for where I am now – absolutely! If they hadn’t given me the endorsement, then I wouldn’t be here. I’ve been very blessed. FHM Singapore put me on the cover, then Mediacorp ‘found’ me and the rest is history,” admits the Virgo.

If you’re curious, Andrea currently weighs about 59.5kg.

Flower power: Andrea and her mother, Datin Josephine Fonseka, share in her father Datuk Dr C.G.A. Fonseka’s passion – orchids.
“I have a contract with Marie France to maintain my weight at about 60kg – which I do effortlessly! I eat four square meals a day; I have breakfast, lunch, foursies (tea time) and dinner. I don’t take supper unless I really cannot tahan, and then I’ll cook Maggi mee – hey, if I’m gonna eat after 7pm, I might as well go all the way right?”
But like any other girl, Andrea has her vices, too.
“I have a serious Diet Coke addiction,” she admits. “I need to drink more water.”
“There was a time, not too long ago after I got out of a relationship when my weight plummeted to 57kg. I scared myself when I saw my ribs showing; I looked so unhealthy! I decided to do something about it, and now I eat as much as I want. I go back to Marie France once or twice a month and tell them to hit me with it,” she shares, referring to the slimming treatment.
Andrea says she doesn’t work out but has been toying with the idea of getting a gym membership.
“Maybe I’ll try getting a personal trainer or joining a gym by November. I want to be healthy,” she contemplates.
Meanwhile, what keeps her active is the constant walking from her apartment to Orchard Road – to meet friends, do her hair and nails, and go shopping.
The real thing
Even the most envious of women would be loath to hate Andrea. And why should they, when the woman has remained friendly despite all the cruel jibes thrown at her. That she is intelligent just makes her more alluring.
Articulate and eloquent, she responds quickly and confidently, segues effortlessly from one topic to another and answers questions as frankly as possible. She demurs, however, when I ask if she’s seeing anyone new.
“Well, Paul is someone special and very dear to me. I don’t want to comment on the status, things are still very new, but I’m very thankful that he’s come into my life.”
Family meal: Andrea (right) with her parents, sisters (Lena, left; Adeline, second from left; and Natasha; second from right), and nephew, Lucas.
Not willing to comment further on the matter, we quickly move on to an important aspect of showbiz – beauty.

“It’s very tiring to look beautiful,” she confesses. “It’s not really about vanity – even though I admit I’m vain and that vanity is necessary in this industry – but it’s about being presentable. I call it an occupational hazard.”

Surprisingly, Andrea’s daily beauty routine is practical and her choice of facial care products, not too taxing on the wallet.

“My mother taught me this: would my skin suffer so much from not using expensive products, if the day should come that I can no longer afford them? I’m sure the expensive stuff works, but I believe that if the affordable ones work as well, then why not use them?” she says, repeating the counsel of her mother Datin Josephine Fonseka, a former beauty queen.

“At the end of the day, it’s about the health of your skin. Still, different strokes for different folks,” she reflects, adding that she consumes healthy portions of vegetables and fruits. For an instant boost to particularly tired skin, however, Andrea recommends laser skin resurfacing – something she’s only done twice in the past two years.

As we speak, Andrea’s three-year-old nephew suddenly appears, bringing an instant smile to her face, and revealing her affectionate side. "I’m a very loving person – to a fault, according to my mum,” she quips, giving Lucas an affectionate cuddle.

Clearly, family is important to her. Following her father’s recent illness, Andrea had rejected a number of jobs to come home more often to be with them. Being home this time was particularly meaningful, especially since her three sisters Adeline, 35, Natasha, 27, and Lena, 26, are all back, too.

Adeline and Natasha, both human resource managers, currently reside in London while Lena, a pharmacist, has been living in Perth for the last four years. “I’m a daddy’s girl. I’m close to mum too, but in a different way. My mum had three other girls before me, so I guess I’m like the ‘son’ my dad never had. We talk about sports and movies and we have an unspoken respect for each other. I still hold my dad’s hand when we go out sometimes, and people give us dirty looks,” she sniggers. “Ultimately, my family has always been there for me; we’re very close-knit. When I’m home, I feel my life is richer.”

But she craves time on her own, too – to rest and reflect.
“Most of my ‘me’ time is late at night, like when I was up till 4am this morning just randomly surfing YouTube. I enjoy chilling on my own, like having my favourite whisky at my balcony.
“I question myself, having come this far, am I more at peace? Does my life feel fuller? I’ve made it a point to spend more time with my friends and family, and the fact that I have more than one true friend just shows me how blessed I am,” she reflects.
Having friends and family around her has kept her grounded; Andrea is happy enough being her own person despite the celebrity status.

“It’s nice to be recognised for being good-looking but, at the same time, the industry can make you feel like a product. But have I changed? No, I’m very much myself – I don’t pretend to be an angel or anything I am not,” she stresses.

Presently, the statuesque beauty is enjoying the relaxed pace before her schedule picks up again next year.

“I’ll be doing a bit of travelling, and then I’ve got a spectacular shoot with a magazine coming up soon. I’m also in the midst of negotiating a few gigs.”

And, just in case any local movie producers are reading, Andrea’s very open to the prospect of working in the local film industry.

“My Malay is very good, by the way,” she concludes with a giggle, as she heads to the dining table to join her family for a much-awaited lunch.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Tell me, did Venus blow your mind?



Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chickenYour best friend always sticking up for you even when I know youre wrongCan you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phoneConversationThe best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me.
Had a really intense recording today, it was extremely highly stressul, so much so that when I got home, I had a nosebleed! Like, What The Hell?! *laughs* the last time I had a nosebleed was when I was like, 8 years old! Oh well. ;P

Anyhoooooooo I'm waiting to post up pics from my gig in LA recently, but I think I may need to wait for it to air on Ch5 first before I talk about it. So.. yes.. you'll all have to wait patiently for the unveiling of an amazing shot I took. ;) In the meantime, I'll treat you to a beautiful picture of Downtown LA's nighttime silhouette.

Take care an God bless to all of you, and don't worry - a much more thorough post of LA will be up very verrry soon. ;) Thank you for your messages, and continuous support. :)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Lightning Crashes




Okay so this isn't really a proper music video, you're supposed to just wait for it to load, and then enjoy it. Whilst you read my blog, of course. ;) Oh and incase you're wondering, its Lightning Crashes by LIVE. The same fellas that sang Turn My Head, and Dolphin's Cry. Which is another two amazing songs btw. Would love to see them live. Pun intended.

Feeling particularly mellow at the moment. I just came back from being with Daddy in KL, and he's feeling better (thank you, Lord). He just went for a checkup, and his blood-cholesterol level is 5.2! That's a healthy level (5.5 is normal). The pain in his chest has gone away, which is indicative of his heart healing well after the angioplasty he had earlier in the year. Still, the first year is extremely crucial, and he still has a few more checkups to go for. I'll try to be there for all of them, I told him. :)

I really am having an entirely new perspective on my priorities, am concentrating more on my family, and I really do believe that I am blessed. I'm going to share something very special with you guys.

My Por-Por (my mom's mom, that's what I called her. Hehe.. So cute right, can you imagine a little 6 year old me going, "POR-POR!!!!" whenever I came back from kindy? hehe) spent her last few years with my family. Being the youngest grandchild in the family, she doted on me alot... and I remember being very close to her, even when I was as little as 4 years old. She used to take me around town in a taxi whilst she ran her errands while mum and dad were at work, and I actually dragged her into a video arcade once, and during those days they were pretty rank, with lots of ciggie smoke, and druggies. Yeah. It was dark, and she held my hand and sat through one pac-man game with me, simply because I wanted to.

Anyway I digress. She was devastated when Kong-Kong (granddad) passed away, and became quite weak. Everything went pearshaped when mum had a minor accident and Por-Por hit her head on the front screen, and had to be admitted for about a week, I think.... I don't remember much, but I remember her getting weak, very quickly. And soon she stopped talking, and needed help walking. There was one day, I distinctively recall.

It was a bright afternoon, Por-Por had the guest room downstairs. She had finished her lunch, and tried to call for someone to help her get back to her room. I don't remember why but I was the only one there, and rushed to her side when I saw her try to get up on her own. I helped her slowly walk to her room, which must've took something like 10 minutes for her when it'd take a normal person about 8 seconds.. and halfway there she just turned and looked at me. With her deep, 73 year old eyes. (Or was she 78?)... She didn't say anything, but those eyes, rimmed with cholesterol buildup, and partially due to old age, they get a deep, dark blue almost... I think its due to the cornea just aging over black eyes giving it a misty look.

Por-Por looked at me, and I immediately knew, that she was thinking of all those times that she held my hand whilst I was walking, trying to run off somewhere, all those times she peeled grapes for me at the backseat of a cab (I didn't like grapeskin then. Heh!)... and now how fate and time has turned things around and I was there for her now. I just smiled at her and said, "Come on, Por."..And then I felt it. That I knew she would always watch over me from above.

Por-Por was an extremely pious lady, she was an extremely devout Catholic. I used to wake up for school at 6.30am when I was in Primary school, and I remember her already being up, saying the Rosary. Not just a Rosary, but the entire book, day by day prayer that came with it. That's hardcore. She did it about 5 times a day. I used to ask her why she prayed so much, and she said she prayed for us - the people she loved. And that so she would go to Heaven, and continue praying for us, and taking care of us from above.

I do believe my Por-Por is taking care of me, and that she's my Guardian Angel that keeps me safe. I can't help recalling that yellow afternoon when she looked at me, and everytime I do, I know that everything's going to be okay. That's the only explanation I have for how blessed my life has been thus far. I mean, I seriously have alot to be thankful for, things have always gone my way in ife and i've been extremely lucky. And now, I've given up a fair bit of work to make time to go home to be with my Dad, still doing some (like flying to L.A tomorrow morning to interview the cast of that certain movie). But inspite of doing less work, I'm being approached by BIGGER jobs. Its really great, and I thank God for the opportunities that come my way. And my Por. :)

Here's to my Por. (I don't have any photos on me, i'll have to scan them in!) She's an amazing lady, mother of 10 (yes, TEN) children, raised them singlehandedly whilst her husband worked the mines in Ipoh. She lived, and was loved, and is still missed dearly.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Everybody's changing.



Found this while I was surfing youtube. A little morbid, I know, but after the initial sympathy for the families in there, it struck me fast and hard that we really don't spend enough time appreciating the presence of loved ones.

Do we really have enough time on this earth to be obsessed with privial things? By trivial I mean anything that does not enrich our lives on a deeper level than just physical.

Love. We definitely don't love enough. And I don't mean just to your boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife fathers, mothers sisters, daughters, sons like in the video. I'm talking about friends, the busman, taxi drivers, the old auntie that serves you at McDonalds - how much love do you show them? In reference to this sort of love, I classify it as a sincere appreciation for the presence of the other person, and that you wish for nothing but happiness and general wellness towards him/her. With that comes respect, and politeness.

This isn't some bloody community service message by the way. Heh.

I'm serious; how often do we stress ourseleves out by being angry or aggitated by someone else's behaviour? A little too much, I reckon. You control your own actions, you can't say that someone else "made you do that". And you can stop the chain of destructive emotions/actions by not allowing another to affect you. Granted, its easier said than done, but its definitely worth a try.

Can you imagine if everyone woke up tomorrow, and was just...nice to one another? In that way, free-will is flawed as it allows us to have ill-will. That, in my opinion, is the crux of almost every problem involving human relations...just think of certain bloggers having cyber wars for example, and all that flaming. Just stop already, no one wins in an argument! ;P

Bottomline? Love your loved ones. Show them. You only have one life to live, and they can be gone tomorrow. Don't let a loved one go without them know just how much they mean to you. But don't stop there - spread the love, all around you. You'll be surprised; it doesn't actually run out... but quite the contrary. (Now I'm reminded of this song: *laughs!*)


REM's cover of WET WET WET's Love is All Around. Awesome right?!

With that note, I'd like to send big hugs to all of you reading this - thanks for dropping by. :) And to a certain someone out there who I was am absolute narky crazy woman to on the phone, I'm sorry. Life's too short to spend being like that, and I apologise. To my friends, I am sorry I've not spent enough time with you in the last two years, I hope the last two weeks made up for it? ;) And to the taxi driver who couldn't understand me, I'm sorry if I was aggitated because you got my destination wrong. Thanks to the lady in the lift who kept it open for me and... well. You get the picture. ;) Big love to all of you, and I hope you have a wonderful week. Remember - essentially, whether or not its a good or bad week - it is up to you. :) xoxoxo

Friday, October 10, 2008

Fav song of all time top 10



:)

Its actually a prety sad song, got hooked on it by this trailer of Grey's Anatomy. Personally GA was a love/hate show for me, cause although I loved watching it - it used to make me get really depressed! *laughs* Yes I get quite affected by what I watch on telly - I even used to get surgery nightmares after watching Nip Tuck. Like someone operating on me without my consent, eeek!

I had my 8 days shoot yesterday, and you guys should check it out. It'll be out soon, and its me with a very hunky man. You'll just have to lookout for the cover and see. ;)

After moving around non-stop for the last two months or so, Its so nice to be able to chill in my room, not have to rush anywhere, and do my laundry and clean up my room. It was only a few weeks ago that I unpacked all my things (well, there's still some boxes but... they're tucked away safely so its fine. ;P).

I love my new place, its got a big pool, gym, sauna, two tennis courts... and its a stone's throw away from Orchard! *JOY!*

I hope everyone else has had a good week, thanks for all your emails and kind wishes to my Dad. He's changed his diet dramatically over the last two months and he's feeling a little better. :) Take care and God Bless!

Ps. Carrotcake Conversations will be out on the 6th of Nov, not the 13th!! ;)

Friday, October 3, 2008

A Thousand Miles





Vanessa Charlton sang this one, beautiful song.. I especially like the piano bits in them. ;)

Anyway, just to let you guys know, family time is going really great. My daddy has cheered up tremendously since all of us daughters have come home, infact, today's his Birthday... and I'd like to dedicate this song to my father. His daughters would happily fly a thousand miles to be with him on his special day. HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY DADDY! LOVE YOU SO MUCH! :)


Alrighty then, lets get on to a serious post as to what's happening these days. Haven't had one of these in a while!

1. I will be flying to L.A *again*!! This time to interview the cast and crew of an upcomming new movie. I don't think I can speak of it yet, you guys will have to catch the preview on Ch. 5, Mediacorp. ;) Will give you guys a few hints though: Its a HUGE HUGE blockbuster, it stars just ONE MAN, the movie before this was the BEGINNING of the story, and it involved cards and cars. The movie is also based on a book, written by an Englishman (many books, many of which have been produced into movies over the past few decades, starring different men as the lead). And, it was a gig that I was fankly, extremely keen to do, for many obvious reasons. Any guesses?? ;)

2. Carrotcake Conversations is out on the 13th of November! The Premier will be on the 5th of November, at a Golden Village Cinema. When I get more details I'll let you guys know about it. We can probably have a proper meet and greet session there. :) Anyone up for that?

3. I will be in the coming issue First magazine, the movie mag, in conjunction with Carrotcake Conversation's debut,

4. I will be in 8 Days again pretty soon in the coming weeks.

5. I will be in One Utama Shopping Centre, KL, for a Marie France Roadshow - Any Malaysians reading this? ;) That'll be on the 18th of Oct.

6. Doing another branding shoot for Channel 5 to be aired in time to come. :)

So my month of October is pretty much packed... Going from KL-Sing-KL-Sing-LA-Sing! I'm going to be one tired bunny at the end of the month... Also in November I have a friend's wedding to attend in Phuket! How exciting, I've never really been. Any tips for a week in Phuket? :) Not to worry, will take many nice pictures. Need to buy a new camera charger though, can't seem to find mine.. sigh. Matters not though, thanks to my sister, Lena, I still managed to get a hold of some pics. Here's a family one. :)

L-R, Clockwise: Adeline, Lena, Me, Natasha, Dad, Lucas, Mum. :) I heart all of you! xox

Monday, September 29, 2008



:)

Monday, September 22, 2008

FHM's 100 Sexiest Women 2008

Note:
Long overdue blog, apologies. Have been all over the place, mainly KL, moved out of my apartment in the East to get closer to town (Yes, I'm back near Orchard now. *big sigh of relief*), in between that, been working on events and shoots, trying to organise a *spectacular* shoot at a secret location early Dec ... Sigh. Been a busy bee, really.

FHM! *laughs* I totally didn't expect it, I can tell you that much. I thought the invitation was to present the prize to the new #1 - I almost choked on my drink when they announced my name that I won. *laughs* I would have definitely NOT have drunk champagne should I have known that I was going to win it, and would have definitely dressed better! I just ran out of my condo, with the first thing I could find in my stack of still unpacked clothes. I picked that outfit solely because it wasn't crumpled. Lol. I was so unprepared, I didn't even make out a speech when prompted, so will say one out here properly:

*ahem*

I'd like to thank my family and friends for their support and love for the last year. It hasn't been an easy one, and I wouldn't be standing here today if it were not for you special people: Mom, Dad, my sisters, Mae, Eugenie, Rhubs, Kai, Daph, Roz, Kai, Baba, Gwen, Mike, Sani.. thank you for your love and support. Sorry for not always being there, but you're in my heart and thoughts always.

To the FHM team, for being so supportive and great with the initial shoot, and for being a great bunch of people to work with. I can't wait for the next shoot guys! Also to Mediacorp, for giving me a go to host and act, and thank you to Melissa Lam, my manager.

To Lance, for going up to the FHM team two years ago and saying that I should be on the cover.

Finally, this also goes out to Paul, a very special person in my life, who in such a short period of time, managed to change how I see the world. You make me want to be a better person, just your being puts a smile on my face. I couldn't ask for more from anyone, thank you for coming into my life. ILY.


Enough of that, here are some pics from the night! Love to Eugenie Chan for being handy with the camera! ;D



Me arriving in my ride. Thanks, FHM! ;)


Eugenie caught me coming out - 'artistic shot' she says. Actually just didn't set the exposure right on the camera... but its okay...;)


Yet another 'artistic' shot.


Press shots : ala red-carpet ish. :)


Eugenie taking random candid shots.. I think I was listening to the Editor's Speech: David Furhmann-Lim. Oh and for the ladies, if you'd like to know: I used MAC Studio Fix foundation (best for outdoor events, it doesn't smudge off the face), YSL Touche Eclat under the eyes, on the nose bridge and cheekbones for highlight, BodyShop cheek and lip tint for cheeks, its a very natural, long lasting colour, YSL lip gloss, Dior mascara, and Shesheido liquid eyeliner. But remember the best look is to have great skin to start with: Olay Whitening Range is really good for day-to-day use, and their moituriser acts as an illuminator and make-up base!


Got called up, called for speech. It was like on this verandah, I didn't know if I should speak down to the crowd who attended, or back to the people behind me - photographers, video camcorders etc. Lol. So I flipped back and forth.


David, Myself and the event sponsor for the night.


Eugenie ran off with my 'plaque' to take artistic shots with it. *laughs*


I *heart* Eugenie! For those of you who don't already know, Eugenie Chan here and I have been friends for like... 10 years now. *laughs* High school days till now - she's now working in Singapore. Bless!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

To the first man that loved me



Yeah I know this is a song from a Father to his Daughter, but it still makes me cry! *laughs* Everytime I listen to this song as well. (yes,I'm a big softie..)

I remember the first time I heard it, I was at the backseat of my daddy's car, we were driving to or from dinner.. it must've been about 8pm. I always had a similar loving relationship with my father.

Dad's not in the best of health at the moment, as some of you may know he's had an angioplasty done earlier in the year. I won't go into detail the extent of things because that's not important - what's important is that I've come to realise how I've taken his love for granted the older I've become, and that I've neglected the man that held man hand growing up. I love you Daddy, and I promise never to do that again.

I'll be going back home to KL alot more often now, to spend more quality time with him. His 70th is coming up. :) SEVENTY! Well all in all he's had a happy life - one grandson, four daughters, two son-in-laws, a loving wife, heaps of friends who respect him, a long established career and a generous pension scheme. ;) All his children have graduated from Uni with professional degrees, all of whom are doing pretty well for themselves. Only one daughter in the region though - me - and I think its such a blessing that I have a career that allows me to take time off as and when I need to. (Much thanks also goes to all the people who are supporting me in doing so.)

So yes, Daddy. Here's my birthday present to you - more of ME! ;D Its a little early, but oh well why wait.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Someday We'll Know



This is the version by New Radicals - I liked this edited version 'cause I love the lyrics, and when you read the lyrics they strike you more. Mandy Moore and Jon Foreman also sang this song, it was the soundtrack to the movie A Walk to Remember. I prefer this version, I really like New Radicals. They've disbanded though. :(

But yes. Back to the song...beautiful isn't it. Causes me to feel contrary to my post before - about making a decision and then sticking to it. Slightly. What I mean by that is, if we make a decision, and somehow due to things not working out (even if you tried your best) - would you then regret, and realise that the last person you were with was actually 'The One'?

But then again, with my chosen belief - everything happens for a reason. Perhaps if you never left the person/if the person never left you, you'd never realise that they were the one. Just another way to think about it I suppose. Possibly it'd be too late to turn back time then, but I guess one would just have to move forward and try to make the best of things isn't it.

Yes. It'd be better to know that you loved, and lost it, than staying in a relationship and never realising that the person you are with is the one for you. That will eventually lead to an imbalanced relationship where one or both parties would suffer anyways. Slightly 'sour grapes' way to think about it, but its either that or you can choose to think that way, or just spend the rest of your life regretting things.

Anyone been in this situation before? Heh. How'd it turn out?

Friday, August 22, 2008

Snow Patrol - Set Fire to the Third Bar

Really cool song. Haunting tune to top off rather pensive / brooding / wistful lyrics. Just makes you stare out into space whilst having a cup of coffee go from hot to warm in your hands...[Yes, since Singfest I've been on a bandbinge. Just surfing the net for some good songs that we don't often hear on radio. Will compile a list one day of my all-time favourite songs.]



So yes. I'm flying off to Manila today. Will be there over the weekend, to judge a dog show (no worries, pictures will be taken. ;)). Am trying *not* to do too much shopping whilst I'm there, I managed to rack up quite a bill thus far. *heh*

This song really makes me think - how relationships work. [Lol yes here we go again].

Do we really decide when and where we fall in love? Can we force situations in times like this? 'Cause often we hear that a 'budding' relationship didn't work out due to the fact that one party 'wasn't in a place in life where he/she wanted to have a relationship'. Is that the case or is it merely an excuse?

Two people may be together for years, and love one another, and yet that love may not match the intensity [or even emotional depth] of a couple that had met for a few weeks and know *immediately* that there was something special there. What can be used as a barometer for falling in love with someone? [Apologies as these are mere meanderings of my train of thought on this subject]. Without the benefit of hindsight, what can we do in this lifetime to ensure that we live a life without regrets?

My answer [the only one that I may humbly put forth with regards to this], is that we make choices, and we stick with it. And try our bloody best to make the best of it. Its wavering and looking back that make things seem uncertain, or that we could've done 'something else that would've been better'. Not true. My dear friend Eugenie profoundly told me once: "We don't make mistakes, dear. We make choices that we genuinely feel at the time - and thus there is no right or wrong."

How we react to things is what makes our choices right or wrong. Not the choice itself.

[Wah sorry if this particular post makes no sense to some. Just my little head thinking in caffiene overdrive.]

Saturday, August 9, 2008

SINGFEST REPORT!

It was two beautiful days of sunshine, live music, and lots of fun. It was actually a *little* to hot for my liking, but that didn't stop the 10,000 strong crowd from rampaging in through the doors! Thanks goes to All the Worlds and Midas Productions for putting together what a fantastic event.

Okay so to most of y'all who attended, Singfest 08 may have looked like this to you...
(this photo courtesy of a photographer/blogger who took a pic of me, I steal back can ah? Since its a pic of me can right? ;))


But really, Singfest started out like this for me.............



....Don't ask. Lol.

How much beer at Singfest? Fourthousand Fivehundred Litres. (only?)

But then things got a little more interesting....

Interviewing guys from Simple Plan

Guitarist David and Drummer Chuck

Interviewing the Lost Prophets

One Republic

And the highlight of my stint, speaking with Mr. Mraz himself.

Really humble guy, everything about him just ooozed real-ness and super-niceness. ;)

So yes... I didn't really get to watch alot of the performances, was busy working 'cause Singfest was recorded into a programme to be aired soon. Will definitely let you guys know where and when that happens.

Hope you've enjoyed the pictures! :)

Monday, July 21, 2008

How Cool is Travis...!

Best cover rendition ever, Who'd have known a pop song would sound so good on accoustics?! Really hope they perform this at Singfest. :)

Friday, July 11, 2008

SINGFEST 2008



God bless outdoor concerts. :)

When I attended last year's Singfest, I had such a fantastic time I spent all year lookin forward to this year's event. Infact, you saw how great it was here! Surprisingly to me, there weren't as many people as I expected last year, but this year's I suspect will be heaps more popular with the masses.

Alicia Keys - one of my all time favourite artistes, is being flown in for the event, she'll be performing on Day 2 of Singfest. Jason Mraz (whom my sister Lena saw live before and said was "FANTABULOUS") will also be performing on Day 2, along with ... *drumroll please* THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS.

I KNOW.

How on earth the organisers (MIDAS & All The Worlds) managed to pull this act together, beats me. That's not even mentioning Day 1 for little rockers like me (Travis (!!!), Simple Plan, New Found Glory, list goes on..).

So yes. Two Days, over 20 hours of music! All the acts will be performing FULL LIVE SETS - as opposed to just one or two songs like some showcases - at the Fort Canning Park. I booked my tickets ages ago actually, I thought paing $150 for each day (Two day ticket prices are $300 - cheaper if you use Visa!) was a bargain, seeing as what the lineup was. I'd pay $300 JUST to watch Alicia Keys, so when you throw in the rest it all makes quite a sweet deal. ;)

I'll definitely be there, anyone else going? I'm SOOOOoo excited!

Ah. Sorry had to get that out of the way.

On to other things: Apologies for not posting as much as I know I should've. See, I've spent the last month looking for a new place to stay, packing and now unpacking! My new place is out of town. :) Just moved in a few days ago so its a complete mess! Lol.

Graduation is happening in a few days - yes thats right, I'm finally graduating with my cohort of 2008! So happy, my parents are coming down, and I will be their final child graduating. Ah... finally feels like I can concentrate on work full time now, without looming deadlines. Life will be good. :)

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Perth - finally

Okay so sorry for super long delay.

See problem was that the SD card that I bought from this fella wasn't working so I had to hunt high and low for the cable that I needed to hook my Nikon up to my laptop in order to load the pictures. Sigh. Thank God my cam had this cable otherwise all the pictures I took habis lah! (translated: finished lah!).
So anyway, here are some of the pictures I managed to take on my trip. :)


It was SUCH a beautiful day, I went out into town on my own (Lena had to work)

The sun went away the moment I took this shot, but you can still see how beautiful these old shops are.
Went back outside, took a shot of myselt hoping to get the city behind me. Oh well. : No one said I was a good photographer. heh.

YEAH. Went a tad overboard with the shopping.. Hey they actually have 1/2 sizes there ok! As in if you're between a 9 and a 10, shoe size, you can buy size 9 1/2! How cool is that?!


Suddenly I craved local food. As in Asian food. And whoopdeedaa look what I came across???


ASIAN CUISINE BABY! (It was like AUD$10 for a bowl of wan tan mee okay. They call it "Dumpling Noodles". Lol.


Me patiently waiting for my bowl of "Dumpling Noodles with Soup".

And life was good. ;)

I took the bus back to Lena's place, and itchy snappy fingers, took a shot of what busses look like in Perth.


So that night, we all got dolled up, Myself, my sister and my bestie Daphne, and we headed to this place called the Red Sea. Pretty cool, wish I could take more pictures of the interior, but Lena confiscated my camera 'cause she was like, "you're here to have a good time, not take pictures of people!!" .......uh ok Che. Sorry ah.

Group shot!!

I heart Lena!

Last shot of the night - my amused face. Lol.

The next day was BEAUTIFUL! Had some friends who had a boat and we all went out wakeboarding.



Shiok right. Sigh. If only Singapore's waters were like that..



Lots of jellyfish in the water, but apparently they're absolutely harmless.



This guy's name was also Andrea - and was the only Andrea that got into the water that day. I was too cold lah. Heh.



My darling sister, her friends



More of her friends - we were eating Dim Sum. It was very good, but not quite as good as Crystal Jade Kitchen (Level 2 Takashimaya)



Love you Lena! xoxoxo!


So yeaaaah. Perth was absolutely gorgeouss. I still have more pictures, which are self-explanatory.

Cottesloe beach!



Was totally rejuvenated after my trip there... seriously people. If you guys just need to recharge your batts, head down south. The air is so clean and crisp, it almost *tastes* sweet. That being said - I still love Singapore and Malaysia - Muggy weather, 38c 98% humidity and all! ;)