Super Big Long Post

Hurroes!

Okay so its been a while, I've been eating mandarin oranges and collecting angpows all week. This has honestly been one of the best CNYs ever, I only wish the entire family was back for it. Natasha Lena and Adeline were all overseas, so it was just Mum, Dad and lil' ol' me here in KL. Awesomely good nonetheless.

So I've got a few things to do in this blog. First Up!

Answering some Questions that you guys wrote in. Note: Sorry can't answer all of them in a go, we'll come it coming as I keep posting ya? ;)

So here goes!:

1.Back then, you won the pageant pre-marie france. But in your personal life, do people around you pay more attention to you, or suddenly take more interest in you just because your are hotter & slimmer now?

People definitely started paying me more attention when I started appearing on magazine covers and on TV. Often times I got calls from acquaintences who never used to want to catch up, and now they're all like, "Oh Andrea come to my place for dinner!". I go like, wha? I mean I appreciate it and all, but its kinda funny when people only want to get to know me better when I got a little famous.

2. Has being sexy and slim now made people unwittingly focused on your looks rather than your personality?

It surprises people who just get to know me that I'm a Law Graduate. Whats the big wow about? I don't get that. At Miss Universe '04, Miss Peru was a doctor. That's right. DOCTOR MISS PERU. None of us even blinked when she told us, (I just think that's awesome), and we all respected each other. People seem to think that just 'cause someone's good looking, they don't need to focus on other aspects of their lives, or don't want to. I think that's just wrong.

3. Do you get alot of unwanted stalker attention from guys when you are in Singapore or Malaysia? Being a pretty gal and all, do you get random men coming up to you wanting to be your friend? And if so, how do you differentiate the genuines ones?

Proposal to be a 'kept woman'? Check. Random hitting on me? Check. Stalker? Double check.(<<<--- that's why I don't like to post where I'll be eg. events etc, until the very last minute or unless necessary. Infact, I'll be changing my phone number soon.) Difference between them and genuine interest? Just the vibe I get from the person, you gradually begin to be able to tell. When I met Paul, he had no clue who I was, or what I did for a living. All he knew from a common friend was that I was a Law graduate, and that's how we started talking. He lacked all 'sleaze-vibes', which is why we got along so well. So maybe I'll pose this question to him and ask him how he did it. Lol! 4. About your cover shots etc, most are stunningly hot & sexy. How does your parents react to that, especially dad?

*Laughs*! Yes. Daddy doesn't approve of FHM shots, but has come to realise that the industry is as it is, and allows me to do what I need to do for work's sake. But he did shy away from watching Carrotcake Conversations though, simply cause he didn't want to see me act as a prostitute. Even though it was nothing like the real thing! Lol. He's cute. Mum understands more, but urges me to not do men's magazines anymore... so I told her that I will only do so if the shoot is something exciting that I want to do. So far FHM has been very good to my career, I pointed that out to her, and she can't help but agree so.

5. Has being beautiful been more a blesssing or a bane to you?

First up, I don't see myself as being stunningly beautiful like Michelle Chia or y'know, like Nadya Hutagalung. I'm answering these questions under the assumption that I am because of what you guys thinks, and also on how my life has changed post Marie France. Honestly speaking I look in the mirror and I see the same girl that looked back at me six years ago. Andrea. Same eyes, nose, mouth, large ears, goofy grin. Blessing or bane? well, I think its pretty even. I actually find it harder to meet more sincere people these days, and people always have an assumption about me (good or bad) based on what they read me as. But I always try to keep it as real as possible, so hopefully that shows.

(The above questions were sent in by Cheng Eu-Hahn. Thanks luv! Hope that answers it for ya.)

Will be getting to the others soon.

Now. On to the next topic,I attended a CNY dinner hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Sin (who own Rafflesia and Mandalay, they specialise in Pearls, Jades and Rubies). Beautiful event, flanked by heaps of supportive celebs such as Jimmy Choo, Ning Baizura and Anita Sarawak.

Mrs. Sin herself

So glam right. Lol. I have this really bad habit of late being really lazy to take pictures, but I made it a point to do so I can blog about it and show you guys. All together now *AWWWwwww*. ;)

I used RMK makeup for this event. They have a fantastic range of foundations which I find really really suits Asian skin. They have a counter at Isetan Scotts, I swear I am a new fan. Their make up base is really really good as well, and smells glorious! Just incase you guys would like to know, I'll let you in on what I used to create my look that night. Btw, it may look like I wasn't wearing alot of make up.. well, cause I wasn't! *laughs* I was going for a more 'natural' look since my dress was already so loud... but on hindsight I think I could've used more blusher. oh well. :) Live and learn. You can use this simple step-by-step for any big day really, or even a casual meeting.

1. Cleanse face, apply oil-free moisturiser and make up base.

2. Use a highlighter - I used RMK's highlighter in Coral. Apply only to cheekbones, undereyes and nose.

3. Apply foundation. One shade lighter around eyes, cheekbones and nose first, maybe along the bottom of your forehead a little. Any area you'd like to highlight basically.

4. Use one shade darker foundation along your jawline, top of forehead, temples and just below your cheekbones. Any extra areas that need a little more coverage and highlighting, (such as undereyes), use the Radiant Touch pen by YSL. I've blogged about this before, its a miracle worker!

5. Apply loose powder. Dust a lighter shade of blusher along the highest point of your cheekbones, with slightly darker shade from your temples down to your jaw. BLEND WELL otherwise you'd look really funny. I like YSL's blushers, they have a little glitter in them.

6. Apply *a little* bronzer all around your T-zone for healthy glow.

7. Use eye make up colour of your choice (again, RMK has a great line of eye colours), line lower and upper eyelids. I use MAC's waterproof pencil eyeliner, its really really good. And Shiseido's liquid pen eyeliner for the upper lid.

8. Curl lashes, use mascara (Dior Blackout is amazing), and use lipstick and gloss of your choice. I use Benetint lip and cheekstainer (LOVE IT! looks really natural and doesn't rub off!), with YSL's lip gloss pen with glitter in them. It isn't too sticky or shiny, but stays on well.

All done! :) A little tip: instead of using lipstick which tends to kiss off very easily, use a lipbalm, followed by a lip-liner to colour in your lips. The colour from lip-liners tend to last better.

Hope you girls found that helpful. :)

Alrighty then, I've got to get some sleep! Hope you all had a fantastic CNY!!

Andrea Bites Back *Meow!*

Okay am feeling particularly brave, and slightly politically incorrect at this time of the night (or should I say morning). So here goes.

Its a New Year (still, I feel, since we're in January yet), and I reckon for the past four years since winning Miss Malaysia Universe 2004, I've been pretty polite (read: quiet) regarding criticism/comments/questions thrown my way. So for all of you, who have faithfully been following my blog, lets set the record straight, shall we? ;)

1. I look like a Transvestite.
I actually take this as a compliment - there are ALOT of really HOT transvestites out there. ;) Seriously though, I think this comes about due to my frame, and the fact that sometimes when I have makeup on, my features may tend to look rather strong (masculine almost? I don't know). Anyhoo, it doesn't bother me at all. Infact, I was mistaken as one when I was in Phuket (albeit from the back). Funny story, my girlfriends and I were in a Ladyboy district area in Patong Beach, and I had to use the bathroom... and the bathroom caretaker lady who saw me walk in (so she only saw my back), tried to tell me that ladyboys had to use the Mens. Eeeek! I just went, "harh?!" as I turned around and she apologised when she heard my voice. Good thing I didn't have a sore throat, otherwise I'd really sound like a man! Heh!

2. I got my nose 'fixed'.
Er. NO. I think its cause pre-Marie France days I looked like I had a more bulbous nose....but that's cause I was, well, more bulbous everywhere else too. I lost weight everywhere when I went through the treatments, which includes my face as well.

3. I starve myself now.
Again, NO. Ask anyone who has worked with me, I still eat normally, and healthily - four meals a day (sometimes five): Breakfast, Lunch, Tea(4pm), Dinner (7pm) and sometimes supper. Full, hearty healthy meals with lots of fruit, veggies and protein. :D How do I maintain my figure? 1. everything in moderation, be it exercise, or food. 2. regular trips to Marie France.

4. Err. I can't seem to think of any other issues here. *laughs* - how uncontroversial is that?! Heh. Try also cannot. ;) If anyone has a question or a notion they'd like me to answer, here's your chance! You have one week, just email me the questions, and I'll answer them in my next post. Howzat? :) This should be interesting..

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.

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!

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.

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! :)

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.

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. :)

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.