The Big Day of Janet & Ivan

Hair Construction AGAIN!

Bye Bye messy permed hair...

This time its the short neat look... :)



Big Day of Janet & Ivan
28th Sept 2008

Drove over to Janet's grandfather place in Hougang in the morning. I'm part of the Bride's team :p cos i know Janet longer than Ivan... haha... anyway, we prepared some door 'gifts' for the Ivan, which included Durian with Wasabi [Ivan hates durian!], D Super Mix [Sesame oil + Chilli oil + Beer + Egg + More], Brazilian Wax.... *Evil*

When the Groom team arrvived, Ivan had to provide Janet's IC number. He responded shiftly as though he had memorised it prior. Then he was treated with Brazilian wax on his hairy leg, haha the result was brillant! :p Later, he was served with Durian with Wasabi, he took it without fear, but the durian was at the edge of his mouth for quite some time before he took the courage to eat it. Next challenge was coming up with 10 cheng yu to describe love or a lady, which was tested the Groom Team. They took damn long to think and apparently Groom's mind went blanked! We gave them discount and leniency, eventually they passed. Last challenge was another mind cracker for them, that is to sing a love song loud enough for the opposite block neighbours to look out their windows. Aftter awhile of discussion, they decided on 'Ai Hen Jian Dan'... Before our Bride team open the gates for them, it was the most important segment - Ang Bao Extortion!

i must say that Ivan and his gang came without preparation of big bucks, but instead lots of foreign currencies. First Ang Bao they gave was only 88cents! Not sincere lah. Later, they gave a series of foreign currencies and it drag the own negotiation quite awhile. In the card, we managed to ask for a total of 8 Ang Haos...

our long negotiated prize

Ivan was later put to the last time, to sweet talk at the door to Janet. After 2 tries, the door opened... and finally the groom meets the bride and happy ever after................... haha it didn't just stop there... thereafter both teams drove over to Ivan's house for tea ceremony, and we drove back to Jane's place for tea ceremony too. After the long 'traditional' ceremony, the bride's team and bride & groom drove to Regent Hotel for wash up/refreshment and preparation.

The hotel gave the couple and complementary room, which they arranged it for us [brothers/sisters] to wash up. The room was great, very comfy and classy. The couple's wedding suite was not too bad either, spacious [1 bedroom, 1 living room]... Watched abit segment of Singtel F1 repeat telecast after washup, its quite shiok to see the background of the race are buildings you & I are familiar of.

5pm, a group of us gathered at the main lobby to meet the hotel's banquet team, and had a mini discussion and rehearsal. The ballroom was decorated with Roses and looks abit like 'Garden feel'.

That nite, I was in charge of the reception, the guest were hosted at the lobby's lounge area before the ballroom opened at 8pm. The couple hosted 35 tables, of the invited guest, most were very well-dressed... Everyone they know were there to give them their blessing... the feeling is special and nice.

Jasmine, Jocelyn & Me

During dinner, my table was a mix of different group of Janet's close friends. Other than the sisters in the bride's team, there were 2 new faces, Jovan & Joaquin. At first it was quite awkward, all of us didn't know what to say. Then I thought I should say something at least, otherwise the weird feeling will be haunting me. Got to know that Joaquin was Janet's ex-colleague and they got to know where I'm working and were consulting me about their investment with our competitor - which recently went into crisis. They looked worried, but i hope i've at least secured their confidence and will speak to their consultant soon. To me its definitely okay to speak general, after all its about consumer's confidence. I don't think there's any need to proach other's biz in crisis. Anyway, the table got more lively after we got to know each other better. And from quiet, we were rowdy~ :P

Very soon, the dinner ended with many thanks you and phototaking sessions... Couldn't believe a day just passed like this.

Marriage is a major milestone of a relationship. I was reflecting quite abit when the couple showed a montage of photos taken thru' out their relationship. I've seen this couple going thru' ups and downs and eventually settling together now.

Hmm... it feels good to be part of my good friends' life event... :) Best Wishes, Janet & Ivan!

Updates July - Aug 08

'Tiny Boxers' Trip to KL

It was the first time i met the other tiny boxers, meaning an overseas trip with strangers. We arranged to meet at People's Park at 6:15am in the early morning. It was kinda of awkward initially, but being the odd one, i thought i should take the initiative to introduce myself to them...they thought i'm 18! Oh my, i look 18? haha... the fact that we're all friendly people, the ice melted pretty soon till the bus arrived and we all sort of knocked out on bus journey to Tuas.

Long Queues were awaiting us at Tuas, and due to our senior citizen's inadequate understanding of the use of new scanning machines, it held us back for kept awhile. The manual custom queues were also long. After most of us went thru the custom, our dear Marcus had problems going thru the computerised berth with his passport and had to re-q again at the manual queue which was as long as before..... we were stuck at the customs for more than an hour... to ease the anxiety i was acting with marcus like the scenes in war-flim whereby families/loved one are separated... lol... drama~ didn't expect him to act along with me, cos we didn't really talk on the bus... but that definitely open up our conversation later the trip... :)

We headed towards KL in dreamlandsssss, all of us spent most of the journey sleeping~.... but along the way, after one of the rest point, we gathered at the 'ktv' cabin of the bus, wanted to sing ktv despite only having hokkien MVs, but we ended up chit chating and these seniors 'forced' me to sing.. paiseh to sing lah... weird weird de.... but the more i don't sing, the more the persist, to the extent that i felt the expectations were growing higher.... to avoid that, i sang abit lah... and ya, normal lah... kekez... told u guys liao~ After the getting abit boring, we moved back to our seats and continued our dreamlands, some watched the videos and some played the old-school games - those that i used to play e.g Tanker, popeye, kungfu fighter...haha missed those days, carefree~

After another hour of journey, we arrived at a petrol station outside KL and transfered by a mini van to Quality Hotel. At the hotel, we checked in to the 3 rooms [courtesy of Kenn :) ] The girls checked into their rooms first while we guys had to wait for our room to be cleaned. While the girls were bus discussing on how to sqeeze themselves on the beds or bed, we guys tried to get the first touch/rest on their beds~! :p Then somehow, Liting started her phototaking act again... snapped zillions of photos~ We guys went to our room not long after, but to our disgust, our room stinked, like some un-washed clothes, anyway its a foul-smell, we tried to get the room service to do something, and all they did was spraying some fragrance to the aircon. The girls came over and complained our the smell, they thought it was us with our stinko nan ren wei... dot dot dot... we blasted the aircon and it smelled better.

Our late lunch was at Sogo near our hotel. We found this restaurant call, 'Nando', selling grilled chicken - concept like kenny rogers. They have 3 different chilli sauce that meets different demands. The food was not bad there but it has its own style of taste and favours. After lunch we went buy a bouquet of roses for Desiree, and we made our way back to hotel, planning to leave for the mini concert earlier, hoping to do some shopping near the venue. After failing to flag down cabs, we decided to book a van from the hotel to the venue.

When we went there.... haha we couldn't believe what we see.... the place is so new..... and sooooo...... quiet! its not a shopping place like we thought, and it is not a shopping centre but a cluster of shops and shophouses. AND there were not many shops opened yet~.... reaching there early left with a bigger BOREDOM~. The girls attempted to keep their hopes high as there was a nail spa opened, but the manicurist were busy and they were closing soon. Hence, we only could chilled at the restaurants and cafes. Me and a few of them were at starbucks for a cup of my fave Green Tea Frappe, while the rest went out of sight and unknown.

After the long wait, the mini concert was going to start! It was the first time i see meet Desiree, haha i was introduced as the 'newest junior'... I've never heard her singing also, hence the guys were busy promoting her CD's songs to me just before the show started. I briefly listened, and the show started. Desiree's live performance, i must say its NICE! I like her singing and stage presence too. A band group 'Crossfire' was playing for her and Diya showed up as guest. Desiree performed quite a few songs in her album, and there were some interaction in between. I bought her CD there, I'm sure its worth the value. After the show, we were invited to join the qing gong yan. But there were some delays in between, at first was vehicle arrangement problem too many ppl too little cars, then it was Kenn's tyre punctured, Crossfire members helped to change the tyre.

We went over to a nearby music cafe for the event, over there Desiree helped us signed on our albums, sort of a mini autography session :) can see she was quite tired le, but was on all smiles while signing for us. The group of us also had a small chat with Kenn. It was then midnite liao, going back to hotel again raise the vehicle arrangement problem, furthermore, the cabs were reluntant to enter the zone as it was in the opposition parties' territory and there were some protest in the afternoon in the vicinity. The operator of the call centre tried to appeal for cabs but failed. We thought were all going to be stuck overnite. Then suddenly, some hero cabbies were brave enough to accept the call and we finally managed to go back to hotel. It was abt 2am liao. When we were back, after bathing, we swopped room with the girls as our room has 2 beds, after combining will be bigger than the queen size in their room. We had a small talk after the swop and off we go to dreamland.

In the morning, we checked-out and went over to Sogo's foodcourt for breakfast together, after that went for short walk, then went back to hotel ready for the van to pick us up. On our way back, it was pouring heavily. Saw a major accident involving at least 5 vehicles on the expressway. The rain was so heavy till the rain started to leak till the roof vents of the bus. Water was raining down on some of us. We tried to tie plasticbags below the vents to collect the water, preventing it to reach other. After a few attempts and modification, we managed to stop the leakage. And the way home was quite quiet and so soon, we arrived Singapore~ End of my naggy entry abt the trip. :)

Hair Stunt

I PERMED MY HAIR~! I LOOKED WEIRD CERTAIN ANGLE!

Haha but you won't see it in this photo~

Tinyboxer KTV

2 Weeks after the trip, some of us met up for a singing session~ I shan't talk much, the photos will tell the stories~ kekez i was the entertainer and Ms Liting aka Pineapple Stop snap snap snap zillions of photos again~ dot dot... i look ugly enough with my permed hair but she took all the wrong angle!

<-- all photos are mainly taken by this crazy snapper

One of the many random entries

1 Of The Many Random Entries

Its been a month of owning my first car. 'Mr Black' was match-made by my mum and uncle. I requested for them to help me source for a good 2nd hand car, as they had more free time and my uncle used to be a car mechanic... I went online frequently to search/hunt for good buys, but they all end up to be either bad in condition, or was previously met with accident. After a long long period, one fine day when i reached home... they behaved suspiciously... then suddenly "come down here..." wah so serious i thought what happened. then my uncle showed me a receipt... haha they placed deposit for me on a 1 and half yr old Black Vios... I was like... huh?? I haven see the car b4... sure good or not? More over I was stunned lah, can't accept the fact that i am owning a car liao... After 2 days, on 11/06 'Mr Black' and I met. He looked simple and the condition was perfectly fine. The moment i opened the door, i felt the car was as good as new.



Of cos, 'Mr Black' don't come free... I'm not a rich man's kid. I had to pool my resouces and settle the first payment, and some miscellaneous... Financially, for this month was super tight, i had to dig into my emergency resource. I've never seen a -$11 in any account before... negative sia~ but thats the so call ATM account, keke...of cos i've got my other sources...

The whole month of June, was pretty was different, I no longer had to be frustrated in the morning rushing hours... I feel more relaxed these days... no more squeezing MRT & Bus, no more long waiting phone booking + standing by the roadside for those over-charging cabbies (i heard they are asking for fuel surcharge, wah lau think they are aeroplane now...)...

Work
Its kinda of stressful this month... Sometimes its not that I'm not trying my best, but things just happen in a better way... Recruitment was really bad this quarter, most of the candidates were from referrals, only 1 was from me from the 'cold'. Interview rate dropped quite alot... I bearly meet 2 person a week...its that bad... The worse is to have to face indirect and direct pressure from superiors... I'm not the kind who will not work hard for the company, but its just not possible to be forever the best... Sometimes I really hate it when i see examples the raised which sounds and 'look' so much like they are referring to me...

Then current ppl that I've recruited, also problematic... I just don't understand how some people think... I feel irritated by their actions.. I was wondering if i had judgement problem nowadays... Some people just totally changed... not like the person i knew months ago... disappointed... not just disappoint by the person's working/learning attitude but also the person's values... When i don't like a person, I won't be able to make myself talk to the person, but as a HR person as a friend, I still care... but i just don't know how to show my concern more than my cold shoulders..

On the other hand, my sales was stable but still not ideal to my expectations...i'm not meeting enough people, knowing more people and not following up properly.. sometimes i must admit, the mood and time were affected by the poor recruitment result, and of cos last month's singout also took quite abit of my time away... But I'm glad to hear positive comments from some friends on me as their friend/consultant. At least, I'm not like those pushy type to them... but sometimes i get too over-excited and sounded like sales man...which i think its quite bad la... I'm not-a-salesman doing consultant-and-service-related sales... I'm a friend, a 3rd party who helps to look at a macro-view on clients' financial status...soemtimes we are just too focus on the micro and think that we don't need to think big, think long... so i'm here to help~

Singout related
DVD of 3 discs @ $20, available @ MusicStory

Just got the DVD, watched my performance and i think i looked weird lah... my mic control sucks big time~ my actions... wah lau eh... see liao i also paiseh... haha.. But still its a good momento...never got to keep my past performance videos, especially those acting ones i did in Millennia. Actually not only I was funny, my fellow contestants also had 1 or 2 funny moments... LOL... eh guys... go collect your DVDs! and by the way, when will we be singing again? And the getai that i mentioned the other time, need you guys to commit time for practice too. It shld be abt 3 week of August.


a short video of Wendy singout 'kan qing' at rehearsal

By the way, my partner Wendy has just recorded a singles CD for one of her competition in Malaysia. The CD includes her recording of 'Kan Qing' (by Qing Song Wan Yue Tuan) and a group song by the contestants. It is priced at appx S$9, and the sales will be computed for with her finals' result. She is really good! If you're interested, please let me know by this coming Tuesday.

Post Competition Feelings

Post Competition Feelings


Finally its over, that very evening ended so fast... The good news first, my partner, Wendy and I won the best duet. She emerged as 1st runner up. Proud of her! :) She is really a talent! Seriously, I am totally impressed by her! She can sing and can dance damn well! 200+ awards over 4 years. And she is only 14! Wendy, i really appreciate the chance to able to sing and collaborate with you! :) all the best for future...~

That day was damn bz lor, morning had to find money changer for dear...cos we were looking for russia currency... then went to style my hair by Anne-my prefered stylist... then drove down to DBS auditorium. My clothes were like so many lor... and the other barang barang, i had to split the load twice lor~ cos i had to protect the condition of the clothings.. Then did our rehearsal, I sucked lor... and i didn't know... they say i sang flat for quite a few notes...which i didn't realise.... then my fast song's rehearsal, i couldn't jump much cos i wasn't wearing the actual costume, and my pants are going to drop down lor... i'm so damn affected by the 'flat' thing and the 'pants' thing...

After a few hours of preparation, it was time for performance... duet time, i nearly forgot my lyrics, and i wasn't into the song till the middle... but overall everyone said it was nice... and i was in top 8 for the first round. It was unbelievable... That encouraged me abit... and I kept listening to my mp3 to memorise my fast song during the interval... and when it was time to perform i just act like a 'crazy' person lor... kekez...enjoyed the fun on stage lah... but i know i didn't really attract alot of crowds...the audience were mostly, 'what the hell, he looked nerd' kinda of face... kekez... but some aunties laughed lah... i saw!... the judges no expression one kekez... so i ignored them lol...no wonder i lose... :p

When they annouced the top 6, i was just keeping myself positive... everyone got chance one... and of cos i didn't get mine... i witnessed alot of disappointment fr the contestants...and being the 'happy fruit' i remained high... i know the kinda of feeling... what i can do is to stay cheerful...to me if everyone starts to feel sad, it will be more sad lor... then bunny came to ask me out... i saw all of them-my supporters, sitting one row...they thought i was disappointed or sad... but they looked more disappointed and sad... i thanked them and all of them wanted to leave early... i tried to ask them stay, but they refused so i can't do anything but to thank them...later i came to know that they spent some money to support me and most of all they loved my performance which i'm really happy about... but they somehow thought it was abit unfair... i don't know how and don't wish to comment...cos personally i asked myself, if i think its unfair then why am i still here competing? how did i managed to get into finals? Maybe alot of people don't know how i think ba... i'm alien! :p anyway its sad to see everyone gone... afterall, i did win best duet and no one-or shld i say not many, were there clapping for me...

After the event, i was hoping to eat with someone... but none was there... i had to pack my own stuffs, and carry them...i was last to leave the changing room... and i struggled to my car... i called a few ppl but all were on way home or didn't answer... i suddenly felt so lonely and bad... i thought, "why is it that everyone is so realistic(xian shi)?" "lose only ma? so what? i'm the the one who lost, i'm ok leh... but why everyone like that?" "why no one was there for me, since u all know i lose...?" I was driving alone on the quiet shenton way, then suddenly radio played 'wo you chu lian le', i turned it off... cos I'm affected... Yes, maybe i'm disappointed, but it won't hurt so bad if more people were there with me thru out...It was when i'm alone then i feel emotions were kinda of collasping... Anyway, i managed to catch dear thru hp, and rushed down to her hoping for supper... i didn't eat whole day lor..only ate 2 sandwiches during the reception at 6pm...but when i reached, she was done with dinner with Chester and Dorine. In the end, i sent her home and ate with the couple.

I really appreciate all who came to support... its my first competition and i must say, the support was strong... just abit emotional abt the end... but its just my side of feelings when i didn't know why you guys did that... When Chester told me what happened, i agreed but still feel that you guys shld still stay lah.. at least to see me win best duet ma... :p anyway, i thank you guys again and to those who wished me luck but couldnt turn up...

Singout finalists, all of you did a great job! don't be sad! Collin will be there supporting you guys...! Thanks for enduring my cheesy and not funny jokes. We don't really know each other since i'm kinda of 'adopted'-fang lao shi's analogy... but I enjoyed the crapping session during the countless waiting time....

Wendy: "You are great! I can still hear your singing in my mind lor...Don't forget to study hard k... both studies and performing must be good! Jiayou! I'll support you!"

Zhuming: "Smile more! Sometimes i can't see your face lor(hair too much)... lol.. You have the potential, try showing more of those talents and i'm sure you will enjoy more! Congrats and all the best!"

Ben: "You always looked cute and funny when on stage...dont be shy lah.. we know you're not... lol...Congrats and all the best!"

PJ: "You're talented lor, Jap lah, Eng lah, Chinese lah, Tamil lah... all know how to sing...! You've got a nice voice! All the best!"

Vivian: "V-power is the best fuel Shell has leh, you also power leh... Ah mei voice packed in your small small frame... kekez... don't emotion liao... show your face abit more leh.. :p You are good but guess you need more experience and the direction on what you want to perform and the confidence to perform, jiayou!

Daphne: "You are so bubbly lor... haha... sometimes you got the blur look and sha da jie... kekez... all the best! Must take good care of your Vivian meimei and your lion hor!"

Winnie: "Yoz, your singing also good lor... at least i could recognise you and remember your 'ben lai'... your character also quite bubbly kekez..."

Jordan: "You are young and there's a long way ahead... you've got a pretty and supportive mum, must take good care of her too...! You are a nice guy, like don't have temper one lor... kekez... Jia you! All the best!"

Ivan: "Ivan! You are good too k! At least i felt that your 'wo bu hui chang ge' during semi-finals made me feel that your deserve the finals! Really, i told you before right... :p strengthen your weaknesses and i'm sure you will be more confident to perform those dance and fast songs!Jia you!"

Ella: "You have a power vocal! Have more confidence in yourself, and i'm sure you will stand on stage with the charm~ All the best!"

Seow Fong: "Da jie, you have the confidence to perform and the vocal too. Don't worry abt age! We know you have a young heart! All the best"

Anqi: "You really changed to another person on stage~ I like your performing attitude! Like normal person transform into superhero lor... You are impressive too... Jiayou k! All the best!"

Terence: "You are a veteran contestant liao... exprience is your strength, daring to venture into your unfamiliar is a your strength... and most of all you have a good appearance! Hope you will be recognised someday! All the best!"

Rial: "Your vocal is sexy. More experience will definitely help you understand how you can make better use of your strengths... All the best!"

Alton: "You have some advantages/strengths that others don't have... understand yourself better and i'm sure you'll be better! there's lots of opportunities ahead of you~ jia you~"

Meanwhile, no more competition for me liao at least for this year ba... i need to work hard liao... who knows maybe PSS 2009, i might try my luck~ then it will be my first time trying for it... Jacky, let's go together hor... lol...

Special thanks to these people: Dear, Chester, Dorine, Thomas (Boss), Boon Seng and gf, Stephanie and bf, Mandy, Minhui, Shangzhuang, Michelle, Cherie, Hanlin, Jacky, Mathilda, Shu Zhen, Bell, Kelvin Goh, Louis and gf, Desmond Ong, Justin, Felynn Jerlyn roommates and friends, Qiaoli and friends, Jimmy and gf, Mum, Uncle, Cedric... also to Jasmine, Jingyi, Rebecca, Minhui & Peiqi (CJC), Joan, Calvina, Evelyn, Glynis... whoever help and supported me in a way or another which i'm sorry that i can't recall at this moment...and lastly the Singout Finalists who have been thru the thick and thin together...


Signboards made by Stephanie~

Pre Finals Feeling

Pre-Finals Feelings

Dear Hydrology,

h2o is having alot of mixed feelings. These 2-3 months of audition, quarter-finals, semi-finals to now grand finals, have been a rough and tough journey... Its kinda of weird that i would agree to join when Jacky & Evelyn asked me.. But since i was there at the audition, must as well just just participate for experience.. Audition was super last min, i just went on singing my best song that time - wo ai de ren. I was very nervous, my ears were red lah.. Jacky can be my witness! But i believed that I could at least be qualified, after all my singing isn't too bad rite? :p And when the judges gave me positive comments, I was like 'wow!', i'm actually not too bad to listen for the professional ears of the judges.

Then quarter-finals came, i was still feeling nervous, but this time not holding to much believe, cos its like so few space for semi-finals and so many good contestants.. When i was there at the music school, i felt very uneasy, cos alot of them looked like they want fame more than to sing the story of the songs... I was first to sing, and i didn't managed to sing the full song, it reduced even more of my chance, but i guess i was lucky, my timing was long enough to make me one of the semi-finalist.

It was only when I was in Semi-Finals then i started to dream of more... I wanted very much to perform at DBS auditorium, becos i was performing there about 14 years ago, when my choir instructor invited me and 1 other friend to perform with her other students... That day at the semi-finals was a long long wait, and so many good contestants lor. It seems so impossible to get to finals. And eventually i didn't managed to get in. Was disappointed but glad that i could go so far. Maybe god was on my side that day, I was selected to replace one of the finalist which they decided to eliminate due to some reasons. And alot of people encouraged me, Glynis, Jacky, Kelvin Lim, Mathilda, Jaymee, and many more... When Glynis told me that her sis, helped me with some good words, and told her that she believe of more capability, i told myself that i have to do justice to her believe in me! The fact that i was given such a rare chance i have to do well, and I really sacrificed alot of work time for rehearsals and practices. From just singing to putting the acting element to the performance. I must do more in order to challenge the pros in the finals. And i believe my hardwork will be seen soon. Seriously, Jacky, Glynis, Mathilda definitely knows that i am damn bad at memorising lyrics lor... KTV got words i also sing wrong... lol... I hope i don't make mistakes during the finals!

I've gotten quite a good support from alot of friends and their friends. I believe on Saturday nite, my 40 strong 'fans' will help me to cheer and witness my hardwork. For those who can't make it, i'll try to get someone video it... :) Wish me luck!

My First Singing Competition

My First Singing Competition
These 2 clips' viewing status are already changed from private to public.

Quarterfinals - Wo Ai De Ren


I was really nervous. The thought of singing in front of a group of strangers and some of them are actually learning singing- meaning they can be quite qiang, I was thinking of ways not to become a joke. After seeing my video, I think I had many pitching problems throughout the song, and my body language was lousy! When I saw this video, I was like.... ermmm... ok looks and sound...erm... ya~ The judges commented that my shoulders were stiffed. They mentioned that my chorus[s] have not much differentiation/variation. And my mic control was not ideal, affecting the reception of my voice. The good thing they like was generally my tone techniques used, to bring emotions. I didn't managed to complete the song, but I was eventually given green light to semi-finals based the length/timing of my performance.

Semi Finals - Can Fei


It was a long wait before my turn, by the time my turn came, i was feeling dehydrated and super nervous liao. Actually my eyes were not really opened cos my bloodstream was folding super fast! Anyway, this performance wasn't good enough too. I didn't feel anything while watching the video, and my body language was as bad as the Quarterfinals. I feel its a normal performance lor, maybe it sounds too safe and normal ba. No wonder I didn't go thru' directly. Hmm... I will try to do better in the grand finals. Wish me luck! Supporters are still welcome to contact me regarding ticketing :)

I Don't Want To Be A Cockroach!

I Don't Want To Be A Cockroach!



In any industry/society, there will be the good and bad people. The general impression about the insurance industry probably had a more negative image in the past, which continues to be imprint in many minds and has been passed down the family line.

Sometimes, i just hope people can think of the bigger picture, realising the need and importance of having at least some extent of protection. Insurance - now more known as Financial Services Industry, does not only revolve around death, critical illness, disability, terminal illness, but also retirement planning. investment to enchance wealth, and mid-long term savings planning.

You shouldn't be suprised when you hear someone saying that he/she don't give a damn if he/she departs the world today, because some people i met are that irresponsible about their life and their loved ones.

You shouldn't be surprised when you hear people saying that I don't need to spend out of my own pocket, he/she can always go seek help from government, because i've met people saying this, and it was from a family man- who is a sole breadwinner.

You shouldn't be surprised when you hear people saying that I don't need much money for funeral-final expenses, hence he/she don't need insurance, because i've also heard this before.

You shouldn't be surprised that some people thinks that as long as they marry a rich partner, they don't need any planning for themselves and should invest on their appearances, or other areas to get geared up to meet the golden turtle, again because i've seen and heard it all.

You shouldn't be surprised that people start evaluating me, whether i'll stay long in the career or evaluating whether i'm meeting them for a purpose to sell them some thing, because haha... its true.. I won't be surprised at all.

No matter what reasons these people gave for not accepting the idea of planning, i seriously don't think i should give a damn, because i don't need to talk to people who can't be responsible for themselves. They better let inflation and the miserable interest rate 'eat' their money or let do their own investment if they think they are good at it [at least they lose the money in their own hands] or let them just simply spend their money to their last cent; why should i bother when they can't be bothered?

Back to the topic, there are bad consultants out there doing all sorts of wrong things. I hope you realise you are shity and hope you don't make it and quickly get out of the industry. We need some clean air. I'm witnessing some big agencies doing massive recruitment using all sorts of wrong methods. I'm sad, sad for those who joined, and sad that they are making us in the industry looking like monsters and scaring away alot of people. Be responsible recruiter, and be responsible consutant! argh~

I hope people realise that I'm not a cockroach, but a consultant who wishes to see my clients/friends, to have enough for retirement, don't need to worry if any misfortunate events happens, and can have a good financial status in time to come. Well, it takes alot of hardwork to prove this point, and i hope it won't take too long to let YOU realise this fact.

I Want To Be Your Lifetime Consultant!

A Small Twist of Fate~

2 Twists of Fate

Recently, in fact just within 3 days, i experienced twice-twist of fate....everything seems so damn wrong and negative, but within 3-4 hours in the day, the incidents took a new twist and everything seems so fine...

The first twist happened last Wednesday, i was helping my client with some admin work and was able to secure the deal but i didn't expect that what i've helped resulted in some negative chain reaction on my production and commission. It was like damn sway lah. I was just being helpful and i don't expect any thing in return, but i end up causing myself into more problems. My manager was like ranting and asking me that why i didn't know that my helpful act won't pay off. Then he cited some compliance issues that i would get myself into. I'm already very demoralised, after knowing that the sales might not be counted. I didn't feel like he is providing me any solutions. That adds up to my disappointment. And the worse thing is that i have to attend Kai Cheng's birthday, meaning i cannot sulk my face or feel sad. I tried to hide my disappointment and crapped during the celebration at Turf City. The food was great, all thanks to Mr Ho Kai Cheng~! First time eat, 'Buddha Jump Wall'... During dinner, my senior called, he proposed to me a possible solution and it was like oh... so hopeful... then everything was smooth after that, but i still don't know if there will be any underwriting problem, i seriously hope not...~

The 2nd twist was on Saturday. I went for the Semi-finals of Singout '08 - a singing competition. Guess most of you don't know about it. Anyway, I was sabotaged in a way to join the competition. There were 32 contestants (including me and Jacky). The contestants were relatively strong. But i do want to go into the finals, partly because of the Finals' venue: DBS Auditorium. I was performing at the venue, 18 years ago~ I remember my primary school choir instructor picked me and another friend to perform with her outside students in a combine concert. Ok, back to the semi-finals, I was number 23 and i waited from 12 - 4pm then it was my turn to be perform. Dear and Kelvin were there to support us. I sang 'can fei' and kneeled towards to end of the song, despite my knee injury. I had to add it into my performance to leave an impression. In the end, i received quite a good response/applauds from the crowd, considering that they didn't really clap much for most of the contestants. Quite happy about my performance. But at the announcing of results, i was eliminated. The organiser gave a surprise by allowing 2 more guys and 2 more girls to go into the finals. They picked 8 contestants up stage and i wasn't one of them. At the end of the day, me and jacky didn't go into Finals.

Both of us were joking about what happened after the competition, although we were disappointed but i think we handled it well. I was damn tired, so i decided to go home with dear after the dinner. While taking a nap in bus, my hp rang~ The number seemed like my office number, I was expecting something like "Hi I'm XXX, calling from Prudential..." but it turned out to be "Hi I'm Tommy, calling from Music Story, I would to inform you that you have advanced to the finals." I was like...huh? Is a this a prank? I was exhilarated and surprised. Speechless.... I'm in the finals!

Dear friends, I need your support now. The finals will be on 14 June 2008, 6pm, DBS Auditorium. The tickets are at $10 if you booked from me before this Thursday (08/05). If not it will be the usual price @ $15. You will be entitled to 5 votes during the event and 50% of the result will be from voting, the other 50% by professional judging. If you are interested, call/sms me now! If you're a passerby, and interested, can email me @ theplainwater@hotmail.com

I'll be judged for; Round 1- Duet, Round 2-Fast Song. Then only top 4 contestants will go into round 3 to face-off to be the Champion of 1st Singout.

Round 1: 20% Votes / 80% Professional Judging

Round 2: 50% Votes / 50% Professional Judging

Round 3: 50% Votes / 50% Professional Judging

My New Job

My New Job

These few months working as a Recruitment Officer with my current company had enriched me. Learnt alot of things and met of lot of people. Another happy thing, is that I'm recognised in the company for my effort. Somehow, my recruitment result was set as a benchmark. I'm seriously not used to the kind of recognition especially when I'd seldom receive commendation in the past. Even the colleagues know me, and often refer me as a senior recruiter, or best recruiter in the company. They remember me of my results and my recruitment campaign. Seriously, to my own standards it not even good. Everytime, I hear those flattering comments, I feel flattered and actually pressurised, as the expectation are getting higher. But I believe that I continue with my belief in recruitment and maintain the pace, it shouldn't be a problem to meet the ultimate target.

Now, I've moved on to the next stage of my career with the company. After going through a series of studies, training, and tests, I've finally qualified to provide financial advisory service. My manager had discussed with me, I'll continue to serve the company as Recruitment Officer, and has the flexibility to do advisory sales during free time. This means that my life will be fully-packed from this mention onwards, but I'm happy with it. This is the time to work at optimum effort to see results and rewards. I want to win back the time I lost during my education path.

Having decided to join the Financial Service industry, means that I'll definitely work towards making this a lifetime job, to serve my policyholder as long as I'm alive. This is my commitment I give to my prospects.

Being someone who believes in savings and financial planning even before being a consultant, this new job provides me more comprehensive tools to plan for myself and for others. I hope you guys start planning for yourself. Be it with me, or with others or even by yourself, I seriously urge you to start planning, and not spend to the last cent in your bank.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead. Wish myself all the best!
Take care!

the textbooks and notes that i 'swallowed' within the past 1-2 months...

Random Update

Random Update

These few weeks have been very busy with work... interviews, studying, exams... now on product and operation course... I'll be qualified to give financial advice soon... more details will be updated later in next entry...

Marutama Ra-men @ Central (Level 3), My Latest Favourite!









It uses chicken soup rather than its rivals' pork bones/ribs soup or miso soup... The chicken soup is very chicken~ very rich taste! I love the soup! The meat melts in your mouth~

I recommend that you try the original Marutama Ramen if you are a 1st timer. Taste the original one first, then venture into exploration...

Jacky & Me - Gang Suo





Jacky - Wu Gu


Jacky & Me - Wo You Chu Lian Le