Migration of blog

Officially moving to my new blog:
http://blogs.xin.sg/desmondtan/

Fly me to BKK!

Hey dears,

I will be away to BKK from 3rd-6th August.
I will return with nice photos for you, I hope!
Meanwhile, please check out my new blog on xin.sg and feel free to comment on my new blog.

Here's the URL again :
http://blogs.xin.sg/desmondtan/

Have a good week!

Cheers,
DT

Blog Migration!

Due to the launch of celebrity blogs on xin.sg, I've set up a new blog on xin.sg.

My design of the new blog is quite a contrast to this blog. I've yet to master all the functions of wordpress, so I will modify the design bit by bit. For now, please deal with the banal design alright. It will be better!

Check it out @ http://blogs.xin.sg/desmondtan/.

Cheers,
DT

Freedom Writers

By chance, I managed to catch an incredibly moving film on HBO after work this evening. Just before I made a move on my dinner that I longed for since work, the trailer (the making of the film kind) of "FREEDOM WRITERS" caught my attention and glued me to the television set for the next 2hours. The film proves to worth every second of the 2hours!

The film addresses a series of issues that are evident (or sometimes hidden) in most contemporary societies, namely the repression of the minorities, the use of education in teaching 'economics-driven' knowledge vs. teaching wisdom and values, and parent-children relationship. Not forgetting to mention the simple yet appropriate use of cinematography, which I thought fit the theme and approach of the film. It totally appealed to me in terms of the touching story (by the way, it's a true story), acting and camera work. It's one of the most well-made MTV films I've ever watched. The film was screened in Singapore in 2007 and yet I didn't know the existence of this film. How could it be?!

With much said, I think I should at least reveal the plot right? The film is about a new and excited teacher Erin Gruwell (played by Hilary Swank) who begins her teaching passion in a high school at Long Beach. Her excitement very quickly diminished as she realizes that her students are nothing near to what she expected. The students are not motivated and show zero interest in education & their lives at the beginning. Her students of class 203 are also a mix of the minorities, with African-Americans, Latinos, Cambodian etc whom are trapped in their own family problems and undergoing the same repression acted upon them by the society. The passionate Erin did not give up on them, instead she commits all her time to understand all of them, educate them and inspire them. Erin got them to express their innermost feelings by writing journals, and these journals are then compiled to become the book of the original story of this film. Also, in the process of helping these troubled teenagers, she took up 2 more jobs to support her teaching job, she battled with the education authority and losing her marriage. In the end, her effort was all paid off when her students of class 203 are successful in different ways.

To end, I like to mention 2 particular scenes that I thought were exceptionally touching. One is the scene when Erin's dad was praising her for her courage and passion as a teacher, the lines where nicely scripted. Next is the ending sequence with 2 girls (of different races) who were initially rivals accepted each other. One girl offers her makeup powder to the other girl who is tearing, saying, "I think I've your colour". What a smart and heartwarming way to resolute the film.

I wish I could share more about this film but that would be a risk to lose some of you if I were to continue. So I just end by saying this "You gotta watch it to know it!" And I suspect President Obama got the idea of his well known "Yes we can" speech from this film, watch it and you'll know what I mean. I hope you too enjoy this film!

p.s. Obviously I'm still very influenced by the film module I took in school. I can't help it, film is just so addictive!

探索

我们将不停地探索
而我们一切探索的终局
将是到达我们的出发地
并第一次认识这个地方

So much to do, so little time

Just a short update.
I've been very busy with my special semester right after my reservist last month.
Studying during school vacation while peers are having their break is never easy. Studying non-stop without a break is tiring sometimes. Well, looking on the bright side, at least I'm studying a module that interest me. It's none other than "Introduction of Film Art"! In this module, I get to watch (and re-watch) great films,and analyze in greater depth. Some of the films are silent movie and black & white films, and trust me these films are timeless beauty. I never how to or not expose to such movie before, and once I did, I fell deep in love with them. The films that excite me most are those by one of my favourite asian director, Wong Kar Wai. I will talk about his film and psycho you guys to watch them once I'm done with my exam next week alright.
Other than that, I just started filming for a new Chinese drama "Together".
Work and exam combined equal endless work.
I will update more about the film once I'm done with exam next week alright. Wish me luck!

Reservist: 22nd to 26th June

Happy Daddy's Day!

Hey Dad,
Just a short note for a special day.
Thanks for everything you've provided for the family and always unfailingly making our lives the most awesome one!
Especially these weeks when I'm sick, your unconditional love really touched me and reminded me of those days when I was sick when I was a kid. Now I'm a big boy but still you still see me as the little boy in your heart. Yet now when I look at you, I realize how much you have aged (but still looking dashing and healthy, dad!). These marks of age also remind me of how amazing you are as a dad! You've done so much for the family, I hope I could do you proud and at least fulfill half of your accomplishments for the family. You're the most awesome dad! When I become a dad in future, you will definitely be my one and only role model!
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Love,
DT

H1N1?!

I was down with flu, fever, sore throat etc. However I just refused to see a doctor because I believe in self-recovery mechanism of our body. Whenever I am sick, I will just drink more water and do mild exercises to 'sweat it out'. As such I believe that my body has grown stronger over the years as my body is not reliant on chemical (medicine) to recover. I know this might sound illogical or even sound stupid but I really believe in this. What's your take in this?

Anyway this time round, I was kinda forced to submit to the doctor due to social responsibility, otherwise I would fight the illness to the end. I was ill for almost 2 weeks (one of the longest battle with illness) but I just had to give up in the end due to the possible chances of me contracting the H1N1 virus. I just wanna make sure that what I had was not H1N1 for the benefits of my family, friends and the society. I even wore a mask when I was out for dinner with my friends, and at my friend's place. (Partly, I didn't want to pass on the bacteria to Shadow, the dog) I was surprised that I didn't get weird gazes when I was wearing the mask in public, or maybe I was just too sick to notice that.

Anyway, the medicines are really effective; I am almost 100% recovered. But the downside of the medicine is that it causes drowsiness, I'm almost perpetually sleeping a day round. It’s nice to get some sleep but too much of it isn’t lovely anymore. Therefore I urge you to take good care of yourself, drink more water, consume more Vitamin C and stay healthy alright. Nothing is more important than health. Good health!

Translation please

在我开始写新的文章之前，我要感谢所有回我前一篇文章，关心我的网友们。我会试用你们提供的妙法，努力修补我的华语。希望有朝一日能够全全掌握华文，挥洒自如地用华语表达和表演。

为了英文读者和习惯读我用英文写篇的网友们，我将会取个平衡，尽量取五十五十的比例用华语英语写我之后的文章。换句话说，每个英文文章后将会是篇华语文章。

If you haven't 'realized' that I've been writing in Chinese for my previous update and the paragraphs above (you should see your optician soon. kidding), okay here I am telling you about it and the rational behind it.

Just a short summary of the previous update and the paragraphs above: I recently attended a workshop that 'woke me up' from my comfort zone, I realized that I've been busy with school and work that I've forgotten the 'time-bomb' attached to me all along. And the 'time-bomb' is nothing but the proficiency of my Chinese language. Days after the workshop, I chatted with a friend who analyzed the consequences if I remain oblivious about the 'time-bomb' and not denote the it, and my friend of course also pointed out the fruits of taking control of the 'bomb'. Thereafter, I brain-stormed and produced couples of solutions that would help me conquer this barrier once and for all.

And blogging in Chinese is one of the solutions. This is why I've blogged in Chinese and will continue blogging in Chinese. However, not to lose you, the English-inclined netizens, I will also continue to update in English, but with equal shares for both languages. In other words, I will update by alternating between Chinese and English in future. Or maybe translate my updates, during looser schedules.

Well, I'm done with my brief plans for this blog..
It's time to crack my brain for another upcoming big day on the calender.. Fathers' Day! What should I get for dad?

身上的定时炸弹

“定时炸弹”一直绑在我的身上。我也知道它的存在。
这个“定时炸弹”从起程就开始倒数。面对这个“定时炸弹”有两个选择：
一）努力尽快把它解开，然后就可以不受干扰地前进。
二）对它的存在置之不理。知道它是个阻挡前进的绊脚石，但得过且过。

说到这里，你或许还在猜文中的“定时炸弹”是什么。其实这个“定时炸弹”指的是我的华文。

从开始，或更准确的说是入行开始，华文就成了我身上的“定时炸弹”。因为身上带着这个负担，我的表达，表演，伸缩性等都受了巨大的影响。因为无法自如的用华语，我就无法的呈献我的100％。也因为这样，华语就变成了我演艺表现的“定时炸弹”。如果不尽快把它解掉，它将随时爆炸。

但是知道是一回事，能不能采取行动解炸弹又是另一回事。
就如有明人说过，“不要因为需要用华语的时候才临时抱佛脚，那是没用的”。华文或任何语文是需要长年累月的进修才能掌握。我的问题就是没时间。

我因为学校功课量重而无法修我的华文，所以一直‘卡’在现在的程度。在兼顾学业和工作的当儿，我也有在进修华语。比如翻阅i周刊（我常称为我的华文课本），读一些剧本等 。但是进步的速度太慢了。

前几天我上了个讲习会，而这个讲习会大大的提醒我了身上的“定时炸弹”。之后也跟一名朋友深谈了这个问题。我才又发现这个“定时炸弹”依然缠着我。昨天跟朋友谈了后，我不断的想着它，不断地深思。之前可能是不够时间或努力，也或许是方法不好而倒置进步速度慢－我也不清楚。但现在是学校假期，所以我没任何‘理由’了。我将在这假期全全的修我的华语！我会找老师，希望跟拍摄队或探班学习，还有执行“5多” － 多读，多看，多听，多讲，多写。你应该也知道我为什么会忽然用华语写这张文章了吧。哈哈！

我希望我能在这短短几个星期能有更大的进步，也会是我掌握华语的好的开始。我会努力把“定时炸弹”解开 的。加油！

On hunt for...!

I'm on hunt for electric guitars!

I've been playing acoustic guitar for a while and always wanted to try out electric guitar for a change. It's not very big change like learning a whole new instrument but still there's still a lot to learn. Techniques of playing are different, new equipment and specifications are involved, more variation of effects to be manipulated such as reverb and distortion, accustoming to different genre of music etc.

I've been doing some research and also been for guitar recces over the weekends with friends, honestly I was quite lost at the start. It reminds me of the time when I bought my first acoustic guitar.

I've narrowed down to certain specifications that I want for my electric guitar, and currently I'm looking at the Les Paul range that meet most of what I want and also fit my budget.
And now is just about finding THE ONE.

"Effortless" in Passion

Few months ago I did a photo shoot themed "Effortless" for David Gan.
I was surprised to see my full blown picture in David's salon, Passion, today when I went for my haircut for a photo shoot on Saturday. I love the collection of pictures. I'll try to get more of the pictures from David to share with you guys alright.
For now I only have a picture of me posing with 'me'.
p.s. Thanks David and all who were involved in the shoot.

Midyear Spring Cleaning

I'll be having a reporter guest from I-weekly to my crib tomorrow morning, therefore I thought I should neaten my room a little so that my room will show no trace of the "phenomena of post-exam-books-and-notes-everywhere" in the pictures for the article.

I started cleaning my room after my lunch, and expecting the job to be done in 1-2 hours. BUT as I packed I realized the amount of stuff I've not cleared for the past few months when I was busy with school and work. In the end, I had to dedicate my entire day doing a elaborated 'midyear spring cleaning'. I almost spent the entire day in my room; only leaving the room for meals and drinks.

People will usually grumble about such cleaning up or some would not even bother doing it. Well I kinda have to do it so our dear photographer will not have a tough time tomorrow. I did not grumble about the long cleaning up hours instead I kinda enjoyed it. As I cleaned up the room, I came across old things which I would subconsciously pause and recollect fond memories tagged to them. There were also things that I once deemed so precious now seems insignificant anymore. Therefore, there was a lot of throwing to do and a lot of struggle whether to keep or throw some stuff which I've kept for years. Final verdict for most items are still to stay. I realized I'm quite a 'garang guni' dude who loves to keep things which marked different phases of my life.

Though I'm feeling a little tired now after a long day of cleaning, I definitely think it's worth it when I look around me. The room is now all sparkling clean and neat. And the cleaning process was self-reflective for me, and also a nostalgic experience.

By the way, below is an article of my role in Ultimatum from last week's I-weekly:

(Dion, thanks for the write-up.
Joyce Stella, thanks for sending the article to me)

Return to JJC

Last week I was invited back to JJC's Talentime, not as a contestant or student like the past, but as a judge and guest performer for the event.

First of all, I would like to thank the school for remembering this notorious student. This is the first time I return to JJC after graduating from there since 2004. Back then; I was definitely a regular 'guest' in the school's performance 'scene'. My friend and I would usually perform in the school cafe and in school events such as Teachers' Days etc.

Returning to school as a non-student always gives me a pleasant feeling. The absence of the hierarchical barrier with the teachers liberates the rigid connection between students and teachers enables open conversation to better understand the teachers. And the best thing about returning to school is that it acts as a yardstick to measure how much I have grown and achieved from the time I graduated from the school.

Only 5 years since I graduated from JC, it feels like I've been through so much yet so little. Despite the numerous occurrences and some major hallmarks, there are still many things I've yet to do or achieved in the 5 years. Some items are struck out and leave a mark in life, some missed their chances and will remained un-struck, and the list will continue to be incredibly long, and longer.

Back to the topic of Talentime. I feel honored to be the guest performers for the event, but also it was pressurizing because the last time I sang on stage was the Talentime 5 years ago. After all these donkey years, this performance reunited the duet, Zhao Xian and myself, back on stage together again. We both sung and played guitars, and performed 2 acoustic numbers "Always be My Baby" by David Cook and "找自己" by David Tao. Thank God all went well and we managed to bring an awesome performance. This performance makes me want to do more of such performances!

Here are some pictures of the performance...

I'm BACK!

Long time since I last updated my blog. Thanks for being patient and returning to the blog for the past weeks. Yes dears, updates updates! No worries, I've a lot to update for the past few weeks of my life; there were more than just examinations.

I've been busy catching up with friends after my examinations. And also lots of catching up on my physical fitness because I was so busy mugging during the examination period that I kinda stop exercising. Gearing up to the regular regime after the 'long break' was tough, and this is a learning point for me: to be consistent with physical fitness training.

Recently, I'm hooked on an American sit-com "How I Met Your Mother". I was introduced to my friend during towards the end of the examination period when we were studying together. It was our entertainment during meal time. We usually watch 1 or 2 episodes during our meal, and by the end of it we would all be so cracked by the show. The story of HIMYM is exactly expressed by the title; the episode will begin with the lead character "Ted" (or the narrator of the story) telling his kids how he met their mother, and it will then flash back to the time when Ted is young. The plot is similar to Friends, where all the stories revolve around the bunch of good friends. Something interesting about this sit-com is that the characters in the show have actual blog in reality, i.e. the 'life' of the character is reflected on blogs that you could read. I thought it is an interesting idea to increase the realism of the show. I'm also kinda influence by the numerous taglines in HIMYM, like "This is gonna be Legen.... Wait.. wait for it.. dary", "Hey... Have......you met Ted" etc. You will understand only understand all this jokes when you watch it. I was as lost when my friends were saying these random taglines before I watched it.
I will continue to back track on my updates alright... Stay 'tuned'!

"Heads up"

Just a short post.

Verrrryyyyy busy in school this few weeks. Losing toooo muccchhh sleep and skipping toooo mucccchhhh meals for the mannnyyy projects and assignments.
Present state: No life
Hence, no updates recently.

Anyway, this is something interesting to share.. the construction of my 'head' for my role in a new drama. Here are the 5 'simple' steps to create a new head!

Check out the write up

Bruce Lee playing ping-pong?

Voice-over for When Night Fa11s

Almost identical poses. Who copy who?

Feeling CROSS!

Scenario: You found out that your car parked at your residence carpark was badly scratched at the bummer and number plate almost falling off.

Question: What can you do?

Answer??

GONG XI FA CAI

恭喜发财！
身体健康！
生活美满！

牛年行大运！

Rules of Life

As I'm enjoying my current read, I learned some great lessons from it at the same time. It is a wake-up call to all the city dwellers, like us. I'm intrigued to be more sensitive to the smallest details of my everyday, and enjoying the moments of life. As I rush from places to places, race through crowds and 'living' my days, I somehow forgotten the basic things in life such as "The first rule of life is to have a good time. There is no second rule." How miserable is it to live life not being happy? No matter what, have fun in whatever we do everyday and remember to smile! It does make a difference!

I like these lines from the book.

"The bell has rung. I was in the ring. It was time to get involved in minute-by-minute efforts rather than heavy contemplation. I had to give up spending too much time thinking about the past and what I had lost. It was going to be a big challenge just to keep up with this present." Michael Gates Gill (How Starbucks Saved My Life)

Chasing Pavement

Should i give up, Or should i just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere, Or would it be a waste?
Even If i knew my place should i leave it there?
Should i give up, Or should i just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

An 'Overseas' Trip: Pulau Ubin

If there is a tagline for this year, I suppose that "Times are bad!" would be highly voted. My friend Mr. Backache uses this tagline in almost every time when we talked about the gloomy situation of the economy, quieting streets that are usually buzzing etc.

I've to agree with the tagline. I read an article on the papers yesterday about a financial adviser in the States planned to fake his death by plotting a plane crash to 'bail out' himself from his debts. He flew his Piper Malibu towards his 'death', and secretly parachuting to the ground and escaping on a escape motorcycle he had stashed earlier. I'm impressed (not exactly in a good way) by the idea and the extent this American had went to plan a James Bond movie sort escape from his debts. Unfortunately, the authorities caught up ‘Mr. James Bond’ 3 days later! Looking at his desperation to escape from the authorities and also at the unforgiving chase by the authorities, my conclusion is 'Mr. James Bond' must have owed a SUBSTANTIAL sum of money! Times are really bad!

Well, anyway what I initially plan to blog on is my Pulau Ubin. Here's a little advice to share. If you are not in a situation like 'Mr. James Bond', keep your saving plans simple. You can simply downsize your spending on expensive lunch, luxurious holiday etc. If you are stuck in Singapore, must as well do the best out of it. Go on a Discovery Trip in Singapore! I went to Pulau Ubin (For those unsure ones. Nope. You don't need your passport!) with my friends on a one-day trip to this little island to get a some air away from Singapore (mainland). Comparably, this can't match up to trips to Paris, Hokkaido etc. however it could be a perfect getaway with the right group of people. At least it is something interestingly different and also cheap!

Jack the wild boar

Lunar New Year Trailer Shoot

Just some pictures to share...
(I dislike taking pictures in the dark. I just can't keep my eyes wide for the photos!)

P.S. Thanks for the photos, Joanne!

When Night Fa11s

When Night Fa11s. It's not a typo error. Yes, the two L's in 'Falls' are deliberately replaced with 11 (or eleven). The 11 represents an important time in the story of this short film.

This is my short film, which also took away my many 'first-times'. My first short film, first time smoking, first time revealing too much skin for the camera, first time driving on a trailer, first time acting without lines, first time driving a taxi and more. This short film has taken my many first-times but I believe it is all worth it! The entire shooting process was an awesome experience. The enjoyment of exploring new things, given opportunities to explore craft of acting and bonding with the team like a 'family' were the best takeaways for this project. And not to missed out another takeaway, which is to work with my dearest 'laopo' (wife) for the film, gorgeous Jessica Tan.

These still shots are taken by our dear 'botak' photographer, Brian Ho. An talented photographer which surprised me by the fact that he only believes in using film for his shoot.