Opening the 'box'

When it comes to Friday, all I can think about is how to spend the time at the office as quick as possible that I won't even notice that it's time to go home already. Well, last friday, I was in a good mood to finish my literature review, since it just needed couple of things to be done, and I set the deadline on 3PM. But, around lunch time, my friend called me on MSN, then we started to chat, then I missed the deadline, and I went home afterwards...nice. But it was one hell of a chat, I must say !!!

Actually, we didn't know each other at all until last year, when we attended my best friends' wedding (Andre+Tessa). Back then, I only knew that she is my friend's ex, and now she's dating the ex of my ex girlfriend (yes, that's 2 EXes). "It's a small world afterall", that's what she said. We've been doing regular chats ever since, where most of the topics were the heated and never ending debates rivalry between Liverpool and Man Utd, especially last year when the Reds came sooooo close on beating the Red Devils. And since L'pool will have no chance to win it this year, well, better luck next time (no offense there, just a fact!!!)

So, the talking point was that we were talking about our EXes (yes, again, that's 2 EXes), not to mention the story of our first experiences in relationship. Well, I guess she had a better story than me, after all. It was just damn funny to listen to our own stories, I mean, we were 17 or 18, and we used to talk about relationship as if we were adults. "Monkey Love", that's what my parent used to say. Just like the movies, so many things you can tell about your high school moments.

Nevertheless, my point is that she just played a hidden movie in my brain titled "High School", and how fascinating that I can still remember all the details on what happened back then (it was 10 years ago, by the way). Suddenly, now I'm listening to songs from high school eras, just to accompany me on remembering how good the old day was (Oasis, Spice Girls, Savage Garden, or even N'Sync....yea yea yea, I used to like them anyway).

My oh my, it's funny how we grew up during high school. All those moments when you were just to shy or scared to call a girl, how to pick up a line, how to exchange phone numbers, how to ask her out without making a fool of yourself. Well, in my experience, I used to make stupid things back then, and I can't just stop thinking that I was such a dumb ass back then. But, since I'm having a hot chick as my fiancee at the moment, I think I can take out that 'dumb ass' word.

Bottom line, high school memories are so irreplaceable, you only had once in a life time. I believe in that particular period is where you find your best friends. In my case, I guess high school shaped you to become what you are in present time (other words = your character). I'm so grateful that I can manage to keep in touch with those old pals, or making a new one, but from the same era (yes, like you, Raine!!!). I'm really looking forward to have a reunion next year, and thanks to Facebook, I guess it makes my job easier to plan this thing. Okay, enough about daydreaming and looking backwards, cause I have to finish this literature review before 2PM !!!

PS: Melancholic, but not cheesy...nice to hear that!

I'm bloody twenty-seven !!!

When my girlfriend gave me the surprise birthday cake, it was just...shocking !!! Don't get me wrong, the cake looked tasty and yellow (believe me, it was damn good), it was the candles which said 27...Damn, I am fuckin' 27 years old !!! Well, I still feel like 4 years older, and when I look around the people whose age is 27, I'll be damned, they all look mature enough, and some of them even have their own car, or even working in much higher and higher position than me. Next year, I'll be 28, and getting married. Geezzzz...I still kinda feeling that yesterday was the first day I entered architecture school. Time really flies so fast, it just won't wait for you until you realize that it is already in the past. Oh well, enough on the melancholy, let's just talk the fun stuff.

First thing first, I lost my count to determine how many people wished me a happy birthday, either from Facebook, SMS, or phone calls. It was just outstanding how the recent technology makes you feel closer with your friends and relatives. When I opened up my Facebook, my wall was just full of the wishes, and as my gratitude, and I replied each of it personally. I guess this is my birthday with the most wishes received. Thanks to all the people who wrote me you wishes, God Bless you all.

So, what did I do on my birthday? In the afternoon, I attended my best friend's wedding matrimony. For Steven and Stefany, aka Gepenk and Tetep, wishing you both all the best.

So, what's next?

Well, nothing can make you feel so good and happier than ever on your birthday than hanging out with your best friends. On the weekend, I managed to gather my high school friends, and we had dinner at Pasta de Waraku, and we just couldn't stop chatting on everything. Seems like the 4 hours meeting just wasn't enough. I really have to give a special thanks for Suri, Icil, Erick, Edo, and Monic since they made my birthday more meaningful. It was such a pleasant moment, where I really appreciate the friendship which we have built for all these years. I don't know about you guys, but I always feel that they are one of the best gift you can ever get on every birthday. It's been like what, 10 years since all of us met for the first time? Too bad, there's only a few of us, since the rest are residing on other continents. I'm looking forward to have the big reunion on my wedding next year, let's hope they can make it.

So, happy 27th birthday for me, it's time to look at the mirror, and reflect this past 27 years. Has it been good? Have I done enough to fulfill all my hopes and dreams? Have I seized every day? Have I live my life to the fullest? Have I grown up to be a better man? To hard to tell since I don't have something to benchmark with. But, as far as I know, I think I'm walking on the right track, but still I need to work harder and to experience many things, and I still need to learn...A LOT. Maybe, I need to look my self 5 years from now, what kind of picture will I get?

Stefany & Steven

Finally, the big day for my best friends has finally come. On the weekend which was also my birthday, I was very happy to see both Gepenk + Tetep made the vow and walk down the aisle. Gepenk has been a good friend since the day we met at college time. I guess, he was one of so many friends I made in the earlier times, and since then, we've maintained a great relationship, where we were always involved in many group projects. I remember those times when we're still single and discuss lots of issues how to get hooked with pretty girls. And I believe he got one in the end, and Tetep is his first girl actually, and isn't nice where your first eventually becomes the one and only? I guess he had to go through so many obstacles and troubles to get her, and it is fruitful in the end. We used to make jokes that when they were hooked up together, Gepenk was like winning a lifetime lottery, while Tetep was the unlucky party to have him. Quite funny, but in the end, I believe they complete each other.

To my surprise, Gepenk sang to her during the church ceremonial event, and I didn't see this coming. Can't believe he had the guts to do that, and he did it well to overcome the nerves. And Tetep was just so gorgeus in her wedding dress, she's the princess on that day, and the prince can't be more happier than this. The party was great and crowded, where it was also a perfect moment to have some reunion with old friends. I didn't get too much eating since we're quite busy chattering among ourselves.

In the end, I'm wishing them well and joyful moments in the future. Can't wait to hangout again with them back in Singapore. Too bad we can't stay together, but I'm looking forward to meet them again this month. Cheers !!!

3rd prize!!!

What a f*ckin' surprise, my group won the 3rd prize for the recyclable housing design competition. The event was held by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) with collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Well, we never expected that the jury would put a such high remark in our design. We were just doing in for fun and our portfolios, but to win a 3rd prize, oh man, it's a big surprise. I mean, when I looked at the terms and regulations, the winner should have been e-mailed by October 5, which is a month ago, and we didn't received any single news. But then, on October 15, suddenly I got the jackpot when I check my mailbox. Whoa, I was stunned for a while, and I had to re-read the whole letter just to make sure that I read it correctly. But back then, I wasn't notified which prize we've won, where it just stated that the winner will be announced during the networking party dinner, held at the Loof, Odeon Tower on October 20.

Well, so much for a dinner I guess. We came down there, and 'this dinner' was eventually just a cocktail party, and I was damn starving that time. Nevertheless, my stomach began to tremble when the announcement was made, and 3rd prize came up. Consequently, we also got the S$2100 cheque to be divided among us. Not bad huh, with just S$50 investment, we got two grand in return. The party was great also, since I got the chance to hangout with my friends, and met new ones.

We had so much fun in the design process, and we're really happy for the result. And this is not the last one for sure, can't wait to take part in another bigger competition. But, let's cherish this moment for a while. Cheers !!!

It's official. I'm in love with Summer!

TOM: "I love her smile. I love her hair. I love her knees. I love how she licks her lips before she talks. I love her heart-shaped birthmark on her neck. I love it when she sleeps."

It's just sweet, and so true. I know not many guys would like to admit those things outspoken. But, in many cases, these are mostly what guys feel like when they are crazy in love (it's an "absolutely true" for my case). (500) DAYS OF SUMMER gives us something fresh about romantic comedy. Instead a linear story with gimmicks and predictable plot, this movie tries to tell us what happens with Tom and Summer within this 500 days period of love story. It goes forward and backward, and some recording of their childhood memories for the opening title. Nevertheless, we can always expect some different moods between each scenes, where in one period you get the happy moments, then it continues with sad and depressing time, and so on. In short, I've never seen a romantic comedy to be filmed ala Pulp Fiction style.

The story begins on the 488th day, if I'm not mistaken, where it shows Tom and Summer are sitting on the bench, holding hands, and with a big diamond ring in Summer's finger. Then, the scene changed to the day (i forgot which one) where Tom broke with her, and in his miserable moments. Afterwards, we're back at day 1, which is the day when Tom met Summer for the first time, and how the elevator scene opened the door for Tom's feeling that he got a crush for the girl (thanks for the Smiths). It looks silly, but I know the feeling when someone has a similar taste or hobbies, it's like opening a new channel for communications and conversations, especially in the case where a guy meets a new cute chick. Because afterwards, you can even ask for her number, or even ask her for a date for no sweat, since now you have something in common. Well, that's what happened with Tom and Summer, whereas they were getting closer and began their romantic relationship (it started with a kiss in the photocopy room). However, as it occurs in many relationships, one of them is not looking for something serious, well on the other hand, although he didn't admit it, he felt like he's dating with his soul mate, the one, the goddess, the future partner of his life. It's not naive, perhaps he's too sentimental, but it happens a lot. Then we can easily follow their stories and love journey, accompanied by nice soundtracks, right until the day 500 it self, where in the end of the day, you'll get the one of the 'slap you in the face' or 'makes you scream WHATTTTT instantly' ending. Or at least, you'll open your mouth.

Yes, it's one of the best kind of its genre for the past few years, and I can even say this one is better than we have for the whole year, right above The Proposal, He's Not Just That Into You, The Ugly Truth, and many other movie. The chemistry between Tom (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and the adorable Summer (Zooey Deschanel) is so unforced, and perfectly blended, especially in their happy moments. Levitt's performance is just natural, with lots of emotional condition which he has to deal with. In one scene we can see him outrageously happy (a blue cartoon bird was also included), and right on the next scene, I believe we just saw a perfect suicidal face. What makes things more interesting, he studied architecture (right on !!!!), but worked in a greeting card company. Nevertheless, he's a guy who still have that hopes and dreams to become an architect one day. When you look at his room, take notice of the chalk board behind the bed, you'll see a really good touch of interior design.

Now, when we're talking about Zooey Deschanel, you can't just ignore that big blue wonderful eyes.It's just so irresistible, it will make you want to stare her in the eyes, and you can't just keep smiling. In the first half of the movie, her appearances was just so refreshing, and it made us curious all the time to see what she would do or say next. She's a mysterious type, but cool, eager to try new experiences, but a bit of self-centered. While on the second part of the film, you can still love her, or even hate her, depends on you point of view. Well, most girls must have their own bitchy moments once in a while, right? Or even once in a 'month'.

One recipe which I think is important to support the whole romantic comedy story is the soundtrack. Remember 10 Things I Hate About You, Vicky Christina Barcelona, Juno, or High Fidelity? All of them have nice and perfectly on the spot songs which eventually enhance the mood. For this movie, I like the opening song "Us", by Regina Spektor, with the dual scene of Tom and Summer's childhood video. Or the IKEA scenes with Feist's "Mushaboom", and the ear catching tunes from Hall & Oates' "You Make My Dreams" when Tom was dancing around the park. And of course, let's not forget the song that started this all, The Smiths' "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want".

(500) Days of Summer is not only cool and fresh, but it also tops my expectation of what this genre should be like. Can't wait for the continuation of the story, but somehow it's like a bad idea. Nevertheless, I'm perfectly enjoying this one. It's worthed to watch it twice though, and you can enjoy watching Zooey's blue eyes for the entire time.

My Ratings : 9/10

Notes: The opening narration, "This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story." ==> this one just grab your sudden attention, doesn't it?

You may have seen a meteor shower, but I bet you've never seen a shower "meatier" than this !

Unexpectedly funny and a perfect family movie to watch. Apart from it's gonna make you sick toward junk foods, A CLOUD WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS has just served us a delicious 90 minutes enjoyable movie. All the people behind this managed to get the job well done, which is cooking the right ingredients for an animation movie for all ages. You put a simple story with memorable leading character, added with family issues, good animation, funny jokes, and provide it with a row of good voice actors (Bill Hader, Anna Farris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, and even Mr. T was there!).

Whenever we hear the word 'Animation', the first name usually comes up in our head is either Disney or Pixar (which both are inseparable at this time). Well, for the past decade, Pixar has not just only raised the bar for the animation standard (both story and visual), but all of their films work well. Therefore, when the first time I heard about this strange movie title, created by 'nobody', hell yeah, I was really skeptical. Man, the title is so ugly, and by looking at the trailer, animation looked kinda dull, and lastly, it's not Pixar, not even Dreamworks. But, we know that in the end, I have to eat my own words, and it tastes as bad as the junk food (okay, bad correlation there).

The story is about an idealist scientist, Flink Lockwood (Hader), who has spent most of his life to invent something, whether it's useful or just plain rubbish. Flink lives in somewhere in the middle of the ocean, where Tuna is the main commodity, or even the biggest brand in the neighborhood. Therefore, he's working hard to finish up his last invention, a machine who can create foods from water (just don't think it through, it's a movie, guys !!!). And then Sam Sparks (Farris) came along as a 'rejected' reporter from New York city who has to cover an annual occasion in Flink's neighborhood. Flink's machine was bust out, ruined the whole ocassion, and it flew over to the sky. And just when everybody thought Flink is just the scapegoat, suddenly the machine worked well, and sky just can't start to pour rain of foods. However, nothing's good comes out from something's too much, isn't it?

For most of the time, I was entertained. The jokes were on spot, and rarely they went over the top. And of course, for your enjoyment, just don't put everything into logic. (hey, it's an animated movie, you can do whatever you want in it). The key character is no other than Hader himself. After a good string of performances on SNL, I guess he deserves to get a chance in the big screen. In the end, he did a pretty good job, to make us both love and hate him altogether. Farris as always, loveable and cute, while Caan made a perfect cast for the role of Flink's Father. Other notable cast as Bruce Campbell and Mr.T has enough screen time to add the entertainment value overall.

What I love is that as the opening title said by itself, the movie was created by a lot of people. Well, not bad for a bunch of young moviemakers to create something like this (better than Monster vs. Aliens, I supposed !!!). It's a great movie to be enjoyed by your friends and family, cause it is just plain FUN.

My Ratings : 8/10

Ponyo on the Cliff

I can't think of any other blog title than the movie title itself. For me, Ponyo is another example of Miyazaki's masterpiece of animation and story telling. I believe this Ponyo can be a perfect movie to attract younger generation to follow the Ghibli Studios legacy. I bet those kids will rent Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and many others. I have watched both the Japanese and the English dubbed version, and both provide the same quality, although I always feel the originality by watching the Japanese dub version. Nevertheless, with the row of magnificent voice actors from Liam Neeson, Tina Fey, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett, the English version is as good as the original one.

The story is inspired on Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid, with some Ghibli's injections, where a mermaid, Ponyo who is really eager to go to the surface of the sea, and live along with the humans. Therefore, her desire to be one of them is becoming irresistible, although this life path is strongly forbidden by her father. On the other hand, we have Sosuke's family where his mother works in an elderly house and his father most of the time is on the sea working. The story then evolves when Sosuke found Ponyo, and they're becoming friends, where in the end, Ponyo's choice to become human may brings consequences not just for her self, but also affecting Sosuke's family and the city where they live in.

We're living in the era where 'animation' constantly upgraded into the higher level, where it involves high-tech rendering mechanism. Even for future releases, I believe every animation movie will be 3-D ready. What is amazing from Miyazaki and his group of talents from Ghibli Studio, is that he is able to maintain the old fashioned 2D animation, with hand drawing techniques. Old school, but the story telling has never disappointed us. I believe no other animator (apart from Pixar) who has maintained these good work of art and widely acceptable for the worldwide audiences, not just in Japan only. Ponyo is a sweet loving movie, with a very nice family value and lessons of love. It's not over melodramatic, nor too melancholic, the whole thing is just well balanced. But nevertheless, the Miyazaki's vision and imagination is just beyond words.

If you're a first timer watching a Ghibli movie, I suggest you go out and rent the previous ones, they are as good or even better than Ponyo. For all the fans, it's a celebration and proper appreciation of another piece of art by Miyazaki. I keep my fingers crossed that someday Ghibli and Pixar can work together, and won an Oscar for Best Picture. Who knows???

My Ratings : 8.5/10

TV series, new seasons ... Part 2

Let's continue then with a much 'funnier' topic. For now, I only watch 'How I Met Your Mother', '30 Rock', and 'The Office' for my comedy series selection. By the time I wrote this, '30 Rock' hasn't started yet, since they premiere date is on October 15 (it's next week, yippie!!!). I'm interested to watch 'The Big Bang Theory' or maybe 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', but I just don't think I have that luxury of time to watch all of these things.

How I Met Your Mother (Season 5)

I guess this is the best comedy series after the 'Friends' ended their finale. It's a perfect cast where everyone has their own character (or stupidity, silliness, outrageously dumb, or simply funny to watch). Finally, Barney has a relationship, but with Robin? Wow, who might knows what will happen. Ted becomes a lecturer in the architecture school, with Marshall and Lily...eh...hmm...become Marshall and Lily. It's a perfect antidote to cure your gloomy day.

The Office US (Season 6)

The only ultimate main reason I'm still watching this series has to be Jim and Pam, and perhaps Michael Scott a little bit. They're just a cute and adorable couple. If you follow their relationship story since the beginning, you'll what I'm talking about (in guy's words --> Pam (Jenna Fischer) is hot! ). Well, finally, they tie the knot, into the wedding!!! But still, to see Dwight Schrute to be screwed up is just hilarious. And finally, I hope Andy will have a proper girlfriend on this series, poor that guy.

Oh well, that's all of them, I' m sure I'm gonna write something up when '30 Rock' starts. But till the, sayonara for now. It's weekend time!!!

TV series, new seasons ... Part 1

Last September was the month where most of the new seasons of TV best series premiered. Some of them are the veterans (CSI Las Vegas has just entered their 10th season, and there are some nice sophomores (Lie To Me and Mentalist). Let's see, how many of them which I follow week by week, shall we?

CSI Las Vegas (10th Season)

What a perfect episode to start with. The 1st episode opening blew me away, and I saw Sara Sidle made a return. Can't believe I spent almost the last decade to follow this series. Until now, I still believe this is the best among all other CSIs, and too bad we lost Grissom in the last season, which I think is one of the best and memorable main character in the TV series. But, eventually, his replacement, Laurence Fishburne is good enough to make the story keeps interesting.

The Mentalist (2nd Season)

This series is like a getaway car from all those boring crime series. Well, in my opinion, Patrick Jane gave us something new by using his amazing skill of analyzing the situation and connecting the dots on solving crimes. Although, as my friend told me, in some cases, it's like a guessing and point finger game. It's really amusing to see Patrick and his CBI friends (my favorite guy is the Chinese one) try to catch bad guys every week, and you surely can't miss Patrick's strange and sometimes confusing way to pick a suspect. Similar premise to Lie to Me in that the main character uses his exceptional observational skills to detect when people are lying, The Mentalist has the added bonus of an intriguing motivation for the lead character (i.e. catching Red John).Damn good!

Lie To Me (2nd Season)

When my friend told me that the Mentalist is like "so bullshit", he recommended me to watch this series instead. And he was damn right, this one uses scientific approach (but still, it's a guessing game). It is very entertaining to see an a lie expert on catching bad guys lying. Carl Lightman and his crew are people who you don't want to mess with, especially on hiding things. And just like Patrick Jane, Carl is just a one damn good main character.

Dexter (4th Season)

Entering this season, it always makes me curious, how a serial-killer is able to raise a kid and maintaining a healthy relationship with his family. I think this is one of the best product of the TV series for the past few years. There's no 'good guys' here, and you have yourself a serial-killer cop who has his own codes to settle things down. A psychopath but only targeting bad people, a protagonist inside a antagonist character. Whoa, that is sick, but that's why I like it a lot.

CSI New York (6th Season)

The difference between this and the Las Vegas one, I believe is on the emotional elements. In some cases, I think the NY crew has more interpersonal issues, and most of the time, it shaped the whole story, e.g. having babies, haunted by the past, or dark secrets. But other difference is that this the 'brighter CSI', since most of the time we always see the day scenes, which makes it less darker than the LV. But among all the CSI head, I always see Mac Taylor is the strongest and the perfect leader. Nevertheless, he can deal the problems either on lab or on the field nicely. The low point of this series is that sometimes the handling of the cases are just beyond my imagination (I just don't believe NYPD has those super high-tech equipments, but this also goes to the LV). But, we'll see how things are going for this season.

Other new series which I'm interested to follow are FLASH FORWARD, SONS OF ANARCHY, and CASTLE, since I heard so many good reviews on those. That's all for now, I'll continue with the comedy series for the next part.

You should have come, buddy!!!

Sounds weird for a blog title, but I've been telling me those words for the past week. So, what's the case? Well, I didn't attend my best friend's wedding. As simple as that, but truthfully, it matters in the end. A week before her marriage, my buddy asked me whether I can make it or not, and I told him I couldn't make it, plain and straight answer. Then, a question that blew me away..."But, she's your best friend, rite?"...and on that instant, I was speechless. Eventually, I didn't make it to the wedding, and told her that I was terribly sorry I couldn't come and wish her the best.

Since then, I started to roll out the memory for the past few years. Well, she's the first friend I made back in college. We went through a lot, ups and downs, and we were even in the same final year project group. Whenever we had a normal conversation, it was just like cats and dogs, or in other words, we were never agreed on anything. Nevertheless, she was a good listener whenever I need some ears to talk to, and she helped me through one tough time (my break-up). Yes, I remember when I pissed her off so badly that I almost can't forgive my self. But things have changed since then. Eventually, she's a good friend indeed.

Oh well, what can I say? I'm happy for her now, hope she is blessed with her new family, and can't wait to see when the junior comes out! And I miss all those nonsense fightings. In the end, it's the small things which we cherish from old buddies.

Now, let's see, who's next in line for the wedding, I should book the ticket plane !!!

PS:She used purple for her wedding theme, no surprise there, huh?