Crimsonology

2008-10-16T14:06:00.002+08:00

Its time for a change!

2008-10-07T02:49:00.002+08:00

This is a completely self indulgent post but anyway, here goes.

I HAVE PASSED THE BARISTA TEST!

OHHH YES. Christian can now call himself, a Starbucks Barista!

Or, Coffee Artist! Wickedly Insanely Impossibly Righteously Awesomely GROOVY!

Just got back from closing shop and my Bar test, and after weeks of training, knowing i passed was one hell of a relief and intense euphoria-esque feeling! Righteous.

ALSO. Today (kinda late though) i bought Metallica's Death Magnetic.

And i am elated to say.. THE MASTERS ARE BACK.

Awesome. They have totally still got it, love the kickass Thrash Metal tunes. I think the ravings about how Lars Drums are too loud are actually quite the contrary. I like how they pummel the song forward, and i love the creativity Metallica have brought back to the table especially on songs like Cyanide. Aside from that, typical Metallica classic riff patterns like those on

" The Unforgiven 3 " remind us metalheads of times of " Sad But True " and " Sanitarium ".

I totally love this album.

CHEERS.

2008-09-27T01:50:00.004+08:00

It's been ages since a substantial, full-bodied post.

This .... wont be any different!

Life here in the West is beginning to feel a little more homey, though that nagging feeling of

" i miss you guys and the awesomeness that is the east side " still tugs at my shirt, threatening to destabilize the hierarchy of life itself and the space time continuum. Well, maybe not that extreme.

It has however been comforting to know that i have a friend 5 minutes away!

I've started work at Starbucks and i will proclaim that it is quite possibly the best part-time job i've ever done! I love everything about it. Aside from amazing fellow partners and coffee baristas, the environment and people interaction everyday is just amazing. Above all, getting to know coffee on a more personal level is definitely a contributing factor.

Still remember an old but corny saying they used to put up on the TV's at ST.PAT'S:

If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.

No doubt something posted by Brother Edward! Fuck. I miss St.pat's and the shit that came with it.

Music - Making tomorrow withScones For Breakfast, and i am intensely mondo wickedly unbelievably excited.

Til next time,

christian casimir.

signing off

2008-09-19T00:02:00.002+08:00

One of the bestest, bestest most awesome righteous things in the world to do for me is to perform.

thats 3 coming up in the next month.

Instruments at the ready,

Here we fucking gooooo!

THANK YOU FOR HOLIDAYS.

2008-09-08T01:22:00.001+08:00

" would it be out of line if i said,

i miss you. "

yeah.

2008-09-06T18:03:00.029+08:00

Songwriting sessions have been pretty smooth, specially with the completion of a certain few songs. oh yeah. Can't wait to see them put to use, along with the addition of some kick ass drum beats from new drummer Anton! Always good working with a good friend. Not to mention he sure can hold a beat. (looking forward to some wicked fills too)

On another note, got that starbucks job!

Training's next week for a few days and i'll have to go through a first impression but hey, im not complaining! I'm this much --------> closer to capital for my home *ahem jamming studio!

wicked. OHOH. Extra cash too after being "hired" by Caleb and Wei Jie to give Guitar Lessons! AHAHA. Can't wait, its not a hell load of cash but a boost of 280 bucks per month for playing my guitar with two peeps? I'd say that's fair enough!

This video of Hotel California is immensely wicked! Love the solo from 6:06. Trumpet opening at the beginning is impossibly righteously amazing!

The Eagles - Hotel California

Now listening to: Windowpane - Opeth

Solid song, love the smooth pro

gression from a latin, spanish-world feeling guitar solo to the more intense almost pseudo smooth-jazz-ish later feel. So much feeling, goddamn. And Mikael Akerfeldt's voice is smooth and amazingly adapted to the band's sound. Damn, i gotta work on my scales. Been planning on working intensively with harmonics, along with the expriment on Japanese modes! oooh yeah. Holiday's come quick.

glad things are cool again.

Signing off,

christian!

im glad you told me bro, and good on yah.it stings, but ive not been myself,

(only im to blame)this is strangely releasing though,and a weight off the shoulders!

what was i thinkinggggg. what was i thinkinggggg. she's not her, no wait. she's better than her ah but whatever.i am over that shit.christian is backkkkk.

you 2 have a good one yea!

2008-09-01T02:25:00.004+08:00

okay. all this doesnt matter anymore.

music. thats the focus. thats the direction. thats the way to go.

performance tomorrow. do a good job.

Write some songs, finish songs, and maybe one day.

Get that Electric Piano next month, and the fender Jazz Bass.

Inspired by Baybeats. Time to push on!

Guitar? CHECK. Notebook? CHECK. Keyboard looking ruler/Pencil? Check.

SONGWRITE SESSIONS HERE WE GOOOO.

Yeah, this was it all along.. what was i thinking!!!

GOOOOOOD NIGHT.

The Randomness

2008-08-31T01:40:00.003+08:00

Ever so often, its "christian! you know..." or " dont tell " or whatever that goes along the line of being the middle man. Hearing shit about people, mediating between loggerheads, or plain just being a "listen-box". I am cool with that, friends mean alot to me.

But maybe it'd be nice if i had someone to tell my own crap to. Hell, to explode to.

Considerations of whether this might upset everything or make things midly worse?

ALWAYS THERE.

Consequences.Consequences.Consequences.

So at the crux of it all? Who can i tell all this to?

Well, if everything is to remain (and perhaps rightly so) SANE,

i'll have to grit it and keep quiet about this.

I don't know how much longer i can take this, but bear it i will.

Someone... wait. Noone.

You know though _______________, it'd be nice if you could tell me the truth about all this.

I dont care what happens, or is happening, or what wont happen. REALLY.

But i hope you realise how i hate being let down by a friend.

(or manipulated)

I fucking miss you.

2008-08-27T00:05:00.001+08:00

Could Be Anything
-The Eams Era

Run along, run a long way to find a one
Find a one who could turn you on
Underneath a cloudless sun

I certainly hope that you are happy
With your new change of company
Surrounded by your enemies

Can't you see if I could be anything I want to be I would be you, see,
Can't you see if I could be anything

And if you say everything will want to go your way
I will turn you away as easily as I turned you into me

Run along, run a long way to find a one
Find a one who could turn you on
Underneath a cloudless sun

I certainly hope that you are happy
With your new change of company
Surrounded by your enemies

If you say everything will want to go your way
I will turn you away as easily as I turned you into me

And can't you see if I could be anything I want to be I would be you, see,
Can't you see if I could be anything

Oh, oh, there's a lot of things I could say to make you understand
I don't have time to explain

Can't you see if I could be anything I want to be I would be you, see,
Can't you see if I could be anything

And if you say everything will want to go your way
I will turn you away as easily as I turned you into me

And can't you see if I could be anything I want to be I would be you, see,
If I could be…

RELEASED!!!!

2008-08-23T03:16:00.003+08:00

Okay. It has been one hectic block.

Well, aside from the assignments and projects, tons o stuff/conflict/situations/outings/whatever going on too. Maybe a little too much to handle properly in too little time! On a better note, Coffee and unwinding with 2/4 of the Ferris Loops was awesome as well and much needed i should say. Been spaced out, angsty, blank and just thinking too much these few weeks.

Nooo matter! With the new block, comes a fresh take!

Can finally breathe that sigh of relief.

prepress turned out great.

the scented pages thing worked out. HELLL YESSS

i am a happy kid.

goodbye blog! hello weekend!

STUCK ON: Another Day - Paul McCartney

Wickedly insanely lovely impossible righteously amazingly awesome song! Its gonna be my get up song in the days to come.

Fresh!

enough is enough.

2008-08-19T01:01:00.003+08:00

I am tired. tired of understanding people, tired of entertaining. Hell, tired of even bothering.

Things seldom ever get returned or worse, thrown back with distain and hate.

It's just not worth it.

I dont wanna try anymore. Maybe its better to just tune out like i used to.

Drinkup.

2008-08-09T02:07:00.007+08:00

Dinner/drinks with taller Veron was great. Well, somewhat with the screaming China Chinese people around showing undoubted patriotism toward their president on TV screens.

(The 2008 Beijing Olympics).

I'm glad we could meet up, and i'm not sure how many more times we'll have left to spend once i move.

Rest assured though, i will try my best! It was nice getting together to share stuff that's been happening at a whir, insane school work and more importantly, heavy thoughts that you know, just seem to weigh you down. Conversations with Veron are strangely, releasing.

(and insanely uberly groovy funnily impossibly comfortingly awesome)

Jamming with the band was as usual, an additional stress reliever and a great way to express some solid emotion through music. Once again, music is the one thing that never fails to put some light on a gloomy day. Hell, a month (or millenia) for that matter. Was extremely delighted to cover Iron Maiden's "Hallowed Be Thy Name". An old song in our repertoire, but one appropriately done! Love the Guitar harmonies. I just pray our showcase next week goes alright. With all thats been going on, the added pressure on us to perform is actually growing dangerously immense. Heads up christian, and plectrum at the ready!

Lots have been happening lately, and sometimes it just gets extremely frustrating. What with the moving and packaging, cant you give me a break now and then? A week away, and i say goodbye to the neighbourhood that has brought countless amazing memories. Memories, that can persist as new experiences though.. if i can find a way to stay intouch. I don't know who i'll meet in the West, or even how coping with the distance might turn out.

But the motto holds true.

Friends will never be forgotten. (and definitely, not out of touch)

Perhaps im overreacting? But sifting through dozens of travel directories attempting to find a quick, convenient bridge from new location to old and failing, doesnt help.

Well maybe i am.

Alright, National Day later, along with helping out with unpacking over at the otherside.

Next week, its goodbye old house.

Before that however, a lil farewell and tribute from the Ferris Loops!

Good night.

awkward. what was i thinking?

Eat.Properly.Or.ELSE

2008-08-07T16:02:00.003+08:00

Tons of stuff to do. And i am unbelievably impatient with this stupid unfortunate that has happened to me! As quoted by the doc, i've got " Gastric Inflammation ".

Well, simple enough its sort of having a huge inflamed tummy. I dont mind the constant aching, but not being able to eat is NOT COOL. AND I LOVE FOOD. ARGH. STUPIDD TUMMY JUST HAD TO DECIDE TO ENLARGE ITSELF. okay whatever, its my fault. i shall watch what i eat from now on.

Anyway, living off macaroni and bee hoon soup now, but i guess it works. Gotta get ready/recovered by tmr! Jamming with Manifest to prepare for our showcase and dinner with veron! CRAP. well, its okay ill just watch in silence as good solid food (which i cant have) is being consumed. shit this is depressing. Not to mention NDP shooting on Sat, and pics i need to take at Bukit Timah. Okay, i need to chill. Oh mannn but this friggin tummy.

Ok random, . Time to focus.

well im comin home.

2008-07-28T04:31:00.005+08:00

It 4.30am in the morning.

and i cant sleep. (argh!) Im not sure if its attributed to the fact that my ears are ringing after watching Daughtry live and having screaming girls pummel my poor ear drums. Or, the streaks of thoughts that keep whistling through my head. Well, maybe a little of both.

Anyways, seeing as i am insomnia-nated and in search of something to do to pass the time...

I have decided to blog!

The past few weeks have been rather hectic, and at times extremely frustrating. A combination of school work load, preparations for a house move and various other things left me exhausted not too long ago.

THANKFULLY HOWEVER, there are friends.and music. and

The Ferris Loops! Work with the band has been improving steadily and we're starting to see our originals come out more solid. Vocal harmonies, some rather rad riffs and our new bassist in Aga is going to make us groovy kickass wicked someday. The upcoming acoustic set will see our first live gig together as a band, and help us understand how people feel bout our music.

I am most definitely, looking forward to that.

Weekend gig-ing and chilling sessions have been awesome too. Meeting new friends, appreciating current ones..good times. (Really) Good times.

Well, thats about it for this entry.

I will see you again sometime (maybe) blog!

Signing off.

-Christian.

her eyes, are so there.

A Real Quick One.

2008-07-01T00:15:00.010+08:00

A QUICK ONE.

Pakaging+Brand Building was insane, yet fun. I have developed an interest in Branding!

Someday i'll come up with a whole list of people and brand them. Packaging Pics will be up soon!
The end of the block was an awesome one, specially night cycling with some groovy wicked friends! Round two in a few weeks yeah! Stayover at Veron's was toned down but cool too... was impossibly righteous meeting up with chan, the twins,
short(er) veron and butt too! Wicked fun.
OHOH. And thanks Lina and Roy for coming down to watch us! AHA. Dam shabby, next time round we'll give you a
kick ass immensely awesome performance. Ahh sorry bout the awkward house situation too. haha. It's a night thing.

And to my super insanely amazingly impossibly awesome groovy bestie,

thanks for always being there. (:

ill be there too.

Cheers and goooood night.

Thoughts.

2008-06-05T00:59:00.003+08:00

I have never understood, how sometimes people can dismiss one another without thought. Without the slightest, most subtle concern for the other's feelings. Maybe its cause i believe everyone is free to voice an opinion. Bad opinion? Well.. who's to judge or conclude that. What's so difficult about at least accepting one, and taking the time to analyse one.. as opposed to quickly dismissing it without a swift "No". I hate those terms, terms familiar to me yet unbelievably still hard to comprehend. "Granted an individual might strongly feel another's idea may not be very suitable under a certain circumstance, but why not a simple consideration (if not agreement), as opposed to a shotgun of phrases like " No it wont work" , or " No way". Maybe im being unrealistic, perhaps the world has begun to move that way. Perhaps responses like " Its okay, thanks for the contribution anyway. " have gone "out of fashion". Perhaps, life has escalated to such a point where pleasantries just no longer matter.

Maybe im overspeculating, but i believe that things like these are why there is so much misunderstanding in the world today. People just dont take time to consider others, and would rather opt for a quick, swift, dismissal of opinions and ideas. Whatever happened to compromise?

Update.

2008-05-26T02:20:00.003+08:00

The holidays have been rather enjoyable, and im not sure if im entirely anticipating the return of school either! While it has/and will continue to be a meger 2 weeks, i've found time to unwind and basically chill out a little and im grateful for that.
Hanging out with friends has been extremely satisfying as well.. even wasted alcohol-intensive ones! Note to self: Never drink sakae again christian. Yeah, thats right.. apparently my body hates it.
Something happened that i dont think i'll ever forget and i know it was wrong, but goddamn it was awesome.

*SLAP. back to reality.
Right. Acoustic sessions with Matthew and Kezia are going great and some of our harmonies were pretty darn tight. Musically we definitely need to keep working at it but in time, i'm sure we'll be ready for the Arts Cafe. Had fun creating some on the spot improvisations on songs including Stolen by Dashboard Confessional and even some random bass lines! Yeah, the bass has been growing on me ever since closing Jam and Hop with me on bass doing Stone Temple Pilot's Plush. Which, once again was wickedly insanely awesome. I can't wait to see where our music's gonna go, meeting ben and our new rhythm guitarist next Saturday for a jam and some work on our originals. Also, the new Bassist is wickedly insanely impossibly amazing. He's into jazz intensively, and plays some serious FUNK! Yes, thats right.. Slap bass and the works along with it. Marcus Miller is his inspiration! Which is cool and impossibly awesome. The fella's got some solid musical influences. We'll see what happens from here..

The coming week will involve practice and the actual execution of guitars for Praise and Worship. I'm pretty psyched about it.. it's been pretty long since i've done some church work and maybe this wouldn't hurt in helping me feel better bout faith and stuff. I just wish i'd see the con's around a lil more.. im not sure if there'll even be time once i shift back to the west. Veron, Chan, Douglas, Kenneth, Nick, Shaun.. dam i miss the times we had together. A reunion is in need.
(I Doubt any of you even read this but if somehow ya do, well... yeah.) I'll admit it, you guys help keep me rooted.

Programme outing on Tuesday, and we're all gonna go voting too. Looking forward to that.
I.am.tired.
Goodnight blog,
casimir.

2008-05-14T02:09:00.006+08:00

" Writing a letter but the words dont come out right. "

Something's different this time, and im taking it all. (:

I cant say i want to remember how things were, or what you used to be like. Perhaps i was the one who changed, maybe im the one responsible for our state today. Thankfully, i couldn't care less what happens to you now and im glad its that way. It was awkward that i only fully grasped what i was feeling that late, and perhaps you too but sometimes things move too quick for us to stop and analyse. I miss the awesome times we had while we were still... "who we were". Some of it still chimes in my head everyday but its fading (and gratefully).

If there's one thing that would be beautiful to see again, is that familiar smile. If there's one thing that would make my day, and possibly others, it would be to see you again.

the real, you.

The Design Orientation Camp. 08. (Camp Evo)

2008-04-23T01:01:00.003+08:00

Well this is pretty late but i need a memo of this somewhere on my blog. Kinda just caught the flu and am feeling extremely lethargic so here is my very short tribute to the awesomeness that was the Design Orientation Camp.

Planning was not easy, and maybe at times a little frustrating. But everything came to fruit during camp and it was incredible to see programs and planned events unfold nicely. Programmers (As expected) were wicked awesome and we are very evidently one bunch of corny and wickedly amusing bunch of people. It's been one hell of a ride but it was worth every minute.

Seeing friends coming into Design (Specially the unexpected ones) was uplifting and made my day noticing the upward bends on their lips as they enjoyed the camp. This wasn't always evident but still noticeably, there.

The freshies are an interesting bunch of people! Very amusing personalities showed themselves and it was pretty exciting to see some of them really work that attitude and feel the Design camp fun! Reminded me loads of times of being a Freshie myself last year in the awesome and undoubtedly fantastic Pacifier Sub Empire!

Anyways, my flu is hammering on the back of my head and screaming at me to get some sleep. I shall leave with this;

WHOEVER'S READING THIS ON STRIKE!.

Few Photos here. (Programmers)

Work O Matic.

2008-04-08T08:35:00.002+08:00

Leaving for work in half an hour. Work that is going to consume another monotonous 4 days of 10am to 10pm slogging at a John Little Mega Sale at the Singapore Expo. Why on earth did i sign up for this? It's not as if the 5.50/hour pay is awesome or anything. Bah!

Anyway, Clover Manifest will be playing for Jam and Hop this year, which is like... next freaking Friday! It's awesome and i honestly cannot wait. Only thing i'm not too keen about is lugging my Guitar and gear through 5 days of camp and getting exhausted before having to pluck myself up, get high and play some serious music! Our set list is going to be groovy though, got some awesome rock and roll dance numbers that my fingers are just itching to play. I'll be doing bass this time for a very special song too! Looking forward to that.

Ben, Matt and i have settled on a name for our Progressive Indie(So called) Project too.. Its temporary for now, but we shall be called...

The Ferris Loops!

We've got a few song ideas down, along with 2 originals that are coming up pretty nicely! Love the way the music is progressing and i guess my idea of Progressive Indie has come about as a result of the influences and feel of the songs we write. Alot of Jazz input has gone in on my part, as well as some samba, latin and bossanova. We're even considering a little hardcore! That's going to be a very trying consideration though, haha!

Things are going great, and despite work i am actually finding myself relaxing a little more.

Alright.. I'll be leaving now.

Goodbye Blog!

Signing Off,

- hungry for some hainanese curry rice at Bedok Market and going to get some now,

Christian.

2008-04-02T02:14:00.002+08:00

I don't know why i havent seen it all this while, but you're probably the one thing that matters in all this confusion and problems. I'm giving it my all, and ill be waiting.

That smile.

2008-03-26T01:46:00.008+08:00

Got Th'em Blues, And Lov'in It!
So after weeks of absence, i went back to Jazz practice yesterday. Was pretty lost and the new scores threw me off (and still do) completely! There were some new guys too, including this Trombone player who apparently was a little tipsy. It was pretty funny, specially when he would spout random bursts of nonsense. Saw him down his whole Beer too and it was pretty evident toward the end of the night that he had entered drunken euphoria! At one point someone even shot a sarcastic remark at him which went something to the effect of... " A GOOD MUSICIAN SHUTS THE HELL UP AND LISTENS TO THE CONDUCTOR ". I thought that was pretty amusing.

Well, moving on from Drunk Trombone players and very pissed of Saxes, (Sounds pretty wrong doesnt it?) I need to get cracking once again! Tons o new scores to learn and old ones to perfect! Im starting to get the hang of Latin Jazz Guitar. Essentially it revolves directly around the Blues, working with many Flats and Sharps along the Pentatonic Scale. Fusing this with the Dorian mode provides a kick ass David Brubeck, Miles Davis kinda vibe. Primarily of course, its getting the whole feel that puts the music in perspective. Seriously, feel the blues... and the Jazz sinks in automatically with a little more... hmmm musical charisma? Haha.. much like how you'd need that "UGH!" with Thrash Metal. I'm not making much sense but hey, what are blogs for anyway?

This phrase (and perhaps philosophy?) has been in my head for awhile now so here it will imortalised! (Or so called.)
The Blues; Heart and SOUL of the Jazz Guitar.

Oh, i've found the perfect radio station on Itunes to chill to while working on Design and stuff too. "Absolutely Smooth Jazz on Sky.Fm " provides some seriously wicked tunes and stuff. Especially at night when they do alot of Funk Jazz Progressive stuff. Really awesome music for chilling to and some home-based zen healing! (Maybe a tad exaggerated)

Slap Bass, Jazz Guitar, and Bluesy Saxophone playing produce the most uberly unbelievably insanely impossibly AWESOME tunes ever.

Alright its back to songwriting.. and some blues playing alongside the inspiring and vintage sounds of the one and only Stevie Ray Vaughan!

Cheers!
-Loving the holidays and happy to finally settle down and play,
Christian.

Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band at Mosaic

2008-03-17T00:50:00.005+08:00

Eddie Palmieri, Piano Maestro and some say Miles Davis of Latin Jazz, most definitely did not disappoint today.

The entire concert was a beautiful arrangement of jazz/latin/fusion/samba/world compositions that filled my ears with amazing sensations. Every instrument came together perfectly, in harmony with the very (And i mean very) complex time signatures. Eddie Palmieri was amazing on the Piano, starting off the journey with a self-composed fusion musical piece. I let the atmosphere of the concert hall, and the amazing sound acoustics set in as i settled myself down to fully embrace the swirling Arpeggios that were soaring from the Grand Piano. Technically highly proficient, focused, and above all... Eddie felt the music and it hit everyone in the hall as well.

After the inspirational Piano entrance, the band came onstage including a truly talented line-up. The Ensemble included Eddie, an Alto Saxophonist, Trumpets, Percussion (Congos, Drums), and a Double Bass. Throughout the performance, each musician had ample time for solos and they showed very evidently their skill and expertise in the respective fields. Amazing technicality, and a passion that was simply bursting from every fret, every key, every snare.

A couple of amazing compositions followed, which nicely built up into a suitable climax. The final piece was a fusion samba piece of sorts, where Eddie invited the crowd to "Dance along the aisles" if they wanted to. This invitation was apparently well recieved, and very soon people were samba-dancing and grooving to the awesome beat from the Jazz powerhouse that is Eddie Palmieri.

Expectedly, the band gave an encore performance which included a 10 minute Congo solo which was unbelievably versatile, harmonised and plan uncanny! The consistency of the perussionist's playing, along with the complex beats left me plain tacken aback! There was even a point where he began tapping his head as part of a beat, which was hilarious!

I am extremely inspired after seeing today's performance and i don't regret a single of the 42 bucks i spent to catch this memorable and awesome experience.
I'm gonna be working doubly hard now musically and i hope this passion doesn't burn out, but i will most definitely never forget tonight.

Signing Off,
Jazz-struck super inspired dreaming,
christian.

2008-03-03T01:27:00.002+08:00

Today's Performance went unexpectedly well. Despite having been informed at extremely last minute conditions and working under immense pressure, we pulled off a pretty good set.

We had to go through some pretty tense moments, but the end result was successful, and it feels great!

Next up, Substation on the 8th March and Temasek Poly Dinner and Dance!
Viva Rock and Roll.

2008-02-25T01:01:00.003+08:00

Whats on the other side?

So its been one really hectic and busy month, dealing with Photography Modules, projects, music and some potentially avoidable situations.. But i am glad it's over and i thought i handled them pretty well! Photography module was as Sarah and Amanda warned, stressful and not was easy as i thought it would be. Happily snapping the shutter isn't very convenient when coupled with tight deadlines and limitations. Alas, i enjoyed the experience somehow and you guys can check out some photos from my final assignment here: PHOTOS

Now that the assignments are over, i am going to get back to working on me GUITAR! Noticeably, i have detereorated and it is time to get back on track! Got a few songs in my head to start playing and with just one module this block, im pretty sure i can get stuff like Kamelot's March Of Mephisto down.. along with the keyboard solo ! Uberly Groovy Insanely Awesome stuff. When Metal meets Symphony and Classical, the product is a seamless progression of complex, technical and yet beautiful music.

I am going to start intensive work on my Taogay-reading as well, hopefully sessions with Spencer and Kelvin will help me with this! Playing Jazz in a big band with minimal Note-reading is like Swimming in a Pool with your Goggles falling off. (If that makes any sense?). Playing by Ear has its limitations, and i can't say i am exactly masterful at it! Therefore, Theory Intensives.. here i come!

ChristiaNERDIFIED.

Marketing was a repetitive and somewhat creatively boring module, however i enjoyed working with a group that i felt was awesome and above all, geled together well! For our final assignment, we were to dress up as target market consumers and i was tasked to be the NERD! I hope i pulled it off alright but judging from some feedback from friends, i think i did pretty alright!

Minda's 18th Birthday Celebrations
Well, it was MD'S 18th 2 days ago and we had a pretty darn awesome stayover/chalet at Downtown East. Was awesome to spend some time with a couple of incredible friends and to see MD enjoy himself too. The chap even got his first taste of Alcohol. The nights got pretty..... groovy and maybe midly insane? However i enjoyed every minute of it and it was indefinitely a welcome experience after 4 weeks of stress and deadlines!
Hope the photos come in soon though..

Til next time,
Cheers!

The Trip

2008-02-14T06:34:00.007+08:00

Its 6.42am in the morning and im here at a remote jetty along the beach waiting for the Sunrise. Perched against my army bag within my makeshift camp is my Camera, set to capture what's to come in probably 10 or 15 minutes.

It's awfully dark, but the glow from the ships and a fisher's light-hat to my right provide some illumination. Oh, my Macbook as well. There's a very strong sense of peace and tranquility here as i sit here listening to some Deathcab For Cutie while waves hammer onto beachheads in the background. It's been long since ive had moments like these and im gonna enjoy it all i can. Im spending a date with the sea this Valentine's morning.

I've been stoning for a few minutes now and i think i see the sun coming up.

Til later.

Vday.

2008-02-14T01:05:00.004+08:00

Valentine's Day. It means different things to different people, on varying degrees of emotional involvement. To me though, its a day created to embrace friendship and basically, take time off from this fast paced unforgiving world in order to simply make the people around you feel appreciated and comforted. The original concept revolves around couples kissing, romantic stuff and blah blah blah that kinda thing. I'm sure you could do that on any other of the 365 days in a year but hey, if its that magic day to prove something to that someone then go on full steam ahead!

Anyway, to all of you, Here's wishing you a .....

Cheers and take care!

-Christian.

2008-02-03T03:04:00.000+08:00

Its 3AM and i have just awaken from a deeeeeep sleep as a result of the Design Orientation Training Camp! Kinda hit the sack immediately the moment i gobbled up my packet of Kuay Teow from Bedok Market....

ANYWAY. Orientation camp (One) was pretty fun. Day one was a great icebreaking session, along with the fellowship some of us enjoyed staying past "lights out" time and basically just chatting the night away, playing cards.. that kinda thing. There are some friends that you just really appreciate and spending time with them in the simplest ways are sometimes the best ways.

Day Two was less desirable, however necessary and more mentally stimulating. Activities were pretty good, planning games and conceptualizing concepts for the camp in split up Sub-Comm groups. The day basically went from some short brainstorming,to a 3 hour presentation, and finally a conclusion from Moses and Vani. Camp was on a total quite fruitful and fun i guess, and i think the most important part of it is that i've probably come to accept better how some of us won't make it to DOTC2.

This camp, (along with many others) forced me to come out of my shell. Doing this is hard, and i sometimes it gets frustrating, (moreso confusing though). I don't talk much, and i pretty much would rather sit down conceptualise and enjoy the sharing of others. I understand though that in a camp, everyone's gotta put out some noise and work together and for that ill keep working at it! Oh, and i think ill have to work on my blurness too. For camp periods, i have to really focus and make myself appear to be listening when people speak to me...

Anyway, on to some other stuff.
Two great songs have been stuck in my head for the past week. The moment i woke up awhile ago, i slapped my Itunes open and headed straight to them. The first, is Lack Of Color by DeathCab For Cutie. I love the whole feel to the song, specially the sound of beachheads and waves alongside the acoustic guitars at the beginning. Lyrics wise i cant stop thinking about it too.
I guess the last verse of the song pretty much sums up the essence of the song.

To call at 7:03 and on your machine I slur a plea for you to come home
But i know it's too late
I should have given you a reason to stay
Given you a reason to stay

Next, an old song that i actually remembered via flipping through my old choir scores last week and chancing upon.
The original musician, happens to be banjo playing extraordinnair and talented vocalist... Kurmit the Frog! This song was first heard by children and adults alike around the world when the Muppet Movie was released. The song known to everyone as,

The Rainbow Song.

My preferred version is the composition by Jazz Pianist Peter Cincotti. The song is actually really beautiful, specially with its simple and yet meaningful lyrics that really touch you and perhaps lead to some deep thought. I guess it has reached me on this level as this song has meant many things for me, specially from better days long past.

Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbow's are visions
They're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some chose to
Believe it
But I know they're wrong wait and see.

Great song.

Hereon out, things are gonna get pretty packed. The Acoustic(for now) Set at Regent Hotel for the Alumni Party, Photography/Marketing modules, Chinese New Year, Jazz practice, Projects.... Heads up Christian! You gotta be on your toes!
For tomorrow though, it's town with Veron.

Til next time
Christian.

2008-01-27T23:28:00.000+08:00

It's been a good weekend spent destressing with some awesome friends. Bryan, Zach,Yi Meen, and their vocalist (Shotgun Start) played pretty dam well at DXO on Saturday. Kudos to them for making a mark that day and i really think that they can go far! Hopefully.. we'll both play together at deafcon sometime soon.

Fellowship was great, catching up with old mates and getting to know how they did for Os.. Oh, Ben and Jerry's was wicked uber groovy too. (a much deserved treat!) Crashed out at Zach's place for awhile and i'll have to agree with the hordes of people who say that quite simply, he's pretty much spoilt. I went into his room and.. Sweet Mother of Jesus! HE HAS 5 AMPS IN HIS ROOM!
Also, he is having his Gibson SG Supreme shipped in (the latest in his guitar collection) sometime soon! ARGH. He is one lucky son of a gun. haha.. Anyway, dinner at Sempang Bedok was alright. I gave the curry chicken a go and for the most part, i was cheweing and spitting out on bones! The curry was somewhat tasteless too.. But i guess thats what you get for food at 11 at night. On another note, It's a greaaaat place to watch Soccer.

Hung out with Veron and Chan today after a very very long MIA! Was great to be together again like old times and see that we're pretty much holding out and still breathing! Katong Laksa was great, and Chan is gonna get Chili-citis or something when he grows up cus 3/4 of a jar of chili in your laksa is NOT healthy! The uncle who saw him literally yelled " WAH LAN EH " as he picked up his near empty chili jar with a VERY evident frown on his face! Spent the rest of the day Nua-ing around and basically playing around with the camera as usual.

Oh, ICE CREAM again too, this time at Raffles Creamery. The ice cream there is WICKED INSANELY UBER GROOVY UNBELIEVABLY EVIDENTLY UNCANNILY AMAZING when it hits your tongue! The taste is great, sweet in a subtle way and not too overpowering too. Go try! I had a mango sherbet cookies and cream fusion today. The ice cream man literally mashed them together like dough!

Anyway, its back to school tomorrow and i think i am suited up to absorb more stress! Jazz Ensemble at Tangling CC tomorrow night too! CANNNNT WAIT.

Signing Off..
Christian!

.... Oh, and tagboard's finally working!

The Music Post.

2008-01-26T01:40:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking lately.. that it would be amazing to play guitar in a modern symphony ensemble. Listening to Taku Iwasaki on my Itunes.. i really hope that i can do this someday. You know.. like putting my guitar to a more classical and toned down use. The timeless sound of the guitar string can fit perfectly into a wide range of genres, if handled with the right control. Guitar concertos are amazing too.. I dont think ill ever be able to play in one, though i think they are beautiful. The 21st century has introduced many new elements into the conventional ensemble, including electronica and even electric guitars. Personally however i think the classical Guitar still does the trick with its warmness and natural feel. Electric Guitars work too, however i guess they'd have to be on good clean tones. I wanna work towards reaching this thought, and i know i often get distracted, especially so when it comes to music. But i know that this is a realistic idea, and im just gonna brush up on my guitar anyway.

On another note, whilst on the topic of Classical Guitars, the bossanova sounds of A Jacarandá are simply moving and soothing. In true Bossanova style, the guitar sings across and subtly pierces the supporting rhythm.

Music is so beautiful in its many, many forms and sometimes i just feel like i wanna try every genre, playing every instrument and becoming part of the song. I guess though that i've got to know my limits, and thats why im gonna focus on bettering my guitar and keys. I'm gonna be pumping some serious Jazz theory into my playing now to broaden my scope of playing.. also, gotta prepare for a potential mini jazz ensemble im thinking of forming with some friends. I'm not sure how that'll go, but we'll see.

I don't know why i've suddenly begun writing about music at 1.48am in the morning, but i wanna keep going. I'm not sure if its the music, but i am somewhat inspired right now. I realise i have never penned anything of the following down before.

Thinking back, i only started seriously delving into music in mid primary school. It was a hectic and stressful (yes, at primary level!), yet very fulfilling 3 years i spent in the Catholic High School Choir. Before that, it was fascination with the STOMP videos my music teacher would flash, or recorder rhythms i found catchy, along with my Parents and their oldies. Anyway, while it was tedious traveling to school during the holidays, and having to see the choir room 3-4 days a week regardless of the time of year, i actually enjoyed the whole experience. The biggest satisfaction came when you sang for a concert, and felt your hardwork pay off. On a more personal level though, the fun was in making music with your friends. These days, i do that on a different plane, similar.. but not entirely. Be it rehearsing in the small music room, or the beautiful and enormous auditorium, or even the school hall, singing with your friends by your side was always enjoyable. These were people whom i felt would pick me up when i fell, and did. At Primary School level this is probably somewhat skeptical, however this is what i remember.
One time during SYF, i tripped and fell while walking on the stage to our positions. My mates helped me up, and we proceeded to continue singing like nothing happened. That day, we actually won a Silver with honors. Not an exceptional achievement, but one nevertheless. The vocal harmonies, the note reading, the songs, the draining trainings...and the fellowship. Thats what choir meant, what music meant.

I guess if there is one reason im thinking back, is that i miss sessions like those. The music i make these days is fun, and i love my band. It's different though. Perhaps i miss the comradery. Perhaps its the bonds. I dont know exactly. I guess i've never penned these thoughts before as these feelings were somewhat present in secondary school as well. I can't really say the same now, it's on a different level. I cant say that there will be a definite companion in this new institution that would be there for me, but if its any consolation,the music will.

; The Quiet Life - Taku Iwasaki Ensemble

Tristeza - AJacaranda

Agua De Beber - Antonio Carlos Jobim

2008-01-23T02:03:00.001+08:00

Went for DOC interview today with Lydia and it was unexpectedly insanely intense!
The nerves kind of got the better of us when the panel of interviewers observed us like vultures on a rotting cow. Yes, i got really nervous, despite the fact that Yi Jie (Our very own FOW GL!) was part of the panel. Well, guess we can only but pray that we make it to be GLs!

On a random note, the aircon at the KFC opposite school is friggin cold! The only thing keeping Lydia immune to this was the fright and kan-chiong-ness she sustained since the beginning of the interview!

Awesome line up of gigs coming up in the following weeks... Gig Photography for Knightsfall on Thursday at DXO, DIY Punk gig on the 1st Feb, DIY Pure metal gigs and tons more!
Looking for someone to go with me to a Jazz/Funk one on Saturday at Esplanade though!

Jazz anybody? (:

For those of you who were here when the Great Spy Experiment came to TP, (along with the riots), here's something Bryan just (finally) sent over!

2008-01-21T21:30:00.000+08:00

I realize that my last 2 posts have been somewhat angsty and maybe a little unpleasant. But hey, its my blog and i needed to rant. It's been a stressful two weeks and the work load just keeps piling up, ever more tighter with the deadlines. Well, ill leave them there as a reminder of this crazy period. And well, certain people aren't making it easier. The post before this will admittedly never be read by a certain someone because he/she wouldn't care, and frankly.. does not even use the internet. But hey, blogs are rant banks afterall. Haha... For the few readers crimsonology does have, you won't see much crap of that nature again.. well, i hope not.

School's had some high points though, and i must say our latest assignment for illustration is pretty cool. We get to design an album for a chosen artist/musician.. and my choice is Underoath! Been enjoying myself working on the concept art for one of my all time favourite deathcore acts.

Aside from that, Typo's interesting.. just a little stressful.

Went to watch Han, Han Wei and Death Warrant play at Home Club on Saturday with some 4e4s... awesome shit it was! METAL. In homeclub! Ori's band played too and they were wicked uber amazing, specially with the surprise Trooper cover in the end with Han on assisting vocals! It was fun and it sort of allowed me to release some stress. (specially in the mosh pit) On a similar note, Manifested, Bedroom Utensils, Shotgun Start, and Ori's band might actually play a gig together! Yeahhh will keep all friends/fans posted on that! HAHA.

Thats all for now.. its back to typography and a few days more of work.

Bye folks.

if you dont like someone, fucking say it to their face.

2008-01-18T09:51:00.000+08:00

if you don't like someone,

FUCKING SAY IT TO THEIR FACE.

2008-01-18T00:57:00.000+08:00

I don't care that she doesnt appreciate what i do. I don't care that her friends are oh-so important. I don't care that her job is more important then anything else. I don't care about the dozens of feuds anymore. I don't care that she missiles the rage at me on a bad day. I don't care that she doesn't know how i feel.

Just leave me be for once.

I need to get out of here.

i wish you were here.

The Openhouse

2008-01-12T01:50:00.000+08:00

TP Openhouse was pretty darn awesome. Before going into the performance though, it was nice helping out with the ADM runway (not much though) and seeing how great it turned out. Also, giving advice to "sotong" O level students was pretty darn enjoyable. HAHA. Well, i can still remember how seniors and stuff would help me out when i was still a sec 4, and it feels great that i can now go " SO YOU WANT TO JOIN VSC? ". HEHE. Alright.. to the performance.

Well, we were initially worried cus it rained pretty bad right before our gig... Once the music came on however...... INSANE CROWD ACTION. OMG it was so awesome to see so many familiar faces in the crowd! Seeing them cheer us on and give us support was really uplifting! It's just an amazing feeling to be playing and seeing a super active and supportive floor. I couldnt see without my glasses at many points, but whoever shouted out that stuff about

" CHRISTIAN, WE LOVE YOU". Sweet Jesus! That took me aback but that was WICKED AWESOME. THANKSSSSS LOADS GUYS.

Overall, our set went waaaay better then we expected. Despite technical problems with the amps and mikes.. everyone still enjoyed the music and i guess thats what really matters.

Oh, and joining/seeing old friends in the crowd and doing the mass dance was totally uberly insanely nostalgic/wicked awesome! Oh mannn i miss doing the mass dance... the last time was.. FOW? HAHA. yeah.. But yea, it was really great doing the mass dance and TP song with some very treasured friends!

It's been a stressful week filled with razor deadlines and gargantuan workloads. Today however, made it all worthwhile.

Next stop, TP Alumni Dinner and Dance.

Signing off,

Christian.

2008-01-05T01:29:00.000+08:00

The new year's been pretty good so far! I've started working on my resolutions. No major changes or anything of the sort though... i joined Visual Central. I figured i might as well take some time off my personal photographic journey for one more for society and school!

Speaking of school, Applied Illustration is actually kinda fun! We've got a funny lecturer who i cant say speaks the best English in the world.. though his philosophies are pretty darn firm. He once said something about how Life isn't about worrying how you look, or what people think of you. It's how you accept yourself, dive into your passions, and put yourself into them. I'm not sure if i interpreted this correctly (over his debatable english terms), however this is a true ideal that i believe should be embraced. Aside from that, illustration is pretty interesting too. It's fun coming up and conceptualizing stuff. (Not so fun now that homework is accumulating though)

I cant say the same for Typography. I'm trying to stay awake 75% of the time. Got a good lecturer, though she does forget to give us breaks to "relax" our brains sometimes from the information atomic she drops on us everyday. That aside, assignments are actually fun despite the ever growing assignment load. (Yes, no difference here either).

Ahhh but enough about schoolwork.

CLOVER MANIFEST'S PERFORMING AT TP OPENHOUSE ON THE 11TH!

So come watch us okay! If there's one thing that gives meaning when you're on stage is just seeing your friends in the crowd. We'll be releasing our first single too and trust me, you guys dont wanna miss it! We put in alot of effort for it, and well.. i wrote it! Yeahhh so needless to say Music's progressing and i am positively ecstatic!

Okay... time to hit the sack.

Gargantuan openhouse painting at school tomorrow morning...This should be fun!

Signinggggggggggg off,

christian.

am i too late?

Something before the new year.

2007-12-31T01:24:00.000+08:00

The Reflection
Alot's happened in this year of 2007, and really quick at that. I've come to meet all sorts of people, and experience new and exciting events, environments.. etc. Coming into Polytechnic, experiencing Design.. embracing music in its totality.. and tons more. Everything's gone by in a roller coaster of a blur. From the nerve wrecking opening of my O level cert, to Christmas in Bangkok.. i've not really stopped to gain my bearings. Well... its a day to the new year, and perhaps now's the right time.

The People
I've met tons o people, be it through awesome FOW, uberly awesome DOC (and the PACIFIERS), Design, or whatever. Some of em have become quality friends that i truly cherish. I've come to realise something though, and wont deny that out of these many acquaintances, i can only say that i have but a small handful of friends who would be there for me.

I am 100% aware of my looking extremely blur naturally and often, as Clara quotes " classic christian staring into space" tendencies. Undoubtedly this has led many friends to think that i am rather "tao" or perhaps even not there to hear a friend out or pay attention. For those of you who have beared with this, trust and have faith that i do listen, and have always been.
Anyway, whether or not this has contributed to my state of relationships, i am certain that change is needed. I know that i'll never stop being "sotong" christian, or well... plain blur. But nevertheless i can try to show you guys that i do care.. whether its trying to look more like im listening or being more attentive.. ill work on it.
RESOLUTION NO.1 : PAY ATTENTION CHRISTIAN.

The Passion
I've done tons this year, working on my Designs... Music and basically trying to enjoy myself as much as possible. More prominently, would be my work on my band Clover Manifest which has progressed rather well i should say. My designs have been coming along fine too, and im happy with how my photography is doing. I have to come to realise something though.. and i am glad that i have. These passions have overcome me to an extent, and are in all actuality very self-indulgent. I feel that i have perhaps lost track of some things that truly matter. Things i have neglected include..

-Doing some quality Charity work.
-Showing some care for my family, friends.
-Contributing to Society
-Church

I've come up with some ideas to work on these things, and some even involve infusing my hobbies and passions with them.
Hopefully, they will come to fruit and i pray that i do not falter and end up making false accusations. It's time to start thinking more about others.

RESOLUTION NO.2 : OTHERS! THINK OF OTHERS!

There have been tons of experiences that a night's worth of blogging couldn't recall. Some wonderful, some horrible, and some plain hurtful. Well... no point looking back its time to look to a better year ahead and some resolutions to fulfill. There's just one thing to pull out and highlight though from this collage of 2007.. (and ive got to do this.)

THANK YOU to all of you (you know who you are) who have truly been there for me! Specially me family! GUYS! Stay with me next year okay! This sotong needs help with getting used to his naive view of life!

Signing off on the last post of 2007,

Christian!

Before i go though, heres a song. It's meant alot, probably will continue to as well..

Great song, beautiful song. Well.... it's just amazing. Thanks bread.

Aubrey by Bread.

And Aubrey was her name,

A not so very ordinary girl or name.
But who's to blame?
For a love that wouldn't bloom
For the hearts that never played in tune.
Like a lovely melody that everyone can sing,
Take away the words that rhyme it doesn't mean a thing.

And Aubrey was her name.
We triped the light and danced together to the moon,
But where was June.
No it never came around.
If it did it never made a sound,
Maybe I was absent or was listening to fast,
Catching all the words, but then the meaning going past,

But God I miss the girl,
And I'd go a thousand times around the world just to be
Closer to her than to me.

And Aubrey was her name,
I never knew her, but I loved her just the same,
I loved her name.
Wish that I had found the way
And the reasons that would make her stay.
I have learned to lead a life apart from all the rest.
If I can't have the one I want, I'll do without the best.

But how I miss the girl
And I'd go a million times around the world just to say
She had been mine for a day.

on this note: mayb you ought to do something. cus she wont keep waiting.

Update?

2007-12-19T02:58:00.000+08:00

Once again a highly unsubstantial post by your truly. Well, nobody ever drops by crimsonology
(and those who do are oh- so familiar with these posts) so ...what the heck here i go.

I've not felt this way about someone in a long time. And when i say long i mean, really long. Like, long long long, well you get the point. While there have definitely been times where things would look up and i could feel that old jim carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind vibe coming back.. It's never really happened. Anyway, it is a good feeling to have. I'm not sure if its attributed to the holidays, the mood and what have you... but its happened. And well, (in true christian fashion) its uberly groovy insanely wickedly impossibly righteous AWESOME. (my aresenal is growing).

I've come to realise that while i may have been extremely critical of a certain someone back then, it wasnt entirely my fault. Shit happens, and people change. Whoop dee doo. When it did happen though it affected not only me but my friends around me... and i dont think i want that to happen again. Well as they say, with experience comes better results!

Anyway, dam im random today. But.. yeah that insanely awesome feeling.
Thanks. (uberly big smile)

On another note, checking out the christmas decor at Orchard tmr and hopefully shooting some grooovy photographs with Rach!
Man its been long.

Well.. Good night blog!
And few (if any) readers who read my blog!

The Post.

2007-12-02T05:34:00.000+08:00

Sometimes stuff keeps you up late in the night. Stuff that's probably not very extravagant. Stuff that you cant drop from your thoughts. This fool apparently, is awake thinking of "stuff". What am i doing! Theres a photoshoot in 5 hours and i havent got some much-needed sleep! I dont even have a Zoom Lens, which is beside the point. Argh, Random.

Christmas songs are beautiful, i just wish it could snow in Singapore. I;m definitely starting to feel that christmas jingle, what with the tree decor ive been doing at work lately... Oh, the reopening of my christmas playlist in Itunes too!

Santa if you read this, i'll leave you cookies this time if you help me to forget "stuff". No wait, "Stuff" is nothing bad to be thinking about at all;;. It's awesome! How bout that Micro Lens St.Nick?

Now listening to: Walking In A Winter Wonderland- Bing Crosby

The Update.

2007-11-24T05:08:00.001+08:00

Well, here i am posting another once-in eternity entry. it's been a full school block since Megadeth, and it's been......... 2D Art with Richard. Yup. Its 4.45Am in the morning and i dont know why on Earth i am awake. Ohh, I've still got Ringing in my ears from watching War All The Time live earlier on... UGHHHH.

Anyhow, 2D Art's been believe it or not a confusion of feelings and thoughts. From being ecstatic, to plain disappointed and fatigued, i guess thats the span of Christian's retarded feelings in a nutshell. There were points during class where i would try out something on new assignments, my hopes completely and utterly high! ........ Then the grades would come and i'd fall back to the ground and just die. It really sucks to get disappointing grades sometimes, however i guess you just shove yourself off the ground and yourself to believe it'll be alright?

Well, apparently things might not be THAT alright. This email from Richard just came in stating how for our final painting, (a 1m by 1m) the obvious "Good works" were distinguished from the "Bad" ones. This is not comforting. Composition must be good... theory should be up there.... blah blah blah. Argh! Ill pop by school to see my grades sometime next week. Til then, I AM SUITED UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

OHH, Creative Writing's been Wicked Awesome! Totally enjoyed it, got really amazing classmates too. Including a highly metro/gay couple who churn out insanely funny but cool material. Anyway, ASK ME FOR MY SHORT STORY AIIITE i wanna see what people think!!!

Anyway, tons of things to do this holiday. Aside from my plans to find a job and earn some serious cash, ive got bank heists, plans for world domination, and ideas for a lollipop factory. Oh, getting to my street photography as well..... And Manifest's moving on to doing ORIGINALS. HEHE. Yeahhhhh pop by sometime at our gigs to come check us out!

I'm so psyched bout this short holiday. Time to catch up with some oooooool buddies.

Is it worth it to try, Do i really want to go through that shit again. Perhaps that was her, and people change.

But dam, the butterflies in my tummy.

Megadeth United Abominations Tour Of Duty

2007-10-27T23:02:00.000+08:00

Megadeth Tour Of Duty in Singapore was one hell of an amazing night that i will forever remember. Went with my awesome Metalhead buds Han, Han Wei, Wei Siew, Lai, and Kristian. Met many new friends at the gig too...

Everything felt so surreal, so unbelivable. Here was Dave Mustaine, along with megadeth in the flesh. My buds and i camped out since 4pm so that we could secure a front row position. It was worth it. It was also inspirational to see people of different metal cultures, along with complete strangers headbanging together. The comrardery was unreal, metalheads united as one for Megadeth! It made me feel very proud to be a metalhead and a student, of ROCK AND ROLL.

Key points of the night were of course Dave's little talking segments. At one point he mentioned something about coming to Singapore and figuring out how to say thank you here, only to realise that he could actually speak English. Lawl. He also confirmed that his family back in California (Forest Fires) were safe. This was helluva well recieved by the crowd and we gave him a thunderous metal acknowledgement worthy of the gods!

Megadeth played a few extra and unexpected songs for us during the set which included She-Wolf, Mechanix(Combined with Holy Wars), and Kick The Chair. Fucking awesome stuff... along with the usuals like Peace Sells, Tornado (Glenn played the solo with a "meh" look his face), And A TOUT LE MONDE.(Wicked awesome, specially when we sang the whole song with him)
One cool highlight was when Deth went into an extended version of SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION where Dave did some insane solo extensions and rhythm variations at the end of the song.

James Lormenzo was fuckin awesome. He looked straight at me at many points and he was the most active on stage. He kept our passion burning by pushing us to headbang and raise our Horns! Bass playing was needless to say fucking insane as well, he shreds on his bass like steve vai on guitar! Dave and the glenn drovers were amazingly tight as well! Holy Wars solo came out fuckin good and we headbanged like never before.

Bud and i headbanged like never before. At one point, it was totally wicked awesome when we headbanged alongside a few metal brothers around us and connected in a way that only metalbangers can. Shoulders locked, heads raving, and passion exploding, we rocked the night out.

A truly inspirational and kick ass evening that i will never forget. I'll hold this passion with me in whatever i do.
Signing Off,
-Christian

The Update...

2007-10-01T03:58:00.000+08:00

Its 4am in the morning, i've got insomnia, and tomorrow's the first day of the new semester. Whoop dee doo.
Anyways, just a little voicing of my thoughts here.

I realise i haven't exactly been the most enthusiastic or easily sociable person in the world. I'm not sure if its because my natural "sotong" face attributes to this, or if its because i just make it a point to give my all when in conversation with someone.
I'm guessing my classmates (Sem1) have noticed this, and i never really expressed how i felt about them. (Start listening more and stoning less CHRISTIAN!)

Well, i don't think any of them read this. However i think they are an awesome bunch of people who've definitely made my first semester at Temasek Design an enjoyable one. Really... every one of them is just so unique and truly an individual. And it's really neat that they would help each other out without a second consideration. (well, 75% of them anyway) I'm not sure if i've returned the help, and if they know how much i appreciate them.

I dont think any of my classmates read this blog anymore (or know of its existence), however i am grateful to them for making this an awesome and inspiring semester. If you're reading this, (well, anyone.) Thank youuuuuu.

Moment.

2007-09-04T00:09:00.001+08:00

"I've never felt that before..... I'm exactly where i want to be. "

-Jim Carrey, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.

Meet Me In Montauk.

The Revival

2007-08-31T02:01:00.000+08:00

Thank you.

The Testament

2007-08-28T21:54:00.000+08:00

This entry is more of a future reminder and testament to my decision which i have (and i hope for the better good) made just a few minutes ago.

For awhile now i've been limiting myself, throwing hurdles infront of me. I dont know how or why i came to this position, but this i'm sure. I have lost myself in the process. I no longer see myself in the work i do, in my activities or whatever.

I've got to let loose and forget about these events and factors around me that wreck my thoughts and enforce my very evident self doubt at many points in my life.

No more.
Whatever happens, i have decided to block out these doubts and negative concepts from my fickle mind.
Out of the forest, and into the unknowns of the Sahara!

Christian is back.

Baybeats

2007-08-05T22:43:00.000+08:00

Baybeats this year was killer.

A Vacant Affair's set was brutal yet totally satisfying. Needless to say they covered their best songs which included The Departure, Crestfallen and Morning!(Hell Yes!) Kids went away with broken limbs, bruises and hospital trips! (No kidding) I got away with a few bruises but that was one hell of a fucking mosh.

The Firefight was great onstage displaying great showmanship; they got the crowd all warmed up and psyched. Firefight bassist gave an inspiring bass solo! Also, The Lovesong(HK) gave a pretty kick ass set too with their unique indie cum disco-esque funk music.

Fav band of the two days however, would have to be TooKoo(China). Wicked show antics (Including guitar swings, awesome showmanship and more), lotsa charisma and just plane cool looks have made them my favourite band of the weekend. Totally did not expect such an amazing brand of music that crosses indie, punk, funk, and good ol rock and roll!

Best part of the whole festival however would be just hanging out and catching up with my awesome buds! Met/saw many familiar faces too. Anton, Fikry, Benedict, Shaiid, Jaryl Etc... good times man.

Next stop, Singfest!
Take care few readers i have!

The Tag Legacy.

2007-07-14T11:51:00.000+08:00

I got tagged. I'll tag you.
10 weird/stupid/awkward/whatever things about me.
Here goes.

-I am as many of you probably noticed, quite the "sotong."
-Fumble on my words badly when im nervous.
-Have retarded fingers. No, really.
-When i do have the occasional mood swing im somewhat a loner cum suicidal cum touchy person.
-Actually had a neopet account in P3 called "Chrisiscool348" LOL.
-Mosh to myelf and scream my lungs out to hardcore music when im alone at home.
-Yea, stuff does break.
-Would marry my guitar.
-Am a rice boy.
-Actually took time off to do this LOL.

As you guys know my blog is near utter and complete decomposition but i'll just name 6 victims to carry on this "legacy" in the hopes that they see this!

-Veronica
-Shaun
-Kaeting
-Rachel
-Iskandar
-Sarah

ROCK FOR WAYNE

2007-06-24T23:43:00.000+08:00

Went to check out Rock For Wayne (Rock For Good gig in honour of Wayne "Thunder" Seah who sadly has passed away) together with Benx2(HAHA),Rachel,Edward, Kaeting, and Grace.

The gig was simply put, wicked. The bands were great, crowd lively as hell, and the entire gig rocking the sex out! This would've(has)definitely made Wayne proud!
Indeed the man known as "The thunder" will forever be remembered, not soley for his inhuman drum skills, but his amazing personality as well.

A Vacant Affair(AVA), together with Humpback Oak were the best bands of the night. AVA needless to say, got the crowd moving (or rather, moshing LOL). Yup, it was one hell of a session! Hardcore kids flying through the mosh circle doing spinning kicks, crazy half-drunk mosher chicks, and more! My fucking shoes flew off!(which was preceeded by my shoe to face attacks!). Indeed, that mosh WAS FUCKING INSANELY AWESOMELY HEADBANGING AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEE. (Benj,Ben, Edward...im sure you could testify..HAHA)

This could just be the best local gig to happen this year.
http://www.myspace/rockforgood

The story thus far, Thus Far.

2007-06-22T00:38:00.000+08:00

The Story Thus Far, Thus far.....

YESTERRDAY.
Jam session with Moonlit Salvation Escapades(newly formed indie/screamo) and i must say, it was pretty good for a first jam session. With some refinement, we might just have the formulae for an incredible, new and unique musical style! Before we go into that however, its covers all the way! Attempted the following songs:

Finch-Letters To You,
Electrico-Runaway,
Twisted Sister- We're Not Gonna Take It .
.along with some other stuff.

Pics here: http://flickr.com/photos/8656718@N07/sets/72157600419835349

TODAY.
Checked out Sherry's dance performance at some club at Amara. Sureeee was one interesting experience! Chicks and dudes dancing away into the night, drunk flirty concierge girls, pool maestros and..... two extremely out of place 16 year olds!(Guess who!HAHA.) Well, it was most definitely not our scene but we did enjoy it. The dancers were really good and the live band really got the tango/samba flowing through our veins! Reaaaaaal AWESOME stuff. Sherry was really good too and even won some award!(Some competition thingy)

All in all, an amazing night! Still feeling that samba groove....

Con1 Camp, 2007.

2007-06-12T23:50:00.000+08:00

CON1 CAMP!

Con camp was amazing! The con1's were really participative and energetic! Simply love the way they are able to jump into the activities.(ESPECIALLY Praise And Worship) Had alot of fun chilling with the other facils too and it was (you know it) AWESOME being able to reunite with the con4s!

Praise And Worship, which we had to practically run through for a week actually turned out quite successful! Kids jumping.. Facils going all out.. and "MY SOURCE"(For those select few who have suffered it) Yeah... it was one hell of an awesome session.

I shall let the pictures take it from hereeee.. ENJOY.

Japan Trip 2007.

2007-06-03T22:19:00.000+08:00

Japan was, and i emphasise,(im sure you guys were expecting this) Awesome! It was a great experience to have been able to interact with and live among a people with a very evident and beautiful culture. That alongside the amazing scenery and eye opening thrust into the tokyo city life!!

Life
The fashion, social behaviour and mannerisms of the average japanese is a hell of a lot more different from a singaporean's. Im not going to elaborate, however ill say this. They are aware of the word "Thank You" . Fashionwise, they have a very unique and to an extent, radical style (moreso the youngsters). However, they have the ability to pull it off nicely! Indeed i am now aware now of why Japan is considered a centre of fashion.

Food
And the food? FREAKING AWESOME. I am happy to say that the insatiable, savage and consuming rice monster within me has been satisfied! In these 7 days i enjoyed some old favourites(Katsu Don, Ten Don, Udon..) and feasted on some new experiences as well. We stayed at a Ryoukan for 2 days and had the pleasure of enjoying a true japanese styled meal! The Sashimi was the sex and the rest of the meal tasted great too. Except for a certain snail which i simply could not stomach..

Place
We visited some really beautiful and eye opening places, however i'll let the pictures do most of the talking here! Places we visited included the Nikko Falls, Atami Prefecture and places around Tokyo..

All in all, it was an amazing experience. The places we visited, people we met and things we saw were great. However, the thing that mattered most was that we did it as a family. We've definitely grown closer as a result of this vacation (Especially through the arguments, quarrels and disagreements!) I feel really lucky to have been given this opportunity and all i can say is....

To the man up there;
DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMUS DA.

www.flickr.com

HERE'S YOUR UPDATE.

2007-05-11T00:54:00.000+08:00

After what has seemed like an eternity of absence, i am back! Lots and lots of stuff's been going on and i dont think ive got the energy nor the motivation to recount all of it.

School's begun (well, 3 weeks ago actually) and things have been going swell. Really swell! Assignments have been piling up but are manageable. What assignments you ask? Well. Lets just say we got into a 2000 word essay our second day at school! Anyways, im not going to sit here and rant about how assignments are unfair or excessive. (You've probably had enough of it from other blogs). What i'd like to say, is how awesome my class is! AHA.

Yes, i've been blessed with a creative and friendly class. (Not that Design students arent generally so) We're pretty much really open with each other and i've yet to see one of those oh so overrated " awkward silences " . Class matters aside, i've joined water polo where i undergo ruthless yet insatiably satisfying training routines. The peeps there are fun and friendly too, we're like a brotherhood of assholes!

Thats all ive got for today. MusicVox auditions are in a week... and all that i can think of are thesefamous words by AC/DC. Namely " For Those About To Rock... We Salute You! "

TP Freshman Orientation Workshop!

2007-04-13T01:01:00.000+08:00

UPDATE.

Yeah so we went back today for the Freshman Orientation CAMP performance night to meet up with Group Leaders and friends to chit chat. It was nice to see their faces and remember the awesome times we had during camp. Even better was when the Jam N Hop session began! Partied like a wacko but it was worth it!! Real awesome night and TP is one hell of a sweet school!

Orientation was awesome! Met alotta new friends and seniors as well. Naturally as with many other orientation camps, FOW revolved around cheers! While the first day of camp had everyone zipping their mouths because of what i'd like to call 'pai seh syndrome', the last had everyone screaming their lungs off! Indeed the group leaders did a good job of getting everyone to feel comfortable.

Stuff we did included station games, Performance night, and.. an epic water bomb battle! Haha.
Overall, it was a great experience and it was nice to have been able to meet new peeps and the like!

Freshies Boleh!

Mondy Thursday.

2007-04-06T20:39:00.000+08:00

This Holy week has been wonderful and will certainly be an unforgettable one. I returned to my old church of the Holy Cross for Mondy Thursday's mass and for some special reason, the dying faith in me was rekindled. I'm not exactly sure how it happened but it probably had to do with the recolletion of old memories and faith as i absorbed my old church's surroundings. For a while now, dangerously fanatical people and a chain of events have been draining me of my faith, with people accusing me of being "the evil one", the "Defiler" and the sort. I suppose, in that way Queen Of Peace Church played down my faith as i lost hope and the passion to be a good catholic. After Thursday however, i feel strenghtened and renewed. It's time to exemplify Jesus. If he could wash the feets of his disciples, and die for a population of non believers and haters, there is no reason why i should not be able to spread his word steadfastly.

Anyway, headed to church with veronica and we conveniently got lost around the Clementi area! Freaking walked aimlessly around with NO HELP from bus driver inquiries. Thankfully however our gamble on bus 96 led us to NUS!(100m from church). Seeing as we were late for 6pm mass and stuff, we went to get some food at the nearby macs... only to discover the macs was at the interchange we were earlier wandering around AND infact around the corner from church! we were literally like.. "WTF!!!"

After dinner, headed back for Mass. Met Josephine and Clement after that and also caught up with long lost friend Lionel. Truly a great experience to be able to have met him after so many years... Ended the day at Queen of Peace Church doing adoration and chit-chatted with Chris for awhile..
All in all, it was a very touching and beautiful Holy Thursday. Praise the lord for catholic fellowship! Haha..

MOSAIC, Posting Results.

2007-03-15T16:46:00.000+08:00

Mosaic Music Festival
Recently went to check out the Mosaic music festival at esplanade where over 400 artists from around the globe gather to bring awesome music to the people! Anyways, i managed to catch a Jazz/Bossanova segment by the bay and the music was superb. Jazz is definitely one of the most complex genres out there to play, (none more complex then metal though) and i was really impressed by this female violinist. She created violin electronic effects without an effects pedal! True mastery..

Being the very forgetful dope that i am... I DIDNT SNAP PICTURES. The only thing me and edward managed to snap was this..

Ill get that hit and runner someday!

Posting Results
I know this is fucking late but my blogger couldnt work for a week for some reason so...

MADE IT INTO VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS, TEMASEK POLY!.

Hell yeah, found out that the cut off for this year was 13 and i qualified for both JPSAE and JAE. Really happy with the results, this has been my freaking aim for 2 years! Time to pursue that graphic designer profession...

Ciao.

Chinese New Year

2007-02-19T23:18:00.000+08:00

This CNY, along with many past ones has been a heartfelt and warm season of fellowship and prosperity sharing with my family. In a nut shell, here is what's been going on.

1st/Eve
Started the evening with a scrumptious dinner coufu's house where i had the wonderful opportunity to devour's Por Por's awesome Sweet And Sour Pork. Collected many Hong Paos of course, and enjoyed good fellowhip with the cousins and relatives.

2nd
Entertained visits from Godpa and my dad's friends this morning while enjoying my mom's delicious Noh Hiang and Mee Fen! Real good stuff i tell you! Went to join my cousins for a movie at Vivo. Watched "The Prestige" and it is quite a realistic portrayal of the drug trading industry. I thought the actors were really in character and vividly brought the story to life.(Especially this girl who plays a Heroine Junkie, Awesome.)

Went for dinner at "The Station" at St.james power station with Shan, May and Irvin and had Meat charcoal grill! The meal was really filling and we had good fellowship too.

The Breaking Dawn, Church Gig.

2007-02-17T01:11:00.000+08:00

The gig was a major success! Close to 120 people turned up and everything went smoothly! The night kicked off with Bismuth playing awesome indie music, and got intense when Facing Caroline took the stage with their post-hardcore music. The crowd started to open up by then and when For Better Endings came on...mass hysteria!

Second segment began with warren driving the crowd wild (Horns in the air) with his unearthly solos and magnificent guitar skills. Then our band came on! Got the crowd practically moshing to Highway to hell! If only we had our original band members though, then it would have kicked even more ass! However we still held out well and got the crowd moving to tunes like Slither by Velvet Revolver. The night ended with The Hangers playing to a horde of screaming KC girls and zachary's " Time of your life- Greenday" solo. ( Why he did that i cannot comprehend. Has he no shame? )

All in all everything turned out really well. Despite losing support from the Youth Ministry, my family and friends ( especially the con4's! ) came together and helped me get things going! Thank you so much fellas and ill always be there for ya just as you have for me!

RESULTS.

2007-02-09T23:22:00.000+08:00

Recieved results today and i must say im quite happy. My results qualify me for all the polytechnic courses i want! Anyway, here they are:

L1R5:15 L1R4:12

At this point i want to give a thank you to Mrs.Ong, Ms.Shakthi,Vernon, Sandra and everyone else who was there to help me through the O levels. Thank you guys so much!

Temasek Poly.

2007-01-20T22:27:00.001+08:00

Went to check out the Temasek Polytechnic open house with a few friends yesterday and i think i have a pretty clear idea of where i wanna go. The booths and presentations were very informative and we even had two superb guides! For rememberance sake i'll tell you their names.(Pamela and Fiza) Managed to get my design portfolio rated by some visual com people and find out more about what they do there as well and its really impressive stuff. Design is definitely among my top choices, next to mass communications. With some luck, and god's grace i pray that my L1R4 will be below 13 points...

Also, i went to see Levenfall (Punk Band) at their esplanade gig and they were quite good. The cover of Bad Religion's " American Jesus " was decent and their originals sounded nice as well.
Authentic Punk's not dead and it never will be....

Signing off,
" Practicing hard for the gig " -psyched Christian.

Update.

2007-01-15T00:35:00.000+08:00

Life's been pretty fulfilling since the end of the O levels. Finally got back to doing something for the church by going back to the youth ministry. They're helping to plan a church gig i proposed too. It's going to be an attempt to raise rock awareness within the church and proceeds will go to the church fund and an orphanage. The Gig features Contemporary Rock, Mainstream Metal, Punk Rock, Emo Core and some alternative stuff. Ill update you guys on it.. tentatively however its set to be on either the 9th or 16 of Feburary.

Works been swell as well.. we've been promoted from runners to waiters! Got to meet alot of new friends as well and discover a new market for my graphic design project! Ahhhh the wonders of networking.. im currently on 6 projects right now! Aside from the profit ill make from all this, i think its a great way to build up my portfolio for the Visual Communications course im shooting for in Temasek Polytechnic.

Music wise the band's doing really well. We're set to play at the upcoming church gig and our Iron Maiden covers are nearing perfection! Infact.. we'll be off to jam tomorrow! I think Threshold's gonna do really well. We've got a killer Lead guitarist in Han Wei, Awesome Growls from Han, Unwavering consistency with Drummer Shaun, and Good Lead Guitars from me and Daryn! Haha ( Thick skinned but true. )

Yes it has been wonderful thus far and i thank god for all he's done for me and hopefully life will continue to be this awesome!

Signing off
- Elated Christian.

The New Year

2007-01-01T01:07:00.000+08:00

First off, i would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!It has been a very eventful and fulfiling year and i wouldnt trade a second of it for any other scenario! I feel i have grown mentally, physically and of course socially. While i still have a wagon load of faults, there is renewed drive in me to self improve!... Which brings me to my new year resolutions..

Year 2007 Resolutions.
- Stop being critical of others
- Stop judging people
- Cut down on the bad words
- Stop ........ (only a select few know what i am talking about.)
- Become less clumsy
- Actually do something meaningful for people in suffering (ie. Ethiopia, Thailand)
- Put more of my words into action
- Rekindle my faith into a firestorm!

Yeap.. my main resolutions for the year 2007 and i hope that by this time in a year's time ill have them all crossed out.

Til then friends...
A fantastic 2007 coming our way!

Mardy Gras 2006

2006-12-30T00:50:00.000+08:00

The Mardy Gras festival is a celebration of Brazilian music which encompasses Samba, Cha Cha, and many other beautiful traditions.

Fortunately for music junkeys like us,(Daryn,Ralph,Benedict and myself) the festival arrived in Singapore! Located in the heart of Clarke Quay, the gig draws in crowds of samba lovers, music fanatics, and of course passers-by.

So we went to check it out yesterday and it was truly spectacular. The show opened with Brazilian dancers who had near perfect bodies (Eg.8 pac Guys, Skinny and curvy Girls in a non bulimic way). They were inspiring to watch, swaying to the beat of the music seamlessly like leaves in the wind. Next came the Brazilian capoeira(Brazilian Martial Arts) dancers. They could easily put our asian pro break dancers to shame. The dancer moved as if he had no freaking bones!

The Dancers.

Then the spotlight of the show came on as Radio Mundial kicked the gig activity into overdrive, playing famous santana covers and catchy samba beats of their own. Some songs they played included Guantanamera and Pa'ffiba. I couldnt help but sway to the beat of the music, tapping my feet excessively. All around i could see people yearning to burst out in dance.. now we all know singapore gig crowds are generally dead and stiff as rock. This festival was no different. The few people actually dancing were a few "Ang-Mohs" who apparently were half drunk.

Radio Mundial.

The band was amazing though, their Bongos, Drums, Bass and Guitars in perfect Sync. Its no wonder they were priveleged to play with Carlos Santana and other great guitarists of our time. I enjoyed the gig alot and the music was fantastic.. so fantastic that i bought their album! Haha.. yeah they were selling their latest album by the stage and i must say it is good stuff..(I'm listening to it now)

Chilling out at TCC after the gig.

Signing Off,
Samba captivated Christian.

A White Christmas.

2006-12-25T14:44:00.000+08:00

This has been one of the most busy and yet pleasantly chaotic christmas eves thus far.

Spent the first half of the night with my two very good friends Yong Sen and Edward working at the Lotus Grill(Clarke Quay). It was quite interesting at 5 minutes to 12 when people starting rushing in to buy drinks and join in the countdown to Christmas. (Hooters and some other pubs initiated) When the clock hit 12 everyone erupted in a frenzy! Confetee flew everywhere and people were yelling and screaming... seizing the beauty of the moment! I couldnt help but join in the chorus of " MERRY CHRISTMAS ".. despite carrying 5 jugs of Tiger Beer in my right hand!

Soon after the "explosion" we finished our shift and went to change below deck. ( Yes, we work on a ship lol. ). Gave a call to my family who were having a reunion at the time to wish them a giant merry christmas. (Thank god for Loudspeaker Handphones).

Then the really fun part began. Partying with my two best buds! Haha.. yeah it was great. Retarded Edward though just had to yell out " BooYEAH!", jumping in the air in the midst of a super crowded area. Nobody really took notice though, they were all busy soaking in the warmth of the christmas spirit! Everyone was really friendly, greeting each other and basically just chilling out to great beats and music.

We ended the day eating Gelato at some ice cream place and boy was it good.

When i came home, i found my family had actually stayed up to open presents with me! Yeah that was awesome and we had a fun time opening the gifts and such...i especially liked the part where they opened my presents to them (bought with my first paycheck).

A trully heartwarming Christmas eve this has been... And i thank god for all the friends and family he has given me to share it with. Indeed Jesus's birth into the world has sparked great celebration and joy, however more importantly he has reminded us that love is the key to release. Happy Birthday Jesus!

A Con4 Xmas.

2006-12-23T23:33:00.000+08:00

Celebrated Christmas with the con4's today! We started off carolling and lunching at Pauline's house. The stew she made was awesome and the singing went really nice too. I think we really embraced the spirit of christmas as we carolled to familiar hyms like " The First Noel " and " Angels We Have Heard On High" with backing music from my guitar. Looking at everyone's faces i could tell they were really embracing the beauty of christmas and reveling in christ's birth.
Side note: We had some pretty interesting concoctions of Pauline's too which included

- Raisin stuffed Tomatos
- Orange Juice with tiny shots of beer and "Kikckapoo" inside.

After Pauline's, we headed off for evening mass and ended the day crashing out at my place for awhile. We didn't do carolling though as many of the cons had to go home. We did however enjoy more good food prepared by my awesome chef of a mom! Lamb Stew and Shepard's Pie are just two dishes of a magnificent feast! Ahhh i can still taste the gravy....

And that was a real merry christmas spent with a great bunch of people.
Stay strong always con4 and god bless.

A very Merry Christmas.

2006-12-22T01:39:00.000+08:00

What is Christmas to you? This year something has rekindled my true feelings for christmas deep within. Christmas is that time of the year where you dont hesitate, where you help your neighbour and be there for your friends. Its the best season to spread love and bring back the days when people were laid back and more relaxed. Where anger, tension and misunderstandings did not monopolise our lives. Tis the season when Jesus Christ was born! A gem brought into the world to lift our sorrows and bring salvation. The baby Jesus redefined love! Being that time again millenia after his birth, we should continue the tradition and spread love where we can. Share our happiness with neighbours and care for others where possible. Show our Family members we appreciate them...give our parents a hug! This is Christmas!!

Forget the constraints and woes of life and society, love is boundless. So just throw the old rule book out the window and celebrate Christmas!

Total Metalcore

2006-12-10T08:17:00.000+08:00

Oh and here's a gig i might be heading off for tonight if i'm not broke by then..
Some of you guys might be interested..

Venue: GasHaus
Price: S$10 (Inclusive of one drink)
Genre: Metalcore (duh)
Time: 12pm til late.

TOTAL METALCORE BITCH. music the way its supposed to be played..

Just A Short One

2006-12-10T08:11:00.000+08:00

I'll be going off soon and i'm feeling so dam stoner right now.
Heading off to church for some praise and worship then gonna check out Lime Sonic Bang at Cine.

They got some good mainstream stuff there..Electrico for starters then theres Ronin and Saw loser. So.. yeah think it should be nice. Abit of metalcore wouldnt hurt though, bring in some For Better Endings! Haha.. but i guess i've accepted the fact that singapore's underground scene is TRULLY underground. All hopes of seeing these acts getting popularised were dashed eons ago..

Anyway its a gig cum Mega Flea Market so i reckon it's definitely going to be fun.
(Having full confidence in my *ahem* bargaining talents).

Update: The gig.
Starting work tomorrow at Clarke Quay.. hope i dont screw up. I spilled soya sauce on a lady's dress at least week's banquet. Fucking hilarious though.

-Ciao.

Liberation!

2006-12-03T00:52:00.000+08:00

Life's been great with absolute freedom! No more having to worry about Social Studies Homework, Maths solutions or anything stressful! Its awesome being able to carry on with all my hobbies without obstruction.

Didnt really go crazy this week with the freedom thing though. Just had a little jamming, crashed out at a friend's house and went job hunting... Turns out the consultant from TheCannery's a really indecisive person so we're not gonna take our chances. Ohh yeah been coming up with some new concepts for my apparel design production too. For those of you alien to this, i provide apparel designing services to give you unique one of a kind products. My works can range from Band logos on bags, to Whole t-shirts or even Temporary Body Art. For more info check out here:
Oasis Productions

Meeting the con4's tomorrow for some praise and worship/carolling discussions then heading off for the rock gig at St.Mary's. Think it'll be interesting seeing Shaun's Hardcore band there (For Better Endings)...

Ciao Readers.

Grad Night Yesterday.

2006-11-25T01:09:00.000+08:00

Grad night was fantastic. Everyone was in a good mood and going crazy! Yes, even the teachers haha. The event brought to mind nostalgia and really memorable moments and it was really a heart warming experience. (To an extent..) There were slide shows, teachers dancing and dancing chefs too! Haha.. Oh and of course tesimonial collection. The food was average though.

The best part of the night was that our close brotherhood here in st.pat's really came out. I hope it stays that way as we embark on a much more perilous journey ahead.*Sigh*.. I'm gonna really miss the culture here and the teachers too. Great teachers like Mrs.Ong who care for their students rather then being money-driven. (*ahem. Chee wei ). Anyway enough of this, here are the pics.

-End.

Hell yeah!

2006-11-23T00:37:00.000+08:00

Okay so jamming today was really productive. We did pretty well despite being extremely ill-prepared haha. Enter Sandman by Metallica came out nice, we had a perfect intro and Dance of Death/Hallowed By Thy Name by Iron Maiden was done quite smoothly too. Didnt do much with the exception of these 3 songs.. played some blues riffs and random solo-ed for around.. half an hour? Haha..

Yea but today was just to warm up and get a feel of jamming after months of stagnance! Ahhhhhh yes it feels great to hear the sound of heavy metal and experience the tranquility it brings when played in a studio.. Simply amazing.
Dam but months without hardcore guitar-ing has left my fingers all soft and blistered after just a few Riffs! Time to start scale rushing again..

Until next time friends.. in the words of Iron Maiden : " Run to the hills! "

Update.

2006-11-21T22:18:00.000+08:00

Update.
The 20th.The o levels are officially over..celebrated by having a very filling and well deserved feast at subway with jared and co then went to watch " The Convenant ". The action sequences were neat but the storyline was really predictable and too fast moving. The show only lasted 1 and a half hours!
Ended off the day at Peninsula buying gauntlets and badges..

The 21st.
Went to see the boss with Jared, Lai, Siew, Edward, Elliot and some other peeps today and got our inquiries answered. I'm pretty optimistic about whats to come as the job seems really interesting and the terms are fair too.

In case you guys were wondering i landed a job as a waiter in Clarke Quay's " The Cannery ", a string of 5 bars/restaurants that include the "Khandi Bar" and " FBar(Fashion Bar)". More here: The Cannery.

We found out we get free transport back at night so working late doesnt seem like an issue anymore. Hell, i'd do it til the next morning. I think this is going to be rad getting to see what the singapore nightlife is like, and waitressing is something i've always wanted to try! (This of course not affected by my sister's bad encounter with a bitch of a restaurant boss). We filled in Application forms and noted our preferences so from there we're gonna be picked out for the respective bars. I'm hoping i get Fashion Bar or The Clinic though, drinks in test tubes seem awesome!

Anyway, went to play pool after that at Meridien.. where i mercilessly slaughtered Edward and Firdaus!(I won't count that win when you shot a black in Jared lol.) Went to check out Vivo City after that and it sure is huge. I don't think i'd hang around there often though. Its really stuffy/crowded and the place feels like a giant tin can to me. Dont ask.

Jamming tmr with 4E4 metal band. (yup thats one off my checklist) Enter Sandman and Dance of Death! Headbangers for life!

Oh, and we met Ms.Sim at Vivo.

Others: We found this very special note dedicated to Chin Han outside Ms.Shakthi's house last week. (Tuition teacher)

2006-11-15T12:54:00.000+08:00

Yea so saved this china women from the clutches of a potential "rapist" the other day read here for more: (thanks shaun lol.) : http://shaunngforever.blogspot.com/

Are we living in an individualistic society?

Hogwash.

2006-11-05T22:39:00.000+08:00

MATHS PAPER 1 TOMORROW. SOCIAL STUDIES TOO. IM GONNA KILL YOU MATH MONSTER! ONCE AND FOR ALL!

exam stress acting up again..

Sick Society.

2006-11-02T15:25:00.000+08:00

Ok im guessing you guys have heart about the Wee Shu Min case. If you havent, : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sg_Review/messages/2720?xm=1&m=e&l=1 .

She(Or He?) thinks that she's part of the elite. Now what kind of an attitude is that? Is this the type of students we in singapore are breeding? Naive and heartless degenerates who grow up becoming spoilt brats feeling that they are above others? I think its becoming very evident that our moral values are being corroded. Sure the education system aims to nurture talent and academics, but without a proper moral base these things mean nothing.

Now we can see that in the post she criticises Derek's english, implying her english is of a much higher standard. What poppycock she speaks... Many people my age (16) could easily out-debate her and her very essay-orientented english. Someone might be in RJC and the like, but still be the lowest ranking human being on earth because of his/her poor ability to associate with others. Life on earth is not about proving how academically superior we are, rather it is about helping each other out and being there when someone needs you. Your so called successes on earth are just material things people do to satisfy themselves.

She also claims to have a brighter future than most people. In terms of what? I wonder if she has accomplished anything significant thus far. Worked at an orphanage? Aided the disabled? or even helped an old lady cross the road? Now i'm talking about doing these things on a voluntary basis, not a compulsory field trip some school organises.

THE APOLOGY.

So anyway her father came up with an apology: http://thewormiepage.wordpress.com/2006/10/25/a-lesson-learnt-says-mp-and-dad-wee-siew-kim

This is really distressing. Do we really have such uncaring ministers unwilling to compromise and take time off to understand the state of society in singapore? We learn in schools, especially in propaganda-infused social study text books that singapore is a melting pot not just of various races, but of different social classes as well. However here we have someone who is evidently highly discriminate towards a certain social class.

What is this tiny island coming to when leaders and students are nurtured in a spoilt environment to become extremely critical of others? I guess only time will tell..

5 hours to ............

2006-11-01T08:30:00.000+08:00

The big cahuna is finally here. My O level written examinations begins today with art! I think things should be quite smooth after nights of sketch slogging..although im abit worried as to whether i can complete my final work in the very limited time frame of 3 hours. Ahh but that worry can wait. For now i'll sit stoning infront of this computer monitor awaiting the beginning of a month of hell in 5 hours...

That aside. Isn't it interesting how far people would go to become their idols or pose as someone else? People watching in marina square a few days ago i realised how many what i like to call " Rocker Posers " walking around. They waddle around in their horrendously done mohawks and paul-twohill hairstyle attempted hair, accesorising themselves as much as possible. Well for starters they dont even fit any rock category. Hell, they dont even have their own freaking identity. These posers walk around thinking their metal heads or punks when all they listen to are gay mainstream stuff like Simple plan, blink182, Good charlotte. But i guess thats not the issue for them; they want to show the world they are cool. *spits on the floor*

Real scene kids wouldnt be parading about a shopping centre showing the whole world they shop at 77th street or even Ocean Pacific. They listen their music and couldnt give two shits what others think of them.

Why the need to pose to be cool? Just be your own fucking self dammit.

-End.

3 Days To.....

2006-10-27T00:22:00.000+08:00

So after 10 years of education and slavery under MOE, it comes down to this. The O levels.(in 3 days) The life changing examination that stirs up more stress in the average singaporean teenager than a loss of a Maple Story account would.
This is evidently going to be the longest November thus far and i am not looking forward to it. On a better note though, im also 1 month away from liberation...

So anyway seeing as freedom is a month away i've come up with a list of things im to do after the o levels.
- Back to the band(Oh god i miss jamming)
- 4E4 Metal band.
- Gigs.
- Learn how to growl like Randy Blythe
- Go register my shoe business.(S$20 to keep that "pte.ltd" for a year)
- Put the "Production" back into Radicaltwist Productions.
- Work.(Back to handyman or something new? hmmm)
- Get Praise and Worship group going.
- Leisure art.(No more refines of o level criterias)
- Computer gaming marathon(I'll have to buy some games first.)
- Get some new albums(Peninsula plaza here i come.)
- My Synister/Emo hair.
- Record a DIY emocore song.
- Get that fender!(after getting my pay check.)
- Read my wildlife factfile.
- Customise/Personalise my new black North Star.
- (More to be added)
- Her.

ill add more when i remember.
Humans group and school tomorrow..i better be off to sleep..
Good night. I mean Morning.

Its 1.50 Am.

2006-10-25T01:35:00.000+08:00

Just finished mugging and completing my physics 10 year series and im freaking shacked. Just stoning infront of the com for awhile before i turn in for the night. School tomorrow for art... which i am not looking forward to.

Art is no easy subject, its not limited to drawing and getting an A1 just by having tons and tons of sketches. The logic behind the work requires alot of thinking.. which is probably why artists like Picasso went loony. It hell of a stressful subject...
Thankfully it'll all be over for me next monday.. which of course is the start of the O levels.

That aside, theres this awesome joint called " The Loof ". It's this adult hang out near Raffles with great music and chill out spots. The place's layout looks really well planned to give the weary adult a good chill out at night. Scenery and view looks great and i heard the music doesn't disappoint too. The place exhudes sophistication and ultimate relaxation. I wanna go there the minute i hit 18! Dam the confines of age. Here's the link: Loof

Anyway check out this snippet of the 4E4 class graduation page! Done by yours trully.

And thats it for today.
if only i could stop thinking of.. her.. a distraction or motivation?.Dam im one confused mother fuker.

Now listening To: Sharron Phillips-Touch Me

Yes, Lounge music can cleave techno anytime.

The sky is Green.

2006-10-22T15:36:00.000+08:00

Just got back from church and a visit to the geylang serai mega pasar melam thing going on. Really good stuff going on there.. shirts, food, accesories and more at really good prices.. you guys should go check it out, it'll only be around for 2 more days.

I'm 15 minutes away from my mugging extravaganza where i will finally complete my history mind maps!.... and begin my 10 year series drilling. O levels are in little more then 2 weeks and im bloody hell not confident in scoring. I'm gonna commit myself to real hardcore mugging in the coming week.. no going out, playing or anything unrelated to 10 year series books. It's time to go all out.. i want that visual communications position! From what i've heard competition for that course is really tough. I suppose its because of the extremely limited quota and temasek poly being the only school to offer visual communications. Hopefully my art can give me a boost...

And i am off to mug...
-ciao.
She gives me strength.
Now listening to: Bullet For My Valentine-Tears Dont Fall

Forget Trivium, these guys are the shit. Awesome thrash metal.

Random stuff;
Ideas for a song..

Salvation Eradication
Peace at the cost of individualism
Holograms of love
We're in the hands of Hypocrits.

Last Day.

2006-10-13T23:25:00.000+08:00

Just a short one.
Coming into St.patrick's secondary 4 years ago, i never imagined how much i would grow to love this school. It's culture, life, and people are extremely diverse and unique. Sure there was a time when we were placed in the lower rankings of this academics-favouring society, but we preserved whats most important. Individuality. It is the typical misbehaving, witty and corny* stereotype that defines us. We dont want to change it and never will. Potest Qui Vult forever SPS!

Life with 4e4 has been enriching and fun. Without them i dont think i could have changed myself to be a better person.. even though i often deny it. It's been a great experience these 2 years and i'll never forget them.
Faithfully preserving true rock and metal.. 4E4 2006!!

The Crimson.

2006-10-02T23:12:00.000+08:00

New Life. New Blog. Stay Tuned.