The Public Enemy

Trust me, 3 years back, I wouldn't be bothered about private-ing my Instagram and Twitter account. Don't forget Facebook.

I can't be bothered, I can't give a flying flamingo what anyone thought of my life. Everyone knows how everyone should live their lives except for their's anyway.

Then came the career of one's life, and boy was that convenient.

If people could even take a peep into my thoughts, well, that'd be a bad idea anyway. And I'd trust that it'd be the same case for most individuals. So really, judge people for the choices they make, admire them if they're good and forgive them if those were mistakes. Be as harsh as you would to oneself.

Some individuals are just great at sharing half their thoughts, the half that's politically correct, commercially safe or at least career-proof to a big extent. I don't have the time for that, and you'd know, however politically correct your statements are, you might have to answer for them some day, and I don't really think I would have the time for that.

And then you have the pesky rascals who dive into your life, trying to scrutinise each and every milestone you thought you'd share with those who bothered. When you thought that was all, the chapter continues, they would share their less-than-penny worth thoughts with those who flock together, when really, you really have no interest on their lives and hardly think their fleeting realisations would justify the carbon dioxide they produced.

So there you have it.

If you've yet to get it, it's trust and honesty.

Your invaluable honesty and trust, it's worth too much to be shared with people who've not earned it.

Keep it and save it up for those who're worth it. It might just save you some trouble as well.

Because I don't own photoshop, currently

Engrish, do you speak it?!
No, I speak Singlish.

Yes, no moolah to buy photoshop and windows office, thus the super gigantic uber header.
Finally had the time to browse through the videos I took during my trip to Europe.
Didn't exactly get to stitch everything together, but managed to delete away unwanted scenes.

Hope I'll be able to get everything up before we slip into December.

Felt like I was taken back in time, to the days of carefree-ness (that resulted in my current poverty, hahaha). Where everything was just about them sights and sounds. Although I was constantly poor in the pocket, I was definitely rich in experience.

Been a long time since I picked up a craft. Remember the days of Origami and maybe paper star folding? I'm thinking of taking up Amigurumi! Waiting for the pay to come in, pfft, poverty.

The Quarter Life Crisis

At the age of 24, it might just be the pre-quarter life syndrome. And I fully qualify because I'm at the junction before my next profession, in the valley of resounding thoughts and reflection.

Another person themed it the mid-life crisis, but wait, isn't that supposed to be at the age of 30? "I don't wanna die ugly and wrinkly" - ermm, okay.

Seriously, what's the blogpost of a 24 year-old supposed to look like? Classy, tasteful and more of a grown man? But the international age of a youth is till 35 isn't it? Then I guess it's still legal by international standards for my thoughts to be immature? :D

But anyway, the purpose of 'penning' these thoughts is to serve as reminder for the person moving ahead to be better behaved. There're tonnes and tonnes of check-lists out there being shared, citing things to do, things not to do and they're well-worth a read, having been churned by those who've been further and done more.

I preach the concept of being a try-sexual (why be a buy-sexual anyway, haha!), but having tried 'that' many things, meaning not many, I've decided that the following are probably not worth trying again or at all:

1. Substance Abuse - Alcohol & Drugs
The sober truths - a little is fine, but honestly, nothing good has ever come of drinking, so don't bother
There's a reason why no one out there advocates substance abuse, it messes with your head, and honestly, there's nothing more beautiful than a clear, untinkered mind

2. Being Untrue
The truth always comes back to haunt you, so always be honest to yourself and those who put faith in you. The satisfaction of going to bed knowing you've not swept any dirt under the rug is certainly assuring.

Having inked the above two on my brain cells, there's so much left to be done, and I'm starting with the below two first:

1. Travel!
Europe will no longer be a pipe-dream. I'm heading westwards to London and Europe to see the world! Hopefully I'll make it back to tell the tale.

2. Start something on my own
I've had enough listening to people talk about how there is so little to lose at this age. So I'll give it a go. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Ending this abrupt as always, for the audiophiles, check out the beats from Clean Bandit! And no, don't be cheated like I was, the singer is not the Asian lady, Clean Bandit is British Electronic Group. Till then!

The "Social Media" Truman Show

Social Media is what it is. In my own words, content that gets shared. Good content sometimes go viral, and bad content, should just never see light.

In the not-so-new age of marketing, where there is much emphasis on "Social Media", most companies sometimes forget that content is king. Good content or a good product, whether digital or not, is easier to market, if not, sometimes do not require any marketing at all. Most of the people in sales would probably agree. Although some might say that a really good sales person will probably be able to sell anything. Then again, possibly yes, but probably with more packaging, fancy commodities and time.

Question to ask: Do we have a good product to sell in the first place? What is it? How are we going to market it online? How do we measure it's effectiveness? Is it really indeed below-the-line? What have we achieved thus far?

While hiring the 'experts' to take this 'untrodden' path seems like a good solution; be it the fact that it is genuinely more cost-savvy or easier to lay the blame if it eventually doesn't work out, it is important to know that numbers and figures should not be the baseline of Social Media.

Likes, Fans, Followers and anything else that substantiates reach or "interaction" with figures is an easy spell for the social media agencies; not saying that most are, but not saying that most don't take the easy way out either. Creating fake accounts and fake interaction is a piece of cake that can be made with a script these days. Identities will need to think deeper.

While shares can be created as well, it's important to create content good enough for oneself and the target audience to share. 

The only time I probably created something that went decently viral was during the haze period to poke-fun of the situation. It was very much targeted at the situation everyone was in, and to really have a good laugh with what seemingly was bizarre yet possible.

The way I see it, the important factors are: 1. 'Recency'/timeliness, how recent is your content to the event 2. Ease of relating to; simplicity, is it easy for the reader to understand and relate? 3. Appropriateness; a right joke at the wrong time is just wrong in anyway 4. Usefulness, will sharing this content benefit anyone? Help anyone? Is it important information? Or will it brighten up someone's day? 

Any and everyone these days is and are a Social Media Expert, we curate content that we feel we can relate to and is appropriate and best able to represent the profile of our identities. Some people go as far as to script the right content or to remove poorly received content.

It is important for big identities to note and act likewise.

Validation is important, but to validate oneself or an identity with figurative factors such as Likes, Followers or Fans is a sad phoney, self and society driven entrapment. Self-validation should take precedence, and is important for identities to find the balance between commercial value and identity integrity. The worst I've seen are individuals and identities that have embarked on a staged validation, whether self-staged or not, both are equally degrading.
Why would one choose to live in "The Truman Show" whether the director is oneself or another?

My side of the story? I've seen the light and felt the flames of social media, it is a double-edged sword, and whether you're representing a corporate identity, celebrity or just simply yourself, I'lll briefly conclude that it requires a good swordsman to wield. 

So if you're new to all of this social buzz, take every posting you make online whether publicly or privately as an official e-mail to the whole wide world. Once you hit send, you hit send.

pause for tomorrow

Ripping the title off one of the better entries for CMPA. A really relevant short-film that describes in 78 seconds, the kind of rush the current society is in. Day to day, hour to hour, minute-to-minute kind of hustle, seeking to earn the kind of money we splurge on things we don't need to impress people we don't have to.

The point of it all? I plant my question mark again.

Chilling at Punggol End with my gaming laptop, mobile hotspot and limited battery, it seems like a good day to really stop, and think about all the has gone by and the decided and yet uncertain future.

I hold firm to the fact that nothing is confirmed until it happens.

I quote one of the instructors I met recently from OCS, he's a Physical Training Instructor now and really enlightened a few of us when he said that "he was at peace with himself" and is pursuing something of interest, something you don't drag yourself out of bed and your shoes to, and that he's done with the paper-chase most Singaporeans and youths of society are stuck in. While I may agree with him, I must say that to each his own.

And like I always do, wherever you go, bring the right spirit and attitude along, love what you do and you'll be doing what you love. Like Paulo Coelho says, that when you've set your mind to it and committed to the success of it "And when you want something, the entire Universe conspires to achieve it". Unless of course you're definite that this one thing is something that you have absolute no interest in, then I would say, stay no further. You're not a tree.

Making my plans for my 24th, which I had initially no plans for since there're already so many big plans this year. Let's just say that it's the year for change, but I'll definitely be sure to live it right.

Made some bad decisions at the beginning of the year, yet, in a different light, it gives one to offer advice from experience, which is priceless and less refutable.

Sometimes we just have to go #yolo, but as I always say, #yolo responsibly

Boys and their toys

Every guy and boy out there has that one thing that doesn't grow out or away with age. Find that and you'll find that part of them that you've never seen, or perhaps, already am seeing all the time.

Gaming has always had it's magic over me, and now, I'm stuck in the realm of DOTA2, it used to be Diablo3 and I'm so glad I've never had the chance to touch WoW. Ragnarok was already bad enough! 

*just wondered off to realise that there's RO2, shall suss it out before embarking on a gameplay*

Alright, back to topic, just to conclude that I guess it'll be way better for me to dump this 'toy'; DOTA2 and move on to more realistic playthings that have better value to them. 

Ever wondered what are the toys of your friends and counterparts? I wonder if the ladies have something similar as well.

mmm

home

home is where the laptop/desktop lies.

I'm one of the many children of the 21st century, we feel at home in front of our computers and devices. Losing my trusty cellphone is sometimes akin to losing a limb, it makes you feel useless, helpless, lost, and the list goes on.

But quite honestly, nothing beats the traditional laptop/desktop where I can get everything sorted out, from my tunes to my online applications and retail therapy, this guy's got me. Not to forget when graphic work and graphic gaming is required!

Just to note that I keep physical and written notes too, because I'm really the hardcopy person however much digitally advance I might seem to be.

Finally got down to somethings and felt the emotional turmoil of going through them. Alas the time has come and this is it! :)

We live in the 21st century of YOLO and I must say, please, YOLO responsibly; YOLOR.

The train has come and gone and we've all missed it. It was good while it lasted. Thank you.

When you've not short-changed another, and yet you've been, then I guess it's just too bad, like all great men, learn to move on, from this experience, and from this place as well.

And on a more devious note, I'll sleep soundly every night, but when will karma bite this little sinner? Only the heavens will know. Good night ;)

personal space, the phone and the web

I just finished customising my twitter background and display picture, picked the most recent and presentable photos for Facebook's display picture and cover photo and not to forget, tweaked the blog and this new header to a good fit.

Hello narcissism. Everyone loves being presentable and well presented, what more on their own platforms. I started blogging again recently, but as you can tell, haven't been that committed. Used to be the blogger that had my own blogskin properly done right down to the last code, each button was customised, you wouldn't find anything else similar on the web elsewhere. But lookie now, nowhere near dude.

I'm not lazy, but perhaps things like that don't excite me any more, but nonetheless, glad to be back to air my thoughts. In fact, really glad! What could have been better? If I had my own work station of course.

Different people define their own work stations in different ways, some find comfort in their laptop, some find it in their own personal desk while others might have filled their mobile phones with their souls and everything related to life. I can't imagine what happens when they lose it. I didn't pour my life into a 4-inch hand held, so it wasn't that bad when it went missing. But nonetheless, it sucked, real bad.

To value-add to your read, check out the app "Look Out" it's available on both Apple and Android platforms and gives you a better chance of getting your lost phone back!

Moving on to man's next best friend, that lives on battery packs and portable chargers since the usual batteries won't do it. My Samsung Galaxy S4 Active cannot last a day without the portable charger I got from the IT show. What a real first world problem. Gotta admit I cannot stop checking Twitter and Instagram when in the first place, I don't even follow that many people! haha

I'm picky about the people I follow by the way, who wants to open their Instagram to a feed filled with... nonsense? haha

Anyway, getting back to topic, having attended a few marketing seminars recently shed more light on how cellphones have evolved from being the device to communicate to one that can do so much more; socialise, check, educate, entertain and errr stalk people on? haha, I mean, no one needs to attend a seminar to know all that, it's all happening around us.

But quite interestingly, the figures being put forth by the professionals are quite interesting! And their studies on how despite social media platforms that were meant to replace chunky traditional e-mails, are actually, sending you e-mails! Not to forget, the average amount of time a person checks his/her phone a day! Did you guess it already? Well, the web says 110, but local studies came up with 54, I guess Asians are pretty much less distracted then. And that all shows how much potential and value there is in investing in cellphone related apps and accessories. Don't forget me when you make it big. ;)

The cellphone definitely is a PA and more, that's why many people are sent into a whirl when they lose their cell! Social Media IS taking the world by storm, but then again, how much of the existing content are sought after? 

Quite honestly, most of these 'popular social media influencers' aren't worth following, well at least to me, if you're honestly looking for interesting reads and insightful content.

I honestly cannot imagine scrolling a blogpost which is 80% filled with images depicting this person's attempt in making 54 different facial expressions in the same setting. But it amuses me that people ARE following such influencers, I have no idea how that value adds to anything at all. The again, long texty ones like this are boring as well. :P

There are people out there who make the attempt to gather good content and offer more than their 5 cents worth and I find that truly commendable! To top it off, some of them are such good lookers that they can probably finish a blogpost with a swimsuit photo without looking offensive. whether it is by figure of speech or not.

Maybe one day when I finally have my own workstation and trusty camera then can I be fully back on the social media platform! :)

the endless list of things

Sunday is the toughest day of the week, not Monday. I'll have to get all the household chores done, the washing, the cleaning, cut the nails, get the groceries for the week ahead and more, maybe hit the gym also so that I don't feel so bad about all the calories piled on from the cheat meals and drinking over the weekend. No worries, I know I'm not alone.

That's just Sunday. And then there is the year, and to all the people out there who wrote a long list of to-dos this year, all the best! I believe in setting goals and purposes, but am definitely not a fan of empty wish-lists that never come true.

2013's been a good year thus far. A good year is one that is filled with many ups and downs. There are no peaks if there're no troughs, no happiness if hardships and sadness don't exist. And I gotto say, it's been jolly enjoyable thus far. Except for the fact that I wished I made more effort in getting my ass into a University, getting my driving license and many more.

For me, I don't really have major obligations like a child or a pet dog to go home to, I run freely and get to pick the hours and evenings I would like to find myself in the gym or a dance class or so, and when the weekends come it's a FFA (Free For All). I can't imagine how one would manage keeping him or herself in shape when a child comes along, with all the financial and commitments required. I mean, I can barely make time for movies and I don't have a social calendar, like most people do, with planned meet ups and stuffs.

And for now, I hope nothing comes in between my plans to finish reading a few books. There is a need to exercise the mind as well. Sitting here and reflecting helps also, in decreasing the possibility of me returning to the very time-wasting and non-productive DOTA2.

Certainly hope I can get my new mobile phone and laptop as well.

Movie Wise, do catch Disconnect, which stitches a few short stories together, and really reflects the impact social media and technology has on us. Really educations if you'd ask me.

And here's a random Praying Mantis that startled me on a Sunday.

Have a great week ahead!

the truth

some of us live a lie all our life, some wear a mask and pretend to be someone they're not, some change their masks as they move into the different scenes in life, others smile and laugh when they're not behind the beautiful and complete portrait they've painstakingly painted; with lies, the untrue and nonexistent.

someday the curtain will drop, someday someone slips backstage and sometimes we invite trusted ones behind to have a seat while we remove all the pretentious facade that keeps us sane, acceptable and aligned in society's eyes and values.

sometimes we look at the people we think we've known for the longest time, and realise that they're the way they're because there really isn't any other way out. while the more blessed and ignorant ones, simply live, eat and sleep on the performing stage. perhaps things are easier that way.

I guess I'll be living my own lie till the day that I get to make my truth come true.

what's yours?

outsourcing your life

might sound kind of foreign to most of us, but we've actually been doing it for the longest time!

have a domestic helper at home? well, then that's you/your parents outsourcing the cleaning/care-taking/etc portion of things to your friendly Maria, instead of them doing it themselves, because their time is better spent making money than doing every single nitty-gritty household chore

just like any savvy manager that does a proper cost comparison before embarking on outsourcing certain of a company's services, we too can do that with our lives!

imagine your life/yourself as a company, and if at certain times, if it would be more cost and time savvy to do the activity yourself, or would it be more practical to get someone else to do the job?

I decided to blog a little about this, having just finished doing the steaming of my work clothes, and I thought that the few things that I would definitely outsource when I have the financial ability to, is definitely ironing/steaming, following by cleaning and the preparation of my own meals.

I wash my own clothes, I iron them, I hang them up, I steam them, I fold them, I pack my own room, dust it, I prepare my own breakfast and sometimes dinner, if I'm not, then I'm probably eating out, boy, I am even the one giving myself my own pocket money *pat on the back*

nonetheless, there're certain things that one definitely cannot outsource, say, the care-taking of your child during the important periods, being there for family, friends or etc. because the cost component can't really measure against the relationship portion. and I guess that's what largely defines us as humans, there's only that much that a domestic helper or any artificial intelligence can do.

what will you first outsource be?

when I grow up

I wanna be a star, I wanna get rich, I wanna be famous

hahahaha! I hope I got the lyrics right, for PCD's "When I Grow Up"

Being the kid in the family that has really been influenced by the media, I always thought it would be awesome if I got to do something in front of the screen, or at least behind the radio. Anything associated with the term celebrity or media face/voice seemed to have always caught my attention.

The reason I'm writing this is because of a small happening at a coffee shop near office during lunch time. Just factually reporting the situation, one of the store owner came up to me and told me it's such a waste that I'm not casting on local television, the humble me couldn't help but secretly be happy for the small compliment. Though I know it's the colour of my hair that makes me look like I'm some kpopstarwannabeyadayada.

Some people have also told me that I may have a radio voice when I tried, and a friend added that that also meant I had a radio face, hahaha, I guess it swings both ways!

I wished someone gave me a break, and I would like to start small and work my way up, since I don't really think that I was born for this; with a natural knack for just speaking in front of a big crowd and talking about just anything under the sun, but quite honestly, I'm willing to work for it.

I've tried being a small time presenter, not sure if it even qualifies as presenting. And basically, we just ended up with like what, 20 takes? Ha ha! It was good fun though! I also tried doing Voice Over before, with a script behind the backdrop, hahahahahaha!



Being someone who's really media conscious also means that the way I look at things and people get 'distorted' as well. I look at people through the lens; a really distorted paradigm, that eventually affects the way I perceive and think about things and those around and in front of me.

It works both ways.

Quite interestingly, I was wondering, what if media never existed, how would that have affected the way we turned out? The way we look and think of people and things? How different would it be?

relationships

When I was in the unit during my service with the army, my officer commanding made a deduction, he said I was good at getting the ball rolling, but I needed to make an effort to keep it going. And I guess he might have been largely right about that then, I hope I've made improvements since.

If I was the person starting the fire at a barbeque party, I had probably done great, but after I'm done, someone would have to take over while I go set the table or prepare dessert. I have a low attention span, I don't really like to dwell on boring things.

That might explain how I translate certain behaviours into my personal life. I don't text my friends, I don't message them unless I see the need to. It's a chore, and there is nothing personal about it because I don't message all of my friends. I find it a hassle to text, I did rather pick up the phone and dial you a call and have a proper conversation, but it's too expensive. I would rather meet you for coffee and talk about the good times we used to have, but I honestly would really rather we go on a trip or climb a mountain together, to make another memory and discover more about each other.

I like my alone time, I would rather sit at the beach and watch the waves go by. I'm not an introvert. I love meeting new people, making new friends and getting to know each and everyone better. Sometimes I wonder why I'm this way also. I've had friends who come to me asking why I don't call or text them. But perhaps it's because I'm a low maintenance friend and I don't service others as much as well.

Sometimes I conclude that I'm just waiting to invest in the right people. The right one.

But as I would advocate, never build your life on people and things that aren't constant. Build them on the surest things, principals, morals and values. Things that won't go wrong. The centre pole keeping this tent up must not waiver in the face of storms and uncertainty.

Writing the above made me realise a few more things about myself that I didn't know that I didn't know.

Day 2 at my 23rd Mayhem. Boy I'm getting old.

pricetag

Everything has a price tag, the food we eat, the water we drink, the entertainment we get and the roof that shelters us from the elements. There're certainly things that you definitely cannot put a price tag to. Other than the relationships we have and life, the rest comes with strings. Most of the time, people don't see it until they're in a state of financial independence.

You don't see it until you realise that you actually have to pay for it.

For myself, I guess I'm almost in a state of full financial independence. If I don't have to pay my parents for the amount of money they invested into my education and raising me, I'm largely debt free. Ha ha. As filial children, we definitely have to make due contributions back to our parents when possible.

As of now, I must say, being financially responsible and mostly independent is really tiring and stressful. Suddenly, the world comes down on you, and every cent you spend matters, every dollar you save is worth that little. 

I guess it really is hard for those who're still under the shelters of their parents to envision, but simply put, imagine your parents sold everything except the bare necessities that you need, your clothes, bags and shoes. And they're on this long holiday where until they return, you're supposed to fend for yourself. No, there is no air-conditioned room with a comfy bed and a warm shower waiting for you at the end of the day. There is no free unlimited internet access. You need to call someone? Sure, make sure you've paid your mobile subscription! Your clothing tore? Fix it yourself or pay the tailor. I guess that should paint a better picture for those who've yet to leave the comfort of their caregivers.

Being financially responsible made me realise a few important things:

1. It's important to plan your spending, savings and investments and put them into action
2. Mindless debts, credit cards and bills are the last thing that you would want to involve yourself in
3. Don't just work hard, work smart
4. Knowledge comes with a pricetag, and is essentially, an investment as well

But that doesn't mean that we have to give up on all our hobbies and happiness. You just have to ensure you plan and factor a reasonable amount into feeding your social life and filling your spirit. Things that you love to do and keep your body and mind in a balanced state.

I really wanna revamp the blog. But the laptop I have is 5 years old, I have no camera, the phone I use is borrowed from. Ha ha, oh well, got to work harder and smarter to get myself these "wants". The only person I can turn to and ask things from is ultimately the man in the mirror now. 

Growing up. Pfft. Hahahaha!

words are cheap, and actions are everything

because action speaks louder than words.

Here comes the big move and change. It's always been on my mind to seek out a loft of my own, and I don't mean a literal loft. I wished my wallet was way more well endowed, but till then, just a space of my own will do.

Many people have been asking why and I guess there really Are several factors. To round it up, I'll just say that I'm a growing kid that needs his own space. Space to think, space to work and space to roll around and laze.

It has always been on my mind and this isn't some last minute sudden thought and or move made in a haste. I'm very much sure it's a move that I'll appreciate and thank myself for.

It also means that I'll have to forsake a whole bunch of financial vices that go under my "Happiness" fund. LOLS! I do have my own P&L list, and I have a segment called Happiness, which always seem to make my wallet really really sad.

Sometimes I just like to take a leap, a giant leap to see where I land on.

A quote from myself to myself and those who sometimes need some conviction in stepping out of their comfort zone.

"Sheltered plants will never bath in rain and sunlight"

Side Effects of The Croods Saving General Yang

Well, an attempt to make the blog post title interesting can sometimes make it misleading. And eventually totally irrelevant to the content. And I've succeeded in this one!

For the movie lovers who need their monthly fix of big screen entertainment before the official arrival of this year's major block busters, when the cinemas get flooded even before the weekends arrive, here are three movies I've recently caught, and think that you yourself should too!

The Croods

Everyone I know loves and talks about The Croods, well at least I think its trailer has captured the child in all those around me! A must-watch for Families, The Croods is an animated story that talks about family, movie, change and perhaps how we've all come about.

I hate spoilers so I won't ruin it for you either. But if you need a little convincing, then watch the trailer below! But if you trust the kid in you to love a little animated adventure, go watch it without seeing the trailer, cause the trailer already shows quite a bit of comedic highlights, kindda expected the funny parts when they were coming.

Side Effects
Don't watch Side Effects for Channing Tatum. Watch it for Jude Law and Catherine Zeta Jones!

I watched it because everyone who've caught it says it shouldn't be missed! Quite much like how I would recommend Argo to those who love Military, Action and Suspense! If you like a good witty movie that comes with a twist, watch Side Effects without watching the Trailer as well!

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Saving General Yang
This movie is an embodiment of the word, over accessorised, no one would watch Saving General Yang for smart military intelligence that is akin to the movie Red Cliff. I was seated for the star studded cast and my love for ancient and dynasty movies. The director's ability to repeatedly break your celebrity fanatic heart and immerse you in a pool of war-related destructions, consequences and emotions seemed to have caught my attention as well!





Being someone whose work is quite movie-related, I thought of some tips to make sure your big screen experience is one that does not disappoint.

Tips when watching a movie in a cinema

1. Know the Cinema
If you love big screens, then make sure the cinema you're watching at has the screen size you want. You have to choose either between Screen Size or Movie Timing.

Most of the time you'll be able to tell which Hall you're in depending on the configuration/number of seats. Unless of course the Cinema you're watching at indicates it online. So usually Many Seats = Big Screen

I love the middle seats that are within 3-4 rows from the back in a big cineplex.

2. Get your tickets early
To avoid getting bad seats, get your tickets early! Most Cinemas allow you to buy their tickets 3-4 days in advance. You can make an advance on-site purchase if you want to save on online-bookings surcharges. Most card payments are entitled to discounts as well! But usually for on-site and non-feature films.

3. Know your body's cinema behaviours
I can't drink soft drinks / fluids when I'm watching a movie. I have to go to the toilet within an hour of non-mobile activity. So know your body well. Release that pool of toxins before the movie begins.

Some people start getting a headache after 45minutes of a 3D movie. If you're that kind, watch your movie in Digital/2D unless the movie was entirely made for a 3D experience.

4. Bring your identification passes - if you're watching an R21 movie, you have a baby face even though you're already 40, your friend has a baby face, you're watching with a bunch of people whose age are like that of the stock market (get them to all bring theirs).

5. Walk out of the Cinema of a film that is not properly shown - within 30 mins of the show if you realise the movie being screened is faulty because of recurring bad display of subtitles, bad graphics, obvious errors, bad audio and you may be entitled to a complimentary session for the same movie. If you finish the entire movie, the Cinema is most likely not going to give you a refund. Some films have been known to obviously mute certain portions of their conversations to pass censorship with the visuals still showing, and in that case, you'll not get a refund because it's not a screening error, but rather, it's the film as-is. Any concerns will have to be directed at the distributors, not the Cinemas.

6. Be a good customer
Good customers deserves good services, and bad customers deserve bad services as well. Be an objective customer, if you feel your movie experience has been compromised, raise it to the service staff and they should be more than glad to assist. Speak to the Theatre Managers and decide if you want to give a Feedback or a Compensation if you have obvious, reasonable and justified grounds. If you wanna scream and shout it out loud, you're gonna get a pop-corn slap. Asshole. And a pair of movie tickets to your ill behaviour at the staff in the security room.

7. Watch at Cathay Cineplexes
So everyone in the company I'm in is happy and maybe we'll get more bonus afterall #kthxbye

Eating Grass

I would never, ever pay $4 or more for a bowl of Salad. Never, I always tell myself that. I mean, who would?! (actually, I know so many people that actually do that)

$8, $10, $12 for some green, a few sprinkle of nuts, a little sauce and sometimes some bacon bits. My goodness! If the aunties in the wet market knew about this, they would open a salad store / option and strike it rich! #ideasia maybe I should do that

So anyway, I've started to incorporate a bit more green into my meals, especially for dinner! I'm not a professional nor an advocate of healthy eating and living, so here I am, only to share my realisations of eating more green!

1. You feel lighter!
As compared to a plate of chicken rice or mee goreng, which I would usually crave for, having Salad actually means that you let your digestive system skip the more difficult to digest portions like Carbs and stuffs. Or at least I think so!

2. It helps your digestive system!
More fiber = a more functional digestive system I think!

3. There's less cleaning to do!
You know how your oily chicken bits gets your chopping board, pots, knives and cutlery greasy and all? When you go full green the cleaning up is really fast and easy!

And there are so many more! Just Google "Benefits of Salad" and tonnes of them would pop up! From better eye sight to fighting cancer, I guess the benefits are endless! Just make sure you eat them like 3 days within purchase and to wash them thoroughly to prevent over ingestion of pesticides and insecticides!

Well, here's something to share before I end the post!

Mixed Greens with Rockets, Chicken Thigh Cubes sprinkled with Lemon and Balsamic Vinaigrette!

Totally hits the spot! (I know it doesn't look very appetising with the lousy camera, ugly table and bad lighting. But it definitely tastes better than it looks #putonblindfoldandeat)

Upcoming experiments:

1. Fruit Salads

2. Asian Combinations - Tofu Sald

3. etc etc

sights of guangzhou in 5 days!

Well lookie here! Guess who went to Guang Zhou "alone". Technically I was alone lah, though I did have dinner with my Uncle and his friends in the evening.

So you must be wondering, who goes to Guang Zhou or anywhere in China for a holiday? Well, I did! I didn't want a typical trip in Thailand, Taiwan or Japan (although I'm really looking forward to one). Those places are so touristy I'll probably be a little too caught up shopping to be taking a real break.

This trip was really meant to unwind and see if I can survive China. Before going there, I had this impression that there were big chances of me being robbed or slain in the middle of the streets and not a soul would bother about except to spit at me. :'( With so much hearsay online about the locals of China being unsympathetic or humane about so many things, I guess I can only be the judge when I'm there.

Important #nowyouknow

• Power: The general voltage in China is 220V so you can charge your gadgets there, remember to bring your converters, the two flat pin kind, resembling “ | | ”
• Fashion: MOST, not all, but most of the locals just throw on something and hit the road, so someone who dresses well stands out almost immediately. So if you want to blend in, just grab any and everything and hit the streets, you should do fine. The locals usually avoid shorts because of the chilly weather. So I was like a sore thumb, you'll see why later
• Language: The locals speak Mandarin that sound like Taiwanese Mandarin, they speak Cantoneses as well, so if you're fluent in both, you should do just fine. Not like myself, look like a Potato and speak like a potato, okay a rotten one
• Traffic: The vehicles are on left side drive, so just imagine the roads as a complete reversal of Singapore's. When crossing the road, the vehicle is ALWAYS the biggest, so please, when in doubt, just cross like the locals. There was this once I was crossing and I was thinking to myself “Someone's gonna die, omgomgomgomg, but we all lived, tyvmomfgicantbelieveisurvivethat” moving on
• Conversations: The locals like to speak loudly, in an arguement whoever speaks louder wins. Thankgawdforarmy
• Missles: People spit any where and everywhere check
• Exchange Rate: SGD1 to RMB5
• Washrooms: They don't provide toilet papers like the Singaporean toilets, so it's really important to bring your own! Remember, packet tissues and wet wipes can be a life saver! Ifyaknowwadimean
• Security: I survived, so I guess it's okay, just remember, don't stand out for no reason, I kept my camera in the camera bag unless I really wanna take a photo of something. If you feel uncomfortable or anything just approach a uniformed personnel. They seem to be everywhere!
• Navigating: Turn on your Goggle Maps there, it works like a charm! You can “make offline” a selected area of the region you'll be in
• Night Life: Check out SOHO and 1886 near Pearl River, drinks are priced at affordable rates, but the most awesome stuff is still their drinking snacks! I had cucumber stickers and wasabi tinted soy sauce dips! LGBT night is on Friday

• Haggling: Slice the price by at least half before going on. The way I see it, as long as I think it's a reasonable price in SGD, I'll pay for it. I took my luggage from RMB260 to RMB190, sometimes can't do half, but almost there!

• Milktea Lovers: 58DegreesCelcius sells the best Milktea, Dakasi and Banana Milktea is not bad. GongCha there is a joke

• Guang Zhou is like... Hong Kong! Almost alike in terms of Weather, Language

Interesting Sights

#1 – Here comes the Police

Peddlers line and litter the streets with their makeshift mats, legal or not, nobody knows. But there was this once when everyone started to pack their wares and run. So apparently, the Police do do their work!

#2 – Coarse Language and Swearing starts young

I nearly witnessed an accident thanks to the reckless driving by a taxi driver at a zebra crossing, the car almost hit a little girl who was crossing with her family. The dad started swearing at the driver but the driver just replied with watch how you cross, then the dad insisted they had the right on the zebra crossing, everything was building up and out of no where, the little girl, who looked around the age of 8, started to scream and swear at the driver, I was like wtfomfgbanana looks like these things really start young. Maybe the mother was like, goodjobdaughteryou'velearntwell. Shrugs

#3 – Ni Hao Sir, Ni Yao Se Mo?

Being really over joyed when chancing upon a GongCha outlet in Comic Mall, I went over and said in English “Hi, can I get a cup of Earl Grey Deluxe Milktea?” and the cashier was like, “WTFBANANA What is he saying?” in Cantonese, and I'm like lololollipop. So anyway, another guy came over and tried to converse with me in English and Sign Language, I'm fluent with both so we did well. I enjoyed the whole thing. I really wanted to “I can speak Mandarin” in Mandarin, but I was pretty sure they'll hate me and shoot pearls at me, so no.

 A little test shot before flying

Catching the bus to city area

Getting a cab is like a cockfight

Sights out of the Hotel Window

Almost a world of a difference

They hold events in a garden smack in the middle of the city

Lottery anyone?

Comic Mall!

Yup, an international brand!

Singapore's tastes better

I like the architecture that seems to have a mix of modern and oriental 

Some buses still use the electrical cable

I like the big wide lanes that seem to wonder to no where

A costume shop! They seem to have costumes from many movies

Oversize vehicle?

With the strong population, even a kindergarten has to be 6 levels high!

So I'm here to find my routes, being a Tan/Chen at the Chen Family Clan

RMB5 per entry. SGD1 nia...

A well preserved piece of history

It's like you stepped in to one of those dynasty movies

So much effort goes into preserving this place

Doors after doors after doors

I can't explain how intricate these crafts are!

Well, so apparently Lychee was a nourishing fruit

Oriental paper cutting

Does this remind you of the period of reform?

It's like the things in the textbooks came alive

Ivory crafts

Look at how intricate the details are! The craftsmen are probably national treasures

Almost like a filming set. The ancestral tablet

Guess what these are!

Yeap, fabric weaving!

I was in awe!

Fear not, Garlic Chill is an international sauce too! ;)

Their uniforms look way cooler man

I like how the streets look so cosy and worth getting lost in

Here a shot of the Jade market, where people just wait for others to buy

A church!

A toy mall, that mass sells toys!

You can't rob him now, can't you

When you hit Tian He, it's where all the sky scrapers are. You can spot lots of foreign talents here as well!

The computer mall, machiam Sim Lim and Funan lump together

KFC on a rainy day

Looks like lohyehmohyeh if you'd ask me

Steal of the day! 20 bucks for a 11600mah YooBao Charger

Dinner time!

There's a University for Traditional Chinese Medicine!

On my way up Bai Yun Shan, which is the White Cloud Mountain, but known as Bai Yun Mountain

It was 16-19 degrees on a Saturday and I was in shorts and double cardigan plus a top. #sosingaporean #challenge accepted, LOLS

I needed to look out for these wherever I was going since the temperature made the bowels slightly more irritable

How do these roots grow in a vertical manner?

Almost at the peak!

Macdonalds on the mountain, I wonder how do people get to work every day

Teahouse with a killer view

Ring the bell the number of times to get what they've stated there!

Mo Xing Summit is the highest part of the entire Bai Yun Shan, and I made it!

Love locks! Well, I'll feel weird if I locked my love somewhere. But at least it reminds me to brave rain and shine!

A little mountain climbing in the middle of the trip to burn all those calories. This mountain was also dubbed the lungs of Guang Zhou, no doubt nature must be doing a lot to keep the air fresh and crisp!

Everyone loves Cosplay!

No time for a slow descend, in to the cable car!

Breakfast on Sunday!

Guang Zhou metro is like our MRT also

Guang Zhou is also know for their Beef Noodles and Wanton Noodles! Yummy! Not exclusively, but they're good!

Day 1 Steals

Day 1 evening steals

A shot to prove how badly dressed I was to blend in, wahahahha

Day 3 shopping madness

Luggage only cost RMB190

I really missed Singapore, but definitely not the weather.

Back to reality!