our final fantasy

Monday, July 25, 2005

Something hit me in an anime I watched today... This is part 1 of 2 posts. When will Iput up part 2? I don't know... But in between, I will continue posting!

Was down with a fever today, so I was giving one day to rest at home. Came back from at around 12++. Had lunch, lazed around before I went to watch my regular programmes (anime... nothing new eh?)

Introduction:

For those who know me, anime is a large part of my everyday life. I can spend hours on end watching if I wanted to! And that's what I did today. I guess what hit me really got me in the right place and time. Childish and out of this world it may seem, but I'm gonna post it! Nothing wrong with sharing with everyone what I feel about something right?

First, a little intro on the anime I watched:

Title: Initial D

Outline: "Touge" (Mountain Pass) racing is the name of the game. Scores of youths across Japan form teams (Redsuns, Night Kids, Emperor... etc) to battle with one another for the title of "Fastest Driver" Enter Takahashi Ryosuke and Takahashi Keisuke, leading men of Redsuns. After travelling through most of Japan with an unbeaten record, they finally arrive in Akina, where the team Speed Stars resides. A challenge is made towards Speed Stars. Iketani, leader of Speed Stars accepts the challenge. Expectedly, he is beaten miserably. To avenge the lost, he approaches local racing legend Fujiwara Bunta for help. He is of course turned down. However, Bunta introduces the birth of a new Akina legend his son Fujiwara Takumi. Takumi approaches the Takahashi brothers and the legend starts here...

How does Initial D hit me?

In the 2nd Stage, Takumi, at first reluctant to race, is challenged by someone who drives the exact same car. By nature he dislikes being challenged and turning away from it. So he accepts, victory follows. And in the 3rd Stage, after 3 consecutive battles, he is approached by Ryosuke with an invitation to join Project D - a collection of the best and fastest drivers in the Gunma prefecture. During the closing scene between Takumi and his love interest Natsuki Mogi, he tells her of his dream , "I Want to be a driver who sits at the peak of the racing world." With that he calls a timeout in their relationship and moves on to join up the Takahashi brothers in Project D.

Huh? So?

Both the 2nd Stage and 3rd Stage hit me real hard. Especially the parting line in the 3rd Stage. For those who know me, should by now already know of my 2 previous posts and the impending move to Amplify. Through attending last week's audition, I realise how far am I to an acceptable standard. A move to Amplify is a challenge, a challenge directed at my skills. Like Takumi, when it comes to the guitar, I hate to back down from a challenge.

As much as I hate starting right at the bottom of the learning tree again, I can't run away from it. I chose this path, I must fulfill it. I must be the best rhythmist!

If my move to Amplify will help me in becoming better than what I am right now, then I guess the move is worth it right? I finally see a much bigger world out there than where I am right now, a bigger world than my "Akina". If Amplify to me is what Project D is to Takumi, then so be it. If leaving my own comfort zone pushes myself to surpass the present me, then why not? How long it takes I don't know...

"I WANT TO BE A DRIVER WHO SITS AT THE PEAK OF THE RACING WORLD!" - FUJIWARA TAKUMI

"I WANT TO BE A RHYTHMIST WHO SITS AT THE PEAK OF THE MINISTY MUSICIANS!" - ADRIAN STEPHEN

Guys and gals, hope I didn't sound too childish making such a bold statement. But hey! It's a dream right? Everyone's entitled to one right?

End of Part 1 of 2

entered our final fantasy @ 22:50

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Sunday, July 24, 2005

Went down to Amplify yesterday... We did not have a regular prayer meeting, instead the leaders met up and later an audition session was conducted for the rookie band members (yeah, I'm one of them)

Was asked to play the following 3 songs:

1. How Great Is Our God
2. Beautiful One
3. Salvation is Here

Somehow, I don't think I did well for the audition. And seriously, rookies aside, I'm like the worst man! My only saving grace is my timing... The whole experience yesterday make me realise that my standard is far from what you could call "performing" standard. It's like a whole new ball game out there man. I won't say that I'm entirely alien to the situation... Was almost the same when I played alongside MM few years back. Someone thinks he's good enough, goes into a new environment, gets his ass kicked, realises that he's far from being "accomplished".

Guess it's back to the drawing board for me now... Learning all over again... Sigh
I MUST admit, I don't like starting all over again!!!!!

Don't have a choice do I? I chose this path...

entered our final fantasy @ 17:45

* * *

Had a chat with an old time classmate of mine last week who's also from "Amplify" aka Youth Praise Ministry. Really don't know if I'm making a good move by joining them. Right now, music is my calling... I've served at the Altar, I've served behind it... Now, I'm gonna serve by playing...

It's hard to make decisions. Reminds of back in '98, where I made a really tough decision to part ways with the Ministry of Acolytes for Youth Liturgy Ministry. (Yoz, Altar Server bros, you guys rock... Always will be my most treasured time in CTK!)

I've seen 7 years of Youth Liturgy Ministry. From the initial 20 to 25, down to 3 and right back all the way till we're 25 again. I must say Youth Liturgy Ministry has taught me lots of life's lessons. Even right now, I never fail to learn something new each time I'm with YLM. Like mentioned above, it's hard to say goodbye to something I've held on to for years, something that I've build with my hands (together with many other brothers and sisters) The next part's dedicated you:

Alex - Been lots of disagreements between you and me, had lots of brushes. But hey, you're still a really good pal to me! I wanna thank you for all those times you taught me something, for all those times you encouraged me to not stop praying... Thanks bro!

Matthew - Really been like a brother I never had. Among the first people I spoke to when I joined the class in '93. Never stopped talking since then! I guess among everyone else, you know me best. Afterall, we share a number of things in common... Toys, Games, Comics, now... Anime (I hope!) Thank you for being a journey man in my path of life. You never fail to make time to listen to my lamentations! You never did violently complain at all those early morning reporting calls! heh! You really lived out the song "Brother let me be your servant..." Guess it's like what you said, we have to move on... It's been great knowing you for 13 years... And working for 7 of those years... Nothing will I trade for those times.

Melissa - Remember I told you once over the phone? You have my utmost respect, and you're a real sister to me. You always show me different perspective to lots of things. I really appreciate all the times you had to listen to my complains! Okok, and I'm really sorry for the whole "arm rest" thingy! Really! From the bottom of my sorry heart! Can still remember the "babysoda" times to the white tee/pink dress and boots to the "superwoman" and now the sis I never had! Thanks!

Robin - The original "Ah beng"! You're the most important part of the YLM engine man... You crack us up whenever we face a blank wall. And there's always something about your suggestions... Always different and alternative! Thank you for all the times we worked together! Adios!

Rest of you leaders, there's a bright future for YLM and you're the team to go, reach out and grab it! And grab it real tight! Bring this ministry to a greater height than where we are. Where the pioneer batch have failed, you guys learn from it and succeed! We may not have been the best examples to you guys, but nonetheless, I believe your experiences is enough to lead this ministry!

entered our final fantasy @ 17:40

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Saturday, July 16, 2005

This post is to act as a temp for my next post... Keep your eyes peeled... I'm approaching the corner with a drift on its way!

entered our final fantasy @ 09:21

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Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Hi guys, just wanted to share a song with everyone again... This shall be the theme song of my blog... It's also the theme song for Initial D the movie! Enjoy!

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Sorry guys for all the sappy songs recently! Just got back into the Chinese music mode. Realised that Chinese songs ain't that bad afterall! (Okok, with the exception of 5566, Energy... etc... Still not a Chinese boyband fan!)

Oh yeah, Jay Chou's music isn't as bad as most people make it out to be!

Attended the funeral service of Chris' gramps yesterday. It's always painful to lose a loved one, especially someone who has seen you grow from a toddler to a an adult. But hey, when I lost my great-granny about 8 years ago, I was also in a way glad 'coz Jesus took her home! Nothing beats that right? Rockin' with the Lord in His house!

Yo bro and Angel, everyone's here for you okiez?

Alright, gotta drift back to my office... Break time is officially over like 15 mins ago...

entered our final fantasy @ 10:36

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Sunday, July 10, 2005

Blogging from Chris' place right now... His grand-dad was called home to the Lord this afternoon. May God watch lead him to greener pastures where he can find rest.

Got home from Diane's at 0400++ this morning... (I need to stop staying out that late... It's screwing up my biological clock badly...) Was on my comp until 0930. Slept at 1000, woke at 1130 to go to mum's shop to help out with some typing. That was when I heard the news from Chris... (A moment of silence)

Reaching Penisular Plaza at 1300 to do a little shopping (Guys! Clap! I'm actually shopping!!!!) Meet Edward at 1330. Roamed around Funan Centre, had KFC for lunch. Proceed to the Asian Civilisation Museum around 1520 to meet up with the rest of the gang from church. Hanged at IndoChine for a little drink while waiting... (Hey, I spent $8 on a glass of diet pepsi!!! Tok about rip-off man!)

Spent couple of hours in the Vatican Exhibition. Went to UOB centre for BK dinner. Went back to J8 where I finally bought my ProdiKeys for $179!!!! (Music making days are here again!) Hanged with Stella at my place before sending her home and going to Chris'...

Parking my ride here for a while... Will continue when I drift back home...

entered our final fantasy @ 15:17

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Saturday, July 09, 2005

Stumbled on this song while listening to it on my iTunes... Nice song... Good lyrics... Great artiste! Here goes:

Till I Hear It From You

I didn't ask
They shouldn't have told me
At first I'd laugh, but now
It's sinking in fast
Whatever they've sold me
Well baby I don't want to take advice from fools
I'll just figure everything is cool
Until I hear it from you
It gets hard
The memory's faded
Who gets what they say
It's likely they're just jealous and jaded
Well maybe I don't want to take advice from fools
I'll just figure everything is cool
Until I hear it from you
Until I hear it from you
I can't let it get me off
Or break up my train of thought
As far as I know, nothing's wrong
Until I hear it from you
Still thinking about not living without it
Outside looking in
Til we're talking about it, not stepping around it
Maybe I don't want to take advice from fools
I'll just figure everything is cool
Until I hear it from you...

entered our final fantasy @ 23:40

* * *

Ok, it isn't midnight... I'm taking my ride for a couple of drifting runs. Just read a few blogs...

Certainly quite depressing man... To the 2 of you, believe in God's plan for the both of you alright? I don't know the exact details but I believe that the 2 of you are of sound age to handle whatever the situtation that occurs. I guess everyone around have given a considerable amount of advice. I'm not gonna add mine. Just wanna let the 2 of you know that pull up alongside me if you need to chat. I'm drifting around somewhere!

So relax ar!

Ok, returning my ride to its garage. Catch my drift yeah?

entered our final fantasy @ 14:35

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Tuesday, July 05, 2005

On the phone right now with our "kangaroo" (Esper). Talking about Kanga-sweeties... Boy, Kangaroos are 1 confused people man...

It's like 0040hrs in the morning... I taking my ride out for a spin. Hmmm... I have approximately 35 days left to total freedom! Thank goodness, it's finally coming to an end.

Sigh... I wish I could resolve something right now. Hate to live in a misunderstanding. Really, if there's something I would exchange with everything I own, that would be it.

Short drift here... Returning my ride to the garage...

entered our final fantasy @ 15:50

* * *

Monday, July 04, 2005

One song that I can't play neither can I sing... Why? 'Coz it's juz too darn fast! Anyone out there who can sing this, please tag me! I want your autograph!

One Week

It's been one week since you looked at me
cocked your head to the side and said I'm angry.
Five days since you laughed at me
saying get that together come back and see me.
Three days since the living room
I realized it's all my fault, but couldn't tell you
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
but it'll still be two days till I say I'm sorry

Hold it now and watch the hoodwink
As I make you stop, think
You'll think you're looking at Aquaman
I summon fish to the dish, although I like the Chalet Swiss
I like the sushi 'cause it's never touched a frying pan
Hot like wasabe when I bust rhymes
Big like Leann Rimes
Because I'm all about value
Bert Kaempfert's got the mad hits
You try to match wits
You try to hold me but I bust through
Gonna make a break and take a fake
I'd like a stinkin achin shake
I like vanilla, it's the finest of the flavours
Gotta see the show, cause then you'll know
The vertigo is gonna grow
Cause it's so dangerous, you'll have to sign a waiver

How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean?
Well, you soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of taking off my shirt

It's been one week since you looked at me
Threw your arms in the air and said you're crazy
Five days since you tackled me
I've still got the rug burns on both my knees
It's been three days since the afternoon
You realized it's not my fault not a moment too soon
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
And now I sit back and wait till you say you're sorry

Chickity China the Chinese chicken
You have a drumstick and your brain stops tickin'
Watchin X-Files with no lights on, we're dans la maison
I hope the Smoking Man's in this one
Like Harrison Ford I'm getting Frantic
Like Sting I'm Tantric
Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy
Like Kurasawa I make mad films
Okay I don't make films
But if I did they'd have a samurai
Gonna get a set of better clubs
Gonna find the kind with tiny nubs just so my
irons aren't always flying off the back-swing
Gotta get in tune with Sailor Moon
Cause that cartoon has got the boom anime babes
that make me think the wrong thing

How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean? You soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of losing my shirt

It's been one week since you looked at me
Dropped your arms to your sides and said I'm sorry
Five days since I laughed at you
and said You just did just what I thought you were gonna do
Three days since the living room
We realized we're both to blame, but what could we do?
Yesterday you just smiled at me
Cause it'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
It'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
It'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
Burchmount Stadium Home Of the Robbie

entered our final fantasy @ 21:22

* * *

Argh! I'm like extremely disappointed in myself!!!!!! Here's why:

Today I played for a RCIA retreat. 3 sessions in all, Mass included... I played pretty well for the first 2 P&W sessions. Then it came! It happened during Mass, during the Final Doxology in fact! (And that's the highest point in Mass!) I played the final doxology bit way tooo early when Fr Stephen was still reading the Eucharistic prayer!!!!! Not only that... 2 times!!!!!! In a row!!!!!!! ARGH!!!!!! Unacceptable for a musician, and a church musician at that!

Sigh... It's gonna back to the drawing board for me man... 1 good thing did come out of this though... At least it served as a training ground for my next Mass performance... I CANNOT screw up the next time! I CANNOT screw up the next time! I CANNOT screw up the next time! I CANNOT screw up the next time!

entered our final fantasy @ 14:25

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Sunday, July 03, 2005

Went to the Singapore DreamCarz Exhibition today at the S'pore Expo! Finally I saw my dream car! The monster "R"! That's it! The Nissan Skyline GTR-34! And here's a pic for everyone to drool over!

Only thing that disturbs me is the yellow colour... Should have been black! (True blue Initial D style!) As usual, took tons of photos of cars and babes! There's this race queen that knocks my socks off! Check her out!

Sigh... Wished I could stayed longer for the exhibition... Anyway went back to church for meeting and stayed on for the MPM thanksgiving dinner. Was saboh-ed for a game! Had to stuff lots of things down me throat, and 1 of them is bananas with ketchup and chilli! Spicy isn't my thing man!

To all CC4 post-confirmants... All the best in your journey of faith and to a deeper relationship with Him!

SAYONARA!

entered our final fantasy @ 15:30

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Friday, July 01, 2005

Trying a new Chinese post. Hope this works...

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Anyway this is a little message
going out to a very special someone.

This is my promise...

entered our final fantasy @ 21:35

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