Drift of Dreams

World Trade Centre - the movie

2006-10-10T00:17:00.000+08:00

Caught the movie World Trade Centre; very much worth a watch.
Brings you back to what ultimately matters - God & Family.

Movie had little dramatization. Emotion & perspective have been portrayed with realism. So Real, it binds the heart of every human.

Few movies make us sit back and think about life.
Shah Ru Khan, Bollywood Heartthrob, has been quoted "movies are solely for entertainment." Upon which he added something to the effect of "if you want to communicate a message; there's something else". Can't recall offhand the exact words he used. His quote gave the idea that he didnt agree movies should have moral-of-the-story effects on people.

World Trade Centre - the movie, isnt made with Entertainment in mind.
Rather ... reaching into the depths of viewers' hearts is what this movie seeks to achieve.

I don't know the effect its had on other viewers.
For me, its drastically poignant that nothing else matters except God. God and Family.

Sobs were heard in the movie theatre. On a personal note, I sobbed not out of pity but of true empathy to the situation those survivors went through. So real it makes you cry. So real it makes you laugh and smile at various light hearted moments.

The goodness of man naturally shines through in moments like this. People of all personality working in unison to save lives. Despite our diferences, I know for sure that every one of the people I know (enemies & annoying people included) will throw away their differences to save the lives of others.

We only have One Life.
We Only have One Family.
We Only have One God.

Friends amount to plenty. Its not easy to find friends that are equivalent to family. Once found, never lost, forever cherished.
Its important to let our friends know we love them.
Many moments in this movie, the key characters made sure they told one another "I love you".
Hearing them tell one another "I love you" despite the fact that they're only colleagues makes me cry. I don't know why. Maybe its touched a chord within.
This musical chord that plays to the tune of ... I don't know what tune it plays to.. but it sure makes perfect sense to tell people that you love them.

Honestly, everyone needs to be loved. 'Cold-blooded' characters included-- They probably express their love in ways unfathomable to general conceptualization. But when it comes to life and death, its unmistakable that we all have an IMMENSE ability to care for others. An unmeasurable strength to give.

World Trade Centre is a show I give all salute to. Especially the survivors who gave their part of the story to make this production possible. Its not easy to re-live the exprience. Its said that the directors took a long time to extract informtaion from the 2 main characters featured in this film.
I so totally understand why (especially after watching this movie, you Know they want to be left alone to live happily at home with their families) its so hard for them to recount their fair share of experience.

One chord that struck me is the deep spirituality communicated through this production. The director made no effort to evangelise, yet in portraying the side of each survivor's story, its hard to miss the presence of God in this show.

There's of course the blame-factor that comes with human nature - WHY did God allow this to happen?
That's something I don't subscribe to. Perhaps its because I know God gave Man Choice. Free Will is what governs the mechanics of this world. The heavenly world is something beyond our reach for as long as we're alive here. We cannot take part in the blame-game, because we ourselves have made choices in life that probably screwed up the lives of people around us. We were teenagers once, we were toddlers before, we are grown-ups, and we still make mistakes. Are we to blame everyone and anyone for all the pain we go through?

Perhaps its easy to expect someone to take care of everything for us. Someone to deliver food to me when I am hungry, someone to provide shelter for me when am homeless, someone to transport me to greener pasture when things don't work out, someone to stop earthquakes and natural disaster...... Maybe its harder to put ourselves in the shoes of others, to understand rather than seek to be understood... to bring light when there's darkness...

All I know is God tells me He created me for a purpose. To Love Unconditionally. To Give all I possibly can. To lend a hand when help is needed. I believe all of us have such values engraved in our hearts. We don't speak very much of it... neither does today's society seem to glorify God's Word very much. Maybe its uncool. Probably its cheesy......

Uncool or cheesy, whatever its called here on earth. One thing's for sure -- Who cares about being uncool and cheesy when you are about to die?

There's definitely a pathway we walk toward once we pass on from this world to the next. No doubt about it. This path every dying man will seriously ponder when he's laying there about to close his eyes for the last time.

For this reason we have to pray. Pray unceasingly as our good apostle Peter tells us to. Pray for one another. Pray when things go wrong, pray when hope is dim, pray when the road gets tough. Just Pray.

Life has been good. Came across this keychain in a giftshop - "I Love My Job; I Just Hate the Work". Haha. Work at Catholic High has been Good. Sickness has been coming pretty frequently.. maybe its stress, maybe its the haze, or the body just isnt getting the care it needs.. there isnt a definite cause.
However, there's cause for joy - upcoming gig in November (CTK Feastday! Do come and support + enjoy a community dinner)
Reason to rejoice - completed a 500m swim in the sea during the recent Open Water Swim event organised by world swimming body FINA. This despite the haze & a near recovery from a fever.

Many thanks for dropping by this blog.
For your information, this post isnt typed by Adrian Stephen Poon.
Rather, his filled-with-reflection babe, Frances. (HA- babe of God).

---

Reason for typing in Adrian's blog? Go catch World Trade Centre!
yea.. seriously.. it helped put many aspects of my own life into perspective...
Love u guys (tho we don't speak very much as I'm pretty comfortable as a social recluse, Adrian speaks very fondly of the amazing buddies who grew up with him. For this reason its a blessing to be a part of your lives. Thanks dudes)!

Cheers!

Cloud Number 9!

2006-08-08T01:13:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! I'm here to take some time to introduce to you "someone" new! Hails from Korea, meet Squier California Tele!

Hmmm... Here's how I'm gonna name my guitars

1. Yamaha APX-6NA: Numero Uno (after all this was the guitar that started it all!)
2. Yamaha APX-5NA: Double Dragon (with lots of reference to its twin, the 6NA)
3. Essex EST62 Strat: 3 Doors Down (the start of a rockin' new age!)
4. Peal YR-31 B5: Fantastic Four (hmmm... it signifies the completeness in the sound I'm searching for)
5. Ovation Applause AE-248: Five for Fighting (it brings my tone to a whole new "fighting" level)
6. Epiphone Les Paul Standard: Six in the City (6 guitars... 1 cool city boy and tone!)
7. Fender Squier' 51: Seventh Heaven (this indo-made guitar produces a great heavenly voice! hear it to believe it!)
8. '99 Taylor 414CE: Eight Below (this one opens a whole new dimension to my tone)
8. Fender Squier Californian Series Tele: Cloud number Nine (great axe, great tone

Da Vinci Code spoofy

2006-05-20T17:36:00.000+08:00

http://www.syfc.org.sg/events/dvc/cinema.html

Nice one!

A Play: The Cure - wanna go

2006-05-15T12:47:00.000+08:00

A PLAY : THE CURE, about St John Marie Vianney, patron saint for priests

Date: June 30th Friday 8pm; July 1st Saturday 3pm & 8pm
Venue: Victoria Theatre

Student discount at $18/$20, only through catholic schools and catechism block bookings.
usual price: $20 (circle), $22(stall).

There is a group discount, buy 9 get 1 free.

You may contact Geraldine Paul directly for your bookings at: gerri.paul@gmail.com

[Frances and I are going----wanna join in for group discount? ]

Life's an ass- enjoy it!

2006-05-05T10:16:00.000+08:00

Its with all the shit that flowers bloom even more beautifully.
So each time we behave like an ass or we meet an ass... just stop--- take a deep breath, "smell the flowers", & thank God that we are companions on a journey -- Life is Beautiful!

Happiness keeps us Sweet,

Trials keep us Strong,

Sorrows keep us Human,

Failures keep us Humble,

Success keeps us Glowing,

But Only God keeps us Going!

Cheers~

Can upgrading promises be fulfilled in next 5 years?

2006-05-04T12:06:00.000+08:00

The brains [& guts] behind this writing is commendable.
Check this out guys:

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/forum/story/0,5562,390412,00.html?

To know the truth, we have to experience it for ourselves.
Look, Listen, Learn.
When we see beyond our own horizons,
we realize the truth can be larger than life.
Go Figure
;)

Time after Time

2006-05-04T01:36:00.000+08:00

Every now & then we take turns to be found--
Thanks for finding me dear;
Time after Time.

Lying in bed I hear the clock tick and I think of you
Caught up in circles confusion is nothing new
Flashbacks warm nights almost left behind
Suitcase and memories time after
Sometimes you picture me i'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me I can't hear what you say
[Chorus:]
And you say go slow, I fall behind
Second hand unwind
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall i will catch you i'll be waiting
Time after time
After my picture fades and darkness has turned to gray
Watching through windows you're wondering if I'm ok
Secrets stolen from deep inside
The drum beats out of time
time after time
time after time
time after time
time after time
time after time
time after time
time after...

March baby & July baby

2006-04-28T15:09:00.000+08:00

True or false? The truth will set us free.
Generic descriptions with detailed characterizations....

Got this through an email...
can you imagine how every person who shares the same birth month is termed to share the same characteristics? How is that possible? Who comes up with such lists anyway?
Interesting stuff, cannot bluff!
Worth a thought; worth a snigger; & definitely worth the laughter -- Cheers!

-----------------MARCH BABY --------------------
Attractive personality.sexy. Affectionate Shy and reserved.
Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic.
Loves peace & serenity.Sensitive to others. Great kisser.
Easily angered.Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness.
Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings.
Observant and assesses others.
----------------JULY BABY --------------
Fun to be with. Secretive.Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed.Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest.Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable.Emotional, temperamental & unpredictable.Moody, easily hurt & takes long to recover. Witty and sparkly. spazzy at times. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past & the old friends. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Loves to be loved.

To be or not to be? The choice is yours.

It's All About You!

2006-04-24T23:20:00.000+08:00

Dear, this song's for you...

It's all about you (it's about you)
It's all about you baby (it's all about)
It's all about you (it's about you)
It's all about you

Yesterday you asked me something I thought you knew
So I told you with a smile, it's all about you
Then you whispered in my ear and you told me too
Said you'd make my life worthwhile, it's all about you

And I would answer all your wishes
If you ask me to
But if you deny me one of your kisses
Don't know what I'd do
So hold me close and say three words like you used to do
Dancing on the kitchen tiles, it's all about you, yeah!

And I would answer all your wishes
If you ask me to
But if you deny me one of your kisses
Don't know what I'd do
So hold me close and say three words like you used to do
Dancing on the kitchen tiles
Yes you make my life worthwhile
So I told you with a smile
It's all about you

It's all about you (it's about you)
It's all about you baby (it's all about)
It's all about you (it's about you)
It's all about you baby (it's all about)

YOU!

Love you dear!

Posting another song dedicated to my dearie!

Hey Dear, this song's for you!

Sometimes in our lives we all pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We always know that there’s tomorrow

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I’ll be you’re friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don’t let show

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I’ll be you’re friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carryI’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’d understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I’ll be you’re friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me…

Love ya dear!

Can't Pick My Ears

2006-04-19T22:06:00.000+08:00

Stefan can't pick his ears after 18 yrs on God's Green Earth for nuts! His mom gotta pick for him! Hardy ha-ha!

1st Pay Drift

2006-04-18T16:10:00.000+08:00

Just received my first formal paycheck from my bosses! My first perm staff paycheck! It isn't much, $1,200 gross total. (After CPF, I'll be left with $960)

It's major PBT for me! (Pay Back Time!)

Here's a crackdown on how the $960's gonna fly away from me! (Oops! I 4got I still have another $700 coming in from my CPF Progress Package thingo! That gives me... $1,660! Shucks! Still very little! Oh well...)

Anyways here goes:

$250 for a Les Paul
$190 for a '51 and Epi hardcase
$209 for my phone bill
$150 for Taylor

Total: $799
Balance brought foward: $860

These are just outstanding debts... Sigh

And I've got a wishlist...

1. Change of cover for my K750i
2. 30Gb or 60 Gb iPod Video
3. 7 mega-pixel camera from Olympus
4. 200Gb external hard-drive
5. 2Gb thumbdrive
6. An Italian suit
7. PowerBook G4 Titanium 15-inch
8. Good overhaul of my comp at home
9. Boss CS-3 (Compression/Sustainer) MT-2 (Metal Zone) AC-2 (Acoustic Simulator)
10. Canon XM-2 MiniDV Camera
11. 2 sets of elixir strings (1 for Ae-248, the other for 414-CE)
12. Treat few good friends to a small meal (Cheryl, Stefan, Daisy... Sorry lar... Heavily in debt! Next paycheck bigger treat okie?)
13. Treat parents to a BIG! Chilli-crab dish! (Truth is I also want to eat lar... hee!)
14. Watch Mission: Impossible 3, X-Men 3 and Superman the movie
15. A good chill out session at Timbre (Cheryl, Stefan on boh!)
16. A good chill out session at Wala Wala (Cheryl when? when? Sorry ar Stef! You're out of this one! Too bad not 20 yet lar!)
17. Save some cash for transport, food, and a TL-45, ST-45, Little Martin, Baby Taylor (Pardon me guys! GAS lah!)
18. Sony Ericsson handsfree set
(just got it - point 18's off this list!)
19. MOST OF ALL, A DINNER DATE WITH MY DEAR!

Damn... So many things, so little cash... Sigh... Anyone got a lobang for a bank heist job? Haha!

P.S Love ya dear!

Update Drift

2006-04-02T22:29:00.000+08:00

Hey guys!

Messa back! Sorry I haven't been updating for a long time! Really sorry! Gomenasai! Been sharing soooooooooooo much of my life with my dear that blogging becomes a little secondary! (Wait... Wasn't it supposed to be secondary all along! Oops! Dear, you're the still the love of my life kiez?)

Wassup with the drift of dreams lately? Hmmmm... A typical day in my life currently goes like this

0600: Rise and shine!
0645: Leave home
0700: Arrive @ AMK Ave 3 to pick my lovely girlfriend up
0730: Leave for work
0830: Breakfast
0900: Work starts
1300: Lunch
1400: Work re-commences
1800: Knock off!
1930: Arrive in AMK to send her back home
2000: Home, bathed and feeling fresh
2230: Call her!
0000: Lights out

Just attended a wedding yesterday. Whose? Kevin and Sharon! Hey Mr and Mrs Kong! Congrats for having found each other! May God continue to make beacons of both of you! Beacons of His glory!

The Matrimonial Rites were held in Church of St. Theresa's. Main Celebrant was Fr Arro and Fr JP Tan con-celebrated. Praise God for air-cons in St. Theresa's man! The Mass was sooooo much more "up to date" then my cousin's! (Sorry Chris! Someone outplayed you! P.S That's my cousin ar...)

Choosing "Rainbow Connection" and "Beautiful Day" for both the entrance and sending off processions was soooooooo beautiful! Gave a sense of past meets future, old meets new! The reception was awesome! Four Leaves catering!

Wedding Dinner was held at Rasa Sentosa Beach! My first ever wedding dinner under the stars man! Check it out!

Cool ar! The food was fan-tastic! (Mc'Donald's take note ar!)

Seeing Kevin and Sharon united by God is such a touching affair! You could really sense the bond they share throughout all those years of courtship! It's really heartwarming!

Anyway, gotta leave you here guys... Till next time! Stay tuned!

For a Girl I Like

2006-03-27T22:14:00.000+08:00

I met this girl,
She's your daughter Lord.
I like her and she knows it.
I pray for her today, Lord,
Of course I don't ask you
to make her like me.

I just want to pray for her...
For Your grace and blessing on her...
Today I passed by the plaza and I thought:
"What a nice day to spend with her."
I'm older now,
and I'd like to see us grow a bit together,
My girlfriend and I...
I ask you to take care of her.

I feel I need her,
This is important.
I ask you to keep her pure.
And shine through her purity,
so that it may breed confidence and peace.

Make her transparent,
to be able to share a life with me

I ask you to grant her Your strength.
Prepare her for the sufferings she must face.
Prepare her to accept Your Will.
Prepare her for me
because I am waiting for her.

If I'm supposed to be the person
she will love,
may she find in me the freedom
of a world yet to be.

May she discover in me a way
to your true discipleship
and the reality of your love.

I ask you that as we walk
together in the plaza,
by that very fact,
the plaza will become more beautiful than ever.

Amen.

Going Up North

2006-03-18T09:59:00.000+08:00

Time to revive the theme song for my blog, and also to break my "no chinese post" promise... (English translations included)

一路向北
詞:方文山曲:周杰倫

後視鏡裡的世界越來越遠的道別
你轉身向背側臉還是很美
我用眼光去追竟聽見你掉淚

在車窗外面徘徊是我錯失的機會
你站的方位跟我中間隔著痍�在後退你的崩潰在車外零碎

我一路向北離開有你的季節
你說你好累已無法再愛上誰
風在山路吹過往的畫面全都是我不對
細數慚愧我傷你幾回

我一路向北離開有你的季節
你說你好累已無法再愛上誰
風在山路吹過往的畫面全都是我不對
細數慚愧我傷你幾回

我一路向北離開有你的季節
方向盤周圍迴轉著我的後悔
我加速超越卻甩不掉緊緊跟隨的傷悲

細數慚愧我傷你幾回
停止狼狽就讓錯純粹

The world in the rear view mirror
Says goodbye further and further away
You turn around towards your back
The side of your face is still very beautiful
I use my vision to chase
I unexpectedly hear your tears

Lingering outside the car window
Is the chance I missed
You are standing in position
Tears across the middle of you and me
The view of the street has been recoiling all along
The bits and pieces of your collapse are outside the window

I go all the way north
Leaving the season that has you
You say you are very tired
You already have no way to fall in love with anyone else
The wind blows on the mountain road
The frames in the past are all my wrongs
Counting the shame
How many times I hurt you

The world in the rear view mirror
Says goodbye further and further away
You turn around towards your back
The side of your face is still very beautiful
I use my vision to chase
I unexpectedly hear your tears

Lingering outside the car window
Is the chance I missed
You are standing in position
Tears across the middle of you and me
The view of the street has been recoiling all along
The bits and pieces of your collapse are outside the window

I go all the way north
Leaving the season that has you
You say you are very tired
You already have no way to fall in love with anyone else
The wind blows on the mountain road
The frames in the past are all my wrongs
Counting the shame
How many times I hurt you

I go all the way north
Leaving the season that has you
The steering wheel encompasses
Rotating around my regrets
I speed up to exceed it
Yet I can’t lose the grief following closely
Counting the shame
How many times I hurt you
Stop the heartlessness
Just let wrong be pure

That's Yi Lu Xiang Bei (translated "Going Up North") by Jay Chou

Drop me a tag if you want a copy of the song

Love Song For Girlfriend

2006-03-02T14:13:00.000+08:00

Wanna dedicate this song to my dear Frances...

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up...to more than I can be

(Music plays for 30 seconds)

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up...to more than I can be

(Choir comes in background as music comes in hard)

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up...to more than I can be

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
(Choir exits and music softens)
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up...to more than I can be

You raise me up...to more than I can be

Thanks dear!

2 weeks into the journey

2006-02-23T21:59:00.000+08:00

Harlow all!

How have all of you been the past 2 weeks? Great? Hope and do sincerely pray that you are!

It's been 2 weeks of a life with her, and boy I can't get enough of it! (Dear: If you're reading this, don't mind I share just a tee-ny wee-ny little with some of my friend kiez?)

1 memorable day was of course, with no suprise, Valentine's Day! Details are P&C to both of us of course! Hee hee! (Sorry guys, can sense your disappointment! Har!) It was a perfect evening, atmosphere was right, food was delicious, environment was enchanting, and most of all a really beautiful lady by my side! I wished time would freeze forever!

The most memorable day I ever had in the past 2 weeks was at the Youth Mass... I offered my services to help out with the music and music ministry (as usual!). I really hoped that she would be there, then by God's grace... I happened to turn behind during 1 point in the worship, and there she was standing, gving her usual sunshine smile. (Thanks dear, you being there really meant a lot to me!) Mass was normal... This isn't the end! That very night, my dear came with me to Auntie Agnes' neighbourhood worship! (Thank you dear for accompanying me again!)

Worship was really good! Different from what I have been experiencing, but it certainly was refreshing! Felt a tremendous sense of sincerity from the hearts of all the worshippers gathered! Praise God! I was involved as part of the trio of musicians lah. (What else!)

Fast foward to wednesday... Attended a mini guitar ensemble concert held in Ngee Ann City. Good job Marisa! Congratulations on your "virgin" performance! (Oops sorry folks! A personal joke between our dear Kitty and those who were there that night! haha!) The sound engineer oughta be fired man! Screwed up on soooooooooooooooo many instances! Shall not elaborate... Annoys me only man... Anyway, nice performance VJC!

It's my final day in Aviva. After 4 months of taking calls, doing menial paperwork and sourcing for data, it's finally over! (Hmmm... Should I say praise God?) It's time anyway. Time for a new environment, time for a new challenge, time to know new people. It was fun when it lasted - the time in Aviva.

To Anne (En Ling) and Adeline: Make the most of the remaining of your time there okie? Things aren't as bad as they seem lar... Afterall, how each day is lived out is decided by your own 2 hands! Make the a time to remember!

To En Ling: Hey gal, sorry if I couldn't clear enough of my stuff before handing it over to you. Gimme a call if you need help alright? God bless and take care!

Hmmm... Seems like a pretty long entry this time... Haha! Better write a long one, if not all you fans might complain that I don't update!

Eh.... Dunno what else to write already. Think I shall leave everyone with a song... Haha! Adios folks! To that special someone: Love You Dear!

Every Breath You Take
by Sting & The Police

specially dedicated to my dear...

Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break, every step you take
I'll be watching you

Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play, every night you stay
I'll be watching you

Oh, can't you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take
Every move you make
Every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I'll be watching you

Since you've gone I've been lost without a trace
I dream at night, I can only see your face
I look around, but it's you I can't replace
I feel so cold, and I long for your embrace
I keep crying baby, baby please,
Oh, can't you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take
Every move you make
Every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I'll be watching you
Every move you make, every step you take
I'll be watching you
I'll be watching you

Dawn of a New Chapter

2006-02-08T06:15:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone!

Sorry for the no update since CNY! Been busy collecting money, stuffing glorious food down my throat! (Urgh, that sounds horrid!) Meeting relatives, friends, watching a movie... The works!

Now I reckon that everyone's CNY is probably the same, so I shall not dwell on the details of my CNY... Hehe!

The sucky part is that immediately after CNY, I fell ill! How unlucky! Falling ill 4 days before 70X7's mini-gig in CTK for the election of a new president! Oh yeah, I finally applied for my NIE/NTU course (Pray for me guys and gals, I really hope I get it!)

Haha, you're probably never gonna read this, but a warm welcome to En Ling! Hope you enjoy your stay while working with us!

Anyway, I was taken ill on thursday. Stayed on working through the day. Went to work on friday but I went home at midday. Saw a doc at a nearby clinic before leaving for home. Spent ALL of friday in bed, before meeting Matt in church for a small practice for worship on sunday.

Went for my usual music lesson on Saturday, headed to church for YLM... I'm still sick throughout all these mind you! Then hanged out till it was time to go for 70X7's jamming practice. It was held in Boon's, in a $13/hr room this time. We did the following songs:

1. In My Place
2. Poof
3. Wherever You Will Go
4. Holiday

IMO, felt that we sounded really great at the studio and also, it was our first time playing a punk song! Played the original version of Wherever You Will Go instead of the usual ballad-y version that I play all the time! I'm suprised that I could hit the vocal range of Chris Martin of Coldplay and Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day for both In My Place and Holiday respectively! Next to conquer... Adam Levine of Maroon 5! (Haha! Wishful thinking!)

Sunday... Really wanted to wake up and do something, but I guess my illness got the better of me, and I only woke at 8.30. Hurried down to church to meet up with Marisa and the rest of 70X7. Congratulations to Reggie and Rachel! The new president and "first-lady" of our youth movement! I quote Spiderman "With great power comes great responsibility!" I pray for God's blessings and anioting upon both of you, to take this movement to further heights!

The best of this whole period of time has to be on the 7th of Feb! Remember the song by Bryan Adams and Barbara Streisand titled "I Finally Found Someone"? Well, I did finally found someone! It's been a long search... Started on the 6th of June 2003 till the 7th of February 2006... Quoting Robbie Williams, "Though the sea will be strong, I know we'll carry on... Cos if there's somebody calling me on, She's the one... If there's somebody calling me on, She's the one..."

Yeah guys, I'm attached! Happily attached to her!

Pray for us guys! We sincerely hope to have the blessings of you guys!

Until next time!

Song for Today!

2006-01-26T23:04:00.000+08:00

Next up is someone who has recently converted to Blues! Give it up for John Mayer!

No Such Thing
by John Mayer

"Welcome to the real world", she said to me
Condescendingly
Take a seat
Take your life
Plot it out in black and white
Well I never lived the dreams of the prom kings
And the drama queens
I'd like to think the best of me
Is still hiding
Up my sleeve

They love to tell you
Stay inside the lines
But something's better
On the other side

I wanna run through the halls of my high school
I wanna scream at the
Top of my lungs
I just found out there's no such thing as the real world
Just a lie you've got to rise above

So the good boys and girls take the so called right track
Faded white hats
Grabbing credits and
Maybe transfers
They read all the books but they can't find the answers
And all of our parents
They're getting older
I wonder if they've wished for anything better
While in their memories
Tiny tragedies

They love to tell you
Stay inside the lines
But something's better
On the other side

I wanna run through the halls of my high school
I wanna scream at the
Top of my lungs
I just found out there's no such thing as the real world
Just a lie you got to rise above

I am invincible(3x)
As long as I'm alive

I wanna run through the halls of my high school
I wanna scream at the
Top of my lungs
I just found out there's no such thing as the real world
Just a lie you've got to rise above

I just can't wait till my 10 year reunion
I'm gonna bust down the double doors
And when I stand on these tables before you
You will know what all this time was for

A Local Drift

2006-01-22T02:26:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone! I'm back with the song for today! Introducing a song that hails from the friendly shores of Singapore! That's us yes! A local flavour for a change! Bringing you a little song about life and everything about it... Here's EIC!

POOF
by EIC

Here’s a story about a, rhino and an elephant I saw on telly that day
It made me think about, you and I
How we live our lives, how we lean and fight

Don’t pass me by
Don’t make me cry
Don’t pass me by and I cry, and I cry and I cry

What have you got in store
Right till the opening show
Please don’t let me go I think I
Wanna go home right now

Expectations and tribulations
Isn’t what they always say bout life
I don’t buy it, never sided
Think I’ll take the bus that brings me to a

Place I don’t know
Where it’s going I’ll go
To a place I don’t know and I’ll go and I’ll go and I’ll go

Oh please save me
Please take me from this world

American Baby

2006-01-20T00:12:00.000+08:00

This next song is from someone who came from the land of Africa, he's seen the situation there... He knows the pain and the suffering... Give it up for the band and Dave Matthews!

American Baby
by Dave Matthews Band

If these walls came crumbling down,
Fell so hard to make us lose our faith,
From what’s left you’d figure it out,
Still make lemonade taste like a sunny day,

Stay, beautiful baby,
I hope you stay American, baby
American baby,

Nobody’s laughing now,
Gods grace lost and the devil is proud,
But I’ve been walking for a thousand miles,
One last time I could see you smile,

I, I, hold, hold on to you,
You bring me hope,
I’ll see you soon,
And if I don’t see you,
I’m afraid we’ve lost the way

Stay, beautiful baby,
I hope you stay American, baby
American baby (2x)

I hold on, to you, you lift me up
And always will,
I see you in life,
Hope I don’t get left behind,

I, I, hold, hold on to you,
You bring me hope,
I’ll see you soon,
And if I don’t see you,
I’m afraid we’ve lost the way

Stay, beautiful baby,
I hope you stay American, baby,
I hope you stay, beautiful baby,
I hope you stay American, baby,
American baby (2x)
Stay American, baby
Beautiful,

Nobody’s laughing now,
Cause you could always make me laugh out loud,
Stay American, baby
American baby,
Stay American, baby
American baby

The Fest Goes On!

2006-01-17T23:21:00.000+08:00

Remember Take That? Remember a particular Take That member who sang Everything Changes? Well, he's the most successful solo artist to ever come from them after the split, and he definitely knows how to "feel" you. Put your hands together for Robbie Williams!

Feel
by Robbie Williams

Come and hold my hand
I wanna contact the living
Not sure I understand
This role I've been given

I sit and talk to God
And he just laughs at my plans
My head speaks a language
I don't understand

I just want to feel real love
Fill the home that I live in
'Cause I got too much life
Running through my veins
Going to waste

I don't want to die
But I ain't keen on living either
Before I fall in love
I'm preparing to leave her
I scare myself to death
That's why I keep on running
Before I've arrived
I can see myself coming

I just want to feel real love
Fill the home that I live in
'Cause I got too much life
Running through my veins
Going to waste
And I need to feel real love
And a life ever after
I cannot get enough

I just want to feel real love
Fill the home that I live in
I got too much love
Running through my veins
To go to waste

I just wanna feel real love
In a life ever after
There's a hole in my soul
You can see it in my face
It's a real big place

Come and hold my hand
I want to contact the living
Not sure I understand
This role I've been given
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand

Innocence Lost

2006-01-16T22:59:00.000+08:00

Wake Me Up When September Ends
by Green Day

Summer has come and passed.
The innocent can never last
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Like my father's come to pass, seven years has gone so fast.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Here comes the rain again,
Falling from the stars;
Drenched in my pain again,
Becoming who we are.

As my memory rests,
But never forgets what I lost.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Summer has come and passed.
The innocent can never last.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Ring out the bells again.
Like we did when spring began.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Here comes the rain again,
Falling from the stars;
Drenched in my pain again,
Becoming who we are.

As my memory rest,
But never forgets what I lost.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Summer has come and passed.
The innocent can never last.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Like my father's come to pass.
Twenty years has gone so fast.
Wake me up,
When September ends.
Wake me up,
When September ends.
Wake me up,
When September ends....

This song speaks of hope... See the hope at the end of the tunnel... See the light in the darkness. Never lose hope! Give it up for Green Day!

Song for Today!

2006-01-13T06:25:00.000+08:00

Harlow all,

Won't be at home early tonight, so I thought I'll post today's song first thing in the morning!

Hailing all the way from England, he's known to many by the nickname "God"... He's someone who struggled with drugs, drinking and getting over the death of his child. Through all these, he came out with 2 of his most beautiful song... Here's Slowhand Eric Clapton!

Change the World
by Eric Clapton

If I could reach the stars,
Pull one down for you,
Shine it on your heart
So you could see the truth:
That this love I have inside
Is everything it seems.
But for now I find
It's only in my dreams.

If I could change the world,
I would be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.

And if I could be king,
Even for a day,
I'd take you as my queen;
I'd have it no other way.
And our love would rule
This kingdom we had made.
Till then I'd be a fool,
Wishing for the day...

That I can change the world,
I would be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.
Baby if I could change the world.

If I could change the world,
I would be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.
Baby if I could change the world.
Baby if I could change the world.

3rd Day Drift

2006-01-12T22:47:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone!

I'm back with the song of today!He's Gwen Paltrow's hubby, has a real beautiful voice and hails of the backyard of Queen Lizzy! Presenting to you Chris Martin and his band, Coldplay!

Fix You
by Coldplay

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

When the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

High up above or down below
When you too in love to let it go
If you never try you'll never know
Just watch and learn

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

2nd Day of a Music Drift!

2006-01-11T19:43:00.000+08:00

2nd day of the Music Fest on Drift of Dreams! Here's the song for today! Give it up for Gerrard Way and Bert McCracken of My Chemical Romance and The Used!

Under Pressure
by My Chemical Romance and The Used

Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure that burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets
da da da
da da da
da da da
Ee day da - that's okay
Its the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Scream 'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow takes me higher
Pressure on people on streets
Eaaa
be da da da - okay
Chippin' around kick my brains around the floor
These are the days it never rains but it pours
be da do
be da do
be da do
be da do
People on streets - ba da dee da de
People on streets - be da dee da dee da dee da
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Scream 'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow takes me higher
Yeah!
Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work
I keep coming up with love
but it's so slashed and torn
Why - why - why ?
Love love love love love love love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance
Why can't we give love that one more chance
Why can't we
give love x8
'Cause love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our ways of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure

The Long Walk To Justice...

2006-01-10T22:58:00.000+08:00

Just re-viewed my copy of Bob Geldorf's Live 8 concert today... Made me think a little... I guess everyone of us must make a stand in helping our dying brothers and sisters in Africa. Now, when did I become so charitable? It just hit me like that... Looking, watching the many videos showed during the concert, it made me realise my charmed life. 8 guitars, enough to eat, an air-con bedroom and study, money in my wallet... All these are luxuries; luxuries that these people in Africa are deprived of.

It also hits right home to know that every 3 seconds someone is taken home... *snaps finger* Just like that, someone's dead. Not because they committed a crime or anything. More are because they are deprived of drugs that you and me can conveniently get from Guardian Pharmacy...

For this period of 30 days, January 10 till February 10... In support of Live 8, I will post a song daily that helps us think about these people...

Raise the awareness guys, your money isn't what's needed. All that's asked of you is to be aware of the need to help this people, your own brothers and sisters in Africa!

The Long Walk to Justice... It started 20 years ago...

To kickstart a month of music...

Beautiful Day
by U2

The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
There's no room
No space to rent in this town
You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere

You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace

It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination

You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
Beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Reach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel it somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
Was a beautiful day

Debut Drift

2006-01-10T10:01:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone!

Here to make an annoucement! I'll be debuting at a pub located in United Square this friday nite @ 10pm!

Here's the details:

Place: The Brauhaus, United Square Basement 1, near Mac's
Time: 10pm onwards
It's a bar cum restaurant, so come on down, give us your support and enjoy a drink and some munchies!

Do gimme a ring if you wanna know how to get there!

Hoping to see everyone there!

New Year Drift

2006-01-03T06:24:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone! Welcome to 2006! Thanks for the endless support you've given to my blog during the past year! And I hope to continue meeting you guys (and gals) on my tagboard for the upcoming year!

First up! A little update on what's happening ever since the last post!

Lots of practices for the Dinner and Dance performance... (Hey! It paid off okie!)

Christmas was spent first by waking up at an unearthly hour of 0830 on Christmas eve. And the night before I slept only at 0300++! Why so little sleep you say? Cuz I had to go collect "Maranatha" from Alvin, my predecessor from Amplify! (Many thanks for agreeing to loan the 414CE to me!)

Upon collecting, met up and hitched a ride from my bro (my real bro!) and ran some errands for the parents before meeting up wif Marisa for a few rounds of pool. We headed back to my house for a Christmas dinner with the family before going for midnight Mass.

Spent the wee hours of Christmas day at Matt's place! Man it was a delightful turkey and a really huge but delicious ham! Sang LOTS of carols, no thanks to Chief for that! Settle to talk before dozing off at around 6am. Woke up to find the rain pouring like no tomorrow. Forunately I had Mel and Adrian to share a cab with!

Got home at around 0830 and napped before I was awaken by my parents. We were invited to my auntie's place for the annual affair of Christmas lunch with the entire paternal side of the family. I nmust admit though, I was quite bored throughout the entire thing. Got home and fortunately managed to contact Frances! Chilled out with her for the rest of Christmas evening at AMK central. That's Christmas for you!

The next day, woke up really late. Met up with Marisa for another round of pool before she had to go off with MPM for their celebrations while I had to attend a suprise party at Mel's. It was a small affair, nevertheless, good food, great company and hilarious games (Mafia and Murderer) Headed home early that night for fear of suffering a relapse of the dreaded flu that I barely recovered from.

The next few days were spent at work and jamming sessions for Dinner and Dance. Attended an outdoor performance by EIC with Marisa but due to the untimely rain, it ws cancelled. Spent the rest of the evening at Starbucks before heading home. Applied for half day on friday to make the final preparations for our performance. Later we attended Alvin's grandma's funeral wake... Hey bro, God knows what you're going through! And through the desert a river will be opened up for you...

Saturday...

"Someday I'll be Saturday night
I'll be back on my feet, I'll be doing all right
It may not be tomorrow baby, that's ok
I ain't going down, gonna find a way..."

Woke up at 9am to give Marisa a wake up call. This was it. The day that we've been practicing soooooo hard for! Through the grace of God and the grace of Marisa'a parents, they agreed to give us a lift to Suntec City where Dinner and Dance was held. We were scheduled to do initial checks at 1315. Lunched with the rest of the band at BK's. Didn't do very well at the checks. Had another rehearsal at 1600 hrs. Spiritual prep followed. Marisa, Leonard and me then rushed off to my place for bathing facilities before re-joining Stefan at Suntec. Event started at approximately 8++. Took centre stage after the first dish!

We rocked! Despite the few foul ups in our arrangement, I dare say we played ALOT better than during our practices and rehearsals!

Our playlist:

1. Poof
2. Iris
3. Wonderful Tonight
4. Happy Together

Thanks to 70X7(Marisa, Stefan and Leonard) for all the hard work put in thus far!

Thanks also to a GREAT deal of others who supported us all the way! (My bad if I missed you out, but here goes!)

1. Who else again but JESUS? Thanks for gifting us with the talents in music!
2. The Dinner and Dance committee especially Gerald and Theresa!
3. The auntie at Boon's studios for putting up with our constant bugging!
4. The 5th Anchor (did I get the name right?) Thanks for the exchanges!

Now for the faithful fans!

1. Our chief groupie and Photographer! Cheryl Danielle Mah
2. The guys and gals from YLM and MPM (Again, too many to list lar!)
3. Uncle Collin, auntie Marisa, uncle Mike and family, uncle Andrew and family. Thanks for the advice given!
4. Chris and Mel for gracing our studio sessions to listen to us and helping us record our tones.
5. Again, the best audience I've ever played for... The Christ The King community!

And once again...

70X7... Marisa, Stefan, Leonard and Mel: You guys rock! 'Nuff said! (And that came from the bottom of my heart!)

That was Dinner and Dance '06: Deca Jamboree for me.

Spent the New Year's morning at Cheryl's place. Was so mentally drained that I had to go home earlier. Spent most parts of Sunday at home before heading out only at around 1500. Met up with Marisa at 1600++ at Borders. Browsed around a little before ending up with a new Harry Potter novel. Left for dinner with few of the YLM fellas. Visited Alvin's family again, before sending Marisa home. Had Stefan and Chris over to play.

Woke up early again the next day for an Amplify music practice. Didn't get around to doing much. (And Marisa, I'm awfully sorry for returning your calls sooooo late!) Met up with her at around 1415 for the last pool game of the holidays, before heading down to J8 for a really late lunch and movie. We watched Chronicles of Narnia. Sent her home before (All the best for school!) before heading down to Changi airport to send Mel off.

That's the holiday season for me!

Right now, I feel like a certain song... So much has happened in 05 and for upcoming events in 06... For those who know, the Dinner and Dance is probably one of my final active appearences in Christ the King. The path is set, the die is cast. Soon, my own transfer to Amplify will be complete. 05 has been an extremely trying year for everyone. Kinda at a loss of words to express my own thoughts for the eventful year.

Maybe this song might be suited to the way I'm feeling right now...

If You're Gone
by Matchbox 20

I think I've already lost you
I think you're already gone
I think I'm finally scared now
You think I'm weak - but I think you're wrong
I think you're already leaving
Feels like your hand is on the door
I thought this place was an empire
Now I'm relaxed - I can't be sure

I think you're so mean - I think we should try
I think I could need - this in my life
I think I'm scared - I think too much
I know this is wrong it's a problem I'm dealing

If you're gone - maybe it's time to come home
There's an awful lot of breathing room
But I can hardly move
If you're gone - baby you need to come home, come home
There's a little bit of something me
In everything in you

I bet you're hard to get over
I bet the moon just won't shine
I bet my hands I can stay here
I bet you need - more than you mind

I think you're so mean - I think we should try
I think I could need - this in my life
I think I'm just scared - that I know too much
I can't relate and that's a problem I'm feeling

If you're gone - maybe it's time to come home
There's an awful lot of breathing room
But I can hardly move
If you're gone - baby you need to come home, come home
There's a little bit of something me
In everything in…………………… you

I think you're so mean - I think we should try
I think I could need - this in my life
and I think I'm scared - do I talk too much
I know it’s wrong it's a problem I'm dealing

If you're gone - maybe it's time to come home
There's an awful lot of breathing room
But I can hardly move
If you're gone – Hell, baby you need to come home
There's a little bit of something me
In everything in you, everything in ….in you.

Goodbye '05 and many others...

SICK... WHAT A TIME TO BE!!!!

2005-12-20T22:47:00.000+08:00

Sorry all faithful readers,

Been rather busy ever since the last post gearing up for my next performance. I'll try to keep everyone updated on what I've been going through ever since my last entry.

Was on a short break from music to recover from my the CTK's feastday's performance...
Played for a SJC (Saint Jo's Church) comfirmation retreat with my brudders and sistas from Amplify on the 25th.

Basically I 4got about what kept me occupied for the week of 27th Nov to 4th Dec... 'Cept that I bought an absolutely useless BOSS Turbo Distortion pedal... Sold it a week later! I know I missed COG this year and I had the first full band jamming session for Dinner and Dance

I'm sorry Joann! I know I was supposed to come for the CTK's Youth Camp but I'm awfully sorry that I couldn't make it! And I also wanna thank you for allowing me to attend YISS.

Couldn't get the friday off for YISS (8th-11th Dec). In the end I went in on saturday morning. Didn't feel like I played my best for the 1st session, but praise God I did improve as the day carried on.

Attended a funeral wake during the week and the Mass on that same saturday... Daphne, God's always with you, and He knows your pain and loss! Keep the faith! Through the deserts He will carve a pathway for you!

The whole outpouring at YISS was an excellent getting in touch again with God session for me! Made me think about my own LISS back in the summer of '99! (Haha lame expression! I know!) Through the worshippers, I saw God. I saw His children crying out to Him, declaring His Majesty over all, praising His name! God's word tells us, "When 2 or 3 are gathered, there I will always be..." That night, He was there... I felt Him... So did the many others if not all who were there as well!

Because of my sleeping position at YISS, I returned home on sunday with a splitting neck cum head ache! Had to rush to sing for RCIA's baptism Mass in the afternoon. I'm sorry guys and gals, couldn't sing alongside everyone! I already wasn't in the best of shape for the Mass and to top it off, I had the Dinner and Dance audition to worry about.

Didn't think we played extremely well for the audition. Personally I think I sang like crap for Iris. Well, we got through, that's all that really matters right?

Wanna take this chance to affirm my fellow band members:

Stefan: Been an exciting 1 year jamming with you since last year's Dinner and Dance. Why exciting? 'Cuz every session, you never fail to improve! It's like experiencing a new and fresh flavour each time you take a seat at the drum throne!

Leonard: Classical man! Just like Stefan, your improvement is tremendous! To top it off, your determination to try and try and to learn and learn is 1 word... RESPECTABLE! That's 1 area where you've taught me to pursue!

Marisa: My protege! Our latest addition! Your hearing-then-apply is still top notch man! Gotta take my hat and also to give you the shirt off my back! What makes me a lot LOT more impressed is that there isn't many female guitarist let alone rhythmist who's willing and soooo determined to put in that enormous amount of effort to improve herself!

Let's make a loud debut this Dinner and Dance!

(All you budding musicians out there, we still got positions open for a keyboardist, percussionist and male/female vocalists! Drop me an email if you wanna try out!)

"WELCOME TO SUNDAYS @ CTK"

2005-11-21T06:01:00.000+08:00

Just did my 7th performance in CTK today! Jammed alongside Rachel, Addison, Stefan and Anthony... Came in 2nd in the Talent Search competition! (great compo there Louis! keep up the good work! eh and I want the chords and words of your song!)

Wanna affirm Rachel and Addison for a job well done at "Wu Ding" and "We Could Be In Love"! Hey, we did our best right? Besides we gave the CTK-lovin' a good time at the Fun Fair! That's all that really matters! Also, a pat on the back must be given to Anthony and Stefan! Stefan came in only yesterday to support in percussions and Anthony for pulling off 2 great solos! (Told ya the NOcaster '51 is a great piece of machine!)

We jammed 4 songs today:

1. Wu Ding (Roof) by Jacky Wu and Windy Lan
2. We Could Be In Love by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane
3. Till I Hear It From You by Gin Blossoms
4. Wherever You Will Go by The Calling

The first 3 was done in the entertainment section of the Fun Fair and later we repeated "We Could Be In Love" and jammed a new (ballad-dy version) of "Wherever You Will Go" for the talent search

Check out our pics!

(That's the band for you! Addison, ME, Anthony, Stefan and our lovely Rachel!)

(Anthony, ME and our bubbly groupie Cheryl!)

(In action!)

Oh yeah! There's a BIG group of people I wanna thank!

1. Brother JC! (Jesus Christ for always being with us!)
2. The Feastday Organising Committee (for all the effort put into planning today!)
3. Melvin (the lead organiser for the Talent Search)
4. Ligna and her technical crew (for all the effort in the sound support!)
5. The performers (for the little pointers and exchange we had)
6. Addison, Anthony, Stefan and Rachel (for making time off your busy schedules to come practice and sticking together throughout!)
7. Jack Ho of EIC (for all the advise and suggestions you've given me!)

Now for our faithful groupies!

1. YLM / MPM (sorry lar guys and gals, too many of you too name everyone!)
2. Uncle Joe (Thanks for covering my 25th duty)
3. Auntie Evelyn (And also thanks for the wonderful shepard's pie! I want more! haha)
4. Auntie Grace (Hope you like the songs I did!)
5. Catherine (Eh, 1 day must hear you sing in front of a crowd!)
6. The lovely duo of Karen and Stephanie (how was the 2nd song, specially done for you!)
7. The trio from RCIY Cassandra, Lois and Jorlyn! (You guys going for DnD right? I'll do 1 song just for you!)
8. Anslem Shufen (great meeting you again bro! and sorry for the really late reply Shufen! Fell asleep like really early on Sunday!)
9. Hector (next time it's your turn to sing bro!)
10. The WHOLE CTK-lovin' (you guys are the best audience I've played for!)

That's a lot of people! Hope I didn't miss out anyone!

"WELCOME TO SUNDAYS @ CHRIST THE KING!"

Mid-Week Drift

2005-11-15T21:51:00.000+08:00

Just attended a Deepa-Raya celebration organised by the brothers and sister back in HQ 54 SAB... Nice seeing you guys again! And thanks for the invitation! It was fun being back with you guys, chilling out... (BUT at the Bde building? WTH??? Haha! Can understand the way you guys feel man!)

Here's a long time overdue post for my fellow colleagues at '54...

Apart of wanting to thank everyone for making my tour of duty a memorable one, there are a few that I would like to specially mention!

1. 2WO Liew (my immediate superior! The best RQ SAF ever had! Really took care of his men! Thanks sir!)

2. MAJ Daniel (Boss! Towkay! Thanks for the patiently listening and helping solve the many finance problems!)

3. MWO Peter (Many thanks for all the breathing down my neck! Made me a lot more alert in the things I do!)

4. PTE David (I know I didn't impart much... But you took things in patiently! Hope whatever I taught you is of use!)

5. 2SG KK (Without you in the branch, is like a circus without her clowns! Enjoyed all the entertainment you provided! Direct or indirect! haha!)

... Too long blog...

Continue tomorrow!

Lo-Speed Drift

2005-11-08T22:28:00.000+08:00

Started work at Aviva Ltd... Man... Wished I could somehow turn back time! Wish I didn't sign the contract! Now I'm blardi stuck with them for 3 full months until the 31st of January next year! Damn!

The people at Aviva are nice actually, this makes the 3 months a lot more bearable I guess... (I desparately hope so too!) Think I'll just treat it like I'm gonna ORD! Haha! The military mentality sure works wonders sometimes!

1 thing I hate about my job here at Aviva... I'm a blardi telephone operator... Yeah, I'm working in the customer service contact centre... What's my job? Handling all the phone call enquiries.

Here's a few ridiculous conversations:

Me: Good morning! Thank you for calling Aviva. How may I help you?

Customer: I'm enquiring on termination of policies

Me: Hmmm... Can I have your policy number sir?

Customer: Err... I don't have that...

Me: How about your NRIC?

Customer: Oh.... Here... SXXXXXXXG

Me: Just a moment... (And I go check)

Me: Sir, could you please tell me what policy are you holding onto? 'Cuz your name is not reflected in my system...

Customer: Err... Yah... I don't have any policies with Aviva...

Me: (to myself) WTF???!!!!

Another:

The usual oh-so-polite greeting...

Customer: I need to check on my policy

Me: Can I have your policy number?

Customer: I don't have the policy number

Me: How about your NRIC?

Customer: SXXXXXXXF

Me: Sir, can you re-confirm your NRIC? It's not showing in my system...

Customer: Oh! You mean you're checking? I'm actually calling in for a friend of mine

Me: (again... to myself) !@#$%^&*())!!!!!!

The ultimate call:

Me: Hi! Thank you for calling. How may I help you?

Customer: Erm... I have a question which I need detailed clarification...

Me: No problem mdm... I'll do my best to assist you!

Customer: Great! Now I wanna know... What's gonna happen to us policy holders when your company winds up?

Me: Excuse me?! (before going.... WTF?!... silently to myself of course!)

See? The standard of typical Singaporean IQ.... Sigh... I'm ashamed man, although I must admit, they provided me with a little of a twist to the routine job I already have...

Stay tuned for more "mis-adventures!" (Gosh! Is there such a word?)

"Six in the City"

2005-10-31T00:02:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone! Happy Halloween! I gotta keep this post short! Sorry lar all you gar-fy fans out there! Gonna start work tomorrow... Sigh... That's the end of my 2 month holiday I guess...

Anyway... Would like everyone to join me in welcoming 3 gals back to the family!

Here they are!

1. Yamaha APX 6NA

(She's back in action after being restored... And thanks ar... Whoever you are who dropped my guitar!!!! You just bloody cost me $240 for the restoration fees!)

2. Essex EST62 Vintage Strat Copy

She's back after spending a long time serving Anthony! Thanks for taking care of her brudder!

3. Epiphone Les Paul Standard

The latest addition to my collection! Thanks Nic! Can understand the way you feel man! It's hard to let go of a limited edition Les Paul!

So... That brings us to my 6 guitars! Therefore "6 In the City"

Lame right?

Haha!

Drifting In A Long Time

2005-10-19T01:10:00.000+08:00

Hmmm... Realised I haven't blogged in a long LONG time. First, wanna thank all who helped in giving me suggestions for the dream guitar... Wanna know which one it is? Check out my newly added "wishlist"! Haha!

Attended a CJC JC1 retreat over the weekend from 14th (fri) to 16th (sunday). It was a refreshing experience for me, facilitating (in a way!) for a camp. (Hmmm... Last time I did was back in 2003! That's 2 years ago!)

Was more involved as a musician than a facilitator... 1 thing that didn't quite work for me during the retreat was a freaking ear infection!!!! Yes!!!! I'm like playing music and the last thing I need is for me to deaf in 1 ear (which I eventually was... until the 2nd night!) A miracle happened! When I was about to resign myself to the fate of being semi-deaf throughout the whole camp, my ears healed! I owe it to the intercessory team who prayed fervently all the way! Praise God! And oops! Thanks Daphne and gang!!! (Just can't get enough of thanking you guys!)

Monday was a little boring... 'Cept for a seoul garden lunch with my homies,(Aaron's burf-day! Happy 19th Birthday Bro!!!! May God bless you on this joyous day!)and a meet-up with Cheryl and Edward later in the evening. Snacked quite a fair bit with the lady and chilled at Cartel when Eddy joined us (where else?) until closing time...

Tuesday... Bought lunch again for 2 of my homies... Grand-ma and Aaron before picking up Cheryl and meeting Anthony to accompany him to purchase spare parts for his guitar. Ran into a 500 cherry burst Fender Strat! Too good to be true man... 500 for a Fender! A little short on the dough... Sigh... Besides Nic is selling me is Les Paul... Haha! Would love to help you out Ant, but I got a Les Paul to catch! Went down to my present regular music store, City Music to chill a little before heading to church to shift the MM equipment for safe-keeping... Meet up with Eddy (again!) and Anthony to have a tok kok session at AMK MOS before coming home.

Have a little message for someone whose blog I stumbled upon while surfing aimlessly... Bet you're never gonna read this, but in any case if God wills you to... Then, guess there's no escaping!

Here goes:

I seriously wonder what has God ever done to you to deserve such sacarstic remarks. Everyone of us goes through bad patches in our lives. Yeah, God has the power to take it away, but why doesn't He? You ever wondered that He might have a lesson in life to teach you about? Don't offer lip service to Him and saying you're a believer... When it's smooth sailing, you readily praise and thank God for it, but when the going gets rough, you blame everything on God... Now, is that being fair at all? You appear to be such a fairweather Christian... Remember, you're the one who owes God a living, cuz whatever you are, whatever you have... They're all blessings from Him... God DOES NOT owe you anything!

Pardon the bluntness fellow Christian... But I pray for your realisation of the wonders and beauty of God!

It aches me a lot to see believers questioning God's existence and His might... Do you really want God to come down in blinding lights, accompanied by the leigons of angels before you're willing to believe in Him? Don't test him man... Period.

Okok! I meant this entry to be a more light-hearted one!

Promised a dear friend something...

Here's goes:

Dear Cheryl,

I wanna really shout a BIG thank you for everything you've done for me... Be it the bitching about me, the serious reasonings, the countless late nites, the infinite late arrivals... List goes on and on! Really glad that we could clear up whatever that happened between the both of us! And I'm extremely glad we could revive the friendship once again!

Hey, sorry for the past wrong doings ya? Thanks for bringing me back onto track once again!

You is nice! I is loving it!

Hee~!

Wah lau... This is prolly the longest entry I ever wrote man... Since when have I become so talkative?

Sigh... Anyway drifting off! Stay tuned! Steady ar!

A Regular Drift

2005-10-03T23:48:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone!

Okie!! I know I haven't been blogging regularly! Too lazy lar... Besides I don't wanna blog for the sake of blogging! OKOK! I know!!!! Excuses, excuses!

I think right now my most visited place is either Excelsior Hotel and Parklane. Serious man... Been to both places like almost 4 times in 2++ weeks.

My "wives" are giving me lotsa problems man. Repaired my Peal "Ovation"... Now I'm repairing my APX 6NA... Oh yeah! Read my earlier post right? I got married again! Heh!

Right now it's:

1. Yamaha APX 6NA
2. Yamaha APX 5NA
3. Peal YR-31 B5
4. Ovation Applause AE 248

Yeah, just got a real Ovation! Besides that... Got myself lots of strings, 2 hardcases, and oh yeah! Eric Clapton's and John Mayer's concert DVD! They rock man!

Hmmm... Guys, to all those guitar fans out there! I'm currently aiming for my professional standard guitar and I've 4 choices. Gimme a hand in deciding which looks good on me alright?

1. Taylor 414 CE L3 "MARANATHA"
Website: http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/models/limiteds/fall2003/maranatha.html

2. Gibson J45
Website: http://www.gibson.com/Products/Gibson%20Acoustic%20Guitars/Gibson%20Acoustic%20Guitars/J%2D45%20Round%20Shoulders/J%2D45/

3. Gibson Hummingbird
Website: http://www.gibson.com/Products/Gibson%20Acoustic%20Guitars/Gibson%20Acoustic%20Guitars/Hummingbird/Songwriter%20Deluxe%20Cutaway/

4. Martin OM-28 "John Mayer"
Website: http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=m&m=OM-28%20John%20Mayer

5. Ovation 6868 LX
Website: http://www.ovationguitars.com/index.cfm?fa=detail&mid=1913

This will decide my weapon of choice in my musician journey... So seriously guys... I need an honest opinion!

Tag my tagboard for your replies!

Drifting On Someone Else's Ride

2005-10-03T05:29:00.000+08:00

I'm blogging! Don't take me literally!!!! I'm blogging for Cheryl!!!

Gerard is sooooooooo cute and Bert is sooooooo hot

Drifting Freely

2005-09-21T10:57:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I've blogged! And it's almost been a month since I've ORD-ed! I haven't got a job yet... Still looking! My days feel a lot more relaxed man!

A typical day in Ad Steph's life:

0830-1000: Rise and Shine
1000-1300: Gaming!
1300-1700: Lunch and afternoon hangout
1700-1900: Dinner @ Home
1900-2300: Evening hangout
2300-0200: Gaming!

Oh yeah! Applied for a sessionist job at Wine Flair @ Thomson! Hope I can get it!!!!

And everyone! Would like all of you to please stand wherever you are and put your hands together in welcoming a new addition to my "family"! I present to you my latest "wife"! Ovation Applause AE 248!

Now I have 3 pairs of Aces! Muahaha!

Howl All Over The Place

2005-09-11T00:07:00.000+08:00

Played for a deep worship session at YLM today. Hmmm, made a few inexcusable mistakes (as usual)... But I felt that technically we did quite well. A personal favourite was the "HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD/HOW GREAT THOU ART" medley. Nice mix between 2 guitars despite insufficient practices. Each complimented each other perfectly! Finally a song of a certain standard!

Bummed around in church till around 1830... Then went to Thomson Rd for an indian cuisine dinner. Hung a little more before making out way back to AMK with the intention of "K-Box-ing"

WTH!!! The price is way off charts man! In the end wandered around AMK central and ended up in MOS for the usual idle talk session... Sent Esp-bimbo-ranza home before heading home myself

Yoz "MAGNITUDE" fellas! We'll aim to rock the Heavens with a magnitude of 10 on the richter scale!

My Pair of Aces

2005-09-08T21:07:00.000+08:00

Just like Ryosuke Takahashi who set up "Project D" in Initial D Stage 4, I have confirmed my pair of aces! Ryosuke presented Fujiwara Takumi on the AE 86 and Takahashi Keisuke on the FD3S. Together they rule the many "touges" of Japan

So! Today, this very moment... I am presenting to you my pair of aces! My pair of aces that will help propel my personal skills! Haha!

They are...

In blue...

PEAL YR 31 BS

In brown

YAMAHA APX 5NA

Together they will re-create music!

*evil* laughter!!!!!

My Drifting Month

2005-09-05T23:53:00.000+08:00

March,
Attractive personality.sexy. Affectionate.Shy and
reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous
and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity.
Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others.
Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and
returns kindness. Observant and assesses
others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and
fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention.
Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves
home decors. Musically talented.Loves special
things. Moody

What does your birth month reveal about you? (read memo)
brought to you by Quizilla

The Time Period I Should Drift In

2005-09-05T23:42:00.000+08:00

THE PRESENT
Famous Ruler: President Bush
Living Quarters: House
Hardship: War in Iraq
You'd prefer to stay right where you are. Let's
just face it, you could never give up your
computer or a Big Mac.

What Time Period Do You Belong In?
brought to you by Quizilla

Can't Drift Part 2

2005-08-24T01:51:00.000+08:00

Basket (Don't mind the crude language)... Really 1 week. Can't believe my fever held on for THAT long! Earlier in the evening, my temperature went to 37.5 and I was over the moon man! I thought finally I can go out the next day after being bedridden for 2 days, but NO! My fever had to make its "glorious" return barely 5 hours later... Now I'm bedridden again... sigh...

Either way, I have to go camp later. Need to finish up the last of my sorting of documents and finally get my Pink I/C! Woohoo!

I'm a Civillian now! My name is no longer CPL Adrian Poon. It's either MR Adrian Poon or CPL (NS) Adrian Poon!

Harlow civillian world! Here I come!

Can't Drift

2005-08-23T06:26:00.000+08:00

Man... It's gonna be almost a week already. Been down with a fever since last wednesday man... Last night, it rose to 39.3. The feeling sucks. Finally heeded Michelle's advice and visited a doctor (thanks Mich!). My parents wanted me to anyway. I know medicine takes its time to work its magic but I seriously can't wait man. I've got 5 very important things to do this week:

1. Youth Mass Comm meeting and Publicity meeting tonight
2. RCIA session this wednesday and friday
3. Youth Mass music practice on thursday
4. Attend a funeral wake
5. Book tickets
6. Have my revenge against the bloody Night Elves with Chris
7. ORD!

Oops! That's 7 things! In fact I ORD officially today! Yeah, the fever doesn't help but spoils the joyous mood man. Here's a little something to all NSFs out there:

"I've been ORDered,
By the High ORDance,
To leave the bORDers of my camp,
And lead and ORDinary life again.
Thank lORD!
ORD LOH!"

Kevin, Ranneth, Edward, Daryl Spyke, Daryl Song... And all the brothers from 54! Your time will come! My did!

Hil, see you in the CV world! Less than 2 months right?

Maybe I should have an ORD post! This one sounds more like a fever post man. Hmmm... I'll think about it!

War Drift

2005-08-20T04:13:00.000+08:00

Just started playing Warcraft 3 on BattleNet with Chris... I was like totally thrashed in the first round... (Still a noob lah!) After that we started playing 2 v 1 against the A.I.

And by Jupiter! The A.I is bloody strong! Especially the Night Elves! Either that or we were tooooooooooo slow in building our forces. Expected, we were thrashed.... By A.I! How humiliating man!

Anyway, we got our revenge against all other races except the Night Elves, which we will.... TONIGHT! (Considering today is Saturday already)

There's a person I wanna thank! A newly made friend of mine named Ken. I re-bought my Diablo 2 Battle Chest from him, and it came with his BattleNet accounts too! I'm like totally speechless man... Great characters, great items and 5 accounts choke full of such stuff. Thanks man! You rock!

Oh yeah, back to Warcraft 3, I bought the BattleChest edition for 40! Great bargain eh?

Stay tuned for a full report on Warcraft 3: Revenge Against The Night Elves!

Re-Tuning

2005-08-17T11:46:00.000+08:00

Hmmm... Blogging for the sake of blogging here... Just realised that I can't post any chinese posts man... The encoding problems are driving me crazy! Okok...

I WILL NOT POST ANYMORE CHINESE POSTS! UNLESS NECESSARY! HAHA!

Oh yeah, T-minus 6 days!

Upgrading an old part

2005-08-17T08:31:00.000+08:00

Because of the migration to a new blogskin, I can't seem to view my theme song... (it's chinese by the way)... So I decided to post it again! Enjoy everyone! Sorry having been blogging these few days... Over the moon clearing leave lar!

一路向北

後視鏡裡的世界越來越遠的道別

你轉身向背側臉還是很美

我用眼光去追竟聽見你掉�
在車窗外面徘徊是我錯失的機會

你站的方位跟我中間隔著�
街景一值在後退你的崩潰在車外零碎

我一路向北離開有你的季節

你說你好累已無法再愛上誰

風在山路吹過往的畫面全都是我不對

細數慚愧我傷你幾回

後視鏡裡的世界越來越遠的道別

你轉身向背側臉還是很美

我用眼光去追竟聽見你掉�
在車窗外面徘徊是我錯失的機會

你站的方位跟我中間隔著�
街景一值在後退你的崩潰在車外零碎

我一路向北離開有你的季節

你說你好累已無法再愛上誰

風在山路吹過往的畫面全都是我不對

細數慚愧我傷你幾回

我一路向北離開有你的季節

方向盤周圍迴轉著我的後悔

我加速超越卻甩不掉緊緊跟隨的傷悲

細數慚愧我傷你幾回

停止狼狽就讓錯純粹

Debut Drift

2005-08-12T17:00:00.000+08:00

This is it man... Less than 24 hours to my debut! Gonna have a practice tonight, followed by another tomorrow and then straight to my debut! I love this new challenge!

Stay tuned for a full report after the event!

A song for all... Again!

2005-08-10T18:32:00.000+08:00

Harlow drifters! I'm back from my short vacation! First time out of Singapore in 5 years! Wow... While I was chilling out in the Casino cafe... I saw an MTV from The Killers, and I'm here to share this song... Here goes! (Hey, I like the song lah!)

MR Brightside

Coming out of my cage
And I've been doing just fine
Gotta gotta be down
Because I want it all

It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss
It was only a kiss

Now I'm falling asleep
And she's calling a cab
While he's having a smoke
And she's taking a drag

Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest now

He takes off her dress now
Let me go
And I just can't look its killing me
And taking control

Jealousy turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr Brightside

As for my trip report, stay tuned! (Dun feel like doing a long long blog) hah!

Overseas Drift

2005-08-06T20:00:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone! I'm gonna be away a few days (till the 9th)for a short overseas trip! It's nowhere far... Just Genting Highlands! (Where else were you thinking man?)
Finally I'm leaving Singapore! But kinda funny leh... I'm leaving S'pore during national day... Isn't that where all National Servicemen are supposed to be in the country and not out of it? Hmm

For all those who wanna reach me, you can drop me a line at my email, I'll try to find an internet connection to check my mails. Or you can also tag my board!

Oh yeah, I'm on auto-roam... So gimme a call if you wanna reach me urgently!

Ok, time to go now... Catch y'all on the 9th! Peace out!

The Drift of Dreams

2005-08-05T06:40:00.000+08:00

Been almost 2 months ever since I started blogging... Started my Inital Drift in May... Now, it's time for the Drift of Dreams!

Some updates...

Guess what? I'm debuting for Amplify! 13th August! What's more? In front of Amplify and Living Stones! Can you feel the pressure building up inside me? I've played at lots of other events before, but this is different. Even at my Dinner and Dance debut back in 2002 wasn't as stressful. Guess the difference is the crowd huh...

I'm officially on leave! I'll be back in camp for only 2 half days! Then it's road to total freedom! My PINK IC!!!! But you know something? What all the NSFs who ORD-ed before say is true... You start to feel a little "homeless". I think it's the being released back into the civilian world thingo. I don't wanna admit it :P, but I do kinda miss my NSF days a little.

Stay tuned for a full commentary on my thoughts after I ORD-ed!

"I Want To Be A Driver..."

2005-07-25T22:50:00.000+08:00

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

Leaving Gunma... Approaching Myogi

2005-07-24T17:45:00.000+08:00

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...

My Two Drifts

2005-07-24T17:40:00.000+08:00

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!

Dragging In

2005-07-16T09:21:00.000+08:00

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!

Initial Drift!

2005-07-13T10:36:00.000+08:00

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...

Drifting...

2005-07-10T15:17:00.003+08:00

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...

Sunrise Drift

2005-07-09T23:40:00.000+08:00

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...

Midnight Drift

2005-07-09T14:35:00.000+08:00

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?

Morning Drift

2005-07-05T15:50:00.000+08:00

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...

Barenaked Drift!

2005-07-04T21:22:00.000+08:00

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

Spinning out of Control!

2005-07-04T14:25:00.000+08:00

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!

Drift of Dreams

2005-07-03T15:30:00.000+08:00

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!

2005-07-01T21:35:00.000+08:00

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...

Walk On!

2005-06-30T16:24:00.000+08:00

Another song that I wanna share with everyone around me! Walk On brudders and sistas!

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage that you can bring
Love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind...

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Oh, oh
Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No, they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed, to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly, for freedom

Oh, oh
Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't deny it
Can't sell it, or buy it
Walk on, walk on
You stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
And your heart, it breaks
You can only take so much

Walk on...
Walk on...

Home...
Hard to know what it is, if you never had one
Home...
I can't say where it is, but I know I'm going
Home...
That's where the hurt is...

And I know it aches
And your heart, it breaks
And you can only take so much

Walk on...
(Hooo)

Leave it behind
You got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you feel

All this you can leave behind

All that you reason, (it's only time)
(Love is a feeling on my mind)
All that you sense
All that you scheme
All you dress-up
All that you've seen
All you create
All that you wreck
All that you hate

My Time is Near!

2005-06-30T00:41:00.000+08:00

Sung according to the tune of "Only Love" by Trademark

It's 38 days to my ORD,
38 days to my pink I/C.
It's telling me my time is near,
Telling me to crush my fears.
Oh my pink I/C,
Come back to me!

Only then I'll see,
Myself walking free.
'Cuz I believe that I'll leave,
My past behind someday.
And so I made my choice,
That I'll never have a change of heart.
Until then I see it too,
ORD I love you!

Lame right? Haha! Too much time on my hands lar... What to do? ORD loh!

Collide

2005-06-28T11:45:00.000+08:00

Just had to post this song that describes the way I feel now...

The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you
Yeah

I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find
You and I collide

I'm quiet, you know
You make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I Somehow find
You and I collide

Don't stop here
I lost my place
I'm close behind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide

Finally find
You and I collide

You finally find
You and I collide

I know I fell and fell real hard this time... Well, at least it gives me a reason to move away...

Wherever you are out there... I still feel the same way... And there's nothing about it that I would change...

Reporting "Live" from the horses' stable

2005-06-26T17:15:00.000+08:00

This is Adrian reporting "live" from the horses' stable (aka Cheryl's house)! This is the day's events!

0620: Reach home from Cheryl's place
0630: Slept... duh... (hangover mah)!
1300: Woke up! (Guys congratulate me! This is the first time ever I wake up past noon)
1525: Left house to go church for YLM meeting
1535: YLM weekly session (Today we had rosary... 2nd time I didn't sleep during a rosary session!)
1745: Left for mi mom's shop to help her with some typing
1900: Arrived at Cheryl's place for the horses' party!
0200: I'm still here...

2 nights in a row that I here way past midnight... Mi parents are sooooo gonna kill me if they find out!!!!! My pics for the entire converage for the day's events...

Right now I'm here blogging while the rest of them (Cheryl, Chris, Diane, Kevin and Stefan) are still singing... Very badly at that! (Okok! I'm not a very good singer too kiez?)

Sigh... I can't decide to be happy or sad... The weekends feels soooooo short, but, then again I've got around 35 days left to my pink i/c!

Blogging and on the phone with Ms Esper "Wateva" Chee... Okok... I'm gonna end here already... Wait for my 2nd half of the coverage!

Initial Drift!

2005-06-24T14:30:00.000+08:00

Harlow everyone! Welcome to my new blog! Welcome to my new online vehicle! Welcome to my Initial Drift!

As you can see right now... My ride is still under heavy tuning... The parts are being imported as I blog! Be sure to check back for a whole new riding experience!

Oh yeah! Initial D isn't that bad even for newbies! Check it out!