NDP Combined rehearsal 2 (Dar Dar)

Hello Hello!!!

I had a great opportunity to witness the NDP combined rehearsal with my darling on the 30th of June 2007. This year round, it is to be showcased to lucky Singaporeans at the newly constructed stage area in Marina Bay. Singapore is wonderfully efficient. What we want, we get. Or rather, what the government wants, it gets. :P

Politics aside, first impressions, I felt that the spectator stands were "small and compact" as compared to the oval-shaped stadium design that we all lovingly know as the Kallang Stadium. Atlas, it will be torn down to make way for a modernized stadium for world class events and functions. Big dreams, Singapore has. Maybe the Olympics or the World Cup in Kallang?

Back to NDP, the MCees who were present that the rehearsal introduced to us a new identity for us to be familiar with. Instead of the Kallang wave, we now have the Marina wave. Essentially, it involves the thousands of people there to...... wait...... not stand up and do a body wave, but be demure ladies and gentlemen and remain in their seats while gracefully making a wave action with your arms and hands. C'mon Singaporeans, what does it take for you to participate? Is it sooooo very paiseh to make yourself look the fool? Believe me, ditch that mentality and see how much fun you will experience for yourself.

The rehearsal was basically, a rehearsal. They didn't seem to have the full attendance of participants on that day so instead, they were represented with sign boards instead. The audience laughed heartily at such a sight. Kinda enjoyable, really.

As the rehearsal wore on, we had the usual spectacles. The red lions making their jumps, twice...... the Singapore flag fly-past...F16 after-burners.. plus a few new additions. Commandos rappelling off the Shears bridge, the Chinook deploying troops into the Marina Bay water front right in front of Esplanade, Apaches circling the water front with the city skyline in the background and all of its grandeur. And for the first time, the Naval has a chance to showcase their superiority. No, a submarine didn't surface nor did a warship berth in the area. Police speedboats and Naval counter-terrorist warships did their stuff to the amazement of the audience. All in all, a supreme show of power and grace from our beloved SAF.

Well, what can I say, this year's NDP will definitely live up to the expectations of the people and Singapore. One thing's for sure, I'll be back for the fireworks display. Rehearsal only, can't have fireworks right?

And now the pictures, as always!

I finally found a passion!!! (Dar Dar)

I must confess something. All my life, i've sort of been searching for something. Something that's enriching, giving, soulful, expressive and breathes passion in every way. I believe that everyone has a passion in something. Some are fortunate to have discovered it long ago, others are still in that endless quest to find that something that symbolizes them. For once, I belong to neither of the above mentioned groups of people. For once, I'm passionate about something. I'm passionate about photography........

Back in SingaPore!

Hey guys... Sorry for neglecting this blog and all its readers for the past months. I am finally back in Singapore for summer break, so if you miss me, ask me out before I head back to another year of torture again.

Good news:
I got All 6 As for my latest semester!!!

Not so good news:
I cut my hair... short short!!!
I grow fat fat le, in less than 3 weeks back!!!

I have some new pictures to show, but I could not get them uploaded, will update you guys again when i finally get them into flickr. For now... hehe... some pictures of my new hairstyle!

EXAMS ARE OVER!!!!! (Dar Dar)

OH OH OH OH OH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!@!@!@!@

As of 30 April 2007, 1100hrs, I hereby officially declare this day the day of my freedom!!!!!!!!!! WOHOOOOO!!!!!!! Sweet sweet sweet release from the clutches of books, sleepless nights, zombie eyes, the "mugger's" lifestyle and exam stress!!!!! Wah!!!!!!!!! WAH!!!!! Kk, stay calm, stay coool....

Firstly, i would like to say that i'm sorry for not updating this blog of ours. Should you think that this blog has suddenly not been current to the events in my life, yes, you were right but it was only cuz of the damn exams. Now that I've been through hell and back, I would like to share the moments that have transpired in the past month or so.

**** Please note that some of the following content contains scenes that might be deemed unsuitable for non-muggers who have not grown accustomed to the mugger's lifestyle. Viewer discretion is advised ********




Well, this is me at the beginning. As you can see, I still haven't grown panda eyes and i still can manage a weak smile after going through tons of lecture material and readings. The NUS library is quite a conducive place for studying but the journey back home drains away about an hour of my precious adolescence.




What's a mugger to do without his edible companions? Cola sweets, great for kids and grown ups. It has strange powers of attraction though. A stray scent of it will cause other muggers to come scurrying towards the source. When encountering such situations, fend off other muggers with your pen and highlighter or your pent up frustrations from your time-wasting revisions.




Hahaha, I just couldn't help myself. A funny shot. Goodness, I was trying hard to stifle my laughter. Seems many a student call the library their sanctuary. Sleep soundly, yeah!




In the thick of it all, I gave up making the arduous journey to NUS every single morning. Thank goodness I found another studying nirvana closer to home. SMU!!!!! Yes yes, got to thanks my friends, Eugene and Melvin for their kindness and hospitality. The change in environment was great, I was starting to lose my concentration and spirit for revision. Sometimes, you can only go so far alone, but with friends, they'll take you further than you can ever imagine.



A healthy cup of tea and coffee to power up the mind for the vast volumes of knowledge. Go the distance with a cuppa from Mr Tea, your tea and beverage specialist.



Hmmmm, never knew that i tilted my head so much when I'm studying. Thanks Eugene for the shot. I've discover the reason why my neck aches so much.



Advertisements in the MRT are getting more and more creative and attention seeking. I kinda like this one. If you run out of advertising place, just create it yourself. But sorry Lipton, I prefer Japanese Green Tea.



A beautiful night shot from one of the group study rooms in SMU Economics and Social Science faculty. The view from the study room is stunning at dusk and at night, the lights just mesmerizes you. Absolutely fantastic.


This is a little sad, but I turned 23 on the 25th of April 2007. And i guess you've guessed it by now, I spent it at SMU. Well, it wasn't that bad. Darling, thanks for your wonderful wonderful surprise. The cakes from Gelare were absolutely delicious. Wanna thank Karway and Dione who were in cahoots with Darling. Please please show them this blog. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.







This is Eugene and me.



This is Melvin and me.



Just me. Hahha. To Eugene and Melvin, I still can remember the birthday song you guys sang for me. Hahaha. Very lame, but i appreciate the effort. Have to train in KTV more. Hehehe!




Missed the bright sunny days.



A parting shot from the study rooms of SMU. It's a really great place to be. Meals are very expensive compared to NUS, but it's worth it cuz of the convenience and its facilities. Contemplating on an exchange with SMU to experience the quality of city life compared to village life. Hahahhaa!

And now, if you would excuse me, it's really time for me to do the things that I love. Sleep................. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Darling, come back soon. I miss you dearly.

Dar Dar.

End of Spring Break..New York Photos uploaded~(darling)

Hi guys! Sorry for taking such a long time to update my blog. I was having term tests and project deadlines for the last 2 weeks and spent 4 days is New York for the start of my spring break.

Good News to share: "I got into the masters programmmmeeeeee"

Bad News to share: " I did badly for my politics test - 30% test"

Anyway.. I had a great time in New York, staying at Annie mei mei's place at Flushing, where all the Chinese people are (when you are there, you think you are in China). Also went to Chinatown that resembles HongKong. Best place is Manhattan... Fifth Avenue where all the shops are there, ranging to high class ones like COACH, LV, DIOR to popular ones like MACY, TAKASHIMAYA, M&Ms, DISNEY and etc...Then i went to this place call Woodsberry.. You wont believe it ... 220 outlet stores (factory outlet) where you get cheap branded stuff like Levis, DKNY, COACH, GUESS and etc. I spent 5 hours and managed to walk only 5 stores,.. spent 250 USD and bought 6 fossil watches, Levis.. shopping madness...

I also got Malu episode. When my friend told me that we cant visit statue of liberty, I asked her "Huh, Liberty in New York meh?" So sua gu!!

School starting tomorrow..I will not be able to update blog as frequently le, however i uploaded 200 photos from the New York trip. Should be able to last for a month hahhahahaha...

Anyone wanna go New York must tell me!!!! I am definitely going again!!

A wonderful wonderful weekend! (Dar Dar)

Wooooohooo!!!!!!!!! it's been a hell of a weekend!!!! Definitely enjoyed myself to the max!!!! I guess i've discovered a new hobby that i can be really passionate about. Photography!!!!!!! Got myself a second hand Canon 350D with a kit lens and a 70 - 300mm telephoto. Still quite a newbie as compared to Qingkai and Eugene but nonetheless, i'm always and willing to learn something new and exciting! Got a great opportunity to shoot this weekend. The IT show! and with the IT show come the babes and showgirls! In addition, we had the SMU open house too!!! hahaha! (Darling, please don't kill me but it was really fun to be able to feel the rush of it all!!!!)

Photography connects people. I got to know this wonderfully friendly Finnish guy by the name of Pasi. He's just here for 2 months and has also has a great passion for photography. He shared with us his experiences in his native country and other interesting views on technology, culture and people in general. Learned a lot from him!!!

My favourite shots from the IT show:

She definitely knew how to strike a pose for the camera.

She's just as sweet as the taiwanese singer from S.H.E ..... Too much candy is just bad for your health. I'd better stay far away from such things =D

If there was one photo to describe the SMU open house event, this would be it!

Hot and sexy and bursting full of energy, the pair of dancers captured everyone's attention with their sleek moves and sexy body hugging attire.

Photography is an expensive hobby. Hmmm, just got to make do with what i've got. The camera is the harvester, Photoshop is my refinement factory. Hopefully, the end product would be a piece of visual art for the masses to enjoy. Until next time, this is Kenneth signing off!

WOHOOOO!

Hurray!!!!! It's the end of the midterms, for now... (Dar Dar)

Oooopsss. i've not been faithful to this little blog of ours! Sorry. It's been a crazy 3 weeks since the start of CNY. Project deadline to meet, programming problems to solve, revision for mid term tests and in the middle of all these things, i still have to do tutorials and lectures. Well, i decided to try out a new strategy to defend myself and not be defeated. My strategy: skip school altogether! It's quite the opposite of what you should do in times like this. But surprisingly, it has worked quite well for me. I've got all the time to do my own self study, revise at my own pace and basically focus on only one task and one task alone. The only price to pay: play catch with the weeks of tutorials and lectures that you've missed. Not very difficult, just need to do it! It's finally come to the end of 3 of my mid term tests, i still have one more to go but that's in April. But for now, celebrate and slack lorz!!!!!! Gonna get a little sun-kissed at the pool to relax. My darling's been burning the midnight oil for her tests. Darling, i wish i am with you to help you out. Study hard okay? Miss you lots! Oh, go enjoy yourself in New York city. Remember to take photos of the very very famous Naked Cowboy! He shouldn't be difficult to find. Just ask the friendly people there!

This is Dar Dar signing off and slacking off!!!!!!!!!!! Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!