Love me, Love my eccentricity.

11 / 11 / 11

2011-09-07T15:47:00.003+03:00

The Wayfaring Stranger

2011-08-30T22:51:00.002+03:00

I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through, this world alone
There's no sickness, toil nor danger
In that bright land, to which I go
I'm going there to see my Father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I know dark clouds will gather o'er me
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed, their vigils keep
I'm going there to see my Father
He said He'd meet me when I come
I'm just a going over Jordan
I'm just a going over home

I want to wear a crown of Glory
When I get home to that good land
I want to shout Salvation's story
In concert with the Blood-Washed Band

I'm going there to meet my Saviour
To sing His praise forever more
I'm just a going over Jordan
I'm just a going over home

This Year

2011-03-30T10:12:00.012+03:00

5 6 7 8 9 10

Last week I decided to celebrate my birthday with a group of newly found friends.
But what was meant to be a casual and cheery occasion became more of a humbling experience as we began talking.

I asked Nunoy, who was 10 and the oldest in the group, what he wanted to be when he grew up.
"My dream?" he asked, "A doctor."
Then he looked at me and in his eyes I could see, a sense of dejection as if certain that, that dream would never become a reality.
I asked another boy Jonas, what his dream was; he simply shook his head and said he had none.
What I heard and saw that afternoon broke my heart.
Nunoy and Jonas, along with Balong, Kayong, Rayan and Haidi are just a few of the thousands of children living on the streets of Manila.

In a day where it is never enough, where the minds of people are engulfed by self, fortune, and recognition, they fail to see and to appreciate what they already have.
Watching the children as they relished in what seemed to be a great luxury to them, my thoughts went beyond myself. I thought of how we whine and complain about our lives, the very lives these children would do anything to be in, even if it was just for a day.

So this year what I want, is not to sit at the table of an expensive dinner, or own the latest electronic gadget.
What I want, is to relate this experience- in hopes of those reading would learn and strive to practice greater selflessness, deeper understanding, compassion, and love for one another .

one day we'll look back and smile

2011-03-30T09:52:00.009+03:00

guangzhou

2010-08-16T11:35:00.018+03:00

oh the joys of Chinese table manners

and so, after two months of silence ..

2010-08-15T19:21:00.017+03:00

It's not writer's block ,

but indolence at its finest .

because it's so true

2010-06-11T05:18:00.003+03:00

LOL

SS/10

2010-06-08T06:01:00.013+03:00

they're back !

2010-06-04T21:51:00.025+03:00

A friend just mailed me this today, and I'm so ecstatic that I have to talk about it right now !
Morcheeba fans out there, Skye is back - lending her distinctively sultry vocals to the bluesy downtempo beats of the Godfrey brothers. (and everybody say, Hallelujah!)
Eight years since they parted ways, Morcheeba returns complete again, like how it used to be in '96.
Listening to Blood Like Lemonade breathes a sense of relief in me. Their sonic chemistry portrayed in Who Can You Trust? (1996) and Big Calm (1998) still resonates deep in this latest edition.
Feels as if they never left.
I guess it's obvious by now, that the two can't do without each other.
Just like cake and a cup of tea.

P.S. merci beaucoup J ! now this is what I call, Morcheeba .

furry french friends

2010-06-02T05:12:00.007+03:00

" bonjour ! je m'appelle Lion "

my kind of morning

2010-05-18T15:43:00.010+03:00

Many would have realized by now that I enjoy talking about my mornings;
usually coupled with a good brew and a jazzy tune.
Allow me to elaborate further this time, on my kind of morning.
I like waking up when those who work 9-5 would have left, and those who don't are still asleep.
I like watching the morning sun fill a room. I like the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen as I'm brushing my teeth. I like the sounds of the swinging forties playing in a distance.
I like a little luxury on my breakfast plate.
I like being in the midst of all I've mentioned; savouring every moment the precious hours a morning offers, whenever an opportunity presents itself.
To cut it short, I like easing into my day slowly, and peacefully.
So I guess many would finally understand as well (friends especially), that expecting to meet me in the morning or during the earlier part of an afternoon would be almost impossible.
Either that, or I would be shamelessly late.

Now you know why .

The Great Aviation Shutdown : a personal timeline of events

2010-04-30T01:06:00.019+03:00

April 15, 0700hrs : Touchdown - London Heathrow
April 15, 0930hrs : Renaissance -> King's Cross (unaware of impending airport closure)
April 15, 1045hrs : Old Street - GPM reunited
[ day spent as if it were my last ]
April 15, 2300hrs : Decision to sleep out (still oblivious to already official shutdown)

April 16, 1000hrs : GPM / coffee / greasy chinese
April 16, 1400hrs : parting ways
April 16, 1430hrs : receives text message - Heathrow closed ?
April 16, 1530hrs : Gloucester Road tube announcement - No flights in, No flights out ?
April 16, 1645hrs : Hotel Reception - situation enquiry
April 16, 1646hrs : receives didn't-you-see-the-news look from receptionist
April 16, 1700hrs : " Yvonne, meet Eyjafjallajökull "

April 17, 0001hrs : " I'm callin' it a holiday ! "
[ resounds till April 22 ]

Yes, hundreds of thousands were stranded all over the North and West of Europe, Airlines were losing billions, the world was in a state of serious inconvenience.
Yes, weddings were missed, meetings were postponed, travelling plans foregone.
Yes, I understand, and I feel your pain.

But, speaking on a selfish note - it was a dream come true for me.
My relationship with the city of London was rekindled. I did and saw things I would never have, if given the usual time I get while there on the job. Interesting friendships were forged and the bond of existing friendships strengthened.

So, even with all the chaos this volcano has caused, I must say,
" to Eyja , thanks for everything . "

26

2010-03-30T00:41:00.009+03:00

shouting from the rooftops

no hints , no humility .

BERLIN

2010-03-26T09:13:00.017+03:00

It's true what people say that Berlin is one of a kind; a world of its own.
First of all, never have I stepped into an airport where arrivals, immigration, baggage claim and customs all begin and end at the same gate.
And I haven't even started on the street culture.
Every step I took, every corner I turned, there they were .. graffito in abundance.
Walls of buildings, trucks, escalators, poles, train stations, trains and inside the trains, all of them,
served as canvases for raw tags and paintings of street artists from the better known GFA-Crew and Blu, to the anonymous. It felt as if I was in a boundless gallery displaying unlimited collections of ingenious and clever works of art - no admission fee needed.

Adverse weathers didn't stop me either, from walking along parts of the city where a certain wall which once divided this German capital stood.
I might have read a little too much of its history or I may just have too vast an imagination, but I could honestly picture and feel how immense the conflicting energies of love and hostility this wall generated during its time.
Quite an experience indeed.

On another subject, I was told by a friend that while here, one must definitely do the Photoautomat - 2euros for a strip of perfectly contrasted black and white photos taken in a booth .. something I name ideal as a memory of Berlin to bring home.

All in all, despite the weather (sleeting one second then snowing the other), missing a night of good music, and time constraints yet again .. this city leaves me begging for more .

P.S. mucho danke for the lovely dinner and company R, S and D .. I'll see y'all in spring !

after the rain

2010-03-02T06:32:00.010+03:00

Remember how the cool crisp air and the smell of earth embraces you after a rain ?

6301

2010-02-16T03:02:00.007+03:00

That's the distance in miles between the city of Frankfurt and Ipoh, my hometown in Malaysia.
Once again, during a time where families are reunited, where togetherness fills the air, and when people participate in guiltless gorging; I am left out of all the festivities this season holds.
I'm talking about Chinese New Year.
This time, ringing in the new Lunar calendar in a city experiencing one of the coldest winters yet, sounds and feels rather miserable as compared to the usual scorching sun and CNY music (cheesy but I love them still) blasting everywhere.

Yes, I wish I was home.

But like doctors on call, goodwill volunteers, or even that 24hour mini-mart cashier;
somebody's got to do the work.
And I'll continue to tell myself that .

P.S. Dear M, C, P, PH(x2), AC, B, and everyone else at home ..
Gong Hei Fatt Choy is not the same without you all.

children of Nepal

2010-01-24T18:17:00.022+03:00

precious acquaintances

Manila

2010-01-18T02:50:00.009+03:00

Divided -
this photo was taken just behind a stretch of luxury buildings.

Sometimes it hurts to look at poverty in the eye.
And though it may be difficult for one person to change the world, let this image be a constant reminder of how blessed most of us are; to have what we have, to feel, to see,
to live the life only some could ever dream of.

So wake up. Smell the flowers.

and give .

VIENNA

2010-01-15T13:19:00.013+03:00

And to think I nearly forgot about this magical city.
A city where some of the greatest composers and artists were brought forth.
Hundertwasser. Klimt. Mozart.
A city of the old and new, the past and the present, art and technology - all eminently incorporated into one.

Walking on the streets made me feel as if I was bending in and out of a time capsule. The people, the architecture; post-war facades and the graffiti which guards them.
If not for the numbing winter and time constraints, I would have sat simply in the middle of it all, and just, breathe in.

I promise, Vienna, I shall return .

ZÜRICH

2010-01-14T13:35:00.009+03:00

words from an honest heart

2010-01-07T15:06:00.007+03:00

2010 -

I'm happy. I'm certain. I'm contented.

Praise the Lord .

let it snow

2009-12-24T14:40:00.011+03:00

Unlike any other Christmases I've celebrated, this year's would be the quietest yet.
Far away from home and missing my family and friends, I figured I'd make the most of this festive season spending simple quality time with the gentleman upstairs, some home-cooked bratwurst and eggnog,
all curled up in bed.
Though some may see this as somewhat doleful, I thank God still, for blessing me with a Christmas free of work and worries, good food on the table, and a sense of joy and contentment.

Whether it be a holiday of drinking and making merry, or a quiet evening with the ones we love,
may peace and blessedness fill our hearts tonight and the coming new year.

Merry Christmas .

on a quiet winter's noon

2009-12-10T13:41:00.007+03:00

Hit by the cold bug, I've been somewhat bedridden and doused with medication for the past few days. Not until moments ago did I have the energy to notice how beautiful an afternoon it is today. The air outside is cool with just a tinge of warmth from the distant sun. The house is quiet with only the voice of Madeleine Peyroux echoing from wall to wall. Having my curtains drawn and the winter's day filling my room, all I'm going to do now, is luxuriate in this simple pleasure,
of an idle afternoon.

It's days like these that inspire me to live for the moment .. at least for this moment .

Livin' La Vida Moka

2009-11-24T19:03:00.016+03:00

Guilty of being one of them coffee enthusiasts who claim to not survive a day without a cuppa, I've decided to go back in time, and explore the wonders of stove-top espresso makers ..
in this case, the moka pot.
Made famous by Bialetti during the early 1930s, the Moka Express works under the simple principle of brewing coffee with pressurized water. And given the right bean variety, grind selection and temperature, it produces a stronger brew and somewhat similar foam emulsion (crema),
comparable to that of an espresso machine.
Combined with a chic physique, and an amazingly brilliant method of making coffee, the Moka Express not only brings character to the kitchen, but also, its quality of brew is good enough to make it a current favourite in my never-ending fever for caffeine.

Moka : appreciating espresso at a different level .

the accidental happening

2009-11-11T22:52:00.018+03:00

Hello HK .
Finally I was en-route to a city where I could sink my teeth into some genuinely good roasted pork.
After living in the middle-east for a while, one tends to become rather deprived of this sweet and juicy forbidden meat.
Also, what sealed the deal on this visit was the coincidental meeting of my two homies from the sunny island of Singapore. I have to admit, Facebook does come in handy sometimes.
So, ate we did, shopped of course, partied for sure ! And frankly, I haven't participated in a comically clever conversation in what feels like eternity.
Living in the middle-east, well.....

Anyway, it was joy and relief all at once! Having them there made this trip one of my best yet.

Pebs + Tre : We'll meet in the middle again, I'm positive .

P.S. to Andy whom I met for a brief few minutes .. though short, it was good to see you still !
We'll do the Sake next time I promise .. keep the mustachio hot aight !

move over Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds .. this is the Real McCoy .

2009-11-05T13:50:00.026+03:00

Sooner than expected, I was on my way to Kathmandu again. Having seen enough of the city, I decided to venture out of the busy streets, and into the mountains of Nagarkot. So up I went - 3am, 10degrees, a blue Mercedes from the 60s, my trusty camera and me. With the windows down, and the early morning breeze beating lightly against my face, my moonlit journey through narrow roads and winding turns soon ended after a short hour's drive. There I was; 2000ft up, waiting for the break of dawn.
But nothing prepared me for what I was about to experience ..

Darkness gently disappeared as the golden hues of vermilion crept through the clouds, changing the colours of the skies with every blink of my eyes. And as the sun rose, so did the mountains. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by the snowy pinnacles of the Himalayas.
How overwhelmed I was. The emotions circling inside me were indescribable.

I met this Indian lady from the South while up there as well, and she said,
" Just watch with your naked eyes, because no lens can ever capture such beauty. "
So I did what she told me to - and consumed this glorious work of art God has created;
one so brilliant, no man can ever surpass .

Nepal

2009-10-25T15:12:00.054+03:00

Kathmandu - a city rich in tradition and history, timeworn architecture and obsolete living.

How do I find it, you ask ?

I love its innocent nature, the vibrance in its colours, the energy it emits. I love the forgotten structures, brimming with identity and life. I love the serenity and beauty of its mountains.
I love the children; so curious, so simple.
Sadly, this blissful image slowly fades as I dig deeper into the city and discover a different side - one stripped of its culture and heritage, only to be replaced by the sketchy characters of modernization. Swindlers who stalk, frauds posing as the Holy, and the aforementioned children, being exploited in every way possible ..
all this, in the name of the 'almighty' dollar.
That day, I saw a city behind time, ridden with religious antagonism and social unrest, where the future of its people remains bleak.
That day, I was humbled as well. Living in big cities tend to fester feelings of discontentment, self-indulgence, and apathy. Seeing all that was happening there made me realize and appreciate how blessed I am to have what I have;
a good home, a family to love, and a life so precious.

Kathmandu brought me back down to earth. And for that, I'm grateful.

Good day, Doha

2009-09-15T20:41:00.009+03:00

Moving from one country to another may seem daunting to some people, but I have to say, I'm liking this nomadic lifestyle quite a bit.
Never tired of chasing culture, I find myself starting life anew in a place not only far from home, but whose environment and way of living is even further from the city I had previously resided in.
I remember arriving in Doha close to a month ago. The doors opened, I stepped out, and all I saw was sand. Well, I may be exaggerating a little on that, as I saw buildings in a distance. The sand part though, was true.
Despite what I've heard and looking at a country still thirsty for development, I felt this breath of fresh air in me. It felt as if I was entering another chapter of my life .. one with new encounters, new challenges, and one that will be, without a doubt, even better than the last.
Determined to tell of my days here in the future, I shall illustrate my adventures this time, with not only the pictures I take of the people and this place, but also, the writings of my mind's conceptions .

same same, but different

2009-07-12T21:54:00.010+03:00

And so, after three months of embracing the somewhat blissful life of idleness; lone drives in the morning, late night tête-à-tête with mummy, sleeping when the sun rises and waking when it sets, stuffing myself insane with home-cooked food, movie marathons, afternoon naps with my dogs, music, music, music, Scripture reading, soul-searching .. I am now prepared, for Chapter One - a clean slate in a foreign land.
Leaving for the Great Gulf in August, I shall tell the story of this new adventure through the lens of my camera once again.
Armed with nothing but life's experiences; what I've seen, the beautiful the ugly, what I've felt, joy to sorrow, what I've done, what I've learnt .. I'm certain this story would be told with greater life, greater love, and most of all .. greater meaning .

addictions

2009-06-20T22:09:00.005+03:00

Closer Musik (2000-2003)
Two people, two cities, one organic sound.

Closer Musik - One Two Three, No Gravity

As I lay on my hammock, and stare at the sky ..

2009-06-16T22:07:00.006+03:00

New York : volume four

a couple of rocks

2009-05-19T18:28:00.002+03:00

London : volume three

the new adventure

2009-04-12T21:44:00.005+03:00

Today marks the end of an era.
As bittersweet as it feels, I shall now retire from the skies and embark on a new adventure.
Whether I'd be a woman in the corporate world, a starving artist in the streets of Paris, or that sandwich girl at your neighbourhood deli, I'm leaving it to time, perseverance, and mostly to that Great Man above.
In my coming journals, I shall take you back to my last few travels in the recent months.
Those where I treasure most, and whose memories I keep closest to my heart.

To greener pastures, and greater things.

quarter of a century

2009-04-02T04:15:00.003+03:00

March 30, 2009
. to Granny-ville I go .

touch the Skye

2009-03-26T18:33:00.013+03:00

March 20, 2009
the Esplanade

simply divine .

FRANKFURT

2009-03-05T02:12:00.022+03:00

MELBOURNE

2009-02-17T19:29:00.005+03:00

the many faces of Ding

2009-02-14T06:36:00.004+03:00

a flash experiment

look to the Skye

2009-02-12T21:58:00.007+03:00

Former member of Morcheeba, Skye Edwards played a vital role in the musical influence and identity of the band. With her smooth, sultry vocals and charismatic character, it was an obvious loss when the Godfrey brothers decided to let her go.

Now a solo artist, with her first album Mind How You Go (2006) under her belt, and collaborations with Nouvelle Vague, Skye is proof that quality never goes unrecognized.
I personally love her rendition of Feel Good Inc (Gorillaz).
Her voice, weaving in and out of the slow plucking of the bass made it seem like a different song altogether.

One with more soul and sensuality.

Skye Edwards - Feel Good Inc, recorded live at KCRW (2007)

when you go, to Portobello

2009-02-11T21:46:00.034+03:00

25

2009-02-10T16:30:00.005+03:00

And since I'd be turning 25 in a month and a little more, thought I'd reply to this chain challenge friends have been sending me on Facebook.
Twenty five things you may never have known about yours truly.

1. I like eating in bed (snacks or mains), regardless of my sheets being white.

2. I've always felt strongly about the freedom of expression. This stemmed from my defiant days as a child to current times where I believe one should express and not repress.

3. I dream a lot.

4. As revolting as it may seem, many great ideas pop up when I'm sitting on my 'throne'.

5. I love real and honest photography.

6. I apply different genres of music to my everyday life. Like a soundtrack to a movie.

7. When I was 7, I heard "Girl from Ipanema" in a movie, and fell in love with Jazz ever since.

8. Though I enjoy lazing, I can't stay in one place for long. I need to be constantly
on the move.

9. I get bored easily.

10. I wish that one day, I'd make money out of my passions.

11. When I was a kid, I vowed to learn Karate so I could beat my grand-aunt up. She used to be one hell of an evil lady.

12. I hate my voice.

13. With reference to the above, some friends have said I sound like Donald Duck when I sing.

14. I love buying art books, and aspire to publish one of my own someday.

15. I don't watch TV.

16. I love shopping of any kind. I can spend hours in a shop browsing every nook and corner, then returning to square one and repeating the process again (just so I won't miss anything I might have found worthy of buying). My record ? 3hours in Urban Outfitters during a sale.

17. I used to resent people who are two-faced, superficial, gossipy or just plain evil. Now I try to understand them, and forgive them.

18. I never regretted anything that happened, whether it was good or bad, in my life. It is the experience you go through which gains you wisdom.

19. I feel that no matter how close friends can be, family still tops the list. After all, blood is thicker.

20. I never mix work with my personal life, vice versa. I could never understand how people could still meet up with their colleagues after a long day at work, and talk about work.

21. I have a tendency to crack lame jokes. Think I inherited this from my mother.

22. I fall in and out of love faster than the speed of lightning.

23. I can be rather anti-social at times. I've fine-dined and partied alone before.

24. I suffer from OCD.

25. I thought I'd never reach 25 facts. I just realized it ain't that many after all.

+++

San Francisco

2009-02-10T01:58:00.006+03:00

Hong Kong

2009-02-04T21:35:00.009+03:00

let light shine in darkness

2009-02-03T16:07:00.005+03:00

no need for words .

David Oistrakh & Frida Bauer (Paris, 1962)

2009-01-07T14:18:00.003+03:00

I stepped into the new year with a lot in mind.
Fires in Bangkok. Blasts in Gaza. Protests in London.
The financial crisis. Recession. The next Great Depression.
And here I am thinking,
What good can we make out of this ?
As optimistic as I remain, I believe that there's always a silver lining in every dark cloud.
Yes, times ahead are going to be tough, and the road is long.
But I know no matter how hard it is,
there will surely be some who see the brighter side of it all,
and strive to make the best of what they have.

I said all I wanted, was to be happy.
Let's see what good can I create to find it, and sustain it.

To a hopeful 2009 .

Goodbye 'O' Eight

2008-12-31T13:19:00.004+03:00

Had an early farewell to the year yesterday night with some friends.
And this time, I'm determined to drown myself in as much champagne as possible before the clock strikes twelve.
Then again, I'm leaving for London tonight.. which means the bubbly's gonna be spilling over to the New Year. Woohoo. No complains at all.
Talking about resolutions?
I'm not going to come up with a long list of what I'm gonna do to make life better, or saving up for that new bag that's gonna be out in the market.

All I want, is to be happy.
With my friends, and my family.

And that's it folks.

To an even better 2009.
I'll see YOU next year !

PARIS

2008-12-31T12:41:00.002+03:00

volumeone
volumetwo
volumethree

SOULWAXMAS

2008-12-30T10:07:00.004+03:00

Soulwaxmas @ La Loco, Paris

Soulwax, 2ManyDJs, Erol Alkan, Crookers and many more to get your head bangin' on the walls again and again and AGAIN.

ONEHELLUVANIGHT.

complete album here.

ZOUKOUT twodoubleoeight

2008-12-30T09:59:00.002+03:00

M A S S I V E .

complete albums :
volumeone
volumetwo

just shoot me [épisode trois]

2008-12-30T09:50:00.003+03:00

for Kodak

to view more, click.

when it rains, it pours

2008-12-30T09:00:00.004+03:00

RSG feat. Steve Aoki @ Zouk

Welcome to Singapore Marielle.
It's good to see you here :)

for complete album, click.

welcome to the club, old fart

2008-12-30T08:20:00.004+03:00

Happy Birthday Chings !

complete albums :
volumeone
volumetwo

this is London

2008-12-30T07:30:00.003+03:00

Though cold and grey, this city never fails to amaze me still.
The people, The lifestyle, The vibes.

Brilliant.

for complete album, click here.

hello

2008-12-21T22:42:00.005+03:00

I just noticed it's been a month since I last posted something here. Been caught up with work, shoots, more work, and partying.. ? *ahem*
Funny how time flies..
Another year is coming to an end, and I'm pretty grateful much has been done for 2008.
Let's hope the new year brings even better vibrations than before.
Promise to post what I've been up to for the past month before we hit 2009.

So, lookout lookout wherever you are !

when we were young

2008-11-23T00:46:00.011+03:00

gone were the days of cotton candy, and teddy bears ..

memories .

just shoot me [épisode deux]

2008-11-21T07:32:00.029+03:00

for tangle

lashing out .

KRUSH

2008-11-19T06:54:00.006+03:00

One of the pioneers of Trip-Hop, and creator of the Krush Posse, Hideaki Ishi a.k.a. DJ Krush bends boundaries between Jazz, Soul and Japanese Hip Hop. His distinctive mix of sounds makes him one of my all-time Trip-Hop loves, alongside Shadow and Kicks.

I got up this morning ..
the skies were gray, the air was cool,
made my coffee, lit a cigarette,
and played some

KRUSH
(click to listen)

perfect .

sterne

2008-11-18T16:56:00.019+03:00

7.11.2008

STERNE feat. Felix Kröcher

Womb, Tokyo

taking techno to another level.

Tokyo

2008-11-18T16:36:00.018+03:00

In black + white..
and maybe a dash of color.

cold and cray-zeh.

B O O !

2008-11-15T18:57:00.036+03:00

Halloween 2008
Let's get F U G L Y .

shiver me timbers.

CHANGE

2008-11-05T08:23:00.003+03:00

I count myself pretty damn lucky to be here in LA, and witness history in the making.
I've been glued to the news since I arrived.

The votes have been counted.
The people have spoken.

this is where Change begins .

FLEA.FLY.FLO.FUN.

2008-10-27T20:45:00.024+03:00

One's trash is another's treasure.

Also, mucho thanks to those who came for "1.. 2..".
It was a success indeed.

keep on diggin' .

"1.. 2.."

2008-10-24T02:33:00.010+03:00

. A one day Affair .

for further information, visit :
FLEA.FLY.FLO.FUN - 2nd Anniversary Bash!

back on track

2008-10-20T23:51:00.004+03:00

After more than a month of recluse, I'm going to get up and start walking again.
I've come to terms with acceptance.
Now it's time to live my life.

So, look out for future posts of the world, people and the whole shebang, through the eyes of this little Asian jet-setter.

I'm back .

solitude

2008-10-07T06:18:00.013+03:00

I spoke to a friend two days ago. He said my journals have been melancholic lately. And that I'm rarely seen out anymore.
I didn't even notice till he mentioned it.

Truth is, I haven't had the urge to go out recently. Not even shopping. Strange isn't it ?
What have I been up to these days ?
Other than work, I find solace at home in my room of white walls and furniture, writing, digging for music, watching foreign films, or just tucking myself in bed, and sleep.
Sometimes I wake up, make some coffee, sit around, and think.
Think about people. The present. The future.

Reclusive, I know. But sometimes we just need a little peace and quiet, I guess.

I'll come out of this shell. Don't worry.

dreams

2008-10-07T05:58:00.004+03:00

I had a dream of D the other day.
We were in a garden having Dim Sum. Mummy joined us moments after.
We were happy, just like old times.

It was beautiful.

I don't care what others say, but I'd want to believe that he came to see me.
Now I'm certain he's in a good place.

I miss him so.

witness

2008-09-22T17:16:00.015+03:00

Romania

"What is happening to this world?"

Disturbing reality.
These images serve as a reminder, that there is more to life, than our daily rantings of little trivial setbacks we all call 'problems'.

Bosnia

Jakarta

And you thought you got it bad...

Open your eyes.

http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/

time

2008-09-19T21:56:00.007+03:00

Coping with loss, this is indeed a difficult time.

I lost my zest for life,
I lost the humour in me,
I lost the will to survive,
I am .. just lost.

To those whose e-mails and texts I didn't reply, I appreciate your concerns.
But this is one time I'd say, and mean it, that .. I just want to be alone.
Or only with those who are close to me.

I may never get over this, but like they all say, " Life goes On ".

All I need now, is more time.

goodbye

2008-09-14T14:57:00.002+03:00

Untitled

2008-09-12T06:57:00.012+03:00

" forgiven and forgotten "

- R.I.P. D -
September 11, 2008

always on my mind, never leaving my heart .

wait for me

2008-09-08T22:10:00.004+03:00

I remember,
The pigtails you tie me,
The smell of your pipe,
That thunderous laughter.

I remember,
Trips across the globe,
Birthday cakes,
Dinners of five.

I remember,
Days of anguish,
You causing her pain,
You, closing the chapter.

Why did you surrender?
When we loved you true.
Why did you give up?
And let us forget you.

Surrounded by four walls,
You lie there waiting,
Fading in and out,
You hope for my return.

Appalled; in disbelief,
Only silence I speak,
Aimless and lost,
In fear I weep.

This day would come, I know,
But not today,
All tales do end, we know,
Just not today.

Sleep, I forbid you,
Soon we'll meet,
Wait for me,
And we'll end this sweet.

Wait for me,
We'll end it sweet.

BANGKOK

2008-09-02T20:36:00.046+03:00

Eat Eat Eat.
Shop Shop Shop.
Snap Snap Snap.
Mad Mad Mad !

Good times ...

good times.

::: Guns N Bombs :::

2008-08-24T13:37:00.024+03:00

A night of bangin' music, bottomless alchohol, and people oozing with style.
Went crazy when they dropped Chromeo's Fancy Footwork.
Guns N Bombs did Bangkok good !

tootin' mad.

can't wait !

2008-08-14T09:13:00.005+03:00

Am really psyched about this weekend !
Gonna be heading straight to the Kingdom of Thailand from Singapore after this Dubai/Istanbul trip on Friday.
For what ?
Guns N Bombs ! Woot !
Oh, not forgetting them Tom Yum Goongs, cheap night market finds, and crazy Thai culture as well !

Promising a whole new load of photos from the event and this city when I'm back.

Can't wait Can't wait Can't wait !

woot woot !
toot toot !

little bit

2008-08-12T17:46:00.006+03:00

I'm currently loving Lykke Li.

Born in Sweden, this promising 22-year old, whose album Youth Novels (2008) was produced by Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John and Lasse Marten, is without doubt, one person to watch out for in years to come.

Listen to the sounds of Lykke Li ...

[ Lykke Li - Little Bit (Loving Hand Remix) ]

ISTANBUL

2008-08-12T16:39:00.006+03:00

Sorry folks.
This is a bad time to be in Istanbul, with all the political unrest and bombings going on.
Yesterday night my sleep was interrupted by sounds of sirens and blasts from afar.
Guess this is the closest I can be to the sounds of terror and war.
Ain't funny at all.
As much as I want to explore the nooks and corners of this exotic city, I'm confined to the four walls of my hotel room.
Thank GAWD for broadband. At least there's contact with the outside world.

BUT... all's not lost.
I managed to spot a space invader on my way to the city from the airport.. ! Woot !
Made my day indeed !

heroes.

Jewel of the Straits

2008-08-12T08:57:00.018+03:00

Pangkor Laut

I never knew such a beautiful island existed in Malaysia.
Excuse my ignorance.

Sleeping and waking to the crashing of waves,
showers with windows wide open facing the sea,
and basking under the sun with nothing but serenity of mind,
were the makes of one of my best vacations ever.

simply heaven.

let's go, Disco !

2008-08-10T09:39:00.033+03:00

Taking a break from work. Finally !
Friday night out with my KL homies.
Felt as if I was just released from prison.
Bangin' music. Crazy Crowd.
Drunkity drunk drunk.

TwilightActionGirl @ the Loft, Zouk KL

bringin' back the 54.

PARIS

2008-08-08T07:19:00.038+03:00

the other side ...

tres bien.

::: supermarket :::

2008-07-28T21:13:00.012+03:00

One of Zürich's finest underground clubs.
Good vibes. Warm people. Exceptional music.

Radio Moskau @ SUPERMARKET

minimalistic

ZüRICH

2008-07-28T19:27:00.020+03:00

Some people say Zürich is a monotonous and boring city.
I beg to differ.

go Swiss !

Tokyu Kuuru !

2008-07-07T19:02:00.011+03:00

More photos from this flamboyant city...

super sugoi !

just shoot me

2008-06-27T22:01:00.020+03:00

for Hoyu.

pamper pamper.

The Beng+Lian Within

2008-06-24T17:16:00.030+03:00

The infamous Ah Lian is a pejorative term commonly bestowed upon certain Chinese girls in Southeast Asia, primarily Singapore and Malaysia.

Similar to the Essex Girl in the UK, the Ah Lian is stereotyped as anti-intellectual, superficial, materialistic and shallow, with a highly questionable fashion sense (gaudy mismatched colors, hip-hop inspired clothing and platforms just to name a few...) and horrendously bleached hair.
Much like her male counterpart, Ah Beng, the Ah Lian speaks in a mix of Chinese and English, or Chinese-related dialects, often beginning and ending with words of vulgarity.

What completes this distinctive Beng and Lian culture ?
Techno music.
The cheesiest you can ever find.

This is... unleashing the Beng + Lian within.

(simply because we're Chinese... Oh, and Happy Belated Birthday Tre !)

celebrate it, don't discriminate it.

bombing BEIJING

2008-06-19T01:37:00.027+03:00

All I can say is, I underestimated China.
798 opened my eyes on Asia.

kärte blänche says, " Bonjour "

" making a mark, playing my part "

Beijing is booming.

sushi mondays

2008-06-10T04:26:00.015+03:00

It has become a ritual.
Culture talk and what not, topped with a Japanese spread.
Yum.

Last week...

Just yesterday,

weekday Japanese-ay.

dumbo

2008-06-01T22:46:00.008+03:00

I owe it to Jae-ho for capturing this lovely moment.
Million thanks Jae !
Told you you'd be a hit if you were here.

timeless.

ROCKERS

2008-06-01T22:27:00.008+03:00

" Rockers "
by Bob Gruen

Morrison Hotel Gallery
The Bowery

when I grow up, I wanna be just like Bob.

the big apple

2008-06-01T21:48:00.031+03:00

Back in New York again.
This city never fails to excite me.

absolutely fabulous.

spread the love, boys and girls.

2008-05-25T01:42:00.028+03:00

peace + love + liberty

::: kärte blänche :::

ReadySetGlo 1st Anniversary

amour amour.

Liebe Liebe Liberta !

2008-05-25T00:54:00.039+03:00

Freedom Fest - by far one of the biggest and most rocking of all parties ever held in Malaysia.

two massive nights
thirty-thousand people
one love,

M U S I C

sonic satisfaction.

MAISON

2008-05-25T00:26:00.025+03:00

Ipoh, born and bred.
Been living here almost all my life. And I have to admit, I've taken this town for granted.
Hence, this is... a tribute to home.

a near bygone era.

MOSCOW

2008-05-24T23:53:00.019+03:00

Modern life set in a very much preserved Soviet atmosphere still.
This trip only further justifies my love for all things European.

modern 'communism'.

it's about time

2008-05-24T23:33:00.005+03:00

I just noticed that it has been a month since I last wrote anything here.
Truth is, I've been pretty much the procrastinator; with all the running around, parties and trips across the globe, one tends to get a wee bit lazy after the ball stops rolling.
Just like the gym. The minute you stop your routine... hellooo flabby arms.

So here, 30 days worth of events, parties... massive parties, and the usual insights to what's happening around the world, through the eyes of a little asian jet-setter.