X-posted this in my FB. So might as well let it be a public post.

It's that time of the year once again. The time to look back and reflect on what the year was to each and every one of us. 2009 was generally a favourable year to me, if I were to compare it to the last, which was Hell with a capital H.

It was certainly a year of changes though. The highlight of that would be the start of a new job in a totally different industry. Although I had past experiences in public relations and freelance writing that required me to write lots of stuff from press releases to proposals to reviews, it wasn't the same as writing for a newspaper officially. It was a fresh new thing for me.

There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves at a crossroad. I was at a crossroad, with no map. I wasn't sure if I'm making the right choice, but I didn't really have any choice actually. I just took the direction that felt right. It was either that, or starve in a time of bad economy. Looking back, I'm glad I took the plunge and took up this job because I really enjoy what I'm doing right now. Everyday there's something new to see and learn. It feels great to be able to declare confidently that I love my job. Well, for now, at least.

It was also through this job I've met lots of cool new people! I'm glad I got along really well with most of the people I work with and I'm glad to expand my network of contacts to people from various organizations and from all walks of life. In my previous jobs I was confined to a certain industry, learning things and meeting people of the same industry, but in this job, I get to deal with everything, which is really cool.

2009 was also a year of firsts. Bought my first DSLR camera. Went to France for the first time. Had my first major car accident. Won my first journalism award. I think there were some more 'firsts', good and bad, but I can't recall for now.

There's one aspect to 2009 that I don't feel like dwelling upon anymore, but nevertheless it was a part of this colourful year that must be told so that I can fully move on in the coming new year.

I've always been careful in the matters of the heart, especially when there were warning signs. But earlier this year, I chose to disregard the signs and my own instinct and just went with the flow. I thought that with his persistence and seeming sincerity, age and intellectual differences shouldn't be a problem at all. After all, we got along really well and he helped me a lot in many things. I thought he was mature enough despite his age. So after months of consideration, I finally agreed to be in a relationship with him.

But it started wrong and it ended wrong. He blew it 3 months into the so-called relationship. My instinct told me there was a third party, but he insisted there wasn't. Then one fine day in August, he decided to call it quits, by an email! That really shattered everything I believed in our relationship. I thought we could work our differences out, but apparently someone is too chicken and immature to face the reality. He would rather find someone else, which he did while we were still together and is now in a relationship with, publicly. Even his family knew about her now and it was only what, couple of months since they started dating officially?

It's still painful, but I refused to be broken by it. Now come to think of it, nothing's broken except for my ego maybe, to be dumped by an incomprehensible email in broken English! Deep down I probably knew he wasn't the right one, so that's why I didn't entrust my heart to him.

When the so-called relationship ended the way it did, I realized that someone had been making use of me for what I do. My work as a journalist and the perks that come with it, including people connections and free access to events. That hurts me so. I was stupid not to have seen it coming from the beginning. I allowed myself to be cheated and casted aside by someone whom I had difficulty in trusting yet somehow I managed to be blinded.

However, I believe what goes around will come around. There will always be karmic repercussions for those who are irresponsible to others. I don't have to sweat over it. For me, it was a lesson well-learnt. What's life without drama? That was my drama for the year, and I'm so thankful it's all over!

Now the focus is on the future. 2010, to be precise. I'm looking forward to it actually. I believe there are bigger things in store for those who look positively ahead. Come what may, I shall face them with unwavering hope and strength!

Career-wise, I intend to put whole-hearted effort in my work. Not to say I haven't been whole-hearted this year, but I had too many distractions. I was new, I was unfocused, doing things as and when I was assigned and sometimes with utmost reluctance. This kind of mindset should change if I want to prove my worth.

2010 is also supposed to be THE year that my certain travel plan comes to fruition. It has been in the planning process for so long, so it's about time it becomes a reality. I will be losing several thousand bucks for this but it's going to be worth it!

I also have plans to attempt the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 1 at the end of 2010. This may be too ambitious a goal as I have yet to really look into the syllabus, because it's so much more difficult in comparison to Level 2. It's a huge gap between the two levels, which is why I have been putting off my attempt. But this being the final level, it's my ultimate goal to complete it someday. This is probably one goal that I wouldn't achieve by 2010, but nevertheless, it's a goal.

There are many other things I hope to achieve but I wouldn't list them down as resolutions because some things are better left unsaid and left to circumstances and opportunities. Like the saying goes, Rome is not built in a day. Some goals are meant to be achieved over time, with careful planning. Less talk, more action really.

Anyway, that's it from me. A sort of year-ender, as we in the media business would say.

Here's to a great 2010 for all~~~ *cheers* Happy New Year! Hohoho. xD

AFA09, HERE I COME!! W00TZ~

I have booked myself tickets to Singapore in November... to attend the Anime Festival Asia at Suntec! Wheeee~~ Anyone else going?? Thought I saw magnetic_rose as an official affiliate?? :D

Greeeeeetings, my dearling Livejournal friends!

How's life?

I PASSED MY JLPT LEVEL 2!!!!!!!

^______________^

Kinda low.. at 253/400.. but never the mind!

Haven't updated for soooo long!

So much things had happened, and more to come.

Will update something huge at a later date.

Meanwhile, back to Facebook and one-liner updates. LOL~

Year of the Ox. 2009.

Time sure flies.

The year started well, let's just hope it will end well too.

Maan, got lots of things to deal with offline. I will probably update less nowadays, unless I got some ground-breaking stuff to share. Hehe.

Resolutions for 2009:
1. Find and stick to that much-needed full-time job!! Economic outlook is bleak, so no reason to be too fussy now. *sobs*

2. Save up and make my Japan trip a reality!

3. Be more patient with people. <-Always fail at this.

Not going to make a lot of resolutions nor going to wish for stuff. Other good things that come along, if they do, will be bonuses. :X

This could very well be my last public entry for the year, so closing it with some goodies. In the form of illegal music, hah!

Utsusemi download
Artiste: Plastic Tree
Album: Utsusemi (2008)
Language: Japanese
Genre: Rock
Comment: This album is what Plastic Tree is all about before they turned into pop-ish crap with their last couple of albums. The title track has that typical Platree melancholy and it rocks!

Future download
Artiste: Dustz
Album: Future single (2008)
Language: Japanese
Genre: Indie / Rock
Comment: The debut single from this Tokyo-based band. It's fronted by Ray Fujita, the Japanese-French actor most well-known for his roles in the tokusatsu genre.

Over download
Artiste: ClearVeil
Album: self-titled mini album (2007)
Language: Japanese
Genre: Visual Kei
Comment: A new-ish band signed on to Under Code Production, with a rather harsh overtone to their music. They're sounding promising and definitely something to look out for in the VK scene!

Spiders download
Artiste: Ashbury Heights
Album: Morningstar in My Black Car EP (2008)
Language: English
Genre: Synthpop
Comment: One of Sweden's many remarkable electronic music exports. This young and dynamic duo is fast becoming my fave in the genre!

L'ombre Triste download
Artiste: Dark Sanctuary
Album: Royaume Mélancolique album (1999)
Language: French
Genre: Gothic / Dark Atmospheric
Comment: Someone sent me Dark Sanctuary's debut album recently, and I must say, they had maintained their cool sounds well throughout the years! I very much prefer their French songs over their English ones though.

Hero download
Artiste: Younha
Album: Someday (2008)
Language: Korean
Genre: Rock
Comment: 20 years old Younha is making waves not only in her homeland but also Japan. This album really showcases her powerful vocals that could sing rock numbers as well as ballads.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2009!

Just got back from a week's trip to Singapore.

Singapore Tourism Board had been hyping about "The sweetest Christmas" using a Candyland theme this year but it didn't seem to be as grand in reality.

However, I had great fun with friends. Been eating and eating the entire week! Steamboat, coffee, sushi buffet, coffee, ice cream, hawker food, more coffee, etc. It was just feasting all the way and less shopping.

I didn't even buy any manga this trip! Maan~ was planning to get some, but ended up buying novels instead. Currently reading 犬と私の10の約束 (Inu to Watashi no 10 no Yakusoku, 10 Promises to My Dog). There's a recent movie adaptation starring Tanaka Rena.

That reminds me. How was the JLPT, you ask? Hehe.. I.. I might need a 3rd attempt next year! LOL~ I've read somewhere that 2-kyuu and 1-kyuu will have the test bi-annually starting next year. Hmm, good thing, I suppose.

*sigh*

I miss the rush and crush of Singapore streets. LOL~

OH MY~! I'm so behind in Visual Kei stuff that I missed out on this one!

w00t~

If you've known about this, just bear with me as I do the necessary introduction of what I know so far.



Node of Scherzo is a single-track release by a 'theatrical rock show' of the same name under KAMIJO's record label Sherow Artist Society. It features THREE vocalists of KAMIJO, Juka (ex Moi dix Mois) and Kaya (ex Schwarz Stein), and is supported by HIZAKI and Jasmine You of Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet- (Oh yeah, I wasn't aware of Versailles' name issue until today).

Very much KAMIJO's style, this song tells a story. It is the story of Darkness (Juka) and Light (KAMIJO), battling over Beauty (Kaya). I think it's an on-going act, performed at lives..?

Someone please enlighten me more on this!!

In moments when our lives derail from the norm, do we desperately try to get back on track or do we sit back and enjoy the ride?

Are we too complacent with routine and habits that we become fearful of the unknown, which could be full of wondrous things for all we know?

I have the utmost desire to find out. I refuse to be complacent like some of the folks I know. They ooze negative vibes and I refuse to be part of that. Yet, the more I try to depart from the norm, the more I find myself back to square one. It's like a vicious cycle that refuses to break. I'm inevitably pulled back, and often against my will.

I sense the mockery from those complacent beings: "No matter how you try, it's useless. You're no better than any of us. Join us, relish in the familiar."

NO! Never!

Please do not plant seeds of doubt in me.

I will be different and I shall prove it someday. Even if that day never arrives, at least I know I had tried. The result isn't as important as the process of getting there.

Meanwhile, I shall just sit back and enjoy the ride into the unknown.

Super Natural, the current resident band at Victoria Arms, is one of the hottest live units to come to our fair city in recent months. Combining different musical styles with raw and energetic performance, the band is sure to make you move and groove! Yours Truly shares with you her recent privilege of speaking to Zureen, lead vocalist and senior member, about the band.



By Antonia Chiam, freelance writer
Photo courtesy of Super Natural


The beginning
A seven-piece live band from Johor Bahru, Super Natural derives their diverse sounds from the latest chart-topping hits to all-time favourites from the 70s, 80s and 90s. This band is fronted by the dazzling vocals of Zureen and Mazlina, two highly vibrant female vocalists. The musical talents of Alan and Along (keyboards), Nuar (bass), Lan (guitar) and Nas (drums) complete the lineup. The band leader is Azlin, their sound engineer who has over 16 years of experience in the music industry.

Azlin founded the band two years ago, when he came across some of the current members playing live in a flea market event. He was very impressed by their talents, and most importantly, their passion and showmanship in their music.

Zureen said of the members, “Most people think that it’s the frontline, or the vocalist, of a band who does the movements and interaction. But the boys, they were really into their music and that was what Azlin was looking for. He wants all the band members to actively play their parts on stage. So he gathered the boys as part of the team and that is how Super Natural started.”

On the origin of the band’s name, Zureen stated that it came about from the natural talents of the members. The musicians do not only play their respective instruments well, they can really sing too.

A wide-ranging musical repertoire
Super Natural’s live performances showcase an incredible range of styles and sounds. The band performs songs that almost span the entire musical spectrum, including rock, ballad, R&B, Latin, reggae and dance. They mostly perform in English and Malay, but depending on request and the crowd, they can also perform selected numbers in Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, Japanese and Spanish.

“Sometimes, we need to see the types of patrons. Some may not instantly warm up to our music, so depending on their background, let’s say if they’re Chinese, we might sing a Chinese number to break the ice,” shared Zureen.

Having heard the band performed a Cantonese number by Beyond once, Yours Truly is very convinced by the band’s linguistic skills as well as musical talents.

“We haven’t had anything in Tamil yet,” Zureen added with a laugh.

During performances, the band members have long cables for their mics and instruments to allow them a liberal movement around the stage and below so that they can better interact with the patrons. The band is noted for a charismatic and often fun approach in engaging the audience into their show.

The Cat City experience
Zureen finds the crowd in Kuching has changed much since the last time she came to here. According to her, the crowd used to be of an older age group a few years ago, but now there are more youngsters coming to their shows. “It’s mostly a mixed-age group now, and that’s good. I like it,” she said.

She thinks the people here have really high expectations of songs and have different taste in music compare to the Johorean crowds, which tend to request more Malay and dangdut numbers. However, she thinks it is a good challenge for the band to be versatile with the different crowds and at the same time, to perform up to standard.

When asked on what they think of Kuching, she declared with enthusiasm, “We love it here! It’s a first-time trip for some of the members. The people here are really friendly, and it’s why we want to come here. We would love to come back here again. It’s one of our favourite places now.”

The band is here until end of the year.

Plans for the future
In a time where bands, signed or unsigned, are actively promoting their stuff on Cyberspace, Zureen revealed the possibility of a plan to launch a blog for the band. This allows them to put up their profile and musical portfolio and to keep their fans updated about the band’s activities.

The band also hopes to widely tour the country.

“I’m hoping that one day the whole of Malaysia will get to see Super Natural perform live. These boys are talented, they are really good musicians,” Zureen concluded positively.


Young, talented, energetic with a good sense of humor. That’s how naturally good they are. Treat yourself to live music that wows your aural and visual senses. Make sure you catch Super Natural live every night from Mondays to Saturdays at Victoria Arms, Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites. Having seen them a couple of times, Yours Truly dare to say that you will not be disappointed!

*Special thanks to Grace Balan-Law, PR Manager of Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites.

This article was exclusively posted at Catscity.com.my, my fave local forum/site.

BE FOREWARNED *Fangirlism ahead*

There's an anime for 黒執事, one of my fave manga by 枢 やな (Toboso Yana)!! Premiered this month!! w00t~~~ Haven't seen any episode subbed yet though. Hmmm. Not enough awareness??



Lookie the vid~~~


Sebastian is looking HAWT!!! <3333 *squeeee*

OPENING THEME "Monokuro no Kiss" by Jrock band SID!! Wooohooo~~~ another fave! <3333 Check out the full music vid!

Question.

Why do some guys feel threatened by the signs of intellect from women?

The latest hot debate in a forum I frequent.

Korea Least Attractive Tourist Spot

By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter

Korea is one of the least attractive countries for tourism, but the average five-star hotel rate is one of the highest among Asian countries, Rep. Choi Gu-sik of the Grand National Party (GNP) said Tuesday.

Korea ranked seventh among eight Asian countries in the ranking of attractive tourist spots, according to an opinion survey conducted by the Korea Tourism Organization.

In the poll of 7,000 foreigners aged between 18 and 64 who are familiar with the country, Japan ranked first, Singapore and Thailand joint second, followed by Hong Kong, China and Malaysia.

( Read more )

Earlier this year, President Lee Myung-bak said the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should hammer out plans to attract more foreigners, saying the tourism industry is one of alternative engines for growth along with the environment.

Lee pledged to promote culture and medical tourism during his term to reduce the widening tourism deficit.

Source: Hankook Ilbo (30/09/08)

Hmmmm. Not surprised at all.

But what caught my attention was the last bit. Medical tourism, eh? More specifically, the plastic surgery industry? Even more specific... the trendy district of Apgujeong in southern Seoul with its numerous "beauty" clinics. A booming trade indeed. Trust the president to promote such a lucrative industry.

What surprised me more is Malaysia's ranking. A notch higher than Korea?? Amazing!

EoJjeoDa by Brown Eyed Girls

어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 널 사랑하게 됐는지 내가 왜 이 꼴이 됐는지
어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 내 맘 다 타버렸는지 내가 이런 바보였는지

이거 참 이럴 줄은 몰랐어 오늘도 난 지쳐 너만 기다리다
너 때문에 눈물 쏙 뺀 여자들 그 중에 하나가 되기는 싫었어
너를 바라보다 아차 싶었어 다잡았던 내 맘 놓치고 말았어
그런 나를 부르면 Oh My Honey 일분일초만에 니 앞에 있는 나

너무 멋진 멋진 그대 널 바라보면 어질어질해
너무 나쁜 나쁜 그대 다 모르는 척 웃고만 있네

어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 널 사랑하게 됐는지 내가 왜 이 꼴이 됐는지
어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 내 맘 다 타버렸는지 내가 이런 바보였는지

아무렇지 않은 척 해도 네게는 다 보이겠지 난

유명했어 까칠 도도 이런 내가 변해 너로 인해

고로 나를 도로 돌려놔줘 나를 봐줘 Red Alert
너와 있으면 왜 이럴까 심장이 멎어

끝이 뻔히 보이는 게임이야 나를 모두 말려 니 말만 나오면
그래도 난 어쩔 수가 없잖아 너만 생각하면 입가엔 미소만
하루 하루 고민고민 해봐도 너의 속을 몰라 깜깜한 밤이야
나만 보고 말해줘 Oh My Darling 지겹지도 않니 그 많은 여자들

너무 멋진 멋진 그대 날 바라볼 땐 아찔아찔 해
너무 바쁜 바쁜 그대 하루라도 더 보고 싶은데

어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 널 사랑하게 됐는지 내가 왜 이 꼴이 됐는지
어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 내 맘 다 타버렸는지 내가 이런 바보였는지

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.ME 내가 널 더 좋아하지만
Yon don't be nasty 미치겠어 나의 마음이
커커커커 커져가네 난 워워워워 워쩔까 예
오로지 그대에게 반했죠 사랑한다고 내게 말해줘

어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 그렇게 넌 태어났는지 내 맘을 다 뺏어갔는지
어쩌다 어쩌다 어쩌다 내 눈 앞에 나타났는지 사랑하게 만들었는지

OMG!!!! THE CHORUS IS SOOO STUCK IN MY HEAD!! TYLER OPPA..... I SOOOO HATE YOU FOR THIS!! X___x

Eojjeoda eojjeoda eojjeoda.. neol saranghage dwaenneunji.. naega wae ikkori dwaenneunji..
How how how it happens.. I become in love with you.. Why do I become like this..

Murakami Haruki is one of Japan's most famous and critically acclaimed novelists, with legions of fans globally. But do you know he is also a serious runner who makes it a point to run one marathon a year?

In a new collection of essays, titled 走ることについて語るときに僕の語ること (Hashiru koto ni tsuite kataru toki ni boku no kataru koto, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running), Murakami reveals his passion for running. This book, which was published in Japan late last year, features works written between summer 2005 and autumn 2006 while he was preparing to run in the New York Marathon.

"One thing I noticed was that writing honestly about running and writing and writing honestly about myself are nearly the same thing. So I suppose it's alright to read this as a kind of memoir centered on the act of running," he said in the foreword of the English translated version of the book (translated by Philip Gabriel).

He took up running in 1982, just few years after he began his writing career. While he loves long distance running, Murakami doesn't recommend it. "I think I've been able to run for more than 20 years for a simple reason: it suits me", he said.

He shares the life lessons he's learned from running, such as enduring pain and focus.

"Most of what I know about writing, I've learned through running every day. I know if I hadn't become a long distance runner when I became a novelist, my work would have been vastly different. How different? Hard to say. But something would have been different", he said.

I'm planning to get a copy of this book; undecided to get the original Japanese or the translated English. Murakami is simply brilliant, and although I'm not into running and stuff, this ought to be another marvellous literary piece.

Buy your copy from
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.jp

Zeitgeist, the Movie (2007)

Watch this documentary with an open mind. It's truly thought-provoking.

I noticed I spend more time updating stuff on Facebook than on LJ now. FB is amazing! And so much fun than LJ, I reckon. :x I've reconnected with old friends and old uni mates, some whom I've not heard from since graduation.. which is like, what, 4 years ago?! Whoa~! Some folks are married.. WITH KIDS! Double WHOA! Haha!!

Also busy with my involvement in Soka Gakkai's peace exhibition, which will be held here in October. I will be one of the exhibition guides. Yay!

Other things (as ranted in previous locked posts), status quo for now.

Well, till next time! :D

My heart feels like it had been stabbed a thousand times over.

*cries*

Seems like the petrol crisis is getting from bad to worse.

Petrol companies are going on strike.. and people are panicking. Cars queuing up at petrol stations like mad.

I think I'll go pump my car tomorrow morning when everyone's at work.

Bad times.

I am soooo in love with Vampire Knight anime.. and the official music videos!

Opening theme song by ON/OFF, "Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi"

HAWT HAWT DUO! :P~~~~~


Ending theme song by Wakeshima Kanon, "still doll"

As expected of Mana's production, *thumbsup*

Life is about taking risks. Life is about moving forward, sometimes not knowing what awaits one ahead. Life is a continuous journey of certainties and uncertainties.

Today is my last day at work. I have no regrets of whatsoever. It may have seemed like stupid move to some that I chose to resign from a steady income job at a time of economic slowdown. But they are not me, and I am not them.

I am entering a new phase in my life.

No idea whether it would turn out the way I want it to be, but it is going to be another priceless experience. Everything happens for a reason, and I believe the new direction I am heading will be right.

After all, I have the support of the people I care about, and that matters most.

I see silver lining on the dark clouds. The sunlight is shining through soon. It will be beautiful.

Fuel price increases.... Inflation soars....

CRAP!

I think I need to get myself a bicycle. For realz.

I can't believe they're axing my latest fave TV series!!

Save the Moonlight!! Click: http://www.moonlightarmy.com/

Human life is a mobile thing. It is never standing still. Time never stands still for anything or anyone. Everything and everyone change, because that’s what life is all about. Moving on, moving forward, ever changing.

A foot step forward, and another, gradually building up to a pace. Walking away, walking out, going ever forward, not looking back.

It sounds simple.

If only it is truly so.

기다리는 법은 아는데,
다가가는 법을 모른다.

사랑하는 법은 아는데,
표현하는 법을 모른다.

내 마음은 아는데,
너의 마음을 모른다.

내가 널 얼마나 사랑하고 아껴도,
너의 대한것은 많이 모를것이다..

왜냐고?

넌 아직 내남자가 아니기에..

I know how to wait ,
but I don't know how to approach.

I know how to love,
but I don't know how to express it.

I know how I feel about you,
but I don't know how you feel.

I know that although I love you so much and care for you,
I wouldn't know that much about you...

Why you ask?

Because you're not my guy yet...


。。。★★　　　★★별을좋아하는사람은。。。。
。。★∴∴★　★∴∴★꿈이많고。。。。。。。。
。★∴∴∴∴★∴∴∴∴★비를좋아하는사람은。。
。★∴∴∴∴∴∴∴∴∴★슬픈추억이많고。。。。
。。★∴∴∴∴∴∴∴★눈을좋아하는사람은。。。
。。。★∴∴∴∴∴★순수하고。。。。。。。。。
。。。。★∴∴∴★꽃을좋아하는사람은。。。。。
。。。。。★∴★아름답고。。。。。。。。。。。
。。。。。。★이모든것을좋아하는사람은。。。。
。。。。。。。。지금사랑을하고있다。。。。。。

A person who loves stars
Has many dreams
A person who loves rain
Has many sad memories
A person who loves snow
Is pure
A person who loves flowers
Is lovely
A person who loves all of these things
Is in love right now

Vampire Knight episode 1!! RAW. OUT!

Kaname is soooo hot!! The artwork is soooo detailed! BEAUTIFUL!!!

Hahaha! This is so cool! Learning to count from 1 to 10 in Japanese, using word play. I didn't get it the first time I listened to it, but I caught on the idea the second time. Hehe.

Works like this:
Itachi no tanuki = Nuki (basic verb Nuku - to omit) Itachi's 'ta' becomes "ichi" (1)
Kani no katori = Tori (basic verb Toru - take) Kani's 'ka' becomes "ni" (2)
Sanma no manuke = Nuke (Nuku - omit) Sanma's 'ma' becomes "san" (3)
Ohashi no ohanashi = Ohashi without (Nashi) 'oha' is "shi" (4)

And so on.

So cute!

Found Kitade Nana's PV on youtube. This is really morbid, and not quite what I had in mind (after watching D.Gray-man).