All by myself...

Hold...

...on!

Scarlet Heart (Bu Bu Jin Xin 步步惊心)

Have been watching this Scarlet Heart since CNY eve...
(http://sugoideas.com/drama-2011/startling-by-each-step/)

Forecast 2012 for Sheep

The lunar years of the Sheep are 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015. Those who were born in these years are often the most sympathetic and sincere, always allowing for honesty and an open flow of optimism. You are confident, perseverant, protective and non-judgemental. However, because they normally focus on the material goods around them and solid comforts, those with the Sheep Zodiac tend to complain a lot, leading to disorganization, vulnerability, and sometimes even depression. While the Sheep can overcome an obstacle when given the necessary time, they are not able to work efficiently under pressure. The suggested professions for those born in the years of the Sheep are gardener, musician or actor.

A better and more meaningful year for you this year than last year and it will show in career and financial luck. Your economic situation will have greater stability and improvement. Many of you will enjoy good health luck. Not a good year to make big decisions based purely on instincts. Let your head rule your heart. You enjoy good recognition luck too, so your hard work will pay off well and a promotion is likely. Strategize carefully and be prepared to work hard and you will see quite spectacular achievements to your effort. Projects will get completed and what you strive to achieve will get actualized. However, the Sheep is flanked by the 3 killings and quarellsome stars. 3 Killings brings deadly disasters, such as accidents, sickness, etc.


Copied from this link at http://www.fengshuimall.com/feng-shui-forecast-2012

My Resolutions for Year 2012

No one asked me about my resolutions for this year. Now, I came to think about them... Actually, I do not know what I want for myself. Perhaps, I may be in delusion. Or I may be in cowardice.

MUSIC

Now, I decided to give up on my music. I have suspected that I may have tinnitus. I am unable to concentrate on maintaining my techniques and performing solo. Till now, I have not seen any doctor about it. I keep on delaying it by keeping myself busy with ExtraOrdinary Horizons.

I was thinking of passing on my baton to the younger generation... Hau En has her undying passion in percussion. I hope to see her perform more than I did last time. She can perform better. Also, she can lead Youth Deaf Generation - the only deaf percussion band in Singapore. I am ready to support her as I can.

EXTRAORDINARY HORIZONS

For one whole year of 2011, I had been working very extremely hard to build this social enterprise for deaf. Along the way, I struggled. Yes, I did confide in my close friend and two good friends. I was like a mad woman, as what they felt. I admit it... Anyway, I am glad to know that a few deaf youths had been patient and understanding with me. I hope this EO Horizons can give them different experiences that they have not come across before. Also, they can grow up with EO Horizons for a few more years, I hope. If they need to go to another place they feel it is better, I only wish them all the best in whatever they do.

FOR MYSELF

As what I said earlier, I agree with myself that I am a selfish person. Sometimes, a weird person too! Sometimes, I do not understand my own heart. If you see me as a strong person, I do not agree with you. I am still a fragile person, in my mind and soul.

What future can I hold for myself? I will say... ExtraOrdinary Horizons. It is a shared place where dreams can be achieved.

Now, I hope small things can be achieved slowly at our paces. JIAYOU!

Being convicted...

During this period, I sometimes do not understand myself. But that's life!

Passion in teaching

Many think I am passionate about music. So DID I...

But I am wrong. Actually, it turned out to be teaching.

Well, I have a musical background. Yes, I admit it. But it is partly led by my search for identity in deafness. Not strong...

During my journey, I discovered more and more about myself and people associated with me.

Deafness contributes to many issues: identity, education, sign language, arts, culture, politics, pride, ego, communication, accessibility, so on...

Due to the global economic downturn in 2001, I was unable to find any full-time job, related to my IT diploma that I obtained in the same year when I graduated. I do not blame this crisis. Thanks to it, another passion in teaching was created.

This did help me a lot. It has filled my gap where I am unable to communicate with my family. Though I am able to speak with the use of NAO mode, I can't. Most of my family members are comfortable with Mandarin.

This led to my loneliness. Having the passion in teaching helps forget pains of loneliness. I enjoy the process of exploring, learning, educating and sharing.

Grateful to SADEAF and deaf seniors for giving me this passion... I really love teaching. Now I miss it since my first teaching assignment.

I have been marketing ExtraOrdinary Horizons. Not many know it as it's a start-up social enterprise established this year.
It has not taken off successfully yet. It is still at its early stages - building its profile and portfolio.

I hope to get more teaching assignments next year and at the same time, more assignments can be created for deaf peers to earn extra incomes.

While having the full-time job, running the social enterprise is not an easy task. Very challenging... With that passion, I still hold on to the faith, especially when I do things on my own.

It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to keep it going on. I am not the only one and there are many who haven't given up on themselves. They can see light in their darkness. Yes, keep our fingers crossed all the way! That's HOPE!!

I hope to continue this teaching passion in this avenue - ExtraOrdinary Horizons.

Too Loud!

Realized that I "became" being unable to control my volume of voice. That was just now. I noticed from my friend's facial expression when I talked to her.

She gave me another insecure feeling as her signing fluency dropped and she didn't practice much on her signing skills. I tended to use voice, instead of signing. I do not know why it is so. I am more comfortable to use sign language rather than voice. I miss deaf culture...

From there, I came to know there will be more challenges for me to overcome later. This will be my continuation of learning. Also, part of my deafness...

Crying in the Rain...

Today, it was raining heavily. When I walked in the rain, I shed my tears down my cheeks. No one could tell whether I was crying or not, because rain hid my tears.

Having Nirvana Feelings

Listening to music by Karunesh - Nirvana Cafe... Now blogging my thoughts:

This music brings me to those memories whether happy, sad or painful they are. Flowing in my head... My heart aches when I think of them. I did smile... I did cry...

Along this journey, I know I do not regret anything that I made and they are my choices. This has taught me many lessons. Only I can move on...ahead with my head held high.

I know I have lost many chances and I may not treasure them well. But this is alright. That's life. Again, I did tell myself that I do not regret them.

Sometimes, there is a time for me to take a step and set my foot in it. Once rooted to it, there will come with a fiery, deep passion. It comes and goes, like love. One day, this will let it go... It will come back to me again. It's like a hoop that is connected in hearts which believe each other. They do miss each other.

That's what we live for. With a small hope...

Tomorrow may be the ending. However, there may be another start that I look forward. Still, marching onwards. On own...

My Balance...

...of Life and Work. Since then, I have been going less often with friends. Most of my time is spent on EOH - work is never-ending.

EOH gives me many goals... But I set myself on one life-time goal and it is to bring me happiness, love and devotion. =)

Alright, besides EOH work, I just started my exercise routine. Jog twice-thrice a week. Hopefully I can start my swim soon. I cannot swim too often because of EOH work. I can only exercise at around midnight. Hmmm, I hope to lose some weights and I believe I can! =)

I put all my hopes into EOH and it will become my dream & passion.

OLD-SCHOOL TIME!

Our Y D-GEN under the wings of YMCA & ExtraOrdinary Horizons is now looking for people. No limitations on the number.

We have many roles to fill in:
1) Photographers
2) Videographers
3) Actors/Actresses
4) Supporting Actors/Actresses
5) Supporters/Fans

Whatever roles there are, our Y D-GEN is glad to share our passion in our Deaf musical-theatrical style of song-signing, acting/pantomime and percussion.

We are not professional ones, we have ideas to explore, experiment and experience together. Come, join this learning journey towards developing deaf arts scene in Singapore.

• Why we choose Percussion? In Singapore, Canossian School Percussion Band was formed in 1989 and it creates many deaf musicians from time to time. But due to lack of guidance, we keep losing them to Singaporean culture where they put their studies & career in their highest priorities. Till now, there are two determined, committed deaf persons playing & practicing percussion. We hope to have more guidance and support from another world of hearing musicians and we can excel ourselves to better heights.
• Song-signing incorporates invented & improvised signs and simplified body movements, while being the beautiful blend of song and sign language. Extremely popular among hearing. One special thing about the Y D-GEN is that I am the only capable person of sharing the Deaf art of song signing.
• Acting/pantomime is common among practicing actors/actresses. BUT in deaf way, it is something different as it uses Visual-Gestural Communication mainly for dialogues in pantomime acts.   Inspired by the HI! Theatre - the only Deaf theatre in Singapore, we hope to adopt their style into ours and it will become another D-MUSICAL THEATRE, including song-signing & percussion music. But sadly, the HI! Theatre was closed down in 2008 because of Singaporean culture again - many talented actors & actresses have their family commitments.

Now, we set our target audience as our Deaf Community as well as the hearing societies. We have ever received many feedbacks and critics on our gigs. But this doesn't stop us from continuing to develop deaf arts here.

Is there any requirement to join this team? Signing background? Musical background?

There is no requirement met. But we need your time, not commitment. Simply, you must have an interest in Deafness and open-mindedness to learn together.

Sounds good?

No harm giving it a try... Email our dear Coordinator, Hau En at moonbie@eohorizons.com for more details!

OLD-SCHOOL TIME!!

XTOMIC-ers... We had our great time practicing and performing together from 2002 to 2008!! We created many, many song gigs - Larger Than Life, At The Beginning, Almost Here, Colours of the Wind, Because You Loved Me, Beautiful...

Let you know that most of them will be back again. But they will have improvised style and choreography at another levels!

Again, I will be directing and leading this group, together with Hau En this time. In the meantime, the gigs will be either paid or voluntary upon discussion and agreement between ExtraOrdinary Horizons and other agencies/event coordinations.

Do come join us! Along the way, we will build our beautiful memories together. =)

Period, Period

Work is never-ending... Now, this period is busy. The EOH team is busy preparing for its curriculum that consists of several phases.


My highest priority is ExtraOrdinary Horizons. I will be the EOH and EOH will be us - "land of dreams by deaf". Busy with editing videos, revising work... At the same time, I need some motivation because I'm on my own most of the times. Good thing, the team is in cooperation.


This time seems GE Election season... GE Fever! Alvan Yap shared his thoughts/views with us through emails and I really appreciated his efforts.
Alvan wrote:
"I came across this with regard to Workers' Party manifesto, the section on people with disabilities (http://www.scribd.com/doc/52644250/Workers-Party-Manifesto-2011):

The first point is:
The government should ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and take a whole-of-government approach to ensure that its key provisions are implemented in Singapore.

Which made me go, huh? We didn't ratify it?

So I googled and.. hey, up pops my Sylvia!
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110303-266200.html

Which led me to more googling..

.. and so. This means our government doesn't agree with the convention:
"The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights instrument of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Parties to the Convention are required to promote, protect, and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities and ensure that they enjoy full equality under the law."

I guess, in the eyes of the government, people with disabilities are less than human.

Hey, that's us!


Update: Alfred has shared the good news with me. (Thanks, Alfred!)

From Dr Vivian's parliamentary speech in March this year:
> And therefore, I would also be in a position to inform Ms Fatimah Lateef that we will accede to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, and we will do so by next year.

Good, right?

One can be a cynic and say, oh, they do it because it's so embarrassing S'pore is the only country in Southeast Asia -- together with Myanmar -- which has not ratify this convention yet. (Thanks, Benedict, for the info. He didn't contribute the cynicism though, please note :P)

Or one can say, wah! our government is so caring and loving! I wanna hug Dr V!

:)"


Some of you may not be his readers. He is one of our Deaf Voices in Singapore, and his area focus is deaf human rights and deaf education. You can see, a few of us have been working hard to emerge as representing the voices of Deaf communities in Singapore. In the same time, we have been protecting our culture and sign language that may be extinct one day. However, deafness still runs in our blood! =)


Alright, I may not update this blog regularly. Gonna be busy with EOH projects... Now, I got fever. On and off... Didn't see the doctor, but I'm on panadol-medication in order to control my work entitlements of 7 days' medical leave. I got to step up on my work progress...! Give me strength... *praying*


May God bless everyone with good health...!

Home of our Deaf Community

Alright, this music video is up at http://thisishome.sg/video.php?v=NHdDdnmDLa8. Please help click on VOTE button...

Thanks very much! =D

The making of MV - Home (Sung by Kit Chan)

Finally, I completed the shooting with the help of Y!D-GEN. Hope I can finish the editing part by the end of this week. But the problem is that I do not have movie-in-movie (PIP) effect in my iMovie software. Guess, I got to find another video editor (of Trial version).

*grits*

Now, I will update its progress next week or later... Look out for my next post. *winks*

Looking for people who are keen in song-signing (to work with me)

I decided to have a few people to work on a few items with me this year. These items will incorporate deaf elements and showcase on deafness in its every way like song-signing and story-telling.

Now, I post this request - to look for committed people who are interested to work with me for a few months...

The performances will be in late year - August to December 2011.

Simple Requirements:

• Committed to every practices (Wednesdays evening or Saturdays afternoon/evening)
• Keen interest in sign language and deaf culture & community

Must have knowledge in sign language? No, you can learn along your journey with us. Whether you have stage fright/camera-shyness or not, you need to have an open mind to support this deaf movement.

Additional info: Deaf are welcome. Hearing, too...
The practices will commence in mid-May. No limitations to the number of people who are ready to commit to most of the practices.

If interested, please email me.

Deaf Links

Created the page on links related to deafness, culture and sign languages around the world. Will update it with any links worth sharing...
Just have fun exploring these links... =)

Upcoming Performance - Heartlands CLAP @ AMK Central

It's on Saturday 12 March!

I will be performing one song with signAstory... =)
A long time that I had never performed with the group since 2009. My last gig was with MW & CK. Power of the Dream by Celine Dion.

I am glad to share my experiences with those performers. But I am no good at choreography. I'd rather advise and improvise on signs as I can feel & see better expressions & interpretations. The choreography shall be decided by people.

Do check this event out at my Facebook fanpage if you really support us. Your support is much appreciated.

I need your vote!

Please vote my video at:
http://www.thisishome.sg/video.php?v=YmdXjrPQ5MI

Right now, I am working on another version of this HOME MV. Will submit it for the contest. Do watch out for its update.

Peeps, spread it around and share it with your family & friends! Thank you for your support!!

A Brand New Start

LINK: www.eohorizons.com

It's my pleasure to share this newly set-up business with my readers here. Before I start here about it, I wish to inform you that I no longer work with the Singapore Association for the Deaf as a registered sign language instructor. Also, my contract as the Artistic Coordinator expired in December 2010. Some of you may know that I had my very tough period since late 2009. You were there for me when I was down. Now, I want to tell you that I am feeling better. Sincerely grateful for your support and what you believe in me.

Now, this is another brand new start for me. This ExtraOrdinary Horizons business started recently. Its first event was taken place at SMU and it was led and taught by my hearing friend. I helped him out voluntarily, together with my two deaf peers and one hearing friend. After seeing how it worked, I came to my difficult decision that I resigned from SADeaf - Deaf Access Services. I realized that it may be a place where I can achieve most of my dreams.

The EO Horizons' officiation will be in February. Registered under my solely name with ACRA. I am ready to bear every responsibility for any case that happens.

Alright, let's go to that url: www.eohorizons.com. If you have your Facebook account, you can subscribe to the FB Group - EO Horizons for more updates.

Do support it if you still believe in me. I really appreciate it much deeply, from the bottom of my heart...

Postponement & Cancellation

Received two emails – postponement and cancellation of performances.

15 January is postponed to Feb due to the CNY pre-celebrations. And for 21 January’s event, it is still on. They chose to take me out because of the change in the program. signAstory shall continue supporting this event by performing 2 songs.

Sighz… It’s okay.

Will update on my upcoming performances. Will work on Y D-Gen soon.

New Year's Heartlands CLAP

Last Saturday, I was there at Toa Payoh HDB Hub with the group signAstory, doing deaf awareness program - song-signing performances and free lesson on ABC & common greetings (Happy New Year & I Love You).

Now, the next is at Bukit Merah Central Amphitheatre. Free lesson will be included. I hope to have another new song for this coming performance.

Another update on Danzation 2011 (Ticketing)

1st Deaf Accessible Hip Hop Dance Production
20% Deaf Discount
Order through Redeafination by 26th December!

Date: 7th & 8th January 2011
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Venue: NUS University Cultural Centre

Redeafination is one of the guest crews performing, hence we have worked with NRA to make the production Deaf accessible!

More full details, visit http://www.redeafination.com/danzation2011

For ticketing, I inform you that limited tickets are specially sponsored by the Very Special Arts (Singapore) and other sponsors for deaf students. They usually don't have chance to watch a such concert because of their financial status. These tickets shall be accounted to the sponsors, so there needs for information to be provided to them.

So... for hearing people, be encouraged to buy tickets at $25 each in support for this event! You will be full of WOWs after watching this concert, I guarantee you... =)

Danzation 2011

This Danzation 2011 aims to inspire the world through music and dance. One of the groups is Redeafination and it will be performing at this dance concert production on 7th and 8th January. It is RDF's first major collaboration where the entire 2-hour production will be made fully accessible to Deaf audiences.

I had taught sign language to several students of NRA some time ago. Enjoyable to teach them at another level... Anyway, I will be excited to look forward to this event.

To support this event, I posted it here. I hope you all can come down and support it. Be inspired!
Take a look at http://danzation2011.blogspot.com/
Redeafination: http://redeafination.wordpress.com/

Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre

Loving Heart Multi Service Centre is a joint project by the South West Community Development Council, PAP Community Foundation (Yuhua Branch) with two voluntary welfare organisations, Cheng Hong Welfare Services Society and Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society. LHMSC is part-funded by South West CDC and is supported by the Ministry of Community Development and Sports.
LHMSC will have a full complement of 5 staff, to be supplemented by volunteers, grassroots organizations, voluntary welfare organizations and the public.
Our services are targeted at residents of Yuhua Constituency and South West CDC area.
"To serve the needy, enhance community bonding and add warmth to our society."


=====


Loving Heart’s Volunteers Appreciation Party (VAP)
Date: Friday, 21^st January 2011
Starting time of event: 6.40 pm
Starting time for performances: 8.20 pm
Place of event: Jurong Spring Community Club
Address: 8 Jurong West St 52
How to get there: Near Blk 505 Jurong West Wet Market/Hawker Centre
MRT: Lakeside
BUSES: 335, 334, 98, 98A, 99, 157, 187, 198, 502

Three showcases will be put up at this event:

1. Love In Any Language - performed by Loving Heart's Volunteers
2. On The Side Of Me - performed by signAstory
3. Love Story - performed by Lily & signAstory

This time, I will perform with them as the guest performer (on voluntary basis). I am excited to practice and perform with them. Just started my practice with them yesterday. 3 more practices down to 21 Jan. *gritting*

International Day of People with Disabilities

Imagine by GLEE Cast

I was delighted that MW shared this video link with me. This is one of her fav! One day, I will watch this GLEE series in DVD if they are released in Singapore. =)

Beautiful by Christina Aguilera

Love this very much!
Hope this BEAUTIFUL dream can happen in Singapore. *crossing fingers*

Performances @ KL 2008

1) Sometimes (by Britney Spears)
Performed by Lily in song-signing

2) In Love With You (by Jacky & Regina)
Performed by Lily & Dino in drama, dance & song-signing

Uploaded to YouTube just now to remember my first & last performances with Dino showed in 2008. It was at our deaf friends' wedding banquet in KL.

Dino and I had our long, tiring practices for two days. That's really our HARD WORK!
Let you know that both of us are deaf. It was our challenge to perform together without any cue/help. But in fact, I gave him cues most of the times during the duet performance. For example, hand-holding, head-nodding.

After all, everyone (in the hall) and Dino & I had our great fun together. They enjoyed our performances very much. Now, I hope you will like it after watching it.

Volunteer Appreciation Event (by Singapore Cancer Society)

As agreed with Valerie from Singapore Cancer Society, I am to perform two songs at the Singapore Cancer Society's Volunteer Appreciation event at Scarlet City @ AMK Hub on this Saturday 13 November 2010.

This time, it will be by private invitation.
Will do the same songs without any partner whom I normally get to help me cue the songs while I perform. They are Hero (by Mariah Carey) and If We Hold On Together (by Diana Ross). Well, I had been practising them for 3-4 years. I am quite confident in doing them.

Wish me all the best... =)

Draft Video - Love Story (by Taylor Swift)

Songs chosen...

For two dates: 07 Nov and 27 Nov.

Clean & Green Singapore 2011 (Organised by NEA)
07 November 2010, Sunday
2pm at Open field @ Sengkang Square

International Day of People with Disabilities
Fundraising Football Match and Dinner (Organised by DPA)
27 November 2010, Saturday
9pm at La Villa Italian Grill & Bar, River Valley Road

They are:
1) Love Story by Taylor Swift
2) Hero by Mariah Carey

DPA Fundraising Football Match & Dinner

The Disabled People's Association (DPA), in collaboration with the Celebrities Sport Club and International Football Presenters is organizing a football match to honour the 2010 International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD) and raise funds for the advocacy work for the DPA. The IDPD is commemorated yearly in over 100 countries. It is a day to reflect on the challenges faced by people with disabilities whilst they pursue their goals and to celebrate their triumphs.

On the 27th November 2010, the 'East' will challenge the 'West' to a friendly, but competitive game of football. The match will be held at Jalan Besar Stadium where some 3000 people are expected to attend and cheer on the two celebrity teams, including many media personalities and corporate leaders.

The evening will host performances by people with disabilities.
My solo performance is one of their night dinner program at La Villa Italian Grill & Bar and it is tentatively scheduled at 9pm.

I will be performing alone. Two songs are yet to be decided. Will update this blog again when the date is near.

Deaf Note

~ an Ode of Love
Keep the Faith, Live the Life

Venue: Hwa Chong Institution (High School Drama Centre)
Date: 4th September 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Tickets selling at $10 each.
*Free Seating. Doors Open at 7:15pm

As a part of the Citibank-YMCA Youth for Causes programme, this school raises at least $4,000 for the Singapore Association for the Deaf from the ticket sales itself.

One of its fund-raising events is to hold the Deaf Note concert in the second aim to showcase the wide range of talents through ways including but not limited to musical & dance performances.

I know I am invited to perform two songs in sign language to kick off the start of the concert. As heard earlier, the Signifique may be performing too.

Will perform the same old songs - Listen & Beautiful. This may fit the theme of the concert well. May this event goes with its smooth success. Jiayou!

YOG - Voices of Singapore

Last month, the NYC approached the SADeaf for the making of YOG - Voices of Singapore. As their decision was previously made, the winning song "Dare To Dream" was selected for the Music Video in sign language. Therefore, I was chosen to do this MV.

A lot of efforts was spent on it. Finally, it was uploaded. Thanks to NC and CK... =)

Hope you all enjoy watching it. *cheers*

Welcome to My World - Post-Production

The concert was over!

Met several supporters after the concert ended. :)
Also, I received many sms from those who were unable to meet me.

I wish to tell those supporters...
Thanks, everyone for coming down to support us. We all appreciate these overwhelming support..

Hmmm, I can say, I have done my best although I know I made a few mistakes in my song Alla Turca. Supposedly, it should be perfect by now as I first practiced and performed it in June 2007. From my teacher who attended the concert last Saturday, he advised me to work hard on my semi-quavers. More balanced and equal... I will remember it. Thanks, Mr Damien and I appreciate it.

Before the concert started, I was quite stressed. I made a lot of mistakes during the full-dress rehearsal and sound check. :(
Even worse, the string in my marimba snapped off twice when it was being tightened to avoid a funny "tack" sound when I hit that higher C-sharp note. :(

A few minutes before the door started to open for audience to enter, almost every problem is solved. Whew! I prayed hard that I must give it a best shot when performing that song. I did! :)

Alright, now, I have given this a few thoughts. I got to look for another solo piece and looks like I got to find help from people in music expertise - Mr Damien, Angeline or Mr Jonathan Fox. If not, I will look around and I will ask people who love music. Hope I can help enough help.

Also, I hope to get to hear something from Azariah and I hope to perform a duet with him one day. :)

SPOTLIGHT: Back Home from Phnom Penh

Finally, home sweet home...

Nice to be back home. Well, I can say, the stay at Phnom Penh was quite enjoyable because I made many new friends with deaf youths from Vietnam, Japan and Cambodia. Not only them, but I met many persons from different countries like Belgium, Mexico, Australia. They work in Cambodia to help develop arts in disabled community. Cool, right?

Things at Phnom Penh are really backward. Not much for my shopping experience. I bought nice gifts for my family and good friends only and I hope that they like them.
There got interesting culture and history, although it's a small town.

Oh yes, before I go off, I can say, the festival was really great. I was informed that this such festival will be organized again next year, but the place where the arts festival can be celebrated is yet to be announced. Anyway, I'm looking forward to it. =)

SPOTLIGHT: Departing from T2

Departing from Changi Airport, T2 to Phnom Penh, Cambodia... With 3 people.

Began to miss people around me. However, there are some feelings of anticipation, excitement and worries down inside me.

Hope to meet some new faces. Also, I hope to see Ramesh over there. :)

SPOTLIGHT: Cambodia

Was invited by the EPIC Arts to perform at an asian festival of arts. =)

Now I am quite keen to go there to Cambodia next week... because there are many opportunities to meet different people - of different countries. Also, it's special as they share their cultural arts with one another.. Looking forward to it! :)

Welcome to My World

This "Welcome to My World - A Concert by People with Disabilities" event is proudly presented by the Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd. Details are:

When? 8 March 2008, Saturday
Time? 8:00PM - 9:30PM
Where? University Cultural Centre Hall, NUS

Do check that out and support it. I will be there, performing. As well as, XTOMIC & SADeaf will be performing. :D

Arts @BP - Fajar Shopping Centre

Guess it was my first solo performance in the year of 2008. I performed these 2 same solo songs in the heartland area - Fajar Shopping Centre. Quite far for me, however it was alright. Again, I was alone. Quite sianz...

These 2 songs may be common to you. I can't help signing them because I'm very familiar and I can do without any help. I was unable to find anyone who can help me with music cues or reflecting in sign language.

Hmmm, it's a time for me to make a little change. Will add more songs to my list. Hope I can achieve this simple goal. Not only this, but I also need help from someone who has more time...

Video Uploads #2: Performance

Thanks to Andre who has recorded and edited the videos again...
My first and second performances in marimba... I admit I was quite nervous about my solo performances. Still inexperienced in performing although I did a plenty of song signing shows for 7 years. Hope I will continue to do more shows like this. This way, I will get more experiences so that I won't let my mistakes repeat. Also, I hope to overcome my shortcomings soon.

In next Feb/Mar, I'm invited to perform and do exchange workshop in Cambodia. Hope I will have more songs by Jan 2008.

Video Uploads #1: Performance

Thanks to Andre who recorded and edited the videos... =)
Alright, hope you will enjoy them!

CSH Percussion Band Alumni

Today, I went down to Canossian School to help out...

Hmm, the CSH Percussion Band Alumni is really wonderful. Like their passion for percussion music.. Xuehui and Shiyi were planning to play the duet. All of the sudden, I was so ON that I decided to help them out. Gonna get the nice duet - The Entertainer for them. Hope they can play it well. =)

No Flash!

Couldn't sleep tonight. It was really another nightmare to me. Flashlights, flashlights... I hate them!

I know I did quite badly in my first song performance: Radetsky March. I was greatly affected by poor lighting and flashlights from cameras. I hate flashlights, they really blinded me when I tried to read the score and play on correct bars.

Bad memories flashed back in my mind. That was my first nightmare when I performed my solo song - Happy Mallets. Stage lighting was really strong, I couldn't see Mr. Teow conducting. I was blinded by those lighting. At that time, I needed him so that I could play together with the band. Somehow, I managed to have my faith in myself and finally, I came back to the correct bars to play with them.

Now, flashlights are really dangerous. I guess, I must remember to inform the photographers not to take photos of me with flash when I perform mallet percussion.

Well, I can say, it was another experience I gained from my performance. Lesson learnt!

My BIG Day!

MY BIG DAY!!
TIME: 4PM
VENUE: TIGERLIVE, ST. JAMES POWER STATION

One month ago, I've informed that I have been chosen as the first recipient to benefit from the VSA Talent Development Programme. A marimba is purchased to fulfil my dream of being a percussionist.

VSA has established this Talent Development Programme through a generous donation from Asia Pacific Brewery (Tiger Beer). In this programme, we hope to provide assistance to talented people with disabilities so that they will be able to develop their talent to the fullest.

The Presentation Ceremony has been scheduled tomorrow.
During the ceremony, Ms Amy Cheng of Fly Entertainment will present a song item. I will also put up a short performance on the marimba and sign a song together with her friends. Quite nervous about it!

Some of my juniors, friends and others are invited to witness this ceremony. They are there to support me. Truly grateful to them!
Still, I will do my best I can!

JIAYOU!!

Another Merit!

Informed through MSN by my percussion instructor that I passed my ABRSM Grade 8 exams with MERIT!

Whew!
That's great! =D

Guess, I have to make plans for myself to move further to my dreams... *winks*

Multi-Tasking

l the way.
Realized that I have been multi-tasking many things since then. I do not know if it's a good way. I do not know how I feel about it.

Hmmmm, let's take a look at what I have been doing:

Being a performing artiste:
(1) 11 October, Thursday (Confirmed!)
Cheque Presentation Ceremony
- organized by the VSA
- 7PM at Suntec City Mall - Tropics Atrium
- 2 solo mallet percussion items

(2) 18 October, Thursday (Confirmed!)
VSA Talent Development Programme
Presentation Ceremony
- 4PM at TigerLIVE (St. James Power Station, next to Vivo City)
- 2 solo mallet percussion items
- 1 group song signing item with Rebecca & Pet

(3) 17 November, Saturday (to be confirmed)
North West Arts Festival 2007
- 8PM at Compass Point
- 2 solo mallet percussion items

(4) 24 November, Saturday (to be confirmed)

(5) 1 December, Saturday
CCA Fair 2007
- 5PM at Civic Plaza
- Deaf Voices - the Musical
- Caroling item

(6) 1 December, Saturday (to be confirmed)
National Neuroscience Institute Year End Celebration Party
- 6PM to 8PM at Grassroot Club (near Yio Chu Kang MRT)

(7) 22 December, Saturday (to be confirmed)
KFC
- 2 different slots; afternoon & evening
- Marina Square (tentative)


Being a director of Deaf Voices - the Musical:
- Acting Practices every Monday
- Dance Practices every Friday
- Caroling Practices led by Pet every Wednesday

My Upcoming Shows

Now, I notice that more performing requests come in... More and more...

My list is as follows:
(1) 1 September, Saturday
NUS Charity Fiesta Carnival 2007
- 2PM to 3PM at Junction 8, Open Plaza
- Sign language activity: To teach basic alphabets and Reach lyrics (by S Club 7) to NUS Committee & public

Dry Run of NUS Charity Fiesta Concert
-5.30PM to 9PM at Junction 8, Open Plaza
OVER!

(2) 2 September, Sunday
NUS Charity Fiesta Concert 2007
- 6PM to 9PM at Junction 8, Open Plaza
- Solo song signing item: If We Hold On Together (by Diana Ross)
- Finale group item: Reach (by S Club 7)
OVER!

(3) 12 September, Wednesday
Community Chest Award 2007
- 4PM to 6PM

(4) 11 October, Thursday (to be confirmed)
Cheque Presentation to VSA
- 7PM

(5) 18 October, Thursday
VSA Talent Development Programme
Presentation Ceremony
- 4PM at TigerLIVE (St. James Power Station, next to Vivo City)
- Solo marimba item
- Group song signing item with Highpers

(6) 28 October, Friday 17 November, Saturday (to be confirmed)
North West Arts Festival 2007
- 8PM

(7) 17 November, Saturday
Christmas Light-Up
- Plaza Singapura
- GOH: President Nathan

(8) 1 December, Saturday
CCA Fair 2007
- 11AM to 6PM
- SADeaf Musical & Caroling item

(9) 1 December, Saturday (to be confirmed)
National Neuroscience Institute Year End Celebration Party
- 6PM to 8PM at Grassroot Club (near Yio Chu Kang MRT)

(10) 22 December, Saturday (to be confirmed)
KFC
- 2 different slots; afternoon & evening
- Marina Square (tentative)

Waiting on the World to Change (by D-PAN)

Me and all my friends
We're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing
There's no way we ever could
Now we see everything is going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it

So we keep waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Its hard to be persistant
When we're standing at a distance
So we keep waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

Now if we had the power
To bring our neighbors home from war
They would've never missed a Christmas
No more ribbons on the door
When you trust your television
What you get is what you got
Cuz when when they own the information ooohhh,
They can bend it all they want

So while we're waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
It's not that we don't care
We just know that the part ain't fair
So we keep waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

We're still waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
One day our generation
Is gonna rule the population

So we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Know we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
- Sung by John Mayer