Looking back at my life... ...

Hello world!

I can't believe it has been SO LONG since I left my blog with cob webs piling all over - and to my friends who have been asking why my blog hasn't been updated... I appreciate that you guys are still following me. Yes, I hear you.

Life has been crazy lately - From happy moments to depressed ones, I would say it has been a rollercoaster. Apart from that, I have achieved certain "milestones" last year that I will be mentioning in this post!

1. I FINALLY DYED MY HAIR FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN MY LIFE. 

Ok, I admit - I was not daring enough to get a bolder shade of maroon colour as I was supposed to have a filming assignment coming up in that following week. It was a very mild colour (obvious only under strong sunlight) but that would do for a first time. I still remembered how strongly I was against the dying of my hair in the past but eventually gave in to temptation. 

AND I DYED AGAIN DURING MY Hong Kong TRIP (Just weeks ago)

AND I DON'T KNOW WHY I KEPT OPENING MY MOUTH WHEN I TOOK BOTH PHOTOS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS *rolls eyes*

Pictured here on the left is my Polytechnic friend whom is still one of my best buddies (Thanks for going on a trip with me, babe!) and both of us stumbled upon a salon in Hong Kong that provided decent quality service. We went for purple /magenta shade of colour for our hair and I was really pleased with the results! I don't really fancy strong colours so bleaching is a no-go for me.

2. I WENT CRAZY during my company event and dressed up as an unimaginable character

Yes.. You guessed it. Harley Quinn.

I love her exaggerated style of outfit in the movie and little did I know that I would eventually be sponsored and dressed up as her for my company event. I was really afraid that it would turn out bad because I was my own make-up artist and I do not have much experiences in such exaggerated make-up. Many of my friends always have the impression that I am a cosplayer (I don't know why!) but I am not. NOT. NOT. So please - I hope you professional cosplayers out there won't laugh at a poor human like me who only dresses up once in a blue moon.

The photo that officially scared the hell out of many people:

3. GRADUATED from Hark Music

Yay! I guess learning anything that is related to music is something that I will never think of quitting. Don't get me wrong, I am just someone who is a hobbyist of singing - and I'll never expect myself to be a professional but I do feel proud of myself for coming this far for my hobby!

My own little "mini studio": -

4. Had my first ever debut performance

(Photo credits to Hangi Tavakoli from Flipside Productions)

Even till now, I can't believe that I stood up there and performed. It wasn't a totally positive experience (to be honest) for me as I happened to fall sick during that period of time and couldn't recover fast enough. With a choked-up throat and strained vocal chords, I tried to give it my best shot . But what left the deepest impression on me was the support I had from my family, friends and colleagues who came down to sit through my performance!

I was shocked and touched beyond words when I saw the turnout. Some of them actually stay a long distance away from my performance venue but they made time to come down. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MY LOVELY PEOPLE. I LOVE YOU ALL. 

4. GRADUATED from Acting/Drama lessons in Level 1 @ Zoom Academy

Although I have been involved in a little bit of acting here and there during my 'younger' days, I have always wanted to take up professional lessons and understand more about the trade.

The 'typical' Ah Lian you see on the road:

I am currently into my Level 2 acting now, and am blessed to have the opportunity to be taught by one of the veteran actresses in the TV industry, Chen Bi Feng. (I believe the older generation can recognise her from the many TV shows that she acted in!)

5. Became a blog-writer for Mitsueki Blog

When I was approached with the opportunity to join Mitsueki's team of blogwriters, I was honoured. (If you are reading this... Thanks, babe!)

Writing for her blog has given me tons of opportunities to attend media events and food tastings as well. (I have to admit that I gained weight after becoming sort of a food blogger... Which is not exactly a bad thing considering the fact that I don't usually gain weight)

One of my first-ever overseas media trip to Genting - with courtesy of Mitsueki.

6. Went on a radio interview by JIA 88.3 FM

It was a very last minute interview (I was contacted and interviewed on the same day) It was my first-ever experience on a radio show and thanks to my family and friends for being so supportive! 

7. First JB Trip with my colleague buddies

Nothing beats having colleagues who become your buddies.

It has always been a thing - To go on a half-day JB trip for some games and good food. Thanks for having me- It is always fun being with those quirky people.

8. Brought my mum back to hometown

Although I have been to KL countless times with my family, but this was the first time I took charge and brought my mum to her hometown. A big thank-you to our dear relatives in Malaysia who took time to drive us around and even treated us to great food. Both my mum and I were thankful.

9. Took up new hobby 

This is an addictive hobby that I took up after being inspired by so many designs online. The materials were sourced from Taobao and I wouldn't say they are exactly cheap. BUT ENOUGH TO KEEP ME OCCUPIED FOR THAT FEW HOURS YET FEELING ACHIEVED AT THE END OF THE DAY.

I really wish I have more time to do more of them now.

10. DID MY FIRST EYELASH EXTENSIONS

I have always contemplated to do eyelash extensions as I am a VERY lazy person. So much that I was afraid that it would be difficult to maintain. However, thanks to a sponsorship opportunity through Mitsueki, I decided to give a try and understand more about the procedure personally from the service provider. 

And there is no turning back. I loved the extensions and now I can't imagine life without it! If you would like to read about my experience, do stay tuned to Mitsueki Blog as the entry will be featured on there!

11. Chemical Peeling treatment with Dr Tyng Tan

I have been undergoing chemical treatment for my acne issues for 2 years now and I am always looking forward to the sessions. They work in clearing up acne and lightening acne scars, but maintenance is still needed to be done to ensure that there will be no breakouts. If you would like to know more about the procedures and my chemical peeling experiences, do feel free to click HERE.

12. Knowing a wonderful person who came into my life

 I think everyone probably knows who he is by now and to those who don't & still keep asking me who the heck is this frequently-mentioned name on my social media accounts, he is my lovely FISH.

He has got to be the most patient, nicest and talented people I've ever known. I know I am someone who isn't the easiest to get along with due to my temper, but he has NEVER ONCE thrown temper at me and still treats me like a princess. Most importantly, he respects me for who I am.

Thank you, Fish, for sticking by me always!!!!

13. I got famous

So famous that I spotted people printing my face and using them as wrapping papers which were eventually thrown to the rubbish chute. Thanks, huh.

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 I hope everyone enjoys reading this little update of my life that I did not get to blog much on here. 

Life hasn't been a bed of roses, but I shall exclude the negativity yeah.

I will be back to more active blogging soon and revive my title as the SGCOMPLAINQUEEN. (I AM NOT DEAD YET!)

*roars*

Have a lovely week ahead, people!

[Event] Singapore Polytechnic's ARTS FIESTA 2014!

I was recently invited to Singapore Polytechnic's ARTS FIESTA 2014 - an annual celebration of dance, music and theater featuring the best of SP's talents! (Thank you, Rachel!)

This year's theme is "Timeless", an ode to Singapore Polytechnic's past and traditions as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary.

When I first heard the name of the theme, I was drawn to it immediately.

I pictured a moment of time freeze, where date and time doesn't exist... ...

There were various activities happening during the one-month long ARTS FIESTA 2014, ranging from SP Guitarists, Vocal Talents show, Chinese Orchestra, just to name a few.

After looking through the Calendar of Events, I requested for a pair of tickets to the SP Magician show (Yes! I have always been fascinated by magic tricks since I was young but have never been to a physical show before.)

And I was granted my wish - Singapore Polytechnic gave me a pair of Complimentary tickets to the show!!

(Thank you, thank you, thank you~!)

An ecstatic me posing with their signboard outside the Auditorium (where the Magic show was taking place!)

(Didn't put much make-up on that day though... )

I love the booklet design.. So... Timeless. Haha.

Although flash photography wasn't allowed in the Auditorium, I still managed to capture some decent photos of the SP Magicians in action.

(All thanks to Singapore Polytechnic for giving me the honor of V.I.P seats at the front row!! We were the only ones sitting in the front row

 Talk about Timeless. Haha.

Start liao, start liao~~

I shall let my photos do most of the talking!

Wah, looks so cool.

Transforming a rod to a piece of cloth...

You know, it was really amazing seeing something appearing and disappearing in front of you without any darn loophole. That is what makes Magic really intriguing - at least to me.

It's like, now you see it and now you don't.

A striking pose! Haha.

As an audience, I thoroughly enjoyed the show as it  was really entertaining. There were talking bits and storyline segments as well that cracked us up.

(The guy below acted as a funny grandfather. He was able to keep a straight face throughout the show and yet made everyone laugh at his "lame" jokes. Now, that's something..)

In his segment, he performed a duplicating magic trick and the Pringles on his table kept multiplying  each time he removed the containers!

How could that be humanly possible?!?

Now you see them:

And now you see them even MORE:

After having a good laugh at his Pringles segment, here comes another magician with his card tricks!

(We had to watch his part on the projected screen due to a close-up view)

The coins could disappear and reappear under different parts of the poker cards  -in the blink of an eye! Damn - Now... How is that even logically possible?!

Here's a funny one - This magician sported a "HK" accent during his act and he's such a natural comedian! (The guy beside him on the left was a chosen audience.)

Now... Ready? At the count of three... Just hit them together and they'll be linked!

"This is called, 'One on top, Three below. It's my favorite position.' ", said the magician - referring to the hoops he was holding.

(Everyone in the audience laughed. Erm... )

Here's one of the classics that had me glued to the chair. I have always seen such shows on TV and this was the FIRST time I witnessed it in action! 

I bet it isn't difficult to guess what it is all about from the photos below:

There we have it - The Magician's assistant in the small box. 

I was impressed. I mean, how in the world was she able to squeeze into that tiny space?!?!

(That was really her palm waving at us from the box!)

The magician pierced several swords into the box through the holes, seemingly impossible for her to make any escape. My heart stopped at each sword that was inserted into the box. OUCH, OUCH and OUCH.

But... Hey! It's magic, remember?! *hits myself for being silly*

They performed another risky stunt - Tying the magician and ensuring he was locked stiff behind the steel locks.

Spare no mercy~

That expression... 

Totally no escape for you, mister!

It was then that they covered him up using a black cloth - Viola~ The female assistant was seen in place of the magician within a few seconds - fully buckled~! HOW DID THEY SWITCH PLACES SO FAST?! 

I didn't even have the time to catch my breath!

I didn't manage to capture photos of the female assistant while she was strapped. In this shot, the magician has already unbuckled her. 

But trust me, it was amazing. 

What is the logic behind it, huh?!?!

A short segment of another handsome magician performing his "number sequence" trick.

The numbers seemed to auto-arrange themselves when he covered them up!

Acadabra~~

Now this is a nice one! It's a magic trick involving an iPad. 

He seemed to be able to "take out" whatever was shown on the iPad! Such an interesting sight to see how technology is being combined with magic tricks.

An priceless shot capturing the happy faces of the audience. 

(From what we were told, tickets were completely sold out!)

"Now whoever catches this hotdog shall come out here..."

(*coughs*Now that sounds kinda wrong...)

And here was the girl that caught the hotdog! (LOL)

It was a classic Prediction trick, in which she was asked several questions by the magician. He would then reveal the answers that were locked in the untouched box since the beginning of the segment, as though they were already predicted!

As unbelievable as it may sound, the answers were revealed on this large sheet of paper after unlocking the box. Even the girl was staring at it in astonishment.

And she even got a warm welcome by "Jack Sparrow" himself as he led her back to her seat. LOL.

Now guess the last segment of the show...

Yes, its a table floating trick!! I have seen many of such videos on Youtube before and have been scratching my head for ages how it was done.

There was absolutely NO loophole or whatsoever - I even tried lowering my head hoping to catch a glimpse of the hidden trick somewhere...

And it appeared like he was dancing with the table...

And here... He slowly rested the table on the ground..

And the show ended beautifully with the magician performing a short balloon restoring trick... 

He actually tore the balloon string into different pieces, but they seemed to have restored in their original form!!

(And lucky me, this yellow balloon was given to me at the end of the show. HAHA, I've got the magician's balloon! Woohoo. Refer to my last photo!!)

I love this ending shot! A re-appearance of everyone who participated in the show... 

GOOD WORK, SP TALENTS!!!

See see? That was the same yellow balloon that was used during the performance! The magician passed it to me and I took it. (Thank you leh!!)

I enjoyed myself thoroughly at the show. I wish I could have taken more photos with the magicians though.

Thank you so much to Singapore Polytechnic for inviting me! Judging by the professionalism and scale of the performance, I would never have thought they are students. I am so proud of how Singapore Polytechnic has groomed such successful talents.

To anyone from the show who is currently reading my entry now, WELL DONE YOU GUYS!!Thank you for the captivating magic performance!!