As a person who loves to sing, I really don't do enough KTV-style karaoke. I very much prefer open mic nights as I love an audience and want desperately to share my passion for performing with as many people as possible, which explains the existence of my blog and YouTube channel.
Recently I placed Gumtree and Craigslist ads (my second attempt) asking for busking buddies and I received two encouraging replies—one from a young classical pianist who also plays pop and is willing to be my instrumentalist and another who wants me to front a pop punk rock band (a la Jimmy Eat World), which I gladly accepted (I know this is so not my genre but I think I am versatile enough as a performer to switch—and who would pass off a chance to front a band?!).
Unfortunately I can only start busking when the pianist can afford the keyboard that he wants (around Christmas time when the sales come on). Also one of the guitarists and the keyboardist from the yet-to-be-established band decided to pull out. Sigh. The road of a performer is often fraught with obstacles and this again affirms my decision not to get into music full-time and give up my sort of "lucrative" chemical engineering profession. That does not mean that I will go soft on my endeavour to reduce the damage a job I have zero passion for can do to my well-being. So onwards I plod in my pursuit at becoming a legitimate singer and song-writer.
Back to the topic of karaoke, I mainly go there to sing to an impressionable audience (of less than five people most of the time) and also to try out new songs that I have learnt. Lately I discovered another reason—to record my singing and post it here and so this month's musical journey will feature the first of such videos. This is a cover of a song titled "醉赤壁" by a Singaporean singer called JJ 林俊傑. I hope you will enjoy this rendition (pardon the mid-song interruption when a friend entered the room).
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Brisbane through Facebook
Now that I have returned from Brisbane and back in the stressful Melbourne office, I am back in this rut cycle of a crazily speedy blur of a week and a slump-on-the-couch vegetative weekend. As a result this lazy post shall simply be a collection of Facebook updates during my three-month stint in Brisbane. However very exciting things are going to happen next month—I will be published in a magazine in Thailand which I will be the cover story (available free in hard copies and online) as well as in an online magazine based in the UK (available free for the uncensored version but you'd have to pay for the full version). I have seen the preview of the former so I know that is in the bag but the latter might still be a maybe so we shall see (pretty certain that it will go ahead though). In any case, I think I am doing quite well as a geeky chemical engineer to be able to get published on an ongoing basis as a "model" who does it only as a hobby (previous articles here, here and here).
So in July watch out for these firsts in my life—being published twice in a month, being a cover model and being full-frontally exhibited in a magazine packed with a whole lot of other really hot guys for the world to see. In the meantime, let these chronological Facebook updates offer you a little insight into my life in Brisbane.
+(02-2013).jpg)
"Brisbane is too hot and these few days are supposed to be unusually cool! Apartment is too big for myself (and has no Internet!). Work is OK so far but my lead is yet another aggressive b****. Already scolded by her a few times and I have not even started for 3 days. Consolation: lots of ogling hot muscled guys. Much more than Melbourne and I daresay even more (and of a better breed) than Sydney."
"And I miss my boo so much..."
"It's back to work tomorrow and my first actual weights session in Brisbane before that. Should I be there when the gym opens at 5.30am?"
"Just finished my first Body Attack with less than 5 people before the last track. Are Brisbanites not into such things?"
"For a little Brisbane update plus my new musical post, hop on down to my blog now!"
"Back in Melbourne. Clean crisp weather, I missed you so...."
"Happy Mardi Gras to all my Sydney friends!"
"The weather in Brisbane is so sucky right now. Glad I am back in Melbourne this weekend. Too bad that sucky weather will still be there to greet me at the Brisbane airport on Monday night."
"Birthday celebrations for Ision Ensor (aka boo) starting in 30 minutes. A buffet place that I always wanted to try followed by "Journey to the West" movie. Then at midnight it's presents time! Boo is going to like his pressie!!!"
"Tick tick tick... Ision Ensor's birthday drawing close. Birthday present to be given in one minute's time!"
"A Victorian going to work on a business trip-arrangement to Queensland. Does he, a Victorian employee get to have the Victorian Labour Day off on 11 March whilst in the Queensland office? Enlighten me."
"It is back to an Internet-less apartment in a few hours. I will be back over Easter. Boo... I will miss you so much..."
"Shooting gun man in Brisbane CBD at a location that I frequent. And that area is so heavily patrolled by police even. Scary!!!"
"Left my phone in a cab last night. I am trying to see if I can find it this morning but I will be out of contact in the meantime. Worst case scenario = I will lose all my contacts. Blessing in disguise = I can finally switch to a new phone."
"Finally have proper undisturbed Internet access to be on Facebook and also make my newest blog post! Check out my newest musical offering about a doomed relationship that one refuses to end because of how great the sex is."
"(Shared link) I have decided on my next phone. Even though the tablet doesn't have its own engine and is powered only by the phone, I am still going to get this when it is released, hopefully soon."
"Gold Coast day trip tomorrow. Uber hot beach boys here I come!"
"Freakish stormy weather in the city right now. Well, so much for good weather in Brisbane."
Melbourne, I am coming home for Easter."
"Thank goodness booboo is off work today. We really need some together-time today!!!"
"Is Australian a Christian country? Why are Christian messages allowed on national TV on Easter? Is this just a case of 'majority wins' in this state-and-church segregated nation?"
"It is so sickening not to be able to share pictures on the go without a smart phone!!!"
"Saw a Mesarati car ad selling the fact that its top speed is 289km/h. For goodness sake, where on earth on normal traffic roads is one allowed to travel at that speed?"
"You know the preview pic I posted earlier from my first-ever Brisbane shoot? It seems that the series is going to get published in July! YAY! Which means that I cannot post any more from that series till then. By the way, I am in the process of putting another shoot together in Brissy before my work wraps up there. Watch this space!"
"Getting re-acquainted with Xbox-gaming with 'The Witcher 2' right now. Gotta finish this before the 3rd installment comes out."
"As the debate on gay equality heats up again, here is an excerpt of how I felt about this back in 2004. Looks like nothing much has changed."
"Tick tock tick tock... A little more than hour more before I say goodbye to my boo..."
"(Shared picture) My Melbourne photo shoot on the day before my Brisbane assignment. This is one of the few G-rated previews that I can post on Facebook without any censorship. Haha. That shoot was hot!!!"
"Fortitude Valley is the place to be in Brisbane. Out of this suburb, this city is dead at night. Absolutely dead."
"(Shared link) When I saw a huge jump in blog hits, I realised it was from this website. It had a little blurb about me: 'I’m not sure if I’m in favor of an articulate male model. Articulated physically, sure. Having a brain, not so much. Chemical Engineer, Singer/Song-Writer, Model, and Blogger [he] manages to straddle the line with equal doses of his thoughts, his tales of moving from Singapore to Australia, and photos of his buffed body'. Aw.... how nice."
"Looks like an extension in Brisbane is imminent..."
"Wondering which photo shoot series I am going to post on my blog tomorrow..."
"Here's a new series before I depart for Brisbane yet again. A rare all-smiling series by Rod Sydney. Check it out!"
"Can someone tell me if a joining fee for an airline's frequent flyer program is a standard thing? This is the first time I have heard of such a thing (for Qantas) as all the programs I have joined previously are free. Such a rip-off if you need to pay to join!"
"Goodbye Melbourne. Tempted to say 'Goodbye Melbourne one last time' but I have a feeling that might not be true. I will miss you boo...."
"Brisbane extension to 17 May finally confirmed. Looks like I might be able to squeeze in one more photo shoot! We shall see."
"One more Anzac Day news report and I am going to flip...."
"Heading to the driving range now. I am going to cause a club to hit a ball so that it lands in a distance for the first time."
"Back in Melbourne for the weekend. My last short trip back before another 3 weeks in Brisbane after which my stint in Queensland officially ends. Iron Man 3 with boo tonight and Indonesian Street Festival at Queen Victoria Market tomorrow."
"(Shared MTV) A new song from my favourite singer Faye Wong. Her voice is still as enchanting as ever."
"Anyone knows when Padfone Infinity is going to be released in Asia outside of Taiwan? Or Australia for that matter?"
"Another departure... but this will be the last one, at least for some time. Before I go, here's this month's musical journey. If you like theme songs of corporate events, you are in for a treat."
"I recently heard from someone that it is very likely that Julia Gillard is lesbian and her relationship with the hairdresser is a cover-up. Has anyone heard of this theory before? This does make sense seeing what internalised homophobia can do to a person."
"Perfect weather forecast for this weekend! What shall I do with it? Thursday is my favourite day of the week because it is when anticipation for the weekend peaks."
"Boo, I feel so close to you right now even though we are so far away. Can't live without you very much longer. Happy 6th anniversary Ision Ensor! Here's to many many many more."
"Can someone tell me the release dates in various countries for the Padfone Infinity? And anyone has a picture of it in Champagne Gold?"
"Last full weekend in Brisbane. Must make the best out of it!"
"Last full working day in Brisbane. Come tomorrow, it will only be hand-over, desk-cleanup and project-demobilisation and then I will be out the door and on the plane back to my boo."
"....'cos I am leaving on a jet plane... don't know if I'll be back again..."
So in July watch out for these firsts in my life—being published twice in a month, being a cover model and being full-frontally exhibited in a magazine packed with a whole lot of other really hot guys for the world to see. In the meantime, let these chronological Facebook updates offer you a little insight into my life in Brisbane.
+(02-2013).jpg)
"And I miss my boo so much..."
"It's back to work tomorrow and my first actual weights session in Brisbane before that. Should I be there when the gym opens at 5.30am?"
"Just finished my first Body Attack with less than 5 people before the last track. Are Brisbanites not into such things?"
"For a little Brisbane update plus my new musical post, hop on down to my blog now!"
"Back in Melbourne. Clean crisp weather, I missed you so...."
"Happy Mardi Gras to all my Sydney friends!"
"The weather in Brisbane is so sucky right now. Glad I am back in Melbourne this weekend. Too bad that sucky weather will still be there to greet me at the Brisbane airport on Monday night."
"Birthday celebrations for Ision Ensor (aka boo) starting in 30 minutes. A buffet place that I always wanted to try followed by "Journey to the West" movie. Then at midnight it's presents time! Boo is going to like his pressie!!!"
"Tick tick tick... Ision Ensor's birthday drawing close. Birthday present to be given in one minute's time!"
"A Victorian going to work on a business trip-arrangement to Queensland. Does he, a Victorian employee get to have the Victorian Labour Day off on 11 March whilst in the Queensland office? Enlighten me."
"It is back to an Internet-less apartment in a few hours. I will be back over Easter. Boo... I will miss you so much..."
"Shooting gun man in Brisbane CBD at a location that I frequent. And that area is so heavily patrolled by police even. Scary!!!"
"Left my phone in a cab last night. I am trying to see if I can find it this morning but I will be out of contact in the meantime. Worst case scenario = I will lose all my contacts. Blessing in disguise = I can finally switch to a new phone."
"Finally have proper undisturbed Internet access to be on Facebook and also make my newest blog post! Check out my newest musical offering about a doomed relationship that one refuses to end because of how great the sex is."
"(Shared link) I have decided on my next phone. Even though the tablet doesn't have its own engine and is powered only by the phone, I am still going to get this when it is released, hopefully soon."
"Gold Coast day trip tomorrow. Uber hot beach boys here I come!"
"Freakish stormy weather in the city right now. Well, so much for good weather in Brisbane."
Melbourne, I am coming home for Easter."
"Thank goodness booboo is off work today. We really need some together-time today!!!"
"Is Australian a Christian country? Why are Christian messages allowed on national TV on Easter? Is this just a case of 'majority wins' in this state-and-church segregated nation?"
"It is so sickening not to be able to share pictures on the go without a smart phone!!!"
"Saw a Mesarati car ad selling the fact that its top speed is 289km/h. For goodness sake, where on earth on normal traffic roads is one allowed to travel at that speed?"
"You know the preview pic I posted earlier from my first-ever Brisbane shoot? It seems that the series is going to get published in July! YAY! Which means that I cannot post any more from that series till then. By the way, I am in the process of putting another shoot together in Brissy before my work wraps up there. Watch this space!"
"Getting re-acquainted with Xbox-gaming with 'The Witcher 2' right now. Gotta finish this before the 3rd installment comes out."
"As the debate on gay equality heats up again, here is an excerpt of how I felt about this back in 2004. Looks like nothing much has changed."
"Tick tock tick tock... A little more than hour more before I say goodbye to my boo..."
"(Shared picture) My Melbourne photo shoot on the day before my Brisbane assignment. This is one of the few G-rated previews that I can post on Facebook without any censorship. Haha. That shoot was hot!!!"
"Fortitude Valley is the place to be in Brisbane. Out of this suburb, this city is dead at night. Absolutely dead."
"(Shared link) When I saw a huge jump in blog hits, I realised it was from this website. It had a little blurb about me: 'I’m not sure if I’m in favor of an articulate male model. Articulated physically, sure. Having a brain, not so much. Chemical Engineer, Singer/Song-Writer, Model, and Blogger [he] manages to straddle the line with equal doses of his thoughts, his tales of moving from Singapore to Australia, and photos of his buffed body'. Aw.... how nice."
"Looks like an extension in Brisbane is imminent..."
"Wondering which photo shoot series I am going to post on my blog tomorrow..."
"Here's a new series before I depart for Brisbane yet again. A rare all-smiling series by Rod Sydney. Check it out!"
"Can someone tell me if a joining fee for an airline's frequent flyer program is a standard thing? This is the first time I have heard of such a thing (for Qantas) as all the programs I have joined previously are free. Such a rip-off if you need to pay to join!"
"Goodbye Melbourne. Tempted to say 'Goodbye Melbourne one last time' but I have a feeling that might not be true. I will miss you boo...."
"Brisbane extension to 17 May finally confirmed. Looks like I might be able to squeeze in one more photo shoot! We shall see."
"One more Anzac Day news report and I am going to flip...."
"Heading to the driving range now. I am going to cause a club to hit a ball so that it lands in a distance for the first time."
"Back in Melbourne for the weekend. My last short trip back before another 3 weeks in Brisbane after which my stint in Queensland officially ends. Iron Man 3 with boo tonight and Indonesian Street Festival at Queen Victoria Market tomorrow."
"(Shared MTV) A new song from my favourite singer Faye Wong. Her voice is still as enchanting as ever."
"Anyone knows when Padfone Infinity is going to be released in Asia outside of Taiwan? Or Australia for that matter?"
"Another departure... but this will be the last one, at least for some time. Before I go, here's this month's musical journey. If you like theme songs of corporate events, you are in for a treat."
"I recently heard from someone that it is very likely that Julia Gillard is lesbian and her relationship with the hairdresser is a cover-up. Has anyone heard of this theory before? This does make sense seeing what internalised homophobia can do to a person."
"Perfect weather forecast for this weekend! What shall I do with it? Thursday is my favourite day of the week because it is when anticipation for the weekend peaks."
"Boo, I feel so close to you right now even though we are so far away. Can't live without you very much longer. Happy 6th anniversary Ision Ensor! Here's to many many many more."
"Can someone tell me the release dates in various countries for the Padfone Infinity? And anyone has a picture of it in Champagne Gold?"
"Last full weekend in Brisbane. Must make the best out of it!"
"Last full working day in Brisbane. Come tomorrow, it will only be hand-over, desk-cleanup and project-demobilisation and then I will be out the door and on the plane back to my boo."
"....'cos I am leaving on a jet plane... don't know if I'll be back again..."
Friday, May 31, 2013
Musical journey (35)
About a fortnight ago, I posted on Facebook telling my friends that I have written one of my most sexually-explicit song ever. And in this month's musical journey, you will get to experience it.
As you know I was in Brisbane for three months and the nights during the week did get very boring. To pass the time, I decided to embark on the journey of writing this song. It started pretty well in the non-sexual phase of the plot but it soon dawned on me that it was not going to be easy writing the rest. Firstly it is an up-tempo song with lots of words in a short span of time so there needs to be a lot of content. Secondly and perhaps the most difficult thing was to write about a raw sexual encounter using the Chinese language, one that is lyrical and poetic. You see, English is a much more direct and I daresay a more crude language especially when it comes to pop lyrics. If I were to write in English, I could use rather unpolished words and still make the song sound quite OK. But you cannot do that in Chinese, or at least easily.
So with the tall task of writing a subtle yet extremely explicit song about public sex, or more specifically a gay threesome in a dark alley, I soldiered on. As there are a lot of words in this song, I had to break the writing process up and only finish it when I got back to Melbourne. The words also tell a complete story (like a lot of my other works), one that is all too common in the gay clubbing and cruising scene (and based on one of my fantasies—swap "dark alley" with "bush behind a nude beach" and it becomes a true personal story, hehe). The often tongue-twisting words also made the song quite a challenge to record and many takes had to be done.
And then it came to the clip that I should use for the song. That itself was a mental tussle. Should I use sexually-explicit footage that befits the song but risk turning off most of my straighter audience or a more neutral one capable of reaching out to most people but compromise what I really want to do? I ended up walking down the latter path and chose a montage of gay dance parties.
As you can see, every composition I post takes me through a journey (and hence the title of these posts). From conceptualising the bit of inspiration that strikes you and turning it into something full and substantial with words and tune to recording it to achieve the ideal that you want and producing a musical clip that must not only further the genre but also allow people to identify with, it is indeed a journey. And with every piece, I also hope that my audience can go through their own journey and allow themselves to be led somewhere both thought-provoking and fun.
[三角戏]
词 / 曲 : 锦泉
离三毫米 不能呼吸
请你 别再抗拒 地心引力
哦 赶快跌进 我的怀里
放心 我会保护你 顽皮的小秘密
在小巷里 黑漆漆
就地 解决就行 不成问题
快 缩短距离 让我进去
好让我 带领你 到最高界境
这一秒里 保证让你
不会忘记 这样的亲密
你口中的我 手中的你
就快不行 扭动你滚烫的身体
谁在那里 偷偷注意
喘气 目不转睛 寸步不移
我 看着你 看我那里
拼命 抚摸着自己 我要你过瘾
再靠近 两个身影
逼近 高潮迭起 这三角戏
卡 演出暂停 透一口气
我不想 那么快 到一个结局
这一秒里 要感觉你
紧贴着你 汗湿的背心
你手中的我 口中的你
寂静夜里 听你我狂叫的声音
赤裸的兽性 吞食我的心 不要停
不需要言语 用你的肢体 下命令
脱掉上衣 自 high 到底
瞧你 站在那里 so lonely
来 就在这里 我要你
跪地 别再犹豫 I know you want me
双眼紧闭 快感交集
身体 位置交替 这才有趣
Why 要去压抑 自然反应
放任你 血液里 原始的野性
这一秒里 什么都别理
你们的使命 是让我高兴
我手中的他 口中的你
要在一起 耗一整夜 不要休息
你要我继续 抛开所有顾虑 豁出去
不准你抽离 沸腾这情绪 再用力
让我进去 哦 再用力
我 不准你抽离
[Threesome]
Three millimeters apart and I can't breathe
Please don't keep resisting gravity
And fall straight into my arms
Don't worry, your naughty little secret will be safe with me
Let's just do it in this dark alley, no worries at all
Quick, come closer and let me in
So I can take you to the highest realm
In this second I guarantee that
You will never forget this intimacy
With me in your mouth and you in my hand
I can't take it much longer, the way you gyrate that hot body
Who's there, watching secretly
Panting, gaze affixed and still
I see that you are looking at me down there while fondling yourself
I want you to feel good
Even closer, two bodies
Edging towards the climax of this play of three characters
"Cut"! Let's take a breather
I don't want this show to reach its ending so soon
In this second I want to feel you
And press against you and your singlet wet with perspiration
With me in your hand and you in my mouth
Listening to our screams in this silent night
Animal instinct in its naked glory gnawing at my heart
Don't stop
No words are needed when you use your body to command
You take your top off as you let yourself get high
Look at you, standing there, so lonely
Come, I want you right here
Don't hesitate, just get on your knees 'cos I know you want me
Eyes shut tightly and flooded with ecstasy
Bodies changing positions, that's what makes it fun
Why do we need to suppress our natural reflexes
Just let this primeval wildness flow freely in your blood
In this second cast all your thoughts aside
Your sole mission is to make me happy
With him in my hand and you in his mouth
Let us not stop and do this all night
You want me to carry on and release myself wantonly
I won't let you withdraw as I want to get higher
So push harder
Let me in
Push harder
I won't let you withdraw
As you know I was in Brisbane for three months and the nights during the week did get very boring. To pass the time, I decided to embark on the journey of writing this song. It started pretty well in the non-sexual phase of the plot but it soon dawned on me that it was not going to be easy writing the rest. Firstly it is an up-tempo song with lots of words in a short span of time so there needs to be a lot of content. Secondly and perhaps the most difficult thing was to write about a raw sexual encounter using the Chinese language, one that is lyrical and poetic. You see, English is a much more direct and I daresay a more crude language especially when it comes to pop lyrics. If I were to write in English, I could use rather unpolished words and still make the song sound quite OK. But you cannot do that in Chinese, or at least easily.
So with the tall task of writing a subtle yet extremely explicit song about public sex, or more specifically a gay threesome in a dark alley, I soldiered on. As there are a lot of words in this song, I had to break the writing process up and only finish it when I got back to Melbourne. The words also tell a complete story (like a lot of my other works), one that is all too common in the gay clubbing and cruising scene (and based on one of my fantasies—swap "dark alley" with "bush behind a nude beach" and it becomes a true personal story, hehe). The often tongue-twisting words also made the song quite a challenge to record and many takes had to be done.
And then it came to the clip that I should use for the song. That itself was a mental tussle. Should I use sexually-explicit footage that befits the song but risk turning off most of my straighter audience or a more neutral one capable of reaching out to most people but compromise what I really want to do? I ended up walking down the latter path and chose a montage of gay dance parties.
As you can see, every composition I post takes me through a journey (and hence the title of these posts). From conceptualising the bit of inspiration that strikes you and turning it into something full and substantial with words and tune to recording it to achieve the ideal that you want and producing a musical clip that must not only further the genre but also allow people to identify with, it is indeed a journey. And with every piece, I also hope that my audience can go through their own journey and allow themselves to be led somewhere both thought-provoking and fun.
[三角戏]
词 / 曲 : 锦泉
离三毫米 不能呼吸
请你 别再抗拒 地心引力
哦 赶快跌进 我的怀里
放心 我会保护你 顽皮的小秘密
在小巷里 黑漆漆
就地 解决就行 不成问题
快 缩短距离 让我进去
好让我 带领你 到最高界境
这一秒里 保证让你
不会忘记 这样的亲密
你口中的我 手中的你
就快不行 扭动你滚烫的身体
谁在那里 偷偷注意
喘气 目不转睛 寸步不移
我 看着你 看我那里
拼命 抚摸着自己 我要你过瘾
再靠近 两个身影
逼近 高潮迭起 这三角戏
卡 演出暂停 透一口气
我不想 那么快 到一个结局
这一秒里 要感觉你
紧贴着你 汗湿的背心
你手中的我 口中的你
寂静夜里 听你我狂叫的声音
赤裸的兽性 吞食我的心 不要停
不需要言语 用你的肢体 下命令
脱掉上衣 自 high 到底
瞧你 站在那里 so lonely
来 就在这里 我要你
跪地 别再犹豫 I know you want me
双眼紧闭 快感交集
身体 位置交替 这才有趣
Why 要去压抑 自然反应
放任你 血液里 原始的野性
这一秒里 什么都别理
你们的使命 是让我高兴
我手中的他 口中的你
要在一起 耗一整夜 不要休息
你要我继续 抛开所有顾虑 豁出去
不准你抽离 沸腾这情绪 再用力
让我进去 哦 再用力
我 不准你抽离
[Threesome]
Three millimeters apart and I can't breathe
Please don't keep resisting gravity
And fall straight into my arms
Don't worry, your naughty little secret will be safe with me
Let's just do it in this dark alley, no worries at all
Quick, come closer and let me in
So I can take you to the highest realm
In this second I guarantee that
You will never forget this intimacy
With me in your mouth and you in my hand
I can't take it much longer, the way you gyrate that hot body
Who's there, watching secretly
Panting, gaze affixed and still
I see that you are looking at me down there while fondling yourself
I want you to feel good
Even closer, two bodies
Edging towards the climax of this play of three characters
"Cut"! Let's take a breather
I don't want this show to reach its ending so soon
In this second I want to feel you
And press against you and your singlet wet with perspiration
With me in your hand and you in my mouth
Listening to our screams in this silent night
Animal instinct in its naked glory gnawing at my heart
Don't stop
No words are needed when you use your body to command
You take your top off as you let yourself get high
Look at you, standing there, so lonely
Come, I want you right here
Don't hesitate, just get on your knees 'cos I know you want me
Eyes shut tightly and flooded with ecstasy
Bodies changing positions, that's what makes it fun
Why do we need to suppress our natural reflexes
Just let this primeval wildness flow freely in your blood
In this second cast all your thoughts aside
Your sole mission is to make me happy
With him in my hand and you in his mouth
Let us not stop and do this all night
You want me to carry on and release myself wantonly
I won't let you withdraw as I want to get higher
So push harder
Let me in
Push harder
I won't let you withdraw
Monday, May 6, 2013
The sixth year
It's the 6th year today!
The start of my relationship with Ision was a little messy as it was not only long-distance, I was also seeing someone else then (that was a doomed relationship and his name was Michael). Ision was always a very real possibility at the back of my mind and I was so ready to commit to him once I got final confirmation that Michael is no more. There was a side of Ision during that time that I rarely see nowadays. An emo side that I guess will inevitably diminish with maturity both in one's being and in one's relationships. Just to let you have an idea of how he was back then, here is a poem he wrote after I told him I couldn't be with him as I was still with Michael.
I see you there
So near so far
Watching you heals
So many old scars
I dream to bring you
From your world to mine
To link our hearts
As our fingers intertwine
I have to move
I have to change
I ask God now
For courage through pain
To see myself in the image of grace
To see you in my immediate space
To know and believe
To reach out and receive
A love that is gentle
Simple and pure
Arms that are strong
And forever sure
For this now
Forever I pray
But with prayer alone
A prayer it will stay…
I get a little tingle at the back of my spine every time I read that for the feelings within those words were so strong. It is good to remind myself now and again that our relationship was built on such powerful emotions that only come with love. Well, that confirmation that Michael was history came eventually and Ision and I then became an item. However the date on which that happened was questionable. After digging through SMSes and emails, we decided that the day should be 6th May 2007 and we have stuck by that.
Six years have passed since then and we are now only a year away from the "7th year itch". However I am confident that the itch wouldn't happen because of our open relationship status, which is something I strongly advocate for anyone who has the stomach for it. But that is only part of the equation and there is always the issue of the "emotional itch". Again I don't think that would surface based on how comfortable we are with each other right now. We are also quite lazy so we are very unlikely to go through the massive trouble of getting used to a new person and trying to embrace his flaws all over again. That being said, nobody knows what will happen in the future. As a practical engineer, I must concede to that. But for now, we are one and will always be for the forseeable future.
Booboo, although I am not physically next to you on this special day, my love will be, just like how I constantly feel your love all around me. Mushy as that sounds, it is the truth so I had to say that. Oh, and this too:
Happy 6th annniversary!
The start of my relationship with Ision was a little messy as it was not only long-distance, I was also seeing someone else then (that was a doomed relationship and his name was Michael). Ision was always a very real possibility at the back of my mind and I was so ready to commit to him once I got final confirmation that Michael is no more. There was a side of Ision during that time that I rarely see nowadays. An emo side that I guess will inevitably diminish with maturity both in one's being and in one's relationships. Just to let you have an idea of how he was back then, here is a poem he wrote after I told him I couldn't be with him as I was still with Michael.
I see you there
So near so far
Watching you heals
So many old scars
I dream to bring you
From your world to mine
To link our hearts
As our fingers intertwine
I have to move
I have to change
I ask God now
For courage through pain
To see myself in the image of grace
To see you in my immediate space
To know and believe
To reach out and receive
A love that is gentle
Simple and pure
Arms that are strong
And forever sure
For this now
Forever I pray
But with prayer alone
A prayer it will stay…
I get a little tingle at the back of my spine every time I read that for the feelings within those words were so strong. It is good to remind myself now and again that our relationship was built on such powerful emotions that only come with love. Well, that confirmation that Michael was history came eventually and Ision and I then became an item. However the date on which that happened was questionable. After digging through SMSes and emails, we decided that the day should be 6th May 2007 and we have stuck by that.
Six years have passed since then and we are now only a year away from the "7th year itch". However I am confident that the itch wouldn't happen because of our open relationship status, which is something I strongly advocate for anyone who has the stomach for it. But that is only part of the equation and there is always the issue of the "emotional itch". Again I don't think that would surface based on how comfortable we are with each other right now. We are also quite lazy so we are very unlikely to go through the massive trouble of getting used to a new person and trying to embrace his flaws all over again. That being said, nobody knows what will happen in the future. As a practical engineer, I must concede to that. But for now, we are one and will always be for the forseeable future.
Booboo, although I am not physically next to you on this special day, my love will be, just like how I constantly feel your love all around me. Mushy as that sounds, it is the truth so I had to say that. Oh, and this too:
Happy 6th annniversary!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Musical journey (34)
Ever since I began working in Australia, I started missing something that I used to dread when I was employed back home—attending corporate team-building events. I used to find them a waste of time and thought that it would be better if we were given a day off instead. It is strange that not many Australian companies do this kind of thing (at least not as commonly as Singaporean ones). Maybe a social night of drinking is what Aussies regard as team-building. I must say I find Australian companies more stingy when it comes to employee benefits (maybe these team-building events are too cost-prohibitive). But then again I have only worked for one so what do I know?
I remember writing a song for my company's team-building event after management found out that I had that talent. It was quite easy writing such songs because the words are very simple and corporate-like (ie. sterile and fake) which do not need to be based on any real story or emotions. However this month's musical journey does not feature my own composition but a song I recorded with a bunch of singers for another corporate event. It was an interesting collaboration and I always enjoy sessions in a recording studio. On top of that I got paid just for lending my voice to this HSR project (HSR being the name of the company). I only wish I had more fun opportunities like that.
So have a listen and tell me how sterile and fake it is!
PS: I have 3 weeks more of my final work rotation in Brisbane and then I will be back in Melbourne (at least there is work planned for me for 3 - 4 months), the place where the political rat race is sure to take its toll on me once again. Sigh, the things we all must do to pay the bills...
I remember writing a song for my company's team-building event after management found out that I had that talent. It was quite easy writing such songs because the words are very simple and corporate-like (ie. sterile and fake) which do not need to be based on any real story or emotions. However this month's musical journey does not feature my own composition but a song I recorded with a bunch of singers for another corporate event. It was an interesting collaboration and I always enjoy sessions in a recording studio. On top of that I got paid just for lending my voice to this HSR project (HSR being the name of the company). I only wish I had more fun opportunities like that.
So have a listen and tell me how sterile and fake it is!
PS: I have 3 weeks more of my final work rotation in Brisbane and then I will be back in Melbourne (at least there is work planned for me for 3 - 4 months), the place where the political rat race is sure to take its toll on me once again. Sigh, the things we all must do to pay the bills...
Sunday, April 14, 2013
The smiling series
I have received many "complaints" that I don't smile enough in my photos and I have always explained that a lot of photographers are looking for that brooding intense and sexy look thereby making smiling out of the question. But truth be told, some photographers I have worked with actually wanted full smiles. I must admit I find it hard to smile in shoots as I find them artificial and made up and when I don't smile, I look either too serious or grumpy. I must really learn to either be sexy and not stern or smiling and not fake. Indeed, I have lots more to learn as a model.
In this post, I shall share a short series of (rare) smiling pictures taken by my friend Rod Spark in the idyllic setting of the River Island Nature Retreat. This was an impromptu shoot during a weekend event at a nudist retreat but it actually turned out quite well. Fortunately someone had a pair of swimming trunks (albeit at a nudist event) that fit me so I could be in these shareable G-rated pics. Of course there is a whole other fully-nude part to this series, which in my opinion because they showcase my oneness with nature, is much more beautiful.
Not too shabby for a completely impromptu session eh? Kudos to Rod! I will have my second Brisbane photo shoot in a couple of days. It will be an outdoor one at night and I am SO looking forward to it!
In this post, I shall share a short series of (rare) smiling pictures taken by my friend Rod Spark in the idyllic setting of the River Island Nature Retreat. This was an impromptu shoot during a weekend event at a nudist retreat but it actually turned out quite well. Fortunately someone had a pair of swimming trunks (albeit at a nudist event) that fit me so I could be in these shareable G-rated pics. Of course there is a whole other fully-nude part to this series, which in my opinion because they showcase my oneness with nature, is much more beautiful.
Not too shabby for a completely impromptu session eh? Kudos to Rod! I will have my second Brisbane photo shoot in a couple of days. It will be an outdoor one at night and I am SO looking forward to it!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
The equality debate
Lately there is a great deal of gay activism on the social networks in regards to marriage equality and I have an inkling we are at the precipice of a paradigm-shift in the minds of the people of the world. In my opinion, we now have the critical mass to create a chain reaction that will not cease till there is full equality on the planet (or at least in the developed world). This is 2013 and I think the anti-gay camp is evolved enough by now to rise above those few weak and tired arguments against denying us the rights that we deserve.
I remember when I first came out and fully accepted my sexual identity, I went into a phase of getting into online debates with these naysayers. That was about ten years ago but the arguments on both sides have not changed. We are still in the same spot fighting the same fight and we are going to continue to fight. Hence this is a good time to let you in on how I felt then (and now) about this. Here is an excerpt of one of these lengthy responses I made to those homophobes back in 2004 (the preceding paragraphs were about the biological side of the debate ie. genetics and homosexuality in the animal kingdom):
"The opponents of homosexuality have always used a distorted upbringing in one's life as the reason for homosexuality and in my opinion, that is just plain wrong. Believe it or not, back in my home country (Singapore), there is a clause in the media censorship board that says that the media is only allowed to introduce homosexuality if it is portrayed in a bad light. What end up on the TV screens are psychopathic homosexuals with a sordid history of sexual abuse by someone of the same sex, homosexuals without positive same-sex role models during their adolescent years, etc. I am really sick and tired of that to be honest because it is just not true. Many gay people I know come from perfectly normal families.
As for the moral argument, we all know that moral values are dichotomised into secular and non-secular ones but the many voices we hear against homosexuality are usually from the Christians. That irks me a lot for many reasons. Christians have been going against everything that is not Bible-approved ranging from contraception to the theory of evolution. What irritates me is their opportunistic behaviour, taking any chance to jump on the loud religious bandwagon and cooling down after a while when they realise that what they say have close to zero impact. Recently, the issue of gay marriages has been a hot one and we see Christians sparing no chances of voicing out their moralistic concerns. But what happened to pre-marital sex? If I am not wrong, I believe that is as wrong as homosexuality but we don't see Christians holding placards outside broadcast stations every time a scene of pre-marital sex is shown on air right? This is because they know that there's nothing they can do about that anymore and thus the double standard.
What makes the religious argument topple like a house of cards is the simple fact that not everyone has the same religion and so there is no single religious yardstick to measure standards of morality. In the eyes of Christians, Muslims and Buddhists for instance are but as wrong as homosexuals, drug addicts, rapists and murderers so do we really have to waste our time listening to their incessant chanting? It's time they get down their biblical high horses and give their due respect to people of other faith and creed.
Although the above is not as simple to argue on a non-secular platform, the debate for homosexuality actually stems from the same spine. Different people have different moral values and that's that. Although some things like genocide and terrorism are unmistakably wrong, this is when the legal system kicks in and rule against such crimes. Morals and legal sanctions shouldn't and mustn't be confused as two hand-in-hand concepts though they do overlap. The difference is that the latter is black-and-white while the former is grey. Laws undoubtedly serve their useful purpose in society but beyond the penal code is a world of grey and judgements cannot be passed as simply. Homosexuality belongs in this realm of grey alongside euthanasia, abortion or even cannibalism (as long as it is consensual and the one being eaten is not killed by the person eating him/her). The debate will be interminable and that's what makes it grey. I steadfastly stand in my camp because at the end of the day, no one can dictate how and who a person loves. Who is to say one's love is wrong?
Finally we come to the numbers game but we have to ask ourselves is everything always a clear-cut case of "majority wins"? Proponents of this time-worn adage have long used it to partly, if not wholly justify the slavery of Blacks, discrimination against women and the marginalisation of the handicapped. But each of these acts of oppression have been gradually driven to extinction as the world is becoming more rational and compassionate. So why not extend this warm feeling to homosexuality now since by way of historic trends, homosexuality will inevitably become a non-issue in the future? Why not make its realisation sooner? Many countries are slowly getting there (Netherlands, Belgium, the state of Massachusetts and several states in Canada legalize gay marriages) but the majority is still deep-rooted in the quagmire of prejudice and ignorance. Homosexuals deserve the same rights as everyone else even if they are the minority since we are but as normal as Blacks, women and the handicapped.
I always believe that a country's progress in the race to better humanity can be gauged reliably by its acceptance of homosexuals, which I term "the final frontier". In millions of years to come, if aliens were to reach and reside on our planet, they will no doubt face the same problems of being the minority and "the final frontier" (I think I have been dwelling in too much science-fiction). What I want to say is -- give us a god-damn f***ing break already."
As you can see, I had a pretty strong stance and conviction in my words back then. Although I am much mellower now, the activist in me is still very much alive. As we all step onto this non-stop freight train to marriage equality, let's take a moment to celebrate how far we have come along and use this positive energy to gear us up for the final legs of this battle. I always tell people that I see the legalisation of gay marriage in Australia in three years' time. I have not felt more confident about that than I do now.
I remember when I first came out and fully accepted my sexual identity, I went into a phase of getting into online debates with these naysayers. That was about ten years ago but the arguments on both sides have not changed. We are still in the same spot fighting the same fight and we are going to continue to fight. Hence this is a good time to let you in on how I felt then (and now) about this. Here is an excerpt of one of these lengthy responses I made to those homophobes back in 2004 (the preceding paragraphs were about the biological side of the debate ie. genetics and homosexuality in the animal kingdom):
"The opponents of homosexuality have always used a distorted upbringing in one's life as the reason for homosexuality and in my opinion, that is just plain wrong. Believe it or not, back in my home country (Singapore), there is a clause in the media censorship board that says that the media is only allowed to introduce homosexuality if it is portrayed in a bad light. What end up on the TV screens are psychopathic homosexuals with a sordid history of sexual abuse by someone of the same sex, homosexuals without positive same-sex role models during their adolescent years, etc. I am really sick and tired of that to be honest because it is just not true. Many gay people I know come from perfectly normal families.
As for the moral argument, we all know that moral values are dichotomised into secular and non-secular ones but the many voices we hear against homosexuality are usually from the Christians. That irks me a lot for many reasons. Christians have been going against everything that is not Bible-approved ranging from contraception to the theory of evolution. What irritates me is their opportunistic behaviour, taking any chance to jump on the loud religious bandwagon and cooling down after a while when they realise that what they say have close to zero impact. Recently, the issue of gay marriages has been a hot one and we see Christians sparing no chances of voicing out their moralistic concerns. But what happened to pre-marital sex? If I am not wrong, I believe that is as wrong as homosexuality but we don't see Christians holding placards outside broadcast stations every time a scene of pre-marital sex is shown on air right? This is because they know that there's nothing they can do about that anymore and thus the double standard.
What makes the religious argument topple like a house of cards is the simple fact that not everyone has the same religion and so there is no single religious yardstick to measure standards of morality. In the eyes of Christians, Muslims and Buddhists for instance are but as wrong as homosexuals, drug addicts, rapists and murderers so do we really have to waste our time listening to their incessant chanting? It's time they get down their biblical high horses and give their due respect to people of other faith and creed.
Although the above is not as simple to argue on a non-secular platform, the debate for homosexuality actually stems from the same spine. Different people have different moral values and that's that. Although some things like genocide and terrorism are unmistakably wrong, this is when the legal system kicks in and rule against such crimes. Morals and legal sanctions shouldn't and mustn't be confused as two hand-in-hand concepts though they do overlap. The difference is that the latter is black-and-white while the former is grey. Laws undoubtedly serve their useful purpose in society but beyond the penal code is a world of grey and judgements cannot be passed as simply. Homosexuality belongs in this realm of grey alongside euthanasia, abortion or even cannibalism (as long as it is consensual and the one being eaten is not killed by the person eating him/her). The debate will be interminable and that's what makes it grey. I steadfastly stand in my camp because at the end of the day, no one can dictate how and who a person loves. Who is to say one's love is wrong?
Finally we come to the numbers game but we have to ask ourselves is everything always a clear-cut case of "majority wins"? Proponents of this time-worn adage have long used it to partly, if not wholly justify the slavery of Blacks, discrimination against women and the marginalisation of the handicapped. But each of these acts of oppression have been gradually driven to extinction as the world is becoming more rational and compassionate. So why not extend this warm feeling to homosexuality now since by way of historic trends, homosexuality will inevitably become a non-issue in the future? Why not make its realisation sooner? Many countries are slowly getting there (Netherlands, Belgium, the state of Massachusetts and several states in Canada legalize gay marriages) but the majority is still deep-rooted in the quagmire of prejudice and ignorance. Homosexuals deserve the same rights as everyone else even if they are the minority since we are but as normal as Blacks, women and the handicapped.
I always believe that a country's progress in the race to better humanity can be gauged reliably by its acceptance of homosexuals, which I term "the final frontier". In millions of years to come, if aliens were to reach and reside on our planet, they will no doubt face the same problems of being the minority and "the final frontier" (I think I have been dwelling in too much science-fiction). What I want to say is -- give us a god-damn f***ing break already."
As you can see, I had a pretty strong stance and conviction in my words back then. Although I am much mellower now, the activist in me is still very much alive. As we all step onto this non-stop freight train to marriage equality, let's take a moment to celebrate how far we have come along and use this positive energy to gear us up for the final legs of this battle. I always tell people that I see the legalisation of gay marriage in Australia in three years' time. I have not felt more confident about that than I do now.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Musical journey (33)
As if being trapped in an apartment with no Internet is not dire a situation enough, I had to lose my smartphone by leaving it in a cab. You will think that cab drivers in Australia are more honest and will return lost properties right? You are so wrong. I had no such luck given that the driver was Asian (South Asian to be more exact). Since I already have the next phone I want to buy in mind, I have gotten myself a cheap-arse replacement model to tide me till I get the new one (it will be released first in UK next month). Fortunately I could retain my old number but alas I have lost all my contacts. I must remember to back them up in the future. The important photos and media in the phone have been backed up but I have still lost some that I have not. Better luck next time!
Anyway I knew I would be living like a hermit in Brisbane so I prepared my musical post in advance during my last trip back to Melbourne so I can share it more easily. Now that I am at my friend's place (with Internet!), I can finally post this.
This month's musical journey deals with bad relationships with amazing sex. Though a simple concept, it is not one that many people would experience, including myself. Sometimes writing is also about letting your imagination run wild and conjuring up scenarios and fantasies that are far away. In this song, your lover has cheated on you and you know that as you can see all the signs be it a change in his behaviour or his incessant excuses and lies. However you still stay with him for just one more night of passion. And this becomes a vicious cycle as you ask for that night of wild love-making over and over again whilst being stuck in a doomed relationship that is going nowhere.
I will be back in Melbourne for Easter and that is the time when I will make my next post. In the meantime, enjoy this month's musical offering. I remember when I had the chance to let the famous Singapore-based song-writer twins (李伟菘/李偲菘) listen to this song, they both felt that it was great and had really good selling potential. One of them even knew who the song could be sold to. It is just too bad shortly after that meeting, I relocated to Australia and that plan to sell this song got lost and forgotten. Maybe it is time to set that plan back in motion once again...
[多一次缠绵]
词 / 曲 : 锦泉
吻我的脸， 在烟花还未枯萎前
带我飞跃那条心碎的抛物线
别再拖延， 用寂寞来拉长时间
要分裂， 就快一点
他来之前， 你已经开始在蜕变
像只蝴蝶躲进它遗弃的蛹里面
就别再辩， 责任你也该负一点
爱情表面原来那么肤浅
搪塞藉口那么直接
还要我代你说抱歉
一句承诺那么敷衍
还换来一场梦魇
爱情的路没有终点
走到尽头又是原点
爱你虽然没有明天
只要今夜有多一次缠绵
不再新鲜， 你那一张傻笑的脸
你的谎言， 留下来再把他欺骗
给我时间， 在某年某月某一天
回头一瞥， 我会笑我那么可怜
[One More Night of Passion]
Kiss my face before the fireworks vanish
Take me on a journey along the trajectory of heartbreak
Don't delay the inevitable by extending time with loneliness
If you want to split up, you better hurry up
I can see your metamorphosis even before he came
Just like a butterfly crawling back into the cocoon it once abandoned
Please don't argue and shoulder at least a little responsibility
I never realised on the surface of love, things could be so superficial
With excuses so direct, I cannot help but apologise on your behalf
With promises so patronising, all I get in the end are nightmares
The road to love has no end
As you start from the beginning when you are at the finishing line
There is no future in loving you
But I still need one more night of passion with you
Your smiling face is no longer appealing
And you can leave all your lies for him
Give me some time for I am sure at some point in the unknown future
I will look back and laugh at how pitiful I once was
Anyway I knew I would be living like a hermit in Brisbane so I prepared my musical post in advance during my last trip back to Melbourne so I can share it more easily. Now that I am at my friend's place (with Internet!), I can finally post this.
This month's musical journey deals with bad relationships with amazing sex. Though a simple concept, it is not one that many people would experience, including myself. Sometimes writing is also about letting your imagination run wild and conjuring up scenarios and fantasies that are far away. In this song, your lover has cheated on you and you know that as you can see all the signs be it a change in his behaviour or his incessant excuses and lies. However you still stay with him for just one more night of passion. And this becomes a vicious cycle as you ask for that night of wild love-making over and over again whilst being stuck in a doomed relationship that is going nowhere.
I will be back in Melbourne for Easter and that is the time when I will make my next post. In the meantime, enjoy this month's musical offering. I remember when I had the chance to let the famous Singapore-based song-writer twins (李伟菘/李偲菘) listen to this song, they both felt that it was great and had really good selling potential. One of them even knew who the song could be sold to. It is just too bad shortly after that meeting, I relocated to Australia and that plan to sell this song got lost and forgotten. Maybe it is time to set that plan back in motion once again...
[多一次缠绵]
词 / 曲 : 锦泉
吻我的脸， 在烟花还未枯萎前
带我飞跃那条心碎的抛物线
别再拖延， 用寂寞来拉长时间
要分裂， 就快一点
他来之前， 你已经开始在蜕变
像只蝴蝶躲进它遗弃的蛹里面
就别再辩， 责任你也该负一点
爱情表面原来那么肤浅
搪塞藉口那么直接
还要我代你说抱歉
一句承诺那么敷衍
还换来一场梦魇
爱情的路没有终点
走到尽头又是原点
爱你虽然没有明天
只要今夜有多一次缠绵
不再新鲜， 你那一张傻笑的脸
你的谎言， 留下来再把他欺骗
给我时间， 在某年某月某一天
回头一瞥， 我会笑我那么可怜
[One More Night of Passion]
Kiss my face before the fireworks vanish
Take me on a journey along the trajectory of heartbreak
Don't delay the inevitable by extending time with loneliness
If you want to split up, you better hurry up
I can see your metamorphosis even before he came
Just like a butterfly crawling back into the cocoon it once abandoned
Please don't argue and shoulder at least a little responsibility
I never realised on the surface of love, things could be so superficial
With excuses so direct, I cannot help but apologise on your behalf
With promises so patronising, all I get in the end are nightmares
The road to love has no end
As you start from the beginning when you are at the finishing line
There is no future in loving you
But I still need one more night of passion with you
Your smiling face is no longer appealing
And you can leave all your lies for him
Give me some time for I am sure at some point in the unknown future
I will look back and laugh at how pitiful I once was
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Musical journey (32)
Hello from sunny Brisbane!!!
Although things are a little slow-moving here, this small city does have its charm. Because of the warm weather, I can walk around topless all the time, even in the CBD. Plus I recently discovered this wonderful pool with an artificial beach right in the city (Southbank). I was not prepared for swimming then so I did not go for a dip but I am so going to do it the next time I am there. And there are SO many hot muscular guys here, much more than Melbourne and Sydney! They all wear so little in this temperature! Yummy!
Also the Botanical Gardens is such a good place for a jog and it is much better than the (small) one in Melbourne. However there is no internet in my Spring Hill service apartment (not that I can use it without a computer or laptop). Luckily I can go to a friend's pad in the city to use his. Although my place is near the office and not too far from the city, it is unfortunately on top of a hill and so it takes a bit of climbing every time I have to return home (be it from work, from a day out in the city or from my grocery-run at the nearest supermarket). On the one hand, it is good exercise but on the other, it causes much stickiness in this humid weather which I am still getting used to. That being said, the unit I am living in is big enough for me and it comes with all the essentials. Maybe it is too big, which accentuates the loneliness without my boo...
Well that is a brief update from me, a little more than a week into living in this new state and city. I will provide more updates (eg. new friends, work, social activities and so on) as the days go by. I will now go back to talking about my music.
Some of you might be aware that I was planning to busk in Melbourne right in the city centre. Alas my guitarist has found a new job in a woop-woop part of New Zealand which means that our plans are now down the drain (my going to Brisbane does not help a single bit too). However I am still determined to do that one day. Unlike being a pop star, you do not need to know the right people, have the right looks and be at the right age to busk. It is true performance art without all the fakery and hence there is no expiry date for such an ambition. So I will continue to look for the chance to showcase my musical talent and jump at the chance to do so whenever that opportunity surfaces.
And one of such opportunities came about during my trip back home last year when I crashed my friend's pub gig, something that has happened on many occasions. This time, I did a Jason Mraz cover. It is one of those songs that is written right from the heart with an emotional story and it really appeals to me. This song-writer is one of the most brilliant out there and if I can just be half as good as him, I would be very happy with myself.
This month's musical journey brought to you by me, "Love for a Child".
Boo... I will be back tomorrow night to hug and kiss you again. I miss you so much!
Although things are a little slow-moving here, this small city does have its charm. Because of the warm weather, I can walk around topless all the time, even in the CBD. Plus I recently discovered this wonderful pool with an artificial beach right in the city (Southbank). I was not prepared for swimming then so I did not go for a dip but I am so going to do it the next time I am there. And there are SO many hot muscular guys here, much more than Melbourne and Sydney! They all wear so little in this temperature! Yummy!
Also the Botanical Gardens is such a good place for a jog and it is much better than the (small) one in Melbourne. However there is no internet in my Spring Hill service apartment (not that I can use it without a computer or laptop). Luckily I can go to a friend's pad in the city to use his. Although my place is near the office and not too far from the city, it is unfortunately on top of a hill and so it takes a bit of climbing every time I have to return home (be it from work, from a day out in the city or from my grocery-run at the nearest supermarket). On the one hand, it is good exercise but on the other, it causes much stickiness in this humid weather which I am still getting used to. That being said, the unit I am living in is big enough for me and it comes with all the essentials. Maybe it is too big, which accentuates the loneliness without my boo...
Well that is a brief update from me, a little more than a week into living in this new state and city. I will provide more updates (eg. new friends, work, social activities and so on) as the days go by. I will now go back to talking about my music.
Some of you might be aware that I was planning to busk in Melbourne right in the city centre. Alas my guitarist has found a new job in a woop-woop part of New Zealand which means that our plans are now down the drain (my going to Brisbane does not help a single bit too). However I am still determined to do that one day. Unlike being a pop star, you do not need to know the right people, have the right looks and be at the right age to busk. It is true performance art without all the fakery and hence there is no expiry date for such an ambition. So I will continue to look for the chance to showcase my musical talent and jump at the chance to do so whenever that opportunity surfaces.
And one of such opportunities came about during my trip back home last year when I crashed my friend's pub gig, something that has happened on many occasions. This time, I did a Jason Mraz cover. It is one of those songs that is written right from the heart with an emotional story and it really appeals to me. This song-writer is one of the most brilliant out there and if I can just be half as good as him, I would be very happy with myself.
This month's musical journey brought to you by me, "Love for a Child".
Boo... I will be back tomorrow night to hug and kiss you again. I miss you so much!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Getting hot in the dunes (2)
The Brisbane assignment was on then off and now it is finally back on and for real. The Client is either very generous or very desperate as they have offered me with a very good deal to make sure that I go and help them complete the work. Paid serviced apartment, tax-free allowance for every day of interstate travel and three trips back to Melbourne. It is my first ever business trip and it was so exciting to see the air tickets in my inbox. Alas there is no computer and internet available in the serviced apartment and so I will be much more detached to social media during this period.
But my agenda today is to share the second part of the series at the Cronulla sand dunes and beach (first part here). So without further ado on the eve of my departure for this 2.5-month Brisbane work assignment, I present... me!
Now that I will be in perpetually-warm Brisbane, I really hope I get to do at least one shoot before I leave. This city needs to see me in all my glory!
But my agenda today is to share the second part of the series at the Cronulla sand dunes and beach (first part here). So without further ado on the eve of my departure for this 2.5-month Brisbane work assignment, I present... me!
Now that I will be in perpetually-warm Brisbane, I really hope I get to do at least one shoot before I leave. This city needs to see me in all my glory!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Getting hot in the dunes (1)
I always like to do shoots in the open and in places that people won't expect to find hot naked men. An example of such a place would be a sand dune. When I was still living in Sydney, I had a great one at the sand dunes in Cronulla, just minutes from where I used to work. There was a bit of trekking to do in the soft sand but it was well worth it. The shoot then continued at a more remote section of the Cronulla beach after a little more trekking. I am really happy with the results and if I were still living in Sydney, I would work with this photographer over and over again.
He thinks that I am a better subject than a lot of the other so-called professional models that he has shot before (not in terms of looks and physique). He finds that I pose better, am able to be more natural, take directions more easily and have a better work ethic. A lot of professional models are either very insecure with their bodies despite being really hot (ie. not natural in nude shoots) or they have a poor attitude (ie. acting like a diva). As a model who does it as a hobby, I do not face the same pressure and scrutiny as professionals. In many ways, I think I am in a far better position because when I suck, I can always use the same excuse. "I am not a professional model!"
But this shoot certainly doesn't suck and like always I am going to let you be the judge. This is part one of the series so keep your eyes peeled for the next installment. Happy Chinese New Year!
He thinks that I am a better subject than a lot of the other so-called professional models that he has shot before (not in terms of looks and physique). He finds that I pose better, am able to be more natural, take directions more easily and have a better work ethic. A lot of professional models are either very insecure with their bodies despite being really hot (ie. not natural in nude shoots) or they have a poor attitude (ie. acting like a diva). As a model who does it as a hobby, I do not face the same pressure and scrutiny as professionals. In many ways, I think I am in a far better position because when I suck, I can always use the same excuse. "I am not a professional model!"
But this shoot certainly doesn't suck and like always I am going to let you be the judge. This is part one of the series so keep your eyes peeled for the next installment. Happy Chinese New Year!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Musical journey (31)
The last song I posted dealt with the theme of long-distance relationships, something that I am very familiar with. Seeing that there is still a potential that I will be working in Brisbane for a short-term project, I might very well be in that predicament. I hope that flood waters will not be a problem then!
Anyway this month’s musical journey was written when Ision and I were still in that phase where the ocean posed as a physical barrier. I like to describe being in Ision’s embrace as being home because it is just so comfortable to hug him. Although home at that time was in Singapore, that ability to be totally comfortable and at ease when I am with him simply meant that I have found somewhere new to belong, a new home.
Perhaps the greatest thing about song-writing is that you can capture all your emotions at the time of writing and freeze them in a neat little package to be savoured over and over again like a fine wine that never runs out. In my opinion, it is the perfect way to store one’s memories, be it good or bad ones and it does it way much better than a photograph. Of course, to be able to do that, you would have to write well both lyrically and musically. Have a listen to "Home" and tell me whether or not I have done a good job.
[Home]
In your eyes I see my future
In your soul my anchor
And my heart you've conquered
In your arms lies my world
And the strength for us to brave through stormy weather
When I fall you'll pick me up from the floor
And carry me on your shoulder
When I'm lost you'll take me back to your embrace
And I'll be home, take me home
I've been searching all my life
And now I've found my one and my all
To be with through gladness
For me to drown his sadness
Baby you're my happiness
I'm the moon, you're the sun
There's no way that I can shine
Without you by my side
When you kiss me, nothing else matters
'Cos I'll be home, take me home
I've been searching all my life
And now I've found my one and my all
Why do you love me so
I really want to know
But there's one more doubt that needs to go
Can you tell me where do you hide your wings and keep your halo
I've been searching all my life
And now I've found my one and my all
I want the world to know
How much I love you so
Baby you're where I call
My home
Anyway this month’s musical journey was written when Ision and I were still in that phase where the ocean posed as a physical barrier. I like to describe being in Ision’s embrace as being home because it is just so comfortable to hug him. Although home at that time was in Singapore, that ability to be totally comfortable and at ease when I am with him simply meant that I have found somewhere new to belong, a new home.
Perhaps the greatest thing about song-writing is that you can capture all your emotions at the time of writing and freeze them in a neat little package to be savoured over and over again like a fine wine that never runs out. In my opinion, it is the perfect way to store one’s memories, be it good or bad ones and it does it way much better than a photograph. Of course, to be able to do that, you would have to write well both lyrically and musically. Have a listen to "Home" and tell me whether or not I have done a good job.
[Home]
In your eyes I see my future
In your soul my anchor
And my heart you've conquered
In your arms lies my world
And the strength for us to brave through stormy weather
When I fall you'll pick me up from the floor
And carry me on your shoulder
When I'm lost you'll take me back to your embrace
And I'll be home, take me home
I've been searching all my life
And now I've found my one and my all
To be with through gladness
For me to drown his sadness
Baby you're my happiness
I'm the moon, you're the sun
There's no way that I can shine
Without you by my side
When you kiss me, nothing else matters
'Cos I'll be home, take me home
I've been searching all my life
And now I've found my one and my all
Why do you love me so
I really want to know
But there's one more doubt that needs to go
Can you tell me where do you hide your wings and keep your halo
I've been searching all my life
And now I've found my one and my all
I want the world to know
How much I love you so
Baby you're where I call
My home
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Time for Facebook updates
This is the golden age of social networking and like what I mentioned in this post, Facebook status updates are an excellent way of offering insights to a person's psyche as well as the going-ons in one's life. But first a brief report of my recent happenings.
Work woes regarding my performance disputes with my ex-boss has faded away mainly because of my continuous excellent work ethic now fully-recognised by my new boss. However more work troubles came in the form of future security (especially around my ever-changing start date of that cursed temporary placement in the Brisbane office), job applications (endless submissions of my CV) and interviews (or lack thereof). I recently lost the opportunity to work in one of my dream companies (Shell) and as depressing as it is, once you view failure as a form of certainty, you can then move on to greater things.
Mum also came and left (her first trip to Melbourne), causing my 1-kg weight gain with her ultra-yummy food over the three weeks of her stay. I have lots of pictures to prove how delicious her cooking is (too many to blog I think) and how it is the perfect remedy for home-sickness. I just hope that the withdrawal symptoms (food-wise and Mum-wise) I am currently experiencing will subside soon. For me, the happiest thing that happened during her visit is to see her still healthy and strong after her various medical procedures. It always saddens me to think that it takes a plane ride and eight hours to be able to see her.... why can't the people you love be always by your side?
I also recently joined a nudist group in Melbourne (finally!) and come next weekend, I will be heading to this nudist getaway (NudeManFest) as part of this year's Midsumma Festival and I am SO looking forward to making more naturist friends in Melbourne. I have also expanded my Asian circle, all thanks to my Malaysian work colleagues, one of who seem to know everyone else Malaysian in Melbourne. On the social front, I think I am at quite a comfortable place now a.k.a. the sweet spot ie. not too busy that you miss out on alone time and not too boring that you become a city hermit.
New challenges and experiences also mean that it is easy to neglect other things that are equally important to you. For me that is song-writing and photo shoots. I have only done two proper shoots in Melbourne for the entire 2012, can you believe it? Not many new musical compositions too. Maybe this means that I am gradually getting over these hobbies, which could very well be the inevitable natural evolution of things. I should also really concentrate on getting my repertoire firmed up for my virginal busking session in the city (my guitarist friend and I have started on something but the holiday season has put a halt to its further development).
In this fresh new year, the uncertainties of the last quarter of 2012 will continue to plague me and might even see Ision and I relocating to Brisbane (because of work in my industry drying up in Victoria). When one door closes, another one will open. Though cliche, it is true and if viewed with the right attitude, it can give you ceaseless renewing strength in the face of this ever-changing world.
Well that is the end of my report. Here are my Facebook status highlights for the past month.
"Port Campbell weekend road trip starts 2.30pm today. It's been ages since my last!!!"
"Busy preparing for my interview at Shell tomorrow. I can't wait for this thing to be over. Wish me luck!"
"My holidays can finally start after this stressful interview! Last day at work tomorrow and Mum arrives 4 days later. I will be in the Brisbane office when I receive the yay-or-nay call from Shell in the 2nd week of January. The ball is in their court now. Phew!"
"Someone at Shell thought I was interviewing for a job fresh out of uni! Do I really look that young?"
"Holidays are sometimes supposed to be a time to rest and relax and to do nothing, not a mad rush to see and do things. That is what I will be doing exactly from now for 2 whole weeks. Yay for me!"
"Looks like my start date in Brisbane has been delayed for a week. I think that's good as this means that my mum can stay in Melbourne (a much more interesting city) for one more week."
"Ho ho ho. It always feels nice when you find your pictures uploaded by others on "Hotbods" (Trevvy) and the like."
" 'Sex nymph who is as smooth and hard as marble'. Those are pretty great compliments!"
"Why are so many people obsessed with their ancestry? Family tree fanatics and ancestry.com fans, why do you want the unchangeable past to affect how you think and what you do today and in the future?"
"Morning gym in 10 minutes. Then spring cleaning today in preparation of mummy's arrival tomorrow. Followed by Christmas Eve potluck at friend's tonight. Sinking my teeth into a turducken for the first time! Merry Christmas everyone!"
"A Mum-cooked dinner in more than a year's time. Blissful bliss...."
"Christmas present (Xbox Kinect) bought by myself for myself, post-Christmas. Finally I am a complete gamer!"
"Gotta test out my new Fable Kinect game later today. So excited!"
"Yummy iced coffee with cacao made with love by my boo, after a morning of shopping with mummy.
"My only Christmas present in 2012 arrived in the mail today, from mother-in-law."
"After first day of Fable Kinect, the verdict: casting bolt with your right hand so frequently can really make it a little sore."
"Why does Grindr still continue to monopolize the market when it is so bloody buggy???!"
"Will my blog amass 40,000 hits before the end of 2012? I am at 39,471 now."
"The most beautiful sight on earth. Someone you love beyond words preparing a meal for you. Love is filling my one room apartment up right now."
"Jay Chou's albums are getting more and more disappointing..."
"Is Love Actually Sucks 《愛很爛》 the first non-porn Asian movie with full-on uncensored sex (gay and straight), erections, oral, penetrations, and all?"
"OK, I saw the promotional video of "The Life of Pi" and I am sold. Going to watch it with my mum."
"The cutest president award goes to.... Mexico! Can you show me a cuter one? (current presidents only)"
"I have never seen Flinders Street station so packed before. It was weird walking down the closed-to-traffic Swanston Street after the fireworks. Felt like Oxford Street post-Mardi Gras x 40%."
"Luckily my mum likes shopping, otherwise I would have run out of city sights to show her."
"Scorching 41ºC day in Melbourne. It's such a shame there are no nudist groups organising activities here -- the weather is PERFECT for some nudist fun today. I tried looking for these groups but could not find any. Rod Sydney, where in Melbourne are people the likes of you?"
"Shit! Gaining weight from Mum's yummy cooking. Need to be more disciplined before I lose my abs!"
"Have been feeling quite unsettled these few weeks and is somewhat affecting my mood. That's mainly because without knowing my Shell interview outcome (I am supposed to know next week), my next 2 - 3 months might or might not be based in Brisbane (which will involve troublesome logistics). Also partly because of mum being here (ie. normal schedule totally out the window). Can't help but feel this way when things are again in flux."
"With the government of Singapore against one gay man, anyone in the right frame of mind would concede defeat regardless of the truth. I'd be really surprised if a well-respected blogger like Alex who never fails to thoroughly research his subjects would actually falter in this instance." "I want to eat less rice so as not to lose any more of my leanness. Then mum cooks chicken rice. ARRGGGGHH!"
"I don't understand the huge fuss over this issue (Lance Armstrong’s doping case). Steroid-use in professional bodybuilding is such an open secret. Why can't it be the same for cycling? I suspect in this case it's because a lot of athletes out there with sour grapes who got caught want him to go down as well, which explains all the dobbing and coverage."
"I am supposed to start work in Brisbane next Monday and I have still not received any details regarding accommodation, flights, terms and conditions. And the project secretary in Brisbane is still on holidays and will be back next Monday. Brisbane office = epic fail."
"My blog has just garnered more than 40,000 hits!"
"No work for me to do tomorrow at the office. Another sick day is in sight ready to be chucked in."
"This is fucked up to the nth degree. My Brisbane job is delayed yet again and I was only informed of this today when I am supposed to start on Monday next week. From now on, as long as an air ticket doesn't land in my inbox, the fat lady hasn't started singing yet, and I am not going to get mentally-prepared for the move. UUURRGGHH!"
"Now that I will still be in Melbourne for a couple more weeks at least, I will be going to this (NudeManFest). Wanna join me?"
"Maybe Aussies are not racists. It's just McDonalds' marketing team knowing what sells (and it is not Asians). For me, that's my experience with DNA magazine all over again when they said they know what sells and Asian models don't. What do you reckon?"
"Lately I have been quite addicted to this ultra-popular Taiwanese variety show called 《康熙來了》. I stayed up till 3.30am watching it last night!"
"Mum's last night with me... she's making bo bo cha cha for our horror movie night at home, just like the good old days. I will miss this... and her."
"Midsumma opens tomorrow. I still remember a year ago when I was at the opening for the first time, fresh-faced, ready to take on Melbourne. Now I am an oldie considering moving away from Melbourne. What happened?"
"The apartment feels empty without mum..."
Work woes regarding my performance disputes with my ex-boss has faded away mainly because of my continuous excellent work ethic now fully-recognised by my new boss. However more work troubles came in the form of future security (especially around my ever-changing start date of that cursed temporary placement in the Brisbane office), job applications (endless submissions of my CV) and interviews (or lack thereof). I recently lost the opportunity to work in one of my dream companies (Shell) and as depressing as it is, once you view failure as a form of certainty, you can then move on to greater things.
Mum also came and left (her first trip to Melbourne), causing my 1-kg weight gain with her ultra-yummy food over the three weeks of her stay. I have lots of pictures to prove how delicious her cooking is (too many to blog I think) and how it is the perfect remedy for home-sickness. I just hope that the withdrawal symptoms (food-wise and Mum-wise) I am currently experiencing will subside soon. For me, the happiest thing that happened during her visit is to see her still healthy and strong after her various medical procedures. It always saddens me to think that it takes a plane ride and eight hours to be able to see her.... why can't the people you love be always by your side?
I also recently joined a nudist group in Melbourne (finally!) and come next weekend, I will be heading to this nudist getaway (NudeManFest) as part of this year's Midsumma Festival and I am SO looking forward to making more naturist friends in Melbourne. I have also expanded my Asian circle, all thanks to my Malaysian work colleagues, one of who seem to know everyone else Malaysian in Melbourne. On the social front, I think I am at quite a comfortable place now a.k.a. the sweet spot ie. not too busy that you miss out on alone time and not too boring that you become a city hermit.
New challenges and experiences also mean that it is easy to neglect other things that are equally important to you. For me that is song-writing and photo shoots. I have only done two proper shoots in Melbourne for the entire 2012, can you believe it? Not many new musical compositions too. Maybe this means that I am gradually getting over these hobbies, which could very well be the inevitable natural evolution of things. I should also really concentrate on getting my repertoire firmed up for my virginal busking session in the city (my guitarist friend and I have started on something but the holiday season has put a halt to its further development).
In this fresh new year, the uncertainties of the last quarter of 2012 will continue to plague me and might even see Ision and I relocating to Brisbane (because of work in my industry drying up in Victoria). When one door closes, another one will open. Though cliche, it is true and if viewed with the right attitude, it can give you ceaseless renewing strength in the face of this ever-changing world.
Well that is the end of my report. Here are my Facebook status highlights for the past month.
"Port Campbell weekend road trip starts 2.30pm today. It's been ages since my last!!!"
"Busy preparing for my interview at Shell tomorrow. I can't wait for this thing to be over. Wish me luck!"
"My holidays can finally start after this stressful interview! Last day at work tomorrow and Mum arrives 4 days later. I will be in the Brisbane office when I receive the yay-or-nay call from Shell in the 2nd week of January. The ball is in their court now. Phew!"
"Someone at Shell thought I was interviewing for a job fresh out of uni! Do I really look that young?"
"Holidays are sometimes supposed to be a time to rest and relax and to do nothing, not a mad rush to see and do things. That is what I will be doing exactly from now for 2 whole weeks. Yay for me!"
"Looks like my start date in Brisbane has been delayed for a week. I think that's good as this means that my mum can stay in Melbourne (a much more interesting city) for one more week."
"Ho ho ho. It always feels nice when you find your pictures uploaded by others on "Hotbods" (Trevvy) and the like."
" 'Sex nymph who is as smooth and hard as marble'. Those are pretty great compliments!"
"Why are so many people obsessed with their ancestry? Family tree fanatics and ancestry.com fans, why do you want the unchangeable past to affect how you think and what you do today and in the future?"
"Morning gym in 10 minutes. Then spring cleaning today in preparation of mummy's arrival tomorrow. Followed by Christmas Eve potluck at friend's tonight. Sinking my teeth into a turducken for the first time! Merry Christmas everyone!"
"A Mum-cooked dinner in more than a year's time. Blissful bliss...."
"Christmas present (Xbox Kinect) bought by myself for myself, post-Christmas. Finally I am a complete gamer!"
"Gotta test out my new Fable Kinect game later today. So excited!"
"Yummy iced coffee with cacao made with love by my boo, after a morning of shopping with mummy.
"My only Christmas present in 2012 arrived in the mail today, from mother-in-law."
"After first day of Fable Kinect, the verdict: casting bolt with your right hand so frequently can really make it a little sore."
"Why does Grindr still continue to monopolize the market when it is so bloody buggy???!"
"Will my blog amass 40,000 hits before the end of 2012? I am at 39,471 now."
"The most beautiful sight on earth. Someone you love beyond words preparing a meal for you. Love is filling my one room apartment up right now."
"Jay Chou's albums are getting more and more disappointing..."
"Is Love Actually Sucks 《愛很爛》 the first non-porn Asian movie with full-on uncensored sex (gay and straight), erections, oral, penetrations, and all?"
"OK, I saw the promotional video of "The Life of Pi" and I am sold. Going to watch it with my mum."
"The cutest president award goes to.... Mexico! Can you show me a cuter one? (current presidents only)"
"I have never seen Flinders Street station so packed before. It was weird walking down the closed-to-traffic Swanston Street after the fireworks. Felt like Oxford Street post-Mardi Gras x 40%."
"Luckily my mum likes shopping, otherwise I would have run out of city sights to show her."
"Scorching 41ºC day in Melbourne. It's such a shame there are no nudist groups organising activities here -- the weather is PERFECT for some nudist fun today. I tried looking for these groups but could not find any. Rod Sydney, where in Melbourne are people the likes of you?"
"Shit! Gaining weight from Mum's yummy cooking. Need to be more disciplined before I lose my abs!"
"Have been feeling quite unsettled these few weeks and is somewhat affecting my mood. That's mainly because without knowing my Shell interview outcome (I am supposed to know next week), my next 2 - 3 months might or might not be based in Brisbane (which will involve troublesome logistics). Also partly because of mum being here (ie. normal schedule totally out the window). Can't help but feel this way when things are again in flux."
"With the government of Singapore against one gay man, anyone in the right frame of mind would concede defeat regardless of the truth. I'd be really surprised if a well-respected blogger like Alex who never fails to thoroughly research his subjects would actually falter in this instance." "I want to eat less rice so as not to lose any more of my leanness. Then mum cooks chicken rice. ARRGGGGHH!"
"I don't understand the huge fuss over this issue (Lance Armstrong’s doping case). Steroid-use in professional bodybuilding is such an open secret. Why can't it be the same for cycling? I suspect in this case it's because a lot of athletes out there with sour grapes who got caught want him to go down as well, which explains all the dobbing and coverage."
"I am supposed to start work in Brisbane next Monday and I have still not received any details regarding accommodation, flights, terms and conditions. And the project secretary in Brisbane is still on holidays and will be back next Monday. Brisbane office = epic fail."
"My blog has just garnered more than 40,000 hits!"
"No work for me to do tomorrow at the office. Another sick day is in sight ready to be chucked in."
"This is fucked up to the nth degree. My Brisbane job is delayed yet again and I was only informed of this today when I am supposed to start on Monday next week. From now on, as long as an air ticket doesn't land in my inbox, the fat lady hasn't started singing yet, and I am not going to get mentally-prepared for the move. UUURRGGHH!"
"Now that I will still be in Melbourne for a couple more weeks at least, I will be going to this (NudeManFest). Wanna join me?"
"Maybe Aussies are not racists. It's just McDonalds' marketing team knowing what sells (and it is not Asians). For me, that's my experience with DNA magazine all over again when they said they know what sells and Asian models don't. What do you reckon?"
"Lately I have been quite addicted to this ultra-popular Taiwanese variety show called 《康熙來了》. I stayed up till 3.30am watching it last night!"
"Mum's last night with me... she's making bo bo cha cha for our horror movie night at home, just like the good old days. I will miss this... and her."
"Midsumma opens tomorrow. I still remember a year ago when I was at the opening for the first time, fresh-faced, ready to take on Melbourne. Now I am an oldie considering moving away from Melbourne. What happened?"
"The apartment feels empty without mum..."
Monday, December 31, 2012
Musical journey (30)
A friend recently celebrated the official end of a four-year long-distance relationship when his girlfriend moved in with him. Looking back at my own that lasted for more than seven years, I know the joy and pain of a love separated by time and distance. Mostly pain. That was why I used to write a lot about how the laws of time and space play us all as fools and how love surrenders to geography despite its strength and power we all want to believe it holds. Fortunately towards the end of my phase of writing songs of this subject, another one of my long-distance romance had a happy ending.
However the musical journey I am guiding you through this month does not have a conclusion worth celebrating with the irony of it happening on New Year's Eve. This is the longest song I have written to date as it tells a complete love story from how it started to how it tragically ends. I find that the only way to fit the entire tale into a four-or-so minute piece is to include bits of rap in the song. And that was how it became one of my hip-hop (ish) creations, which is a musical-writing style that is growing on me. When I wrote the lyrics, I meant it to sound bitter but tone aside, it does contain a good piece of cautionary advice. Long-distance relationships will never work out if there is no concrete plan of either party relocating as human beings are wired for physical intimacy, not love based solely on a cerebral level.
I am quite satisfied with this composition and it brings me great pleasure every time I listen to it. That is why I know I need to start investing more time to write again. Hopefully with my upcoming temporary Brisbane job placement in the new year, I will have lots of time for my music since there will not be much to do in yawn-inducing Brisbane. But for now, have a listen to my newest offering. Just don't let the melancholy of it spoil your New Year celebrations.
Happy 2013!
[除夕夜]
/ 词 / 曲 ： 锦泉 /
荧光屏上显示的个人资料
端详后寄出电邮希望你能快收到
长途恋情不可靠我可知道
但数百万个画素的你我抵挡不了
第一次听到你问的一声好
太平洋在一瞬间突然变得好渺小
右耳贴着听筒我心已知晓
这一世的寻找终于出现在这一秒
天亮时唱着你爱的催眠曲
只想让你做个美梦睡个好觉
在我合上双眼临睡前
希望能感觉不到
你下班时回家途中的那份疲劳
被时差分隔着的两个世界
我眼看不见 你手握不到
这一切虽然不重要
还是渴望看日落时
能呼吸一样的空气
能有你在我怀抱
记事本除夕夜鲜红的记号
是我们半年爱情结晶的最佳代表
为了让你惊喜事先没说好
轻吻你那双唇是我一生中最需要
浑身喜悦的颤抖把你门敲
一个陌生脸孔是我唯一能够看到
"是谁" 那把声音怎么也错认不了
眼前那半裸的你我万万也没想到
长厢厮守 那一句诺言 你可撒得好
爱情怎可能比 一时之快值得少
从前我们每公里 距离如今像把刀
一万六千个伤痕 在心里放肆燃烧
眼泪 在眼角打算 今夜无理取闹
烟花 空中盛放 今夜对我嘲笑
若这全是错 愿能从今永远记牢
再强的爱也会在时空差距 前倾倒
眼泪 在眼角打算 今夜无理取闹
烟花 在空中盛放 今夜对我嘲笑
悉尼的气候依然那么酷燥
纽约的空气中雪霜将会在深夜飘
城市霓虹的妆渐渐被卸掉
澳航六点的班机起飞得比往常早
[New Year's Eve]
Details splashed out on the screen
A thorough read, a message sent and then the anticipation
Despite knowing the perils of a long-distance relationship
I simply could not resist those several megapixels of you
Then I heard your voice, greeting me for the first time
The Pacific Ocean seemed miniscule all of a sudden
With the phone pressed against my right ear, I knew
The one I have been looking for all my life has appeared in that very second
Singing a lullaby for you at daybreak so that you can have sweet dreams
Hoping to not feel your fatigue as you head home from work before I go to bed
The time difference splitting two worlds apart
My eyes could not see and my hands unable to feel
Though insignificant, I still wished when we next watch the sunset
You would be in my arms, breathing the same air
A red mark against New Year's Eve on my organiser
That was the end product of half a year of love
I meant it as a surprise and so I kept it from you
The greatest desire in my life–to kiss your lips
With my body trembling with joy I knocked on your door
A stranger's face was all I could see
"Who's there?", it was the voice that I got to know so well
And so unexpectedly there in front of me, you, half-naked
"We'll always be together", a promise you lied so well
How could love be less worthy than a moment of pleasure
Every kilometre we used to be apart stabbing me like knives
Sixteen thousand scars in my heart, burning wildly away
Tears have decided to wreak havoc in the corner of my eyes tonight
Along with the fireworks, mocking me from the sky
If this were all a mistake, let this be a lesson that I will never forget
Even the strongest love will crumble in the face of distance and time
The weather in Sydney, still so hot and dry
Fluttering snowflakes will fill the air in New York City tonight
Neon lights that made up the city hours ago slowly fading away
The 6 a.m. Qantas flight departed a little earlier today
However the musical journey I am guiding you through this month does not have a conclusion worth celebrating with the irony of it happening on New Year's Eve. This is the longest song I have written to date as it tells a complete love story from how it started to how it tragically ends. I find that the only way to fit the entire tale into a four-or-so minute piece is to include bits of rap in the song. And that was how it became one of my hip-hop (ish) creations, which is a musical-writing style that is growing on me. When I wrote the lyrics, I meant it to sound bitter but tone aside, it does contain a good piece of cautionary advice. Long-distance relationships will never work out if there is no concrete plan of either party relocating as human beings are wired for physical intimacy, not love based solely on a cerebral level.
I am quite satisfied with this composition and it brings me great pleasure every time I listen to it. That is why I know I need to start investing more time to write again. Hopefully with my upcoming temporary Brisbane job placement in the new year, I will have lots of time for my music since there will not be much to do in yawn-inducing Brisbane. But for now, have a listen to my newest offering. Just don't let the melancholy of it spoil your New Year celebrations.
Happy 2013!
[除夕夜]
/ 词 / 曲 ： 锦泉 /
荧光屏上显示的个人资料
端详后寄出电邮希望你能快收到
长途恋情不可靠我可知道
但数百万个画素的你我抵挡不了
第一次听到你问的一声好
太平洋在一瞬间突然变得好渺小
右耳贴着听筒我心已知晓
这一世的寻找终于出现在这一秒
天亮时唱着你爱的催眠曲
只想让你做个美梦睡个好觉
在我合上双眼临睡前
希望能感觉不到
你下班时回家途中的那份疲劳
被时差分隔着的两个世界
我眼看不见 你手握不到
这一切虽然不重要
还是渴望看日落时
能呼吸一样的空气
能有你在我怀抱
记事本除夕夜鲜红的记号
是我们半年爱情结晶的最佳代表
为了让你惊喜事先没说好
轻吻你那双唇是我一生中最需要
浑身喜悦的颤抖把你门敲
一个陌生脸孔是我唯一能够看到
"是谁" 那把声音怎么也错认不了
眼前那半裸的你我万万也没想到
长厢厮守 那一句诺言 你可撒得好
爱情怎可能比 一时之快值得少
从前我们每公里 距离如今像把刀
一万六千个伤痕 在心里放肆燃烧
眼泪 在眼角打算 今夜无理取闹
烟花 空中盛放 今夜对我嘲笑
若这全是错 愿能从今永远记牢
再强的爱也会在时空差距 前倾倒
眼泪 在眼角打算 今夜无理取闹
烟花 在空中盛放 今夜对我嘲笑
悉尼的气候依然那么酷燥
纽约的空气中雪霜将会在深夜飘
城市霓虹的妆渐渐被卸掉
澳航六点的班机起飞得比往常早
[New Year's Eve]
Details splashed out on the screen
A thorough read, a message sent and then the anticipation
Despite knowing the perils of a long-distance relationship
I simply could not resist those several megapixels of you
Then I heard your voice, greeting me for the first time
The Pacific Ocean seemed miniscule all of a sudden
With the phone pressed against my right ear, I knew
The one I have been looking for all my life has appeared in that very second
Singing a lullaby for you at daybreak so that you can have sweet dreams
Hoping to not feel your fatigue as you head home from work before I go to bed
The time difference splitting two worlds apart
My eyes could not see and my hands unable to feel
Though insignificant, I still wished when we next watch the sunset
You would be in my arms, breathing the same air
A red mark against New Year's Eve on my organiser
That was the end product of half a year of love
I meant it as a surprise and so I kept it from you
The greatest desire in my life–to kiss your lips
With my body trembling with joy I knocked on your door
A stranger's face was all I could see
"Who's there?", it was the voice that I got to know so well
And so unexpectedly there in front of me, you, half-naked
"We'll always be together", a promise you lied so well
How could love be less worthy than a moment of pleasure
Every kilometre we used to be apart stabbing me like knives
Sixteen thousand scars in my heart, burning wildly away
Tears have decided to wreak havoc in the corner of my eyes tonight
Along with the fireworks, mocking me from the sky
If this were all a mistake, let this be a lesson that I will never forget
Even the strongest love will crumble in the face of distance and time
The weather in Sydney, still so hot and dry
Fluttering snowflakes will fill the air in New York City tonight
Neon lights that made up the city hours ago slowly fading away
The 6 a.m. Qantas flight departed a little earlier today
Monday, December 17, 2012
A fashion experiment
It is photo shoot time again and in this "issue", I am going to share with you the results of a little fashion-shoot experiment I did a while back in a touristy part of Singapore. As you know I always like the attention when I do shoots in public but that shoot was a little different as it was done with another guy. Obviously I would prefer to do it with someone of a similar build so that we could expose more flesh and make it sexier (and in the process attract more attention). But as I have said, this was just an experiment and I was willing to have a go at it regardless. However this is not to say that the shoot was done improperly (by the same guy who did this). It was executed with proper lighting equipment as well as a make-up assistant (which was quite uncommon for me). The shoot took place around dusk so we could capture both the day and night scenes around the Esplanade. I thought it went pretty well but you have a look and tell me what you feel. Do you think I am good enough to be a fashion model?
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