I've always loved dogs... and when Quah family brought Bibi home in 2009, I was really excited. Bibi is like my first pet. Although I don't get to bath him, feed him and see him 24/7 (only a few hours per week), he has brought lots of joy to me. I love his big round eyes, small button nose, beautiful soft coat and the way he runs to me. Bibi... y u so cute?!
Photo Credit: Kinki
The down part is, when everyone is out at work, he's has no one to play with.
Finally, on 19 February, the Quah family brought home a companion for Bibi.
So everyone, please meet Lassie, a 2-month old Cocker Spaniel :)
She's really hyper! Runs around non-stop... pretty stubborn and naughty. Need to watch more episodes of Caesar Milan from now on! It's also up to his big brother BY to discipline her in a long run (but he has a soft spot for her, how la?).
- Preparing for our first iOS Programming Development Workshop (using Apple's Xcode).
We're introducing this workshop for those without programming language knowledge! So if you've been wanting to learn about how iPhone/iPad apps are developed, this workshop is for you. I've been to one of the workshops myself and I find it very easy to follow and highly intriguing. It's a very hands-on workshop, so you'll be creating basic apps and learning the fundamentals of iOS Development within 5-days time.
Mind you, I'm from an advertising and marketing background... so if I can follow, so can you :) Click herefor more information!
- Grace Wong's Music Single
I have been commissioned to photograph for Grace Wong's music single. Apart from photography, I'm also handling her album art/design (which I'm really excited about; I've always wanted to design music albums). On the other hand, my company-Very Imaginative People, is handling the Public Relations for her music single launch and music showcase. Great and exciting times ahead :)
Please feel free to drop by Grace's official Facebook Pagehere. We'll be posting up news and updates leading to her debut in March 2012.
- There's a few more secret projects which I'm working on... I will definitely share the news when it's ready :) Apart from all these projects, I'm really busy with Target Marketing as well. Supervising a production/factory has never crossed my mind; was never in my to-do list but since last year, I've been doing just that. A weird turn of event in my life, but it has been super interesting and rewarding so far. Being able to help my dad in his business was my aim two years ago. I'm glad the plan has been achieved and glad I'm growing and learning along the way. One thing I realized recently is that, I enjoy my arguments with my dad. I say enjoy, because I am able to argue/reason freely with my dad and not being afraid that he will scold me or walk away from me or judge me. We both argue and reason with no ill-feelings; we just want to clarify and understand the situation. This state is not easy to achieve... that's why I feel lucky to have my dad, as my dad! The one man in life that will let me argue with him, without leaving me; being angry at me or what sort :D That's love.
Yay! Another great photography session with two lovers-Siok Oon and Desmond and their beloved Toy Poodle named Rollie :)
I absolutely love this photo! Reminds me of Simba being presented to the animal kingdom, lol.
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." by Immanuel Kant
With Siok Oon and Desmond as his owners, Rollie is one proud pup :)
I love photography sessions of such. You don't need to dress up too much; put on too much makeup; spend time changing different styles of clothes (Rollie is an exception!)... All you need is each other and the laughter you bring upon each other :)
Aww man... it's approaching the end of Friday already! This Chinese New Year is pretty special in its own ways... I enjoyed every moment of it :) I'm hoping that I'll get the chance to watch a Lion Dance performance and 'lou sang' soon!
I've been thinking of something lately, it's not something that we like to hear; true words are harder to swallow but it is essential for us to embrace truth.
So this is what I've been thinking: We're all counting down to the day we leave Earth; the day where we go back to our Creator or Nirvana or the place or state that you believe in. Whatever it is, one day we have to go.
When the time comes, who do you want most at your side? The people that you love and those who loves you back, of course. Nothing else matters anymore. Not your Apple computer, Rolex, Porsche, Gucci etc. Material things will not take care of you when you're sick and they certainly don't provide you with moral support when times are down. The most they do is make you look good (or rich) and feel good.
I said it too many times, that I treasure human relationship more than anything else. My family, my life partner, his family, my friends, and the people that come and go in my life.
I sometimes wonder why people do not cherish their loved ones as much as they need to. We often get caught up in the moment; become obsessed over a material item; always look at what people have but never come to realize what you have that others don't have, etc etc etc. I admit I use to be a victim of these bad emotions; allowing them to eat me alive; allowing them to dictate me.
Not anymore, and life has been great since. Sure, there'll be the down days where nothing feels right, but like what they say, 'just suck it up, grit your teeth and keep pushing it through'. You'll eventually come through.
So today, let me remind you to look at the good things in life. Time is short so don't waste your energy focusing on negativity. Be happy. Every step that you take; every decision that you make, it's your choice. You decide. Don't let your emotions control you. You control them. Show them who's the boss.
Because ultimately, when you're happy, you influence everyone around you to be happy. Isn't' that a great thing to do? :D
I've been down with a very bad flu (I think the virus is spreading around) and just recovered from it. Apart from that, I've been super busy with both Very Imaginative People and Target Marketing. Between the busy, busy time, I try to slot in a few photoshoots and personal projects. Unfortunately, no time for songwriting :( Something which I'm trying so damn hard these days, to write a song. Heck, I don't even have proper time to update this blog!
So here's an attempt for a quick blog update :)
哥哥 is in Finland right now. Aww man just imagining being pulled by a herd of Huskies on snow is just awesome. I wish I was there!!!! But obviously I can't because I'm still very broke from my trip to UK :\ I wonder where I can travel to this year...
This picture was sent by him via Whatsapp. Look at the amount of snow! Looks like creamy vanilla ice cream... mmm...
Good friends Sh'n and Pou got engaged recently. I must say it's an incredible feeling to watch two complete strangers meet, be friends, fall in love, and get married! It was also my first time being witness to a real live proposal. When Pou walked in the restaurant and Sh'n burst out crying, I was really holding back my tears because my mission was to capture the proposal on video. The one regret I had was that it didn't occur to me that I should have brought a video light. I forgotten the restaurant's lighting is dim... but I guess the best and most meaningful 'footage' will be both Sh'n and Jie's personal memory of the night :)
Next!
Came across a very meaningful pin the other day. Thought I'd share it with you :)
This quote reminds me fondly of Sandy from Sandy's Villa-Santorini, Greece. Sandy, the super warm and friendly owner has a slogan of her own. She always says 'Make the best!', which in her words meant 'make the best out of everything!' Simple words, yet it means so much.
Chinese New Year is just a few days away! I can't wait! I feel so excited :) I don't have anything planned but I just feel happy thinking about Chinese New Year. I also feel bad that I didn't help Mom with the cleaning... *guilty laughs*
The minute the photoshoot started, they were just doing their thing-emitting love and affection for each other. It's as though I wasn't there! I rarely come across clients who completely ignores the camera and photographer, lol!
Heppy and Mindy, they make the perfect couple.
I love shoes/foot shots :)
I love the way Heppy is beaming here. He looks like the proudest and luckiest guy on Earth! Which he is of course :)
Love is also about taking it easy, and being goofy at times.
Love is about, being the perfect gentleman to your girl.
Every couple is different. The way they kiss, they way they touch and hold each other... it's just wonderful to be able to witness the different type of chemistry between couples.
Heppy and Mindy, thank you so much for being so crazy in love and allowing me to document this phase of your lives together!
Wow, the final day of 2011 has arrived. Time passes by so, so fast.
2011 started off with sending my beloved grandfather to Heaven. It was my first year without both my Ah Gong and Mama. I love this photo of them... happily laughing together... I'm glad I captured this moment. I can't ask for a better grandparents :)
2011 is also the year that I start taking baby steps back into songwriting.
I participated in Julie's Biscuit movement called "Share the Love". It was my first time back to the recording studios after a long, long time. I miss the feeling of the recording booth, the crisp clean smell of the recording studio, and looking at cool equipments.
2011 was also the year I finally realized a little dream of mine to teach/lecture, officially. I remember the day when I walked in the class and got mistaken as a student, lol. It was a great experience. Such a great feeling to meet and mingle with young people. Some has even become a friend. I miss them! :)
Performed at Live@The Actors Studio. It's been ages since I last performed at a singer songwriters gig :) I shared the stage with these talented songwriters!
Handled the renovation of the office cum training space. Turning this...
Into this!
I love this place very much. I remember clearly how each and every item in this office is selected, purchased, assembled etc etc etc... The amount of work poured into this 500sqft+ office is overwhelming... I can't imagine setting up my future home o_O Teamwork and patience is key.
One of the most impromptu and greatest things that happen this year, was the travel (which reminds me... I've yet updated about the travel log)! I flew to Manchester to meet my brother. It was like a, "Hey why don't you come over?" to which I replied, "OK!" and got to the flight bookings... The timing was nice so everything went smooth, except the glitch on the day of flight! Gege brought me around Manchester, then we traveled to London, Santorini-Greece, Scotland then back to Manchester before heading back to KL. Four incredible place in two short weeks. One AWESOME experience.
2011 was also the year the girls and I FINALLY went on a road trip. It was a very simple yet memorable getaway with the girls. Check out the video I made to commemorate this special outing, lol.
Other highlights of my 2011:
- I achieve an impossible. Looking back at my folders, I shot a total of 58 shoots this year! Which includes, wedding, couple, family, pets and events. The past few months was HECTIC, but it was a great challenge. Photos will be shared via this blog and my Facebook Page, so do keep a look out :)
- My role model, Steve Jobs passed away.
- Handled VIP's biggest event since we introduced advertising and creative solutions in our service offerings in July 2011. Together with power PR lady Erin and intern Man Man, we rocked our role in We R Malaysia-There is Hope, the Musical. Mind you, we did it all in two weeks. TWO weeks! What an insane thing to do, but we did it :)
2011 is the year I rediscovered myself. With the help of my loved ones, I realized that it is essential for me to prioritize. In the beginning of the year, I was really lost; I didn't know what to do; what I was good at; what I should do... So I ended up doing a little bit of everything. As a result, I was even more lost... To add to that, I wasted precious time.
Since then, I've learnt to let go of things and focus on what matters. Slowly but surely, the path ahead is clearer than ever.
I'm thankful for all the good and bad events that happened in 2011. It helped me filter off what I should let go, and what to hang on to :)
So here's wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2012!
How's everything? Things have not been the same since you left one year ago. I remember the moment I saw you resting in peace, I couldn't control my emotions. Relieved to know you're finally free, painful to know that I will not be seeing you anytime soon.
When I visited gege in UK this June, during a train ride back to Manchester from London, gege and I had the same thought that you and mama were with us on the train. I imagined the both of you, sitting on top of the train, watching the world go by...
I'll always remember the way you dress. Always smartly dressed. A crocodile collared shirt, black slacks, belt and with a key chain hung to your belt. Not forgetting the part where you'll always pick your teeth with a toothpick. You know what? I remember the time when we were in the van, on a journey to let your ashes off to the sea, suddenly I noticed there is a toothpick stuck on the headrest on the seat in front of me. I paused for while. That moment froze for a while. Well, I don't know if its put there by someone else, but I just had a feeling it was you.
Did you know? I shot a total of 58-photoshoots this year! It's really exhausting... but every time I photograph, I remember you and immediately, my energy and game face will be back on track. Photography is my way of honoring you.
I can never thank you and mama enough for being the greatest grandparents. I thank God for the both of you.
Have fun traveling around the world and universe with mama!
I woke up at 6:45 this morning to wash and clean the car, filled it up with petrol and filled the tyre with air, because Papa and mommy will be traveling back to Kulim later to attend my cousin's wedding dinner.
To be honest, I'm not really feeling the Christmasy mood yet; super neutral now. Maybe life has been too busy, or maybe I've grown out of it (NooOooo!!!).
Anyway, here's a Christmas song I wrote a couple of years back ago. Performed with Yise, Anna, Ah Be, Max, Shan Pei, Kenny... They're all talented singer songwriters, I feel honored to have them singing this song with me. Music arrangement is by Karen, and produced by Abraham Tee.
Papa loves to watch YouTube videos, especially during Sundays, he loves to blast his iMac's speakers while he works. The songs that he listens to, the music video he watches, I tell you, makes me feel so embarrassed. Why? Because I don't know half of the songs he listens to! I feel like our age has been switched somehow.
Looking at the YouTube videos he shares on his Facebook: Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxo Beat, LMFAO - Sexy and You Know It, T-Pain - 5 O'clock ft. Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen (who the hell is T-Pain?!), Flo Rida - Good Feeling etc etc... o_O
The other day, I overheard a song that he was watching on YouTube, and I casually asked him:
Me: "What song is that?"
Papa: "Christina Perri"
Me: "Song title?"
Papa: "A Thousand Years"
Me: "OK"
The song has been looping non-stop in my head. What a beautiful song, and my dad is cool :)
