*e@g|3 Evolution*

30/06/15 :- Never underestimate the power of 1 minute! 别忽视一分钟的力量！ 1 minute is equivalent to 60 seconds. Yes, we all know that. Is it long or short? In the past, I would have replied with short as my answer. However, ever since I took up my current favorite sport, Dragonboat, I have a different understanding and meaning of 1 minute. Coach Kim has given us a circuit exercise which I've diligently been doing for the past 2 weeks. Front Planks - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute Left Planks - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute Right Planks  - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute Squats - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute Pushups x 40 Rest - 1 minute 45degree / 15degree leg lifts (hold) - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute Mountain Climbers x 20 Burpees x 20 Rest - 1 minute Repeat above 2 more times, meaning total of 3 sets. If you aren't the very fit type, that 1 minute could leave you out of breathe. And that 1 minute of rest would be so precious to you! We are currently training for our...

With my Super Mum! Most parents are the first superheros in their children's lives. My Mum is no exception. When I was very young, the most superhero stuff she does was to catch cockroaches for us. Especially those flying ones! To battle a cockroach, it takes a hero/heroine to do it. What's more, she does it with no weapon but bare hands. Not even tissue paper! Of cos, I admire her for more than just a cockroach eliminator. My Dad works as an aluminium foreman, earning a $1,600 per month salary. He is the sole breadwinner. However, Mum being the finance controller actually can do so many things with that $1,400 (after giving Dad a $200 pocket money each month)! We even get to eat Mac every Friday night! To most kids nowadays, Mac is like an everyday meal. Back then, many years ago, to us, it was a luxury! Only when you have been there and done that would you understand how it feels. Mum has her own set of upbringing and guidance for her k...

06/05/15 鹰艾文 – 《最称职的男性朋友》 地球有几亿人口        偏偏爱上你   呵护你早已成了      戒不掉的习惯 没有理由的拒绝        是你给我的答案 百般的无可奈何        只能隐藏我心深处 多少年的风雨不改 为你带来生日惊喜 陪你喝酒到天明 心里的话都说尽 唯独那句我爱你 一切的暗示都被你的明示所淹没 牵挂与思念被冷冷地塞进抽屉里 遗憾       回荡在耳里        都显得刺耳 心酸       即无处哭诉        也按耐不住 不愿让你看见我的脆弱 再多的付出也是多余 最后的回报 是得到你发的好人卡 那一块到不了的爱情岛屿 留着地图还有什么用 越想拥有你就越害怕失去你 下定决心对自己承诺 这一辈子都会是你 最称职的男性朋友

As age catches up and with the increase in commitments, I've not been watching as many TV shows as I used to. However, I'll still stay glued to the TV every year for this award ceremony. To me, recognition is important, we need to recognize people's efforts in way that we can. It doesn't necessary mean we should give rewards, presents and such. Just like in normal daily lives, we can be generous in giving compliments to people around us. Tell them they have done well when you feel they did. Sometimes, as humans and especially so, as Asians, we are not used to giving our compliments. It just have to start someday, somehow by some means, right? This year, I'm especially touched when I saw Pornsak receiving his first host award after being nominated for 5 years. He has always been a humble and hardworking chap. Finally, his hard work is being recognized and great efforts paid off. Seeing Rebecca Lim winning her Best Leading Actress aw...

Haven't catch a movie in the movie theater for some time.  Usually, I would buy a DVD home and watch with family as the cost of a movie ticket is really quite high. Because I am a BIG fan of fast cars and action movies, I've been chasing after Fast & Furious series. So, when this was released and most of those I've known around me have watched this and I'm just nice to be in the I need to be alone state of mood, I went ahead to watch this movie on my own. Well, it didn't disappoint me a single bit. Kept me on the edge of my chair and make my heart pump as fast as the speeding car. The only thing I can advise the rest who have not watched, "Stay till the end of the credits." I'm not sure what there is, cos I didn't stay. But my friends mentioned there's something special. Some take away lessons from the movies :- 1) Treasure those around you, they are what truly matter in life. 2) Big in size doesn't guaran...

总算把心里的一个结打开，把心情抒发出来，也是对自己的释放。。。 把心情小故事寄到了 Y.E.S 93.3 FM 的心情小抽屉。 有谁也想分享自己的故事，可以电邮至 myletter@yes933.sg. 如果你错过了今晚的播出，以下是我的故事。 嗨陈宁,      一直都想把自己的故事写到心情小抽屉与听众分享，但却因为各种原因与藉口，迟迟没有这么做。那天，在其中一位我喜欢的作者，橘子的书，《你想要的，只是我的后悔吗？》里读到这么一段话，“我本来以为她哪天生病了，我根本会连理也不理她，就随便她去死好了，可是现在她真的生病了，我才。。。亲眼看着她那么病痛，原来心里还是会舍不得，毕竟再怎么样，她还是妈妈。”      阅读到这一段时，我眼睛湿湿的，我把小说关上，深呼吸着。我无法继续阅读下去，因为此时往事已涌现脑海。我想起离开人世已有10年的父亲。当年，我刚过21岁不久，也已经4年没有与父亲说话。至于，为什么，那是另一段很长的故事，或许需要下一封信才能把故事说完。      2004年，父亲被诊断出有鼻癌，是第二期。其实，只要定时化疗与服药，康复的机会还算蛮高的。可是，父亲的本性就比较悲观，加上得不到家人的扶持，他最后选择结束了自己的生命。          其实，年幼时，我和两个妹妹与父亲的感情还不是那么糟的。以前，我们还会替他庆生买生日礼物给他。但是，在成长过程中，我们的关系渐渐走下坡。父亲的学历不高，所以也一直很自卑。或许，也是因为如此，他并不了解如何与我们沟通。      而父亲的童年说起来也是挺可怜的；在自己只有几天大的时候，亲生母亲就过世了。在50年代的当时，无知的人们都说是父亲克死自己的母亲。可是，当我懂事时，听家里的长辈说，奶奶是因某些原因被爷爷间接逼死的。而爷爷在不久后也娶了我们的第二个奶奶，这是必要的，不然他一个人怎么抚养我父亲？      爷爷是个烂赌徒，经常流连地下赌场。输了钱，醉醺醺回到家后，就是向奶奶拿钱。奶奶为了留着钱给孩子买饭菜，经常备受爷爷的拳打脚踢。偶尔，父亲为了保护奶奶，也逃不过爷爷的拳头。 ...

23/03/15 :- In the morning, I switched on my radio as usual and heard the news that our founder, Mr Lee Kuan Yew has passed away at 3.18am. I could still hear my heart breaks. On the day I heard the saddening news, I've wanted to blog this entry. It took me almost a week to finally sit down to let the thoughts settle and allow my emotions to flow. 29/03/15 :- During these 7 days of nation mourning, there were countless articles and tributes written about and for Mr Lee. I nearly have the thought of giving up typing this blog entry as I felt that my words are not as well written as those professional writers. However, I've decided not to give myself an excuse not to express my gratitude towards the man who brought us to where we are today. I was never interested in nation news. I can't even name more than 10 of our ministers and their positions. But I know Lee Kuan Yew. Which Singaporean wouldn't? We have learnt a lot about our fo...

It is just a vicious cycle. Each time it happened, I told myself, "Ivan, forget it. Just keep your mouth shut and IGNORE!" I do see slight improvement from the past but there is surely more room for improvement. I guess, the next time I visit my tattooist, I really should get him/her to tattoo this for me. "Silence is gold. 沉默是金。" However, I can foresee another set of problems. There bound to be another group of people who think they know it all blaming me for not speaking my mind. What's the point of speaking up and getting misunderstood? Not only do you not solve an existing problem, you create many other problems from even talking about the initial problem. Friend C said, "That is an age to be mature already. No excuse not to grow up." Yes, I know. But it's not a matter of me knowing it. The subject matter do not know it. Friend T said, "Yes, I can totally understand and feel you. That's how X behaves as well. They are th...

鹰艾文 – 《思念的季节》 下着雨的凌晨时分    冰冷的空气最适合想念 滴答滴答       雨水在屋檐上跳舞 把手伸出窗外   想抓住雨点 却只从手心滑落 走进雨里       好让眼泪能瞬间消失 忧郁乌云       都抵不过你灿烂的笑 世界为你而转动 那一句喜欢你    还卡在喉咙 扑通扑通       一颗心澎湃地跳跃 清晨的第一滴雨露         浇醒了对你无尽的思念 时光飞逝    参加过那些年的婚礼 爱过不少人     走不出那爱情迷宫 心里清楚         若与你步入教堂的人不是我 教我怎么找到由衷祝福你的勇气 红酒下肚千万杯此情暗藏内心处 爱如火焰     焚烧所有回头路尽头也茫然 兜兜又转转        像个傻子原地踏步 那份痴情           怎么僵持许久挥不散 难道我们是适合的一对相遇在错的时候 唯有输给在对的时间刚好出现的那个他

Have you ever had the feeling of being so alone, helpless and sometimes even hopeless? In extreme cases where one is unable to handle stress, suicidal thoughts may even come into pictures. What we failed to realize is that in this world, no one is obliged to provide you help as and when you need it. No one owes you a duty. We owe no one a duty. When no one helps you, they are not in the wrong. It was not their duty to help you simply because you needed help. Whatever their relationship with you may be, it doesn't matter. I would say, not even your parents who gave life to you. Usually they would help you in ways they can, simply because they love you. However, do not take their love and help for granted as they can always choose to leave you in the lurch. It is not their obligation to provide you with help. When you came to this world, you were alone. Thus, you should be dealing with the challenges life throws you. Some of us are lucky, we do meet nice peop...

This was a decision made consciously. What decision? To be busy! Why? I'm still young (or at least not that old) to work hard or rather harder to achieve what I want. Sometimes, I wonder why am I even in the office when all my colleagues and friends are out on a Friday night, then my mum's words came to me, "I rather have you working than out playing and spending/wasting money." Nope, she didn't say those words to me now. It was when I was only 14years old. Back then, it was the minimum age to start working part time at McDonald's. She sort of "forced" me to go work part time at McDonald's after school. Not a day of rest till a month before my "O" levels. I was hanging out too much with my friends back then which triggered her to force me into the workforce. And by working at McDonald's, she can watch over me as well as "torture"/train me. Thinking back, it was a pretty good experience and ma...

01/01/15 :-  The New Year - A good time to let go. 新的一年 - 是放手的好时机。 我一直在《等一个人》, 用尽了我 《尚好的青春》，换来的仅是像《泡沫》般的梦境，一刹那就消失。虽然《我还是爱着你》， 但我知道《有一种勇气叫放弃》。如果 《我没资格》当你的 《天生一半》，至少让我留点尊严给自己，打从心底真心地《祝你幸福》。但愿如果有来世，就让我们《以后别做朋友》，给我一个机会与你《爱着爱着就永远》。。。 I was once waiting for someone, using the best times of my youth, in exchange for dreams that were like bubbles, disappearing in a moment. Even though I still love you, I know letting go is a form of courage. If I am not qualified to be your other half made in heaven, let me leave some dignity for myself, wishing you happiness from the bottom of my heart. If there should be an after life, may we never be friends anymore, give me a chance to be in love with you till forever...

Free samples from BBQ Singapore! These BBQ sauces were a savior for my Christmas BBQ! I've used the spicy flavor for marinating the chicken wings and all my friends love it! Though it states spicy but even for a non-spicy lover like me, the spicy level is acceptable. We have also BBQ the original flavor sauce in an aluminium foil box and throw in our mushrooms! You folks should try it, the taste is AWESOME! Easy to use, mess free and great taste sauces! Highly recommended! Email to admin@bbqsingapore.sg for your free samples! (Not sure if they still have though.) Or visit bbqsingapore.sg for more details!

18/12/14 :- We are just like our pinky, appears little but of much value. 我们就像小指头，毫不起眼但价值不菲。 Few weeks ago, I scalded my little pinky finger. It was really bad; huge blisters popped out just within 2 days. I've never think much of my little finger until I temporarily "lost" the use of it for that 1 week. It brought me an enlightenment. In life, very often, we are very much like our little pinky. We think nothing much of it (ourselves), feeling like we have no use for anything. My little finger has to be wrapped up as it has pus flowing from it. It couldn't come in contact with any object I was holding as it hurts at the slightest touch. During that 1 week, typing was a chore. Even though, the little pinky was not used often when I'm typing, when I have to consciously kept it away from the keyboard, things become difficult. Carrying plastic bags or holding onto files seem heavier than usual without the support of that little pinky. It was someth...

It's only when I want to post photo of Dad, did I realize we didn't take much photos together for that 21 years of my life. 25th November 2014 - The 10th anniversary of Dad actually falls on the date I was attached with my 1st girlfriend 14 years ago. During these 10 years, so much has happened; the highs and lows, good and bad. It was not an easy time, definitely not the happiest 10 years of my life either. Nevertheless, we have all grown and learnt a lot during the tough times. Well, tough times do not last, tough people do. I believe my 2 sisters and I have mixed emotions towards Dad. We have had a love-hate relationship with him. If there is a best / model Dad contest, he probably won't emerged the champion. However, he was the best we can have and no one can ever replace him. Never ever. He came to Singapore with a few bucks and a few pieces of clothes with him. With almost nothing to his name, he worked hard all his life just to provide ...

14/10/14 :-  念万句佛不如一句关心，天天拜佛不如日行一善，念佛拜佛不如身体力行。 Saying a word of concern beats chanting up to 10 thousand times, a good deed a day is better than praying to Buddha every day, showing through your actions far exceed your chanting and praying. (I've tried my best to do a translation for this, but it's more meaningful if you understand Mandarin.) 注 ： 当然，我并非意味人们不该念佛与拜佛。我的外婆是虔诚的佛教徒，而我也相信佛学的好。不过，我的外婆也是以身作则的好榜样。 Important note : Of course, I don't mean one should not chant or pray to Buddha. My grandma is a devoted Buddhist and I believe the good in it. But she's also a living example of good actions. 常有人会说这句话，“读万卷书不如行万里路，行万里路不如阅人无数，阅人无数不如名师点悟”。 但今天，听到了一些故事让我自己想出自己的名言， “念万句佛不如一句关心，天天拜佛不如日行一善，念佛拜佛不如身体力行。” There is this saying, "Travelling ten thousand miles beats reading up to ten thousand books, understanding countless people is better than travelling ten thousand miles, being enlighten by one wise person far exceed understanding countless people...