Behind The Wheel

RPM

2007-03-13T13:45:00.000+08:00

Did my first RPM class in 4 years yesterday:
7 tracks
speed
load load load and up!
speed up!
hover!
load! load! load! load!
It.....nearly......killed.......me......

Very informative wan!

2007-03-12T10:57:00.000+08:00

Hehe.. I ripped this off my friend's. Of course, it's information you cannot live without

If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.
(All that effort for a cuppa? Go to Starbucks la! unless you are kiamsiap..)

If you farted consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb.
(Wah! If we get 26 million Malaysians to do that at one go, we'll be an umm.. ATOMIC Superpower! Fuyoh! Malaysia boleh!)

The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet.
(Can you imagine how high it goes when someone has high blood pressure?)

A pig's orgasm lasts 30 minutes.
(No wonder I have never seen a depressed pig..)

A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to death.
(Is it the head that rolls around or the headless body that crawls for those 9 days?)

Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories a hour.
(A new one for the Sliming centers! Join us and emerge like a vegetable with slimmer body )

The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head is attached to its body. The female initiates sex by ripping the male's head off.
(And you men complain about us human females.. sheesh..)

The flea can jump 350 times its body length. It's like a human jumping the length of a football field.
(Big f*#king deal. Superman can also what..)

The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds.
(So what? Not like he can eat anything tasty down there. Wasted talent. )

Some lions mate over 50 times a day.
(The pig is far superior. Mr lion has to actually put out and exert. Mr pig can just roll over and spasm in ecstacy for 30 mins)

Butterflies taste with their feet.
(o.....k...... what do they taste? flowers? leaves? bark? again, a wasted talent)

The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.
(I wonder why god made this the strongest muscle "blink blink")

Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people.
(So if you have a friend of the same age who is left handed, after he dies, you KNOW there is a BIG chance you are going in 9 years time.)

Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump.
(And thank god for that!)

A cat's urine glows under a black light.
(What's a black light?)

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
(I have a friend whose pupil is bigger than his brain. Does that count?)

Starfish have no brains.
(Again, this is not unique to starfish. Many humans are brainless too.)

Polar bears are left-handed.
(Poor polar bears who live 9 years shorter than care bears)

Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.
(Hmm.. thats because they have not learnt the art of the pigs)

I AM BACK!!

2007-03-06T13:47:00.000+08:00

I am back at the gym! After 4 years, from when I was a regular 5 days a week gym-ite, body pump enthusiast to a hardly budged once a week blob, I am back!
Decided to join the new Celebrity Fitness at Bangsar Village due to its strategic location. I am so out of shape I can wear a total of 3 pants in my wardrobe. I have gone up 1 1/2 dress size in 4 years and my arms are flabby. Actually... everything wobbles (Arrggh..) Therefore, I have made up my mind to go back to a AT LEAST 4 times a week at the gym, with a workout that includes weights, cardio, body pump and the dreaded but effective RPM.

I went last night. And yes, I still know my way around a gym, around the machines. Outfitted in a t-shirt (a true sign of an out of shape body) gym pants, a new pair of Adidas, i-pod and my old harbinger gloves, I did 30mins of cardio and 30 mins of triceps and leg work. Man, it really hurt... But man... it feels so good to workout again. I have forgotten how I used to love just taking some time to myself just working out. The true test will be in the next few weeks where I would have to push myself to be entusiastic, not be laz, no excuses and just go.
Here's to being healthier, a better body and stamina!

Elvis vs Enzo

2007-02-23T14:52:00.000+08:00

Name: Enzo Kenji Chan

Born: January 3, 2007 (Capricorn, Year of the Dog)

Interest: Eating, sleeping, scratching, making funny faces.

Name: Elvis Aron Presley
Born:January 8, 1935 (Capricorn, Year of the Dog)

Interest: Eating, sleeping, singing, karate

Happiness and Sadness

2007-02-23T13:50:00.000+08:00

The Golden Oink Oink.

Another Lunar New Year is here and this time, its a little different because it's also Enzo's first CNY. It's also a little different because I cant celebrate it with J. As bittersweet as it all is, I am determined to make it a great and positive year for me. Being surrounded by family, love and a godson has been a strange ride for me. I can't help but feel deep loneliness, pride in my self, love and a determination to be ok, be wonderful, be positive. My wish for this year is to just to end each day with gusto, love and acomplishment. In the meantime, the top 3 things I did this CNy is:

1) Blackjack
2) Eat
3) Sleep

Ah Jo..

Last night I made the choice to see J perform in his opening night. It was not an easy decision to make as we have not seen each other since the break-up. Although I have been handling things pretty well and moving forward, I feared how my heart would take seeing him again. But I so wanted to support him and see him in this play. It means just as much to me that he does well as it does to him. I do not know why I feel this way, but I do. I guess it just shows me how much I still love him. I was proud of him last night. I was and am proud of his drive, depite his inner conversations, to pursue his dreams and passion. He was wonderful

When our eyes met when he came out after the performance, I felt a surge of emotions and I fought to control back the tears. It was heartbreaking and yet wonderful. It was painful and yet comforting. I always feel at home with J and I guess I'll always will. We came togther again so easily as friends and two people who care for each other it was almost cruel. It made me think though, how life is full of uncertainties and tests. Here is one person, I truly love and respect. A person I can totally be myself with and yet, the relationship cannot be. Only I know the depth of how much I love this person and therefore my willingness to set him free. My friend F said, "Its funny how you and J are so good togther and enjoy each other's company and yet you are not, and me and my hubby are so wrong for each other, and tolerate each other's company only and yet we are married."

Maybe its timing, maybe its fate. Maybe we will come to certain realisations one day. Maybe not. If its meant to be, it will. In the meantime, I do not hope because hope will kill my spirit bit by bit. I know, I just have to let things be, move forward in my life and let the chips fall as they may.

V Day, Love and Knights

2007-02-15T10:26:00.000+08:00

courtesy of nataliedee

Well. V-Day or the alternative, the aptly named SAD day (Single Awareness Day) came and went with a revelation. Amongst all the hullabulla about love, hand-holding, cards and flowers I found myself hanging out at The Laundry with a few people checking out the scene. The laundry was having a singles night and bit by bit, large groups of single women and men dressed in their best and came and played hand brushing, eye gazing opportunity silly games. Frankly, I was quite bored. Not at the idea of a singles night but the idea of a singles night at a club/bar. Boring. Meaningless. Someone should do the Desperate and Dateless Ball like they do in Melbourne. It will be more apt I think. Not a usual celebrator of V-Day itself I found myself in the company of someone who was a self-proclaimed cynic of couple-dom and love. "I can't help but think, whenever I see a couple, that they better enjoy themselves while it lasts." he proclaimed. I dont know if I feel the same way though.

hahaha. Yeah right!

Although recently out of a great relationship and feeling a bit less than wonderful at this point in time, I guess I should be upset and a little jaded when it comes to love and relationships but what's funny is, I dont. I STILL do believe in love. I refuse to allow myself to be a cynic about it. Life is about choices and I can choose my beliefs. And I believe in LOVE. I just think that if I let myself be jaded and cynical, I might and will close myself off and end up bitter and crummy. And hell, I dont want to be crummy in this life. So, therefore choose love. While there maybe an absence of a manly love at the moment, the following still rings true:

I love my family and they love me.
I love my little Enzo and he loves me.
I love SOME of my friends and they love me.
I love Heroes and 24 and they love me.

M and I were talking the other day about a guy we both know, who at age 36, still prowls the clubs every week, hooking up with meaningless sex and has in his mind the "ideal" girlfirend- Beautiful beyond believe, tall, athletic, lips like Angelina Jolie, intelligent, mixed parentage, blah blah blah. A dream girl. The kinda girl you would dream of when you were a teenager of dating and that you will grow out off when reality bites. Well, he never grew out of it or grew up. Therefore, he has difficulty meeting this "girl". Those of us who have grown up realise that there is no such thing as the perfect person. A girl should realise there is no knight in shining armour. There maybe a knight, but he may come with a tarnished breastplate. So dont discard the possibility of someone just because he may have crooked teeth.
I'd better remind myself that...hee hee

My Angel, Enzo

2007-02-08T14:22:00.000+08:00

I am now a godmother to a beautiful little boy- Enzo Kenji Chan. His K-Ma. Son of my brother Ivan and his wife, Ramjeet. The joy he brings to our lives and the way I feel about him are amazing. In my eyes, he is absolutely perfect. Well, of course that because he is my godson. We just celebrated his full moon and I can't wait to see how this new member of the human race will grow, see life and have all his dreams fulfilled. For Enzo to be here, at a time in my life where I am vulnerable and emotionally weakened, is a blessing.
Ok I can't stop gushing... :)

Check out Enzo's Crib for daily updates on him!

Post mortem

2007-01-17T13:40:00.000+08:00

"Life is full of challenges" someone said. Yeah, no shit.. Sherlock..

It has been a beautiful, heart-wrenching, self-doubting, joyous 3 and a half years. Here I am, once again at the crossroads of life. Once again having to come face to face about how I, Maybel, perform and see myself under emotionally difficult circumstances. Do I hold on to the memories? Should I be angry? How long does it take to overcome the sadness? Can I just make a choice to be positive and move forward, and I already am? Can I get over it? Was it all worth it?

When someone is dissatisfied, they look for reasons to validate why they feel that way. When something ends, people look to fault and blame. I am not interested in he said, she said. I am not here to fault and blame. I dont care who ended it. It just cheapens the years we spent together and makes it superficial when I have to answer those questions. I do not believe in just throwing away friendship just because "we" did not work out. It just was not meant to be at this point in time. He needs to "find" himself and come to certain realisations on his own. To make his own stand. Me? What did I learn from this? How can I now move forward? The lessons are loud and clear. Never forget myself. Never forget how important I am. Don't give myself completely over. Communicate and ask the important questions. Give myself and the other person the space to grow. Don't be afraid of losing someone.

No, I am not the strongest person emotionally. I cry easily and am emotionally sensitive. I can choose to be depressed for a year and hope for a reconciliation. I can feel lonely and afraid for my future. But I choose not to be. Sure it hurts like hell. Sure I feel like a train has ran over my heart again and again. Sure, I look over the pictures and cry and see the memories in my head and silently weep. But I am still here. Would I do it all over again knowing the outcome? Knowing I will have this heartbreak? Knowing we will be great great friends one day, yes. Knowing all the wonderful friends we made together, yes. Knowing that I have met,loved and will always love a special human being, yes. Remembering all the wonderful and painful intimate experiences that I have shared with this person, yes. Most definately.
It may be a bumpy and difficult start but I look forward to the new journey!

Thank you babe for allowing me to be in your space for the last 3 1/2 years....

I recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyone
I recommend walking around naked in your living room
Swallow it down (what a jagged little pill)
It feels so good (swimming in your stomach)
Wait until the dust settles

I recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone
I certainly do I recommend sticking your foot in your mouth at anytime
Feel free Throw it down (the caution blocks you from the wind)
Hold it up (to the rays)
You wait and see when the smoke clears

You live you learn
You love you learn
You cry you learn
You lose you learn
You bleed you learn
You scream you learn

World Domination

2007-01-08T15:54:00.000+08:00

Yo people. this is now Google blogger. Google World domination is now almost complete with the aquisition of Blogger. You may now, see the world with Google, read with Google, make pretty pictures with Google, make 3D models with Google, wikipedia-it with Google, etc , etc.. Hopefully in the future we'll be able to shit with Google, party with Google, sleep with Google and replicate food with Google. May I suggest, dear Google, that you also consider buying over the following sites. Price negotiable:

Behind The Wheel -
USD 20 mil. - Only appropriate for Maybel Chan's personal logs. Of course, for USD30mil I will be more efficient and increase my updates to twice a month, thank you.

In The Cockpit -
USD 30 mil - cause if I am gonna be rich, so must my babe- Johann. Or else... a bit unfair isn't it? Anyway he updates more regularly so 30mil is really quite reasonable.

http://www.friendster.com/maybelchan
- All My friends can be bought for a cool USD 40 mil thank you very much

Car Wars & Tragic Lovers

2006-10-06T14:07:00.000+08:00

Heh heh... this series of ads was sent by this colleague of mine and they are too good to not share! So check it out!

On another note, I went to watch Butterfly Lovers yesterday with CY, KG, J and KG's girl. Note below:

Butterfly Lovers The Musical

Dama's latest musical production is based on a very popular Chinese folklore about two ill-fated lovers who could not consummate their relationship due to family backgrounds, but are reunited as butterflies after their death. Under the artistic baton of Dama, this Chinese YENTL cum ROMEO & JULIET classic love story - set in the Eastern Jin Dynasty period (265 - 420 AD) - is given a modern makeover, with the infusion of an exquisite blending of period costumes with the touch of contemporary musical.

I know that it is based on an old folklore and that Shaw Brothers made this movie a very long time ago starring the famous Ling Po - THE LOVE ETERNE (aka LIANG SHAN-PO AND CHU YING-TAI) - a 1963 Hong Kong operetta based on the oft-filmed classic story, "Liang Shan-Po And Chu Ying-Tai," aka "The Butterfly Lovers." A love story in a combination of dialogue and song, focusing on a pair of students at a university in Hangchow, one, Chu Ying-Tai, a female disguised as a man in order to gain entry into the school and the other an older fellow student, Liang Shan-Po.

The musical I must say, I found quite funny at parts. Maybe the language barrier and lack of cultural understanding hinders me from really enjoying the musical but I found it beautiful in some parts and really corny in others. The language was beautiful and Tan Soo Suan voice - and I am talking about her SPEAKING voice was gorgeous. A beautiful quality that I can listen to forever. Her singing voice was of course beautiful (one marvels at a woman who can sing beautifully lying down, in distress, running around ,etc) but I was completely captivated by her speaking voice. The actor who played Shanbo didnt really make an impact on me but I found his manservant, Suji, really charming.
Best scene?
When Ying Tai runs to Shanbo's grave and there was lightning and thunder. A butterfly image "flies down" and Shanbo appears, in silhouette. The lighting effect was superb!

The funniest scene?
Both servants doing a little dance after YingTai called Shanbo a dumb buffalo and he merajuk-ed
AND
When 2 BIG HUGE butterfiles appear after YingTai's suicide. I expected 2 sweet little butterflies, not 2 Big huge-ass monsters!

onehundred&seventysevenminutes

2006-10-02T14:48:00.000+08:00

fiftynineminutes.
original short plays and monologues performed within one hour.

“Two friends discover faith, direction and the truth. An actress whom we all like to hate. A bitter past haunts a bitterer couple. A girl finds beauty in ugliness. A man and a woman make love over dinner. A fellow Malaysian makes the country proud. And a group of roommates bring back the dead- all within fiftynineminutes”

When September 28th - October 1st 2006 @ 8.30 pm

Where The Dram Projects, BG06 Happy Mansion Apartments, Jalan 17/13 46400 PJ

I went three times to see Johann in his first ever monologue titled "The World's Smelliest Durian" over the last week at the Dram Projects. Dram Projects is this tiny teeny weeny studio next to the Food Foundry at Section 17. Quite a little gem of a place, really, although in terms of sound insulation, it fails. This effort is put up by the oral stage which is mainly made up of really young actors, directors and writers.

It was great to see the young actors letting their creativity flow and I truly feel that we should have more outlets like this for the youth. Although I felt that most of the actors lacked that connection to their charaters and therefore I had difficulty believing what they were doing or saying, overall I would say that it was a good effort.

But more on the oldest "youth" there, Johann Lim. I know I am biased, but his, was definately my favourite performance. He was a real natural, kept it simple and basically allowed the audience to connect with the script and the character. I really did not know what to expect walking in as I have never seen him do somethig like this before and neither did I see him rehearse his lines. I was even preparing what to say to him incase it sucked. "You were...erm...kinda good...babe.." "Maybe... you erm... didn't have enough time to practice." "It was not bad... for your first time." Anyway...PHEW! He was great! and I told him so. Not that I would have lied and not tell him like it is if he wasn't, (hmm).. but to be fair, I thought the script was one of the better ones. Amongst the other ones which had darker undertones, The World's Smelliest Durian was like a breath of fresh air. I am no expert, but I know what speaks to me and what does not. I AM proud of my world smelliest baby. You rocked babe!
The one I disliked the most? Has to be the final act with 6 girls. It was annoying, messy, lacked clarity and well... just plain annoying... sorry girls... that was what it was for me.

Looks like I will not be able to hold him back now.... hahaha
Check out reviews by other bloggers:
http://kyspeaks.com/2006/09/28/ky-review-fiftynineminutes-by-the-oral-stage/

http://bookofjohn.blogspot.com/

Laziness, dehydration and other ramblings..

2006-09-19T14:04:00.000+08:00

Yup so I've been a lazy ass... have not updated on the closing night and what has been going on with me unlike my other half who seems to be suffering from blogrhoea (a rambling disorder characterized by abnormal frequency and fluidity of evacuations). So what did it feel like to perform for 14 nights to more than 2000 audience members? exhilirating, satisfying, and nothing I have ever experienced before. I cried, I laughed, I got emotional, I got pissed off...By the way we will be restaging Broken Bridges in December so again, it's busy days ahead! I know, 2 weeks of shows should deserve more space in this blog but... what the heck, moment over.

Bloody hell, my face is getting worse and worse. My skin is so dehyrated I am getting fine lines on my face due to it.(I can almost hear Johann going "Told you so! Drink more water!") The surface of my skin is so dry and taut whereas it's oily in the lower epidermis. It's getting really imbalanced. I spent RM500 at Aesop today getting re-hydration stuff fro my skin. Hope it helps. Although I DO relise that I have not been drinking enough water in... say the last 2 years.. and I am pretty sure my hormones are changing or something. So better do something about it before the fine lines become wrinkles.. Arrrgghhh....... So i bought the Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque, Daily anti-oxidant moisturiser for oily, combination or sensitive skin and the Parsley seed eye cream. Hope it works.

Casino Royale

On another note, I just saw the trailer to Casino Royale. Looks different from the other Bond film and am looking forward to it. Check it out:
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/casinoroyale/site/

There was a lot of controversy when Daniel Craig was chosen to replace Pierce Brosnon as 007.
Daniel Craig's role as James Bond was a controversial decision that drew protest from a contingent of fans and critics. Opponents of the casting had threatened to boycott Casino Royale, and even set up a website urging others to do the same, at the www.danielcraigisnotbond.com.
But let me just say that he looks HOT HOT HOT in the trailer!! I mean, check out these pics.. he will send temperatures rising...sexy beast that he is... Fuuyoh!

Forbidden City

Went to the Lion City to watch Fobidden City: Portrait of an Empress. Billed as Singapore's most successful musical returns after three years - bigger and better!Held at the Singapore Repertory Theatre at the durian looking Esplanade I thoroughly enjoyed it. The songs were fantastic especially Starting with the eyes, Blood on the Streets, Gentle Touch and the Empress' aria - My only chance. However I was a little frustrated at the start when I could not hear what the ensemble was singing in the opening song : Dragon Lady. In fact, only after listening to the cd that I bought did I really understand the song. My favourite cast members? Prince Tun and Tuan, Yehanara and Morisson. Kit Chan did a great job at Yehanara. I especially love how she subtley changed from an innocent giggly girl in Act 1 to an Empress in Act 2. The lowering of the voice, the poise, the growing confidence.. fabulous. My favourite scene? The closing of Act 1, when the Emperor declared Yehanara as Regent of China, she immediate shouted "BOW!" and the cast members went "Wan Sui, Wan Sui , Wan Wan Sui!" (Ten Thousand years). Cool man.
The set was very simple yet clever and the costumes were beautiful.
It has all the right ingredients of an epic tale - a young concubine in love, a dying Emperor, a heartless traitor, an idealistic artist and an empire that stands to fall. Told through the eyes of American artist Kate Carl, commissioned to paint the empress' portrait, the musical recounts Ci Xi's development from ingenious concubine to ruthless ruler, and unmasks the woman known as the Dragon Lady. Featuring the music of Cultural Medallion winner Dick Lee, the lyrics of Laurence Olivier Award-winner Stephen Clark, and direction from the West End's Steven Dexter, and starring Asian singing sensation Kit Chan.
Go see it if you can!

http://www.srt.com.sg/03/Microsite/ForbiddenCity/index.htm

Opening Night!

2006-08-21T10:36:00.000+08:00

Finally! Opening night came and went. Boy what an experience it was. To perform infront of an audience is definately exhilirating. It is true when they say that you definately feed of an audience when you perform. It was all the more meaningful that my family was there for opening night. Sure there were a couple of hiccups and a missed line or two. But what the heck, it was still a great night!

It was obvious that most of the audience were very moved by the show. And how could they not be? The play is full or drama, funny moments, heart wrenching moments and beautiful songs. To hear the loud gasp from half the audience when I deliver that slap is truly rewarding. Many asked- did you do it for real? (of course I did dear audience. You would not have reacted the same if I didnt)

All those months of hard work, missing out on parties, headaches, self doubt, blood, sweat and tears certainly paid of.
One little damper on the whole thing is this... well I dont really want to get into the whole thing but let me pose you a question:
WE know that music can clam a person down, energise them, help them go through difficult times, work better, concentrate more, etc , etc..... so, what is so wrong about listening to music when you exercise? Every yoga class, ballet class, gym, etc that I have ever been to uses music to help motivate their students. However, according to one person, it makes you focus on the music therefore you are unable to warm up properly. A load of bull if I ever heard one.
Looks like my idea of a routine of wanting to use music to calm myself down and refocus myself before a show (after a day's work at Maxis) has been shot down before it began.
That sucks.....

Cheong Soh

2006-08-15T13:18:00.000+08:00

It HAS been a coupla weeks. But I have been too busy and too tired to think about what to write.. It is now 5 days til show time and I think I have learnt more about myself in this play in the last few rehearsals then in the last few months. My grasp of the role Cheong Soh has always been a tough one for me. My understanding of her and my interpretation of her has always sat with uncertainty within my psyche. Is she a traditional woman, with a front to show, hard, with walls that have built over the years. Angry at the world because of a man who has left her with a child to bring up on her own at a time where this would be shameful. Or is she a mother who has dreams, a gentle side, saddened and resigned a so called life has been dealt to her. Who is she?
I have struggled with my potrayal of her. On Saturday, my scene (4) with Mei Ling was abruptly cut which left me feeling even more insecure about my ability as an actor and my ability to feel like this woman and become this woman. Joe-" This scene is in trouble....". I asked Johann if I really sucked as an actor. This left me with sleepless nights thinking about what's left of my remainding scenes and how I should play my BIG scene with Mei Ling. A key scene that sets the mood and tone for the rest of the play. A scene whereby if played poorly will leave you cold and unfeeling towards the eventual fate of the character. What was going on? What was I afraid of? What was getting in the way?
I came to certain realisations on Sunday night. I AM IN THE WAY. All my fears are manifested in the form of Cheong Soh. My fears of ending up like this
bitter.. old...ugly...colourless..hard...grey...woman...
I have subconciously rejected this role and have not given Cheong Soh a chance. Right from the start. Yup. My shit is in the way. And once I realised that, I stepped out of the way and allowed Cheong Soh to emerge. I had to put me aside and allow me to be her. To feel the bitterness and anger without fearing how it made me, Maybel, feel. To also recognise my fears and harness that energy towards my performance.

Last night I gave the performance of my life. It was real and honest. I was ok with Cheong Soh and allowed her to step up to the plate.
My cast members were truly moved. Joe said it was a "stunning performance." Carol asked me "Why did you not do this before?".
Because I did not allow it to happen.

Acting is NOT easy...

How To Spot A Fake

2006-07-24T14:58:00.000+08:00

As I live in Malaysia, the land of piracy and fake goods, I am naturally an expert when it comes to spotting a fake. Therefore allow me to impart some knowledge to you:

How to spot the Real Juicy bag

The Real Bag

The Fake Bag

Real bag:

Leather is darker and not as shiny.
Leather is soft and thinner
J heart shape is all leather.
Inside is made out of cotton - feels smooth and flexible.
Leather will never peal of with normal care.

The Fake one:

Leather is lighter and shiny.
Leather is ruff and thicker.
J heart shape is not all leather.
The inside is made out of polyester - feels ruff and stiff.
Leather will start pealing off after using few times.

How To Spot The Real Angelina Jolie

Real Jolie

Fake Jolie

Aiyah! One can spot cushioned up, air bagged, silicon injected lips from a mile away!

How To Spot The Real Fight Club

The Real Fight Club

The Fake Fight Club

This one is easy. One has Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. The other has three Indian actors.

How To Spot The Real Cheong Soh

The Real Cheong Soh

The Fake Cheong Soh

Everyone looks more distressed next to the real C.S
The real Ah Wong is an Eurasian not a Chinaman!
The fake Johann is more concerned with the script than with telling Ah Wong that his son is an ass.
The real Calista is grabbing the real C.S on the arms which is correct for pulling back someone who is about the lunge forward!
The real C.S is a woman... not a man!

But.. nice try Soon Soon!!!!!

The Supper Club?

2006-07-21T13:38:00.000+08:00

My life lately has been dominated by me spending EVERY night with this group of people.
What do you get when you put a group of people from all walks of life together, every night for 4 months, with one single goal, enduring physical challenges, emotional highs and lows, vocal projections and permission to create total arses of themselves if need be? Maybe you will get the cast of Survivor ,ambitious people with hidden desires to overthrow each other. Maybe you'll get a hand holding, kumbaya singing democratic bunch of flowers. Maybe you'll get the breakfast club with mini groups of trampled on nerds, princesses, outcasts, rebels and perfectionists. Or maybe you'll get us- people with love for music, disdain for the drama queen, united by late night munchies, pilates torture, the occasional gossip, a smattering of self-created drama and the fear of "god". Trying to be the Justice League of musical actors but maybe managing to be the Mystery Men.
Joe Hasham said something last night- "All of you have the capacity to be great therefore do not settle of ordinary. It makes me weep when I see you ordinary for i know you are not." Simple truth that reminds me of a wonderful quote by Nelson Mandela that I love but that I have great difficulty living up to most of the time:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Meet the quirky cast/crew of Broken Bridges.

The Tummy Patter
Pats his tummy repeatedly when he is: thinking, focusing, singing, preparing, exercising ,but not when he is hungry.

The One With The Best Song
His last song will make grown men weep for their fathers

The Million Dollar Baby
My miniture Singing Soon Soon Doll will make me a MILLIONAIRE! Muahahahaha!

The Other Father
Durian Seller with the Queen's english

The Aunties Lot
(from left to right) Flutter-A-Lot, SMS-A-Lot, Surprisingly Quiet-A-Lot

The Other Auntie
Away-A -Lot

The SuperGirl
A girl with super powered abilities to:
-Withstand stinging slapping pains
-Cry on cue

(left) The Ringo Suavé
Check out his brother Rico Suavé

The Super Duper Big Mac Combo
An all girl fetish, special voice, a little cheese, wicked humour and some sesame street fun.
(with some apple pie on the side)

The French Argentine Rock Climbing Muscle Bound Dancer

(left) The One With Biggest Muscles & Smallest TEE
(right) The One With The Saddest Face (according to tummy patter)

The Dyslexic Charmer
He may not be able to read, but the girls will still be a-coming.

The Misunderstood Kid
Self-proclaimed misunderstood creature. We bear witness.

The Spinning Super Slut
The chick can spin like a bitch on heat!

The Luscious Lips That Got Him The Job
My resident lover boy

(left) The Chilli Padi Dressed As Innocent Small Town Girl
(right) The Chilli Padi Dressed As A Good Christian Girl

The REAL, Proper, Good Ipoh Girl Dressed As A Model

The Split Personality
Check out her blog: http://retardationation.blogspot.com/

The Observor. The Postman. The MS Tee Horder.

The Siamese Twins

The Alias
Joe: What the fuck is your name? Tony or Leo??

The Enigma

The Tenor

The Princess

The Sopranos

The Slapping, Pen Throwing Soh

The Pink Peppered Pianist

The Alain Boubil

The Claude-Michel Schonberg

The Gatekeeper Of The Abdominal Crunch Hell

The Animal Trainer

The Elusive Music Man

The Hera
The Wife Of Zeus

The God

The God Contender
O' mere mortals fear the analogies, the snorts, the facial experssions

Paint It Pink!

2006-07-19T12:15:00.000+08:00

I have not been gaming long. I only probably started gaming 3 years ago when I became intrigued with Johann playing Star Wars - Jedi Academy. I decided to give it a shot and have been hooked since! I love FPSes, Action/ Shooters, and RTSes. My favourite RTS being... you've guessed it, Warhammer 40k- Dawn Of War. It is exciting, fast-paced and completely all about wiping out the enemy. You need focus, quick fingers and a good strategic and build plan. I may not be the best of players but I love seeing the faces of the other male players when a PINK space marine army called the PINKY BOTS annihilates them!

But firstly more about the game-
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War is a revolutionary science fiction real-time strategy (RTS) game set in the violent, post-apocalyptic universe of the 41st Millennium. Utilizing the exceptional game design skills of Relic Entertainment, Dawn of War provides an immersive entertainment experience of epic proportions. Hundreds of units clash on the battlefields of the dark future, unleashing massive destruction through a stunning battery of long-range weaponry before closing in for the finish. Incredible kill animations bring science fiction combat to life like never before, and the gritty future-gothic Warhammer 40,000 setting provides a striking tableau for the chaos and carnage of this grim, dark future, where there is only war! Command hardened troops, deadly vehicles and high tech weaponry with one goal in mind, the complete extermination of the opposition.

Do let me introduce the races to you:

Space Marines
While vile mutants still draw breath, there can be no peace. While obscene heretics' hearts still beat, there can be no respite. While faithless traitors still live, there can be no forgiveness.
Created by the Emperor and forged in the fiery furnace of war, the SPACE MARINES are warrior monks devoted to serving their creator and honor-bound to their sacred duty. Though relatively few in number, the Space Marines fight with fury at the front lines of Humanity's bloody struggle for survival against the vicious, never-ending onslaught of attacks from Mankind's enemies. One of my favourite races to play!

Eldar
What do humans know of our pain? We have sung songs of lament since before your ancestors crawled on their bellies from the sea.
An incredibly ancient race with unrivaled psychic powers, THE ELDAR once ruled a vast empire. Although the time of their absolute supremacy has passed, they remain a strong and powerful force that must be reckoned with. Johann likes playing this race.

Chaos
Death to the False Emperor! Death to the weakling Imperium of Man!
Born in a bloodbath of betrayal, the CHAOS SPACE MARINES are the darkest of villains. Although they were once proud members of the Imperium’s great and honorable Space Marine, these traitors fell willingly under the sway of the diabolic CHAOS GODS, the infernal entities who gnaw at the edges of reality, greedily devouring the souls of the damned.

Orks Waaagh! Orks! orks! orks! orks!
Bloodthirsty and vicious, the ORKS are ferocious berserkers who occupy more of the Galaxy than any other race. If they were unified in their villainy, the Orks would soon crush all opposition. Fortunately for Humanity, these warring degenerates are just as likely to attack one another, as they are to invade an Imperial planet. Jo Yong (HT's girlfriend's) favourite race to play. She paints hers purple-ly pink. We call them the gorks (gay-orks)

Imperial Guards
Who told you to die? Keep fighting!
With over a billion soldiers at its disposal, the Imperial Guard is the largest and most diverse single military body in the galaxy. It is without question the Imperium survives because of these valiant men and women who serve the Emperor without fail. They are the first line of defense and often, the last as well. Another one of my favourite races to play. They kick arse if you play them well.

In January 2006, a second expansion was announced. The expansion will feature two new races, and is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2006
A leaked source that was later confirmed officially states that the new expansion's name will be Dawn of War: Dark Crusade and that the two new races will be the Tau and the Necrons. Including the Imperial Guard from Winter Assault, this means a total of seven playable races in the expansion. Little further information is available at this time, but they were seen in an official trailer for the game. Several units, including Fire Warriors, Kroot, Hammerheads, a Drone builder, and many of their buildings, were visible. The Tau Commander is shown using a version of the XV-22 Battlesuit used by Commander Shadowsun, but it is unknown if Shadowsun herself will make an appearance in the campaign.

Can't wait..... play on..

Lesson to learn for today

2006-07-18T14:58:00.000+08:00

Instead of being sensitive and feeling "victimized" by your situation by going to higher authority unnecessarily to bitch about it, fight your own battles first. Have the balls to handle the situation yourself with class. Think of the consequences when you create a ripple that negatively impacts an entire community just because you feel small.
No one likes a petty whinny tattletale..

Man of Steel

2006-07-11T15:17:00.000+08:00

(My favourite Superman "terra menerra" pose from the movie)

Watched Superman Returns with Jo last night. 2 1/2 hours long with... well.. a pretty weak storyline if you ask me. But then again, go see it as I always believe that the movie watching experience is such a personal one that what I hate, you might completely love.
So the movie itself was long and so so. Kate Boxworth as Lois Lane doesn't quite do it for me and Kevin Spacey's Lex Luthor was not exploited enough- however its hard being Lex after Gene Hackman. Brandon Routh was a decent and nice looking Supeman with all the pecs in the right place and all the right moves. I liked that they used the old footages of Marlon Brando as Jor-El again but I wonder if he got paid another million for this cameo post mortemly. The best part about the movie? The opening credits! It's just like the original Superman movies and the music score- I like how they have retained the original Superman score and "Can You Read My Mind" by John Williams. Well, I guess if you can't do better, just use back the same one. Also, I must say that the Superman action scenes when he is flying are fantastic.

Click for theme song: http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/superman-movie.mp3

I guess those of us who grew up with the original Superman with Christopher Reeves will watch Superman Returns with a twinge of nostalgia and would want to compare. But let me just remind you that Superman III and IV did suck big time. So, although I may not be a big Superman fan, let me pay a small tribute to the man of steel with my pictorial guide through the many faces of Superman!

Superman Comics

Action Comics #1 (June 1938), the debut of Superman. Cover art by Joe Shuster

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster saw their creation, Superman, launched in Action Comics #1 in June 1938. The dynamic "Man of Tomorrow" was an instant hit, and he permanently changed the medium of comic books and comic strips by formalizing a new fantasy subgenre.

Superman Cartoons

The New Adventures of Superman debuted on the American network CBS on September 10, 1966.

Check out the theme song below:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/superman1966-intro.mp3

Hanna Barbera produced a new series based on the DC Comics concept of the Justice League of America called Super Friends. Debuting on ABC on September 8th, 1973

Click below for theme song:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/Superfriends_1973.mp3

In September 1996, the Warner Brothers television network began a new animated series: Superman

Click below for theme song:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/Superman_TAS.mp3

Justice League
Launched on November 17, 2001 as "Justice League" on the Cartoon Network action block called Toonami, and concluding 5 seasons later on May 13, 2006 as "Justice League Unlimited". Cartoon Network gave Justice League an initial order of 26 original episodes, which incorporated an all-star roster of popular DC Comics superheroes, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter. Following the premise and storyline of the DC Comics comic books, members of the Justice League are called upon to battle against allied villains, supernatural creatures and other powerful forces of evil determined to usurp authority over the world and to destroy the Justice League.

Click on Below for theme song:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/jl.mp3

Superman Radio

"Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound!"

"Look! Up in the sky!"
"It's a bird!"
"It's a plane!"
"It's Superman!"

"Yes, it's Superman - strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman - defender of law and order. champion of equal rights, valiant, courageous fighter against the forces of hate and prejudice, who disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way."

The above signature was heard in many variations over the airwaves, and has become as much a part of the public's perception of Superman as his blue, red and yellow costume. What most people don't know, is that this widely recognised opening did not originate from the Superman comics, but rather on the long-running adventures serial on radio. Superman first flew onto the radio airwaves on Monday, 12 February, 1940.

Click below to listen to the premier radio show:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/downloadpro/download.php?file=46

Superman -The Broadway Musical

Believe it or not, there was also a musical!
On March 29, 1966 Superman made it to broadway in the musical comedy It's a Bird It's a Plane It's Superman at the Alvin Theatre.

Starring:
Superman/Clark Kent: Bob Holiday

Click below for the song "You've got possibilities" from the musical:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/Its-A-Bird-Its-A-Plane.mp3

Superman Television Series

The Adventures of Superman (1951-1957)
Starring:
Superman/Clark Kent: George Reeves
Lois Lane: (1951) Phyllis Coates; (1953-1957) Noel Neill
Jimmy Olsen: Jack Larson
Perry White: John Hamilton

Click below for theme song:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/superman51.mp3

Superboy
This live action series was produced by Alexander and Ilya Salkind, producers of the Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve. The Viacom Superboy series lasted four seasons and was distributed through the syndication market in America, debuting October 8, 1988.

Click on below for theme song:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/Superboy_Season1.mp3

Lois & Clark
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman was produced by Warner Brothers and primiered on ABC network in America in the Autumn of 1993. For four seasons and 88 episodes Superman fans worldwide were captivated by this new look at the Superman legend, and by the chemistry between stars Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher

Click below for Theme Song:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/Lois_Clark.mp3

Smallville

In September 2000 the WB network announced that it was ordering up 13 episodes of an hour-long TV show featuring a teenage Clark Kent, dealing with his emerging powers prior to taking on the mantel of Superman. The series will be much more action-focused than "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," but will still contain a strong dose of humor. Circumstances such as Kent's first experimentation with X-Ray vision and other powers will also arise.

Click below for theme song:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/multimedia/Sounds/MP3/smallville.mp3

Supermen!

Superman appeared on TIME magazine on MArch 14, 1988 when he turned 50yrs

I double dare you!

2006-06-26T16:20:00.000+08:00

I was just telling Johann the other day that it is so nice that we explore other things outside our norm. This musical Broken Bridges which both Johann and I are currently rehearsing HARD for is truly a wonderful experience. Sure the rehearsals are everyday, sure it's hard work and discipline, sure Joe Hasham drills us thoroughly, sure we don't have much time for anything else for 4 months- but it is all well worth it. I could not have asked for a better 2006 so far (considering the bad start I had). To experience this at this stage of my life makes me think of that old cliche with a twist - there IS more to life .... if you just dare. If you dare to get over yourself and do it. If you dare to take the risks and come out looking like an idiot. If you dare to believe that you are NOT too old, young, stupid, fat, thin, ugly and un-talented enough to. I am proud that the both of us have taken that dare and are now having the experiences that we have. I am especially proud of Johann and his ability to overcome his initial belief that he could not sing and nervousness at having to sing infront of people to now confidently doing his numbers with pizzaz! To see him transform from that to how he is showing up now in rehearsals is inspiring.
What is more inspiring is that it is written by these two regular Ipoh boys (Chuang Yik-music, and Ky Gan-script) who believed they had something worth sharing, threw caution to the wind, sent out their script, got rejection after rejection and eventually touched Joe Hasham enough to have him decide to take on this project and direct this musical. Wow!
So you have to come see Broken Bridges at KLPac (19th Aug - 3rd Sept) and see us perform in it! (plug plug) The songs are beautiful!(bravo Chuang Yik!)

Theatre and the signs?

2006-05-03T11:45:00.000+08:00

I am in!
I can't believe it neither can I comprehend why it has taken me this long to do something like this. Take note: I , Maybel, am gonna be in a Joe Hasham directed musical titled Broken Bridges which will be staged in August @ The KL Performing Art Center. AND I am playing the part of a mother-of-a-kind-of-radical-town-18yr old-girl. ME?!?! A mother! How did that happen? Being a theatre virgin, I am excited and yet apprehensive. I really do not know what to expect so I guess I'll just go with the flow as they say....
But I do believe in fate. IT is not by chance that I finally decided to check out when KLPAC were offering Acting Classes for Beginners, IT is not by chance that during the short "break" me and Jo decided to have, I signed up for the class, IT is not by chance that Joe Hasham, urged us to audition for the musical and I did (although I originally intended to ignore it), IT is not by chance that we had to postphone our call backs to another date because Jo and I had to go to Langkawi and therefore had a chance to do a read. IT is not by chance that I got the part that I read for although the part calls for a woman in her mid 40s. Nothing is by chance. Everything happens for a reason.
For the past year, I have been standing at the crossroads and deciding on what to do. I cant really see the directions and the destinations but I feel like my life has come to some sort of halt, a pause, and something is gonna happen to turn my life into a different direction. Do I know yet where I am heading? No, I don't. What is the reason for me getting this part? Is it a sign? The first indication of change? Again, don't know. but I can't wait for it all to be unfolded and revealed in time....

Game on!

2005-03-29T14:25:00.000+08:00

Don't ever mess with the family..... kapish?

2005-03-29T14:00:00.000+08:00

and my heart skips so that I can hardly breathe.. and I seem to find the happiness I seek, when were out together dancing cheek to cheek.