Finale Finale

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Turns out 2012 is one big finale year eh? On top of the obvious graduation and all that, I'm talking about all my drama serials. Probably nothing to make a big woo-haa you may say, but I've watched some of them through the years and reminded me of several different stages of my life.

Before I departed for Taiwan, I watched the series finale of my favourite Desperate Housewives. Granted the quality to me has dipped a little over the last few years, but I was still as tuned into the stories of the leading ladies. My absolute favourite is still one Bree Van De Kamp, played by Marcia Cross. One of the first few times I cried watching a drama serial was during the season 1 finale where she masterfully acted out the pain and sorrow after finding out Rex is dead. Powerful emotional scene. The sequence is still fresh in my mind: receive the phone call and bad news, said thank you, took out her favourite cutlery set and started cleaning meticulously, finished, placed it back in the closet, sat down by the dining table and just BAMMM, outpour of emotions.

I probably already said it before, it was my first American drama, which I started in 2004 during the post O-levels lull. I credit my relative improved English to Desperate Housewives no doubt, as I really still had fundamental problems with the English language then, which was logical given I barely listen and speak the language. All through JC, The Forces and university, the show has seen me through all the years. Pretty sad in that regard.

The other show which I really love is Glee. I do think that the 2nd and 3rd seasons are pretty mediocre, although still watchable. Whilst the 3rd season is not the last season by any means, the graduation of the core initial group signifies some sort of ending for me with the show. Out of all the lead cast members, I've always adored the ambitious, melodramatic and single-minded Rachel Berry. She brought out all the most memorable dramatic and comedic scenes to me, especially back in season 1. Not ashamed to say that whilst watching the season 3 Nationals episode, I too was nervously rooting for New Directions to win despite well knowing that they would (Thanks to spoilers), that's the connection to the show there. Of course, the variety of music the show has exposed me to as well, and that's why it leads me to my next favourite show.

NBC's Smash. Think of it like a adult version of Glee, more like a Broadway-themed drama serial. Althought stereotypically you'd think such a genre would no doubt attract my attention, the initial reason why I was so interested is really due to the lead actress, my personal favourite Idol alumni, Katharine McPhee. I'm sure if you dig way back into my 2006 posts, you can see me gushing and stanning for Katharine during Idol season 5. I was quite devastated when she lost to Taylor Hicks during that season!

Nevertheless, Smash is a good show. I loved the original Broadway numbers so much more than the covers. And the dynamics of Karen and Ivy is surely interesting representation not only of the behind the scene view of Broadway, but in any competitive industry where sometimes talent and hardwork do not guarantee success. Musically, it's also refreshing to see 2 distinct types of voice tackle the same song. Megan Hilty's Broadway-trained vocals are so majectic and powerful that it gives upbeat numbers like 'Let's Be Bad' a life of it's own, while McPhee's take of 'Never Give All The Heart' is hauntingly beautiful. Happy that the show got renewed for a second season!

- Domon

Topicless X^7 V

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After the shocker of a defeat inflicted by one Virginie Razzano, I, for one, am not fully confident of Maria's chances in this Slam. Granted we're talking about Serena and Roland Garros, but that kind of inspired underdog opponent against an off-day by a top player, completely possible to mentally project Maria and some scrub into those roles. The result would be the same, just not as sensationalised as this time, mainly due to Serena's astonishing 46-0 record in Grand Slam first rounders. Still shocked by her defeat and hates the fact that Maria is now the odds on favourite with a relatively benign path till the quarterfinals. We know for one thing as Sharapova fans, how she deals with fairly easy draws. Ugh.

Mum just told me that she most likely wouldn't be able to attend my convocation. Wow, am still trying to decide how I feel about this. On one hand, I'm not AS disappointed as I thought I should be, but again, that means I'll be the poor soul with no one there to hug me, take pictures and say how proud they are of me on that joyous day! I may have to even start enlisting the presence of friends...

On a serious note, while I understand her absolute commitment to her work (A top-notch virtue), perhaps asking a day off for your son's convocation probably isn't that much to ask?

Recently got really, and I mean REALLY hooked onto Li Sheng Jie's emo songs. I reckon it's not his voice, but the quality of the ballads that just makes them true standouts. It's the brand of songs that you can go broken-hearted overwhelmingly while you strain your vocal cords to reach those notes, that kind of satisfying emotional orgasm.

Now that I've been to Taiwan, I think I'll not buy leisure clothes in SG for quite a long while! Come on AJC 30/05, make Taiwan trip 2013 happen!

- Domon

Naruwan 2012

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Going to blog this down before I drag on and on until it dies into oblivion.

One of the single best decisions I made in my University life is to reverse my original decision to save and scrimp on going on a graduation trip. That was of course decided when I was a year 2 actuarial student with scarcely anyone in class really on friendly terms except for a few. This trip will be etched deep in my heart for not only the fun times but also some of the more trying periods. To try and do away with my usual lengthy style, shall just write on some of the more impressionably parts of the trip.

There were a few highlights in each of the different regions that we went to. In Taipei, the single best moment I thought was the Jacky Wu show recording. He himself was absolutely hilarious, his mere presence already elicits laughter, not to mention when he actually speaks. Seeing the set and the celebrities really felt kind of surreal for a few seconds. Granted there was no particular superstars during that episode, biggest would be arguably Jacky Wu himself. Patty Hou is ravishing and that Zhou Tang Hou kid is indeed handsome. We also got the good fortunes (Or not) to sit right in front of the recording cameras as well as the big producer. A female auntie I guess, and we caught on to her giving one of her verbal lashings to another pitiful worker. Demanding demanding job.

While there was not much scenary to speak of in Taipei, I did visited Tan Jiang Zhong Xue, where Jay Chou filmed one of my favourite movies, Secret. Tried to re-enact some of the classic scenes but failed miserably. Classrooms were out of bounds so we only managed to take the football field and the classroom block.

Pretty similar to Taichung which was our last leg of the trip, both are quite developed cities with the exception of the MRT system in Taipei which made it far more convenient. As for the famed night markets, I went to Shilin, Ximending and Wufenpu in Taipei and Fengjie in Taichung. With regards to choices and variety, I do think Wufenpu is the best shopping place, with Fengjia a close second. But Fengjia is just so shopper-friendly with its wider roads and food stalls interspersed with the shopping maze I've to give a nod to it as the best shopping district. Got myself some bargains there too though on second thought I really could have done better.

Food! Ah yes the food there. To quote my Japanese level 3, it's most certainly 安くて、おいしくて、いろいろな食べ物がありますねぇ~ (Cheap, delicious and all kinds available). My top 3 thus far:

棺材板
Iced Banana dipped in chocolate sprinkled with crushed peanutes (OMG just typing it out is making me salivating)
碳烤鸡排

However, if I were to choose what's the most memorable period in my trip, it'd be the stretch from start of Hualien to the end of Qing Jing. It was just fascinating to go so near to nature, starting with the Taroko Gorge, with the ever helpful driver 何先生 showing us up the mountainous regions, all along taking care of our safety while doubling as tour guide/historian. As we slowly ascended up the mountains, temperatures dropped and we saw thick mist, pretty dreamy if you ask me. And heaven was nice enough for us to part the clouds and as we reached the He Huan Shan region, the view was especially breathtaking! Cooling winds and great sunlight, we managed to capture the spectacular view, literally on top of the world! The green was pastel-colour like, the sky blue as it can possibly be, everything felt like we just walked out of a scene from the Sound of Music movie with Julie Andrews. Worth every of my penny spent.

As for as Taiwanese hospitality goes, the experience was largely positive and we got also first-hand experience of great customer service to boot. If I've to recommend one, if you guys go to Hualien, contact 石头的家's 刘阿姨. You may wonder how the great reviews and ratings came by and be your usual skeptical self (Like me), but the hospitality there is hands down best I've ever experienced.

And with this lengthy post, it marks the end of my university, and henceforth, my student life. Sure I'd learn as I grow old, actuarial exams and what-not, but it's not the same anymore isn't it? I'll truly miss the times. And for all the darn obstacles and sweet memories you threw at me, NTU, you too shall deserve another separate post in the near future.

- Domon

One by One We Turn 24...

Still suffering from the post-Taiwan exhaustion, but hey, I'll definitely bring on a long-ass post on the fun trip there.

Today we met up to celebrate the 24th birthday of our beloved planner/organiser, Seok Hwee. It was a great gathering. One thing that surprised me is how big the group got now, including the 'other halves' now. I think we've to add in a criteria for anyone thinking of getting a girlfriend or boyfriend: receptive of the entire crazy gang in addition! In all seriousness, it's heartening to see them all blend in as well as they can to the group because frankly, we're all a really nice bunch of people. I am, till this day, still surprised by the relative ease of Apolinar blending into our group despite carrying one of the single most difficult handicap: unable to understand Chinese.

As we took the time to review the past stupid photos taken 7 years ago, it's truly alarming how fast time has passed, and how much and little we all changed over the years. I guess I'd retire my old trusty Canon I80 from the photo-taking scene now unless absolutely necessary (Like the Taiwan trip aforementioned).

Somehow the group does feel lacking in the form of a person...

- Domon

The Sagittarius Man

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I was never a astrology kind of person. In fact, I didn't quite find any of them miraculously accurate anyway. Reading the weekly astrology columns is like fishing of characteristics from a pool of adjectives gathered with some kind of synonyms mixed together for each individual sign.

But of course, since we're looking at a whole list of descriptive words, there are bound to be one or two which absolutely hit the bull's eye. So recently, as bored as I am, started paying more attention to who I am. And surprisingly, I agree to quite a fair bit of the stereotypical Sagittarius man, so I shall do that little review now.

The most common trait of a Sagittarius guy is the ultimate love of freedom, the yearn for absolute independence. Got to say this one is accurate. Ever since young, through adoloscence, I was always craving for freedom. It's not a puberty phase either, it's just something innate. I'm simply someone who dislike to be controlled and told what to do unnecessarily.

As a result, interestingly, I read that one of the ultimate goals of a Sagittarius man is to travel around the globe and explore, looking for more exciting adventures. I've shared with Huangmu before about one of my ultimate dreams as well, which involved globetrotting and I can't say I can disagree with this trait as well.

All accounts show that the Sagittarius man is a fun and joy to be with, the quintessential go-to guy in parties and gathering. The 'clown' so to speak, who always seeks to entertain and make everyone happy. I dislike dull and routine, but of course if it's required, I'd never say no but try to adapt. But true to my inner Sagittarius roots, I'm always looking for excitement and something to get me charged up about. It's the same when dealing with people, the Sagittarius are people-person. I for one, have gradually lost this ability over the year I realise, often prefering to stay in my own bubble instead.

The Sagittarius man is also said to be someone who is often honest, direct and does not lie. He always speaks the truth, but in doing so, means no harm as it is simply his nature to do so. Consequently, his can always charm his way out of any problem, notably with his people skills. I'm partially like that too. But I think life has generally taught me to be more guarded, and the mind has been so well-trained that it can process quickly what ought to be spoken and what should be lied about. Can't help it, but society sometimes do shape our personalities, and that's one Sagittarius luxury I can never afford. Sometimes honesty carries with it too high a price, that's why we got to lie sometimes, don't we all?

The interesting thing about Sagittarius man, as always with most horoscopes, lies in the relationship aspect. Simply put, we're not a good breed to fall in love with, and who am I to argue. I do agree in fact. The unabashed love and desire for freedom, excitement and independence just contradicts the very qualities a good husband-esque should have. This phrase sums it up pretty nicely, Sagittarius man is 'like a kid with severe ADHD' before he matures. People don't really associate me with maturity, I sometimes do stupid things and say dumb stuff to entertain, and I did felt like a small kid during those times, I wanted to. Even at the ripe old age of almost 24, I guess I can never announce myself as a real grown-up, because I'll always be pre-dominantly a fun-loving kind of guy who probably can't really ever settle down.

So I guess to summarise, I'll be the awesome, know-it-all uncle of all you people's children who'll spend lavishly on gifts and presents for them! Therefore you all can form a queue now, registration for letting your future unborn child as my god-child starts tomorrow 9AM. :D

- Domon

The Norse Mythology

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I don't normally strike as someone who's deep and thoughtful. In fact the one comment that I've gotten that pretty much still stuck out was the implied remark that I'm shallow. Haha, nonetheless, delving slightly into mythology now.

By now most of you should have already watched the box-office smash, The Avengers. I'm not particularly a DC Comic book fan. Granted, I thoroughly enjoyed the superhero movies that I've watched thus far, Spiderman and what-not. Still, Avengers felt too commercialised, though I shouldn't expect anything different. But the familiar premise of introducing alien creatures into the world to spark a world-war like apocalypse against imaginery enemies is just weak setting for a superhero flick. Regardless, it was entertaining and Black Widow and Captain America were hot. Delightful to see Robin Sparkles as well.

The movie borrowed heavily from the Norse Mythology, with the primary villain Loki, the exact namesake as the main antagonist responsible for the Ragnarok.

My little fascination with it started during the early secondary school days. Specifically after Weekuang lent me his copy of The Valkyrie Profile, a Squaresoft RPG (Also company responsible for my other favourite, Final Fantasy). It was a highly enjoyable gaming experience, appealing to the inner-RPG fan in me. With the entire story set against the Nordic folklore, it told a story of various characters that were also originally from the Norse Mythology.

It was a sad tale, the game's story. But what intrigued me the most were the different characters of the Nordic folklore. From the unwanted child Loki, the Almight Odin, the 3 demon children, Fenrir, Hel and Jormungandr to gods like Thor etc. The intertwining stories between each gods and within the different worlds are also interesting reads. I remember spending loads of time reading all I could find on the internet then.

So seeing Avengers kind of reminded me of this little part fascination I had. And much as it's some useless information, I'm glad I revisited it.

- Domon

家政婦のミタ

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I must honestly say, taking up Japanese as an elective in NTU is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my student life. Said it before, I don't know why I waited till so long to finally learn the language. The innate laziness I guess, the inertia. But nonetheless, I took my first step and never looked back.

Junking up on dramas and sitcoms with the helping of the internet, I managed to finally watch one of the hottest Japanese drama in 2011, Kaseifu no Mita. This is one of the songs that Kii-chan sang along all the time with Mita-san, shall learn it.

　　　さか
この　坂(slope)　を、
のぼったら、
みぎ
右に行き、
木があります。
　　ま
木を曲がり(turn)、
すす
進　んだら、
みんなのおうちです。

Nanako Matsushima impressed me most. Although I've heard of her and know of her previous works (Chinese name is 松岛菜菜子, if that rings a bell), I didn't really watch much of her performance prior to this. (Also, granted, I didn't manage to watch A LOT of Japanese drama serials as well)

I can't believe that I literally bawled while watching the episode yesterday night. There's something uniquely poignant watching a stoic woman explaining her past and all that happened which made her who she is. The slight quiver and change in enunciation which deviate from her usual robotic tone, signalling her most painful memory, that scene was too much. I have to say it was brilliantly written and acted, episode 8.

ただ　私は　このドラマのエピソードが二つありますから、たぶん今日か　明日か　見ますよ。

- Domon