A dream is a wish your heart makes

A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep. ~Cinderella~

As much as I love my Disney, fairy-tale idealism will not get us anywhere. Journeying through our inaugural dance piece for Short+Sweet Dance Penang "Everyday Carry" has forced me to think of a motivation for my character. A character, very much like my real life, carries the daily responsibilities and routines with her; a life that is normal, which is fine, not exactly miserable or difficult... but yet her heart longs for something else, dreams of something else.

But how many of us truly takes action to get there? And how many just accepts life as it is?

This little poster shall be my daily mantra... to drive me to do the current as best I can, so that I can pave the way to the future I desire. Every little step forward cherished, every milestone, celebrated.

I started working in 2002, took a sabbatical in 2012. Started working back in 2013, so, the next sabbatical is due 2023, right? Will it last longer this time? Will I be able to go back to work when I need to? Let's shush these stupid questions from our heads and just work towards it anyway.

2023: that shall be my target date. Time to stop procrastinating, and turn my dreams, into goals, into plans, into actions... until they are final... true. 

Dreams do come true. ;-)

Thank yous for 2014

I have adopted this habit from my younger sister to count blessings at the end of every year. I did it on FB only to realize some of the people I want to thank are not there, hence here.

I think it is a very good habit. We always read inspirational quotes that tell us to count our blessings but literally listing it out on cyberspace, is far more practical than just thinking about it after reading the inspirational quotes. That way, we can always revisit the post and bring in the silver linings whenever we face the daily challenges, stresses and annoyances throughout our lives as we always do as human beings. A little dose of gratitude, goes a long loooong way. 

1. I thank God for healing me of dengue after a horrible episode of prolonged decline in platelets, endless vomiting, high fever and chills. I thought that I would never pull out of it because I could not nourish myself to fight it. As those who know me would know, I am always over-confident of my strong immunity. Never in my life have I ever been admitted to a hospital for anything! Yet this time, I felt so helpless and weak. I thank all the people who cared for me while I was at my worst; my parents, my husband Alvin, my sister Yee Wean, my bestfriend Hazel, my cell-leader Elizabeth, my pastor Pr Lee Choo, my MTAS gang Mei Wei, Cindee, Vinsky, etc, my cellgroup Ee Vonn, Wendy & Patrick, my new colleague Christine, ... for being there for me in person. Every little bit of care and concern means the world to me! And thank you to those who couldn't be there but sent forth your wishes and prayers too! Nothing in modern medicine or technology could've healed me more than the cares of the people close to me. There is afterall no cure for dengue. I have never been more thankful to be alive, or to be able to sleep in my own bed, or to be able to eat without vomiting after.
2. I thank God for the Short + Sweet journey this year with my hubby Alvin. It seems that whenever we collaborate, amazing things happen. We are better together than apart as S+S proves it. ;) I thank Ross for taking our "baby" to great heights and putting our vision into action!! Thanks to Shen for making the music sound superb!! Love it!! I thank the entire team from 300 Million: A Reconceptualization of Conception and A Woman At War for a memorable journey and for the endless commitment put in.
3. I thank God for saving my dad's life after the horrifying heart-attack in April while both my sister and myself were abroad. It was a shock to us seeing how healthy and fit he is for his age. He's fitter than some 30year-olds I know! It really taught us how temporary our lives are in this world and nobody is immune to sickness or death and not take health for granted. It taught us to appreciate what truly matters in life and not just the passing distractions. I am just super glad and thankful I still have time to spend with both my parents and my entire family is still whole.
4. I thank God for my husband Alvin, who stands by me through thick and thin... and walks all my crazy journeys with me; be it in the arts, in ministry, in life, this year... in sickness and in health. Thank you for making me laugh even when I can't manage a smile. Thank you for walking all our journeys together that deepens our understanding of each other's lives; we can talk about the stuff we go through to each other and really really relate!!
5. I thank God for the privilege to produce More Than A Show for SIBKL. Thanks for your faith in my Pr Lee Choo and Ronny. Although, I kinda failed you guys at the very last lap when I got dengue, you guys took over the baton so readily and willingly. I could never have done it without you. Thanks to Mei Wei, Zara, Alvin, Janet, Charmine, Cindee, and the entire cast and crew of MTAS for your endless commitment to make the show work. You guys are so awesome!!! I love you and miss you all... post-production syndrome. :( :( I am so ready and looking forward to 2015's Christmas Production!!
6. I thank God for opening up an opportunity for me in my career to venture out of my comfort zone in the world of the sick, into the big wide world of healthy people. It opened up my mind and my perspective of the way business or marketing is done. It gave me the opportunity to learn the true art of influencing people through mass-communications, touching emotions from afar and a lot of room for creativity exploration. I can clearly see how this wider experience in creativity will add so much value back to the emotionally compelling world of niche chronic diseases, which is ultimately still my first love and I miss it!
7. I thank God for my sister, Yee Wean who shares my love for travelling... not-in-style. Whilst there are many people who crave luxuries while travelling, we share the same objective in travelling, just experiencing regular life in that place, eat their food, watch their people, see things and walk, a lot. Don't over-plan, and go with the flow... tripadvisor and googlemaps have not failed us. We don't need a tourguide. Our Italy trip was perfect that way!
8. I thank God for my best friend in the whole wide world, Hazel who is always there for me through everything and supports me in everything I do. And makes the time to spend with me even with her crazy travelling schedule. This year, we managed to make a trip together to Krabi and it was the most relaxing, agenda-less trip ever. It was super wonderful!! In the world of so much busy-ness, it is a luxury to be agenda-less. I hope to take more trips with you!
9. I thank God for the opportunity to serve in the SIBKL Creative Ministry as a Video Editor. I want to thank Wai Yan, Shu-Ling, Desmond and Mei Lee for being such patient and wonderful teachers that have unlocked a new skill in me as a video editor which gives me new perspectives to add on to my passion in the performing arts. Videos gives me a whole new basket of toys to play with in the performing arts and storytelling! Joining CM-Production team was initally just a trial as I had always been in the worship ministry all my life. But I am definitely here to stay. I love it here!!
10. For the new colleagues I meet in my new job in this new industry; I have never met someone so remarkable as you, Christine; super objective minded, responsible and genuine. I am thankful and honoured to be your peer. You have my utmost respect as a person and I hope to see you go way further in your career. I am thankful to have a well-united team; Jocelyn and Jeslyn; both whom I can always rely on and have a high sense of team-unity even in challenging times. I really appreciate the sisterhood feeling that you girls give me and make me look forward to come to work. I am also thankful for my boss, David whom has a wealth of experience and is never selfish to share and mentor. On of being a nice empathetic person, he still holds high standards, principles and work ethics in his leadership... usually a very difficult balance to strike. I also appreciate his immense respect for our work-life balance.

See, you don't even need to look very hard, there is just too many things to be thankful for. Cheers to 2015, and bring on more of life to be thankful for!!!

Short + Sweet Musical 2014 Thank You's

No words can describe how happy I was last night at the Short + Sweet Musical Gala Night 2014. The musical hubby and I collaborated to write and compose won 2 awards as a team! And while we were already over the moon about that, we received the Festival Director's Award. It was all so unexpected as we had decided to take risks this year by recruiting many S+S newbies in both our teams. Praise God!!! Thank You Lord for making all of this possible..

A big fat CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners this year!!!

I am so thankful for so many things and so many people that has made this journey even possible. 

First and foremost, to hubby who always pushes and encourages me to continue to be creative and explore new things no matter how tired, lazy or uninspired I feel due to the stresses at work. Contrary to popular belief, spending the effort, time, energy and resources to write, compose or direct a musical is more refreshing, energizing and inspiring than physical rest could ever do. And it is hubby who is always behind me, making me a better person than I could ever be on my own.

Secondly, I would like to thank Ross and Shen for agreeing to take on our baby, 300 Million: The Reconceptualization of a Conception to life. I knew both of you are extremely busy and juggling a gazillion things on your plates at the moment, yet you put your hearts and souls into this. I am so proud of you Ross, your directorial debut really brought to life what had only existed in Alvin and my heads. I LOVE IT!!!!

Thirdly, to Mark and Laura. Thanks for trusting Alvin and me with your baby, A Woman At War. You have no idea how much we appreciate your empowerment in trying to bring to life what was in your heads. I hope we stayed true to your vision and made you proud. 

Thanks also to Mr & Mrs Wong and Mr & Mrs Ho, for allowing Sean and Wilfred to be a part of the team at A Woman At War. Thanks for trusting us enough to bring your sons through this musical journey despite the late nights and breaking their curfews time and again.

Thanks to Sean, Wilfred, Daniel and Thern for agreeing to play for A Woman At War. Thanks for your discipline and commitment to the rehearsals. Thanks for all your creative contribution to make the music event better than I could ever imagine on my own. 

Thanks to all the cast of A Woman At War: Boon Kit, Sara Vivian, Hilda, Teresa, Riena, Jee Yan, Kevin and Desmond for always seeking feedback and forever eager to improve. You guys have so much chemistry together and you sound wonderful together. I couldn't have asked for a better cast.

Thanks to Alfred, Nabilah and Fara for accepting the roles in 300 Million after the S+S Musical auditions. I know all of you had multiple offers and could have chosen many other musicals but I am so thankful that you accepted to be in team 300 million. And of course thanks to Calvin and the rest of the spermies who also joined the team later and brought the story to life!! You guys were perfect for your roles!!!

Thanks to Joe, Faridah, Soo, Boy, Lawrence, Arif and the entire crew of S+S Musical for the opportunity and the platform for us to explore our passion in the arts. 

Last but not least, thanks and the heartiest congratulations to the one and only musical sifu Nick Choo ... who inspired me to start writing 3 years ago after attending your S+S workshop. And thanks for continuously helping us grow by generously sharing your feedback and suggestions whenever we ask you. Really appreciate your time and your input! There is no one else more deserving of the Creative Excellence Award!! Congrats again!!

♥♥ Proud of both team "300 million" and team "AWAW"! ♥♥

 

Hubs and me getting the Festival Director's Award from the Festival Director herself! (photo courtesy of Short +  Sweet Malaysia) 

300 million winning Audience Choice Award (photo courtesy of Short +  Sweet Malaysia)

300 million winning Best Overall Production (photo courtesy of Short +  Sweet Malaysia)

♩ ♫ ♬ ♩ My epic Valentine ♩ ♫ ♬ ♩

In January, hubby had a eureka moment and decided to plan this year's Valentine's Day for us eventhough it's not his turn. We have this arrangement where we take turns every year to plan Valentine's Day so that not only is it fair, but we have an unspoken competition to outdo or out-love each other. ;-)

He created the event page and left me clues every week, sometimes more than 1 clue per week.

First clue were the colourful refreshing fruits.

 Then, in no particular order there were Wong Ah Fook, Parameswara, Ash Burn and Chilli Crab

 Then came the hardest clue of them all, a love poem.

And a platipus

It seemed like a bunch of random stuff that didn't make any sense to me. Except I connected the Wong Ah Fook, Parameswara and Sultan Abu Bakar (Ash Burn) to going southbound but I had thought we were going on a cuti-cuti Malaysia journey southbound and make our way back up to KL.

V-day came, and we carried our bagpacks and started walking from home ala Amazing Race. The weeks of anticipation had already made it epic before it began. It was so exciting. We then boarded a cab, he told me to tell the cabby where we were going... I looked back at him and told the cab driver "er, KL Sentral" and looked back at him. He asked if I was sure it was KL Sentral, I said 70% sure. Since he made me pack my TouchnGo card, I deduced a train-ride involved. It turned out he said we didn't use the TouchnGo anyway. From KL Sentral, again he asked where should we go next? I was only 50% sure this time, it could be a KTM train outstation or it could be LCCT. 

As we made our way down to the airport shuttle busses, I found out we were going to LCCT.

At the airport, he was too relaxed and we took our time with lunch and 2nd round lunch for him. I knew our flight was not so early, so I guess, not the Penang or KK flight which was too early. And we cannot be leaving the country because he did not specify to pack my passport. It must be a domestic flight.

So many flights, yang mana satu??? With the earlier clues connecting Johor and Melaka, I deduced that it had to be Johor since Melaka had no flights.

As we made our way inside the boarding area, he still hadn't shown me the ticket. He asked how sure I was about Johor, I said, 60% due to the clues. I deduced that we will not fly back but take a bus northbound after Johor so that we can go to Melaka, our favourite foodspot on the way back, hence the Parameswara. Ok, my history really really sucks back in school. I wasn't sure about any of my hypothesis but I sure was excited no matter what it was.

Finally I managed to peek at the ticket and saw the number... Indeed Johor was the right answer!!!
Our flight called for boarding anyway, so I would've known sooner or later.

Arrived in Senai!! What the hell will we do in Johor?? Or is it just the starting point of the journey? he said the he will give me a note to let me know what else is in store once we reach the hotel.

The first few clues started to unravel and make sense, we went to Jalan Wong Ah Fook, and checked into Citrus Hotel!!! Hmm, checking in to Johor does not sound like it's a starting point of a journey northbound.

Lo and behold, he showed me a Singapore Dollar "note". Then I asked how??? I didn't bring my passport. Guess who stole it?? I didn't even know he knew where I kept it. Moreover, I don't always keep my passport in the same place due to convnience, laziness or procrastination. Even I have to hunt for it when I need it usually.

We walked over to the CIQ and were on our way! The immigration officer asked for my address in Singapore eventhough it was a day-trip. Errr... I bet if he was one of those guys in "Lie to Me" he would've caught me. I said "Marina Bay Sands" with so little conviction that my acting teacher would cringe. I suspected we'd be watching a show. Why else would we go to Singapore... takkan la food?? he let me pass anyway. Phew!

 

I am ready to go over the causeway!

Past the causeway, a couple of MRT rides and voila... we were in Bugis Junction. As we walked around, he said that I had to find our dinner spot as he is not going to lead me there. Let me see... Chilli Crabs?? That would be in Clark Quay. Not right. So I went through the shop directory and saw... jeng jeng jeng!!! 

So, that's why the random platipus swimming photo was about. The place was lovely and quiet. Our table was ready for us as he had already made reservations.

The smug planner and the happy traveller. :) The pasta was great... there were many many choices and I had this truffle carbonara thingy that was yumz!

He gave one last clue about what we will be watching... something to do with rain. I said "Singing In the Rain?" I didn't want to use roaming data so I can't google what was on in Singapore at the time. He didn't seem convinced and it suddenly hit me..."the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plane". We are watch my childhood favourite "My Fair Lady"!!!!
My Fair Lady! Wouldn't it be lov-vely... lov-vely?? Turns out the love poem was Audrey Hepburn's favourite. It was even read at the funeral. Lovely.

Everything revealed itself... not all at once, but layer by layer, like an onion. Making that reeling feeling last longer. And you just want to savour every waking moment.

I love you Alvin... more and more each year. Only you know me like the way you know me, only you can love me the way you love me. ❤ I LOVE YOU!!! ❤

OMGEEEEEEE... next year is my turn to plan. How to out-do this??? @_@ But I think it's uber cool that we compete to love each other better, that way... we keep getting better at it. Right? ❤

In the news again!!!

Here was our first coverage from the press conference... 15th March 2013 in The Star: Metro

Read the original article by clicking here.

An Unexpected Pressing Matter

13th March 2013, yesterday was the Press Conference for The Unexpected Guest (TUG) at Hilton Petaling Jaya. Press turnout was pretty good, considering we really could not afford to spoil the press in this event since we are a non-profit org. :-)

Details of the event are as below:

Joshua Lee, the Programme Director of StART Society said  “Although we are not an events company, we always like to push the envelope and be pioneers or innovators of events such as the Xtramile Run in 2011 which was the first of its kind in Malaysia. Hopefully, by exercising our creativity, we can inspire the kids under our tutelage that anything and everything is possible if we play it to our strengths and passions,” He also added that the children will be performing during this dinner, firstly to showcase their talents and what they have learnt at StART Society... and secondly, to make the dinner seem as close to a normal fundraiser as possible in the beginning and establish that the stage is the stage and the audience is the audience, before the lines are completely blurred later in the night.

Freddy Tan, the drama director and me, the writer were excitedly describing the drama while being cautious not to reveal too much that it may spoil the fun and surprise. Freddy described how the actors will be trained and be rehearing differently from a conventional theatre play... to stay in character and expect the unexpected for this drama. They would be trained to feed on the audiences diversions and misdirection and use it in the drama, or re-divert them back to fit into the story. Earlier this week, Freddy was also asked on Capital FM 88.9 if he is nervous about directing something that is a new concept. Freddy said "Yes, it will definitely give me sleepless nights. But it's because of that, the challenge of doing something new and experimental... that I want to do this!"

I was asked where did my inspiration came from. I said "I grew up addicted to mystery and crime investigation novels such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie... then in more recent years, I am a big follower of crime TV series such as CSI. My favourite is Criminal Minds as I find human behaviour is the most interesting element in the investigation as compared to just physical scientific evidence. So, expect a lot of elements of human relationships and behavioural elements in The Unexpected Guest!"

Asha Gill (our TUG emcee) asked "If a guest were to voluntarily drink the "poisoned drink" that killed one of the actors, then play dead... how would the actors react?" Freddy answered that he would definitely welcome such involvement and engagement from the audience. He said that he liked the script because it has a lot of room to play around the plot as there are many things happening simultaneously. So, additional back-stories can always be worked into the story whenever the audiences participate in the story. I added that whoever wants to play dead, has to play dead the rest of the night! :p

After the press conference, we had a Food Tasting session at the Hilton Petaling Jaya to sample what will be served on the event day... scrumptious stuff.

Get your tickets fast as the big corporations are snapping them up by the table. ;-) For ticket purchase, please contact StART Society at: 03 7954 5423 | 016 336 8185 | startsociety.info@gmail.com.

On Air

Tune in to Capital FM 88.9 from 7.45am onwards on Monday, 11th March 2013:

I will be On Air, for the very first time. Exciting stuff, hehehe. Will be promoting our super awesome fundraising event: The Unexpected Guest. Get to meet celebrity DJ Xandria Ooi. And see the super awesome girl power radio station, where ma favourite colour pink is in, out and all around!! LIKE!!!

Tune in ya? Jangan tak tune in ;-)

Hit the ground running!

Finally, I have registered for the 2013 Standard Chartered KL Marathon!!!!

Mampus... some crazy voice inside my head told me to do that and I don't know why I listened. I already have knee problems and I have just turned 35. If I live to 70, this is exactly midpoint. Yes, may be that crazy voice in my head has a name: mid-life crisis. First, I took an artsy sabbatical, now I wanna run 42.195 kilometres around KL.

While I'm at it... I might as well give myself a reason behind this crazy torturous journey. Please help me motivate myself by supporting The National Autism Society of Malaysia by going to my Runner's Profile page. Ta-da!!

Then, please click on this nice big blue "donate" button on that Runner's Profile page to donate:

Registration and the motivation behind it are just the beginning of the torture journey... now comes the training.

The crazy training calendar

I've already gotten a headstart and pre-train before I flag-off my training.
Week -2: total 7.5 km only.
Week -1: total 22 km only.

Next week will be Week 1... when the sweat, tears and blood begins! Look on the bright side, at least I can eat mother-loads of carbs and not get fat. ;-)

I'd better hit the ground running, wish me luck & support my cause!!!! :D :D

The Unexpected Guest

I'm super duper uber excited about my upcoming project, and it's all for a good cause too! Do it for the less fortunate children, or just do it to be entertained... but do come join us! =)

Presenting!!! *drumrolls*

The Unexpected Guest

Welcome to a night of enthralling mystery, scandals, and eureka moments. Welcome to a place where fiction and reality has little separation. Welcome to a theatrical performance where YOU unwittingly become part of the cast.

Special Appearance:
Marina Mahathir (Guest of Honour)
Carey Ng (Miss Universe Malaysia 2012)
Asha Gill
Emily Lim
Liang

Date: 20 – 21st April 2013, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Venue: Hilton Petaling Jaya, Kristal Ballroom 1 & 2, 1st Floor, West Wing

Tickets: RM200 per pax or RM2,000 per table

For more information please contact StART Society at: 03 7954 5423 | 016 336 8185 | startsociety.info@gmail.com

Venue Sponsor: Hilton Petaling Jaya
A Fundraising Project for StART Society, where talent is unearthed and nurtured. 

Directed by: Freddy Tan
Winner of Best Director for The Geongxi Is A Vamp (winner of Best Overall Production) in Short & Sweet Musical 2012. Director for Corporal PUNishment in 2012 (klpac). Winner of Festival Director’s Award in Short & Sweet Theatre 2011. Writer/Lyricist for Oriental Takeout (winner of Best Overall Production) in Short & Sweet Musical 2011. Performed in INDICINELIVE! in KL, Penang, Kuching and Singapore.

Written by: Karynn Tan
Composer/Lyricist for The Geongxi Is a Vamp (winner of Best Overall Production) in Short & Sweet Musical 2012, Winner of Best Lead Actress in Oriental Takeout (winner of Best Overall Production) in Short & Sweet Musical 2011, Performed in Dama Orchestra’s Empress Wu and klpac’s Malaysian Girls.

Executive Producer: StART Society

Should I?

Coming sooooon, jeng-jeng-jeng!!

Should I attempt the full marathon this time?? People say the biggest obstacle is your own mind... I think my mind is in pretty good shape!!! Not that sure about my legs though... :p

The Year That Was 2012

I suppose I could do the shortcut by using the FB 2012 review thingy, but there is definitely more personal touch in my own story of 2012. (more accurate too... FB 2012 review shows that I got married this year when I did that almost 4 years ago :p)

One word to sum up 2012?? AMAZING!!!

It was the year I swallowed my pride, took the risk, and took that leap of faith to take a long break after 10 years of life in the corporate world. No work? No money? *gasp* What did I do for food? Car loan? House loan? What did I do with all that extra time?? Let's see:

1. March: Cambodian mission-trip to Kampong Speu.

2. March: My Bangkok mission to source for clothes suppliers may have failed miserably but I had an artsy trip instead and my first awesome experience Dining in the Dark.

3. April: Auditioned for Everworld, the Musical which sparked my brand new spiritual journey in SIBKL for 2012.

4. May: My first vacation with my mom!! Due to time constraints, normally my sis is the one who brings her for vacations.

5. June - July: My first trip to the USA with my sis, to visit my bestfriend of almost 20 years, aka Sui Poh! & my first taste of Broadway, New York!!!





6. Aug: My first ever dance gig, with awesome dancers Kerry-Ann & Megan.

7. Aug: My first time acting for TV, as an extra in Small Mission Enterprise, NTV7. That episode was only aired on 27th Dec. Awkward seeing myself on TV, perhaps I will stick to live theatre... hehehe.

8. Sept: Wrote and composed my first ever musical together with hubby. And our piece won big time!!

9. Oct: My first ever (hopefully not the last) musical with Dama Orchestra, Empress Wu the Musical!! Such an awesome bunch of people to work with.

10. Nov: Work for a non-profit organisation, StART... an art school for underprivileged children. Working for a good cause is truly and amazing experience.

11. Dec: Everworld, The Musical! The most epic production I have ever done for Christmas... with a memorable journey of lots of learnings along the way.





I thank God for all the doors He has opened for me this year, I thank God for providing for me through my broke-ness of this sabbatical and thank Him even more so, for the people He has brought to my life: my hubby, my family, old friends, new friends, journey-mates and everyone that was part of this amazing journey of 2012!!!

See you in 2013!!!! Happy New Year!!!!

Checking off!!

In a blink of an eye, it has been more than 4 months since I left the rat-race. With any kind of time-off... if your not careful, you may end up lazing around without getting anything done, without figuring anything out. I thank God, I have had the opportunity to do A LOT of what I had set out to:

1st vacation with Mom ☑

We went to Taipei & spent some good mother-daughter quality time together. Never had the opportunity to it before due to time constraints. It was always my sister who accompanies my mom on her travels, because she is a teacher with loads of time off work.

Watch Broadway Musicals in NYC  ☑

I had the opportunity to catch the 3 multiple Tony Award winning Broadway shows: War Horse, The Book of Mormons and Once. And OMG, Broadway was superb!!! I really really hope someday our performance arts industry will reach that level... and I hope that someday is within my lifetime. ;-)

Visit Sui Poh in Boston ☑

Something I had wanted to do since Sui Poh moved to the states 8 years ago. The girl I spent most of my teenage and university days with... flew off and started a new life in the states. I miss her like crazy, and I miss her even more now that we got reacquainted during my visit. I do hope to pay her more visits... but I don't have the money for many US trips AND a 1 year sabbatical. hahah

Wrote a Musical ☑

Co-wrote and co-composed The GeongXi is a Vamp with hubby... eastern culture meets western culture, and vampires. And we got an AWESOME team of directors, musical director, make-up guy and actors to stage it. If you are going to watch it at the Short and Sweet Musical Festival this year on 26 - 29th Sept @klpac, please vote for Musical #6!! ;-) I am so excited to see it come to life!! Which will probably be on video only... unfortunately, I will be performing next door at the same time... and will not be able to watch it live. Sobs!!

Cast in a Dama Production ☑

This is the reason I cannot watch my own musical. I am performing in Empress Wu: The Musical... an epic story of the rise of Lady Wu to become the first ruling Empress of China. The ups and downs of her life and all the people involved. This production is the grandest one I have ever been in yet, and it is also the most professional art journey I have ever experienced. With private lessons on English and Mandarin speeches respectively, and even a class on Tang Dynasty gestures and mannerism... all the details of that era is being brought to life. I can't wait to try on my costumes!!! All the music were originally written for this production and the arrangement is also so grand that it gave me goosebumps!

Act in a TV show ☑

Although I was just an extra, I had the opportunity to see how a TV show was staged and shot. It is definitely simpler than theatre as you can always re-shoot if anyone makes a mistake. But is was loads of fun anyway, because it was for a sitcom. I'll be on air in Oct!

Do a dance gig ☑

Thanks to the talented Kerry-Ann , I had the opportunity to take on a dance gig. Normally, I would only stick to the comfort zone of strength and only do singing gigs. It's stressful to learn up and remember choreography in a span on 2days. But it paid off and I really appreciate how she always has so much faith in me to give me these challenges. =)

Free-lance work ☑

I am still trying out some free-lance jobs which included working for a medical magazine, sales of financial products, perhaps NGO work and emcee/radio-DJing. All new experiences taught me new things that I would not have learnt had I remained in the comfort zone & routines of the corporate world. Even if I do not continue these jobs forever, I have decided to ensure I close enough deals each year to keep my financial license active forever, to continue keeping in touch with all these people I meet along the way as every valuable relationship starts of with strangers. Meeting new people will always help you learn new things or see things in new perspectives.

Not bad eh?? Although a part of me do miss marketing and going back to corporate is very tempting as I watch my savings shrinking by day. But I should persevere a little longer... no??? I still have not ventured into my own business, which was something I put off indefinitely as it required a little too much time commitment which will hinder my passion in the arts. Maybe someday that dream will rise above my artsy dream?? I'll know when the time comes. For now, arts is my first love... I still hope to land a gig in WIP: Bangsar Shopping Complex in November and I still have Everworld: The Musical in December. See you in 2013, corporate world??