Friday 25 February 2011

I feel most Singaporean when …


… I am talking to Non-Singaporeans or when I am abroad.

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At GyeonogBukGong, korea.

This is probably a weird theory but I seriously feel the patriotic-ness oozing in me when I’m with non-Singaporeans. Yeah, I’m weird like that.

And I don’t know if it’s just me, but I always feel the need to behave appropriately in front of foreigners because I don’t want to spoil the the reputation of my lovely Lion City. Call me old fashioned if you want but I feel that every Singaporean is an ambassador to their motherland.

What else can be a better representation of a country if not their people?

Which is why I do things like the Worldwide Cosplayer Photo Journey and tell people why they should visit Singapore

Starting the Worldwide Cosplayer Photo Journey gives me the chance to put my own country on a map and allows me to share this wonderful little island with as much people as possible. I love to share, I love being proactive and I love to be able to make a difference!

So here’s an entry to share my not so different sentiments as to what makes me a Singaporean.

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Zephyus and I representing Singapore for the Regional Cosplay Championship 2010

1. Representing Singapore makes me feel Singaporean. I know it’s a given but whenever I get the chance to represent my country, I would always try to make the other delegates or guest feel my hospitality. Even if they don’t know me.

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Kaya was my choice of gift last year. 2009 was Bakgwa.

2. Talking about Singapore also makes me feel Singaporean. Be it the good or the bad, just thinking about her and the problem she faces, reflects my understanding and attachment to her.

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The Wishing Tree, Hong Kong

3. When I hear people speak in Singlish abroad. I feel the instant connection and the urge to hold their hands and prance around. Come on, don’t tell me you don’t get that! It’s pretty much a national identity already! Every nation has it’s own quirks yeah?

4. When something bad happens and I know there are official authorities I can turn to for help. It’s always assuring to know someone's got your back covered and you have your legal rights in a country.

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5. When I walk into our MRT stations during rush hour with the knowledge that my train will come within 3.5 minutes.

6. When I teach my foreign friends how to use Singapore’s public transport systems and hear them marvel at its efficiency and ease-of-use.

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Lotte Mall, Korea

7. When I go to the food courts during lunch hours and see tissue packets on the table. It’s a social culture!

8. When I hear my girlfriends joke about never accepting a marriage proposal that starts with a request to get a HDB together. And totally getting the joke without having to ask “What is HDB?”. Yes, a uniquely Singaporean predicament.

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Incheon Airport, Korea

9. When I walk down the bustling streets of MyeongDong and they ask if I am Japanese. And without fail, giggle to myself after I explain I am Singaporean because their reaction never gets old.

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Harbour City Mall, Hong Kong

10. When I gather with other South East Asian-ers and is the only Chinese group that will choose English to express themselves more than their own Mother Tongue.

So here are some of the little things in life that claims my right as a red passport holding Singaporean.

Singapore might not be perfect but it is a very beautiful and well governed country. A country of vibrance, racial harmony and a country where its’ people can live in peace with assurance that their loved ones and assets will be protected as much as they can be. The assurance that life will get better if you work hard and the assurance that pushes Singapore forward with her people.

I hope you enjoyed reading this entry. For an entry that has so little text, it sure has consumed many time. This is my submission entry to mySingapore.sg’s blogger search! I hope I will be able to win a trip to Shanghai to experience the Singapore Day held there this April! Wish me luck and as usual, comments never kill anyone :D

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Jplex: Japanese singers coming to Singapore!

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“ A super weekend of Japanese entertainment with JPLEX Volume 1!

Branded as JPLEX Volume 1, the first ever installment of the entertainment platform will bring to Singapore, for the first time, direct from Japan, three Anime Blockbusters, that includes titles like the latest Naruto Movie Naruto Shippudden: The Lost Tower and Sokyuu No Fafner: Heaven and Earth. Also on show is the third installment of the highly acclaimed Gundam Unicorn series. Coupled with these exciting movies are two concert performances from top Japanese music groups, angela and FLOW, whose music have been featured extensively in the soundtracks of the featured movie franchises of Naruto and Sokyuu No Fafner.”

Event: Jplex (Japan Entertainment Platform)
Date: 5th, 6th March 2011
Venue: Republic Polytechnic
Website:
http://www.jplex.asia/ 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jplex-Japan-Entertainment-Platform/127177644020390

And so it seems like the team that has brought us Anime festival Asia, is here with another J infused event. Packing an entire weekend this coming March, with rockin Japanese music and Anime screenings.

And the famous band that did the famous Naruto Opening songs are here too along with the superb Angela!

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Priced at $98 each, the tickets will grant you access to an intimate session with the Japanese celebrities. The concert will include a meet and greet session open to a maximum of 300 attendees. Autographs appears to be permitted only for official merchandise bought during the event. You guys will probably have to camp at Jplex’s Facebook page for more updated information.

I doubt I can afford the concert tickets but the Anime screening looks cool.

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Monday 21 February 2011

I’m cool with insults and I’m ugly.

You know, its weird how people of our generation communicate and connects with each other. Living in the age of web 2.0, social networking sites and speeding internet connection has definitely changed a lot of stuffs.

And it’s funny how I’ve gotten myself into this predicament; the focus of an internet troll.

Not like I’m new to it since it’s so easy to leave ‘constructive’ comments on every single thing thing you have an issue with online.

Stop telling me they should not hold hands and omg THE CHAIRS!

I mean, 375,296 views, 1825 comments and 136 dislikes (growing at the moment) can’t be all peaches and cream.

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Erm yeah, and I don’t understand why you’re so happy about it ._.

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Thank you, thank you, I get your point.

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And occasionally, some engrish I fail to comprehend totally because the sentence structuring conflicts in intent.

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If you’re going to say its just Youtube people, then check out the comments on Niconico, 135,453 views,12,964 comments and some of the rudest comment ever.

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In case you don’t understand Chinese, that yellow text says “She is freakin ugly”.

That’s not even the worse. I have old classmates telling me during gatherings that their friends in camp (National Service, go google) upon knowing he knows “Kaika”, would immediately have a tale or rumor about “Kaika” to share with him. Seriously, I didn’t even know “kaika” was anybody worth noticing! Someone tell me I ought to be happy.

And I’d be damned to admit that none of what they claimed seems to be archived in my memory! Either I’m suffering from memory loss or someone’s been fanning some stories. And I just laugh them off.

So yeah, you can tell I’m totally cool with misunderstandings and insults.

But some spammers/trollers are just downright persistent, weird and…. dumb.

 

Seriously, go read the comments. It is VERY entertaining.

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So the guy started off by claiming that I have no rights to upload that video and that the copyright belongs to the models in the video, in this case, lovely Olivie and Miyako. Many people have misunderstandings about Copyright and Infringement laws so I wasn’t too upset about it. Just thought I’d let him know the correct rules.

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And then he flooded me with a series of repetitive comments which the better part of me chose to ignore. Until a few weeks later, I saw Olivie’s comment on the video. Indicating her thanks to the guys for emailing and informing her about the video and educating her with the WRONG copyright information! That was when I really started to boil!

 

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If I was rude and arrogant, I don’t know what’s polite!

 

It’s one thing to be misinformed and ignorant, and another thing to instigate conflicts! What more wrongly accusing the right and spread wrong information!

And so from telling me I should get the model’s permission, he has gone on to demand that I produce a certificate to prove I am the owner of the event/mall (wth certificate?! Does he think we’re talking about a swimming or cooking class?!)

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And he even went on as much as to show me this picture as a prove of the “Youtube rule” that the uploader and videographer has no rights over the video.

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I don’t want to come across as being mean or sarcastic but seriously, does he think I’m an idiot?

I know I look bimbotic but seriously, give me a break!

 

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Don’t worry guys, I’m not upset about it and I’m knowledgeable enough to know everything I did is legally correct =) I should probably block him but he is such an entertainment now. I mean, he even helped created a blog entry \o/!

Saturday 19 February 2011

Hetalia x Just Be Friends ?!

HOMG, Axis Power Hetalia fans and Just be Friends fans behold! This is probably the only chance you'll ever see these 2 polar titles appear in the same sentence together.
 
 
 
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SERIOUSLY, TELL ME YOU DIDN'T LAUGH!!!!
 
 
This video is done by a group of awesome Filipinas!

Composer: Dixie Flatline

Vocals: Zebra Rapbit

Prussia : Ami ( http://lolitamyangel.deviantart.com/ )
Hungary: Donjie ( http://suki-chii.deviantart.com/ )

Photographers:
z3ll ( http://z3llll.deviantart.com/ )
Erving ( http://huzafan.deviantart.com/ )

Video Editor:
Andre ( http://aeade.deviantart.com/ )

 

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And yes, they even uploaded it on Valentine’s day itself (Philippine hour)!!! Please go and check out the video at their original Youtube page and leave them a comment to tell them how awesome they are!

Friday 18 February 2011

WWCPJ: 6th receiver selected!

You don't know how glad I am to announce this =)

The Worldwide Cosplayer Photo Journey have finally moved on again! This time, it is Bumbley from Ontario, Canada! Woots! Watch Riko, our lovely 5th participant from Malaysian select the 6th participant below ^_^

Llamas >w< !

Much thanks to Riko for sending out the parcel and being part of this project!

The biggest reason why the parcel stopped over at Malaysia for more than a month was because the first 2 selected recipients went Missing-in-Action and did not respond to Riko’s emails. Poor Riko had to film and upload the selection video 3 times! Quick! Comment and praise Riko for her diligence now!

It is always frustrating and disappointing when such incidents occur, especially when they happen one after another (1st and 2nd try). So let’s pray the subsequent receivers will respond promptly and that the parcel reaches Canada safely!

Just a gentle reminder, the Worldwide Cosplay Photo Journey is still OPEN! To participate, pop over to the WWCPJ page now to leave a comment! The project will end in June 2011.

Thursday 17 February 2011

Final Fantasy Giveaway Results!

imageApologies for the wait but it is wait no more. I have come with the results for the Final Fantasy giveaways! And the winner is entry number 92 !

Congratulations to Yamina el Gaad for winning the Square-Enix Booklet and File. I will be contacting you shortly.As with all my giveaways, if the selected winner fails to respond within 5 working days, I will choose another winner =)

 

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Thank you for all your hearty responses! Please don’t feel disheartened if you didn’t win the giveaway because there will be more to come =) Just remember to stay tuned to the blog ^_^

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Saturday 12 February 2011

Miku Train, Snow Miku Fest & Snow Miku Ice Cubes

I don’t usually blog about these but they are too cool and cute not to >.<! It’s the New Snow Miku Merchandise and the Miku Fest!

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The Snow Miku for Sapporo Festival may be over (today’s the last day) but just thought I’ll share some stuffs about the new Snow Miku with minna!

 

Check out the Snow Miku Train! Those Japanese companies are such hardcore enthusiasts! Really got to hate how left-out they make the rest of us feel =( I wanna go to Japan to see these!!!

The video is way long so skip over to 16:44 to watch the speech and welcome introduction. Featuring the seiyuu/ voice actress of Miku. 

Event preparations for the Miku Fest. Check out the Digital Miku dancing on the reflection of the glass!!!!

 

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Some pictures from WonFest 2011 (http://www.whl4u.jp/)

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Jumping to the Snow Miku Figma!

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This is the Snow Miku Figma that sells for just 4000JPY (SGD 62) !! It also comes with a little Snowman, some warm clothes and a very adorable set of Ice Tray !

 

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The Snow Miku…yes, Ice Tray xD

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Here’s is the frozen product. Made with Tea.

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Coffee Jellies! I love how detailed this version came out!

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And just in time for Valentines, is the Chocolate version ^_^!
Ice Tray Photo Credit: Good Smile

 

Because I know you guys will want to know how to get here, so read below.

Yes, sadly, they do not ship out of Japan so you probably have to pull a few strings to get them =\ Damn those Japanese!

Friday 11 February 2011

More information about SOYC 2011 !

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Yeah, finally even more information about the first cosplay event of the year =) . Information very much copied from sgcafe.com

Date: 9th April 2011 (Saturday)

Time: 11am – 6pm

Location: Ngee Ann Polytechnic Convention Center (photos below)

Ticketing : $3 (pre-orders; begin somewhere in March), $5 (door sale)
View Larger Map

Some sneak highlights

  • Unlike last year, event will be held inside the convention hall where there is aircon, much bigger, more spacious
  • A wider stage
  • Some pleasant surprises including returning favorites. (miss the maid cafe? cosplay competitions? karaoke ?)
  • More details coming soon

Pop over to the sgcafe entry to see the location photos

Monday 7 February 2011

Final Fantasy Giveaways

Hi guys! Apologies for the lack of updates recently, been really busy stuffing my face with CNY goodies, watching old movies and Taiwan variety shows on fushion. It's such a legitimate reason I know. But hey, it was official holiday over here !

Anyway, I'm here to give away authentic Final Fantasy merchandise, available only at the Tokyo Game Show 2010 !!! You guys have to thank the uber sweet Reiko and Decadence for lugging them back for you guys!



Square Enix's Official Tokyo Game Show Line Up booklet for 2010

Its the official Square Enix Line Up booklet for TGS 2010. Matte, semi hard cover with glossy full colour prints inside. Scroll towards the end of the entry for a preview of the content. The graphics and colours are really awesome *_*


A Final Fantasy Legends plastic file


The rules this time will be a lil diff.

To win the merchandise, hop over to your favourite social networking (facebook/twitter/plurk etc) site now and start spreading love for TCC! Every single share or tweet is counted as one entry!

Then come back here to post a comment with a direct link to that share/tweet/blog entry etc. Make sure I am able to view your link if your account is private/protected. Alternatively, you can submit a screencap. Please make sure to leave either a working email or a blogger account for me to contact you if you win

Deadline for this giveaway is 14th February! I’ll sponsor up to SGD5 shipping fee but if shipping exceeds that, you'll have to top up the difference ^^. Winners will be selected via random.org so comment and spread more to increase your chances of winning! Good Luck!






P/s: I so hate blogging with Blogger's web interface. One of the biggest reason for the lack of updates is the fact that I can't get my Windows Live Writer to hook up with blogger T_T. I keep getting the error 500... sigh