Sydney Down, Europe To Go

Back from Australia.

Really an interesting trip. Visiting places like ACMA, ABC and Fairfax... I could have gained an inordinate amount of information if it weren't for my depleted attention span due to lack of sleep. Dammit!

I did not only explore the many wonderful and scenic places of Sydney, I experimented with the size of the storage in my stomach and seen sides of friends that I never got to see. Most important of all, I got to explore the many sides of the human emotions that I have never dream of coming in contact with them in a million years. I'm just exaggerating, really.

But in other words, many unexpected things happened. Things that I would never imagine I would do. Haha! The Reality was really different from what I had planned in my Expectations. Even till the last moment of the trip, Reality was relentless in its planned schedule, laughing at me as I went through the last emotion I never experienced during my stay in Sydney.

Will be flying off soon in a couple of hours... A thoughts-less trip thru' Europe... I'd like that please.

Up In The Air Soon Enough

"I know you'll help us when you're feeling better and we realise that might not be for a long, long time. But we're willing to wait on you. We believe in everything that you can do if you could only lay down your mind. I want you to try to Help Yourself."

Ever since watching Up In The Air's trailer, I've been hooked to that soothing and smooth acoustic song that plays in the clip but I never got around to finding out what song was that. It's only recently I've watched the movie (Great movie, by the way... I shall do a breakdown of the movie soon) then I found out the title of the song. Worth checking it out with its meaningful lyrics.

I just thought this would be the most appropriate song to conclude this blog while it goes into hiatus for at least 2 weeks' time. Sadly, I never got to accomplish my friends' EP and I forgot about Mosaic Music Festival at the Esplanade. Damn it!

Oh well, I got to celebrate my younger sister and Dad's birthday together at Fish & Co.. It was a cute and hilarious moment when the crew came out and did their special birthday song for the both of them... I love you guys. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you guys smiling and laughing =)

Anyway, moving on. Up In The Air is quite an incredible tale of a man who travels all over America just to help corporate bosses do their jobs of firing their employees. It's not so much of an epic movie but rather of an epic storytelling, deftly crafted and directed by Jason Reitman. All the actors were great in this show. Newcomer Anna Kendrick held her own against George Clooney. A relevant movie in times like these where technology plays a big part in our lives and offering a message that we all had forgotten due to our busy schedules: What ultimately holds us together in dire situations is our Love for our family, our lovers and our friends.

In summary, it's definitely one of the best movies of last year's crop...

Ironically but painfully obvious, I'll be flying off to Australia tonight... I just wanna bid my friends farewell and tell them to take care of themselves...

I don't know what else to say...

Hmm...

Bye! =)

Random Super Mario

This is cute! I always love playing classic Super Mario games but I can't seem to make it to the higher levels...Oh well, it's time to hone those skills when I'm on my way to Australia. Finger plasters, anyone? Blisters are bound to happen this Sunday night. =D

All That Jazz

I don't know if you guys know but I am an avid fan of Jazz music, particularly contemporary jazz.

I usually look forward to American Idol's Jazz Week during the top 12 as some contestants are amazingly good. I even went to the Esplanade last year for the Mosaic Festival to watch free jazz performances by overseas artists.

Anyway, I am so glad that I came across Jamie Cullum, a young jazz English musician, and his new album while browsing on the iTunes store and I sampled a couple of songs. The verdict? Hmm...Let's just say that this is one of the albums I'm getting this year =D

Still not convinced of this young talent?

Yes. It's Rihanna's Don't Stop The Music...Don't give me that look. I don't even like her!

Episode XI

This is the last of all journal entries that I've written for Ms Soo. I sincerely hope you guys find something interesting to take from these entries, be it understanding how my mind works or lessons that enhances your life a little.

I am no philosopher nor am I trying to to be one. I'm just trying to make sense of the crazy world we live.

With this said, enjoy the last post. =)

Journal Entry 11

17.7.09

Success. What is considered as a success in the media industry?

I guess the most sensible answer is: When someone has made a lot of money and became a “somebody”.

But the question that I ask myself is how do you get to be somebody?

As an aspiring director, I want to stay true to my works and myself. I would not want to just make a film that has no quality but makes lots of money. It would be just selling myself out to the media. As much as I love money, I don’t want to earn the money that I don’t deserve because I did not surpass my previous efforts.

Benjamin says that with money is success and without it, you’re worth nothing. I beg to differ. There are people who start out as “Nobodys” but still made it to become a “Somebody” without the money.

Take Gavin Hood for example. He is the director of an award-winning film “Tsotsi”. The movie did not make much money but it help garner him a lot of awards and nominations. A few years later, Hood found himself directing one of Marvel Comics superhero film “Wolverine”, which then later became a box office hit.

Another example is up and coming actor, Jim Sturgess. His first breakout role was in the musical Across The Universe. Though he didn’t got nominated for awards but he cemented himself as credible actor. Then he was cast in 21 as a Mathematics genius. Critics were impressed with Sturgess’ bravado and confidence as the lead actor.

So you see, people don’t have to earn that much money just to be popular or successful. Even staying true to themselves can help them rack in the success because they are either hardworking or talented.

As for me, I want to strive hard to become a renowned director of quality films. I don’t want to sell myself out just to make money. A good director has to bring out the character’s personalities and characteristics, but also allowing the story to flow smoothly from scenes to scenes. That is the kind of director I want to be.

Though the path to greatness is difficult but we should always persevere on with integrity and be faithful to ourselves. So fame and money can suck it. I don’t want to make terrible films that make money. I rather make a good film that people can appreciate the true nature of my work.

To end this last offering of experience:

Do what I love and screw the rest. Be grateful for everything that you have ever had.

Life’s a road trip that you will never forget.