Finally, A Lion!!! Yay!

Hey everyone! After attending a monthly Dinner Meeting with the members of the Lions Club of Singapore North, a few amazing things have happened!

Because of my past contributions as a Leo Club member back in secondary school, and my experiences serving as a Leo Club President for 2 years in a row, the members of the Lions Club all agreed to start me off as an Immediate Lion. And along with the next Chairman of the club Jenn Lim, I will be inducted into the club next month. The greatest honor is that I have been given the opportunity to serve as the webmaster for the club, and to create a new website that will be interactive for the club and all its patrons and visitors.

And in exchange for my services as a webmaster for the club, the rest of the club has agreed to help me cover my membership fee for each year! What an amazing thing! God really works in amazing ways! He provided for everything when it comes to joining the Lions Club.

Anyway, the other amazing thing is that, they agreed to induct me next month, and Mr. Shiva, one of the most Senior members in the club, recommended that I be inducted by the District Governor of the Lions Club of Singapore/Malaysia/Brunei! What an honor! I was so humbled and honored!

Well, there was another issue that I brought up at the end of the meeting to Mr. Shiva as well as to Mr. Richard Kwok, the current chairman of the club. I can't use my dad's laptop to work on the duties as a Lions Club member. It's not right, and I will be seriously questioned by my father for it. It'll be equivalent to using the office equipment and time to do personal stuff. I can be fired if I'm working outside for example.

And another issue was that they recommended a PC used at one of the Lions' office. But I have a question for them to answer. I'm moving around with my dad in his car. And if I'm away at a location for a few days to work, without a laptop with me, I will not be able to do any Lions Club related tasks. I can lose weeks of productivity easily.

Another thing I told the lions to consider seriously is that a MacBook is strongly recommended for web design and development usage. And getting the MacBook pro 15" will be more worth it than an investment in the windows PC or laptop.

I challenged them with reason and practical advice as a webmaster. Ofcourse, I did my best, to remain humble and still give them the respect they deserve. But somehow, I felt the boldness and confidence in me to make such a request. I felt the confidence in the Lord to ask for it. I want to serve the club the best I know how. I want to put my heart, mind and soul into everything that I do, and I want to do all of them with excellence! I gave them an analogy, that not every situation is the same type of nail, and the same hammer cannot be used on every single nail. Sometimes, its important to invest in the right tool, for the benefit of the club and for the club's future benefit.

Well, now, I'm praying that God will bestow His favor upon me, and that He will move in the hearts of the decision makers and let them understand that I need a MacBook to work on the website and future club projects.

Most Amazing Season!!

Recently, I surprised myself when one of my female friends turned out to be my BFF (Best Friends Forever! She's none other than Fiona. Hey Fiona, if you are reading this blog right now, sorry about the lack of posts, I recently updated it, and removed a lot of junk posts from the past. 2009 was a brand new year for me, 2009 was the year I became debt free. 2009 was also the year I discovered you as my BFF! You are the best thing that has ever happened to me! You are the only person in this universe that fills my deepest needs and desires! Well, although initially, we understood that you have unknowingly fulfilled those needs in my life.

I just sensed that our friendship is so deep right now, because although we are not aware at the beginning, but when we came together as friends, we naturally fulfilled each other's needs. Its like natural chemistry. Anyway, as I've already shared with you, and since its no secret, you are the only girl that I've ever felt I have special feelings for. Long before I met Melissa, I was already attracted to your beauty, that was what invited me to want to know you better. Melissa came along, she was well...attractive personality, but we are just not meant to be. She does not fulfill my deepest needs like you do.

As promised, I understand you are currently attached, so as your male BFF, I want to respect your r/s with your current boyfriend. I will never ever ever ever, make you do anything that's against your will. I'm not rooting for you and your bf to break up either. I'm not that kind of friend. I want you to be you, I just want to see you happy, healthy and doing well in life, treated well. If being with your current bf makes you happy, and he treats you well (though currently, let's admit it, he's not doing so well *minus marks*, lol), as long as he gives you security, and assurance, and constant affection, love, care, and he fulfills all your needs, I'll be happy for you. But the second I realize that he is not treating you the way you should be treated, I'll be really upset, and I will express my agitation towards him as a friend, but I will only keep it between you and me. Unless you invite me into the picture, I wouldn't even think of stepping one leg into your r/s. I don't want to make things anymore complicated than it may be between you and him.

You are the first and only friend, that I've decided that I will do anything un-conditionally for you! I might not have a lot of close friends, I feel that its not necessary to have so many close friends. A few solid friends will do the job. And you are my BFF! Well, I understand for ladies, they will have their lady BFF, that's fine with me. But for guys, we seldom, or rarely have BFF, so I want you to know that I make our friendship/relationship really special.

Chatting with you on msn has always been so fun, positively charged! I can feel myself being energised! And I'm so looking forward to our amazing date next Tuesday afternoon! I feel so happy, and so amazing to be able to share this date with you! This is the most amazing event ever!

There's so much we chatted about, and everything is just Fantabulous! I dunno how to put them in a blog post...lolx! Well, I'll talk about us more often in future. Anyway, this blog is abit quiet...people hardly visit this blog, so you don't have to worry, you can comment any time. I look forward to spending time at ur place, watching Disney Cartoon, bring my guitar to your place, and having musical instrument duets with you on your piano. I love matching clothes...so...I dunno, if given the opportunity, I'll love to see you do clothes matching...haha...we can like look at ur clothes and say..."hmmm...let's try this with this....what about this and that...?" haha...

You love dogs, and I love dogs. You love black and I love black. We both enjoy Shrek the animation!

Okay, this post is getting way too long! Hey, next Tuesday, we should capture lots of pictures together! For memory sake!

Hey dearie Fiona, You really completed my life! You are my bestest friend, and you forever will be! No matter what happens, I will always be there for you, to protect you, to shelter you from the storm of this world, I will provide you with security, assurance, affection, care and concern. And if you ever do feel that you share some feelings for me...its ok, you can share with me openly, we are best friends. Even in a strong lifetime partnership, it's my personal believe that the couples are always best friends first, before they are husbands and wives. Being best friends is what keeps them together, because they can share about anything, they can take part in lots of activities together. They never run out of subjects.

I maybe be someone whose good with words and expressing myself, but over the years and in the recent months especially, after knowing you, you have given me the will and inspiration to show love and concern in more practical and realistic ways. Good thing is that I'm in the midst of finding a full time job that pays decently well. And I'm debt free, and I know how to manage my finances well. At least, if we are to end up together, you will have security.

And I will love to dote on you and give you the best treatment because you always are the princess Fiona in my life. And you deserve it. Working for my dad is just a temporary solution, I'm not going to put all my hopes on what my dad is doing, I still have faith in him, no doubts of that, but I feel that my dad is being too calculative with me, being his own son. He thinks he has the right to cut corners and pay me lesser and lesser, until now, he just gives me $80.00 a week allowance because I'm working for him.

Okay, I should continue next time....lolx...too much to share....

Bottomline, Fiona baby, you are the most special person in my life! And you always will be.

NYPGC & Future Plans

I was on my way home from Westmall earlier this evening. Just went there to drop off 2 library books, and at the same time, did some small little shopping. Bought 1 book and 1 DVD. On my way home, I was thinking about re-joining NYPGC (Nanyang Polytechnic Guitar Club). Although I was a senior, ex-Executive Committee member, I felt that its just a title. In fact, if given a chance to serve again, I rather be a Committee Advisor.

Being a Committee Advisor is like being a Board of Director in a company. The Board of Director member does not make an decision. All he/she does is to simply provide suggestions, advice and counsel to the existing committee. I like to be in that position. After all, I'm just like any other member in the club. I don't need a title really.

For all 3 years, I think it'll be nice to just remain as the Board of Advisors. And just be able to participate in all the activities and camps available. Ofcourse, I'll offer to help out with the planning, organizing of events, and running of the event. But I hope to be able to provide advice and leadership training.

After going through life, and work, and all the ups and downs, I feel that its good to be able to impart something to these young people. Music, playing in an ensemble is not about skill, or ability, or gifting. Its about playing as a team. Learning to complement each other's weaknesses and strengths.

I'm not sure how it sounds really, but I thought of an idea...who knows, maybe it can happen someday...I think its good to have a camp each year, and the theme of the camp should revolve around teamwork. Because playing in an ensemble is really about being a team.

I also thought of introducing the idea of having a leadership workship once a year...to develop new leaders...to coach and mentor specific players in the club. I realized that to be a good musician, its always important to have a right mentor. I might not be perfect, but I certainly like to model the traits of my elder sister, whose presently mentoring me in music. And she's a really really good musician. To many of my relatives, and her past music teachers, my sis is a music prodigy. She got distinctions for Piano Grade 8 at just 12 years old. She did her Diploma by the time she was 17. And when she was 22, she began writing music professionally for famous mando-pop singers like Ah Mei, Sun, Coco Li, and a few others. It's such a priviledge to be mentored by her right now.

Personally, I've set my sights on finishing my Diploma in Music within the next 5 years. And during this period of time, I also like to mentor people with great potential, and give them opportunities to expose themselves.

Well, let's just see how it turns out...my bursary interview has been switched to an earlier timing. It'll be happening this Wednesday, at 4.45pm @ WDA. Let's see how it goes first.

Custom Made Classical Guitars

Well, recently, as I was playing my classical guitar, I noticed how the sound has changed over the years. 15 years of playing the same instrument has caused to become seasoned. It sounded fantastic! This guitar, to me is one of the most amazing instruments I’ve ever played in my life! And boy am I proud to have own a classical guitar. Over the years, many friends have asked me to sell away my Classical Guitar, a first generation Yamaha C60. Though this guitar is very much like an ordinary guitar when I first bought it, over the years, the plywood top and been seasoned and how produces amazing acoustics.

Yamaha C60 was built for beginning and intermedia learners in Classical Guitar. However, I have my sights on something more. Over the years, I’ve been asking myself, when will I be able to get my hands on a custom made Classical Guitar? Hmm…I’m not going to sell my current guitar, so don’t even dream about it. I like to keep it as a guitar that I’m going to use for practice.

As for the custom guitar that I’m eyeing, I want to use it for performance purposes.

The custom guitar is a custom made, African Blackwood top Classical Guitar, which currently costs about US$ 3,375 to be made. I found it on this following website: http://www.mangore.com/

It has to be ordered months before and then it will be made and delivered within 5 months! Now, you can imagine how much effort, time and money goes into making this piece of amazing instrument. A conversion of the US amount to SGD will amount to SGD 5,011.20. Ooo…what a price! But, well, I love the qualities and sound potential of the African Blackwood. The wood produces such great acoustics, it can split the bass and treble sounds very clearly.

Not just that, its also one of the hardest wood to ever work with to make a musical instrument. Only less than 3 music instruments on this planet is made from African Blackwood. And this particular classical guitar is made from that material!

Time to start saving up for the guitar! Work like crazy if I have to. I’m going to make the money to get myself the guitar you see on the right! Ahhh!!! I’m a fan of African Blackwood!

In the near future, as I make more performances…after I get back on course and into shape, I’ll consider investing in more custom made classical guitars. Each guitar, made of different material will be used to project different kind of sounds. Aged Brazilian rosewood is very good also. This is a wood that has at least the age of 90 years. Its hard to harvest, because its found at the bottom of amazon river. You have to be nuts I would say, to order a custom made guitar from this material. It’s so expensive, it belongs to the higher end of performance classical guitar. Still, I think I’m crazy enough to have my eyes on it! Who knows, one of these days, I might be able to afford the Classical Guitar made of Brazilian Rosewood!

First Music Arrangement - 2002

I still remember how I made my first music arrangement at the age of 19. Out of my passion, I sat down for weeks during the school holidays and arranged an ensemble piece for NYP Guitar Club concert. It was so fun, I remember being so engross, I forgot my meals. I didn't go out for weeks. I just stay home and wrote out the scores! It was an amazing experience!

Here's the picture of what a senior help me do that year. An alumni senior, he came back to NYP to help perform the ensemble piece. We have more than 20 people playing this piece that year. The stage was packed to the max. Well, its "Can't Help Falling in Love". I remember during the practice leading up to the concert, Micheal would help me, and we became really great friends from then on. We even thought of arranging an alumni performance item...but haha...its not so easy, after all, everyone's busy working now.

Well, here's the pictures in order:

Okay, managed to add in the pictures....pheewww! These scores have copyright. So, please do not distribute it. I have more scores. but most of them are not played before. Kinda like experimental music. Maybe next time will sit down and finish those scores.

Starting afresh!

Hey, Micheal Gasper! It's been what...4..5 years since we last met? How have you been? Okay, I know I'm just talking to a picture! LOL! Well, recently, after discussing with my parents about pursuing my passion to become a doctor someday, I've decided to take up the Government Hospital Sponsorship Bursary, which will help me to pay off most of my course expenses. And also, it will provide me with monthly allowances every year that I'm studying. Well, most of my qualifications already qualify, now, I'm just waiting to see if there is still available slots for me.

Well, the course that I'm pursuing will be a Diploma in Physiotherapy at NYP. I used to be a NYP student. I graduated with a Diploma in Engineering Informatics. But IT, as most people know, is not where I should be. I just don't fit in. After 10 IT jobs in 4 years, I think its time that I move on. I should be doing something that I enjoy!

Well, should the application go through, I'll be making a return to NYP this year, 2009. And without a shadow of doubt, I will be making my return to NYPGC. NYPGC, as most people will remember, the environment we created over the years has made it so much like a second home, second family, we get hooked on those memories forever!

Personally, I will always have some form of attachment with NYPGC! Always remember the first music arrangement I made for the guitar ensemble in 2002. At 19 years of age, I made my first music arrangement from the popular song called, "Can't Help Falling in Love". I still have the scores till today. Copyright! hehe!

Well, talk about being an old timer! Used to be the welfare officer for the 6th committee! Had so much fun! Used to remember how me and my best friend became even closer friends. During my junior year, I was shortlisted to play with the senior ensemble. So did Melvin! My long time buddy! Well, later on when the forming of committee came along, I was thinking...well, I don't need to become the president of the club. I think someone else will deserve a good chance...I just thought of letting Melvin have it. I believed that he'll make a good president. And he did. And we became better friends after that!




Anyway...good old memories just don't go away, do they? Haha! Anyway, in the committee picture I've put up. I'm the 3rd guy from the right in the second picture...the smaller one...yeah. I wear spects.

Well, let's hope the bursary application works out. And maybe you guys will see me this year! I'll be wearing our La Guitare Tee Shirt designed in 2002-2003. It was a black shirt, I still have it even till today! I'll be wearing that on the audition day! Yahoo!!