msadik

2012-01-26T23:14:00.002+08:00

the comeback Kim (Clijsters)

There has been so much fairytale in Kim Clijsters’ return to the sport, that you forget that sometimes things are just not meant to be.
Her win in New York three years ago, her title defence in New York two years ago, followed by her first title here in Melbourne last year … there have been some charmed times for the KimBack Kid.
Admittedly, there have also been a lot of not-so-charmed times. The plague of injuries that forced her to miss the French Open in 2010 and Wimbledon in 2011, right up to rolling her wobbly ankle again just a few days ago, it is testament to the Belgian’s extraordinary perseverance that her second comeback has lasted as long as it has.
But the moment she let loose and saved four match points against Li Na in the fourth round, achieving the ‘Kimpossible,’ as people put it, there was a whisper that perhaps destiny was knocking on the Clijsters trophy cabinet yet again.
After all, what could be more perfect than a win for Aussie Kim on Australia Day to reach the Australian Open final in what is likely to be her last Australian Open?
On this occasion, the tennis loom didn’t end up weaving that tale.
... Ultimately, let the disappointment of the semifinal not take anything away from Clijsters’ achievements over the two weeks. A Grand Slam semifinal, with almost no form, and an ankle so bad that if this event was beginning next week, she wouldn’t play. Thus she still achieved what for many would have been impossible.

read: Sad farewell for 'Aussie' Kim

yes, she will definitely be missed. ): but of course, let's remember that she's been having a pretty darn kick-ass comeback!!

WE LOVE YOU KIM CLIJSTERS! (:

2012-01-24T16:44:00.007+08:00

King Federer

Yet Federer’s greatest virtue is arguably his most underrated. His consistency.
When the player many believe to be the greatest of all time walks onto centrecourt at Rod Laver Arena this afternoon to play Juan Martin Del Potro in the Australian Open quarterfinals, it will be for his thousandth singles appearance on the professional tour, his 31^st consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, and in search of his 2000^th set.
Such figures are not achieved by just anyone. You can blow hot and cold as a tennis player, be a flash in the pan, win big and lose big. That’s easy. But to win by the day, week, month, year – that’s reserved for extraordinary people.
And Federer, like, love or hate him, is extraordinary.

read: Federer has thousands to play for
also read: Federer's Career Highlights Through 1000 Matches, Shark Bites: Analysing Federer's 1000 Matches Played

he may be the World No. 3 at the moment, but imo, Roger Federer is still king.

2012-01-23T15:05:00.001+08:00

Xin Nian Kuai Le!

fireworks from the River Hongbao 2012 at Marina Float!

in the spirit of ushering in the year of the Dragon! ROARRR

well, here's wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous year of abundance ahead.

have a merry celebration, my friends. =D

2012-01-21T14:51:00.003+08:00

"I sing what I feel — R&B, blues, gospel, and rock and roll, the music that came out of the South.
That's the music that I have always believed in."
— Etta James

RIP Etta James
(read: Etta James, 1938–2012)

2012-01-18T23:09:00.003+08:00

"one of my favorite places to visit"

There is a question I have been wanting to understand the answer to, but have been feeling that I simply can't ask. Eventually I just ask it anyway:

Do you think there was a part of you that imagined the two of you would somehow end up together?

Immediately, I wish that I hadn't. The look on her face—a kind of juddering visceral alarm at what has been said...I don't wish to see that look many more times in my life. "That would make me way too sad to answer," she says quickly, and I hurriedly begin another question, about something completely different, hoping that if I say it fast enough these new words will chase the old words away from where they are hanging in the air between us, and maybe she will let me pretend that it was something I never said.

"No, no," she says, and I can see the tears forming, and I think she means that she doesn't want to answer any more questions about anything. I mutter some kind of apology under my breath.

But, even now, I'm wrong about everything. Mostly she is just trying to stop my new question. She has something to tell me.

"No," she says. "I said it would make me too sad to answer but it's also..."—and she nods even as her voice breaks once more with tears—"...one of my favorite things to imagine." And through the tears, a beaming, almost beatific smile stretches room-wide across her face. "It's actually one of my favorite places to visit."
(read: Some Like Her Hot)

they made such a lovely couple! but oh well, life goes on, and the dead live on in memories. RIP Heath Ledger.

2012-01-16T21:47:00.000+08:00

absolutely gorgeous

at the 2012 Golden Globes

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Jessica Alba in Gucci

2012-01-16T20:33:00.001+08:00

".. [Melissa McCarthy] made her mark in comedy this summer by defecating into a sink [in Bridesmaids]. Amazingly, that's still less demeaning than what most of you have done to make it in show business."

– Ricky Gervais introducing award presenter Melissa McCarthy
at the 2012 Golden Globes

touché. xD

2012-01-15T15:24:00.000+08:00

don't touch my sh*t!

=D

HAPPY SUNDAY Y'ALL!!

2012-01-15T14:37:00.001+08:00

reblogged from legendsnikcole

2012-01-13T22:54:00.002+08:00

Dato' Siti Nurhaliza

"Anak emas Malaysia." – Pak Ngah

"And if there is one word to describe Siti, probably the word is 'gifted'. And I think she has made full use of her gift." – Najip Ali

so much to learn from, people. so much!

2012-01-12T22:34:00.003+08:00

Damien Rice - 9 Crimes
live in Korea, 11 Jan 2011

again, such a genius of a musician.

(and what is he doing in Korea?!! Singapore next, please? rockin' the frocks, btw.)

2012-01-11T20:17:00.006+08:00

how did i lose it all?

reblogged from housewivesofwisterialane

because i only just stumbled upon this series of gifs. poor Bree! ):

oh, and on that note, good on you Renee!!

2012-01-04T23:41:00.002+08:00

My Week with Marilyn

with such rave reviews for the wonderful Michelle Williams, i definitely have got to catch this!

2012-01-01T15:33:00.005+08:00

since it's a new year, i figured that i'd just post up some noteworthy reminders:

reblogged from screamcolours

reblogged from pinterest

reblogged from dani

reblogged from davidvosburg

here's to an even awesome-r year ahead! (: stay healthy, happy and beautiful y'all.

and well, here's to a better me. (: HAPPY 2012!!

2011-12-30T22:26:00.001+08:00

Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

they're. just. way. too. adorable. together. (: (: (:

2011-12-29T19:54:00.004+08:00

Wicked

Defying Gravity

Jemma Rix as Elphaba and Suzie Mathers as Glinda

Wicked was well, just wicked. it was a pretty magical and spellbinding production, to say the least. major props to the amazingly talented ensemble, esp Glinda and Elphaba. (though a Kristin-Idina casting would've totally completed the dream experience! haha)

here's a snippet of the media preview, for your enjoyment:

and of course, here's my ultimate favourite number off the musical, performed by the original Glinda and Elphaba:

Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel - For Good

ELPHABA
I'm limited:
Just look at me - I'm limited
And just look at you -
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
(spoken) For both of us
(sung) Now it's up to you

GLINDA
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

ELPHABA
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

GLINDA
Because I knew you

BOTH
I have been changed for good

ELPHABA
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

GLINDA
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

BOTH
And none of it seems to matter anymore

GLINDA ELPHABA
Like a comet pulled Like a ship blown
From orbit as it Off it's mooring
Passes a sun, like By a wind off the
A stream that meets Sea, like a seed
A boulder, half-way Dropped by a
Through the wood Bird in the wood

BOTH
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better?

GLINDA
And because I knew you
ELPHABA
Because I knew you

BOTH
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good.

2011-12-28T12:40:00.000+08:00

Anjulie - Stand Behind The Music

good stuff. (:

2011-12-27T22:26:00.002+08:00

dreamers and realists

"There are dreamers, and there are realists in this world. You'd think the dreamers would find the dreamers, and the realists would find the realists. But more often than not, the opposite is true. You see, the dreamers need the realists to keep them from soaring too close to the sun. And the realists? Well, without the dreamers, they might never get off the ground."

— Cameron Tucker, Modern Family (Season 3 Episode 9)

2011-12-27T22:01:00.002+08:00

Walkers

"Looking back on it, I kinda think it was the best of times. Families, like life, have a way of changing, never staying the same but they're your family, this eclectic, deeply bonded group. So you evolve, you adapt. Now as I look at my life and my new extended family, I think of this wonderful quote by George Elliot: 'It's never too late to be what you might've been.'" — Nora Walker

one of those days when i decide to rewatch the series finale.. ah, you're deeply missed, Walkers!

2011-12-14T23:17:00.001+08:00

reblogged from tastefullyoffensive

2011-12-14T01:00:00.001+08:00

Shit Girls Say

pretty darn funny!! xD

2011-12-12T22:54:00.001+08:00

The X Factor UK
Finals

Little Mix & Tulisa - Empire State of Mind / If I Ain't Got You

Amelia Lily & Kelly Rowland - River Deep, Mountain High

Marcus Collins - Higher and Higher

2011-12-09T11:25:00.002+08:00

reblogged from whereisthecool

reblogged from screamcolours

2011-12-09T10:49:00.001+08:00

reblogged from degrassirockx

NEAT! xD

2011-12-07T09:30:00.004+08:00

Hero from Miguel Endara on Vimeo

The making of "Hero," a drawing of my dad composed entirely out of 3.2 million ink dots.

Music by Bonobo - Noctuary
Created and Produced by Miguel Endara

pretty amazing stuff!

2011-12-06T11:43:00.002+08:00

reblogged from fuckyeahhipsterpics

not the most positive way to start the day, but just really poignant.

2011-12-05T17:45:00.006+08:00

ran for a reason!
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2011

marathon buddies - WE DID IT! =D

official certification

I AM A 42.195KM FINISHER! =D

to be honest, it was a tad disappointing cos i couldn't maintain my initial pace after muscle aches/cramps set in after the halfway mark. i was feeling all steady with 4:30 pace group in sight after the 24km mark along East Coast Park, so i was quite confident that sub-4:30 was within reach. but alas, i was crippled with lower body aches/cramps shortly after and started falling behind as i walked 90% of the remaining distance, haha. that useless feeling as i watched the 4:45 and 5:00 and 5:15 pace group ran past sucked big time!! ):

oh well, i've only got myself to blame for the lack of training and preparation. still, it's an achievement all the same so i'm good! (:

rest assured though, i'll be back with a vengeance next year. but right now, it's time to relax those aching legs! =D

2011-12-03T22:09:00.006+08:00

ORD lo! =D

from green to pink, finally

love you, my family! (:

it's been a good 22 months. and as always, the end is bittersweet. will certainly miss the experience and people, especially!

so here's a huge Thank You to everyone who was part of this incredible NS journey with me, including:

BMT Dragon Company (Platoon 2 Section 4)
SCS Delta Company (Platoon 2)
OCS Delta Wing (Platoon 2)
4th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment

i'll certainly treasure the memories and experiences. (:

now LTA (NS) Muhammad Sadikin, heh =D

2011-11-30T16:48:00.000+08:00

Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
at The X-Factor USA

still can't get enough of this amazing performance..

2011-11-30T16:38:00.001+08:00

Girls' Generation - The Boys (Remix)
at the Mnet Asian Music Awards 2011

such an absolutely awesome remix!! =D

2011-11-28T21:38:00.000+08:00

reblogged from sunshine-to-brighten-your-day

2011-11-28T21:36:00.000+08:00

reblogged from yourlifeisyourmessage

2011-11-28T10:27:00.000+08:00

Wishing On A Star

2011-11-27T21:47:00.004+08:00

Selamat Pengantin Baru

Aizuddin & Rosnani

♥

so, another one of my cousins just got hitched! the wedding solemnisation was done yesterday, and the wedding reception was held today. and well, that pretty much summed up my weekend.

wishing the newlyweds - my cousin and her husband - a lifetime of marital bliss! (:

2011-11-26T14:16:00.004+08:00

dedicated to my dear friends..

you show him, Bree! =D

2011-11-26T12:46:00.003+08:00

Yuna - Penakut

Tak semua kau rancang akan berlaku
Mungkin nasib tak menyebelahi aku
Entah mengapa engkau yang aku cinta
Mungkin lebih baik kau ku lepas saja

Ini tidak adil tidak adil baginya
Ini tidak adil tidak adil bagiku
Ini tidak adil
Untuk engkau bertanya jika aku mencintaimu juga
Tidak adil tidak adil baginya

Kau tak pernah cuba memahami aku
Cinta kau ucap tak pernah engkau tunjuk
Dan bila tiba saat ku kehilangan
Beban yang tak pernah kau cuba ringankan

Ini tidak adil tidak adil baginya
Ini tidak adil tidak adil bagiku
Ini tidak adil
Untuk engkau bertanya jika aku mencintaimu juga
Kau bukan milikku

Dan aku memang penakut
Mengakui cinta kepadamu
Seribu kali ku cuba ucapkan
Bila bersamamu
Kau bukan milikku
Dan engkau pun tahu
Kau bukan milikku

2011-11-13T00:22:00.000+08:00

Kelly Clarkson - I Know You Won't

Kelly proves that she's still got it! such an amazing performance.

2011-11-12T23:49:00.000+08:00

Katy Perry - The One That Got Away

beautiful, but oh so tragic. :/ this is not helping my Apple hangover, seriously.

2011-11-12T23:23:00.000+08:00

Glee Cast - Rumour Has It & Someone Like You

a darn good Adele mash-up. gotta love Mercedes and Santana (!!).

2011-11-11T23:49:00.001+08:00

Drew Ryniewicz - Fix You

to quote Nicole Scherzinger, a little slice of heaven. (:

(this does not help my Apple hangover at all.. :/ oh damn!)

2011-11-11T22:55:00.005+08:00

"Thank you for liking me"

caught You Are the Apple of My Eye a second time on Thursday night. and that flashback/parallel universe sequence didn't fail to get to me again. ):

indeed, there are moments when we allow fate to slip through our fingertips. and when we think back on such instances, the feeling's always just bittersweet.

2011-11-07T18:58:00.009+08:00

You Are the Apple of My Eye
(Na xie nian, wo men yi qi zhui de nu hai)

Adolescence is like a heavy rain. Even though you catch a cold from it, you still look forward to experiencing it once again.

Ko-Teng has several close friends who had a crush on Shen Chia-Yi. Those friends of Ko's thus moved in unison from Ching Cheng’s junior high school straight into the senior high school division in pursuit of her.

Naughty in nature, Ko was ordered by their homeroom teacher to sit in front of honor student Shen for her to keep close tabs on him. The two hadn't hit it off at first but Ko gradually fell for Shen, who was always pressuring him to study hard. On the other hand, Shen became impressed by the contrasting values Ko represented. Ko started pursuing Shen but Shen remained hesitant.

After graduation from senior high, Ko and Shen almost became a couple but the deal was spoilt by a dukeout competition organized by Ko.

Growing up together to witness their beloved Shen walking down the aisle to become someone else’s wife, these boys have learned their coming-of-age lessons and continue to pursue each’s happiness.

You Are the Apple of My Eye is a heartwarming coming-of-age story of friendship, first love and one's dreams for the future. it's semi-autobiographical, based on the director-writer's own youth, so it's safe to say that parts of it are not mere fiction.

the leads - Ko-Teng (acted by newcomer Ko Chen-Tung) and Shen Chia-Yi (acted by Michelle Chen, whom i caught in Hear Me) - have such a natural chemistry, and it was just really sweet to watch their scenes. they each definitely deeply personified their characters. the strong supporting cast also played their parts well to translate convincingly to the screen, the story of a close bunch of friends, successfully passing off as teenagers many years younger than their actual age.

i generally have a love-hate relationship with fairytale endings, and while this wasn't a fairytale ending at all (500 Days of Summer, anyone?), i am deeply unsettled by the realistic though somewhat tragic end to the Ko Teng-Chia Yi love story. Chia Yi may had closed the chapter of her romantic relationship with Ko Teng (and likewise for him), but i couldn't help but wonder if she was truly over him. and when they thanked each other over the phone for the colourful 'chasing' episode of their youth, i was just torn to be honest. ):

still, i guess, like a reviewer commented here on that quote,

“Maybe in an alternate universe, we will be together,” said Giddens to Shen Chia Yi years after their last encounter ended in unfortunate misunderstandings.

Not only do Giddens' words make us feel better about the fictional pair, they also pat faintly on our backs for those times that we may have allowed fate to slip through our fingertips.

indeed, it didn't have to play out like that, but it did. and there's no turning back time to re-do what could've been. just like the flashback/parallel universe sequence when Ko Teng kissed Chia Yi's husband - a powerful moment in the entire movie that should tug at your heart strings - which showed us what could've happened after that pivotal fall out in the rain. life, goes on and we have to live with the decisions we make.

STILL, THEY WERE SO MEANT TO BE TOGETHER!! ):

in all, You Are the Apple of My Eye is an honest, at parts lighthearted, and heartwarming film with a neat bittersweet end, filled with nostalgia of the 90s. in fact, i love it so much that i'd consider it my favourite among the ones i've watched this season! (:

btw, if it isn't obvious enough - this is an absolute MUST-WATCH!

2011-11-05T16:48:00.000+08:00

Girls' Generation - The Boys
(Special Stage at KBS Music Bank)

wow, just listen to the fans!! and finally, some coordination in the wardrobe department, haha. gotta love their dance as always.

and well, this song is pretty addictive - it's been stuck in my head for weeks now! xD

2011-11-05T15:51:00.000+08:00

reblogged from screamcolours

2011-11-05T15:19:00.000+08:00

2011-10-30T15:18:00.000+08:00

Matt Cardle - Set Fire to the Rain (Adele cover)

pretty darn good! now people, that's what it takes to be an X Factor winner. =D

2011-10-30T15:16:00.000+08:00

simply breathtaking

reblogged from Marshal.F

2011-10-30T15:12:00.000+08:00

neat! xD

reblogged from giantsquidandlocomotiv

2011-10-30T15:10:00.000+08:00

reality tv

2011-10-29T17:26:00.001+08:00

Damien Rice - Professor & La Fille Danse

"Yeah, but I'm the professor
And feel that I should know"

2011-10-29T17:08:00.001+08:00

WORD. =D

2011-10-29T17:05:00.000+08:00

reblogged from itsmoh

2011-10-29T17:03:00.000+08:00

reblogged from icanread

2011-10-29T17:02:00.000+08:00

2011-10-26T18:28:00.001+08:00

Britney Spears - Criminal

GREAT (though racy) VIDEO BRITNEY!! =D

2011-10-26T18:26:00.000+08:00

Rihanna feat Calvin Harris - We Found Love

2011-10-26T18:25:00.000+08:00

Will Young - Come On

2011-10-26T16:44:00.000+08:00

for those who enjoy a good read

reblogged from icanread

2011-10-26T16:43:00.000+08:00

reblogged from icanread

2011-10-26T16:24:00.000+08:00

reblogged from moneybeautyfame

2011-10-26T16:17:00.003+08:00

oh, Regina!

reblogged via envinary

2011-10-26T15:28:00.001+08:00

reblogged from screamcolours

2011-10-26T15:27:00.002+08:00

reblogged from sceamcolours

2011-10-26T15:15:00.001+08:00

reblogged from chaoticweeds

2011-10-26T13:54:00.000+08:00

One Day

One Day didn't disappoint, in my opinion. though that part about the letter from India should've seriously been included.

actually, quite a bit of the book was left out, including the affair with the principal, which i'm honestly grossed out about anyway. and just like in the book, her death was very swift, almost just glanced over:

"Then Emma Mayhew dies, and everything that she thought or felt vanishes and she is gone forever."

it didn't give you time to mourn her death, if at all. but ah well, the direction of the book and movie is certainly refreshing. by the way, such a tragedy! ):

and when the camera panned to reveal that Sylvie was having an affair with Callum, some in the audience actually gasped! haha.

also, despite the big hoo-ha over Anne Hathaway's weird Yorkshire accent, i had no issues about it at all. i must add that she looked so gorgeous with the short 'do in her thirties. and Jim Sturgess as Dexter looked so much more dashing as he aged, insterestingly enough.

2011-10-23T23:26:00.001+08:00

The Help

everyone ought to read and watch Kathryn Stockett's The Help (directed by Tate Taylor) - a thoroughly moving and inspiring work.

Emma Stone did justice to the character of Skeeter (except being a tad too gorgeous, perhaps), as did Viola Davis to Aibileen and Octavia Spencer to Minny. and in the midst of the Stepford Wives-ness of everything, Celia's naivety and innocence was refreshing, even if it was somewhat sorrowful.

alas, the realistically mixed ending definitely brings the story to a neat close.

well, power to Skeeter and gang, especially our dear Minny!! =D

2011-10-09T16:28:00.000+08:00

reblogged from tastefullyoffensive

2011-10-02T23:56:00.000+08:00

Darren Hayes - Bloodstained Heart

2011-10-02T13:08:00.001+08:00

Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All

2011-10-02T13:07:00.001+08:00

Jessie J - Who You Are

2011-10-02T12:37:00.001+08:00

Adele - Someone Like You

2011-10-02T12:13:00.003+08:00

that epic dramedy film about love

reblogged from scott

2011-10-02T10:16:00.001+08:00

yes, please!

reblogged from tiredofbeingme

2011-10-02T09:55:00.000+08:00

reblogged from lovelyasadream

2011-10-02T09:51:00.000+08:00

reblogged from everythingyoulovetohate

2011-10-02T03:49:00.001+08:00

History Of Lyrics That Aren't Lyrics
26 songs, over 49 years

Featuring Jane Lui (http://youtube.com/luieland), Michael T. on bass (http://www.michaelt.org) and Jonathan Batiste on piano (http://www.jonathanbatiste.com).
Directed by Joe Sabia (http://www.joesabia.co).

2011-10-02T01:52:00.005+08:00

Mausam (Seasons)

Mausam was just average, to be honest. it was unfortunately a tad too fairytale and had unnecessary melodramatic scenes, like the one where Harry saved the little girl from the ferris wheel (and it remained to be seen how he managed to get down with her after that). so, it was kinda disappointing for me. ): but well, at the very least, Sonam and Shahid were gorgeous leads! so that helped to soften the blow of the underwhelming plot. xD

also, the song numbers and choreography were good, especially the tongue-in-cheek one during the wedding, and the finale one which played on as the credits rolled. so on the whole, it wasn't exactly bad. just that it wasn't that good either, sadly..

oh, Dean and i were armed with Garrett popcorn and Gong Cha earl grey milk tea, so we had good snacks for company (let's just not think about the calories aye!) throughout the 2.5hr Hindi extravaganza of a movie, which took us to Punjab, Nepal, Edinburgh, Switzerland, Gwalior and Agra.

to end off, here's a truly fun shot of the day:

2011-10-01T15:55:00.003+08:00

Ziana and Anuar Zain

Esplanade Concert Hall
30 September 2011

Ziana looking gorgeous in a Rizman Ruzaini gown
(she had three beautiful costume changes for the night!)

Anuar doing his stuff, as usual

fittingly ending the night with Suasana Di Hari Raya

curtain call

after encore performances of Anggapanmu by Ziana,
and Perpisahan by Anuar

two of my Malay music industry idols - and who are siblings, btw - take the stage together for the first time in concert, as part of Pesta Raya 2011. needless to say, it was a night of powerful vocals and entertaining banter! (:

the only unfortunate thing was that i was seated in the first row on the fourth level. so literally, i was on the edge of my seat throughout the night, haha.

anyway, from the Malay in me, VOKAL MANTAP BEB!! =D

with sister and her friend! (:

2011-09-26T00:50:00.005+08:00

The X Factor USA
Auditions

The Anser did a commendable mash-up of Rolling in the Deep and Till the World Ends, and well, of course i gotta like this audition!

Stacy Francis can certainly sing even at 42! when you can whisper-sing (haha, i'm sure there's a proper musical term for this), you're gooood. absolutely love her rendition of Natural Woman! (:

Caitlin Koch simply has a beautiful voice, despite being a rugby player/coach, haha. a smooth, slow rendition of Stop (In the Name of Love).

Melanie Amaro nailed Beyonce's Listen, complete with a standing ovation from the judges. she sure would make Queen B proud. a remarkable talent and amazing vocals for a 16-year-old.

on a sidenote, i felt that The X Factor USA is a tad underwhelming, somehow. perhaps it just needs time to warm up to the audience? we'll see.

The X Factor UK
Bootcamp Part 1

this was easily one of the better featured performances. well-balanced with enough air time for each contestant, and great harmonies/arrangement. (:

2011-09-25T22:21:00.001+08:00

reblogged from likeajudaskiss

2011-09-18T12:03:00.003+08:00

The X Factor
Audition Shows 3 - 6

Jade Richard's rendition of Someone Like You (yes, yet another one!) was pretty beautiful. so much so that Kelly was moved to tears - enough said.

Sami Brookes made Whitney's One Moment In Time her own. granted, she lacks the powerful vocals of the great diva, but her performance was truly good enough. and Kelly's little prep talk was love.

i adore Amelia Lily's image, really. and she sounds and looks nothing like a 16-year-old, more like a veteran. there's a rocker chick and some Christina Aguilera going on there; you cannot not love her vocals.

Jonjo Kerr allowed nerves to get the better of him. otherwise, it was a decent audition.

2 Shoes make for a good duo. nice harmonies, awesome personalities, great fashion sense and image - like the judges, i had thought that they were gonna bomb. pleasant surprise indeed.

Michelle Barrett did a good and honest job on the Whitney Houston classic. and of course, the heartwarming back story and Tulisa's emotional moment made this audition so beautiful.

John Adams may be a Maths teacher, but he's definitely got a great sense of rhythm and music. joins the league of my mellow pop heroes like Damien Rice and co. in fact, i find him highly reminiscent of James Morrison, hmmm..

John Wilding received a standing ovation for all four judges. though i felt that he kinda oversang Jennifer Hudson's Love You I Do, with that whistle note(!!), it was a sensational audition nonetheless.

2011-09-18T00:29:00.003+08:00

Wisteria Lane

i'll definitely miss these ladies for all the drama and laughter that they bring, daaayum. final season of Desperate Housewives - one week to go!

oh, and of the most impactful scenes of the last season:

2011-09-16T15:51:00.004+08:00

oh, USO!

with the conclusion of the last of four tennis Grand Slam tournaments of the year, two things are clear:

the women's slams this year were up for anyone's taking,
Djokovic is on amazing form!

in any case, hearty congratulations on their fantastic performances and well-deserved wins by Samatha Stosur and Novak Djokovic, US Open 2011 Women's and Men's Singles champions respectively! =D

Stosur stuns Serena to win US Open

Djokovic defeats Nadal in four sets to win first US Open title

and of course, apart from outhitting and generally outplaying Serena, Stosur absolutely outclassed her as well, thanks to (yet another) tantrum thrown by the 13-time Grand Slam winner at the chair umpire, who in all honesty and objectivity, made an undisputedly right call.

watch and enjoy! haha. oh, and just in case you can't hear it all clearly, read this article.

alright, have a good weekend y'all! (:

2011-09-04T22:17:00.004+08:00

The Help

Kathryn Stockett's The Help is at parts hilarious (you go Minny!!), heartbreaking, heartwarming and hopeful. (: got through all 400-odd pages in one sitting, save for a few essential breaks.

so, of course, i am now just so eager to catch the film adaptation!

i've got one issue though - Emma Stone fits the personality of Skeeter to T, but she's a tad too pretty, no? O.o but in any case, looking forward to her performance and Viola Davis as Aibileen especially, who has been getting rave reviews. along with black mama Minny played by Octavia Spencer! =D

all that said, The Help is definitely worth a read! go get yourself a copy and read NOW. (:

2011-08-31T22:42:00.007+08:00

Eid Mubarak! (:

apologies for the slightly belated post, but yesterday's round of visiting was just too darn tiring. or, i'm just getting too old for this! xD

anyway, here's wishing all my Muslim family and friends a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Mohon maaf zahir dan batin. (: Hope you had a meaningful and blessed Ramadhan, and have a great Syawal ahead.

as always, here's the family all decked in blue this year:

allow the siblings to show you each of our beautiful ensemble, from head to toe:

well, if you must know, i'm totally lovin' that dash of pink on me, haha! how can you not love the brooch on my songkok..

ah, it may be Hari Raya, but life still goes on. school/army/work awaits for the rest of the week, and festivities shall resume during the weekend! =D

so till then, have a good week ahead y'all.

2011-08-30T00:42:00.003+08:00

Adele - Someone Like You
(Live at VMAs 2011)

♥

2011-08-28T08:39:00.003+08:00

The X Factor
Audition Show 2

Craig Colton's rendition of Adele's Hiding My Heart Away was just beautiful.

The Keys were really good. great harmonies and they've each got good vocals. too bad they're past teenagehood; else, they'll probably explode on the scene.

Johnny Robinson was very surprising. he has a unique voice indeed. and he's such a sweetheart! gotta love him yo.

Misha Bryan is a Diva. good rendition of the woman's anthem Respect, though i felt that it could have had more power. but you gotta agree that this girl's got style and attitude! =D

2011-08-22T23:31:00.002+08:00

"Moderation is a fatal thing.
Nothing succeeds like excess."

— Oscar Wilde

2011-08-22T22:01:00.003+08:00

Mausam
a timeless love story

with a tagline like that, and starring the pretty Sonam Kapoor and dashing Shahid Kapoor (who are not related, if you're wondering.. oh, but fyi, this film is directed by Shahid's father, Pankaj Kapoor.), this is absolutely a must-watch Hindi film. (:

watch the trailer above and you'll know what i mean!

2011-08-22T06:57:00.006+08:00

The X Factor
Audition Show 1

Goldie Cheung was uhm, entertaining! xD enjoyed the booty-shaking shimmy-ing and all, but not so much her voice, heh. just check out Gary's are-you-kidding-me? expression at 07:40 after Kelly gave a rather surprising Yes to the Tai Chi instructor, her pretty unfavourable comments, haha.

Janet Devlin, on the other hand, was simply all kinds of amazing. her rendition of Your Song was just so beautiful. love love LOVE the innocence and honesty in her voice and her personality. (: (: (:

2011-08-20T05:54:00.001+08:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

2011-08-20T05:49:00.002+08:00

reblogged from fanisoto

2011-08-20T05:48:00.002+08:00

reblogged from fanisoto

2011-08-20T05:46:00.002+08:00

reblogged from fanisoto

2011-08-14T00:17:00.002+08:00

family

"Looking back on it, I kinda think it was the best of times. Families, like life, have a way of changing - never staying the same. But they're your family - this eclectic, deeply-bonded group. So you evolve, you adapt. And now, as I look at my life and my new extended family, I think of this wonderful quote by George Eliot - It's never too late to be what you might have been."
— Nora Walker

just re-watched the series finale of Brothers & Sisters.. such a heartwarming family drama, really. you are dearly missed, Walkers! ):

2011-08-11T22:51:00.003+08:00

world peace, please

reblogged from imthesecret

2011-08-10T23:04:00.004+08:00

music

James Morrison - I Won't Let You Go

Oh Land - White Nights

2011-08-08T04:45:00.006+08:00

move, eat, learn

3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....

= a trip of a lifetime.

move, eat, learn

Rick Mereki : Director, producer, additional camera and editing
Tim White : DOP, producer, primary editing, sound
Andrew Lees : Actor, mover, groover

freakin' dope!

2011-08-07T13:13:00.000+08:00

reblogged from ishallbeforevercursed

2011-08-03T23:30:00.001+08:00

"What you have lost will not be returned to you; it always be lost. You're left with only your scars to mark the void. All you can choose to do is go on, or not. But if you go on, it’s knowing you carry your scars with you."

— Charles Frazier