Thursday, October 29, 2009

Suara Gerak

Work-In-Progress SOUND CHOREOGRAPHY
(The Choreographer Workshop Series 1 )
Meet, Share and Talk with to 2 young choreographers, Katharine Chua and Kent Tan, presenting their works on choreography inspired by sound
Initiated by Ombak Ombak ARTStudio http://www.ombakombak.blogspot.com/
Supported by School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Have attended this contemporary dance worshop from Aug till October under the guidance and mentorship of choreographer Kent under the supervision of Malaysia's most controversial dancer cum choreographer,Aida Redza.
Kent piece which features KISI revolve around playing with the death.The theme of the discussion about relationship between aging vagrant, trash and death. Featuring the interaction between these three parties, focussing more upon sound, emotion and movement; not purely choreography work of art, instead a fusion of performing arts.The relationship between sound and body focus on emotion and passion as the linkage to generate this whole piece of performance.Whereas,the importance of the sensitivity and appreciation of life from each of the dancers can be seen through the direct and indirect impact of sound towards body movement, however by using the feeling/atmosphere as a neutralizer for the mixture of both elements; it will then strike an equal balance among all elements.Kent's aim to create movement by researching and develop us dancer/performer personal experience and observation towards the assigned subject/issue via gesture and sound projection in expression of each individual thoughts has led to the complete piece of us all.

From this workshop,I've truly gained experience what contemporary dance is all about.Its not about the steps but most of all is the natural movements from our body with the feeling and passion within oneself. How external and internal forces faced by us creates a whole different direction with our reaction towards perspective in life.The idea of having individualistic thoughts and feeling making this piece has come up standing uniquely on its own.Don't get the opportunity to see Ernie performing her full piece under choreographer Katherine but have seen some sneak peek during rehersal sessions. Admire the different kind of spirit and movement from her especially the shoulder resting and finger wrinkling part the starter of her piece.

I'm glad finally I had a chance to meet Aida Redza under her supervision and guidance after wishing to get to know her for years since high school.A dream come true.Thankful to god that I get to meet wonderful people along the workshop,made new friends and also blessed to have a great mentor,Kent.

The End of a New beginning.Wishes to all.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Exam Maniac ends

Glad that the crazy schedules and pressure for my modern and jazz gold exams are done and over.
Overally,everything went fine though could have done better with more time practicing sharperning steps and routines.This year is my first,taking 2 exams together,was thankful that this year's examiner was friendly that happen to be my jazz bronze examiner's sister 2years ago.Had our crazy times during rehersals compressed in few months times with my dance mates. Hoping that will received a satisfactory results in time to come when announcement are out! *good luck to my dancemates
We'll crossed out fingers wishing to have the best after breaking that leg! *gigs

Now,its time my focus shifting towards my contemporary worshop showcase.
KISI to hell with Death! Here I come.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Spanish Film Festival 2009

Thanks Cik furziah for informing me about this event!
Its been years since I followed my spanish drama series back those days with Rosalinda,Mis Hermanas and Yo So Betty La Fea. Some familiar words rings my ear been recapitulated once again.

A short breather I took,catching the last day of Spanish Film Fest with Rohini since she's on leave for moment.The event is held in USM by the the school of languages,literariecies and translation.

We caught the film 'Un Franco 14 Pesetas' (1 Swiss Francs,14 Pesetas) on Friday which is the last day of the festival a 2 and a half hour show. Its like a biography or documentary well edited to a movie version that turns out pretty amazing.
The preview features about 2 spainiards lost their job in the economy turn down and decided to leave to Switzerland for a job after discussing what are their prospect and consequences with their respected family.Their journey there under a tourist pass to find a career in order to stay on to earn a living upon supporting their family back in Spain. Emotions evolve on the hardhip of how imigrants are treated in other natives land,the battle of communication barrier,how affairs started in relationships,culture shock,climates changes,adaption and what most significant was that HOME is where were from and most dearly missed.The unity and strong bond between family and relatives and quality of life comparitively in both countries has been a tough struggle for them in deciding to be permanent resident in Switzerland for good or residing back to their home land with no regret.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

What a day! :)

Sleeping at wee hours makes you get up at noon. Mom toasted bread with cheese and peanut butter for me and had my cup of mocha for my breakfast + lunch! Didn't knew such a recipe taste great!

Get packed then headed for my hairdo appointment at sunshine area.Finding for carpark at lunch hour is crazy.Spotted a place waiting for a person to come out.Guess what?An idiot behind me racing ahead of me to get the place... BLASTED my honk at him yet he didn't want to STOP! Blasted repetitively 10 times ending the last with the longest sound!Only then he finally stopped and stared at me I return his bloody glanced! Lol. Ppl from the shoplots all came out glancing at him.
Serve him right for being a MCP!

Cracking my brains to figure out what designs every year for exams and performances is fun yet irritating. With the help of the ever ready and always creative hairstylist got my funky braided hairdo done in 3hours.Entertained myself reading through freedom and morality and also understanding human sexuality booklets.
Was hungry after then so drop by Gastronomic restaurant for a light and healthy meal before heading to gym to practice my routines in the studio.The place was vacant that time,peaceful and quite continued reading on some interesting mingling articles having to pick up few crazy and useful phrases while waiting. Legs soring back hurting after practice but on the hold was a great time alone fulfilling day :)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Freedom Film Festival 2009

No doubt with all the crazy schedules of mine,manage to take some time off getting updated of the on-going humanity issues revolving in malaysia as well as global issues that our local filmakers focussed on.Was accompanied by mom and a guess this year surprisingly Michelle was interested to tag along.Glad she'd like it and get some exposure from the no other than the FREEDOM FILM FESTIVAL annual event.

Flow of Information : Raising the issue of political movement and technology flow going on in our current nation.The recent Acts implemented requires college or university students to ignorantly abide not participating in any political movement through petitions,rallies,written articles,memorandum and the list goes on. Making students to sign to abide the act,indirectly mark a stand to lesser freedom to voice out opinions and shall be caught if against the act. Isn't this fair? Do you think If we keep on playing ignorant because we're having the comfort of 'Everything we want we get?" What about others out there?
Flow of water: Never take our water for granted by just consuming what you need.Ppl out there Penang is the rated the 1st and 2nd highest state of water consumption.Do think twice help conserving water for future usage as estimatedly by 2013 water will be an issue for us. The film focusses on Water Company producing bottled water having the power to demolished sites to build dams in attempt to increase profit margin that have rob people from their native land especially those from indigenous tribes. How can mankind being taken over by greed leaving then COLD and HEARTLESS? Water are also being pump from normal housing estates in various places in United States and reselled it back to the residence area as BOTTLED water which fetches a higher price.Claiming natural land as the company's right to invade for own profits? NESTLE is infact is one of the biggest contribution to it?? End of the day, its still obvious CORRUPTION is the key factor causing harm to all that the rich getting richer the poor getting poorer!
What's Justice? Yet again people from the indigenous tribe get bullied by big companies invading their area claiming it to their benifits due to low education and lack of mobility access to the modern areas.To the extend these big companies willing to hire spies and agents to MURDER the Leader of the tribe to continue their project as planned and again was covered up.
Orang Asli Youth in this Moment : Blissful indigenous people losing interest to study due to the way of approach of modern education couldn't suit their traditional and simple mindset living in the woods.Its rather sad to see the vast difference living in between two world of the Modern to the Backdated Times. The film features youth giving their point of view in their life. Its a challenge and tough issue for the world to overcome such matter uniting both worlds together having the a balance and moderate life instead of being overly outdated or overly materialisticly living. 

Hope I shared my little part I can do to you guys out there. For more info you'll can surf this website http://freedomfilmfest.komas.org/ 
For those are interested on filmaking for documentaries and to watch movies have a look into http://penangfilmclub.blogspot.com/ 

Monday, October 12, 2009

His Visit

Its been about 2 years since I last met Freddy,really glad that he happened to be on his job travelling up north for his research project at UTP and planned his trip to penang to visit me staying on 2 days.Was kind of felt bad as can't take him around much due to my injury.
Talking back about the days,when we 1st met was like during the Scrabble tourney Novice category in Citybayview.I couldn't remember was I an opponent against him before but the memory of him asking to help take a picture during he award presenting ceremony left an imprint. The unique imprint of him was a unique malaysian that have travelled and living in states throughout his universtiy and working life. Born in Kuching,studies in Perak,internship in Penang,worked in Malacca and serdang and ipoh and kedah at times as his attached with Petronas in R&D. Was touched that the fact we've been in touch till now,wondering time really flies but our friendship is still blooming.

His doing a research on Bio-Mass waste into creating Bio-fuel. Learned from him that testing out plants and crops by researching on 3 sections seperately the Lignin,Cellulose and Hemi-Cellulose.Each percentage charted 60%,20% and 20%.Thank god my chemistry and biology background in high school enables me to understand more in-depth. His on a mission discovering how much fuel will be produce by experimenting seperately 2 aspect of the crops against different temperature.Just got to know that all petroleum is from one source at Kland Valley.What actually differenciate companies from Shell,Esso,Mobile,Caltex,BhP and more was just the addictive.Pretty interesting facts that always had my curiousity on.

Was thankful he drove here,so he gave me a lift for dinner at Gurney drive.Had our long conversations. Surprised by the lesser crowd compared to the usual packed Friday night,moreover I realized there's a decreased in certain food pricing. Imagining a big bowl of Koay teow soup cost only RM3? Am I outdated or not updated? *pondering

Planned our sat out as that's my last free time,ended up struggled to wake up letting him waiting for me.Sorry Freddy.Newspaper and a property magazine would entertain you at that moment. *gigs We went off for Dim Sum again nearby my place. Headed to Relau Metropolitan Park since its been 2years I since step into the park. In a state of shock to see the place is run-down,waterfall set up was closed down,the building are stained and the walkways are no longer attractive. Its sad to see it that way, but at least the playground are still maintained and useable for residence and the public. We hang around at the park for awhile taking some shots and played the swings there,baring with the erratic weather slight drizzle then hot sun in the latter. *gigs End of the day we're grown up! But a change doing something that reminds us of the childhood days to bring about great feelings.
Stop by GIANT for the penang road chendol and ice-kacang that we've missed the night before.Oh no! great lecture from an 'agent' or 'volunteer' of MAKNA trying to persuade us signing up to RM38 for monthly health and cancer awareness magazine in support of the children and adults suffering from cancer with a 7% tax exemption.He Asked for a 2min talk which expected to drag on..Worse which took us almost 1hour. *Gawd
Spent our last few hours at Queensbay before he sents me off for my dance classes. Surveyed some home furnishing shops as his just bought his new apartment. We're just scouting around for new designs, to my ignorance I just knew that Kamay actually carries Hong Kong and China designer pieces.All the while I thought it was an italian or french line. For me I'm having some late interest of arts and crafts,so checking out The Rooms parades unique items compared to those typical souvernir or gifts that you can find around,Khing's Art Centre offering clay pieces to your own chosen designs with a choice done by hands personally or ready made items while Ceramic House focus on custom made ceramic products which draws my attention to it though it might seem like a kiddo kind of thing for most.Hi-tea at fish manhattan and there we said goodbye.

Had a great time then.Due to my injury I couldn't take him around to Botanical gardens,war museum and much more places to explore.I'm looking forward to his next visit which no idea will it be. Hoping might be a mighty three meet if Sue Ann on her holiday while Freddy on his research trip in utp again.
Congratualations Fred for your new apartment and your creative invitation card passionately designed. Would be delighted to come down for your housewarming if able so.Take care there.

Wish all well. :)

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Hassle settled with Luck

My wish of compiling my own musical collection has led me to few encounters. Dad ain't going to get me a new hard disc after having 1 that serve for backing up my laptop data. Secondly,its more of a WANT compared to a NEED,though was advised to watch more films and theartre drama as I can in this period of time in preperation of coming audition.
However,thanks to Luke he gave me his not in used 120gb hard disc since he no longer need it. My wish was granted, the Law of attraction worked! I really appreciate it having to save time and money in solving this matter. Solely relying of DVD's space is merely a great hassle as it could not contain a film which might be as large 8.0gb than an ordinary 4.7gb dvd.
Luke thanks for giving me some insights regarding some useful software and websites.This tiny bits of info has help me along the way! Your short holiday trip back to Mal has been another blessing in disguise leaving me for more to Learn!

Gratefully Satisfied! :)

Prayers my Hope

The pressure is buidling up.. TIME is one factor.. Most importantly my injury is not healing fast enough for my rehersal and progress in preperation for my dance exams.

Counting down my days

11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... (time out!)

11 days more towards my dance exams,12 days for contemporary dance understudy showcase and
27 days towards stage musical production.

God pls heal me,though I know this injury is already permanently unavoidable,pls lessen the pain I beared and enable me to pull through this time round once again. I believe in you god giving me faith in taking this road not taken thou challenging,nevertheless I build my strength with this pain emotionally and physically by using the power of the mind.

For the passion,I shall not give up anytime not this time not by any chance.
I seek for your strength,standing by your side.

Your my only Hope.For tomorrow shall be better.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Short Catch Up

Wow! I woke up for once so early in my own 'clock' at 8am. Got ready waited for Jun Wai that offered to give me a lift after fetching to Jun Kit.

Most of the days,my morning became my sleeping time.You can presume that I have no mornings.*gigs Waste of time in some ways. Noons pretty idle for me doing reading,catching up with my hobbies, settling my application and audtition preperation matters and GOOD NEWS my Aus Case finally got settled for me to move on in a better position now :) My nights are practically full with rehersals for coming dance exams,contemporary dance understudy showcase,performance and working on a short musical production.


Here we go...


Had DimSum for breakfast at Relau area! Great change of place for food and environment.Whatmore, special to me was the fact that It's been amost 1 or 2 years since we've met each other once again. After graduting from high school to be in touch again with highschoolmates getting tougher after everyone leading their own lives in different paths. People always do come and go. For me most importantly now that we treasure what's present,appreciate all those around for us,those who left us maybe fated to be but I'm pretty sure the future which is unpredictable offers much more that we could look forward with that one vision set.

Shared moments of laughter about back in high school,college life,studies and our current on-goings. Interesting session learning about people,obstacles we encounter and monetary goals and opinions.

Thanks guys for the short catch up!

Traditional Therapy

Dancers best friend is the physiotherapist or the 'ZEN master'!!

My lower back injuries since 2years back,along with strings of accidents and add ons dance and sport
injuries has given me no choice but to seek out for therapy to heal.Am really glad to have Mr Tan there as my maintainence 'sen sei' for all my injuries attained all this while.Without him ain't knowing how far I could still go on with my passion dancing through the nights.After all that MRI scans and checkups from hospital to hospital injuries still goes undetectable or aren't able to be treated.What a disgrace to such great technology these days.Yet the BEST way out to this notion his healing through nature with Traditional Therapy.

How I'd wished for a MIRACLE??

ME      : *rubbing* Aladdin's goldish rusted teapot... Mr Gene in the pot. Pls grant my wishes asked.. Pls recover all my hurts and wounds leaving no scar behind.Would you?
GENE : Your grants are my wishes. *shrinkle *splinkle *shrinkle

Yes! yahooooo in sudden all wounds dissapeared!

OH WELL.. In my dreams tonight..

Praying my pain goes away for now to keep my hands away from painkillers.Though the wounds won't recover fully as expected but tad bits of prayers in hope to pull me through my hectic nights rehersals and my coming Dance EXAMS in 2weeks time.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Getting Started

Hey everyone,I've manage to kick start a blog.To you guys whom have persuaded me since long ago to always start one to keep you'll updated on the on-going of my life,I shall say here it goes I'm GETTING STARTED here. Finally! sigh.. Your effort pays of for a start *gigs Fingers crossed that my blog will not be a white elephant but rather progressing in time with some updates along the way! Wish me luck on that. I'm pretty new in the blogging scene apart from being a random blog reader lately. Please do drop by some suggestion how shall I start from here.Thanks ppl! Hope to reach out to all of you guys once again and furthermore!! *cheers