Achievements?
State of Being : What did I accomplish in 2007?
- Confidently delivered a 45min presentation to fellow colleagues @ the Feb WW Marketing Meeting in Ankara (Revisit: Turkish Delights! Part I (Leisure Mode) & Turkish Delights! Part II (Business Mode) )
- Participated and completed 5.6km in 44min in the fourth annual JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge in May (Revisit: 4-5-1-2)
- Emerged as the bowling champ @ the "1st Annual Swissotel Cup" held at Marine Bowl in Jun!! Haha (Revisit: Marine Bowl)
- Navigated around Japan amidst the complicating railways (on our own) during a 6-days tour extension in Oct without getting lost! *heng* (Revisit: 6 things about Japan)
- Last but not least, was informed that there will be some changes to my job status when I was over in Zürich in Dec. More to be revealed once everything is confirmed in Jan 08... ;)
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Greatest Hits: Top 10 Dance Singles of 2007
State of Being : Dance your way to 2008...
In additional to my favourite 10 singles for 2007, here's a listing of my top 10 dance singles of
the year:
- Green Light (Freemasons Vox Club Mix) - Beyoncé
- Umbrella (Seamus Haji & Paul Emauel Club Remix) - Rihanna
- Handle Me (Soul Seekerz Club Mix) - Robyn
- Piece Of Me (Bimbo Jones Club Mix) - Britney Spears
- Shut Up And Drive (The Wideboys Club Mix) - Rihanna
- Du Hast Den Schoensten Arsch Der Welt - Alex C ft Y-Ass
- With Love (Bimbo Jones Mix) - Hilary Duff
- Proper Education (Club Mix) - Eric Prydz vs Floyd
- Listen (Escape & Capello Remix) - Beyoncé
- Change (Jason Nevins Extended Mix) - Kimberley Locke
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Greatest Hits: Top 10 Singles of 2007
State of Being : Goodbye 2007...
While we continue to see familiar faces like Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, Fergie & Justin Timberlake dominating the 2007 charts, we also see new artists like Sean Kingston, Leona Lewis & Sara Bareilles making their presence felt in the US/UK singles chart.
For myself in 2007, I am most blown away by Rihanna's hypnotic monster hit single "Umbrella" and OneRepublic's haunting "Apologize". Since undeniably, I have always been captivated by sentimental pop ballads, my favourite ballads in 2007 include Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry", Enrique Iglesias' "Do You Know?" and X-factor winner Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love".
Surprisingly, two reggae singles managed to make it to my top 10 list this year; Wyclef Jean's "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)", being one of them. The other spot ultimately goes to another hit single for 2007 - newbie Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls". Other genres that managed to clinch a spot on my personal list include pop-punk band Good Charlotte's "I Don't Wanna Be In Love" and Robyn's electro-synth gem "Handle Me". The latter whom I only chanced upon in Amsterdam, where her single was constantly being aired on MTV channel.
And to round it off the list of my personal list of top 10 singles for 2007, and one of my guilty listening pleasure for 2007, is none other than Mika's "Lollipop", which is pure bubblegum pop (no pun intended) at its best!!!
- Umbrella - Rihanna ft Jay-Z
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad ; Genre: R&B
Apologize (Timbaland Remix) - OneRepublic
Album: Dreaming Out Loud ; Genre: Pop/Rock
- Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
- Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston
- Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill) - Wyclef Jean ft Akon, Lil Wayne & Niia
Album: Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant ; Genre: R&B/Reggae
- Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song) - Enrique Iglesias
- Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
- Handle Me - Robyn
- Dance Floor Anthem (I Don't Wanna Be In Love) - Good Charlotte
Album: Good Morning Revival ; Genre: Alternative Rock
- Lollipop - Mika
Album: Life In Cartoon Motion ; Genre: Pop
Album: The Dutchness ; Genre: Pop
Album: Sean Kingston ; Genre: Reggae/Hip-Hop
Album: Insomniac ; Genre: Pop
Album: Spirit ; Genre: R&B
Album: Robyn ; Genre: Pop
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Featured song in my iPod_12.07
State of Being : Immigrants' Woes
Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)
Wyclef Jean ft Akon, Lil Wayne & Niia
Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant
R&B/Reggae
Video Link
One of the more successful member of the now defunct trio The Fugees, Wyclef Jean has come far with the release of six albums to-date. Featuring Akon, Lil Wayne & Niia, the latest lead single off Wyclef Jean's sixth solo album, "Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant", "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" is fast gaining airplay and climbing up the Billboard charts. As at the week of 24 December 2007, "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" has already reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Fusing reggae and R&B, the single has this mesmerising effect on listeners, especially so with the beautiful female vocals in the background. You'll be immediately hooked by the catchy chorus - "See I'mma tell you, like Wu told me, Cash rules everything, around me", which is actually a reference to the Wu Tang Clan's mid-90s hit single "C.R.E.A.M." (Cash Rules Everything Around Me).
The music video for this single is mainly set in a refugee camp, with special guest appearance by Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan in the remix version. The video for the remix switches between the original "C.R.E.A.M." instrumental and trumpets.
National Treasure: Book Of Secrets
State of Being : Déjà Vu
In this sequel to the 2004 film National Treasure, Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Benjamin Franklin Gates, who's still uncovering long-lost secrets and treasures. While I have never seen the first "National Treasure" movie, somehow I feel that most movie-goers have seen most of the thrills - if not all - of this done before, in the Indiana Jones movies, for this second installment -"National Treasure: Book of Secrets".
Honestly speaking, Nicolags Cage has never wow me as a leading actor material. I feel that he has neither any charisma or possess any idol looks (is that receding hairline??) to sell a movie. Anyone even remember the Marvel Comics movie adaptation "Ghost Rider"?? In fact, I probably would not have watch the movie if not for the fact that I got the preview tickets for free, compliments of a colleague CL.
Notwithstanding that Cage looks ridiculous in an unflattering hairpiece, the movie is still fun, goofy and entertaining enough to hold your interest without ever getting too exciting. In other words, "Book of Secrets" is merely a strictly by-the-book sequel: It doesn't cheat series fans but it doesn't offer many thrills or surprises or lingering puzzles, either.
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Zürich + Geneva + Amsterdam Sights
State of Being : Will I ever visit these places again?
Though it was supposedly just a business trip to attend the Corporate Marketing Meeting in Zürich, I was fortunate enough to squeeze in a FAM (familiarisation) trip to two other Europe hotels - Swissôtel Métropole, Geneva & Swissôtel Amsterdam while I was there. Swissôtel Métropole, Geneva were even more so hospitable as to put me up in a Junior Suite during my weekend in Geneva. :)
I must admit both hotels were conveniently located, especially so for Swissôtel Amsterdam, where it is situated right in the heart of the city with every notable attractions within walking distances. A pity that the Royal Palace was closed for renovation but nevertheless I still managed to visit The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Sex Museum, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Flower Market, etc during my two days short extension in Amsterdam. Definitely hope to visit Amsterdam some time again and see the windmills during Summer!
Zürich Sights
State of Being : On Top Of The World
Bird's eye view of Zürich as seen from the Grossmünster Church chapel
State of Being : Cool Art
Graffiti as seen along the walls of Zürich railway tracks
Gonna be a L-O-N-G ride 2 Zürich
State of Being : "Lonely"
Waiting for my flight to Zürich now at Terminal 2. Gosh it's gonna be a 12-hr flight. Looking forward to the trip as well as feeling quite "sian" cos it's gonna be a working trip afterall. And worse still the weather is FREEZING cold now in Switzerland.
Only looking forward to my 2 day extension in Amsterdam. Hmmm... wonder what's there to visit though. Guess gotta check my travel guide then! Bis bald.
Featured song in my iPod_11.07
State of Being : The "X" Factor
Bleeding Love
Leona Lewis
Spirit
R&B
Video Link
If That's OK With You
Shayne Ward
Breathless
Pop
Video Link
It's a toss between two worthy singles this month. Both singles are equally catchy and coincidentally the singers are both winners - Shayne Ward (Season 2) & Leona Lewis (Season 3) of the British television music talent show "The X Factor".
Taken off from the debut album "Spirit", you'll be immediately hooked with the lead off single "Bleeding Love", which showcases Leona's impressive vocal prowess. Emotionally fuelled, and extremely upbeat, "Bleeding Love" has already topped the UK singles chart and is the biggest selling UK single of 2007 so far. With violins, organ, and the marching band drum beat, the mid-tempo song is sure to be a hit also when "Spirit" is eventually released in the US in Jan 2008.
While Leona Lewis' debut single/album is already a hit, Shayne Ward has much more to prove with his follow-up album. Proving that he is no one-hit wonder with "No Promises" only, Shayne's fourth single, and the first song taken from his second album "Breathless", "If That's OK With You" is anything but forgettable. Featuring guest vocals from the chipmunks, somewhat like Akon's "Lonely", the song highest position on the UK Singles Chart is #2. In fact, I feel that the song is so easy on the ears that you''ll definitely be tapping your feet along to the tune in no time at all!
Lust, Caution (色，戒)
Much has been made of the NC-17 sex scenes for the latest erotic espionage thriller Lust, Caution (色，戒) by Ang Lee. So much so that viewers who have watched the movie actually left the cinema wondering whether the sex scenes were actually for real.
Based loosely on the short story of the same name published in 1979 by Chinese author Eileen Chang - an actual event that took place in 1939-1940, the actors definitely deserve the highest praise for their bold performance.
Displaying partial frontal pubic hair and executing porn-like pelvic thrusts, Cannes Film Festival Best Actor (2000) Tony Leung Chiu Wai (梁朝偉), goes places he's never been before as the role of the Japanese collaborator Mr Yee in Lust, Caution. Equally remarkable in her role as the undercover assassinate Wong Chia-Chi, newcomer Tang Wei (湯唯) literally bares all and gives a performance that will be talked about for years.
In fact, the scenes were so intense that it is no wonder that it has stirred up much controversies sicne its release. Honestly speaking, it was the first time I've seen so much flesh (& hair) bared in a Mandarin movie!
Indeed, Ang Lee is a true master in his field. With Brokeback Mountain, and now Lust, Caution, Ang Lee is one Chinese director who is definitely not afraid to overstep the boundary in film-making. Through his recent works, we have come to expect that his future work will most certainly be just as titillating as the two. I can only wait with abated breath for his next work...
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Final Tally 4 the Japan Trip...
State of Being : Reminiscence
Wow a total of 985 photos and total spent of $3,958 ($4,400 if inclusive of the Burberry briefcase) for the entire Japan trip. And the pixs are finally uploaded online, but not to worry only 308 pixs (with captions) were selected. Enjoy the pixs... Click here
p.s. Check out this video clip of Pooh's Hunny Hunt ride in Tokyo Disneyland. Was in the Q for 90min but guess it was worth it.
6 things about Japan
State of Being : Observant?
1. Japanese are simply CRAZY over Mickey Mouse.
Compared to Universal Studios Osaka, there were longer queues for the rides everywhere in Tokyo Disneyland!! We even had to queue for 90min just to enter Mickey's humble home and snap a pix with the famous one. Yikes!
Yes, being "clean" is so important to them to the extent that they even had high tech toilets that wash their bums after doing their "business". Honestly speaking, it felt kinda funny with the warm water spraying at my posterior. Anw, I still relied on the good old toliet paper to clean up the mess everytime even after washing.
3. Japanese are extremely punctual?
Not so sure about the people though, but the schedules for the buses, subway trains & shinkansen are strictly adhered to. As a result, it was quite stressful during one of our transfer from one shinkansen (Kokura to Shin-Osaka) to another (Shin-Osaka to Tokyo) as we had only 7min to navigate and find the right platform at the station. Missing the shinkansen would mean that we had to wait for another 1hr for the next train!
4. Japanese men are big on tote bags!
Relative to Singapore, you'll highly see any men here carrying a "handbag", more commonly known as the tote bag. In fact, Singapore men usually move around more with bags sling over their chest rather than carrying a bag over one of their shoulders. Even though it would have been nice getting a tote bag there, but I opted for an exclusive Burberry Black Label briefcase (33,600円) instead. Even though we were given only a mere 15min stop at the Burberry shop in Ginza, I already knew which section I'll be heading - the Black Label section. In case you aren't aware, the exclusive Burberry Black Label is only available in Japan. 3 days later, I succumbed to temptation and bought a mobile strap (6,300円) from the Black Label counter in Shinjuku Isetan as well.
5. Japanese like to push. *Ouch*
It's a real wonder how a seemingly packed train is able to accomodate 5-6 more passengers after commuters shoved their way into a crowded train. I was initially near the train door during boarding but subsequently got pushed some distance back into the packed train before the door closes. Hmmm... perhaps we could deploy this tactic as well in Singapore during the peak hours??
6. Japanese just luv doing the dishes.
Why else would they use so many dishes to serve their meals? Believe it or not, the servings for both meals is meant for only one person. Just check out the number of dishes they used for two of our meals in Japan...
Featured Song In My iPod_10.07
State of Being : "Comeback" Princess
Gimme More
Britney Spears
Blackout
Pop
Video Link
It's been 4 years since the last studio album release from Britney Spears in 2003 and based on her comeback catchy single "Gimme More" taken from her 5th album "Blackout", the ex-princess of pop looks set to re-capture the hearts of her fans worldwide & silence her harsh critics once more.
Generally well-received by music critcs, the latest uptempo dance track "Gimme More" became Spears' biggest hit since "...Baby One More Time", having already reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 to-date. Personally, I like the remixed version of the single featuring T.I. better.
With so much controversy and public scrutiny surrounding her every move, Britney remains unapologetic and continues to shock the public with her latest raunchy video, featuring herself pole dancing in a strip bar joint, for her new single. What will she come up next for her follow up single? I can only wait with bated breath...
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Last Day In Japan
The time here in Osaka is 9:43am. Just finished breakfast at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka's Executive Club Lounge. Nice view from where we are sitting. Gonna leave Japan soon for the 1:10pm flight.
Will update with the tour pixs as soon as I get back to Singapore.
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Our 7th Day in Japan
State of Being : Exhausted
Gosh! We are all on our own now. The rest of the tour members are already back in Singapore so as to speak. So far so good. Though we didn't manage to visit Takayama, due to time constraint, we did manage to replace with Nagoya's Castle and Sakae shopping district instead. The time now in Nagoya is 10:12pm. Extremely tired from the train ride, sight seeing and walking.
Tmr will be another tiring day as we will be going to Takaragawa Onsen via Tokyo; 2 hour shinkansen ride to Tokyo plus another 3 hour ride to the Onsen. Aiyoooooooo.
Will update the blog again if there is free internet (like this hotel where we are staying for the night). In case anyone is interested, we are staying at Nagoya Rolen Hotel.
Japan Here I Come!
"Goodbye"
It was a somber day in the office as another colleague is leaving us for greener pastures. Our regional office is already so small (total 9 of us) and now it's gonna get even smaller, with the departure of PA and later the relocation of NC...
I had initiated the "Project RED Box" (a Tiffany pouch had already been given to her at a early farewell dinner at PS Cafe), as a final parting gift for PA. Idea was to get everyone to contribute a RED gift that represents himself/herself. In the end, I 'sacrifice' one of my Spiderman toy figurine that was on my office phone (Revisit: Where's Spidey?).
I had only wanted a small box initially but eventually had to get a bigger one as JM's gift was a book! In the end, we resorted to a RED box file from Popular. I cut and pasted a RED foam circumvex on the box cover, filled it with styrofoam balls and RED feathers, and buried all our gifts together with some of our corporate RED gifts underneath it. Viola, a RED treasure box in the end!!
RED Box Contents Revealed (below)
And since we do not have a photo whereby all of us are present (somehow someone just had to be "missing" for some reasons), I had to resort to photoshoppin' SK into one of the photos. To complete the treasure box, I burned a CD filled with beautiful Swissôtel memories for PA to remember us always.
Simpsonize Me
State of Being : Yellow
Ever wonder how you'll look like if you were ever invited to cameo in "The Simpsons"? Here's how I'll appear in the series based on the Simpsonize Me machine!! Hahaha
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Featured Song In My iPod _09.07
State of Being : It's too late to Apologize
Apologize
OneRepublic
OneRepublic
Pop / Rock
Video Link (Timbaland Remixed)
Video Link (Original Version)
Remixed by Timbaland and featured as the third single off the latter's album "Timbaland Presents: Shock Value", the remixed version has a completely different beat than the original version. Timbaland is heard in the background, somewhat sampling vocals similar to Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right". To-date, the track has already charted on Billboard Hot 100 and based on the heavy airplay, it looks set to break into the top 10!
Virtually only a number one band on the online community before their collaboration with Timbaland, OneRepublic is scheduled to release their self-titled debut album in late 2007. Off their debut album, "Apologize" will be released as a single in its original version, which is more soft-rock/pop but equally as awesome as Timbaland's r&b/hip-hop remix of the same song.
Be sure to check out the music video for "Apologize (Timbaland Remixed)"... you'll simply be addicted to the song thereafter. I know I did...
