Omigosh, I just had an unbelievable Sunday.
For my 1st ever F1 experience, I was invited to be guest of RightClicka Music and the Ferrari team.
I arrived at the Paddock Club about 4pm and walked around the village and marveled at the cars, the equipment, the mechanics, the quaint strips of 'al fresco' style booth line ups where gorgeous people sit and sip coffee.
The club suites are spread out between 3 floors and each floor, housing at least 15 suites accommodating to guests of Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, whom include people from the media, the entertainment industry, the creatives, outgoing entrepreneurs, fancy socialites, public relations people etc etc.
We are security checked, tagged :) and escorted to our "Club Suite box" which seems like a real pain to walk to but has the sickest view of the pits and start point. We see the Grand Stand ticket holders across from us, as we are parked right amongst it, with the actual racing cars prepping for the night, right beneath our dancing feet and free flow of drinks.
I go for a walk down to the pits and take some pictures on the track. I giggle like a little girl and stare wide-eyed at this incredible sight. I notice two Backstreet Boys taking pictures with the Ferrari and I wait my turn to get one.
It's 15 mins to race and I need to get back up to the cozy red plushy couches of the mscape lounge where the dj has on some groovy tunes, champagne is free flowing and there's a sashimi chef serving up sushi and other delicacies.
As I walk into the lounge, I see Carl Cox on my right and John Digweed sitting next to him.
Everyone's in a good mood and standing by the glass window waiting for the OK GO!
I plug in my ear plugs and stand by.
RACE ON.
After about ten laps or more, I walked toward the jetty right by the Singapore Flyer, which allowed me to enjoy more corners and close ups of the cars. Wow, those engines are powerful. And once again I stress, it is LOUD.
"Molly", comes to pick us up from dock to take us back to the Carpe Diem and Oriental Dream tied up together. Now I am watching the race from a yacht anchored in the marina barrage.
Wow... what a blessing.
Last few laps, Hamilton in the lead. Wow.... won it by a mile. Congrats Hamilton.
Back on the BOAT, my friends are all here and we sit and chat and eat on the fly bridge and cheers to a fun-filled day.
We look up at the Moon, shining there so proudly and lovely and thank our lucky stars.
What a fabulous Grand Prix Formula One Singapore experience!
Woooooot Woooooot... or is it Bruuuummmm Brrrrrruuuummmmmm now?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Within and without
I always feel nervous after interviews with journalists.
I hope they write a gracious article and I hope they quote me accurately.
When I am free to express myself through my own words, I have clarity to answer my own questions at my own time.
Sometimes when you are trying to convey a message, it can often be misunderstood, or misquoted.
We often want to believe that the Press are the people's watchdog.
That they have our best interest at heart.
We hope and believe they want to tell us the truth, from an unbiased perspective so we may judge for ourselves.
But we all know, shamefully, that malice and gossip and viciousness is what gets the better of our attention.
We want to know the dirt. We find excitement in the hostile.
Many of us believe, and probably rightfully so, that none of us can live on love and fresh air.
But none of us have to live in poverty or shame or hunger either.
We do not need to suffer to succeed.
It is not a universal or divine law that we have to go through some kind of turmoil to reap the benefits and emerge triumphant.
The Universe is 'way' abundant.
We bring forth what we give out. And we can all give out goodness.
In every day things, in the way you look at the person next to you on the MRT, or the person you jog pass on your night runs, :) It could be smiling at every elderly person you see, or simply opening the door for someone.
Interacting with society and talking to one another with respect.
People are so interesting when they are happy. They send out all this joyous energy.
I think the only 'entrapment' the media in Singapore should be doing is the comedy central stuff. "Just for laughs" is a great reflection of how jovial Canadians are and pranks like that always brings out the true nature of those happy people. Even some of the Japanese skits they do now. Wow those people really give new meaning to the term..."It's all good" while it laughing off.
Look, I am not suggesting productions go "Jackass" scare Singaporeans all around the island.
What I am saying is...
Let's document and represent a Happy Singapore with original Singaporeans.
A garden city where the heartland is nurturing and cultured.
Support our roots and celebrate our 'Uniqueness' as our banner says but do it whole-heartedly. Believe that our country, though small in size on the map of the world, is proud of it's home bred, love it's local talent, embrace their deep rooted beliefs but share them with those who come.
We cannot get the world to notice us if we ourselves do not notice what is within.
I hope they write a gracious article and I hope they quote me accurately.
When I am free to express myself through my own words, I have clarity to answer my own questions at my own time.
Sometimes when you are trying to convey a message, it can often be misunderstood, or misquoted.
We often want to believe that the Press are the people's watchdog.
That they have our best interest at heart.
We hope and believe they want to tell us the truth, from an unbiased perspective so we may judge for ourselves.
But we all know, shamefully, that malice and gossip and viciousness is what gets the better of our attention.
We want to know the dirt. We find excitement in the hostile.
Many of us believe, and probably rightfully so, that none of us can live on love and fresh air.
But none of us have to live in poverty or shame or hunger either.
We do not need to suffer to succeed.
It is not a universal or divine law that we have to go through some kind of turmoil to reap the benefits and emerge triumphant.
The Universe is 'way' abundant.
We bring forth what we give out. And we can all give out goodness.
In every day things, in the way you look at the person next to you on the MRT, or the person you jog pass on your night runs, :) It could be smiling at every elderly person you see, or simply opening the door for someone.
Interacting with society and talking to one another with respect.
People are so interesting when they are happy. They send out all this joyous energy.
I think the only 'entrapment' the media in Singapore should be doing is the comedy central stuff. "Just for laughs" is a great reflection of how jovial Canadians are and pranks like that always brings out the true nature of those happy people. Even some of the Japanese skits they do now. Wow those people really give new meaning to the term..."It's all good" while it laughing off.
Look, I am not suggesting productions go "Jackass" scare Singaporeans all around the island.
What I am saying is...
Let's document and represent a Happy Singapore with original Singaporeans.
A garden city where the heartland is nurturing and cultured.
Support our roots and celebrate our 'Uniqueness' as our banner says but do it whole-heartedly. Believe that our country, though small in size on the map of the world, is proud of it's home bred, love it's local talent, embrace their deep rooted beliefs but share them with those who come.
We cannot get the world to notice us if we ourselves do not notice what is within.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
My NDP 2009
I cannot get to sleep. My head is running in circles after a restless week.
I was glad to catch up with old pals and drink ourselves to oblivion on Thursday, but that careless behavior led me on a stressful weekend experience.
Nonetheless, fairies blessed my Sunday.
Aidan and I gave Gizmo a bath out on the veranda, played with the neighbor's kids and celebrated Singapore's National Day by doing what we love doing... spending time with each other.
By the time we realized it was only an hour before the fireworks were set to go off,
we speedily got ourselves dolled up (in red & white, of course) and jumped into the car, expecting bad traffic and absolutely no way of getting parking, or getting to where we needed to on time.
Miraculously, the drive in was smooth and we passed the parade on the ECP about 8pm.
We decided to exit off Prince Edward and as we drove along Robinson Road, we could see herds of people fill the streets and pavements, all hovering, staring at the night sky, waiting to witness the 44th NDP fireworks.
Traffic was slow but moving. And after only 10 minutes, we were turning into the Fullerton Hotel car park, racing to find a space so we could make the 'performance' in time.
I kid you not... but as we emerged from the lifts, onto One Fullerton's waterfront ... the magic began.
Aidan stood behind me, wrapping me in his arms, and we both stared up at the sparkling, blazing sky watching the myriad of colors burst all over the black of night.
Witnessing our first fireworks show together, excluding the magical one only He and I shared the first time he kissed me.
When it was over, we joined our friends for dinner and drinks at Overeasy and feasted our nation's independence.
Some of my girlfriends who had been to the National Day Parade, arrived with goodies bags filled with fun props and memorabilia, gushed with stories about Ivan Heng's direction for the parade and how patriotic and heart-warming it all was.
We didn't have a late one as we were both tired and I was still not feeling a 100%.
Mondays have always been challenging for me.
And I know people may agree that nobody likes Mondays but personally, I think it's because I have sub consciously been a Sunday addict. It doesn't even make sense.
As far as I can remember, in my line of work, a normal work week is never defined by weekdays and weekends.
We work when there are jobs, whatever occasion or public holiday and for however long the project requires and on the flip side, there are times we don't work for weeks... if the season says so. Or no, to be more accurate.
So I'm not even sure where I developed this dependency for Lazy Sundays and a rebellion for Manic Mondays. As far as time is concerned, it's either a 'work day' or not.
I refuse to believe the answer lies in my childhood cathechism classes and the teachings of Sabbath day yet I cannot help but feel the reasoning reflects my need to feel 'normal'.
To develop some kind of routine for myself.
So I can find my own cycle.
And so I sit here, on a Tuesday morning, after a lousy Monday, unable to fall asleep.
Wondering if I can pull my plans together and thrive through my week ahead and be as productive as I can be, according to my schedule, come morning.
I was glad to catch up with old pals and drink ourselves to oblivion on Thursday, but that careless behavior led me on a stressful weekend experience.
Nonetheless, fairies blessed my Sunday.
Aidan and I gave Gizmo a bath out on the veranda, played with the neighbor's kids and celebrated Singapore's National Day by doing what we love doing... spending time with each other.
By the time we realized it was only an hour before the fireworks were set to go off,
we speedily got ourselves dolled up (in red & white, of course) and jumped into the car, expecting bad traffic and absolutely no way of getting parking, or getting to where we needed to on time.
Miraculously, the drive in was smooth and we passed the parade on the ECP about 8pm.
We decided to exit off Prince Edward and as we drove along Robinson Road, we could see herds of people fill the streets and pavements, all hovering, staring at the night sky, waiting to witness the 44th NDP fireworks.
Traffic was slow but moving. And after only 10 minutes, we were turning into the Fullerton Hotel car park, racing to find a space so we could make the 'performance' in time.
I kid you not... but as we emerged from the lifts, onto One Fullerton's waterfront ... the magic began.
Aidan stood behind me, wrapping me in his arms, and we both stared up at the sparkling, blazing sky watching the myriad of colors burst all over the black of night.
Witnessing our first fireworks show together, excluding the magical one only He and I shared the first time he kissed me.
When it was over, we joined our friends for dinner and drinks at Overeasy and feasted our nation's independence.
Some of my girlfriends who had been to the National Day Parade, arrived with goodies bags filled with fun props and memorabilia, gushed with stories about Ivan Heng's direction for the parade and how patriotic and heart-warming it all was.
We didn't have a late one as we were both tired and I was still not feeling a 100%.
Mondays have always been challenging for me.
And I know people may agree that nobody likes Mondays but personally, I think it's because I have sub consciously been a Sunday addict. It doesn't even make sense.
As far as I can remember, in my line of work, a normal work week is never defined by weekdays and weekends.
We work when there are jobs, whatever occasion or public holiday and for however long the project requires and on the flip side, there are times we don't work for weeks... if the season says so. Or no, to be more accurate.
So I'm not even sure where I developed this dependency for Lazy Sundays and a rebellion for Manic Mondays. As far as time is concerned, it's either a 'work day' or not.
I refuse to believe the answer lies in my childhood cathechism classes and the teachings of Sabbath day yet I cannot help but feel the reasoning reflects my need to feel 'normal'.
To develop some kind of routine for myself.
So I can find my own cycle.
And so I sit here, on a Tuesday morning, after a lousy Monday, unable to fall asleep.
Wondering if I can pull my plans together and thrive through my week ahead and be as productive as I can be, according to my schedule, come morning.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
When you open up...
Amongst yogis, the term "open up" is often used in a posture when you open your heart chakra, push your chest out and shine like the sun.
To open up in the spiritual world, you accept the messages sent to you and you are receptive to gifts of the Universe.
In love, you open up emotionally and surrender your trust to the Divine Laws of Attraction.
To open up means to go with the flow and let magic take place.
To leave all your worries to your Higher Being and let your purpose happen naturally.
To laugh and dance and feel peace with the World and Love toward all.
To cry when you need to release and purge when you need to detox.
To listen when you need to nourish and absorb and to meditate when you need solitude.
In all worlds and amongst all Beings, we must open up and trust.
Let love shine. Let things be and let go when you must.
Freedom is flying with the flow.
Dedicated to my Goddesses. Thank you for our Kwan Yin 'PlayShop' today.
To open up in the spiritual world, you accept the messages sent to you and you are receptive to gifts of the Universe.
In love, you open up emotionally and surrender your trust to the Divine Laws of Attraction.
To open up means to go with the flow and let magic take place.
To leave all your worries to your Higher Being and let your purpose happen naturally.
To laugh and dance and feel peace with the World and Love toward all.
To cry when you need to release and purge when you need to detox.
To listen when you need to nourish and absorb and to meditate when you need solitude.
In all worlds and amongst all Beings, we must open up and trust.
Let love shine. Let things be and let go when you must.
Freedom is flying with the flow.
Dedicated to my Goddesses. Thank you for our Kwan Yin 'PlayShop' today.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Your stones.
For a long time now, crystals and gemstones have been associated with healing and magic.
Wrapped in ancient stories and historical here-says, they are not only beautiful to the eyes but warming for the soul.
By now, everyone of us would own a couple but not think much of it.
Others, have a whole drawer... some to wear, others to carry and some more... just because.
Either ways, it's time to play with them. Hold them, wear them. Look at them. Charge them with energy.
Here is a very short summarized crystal list of the powers of the more popular stones.
The ones I suspect, we might ALL have right now, at home.
Amethyst (a purple quartz);
Known to help with sleep, or nightmares and soothes insomniacs, Amethyst is the stone of peace.
Wards off guilt and self-deception so it helps overcome addictions and amongst many other healing powers, amethyst also improves memory.
Diamonds;
Known to help with cleansing, releasing and purifying issues linked with sexuality.
Also promotes self confidence in relations to the opposite sex.
Contrary to popular belief, the diamond is not a stone of love, but can be worn for reconciliation.
Turquoise;
Known to be a protective stone. A ring may be worn to fend off evil eyes and promotes courage.
Also helps with the health, alleviates headaches and strengthens the eyes.
Worn as a necklace, it bestows abundance.
Crystal, Quartz;
The Great Mother Stone. Helps with healing and psychic abilities.
There are so many different colors of the stone and different healing properties for each color
but know that this stone is symbolic of the spirit and intellect of human beings.
Although easily acquired, this crystal has been underestimated for it benefits.
If the stone is properly cleansed and charged before wearing or using, it is a magical stone.
Blue helps with peace and tranquility. Green may stimulate creativity. Rose attracts love and opens the heart chakra. Smoky quartz is a mood elevator and Tourmalated quartz stimulates astral projections.
Jade;
Known to prevent disease and health troubles in both Chinese and Mayan traditions.
Also said to contain money-attracting energies when used positively and productively.
Jade is even a stone of wisdom and helps with reasoning.
So there we have it. A little bit about your stones... :)
Have a moment with them... share energy.
And start becoming more aware of how it affects you everyday.
Enjoy.
Wrapped in ancient stories and historical here-says, they are not only beautiful to the eyes but warming for the soul.
By now, everyone of us would own a couple but not think much of it.
Others, have a whole drawer... some to wear, others to carry and some more... just because.
Either ways, it's time to play with them. Hold them, wear them. Look at them. Charge them with energy.
Here is a very short summarized crystal list of the powers of the more popular stones.
The ones I suspect, we might ALL have right now, at home.
Amethyst (a purple quartz);
Known to help with sleep, or nightmares and soothes insomniacs, Amethyst is the stone of peace.
Wards off guilt and self-deception so it helps overcome addictions and amongst many other healing powers, amethyst also improves memory.
Diamonds;
Known to help with cleansing, releasing and purifying issues linked with sexuality.
Also promotes self confidence in relations to the opposite sex.
Contrary to popular belief, the diamond is not a stone of love, but can be worn for reconciliation.
Turquoise;
Known to be a protective stone. A ring may be worn to fend off evil eyes and promotes courage.
Also helps with the health, alleviates headaches and strengthens the eyes.
Worn as a necklace, it bestows abundance.
Crystal, Quartz;
The Great Mother Stone. Helps with healing and psychic abilities.
There are so many different colors of the stone and different healing properties for each color
but know that this stone is symbolic of the spirit and intellect of human beings.
Although easily acquired, this crystal has been underestimated for it benefits.
If the stone is properly cleansed and charged before wearing or using, it is a magical stone.
Blue helps with peace and tranquility. Green may stimulate creativity. Rose attracts love and opens the heart chakra. Smoky quartz is a mood elevator and Tourmalated quartz stimulates astral projections.
Jade;
Known to prevent disease and health troubles in both Chinese and Mayan traditions.
Also said to contain money-attracting energies when used positively and productively.
Jade is even a stone of wisdom and helps with reasoning.
So there we have it. A little bit about your stones... :)
Have a moment with them... share energy.
And start becoming more aware of how it affects you everyday.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Public Transport....aarrggghhh mrt!
I took the MRT home today, in peak hour. And let me say, it is not a pleasant experience.
Firstly, I have decided to use public transport more regularly to cut costs and to do my bit ecologically. I have already made a pledge to myself to cut back on my holidays and work travels so I may reduce my carbon footprint, one step at a time. But being stuck in the MRT during peak hour sucks. Really.
There's always the inconsiderate traveler, the one that stops at the entrance of the train, or stands extremely close to you, or those who practically press themselves up against you as if you weren't even there no matter how many times you say "excuse me."
Then there are the passengers that ignore. They look like robots abducted them, pulled out their 'social consciousness' microchip left them there, on transit waiting for the next activation. You could be looking straight at them, ask them to move over a wee bit or if they wouldn't mind taking their lovely heel out of the flesh between your toes and they still wouldn't say a word and just turn away.
And the guilty looking person, plonked in "needy" chair, never looking up once to see if there really was an old lady or man on the train. Hoping nobody's going to poke him in the shoulder and get him/her to give up the seat.
Before I had got onboard, I was going through my yoga practice. Running through my head, what my body was feeling after one hour of power yoga and my mind was at peace. I felt stronger. I was standing straighter, breathing deeper and my muscles felt tired but empowered.
But somehow today, being around the MRT crowd left me feeling blocked and frustrated.
And I know sometimes, it's as easy as 'snapping out of it", training your mind to shut out.
Then I think, oh gosh, I don't want to be that sort of traveler, the one that is in robotland. Numb.
I want to be polite and considerate and hopefully encourage those around me to do so too.
I don't know why I am writing this... maybe it is a plea.
Let's be thoughtful and respectful of each other's space.
And become aware of your natural contribution in energy towards those around you.
We, as Singaporeans are so educated and well-read and modern, how come we still need campaigns for courtesy?
Are we that barbaric, still?
Not to see the bigger picture and how we effect the Universe. I do not believe so.
So I hope the next time I am on the MRT, which will be soon, I notice better social responsibility and we can ALL help each other live harmoniously and maintain a peaceful way in this already chaotic world.
Namaste.
Firstly, I have decided to use public transport more regularly to cut costs and to do my bit ecologically. I have already made a pledge to myself to cut back on my holidays and work travels so I may reduce my carbon footprint, one step at a time. But being stuck in the MRT during peak hour sucks. Really.
There's always the inconsiderate traveler, the one that stops at the entrance of the train, or stands extremely close to you, or those who practically press themselves up against you as if you weren't even there no matter how many times you say "excuse me."
Then there are the passengers that ignore. They look like robots abducted them, pulled out their 'social consciousness' microchip left them there, on transit waiting for the next activation. You could be looking straight at them, ask them to move over a wee bit or if they wouldn't mind taking their lovely heel out of the flesh between your toes and they still wouldn't say a word and just turn away.
And the guilty looking person, plonked in "needy" chair, never looking up once to see if there really was an old lady or man on the train. Hoping nobody's going to poke him in the shoulder and get him/her to give up the seat.
Before I had got onboard, I was going through my yoga practice. Running through my head, what my body was feeling after one hour of power yoga and my mind was at peace. I felt stronger. I was standing straighter, breathing deeper and my muscles felt tired but empowered.
But somehow today, being around the MRT crowd left me feeling blocked and frustrated.
And I know sometimes, it's as easy as 'snapping out of it", training your mind to shut out.
Then I think, oh gosh, I don't want to be that sort of traveler, the one that is in robotland. Numb.
I want to be polite and considerate and hopefully encourage those around me to do so too.
I don't know why I am writing this... maybe it is a plea.
Let's be thoughtful and respectful of each other's space.
And become aware of your natural contribution in energy towards those around you.
We, as Singaporeans are so educated and well-read and modern, how come we still need campaigns for courtesy?
Are we that barbaric, still?
Not to see the bigger picture and how we effect the Universe. I do not believe so.
So I hope the next time I am on the MRT, which will be soon, I notice better social responsibility and we can ALL help each other live harmoniously and maintain a peaceful way in this already chaotic world.
Namaste.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The face of "Audi Fashion Festival" 2009 Charmaine Harn
"Of all the beauty's I have experienced in my career, few can hold a candle to Charmaine. Her grace, elegance, and timeless beauty are only second to her light. That, for me, is what puts her, and keeps her, right at the top". -Maggie Q
While her modeling career began ordinarily enough, having being discovered by a talent scout on the street at 14, it's how Charmaine's career has maintained momentum that is of greatest note. From her beginning with Singapore's Faces & Places agency to becoming the face of Singapore for well over a decade, Charmaine's climb to the top has yet to plateau.
Personally selected by Eileen and Bill Ford in the "Ford Supermodel of the World" competition in 1996 as Singapore's sole representative, Charmaine went on to Miami to represent Singapore in the international competition for the event which manifested into an offer to work in Paris under Ford's representation. After a few months in Paris and Miami, she then spent the next few years shuttling between Shanghai, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Jakarta and Hong Kong for fashion shoots, print ads, TV commercials, editorials and big brand fashion shows. In 2004, Charmaine based herself in Milan and got acquainted with the Italian scene. Well enough to be chosen to open the Costume Nationale show that very same year.
Today, established and recognized, she has appeared on the cover of several magazines from Elle to Sports Illustrated, in print ads for Sony, TV spots for Osim and in Asia and South East Asia shows for Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, among many others under the aegis of Ave Model Management (Singapore) and Starz People (Hong Kong). Charmaine was also the host of Channel News Asia's luxury lifestyle program, "Diary of Indulgence" program and was hailed by Harper's Bazaar Singapore as one of the most fashionable women in Asia.
With no signs of slowing down, Charmaine's impressive list of accolades and features continues to build as she represents a uniquely Singaporean beauty to the world.
-Stevie G
While her modeling career began ordinarily enough, having being discovered by a talent scout on the street at 14, it's how Charmaine's career has maintained momentum that is of greatest note. From her beginning with Singapore's Faces & Places agency to becoming the face of Singapore for well over a decade, Charmaine's climb to the top has yet to plateau.
Personally selected by Eileen and Bill Ford in the "Ford Supermodel of the World" competition in 1996 as Singapore's sole representative, Charmaine went on to Miami to represent Singapore in the international competition for the event which manifested into an offer to work in Paris under Ford's representation. After a few months in Paris and Miami, she then spent the next few years shuttling between Shanghai, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Jakarta and Hong Kong for fashion shoots, print ads, TV commercials, editorials and big brand fashion shows. In 2004, Charmaine based herself in Milan and got acquainted with the Italian scene. Well enough to be chosen to open the Costume Nationale show that very same year.
Today, established and recognized, she has appeared on the cover of several magazines from Elle to Sports Illustrated, in print ads for Sony, TV spots for Osim and in Asia and South East Asia shows for Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, among many others under the aegis of Ave Model Management (Singapore) and Starz People (Hong Kong). Charmaine was also the host of Channel News Asia's luxury lifestyle program, "Diary of Indulgence" program and was hailed by Harper's Bazaar Singapore as one of the most fashionable women in Asia.
With no signs of slowing down, Charmaine's impressive list of accolades and features continues to build as she represents a uniquely Singaporean beauty to the world.
-Stevie G
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