Wicked...was the trip to Marina Bay Sands

I've been meaning to post, but as usual procrastination got the better of me. I MUST improve! Exam in 7 weeks and I've not started properly... :/

This is a post that is long due... :) This was back in April...Of my trip to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore and the lovely Musical , Wicked, thanks to a contest from MSN Malaysia. I actually deliberated for very long before finally deciding to go...And that also involved me finding a good travel partner in the form of my housemate!

The view of marina bay sands, Singapore from outside. Shaped like a ship, lovely, right?
We stayed in one of the towers with a lovely sea view. Ah, what good memories :)

 The view outside Marina bays, of the spiral bridge. Must come at night too, photo enthusiasts will find the scene amazing. :)

 I went with my housemate, Becks. And being the geeky med students that we were, she went "Oh! Look! AED!". Marina Bay Sands is full of it at every nook and corner... Which is amazing by my standards. Its really expensive ok!

The seats that we were allocated were the A reserve seats with fixed seating. Honestly, I couldn't have asked for better seats!

Becks and I with the tickets :D Becks was a good tour guide, and I was glad I could share the tickets with her, especially when I found out that she wanted to watch Wicked for like, 5 years already!?!

The awesome stage. Technically, pictures were allowed :P The beautiful stae with the moving dragon on the top! (Pulled by strings and the eyes lighted up red even!) The amazing band was playing from below the stage.... The characters were lively, and the props were just fantastic. There was a REAL bridge, a real prom, and much much more...

 Part of the amazing design from the side. The pictures really don't do the show justice.
 

All in all the broadway musical was FANTASTIC. The acting was amazing, the high notes were well taken, and the music was pitch perfect. Definitely don't regret going :D I now understand the hype of it... :)

The main character, Elphaba. The cast in Singapore was different, but good, nonetheless. You know, I can never view the "Wicked witch of the west" the same way anymore after seeing this. Call me biased...but when I watched The Wizard of Oz in KLPac, it was definitely nothing compared to this.

Night scene of the bridge outside Marina Bays. We walked around for a bit, and I was a little sad that Harry Potter Exhibition wasn't then. Honestly, I want and need a new camera, the one that I has doesn't take good pictures most of the time unless in good light. Lol. Any sponsors? :P

Final picture of the day, Marina Bay Sand's at night. I won't bore you with details of the 5 hour long journey down and 8-9 hour long bus journey back to KL (It was a nightmare),but it was a lovely trip that I would remember for a very long time. :)

Memories

New Year Eve 10/11 countdown @ look out point

Of Memories, and much much more. Things are always changing, they're never the same.

Time moving so fast sucks :(

There goes my new year resolution.

In fond memories of...

I was chatting with a friend and noticed that he had linked me. He's got a new blog, and a very well thought out one, in my opinion! :) Welcome to the world of blogging, Tej! :) 

I then saw that a mutual friend of ours, Tay had actually blogged bout my farewell here( bittersweet memories... >< ) He's a super duper amazing photographer, just in case you guys were wondering. And more than that, he's an amazing amazing friend whom I cherish and miss just like the rest of them back in IMU BJ.

You can get to their blogs by clicking on their names above. I've already linked them both in the sidebar too =)

I cant but marvel at this photograph. It brings back so, so much fond memories captured of 2 besties sharing a moment together. *nostalgia*

the 2 of my besties back in IMU. they are AWESOME. Hurt them and you die. I MEAN what I say. (wah ganas...but then again, who would protect them if I dont?) 

And some of the amazing people who made it for the "farewell". These people (and those not in the photo as well) I truly sayangs betul betul. It was one of the hardest (but inevitable) thing to do, by leaving to seremban.

  

But friends are forever no? Wherever they are, I know I'm missing them and loving them, and that they always have me to fall back on if they ever need to. Thats what friends are for - they stay when everyone else have left... 

Lots of love and hugs, 

Jo

Nearing the End

So many things to do all of a sudden. I wonder if I'll get to bed tonight (tho I'm sitting on my bed)... I'll probably sleep out of exhaustion. 

Packing is still being done. Wasn't home the whole day, but it was a good day. Met some people I haven't see in a while, celebrated ChengChun's birthday cum Chill 1st anniversary, went to the dentist aka awesome Sab at IMU for a proper checkup after 15 years (yes...how shameful eh), and had a farewell dinner for the UK bound people who are leaving in these 2 weeks.

Group photo of all the MEDT108 attendees! Really gonna miss all these people :')

My own farewell by Sexiest + Cobra's + Chill(?)  is gonna be tonight. I'm gonna move stuff to Seremban in the morning / late afternoon, so I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that I can come back in time!
Will update more when I actually can. Hoping there are no waterworks that are unnecessary...

Half baked potatoes aka convocation

Half baked potatoes aka convocation 

2.5 years of medical school, of pre-clinicals in IMU. Today we celebrated the end - We made it through phase one!!! But at the same time also it is a transition, and a tough one - taking up a huger responsibility as a student doctor, where lives of people are involved. 

101 feelings I felt today, sitting as a "graduate" of ME108 Phase 1 convocating class ... bittersweet mostly.  

Beloved parents + 2 of my besties Ash and Sooky :)

Will update more later with more photos and what nots. But I must tell you that I was really, really touched that my juniors namely Siew See, Ruby and Fida self assembled the bouquet of flowers + graduating bear you see in the picture and presented it to me!

Thank you all of you guys for making my 2.5 years memorable. I really love you guys, and will miss all of you...

Thanks for the Memories

Thanks for the Memories

The bits and pieces of the well deserved holidays with some pictures. Somehow I already miss these memories...

Coffeeshop talk

Watching football at a coffeeshop with the others (And guys too actually lol). It was the match of I think spain(?) vs Korea, where the Korea fella scored home goal. 

Mango Lassi :D officially one of my favourite drinks :D

Sandip finally took us to Kabul @ KL Sentral (inside Sooka's building) for north indian food. Super nice. From the naans to the dhal to the butter/ tandoori chicken etc. Anyone wants me to recommend I'll recommend this one. The price is really reasonable too. Everyone was so stuffed we din't bother doing anything else (like camwhoring :P )

Karaoke.

I don't know how many times of Karaoke we went. My housemates are karaoke fans. :P Oh but yes we found out some stuff. Like how Sam(Red shirt) can rap and how Kel (black shirt funny expression) and Morgan sing Korean songs like "Gee" and others(think SNSD & Wonder girls ) XD And how EeWei has a good voice etc. :)

Sushi-ing with the ladies. 

@Sushi Zenmai , Gardens. from left - Cheryl, June , Parisha, with BOLD makeup, me, Sookie super well dressed :D and Zia. It was fun just sushing and talking. We talked/ laughed so loud that a waiter had to slightly embarrassedly ask us to tone down. We decided that it was time to leave :P 

Genting trip

Happy red victorious (belated) 21st babe! :) 

As I wrote in earlier posts, the Genting trip finally happened. It was also actually a surprise celebration for my bff Sookie's 21st. Which I'm happy to note, was a real surprise to her :D

The awesome birthday girl + delicious cake 

I went miles (literally :P), going from where we were to another different place bout 5-6 floors up in a completely different building to get the cake. Chocolate mud cake with the button like coffee on the sides and white chocolate toppings :) Everyone oohed and aahhhhed at the cake, exclaiming that it was REALLY good. Ah well, best cake shop in Genting, the Bakery. Found no where else :D

This is how a holiday should be like...relaxing!

Haha could pass off as a very very good ad. Too bad so many of the things were closed that day...space shot, for instance. And when it started to rain in the afternoon...

Exhilarating :D 

Now I sorta regret not going for painball. hahaha. Before we left Genting, the guys called to say they were on the top floor going to "shoot". So we went up. Watching them play (Jaer followed by Sandip) my heart felt "moved" to play too... but it was nearly time to leave! Haha. My Sifu Sandip again just told me "just go pay and play ony!" I sure don't regret it. Was taught how to shoot a gun. Aiming etc. First few shots were wayyyyy out as I had NO idea how to aim (supposed to be through that little hole I'm supposed to look through) but when I properly started on the 4th try(I paid for 20 "ammo") it was 9.8, 9.9, 10 around those lines. SUPER DUPER exhilarating! :) Sugar rush man. :D :D :D

Lit people are creative people? :)

The bunch of literature gang that went up. Behind you can see "sound and lighting", and there's blind Teresias in front with the beautiful Oracle. We were supposed to portray what we were. But I was the emcee and credits song performer. What could I do? :O

Group shot :) 

Before we officially left, we gathered to have a group shot. I have no idea whats with the lame ultraman signs. haha -_____- It was a good day. And I'm gonna remember the memories for a long, long time :) 

Final "event" and pictures that follows!

North Indian food @ Passage thru India , Damansara 

Morgan awestruck by the food

This time,Parisha hosted us to North Indian food in Damansara at a place called Passage thru India. The food is very,very good. I must caution you however, do bring enough money as this place is pricey. Its literally nearly double the price of the food @ Kabul KL Sentral. 

Mouth watering much? :P

Butter chicken, various naans and something I cant identify. All of which tasted good.

Group pic. 

Haha dunno if u consider this a "family photo". Its a funny one if so :P This is one in which u could see the exquisite interior designing lah. While I was googling it, I found out that there is also a branch at Pearl's International Hotel. Hmm....

Fuyoooh!~

Outside, I pestered aka bossed the guys to pose the guys decided to do "creative posing" for photos. You must agree this is a brilliant shot thanks to the photographer  :P

,

Model shot of (fill in the blanks) magazine cover 

The girls however, are not so easily beaten...as can be seen from the picture above. I love this shot too. Gotta thank good lighting for this one, just like the last one too :)

This finally concludes the picture post of these fond memories of the holidays. Full set of pictures can be accessed under an album by itself "Post EOS5 Chilling/ Outing".

...August means that people are leaving soon, and many of us going to Seremban. Things won't be the same again, what with everyone everywhere, life constantly revolving... but I know these are the memories that are treasured deep within me, that never fails to bring out a smile... and that wherever you guys all are, you'll all always be a part of my fond memories :) 

Super Viva + Charity Home Visit

Super Viva + Charity Home Visit

Saturday marked the final event for orientation MEDTCH110 - Charity home visit. And as usual, the whole gang (well, minus a few) of the sexy Co13ra's attended.

But wait...viva? :O haha. Super viva was conducted in the morning...and they viva-ed...me! haha. it was a long 1hr (I think) thing. Where the questions ranged from food I dislike to why I run and if I'm an organ donor etc etc etc.

At first I thought I got off pretty easy. Sure, there were some "tough" ones, but really, not as tough or emotional as I expected. There were many areas the questions din't explore. But then again, 1 hr cant do too much questioning no? :P Also because it was Saturday... most were in a chillax mood, some wasted, some just bored, some just shy :P and the location -lt2 doesnt seem like the most conducive place, lost of distractions.

But then as I reflected at night, I realized that what they have asked were actually a lot of "intelligent" questions. Things that I would wanna change, how I wanna be remembered after I die etc... And that my history, the parts of me which I protected so fiercely (with much that din't surface during the viva) din't matter. What actually matters is who I am now, and what I will be / am going to do / how I treat the people around me. Sure, if you ask me the right questions I would share with you...but you can do that on a one to one basis, any day ;)

And the minute things asked like my favourite food/ food I dislike and my favourite colour reminded me - that in life we have to always view both the big picture but never forget the small details. Its the balance that we try to achieve in life that keeps us "balanced", not forgetting either the huge picture of the small things.

Ok, some pictures from the day.

Magic fingers.

Don't know why, after the goodie bags were packed Alex was sitting at the grand piano. We just started playing songs like "tong hua" and progressed to bella's lulluby and many other songs like 21 guns. My piano skills super rusty. And hahaha 4 hands together playing a piano. I wish I were that good :P

Come to the dark side, we have cookies

Then we boarded the bus. This is lovely Fida, who is my comrade of the dark side :P She better study or else she will get kicked to the bright light! :D

Say Cheese! =)

And majority of the pictures you see in this post are courtesy of Crystal and her super geng camera. Tal is someone whom is both beautiful on the inside and out. Perhaps her inner beauty radiated outwards and further enhanced her naturally already beautiful self ;)

Melanie.

We reached our destination soon after. On the bus playing random games (some said its actually a drinking game haha). Loved the company, it was a fun journey. The home we went to was called KL KRASH PAD located in the heart of the city centre. This picture was taken on the reception area of the ground floor. You can see the immense talent the teenagers there have.

Group of 5 =D

We we assigned 1 or 2 to a kid, and got to know each other. (Picture of my "kid" coming up). My original impression was that the kids were super shy (well some of them). But if you open up yr heart to them, they will respond with the same enthusiasm, perhaps even more.

The group gets bigger! :O

And these kids actually were genuinely happy to have people come to visit them and play with them. They were actually very VERY enthusiastic, hyperactive with A LOT of energy. It was really fun and memorable spending that short 2-3 hours with them. It was also their levels of energy that drove us on...if we had a 1 or 2 more hours with them it would have been great.

Nearly the whole gang. It happens all the time when we take photos :P

Needless to say, I was super proud of each and every one of the Co13ra's for their participation and effort. Super duper proud since day 1 ! :)

Doctor wannabe too! :)

More bout my "kid". His name is Faizal, and he's...13 years old! (doesnt seem 13 right). He was asking me bout my name , age (he said I looked 18! bangga hahaha), hobbies...and asked what I was studying / wanna be. Henceforth the talk became serious when he found out I was studying to be a doctor. "Eh, saya pun!" (me too!) then he talked about his desire to learn mandarin, asking if english was important in uni, what my pmr/spm grades were... !!!

Constipated...PIKACHU!!!

hahaha. This picture is classic. with the jumping pika-aLex This was actually a reenact-ion of the games we played, namely charades. Then there was the bomb game where everyone chose a name of a food...strawberries (ROCK! :] ), coconut, banana's, marshmallows, papaya and rambutan. Hahaha.

Bundle of energy they are :)

In the activity centre.The "Kids". A bunch of vibrant, bubbly teenagers whom challenged me to see beyond the word "charity"

The "mommies/ daddies"

Those who were equally amazed by the kid's level of energy as I was. I believe it was an amazing experience for all of us.

Group photo! :)

It was definitely not easy to keep a 15 kids + 24 seniors situation under control + make sure none is left out. but I'm proud that Co13ra's managed to do it. Nothing is impossible when a team works together, right! :)

On the bus

And I forgot to mention, on the way back in the bus...everyone started karaoke-ing! Mostly mandarin songs from AGES ago...It was SUPER super fun. Next time print out the lyrics and distribute (coz sometimes we know the song not the lyrics) Co13ra's, you guys know what to plan next! go Karaoke-ing together people! :)

Picture of the day. =)

I heart this group photo - its so bright + cheerful + energetic! Co13ra's may not have gotten 1st in the orientation. We may not have gotten a hamper. But we have gained much, much more than that. We've gained friends who will walk each other through the rest of medical school , and I believe even way after that... We've shared our joy, sweat, embarrassment, tears, birthdays etc... We've got each other as a family, someone you know will always share your tears and joy and burdens. And one another to cheer you up when you're down; humour you when you're gloomy; cheer you on when you feel like giving in; and just be there for each other when one just needs company. More than the numbers ,I believe that we are bonded together in the heart :) And if you ask me thats what matters the most. Friendship. Family. Love.

CNY Open House Celebration

CNY Open House Celebration

Decided to do something I've never really done before - have an open house and invite some friends over to celebrate (:

Personally felt it was a really fun time of just eating, mingling around , friends getting to know new friends, playing random games like heart attack , chor dai dee and taboo. Oh, and truth and dare :P

Hope the party was good - really thank my parents for being really generous in everything - time, money and all :) It couldn't have been a success without them...not a chance. So thank you Mom and Dad (:

Omg lala poses =.= its a really nice photo tho :)

Thanks for coming guys :) You guys rock.

The "serious" group photo. (:

And hope you enjoyed it (:

Lit play 09

Literature - Oedipus the King (the adaptation)

I know I'm crazy. Its 2.03Am. And here I am...after uploading these pictures. Takes a loooong time :) emoness sigh

Anyway, the literature play (and not forgetting reports) finally marked the closure of literature selective and hence our semester 4. Thereafter, we, M108 /DT108 are known as the "oldest / most senior" medical students around! There is an excitement, naturally, but perhaps the fear is just as overwhelming?

More bout the play :) I shall try using the pictures to tell the story :) Makes it more interesting that way.

Literature - Greek Tragedy

Title - Oedipus the King

Time and Venue - 7-ish pm at audi A, 16 Dec 2009

Guest of Honour - Tan Sri Abu Bakar Suleiman, IMU President

The guest of honour with his speech

Followed by the play.

Prince of Thebes,Lauis runs to Elis - is greeted by King Phelops.

Lauis is to become Chrysippus, King Phelops son's tutor.

But an indecency happened..(read: rape 1)

Leading to the infamous... "CURSE YOU LAUIS!"

the curse was that a son be born to Lauis, to kill him, and to marry his wife

Meanwhile, Lauis becomes King alongside Jocasta...

He could not bear any children, and sought the oracle for advice...

who basically told him the curse

Lauis became drunk, and next thing you know, a baby boy was born (read: rape 2 - this time, his wife)- he orders that the boy is killed.

But as the story would have it, Oedemapus Oedipus was not, and raised in another faraway country, Corinth, whose royal couple was also childless.

As he grew, he listened to rumours that he was indeed adopted. So to the same oracle he went.

(look at the stunning make up of the hot oracle :D )

Naturally, the oracle revealed his destiny...and Oedipus sought to run from it. He leaves his 'parents' King Polybus and Queen Merope.

On the way, he meets his birth father...and in a fight whom no one would give way,

BIG DADDY WENT DOWN!~

prophecy: one down, one to go.

And he enters thebes. On the way , he meets the sphinx. The riddle (see if you can get it) -

What walks on four in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?

He gets it right, and becomes King of Thebes...with his mother now becoming his wife.

Prophecy: part 2 fullfilled

Then there was this awesome candle dance. I cant describe, you just have to be there to experience the grandeur and splendor yourself.

Scene 8- thereafter, all the happenings all happen in ONE day. that is greek tragedy.

A plague comes over Thebes - the priest speaks to the King

The King has sent Creon, his brother-in-law to find the solution

The solution - the murderer of King Lauis must either be killed or exiled *gasps*

The interludes with 3 very interesting dances

The shy dance

(I'm not sure why its called so)

The praising God dance

And the emo - oh-life-so-sad dance by the guys

Wow so dramatic :p

Teresias,the blind prophet who knows it all was sent for.

She comes and refuses to divulge any information - but ends up telling Oedipus that Oedipus himself is the murderer he is looking for.

The fact is confirmed by the shepherd and messenger who took the boy to corinth when he was a baby. By then , Jocasta had already realised, and hung herself to death. In despair , Oedipus blinds himself (he pokes both his eyes with 2 pins) and exiles himself. (in greek tragedy, violence is only described - never shown.)

The chorus ends the play with a conclusion -

That fate vs freewill - man have a choice

And I ended with a self composed song, alongside Zach who rocked it out - I couldn't have asked anyone better to partner with.

A light moment - I realised I laughed so hard I could barely sing at times :p

Curtain call - The cast

Some group pictures / individual photos with those who graced the play.

Ashwin - Director; June - Teresias; Angeline - the hot young virgin oracle

With Ms Sheba, our able literature /humanities coordinator - who gave us this chance.

On the right is Sandip - who acted as Lauis

The literature selective people -

The people who all played a part and made the play a success

Behind the scenes 1 - Crew, cast, make up team/ costumes in charge.

Yes Lauis, I had to die =.=

Behind the scenes 2 - Hairdo / Makeup. The people in charge , serena, vaish, lavinia, are REALLY good.

Behind the scenes 3 - A moment everyone started singing.

From left - Izaidi (acted as the priest) , Zach and Esther, one of the dance choreographers who made the dances so fantastic

Behind the scenes 4 - Props at work

"Father and son" - Zack (right) as King Phelops and Naufal (left) as his son, Chrysippus

I tell you, their makeup was classic - Naufal's and Zack's beard

Sufi - lead actress; Fatin - Queen Merope (i think she still bengang at me- yes I kinda suggested her name :p ) ; June - Teresias ; Afiq - props master (saw the greek structure behind ? was designed by him :O ); Cheryl - Sphinx

CURSE YOU LAUIS! haha

I realise so many of the same photo was taken from many different angles. This one I find is natural - Look at everyone's smile :) pple i heart :)

Angeline! My partner doing essay, and the one whom (again me *grins*) I suggest to become the Oracle. Come on, she did a fantastic job! :) Thanks for being the best, Ang! :)

Zach! Thanks for rocking it out, basically covering for me most of the time using yr awesome electric guitar skills...as the keyboard had major issues :s

And thanks for being the entertaining figure on stage! :)

JaeRic on lights , Amazing Esther - multi talented girl:)

Zia - SRC prez. haha. she was one of the first few who heard my song and said it was good. thanks dear! :)

Alison! haha the one with so many darlings :p

Poh Yi Wen aka wonderwoman. :)

Daddy aka Eldwin Oui aka Esther's pine tree. -thanks for coming to watch the play...tho you din't comment bout it at all, good or bad!

Macha! haha tatha. Thanks for the u-turn at 6. Thanks for being there to support dei! over over... :)

Yih Ren in lab coat and Sandip.

Babeh Ash! *Hearts* introducing a young lady, hot, smart, intelligent..and a good + true friend of mine! you don't mess with her, I tell ya...

Szu May and Melody ( right).

This pic is like, whoots. looks like photoshopped, but I can assure you, I have never editted the photo even one bit.

ShuYee :) Pbl mate of sem 4 - smarty pants! :)

Sabrina - Just keep swimming :) By His grace :)

Lydia. She's a fantastic emcee too by the way

Cheeyip. Notice the similarities? Many people have thought / asked if we're bro n siz :) haha...maybe we are! Appreciate it that you came back even tho you din't manage to watch. I'll perform for you solo, don't worry :)

Tay aka Pongkie - multi talented..sports, computer, photography... All the best for yr musical. You'll do more than fine! :)

Special thanks to my buddies - Sooky, Chong Sen, Sam and whoever else who came to support me - tho I dint manage to take a photo with you guys. You guys rawk, and you know it :)

I'm gonna miss literature class. It was one class that I was never bored in, never felt like sleeping , and one that I wish had last longer. But it was good when it lasted.