Tom says...

for the many of u who don't have TWITTER or follow mine @

https://twitter.com/Marcus_AC

u have missed out on one of the best Press Conferences ever.

during the recent Screen Singapore Festival

the Talented TOM HANKS was in town to promote his new movie,

LARRY CROWNE, which he directed & acted in together with

another Hollywood Icon, Miss Julia Roberts.

i had the pleasure and honor of sitting in at that Press Conference.

since i didn't wanna look like i was out of place with all the other

local, regional & international Press, i decided to Tweet the press meet.

enjoy.

(remember to read from the bottom up)

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

" and enjoy the Film Festival!"

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

" and I've made some bad movies..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

" I don't get SAW (The Movie)..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"I think I've made over 30 movies and about 7 have been well, so that's good..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"We like to bend the rules or maybe even break them..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"Sayin Yes to a screenplay is easy but sayin No is difficult. ...Cloud Atlas could be my next project."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"I don't know how I choose my next project..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

reporter, "Welcome to Singapore and I hope u have a good umbrella..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"I don't read screenplays as a director..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"a full time gig being an actor and director on LARRY CROWNE.."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"being an actor is like u can steal and be whoever u want..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

Very funny Mr Hanks...

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"not an over silly comedy..."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

"A funny motion picture... No lie."

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

''Connecting the audience to the reality of what's happening in middle class America.''

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

An honest long answer to a short question.

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

He and his producer Gary speak how LARRY CROWNE comes about... From writin to addin the story base by base.

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

Ver funny talkin from mic placed on the table

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

Looks very nice in his black polo Shirt.

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

And here he comes...

11 Jun

Marcus_AC Marcus AC

Ok... No photos or walkin around durin Mr Tom Hanks interview.

11 Jun

»

HOLLYWOOD came to me...

i know i've been missing in action for the longest time...

BUT! i have my excuse!

work has been a BLESSING these past few weeks!

and it all came to a nice WRAP this week.

met a whole lot of STARS during Screen Singapore week

at Capella Sentosa and on The Red Carpet movie premiere nights.

from Zhang ZiYi, Vanessu Wu, Colin Chou, Anya, Sean Richard,

to Archie Kao, Luke Brandon Field, Lee Byung Hun & Tom Hanks

these were some of the Stars i met.

but they all had 1 thing in common

besides being on the Sliver Screen,

they were down right HUMAN.

of course some were more Human than others.

like how one requested only to be interviewed in an empty villa.

another had to sneak to have a smoke.

one had a 10mins time frame when talking to the press.

some were very game to be photographed,

while another's manager said "NO''.

a few had really good sense of style and fashion,

while others needed major HELP.

still, at the end of the day, they all were very nice.

Mm... some, too nice.

the great thing for me?

well, HOLLYWOOD came to me...

check out pictures at the following site:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcus-AC-Style-Monk/144735035563732

http://www.alivenotdead.com/marcusac

stop shitting

i am disappointed that when u are asked to be part of something,

commit to it even though it seemed to going nowhere,

then u find out u are no longer part of it... it Sucks.

from now when it comes to WORK favors, MONEY talks.

i am seriously sick & tired of people asking for favors, advise and help

only to ignore u like some shit lying on the side of the pavement.

and since i'm letting it out, let me share this too.

people should realize that when u have 'friends',

it works like any relationship, like a 2 way street.

don't go bitching about your friends when u shut them out,

especially when even they don't know what's wrong.

'friends' are not mind readers.

so stop being a prick pls.

and if u wanna accuse someone,

pls have the decency to keep them posted.

otherwise its like shooting blanks in the dark.

cos only u'd know what's going on in that tiny head of yours

while the rest of the world and us continue with our lives, happy.

so, pls stop shitting on the pavement.

it's not healthy.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

my friends say i'm always complaining about something,

& frankly if you were to spend an entire day with me,

you'd agree too.

but i never see it as much as complaining as as much as expressing myself.

( i'm also very good in confusing )

so today i'm gonna express myself,

but without touching myself all over, AKA Madonna.

i don't get it when cashiers at TOPMAN don't know how much

''Media Discount'' is.

they tell me to call their Office to find out!

i don't understand why Taxis with NOT FOR HIRED signs only stop to pickup PRC female passenger.

Racist or Sexist?

i don't know why it takes FOREVER to collect my orders at McDonald's.

they make me pay then tell me, ''pls wait 3mins for Fries''.

i don't know how Customer Service Officers who don't understand English be hired.

i asked to purchase 2 more tickets.

his reply, "Tomorrow ticket?''.

i don't know what to say when Expats ask me if i am originally from Singapore?

i AM. i just speak better!

Ahh... its good to let things out, at least once in a while.

i do it all the time and you should too.

so go on... EXPRESS YOURSELF.

just be careful where u touch yourself.

Kate VS Jack

so the PAP won the General Election 2o11.

but the win was only marginal, by a 60.1 percent.

still, they won.

and by now as you would know, most Singaporean are not happy.

not happy because the Opposition only took 6 seats in Parliament.

not happy because they know for sure that the GST will go up.

not happy because their estates will not be upgraded for the next 5 years.

not happy because Nicole Seah won't be able to fulfill her promises.

but most importantly, carrying a Kate Spade would be uncool.

thankfully, i only own a couple of Jack Spade.

no one is perfect.

in all of my almost 42 years of being a singaporean,

this is only my second time voting.

isn't Election Season interesting? it is for me.

from the People's Action Party to Workers Party,

Singapore People's Party to Singapore Democratic Party & National Solidarity Party,

to the new Reform Party & Singapore Democratic Alliance...

did i leave anyone out?

never have i seen people voicing out their conviction, passion and

views of the government so publicly.

from Facebook pages to YouTube videos,

stickers on lamp posts, to News reports on TV,

these guys are everywhere.

i'm just wondering where were most them during the past few years or months?

i have never seen these people in my estate till today and that's only because of the rally i went to thinking it was some free neighborhood concert!

and i heard them speak.

FYI, they don't speak very well.

i thought my 9 year old niece had a better command of english then most of the speakers did.

it was funny listening to some of the statements they made,

like how birth rates are low because of the "2 is Enough" campaign in the 70s and that's the government's fault.

i just thought married couples were not into fu@king.

how ''we'' should stop giving away jobs to foreigners but keep close ties with our neighboring countries.

another speaker spoke of how as singaporeans we should not fear the government.

ironically this guy was a regular in the army for 17 years as a Psychiatrist.

don't get me wrong. i love to hear a good argument.

but not when these arguments have no solutions to the problems highlighted.

and yes, they did make a few good points, but only as members of the public, not as a member of parliament.

no one is perfect.

and as singaporeans, we all know that but never we stop trying.

i just thought with so many Parties happening, i'd have a good time.

Mm...

OMG!

OMG! so much happened in just one week.

been busy with 3 events that's literally back to back.

the TRIBECA Fashion Show, where models were 40mins late!

CROCS Candy Collection Tour, 3 malls in 3 hours!

& SHAPE Magazine Workshop with CROCS & Lo Real, with 60 women!

this is the kind of crazy busy i like and yet it's all... OMG!

then there's Miss Vasantham 2011.

i'm having so much fun! speaking in Tamil AND for TV is so... OMG!

taking my seat as a resident judge on such an iconic show is truly a blessing.

and the response has been overwhelming,

even if the comments on Facebook is a tad harsh and uncalled for.

and there's all this news about the general election!

who to vote for. who not to vote for. blah blah blah.

i have to say so far the PAP having been putting up a good show.

guess we'll have to really listen to what the Opposition have to say... possible OMG.

then there are the random stuff.

tried the No.1 Famous Nasi Briyani at Dunlop St.

did laundry twice in a day.

started a new FB page.

cut myself while shaving my head.

someone said i looked 20kg heavier on TV.

and i missed this week's GLEE... OMG!

i am sorry.

sometimes we take things for granted.

family. work. god. relationship. etc.

but its usually friends that we take for granted.

i know i do.

recently a friend of mine tagged me on a picture on facebook.

it was a silly picture actually,

he sent his 'seasons' greeting with that picture

and i simply untagged.

i went further by making unpleasant remarks.

remarks about him and how 'fake' he was by associating himself to these festivals,

knowing that everyone of his friends would see these remarks.

little that i know that he would take it badly.

he deleted me from his facebook.

my immediate reaction was i did nothing wrong.

i was being honest, at least about my feelings.

but then i realized sometimes when we act on how we feel,

we hurt others. we hurt friends.

and i didn't want to do that.

i should have been honest but not publicly where it would

hurt or embarrass him.

you see, whatever he did was him acting on how he felt

about himself and that didn't hurt anyone.

if anything, he has always been a good friend.

sometimes even a great friend. supportive, encouraging and sincere.

i am sorry.

sorry that i took his friendship for granted.

took him for granted.

taste

so it Fashion Season!

from Men's Fashion Week to Fashion Season on Orchard,

Audi Fashion Festive and the newly announced Women's Fashion Week

at the end the year it looks like Singapore is the

new fashion capital in asia.

but then again, Singapore is always trying to be one up

in the world so guess Fashion is a good way to go.

so then why we getting it so bad?

at MFW, the guests were dressed to outshine everyone.

i'm not kidding!

boys in leather skirts!

at the opening of Ashley Isham's new concept boutique at the OC,

leopard prints were worn from head to toe by Tai Tais & 1 ''SuperStylist''.

seriously, LEOPARD PRINTS. HEAD to TOE.

reality show SMM2 had 12models in Adidas sports' wear

playing rugby as their 1st photo shoot challenge in episode 1.

sports tank top and bottom is not fashion. its basic.

so what is the rule when it comes to Fashion?

apparently, the No.1 rule is there's no rules in Fashion.

but there is such a thing as TASTE.

now, whether it's in good taste or bad taste,

that's another question for Fashion.

p.s. i wear shorts & tees to meetings so don't start with me.

mirror at home

so we all experience Singapore's 1st MEN'S FASHION Week.

i had the honor (free tickets actually) of attending some of the shows,

but to my surprise the fashion show i witnessed before the runway show

was just as jaw dropping or maybe even more than some labels featured.

there were leopard prints suits,

leather skirts and clutch,

red coats and boots,

multi layered tops,

sequins and blings.

and these were just what the Guys were wearing!!!

my friends suggested a ''Post Show'' TV show that i thought was a brilliant idea!

are we lacking in Style & Fashion in the men's department?

Mm... only if it's to say "WHAT NOT TO WEAR!"

where do they get these inspiration from?

i read Men's Fashion Magazines that these looks are NOT there!

why, even the High Fashion Female Magazines don't!

so where are they from?!

truth is... i don't know.

maybe i'm not as Fashion Forward as i think.

or maybe these guys don't have a mirror at home.

90/2011

90 days of 2011 has just passed.

the 1st quarter officially gone.

so what did we learn?

Be prepared to be screwed.

Don't commit to anything without a black & white.

Want something done? Do it yourself.

Don't depend on favors.

Respect is earned.

Talent is rare.

Be Strong and Brave.

Dream Big.

Learn.

Believe.

and Be Thankful.

the usual

everyday i wake up feeling like a million bucks!

i thank god for the day He's blessed me with.

have my smoke. go online. the usual.

then i leave the house to... gym. eat. coffee. the usual.

and sometimes during the usual things happen.

i meet people. get calls. see what's around me. the usual.

people ask for favors.

clients delay payments.

things go south.

so what do i do?

i go to bed to wake the next day to look forward to a great day.

the usual. but i know it usually gets better.

one too many Divas!

don't mean to sound like one, but am the only DIVA in my life!

people forget that sometimes when u wanna get things done

its better to be nice than being a Bitch.

trust me. i know what i'm talking about.

u can be rude, arrogant, obnoxious and even a pain in the ass.

why... u might even get the job done.

but it also means that U were being a prick.

acting like a Diva doesn't get u far.

people will remember u but usually for all the wrong reasons.

seriously. i have seen them all.

models. actors. fastionistas. agents. makeup artists.

and a whole lot of wannabes.

so if u wanna be one, go ahead. just not in my life. thx.

it's still my turf.

i have been lazy lately.

especially when it comes to blogging, twittering or posting on FB.

i honestly don't see a reason why there's a need to post updates at all?

for who? seriously. who?

all my important friends text each other.

work people email me.

so why bother with social media outlets?

cos i wanted to write.

so my blog is my outlet.

cos i wanted to keep up with Oprah & Ryan Seacrest.

so twitter is good.

cos my manager thought FB would be a useful tool for networking.

so he created my account!

still. it's my choice to maintain them.

and i don't wanna be obligated.

so from now, you'll see me when you see me.

it's still my turf.

power of prayer

to cut the long story short,
i wanna ask ''how do u pray?''

ever get the answers or results u want?
no?
why is that?

''oh... maybe now is not the time...''
''just pray lah then see how things go...''
''no need to pray. He knows one.''

i was like that.
then i got sick. sick of not getting results.
so i asked Him,''why like that one? why no results?!''

He said,''How do u pray?''

He showed me that my prayer needs are met with how i pray.

so i looked to the gospel and saw how Jesus never took His time to heal, provide, feed, comfort
and even resurrect those who come to Him.
He always answered their prayer and needs immediately.
sometimes He even went looking for them.

He was never too busy. too occupied.
and best of all, He was always willing.
He demonstrated this in His first miracle, changing of water to wine, John 2:1-11.
even though He told Mary,'' My time has not yet come'',
He blessed abundantly.

so why am i delaying His blessings, favours & more for me with my lazy and weak prayer attitude?

knowing i will see His best results and solution in my situation,
i now pray confidently.

that to me is the secret to the power of prayer.
knowing that He is a willing Saviour.

pray now. and u will be surprised.

reply or respond?

ever wonder why it takes forever for people to reply or respond?

i thought it would be a brilliant idea to send out e-New Year greeting
to almost all my clients via my new website this year.
this would help promote my company website & reconnect where possible.

imagine my surprise.
close to 40 e-greeting were sent out and only 2 responded!

ok, i thought maybe people were just too busy to check emails
and even busier to reply whatsoever.

then i text messaged almost everyone work related from my iPhone.
3 replied. ''thx. same 2 u 2.''

seriously.
that's the best people can do?
maybe people aren't the most responsive during this time of the year.
they want to be left alone.
too many emails and text messages to reply.
blame SPAM.

whatever.
whether its an email, SMS, private message on Facebook, DM on Twitter, etc
i just think people who don't bother to reply or respond suck.

fresh ink

for the longest time i've wanted to get a tattoo on my forearm.

something personal.
special.
simple.

a friend suggested getting a band.
i just thought it would look like a black rubber band on my arm.
so i said No.

then i thought how about something different.
scripture from the bible...
but what?

anyway i was going to Israel so maybe i'd find something there.

as i was falling in love with Israel,
i was also falling in love with God's people.
and their worship for God.

Shema Yisrael (or Sh'ma Yisrael or just Shema) (Hebrew: שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל‎; "Hear, [O] Israel") are the first two words of a section of the Torah (Hebrew Bible) that is a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services.

it continues in Deuteronomy Chapter 6;
'' ⁴ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
⁵ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
⁷ Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and
when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up.
⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ''


today, Jewish men still bind their arm and forehead with Tefillin during worship.
i wanted to bring home a bit of a Israel. and i did.

''Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Eḥad"

Dream Big

almost a month into the new year and already there are
like a 1o2 reality competition shows on TV.

from the new season of ''American Idol"' to the brand new
Paula Abdul's "Live to Dance" & Australia's "Junior Master Chef",
it's all about someone's Big Dreams.

with the coming 2nd season of ''GLEE'',
i'm sure we'll see The New Directions wanting to proof they've got
what it takes to Make it Big.

even Oprah.
yes, Oprah has Big Plans.
with her Oprah Winfrey Network,
OWN is set to take over the world of television.
& if you asked me, if anybody can, Oprah can.

so what's my point?

i believe it's a year of Big Dreams. Big Plans. Making it Big.
not just for TV people, but for everybody!

i know i have some Big Ideas.
but that's where they start.
as an idea. a thought. the passion.

so go! do it!
you know you want to.
you know you can.
go ahead and Dream Big.

the truth?

i know some people who feel this way.
then there are many who feel this way too.
whether its your friend, family, lover or colleague.
we all have felt this way.

"i am tired.
tired from trying."

"i don't need this...
seriously.
please."
stop.''

"be responsible.
if not for others least for yourself.''

''get out!
leave!
go!''

''stop trying if you're not interested...
it doesn't make it any easier.''

''pls stop asking me to see it from your side...
for once, stop and see it from my side.''

''i'm not asking you to understand.
just listen."

it doesn't mean we don't love, treasure or respect you any less...

we just tend to keep it to ourselves.
wanna know the truth?

what's next?

the most exciting thing happened today!

i didn't trust the guy at first...
couldn't really understand what he was saying...
''possible damage... not sure if permanent..''
seriously, who's this dude!?!?!!

so i decided not to have my wisdom tooth touched.

then after 1 phone call it all changed!
i went back in,
asked all the right questions,
knew what everyone was doing and then made an informed decision.

i had my 2 upper wisdom teeth extracted at one GO!
never did i think i'd ever go thru something as gory as that,
but i did!

its only the 2nd week of 2011 but excitement is just gushing in!!!
what's next?

but for now i have to decide if i wanna remove the lower sets too?

do i have to???

go Israel.

i started 2011 with a holiday,
from 18 Dec 2010 to 2nd Jan 2011.
i know. i'm a typical singaporean.
must do everything 1st. even the new year.

17 days.
16 nights.
3 countries.
6 cities.
7 hotels.
the list goes on. trust me.

but the treasure of all this would be the 9 days i spent in Israel.

the sites, people, cities, food, culture and... His love.
its amazing cos you really see His words come alive in this land.

even now, writing this... its just overwhelming.

an awesome awesome experience. that's all i can say.
go Israel.

the 2010 discovery list

another year has almost slipped by...
and it's like just yesterday that all the bitching was going on.

so, what did we discover this year?

*Food programmes are the No.1 show on TV

*No one shops @ Orchard Central

*There are no local actors on Channel 5

*Fashion Shows are strictly by Invitation only

*Husbands cheat

*STELLAR @ 1 Altitude is the place to dine on top of Singapore

*U can look HOT at 40

*Bromance is the new Gay

*All movies are now in 3D

*Marc Jacobs is King

what did u discover in 2010?

hate what you do?

its actually the time of the year where people are

considering a change of company

in regards to the work or work place.

i've been hearing non stop complains about how unhappy

many of my friends & acquaintances are.

bad hours. ungrateful employers. awful colleges.

the list goes on and on and on and on. you get the picture.

but rarely do i hear any one of them complaining about

how much they hate what they do!

so the question is: do you hate work or do you hate what you do?

hint: being good will take you far. being passionate will take you further.

quick. you only have 2 weeks before the new year.

being friends

what do you when just being friends is not enough?

i have friends.
friends whom i share with.
friends whom i treasure.
friends whom i respect.
and friends who drive me crazy.

well, i am also friends with my Ex'es.
sometimes my other friends don't understand why or even get it.

my question is, what's wrong in being friends

even after you break up?

is it to still be in touch with them?
or is it harder to move on with them totally out of your life?
or are you secretly hoping that by being friends

you might get back together again?

whatever the reason, i'm not judging.

just as long as you are being honest to yourself.

and please don't ever say that your friends

are not there for you...

it takes 2 for any relationship to work.

2011 Plans

there's a lot happening.
well, not necessarily to me or with me for that matter...
but there's a lot happening.

everyone i know is busy.
work. dateline. wedding. holidays. something is always coming up.

i'm still waiting.
waiting for great, no... GREATER things to happen.

i already have a 2011 Plans Book.
wanna know?

Mm... u have to wait.
its only November 30th, 2010.

The BIG BAD SHOT.

over the last 12 months i have not been too busy with work.
seriously... i haven't.
but i have been involved in a number of ''Reality TV"shows.
like... SuperModel Me. HP Space. Dance Star Asia & Ice Star Asia.
Clean & Clear's Top Model Best Friends.
as Creative Stylist, Head Stylist, Head Makeup Artiste, Mentor, Judge and Friend.
i know. that's a lot of roles.

don't get me wrong... I heart REALITY SHOWS.
be it working or watching one.

but did does irks me when i watch a really bad one.
fine... there are a few.
but when a local network feels its good enough to produce and air a photography contest / reality show... that takes the cake.

The BIG Shot.
the local reality show where photogs get a chance to win S$20,000/-
10 contestants who would look better on radio but shouldn't speak.
1 host who wasn't even introduced... sad.
3 judges... yawn.
30mins waste of TV time.

were they too lazy to cast or audition more people?!
good looking people?!!!
2 out of 10 is not a good number!!!

i know its a local production but does it have to look CHEAP & AMATEUR?!!
and what's with the AKA?!! who cares about AKA!
no effort was made to up the bar people. no effort.

one word. FIRE THE PRODUCER!
ok, that's 3.

and that's only from the 1st episode...
can't wait to see how much worse it can get next week!

Family.

have you met my family?
let me introduce them to you.

my mom & dad have been married for 44 years.
the inspiration in my life.
supportive. understanding. giving.
they taught me love.

and they have 4 kids. i know , they still call us Kids.
2 boys and 2 girls.
it was a trend in the late 60s to start a big family.
then the government said, "2 is Enough".

my late brother would be 43 this year but he passed away when he was 19.
car accident.
then there's me and my 2 younger sisters. 39 and 38.
i'm not married. as u would know by now.
but my sisters were. are. yes.
both were married and then divorced their 1st husband.
the older one remarried and now has a daughter. she's 9.
the younger one's divorce was finalized 4 years ago
and she has 1 boy, 19 and 1 girl, 15.
i love my sisters. my pillars.

i am not close to the relatives from my dad's side of the family.
they kinda suck.
nuff said.

but i am super close to my mom's side.
she has an elder brother who married to a malay wife.
3 younger sisters whom all married indian men and
a younger brother who married a chinese.
talk about multi-racial family upbringing.

funny thing is the 2 boys truly married into their wives' family.
the only 2 sons my grandmother has literally disappeared from her live for over 30 years.
i know i have cousins. we played together when we were younger but if i ever pass them in the street today, i wouldn't know tom from dick.
sad isn't it, not knowing your family.

but my 3 aunts are precious to me. and to each other.
they are constantly in each others life.
growing together as a family. always there thru thick & thin.
and not just for each other but also for their nephews and nieces.
they call us their own Kids.
that's nice, to know that your family is always there for you.

and of course there's my grandmother. she's Vietnamese FYI.
Mdm Nguyen Ti Yew. she's the best.
i learnt to speak dialects from her.
she's 78 and is a fighter!

and she taught me that you get your strength for life & love from
your Family.

DIY

its been 2 months.
yet nothing.
so i realize that when u need something done,
u have to do it yourself.

this is what happens when u leave things in others' hands.

u have to follow up. check on them. chase them even.
sometimes, u even have to babysit them.
it doesn't mean u don't trust them... just that I DON'T.

so i have learnt my lesson.
if u can't depend on others to get the job done... FIRE them!

start the support to stop the bullying.

is bullying the IN thing now?

teen gays are getting a huge amount of attention in the states recently
but not in a healthy way.

recently the number of gay teens or
teens believed to gay committing suicide is rising.
they hang themselves. shoot themselves in the head. jump off a bridge.
because they were bullied.

bullies who tell them that they are a waste of life.
bullies who are their classmates.
bullies who see them differently.
bullies who want to be nowhere near them.
bullies who are afraid.

i believe this is nothing new.
i believe this is even happening in asia,
we just don't know about it. and i believe that we can change this.
i believe we can stop the bullying.

it starts with educating.
gays. black. colored. fat. anorexia. midgets. etc.
we, are still a person. an individual.
no different from anyone else.
with the same desire. challenges. ambition. needs & wants as the next person.

when we witness the discrimination, we need to stand up and speak out.
and when we do that, we educate the bully. and we support the bullied.

we need to start the support to stop the bullying.

i don't want to wait till it happens to someone i know.
are u?

need to be 1st.

ever wondered why the CHINESE are good at almost anything?

today i was in the train heading from woodlands to town.
sunday. 1.30pm. super packed mrt.
and yet, the CHINESE Nationals who rushed in were able to
grap, steal, barged their way to a single seat that was free
for like 2 seconds!

their eyes prowl the cabins, praying for a free seat.
no mercy to the 6yrs old kid that was standing alone or
the uncle who needed help coming into the train,
or even the blue signs that pictures the "RESERVED SEAT"
for the more deserving passengers.

the CHINESE need to be 1st.

it explains why they perform so well at the Olympics.
why they talk LOUDLY.
why they think everyone understands their language.
why they are the largest populated country.

it also means that they have a lot of sex.

time to say NO.

ever get tired of doing ''favors''?

over the last 12 months "friends" have been asking me for "favors".
don't get me wrong!
i'm all out to help a friend and sometimes i go all out.

its just that being in an industry where
PR, CONTACTS & CONNECTIONS
play a strong role, its tough to say No.

worst still when you are expected to do "favors"
like its part of your job!

''.... hey can u check with Ms So&So if she's free to blah blah blah...."
"... oh! u must do this!!! we must support each other!"
"...... think u free for whatever whatever....?"

People Use People! so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
but its how its done that matters.
there's a healthy why and an unhealthy way to it.

healthy is when both of you are aware and its friendly.
unhealthy is when only 1 of you is aware of it!

when its 1 person, that's just taking advantage
and its plain USING.

i'm tired of doing "favors".
enough of it already.

think its about time to say NO.

my advise...
Want something? Do it yourself.

TELL ME!

something is wrong somewhere...

my usual routine is wake up, check emails, facebook, outlook emails
and then gym. like almost everyday... cos that's free i am.

and i've had 2 personal training sessions over the past 2 years.
from a 62kg to a whopping 69kg!

of course along the way i ate,
so to shed the FATS, i started my cardio routine.
a minimum 1hr cardio session every time i hit the gym.
feels really good burning those calories.
and then i eat some more.

but now... my weight is dropping.

each time i go to the gym i seem to weigh lighter and lighter.

from 69 to 67.
then from 67 to 66.
now its 65.6kg.
no. seriously. dude.

i need to put no the weight but without the FAT!!!
if any of you know how pls TELL ME!!!

should i stop my cardio?
eat more rice?
Mm... maybe just sleep?
try Weight Gainer?

i don't know!?!!
how?
i don't wanna end up like Kumar...

just one weekend!

never in my life have i've been to this many parties
and events in just one weekend!

the singapore grand prix season that ran
from 17th-26th september was so loaded with activities
that it was almost impossible to do them all.

i was blessed to be involved in this year's events as STB wanted
to cover and document the SGP festivites.
so i had the honor & pleasure of working with Channel V/ Star TV
in the production where i styled
and worked with their hosts VJs Lisa S & Alvy.

never did i expect this.
it was 1 party after another, 1 concert after another!
how many? well, here's where i went...

Marina Bay Sands Sky Garden to shoot the opening.
the view is spectacular but still they shouldn't allow the public
up there just to earn the extra $20 and 'spoil' the atmosphere.

Dinner at KU DE TA @ MBS.
Vinny the manager is such a darling. sincere VIP treatment.

The Ferrari Party at KU DE TA Lounge.
one red hot party where people really
wouldn't stop taking pictures with Lisa S.

RedBull Party with International Grid Girls at ATTICA.
one word.
Seriously?!

The AVALON Party with international DJs & FloRida.
best rave party but FloRida is such a D.I.V.A.

Back to the Hotel.
driving 45minutes around in the carpark was no fun
with all the EXITS closed for F1.

Drunken Dumb Ass.
never give a drunk a lift... it will bite u in the ass.

The Digital Life Experience in Orchard.
Mm... ok la.

BCBG for Lisa S' wardrobe rescue.
this was where i played my Super Stylist Card & saved the day!

Red in my Head Party @ Keppel Bay.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

Butter Factory with Bobby & Ritz.
the crazy Kidz pulled a GaGa on Lisa S!

ZOUK.
one world. one party.

Got my ''ALL ZONE'' pass for F1.
FINALLY!!!

Saw Adam Lambert during his 1 on 1 interview with Alvy.
it was my OMG moment.

Singapore Flyer & Bubble Tea.
simply put, high & refreshing.

Resort World Sentosa with the Miss Universe 2009 Ladies.
Mm... yah.

The new Tanjong Beach Cafe with Tracy Phillips & gang.
chilling on the beach with champagne was the best.

Amber Lounge Fashion Show.
27 models.
Sheila Sim & Junita Simon 2were the only 2 worth watching.
the rest kinda sucked.
Oh... free drinks.

Hung out with the E!News Asia Gang.
my long lost tv/programme/production/ family.

Photo with Jay Park.
the former lead of K-Pop, 2PM, is HOT!
and shy.

and back at KU DE TA for closing links.
its a wrap!

frankly, it was simply one amazing weekend,
especially with all the highlights thrown in.

but even better still were the amazing people i met.
thank u guys for everything.
thank u STB.
thank u Star TV.
thank u F1.

and thank u Daddy God!

oh... Ferrari won.

2 cents

sometimes when people share how they feel, i'm tempted to share my 2 cents.

that's the thing, when people share, they are just asking to be heard.
trust me, i know.
cos when i share, i hate it when someone starts comparing it the something they have been thru and how 'much more worst OR better it was' for them!

seriously. i know u know who i'm talking about.
they are everywhere.
the office. bus-stops. next table. family reunions.

is it really hard to find someone to just lend a ear?

now, i always carry coins with me.

hidden rules

there are hidden rules in life.
here are some.

always move in to the rear of a bus.

clean shirts leave a better first impression.

no standing on the right side of escalators.

speak well if you wanna be understood.

hold the elevator door for people coming in.

no one can do your job better than you.

don't sip from someone else's drink.
cheers!

sucks

a few blog post ago i mentioned that i'll be starting on my braces.
well, many have u have since then been asking me why i'm doing it,
and why now?

Mm... i don't like how my teeth looks?
and i'm free?
maybe?

well, did u know the pre-process is just as long?
u'll need to consult with the Dentist.
he goes thru the entire process.
x-rays are taken. moulds are made.
u come back a week later for see if u can start on the braces.

i had no such luck.
long story short,
my gum was not healthy enough for the braces.
i needed to 'fix' them first.
and that takes another 3 months of treatment before going further.
and all this because of SMOKING.

SMOKING weakens the gum.
even with the regular visits to the dentist's chair,
the problem is hard to spot.
'POCKETS' is what they are called.
the POCKET space between your tooth and your gum.
they collect food particle, germs, etc that causes the gum to weaken.
and SMOKING is a major culprit!
an x-ray is the only way to see the problem.

so now, after 2 sessions of treatment and 20years of SMOKING,
i'm waiting for my gum to improve so i can start on my braces.

sucks.
i miss my reds.

beautiful babies!

singapore is always doing her best to top the world.
personally, i don't think there's anything wrong with that.

one of the tallest hotel is found here...
even the Big Round Thing that goes in circle is now here...
talk about Casino and we have 2.
from the 1st ever F1 nite race to the madeup Merlion,
singapore, well kinda, has everything.

now its the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, Singapore.
over 3000+ youths in 1 country,
doing what they do best, PLAY.
of course the organizers have daily life enriching programmes
where they learn how to be green and blah blah blah.

wouldn't it be better if the singapore government
were to take all this one step further?!

huh? what? how?

make all the 3000+ participating youths SINGAPOREANS!
ok, maybe only 2990 since the remaining 10+ are singaporeans already.

anywho... YAHHH!!!!!
offer them citizenship
and a place in school since our school system
is the best in the world, cos we do study like till forever!

give them jobs that we are now throwing to Expats!
that way the locals won't be so bitter about losing out to a white guy!

almost instantly singapore WILL become a multi-racial country, again!
cos now there are just one too many China people around...

and we will finally have what every other country can only dream about...
BEAUTIFUL BABIES!

a country that will be so rich in multi-culture,
from food to tradition,
from lifestyle to language,
from skin color to the color of the eyes!
no more colored contacts!!!

but more importantly,
not just beautiful babies but ones who can kick serious ass in future YOG!

OH YAH!
OH YAH!
OH YAH HEY!!!

Make you feel my love...

adele.
she's the brit girl who's kinda on the plum side
but SHE can sing.

her debut album, Adele 19 was released Jan 2008.
she was 19.

like a month ago i heard her album.
not too bad actually...
fine. it was GREAT!

but my favorite track has to be 'Make You Feel My Love'.
a cover from Bob Dylan's 1997 album, Time Out of Mind
Adele has made a hit of this song.
but more than that, its the lyrics that i was drawn too.

to me its a love letter.
one that u read to know what the other person is sayin to u.
giving u hope, confidence and rest when u need it most.

to me its a love letter from God. from Jesus.
reminding me who He is.
and what i will find in Him.

a simple letter i read to put my heart at ease.

don't believe me?
read God's love letter for yourself...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzmTFBPMhk8

Quick Update!!!

hahhaahahhaa!
just a super quick update since i've gone missing for a while!

changed to my 3rd iPhone set in 6 months today!

totally forgot about TWITTER!

4 days of pre-birthday dinners!

Avater: The Last AirBender is not a Gay Movie, its just a bad movie!

starting on my braces on thursday!

its off to Bali on saturday for my BD!

and i'm sleeping alone tonite!

bowing out

let's be honest.
as much as last year was suppose to be a downer,
everyone, including myself, was busier than ever!
projects were flooding in and taking a break was impossible.
so why is 2010 the total opposite?!

this year i have only been busy
with projects during the 1st quarter of the year.
been totally FREE most of the time and
was even worried about what's next.

but i always knew everything will work out for the best.

then i landed on an exciting new project for TV!
head stylist for a new family/kids, drama/sitcom something.
i've never done anything like it before.
conceptualizing the key looks for all the lead characters,
from wardrobe guide to makeup looks to even character personality.

so fun!

shoot for 2 months.
28 days in total.
GOOD MONEY.

then today i didn't have fun anymore.
the looks need to be rushed out and approved.
wardrobe fitting needs to be scheduled ASAP.
the pace was picking up fast & it was gonna go even faster!

i was getting stressed.
i don't like stress.

as much as i know i've done the best, my best,
even after submitting the style/wardrobe board and notes,
i decided No.


i need to have fun.
i must enjoy what i do.
and i wasn't.

i'm not quitting.
just bowing out.

when i was young i told myself that if i wasn't having fun with work,
not enjoying what i was doing then i won't do it.
simple.

busy busy busy

after such a long break today was eventful.

3 months of seriously not working,
today i had a packed full day.
and i did it without my agent nor manager.

1o:03am
Woke up to the noisy iPhone alarm.
Got dressed to look presentable for a full day out.
Really didn't know what to wear... my shoes hurt already.

11:o8am
Had a brunch meeting to discuss my coming plans.
Mm... food from Telok Ayer not too bad...
Scheduled another meeting next week.

12:27pm
Arrived at 'The Makeup Room' to shoot E! News Asia with Marion Caunter.
Just got my script and its not looking good... TOO MUCH WORDS!!!

02:45pm
Smoke break.
2 more shots to go.
Nice Heels.

03:15pm
Wrap!
Rushing to SHISEIDO for a MAJOLICA MAJORCA meeting.

03:45pm
New recept. Mm...
Last to know my MJ Trainers left.
Eve left too?!
New Chapter 28 Media Launch on 6th August. very exciting.

04:22pm
Requested for my SHISEIDO MEN's products from Iris (begged, actually).
Collected Chapter 28 MJ Samples.
Very nice colors!!!

05:02pm
Arrived at Creative E World LATE!
Met Ronald who now has to sync my Outlook Express to my MAC.
i know... i need someone to do it for me...

06:o5pm
Done for the day.
Dinner?

become a habit.

what a weekend!

with the great singapore sale &
the singapore food festival all wrapping up in 1 weekend,
i decided to start my saturday early!

got up at 9:48am and left the house in 20mins.
i know, right!
getting ready and leaving the house in 20mins is nothing but...
who wakes up before lunch?!!
all this was because i wanted to catch DESPICABLE Me before lunch.
but apparently there are people who wake up early to go to the movies?!!
so imagine my surprise... no tickets!
how dare they!

not wanting get all worked up, i went early shopping.
it was strange walking into boutiques and stores where you are the only one wandering thru the racks and shelves.
but i have to say, SERVICE in the morning is GOOD.
they must really be happy to serve u or had their morning coffee, strong.

shopping on the weekend, you get to see people dressed in their "best".
guys especially.
they make so much effort to dress... well... stylish... try la.
of course it doesn't work... but i must give them "A" for...
still thinking... ahh...

one was spotted wearing black cropped shorts, white shirt, big bag and... BOOTS!
the best part was when he was walking up the steps into the mall,
the hand went straight into the pocket, just like on a Runway.

another two friends looked like they had the day of from the salon.
dressed impeccably, they really looked the part.
electric blue shorts, stripped shirt, formal white dress shoe and hairy legs.
the other, skinny capri pants, long sleeved shirt and black loafers.
all 2 sizes too small for a guy who was 5''1 with a waist of 32''-33''.
hair in place, of course.

then there was another, shopping with the family at isetan supermarket.
black zegna jeans, white gucci sneakers & belt and TOPMAN shirt.
he was about 16.
17 the most.

well, in the end i did get to watch a movie.
had great lunch and dinner.
and shop a bit.

so waking up before lunch on a saturday wasn't that bad.
just hope it doesn't become a habit.

seriously... TV?

seriously... TV?

i love watching TV.
trust me when i say LOVE.
my friends know NOT to call me while i watch the telly.
i AM dead to the world even during the commercial break.

so it does bother me when i watch STUPID & Friends on TV.

the News on 5 is one.
i know its hard to condense what's happening in Singapore
and around the world in 30mins.
but giving bite size information in not NEWS!
you can't have the anchor just HIGHLIGHT headlines and call it News.
and since when do reporters ACT?
don't we have that on The NOOSE already?

what about commercials with MediaCorp actors in them?
don't they act enough already?
now they have to sell products they pretend to like or use?
strangely enough, their voices are dubbed.
Mm... maybe Jack Neo should do a new movie where the actors act as real actors to act like they don't act enough and call it...
MONEY NOT ENOUGH ACTUALLY!!!

what about that donkey on a parachute to promote tourism Mexico or something?
that's an Ad that made News .
wow. a 2 in 1!

all this AND more on local TV.

maybe i should just get out more.

ready?

i love to sing but many would not like that.
as much as i think i have the voice of an angel,
others disagree... swines.

but isn't singing the best.
no matter how you are feeling, there's always a song for you.
and if there isn't then you can just make one up!

i sing all the time.
at home. in bed. in the bus. train. walking down in town. in a club.
most of all, in church.
its the best time to sing and sing out loud!
cos in church noone is judging.
specially not God.
He likes my singing.
and because He likes it, i wanna share it with the world!

ready?

Waka Waka World Cup!

i thought i need to do something for the WORLD CUP Finals.
so i'm gonna blog as i watch the final match between ahh...

the 2 teams coming out to the field...
someone is carrying an LV bag. that's strange.
all shaking hands... very colorful.
orange, red, yellow, black and a whole lot of green.
Oh! its netherlands and spain!

and its a kick off!!!
someone's blowing the whistle already?!!

someone just almost goal!!! who?!!

so many misses and 4 yellow cards in 22mins.
wait... yes. another yellow card!

HALF TIME!

wow!
so much drama.
run here run there run everywhere.
hair flyin everywhere.
curse at everyone.
and this is from the people screaming from the other blocks!!!

hope when they come back for 2nd half they play better.
someone needs to score.
and why are the managers wearing suites on the field?
isn't it like hot in south africa?

2nd Half.
oh... they changed sides. so confusing.
a lot of slow motion shots. doesn't that like prolong the game?

2 players slide of the field.
and another save by netherlands!
netherlands is good.
but too much orange, if u asked me.

Oh... mcdonald's is a sponsor?

spain missed again!!!
and it was SO good and so close!

27mins to go.
0-0

wonder if shakira is watching?

the bald referee loves giving out yellow card.
but the blue jersey suits him.
he gives another free kick.
i bet he's getting the most workout here.

another great save by spain!!!
and that long hair guy is finally wearing a hairband.
swap players.
Ooo... tattoo.

free kick to spain @ 17mins left.
disappointing as usual.

FIGHT!!!
black pushed orange!!!
not cool.
who plays like that?!

free kick no.33
and a goal is needed.
another free kick.

with 10seconds left with 3mins added.
spain is getting desperate!
0-0

EXTRA TIME!
ahh... what happens if still no goal at the end of the extra 30mins?

a pile of bodies at the netherlands goal post!!!
so much attention to one ball.
wow! another goal foiled by netherlands goal keeper!
well played!
i have to say the netherlands are playing really well.
didn't think they would, really.

side throw.
heading.
and.... SAVE!

i have never raised my arms so many times just at watching any sport.
i'm getting tired.

tackle. side to side. killing time if you ask me.

OMG.
there's a half time during Extra Time!?!
maybe they need fries and shakes.

and they're back.

1st RED Card to netherlands!
spain gets a much need free kick!
21metres to goal and... miss.

the claws are coming out...
trip. fall. faint. anything for a free kick.

think the balding guy in orange jersey no.11 is stupid.

the boys line up in front of the goal post covering their crotch.

SPAIN SCORED!!
116mins GOAL!!!
jersey no.6!!!! andres iniesta

finally!!!

1min left.
last minute to do anything!
29seconds.
last minute injury.

last wistle blows and spain wins!
1-0. final score.

WAKA WAKA.

i can sleep now.

apple and me

a lot can happen in a year.

you can take a short course.

fix your teeth.

have a baby.

pay off your credit card bill.

learn to drive.

buy a house.

change jobs and plan a wedding, honeymoon included.

i just went techie.

you see, i didn't do any of the above that i mentioned.

i just went techie.

a year ago i thought i wanted to have my voice heard, online.

so i started this blog, where i can just say about whatever i wanted.

then my manager decided to start a facebook account for me.

much to my surprise, facebook is so fun!

of course all this was going on when i didn't even have a computer.

so, i got myself my 1st computer, the HP Mini. i love my Mini.

next was my iPhone and iTunes. OMG.

technology was starting to become my friend.

slowly i started getting into MSN, Skype & Twitter.

and even began having online profiles.

google has been good to me.

today, i even have my own website which i co created.

my latest addition would have to be... drumroll...

MY 1ST EVER MAC!!!

i know right!

MAC!?! Me?!!? MAC!!!

its beautiful...

like the sunset...

like the last raindrop...

like the morning sun hitting your face...

like... u get the picture!

huh? what? oh... it's called a MacBook. white. snow leopard something...

its APPLE la!

a new toy for me and that's all i care about.

with my new MAC, i discovered Apple.com.

they have the new Wifi 3G iPad

and, wait... wait... www.ME.com!!!

its a website that stores everything you'd need online for you to retrieve whenever you want or need while syncing all information on your MAC, iPhone, iTouch, iPad and iWhateverElse!

amazing. i know!

Apple has a new friend. Me.

soon they will produce a new line called Apple&Me.

a lot can happen in a year.

i became a techie.

what do you see?

its july.
the 1st half of 2010 is now officially gone.
so what have you done so far?

most people grow up, move on, change, go into adulthood
and life as the years go by.
year after year, they progress gradually,
taking everything that happens around them, or to them,
as part of life. their life.
that's fair enough for them.

but me... as usual, i tend to take a different approach.
i take each year individually.
one year at a time.

its like making new year resolutions and see if i stick to them
or make new ones along the way.
then at the end of the year i look back and see what i have achieved, or not.
it is my year after all.

for example, last year i wanted to make contacts and connections.
which, i did.
so this year i wanted to established those contacts and connections
and see what i can do with them. like a business strategy.
so far... its been slow, i have to admit.
what do i do?
well, there's this weird saying that goes,
"what do u see when u have a glass half filled?
is it half full or half empty?"
my answer,''its half a glass!"
whatever happened to the 1st half, i don't know/ i don't care!
all i know is that there is half a glass left for me to enjoy.

that's what i see when i look at what's left of 2010.
what do you see?

surprise!

birthdays are one of my favorite thingys.
the one day that is just yours.
whether you wanna throw a big party or a small intermate dinner,
a huge celebration or just a private gathering,
it really is up to you cos its YOUR day.

but what happens when its not your birthday but someone else's?
well, that changes everything.
you must make sure that you get them the right present &
not some last minute crap.
find out what they really wanna do, since it is their day and not yours.
and make them happy.
it is called a happy birthday for a reason, you know.

i just like to surprise them even it they say they don't like surprises.
like... putting together a surprise party. something like that.
but what happens when you really have done everything and there's nothing left.

well, you listen.
listen to them mention things other friends plan to do with them.
listen to them mention places they wanna eat at.
listen to them mention authors they enjoy reading.
listen to them mention things they'll never have the guts to do.
then you go and do it with the birthday kid!
this is how you can surprise them & keep them happy.

happy birthday!

p.s. my birthday is coming soon, so listen.

it takes a genius

so i've been a geek for about a year now.

yes. you can be in fashion and a geek all rolled into one.
like Andi in The Devil Wears Prada,
or even like Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality.
ok, fine. they weren't geeks. just had no sense of fashion or style.
but you get my drift.

anywho...
i am now all ITed!
with my blog, Facebook & TWITTER accounts,
personal profiles on various sites and now..
Style Etc by Marcus AC, my very official company website!
it took forever to setup and go 'Live' but it was worth it.

why?
cos it takes forever that's why!?!!

also because i didn't wanna pay like a million bucks for someone
to maintain the site so... i decided to be cheap and do it myself.
like how hard could it be, right?

i went for the website management class and OMG!!!
it takes a genius to do the things you need for IT stuffs to work!
i just sat there and cried... laughed at myself... peed in my pants... and prayed.

after 3 days and calling the web company's IT expert repeatedly,
i finally got it!!!
updating pages. uploading pictures. logging into the admin. changing password.
well, at least for now.

so go and check it out.
www.marcusac.com.sg

u know its worth it...

like seriously

like seriously...

everyone i know has a facebook account.
even my 8 year old niece has one.
she uses it to play games, upload pictures and
keep in touch with her parents who live in the next room!

all my friends have one too.
most of them of course have it for reasons like;

finding lost friends, which i think is a waste of time since you lost your friends for a reason!
i have refused to reconnect with mine.
i lost them the 1st time, they can stay lost.

playing games, which is really retarded if you are using your fingers to achieve the next highest score!
i don't play games.
i gym.

uploading your holiday pictures from your phone, which is ridiculous!
why don't you just enjoy what is in front of you!
and if your excuse is to share the moment with your friends,
send them a postcard!!!
i buy goodies for my friends.

what i don't get is this.
when someone posts a status update on his wall
all 9273085 of his facebook friends will have something to say!
like seriously!?!!
who the hell has 9273085 friends!?!!
and this will turn into a Wall to Wall conversation for the next 103 pages!
don't these people have a life? a REAL life?!
do they go thru each friends' wall just to see what's happening?

just because you have a facebook address
does not mean you live there people!!!
seriously!?!!

i only spend about 1/2 a day on facebook and
that's because i only know how to use 2 fingers to type.
thankfully, i have a life.

???

aren't there always two sides to a story?

when a couple break up?
the promotion that was yours to begin with?
why the kid hit another in school?
a girl crying her heart out on the phone?

when we are always so eager to hear the whole story,
why are we now so quick to pass judgment when it comes to money matters?
especially if it involves a church?

what is this new excitement we get in this specific matter?
do we have all the facts or are we just rolling with the 'dough'?
are we members of these mega churches?
are you tithing?
do you what tithing means or is?
are churches asking for donations?

what is the real answer here?
or are we just asking the wrong questions?

do we really wanna hear what
they have to say before making our minds up?
or are we just too cynical?

learn to listen

sometimes all we need to do is just listen.
usually that's how we learn.

when we were young that's what we did in school.
when we are in a relationship.
with friends and family.

when someone starts sharing, they are not asking for solutions.
they are asking for a hearing heart.

when someone opens up, they are not asking for judgments.
they are asking for company.

even when you feel that your situation, your challenge, your problem
is bigger and more traumatic than theirs,
it doesn't mean that theirs is not real to them.

we need to learn to listen.
without judgment,
without solutions,
without complains.

to listen with a hearing heart.
an open mind.
a willing spirit.

we need to learn to listen.
i'm still learning.

i hate...

i hate it when people are late.
when food is cold.
or even when its my fault that i miss the bus.

i hate it when i don't see result.
when people get impatient.
especially when others tell me what to do.

i hate it when i miss the beginning of a movie.
when children run around in circles in front of me.
getting stuck in traffic on my way to the airport.

i hate it that i don't have savings.
when credit is long overdue.
and help is unappreciated.

i hate it when i screw up someone's day when i've had a bad 5mins.
i hate it when i take people for granted.
i hate it when i make u sad.

Sex In AnOther City

Sex And The City 2.
what can i say...

i actually liked it.
maybe i'm just a simple guy who enjoys watching 4 girls from new york, growing up and moving on.

but seriously, its more than that.
carrie. charlotte. miranda. samantha. new york city.
we do love them all.
the cosmopolitans. the fashion. the sex.

ok, fine!
so SATC 2 was not centered around NYC.
there were a few misses in the wardrobe department.
no cosmopolitans. and very little sex.
still it was the girls who held the story for me.

carrie's need to a fairy tale marriage.
samantha's obsession of staying young & horny, forever.
charlotte's breakdown.
miranda's... you get the picture!??!!

but there were moments i wish i could live in real life.
like, having a sip of cocktail before spitting out how you feel.
taking a break from the world. taking charge of your own world.
walking the red carpet. and a personal butler.

wait! i am living that life already. expect for the personal butler part.
anywho... its a movie. a hollywood movie.
where we can escape to and wish it was
our lives we were watching up on the screen.
so why not?
let's enjoy what the girls give us in 2 hours
that we spend our entire adult lives wishing for.

there is a bit of us in Sex And The City &
a lot of Sex And The City in all of us.
or any other city for that matter.

when i grow up...

i remember when i was about 4, i wanted to run away
and join the chinese opera troupe.
i'd sneak out at night when everyone was asleep
and watch the performers do their thing on stage.
all the loud music and singing.
dramatic costumes.
the flying around and sword fighting!
it was the best!

then at 9, i wanted to be a musician.
my dad was in the police band unit when he was younger.
seeing pictures of him in uniform and
playing the clarinet was inspiring.
so i tried out for my school band.
all i remember is that i spoiled the trumpet
and the school had to buy a new one.

when i was 12, i wanted to be a doctor.
two of my aunts were nurses.
and red was (and still is) my favorite color.
it was simple.

at 16, i discovered fashion.
couldn't draw a stick man to save my life,
but designing was what i wanted to do.
of course i had no skill or talent to be a designer
but that didn't stop me.
got myself a sketch book and started designing away!
i even had a collection named after my aunts.

along the way, i wanted to be a model, yes... a model.
a professional dancer. singer. actor.
trust me, the list goes on.

guess we all know where all of that led to.
the fabulous world of FASHION & ENTERTAINMENT!
i have to admit, i have done a fair bit so far.
and i know i still have a long way to go.

do you remember what you wanted to be when you were growing up?
the pussycat dolls did.

Ask Marcus!

my new venture,
Ask Marcus!

the internet has everything!?!!
you can watch movies, learn to cook, buy & sell your friends, read a book, visit countries, repair your iPhone, share music, listen to sermons, play games and even make a new family!
seriously!
so with all the time in the world i had,
i decided to be productive. online.
and why not?
i spend about 5 to 8 hours a day online anyway...

so what did i do to be productive?

i decided to give back.
much like Idol Gives Back, American Idol style.
no!
there are no numbers to call to save lives in africa or america.
no song and dance items to inspire you to be a better human being.
just giving back because i want to.

i created a new page on facebook called Ask Marcus!
"An all new interactive page where all your queries on Fashion & Beauty are answered!
Ask Marcus! Your Personal Fashion Fix!"
a page truly dedicated to everyone out there where you can post
questions and queries, share or discuss, puke & post pictures,
all in the name of Fashion & Beauty!
you don't even have to be a friend or fan.
a page where you can just be yourself.

together we CAN make this world a better looking place.
so start now.
Ask Marcus!

thankful.

things are not right in the world right now.
well, most things are not.

there are bombings going on randomly all around the world.
children are dying from mosquito bites.
property prices are so high that housing has become a problem.
there's a clash of colors in thailand.
and the list goes on and on.

do any of these affect me? or you?
frankly. no.

so what's my point?
honestly, i don't know.
all i know is that i am thankful.

thankful for peace.
thankful for rest.
thankful for love.
thankful for health.
thankful for blessings.
thankful for my family. my mom.

thankful for Jesus.

twitter.com/marcus_ac

it started with setting up a blog.
of course for the first month all my entries were
done from my friend's computer.
so i decided to get myself a note book, the HP Mini.
and getting that was such an adventure!
following that i started on Facebook.
who knew how many people wanted me as their friends too!
i know, right!
then it was setting up a profile on Alive Not Dead,
an artist/friends/fans site.
after almost 6 months, i finally became an Official Artist on A.N.D.
next was setting up www.marcusac.com.sg
a website for Style Etc By Marcus AC, my very own company,
where you can see what i do for a living.
well its taking a while but its coming along. very slowly.
Oh! my iPhone!
best thing i ever got.
Emails, Phone, GPRS, Camera, Apps, iPod, SG Mahjong & more!
i love my iPhone.
now, its TWITTER.
OMG.
its global sms on the go!
to Tweet whatever i want, whenever i!
fashion, gossip, food, agenda, friends or even idiots!
i can Tweet about anything!
and its so fun!
the whole followers & following is amazing!
i get to follow my good friends and people like
Ryan Seacrest, Oprah & Barack Obama
and read what they have to say and share!
seriously, that is the power of communication.

finally, the world now gets to hear my voice!

tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet
tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet
tweet tweet tweet...

Amen.

all my life i have only been interested in very few things.
food. clothes. music. holidays. family. money. the usual.

and frankly i couldn't be more blessed, favored and bless by God.

i live for food, so i'm always hungry!
i like clothes, so its ok that i'm constantly bitching about bad fashion!
i enjoy music, so its fantastic that i'm into LIMEWIRE!
i treasure holidays, so i see myself as a tourist even in singapore!
i love my family, so its prefect that i don't live with them!
i appreciate money, so.... wait. that's it.
i appreciate money.

Amen.

commonwealth

i live in commonwealth.
a 3-room unit.
some call it an apartment but its really a HDB flat.
in a HDB estate.
near the bus-stop, kopi-tiam, pasar, seng siong & some more.

its actually a stone throw away from holland V.
just a 10mins walk where there's a 24hrs cold-storage, haagen dazs, dry cleaners, cafes, taxi stand, money changers, restaurants, banks and a lot more.

i live in commonwealth.
what i like about living here is that there's a tailor/seamstress/alteration uncle just next to the market.
do you know how hard it is to get a good tailor/ seamstress/ alteration uncle?
ever?!
so imagine finding one at your doorstep?!!
this guy is quick. skillful. meticulous.
he's good. very very good.
he's also more talented than i suspected.
just found out that he's into the stocks & shares investment broking thingy!
he's got a laptop in his tiny workshop, all set up and everything.
didn't think you could do more than just watch youtube on them laptops.
i'm impressed.

and he has an attitude too.
it suits him.
he is in fashion after all.

maybe its just me.
commonwealth is an old estate.
i mean, there are ALL OLD PEOPLE LIVING HERE!
and cats.
then again they do say that that's where you find treasure.
or is it antiques?
well, i hope to find more treasures here.
just have to remember not to piss them off while digging.

so far so good

isn't it funny that when you can't sleep all you think about is sleep.

its the same with food too.
when you're stuffed, all you have on your mind is that you
shouldn't have eaten too much.

how about the morning after clubbing?
the massive hangover and stinking of alcohol!

thankfully, i sleep only when i want to.
i gym so i eat.
& i haven't had a drop of alcohol in months!

so far so good.
its the damn mood swings i can't handle!

ice ice baby!

Daily Scoops. Udders. Island Creamery.

if you are wondering what these are, well they are ice-cream parlors.
and they sprouting all over the island.

when i was a kid... not too long ago,
having an ice-cream was really a treat. a well deserved dessert.
whether its buying a cone from the ice-cream uncle in your
kampong neighborhood or the corner provision shop.
then came fast food joints.
from Mc Donald's, Burger King or even the now cannot be found anywhere, A&W.
sundaes. shakes. floats.
i don't know about you, but i could never get enough of ice-cream desserts!

of course there is Swenson's, Haagen Dazs, Rocky Mountain 'whatever' & a million others,
but they don't have flavours like Chendol, D24 Durian,
Kopi C, Tiger Beer, Gila Malacca etc!
and these are local businesses. and they know the locals oh so well.
maybe that's why they make so damn good ice ice baby!

a girlfriend said, if you can find an ice-cream parlor, you can find marcus.
Mm... think she's right!

*wink wink

remember your passport

i totally forgot my passport this weekend.

took a train to jurong piont and discovered that
everyone there were either malaysians or chinese nationals!
and this was in the lost city of boon lay!

this place was packed!
exits from the train station was in one direction to control the crowd.
the bus interchange was inside the mall. air-coned.
no high end boutiques.
but everyone were carrying bags from the shopping they did.

from haagen dazs to lai lai casual dining,
john little to tokyo town shop,
2nd hand video shop to golden village cinema!
its all,well almost, HERE!

jurong point is huge.
and they are busier than ION, 313 and Orchard Central
all put together in any one weekend!

just remember your passport.
cos i definitely felt like a tourist there,
and that's a good feeling.

tiger woods. jack neo. jesse james.

tiger woods. jack neo. jesse james.
men who sleep with other women.

why is the main question.
answer is the one thing they don't have.

sorry is what they say.
caught is what happened.

hurt is what they've caused.
remorse is what they feel.

sad is what i think.
glad i'm not married.

tiger woods. jack neo. jesse james.
the list can go on and on and on and on...

get married?

what's it like wanting to get married?

a friend of mine who works at TANGS told me today
that her mom thinks its time for her to start dating guys
who are potentially the marriageable type.
to my surprise, she thinks her mom is right!

did i mention that my friend is only 25.
so why the rush?

here's what i came up with.
25. meet a guy this weekend.
hang out for 1 nite.
date for 6months.
see is he husband material.
date another 6 months.
wait for to proposal.
wait another 1 year.
the proposal is popped.
the engagement.
apply for house. wait another 3 years.
a 3 year headstart to plan the wedding.
guestlist. wedding gown. honeymoon. suit. ang pow.
bridal car. restaurant or hotel. sisters. in-laws. panadol.

by now she's at least 31.
there's still the newly married life first.
so that is another 3 to 5 years before the baby comes.

yah.
so maybe her mom is right.
or maybe she should have started wanting to get married at 14,
like most malay girls.

how do i say this...

how hard is it have basic courtesy and be polite?
apparently its hard.
and from where i see, its just too much effort.

i am BIG on taking public transport.
MRT. Bus. Taxi. and the Lift.
its also because i don't have a driving license.
and, i am a people person.
i know, its hard to believe,
BUT I AM!

so imagine my surprise when the people i transit with are,
how do i say this...
STUPID.

there are people always standing at the doors of the train
staring at you when you are trying to get in.
i have to wriggle my way thru the crowd just to find a spot and
then be showered by the super stench of body odor!
notice how people sitting down are always asleep
whenever there are old grandmothers, women with toddlers
or aunties carrying 200 bags enter the train?!
how about the young lovey dovey couple who look like they are joined at the waist,
moving an inch would result in doctors rushing in to save their lives due to the blood lost!

its the same love story in buses.
passengers love the driver so much its like watching Jack & Rose hold on to each other as the Titanic sinks.
have you ever tried getting these people to move to the rear?
please!
you'd have a better chance of reviving Jack who's drowned by now.

i live on the 6th floor and i take the lift all the time.
sometimes i am alone.
other times my neighbors take them too.
but most of the time no one ever holds the button.
how difficult is it to hold the lift doors when neighbors are rushing in?
so, i have learned to speak my mind.
i say things like...
" Oh! must have been a long day.
it can be tiring to hold the button..."
" broken nail?..."
" they probably don't have lifts in Philippines..."

Mm... maybe i'm not much of a people person.

clean and green singapore

ever wondered why the streets and pavements are always so clean?

today was truly one of those days.
where people thought i was speaking french.
fyi, i don't speak french.
where customer service officers are out for lunch during lunch hour.
Mm... its a bank.
where you are caught for throwing your cigarette butt on the floor.
ya.

and so i explained to the plain clothe officers that i was actually on my phone,
engrossed in a super heated conversation
with the people from the bank who
only understood french,
i did not realize what i had done.
i confessed that i was not making up excuses for my action
but in fact picked up the butt and dropped in the bin.

and they were nice enough to let me off.
AMEN!

so now i know why its always clean and green in singapore.
its just damn too expensive to litter!

& i thank GOD for it, seriously.

say my name say my name

mohanavelu s/o sathasivam
that's my name.
named by my dad when i was born.
it means beautiful spear in tamil.
i am indian, you know.
my dad is indian and my mom's half indian & half vietnamese.
that kinds of explain why i look like how i look.
exotic. eurasian. tall, dark, handsome. suave.
HEY! don't be rude!
its what people call me.
of course there are others who would describe me as...
malay mix. short, too dark for chinese, so-so looking.
and recently, phinoy. yah.
these names i don't like.
i am indian.

so where did marcus come from?
well, my dad's father was catholic.
so he named all his 11 children with catholic/english names.
there was thomas, joseph, mark etc.
and i was named mark, after my uncle mark.
so far so good.
then, my uncle mark died.
drowning accident.
i was 4 or 5, i think.
and i really traumatized by it.
imagine, you are named after a relative, then he dies.
i seriously thought i was next!
i can still remember when i was growing up,
my parents were super protective whenever we went to the beach.
i wasn't allowed to go any deeper than knee level into the water.
all this was way too much for a growing kid.
i didn't want to be mark.
i wanted to be called anything but mark!

so when i finally got to secondary school,
i changed my name.
its not in my ID or anything but still it meant something to me.
i called myself marcus.
and its more me. its actually very me.
Marcus.

then my brother decided to be creative.
you see, like my dad's siblings, we all got catholic/ english names too.
david. margret and victoria.
and mark.
my brother now wanted to go by David Peter Charles, the 1st.
peter charles is my dad's catholic name.
i know. its long and corny. so trying.
& i definitely didn't want to be out done by my brother, know what i mean?
but marcus charles wasn't... how do you say it... Mm... BOOMZ enough.
i needed a middle name but not peter, don't get me wrong!
i love my dad but if peter was my middle name, then i would also be... the 2nd.
so i created my middle name.
it has no meaning whatsoever!
its just a middle name.
and i love how it sounds.
just a made up middle name.
Ardensis.

Marcus Ardensis Charles.
that's my name. it's not my catholic name, since i'm not catholic.
its my english name.
since then it has been Marcos Charles, Marcus A. Charles, Marcus Act Cute,
Marcus Air-Con Charles, M.A.C. ,Marcus Dentist Chow, Marcus A.C. etc
stupid people who can't pronounce or speak english to save their lives.

BTW, its now official.
i have registered my english name in my ID, finally!
so please get it right.

MARCUS ARDENSIS CHARLES
alias MOHANAVELU S/O SATHASIVAM

and i am christian. not catholic.
indian. not malay mix. not phinoy. thank you.

peace and rest and smile

a friend's father crashed his car.

a cute couple i know just called it off.
i didn't ask for details.
all i know is that it wasn't easy and they need to move on.

a friend has been sick for 4 days.
flu.
kinda sucks since he's actually on leave the entire time.

another is trying to figure out iTunes.

and i am free.
just checking my emails,
chatting on Facebook and blogging.

and yet with all that's happening around me,
with my friends and all,
there's peace.
peace in our lives.
and with peace comes rest.

i know the couple will eventually get over the breakup.
its gonna be really tough and hard at first but it will happen.
they will smile and be happy.

for the time being my friend's father will get some exercise but
the car has insurance so that will sort itself out.

my sick friend will gain his strength & be stronger when he's all well.
i know he will.

and iTunes is really not rocket science!

so... smile ppl.

annoying people

its funny how my life has changed in the recent months.
never did i imagine that i would become tech savy,
and i hate to admit it but i have.

the latest addition to my tech life is my new phone.
the iPhone 3Gs.
a gadget with almost everything you would need and maybe some more to help improve your life.

at first i was really against getting one.
everyone has one.
it was kinda annoying.
everywhere you turned or looked, someone was using it.
be it for music, games, weather updates, workout routines, stock-market reports, movie reviews, tweeting, facebook entries, emails or for just making calls.
its everywhere!
so i said why not?
maybe i'll have fun with it too.
and i did! and i do!

its amazing!
i got myself a 32Gig.
took me like 2 weeks before i started downloading applications. games mainly.
then the fun really started.
i discovered iTunes!
O.M.G.!!!
the amount of music you can download to your iTunes is unbelievable!
in 3 days i have 128 tracks in my iTunes!
and its all now on my iPhone!
& i listen to it all the time.
sometimes with the headphones and at other times without.
now, i have become one of the annoying people i see with their iPhones!
and i don't care!

Mm... what should i get next?

give thanks be thankful

i was invited to a dinner party over the weekend and
was kinda hesitant to go.
as you know, i am not the sociable type.
but since i was free, i went.

to my surprise it was really a very small dinner party.
with only about 9 guests attending,
i didn't think i'd be out of place and boy was i wrong!

you see, my hosts were both lawyers.
and they, of course, invited their lawyer friends.
but thankfully not all lawyers.
there was 1 university lecturer.
ya.
and me.

then i met Rudy.
successful. established. celebrity. lawyer. loud and funny.
this guy knew everybody.
and if he didn't, well he made a point to.
frankly, he was the life of the party.
sharing his antics and hilarious stories,
Rudy definitely knew how to entertain.
or maybe he was just drunk.
well, whatever it was, he spoke his mind.
no mincing of words or sentences, Rudy said it has it is.
and what i first impression he made.

people tend to want to leave an impressive impression when they meet others.
when what they should leave is what others can take from them.

when i left that night, i took with me the knowledge that we all can make a difference.
be it lawyers, a university lecturer or me.
that we must be thankful and give thanks in life for our lives.