Why So Serious? (+ Fashion Asia Pics)

I’m always touched when my juniors from WKWSCI (Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Information) write to me. Whether it is to ask for advice, or to leave a comment or to share what their thoughts are, I find myself reminiscing about those school days. I’m envious of them, for stressing over the readings, grappling with deadlines and struggling to make it on time for morning lectures because I actually quite enjoy being in an academic environment where the grueling curriculum serve a purpose for you, without you having to set one for yourself, even if you aren’t very clear what it is.

One of them left a comment on a previous entry, regarding how her ex-boyfriend suggested that she should have take a more practical module instead of “Acting” but she was glad she took no heed because acting was the only fun she had the entire semester. While I was formulating my response to her, I wondered if that is the reason why people here sometimes take everything too seriously? Have they stopped having fun? Part of my response to her was “…I don’t understand why people equate fun to being frivolous and [fun] is often frowned upon and associated with being lazy, impractical or time-wasting.” because I genuinely think having fun is part of living, and that it does makes work or study a lot more enjoyable than it is.

Is there a prejudice against people who actually have fun working or studying? Is it wrong to want to have fun? Are they mutually exclusive?

One of the reasons given is that people can get carried away when they’re having fun, so much so that it distracts them from the tasks required to be completed which inevitably results in a  lack of productivity and efficiency. But we are not talking about children here, we are talking about young adults and adults who have developed an awareness since. Surely they can be trusted to know their responsibilities and fulfill them?

I’m not saying it’s not important to be productive or efficient or professional, but they need not always be at the expense of having fun. One of the differences between human beings and machines is that we have emotions and our interaction with one another is organic, as opposed to being programmed. Yet how often have we met people who seem to be talking and reacting like there is a course to follow?

While I don’t have scientific evidence to prove, I do feel that human beings are naturally drawn to happy, positive emotions because it’s a lot easier to experience them, ceteris paribus. Of course I might be wrong. It’s just that I’ve seen for myself, that in cases where the overall experience is positive and enjoyable, there is less focus on the unpleasantness and difficulty of the task, less complaints, and a greater willingness to engage in it.

I’ve heard and it saddens me to know that there are employees who have been told by their employers to adhere to certain rules and work conduct which indirectly promotes behaviour that is devoid of human emotion. We are all unique individuals with different personalities and one of the reasons why humans, instead of robots, are in most jobs is because the world is made up by people. Products, ideas, campaigns, movements are all driven by human beings. Because each of us bring to the table a part of us, which is different from someone else.

We all want to work hard, but we can definitely work harder, if we can also have some fun at the same time.  They are not mutually exclusive, unless we humans make them to be.

Enough said, here are more fun pictures from my Fashion Asia Bangkok trip to share. Have fun everyone!

I have no idea why that pose came about!

Clarence, the unsuspecting victim stole the scene from us!

I thought these earrings were really cute. Muak muak.

I like the look and feel of this top!

Pretending to mannequins...

...still pretending to be mannequins...

...Keith looks totally the part!

Did u know the "book" I'm holding is actually the box that comes with the accessories at Stretsis? So pretty!

OMG, what/who is that?

Alvin (MediaCorp make-up artiste) and I

Oh...Clarence...

A happy face from each of us.

These are fake flowers but they look so pretty!

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand, The Land of Smiles.

The Wedding of the Year – Part 2

ABOUT FANN…

I’ve never really had the chance to work with Fann on any drama. The closest encounter was in the drama MAKING MIRACLES, where she played a doctor and I, a nurse, but still I didn’t have any direct scenes with her. She always strike me a very strong woman, for working the way she does, putting in the number of hours and still always looking so radiant. I admire her for her poise and charisma because there’s something about her that draws you in yet leaves you hanging for more. She is the role model for the rest of us in the industry.

ABOUT CHRIS…

I’ve worked with Christopher on BEACH BALL BABES. We weren’t close, but I could tell, he’s very much in love with his wife from the way her name hangs on his lips quite often. I like that when he was interviewed last night whether or not it was tedious preparing for such a massive wedding that he was forthright about it being tough as opposed to giving a politically pleasing answer. He’s charismatic to women and still remains a guy’s guy. He has good camaraderie with his co-stars and strikes up rapport with the crew and director off camera. He’s the guy everyone enjoys working with.

ABOUT THEM…

There is something inspiring about their relationship because it must not be easy being two high profile celebrities, who not only have to put up with media attention but also have to endure the trials and tribulations of being separated when one is filming in a foreign land for months at a go. When I see the two of them in the make-up room, there is something magnetic about the chemistry they share just being side by side that makes me embarrassed to be even breathing the same air. That’s what love in the air is like. It taught me that love can be without words.

There is hope that we will all find the right one someday too.

I wish them all the best in their careers and family building.

Irene had one of the toughest jobs last night as one of the hosts for the wedding of Chris and Fann.

Bryan Wong was my table partner. There were photographers taking photographs of guests and developing them on the spot for us.

It was very hard to catch a picture of the couple because they were always surrounded by their entourage, photographers and excited guests.

Belinda Lee and Trey, freelance stylist.

Trey is the funniest person I know and we always have a good laugh every time we meet.

Belinda Lee and I were filming in the same scene for the long drama YOUR HAND IN MINE just before the wedding dinner.

I love Jin-jie's outfit. The shade of green looks good on her. Here's how to look oriental and still remain elegant.

Jin-jie, Jacelyn Tay, Eileen and I.

Jack and I.

Here's a warped picture of Karen and I because I tweaked the settings on my camera. I thought this was quite cool. I love her outfit from Balmain. She got it from Paris!

Another happy couple! I love seeing blissfully married couples, they make me cry!

Thomas used to be my managerial executive when I was still a newbie. It was so good to see him!

Patricia (left) bantered with Irene Ang on stage for a bit. He Yong Fang (right) used to host City Beat with Bryan Wong when I was still in primary school. I remembered because I bumped into them at the Science Centre once and she obliged a photo with my classmates and I.

Dr Georgia Lee and I, both in blue. 🙂

This is Gary, stylist from Passion.

Jesseca came over to sit with Dawn and I after the second course was served. It was nice to have girls' talk. Haha!

Jeremy, Ben, me and Keith.

Ok, everyone's a bit buzzed here...haha!

The stylists from Passion, with some crashers like Clarence, me and Keith. Oops...can you make out the blurred face the back who is trying to get into the picture?

"Ah Bu" was so happy last night!

The couple, as they move from table to table. The "brothers" look like they are strategising the next move.

I was lucky to be able to sneak a picture with the beautiful bride before she was whisked off to the next table. Her happiness is infectious!