I'll go back to where I left off in mid-November. I had the citibank casting for a bunch of roles in a new ad campaign and came close but didn't get a part. One of the other 60 or so folks got it, such is the nature of the model industry. Would have been easy money and quite interesting though, given the role of a "young male-executive" is pretty much what I am in real life. Like my short role as a club-goer in the upcoming Street Fighter movie, I really didn't have to act!
I wouldn't mind doing some part time modeling if there really are opportunities for someone with my look out there, but it's not a priority nor have I honestly made the effort to seriously explore it. There's a lot of cheap competition out there as well, so I hear. Using my brain to get an old fashioned consistent salary every month suits me just fine for now, and is especially important during economic times like these. Kae on the other hand, should get her portfolio out to agencies in Singapore! There aren't many girls with her look in this market, and hey I wouldn't mind the extra visits ;)
*Citibank Ad demo
Speaking of economic times, I feel so frustrated by the news of all the recent bailouts. While I do see the rational behind the widespread view that a government bailout of financial institutions with taxpayers money is key to mitigating a deeper recession, I just feel like all regular folks out there are getting a raw deal. The leaders of these financial institutions on the whole have been raking in major (unsustainable) profits due to the regulatory and market environments which have benefited them since the Reagan years (in large part by their own construction/past lobbying), stuffing their pockets with ungodly salaries and bonuses. I suppose who could blame them if they have the ability and initiative - human greed truly knows no end. Still, I believe recent times have signaled the long overdue need for some better regulation of the industry in general and more appropriate compensation restructuring so we don't get stuck with incentive schemes that encourage short-term gains, insecure loans/mortgages, and/or high risk investments. And the most frustrating revelation of all - why should financially suffering taxpayers shell out the dough for these fat cats mistakes? We are saving a bunch of dying animals that would have sold our souls for a dollar - like those two dudes from "Trading Places" with Eddie Murphy (okay, very stereotypical but you gotta admit, great movie).
Too bad the economy may need the monetary lifeline the bailouts will provide but I really do hope something more justifiable to the average person is eventually done to 1) Ensure this scale of meltdown happens again, and 2) Don't pin fiscal responsibility only on the average Joe. Oh, and I don't think the US Auto Industry should be bailed out at all. I know Obama must fulfill his promise to save American jobs, but will they really be around in 10 years or will we need ANOTHER bailout? On a global scale, American automakers have lost the war, let them sink. Perhaps one company can rise from the ashes, but all of them? This is perhaps the most sickly of all the dying animals we are trying to prop up with taxpayer money. Funny how the most ruthless of capitalists turn into eager socialists as soon as it suits them. Sigh...
I could ramble or debate this longer, but I won't make you endure it!
*Hanging with the Wrights...I mean with the Orangutans at the Singapore Zoo
On a lighter note, Kae made her first visit to Singapore near end November. I finally got to stay in the country for the weekend!! We both took Friday off and headed to the Singapore Zoo, which I had never been to. When buying tickets, the teller told us that for safety reasons, the white tiger exhibit had been closed for the day. I instinctively quipped back "Aww what, why?? Did something get mauled?! Come on.." The teller just smiled awkwardly and repeated the party line "Just safety reasons sir". When we got home, I found out that just an hour before, a part-time zookeeper jumped into the white tiger pen for some unknown crazy reason, provoked them, and was killed! I felt like a real shit.
*It's personal now, evil serpent!
I arranged a pretty large group dinner that evening at House on Dempsey Road - good food and good folks is always a pleasant combination. Besides a nice catch up, it was also a convenient opportunity for Kae to meet some of my friends in Singapore. We headed off to Butter Factory afterwards and I showed her how this country gets down. Not bad at all. Kae was still on her no meat, no alcohol pledge so she just went "mao dip", which means "faking drunk" in Thai.
*Being couply on Orchard Road
My first visit to Orchard Road in maybe 5 months! I had to take her to this iconic tunnel of trees and medium sized shopping malls, none of which really stand out. Amazingly, we didn't buy anything! Well, we did buy lunch at Lau Pa Sat food centre nearby, which IMO is the best Singapore has. Delicious and cheap, definitely satisfying.
*My first time to the Merlion
Surprisingly I had never been to the Merlion before, so we checked that out (only to find a million mainland Chinese tourists swarming the best camera spots with dozens of "peace-sign" poses). Got my photo in and bounced. We also went up to the New Asia Bar at the Swissotel Stamford Court's 71st floor. Great view! Not as cool of an atmosphere as Sirocco or that skyscraper bar in Shanghai (anyone?), but definitely glad I went up there, despite the chunky entrance fee.
I took Kae to a Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant called "Original Sin" in the food and beverage haven of Holland Village. I'm normally a savage carnivore and scratch my head like a chimp at the site of purely herbivore menus, but this place was actually quite tasty and I'd definitely recommend a try to anybody.
*Chillin' on Tanjong Beach at KM8
Feeling a bit adventurous after New Asia bar, Kae and I joined David and Nat (originally reluctant, but easily convinced) to ride on the big "extreme swing" at Clarke Quay; a large bungee-like contraption charging an arm & a leg for a 15 second thrill. Well, I'm a sucker for those sorts of things - when we feel close to death, we feel acutely alive - and I'm willing to pay for them. Up we went and gawking spectators had to suffer such screams from me as "I love you guys!" and "Oh my god. Oh shit. Oh my shit!!" from Kae (I kid you not! haha she's going to beat me when she sees this). Must head to a skydiving camp next...well, maybe.
*Kae's introduction to Butter Factory
*Yes, I'm heavy!!
The recession, despite what common wisdom would suggest about "vice" industries, will definitely affect my business. To what extent, depends on the speed and quality of my colleagues' solutions to mitigate the massive challenges to plan that we now suddenly face. I'm sure heads will roll soon, but definitely not to the extent as in banking. We aren't going to travel much for the next 6 months, which can be good for me actually - but a bit of a shame, especially for folks in regional sales or capability (hard to do properly if you aren't there!!). Heightened pressure and uncertainty loom - bring it on and let our quality shine through - at least I hope we can pull out of this in good shape for the next fiscal year.
*A bit overdressed for a hip hop club, aren't I?
Kae left Singapore on Sunday night with a really fun experience. She didn't even have to complain about my room being messy! She'll probably be back for Valentine's Day, as everyone knows how much I'd like to rather visit her and everyone in Bangkok more often.
*Just before heading up the Extreme Swing at Clarke Quay
Finally, another island vacation. Phuket here we come!! I met Troy at the airport and we headed to the Courtyard Mariott Kamala Beach together where we would wait for Ally, Kae, Tommy, and Claudia to arrive later, as well as my friend Sergey and his group from California. Turns out the Mariott screwed up the communication and didn't tell me the Kamala Beach resort opening was postponed til next month! I couldn't get any straight answers from the guards there, and we spent the next 30 mins lost and pissed off until we ended up at the Courtyard Surin Beach where we had been "secretly" rebooked. Pretty unacceptable. I definitely complained and we got a bit of compensation (the duty manager was so damn cute and nice, I couldn't make a huge fuss, and didn't really feel like it on my first day of holiday either).
*After partying with some folks from Cali, and my boy Sergey, in Patong, Phuket
We spent our time in a mix of chilling, binge-eating, and partying. A good weekend of reunions and downtime, including an uber-cool snorkeling trip out to Koh Phi Phi. Kae got to snorkle for her FIRST TIME EVER, and even made friends with another monkey (I'm the other one of course) along the way.
*On an island tour around Phuket
*Some acrobatics on Koh Phi Phi. I couldn't resist pulling a MORTAL KOMBAT!!!!
*Piggyback!
*Feeding a lil minion of mine near "monkey island"
*Hot mama's first time snorkeling, for reals.
*These fish were brave...and HUNGRY! Kae was scared from all the little bites. I've been told you have to pay for such treatment at some boutique spas in Singapore.
*King Kong strikes again
*An inside joke message to Vadim, through a ladyboy
Of course I couldn't let Vadim off the hook with his ladyboy antics from 2007. Sergey and I found the prettiest guy/gal we could find and gave our friend stateside a little humurous reminded of his exploits. I know it probably annoyed him...and he probably loved it too!
*Running off with my two favourite girls
We enjoyed a really nice dinner at The Catch on Surin beach on our last evening, and got to check out a local weekly beach party nearby, after a dark downhill walk to get to it. Had a quick rendevous with Mike who has moved down to the island from BKK and loved it thus far. I can see why - the laid back lifestyle, while not for everyone, can be a real piece of paradise if you embrace it.
*Kae's dream house
*Join the US Marine Core! Or....Baywatch Thailand?
The next week I was supposed to meet Kae in Samui for a rendevous getaway to Nangyuan Island. Unfortunately, the PAD thought otherwise, and decided to block her from meeting me! It was my birthday present for her, arrrrgh!! Not to worry, we rebooked for January, and I was able to fly in a week later. The King's silence was quite worrying, and the nation's economy will definitely suffer, but I'm glad that violence and death were avoided in the end. That said, the PAD are an awfully undemocratic, mob-like bunch. The other side isn't exempt to stooping to such levels either when they feel like it though. It's really ugly in Thai politics. Maybe one day they will have a civil two party system...then again, maybe things might get worse. The divisions between the two major sides run deep and compromise isn't a first option.
*CHI Spa at Shangri-la Bangkok, after the Himalayan Hot Stone massage treatment
In Bangkok for Kae's birthday the first weekend of December, I had another few days of mini-holiday, catching up with friends, finishing off my Christmas shopping, and getting a little R&R (oversleeping and massages). Really loved a hot stone massage at the Shangrila - would definitely try it again. The stones felt like hot liquid fingers at just the right temperature.
*Singha Beer Garden @ Central World - thought the setup was pretty innovative
I did have to work Friday, but there were only 2 or 3 people in the office - it was the King's birthday after all (though he was ill and did not make his usual speech). Fireworks lit up the sky in the evening, before I headed to the Central World beer gardens to wish Game a happy birthday and listen to Calories Blah Blah live. What a hilarious name - how can he be serious!? His voice is serious though, and everyone seems to love 'em.
*Game's birthday at the Federbrau Beer Garden @ Central World, with Calories Blah Blah in concert
On Kae's birthday we had a full schedule of merit making and fun. We started off by visiting the Monk's hospital for food charity with Puu, and then heading to an autistic children's orphanage with Ally and Daniel for more donations of essentials. I got some of the kids Xmen t-shirts. They'll be the cool kids on the playground in no time! It really was an eye-opening experience to go to these places...and reminded me how fortunate I am to be put in a position to seize opportunities that many of these kids will never see. Most of them were generally happy or unaware of the severity of their situation. It was very uplifting, but subtlely heartbreaking at the same time.
*Ice Skating at Esplanade
Kae has been saying she wanted to go ice skating for a long time now, so after the orphanage we went to one of the only rinks in Thailand! I was a bit rusty on all moves except going fast, so when I needed to turn on the breaks in a hurry one time but didn't know how, I ended up bailing out onto my ass to avoid checking a kid through the wall - but I still ended up sliding through his legs! At least we weren't hurt, though perhaps my ego slightly was, haha.
*Red Sky restaurant, on the rooftop of the Centara Grand @ Central World
I had promised to take Kae to dinner on her birthday at Red Sky, a new high rise dining experience with a beautiful atmosphere. Little did she know that a dozen of our friends were waiting too! Tommy helped calculate the elevator door surprise and we all had a very nice, good value albeit pricey, meal together while Kae grinned with delight and opened all her presents. It turned out perfect!
*Happy surprise Birthday!
Random thought: I've been told with a bit of laughter that lots of people assume from my pictures that I'm either gay or a playboy. I suppose I could understand such presumptions based on a group of fun snapshots. Hey, I have a lot of friends that are girls. Yeah, I don't mind throwing my arm around a buddy's shoulder for a photo. Okay, I dress a bit metro sometimes. But no, I'm neither homosexual nor a playboy! Nothing wrong in my opinion with either one, but it's not me. Well, being a real playboy, like the many in Thailand that lie left and right to the 6 girls they are sleeping with (let's face it, this is endemic), isn't a positive thing what with so many people eventually being hurt, or seeking revenge. Plus it makes so many Thai women (and men, on the flipside) paranoid/jealous!
*Don't ask why I'm wearing this awful mask.
I had organized another surprise for Kae as well for after dinner - karaoke!! I couldn't resist, and I'll be the first to admit that I had a little self-motivation in the type of party I set up for her. Hey, everyone loves a bit of karaoke once you break the ice. A lot more folks showed up for this affair, and we scarfed down a giant cake that Ally helped me choose for the BD gal. Classic Thailand fun. I got a bit too into it again for the last hour and hogged one of the few mics to sing/scream out my favourite Thai rock numbers. Kae could finally drink again so naturally, got into it too! It didn't take too many glasses to get tipsy after such a long hiatus, lightweeeiiiight.
*We're going to be the next big thing...haha. Karaoke party!!
*Getting the surprise cake ready
On a business trip to KL later in the week, I had a chance to try some really delish Malay food in a local restaurant. This joint looked pretty native, and could have been on any Malaysian resort island. Not bad for a 1pm lunch on a Tuesday in between meetings.
*Not your average Kuala Lumpur business lunch - delicious local Malay food!
Back in Singapore, I searched for a few final Xmas gifts. My 12 year old brother asked me in an email for Grand Theft Auto 4, a very mature and violent video game that 20 year olds play! I read recently it grossed ~$300 million in first day sales, a massive record. Can't believe how fast this kid is growing up. I got it for him anyway, and I just gotta make sure he doesn't let the 7 year old start bashing virtual heads with the butt of a shotgun.
I finally got my annual medical checkup, which included tests of almost every conceivable bio-measure. My heart rate turned out to be "very fit or almost dead", my cholesterol was fantastic, and my liver actually very healthy - the biggest surprise of all. I'm in the clear!! That said, my New Year's resolutions this year will definitely include a provision about less consumption of alcohol overall ;)
Went to another Playeur event at the relatively new Supperclub in Singapore, this time with a Christmas theme. Met a few new folks and mingled with other friends. A nice venue too - better IMO than the San Francisco supperclub, and comparable to Bangkok's (but no hookers, thank god).
*With Gerald (okay, MigZ) and his boy Derrick at Fiama, Manila
I had the privilege of going back to Manila again in mid-December for my grandma's 84th birthday (also a bit of an extended family reunion). The first night of course I connected with Gerald again at Fiama, and even ran into KD (who has some young fresh designer bikini's on www.soakswimwear.multiply.com - picked some up for Kae and my younger sister). Apparently it was a special night so a bunch of local celebs were gettin' jiggy. I was a bit disappointed that my Filipino homeys were really into their dancing. In California, Filipino Americans are well known for being hip hop dance experts! So what gives? Anyway, the place was still super fun, and featured a temporarily burning bartop before some of the hottest girls/staff in the club started dancing on it. It's pretty amusing to watch a small crowd of dudes gather to stare at girls, as if they couldn't see them. I did miss Zoukout for this, but hey there's always next year.
*Gerald enjoying the bartop dance at Fiama
*Happy 84th Birthday (December 7th) to my Grandma!
On Nanay's birthday the next afternoon we had a feast of Filipino food that I love but seldom consciously crave (except Adobo, which I'm thinking about everytime I'm hungry). I also "met" some long lost cousins and a few caretakers that looked after me when I was really young but hadn't seen in perhaps two decades. A strange but cool experience overall. I also had a long conversation with my grandma, which was nice given that her english isn't that great and in her old age she is developing a bit of memory loss and attention span deterioration. She's a tough lady and very sharp though, after all those years of doing big business in the sharkish Philippines. She said she was glad I was working hard at a good job that I enjoyed...I couldn't help but smile at that, which really does mean a lot.
*Hanging out with Nanay
I met a friend of the family at the lunch feast that happens to be a transexual working in events/entertainment. She raved that I should come to Manila to be an actor. It was both funny and flattering actually, and a little side fantasy that I found a bit interesting to entertain and think about but not something I could take seriously of course. I've already set my path on a more intellectual and lucrative career - I'd probably be better at it than an actor anyway, though I think acting would also be quite fun too. Never say never I guess, but that sort of track isn't in my immediate plans and I know it isn't all it's cracked up to be from the experiences of a few friends.
On my last day I did a bit of shopping in Makati at a megamall (as people do in the Phillipines), followed by a "foot scrubb" that my Mom highly recommended as therapeutic but turned out to be uncomfortable and pretty much a glorified pedicure. My feet never felt so raw from commercial beautification treatment...but they also never looked so neat, haha. But who cares?! That's crossing the line with how metro I'll ever be. Being well groomed is important for a 21st century man, but indulging in such high maintenance treatments for me, is taking some of my basic manhood AWAY. No thanks =P
*Gettin' older, but still hip
Returning to Singapore, I decided to get a group dinner together in Holland Village for an early celebration of my birthday, as I'd be having my mega-party in Bangkok the next weekend and all local friends were government/media scared out of visiting Thailand after the airport closure (except Paul, the BKK trooper). Thanks for everyone for their company and gifts, I'd like to chillout more often over a bite. Though maybe in a smaller group than 20...I hardly got to talk to the people that weren't in my immediate viscinity!
*A little birthday cake action with friends at Da Paulo in Holland Village, Singapore
Taking a page from Kae's book, I started off my real birthday (December 20th) donating to a female orphanage for girls that were parentless or abused at home. I thought it was a good cause, and I'm aware of the fact that girls have a more difficult time in Thailand and other developing countries than their male counterparts in getting opportunities to move up in the world. Seeing folks with disadvantages is a true self-appreciator. I think everyone could use a sense-check every once in a while like this...really puts your problems and desires in perspective and makes you more humble.
For the record, I turned 24 this year. I'm not ashamed nor proud to admit that, because after 21 I really don't put much value or judgement on age as a reflection of character, experience (to some extent), attitudes, or ability. Unfortunately, many people, especially in the "face-societies" of Asia, do care about this. Not my problem I suppose, and at least now I can officially say I'm in my mid-twenties when someone gets a bit nosy :) At least I look and feel older than this, most of the time. Partying helps me get a bit back down to my true age, and thank heaven for that - we only live once so why not freakin' enjoy and be merry (in moderation)!?
Flying to Bangkok is never a chore, it's an excitement builder - especially when you've got a ton of friends waiting to celebrate partly in your name! My birthday in the kok began with a big Japanese (my favourite) dinner in Thong Lor, complimented by 14 bottles of Peter's sake - thanks bud. I had to endure shot after shot of the sweet stuff from almost everyone there, including my MOM! Bless her, hahaha.
*Sake Bomb birthday dinner with friends in Bangkok
I stayed at the Mariott this time on a really good deal. I was a bit weary about the food though, since in Phuket I forgot to mention I caught some nasty food poisoning from the hotel's breakfast. Luck was on my side this time and breakfasts went uneventful.
*Sake Bomb birthday dinner with friends in Bangkok
*Sake Bomb birthday dinner with friends in Bangkok
Uma got a few girls to come "entertain" us at dinner at the party. Niiice. Though I didn't spend much time at all with them - I had anothe 100 folks to attend to!
*Sake Bomb birthday dinner with friends in Bangkok
I planned (no small feat by the way) my party at Route 66's newly renovated hip hop area, on the second floor private balcony. Turned out to be an ideal spot as P'Golf and the physical area were very accomodating to my group. The theme was "Mafia or Merry Xxxmas" and my friends did not disappoint. Groove Rider even played a mini-concert that night - just coincidence though, not just for Khun Charlie! It was great to see so many old faces and newer friends enjoying themselves (and to all my company's brands, lol).
*Mafia birthday party @ Route 66
My Mom even got down and showed off some of her newly learned dance moves. What more could a son ask for? This is definitely an experience I should check off my bucket list. I really appreciate her being there for me, and getting along with all my friends. I also must thank all my friends for being nice to her! It was tough to say goodbye the next day as we had a real heart to heart about life and she was outwardly happy for me but sad to leave me in another continent again. Hey, all birds fly the coup, and in no small part thanks to her experiences I've decided to fly really far (she worked in the airlines industry for a long time)..but I know I'll see her again soon enough.
*Mafia birthday party @ Route 66
I definitely had a lot to drink that night, as one's birthday usually goes until you're too old to take it. I woke up to a lot of photos that I barely remember taking, but it was one hell of a night that went smoothly and cheaply. I covered off the remainder of the bill at only about $300, which by American standards is a STEAL. If I didn't ask for 600 baht from each person at the door though, it would have been a nightmare headache to collect.
*Surprise!
In the middle of the night, Kae/Ally/Diana/Lynn threw out a surprise choreographed dance for me courtesy of Tommy and Nam's planning, to the Pussycat Doll's "Beep". A 'Happy Birthday Charles' video played on the club's mainscreen at the same time as I gawked at this spicy synchronized art all the while everyone else hollared and clapped. It ended with all four girls surrounded me at chest's length. Yes!!! What a surprise, I love them all!! AND I forgive Kae for making me wait the day before for a dinner that never happened because of her "late business meeting", which actually ended up really being their final practice session. I wish I had some video footage now.
*A special surprise dance for me to the Pussycat Dolls' "Beep"
Adriane, my friend from the Bay Area that visited in December 07, also made a return, this time with 15 of her classmates from Stanford GSB! I hope they had a good taste of what BKK nightlife has to offer, at such good value.
*Adriane made it from San Francisco with her Stanford GSB classmates
*Pond gekking
*Good times with good people
Yanno there is a real conscious difference between close friends, friends, acquaintences, contacts, and party friends. I, like most people, have all of them, and sometimes folks may fluctuate in and out of these loose categories. I don't think having any of these is a bad thing, and meeting more people is always a positive to one's life experience. I don't meet people to use them either. I meet people to enrich my life, or at the very least be friendly and decent and open to the idea of the unknown. You never know who could be your next close friend, colleague, or what-not. Why limit your options by being shy or closed? Tell you waht though, meeting a lot of people, sincerely (remember their name and what they say to you) is not so easy and does take energy. Good thing I've got mounds of it hidden somewhere.
*Recovering the next day at Paragon
I caught a movie with Kae before heading off back to Singapore pretty hungover the next afternoon. The Day the Earth Stood Still...pretty interesting if you are into sci-fi, but a well supported hype machine will be the only thing that keeps this feature from disappointer its producers. At least they got Keanu's role right as an emotionless alien. Hey no hard feelings, I actually do like the guy, and was even Neo one year for Haloween.
I came back to Singapore for a day of work, and immediately got ready to get into holiday mode in Hong Kong. Oh it feels so good to be carefree right now! My phone's calendar/notes keeps me keenly aware of outstanding responsibilities but the looks on my brother's faces opening presents brings me back to a world where time passes slowly, the next day isn't on a schedule, and I'm free to let my mind rest. Phew...
That said, I still managed to find time to organize a holiday plan for the ENTIRE year of 2009, rehaul my resume (you never know!), do a hefty New Year's resolutions list, and watch a half season of Battlestar Galactica (it sounds dorkier than it is - trust me it's a damn good show).
*Our neighbor Calvin in a Santa suit with my brothers
*Dad with a Christmas hat
I got quite a lot of nice small gifts for my birthday and Christmas this year, including a collection of alcohol that will last me until 2010 (though I got so lucky bringing back 4 bottles of wine without paying customs in Singapore, after the customs guy caught and warned me), work socks and ties (never need to buy them), a large collection of books (Tiger Airways/Air Asia entertainment and learning materials - good to keep my mind fresh on non-work material sometimes), and other fashion/health accessories. Stuff I didn't get but was thinking of, I'll pickup in Hong Kong. Mostly electronics like Polaroids new instant film-producing PoGo, perhaps a Blackberry, a digital photoframe, and whatever other nifty new useful gadgets I can find out in Sham Shui Po or Causeway Bay.
*Family dinner at the Sai Kung Country Park house with Brian, Paul, and Michelle
It's been a very chill couple of days here. The air is fresh and crisp, the pace is slow, and although I feel a bit restless I am thankful to be soaking up the downtime. Soon Kae, Nick, and Mona will arrive and we'll go off on some adventures away from the quiet of my Dad's countryside house (an hour and a half away from downtown HK). I've got to catch up with some local friends too, and celebrate my older brother Dar's Xmas eve birthday which he spent doing nothing in Manila. Make up time! The holiday season is always a feel-good time, despite whatever external crises or problems may be bothering me. I hit some hard times recently but I still cranked out the most presents I had bought in years, actually, ever.
Another year has passed in Asia, and I'm still not looking back. My life has taken some funny turns in the past year, and I believe all of them have been for the better..I've learned from them, good or bad, and I've grown as a person. That's all I'll really ask for, besides my health and happiness. I've got lots of resolutions and plans for next year, which has got me excited. I'm in a good place right now, and I gotta say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.
A warm Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you and your families out there. It's been a pleasure to share this life with you before, now, and always, if we are given the chance. See you in 2009!
