Delayed but not too late

I usually write my last entry for a particular year before the year actually ends, no matter how busy I am. In 2014, I started my year-end holiday rather early, which gave me 16 days to think about what my last entry for the year should be. Despite having that many days, all I did was scribble a few ideas onto a piece of paper and decided that I'll sit down one day and start writing. I sat till the end of the year and as you can see from the date of this entry...my last post for 2014 did not happen on time. So...instead of writing a lengthy post of what happened in the past year, I've chosen to highlight or mention a few things that made my year memorable (or not!). I may have missed a few events though.

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2014 was the year when:

1) I turned the BIG 29+1!! Yup...I left my 20s behind and stepped into a whole new decade. I ushered in the new decade with a party that was perfectly organised by my sister and was attended by some (there were others who couldn't make it) of my favourite people!!Oh...and I dyed my hair copper red!!

2) The year was also a year when friendships were re-kindled/strengthened. As many of you know, I seem to be able to only have very very few close friends (2-3 from high school and a similar number from college). The friendship that was severed or broken down about 2.years ago was patched up; while my hang outs/meeting-up with the friend that I only seem to meet up with once a year, increased. Thinking back, I can find no proper excuse as to why I only met this friend so sparingly. This was also the year when I finally met up with my high school chums after not seeing them for more than 5 years!! It was such a great meet up and oh my.....it was simply fantastic!! 

3) There were also relationships that were sadly broken. And this is particularly sad as it's family and in my opinion, it was over a small matter that went out of proportion. Unfortunately, we could not overcome the difference in opinions and so...I guess for the time being, it's best that we keep our distance.

4) I was also introduced to Penangpac thanks to my sister and her organisation. After my first musical show, I became hooked and have now become a patron of Penangpac. I supported my friend's dance group during a competition in which they won two awards; I watched a college benefit drama; I also went and watch a Malaysianised Hamlet. Ok...it may not look like I watched much shows but still....it's a start.

5) Coincidentally, I had my third trip to Berlin and also India!! The Berlin trip was the usual alumni meeting that is held every year (although I was surprised that my trip was still fully funded). My trip to India was to Bhopal. Yes....after hearing about the place and the tragedy that occurred there, I finally set foot on the place. That too after much drama on my way to Bhopal (my flight from Bangkok to Mumbai was delayed as we had to evacuate the plane due to a spark at the tail-end!). I participated in a rally (and had to walk for nearly 2 hours!) but it was all in solidarity and support. It was an experience I will not forget. Talking about trips, this year I also went on a super short road trip with a friend and my sis. We dropped my sis in KL, while my friend and I drove on to Melaka where I spent one whole day being a tourist!! I should have more road trips!!

6) How can I not mention that I now have a house of my own?? Ok...so technically the bank owns the house until I finish paying off the loan but heck....I bought a house!!!

7) My bucket list for the next 10 years is still not done although I have a draft ready. I just can't seem to sit down and decide on what I want to put on the list. I want a list that I can achieve and check off the boxes as the years go by, and not just have a list that by the end of 10 years, nothing or only 2-4 things are done.

8) Finally....2014 was also the year when my family and I returned to spend Christmas in KL after 10 years!! Yes!! It's been THAT long. We even stayed with my grandmother which is a first. Though it was only for 3 nights, it felt so good to be among loved ones.

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And so....there's my recap of 2014. From the looks of it, there are some things that were left unfinished like my bucket list. I really need to finish it! Also, I need to take more road trips. I plan to go to either Bali or Cambodia this year (ok so these are not road trips...) and I hope that the plans go through. I would also like to have a more active social life i.e. go out more often and not really worry about spending $$ too much (hahaha....the Scrooge in  me is already cringing). Well...maybe I can find a balance.

Anyway....I'm beginning to ramble so I'd better stop here...

Believe

I don't consider myself a religious person. I don't pray every day, or fast once a week, or go to temple every week. In fact, if you were to ask me what are the principles or tenets or "rules" of Hinduism (of which I was raised in), I'll be the first to admit that I have been short in my learnings. I DO know that Hindus belief in reincarnation and that the so-called idols/statues that we pray to are symbols of the ABSOLUTE or THE ONE i.e. God.

Despite my profession of being non-religious, I DEFINITELY do belief in God. Yes! Of this I am certain. Don't ask me why or how....I just know that deep in my heart, God exists. It's something that I can't explain and won't attempt to do so. I just know that God has always been there whenever I'm in trouble or when I'm conflicted, or when I'm happy, or simply when I am crazy. 

You can call me a theist, a person who believes in the existence of God. While I know of some people who may disagree with what I have said...to me....whether I define myself as a Hindu or Taoist or Christian, does not matter. All that is important is that I know that God is here. Of this I am certain!!

This may be an unusual entry in my blog but somehow, I just felt like I needed to write this when I came across the picture above. I smiled when I read it, and it reminded me...or rather, it assured me that God is always there, watching over us, whether we believe or not. 

Travel Travel Travel

So I'm lucky. My job allows me to travel to places and experience things that some people can only dream about. While I don't get to travel on first class or stay at 5-star hotels (in fact, it's the absolute opposite), what I get out of the experience is invaluable. My travels have ranged from the good (I won't say best) to the downright depressing: I've traveled to Europe and experienced the culture there; I've stayed with rural women in India and experienced days with no water or electricity; I've been to the Philippines and East Malaysia (places that I only ever talk about or plan to visit, but has not materialised in my personal life). 

In the last two weeks, I've been on 8 flights. And in another two weeks, I'll be off again. The last time, I went to the West. This time it's South Asia: my third time to India. I wasn't really keen to go on this trip, simply because my body is still tired and the connections for this round of travel is simply exhausting!! I'll be spending an obscene amount of hours in the airports; all these just so that I can attend an anniversary celebration for 3 days!! While it is indeed important for me to represent my organisation at this celebration, I can't help but dread the travel. Nevertheless, I have no choice and I just have to suck it up!!

While I complained and garnered sympathy about my "predicament", I came upon this on FB recently (see below)...and suddenly, I had a change of heart. 

I realised how lucky I was to be able to travel for free (literally everything is paid for) and gain a whole new dimension of experiences that not many people are lucky enough to enjoy. I realised that I should stop complaining (although I doubt I'll be able to) and accept what's been offered to me. My mum told me that, while I may be complaining now, in years to come, when I look back upon these experiences, I'd tell myself that it was all worth it; and that I would not have changed anything. 

You know what? I think she may just be right! 

:-)

Going through a roller coaster of emotions

I have read countless books and I have never reviewed one. I don’t intend to start doing so here. However, recently, I read a book that was recommended to me by my mum and OMG…it was one of the most difficult books I’ve read thus far. Not that it was long or that it had many chapters. But the emotions that were invoked in me as I read page after page, chapter after chapter…I felt as though my soul was being slowly chipped away as I turned the pages, while at the same time, hope, inspiration and gratitude was threatening to burst out of my heart. Never have I felt such a roller coaster of emotions while reading a book. And that is why I have to write this.

I’m the type of reader who prefers to read within my genre of comfort. Reading a book that is not in my comfort zone is a rarity, something that I have just began to venture out into. And so, when I decided to take up my mother’s recommendation about the book, both my sis and mum were surprised! Surprise soon turned to regret (I think), because I kept complaining the whole time I was reading the book, much to their chagrin!

The book: The City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre

“What irony, that one of Calcutta's most devastating slums should be known as Anand Nagar, ``the City of Joy.'' By interweaving impressionistic glimpses from the lives of a Polish Catholic priest, a rickshaw driver, and an American doctor, Lapierre creates a searing vision of the struggle for survival, the flashing violence, and the social and cultural practices of the slum. His theme that from human misery can emerge joy might seem to some readers as a bogus acceptance of a terrible evil. Yet Lapierre's narrative slides skillfully in and out of both history and fiction to create an effective but horrible montage of disease, death, and destruction amid elements of charity, hope, and love.” – adapted (and edited) from Barnes and Noble.

The book was written based on interviews, immersions and visits to the City of Joy. In a way, it was sort of like a consolidated diary of various people. I took that review/synopsis from the Net as I just could not find the right words to describe the premise of the book. To me, whatever I say will not live up to quality of the book.

As I read the book (which was later turned into a movie starring Patrick Swayze), a whole range of emotions went through me. There were times when I wanted to cry, when I actually laughed out loud, when I actually closed my nose when reading a scene. The book really hit me simply because, I have, to an extent, experienced some of the scenarios from the book - the lack of (or no) water and electricity; mingling with the children (not slum children but rural children who are underprivileged); the poor men and women being so generous with their food and whatever else they had. I’ve been to India twice and reading this book brought me right back.

I’ve not been to Calcutta, but I guess the extent of poverty, disease and destruction is somewhat similar all over India. Lapierre’s use of words and description of places were so vivid that I did not even have to imagine it in my mind; but rather, I could SEE it so clearly, as though I was a fly on a wall, watching every move, everything that was happening. This was an old book, written in 1982 (if I’m not mistaken). While my copy of the book looks like it has been chewed by a dog, the issues detailed in the book, sadly, have not changed in the 30-odd years since it was first published. That is just so sad.

The good thing is: the book is a great read! No regrets! And while I was forced to delve into emotions that really shook me, I’m happy to have “survived” and come out stronger, more inspired, more thankful. The book also delves into religion and there were times when I had to stop reading, close the book and pray, thanking God for all that I have. I’m not a strictly religious person but the people in this book served as a reminder to me that, even when everything is going wrong, faith and hope (in God) can carry us through anything.

This book is going to stick to me for quite awhile. It’s just hard to forget or erase what I have “seen.”--

Short and Sweet Malaysia Dance 2014 - Winners

So I attended the final day of the Short and Sweet Malaysia Dance 2014 competition last Saturday, and considering the meagre crowd that were present on the first day, this time it was packed. Probably because it was the last day and that the winners were going to be announced that night!

Unlike what my choreographer friend told me that "in the performing world, the second day is usually the worst" because the crowd is usually the least and that the performers would see a drop in their performance, this year apparently, the numbers in the audience increased daily and my friend's group actually performed better as the days went by!

Just like the first day, I managed to coax my mum and sis to accompany me; but this time, we added Nicole (one of my sister's bffs) to the group. It was also her birthday and since she had no plans, we "dragged" her willingly to the competition. :-) And of course, she was instructed to vote for only one team. Hehe! She confessed later that she was getting a little bored until the young Indian girls came on stage and spiced things up. (We believe that Nicole was an Indian in her previous life).

This time, we sat at a different place; choosing to sit in the middle column, almost right at the top, thinking that we'd get a good view of the stage. Alas, we were wrong. As it was a full house, everyone seemed to be on the edge of their seats, elongating their necks to get a better view of the performances.

Performances:

As expected, ALMOST all the performers had 'upped their game' so to speak, performing even better than they did on the first day. I believe there are two reasons for this: 1) It was after all the final day and much were at stake(!); 2) as I mentioned before, I believe the crowd had something to do with the improved performances. The energy was amazing; you could feel the tension and excitement; the nerves and enthusiasm.

There's really no point reviewing the performances again; suffice to say, ALMOST everyone improved. Of course, I was left still pondering about the meaning of certain performances (even after I'd watched it a second time) while some had improved, like the prayer-themed performance (at least there were less stumbling) and the group ballet dance (it was quite a captivating performance).

One performance that I just HAVE to mention is the last solo performance. In my review, I had said that I found the sounds disruptive and that I did not really get the point. This time, the dancer/choreographer actually dedicated the last part of his dance to one of his friends who was on the ill-fated MH370. This I found wrong and an immediately dislike crept into me. He even made a mistake with the airline, saying it was MH470 and I actually spoke out loud saying (Huh???!!). I'm not sure if people heard me but my sis elbowed me to keep quiet!!

To me (and my mum), it was like an act of desperation to win the judges hearts and audience votes. He even had his friends in the audience throw white paper planes from their seats! Sorry to say, this did not go down well with me. I rolled my eyes!

Other than this performance, I really enjoyed my second time. Probably because I knew what to expect and that I didn't have to worry about trying to understand what was being projected/performed.

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After all the performances, the judges and organisers left the hall to count the votes, while the performers and audience had an impromptu dance concert.

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Winners:

The complete list of winners including photos can be found here: http://shortandsweetmalaysia.blogspot.com/

I'm happy (and perasan enough!) to say that my votes (and that of my sis, mum and Nicole) helped my friend's group win not one but TWO awards at the competition!! Yup....they (of course) won the Audience Choice Award and one of the disabled dancers (the one who did the handstand) won Best Supporting Dancer - Male! Of course, as every category was read out, I was praying and hoping that they would win; but I think TWO awards is fantastic in itself! 

Special Mention:
Dance Title: The Only Disability in Life is A Bad Attitude

 

Since I know one of the choreographers (the other coincidentally turned out to be my sis's ex-classmate!), I sort of know the background to this group's participation in this competition. In fact, I had thought that I could help them by writing about this group BEFORE the competition, hoping to garner a new audience and get them to come watch the competition and vote for them. Unfortunately, things did not work out; but hey...they still won two awards without my help (not that I would have been of any help anyway).

I'm sure the group invited a lot of people to come and support them and I'm happy to see that whatever publicity they did, worked out well for them. But apart from that, one cannot dismiss the hard work that was put into it. The choreography, the time put into practice, the costumes - everything played a role. Despite having less than a month to perfect their routine, it was a very admirable effort. Their performance was one of two lively performances, which manage to make people tap their feet and cheer while they performed. One word: fun!

But excitement aside, I must say that the title of the dance could easily be the name of the group; for I did not see any disability in any of them. In fact, in my opinion, besides winning the awards, the group had in fact GIVEN an award, and that is......The Inspiration Award - for showing us that indeed... "The Only Disability in Life is A Bad Attitude." :-) 



(Hopefully they come up with an emotional routine next year, one that will tug at my heart and make me cry! Haha! :p)

Short and Sweet Malaysia 2014 Dance Competition

So here goes my AMATEUR review of the performances from last night's Short and Sweet Malaysia 2014 Dance Competition. To me, performing arts is about portraying/delivering artful pieces/performance that engages, touches, inspires, the soul of the audience; and so, I have tried to keep to this in my reviews.

*I missed taking photos of the first three performances.

1. ‘… their journey …’

This was a jungle-themed dance, with the dancers dressed in costumes that looked like it came from Thailand. The dance began with a group of men and as they moved around, their movements matched the feel and tone of the music. The dance was engaging until the two female dancers entered the stage. It was then that I lost the plot of the dance. I wasn't sure what to make out of the female dancers, as I could not understand what they were trying to project. Maybe it was a dance of attraction as the group of men were sitting in a corner watching them. Then a female and male dancer danced a couple's piece, to which I felt that there was no chemistry between them. The dance movements at times were not as synchronised as it was at the beginning.

Overall, it was a good opening to the competition.

2. Breath of Heaven

This prayer-themed dance was performed by two females whom I am guessing are/were ballerinas. Unfortunately, the two dancers were not strong; in fact, one kept fumbling her steps, always landing and then adjusting which disrupted the flow of the dance. Unlike the first, I understood the dance and what is was trying to say, however, it was the song that made the dance. The song was meaningful and beautiful, touching the soul. I did not get the same emotion from the dancers.

In my opinion, with more practice, it could have been a beautiful performance. 

3. Sayang disayang

This was a very ethnic Malay/Merdeka themed solo dance. From the song to the costume to the setting. The dance movements complemented the song; but I could not really figure out what the message was. Was is about love for the country/patriotism? Was it to reminisce about the past? I don't know. 

4. Spices of India

Performed by very young Bharata Natyam students, this Indian themed dance was engaging. The dancers were very enthusiastic; I know how hard it is to learn the traditional dance, so the fact that at times they were a bit "messy" is forgivable. When the modern music began, the performance started to look out of place. I would have preferred them to stick to the traditional but alas....maybe they wanted to combine traditional and modern.

I give them an "A" for effort and the fact that they were all constantly smiling throughout the entire performance.

5.  The Only Disability In Life Ia A Bad Attitude

*This was the performance that I had come to watch and so, my review may sound bias.

This was the only group that combined able - bodied and disabled performers. The dance was Grease-inspired, with simple dance moves and a catchy song. With two performers in wheelchairs, the group was in sync and did not appear to have difficulty moving around the stage. This was the shortest dance of the whole competition, which to me, left little to be desired. It was not long enough for me to FEEL or be touched. But then again, with the fast beat of song, I doubt much emotion could be projected. I think the highlight of the dance was the one- hand stand by one of the disabled dancers. Though it may be easy for him, I very much doubt that most of us in the audience can actually do a handstand!!

Though the whole dance in itself did not project much emotion that I could engage with, it did leave me thinking of how much more the group could do if given the time and opportunity. After all, since I know the "behind-the-scenes" story of their participation, I'm pretty sure they did the best that they could. It was indeed a very commendable effort!!

6.  The Insider

This was another ballet themed group dance, which unfortunately started out wrong; which then lead to the group being confused, with one dancer even falling. This group was easily the best dressed as they all looked like orange/peach swans with masks. This group showed much promise but in the end, was a let down.

The song was a haunting tune that stayed in my mind after the dance ended. They probably need a second chance.

7. Before It Begins, After It Ends

The second solo performance of the night, this dance started out in the dark with no music. The dancer held a microphone while making noises. Then a monologue by Robin Williams from the movie Vietnam War (I'm guessing it's that movie) came on and to that, he started an interpretive dance. From the monologue, a slow song started playing to which there were more emotional dance and expressions.

He was a strong dancer with strong movements; but the over-the-top emotions, expressions and sounds kept me distracted from the grace of his dance.

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Well....it was only Day 1 and there are still 2 more days of performances to go before the prize giving ceremony. That's two days for improvement for those who fumbled, two days for those who did well to inspire others and get more votes.

I'll be going again on the last day to see the winners! Hopefully, the group that I'm supporting comes out tops!!! :-)

Performing Arts

I was never an artistic person, whether it be visual arts (I could never, and still can't, draw a proper car, person or tree) or performing arts. The extent of my involvement in performing arts, if you can even call it that: I was in my school choir for 2 years, the choral speaking team for another 2 years and have performed for the closing of the SUKMA games. Hmmm....

I've always admired people from the world of performing arts. Their passion, their dedication, the energy they exude. But apart from that, what I really look up to in these people is the courage they have to perform in front of a myriad of people. It can be one person or 500 people, and yet, it seems that the more people there are, the better they perform. It could be the energy that they absorb from the audience, envelops them so and inspires them to perform well. I don't know.

Saying all these, I've finally began to explore my "artistic" side this year. And by explore, I mean it VERY vaguely! This is due to my sister who happens to work in an NGO that is sometimes a beneficiary of the events of the performing arts. I've been to two benefit acts this year - the first being a musical titled 'Sinbad'. I really enjoyed myself and for the first time, I got to watch an actual musical performed by professionals. The second show that I watched was a fundraiser drama by the students from Inti College. Of course, it's just impossible to compare the two. Suffice to say, the students did the best that they could.

This brings me to the subject of this entry (and of the next): I recently attended the Short and Sweet Malaysia Dance Competition that is currently being held in conjunction with the Georgetown Festival 2014. I had planned to attend a few events that are being organised for the festival just to feel "involved". I had not planned nor heard of this competition until a friend told me about it - and that he was taking part as the choreographer of a group!! The icing on the cake was that he was working with disabled DANCERS and that the audience could also partake in the voting process!! So...this was a definite go!

I'd learned a bit about the background of the group that my friend was working with (he was not dancing this time as he had undergone a surgery) and have heard reviews of their past performances, which I must say, were all positive! So, of course I was eager to see them in action. The only performing disabled person I've seen is Artie from Glee. Yeah I know!

There were some glitches/problems at the beginning in that there were no available dancers to join the disabled group. But soon after, things got sorted out and practice and rehearsals were underway. According to my friend, the tech run two days before the competition was fun and that it went really well, so that sort of set the tone (for me at least) that things were going to go well.

And then it was competition day (I watched it along with my mum and sis and a whole gang of my friend's friends who come to support him)....

My amateur reviews of the performances are in my next entry....