More on My Nephews.

this is what i call 'brotherly love'. the good kind lah. don't you go getting funny ideas. in case you're wondering, those are my nephews up there! the big one's Alexander and the smaller one's Johnathan.

you may refer to New Chen for more info.

signing off, the commonjack.

The Princess & The Humble Soldier part 2

so ... i bet you're dying to know about the Princess and the Humble Soldier.

*or not.

but before i say anything. i'm gonna say why i liked that story so much. the story made me think. put yourself in the soldier's shoes. i'm sure we've all been in some similar type of situation.

in the movie, (for those of you who intend to watch the movie - you might not want to read this particular part - although - i believe ... there's no real spoiler revealed here) the young man aka 'Salvatore or Toto' later told the old man, 'Alfredo' why he thought the Humble Soldier suddenly just got up and walked away.

once again ... in my own words,

"He walked away because for those 100 days and 100 nights, he was fueled by the promise that the Princess would be his when the time came. Through harsh weather and sickness, he had wonderful and vivid dreams about what it would be like to hold the Princess - to kiss her ... to make love to her. Without proper food or shelter, he practically lived on the *illusion that the Princess would be his. He braved death by sickness only because of that *illusion.

So he walked away - because if for whatever reason, the Princess broke that promise. That *illusion will die. And the Humble Soldier will also die.

So he walked away, so that at least he could always have that *illusion."

in the context of the movie, it is wholly understandable why Salvatore said this. but as i said earlier, i loved the story because it made me think.

it made me think that if i were the Soldier, i wouldn't have walked away. i would have stayed to see if the Princess broke her promise. even if i knew that the likelihood of that happening was really high. and yes, even if i knew that if for whatever reason, she didn't keep her promise - i'd die.

'cause the *illusion just wouldn't do for me. it wouldn't be enough.

i've chased the *illusion before. i chased all the way. and never relented. i hounded it down because nothing short of the truth would satisfy me. i chased it and i caught it. i got the truth. i broke the *illusion.

and yeah - i most certainly did die.

but now i'm back. and i've got no regrets. plus i've found some kinda happiness again.

who would have thought? i certainly didn't think so. guess i was wrong. and that's a good thing.

lets see where this goes from here.

signing off, the commonjack amongst the kings & queens.

The Best Story...

this is the best story i've heard in a long time. it's completely lifted from 'Cinema Paradiso' - which is another beautiful Italian movie - this one originally recommended to me by an Italian i know - thanks Luca. it's a f**kin' good movie lah.

Tagline: A celebration of youth, friendship, and the everlasting magic of the movies.

Plot Outline: A filmmaker recalls his childhood, when he fell in love with the movies at his village's theater and formed a deep friendship with the theater's projectionist.

Plot Synopsis: A famous film director returns home to a Sicilian village for the first time after almost 30 years. He reminisces about his childhood at the Cinema Paradiso where Alfredo, the projectionist, first brought about his love of films. He is also reminded of his lost teenage love, Elena, who he had to leave before he left for Rome.

click review on Cinema Paradiso if you are interested. but be warned - there are loads of spoilers. and btw, if you're interested in watching the movie, make sure you get the 1990 version which is more complete than the 1989 release.

and now for the best story i've heard in a long time, the Old Man, "Alfredo" tells "Salvatore aka Toto" a story when he realises that Toto is in love.

THE PRINCESS & THE SOLDIER 'retold here in my own words...'

"Once upon a time, there was a Princess whose beauty was unparalleled. And then there was a humble Soldier.

The first time the Soldier saw the Princess, he fell in love instantly. Never in his life had he seen a woman of such beauty before. But this is not to be confused with just infatuation - he knew for sure that he was in love. Alas, he thought he would never have a chance to meet her in person for she was a Princess and he was merely a humble Soldier.

However, there came a day when he had some time alone with her. Somehow, he managed to muster enough courage to let her know how he truly felt and let it all pour out even though he knew the fact remained, she was a Princess and he - just a humble Soldier. His words were so truthful that the Princess was moved very much by what he said.

So much so, that she said, "If you wait under my balcony for 100 days and 100 nights. At the end of the very last night. I'll be yours."

Thus, the Soldier did as she asked. He waited for her. Every day and every night. It did not matter if it rained or snowed or whether it was under the hot burning sun. He stood under her balcony - hoping to catch a merest glimpse of her and was hoping beyond hope that she'd come out and tell him that the wait was over.

He waited 5 days, 10 days, 20 days ... even through sickness and hunger - he stood there unflinching. All that time, he thought to himself that at the end of it - it would all be worth it.

Finally, the last day and the last night came. In the final hour before the end of the final night, he looked up to the balcony longingly. He closed his eyes and he made a decision. When he opened his eyes, he turned his back on the balcony and the Princess - and walked away."

*Grin.

why do you think the Humble Soldier walked away?

feel free to leave a comment. however, if you've watched the movie, and know what the conclusion in the movie was about (regarding the story above - please don't mention it yet) - i'll post up what was said in the movie soon. i'm just curious to see what other people draw from the story above.

i'll wait a few days before posting up what i think as well.

so, what you waiting for? comment away!! it'd be nice to see more action on this blog. :)

signing off, the commonjack amongst the kings & queens.

Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em...

the age old addage of, "Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em..." really applies to me when it comes to computers. i use 'em all the time. almost everyday! but if it ever got to a point where my life depended on me keeping my computer in good shape, up to date, etc... i'd have a relatively short life.

i've been on a rampage to equip my room with everything i need so that i can just lock myself in there and not have to come up for a very, very long time if i wanted too. *grin.

so, i've got an audio set-up which i'm quite happy with. i've got nice lights to create the proper ambience for almost any mood. furniture wise, it's alright. so the only few *essentials that'd make me happy...well - a TV, a CD player (been using my discman hooked up to my amp - which really is just not adequate) ... i also would like to be able to lock myself in my room and write (eventually - once i'm done with law) ... plus it'd be great to be able to record all the songs i've written in my room too...

initially, i had loads of ideas...buy some cheap-ass tv and dvd player (which could double up as a CD player) ... maybe an old-skool type-writer for writing? ... but to record songs and shit - i'd need a computer of sorts (i could use the computer in my Mum's office (at home) but it wouldn't be as nice. i feel like my creative juices are more free to roam when i'm in my room.

anyway - that led to only one conclusion. i needed to get my own computer.

needless to say, Mum went, "HAH! You crazy ar? I've got a lap top. I'll use that. You take the desk top!"

*Grin. i didn't put up much of a fight lah.

but been having lots of problems setting up the computer. 1st, it was full of viruses and needed reformatting. then i needed to get a router and then a wireless usb receiver. then i had to get a dvd-rom so that i could watch movies...

i can console myself and by saying that it's cheaper than buying a whole new computer ... but the pocket is still feeling it nevertheless. basically, now, something is wrong with my wireless connection. and i still can't go online despite spending most of today buying stuff, reconfiguring stuff ... etc...

i went to Computer Wars in SS2 to get my new stuff. it was so busy in there...nobody even came to me to ask what i wanted. i was just shoved around till someone noticed me. i said what i wanted, they pointed at several directions. i had no idea what i was looking at... and had to look quite closely to see whether i was getting what i really wanted. like i was worried i said 'wireless USB receiver for my router' wrong. i was quite confident with the 'dvd burner' but when i tried to haggle for a lower price - all the guy had to do was scoff at me and say, "if you can find anywhere cheaper...tell me! i go there and buy their whole stock!" and i gave in. geez. i've got no backbone.

anyway, i'm still stuck on my Mum's laptop in her office at home rather than in the comfort of my own room with the right music and right ambience cause of my lights and my bed just nearby... hopefully, this time tomorrow. that won't be the case.

i'm out.

the commonjack amongst the kings and queens.

The whole point...

initially, when i first started blogging way back (during my mblog days) ... possibly 3 years ago, i generally kept my blog a secret. not really in a proper way (ie not telling anybody at all) but i didn't go around telling everyone about it either.

i told a few people about it. but very few of the 'few' i told visit my blog anyway (to my knowledge lah). so, i didn't really mind telling the people i told about it.

thus, at first, the stuff i wrote about on my blog ranged from family to studies to work to everything else in between but i basically focused on all the shit i have floating in my head - sometimes revealing something very private but in a very 'round-about' manner so that only a few of the 'few' would get it. there was also the ultimate goal of maybe stirring life changing epitomes but upon retrospect, i think most of my ramblings on 'life in general' was mostly self masturbatory.

after writing for a while, i realised that most of that 'shit' i had floating in my head was mostly 'depresssing'. so, i figured, 'this is healthy. i have a place i can release all my depressing thoughts.' i mean...it has to be right?

as such, i kept at it. whenever i had something depressing that was bugging me. i blogged about it. i didn't have to bottle it up inside. i had an avenue to release. and i wouldn't have to bore someone else to listen to me talk all depressing and shit.

then it hit me one day, 'i don't feel like talking about it to anybody.'

see what i said? i could have said i don't have any friends or any family...bla bla...but no. i chose to say 'i don't feel like talking about it to anybody.'

that's gotta be the key.

X

man...i've really gone off tangent. this entry was supposed to be geared towards one question.

"The whole point my blogging was so that I could talk about 'depressing' shit that bugged me. But I've recently made this blog known to a lot of people. Should I still talk about the real depressing shit that bugs me?"

to whoever who reads this,

What do you think?

in that vein, i shall give some examples of some real depressing shit (that i may or may not want people in general to know about...) but which i have already gotten past, so i don't care if people know anymore...

1. Fear.
2. You.
3. Giving Up.
4. I've Got Issues.
5. YOU win.
6. Feeling Depressed?
7. What Can I Say? Shit Happens, deal with it.
8. How To Get To Where I'm At.
9. Alone.
10. Humour Me.
11. This Can't Be It.

that's it.

Going North is done.

i don't really have much to say. except that all things considered, it was a pretty decent run. and the fact that 2 out of 4 days were sold out whilst the other 2 days showed about 100 (+ -) says a lot. it says that people are interested to watch local stories and with the right treatment - local stories in M'sian Theatre that are more than just family dramas or comedies can also have a chance to 'fly' in M'sian Theatre.

as for myself, i really loved the fact that i got to work with the likes of Zaibo, Fahmi Fadzil, Ras Alita, Ari Ratos, and my fellow newcomer - Ghaz. plus being in a play directed by Faridah with the help of Joe and the play itself being written by Syed Alwi himself ... has been an honour.

now it is back to LAW. as much i hate to say it...i'm more behind than i'd like to be and truth be told - i'm a little worried but i'll soldier on nevertheless ... fueled by the fact that once i'm done - i'm done.

what happens after that? well, i'll deal with it later. as is, i have been given some offers to be in more 'theatre' after my exams. hopefully that works out. i've even been given a chance to audition at NTv7 - my luck with TV never good - but we'll see whether things change this time around.

now, FYI, i was supposed to be in another play called "The Homecoming" - i would have played 'Joey' who apparently is the youngest, the stud, the guy who - in Lenny's (another character in the play) words, "has had more dolly than you've had cream cakes...." in other words...quite the player 'lah' *grin. 'Joey' works in construction during the day and trains to be a boxer at night. the play revolves around a family that is f**ked up. this role...was written...for me. *grin.

alas...priorities speak louder. and i shall join the rest of the drones and do law...

go to thehomecomingdiaries.blogspot.com to read about the play i *could* have been in. keep visiting the site and leave comments if you'd like. and of course...go watch the play. :)

it will be staged:

March 24 - April 2nd @ Pentas 2, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre,Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan

Going North 2.

2 shows down and just 2 more to go. and thus far, the response has been good. as briefly mentioned in "New Chen", opening night was sold out. the 2nd show, i believe ... there were about 130 odd people (give or take 10) out of a capacity of 180.

so, i'd say that's pretty damn good and Sunday's matinee is already sold out!

meaning to say, if you haven't got a ticket yet...buy for SATURDAY, 8.30pm!! quick! while you still have a chance...walk in and buy. take a chance...

but for the benefit of some of you who really won't be able to make it. i'll post up some pictures here lah...



this is the whole cast.



this is me in full gear.



'everybody' plus a good view of the set...which i think is really old skool...



get a ticket to 'Go North'?



beware the station master...



the Special Constable...cool rifle eh?

and for more pictures...go to this link ... http://ismyzeal.fotopages.com/?entry=701251

fyi - most of the set and costumes (especially) are all authentic and taken from the museum. the clock hanging behind the ticket sign for example...the posters are replicas of the real thing...and in the Station Master's office, there are loads of cool stuff...but i didn't take a picture of those though.

so come lah. see firsthand...

i'm out...

New Chen.

Jonathan Chen Ka Yeong (as seen above) was brought into our world at 1pm, last friday, the 3rd of February, 2006 weighing in at 3.605 kg, and kicking and screaming, at the Raffles Hospital, Singapore.

Alexander Chen Ka Keong (as seen above) who was born on 4th of March 2004 ... he'll be turning 2 soon.

Both pictures taken above are of them on their first day out of the womb. Like a replica man ...

Above is a recent photo of Alex with a happy Mummy (must be a relief to have the heavy bugger out! lol) ... this could be Johnathan at 2 years old. We shall see...

X

Btw, opening night was a success! Full House and I felt good about the show. More on GOING NORTH soon...

i'm out.

GOING NORTH this WEEK!

GOING NORTH THIS WEEK! come watch come watch come watch!

Call this number (03)4047 9000 - KLPAC or (03)2094 1400 - Bangsar Actors Studio and buy your tickets! ... MAP to KLPAC. (Click)

9 - 11 February 2006 @ 8.30PM , 12 February 2006 @ 3PM
Price: RM30 (adults) & RM20 (students, disabled & senior citizens)

i play a police inspector. i got the whole gear from the museum - i'm decked in a full on proper Police Inspector's uniform back in 1948! (if i ever get around to taking a picture - i'll post it up...till then...come watch the play! and you'll see me in the uniform for real.)

i gotta say - it's quite spiffy lah. i look like what all those police officers in those Hong Kong gangster movies...walking the streets...look like. except the colour a bit different. i even got my hair cut today just for the play.

what you'll read below is basically a rundown of any questions you may want to ask.

X

The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), presents Dato' Syed Alwi's Going North.

The story will bring us back in time to the days of British Malaya, specifically to 1948, when a "state of emergency" was declared to meet the threats of Communist rebels.

At a small town railway station on the west coast, a young university student waits to take the train going north. He encounters an elderly man. In the meeting of a young mind and an old experience, the student is posed to resolve a dilemma.

In the ensuing development, the student loses his perspective and lives through a frantic experience before he can take the train going north.

The story was first written by Dato' Syed Alwi 1949 / 1950 for his school magazine. It was re-written as a stage drama while he was studying in Minneapolis in 1955. Going North has since been produced as a radio play and TV drama. However, this is the premier staging of this original play in English!

Executive Producer & Director: Dato' Faridah Merican
Artistic Director: Joe Hasham
Production Design: Arica Chia
Cast: Fahmi Fadzil, Zaibo, Ari Ratos, Ras Alita Radzi, Ghaz Abu Bakar and Michael Chen
Date: 9 - 11 February 2006 @ 8.30PM , 12 February 2006 @ 3PM Price: RM30 (adults) & RM20 (students, disabled & senior citizens)

X

so come and watch lah. :)

i'm out.