MOMAXX

ascension

2008-08-22T22:36:00.004-04:00

Ascension weekend at the pines. Pool parties, beach parties, high teas, low teas, middle teas... party party party!

things of your past

2008-08-10T16:21:00.005-04:00

A Friday night routine of cleaning my studio apartment unexpectedly developed into a 'spring cleaning' massacre that lasted till 2am at dawn. The victims? Six full black trash bags of 'things of my past'. While i believed this outburst of desire to cleanse was partly driven by some strange therapeutic needs i apparently was trying to release, the beauty of throwing away your past also lies in rediscovering the 'things' you have forgotten. And re-appreciation the love that people have given to you before.....

the park

2008-08-10T16:03:00.005-04:00

It is easy to forget how much Central Park has to offer to New York City. On any regular summer weekend, this green oasis is just bursting with activities. And lucky for me, i got to breeze around in my bike, took a break to watch love birds row a boat by the lake, lazed in the sun at Sheep Meadow and finally learnt to dance tango at Shakespeare Statue!

sex symbol

2008-08-07T22:12:00.003-04:00

Am i? Have i? How did this happen? Why?But but but.....i do have half a brain?

love

2008-08-07T22:07:00.004-04:00

I must say i feel so much more complete now. Is this what i have been missing all these years?

the pier

2008-08-07T22:00:00.003-04:00

Finally got to spend some time alone biking and lazing at the pier this summer. It is quite an amazing day!

warm up

2008-08-07T21:42:00.004-04:00

Young architects went environmental at my favorite summer outdoor dance event PS1 warm up party. Other than the jamming up to techno live music with the hipsters, i particularly like the exhibits at the museum this year. Especially that wall of astonishing travel photographs by some Finnish artist, each attached with worldly political narratives...

pines party 08

2008-07-30T22:56:00.002-04:00

And the 3 of us are back again for Pines Party. Have we been wiser since then?

455 ocean

2008-07-30T22:52:00.003-04:00

Back at 455 Ocean for the yearly rooftop pre-pines party. It was fun reminiscing the days last summer at this house lazing and sipping wine while enjoying this fabulous view of the ocean...

oquaga

2008-07-30T22:47:00.002-04:00

Reaching for the stars while camping at Oquaga Creek State Park.

found?

2008-07-16T21:17:00.002-04:00

Is he the one? It just seem for the last 2 weeks that i have been waiting my entire life for him to come into my life? It just seem that all the stars have aligned for once, finally. And for some reason, you just know he is the one....

lost.....

2008-07-16T20:46:00.003-04:00

When a best friend leaves New York in pursuit of dreams, it's almost an emotional awakening. A flood of desirable memories of the good old carefree earlier New York days lingers. Tequila shots filled house parties, weekend Roxy dance nights, mindless daytime window shoppings along the avenues of Soho and Madison, impromptu jetting away to random cities for vacations...and most of all the shoulder to cry on when you need one.

Thinking back, i can't think of anyone who has single handedly help define my last five years living in New York City. And you can't help but wonder, how lucky you have been...

They say in a city like New York, people come and people go. But when a best friend leaves, you just want to hold on to those memories forever and smile when they have a moment to relive them again..

pride

2008-06-30T21:20:00.002-04:00

Love is in the air at NYC Pride!

figment

2008-06-30T21:12:00.004-04:00

Nothing beats spending a day of participatory art with the city's creative juices at Figment and discovering the what a gem Governors Island is!

playing the building

2008-06-30T21:01:00.002-04:00

The splendor of forgotten space in New York. The brilliant interface of music with structure. And the jubilation of stumbling upon them in random at the Battery Maritime Building...

lil frankie's

2008-06-26T22:46:00.003-04:00

At rocker-hood, the lower east side for some Lil Frankie's.

new jersey

2008-06-22T13:55:00.003-04:00

A gorgeous day to be lost on the New Jersey highways on the way back from shopping at the Short Hills.

linda@italia vogue

2008-06-20T22:15:00.002-04:00

And she is back in vogue.

sleeping beauty

2008-06-20T19:21:00.002-04:00

At the Metropolitan Opera for some ABT.

dirty martini party

2008-06-17T23:04:00.003-04:00

Sigh...and then it was another hot hot hot weekend of martinis at the Pines....just another regular one, you know?

six degrees white party

2008-06-17T22:50:00.003-04:00

Getting all whitey with Abby among a sea of dressed-to-kill hotties in white at Eden rooftop.

mark&richard

2008-06-17T22:37:00.003-04:00

Meeting Mark & Richard, an adorable newly married couple brought me a sense of hope, some instant gratification, and also a reminder that i may still have a long way to go towards blissful happiness....

Time is the essence and i will be patient.

newfest

2008-06-17T21:57:00.003-04:00

The LGBT film festival has always been one of my favorite movie orgy fiesta in New York. I feel that it is such a privilege to experience this annual celebration of film-makers' work dedicated to our community. I must say that some tacky materials do somehow bypass the panel and show up on the screens somehow, but isn't part of the amusement to just laugh it off and have a little fun?

Tru Loved at the opening night gala started off seemingly cheesy, yet developed well into a simple sweet story about the coming out chapter we all encountered in our high school days. Mainstream, but endearingly refreshing. By the end of the film, i was all gushy over Najarra Townsend's character and how natural she is on film. What a young beautiful actress!

The Lost Coast is a much more edgy piece that revolves around the struggles of friendships, old memories and unspoken desires. Filmed around the beautiful city San Francisco, this is the type of work that will rekindle recollection of your own existence and yearnings. Your own past, your own losses and gains. Though harder to watch, It is the type of work that will hang over your head for a while.....

The next best time about the film festival? The after parties in the Chelsea clubs don't hurt either.

lincoln

2008-06-08T21:37:00.003-04:00

A Friday evening with the Philharmonic Orchestras of Americas at Lincoln Center.

the pines part ii

2008-06-08T19:45:00.004-04:00

Random flowers are blooming all over the Pines. And my last weekend on the island was overflowed with scattered thoughts...

On a misty chilly Saturday morning, i took a slow routinely jog along the ocean. It was no man's land, literally. Awesome nasty was i guess the way i like to describe the setting. Violent waves crashes, dreadful clouds lingers and a peculiar haze just floats around. The perfect anticipation of an upcoming storm. And here i am jogging alone on the beach with my white hoddy over my head...my body plowing against the wind..

It dawned to me the feelings i had two weeks ago seemed plain silly. We had only had moments, split moments when we hugged or when our eyes crossed when i feel an instinct to want more. Yet consistency seems absent. And most of the time, i am left confused and feeling inadequate. I have always wondered to myself why we could not have taken a step further, at least maybe a shot at something more concrete and meaningful. But if we were meant to take this step, wouldn't that already have happened a long time ago? So why should i continue in denial? Why should we only hold hands in the dark? And i realized i am entitled to so much more...So why should i feel sad?

The skies finally cleared, and an afternoon tea at Dan's house on the island turned out to be pleasant and enjoyable. Almost instant gratification. Inspiration was drawn from a newly married couple (one who is Singaporean) and fresh sparks was generated with a young artist. I am just getting into grove with mindless Fire Island socializing again. After all, isn't this what the island is for anyway? And isn't this just the right moment for it?

The next day, Fire Island is all gorgeous and all sunshine again....

the pines

2008-05-20T21:38:00.003-04:00

We are back again. To fantasy island. And i am feeling him all over again. Just like how i felt one year ago. As he held my hand in the dark for that few seconds, i felt a rush of emotions race through my mind. Just like how i felt one year ago. And you ask yourself, why it has to be so complicated? While the logical response is to try to suppress these feelings, maybe some feelings will never go away....

flowers

2008-05-11T00:40:00.003-04:00

Flower market at Union Square.

all by myself

2008-05-10T23:46:00.004-04:00

My thighs are cramping up, overly exhausted after a long day of runs after runs on the snow capped mountains. I had to stop, but i am all the way up on the peak of Whistler. I looked up to the dark clouds gathering and felt the blowing snow pelting down on my jacket as the last riders descend down their last run for the day. I was cold, and can barely see much in this blizzard. As i sat down on the powder and attempted to massage the pain away, i realized i am all by myself. I never felt more alone and it is a scary feeling.

murakami

2008-05-04T23:14:00.003-04:00

Murakami at the Brooklyn Museum.

cherry blossoms

2008-05-04T22:58:00.005-04:00

It's the time of the year when the cherry trees at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are in full bloom again!

from scratch

2008-05-04T22:46:00.003-04:00

Back at Arium for Caroline Bergonzi's From Scratch.

jeff koons

2008-05-04T22:42:00.003-04:00

Jeff Koons, on the rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What a gorgeous spring evening!

brooklyn townhouses

2008-05-04T22:11:00.003-04:00

After nearly five years living in New York City, i have to admit i do not venture out to Brooklyn enough at all. Yes, i have heard some nice comments of how the neighborhoods have changed and have seen multiple advertisements of the lofty yet affordable condos that have sprout around the last few years, but somehow i have not found too many excuses to explore Brooklyn other than the occasional meals or art events in Williamsburg.

When my friend Joe invited me to visit his new four story townhouse he just bought in Clinton Hill, i seized the opportunity for the Brooklyn tour. I should not be surprise how much more more more space you can get once you cross the bridges. A townhouse is an impossible dream asset in Manhattan, but yet can actually be a reality out in Brooklyn. They are just a beacon of class and beauty, both architecturally inside and out. As the car drove passed rows of these gems around Forte Green and Park Slope, i am amazed how beautiful these neighborhoods and their hippie residents are. There is a sense of peace and independence that defines Brooklynites, almost like "Fuck Manhattan, Brooklyn is where real people lives". And this is so true, how can any non-conformist afford to live in Manhattan anymore?

And then came the question. Why should i kill my self trying so hard to buy that small condo in Manhattan when i can get a huge glass loft with a killing view here in Brooklyn? And then i realized i should really kill myself because i have allow myself to become the chelsea boy cliche. I have been chasing things. Things that are conforming. And for a moment, i can't help but wondered, how did i get here.....who am i anyway? Chelsea boy pretentious muscles or free spirit bohemian funk?

my blueberry nights

2008-04-27T00:12:00.004-04:00

I have always been a fan of Wong since the ChungKing Express days, so i am naturally delighted when he begun filming My Blueberry Nights last year in New York. Wong has this extraordinary ability to make any city the most romantic place in the world using breathtaking cinematography techniques, so New York effortlessly fulfill the prime setting for this random love fairytale. Other than that, i admire his innovative and sometimes controversial story telling approach on the big screen. It can be slightly controversial and exasperating to digest, but i adore his magnification of of seemingly routine everyday life characters into mainstream lead roles, without all the usual highs and lows in the typical mainstream blockbusters. Wong is able to convince all of us, yes, that our own stories and our characters can just be like those in his movies. That the illuminated subway is the coolest thing in New York, that smoking out in the cold is hot, that we can all be romantic and run away out west when we got dumped and that we can all hope, and hope and hope that we can meet the man of our dreams with that sexy British accent over blueberry pie dessert at the frosted glass cafe somewhere in Soho. I think i may want to start smoking again.....

bent festival

2008-04-26T21:37:00.003-04:00

'Noise' technicians at the Bent Festival. Urgh! Wtf are they doing?

downtown girl?

2008-04-26T21:10:00.004-04:00

Since the average price of residential property sales in Manhattan has skyrocketed to $1.3 million dollars recently, i decided to check out one of the few neighborhoods that i may be able to afford the glassy condo that i have been attempting to own. I rarely venture to the financial district. I don't work there and don't want to work there. And it seemed that friends who have lived there have all escaped abruptly when their leases expired. Can all the talk and hype about bringing more soul to downtown really bring more light to ghostly town after 6pm? Will a wave of more non conforming New Yorkers add more color to the straight as arrow wall streeters that populate downtown? Can i be happy living here? And then I realize it takes more than a posh building to really define who you are. At the end of the day, happiness can mean walking up four flights of stairs, as long as you are with your own kind....

spring awakening

2008-04-26T20:41:00.003-04:00

Yes the air is a bit frigid and the branches are still bare, but i had to welcome Spring with a bike ride along Hudson River Park. It's good to see you again Spring, and why am i not too surprise with more new condo developments by the river front?

finally wicked

2008-04-26T20:38:00.003-04:00

I am finally Wicked, and enjoyed every minute of it!

morocco escape

2008-04-15T22:45:00.002-04:00

Getting into grove with Moroccan dancers at Le Souk for Sonny's birthday party.

this is my now

2008-04-06T20:01:00.002-04:00

Do you like stop and ponder? I think being introspective have a mysterious way of allowing myself to achieve peace and stability. Content and happiness comes naturally if you can identify the beauty of what your life was then, what it is now and what it may be in the future. I find looking back very rewarding. After all, when you are feeling nothing, memories can help you evoke all those emotions that have touched you in the past. And when you are left with nothing, they make you feel as full a person as ever before.

Throughout this past winter, while on the roads in search for snow, i found time to reminisce some of these. Don't you just love the flashbacks on certain episodes of your life? Don't you sometimes want to go back and live it all again? But yet, you know that things have changed and you have progressed. Even if we all hate to admit it, we have all became somewhat urbanly responsible.

As i wake up and look at my face in the mirror every morning, i reckon to myself that this is my now, with all the good things before myself, and how far i have came. However, sometimes i can't help but wonder have i lost some of the zest and fervor that prominently defines my past. Sometimes i wish i can flip through those memoirs and grab some of them back. Even if i can't, i will still have those treasures in me forever, my memories....

crosstown chic

2008-04-06T19:36:00.005-04:00

A slight dinner venue miscommunication with Abby had me rushing from the a la mode Meatpacking district to the chi chi Alphabet City. Despite the urban gentrification, I realized i was hopelessly still trying to seize a moment of their modest historic past, imagining what they would have been 20 years ago....

stratton-end of the season

2008-03-30T22:21:00.004-04:00

This weekend at Stratton, i realized it is that time of the year to say goodbye to the snow capped mountains again. Snowboarding is my greatest passion and indulgence and I have done well this season given my current work schedule. But there comes a time when your beaten up body is sending out distressed signals and you realize that sometimes there can never be. It's never going to be enough and reality is too much of anything makes it less unique. After all seasons come and go, and how many mountains can you get to conquer? If i remain lucky, it will be a privilege to explore the Alps next year. As for now, i will keep dreaming and look forward to the arrival of spring!

tela design studio party

2008-03-30T22:07:00.003-04:00

Getting cozy with the meatpacking district chic crowd in Arium.

oh whistler

2008-03-25T21:02:00.005-04:00

The snow angels have been listening at Whistler. Oh heaven, the charm of British Columbia is indeed alluring. World class glacier and bowl runs certainly made this trip my best experience floating on pure powder yet. Even though i have to fork out a small fortune to fly really 'comfortable', this is just so worth it. I am a lucky snow bum!

I want to believe

2008-03-16T22:53:00.002-04:00

Cai Guo Qiang at the Guggenheim Museum.

It is gratifying to see that a Asian artist's work gain some much press and acknowledgment in the West. Other than the use of controversial materials to create his signature pieces, i admire how much attention he places to create motion and agility in his installations.

sense of a woman

2008-03-09T21:41:00.002-04:00

Celebrating womanhood and feminist revolution at PS1.

logo suprises

2008-03-04T21:51:00.005-05:00

It is pleasantly gratifying to chance upon a good movie or two, especially on a network like Logo. It is easy to identify with the characters in this movie as an Asian immigrant living in New York myself. I like the strong portrayal of the cultural contention, that i am almost too familiar with at times. Living in New York, you throw yourself out there absorbing all the new colorful cultures, yet i find it gratifying that I still have my own heritage and values to fall back on.

powder alert

2008-03-02T23:18:00.003-05:00

An unexpected 2ft of snow descend upon Vermont in the past week as we are getting ready for spring. Which means i got to spend another awesome powder weekend in Okemo!

art in brooklyn

2008-02-24T21:08:00.004-05:00

What a art-filled weekend!

Friday night in Williamsburg for Video as an Instrument. Emerging artists blend visual installations with sound for creative stimulation.

Saturday night in Prospect Park for Creatology at GrandSpace, a free-to-do-all carousal at an intimate loft space that allows anyone from anywhere to display your creative juices. Curling up on a huge futon under the defused lighting, listening to a combination of jazzy soul and an amazing set of instrumental from a mystery babe playing the harp, surrounded by artist friends, i can't help but wonder how lucky i am to be able to experience the magic of art and life in New York. Its almost as if i am living the movies i watched and dream about before life in this city became a reality. Sometimes, that feeling is so surreal......

"Where does creativity come from? What's your passion?

the canyons

2008-02-18T17:52:00.003-05:00

Sunshine, crystal blue skies, jaw dropping terrains. I so need this. This bond with Mother Nature. Up on the peaks, you feel so miniature. Everything else seem so trivial. Yes, i so need this feeling. The Canyons. I will be back for more....

park city

2008-02-18T17:48:00.003-05:00

Park City, Utah, a winter wonderland. Pretty freaking awesome huh?

a chorus line

2008-02-04T21:19:00.000-05:00

A big disappointment on Broadway. There is so much potential in A Chorus Line, but the cast seemed really bored with the script and as a matter of fact, i don't think they should even be on Broadway. This can be a really fun and entertaining play if done right, but i found myself constantly checking on my watch. More vocals, more energy please. After all you are on Broadway!

a week and the weekend

2008-02-04T21:10:00.000-05:00

I live for the weekend these days. As if i only live two days out of seven. The remaining five? Waking up at 630 and telling myself "i love my job! i love my job!".

cute couple

2008-01-28T19:47:00.000-05:00

Me and Abby at Hunter with Ski Bums. Don't we just look super adorable?

new museum

2008-01-27T21:58:00.001-05:00

New skinny jeans with harness boots at the New Museum of Contemporary Art. While the building gain kudos for its distinctly sleek architecture and fancy interiors, the random art displays scattered around the box sized galleries seem a tag soulless. Sometimes, it takes more than just looking good on the outside....Meanwhile, i still think i rocked in my outfit today!

okemo

2008-01-27T21:48:00.000-05:00

Back to snow, a breath of fresh air and a beautiful day at Okemo. It feels amazing to come back to Vermont again. Despite having to wake up in the wee hours of a weekend morning and enduring the seemingly never ending bus journey, somehow you still feel this is all so deserving after a day carving snow and exploring new trails. I am excited and looking forward to more weekends in Vermont to come.

and i hope you are happy too...

2008-01-19T23:17:00.000-05:00

The Best Men is only 15 minutes, but conveyed such a universal message that touches so deeply.

"Its still there the scar"
"Maybe a little, but no one will ever notice its still there"

resolution-less

2008-01-19T22:40:00.000-05:00

2008 slipped into my life without much fanfare. I had no resolutions. At this point, my life seemed to have reached a standstill....I felt emotionless.

While i am familiar with experiencing highs and lows in life, the past few weeks had been a little unusual in the sense that i seem 'resigned' to the fact my life is getting boring. And right now, i am not doing much to change that. And maybe it is not really a crime to want to cuddle up in front of the tube on weekends rather than hanging in some bars. And maybe this is a process of aging that is finally catching up and confronting my life cycle. But my nonchalance bothers me sometimes. It's like i want to slow down, but i feel 'bad' about it.

I know that 2008 will be very different. In a way, i have sold myself to corporate slavery in exchange of a fancy title and the promise of a decent paycheck. But behind the glamorous Madison Avenue office is my constant struggle to find balance between work and play. Yes, play is what i am not doing enough these days. I just have so little left in me after a work day.

The truth is, i am not even feeling that i am missing out. This feeling of nothingness is surreal. And i am not sure how to get out of it, or if i even want to try. I am 'settled', yet restless. But contented in a strange way.

what kind of life do you want?

2007-12-24T04:41:00.000-05:00

Back home in Singapore for a week or so; a journey that has became a gradual yearly routine. Routinely Singaporean lifestyle i would imagine. Multiple compulsory family sit down meals and family time, random catching up with friends, indulging in the national pass time of shopping, gobbling up local hawker delights and spending hours thinking of things and nothing...

Somehow, it is surreal to see how our lives can be so similar and yet so different. Its always an ironic debate what kind of life we desire to live and how we should live it. Most of my peers are settled; marriage, kids, condos....They seemed happy. Ordinarily happy, which is only a blessing to see. After all, its about time to be settled right?

Yet at the other end of the tunnel, there are individuals who longed for a bit more than ordinary. And it is not a matter of their choice because we are 'made' differently. Ordinary is not lesser at all, but somehow i still at wits with myself why i am feeling so restless after just a few days and longing to get back to New York. The truth is, the ever expanding mega malls that Singapore expertly reproduces has a very little appeal to me and what this city lacks is the cosmopolitan feel that would be impossible to replicate. I can't help but wondered, would i be happy living in Singapore again?

pretty in pink

2007-12-09T21:22:00.001-05:00

Getting crazy at a pink theme party at the W Hotel.

blip festival

2007-12-02T18:16:00.001-05:00

I was loving Markus Schrodt's display of video game electronic sounds along with the high impact visuals at the Blip Festival 2007. Showcasing so many young global music technicians along side with an underground bohemian crowd, this is probably one of the coolest event i have attended this year!

long island city

2007-11-25T20:41:00.001-05:00

After visiting PS1 in Long Island City this morning, some accidental stumbling around brought be to the edge of the East River where i stopped to take in this breathtaking moment. New York City, isn't this just an incredible place?

thanks

2007-11-25T20:29:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is pretty chill this year. Drinks at Vlada, Dim Sum for brunch followed by some mindless strolling around Soho. Well, it is really a family oriented holiday and my family are many many miles away. I do like the fact that the city is unusually quiet this time of the year and it is quite a thankful joy to be able to wonder around as the foliage gradually accumulate on the city's pavements...

soho house

2007-11-11T20:46:00.001-05:00

Chris invited me to have brunch at Soho House with his friends today. The place breathes luxury chic and exclusivity. Before long, i realized i am socializing with the creme de la creme of New York elites. Recreational small talk revolves around whether China A shares will crash, who is sitting on the same table at Roberto Cavalli's Halloween party at Cipriani, and what's new with the latest Manhattan loft developments. An hour later, numerous business cards are exchanged between wall streeters, socialite and fashion designer, doctors and real estate developers. Ah...networking contacts made and the quintessential Soho house mates went home satisfied!

metro pictures

2007-11-10T14:09:00.001-05:00

At Metro Pictures for Isaac Julien.

are you an artist?

2007-11-09T19:38:00.001-05:00

At Pier 92 for the opening of the Asian Contemporary Art Fair.

I got asked "Are you an artist?" a lot that night. I guess i should say yes next time. Art in all forms has always been my inspiration and equilibrium in life.

dia in fall

2007-11-04T17:02:00.001-05:00

After experiencing dia in summer, i revisited dia beacon this fall....

the pond

2007-11-04T16:52:00.001-05:00

I finally made it to the pond this morning for some ice skating.

le grainne

2007-11-03T22:40:00.000-04:00

Caroline at Le Grainne, Chelsea.

whitebox

2007-11-03T22:36:00.000-04:00

At White Box for Michael Northam's Membrane Seeding.

foliage

2007-10-31T22:24:00.001-04:00

Autumn in New York....Once a dream, now a reality.....

halloween

2007-10-31T22:21:00.001-04:00

New Yorkers get creative during the Village Halloween Parade.

kiku

2007-10-29T23:43:00.001-04:00

The art of Japanese Chrysanthemum at the New York Botanical Gardens.

all things french

2007-10-29T23:36:00.001-04:00

Feels wonderful hanging around Caroline and her French speaking comrades at Le Gamin for her birthday. Brings back memories of Paris....

aroma

2007-10-29T23:29:00.000-04:00

Nothing beats relaxing with espresso and a warm sandwich (with lots of CARBS!) at Aroma in Soho on a Saturday night.

whitney

2007-10-29T23:12:00.001-04:00

Whitney Museum of American Art for Karen Walker's magnetic silhouette displays on the history of American oppression on "blackness". I believe society has progress remarkably towards racial tolerance. However, being a minority always makes me wonder if there can ever be full racial equality in this country. For the most part, it does not bother me. In fact, there are times i think being a minority makes you special and stand out more. It is an ironic feeling...

lust

2007-10-21T22:04:00.000-04:00

Lust, Caution, a film about emotional self conflict, betrayal and sacrifice. How much have we humans evolved since decades ago when people are so prepared to forfeit their own happiness just for a ray of hope that your love ones can survived?

an artist's life

2007-10-21T21:20:00.000-04:00

I love hanging out with artists. I am passionate about art, but somehow have not been able to overcome the viability of pursuing this as a full time career. Maybe in a few years, with increasing financial stability, i might be able to take some time off to indulge in art for a while.

After Vietnamese at Saigon Grill, me and Caroline grabbed some hot chocolate from Starbucks and sat by the steps Union Square Park to enjoy the beautiful fall night. We had a great conversation amongst the the congregation of NYU youngsters frisking around the park. There is something very liberating watching the acts of youth on their skateboards, performing impromptu plays or just chilling out in groups. I admire Caroline for her enduring pursuit of her music. Even though we desire to be free spirited, who can say an artist's life is easy? Passion versus your bank account, how many of us can adore art enough to sacrifice stability?

upper east side

2007-10-21T09:02:00.001-04:00

After mentoring David about hedge fund start ups over brunch at La Palette, I went to the Upper East Side for the Cooper-Hewitt Museum and ended up by the reservoir in Central Park. It's surreal how i realized the work i did over last few months has enriched me with so much hands on experience in the business that i can act as a consultant to friends who has the desire to take the same path that i took. Despite the human conflicts that bothers me at work, i think i have learn a lot going through these tough times.

The upper east side has recently been glorified by the new TV show Gossip Girl. Long tagged with with the quintessential Manhattan socialites and further east, more typical New Yorkers looking for good deals with living spaces. I wondered, can i uproot from downtown chic to uptown glamor?

hairspray

2007-10-14T20:25:00.001-04:00

I finally caught Hairspray on Broadway and i enjoyed the show so much! Big hair, vibrant make up, gaudy costumes, sleek dance moves with an adorable theme makes a great Broadway getaway! Everyone loves to dream and make their dreams a reality someday. In a way, performing arts can give you the inspiration to do just that, or at least grant you the hope.

While Lance Bass is big letdown on both his singing and acting (or lack of it), Shannon Durig and Ashley Parker Angel shine on their lead roles. Every other cast is such a joy to watch as well. Everyone loves a cute Broadway musical that take their fantasy to the next level.

hearst tower

2007-10-14T20:20:00.001-04:00

Taking a stroll around midtown west on a lovely fall weekend.

you don't have to be so perfect you know?

2007-10-07T22:08:00.001-04:00

At Hudson River Park, my fave spot when i need to shake off the blues...

In the movie The Family Stone, there was a moment when Diane Keaton (Sybil) told his son Everett "You don't have to be so perfect you know?". The truth is i realized that i have been pushing myself towards attaining perfection. And maybe its a function of growing up middle class and not having a lot when i am young. Which is not a bad thing cos this way, i will never take things for granted. Or maybe, the last four years in New York has opened up my horizon and drove me 'wanting' more. I am conscious of what lies out there if i follow that path...

The quest for perfection. The quest for the high paying job, the Manhattan apartment, the flawless bod, the perfect skin, the stylish clothes, the 'it' list, the beautiful friends.....the list goes on. Once you conquer one, you advance to the next.

I don't have to be so perfect you know? Don't i miss the old me who contempt the stereotypes and adore the alternatives? Don't i miss the days when all i want is to backpack around the world and enjoy what i have? Don't i miss the days when all i cherish are the unique moments in life that will always stay inside you? So, i think i can take a break and walk away when i want and need to. After all, i already have so many good things in life. After all, nobody is perfect and we all don't need bounded by any definition.

change for the good?

2007-10-07T22:02:00.001-04:00

Ever metamorphosing sky line in the Meatpacking District.

sunday in nyc

2007-10-07T21:47:00.001-04:00

Street performers were ramping the mood of bystanders up in Washington Square Park. New York has been blessed with incredibly warm weather even as we are slipping into fall. I wish though i am in a better position to enjoy what the city has to offer.

Someone once told he he walked away from a prestigious wall street position as he was unbearably unhappy. I believe i am caught in the same dilemma at this point. I have never thought i would ever be in this position. As a matter a fact, i have learned that things can indeed go wrong very quickly, so we should never take anything for granted. If work is really affecting my life in an intensely negative way, when should you decide to walk away?

L

2007-09-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

Getting silly with Caroline at the L Gallery Studio for Caroline Bergonzi's Art of My Heart debut.

what if this is not what i want?

2007-09-23T21:45:00.001-04:00

Hanging out with Jacob and some fire island buddies at Vlada last weekend before he left for Panama City. We got totally wasted downing potent Russian vodka with pineapple before we knew it. I could barely walk straight....Its funny though, i always had so much fun with Jacob when we get to hang out as friends. If we put our emotional feelings aside, i think we can be really cool and chill buddies. But there again, that is always easier to say..

The past 2 weeks had been the worst nightmare work wise. I was on the verge of a breakdown several times, but i was lucky to have push forward. Now that we finally moved into our office space and started operations, i should be feeling a strong sense of accomplishment. After all, i did launch a hedge fund from scratch at a relative young age. But i actually felt otherwise. Is my career worth all the stress and human politics? Remember the scene from The Devil Wears Prada when Andrea finally realize she did not want to follow Miranda's footstep in the Mercedes on the way to a party in Paris? What if this is not what i want? What if i don't want to be like Miranda Presley? What if i wish to lead a simpler life?

stress

2007-09-11T21:41:00.000-04:00

Wondered if i really know what i am getting into. I should have chosen a position where i can just walk in and all the infrastructure had been set up! I need a lot of luck at this point!

time to leave: part iii

2007-09-10T00:17:00.001-04:00

With Feiya and Fan at Bar89 in Soho. She is leaving New York back to Hong Kong. It's crazy how many of my friends have left for Asia this year alone.

On a lighter note, it feels really awesome to hang out with friends the last 2 days and do some mindless retail therapy and feeding our tummies with Pinkberries in Soho. Yes, in preparation for my favorite season of the year, fall!! I have decided it is about time for me to ditch my colorful Chelsea boy tees for a more mature and classy European shirt and jacket look this season. And what time to better upgrade than autumn in New York?

time to leave: part ii

2007-09-09T23:59:00.000-04:00

And so Jacob has decided to leave New York, for Panama City. His playground, his life. He needs to do what he needs to do and i am really happy for him.

When i heard it from him, i finally understood why he held back. Maybe to protect me from getting hurt. Sometimes when you feel the unstoppable force and the desire to pursue your own life, nothing should really hold you back. No matter which path we chose, we should be able to choose or else our life will not be complete. After all, i did leave Singapore and someone to follow my heart. And whether it's a better life or a better choice is for non one else to judge but myself. I think my life will not be complete if i had not taken that step. And i always feel so lucky to get to be able to do that.

I am glad we got to hung out before he leave. I really wish him well. It's always good to have dreams...cos they do come true!

time to leave: part i

2007-09-08T12:52:00.000-04:00

It's time to leave.....

There always come a time when seasons will change and you will take a deep breath, take one last look, say one last goodbye and and look forward to the future. Whatever that may be...The fire island pines has always been a dream, a fantasy and i had been lucky to indulge in it this past summer. It had been mostly very enjoyable. Lounging and sipping cocktails by the pool, hanging by the ocean, wave hopping, morning jogs along the beach, more liquor at low and high tea, dancing to summer teeny pop music, late dinner conversations with house mates, bonding with new friends....and really it has been an incredible new experience.

While all the parties, beautiful friends, the sun, sand and the sea makes my world looks like an imaginative carefree planet; the one that MTV is readily marketing to youngsters these days (think The Hills and Newport Harbor and i admit that i am drawn to these shows), i guess reality is far from easy to evade even in fantasy land. Truth is i am somewhat anxious with my hedge fund launch which is draining me mentally and missing some dear people in my life; family, friends who left New York, and someone i care for and met a year ago the same Labor day weekend...

I guess it's ultimately a good thing, to feel for people and still care for them. It's good to miss them. It's good to let people know how i feel, even though things may not end up the way we would like it to be, cos at least you have tried. And maybe one day, when the stars do align, you may get your shot.

This summer, i have met so many new people on this island and it's such a joy to be able to connect with them at so many levels. Financiers like myself, doctors, go-go boys, designers, entrepreneurs, party planners, djs, and the lists go on....While i am not saying that i adore every personality i encounter, i do feel enlightened in that some of the individuals i had the most sincere and deep conversations with came from the most contrasting walks of life from myself. I guess if we do take time to peel away our surface appearance, you can come to realize that all human races are one and only. We all go through our emotional heartbreaks, our insecurities. We all learn to move on, we are make mistakes and recover from them. And we all have our favorite break up songs!

So with fall slowing slipping into New York, i wish myself good luck and good health. And i wish the same from all those i have met this summer. And maybe, we will get to do this all over again, next summer. And even if not, we have the ever lasting, the memories. Fire island pines, i heart you!

flaggers

2007-09-08T12:40:00.001-04:00

Learnt a bit of flagging from Kennon by the pool last weekend. This is such a lost art for the community. Having seen flagging when visiting the west coasts, i am glad i get to take a shot at picking this up. Kennon mentioned i have tremendous talent! Haha!

imagine me and you

2007-08-21T23:37:00.001-04:00

Caught Imagine Me and You by surprise when i am flipping through HBO one afternoon. What can i say? This film so low key, but powerfully gripping. Sorta re-amalgamate my passion for European love stories. Maybe it is the English accents that i am so deeply attracted to these days. Maybe it is the stunning charm of fall in London. Or maybe it is the fact that we have all been playing imagining me and you? Haven't we? So maybe when we do feel the unstoppable force the next time, we should pluck up the courage and give it our best shot? And we can then be so happy together?

"I see the stability, the trust and the permanence, and i am glad i am not you..."

August 18th 2007

2007-08-21T23:19:00.001-04:00

Simply the most impossibly beautiful day ever at the Pines.

who knew

2007-08-21T23:10:00.001-04:00

One Sunday morning, i sat down by the pool and sang to Pink's "Who Knew", writing down the lyrics as i did. Love the angst of Pink's voice. There is just so much of her personality in this number!

last man standing

2007-08-21T22:52:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it gets a bit tiring when you have seven queens trying not to kill each other in the same summer house. Sometimes you are just caught in the middle trying not to step on each's prada shoes. Sometimes, i feel really lonely! It's a delicate balance and sometimes you do feel enough is enough! Even with such a peace loving personality like moi!

At the end of the day, i feel that every queen do have a set of eyes (even though they are always pretty much always hidden behind huge D&G shades). And that any selfish actions anyone took at the expense of the nicer house mate will only confirm how undesirable he is. At the end of the day, actions speaks louder than words, and grace and beauty gets you the man. :)

Seriously, i am actually proud of the Asian virtues that my parents and country has inculcated in me since young; resilience and tolerance, modesty and calmness. Plus my beauty and brains, who can beat that?

wave hopping

2007-08-21T22:12:00.000-04:00

Wave hopping- A trick you need to master if you want to cool off in the refreshing ocean water in Fire Island. Because it is god's will to create such a powerful force of nature, it is up to us humans to learn to counter and enjoy them.

1st motion: Take a quick dip with your toes to test the 'freeze' degree.
2nd motion: Once the shock settled, survey for the next big wave that crashes on shore.
3rd motion: Saunter as gracefully as possible to get to deeper water before the next wave arrives.
4th motion: If you did not manage to get to the deep end before the next wave, dive into it bravely as it crashes onto you.
5th motion: Once you have reached deeper water and have not drowned yet, begin the pleasure and art of wave hopping!

P.S.- Safety not guaranteed. You are advised to take swimming lessons before any attempt to "wave-hop"

beacon

2007-08-05T22:25:00.001-04:00

Its amazing what an hour away from the city can get you. Sitting by the Hudson River in the town of Beacon reminds me of the days backpacking through the Greek Islands. I need to go back!

dia in summer

2007-08-05T22:15:00.001-04:00

An hour and half on metro north brings me to dia:beacon. The train runs along the Hudson River during the entire journey; warm rays bouncing off the water, mini yachts cruising upstream, leisure fishing by the docks, jet skiers chasing the adrenaline... quite a spectacle. So they say dia is a journey and a transformation as the seasons change. I am looking forward to dia in fall, winter and spring....

dragon boat

2007-08-05T22:07:00.001-04:00

At Flushing Meadow Park for the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Most competitors are from the big wall street banks. Lots of eye candy! :) Its hot hot hot today! Makes me really appreciate being able to spend time on fire island this summer!

irrational rain

2007-08-05T22:01:00.000-04:00

Sudden noon shower caught many pedestrians unprepared. It went away just as abrupt as it came along, doing little to soothe the intense summer heat.