What's in the box - Sony Action Cam HDR-AS30V

An upgrade from its precedent AS15V, the AS30V boasts a lighter and smaller housing coupled with better still image quality plus in-built GPS and Near Field Communication. 

As if my Sony staff discount wasn't attractive enough, I was still considering between Hero GoPro and this, however the in-built stabiliser gave it an edge over GoPro. I also did some intensive research over YouTube on its video quality and am satisfied with the AS30V's low light performance.

The AS30V not only has the ability to take still images, movie, but also time stop still images, and slow-mo movie. The NFC also gives data transfer a boost as all you need is to touch the Action Cam with your smartphone to connect and then transfer via Wi-Fi.

The PlayMemories software leverages on the overall experience in post-production through the ability to map, merge, rotate video, as well as to impose a GPS data overlay. Imagine now I can see where I rode, and how fast, not only by video evidence but with statistics.

The AS30V's RRP is at SGD449, but from now till 1st Jan 2014, Sony Centre is absorbing the 7% GST. If you are also keen on getting a Live View Remote, which I didn't, you can get the entire package at SGD549.

What came in the box was the AS30V Action Cam in its waterproof housing, one battery, one curved mount, one flat surface mount, and cable.

As part of Sony's promotion, a 16GB memory card as well as extra battery pack was given.

Pretty satisfied with this purchase and am raring to give it a go soon! 

Here's how the AS30V looks like on a curved surface mount, on my riding helmet.

Now I'm glad to announce that I will probably be able to capture video while on Viet's motobike taxi without the fear of losing my device. 

But... Amidst the excitement of purchase, I actually forgot to get the Action Cam accessory that I had intended to buy! I wanted to get a chest or head band mount! Ah well, till the next trip to Sony Centre.

Winning Scoot's $250 Voucher

Alright, so there is a large following of FlyScoot on Facebook and FlyScoot regularly organises contests and giveaways. The most recent being Naughty or Nice 2013, where Scoot Fans earn guesses for candies and can subsequently exchange the candies for flight vouchers.

I don't usually join lucky draws or contests, unless I really like the prize! Like.. The other time i won Tigerair's pair of return Chiangmai air tickets; which I did not make the trip due to work commitments and still feeling sore about it. So this time, the top prize of $250 flight voucher appealed to me, especially since I travels quite frequently. When Tan (circled in red) suggested that the community work together to help each other get more guesses for candies, I kinda weighed my chances and opportunity cost and found it viable. So I jumped onto the bandwagon as early as possible as I know this will be a race against time if I want the top prize. The redemption of prizes were on a first come first serve basis.

I started my quest during lunch time, and left a comment on one of FlyScoot's photos to get people to add me. For every invite who eventually played the game, I will get additional two guesses. It worked well, replies were prompt, and I got 62 guesses for candies. According to the FAQs, there is one in six chance of getting a candy with the guesses.

By end of lunch time I had accumulated 20 candies. Sufficient to redeem a $40 flight voucher. 

I just left my Facebook account as is until I was off work at 6 pm. Friend requests began to slow and I had to act on it if I still want to be kept in the race. Meanwhile, I went for my prayer's session which lasted from 7 pm to about 10 pm. Halfway through, I panicked a little when I saw one of the four $250 vouchers was redeemed. That meant that someone of the 'pioneer batch' had made it. If I still wanted the top prize I needed to hurry! If not, I would have to be contented with 2 x $80 flight vouchers.

I posted another 2 comments on the other two of FlyScoot's photos to get people to add me for candies. Progress was slower but revived again and I got more guesses! There were times when it took me more than six guesses to get a single candy especially towards nearing my goal of 50 candies. Really wasn't that easy to guess! 

I finally found my 50th candy at 10+pm and exchanged for my $250! Unity worked! Feeling quite happy that my strategy worked. After almost half a day, I had an additional 124 friends on Facebook, which translated to 248 guesses for 50 candies. Works out to be about one candy in five guesses. Not exactly lucky, but still bettered the system's one in six probability. By the time I got home at 11+pm, the top prizes were totally wiped out, and the $80 vouchers as well. There were several users lamenting on their statuses that they were just two or three candies shy! Seems like I made it just in the nick of time! 

See, this is the power of Internet and Social Networking Sites. 

I explored my possibilities and set my target vacation dates to be in Feb 2014. Figured out that I could go free to Bangkok and Hong Kong (HK on promo) on Economy class. Or go Bangkok on ScootBiz with a $50 top-up. I am also rather keen on topping up approx $150 for a return trip to Gold Coast or Perth! I've never been down under! 

Either way, thank you everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Let's indulge in the festive spirit by decorating our workstation! :)

Have a merry merry christmas!

Vlog #6 - Phonics fun with Savelle!

Phonics is fundamental to kickstart English learning, thus it is important for us to instill factors of edutainment in the process.

Watch my 3 year old niece Savelle acts out the pronunciation of Aa Bb Cc Dd and Ee! She might not have nailed some pronunciations but it was definitely a fun time for us!

A little takeaway from Singapore's 081213 Little India Riot

A good proportion of us stayed up late Sunday night to catch the live bites and feeds that the mainstream media was feeding us with. I stayed up till 3am to digest the police press conference at 1:30am and to make sense of all the jigsaw pieces.

Another good majority of the secular nation-state woke up to a rude shock. Little India Riot. 

Five police cars, one ambulance, several private cars damaged; 400 involved, 27 nabbed, 1 dead. Flipped vehicles, projectiles, violence. All these were so unheard of locally except from footage shown on BBC, CNN and Al-Jazeera, usually on riots overseas. Never, Singapore. 

Remember one of our National Day songs, We are Singapore?  We are Singapore, We are Singapore, We're a nation strong and free and forevermore. 

We cannot take the freedom we achieved painstakingly through the years of nation building for granted. We need to leverage on social responsibility. Else, where is the forevermore?

A nation is not without its people, and yet, everybody has a story to tell. Can we learn to be more sensitive and respectful mutually? I beseech so. We tear at touching video of a white baby hugging a black baby and say that it there is no racism at the root of our hearts. Is there? No, yet we can't practice it. Let's face it, if the bus driver was a Chinese, would there be even stronger reactions in our society?

We need not be perfect, as long as we try to do what is right to us. We need not sweet talk anyone, but do not hurt anyone with our words. I do not think that finger-pointing is appropriate. It might have happened in Little India, it might have involved a large amount of foreign workers, but end of the day they are here for the development of Singapore, and they have left their family behind to endure the hardship here almost alone. If we treated them by their colours, and not their contributions, I am ashamed and sorry.

This riot, we should not dwell in it as the nation's worst riot in 40 years. We should focus, not only on clearing the aftermath. but also to look into providing support both physically and emotionally to our migrant workers. The spade of events recently definitely sounds the alarm. The bus drivers, the man on crane, and this.

And then, there's the people busy typing away on their keyboards criticising our Special Operations Command, saying that our Red Car reversed and backed off cowardly. Our police, military, paramedics, they are the true heroes. Not the keyboard warriors. Of course they wouldn't have time to retaliate the groundless 'coward' accusations as they braved the front line and did what was right to protect both the protesters and themselves. A decision that is not easily balanced in most cases, but they did it right that night. Not a single round was fired, no fatalities from the riot. 

All in all, I must say it was definitely a vibrant hell of a night on my social media feed as various posts of different nature streamed in. Part analytic, part racist, part insensitive, part appreciative of whatsoever things, part joining-in-the-fun, part stirring shit. As a then mass communications student, ethics is important to me. Ethics, and media ethics. One thing that I appreciated throughout the night is the call by various sensible actors to stop speculation and to stop the spread of un-verified information. It is our social responsibility to protect the fundamental of society. This instinct should be a born nature, called maturity. 

Tonight, life is as usual, except with a little more respect. Respect towards everyone who have played a part in our nation building, peace and harmony. Friends and family, our military, our migrant workers, everyone. I salute you. 

Vlog #5 - 36 hours in Saigon!

What can you do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in just 36 hours?

Here's what I did!

Eventhough it might seem as though I cramped in quite a bit of activities, but it sure was a leisure itinerary as most of the places were accessible by foot. One regret is probably the inability to get footage from when I was on motordop (read: motorbike taxi) zipping in the traffic.

Maybe I need an action cam! Sony's action cam AS-30 has got my eyes! Send me some Bitcoin today! =)

1BDbdmkkPXzjjQoAVLZK5MmW95QpaMLHZW

Vlog #4 - First hand experience of Saigon Taxi scam!

Last weekend I flew into Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to attend my best friend's wedding dinner. The trip was good, fun and enjoyable. On the day of departure back to Singapore, I went for the water puppet show and was headed to the airport from there. Thus, I did not take the hotel taxi at fixed rate of 160k Dong (USD 8).

There was a row of taxi outside the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in District 1, and I chose this driver who wore a neat white shirt and his taxi resembled one from the reputable Vinasun taxi. As a seasoned traveller, I asked if it was a metered taxi before I hopped on. It was metered. Albeit a doctored and erratic meter! After doing some research online, I think I might have hopped onto a fake taxi!

I was just randomly looking at the meter as it jumps. Then I thought I saw it jumped from 59k Dong to 72k Dong. Every increment is supposed to be 3k Dong in HCMC! Damn, I even chuckled to myself as I thought I have misread the 69k as 59k Dong. Then I continued looking at the meter.

The distinct moment came when I heard clearly two clicks and saw two corresponding jump in fare on the meter. That was when I starting to record the entire process down. He had the clicker to inflate fare on his left hand behind the steering wheel!

It was an emotion roller coaster. From feeling generous, in thinking that I will be fine in paying slightly more since I'm home-bound, to worrying about my dinner money being siphoned off, and then to wondering if I had enough money to pay as I only had about 400k Dong (USD 20) in my wallet. And all of a sudden, I realised I fell prey to a scam!

He kept trying to distract me by asking if I was from Tokyo, and then kept asking me to look at shopping centres whenever we past by one. The last straw came at 2:55 minute mark of the vlog which you can see him desperately asking me to "look! look! look!", and quickly inflate the fare outrageously till I shouted at him to stop.

The scam didn't stop at just an erratic meter. Later on he tried to hide the big bill of 100k Dong and insisted I gave him wrong amount. Luckily I kept track of how much I had in my wallet. To not shortchange him, I even did a mental track back to verify if I did additional shopping before going for the water puppet show. Nope, I didn't. I clearly documented what I bought and ate for the sake of my next vlog (thankfully)! I tried to ask for help at the airport, but the taxi staff ignored me. It was the guilty-conscience of the driver that almost brought the episode to a closure. Read about it in my vlog!

I'm really just thankful to be safe and sound. He could have caused personal harm and damage to me for all you know.

Pure and simple, Willing Hearts!

Tucked quietly away in Genting Lane is an unassuming kitchen with big, big hearts! Thanks to my good friend who recommended me here.

Willing Hearts is a soup kitchen ran by founder, Uncle Tony, and is genuinely a place that epitomises generosity. During my visit there two weeks back, I was so overwhelmed with his concept of 'give, give, give'. Not a word of scrimp or save for the less fortunate at all, on a daily basis, Willing Hearts prepares approximately 3,000 lunch packets to be delivered islandwide. The figure is just an estimate as no one really knows how many packets of lunch are despatched daily. Anyone in real need, will get the food. No need for numbers, just a big heart. 

To ensure food safety, the kitchen is kept super clean! Volunteers handling food will have to wear gloves, and even with the amount of volunteers going in, out and about, I'm impressed how all the volunteers work together to keep it clean. Imagine the logistic nightmare!

This soup kitchen totally has an open door policy. Volunteers can come in any time, and get down to work in anything that you are comfortable with. No need for pre-registration, notice or anything of sorts. Just walk in and get working. 

So, my first time at the soup kitchen went like a kitchen trainee. It was kind of awkward when I exited the lift to be greeted with a totally stranger environment, so I just helped in whatever task I saw, which was to help repackage buns. After washing my hands and putting on gloves, I joined a few other volunteers in repackaging buns from pack of 4s into 2s. After which, getting slightly more familiar with the environment, I moved about 3 metres further into the kitchen to help pack lunch! Sounds like a corporate ladder isn't it? But really, there is no rules at all in this friendly kitchen, just do what you know, what you can, or learn!

I started by helping in 'supply chain management', sending the completed packs over to the despatch area at suitable intervals. Later on I started serving the dishes until the workstation I was helping had 'closed' for the day. After which it was just trying to 'get a job' in the kitchen. Asked around, everywhere seemed fine as WH was filled with volunteers on weekends. Finally 'got a job' in cracking, whisking and subsequently cooking omelette.

I must say it was a fun experience for me to join in food production of such massive scale. I will be back definitely and I hope all of you will make time to go and help out. It does not have any rest day in a year at all as Uncle Tony believes that if we need to eat daily, so do the needy! 

Before I end off, I am slightly disgruntle today as WH's website got hacked. Come on. A harmless and innocent organisation that oversees the wellness of 3,000 beneficiaries. It's like hunting a lion with a guide at a game safari. Shame on you. 

But the website is up and running now thanks to speedy web admin!

Willing Hearts

50 Genting Lane #04-06

Cideco Building

Singapore 349558

http://www.willinghearts.org.sg/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willing-Hearts/251054094985354

Vlog #3 - Attractions & Bali airport biz class lounge

Welcome to the third and final part of the Bali vlog series. 

In this epi, we'll see the places that I visited on the final day, food that i ate, as well as a peek into the airport's premier lounge.

So long, good bye.

Start to an efficient day!

Really can't deny how smartphones improves our productivity. In the past, checking emails is like an after washing up activity, possible only after you start up your laptop or computer. However, this is probably how technology has displaced the routine of our lives. Double edged sword I must say.

Frankly, I embrace the changes brought about by these advents. So, I'm sharing the first three things on my routine right after pressing the alarm clock away!

First thing, email! Skimming for important emails to clear, just in case.

Second, Facebook! Apart from mobile messaging which I would already have received new notifications when I deactivate my alarm, Facebook is also where sometimes my friends at the othet side of the world will message me. Otherwise, it's always good to catch up with some news bites and friends' updates.

Third! Sometimes I'll stop at two and go wash up. But if I'm feeling lazy, then probably LinkedIn or Twitter..

I realised this has been a routine since schooling days. Yes, we need to start efficient habits early *chuckles* I'm pretty sure my routine is almost the same as many others though. 

So, how about you? 

How Qatar Airways' marketing and crm took my breath away

Qatar Airways officially joined the oneworld today, offering loyal QR flyers better benefits than ever. 

Qatar Airways mabrook! 

*Mabrook means blessed in arabic and is a congratulatory word* 

What it means for us...

Not only are we able to earn mileage on QR and existing partner flights, but also flights marketed and operated by the oneworld partners. As such, we can now earn and redeem on oneworld flights which includes major airlines around the world inclusive of AA, Qantas, Cathay etc. 

Some critics may say that oneworld alliance is not as "great" as other greater alliance like star alliance per se. But what is the basis for "great"? oneworld has a good membership inclusive of at least 3 airlines who are in the top 10 airlines currently. Combining with QR's existing partner airlines like ANA and Asiana, it's incredible. Joining oneworld is a carefully thought business decision by QR which will prove worthy in the long run. 

A greater meaning...

Being part of oneworld meant that QR can now extend its presence into more territories, thus expanding its networks and destinations. Having unprecedented base is definitely beneficial to its flight route expansion. If you haven't realise, QR has one of the best network of destinations globally already, but they are still working conscientiously on it. 

A great news to all flyers indeed. 

Now onto how QR's marketing and crm takes the cake especially for this project #oneworldQatar

The almost seamless marketing and customer relationship management efforts by QR has kept me hooked on since my first trip on QR to Kenya. The flight experience apart, I feel that the customer experience has a crucial part to play in breeding loyalty and QR has succeeded in me. Direct emailers had made their way into my inbox without me feeling annoyed, and my loyalty was appreciated when it was upgraded to silver status after 8 legs. Email exchanges had been prompt as well.

A membership package for silver tier members arrived by snail mail soon after I was notified of the upgrade through email. It arrived nicely packaged with a welcome letter, some benefits at a glance, the membership card, as well as two personalised baggage tags.

Silver status meant access to lounges adding onto pre-flight comfort, and extra baggage allowance which is always appreciated. And then there the fuss-free redemption of mileage. Perfect. My recent experience on its business class leaves me wondering when will be my next. Hope QR will be able to clinch the top post for biz class again next year; they will. Felt right at home on board any QR flight even in Economy class. It's the hospitality plus the maroon corporate colour!

For joining oneworld, all existing members will receive a new card or membership package according to your tier. About a month prior to its inauguration, QR sent an email to notify of the changes. I'm satisfied. So were the forumers at FlyerTalk. Then in the month to follow, QR disseminated more information on the new membership scheme through multiple channels including its privilege club website, its main site, facebook and twitter. 

There was a live webcast of the oneworld inauguration on YouTube. Though there were some glitches at the start, it was smoothed out and I could watch it without interruptions. 

While QR's CEO, Akbar Al Baker made a very charismatic speech, making points on QR's expansion by new fleet and destinations and of course oneworld, the Qatari Business Leader Of The Year kept webcast audience hooked on with carefully planted announcement of new perks. Double Qmiles on oneworld flights!

Simultaneously while the team is busy handling the technical aspects, there were also the social media experts hard at work. Talk about multi-platforming. This is it. A contest was ran simultaneously on QR's facebook page and twitter to encourage loyal fans to hashtag 'oneworldQatar' to congratulate QR's joining into oneworld. The contest winner will win a large amount of mileage. I didn't win, but still, I love my QR!

#oneworldQatar 

Eventhough these social networking sites were kept busy, the social media experts had maintain their efficiency and managed to provide live updates and even replies. I love the personal touch in this. The replies. This made us feel all the more treasured as QR flyers.

If we're talking about how QR can improve in its customer relationship management, then I'm really a little unhappy that in a recent mailer they wrongly saluted me as Mr. However, following mailers came correctly saluted, as it was probably just a generic mistake. It's alright. Oh yes, and I think I saw a slimming pill question on their privilege club members' FAQ definitely put up by mistake last month. I've just went in to check and it's cleared already.

Even though my silver membership is going to expire at the end of this year, I still appreciate all the service that they have rendered to me. 

My copy for QR: 

I heart my QR, keeps getting better!

QR Mabrook!

A bit more graciousness makes the society.

I used to frequent MOS Burger at Raffles City Shopping Centre weekly as I needed to grab a bite before my Thai class. One thing that gains my return is their service crew. Really commendable effort by MOS Burger to continuously engage our older workforce.

Few months after the conclusion of my Thai class, here I am again, served by the same aunties and uncles. Still impressed. They may be older, slower in taking orders, but one thing makes up for everything. Their attitude!

The uncle delivering orders may not be as agile or as fast, but he is so meticulous in ensuring you get your orders correctly, and hot. He warns you of the temperature sometimes!

The aunties taking orders may not fully register your order at first opportunity, but she courteously repeats your order carefully, and asks of every details without fail. "Welcome to MOS Burger! The $3.90 one is rice burger, $3.60 one is bun (the pictures looked similar). Small fries? Small or medium drink? Chilli, ketchup? Anything else? Having here? Okay $8.55 thank you!"

After some time, the queue starts snaking at a certain point. But the service crew's warm and loud welcome really compensated the wait. A little more patience from everyone, look how enjoyable the entire experience becomes.

Kudos to the service crews! 

And let's remember to clear our trays! A collective progression to a more gracious society!

Vlog #2 - of hotel and tour around Ubud!

Welcome back to the second instalment of the Bali series. Some interesting activities and sightseeing in Ubud covered in this vlog.

As I continue to edit the rest of the vlog, it seems like this trilogy may turn into four parts! 

Enjoy!

Vlog #1 - dnata lounge and Qatar Airways business class

Last week I went to Bali for a short weekend getaway. I've split it into two (or more) parts, the first vlog on the flight and airport lounge, and the second vlog on the island's galore.

Some post-birthday indulgence, thus the J class booking. Trying to sound technical & guru here with a 'J class'. Typically, F/P for first class, J/C for business and Y for economy.

So, for this first vlog, it's a photo and video sharing of the new multi-million project - dnata lounge, which is the business class passengers' airport lounge for Qatar Airways and Garuda Airlines in Terminal 3, Singapore Changi International Airport. Then, some peeks into the J.

No stranger to Qatar Airways, this 9th time on board a QR plane really made me felt at home. Even after comparing both legs of my journey, FA Sujit really upped the game. Kudos dude. It was like having a personal butler in flight. Update: QR's business class is world best for 2013 (skytrax).

Enjoy!

FA Vishal extending QR hospitality right from the moment you take your seat

my cut of action!

Media never fails to amaze me. I've never thought of appearing on national TV, let alone SBS. So let me bask in it a bit more. 10 mins to edit and cut out this piece. bear with me. enjoy.

Had a good birthday lunch at Alkaff Mansion :)

Birthday is a day to count blessings!

Every birthday, it becomes a time for me to reflect on the past year. What are the things I've achieved and what had I not achieved. 

The past year had been particularly good for me. I had expected a first class honours, but, it came with a bonus and surprise to get a prize along with it at my convocation. However it is very disappointing for me to realise that a fch serves no purpose in the corporate world unless it's from a local university. Perhaps I just haven't found the right job. I will continue to work hard. Otherwise, work had been smooth with nice colleagues. 

Went night safari with family, meals with friends, and first time celebrating it at work! Colleagues bought me a cake and backpack! Thank you. Oh! And my excited niece had been talking about how she was going to invite her playgroup little friends to my 'birthday party'! HAHAHA. Of course it didn't come true.   

I am indeed grateful to the advent of my life, and have not forgotten the less fortunate. I always believed that education is the way to grow. That is why when I visited the orphanage in Nairobi, I brought along a package of stationery and books. 

This year, I am very fortunate to be able to join another 70 donors in giving out a total of 108 student scholarships to the less fortunate students in Thailand. I donated two normal shares within my limited capability. 

The annual ceremony at Wat Thamfad, kindly coordinated by brother fazhu, hosted a total of 108 students from 10 different schools in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The scholarship ceremony this year, presided by Luang Phor Watchara is also in celebration of the 100 years of Somdej Sankaraj. It was coincidentally held on the day of my birthday this year, on 12th October.  

I am very happy to be able to help them. Even though public education is free in Thailand, however, the students would still have to purchase their own uniforms and books. This is how the annual scholarship issued by Wat Thamfad helped the poorer students there. 

Phor means father in Thai language. Look at how happy and respectful the kids are when they are receiving their scholarship from Luang Phor. So heart warming. 

Sharing some of the ceremony's photos with you all. Photo credit: bro Fazhu.

The banner for ceremony

LP Watchara of Wat Thamfad

Little boys kneeling in line to receive their scholarship

Displaying appreciation with a Wai

This boy is so cute! ^^

Etena sacca vajjena sothi te hotu sabbada! [By the firm determination of this truth, may you ever be well]

Been a while....

I apologise for the lack of enthusiasm in blogging recently, but I assure you I'm not giving up, and am having something brewing in my pot.

In the wee hours of the night, sitting cross legged, staring at a pile of leisure reads on my study table, as well as youtubing on my laptop, feels totally like the time machine. Back to exactly a year ago when I was studying in Liverpool. Albeit different cause.

Today, I am just trying to fill the gap of time. Tomorrow is a public holiday (reads: bank holiday in uk context), thus I have the luxury to forego a bit of my sleep to do some non-constructive stuffs. It is kinda like... How can I waste my night when there's no work tomorrow? And then the irony sets in.

However, during my schooling days, pulling an all-nighter meant serious business. Doing your tutorial won't need an all-nighter. Researching for your dissertation don't need that either. All-nighter usually meant that there is a submission coming up the next morning at 9 am. Usually I'll make a trip to our communal kitchen in our flat at about 2 am to grab a bite. That is also when I'll bump into my flatmates, some of whom happens to be my classmates as well. They would sometimes be groaning about how I have not started my papers and still get a manageable grade.

This boils down to planning, really.

Because, by then I would have done my research, got the arguments drawn up, and only left with the work of typing. I wrote the outline for my papers soon after the modules start and put it aside, beefing it up along the way. I start my research early by hitting the books before the other 101 classmates get the books I want from the library.

That is how I start my papers at 4 am, ensuring a final check and manage a comfortable submission at 8:45 am . Also, to avoid problems during submission, I would have opened the submission page at 8 to 8:30 am to ensure its work-ability.

I would say I have learnt a great deal through all these trivial matters. Time management, research ability and work priorities. And most importantly, analytic skills.

My lecturer once warned us at the start of a particularly module that by the end of our course in Mass Communications, we will either go crazy or become fat. Crazy because there is so many standpoints (e.g. intended audience, producers etc); but this is what honed us to be analytical! =) Fat because the stress will make us eat more junk food! It is pretty obvious I am the latter hahahahaha! You know, Thorntons' brownies are such good comfort food at night! Thankfully but sadly, it's not available in Singapore. It was my drawer staple!

Something's weighing down my mind but not apt to share publicly. Agony.

Anyway, everyone be well, stay well!

Marketing dynamics of TheWritePerson

It has been an encouraging journey thus far in trying to get visitors to my blog.

Since its inception in June this year, there has been a steady stream of visitors. Averaging about 400 page views per month. Not a lot, but it is really encouraging as it is like a bonus for me as I started this blog as a media to exercise my passion in writing.

Frankly speaking, it started off primarily as a mean for me to publish my soccer articles, which wasn't too up to standard to be sold off for publication. Then I decided to spread my wings into lifestyle writing in a bid to expand my portfolio.

The first baby step in marketing for myself began with the naming and branding, in the conceptualising of name, TheWritePerson. I had wanted this blog to be part of my writing portfolio for a writing-related job. Thus I wanted a name which can creates the right impression, which sets the scene. I had job search at the back of my mind, thus was thinking about being The Right Person, but it sounded so jaded and cliche. I added a little twist to it and made it The Write Person (blog site) at The Write Space (blog title). Still slightly cliche, but does good enough to separate from the pack. In fact I have received compliments from friends who thought that this is a rather appropriate name. Thank you.

But really, I am indeed proud of TheWritePerson. It had served as a way to get my articles seen, a way to keep in touch with my numerous overseas friends, as well as to keep up with my passion. After starting this blog, I felt like being a journalist, or not, does not matter as much. If I just wanted to make my articles seen, I can do it here. If I want to get down to reporting news, I can also do it here; citizen journalism.

TheWritePerson has taught me a lot. So, I'm going to talk about how this blog went from zero visitor to its current state.

There are numerous media online for hosting personal websites and blogs. A careful selection is needed in my opinion. Having tried a few blogging platforms, I found Blogspot catering most to my needs. It has a slightly more casual image than WordPress which fits my pursuit. I didn't want my blog to start off too seriously. Probably a bit more fun like I am; getting the right audience.

Then, comes the issue of convenience. A heavy user of Apple, the Blogger application allows me to blog from my iphone, as well as ipad. No problems at all even if I am not with my laptop. Easy interface and stability a plus. Also, the set up was easy and had tonnes of template for me to choose from! Talk about all the convenience offered in this fast pace world where users starts to get irritated when their Google search exceeds 400 milliseconds wait time.

As always, the first post was a self-introduction which almost does not have any selling point. That practically explained why there were no visitors. Plus, how to get eyeballs if I am not even letting people know of my product? *Slaps forehead* So I decided to start off my marketing for this blog through direct marketing. I started to text my close friends with the web address and finally managed to get the counter rolling.

Then I started to blog more.

I realised I cannot depend solely on just the handful of visitors I was getting. I needed more visitors to read my articles and hopefully give my feedback for improvement. I started to promote my blog by posting direct post links with a short copy as my Facebook status. True enough, the blogspot statistics showed an encouraging figure for the direct post linked visitors. Moreover, I was getting comments on my Facebook status more than what I get on my blog! A more direct form of communication with my visitors. I value all feedback. Really grateful.

All these communications had me all excited. After all my interest had always lied in the area of computed mediated communications, which prompted me to do my university dissertation on the communications on Social Networking Sites and its educational value.

Then I found a simpler way to cross over and post my link on Facebook. I realised there was a share icon at the end of every blog post for me to share on social media. Saved me the trouble of going into my blog, then into the specific post to get the permalink, and open another browser for Facebook to update my status with the link. I could push my article onto other social media like twitter and Google+ too.

Big plus! All these media are free for everyone, so ROI is 100% !

Lastly, I saw the potential in marketing my blog on my personal name card which I gave out to industry professionals whom I met at sports events which I was covering and along the way. You know how cute my name card was designed to be in order to leave an impression as I did not want my name card to be thrown away without serving its purpose. Moreover, my name card allowed me to display my creativity as well as Photoshop skill in doing up the entire thing on my own.

I noticed that most people whom received my name card will flip to its back to check out how it was done, how the attachment is secured. Thus, a plain flip side would be such a waste! Perfect opportunity to advertise my blog.

However, even though results had been satisfactory, there are still much to be worked on. The next thing to work on is definitely on my Search Engine Optimisation. I can't find my blog on google and yahoo even when the exact words 'thewriteperson' is entered. I need SEO skills. Learning is crucial to improvements, time to hit the library soon.

Thank you everyone for being with me here!

Good night!

Attended my first ever dhamma talk

Going to my first dhamma talk was like my first time in church. Pray and worship and follow everything as others did. But I must say this is a great learning process. A joyous event.

Venerable Master Hai Tao of Taiwan is largely gaining popularity amongst younger buddhists due to his prominent presence online. He chairs the Buddhist Life Channel in Taiwan which had seen success in promoting the religion predominently through their own YouTube channel. Facebook pages are also used to promote his cause of buddhism.

I got to know of Master Hai Tao's YouTube videos when forummers on AmuletForums.com shared his video in one of the threads. He speaks of buddhism in a very practical way with a good mix of humour. A very charismatic speaker that appealed greatly to me. I never expected dhamma talks to be so applicable to life in an interesting way. I expected boring talks from prayer books. 

The way how he is so technologically savvy really blows me off my chair. I believe his success in expanding his reach to younger audience and keeping in touch with middle aged audience is attributed to this. I met a 32yo lady who travelled down from the east as well, and one of her first question to me was if i watched Master Hai Tao's video on YouTube. Yes yes yes.

He talks buddhism from supernatural issues to house fengshui and everything. One thing he said about fengshui is that it helps us as commoners, but once you 'see through' life, fengshui is negligible. True that.

Today's talk was well attended by buddhists all over Singapore. the entire tentage was filled up and some had to sit or stand outside under the light drizzle. hmmm i would say, about 400 people or more?

Eventhough I left office ten minutes earlier and took a cab from bukit gombak mrt to the temple where it is hosted, I was still late. By the time I settled down, the dhamma talk was already at the candle lighting ceremony. I think I missed some earlier ceremonies. But I enjoyed the empowerment of chanting. It was simple words printed on the prayer book but when Master Hai Tao sang it, it was so beautiful. Very beautiful voice. Sometimes I can't help but to think that I can't thank the Sangha enough, because not only were they willing to give up on earthly possessions, but they just had great qualities for spreading the words of god.

This is probably how everyone has a role in life. Some can do this, others can do that. 

Oh! We had an interesting ceremony hahhahahahaha! We were given a slice of white bread to roll up and dab on our body. It kind of symbolised pain and sufferings taken away from us into the bread roll which was supposed to represent us. But my previously injured ankle is still aching. Alamak forgot to dab on my ankle!

After some chantings to pray for everyone's health, there was a lecture on Boddhisatva's teachings which lasted till 10pm. After which the ceremony was closed by transferring the merits of our prayers to the unseen beings around.

Some religious items were also available to take home free. I wanted a picture of H.H 17th Karmapa but the lady said they didn't have it today. If you read about tibetan Karmapa's reincarnations, then you will know why I want a picture of him. Not too bad I got a book on Karmapa's speech. Gladly surprised to see his picture in it. Got some stickers in which the tibetan monk spoke highly of, and some DVDs! 

Coincidentally today is a special day to light candle. So I lit one lotus candle at $10 at the temple. Not to be confused with, the dhamma talk was totally free.

Such an eye opener which kept me awake throughout. But I'm so exhausted now from all the travelling to and fro. Good night world! 

May buddha's light shine on everyone.

Keeping the shooting victims in our prayers.

As most of you have known about the Nairobi (Kenya) shooting that started few days back at Westgate shopping mall which has claimed more than 60 lives and over 200 casualties. It has not ended to date. *update: ended at 24/9/13*

I share with you a photo of the mall taken personally in September 2011. Westgate shopping mall is one of the upclass shopping mall in Nairobi which has stricter security than other malls. I remember being approached by their mall security just because I was taking photo of the interior of the mall, in which was requested to be deleted on the spot. The mall houses a big Nakumatt, cinema and casino as well. 

Kenya is not far, it is only as far as we are human.

Let's keep them in our prayers, please.

I hope my Kenyan acquaintances and their family are safe. 

To my buddhist friends, 佛教讲发愿慈悲心, 请在此发愿众生平安.

To my thai buddhist friends, as simple as Namo Tassa x 3. Sadhu sadhu sadhu.

To all my friends, it is the heart that matters. Please keep them in our prayers.

Thank you.

Never Out of Style With Woven Classics

Discovered an interesting taiwanese variety show on MapleStage over the weekends. 上班這黨事 (translation: This matter of office life) touches on the various topics of office life, from the dreadful office politics to what is the latest trend in online shopping. The latest episode featured the top trending online buys for the lower half of 2013, which had me hooked at all the delicacies that taiwanese office workers are able to order online! *mad drools*

Here in Singapore, apart from group buy sites like groupon, deal.com.sg, voucherlicious, the top trending online purchase site must be Qoo10! While its edm always have spelling mistakes, broken links and photo mismatches, I just can't help to look past these flaws and continue patronising Qoo10 for its good variety of items, and most importantly, competitive pricing.

Personally, I've purchased knick-knacks, apparels, to food items like korean beer, bak-kwa and ice cream coupons from the site. Mainly food items I must say, as I can't bring myself to compromise on the quality of clothings. That is why I don't come back from BKK with a haul of jtj clothings usually. I'm starting to sound really picky at this point, but why!? Why waste money? Alright let's move on. I still love Krung Thep.

At this point, I highly recommend woven design bags. So classic and classy, which almost never goes out of style. Hmmm. woven classics always remind us of Bottega, but not everyone are willing to splurge on BV, and style don't need to come exactly at a sky-high price tag. There are always good alternatives online and in stores, which looks good as well. I am not one who looks for imitation goods, I would prefer something that is more practical. =)

Three recommendations for today! Ranging from favourite to hot favourite!


1. Qoo10, JHMIN
http://list.qoo10.sg/item/2013NEW-ARRIVE-HOT-SALES-ON-SALES/409854987

Credit: Qoo10 seller (JHMIN)

Looks good isn't it? The one panel woven design is what I love, however, this is my least favourite out of the three as I dislike the bulkiness offered by the 12cm wide base. Trade off is that the capacity is larger and definitely practical for work bag. Probably can even throw in a towel for after-work exercise after fitting your laptop in. At 44 x 33 x 12cm, a little too bulky for my liking, but at about $40 after shipping for a PU bag, it qualifies nicely into my list.


2. Qoo10, MyFashionStory.com
http://list.qoo10.sg/item/2013NEW-ARRIVE-HOT-SALES-ON-SALES/411706819

Credit: Qoo10 seller (MyFashionStory.com)

This is actually a close competitor with my first choice recommendation today. The probable reason why I haven't buy the bag yet is the difficult decision between this and the later recommendation. Qoo10's JHMIN used to have this on their sales, but recently when I placed order for this with JHMIN, it went out of stock. So, my purchase was refunded. Then, today, as I was searching for this bag to bring this recommendation, I saw this new listing by thefashionstory.com. New listing = no reviews yet. Better to wait a while more. I love how there is no base to this bag, looks less bulky. I don't really fancy the vertical mid-riff threading, but it kind of adds a bit of visual to it. Not too bad at slightly over $40.



3. Bata, retail stores all over the island!

Bata carries a range called "Bata and more", not sure the origin of it, but I am surely amazed at what Bata brings in sometimes. I definitely wouldn't have expected Bata to carry a woven classic as my impression of it is... "I go Bata to buy school shoes" or "Buy and Throw Away". I first saw it at Bata, Plaza Singapura. Managed to have a feel of it, and boy, it felt good! 

Material definitely looks/feels better than the about two bags. Unlike the previous two, this is a vertical bag which emits a total different feel. A softer and more petite feel for ladies, or a more metrosexual feel for guys. Looks can be deceiving though. Even though it looks slightly smaller, but it is still able to fit A4 size comfortably. Loves how the accessories are shiny on this bag. And the slight shine! 

At $69.90, it is slightly more expensive than the previous two, but minus the uncertainty of quality and wait arising from online order, this is worth it. Seriously contemplating getting this one, or the number two! 

Wish everyone a happy Monday, tomorrow! =)

Just Like It!

As its tagline goes.. Revolutionary F&B.

Just Like It! sells ice cream in a revoltionary way. It serves up five monthly flavours, three signature flavours and one golden signature, and ranges from $5.90 up in regular and large cup.

I ordered the durian one which is their golden signature at $6.90 for regular cup.  It was a joy looking at how the ice cream was made. Even more so that the ice cream is all natural and free from preservations, stabilisers etc.

First, they bring out the flask of your chosen flavour. Thus for durian, a slightly yellowish and creamy liquid is brought out and poured into a cup to prepare for mixing. Then, a tank resembling a nitrogen tank is carried out and a clear liquid is poured into a metal cup, also for mixing.

The clear liquid is clearly the freezing agent but I really don't know what it is. It is looked like dry ice and water, something that is of extremely low temperature.

Then the two cups were poured into a kitchen mixer to desired consistency and subsequently scooped into a paper cup and served.

The durian ice cream is good! Not overly creamy, has fruit bits, and it is so fine it practically melts in your mouth. Ah well, downside is that it melts into water pretty quickly too! Serving size is good. A bit pricey for the portion eventhough it is yummy.

Just Like It! 

Tampines One

Basement 1, beside Cold storage

Lookalike of the day!

Your hero in Naruto!

I look like Rock Lee after a brief hair cut yesterday!

The realisation came while I was waiting for the train and saw my reflection on the gates.

 'WOW ROCK LEE!'