Unexpected Confrontation at PU 2007

Thomas and me decided to take 1 saturday off and took a short trip to Pulau Ubin for cycling. We decided against having to always spend our time in crowded town areas and spending more money then usual. One thing good was that I could spend more time with him and not having those bustling crowds of people around us. It would be him, me, the island and 2 bikes. It was fun. I cannot even remember the last time I went there. The island basically didn't change too much. The Jetty have been rebuilt to become like a tourist spot where souvenirs can be bought. We got on the 11am plus boat and headed across the short stretch of ocean. Rented two bikes and went around the place for 2 hours. It was fun, casually paced and relaxed. Exactly the kind of saturday I want. :P

We went from 1 end of the island to the other. I was quite concerned whehter he could take the heat since his skin was rather sensitive to sweat scratch and itches. It was quite bearable after all. We took many pictures, including a few artistic shot he took of a Crane resting on a lonely beam out at sea. We finished the trip with some fruits and resting at the local coffee shop. What's most unforgettable today, was the unexpected call from his ex's bf's current squeeze. I think he was trying to play the Big Man. Having the nerve to call and demand why Thomas haven't let "go" of his bf yet. I guess he couldn't get him to forget Thomas and had to talk to Thomas in order to show him how much love him. All the Blah aside, I think it's totally unnecessary. It wasn't Thomas' responsibilities to help him get over but his new bf.

He does have a lot of his ex's still calling and messaging him. All wanting to patch up. I wouldn't do that if I were them. To which I think Thomas got a bit pissed. hahahha.. but my point being that, anything that's over, is over for me, there's really need to pursue things that would otherwise, turn out well for us in the first place. Anyway, all I can say to those Thomas-Ex's out there, "GET A LIFE AND MOVE ON WITH IT, WILL YOU?!?!" "P

Semplice Simon

My Big 3-O!

Ok that's it. Life as we know it ends right about here. Metabolism slows down, we can't keep up our pace and breath, our hair thins, and we basically can't do much about it. I just got promoted from the 25-29 box to the 30 to 34 box in any standard survery form. I was planning amicably that a restaurant banquet be booked with 3 tables of guests and friends to mark this tragic event. But it was not to be so. A few highlight for my 30th first.

Highlight 1
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Coming out to my parents definitely beats it all. How's things coming around for them and me. For one, Thomas' been to my house numourous times and also a plus, family dinner. By personal invite from my parents too. It wasn't that bad and I think my parents are in that state of awareness of us, but not into the complete picture. Hmm. who would imagine that?

Highlight 2
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Surprise dinner and treat by Bren, Jay and friends at Secret Garden. Nice cosy little place and I ordered Cod Steak. It's most amazing quality and the dessert was delectable.


Oh Gosh.. it's 13 Jan 2008 now, I can't remmeber what I did other than the above 2.

Things will be alright.... eventually...

Marcus finally messaged me yesterday, he was supposed to leave for Singapore for a 10 months course in Boston. Imagine that, if I was still together with him now, I would I have cried myself into pulp yesterday at the airport. I'm glad we didn't arrive at that, I might not always be good at handling certain partings. I had been trying to message him over Skype, MSN and phone but to no avail. I was extremely glad that he finally message me yesterday. It's been 2 months exactly that we split up, and I still do feel sad about it. Was going through some of our pictures just now and I coudln't help but smile at some of the silly shots of him and me, and feel reminiscent with the Loving ones. Well, somethings are maybe not supposed to work out. It's difficult to admit this but he did really touch my heart very deeply and helped me searched my soul and mind. Maybe that's why some of his friends described him as, very emotionally connected and able to touch that soft spot in everybody's heart.

Well, he's gone now. At least from Singapore but not from my life I hope. He's over there at US studying for the next 10 months. Beats me why all my bfs have to go overseas to study one time or the other. I hope Thomas won't be going anywhere. At least if he's going to study we can do it together this time. I was thinking of doing a Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Whereas he's going to do something similar. How's things between us? I think we are doing fine. He moved out from his house recently. Too many people staying over at his place and he doesn't really have his own private space now. He decided to move out to a good friend of his. Only the mother's around, since all the children got married and left the next. She's the best. Her mother is this hip and sincere old lady who saw too many sunrise to bother about the glooms of life. Thomas moved in over 2 weeks ago. And the experience had been quite nice. At least I get to call him at night without having to worry that his sister is listening.

I think we are gradually establishing a healthy routine of seeing each other almost every other nights and going out during the weekend. Planning for upcoming holidays and short trips here and there. It's been fast. Content it is just to see him, I don't mind doing anything else with him. I guess it's always like that in the beginning of all relationships. there there.. You can ask me.. I've started too many of those. I think our work is quite stressful. Exceptionally so for him. I never tell him this but I was stationed in his department today and I notice the amount of tension, stress and bustling activities really can snap one apart. He's taking it quite well. Admirably I think he's doing quite well. I just hope it doesn't affect his health. He has this skin problem which needs tending to, a bit of rash and itchy patches here and there. I think stress causing that.

It's been a good 2 months plus and I can't wait to say how fabulous it is and going to be. We are slowing down a little bit but that's ok. Looking at him it never cease to amaze me that I will ever get this chance with him. Even so, it puts me in an ever more determine position to love and appreciate him more. I can't wait to shower more love on him. As though there'll be no tomorrows. I'm beginning to have a few worries though. The same questions of whether I am showing him enough attention, enough love, enough time. Whether he'll eventually find me suitable for him and vice versa. So many questions to decipher....so many things to worry about. My ex messaged me saying this.. "things will be alright eventually... ". How true... Would it still be alright when things work out of expectations and everything falls out of perspective, out of our control? Would it still be alright when disappointments comes and the inevitable happens. Will it be alright when we all eventually walk down that lonesome path that leads to finality... would it be alright still when somebody dies and when the one person we love dies?

Maybe.. just maybe.. that some things are not meant to be alright. We are all meant to walk around in life imperfect in our happiness, incomplate in our pursuit of contentment, dented by hurts, scarred by disappointments, bounded by fears and apprehension, shaken by uncertainties and finally consumed by our own "..not alrightness..".. What if? It's a sadistic vision but that's often time the truth. Where some of us so eagerly seeks recouncilation .. .some others just live with it and never have closure in life. Imagine that, reading the first part of every book but never finishing it. Would things still be alright... eventually?

Semplice Simon

Short Little Moosings - 15

Happy 2 Months Anniversary Thomas!! Happy NS Enlistment 10 Year Anniversary for me too. I enlisted into the Service this very day 10 years ago. Wow.. a long have gone and at this time, I was unpacking my stuff in my bunk, getting ready to fall in for last parade.

Anyway, Thomas is feeling very stressed out and frustrated at work today. It was the first time I saw him having such a downcast expression. It almost hurt to see him frowning this way. Most of the time, he would be smiling or just plain jolly wolly. The problem is his work. There's too many problems with the shipments he handles. I don't think it's like this all the time, but today was exceptionally difficult for him I think. My poor thomey...... If I have anything to say about that, he will be having more team members added on to help him with his work. And I don't understand why is he the only one working up to almost 10pm every other day. Personally, I think he's really very good at what he is doing. The amount of knowledge and experience was quite significant depth when I hear him talk about work. But then, he cannot be this superman to handle every other thing. I think he's being abused, seriously. But that's honestly my own opinion. I should drop some hints to his boss soon.

I wish I have that much operational experience as him. But I guess with that comes more responsibilities and stress. I don't mind transfering over to help him though. But I must keep my pay lar :P I really hope things get better for him. The internet says that stress at work can aggravate psoriasis. (skin rashes). I'm here waiting for him now. He was shouting at somebody just now about some shipment. My first time seeing his frustration and wrath unleashed. hmmm ...never mind lar... as long as he doesn't try me like his customers can already... !!! :D

Semplice Simon

Movies with Marcus

26-Nov-05 Film Prime GV Grand
04-Dec-05 Concert Philharmonic Wind Goes Pop Esplanade CH
10-Dec-05 Film Aeon Flux GV Grand
18-Dec-05 Film The Promise GV Grand
26-Dec-05 Film The Chronicles of Narnia GV Grand
14-Jan-06 Film Memoirs of a Geisha GV Grand
27-Jan-06 Film Before Sunrise Cairnhill
29-Jan-06 Film Steam Boy Cairnhill
30-Jan-06 Film As It is in Heaven Cairnhill
05-Feb-06 Film Broke Back Mountain Cairnhill
16-Feb-06 Concert Bach's Back Esplanade CH
17-Feb-06 Film I Not Stupid 2 GV Plaza
25-Feb-06 Film Munich GV Grand
26-Feb-06 Film Underworld 2 Cairnhill
12-Mar-06 Film Mrs Henderson Presents GV Plaza
29-Mar-06 Film Ice Age 2 Lido
23-Apr-06 Film Crash Cairnhill
28-Apr-06 Film Ice Age 1 Cairnhill
30-Apr-06 Film Scary Movie 3 Cairnhill
08-May-06 Film Les Choristes en Concert Cairnhill
08-May-06 Film Connie & Cala Cairnhill
14-May-06 Concert University of Santo Tomas Singers In Concert Esplanade CH
17-May-06 Film Lie With Me GV Grand
19-May-06 Film X-Men I Cairnhill
21-May-06 Film X-Men II Cairnhill
26-May-06 Film 7 Swords (Chinese) Cairnhill
27-May-06 Film X-Men III GV Grand
09-Jun-06 Film Pushing Hands Cairnhill
10-Jun-06 Film La bella vita Cairnhill
11-Jun-06 Film Howl's Moving Castle Cairnhill
14-Jun-06 Concert Collegium Vocale Gent Bach B minor Mass Esplanade CH
30-Jun-06 Film Pirates of the Carribean I Cairnhill
01-Jul-06 Film Superman Returns GV Grand
06-Jul-06 Film Amadeus Cairnhill
09-Jul-06 Film Omen I Cairnhill
14-Jul-06 Film Final Fantasy (Movie) VII Advent Children Cairnhill
16-Jul-06 Film Pirates of the Carribean II - Dead Man's Chest GV Grand
18-Jul-06 Film Ju Dou Cairnhill
06-Aug-06 Film Lake House GV Grand
02-Sep-06 Film Eat Drink Man Woman Cairnhill
09-Sep-06 Concert Nancy Argenta - A Voice Divine VCH
10-Sep-06 Film The Devil Wears Prada GV Grand
17-Sep-06 Film The Banquet (Chinese) GV Grand
23-Sep-06 Film Singapore Dreaming GV Grand
29-Sep-06 Concert The Creation Esplanade CH
15-Oct-06 Film The Departed GV Grand
05-Nov-06 Film The Prestige GV Grand
03-Dec-06 Film Casino Royale GV Vivo
04-Dec-06 Concert Three - SYC, Japan, Philippines Esplanade CH
10-Dec-06 Film 3 Needles GV Vivo
16-Dec-06 Film Eragon GV Vivo
22-Dec-06 Film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Cairnhill
01-Jan-07 Film A Very Long Engagement Cairnhill
02-Jan-07 Film Curse of the Golden Flower GV Vivo
06-Jan-07 Film Queen GV Vivo
06-Jan-07 Film 21 Grams Cairnhill

There's more to the above, but couldn't get hold of the complete list from him. Ok I know, you must be asking me... what's the whole point of this post? Well... it's just to tell you guys.. how wonderful he is.

Semplice Simon

Coming out of the Closet - Episode 2

Got into a police case recently, last sunday. Suffice to say that it involved my parents and another hawker. Thomas was there throughout the ordeal and it was in this discomforting situation that he first met my mum. I could see that they were quite curious about him. Thank God for all courtesy and politeness he showed, and I think my parents was trying to be nice too. It's always rewarding to be respectful to your elders.

After we went home and I'd sent him back. My mum asked me, was he the one that I brought back home. I said yes. I think there will be regular nights like this with questions from her henceforth and I wasn't wrong. Yesterday night, another fresh new set of questions. Ranging from asking about him, about work, about getting a wife, about MZ dressing so man like, about my uncle being right about me, about how relatives will view us, about how my dad won't accept it, about AIDS, about me going Japan trip alone, about home come I am no longer going out with the "doctor friend". She must have told me dad. Since he was showing a more hightened level of concern to my whereabouts nowadays.

She needs time to adjust I think, to accept it and to sink the idea in. She's still struggling with self-denial and that false hope that I was ultimately kidding and would turn away from this.. "disease" and temporal state of mind. It would be up to her to explain things to my dad. I have to said that I was seeing Thomas, but I think it was quite obvious. I asked her during our conversation, how she felt about him. She smiled and couldn't really put into words. Maybe it's a struggle to make comments and not wanting to be understood as agreeing with my lifestyle, that's stopping her. Oh gosh.. it's so complicated after. How I wish it was all so simpler. Like telling here I'd just bought a new bag or something. haha.. But Thomas isn't any old bag...

Semplice Simon

Coming out of the Closet - Episode 1

Never thought or dreamt that I will have this day, where I would finally even begin to tell my parents that I'm gay. But here it goes. It all started today when my mum knew that I was bringing a friend home on Saturday while they were working. Mum had since guessed that quite well, since I never called back on Saturday afternoons to find out what time she was working that day. As I was going to bath today, she bluntly commented that it was time to call my friend to ask him back today. I was a bit pissed thinking that it was my sister who told her, since she came back the last time while he was in the toilet. I decided to tell her that I didn't like sister telling on me. She commented that it was herself, who had guessed it right, and I knew, that it was her who had sent sister earlier on saturday to come back with dougnuts and to "spy" on me. Anyway, things aside. I sent mum to work today. And telling the truth, I said yes, that I was indeed bringing somebody home on saturdays. It was a secondary friend, and a boy, and not a girl, I emphasized. I told her that MZ and gang knew him and we were all close friends. Subsequently in the car, she started commenting how I should concentrate on my job, and to build up my career instead of being distracted by wayward affairs like this. I told her my job was great and my boss likes me. She said it's most important I grew up healthy and be happy. I told her I was very happy indeed. She went on to say how hard she was working now so that she didn't have to presurrize too much into me having to look after them when their years get older. I told I felt no pressure and all things was well.

Continuing that, she warned me not to get to involved with certain friends and how come I had Queer As Folks DVD under my table. I told her immediately, that I was gay, what would she do? She said she had already suspected it together with my dad for long. How come I never had a girlfriend and even gotten married at my age. She asked how come when she question me about Arthur many years ago, I had said no to her. I said, I was young and did not know how to put these thing to her. She asked, what about those people outside who so easilyt get AIDS. I again rebutted, but my friends are healthy ones and of good influence. She took her last aim by religion, quoting that GOD created us first man and woman, that we may procreated. I told her things weren't that easy, and if I knew thus, I wouldn't be a Christian. Finally, when we reach the destination, she left the car saying that she needs to talk to me more on this. Other private affairs of mine, she won't bother, but this, she repeated, she would need to interfere.

Sigh... I'm not sure how it's going to continute, but I will keep you guys posted. Just came back from Play with Thomas, and my dad was sitting in the kitchen reading newspaper and waiting for me. Of the many surprises, he never asked me why I came bak so late, he asked me. I told him I went out with friend. He asked where.?? Another surprise... I told him.. don't ask so much.

Semplice Simon

I'm a HarryPotterian

I'm a Harry Potter Fan and fanatic. From the first book to the last, the movie likewise, I had been following it closely. To what degree you might ask me? I have each book at least 5 times each, the movies? Well, counting up to 10, for each part. Yes, I'm that crazy about it. We were quizzing each other and see who can get the trivia questions correct. My colleague and I that is. I was very taken by Harry Potter in the beginning when the first movie came out. After watching it and being wowed by the magical special effects, quirky conversations, the cute characters and the serious edge of the slow revealing plot, I was very convinced that we should be doing Harry Potter in our basic Literature classes!! :p

The Last book was the pinnacle and orgasmic ending to the whole series. I've never read a book with such fervent desire. It was full of finalities and revelations to which so many mysteries were posed to us, and so many secrets were hidden from the readers up until now. I was most sad when Dobby the house elf had to die. He sacraficed himself to save his master Harry Potter. A dagger straight though his heart. The most touching part was how Harry refused to use magic to dig up a grave but to merely use the conventional techniques of a spade. My other favorite part of the book, was the Battle of Hogwarts. The part of the Order, the Students and their families, the magical animals and the house elves all came out to fight the Death Eaters. Oh what courage, bravery and chivalry. My most favorite phrase in the book? "NOT MY DAUGHTER!! YOU BITCH!!!" was the part that Molly Weasley, whose son Fred was earlier killed by Bellatrix Lestrange, and whose daughter was nearly killed by a Killing Curse, fought Bellatrix and slayed her. It was most amazing and elated that a housewife wife and mother, whom to protect and avenge her children, can duel like a scorned witch with her wrath released on her enemies.

I still don't understand why many critics and religious bodies had said that the books got darker over time. I would say it's partly the Author's wishes to have her writing mature together with the age of its readers and also the characters in the book. On the contrary, I felt that the book hightlights and promotes many good things like courage, sensibility, team work, kinship and forgiveness. You'll have to read the book yourself if you wanna know what I am talking about. It's not that difficult to read them, it's after all, children books.

Semplice Simon

Happy Endings - Peculiar Chris

I must congratulate Johann S. Lee for finally seeing his dream realised by a very talented cast. Being the first book written by a Singaporean young writer, it had become an iconic gay textbook to many growing-up individuals. I did not want to watch the play initially, I thought, nothing beats reading the actual book right? Why watch something that might possibly downplay the magic. Boy oh boy... was I surprised. It was fabulous!!

The first half re-enacted the whole book's key points tastefully, with a little bit more of drama and music. The Characters from the book started coming to life in front of me. From Chris (cute, reserved and full of feel for life), Nicholas (bold, flamboyant, no-regrets and full of vigor for living life), Sylvia (Smart, sharp tongue, elusive at times, no-nonsense and sophisticated), Kenneth (Strong convictions in life, pious and fillial, confused and in denial) and Samuel (Loving, strong pillar of strength but always haunted by past and the tragic present, an understanding and caring lover).

I was most taken from the scene where Nicholas sang Wilson Phillip's Hold On (For One More Day). It was most hilarious. And of course, the underlying purpose of this play, which was also timed correctly, at the addressing of the current hot topic of decriminalizing the Penal Code 377A. Sex between same sex adults. There are too many things to say about this current issue, and many had written about it on their blogs and to the papers. Forums and seminars have been organized by the government to openly discuss their views and concerns, and to collect the feedback of the general public. What is my say then? I am, of course, pro-decriminalizing it. There are other concerns. About the general conservative singaporeans. We are, after all, a country of tolerance where a balance is almost excruciatingly difficult to strike. We did not get by to our state now, of religious and racial harmony and peace without shedding of much sweat and blood. There no one moment I want to see the opening up of our gay culture, exposed other forms of violence and indiscriminate prejudice and bias.

Let them kiss in public, let them have sex in the privacy of their homes. Let them marry publicly and let them have status which is recognized by the government. Let them share in some rights that legally married straight couple have. For housing and for medical care etc. That is perhaps what we all want for our gay community. It is never simple. Will this corrode the family values and the so-called basic building of our society? The vision is just too massive for me to grasp. How possible that 2 guy, who decides to come together, can come to erode our family values away? Aren't my boyfriend, my family too? I would love to call him my husband.

Anyway, the book is currently out of print, and from the light of it, I would not be surprised if they start start printing it again. I'd gotten a copy of it from a friend many years ago. Nicholas. (.. not that the flailing-arms Nicole you may think. ). One of my very gay friend when I was younger. That was more than 10 years ago, when everything still seemed so reserved in Singapore. I reallyl hope they will do that thing which is necessary. But never at the expense of our country's foremost interest of peace and harmony. Step by Step and let's go at it slowly.

Semplice Simon

Done your Tuesdays with Morrie?

I'd always been wanting to read this book since it's first published 2 years back. Being a very thin book, one probably could finish it within 1 day or so. I decided to do what I always wanted to do. This little fantasy of mine to read a novel while flying out to somewhere. Which of course, I did when I took my flight to Tokyo the last round. Read the book the airport, read it on the plane, making full use of my time while waiting to board. There was also the occasional updates to my blog when I could log in and steal somebody's wireless. The book was fabulous. It was short but it kept me on my toes through the pages. I think my drive was very much fuelled by th desire to know more, of what lessons of life have an extraordinary man to share, when his body is gradually wasting away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. and his mind and slowing down to a thin line on the meter.

I finished the book within the week I was in tokyo. And my review is a bit late. I have had read Mitch Albom's books, and now am on his third. The first two being "For One More Day", and the previous being "The Five People You'll Meet in Heaven". I couldn't finish the review on time and the date now I am ending this para is on 13 Jan 2008. Sorry guys, I left the book with Thomas and I can't get a grip on any more details than I ought to.

Just to end this off, I thought this Morrie guys with all his cliches and philosophies was most noble, using his degenerative road to death, to open the eyes and regenerate passion in life for those that holds to his testimony. You should read it if you haven't.

Semplice Simon

7 Days in Tokyo (My full Iti)

Day 0 (01 Jul 2007 Sunday)
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Touched Down Narita Airport at 746AM. Checked out and clear customs, claim my luggage, came out from Narita by 845am. Booked Airport Limo Bus Service over the counter, 1 way ticket to Shinjuku Station. Boarded 9am bus at Bus Stop 11, reached Shinjuku station at 1020am. Went around Odakyu Mall/Keio Mall/Taxi Terminal looking for Shingjuku New City Hotel Shuttle Bus. Couldn’t find it. Gosh I was so lost!. This second largest/busiest station in Tokyo is like a maze. Decided to jump taxi instead. Apparently, hotel was just min away.

Reach Hotel at 11am. Hotel Staff says earliest check in was at 2pm. Left my Luggage there with them, locked up. Went to Shingjuku Washington Hotel around the corner to get my 7 July Limo ticket booked. Went up the Tokyo Government Building at level 45 to view city. Took a walk at Shingjuku Central Park, saw make-shift flea market selling used goods. Walked down to Tochomae station, went to Shopping Areas like Odakyu, Keio Plaza, L Plaza, Subaru Building, Mitsui Building etc. Turned back to hotel to check in at 2pm, left the hotel at 3pm to Harajuku on train. Walked down Takeshita Dori (Harajuku Fashion Street). Turned back to Harajuku and took train to Shinjuku Sanchome Station. Ate dinner at Isetan and browse through all the nice food. Took a walk down to Nichome. Saw 2 Gay shop there, didn’t buy anything. Night life is very quiet, decided to return. Reach back hotel at 9pm.

It was a tiring first day!!



Day 1 (02 July 2007 Monday)
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Woke up at 715am, dwindled around in bed until 730am. Washed up and went down to Café for Breakfast. My ABF is included for the whole week. I ate the same thing everyday! Caught the 910am shuttle bus from hotel to Shinjuku Station. Took Chuo Rapid Line to Tokyo Station. Reach there around 11am, got stuck in the station because of rain. Decided to run for the nearest building which is Marunouchi Building. Had coffee there and waited for rain to stop.

After the rain stopped, I started to walk towards Wadakura Fountain Park. Imperial East Garden was closed on Monday/Friday. Shoots .. bad planning on my part. Walked to Nijubashi Iron Bridge and went towards Hibiya Park. Went past Yurakucho Station and had lunch at some cheap noodle place. Went to Sony building, after which started raining again. Spotted this Crackers Store and Bought some Japanese Crackers from there. Walked down Ginza area, browse through the shops carry expensive brands. Walked to Kabukiza Theatre to look at the oldest theatre in Tokyo.

Took train from Ginza down to Roppongi. Made my way down to Hard Rock Café Tokyo and bought some shirts and gifts. The cafe was definitely not easy to find. The map I had wasn't that clean and had to study the street maps there. Remember to orientate yourself to the Almond Shop!!! Bought some gift snacks from a shop round the corner. I was carrying too many things, so decided to head back to Shingjuku Station, walked back to hotel. Rested for a while and took the 625pm Shuttle bus back to Shinjuku. Took a train down to Shinjuku Sanchome station. Had dinner at this nice cheap underground sushi restaurant. Walked to Kinokuniya Bookstore and tried to find Munhoe’s CD from there. Couldn’t find his, ended with my Long Lost Yuki Nishimura CD. All thanks to a helpful Jap Girl Salesperson. Rushed back by train to Shinjuku Station and took the 930pm last shuttle bus back.



Day 2 (03 July 2007 Tuesday)
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Morning breakfast as usual at New City Hotel, time was 8am. Left on foot to Tochomae Station, bought ticket to Ryogoku on the Oedo Line. Reach around 10am plus. Went to Edo-Tokyo Museum, bought 2 shirts there. This museum detailed a lot of history on how the Japan Edo period developed into modern Tokyo. Continued for a quick look at the Sumo Arena, which is not open to public. Browse through the small Sumo Museum instead. Some Sumo history was documented. Secretly took some pictures :P

Went back to Ryogoku Station and had this awfully strange peppery Curry with small pieces of tough pork. Ok, this was quite disappointing. :P Went back to buy a ticket to Ueno Station. Walked to Ueno Park where all the happenings were. Took a quick look at the Famous Tokyo Culture Hall. Nothing much, there’s concerts going on but I’ll be mad to buy tickets there. Went towards the National Museum of Western Arts, took a quick look at the statues outside, but didn’t buy tickets to go in. Proceeded to National Science Center. This was interesting, Japan seemed to had documented their historical developments very well. The explanations were mostly in Japanese though, so I didn’t get much here. There was a 360 Degree Theater!! It was fascinating.

Left the Museum and went towards the Ueno Park Grand Fountain. A group of China Performers aka East Coast Watermelon Performers. Went to Benteen Hall and followed by the Gojo Shrine. Took a train out to Akihabrara Electric Town. NOW THIS, is the most amazing place ever. Imagine Sim Lim Square but at least 30 buildings of it. Bought a DVD from the Import Shop where there were lots of classy gay movies never found in Singapore. Not going to buy too many though, since I was on a tight budget. Bought this cheap China Gay Show… much of a disappointment. It was suppose to be one of the few first gay movies from China. Wandered around the streets for around 2 hours. It was tiring. So many many things to see!! Decided to eat dinner at this Tongkichi-like Pork Cutlet shop. Fabulous. Decided to head back earlier. Caught the 750pm shuttle bus back to the hotel.




Day 3 (04 July 2007 Wednesday)
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Took the shuttle bus to Shinjuku Station, walked via the New South Exit towards Takashimaya Time Square. Started raining, so decided to take a short coffee break at StarBucks before the Shopping Mall. Finished coffee and went to Takeshimaya Times Square HMV. Browse through the CD/DVD. Bought the new release of Ghimbli Studios – Tales from EarthSea, and 3 more cds. 2 for Yeukie and 1 for Munhoe. Proceeded to Lumine 2 Shopping Center to look at Towers Records. Browse through the Magazines segment. Took a train out to Asakusa, reached there around 3pm. Had lunch at Matsuya Plaza Tongkichi Style again. Quite Good!! Started raining again, took a quick run through the drizzle to the Asakusa Culture and Sightseeing Area. Bought some presents for mum and Mingzhu there. Went to a Café and had another Latte there while waiting. After the rain stopped, went to the famous Sensoji Temple and the 5 storey pagoda. Walked back to Sumida River, took the Tokyo Cruise. Went down Sumida River to look at the total 13 bridges built across. Only managed to catch 9 of them. Berthed at Hidone Pier. Started raining again. Walked to Toshiba Building and went to wait at the Macdonald. Finally stopped raining. Took the Train back to Shinjuku. Ta Bao dinner back to hotel and eat.



Day 4 (05 July 2007 Thursday)
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Took train to the Akanabanashi Station on the Oedo Line. Target destination was Shiba’s Tokyo Tower. Walked from Station to Tokyo Tower and took pictures there. Proceeded to the Tokyo Guiness World of Records museum.
Wanted to take a look at the Wax museum, but it was guarded by this very bored looking auntie, so I guess that’s that. Walked back to the Station and took the Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro. Going look at the gigantic shopping area called Sunshine City. Browse around the place a bit, but was quite tired so decided to take a break at the Starbucks Café. Walked past the Hello Kitty Shop and decided to buy a few things back. Had lunch at this Sushi Belt Bar thing at Ikebukoro. Quite embarrassing as the waitress was quite surprise I didn’t know how to serve myself. Went on to Shibuya!! Went another round of shopping and browsing the major CD/DVD Shops. It was amazingly well varied selection. Went back to Iseatan and ta bao dinner back to hotel again.



Day 5 (06 July 2007 Friday)
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Took train via Oedo Line to the Tsukiji Station. Went to the Biggest Fish Wholesale market in the world. Took some pictures only since most of the shops had already closed. Browse through the Eateries around the market.
Had Lunch at Jonathans’, some kind of egg friend rice in Seafood stew. Looks like Mui Fan actually. Wanted to try their paella but that would only be for dinner. Took train to Shiodome, transit on the YurikaMome Monorail Line into Odaiba. Reach the Daiba Station, went through Le Medidien Hotel, took pictures of the Rainbow Bridge in day time, as well as the Liberty Stature. I wonder why? Went to Odaiba Aqua City, had tea at StarBucks. Browse through the shops. Went to the Fuji TV Tower. Decks Tokyo next, see the mini theme shopping areas and funland. Went to the Odaiba Kaiklun Koen and proceeded to walk to Palette Town. Took picture of the Big Mega Web Ferry’s wheel. Proceeded to look through the Toyota Mega Show Room. Browse through the shops and ended eating Strawberry Ice Cream Crepe in the funland. Took another break drinking tea. Walked to Venus Front shopping center, had dinner Italian style there. Went back to the Mega Web and took the Ferry Wheel Ride. Went back the same route, took picture of the rainbow bridge at night time. Beautifully breathtaking at night. Took train back and started packing in the hotel.



Day 6 (07 July 2007 Saturday)
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Woke up around 3am to pack my things final and to do a checkout. Cleared my stuff out of my room and went down to the counter to clear my things by 345am. So early! The Checkout was done within 1 min, and I didn’t know what to do next. Decided to wait in the Lobby until 4am and took a slow walk to the Washington Hotel where I would be taking the bus. Walked for while.. and decided… I was lost!! The thing about the hotel was that it was located on another level of ground above the one that I was walking on. I was too tired to lug the luggage around and decided to take a taxi instead. Left me 660yen poorer. Now I am waiting for the bus. Would be arriving at Narita in 2 hours time. Reached Narita airport 3 hours prior to 10am. I had ample time to rest and catch a Latte. Going to finish the book and also this summary before flying back. It’s Singapore!!!!! I’m on my way home!!! Yipppee!!!



Conclusion of my Tokyo Trip.
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I think the most important impression that I have left Tokyo with, was the manners and precision in how things are done in Japan. People was extremely courteous and polite, everything is in place properly and queued. No rushing, no pushing. Even accidentally bumping into another, or stepping into somebody’s way was greeted with a Sumimasen. ie. I’m sorry. The fashion and techie products here are really beyond Singapore. We have a lot of catching up to do. Customer Service everywhere was Superb. Training around was very convenient and not that difficult or scary as expected. As long as you can read the signs and follow the lines, differentiate the color coding, it would be sufficient. There are too many things to see and as usual, too little time. All in all, I was quite satisfied with what I had done in Tokyo.


Semplice Simon

How do I Justify Love?

Just went in through gate C24, and am now sitting at the waiting area for boarding onto the next plane out to Tokyo/Narita Airport. There’s this strange mix of feelings, foreboding, apprehension, excitement, loneliness, nervousness and delight. The most important thing is that I am traveling alone today. Marcus would not be joining me as I had ended our relationship on the 13 June 2007. I insisted that we still go Tokyo and that we might continue to build a friendship together. But that would be too much and too selfish for me to ask. I understand how he feels. It may seem that I have done this hideously wicked thing to him. I know he loves me a lot, and there’s no doubt that we had put a lot of effort into the relationship. As I look around me in the airport, I felt something was missing. His presence? He had always given me such a strong sense of security and surety that now, his absence seems have naturally robbed me of it.

We had been together for 1 1/2 years. There were many sweet and slightly bitter times together. Without realizing it, our lives have intertwine and knitted itself very closely together. Everything around me reminds me of him. The items in my car, the things in my bedroom and study room, the things in my office and the things I wear. I was contemplating removing them all away. But that is not to be so. I so willed in my heart that I should not forget this person that I had tried working out a relationship with. For whom we gave our hearts to each other for the period of time. I refuse to just disappear. He may feel anger or bitter reproach against me. I can only hope that time will change things.

Why did I break up with him? That is a question I’d asked myself for quite sometimes. What justification did I give myself this time? Whether we were suitable together? I thought I could work out gradually but there was always something missing in my feelings towards him. And how do I know this? It would be too sensitive to reveal here. Suffice to say that I thought I could do without feeling that way about him. It turned out, amidst working so hard on something, I just need to sit back and ask myself, is this really what I wanted?

Often times we ask ourselves, would you go after someone whom you love but may not love you in return, or simple stay with someone who loves you but you don’t feel that strongly towards. I chose the former this day. Even though I will never be sure how Thomas will feel towards me, whether he’ll give us a chance together, or whether we will last a long time, or whether our values are similar and whether we were meant for each other, there will always be that 101 questions asked. But I want to do it. He’s attached and I was attached and everything broke out quite quickly. I confessed my liking with him for many years and he was surprised. Pleasantly I hope. He’s the guy whom I have always loved from the beginning. I don’t think it’s a crush turn puppy love. How do you explain me having to feel the same after 17 years? The crush would have died off. How do I authenticate my interest in him as genuine then? One might ask me, I do not even know him that well. But to a certain level, I do, actually. From hearsay, from observations, from us working together during our Secondary school days. There's one thing incredible in him I feel, that he had kept himself somewhat unchanged and pristine over the years. Deep down I felt, he was still the same guy. There were changes of course, there will always be.

How does Thomas Tan fit in the jigsaw then? By many strange chances and a very important opportunity we manage to start rebuilding our friendship again. Back in my younger days, I would look at him from a distance but never risk telling him. I never knew he sexuality, not until recently. We are colleagues now, working in the same company since last year.

Everything happened in a short time. And what I felt for him was exactly, the feeling, which was missing with Marcus. I still remember the dinner session that we had together at Carnivore Restaurant, a group of us Secondary school friends having a birthday gathering. I couldn’t help but to look at him constantly during the whole dinner. That was too obvious. It was that sunshine he exuberated. Again, one would ask, would this feeling go? I don’t think so. How do you explain me having to feel the same after 17 years? There may be a long gap in between where we were both missing from each other for a long decade. But that did not displace my feelings for him. I merely put it aside at the back of my mind. Wandering in circles in life, I’m glad we met up again.

I feel this overwhelming sense of love and desire for him. Even until now. The next logical question would be, would this feeling last even if I pursue it? I cannot say. I can only say, there’s a very strong mix of feelings now for me. I am taking this Japan trip, to hopefully think things through carefully. The best way is to be selfish perhaps, that is to bare our own feelings plainly and be honest with what we truly want. I do not have any doubts about Thomas. He’s perhaps the only one guy I have been waiting for my whole life. hat happened between us was a matter of days too. Day 1 - 5 and Step 1 to 5. He would understand what i'm saying here. The only real concern I had was this, I didn't want him to be with him just because I told him I was so into him for so long. He reassured me that he was mature enough to know what he wants. I hope so too.

Our lives had never the chance to overlap, our paths rarely crossed, but up until now. It is amazing how separated our lives were. It was a good period of molding for us perhaps. Having each to gone through our fair share of loving and hating, falling in and out of love. I sincerely hope we will approach each other and this relationship maturely, and with help from our past experiences, to decipher what is to be built between us.

Semplice Simon

Eternal Summer

When I first heard about this movie, I thought earnestly about making the effort to catch it on big screen. I was apprehensive of it being another typical gay soap opera chinese movie aka Bishonen and Lan Yu..Most times these chinese gay movies had not wavered far away from portraying gay relationships as tragedies to happen, I sort of gave up wanting to catch anymore of them. In my view, directors who tries to portray in the alternative lifestyle had fared palely in bringing out problems faced other than the big old sleazy sleep arounds and heart breaks leading to dearth (ie Self inflicted by gay sucidal individuals or some miraculous accident that kills 1 party off when the stone can't sink further).

I was delighted to find this show quite under-rated and had touched on something very different. Perhaps about something that I'd felt in life. Might be the reason why I could feel the connection. The actors are cute.. very cute indeed. and the actress.. hmm.. none of that please.. Their acting were without question, refined and brings out the depth in each character, no doubt as what the director as intended. For more details please refer to the original website or grab a copy of the movie from me.

Story goes like this. Gay boy meets Lonely boy (sexuality uncertain even though he initiated sex when drunk when the other guy threaten discontinuity of friendship), grows up together over the years.. went to the same university. Meets Short Girl. Short Girl like Gay boy, found out he's gay, dumps him for Lonely boy, who reciprocated. Gay boy found out and was furious, confronted them. Lonely boy admits sincerely in love with Short Girl, Short Girl wants them to hang out together like last time (for whatever perverse reason go figures.. ). Gay boy threaten to leave them alone, Lonely boy was devasted and while drunk initiated sex with Gay boy. Gay boy was pleasantly surprised, yet confused and decided still to leave them. All three manage to end up at the beach where Gay boy tells Lonely boy all his feelings and waits to see whether Lonely boy still wants him as his best friend. Lonely boy admits finally that Gay boy will always be his good friend no matter what.

What so different about this show, is the director's highlighting another faint dimension to a gay relationship. It's what I call the "I want more than Best Friend" Syndrome. When only 1 of the 2 is gay and when the other may be str8 or otherwise confuse, and yet friendship may be more important to him, while the other gets tormented with the "Can't have him" predicament. When will friendship becomes less important in having him? I like the part about them when they were young, when their School teacher had to make Gay boy promise an innocent promise, that he should be a friend to Lonely boy and be a guide to keep him out of trouble. And from this pact of friendship brews many other complications down the journey of their lives. Lonely boy was too lonely to forego this chance of having a friend finally. He was willing to do anything. Whereas Gay boy develops a feeling beyond the boundaries of the pact he had, and got more than he bargained for.

The show had been shone a very refreshing and yet intriguing part of a gay-str8 friendship. The bitter sweet ending can be a bit puzzling. It's really up to the person watching the show to figure what had happened after that. Personally, I think they will be continuing their friendship and eventually, Lonely Boy would probably get married to somebody nice and Gay Boy would find his Prince Charming. As for the Short Short Girl... she will grow old, bitter and tormented by every str8 man around her becoming Gay. kekekekkekekekkeek KIDDING LAR!!!


Semplice Simon

My Five in Heaven

i'd recently finishd a book by Mitch Albom, entitled "The Five People You Meet in Heaven". It's a very thin book, simple to understand but profound with a truths we can all learn in life. I can't fully agree with the picture painted by the Author about God and Heaven, but nonetheless, I applaud the fantastic take he had given to teach us very important lessons in life. These life lessons, I don't think it's just that saving money and be happy kinda shit.. but it's really quite a different context. The author portray these important lessons in life, as different chapters of 5 important person, who had one way or another, directly or indirectedly impacted some focal changes in the key character's life. Mr Eddie Main-te-nace.

In Summary, I won't repeat the story but do read it if you have the time. The author is basically telling us, nothing happen around is by chance. And they are just a concidental drop of rain on our head. Things happen around us for a purpose; purposes which we might or never get to explain to ourselves. We may spend our whole life searching a that futile search, and may end up nowhere, even the wrong place. We may also intepret life's lessons wrongly, and as such, bring along the rest of our lives, the bitterness and anguish which denies us the very freedom of living life. According to the author, we have each of us, five major characters in our lives, which will open our eyes in full and help decipher what we could not, or misunderstood while on earth.

I cannot help but wonder candidly, who would be my five characters in heaven waiting for me, and what lessons will they teach me. According to the book, my first ought to be someone whom I had never met. Someone who has a very contrasting life from mine. What matters would be that little crossroad and junction where our paths crossed briefly. I have had made a great impact in changing in his or her life without knowing. A small insignificant action or word that is of little worth, and of small regard from me; had greatly changed the destiny of this someone. Perhaps we don't realise it but sometimes, we only need the smallest effort the throw things off equillibrium for many others around us, unknowingly. It can be to their misfortune, and may be to their blessing, but it did make a difference.

My second person would have to be someone of no blood relation to me, a person of authority whom I look up to. To mould myself towards his likeness and find solace, protection, acceptance and guidiance from. Since no human being is ever perfect, including this role model, inevitably he would have left something negative and burdensome for me to carry for the rest of my life. Perhaps the role models in each of our individual lives doesn't really help much in shaping and moulding our character. They might just be lone beacons out in the sea. It might be well that we might not need these obscure guides in life.

My third would have to be the one person that can single handedly carved out my homeland and my country. Mr Lee perhaps? hahah..we all know what kind of questions we have for his never ceasing hold and iron fist on our country. And yet we cannot deny that without him, we wouldn't have a safe roof over our head. But what has this man have, an influence in my life that ought I to me him in heaven? Of all the elements that shaped my physical life, my country and the man who had moulded it, would have had unintendedly gave me a template to live my life.

My fourth would have to be somebody very dear and intimate to me. Somebody whom I would spent the rest of my life with. My partner in life that is. What question do I have for him and him for me when we get there? Perhaps to tell him what he had missed out during the absence from each other. No two person can ever spend their lives together eternally. And in this book, even this shortmeeting in heaven would have to be temporal and to release all the pent up memories and feelings that could not have had the chance to be uttered. Seemingly when all hopes seemed lost, we would be offered this one last chance to express the deepest part of our soul.

Who would be the last person I might meet in heaven? Oh gosh I'm not even sure whether I'm even bothered.

Sempllice Simon

Short Little Moosings - 14

I must say.. today was really one of those days which I could never have enough. Long day, relaxing away with Marcus with no rush here or there. We slept in till 12 in the afternoon. Gosh.. who's complaining.. after which we brushed teeth, bathed and finished an hour plus of "duh-duh-duh" :P Went out to Tiong Bahru for late Brunch around 3pm plus.. Chit chat for a while, came straight back home. Watched Tom Cruise's Minority Report.. finished around 8pm.. went to his office for a while.. did some of his admin stuff.. went to VivoCity had dinner and Marche.. talked and walked around for a while and went back home.

I was just too resolved not to rush through the day. Last few weekends were such a rush to go many different places.. driving here and there between appointments. I simply did not enjoy my day. I didn't really know whether I enjoyed passing time quickly and going around places and squeezing with crowds and crowds of people, or I would rather laze around bed, read a good book and hang out idle-big-time with Marcus.

After today, I really think the latter would worked for us. Neither of us like rowdy crowdy places.. we don't like to rush around places .. A little spontaneity is fun too. Sometimes is good to not know where we want to go and what we want to do. And let's decide then and then where to. A litte disorganize scheduling sure beats the mad rush at the office every weekday isn't it?

Semplice Simon

GayLesBoChester United!!!

I always have a problem with a bunch of str8 guys engaging in a fervent conversation of balls and soccer. Especially the recent Asean Big Gulp, I couldn't have been prayinf for peace of ear. Not until I met up 6 lesbians for dinner would I begin to realise, both sides of the coin, is quite the same. :P It was refreshing but yet dejavu-eee, having to see 6 lesbian dykes and femmes talking about their favorite soccer team and favorite matches. One big diff... they are not ooo-gahing over the cute soccer players. Leave that to us fags then.

It was really an eye opener.. . I had wanted to gather a few good friends to have dinner. Been doing this regularly for almost 1 year now. Going out with lesbians is starkingly different. We have had gay outings before where the lesbians would always be outnumbered. And for once, I felt diminished, almost.. smaller.. LOL. At least.. it was just me and my gay friend. Two guys, six gals. I didn't go with much expectations. I knew it would be fun and interesting. I was already familiar with three of them, but slightly apprehensive about the new girls. I knew they would generally be easy to get alone. After the whole thing, my fears were proved unfounded.I had have good impressions of most lesbos that crossed my life. In the gay man's world, there's always the good mix of queens and bitches, gentleman, cutie twinks and the muscular macho marys'. In the lesbian world, the whole two groups being the masculine tomboyish girls.. and the feministic girls. That was how deep it went, my knowledge of them that is..

I met my first lesbian back in 1998/99 where I was with the initial SgBoy team. The whole idea was quite raw, having a gay portal for GLBT people. It was quite ambitious, and I never stay beyond the firist anniversary. There was this girl named Fran, still remember how she look. Femm.. demure and reserved. She was of course, quick to contribute with a little of that no nonsense attitude. Nice gal. Lost track of what's happenin now. Last heard she ended being the Australia correspondent for the website.

If you look at it, we must admit that the whole GLBT thing in Singapore is not fully evolved to state of perfect harmonized union, organized and holding any joint events together. Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transsexual united. Our circle of friends is much isolated to that sexual preference of ours. Perhaps we simple do not find anything common with girls that love girls, and guys that loves both of them. Less talking about the drags and the guys which will prefer dressing up as curvy and full figured woman along changi beach. Let's face it. Our circle just does not mix that well yet. At besides the PLU group that's still trying to register, there seemd not much of any other organized group in singapore.

At least that was what OurActivities was trying to do. To which I realised, having everybody 's a critic, the idea could not take off quite well with members who were so sarcastic and cynical. The new committee who took over were constantly derided for being insincere, unorganized, without a proper vision/mission and objectives. Not too sure who were really the delusional ones, but our GLBT cause could not have been more raw and obvious.

As I sat there basking in their company, I could feel a bit of that expression, the willingness to accomodate and understand the fact that gays and lesbians are not that far apart in difference. We do have common ground even though we both prefer our own sex. Are we that buzy? With time only to the things of our circle? Do we organize parties only for all str8 guys, all gay guys or all lesbians girls? What good can we get out this gradual blending of our groups? For one, I really hope that this common understanding within our GLBT community, may drive us to take on the common cause, of advocating understanding and tolerance, gaining acceptance and acknowledgement from the government, our friends and families.

Semplice Simon

Resolutions 2007

Resolutions 2007
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1. Eat Non Fatty Food on Monday/Wednesday/Friday Lunches, in the same league of bee hoon soup.
2. Loose and maintain my weight at 68 by July 2007. (Now 71.3)
3. Finish all my books which I haven't read, by Sep 2007.
4. Save up/Plan for US Trip End of Year
5. I need to look around for a place to practice vocals/maybe look for a vocal teacher soon.
6. Sign up for FEBC Night classes with MH , second half of 2007.
7. Do my Full Marathon this year.

May add on to the List.

Semplice Simon

3.5 out of 6

1. Participate in the 21 Km Half Marathon end of the year
2. Get my GMAT Done
3. Get my ABRSM Grade 5 Done
4. Save up for A Trip end of Year 2006
5. Drive Safely
6. Learn to drive with all my different shoes

Ok Please see the above. These were the resolutions which I'd set for myself at the beginning of year 2006. Let's see how much I had been slacking.

1 Point - I've done my 21 Km..
0 Point - I gave up doing GMAT!! It's so difficult.. think I will study when Cookie goes overseas for studies next year. Was hoping to do a MBA together when he comes back.
0 Point - ABRSM no more.. somehow was convinced that I didn't really need this..
0.5 Point - I went BKK with Cookie.. was supposed to go HKG, but decided for a cheaper alternative end Jan 2007 to Genting instead :P. I would need to save up for a longer trip.. From Singapore down to Boston then New York and goodness know where... :P
1 Point - I drove safely the whole of 2006. Safe enough.. at least I haven't killed myself yet... kekekke..
1 Point - I AM driving with all my shoes in th closet. It wasn't that difficult after all... I don't think my clutch is don't that well though..

OK so much for review.
Let's think of something more serious for the current year 2007. Give me another 1 week and will probably get up here.

Semplice Simon ( Year 2007 )

Happy New Year to one and all !!