Where the Glitteratis gather, POSE SNAP POST!

It was a gloomy morning, due to the rain which didn't seem to stop. Honestly, if it continues like this, Singapore don't have to buy water from other countries neither do we need to build reservoirs nor marina barrage already! God's wonders, I wonder.

*sidetrack*

Yes! Despite the rain, I attended this invited event with G+ bloggers, met HP, William & Joanna at Plaza Sing before cabbing up to Mt. Sophia. We weren't on heels, but the thought of being late and still having to climbing up that horribly long flight of stairs (as never ending just like the rain) simply puts us off. Share cab, why not right. This is what I call being practical.

Let me share with you a 'joke'. *Please don't say it's a bimbotic moment!*
I thought this event was a yearly thing - I remember asking the rest in the cab 'eh where was this event' held last year? & & & I didn't expect it to be the 'first-time' event. WHY? Because of the word 'Annual' -.- Guess it means they are looking long-term to make this an ANNUAL event then, kudos!

Having said that, we finally arrived! BUT, all of us felt so lost because there seemed to be no one present though we were at the right block. Apparently, there are 2 blocks of 11 and we only realised it a little after; actually it was the next block just a few steps away. Did the normal registrations and getting of goodie bags. Took 1 of the umbrellas they prepared for us (so cute!) and headed up to the theater. I was very impressed by the long rows of red comfy cushion seats, it made me feel like jumping onto it the moment I set my eyes on them, but of course, I had to behave!

Took a seat with the other bloggers and started to chat. I should have printed name cards to give out! Next time yo!

Jo, Sam, Mint, William

Presentation started with location sponsor, Sinema telling us who they are (A platform for local films not being 'approved' by GV, Eng Wah, Cathay etc), what they offer as well as showed us upcoming films being screened. I found the films pretty good, yes, I love local films because they include the Singaporean context!

This caught my attention: Looks funny!
When Hainan meets Teochew: http://tix.sinema.sg/index.php?event_id=471

Next up was one of my fav part, GAMES!

It's the time where you get to make new friends and get to move out of your seats!

We were told to form a group of 5 comprising of people we TOTALLY didn't know.

The group is then given a task list and supposed to complete all 5 tasks, listed.

Basically, it was the use of POLAROIDS! Each task is coupled with taking a polaroid shot to show that we’ve completed it! The 1st 3 teams who completed all 5 tasks wins a Starbucks giftcard!

TEAM 22!

Managed to complete all 5 tasks in time! YAY! (:

Although my group didn't win the Top3 prizes, we were contented because the process and new friends+bonds made were worthed more than the Starbucks giftcard prize.

I think they are damn pretty, don't you think so?

Then it's time to VOTE for the new committee for this campaign. Ohmygod, how to choose? All 5 are my friends, ohwells!

It seriously felt like my student elections, given 1 chance to speak with all eyes set just on you, the person speaking... haha!

Congrats to HP & Thiang for Winning e Votings!

Looking forward to outings, foodhunts and travels ah P & VP!!! (:

- Tea Break -

Thanks Nuffnang for the nice food setup...
Honestly, I was expecting really light refreshments like snacks and drinks, but omg the spread of food was really good!

After lunch, we were treated to bloggers' talk session.
Sharing with us abt the blogging field, tips & such...

Quite useful and TRUE, I must say!

Presentations by the more famous bloggers:

Qiu Ting (http://bongqiuqiu.blogspot.com/)

Esther (http://the-miracle-season.blogspot.com/)

Benjamin (http://typicalben.blogspot.com/)

Dear Budget Barbie! hahaha. She's such a pretty lady in real life too!

Took some pictures in between...

Up next - Guest Speaker: Dr Leslie's Tay

A doctor, A Food Blogger going around trying esp. Singaporean dishes, mostly found in hawker centers

I really respect his works because if you read his posts, you can tell that he puts a lot of effort into every post and each one is one he can proclaim he is proud of. Who says bloggers are people silencing behind their laptops typing a chunk of words only? It's not true. Dr Leslie Tay is a good example, because besides writing well, he is able to talk to the people - Trust me, he is such an inspirational speaker and one who is able to walk the talk. He makes us learn a lot in an interactive way, so much so I don't mind the talk going on and on... *Can tell he's v passionate about what he's doing*

A part of his presentation about himself, blogging and his new book launch, he mentioned about 'Knowing what you want to do in life' and 'For bloggers, it's very important to find your own USP' or else you will be just another blogger. It's true. I ever thought about these points before but after the talk, it simply dawned upon me once again. What do I want to do in life? Can I say 'TO BE A BLOGGER?' Really. I told my friends & they think I'm crazy. But, I replied, 'Why not?'. Yes, that's my new ambition since few months back...

Hmm... what do I want to be unique about? I haven't thought about it yet. Does being SHORT like Xiaxue helps me get as famous? hahahaha! I'm joking!

Guess I'll be blogging about my experiences in life & mainly into these 4 categories:

Food. Travel. Religion. Thoughts. Life (AIYA, whatever you see under my tabs)
Reason: As simple as just cause I'm interested in those above...

Anyways, he ended the talk with Q&As to give out his new books, & what I learnt (OMG He makes a good history teacher I swear!) is this: WHY KATONG LAKSA LAST TIME DON'T USE CHOPSTICKS?

The audiences gave answers like 'Oh, cause can drink the gravy together with the noodles', 'Oh, cause roadside stall then need 1 hand carry bowl 1 hand use soup lo'... I said 'cause last time no chopsticks' I THINK MY ANSWER NOW IS DAMN BIMBO SIA! *Just for gags!* hahaha!

Answer: Roadside stores were considered illegal hawkers in that era. Like what you see in TV shows - Police come, they run! The originator, this Malay man, wanted to make it less troublesome when he escapes from the police, so he decided to make do without the chopsticks so there’s one less thing to bring along with him when he runs making it easier!

HA! I bet a lot of you don't know right? Feeling smarter? Quiz your friends & laugh at their answers, keeps you entertained!!! HAHA!

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MORE ABOUT

GLITTERATI PLUS CLUB?

Glitterati Plus (or affectionately referred to by members as G+) is an exclusive club for active Nuffnang bloggers. Other than blogging, fellow bloggers get to plan fun activities, get invited to cool events and expand their social circle. The club will be led by a committee of Nuffnangers elected by club members themselves.

What YOU can get?

• Be able to enjoy benefits of sponsorships
• Have FUN!
• Reap higher chances of getting event passes to exclusive Nuffnang-branded events
• Get invited to attend blogger-exclusive events, product launches or workshops organised by the brands partnering with Nuffnang
• Take charge and create your own outings. Best of all, it’ll be subsidised by Nuffnang!
• Meet like-minded enthusiastic bloggers
  

Eligibility:

1. Blogger must fulfil the basic requirements of a Glitterati membership to join Glitterati+.
2. Blogger has to be active with frequent updates on their blog.
3. Blogger has to be at least 30% active in contests or events organized by Nuffnang in the past 6 months.

JOIN NOW IF YOU MEET THE CRITERIA! (:

THANKS NUFFNANG FOR HOSTING SUCH A WONDERFUL & MEANINGFUL EVENT!

XOXO,

Samantha

HOMECOMING《笑着回家》Exclusive Press Conference, Preview and Post-Party @ St.James

This Chinese New Year, fret not if you're feeling bored of the norms & routins of the annual CNY celebrations. Cause 1 thing for sure, the annual CNY movies will NEVER EVER be the same! Coming to you in the cinemas, I present to you this CNY local film movie of the year:

HOMECOMING《笑着回家》

Opening Date: 3 February 2011

More about the movie:

Genre: Comedy Director: Lee Thean-Jeen Cast: Mark Lee, Jack Neo, A Niu, Afdlin Shauki, Jacelyn Tay, Huang Wenhong, Rebecca Lim, Koe Yeet, Liu Ling Ling RunTime: 1 hr 30 mins Synopsis: "Homecoming" is about three stories of three different individuals going home for Chinese New Year. A major highlight of the movie is that Jack Neo, who will be cross-dressing on the big screen again after eleven years since "Liang Po Po The Movie" back in 1999. He will be playing mother to Ah Niu's character. It is said that he was told to lose at least 5kg for his role. Jack Neo long time collaborator Mark Lee and Malaysian multi-talented writer-director-comedian Afdlin Shauki are among the cast.
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I supposed to blog about this to get tickets, but I forgot to submit. Thank God for HP's invitation, thus I was still able to go for this exclusive event! (:

Met HP, William and his friend, Eric, for dinner at Vivo's food republic, before heading to the press conference. Basically, today we get the first-hands to everything you see in the media, awesome!

Just realised that my nail and the colour looks damn nice here! ^^

At the Press Conference,

This marks the end of the press conference (:

HAPPY GIRL cause I took pictures w Reb and Nat! haha!

While waiting for the movie to begin, we took some pictures in the cinema...
I don't care about the Flash! Just take only!!!

After the really funny yet heartwarming movie, we went to meet Mint and her friend. Cause all of us were in separate theaters :/

Headed over to St.James for the post-party.
Free flow of drinks and finger food(:

We were guided into this private lounge cozy area, never knew this space existed. It's on top of the dance floors & we had a peak view of the dance happenings going on...

Walked around the place to reece it.

with MINT!

Sat around the table with our drinks.
We were waiting for the cast to come over from Vivo...

So meanwhile, the EMCEE of the night started with playing some games with us, let us win prizes. Our table was super enthu and yes, cause we were seated at the back. HAHA The only table with space enough for all of us. Comfortable spot through!

Here's what we won!



& soon, the cast finally entered...

w Director Jack Neo

They gave a short presentation cum speech, like a mini private press-conference followed by playing games w us and singing.

After that, we were able to take exclusive pictures of them and with them, meant for the press!

w Koe Yee, from M'sia!
We are same age!

*Gasps*

With all the bloggers...

After taking a 'BLOGGERS ONLY' picture, we had a small chat session (about insider infos) and closed it with a TOAST, together with Director Neo.

Cheers!

We ended the night with finger food.

A good mixture of our definitions of 'Finger food'...
I loved the potato wedges, especially. Good!

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Review of the Movie!

Here's the trailer:

Support Local Firms because I believe we have great talents here in Singapore..

This movie showcases 3 different stories that were linked together into a film, letting us have a good laugh in our seats, with moral values embedded in it. The common part about these 3 interlocking stories is that it all leads to the same destination - everyone simply wants to be 'HOME' in time for the annual reunion dinner.

Personally, I like such films because of the comedy element, the Singaporean context it is in PLUS the fact that there's always a morale behind the laughters. Despite a weird and new mix of cast, with Channel 8 artistes like Jacelyn Tay and Rebecca Lim whom you normally only see on TV as well as Ah Niu & Koe Yee who are singers, the film was still good.

This is a special movie because there are 3 directors in it. The directors are also the actors. It must have been presurring for the other actors who are non-directors or who are new, like what Koe Yee mentioned during the press conference.

This is another example of a movie I would say 'Simplicity is Beauty'. To be frank, the movie isn't written with a WOW or BOOMZ story plot, it wasn't complicated. In fact, it was the opposite - Pretty simply and straightforward. Sometimes, stories like this are better when the aim of the movie is to bring our simply yet easily forgettable morales - in this case, the importance of Chinese tradition and family bonding on CNY.

The film touches on some heart warming issues: Kinship, Family, CNY traditions etc. I especially liked the part where Mindy (acted by Koe Lee) came back to join her dad for reunion dinner. Before that, also when Karen Neo(acted by Jack Neo) and 'her' son (acted by Ah Niu) tried all means just to get Mindy a plane ticket (due to CNY there's a lack of plane tickets) home. Besides those 2 scenes, it was also the newly couple - Rebecca & Wenhong, who eventually decided to postpone their free Bali trip just to stay for the family's reunion dinner. The family tradition and get-together simply made me smile to myself in the theater. I'm sure many around me felt the same way too.

The official director of this film, is Singapore based Lee Thean-Jeen. He did a commendable job because it is not easy doing shoots both in Singapore and Malaysia. Also, he has to manage artistes from both sides of the causeway to be able to deliver such a film.

I would recommend this film to everyone, as it is indeed a story of warmth and joy, to usher in the Chinese New Year 2011.

I love films with happy endings. I 笑着 walking out of the cinema and will 笑着回家.

So...

I'm ready for CNY,

are you? (: