Divergent

In a futuristic Chicago, society is divided into 5 factions. Abnegation the selfless, Dauntless the brave, Erudite the intelligent, Candor the honest, and Amity the peaceful. When all teenagers reach the age of 16, they must choose to either stay in their faction of birth, or switch to another- for the rest of their lives. Following the aptitude test, Tris found out that she is Divergent, which means she doesn't fit into any one group. This could mean death for her, as Divergents are seen as a threat to the perfect system of 5 factions. 

I went with my family to watch Divergent last Friday and I thouroughly enjoyed it. I really love the concept of the plot, and reading the plot got me so excited for the movie. (actually mainly becuase I LOVE Maggie Q) I absolutely love the characters of Tris and Christina, mainly because they are so different, Tris coming from Abnegation and Christina from Candor, but they are so strong and beautiful in their own ways. Oh and I love that Chrstina is so straight up in telling the hard truth and smart with her words.

I love the cast so much. Even though at first I thought that Shailene Woodley looks too kind to be a Dauntless, I think its perfect beacuse it shows her vulnerability when she is attacked by 3 initiates in one scene, and when she is genuinely afraid that she is Divergent in the earlier part of the movie. Theo James is so suited for the tough trainer and the fact that he looks rough while Shailene looks so kind and approachable just clicks so well. 

        

Kate Winslet as Jeanine Matthews, the primary antagonist of the plot was such a good choice. Honestly I've only watched one other movie with her in it, Titanic. So seeing her in this role is really cool, and she is so suited for the role! She looks so poised and intelligent, and just perfect for this role.

Okay can I just save this paragraph just for Maggie Q becuase she is just so beautiful and such a good actress. She didn't have much screen time in Divergent so I am saying this because I watch Nikita and she is so damn cool. I've heard from interviews that in the next movie Insurgent, she will be having more screentime and action scenes, which is perfect becuase for those who wtch Nikita, you'll know how good she is in action scenes.

     

Anyways, back to Divergent. Even though the movie is this great, there are some flaws in it, based on what I think. I feel like the scriptwriter got stuck at some points of the movie and just threw Tris' mother in to save the day. Example 1: When Tris was doing her duties one day, her mother suddenly appeared and knew that she was Divergent, telling her to be careful or she might get herself killed. Example 2: When Tris was about to be killed by soldiers in one scene, the mother suddenly appeared out of nowhere and shot all the soldiers and saved her. How did she just appear and know exactly where Tris is?

Apart from that the movie is excellent. It got me thinking which faction I would be in if I lived in that time, and what are my fears. (Even though I wouldn't need to care anyway) I absolutely cannot wait for Insurgent coming out in 2015!

Here is some encouragement.

Yesterday is the day O level results were released.

Even though I was so disappointed with the results and felt like my future was going to be a really terrible one, I am surprisingly calm. I know that these results are of my hard work, of the late nights till 3am, of the zits and stress. Above all, I know that this does not determine my self worth. It does not define who I am as an individual.

For those out there who question your next course of action, or are disappointed with yourself, remember that you've given your all. Also, the results you've gotten is not like a death sentence stating if you're going to fail or succeed. Failure only comes after you give up. Don't let your own thinking cripple you and take away your ability to go forward. Even when you go into your work place next time, the way you portray yourself and your networking skills are going to be more sought after than your O level grades. I know this is cliche, but when you fall, get back up, with more determination and drive. In the future, there will be plenty of setbacks, some even more saddening than this, and any workplace would want a team leader that can get back up with a positive attitude, instead of moping over something.

The school you are going to go to next does not determine your future, God does. Remind yourself that this is not an obstacle for God, as He already has His plans mapped out for you, and a piece of paper stating your L1R5/ L1B4 will not change where He wants you 10 or 20 years down the road. You might start to question God; "Why would this happen to me?" "Why would you make this happen?" But remember that everything happens for a reason. Wherever God places you next, is where He will plan great things for you, where He will use you to bless others.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." -Proverbs 19:31

Whatever plans you have, God has already planned better ones for you. Go with confidence in the LORD, for He never fails. (:

Be strong and take heart!

Elephants are cool

These are some photos of the elephants I saw in Thailand: 

Elephant Riding!

A creaky bridge

So talented right

Long Neck Tribe

In Chiang Mai, I got to see the Long Neck Tribe people.

 Woah like even girls as young as 5 years old already have rings on their necks. These people are located high up a mountain and all they do is handicraft. The girls just weave blankets and bags together to sell. The whole village sells the same thing so all I thought was: They should have a different strategy as sell different things.

Such a beautiful view!

I think most of their income comes from the tourists that visit, because tourists that visit the village will have to pay 500 Baht, and by looking at the number of blankets and woven items displayed, not many tourists purchase their handmade products. 

Some stalls selling handmade items/ souvenirs. 

When I saw the kids there I kind of pitied them, because they all don't look really happy. Either they display forced smiles, or they don't smile. They all look lethargic. But I mean its quite understandable, can you imagine doing the same handicraft day after day? 

They will be doing this for the rest of their lives, literally, makes me appreciate my life now. I know it sounds cliche, but its true. 

Anyways here are some photos. I had to tip them for photos with them by the way.

This is what I mean by they have the same routine everyday. This young girl is rolling yarn into a ball. 

This is the oldest long neck lady.

This lady has large earholes.

I just thought she is really pretty.

 Such a cute little kid.

She looks around my age right?

Houses they live in.

Pretty view.

Just in case you're wondering what do the men do, they do more physical work if I'm not wrong. I saw a man hammering something. Oh, and they do not have long necks. 

Okk byeee

Shopping in Bangkok

I'm back from Thailand! My trip to Chiang Mai and Bangkok has been absolutely great. I did sight seeing in Chiang Mai, and loads of shopping in Bangkok. I have soooo much to blog about, but I'll start with the Shopping in Bangkok.

                                           Bangkok City lights.



I did not take much photos while shopping (duh) BUT I can give you some tips to get reallly cheap prices in Bangkok. By shopping in Bangkok, I do mean the morning and night markets. If you were thinking of shopping centers then I suggest you just stay in your hometown and shop (the prices do not differ much) During my short time in Bangkok, I walked down quite a number of markets and wholesale centers, and Terminal 21 (for the fun of it).

Here are some tips:

1) ALWAYS Haggle.

Don't be afraid or shy to ask for a lower price even when the item is already so damn cheap. Why? Because the stallholders give in really easily. No kidding.

One example:  I wanted to buy a pair of flip flops, and they cost 150 Baht (est 6 SG Dollars)

Stallholder: "Come cheap cheap 150 Baht! What size you what size?"

Me: "100 Baht I buy."

Stallholder: "Cannot, 130 Baht last price!"

Me: Discusses with mom

Stallholder: "Okay la okay I give you 120 Baht."

Me: "Never mind uncle." *Walks away*

Stallholder: "Okay la you first customer I give you 100 Baht you what size I give you."

So that's how I saved 2 SG Dollars. (Sorry for the weird English, that's really how they speak.)

Second reason to ALWAYS Haggle. They have their tactics. They will say they already give you discount, but its obvious its just to make you want to buy from them.

Example:

Me: "This one how much?"

Stallholder: "This one 220 Baht, but I give you discount, I give you 180 Baht, cheap cheap."

So this is to make you THINK they've given you a big discount, but in actual fact the item was already 180 Baht.

Remember, ALWAYS Haggle.

2) Don't make rash purchases.

When you see something the first stall is selling and you really like it, don't buy it without thinking, because there are another 10+ stalls selling the EXACT same thing. Seriously.

3) Some wholesale centers like Platinum Fashion Mall might sell items that you THINK are cheap, but morning and night markets, trust me, sell the items waaayyy cheaper. 

I went to Platinum Mall and saw this really pretty bag that cost 450 Baht (18 SG Dollars) and I wanted to get it but my mom was like telling me that markets sell it waaaayy cheaper. Okay, so I have this issue, if I don't get something I like, I'll keep thinking of it till I get it. So I was really upset. BUT Let me tell you you won't be upset for long! I went to the night markets and found really beautiful bags for 200 Baht (8 SG Dollars) and under!

I know its hard to believe, but the markets do sell very very cheap things. The cheapest items are bought from morning markets, they are cheaper than night markets, and night markets are very cheap to begin with. I could buy 3 crop shirts for 100 Baht (4 SG Dollars) from morning markets.

4) Contain yourself.

Absolutely DO NOT look interested when buying from markets. If you look interested, they will know that you will definitely buy it, so no matter how much you haggle, they won't listen to you. You must make them believe you are interested in cheap prices, not the item.

5) Last but my no means least, aim low.

What I mean is, if an item is 200 Baht, for example, and you will buy it if its 150 Baht, ask the stallholder to sell it to you for 100 Baht. In the end he will voluntarily suggest the cheapest price he can give.


So there are all my tips! Also, you should go to Terminal 21 just to walk around, its really exquisite. The decorations, the airport theme, the toilet (must experience it yourself!)


Here are photos of some my favorite buys:

             Bought at a Night market, all items below 10 SG Dollars each!

       I got these pullovers at 3.20 SG Dollars each at a morning market!

              Bags from night markets. All below 10 SG Dollars each!


By the way, I saw the protesters live! They're not threatening at all, if you don't disturb them, they won't disturb you. Plus they're against the prime minister, I doubt they'll disturb tourists. So those who plan to visit BKK soon, you don't have to worry!

That's all for now! I still have a lot to blog about from my trip, will do that soon!

Photos from: http://instagram.com/ruitothefung

REDCAMP10

Hello lovelies! (There are photos below if you don't want to read)

I'm going to fly off to Thailand tomorrow, so I decided to blog today to please you guys (or if you don't care then whatever)

Last Tuesday was my first day of RED CAMP 10, a three day camp that I originally thought was all about admissions talks and course briefings. I went with a mindset that I was just going to go there and learn more about the various courses to help me choose what I want to do in life.

When I found out I was a Centurion, I was elated because I was a Centurion in YLC9 (Youth Leaders Camp) two years ago. But I wasn't looking forward to it that much, since I had to settle Prom stuff and was really tired.

Little did I know what was in stored for me for the next three days. The SLs (student leaders) there were so enthusiastic and were greeting us from the moment my friends and I entered the gates of Ngee Ann Polytechnic. The only thing that went through my mind was "How can they be so enthu in the morning?" Not only that, but as an SL was leading us to the Convention Center, he was already teaching us a cheer..

For the next three days, even with all the talks about the various schools in Ngee Ann, the SLs still managed to make everything fun with group cheers. The amazing thing is how the organizers can easily balance out fun and the timetable, that we can have so much fun, but still get what we came for; deeper knowledge about the various schools and courses. The RED CAMP is also sooooo much more impressive and larger scale than YLC. So for those who went for YLC and thought it was awesome (it was), RED CAMP is better. There was a skit, celebrity performances and an impressive finale.

Though the performances etc might have played a large part in my memorable time during RED CAMP, without doubt its the SLs  played the largest role in keeping us comfortable and bonded as a tribe/ sub-tribe. (I was in sub-tribe 6) The sub-tribe 6 SLs are one of the most selfless, caring people I've met. They are so extremely enthusiastic, from early in the morning to late in the evening, and they constantly check on our status to see if we are doing okay. They keep reminding us to Drink Up, and I've heard "Are you guys okay?" like 50 times each day legit. With them, I feel comfortable asking questions if I need to etc.

The finale of the camp definitely impressed me. There were celebrity performances, and most importantly, the SLs performance. It was a perfect end to the camp, and despite the fun I had, it was upsetting that it was time to say goodbye to my tribe mates and SLs, and the feeling of cheering as a tribe. When all the SLs were singing the finale song, I felt the sting of tears threaten my throat (but I held it in because it was embarrassing)

If anyone were to ask if the three days is worth their time, I tell you it definitely is. However I describe the camp, it doesn't do it justice, because the experience was so much more than that. (But if you set your mind on a JC already, I suggest you don't go. Now I am trying to convince myself that I should go to a JC) The culture and people in Ngee Ann is so cool.

Now here are the photos as promised:


Wonderful CSSians that I was ever so privileged to be tribe mates with.

Trisha!

                                                         Asyiqin and Trisha (;

                                           
                                           Must never forget to camwhore in the toilet..
                                     

Bored in the bus...

                                                               CSS People.

                                                            C For Centurions.


Sexy SLs: (Don't tell you their names later you stalk them)

(Normally people start with the oldest first right) 

She gave the deepest impression because she's so enthusiastic and selfless and caring (the list goes on) She doesn't think twice before helping any of us. And she dances well too so yea. 

                                Can you believe he's only year 1? Looks quite old hehe oops.
                                                   He's super funny and energetic!

                                                             Pretty SL! I like.

Damn loud one she. 

Bye guysss, 1 week in Thailand; Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

I'll leave you guys with a sexy Centurion photo:

                   

Carrie remake 2013

Finally exams are over!! After literally stressing over O's for so long, this just feels so great. (: But that's not the main point of this post. This post is to talk about the awesome movie I watched today! So right after the last paper I went with some friends to watch Carrie. Honestly I didn't really want to watch it, because I really cannot watch horror or anything terrifying or I'll not be able to sleep for weeks BUT It really wasn't that bad. It was really really cool.

Basically the story's about Carrie and her telekinesis power. After watching it, two things really made me vividly remember this movie.

1) Julianne Moore acting as Margaret White, Carrie's mother, is just a damn good actress. She portrayed the character as a deeply religious (and a little crazy) woman extremely well. Throughout the movie I actually found her more creepy and scary than Carrie herself.

2) The telekinesis part at the prom was so cool. Actually I really wanted her to kill all the people who mistreated her before and her killing them is like my secret revenge on those bitches who humiliated her in the shower area (throwing tampons at her and stuff). I particularly love the part where she kills Chris and her boyfriend in the car when they were trying to escape. It was epic.

Chloe Grace Mortez did a splendid job. She did come across well as a shy and under-confident girl. BUT I don't know if she's trying to look terrifying during the prom scene when she was covered with pig blood, but she didn't look terrifying enough. However her actions looked believable, so it does cover up for not so terrifying face. Overall she was the perfect Carrie.

Even though the movie is great as it is, it wasn't as good as I expected it to be. The trailer looked pretty impressive, but in the movie, only the prom scene was great. It felt like the movie went by so fast, because there was a lack of climax. And I know this movie is supposed to be unbelievable and unrealistic, BUT I mean seriously how can Tommy die after just being hit by an empty bucket? Even Carrie's mother could utter some last moans and sounds after being stabbed with multiple sharp objects. Frankly I think they should just let Tommy live.

If any of you want to watch the movie but are afraid that it will be too horrifying, its not. I was more afraid after watching the starting trailers of horror movies then the actual movie Carrie. Though it is not a must watch movie, the scenes where Carrie uses her telekinetic powers are worth the watch.

You can watch some clips in which Carrie is using her telekinesis powers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vomik4cZV0

But it looks waaayyy more impressive on big screen. There's a reason its a remake! (People love it)