The reason I live

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms.”

― Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods

My Dear Boy…

I woke in the wee hours of one morning, taking in the cool fresh air that money can’t buy in the city. I sat at the edge of a hill, awaiting the greetings of the morning sun in the midst of the heavenly snow capped mountains.

Although it was still dark, but I knew I was not alone. Giggles and chatters were around me. I was embraced by the rawness of Mother Nature, and the kindness and hospitality of the local people. The freezing cold could not deter my desire to be outdoors, the desire to be surrounded by such beauty, in all ways. This is my last day in this Nepalese Village, my fourth trip in The Activist’s Journey, and I just don’t wanna miss a thing.

And there he is again…. those wishful, aloof eyes, looking at me intently. For reasons I know not of, I am equally attracted to him. His gaze reached out to me, I feel connected, vulnerable to the wordless interaction between us. And again, I try to reach out to him, to feel his little hand, hoping a hug can fill the gap between us. But as before, he steered clear, keeping the distance between us, yet continue that intense focus on me.

I told myself; I have to find out more about this boy before I leave. With the help of the translator, I found his mum.

His mum held my hand and told me to take him away. This boy wants to go to school, but she has no money to do that. His dad just passed away, and she just does not know what to do with him. Although she spoke in a language I could not understand yet the message of helplessness was conveyed clearly.

It hit me hard. I had no answers, How do you turn down someone who asked you to take her flesh and blood away? “I can’t. I am sorry” was the best I could utter.

I asked the mum why the boy kept looking at me yet, was unwilling to come close. I was told the boy feared he would tear when it was time for me to leave. He also has a scar on his chin that he feels embarrassed about.

I was shattered… this boy, at this age, yet with some much forethought, so sentimental, so deep…I have to do something for him, anything, to make his life a little better. If he wants to go to school, then he will get to go to school. With the help of Chhitup, the head of HEAD NEPAl blind school, I will be able to sponsor his education from this year, April onwards. This is the least I can do.

My Dear Boy, be happy , be strong. You are beautiful in every single way….

Click here for pictures: https://www.facebook.com/PaigeConnexion

Join me on this journey, to meet the heroes of our time…

An Activist: An individual advocating for or opposing a social or political cause.

2011 is a significant year for me, as my world view has taken on a huge shift. Poverty, Destitution, Desperation are not just news on the TV anymore. Courage, Heroism, Chivalry are no longer terms limited to tales. I had witnessed it, experienced it, it was as real as it can be….

I am the host of The Activist’s Journey 2. I’m actually not so comfortable with the term “host”. I prefer the word “witness”. I embarked on this journey with an open mind, anxious to take in all that were to come. And now, I can never be the same again. This opportunity presented a path for me to witness 8 various situations of the human living conditions. Korea, Philippines, Nepal, India(Hyderabad), India(Bihar), Thailand(Chiangmai), Thailand(Bangkok), and Indonesia, each has its story to tell, and I am grateful to live to tell it.

Now, how can I go back, from a world where principles are based on selfless giving, equality, and compassion to another where self interest, social standing and profits take centre stage? How can I be the same again when my heart and soul were totally in tuned with what I had witnessed?

I have to find a way, I am trying to find a way, to have myself reconciled, so that I will never lose that part of myself, a part of them….

The Activist’s Journey 2, starting from 11 February, every Saturday, 9pm on Channel 8.

Links to program trailer & photos:

- http://youtu.be/YbKiMadO6qk

- https://www.facebook.com/PaigeConnexion

-http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/zh/tv/channel-8/programmes/the-activists-journey-2.aspx?cp-documentid=5778989

红豆

每当过年的 时候，都有一种难以形容的感觉。像是比须离开某个地方，但又依依不舍。理智一点的话， 那也只不过是一个数字，换一本新的日历。但感性的我，心里不由自主的起了一份依恋。

王菲的“红豆”就把我这种心情给唱出来了。 这一年认识的朋友，一起度过的岁月，我会把最美好的留在心里，期待着有缘再见的一天。

As the year draws to a close, I have a sense of nostalgia towards all that had been. Perhaps it is just a change of calendar, just another day, but this is also a prompt, a reminder that a new chapter has started. It is a time to recollect, to restart and move on.

To all I have befriended this year, it’s been an amazing journey. I wish the best for all of you in the new year, and you have left an imprint on my heart for as long as it beats. It makes me humane, as I struggle my way through this urban jungle.

王菲“红豆”

有时候有时候

我会相信一切有尽头

相聚离开都有时候

没有什么会永垂不朽

可是我有时候

宁愿选择留恋不放手

等到风景都看透

也许你会陪我看细水长流

watch?v=uRoA4EtNedQ&feature=player_detailpage

Shots from Code of Honour

I had my first taste of participating in a period drama in the latest Channel 8 release “Code of Honor” , 正义武馆。Upon the acceptance of this assignment, I looked forward to everything that will be coming along.

I’ve always had a sense of nostalgia towards period dramas; it is a great substitute for a time machine. The outfits, hairstyles, are always elegant and timeless. I just hope that I did them justice.

Stunt work is another leg of the assignment that excites me. As a child, the highly skilled men and women from the pugilistic world, overcoming evil, making martial arts look really cool, fascinated me.

My trainers, Fa ge and team, imparted their hard earned skills to us, hoping to immortalize all of us into legendary swordsmen/women. And trust me, the few minutes of action on screen do not come easy. The team spent hours training us, and always ready to jump in and take over any dangerous stunts required.

Scars and aches are evidence of the effort and sacrifices they had put in. It is only by working with them that I learn to appreciate action films at a deeper level.

A big Thank You to these unsung heroes, for your contribution in creating everlasting heroes, so that we all can have someone to believe in.

Our team coaching us for a stunt

In action

The unsung heroes take over

Fearless contribution from the stunt team

Because of eyes like these, Moments like those…

In a world full of uncertainties, half truths, advice that guard the heart, locking it from loving a stranger, shielding our eyes from one another, sometimes I feel weak and helpless against the tide of negativities around me.

But it is when I come in contact with eyes like these that I am reminded with conviction that there has always been kindness, positivism, all very present and well. These eyes tell me not to give up, to be hopeful, to persevere, for faith will not fail me.

“See the better side, flip to the other side of the coin”, they seem to whisper whenever I feel my heart hardening against one and all.

These eyes bring me to moments of tenderness, compassion, oneness.

Because of eyes like these, moments like those, I continue to tread, on the brighter side of life.

Side Trip 2- Langkawi

I have heard so much about the pretty island of Langkawi. It did not disappoint me when I was there for a short 3 days 2 nights getaway. A safe, and easy to-get-to destination for a single female traveler. It is a great place to try solo traveling, as I told my sister. Although I got a little annoyed at times, when I got asked for the 100^th time “Why you no boyfriend” by the cheeky, hospitable beach boys.

Besides lazing on the pristine beaches and sipping a cocktail or two in one of many atmospheric bars, you can decide on numerous mildly adventurous day tours into the wild. Langkawi Island is blessed with clear waters with highly visible sea inhabitants. There are also limestone caves, and bat caves waiting to be explored, all in very good condition.

For those rich in the pockets, you can hire your own private yacht, set out to sea, and catch the sunset on the horizon while enjoying a sumptuous buffet.

I finally got to do what I have always wanted but deterred due to a lack of guts. Parasailing….As I was lifted off, I imagine angels wings growing on me, and I leave the burdens of the world and fly towards freedom. I was closer to heaven for that few minutes.

Falling sick

It’s nice to fall sick once in a while, although it is very annoying when you are time-strapped, or when for once, you seem indispensable.

Falling sick holds you back inwardly….. You vs U. Things sort of recoil and you push again and again to fight that invader inside you, until you decide to seek the knight in white for some assistance.

Although it sounds morbid, I really like the way when drugs are administered; you succumb to its disempowering effect and you have no choice but to drop everything on hand and rest. Sleep comes easily, and you lie limb and weightless, emptying what had burdened you previously. You find yourself in a completely different form, fluid, benign, fleeting….

And then, you embrace life again, happy to feel “you” once more when you are out of that meditative state.

So ya, catch that seasonal flu bug while it’s here. I just had my dose. :>

I’m a Gleek

I’ve watched Glee, the concert in 3D. Loved it, go watch it!!

Side Trip 1- Cameron Highlands

I am counting down the days of my stay in Malaysia as I blog, with a tinge of reluctance, yet looking forward to be home, in the arms of familiarity.

I am fortunate to have received warm hospitality from my Malaysian host. The humility and steadfastness of the crew, despite the hectic schedule was much appreciated. My 4 months stay in Malaysia had been fruitful, with new knowledge acquired, new friends made.

Being a travel addict, I cannot resist packing my backpack, hopping onto those conveniently accessible inter-state coaches, immersing myself in the kaleidoscope of cultures Malaysia offers as the number of scenes left to film dwindles. Well, they did say, “Malaysia, truly Asia” isn’t it? How can I not go further?

I have always wanted to visit Cameron Highlands. The vision of vast Tea plantations, Strawberry farms, breaths of fresh air up in the hills lured me to make this trip a reality.

The one and a half hour coach ride up the hill did not sit well with me. I tried my best to keep myself together till I found my way to the guesthouse I’ve booked. As usual, I sourced out my guesthouse via hostelworld.com, which has not failed me since my first booking. Kang Traveller’s lodge, or a.k.a Daniel’s lodge has an embracing atmosphere that any backpacker, or flash packer would appreciate.

My next 2 days were packed with trekking trips to the jungle, and visits to the various plantations, and farms. The adventure tour involves 2 hour of trekking and it is not suitable for children below 10. You will get sweaty and dirty, but for those game for it, you will be rewarded with a photo taking opportunity with the famous Rafflesia Flower, the world’s largest flower, and yes, you do need some luck too.

Those who want to take a step back, stick with farm tours. But to be honest, those were a little disappointing. The tours were hasty and not much had been shared on the operations of the farms. But well, it was for a mere 25 Rm, so my good spirits were not dampened. I did manage to buy several packs of BOH tea at a great price, afterall…

So, Cameron Highlands…checked:>

Kang traveller's lodge- A backpacker's paradise

All geared up to get dirty

"BOH" tea plantation

Numerous nurseries along the way

Drinking from bamboo

Rafflesia flower-lucky me!

Fellow Singaporeans on the trip