I actually
find it scary how fast time flies. Before I know it, 2012 is over and it’s
already 2013. To be very honest, 2012 is special to me because it’s been a
really k-razy year. Things had not always been at their best but I'm glad that
things had not gone awfully wrong. I had my fair share of tears and smiles, no
doubt making 2012 memorable.
2012 was the year I found a new job.
My contract
with SIT ended after a really fruitful 10 months. Really thankful for the
opportunities given during my stay there and the amazing colleagues that I met
along the way. Words can’t express how grateful I am to Boss for giving me the
opportunity despite having no relevant experience in the HR field. And now, I
can safely say that I really like HR and I’m going to pursue a career as a
generalist.
With a mere 10
months experience, it’s barely significant to be very honest. And yes, my new
Boss is willing to give me a chance for me to learn everything from scratch as
we are literally putting together the HR division from nothing. It’s a really
exciting experience and I really like how I’m learning something new every day.
I hope this brings me a step closer to me dream job two years down the road.
2012 was the year I covered the most number
of K-events.
Singapore is
no doubt a hot spot for all things Korean – be it for concerts, showcases,
movies and even drama promotions. There was literally something to cover every
other week and the highlight of the year had to be 1 November 2012, where there
are 4 events being held on the same day – G.Na, PSY, 2NE1 and Sundown Festival.
A recap of the
events I’ve covered this year: PLAY! FT Island Concert, Skip Beat Promotions (feat.
Super Junior’s Siwon and Donghae), Super Junior‘s Super Show 4, Sistar and
Boyfriend 1st Singapore Fanmeeting, Beautiful Show in Singapore, Men’s Fashion
Week 2012, Kim Hyun Joong Asia Fan Meeting 2012, Music Matters 2012 (feat.
BTOB, Rhythmking, DJ Clazzi, J’kyun, M.I.B, Tiger JK & Yoon Mirae), Song
Joongki 1st Asia Your Fanmeeting in Singapore 2012 “THRILL AND LOVE”, Boyz Nite
Out Concert (feat. Jay Park, SHINee, B1A4, Teen Top and 7.9.4.2.), Shinhwa
Grand Tour in Singapore ‘THE RETURN’, KARA K5J Showcase, Alexander Fanmeet, KpopGaga
ShowKase (feat. Free Star and Twi-Light), Tonight with Lee Seung Gi Singapore
Fan Meeting, Wonder Girls Wonder World Tour Concert (feat. JJ Project), KpopGaga
PREVIEW (feat. Superstar K2 Finalist Kim So Jung and Girlfriend), SKarf Fansign
Session, Boss BarBQ Grand Opening Celebration Party, Brian Joo Singapore
Fanmeeting, Upclose-and-Personal with Lee Hyun Woo, KpopGaga ShowKase 2 (feat.
NU’EST), Singtel Loop & Meet Launch Party, 2NE1 Guerilla Event, SMTOWN Live
Tour III in Singapore, Sundown Festival 2012, 2NE1 New Evolution Global Tour, SHINee
World Concert II and Celebrate 2013 (feat. M.I.B and SKarf).
I probably
missed out a few others but I guess this list is long enough considering that I
only listed out the actual events without including the press conferences and
fansign sessions.
2012 was the year I went to Korea again.
Though this
trip was for a mere 11 days, my days were packed and I probably experienced
more than I ever did as compared to my previous 26 days. I went to Gangneung
for a unique hanok stay, went school hopping at Edae and Yonsei, met Yoon-ki
and had an in-depth talk on social issues in Korea, went to Music Core for BTOB and NU`EST,
watched Key’s debut musical stage for ‘Catch Me If You Can’, went to Jinhae for
cherry blossoms and a random photo shoot, ate fresh sashimi and seafood at
Noryangjin, went cafés to people watch, went Suwon Fortress for the cultural
experience and saw rain-snow cause the weather was just being ridiculous. I
guess the best part of the trip was no doubt my one-to-one interview with
NU`EST and N-Train because my boys are just too awesome. Not forgetting the
really insightful talk with Mr Park from Cube on aspiring trainees and their
road to stardom.
2012 was the year I attended the best
concerts.
Attending
Shinhwa ‘The Return’ concert in Singapore was probably one of the best decisions
ever. These 6 dorks are the reason why I stepped into K-Pop and seeing them
again after 8 years, still performing their classic hits, reminds me of why I’m
doing what I’m doing now. In addition, their reunion just gives me hope that
anything and everything is possible as long as you put your heart and soul to
it. Thank you Shinhwa for making the impossible possible.
SMTown was no
doubt was one of the craziest concert I’ve ever attended, braving the crazy
weather just to catch a glimpse of my favourite boys. This concert is no doubt
the epitome of epic, bringing together the best of SM – TVXQ, BoA, Super
Junior, SNSD, Kangta, SHINee, f(x) and EXO – in one 4 hour concert. The amazing
collaborations between the different groups, creating surprises after surprises
was simply memorable. Nothing beats TVXQ’s stages and I will never forget
witnessing Humanoids before the song was actually released.
SHINee World
Concert II reminds me of why I fell in love with these 5 adorable dorks in the
first place. I love the solo stages performed and the whole flow of this
concert. The stage production was amazing too, with a good mix of pyrotechnics,
laser displays and fireworks. The videos that were shown were so adorable too
and the thank you video at the end really brings tears to my eyes. This concert
brings me through a rollercoaster of emotions and no doubt better than the
previous one I’ve attended last year.
2012 was the year I fell in love with
NU`EST.
Falling in
love with NU`EST was something I never expected considering how young they
actually are, but they no doubt caught my attention the moment I heard Aron
speak in English. The most ridiculous part was that I fell in love with them
even before they debut, a feeling I simply cannot explain. I really like how
their songs focus on social issues that Korean teenagers face and being a
Sociology major, these societal problems undeniably attract me.
I find it
amazing how I managed to clinch three interviews with them in a mere span of
nine months. Despite having seen them up-close and personal for so many times,
they still manage to make me fall in love with them a little more every single
time I see them. NU`EST to me is a sweet addiction, a group I simply can’t get
enough of.
2012 was the year I actually flew for an event.
Despite saying
that I want to fly to this event or that event, I have never gotten down to
really flying for one unless it coincides with a planned trip cause the
practical side of me will usually say ‘NO!’ after taking into consideration the
airfare and hotel. As a result, I never expected myself to fly for NU`EST, but
I actually did. Everything was settled days before the event and I was
surprised that I actually decided to go.
But then
again, these three days happen to be the best three days in my life. It was
originally meant to be like any event coverage I covered in the past. It was
originally meant to be just an event where I wanted to take more photographs to
add to my collection. It was originally meant to be so so simple, with no commitments
and no strings attached. How did it even turn into a wind whirl of crazy
happenings, things I didn’t even dare to imagine? Can’t express how thankful I
am to Rebby because if not for her, I wouldn’t have experienced whatever I’ve
experienced. Thankful to the boys for pampering me with so much love that three
days that I feel I’m totally not worthy of. I don’t know if they will remember
me the next time I see them, but for now, I’m already contented.
2012 had
treated me well and I know 2013 will be as awesome. Have an amazing new year
everyone!
_germx
For a better 2013
20130101.2331h
Labels: DBSK 동방신기, events, ISEAS, Korea, Looking Back, NU`EST 뉴이스트, SHINee 샤이니, Shinhwa 신화, SIT
2011 had been an amazing year for me. Things had not always been at their best but I'm glad that things had not gone awfully wrong. I had my fair share of tears and smiles , making 2011 all the more memorable.
2011 was the year I experienced the greatest change in the family.
Dad was being posted to Doha for 2 (+1) years. And once this decision was made, the dynamics of the family changed. In the past, Dad would settle all the admin stuff at home - paying the bills and managing everything in the family. But now, Mum has to handle it all. I admit that I've been over reliant on my Dad and had taken a lot of things for granted, resulting in me being at a sudden lost. The obligation to head home every day after school/work and the obligation to stay at home during weekends just to accompany Mum cause no one is around. I just felt that I sort of lost all my social life. Things are much better now and it will definitely be better in 2012.
2011 was the year I had my longest overseas trip ever - 26 days.
To be honest, I never expect myself to stay so long in Korea. However, knowing that this could be one my and only chance I could take such a long break (since it would be quite impossible when I start work proper), I decided to go ahead with it. I will never forget these 26 days - queuing in the cold to enter music shows with insufficient sleep, long late nights with the starlings at their hostel, the cheap and awesome kimbap, long afternoons sitting at different cafes to people-watch, the many nice people who helped me when I couldn't find my way and the countless Korean artistes I saw every other day. These 26 days were simply amazing.
2011 was the year I officially graduated from my student life.
I never imagined myself to graduate this fast and graduation meant the end of my life as a student. No more lectures and tutorials. No more projects and exams. No more carefree life with no worries. No more long bus rides to NUS on 189. No more random outings after classes. No more student meals and cheap movie tickets. Everything changed the moment I graduated on 9th July 2011. Graduation marked the end of my education stint and indicated the start of something new
2011 was the year I started my working life.
I procrastinated finding a job for a few months since I really wanted to recharge myself before concentrating on my career and now, I'm proud to say that I'm a SITizen. Working life isn't something I've gotten used to yet - working 830 to 6, rushing with the peak hour crowd and fixed meal timings - though it's been almost 2 months. January will mark the end of my 3 months stint at SIT. I've no idea what the future lies for me and what path I will take, but I hope by the end of January, I would know what I want.
2011 was the year I start pampering myself.
I've never pampered myself before but this year, I really felt like giving a gift to myself. And the first really expensive gift I gave myself was my D600. To me, photography is more than an interest. I know that there are differing views with regards to holding a DSLR, but I know that I didn't buy it on an impulse (have been wanting to own one since 5-6 years ago). I may not have the best skills around, but I'm still learning and fiddling as I go along. Hopefully in the near future, I would have an epic collection of photos to share. ^^
2011 was the year I met the most number of Korean artistes.
With Singapore being a hotspot for the Hallyu Wave plus an awesome trip to Korea, it's no surprise 2011 became a year I met the most number of Korean artistes. From SS501 to SHINee to TVXQ to Girls Generation to Beast to Miss A to se7en to Big Bang to 2NE1 to Teen Top to B1A4 to Block B to RaNia to Touch to U-Kiss to DGNA to Dal★Shabet to Secret to Sunny Hill to FT Island to N-Train to X-5 to K.Will to Kim Tae Woo to Jang Woo Hyuk to Super Junior to Boyfriend to T-ara to 5 Dolls to Eru to IU to After School to Rainbow to K.Will to Kim Soo Hyun to 2PM to KARA to Sistar to Seo In Guk to G.Na to F(X) to 4 Minute to Baek Ji Young to Da Vinci to A-Pink to Infinite to Alex to 4men, I've seen them all. Probably missed out a few others but even so, I've met like 40 groups of artistes?
The most memorable of all just had to be TVXQ's fan party in Singapore. Witnessing Homin performing flawlessly right before my eyes and experiencing a roller coaster of emotions throughout. I've to admit that this had got to be the best fanmeet I've ever experienced.
SHINee World Concert was a big disappointment. Everyone around me felt that it was awesome and amazing, but to me, it just didn't reach my expectations. I guess it's because I know very well that they could have performed so much better thus I can't help but feel the disappointment seeping in. The boys were overworked and they spent three consecutive nights sleeping on the plane as they flew between Korea and Japan for their schedules prior to their concert. They are in no way in their optimum condition when they were here in Singapore, what more a perfect concert? No matter what, I'm still glad and contented that I experienced it since SWC was on my wish list since SM announced that the boys will be having their first solo concert in 2010.
Most importantly, I managed to see all 5 of SS501 members though it was all through their solo activities. Jung Min's fanmeet in Singapore during March really left a deep impression in me since he was my favourite member plus it was during my birthday month. He really is SEXY CHARISMA and his smile is to die for. The solo interview I had with Baby during June was simply unforgettable since I really threw my face as he found my iPhone and asked who does it belong to. Leader's showcase in Korea was an experience of a lifetime and the highlight of my whole trip as I managed to see Kyu and YoungSaeng too since they were the special guests that night. Now that I've seen all 5 of them individually, can I be greedy and wish for a reunion in 2012?
2011 has treated me well and I know 2012 will be just as amazing. ^^
_germx
2012 will be awesome
20120122.2212h
Labels: DBSK 동방신기, family, Looking Back, NUS, SHINee 샤이니, SIT, SS501
I literally didn't do any real work on 23rd December. My mind was worrying about the Christmas lunch and to whether the caterer would deliver the food on time. But I'm really really happy that everything went smoothly and everyone enjoyed themselves that afternoon.
This had to be the first time I've ever had a Christmas lunch that involved every single one in the company. Previously when I was working at KPMG, it was a department thing whereby everyone would bring something and we'll have this mini party in office. I guess this is what makes this Christmas lunch a really special one.
The whole event kicked off with a mini lucky draw of 8 pairs of movie tickets. Everyone was super fascinated with the random picker device we used and was crowding around the laptop, which was a hilarious sight. But I've to admit that this random mini lucky draw did create an amazing atmosphere to start the Christmas lunch, though I've to say SORRY to those who won the movie tickets since it expires on 30 December 2011!! *hides in one corner*
And after everyone had taken their fill, there was this carolling session! Joyce, June, Amie, Crystal and Dawn are seriously such amazing singers. I really love their voices and they are such natural performers. They didn't have much time to prepare, but everything turned out really well. Can't wait to hear them perform again during Dinner and Dance this coming March! ^^
Everyone was singing along with them, totally immersed in the festive mood.
By the time the caterer come to clear up the stuff, it was already 3pm and I wasn't in the mood to do anything at all. This was when Dennis suggested that all of us head out for 'Coffee'!! HURHUR! And that was how I spent the next 2 hours - sitting at Yakun and sipping on my Iced Milk Tea!
At 5 when we (Dennis, Cindy and I) headed back to office, half drenched thanks to the thunderstorm, It was almost time to knock off! Shall worry about the sponsorship letters on Tuesday when I head back to work. It will be another round of headache!!
Not forgetting the Christmas presents from Dolly and Dennis!! Felt really bad for not getting them anything!!
This marks my first Christmas at SIT and hopefully many more to come! ^^
_germx
WINTER.ROSE
2o111223.2308h
Labels: Christmas, SIT
Me boarding the train every morning is akin to
fighting a war and sadly, I lose 3-4 battles every day before emerging victory. I usually end up immensely worn out before actual work starts and that ain’t a good thing at all. Honestly, this is the part I hate most about working life –
the peak hour crowd. The biggest drama occurred this morning when I was pushed by the crowd and
lost one shoe amidst the chaos! It was simply crazy how the crowd just pushed me the moment the door opened and before I know it, one of my shoes disappeared! Like seriously?! Just imagine the awkwardness when I boarded the train at Jurong East when I only had one shoe on! Not forgetting how I walked to office in that pathetic state this morning!! MY SAD LIFE!! T_____T
Anyway, work effectively started on 2 November and my first 3 days at work were pretty
mundane and regimental. I became good friends with the photocopier/scanner and pdf-ed a mountain of documents. I perpetually stood in front of the machine for hours each day either photocopying or pdf-ing stuff. I become so good at it until the extent that I can multitask pdf-ing and shredding, effectively hogging both machines! I IS AWESOME~!
However, things changed the moment Boss comes back from her trip. It was indeed amazing how I was put in charge of 3 projects after a short half an hour meeting. I guess Boss really wants to give me the
necessary HR exposure which I requested for when we had a short conversation the first time I met her. The workload now is no joke and I’m involved in every other thing that needs liaising and communication. I guess this is good because I’m exposed to all aspects of HR now, making my work really really fun. There is always something new to learn everyday and I kind of like how enriching it is now.
In addition, I've a really
really really patient mentor who never fails to answer my endless questions. He is always there to guide me whenever I'm in doubt and teaches me from step one. I'm really glad I wasn't thrown aside to fend for myself but instead have him to show me how it's actually done. THANK YOU DENNIS! T____T
The best part of all was the fact that I had a
pay adjustment on my 6th day at work. How awesome can that be? I honestly never expected something like that since I didn't have any prior HR experience and them employing me in the first place was simply unexpected. Dolly said that Boss made that decision for the adjustment cause she really wanted me to try the full spectrum of HR instead of what a usual contract staff would do. To be honest, I'm really thankful for this opportunity and I would really put in my all and learn as much as I can during my 3 months stint at SIT. Whether or not they will convert me into a full-time staff ain't my main concern now because at this point in time, I know that I'm part of the HR family and that they treat me really well.
I really like what I'm doing at this moment so I guess this is a good start for me! ^^ Cheers to an awesome week ahead!! HURHUR!!
_germx
Life's Good! ^^
2o111114.2341h
Labels: SIT
I guess everything just falls into place so well and I'm happy to announce that I'm finally employed on the last day of October! *throws confetti*
Honestly, I've been wondering when will I ever get a job since I wasn't actively finding one - I didn't send out any resumes and I was involved in loads of random stuff. I suppose I'm pretty lucky since I sent out only 4 resumes, attended 3 interviews and I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I HAVE A JOB! ^____^
Was talking to Pearlx on the topic of finding a job for a really long time. I mean most of the jobs require at least 1-2 years of experience and obviously both of us have NONE of it. If they don't even give us the chance in the first place, how are we gonna gain that 1-2 years of relevant experience? Thus, I'm really thankful to Dolly who interviewed me. She was willing to give me a chance despite knowing that I'm a fresh graduate with NO experience in this field at all with this 3 months contract.
Now the challenge is for me to undertake this brand new role and excel in it. To be honest, I really don't know what to expect and I'm pretty worried that I won't do well and end up disappointing myself. Really hoping for the best now and I know this will be a good learning experience!
Will be starting work tomorrow and I can't contain my excitement! xD
_germx
the start of something new
2o1111o1.1254h
Labels: pearlx, SIT
