12 Frames Project - A Year's Story

After completing the 36 frame project.  I decided to cook with my photog buddy on another.  This time a much longer term project.  How long?  How abut one whole year? :P

Since both of us has Medium Format cameras.  It will be challenging to shoot only 12 frames for the year.  Each month, we are just limited to one shot!

So we can only see the final result in year 2011.  The title was thought by me actually.  A year's story.  How this 12 frames translates to 2010. 

I hope I can get all 12 frames and I have already thought of the film I am going to use.  It will be slide film again... Provia 400X.  Since I won't be sure whether low light will be involved... I think choosing a higher ISO film will benefit.

Its going to be a tough one to complete.  But it will be fun way to start the year!

So to all readers.  Happy holidays and may your wishes come true!

Fun with Expired Film - Expired Reala 220 on Diana

My master studio closed down 2 months ago and while we were clearing the fridge,  we found some expired rolls of film.  3 of them are actually 220 format!  220 basically is a longer version of 120 roll film.  Double the length actually, so you can get up to 24 exposures if you are shooting 66.  Bored on Wed as it was my off day so I loaded the film into my Diana and went shooting spree.  As there is no backing paper.  I need to cover up the back of my Diana with black tape to prevent light leaks..

Thinking the film was expired and its ISO is 100 (although I like to rate Reala at 50 to bring out the potential of the film).  And also it was an overcast day.  I opened the aperture on the fisheye to max and start shooting in bulb mode.  Some exposures actually last for 1 sec.. So most of the shots actually came out overexposed :(  The funny part is when I send it to develop.  Photohub was a bit shocked to see there is still 220 format film... hahaha.. luckily they accepted the roll but at double price of 120 (since equal to 2 rolls).  I scanned the neg myself as I dun expected much from this roll.

Still, managed to get some interesting shots from the expired film... Especially the panning shots.   You can see more at my facebook album :)

Completed! 36 Frames Project - "It ends with ~y"

If you remember this post.  Its a photography project initiated by me and my photog buddy. 

You can view the results here at my photogallery.  Its actually quite daunting to shoot 36 themes in a month and having to stick to the particular frame.  This is especially true when most of the time I was working and I took my camerea everywhere with me.  Hunting for the next frame.  In the end I nealry wanted to give up as those titles are a bit tough to hit....

And I actually got messed up early.  Crazy frame was an accidental shot by my master Stanley as he was playing with my cam and lens.  Frame 34 and 35 was also mixed up.  I thought "Floppy" came first in 34 but actually it was "Sticky".

Althought I did not really like the final result.  The process was still a fun and challenging exercise..  Plan to do another one... but this time maybe pick an easier theme... kekekeke

 

车小小！ (Small Car)

Was video conferencing that day so asked my daughter what she wants this time when I'm back from SG.  So she said in Chinese.  I want a car!!! errr.... my face a bit want to cry like dat... she seems to know not possible so change tactic... “小小！ 我要车小小！”.  And at the same time putting her hands together just in front of her face as a gesture how small the car she want to have. (super cute hehe)

Ooo toy car lah!  Not a problem.  then she followed in a mixture of Thai and Chinese.  "I want See Shampoo!" Which means pink colour...

Err... Small toy car and needs to be pink... challenging to find one liao.

Lucky that day saw one in Parkway.  hehe.. Hope can pass :P  

Ah Boy can turn easily now and enjoy his sister's companion.  Although wife did mentioned that they are a bit rough in their little games.. Boy also a bit greedy like me... hehehehe.. wify says when he sees my wife is eating.  He would watch intensively and mimic my wife's mouth movements.. like want to join in also...  That day while his sis is drinking milk, he grabbed his sister's finger to suck on... haha.. soon got bottle fight liao.

One more week and I will be back in Thailand again.   Need to find a gift for ah boy too or else wife say I bias towards Jie Jie.....

Sony Cybershot TX1

First of all, just want to mention that Sony didn't pay me for writing this(I do hope if they see this maybe they will :P).  Wife's friend wants a good PnS (Point and Shoot) camera and of course she immediately recalls I am a photographer and asked me to recommend and buy one for her. 

She is a good friend (best pal actually) of my wife so I cannot dissapoint her.  Her budget is 400SGD so I had a hard time to hunt around until I stumble upon an ad from Sony on a trade-in promotion for the WX-1 or TX-1.  I have an old Canon A90 that has a faulty LCD screen so I decidede to trade it in for the deal.

Went down to MS Colour and got one (with some top up from myself as she has bought tons of stuff for my kids and my wife an I have not really gave her anything). 

So decided to test shoot with the new toy as its a gift and I don't want any issue with it as it will be in Thailand.  So after testing it, I got hooked immediately by how good this little camera is.  I would say its more of a gadget camera rather than the usual PnS cam.  You can read the specs here, I'm not going to go through them but I just want to write how I enjoy using this camera as a photographer.

First feature to mention is the Panorama capture.  Here's a shot of my office below.

Basically, you focus and then starts to swipe in the direction of arrow indicated.  The camera will automatically stich the photo up for you.  Pretty neat and nice!  I had tons of fun shooting in this mode and most of the time the stiches are very well done.

The 2nd feature is the smile detection.  This is old news to some but I tested it and found it surprisingly accurate.  Though you need to smile and hold it there for at least a sec before it triggers the shutter.

The 3rd feature to mention is the handheld twilight mode.  Its a pretty interesting feature where the camera will take six consecutive shots and combine them to get you a more high dynamic range picture. Here's a sample below. Flash is not used at all.  The picture taken with this method is not as sharp but at least you can shoot handheld photos at night.

The next feature worth mentioning is the interface.  The camera literally has only 3 physcal buttons and a zoom lever.  All the rest is on the touch screen.  Yes! Touch screen like the iPhone or those monile phones.  The best is the selecting focusing point.  No longer I need to teach people how to half press the shutter to get a focus.  By touching on the screen, the camera automatically focus on that spot.  Making it a breeze to get a sharp photo.

Image quality is considered very good to me for such a  small compact camera.  High ISO photos are definitely acceptable for print up to 8Rs.  Which is more than enought for casual shooters.

Lastly, I just have to mention it again is the build quality and stylo looks.  Its cool looking and very thin.  Easily pocketable in your shirt pocket.  Making it very portable.  Sony also have some cool leather pouches for these cameras but I'm not sure how much they are charging them.  

Now for the bad things.

Battery life is ok.  Expected due to such small size but definitely can last a day of shooting.  You may need to consider getting a spare batt.

The touchscreen is a bit sensitive.  Sometimes you might accidentally hit on the screen and go into another mode or turning off a feature.

The battery compartment door is a bit filmy and plasticky (the rest of the body is all metal) so I think this is the part that will get spoilt first if you are not careful.

All in all, I find it to be the best PnS digital cam I have used so far.  And I will be getting one for myself soon :P

The Working Lady Issue - Part 2

Part 1 covers the first part of the Working Lady Myth...  Part 2 actually applies to not only working ladies but those people who had used a fake passport to come into the country.

I know it may sound wierd to most Singaporean's that there are people using fake passport to come into our country.  This is not rare especially in other countries, where its so easy to create a fake identity.

Some reasons that these ladies chose to use a fake identiy.

1) There are from countries that their gahment(eg are Myanmar, Laos, Camboida) do not allow their ladies to come to SG or other countries officially to work as working ladies.  These girls normally go to Thailand or other countries to make fake passport to come here to work.

2) They are scared of the so called 2 year ban which our dear gahment tried to impose.

3) It's not a glorious job and they wish to hide their true identity.

4) They are stateless (like my wife)

and etc.

So if your partner DID use a fake passport to come to SG to work before then its bad luck.  The only official channel is to go clean and declare that she did used a fake passport to come into SG to work before.  This would actually impose an immediate ban on her current passport.  (She would be caught at the immigration point if she comes during this period.)  To declare, you need to inform the officer at the ICA building on the old passport she first used in SG and the new (true) identity.  After that, according to Mr K is to keep appealing this ban.

If you have got married or has a kid, it might be easier to get the appeal, if not it will take a much longer time.  

Mr K, who had this predicament finally managed to appeal after a 2 years wait.  His friend who did the same was luckier, only 1 year.  SO the important thing here is NEVER give in.   Keep trying and you will get what you want in the end.  

I hope this series of info do help some brothers who need help in this as I have really received a lot of emails about this over the time.  Some of them I actually met in Maesai had this issue too.  And my sincere thanks to Mr K for sharing this info.  (You know who you are!)

 

Yashica EZF521

My first film camera was a Yashica SLR.  Can't exactly really remember the model as it was passed to me by my father when I was in Primary 6.  

Nevertheless, its a brand that was stuck in my head for quite some time.  Yashica (the brand) was bought over by some Hong Kong company and they started to come out with some digital cams. 

Recently, they came out this "Digital Holga" version which has some really cool features.  And the lens seems to be modable (its held only by 2 screws).  And the best part is it runs on 3 AAA battS!!  No need to hunt for hard to find CR123 or CR2 batts..

I saw some sample shots and of course the price was attractive too (less than SGD 200 with shipping) .  I got one immediately from japan exposure.  The first one came faulty (it was stuck in PC cam mode), so I need to returned it.  (talk about the poor QC in China).  The new just came a week before my trip to Melaka.  (Many thanks to Dirk of japan exposure on the quick shipping) And so I carried it with me for the trip.  It was the only digital camera I brought along but it was quite fun to use it. 

The LCD sucks and the preview on the images looks horrible.  But the camera actually produces surprisingly quite sharp and contrasty images.  Here's some samples :)

 

 

You can view more of the shots taken by this camera at my facebook album

Swarmed....

I have not been posting as I was recently swarmed with work in office.  Our company recently launched a new service managment system and we are still in the transition and training period of this new software.

Sad to say although the instructions (there are documentations) are clear but we are kind of being bombarded with information and things to learn.  The good thing is every 12 hours shifts ends quickly in a breeze but every night at the end of the shift, I was so shacked out that I just head to bed. They say when you hit 30s you start to feel this drag and I am literally living in it now.  How I wish I am 10 years younger in my prime :P

Anyway, I have lots of things to update for this site and I plan to do soon after I come back from Melaka.  Yup, I'm going for a weekend trip with my photog buddies in Melaka to relief some stress.

Will be back on Sunday night.  Hope I will have some energy to complete some posts when I'm back....

The Working Lady Issue - Part 1

This is long overdue, suppose to be a fulll post but due to time constraints.  I decided to spilt it into 2 parts. 

I actually received quite a few emails (over the years) and actually met a couple once in Maesai with the similar issue and they are a lot of rumours and uncomfirmed answers to this question.

Thanks to another friend and reader Mr K which went through the whole ordeal, he is able to provide some clear resolutions to this troubling issues.  Here's the scenario.

A Singaporean guy met a working lady in Geylang(I don't need to be specific here but you should know what's a working lady right?).  They really fall in love and decided to be together.  The thing is our dear Gahment  Anti-Vice warned the lady verbally when she starts work in Geylang.  Here's the list.

1. She is not allowed to get into any relationship with a Singaporean Guy.

2. She is not allowed to return to Singapore at any time after her work.

3. She is not allowed to get married to a Singpaorean guy even after their 2 year course of "duty". (The most ridiculous rule of all)

If they are to break any of the rules above,  they will be jailed, fined and deported back to their country.  (Seems like SG have no human rights at all)

So here's the truth.  Its all BULLSHIT!  According to Mr K who sparred with our ICA.

It was never a problem that she worked in sg before, although it wasnt a glorious issue, but it isnt an offence! The purpose of this verbal threat is just to instill fear and caution into the girls before they leave. Hoping that they do not try to hook some dumb SG guy and cheat his money away. (looks like our gahment really like to protect us SG males... :P)

So, according to Mr K, if your partner or gf works in sg with a valid passport, she can enter anytime. (but  after giving a window of 2 yrs upon leaving).  So there is a 2 year ban for a working lady. 

Sounds good right.  But what if she is not using a valid passport??  That will be covered in Part 2.....

(TBC)

Little Photographer

They always say start training them when they are young and so I followed the advice and got my girl a Diana Mini.  Reason is its easy to use and its small and cute.  So it will attract her attention.  Indeed it was so when I pass her the camera and she started snapping away even before I gave her the complete instruction... :P  lots of shots gone on the first few frames.

Anyway, during the 3 weeks stay, she shot 2 rolls of film.  The camera was also in her little backpack when we went for our Chiang Mai trip.  I intended to use the half frame as it allows 72 shots, which means she have more shots to whack.  I develop the film at the local shop and they gave me a wierd look when they return the negs and some prints.  I think its because they are not used to seeing overlapping frames and square format and had no idea wat type of camera I'm using.

Still, I plan to look for another half frame camera for her (Golden half maybe?) as she does not like the "See Dam Dam" (colour black black in Thai) cam.  She want "Shampoo" (Pink, her favourite colour)... Wonder golden half got pink one anot.. :P

Here are the results of the shots.  Got some shots are  taken by me though... heheh I oso itchy hand....

My 36 Frames Project - "It Ends With ~y"

Inspired from Fuzzy Eyeball's own 36 frames project.  I decided to have my own little 36 frames project.  As the above title suggests.  All 36 frames title will end with the letter 'y'.  Thanks to my friend and photo buddy, Mr Dog, we managed to come up with 36 titles.

For those not sure about how the project works.  Here are the rules.

1) This photo assignment is for film shooter only (thus 36 frames on a roll of film).

2) You can use any type of film.  Slides, colour negs or even black and white. 

3) You can use mulitple exposures on a single frame to acheive your final results.  No PS allowed!!

4) The frames on the original film must be in accordance to the list.  For eg.  Frame 1 is Busy and Frame 2 is Lazy.  You can't swap them like take Lazy first then follow by Busy.  You must stick to the current frame and its theme.

5) Completed roll needs to be scanned and uploaded.  With the original negative on hand for inspection on cheat! :P

Sounds challenging right.  Anyway this is a close project and only open to those photographers that I know.  If you are interested you could try and maybe post it somewhere.  Since I can't inspect your negatives so I trust you are not cheating :P

Anyway date line is on Chirstmas eve 2009 at 0000hrs.   Hope I can complete this assignment too.

Here are the respective Frame number and their titles.

Frame	Title
1	Busy
2	Lazy
3	Clumsy
4	Funny
5	Happy
6	Grumpy
7	Lumpy
8	Crazy
9	Lousy
10	Fishy
11	Bully
12	Horny
13	Scary
14	Stingy
15	Slowly
16	Speedy
17	Dreamy
18	Bossy
19	Groovy
20	Smelly
21	Furry
22	Sunny
23	Dirty
24	Plenty
25	Bumpy
26	Moody
27	Lucky
28	Choosy
29	Funky
30	Spotty
31	Chubby
32	Chewy
33	Girly
34	Sticky
35	Floppy
36	Crunchy

 

More photos in slides and some great news from a friend.

I shot more slides on my recent trip to Thailand and I just got them developed and scanned yesterday.

You could view some of the shots over at my facebook album.  I will try to post some higher res shots on flickr or picasa later.

Another good news to point out (although I received it a week before) is another fellow Singaporean who has almost the same predicament as me is finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  We actually never met in person but he is a frequent visitor of my blog and we actually get to know each other through facebook. 

Recently, his wife's permit to come to Singapore is finally approved by our dear ICA and she would be coming over in a few days time.  My best wishes to them and I do hope my turn will come soon too. 

Its instinct?

I was posting some photos to facebook of my recent Chiang Mai outing when I noticed this photo featured in this post.  Its one of my favourite grabs at the hotel as they are napping and girl girl suddenly turned over, saw her little brother and proceed to wrap her arms around him in a hug and went back to sleep.

It also reminds me on something highly unusal.  Ah boy is normally very mellow.  But on a few occassions,  He seems to be in a foul mood and start to complain (cry lah) loudly for no apparent reasons.  We try to comfort him by singing and talking to him.  Or even my wife tries to feed him (thinking he might be hungry) but to no avail. 

Then Wify had the smartest idea.  Asking girl girl to called out "Didi Didi" (my little brother in Chinese).  And ah boy will definitely stop his tantrum and calm down and start looking at his edler sister.

Its also funny that every morning when we send girl girl to pre-school.  The trip to the school on the car was peaceful.  Boy boy normally also sends her sister as she requested it.  And each time when we are returning back from the school.  Ah boy will definitely make some noises or cry in the car.  Seems like he knows his sister is not around and not happy with it.

Xinhui adores her little brother and her first thing everytime she steps into the house (either coming back from school or from playing outside), she would start hunting for his little brother and give him a kiss or hug.  I think she will be a great sister to Jing Yong. :) 

Its crawling in again....

Depression symptoms -> 

Unable to sleep at night.  Not  much appetite.  Feel lethargic and slow in response.  Unable to concentrate.  Moody and bad tempered.

Yup, I'm falling into that trap again and I need to do something to wake up.  This nornally happens for a week or so when I just came back from Thailand.  It does not help at all when I'm stuck at work too.  My mind is drifting everywhere while I work.  Need to set things straight asap.

Recently there are some financial issues that I need to settle and its has been bothering me for quite some time.  With a new family member on board.  My current pay is a bit stretching.  In order to continue to providie a comfortable lifestyle for them over there, I need to work more OTs and look for other source of income.  I can, of course, choose to go back to my old job which has a much higher pay (and responsibilites) but I shall be loosing the number of off days and leaves that I could get in this current job (Its so flexible that it allows me to go back to Thailand at least once per 2 month period),

So this current predicament is also bogging me too.  I need to choose between money and time with my family.  I've talked to my wife and she of course wants more money lah... So still thinking hard on this....

 

Back to SG and (fast fast) back to work!

Just a quick post.  Just came back from Thailand this early morning at 1200AM and now back in office slaving.  It will be another few sleepless nights for the next few days as I need some time to adjust to the fast pace lifestyle here.  Sometimes I wonder why Singapore can't slow down a bit.  Why can't we learn from our surrounding neighbours to slow down a bit.  Do we need to chase for the top all the time?  And some sikohlar (scholar) argue that if we slow down a bit, we are actually getting lazy?? (Our gahment likes to stress this all the time).  So now I'm back in office and still clearing my email (got moren than 10k...)while I took a break to jot this down.  2009 is going to end soon and 2010 will be around the corner.  Hopefully the year will ends well... 

Still have errands to run.  Need to collect my lens, send my slides for development, pp my photos, scan my daughter's photos and ....... I need more TIME!!! :P

Loy Loy Krathong Redux 2009 version

Think I explained about this festival before in 2006 over here and here

This year the event was on 2nd Nov (every year is different as it follows the buddhist calender).  This year since my mum was around.  We spent more time on this festival rather than the usual.  We went to the market to buy the materials necessary for making the Krathong and spent a day making them.  Those smaller one were made for the kids. 

Its also a happy occassion too as my mother in law and my sister in law came too.  Girl girl very happy got her 2 cousins to come celebrate with her :) .  On 2nd Nov night, we took the car out and placed all the Krathong in the boot of the car and head off to the nearest river canal at Meung Daeng.  Less than a 5 min ride in car, we reached the place and it was filled with people.  I was smart enough of not bringing my DSLR as I had no more hands holding the Krathong and catching my girl's hands.  I scared she run away and get lost in the crowd. 

After saying a small prayer, we set the Krathong off and we proceed to the funfair just next to the river.  Nothing special just normal rides as usual.  You can see more photos here taken with my Fuji FD30 compact. 

 

HE just have to spoil everything.

We just came back from Chiang Mai today and it was quite an interesting and somewhat enjoyable trip.   All was well until we hit the Ran Stop (Police Checkpoint) at Mae Chan.  As usual, the "police"man there checked my wife and ask her why she never apply for permit again and requested my wife to get out of the bus. 

So the kids and I plus my mum got out and the "police"  got a little surprised that I was getting down as I actually do not need to.  I explained since if he needs to verify with my wife.  My kids especially my boy needs her attention as he needs to be fed by her.  And I can't leave my mum alone on the bus as she's over 60 and can't  speak a word of Thai. I can't possibly left my wife alone with you.

The "police" man a bit reluctant and was a bit surprised by my bold statements as I guess he rarely encounters someone as "experienced" as I am.  I muttered to my wife that he might want "kopi" (bribe) money and he got a bit agitated.  And he kept asking me what I said just now.  After we got down the bus and the bus left.  He kept explaining that only my wife needs to get down while the rest could continue as the bus could not wait.  I coldly tell him I got all the time to "entertain" him and I spoke to him in English.  He got a bit lost with my words and asked his colleague to explain things to me.

Seems like my wife's Work permit is not allowed beyond the point of Mae Chan (first time I heard of that as I clearly understood we could go to Chiang Rai hospital multiple times without issues) and he say my wife needs to get a permit from the Amphue to continue.  ( I know all about this but normally the policeman will let us go as we have children on board)

So I explained to his colleague in plain English.  This is more or less of what I have said.

"I understand you are doing your job and I undestand that you need to explain to me about the restrictions imposed on my wife's status.  We are just simple people going for a simple holiday.  I am bringing my kids, especially my girl to visit the Chiang Mai zoo and we are going back home now.  If there is an issue with us going out.  Then you should have stop us when we are going OUT!  Why are you asking her to get out of the bus when we are going back?  We could have save all this hassle if you did not allow us to go out at all." 

With this explanation, the "police"man seems to understand he is on the loosing side and decided to let us go.  I tried to get his name but all of them started to ignore my queries and ask us to wait for the next bus.  

In total, we spent almost an hour on this total ordeal before we got onto the next bus(those cheap public buses that we need to squeeze) to Maesai.   Not to mention we have 2 huge luggages and other bags we have to carry when we got out.  I'm not sure whether he truthfully wants to explain the situation to my wife or he wants "kopi" money or he just wants to be an arsehole.  But I can safely say this.  Ever since my daughter is born or even when my wife was pregant with her in her belly.  We had NEVER ever been asked to get out of the bus.  Normally they just reprimanded my wife and let us go.  Its common sense and decency as they are kids involved and asking them to get out and get stranded is a big no no themselves too.

No logic at all.  I'm still unhappy over this little incident and I hope I get to meet that "police"man again to get his name....  

Sleepy Headz

The weather here in Maesai now is great.  Especially in the morning and late evening.  However, noon is dry and hot.  Temp can go up to 30 degrees celcius and all activities seems to stop during this period as its really too hot to go out.  (The direct sun is pretty strong with a cloudless sky).

So at this period.  Its the best time for a Siesta.  Secretly took one photo of wife and the children sleeping... hehehe... All sleepy headz..

Was proud of my work and show it to wife.  She not very happy with the photo but I like it very much and laughed at her. 

 

So I was sleeping with Ah boy the other day and she seems to have her revenge......

 

Moved....

I started this blog in Oct 2006. Its 3 years passed and I've decided to close this blog and moved on...... to another site!!!

I plan to write more about photography besides my neverending personal problems and I also wish to provide an informative website regarding Northern Thailand. And I do find that the current blogger platform is a bit limited in this area. So after some careful thoughts. I decided to invest in a host and a real domain name for my new site. All the old posts are ported over so you could read them there too. A bit sad are the comments which could not be ported though..

So you can update the new url for my new site at www.sgmaesai.com . Its still the same name and slogon. But there will be more stuff later.... See ya at the new site!

Its great to be back...

As the title suggests.  I am back in Thailand and enjoying each and every minute of it.  Weather is great.  Cool and dry.  Its getting colder in the morning and evening but the dry fresh air of the rural areas are just fantastic. 

Ah boy is 3 months plus and pretty interactive to whoever he is staring at.  Can mumble a few sounds and chuckle but still a bit lazy..... Loves to sleep. His sister is a bit rebellous and naughty though.  Testing our patience and limits almost everyday..  Think all kids during this period is the same.. My mum say last time I even worst..  (got meh??)

A few more days it will be Loy Krathong.  We plan to make the lanterns ourselves this year.  Since girl girl is a bit older.  I also passed my Diana Mini for girl girl to shoot (loaded with a roll of film)  The results were quite surprsingly not too bad... consider she is not even 4 years old and snapping away like hell... I even need to advance the film for her each time.

Anyway.  Will post more later once I have more time.

The complete opposite... (well so far)

I kind of expected that the characteristic of my ah boy is a complete opposite of girl girl.

Just by observing him for the pass few months and you will know how different he is to his elder sister.

First of all Ah Boy is really mellow. Very very mellow and quiet little fella that rarely cries. But he does have a thundering voice (big size mah) whenever he cries and most of the time its because he's hungry or want to be carried to sleep...

His sister on the other hand is noisy and will cry at her top of her voice for just little movements, unpleasant sounds or just for no apparent reasons. Got one time we got so worried as she did not stop for more than an hour, we decided to see the doctor who assured us its the norm.

Boy is also more "friendly" More like bo chap actually. Anyone can carry him and he will not complain. Which means is a good news to my wife as Girl girl could only be carried by her and my mum during the first 3 months. (Girl girl is very very picky on who is carrying her) I could carry ah boy for the whole day while girl girl can only last at most 5mins before complaining. So at least wify can clear up some personal chores before "entertaining" ah boy.

Ah boy is also a bit more "lazy". He just lies there and look around and kick less often then his sister. And he loves to sleep! (inherited from me liao) And he sleeps soundly for hours. His sister on the other hand is hyper ... sleep at most 1 hour and will be awake, looking for mummy or entertainment.

In short, wife's feedback is the same as mine. Ah boy is much much more easier to care for then his sister during the same period of time. But I guess its just for the moment as wife already started to notice he is getting a bit more active. Wants to see things now and will complain if people put him down on bed while he's awake.

Wife also told me he likes to smile to his sister too whenever she is around. And girl girl actually rock her little brother (in a rocking bed of couse) to sleep during his afternoon nap. How I wished I was there to see this scene...

Anyway, coming 27 I will be back in Thailand again for almost 3 weeks. Its Loi Krathong again!!!

The complete opposite... (well so far)

I kind of expected that the characteristic of my ah boy is a complete opposite of girl girl.

Just by observing him for the pass few months and you will know how different he is to his elder sister.

First of all Ah Boy is really mellow. Very very mellow and quiet little fella that rarely cries. But he does have a thundering voice (big size mah) whenever he cries and most of the time its because he's hungry or want to be carried to sleep...

His sister on the other hand is noisy and will cry at her top of her voice for just little movements, unpleasant sounds or just for no apparent reasons. Got one time we got so worried as she did not stop for more than an hour, we decided to see the doctor who assured us its the norm.

Boy is also more "friendly" More like bo chap actually. Anyone can carry him and he will not complain. Which means is a good news to my wife as Girl girl could only be carried by her and my mum during the first 3 months. (Girl girl is very very picky on who is carrying her) I could carry ah boy for the whole day while girl girl can only last at most 5mins before complaining. So at least wify can clear up some personal chores before "entertaining" ah boy.

Ah boy is also a bit more "lazy". He just lies there and look around and kick less often then his sister. And he loves to sleep! (inherited from me liao) And he sleeps soundly for hours. His sister on the other hand is hyper ... sleep at most 1 hour and will be awake, looking for mummy or entertainment.

In short, wife's feedback is the same as mine. Ah boy is much much more easier to care for then his sister during the same period of time. But I guess its just for the moment as wife already started to notice he is getting a bit more active. Wants to see things now and will complain if people put him down on bed while he's awake.

Wife also told me he likes to smile to his sister too whenever she is around. And girl girl actually rock her little brother (in a rocking bed of couse) to sleep during his afternoon nap. How I wished I was there to see this scene...

Anyway, coming 27 I will be back in Thailand again for almost 3 weeks. Its Loi Krathong again!!!

A day to remember - 15-Oct-2009 for SLCC

I can't exactly remember the first time I join my first photography class in SLCC (Stanley Lim Colour Centre). I think its between 2003 or 2004. I saw an ad in Clubsnap on makeover photography course and was interested in learning how the process goes. Some might say its weird that I took up this course as I actually disliked fashion photography. But during that time, I am under the influence that by gaining more photography skills, I could use it as a way to make some extra income through photography, and makeover seems like a good choice to start.

My instructor was Danny. (Who later left SLCC due to differences which I will not elaborate too much) And the course was interesting and refreshing. So I signed up the Wedding and Event course. Which was conducted by Stanley himself.

I could safely credit that my flash light photography (I rarely use flash that time as I shoot landscape) skill actually improved by leaps and bounds under Stanley's tutelage. His humor and down to earth instructions and no holding back of information is an eye opener for me. Have a question and ask him and he will answer your queries as much as possible.

Over the course of time I was there. I started to make new friends.

The first, of course was our lady boss, Joanne. First impression, feisty and LOUD but hold no nonsense. But after a while, a wonderful person to work with and not forgetting to mention that she is practical and efficient in every details in every project we have worked together. (Although sometimes Garang Gabra due to not enough sleep)

Yong Xiao, Our punching bag and "toy". (Also the one who broke my spectacle and my Norton 1.5mm) From a small boy till now, a teenager. Whom I felt like a little brother that I never had. (Although he call me Uncle......)

Yan Ru, although I don't get to talk to her often but I see she cares for her mother and brother. Her make-up skill is improving a lot!!! And I see potential in her.

My Shi Shiong Shi Di men which I learnt a lot from.

Like Wei Liang. Honest and the most hardworking person I ever met. Always learning from his mistakes and never try to make them again.

Kelvin, Fantastic food shots and still life techniques and of course, learnt some great PS from him.

Yeow Ting, the best gear head among us, giving us tips and info in MF, lenses and other accessories that we had no idea its for. I still remember the day he showed me his minolta 28-135mm...

Max 2.8 Although I don't see him often but he's da one (and I believe one of the pioneer) in digital IR photography in Singapore. He's also the one who showed me his Bessa and I got hooked into RF..

UKay. Now a very successful commercial photographer where we used to go shoot together and he showing me the great Minolta 100mm Macro. Makes me convert back to Minolta for good.

Andrew. The one who found me a job in DC and now my constant companion in shooting slides and negatives. (And LOMO!!)

Cheng Lai. My team lead during the Malacca trip. Small guy who talk loud and eat a lot. Those classic face that you see him you feel like laughing liao..

Jing Jian and his gang, Joel and Ray. Its a small world that I get to meet Jing Jian again (used to be in NAAPL). Joel the cool and handsome guy and his cousin Ray, who seems quiet but is as chatty and not to mention his wedding photos are just brilliant.

Ser Ling. My only student who uses the Pentax system!! haha but his photos speaks for themselves.

Mok. Who has one of the most fantastic collection of travel and landscape photos that I could dream of going. And also the guy who brought me to CIAS to conduct lessons for those interested in photography.

There are many others that I wish I have the time and space to include. But as I'm writing this while sitting in the office (oops!). Apologies to those who I have missed but I do remember you (although I might have forgotten your names) :)

So I have mixed feelings for today actually. On one hand, I am happy for Stanley and Joanne as the business is already failing and its not sustaining itself. On the other hand, sad to see it go and so quickly too.

Still, I guess we can still meet up one day and get to chat about photography.
Just that another part of my life seems to have gone and I get a bit sentimental about it.

PS: The photo of the new signboard is taken by me btw.. Think its Kelvin, not me... :P

A day to remember - 15-Oct-2009 for SLCC

I can't exactly remember the first time I join my first photography class in SLCC (Stanley Lim Colour Centre). I think its between 2003 or 2004. I saw an ad in Clubsnap on makeover photography course and was interested in learning how the process goes. Some might say its weird that I took up this course as I actually disliked fashion photography. But during that time, I am under the influence that by gaining more photography skills, I could use it as a way to make some extra income through photography, and makeover seems like a good choice to start.

My instructor was Danny. (Who later left SLCC due to differences which I will not elaborate too much) And the course was interesting and refreshing. So I signed up the Wedding and Event course. Which was conducted by Stanley himself.

I could safely credit that my flash light photography (I rarely use flash that time as I shoot landscape) skill actually improved by leaps and bounds under Stanley's tutelage. His humor and down to earth instructions and no holding back of information is an eye opener for me. Have a question and ask him and he will answer your queries as much as possible.

Over the course of time I was there. I started to make new friends.

The first, of course was our lady boss, Joanne. First impression, feisty and LOUD but hold no nonsense. But after a while, a wonderful person to work with and not forgetting to mention that she is practical and efficient in every details in every project we have worked together. (Although sometimes Garang Gabra due to not enough sleep)

Yong Xiao, Our punching bag and "toy". (Also the one who broke my spectacle and my Norton 1.5mm) From a small boy till now, a teenager. Whom I felt like a little brother that I never had. (Although he call me Uncle......)

Yan Ru, although I don't get to talk to her often but I see she cares for her mother and brother. Her make-up skill is improving a lot!!! And I see potential in her.

My Shi Shiong Shi Di men which I learnt a lot from.

Like Wei Liang. Honest and the most hardworking person I ever met. Always learning from his mistakes and never try to make them again.

Kelvin, Fantastic food shots and still life techniques and of course, learnt some great PS from him.

Yeow Ting, the best gear head among us, giving us tips and info in MF, lenses and other accessories that we had no idea its for. I still remember the day he showed me his minolta 28-135mm...

Max 2.8 Although I don't see him often but he's da one (and I believe one of the pioneer) in digital IR photography in Singapore. He's also the one who showed me his Bessa and I got hooked into RF..

UKay. Now a very successful commercial photographer where we used to go shoot together and he showing me the great Minolta 100mm Macro. Makes me convert back to Minolta for good.

Andrew. The one who found me a job in DC and now my constant companion in shooting slides and negatives. (And LOMO!!)

Cheng Lai. My team lead during the Malacca trip. Small guy who talk loud and eat a lot. Those classic face that you see him you feel like laughing liao..

Jing Jian and his gang, Joel and Ray. Its a small world that I get to meet Jing Jian again (used to be in NAAPL). Joel the cool and handsome guy and his cousin Ray, who seems quiet but is as chatty and not to mention his wedding photos are just brilliant.

Ser Ling. My only student who uses the Pentax system!! haha but his photos speaks for themselves.

Mok. Who has one of the most fantastic collection of travel and landscape photos that I could dream of going. And also the guy who brought me to CIAS to conduct lessons for those interested in photography.

There are many others that I wish I have the time and space to include. But as I'm writing this while sitting in the office (oops!). Apologies to those who I have missed but I do remember you (although I might have forgotten your names) :)

So I have mixed feelings for today actually. On one hand, I am happy for Stanley and Joanne as the business is already failing and its not sustaining itself. On the other hand, sad to see it go and so quickly too.

Still, I guess we can still meet up one day and get to chat about photography.
Just that another part of my life seems to have gone and I get a bit sentimental about it.

PS: The photo of the new signboard is taken by me btw.. Think its Kelvin, not me... :P

Going Medium Format

After shooting a bunch of 35mm slides. I got bored with the small transparencies I held in my hand. So I actually planned to shoot something bigger (I very greedy one). Its not the first time I shot with a Medium Format camera. I used to have a cheap Kiev 88 and it produces quite good results. I sold it when I went to Thailand and have not much time for photography. But the idea of shooting 120mm slides is always in my head and I have not really given up on this idea.

(Un)Luckily my friend YT (my Shi Xiong in SLCC) has a Bronica SQA sitting in the studio so I took it out for a spin.

Big Mistake of my life. Shot a few rolls and I got hooked. (Especially the slides....)

Went into ebay and look see look see. Bid on a Hasselblad 500C/M kit at a ridiculous price and actually won it!! Just shot a roll with it and the magazine seems to have light leak when I remove or put in the dark slide(common problem with a Hassy back). Not a big issue as I have already ordered spare parts for the new seal (some foam and plastic).

Maybe its faith.... I'm back into Medium Format Photography when the rest of the world is converting to digital... hahaha

Going Medium Format

After shooting a bunch of 35mm slides. I got bored with the small transparencies I held in my hand. So I actually planned to shoot something bigger (I very greedy one). Its not the first time I shot with a Medium Format camera. I used to have a cheap Kiev 88 and it produces quite good results. I sold it when I went to Thailand and have not much time for photography. But the idea of shooting 120mm slides is always in my head and I have not really given up on this idea.

(Un)Luckily my friend YT (my Shi Xiong in SLCC) has a Bronica SQA sitting in the studio so I took it out for a spin.

Big Mistake of my life. Shot a few rolls and I got hooked. (Especially the slides....)

Went into ebay and look see look see. Bid on a Hasselblad 500C/M kit at a ridiculous price and actually won it!! Just shot a roll with it and the magazine seems to have light leak when I remove or put in the dark slide(common problem with a Hassy back). Not a big issue as I have already ordered spare parts for the new seal (some foam and plastic).

Maybe its faith.... I'm back into Medium Format Photography when the rest of the world is converting to digital... hahaha

A quick one.

I'm working so just a quick post while having a break. Yesterday wife got her Birth Cert for real this time and she has submitted it to her local district office.

Both PaLat has signed the documents and now we are in the queue! According to them, it will take another 1 to 3 months and if there no issues. She should get her citizenship in late December or Jan 2010.

Think we are finally solving one of our biggest problems :) Wish me luck!

A quick one.

I'm working so just a quick post while having a break. Yesterday wife got her Birth Cert for real this time and she has submitted it to her local district office.

Both PaLat has signed the documents and now we are in the queue! According to them, it will take another 1 to 3 months and if there no issues. She should get her citizenship in late December or Jan 2010.

Think we are finally solving one of our biggest problems :) Wish me luck!

The whole Lomo Fad....

There is not much updates of Thailand as I'm stuck here in Singapore. So decided to write something about photography.

For those who are not sure about Lomography. You can read more about it here.

I could say recently there is a lot of fad in these analog toy cameras and its cool to know people picking up on shooting film again. I am not going to discuss the pros and cons of shooting digital or analog. I think my idol Oleg Novikov does a better job in explaining and summarising how I think about it too.

Recently I shot an event with my Diana F+ and instanx mini back. Its was a real fun experience to have the photo printed on the spot (polaroid style) and thrown onto a white table. I've scanned the photos and some friends saw it on FB (first nine shots of the album) and kind of wonder why my skill is so lousy this time (a lot of the pics were either low in contrast, OOF, underexposed, overexposed, colour cast and all the bad stuff you want to avoid in genereal photography).

Its hard to explain but I kind of deliberately want to have all these flaws as nowadays, all the photos I see are so poster perfect that it kinds of bores me. The main reason I dived into lomo is that I find it as an interesting new photography medium for shooting personal stuff. Commercially, I'm not going to shoot like that (maybe I will if the client insists) but it does makes me feel more attached to the photographs I made because of the process of taking them.

Firstly the camera looks like a toy and it is a toy camera! Which makes it a topic to talk about. Which makes them more relax and willing to get shot. And with all the gadgets it could attached (fisheye, ring flash and color gels), the people involved started to interact with the camera tool. Some actually requested to be shot with a certain colour gel!

Second is the instant result on paper. Physically holding a photo that was just taken a minute ago. Its a bit different then the digital screen as they could passed it along and comment about it and try new stuff.

So I had great fun that day. And the people who got their photos taken were excited too. Even though some photos did not turned out as expected but the whole process was so much fun and enjoyable.

So how do I feel about Lomo (short of Lomography) Fad?? I think generally its an interesting medium but the constant marketing of new "clones" of the same camera bores me. It becomes another "I have this, you do not have this model". I rather they come up with some new cameras that have different features or sets that could make I could experiment more. The horizon Kompact looks interesting....

And too me, the Lomography motto of "don't think, just shoot" applies only by situation. And I see some people who post their photos on the lomo site (most of them actually) are just whacking and shooting for the sake of hoping to get a good shot. Wasting film and money! Even the photos in the book that comes with the camera seems a bit trying.

In short, its like painting Picassa without understanding the correct technique of painting., which will do no good to one's photography skill (be it artistically or technically).

So I will still shoot with these toy cameras but the results I get will be mostly for my personal viewing. For those who wants to try a new and refreshing shooting experience. You should try it too!

PS: All photos taken with Diana F+ or Diana Mini with Lucky 100 BW film

The whole Lomo Fad....

There is not much updates of Thailand as I'm stuck here in Singapore. So decided to write something about photography.

For those who are not sure about Lomography. You can read more about it here.

I could say recently there is a lot of fad in these analog toy cameras and its cool to know people picking up on shooting film again. I am not going to discuss the pros and cons of shooting digital or analog. I think my idol Oleg Novikov does a better job in explaining and summarising how I think about it too.

Recently I shot an event with my Diana F+ and instanx mini back. Its was a real fun experience to have the photo printed on the spot (polaroid style) and thrown onto a white table. I've scanned the photos and some friends saw it on FB (first nine shots of the album) and kind of wonder why my skill is so lousy this time (a lot of the pics were either low in contrast, OOF, underexposed, overexposed, colour cast and all the bad stuff you want to avoid in genereal photography).

Its hard to explain but I kind of deliberately want to have all these flaws as nowadays, all the photos I see are so poster perfect that it kinds of bores me. The main reason I dived into lomo is that I find it as an interesting new photography medium for shooting personal stuff. Commercially, I'm not going to shoot like that (maybe I will if the client insists) but it does makes me feel more attached to the photographs I made because of the process of taking them.

Firstly the camera looks like a toy and it is a toy camera! Which makes it a topic to talk about. Which makes them more relax and willing to get shot. And with all the gadgets it could attached (fisheye, ring flash and color gels), the people involved started to interact with the camera tool. Some actually requested to be shot with a certain colour gel!

Second is the instant result on paper. Physically holding a photo that was just taken a minute ago. Its a bit different then the digital screen as they could passed it along and comment about it and try new stuff.

So I had great fun that day. And the people who got their photos taken were excited too. Even though some photos did not turned out as expected but the whole process was so much fun and enjoyable.

So how do I feel about Lomo (short of Lomography) Fad?? I think generally its an interesting medium but the constant marketing of new "clones" of the same camera bores me. It becomes another "I have this, you do not have this model". I rather they come up with some new cameras that have different features or sets that could make I could experiment more. The horizon Kompact looks interesting....

And too me, the Lomography motto of "don't think, just shoot" applies only by situation. And I see some people who post their photos on the lomo site (most of them actually) are just whacking and shooting for the sake of hoping to get a good shot. Wasting film and money! Even the photos in the book that comes with the camera seems a bit trying.

In short, its like painting Picassa without understanding the correct technique of painting., which will do no good to one's photography skill (be it artistically or technically).

So I will still shoot with these toy cameras but the results I get will be mostly for my personal viewing. For those who wants to try a new and refreshing shooting experience. You should try it too!


PS: All photos taken with Diana F+ or Diana Mini with Lucky 100 BW film

Waiting games....

Remember the milestone I wrote a few weeks before? Now its back to square one for the birth certificate. Apparently we need to produce the birth certificate from the place my wife was born, which is Maesai. So now we have completed everything again for Maesai (another bloody rounds of interviews and kopi money) and waiting for the results.

It should be safe sailing this time as the Pa Lat from MaeFaLeung personally gave a call and letter to the Pa Lat of Maesai to help my wife. But the process is really damn slow and inefficient. (kind of miss Singapore's efficiency in this matter)

So more waiting games.... crossing my fingers again.

Waiting games....

Remember the milestone I wrote a few weeks before? Now its back to square one for the birth certificate. Apparently we need to produce the birth certificate from the place my wife was born, which is Maesai. So now we have completed everything again for Maesai (another bloody rounds of interviews and kopi money) and waiting for the results.

It should be safe sailing this time as the Pa Lat from MaeFaLeung personally gave a call and letter to the Pa Lat of Maesai to help my wife. But the process is really damn slow and inefficient. (kind of miss Singapore's efficiency in this matter)

So more waiting games.... crossing my fingers again.

Family Photos

Just a short series between Aug and Sept. Those Ah boy still got hair ones were taken on my last visit but I had no time to post them.

Anyway, ah boy is fine. Very mellow and much easier to care for then his sister during the same period. Xinhui is very picky on who could carry her while Didi seems to be fine with anyone.

Ah Girl also enjoys the new member :D (can see from photo) and dotes on her little brother. She is a bit angry sometimes that mama seems to be paying more attention to Didi but she never take it on her little brother. Which is a very good sign to me :)

Anyway, hope you enjoy the series. There's a lot more but I think these few are the best I've taken so far.

Family Photos

Just a short series between Aug and Sept. Those Ah boy still got hair ones were taken on my last visit but I had no time to post them.

Anyway, ah boy is fine. Very mellow and much easier to care for then his sister during the same period. Xinhui is very picky on who could carry her while Didi seems to be fine with anyone.

Ah Girl also enjoys the new member :D (can see from photo) and dotes on her little brother. She is a bit angry sometimes that mama seems to be paying more attention to Didi but she never take it on her little brother. Which is a very good sign to me :)

Anyway, hope you enjoy the series. There's a lot more but I think these few are the best I've taken so far.

More Plastic Cameras

Ever since I got baby no 2 on the way.  I have been refraining myself of buying more cameras.  There was the EP-1 and Fuji 200 EXR.  So to quench my thirst for new toys.  I turned myself to cheapo plastic cameras.  There was the Black Brid Fly. And recently, I just got the Diana F+ and Diana Mini and all sorts of accessories.

There are cheap compared to those latest digital camera.  For the same price I could get 4 or 5 such cameras off the net.   Problem is there are a lot of nice accessories to go with these cameras.  So in the end I’m still spending too much money on these babies :P.   Not to count I need to buy more films and spend money developing them.

As usual, my “genius” plan has backfired on me… back to the drawing board….hahaha..

More Plastic Cameras

Ever since I got baby no 2 on the way.  I have been refraining myself of buying more cameras.  There was the EP-1 and Fuji 200 EXR.  So to quench my thirst for new toys.  I turned myself to cheapo plastic cameras.  There was the Black Brid Fly. And recently, I just got the Diana F+ and Diana Mini and all sorts of accessories.

There are cheap compared to those latest digital camera.  For the same price I could get 4 or 5 such cameras off the net.   Problem is there are a lot of nice accessories to go with these cameras.  So in the end I’m still spending too much money on these babies :P.   Not to count I need to buy more films and spend money developing them.

As usual, my “genius” plan has backfired on me… back to the drawing board….hahaha..

虾一碗 (Prawn One Bowl)

The English Name is just a literal translation of my good friend's stall. hahaha.. Anyway, he's a good pal of me and had just started this business a few months back. His stall is at Chinatown Complex. If you happen to go there (its a bit hectic there so you may need to follow my instructions below), do visit him.

Instructions to get to his stall -
From the main escalator (which they have only one), go up the escalator and immediately turn right. Walk a few steps to the first junction, turn left and walk straight down and you should see his stall on your right hand side.

虾一碗 (Prawn One Bowl)

The English Name is just a literal translation of my good friend's stall. hahaha.. Anyway, he's a good pal of me and had just started this business a few months back. His stall is at Chinatown Complex. If you happen to go there (its a bit hectic there so you may need to follow my instructions below), do visit him.

Instructions to get to his stall -
From the main escalator (which they have only one), go up the escalator and immediately turn right. Walk a few steps to the first junction, turn left and walk straight down and you should see his stall on your right hand side.

The flight of Dragons

Found this gem while browsing. Its an old cartoon that I loved to watch when I was a kid. The music is damn good too :)

The flight of Dragons

Found this gem while browsing. Its an old cartoon that I loved to watch when I was a kid. The music is damn good too :)

Ah Boy Botak liao!

Turn on the computer to have a video conference last night and surprised to see Ah Boy's hair all gone... kekeke Little Botak!

Girl girl not happy Grandma and me back in SG and wants to come with us again. This time she really displayed her unhappiness in front of me and this scene really makes me a bit sad... Still got 2 more weeks before I go back again...

Ah Boy Botak liao!

Turn on the computer to have a video conference last night and surprised to see Ah Boy's hair all gone... kekeke Little Botak!

Girl girl not happy Grandma and me back in SG and wants to come with us again. This time she really displayed her unhappiness in front of me and this scene really makes me a bit sad... Still got 2 more weeks before I go back again...

Milestone!

I have been quite anxious today as my wife was going to the Amphue today to collect her Birth cert and apply for citizenship.

I am on shift today so I could not call her that often for updates. Anyway, we had hit a milestone. My wife's birth certificate was approved and she officially has a certificate that proves her to be born in Thailand!

So at the same time, she has also applied for citizenship (with the help of her Po Long aka Grassroot leader of her district) Her particulars were updated in the computer and her request for Thai Citizenship (Khor Sian Chart)is sent to Ministry in Bangkok for final vetting and approval. Normally this should be the easiest as the birth cert part was the most difficult to get. So now we heard is that the fastest we can get some news is next Monday. Where if its all approved. She will need to go back to the Amphue again to get her photo taken and given an ID card immediately on acknowledgment.

Still anything could go wrong (sorry for bring pessimistic but I had got a lot of bad news ever since we started doing this). If everything is REALLY settled for her. Then we need to start on other things, such as changing the house deeds back to my wife's name, getting married (finally), getting her a passport (so she could finally come visit Singapore) and etc etc etc.

Its a long journey and its just starting to get interesting. :)

Milestone!

I have been quite anxious today as my wife was going to the Amphue today to collect her Birth cert and apply for citizenship.

I am on shift today so I could not call her that often for updates. Anyway, we had hit a milestone. My wife's birth certificate was approved and she officially has a certificate that proves her to be born in Thailand!

So at the same time, she has also applied for citizenship (with the help of her Po Long aka Grassroot leader of her district) Her particulars were updated in the computer and her request for Thai Citizenship (Khor Sian Chart)is sent to Ministry in Bangkok for final vetting and approval. Normally this should be the easiest as the birth cert part was the most difficult to get. So now we heard is that the fastest we can get some news is next Monday. Where if its all approved. She will need to go back to the Amphue again to get her photo taken and given an ID card immediately on acknowledgment.

Still anything could go wrong (sorry for bring pessimistic but I had got a lot of bad news ever since we started doing this). If everything is REALLY settled for her. Then we need to start on other things, such as changing the house deeds back to my wife's name, getting married (finally), getting her a passport (so she could finally come visit Singapore) and etc etc etc.

Its a long journey and its just starting to get interesting. :)

Efficiency

is not a word to describe the working attitude in Thailand. Especially Gahment related stuff...

Take for example my wife's birth cert. Its more than 2 weeks since we've applied for it and still we are waiting for the results. Firstly, it was due to a major event in the first week where officials from Bangkok came down to the Amphue to have some meeting and renewal of house books. (Ta Bian Bhan)

Then followed by the Queen's birthday that the Pa Lat (Head administrator) is on leave. Now there are news that there is a change in the Pa Lat. KNS... I smell something fishy already....

Anyway. I'm still crossing the fingers and hope for the best since I have not paid anything yet.

Efficiency

is not a word to describe the working attitude in Thailand. Especially Gahment related stuff...

Take for example my wife's birth cert. Its more than 2 weeks since we've applied for it and still we are waiting for the results. Firstly, it was due to a major event in the first week where officials from Bangkok came down to the Amphue to have some meeting and renewal of house books. (Ta Bian Bhan)

Then followed by the Queen's birthday that the Pa Lat (Head administrator) is on leave. Now there are news that there is a change in the Pa Lat. KNS... I smell something fishy already....

Anyway. I'm still crossing the fingers and hope for the best since I have not paid anything yet.

Plastic Camera

I used to have a Holga (think 4 ,5 years back)and I broke it easily after a roll or 2.. Thus I refrained myself from using plastic cameras for quite some time until I saw this The Black Bird Fly!... Hehe. It got delivered last month and I only get to play with it today (yes I'm back in SG) So far the build is pretty good for a plastic camera.. The only think I dun like is the film rewind crank. Feels a bit too easy to snap. Other then that, it sure look cool and retro..

Only 2 apertures f/7 and f/11 and one shutter speed (1/125). There is a bulb mode though so low light is still possible. Now if only the weather improves a bit so I can go out and shoot! :(

Plastic Camera

I used to have a Holga (think 4 ,5 years back)and I broke it easily after a roll or 2.. Thus I refrained myself from using plastic cameras for quite some time until I saw this The Black Bird Fly!... Hehe. It got delivered last month and I only get to play with it today (yes I'm back in SG) So far the build is pretty good for a plastic camera.. The only think I dun like is the film rewind crank. Feels a bit too easy to snap. Other then that, it sure look cool and retro..

Only 2 apertures f/7 and f/11 and one shutter speed (1/125). There is a bulb mode though so low light is still possible. Now if only the weather improves a bit so I can go out and shoot! :(

Xinhui carry Jing Yong

Took this last night... Just want to share this cute moment... :)

Xinhui carry Jing Yong

Took this last night... Just want to share this cute moment... :)

Xinhui's Performance

This is long overdue video of my girl first school performance last year at the end of her first term. Wife's friend took the video. You can skip the front portion to 3mins to see the actual performance... The highlight of the video is actually around 4.30 where girl girl kay po again.. :P

Xinhui's Performance

This is long overdue video of my girl first school performance last year at the end of her first term. Wife's friend took the video. You can skip the front portion to 3mins to see the actual performance... The highlight of the video is actually around 4.30 where girl girl kay po again.. :P

My Transport

... in Thailand. Since I'm free for the day while waiting for news at home. Cleaned and washed my car and bikes and took a photo of them.

The Toyota VIOS is the new addition. The black Honda Blade is mine and the Pink Yamaha Fino is my wife's..

Total damage is less than 40k SGD. Funny thing is I dun even have one bike in SG.

So just posting this to Hao Lian(show off) a bit :P

My Transport

... in Thailand. Since I'm free for the day while waiting for news at home. Cleaned and washed my car and bikes and took a photo of them.

The Toyota VIOS is the new addition. The black Honda Blade is mine and the Pink Yamaha Fino is my wife's..

Total damage is less than 40k SGD. Funny thing is I dun even have one bike in SG.

So just posting this to Hao Lian(show off) a bit :P

Another year passed and still waiting

I think those who follow my blog would understand the title of this post. Its 2nd of Aug and its my birthday again. It has been 6 years plus since I met my wife and we are still waiting on the status for my wife.

To refresh those who never read the beginning. My wife is born in Thailand but without a birth certificate. And worst still is that she was born near the borders at Maesai which makes things even more complicated. Her status now is actually Thai Yai (2nd class citizenship) which she is confined in the state of Chiang Rai. If she needs to get out of the state. She needs to prove her employment at her Amphue. In this case, at Mae Fa Leung. There are over ten thousands such people like her in Thailand holding this bullshit status. They were often bullied and forced to work as cheap labourer or as sexual workers. My wife is a bit lucky to meet someone in Bangkok to help her out in her store (thats where I met her).

We came back to Maesai when we had our girl and we had been trying hard ever since to sort out her citizenship. She is Thai but do not have Sian Chart (or Thai Citizenship). So we cannot get married and she cannot leave the country. My daughter and son is currently stateless too as Thai law will only grant them citizenship if they are over 12. So apparently if my wife's status is not changed. They will only get their citizenship when they reached 12.

So that's a kind of a summury of my predicament in Thailand.

NOW the good news so far. WE managed to get in touch of an EXPERT in all these sort of things and we are slowly progressing to get the citizenship for my wife. So far it looks promising but I don't want to jump to conclusion as we had a lot of such false hopes so crossing our fingers, we will be going back to the Amphue this coming Tues to Kor Sian Chart (ask for citizenship). The soothsayer wife spoke to say my son will be bringing us good luck. So cross my fingers....

Another year passed and still waiting

I think those who follow my blog would understand the title of this post. Its 2nd of Aug and its my birthday again. It has been 6 years plus since I met my wife and we are still waiting on the status for my wife.

To refresh those who never read the beginning. My wife is born in Thailand but without a birth certificate. And worst still is that she was born near the borders at Maesai which makes things even more complicated. Her status now is actually Thai Yai (2nd class citizenship) which she is confined in the state of Chiang Rai. If she needs to get out of the state. She needs to prove her employment at her Amphue. In this case, at Mae Fa Leung. There are over ten thousands such people like her in Thailand holding this bullshit status. They were often bullied and forced to work as cheap labourer or as sexual workers. My wife is a bit lucky to meet someone in Bangkok to help her out in her store (thats where I met her).

We came back to Maesai when we had our girl and we had been trying hard ever since to sort out her citizenship. She is Thai but do not have Sian Chart (or Thai Citizenship). So we cannot get married and she cannot leave the country. My daughter and son is currently stateless too as Thai law will only grant them citizenship if they are over 12. So apparently if my wife's status is not changed. They will only get their citizenship when they reached 12.

So that's a kind of a summury of my predicament in Thailand.

NOW the good news so far. WE managed to get in touch of an EXPERT in all these sort of things and we are slowly progressing to get the citizenship for my wife. So far it looks promising but I don't want to jump to conclusion as we had a lot of such false hopes so crossing our fingers, we will be going back to the Amphue this coming Tues to Kor Sian Chart (ask for citizenship). The soothsayer wife spoke to say my son will be bringing us good luck. So cross my fingers....