It's been pretty long since I last blogged.. So here's the lowdown of the things that happened

1---> Exams are not the nicest things to do.... It only feels really good when u know how to attempt the questions on the actual day. And to feel good you got to study hard. And that feels pretty dry.

The times i tried so hard in the library and got distracted by sniggers from my neighbours. Hot tea to keep myself awake.. Seeing the selfish side of humanity emerging. Coldness and indifference in the air of pressure. And of course, the beauty of real friendship blossoming during times of adversity. The whole package doesn't really rock, but I'm grateful to be called a student and do the things I do for the season.

I once told someone this, that you are appointed and chosen and selected for that particular table in that particular exam hall to do the exam, being called for excellence by none other than God Himself. You are the man for the moment to fulfill the mission for the hour. He didn't choose your pastor or your mama or papa to do it. So according to KC, it boils down to our perception of the things we value or see.

2 ---> I tried hard to balance the nerd side and the fun side... with more nerdy stuff?

Yeah... it's true... I play chess last time, and now! Check me out moving pieces over a board.
Believe it.

I would even go to KL for a competition for it. And it's coming in 7 days!

3 ---> Music music music.... Hire me and I will give you music that will get ur brain cells jumping. Breakthroughs in so many areas. I heading towards a more musical future, the upward call against the downward rage of society.



I can't remember anymore! So that means i gotta update more often to even remind myself..

Till next time, which should be very short, I'm outta here~! :)


~Gabriel~
I AM NOT A NERD,
I AM ONLY VERY NERDY.

It was a time of self reflection.

Did I hear him say correctly? Was it in the context that I was thinking?
It seems so. I confirmed it. I asked him. And I couldn't believe it initally. I even thought it was a joke.

It sounds too good to be true!

You mean... 3 months?
But how can it be? Since I'm still so green?

I really don't understand why. But it was so encouraging. It lifted my spirit up to another level entirely. My spirit exudes joy walking in that direction.

I will take the comment very seriously. I WILL run after what I've set out to do and accomplish, On what seemed to have been shelved for so many years, and now I see the golden gate.

I won't comment more. In due time, I think u will know :)

Today's a special day for me. In the midst of handling my disappointments, and recovering from it, I got a new appointment today.

I was to play for prayer meeting today at Jurong West!

My dreams, my hopes, all amounted to this opportunity I've been waiting for all my life.

An opportunity that can potential ignite an exciting journey, that's what it is!

And it's funny that it had to come at the most unexpected time.

I think that I'll never be the same after today. All the things I told you bro boon, it's running in my head like a video tape. It's amazing. I love it. I know I can make a difference today and knock the livin daylights out of some people.

For all you non-christian readers out there, hahaha. Paiseh, I din write much stuff u understood for the past few posts. Maybe if u would be in my shoes u would have yanked out ur hair =)

Goo Goo Dolls - Here Is Gone

You and I got something
But it's all and then it's nothing to me
Yeah
And I got my defenses
When it comes to your intentions for me
Yeah
And we wake up in the breakdown
Of the things we never thought we could be
Yeah

I'm not the one who broke you
I'm not the one you should fear
What do you got to move you darling
I thought I lost you somewhere
But you were never really ever there at all

And I want to get free, talk to me
I can feel you falling
And I wanted to be all you need
Somehow here is gone

I have no solution
To the sound of this pollution in me
Yeah
And I was not the answer
So forget you ever thought it was me
Yeah

I'm not the one who broke you
I'm not the one you should fear
What do you got to move you darling
I thought I lost you somewhere
But you were never really ever there at all

And I want to get free, talk to me
I can feel you falling
And I wanted to be all you need
Somehow here is gone

And I don't need the fallout of all the past
that's here between us
And I'm not holding on
And all your lies weren't enough to keep me here

And I want to get free, talk to me
I can feel you falling
And I wanted to be all you need
Somehow here is gone

And I want to get free talk to me
I can feel you falling
I know it's out there
I know it's out there
I can feel you falling
I know it's out there
I know it's out there
Somehow here is gone
I know it's out there
I know it's out there
Somehow here is gone

I just came back from service. And as I stood the on the terraces, alot of memories came flooding back. Memory of my 3 friends. Memories of the times we had together as such good friends. The times where we would help each other out on booking seats. The times where I got scolded for not doing things right. The times where I brought you to church. The time where you responded to the altar call.

It was so happy, I learnt so much. Now when I turn my head, I see a shell of a group that was once thriving in revival. Guys, I miss you so badly. Why did you all throw in the towel? You didn't need to do it. I want to help u. But I can't reach you. I can't see you.

I hope for the best for you. Really. When I pray I would think abt you, and the circumstances you are in. Why did you have to do it, when it wasn't right at all, and u got urself into so much where u haven't had to do it in the first place. Does feelings really matter so much that one is willing to lay it all just for a moment of instant gratification? Does feelings matter so much that you are willing to dump God for it? To the reader, dun think so much about sexual immorality, its not. But let me ask you this.

What is love, when it fails at the moment of gratification? It weakens to a mutant of lust if u continue to live in it.

I love you, but I want to have my ice-cream first.
I love you, but clubbing on friday nights is a must.
I love you, but too tired to go to expo la.
I love you, but you are too strict on me.
I love you, but I rather spend time with my studies.


Love.. I believe in love. It's the fabric of my heart. And I really love you guys.

And today, I received news that I'll be transferring out to another cell. I think he knows it has been particularly hard for me. Everytime I look at the cell, I really wanted to cry. That's how I feel.

This is dedicated to you 6 guys and gals. I will never name you.

You six people have been one of the best people I've met, and I hope we will meet again next time.

I really need some time off to rest. My soul grieves day and night the moment u guys pop into my head. I wish I could just give up sometimes..

But I won't. I will NEVER. I know my God. I could never turn away..

Why God
Why things have to happen the way it is?!
Why why why why why why why why why???!!!!!
I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs.
I can't take it anymore.

Why must things be so complicated?!
Why must you be so foolish?!
Why must you do it?!
You were on a roll, you were getting there!

Why must you follow?
Why did you leave me alone?
Why when I turn I wanted to see you but I can't?!

Tell me why.. I'm asking a question to all 3 of you.

WHY DID YOU TURN AWAY?

I'm so tired, it's 3.40am in the morning, but I can't sleep.

I'm grieving.

I received a sms. It was a goodbye message from some one. I can't believe it.

Why do people make decisions in life that alter the course of their destiny. I don't know, I don't want to care anymore.

The 4 of us went skating once together, before sending the fellow friend off. I have very fond memories of it. I never knew I would lose all 3 of them within 4 months.

How do u describe a man who has literally lost his dearest friends in his cell group.

When I look back, i constantly get reminded of it. God, it hurts so bad. I'm living in a different world altogether.

My fight has been ruthless.
The missiles just keeps coming and coming.
So many issues were thrown at me one after another.
It feels like I'm living in a different dimension.
This really is war. As much as I wanted it, it was as much as what the devil intended.
The moment I declared it, the devil handed mouthfuls of it.

I smell my breakthrough, it's gonna be awesome. But sometimes, you can't help but feel discouraged by the circumstances you are in.

God, if you are not standing in the gap, I would have been dead by now.
But I'm so thankful for great friends along the way.
Friends like Ben, Joanne, JingJing, you guys are people I cannot ask for more.

Luke, you're a brother like no other. I really mean it.

Allow me to type something personal...

I'm happy today. My war has started.
It was a war I have waited for a long time.
A war with a purpose of winning, and plundering the deepest depths of hell.

This is about a war on my calling in life. What I have always believe in is now undergoing a major test. I'm on the brink of something new. I can smell the aroma of victory from here.
But not without a tough fight.

It was a war to rediscover myself, to find out the deepest depths of how strong I can be, my limitations, and what I see in myself. I see a breakthrough in 8 weeks. I really do.

It's a time where I have made certain decisions in my life, life changing decisions. And immediately, war broke out. I expected this, and have been waiting for this. I'm gaining territory.

Because of a Jehovah Nissi, My banner of victory has been poised. Pray for me that I have the strength to run this.

DARE YOU TO MOVE - SWITCHFOOT

Welcome to the planet
Welcome to existence
Everyone’s here
Everyone’s here
Everybody’s watching you now
Everybody waits for you now
What happens next
What happens next

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened before

Welcome to the fallout
Welcome to resistance
The tension is here
Tension is here
Between who you are and who you could be
Between how it is and how it should be

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened

Maybe redemption has stories to tell
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened before

I'm listening to Do They Know It's Christmas Time by Band Aid now. Christmas is coming soon, so better get ready man.

But on a another note, it talks about hungry people in the world. Apparently there's this hawker that fries and sells so much chye tow kuay in a $2 package, I think many couldn't finish it, even myself. So throw away right? And on Friday, at bugis street i saw an elderly woman roaming the hawker centre. She ate the plate of CTK that was left over.

In Singapore, I don't think it's as drastic as Ethopia or Uganda, but seeing sights like this sure wrenches your heart. If she asked me cash for dinner, i would have given it to her. But I guess they have their own form of pride too.

If I see her again, I wanna pass her some money. Haha. I know I will eat there again someday. Maybe what Lynnette said had alot of truth, that children these days care only for themselves, and abandon their parents..

Sometimes, this simplest things in life gets you going.

I was scrolling through my handphone, and I've got to say I'm a sentimental guy. I keep SMSes of encouragement that was sent to me. If u did somewhere along those lines, I would have kept i in my limited space of my phone, or written in a small book which has tons of it. Cause encouragement fuels the soul where self worth is lacking in certain areas.

I was reading some of them from a particular person, and I'm so thankful for such a wonderful friend that I've found. It's not easy in this day and age to catch someone who absolutely appreciates you just for who you are.

I believe in 24-hr miracles. I really do.

If you're a non-christian, read on. I have seven surprises for you. I promise it won't be boring.

Cries to God are always precious to Him. The cry of faith pleases God like nothing else. He answers them like you wouldn't believe it.


Why do I say so?


1) I cried out to God when my bag got stolen in Jurong Point. Within 2 hours, I got it back. The policeman found it.

2) I cried out to God for increased capacity in my ministry. Within 8 hrs, I was asked if I could play for a service as a drummer. Within 12 hours, I was asked to step in for a drummer due to an emergency.

3) I cried out to God to enhance my relationships with some people. Within an hour, I got an sms that shocked me, positively.

4) I cried out to God, asking Him to use me and my band in a mighty way as we played for a song in a competition. Within 6 hrs, we won the competition, and we were asked to send a demo recording of our song. FIR is interested in it.

5) My friend cried out to God for a permanent job. Within 12 hrs, she got approved for a job through an interview.

6) My friend lost a laptop in a cab. He cried out to God for the taxi driver to return it. Within 24 hours, he got it back.

Though the next is a 48 hour miracle, but to me it's one of the best I've had.

7) I cried out to God when I don't know how to study for a subject. Less than 48 hours till the exam, and I knew so little i couldn't do the past year papers. Within 4 hrs, I felt His peace. Within 48 hours, I got a B for that same subject.


You got the point now? =)


Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Jeremiah 32:37

Yesterday night was fun! I was out celebrating my friendship with 3 people i know since forever started.

Friendships are so fragile. Discords that forms have to be resolved fast. Or else it festers and ruins the relationship. I'm glad that through all these years, we have never let anything ruin this with misunderstandings or pettiness. Joel, once again you were my budd when I needed one. Chuiling, you especially have a big heart for people u know.

Yesterday's KTV was good, I was waking up to the tune of David Tao's Tian Tian. Strange considering that I mainly listen to english songs. Maybe it had hit a chord in me.

I had this nightmare last night. It wasn't anything scary or a monster- filled adventure. But I saw someone who I know, and am so familiar with, she changed a 180 degrees to another person that I no longer knew. I was staring on and I couldn't believe it.

To know someone change so much is a nightmare for me, cause I usually associate change with going downhill in character and morality. Don't ask me why, I've seen enough in real life to tell you that. People fall more than they rise up. It's sad is n't it? How I wish I could do something about it. But I know God can.

Ben, you have fought your odds, and rised up like never before conquering your mountains with painful decisions. Where people back slided, he bounced back and made an impact on his odds.

Guard what is pure and undefiled in your heart. Your thoughts are the network of your soul. When it's challenged by temptation, hold on to the cross. And you can only become happier.

This is Sherlyn, our frontline singer! I love the silouette at the back, it absolutely mortifyingly rocks. What a sight.
Jason, the bassist for the hour. I got to know him 3 yrs ago. From the prominent band Dream Factory as well as your favorite band Trio.
There is the man, Cheng Jun. He wrote the song, and his face oozes with the groove of rock. That's what its all about!

~Talentime Emerge 2006~
~Break Free~
~Written by Wong Cheng Jun~

WHAT I"VE LEARNT FROM FLEA


I was watching Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. I've learnt so much from him. His insights have lead me to rediscover what it really means to be a musician. Mervyn, thanks for lending me the DVD. Though overdue in time, I thought I needed a few moments from those precious insights.



He said something that really shocked me.



"You cannot be a good musician if you do not have a pure love for what is beautiful."


That was the exact quote. He went on to say that if we have anything evil or vile that's disturbing us, not having the right thoughts about somebody, the soul of the person can't produce a touch that sounds pure and undefiled. How true this is! If we do not love people from the deepest pits of our hearts, we can't get our own sound out, because he understands that love connects with people, not noise.


And this was from a guy who I believe got involved with drugs and fights in the past. He's cleaned up his mess, and he is absolutely soaring in his career.


He ended off by saying:

"In whatever you do, be true to yourself. If u have to the funniest clown, do it to the best you know. If u want to be the best rock smashing guitarist, do it to the best you can. Just be true to yourself."


And immediately, I thought about the music that I liked but never had the chance to do. I absolutely love 80s and 90s music. It's very me. I grew so much in music because of this influence. I really wanted to do a gig that just played the 90s. It's very me. And before that, I approached Jonathan to do a gig with me that I wanted to include 90s music. I know we share the same frequency, and I'm so glad to have found such a friend. I have to find a connection with my roots, I was getting frustrated.

As a drummer, I feel that being true to myself is really about playing songs like Earth Wind and Fire's After the love has gone, or Don Henley's The end of the innocence. People may say that.. oh don't u think it's too old? Why not top 40s? Go with the flow and impress people la. But I say to them...

I produce my own sound with what I like and what I do best. That itself is better than any top 40 song you could ask for. And that's my best gift to you. Not an imitator of a sound. But a sound from my own soul.

Hahaha, I think my previous blog has stirred some eyes up. It's always good to take things within a full context, or else thoughts will wander. Hahaha. It was fun though. =D

This space is for the drummer who aspires to play and do bigger. This is for a specific person reading this. Read on, and u know it's speaking to you.

Thank you for your concern you gave me. I never forgot the "Falling in between" CD you have given me for my birthday. Haha. For someone with little pocket money at your age, I knew you were giving down from your heart. It was one of the most expensive gift I received in my eyes.

'A' levels are the most important things to a student of ur age. You should study hard, and I know u do. Increase ur capacity, consider other things that you might do to make ur JC package a meaningful one. About the Grade 8 thing, go consider it, pray about it, and who knows, u might get a sponsorship from ur parents. I think as a drumming musician, a balance of academic qualifications and portfolio really helps. Think about it.

With that said, I was listening to Earth Wind and Fire's After The Love Has Gone. It's a nice song. With so many transpositions I have no idea what that amounts to. But it sure sounds good!
It's a pity they don't have Water and Heart, if not they can call for Captain Planet don't you think?

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I guess the secrets' out...



I'm crazy about Pamela!!



Yes, that's the girl I've been after all along.



Unknown to so many.... I was blown away by her looks for 5 years. Flabberghasted. Stunned. She's a good girl. Period.



And so, I decided to write a song about Pamela. It became a hit single in the Grammy award winning album. The drummer is awesomatically the best drummer in the world. The shuffles he does, its world- class mind- blowing stuff. Give it up for my brother, Jeff Porcaro!


~On what Steve Lukather might say~



You are the best musicians in the market today!!! I attended your concert 10 weeks back. It's amazing! They say its an uncles' band, but surely I just love the licks and chops and fills and whatever comes out from those instruments. Im a Toto fan!! AHHH!!!!


~On what Gabriel, the author of this blog, has said~


PAMELA - TOTO


Side by side, I'll be yours forever
Rain or shine, any kind of weather
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
Let's take what's getting old and make it new

Oh, eye to eye, it's a blinding confrontation
You and I, we're a deadly combination
So don't start mixing truth with jealousy
The road we're on is clear as far as I can see

Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
Just remember, it may not heal this time
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind

Black and white always go together
Day and night you're the precious jewel I treasure
Wanting every part of you is not a crime
Or could it be that you're the one who's wrong this time

Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
Just remember, it may not heal this time
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind

All that I love (all that I love)
Thousands of miles away, but always in my heart

Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
Just remember, it may not heal this time
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind

Hahaha. This is amazing.. My mind ran in circles thinking of people I who meant alot to me. And somehow this person slipped my mind. How could I... but I'm only human. This space is specially dedicated to her.

She was my ex cell member from a long time back since 2001. Before that, I don't really know her, cause we always tend to go home immediately after cell groups. It was late at night anyway. But our paths crossed very often after I got into NTU. I have not enjoyed a friend's company more than her, even though she's from a faculty a zillion years away. You are sincere, bubbly, cheerful and honest in what you do. You really love people... I know you do. You would even give me a surprise for my birthday by slipping a gift into my bag on my birthday. How could I forget that? That was the best thing that could have happened to me that day. Your words of encouragement has been lasting on the birthday card.

Once, you dropped an easter egg into my locker. I also asked you if u left ur egg there. Hahaha! Wha, I never knew it was for me lor... But still you really caught me blur. You're one person who I can share alot of my thoughts with. And there were times u would mumble ur academic woes to me. I cannot remember how many times I went up to you and disturb you with lame stuff and u counter it with ur own sense of lameness. Hahahaha. To all my readers out there: I'm proud to present to you.... Lim Lilian!

Hehehehe

No cell group is complete without bouncers.

Give it up for the babes of N178!!!!!!

And there... no story is ever complete without the full picture. Introducing to you, N178!

Scarlet White, this picture will sell well. It's beautiful.... what a sight to behold.

My dad, my dad, my dad! He's the man, he's the hero, he's everything in my life I could ask for!

That's Simon Phillips! Argubly the best rock drummer in the world (I'm serious), he's the front man for the band Toto, who played music that blewed my mind into pieces that same night. Can you believe it... he's shorter than me! Hahaha

Professor Ho Hwee Long, hahaha... he's the nice man for the NIE band. He's been conducting for as long as National Junior College was established! To think I missed him completely in my college days?!




That's the legendary BILLY COBHAM! Oh my goodness, wat an awesome privilege to meet him! A drummer in a class of his own, he has help shaped jazz drumming in the 70s. And that was legend-to-be Ben Lim in yellow top standing next to him! Of course not to mention me on the right...