Making it Easier to Breathe

In transit

2009-03-04T06:33:00.000+08:00

http://keeptheseclose.wordpress.com/

don't bookmark it yet, i'm trying it out.

I Like this Photo

2009-02-26T20:24:00.001+08:00

Ash Wednesday (76 of 79)
Originally uploaded by pbert

In Coversation: Bishop Allan Hope and Fr Peter Wilson
Newman House
111 Gower St
London

I love this picture: its spontaneous and conveys a message. I think I would strive to take more pictures like these, as opposed to posed ones.

A Celebration of Our Faith

2009-02-26T20:18:00.002+08:00

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and the imposition of ashes.

Newman House, The central Catholic Chaplaincy for the Universities in London was lucky enough to have His Grace, Bishop Allan Hope celebrating mass for us.

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-26T10:35:00.001+08:00

Ash Wednesday (24 of 79)
Originally uploaded by pbert

Ash Wednesday Mass
Newman House
111 Gower St
London

Wishing all a good and grace filled lent season ahead.

Happy Birthday Bro!

2009-02-25T20:56:00.001+08:00

Mike's 24th (12 of 44)
Originally uploaded by pbert

Happy Birthday Michael!

hope u had a good one, God Bless!

Finally, a good rant on ST

2009-02-23T19:22:00.000+08:00

Girls, give the nice guys a chance
By Goh Wen Zhong

A FRIEND recently joined a Facebook group named 'I have an ex-boyfriend who makes me want to vomit'.
The group's description says it all.

It confirms the Chinese adage, nan ren bu huai, nu ren bu ai, which loosely translates into 'if the boy isn't bad, the girls won't like him'.

In one corner, meet Exhibit A - my friend, an overseas-educated civil servant and former national sportsman with a great sense of humour. He also happens to be a perfectly decent gentleman.

Yet he is single and available, and has been for some time.

In the other corner, a couple of my female friends: Exhibit B - overseas-educated lawyer, devoted and caring girlfriend; and Exhibit C - financially independent, attractive and intelligent university graduate.

Both have long-term boyfriends who have, among other misdemeanours, cheated - and are still cheating - on them.

Yes, you guessed it: Both still want to marry these guys.

While reading recent reports on spousal abuse and infidelity, I cannot help but wonder if the decisions of Exhibits B and C, should they proceed with marriage, will end in tears.

Each time I query these friends on their tolerance of their partners' infractions, the answers I get are invariably this: 'But I love him and I believe he will change for me.'

So why do guys like Exhibit A, who deserve someone to love and to be loved in return, pale as choices compared to the cads who are boyfriends of Exhibits B and C?

I do not think I am alone in thinking this way. Although it is not my place to query matters of the heart, I cannot help but wonder if Cupid really is blind, random and, if I may add, unmeritocratic when shooting his arrows.

An explanation came in an article I chanced upon online, An Ode To The Nice Guys. It was penned by a student at the University of Pennsylvania, about how nice guys are consistently written off.

Exhibit A falls squarely into the category of males hailed in the ode: The ones who finish last, who play by the rules in a game that favours cheats, and thus never become more than friends with the girls.

And the reason why they take so long to be discovered? As the ode put it: 'Getting together would ruin the friendship.'

I guess that's the obstacle, and it's a real one. But my question is, would you rather have an extremely spicy exotic dish guaranteed to give you a stomach-ache, or a simple and pleasant meal of staple food?

I suspect the answers will still be split. But why work yourself into a vomiting fit? Give the nice guys a chance. After all, romance is arguably the deepest form of friendship.

The writer, 26, is working as a lawyer in London. He is a nice guy.

Dongliang...

2009-02-23T19:20:00.001+08:00

Dongliang...
Originally uploaded by pbert

LIU Dong Liang
London

Happy 24th Daxu!!!

2009-02-23T16:39:00.001+08:00

Daxu's 24th (33 of 49)
Originally uploaded by pbert

I know this is late,

but we DID celebrate it for him!

Valentine's Day 2009

2009-02-23T07:05:00.001+08:00

Daxu's 24th (39 of 49)
Originally uploaded by pbert

Lesson to all: if you are left alone on valentine's day... and the supermarkets run out of baking stuff because there's a mad rush for them, curry puffs are a good alternative.

ps: they were not too bad actually for my first try

Sometimes it takes something small

2009-02-13T00:51:00.000+08:00

HAHA

Solitude, Fortitude

2009-02-08T17:03:00.001+08:00

Solitude, Fortitude
Originally uploaded by pbert

Broadwalk, Regent's Park
London, UK

Pictures for All

2009-02-05T00:20:00.001+08:00

I know I'm slow, but look what I discovered I can do with Flickr!

Once in 18 Years

2009-02-04T06:24:00.001+08:00

UCL in Snow
Originally uploaded by pbert

Day that God Gave Us Another Day Off

2009-02-04T01:05:00.001+08:00

Day it Snowed (53 of 99)
Originally uploaded by pbert

UCL Main Quad
London, UK

祝你生日快乐

2009-02-02T17:21:00.003+08:00

Camden Bar and Kitchen
Camden High Street
London, UK

happy times

Happy 22nd!

2009-01-31T21:59:00.001+08:00

SUKA CNY (8 of 238)
Originally uploaded by pbert

Dearest Michelle,

here's wishing you a fabulous 22nd birthday, may all your dreams come true! :D

love loads

步步高升

2009-01-31T21:55:00.002+08:00

Dragon Castle Restaurant, Elephant and Castle
London, UK

新年快乐

2009-01-26T19:16:00.002+08:00

Happy Lunar New Year of the Ox
Originally uploaded by pbert

Daxu's Place, London

农历新年又到了，我就在这边祝大家新年快乐，万事如意，身体健康，心想事成。

Sunset over Luxor

2009-01-03T08:49:00.001+08:00

Sunset over Luxor
Originally uploaded by pbert

Sunset Over Luxor Temple
Luxor, Egypt

Movement

2009-01-03T06:47:00.001+08:00

Movement
Originally uploaded by pbert

Lets get this shit done.

A New Year

2009-01-03T06:40:00.001+08:00

Worlds Apart
Originally uploaded by pbert

Backstreet of Luxor
Luxor, Egypt

Happy New Year Guys!
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed year ahead!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

2008-12-28T01:43:00.001+08:00

Xmas_2008_0018
Originally uploaded by pbert

Daxu's Place
London, UK

Wishing you all and your families a blessed christmas, sorry i didn't leave any of you a bit of the turkey.

IT WAS GONE! WHAAM.

Egypt

2008-12-23T03:40:00.001+08:00

The Coming
Originally uploaded by pbert

Great Pyramids of Giza
Giza, Cairo
Egypt

Got back in a piece, couldn't say the same about my luggage though.

It was a wonderful experience. Totally worth it.

More to come in time.

This Year, Christmas came early

2008-12-07T02:41:00.001+08:00

David-less
Originally uploaded by pbert

Central Catholic Chaplaincy
Newman House
London

Term is about to end, just a week to go. Newman House had its annual xmas dinner and at the egging of the rest, i decided to go for it. absolutely no regrets. thanks guys.

finally a night relax and chill.

Remaining Relevant

2008-11-29T19:07:00.001+08:00

please don't replace me, i'll be good
Originally uploaded by pbert

Marrakesh Medina
Morocco

You and I had better take the advice.

Finally, A shot together

2008-11-26T05:58:00.002+08:00

A happy shot of the 17 Grisedale Household, plus our dearest pet Wei Wei.
Clockwise from top: Wei Wei, Wanling, Annie, Joe, Me (and my butt, that wei wei pointed out).

Ring Ring... should I Buy?

2008-11-19T09:18:00.003+08:00

Product Description
With VOIP 321 you can make free Skype calls as well as normal landline calls. You can make and take calls on both networks from one single handset, and you can see who is on-line without going to the PC, just by looking at the display.

Manufacturer's Description
The Philips VoIP cordless handset offers the same ease-of-use and freedom as any regular cordless phone. You're free to leave your computer and roam around your home while you phone because it works independently of your PC. And with a cordless range of 300m and up to 12 hours of talk time, you'll stay in touch no matter how far your conversation goes!

The Philips VoIP dual phone is incredibly easy to set up. You can start calling after just three simple steps*:
Power up by connecting to a mains power outlet.
Plug in to both your regular phone line and an internet line.
Sign in to Skype using your existing Skype username and password or by creating a new account directly via the phone.

That's all there is to making and receiving Skype and regular calls right away. Simply use the handset to select your Skype buddies or dial a regular number and you'll be talking in moments. You don't even need to turn on your computer.

All Available at a cool 50 pounds. Should I buy for mummy and daddy? if i am, FLEA YOU ARE SHARING IT.

Elise, Michelle and Clare

2008-11-18T01:03:00.001+08:00

Elise, Michelle and Clare
Originally uploaded by pbert

Schaffer Hall
London

Thank You my dear friends for the lovely dinner and fantastic company.

it was really wonderful hanging out and talking about giving birth, black man tous and various concoctions.

Thank God that the bak kut teh and apple crumble were delicious.

她走了。。。

2008-11-12T06:15:00.003+08:00

bye bye miss wong, enjoy essex, although you will not have access to the internet, you will be sorely missed by your housemates ( not wei wei, cos she's too busy travelling).

جامع الكتبية‎

2008-11-08T05:15:00.001+08:00

Koutoubia mosque; جامع الكتبية‎ sunset
Originally uploaded by pbert

Koutoubia mosque @ Sunset
Marrakech, Morocco

Just got back from Morocco today, reading week was really a welcomed break.

Fantastic and beautiful country, Morocco is, took tons of pictures, so it will be a while till they are up. till then.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Canterbury Cathedral Courtyard

2008-10-24T17:34:00.001+08:00

Canterbury Cathedral Courtyard
Originally uploaded by pbert

Caterbury Cathedral
Canterbury, Kent
England

Just Chilling...

2008-10-16T06:45:00.001+08:00

Just Chilling...
Originally uploaded by pbert

I saw a peacock with a fiery tail,
I saw a blazing comet drop down hail,
I saw a cloud wrapped with ivy round,
I saw an oak creep upon the ground,
I saw a pismire* swallow up a whale,
I saw the sea brimful of ale,
I saw a Venice glass full fifteen feet deep,
I saw a well full of men's tears that weep,
I saw red eyes all of a flaming fire,
I saw a house bigger than the moon and higher,
I saw the sun at twelve o'clock at night,
I saw the man that saw this wondrous sight.

Covent Garden

2008-10-06T19:45:00.001+08:00

Covent Garden
Originally uploaded by pbert

Covent Garden
London
United Kingdom

Fresher's Mass @ Newman House

2008-10-06T17:03:00.001+08:00

Freshers Mass_048
Originally uploaded by pbert

Fresher's Mass 2008
Newman House
Central Chaplaincy to the Universities in London
111 Gower Street

Love is...

2008-10-06T04:59:00.001+08:00

Photosco Walk_107
Originally uploaded by pbert

A Rare Glimpse

2008-09-28T04:13:00.003+08:00

Hiding behind a lens does change your life by loads. For one, it trains you to remove yourself from a given situation to anaylize it and to respond appropriately.

For the first time in my life, I have had someone use the ultimate 4 letter word on me. it's really amazing to see how much can be conveyed in just 4 letters.

Good/Evil/Love/Hate/Fuck(in all its glorious meanings)/Life/Dead.

When something turns into something oppossite, its hard to swallow.

Today I had a rare glimpse into the life of another person. Her love, her fears, her insecurities, her hopes and dreams. Damned.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Yafen

2008-09-26T21:16:00.001+08:00

Yafen
Originally uploaded by pbert

Love in the First Degree

2008-09-16T18:33:00.001+08:00

Originally uploaded by pbert

Dedicated to Jason and Joyce. Congratulations on your ROM.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Classified Ad

2008-09-11T23:46:00.001+08:00

Originally uploaded by pbert

Meat lovers can now rejoice with the opening of a new butchery and gourmet delicatessen along Bukit Timah Road.

Catering to the increasing demand for high quality and affordable fresh meats, Meat The Butcher is a gourmet specialty shop focusing on fresh cuts such as beef, lamb, poultry, pork and sausages from countries such as the USA and Australia. Also available at the butchery is a selection of accompaniments such as fresh herbs, salads as well as an assortment of cheeses.

Understanding the evolving trends and customer’s sophisticated lifestyle and palette, the 1,300 sq feet butchery adds a personal touch by offering personalised advice and recommendations and by catering to customers’ special requests, bringing back the traditional and friendly service that customers used to have at their neighborhood butchers.

Need ideas for that dinner party this weekend? Customers can just inform staff members and Meat The Butcher will be able to suggest not just the type of meats and cuts the customer needs but also a suitable marinating recipe and accompaniments to complement the dish. For aspiring home chefs, Meat The Butcher is also quick to offer creative ideas and advice on how to best prepare the meat.

If you’d prefer to relax and play host, let Meat the Butcher do all the work for you. With roasting facilities available within the outlet, Meat The Butcher can also provide home deliveries for customers too busy to cook. Freshly roasted meat at your doorstep, it can’t get any better than that!

Helmed by a team of friendly and highly experienced staff, Meat The Butcher tailors to both local and expatriate customers with its high quality meats and warm customer service.

Meat The Butcher is Located at : 615 Bukit Timah Road

www.meatthebutcher.com.sg

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Dinner @ San Damiano

2008-09-10T10:02:00.007+08:00

The lovely friars at Church asked me if I could cook dinner for them last night, and I was glad to. I was quite afraid to do so as the days went past after I agreed because the friars are damn good cooks themselves. Anyhow, I had to cook for 20 people, my discerning parents included, so i settled for 7 dishes.

The Dishes are Set (half eaten though)Bro John Soh Enjoying
Group Shot from my end of the table

Superb Dinner and Great Company.Will miss you guys when I return to London.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

The Joys and Pains of Growing Up

2008-09-08T20:09:00.002+08:00

My Friend, Peter Lau published his Book, The Joys and Pains of Growing Up: 17 Principles every Teen Should Know.

When he asked me to help in the recording the soundfile that would accompany the book as a supplement, I was glad to.

so here's a picture of Peter, during the recording. More information can be read at his blog.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

reflections of my life

2008-09-01T11:40:00.001+08:00

reflections of my life
Originally uploaded by pbert

looking down and seeing someone looking back at me.

will i be the same in 1 year?

will i grow stronger?

will i be happy with what i would have become?

what if.... what if i'm not?

of shut up. what if I will. I will.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Finished it.

2008-08-25T11:47:00.001+08:00

Finished it.
Originally uploaded by pbert

Good Race.Good Route.Good View.

Loads of Abrasions though.

Set your sights. Ready. GO.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Frranciscan Habit

2008-08-22T20:50:00.001+08:00

Frranciscan Habit
Originally uploaded by pbert

Piercing

2008-08-17T00:10:00.001+08:00

Piercing
Originally uploaded by pbert

Free Hugs in Singapore

2008-08-13T20:23:00.001+08:00

Free Hugs in Singapore
Originally uploaded by pbert

Free Hugs Group
Orchard Road, Singapore

3 hugs a day for survival.
7 hugs a day for growth.

I wonder how many these guys get.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

傻傻地等着你的来电

2008-08-11T21:18:00.001+08:00

傻傻地等着你的来电
Originally uploaded by pbert

Im lying alone with my head on the phone
Thinking of you till it hurts
I know you hurt too but what else can we do
Tormented and torn apart

I wish I could carry your smile in my heart
For times when my life seems so low
It would make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesnt really know, doesnt really know

(chorus)
Im all out of love, Im so lost without you
I know you were right, believing for so long
Im all out of love, what am I without you
I cant be too late to say I was so wrong

I want you to come back and carry me home
Away from these long, lonely nights
Im reaching for you, are you feeling it too?
Does the feeling seem oh, so right?

And what would you say if I called on you now
And said that I cant hold on?
Theres no easy way, it gets harder each day
Please love me or Ill be gone, Ill be gone

(chorus)
Ooh, what are you thinking of
What are you thinking of
What are you thinking of
What are you thinking of
(repeat chorus)

Long Way to Enlightenment

2008-08-10T22:04:00.002+08:00

Path towards Tian Ta Statue
Originally uploaded by pbert

天坛大佛
Lantau Island, Hong Kong
SAR
Peoples Rebublic of China

into your hands...

2008-08-05T10:32:00.001+08:00

into your hands...
Originally uploaded by pbert

We Adore You, Lord Jesus Christ,
In All Your Churches Throughout the World
and We Bless You
Because by Your Holy Cross,
You Have Redeemed the World

My Guardian Dear

2008-08-04T22:01:00.001+08:00

My Guardian Dear
Originally uploaded by pbert

Angel of God, my Guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this night/day be at my side
to light and guard,
to rule and guide.
Amen.

Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore
Feast Day 2008
Guardian Angel, Garden of Peace

Knight of the Altar

2008-08-04T11:30:00.001+08:00

Knight of the Altar
Originally uploaded by pbert

Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore
Feast Day 2008
Offering Incense for the Faithful

In You Lord, I Find Comfort

2008-08-04T11:28:00.001+08:00

In You Lord, I Find Comfort
Originally uploaded by pbert

Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore
Feast Day 2008
Prayer and Contemplation after Holy Communion

Music of the Night

2008-08-04T00:57:00.001+08:00

Music of the Night
Originally uploaded by pbert

Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore
Feast Day 2008
Night of Sacred Songs

Will I Be Queen Some Day?

2008-08-04T00:30:00.001+08:00

Will I Be Queen Some Day?
Originally uploaded by pbert

Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore
Feast Day 2008
Coronation of Our Lady

Daddy, When is it My Turn?

2008-08-04T00:29:00.001+08:00

Daddy, When is it My Turn?
Originally uploaded by pbert

Church Of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore
Feast Day 2008

出入平安

2008-08-02T21:59:00.001+08:00

出入平安
Originally uploaded by pbert

Something to wish all motorist, especially outriders making their rounds.

good luck and God Speed Guys.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Vanessa Li

2008-08-02T15:30:00.001+08:00

Vanessa Li
Originally uploaded by pbert

Reason Why We Sleep Peacefully At Night

2008-08-02T00:05:00.001+08:00

intensity
Originally uploaded by pbert

the wrong model for the wrong ad, but oh well, this should work out just about fine.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Protection

2008-08-01T17:08:00.001+08:00

boat charm
Originally uploaded by pbert

Those Eyes

2008-07-31T22:09:00.001+08:00

tracy
Originally uploaded by pbert

View from the Ruins of St Paul's

2008-07-30T11:25:00.001+08:00

View from the Ruins of St Paul's
Originally uploaded by pbert

Broadwalk

2008-07-08T15:49:00.001+08:00

Broadwalk
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

Chek Jawa Visitor Center

2008-07-08T12:01:00.001+08:00

Chek Jawa Visitor Center
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

Rock, Paper... Flower?

2008-07-07T23:27:00.001+08:00

Rock, Paper... Flower?
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

A postcard from Chek Jawa

2008-07-07T23:26:00.001+08:00

A postcard from Chek Jawa
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

Happy Birthday Joe!!!!

2008-07-03T12:00:00.001+08:00

Michelle and Joe With Flowers
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

I'm sorry this came late Joe, but Happy Birthday! thanks for everything bro.

We should all meet up once you get back from spain!

Michelle: Nice picture eh? *hints*

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Itchy Fingers

2008-07-02T16:46:00.001+08:00

Randomness
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

photoshopped again.

Luca the Cute

2008-06-29T00:17:00.001+08:00

I love baaaaaaaaaaaguette
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

Never Try to Trick Me with a Kiss

2008-06-28T13:03:00.000+08:00

A Poem by Sylvia Plath

Never try to trick me with a kiss
Pretending that the birds are here to stay;
The dying man will scoff and scorn at this.

A stone can masquerade where no heart is
And virgins rise where lustful Venus lay:
Never try to trick me with a kiss.

Our noble doctor claims the pain is his,
While stricken patients let him have his say;
The dying man will scoff and scorn at this.

Each virile bachelor dreads paralysis,
The old maid in the gable cries all day:
Never try to trick me with a kiss.

The suave eternal serpents promise bliss
To mortal children longing to be gay;
The dying man will scoff and scorn at this.

Sooner or later something goes amiss;
The singing birds pack up and fly away;
So never try to trick me with a kiss:
The dying man will scoff and scorn at this.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Polaroid!

2008-06-26T20:25:00.001+08:00

St Basil Group Shot Polaroid
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

It's Emo Time in the City

2008-06-25T22:04:00.000+08:00

Hands touch, eyes meet
Sudden silence, sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl:

Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boyI'm not that girl

Ev'ry so often we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in

Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the girl he chose
And Heaven knowsI'm not that girl:

Don't wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't born for the rose and the pearl
There's a girl I know
He loves her soI'm not that girl:

I'm not falling in or out of love. Sometimes lyrics can be so powerful that it overwhelms you. Not because it entirely speaks out to you or the situation that you are in, but it calls out to the common humanity that we all share.

The last few posts were photographs. Some new, some old but retouched. I didn't bother explaining their significance with the exception of the one of Fr Peter.

Hiding behind the lens gives you a surreal feeling. The camera body acts as a infallible shield from reality. You are an observer.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Michelle Fong

2008-06-24T13:58:00.001+08:00

Michelle Fong
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

Passion of Christ

2008-06-24T13:56:00.001+08:00

Passion of Christ
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

A picture that I took last easter. I really liked the raw image. I learnt the post processing online and i thought that it served to accentuate the message.

Sibling Love

2008-06-23T16:55:00.001+08:00

Sibling Love
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

Dr Ernest Wong

2008-06-23T00:11:00.001+08:00

Dr Ernest Wong
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

My Greatest Fear

2008-06-15T02:43:00.000+08:00

I'm afraid that when I'm left alone in this world. I would be helpless.

Helpless to feed myself.

Helpless to calm myself.

Helpless to live.

All these stem from the fundamental doubt - What happen when we close our eyes for the last time.

My inability to resolve this question has led to severe consequences.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Maybe I have Got It?

2008-05-21T01:25:00.000+08:00

The greatest paradox to me (for today at least), is that The Carlendar of the Church continuously loops year after year after year while we go on with our lives.

I do not intend to accuse my religion as being progressively redundant, but it is something that I had had to stop and to reflect upon.

Each year, we are warned, through the weekly proclamation of the word, of impending judgement.

Year after Year, the same things are preached to us ( i bet some priests are even guilty of recycling their sermons).

" Set Your hearts on the higher gifts ... Faith Hope and Love.... and the greatest is Love."

So, is our faith relevant to society today?

I am a sinner, I must confess. But I am still a believer.

One thing however, something i will choose to commit, thus damning myself to condemnation, is the beginning of the disregard of my fellow men.

I am not becomming more of a sinner than anybody actually.

For years, it was what kind I do for others, or how would he/she feel? As such, I believe, it has led me to a slow and painful retardation of my own personal development - as well as a painful reality of being taken for granted.

It is almost very comical to think about it; Imagine one sunday, at mass, I offer this prayer up : " Dear Lord, thank you for granting me the gifts that you have given me, HOWEVER, I am still not going to use them for the good of others because I haven't used these skills to benefit myself yet."

I wonder how he would respond.

"Dear Philibert, please use them as you will...."
or

" Dear Philibert, WHAT?"
or

"Dear Philibert, guess what? let me send you an anal probe or something."

If its going to be me me me for everyone else. Why can't it be me?

Certainly I will still retain sights on the three gifts, Faith Hope and Love.

Faith in the Lord;
Hope for things to come;
and Love, for myself and what I do.

Have I remained stagnant all these years? or is it time to start playing the game right.

NHH taught me something, that help from a friend is expected of and should be taken for a given. I disagree. that is why I have stopped talking. Friends should not be taken as vehicles of convenience. Took me 4 months to type this out.

Maybe in another 4, i will write something else.

Acid tongue? perhaps? degenerated brain? definitely not. Just Thoughts, honest and straight.

If you can't take it, go talk to a bedpost.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

A Random Rant

2008-05-20T06:41:00.001+08:00

Today's Reading from the Evening Prayer really set me thinking,

the reading was from a letter from St James 4 11-12

Warning Against Judging A Christian Brother

Do not speak evil of one another, brothers. Whoever speaks evil of a brother or judges his brother speaks evil of the law and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save or to destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?

I have been disturbed (unsettled is the right word) by some of the readings, and the gospels that I thought that I have grown used to in the course of growing up, yet, being so far from home, I am starting to question my own conviction.

Faith is what is keeping me rooted to my own beliefs. I am thankful for the fact that everything about me has been built around and upon my faith.

At the same time, my faith teaches patience forgiveness and total restraint ( with the exception of dying in the name of God), can anyone ever attain such restraint?

Judging, don't we do that all the time, be it consciously or sub consciously, isn't our judgment critical to the formation of the basis of our existence?

Is the attainment of ambivalence the key? if so, one should seek to be amoral.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

为你找到的

2008-04-27T06:55:00.000+08:00

Your figure that is running in the field
is freer than the cloud in the sky
Even the letters that used to describe you in my diary
were as if being illuminated

I once couldn't understand the meaning of "love"
but this period of time that never returns
has told me its meaning

I kept the time I spent with you deep inside my heart
so that there's no need to recall in order to remember you
Even if I fall in love with someone someday
you are always the special and important one
just like this season, it will always repeat itself

The first time chatting with you after school
I rediscovered my long lost smile
hearing your laughter coming from afar
I heart was aching somehow

I once feared of changes
kept thinking that we can be friends forever
thought everything in this world will never come to an end

Meeting you in this eternal instance
has taught me to become stronger than ever
Even if someday when I turn up in the dream of tomorrow
You are still the special and important one
just like this season, it will always repeat itself

It will not be forgotten whenever it is
Since that summer when you told this to me
time has elapsed swiftly
Only until today
I can't help my tears

(I'm) keeping the time you spent with me deep inside my heart
so that there's no need to recall in order to remember you
Even if I fall in love with someone someday
you are always the special and important one
just like this season, it will always repeat itself

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

一个秘密

2008-04-22T05:15:00.000+08:00

告诉你一个秘密：

我这一段时间没崩溃是因为你哦！

2 days to D-Day

Psalm 60

O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.

Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

也许是因为你

2008-04-19T06:09:00.000+08:00

也许是因为你，我才拥有“明天会更好”的希望。

老爸老妈，谢谢你们的关心及爱，如果没有你们，我就不会有今天。

志文上。

Daxu is Evil

2008-04-18T02:30:00.000+08:00

Enough Said

Pure listening Pleasure, Evil nonetheless

regards

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Time to Sing!

2008-04-15T21:19:00.000+08:00

Press Play and sing along!

It's a beautiful day, but I'm stuck inside.
Staring at this screen, working 9-5.
How I hate this job, coz the days do drag.
They work me like a dog, and the moneys bad.
Cheer up cheer up, don't be blue.
Don't forget it's hometime soon.
We'll make it through another working day.

I need a holiday.I need a holiday with my friends.
I'm working everyday.I'm working everyday for the weekend.
Looking at my watch, for the millionth time.
The days go slow, and then the evenings fly.
When I'm outta this place, and the days been won.
I'm going out with my friends, I'm hanging out in the sun.
Cheer up cheer up, don't be blue.Don't forget it's hometime soon.

We'll make it through another working day.
I need a holiday.I need a holiday with my friends.
I'm working everyday.I'm working everyday for the weekend.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.
I wish it could be sunday when I wake up every day.

But I need you, yeah I need you.
Yeah I need you more than I can say.
Yeah I need you, yeah I need you.
Yeah I need you more than I can say.
More than I can say.
Yeah I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you, more than a holiday.
Yeah I need you, I need you, I n-n-n-n-need you, I need you more than I can say.
More than I can say

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Our Whole Universe

2008-04-10T23:47:00.000+08:00

I don't know if I should/could say that i like studying.

It's something i really like to do, not that I'm complaining, but it does help calm you down and set u focused on something though it may be completely transient.

Something snapped within me as i was looking through the estimation of variances of errors.

the thought was simple: what happens when you finally close your eyes for the last time? I expect to see a bright and warm white light and familiar faces, but what happens if there's nothing?

really random and really scary.

Enjoy the song.

Bert has spoken.Change is in Motion.

金钟罩铁布衫

2008-04-05T09:17:00.000+08:00

Bert Has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Of Tugging Heartstrings

2008-03-30T17:53:00.000+08:00

I think food is definitely a morale booster for me, and the past few days would have been absolutely horrid if I didn't get any.

Yesterday was a day spent in abosulte ecstasy with more glorious food and great company. Kudos to Clarence and Guojun, the latter who came all the way from Germany to relieve stress without knowing that his host is the most stressed during this period; Ethan, Swallow and Fang Mei, who provided the entertainment for the night; My evergreen cooking buddies, San and Joe!

Here is what transpired for the dinner:

Stir Fried Glutinous Rice

Vegetables

Charsiew

Fried Chicken

And everyone knows that I'm an idiot at electronics, I use them, but when they break down, i suck at putting them back together. But I DID THIS! hahaha fixed the fan in my room. Thought it would be a nice touch for the summer.

Bert has Spoken. Change is in Motion.

In The Dark

2008-03-29T10:05:00.001+08:00

Breakfast ( 02 X Char Siew Bao)

Dinner:

Fried Sausages with Egg

Steamed Tofu with Pork

In Between Meals (Sigh)

All this while, Mel is stuck with poor Jon along some dark and cold road somewhere in Croyden with a broken down Citroen. Oh Well

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

And the Bunny Went By

2008-03-27T09:19:00.000+08:00

Happy Easter Everybody!

Though I am a tad late.

I can't believe that the exams are right at the doorstep again! one month of mindless studying and hair pulling.

The good thing about this year is that my exams are quite evenly spread out and the nice people at UCL have decided to keep the library open 24hours! woot.

So, in celebration of the start of the mugging period, i have reverted to nice recipes from Mummy, note that i didn't say COOK ( my defintion of cooking involves oil and frying, mummy knows this)

so, i hope i can let you all see what i am eating everyday, especially my dearest Melissa Chew. Time to show the world what you can do on a budget, tight time constraint, and a steamer.

So, here's what i had for LUNCH and DINNER:

Mei Cai Kou Rou
Steamed Vegetables
Some Salted Chicken ( I forgot the name)

i know its cheating, but San allowed me to da bao these from the previous night's dinner :D always appreciated!

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

You will get so mad

2008-02-29T05:01:00.000+08:00

*warning* the following post will contain several graphic images though they will remain NC16.

For all the posts that i have written, i guess its time to pay homage to a few people that have changed my life since they stepped, or in some cases, rolled into it. I guess this theme will probably be carried on for several posts, but i thought that now would be a good time to roll out the first.

The first person that i would really want to thank is my dearest MELISSA CHEW JING SI. the one who has for 8 years now, never stopped believing in me. Her belief in me is super contagious. Even her mother believes in me. So, whenever i tell her i want to be the archbishop of singapore, she always puts me down, telling me that i would be a better husband and father instead. So, to my dear Mel Doo, for the times that we spent in camps, on the phone or simply just chilling, here is how far things have come!

This one was taken in 2002! omg

and this one, 2007

Ok lah, mel, at least you have become prettier. and thinner (god will strike me down with lightning)

But yes, thank you mel for the last 8 years! your steadfast belief and bottomless stomach never failed to cheer me up and lead me back onto the right path!

i'm so dead, but oh well.

Bert has spoken.Change is in Motion

Play it just for Me

2008-02-26T17:09:00.000+08:00

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here
Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light feat that I will - stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on

Then from on high - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls - remember who your are
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow
So be strong tonight - remember who you are
Ya you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle
To be free once more -Ya that's worth fighting for

The Season of Lent calls for reflection and repentance. 40 days and 40 nights, how the hell did Jesus go through those shit man.... i really wonder how, maybe that's the reason why he's the savior.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Yes, We Can make Chwee Kueh, Envy Us.

2008-02-11T07:54:00.000+08:00

The Rumours are True.

After years of research and human testing, the proud residents of a seemingly peaceful Camden Neighbourhood have successfully created what is to be the best Chwee Kueh in London.

for the uninformed, the following provides a good definition

Chwee kueh (or chwee kway) (Chinese: 水粿; Pinyin: shuǐ guǒ) is a type of steamed rice cake, a cuisine of Singapore. Chwee kueh in Hokkien literally means "water rice cake".
To make chwee kueh, rice flour and water are mixed together to form a slightly viscous mixture. They are then placed in small cup-shaped containers that look like saucers and steamed, forming a characteristic bowl-like shape when cooked. The rice cakes are topped with diced preserved radish and served with chilli sauce. Chwee kueh is a popular breakfast item in Singapore.

so, we did open our own little chwee kueh stall at our humble flat and here's how it went

preparation stage, the mixing of the flour, the heating of the mixture and the filling of the cups, done by "delicate female hands only"

Next came the steaming

The pictures do show technological progress and innovation on our part, from a cool steamer to a traditional CAST IRON wok steamer

and of course, the best and most important part of all (*ahem*) done by strong and tough male hands, the taking out of the kueh from its HOT mould - viola

and of course, there is the preparation of the CHAIPOH, (OMG I USED HALF A FREAKING BOTLLE OF OIL FOR THIS)

and our final product!

HAHA! and so, we made about 240 of these magnificent white little round guys, and this was our plan - to sell them at 2 for 50 pence! quite a deal don't you think?

Our Enterprise (L-R): Ryan, Sook, BABA, Mike and Me.

Counting the takings for the day, a cool neat profit of 30 quid, not bad for a day's work yeh?

I guess the experience was wonderful and it was definitely a great way to start off the reading week. This is not considering the fact that MICHELLE conviniently forgot to tell me that the moulds were hot and causing me to scald myself while handling the moulds. ( MICHELLE YOU BETTER NOT GO MISSING AGAIN).oops.

Cooking CAN become a very sociable thing,got to know ELISE SOOOOOO much better, and i mean SOOOOO much better. "Stir Stir, I Stir Stir Stir Stir"

Michelle: Elise why are you poking me?
Elise: *blank look*
Michelle: Elise, you are damn hard today lah....
Elise: *blank look*
Michelle: Wah lau.... what material is that?
Me: *breaks out in laughter*
Elise: BERT!!!!!!!!!! WATER!!!!!

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA

and of course, how can i forget, a new addition to the "please bully me, i'm an SC girl" list.
Ms Yeo Guan Sin

hahahahaha!

Bert has Spoken. Change is in Motion.

Somehow You Will Know

2008-02-05T05:12:00.000+08:00

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.

The fellow whose verdict counts most in you life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And think you’re a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

He’s the fellow to please-never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult tes
tIf the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

I was read this poem 8 years ago. It never seem more real and more relevant today.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Sometimes, Home is never too far away.

2008-01-26T08:59:00.001+08:00

Andrew came over for a second helping of London, he did say that he absolutely hated Leeds, and so London was his only get away before returning to the sunny island of Singapore.

For Andrew's last night in London, the three of us ( Joe, Michelle and I) decided to send him off with a simple meal, Andrew contributed deserts. And in true Andrew Style, Andrew spoilt us all with a fantastic chocolate cake and Ben's cookies.

It is such a pity that we didn't get to take photos of the cake!

After everything had settled down, Michelle decide to write a birthday card to her uncle in CHINESE.

Yes, although MIchelle hails from the GREAT Singapore CHINESE GIrls School, her proficiency of wirtten chinese is at best "hilarious".

We Started off with our chinese names; no problems

Clockwise from Top Left : Joe's, Michelle's, Andrew's, Mine.

Then we went on to more complicated phrases, and Michelle had to write "London" in chinese, and this is how she wrote it

Note: The Characters to the left read "London" in Chinese. Michelle's version is well, the dragon. Don't ask me why she wrote that.

You know how letters should be, with all the "How are you"s and what nought, this was what michelle could manage:

A View of our Box

Oh well... our education system rocks eh?

Bert has Spoken. Change is in Motion.

Blogged with Flock

And So He Said

2008-01-21T21:31:00.000+08:00

My life has taken a turn towards becoming part of the tv series " Days of our Life"

Camera fades in into a kitchen scene. Pans over various dishes on the table and the work top.

San: No wonder Philip's mother hate cooking duck, duck fat is the the worst kind of fat, can you imagine the spill?

Me: mmmm hmmm

San: pass me the cover for the wok

Me: ok

queue slow motion

takes cover off drying rack, baking tray slides off the drying rack, hits bowl of duck oil, duck oil tilts,spills contents on work top, washing machine , floor and all over me.

Me: WHAT THE F*CK! CCB! KNN! CB!

San: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

shit.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

Randomly Alternating Never Does One Much

2008-01-14T23:11:00.000+08:00

So it's a new year, 2008.

After all the dust has set ( it had better!) and after all the beer bottles have been cleared(hopefuly), we stare blankly ahead at the time ahead.

525600 minutes till the next party.

Joe commented that he has already lived through 2 cycles of the chinese zodiac, haha, joe turns 24 very soon! and well, to all the aunties and single girls available out there, Joe is a wonderful catch!You just need to take note though, joe has the following criteria for selection

Grace
Intelligence
Character

We advised him to add Ability(to cook), but he declined to include it.

Joe has been through alot in the past month or so, and i truly empathise with him. Some of the things i feel won't reflect here, but honestly, i am very disappointed at the way things were handled. Then again, who can we blame immaturity on?

I have been receiving plenty of epiphanies lately. I sought of confessed to Baba that i have finally settled down into the rhythm of things and that i should start performing. I don't think its cynicism taking over, maybe its just a clarity that you gain from having to go through certain things.

Spent the Christmas in Eastern Europe, Photos from the trip are listed here. Plenty of places covered within 10 days. We arrived back in London on Christmas eve to announcements that all expressways into and out of London were massively Jammed and the estimated travel time into the capital would be 4 hours!

Thank God for the Gatwick Express.

It is the second christmas spent overseas, and the first white one. I wil NEVER EVER ask for a white christmas again. Trust me, all that romance you get from watching your period and soap drams on the madbox? They stop there. I do not understand how you can possibly enjoy the freezing cold with a loved one.

NEGATIVE 16 degrees! so, unless you are a greenhorn, or are simple into SM, SUMMER would be the best time to visit anywhere.

Christmas in London made me feel so much at home. Went to the midnight mass at Westminster Cathedral with Joe, my first Sung Mass ( the choir was amazing). Christmas day was spent at Jia's, with Edmund teaching me how to invoke the wrath of the Thunder God. Pictures of the adventures we had are here.

Since the pictures included food, I thought maybe i should update everyone on the food front. I have mastered the art of creating an authentic Chai Tow Kway! haha, it culminated with the making of the Singaporean dish for Joe's dinner on the 30th! Joe suggests that i should break my bond and become a chai tow kway man! haha, i wonder if being a carrot cake seller can pay off my liquidated damages.

AND! i have started tutelage under a great man SAN! Mr San Choo has been teaching me the art of cooking, much to my culinary delight, here is a sample of what he has taught me so far:

Char Kway Teow
Hokkien Mee
Sambal Belachan
Sambal Goreng
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Laksa Lemak
Nasi Lemak
A Variety of Sambal Meat and Tofu Dishes
Sambal Kangkong
Roti Prata
Soup Kambeng
Vegetarian Bee Hoon
Ngo Hiang

the list goes on man! San is a wonderful guy! He runs several groups in London to help Overseas Singaporeans here in London cope with being away from home. There's Est1819 and Makan Club, two of the more relevant groups to me (at least) haha.

Enough for now, updates soon i promise, since everything has settled down.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.

A Walk

2007-12-13T05:19:00.000+08:00

It is becomming clear to me that home is certainly to best place to be. With the love of my parents.

I guess it is homesickness settling in, about a year and half late. Everything is winding down. Everybody is leaving to some place or another, i wonder how it would feel like when the end of year 3 come. Hard to predict though.

Took a walk to clear my head, and here's a few photos to share with all of you.

More shots from my walk can be found here.

Happy Holidays to Everyone. I miss you, I really Do.

Bert has Spoken. Change is in Motion

Blue is the Colour of Evil

2007-12-08T07:26:00.000+08:00

Evil Justin

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

The Pen is Mightier that what?

2007-12-04T18:27:00.000+08:00

For a very long time, i have always believed that i could clearly articulate what i truly felt, well, i discovered that i was indeed very wrong.

I daresay, in the pursuit of dreams, one has to give up certain things, no matter how much they hurt.

Happiness? What irony. We are all but chess pieces in the grandest game of all. Life.

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

My Solo Album

2007-12-02T09:26:00.001+08:00

Since it was Sunny, a rarity in London, we decided to take a trip to Abbey Road N8 London in an attempt to recreate the Beatles album cover for their eleventh album "Abbey Road" .

According to Justin and Ryan, we could have generated a world record for the most zebra crossings in a minute. So, without having to bring you through the pain and suffering that we had to undergo, here are some of the photos of the day out.

The Boys in Step
My Personal Favourite of the Day.Joe looks like He is staring at Ryan's Butt

Meet Joe Tan, "Tow Kay Kia" of B-A-N C-H-O-O-N! Sook Yee, who without doubt was the rose among the thorns today.

Mr C.K. Tan

I Love this shot: Justin with his Air Guitar and Halo.

A Suprise find at Abbey Road, we thought that it was a huge lallang plant.

Group Shot with the Road Sign. Finally.

Self Potrait

Dinner after that was crazy, i haven't cooked for so many people in such a long time, but glad it worked out not too badly. And yes jialing, you still owe me lunch :D

A Parting Shot:

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion

Ms Doo

2007-12-01T08:09:00.001+08:00

to my friend
Originally uploaded by Happy Chef

To my dearest friend Melissa Chew.

You will be celebrating your 21st birthday very soon.
Besides wishing you a blessed year ahead, I thank God for sending you to be such a dear to all of us.

The past 7 years would never have been the same without your cheeky smile and jibes.

We all love you mel!

Bert has Spoken.Change is in Motion.