Rainforest World Music Festival 2008

As a participating artist at the Folk Art Forum, I was invited to the launch of Rainforest World Music Festival 2008 at Sarawak Tourism Complex (The Old Court House) on the evening of 10th July. After the launching ceremony, we were treated to a buffet dinner and to add more flavour to the party, Fadomorse from Portugal performed for all the guests.



Too bad it rained very heavily at the start of the concert and I missed the performance of the first 3 bands, I think. Due to the downpour, the field in front of the main stage became very very soggy and muddy. However, this makes it even more exciting I guess for those who were eager to party regardless of the state of the ground they're dancing on. People started to throw mud at each other and they ended up having a mud bath!! haa!

Silly mud fights aside, the music was fantastic! I trully enjoyed them all although I don't know any of the bands. Sadly, I didn't go to the second and final nites but I heard the Japanese drummer was awesome... too bad, may be I'll go to next year's again :)

More photos in my facebook album

Folk Art Forum 2008

I was invited to take part in this inaugural art forum cum exhibition, held from July 10th to 13th 2008, in conjunction with the Rainforest World Music Festival.

At first, I find it a bit weird when I was introduced in the local press as a representative from Singapore when I am a Sarawakian but now residing in Singapore, probably an identity crisis of some sort eh? Anyway, I had a good time there, getting to know new friends and enjoying the art works and music on offer....

Although I think more works need to be done in terms of publicity and promoting this event, it is a good idea to incorporate an art exhibition at this popular music festival, so kudos to the Sarawak Tourism Board and Galleria, the organizer of Folk Art Forum.

Here are some photos taken during the event.

Then, we had the priviledge to listen to Tuyang Tan Ngam, the first Chinese sape player LIVE at the exhibition venue... he agreed on the spot to play for us despite not feeling well that day. Tuyang, thank you if you're reading this!


He switched effortlessly from traditional music to more upbeat raggae and rock style using his self-made sape, a traditional guitar-like instrument used by the Orang Ulu in Sarawak.

Obviously, I had a grand time! :)

More photos in my facebook album

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Again, sorry that I'm late with my greetings... anyway, Gong Xi Fa Cai to you.
I had to rush and finish off my work in the office before I go back to Kuching on 16th Feb for a week, just in time to celebrate CNY with my family.

This year is of course extra special as we get to celebrate it with Little Javier.


He's 8 months old now and although he still doesn't quite understand what is happening around him, he is a smart boy and is always curious when he gets a new toy or visit new places.



We thought he might be scared of the boisterous drumbeat from the lion dances or the noisy firecrackers and fireworks but our fears were unfounded. He is really a brave little boy and enjoyed the festival tremendously. We visited relatives and he wasn't afraid of new faces and willingly let other people carry him... in fact, he loves it.






I haven't had much time for painting for the past few weeks, but hopefully, I'll get to paint soon... :) Have a Happy and prosperous 2007! May your wishes come true!

Happy New Year 2007!

... 4 days late... but better late than never... ;-P

Well, it's this time of the year where we look back at the past 12 months and reminisce what we have done and achieved.



I for one has had a fantastic year. The birth of Javier is definitely the best thing ever happened to me and Adeline. Having a stable job that provides good opportunity to better my skills and knowledge is a plus. Although busy at times, I still managed to find time to do what I like best - painting watercolours.

Although I found it increasingly difficult to paint large full-scale painting due to my work schedule, I made it a point to paint half-sheets or quarter sheets whenever I could, and I can see my outdoor paintings have improved (though not by much) throughout 2006.

I've also fulfilled one of my resolutions to do some exercise which I started late in November but still it's within the year 2006. We have a small gym in the office which I've never set foot in until recently. Now, I go there twice a week during lunch break to run on the treadmill and do some light weightlifting. I should have done this much earlier!

So, what's in store for me in 2007? Watching Javier grow up would take most of my time, I'm sure about that!
There are so many things I want to do with him, teaching him to walk, to run, to kick a ball.... it will be the best day of my life in 2007 when he says Daddy for the first time!




.... and in between that, it's work, paint, paint and more paint... Have a Happy and Prosperous 2007 :-)