Talents

2

"Everybody has something to share"

3

T@LENTS No. 3 June 2010

4

NO. 3 June

5 From the Editors 6 Travel 18 Youth Life 28 When I am Old 30 Purpose of Life 32 Khalid‟s Art 34 Relationship 40 The Insect Collector 48 Song of the Month 50 Photography : Mariyah “Mahryska” Gaspacho 68 Ballet 74 Shoes and Sandals Photography of the Month 82 Now Showing @ T@lents 84 Book of the Month 94 Share It

5

Dear friends,

It is month of May and its Mother’s day. We would like

to take this opportunity to wish all moms to have a wonderful

Mother’s day. We have a poem especially dedicated to all mom

in this issue. We hope that in each of us, there will be an

honour and gratefulness in our hearts for all the mothers in

the world. It is T@lents third issue and we are proud to say

that we still continue this journey and it wouldn’t be possible

without all contributors and all your support. It is quite not an

easy path to share our intention to touch people’s lives and

inspire them and sometimes our team is also busy with our

own careers. Now we are facing a problem to get contributions

from others but it never stopped us here. Because we are

positive that T@lents will be getting better and better and

there will still be somebody somewhere out there always

willing to share.

Once again, we would like to thank all our contributors

and supporters. We hope to make T@lents better every issue.

Nothing is impossible if we have the will. God Bless you guys!.

T@lents Team

Fro

m t

he

Edit

or

6

TRAVEL

Day 1 : KL/hangzhou

1. 船游西湖(xi hu-west lake) 2. 花港观鱼(viewing

fish at Flower harbor)

7

3. 岳王庙(Yue Fei Temple) 4. 清河坊(Qinghefang Ancient Street)

8

Day 2: Hangzhou/Tunxi

1.宏村古民居游览 (Hong Cun) 2.屯溪老街 (Tunxi old street)

9

Day 3: Tunxi/Huangshan

黄山风景区（缆车上下）(Huangshan)

10

Day 4: Huangshan/Nanjing

1.南京大屠殺 Japanese Imperialism 2. 長江大橋and

and the Massacre in Nanjing Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

11

3. 夫子廟 Nanjing Confucius Temple

12

Day 5: Nanjing/Wuxi

1.靈山大佛 Grand Buddha 2.三國城 San guo cheng

at Ling Shan

13

3.古戰船遊太湖 viewing Tai Hu by boat

14

Day 6: Wuxi/Suzhou

1. 獅子林 Classical Gardens of 2.寒山寺 hanshan Temple

Suzhou:The Lion Forest Garden

15

3.觀古盤門 Pan Gate 4. 絲綢表演(silk)

16

Day 7: Suzhou/Shanghai

1.城隍廟 City god Temple 2. 龄陵园

SongQingHngLingyuan

17

3.七宝古镇-酒坊 4.東方明珠 Shanghai

(Qi Bao Ancient water town) Oriental Pearl

TV Tower Approximated Budget: RM 1300 included hotel and food

Best time to travel: after September

18

A Youth Life

Mavis Ong

University Student

20 years old

Malaysia

19

Please tell us something about yourself.

Mavis is my nick name; some people also call me Maxis. My

teachers will call me Panjang means Tall. I am turning 21

this June 25th and by that time I can‟t act like a child

anymore haha.

Where are you studying now and what’s your course?

I am at Labuan now at University of Sabah, Malaysia and my

course is International Economics and Finance.

20

Why did you take up your course?

Actually at first, I don‟t want to continue and pursue

University but I was sort of forced by my teachers to apply

for a local university after my form 6. My teacher said,

maybe now you don‟t want to continue it, but time will

change my mind and after a few months I just did. I like

economics so all the subjects that I chose is all about it and I

felt that finance is quite interesting too. Then UMS offer this

subject in one course so I took it.

21

Tell us about your family.

I am very close with my mom because every time that I have

to face problems that I think I can‟t solve she will always give

me advice. She doesn‟t live with me because she lives in

Singapore with her own family but she visits me 3 times a

year.

22

Who do you live with now?

I live with my grandma. Since I was a baby, I live with my

grandparents and I am very close to them. But my

grandfather past away already.

Have you ever hated your parents for leaving you?

No, not at all because aside from my parents, I still have a

lot of people that take care of me. My life is full of love. I also

have friends and teachers that care a lot about me. In fact I

still keep in touch with my secondary school teachers.

23

Are you enjoying your university life?

For now, yes, but during the first few days of University is

like a suffering to me. Before I enter University, I went to

Labuan and applied as a reporter there, the interview was

successful but during that time my grandpa has health

problem so I can‟t go there because I have to stay home and

take care of my grandpa. After my grandpa died I got an

offer letter from a University. I felt so happy but after a few

hours I felt sad too because surely I will miss my grandma

and my friends at home when I leave. During my first year

first semester, I don‟t want to participate in any activities

because I‟m seriously homesick. It was my first time to leave

my family. I was crying every day before I go to sleep.

24

What do you like to do during your free time?

I like thinking. Thinking of my future and how to improve my

life.

Who is the most important person in your life and why?

Can I pick 4? First is Mr Bhag Singh. He is the first person

that wants me to think about my future and life. He always

say I am still young and don‟t waste my time. I actually love

to chat with my teachers. At that time like to just play and

enjoy, he hopes I will change and be serious. The Second

one is my Godfather, Frankie Aw, He is my form 4 and 5

Math teacher. When I was faced with a problem before he is

always there giving me advice. The Third one is my

University Lecturer, My Sifu, Ricky Chia. He is teaching me

business statistics. I learned a lot from him, he taught me the

4P concept. Which I found very useful to me and I know he

can train me to be very good student and person too. And

last but not the least is my Sifu also, Dr. Lim Kian Ping. I

learned humorous presentation skills from him and some

experiences about his life that he shared to me and inspires

me.

26

What is your definition of a good person?

I won‟t make my mom and dad worry for me and I am the

first in the family to enter University.

Can you describe one of your most challenging

experiences and what did you learn from it?

Last semester I was canoeing in Labuan, I was with my

friend, two people in one group. Both of us fall accidentally

flipped and dropped in the sea. If we ask for help to go up in

the canoe, then the whole team will lose. It‟s a competition.

But both of us insist we won‟t ask for help and try to go up by

ourselves. We still have three groups that haven‟t started

their game. If we ask for help, our whole group cannot

continue the competition anymore. Then we tried our best to

go up the canoe. Finally we got in. We are so happy. I feel

that if you try your best to do it, you sure can get it. In our life,

it‟s also the same. I will always remember this experienced.

I learned a lot from it.

27

What can you tell those youth same as you are who

always blame their parents?

I guess the most important thing is that parents have to act

like their friends. Then the youth must listen what their

parents tell them. Because what they tell us are from their

experiences. Maybe sometimes we won‟t agree with them.

But once you experienced it you will know. And if one day

you are facing this problem you won‟t be so scared to solve

it on your own.

28

WHEN I AM OLD

A tribute to all mothers and fathers in the world. A Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers in the world! Thank you all for the unconditional love and sacrifices you have all made for us!

29

WHEN I AM OLD

Author: Anonymous

When I am old and not my original self, Please be understanding and be patient with me.

When I spill the soup on my own clothes, And forget how to tie my shoelaces, Please think about how I had taught you, step by step, to tie your shoelaces.

When you are tired of the words, which I am repeating, Please listen patiently and don‟t interrupt me. When you were young, I had to repeat the same story again and again until you fell asleep.

When I need you to shower me, Please don‟t blame me. Do you remember how I had to coax you to take your shower?

When I am helpless with new technology and things, Please don‟t make fun of me. Think about how I patiently answered every „Why‟ you had.

When both my legs are too tired to walk, Please stretch out your strong hand to support me. Just as I stretched out my hand to you, when you were learning to walk.

When the topic of our conversation slip my mind, Please give me a little time to recall. Actually, whatever the topic of our conversation is of no importance. I will be contented, as long as you are listening to me by my side.

When my time has come, please don‟t be sad. Understand me, support me, Just as how I treated you, when you were starting to learn about living.

I had guided you on your life journey back then, Now please stays with me until my journey ends. Shower me with your love and patience, I will smile with gratitude; The smile of unconditional love for you.

“Don’t be angry with children, you’ve come along the same way. Don’t laugh at old people; you’d go to the same way.” - Japanese proverb

30

生存意义 by CT

Purpose of Life

看着你的脸，看着你的眼，

I look into your face,I look into your eyes

一种莫名奇怪的感觉，

There is an odd feeling

你温柔地笑，

your soft smile

羞答答的眼神，

Your bashful stares

站在那儿不动对着我。

standing still and looking at me

在你身上，

from your body

看不到正常孩子般的脸孔，

I can't see the normal kid's face

看不到正常孩子般的笑容，

can’t see the normal kid's Laugh

如雄狮般的喊叫，

It’s like lion roars

像脱离鸟笼的鸟儿，四处飞翔。

like a bird flies out from a cage, flying everywhere

在你身上，

from your body

看见纯真的模样，

your pure looks

看见温柔的笑容，

your soft smiles

看见温和的眼神，

your friendly stares

看见热情的身躯，

Your excited body

就因你是不正常的灵魂。

It’s just that you are special soul

31

我呐喊，

I shout

尊贵的您，

Almighty Lord

他是否知道他的存在为了什么？

Does he know his purpose of life?

我呐喊，

I shout

尊贵的您，

Almighty Lord

我是否知道我的生存意义何在？

Do I realize my purpose of life?

此刻，他，我，您。。。。

Now, He, I, and You Lord

代表了什么，

What are the desires?

他。。单纯，

Him..Pure

我。。感叹。

I am...doubting

我挥一挥手，

I wave my hands

你的小手示意地向我挥别，

You wave your little hand to say goodbye

我的注视就随着你的背影消失，

And your shadow slowly faded in my very eyes

仰首望天，一望无际。

I look at the sky, and I don’t’ know where it ends.

32

KHALID’s

33

Mabel

Lada

34

Monica and Kevin

Malaysia

35

1. Please tell us something about yourself. I am a practical person, caring, and friendly, generous but have a strong stand in the things that I believe in. 2. How long have you been married? How long have you dated before marriage? 1 ½ years, dated 3 years 3. How did you get to know your husband? Friend 4.When u met him, did you like him? No.

36

5.How did you fall in love with him? Tell us your brief love story. I fall for him because of his honesty and willingness to change. 6.When you say love, what does it mean to you? Commitment, sacrifice and selflessness 7.When can you say that it's love? Commitment, sacrifice and selflessness

37

8. Do you think he's God's gift for you? Why? Yes. Because I specifically pray for my future partner criteria and he fits the bill . 9. Did you pray for him? Tell us, what you prayed for. Yes, I pray particularly on generosity and honesty 10. How do you know that, it's him you want to walk down the aisle with? I have peace when he proposed to me.

38

11. What are the qualities that you love about him? Generosity and honesty 12. What are the qualities that you hate about him? Selfishness and ego 13. What are the things that you enjoy to do together? Finances, time management

39

14.What are the things you argue about? 15.What do you think is the secret of a good relationship? Give and take 16.What does marriage mean to you? Lifelong commitment to another person regardless of the circumstances. 17.If you can say something to your other half, what would it be? Love him as who he is and continues to pray for him to grow in the fear of God.

40

The Insect Collector

Khalid Fadil

Malaysia

41

1. Tell us about your collection.

My collection consists of mostly buttererflies and moths because I find the colars and patterns on their wings very attractive.

2. How did you know about it?

My fascination towards insects probably came from my parents' interests in nature and environmental preservation.

42

3. What's interesting about your collection? The joy of collecting insects is that you never really know what to expect when you go into the jungle. Different places have different varieties.

4. Since when are you collecting? I have been collecting insects since my first camping trip in 1998.

5. What are the characteristics of that insect that you like? I mostly favour butterflies and moths over any other type of insects because of their seemingly endless varieties.

43

6. What kind of feeling did you get from this collection? In my early days of collecting insects, it used to be much fun. I received a lot of satisfaction from completing my collections. But, I have decided to cut down on collecting because of the massive deforestations which are happening around the world.

7. Do you have friends who have the same collection? What do they think about it? I do not have friends who collect insects, but they seem to think of me as a little strange due to my interests.

44

8. Tell us about the beauty of this collection. What do you think about it? I think that I have created quite a beautiful collection over the years. They all just look so wonderful when displayed in neat orders.

9. What can you learn from it? Throughout the years of collecting insects I have learnt that it brings much enjoyment and satisfaction when finally completing a particular collection. But, it also is important to remember that these insects are not just decorative collectables. They are also what is keeping the Earth's ecosystem in perfect balance. It is always a good habit to limit the amount of specimens needed to be collected to ensure their populations are not affected.

45

10. Tell us about the process of preserving the insects. How do you do it?

For preserving my collected specimens I use a number of homemade items and procedures:- a) Specimens are placed in individual fumigation units called "killing" jars. The ones I use I

constructed myself. I simply use cubical see-through plastic containers. Inside, I add a layer of Styrofoam which acts as a soft surface which will prevent any damage being caused to the specimens and on the bottom of the lid, I tape a piece of cotton. This is where I add a few drops of nail polish remover. The scent is strong and it knocks out specimens swiftly.

b) Once specimens are dead, I place them onto a mounting board where I mount them using a variety of pins. If needed, I spread the specimens wings using strips of paper to weigh them down and to keep them in place.

c) After a few days, the specimens have hardened and I remove all unnecessary mouting tools. The specimens are ready to be displayed in any fashion from this point onwards. A few mothballs will help keep pests away. My specimens are always displayed neatly in large frames.

48

Song of the Month Judy Garland - SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

Somewhere over the rainbow- way

up high

in the land

that I heard of once

Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow- skies

are blue

and the dreams

that you dare to dream

really do come true

Someday I'll wish upon a star

and wake up

where the clouds are far behind me

49

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

away above the chimney tops

that's where you'll find me

(Instrumental)

Someday I'll wish upon a star

and wake up

Where the clouds are far behind me

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

away above the chimney tops

that's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow

skies are blue

and the dreams...that you dare to dream

really do come true

If happy little bluebirds fly

above the rainbow, why

Oh, why can't I?

50

Mariyah “Mahryska” Gaspacho

Photographer

Philippines/Dubai

51

Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. To start off with, could you give us a little introduction of yourself by telling us where you are from and what your background is? I’M FROM THE PHILIPPINES (A PROUD PINAY). IM A NON-PRACTICING INTERIOR DESIGNER WHO IS NOW A PROFESSIONAL FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN DUBAI, How did you get your start in photography? I’VE BEEN INTO PHOTOGRAPHY EVER SINCE I WAS A KID. MY FIRST CAMERA WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY PARENTS AND I REMEMBER ALWAYS CARRYING IT AROUND WITH ME AND TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS WHEREVER I GO. I WANTED TO TAKE IT UP BACK IN COLLEGE BUT NEVER REALLY GOT AROUND IT COZ IT WAS RATHER EXPENSIVE AND DIDNT WANT TO PUSH MORE EXPENSES ON MY PARENTS CONSIDERING I WAS ALREADY TAKING UP SUCH AN EXPENSIVE COLLEGE COURSE. I DIVED INTO IT ONCE I GOT THE CHANCE WHEN I STARTED WORKING ALREADY AND EVERYTHING ELSE FELL INTO PLACE.

53

Did you go to a school to learn photography? I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTO ARTS AND HAVING ALREADY STARTED AT A YOUNG AGE, I ALREADY KNEW THE BASICS OF COMPOSITION. I LEARNED MORE WHEN I WAS INTO INTERIOR DESIGN. I GOT MY OFFICIAL PRACTICE WHEN I ATTENDED BASIC CLASSES AT OPPPS (OVERSEAS PINOY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS SOCIETY). THEY ARE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION BASED HERE IN DUBAI AND CONSIST OF PROFESSIONAL FILIPINO PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO VOLUNTEER TO TEACH PHOTOGRAPHY. MY MENTORS ARE ALL FROM THE GROUP AND I AM NOW AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER MYSELF - TEACHING AND SHARING PHOTOGRAPHY. Who or what influenced you to photography? IM A DISCIPLE OF FASHION AND HAVE ALWAYS LOVED IT. COMBINE THAT WITH THE FACT THAT I LOVE CAPTURING MOMENTS AND BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. Who are your favorite photographers? SEVERAL - NAMELY, STEVEN MEISEL, PATRICK DEMARCHELIER, MERT & MARCUS AND MOST RECENTLY GIULIANO BEKOR.

55

Did your early photographic goals include earning a living from photography, or did it start as a way to express yourself creatively? IT WAS A WAY TO EXPRESS MYSELF AT FIRST AND THE EARNING CAME IN AFTER. NEVER REALLY THOUGHT I’D DO THIS PROFESSIONALLY BUT NOW THAT I AM, I AM LOVING IT. When did you know you finally made it as a professional? WHEN PEOPLE STARTED PAYING ME TO TAKE THEIR PHOTOS... Did you have a mentor or someone who helped guide you as you were getting started? YES, I HAD TWO VERY IMPORTANT MENTORS, BOTH FROM OPPPS (OVERSEAS PINOY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS SOCIETY). SIR JEFFREY BITENG, WHO IS A PHOTOJOURNALIST AND SIR ALAN DESIDERIO WHO IS A FASHION/COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER. Do you remember your first photography? MY FIRST SERIOUSL PHOTOGRAPHY WAS MY PHOTO A DAY PROJECT. I WOULD TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS EVERY SINGLE DAY (AT LEAST ONE GOOD ONE) TO PRACTICE. DIDNT REALLY MATTER WHAT, WHO OR WHERE, AS LONG AS THE PHOTO CAME OUT PERFECT, IT WAS FINE.

57

What are your favorite places to travel to find beautiful landscape photography? UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL BUT MOST DEFINITELY ONCE I GET THE CHANCE, IM GOING TO EUROPE!!! What do you like most about being a photographer? MEETING LOTS OF PEOPLE AND TAKING BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEM. OH AND IT DOESNT HURT THAT I LOVE THE CLOTHES AND SHOES TOO!! What do you dislike about being a photographer? THE LONG HOURS AND SERIOUSLY BAD BODY ACHES. OH, AND THE HEAT! IM IN DUBAI SO ITS SERIOUSLY HOT OUT HERE ESPECIALLY DURING SUMMER AND SOMETIMES, CLIENTS JUST DONT UNDERSTAND THAT OUTDOOR SHOOTS ARE DIFFICULT. What is your favorite subject and why? PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WOMEN IN FAB CLOTHES...I LOVE FASHION.

59

Could you tell us about the equipments that you are using? Which are your favorites? I AM A CANON USER BUT CURRENTLY, SINCE I AM SPONSORED BY SONY ALPHA, I USE THE SONY ALPHA A900 WITH THEIR LENSES - 16-35MM F2.8, 24-70MM F2.8, 70-200MM F2.8, 85MM F1.4 AND FISHEYE 16MM F2.8. I LOVE IT AND THEY PERFORM REALLY WELL ESPECIALLY ON NATURAL LIGHT. Do you think that the tools of a photographer are not nearly as important as his understanding of light and time. If yes, could you elaborate a bit more on this thought? I TEACH PHOTOGRAPHY AND I ALWAYS TELL MY TRAINEES AND ANYONE ELSE WHO ASKS ME THAT PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALL ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER - NOT THE GEAR. ITS YOUR ABILITY TO PRODUCE GREAT IMAGES, YOUR KNOWLEDGE IN PHOTOGRAPHY, YOUR CREATIVITY, YOUR ABILITY TO COMPOSE AND FIND THE PROPER ANGLE AND LIGHT ARE THE STUFF WHICH WILL MAKE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS GREAT - NOT THE EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT. TO ME, CAMERAS AND LENSES ARE TOOLS AND ALTHOUGH THEY DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, IN THE END IT’S YOUR JOB AS A PHOTOGRAPHER TO MAKE USE OF THEM AND IF YOU ARE NOT GOOD, THEN IT WILL SHOW ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.

61

What do you think about photoshop and how do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it? IM SELF-TAUGHT IN DIGITAL MANIPULATION (PHOTOSHOP). TO ME, IT DOES MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE IF YOU KNOW A LITTLE OR MORE ON IMAGE ENHANCEMENT AND MANIPULATION BUT IT SHOULDNT BE YOUR BASIS. AFTER ALL, WE ARE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND WE SHOULD BE CAPABLE TO PRODUCE PERFECT IMAGES IN ITSELF WITHOUT THE PHOTOSHOP. What would you love to shoot that you haven't done yet? and why? SO MANY THINGS. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHS. STREET PHOTOGRAPHY. AN AMAZING FASHION OR BEAUTY EDITORIAL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE (LIKE VOGUE - IM DREAMING...) Can you share any tips for beginners in photography? what are the things they should learn and what are the things they must be familiar with? LEARN YOUR CAMERA. IT’S THE FIRST THING I TEACH MY TRAINEES. YOU WILL NOT LEARN HOW TO SHOOT IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR CAMERA.

63

What advice do you have for someone who simply wants to improve their photography skills? PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Can you explain the different process stages from the moment you take the picture until the photo is being printed on RA-4 paper (without giving too much away of the magic involved, of course)? IM VERY SIMPLE WITH MY PHOTOGRAPHS. USUALLY CROP (IF REQUIRED), SKIN SOFTENING, A LITTLE OF SHADOW & HIGHLIGHT, CURVES AND LEVELS AND THEN SHARPEN. BASICALLY, IT DEPENDS ON WHAT MY MOOD IS AND HOW I WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH TO APPEAR DURING THE TIME OF EDITING. What is it that you are looking for, when searching for textures? What are you favorite spots or locations? I LOVE TEXTURES AND USUALLY LOVE RUN-DOWN BUILDINGS. THE AREA WHERE I LIVE ACTUALLY HAS GREAT TEXTURES AND I LOVE SHOOTING UP MY ROOFTOP.

65

Any websites you could recommend for those newbie in photography? I SERIOUSLY BROWSE AROUND EVERYWHERE...GOOGLE IS MY BEST FRIEND. Tell us your funniest, scariest, most bizarre, most touching story from a photo shoot! I GOT HELD UP FOR 2HOURS BY DUBAI POLICE BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT I WAS PART OF A TERRORIST GROUP PLANNING AND TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS AT A LOCATION. SERIOUSLY! Do you believe in the expression “A picture is worth 1,000 words”? What does photography means to you? Any words of wisdom you can leave us with to ponder about photography? TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH YOUR HEART AND ALWAYS BE PASSIONATE. Please help us define life. DIFFICULT BUT BEAUTIFUL.

67

Can you share to us your greatest dream? TO BE KNOWN INTERNATIONALLY AS A PHOTOGRAPHER. DOESNT HURT TO DREAM, RIGHT? How can you describe Mahryska in one word? Why? FRUSTRATED. SIMPLY COZ I AM SO EAGER TO LEARN MORE AND GET MORE... Can you share to us your websites where we can check your works? PORTFOLIO: http://mahryskadaily.multiply.com FASHION BLOG: http://mahryskadaily.blogspot.com

68

Ballet

By Fion Too

Malaysia

69

Ballet dancing has always fascinated me. Thus, I have chosen to

take up ballet at a young age of 5yrs old. At that time, Ballet was

just an extra curriculum, and I’ve decided to take it as a profession

after I’ve finished Form 6 - and that is when my real ballet journey

starts.

Passion for ballet is always the drive. Hence, I went on to sit for the

certificate of ballet teaching studies (CBTS) in 2006 - a learning

course from UK. Apart from that, i furthered myself to secure a

Teacher Qualification Certificate of Chinese Dancers Association

from China in the year 2007. I am a registered teacher with the

Royal Academy of Dance.

My main focus will be teaching Ballet and freelancing some

commercial dance performance at the Singapore Esplanade, MIFA

fashion show, Astro, some Shopping complex, Annual dinner, road

shows for events and backup show with hk artistes...etc when my

schedule allows. It was my lovely teachers (Ms Gan Yee Fen and

Ms Yip Phooi Kiew) who inspired me a great deal with a lot of

encouragement and guidiance to achieve better.

70

Classical music has always been my favourite for dance. To educate

and encourage the next generation of younger ballerinas is my aim.

Ballet is a formalized type of performance dance. It is a poised style

of dance that builds the foundational techniques for many other

dance forms. It trains you to have a more physically fit body, better

discipline and better posture that will result in a more confident

you."You can't make a point if you don't understand the

details" Thus, teaching 2yrs old kids (toddler class) is definitely the

greatest challenge!

My greatest achievement will be my studio - Art In Motion Ballet

and Music located at Bdr Puteri. I provide training course for those

who are interested and have a passion in ballet teaching and taking

it as a career.

"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more

powerful." ~Agnes De Mille

Life is a blossom of wonderful choices. Live life. Take criticism as a

form of opinion for reference to improve and never give up. I have

it huge in my life journey and that is what it's great about.

74

Photography of the Month “Shoes and Sandals”

75

Chiara Tee

Canon 450D

Malaysia

80

Aileen Dela Cruz

Olympus Mini µ

Philippines

81

Hiew Man

Nikon D60

Malaysia

82

Now Showing @ T@lents

83

This is a story of a student and a teacher. The story of a teacher

who challenged his students to come up with ideas to change the

world. It’s about an assignment of Trevor McKinney from his

social studies class. The concept is that a person will help three

people. The deeds must be difficult, something the recipient

cannot accomplish him/herself. Then instead of paying the person

back, the recipient will pay it forward by helping out three

additional people. That way, the world may just become a better

place to live. The movie is based on Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novel

of the same title.

Get the hankies out because by the end of this movie there will

hardly be a dry eye. It’s sure worth watching.

“Knowing it started from unremarkable circumstances should be

a comfort to us all. Because it proves that you don't need much

to change the entire world for the better. You can start with the

most ordinary ingredients. You can start with the world you've

got.”

84

Book of the Month

85

This is one of those books that have touched my life and changed

me as a person.

I always think that life is a journey, and pretty much a mix of

searching, quest, decisions, confusion, failures, triumphs,

happiness, joy and a lot more. This book is a reminder, in case we

forget about life. In case we forget about Its beauty and how

amazing are a lot of things around us if we give them a chance,

and if we take some time to stop, listen and forget about wordly

pleasures.

It‟s a book about a dying man yet it teaches us to live. It‟s about a

pain that teaches us to heal.

I always love quotes; I want to share more about the book by giving

you some quotes taken from the book. I found more organized

quotes compiled by bookworm from his blog address:

http://quote2me.blogspot.com.

On Culture:

"The culture we have does not make people feel good about

themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture

doesn't work, don't buy it." (p.42)

http://quote2me.blogspot.com/

86

"People are only mean when they're threatened, and that's what

our culture does...And when you get threatened, you start looking

out only for yourself. You start making money a god. It is all part of

this culture." (p.42)

On Tension of Opposites:

"Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing,

but you are bound to do something else." (p.40)

* * *

"A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. And most of

us live somewhere in the middle." (p.40)

On Love:

"Love wins. Love always wins." (p.40)

* * *

"Love each other or die." (p.163)

On Forgiveness:

"Forgive yourself before you die. Then forgive others." (p.164)

* * *

87

"We...need to forgive ourselves...For all the things we didn't do. All

the things we should have done. You can't get stuck on the regrets

of what should have happened." (p.166)

On Getting Meaning into Life:

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem

half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are

important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The

way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving

others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote

yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and

meaning." (p.43)

On Most Important Thing in Life:

"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love,

and to let it come in." (p.52)

On Trust:

"...if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must

feel that you can trust them, too--even when you're in the dark."

(p.61)

88

On Friendship:

"...we've had thirty-five years of friendship. You don't need speech

or hearing to feel that." (p.71)

On Death and Ambition:

"...the truth is...if you accept that you can die at any time--then you

might not be as ambitious as you are." (p.83)

On Family:

"The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which

people may stand today if it isn't the family." (p.91)

* * *

"If you don't have the support and love and caring and concern that

you get from a family, you don't have much at all. Love is so

supremely important." (p.91)

On Having Children:

"There is no experience like having children...If you want the

experience of having complete responsibility for another human

being, and to learn to love and bond in the deepest way, then you

should have children." (p.93)

89

On Material Things:

"Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent." (p.103)

* * *

"You can't substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for

tenderness or for a sense of comradeship." (p.125)

On Emotions:

"If you hold back on the emotions--if you don't allow yourself to go

all the way through them--you can never get to being detached,

you're too busy being afraid." (p.104)

On Dying and Living:

"When you learn how to die, you learn how to live." (p.104)

* * *

"Don't let go too soon but, but don't hang on too long." (p.162)

On Being a Child:

"We all know how to be a child. It's inside all of us. For me, it's just

remembering how to enjoy it." (p.116)

90

On Youth:

"...I know what a misery being young can be, so don't tell me it's so

great." (p.117)

* * *

"...in addition to all the miseries, the young are not wise. They have

very little understanding about life." (p.118)

On Aging:

"Aging is ot just decay...It's growth." (p.118)

* * *

"If you're always battling against getting older, you're always going

to be unhappy, because it will happen anyhow." (p.118,119)

* * *

"You have to find what's good and true and beautiful in your life as

it is now. Looking back makes you competitive. And, age is not a

competitive issue." (p.120)

* * *

91

"How can I be envious of where you are--when I've been there

myself." (p.121)

On Money and Power:

"Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a

substitute for tenderness." (p.125)

On Status and Showing Off:

"...if you're trying to show off for people at the top, forget it. They

will look down on you anyhow. And if you're trying to show off for

people at the bottom, forget it. They will only envy you. Status will

get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow you to float equally

between everyone." (p.127)

On Immortality:

"...love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone." (p.133)

On Marriage:

"I've learned this much about marriage. You get tested. You find

out who you are, who the other person is, and how you

accommodate or don't." (p.149)

* * *

92

"...there are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage:

If you don't respect the other person, you're gonna have a lot of

trouble. If you don't know how to compromise, you're gonna have a

lot of trouble. If you can't talk openly about what goes on between

you, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. And if you don't have a

common set of values in life, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.

Your values must be alike." (p.149)

* * *

"I think marriage is a very important thing to do, and you're missing

a hell of a lot if you don't try it." (p.149)

On Shortsightedness:

"...no matter where you live, the biggest defect we human beings

have is our shortsightedness. We don't see what we could be. We

should be looking at our potential, stretching ourselves into

everything we can be come." (p.156)

On Needing Others:

"In the beginning of life, when we were infants, we need others to

survive, right? And at the end of life, when you get like me, you

need others to survive, right? But here's the secret: in between, we

need others as well." (p.157)

93

On Being Number Two:

"What's wrong with being number two?" (p.159)

On the Important Questions:

"As I see it, they have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality,

awareness." (p.175)

On Death :

"Death ends a life, not a relationship." (p.174)

On Relationships:

"There is no formula to relationships. They have to be negotiated in

loving ways, with room for both parties, what they want and what

they need, what they can do and what their life is like." (p.177,178)

-Mitch Albom

94

SHARE IT

95

Hi Everyone,

T@lents would love to hear from you. We are dying to know what

drives you, what makes you tick. What's your passion? Everyone is

more than welcome to email us about your story, anything, about

photography,travel, art, books, music, movies, pet, collection,

fashion, hair, beauty, hobby, work and anything under the sun you

may want to share with everyone and inspire them as much as it

inspires you.

Everyone is also welcome to join the photography of the month.

July Issue theme is "Buildings". Send your photographs with your

name, country, camera that you used (any type of camera will do)

and the title of your photography.

You may share it to [email protected] on or before June 20,

2010 for T@lents July Issue.

For more information visit our website at

www.wix.com/talentscalled/talents and our facebook account at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Talents/112391525441434.

http://www.wix.com/talentscalled/talents

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Talents/112391525441434

Talents

Documents

Transcript of Talents