• Which are your favorite TV shows and how do you watch them (TV, Youtube, download, friend, stream)?

AXN, HALLMAKR, DISCOVERY AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. VIA ASTRO, of course. Where else would I find AXN?

• Do you like music and fashion? Where do you learn about new trends in music and fashion (from friends, celebrities, magazine)?

I love fashion and music! I don't really learn new trends, I just wear what I like. I prefer style over trends. Style is forever, but trends come and go.

• Please tell us about singers and bands you are into, and why do you like them? Where do you get most of your music? (download, buy CD, take from friend, etc.)

Currently none, and probably not ever. I get music from the Radio. Light fm and Mix fm.

• Do you enjoy reading books? What are the last three books you have read?

I love books! They're interesting and my passport to somewhere else. I've read Between Assasinations, The White Tiger and Midnight's Children.

• What/where do you find new information about entertainment that you like?

E! Entertainment News! Where else? Oh, and Womens' Weekly too. :)

Geekery and other random things.

· Tell us about your family structure and members. Tell us stories about your time spent with family. Bring us to become part of your family! (you may include pictures)

My family consists of 4 people : 3 girls and one guy. My dad, me, my sis and my mom.

· Tell us who are your best friends and why do you like to hang out with them and the activities you all frequently do together. (you may include pictures)

My best friends are Yeap Yi Ling and Wong Zi Xin. They’re really cool and though Zi Xin lives in another city, we keep in touch whenever I go there. Yi Ling just sits next to me in class. :) We study together and visit malls together.

· When you are meeting new people how do you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as shy, but insistent on joining the party, fun once you get to know me. And I’ll laugh at all your jokes, even if they aren’t funny.

· Is identity important to you and your friends? How important is standing out / being different to you and your friends?

Identity is important to me, but I’m not sure about my friends, they all seem to want the same things and dress the same way. The La-La style, which I dislike.

· Does religion affect your choice of friends? Explain your answer.

No, I have a few Muslim friends, and many more from different races. There’s a siamese one, a few indians, and many chinese. Well, I do attend a chinese school afterall.


· How do you and your friends like to categorize people of your age group . i.e EMO, Skater, JPop, KPop fanatic, Hip Hop, Goth, freak, geek, shutterbug, others? What are the three most popular groups/looks amongst you and your friends?

Mostly EMO. Our generation, they’re weird. We love all those korean stars and korean boys who look like girls. Popular looks : Hip Hop, and Geek. Haha, don’t laugh.

Material Girl

I don’t really agree with people who think paying for branded things is nonsense. I believe that we are paying for the quality of it and the workmanship.

Favorite Brands :
1) Forever21 – They are so fabulous!
2) Apple – Because they have nice designs!
3) Puffin Books – They’re nice. :)

The two advertisements I like :





They’re very funny, check them out!

Nope, as far I know, I’m not embarrassed to be associated with any brand. Except for armpit deodorants. Hehe.

No, religion does not influence my choice of brands and products. I can buy any sort of product because I’m a buddhist, and as far as I know it, we can eat anything and use anything. Or maybe that’s because my religious knowledge is not enough. :)

Usually, I use whatever brand I like, friends and family have little to do with it.

Social Networking and why I hate them.

Social networking in my opinion is just an excuse to stay home and avoid any serious confrontations that might happen when interacting with other humans face to face.

I can’t really say that social networking is bad. Without a doubt, it is extremely convenient if you want to chat with a friend late at night without seeing each other. But if you use it even when your friend is just sitting beside you, then it would become unhealthy. Social networking helps you reach many people within a short time frame, but with that comes many cons too. For example, one could ruin someone’s public image with just a click of a mouse and rumors could be spread easily.

I do have accounts in some social networking sites, but that doesn’t mean I like them. I have an account in Twitter, but I don’t see the point in telling people what I’m doing every second, and I don’t see how anyone could get addicted to doing it either. Needless to say, I rarely update it. I joined because I was curious as to why so many people love it. Thought it was something you have to do to understand. I have about 40 followers? Don’t laugh please, I know that’s pathetic.

I also have an account in Facebook, but that is purely to update people about blogshop’s status. The games they provide are just like the ones we play when we were 5 or 6 years old, but turns out repetitive mouse clicking is extremely addictive to some.

If I were to communicate, I’d definitely choose email and phone. Email – because everyone has it. I mean, you would need an email account to have a social networking account right? And so many people out there have social networking accounts, which means a lot of people have email accounts. So it is convenient and unlike twitter, I could write a novel of an email and send it over.

Phone – Get straight to the point. I just need to call to inform someone of something. Prefer this over email.

But I don’t like to use SMS. Because of human’s nature to not reply when something important is sent. How would I know if the sms was sent or if my friend did not read it?

I LOVE THESE!!

· Tell us about 3 things that you have seen, read or listened to recently that you love and have recommended or share with others (in Facebook, face to face conversations, online, etc)?
Things I have read :

1. Life Of Pi (it’s great, I’m telling you, you have to read it!)
2. Between Assassinations (nice, but The White Tiger is better)
3. Chasing Harry Winston (Hilarious!

Things I have seen :

1. Life and Death in Rome (Horrendous, but somewhat interesting)
2. St. Trinians (it’s really funny! In a British way, I guess)
3. Public Enemies (Dug the DVD out recently. OMG, what can I say?)

Things I have listened to :

1. Telephone – Lady Gaga (stupid, but fun)
2. Radar – Britney Spears (fun in an unhealthy way)
3. Two is better than one (I don’t know who sang it, if you do, could you please tell me?)

· What is on your ‘must see’, ‘must do’ and ‘must have’, list for 2010?
Must See – Coco Avant Chanel, Prince of Persia
Must Have – A new set of swimming attire (the old one is rotting away somewhere)
Must Do – Visit Australia, Attend French classes!
· What is your favorite outfit/set of clothes at the moment, please send us pictures and tell us why you like them.
My current style is a subtle rocker chic look and also casual wear. I own a lot of T-shirts, love structured jackets and jeans. I have a lot of striped blouses, and I’m saving up to buy a skinny belt.
But I love solid colours too. It’s mix and match for me. My friends think I dress weird, but who cares? As long as I love myself, there is no necessity for you to like me (though it’s preferable for you to do so, hehe.)

Found this picture at Forever21. The model looks funny, but those are the clothes I usually wear, minus the bag and the funny model. You gotta love the shoes!

· Put picture and show us your top favourite gadget, collections, toys, things or any items that you can't live without and tell us why
I can’t live without my phone. It’s an Xperia, Sony Ericsson. :)

I can’t live without Colgate. Because I can live without bad breath.

I can’t live without Internet! MUST…. HAVE… INTERNET! Can’t do anything without it.

Can’t live without my brain, literally. I’ll be brain dead without it. Plus, I need it for stuff like crafting and maths.

Satu Malaysia.

Hmm, I think the title sounds better with an exclamation mark.
Anyway, today’s blog post!

 What do you think of 1Malaysia? Please explain your answer (likes, dislikes, emotions etc) in details. What is your vision of Malaysia in the next 5 years?
I think 1Malaysia is just another slogan to get everyone excited about racial unity etc. etc. Not to say that it is bad, it may be good, who knows?
I like how everyone is very enthusiastic about it. That’s a great thing! And I like how every Malaysian brand, newspaper article and TV shows are using the slogan, very nice! Actually I’m rather neutral on this topic. It may turn out to be a great thing, or flops like previous slogans. Malaysia’s campaigns have a tendency to do so. Basically, I feel almost nothing towards it. It’s normal for me, I don’t feel excited or anything about it! Is that normal?

I can see Malaysia heading towards bankruptcy in the next 5 years. We keep loaning and borrowing like there’s no tomorrow. But sooner or later, we’re going to have to repay those debts. And I also see racial tensions growing. Not much of a pretty sight.

 What do you think about the various races in this country? Do you think about your race or country first? Why? Do you think there is a tension between the various races in this country or not?
I think it’s a great thing to have diverse cultures and races in our country! But when I think about Malaysia, I think about my race first. That’s just me though. Like when you think about orange cats, you think about Garfield first.
There is definitely tension between races in this country! But what I don’t understand is why politicians constantly have to bring this topic up! It’s just adding oil to the already huge fire! You know, all this tension is actually caused by politics. They fan the fire here and there, and voila! You have a great big bonfire. What is up with that?! We have shared Malaysia for 50 years, should racism even be a problem here?

 How do you think people from all over the world see Malaysia? Do you think there is a typical “Malaysian” stereotype? How would you want people to view “Malaysians” in the future?
Westerners might think that Malaysia is all beaches and turtles, thanks to our successful advertising.. Malaysia Truly Asia…., but maybe those who have lived here for some time think that behind all those nasi kandars and laksas (not to mention char koay teow!), there is definitely something going on behind the scenes. Some may categorize us with Myanmar and Indonesia (politics splattered everywhere) and some may categorize us with the Caribbean Islands (again, the commercial).
Yeah, there is a typical Malaysian stereotype recognizable anywhere. We love honking. It’s in our genes! There are many more characteristics in the typical Malaysian, but I can’t seem to remember them now. Oh yeah! We loves “lah”s too!

E.G : She is too pretty for you-lah!
E.G : No-lah! I’m too handsome for her!

I would like people to view Malaysia as a growing country like Singapore. Always striving to improve. But not with their kiasu kiasi attitude!

How-To : Laugh All The Way To The Bank

Actually, I don’t know how to do it either, just wanted to get your attention (aw ...come one, can’t I have it for even just one second?). Today, we’re going to talk about MONEY. *Someone pull the jackpot lever please*

How important is money to you? Tell us what do you think about money.

Money is important. There is no denying that. But how important exactly? Here’s what I think : Money is extremely important. No, it does not make the world go round, but it does make the ride more exhilarating. Money makes up a huge slice of life, but it is not the entire pizza.

And I think to kill for money is just idiotic. That might put it in your pocket faster, but in the end (because I believe in karma and these sort of stuff) it’ll still flow away. But I would love the own a lot of money, who doesn’t, eh? Still, I won’t kill for money. It’s not worth it lah. Just a bunch of green papers.

Where do you get your money? Do you have a part-time job or do you receive an allowance from your parents, or both? Have you done any part time jobs before to earn your allowance?

I get money from my parents (because I’m such a bum), and I also do a side job (because I try to not look like one). I craft cards and other paper goodies and sell them on the Internet. You can check them out here, if you like. And maybe contribute to my income.

I earn around RM 150 per month (I shouldn’t be telling you this, you know) and save RM 100 per month, so that makes it about RM 250. And this blogging thing earns me RM 500, which is pretty cool. So that makes up about two months for me.

If you want to buy something, do you usually save up or will you get it straightaway compare?

I save! Saving is my middle name. It’s something like Joey Cheap-skate Yap. Haha, but no, I’m not a cheap-skate. I spend on necessary stuff. Like if that dress is super cool and I’m sure I’ll shine in it, then I’ll get it even if it is RM 100. But if this lip-gloss costs RM 20 but I’m never going to use it, then I won’t buy it. And I’m always saving up to buy supplies for my business.

How important to your generation is having a strong work ethic and be hardworking in work?

It is very important to me. Everyone has a right to money provided they earn it. But many just want to laze away and expect money to flow in to their pockets like the Niagara Falls. Ethics and hard work is key to success.

What do you think about the current economic climate? Did it affect you, your family and your outlook on the future?

Doesn’t really affect my family because we’re not investing in shares and stocks. Just average, so I guess the impact isn’t much.

What do you think are the three coolest jobs in the world and why? What are the three jobs least coolest job in the world, and why?

COOLEST

1) Photographer – Because you get to capture weird and awkward moments. Hehe.

2) The Prosperity God and Santa Claus – They only work once a year. That is awesome.

3) Entrepreneur – Money constantly flows in. Well, most of the time.

LEAST COOLEST

1) Me – My sister bosses me around. And I’m the big sis. :(

2) IT Engineers – They get retrenched dengan serta-merta when recession hits, which is like every 10 years.

3) Superman and all the “–man”s outside – They always get punched by villians and their girlfriends are always held as hostages.

THE OH-SO SEDUCTIVE INTERNET

Day 5 : Going Online

How many hours do you go online everyday? What do you usually do in the online world?

My computer is on all day long, so hmm… I would say I go online for as long as I’m home. :) I usually visit sites like ETSY ; MY EMAIL ACCOUNTS ; RANDOM FUN SITES ; and also to maintain my website. Not much to do, but I’m addicted to it, because I have a tendency to keep checking on something (i.e. my email). It’s a very bad habit…


When you go online and interact with other users, do you use any nickname/alias profiles online? Tell us why you use it or don’t use it.

I use the alias Joey Yap. I use it because it is very common, (and some may even think it’s that Feng Shui man) and I’m safer that way.

Have you become good friends with people you first met online? Tell us stories of how you make friends in the online world. How do you know whether to trust them or not?

So far, I don’t have any good friends online yet. Even though we all know that the other person on the other side of the line is human, yet there’s this little person in my head always cautioning me. He’s rather annoying, but better safe than sorry, I guess.


Tell us if your parents monitor what you access online? Is it effective, or do you know ways around the controls? What do your parents think about you going online all the time?

Hmm, I don’t visit stupid sites, so my parents don’t monitor me. But for those who do, I don’t think that monitoring will be effective. Nowadays, there’s this chip and programming stuff out there to help monitor, but someway somehow, if you prevent them from going through the front door, they’ll use the window.
My parents don’t really like me going online all the time… but as long as I do what I should do, then no complaints.

Do you think the online world has made you to become more disconnected with your friends?
No, for me, I don’t become more disconnected (because I don’t really use Facebook stuff or Twitter etc.). I still talk to them at school, on the phone.
But I do believe that excessive roaming about in the online world, does cause one to be disconnected from reality.

Reaching For The Stars (and trying not to fall in the process)

· Share with us any success or achievement stories you have got so far, whether it is big or small

I have yet to have any success stories. Except for my PMR and UPSR. But I don’t think you want to hear about them since this is not some school motivation talk. Hehe.


Um, so far.. Let’s see.. I’ve
1) been shortlisted for modeling competitions (but not chosen)
2) won a few public speaking and singing competitions (when I was small)
3) been able to stay alive throughout my 10-day exam period. Now that’s a huge thing!


· How do you define a ‘successful person’, what are the elements that make someone successful? Tell us why.

Success is relative. Simply staying alive might be considered a success (for some, and maybe me, seeing how dangerous my city is). But generally, I think success is categorized along with money and power.
For me, a successful person is someone who has achieved what he wants. It’s about achieving your own goals, not others or the society’s.

 A successful person knows where he will be standing in the future. He knows what to plan for the future and he knows how to enjoy the present (afterall, it is called the present, innit?). He has EQ, and IQ. I guess these are rather basic conditions if you want to be under the SUCCESSFUL category, but not many fulfill them. They just think money is everything. God, I hate those people (and if you do too, drop me a comment! Haha!)


· What inspires you? Do you have any role models?

Things inspire me. Anything, actually. Like just now, I was drawing on my exam question paper and a cartoon on it looked like a tear drop and I decided to write a poem about dewdrops. :) (Mommy, if you’re reading this, don’t get mad.. I had 30 minutes left!)
And I find that many things resemble life. You have to sacrifice something to gain something. It’s only fair like that.

Uh no, I don’t have any role models. I don’t want to be like anyone, I want to be me. I don’t think we need duplicates of people running around. Now, that would be called having doppelgangers! (Eee! They’re scary! Ever heard of Queen Elizabeth’s?)


· Do you have any ambitions? What three ambitions/goals have you set yourself for the next year, the next five years and your life?

You bet I do! I want to own hotels. I want to run hotels! Maybe I’ll start out with a Bed and Breakfast, then expand slowly. And I’ll charge each guest $300 per night to stay in my exclusive Bed and Breakfast Villa! Hehe.

But maybe I’ll become a neurologist. Brains are fun things to poke at too.

Next year, I want to set up a small business and maybe that will put some cash in my bank account (in dire need of it. If you have any to donate, drop me an email). Next 5 years, I want to get myself a scholarship and get into the best university there is. And we’ll see how life unfolds for me.

If I plan everything, than there will be no surprise and story for me! I could just type out my whole life story for you here when I’m not even 70. :(

*Some parts deleted due to Mother's Interference.

All About Me (I know, I’m a narcissist)

Did I spell ‘narcissist’ correct?

Anyway, hey guys! I’m so glad to finally be able to blog here! Besides being able to express myself thoroughly, I am being paid to do this. OMG, I know. Time to get on with the blogging now…

Q & A Session (So that you will know me better! Whippee!)


· What’s the best thing about being youth today? Do you think the future is bright, for your generation or do you think the future is something to worry about?

The best thing about being youth today is THE EXISTENCE OF INTERNET. Thanks to internet and the person who invented it (whoever he is), I and 49 more people can blog here! Whee!

But I really do think the future is dim for our generation and it is 100% something to worry about. First off, drug addicts our age are increasing like bunnies reproducing. And I don’t want the world filled with bunnies (however adorable they may be – bunnies, not drug addicts). Also, we have been spoonfed all our lives, and we’re not accepting reality well. Too much AXN and korean dramas, me thinks.

Next question!


· Do you think “youth” (people like you) are rebellious in nature? Do you think youth today rebel like they used to before? Explain. Do you/have you rebelled against anything or anyone in the past? Explain.

Yep, we are definitely rebellious. And maybe in the good ol’ days, being rebellious is something bad (it still is now), but now, rebellion has a new name – ATTITUDE. Makes it sort of cool, but it’s really not so. All the same, we buy into it because well, it sounds cool. :)

I do have a rebellious streak, but it rarely shows it ugly head. But when it does, things get really (and I do mean, really) ugly. I’ve never rebelled against my teachers before. Once in a blue moon against my parents. So far, I’ve never ran away from home or broken any windows etc. (in case you were wondering).


· Do you think youth today have an easier or harder life than our parents’ generation? Please explain your answer.

We have an easier life, are you kidding me? I mean, we have ASTRO (yeah!!), nice soft cushions, little pet shops for our little pet dogs / cats, and Wii / Nintendo… Our parents had to help our grandparents in the paddy field (well, that was what mine did), with leeches! Ew!


·What is your biggest fear in the world…other than death?

I do not fear death at all (it’s nothing, really. Just a chance to go someplace else), but the thing I’m afraid most is what happens after death. Not to me, but to my friends and family. They might cry their eyeballs out (well, if they do cry at all..) and they might be very sad… I don’t like sad people..

And I’m also afraid of the pain that comes with death. It might be painful, who knows? No one has never lived to tell the tale..Heehee.

There’s this joke that says : I want to die peacefully like my grandfather, not like his screaming passengers.
It’s funny, no?


· What makes you happy?

Playing with my pet dogs, Hailey and Ginger. And taking them for walks by the beach. I also like watching a great movie (Shrek is screening this May!).


· What has been the most difficult hurdle you have overcome so far in your life? What did this experience teach you?

I’m only a teenager, not much experiences yet. But the one thing I’ve learnt is to be calm when you’re angry, through many countless experiences. Because anger changes things, it really does and I try to shut my mouth up when I’m angry, in case I say something idiotic. :( And this happens a lot when I’m with my sister. (She’s very bratty, fyi)


· Which has more importance today in your life - family or friends? Why? In your experience, did you ever have to make a choice between your friends and family? If ‘yes’ please explain your answer and why did you do so?

Family. Definitely. I only have one (unlike some lucky people out there), but friends, well yeah.. people say they’re forever, but not.. exactly. I’ve lost best friends because of time, but I constantly make new ones. But I can’t lose my family.
Nope, never had to choose between the two of them. Guess I’m lucky!


· Tell us more about yourself!
I love sorbets! I love dogs (Schnauzers and Golden Retrievers)! I love paper! And I likey movies! I like making cards too! You can check them out here! :) Ooh! I also like acting, I’m in a drama group and I don’t like piano. And I love being different. Don’t we all?



Oh gosh, I sound like a little girl. I hope you don’t hate me or dislike because of my views. But if you do, could you at least drop me an email saying so?


Thank you for reading! It really means a lot to me, really, it does.