I know He knows

Doing the will of God is not about blindly following the situation you're called to be in it, or simply obeying it because it's the right thing to do so. It is about having FAITH and putting your trust in God's hand because He knows what He is doing and He CAN. - Angel (it's my fren hehe) from CG

I'm holding on to His promises and claiming it everyday.
"For I know I have a plan for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future," Jeremiah 29:11

I know He knows, something that I don't know.
But I want to follow His flow. Seeds when He gives me, I'll sow.
I do not need to be afraid, even when I only have 1 piece of bread. Mark 8:14-21
God wants to multiply the goodness of fruit in us.
Whatever we do, He'll make sure it's double good.
He'll sign His signature on it and say, "Keep the change!"- 12 baskets left from the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes miracle.
He will multiply our resources.

Ps Raymond's morning sermon always encourages me.

Clueless Pain

Ughhhh! I just don't get it. How am I supposed to please everyone, every time, everywhere.
I really don't get it.
What did I do to actually get this kind of treatment from you(s).
Maybe it was just one mistake, but often people remember that one mistake I made and not the hundreds of good stuffs I did for them and the good times we had.

I finally found the root cause of this perfectionism inside of me.

It's killin' me man, and it's very... very... tiring for me. Lord, save me!

As far as I remember, that first mistake was yours. It has caused us to where we are now.

Kiddies

I have been surrounded by kiddie stuffs recently. Teaching kids piano is one thing, and now I have an interesting project in writing songs for a school. It's for kids to sing along and have fun with it. I'm pretty excited about it and did some homework. Check out these Hillsong Kids vids, they're pretty cute :)

Did You Know


Rainbow


Never Give Up


Get Up and Dance


Of course High5 and other resources are equally good to help me out in this project. Composing a kiddie song is fun because you don't have to crack your head to come out with hugeee bombastic words ;) As long as the message is simple and clear, using the best simple words in your lyric, come out with a catchy rhythm and beat and manage to get some kids to sing along after the song is played once, I'd say, it has already won over their hearts ;)

Now, the biggest challenge for me is to use technology to interpret the songs from my head.
Still figuring out how to transfer the Kronos datas into Logic :O
Pening lahh!
And, I have tha' go now for Sunday worship practice tonight weeeeeeee :)

Two Things

A quiet person who works hard and succeeds at the end of the day deserves admiration more than the one who boasts a lot but slacks in his work.

***

It's not nice to b**** about others on social media network and then organize your words with hidden meanings about that person, thinking OR hoping he she will read it or something. What's the point man? Just tell it straight to his her face or talk it out with him or her if you're their friends.

Seriously...

Nostalgic

EVERYONE in this band, just wanna' let you know that I 'less than three' u peeps ;)

It's an honour playing with u people.

The three amazing vocalists (Lavender, Daryl and AnnMarie) plus Christine and Sachie whom we're really grateful for them to sing for us last minute, you have stunning voice and talent.

Ivy : Kecik-kecik cili padi on the keyboard. You're the best band leader man, slow to anger but fast to get pranked lol. Rmbr to book room tmr okie :P

Corliss : Happy-go-lucky violinist. You saved our butts today from being kicked for being the spontaneous Emcee yay! :D Jaafar's Maggie Mee on the last day of ICOM, I must eat and you can be my witness hahaha!

Clinton : a.k.a. my driving instructor! Thanks for being our awezome music director, arranging and transcribing parts, setting up our kbs (though it's our job but u did it hehe) and moving the Kronos up and down. Appreciate it! I see you EXPRESS YOURSELF on your 'Principle instrument' in the photo ahaha.

Yewy : Troll king! U win. I think "Magician" and "Musician" both titles really suit you. I don't know how you did your tricks, but you're good at it lol.

Alvin : Kaw Kaw burger soon lah weh with everyone lol... enjoy Genting and groove along in your roller coaster rides hahaha!

Chris : Keep rockin' your electric guitar man, and rock that acoustic guitar too from your picture teeehee! And... steal Clinton's ukulele to rock it too haha :)

Moon : You're the man walking on your bass! Thank youuu for your time! Suuuriii (sorry), 우리는 당신에게 좋은 음식을 살께- from google translate haha not sure if it's correct.

Kim : DrummerBoi, but played his bass and sang for us. Not Haram at all haha! Kamsahamidaaaaaah!

All ze best in your PI exams and have a good holiday!

Ensemble Jazz and Rnb, 4.30pm group lol...

Our Wall Photo on Fb group page.
Some ICOM inside licks.

This week seems crazy. But it was a good week. I got to spend time with my Ensemble mates. We practice together, we eat together, we chill together, we troll each other (technically, I'm the one who always got trolled by them, dono why), we work hard for our exams and assignments, we see each other everyday la. It's been a year and a half, or some, half a year, of knowing these bunch of fellas. Appreciate the friendship.

I guess I'll miss these friends when they're time is up in ICOM. But I think most of us will be leaving together sometime next year to the States. Still, my Ensemble band wouldn't be the same for next Sem :') (it'll be also my final Sem in ICOM this coming July-Dec woohoo). 

These cheeky monkeys changed my laptop screen photo from this (something like this)...

To this...!

I'll always laugh whenever I open my laptop. Look at their faces man! Epic! Haha

After much practice today from 9.30am till 5pm, this was what happened.

He wants to sleep, and the other just zipped him up in a 76-keys keyboard bag.

And some more my friend Instagram-ed it lol.

We also bought an ice-cream cake, Chocolate Kitkat for our lecturers.

These people... are simply just funny.

Work time is work time, play time is play time.

But sometimes, a little playfulness during work time just helps us to de-stress when work gets hard.

There're no perfect musicians lah.

But whatever it is, we do our best.

So here's to the Jazz and RnB Ensemble group (Ivy, Corliss, Clinton, Yewy, Alvin, Chris, Moon and Kim the drummer haha, he just joined us TODAY to help us out in bass): Felt grateful I'm in this band with them, and that everyone is committed to practice. After practice, EAT! After eating, EAT SOME MORE!!

:)

Assignment day, you go downnnn!

Presentation, you go downnnnnnnn tomorrow!

Ensemble exam on Monday, see you man. I hope we'll have fun grooving the songs on stage :D

***
PS: I just got trolled to the max again by the troll king on Saturday morning, at 4am, my phone Reminder rang saying ''Troll Masters". 2 secs... and then I realised that I got trolled RIGHT in the middle of my sleep.
I thought it was over, but the same reminder rang again this morning (Monday) at 4am. Guess what? The champion set the reminder on alternate days!
I stared at my phone in disbelief, and then laughed so hard on my bed.
Feelin' abit dumb.
You champion lah Mr.Ong!

Freedom of choice, but be wise

I have my own freedom and choice to mix around with who I'm comfortable with right?
As long as I know I'm aware of what kind of company around me, if we can click, and that I'm happy to be with them and the best part is that- I can just be my normal self.

I'd say : Stick with them and treasure the friendship! Life is short, so appreciate these people around.

:)

Injured

Everyone has a limit.

I sacrificed a lot of my time, effort and friendship especially.
Making others happy.

I compromised and gave in to save the other person's heart and got myself injured instead.

I rather cause my little heart to hurt and not other's.

Most of the time, I put other people's feelings and emotions first rather than taking care of my own.

When I have to reject some favours they asked, only it's because I was prioritizing some things. And that is not wrong, isn't it?
I'm don't wanna be a goodie goodie Christian. At the end of the day, I'm the one who's been taken advantaged of.
I need to be wise and careful.

Non believers and believers, my friends and family. Both, I've encountered the hurt of getting betrayed.

I could write a book about it if I start telling its story.

I wish to be less caring sometimes.

I wish to take care of my own emotions too.

But I gotta also practice love to everyone.

So, does that mean that I always have to sacrifice?

I don't mind. But I'm afraid one day, when the ticking clock in me stopped, I'll explode.

It's just a matter of time.

I don't know when that day, or will that day ever arrived.

My Saturday

11 students.
From 9am to 4.30pm today.
Now, getting ready for a small gig tonight til' 10:10pm.
Tomorrow's church practice is at 7.15am.
Mother's day song presentation hasn't perfected it well yet.
An essay and powerpoint presentation to hand in by Monday 4pm.
Helping a friend to transcribe the horns, organ and ep parts for her assignment by Monday night.
Helping another friend to look see some project homework too.
Life as a music student is interesting.
I just gota stay sane.
Selena Gomez = real
She was in Barney with Demi Lovato.
I like her because of yesterday's interview on E channel 711.
No wonder Bieber is with her.
Respect lar!

Reflecting while I'm hungry

If that person can see you as a beautiful creation through the same lens as God's, and both compatible, I think that it might be the right stuff.

The right season will come.

(An add-on line for "Made in Heaven".)

***

Just received a text message from dad saying that he bought 4 kilos of fresh prawns from Sarawak, and some ikan terubuk (which has a lot of bones in it, kinda of a nuisance hehe), and I'm all ready and eager for mom to cook these food!

I'm hungry. Always am.
Need. to. exercise.

Tangent focused

This song... When I'm off tangent, it reminds me of who I am and why did I choose this field as my future path, and not any other paths that look more prospective to me. Yeah, I was reminded about being a passer-by in this place and who I do live for.

Original song: Hillsong, but I like this version. It doesn't have the V2 but I'm just gona type it out here :)

V1
The greatest love that anyone could ever know
That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
And 'til I see You face to face
And grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

V2
With all I am I live to see Your kingdom come
And in my heart I pray You'd let Your will be done
And 'til I see You face to face
And grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

Chorus
I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You

V3
You are the voice that called the universe to be
You are the whispers in my heart that speak to me
And 'til I see You face to face
And grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

Bridge
You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am my soul will bless Your name

Made in Heaven

"I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not in order to suit his liking. I even questioned myself whether am I good enough for him or not but God told me that I'm His beautiful creation and I just need to be myself and the right guy will love and cherish me as who I am, despite the flaws and inadequacy in me. So now, I'm reminded of Queen Esther that she beautifies herself inside with the Lord and the Lord will take care about who your life partner will be,"- a statement made by someone I agree with.

Trying to fit into a person's liking and not being yourself is not a good idea. So, singles, and everyone else living under the stars, moon and sun, remember this verse : I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

We are made in Heaven.

;)

Background

I was reading some of the established musician's profiles and interviews what not today.
How I wonder if I were to be born in a place called INDONESIA or PHILIPPINES or AFRICA or somewhere in the States, where jazz music was played since the day I was born, or my parents are musicians who influenced their kids in jazz music and taught them how to play and to feel the grooves. Perhaps, just the environment where one grew up in with music like that being played almost everyday everywhere that became a part of his/her life actually can make a lot of difference in his/her music.

Well, I shall keep learning then! Since I didn't have that kind of background I mentioned above- playing with their mom or/and dad on stage, a dad who listens to Chick Corea, a mom who sings like a superstar, or to set up a small band on streets and play all day, that kind of life, I'll work with what I have now and be happy with that.

They can be nurtured- the touch, the feel, the grooves and of hitting the delicious sounding notes. It's just a matter of time, I hope, and how diligent I can be.

:)

In Wonderland

Still one of the best in 3/4 TS jazz standards that I L.O.V.E.
Though I don't understand that language yet, I like the sound of it and I really do wanna learn it well.

OK mistakes

I'm so afraid of making mistakes.
Sometimes I get so tired of making the same mistakes over and over again.
I talked to a friend before and he said that : You can't be a perfectionist when you're playing the piano and when you're trying something new on the piano.

Time is running out. I have almost a year more to learn and know my stuffs well before I leave to the other land- a land that is so rich in music culture.

Current mood : Wanting to strive hard whatever it takes to be good in improvising jazz and contemporary music. I really love to play, not just for the sake of playing but to really pour in my feelings and have the right notes when I create a song.

Sometimes, it requires some risk taking moments. Just like one today, my PI teacher (Private Instructor) actually made me grabbed a drummer and a bassist from college, wherever and whoever they are (and they're really talented people!) to jam on a song. It's my jazz piece for upcoming exam. What a spontaneous moment and it has been very long since I had those jamming moments. So I watched my teacher played and was just mesmerized with the whole band and his fingers on the keys.
I gota' start taking some risk. Life is interesting! Says my teacher.

Okie, now, while waiting for the jam to clear in KL, I'm so inspired to practice! :D

It's okay to make some mistakes on the notes.
It's okay to make some mistakes on the notes.
It's okay to make some mistakes on the notes.
It's okay to make some mistakes on the notes.
It's okay to make some mistakes on the notes.
Yes, it's okay to make some mistakes on the notes :)

What's on my mind... NOW

Too much of my time is required to give it to you.
Tomorrow, I'm going to make a phone call.
A very scary phone call that I have to do.
I'm feeling so nervous!
I wonder what will your response be and how should I respond to your response.
Gaaah.
I better write down some points first. I hope it's not gonna be an essay.
Maybe teaching in  a few music centres is not really a good idea when I'm still studying.
Where's my priority man.

Okie! First thing in the morning.

And stick to point form.

I need a life man. I see friends going out with friends, and friends going out with the more-than-friend friend. Sometimes work can get so demanding that I don't even have my own time for myself, doing what I want and I like, hanging out and shopping, glueing butt on piano chair and serenade some love songs to myself. Gahaha, it sounded pretty sad but I just love to roll my fingers on the keys.

I'm also thinking of getting an affordable drum pad soon to start some practice. It's been kinda long since I last held a pair of drumsticks in my hands. Sometimes, I just felt like my love for drums and its beats and rhythm grow so quickly and silently inside of me that I just felt like bursting like a balloon!

Self-learn something is ze best. Thanks to youtube and internet, these I must appreciate :)

Now back to practice and assignment. I gota make my practice time fun and fruitful man.
I'm also happy to do some arranging for my friend's song.
So proud of her because she writes songs :)

And... action!

There's no point praying and whining to God but no actions taken to overcome the problems.
There's no point comparing and complaining how stuck I am in music.
Unless I really sit down and practice and learn, with of course in the back of mind I kept asking : "What to practice today? How to practice?" and all, then God can work.

Today, I had a really fruitful day. I labored on Labour Day :) Totally worth my time when I went back to the basics. It just happened like as if someone was couching, guiding and teaching me on what and how to practice and I proudly say that I've maximized my time really well today heehee.

So excited. I know that I've learnt something today and have sharpen some of my weaknesses.
I'm so ready to learn more :D
Must really manage my time well man.