28 Things I Did During 2008

1. Acting as emcee for NTU International Games 2008 with Mr Teo Ser Luck as our Guest-of-Honour and btw, Channel News Asia came to report. This event also supported Singapore's bid as the host of Youth Olympics Games 2010 and we won the bid by beating Moscow!

Yes, the yellow kid is the kid who used to stutter during his childhood.
From the personal side, I grow so much as a person from this event.

In a more personal side, if you wonder if that's the shortest hair I had for the past few years, that's not even close. I cut my hair botak for charity just a few weeks before that ;)

2. Teaching bahasa Indonesia in class for the first time. OKAY, it is only 9 students in one class, but please, the youngest person in the class is the teacher.

3. Openly announcing my support for Barack Obama for President.

4. Playing a competitive badminton for the first time outside my school, and lose it badly. Really badly.

5. Celebrating Valentine day alone.

6. Winning 3 golds and 2 silvers in badminton for Indonesian International students in my campus. Behind every successful team, there is a great captain. For Juventus, he is Del Piero. For our team: me.

Yulia and myself during one of the deciding matches


7. Opening a new blog in Bahasa Indonesia. I always feel more comfortable writing in English, but finally I decided to write in my native language as well. Not too bad....

8. Writing my first short story in English: Rose, My Rose.


9. Writing a controversial post to support Ronald Susilo against his former fiancee Lee Jia Wei. This post is quoted by The Straits Times.







10. Celebrating my 22nd Birthday with some of my best friends in Singapore.

Yes, that was one of the latest times you can see me without wearing specs.

11. Writing one of my best posts ever. The title is Kaka: I Belong To Jesus. I received lots of comments and even more E-mails to thank me for writing that inspirational post. This has been a pleasure for me a post that not only entertains, but blesses you as well.


12. Writing for a published publication: Gema Kebangkitan - Catatan Harapan Anak Bangsa, a project suported by Indonesian Ambassador for Singapore. My article is titled: Dear, Can We Have More Susi Susanti? Please...


13. GRADUATION DAY!!!! YAY!!!

With my 3 angels: Mom, Dad, Yoky. I am so so so so so so so proud of y'all.

And now I can proudly write my name: Benny Ardi Pandowo, B.Eng (Hons), Minor in Entrepreneurship :)

14. Going for a paid interview "trip" to Jakarta. I was the only one there with just a bachelor degree and the rest of the people have master degree. Nevertheless, I heard that I was the only one who get the job... and I half-heartedly rejected their offer because of some personal reasons. Nevertheless, it has been a great experience.

15. Accepting a UOB job and officially become a banker.


16. Experiencing a miracle at ICA. Guys, miracles do happen!

17. Becoming a fan of China after Beijing Olympics 2008 and decided that I must go there next year.

18. Making a resolution: Get married as soon as possible because I love kids.

19. Volunteering for The Salvation Army

20. Visiting Singapore Science Centre.

21. Visiting KTV a few times and have a record of singing 4-hour straight. And losing my voice soon after that.

22. Going back to one of my bad habits: drinking alcohol. One day I read in Men's Health Magazine that alcohol is bad for muscle development and decided that I must give up this habit. This has been 2 months and I haven't drunk any. Well done!




23. Absolutely thrilled with Obama's victory. Change has come to America!

24. Cheated by someone and accidentally visited a gay club. What an eye-opener!

25. My friendster account was GONE. It's just gone missing. Gosh!!! I now primarily use Facebook, and enjoy it.

26. Rediscovering my past-time hobby: Drawing.

27. Attending T. Harv Eker's Millionaire Mind Intensive Seminar and was totally blown away! I used to like to dream a lot and dream big... and overtime, I feel that I don't need to do that because it will cause misery when we fail to reach those dreams. However, T. Harv Eker reminded us that indeed, we are only limited by our own thinking.

28. Batam-Bintan Trip!!!




Looking at the big picture, I think 2008 is a pretty great year for me, with some life transition events (study-work), and some self discovery. Everyday I know myself a bit better.



Next: 2009 Resolution.

Thinking of you

Do you know that I keep thinking of you every millisecond?

You just don't understand.

I may look fearless in a lot of things, but Dear, I am very scared of losing you. Really, really scared.

...

Three days. Three different girls. All are single, available, and eligible.

I don't know being single can be THIS good. Life is beautiful lalala.

Theresia told me via MSN that it's nice to be single. I totally agree! I think if I am attached and I keep hanging out with girls, my gf will chop me and make a delicious pork chop. Well, at least it's delicious.

Updates:

- My weighing machine shows that I am on a 3-month high. Bloody hell!!! I always eat healthy food! OKAY, most of the time. Except today's cheesecake (who can resist Secret Recipe?), pudding, super creamy baked rice, soup, one big bag of fatty snack, and one litre of milk. Well my diet is off today (just like yesterday and every single day this week T_T)

What's wrong with Getting Married?

X : "Why we must get married if we can just do about everything without getting married."
Ben : "OK. Why must remain single if we still can do everything despite being married"
X : "Well.."
Ben : "By getting married, we can apply for HDB, get almost every 2 memberships for the price of one"
X : "..."

Y : "I am afraid to get into a relationship."
Ben : "why?"
Y : "Because I am afraid that relationship is over one day, and that's so sad."
Ben : "..."

Z : "My friend got an MBA - Married by accident"
Ben : "So?"
Z : "What do you mean?"
Ben : "Yes, what's so difficult with MBA. Just marry that poor lady and raise a family, and live together forever happily ever after."
Z : "Well..."


Is it just me or a lot of people DON'T MIND getting married?

Some Frustrating Questions I Received...

1. Your language seems to be ruder and ruder everyday. What is happening?

Dear all, first and foremost, I never feel that being the nicest person in the universe is one of my New Year's resolutions or any resolution whatsoever. I am who I am, with all the imperfections.

This is my blog and just as a great spokesperson, this blog represents myself. Although I am well-known as a great actor and an accomplished hypocrite, I can tell you, this blog is correct from the the best of my knowledge. I am not interested to run for US president anyway.


2. Who is that girl/guy you refer to when you post those love songs?

Dear all, first and foremost, if there is someone I refer to, that someone must be from the opposite gender of mine.

For the time being, let me be very mysterious (gals love mysterious guys, don't they?). When I get married, rest assured you will be able to download the wedding invitation. Well...


3. Are you qualified to talk about religion when you yourself never act as a good Christian?

Dear all, first and foremost, I am not qualified. I have never been too close with God and I don't think I will be among the first to stand up to fight for my religion if something happens. At least, not for now...

However, let me tell you something. I believe in God and Jesus Christ, His only son. And whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.

I have done lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of sins, and when I look back, I feel terribly ashamed. However, I try each and everyday to be a better person and in case you don't know: Jesus loves me, and you, and them.

4. Similarly, are you qualified to write about love when you yourself have been single for the longest time I can remember?

Dear all, first and foremost, I am not qualified. However, let me ask you something. Just because you pay $40 to fuck those Geylang chicks, does that make you qualified? (Btw, I have $40 and don't think it's worth the money, seriously.)

5. Will you go for a plastic surgery one day? Coz you are getting older and still so ugly and fat.

Dear all, first and foremost, I don't mind being old and ugly and fat, so if you want to insult me by using that way, I am afraid you won't succeed.

However, if there is a good surgeon in town and they provide quality service with affordable price and safe operation, I don't mind going.


6. What's your sign?

Everyone is welcome.

How I Celebrated Christmas

I am writing this blog with half-opened pair of eyes. The reason? Last night I decided to sleep at NTU (my ex-campus), inside its TV lounge.

Well, I never have lots of trouble sleeping, means, I can sleep anytime, anywhere (including on the sofa). At 2am, I tried to sleep, but the feeling to sleep on the sofa is just strange... so I finally could sleep only at 2.20am (WOW!! Lots of problem huh, I never need 20 minutes to try to sleep, that's simply a waste of time).

FIRST PROBLEM: Some smart scientists out there invented something very amazing. They call it "sensor" and I never think that a sensor can create a problem until last night. EVERYTIME I moved my body a little bit, the sensor would be activated, and that means: LIGHTS ON.

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can sleep with the lights on OR off, but not with the lights on AND off like every 15 minutes.

I guess at around 3.30am I woke up because a group of idiots entered the TV lounge, and they planned to watch TV. However, they took pity on this homeless guy and decided to watch TV elsewhere which is none of my business. I almost shouted when the guys come in "HEY, YOU DISTURB MY SLEEP, YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE???" until I realized that I was in a common facility. Fine!



And yes, somehow I managed to wake up at 8.45am, and took a shower. Today, two of my friends (Yulia and Inge) had a flight to Indonesia, and my friend and I sent them to the airport.


After coming back from airport, I went to attend Christmas mass, going there alone after asking my friend to come with me for 3 times. Lesson learnt: some NOs in life will forever be NOs, no matter how many times you try.

This year, I decided to attend an Indonesian mass and it turned out to be one of the best masses I have ever attended to in my life. I just felt a sense of peace there.


After the mass, we had a little Christmas party with Pak Wardhana (Indonesia's ambassador for Singapore) as our guest-of-honour.


After the party when I almost decided to go home and have a peaceful sleep, my church friend invited us to go to his house to have a bit of eat-and-chat session. I never refuse to go to someone's house especially if foods are provided... so we went there.

We chatted like crazy, took photos (this is our common hobby), ate lots and lots of food (another common hobby), and finally we watched "The Little Nyonya", a channel 8 drama which is claimed to be more popular than Beijing Olympics. I absolutely fell in love with this drama, and I made a Christmas resolution, to reach home before 9pm and to watch "The Little Nyonya" everyday. Yay...


This Christmas is one of the most enjoyable ones in my life. Although I don't spend this special day with my family, I know that here in Singapore, I have another "family", and I enjoy every single moments spent with them.




Merry Christmas everyone. May God bless you abundantly, and May His peace be with this world.

Majorly Infatuated With Olivia Ong

I support Singaporean singers, do you?

An Afternoon with Bubble Tea Auntie

I am every auntie's favourite, I know that long time ago. Why? Because I LOVE to listen to stories. I think everyone is unique in their own way, and they have stories to tell.

One of my die-hard fans is the bubble tea auntie near my house. I know EVERYTHING (well, a lot of things at least) about her, from her family (her husband, daughter etc etc), to her business, to her past-time favourite and beyond. Everytime I buy bubble tea, she will stop making the pearls and sit down with me on the table in front of her beautiful bubble tea stall, and starts talking with me. This afternoon, she told me about her neighbour who had just died and asked me whether I want to buy a house and she even told me the advantage of buying a house compared to renting a room (well, I am a banker and I know that in my fingertips).

Then she told me about doing business in Singapore, and how someone can make money and the others can't. Again, I know this topic like, very well. However, it's so interesting to know other people's point of view and probably learn one thing or two.


It's not that my life is so boring that I need to be in the listening side everytime I have a conversation with someone. Given enough time, you can write a book about my life. However, I just love listening to people and people like to talk to me because I listen to them, not like most of the people I know...

"Wow that's great!!! Btw, you won't believe what I experienced. Let me tell you my story...."

And yes, they steal the showlight.



I am a born introvert and people who know me well will understand that I prefer to stay in my room reading a good book than to go out partying. I am good in talking, but better in listening. I like to do public speaking, but if I were to choose, I love writing more.

And if I think about it, everytime I listen to people, my horizon expands, I know more things, and yes, get wiser and wiser everyday.

I Finally Found Someone

I finally found someone, that knocks me off my feet
I finally found the one, that makes me feel complete
We started over coffee, we started out as friends
It's funny how from simple things, the best things begin

This time it's different, dah dah dah dah
It's all because of you, dah dah dah dah
It's better than it's ever been
'Cause we can talk it through
Oohh, my favorite line was "Can I call you sometime?"
It's all you had to say to take my breath away

(Chorus)
This is it, oh, I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one, to be with every night
'Cause whatever I do, it's just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone, ooh, someone
I finally found someone, oooh

Did I keep you waiting, I didn't mind
I apologize, baby, that's fine
I would wait forever just to know you were mine
And I love your hair, sure it looks fine
I love what you wear, isn't it the time?
You're exceptional, I can't wait for the rest of my life

(Repeat Chorus)

Whatever I do, it's just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone

Quotes of The Day

"Don't marry someone you can live with, find the one you can't live without."

someone-out-there

"I don't ask you to always be here. I want you to leave me... once, twice. But please come back after you realize that you simply can't live without me."

Benny Pandowo

Good night, sweet dream

"Siapa Cewek Idola Kamu?"

Denger-denger nih, kepribadian seorang cowok bisa dilihat dari jawaban dia atas pertanyaan "Siapa sih cewek idola kamu?"


1. Angelina Jolie, Lindsay Lohan, atau the mightiest ever Britney Spears

Cowok pecinta cewek-cewek super cantik dan super glamor biasanya bisa dijumpai di bar-bar atau party-party terbesar di kota. Mereka kadang tampil dengan dandanan super norak, super trendy, dan mobil super keren (biarpun semuanya belongs to Ortu).

Cowok pecinta cewek-cewok Hollywood biasanya belum siap buat menikah dan berjiwa hedonis sejati. Pacaran? OKE. TTM? Oke bangets. Nikah? Wait, apa nggak terlalu cepat?


2. Almarhum Lady Di, Sarah Palin, Margaret Thatcher, atau mungkin Megawati Soekarnoputri

Cowok-cowok yang doyan politik biasanya punya pandangan yang kritis terhadap dunia. Bacaan sehari-harinya Times, Newsweek, atau Tempo buat yang tinggal di Tanah Airku Indonesia.

Cowok pendoyan wanita-wanita terhormat biasanya juga gila hormat. Dia suka memimpin, kekuasaan, kehormatan, dan yang terpenting dari semua - uang. Memang uang bukan segalanya, masih ada Visa kok.



Cowok-cowok tipe ini biasanya sudah cukup matang dan siap melakoni tahapan selanjutnya dalam hidup - bahtera pernikahan. Tapi jangan harap suami anda bakal menjadi ISTI (Ikatan Suami Takut Istri), yang ada malahan IITS (Ikatan Istri Takut Suami). Bersiaplahhh...


3. Maria Sharapova, Laila Ali, atau Annika Sorenstam



Berbahagialah cewek-cewek yang punya cowok penggemar Maria Sharapova atau atlet-atlet lainnya. Alasannya: Cowok-cowok tipe ini bisa melihat kecantikan alami dari seseorang, way beyond the make-up. Pernah lihat nggak lihat atlet pakai make-up setebal 1cm waktu lagi olahraga?

Lelaki penggemar atlet wanita biasanya penggemar sport juga dan menurut research, adalah pria-pria paling gentle, kompetitif, dan energetic. Kurang apa coba?


4. Christiano Ronaldo (lho?)

Kalau cowok anda lebih pilih Christiano Ronaldo ketimbang Maria Sharapova, atau David Beckham ketimbang istrinya, dia gay. Gampang kan?


Disclaimer:
1. Penelitian di atas tidak berdasar metode ilmiah whatsoever, dan ketepatannya tidak dijamin oleh penulis. Cuman buat fun ajahhh baby!

2. Penulis adalah fans berat Maria Sharapova dan Lady Di. Gimana donks?

Quote of The Day

"I am not always right, but at least I know I am right in 2 things: Everything I do and Everything I say. Period."

Benny Pandowo

Good night, sweet dream.

Crush pertama, gaji pertama, boong pertama, travelling pertama. Ada banyak "pertama" dalam hidup kita.

Inget nggak sih gimana rasanya terima gaji pertama? Gaji pertama saya adalah saat saya bekerja sebagai seorang waiter di sebuah restoran di Singapura. Dua.puluh.delapan.dolar. Tapi senangnya seperti baru menang lotre 1 juta dolar.

Crush pertama saya terjadi saat saya masih polos dan imut (sekarang juga masih imut, tapi udah nggak polos hueheheheh). Hati dagdigdug 150 kali permenit, tangan dingin kayak es batu, ngomong tergagap-gagap kayak lihat hantu. Oh indahnya masa remaja...




Kalau kita renungkan, takut nggak sih melakukan sebuah hal untuk pertama kalinya? Takut donk yah. Saat kita naik roller coaster buat pertama kali. MAMIIIIIII... Saya takut dilempar-lempar sama mesin, di udara lagi. Syereemmm....



Tapi guys, kebayang gak sih se-boring apa hidup kita kalau kita tidak berani melangkahkan injakan pertama buat melakukan hal yang baru, yang sebelumnya tidak pernah kita bayangkan?

Kalau Obama berpikir bahwa Amerika belum siap punya presiden kulit hitam, dan dia tidak berani mendaftar jadi kandidat Partai Demokrat, dia tidak akan jadi presiden.

Kalau Nelson Mandela tidak berani berdiri, fight buat warga kulit hitam di Afrika Selatan dan bilang "okay, enough is enough", kita mungkin akan selamanya hidup dengan diskriminasi dimana-mana.

Dan kalau saya tidak berani mendaftarkan diri buat jadi ketua OSIS waktu saya masih SMP, mungkin saya tidak akan menjadi siapa saya sekarang ini. Mungkin saya masihlah seorang anak gendut yang berbicara terbata-bata, kadang tergagap-gagap.

Guys, seringkali kita diharuskan untuk mengambil langkah pertama. Just Freaking Do It! Dan kata orang-orang, saat kita umur 70 dan kita duduk di kursi malas sambil minum teh, kita akan lebih menyesali hal-hal yang kita tidak berani lakukan, dibanding hal-hal yang kita berani lakukan namun tidak sempurna hasilnya. So, just freaking do it, hidup ini cuma sekali.

Santa Claus is NOT coming to Town due to Recession

Christmas is coming, yes. However, this time around, Santa won't be coming to town because of the financial crisis... together with a jingle. So, don't expect Santa to bring you presents because his investment is also in trouble.


Recession is Coming To Town
(Adapted from "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" song)

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

It's hitting you once,
It's hitting you twice
It doesn't care if you've been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town

It's worthless if you've got shares
It's worthless if you've got bonds
It's safe when you've got cash in hand
So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!

Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk
So keep out for goodness sake, OH

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

Disclaimer: Although I found this jingle to be very creative and totally hilarious, I may not necessarily agree with the idea. Come on, bad times will last and in fact, this is the best time to invest in my opinion (How much LOWER can it go?)

Despite everything, I wish you an early Merry Christmas and God bless...

UPDATES.

I am writing this post in my office, for the first time ever. It's lunchtime now and I skip lunch because I am so fat like pig. Nevertheless, my company is so lucky to have a hardworking employees like me who never blogs during office hours =D

UPDATES:
- More and more gays approach me in one way or another and I have absolutely no idea why. I don't start the fire (and if you think that having a boyish look is one way to start the fire, blame my parents for giving birth to such a cute son.)

And let me repeat again, I am very clear with my sexuality. I like babes and babies, and I am ready to get married by tomorrow if I meet the right person.

- I will be spending Christmas in Singapore, and if I am not working on that day, that's already a blessing.

- I have watched Twilight and wondering why everytime I watch movies, they are just getting better. Is it just me or the Hollywood guys really are getting more and more talented?

- My only true love in soccer, Juventus trashed AC Milan with a convincing 4-2 at home. We all know, trophies are temporary, greatness is eternal.

- After so long, I finally am falling in love again.

Benny Pandowo is Ngebeting Punya Anak

Gue sangat suka anak-anak (bukan pedofil lho, tapi bener2 suka as in adore gitu.), dari anak orang, anak anjing, anak kucing, anak ayam, sampai anak babi (anak babi biasanya berjalan dengan ibu dan bapak babi, mereka hobi makan KFC dan musti dicharge double kalau masuk MRT.)

Kalau gue lagi jalan2 gitu, lalu lihat anak2 yang super cute, pas ortunya gak lihat, gue pasti berusaha pegang tangan atau kakinya. Senengggg banget rasanya. Kalau ada ortu yang pergi ke luar negeri dan gak tahu mau nitipin anaknya kemana, here I am. Gue sukarela menawarkan diri jadi babysitter dadakan (tapi keselamatan anak tidak dijamin... heheheh)

Mungkin gara2 kesukaan gue sama anak, jadi pingin cepet2 nikah, trus kawin, trus bikin anak yang banyak, dan here I am, bapak terbangga di dunia. Umur dua puluh tiga. Ck ck ck... keren gak tuh? Kalau bisa nikah muda, kenapa harus nikah tua? Kualitas sperma menurun seiring umur, jadi kalau pingin punya anak sehat dan pintar dan super cute aihhhh, musti nikah (dan kawin) muda.

Biarpun kata orang2, nikah itu gak enak. Musti urus anak lah, musti urus keluarga lah. Apalagi kalau istrinya suaranya sekeras auntie2 penjual tiket di Batam. Wuihh, bisa pecah nih telinga. Lebih lagi kalau istrinya suka cemburuan. Pulang malam dikit, langsung diteriakin "LO SELINGKUH YA!!!" Waduh...

Lalu malam minggu, di saat teman2 mau nonton bioskop, para suami2 tertindas musti ngurus anak.. "Sori ye, gue gak bisa ikut nonton, biasa... urus anak sama beres2 rumah." Makk...

Trus keluar rumah dan ke acara2 musti selalu tampil berdua seakan2 baru bulan madu ke Paris, biarpun benernya rumah tangganya gak harmonis2 amat... Mau contoh? Lihat aja The Beckhams.

Tapi biarpun nikah muda dan jadi bapak muda itu banyak susahnya, demi kepuasan menimang anak super lucu, dengan ini gue deklarasikan, gue rela. Some things in life are simply worth pursuing.

Batam-Bintan Trip. Sun, Sands, and oh-SOOO-Sweet.

Every great story must end,
And every great ending has a beginning,
So let's begin...

Leaving Singapore


FRIDAY NIGHT - REACHING BATAM

We took ferry from HarbourBay to Batam, and it needs only 40 minutes. Batam is great, it's a simple yet tidy city, and the feeling to go back to my home country can make me feel so mellow.


Near our hotel's swimming pool - yeah, it's at night, so you can't see the pool. Haha..

Life is about saving cost sharing

SATURDAY - BATAM

In the morning, we swam (for me, it's not really competitive swimming). I like swimming, but not so much for its health benefit. I feel peace while inside the water, relaxing. Enjoying great weather and playing just like a carefree child. Once in a while, I simply enjoy that feeling.

We took some great photos there, from the most elegant to the most disgusting ones (will post them tomorrow). But I am not going to show the disgusting ones here, to protect myself from all my gay fans out there. Haha.

Posing before swimming...

.... and after swimming. If you think this is disgusting enough, well... you may not be right. Haha...


In the afternoon, we went to Pulau Galang to see some historical places. I have never been very good nor interested in history, but I did enjoy the visit. I did some self-reflection there. I compared the faces of people there and here in Singapore (or other big cities). People there are much happier. They have neither a lot of money nor cool job, yet they look very peaceful and happy. Something in life simply can't be bought by money.

Pulau Galang

The Gapura

It's not Noah's ship. They say it's the ship used by the Vietnamese to escape blablabla. I am not very good at memorizing history fact.

At the beach

At night, my friends and I had spa. Don't think too much guys, it was just spa, and not anything else. I know a lot of people come to Batam to have spa with that extra mile, but not me okay...


SUNDAY - FROM BATAM TO BINTAN


Bintan is world-renowned resort, and given ample time, it will stand in par with Bali (Bali must work hard to stay ahead, I must say)

BEACH GUYS (AND GIRLS) In ACTION!!


In front of our villa. You won't believe that this place was nothing but forests just a few years ago, kudos to the management.

Inside the buggy. It's not a honeymoon photo btw...

BEACH!!! Yes, Bintan is all about great beaches (and babes of course =)). With its white sands, perfect wind, clean water and great food.



Freestyle


It's supposed to be choreographed one, but... haha...



MONDAY - BACK TO SINGAPORE


I planned to get some suntanning in the morning, but too bad the weather didn't allow me to do so. It was raining, so sad. Nevertheless, Bintan trip is just amazing.




TRIBUTE TO MY TWO FRIENDS - RONALD AND EMING

Guys, it has been great to know you two. For Ronald, probably my closest friend here in Singapore, it is so sad if I look back - and realizing that you have done so much for us - from helping us to find the SBS Bus number, to buy the movie tickets, to plan the whole Batam-Bintan trip, just to mention a few.

Two of you must come back here SOON okay. This is an order. Hehe...

I believe, some things in life are simply eternal, including our friendship. We will miss you...

Holiday Mood

9am: Going to gym, after more than 1 week never exercise. I can feel some layer of fat around my tummy. Well, 1 layer more than usual =P

11.30am: Settling some office stuffs

1pm-3pm: Volunteering for Salvation Army. Guys, they need more volunteers to help out their good cause, so do ring them or drop them an E-mail.

3.30-4.30pm: Preparing for Batam & Bintan Trip. Yes, I guess 1 hour should be enough to pack everything.

6.30pm: Leaving Singapore. Batam & Bintan, I am coming!!!


If you can't contact me tomorrow night to Monday evening, don't worry. I am not kidnapped so even though I know you care so much for me (ohh so super duper sweet), please don't ring the police since they are already very busy.

I know I am being disgusting, but don't care. I am in a complete holiday mood, and I deserve it. See ya!

Four Christmases

Well, well, well. If you wish to get holier after watching this movie, maybe you better spend that $10 for something else other than a movie ticket - GIVE TO CHARITY for example. Or treat me for a meal, at least you make a difference in someone's life - mine.

Nevertheless, this movie ROCKS. I must give it a 4 out of 5 because it is really funny, the two actors (Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon) are just brilliant. I think anyone no need to think twice if they want to decide which movie to watch - ANY movie where Reese Witherspoon, Leo Di Caprio, or Ben Stiller acts will do.)

If you have a friend or husband/wife or gf/bf who is FAT and you are lack of idea how to insult them in order for them to go for an emergency diet, this movie will give you just the sentence you will EVER need.

"I think you were supposed to be TWINS, but you ATE the other baby"

Ouch...

If anyone ever tell me that sentence, I will turn vegetarian for the rest of my life.


However, this movie is not without so-called Lessons Learnt.

Guys, Girls (or something in between, don't care), what will you say after your other-half fails to do something, and as the result, humiliated and hopeless?



Will you tell him "I TOLD YA, YOU WON'T SUCCEED. You just never listen!"

or "It's okay, you are just unlucky."

or something like that?



NO, don't ever say that. If that thing ever happens. If your partner ever fails to get a promotion, if he loses money in the stock market, if she "accidentally" buys a gucci bag (this time around, it happens to be the original one, not the guci or guchi she usually buys), tell them...


"I AM PROUD OF YOU... as always. But please return the gucci bag will ya?"



So sweet....

From Art With Love

I feel that these days my art sense reaches 8-year high (exactly the opposite of the financial market).

First, I visited an art museum... for the SECOND time in my life. I can't remember the first time, but I think it's somewhere around 10 or 11 years ago.

Second, I spent half-day reading at Page One bookstore @ Vivocity. Nope, I don't browse through biography, business, or psychology books. I looked at art books. Design. Photographs. Poets. Cartoons. Houses. Really good Hotels. I must say, spending 1/2 day like that is simply amazing.

Then I did some karaoke (which is one of my all-time favourites) for 4 straight hours. That's enough to make me lose voice the next day.

And not to forget... drawing cartoons. I used to like.. no, LOOVVEEE drawing so much when I was young. After 6 years, finally I can enjoy drawing again.



To be very frank, to attain happiness is not that difficult. A simple visit to the museum. A walk at the park. Doing our simple hobbies. Meeting people we love.

Afterall, you don't need $1000 to get an enjoyable evening.

Things I would Happily Do for Hours, For FREE

I have just finished drawing some cartoons. Drawing is my past-time favourite, and I won drawing competitions when I was a kid (although... I know, it's hardly to believe if you just see my humble drawings =))

It's quite amazing how I never do some drawings for so long! What the hell am I doing for the past 6 years??? Sad sad....

Anyway... beside drawing, these are the things I love doing (not necessarily good at.. =))

- Playing badminton - used to play 6 hours straight

- Writing stories and articles... and of course, blog.

- Eating - I am exceptionally talented in this.

- Singing - I must say my voice quality is somewhere around Ronan Keating's. Yes, around 40 miles apart.

- Reading - can spend days inside bookstore or library

- Sleeping - again, this is my real forte. I can sleep anytime, anywhere, even when I am standing.

- Talking - I can't match the skill of aunties, but again, I am good at it.

- Shopping - let me know if you want to use your Credit Card after so long never use it

- Running - I am a long-distance running specialist

- Finding people's mistakes - I am really really good at it. You won't believe how good I am.

- Bitching - terms and conditions apply

- Negotiating - anything is negotiable, it's just a wink away.

- Taking pictures of myself - unmatched.

- Playing piano - although I am not very talented, but I do have some flair for it

- Procrastinating - again, I am really good at it.

- Acting - would love to play in another drama


Maybe I should do the things I enjoy doing to make my life happier... You should try too..

Sad Love Story

10th grade

As I sat there in English class, I stared at the girl next to me. She was my so called
"best friend". I stared at her long, silky hair, and wished she was mine. But she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it.

After class, she walked up to me and asked me for the notes she had missed the day before and handed them to her. She said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I wanted to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

11th grade

The phone rang. On the other end, it was her. She was in tears, mumbling on and on about how her love had broke her heart. She asked me to come over because she didn't want to be alone, so I did. As I sat next to her on the sofa, I stared at her soft eyes, wishing she was mine. After 2 hours, one Drew Barrymore movie, and three bags of chips, she decided to go to sleep.

She looked at me, said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

Senior year

The day before prom she walked to my locker. "My date is sick" she said; he's not going to go well, I didn't have a date, and in 7th grade, we made a promise that if neither of us had dates, we would go together just as "best friends". So we did. Prom night, after everything was over, I was standing at her front door step! I stared at her as she smiled at me and stared at me with her crystal eyes. I want her to be mine, but she isn't think of me like that, and I know it. Then she said "I had the best time, thanks!" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

Graduation Day

A day passed, then a week, then a month. Before I could blink, it was graduation day. I watched as her perfect body floated like an angel up on stage to get her diploma. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it. Before everyone went home, she came to me in her smock and hat, and cried as I hugged her. Then she lifted her head from my shoulder and said, "you're my best friend, thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

A Few Years Later

Now I sit in the pews of the church. That girl is getting married now. I watched her say "I do" and drive off to her new life, married to another man. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn`t see me like that, and I knew it. But before she drove away, she came to me and said "you came!". She said "thanks" and kissed me on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

Funeral

Years passed, I looked down at the coffin of a girl who used to be my "best friend". At the service, they read a diary entry she had wrote in her high school years. This is what it read:


I stare at him wishing he was mine, but he doesn't notice me like that, and I know it. I want to tell him, I want him to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love him but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why. I wish he would tell me he loved me!

I wish I did too... I thought to my self, and I cried.






Friends, the best time to express your love is NOW.

Close your eyes... imagine...

What will happen if tomorrow simply never comes?





P.S. I LOVE YOU This story is taken from here.

Irony of Love

My friend wrote in her blog.

"... in every relationship, it’s never 50-50 between each partner. It’s always 70-30 or 60-40. There’s always someone who loves the other more. Whoever ends up with more percentage is busting their butt off, making tremendous sacrifices to make the other person happy."

How true is that?


We make sacrifices everyday for a complete asshole, without realizing there are some persons who secretly wish to be our numero uno.



Research shows... the most attractive persons are not singles, quite the opposite. They are married persons, especially married women with super rich and handsome and successful husbands. WHY?

Why the most attractive "gay" hearttrhobs are straight male actors who are married with two children, and the most attractive males according to women are in fact gays? WHY?

Because it's always challenging to try to get something we can't get.

For me, I know that something is impossible to attain... but I still do it... just for the fun of it. Seriously.


For the first 22 years of my life, I have been in love several times. I must say, there is nothing similar among my crushes except for one thing.... which is...

"They are the ones who broke so many guys' hearts... in one way or another. "



And that makes me thrilled. Very very thrilled. I love the challenge.


Like what JFK said..

I do things not because they're easy, but because they're HAARRRRDD.

Reflection of The Day - How to be Miserable

"The key of misery is trying too hard to impress someone who actually doesn't bloody care."

- Benny Pandowo



Good night, sweet dream.

Reflection of The Day - How to Change The World

A young man asked his teacher how to change the world.

The teacher answered:

1. Tell your family members how much you love them
2. Tell your friends how much you appreciate their company
3. Tell the ones you hate "I am sorry, that's my fault."

I imagine, if everyone could do those 3 things, how much better this world would become.


Good night, sweet dream.

(Supposed to be) Funny Quote of The Day

"Honesty and Sincerity are two important qualities in a relationship. If you can FAKE those, you win the battle." *wink*

- Benny Pandowo

Good night, sweet dream.

Ditolak, Dimadu, atau Digantung?

1. Ditolak
Dalam bahasa Indonesia, ditolak adalah lawan kata menolak. Menolak adalah percakapan dengan diri sendiri, tanpa lawan bicara *jayus mode on*

Kata Titiek Puspa, sakit hati lebih sakit daripada sakit gigi. Kalau mau membayangkan bagaimana rasanya ditolak, silakan membayangkan gigi dicabut, tapi cabutnya bukan dalam waktu 20 detik, tapi dalam waktu 2 hari. Kebayang? bagus. Life is cruel men. LIFE IS CRUEL, remember that. *berlebihan mode on*

Tapi enaknya ditolak, terutama buat cowok, bisa move on the next day. Remember, not everyone is worth even 1 day of your precious life, so life must go on.


2. Dimadu
Siapa sih yang suka jadi orang kedua? Apalagi ketiga, keempat, kelima?

Dimadu bisa berimbas ke berkurangnya rasa percaya diri, karna berarti kalau pasangan kita memadu kita, ada yang kurang dari diri kita. Kita musti bertanya ke diri sendiri, apa sih kurang kita? APA???

Kalau jawabannya "banyak", well, to be frank, kita layak dimadu. Hehe, bercanda... =P

Tapi dimadu ada enaknya juga, kita jadi punya alasan yang valid buat menyeleweng juga. We don't start the fire, jadi rasa bersalahnya berkurang. Hehe....

3. Digantung
Baik literally atau secara implisit, digantung itu paling tidak enak.

Ini cewek atau cowok mau gak sih sama gue??

Kalau kata lagu jaman jebot,
"If you really love me, say yes. If you don't dear, confess. And please don't tell me, perhaps perhaps perhaps."


Ini adalah hal yang paling tidak enak, tapi sekaligus hal yang paling gampang dipecahkan.

Tanya aja, "Do you?" Kalau menurut bahasa Inggris, jawabannya cuma "I DO" or "I DON'T"

Either way, problem is solved.



Kalau disuruh memilih, saya pilih apa?


Hmm...


Hmmm....


Hmmmmmm....



Saya pilih diterima saja. *kabur sebelum ditimpuk tomat* We live together, forever, happily ever after.

I know I am smart.

My friendster account is GONE!!!!

Yes, it is gone, and I have absolutely no idea how it can be gone just like that.

I have never accessed Friendster other than using my own laptop, so there's no way people can do something funny about it.... Well they may hack it, but hey... why not hacking Barack Obama's or Paris Hilton's? Why must hack my poor friendster account?



I know Friendster is so out, and now everyone is using Facebook (including myself), but still... I have over 500 friends there, with so many comments etc. No, I am not bragging about numbers, it's all about the memory kept there.

Sad sad..... Friendster, please do something. Please.

Hal Terbesar yang Kita Lakukan Buat Cewek

Terinspirasi dari apa yang ditulis teman saya (Miss you bro! Kapan threesome lagi nonton bioskopnya?)


Apa sih hal tergila yang pernah kita lakukan buat cewek kita?

Kalau saya sih..... ehmmm.... apa yah?? Bentar-bentar...


Kayaknya gak ada deh.. *terdengar suara gubrak dari bangku penonton*



Saya tidak pernah mengaku sebagai cowok romantis. Benda termahal yang pernah saya beli buat seorang cewek adalah sebuah cincin perak merek Perlini Silver saat diskon 50%. Yang bilang "sukurin lu masih jomblo!" tolong ya, inget karma.


Saya tidak pernah bilang "I love you" dan berbagai macam versinya lebih dari dua puluh kali sepanjang 22 tahun hidup saya. Itu berarti kurang dari 1 kali setahun if you believe in statistics.

Saya tidak pernah menunggu di luar rumah seorang cewek saat hujan seperti di drama-drama.


Saya tidak romantis, jauh dari itu.



Tapi setidaknya saya tahu satu hal. Cinta adalah sakral, dan apapun badai yang akan kita hadapin, kita akan bisa melewatinya.

When I feel I want to give up, you give me enough reason not to.

When I want to cry, you give me enough reason to be strong.

When I feel that life is meaningless, you remind me that you are the meaning of my life.




Kembali ke pertanyaan semula, apa pengorbanan terbesar yang sudah atau akan kita berikan ke cewek kita.



My answer is... "Does my life count?"

Funny Quote of The Day

"Behind every successful man is a woman. Behind every not so successful one, there are two."


Good night, sweet dream :)

Love Quote of The Day

"If loving you is stupid, then I don't mind being an idiot."

- Benny Pandowo

Good night, sweet dream.


P.S. I LOVE YOU

Dua Sen Saya Tentang Menulis

Menulis adalah ekspresi, dan seperti halnya ekspresi, emosi memerankan peran yang amat penting dalam menulis.



Orang yang mengenal saya dengan baik mungkin tahu kalau saya punya emosi yang cukup labil. Saya bisa gampang marah gara-gara masalah sepele seperti pelayan restoran yang tidak bisa berbahasa Inggris, prosedur yang ribet dan memakan waktu, sampai saat bos saya tidak bisa mengerti apa yang saya lakukan dengan sepenuh hati.

Dulu saya sangat suka hobi makan, dan pelampiasan stress saya adalah dengan makan makanan enak nan berlemak. Jadi kalau anda bertemu saya bertambah gendut, itu artinya saya sedang banyak masalah, dan jangan pernah sapa saya dengan ucapan "kok tambah gendut??". SUDAH BOSAN HIDUP YA?????

Oops. Ya itulah saya kalau lagi sensi.



Lalu apa hubungan antara emosi dengan menulis. Menulis adalah salah satu ekspresi emosi. Segala macam emosi, dari senang, sedih, marah, bingung, bosan, dan lain-lain bisa diekspresikan dengan bentuk tulisan.


Jangan takut menulis. Kalau ada orang yang mengecam anda gara-gara anda menulis sesuatu, anda boleh teriak "Bitch, why not you get out of here and get a freaking life!!!"

Ini hidup anda, dan dalam hidup ini, you are in-charge. You are Obama or Jose Mourinho of your own life... and I am still and always be your David Beckham. I steal the whole show. HAHAHAHAH.


Selamat menulis.


P.S. I LOVE YOU

P.S. Blog terbaik dan yang paling bisa diandalkan adalah www.blogger.com. Jangan pakai friendster. Haha...

Love Quote of The Day

For me, the key of happiness is simple... Spend 1/4 of your life to find someone you can't live without for the remaining 3/4 of your life.

- Benny Pandowo



Good night, sweet dream.

Teman-Teman Saya Memang Unik (bagian 2)

Seorang cewek seyogianya bertindak seperti cewek, apalagi kalau dia berasal dari sebuah kota kecil di Jawa Tengah yang terkenal dengan budaya bantu-membantu (Mungkin karna faktor kota asalnya itu, dia kadang disangka berasal dari FeeLeePeen, negeri sejuta babu). Tapi jangan main-main, teman wanita saya yang satu ini adalah orang dengan cubitan dan pukulan dahsyat, sedahsyat seorang instruktor fitness. Bukan main...

Tapi bicara soal dahsyat, beberapa orang memang terlahir dengan kemampuan unik. Biarpun baru tinggal di negara Singapura selama kurang dari 5 tahun, teman dekat saya ini punya kemampuan yang RUARRR biasa, diantaranya:
- Mampu menghafal nomor-nomor bus di Singapura yang jumlahnya lebih dari 200 biji. DUA RATUS. Jadi, hanya dengan bermodalkan sebuah kitab suci berjudul "Translink Guide", dia mampu memberi tahu bus mana yang berasal dari mana, menuju ke mana. PLUS ONGKOSNYA. Wow...
- Mau tahu caranya berhemat di Singapura? Teman saya ini ahlinya, dia tahu perbandingan harga barang-barang di Singapur. Misalnya, mana yang lebih murah antara telor di Giant dan Fair Price. Penting gak sih??? Penting donk... emangnya uang tumbuh di pohon?!!


Apakah anda terserang penyakit bulimia atau berharap badan anda sekurus Victoria Beckham? Lupakan pil-pil diet yang mahal. Yang anda butuhkan adalah seseorang yang mengingatkan anda bahwa anda amatlah gendut, sebanyak 6 kali dalam 1 menit. Tapi kalau anda sudah kebal dari peringatan itu, anda boleh mencoba resep diet yang tidak akan pernah gagal, yaitu kentut yang baunya mematikan, lima kali lebih parah daripada bau comberan. Teman saya bisa melakukan itu dengan sangat mudah.


Terakhir, kalau anda membutuhkan seorang pembicara untuk mengisi acara buka puasa atau penyegaran rohani, makan malam perusahaan, atau untuk sekedar mengisi waktu saat anda lagi menunggu giliran boker di toilet umum, anda bisa panggil teman saya yang punya kemampuan berceramah setingkat dengan AA Gym.


Oh iya, kalau anda seorang istri yang sudah bosan dengan suami anda, anda bisa menyewa jasa seorang pegawai bank spesialis penakluk hati tante-tante kekurangan kasih sayang (Tapi sayangnya, banyak om-om yang juga kepincut). Dia adalah teman dari teman saya *kedip mata*

Teman-teman saya memang unik-unik.

20 Crazy Things I would do for FREE

20. Dating someone 20 years older than me

19. Acting in an action movie without stuntman

18. Driving at 140 km/hour to impress someone

17. Swimming naked when noone is looking

16. Sleeping naked in my single room

15. Eating any disgusting meal, as long as it sounds French.

14. Proposing to my future wife in front of her parents

13. Becoming a safe-sex ambassador

12. Writing a hate letter for someone I really hate

11. Acting as a gay in a movie, and doing anything to make the movie looks real... anything but sex.. unless you are Brad Pitt *wink*

10. Going for a speed dating or a blind date.

9. Crying when giving a speech

8. Working 48 hours straight without sleeping for a deadline

7. Spending 1 year for a good cause in Africa

6. Asking a person beside me to combine purchase if that can save us $10 each

5. Knocking door to door to ask for a donation drive I believe in

4. Being a husband at the age of 23, and a father soon after that

3. Being raped by Angelina Jolie (who doesn't want, stupid?)

2. Waiting 10 years for someone I truly love

1. Writing 20 crazy things I would do for FREE :)

Gays, Gay Club, and I.

He is handsome, tanned, and toned. He can get any woman he wants just by asking. He surely is successful with that expensive suit and mobile phone, and he is charismatic. Just about every quality to make a woman... even the most successful one will leave everything and follow him just like the twelve disciples followed Jesus Christ.

But he surely doesn't want a woman, quite the opposite. He is one of the straight-looking men who had decided long time ago that they are not straight, and WHO CARES.

Jack (not his real name) is one of those people who must live under pressure and prejudice. They are successful in career, and are respected by their colleagues. But they will never be treated equal, just because of their sexual preference. They are gays.

And by the way, that spa who is clearly written "FOR MEN ONLY" is just one of similar spas in Singapore. From outside, people won't know what is inside, and when I entered that spa, I was totally lost of words. GOSH, This Is Cool! Wait... I never say I like that place although going to that place is indeed an experience, especially when someone pays for my entry.

That spa is located at Clarke Quay area, a place in Singapore reserved for the Rich-And-Famous and probably the Not-So-Rich-Or-Famous but willing to pay several tens of dollars minimum just to enjoy the nightlife-at-its-best. And there it goes, the place is perfect for some people with similar sexual preference who are different with most people with the same gender.

The place is OH-MY-GOD Cool and surely does it look relaxing. With super-size sauna and comfortable swimming pool, with a bar, TV room, and full-facility gym. It does look like normal Club, the difference is only who enter that Club. Oh by the way, have I mentioned that this Club has a storey reserved for people who want to have a little fun? With private rooms and beds, you don't need JK Rowling's imagination skill to imagine what happens there.

I was invited by a person who I have just met the day before and asked me out for "dinner" (yes, we had dinner at Starbucks, he was not fully cheating me). I am a type of person who don't mind exploring new things as long as it doesn't clash with my values and ethics, and hey, visiting a Gay Club is a good experience! How many straight people have the guts and the chance to go there?

With lots of eyes looked at me with a body language equivalent with "have sex with me boy", I was indeed asked to have sex with them. It's quite flattering that they found me attractive, maybe because of this boyish look (people usually don't think that I am 22). I never think I am super good-looking or super sexy (although maybe my gym membership will bring me to that particular point one day, I hope).

"Boy, you are so good looking and sexy. Want to have some fun?"

"Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, I am straight"

... and yes, am I straight.




Note:
The author is straight, married with two children , but he respects gays and feels that gays need to be treated not any worse. Some people like chicken steak, some people like Tom Yam. It's just a matter of preference.