Season X

Favorite auditions:

• Amy Yakima (Jazz)

Hands down to this audition that blew all the auditions who were previously on the top of my list (yup it's officially my new #1 audition). Amy Yakima, as a person, is very likeable. She reminds me of Melanie Moore; her joyous smile, humbleness and what they both wore for the audition, Amelia Lowe; for being an early standout and the pale skin, and unique looks. Throughout the series I saw her more resembling Alison Holker whenever she danced, who is known to be the show's greatest female dancer. 

Speaking about the dance though, WHERE DID SHE COME FROM?! She changed her center during the turns, crazy extensions and the emotion! The climax (.."desespoir" moment) was right-on. Many jazz and contemporary dancers throw too many techniques making the dance looks a little too over the top but this audition was the absolute combination of techniques and emotion. This audition, again, reminds me of Melanie Moore's and Amelia Lowe's. Indeed, very memorable. 

• Caleb Brauner (Contemporary)

I have a faith that a TV show always brings out personality. Thank goodness it's true. This guy named Caleb, in my opinion, is the biggest personality this season. That's my nerd. I hope he'll return next season.

• Tommy Tibball (Contemporary)

I have an absolute joy watching him. He would've been my favorite male contemporary dancer this season if he hadn't been cut after ballroom round in Vegas and made it through to the Top 20. The feet, though. The feet. I agreed with Nigel that his remind me of Jakob Karr's and Billy Bell's. Please return next season! 

• Jeremy Rodriguez (Salsa)

Being a brother of a sister who was about to do the biggest audition in her life but something went wrong-- in this case, her salsa partner could not come for the audition, there was nothing else to do but to help. How did he help his sister? He took the position as her sister's new salsa partner and learned the routine only for three hours. Three hours, people. Geez. Cool brother is cool. It's too bad that Jeremy is under age, and his sister did not make it to the Top 20. I am beyond excited to see him and his sister, Katlyn, return next season. 

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Here are my favorite routines:

Amy Yakima & Jasmine Mason - Jazz routine by Sonya Tayeh

Top 20 Opening Routine by NappyTabs

Makenzie Dustman & Paul Karmiryan - Jazz by Sean Cheesman

Mariah Spears & Carlos Garland - Contemporary by Stacey Tookey

Amy Yakima & Fik Shun - Hip Hop by NappyTabs

Top 17 - Group Routine by Sonya Tayeh & Christopher Scott (AGAIN!)

Malece Miller & All-star Marko Germar - Contemporary by Sonya Tayeh

Makenzie Dustman & Paul Karmiryan - Hip Hop 

Amy Yakima, Paul Karmiryan, Fik-Shun, Aaron, Alexis, Jasmine and Tucker - Contemporary by Bonnie Story

Makenzie Dustman & Paul Karmiryan - Contemporary by Mandy Moore

Aaron Turner & Jasmine Harper - Hip Hop by NappyTabs

Amy, Makenzie, Malece, Jasmine, Hayley and Jenna (Top 6 Girls) - Contemporary by Stacey Tookey

Paul Karmiryan & Hayley Erbert - Contemporary by Dee Caspary
Officially known as the two of the most physically-beautiful dancers on the show.

Aaron Turner & All-star Melinda Sullivan - Tap

Fik-shun & All-star tWitch - Hip Hop
Naw. "Like tWitch and tWich Jr.!"

Amy Yakima & All-star Robert Roldan - Contemporary by Stacey Tookey

The performances above were actually just 'regular' performances. By regular, I mean, just extraordinary as usual. This season's breakthrough concept was what made season 10 a stand-out. This was something fresh-- no other show in television has done it before. The show brought All-stars back, which already happened since season 7, and the All-stars were the ones choreographing each of their partners. Here are some standout performances from the All-star/Choreographer week (the Top 8 week)

Paul Karmiryan & All-star Comfort - Hip Hop

Jenna Johnson & All-star Mark Kanemura - Pop

But the best of all, the pairings that happened after the planets were aligned:

Amy Yakima & All-star Travis Wall - Contemporary

Not only the best routine of the week, but the best of the season!

P.S. I got a lot of Instagram likes, and a couple of retweets and favorites from this year's SYTYCD dancers (especially from my favorite this year, Amy, Paul and Makenzie) woop woop.

Reflection

Death of someone I loved. Somehow world can be cruel to me that happened again. Cory Monteith, famously known for his role as Finn Hudson, on Glee, my favorite TV show of all time, was found dead in a hotel in Vancouver last July 13. I could not understand. He had so much going on--good things, in his life so why would he be taken away so fast? He was supposed to marry Lea in a few weeks time. The inspiration coming out from him must go on forever. It is deeply devastating me to know that after four years, he is gone. He is a huge loss to our generation-- in which I believe that we gradually learn to accept ourselves and others more than the past generations. 

I knew him from Glee, on the very first episode. Both Cory and his character, Finn, have touched me so deeply. Those who have seen the pilot episode as well need no more explanation why he simply was meant to be the individual that we loved. Words are not just enough to tell. 

Having experience to be bullied as a kid for quite a while, I wish there were more men like them when I was in the darkest shades in my life. 

What was mostly seen on the surface was the character Finn Hudson being the center of the group of misfits on Glee. However there were more than just it. I was so lucky that I got to discover Cory's past. Multiple school dropouts, started smoking and drinking at such young age. It was all dark. He was set to be a failure. It all changed after he moved to his mother's friend house in Vancouver who were in recovery from addiction. What highlighted the biggest turning point in his life was when he was exposed to the arts; acting, by his teacher at age of 19. Failed auditions over and over. Jobs after jobs. Small roles after small roles. He eventually landed himself to Glee and to wherever he had been. Against all odds, Cory made it through. 

The lesson we all could learn beneath the tall, awkward, Canadian and actor who plays drum, is that it is all about perseverance; we can always get back up. He went to hell back and forth-- he always succeeded. 

With him taking the midnight train going anywhere now, I am grateful that I met him. I am inspired by him, to say that it's okay to not knowing where to go. We all made mistakes but still, it does not hurt to say we were wrong. Perseverance is what matters. Get back up, always. Our lives can head to a better side like Cory's or Finn's. We can. 

"Don't Stop Believing" was one of his very first songs to be sung for Glee, and his last song as well. We start with what we have to, and end with remembering how we started. There you go, don't stop.

I will never forget how much he always put himself to the arts. I, as a person who loves arts since I was small, have often imagined myself still pursuing the arts somehow things happened along the way and I took the wrong path. His portrayal of a story of a teenager in a quandary regarding out future, gave strength to every cell in my body. 

Going to miss you, Cory. Do not forget to smile back at us.

To all Gleeks out there, let us be cherished about the presence of this very wonderful human being. Tears aside, let's celebrate what he has been through and accomplished. We will see him again. He'll say, "sorry if I hadn't been around, there's a good explanation to that."

To all those who care about Cory, especially in Canada, please donate whatever amount you can to Project Limelight, a project which Cory had times to work with to help kids in Vancouver pursuing the arts. Cory wanted to help kids who love the arts. 

Thank you, Cory. Rest in Peace, big guy.

#RememberingCory

棉兰, 我到了!

I have only been in Medan once-- around seven or eight years ago for a one day transit before I went to Penang for ear issues. It was different Medan back then. I never encountered a traffic congestion and too many private vehicles on the street. 

The purpose of going here is actually to attend my relative's wedding. As a family reunion as well. Here is what I discovered in Medan:

Food

The food here are relatively the similar food you find in Chinese areas in Jakarta; pork, noodles and fish soup. All Indonesian-Chinese (Peranakan) is likely to exist here. It won't be too alien for your tongue. Everything just tastes better here. Not to mention the price. One bowl of beehoon with duck meat (bihun bebek) is around 50,000 --twas a huge portion, though. Gile!

My favorite was; Babi Panggang Karo (Karonese Roasted Pork)
Some culinary travel tips: have someone who is familiar in getting around the city guided you; there are so many eating spots that offer food at its best, at reasonable price (they are often not seen from the main roads. You are more likely to get the standard price, so you'll be able to save up)

Nih, my favorite: Babi Panggang Karo

(Above) Bihun Ikan, (Below) Chiong Fan 

Family
We are one big freaking family. It was too bad that we were separated by seas. Ada yang di Jakarta, di Australia, Pekan Baru dan tak terkecuali di Medan, which is where my grandparents (alias the first generation) grew up. My relatives that I visited in Medan were of my late grandmother's only brother descendants (I am supposed to call him, kukong)-- yang semuanya pada bisa bahasa Hokkien sedangkan saya tidak huhu. 
As I mentioned before, one of the reasons we went to Medan was to attend a relative's wedding. It was the wedding of the eldest grandchild of kukong-- the son of my father's closest cousin, and my ... um, let's just refer him as my relative. Anyway it was the first wedding of the third generation (us, the grandchildren) from kukong's side so it was definitely awaited and celebrated hugely. 
Speaking about family reunion, obviously everyone got to have conversation with each other, in which I did not have any conversation or whatsoever (boo me, alright) since most of them speak in Hokkien T_T and I barely understood any of them except when they talked about family history and family tree. That, I understood, because I learned them in advance wayyyy before I went to Medan. You know, curiosity drove me to those questions. It was a long history and big family tree though. But it was fun spending the time with them. And we definitely took SO many photos together. By "many", I mean, many. There was once a time when my kima (grandmother's sister) posed Gangnam Style and Cherrybelle for the photo. Ha. That was, Awesome! 

Duren Medan

Ko Wilson is a married man! Congrats!

The Places

We visited Berastagi and Tjong A Fie mansion. Did not get to go to Toba Lake, unfortunately.

Kosakata & Arti Baru
Atret = Mundur
Doorsmir / Doorsmeer = Cuci Mobil
Paja = Pasar

Pare = Ikan Pari
Tempel (Ban) = Tambal (Ban)
Teh Pahit Dingin = Es Teh Tawar
Teh Tong = Teh Manis

Speaking of traveling to Medan, here are more tips or warning from me, yang masih amatir (ha):

1. Medan is not a tourist city so; hotel bagus bisa dihitung dengan jari, tidak banyak tempat wisata yang 'wah' dan otomatis harga yah harga lokal bukan harga turis.

2. For those who thought that Toba is not so far enough from Medan, ha ha me too.

4. Smoking in public is a very public thing to do even in air-con room.

5. No need for addressing any complains about the Polonia airport, since the newly-built one will be opened soon: Kualanamu. In Soekarno-Hatta and Polonia airport, I got to see the ads about the Kualanamu airport-- so excited to see the design, the layout, and obviously new system in the airport that (I hope) will be more, idk, 'welcoming'

World Scholar's Cup 2013

Just last May 18th to 19th, I participated in World Scholar's Cup 2013 in Global Jaya Int'l School. As a member of Torchbearers, school's English club, this event was the most awaited one as it became our final goal, to be accomplished at the end of year 11 before we may part our ways being busy as grade 12 students. 

We encountered many students from other schools with *cough* godly-high *cough* sophisticated speaking skills (English). They are educated holistically so they are prone to think outside the box. Yet they are very confident. They are frickin' IB students. Come on.

My team had a breakdown on our first debate round, then I switched roles into 1st speaker then eventually got better-- until we won a debate round (read: I won my First debate round)

What a joy. I never faced any competitive debate before and I had to, for this event-- and I won my first debate round!  

We did only want to participate. In fact, it was not mentioned in our goal that we wanted to win something. However, we exceeded. Six of us, who joined the event, won medals and we are qualified for a global round in Dubai in this upcoming June~

Here are some awards that I earned, individually and as a team:

• Honorable Mention for Top Teams in Scholar's Bowl 
• Honorable Mention for Top Individuals in Arts Scholar's Challenge
• Bronze Medalist in Top Individuals in Current Affairs Scholar's Challenge 
• Honorable Mention for Top Individuals in Special Area Scholar's Challenge
• Honorable Mention for Top Teams in Collaborative Writing 
• Honorable Mention for Top Teams in Scholar's Challenge
• Bronze Medalist for Top Rookie Teams
• 9th Place, earning Silver medal, in All-Round Top Teams, qualifying for Global Round in Dubai

My fellow friends won more awards than me. Congrats to them as well!

I would like to thank:

- Mr. JC

- Ms. Mariza and the finance dept of the school

- Fellow Torchbearers who have taught, given advices and good example of how to speak in public

- Mr. Daniel Berdichevsky, Mr. Zac Ellington, Mr. Junhyung, Mr. Gautham and all the WSC team

- Global Jaya Int'l School 

- All the participants from other schools for being so inspiring and awesome

Who cares if I go to Dubai or not. Knowing that I deserve to be in the same room with other scholars from all around the world, is so flattering.

I would definitely recommend this event to even younger students from any schools because this is a very fun event! I mean it. There are no pressures in winning, and the Alpaca-in- Chief, Mr. Daniel Berdichevsky, and the whole WSC team are very friendly and humorous. I am now friends with two of the WSC team, including the awesome Alpaca-in-Chief himself, on Facebook lol

The ones that always made the day: Mr. Daniel Berdichevksy (the Alpaca-in-chief) and  Mr. Zach Ellington 

Mr. Daniel, the Binus Serpong rep, Mr. JC and Lord Quacksomething

The Alpacas. Pwaa.

The medals I earned!

Andrea Bocelli - Live in KL

I FINALLY MADE IT :')

I lived my sogno last May 5th 2013. I met the love of my life in Kuala Lumpur mwihihi. 

Second chance, does exist!

Dua tahun lalu, di bulan yang sama ketika ga dapet tiket nonton Andrea Bocelli, aura negatif memancar kayak aurat Julia Perez. Obviously I asked "Fucking Why?!" Did I cry? Of course, I was beyond devastated knowing that it could be the only chance. Here are some tweets that reflect how I felt:

Ho ho. This is embarassing. 

Putting the drama aside, as I said before, I made it! It was an Everest that I finally climbed till the top. I went to Kuala Lumpur (for me only, it costs less than the ticket for last year's concert-- supposedly less than 5 million rupiah). I skipped Monday with a permission by the way, which was one of the review day for semester 2 exam. Nobody brought the topic about me skipping school to see Andrea Bocelli in class so I suppose no one knew.

Skip school, checked.

Here are some pics that I took:

Accompanied by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and choir, Andrea Bocelli sang both opera and 'pop-opera' songs. There were several artists joining him, such as a soprano, Sabina Cvilak, guitarists duo, Carisma and female classical quartet, the Div4s. Some of the songs sung before the intermission were from the opera in which he used to perform, a famous Verdi's opera song, and a very old classic Italian opera-- Funiculi Funicula and there were songs, that I frankly never heard of (not a hater, just never heard of, as for the clarification) 

After the intermission, he began to perform his latest cover singles from his newest album, Passione. For your information, Passione compiles love songs from Latin America and Europe. Some of the songs that he performed while playing the piano (ah, I love him) were Love in Portofino, La Vie en Rose and Quizas Quizas Quizas (supposedly a duet with J.Lo. Thank goodness she was not there). You know what it means-- Andrea's singing in different language, again! I got to listen to him singing in not just Italian, but French and Spanish! 

Then towards the end, he performed his famous 1990s songs such as Canto Della Terra (my favorite!), Con Te Partiro (my favorite!), and finally Nessum Dorma (MY FAVORITE!)

Although it was prohibited, I recorded some performances (I must've been really dumb if I didn't) and going to upload it on YouTube. I recorded all the 5 performances mentioned before, but not Nessum Dorma :( I ran out of space in my camera's memory card.

I felt so relieved that I did not have to wait much longer. I did not have to grow old and be rich to see him. I have always imagined that I would watch him next to my partner-- shedding tears just like those people I saw on his "Live in Tuscany" or "Live in Central Park" crying. I just had to be patient and I did wait. All the waiting and the desperation-- it all was paid off. 

It's a dream come true. It's a cliche but it truly was coming true. And I'm so glad that a part of me, right now, is still the same as the 10-year old me. Tonnes of thanks to dad for making it happened! Two of greatest men being around me that night-- nothing, as far as I could think of, beats that. 

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By the way, before the day came, I was struck with a bunch of negative feelings. Again. Everyone in my class has shown a very significant progress, then why haven't I? I've learned that it took time for me but how long will it take? What if I really am, in fact, too slow for everything? What if I am meant to get stuck at something and not improving? I kind of feel traumatized over what has happened-- me getting stuck at one level for some reason so many times :| 
But the post-concert sudden realization became very important to me, as I was rejoicing that I'll get to that point that I've been expecting. Because it has happened; remember how much I love musicals that I finally got to see Wicked? or how much I wanted to see Andrea Bocelli and I finally got to see him, just 18 seat rows away? 

Les Misérables

Adapted from Victor's Hugo novel, of the same name, Les Misérables has been a long-running musical blockbuster since it was first opened in Paris in the 1980s, then followed with a massive success in London when produced by Cameron Mackintosh, who also produced its movie version. The sensation did not stop there. Instead, Les Misérables became one of the highest-earning broadway show in the U.S. Now, the movie hit the box office and the name continued to become a worldwide sensation. It is incredibly rare, in the film history, that a sung-through musical movie is filled by an outstanding ensemble cast of high caliber that killed the acting and singing part altogether; Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit, Russel Crowe, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. Introduced on the musical movie, was rising young stars such as Isabelle Allen and Daniel Huttlestone. With Tom Hooper's direction and Cameron Mackintosh's huge contribution to musical theatre, Les Misérables movie has left 3more apparent imprint on people's heart. Thanks to Hooper's idea to record all the cast singing live during the shooting, instead of recording it before, then lip-sync during the shooting. The lack of cinematography or visual effects required the cast to really portray and pierce our soul when they had to-- and it worked!! (It's brilliant! Hats off to all of them)

I, as a musical-theatre enthusiast, (have been so since I was seven) as well as the fan of the music of Les Misérables, really anticipated this movie since the cast for the movie was announced just at the beginning of 2012. The moment I knew that Anne Hathaway, Jackman, Seyfried, Redmayne and Barks would join the movie version of one of the world's best musicals, I knew that they would kill it or else they'd die.

I have watched Jackman (on Oscar and Tony) and Anne Hathaway (Oscar and movie, Ella Enhanted) sang several times (and they both always killed it, as usual), Samantha Barks as Eponine in Les Mis 25th anniversary concert, Eddie Redmayne acted in several movies such as My Week with Marilyn or Yellow Handkerchief and not to mention Amanda Seyfried who played in Mamma Mia movie, which was a successful musical movie as well. Now wonder why I had deep faith in them that they would take everything by the storm.

(Do I have my favorite moment? No. I loved every second of it. For real. And I tears did almost stream down my cheek several times especially when Fantine, Eponine and Valjean were about to pass away... it's so unfortunate that it's always the tough thing to face ...and the finale though, I barely could breathe)

Comment on the cast;

• I had no comment on Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean). He won Tony. Through his live performances on Oscars and Tonys, no wonder he is an instant target for the movie. He can look good with beard, distinct voice and charisma. He is Tony's heartthrob for universe's sake! haha. 
• Anne Hathaway (Fantine) did break my tear glands when I first watched the trailer several months ago, where she sang I Dreamed a Dream. She freaking killed it. I could not think of anyone else that could do any better job than her. That was the true-est performance that the world has ever witnessed. It was only a simple cinematography, barely used effects or awesome visual but the music and the high notes just strike the audience. Planets just appeared to be aligned when Anne and Tom Hooper found each other, just to make Les Misérables movie to happen.
• Samantha Barks' (Eponine) rendition of On My Own was one of the most emotive ones I've ever heard. Not to mention that she sang it under the rain. The high note was bone-numbing; so cold, so heartfelt. It really signified that disregarding Taylor Swift to portray Eponine was one of the best decisions ever, and picking Barks for the role was the best that they could have done.
• Eddie Redmayne (Marius Pontmercy) killed Empty Chairs at Empty Table. He also gave Marius a feel of romantic, while mostly Marius was portrayed with bad-ass and heroic attitude. That really signified that disregarding Nick Jonas to portray Marius was one of the best decisions ever, as well (yup, we don't expect Disney). His baritone voice solely enhances his charm, after his freckle and other gorgeous facial features.
• Amanda Seyfried (Cosette) did a very extra-terrestial (read: out of this world) collaboration with Eddie Redmayne when it comes to be with a heart full of love. I love her passion and vulnerability in her voice. There were a couple of times when her voice became shaky but that made everything flawless because her feelings were just so real. Seyfried's beautiful bird-like soprano was finally exposed to the world. THANKS, HOOPER.
• I don't care if Russel Crowe (Javert) really can sing or not but what matter to me is that he was portraying Javert. That alone took more than training. In my eyes, he did really tremendous job. In response to everyone's joke about Crowe: there are many other people who can't actually sing but somehow got famous, that you guys can joke about. At least Crowe is a great actor and he made himself famous through his movies, meanwhile some took advantage of YOLO, boobies, sex tapes.

... Along the way, Les Mis has celebrated its 10th and 25th anniversary. It has been celebrated in not just one, but at least a dozen of countries around the world. That alone, is already a remarkable achievemtn for a musical theatre. We shall wait for its 50th anniversary ;)

Hubei

Huzzah! A new year to live on is here! I had one of the best times of my life and I was beyond happy for being able to spend the last days of 2012 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Look it up on Google and you can already discover what it is. No explanation needed about the city. Well-developed. Rich in history and culture. It is one of those vibrant cities along the famous Yangtze river. I am so glad my dad let me join the trip/camp.

The best part of joining the trip here, is that I got to experience a homestay! I passed 2012 with my family host, and especially my homestay host, Bing qian-- I am almost 11 months younger than him. We have several things in common: 

1) Mando-pop, in which both of us listen to Lee Hom and Jay Zhou (google them). We got to spend the New Year's Eve with watching them, and other Chinese-Taiwanese artists performing live on TV until the countdown began. 

2) Calligraphy, in which he is very awesome at, meanwhile I have an interest learning it. And he has cool calligraphy books too! Wish I could photocopy them while I had the chance to do so.

3) TV Series and Anime, in which we both love Detective Conan =) By the way, one thing did surprise me; Bing qian's favorite actor is Wentworth Miller. 

..anyway, putting the talks about it aside, I had great times exploring the city as well with fellow campers, who apparently, came from different places in Indonesia; Palembang, Bali, Tasikmalaya, Solo, Medan and many more! 

Here are several pictures I took:

Sunlight was very rare here.

The one on the right is Bing qian, my home-stay host. He's in senior high school on prep for final exam. He was really good-natured and thoughtful. Not to mention that his family was very warm-hearted. I felt so welcomed and I am going to miss them. Can't wait to return to Wuhan and meet them again someday!

"..if you don't see this clock, you don't wish to visit Wuhan"

Jianghan Rd, one of the famous shopping area in Wuhan

New Year's eve at Yangtze riverside

January 1st 2013: make dumplings

January 1st 2013: see Yangtze River bridge no. 2

January 1st 2013: with Bing Qian and his father

January 1st 2013: I miss childhood

Fellow campers from Bus #3!!

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... A couple of problems:

They cancelled the trip to Yichang, where I could've visited the famous Three Gorges and the dam, because of the weather. I would be just fine with it if they were the one to explain but they did not. So it was a huge disappointment. They had no sense of being responsible for that particular matter, knowing that visiting the Three Gorges was one of the main reason I joined the camp. I lost my chance. 

That's too bad.

At first, I was offered Hubei and Hunan camp. As I looked at booklet Hunan camp, Zhangjiajie was the only place I knew-- I did not know the rest. In comparison to Hubei camp, they offered a home-stay programme and there were more places that I would love to see. So I decided to go to Hubei instead, although Hunan and Hubei are next to each other. 

Little did I know, Willis, who was on the same bus with me told me that some would leave on 7th because they would go to Zhangjiajie. Apparently, some requested and paid additional fee for two nights trip to Zhangjiajie by train from Wuhan. I could've extended my stay to visit Zhangjiajie in Hunan, if I were persistent enough-- unfortunately, not much gut. I had to pay more, booked plane ticket to return to Jakarta and many more. Everything was covered prior to our arrival at Hubei. Things were prone to go wrong, yet I had to manage all those things in just two days. I wish I had known about it earlier. Again, I lost my chance. 

That's too too too too bad.