How often have you heard the phrase, “Boys will be boys”?
We have different expectations for boys and girls, men and women. These expectations have pervasive consequences, affecting our relationships with one another, extending into spheres such as the workplace and the home.
Boys Will be Boys is a Theatre-in-Education programe presented in partnership with the We Can! Campaign, Singapore. Scripted in the often overlooked male perspective, BWBB portrays commonly seen gender stereotypes and the various types of impact—including violence against women—in the local community. It is designed to explore the role of males in violence against women, empowering them to be more responsible for their thoughts and actions.

Remember the mini-production I mentioned previously? This was it.

I was hesitant to participate as an actor when my friend called out for help as I did not have any sort of prior theatre experience. It was only after much contemplation did I decide to put myself up for the challenge. It was an opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends after all. I'm down for that!

The first segment: "Dev & Emily", where I played the role of Caius, Dev's pal.

The second segment: "Runaway Sam", where I played the role of Stephen, Sam's hot-tempered father.

The third segment: "What Does It Mean To Be A Man?", where I played the role of Zack, Amir's party-goer pal.

The play was divided into 3 segments: "Dev & Emily", "Runaway Sam" and "What Does It Mean To Be A Man?" where I played the role of Caius, Dev's quiet pal; Stephen, Sam's ill-tempered father; and Zack, Amir's party-goer best friend; respectively.

Needless to say, I struggled with the portrayal of my characters. This was especially so with Stephen, a chauvinistic middle-aged father with a violent temper—the polar opposite of me. It was a problem that dragged on for quite awhile with little progress until a fellow actress worked with me to create and act out a backstory for the character. With much practice and inspiration I drew from similar characters on TV series that I follow, I was able to solidify and understand Stephen better, stepping into character and acting him out more convincingly.

For the second segment of the play where I'm playing Stephen, Shoes Theatre decided to introduce the audience (and me, that's for sure) to something called "Forum Theatre"—the audience members can stop a performance whereby a character is being oppressed in one way or another (Stephen's son, Sam) and suggest different actions for the actors (in our case, the audience member him/herself as Sam) to carry out on-stage in an attempt to change the outcome of what they are viewing.

This process definitely put my improvisational skills to the test… And because it was only implemented a week before our performance, I had to try and cramp all the possible scenarios that the audience member could dish on me to prepare for a suitable reaction. I got pretty lucky during the forum theatre as most of the participating audience members acted out expected scenarios, to which I had rough mental models to guide my improvisation. I was completely thrown off on 2 occasions though, by this one kid who wrapped apron around me in the midst of my lecture (Stephen was disgusted at Sam wearing a pink apron) and a lady who calmly justified her career choice despite my constant aggressive tone (Sam aspires to become a social worker, which Stephen obviously disapproves of). Both times I broke out in laughter… How professional, uh? Haha!

A wefie with the team after our performance.

I felt so accomplished (pretty sure all of my Shoes Theatre friends are as well) that the performance was so well-received by the audience. Those Monday evenings spend rehearsing with them were indeed draining and at times frustrating, but definitely full of laughter and enriching experiences. I am so thankful for all the acting skills and tips I picked up from my fellow actors and all the fun that we had bringing this production to life. Here's to more such opportunities!

Visit Shoes Theatre's website here for booking, enquires and/or feedbacks.

On the runway during the Teenage Mission: Gorgeous You Finals.

I came to know about the competition after their auditions were over through a friend, and decided to try my luck by sending them an email submission. It was quite a long while before I got a reply and oh boy, how happy was I to find out that I was selected to be part of their 23 finalists!

Selfie on the day of the Teenage Mission: Gorgeous You magazine shoot.

We were called down for a series of photo shoots at Key Editions, but not before getting our hair styled at one of their partnering salons. We had our make-up done first before proceeding to their wardrobe room to get our outfits. I only borrowed a shirt and an accessory to complement the outfit that I already had. I was grouped together with two other female finalists and was brought to the site of our magazine photo shoot. While at it, I took a selfie that I would later submit for one of the competition's subsidiary awards, SelfieKing. Photos taken from the day's shoot were published in the September 2014 Issue of Teenage Magazine… So, get a copy if you haven't yet already!

Selfie on the day of the Teenage Mission: Gorgeous You Finals.

A wefie before we hit the runway.

On the runway during the first segment.

On the runway during the second segment.

It was an expeditious day on the Finals. We reported pretty early to rehearse for the show from scratch with the Teenage crew. We were divided into 5 groups for both segments of the show and I fell into the middle one, which I was a little nervous for as we had to walk solo. After hours of practice, we went for a quick lunch break before changing into our outfits for the first half of the finals and started on preparations. That took a while for me, because well, I pay excessive attention to my hair. We were escorted backstage to kick-start the show soon after, but not before I took a selfie, of course. I did make a ton of mistakes with my runway walk, missing cues and posing awkwardly, but I was glad that my group did well overall. There was chaos backstage during the intermission. Everyone was speedily changing into their second attire and the Teenage crew were running errands all over. Yet still I stand in the changing room, missing my pair of shorts that I left back in the preparation room… Story of my life, really. I was so helpless. A crew member had to run back to search for it on my behalf but time waits for no man.

The show resumed. I had no choice but to put on the same pair of pants I wore for the earlier segment and worked with it. Although my choreography was spot on this time around, I didn't feel all that confident. The whole outfit was a mess. After the final segment, we went backstage and anxiously waited for the announcement of the Top 10. I wasn't expecting myself to be chosen, but my heart still did sank when my name was not called for.

Recipients of the Teenage Choice Award.

After the final leg of the show, all finalists were called up on stage for the crowning of the 2 winners of the competition. It was then the subsidiary awards were given. I am truly honoured and humbled to have been chosen to receive the Teenage Choice award.

Group photo after Teenage Mission: Gorgeous You Finals.

The whole experience was such a thrilling and delightful one. I've gained much valuable exposure and met many new talented friends, one of whom I'm currently working on a mini production with, but I'll save that for a later time. I would like to thank the entire Teenage team for their hospitality and capability in making Teenage Mission: Gorgeous You 2014 such an enjoyable and successful event. And of course, all my lovely family and friends who came down to support me during the Finals and relentlessly helped by liking my SelfieKing photo entry!

There are many things that I want to change about myself externally. No matter how much my friends and family reassure me of my decent looks, I always seem to find myself yearning for improvements. I'm well aware that such thoughts can turn really toxic but I just can't put a stop to them.

Good-looking people tend to be taken more seriously, at least initially. They do not have to put in that extra effort to be recognised amongst others, and get a better chance to show their personality (for better or for worse) in early interpersonal interactions. People are also more receptive and tolerant to their opinions and blunders. Character and charisma, along with other essential qualities that retain adoration are often overlooked once a person is deemed unattractive.

This is really embarrassing for me to share, but I have been fired from a part-time job as a waiter years ago. The reason given by my superior—I “have an unfriendly face that gives the patrons a bad impression of our attitude (at work).” My self-esteem plunged into depths I cannot even begin to describe! There were many (and still are) similar incidences and it took me quite a while to strengthen my confidence and sanitise myself to critics on my physical appearance.

The current me won’t be so easily fazed by such a comment. I’ve learnt to accept my imperfections and the best way I found to do so is to laugh at them. Not taking them seriously lightens the severity and burden on me. That's not to say that I do not feel inferior at times, especially so when I am around really attractive people.

The thing is, I have this mentality that one should always seek to better oneself, in all aspects of life really. I am contented with my looks, but given the opportunities I would definitely try to enhance it. Why be mediocre?

I am trying hard not to let thoughts like these become obsessive but motivational.

Confidence gets you to the top, vulnerability keeps you there.

Concept 4

I walked into the studio looking like an absolute mess: a perspiration-soaked white tee, a pair of red shorts, stained yellow slippers, and two bags full of clothes dragging behind me… And it definitely didn’t help much to see the other people in-line all dressed up to the nines.

It wasn’t long after settling down before I was told to change into my first set of clothes. Basically, I was going to have three sets of shoot, each with a different concept. I went for the quirky, “happy-go-lucky” look to start things off. I had my makeup done and boy, how I wish my skin looked as flawless all the time…

Concept 1

I felt a little nervous while posing for the first shoot but I managed to shake it off. Nervousness won’t be of much use, as I have learnt time and time again. Someone was instructing poses to me, and although I followed, I took the liberty to improvise a little. I didn't want my shots to be generic! It was a good ice-breaker though, as I let myself lose and started to have more fun with the shoot.

Concept 2

For the second concept, I was advised to go for an edgy, “cool” look. In all honesty, this wasn’t exactly my strongest image and the eyeliner I was wearing made me feel a tad self-conscious. Awkward poses prompted one of the models present to lend me a helping hand. A few advices here and there went a long way, and resulted in a shot that I personally adore.

Concept 3

I utilised my velvet blazer for the third, going for a formal, “classy” look. At this point, I was thoroughly enjoying the whole photo shoot process. It was fun, creative and exciting! I felt adventurous and requested to take a shot with only my blazer on. I know that I don't have the to-die-for chest and abs but I think I pulled it off pretty well.

With that, I was done. I changed back into my tee and pair of shorts, slipped on my slippers and left the studio. My makeup was still on and let’s just say that Singaporeans are not accustomed to eyeliner on males.

Hometown Glory I

Hometown Glory II

Hometown Glory III

Hometown Glory IV

Hometown Glory V

Hometown Glory VI

Hometown Glory VII

Hometown Glory VIII

Hometown Glory IX

It’s funny how even the fondest memory can be so vulnerable to taints by a brief moment of sadness.

This photo series started as a means to get the better of my struggle with the feeling of contentment. I spent a little time roaming about my neighbourhood in hopes of capturing pretty pictures that will help me better appreciate the little things that I might have taken for granted, and more importantly, sort out my thoughts.

With every snap, there was a rush of nostalgia. With every rush, a little taint scraped.

I realised that very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. After all, limitations are opportunities for improvements.