Sago Pudding (Gula Melaka)

Ingredients

2 cups water
1-1/2 ounces pearl sago, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 ounces palm sugar
1 tablespoon and 1-3/4 teaspoons water
1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon canned coconut milk

Directions

1. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Gradually stir in the sago so that it does not clump. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cook until the sago turns translucent, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Pour the sago into jelly molds, and refrigerate overnight.
2. In a small saucepan, stir together the palm sugar and water. Bring to a boil, and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Strain through a fine sieve to remove grit.
3. Unmold the puddings, and serve with the coconut milk and palm sugar syrup (gula melaka) separately for each person to pour over their serving.

Backstabber? Ris Low - Maybe She Really Doesn't Deserve Any Sympathy

Oct 4, 2009

Backstabber? Who? Me?

First runner-up accused by dethroned beauty queen Ris Low of leaking her conviction to the media

By Nur Dianah Suhaimi

-- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

A SPAT has developed between recently dethroned Miss Singapore World Ris Low and the pageant's first runner-up Claire Lee.

Miss Low claims that Miss Lee faked a back injury to save embarrassment in case she was not selected to represent Singapore. Miss Lee denies this.

Miss Low also said that Miss Lee had snitched to the media about her being on probation for credit card fraud. Miss Lee also denies this.

The latest controversy started when Miss Low called Shin Min Daily News last Friday to tell them that Miss Lee had confessed to her about faking a back injury so that she will not 'lose face' if she is not chosen to be the next Miss Singapore World by pageant organiser ERM World Marketing.

Boomz is the one who called up the media! In my previous posting, I thought the media still wants to reap viewership using her boomz power. Apparently, she is the one who's igniting a bigger flame.

Miss Low, 19, a hospitality student at a private school, gave up her crown last week after media reports that she had been charged with credit card fraud last year and was put on 24 months' supervised probation.

When contacted by The Sunday Times on Saturday night, Miss Low said that she had recorded a telephone conversation with Miss Lee in which the latter had admitted faking her injury.

When she played back the recording, a woman - who she said was Miss Lee - could be clearly heard saying she hated the pageant organiser for what they have done to Miss Low.

The woman did mention having a back injury, but nowhere in the conversation did she admit to faking it.

Miss Low said she will be passing the audio recording to Ms Tracy Lee, ERM's event director, today so that the pageant organiser will know that Miss Lee 'has been badmouthing them'.

Asked about how the recording did not have Miss Lee saying she faked the injury, Miss Low said that although Miss Lee did not say so outright, Miss Low knew that the back injury was not serious.

Bipolar symptoms? The recording did not have evidence of the fake injury and in the first place, why is she recording the call between herself and Miss Lee ? Now she's getting boring and ridiculous....

Thai Chicken Stir Fried with Holy Basil (Gai Pad Graprow)

This is one of my favorite dish to whip up at home as it's tasty, economical and easy.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped, or cut into small bite-size pieces
4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2-3 shallots, thinly sliced (or substitute with 1/2 cup sliced onion)
2-3 tbsp peanut oil for stir-frying
2 tsp black soy sauce
1-2 tbsp Thai fish sauce (nam bplah)
1 cup fresh Thai holy basil (bai gka-prow), or substitute with: 1/4 cup dried holy basil, soaked to soften plus 1/2 to 1 cup fresh Thai sweet basil (bai horapa)
2 small kaffir lime leaves (bai ma-gkrood), very finely slivered (optional)
5-10 Thai chillies (prik kee noo), chopped and pounded with a mortar and pestle; or 2-3 fresh jalapeno or fresno peppers, cut into large slivers
Dash of ground white pepper

Directions

Heat a wok until the surface is smoking hot. Swirl in the oil to coat the wok surface. Wait a few seconds for the oil to heat, then stir in the garlic, followed a few seconds later with shallots. Stir another few seconds before adding the chicken. Stir-fry a minute or two, or until most of the chicken has started to change color on the outside and is no longer pink.

Toss in the chillies, slivered kaffir lime leaves and reconstituted dried holy basil (if using). Sprinkle black soy sauce over the mixture and stir-fry another 15-20 seconds. Then add fresh basil leaves and fish sauce to taste. Stir and mix well. Stir-fry another half a minute, or until the basil is wilted and the chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with white pepper. Stir and transfer to a serving dish, or spoon directly over individual plates of plain steamed rice.

This is a good and easy stir-fried dish and one of the favorites among Thai people. It is served over rice as a one-dish meal, for breakfast or for lunch, often topped with a crispy fried egg. Of course, it also appears frequently as one of the courses in a shared family-style meal.

Ris Low - Let her off.....

Ris Low was crowned Miss Singapore World 2009 on 31 July, 2009. She stepped down on 29 September, 2009.

In addition to winning the crown, Low was also named the following: Miss Community Ambassadress 2009, Miss Lumiere Ambassadress 2009, Miss Best Dressed 2009, Miss Dazzling Eyes 2009, Miss Photogenic 2009, Miss Crowning Glory 2009, and Miss Best in Catwalk 2009.

Singapore forums and websites alleged that Low won the crown underhandedly and was undeserving of the title. There have also been calls for Low to be stripped of her title as Miss Singapore World 2009, largely because of her poor command of the English language. This was apparent in an interview with her mispronunciations resulting in the following phrases: "leopard preens"(prints), "studying steel"(still studying), "something rad (red) and loud", "you know, boomz!", "bigini"(bikini), et cetera. A mocked up video of her interview was uploaded onto YouTube on 31 August, 2009, and has garnered over 200,000 views since then.

On 25 September, 2009, it was revealed that she had been convicted of credit card fraud in May, 2009, and was sentenced to two years' probation. She faced five charges of misappropriation, cheating using illegally obtained credit cards, and impersonating their users' identities prior to winning the title of Miss Singapore World 2009.

On 26th September 2009, Ris Low revealed to The Straits Times over the phone that she has bipolar disorder.

After initially resisting calls to give up her crown, Ris Low voluntarily stepped down on 29th September, 2009.

Even though after stepping down, the media is not letting her off....

《新报》报道，前世姐的家人和支持者，花7500元在52页的新加坡世姐决赛宣传册中买下10版广告，是刊登广告页数最多的佳丽。

她另花4500元包下决赛晚宴3桌宴席，总共花费达到1万2000元。

Translates: Low's family and supporter spent $7500 to buy ten ads on page 52 of Miss Singapore finals advertisement brochure.

She spent additional $4500 to sponsor 3 tables on the finals event. Total damage $12000.

(Pardon my bad translation)

She has already stepped down..... Why is there still a need to put her life back to the limelight for the wrong reasons? If she is really facing some mental related problems. Let's just give her some time to recover and probably one day, she can still do something for Singapore.

What NOT to do - Melissa Faith Yeo

Melissa is already a pretty successful model. She's the model who danced in a red flowing dress for Fujifilm tv advertisment. It's a very outstanding advertisement. She made local news again after blogging her Thailand boob job journey.

I certainly hope she's not giving the wrong message to everyone that to be a successful model, you will need a boob job. And she went to Thailand for such a major operation. As reported, her surgery cost $3,726. I did a quick google search and found out that the prices for Singapore clinics can easily be double or triple that amount! I'm not too sure about the medical technology in Thailand as compared to Singapore. But I urge everyone to do comprehensive research before deciding on any forms of surgery overseas.

As plastic surgery integrates gradually into our lifestyle, acceptance level are also getting higher. However, I do NOT encourage anyone to go for any form of surgery just because you want to be a model or to increase your chances of becoming one. Of course, the final choice is still yours. Just remember to do sufficient homework before allowing someone to cut you up.

Extracted from an article from Divaasia.com,

Photographer Wong, 48, says that the X factor is crucial. 'A top model has to have something that compels people to look at her. You either have it or you don't. A top model is born, not made.'

Fashion show producer Daniel Boey, 44, calls it charisma. 'Even if you are tall and gorgeous, if you don't have personality and you photograph completely flat - you are out.'

I have to agree with the experts. One photographer friend told me the same thing. There's TONS of pretty women all over. But to find one with X factor and charisma, it's not easy.

Repeating what Photographer Wong mentioned:

You either have it or you don't. A top model is born, not made.

Want to be a bikini model? Think twice!

Source: The Sunday Times

I've dig up an old article to act as reminders for all inspiring models.

A group of photographers taking pictures of student in Sentosa. A new model can earn about $30 an hour for a two-hour shoot with a group of four to 12 photographers.
-- ST PHOTO: SAMUEL HE

THE pay could be as little as $15 an hour for a two-hour photoshoot. *Note: I have heard of scams that the organizer did not pay a single cent to models and told them it's a learning experience for them.....! Bastards*

But there is no shortage of women agreeing to pose - sometimes in lingerie or bikini - for mostly male photography buffs, say organisers.

The 'models' are mostly teens, fresh-faced and eager to build up their portfolios. Some even agree to pose for free.

Indeed, a community of at least 30 active models has sprouted over the past year. They take part in weekend photoshoots advertised mainly on online photography forum Clubsnap.

The outings range from outdoors fashion shoots to those where the models pose in bikinis on Sentosa's beaches or in lingerie in studios and hotel rooms.

A new model can, on average, earn about $30 an hour for a two-hour shoot with a group of four to 12 photographers. More seasoned ones can get $200 an hour. *Simple maths: The organizers charge $18-$250 each for a two hour shoot.

Average of 6 photographers of $100 dollars each will be $600 bucks revenue. If the organizer pays the model $100 an hour, he/she will have a net profit of $400 if there's not stylist or mua involved. Easy money isn't it?

The model poses like shit, organizer stay in the shade and "lim kopi". If your main objective in modeling is earning money, don't be so dumb to be a model.

Some girls waive the fee in exchange for a CD of the photos from the photographer.*Dumb dumb really dumb.... Read on and you will know why it's really a wrong move*

On any given weekend, there are six to 10 photoshoots advertised on Clubsnap, and others which are held privately. Amateur and hobbyist photographers, mostly males aged between 18 and 60, are charged $18 to $250 each.

As many as three models are hired for each shoot, ensuring a 4:1 or 6:1 photographer-to-model ratio that is rated ideal. Private one-on-one photo sessions can be arranged by paying a little more.

Mr Mike Tan, 35, a professional photographer who has been organising shoots for the past eight years, said the models are getting younger. 'In the old days, they would be about 18 to 25, now they are usually 14 to 22.'

Why do I say its a dumb move?

Posing for lingerie or nude shoots has ripple impact FOREVER! You will not have total control of how your photos will be distributed online.

Most modelling agencies will not sign on models who have posed in lingerie or in the nude as clients do not want such models to endorse their products. Tasteful lingerie pictures are ok but nude photos are a big NONO!

Should you wish to take part in beauty pageants later, such photos could surface and hurt your image.

Shady model agency refuses to return $250 deposit

Shady model agency refuses to return $250 deposit for my portfolio
Source: STOMP

A STOMPer tried to get his $250 deposit back from a modeling agency after he paid the owner to get his portfolio done, but was unable to do so.

The agency owner had refused his claim, as the former had stamped the words 'NON-REFUNDABLE' on the receipt after the NETS transaction was approved.

The STOMPer had wanted his money back as he felt the operations were suspect; he was made to have his test shots taken without being made-up. Worse, he discovered that the owner of the agency had four other companies listed in his name, where one was a debt collection company.

Recounted the STOMPer, in the email sent:

"I saw an advertisement in the newspaper, looking for fresh faces for modeling assignments. I went to the agency and it is a very small and run-down company with only two staff.

"A middle-aged man interviewed me and commented that I have the perfect look for his modeling assignments and wanted me to take up a portfolio of S$1,000/- before he can coordinate assignments for me.

"I paid a deposit of S$250 for the portfolio and was issued a receipt after fixing a photo shoot date for my portfolio. The man stamped on the receipt that indicated a non-refundable deposit policy ONLY AFTER the NETS transaction is approved.

"I was not informed about the non-refundable policy before my payment nor even during the interview. The worse part is, the non-refundable policy information is not even imprinted on the receipt!

"He then proceeded to take 10 over shots of me. He claimed that those are just test shots and will be offered to me for free. The shots are taken without any makeup and hairdo. It was raining on that day and I have to take the test shots despite the fact that I was drenched. This appeared absurd to me as it is totally unprofessional of a modeling agency to do that."

The sender then decided to conduct a check on his own about the company as he discovered the receipt given to him bore a different name from that which he had gone to after he left the agency.

"I was shocked to realise that both were owned by the same and that he has a total of 5 registered companies under his name. One of the agencies is even registered as a debt collection service company.

"On that same day, I wanted to withdraw my application with the agency and wanted a refund of my S$250. He refused. I felt cheated and proceed to bring the case to court.

"The owner not only refused the $250 refund, but also demanded that I paid up the balance of $750/- as he has developed my test shots out in over 40 prints. He claimed that those pictures are my portfolio pictures and since they are developed out in prints, I have to compensate him for that.

"This is totally ridiculous! Initially, I was told that those are only test shots offered to me for free and now he claimed them to be my portfolio pictures! I have no choice but to feel that the whole incident is after all a scam.

"I heard news about the modeling industry and that I fully understand the necessity of a model's portfolio in order for the model agent to procure modeling assignments for the model. It is however, important for me to invest my portfolio in a credible agency.

"I paid a price to learn my experience and I hope that you can report my case to the public so as to prevent more people from falling into the same situation and victimised."

Photographer to Avoid - Devine Vaughn

Personally I hold no personal gauges against Devine. However, I will like to highlight to all aspiring models about this particular photographer.

Back in October 2008:

Subject: Photoshoot Collaboration PRINT

Devine Vaughn 10/23/08 10:29 AM

Greetings, I am Devine here, a freelance/hobbyist fashion photographer with more than 4 years of experience doing sensual & glamour themes. I came across your profile in ModelMayhem and would like to work with you. I am hoping we can collaborate for a shoot to produce great photos. Here's what I am proposing: Theme: Fashion Glamour, Sensual Bikini/Lingerie Location: Studio Duration: 1.5- 2hours Nature of Shoot: TFCD with photos back in a CD (negotiable) Outfits: to be confirmed via discussion My portfolio is private but is available for viewing upon request. Do add me in MSN at sfs.models@gmail.com for viewing of portfolio. Hope to hear from you soon. Regards, Devine

He specified fashion glamor... But if you look at his portfolio, almost everything is in lingerie! Within his portfolio, there are amazing models that I know personally. But seriously, I'm not particularly impressed with his photos as it does not maximize the models capabilities in his so call "Sensual Bikini/Lingerie"theme. If you are interested to do a lingerie theme, I strongly DISCOURAGE you to approach Devine or respond to him. I've even heard rumors that he's touchy towards models. Don't quote me on this, I have no evidence as I'm not a victim, that's why it remains as rumor.

On his portfolio,


Note in point 1) Please only send in your application if you are able to do bikini/lingerie/implied nude themes.

In his first mail, I didn't respond as I do not do lingerie shoots as stated in my MM profile.

And it's not the end yet.... He sent an email to my modeling email:

photoshoot collaboration?

...

Wednesday, 16 September 2009 4:58:55

From:	Devine Vaughn ... Add to Contacts
To:	novia@novialim.com

---

Hi Novia,

I came across your profile on ModelMayhem, and would very much like to work out a shoot with you. I am a lingerie photographer by trade, and thus, would like to check if you are able to try out a lingerie studio shoot. I understand you did indicate your restrictions regarding lingerie shoots, but I also happen to notice you did a few shots on your MM which fall outside your restrictions, which leads me to conclude that you might make an exception for talented photographers. I am hoping I might stand a chance, however self-deluded that might sounds. =)

This is my MM profile: http://www.modelmayhem.com/808685

I do not do solely TFCDs.

What I am actually offering is:

1) Paying the Model: Paid shoot at a discounted/low rate with some photos given back to you for portfolio/keepsake. The number of photos given to you will determine the rate for the shoot, subject to more detailed discussion.

2) Paying the Model: Paid shoot at un-discounted rate, but NO photos given back to you.

3) Paying the Photographer: ALL photos given back in a CD to you, at a rate determined by me.

We can discuss this more in detail via MSN if you are interested. do drop me your MSN email.

Hope to hear from you soon. =)

Regards,

Devine

Erm.... Pardon me, what's a lingerie photographer by trade??? Didn't he identify himself as a fashion photographer a year ago? Does he even shoots for any lingerie brands? I seriously doubt so with his current photo quality. He even offers to pay models for such shoots... Even if you want to earn some extra bucks, please please please avoid him. His photos will tarnish your portfolio in my humble opinion.

How to kick start your modeling portfolio II

I first started casting and getting photoshoot requests from multiply.com where there's a big community of photographers, both hobbyists and professionals. It's a really good platform to share pictures and exchange comments. Then I was introduced to another networking site, modelmayhem.com. From then onwards, I realized I have regular shoots and has been shooting for over a year. What keeps me going on? It's really interesting to get to know new people and work with so many talented photographers, makeup artists, stylists and more!

So, what is modelmayhem? In short, we usually refer it as MM.

MM is basically a social networking website or platform where models, photographers, makeup artists, stylists and even designers display their portfolio and interact with each other.

However, I do not recommend you to join MM if you only have low quality or self taken pictures from your mobile phone as there's general requirements to join the site. Don't faint yet, look at the following requirements.

(Extracted from MM)
General Requirements
Bio Requirements
You are asked to provide a short bio as part of your application. Please provide details about your experience, goals, reasons for being on MM, or any other relevant information. Please err on the side of providing more info rather than less. Also, don’t make it sound like a personal ad.

Must Be In A Member Category
Your profile must clearly fit into one of the member categories listed upon sign up.

Here are a few profile types that we are not currently allowing:

* Agencies/managers/recruiters/bookers/scouts/promoters
* Record labels
* Retail outlets
* Web sites
* Online magazines
* Shared, group, or joint profiles

You Must Be You
We do not allow profiles to be set up or managed by people other than the profile owner. Passwords and login information should always be kept private.

You Must Be 16
Members must be 16 years of age or older. Members under 18 are not allowed to display photos that we deem too provocative or revealing. Unless you’re 18 or over you may not display any level of nudity/sheer (that includes “implied” nudity), depictions of bondage or any image that is sexual in nature.

Provide 4 Different Photos (or more!)
At least four different photos are required for all accounts. No duplicates, re-crops, or manipulations of the same image. Members are expected to maintain a minimum of four relevant photos at all times.

Quality Images Required
We want quality images here. Your photos must be judged to be of sufficient quality. This means that you should not submit webcam shots, mirror shots, poorly exposed photos, too grainy, too much compression, arm's-length self portraits, personal snapshots, etc.

Make Your Photos Big Enough But Not Too Big
MM recommends that your photos be 600-800 pixels on the longest side. Anything less than 200x300 pixels or so is typically too small to see. Please note that images wider than 800 pixels will be resized, and images over 600kb will not upload.

No Fakes
We take copyright laws very seriously here. If your photos or profile appear to be the work of someone else, you will be denied. This includes fake tear sheets, advertisements, and magazine covers using existing trademarks.

No Pornography
Pornographic material is not allowed on this site. This includes photos, linking to such sites or networking, or referencing adult work in your bio or portfolio. If you are unclear as to what we deem to be pornography, please see our Site Rules.

Model Requirements

Show Us Your Face
Your portfolio must show your face clearly. Some headless nudes or whatever are cool, but we need to know what you look like.

Show Us All of You
Please include at least 1 full length body shot.

After registration, your account will be approved only after review by administrators.

Yes, it may seem like a big hassle but you need to get over a small hurdle to see the bigger picture. A word of caution, MM consists of a bigger pool of photographers, not everybody is good or absolutely honest. In my next post, I will identify one suspicious photographer who's quite good with persuading models for his shoots.

Meanwhile, stay safe and have fun!

Photography by Willy Foo

Thanks again to Willy for this interesting shoot. The photos already look good straight from the camera but I jazzed it up a bit...


Somehow I feel that it's really romantic to have an autumn feel to this picture. Hue was adjusted to change the leaves from green to reddish brown.


I love the composition for this picture.


This is one of the interesting shot using Leica camera and lens. It's pretty amazing that no post processing is required to achieve such effect.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

PS: It was fun and beautiful to wear a wedding gown. But it's challenging to move around in it everywhere!