Most Chinese singers hold their concerts in Mohegan Sun, CT, but this time Huang Pin Yuan will be holding it at the fairly new Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, NY. Hunag Pin Yuan is a Taiwanese singer, and it is his second time holding a concert in the East Coast. Even though he just landed in NY at noon, he rushed over for his concert's press conference. He did not seem fazed at all by the time difference, and was quite humorous and attentive to all questions being asked.
According to Hunag, they were looking for an idol singer to hold a concert in NYC, and upon being asked he happily accepted the invitation. When the man behind the production came up for photographs, his co-worker said he loves Huang's songs and sings it all the time. Hinting what a big fan he was, it was mainly him that helped made this possible.
Although the location is different than last time's, it is still a casino, so the production and song selections are geared towards a casino venue's style. Due to the casino's regulations, the concert can only run for an hour and a half, which is roughly 12 songs. A news reporter told him to prepare more songs for encore, he just smiles and said he will see the day of. There will also be two other singers joining him on stage.
He talked about combining his guitar skills with his singing because not many Taiwanese singers does that, but he's good at it so he wants to share it. When asked about outfit changes, as most singers love to do extravagant concert costumes (and multiple ones!), he joked "If you're here to see me change clothes, this isn't the show for it." He wants it to be more focused on his songs rather than costumes.
Not only does he sing and play guitar, he writes songs as well. He told us that he is currently writing songs for his friends, specifically one for a friend who is getting married.
The concert runs for two time slots, November 27, 2013 10PM and November 28, 2013 5PM. Noticing that one day falls on Thanksgiving, he admits that Taiwanese does not have a tradition of celebrating it. However, he knows it is a big celebration for Americans, and how it is a special day for him. Therefore he hopes to bring the feeling of thankfulness to the concert and all his fans that attends.
One stop on my trip to the East Coast was to San Diego's Seaworld. Usually the weather there is so nice and warm, but it was just my luck that day was quite chilly and cloudy. However, I think that worked to our favor since I know many sea animals prefer the coldness, so the seals and penguins were quite lively that day!
Graceful flip.
Of course, "Shamu" or orcas or killer whales, was the main show of Sea Sorld, and it only run once a day. It was something that shouldn't be missed, and had the biggest stadium and seating to accommodate its popularity. Before the show began, they played videos about how Sea World gives back to the sea world... sorry I can't come up with a better term haha. Such as rescuing injured sea animals and releasing it back after it's healed. They were really about "One Ocean," which was great and evident throughout the park (recycling, donations, rescuing and releasing animals, and taking in animals to care for). Not only do they care for nature, but they also were really respectful for veterans, asking them to remain standing so we may applaud them for their contribution.
The only complaint I have is THERE IS TOO MANY SHAMU!! Just playing, but I really thought Shamu was only one whale's name? But my real complaint was that the show was quite short, perhaps they don't want to overtire the whales. It was really cute when they twirl in the water. And when they splash the front rows with water :P
The bigger highlight for me however, was the dolphin show. They are such beautiful majestic animal, and there is no aquarium near me that has them. There were about seven of the bottle-nose dolphins, and their performance was full of flips, tail waves and interacting with their trainers. To make it more interesting for younger audience, they had a little story of a girl who dreamed to be with the dolphins in the ocean. Then for a finale, they mixed in real parrots (and pigeons tried to join too... which terrified me, as if I don't get enough of them in NYC) and human parrot dancers who did air aerobics. It was really amazing.
Capturing this moment, I now wonder, does the dolphin feel pain when they fall into the water like so? When humans do belly flops and such it's painful....
Short finned pilot whales make a special performance as well! They were much larger, and I was surprised they can do flips like dolphins as well. Overall, it was a very successful show with a lot of interaction and tricks throughout from different animals. Since it ran the same time as the sea lion show, I had to wait for the next showtime for that.
He reminds me of one of my eccentric friends, who I shouldn't name, haha.
So here is Biff, the sea lion... just kidding, but he's as energetic as they are, maybe more! At first I was confused if he was a trainer or a stage assistant since he was shaking as butt and wiping down everything. Then he did a dance routine, changing outfits with each song change in the closet that clearly says "Keep Out Biff." The setting reminds me of a show I used to watch, Carmen Sandiego. It was supposed to reflect the Hollywood theme of filming different shows, movies, etc - the first being SLSI (CSI) segment of the sea lion show.
A seagull decided to join in on the fun.
Then they had a Sea Lion Idol (more like Dancing with the Stars type), Clyde and Seamore competed with each other. My favorite part was the finale, did you know sea lions dance to PSY too?
Sea Lion Live was definitely my favorite part of Sea World since it was the funniest and lot's of changes and surprises. I wonder how Biff can change so fast, and how none of the trainers slip with the watered down stage for the sea lions to slide around on. Having the otter as the sneaky thief was really adorable.
Outside Sea Lion Live were apparently the sea lions and seals that didn't make the cut for the show's casting. They were eagerly waiting for passerbys to throw fish at them that they could've got if they made it in. So acutally, they don't have to work for treats like the Seamore and Clyde... so now that I think about it, they are the luckier ones.
They were really loud as they fought for food, and wailed at us with puppy eyes if we didn't give them any. Also, see the birds in the back? All the birds, especially seagulls were even more aggressive and tried to snatch the fish away. And it also smelled a bit in this exhibit and penguins, sorry had to put that out there...
Hammy wanted to join in on the dog's race.
Pets Rule The Christmas Show featured a lot of different animals (probably the ones they rescued), from dogs and cats, to kangaroos and ostriches. There were a lot of jokes and funny moments (a black cat jumped into the milk jug, and ran out "drenched" in white), but was obviously geared more towards children. It was cute nonetheless. I love all the pets running around, especially the part when the cat ran off the stage to chase a pigeon that flew in.
Ducks ice skating on "thin ice"
Since this was the Christmas edition of the show, a dog wrote a letter to Santa. He wanted more people to be like those at Sea World and find it in their hearts to adopt other unfortunate pets like he was. It was very sweet, and reflected again on what Sea World's message is.
Other parts of the park included a small pool of sea stars that we can actually touch. I decided to give a huge one a high five for being so awesome.
I love its pink feathers, but I think it's eyes are actually kind of freaky... Which makes me wonder why Candice was nicknamed flamingo, I know for her long legs, but giraffe have long legs too...
Getting attacked by the gift shop shark....
Our failed attempt at catching a selfie with the sharks... :( It was really hard to take photos of the sharks as they moved about really swiftly, and it was very dimly lit. Also, I feel that their sharks, turtles, and penguins exhibits were a bit small. Most likely due to the fact that those aren't the man attractions. They did however, made a neat exhibit for the beluga whales.
Actually I mainly wanted this shot because my outfit matched the place and I always wanted to do that pose but can't do it randomly or I'll look funny, but it all matched! :D
You either took the motion ride or walk through exhibit. It's basically a 3D movie and moving room of an explorer's trip to the North Pole. I took the non 3D and motion version, but the worker said the video was crappy (I think because it's really outdated) so I only stayed for a minuted and left to the next room. Upon "landing," you get to see the helicopter and boxes in a display similar to a landing station. Actually everything in the exhibit was meant to look like an airport or a research base in the North Pole, and was well done.
Sorry for looking freaky, the lighting does that to you...
By the time we were done with the exhibit, it was quite dark but that's when we got to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations come to life. Like these lights in the leaf walls (? is that the term for it?!). Actually we were really lucky the park time was extended, thought it confused me at first when a cafe's closing time was 8:30 PM while the park's was listed as 5PM.
Beautiful decoration from penguin house.
Photo for one of my bestie, Michan, since she loves turtles :)
Our last stop before the mandatory gift store browsing, was the aquarium that took us FOREVER to find. We were running in circles because the park wasn't very lit apart from Christmas lights (oh there was a really cool TALL "Christmas tree" made of lights), and finally a worker helped us out. He was really nice, as all the workers there were. I realized Cali people are really friendly and healthy! Each cafe had salad and fruits, unlike the zoos here! Anyways, it was right by the big starfish, I think we were just really distracted by him beforehand... I was disappointed that the aquarium was quite small too, but again it isn't their main feature. I was cheered up later by watching the dolphins play with beach balls in their pool at night, it was just really cute for some reason. Especially their happy clicking noises.
Then it was time to say goodbye to all the animals!
Sorry for the lack of posts recently! I just returned from my LA and Vegas trip (photos and posts coming soon!), and already came back to an awesome event! This time I got to meet the author of "Feel Good Food," celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. She really has a charming smile, and really doesn't look 43! (Probably because she uses the trick of dunking her face in a sink of ice water in the morning. She reasons that it gets rid of puffiness.) I must admit right now, I also love her healthy bouncing hair LOL Just thought I had to put that out there.
Deep in thought from Alton's twitter fan questions. Apparently they have 10k overlap fans ;)
The moderator Alton Brown, her fans, and her chatted about various topics from her favorite food, her new book, last meal if on the death row, tips on cooking and more. The two obviously had great chemistry and didn't take each other too seriously (he made her say her favorite curse f*ck live), making hilarious comments at each other.
The hilarious Alton Brown, he reminds me of a professor at FIT... but funnier and not so serious.
Giada learned cooking from her grandfather and aunt, which began her passion for cooking. She was discovered by Food Network through an article she wrote for FOOD & WINE magazine which jumpstarted her career. She likes to take classic Italian food and reinvent them. However, pasta here is different than those in Italy due to the soil and water, therefore different wheat. When asked how she copes with food she has to ingest on TV that aren't good tasting? Lots of tequila after to wash out the flavors, as it is her guilty pleasure food. Her least favorite food was green bell pepper (apparently all bell peppers causes her to gas), whereas she must have chocolate and white wine in her fridge.
Her newest work in her food career is the book, "Feel Good Food." Alton mentioned that she used new ingredients she hasn't used in her previous books. She explained how it was due to cooking for her daughter and daughter's friends. Since many are children, they have allergies to certain ingredients, such as wheat and gluten. She then had to replace them with other ingredients through experimenting. Instead of almond flour (which was too dense), she used coconut flour for cupcake and the texture was a lot closer to a regular cupcake. Or instead of oil, she used avocado as the fat - as in using it for what it really is! I thought this was really awesome to do for a cookbook - using nontraditional ingredients so those with allergies can still use her recipes and cook food that taste just as great.
From her experience, many people don't believe that she can be a chef, and still have her healthy and slim physique. She wants to break this stereotype, and change people's perception and relationship with food. Admitting she used to eat so much sugar, but after a weekend of eating so much chocolate cake and her body's negative reaction to it, she changed. She urged us to try new combinations because we are feeding ourselves poison, and our body will pay for it. The body won't feel as good anymore, so by changing to a healthy diet, the body will pay you back by feeling better. Your skin will feel clearer, you'll have more energy and look slimmer. She knows she can't win but she's here to try and prove it anyways. Well, I must admit, this is very true. After a summer visiting my dad who changed my diet, I returned slimmer (my friends noticed, not me), my skin was a lot clearer and I felt less drowsy.
Each question he asked, he threw an index card, you can see it scattered all over the floor. She inquires if he believes someone will pick them up for him, but he thinks avid fans will sell it on ebBay for money.
Besides, her television career and cookbooks, she has a weekly online magazine (Giada: A Digital Weekly) she uses as her media outlet to talk with her fans. She curates other talents from her own world (friends and family) to speak in it. Since she prepares each a week ahead, rather than months as compared to a regular magazine, it is immediate information. Unlike other online magazines, it is not based on newsstand magazines, as most are. There's 7 stories for 7 days of the week such as recipes, photos and anything interesting going on. She wants to live it moment by moment. It is only available on Apple products for now, but will be available on other platforms starting next week.
Both were avidly listening to the fans and answering.
One fan asked the perfect question for the upcoming holiday feasts, how to roast a chicken. Alton likes to cook it butterfly style - remove the back bone to flatten the bird, which allows it to be cooked in 45 minutes in high heat. He slides vegetables under it so as the fat drips, the flavor isn't wasted. Both agree to dry it out well, Alton does it after rinsing out all the gunk, but Giada, doesn't. She doesn't want the bacteria to move around in her cooking space. She would just pull it out if she has to. Then olive oil is rubbed on rather than butter for even color, making sure the flavor gets under the skin and to cook it fast, hot and upside down.
Her signature smile.
Other questions from fans generated really funny responses, such as what would be her death row last meal. She admits, lots of alcohol so she will feel so drunk she won't know what's happening. Which relates to Alton's twitter fan question of what she would like to be written on her tombstone. She started off with fabulous daughter, wonderful mom, but decided lastly on her amazing smile, which she has! What would she get rid of in her kitchen? All the appliances she buys but doesn't really need, such as her "small blender from Target." I like how Alton laughs that she sneakily threw in the word Target, since she sells a collection of cookware there.
How to eat healthy in NY? Well actually she lives in LA, but she tipped us on how to eat healthy in any restaurant - order two appetizers instead of a main course. Or if none of the appetizer fancies you, eat only half a main course. Can't control yourself? When ordering, ask them to pack half of it away for you first. Also, order everything on the side, especially sauce as that's where most of the calories are hiding at. Great tips, however, I am still on a mission to find a healthier diet, so I am looking forward to purchasing her book!
A young fan among the audience.
She was very sweet when accepting a bracelet gift from a young fan, prompting her to apologize for cursing earlier. She was also really cute when she stuck her feet out when complimented on her nice shoes (Burberry she says). Not only did I have a good time, I learned a lot about her and healthy eating.
After that, my friend and I head out to get some famous wontons from HK Wonton Garden. I loved their roasted duck and noodles, their wonton not as much. And I didn't really follow her rule of packing half to go, but I didn't finish it all... so hope it's ok :P
With over 60 film credits in his thirty one years career, Donnie Yen admits he is a martial artist foremost. His interest in martial arts started at a young age of four under his mom's influence, as she was a martial arts master. It was fate that on a trip to Hong Kong, he would meet the famous Hong Kong action director, Woo-ping Yuen (brought Jackie Chan to fame). His first role was just a stunt double, before landing his first role in "Drunken Tai Chi" when he was 19.
At the screening, he brought two films to show the two sides of his martial arts interest. The first being the epic biopic "Ip Man" (2008), and second is one he co-produced "Special Identity" (2013). He said he had to bring "Ip Man" as it was his classic role of his career. Like all other fans, I wondered if he pick up the role again. He answered all of our minds - although he wasn't so keen on doing so, he might do Ip Man 3 in his later career to wrap it up and give closure to both fans and himself.
Then the floor was opened to Q&A. Each guest that asked a question received a tee shirt and autograph photos, these were usually sold in his store to help raise money for charity he and his wife started. Can he be anymore cooler than that? He does awesome martial arts, acting, stylish and a philanthropist! (We all also got a free tote bag on our way out!)
Although he enjoys acting as historical characters, he likes taking on modern role. It's his chance to use his creativity and form the character as opposed to following up the life, figure's characteristics and literature of a certain time period. He does do his research when picking up these roles by digging into their lives and history. For his modern film, he likes to incorporate mixed martial arts, as he knows many different forms of martial arts. "Special Identity" is one such example that he helped produced, but admits he is disappointed in the overall production and ending.
When asked by one of the fans if entering into the role's world and personality quickly and not dropping it after filming is more professional or the opposite, he gave a candid reply. Once off screen, he would take off his role to be a father and husband. He would walk in the streets in his normal clothes such as button ups and jeans (his attire of the day actually).
Talking about the spinal plates injury.
Of course doing any stunts and choreography can cause injuries, he admits he has sustained great injury to his back. He didn't want to go too detailed on the appearance of his spine, but says it's crooked and one of the plates is pressing on. As he went on about the pain, it reminded me of my own back problem so I know how he felt (maybe not as much, his sounded a lot more serious). He should really take a break and rest his back!
He may look like he's posing, but I think he was mainly just resting himself against the wall as he is very tired!
Before all this insightful Q&A, I was able to watch "Ip Man" again, but this time on the big screen! Which is how such a cinematic movie should be viewed. I love the beauty of the martial arts scene, especially when Donnie shows the Wing Chun style martial arts. It is graceful yet effective. However, as you know the storyline when the Japanese took over, you felt heart wrenched as you watch all the once energetic community grew cold and gray with hunger, poverty and sadness. I was on the edge of my seat as all the duels took on, especially the final one between him and General Miura.
To balance out all the dramatic elements, they threw in some comical relief which was great. I enjoyed the scene Ip dueled with the "out of towner" Jin Shan Zhao. Before the duel, his wife warns them to not break anything, however Jin's aggressiveness caused vases to fall left and right. Ip's blaming expression was so great, no words needed for Jin to exclaim he will pay each time things shattered. The best part? When Ip's son came nonchalantly riding in gleefully warning his mother says if they don't stop fighting, soon all the things in the house will be broken. Causing the two men to get serious and quickly ending the fight, with Ip winning of course.
My favorite quote however was "There are no men who fear their wives. Only men who respect them." It really showed his personality as he tried to refuse Jin's duel.
"Special ID" however was the complete opposite film in all ways - more comical, modern and a different feel of directing. Instead of the righteous martial arts master, he plays a hooligan undercover cop Dragon Chan that used mixed martial arts in combat. I wasn't able to finish the movie as I rushed out to check in for the Awards Ceremony.
Donnie posing with fans for photos.
I really enjoyed the Q&A and screening of Donnie Yen's work. I loved him as Ip Man, but also as Officer Mr Cool in the film "Together". I thought his personality was a mix of all these characters - he has the cool attitude from the officer, calmness like Ip Man and amusing like Dragon.
November 7, 2013 wrapped up the three days 4th Annual New York Chinese Film Festival with an awards ceremony at the historical Capitale NY. What greater place to hold it than the historical ballroom inspired by an arts fair? The night kicked off with press interviews with the featured actors and actresses.
For me, I was in the room with the multi-talented Vicki Zhao Wei. First thought that went through my head "I love her fuchsia lips! Wonder which lipstick she used?" It really played off her pretty red lace applique dress.
The soft spoken actress enjoys both directing and acting, and hopes to do more of both. She doesn't need people to love the movie "So Young" overall, but wants people to see that she put a lot of thought, hard work and determination in it. You can definitely tell as the movie really puts you through a roller coaster of emotions.
We were then ushered downstairs for cocktails before the curtains open into the awards ballroom. Once everyone was seated, the stars of the night came out from the second floor in pairs to be seated. After greetings from the chairmans, the awards were announced for each recipient. The first award of the night went to Vicki Zhao Wei.
Next was "Super Wu" for his role in "Finding Mr. Right." I think he looks amazing in all the shots, as he really has this air of class and wisdom to him. Just look at his pose, it's like a magazine ad for the suit. He doesn't only have a smart appearance, but when he talked, he really captures the audience. When he shot the movie, he visited Central Park for the first time. Today he decided to return, and it felt the same to him as it did when he was first there. Because to him, yesterday, today and tomorrow is all the same. It is a day. He hopes to continue making more films for his fans to watch.
He was very humble when receiving his award. His presenter's speech was also very memorable; when he taught film related classes, he asked his students how many wanted to be producers, directors or actors? Almost all hands shot up. When asked, how many wanted to be a scriptwriter? Six hands nervously went up. He then turned to the others to become close friends with these script writers through their college years as without their ideas, there will be nothing to produce, director or act in.
When the female presenter gave Miriam Yeung, I thought it was such a cute moment. From what I can decipher through reading lips, she kept complimenting on how pretty Miriam looked. She really does look stunning! Looking at her career as both a singer and actress, she loves them both and hopes to produce more for fans to enjoy.
Lastly, but certainly not the least is the martial arts master Donnie Yen receiving Most Outstanding Asian Artist Award for his two films "Ip Man" and "Special ID". His presenters asked if he was excited, and he replied very honestly he would be if it wasn't for his jet lag. Poor him, I hope he adjusts soon!
His wife, Cissy Wang, is so supportive of him, as she looks up lovingly at him and snaps a photo of him onstage.
As you can tell, their love goes both ways as I captured him staring down with loving eyes at her when he tells her they have an interview to go to. Can I just say, CUTEST COUPLE EVER!?
Another beautiful and sweet couple! This time is a very supportive husband :)
And let's not forget the other award recipients, chairmen of the film festival and other important guests!
Photo credit: Kai Liu
And lastly, a photo with my friend! Sorry I probably look so dead by then as I attended all three days, but so worth it! I had a lot of fun, met a lot of new friends and learn new things. Hope I can go again next year!
