It’s payday! I definitely need the paycheck for this month. So many bills to take care of it’s gonna be scary. Pim treated me to lunch at Kaan Japanese restaurant today. Today is also my first day of Japanese class since I got back to Thailand. Wow,I already forgot many things. I think I need to actually study some of the lessons I learned in class. I can be a very lazy student sometimes ^_^ After class,I went to The Club in Kao Saan Road with Boon. Looks like the police cleaned up the whole Kao Saan Road because I do not see many street vendors around at all. It’s probably their reaction Kao Saan serving alcohol during the Buddhist holiday on Tuesday.

I consullted for Raku Raku Entertainment today. We met with the company from Japan called Media Socket. They meeting practically ran to the whole day. Looks like we will be partnering up with them to bring certain I-mode type service to the mobile market here in Thailand. Felt like going out to karaoke but decided that I was too tired for it. Instead,just chilled out at Preecha’s place.

It’s a buddhist holiday (Waan Mak Boocha Day) here today in Thailand. It’s also my first full day back in Thailand. I went in to work to catch up with emails and works from about 9am to noon. Afterward,I went to California Fitness for a light workout session. I got my final fitting for my tweed jacket and pant at G-eyes in Siam Square. My mother went to meet me there and I treat her to a facial session at Hanako. Since Boon and I bought the package from Hanako,the session is included. After my mother is finished,we had dinner at MBK Food Court.

Woke up early because it’s Jessica’s first day of school and my plane leaves in the afternoon. I think we finally got up around 9am,which is 3am Thai time! I do hate goodbye. It’s such a sad feeling. Had a quick breakfast. Called the taxi service. Waited and talked. Got on the taxi. Dropped Jessica at school and headed to the airport. Boarded the plane. Slept alot. Got to Bangkok at around 11pm. Went and meet Boon at the Piano bar...with my luggage and all. Went out for a Thai massage after the Piano. Got really sleepy so slept there until 7 in the morning.

Tonight will be my last night in Auckland. Time sure flies. Had some Korean food at Food Alley. Strange that I’m eating Asian food even though I’m in Auckland. I tried to eat some local cuisin but it’s somewhat difficult to find. At least I had some meat pie I bought from Star Mart last night. I tried ’slingshot’,this contraption where you get strapped down to a three seats swing attached to a bungee cord. The machine wound up and shoot you right into the sky. Pretty fun though I do think that 35 NZ Dollars is a bit much for just one time. Went and play pool near Auckland University. I must say that night life here is a bit boring. I think you go to New Zealand for nature type outings. I hope to have more time for my next visit. I plan to visit Queenstown on my next trip where I heard to be very beautiful.

Ah,my first official day out and about in Auckland. We had brunch at the Food Court near downtown area. I forgot that New Zealander eat larger portion than Thai so I over ordered my food a little bit. As I walked through Auckland,I couldn’t help but wonder how hemogenous the world becomes. I mean,I run into Starbukc’s and McDonalds everywhere I turn even though I am in Auckland. It’s almost no different than walking through downtown Los Angeles,Tokyo,or Bangkok. I guess this is one of the downside of globalization. I did run into a shop I really liked. It’s called Lush and the shop basically sells organic body care product. I believe there are three branches of Lush in Japan. I’m also surprised by the number of Asian in Auckland. I think there are more Korean businesses and people in Auckland than in Bangkok.

Wow. It certainly helps to be in Busioness Class when your flight is 12 hours! Decent service though I think that JAL is superior. Had a layover in Sydney for about an hour. Very beautiful city looking from the plane. On to Auckland,New Zealand. Man,the immigration in New Zealand is one of the most anal I’ve come across so far. Jessica came to pick me up at the airport. I was happy to see her but I think there’s still slight awkwardness between us. Jessica lived near University of Auckland so her area has that college-town atmosphere. Her dorm reminds me of my brother’s dorm room at UCLA. We ended staying in the whole day.

Had breakfast with Pui,the director of Raku Raku Communication Division. Good meeting. Got to know each other more. She seems to want to help out with funding for POPidols. Cool. Met with Sugai-san,the Shyacho of Raku Raku Communication,this morning to discuss meeting from previous day with Samart. After the meeting,went to go see Boon at Hanako at Siam Square. We got facial treatment and a treatment package from Hanako (which discounts normal facial treatment to 50%). Stopped by Phyathai Hospital to get a check-up. Hurried back to work to wrap up everything at the office. Pack my luggage in record time (for me anyway) at about 25 minutes. Got a taxi to the airport. Luckily,we were able to get to the toll way without hitting any traffic. I had half an hour to check-in,get through immigration,and board the plane for an international flight. Believe it or not,I made it,thanks to my friend Tong. First,I got bumped to Business Class during my checked in. Tong then accompanied me so I basically cut to the front of the line at immigration. Still have time to go and relax at Business Class lounge. Very thankful to Tong,Tum,and Boon for their help... I’m off to New Zealand everyone!

A very busy day. I had to scramble to get all the works done so I can enjoy the upcoming long weekend.

I ate my first breakfast in a while. So,it seemed apprpriate that I had American-style omellete. Worked out a bit though I was dead tired. So,I couldn’t really excercise that much. Went to get fit for the coat I had tailored at G-eyes. Headed to my Japanese class. Missed the past two or was three classes. Luckily I was still able to keep up somewhat. My teacher is cool so it makes it easier. Chris called me during class to see if I want to hang out with his model friends at a pool hall. Tempting I was way too tired. Instead,I had some coffee with my teacher and Yuki-san,the other Japanese language teacher. Got home and went to meet Momo to talk about a project from Central Department store that she may wants POPidols to do. Ended talking for over two hours. It goes from work to personal to romance to life and back to work.

I visited my aunt and uncle today. I guess I’m inspired by the past couple family outings. Also,I’ve been thinking a lot about the message from “The Royal Tenenbaums.” It’s one of the best movie of last year in my opinion...along with Moulin Rouge. Probably won’t be coming to Japan until later on this year. Wes Anderson directs the film. He’s definitely the otaku director...and I mean it in the best sense of word. He also directed Rushmore,another excellent piece of work. The tagline of The Royal Tenenbaums is: “Family,isn’t a word...it’s a sentence” You got to think deeply to understand the message. Basically,I’m inspired to try and bridge emotional gap between my immediate family and that’s the main reason for my visit. While there,I met the a fortune teller that my aunt normally uses. She also read my fortune. Interesting read I thought. What’s my view of fortune telling? I think most of them are just chalartans. In regard to“good ones”,I think they basically divine top 10% of life’s probability. I mean,when you think about it,there are almost infinitely possibilities to one’s life,depending on the choice we make. Good fortune teller basically can guess at the top 10% of the probability. It does not mean that we are bound by it. Ultimately,I think God gives us free will to ultimately determine our own fortune. Otherwise,it’s a very very happy day today. You probably want to know why...but I can
’t tell you ^_^ Sorry. Gomen Ne!!!

Woke up early to speak to Jessica. Went back to sleep. Got up again around noon. Met Chris at Starbuck’s Siam Discovery. Brought Chris,my photographer friend from Canada,to go meet P’Bob,the Managing Director of WOC (World Of Character) modeling agency. A quick background on Chris. He’s an awesome photographer and a great human being. We get along famously. Chris is currently living in Thailand doing various projects for magazines in South Asia. You can check out his works at www.closer-to-truth.com Ok,I did my part shamelessly plugging for my friend. Back to the subject at hand. Went on to meet Pim’s mother at the Emporium. Wait around a while and meet Burt. Burt is a good friend of mine from UCLA day. He’currently a doctor working for UCLA. An eligible bachelor for you ladies if there ever was one. There,another plug for another friend. Ong,my other UCLA friend and a doctor here in Bangkok joined us later that evening. It was great just catching talking and catching up with old friends... Went home and watched Shaolin Soccer with Boon. Ended the day by finishing my first letter in oh...let’s just say a very long time ^_^

Woke up early to speak to Jessica. Went back to sleep. Woke up again around noon. Met Boon at Chatuchak Market. Bought myself a very nice letter writing kit (a box containing very nice parchment paper and envelope). Go to work out at California Fitness at Silom Road. California Fitness is part of the 24 Hour Fitness global chain. The place is very popular here in Thailand. Afterward,I went to Siam Square where Raku Raku is launching their pre-paid card for Jpop ringtone and character service. I think the ceromony went on a bit too long with too many unnecessary elements...very typical of event planners here in Thailand. Someone has to change the mindset of this industry. I know that if we launch our service, I’m gonna take charge of my own script.

Ok. My first official day at Raku Raku Entertainment. It feels very strange. Even though Raku Raku is a start-up,the environment feels very corporate. Here I am, Mr. Start-up for the past six years. You can imagine how I probably try to adjust to it. I guess I got to work right away. We had a meeting with the people from NTT Data and Faith. I offered my recommendation on how to best localize their application to make it work for Thai market. The meeting went well and it seemed like everyone was please with how it turned out. I was planning to go out but had to cancel because Raku Raku Entertainment is launching their J-Pop ring tone service tomorrow. Since POPidols is the designer/programmer for the site,I had to stay with my team until midnight to make it\\\'s finished.

Stopped by clothing shop in Siam Square (Thailand’s Shibuya) that I used to frequent often because a suit in the display caught my eyes. The employee asked to come in...seemed like she still remembers me. While inside,I noticed a suit made of tweed. Now,I love tweed because I think it’s one of the most comfortable and classic material. However,not many Thai tailors seemed to know this material. Before I know it,I ended up putting dow deposit for a custom tailored jacket and a pair of pant made from tweed. It was more expensive than I though but hopefully worth it. At least it’s my own design that I though up so that’s cool. For the evening, my DJ friend, Pim, got me VIP pass to see DJ Judge Jewel at the Ministry of Sound. For those of you that don’t know, Ministry of Sound is one of the most famous dance club in the UK and they also got their own label specializing in dance music. The Bangkok branch is their first outside of England. I was not overly impressed with the place...I guess I find the people (especially in the VIP section) too pretentious. Personally, I find myself having more at places like The Club. In conclusion, MOS (Ministry of Sound) is way overrated...just like Sarah,my writer friend from the UK told me.

Today I officially signed the consulting contract with Soft Depot Group. I will be working with them two days a week with the rest of the time devoted to my company,POPidols. Will start my first day consulting with them this coming Friday. I\\\'m sure this is the best decision at this point. Would be interesting to come back and read this journal to see if I make the right decision or not... Since today is Chinese’s New Year,many businesses in Thailand close down for the holiday. I stopped by work to catch up a bit. This is also my first day that I started going to the gym again after almost three months. It’s gonna hurt the first week...ouchy. Met up with Boon at Poseidon and got some Thai massage there. It was actually pretty good.

Jessica called me from New Zealand around...5 am I think. I was groggy but certainly happy to hear from her as always. Had dinner celebrating Chinese New Year with my Aunt’s family at her house. Since her house is close to the Royal Palace,the traffic was just horrendous. Nice experience. Afterward,Toon took me home and we chill at my place and watch The Crow DVD.

Woke up surprisingly early for the weekend (9 am). Took a walk around the neighborhood and decided to hit Chatachak Weekend Market early. Wat gave me a call to invite me to Chatuchak. Since I was already there,we decided on a place to meet up. Had some coffee together and shopped around a little bit. I got a cool retro 60 Style Flower Print shirt while Wat got a very nice Lee\\\'s Low Rider. Went home very exchausted and took a long nap. Tong and her two friends (Jid and Aum) from Thai Airways came to meet me at my apartment to go out for dinner. I asked Boon to come along. We decided to go to the Pickle Factory. The restaurant got its name from the fact that it used to specialize in the wholsale of pickles to local restaurants in Bangkok. Even though the location of the restaurant is hidden,it’s very well known among the Bangkok hip crowd (which I like to think I’m a part of @^_^@). After dinner,we decided to go karaoke at Big Echo. Overall,a satisfying end to the day.

A bittersweet day. Jessica’s leaving for New Zealand today. I called the radio station to request Lighthouse Family“Run”because it’s at the showcase that we met each other and the song also has a very appropriate meaning. My DJ friend,Pim, put me on air which was cool because I know that Jessica’s listening on her way to the airport. I decided to surprise her by skipping Blue’s concert and be at the airport to see her off. She was pleasantly surprised. At the airport,our true feeling came out... I also had one of the more interesting experience in my life while at the airport though I’d rather not elaborate on it. I guess it appropriately marks the occasion. After the airport,I went to meet my family for a dinner celebrating my mother’s and uncle’s birthday. The dinner is at Himalaya Cha Cha,Suriwong branch. Himalaya Cha Cha is one the most famous Indian eatery in Thailand in the Suriwong District famous for garments market. My cousin Ben is the host for the evening It’s one of the most stress-free family gathering in a long time.

What a hectic day! First,I had to gather the money to pay for the airfare paid through credit card for my last trip to the States and Japan. Next,go to Siam Square to take picture of a wedding card to email to my brother. Met Jessica to see Shallow Hal at EGV Gold Class. EGV Gold Class is a movie theatre with about 34 seats. Each seat is a fully plush reclinable to 180 degree chair. They also serve wine,sushi,and other food to your seat. Very nice. After the movie,we go to Absolut at RCA (RCA stands for Royal City Avenue...it’s the mecca of discotheques for Thai teenagers). Abosolut is one of the hot new club at the moment. We also stopped by Crazy Cat in RCA to see the Love FM Award Ceremony and the see Blue perform. Blue is the ’boys band’ from EMI with hits like “Too Close”. Jessica wanted to see them in concert tomorrow but she had to leave. So,this is the next best thing. Jessica had to leave around 11pm to pack. Boon came to meet me at Absolut after Jessica left and we decided to move on Kao Saan Road. Kao Saan Road should be pretty well known to Japanese travelers and backpackers all over the world. Went to check out the new hot club called...The Club (trust me,the setting is more impressive than the unimaginative name).

I had several plans today which I ended up scrapping. I’m so tired that I even skipped my Japanese class. After work,I just ended up watching DVD,read,listen to some music...just chillin’.

I made it to work before 10am today because of my bet with Jessica last night. Now, to claim my prize for a ten minutes message session from her ^_^ Got a lot of work done by noon. Took off after lunch break to meet up with Jessica. Tomorrow is her birthday but I want to celebrate it early...what the heck right? First stop was karaoke at Big Echo. Afterward,we went to Camouflage,a day spa co-owned by Helen (my Thai supermodel friend). I got aromatherapy treatment while Jessica got a milk body scrub. At first she said she didn\\\'t mind getting the treatment in the same room as me. I guess she didn’t know that we both have to down to our underwear for the treatment. Suffice to say,we ended up getting the treatment in different rooms :)

I went out for lunch with my mother,who’s visiting from the US,at Siam Square area. As always,I chose Mong Kut, my favorite restaurant for Chicken Gravy Over Rice in Siam Square area. After lunch,my mother and I shopped for wedding card for my brother who’s getting married in June...to June (how’s appropriate is that?). Later that day,many of my co-workers and I attended Putt’s brother funeral. Putt used to work for my company, POPidols,eight months ago. His brother passed away from heart attack and he’s only my age. I do not like funeral but it always helped me to put things into perspective. Strange how earlier I was looking for wedding card (which celebrates the beginning of a new life) and on the same day,I attended a funeral (which celebrates the end of a life). Heavy.

I went to meet the client rather early today. For lunch,we stopover at the Emporium because I had the craving for Fried Rice with XO sauce. You can say that my friend and I were inspired by the Japanese manga about cooking. It was not bad but I’m sure there are better fried rice w/xo sauce out there. The search continues... Otherwise,I actually stayed home for the night to watch DVD and clean up the apartment. Hard to believe that I stay home since it seems like I go out every day for the past week. It’s nice relaxing at home sometimes..

Sunday comes so quickly. I woke up quite late as customary for the weekend ^_^ I went to Central Ladplao (shopping center in the Lad Plao district of Bangkok) to do some window shopping and have a quick bite. I stopover at Photo City to purchase some 120 films and have my films develope. Afterward,I went to the Chatuchak Weekend Market to look for gifts for my brother’s upcoming wedding. While there,I ordered two custom made chair/stool that I design for my apartment. I also bought “Betty Blue” DVD and found this very cool old school antique luggage for only 550 baht (1700 Yen). It’s really amazing how much money I spend at Chatuchak Market but it’s probably one of my favorite shopping destination in Thailand. In the evening,we had a big dinner get together to celebrate Chinese New Year early. After dinner,my friend and I went out to karaoke.What a day. What a weekend.

I went to Starbucks at Siam Discovery to meet Jessica to talk about possible photo session. After Siam,I met Nakano-san and K. Vichai at Hanako for a nice facial session. Later that night,I went to Klontoey Market, better known as “Thieve’s Market” here in Bangkok. It’s the place where you can find all sorts of things for sales. Most of the stuff are junk but you can sometimes find some real gem at a bargain. I went with my friend Toon with the intention of purchasing the RC car which is the current rage here in Thailand. Ah,I guess I do sometimes follow the trend here:(After endless walking,we finally settle on a shop to purchase the car and all the modification kits for it.,

TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) as we Ameican would call it. It’s an early day becaue I had to meet with potential partners from Singapore. We had good discussion. Hopefully,we’ll be able to do something together in the near future. Since I was in the area,I had lunch at this great Gravy Chicken Over Rice at my favorite spot. Delicious. I followed the meal up with Macademia Brittle ice cream cone from Haagen Daz. I met up with another client/friend that evening for dinner at Kan,one of the best Japanese restaurant in town. I wonder what happen to Shin-san,the co-owner of Kan. I do not see him around lately. We cruised various night spots in Bangkok after dinner with my friend, Boon and Toon,joining us. Boys night out type of thing ^_^