Danie Dharma
20+
I tend to project myself as either a quiet guy or a hyperactive and elated fella.


I only get into the cheerful mood when I'm with my girlfriend or my closer friends.

I have been an avid bodybuilder for the past 5 years,
and I love what the sport has done for my life..

I only wanna touch the ends of the universe,
But all I can do is stare at the stars...

~wishlist here.



March 2007
April 2007
June 2007
December 2007
May 2008
June 2008
January 2009
May 2009
February 2010
April 2010
June 2010
February 2011
October 2011
January 2014



+Saras+
+Roy+
+Cynthia+
+Rajeswary+
+Bernie+
+Wee Kiat+

Gratitude

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designed by solitude91

Wow! It has been a long time since I last updated this blog! My last post was dated 05 Oct 2011!! That is like 3 years ago, and so much has happened since! Its New Years Day today, perhaps a good time to think about the stuff that has happened so far since my last post.

2011
Studies:
I completed a Diploma in Sports Science (Exercise and Fitness) program successfully!

Registry Of Marriage
Saras and I registered our marriage on 31 Dec 2011 at White Studio, Fort Canning Park. There is so much to say and I don't know where to start or how to abbreviate it! It is just so exciting whenever I think about the day! Well, everything went very well, and I have never seen Saras look so beautiful in her life (though she looks even prettier now). Alot of the planning, sourcing for contacts, arrangements etc were done by Saras and she did a really great job. She scrutinized every detail possible and left no room for error. We started the event by having a photo shoot outside the venue, at Fort Canning Park. The photographers were amazing, and the photos turned out very well. The time had soon arrived for us to walk in to the venue and get married. Saras was extremely nervous, while I was trying my best to stay strong for her. I must admit, I choked up a little before our walk in, as well as before I signed the wedding papers. I just felt so emotional that I was going to marry someone so special and amazing! Well, everything turned out great, except the solemnizer was somewhat draggy. He took too much time, and bored everybody. The worst part was, he pronounced my name wrongly. I guess his intentions were good, and wanted to share his wisdom and entertain the guests, however perhaps due to a generation gap, it was received differently by everyone else in the room. Bottomline was, I married my angel that day, and it is the best decision I ever made in my life.

















2012
I was interviewed on TV, this was an interview about how I overcame school bullying by taking up bodybuilding, complete with interviews with my parents, wife and reenactments of some of the bullying I went through. It was aired on Vasantham Central back in 23 Jan 12.


Bodybuilding
On 01 Jul 2012, I finally stepped on stage again since Oct 2010 for the National Championships. I had been competing in bodybuilding since 2004, and wanted to become a national champion for years. I finally did it this year, by winning not 1, but 2 categories. I won the Welterweight (below 75kg) category and the Classic Above 170cm Tall category!





















2013

Trip to Rome and Switzerland:
This was Saras's first ever trip on an plane, and both our first time traveling beyond South East Asia. Both these destinations are so beautiful, that you could take a random photograph anywhere and it could be used as a desktop wallpaper!

 


into part of the universe...
4:56 AM



Whoa, its been really long since I last blogged. Well, its due to me being FREAKING BUSY!! In the earlier part of my blog, I posted about my resolutions for this year and stuff, well, I have been really busy trying to accomplish them :D Here is how I have progressed so far..

Studies
After waiting for years for a good opportunity to start a part time diploma course, I finally started one in the beginning of this year! At this point, I have already completed 3 semesters and currently halfway through my last 2 semesters. I really can't believe how fast time has gone by, I guess that is just how hectic Singapore life is. When I first started on my course, I gave it my full effort. I tried to get As for all the modules, but having to juggle work, training and the other stresses of life, I just couldn't put in that extra little bit to get any As. I got straight Bs for the first 2 semesters though.

The third semester was a huge challenge for me. Some guys from my unit posted out and there were no replacements, resulting in me having to cover their duties. As I work 24 hour shifts, even one or two additional duties per month can increase my fatigue levels significantly. With the increased workload, I found it practically impossible to squeeze in time for revising or doing my projects. My schedule actually went something like this:
Monday: Class(7 to 10pm)
Tuesday: 24 hours duty
Wednesday: Book out around 12pm, class(7 to 10pm)
Thursday: 24 hours duty
Friday: Book out around 12pm, class(7 to 10pm)
Weekends: Duty on either Saturday or Sunday for 3 out of 4 weekends

Crazy isn't it? The issue was, each time I go to work, I get deprived of sleep. Without sleep, I wasn't able to concentrate in class, or absorb much when I studied. Besides that, there wasn't really much free time in between my duties and classes, or times which I wasn't half dead due to lack of sleep.
The deadline for the assignments came. I contributed less to my group projects than I could have, and also handed up a miserable last minute job for my individual projects. I knew I could have done better, but the circumstances just didn't allow it. The exams came, and although I started studying a month in advance, it was just too challenging with the fatigue levels. After the exams, I was worried sick that I would fail both modules! In the end, I got a C for both! WEEEEEEEE!! Now I just got to focus on the last two modules, and try to get that elusive A this time!

Driving
I planned to get my driver's license by the end of this year, but it took me a while to actually start attending classes. I was just too busy, and only started attending the practicals August. Thus far, I am nearly halfway there. I hope I can complete it by the 31 Dec, so I can drive my bride around on my ROM day!!

Bodybuilding
This is one aspect that never really improved ever since the year began. Prior to the working-studying life, I was often able to squeeze in 3 to 4 workouts each week. Now, I end up working out twice a week more often than not until the past two months. I was hoping to bulk up to over 90kg this year and compete in a heavier category in the 2012 nationals, win the category and give a good fight for the Mr Singapore 2012 title. However, my progress has been bad, and I might give next year's nationals a miss.
On top of the hectic schedule, the lack of sleep posted a new problem for me. I started getting injured very easily during training, especially on the days I trained after a duty (which was most of my workouts!). I injured my left rotator cuff, both hamstrings and left tricep within the past few months alone! The rotator cuff injury was the worst; for three months it completely prevented me from training my lats, delts and triceps, and made my chest and biceps training limited to a few exercises. Now, I am able to train normally, but still can't do shoulder presses. My slip discs have also been acting up more frequently, preventing me from training my legs properly. Through these injuries, I have somehow been able to squeeze in a little bit of improvements. My lifts show that I am the strongest I have ever been at this point, but my physique has just not improved significantly enough. My measurements did go up, but the stress is causing me to gain bodyfat. I had been maintaining a lean physique (with a clear 6 pack and visible 8th pack) up till July, but its nearly gone at this point. I just hate looking down and seeing that buldge, but I guess its only a matter of time before I get back in the game.
Also, my fiancee has started working out with me since September! She definitely did see some good improvements. My baby can now do man push ups, and I can see her triceps when she flexes them! I wonder how she is going to look on the day of our ROM!

The ROM!!
The date has draw so much closer! I am just freaking stressed about the stuff that is left to be done!! My schedule is getting from bad to worse, and making preparations is just getting so tough. Sometimes I wish I can just freeze the world, and do whatever I need to do at my own pace, and maybe even get a full 10 hour sleep before de-freezing the world! I really hope everything goes well.

Well, I am actually on duty as I am typing this post! It has been so busy, I only go online only during my duties! It was a horrendously stressful duty thus far, and I thought perhaps if I blogged a little, I'd be good to continue working. I guess I shall get back to work now. Chaoz and thanks for reading!

into part of the universe...
6:27 AM



It's Valentines day, and I'm on duty! I wish I can spend this day with my Sweetheart but I guess I can't. I'm on duty :( So I decided to blog about her!

She has beautiful eyes. Sometimes its not really a good thing because:
- I often tell her that I want to dig out her eyes and keep them for myself.
- When shes talking to me sometimes, I gaze into her eyes and get distracted from what shes talking about.
But I still love her eyes!

She has little shoulders. Sometimes its not really a good thing because:
- I can't lean on her shoulder too well.
- When we are walking in crowded places, she can squeeze between small places and run away, and I'll have a hard time trying to catch up with her.
- She can squeeze in into crowded busses/trains, and I'll be stuck outside.
But I love her shoulders, cos I can wrap my arms around them easily and keep her warm!

She has a sexy ass. (I can't think of any way in which it can't be a good thing)

She is fun to be with, cute, easily miss-able, very lovable and her company is addictive.

Last but not least, she has made me fall madly in love with her, and I'm still as crazy about her as I was 4 years ago! Happy Valentines Day Sweetheart!

into part of the universe...
12:32 AM



Well, its been just past a month since the new year, and I have been progressing pretty well in my New Years resolutions. Juggling Work and School School began on 3 Jan, and I have never been so enthusiastic about studying in my life! Ive been going to really learn rather than just go through the motions and try to pass exams. Of course, its no easy feat working and studying at the same time. I work shifts, so although I do 24 hour shifts, I have 2 to 3 days off in between them which is definitely more conducive to study as compared to 8 to 5 jobs! I admire my girlfriend, she works 5 days a week and still manages to go for classes! Might seem like the norm to some people, but shes doing a Degree course, and it really takes some mental strength and capacity to be able to do that 5 days in a row every week! However, the 24 hour shifts have really taken its toll on my sleep cycle. I find it very hard to wake up in the mornings, especially on the days after a duty and often wake up late, like 12pm! This results in me sleeping later too. Being a bodybuilder does not help with this, as I need more sleep than a normal person to fully recover from training. So its really a good thing that I'm enthusiastic about classes. I have yet to nod off in any of the classes thus far as I put in my full concentration to absorb. During my younger days, I often thought that I won't be able to study when I get older. I guess its maturity and enthusiasm that determines your learning curve rather than age. Trust me on this one. Of course, the pain of saving up for years to pay the school fees also gives me that extra sense of responsibility. Something new! Well, I decided to take a break from competitive bodybuilding till 2012 to focus on my ROM, studies and bulking up. I decided to keep lean while bulking up, so I had been semi-dieting and doing cadio regularly. Since Muscle Explosion 3 on 16 Oct. I gained 13 kg slowly and steadily. However, I kept my bodyfat in check, so this was 13kg of quality mass gain. Thank goodness I kept lean, because I got a chance to be featured on TV and was given only a short notice! I did the shoot and it turned out great! The only problem was, my Tamil was horrendous, and it was a Tamil show. Here is a video of the telecast, recorded by a digicam off a television set by my Sweetheart!
 Prior to this, I never really had much of media exposure, with the exception of being featured in 2 newspaper articles and some website interviews. However, this was the 3rd time I got featured on Vasantham Central channel in the span of only a few months. First, they featured Muscle Explosion 3 in their Naam show, and I was interviewed backstage. That was back in October. Then I was invited for a Talk show/Game show called Enna Nadukkuthu. It was the Hunks Special, featuring sportspeople who represented Singapore before and was aired on New Years day! The last, and most memorable was the Taalam show which I mentioned about above. It was aired on 2 Feb 11, and this one is really a dream come true for me! Video from the Enna Nadukkuthu episode. This shoot was really fun! Couldn't help but notice how similar we sportspeople think and behave although we d completely different sports! Well, thus far, the going is good for me, but I have been experiencing some setbacks too. For one, I haven't been going for driving classes, have been just too busy! Also, my lower back problems have gotten to me lately. The pains are worse now more frequent too! This has really affected my leg training. I have been skipping leg training and runs due to the pains, and haven't been able to add much mass to them! I'm currently doing rehabilitation training, and I just hope I can recover from this. I need to add a few inches more to my legs if I want to win something big in 2012! Well, thanks for reading. Wish all you guys all the best for your endeavors!

into part of the universe...
7:17 AM

Well, since it is pretty close to the end of the year, I guess this will be a good opportunity to reflect on the year.

2010 has been a really great year for me. Spent a good part of it competing in bodybuilding. I started this year off with a big bang, winning the NUS Muscle War Open category in January. It was my first open category win and my biggest win to date. Also participated in the senior nationals for the first time, and got 2nd place for 2 categories. With that, I got the opportunity to represent Singapore in the World, Asian and South East Asian games! I didn’t do too well but got a 5th place for the World Athletic Physique 170cm category. Finally, I finished off the year by competing in 3 categories in Muscle Explosion 3, finishing 1st, 1st and 2nd respectively.

I also took up 3 certifications this year, being the Advanced Personal Trainer, Master Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist certifications by the IFPA. I had wanted to take up such certifications for a long time, and I finally did it this year. Managed to squeeze in some time for driving classes too; my parents have been pestering me to take it since 2006! I enlisted into the army that year and wasn’t able to find any time till this year (though they didn’t stop pestering me anyway). I didn’t get too far, but I passed my basic and final theory tests within the first try itself! Wee!! 1 step closer to that! the only problem is, I’m not really interested in taking the license and am only taking it up to stop the pestering Also, I got a promotion at work which I completely didn’t expect! It was a few days before my birthday, and my boss suddenly told me, “Danie, I didn’t know that you are going to be promoted to First Sergeant?” He is a jovial person, and I thought he was just joking with me, but I realized that he had recommended me to be promoted when he sent out an email a few days later. It almost felt like a birthday present of sorts, as I was to wear the rank 6 days after my birthday!

Well, so as you can see, it was indeed a great year for me and I really grew in every sense, be it at work, physically or other endeavors. My goals for 2011 is to continue this momentum and get even better! Firstly, I have enrolled in a diploma course at PSB Academy. Ever since I graduated from ITE Dover, I wanted to take up a diploma, but I never got the chance. Now I’m glad I didn’t! Instead of doing some course I might not have been interested in and studied for the sake of passing exams, I’m now doing something I love! I’m doing a sports science course! Also will attempt to complete my driving classes by the end of the year. Also, I want to spend the year bulking up. I wish to win a National title in 2012, and perhaps the bodybuilding Mr Singapore Title, which is the equivalent if being Singapore’s Best bodybuilder. Those goals might seem ambitious, but I’m giving myself over 1 and a half years to accomplish it. I think if you spend some time everyday working towards a dream, one day you might just realize that the dream isn’t just a dream anymore but the next few steps ahead. I guess the biggest challenge for me is going to me the planning and execution of a very important event in my life, my ROM! I have been with my Sweetheart for 4 years, and we decided along the way that we will ROM on the 31 Dec 11, exactly 5 years since we first became a couple! Isn’t that exciting! I can’t wait for the day to come. I’m already biting my nails so much, my stomach needs a pedicure!!

Thanks to all who took the trouble to read this post! Hope you guys had a great 2010 and hope 2011 will be a great year for everyone!

into part of the universe...
7:15 AM



I typed this post out long ago, but I must have forgotten to publish it!

Hey ppl, long since I posted anything. Just thought of posting randomly. Well, was on duty since 22 Jun a and only left camp, MINDEF at around 3pm on 23 Jun. Was a strange day. Never seen it rain so heavily before. As I left camp, I took out my small foldable umbrella, attempting to make it to the entrance of my camp, but I didn't stand a chance! Its a 15 minute walk down a slope. The rain was just too heavy and the umbrella was kind of small for me.

By the time I reached the entrance, I was semi drenched! I usually take a cab home after duties, but the rain was so heavy, the passing cabs couldn't really see me flagging from the bus stop. One cabbie did, and he stopped a few meters ahead of the bustop. I immediately took out my umbrella and wanted to walk towards him, but he just drove off suddenly. Finally, after about half an hour, a cab stopped. However, he could only go to Choa Chu Kang as he needed to refuel. I hopped in anyway cos I just wanted to get out of that bustop! The journey to Choa Chu Kang, which would typically be a hassle free few minute drive seemed like a challenge. The roads were all flooded and visibility was so poor. Finally, I arrived in Choa Chu Kang MRT station. I quickly went to change out of my uniform, as I was semi-drenched.

Well, I had two thoughts about this weather. Firstly, it was raining so heavily and it was cold, was hoping I could get stuck under some shelter with my girlfriend! It would have been so romantic! Unfortunately, she was at work. Secondly, Singapore never has had such weather! People, the world is slowly coming to an end and these are the initial signs! Look at all the disasters happening in the other countries. We have to do something about it before we loose everything. I happened to watch a documentary about global warming. They showed before and after pictures of the Antarctica, and seems like a significant amount of the ice has melted due to global warming. This water definitely has to go somewhere, so it ends up flooding countries!

Personally, Ive seen the government asking people to recycle and stuff for years. When they placed a recycle bin not too far from my place about 2 years ago, I decided that I'll just keep aside those bottles, cans papers etc and throw those into the recycle bins instead. My Mum, who always supports me in whatever I do helps me with that too. Although I don't make any money or gain anything personally from doing that, I feel that Ive contributed to a greater purpose and feel a sense of satisfaction. Ive always wanted to do more with my life other than to eat, work, sleep and die and this is one such avenue where I can play a part.

Well, some of those teenagers have told me stuff like "Why bother, don't care, its someone else's problem". Yeap, it might seem like an uncool thing to do, and it would be "more cool" to throw rubbish in those bins instead. I'm just glad that its only a minority of people with such immature mindsets. I'm starting to see more people becoming conscious over these things and using these recycle bins. Who knows, perhaps when enough people "wake up" and enough industries do their part, it might actually come to a stage where global warming and natural disasters start to reduce in occurrences! We humans do have hope :D

into part of the universe...
9:58 AM



Hi Everyone! I'm Saras, Danie D's Gf :D

into part of the universe...
11:51 PM



NUS Muscle War 2010

Hey guys, NUS Muscle War 2010 was held on 23 January 2010. I took part, just like I have done every year since 2004. Finally, after 7 consecutive participations I won! This was the first time I won an open category!

In most sports, you win or loose the contest on the day of the event. In bodybuilding, you fight a war against yourself, your body and mother nature. You have to win this day and night battle before you can even think about doing well in the contest. This war is called the competition diet and I waged it for 2 months in preparation for this contest. Basically when you are on a competition diet, you abstain from almost all sources of tasty food! Food intake will be limited to grilled fish, chicken, sweet potatoes, eggs pan fried with a little olive oil, tuna and boiled vegetables. Before embarking on such a diet, you will need to learn the exact nutritional values of the various sources of food and figure out your body's daily caloric requirements. Thereafter, work out what ratio of protein and carbohydrates you will consume on a daily basis so that your body will burn off all the bodyfat and maintain as much of the existing muscle mass as possible.

It was pretty challenging to wake up, weigh all my food and do conversions before cooking and packing everything. I loved what I was doing and followed through my diet religiously. I started off at 84kg, and on the day of the contest, weighed 72kg. This was the best shape of my life thus far! Here are pictures from my preperations and the contest!

Preperation pics:


into part of the universe...
7:29 AM



The Second part of my life...

It was the middle of the year 2004. after being through a rough teen hood plagued with school bullies, humiliation and a resulting inferiority complex, I had finally overcame it. I took up bodybuilding, and it helped me rebuild my life and move on. I was now a confidant young man with a developing personality. I felt I was a little weird, as any young kid about 17 years of age would be really arrogant if he had some mean muscular development. I was not, I was humble and nice to everyone, and perhaps due to this was still vulnerable to bullies.

I was very lonely. Hardly had any female friends., so I got pretty excited when Y started showing interest in me. She spent plenty of time with me and started calling me nightly. She even cuddled up to me when we met. I won't say I was madly in love or anything, it was probably just an infatuation. I was just elated thinking that I might have finally found a companion after being alone for so long. I got to know her through a mutual friend. We had personalities that contradicted each other. I was the nerdy Mummy's boy. Well kempt, soft spoken, got homesick at like a freaking 7pm, and lead an organized and goal oriented life. She on the other hand was the wild child, the party animal. Her mouth was like a steam trains engine, either spewing foul language or cigarette smoke. she was badly behaved and had some serious arrogance issues. The difference didn't seem to bother me. Perhaps I was blinded by the joy that seemed to have replaced the loneliness, perhaps I thought she would make my life more interesting. Y appeared to give me clues that she was interested to be more than just friends on several occasions. I did too, but was too shy to open up further. Her close friend did cajole me about it, and I did admit to that friend that I liked her. I'm not sure if she told Y, but I think there is a 90 percent chance that she did. Life seemed a bit more happening for me for the first time as Ive never had much experience with girls before this. One day, she invited me to a chalet. It was to be her, me, and a few close friends, mostly couples. I was excited at the thought that if the rest of the people where mainly couples, I'd get to spend a good part of the next 3 days with Y. I finally got a good opportunity to perhaps open up even more!

We met at a friends place to gather necessities before heading to the chalet. She showed up with her "best friend", who also happens to be her ex. It didn't bother me at first, but as the day passed, things where awkward. She hardly talked to me and was with her best friend all the way. I was pissed as she gave me the impression that she was going to spend quality time with me. Then she slowly started showering him with affection right in front of me. Ive been out with them before, and knew that they where not physically close. Why now, all of a sudden?

I was hurt, confused and upset. She never mentioned anything about getting back with her ex. Even a day before, she gave me the impression that she was interested in me and looking forward to spending time with me. I didn't know what to do or who to confide in. No one knew except her and me. She just got more and more intimate with him. I could see from her face, she knew she was hurting me, but she didn't care, she just continued. I just distanced myself and walked ahead as they walked hand in hand. At night, I couldn't sleep. My eyes strayed over to Y, she was hugging her ex tightly and sleeping under a blanket. When I got up in the morning, I saw Y laying on top of him and French kissing him. As much as it was hurting, I got to admit, it was a romantic sight. "It was too bad for me, I'd never get to feel such warm romantic feelings"I thought. I left the next day itself, completely heartbroken and dejected. Why did she do this to me? What wrong did I do? Did she plan this to satisfy some sick fantasy of breaking a guy's heart?

I stopped calling her, and kept to myself after this episode. I could feel the inferiority complex I had overcame before sinking in again. I had experienced rejection several times before when I tried to fit in and stuff, but this was much worse! Perhaps I was blinded, thinking that just because I had a better physique now, I was the biggest deal in the world. The fact that her ex was a slightly fat guy bashed my confidence, and made me feel that even if I had a better physique, I still sucked as an individual. No girl would ever want a guy like me. I felt as though I existed just to be walked all over on by others no matter what I did to step up. It took me quite a while to recover from the hurt, but I did. I had other bad experiences with girls and their best friends after this, but I guess this was the worst.

Ultimately, it was bodybuilding which came to my rescue again. I vowed to avenge myself, but not by attacking anyone. I wanted to be a better person, and be extremely successful in whatever I did. I wanted never to be stepped on or bullied ever again. I wanted to show everyone what Ive got. Sometimes, success can be the best revenge! I told myself that I didn't need friends, I didn't need to fit in. I'll develop myself to be someone who stands out instead, and someone who people would regret rejecting! I began stepping up on whatever I was doing, especially bodybuilding. I set goals that I wanted to win prestigious bodybuilding titles! This new mindset increased my mental strength tremendously. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and every setback became motivation. Hurt became determination. Ridicule became constructive criticism. Soon, my mental strength and focus became invincible. No one could break me now. I believe this was the second turning point in my live.

Now, I have come a considerable distance in bodybuilding. I wasn't where I wanted to be yet, but the progress was fantastic. I had won some amateur titles, been featured in the papers and much more to date. The warmth and joy of my achievements however hid a large empty portion of my soul, the part which was lonely. 7 girls had been in and out of my life. Mostly they made use of me, either for my money, just to kill time or left me for their best friend. What they all had in common was, the relationships where very short and insincere. They kept me a secret from their folks, and when they left me, they left with no hesitation. They made me feel more expendable than ever. Each time it happened, I recovered and got stronger. My bodybuilding dreams where always there like a beacon, and those girls just became more motivation for me, more reasons for me to show the world what Ive got. My personality also improved too, and I was changing from the naive and gullible boy to perhaps an arrogant egomaniac.

Then I also had to deal with all the wrong people who come into my life. There where those people who knew that I was soft and forgiving, so they tried to verbally bully and embarrass me to make themselves seem better. There were those egoistic people who put me under extreme scrutiny. Just cos I had a better physique, they would try to point out and emphasize my weaknesses and put me down. The worst of the lot where gays; imagine longing for a female companion, but getting excessive attention from guys instead! The bad experiences and wrong people in my life made me stronger, less gullible, harder and fiercer. I learnt to stand up for myself. Now people could neither physically nor verbally bully me. The experiences also taught the value of a pure and sincere relationship, one which I couldn't seem to get. I continued longing for a sincere partner, and my soul grew emptier as I continued being alone. Only my family and bodybuilding dreams kept me going.

Finally one day, on the 12th of November 2006, God answered my nightly prayers for partner. He introduced me to the most amazing girl in the world! Perhaps, He had been preparing me for this all along, putting me through all the bad experiences and rejections to teach me the value of a partner with a pure heart, so that I'll truly treasure her. I just didn't see it til now. I guess he thought I was finally ready!

This girl was so different. We just clicked. Ever since she came into my life, I feel like Ive been blessed by an angel. She has so many good qualities that I don't know where to start! She is caring, honest, brave and trustworthy. She is one who made great decisions, and always thought about the consequences. She is one who sees the path ahead. She is one who made her choice, and had the guts to stick by it. For the first time, I dated a girl who didn't keep me a secret. In fact, her parents where the first to know when she started seeing me. She was of pure heart, and was very sincere with me from the beginning itself! My life now became like wonderland, every time I was with her, the surroundings seemed to turn into gold dust. Everyday went by like another page in a fairy tale. My friends started taking notice of how happy I became. Sometimes I'd just randomly burst into a giggle of joy when I think about her! People gave me strange looks, they thought I was crazy. In fact I was, I was absolutely crazy about her!

One of her outstanding qualities is her romantic side. She's full of romantic ideas, and being loved by someone with a pure heart like her is just out of this world. The outlook I had on my life had changed, and my once lonely and empty soul is now radiating with life! I began to feel that everything I ever been through in my life, every rejection, every suffering, every pain, every bad day was worth living through cos it lead to this path in which I met her. I now feel the the greatest day ever in my life will be the day when I marry her. She has cured all the wounds in my heart, and done so much for me that I no longer feel expandable. I now have new dreams in my life. I feel that I was created just for her, and I live just for her. I want to shower her with love, and take care of her just like she takes care of me, all my life. I want to be there for her whenever she needs me.

Her name is Saras, and today is a week away from our 2 years and 5 months anniversary. Dear Saras, I just want you to know that you are the best thing that has ever happened in my life Darling! Its been 25 months and I'm continuing to love you more and more as the days pass. I'm still as crazy about you as when we first met!! I love you with all my heart sweetheart! I just can't wait to be with you later today and get the gold dust feeling again! :D! Kisses to you :D



into part of the universe...
11:00 AM



Hey guys, today was Muscle War and Muscle Explosion. Turned out to be a really fruitful day for me. My body responded to my diet in the very last minute, and I got significantly more dry and ripped. My weight dropped to 70kg. I was 5kg heavier like only 3 days back!

Muscle War
Muscle War was held at Vivo City ampetheater, in open space. Backstage I felt really stressed. Was depleted from the dieting, and restriction of drinking water, and it was a really long wait before my category began. The competitors looked great, and I thought I might actually not get a top 6 placing. There was last years winner, Travis Neo, a killer guy from the Philippines called Jonas, an old friend and competitor Zhu Qi, and a few other guys who looked great. I was elated to receive the most improved Bodybuilder award, and much to my surprize, took 3rd for the open category! My 6th consecutive Muscle War turned out to be the most fruitful one for me thus far!

Muscle Explosion
The Muscle Explosion crew put the Explosion in the event at NTUC building!! They organized a face off for the above 70kg competitors, in which they wear normal clothes and meet each other on stage before competing later that night. The venue was great, the backstage area for the competitors, and especially the prizes! I believe this year Muscle Explosion has outdone Muscle War. Boy am I glad I participated!
As my weight dropped to 70kg in the last minute, I changed category to below 70kg. The Muscle Explosion crowd was as supportive as ever, and it just felt so encouraging to compete in front of them. My diet and fatigue levels caught up with me and I was completely drained out to do much poses for the posedown. My mouth was so dry, I felt my lips sticking to my teeth! I got some kind of cramp or another every pose I tried to hit, especially the most muscular poses. My shoulders just cramped up and felt like they would drop off! I'm just glad I managed to hold my poses well enough for the compulsary poses, and had enough time to catch my breath before my individual posing. I successfully defended my Muscle Explosion title! I didn't win the Champion of Champions title, but I got closer than ever! The official, but announced results for the Champion of Champions round states that I'm 2nd!

The day was fruitful, and I realized how far my girlfriend and friends would go to support me. Saras was overworked the day before, and left her workplace only past 1am. However she still woke up early to give me a wake up call, and accompanied me from the start. She didn't have to, as competitors need to report earlier, but she still did! Its just her, always going an extra mile to do something for me. I was glad she bought me a packet of my favorite gummy sweets! I believe eating those sweets backstage gave me added vascularity. Her Mum and Sis came along to support me too!

Backstage, it was my close friend of several years, Shah and his friends, Ahmad, Edwin and Hairul who helped me colour up. Shah really went the distance to support me, and he was like a beacon of hope, shouting encouraging words to me whenever I was on stage. Shah's girlfriend Sue, gave me a bottle of water when I was practically about to faint! I just drank the whole bottle in like 2 gulps! How rude of me! If not for her, I think I might have fainted after all! I guess I owe them a Long John Silver!

The 17th of January 2009 has turned out to be one of the greatest days Ive had in a long time. All the effort Ive put in the past 3 months have paid off big time, and I just feel such a strong sense of fulfillment and satisfaction! I wish to thank everyone who supported me!! Thank you!!

Muscle War pics












The videos are here! Thank you Tony!!




Muscle Explosion pics







into part of the universe...
7:53 PM



NUS Muscle War
Ive been competing in every muscle war since 2004. 2004s was my first contest, 2005 I got my first ever top 5 placing (3rd), 2006 I got my first ever open category top 5 placing (4th). I didn't place top 5 in 2007 and 2008. 2008 was a particularly bad year and was the first year since 2005 which I didn't win any titles. That years Muscle War I prepared and dieted down, and almost got into a condition good enough to place top 5. However, I was denied a few days of leave, and was activated for duties on the last few days leading up to the contest. That threw my diet completely off course, and in the end, I looked like one of those extras who filled up the space on stage, watery without abs..


Muscle Explosion
Muscle Explosion has sentimental value to me. The first ME was in 2007. I was in the forces and thought at that point that I'll never get to compete like I did before at least for a few years. However, I got a good posting with a very supportive superior, Staff Sergeant Joel. He helped give me plenty of time to train and prepare for the contest. It was next to impossible to diet at that point, as often we had to stay in camp. So I had to make do with eating clean instead of dieting, and to make full use of the time I got to train. I did extra cadio in the hot afternoon sun to make up for dieting. It paid off and I won the ME under 21 category with a perfect score of 3 points. I didn't win the overall Championship, but it gave me a great sense of achievement and fulfillment! To be able to win at a time when I thought I'll only be able to win years later, and especially the overwhelming support from the audience was unforgettable.





Throughout mid 2007 until the middle of 2008, I was serving onboard a military ship. The schedules were hectic and you practically spent more time working or at camp than anything else. It was either duties, or sailing. After a serving for a year, especially after a long deployment, an old injury I got from BMT caught up with me. I fell from a rope with my rifle and pack. My back hurt alot ever since, but I never thought it could be that bad, always thought I could recover from it. When I got it checked however, it turned out to be a double slip disc! Hence I was excused from sailing and duties.

I thought I will stay away from competing, and in the months leading to Muscle War 2009, I felt that I'll give this one a miss, after competing in it for 5 consecutive years! I was beside myself about breaking the trend of competing in every Muscle War, so competing was still in the back of my mind. During this time, I gained mass slowly and steadily, in fact, I started from the time the time I came back from the long overseas deployment. Although I have a double slip disc my years in the sport thought me how to work around my injuries safely and continue making progress. My goal at this point was to prepare for a contest years ahead, perhaps the Nationals, and the goal was to come in so good that no matter how biased the judging might be, to still win
with a perfect score. I still felt resentment towards the biased judging in the previous Nationals I took part in. (I was placed 5th and 3rd respectively for 2 events, despite looking good enough to take 2nd and win the other one)

About 2 months before Muscle War 2009 was to be held, I decided to begin dieting. I felt that since I had more time without having to sail or do duties, I should give it a shot in case I decided to compete in the last minute. 1 month before the event was due to take place, I heard one word which made me make up my mind to compete. MUSCLE EXPLOSION was to be held on the same night as Muscle War! I talked to my girlfriend about it, and she told me the words I needed to hear. She said "It might be hard to diet down while in your current job, but this is a sport. It won't be something easy to do. Its weather you are willing to work hard enough to go after what you want." That just sparked something in me. She was right! A sport, especially something like bodybuilding definitely requires hard work, sweat and blood. That minute onward, I began full scale preparations. That night itself on my way home, I bought a load of diet food, planned my full diet out, and started my full diet the next day.

Till today, I can't forget the support the audience gave me for the previous Muscle Explosion. I felt a special "sense of belonging" of sorts. A number of them told me that I could have won the overall championship and that I should take part in the next one. I knew that that day, the 31st March 2007, I was definitely not good enough to win the overall, but I knew I could do better if I had enough time to diet and prepare. Also those who supported me and were looking foward to my participation for the next ME, I didn't want to let them down..

Today is 15th January, 2 days before the contests. Been dieting for about 2 months now. I massed up to 81kg, currently dieted to 75kg. I feel I'm in the best shape of my life! Whenever I diet down, I look ripped at around the 67kg range. This time I look better at 75kg, which means I have about 7 to 8 kg or new muscle mass. Have added a few inches to everything, especially my legs and shoulders. Its been a year since Ive competed. This will be my 6th consecutive Muscle War participation, and Muscle Explosion Title defence. Am hoping that this comeback will be worth, and I'll walk home on January 17th with something, at least a top 5 placing...



into part of the universe...
9:14 AM



As you all know, I recently came back from an overseas deployment. Throughout my 3 week deployment, I did my best to keep in shape, but the environment and situation just didn't permit it. I did 100s of push ups and pull ups (my ship has a pull up bar) and tried to keep my protein intake high, but on my return, I could see that my physique slackened alot.

When I first got posted to my current unit I weighed 79kg, with a bodyfat level of approximately 16%, when I got back from the deployment, I weighed 69kg, with a bodyfat level of 22%. This shows that I lost more than 15kg of muscle and gained about 5 kg of bodyfat.

Ever since I came back and saw the mirror, I wanted to get my physique back. I have been working on it for almost 6 years now, and didn't want to let it all go just like that. Currently I got posted out of my ship, which is an extremely busy combat unit. Now I have the time, and I have been training like crazy, being very calculative of my diet, and heres the first bit of progress! Will add more pictures to this post as I improve haha!



into part of the universe...
8:24 AM