Going GAGA over Lady GAGA?

Have you gone GAGA over Lady Gaga? It's finally here! THE BORN THIS WAY BALL. Her show was worth every penny.... from my parents pocket...

This is the first concert I've been to alone... But I don't regret anything! I was practically not alone as I had friends at every corner of the stadium. It was a sign from God when I had a message from an aunt whose friend bought the wrong ticket for the show. I thought I had no chance to catch Gaga once again. She asked if I wanted to buy it and I replied, "I'll get it!" not too long later. In the end, my parents decided to pay for the ticket. THANKS MOM AND DADA! I was really surprised at what Gaga had in store for us. Having a 4-day sold-out concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, fans filled the whole area hours before the show, some dressed as Lady Gaga. 


Here is the Lady Gaga THE BORN THIS WAY BALL spoiler:

A 3-tier castle stage set emerged as the curtains fell. As her fans went into a screaming frenzy, Gaga's performers appeared from the side of the castle and walked to the front. Later, Lady Gaga follows suit from the side of the castle doors in a horse dressed as a unicorn. More performers dressed in military attire escort Gaga with the song, Highway Unicorn(Road to Love). They make a round to the other end of the castle doors. Low fog fills the stage floor. A floating face in a diamond shaped cage appears from the air and starts saying that Lady Gaga has escaped the castle.

Government hooker starts with Gaga reappearing from another door at the side of the castle in caged-inspired outfit. She and her dancers start performing leaving many people off their seats, moving to the beat of the music and the awesome choreography of the dancers. Later, Gaga enters the castle again. The 3-tier castle opens, showcasing the inside of the castle where Gaga is in a big blown up half body of a pregnant woman. She gives birth to dancers and soon after Born This Way begins. She then appears frm the vagina of the blown up legs. They pretty much followed the steps which you could see in the Born This Way music video, but somehow, seeing it live is more exciting. Next was Amen Fashion. I really loved this part especially the part where they had Jesus is the new black during the chorus as they had a Black dancer who acted as Jesus and opened his arms like the crucifixion of Jesus. 

Following which, Gaga comes out in a white dress with a head piece looking like a jelly fish/ alien to Bloody Mary. Her outfit was designed in such a way that there was machine under it where she stood, which drags around the stage. After this song, Bad Romance was performed. She had yet another costume change. She wore a short, white dress and wore a mask which figured a ram. She removed her mask during the song. Really raising the limits of Fashion. 


After that number, she decided to be more interactive with the audience. She said, "I am not an alien... I am not a woman... I am not a man... I am not Human.... I am not a creature of Singapore. I am Lady Gaga. I have infiltrated your city and I will overthrow your Singapore, one monster at a time. Do not forget although I may not be many things, I am you. I am your dreams, I am your hopes, your potential, everything you love about yourself.... and you hate. And, I will forever love you more than anything. When my heart beats it's because your heart beats too. When I overthrow your beautiful country, some of you may stand by me while others will betray me." After which this build up, Judas begins. Personally, I love the steps to Judas. You could find more reference to the steps in the music video. 

She heads back into the castle and the castle reopens where you would see Lady Gaga in a peach/pinkish dress with origami designs. Fashion of His Love begins. However, halfway through the song, it breaks to Just Dance. It was quite a surprise to see the merge of these two fantastic numbers. At the end of the song, she leaves and reappears from a trap door at centre stage which raises her. She is seen sitting in what could have seemed to be a Gaga bathtub, smoking a cigarette. Her headpiece figures the crown of the statue of liberty in a one sided shiny/glittery dress. As she was raised from below the stage, Love Game starts. She then interacts with the audience talking about making loads of friends doing what she does and ends off saying, "Im jus a telephone call away..." This was a build up for the next song, Telephone. They even had the Beyonce part. At the end of the song, she enters the castle again. 


She changes her costume and Gaga enters as part of a design of a motor bike to the song Heavy Metal Lover. It was bizarre but freaking awesome. She rides along the stage during the song and then reenters the castle to put it back. She then comes out in a black bondage costume, with bike handles that figured a Harley streamers on her shoulders. After the song, she interacts with the crowd and say that she and her performers "Don't give a fuck" with whether people are enjoying themselves. Then, Bad Kids is played. Before her next song, she shares her life experience about being bullied in school where she was thrown into a garbage can and ridiculed by her friends. She never wanted to let anyone know about it as she didn't want anyone to think she was a LOSER. With the built up in emotions, she performs Hair, where she sits on her bike which has a built in keyboard. She talks about loneliness, bullying and about spreading love. She mentions that at the end of the day, we are not alone because she is with us. She further builds up the mood to a happier tone by performing You and I. 


After that, she moves into Electric Chapel where her dancers join her on stage. Everyone leaves the stage. The lead guitarist comes onto the stage and intros for Americano. Lady Gaga appears on a meat stand like those at the butcheries with her female dancers in her meat outfits while the guys are dressed in normal clothes. The story behind the meat outfit originates that in the past, women were treated like meat. Poker Face carries on after. Everyone once again goes GAGA to her no.1 hit when she first started. They all leave the stage once again. Gaga appears center stage on a sofa. She wears military green pants n black heeled boots n gun shaped bra. Paparazzi begins! She changes her outfit yet again to a mafia lookin outfit of black with a machine gun in hand. Following suite, she says, "Everyone who speaks different languages can understand music. I don't speak German but I can if you like... Scheibe. Lady Gaga finally kills the face orb. Though she claims the show is over, sit back, it's not!

After a long pause of anticipated fans hoping that she would do an encore, she appears at the top of the castle, singing and performing to Edge of Glory in a nun-looking outfit with loads of designs which mainly blue n yellow in colour, with one other dancer. She ends her whole THE BORN THIS WAY BALL with Marry The Night where all the dancers appear once again and everyone stands up, both young and old, to enjoy this great artist last song.

If you have not gone to see THE BORN THIS WAY BALL, you still have one day left to catch it. It's worth every cent. How often would you get sucha magnificent set with great music and not to mention, A STORY LINE! It's the best concert I've ever been to and it's definitely the best thing that has happened to me so far.

New York Skin Solution Visit DISASTER!

I have been suffering from a major acne breakout for the past 2 months. Is it the stress, hormones, or lack of sleep? What will I do to get rid of it???!!!

A few weeks ago, I was at the IT & Food Convention at Suntec where I came across New York Skin Solution's booth. The girl was friendly and managed to psycho me into getting a $10 voucher which gives me 2 facials. Why not? I thought. So I bought it. They asked me where I would like to target for the facial, so I decided, why not my dark circles? So I asked, do I have to sign up for packages or what, or is it just a facial? She said it's just a facial. Do not need to sign up for anything. 

On Mon, I decided to head to New York Skin Solution at Ngee Ann City after making an appointment with them. Perfect time since Audi Fashion Festival was the week before, and my skin was starting to get really bad from all the late nights of work(it was enjoyable though). An outbreak of Acne sprouted across my cheeks. So, at New York Skin Solution, I told them to target my acne instead. When I arrived, I was with much dismay as they greeted in me in mandarin. I did wonder whether I was at New York Skin Solution or China Skin Solution. It was annoying that they did not live up to their company's name, but anyhow, I brushed that impression aside and went on. I was brought into a room where the consultant put this magnifier thing which looked like a telescope onto my face. I saw all the acne up-close and personal! 

Then she went on telling me that I should go for an acne treatment package. I told her that I wasn't so interested to pay so much for a treatment like that. She kept insisting and insisting in her weak English that if I did not do it, it would spread and get worse. I was wondering, was that the only solution to acne? So, anyway, I was persistent with my "NOs" and she finally gave up. She called someone else in who couldn't speak English fluently too, who tried the same thing on me. She said that I need to sign the package today to get the first trial price and blah blah blah. I told her that I just need my face to settle down after a week of late nights and hard work. She said it won't work. Then she went on insisting again, trying to persuade to me that it won't work and that it's an infection, showing me pictures of her customers whose skins have improved. But the persuasion still didn't work. Seriously, hard selling doesn't work on me honey...

I went into a room which really looked like a hospital in a room, with the hospital curtains and people snoring. Not to mention the disgusting "ting tong" music which came out from the ceiling speakers. Another girl attended to my facial. She seemed to have been able to speak English a lot better but still not very good. During the facial, she kept annoying me asking me to upgrade to a Collagen package and blah blah blah. It was $60 more, mind you. I declined. But like her colleague, she kept persisting. I really did not enjoy myself being relaxed and getting a facial. She left for a while and later came back and said she upgraded my facial FOC. I mean, if the $60 was such a big deal initially, why is it free now? Anyway, during the facial, she did half of my face with collagen and then took a mirror for me to take a look at the difference. She said, "Can you see the difference?" I replied.. No... She went on showing me that there was a difference but I really did not see any difference but I played along and said yes. 

After the whole facial was over, I was brought into a room again. This time, yet another consultant tried to persuade me into getting a package. I was really fuming with anger and annoyance. I told her, "I came here to get my facial done, not to sign any packages!" I think she got the hint this time. She said it's ok then. Nice try New York Skin Solution. How can a company's reputation be left in the arms of Mandarin speaking workers whose aim is just to sell packages instead of creating the best atmosphere for the client? In total disgust, never again, never will I recommend anyone there. Seriously... it's not worth the $10, not to mention, they did not tell me whether I could book the 2nd appointment. 

On a lighter note, I headed home and visited Dr. Georgia Lee's website. I came across this product called ACNE Cleanser. I was thinking, should I give it a shot? $78 for a cleanser when I normally spend $10-20 on a normal one. I emailed Dr. Georgia Lee about my condition(without sending her pics of my acne) and she replied by the next morning. She told me that I would need antibiotics and to do it early to prevent scarring, not forcing me to get any of her products. I decided to visit one of their booths at Robinsons the day after the facial to see if there was anything that could help speed up the process. The counter girl was so helpful. She was telling me that I just needed to use the Skin Repair serum for the targeted areas as my acne wasn't that bad. It was however, $20 more than the cleanser. But I thought, what the heck, I need it! and it's so much cheaper than getting a package at New York Skin Solution. So, I bought it. It's been 3 days of using the product and guess what... My acne is actually clearing off! It's not fully gone but it's gotten flatter. The counter girl did say that I'll see results in a week, but it's working wonders on my face already! So since the acne is clearing up, I do not need any antibiotics. The wonders of DrGL. I'll continue with this product review for 2 weeks and see whether it fully clears up. 

Nonetheless, Thank You Dr. Georgia Lee!

It all began with $7/hr...

"2 years ago, I worked to earn S$7/hr. NOW... I have fun and earn a minimum of S$100-200/hr! And it keeps getting more by the year!"

From left to right: Me(Wesley Kow), Nicola Formichetti(LADY GAGA's Stylist & Creative Director of Mugler), Ashley Isham

Initially, I was like the average Singaporean kid who just worked for someone or a company because a monthly salary of about S$1,000 was about enough to keep me going. However, one day, I woke up and decided to think of my future. How could I live life just working for someone and earning so little in a year? How could I make money with my talents? How can I market myself? Why would people want me?

The launch of narcissisthephotographer was just a hobby which slowly, I got more and more jobs. I used my hobby in photography and a bit of entrepreneurship, which were drilled to me from young, and put them together. I started learning on how to earn money from massaging aunts at parties where I got coins. As I grew older, I started performing for my own family functions together with my cousins, be it dance, singing or magic. At 9 years old, I had my first opportunity to perform at a kindergarden. I had my first public performance on Christmas that year and believe or not, I had a call to perform again the next day by one of the kid's parents. Well, it did start with small amounts of money but as the years past, I raised my charges more and more. During semestral breaks, I used to work at offices earning about $6-8/hr. It felt good as the money which came in felt like a lot at that point. With all that money, I decided to get my own DSLR after getting enticed by its quality during my internship in Thailand during my poly years. As the years past, I started snapping more and more. Soon, I had calls from friends who needed a photographer for their works. As my experience grew, so did my contacts. However, I never knew how much to charge. I could never learn from other photographers as most were quite selfish with the knowledge they had(this explains why the industry doesn't grow much). Well... I did learn how to use a camera from friends and books but how to shoot or get this or that effect was mostly done through trial and error. I put my mind as a camera and figured as much as I could out.

So, while deciding to name my company, I decided to have a name which linked what I do, the type of people in the industry and definitely a bit of me. I decided not to have Wesley Kow Photography as it pretty common and nothing fantastic about just naming yourself to what you do. So, the name narcissisthephotographer came about. Narcissist which refers to Vanity, speaks about me, fashion, fame, beauty and all the aspects of what I do. It refers to people. Therefore, people can understand that I do people photography. Vanity is one of the deadly sins, Pride, which I feel is in a lot of people in the industry(not all though). Honestly, a lot of people in the industry think they are everything, but they don't realize that this is just an island called Singapore. Therefore, narcissisthephotographer stands as a reminder to what we are and what I do. Nothing wrong with the truths of life, no one is perfect, not even me, but we got to fake it till we make it.

From last year to this year, I've established shooting for all the Singapore Fashion Weeks in 2011 and so far for 2012(excluding Women's Fashion Week 2012 which has not begun). I've shot for other runways and attended or shot at other events. I've shot at a variety of clubs too. My contacts grew further as I was never shy at talking to random people. Somehow, I kinda realized that people are actually friendly.... HAHA! As my confidence grew, my communication skills grew, I marketed myself better and I learnt to differentiate myself from other photographers. What makes me different? I went to so many Fashion events and photographers who shot Fashion, just shot Fashion. I believe that by shooting it, you got to live it. I went for events all dressed up in different themes each event and even though normal guests usually dressed up, at the media pit, I stood out. Well, even if it may look a little bizarre, I still managed to grab good attention. Honestly, I didn't need to wear the latest Gucci or Prada to do it, it's just knowing how to put an outfit together to be presentable and show what you do. I always believe that it's not what you wear, but how you wear!

Therefore, how did I do it? I used my talents to my benefit. However, to grow in whatever you do, you NEED passion, it's a drive which will remove the word "work" and change it to "fun". Then, you will have to have contacts which will drive your passion further, and lastly, you need GUTS(why bother be shy and let everyone step on you?)!!!

Audi Fashion Festival Gala Dinner 2012

Audi Fashion Festival 2012, launched the Audi R8 GT Spyder. This state of the art automobile is a convertible with a matt finish. It is really a beautiful piece and it can travel really fast.

The event began at 8pm and ended promptly at 11pm. The Gala dinner opened up with the first runway done by the Costume National Show. The designs from the Costume National Show were outrageous as some of it's pieces were furred up, leathered up or exposed! It was an interesting show to watch. 

The Gala dinner ended with the launch of their latest car and some performances. Oh, btw, guess who was in the crowd? Nicola! Lady Gaga's stylist. I managed to get some paparazzi shots of him and not forgetting, a picture with him and Ashley Isham. They will be posted up once I get a hold on them!

Audi Fashion Festival: Beauty Backstage at CoSTUME NATIONAL | Singapore's #1 Women's Magazine | Her World Singapore

Audi Fashion Festival: Beauty Backstage at CoSTUME NATIONAL | Singapore's #1 Women's Magazine | Her World Singapore

Day 1 of Audi Fashion Festival! We had some backstage shots of the beauty looks for the runway at night and here it is! Up and already drawing attention. Writer: Ning Lieu. Photographer: narcissisthephotographer!

AUDI FASHION FESTIVAL 2012

Audi Fashion Festival 2012 is around the corner. Last year, I shot for the whole event. This year I'll be back! Commencing this coming Monday, 14th May 2012, this 7-day festival will surely be The Fashion Event of the year. Not forgetting the launch of the new Audi car! Last year, it was the Audi A7 Sportback, I really wonder what will be launched for this year's festival! Catch me at the Tentage outside of Ngee Ann City Mall during that period! Who knows.. you might even see Lady Gaga there!

Singapore Yacht Show 2012

The Singapore Yacht Show 2012 saw many prestigious vessels on One Degree Fifteen on the 27th to the 29th of April 2012. Yacht brands such as Aegean Yachts, Azimut, Cranchi, Feadship, J-Craft, Mangusta, Megaway, Palmer Johnson, Princess, Riva, San Lorenzo, Westport, to name a few, plus brokers Burgess, Northrop and Johnson, Ocean Independence and Simpson Marine, docked in Singapore waters for this exhibition.  It welcomed high-end viewers and viewing for some of the yachts were only welcomed to buyers. The event did not only welcome yachts but housing, automobiles and other high-end products.

The experience of being there made me feel like I was filthy rich. I adapted to the environment quickly and was soon thinking of how I could own some of the products there. What came across my eyes was this motorized wakeboard. It did not require a boat and you could practically sit, stand or lie on it as it travelled about 50km/hr. It was really cool. The price of that product was $15K! If I was an avid wakeboarder, I would definitely purchase it, however, I will now have to wait till I have no idea what to do with my money before I get it. Some of the yachts however made me think, if I had this, why would I need a house! It was really awesome. The experience of being among the rich, the wealthy leaves you with no where but to work towards it!

I love going for such events for FREE while everyone else has to pay

We Found Love by Rihanna

It's like you're screaming, and no one can hear
You almost feel ashamed
That someone could be that important
That without them, you feel like nothing
No one will ever understand how much it hurts
You feel hopeless; like nothing can save you
And when it's over, and it's gone
You almost wish that you could have all that bad stuff back
So that you could have the good
- Rihanna

The Avengers(2012)

Have you caught the Avengers yet? If not, get your tickets right now! A must-see movie that gives you more than 5 times the value of your ticket. Rated 4/5 by narcissistheblogger, a definite movie to catch for May 2012. 

Of all the Marvel comic movies I've seen, this is by far the most awesome movie of all. 5 main movies in one. Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Hawkeye! All 5 marvel characters join forces to stop the evil brother of Thor, Loki, from taking over Earth. A mix of humor and action, this movie will keep you at the edge of your seat for the entire 2 hours 21 minutes! 

Synopsis:

Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures "Marvel's The Avengers"--the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, "Marvel's The Avengers" is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series "The Avengers," first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when "Marvel's The Avengers" assemble in summer 2012. In "Marvel's The Avengers," superheroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security. - http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_8661.jsp

Not a definite must-see movie, but a definite MUST-SEE AGAIN!!! Don't be surprised if you leave the cinema wanting to be a superhero!