Singer-songwriter Jonathan Chong’s resume gives no hint of his artistic side. Trained up to PhD level in robot management, and currently working as a mechanical engineer, Chong, 29, launched his debut album, State Of My Mind on 19 September with a showcase at Bar None, St James Power Station.

The cosy gathering of around 50 fit comfortably into the chic venue. Most were close friends who turned up to show their support for the singer. Chong rose to the occasion and belted out seven songs from his album (which features 10 of his original compositions).

Chong’s music, birthed from a time when he went through a period of depression while pursuing his PhD, offers a refreshing blend of pop, rock, jazz and soul. The song that started it all was ‘Tell Me Why’, written when he was in a period of questioning life and its meaning.

City News spoke to Chong during a set break. The singer revealed that he writes songs almost anywhere. He could be in a jungle, on a cliff, or in his own bedroom. This is testament to the fact that his experiences in life are more varied than most. Born in laidback Kuching in East Malaysia, Chong has lived in cities like Boston, Moscow and Tokyo, and is currently based in Singapore.

Chong’s wife and manager, Belinda, 30, called the album a dream come true. She said that working on Chong’s music together united them in reaching for a common goal and as a result, strengthened the bond between them.

During the showcase, Chong sang ‘The Brightest Star’ — a term he uses to describe his wife. This song “is not a love song, but could be a love song”.

PHOTOS: Jason Lee and Xavier Tan

A close friend of the couple, Joan Ho, 31, a polytechnic lecturer, described Chong’s music as very refreshing and inspirational. She said, “Music is really about the meaning behind the music.”

State of My Mind was produced by Joshua Wan, a renowned producer who has worked with Tanya Chua and Stefanie Sun. It took three years of persistence on Chong’s part to engage Wan.

When quizzed about future plans for his music, Chong said he is open to anything. One thing’s for sure though: he has the full support of his loved ones. As our interview drew to a close, Chong received news that his parents had just flown in from Kuching to show their emphatic support for their son’s first steps into the world of music and entertainment.

Stella’s Mum Gets Her Groove Back may have been published only a year ago, but the inspirational story of author, Elisabetta Franzoso’s personal transformation has certainly gotten others grooving to its life-changing insights.

The book’s first anniversary at The Pod, National Library Building on 16 September 2009 was a celebration of the awareness and action of people who have been touched by Franzoso’s powerful journey. In 1997, she courageously began confronting the pain of childhood abuse to attain wholeness as a mother, wife and businesswoman.

The evening’s guest speaker, neuroscientist, wheelchair marathon champion and philanthropist, Dr. William Tan, 52, reflected on how Franzoso’s mantra of self-responsibility recently became very real to him in his own journey from denial to commitment as he battles leukemia.

Diagnosed with the disease in April this year, Tan shared, “I’ve realized it’s important for me to allow my emotions to be released (in my) difficulty in coming to terms with my cancer, and then move on from there. So I always tell myself, I have to move on, and not only move on forward, but move up to a higher vantage point.”

Others who spoke at the event resonated with the same indomitable spirit the book inspires. Among them was fitness trainer, Lucy Lyon, 32, who related how anorexia controlled her and seemed to make choices for her until she realized how little she really cared for herself.

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

Performance coach, Marcel Daane, 42, described how he overcame his anger towards his abusive parents, which manifested in substance abuse, by becoming accountable for his own actions.

For Mongolian sportswoman and ultra marathon winner, Anne Qihui Date, 28, Fronzoso’s book was her little “miracle”, helping her unlearn the need to please people, inculcated growing up in a traditional Asian family.

Seeing how her story has influenced people, Franzoso is no longer, “walking towards her dream but living it,” as the book becomes a catalyst for abuse to be addressed openly.

Her continuing passion to help others brims as she shares, “The more you talk about this topic, the more you can take away the darkness and really enter the light. The more you can let go of the denial, the more you can do something about it.”

Stella’s Mum Gets Her Groove Back is available at Borders, Kinokuniya and Popular for S$28.80.

It was a mix of green and glamour at the Miss Earth 2009 Swimsuit Competition cum Pre-judging held at the Bellini Grande on Saturday, 5 September 2009. Organized by C.T. Hansen International Pte Ltd, the annual pageant’s aim is to be a vehicle in creating awareness for environmental issues, as well as to raise up Green Ambassadors to be role models for Singapore youth. Differentiating itself from other beauty pageants, Miss Earth requires contestants to participate in recycling and conservation events, ensuring that they have not just beauty, but a heart for the environment as well. With plush booths, an in-house jazz band, complimentary house-pours for guests and service staff dressed in white shirts and black vests, the luxurious and glamorous atmosphere provided by the Bellini Grande was clearly apt for the grand event. In-house singer/comedian Gino, whose brand of comedy was brash and bawdy but side-splittingly funny nonetheless, put the crowd in a relaxed mood before the start of the program.

PHOTOS: Xavier Tan

Hosts Genecia Luo and Elliot Danker did a good job keeping the energy going before introducing what the audience — made up predominantly of friends and family of the contestants — had been waiting for. As the bevy of beauties strutted on stage in their baby-blue two-piece bikinis sponsored by Change, the excitement (and temperatures) in the hall were sent soaring. The swimsuit round, a staple in all beauty pageants worth their weight, never fails to pull in the crowds — and this one was no exception. For the 13 contestants who have made it this far, the pre-judging and swimsuit round was their last chance to impress the judges before the Coronation on 17 September 2009 where the winner of the coveted crown would be announced. With the ‘formalities’ dispensed, it was back to serious business as the girls took to the stage in their evening gowns for the Question and Answer segments. With questions posed from the audience and judges surrounding the subject of environmental conservation, the girls’ sincerity and nerves were put to the ultimate test. Samuel Seow, guest judge and Managing Director of Samuel Seow Law Corporation, found the girls’ answers rather ‘refreshing and intelligent,’ showcasing the girls’ beauty and brains.

The excitement of the night over, Miss Earth 2009 contestant Ashley Ng, 19, was delighted with the response from the crowd. On the topic of being in a two-piece bikini on-stage for the first time, “I just told myself not to think about it too much and just get used to it. The support from the crowd really helped as well!” With the 13 contestants whittled down to the top 8 finalists, head on down to the uber-cool club, the Bellini Grande for the glitz and glamour of Coronation night on 17 September to witness the crowning of Singapore’s Miss Earth 2009. For more info, visit their website at http://www.missearthsingapore.com/

Sabrina Goh, designer of hot label ELOHIM has had the honor of being listed on avant garde London fashion directory Not Just A Label. Plus, one of her designs is currently selling on Not Just A Label’s online store.

Malaysia-born, Singapore-schooled Goh launched her line at Audi Fashion Festival in May this year, to great acclaim. She has been hailed one of the most promising young designers in Singapore today, alongside brands like Reckless Erika.

Amanda Lepore is a popular nightlife hostess in New York City who is a well-known style icon and face for M.A.C cosmetics.

For Goh, this is strong confirmation that her designs have appeal beyond local shores. “I’m most honored to be picked by NJAL — they are so well-known in Europe,” she says. “We designers always want to be adventurous and daring, but ‘cutting edge’ or ‘avant garde’ designs just don’t work in Singapore most of the time, I’m sad to say. So that this opportunity has come up is perfect for me — I am able to create something outrageous for outrageous people in a different market!”

ELOHIM is one of over 50 international labels to sell on the NJAL store this season. The piece selected is Goh’s tailored buckle vest. It is currently available on the site.

“Not Just A Label (NJAL) is an online directory for designers and artists,” explains Goh. “I joined their designer listing a few months ago, and uploaded my collection and details on the NJAL website. NJAL sends a ‘blackboard’ message to all designers listed in their website, and the site’s host for August, Amanda Lepore, picked my design to sell on their online store.”

Getting one piece in is just the start, Goh hopes. “I am about to release my Spring/Summer 2010 Collection — in October 2009 — and hopefully, the people at Not Just A Label and other retailers will love the designs and pick them to sell at their stores! And it’s not just overseas I am looking at — I also hope to grow locally.”

But right now it seems that fashionistas across the globe are picking ELOHIM faster than Singaporeans can say “F1”. Even as you are reading this, Goh already has a second deal — this time in the US. “Yes we will also be selling pieces on Pixiemarket, a New York-based fashion store. The designs will be up soon online at www.pixiemarket.com, as well as their stand-alone store.”

Read more about Sabrina Goh and view her designs at www.sabrinagoh.com

“I’ll smack him back on his a**.”

So said Desiree Yong, one of the F1 gird girls in the top 10 (and the one who received the most number of online votes). She had been posed the question: “If Lewis Hamilton touches your a**, what would you do?”

And if you think that was the raunchy highlight of the F1 Grid Girl Finals on 21 September, you could not be more wrong.

The finals got off on a great start with cheers for each girl as they strutted their stuff in front of the judges. Dressed in their grid girl uniforms, they waved the checkered flags as they wove their way through the audience, causing quite a stir.

The noise level in the MediaCorp Studio was overwhelming. “CORDELIA!” One group screamed as they waved huge banners. “CONSTANCE!” Another group blasted back amid a cacophony of whistles and foghorns.

The girls were judged on poise, confidence and good communication. It appeared that most of them had the “poise” part down, especially in the catwalk segments, where they showed off lovely outfits to the sounds of SLEEQ, an R&B duo from Singapore. Then, in what was probably the highlight for both male and female viewers, the girls sashayed in wearing elegant evening gowns, accompanied by the strapping young men from the hotbod series Polo Boys. Poise? Check. Confidence? Check.

Then came the ultimate test: the Q&A. In the wake of the speak-bad-English debacle of recent weeks, the question was on everybody’s mind: Would the girls be eloquent in speech?

Miss Photogenic, Sara Herve was asked: “Which F1 driver needs facial enhancement?” She cheekily answered, “Lewis Hamilton”, explaining that all he needed was a sharp nose to make him even cuter. Lewis Hamilton seemed to be the driver of choice among the Grid Girls; Hazwani Ahmad said he could be described as a chilli padi, before Yong famously revealed she would not hesitate to put her hand on his bottom.

PHOTOS: Gay Sen Min

Low Shu Min, the eventual winner of the competition, belted out a few lines of Bon Jovi’s rock anthem ‘It’s My Life’ to describe her experience in the competition. That, and her intelligent wit and good looks won her  an OCBC Titanium card with $20,000 credit, and the opportunity to hoist the flag at the F1 race.

She said, “It was very unexpected because I usually have stage fright — but I sang on stage, so looks like I’ve overcome that!”

The generous winner will be giving her fellow contestants a treat — a buffet meal for all.

For Low, the highlight of the F1 Grid Girls competition, which was aired as a reality TV show, was making the friends that she did, and of course, all the traveling she got to do as the show took the girls across the globe.

Plus, last weekend she got her “grand prize”: Flagging the F1 drivers off at the start of the race track.

The Singapore Grand Prix took place on 25-27 September. Lewis Hamilton emerged the winner of the Singapore race.

PHOTO: Gay Sen Min

The Empowering Single Parents Network (ESPN) held a special luncheon for 40 single parents on 12 September 2009. This is ESPN’s second gathering since its inception in June 2009.

Special guest speaker, Susan Ong, a Senior Financial Consultant with AIA, was invited to give a talk on ‘Four Keys Toward Achieving Success’ in a single parent household. In her talk, Ong also addressed common issues faced by most single parents, such as, self pity, shame and stigmatism from being a divorcee. Many of the participants could identify with what was shared, and were seen engaging in heartfelt discussion during the luncheon.

“After experiencing the breakdown of my marriage some five years ago, I have carried the pain in my heart since then. But like what the speaker said today, it’s time for me to put aside my heartache and move on to live a full life for myself and my son,” said Kelly Chua, a single mother with a seven-year old son. Another single parent, Andree Lim who has a 10-year old daughter, attended ESPN for the first time. “This is really helpful, to find friends with whom I can share my thoughts and feelings freely. This is a good place to build friendship and support in life,” said Lim. “I’m looking forward to the next event organized by ESPN.”

The youngest among the group was Joel Ong. At 23 years old, he is a father of a two-year old son and is facing an impending divorce. As he had not been connected with the Christian community for some years now, he commented that the ESPN was good as he ‘felt the presence of God’. After the session, Joel was introduced to one of the ESPN volunteers where he got to learn more on being a single parent and practical advice on some of the divorce procedures in Singapore.

Last year, Singapore recorded a total of 24,596 marriages with a total of 7,220 of them falling apart. That figure translates to one out of every four marriages in Singapore ending in divorces and annulments. With this growing trend of divorces and annulment, these figures look set to climb higher.

The statistics show a pressing need to build a supportive environment for parents and children from these broken marriages. Hence, the ESPN is a quarterly gathering that aims to bring single parents together in a supportive environment where they could share and be empowered to nurture their children with love and wisdom.

From the 10 to 13 September, 11 members from City Harvest Church ministered at Ipoh Harvest Church, Kampar Harvest Church and Taiping Harvest Church. The mission team led by Jimmy Yong set off for a grilling 7 hour journey to the Perak State of Malaysia at 10pm on 9 September, Tuesday and arrived at Ipoh at 4.50am the next day. Lian Choon Wah, Senior Pastor of Ipoh Harvest Church, along with two of his members Kenny Chee and Ronnie Yap welcomed the mission team up and brought them to eat the local’s famous dim sum for breakfast. The whole afternoon was spent with the team practicing and translating their testimony and offering message into the Chinese language, which the locals are more fluent in. The mission team also had a chance to practice with Ipoh Harvest’s worship band. The first service of the week was at another City Harvest Church’s affiliated Church; Kampar Harvest Church. There, Lily Azariel Mok from the mission team presented her testimony to the congregation.

It touched the audience so much so that one of the listeners later revealed to Mok that she teared while listening to her testimony. Asta Samantha Koh, from the mission team, encouraged the people to put their treasures with God in her offering message. Following that, Reverend George Ong from Harvest Christian Fellowship preached on ‘How to add value to your life’ which ministered to the congregation tremendously. On the next day, the team attended the 8pm service at Ipoh Harvest Church. It was akin to the Harvest family reunion as there were representatives from City Harvest Singapore, City Harvest, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh Harvest, Kampar Harvest, Taiping Harvest. After the Praise and Worship, Joyce Ho from the mission team challenged the congregation to sacrifice their best to God in her offering message and Reuel Eugene Tay from the mission team shared his testimony. Steff Toh and Tay also performed a song item ‘禱告’ (Prayer).

Following that, Ng Jie Lin from the mission team shared a dynamic message on ‘How to keep the Love for the Holy Spirit alive’. The congregation was mightily blessed by the Word of God. After the service, Pastor Lian invited everyone present at the auditorium to his house for dinner and to bid Sophia, Lian’s daughter, farewell as she departs for Moscow to study medicine for 6 years. On Sunday, the team woke up early to prepare for the 9am service at Ipoh Harvest Church. Ng reminded the congregation on the blessings of the Church in her offering message and Toh shared a heartwarming testimony about how God found her and accepted her as she was. After the performance by Toh and Tay, Yong preached on ‘How to overcome shame’. There was a mighty move of God as he laid hands and prayed for the musicians of Ipoh Harvest Church. After the service, the team took a 1 hour journey to Taiping, the first capital of the state of Perak. At Taiping, the mission team ministered at Taiping Harvest Church. Tay gave an offering message about ‘Giving your five loaves and 2 fish to God’ while Gabriel Cheong from the mission team presented his testimony on how God never given up on him even when he strayed from God. Yong ministered the Word and taught the people on keeping their relationship with God strong.

Many people were prayed for as Yong asked for those who want to love God more to step out of their seats and come forward. Abraham Chee, 17 reflected, “While we were ministering at our affiliated Churches, I was very encouraged by the fervency of the members. I learnt that at the mission field, we need to be very dependent on the Holy Spirit so that we can minister well!” Alison Yap, 32 also mused, “This mission trip made me realized not to take for granted what we have back in Singapore. I will definitely sign up for another mission trip soon.” The mission team came with the intent to minister and was ministered at the same time by the members’ fervency for the Lord.

Contributed by Howard Kuay

17 September 2009: The stage was set at the Bellini Grande, a swanking, modern day supper club, for the coronation night of the Miss Earth Singapore 2009. Valerie Lim, 24, a behavior therapist, beat 12 other finalists to be crowned Miss Earth Singapore 2009. Nine months of gruelling preparation had gone into this competition, and if “green energy” can actually be felt, this would probably be it.

Three years ago, the Miss Earth franchise was brought into Singapore by CT Hansen International as a vehicle to create awareness for the environment. The objective of the pageant is to increase the level of awareness about current environmental issues, and working with broadcast and print media to encourage young people to be personally responsible in protecting the environment as a lifestyle habit. The winners of the Miss Earth Pageant embody this message as ambassadors, believing that “if beauty can launch a thousand ships, [then] it can certainly influence people to help protect and preserve the environment”.

This year’s pageant was the “year of implementation, where new initiatives have been jointly created by … passionate Green Ambassadors, business associates, sponsors and supporters.” It was a pageant with a difference, one appreciated by audience member Wen Ng Yang who prefers the Miss Earth pageant to other pageants because it is “more about personality than beauty”.

Fittingly, this year’s sponsors all shared a strong corporate social responsibility culture: Caspoll Style makes eco-friendly eel skin purses; Siloso Beach Resort boasts nature conservation as part of their resort’s draw; and The Singapore Shawl seeks to provide employment and income for marginalized women. This meeting for CSR giants culminated with the beautiful, green-minded contestants that gracing the stage.

Turning talk into action was a key element in this year’s competition. Past winners Ivy Leow (Miss Earth Singapore Winner 2008) and Yen Wu Ling (Miss Earth Singapore 2008 — Fire) told City News that the first activity for the new contestants at the beginning of the year, “Redesigning Workshop”, was their way of implementing what they have learned. This initiative requires participants to recycle old clothes and accessories and turn them into “new” usable fashion apparel. With the 2009 finalists, the clothes created at this workshop were showcased during Earth Hour at the Esplanade Park in March, and at tonight’s segments “Junk to Funk”, an expression of the candidate’s personality through the design, and “Stale to Style” injecting new life into old clothes in a elegant manner.

Judges for this year’s competition were Calvin Cheong, Director of Looque Models and Lumina Looque International; Geraldine Tay, Marketing Manager of St James Holdings; Timothy Go, Presenter and Sales Producer of Channel News Asia, Mediacorp; Howard Shaw, Chief Executive, Singapore Environment Council; Nadya Hatagalung, celebrity and founder of Green Kampung; and Samuel Seow, Managing Director, Samuel Seow Law Corporation.

Hosted by Power 98 DJ Elliott Danker and founder of InQueenz Academy Genecia Luo, the evening began with a performance by jazz crooner Rob Collins. The women were judged by the panel based on their figure, charm/beauty/poise/projection, intelligence, personality/attitude and environmental awareness. It was a tough competition and the women went through what seemed like countless rounds: they first emerged in their evening gowns, went through two swim-wear segments, presented their “redesigned” clothes with masquerade masks before going through the much-awaited question-and-answer segment, in which each had to answer a question from a judge.

The first round saw the exit of five contestants out of the 13 finalists, then as the top eight danced with Collins before entering into the Q&A session, which determined the top four, and the winner of Miss Earth Singapore 2009.

PHOTOS: Jayson Lee

As the judges made their decision, the crowd was abuzz with speculation on who should win. Finally, the two hosts proceeded to announce the top 4 of Miss Earth Singapore 2009: The third runner up was Stella Zheng (Miss Earth Singapore — Fire); second runner up was Deborah Chan (Miss Earth Singapore — Water); third runner up was Nur Amira (Miss Earth Singapore — Air) and the queen of them all, Valerie Lim was crowned Miss Earth Singapore 2009. In true “greenie” style, there were no eco-unfriendly confetti or fireworks, so the crowning did seem a little low-key but was made up for by the droves of friends and family who mobbed the contestants after the crowning.

Valerie Lim, fresh from her win, told City News that she hopes to play a part in helping Singaporeans “take small steps in changing [their] mindset [toward greening]” and she hopes to start with children and teach a new generation good green habits.

Second runner up Deborah Chan, a fashion merchandising and marketing student, has learned some good habits, such as bringing her own recycled plastic bags whenever she goes shopping. First runner up Nur Amina noted that time management was very important, should someone want to champion the green cause.

One left the room feeling a greater sense of purpose for the green cause. If 13 girls could put themselves through nine months of preparation to vie to be green ambassadors, surely Singaporeans can do something on a daily basis to protect the earth. Perhaps this writer should quickly finish up this article so that he can switch off his computer, conserve electricity and head to a nearby park to enjoy the scenery.

Beauty paraded and glory shone at the Miss Singapore International 2009 finals held at the Raffles Town Club on 15 August 2009. Ashley Ng, 19, conquered all odds and clinched the Second Runner-Up title.

Those among the crowd who recalled the night of the Grand Finals would mostly agree that Murphy’s Law was evidently at work. “Everything that could possibly go wrong in a pageant went ALL WRONG!” Ng exclaimed in exasperation. Tripping over heels, trampling on other contestants’ gowns, having a typically “only average” walk were just some of the many pageant taboos Ng committed— so this was indeed an unexpected win.

Ng, a student, is also a finalist of Miss Earth Singapore 2009. From heaps of school assignments and examinations to an extremely hectic schedule of rehearsals and community involvement programs, Ng had a grueling time attempting to struggle between both worlds — she was on the verge of giving up. However, the feisty fighter persevered on and her victories today are results of her determination and tenacity.

Ng is training with InQueenz Pte Ltd, an organization set up by Genecia Luo, a former pageant winner (Miss Singapore International 2006), which aims to support women in achieving their dreams and ideals. Ng deems Luo as a great teacher, role model and personal good friend that taught her discipline, focus, right attitudes and how to be equipped with the right skills. Unknown to many, Ng is a simple girl-next-door that transformed into a beauty queen in just 2 months — she was a greenhorn when it came to pageants.

PHOTOS: Ashley Ang Sihui

To Ng, behind her success are greater people that loved and supported her through this tough but exciting journey. She drew a fair bit of courage and comfort from her mentor, Nanz Chong-Komo, a social entrepreneur and author, who encouraged and believed in her. Another one of Ng’s inspirations is international artist Sun Ho, who to her lives out an exemplary lifestyle in the entertainment industry. Ng tells City News that ultimately, her immovable source of strength is her faith in God and she credits God for making her previously impossible successes possible.

Ng is also in the midst of writing a book about her experiences and thoughts during this road to self-discovery — like all the women who’ve inspired her, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Contributed by Fedora Ee

Dr AR Bernard is the founder of Christian Cultural Centre, a 32,000-strong church in Brooklyn, New York. He is also aid to Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, and sits on the NYC Economic Development Corporation Board.

Dr Bernard preached in two sessions in Heart of God (HOG) church, located at Singapore Post Centre, on Friday, 10 July and on Sunday, 12 July. It was described as a history-defining weekend for the church. From infancy to adolescence, HOG has been built on Dr Bernard’s teachings and values, which have, over time, become the core values taught in Heart of God church.

Dr Bernard delivered a non-watered down message on Hypostatic and Anthropological Hypostatic Union — about how Jesus Christ was one with man, understanding how man feels, thinks and goes through in life; He preached about how Christians must now have a union with God, understanding His heart and His will. Dr Bernard also shared about the value of the invisible work that goes into building a church; behind-the-scenes hardship, sacrifice, and faith that went into building his church from just four people to one which now stands at 32 000 in membership.

Ong Zhiyi, a youth in HOG, described the sessions as “mind-blowing” and thought provoking. “(I) learned that life is all about doing the invisible. We may not see it initially, but at the end, what we sow, we will surely reap.”

PHOTOS: Yassy Chan