Big Announcement! A game of cards – Go Fish (Guess who's gonna be on a National TV Series)

About 3 weeks ago I made an announcement on my Facebook. I have had these plans to write about it, but really wanted to tell you about the joys of my siblings wedding. 

So here it is, we have started production on a new TV series based and filmed here in Calgary.  A few weeks ago, I was chosen to be a supporting cast member on a comedy series called Go Fish. It’s a very fitting title especially with some of my Singapore friends whom I taught to play the game. Here is the synopsis taken from iperformarts (production company):

"This TV comedy series follows five roommates as they try to make their way through the world. Each of them is following a dream, however, in the pursuit of their goals they often find themselves in hilarious predicaments which sabotage any progress that they may be making.

Each of the roommates have different goals, one wants to be a Lawyer, one is trying to become a fitness instructor, another is a model, and one is an actress. The fifth roommate is the very rich owner of the house that they all live in, and wants to get married….

Each episode follows the girls through one day in a series of short chronological skits."

A lonely little goldfish is the physical manifestation of each roommates failures, this fish seems to suffer an untimely demise in each episode, and is promptly replaced by whoever caused the fishes end. No one seems to even notice that the fish is different each time.

So where do I come in? One of the lasts pieces to the puzzle, I ended up casting for the show a few short days after getting back from my last Asia trip. As I mentioned my role is as support so I won’t be appearing in every episode, but will be a reoccurring character, the handsome neighbour.  My character lives next door to the girls, and is constantly trying to get a date or phone number at least. Without giving too much away, let's just say that I am a bit of eye candy on screen with my wardrobe. 

My experiences overseas filming television commercials have led to an interest in acting. I constantly talk about challenges and adventure is this is exactly how I see it. Excited to work on this production would be an understatement.  

I would like to share more, and I may share bit by bit as production goes along, but for the most part you are just going to have to stay tuned for when the show airs here in Canada (and for those overseas I will be certain to share online links).

Come away with me – My brothers wedding (Part 2)

When I last left you Ben and Christina had said their I do’s. Ben gave Christina the wrong hand to put the ring on and also struck a fantastic chord in everyone’s hearts confirming his love for her. Following the reception we found a few locales for some wedding party shots, and then rolled into the reception. 

As we did the shots, I realized how automatic movement has become for me. The countless flashes of light I have seen has created an instinctive manipulation to create different pictures. Browsing through the wedding pictures it became obvious, as frequently I was the only one varying in pictures.  Time to get back on topic.

With the majority of guests arrived, our 2 SUVS pulled up to a beautiful golf course setting. With music starting to pump each party member began to dance in and then make our way to the head table. I briefly introduced the wedding party, and gave thanks to everyone for accompanying Ben and Christina through their joyous day. Of course now that Christina was in our family I had to immediately tease my little sister. During thanks, I asked her to come up and say a few words. Unprepared, her face turned red and she slowly moved towards me at the podium. As she got near me, I welcomed her to the family and gave a hug. 

Most of the way through dinner, we started with speeches. I lead the way with a toast to the groom. With plenty of ammunition and inside jokes, I decided to keep those for another time. I shared some fun experiences of Ben and I, reminisced of the first time he spoke of the new delight in his life, and continued into describing how his life had changed for the better with Christina there. Following myself, the Bride’s father delighted is with a heartfelt and deep dedication towards his daughter. My father, a man seldom of few words, kept short, meaningful and full of power. Lastly, the maid of honour came up to share a few words of thanks as well.  

As we wrapped up dinner and proceeded into the first dance, Ben and Christina took the dance floor to the tune of Louis Armstrong.  For that song, it was clear that nothing else existed in the world other than the two of them holding each other.  I think Adam captured it perfectly here.  Of course not long after that was the cutting of the cake with the two smearing cake over each other’s faces.

The music continued the rest of the evening having people up and down, shouting, and shaking all they had. A beautiful evening capped a gorgeous day, so many of us caught up and socialized on the deck outside the hall.

I was busy outside socializing as the bouquet toss and garter toss happened, but I have been assured it was equally entertaining. 

Finally as the take was so long and all of us were tired, I escorted the bride and groom off to their hotel for the night, with a honeymoon in Cape Breton to follow the next day.

Of course big thanks to Studio35 Photography for the pictures. If you like these, please be sure to check out them on facebook. 

A wonderful life – My Brothers wedding (Part 1)

Just over 2 weeks ago, my younger brother and my now sister in law got hitched. Redneck slang enough for you? A massive congrats to Ben and Christina, may the years to come be filled with love and happiness.

Weddings are a pretty big deal. Interestingly enough, the notion of committing to a partner is universal no matter the culture or region we come from. I am also getting to that age (guess if you don’t already know) where friends and family are pairing down to tie the knot. 5 weddings this year, and unfortunately I won’t be able to make it to most of them. Ben and Christina was the reason I came back from Asia a little shy of fulfilling full-length contracts. 

1 week before the wedding things were starting to look bleak. I had just arrived from Singapore via those crazy connections, and the heavens decided to team with the mountains of Alberta and produce the worst flooding since this city has come to exist (not to mention High River ironically, or Canmore which were both devastated). Lucky for the bride and groom for their day and their locations on June 29, 2013, weather cooperated. 

Being the first of their group of friends the couple had a lot of learning to do as they prepared for the wedding. I helped when I could (being on the other side of the world does present challenges), but they did well getting things organized. Despite a slip here and there, most the ducks were in a row. 

As the big day arrived, Ben stayed with the parents so he wouldn’t see the bride (as per tradition) and the girls stayed at the couple’s house to prepare for their early start. A long morning of hair and makeup put the already busy day behind schedule for the girls. To lend a hand for the girls, Adam and I did what we could. Subway waiting for them, dresses all lined up with shoes and jewelry splayed in an organized fashion.

A number of times I will mention how helpful Adam Kuzik (and Amie Le Blac) @Studio 35 Photography ( Studio 35 Facebook)for their help, going beyond just snapping pictures. Adam did wonders for helping the girls get prepared, as well as keeping the bride to be calm and happy. A relaxed bride is a happy bride, this can sometimes be hard to find on these particular days.

Lending my hands to help with the girls, I arrived back at the boys meeting place to “suit up”. Within 12 minutes the 4 of us, Groom, the 2 groomsmen and myself (bestman) were ready. With Amie the boys and I took some Groomsmen pics, then rolled out shortly after that. VIP Style of course.  The first picture is essentially what we look liked upon arrival at the church. 

Twenty minutes later the women arrived. Escorted in their own VIP ride, the beauty herself remained hidden from everyone but the select few (as per tradition). Ten minutes later the ceremony started.

Everyone followed his or her directions to a T for the ceremony. Jaws dropped and minds blown, but not a smile compared to Ben’s (with teeth which can be rare for him) shined as bright, during that exact moment when he first laid eyes on his bride. Seeing my younger smile that way with joy, touched a soft part somewhere in my chest. Not sure what it was, maybe heartburn or something (bad timing I guess).  

Overall the ceremony went off without a hitch. There was slight confusion as to which finger the wedding band may go on, but if anything that just provided a sense of realism to a picture perfect day.

I will continue with another post later regarding the reception. 

Don't forget to read about my wedding last year in may. Phuket Wedding

The as per tradition is a reference to the southpark episode called "The Royal Pudding". 

Hell yeah! Science! (Latest TVC is out)

A few months back, I wrote about my scientist job. Think, think, think, oh yes a unique biomarker derivative. It was a fun commercial to shoot, but also extra exciting because I had the opportunity to speak in the commercial.

While I am working on finding the full English version (which I doubt I will find), you can hear me in the background with the Thai voiceover… as always enjoy.

While on the topic of science, I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about 2 more things.

• My favourite TV show: Breaking Bad (a bit of science spiced in there)
• A common nutrition myth

On the Breaking Bad note, I have been watching it again on Netflix. While not completely immersed as I was on the plane to Korea last fall, I can say I thoroughly enjoy the show. The gradual change of protagonist to antagonist is unique for a mainstream show. My favourite movie the godfather follows a very similar structure this way. Of course, I find it further interesting when they add the bits of Chemistry whether in the production of meth or how hydrofluoric acid won’t eat through a particular plastic. Those moments make me go aha!

As I have discussed many times, my background is a Bachelor of Science: Applied human nutrition. A facebook conversation with a few friends the other day lead me to something I should share with everyone. The nutrition myth: Margarine is one molecule away from plastic.  I have heard this so many times. 

Let’s start with what plastic is. Plastics are made up of smaller molecules linked together in a long chain. The main component of plastics is usually petroleum based products, which is where people become scared of this myth.  The thought of consuming a plastic bag, being the same as consuming car oil is rather repulsive. Plastics can also be made from wood, corn, other plants, and even sugar. Check out this about bio plastic. (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/star.19930450806/abstract)

So as you can see one fear is that plastic and margarine can both be made from vegetable oil, however that is where their congruency meets demise. Furthermore the thought that just one molecule could change margarine completely is a little naive. With margarine there are hundreds of molecules that vary from plastic. Many other simple even life giving substances can be made deadly with a change of molecule. Even without change sometimes. For example: H₂O is water, but HF (hydrofluoric acid) in the right concentrations is used to etch glass or even burn your skin (Breaking Bad did this if you remember).  Or standard table salt sodium chloride/NaCl as another example: pure sodium in water reacts rather explosively. And Cl or chlorine, we know as a common antiseptic, but was used in World War 1 as a weapon. Clearly 1 molecule can make a difference.

I hope that clarifies things a little for you about that 1 molecule thing with margarine.

One last note. Thanks everyone for the support so far. I should be cracking 20 000 views very soon. 

Sharpen your tools

In any industry you require a certain set of skills and tools to get your tasks done. Unfortunately modelling doesn’t provide the greatest use of my brain, but does require maintenance of my physical self. The minimal stimulation is balanced off by my strange desire to read scientific journals and non-fiction books ( currently on 7 habits of highly effective people). I frequently discuss what I do to maintain my physique (currently boxing is my sweet tooth). Diet is something crucial as well that I have mentioned. Also very important is maintaining a clear complexion. With all the makeup I have had smeared on my face, sometimes it takes more effort than others.

When I was in Korea, my roommate, said to me you can always tell the models that work a lot by the complexion of their skin. He told me they all have pimples and oily skin because of the makeup. While there is some truth to this, I feel there is much more than that. Genetics is a big part, diet comes into play and of course how your treat your skin.

While I do get the odd pimple, my skin is for the most part rather dry. After running out of my normal moisturizer, I came across an opportunity to try something new (unfortunately not available in Canada yet). I met with the people at V10+ and discussed my skin concerns.  The obvious makeup problem came about so a good cleanser is important. Issues of dry skin, resulted in the hyaluronic serum.  A good sunscreen is essential too, especially being in the hot tropical sun, and needing to have pasty white skin as a model. And lastly a once a per week exfoliating water base peel.  Frequently I laugh at my knowledge as a man that has developed with skincare and cosmetics. 

I always said modelling wouldn’t change me, well it has. My knowledge of makeup and maintaining good skin is far higher than 99% of straight guys. Oddly enough I know which makeup feels like a layer of mud on your face and which ones breath. With that experience I have truly gained value for good skincare. 

For the past few weeks I have been trying these products out. The hyaluronic serum stuff is unreal. I am used to a cream, but with 3 drops from a dropper and rubbed over my face, I get rid of that dry stiff skin feeling and don't have the cream residue on my fingers. Which turns out to be a real pain when everything these days is touch screen.

The other one that I really like is this water base peel. It's pretty cool. Just a little bit left to dry on your skin for a few seconds. Then rubbing it all you can see all the dead skin that you have left over. Seriously no wonder my skin is so dry. I am results driven so seeing what the product does at the moment of use is rewarding.

Personally sunscreen is sunscreen for me, but when in Asia as a caucasian model it is crucial to maintain that healthy white skin. And I have never really used a cleanser much, so I haven't noticed the same impact as with the other 2 products.