Choose your journey well.

What is life all about?
Life is like a taxi ride.

Stop the dark genius! Stop him! If you are wondering who the dark genius is, he is none other than… no, not me, I’m not a genius. The dark genius is the person inside everyone of us, the side of us which is so filled full of hatred and pain that when he’s on control of our body, we feel troubled.

Some call it a boring and moody day, but, ya, whatever. But it’s kinda contradicting still, because many people actually produce their best works even when they are in this state of boredom and depressing times.

It’s pretty obvious. Some of the best songs in this world are sad songs, the best operas are mainly tragic and the best stories made you feel very sad and agitated.

And how do we know we are in this state? We stop smiling and laughing.

In an undisclosed event years ago, I felt that feeling again exactly… A time where I feel so alone in this world even when there are many people around me. Gone were my laughters and smiles, in came the reluctant smiles and pretty irritating fake laughter… I hated the way I smiled and laughed, it was so fake, I feel so fake.

This dark genius thing doesn’t really seem to work for me though.

My best works were never created during times of sadness, they were good works though, filled with much dissent and anger. My best works, however, as I realized again, was created in times of facing a deadline pressure yet with much freedom to so it.

Which is just about now.

The last time I smiled while working was years ago… I was doing something I liked, was good at it and earned a nice sum and this was the part time business I did at night 2 hours before I sleep.

That was then…

For close to 4 years now since, I had not smiled and worked like this. Recently, this feeling is almost back…

The dark genius’ anger and sorrow is now a thing of the past, I am smiling again

Stop! The self centered Dark Genius! Stop and go away!

Live your life well and don’t waste it.

Thank you for your inspiration, Steve Jobs. I will smile more and live better instead of living a batman style “hero but cannot smile” kind of character.

I will do a few things in my life now, and also to start a personal project to gain back my confidence which two people have stripped away from me.

Live . Work .Smile
@maynaseric

Courteous reader, much is in store. The story shall continue for our journey together

Eric

Source for original Photo and some words: Straits Times
The Straits Times is the most popular and powerful published paid newspaper in Singapore and it has a circulation of around 400,000 with a reach of more than 1 million. That is almost half the country’s population. It was a privilege to interviewed and featured in one of the main section in the papers. This time, it is about Twitter and how I came about to be the 2nd most followed person in Singapore.
 

In this blog post, I would like to thank the people who made it possible and also to reach out to companies in Singapore and the world who want to get into the new social media platform which is set to change how things are done in business and marketing BEFORE other companies catch on and by that time, it might be hard to catch up….really hard.

In another sense, you don’t want another Coke VS Pepsi epic battle, what you really want is a comfortable dominant market position like Colgate, P&G, NTUC or Walmart, a level much higher than the next in line that catching up is going to be a paramount task for others. I will be most willing to have a talk with you regarding that direction, just contact me.

First of all, I would like to congratulate Ms Weizen Tan, the journalist for this paper for a very well thought out and written article. Kudos to you Ms Tan. Thank you also to WL for the photoshoot, very nice shot This article has been a quite hot topic not only in Singapore’s Twitter world but also around the community. Let’s take a look at the significance of this article to the Twitter World in Singapore.

Header

The Header shows 3 things:

1. What is Twitter?
2. Who are the top in the World?
3. Who are the top in Singapore?

Left Portion

I think that the report captured Twitter very accurately in the papers as to what it is to the general public.

Middle Portion

Well known names in the respective: CNN . Obama . Coldplay . Al Gore . Tony from Zappos

I’m really glad that #28 Tony from Zappos was included in the list because I mentioned that Tony and I exchanged tweets before during the interview and it might be likely that his name was picked up to be included in this list from there.

Do send Tony @zappos a tweet that he’s mentioned in Singapore’s most popular newspaper would you? Just send him the link to this post.

The Article Mention

Below is part of the article mention on the newspaper and I will be elaborating more on what the 4 points mentioned in the article meant, points of discussion, exclusively on this blog post.

How are you using Twitter and Facebook?

“What are you doing?” is what most people are Tweeting about in Twitter and “What’s going on in your life?” , that represents what most people are doing on Facebook. Everyone has different uses for a platform, in this case, a social media platform where people can meet and converse with each other.

Imagine this akin to a very small piece of blank paper, anyone can write anything on it but the true value is what’s written on it within that same small space. One can write “Had Starbucks this morning” or another can write “E=mc^2.” The perceived and true value are different. One is just a mention while the other changes how the world thinks. Think about this for a while on what’s your purpose for being there and how you are using your time. Time is really the only thing we have which everyone has an equal number of. 24/7/365

#1. WHAT are you going to be the best in the world in?

The first thing we should answer is WHAT are we in, WHAT we are REALLY doing. If you look at the article excerpt above from the Straits Times report, the keywords at first glance is “video production” and “online publishing”, that’s the topic for now. But the main subject to be the best in the world about is just one keyword, “Start-ups.” Maynas Eric wants to be really good at business start-ups, either as a whole or new department. It matches his way of living his life as well as business, frugal living = bootstrap business, fun and adventures in life = creative and exciting ideas…example. Point of Influence: Richard Branson

What are YOU going to be the best in the world in?

#2. WHY are you doing what you do?

The energy given off from a light bulb is just strong enough to enable us to see, focus the beams of light through a lens and it can fry an egg, focus many of these and you have a laser beam that can even bore through one of the toughest material in the world, diamonds. I imagine that this works like time, use it everywhere and we get nothing significant done.

Focus your time on something and you can master a skill and get things done much better than the first few times you tried. Focus your life on a topic and you can do things that others might think impossible, even traveling in space (Thanks Virgin Galactic).

Why am I on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook? To meet more people, make more friends, have more connections and have people whom I like to work together with me, to do and accomplish great things together. What is life without Family and Friends? Our immediate family is fixed, that’s good. But who we choose to marry, live a life with and who we choose to spend our time with to share moments together, go out together, do things together, I would think that it makes sense to be around with people whom we like, that makes life happier and more meaningful to live. It is all right to be ranked second in Singapore but not the first because the significance of it, although it matters, isn’t that great as long as we know what we are doing. Some people get online to tell people what they are doing, I get online to get people to do things together. Slight difference in words but significantly different in meaning.

Who we choose to be with is as important as who we choose not to be with. Beautifully captured in the “Follow” and “Unfollow” function of Twitter.

Point of Influence: Warren Buffett

Why are YOU on Twitter and Facebook?

#3. WHO are you talking to?

It is said that who you are can be quite accurately assumed by the 5 people whom you are most in contact with. 5 is just a number to represent your inner circle. I would think that 100 is a better gauge nowadays. I imagine that “Who you are and what you become is correlated to the 100 people you are in quick contact with constantly.”

Not everyone will like you, but you don’t have to be contact with people whom you don’t like too. It doesn’t really matter to me if you are poor or rich, what matters to me is if you have a good heart, but it does matter to me if one is complaining about being poor or bragging about being rich.

I like to spend my time with people I like, respect and whom we can relate to each other about things. Like ebay’s motto, I believe that people are generally good. Give them a chance, see what they tweet about in twitter and you can get an insight of the kind of person they really are. Look into their Facebook and you can have an overview of the people they mix with. If a person doesn’t have Twitter or Facebook, and just have face to face contact with you, the information you can get from them is limited. You can only see what they are trying to show you at that one meeting.

On Twitter and Facebook, you get to see who they really are over a period of time. Are they genuine people or do they have something sleazy up their sleeves? In life and business nowadays, you have to be transparent at least to a certain extend. I like Tom Peters and Seth Godin, what they say is really what they do.

Point of Influence: Tom Peters and Seth Godin

Who are you talking to and who is actually talking to you?

#4. HOW do you plan to create your World?

We have to define what kind of world we want to live in. Some people’s world evolves a circle around their family only, some a little wider to extend to their friends, some even wider to their community, some to the extend to their country, local. There are some who want to extend to the World. That is where I want to be for now. Richard Branson went another level higher, he is extending his reach to outer space, now, that’s something!

I have worked with and hired people from other countries, for example, the States, Australia, Romania, India and also countries in Europe and Asia. One thing is clear, excellence has no discrimination. If a person is of good character and can produce good results, it doesn’t matter who he or she is, how old or where they come from as long as they are not doing anything wrong or harm anyone. Some of the best in the world are just waiting to be discovered by us, and the World is now flattened by the rise of the Internet to give us the power of instant connections. That’s powerful.

Point of Influence : ebay, Joel Comm and Tony Hsieh from Zappos

How do you plan to create your World? Is it a worldly one with meaning and prosperity or a smaller one with comfort but insecurity?

The Power of Money is often Overrated and the Power of Love is often Underrated.

Money is good, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t help others you feel you should help for free. Love is good, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t charge people who you like. For those who know me, you will know that I don’t like to charge people for the things I do for them voluntarily and I don’t like to help people for the things they ask me to do for them for free especially when it feels like a demand. I am like most people, I do not like to be taken for granted. As I understand this, it is also what I remember when it comes to other people. Love comes in many forms, I believe in two other kinds of love in friendship, Philia and Xenia (Greek).

I hope to use this opportunity to send a message to you and the people I hope you will be sending here to read this post. If you’re looking to improve your business, selling something, looking for a job, looking for investors, looking for more business contacts or simply looking for like minded friends then you can take this opportunity to join my newsletter to get the latest updates of what’s going on and important events.

Bucket List Revisited

I am also currently looking to fulfill my bucket list for 2009/2010. This is the list as follows, if you think you can help, it will be great if you could contact me.

For those who know me for some time, you would have known that I have a bucket list which consists of over a hundred entries in the list, things I hope to do in the journey of my life. In this revised Bucket List, I have shortlisted those I wish to accomplish in the years between 2009 to 2010. I imagine that by accomplishing these lists, it would be able to set me up to accomplish my goals of setting up a school and research facilities in the areas of renewable energy and life enhancement.

Find out more about Eric or Find out what people think about Eric

Some of the objectives in the list might seem difficult to accomplish and yes, they certainly are in some sense but they are definitely worth doing. I have confidence in achieving them as life has taught, when there’s a will, there’s a way. However, I know that I cannot do it alone and would need like-minded people to accomplish the goals together with me. If you are interested, please do contact me and let’s move ahead together, shall we? *Smiles*

Goals for 2009/10

.

1. Build up a network of good people and friends who can get things done (join the100monkeys.com
2. Successfully start up an online publishing house (need MANY authors and list holders. Interviews with well respected people.)
3. Successfully start up an online web design studio (need strong designers and contacts)
4. Successfully start up an online fashion house (need private printers and tailors)
5. Successfully start up an online video production house (need contributors and funding)
6. Successfully start up an online business consulting firm (spread the word)
7. Successfully publish books on Amazon.com (need bestselling co-authors)
8. Successfully develop own stock trading system (US, SG, KOR)
9. Successfully develop own real estate trading system (AU, NZ, SG, US, UK, EUR)

Self Improvement

.

1. Go for Lasik to have perfect eyesight (more convenient for travel purposes)
2. Remove acne scars (Both vanity purposes and for courtesy to audiences)

By 2012

.

1. Go for PhD, complete it around 2012
2. Set up private schools to teach entrepreneurial and life skills internationally
3. Set up research facilities for renewable energy and life enhancement

If you would like to join me on this journey on some of the above mentioned goals, please do feel free to leave a comment below or you can Contact me for private discussions. Thank you my friends.

Services Provided:
We currently provide design services such as custom Twitter Backgrounds, Professional Facebook Profile Pictures, Logo / Graphic Design and writing services mainly to raise extra capital for our expansion. Feel free to contact us for quotes.

Looking for:
We are currently also looking for Twitter and Facebook application developers, WordPress Theme designers, video producers and blog writers at the moment. Do contact us if you know any. Thanks!

Do remember to sign up for our newsletter Thanks!

Nanz Chong and Maynas Eric Chua

I have always wanted to meet Nanz Chong as I felt that she’s one of the rare ones in the business field who truly wants to create a life that matters, who treats business as part of her life because she really enjoys it and understands that the top priorities in life are in family and friends.

I was having a press interview/ photoshoot with the Straits Times and after which I will be attending an invite to a drama from my friend Asher at Singapore Expo Hall 8 and it was a coincidence that Nanz will be having an event and a stage interview too just next door at Singapore Expo Hall 7, this I found out a few days ago from her Facebook Group Announcement…and so we finally met. *Smiles*

Thanks Ashley.T for taking the photo of Nanz and I above. Thanks Debra.C for your hospitality. Thanks Weizen and W.Liang for your press arrangements. Thanks Asher and Jeremy for your invite to your drama. Thank you Nanz for a most pleasant meet.

Who is Nanz Chong and Why I respect Her

Nanz Chong-Komo is best known as an entrepreneur and the founder of ONE.99shop which had 14 stores at its peak. She was also a former model and boutique owner. The ONE.99shop took Singapore’s retail market by storm when it launched in April 1997 where shopping is considered a national past-time. Within a span of seven years, it grew from one to 14 stores with turnover totaled 60 million.

She was the first businesswoman in Singapore whom I took notice of when she won the “2000 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” award from the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME).

However, things took for a turn in 2003 when the SARS epidemic broke out in 2003 and business all around Singapore was affected drastically as consumers chose to stay indoors to self quarantine themselves from the contagious disease. Within a year, ONE.99shop sales reduced by half and it found itself undergoing receivership. I knew that Nanz was trying hard during that time to save her business as I knew a couple of businesses which were facing problems with cash-flow too because of the impact of SARS, hers included. ONE.99shop finally closed in 2003.

When I heard this news, I imagine that this must have been a heartbreaking event for Nanz as I felt that it was not that she did not have the talent, character and skills to continue succeeding, she definitely did possess them and I think that she is a very intelligent person as well who also has an outstanding husband, Larry, beside her to lend support if needed. It was as though a stroke of fate brought by the SARS epidemic that coincided with the beginning of the company’s expansion plans that had taken their hard labors away, Nanz, Larry and ONE.99shop’s staff members. I felt that it wasn’t really fair for such things to happen to great people.

2003-2009 : Maynas Eric grows and a message to J, C and M

I was only about 21 years old then in 2003…just an unproven ordinary lad that time who was a soldier in the Army and was going to Australia to do my Engineering studies. As much as I felt that I wanted to help Nanz and other companies I respect to make a comeback, it was more of wishful thinking at that time as I knew I wasn’t ready yet. I had to prove myself somehow if others were to have confidence in me but it was more of having confidence for myself that I need to build by first proving to myself that I was worth it.

Fast forward to to the year 2009 at 26 going 27, I am now an award winning Engineer who topped the whole level of an Engineering team project course to win awards, was recognized for leading the best e-commerce team which won 2 awards and also being fortunate enough to have won a prestigious “Best Undergraduate Thesis in Power Engineering” which won a state award and prize after being chosen to be the best not only in my University but among 5 other Universities in Australia.

Along the path, I have operated some businesses while in college which made money without investing any in it except ideas (E.g: A business model which made about S$300 a day with only 10 minutes effort) and have also taught in the University.

I have also worked as an Electrical, building and renewable Engineer both in Australia and Singapore before leaving the corporate world to fully engage in research in business and alternative energy. What was important was also that during this time, I did an reassessment of what the meaning of life meant for me and what my future was to be like. I have since invested many months in refining researches into business systems, experimented with many models before finally coming up with one that is proven to work.

For my friends who have known me for some time especially these 3 years, thank you for your support and encouragement all these while. Thank you to J, C, M (you know who you are *Smiles) for being together with me in this journey whence at our low and high points of life. I think most of you already know that very great things are about to happen very soon, I hope that we will continue our journey together and let us shine together again. *Winks* I hope to accomplish all these before I return back to Australia to pursue my PhD, not sure when will I be back if so. Maybe a few weeks, months or a year.

I will carry out what I have said too, to help as many people whom I respect as I can along the way. There have already been a few whom I have helped and there will be many to come. J, C and M, if you are reading this, please do read to the end of this and take a little time to see who Nanz is, I’m sure you will like and respect her as well.

A Message on Facebook

I left a message on my photo of Nanz and I for my Facebook friends so that they might be interested and add her too. I think it would be great to have my blog readers read it too to know what I think about Nanz. Here’s part of it as follows:

Financial freedom is a good thing because it allows us to have time for those we care for, to do the things we love and to be able to help the people who need a helping hand.

Not sure if she read Ayn Rand‘s Altas Shrugged, but I think we both would agree on certain philosophies on how to live a life of meaning and it’s a good thing to build wealth because as Richard Branson sums up beautifully, “Money is for making (good) things happen.” The more we have, the more good we can do.

I would think that she’s in a rare league of people whom I respect both as a person and a business person, in Singapore, Sim Wong Hoo is among this rare league too. As for the rest of the World, I imagine that Warren Buffett, Richard Branson, Seth Godin, Tom Peters and Guy Kawasaki are in this league too. They are people who keep inner scorecards to how they live their lives.

Would love to see her build up an empire once again because I know that she will be bringing positive changes to a wider group when she does.

Nice to know that she’s planning to focus more of her ventures online now.

Really glad to have finally met Nanz today because I just wanted to give her a vote of confidence by showing some support by being at one of her events and also to send a message that if she ever needs help on Web 2.0 business stuff or anything, I hope to be there for her as a friend rather than just an acquaintance or business contact.

Some Final Words

Dear Courteous Readers,

I would think that the above have sparked some interest in knowing more about Nanz.
You can find out more about Nanz here at nanzchongkomo.com
More about what Nanz is currently doing here at nanzinc.com

Please do show her your support by
visiting her sites, retweeting this post,
placing this post in your facebook or leaving a comment here below.
Thanks guys, much appreciated. @MaynasEric

“To know what kind of person one truly is,
ask those who know him.”

 

I would think that who we think we are and what others think about us, could be a similar experience like the first time we heard our own voice after recording it, how we think we sound like and how others hear us, like our views on ourselves, sometimes differs.

On these pages are testimonials from people who have known me for many years, worked with me and also people whom we have the affinity to have met. I would wish to thank each and everyone of you who have contributed to this page and made it possible. You can discover who Eric is through their hearts.

Jeanie
All of us want our lives to mean something. All of us search for the deeper meaning in our existence. At some point we all question who we are and why we are here. We question the universe and our place in it.

It is not unusual for the young and ambitious to want to go out and conquer the world. Make a difference, improve the planet. Improve it? I meant SAVE it! It is the natural order of things that the younger generation should want to make their own mark in this world. It is so often the initiative of a free thinking young mind that sparks the imagination of an entire generation.

There are some people on this planet that are so warm and compassionate, so filled with love and generosity that we are naturally drawn to their brilliant light.

My friend Eric is such a person. Eric has been encouraging everyone he can reach to *create a life that matters.*

Of course all of our lives matter, but sometimes we don’t feel that way. We doubt ourselves and question our purpose and whether or not we have anything useful to offer anyone much less the world.

We fear that we do not, and that others see only our weaknesses. Because of this fear we sometimes hide our own light so that others are not blinded by it. We bring a shame factor to a gift that is given to us from our creator. We do not wish others to be so overwhelmed with our brilliance as to be afraid to shine themselves. We are afraid that our light will cast a shadow upon theirs. When we do this, we not only are underestimating the people who surround us, but we are also denying ourselves our God given right to shine! Ego and fear, they’ll get you every time!

Eric is an extremely intelligent, talented, award winning engineer who is using his formidable brain power and concern for this planet and its inhabitants to improve the way that we live. Not just for the rich and famous and privileged, but for everyone. He is a role model for any person who wishes to improve their life and the lives of others. To anyone who wishes to have an impact, to make a difference, to *create a life that matters.*

I have rarely met a person with as much energy and good will. He has managed to learn much in his 26 years on this earth and he is extremely generous about sharing it. His wisdom, compassion and kindness have helped me through some pretty rough times. Proving once again that age is just a number. (well until you hit 50, then its a curse!) teehee..

My message to him today is this. Dear Eric, you have already *Created a Life That Matters.* You are an inspiration to everyone that knows you and I count myself as blessed to call you friend. We don’t always tell people what a difference they make to us, sometimes we don’t even realize it. Well I want you to know, that I know how special you are and my life is better because you are in it. Much improved as a matter of fact! What a difference we have made in each other’s lives from half way around the world.

You needn’t worry about achieving everything, as you have recently discovered, the answer has been with you all along.

What a beautiful soul you are Sweetpea. Aren’t I lucky to know you.

Much love dear friend,
Jeanie

Cathy

“There are few people who can bring out the best in others – you Eric are one of them. You have the rare ability to bring people together, all championing for a common cause. Your empathetic nature draws people to you. And there they remain as friends. That is where I will stay. Thank you Eric.”

Cathy is like a lighthouse to many of her friends including me, her loyalty, unfailing support, witty comments, understanding nature, great sense of humour and intelligence is top notch. Borrowing these words from one of her friends, “Anyone who meets her knows that she’s lovely.” Enough said. I love you Cathy and many of us all do too. Your daughter must be so proud to have you as her mum *winks* I will not disappoint you in the trust you have put in me

Ausblue

Eric is a lovely Young Man who is well liked by many in here…..he is so very intelligent too..he’s not just a handsome face and one day he’s gonna make the best Husband for some lucky young Lady, as he seems to know so much about people skills & human behaviour..Stay Sweet Eric

Jeanie

“This young man is such a shining star. He is loving, compassionate, intelligent and talented. I admire him so very much. What a beautiful soul you are Eric. I am blessed to have you in my life. You make my heart smile.”

Teashy
“Eric is one of the most sincere, caring, educated, talented, well spoken guy you will ever have the pleasure of knowing. If he adds you as a contact you should feel honored!

**Hugs to you sweetie!”

Maryanne

“charming & intelligent..eric..is a wonderful person!”

Rich

“Eric what can i say about him? he is my little brother from another mother, always ready to answer, or ask the question, forever searching, and in searching sharing what he learns. yupyup so-mot-it-be. always been a friend to me……..”

Haroula

“Eric,is a great deep thought provoker!!and very intelligent!i just want to show him that life shouldn’t be taken so seriously! So Eric, have fun!! And it’s alright to be silly sometimes!! ”

Starchild

“Eric is one of the first users of Yahoo Answers whose questions made me think ,his answers too are awesome although he does not answer my questions *complains*(lol) His winks ,lolz & hehe always make my day! I admire his optimistic spirit , always cheerful, let me also tell you, he’s a awesome artist.”

Mauikitty

“Thank you for being you and doing such positive work in the world every day! You reminded me to get up when I fell. Muaahh..”

mauikitty is absolutely fantastic in brightening up the whole room. I’m sure anyone who knows her would be influenced by her cheerfulness Keep on Rocking the world my friend! hehe

LuckyLilTroll2U – Olivia

“Here is Eric Chua Yanshan Maynas, a brilliant mind that chooses not to waste it. Well then, I vote we give him full title NOW to rule his unlimited place on earth as one we can set our sights with and not perish nor let our lesser brothers & sisters fail to be brought UP with US. United We Be.”

Olivia is such a lover of fun and knowledge. She reaches out to those who needs encouragement graciously with a heart just like a piece of music to uplift the mood of one who needs it most. Thanks Olivia!

Katie T

“Eric is soooo nice and he is a wonderful man =)”

Mink

“Eric makes a difference.”

Mink is someone special who’s thinking is a notch deeper than most people. Yet she has this great talent to make it sound so logical and understandable. Lovely mink is also one of the most intelligent, caring and understanding person I’ve ever met. I am sure anyone reading this would agree too that she is definitely one of a kind! Rock the world mink! hehe

strong>Black Parade Daria

“Eric is a nice gentleman who cares. He has deep thoughts and he expresses his self in ways that only a few people can. He is a nice friend who will do things for you unexpectedly. I am glad to be a friend of his.”

Daring, cute and smart Thanks Black Parade for being there when it matters most!

….

And also to my many friends, Chair Wizard, Vico, Kamp, juicyah, baba, Irish, Ausblue, legolas, Karin, Loveofmylife, mountainlady, kandy, susieq, Joey, Sheila, John N, johnny cee, donelle g, Mary, Teashy…many many of you many thanks.

Kairong

* this yantao bro of mine is full of energy ..always doing stunts in soccer n doin funni funni stuff during sec sch days …

rem u like to draw pic which no one seems to understand … but he is darm onz one .. always present during “activities” after sch haha …maybe tatz y we all go 4e6 … !! hopewe continue to keep in touch n see u on fri soccer sessions….. take care bro !

Jacelyn

* Hey Shanz… ‘ Happy birthday to u

Happy birthday to u Happy birthday to u

Happy birthday to u! ‘ Juz wanna wish

ya happy birthday n all the best in

whateva comes in the future! Stay as

artistic, as cool and let that stay always!

=)

Jacky Kwan

* One of the 2 Erics i know this guy. Very philosophical and artistic fella, talented in the reigns of unknown. Eludes a form of secrecy about him wherever he goes..Will always be one of my great buddies 4ever,will nva 4get the tricks and patterns in soccer we used to conjure up in the past.. Deadly duo on the field,people dun call us “7-11″ ( as depicted on our jerseys ) for nothing right bro?

Really would love to see you soon bro n take care of urself k? Cheers..

Cynthia Ynez

* Yanshan is very nice and friendly towards ppl and frens ard him.. at times he can be quite unconventional in the way he thinks and does things..rather mysterious and philosophical.. a very unique person!

Known him since sec 3 and frm wat i can remember.. he sings very well.. writes gd poetry.. a soccer fanatic and is very loyal to his buddies.. take care & all the best in everythin you do!

BeN

* yo eric….my gd buddy from poly….it so happens we get into the same class every semester…hee….so much fun then ya…a smart, soccer fanatic and loves to do STUNTS…haha quite comical to see him in action..trying to impress ladies huh hee..anyway….still the same yandao bro…keep it up man….seeya soon

keep in touch!!! hey where’s my testsie from u hahah…..

eriCChiang

* Yan Shan ah… one of my best partner in our soccer team. Got a lot ofpartern and stun when juggling the ball. Always so sweet and gentle and best of all, YANDAO!! amazingly still single, so i think we both have to buckup the break the team curse liao wor :p

-WeiHao-

* EriC! HO Seh BO? haha This Guy is way cOOl and have a sense of Humor. a VerY nice Guy to hang out with! Take Care

Dude!

Jiaxiang

* Yo! Yan san ah, one of my crappiest friend. Doesn’t means he isn’t good.Just that he really knows how to talk kok. Anyway, this friend is a nice friend to have. Can really chat with him. Oh yah, this guy is also one of the more controversial friend I have. Always pull lots of “stuns”. You won’t believe until you’ve seen it @@ Expect the unexpected from him. Gals, pls keepur eyes open for him. Oh yah, keep intouch, pal!

Teany

* i missed u so so much!miss the gd ol days in sch siah.i tell u,this good buddy of mine..he’s such a LOVABLE person!known him on mylast semester in sch.we clicked real fast coz he’s friendly,soft-poken,sweeeet guy.And YES not forgetting those lil tricks you’d do in class or at SIM!lol!U tricked me u eric blaine!But its ok..i forgive u. girls out there,don’t pass thischance,this guy is absolutely fabolous!

we’ll meet up soon ya?missing ya….

Jacky Kwan

* bro ah bro.. its been a long time since we met (physically) but nonetheless we are still close as always, if not stronger.. ur tis bro will always be here in s’pore whenever u should need me.. really heartwarming to know that we have known and played and studied and partied with each other since 1995 (wow).. the road for both of us is still long ahead but we will strive together though we may not be on the same land together.. go forward bro into the darkness of the unknown and conquer whatever there is ahead of you.. .. hope to see u real soon bro..

Jacky Kwan

* Bro ah Bro.. Its 2006 man and its time for your dear bro here to boost ur testi hehe.. Really great to see you back in Singapore though ur stay is limited.. Remember what we have discussed that night,do not give up your passion and dreams for better things to come,you can do it bro and I have utmost faith and confidence in you.. Always as dashing as ever this fella since I knew him way back about 11 years ago (Wow thats a long way we came together hey),glad to see that you have not changed much and ur bro here is always right there man should you need backup or support hor hehe..

eriCChiang

* Yoz Bro, it’s time i give u your testimonial. Needless to say, you’re still as handsome and cool as ever. Not only that, he’s kind and good temper. A very loyal friend who willing to help you whenever you in need. Oh yah, i remember you’re very good in writing poems. As for sports, he’s like C.Ronaldo. Lots of style and pattern. Well you’re coming back soon, so will definitely ask you out together gather with the rest of the buddies. So cya back home soon. Cheers. Yu

* Hey! Comment a va?

I’ve known him for a relatively short period, but his constructive attitude and openness makes him stand out from others. He is also willing to share his knowledge and experience.

With your perseverance and wealth of ideas, I’m sure you can breeze through university and make this world a better place.

True friends are not separated by distance or time. Looking forward to meeting again someday.

Sue

I know u are trying really hard on ur thesis and u hope to get something from it. But, people can see ur hard work and they appreciate it. I am soo proud of u and I know ur parent do so. So, don’t stress up urself, k? U have really tried ur best, and YOU ARE THE BEST!! hehe…

# Jacky Kwan on December 31st, 2007 at 5:36 am:

Maynas Chua is to be my best friend as always and will always be there when you need his helping hand in whatever he can achieve to help you in.. Great Friendship Cheers!!

Q&A about me online

Linda

Q) What happened to Eric Chua?

He gives the best and most thoughtful answers I’ve seen around.

Irish

Q)What do you think about Eric Chua Yanshan Maynas?

A)The nicest person ever. He asks such good questions and answers with a lot of thought. He is truely the best

(Chairwizard)

He is nice and totally cool.

He is the best

He’s nice! He’s on my contacts! Yay!

Nice and cool boy. I like his new haircut!

I think the best perosn i=to answer is himself

I think he is an unusually insightful and caring person. One of my favorites on answers. They just don’t get any sweeter than Eric.

Incredibly thoughtful and sensitive. One of my contacts!

he is innocent as a child,with many questions,and loveable

nice person really

He’s one of my favorite people anywhere. Love him like a brother.

Hi Eric. I’ve read all of your blogs and I am commenting just on this one. (saves time) I’m just teasing you sweetie. I think this is a great experiment, I really do. Learning to budget one’s time is very important to successful living.

I did just want to point out though that it isn’t always about how much you can get done in one day. You need to take some time to just *be* Its wonderful to have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, but it is also wonderful to feel warm sand under your feet as the surf runs over them. Its terrific to walk in the park and watch little children play. To walk in the woods or along the beach and just commune with nature.

Time may be all we have, but how we choose to spend it is also very important as you say. Remember this Eric, no one lays on their deathbed regretting not having done more work. Take the time to develop relationships and to enjoy the earth and the sun. Stargaze, daydream, laugh out loud and smile often. Enjoy your time Eric. It is afterall, all you have.

Much love for you sweetpea,

HUGS AND LOVE!

Aww….sweetie, I know it still hurts. I am in fact a romantic at heart, but I also know that sometimes when the heart is healing we tend to bury ourselves in our work and take less time to be with ourselves because it gives us too much time to remember things that upset us.

You will love again Eric, I am just sure of it. You have such a kind and giving heart and such a beautiful soul that it is impossible for me to believe that you will be alone for very long. Give your heart all the time it needs to heal, it will you know.

I’m glad your experiment went well. I will try to find the time to check out your other site. I have a time management problem myself! LOL!

Either way, I’m glad you liked the blog I wrote for you, but I was really hoping you would comment on it too!

Have a lovely day sweetpea, always wonderful to see you on my page. Thank you so very much for visiting.

Hugs all over the place for you Eric!

Yin: well done Shan! It’s a very good website with nice pic too… hehe… Happy that you are doing things that you like and you always want to do all the best

Eric, you are growing by leaps and bounds before my very eyes. It is unfortunate that many times we experience growth through great pain and loss.

I will tell you what a great friend of mine told me. That love is a form of energy and that energy never dies. It is still out there Eric. All of the love that you felt and she felt, it is still out there.

All of us at some point make sacrifices for love. I believe what we put out there always comes back to us, be it positive or negative energy it always comes back around. You put out so much positive energy Eric, there is no way that it won’t come back around and create even more of the same. Some argue that there is simply no positive or negative energy there is only energy. I believe in both.

Your lonely journey will end Eric, either as you wish it to or in another way that you cannot imagine right now because your heart and mind are still with her and you cannot see past your pain. Perhaps her heart and mind will again be with you, and I know that this is what you think you want.

Your true self will seek out what it truly needs Sweetpea. Everything happens for a reason. If what you really “need” isn’t what your conscious self “wants” your true self will find a way for you to get what you really need. Even if it means heartbreak and poverty for a time.

I believe you are on the right path my struggling and heartbroken friend. I wish there were some words that I could type in this space that would offer you comfort and help you along your way.

Please know that I do care, and I understand this place you are in right now. I feel the emptiness and the sorrow and hope that soon this dark place will be filled with love and hope.

I really wish I could hug you Eric, I can’t think of any other person at this moment that I want to comfort more.

Take care Sweetpea

Eric is one of my favorite people on answers and is a kind person and a true Aussie. Yay =) (by SSS Jan 2008)

…As I always do, I read all your words with great interest and wonder.

One thing you said did stand out “it is so much easier to give up your dreams than to chase after it”.

For the public at large that is so true. But hon, you are an exceptional person – giving up is not something you would do. ( Cathy )

Oh, you sweetheart!

You really are an amazing person, Eric. Don’t ever lose sight of that.

by Bronwen

Eric, I loved looking at the pictures of you when you were younger. I had no idea you had been in the military and I barely recognized you there.

Its great to see that you had such a wonderful time with your friends, and wonderful to hear that you think you found some answers.

It is very easy to be be controlled by fear. Many people are, and this is why they never get anywhere. All of us have fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of rejection and fears we cannot even name. What separates us is courage. That’s right. It is not that we are unafraid, it is that we act in spite of the fear. We know that we are taking a risk and we choose to take it anyway. We know and we forge ahead. We know and we pursue our dreams anyway. We know that if we allow our fear to control us that we will fail without trying. There is no defeat in failure caused by trying, if we never failed nothing would ever be accomplished. We learn from our failures and we move on. True failure comes from not trying. You will never be a failure Eric, you try so hard at everything that you do that no matter what the outcome, you can only be called a hero in your own right.

I believe in you. Keep believing in yourself. Dreams are realized not by those who simply dream, but by those that have the dream and a plan of action to make it come true.

Dream on my friend. You have my prayers and best wishes for success.

Hugs and love,

Jeanie

I welcome your posts on twitter so I learn more. As I said you’re are genius on what you do.

I was never as imaginative or as creative as your works .. You have a talent

Michael Pokocky
ahh! you are very fast and clever man! We should share secrets sometime. *winks*

Hi, Eric! Wondered how things are going..? I’ve loved watching your blogs…they always look so crisp and very professional. Ahh, the joys of being a LifeHacker!

Eric thanks for the offer and I have just been looking at your wall and some of the links and want to comment that you are quite accomplished and talented I have seen your website /or blog and again amazing is a great word to describe your talent

Christine Rabel
HI, Eric! Just made it back from Orlando (the land of Mickey Mouse) and Career Conference! It was energizing, informative, and tremendous fun, and I wanted YOU to know that you are now a topic of conversation with the new Twitterers in town! I’ve already directed them to you, so i hope you’ll see activity on your site, as well. How’s your week going?

Maynas, You are so so talented. I love your website. You’re amazing. I love the energy of the logo! It’s perfect!

Mitzi Szereto said:

There is so much to say that I doubt I could ever say it all. Eric is an amazing person, he is a human being in a world too bereft of human beings. He’s thoughtful, kind, selfless, and will go out of his way to help – even if it means he never goes to sleep! In fact, I don’t know what I’d do without him! Oh yeah, he’s also cute and he sings really well.

The good thing after reading alot is that you will eventually have alot to say. The bad thing about reading too much is that you might eventually stay quiet and not say much at all. That somehow defeats the purpose of reading, don’t you think? I would think that the best writers in the world do not write for just themselves, they write so that it touches other people lives.

As I look around my room at which I am at now, there should be about a thousand books surrounding me. My own personal library consists of a few hundreds and beside me right now are about 30 books. I am writing this now because of an idea which I drafted in my notebook which I sketched the idea in about 5 minutes ago.

But having many books is not the point, the point is that having read many books by different authors, many times more than once, and having written much notes over the years, I would think that I have developed some instinct that whenever I’m at a writer’s block, I just take a look around me and glance upon the books, somehow a title will catch my eye and I can continue writing again from a point I remembered, not necessarily from that certain book. It just happens, the magic of the brain we have but never really fully understand. If it works, it works. Better still if it works well, just stick to it and practice. Sometimes we tend to seek greener pasture when our own is already lush and blessed, it’s ok, just don’t abandon your roots.

Many people are writers, but not all writers write for readers. That is your window of opportunity.

For me, I would consider myself a researcher above most things vocations and education tend to brand us by. Sometimes, people ask me what makes my thesis stand out from the rest to have won an award, nominated to be the best among at least five universities. I don’t have the answer because I am not one of the judges. But I would think that it could be because I write for people to read, facts and numbers mean little if the idea is not presented clearly and presented so that it captures their attention and imagination.

My courteous readers, I imagine that more than half of you who will read this will have to do some writing as part of your work in your vocations. My message is simple but it is not mine alone, it is by many who have succeeded in the past, before or since.

Read much, read wide, and if you do write, write it so people can and will read it. They are investing their time in what you have to say and time, is it not one of, if not the most precious thing in life? *Smiles*

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