Camera flashes, Burly Guards, Dark tinted Shades, Porcelain skin and perfect hair.

Your heart races as they come towards you in several well placed struts

You've seen them in print, on screen, basically everywhere you can still doubt their existence

But now they're just next to you, breathing and very much real.

Every word they speak is electrifying as you're struggling to come to terms with your luck.

It all ends in a flash when they disappear into their similarly tinted vehicles.

As they go on living their lives and you with yours.

The adrenaline is still in your blood, but in your heart is a void of uncomprehensible regret.

...you're Starstruck.

Airport
Having worked as a Customer Service Intern in the Transit area of Changi Airport,
I've had the privilege of freely roaming around the Terminal.

Assisting the Operations wing of the Terminal was also one of my jobscopes.

Celebrity arrivals were a cause of concern for the Operations team, as they usually mean tons of crazy fans outside the departure gates, itching for a chance to catch their idols.

They break the sound barrier and shock unsuspecting patrons in the airport with their presence, and naturally, they also pose a danger to our beloved guests if not managed properly.

Having followed the entertainment industry alot, I pretty much recognise most of our elusive guests.

I don't like using the word 'fan' in these days, because they usually translate into "Desperate", "Crazy" or "Irrational obsession." But I do support them and will definitely be honoured to have them in my presence.

And honoured I was, as 2010 seemed like the start of an entertainment wave into Singapore. Especially that of the Korean Wave.

KPop : Wonder girls, 2AM, After School, Beast, F. Cuz
CPop : Jay Chou, Mayday

Walking beside and assisting these stars probably kick started this mild 'addiction' that I cannot describe. That subtle feeling of wanting to see more of such 'out-of-your-league" beings whenever you can.

Formula One
And then came my attachment with Singapore GP for the Singapore Grand Prix. I was part of the Entertainment team, who brought in the likes of Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Mariah Carey and Sean Kingston.

I practically stayed on site in Swissotel for the course of the race, and my jobscope saw to ensuring these celebrities arrive at the hotel from the airport, from the hotel to the performance site, and vice versa.

Which meant lots of transport pick ups and hospitality. Not just escorting or standing beside like in my airport stint, but practically SITTING in the same vehicle, having conversations and assisting them.

Ridiculous experience.

Of course I had my share of autographs from them and a rather awkwardly taken photo with Sean Kingston, whom I personally assisted through the entire event as he only had one other assistant from our team.

Definitely a great guy, down to earth and genuine. No airs about him whatsoever...and he had a large appetite. (Surprise)

His body guard (I think I cant name him for security reasons) was the one I was especially impressed with. He's this well built (but not awkwardly large) caucasian, who is extremely well mannered and polite. Almost doubling as a personal assistant he was the one Swissotel and our team liased with most of the time. But yeah the fact he was so well mannered, formal and polite to his peers upped the respect I had.

Exremely protective though (rightfully so), my other colleague from the other side really disliked him because he kinda half-elbowed him when he got too close on one occasion to inform them of smth. It was kinda funny cos my colleague sorta 'snuck up on him' behind his back, and there was kind of a 'fan-crowding' going on at the same time, hence the elbow.

Didn't interact with Daughtry much, only a brief handshake when his drummer, Robin Diaz introduced us. I kinda had a conversation with the drummer at the lobby after one of the races because he was looking around for sth to do or looking for someone. Great friendly guy as well. I guess that's the general feeling I get with these stars from USA and beyond, they're really hospitable and friendly. But that being said, I never talked to an Asian celebrity lol.

Adam Lambert came with a very enthusiastic team of dancers and musicians. Full of energy in them. Same, didn't talk to him much but only got a handshake and an autograph. One of his dancers realised he left his MARC JACOBS jacket in Swissotel upon reaching the airport, so I had to liase btw Swissotel and him to get his jacket delivered to BALI. (Really enjoying life, these people)

Mariah Carey...well...super Diva attitude I heard. Shouldn't elaborate much because i don't think it's very positive haha.

Heal the World Concert
Then RECENTLY I kinda won tickets from Teenage Magazine (Don't judge) for a backstage meeting with the Kpop stars at KPOP Heal the World Concert.

Silly thing was that I had to actually buy a concert ticket to be there, which was quite a bad experience for me that I don't wanna elaborate. Because of this...'desire'...to meet another celebrity, I was kinda driven to buy it.

When I was finally there, T-ara and T-Max weren't available for the meeting as they were kinda 'late' and busy rehearsing. And also due to the fact the meeting was postponed from 2pm to 5pm (Just before the concert) M Blaq and After School didn't have a photo taking session or autograph session (Which was initially promised). Super bad planning and turn out.

However I got an autographed poster from After School through a small 'lucky draw' though. Well..guess 9 signatures is value for money? Haha

Lollll..again, don't judge. .Not.a.fan.boy.

David Choi
Later in June, bought tickets for David Choi's concert at the Esplanade.

Super down to earth guy as well. Comical and very much genuine as a entertainer and musician.

Gave away an autographed lyric booklet in a mini contest during the concert, in which the 10th Mention on Twitter to him with the words "Ice Mountain" will get it.

Amazingly I was the 10th tweet and I got the booklet...along with a hug, which was kinda a requisite to the previous wins as well.

Aftermath
And now I always find myself itching to buy tickets to celebrity appearances or concerts in Singapore!

Always hestitating and hestitating, always half clicking on the 'purchase' button. (Wait..how do you half click)

Was notified of the Jayesslee concert earlier this month very early in May and was considering to buy the tickets. I then bought for my friend and his friend first, since I thought well..I could wait?

THE NEXT DAY it was sold out.

Super *facepalm* (It was after this experience I immediately bought the David Choi tickets)

But I really realise it's beginning to kinda seem addictive going for such appearances.

To an extent I am prancing on the edge of it becoming an addiction.

But due to my high level of common sense (take that back) and being around peers that are very much sane, I am able to resist.

It's sad to see those Kpop fanatics splurge their entire savings just to catch a glimpse of their idol. Returning to the sad reality every single time after a brief moment in heaven. Won't that drive you insane?

If you are a fanatic with an irrational obsession over your idols, take time to look past all your official merchandise and fancy marker signatures.

What do you have?

..A lacklustre report card

..Unemployment

..Bank balance dancing around zero.

..Just look at your personal appearance as well. How long has it been since you properly groomed yourself?

..Look at that calorie build up from stalking your idols on the net.

I do sound like I'm refering to someone don't I? Well, I actually had a brief experience dealing with a fanatic. She's alot older than me (i'm 20), but barely has a job, and barely has money.

...It has definitely become an addiction for her, and I hope that those around me don't go down the same path...



then again.......



.....I'm working for the Entertainment Team again this SEPT! WHOOOOO! LINKIN PARK



Just being an ass...bye!