[EXCLUSIVE] Interview with Shaowei Aw, Youth Bodybuilder

Shaowei Aw, 23, standing at 183cm, 83kg. He is into bodybuilding and his dream is to become Personal Trainer to help those who want to get fit and healthy body. Shaowei won 1st runner-up from Junior Class F FM League Physique War 2016, Singapore competition. I am privileged to get Shaowei to be featured in my Blog.

Hi Shaowei, tell us more about yourself?

My name is Shao Wei, currently studying in Republic Polytechnic,  School of Applied Science. I love what I like to do, which is working out (Hitting to the gym). Had been into sports (basketball when I was 10 years old) and bodybuilding since 18 years old. Since last year, I became more serious and passionate towards bodybuilding.

How important is nutrition to you? Will you strongly suggest your followers follow a better diet to improve their fitness goals?

I would say nutrition is very important for me, since I am now a physique competitor and gym junkie. But I will always keep a flexible diet when I am not at my competition period. To be frank, I love to eat and I cannot deny all kinds of food that will enter my mouth.

But, if you are working towards a fitness goals, keep your diet flexible, hit the amount of calories, macros you need per day with quality food. You can afford to eat cheat meal once every week only. From my personal experience, diet will reflect on your body, a lot more than you know. Especially when you are in cutting phase for competition.

For example, the complexity of your skin, the density (appearance) of your body etc. Diet plays a role and a major one.

How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?

Well, I could not say I am up to date. Google and YouTube will be your best friend when you want information. Bodybuilding.com forum's has a lot of knowledge from people all around the world. Both Platform has their unique ways in what informations you want.

Google- Fact from which exercise work for which body part.
YouTube- Workout plan/ Vlog of diet they eat/motivation.

Why did you decided to become Personal Trainer?

I love to share what I learnt. I love to see the knowledge being pass down. Helping people who will have the same goal with me make me feel pleased.

I was once a lost sheep in bodybuilding. Lacking of knowledge, for example, which exercise target for which muscle group, how to diet and how to bring up my physique. You wont' want to see people with the same position as you back then. It will gain confidence and network. So by helping others, it helps me too.

What are your personal fitness goals?

I do not really have a goal yet. I would rather say vision. I love fitness that it become a lifestyle routine to me. Well, I hope I can influence others in a positive way through fitness. My upcoming goal will be competing in the upcoming competition held by FM League, this September 2016.

Who inspired you to bodybuilding? How long have you been gym/bodybuilding?

I had been into bodybuilding since 15 years old. I only get more serious about it when I am 18 years old.

'The Golden Era' bodybuilders, example Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane. 'Current Era' Ronnie Coleman and Flex Wheeler amazing physique strikes and inspires and motivates me.

It is amazing how much you can change your body in terms of physique and appearance.

What are your favourite machines for cardiovascular exercises?

Personally I love Stairmaster Stepmill and rowing machines elliptical.

In which/what way that you think you can inspire/motivate others who want to gym?

Social media is the big thing now. Sharing what I know on social media is an easy way to reach out to people who wants to get inspired by you.

Making motivation videos, workout videos, post on social media that helps other to get inspired. Or friendly meetup gym session to share more of myself to others.

Recently, you just took part in bodybuilding competition. What makes you to take part in such competition?

Well, I had been training for many years and people did ask me if I interested to join such competitions? Back then, I am not really interested and it is not something that I want.

Recently, I met a group of friends who has the same goals and interest as me. And they really motivates me to compete with them in the same competition. So why not give myself a chance and see where I stand with my current physique. At the same time, I can get a chance to feel the stage.

What had you gain from bodybuilding competition?

Social network grew, more opportunities out there. People sharing on what are my strength and flaws that I can improve on. Bringing people or strangers from the same fitness field and making more friends.

Is there any tips that you would like to share with your followers on their health and fitness?

Well working out is essential, same goes to a diet. A moderate/ flexible on. Working out not only gains strength and endurance, but also boost your metabolism and helps in your skin complexity. You will look fresher and more confident.

This Blog interview article is brought to you by jackedmonkeyscrew.

The short short is brought to you by MADE Xclusively.

[EXCLUSIVE] Interview with Benny Tan, Cleo's Most Eligible Bachelor 2016

I am very honoured to get exclusive interview with Benny Tan, who will be taking part in this year Cleo's Most Eligible Bachelor (EB) 2016.

Hi Benny! Thank you for accepting my exclusive interview with you. First thing first, could you tell us more about yourself? I am sure many of my readers would like to know you better as well!

I am Benny, currently in my final semester in NTU doing Engineering. During my past time, I enjoy working out and reading.

My favourite sports usually involves water! From Swimming to Canoeing to Dragon boat. If I am not on the water, I will be probably at home chilling with my Kindle. I don't have much night lifestyle as I live it pretty simple. J



I heard that you are taking part in this year Cleo's Most Eligible Bachelor 2016. Now, tell us what makes you interested in joining this Cleo's EB and who actually nominated you to Cleo EB?

I got a few friends who participated in last seasons of Cleo's EB. One of them was my army buddy and other one was a teammate of mine.

They nominated me to give it a try. From what I heard, they enjoyed themselves and they shared their exciting stories like what they did and who they met. It got me interested and I decided to go for the interview!

Are you quite surprised that you made it to the Final of the Most Eligible Bachelors 2016?

HAHA pretty much!

Partially because I am just an undergrad, the other EBs are pretty established in their respective fields. Just going in to enjoy and make new friends. J

During the Final of Cleo’s EB 2016, what can we expected from you?

This I cant share! Gotta RSVP to the finals party to see some exciting stuff! Haha! J

Cool! Readers, you should know what to do during Cleo's EB final which will be held at Zouk!

Understand that you are into Water sports like canoeing, and dragon boat. Did the girls purposely come over to watch you or your team while you guys training? What is your reaction?

Eh, haha the only girls I ever see training with us are my teammates. Never noticed other girls coming down watch us train. Probably we train at 7 plus in the morning! They might be having their beauty sleep! HAHA!

I am sure that your training for water sports are quite tough and tedious. Can you share with us what is your training consist of?

Mostly involves being on the water. When I was still with the team, we train at least 4 to 5 times a week plus additional 3 to 4 times in the evening. Usually in the evening, can be sprints, static or gym work. Depending on the season we are in.



Do you need to be good swimmer in order to join those water sport games? How would you advice those who are into water sport enthusiast?

HAHA! Preferably year. Because you gotta to be water confident. But I came in not knowing how to swim. Pretty scared I might drown. But thankfully, my army bros got me through my fear of water and now I can swim. 

Knowing how to swim in a way allows you to relax. Even when you capsized you will not fear of getting back into the boat and try again. If through many experimentation and failures, then you will get better at what you do.

Do you think that you can motivate and inspire the youth and able to change their perspective in life?

Motivate the youth? Maybe through sports? It really trains you to be discipline with yourself. From diet and not cheating yourself during training.

Hope others can experience what I have gone through and observe the amount of change to what I have achieve today.



Are you interested to join Entertainment industry in the near future if there is any opportunity for you?

Entertainment? Neh… I am pretty stiff in front of the camera. If there is anyone wants to coach me, TELL ME!

Is there anything, which you would like to tell your supporters out there?

HELP #savebennyfrombeinglast HAHA! I am not going into win but more for the experience. More a #yolo moment for me. But really appreciate those who voted for me. Hope I don’t disappoint you guys ☺ #loveyouguysdeepdeep

Please vote for Benny Tan as your Cleo’s Eligible Bachelors 2016.http://www.cleo.com.sg/bachelors/benny-tan

CLEO Most Eligible Bachelors 2016 Finals Party
Date: March 18, 2016 (Friday)
Time: 7pm -10pm
Venue: ZoukClub^

^Club Rules apply.

Zensah Compression Pants proudly sponsored by itaisports. Click here to visit.

[EXCLUSIVE] Interview with Sylvester Goh, Manhunt Singapore 2015 Finalist

Manhunt Singapore 2015 Finals will be held at Hotel Jen Orchardgateway on 5 December 2015, while Pre-Judging will be on 8th November at Wavehouse Sentosa.

I am very honoured to get an exclusive interview with Sylvester Goh, Junior Finalist of Manhunt Singapore 2015 to be featured in my blog.

Hi Sylvester, tell us more about yourself.

I’m currently doing Freelance Modelling and Personal Training. 

My hobbies include Street Workout/ Advanced Calisthenics, Gymming, Cafe hopping/ Food photography, Dance (Hip Hop), Martial Arts (MMA) and Sports.

What made you join Manhunt Singapore 2015?

Manhunt is not just about the looks, the body, or personality. In order to win or do fairly well, it requires a complete package. I wanted to step out to challenge myself to join something with which I am unfamiliar. 


More importantly, I hope to inspire and motivate people to do the same, be it in terms of fitness or exploring other areas of life.

What is your preparation for this upcoming Manhunt Singapore 2015?

Well it’s pretty much the same for me in terms of gym routine, except hitting my abs and legs more cause I’m usually quite lazy to train them especially the abs. 


Also, I’ve started with a much stricter diet like grilled chicken breast, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad, to see if I can improve on my physique with this now in place. 

Are your family members supportive of you joining the Manhunt Singapore 2015? Why?

Yes they are! I even have my own meals catered and pack meals for myself daily. They are accommodating to my gym times and meal preferences as well.  

I guess that’s what families do? 
Being supportive no matter what job or task I do, as long I enjoy doing it? Being in the finals is not easy, and I hope I can do them proud. 


But also, my mum is worried that I may attract the wrong crowd due to the new attention. But I tell her I know what I’m doing and I’m old enough to know what’s right.

Do you think that you have inspired people? In what way do you think that you can inspire others?

Honestly speaking, I didn’t know I was inspiring people until they dropped me comments/ direct message on Facebook. 

If you’ve seen my Facebook cover photo, you will realize that I was really scrawny and skinny back then. It goes to show that with proper determination, perseverance, consistency and knowledge, you can achieve more than what you set out to be.  


Also, I want the people out there to know that in life you don’t get what you always want. Failure is a part of life too. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn. If you don’t learn, you’ll never change. It’s okay to fail. The only way to avoid failure is to not try anything. Don’t be afraid to fail. That’s how you succeed. 


Besides, the only failure is if you stop trying. But that doesn’t mean to give up, you’ve got to fight for what you want.  In the end, it’s not always about the results, but the process. The process is what makes us grow and learn, the results are but a bonus to us.


Never look down on anybody, but instead, help anybody who needs your help or any sort of help, and sometimes, people will help you back too. 

For someone who does not have any experience in gym or working out out, what is your advice to them?

My advice would be just to begin somewhere. It can be anywhere. The most difficult part is in starting, getting the motor kickstarting, before maintaining it and followed by bringing it to greater heights. If it’s possible gow with a friend who is experienced so that he can guide you along for better results.  


Never ever be an ego lifter. Use the correct range of motion, if possible get a friend to see if you’re performing the exercise correctly. Ask people for advice, it never hurts to ask, and always share back the knowledge. 

I started out just gymming by myself all the way up till now. 
The knowledge I’ve learnt was through experience and reading up from the internet over the past 5 years.

I understand that you are into street workout, tell us what’s the difference between street workout and a regular gym workout?

Well, street workout in ghetto terms would be just to workout in the streets. In Singapore’s context, it would be in fitness corners. 
I incorporate bodyweight exercises at the fitness corners, and make use of them to help build a well sculpted body as well. 

I definitely sweat a whole lot more outdoors, and it feels great to be doing so. 
I am also in the process of learning advanced calisthenics moves like the muscle ups, front lever, back lever, planche, handstands which require a lot of basic fundamental strength through the street workout that I do.

You are into café hopping as well, can you share with us how to post such a great photos in social media so that it can benefit us and our followers?

Many people think that taking a photo of food is easy. Relatively speaking, it is. But what makes yours different from the rest is the creativeness you’ve put into the shot. It might be any sort of shot, be it flatlay, minimal etc. It has got to be your style. 


If you’re looking for inspiration, search up Instagram on the hashtag styles and learn how people do it, then add in your style to finish it. 

It takes time and effort into editing the photos as well. So, be prepared to have a new hobby!

I guess many readers would like to find out this from you! Are you Single or Attached?

Surprising to many, I am Single. I guess I don’t have that much female friends around? 

But also, I have more freedom and time to myself. 
Nevertheless, it does not mean I’m not yearning for my second half to make the first move? 


I feel that women with the courage to go and make the first move is kinda sexy.

If you have the opportunity to be a celebrity in the Entertainment industry, would you be interested?

I wouldn’t turn down an opportunity which I think seems fun and challenging. 
I have tried out acting before, and even though it’s tiring, when everything is pieced together, it looks awesome. 


The entertainment industry also seems to be rather interesting with a wide array of roles/ scenes and storylines, which is something I like as well. 

What makes you special/ unique?

I tend to do things differently, and believe I can make the best out of any situation I’m given, and that I am able to adapt under different circumstances.

Also, I learnt that you'll never be happy if you chase money all your life. I find real joy through giving and serving others.

Doing humanitarian/social acts are something I plan to do in the future.

Editor's Note

When I met Sylvester at Orchard, he was a friendly and polite guy. During our conversations, I found out that he's a rather nice guy to chat up with although he was quite shy in the beginning and I got to find some topics to break the ice.

He does not display any sort of arrogant expression towards me despite his tight schedule to follow. He is someone whom you can share your problem with if you need listening ears.

Sylvester treasures every individual opportunity that comes up to him. He is willing to take up challenges when the opportunity knock on his door.

Please show your support by voting for Sylvester Goh in Manhunt Singapore 2015 in the following website that below. Every vote counts!

1. To vote for Sylvester as Mr. Internet Popularity, please click here.
Please noted that each vote cost SGD10.00 [Voting period ends on November 30, 2015]

2. To vote for Sylvester as Mr. Puressentiel Well-Being, please click here.
Every 1 like/share = 1 vote. [Voting period ends on November 30, 2015]

3. To vote for Sylvester as PHYTOgenic, please click here.
Every 1 like = 1 vote. [Voting period ends on November 30, 2015]

For your tickets to the finals on 8th December, please click here to purchase your tickets online.

As for Pre-Judging, it will be free entry for the public over at Wavehouse Sentosa at 3pm.

Pre-judging is where another 4 contestants from the Junior Category will be eliminated.

If you have any words of advice or kind words to tell Sylvester, you may leave down your comments below.

Follow Sylvester Goh in the following Social Media:

Click here for Sylvester Facebook Page.
Click here for Sylvester Fitness Instagram.
Click here for Sylvester Foodie instagram.

The Japanese Cemetery Park

Do you know that there is a Japanese Cemetery Park in Singapore which located at 825B Chuan Hoe Ave, Singapore 549853 (Yio Chu Kang Road)?

Although Singapore government gazetted as a memorial park in 1987. Many of you may not heard about it or aware that we do have Japanese Cemetery Park.

The Japanese Cemetery Park which known as 日本人墓地公園 was official granted permission for this cemetery use on 26 June 1891 by The British Colonial Government. Till today, it is the largest and best-preserved Japanese Cemetery in Southeast Asia.

The site measures 30,000 square metres and has an estimated of 910 tombstones that contain the remains of members of Japanese community in Singapore. It's also including 唐行きさん (Karayuki-san aka Japanese prostitutes), civilians, soldiers and convicted war criminals.

When I visited on Sunday, The Japanese Cemetery Park are quiet and peaceful. As usual, I take out my camera and randomly shoot the scenery over here. It is so interesting that in Singapore, I could able to see The Japanese Shrine and the Buddhist sculpture as it is very rare here.

I also got to know that the first Japanese person to settle in Singapore was 山本音吉 (Yamamoto Otokichi), who arrived in 1862.

When I walked in further, I was rather sad for Karayuki-san who dead here during the end of the Meiji Era around 1870's to 1930's. Those poor Japanese young women were sold off for Prostitution in East Asia and South East Asia by their own family. Each of the tombstones tell a story of their past which everyone forgotten Japanese prostitution era before the World War II occurred.

Some of the well known Japanese also buried here. Those people are prominent author Takeshiro Nishimura, who lived in Singapore from 1902 until his death in 1942.

Yoshio Nishimura, the managing director of Ishihara Sangyo Koshi, an iron ore mining company in Malaya. He was a president of the Japanese Association.

During the Japanese occupation of Singapore from 1942-1945, It was the worst nightmare for everyone who lived in horror and terrified that the Japanese soldiers would captured and killed them. Despite that, the Japanese soldiers also got killed during the war.

The Japanese soldiers buried their own ally bodies and construction of memorials in the cemetery. Many of the important key appointment tombstones can be found here as well. It is good that the Japanese Cemetery Park are well preserved.

Although it could be a painful experience for our pioneers to remember, but we should let our young generation to know The Japanese Cemetery Park as it is somehow connected to part of the Singapore history.

To view more of The Japanese Cemetery Park photographs, click here.

Collaboration with Jaze Production

I am extremely honour to collaborate with Jaze Production for a photoshoot which was held at Chinatown, Singapore.

I got to know Jaze Phua through my secondary school alumni Facebook Page. He was my school junior. We had a awesome time to collaborate together for this photoshoot. He's friendly and a nice guy to work with.

Jaze produced his own YouTube short film and won many awards like The RULE BREAKERS and The Cabbage. 

If you would like to find out more about Jaze, you can visit his official page by clicking here.

The Loft Cafe

In Chinatown, there are many heritage colony buildings which is currently preserved by the government which makes Singapore's Chinatown very unique.

While you sightseeing in Singapore's Chinatown, you are curious and amazed that our Chinatown is slightly different from countries.

In Chinatown, you can find many races Place of Worship. You can find Chinese Temple, Malay Mosque, Indian Temple and Church within the same district which was planned by the British Colony era.

You also can get to taste difference cultural food in our local food centre and get to know the culture here and how we can live racial harmony.

While I sightseeing in Chinatown, I saw a bright Red Building located at Smith Street, which attracts to me. So, I decided to visit to the Red Building and I saw The Loft Cafe, therefore I decided to pay a visit since I am kinda hungry and thirsty.

At the same time, it makes me thought of a similar cafe, 'ROOST JUICE + BAR' which I visited in Johor Bahru, Malaysia which is located in the 1F (You can click here to read Cafe Hopping in West Malaysia).

When I stepped into the Loft Cafe, I was greeted by very retro white door and I need climb the steep staircase as this is a heritage building. Once I reached the 1F, I was greeted by the friendly staff and I decided to sit near to the window as I can see the outside world while relaxing myself.

I simply loved this cafe as it gives me a homely and cosy atmosphere. Just that it can be slightly too warm as they did not fully turn on all their air-conditional, if you sit away from the air-conditional. I guess the management would want to save the environment for not turning on all the air-conditional when there are less crowds.

I was served by special employee who is very patient and friendly to me. After that, he served me a cup of ice water. I also observed that this special employee served each of their customer with pride.

Although they could be slow sometime, but I am delighted that the cafe management hired The Abilities of Special Needs employees and give them a chance to work and gain experience.

Where the management are making a movement towards a more inclusive society in Singapore, opening our eyes to the special needs people around us and also give us a chance to talk to them and improve their confident.

After awhile, this special employee served my food and followed by my drink which I had ordered. I loved their Rosemary chicken and their mashed potato! It was simply awesome! Their Cookie and Cream milkshake so yummy~

After that my dessert was served. The Loft Cafe famous for their delicious and crispy waffler. But on that day, the waffler (Nutty Banana waffler) that I tried are not that crispy and rather it was cold for the moment that I bite.

Perhaps, they should put slightly longer so that the waffler can be more crispy and it will be warm instead of cold waffler. For the fruit, it was fresh and juicy.

For the bread (Shibuya Toast), it tasted good with the raspberry and the ice cream. I loved the sour of the raspberry~ As most Singaporean will used this word, SHOICK!

Overall, The Loft Cafe is a great cafe where you can chill out with your friends and families but at times, it can be slightly expensive if you visit to this cafe often. It will be good if they can create loyalty membership to their regular customer.

This cafe also equip with FREE WIFI where you can surf net or do your business presentation. The cafe also allowed you to book for your event/function in their 2F.

Please call them or email to The Loft Cafe Management in advanced if you are interested to book their function room or host any party.

You will be simply loved their ambience in the heritage colony shophouse! You can find The Loft Cafe at 268A South Bridge Road (off Smith Street) Singapore 058817. It along the Chinatown Food Street. Nearest MRT: NE4/DT19 Chinatown Exit A.

If you would like to make a reservation, you can email to them at info@theloft.com.sg or you may wish to call them at +65 6221 2103 or fax to them at +65 6221 2152.