Homestretch.

I’ve been here in Shanghai since last year. Christmas Day to be exact. As amazing and rewarding of an experience as it’s been, all good things must come to an end.

Only one more on set day left for Chan and I’ll be “wrapped”. That’s Hollywood movie making lingo for “finished with all my filming”.  I know you knew.

I can’t say I’m not looking forward to finishing up though. As one chapter comes to an end, another one begins.

Lots of exciting and great things unfolding in Hong Kong in terms of plans for 2011.

Of course, there’s also that thing I need to attend to back in the states next month..

God is great.

Here to stay.

Had to make a trip to the Shanghai Immigrations office to extend my visa so they don’t kick me out of the country before I completed all my filming.

373. What number are we at?

Yikes.

Might as well sit down and get comfy. How about next

ayojin@gmail.com.

As often as I can, I try to catch up on emails. Most of the time is spent deleting spam, but I do eventually get around to replying to questions/comments/suggestions/etc.

As I was sorting thru and cleaning out the inbox, I came across this reply I sent to “S”. Mind you, me and “S” have never met. I guess you can say we’re kinda like penpals.

In his previous email, he was sharing with me a difficult decision he was facing.  He was thinking about whether he should join the armed forces or not in hopes of providing a better life for himself and his family.

This is what I wrote back to him.

I do remember praying for him right after I sent that email off. I don’t know if he ended up making a final decision yet, but I hope he’s been able to find some peace and clarity.

Completely forgetting about this email, to come across it again just reminded me that to be able to bless others is a blessing in itself.

By the way, my inbox is open 24/7.

Green mile.

Did the last of my horse riding scenes the other day.

I think it’s safe to say, the lessons paid off. Even though technically, the lessons were not paid for. Well, not by me at least.

Things to do before I get too old to do them #235 – Ride a horse in a movie

Life is grand.

Can you hear me now?

Spotted @ Cathay Pacific in flight magazine

Listening?

I know you’re somewhere out there..

Now serving.

Spotted @ Shanghai Pudong Airport

Cruci-fixed.

iBerry.

Been a faithful citizen of Blackberryonia for more years than I can recall. Still am.

Finally cracked open this complimentary iPhone that I got from a recent client that I worked with.

It’s nice.

I’m in no hurry to switch over my phone plan or anything, but I can definitely get used to the camera usage.

FTW.

I just got news that Gallants 打擂台, a film I had the privilege of being a part of, just won the award for Best Film in Hong Kong. It’s quite humbling to know that I contributed to such an accomplishment in however small of a way.

The film also won for Best Male Lead (Teddy Robin).

If you’re looking for me in the poster. Dead center. Neckbrace. Can’t miss.

You can find out more about the movie here. Normally, I wouldn’t rely on wikipedia for accuracy but, to my surprise they covered most of the bases this time.

The film was released in Hong Kong theaters June of last year. Since then, it’s made it rounds at various film festivals and the feedback has been relatively positive, even winning the Audience Favorite Award at the NY Asian Film Festival.

As evident in the trailer, it is definitely paying homage to the kung fu flicks of the 60′s and 70′s.

This one’s special for me. After all, it is my first foray into acting since moving to Hong Kong in ’08. I am grateful for the opportunity and most of all the priceless learning experience.

I pray the Lord continues to open doors that are in accordance with His plans and to close those that are not open by His doing.