Hello there folks, finally, the long awaited letter after Jon's exams! :)

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"On to the next stage of life- Curtains up!"

"And so it is, just like you said it would be..." thank you all for all your patience. It has really been a very long semester for me in school. The half year which I spent in school really seemed to take forever to end. I mean, honestly, I was never a big fan of academics though I get by ok, I have my secondary school english teacher to thank me for that though. She is the one who kinda put it into my head that whatever it is, I should go get a degree in NUS. Her reason being that I don't like taking orders from people. Haha. I guess she wanted me to at least have some form of academic standing so people would take me seriously. Though I didn't really enjoy the process of school because it was really tiring while juggling my night job singing with the band till the wee hours of the morning for my pocket money while having to wake up really early the next morning for classes struggling to stay awake, I am still very grateful to her. I am rather lucky in my life in that though I might not have alot of things by luck, I am blessed to meet very good teachers. When I was in secondary school I had an excellent fencing coach that went by the name of Jeff Lopez, he guided my love for the sport into something more than mere interest, from the time I was 13 to the time I entered national service, he helped me (very patiently I might add) to understand the beauty and art of swordplay, of sportsmanship and of competition. He taught me what it was to chase a dream. He was more than a coach for sports, but he moulded alot of my determination which got me not only into the national team for a few years but also alot of the tolerance for physical hardship which got me through my stint in the commandos as well. I wasn't exactly the model student in school, I was more interested in what was outside school than what was in it. I disliked teachers who ordered me around without reason and I was always flouting rules which to me were not logical. Needless to say I got into alot of trouble with the school authority, my thursdays were more often spent in detention than anywhere else. But the point is, there was one particular teacher who saw some promise in me and I am very grateful to her for that. When other teachers yelled, she reasoned, when the rest called my parents to complain, she sat me down to explain... that was the beautiful part about her, I heard truth in what she said because it made sense and I knew she was right. It was funny that I got on so very well with a teacher and we are still very much in contact even now. I believe she is one of those that are called into service. I know that teaching is a thankless job and not everyone is cut out to handle the hardships of it. But if any of you are teaching or know any nobody who is in it, tell them that their job is a really noble one in my opinion because they truly can make a difference in people's lives and the administrative nonsense and top down structure is not as important as the students they have under their care. I'm one example of someone that was really guided by great teachers.

I've been reflecting a little about the line of work that I am getting myself into and I have come to realise how very shallow it can be. I mean, I love my art, singing songs, music, maybe even acting, the main reason why I love it is because I get to express myself and say things through lyrics that I would never dare to say in real life. If I act, I would be playing a role that I would never dare to be in my life. It's a form of escapism I guess. But many don't really see that part of the entertainment business, which is in essence, the creative part of it. Most people only want to look at the superficial part of the business, criticising the clothing, the hair, the makeup, the money, it is kind of sad in my opinion, and a big waste. That isn't the way to promote the arts in my opinion. Music, writings, art they are all meant to bring us closer, in my opinion, to humanity, to help us learn about what we are, and what is important in life, not just money and having this credit card or wearing this brand of underwear with some guy's name on it. But, then again, money drives many people to doing things they never thought they would. hers's something that I would like you to ask of you, if ever you feel like I am going the way of materialism please tell me by way of email (jonathanleong01@yahoo.com) or just write a letter to my agency(artiste networks) because I don't want to get lost in the ways of men, if you know what I mean. I will seriously have to 'realign' myself if I stray from my initial intentions.

That being said, ever since the end of my exams I have been busy catching up with my close friends and family. I tend to block everyone in my life out when I am immersed in a particular project or work so I have to make time for them when I can. It's important to keep the people you care about close to you because they help to ground you in my opinion and you also remember that there are people out there who care about you and want the best for you. Everyone knows that my main priority is to get my mandarin standard up to scratch because of practical language and also that it helps me get closer to my roots. I am doing what I can but I fear that its not enough, if you know anyway of helping me out please let me know... its really important to me to improve my mandarin. It's my raison d'etre now.

Once again, thank you for being there despite everything, I haven't been very active in the music scene of late and its the way it is because of the way the competition brings one to public view without songs of your own. But be patient, I will do my utmost to come up with an album and will put in the effort to make the best of what i have right now. Thanks for the constant emails and gifts and cards. It means alot, I am not really good in conversation in person and I hope you forgive that I look aloof or distant, its still very foreign to me this whole public image thing. And it doesn't help that I am quite private and quiet by nature. On another note, I paid 2 visits to the national library this week and I am really impressed with the amount of material that they have now compares to before, reading is really good for me and I hope to read alot of books now that I don't have to study. You should go there too, its so convenient now. And you won't clutter your house with books that you've already read.

Ok, I am rambling. You take care and I will catch you soon.

Smiles,

Jon.

Dear Jon,

Thanks for the long letter...:)

great to read your writing about teachers...Yeah, I believe in teachers
who motivate too...those who wont simply give unreasonable orders, but
guide us through....when we need instead of unreasonable punishment..

Glad that you are finishing your study very soon...you are now embarking
yourself to the very dream of your life...glad that you will have your album
soon...Glad that we are your fans, to be part of your dream..enjoying
your singing, and be there for you, yeah, I guess, Everyone of us loves to
stand by yourside in your career journey...as I said, very very glad to ever
support you, not only supporting you but we are here to make great
friendships too...It's all because of you...:)

hope to see you soon...well, I guess the next will be 1st of June @ Sentosa
Cafe Del Mar? mmmm the very next day..2 nd of June will be your bday..:)
hope you will have a great time...:)

keep enjoying your life...:)

Cheerz
Eveline

thank u for the long letter!!
will be looking forward to your album :D
take care!!
$angel

Thanks for dropping such a long letter for us. it is really sweet of u!
anyway, we're all lookin forward to all ur performance or appearance +)

will be lookin forward to ur album!!!

takecare! :D
we certainly miss u.

OMG JON I WILL CATCH YOU FIRST!
:D:D

And oh, Pirates of the Carribean is showing soon, okay rather random but that movie reminds me of you.

We will all be VERY VERY patient in waiting for more appearances of you.

:lol:

Jon, receiving this round of your letter after a long break is like we've just been injected with a new clean breath of life. Not exaggerating at all! Reading your words is akin to hearing you speak! Miss your voice (& smiles too)!

Actually to master a language & in this case mandarin, I came across advices that the best would be to spend a period of time in china & to live amongst the natives. And the cost of attending a course there is very much cheaper. But this of course is not practical in your case, as time is the essence. Another way is to get a china-native tuitor? Can't think of any other better way at the moment...

Talking abt our libraries. Yea, hey! I really am very impressed with our new libraries. I've been to the National Library at Victoria St. Besides books, there are lots of events happening at the library too (& mostly free admissions). And I am simply enthralled by the vast range of books in the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library sections. There are like 90,000 volumes in the Social Science & Humanities collection. Can spend a whole day there. And if you go in a weekday, not that many people around & the best thing is it's quiet in the Reference section. And in the Arts collection, they have 30,000 volumes ranging from art history to avant-garde contemporary art. And this is just to compliment the Performing Arts collection at the Esplanade Library. At the Esplanade Library, they even have the classic movies CDs & DVD to lend & evenings at around 7pm, there's some performances & events at the small stage area. I just get all so excited just to talk abt the books & that being said, I better stop now.

Very soon, you'll be real busy but we hope that you'll continue to write to us regularly to keep our spirits up & going!

All the best to you, dear Jon & yes, we'll all smiles at this moment,

smitten
angelyn

Dear Jon

Thanks so much for your LONG letter...
it took me around 10 minutes to finish reading.
Enjoy reading your letter as
the way you wrote...always gave us a deep impression and
can feel the sincerity from you.

To improve Mandarin.
Listen and read more definitely will help you.
The best is read the article and listen to the
pronunciation at the same time.
Below is a newspaper link in simplified chinese...
you can see the news and at the same time
listen to it.
(click on the left side to choose for the news
then click on the title (in blue). To listen click on the
grey box with the chinese word Ting Xin Wen with a girl icon)

http://china.donga.com/gb/entertainment/

(though is a korean newspaper...
but they have international news, culture, entertainment etc)

Looking forward on the release of your SONG ALBUM.

Take Care!

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Success is self-defined, not determined by opinions or expectation of others.
Many singers/musicians, although long dead, live on to become legendary.


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woots.. long letter there.. underwear with someone's name on it.. lols.. you funny guy.. i wont be attending that performance, still too young..haha
cant wait for your album! (cant wait for leehom's too) smitten

Cheers,
didi

Dear Jon

Enjoyed reading all your letters which always set me thinking that we should really treasure everyday of our life! We learnt a little of you each time on your growing up years, struggles, achievements and all these makes you such an interesting person.

You are most fortunate to be blessed with two such motivated teachers who patiently took the time to guide you during your crucial teenage years. Believe their strong influences have left an indelible mark on you from being a non-conformist teen who has turn out so well and is now such an excellent individual. Sports not only build up physical tolerance but it can really build a person's mental strength and Jeff Lopez has certainly moulded you well in this aspect. Woah, being in the elite commandos is no joke and very tough, you have to push yourself to the limit through the challenges and you must definitely feel proud that you have done it! When you were working to the wee hours and studying at the same time, just don't know how you did it! You really have my admiration for being so focused in pursuing your dream, how you prioritise and manage your time is remarkable!

Have you recently been upset by some things to reflect kinda so seriously the shallowness of the music industry? You sounded disheartened and that does sadden us. Its a commercial world, guess alot of things are determined by the business and consumer aspects, and could be superficial in some ways. Image packaging is part of the game but you could add more depth in terms of your performance and also in your own way impart the right values. Make a difference when the opportunity arises by using your arts (music or acting) to promote meaningful causes to help the others. That way you could contribute and do something worthwhile, isn't? We are convinced you will always remain grounded cos you have shown such strong beliefs to remain true to yourself and thats why you are so uniquely special!!!

Hey, on a lighter note like your "wicked" sense of humour on the underwear branding, could not stop laughing aloud when my dear friend read it to me over the phone last nite while I was out!

You are too modest about your mandarin standard and am sure you are up to par already but cos you are a "perfectionist" you just want to do your best! Listening to the Singapore, China, Taiwan tv news, talk shows, entertainment programes, have a good read of the newspapers daily, pick some books & novels that you like, it could kinda tune your mind to think, speak and improve the feel of the language.

Good that you are spending time with your close friends and family before you get really busy and its true you must always stay close to people you care and likewise. At the end of the day, wherever you are or whatever you do, they will always stand by you no matter what happens.

Truly very glad to be sharing your music dream!

xoxo, Kellyn

wow.you guys are fast!

haha..

erm..teachers..i miss my primary school teacher.one tat will always remains in my heart..

anyway..Jon bro, are you referring to miss ong? haha if not,i guess she will be one of them on the your list too. i miss her lei...!

thanx for the letter! we'll look forward to seeing you soon..

:D

loves!

"All that glitters is not gold; often have you heard that told.."

Good to hear from you Jon and glad to know that you do not wish to be caught up with the material world we are living in. The world is full of enticements. Daily we are confronted with subtle cultural pressures and overt propaganda. How much does the interests of this world matter to you? It is easy to get caught up with the externals. Beware of those emphasize actions that we should or shouldn’t do, with no concern for the inward condition of the heart.

As you near the end of a long race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your body cries out for you to stop. This is when friends and fans are most valuable. Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish line. A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way.

Everyone needs a certain amount of approval from others. But those who go out of their way to secure honors or to win popularity with a lot of people become conceited.

When you do your best, you feel good about the results. There is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others’ flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well.

We all do understand how things are...so no apologies okay? Look forward to hearing your debut album!!! Have been waiting...all these times, I suppose we are happy to wait alittle bit longer more. Ja!

Hi Jon,

Thank you for writing!
What i always like about you is truly your honesty & thoughtfulness! Looking forward for your album & i am sure all of us here have strong faith in you!
Just do your best! We believe in you!
Wishing you happiness, good health & success always!

love,
Susie

Aww he's so sweet!

Really enjoyed reading this, even though it's like, (how many days? My Math is horrible) um 22 days since you put this up!

Quite excited about his upcoming album which hopefully comes out soon because I have been playing his songs on repeat all day and cant get enough of his sexy soulful sincere vocals!

_

By the way, Jon, I think your Chinese is already very good! Keep it up I should learn from you :D