By Soraya Jamal
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Dreams can turn into reality, as long one remains committed and work for it. As for lifestyle writer Gerald Chuah, the writer of the book "In the Eye of the Tiger", he has been literally chasing after his dreams for nearly two decades.
The Penang born journalist grew up in a middle class family. While in college, Chuah had to work to fend for himself, as the parents couldn't afford his education.
As he was interested in films, he harboured ambitions of becoming a film producer but the lack of monetary resources forced Chuah to abandon his dreams.
Chuah has been a journalist with the New Straits Times Group since 1990 and at present is a writer for the Life and Times section.
Chuah was mesmerised by the Rambo sequels all acted by Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone. Chuah was smitten by Rambo's fearlessness, determination and self resilience. Most people watched the Rambo movies for entertainment but Chuah went deeper scrutinising the good values portrayed by the hero and his own shortcomings in real life.
Though Stallone has carved his name in the Hollywood's hall of fame, it was against all odds. Stallone was born with a number of physical disabilities and among the distinct one is his speech impediment. Due to this he became good in one-liners and used his body to do the talking. And this is why there are more action in his movies than dialogues.
Rocky, a boxing legend, and Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran, are two of Stallone's iconic characters where a typical underdog goes the distance to prove himself.
INSPIRATION TO WRITE A BOOK
"I always thought of the future. On what I always wanted to do and how I can improve my life. Stallone and his films provided inspiration for me to get on with life then," he told Bernama.
One day while reminiscing his life, Chuah asked himself: "Why not I write a book on something that I know and like, the philosophy and the lessons of life from Stallone's films? Maybe it's a window of opportunity for me to succeed in life and meet Stallone.
"But at that time I neither knew how to write nor publish a book, I've never met Stallone either...," he explained.
Chuah then began studying Stallone's films that projected a strong message. He also perused documentaries, books, magazine and newspaper archives.
"I wrote from my heart. I've learned the lessons from his films that provided me inspiration to compile a book.
"When I listened to the interviews with Stallone, he was telling what I probably would have said. I felt that our brains are connected," noted Chuah with full confidence.
STALLONE'S BLESSINGS
"But I have been procrastinating," explained Chuah.
Though Chuah realised he has been working on the project for years, it was yet to evolve into a publication, he even thought of stopping short at an e-book.
But last year, Chuah's interest rekindled and he worked hard to finish the book. At that time the Rocky Balboa movie was about to be released and Chuah initially gave himself a month to finish the book in an attempt what he described as `Rocky's Challenge'
"On Dec 12, I sent an e-mail to Stallone's mom, Jackie, inquiring whether I can attend the Rocky Balboa premiere. I did not expect a reply. Much to my surprise, I received an immediate reply saying "Gerald, I have been looking for you for weeks! I will be coming to Malaysia!," said Chuah.
Chuah got to know Stallone's mother two years earlier after being introduced by an American businessman while on assignment.
"I took long leave to finalise the book and Jackie inaugurated the book on last 22 Jan," the last day of my leave, said Chuah obviously satisfied.
Chuah was elated when Jackie confirmed that the contents of the book aptly described the principles her family adhered too.
Jackie related that Stallone was excited, even surprised, how Chuah who he only met once during the launching of Planet Hollywood in Singapore in 1997 could recall everything about him.
"I felt like being in a dreamland when Stallone gave the nod for my book. All this while they thought I'm mad. No one understood and realised I'm a unique person," he said.
NOT AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
It is the first book in the world to compile the lessons to be learnt from Stallone's films and it's not an autobiography of Stallone.
The first Rocky movie was screened about 30 years ago, but the virtues are relevant till today. Many experts and international motivational writers like Anthony Robbins, Jack Canfield and Robert G. Allen have picked quotes from Rocky movies in their talks and books.
According to Chuah, most motivational books dwell on the success formula and hardly bring readers through the road to success like what is in the mind of a person struggling to survive, what is his/her attitude and stand.
The underlying messages in Stallone's films and firmly held to by Chuah all this while is that he is willing try and work his way forward as far as he could.
In the movies, the characters played by Stallone too face the same predicament but he challenged himself to see how far he can go in life.
As for Chuah the message is important for all as it makes us aware on our own strengths and self-confidence.
Chuah's next undertaking will be documenting the real life "Rocky" - those who successfully overcame the hurdles in life. He is now looking for international publishers for his book before Rambo 4 premiers sometime next May.
The first part of "In the Eye of the Tiger" can be downloaded for free at web www.stallonism.com.
Like Rocky, Chuah too gave a try and is working his way forward.
"If I can do it, anybody can do it, give yourself a try to turn dreams into reality," he said.
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