United Colours of Singapore

I have no intention of disrespecting or infringing upon copyrights, so I will just state from the offset that the title of this posting is a clear plagiarizing of the popular UK brand "United Colours of Benetton".

So the reason for this was that a popular image from one of UCB's old advertisements sprang to my mind this weekend. I was invited to the Youth Olympic Games Seminar held at Suntec on Saturday, 12th January. Along with 8 upper primary students and the principal, we spent the morning listening to how Singapore was making their bid for the YOG and how if we succeeded in the bid, our schools could benefit from the exchange of youths. As usual...a lot of "hoo ha" and money (3 SUNTEC convention halls and refreshments for everyone!) spent to inform the masses how great the event will be...kinda becoming the Singapore norm of things.

On a critical front, I just like the part where they stated outright that "Olympic Education" is going to be part of the syllabus in the future. Basically it's a key idea that it's not enough to just be the best in something or to borrow the olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (swifter, higher, stronger). So while beating your opponent seems the more obvious goal, I think the true meaning of olympism is in the sportsmanship, the triumph of human spirit, the transcendence of differences and to extol the best in humanity*.

* Btw..."Celebrate Humanity" was the creed of the Sydney 2000 olympics. You can find the website at http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_252.pdf . Its a good read.

Watch the video (about 6min) below as well...truly inspirational. Watch till the end for "Adversary"




You are my adversary, but you are not my enemy.
For your resistance gives me strength.
Your will gives me courage.
Your spirit ennobles me.
And though I aim to defeat you, should I succeed, I will not humiliate you.
Instead, I will honour you.
For without you, I am a lesser man.
— “Opponent”, from Celebrate Humanity

That's olympism for you. I guess we have been teaching our kids about it for a while now...just didn't label it and say it was Olympic Education. but now that its somewhat formalised...I'm happy we are taking these steps.

Not to say that everything is good. The inevitable commercialism of both sports and the atheletes by branding and media is something we could avoid. Too often we hear of atheletes (esp footballers!) who make moves or turn away their loyalty in order to secure a better paycheck. The issue of Singapore hiring foreign talents, making them our citizens in orde to take part successfully in international competitions is highly debatable and would probably warrant anotherpost. Some othe stuff we could avoid are the drug scandals or the allegations of dubious judging.

All in all...olympic education and olympism is still a good aspect of education. Come on...dun be too skeptical alright? Let's stay focussed on the positive...ya?

Ohmygosh! I digress too much...back to the original point about United Colours of Singapore.

So basically I got to see many students from the other Primarys, Secondarys and JCs. I was pleasantly surprised at the cultural mix we have nowadays. Seated next to me was an Australian, a few rows behind, there was clearly a girl of African descent (judging by the complexion and dreadlocks)... all around I could see in the kaleidoscope of Singaporean faces, features that were clearly not Singaporean. And then I was reminded of that United Colours of Benetton ad...




I think you know what I mean.

The thing was...I felt really happy about it! I like the fact that we are welcoming these people to our lands. We are after all...a land of migrants...except for the descendents of the tiny fishing village that Raffles came upon. By and large...we came from China, India, Indonesia...etc etc. There is Portugese and Dutch influence in the Eurasian community.

So I was happy that these students and their families have decided to settle here. I hope that Singapore will become their permanent home.

I just believe that the hodge-podge, "rojak" nature of our culture should be celebrated. It's great that our children can learn to appreciate so many cultures here in Singapore. In my school... we have Bulgarians, Koreans, Mongolians, Filipinos, PRCs, Taiwanese, Indonesians, Malaysians, Thais, Vietnamese and we recently added a Canadian girl.*

* not coping too well at the moment because things are more structured here than in Canada

So looking at these kids...I was happy that we could come together as one. That Singapore is really turning out to be a global city. Whether it was push or pull factors that drew their parents here...I shan't bother. I was just happy and excited at the possibilities our little garden city could become. In a world that's grown increasingly smaller because of globalisation and yet increasingly colder. Its always nice to see little pockets of positive change happening.

The skeptic and depressed critic in me would probably say that more cultures in Singapore doesn't necessary mean that they would mix well together. After all...the government does go a long way to making sure that racism will not thrive here. Recent reports however do suggest that segregations of groups do occur as well. Eg...the case of Indians from India being haughty to our local indian lads. (A case of my curry is more spicy than your curry...perhaps) Raffles town plan is a brilliant case study of how Singaporeans were first divided based on communities.
I suppose it is only natural that migrant communities want a sense of belonging wherever they uproot to.


There is also a clear struggle for identity here in Singapore. A young nation of migrants just cannot make up its mind on what we are really. Have you seen the latest national costumes paraded by our ladies in Ms Universe/World/LalaLand? Frankly we don't have one. It just changes year on year according to whoever designs them. And it is usually a mish-mash of chinese fabric/design with malay design/fabric infused with indian fabric/design and a dash of eurasian fabric/design. Thats our national costume...they call it the "Eurochindianlay". We clearly struggle with who we are. It doesn't help if more folks are moving in too...right?


But let's give it time.


Given time I just hope they begin to feel more Singaporean. I hope these kids get the best of opportunities and the most enlightened of teachers. Teachers who will like me...proudly proclaim... I am Singaporean first and foremost, chinese second. Even then...I also not sure how much of a Chinese I am. My mum is a straits-born peranankan, my dad is teo chew. I have struggled with the Chinese language all my life. I have no links to China or Taiwan. Not even Malaysia. All my relatives are here. As deep as Singapore is...my roots have sunk deeper. I will remain ever proud of my country as my country is proud of me.


I celebrate Singapore for the fact that...
...the Churches, Temples and Mosques here can stand side by side without issue.
...we have a rich variety of food available. (have you seen the mind boggling array at any big shopping centre in town?)
...we can stand shoulder to shoulder and not feel any animosity just because you are different from me.
...it's got a DAMN GOOD pledge.


I am Singaporean. Stand with me. We can only get better.

So I made this promise...and I'd stand by it.

I had dessert with Candy and Sonya the other day.

Candy and Sonya are like cream and sugar you put in coffee to take away all the bitterness. They have seen the best of me and the worst of me. And we get along swell.

So anyways...something we talked about made me recall a promise I made myself in 2005.

In March 2005...just 2 months away from our graduation as teachers. An ex-projectmate of mine committed suicide. I will not speculate on its exact details. There were many factors involved I believed. But the timing was just so wrong. We were in our second practicum, if she had hung on for a month or two longer, she would have graduated and moved on from NIE.
Was it stress? She passed away on the day she was due for a class lesson supervision. Was it depression? Apparently she had been under medication for a while now. What it was, we will never know.

What I do know...was I felt this utter shock when I heard the news. And then there was this sick creeping sensation in my gut. You start wondering if maybe the signs were there all along. I always knew her as someone with a bubbly and happy personality. A pleasant smile to greet you in the mornings. We won't terribly close...just the one project that one time. But enough to always greet each other with warmth and a smile in the mornings. Enough to know each other's names in the lift and to exchange pleasantries or small talk when we bump into each other. Enough to have each other's numbers saved in our handphones, knowing we might need each other's help someday.

I sat alone the day she left and just wished she could have called me.

I don't know why I felt that way. I just did.

Hope springs eternal for me. Committing suicide...is the end of all hope. It is the deepest isolation of despair. There is no redemption once you are beyond the point of suicide.
What makes a person despair so much that she should choose to end a beautiful life?
What rages on in the mind or the heart to cause such utter hopelessness?

I only wished I could have been there for her. Just to tell her that it is not so bad. That if nobody would believe in her or stand by her...I could and I would. That all is not lost...if we could just think of what we can do tomorrow. That hope...lives...no matter what, no matter where.

Perhaps a bumbling fool like me, wouldn't have helped much. But I knew what I felt. If I had the chance to talk to her...I could show her the hope inside of me. I don't harbour hopes that I could have saved her. I just wished I could have done a little more.

That night I promised myself that if I ever knew a friend or an acquaintance or just about anyone who was ever in this state of despair. I would be there to stand by him or her. In deed or in word, just call and I will be there.


You didn't have to go this way.
Pretty smile no more.
What was it you couldn't say?
I remembered you.
If you only knew,
The words I could have told.
Not that I could be salvation.
Maybe all you needed was balm.
Hope springs eternal,
You're a lily thats floated on.
Perhaps peace is downstream.

In remembrance... Rest well.

"The World is my oyster"...so they say...

I read a friend's (Sophia) blog recently. She's doing well...and travelling quite a fair bit since she joined the oil rigging industry. It's really a job I admire since my dad was an oil-rigger and used to fascinate me with all his stories about the many places he has been too. You just have to imagine a little chubby kid hearing about the midnight sun in Alaska or deep sea fishing from the pontoons of an Oil Rig to understand how amazing these little stories were to me.

Anyway, fate doesn't play the same hand to sons as to fathers. I didn't take an engineering degree nor did I end up in the navy, which is what I probably would have done if my heart murmur was not an issue with MINDEF.

But I must say I still love travelling and experiencing different things. Sophia's compiled a list of places she has been to. So I thought it would be interesting if I spent a few minutes thinking and writing down the places that I have been to. Kinda like a country stocktake. =)

Let's see...gotta start from the ones I remember when I was young.

Pre 1990s - Genting / Penang / Phuket / Cameron Highlands / Indonesia
~ I can't remember much for this period.

1993 - Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Thailand
~ Paid some distant relatives of mine a visit, together with my family and my grandpa. Unforgettable 10 hour journey in a cramped Mini-van.

1995 - Sabah, Outward Bound Sabah and Mount Kinabalu Expedition
~ This was a most memorable one. First trip without parents, first overseas hiking adventure. This trip started my love for the outdoors. That quesy feeling in the face of nature, knowing that you are minutely insignificant in the grander scheme of things and yet, also knowing that somehow you are a part of everything unfolding around you, even if you don't know it all.

1996 - Didn't travel in the year I had my O-levels. Spent a lot of time studying in the little nooks and crannies at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 Viewing Gallery though. I actually finished the A-maths and Physics Ten Year Series here.

1998 - Tasmania / Australia
~ Another most memorable one. This was after the A-levels...and before my enlistment. Got a couple of mates together...Kie Hian, Wee Keat, Shang Wei, Mark, Fang Fang and this other lady (OMG...forgot her name!) Flew all the way to Melbourne...and then took the 1-day ferry to Tasmania. Sent 6 days in the bush...Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park.

2000 - Pulau Aur and Dayang / Malaysia
~ My diving open water certificate. First time diving out in the open sea. AMAZING adventure.

2001 - Mount Ophir / Malaysia
~ First time recce-ing and subsequently leading an expedition of at-risk youths. This expedition opened me to the possibility of being a trip leader.

2001 - Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand Overland trip
~ This trip was the backpackers dream. I still don't really know how I managed to crammed it all within 22 days. Great company...Wee Keat, Guopei, Wan and Cheryl. Everything just went well together.

2001~2005 - Pelepah/Belumut/Panti/Berkelah/Ophir/Titiwangsa/Jerangkang/Kinabalu (Malaysia) / Khao Sok (Thailand) / Hawaii (USA) / Britain / Scotland / Spain
~ Did quite a fair bit of hiking and leading of trips in my uni days. Visited my sis in Hawaii. And did a Europe tour as well.

2006 - Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
~ Did a vacation with the missus right smack in the middle of the World Cup. I learnt my lesson...never travel during world cup. Hahaha!

2007 - Kinabalu / Fukuoka, Japan
~ 3rd time up this mountain I have fallen in love with. This time with another amazing bunch. Red, Ronny, Lining and Huiwen.
Was sponsored a trip to Japan in Dec 2007 as well. Fabulous country...just immaculate.

Ok...dunno what 2008 brings. What ever will be will be.
I haven't actually felt like travelling for a long time already. Dun have any dream destinations.

Adieu

"Singapore is a gracious society"...ya right.

This December I was rather fortunate to earn an all expense paid trip to Japan. I spent 4 wonderful days in a beautiful country with very gracious hosts. Basically we were a select group of school officials and teachers who were sponsored by the Fukuoka Tourism Board to visit the Fukuoka District in Japan. It was quite an experience because I was treated like a VIP for most of the trip. Everything was catered for. No worries watsoever.

Delicious food, fascinating toilets, beautiful scenery and amazing sights...pity I had to contend with my very Singaporean counterparts though.

That said...I know one apple shouldn't spoil the whole basket. And in general, the travelling companions I had were for the most parts, nice and cordial. However...one unpleasant incident will remain etched in my head. Kinda sickens my stomach whenever I think of it actually.

But here goes...


On the 2nd day of the trip, we were scheduled bright and early to visit a Persimmon fruit farm. According to our guides, the farm had already been harvested, but on the request of the Fukuoka Tourism Board, a little plot of just over 15 trees were left for us to experience some fruit picking. Japanese Persimmon are renowned for their sweetness, texture and near perfect symmetry. A small one easily sells in the market for 300Yen (SGD3.90). The near perfect ones in excellent shape and size retails for 1000Yen(SGD13.00) or more. They make for excellent gifts and the Japanese pride themselves for their ability to produce these sweet succulent honeyed fruits.

In any case...if you were told of a persimmon fruit picking experience in Japan, how many of these persimmons would you pick? The guide tells you that you can buy a box for 200Yen(SGD2.60) to keep the persimmons in. So how many would you pick?

Here's what I figured...probaby get 4 or 5...depending on how big the box is. Maybe a dozen? Cause that's what you usually get in a box. A dozen.

Picking time...and off we went on little ladders with clippers to snipped those nice persimmons. Our hosts were great, showing us around, even slicing a few persimmons for us to sample. I snipped about 12 for myself, and another 12 for my colleague who was helping me with the picking basket...and then another 12 for another lady who didn't want to do all that much climbing. Quite a fun way to start the morning really.

Back to the packing station...and I had the absolute shocker of the trip!

Here I was blessedly happy with my 12 nice persimmons...thinking how I would probably eat some and give the rest away to my grandma and other relatives. And how many did some of my travelling companions pick?

40!

A big fat 4-0...forty. And that's by my conservative estimate. Some clearly had 50-60.
I was just disgusted by the behaviour and attitude.
I know I should not judge...and I also know our Japanese hosts did not mind a single bit. They went about happily serving us Persimmon slices and even persimmon soda which kinda tasted like the old "FANTA" drinks.
But its the whole principle behind it you know...like...JUST BECAUSE IT'S FREE, WE MUST TAKE MORE!

It's sickening. And the offenders included a HOD and a Dean of Dept in a polytechnic.
What sort of education are we giving are children...if our educators are like that.
We are no longer a developing country. We are Singapore...we've come a long way from our survivalist days in the 60s to the industrialised drive in the 70s and 80s. I'm proud of Singapore and it's growth and how far we've come. Surely our behaviour and attitudes must change as well. All this "kia-su"(scared to lose or be last) and "kia-see"(scared to die) has got to give way to more graciousness.

It sickens my gut.

Singapore is a clean city...but it's not the Singaporeans who do it.
Day in day out...I see parents who litter in front of their kids. The other day, this fat bitch of a woman, while loading her child into a very luxurious SUV...nonchalantly threw a plastic bag on the floor. I felt ashamed actually...cause I didn't work up the courage to just walk over to her and say "Auntie, you left this on the floor. Think you 'forgot'. "

I'm not saying I am a saint. I have my share of flaws. But I know I've always doen what I could on my own accord to keep Singapore clean. It's not hard to just place rubbish in your pocket and throw it away at the nearest bin. THERE ARE SO MANY BINS IN SINGAPORE! There's barely a bin in sight in Japan...and the country is CLEAN! Go figure...its all in the attitude.

In 2008...I just hope I have the courage to confront these folks I see...who just flick their litter on the floor.

I did it.

7:59:55

That was the time taken off my watch. Will have to wait for the official confirmation from the organisers to know my actual time.

But...yes. I did it...all 42.195 km of it.

It's great to have done something I have always thought of doing...but also always putting off to "next year la".

I have mixed feelings about this marathon though. I'm glad I finished what I started. At certain points, it really seemed so easy to hop on the bus or just stop and give it all up.
But at the same time...I kinda wished I had better preparation. Could have trained more so I didn't have to walk so much. Its a marathon...not a walkathon!

But I think I will just savour this little accomplishment first. That I did something I've always thought was a meaningful challenge that had to be accomplished once in a lifetime.

I think it must be that diet of Braveheart and Gladiator movies...where they keep asking you : "Someday when you are old and lying in bed, what can you tell your grandchildren about the things you accomplished in this life?"

I'm not exactly looking for a legacy...and I don't intend to forge an empire. But I know now that I have another story to share with my grandkids...

How this grandpa shuddered with hunger at the 39km mark when he saw and smelt the food being eaten by the marathon marshals and how he almost lunged forward to grab the fried chicken pieces from their lunch boxes. (My last meal was at 330am...and that was near 1pm!)

How walking around the 30-40km stretch was like a funeral procession cause everybody was so quiet and yet you could hear each silent scream and protest as we kept on pushing ourselves to the next painful step.

How some people can really dress up for 42.195km...do they do the marathon at orchard road too?

How inspirational the older uncles and aunties IN FRONT OF ME were...I salute you. I hope at your age...I too can still do a marathon.

How I met this uncle and he reminded me of myself, doing the marathon for the first time and telling me he's "just gotta do this before he's too old for it"

Well...I could go on i guess. Not exactly the runner's perspective of the marathon. Just your average joe.

I'm done. I did it. And for the next few days...I will carry a smile, knowing I've accomplished something special in my life.

PS: At this point in time, I'm debating if I should put myself through this torture again...next year. Hmmm...

Coming full circle

It's funny how some things seem to come back to you. Full circle...
Inane happenings or a curious chain of events or an innocuous purchase...

Last night I went out looking for a cheap watch. Needed one to do the Army Half Marathon 21km. I have a timex, but the strap broke and it will take a week to replace according to the agent I called. My other watches are either too new or not suitable to the rigours of a hot, sweaty run.

So off I went to Mustafa - that amazing provision mama-shop gone wrong. I had a CASIO in mind...one of those "Terrorist-bomb" models. It's cheap, has a stop watch function and is often used by terrorist to fashion bombs. Hence the moniker...ha!

Lo and behold...look what I found for $15! (amazingly cheap Jap tech)

A sweet uber-retro Casio with Time, alarm and Stop-watch. Water resistant no less.

You gotta hand it to the guys at CASIO. They've got a way of making everything function for real value. Nowadays, its not so fashionable...maybe some of the G-shock range.

What's this thing about coming full circle? Well...if memory serves me well. This was like my first watch when I was 8-9 years old. I guess I was a tad nolstagic when I saw it last night.

Yup. Brings me back to when I was a 'wee' chap. And now I hope it will serve me well...as that cheap stopwatch I can totally trash for my runs.

The runs are still on track. This sunday...its the Singapore Bay Run...21km!
Flagging off at 530am. I hope to complete under 3hours. Best timing should be 2hr 45min.

Here's the route:-

Wish me luck folks. Think if you come at 830...can see me cross the line...hahaha.

I promise I will not collapse and start rolling across it...
Must cross with style...

Staying the course...

It hasn't been easy...but at least there are the runs.

I'm quite comfortable doing a 20km now...with the help of some buddies...its been a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.

Weight hasn't been going down...and neiter is the body looking any better. HAHAHA!

But still I've done what I once thought was impossible.

I signed up for the Army Half Marathon 21km...and the Standard Chartered Full Marathon 42.195km.

God...what have I gotten myself into.
I do a nice and slow 20km in about 3hours.
I'll probably finish the marathon in 7 hours.
OMG OMG OMG OMG...

The WALL

I've tried hard to stay the course.
Last weekend was a 6km undulating run at Macritchie and this weekend was another 6km at Pierce...complete with slopes.
In between, I had a gym session on Thursday.
So I need more gym work...and at least a weekday run. Trying hard to fit it all in.

What I found out though was pretty rough...
My gym work is horrible...weights I could do before...leave me cramping now. I had to rather embarassingly shift to lower weights. No running from the truth...so I decided to start small again...and build my way up. Trying to be careful also...cause I dun want to end up looking montrous. If you overload and build wrongly...it happens. I see it all the time...huge clunky guys with scary improportionate lumps.

Did some lunges and realised I had knee joint pains...so i gotta work the legs or I might not survive the 42km. Might try some glucosamine too. A fren's mum very kindly decided to donate me her supply of pills. Heard from another friend that the topical gel is also quite good. I gotta take care of me knees...

As for the runs...I hit the "wall" on each occassion. I can't explain it.
I'd be running and then suddenly I feel really light headed...
The lightheadedness washes over me...from head to toes...and next thing I know... everything just shuts down. Brain doesn't want to run...and body just becomes damn sluggish.

*some folks are concerned that I might be pushing myself too hard. I assure you, I haven't really pushed yet. Dat said...I also have a heart specialist appointment on Wednesday 17 January at SGH. Doing an echo cardiogram and ultrasound to determine if everything is ok...considering my heart murmur and all. Will reveal results.

I'm trying to understand this. Perhaps its from lack of prolonged distance running. (I seldom run pass 5km) In any case, each time I resolve to overcome it. Usually need to walk a bit and then slowly psyche myself up to run again. I figure its something "mental"...because somehow I know my lungs and legs can still continue. Its jus this "wall" I got.

Ok...looking to join a first race soon. Jus for the fun of it.

Bak bak sprained her ankle badly. No exercise for 3 weeks. Poor thing...

Things to look forward to in 2007 - RUN!

There are some things you know you just have got to do once in your life.
Me...I have a little list... (which can easily grow into a big list)

1. Bungee Jumping
2. SCUBA diving with a Great White Shark / Whale Shark / Dolphins...
3. Standing in the shadow of the Grand Canyon
4. Nepal / Tibet tour
5. A full marathon.

A full marathon...all 42.195km of it.

A long time ago, I promised myself that I'd attempt it at least once in my life. i wanted to do it last year...but procrastination set in and took rot.

2007 seems a fine year to give it a whopping KICKSTART.

I'm getting a little help from a cousin and his running group. So I'm looking forward to this. I dun care how long it would take me to do it. But I will not give up till its done.

See you at the finishing line. I hope you'll be there to cheer me on.

For further inspiration...look at the video below.



I'm only planning to run 1 marathon in 2007.

As of June 2005, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 911 events, including 206 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 64 Marathons, including 24 consecutive Boston Marathons. They also biked and ran across the USA in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.
When asked what one thing Rick wished he could give his father, his reply was "The thing I'd most like is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once."
(thanks to wikipedia)

Dick Hoyt is 65. His son Rick is 44.
Son cannot race without father, and the father will not race without Son.

It is an amazing feat, not just a physical, mental exertion, but it tells of a father-son bond that is so inspiring. The first time I watched the video, my eyes teared.

If they can do it...so can I.

Trying again...

I was never one to make new year's resolutions. I'd try...and I'd fail.
There would be stuff I wanted to do or change...and I'd get them done, or that'd be stuff I couldn't accomplish for reasons whatsoever. The funniest and most interesting bits are doing stuff you never knew you would be doing at the start of the year. As for the unaccomplished tasks, I would disappoint myself in failing to meet my own expectations. It's a horrible feeling. And after a few years of trying...I gave up altogether on resolutions.

So...I give up on expectations...and instead go about life with a "Take-it-as-it-comes" attitude. I choose my feelings as I live the year. I'm happy...I am sad. There is no expectation of what the year ahead will be. It kinda makes me ready for anything that happens. And its rather exciting...kinda like living on the edge.

Frankly, its also double-edge. Because there is this inherent lack of structure. Or a lack of motivation to do something meaningful. (the counter argument is that I keep finding meaning in a lot of stuff I do anyways!...but that's for another day of musing)

I've been thinking a lot. And I realise...I gotta start planning somehow. To maybe try again...and start with new perspectives or just "refresh" the page...you know. After a while...I start feeling aimless...and it scares me to the bone. It really does.

Having a blog makes it interesting as well. I could post it up...and review it as the year goes by. There's also the pressure from YOU, the avid reader, friend and relative, who will probably see this...and start making fun of me. And I will have to take it in my stride...because I wanted to share this in the first place. In the end...YOU'd probably help me achieve what I wanted to...by encouragement or taunt. Heh heh.

I won't call them RESOLUTIONS. Cause resolution sounds "resolute", like I couldn't review and modify if necessary. Instead...I present in a series of blog posts...

"THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2007"

Stay tuned...

Many many moons ago...

I suppose the title is a tribute to the many moons I've shared with all the ODACians who have ever slept under the stars with me. In a way, this blog is a memory - One which is slowly fading, though I try hard not to let it go so softly into the night. I tell myself some things you never can forget, and yet as the years roll by, you realise you do lose it bit by bit.

I begin this entry at year one. I can't say if I could write all the way to year three but at least I'll leave everyone with the beginning.

Year One remains special, unique and unforgettable. I dunno why. Maybe things were a lot simpler than...or we were simpler? Everything seemed possible and we jus had to reach out for the stars in order to get them. Who were we? We were the ODAC 6th Family.

Here we are at a time when digital cameras were very expensive and this was a shot taken off Chie Fong's trusty NIKON F70. Yah...you had to develop photos then. After that you had to SCAN them. And its kinda how I have this really treasured photograph.

I know almost 90% of the people in this photo...until today...I can still recall their names and faces. I guess the picture spoke of a simpler time or maybe I was just more friendly. In any case it was pretty awesome then. Looking back it still remains a special moment in time.

People were genuinely happy. Happy to be with each other...happy to just sit and talk kok. We spent countless hours at publicity booths, or crazy nights doing publicity banners...or having BBQs and getting drunk sometimes.

And one night...they almost "killed" me with a birthday celebration. Had it all rigged...there was flour, soya sauce, chili and eggs.

It was wierd. We sang when we never needed to. We joked, cursed and sang some more. There were oddball chracters... Spidey, Horny, Jedi, Kedi, Cells, Spacegirl, Goldfish, Ah Sam, Fong-Jie, Bimbo, Auntie Peggy, ODAC Poster Boy, Xunster, Kokster, Maria, ZZ, ET... just to name a few.

And we had fun. Whether it was hiking or helping ZZ clean and keep the tents. Some how we were there for each other. Through dreary nights with Joyce thinking of the next day's publicity(!) or just sprouting nonsense with Spacegirl Wenz while doing booth duty. I remember these moments most.

We had a most lovely campfire I remembered. A most unforgettable "Wah-Liew" script and the most talented "praying mantis" dance this side of the hemisphere.

Chemistry I suppose. Magic.

Last but not least...I also had a most memorable Berkelah Trip which sealed my fate with ODAC. The first trip I led together with a lovely lady called Lining. That first incredible sight of the 30m high waterfall...of nature's glory...and I knew I was hooked. But more importantly. I came to see the beauty of human relationship...one without the distraction of handphones, books or our everyday worries. We were out in the woods. And all we had was really one another.

That special trip...is fondly remembered for its clear skies and bright blessed day. And also for the people who came with me and shared a night and a few meals. Thank you Lining, Peggy, Zong Yao, Kah Boon, Pierre, Shun Yong, Wee Keat, Zoey, HongFu, Jeffery, Daniel, Sam, Jerry, Meei Ting, Ves, Jess and Li Shan...few others who I can't remember. I really did treasure this trip. It was most amazing with you guys.

There were many more.

Belumut...also with Lining. Another amazing bunch, another amazing mountain.

I have had more trips and many more experiences. I'll end here for now. Will come back to add more to this post.

Many more people who I would really love to see again...just to remember a time many, many moons ago...when we shared a cup of milo under a starlit patch of sky. And everything in the world seemed at peace.

...a part of you has touched me deep...and it lingers on in my heart. May our paths cross again someday.

Good night and god speed.

Emptiness

Feeling empty.

My boo and my ride...

Feeling all cramped in the head and jus wanted to write something...or rather express something to the world...via my blog. (amazing fella hasn't died even though I've not blogged in it for over a year) It's a sign...I shud blog more.

Here are some pics of my boo...once self-proclaimed parasite of mine.
Hence forth affectionately known as "bak bak". On this day 4th July...America Independence Day...I proclaim her... "Bak Bak"

Just me and my boo..."bak bak"

More "unflattering" pics of the most glamourous couple in Singapore. Hiak hiak!

Cannot show the pretty pictures...otherwise I get the inevitable "How come a guy like him can be so lucky get a girl like her?" Yah...fat ol' tubby me met a nice pretty girl. Thank you...the world seeks balance and all is fair. If not...LOVE IS BLIND...ok?!! You happy now?

Well...now that we got the "boo" out of the way, time to present "THE RIDE"!!!

That's right folks...I present to you the very sexy "Ashley". 4 wheels, 5 gears, 1.5L VVT...a very spunky 2005 SUZUKI Swift! Ta da!

1 year and I've already clocked 25,000km! Whoo whee...

Ashley...cause she's a very cool Azure Grey. Fell in love with the colour, the moment I saw it.

There you go. "My Boo and My Ride"

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks, 1 year...and its all measured in the blink of an eye.

Considering my last post was in May 2005...I dare say I'm qualified to talk about time passing in blinks.

1 blink...and its the white-washed PAP kindergarten at Lorong Ah Soo. That lightning logo up on wall...just looked so darn cool then. My very caring and pretty teacher. How I would love to see her once again. 30cents ice cream...you know it's out there in that little motobike...can't wait for the bell to ring. (sorry...I cannot remember beyond my kindergarten. So dun expect me to start about me swimming with the other 2/3 million little tadpoles)

2 blinks...its Rosyth Primary and I'm opening doors for teachers and greeting them. Yup, some disciplinary action for wayward boys like me. Works wonders. I do it to my pupils these days. A few teachers to thank; Mrs Cheong, Mrs Elaine Low, Mr Jimmy Ng...for better or for worse I am ever grateful for you guidance.

3 blinks...Nil Sine Labore. And a school that will forever shape the values and principles which govern my life. Taught me leadership and the true meaning of brotherhood; espirit de corps.

4 blinks...JC and a crazy testosterone charged time. But most memorable and best of all, a crazy eclectic bunch of friends.

5 blinks...National Service. Yes Sir! No Sir and UP YOURS SIR! Thankfully, largely uneventful sleepy days in a sleepy camp doing clerical duties. Tore a knee ligament playing basketball and good ol' Godfather Mindef took care of it for me. Got 2 months MC too...heh heh

6 blinks...NIE. Or rather NTU ODAC. Spent some time learning to be a teacher but it seems I spent more time out in nature and frying that perfect pancake.

7 blinks...here I am. One year on from teaching. And fully contemplating if this truly is a CAREER i want. The kids are worth it...the admin shitload is not.

In the space of two blog entries, I've also witnessed Liverpool win the FA Cup in yet another thrilling 3-3 final. And right now...its the WORLD CUP.

I've recently been to Ho Chi Minh and back.

And my weight is seriously unhealthy now. It used to be unhealthy...now its SERIOUSLY UNHEALTHY. Gotta do something about it soon.

I miss stupid times with stupid people doing stupid things.
All you "stupid" people reading this, you know what I mean and I miss you guys.

Cheers folks...(although this entry seems rather gloomy)

No team can play a final like Liverpool...

I am writing this red and blurry eyed in school. Thankfully it is my first week in school and there are no lessons to teach. This morning I sat witness and watched what I shall call the best game of soccer I have ever seen...EVER.

It had to come down to that one team. LIVERPOOL.
There is simply no team that can play a European Cup Final like Liverpool.
All these years I have heard of their past glory from my dad and my uncles. All these years I have read in the newspapers about their European pedigree and the nights where they enthralled not only their fans but their opponents as well. All these long years that I have supported Liverpool from Ian Rush to Robbie Fowler, Peter Beardsley to Steven Gerrard, Micheal Owen to Djibril Cisse...it all culminates to this night where I watched as they fought tooth, bone and nail and staked their claim as European Champions.

It was...to quote a friend...UNBELIEVABLE. And as the TV commentators paused to allow those of us sitting riveted at home to soak in and listen to the strains of "You'll Never Walk Alone" ringing around the stadium, in celebration of such a momentous victory. I could not help but feel my skin tingle and a slight welt of tears in my eyes. What I had just experience was soccer at its epitome...at its purest, undistilled form. I knew ths morning that my deed was sealed. I will be a LIVERPOOL fan for life.

Let me digress to just explain for the benefit of the non-soccer fans who read this.

"You'll Never Walk Alone" is the official anthem of Liverpool Football Club. The fans sing it at every game that Liverpool plays and it has become synonymous with the club. The song itself is a warm and stirring tune and there are matches in Europe where the spectators have been known to sing it even though it is NOT a Liverpool game! In a sense the song, when sung by a chorus of passionate stadium spectators is a heart rendering and emotional.

The lyrics of You'll Never Walk Alone:

When you walk through a storm hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.

Very meaningful eh. I just read in the papers that the fans sang it at half time when Liverpool was losing 3-0. I believe the sung could be heard in the players dressing room. And if so...it must have touched each and every player and even the couch. To have fans such as these, who believe in you and who'll never let you walk alone...

Oh...what I would give to just be there on that magical night. Thank god for Ch 5 and Starhub cable for giving me the joy of watching my team as they came back from 3-0 down. When no one else had given them a chance. I have never seen a final like this. This match really gave us soccer at its purest...and I shall list the reasons why.

1. There were two teams who were determined to play soccer without gamesmanship. There were no diving incidents or vicious tackles. No crazy captains determined to hassle and threaten the eferee for bad decisions. A well played game between two top opponents of the game...with respect for each other.

2. Referee's decisions were spot on! Save for a few minor incidents, the referees and linesmen really got it right.

3. The fans. Oh my goodness...to hear them sing and sing. To see the fans stay the course of the game... (shame on you fellows who I heard left the pub early when you knew it was 3-0)

4. The way the game flowed...and the emotions felt during the game. It was so sad at half-time. But when the first goal came of Stevie G's head...suddenly the belief was back. And then Smicer's long range effort skidded in...and suddenly "We're BACK!" Totally unbelievable when Xavi Alonso smacked the save penalty rebound in. All around the world Liverpool fans stood as one... And when it came down to the penalties and Seginho and Pirlo missed...you just had to know. Destiny was on our side.

Hail to the new legends of Liverpool. And my deepest respect for AC Milan as well. For you played the game to the truest of you heart. If not for 6 minutes of lapses, the cup is well and truly yours. But such is the sport we call soccer... as an old legendary coach, Brian Clough puts it, "It only takes a second to score a goal."

Thank you both teams for giving us all such a wonderful 90 minutes and for reminding us all about the magic of soccer. Away from conglomerate take overs, oil rich owners, arrogant managers, managers who fight and claw one another, managers who bring the game to disrespute. Last night, both teams and their managers gave us the perfect match. True sportsmanship.

Someday I hope, I will walk on the halo-ed grounds we all call Anfield. For now Anfield's finest have taken the cup back and I will spend many days savouring this moment. This is the stuff of legends...a cup final that will be talked about for years and years to come. A match of truly epic proportions and a script which no two teams could ever write for a long time coming.

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE...

Of Sharks and Dinosaurs

Ever since I was a young boy...I've loved sharks and dinosaurs.
I still do.

I try to say I don't know why...but maybe I do...
Allow me to write these things down...

There was a book which came out when I was about 8 or 9. It was the "Reader's Digest book of Sharks". I never got a chance to own that book...but I remember it was always the first book I browsed in the book store. I loved the photos and the description of sharks in the book...it was fascinating. I remember my other love then was Dinosaurs...and I had an uncle who gave me a book on that. Its funny how a simple book with vivid descriptions and colour illustrations of dinosaurs can do so much to stir a small boy's imagination...

I remember reading...and memorising dino facts. In my head...battles were fought between triceratops and t-rex. There was a documentary my dad taped...about dinosaurs. And I'd watch it over and over and over again. I remember it was Christopher Reeve who hosted the show... hahaha...my other idol... SUPERMAN.

But not just the prehistoric...but Sharks too. Sharks are AWESOME.
And the most AWESOME of all...you guessed it...my favourite...

THE GREAT WHITE SHARK

I think I know...it had to be JAWS the movie. Started me down this road. Thanks to Steven Spielberg...swimming never became the same again. Even on lazy saturday mornings...I did pretend there was a shark in the pool! Right...like some great white could actually survive our chlorinated public pools...not to mention god knows how many kids have peed in it...plus i dunno what else adults do in them pools....

But yeah...I remember. The ominous music...DA DUM...DA DUM...DA DUM...and it would play in my head everytime I went swimming. Even now...sometimes I hear it...and I laugh. Heh heh.

But you have to admire you know...the power in that impressive body frame...the sleek lines...the way the fin cuts the water...that massive bite...its the perfect being. Built for the kill.
I love the way it lazily swims in the water knowing it's the ultimate...and then the sudden burst of speed to surprise its opponents.

If I could be born again...I'd want to be a Great White.

Maybe I have a fascination with power...yah...my favourite dinosaur? Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Funny how as a young boy...I would identify myself with the biggest baddest animals...was it a latent predatory instinct in me?

As a side note...JURASSIC PARK ranks as one of the all-time best movies in my list. I remember watching it as a 14 year old...at Lido cinema. I stared mouth open...as Steven Spielberg once again cast a spell over me. To see the dinosaurs...so real...it took my breath away. The movements...so life-like. I've watched Jurassic Park close to 10 times...no thanks to Channel 5 too...who likes screening it over and over...hahaha. Oh yah...that day at Lido...a whole row of RGS girls seating in front of me...made it amusingly memorable too. You can imagine the cacophany of screams...
I think Steven Spielberg was right to make them Raptors more scary too...damn fascinating stuff...

Thank you Mr Steven Spielberg...for casting your shark, dinosaur and UFO spells over me.

A bit of psychoanalysis...
What does it say about small boys who love predators?
Favourite animals were Shark, T-rex, Tiger...
Is there a trapping towards power? Did I aim to be top dog?
Or just a morbid fascination towards what death could be like in the face of these beautiful animals....

Yes...I use the word beautiful. These predators have never been ferocious to me. To me...they were beautiful... I admire them. If I ever came face to face with any of the above...in the wild...not the zoo. I think I'd just stand and admire...and if I get eaten...man...what a way to die!

Ya...so there you have it. Of Sharks and Dinosaurs.
If anybody out there wants to buy me stuff next time...make it a shark. =)

I AM DA SUN!!! (I always knew I was hot...)

I am da sun card...

Took another little quiz...thanks to da "Fangster"...who calls me her beautiful servant. Its a trade-off I guess...to be known as beautiful...I also gotta be called servant. Keke

Anyway...I just like the images provided, especially the tarot cards. So have a go at the tarot card quiz why don't you? And do let me know what card you are...

Here's my results...


You are the Sun card. The light of the Sun reveals
all. The Sun is joyful and bright, without fear
or reservation. The childish nature of the Sun
allows you to play and feel free. Exploration
can truly take place in the light of day when
nothing is hidden. The Sun's rays fill you with
energy so that you may live life to its
fullest, milking pleasure out of each day. Such
joy and energy can bring wealth and physical
pleasure. To shine in the light of day is to
have confidence, to soak up its rays is to feel
the freedom of a child. Image from: Stevee
Postman. http://www.stevee.com/

Which Tarot Card Are You?
brought to you by

I'm 25...holy-ca-moly-macaroni!!!

Right...after each entry I tend to re-read...couldn't believe the amount of typos I made.
Bet I would have typos here as well...

Started changing some stuff on my blog. My age has gone up by one...

Oh my gawd...

I'm 25.

and I'm utterly lost about myself and what I wanna do...where I wanna go. I can so understand the people who run away and hide somewhere...I hear the landfill area in Singapore Pulau Semaukau is quite an idyllic place. Hahaha...maybe...

What does 25 feel like? I dunno....I seriously think I stopped growing cognitively...I think its only my stomach that keeps growing. Hahahaha....

Oh well...I really have to start work and marking. Bye.

Everybody... "be cool"

The Return of Eu-ne-ne

Back to writing on this little space of mine on the big scary internet.

Stopped writing for a while cause you start evaluating if you really need a space to air or maybe it was just one of those one off fad which you joined coz it seemd fun to do at the time then you realise what the heck its already on the web why not just start using it right? Anyway regarding space to air...I believe Singapore's still got enough for me to let off air.

*poot*
(farting relieves stress and tension...let them rip!)

So ardent readers (and fans) of this blog space. Thank you for clickin' here ever so often and wondering how come eunene hasn't written like in 1000 years. Is he like waiting for some 1000 year old lingzhi to grow before he actually resumes this space?

Yeah...I must know how you guys feel. Coming here and going away empty...its like you click and then you see that stupid quiz thing I did in January. Must be a real anti-climax...

Hmm...dat said. This entry must really come as an orgasm. See...I'm the highlight of your day!

Ok...enough of sexual innuendoes. What is it with them and me anyway? Maybe I'm just your above average testosterone over-charged raging male. Yah...who in his right mind actually calls Chilli Crab dishes... "ORGASMIC CRABS"??? Nobody I know...but me.
(But seriously...there's this stall in Ang Mo Kio...they serve orgasmic crabs I tell you. Yes...damn nice...but lately damn expensive also.)

All you friends who have been dropping by to have a look at this space. I thank you. You really make it a point to stay in touch with me in your little ways. And yes, I promise I will update more often from now on. I've got lotsa stories to tell nowadays ever since I started...TEACHING.
Yes...teaching. It is a joy...and a damn exhausting one. If you ignore the over-charged raging male testosterones...I think I make a pretty decent primary school teacher.

I regret the last statement. I suddenly have a premonition of parents pulling their students out of my school tomorrow morning and leading them on a mass exodus...hahaha.

But seriously...its been a crazy mix and a rioller-coaster ride lately. Kinda been making me re-evaluate my goals and dreams too. And the newspaper's been printing so much about teaching. I'm gonna start sharing my thoughts here about my experience.

Hmmm...so I guess eunene.blogspot.com is just gonna be another teacher-blog?

NO WAY MAN! Promise I'd still write about other stuff...as cute as them kids are and as frustrating as it is to churn out lesson plans everyday...I tell myself there's gotta more to life than teaching.

Last but not least...I am seriously writing on a stream of conciousness...so if it all does not make sense, just go visit another blog ok. Singapore's most famous is xiaxue.blogspot.com

And I suppose many of you(many? haha...who am I kidding) who read this will wonder how come I seem to write with an audience in mind...like this is not a personal diary. Well...I guess its just how I am...I've always been a bit of a showman. Its also how I view this blog thing. Some see it as a diary...I see it as a place to vent...to air...to just say what I want to...within the legal and whatever OB markers them gahmen people are always talking about.

Hmmm...screw that last statement. I write what I want...and you read. Thanks hor... (bats eyelashes to look puppy-dog cute)

I just love it how I can give my readers an orgasmic high and then leave them puking at the end. Hahahaha.

Enough said. I have returned... (and here are more mis-quotes to mark this momentuos occasion)

Hell hath no fury like a teacher with tonnes of marking to do...

What I do in this blog, echoes in eternity...

ROOOOAAAAARRRRR! (T-rex from Jurassic Park)

ROOOOAAAAARRRRR! (Simba from Lion King)

Till the next 5 cents...

Another quiz...hahaha

You Are the Enthusiast

7 You are outgoing and playful - always seeing the happy side to life. You're enthusiastic and excitable. You love anything new. Multi-talented, you do many things well... and find success easy. You prefer to keep things light with others. Opening up is hard for you.

What number are you?

Yup...another one of them quiz things...so I can find and wonder more about myself. What is this wierd fascination about ourselves that we absolutely must know what personality we are???Then again...aren't we always changing as well? Values, perspectives, chracter, moods...

Well for the moment (or perhaps the next decade)...it seems I am a number 7...

Thanks Eunice for this above site. Yah...she also intro me to colour quiz...hahaha.

Am I a 7? Ponder...