MILK Charity Run

Wooh! Join the MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) Run yesterday with Dear. The event was held at Zouk Carpark. Okay, now i know where is Zouk. haha! Sorry guys, i don't club so don't call me a sotong. Hmm.. running route was along Singapore River from Robertson Quay to somewhere before Boat Quay then U-turn around back to start point. All in all the route is 4km.

Initially the start of run is quite slooooowwwww.... i thought i was participating in MILK walk instead. haha! was very crowded la, so everyone was walking, jamming the whole running path. Somebody please put butter!!! argh.. so both of us started to snake around the crowd and slowly overtake the crowd. Wee...!

Overall, not as shag as i thought, long time never do long distance run liao. have always do 2.4km max! but again there isn't a steep up slope at the end unlike in camp, so quite easy. Bananas and 100 plus was a treat at the end, rest and recover back, collected our bags and off we go from the venue not forgetting Ben 'n' Jerry's ice-cream. Yum! We will be back next year! participating in 5.3km la! at least not so crowded. haha!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Ex Bahru

Yesterday my section conducted an exercise code-named Ex Bahru. Our objective is to conquer shops and malls in JB la! haha.. we actually planned this outing while outfield in Brunei and always joke about how "tough" this exercise is going to be, even tougher than Lancer. Lol..!

Fall-in was between 1030-1100. but yet the two guys who stayed the nearest to Kranji mrt is late! grr.. oh well... so we endure hunger and get across the border where good food awaits us. had kenny rogers for lunch. we actually ordered the same dish. so by the time the waitress took order from the 2nd person, she kinda guess what kind of chicken we wanted. Black Pepper.

after lunch, we carried on walking around Citysqaure, actually only 2 guys wanted to buy clothing's la. so they actually walk ahead until we lost them. haa.. the remaining of us just dropped an SMS tell them to meet us at a particular time so we can carry on shopping. so i saw this push-cart selling something interesting that i really wanted to get for Dear. i am not going to tell...! haha! and i got it!

there is this shop that sells clocks and one of their design was a treble clef. oh my god. it caught my eye that i really want to get it. but at the thought of lugging it back to Singapore. erm... next time ba.. when i am not so lazy. Cab over to Holiday plaza, friends want to get some DVD (read: pirated!) kinda scary process.. i shall not explain much. later kena caught! ha!

Met Xiuling at Arcade in Citysquare. haha! surprise, that i gave an expression of "i caught you red-handed" well.. i don't who she was with. main thing was, the world is so small that you can bump into anyone without knowing it.

End Ex at around 2200... by the time all shagged out already. Ex Bahru was quite a success even though a few of them spent so much without knowing what they have spent on. hehe! today everyone will assess the financial damage. for me.. well... haha! not much damage done. phew..!

Auf Wiedersehen!

From the Land, Air and Sea

Its been a long time since i was in Singapore. I touched down today around 12.40pm from Bandar Seri Bangawan. Happily shopping at Duty Free, getting some wine and beer. Well, let's rewind back 18 days before.

After posting the last entry, we actually headed to Coffee Bean inside T2 for a cuppa of coffee to keep me awake until i can board the plane. haha! from where we were sitting sipping away, the plane Royal Brunei Airlines was just right in front of us. So every thing felt normal as we go through security at the gate and boarded the plane. i message dear, update her on my flight. the morning was beautiful at changi, only regret is i don't have my camera to capture the moment. Breakfast was served on board, no before long i doze off with the tiny pillow provided. Reality sets in when the plane starts its descend into Brunei.

Once we were on the ground, i wish i didn't make that flight. no one wants to rush off the plane because its the mark of the beginning of a long and tough training in brunei. We were whisked away onto a awaiting bus headed for the water taxi that will take us through the Temburong River towards Bangar Town. Caught a little glimps of BSB, the famous water village in brunei as we sail on. the boat ride was an hour plus long so again, we slept.

Fast forward abit, upon arrival at the camp, we (as in my section) found out that the platoon will be split into our attached coys, so i bunk in with Charlie Coy where it my new "home" for the next 18 days. Training will be with them and for once not with Support Coy. the first few days was in camp training trying to get used to the terrain in Brunei, we climb knolls and get soak in water. First night, i read the letter Support OC wrote to all of us, it made me teared for the first time. In it, was a card with a personal message that goes "Perseverance is failing nineteen times and succeeding the twentieth."

Ex Nomad, was a 3D2N navigation exercise in the brunei jungle. my first outfield bashing through the vegetation, climbing up knolls and down the spurs as we find checkpoints around the jungle. By 3pm we start to find our harbouring area for the night. the first night out there requires some getting used to. Sun sets at 5.30pm in Brunei and not before long by 7 everything is dark. Even with your hand 10cm away from your face also can't be seen! we slept on hammock. again it's my first time la, so didn't set up properly ended sleeping in an uncomfortable manner. it poured heavily the first night, lucky my shelter was properly built so i stayed fairly dry. Second night harbouring was a little impromptu because as we were navigating, it poured suddenly so we quickly built temporary shelter which ends up where we are sleeping for the night. it became a close bonding session that night as we chat away as it was too early to sleep. not long we managed to navigate out of the jungle on third day noon time. all tired and weary but hey, 1 exercise down, 2 more to go!

the next exercise, came straight the next day after the Nomad, we became the role of enemy to engage in a fire fight with the rifle coy, nothing much for these exercise, just sit around wait for them to come round the training circuit to my check point and fire away! and again, 3 days quickly passed.

We did a technical river crossing to refresh us before the finale exercise.

Before going out for the finale exercise, i got a envelop, in it contains to 2 letter from my parents. again, i cried out. at that point. i missed home. they wrote messages that encourage me and gave me a booster to pull through the last exercise.

Finale exercise includes 2 mission, a climb up Mt Biang and the 7 knolls with river crossing. So we walk again to complete the first mission by day 1 and harbour. Day 2, we waited out in a open patch for a Super Puma helicopter to bring us to the foot of Mt Biang. My first flight on a chopper. Quite exciting to see a helicopter coming into land, then we brisked walk towards it while the rotor blades spin above head and board the chopper. haha! Mt Biang, a legendary mountain for training troops in Brunei. it is a 45 degree inclination uphill for the first roughly 500m then the last part it became steeper that require us to use our hands and feets to get us to the top. My salute to the 84mm when they struggle through the climb to the top when their load is heavier than mine! Day 3 was a mad dash down Mt Biang towards the river crossing site then up down the 7 knolls. I nearly lost my mind and broke down as we walk and walk and walk with no end in sight. but hey, i pulled through even though my section was already down with 2 men that means our load we carry became heavier. Day 4, the happiest day in Brunei, mission 2 was executed and not long...... END EX! yeah! as we cheered because the days in Brunei are soon ending! upon returing to camp, 4 of us, Anthony, Kenneth, Ming Wei and myself, was hurried to pack our kit bag to send back as we are the first 4 pioneers to fly back while the rest are on the last flight which they are making their way back as i type.

R&R was yesterday, we toured around BSB. Visited the M&M&M's (Mosque and Museum and Mall). tell you the truth, Brunei wasn't as bad as it thought other than being a strict muslim country. Everything is Gold! even the dustbin, electrical plugs and supermarket trolley! haha! i have no pictures to show because i never bring camera la! We toured the water village and actually dropping into one of the house to experience what is like to stay in there. this morning was dead straight heading for the airport and no way i was to turn back! got on to my window seat! finally! haha! now back to terra firma.

the past 18 days, like the phrase from the infantry song which all BMTC recruits sing at POP "from the land, air and sea." that was happen during the 18 days. we walk, flew, swim, climb. i don't know how i did it, but i did it! its hard to describe. it takes one to experience it to know how it felt like. glad that i didn't fall out and endure through the training. now back home i shall enjoy the next 7 days relaxing before the next phrase of training begins till turning ops to protect the nation.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Pre-Flight Entry

haha! blogging from Terminal 2. Just checked into my flight, going to grab a bite before boarding. See you guys in a few weeks time....

Don't worry guys, i will take care of myself. I pray for all back at home!

Auf Wiedersehen!

jus an update

so this is an account of what happen the past few (or perhaps many) days... not in good mood to write so here goes bunch of rubbish..

its feels wonderful to be able to touch and kiss the french horn again. haha! manage to attend alumni band prac even though they were preparing for concert. i have been labelled as "guest player". oh well... serving the country has higher prority? yah.. so eh, really miss playing horn la. nice to catch up with the rest of the guys. seeing them makes me miss those times before i enlist into army. wish i could have more time to hang out with them. and well.. first alumni concert and i am not playing. what's worst..? i am not around in Singapore.

Saturday was grandpa's birthday. was suppose to be held at some restaurant la, but haiya, don't know what happen. end up doing it at his house. brought Suky along to well... meet the family? it was boring as usual, we kept ourselves entertain by arm and thumb wrestling. i think i should stop doing thumb wrestling, i sprain my thumb in camp and still hurts whenever i play piano. what a pain..

Sunday watched shrek 3 then went to vila'ge for rosti. i love it! wee..! actually watch with suky's collegues la, noisy but lively bunch. hmm... better than those bunch of monkeys in camp i think!

final packing of kit bag for past 3 days. not really in the mood to blog. coz going to brunei soon. haiz.. mood is on a roller coaster ride. going up and down, up and down. i won't want to say much. the following is my flight details.

Outbound flight - BI 428
Departure Date/Time - 9 June @ 0710

Inbound flight - BI 421
Arrival Date/Time - 26 June @ 1245

Auf Wiedersehen!

Army takes you places

yes it does! where in Singapore you will find opportunities to sail out to sea on a motorised boat to remote unheard (for the non-adventures) islands around the mainland. For example, Pulau Seletar, a tiny island north east along the coastal border between Singapore and Malaysia, where we set foot on watching people water ski by and waves created by the speed boats crashes onto the shore. It also gives you an opportunity to sleep on the tiny boat while waiting for fellow servicemen training on shore. The gentle waves rock you to sleep.

En-route we sail pass larger vessels unloading sand on to barges tied along side. Sand, fragments of mother nature trinkle down like rain drops as it unload from the jaws of the cranes. Looking across the border, you would see vessels berth aside the Malaysian port, ships carrying cargo of all shapes and sizes coming from different parts of the world. At that point in time, you will realise you are a dwarf among the giant of the seas. A little something related to our job, we saw a World War II bunker amongst the bushes where once British soldiers stood guard against enemy forces protecting our then a British Coloney.

Returning home, we leave behind a horizon with golden rays of setting sun. How we wish we could see such sights again, well of course minus the training we got to do. I once looked up, sun rays peaked through a hole in the grayish clouds, rain drops fall on us, we were tired but the sight just simply takes everything and let us enjoy the moment.

In two weeks time, I will embark on a journey to brunei for my first overseas training. It will take me through the dense forest where i was told you could not see you hand infront of you when night falls. I wonder what it has on offer for me. Only time will tell....

Auf Wiedersehen!

Colorgenics

You are seeking an affectionate relationship, offering fulfilment and happiness. You are capable of powerful emotional enthusiasm. Deep down, you are a kind loving person, always helpful and willing to adapt yourself if necessary to realise the bond of affection that you desire. But you need the same consideration and understanding from others and it is this need that will sometimes hold you back... so let go, trust and you may pleasantly surprised at what happens.

You are an emotional and sensitive person. You are inclined to delight and wallow in all things that give pleasure to your senses but nevertheless your tastes are refined and you reject anything that is indecent or vulgar.

Nothing seems to be going right for you and you are thwarted every way you turn. You are not at all happy with the situation but it would appear that there is very little that you can do about it at this time. Sit back and let the situation take its course, because at this time you feel that there is nothing you can do to change whatever needs to be changed.

You are being unduly influenced by the situation that is all around you. You do not like the feeling of loneliness and whatever it is that seems to separate you from others. You know that life can be wonderful and you are anxious to experience life in all its aspects, to live it to the full. You therefore resent any restriction or limitations that are being imposed on you and you insist on going it alone.

You wish to be left in peace... no more conflict and no more differences of opinion. In fact you just don't want to be involved in arguments of any shape or form. All you want is for 'them' to get on with it - and to leave you alone.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Sushi!

hmm... i think it was my 3rd visit to sentosa this year? oh well.. everything is changing very fast on that island that things are disappearing without knowing lo. Suky wanted to watch the musical fountain which we found out it was closed when we reach there. so after scratching a few heads, haha, decided to catch the newest attraction there? Songs of the Sea.

had Sakae Sushi for dinner. mmm... wasn't fantastic for that outlet. Miso ramen doesn't taste like miso ramen. ordered chawanmushi which took forever to come and in the end, it didn't! coz why.. out of stock! thanks for not informing us. i don't know about how other outlets fair, but food was sub-standard. perhaps just enough to fill the stomachs of those who spend the day sun-tanning there? i won't blacklist Sakae yet, i shall try other places next time.

8/10 marks for Songs of the Sea. I like the lighting effects on water, how they are able to synchonize music with the water and fire display. it would have been a perfect 10 la, not for the lame story and acting. i can't really describe the whole thing, you would have to be there yourself to watch.

After that, we slack by the beach..... thanks for the wonderful night dear, i love you! =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Back to Tekong

tuesday was back at tekong for 32 km route march with river crossing as part of the requirement for getting the CSB badge. really miss that place so much. brings back so much memories. the weekly fast craft ride across to the island, the costal route where we did our 2.4km run, the parade square where i passed out from BMT. i wish i had a chance to visit Leopard Coy again man.. and do my favorite activity there, watching planes flying over head taking off and landing at changi

so we alight at TFT and wait for troop lift to old sispec where it will be our starting and ending point for the route march. saw 2 companies of recruits doing their 16km route march. eh, praying for Leopard coy to be one of them la, but don't have. =( nvm. the route around tekong to me back to my 2 field camp sites, haha.. can still remember the days i camp out there lo.. tough but fun. then river crossing at 24km point @ 4.30 am can! everytime i stop whether i standing or sitting, i will fall asleep. haha..! but after crossing the freezing water everyone is awake lo! everything ends on Wednesday morning. breakfast then a 100m combat shoot. see! i am going back to places where i have never thought i will be going back to. feel a little regret leaving that island.. i will be back there someday again. i hope.

IPPT was on monday. i can see some improvements in the results, but haiz, still not good enough. arrrh...! oh well...

on block leave today. to let us recover from the 32km march. 50km route march is next, coming soon in july. arrrh!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Callsign Explomo

its been an exciting week. firstly we had chemical defence training. tuesday was doing the CD training, first time experience wear mopp suit. its quite hot and stuffy in that suit. hope i never have to wear it again. the lecture was eh.... boring la! watch so many video. brain suffering from information overload. haha! we were out early wednesday morning to the CBRE training facility. Entered the gas chamber in mopp4. even though the gas mask has been tested air tight, gas still manage to enter the mask and sting my eyes. we did some simple exercise in there then remove the gas mask and report IC n Name. that is the most painful part coz the gas will sting the whole face, eyes start to cry and have running nose. big relive when we are allowed to leave the room but go out of the chamber still crying while waiting for the effect to wear off.

20 hours of live firing on saturday. eh.. quite tiring coz attached to rifle coy again, so must route march with them before they attack their objective. so i had to carry the PLC and march with them before firing it. setting it up was stressful because of CO just beside me. panic panic panic. when the thing went off.. relieve la. fantasize for fluffy hotcakes and hot coffee after everything finish. so sleepy that i could not walk up the stairs properly. had to lean against the railing. haha! didn't sleep at all since i finish my things at 4.30 and book out was at 6am. macdonalds breakfast after that then head home and collapse on the bed.

went to Suky's home yesterday. then nothing to do so we went to courts to take a look. they showcase all the game console there lo.. tried the nintendo DS. play pokemon la.. fun fun. walk around look at furnitures and fittings, in search of a dream home. haha! but i still prefer ikea la. ha! dinner was KFC, something simple la.. then had a nice walk around the park, play with the low rope (yes! i can finally climb it!) and chin up bar. can't pull much coz too heavy from the dinner. haha! had a nice talk to dear la. don't worry, we will pull through this diffcult time together. pray pray pray!

Auf Wiedersehen!

biology lesson

jus a quick entry. last day of my long weekend, jus before i leave the house, got a phone call whether i was able to go back for guard duty. Grrr... actually i don't mind la, but things have been planned out already. was trying to be very nice to reject it. on my way to city hall to meet dear, bumped into my junior from shuqun. talk all the way till she alight la. haha.. so moments from meeting dear, got phone call again whether i still can go back for duty anot. i feel quite bad to say no. but hey, i can't expect dear to travel all the way from tampines to city hall to tell her she have to turn around and go home right. besides... where are the reserves?!

it was my cousin's birthday today, so yah, trying to search for a last minute present for him. ended up suky and i were fiddling with all the baby's toy in the kids section. haha! in the end, didn't buy anything la. so it was the first meeting between suky and the rest of the cheong family. Mmmm.... lots of food to eat. the waiter like serve non-stop lo. both of us struggling to eat.

Joshua's cake is a 3D power ranger or something like that. and yah, the young kids were like tempting to cut it into pieces. talk about childhood violence! all the restaurant staff were awed by the sheer size of the cake. the kids were wanting to cut the arms, the legs and ethan he wanted to cut off the head. OMG! haha, well he wish was granted. thank god we didn't get the human body puzzle otherwise they will have some sadist thoughts about the human body when they play with it. after lunch, we were split on deciding to have theory lesson or drop into joshua's house to slack. well, dear don't feel bad k? =)

Nintendo Wii is fun to play man! oh i wish i have one. bowling was quite realistic except for the ball was a remote. hehe! kids being kids, they have fun playing it la. after that, all went home.

i had a fun day. i hope you too dear. it was wonderful day with you. =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Blueberry Soda

botanic garden outing yesterday. its been a long time since i went there, i can last remember going there for band performance during those days in shuqun. performing at the symphony stage. but didn't really walk around the garden much last time.

so yah, its quite hard to get there by train. a little research on the web to find the bus service from the nearest mrt station. i do have a little complain about the search engine used on their website. oh well.. i am now an engineer not a IT programmer so yah, such things leave it to professionals to improve on it. hehe!

the garden.. hmm.. not much flowers to see. basically are different types of green plants. haha! its just been beautified by the landscape artist. part of our journey was tracking through familiar grounds. the dense rainforest. only animal seen was a squirrel. no wild boars around! i also don't wish to see any. haha!

caught SCO performance on symphony stage. eh.. my first time view a proper chinese orchestra performance. eh.. they are good. well.. of course they are good. they are professionals la. not a big fan of it but i really appreciate their performance. nice nice. they actually played Slavonic Dances No. 8. hehe.. sounds quite unique, its like east meets west?

NYDC for dinner, ooohhh... one of the best meal so far. yummy!

Sunday's could not have been better without you dear. I love you! =)

for the rest - sorry if i have been too mushy eh? =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

River Crossing, Route March

my first taste of actual river crossing this week. head over to a river gap somewhere beside raffles country club. Weather wasn't good that morning coz it poured heavily so everywhere will be water logged and muddy not forgetting to mention also, the water was freezing cold! Brr..... At first quite fun when entered the water in clean fatigue then in FBO attire. Get into the water then drag myself across and skid along the water. haha! wee... did it twice la, but do more i think its going to get boring.

i thought 24km was going to be my last. then came 28km. it was actually RT la. for those who didn't walk with the battalion. coz i was on course then. so we walk around camp for 32 rounds la. till my feet sore and still sore now. haha!

was out with suky yesterday. went to catch mr bean's holiday. wasn't a fantastic movie, more of like something to relax yourself and laugh out loud la. then was at ns40 exhibition. saw my BMT friend Stanley, one of the exhibitors over there representing his unit on homeland defence. nice catching up with him. last saw him was at ETI. didn't really interest me, coz they display things i see day in day out. haha!

dinner served was fish n co. eh... fish n chips a little to oily for my taste. hehe.. but was still better then changing appetite lo. okay. off to enjoy my long weekend. Gracias..!

Auf Wiedersehen!

iced kiwi soda

sorry for the lack of post the past 2 weeks. alot of activities in camp especially for my platoon. last week we track through the central catchment area from upper pierce reservior all the way to mandai in the MIDDLE of the night. quite scary in the first place as we entered the jungle but as soon our eyes adjusted to the darkness i think was ok la. during the day it rained so by the time we walk, everywhere in the jungle was muddy and wet.

River crossing! OMG.. all our boots got soak in water 4 times throughout the 13 hours mission lo. very scared get foot rot. yah, walked in FBO. fell quite a number of times in the night. haiz.. a bit low morale then.. praying for it to end soon. i mean SOON! FBO weigh at minimum 20kgs on my shoulder. track uphill downhill. till we track side by side an expressway la, so happy, thought finishing soon, that was around 6am ah.. but no la! exercise cut at around 1pm. once exercise cut, return to training shed, sat down without realising i still have FBO on.. haha..! only when OC tell me, then i realise it. well.. they always say, shag cannot think.

out with dear on saturday, went to changing appetite to eat lo. omg.. lousy food over there except for the fries and iced kiwi soda. haha! yes dear, u had iced pineapple soda. never going to eat there again. cartel was a wiser choice. beautiful sunday, eh... not very good le. oh well... every band has its up's and down's, good days and bad..

was at shuqun on saturday also. gave them some support for SYF. this year's judging quite strict so lots of bands dropped medal. heard them, can get silver la, and they did! congrats.

past few days was field camp. again but for the last time got to dig my sleeping area! grr.. built obstacles on monday night then we hor-lan (a.k.a lost our way) super shag that i can't walk in a straight path lo. damn... then next day, damn angry with those armoured vehicles. run over the obstacles then got to walk back to repair it. grr... wed night got "attack" by "enemies". haha... lots of funny things happen. but can't post here. very happy coz field camp cut short by one day, otherwise i will still be in camp by now.

quite tired now. well.... more updates next time!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Ubin Series

spent the morning editing a few snapshots of ubin taken on good friday. Would really love to go back there to capture the charms of that island again. Meanwhile enjoy....

Auf Wiedersehen!

Slack week

a slack week is really hard to come by in camp. 2 days basically do nothing much expect for playing ping pong and i am getting good at it. well, still not that good to always win la. haha! after booking out, together with my friends went to geylang to have a good meal. the fried beef kway teow hor fun. Ohhh... very soft tender beef. haha! and also have beancurd la. damn nice la! ok, then come the part i don't really enjoy most. 3 of them want to wonder into the sleazy lanes of geylang. well.. its the only way back to home for me, so i no choice follow lo. its damn sleazy lo! never i think going there. Eeeee....!

Good friday was spent with dear at pulau ubin. took quite a number of photos. but all not with me now. fell off the bike twice. a few deep cuts. haha! COCONUTS! had many many of them. haha! on the way back, got splash by the waves many many times. went to changi beach to relax while dear ate her ice cream. ok, there was this cute dog we saw, keeps turning 360 degrees every few steps. so when we walk behind that dog for like 100m, it make 12 turns lo. don't what's wrong with that dog. paranoid maybe? haha. dinner at tampines and went back home. sleep sleep sleep!

okay. post edited from here. went out to suntec city with dear to get her wallet. yah, then bum into my aunt and her friend which i can't remember how i address her last time. long time never see her also. hehe.. then we walk from city hall all the way to plaza singapura la. pass by Singapore Arts Museum. haha. decided to go in and take a look since we have lots of time. i think the collection there are modern arts. especially those pieces done by Indonesian and Filipino artist tells the story about how their life in their respective countries. eh... don't know how to describe la. free must go and take a look. it was raining outside, so both of us were freezing inside there. Carl's jr for dinner. huge burger...! nearly wanted to order the double size but after second thoughts, order the normal size. Scared cannot finish ah.

so we had to look for some theory books. went to music plaza... no stock. walked to music essential also no stock. haha.. but music essential suddenly found a dog inside. cute! its the boss's dog. but he not around. thank god! manage to get the books at tampinese music plaza outlet la.

Auf Wiedersehen!

On leave!

Yes, its monday and i am at home! muahahaha...

last week, quite terrible. because bad news a plenty. first my friday off got cancelled which means i couldn't go to the airport to pick dear up. well.. in return i get 2 days leave. Good things do happen. then about field camp, was told each section is going to attach to a rifle coy. gee..! so i will be going on field camp 9-11 april. as short as possible please..!

nearly passed IPPT. quite happy la, the best result since i enlisted. hehe..

Saturday was well.. almost picture perfect. went to watch phantom of the opera. wonderful show, now i know what is the storyline like. one of the best musical i watch so far la. but i still can't tolerate latecomers... urgh! always blocking my view of the stage. like those pirated VCDs were you see people walking left and right of the screen.

Campfire is over. Finally...! No more such things. No MORE!!! bad stuffs put behind me and i will move on. thanks for being beside me dear, i couldn't have imagine what will happen if i am there alone despite you having a terrible headache.

SWO on sunday. stayed for the whole practice. my horn was missing. someone took it away. i going to catch you man! haha... took another horn first lo... well. can't blame them la, i always not there. planning to repair another horn there (why me again!) coz i prefer that horn le. i don't know why la, all horns are the same, but when played it feels different. must find a compatible partner one. hahaha!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Appreciation n Blessings

i always want to thank God for his continual blessings. Just reached home not long ago. Initially wanted to take a train but gut feeling was to take a cab. and guess what? it poured heavily half way through the journey.

this week was more or less an easy week to pass. there wasn't much opportunity to do PT because of live firing again. Well.. didn't mange to get my marksmanship but glad that i pass the test. there is an anniversary celebration in camp, never get to know what's going on because continuously doing fatigue work. haha.. price to pay for being an organiser. oh well, everyone got to play their part.

went back for alumni band last night. it was one of those rare friday nights that i am free. they played the same song again. because never practice, always get scolded. not me of course! haha. i wish i will join them for the concert but most probably still stuck in brunei.

finally get to go for dental therapy today. did only general check up. but bad thing happen. black out during consultation and blood pressure drop again. begin to wonder if this is a health problem. most slightly will consider go for a body checkup. must consult my parents first. haiz.. stress... but docs and nurses there were very good. constantly attending to me to make sure i was alright. i just can't put a value to the number of thanks i want to say.

rest of the night was spent with dearest. attendent TPJC alumni band concert. and roaming around tampines. i always feel blessed to be with her. seeing her only once a week, makes me appreciate all the minutes and second we are together. can't wait to see her again!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Oreo Cheese Cake!

finally home for the night. feels like 2 weeks confinement in camp. arrgh!

ok ok. Live firing was quite fun coz i keep on place the charges in a way so can make the hole in the ground bigger..! haha! itchy hand i know. but not as bad as my friend try to blow stones up! haha! was attack by mosquitoes immediately i arrive there, they are the so called commando mosquitoes, and give no mercy to us. to counter them, we just burn mosquito coil put insect repellent.

IPPT n SOC. ah... don't want to talk about it. did 2nd guard duty for the month. thanks to people who particpated in the CoC (change of command) parade. now got to keep on cover their duties.


yesterday, totally screwed up! uh..! so angry with myself.

out with dear today. visited the asian civilisation musem. dinner at secret recipe. their main course is really CMI la.. Spag meatballs taste like stones from the ground, rock solid and dry. dear ordered pan grill fish, portion was so.... PATHETIC! oh... but the cheese cake! wee! damn good. i think next time go there just for cheese cake and drinks to chill out la. just forget about the main course.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Pit Stop!

i owe this entry to my dear. sorry for not posting it last week. so 2 in 1 can? haha!

eh.. last weekend went to watch Letters from Iwo Jima. highly recommended! I think its based on a true story la. A bit bloody in my opinion. then headed down to clarke quay. a lot of changes down there. but always didn't have a chance to go and take a peek. the place has been revamp to become a tourist attraction lo. so a lot of middle to high end restaurant. stroll down singapore river and end up at esplanade.

teach my dear grade 5 theory the next day, before sending her to band practice while i at home practicing my piano. I have a new goal. to complete my grade 8 theory and also do my diploma la. study study study. and with the no sleeping during office hours, i think i will have enough time to do revisions.

today, its a pit stop back home. heading back to camp later because of live firing. when duty calls, you just have to response to it. a tough week ahead because lots of important activties packed together. how am i going to survive! haha... well.. God bless..! oh yah, NTU is so huge, companied dear to the open house. haha, i think i will get lost if i were to explore there by foot. oh well... i prefer SMU! hehe..!

while typing this, dear is on her way home. west to east. just can't wait to see her again. I MISS YOU!! argh!!! ok ok, going have my long awaited dinner with my family.

Auf Wiedersehen!

short work week

short and tough week back at unit. start to learn to play table tennis a.k.a ping pong. haha. its fun! better than playing soccer or basketball.. too competitive among my company ppl. but it seems like only my platoon will play. maybe represent support coy in ping pong competition next time if any? haha...

had chinese new year celebration in camp. was really a noisy one. they had lion n dragon dance performances ah.. eh.. don't really appreciate it coz i don't know what they are dancing about. but never mind. applause for them! *clap clap clap* also had lao yu sheng. can see every one just playing with their food. haha.. and its the only time you can play with your food. singing competition was erm..... shall not comment hehe..! =D

dear came to my place yesterday. took the violin from me. and taught me how to play properly even though she is still a beginner too! correct dear? don't know why, my dad n her gang up to call me stupid for joining SWO! no offence to SWO ppl. peace peace! LOL.. then sent her home. so my family is hosting dinner last night. somehow news spread around very fast in my house and everyone is like looking forward to meet her. haha.. next time ba..

can't wait to see her again!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Long Weekend

coming to the end of my long weekend. will be going back to camp tonight. NOOOOOO!!! what to do.. *suck thumb lo. LOL..!

Chinese New Year was as usual BORING! i don't know why i celebrate it. haha! because i am chinese? =) Adult gossip about while young kids glued to the XBox (jus wondering if they had super glued their eyes onto the tv!).

but this year a little different la, because spent time with my dear. Without you, i think i rather sleep in camp! With you, i wish to see you as often i can. 1 and a half years more, endure through k? haha.. caught 2 movies, go sentosa to see flowers. too bad no lillies for you dear.

"Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens"

Song of Songs 2:2

Norbit was hillarious! kudos to eddie murphy. he is so talented, within 1 movie can act so many characters. recommended for people looking for a good laugh at the cinema. Well well.. i don't want to write much. Sleepy.... heehee! =) Argghh... out for meeting later.. sianz..

Auf Wiedersehen

*suck thumb - it is an army term use to mean stop complaining and just do whatever its being told.

Journey, Our Journey

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Let this be a guide on our journey dear. =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Engineers!

yeah! completed the engineer course. had a simple graduation ceremony to receive the cert. then return back to my unit lo, so reluctant to go back. haha.. coz course too slack already then everyone start to be lazy. haha... get to know a few new bunk mates in camp. didn't really talk to them much. hopefully it will be more enjoyable with them around?

before leaving the engineer institute, said good bye to my BMT friend, gave the same expression like during POP parade. haha. its really coincidental that we attend the course together. well, two of us are really praying the whole gang will meet up sometime soon.

for the record, first time complete reading a book in 2 weeks. normally takes a few months to read finish la. opps! hehe. so went to borders to get another book to read. helps to kill time in camp when got nothing to do.

Auf Wiedersehen!

unauthorised entry

*edited entry*

well.. going to book in later tonight. last week of course liao. so sad, coz life is going to be tough when i go back to my unit. and of course, again part with my BMT buddy who in the same course as me. both of us hope to see the rest of the guys again...

Auf Wiedersehen!

food for thought

the young generation, standard battle order for going out on consists of mp3 players, camera phones and all expensive gadget stuff making themselve look like a walking christmas tree in addition of a stinking attitude of disrespect, inconsideration for everyone else and lack the sense of urgency, no sense of priority. doing things at the wrong time, at the wrong place.

the old generation, our forefathers of the nation (cheezy!), out on the streets selling packets of tissue paper, sweets just to make ends meet for themselve in an ever increase cost of living society because of don't know what reason maybe their children unable to support them? as in their children have to feed their WANTS instead of NEEDS in life.

where do you stand?

Auf Wiedersehen!

it was a blast!!!

this week's course program was quite exciting with 2 live range. we set off quite a number of demo charges espcially on thursday, i set a firing circuit and set it off. perch on top of hill to view all the different demo charges going off. come to realise, i am quite a dangerous person now! haha.. oh well.. provided that i have access to the materials to do demolition works. eh... not those kind with cranes and bulldozers la. i have to be brief on this part coz most of the thing is secret la.. i post it liao.. later u all know how to do it how? hehe..

tuesday was nights off.. so instead of going home coz its too far and time constraint, together with a few friends head down to orchard to R & R. went to Kino, saw a few books to buy but didn't buy coz i still have 1 yet to read finish. slow la me! haha.. then go supermarket buy bags of junk tibits.. well.. tibits are junk food in the first place rite? haha! so can munch in bunk. not forgeting to get my herbal tea.. wee..! doesn't help much though..

last night, went to alumni band. was super late la, coz booked out around 7.30pm mah, so reach there almost 9. played for awhile only. concert is propsed on the 23rd June. don't know if able to play anot, coz might be in sydney with SWO. shall see... got a message that SWO was requested to do a commercial recording, don't know the details yet, so tomorrow go back SWO and find out lo since i long time never go back there.

Auf Wiedersehen!

saturated brain

first week of course and my brain is fully saturated with info. its been at least 9 months that i really pick up a book and start writing notes and study! haha..! but its a fun experience la.. seriously, my vocation is hazardous, but if follow safety rules its fun. but don't play around with me, otherwise i will huff and a puff and blow your house down! haha!

IGNITED!!!

cool thing is, my bunkmate from BMT is also in the same course... haha! even though we get posted to different unit. catch up with him during free time which is after dinner la, coz the whole day is either lecture or practical.

gonna miss band practice again, coz got to book in early tomorrow. haiz.. when can i touch my french horn. i think i should start saving up to buy one. hmm... set? set? set? we shall see.

recently been finding passport or ic size photograph of myself around the room. all taken at different age. haha.. i going to collect all and display it properly. haha. shall take a picture of it and post it up next time. cam battery flat la, nv charge. hehe..

and finally, today hand over the web development of candle of the soul to a professional web designer that came aboard to help us. relief some duties... phew! so do expect new design coming up in few weeks time ba!

Looking for new books to read, any recommendations?

Seen the Gotheborg at Vivocity before? here is my take on it. enjoy!

Auf Wiedersehn!

family

can really tell that my grandma wants to see me. hearing her tone over the phone with lots of anticipation and hope that i will drop in her place for dinner. haiz... but national service really takes up a lot of time. i think i should find time, eh no, i SHOULD drop in for dinner. heart pain.

my stupid brother is giving attitude problems to my parents. is it really a case of a spoiled brat? i mean he is the only other son at home while i am stuck in camp. every week bound to give problems.. grr..! waiting for that opportunity to really smack n wake him up.

just pray for everyone at home...

next week shall start to attend band practice. don't know if can make it for the sydney trip. but juz want to practice my horn. lost touch for very long time.

okay, unit life is quite okay. is like advance BMT. lots of running.. 5km for a start and will keep on increasing. haha! the fun part so far, was really whole battalion jumping into the swimming pool for photo taking after winning the swim meet under the rain. brr...!

so what i am trying to say so far? don't know.. lots of thoughts running through my mind.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Happy New Year!!!

2006 has gone into the history books. Quite an eventful year for me, firstly was graduation from Ngee Ann Poly then came along 6 months worth of slacking time then 4 months into army life.

In that 6 months on the music side, accomplished Mahler Sym. 1 with SWO, performing as a pianist with a primary sch choir at SYF, finally passed Grade 8 piano and achieve gold medal at NBC with alumni band. leaving my grade 8 theory an open question coz i haven't get my results yet. Gee.. but i now i am missed playing my horn. argh! messed up!

Well.. on work side, gained alot of experience and really an eye opener to the working society. there is so much to see and so much more yet to be seen!

family... well, never take them for granted

think the biggest challenge of all was BMT. was a real tough time but sure is a memorable one, never expect i survived it despite being injured. will never forget the 24km route marches, and the PC's stories or experience.

the year ahead. lots and real lots of unknow challenge. will i pull through? we shall see..!

ok ok.. trigger happy with my camera.. first one is the latest addition to my SgRiver Series, a few more coming still post processing while the latter 2 was just pure fooling around with my camera at countdown '07.

Auf Wiedersehn!

Quotes

some quotes i have collated over the past 4 months

• "Never hold Grudges"
• "You must make allowances for each other's fault and forgive the person that offends you"
• "Will I use my enery and emotions for retaliation or for resolution?"
• "Forgivenes is letting go fo the past"
• "Trust has to do with future behaviour"
• "Pride builds wall between people; Humility builds bridges"
• "Humility is the oil that soothes and smoothes relationships"
• "Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all" Romans 12:16
• "Remember what Crist taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise." Colossians 3:16a (LB)
• "Worry is focused thinking on something negative"
• "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practic is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" Matthew 7:24
• "We know that these troubles produces patience. And patience produce character." Romans 5:3-4(NCV)
• "Your circumstance are temporary, but your character will last forever"
• "The secret of endurance is to remember that your pain is temporary but your reward will be eternal"
• "Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever" 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NTL)

Auf Wiedersehen!

more outfield?

guess i was a little harsh in my last post. after all.. its for a charitable cause.

got my posting yesterday. somewhat disappointed. didn't make it into band! Whhhhyyyy... all thanks to someone screwed things up. that was what been told to me. kinda expected that to happen la. Eddie broke the bad news to me before i actually checked out the posting. haiz.. guess afterall, i belong to the jungle? haha! nah! passion for music still stays strong no matter what happens in the many many months to come. can i appeal?

how long to ORD? many many months to go..... 630+++ days. shit!

NS life has just GOT more interesting!

"Every dog has its day" when will it be mine? =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Organization Disater!!!

Quote of the day: "Assumption is the mother of all evil"

Got very irritated and annoyed this morning, those who are involve in the charity project is assuming things like no father mother business. grr... Now i really don't see the point of having meeting minutes taken. Aren't meeting minutes are taken to serve a purpose? its use to keep track of progress n task yea? Can't believe out there, there are idiots who keep asking for updates and making assumptions when everything is simply spelled out black n white in the minutes. and who are these people? people of managerial positions. gosh!

People, please drill the above quote hard into your brains, its a quote from my 2IC. If you are to assume things in whatever things you do, you are bound to see doom k..! so stop assuming things and take the initiative to get all the fact right!

Second Quote of the day: "You think, I thought, Who confirm?"

Argh.. nvm. as quote from the Bible: "Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't thnk you know it all!" Romans 12:16

Auf Wiedersehen!

POP lo...!

yeah! finally passed out of BMT course. future is quite uncertain at this moment while i waiting to get posted to another unit.

the past 3 months maybe tough trainng, but is a fun experience. route marches, field camp blah blah blah.. can't say much. top secret! haha!basically, the remaining weeks in BMT was filled with another 3 days outfield.. more interesting this time round. learn to repel down with a harness made of rope, tied by ourselves.

oh yah, ever seen a puppy did a 12km route march? 24km was tough but again, it was fun! sang lots of crappy songs along the way.. without those, i think none of us can survive that distance.

Gee... gonna miss my bunk, bed and pillow. never thought i could live with a just a bed and a metal locker for 3 months.

Went for band audition, did pretty well. Now praying hard that i will get in!!!

Yesterday was the Passing out Parade. A bit like mini NDP la.. Stress, coz standing in the front row, have to get all the drills perfect. but hey, i am in the drill squad! no sweat. hehe.. lots of mixed feelings when everything was over. took lots of photos together with the section & platoon la. have yet to recieve it. shall post it up another day. later will be section outing! going out to eat and talk c***.

So that's all about BMT! Good bye Pulau Tekong!

Auf Wiedersehen!

2 more weeks to go..

back from 7 days field camp. i must say this is really an outdoor adventure. sleeping in the wild with wild boars within close proximity and you have to be on alert for them. first few days was wet and muddy, with water flowing through the tent. haha... for that moment, you feel like you are in a swimming pool. except that its brown mud. haha!

hidding away from the rain with your buddy for a few hours is fun. 2 men, cramp in a small tent, and all we can do is to talk, share and learn about each life experience. what better way to know your buddy.

treakking up and down hill with section mates was fun, navigating from point to point. easy job. but its a total different story at night. well, you will learn to treasure any light source that is available at night coz you practically can't see anything at all.

while moving off to a different campsite, route march over tekong reservoir, i must say, its the most beautiful sight i have ever seen in Singapore (well.. not really in Singapore!). another beautiful sight was during the last night of field camp, looking up at the sky filled with stars. where can u get such a beauitful sight in mainland?

well well.... 2 more weeks to go.. 12 km, 16km, 24 km route march then then... POP! pass out! Weeeeeee.....

Auf Wiedersehen!

Convince, Confuse and Con

7 Weeks on... and i really learn and realize a lot on human behaviour. What does it takes to be a good commander? my opinion is a good commander is the first man to rise and the last man to fall. Ever heard this phrase "the captain goes down with the ship"? the higher your status in society, the lesser personal time you will have. because most of the time you spend is on someone you lead.

A Commander must be someone that is able to give clear instructions and stand firm on orders. He must be able to make sure everyone execute things at the right place and right time. But how you draw the line between informing and annoying people? Sad to say, i have come across officers to be who whines at just being a In-Charge. How would the officer be able to lead in the future?

Anyway, took my Grade 8 Theory Exam today. I think there is a slim chance of passing the paper because in the first place, i don't know what i am writing. haha.. Oh well... Pray for the Best! I will just go ahead with my diploma no matter what the results is because its not a pre-requsite.

Learnt this over the week. "If I can't convince you, I will confuse you. If I can't convince and confuse you, I will con you!" Pretty cool eh... The 3 C's.

Till then...

Auf Wiedersehen!

Half way thru

Yes! mid way thru BMT. next 6 weeks will be an uphill battle. field camp coming soon.... everything is going well so far, that includes my leg. Well, jus need to do lots of stretching exercise. and physio therapy sort of helps.. 4 rounds of rehab gym before a final review then discharged!

YES YES! Broke the Zero fighter! (a.k.a can't do chin ups). I am up to 2 now reps.. 4 more reps to go before can pass.. MIND OVER MATTERS! but then, my biceps will be getting bigger. Eeeewwww.. lolz..

if u notice, tag board has change a new provider. the old one is giving problems. and the last thing i want is to have problems around my blog. hehehe.. basically, i am just too lazy n tired to solve any problems.

So many thoughts running through my mind. haiz.. I must get it sorted out before it sorts me out! U think, i thought, who confirm? Baahh..

Want to share this with u guys---> Click here Admire the beautiful works overseas bridal shoot of this Singaporean photographer. Droool...

Till then..

Auf Wiedersehen!

5 Weeks flew by... Mind over matters

ok ok.. my birthday was last week rite? haha! celebrated my birthday in camp la. Birthday song n paper card from the commanders. old le... grr... officially an adult. great responsiblities and challenges ahead.

so by now, i have started on my BMT phase of training. lots of technical stuffs to learn and remember.

for the 2nd time round, was on medical status the past 3 days. so have to sit out of training because of leg injury. Eh.. this time round was asked to go see the medical officer by my platoon commander. me being stubborn la.. didn't recover the first time round yet continue my training. so was limping round and always the slowest guy around. oh anyway, had to go for physio therapy. i think it was good. learn how to stretch myself properly. i must learn how to walk properly! recovering recovering... but the tekong cough still there la. damn irritating, coz a lot of people got it. so during lecture, people will keep on coughing when there is lesson! grr..

events occurred the past week has made me realise what it takes to be a good leader. besides having good orgainzational n management skills. another important skill needed is interpersonal skill. perfectionist. is it important in life? just can't tolerate a leader that pick on tiny little mistakes anything, anywhere and anytime.

have lots of questions in my mind left unanswered..

oh oh...! i passed my piano practical!! news kinda old la. hehe..! planning to take my diploma next. perhaps diploma in instrumental teaching.

Mind over Matters! Till then..

Auf Wiedersehen!

3 weeks flew by

Hey Guys! I have gone missing for 3 weeks. Well, was suppose to update last weekend, but to shag out to do anything. Confinement weeks is over. Training.. tough but fun. But have been missing out training for the past few days due to knee n lower back injury.

So this is my 2nd book out from camp, and its a LONG weekend! wee..! haha.. got to nurse my injury. Endure 7 days of pain before i decide to see the medical officer. Ya, this post is written on a THURSDAY! haha.

think i am gonna freak my parents out later. haha!

Shall not say much here. Till then.. LEOPARD COY!

Auf Wiedersehen!

here we go..! next chapter

well... less than 24 hours of civilian life. hehe. enlisting tomorrow morning 8a.m. been busy shopping for all my army stuffs or rather my survivial kit in army. hope my bunkmates are friendly forces. pray. platoon sergents are nice. pray hard. BMT slack all the way. pray super hard. everything wonderful. pray super duper hard n sincerely. hehe. see you guys in 2 weeks time.

anyway, just want to a big thanks to friends that came to my super advance b-day party. cake smashing was really "fun". haha! i smell of cream and cake all the way home. and also thanks to my family n relatives also la. but friends really make my day. it didn't start off well... but ended wonderful!

as for the charity project. got to put on hold. shit. lots of things not done. argh! oh never mind. whole week in army mood/mode liao. buying n packing n enjoying the remaining freedom. haha!

all the horn ppl! check out the Engelbert Schmid link k! love the horn n the mouthpiece there. well at least watch the video on their horn production. cool! jus a word of caution, the video is in deutsch. envy Phil Meyers (Principal horn for New York Philharmonic orchestral) for owning 3 of this horn. Grr.. in fact the whole section uses this horn lo. haha. wonderful tonal production from the horn.

i think its a challenge for me from now on. juggle army, charity work, band, music theory exam, family! where the latter 5 are done on weekends? let's see how things go. Just pray to God for strength n energy to pull through. if i could survive BMT, i think the remainding army life should be pretty much okay for me?

okay, jus in case anything. just tag. if urgent or important, jus call or sms me lo. i am still connected to this world n not isolated on a tiny island.

as promised. unprocessed fireworks from NDP. sorry took quite a long time to get it. still got quite a few more. but for now. 2 shots k?

that's all for now! k k... see ya later!

Auf Wiedersehen!

are you that charitable?

Quote "its not my style to contribute to charity this way, I will usually contribute money instead"

will money really settle the problems of the needy? yes, no doubt it will be used to buy equipment and necessities for them. but will you prefer to stretch out a helping hand to them get past the day, week, month, year better?

Some may think charity work is shit work with no returns, but in actual fact, the satisfaction of making someone's life better.

Okay, Why I decide to take up Candle of the Soul project? Quite simple reason, I am part of a bunch of people that hurries through the pace of life. Sometimes ignoring the needy that goes along the street begging for that few cents in our pockets to get by the day. But how much dollar and cents can we give to ensure that all have a full stomach at the end of the day and a warm, cozy night ahead.

Been to Korea twice, korea is a country known for its harsh winter. At the peak of it is -20 degC (or worst). I was there at the begining of winter, about 5 degC, was crossing an overhead bridge, saw this old granny sitting in the middle, what is she doing? begging of course. I can't help to think, how much can 10,000 won (about USD 10) help her in this cold weather. The experience strikes me hard till this day...

Won't it be nice if we could just slow down our pace to do something to improve their lifes? So i pray for an opportunity, and it was answered! So i am heading the Campfire project hopefully will bring joy and warmth to these disabled kids! =) the other is a CD project, expected to launch in December.

Candle of the Soul CD - Soft launch begining of December
Campfire @ Sentosa - 31 March 2007

Well.. if you do read this post, and do want to help out. Tag or call me! I am constantly open to volunteers!

End of the day.. are you that charitable? and in what ways?

Auf Wiedersehn!

pre-enlistment update

well, just thought of sharing what's going on so far.

NS enlistment is round the corner, in about 3 weeks time. so ya, there goes all my freedom. anyway, been looking forward to it. just the thought of my freedom..... all the time that i bump around. Grr... hehe! so.. its 3 months in Tekong. Weekend book outs, road march, field camp, physical training. Wow...

Heading 2 charity projects under the name Candle of the Soul. 1 is CD album, songs by physically n mentally challange ppl the other is a Campfire. Things have been going... even though the ride so far is bumpy.. it will smoothen out by itself eventually. i hope. hehe! if there are volunteers out there interested to help out, especially the Campfire. pls let me know. I need all the hands in the world i can get! Will be a fun, exciting event.. nxt yr.. haha!

will be dropping into Surabaya, Indonesia to visit the disable kids end of the year. hmm... having a photo exhibition in mind. will it materialize?

So with the recent NBC n alumni performance @ CVSS concert, i guess that's about it for me being active in band tis year. wonder if i could join SWO for end-yr concert? hmm... Well, got to work the timings out again. life will be a total change with NS coming into play.

yesterday's SWO prac was a blast! all the exciting pieces like Samurai by Nigel Clarke, Passion of Christ... Wee..! enjoy, thou was tough! they are proposing Sydney trip nxt year somewhere in june, well... we shall see how it goes. i am skeptical. haha. coz of personal experience. nothing to do with SWO.

Well.. that's all for now!

Auf Wiedersehen!

SFF - Team France

my humble shots.. Zoom out of VCH after my performance.

NDP fireworks another day k? coz not taken with my cam. Till then...

Auf Wiedersehen!

SFF Round 1

Failed attempt at Team Italy @ Singapore Fireworks Fest. But manage to capture this.

All pics taken so far are from Canon Digital Ixus 400 if ya wondering.

Auf Wiedersehen!

fresh from the cam

this is what i get from a restless Saturday morning, a pile of music scores, a conductor's baton and a digital camera. haha.. Fresh from post processing..

till then again...

Auf Wiedersehen!

1 Macro, 3 B&W

bored at home.. again, i was browsing through my hdd, looks like time for me to shoot more images.. haha!

a rose for you? give me some food...? Once again, my favourite in black and white
Product shot of my computer's mouse
Till then..

Auf Wiedersehen!

National Band Competition

Yeah! comp finally over... so the Shuqun/Compassvale/Zhenghua Combined Alumni Band (freaking long name!) got GOLD!!!!!

A Breakdown of 6 Bands participated in the Open Division:
1. Mus' Art Wind Orchestra - Gold
2. Temasek JC - Gold (Top Band)
3. Ngee Ann Polytechnic Concert Band - Silver
4. Shuqun/Compassvale/Zhenghua Combined Alumni Band - Gold
5. Singapore Management University Symphonia - Gold
6. Raffles JC - Gold

3 Bands including us played the same choice piece - Machu Picchu
3 Bands excluding us played the same set piece - Second Suite in F for Bands

Happy and many congrats to the following 2 bands:
From the 2nd Division: Sembawang Symphonic Winds - Gold (Top Band)
From 3rd Divison: Riverside Secondary School Symphonic Winds - Gold

Other details of the comp - http://sgbandfusion.com/nbc2006_results.htm

No pics yet.. Will upload if any becomes available to me. I will post my thoughts and comments next time la, brain very tired now.. haha! Once again, Congrats to all.. Every effort put in is paid off!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Concertstück for four horns

Great recommendation for all horn players!

Concertstück for four horns in F major, Op. 68
12 January 2007
7.30 pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Haha.. I know the concert is next year, but just mark it down on your calendar k? Concertstück (a.k.a "Concert Piece") a piece unusually scored for 4 solo horns with the orchestra. Very unique piece and I highly recommend hornist to go! Of course if there is a horn concerto concert, haha, that definately must go also..

Auf Wiedersehen!

Landscape & Travel

backing up some of my folders. just thought of sharing some images.

A Walk down Memory Lane?

First 5 are from Ayuthaya, Ancient Capital of Thailand. Showing the ruins and country side of Thailand.

Well, the last one is quite familiar to all i believe..

Auf Wiedersehen!

15 years of music making

Wheee..! its over finally. the horns have pulled through Mahler. parts which is written for 7 horns and done with 4 horns.. wonder how we do it. anyway, i think i sound pretty alright jus for minor hiccups during encore. mmm.. the concert is 3 hours long. one of the longest concert i have done. phew! candid moment- shake Kenneth's hand while standing up in full view of the audience just before Mahler. haha! Overall the concert was quite good!

Guys that made it happen
(Left to right) Tze Jun, Kenneth, Me, Alvin
Singapore River la..Another perspective

that's all la.. till then!

Auf Wiedersehen!

a little update

Guten Tag! Wie hist du? World cup is here! oh whatever.. haha..! nothing to much to write also...

okies, my violin is finally fixed. so happy! can start screaching away at home and irritate everyone. hahaha!! kidding, i will properly learn and master the instrument and upgrade the size till i hit the string bass. haha!!

yah, currently mahler fever.. Symphony No.1 every weekend. concert is this coming Saturday. biggest work i ever undertaken. my lips are practically red every weekend. and i love the horn parts.. Woooo...! well, still no match to the German orchestras like Berlin, Wiener or the Austrians like the Vienna phil .. for what i know, LSO (London Symphony Orchestra) horns are... *speechless*

oh yah, was on my way home from work crossing the junction at my house mrt there. Guess what.. all traffic came to a standstill to allow the motorcade of the Japanese Emperor n Empress drive by.. Awesome sight!!!! haha! don't get to see such things everyday.

anyway, that's all la, will update post SWO concert. till then..

Auf Wiedersehen!

don't slam the phone

i realise i have no tolerance for people who slam the phone on me. still a little pissed.

what happened? okay i received a phone call which i assume its from a MLM company la, claiming i won some fantastic prize from a lucky draw which i participated in. Which is totally not true la, coz i never participated it. Funny thing is, they claim the lucky draw that i have participated is within the past one year. But i response, saying i never participate it within the past one year, and quickly they change their claim that it (the draw) happen more than a year ago. Again i told them is not possible, coz i am a student. and immediately they hang/slam the phone on me.

okay, i am totally fine with answering such nonsense calls, and i handle such calls by rejecting them nicely lo. but i think it went too much as to suddenly hang up my phone. i think its basic courtesy that they end the call nicely even though they don't get a lead for their sales or whatever stuff they are involve it.

do note that the person answering the phone is also paying for airtime, and they don't wish to receive such treatment from an unwanted phone call.

so what am i trying to say, slamming the phone on people will jus add fuel to fire or start a fire.

my 2 cent's worth.

Auf Wiedersehen!

ticket updates

seriously, other than tracking the sales status of a concert. i don't really understand the need for frequent (every 2-3 days) of ticket updates. seriously, if a ticket is sold, it is sold and it will added into the sales figure right?

i think ticket updates has become a platform to irritate people for no particular reasons. seriously (for the 3rd time) ticket holders itself are very concerned about the sales status of their tickets too.. and trying very hard to push the sales. stressing day in day out so what's the point of reminding them to sell, asking them to improve the sales.

for me, i am neither a good salesman nor good in selling. and i truly believe in selling when people are willing to buy. what's the point of spitting out liters of saliva, persuading them to attend the concert and end of the day they getting nothing out of it?

my point is, why do update every 2-3 days? isn't weekly updates going to get the same figure? i don't think its ______ (what's the word?) to answer phone calls at a high frequency, and the caller to make the phone call out of his/her own expense.

i know i will get into serious trouble if this post has been read by certain group of people, but its my blog, and i am just giving my 2 cents worth. if you have read this and disagree and getting furious over what i have written, my thousand apologies. and don't worry, still pushing to improve the sales.

once again,
Ladies and Gentlemen presenting SWO concert:

17 June 2006

Victoria Concert Hall

6.00 pm

Performing:

G. Mahler - Symphony No. 1 "Titans"

Concerto fo Bass Clarinet and Band

Concerto for Trumpet

Pantomine - featuring Euphonium

Highlights from Chess

Les Miserables

Tickets @ $12.00

*Pls Kindly contact me for tickets!

Thank you for you support!

this post is written without the intention to harm anyone, anything, anywhere, anytime.

Auf Wiedersehen!

*i can be contacted by email, msn, hp or tag board

Enlistment

Title speaks for itself!

8 Sep 2006
BMTC School 2
8.00 a.m

5 more months to bump around. Next 6 yrs already planned out. Woosh!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Espirit De Corp

Okay, i am still feeling a little, haiz, in fact very sore from SYF even though its over for a few days.

So yah, even though pianist is not penalised for anything and i can actually ignore what has happen. But its WRONG to ignore it! Remember when I first came across this word/phrase whatever u call it "Espirit De Corp" which defines as team spirit. I am part of the team. So as a team, we are up and we are down together.

Team player - Someone who carries out his/her duties and responsibilities as part of the team
Team member - A person who is part of the team
Team Spirit - The energy that bonds a group together

I thinking i am just blabbering out. Thoughts still in a mess... still feeling sore.

feel free to ignore this post. Thanks!

Auf Wiedersehen!

SMU, SYF and others...

so today was SYF day huh.. just got back from VCH. Nervous as usual, hey i mean don't you guys get nervous before competition? the must buy, must have and must drink RED BULL!! energy boosting! the kids did pretty well for rehearsal this morning. and i think they did a good job on stage. results were...... very very disappointing. haiz. moody moody now and will last for next few days..

Well, peeps, be contented with whatever results achieve during a competition k.. don't get to swell headed or over confident with yourself! don't start blaming judges for the unexpected results. Good Sportsmanship! and yes, all pianist, please try out the piano before playing, u nv want the touch of the piano to become a shock to you. (if pianos were portable! the dream of all pianist!)

Learn from it, improve from it! Move on..

Received letter of offer for Bachelor of Science (Information System Management) from SMU few days back. hehee.. so happy, smiling as i open the envelope! haha! coz its printed Congratulations on the envelope mah! so you will know whats the content before its open. now i can't wait to start Uni life, but will have to wait 2 yrs later coz of you know what la! Bye bye to SNU n Yonsei la! hope i can still do the summer programme with them (that's another thing). and of course, i am accepting the offer!

something not related with what have been posted.

been extremely irritated with certain issues. peeps, please please please, learn to make comment that factual and not anyhow shoot things off your mouth. listen up! i will not tolerate untrue comments made against me! don't talk about defamation and slender to me when you yourself don't know the meaning of it!

Don't you agree? As friends, you have no rights to control your friends! expecting them to do things, appear at places as and when you wish! As teachers, there is no rights and privillages to controlling students. the duty of a teacher is to teach what you suppose to teach, and at most guide them through their life.

Don't speak of responsiblity, leadership and anything of similar context when u don't know the TRUE meaning of it or putting the words into actions.

i am so irritated!

oh yeah! i have written an essay on the art of conducting. interested to read? haha...

anyway, long post but that's all folks!

The desires of the righteous shall be granted (Proverbs 10:24)

Auf Wiedersehen!

That's life rite?

The past week has made me realize how life is so unpredictable. Running between 2 hospitals in a night. A perfectly healthy person can be brought down by virus or own body cells turning malignant. And now have to undergo treatment, chemo therapy, imagine pumping chemicals into your body that are out to destroy every cell in the body cause they are unable differentiate between healthy and malignant cells. As close family members, all we can do now is to pray hard for speedy recovery.

The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing (Psalm 41:3)

So yah, I did mention life is unpredictable rite? Just received a last i mean really last minute request to be participate in SYF with a primary school choir as their pianist. Stress! Competition is in 2 Weeks. Wish me luck!

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolution of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. (Proverbs 3:25-26)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Moving on...

so yah.. results finally out after a long long long wait. Passed and completed Diploma course. What a big relieve after all the nights of mugging away for exam. Phew..! Going to miss school life. The classroom, air con, tables, chairs,Programming, Presentations, Stress, Stress and more stress and last of all.. crappy stuffs! haha! But got to move on liao..! Jungle here i come! (orh yee orh yee orh!!!)

Primary Education? Checked!

Secondary Education? Checked!

Tertiary Education 1? Checked! and to be continued!

National Education? Un-Checked!

oh yah! anyone have this book --> SAT: The offical Guide ? can lend me or give me. haha.. need to study for it la.

Leave you with this quote from the bible --> He giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Concert Annoucement!!!

SWO Concert 17 June 2006

Venue: As usual VCH

Time: 6.00 pm!! <--- Hey! Take note hor!

Repertoire:

Symphony 1 - G. Mahler

Trumpet Concerto, Bass Clarinet Concerto

Les Miserables

Highlights from "Chess"

Will post this up again at a later date. Tickets are available now. Please call me at 9xxxxxxx for ticket bookings. haha! and yes, i am also reachable by MSN, Multiple Email or the tag board just in case you don't know how to find me.

Hello 2006!

i know its way into the new but not that new year already. haha.. hope all had a enjoyable festive season! =)

so yah.. finish exams, waiting for results and expecting the dreaded letter. Kinda reminds me of the good old post O's days. waiting for results, rotting away at home minus the waiting of the dreaded letter. hahaha!

school life was pretty okay. lots of breaks around. always out of school for lunch. hardly eat canteen food this semester. haha! all thanks to the wonderful invention - Car. Well.. i am not the driver yet. haha.. soon..

been shooting photos alot the past two months, i will upload the photos to my photo albums over the next few days, weeks and months. Erm.. progressively la. haha! anyway, here are some shots. first 2 are from Istana. Our shifu with Unity secondary school on Istana grounds. I think i pretty neat to have it in black & white.

Metal birds guarding our skies at AA2006. The F-16 Fighting Falcon with the sniper pod. Head on shot of this bird. look lean and mean. FYI, F-16 are not design to fly. And the Singapore's own Apache Longbow back from detachment from US (see the bird from a different view). Trip made possible by my mum giving up her ticket. haiz... Oh ya.. check the Gulfstream jet. cool? its mine! muahahaha!

Orchids from Istana
Black & White of Shuqun's Shifu

F -16 Fighting Falcon

Apache Longbow

Gulfstream G450 own by yours truly!

so that all for now.. watch out for the next 2 post on Responsiblity and Leadership. Why i want to talk about? Because YOU make me talk about it.

I leave with this quote from the bible - The Lord shall guide thee continually. (Isaiah 58:11)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Bangkok, Christmas, SWO

Bangkok - 20th - 24th Dec
Very enjoyable and relaxing trip that comes half way thru the semester. hahaha! very last minute decision to "disappear"! Depart on the 20th afternoon SQ flight feeling very very shag out because had 3 continuous day of band rehearsal before. Hoped to catch some sleep on the plane but inflight entertainment was such a blast! Whee..!

Seriously, communication was the greatest challenge in Thailand, was almost lost when on the cab heading down to the Service Apartment. Luckily, the reception people was able to guide the taxi driver on the phone. Met up with the kids (a.k.a my cousins) from Korea, yes, my uncle was in Bangkok for conference hence the trip for us to meet up with them.

Went to the old capital of Thailand, Ayuthaya about 2 hours North of Bangkok. Visited the ruins, i didn't get the actual name of the place, and also visited Summer Palace. This is the coolest year in thailand, temperature was at an unusual +- 20 degC. I believe Ayuthaya's temperature was about 18degC. Shivering out in the open! And yes, shopping is a must especially for my Aunts. Besides that, just baby sitting around.

Depart Bangkok on the 24th. Sat alone which really made the return flight a more relaxing one! Because i am sitting away from my another cousin, a rascal (not pictured)I should say, Singapore Airlines does really live up to its name. Great service!

Christmas! Was totally drained out already, but still made an effort to attend church service. And SWO concert on the 26th, One of the best concert so far. Marking the 6th Concert in 2005! 4 of which in VCH! Well.... preparing for Common test now! =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Human Behavior

Human behave(u)r is the collection of activities performed by human beings and influenced by culture, attitudes, emotions, values, ethics, authority, rapport, hypnosis, persuasion, and/or coercion.

Factors affecting Human Behavior

• Attitude - Its a degree to which a person has a favorable or unfavorable evaluation of behavior in question
• Social Norms - This is the influence of social pressure that is perceived by the individual (normative beliefs) to perform or not perform a certain behavior.
• Perceived Behavioral Control - This construct is defined as the individual's belief concerning how easy or difficult performing the behavior will be.

Source: http://www.psychcentral.com/psypsych/Human_behavior

Random posting of thoughts going on today after "gathering" of Shuqun alumni band members. Somewhat curious to find out the scientific basis of how each individual behaves. And also to justify some actions and remarks made over lunch whether is it being biased, sterotyping (sounds so WISP!) or ________ (can't think of that word).

Something i read and have to agree with - Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear! add on, And Hello will be a difficult word to say! Again, its something random. Bored at home.. =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Rondeau 20th

okay, i am a little slow in posting. too tired these few days.

so the curtains came down for the last time huh..? 2 years in NPCB breeze by just like poly life. A big thank you to manda, pee (hey, i have counted 6 concerts at least!), leen, law fatt, brian, shu qin and Ms Koh! Very honoured and blessed to be able to play with you guys. The section will not be what it is without these people. One of the best section i have ever played in! Will always look forward for a chance to play again! (p.s Switzerland 2006 anyone?) Gonna miss all the craps we have done!

Guys, don't hang up your horns k..!

For those who didn't come, u have missed a enjoyable concert.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Have u ever...

Been force to do things against your wish?

Do things because its a Social Responsibility?

Do things because its the end of it if you don't do it?

Or

Do things because you enjoy the process and do it out of your own freewill?

Auf Wiedersehen!

tuning systems

ever wondered how complex can tuning an instrument be? finally took the time and effort to seriously search the web about it after a conversation (obviously with someone!) about tuning a band and instrument. i think everyone will have a concept of tuning whereby we either follow a tuning fork, tuner, someone or something that can give a perfect pitch for us to follow.

from what i found out, tuning has become a very mathematical thing where we can actually calculate the frequencies in relation to any note, the different frequencies has a value to it.. blah blah blah...

so there is Equal Temperament, Well Temperament, Mean-tone Temperament and lots of other stuffs. i think it would be pretty cool if you can take some time to browse through this site >Click Me!< to find out about more. Get the gist of it! its too heavy for me to post it. i also having difficulties understanding certain parts of it. if not interested.... hahaa...

Auf Wiedersehen!

Repetition

is history gonna repeat itself again for the one... two... three... foruth time? haiz...

school have been generally okay... lots of interesting topics and yupz... we watching cartoon for lecture.. share some nice quotes from class

"Do not do to others what you do not wish yourself" - Confucius
"The wise are free from doubts; the virtuous from anxiety; the brave from fear" - Confucius

any relation to this post... NOPE!!!

anyway.........

Auf Wiedersehen!

Head Hunting

so.... i am returning back to school tml. Prepared for it? Well... i jus happen to found out that my class has been split up, so can't crap around anymore. =( And feeling abit weird, as normally i have been heading to office for the past 2 months. And i have not had regular classes for the past 8 months!!! geez! Attachment la..

okay. Anyway.... I AM LOOKING FOR HORN PLAYERS!! to join SWO for the December Concert and Switzerland trip next year. currently there is only one horn player and is yours truly. so please please please..............

Rondeau Concert
Date: 26 NOVEMBER 05
Venue: VCH
Repertoire: Mostly Alfred Reed's pieces e.g Second Suite in Band

SWO Concert
Date: 26 DECEMBER 05
Venue: VCH (again....)
Repertoire: Egmont (By Bert Appermont) and other nice pieces la...

Auf Wiedersehen!

Understanding Baroque

Hallo! Guten Morgen! Had discussions on styles of music recently and have realised that many still fail to understand the beauty of Baroque music. Baroque music have always served as the foundation to all music composed for the past 500 years. Even though this period of music is 500 years old and ageing, its still alive in many music we play today.

I have extract some key points from my previous post. To read the full post, scroll down! Its somewhere down this page.

Tempo
- Usually stays the same throughout

Dynamic
- Range in dynamic is narrow
- Terrace dynamic

Style
- Formal, imitative

A few important things to do when you tackle a piece of music, is to firstly determine the period of music that its in.

One thing to note is the tempo of music. As written above, a Baroque music have a relatively fixed tempo throughout, mostly it ends with a BIG retard. So why is this so, you would need to know that Baroque music are written for the Kings and Queens of that time. So music have to sound Grand and Formal, maybe if you were in Europe, you can see the intricate designs of the Cathedral. So music must have fixed tempo to fit the mood. Just imagine yourself walking down the aisle of a church on your wedding day, and the musicians playing pachebel canon with irregular tempo, I bet you will not be able to walk down the aisle with a regular pace. So without realising it, we have covered two points, Tempo and Style!

Tempo always set the mood!

Dynamic are Terrace whereby when a phrase is Forte, it is in Forte and when it is in Piano, it will be in Piano. There will NEVER be a Cresendo or Decresendo in between two phrases to transit the dynamics. Just imagine as music walking up and down a staircase. So the other point about dynamic is narrow is because of the limitation in the dynamic range of instrument of that time, where a Harpsicord or Clavicord only have a small dynamic range thus give this characteristic.

Well there is another point that i want to cover, which is the texture of Baroque. But its kinda hard to explain in words. So till i figure out how it should be written down, enjoy learning and understanding Baroque.

Auf Wiedersehen!

H I! B Y E!

so what's been going on recently?

currently working. temp assignment at IBP a.k.a International Business Park. working with a fun bunch of people.

My SLR is up for sale. Considering getting a Nikon D50, so my current lenses won't work on a Nikon system. Let me know if anyone is interested.

catching up with old pals, crapping, eating, slacking. great fun!

guess there isn't much to post. till then...

Auf Wiedersehen!

Wired vs Wireless

this is interesting... the whole family is trying to troubleshoot the house wireless network problem while i am enjoying a very safe and reliable connection. Why? because, i am on a wired network.

up till now.. i am still questioning the need to have a wireless network in this tiny house. i understand that its considered high-tech by my parents standards. but still i don't feel the need to. because mainly the computers that uses the network are the desktop which i doubt anyone would like to carry it around the house just to surf Internet anywhere anytime.

its quite ironic because I, a laptop user uses a wired network while my family, the desktop users uses a wireless network. Anyway, its their internet connection to troubleshoot. as long as mine is problem free i am happy with it.

Auf Wiedersehen!