My trip back to the place I was born was truly memorable. Six long years I have been away, many things have changed, Jakarta has become more modernized. Although, there are still poor city dwellers living by the murky canals, with zinc rooftops right above their heads, their only shelter from the scorching sun and the rain. Their shabby homes are enough to protect their family from the ever hungry mosquitoes at night. During daytime, the family members will go to work, even mothers and toddlers. The head of the family would earn the most money by working on the roads selling newspapers or helping cars to cross a jammed junction. The mothers and toddlers would stroll down the rocky, damaged road waiting for the red light. Once it is on, they would make their way, begging for a small donation from the rich road users. They can only survive from the sympathy of these people. Even with 100 rupiah (about 5 cents Singapore currency), they will gladly accept it and so they go again to the next car. They will stop begging once the green light is on. They will step aside, waiting for the next red light. Both mother and toddler are exposed to the dusty winds and the poisonous exhaust gases from the vehicles but that did not bother them. Then there are roadside sellers who barely earn a profit from the goods they sell. During a good week they would gain about 10,000 to 30,000 rupiah (about S$ 2-6). Even though modernized, Jakarta is also a poverty stricken city; many from outside Jakarta gambled all their money just to come there in order to look for jobs. Jakarta is already densely populated yet people still want to come there hoping to find better life. With these negative images of Jakarta, most people would probably be thinking that happiness cannot be found. Well, that is a wrong perception. Poor they may be, but they have strong determination to survive and even help you when you need directions or find places to repair your vehicles in the most remote areas. The less fortunate people there are not easily stressed; you can see it brimming in the children’s eyes telling that we are happy with what we have. Even with torn and tattered clothes, without proper foot protection and without proper meals or even modern technology, they are still able to smile, feeling good about themselves. Unlike big stars in Hollywood, with expensive cars, grand and comfortable homes, they still cannot find happiness in their lives.
Six long years, I have lost the people whom I once called friends. I recalled when tears rolled down my cheeks when I was on the plane bound for Singapore. I recalled those faces I recognized, those fine moments we have had, those joys and laughter, those time when we were together as friends. I was thinking that I will miss those precious things bitterly. But I managed to meet one of my good friends who I lost. Perhaps she might be reading this. My rendezvous with her make me revisit the good old days once again. The good old days that I am holding on to, the past that is sweet to remember. This is just the beginning of reliving my past, my childhood days I sorely missed. How time flies that we now are young adults, pursuing our dreams, taking separate paths but I am glad I got to know these friends, to meet them when I was younger, knowing who they all were. All I can do is smile fondly as I slowly remember our time together which was not bound to the chain of sorrow or regrets. I wanted to meet them all at the reunion on 15th January 2005 but it looks like fate will not allow me to. Even so, I wish I could meet them someday…only if fate will allow me to. These memories will be missed but not forgotten.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 02, 2004
The Promise
This is the final part, the last piece of puzzle that concludes the story, “The Promise”.
The hero and the heroine went to the orphanage where the hero was brought up. There, they found a place with wide grassland filled with flowers. The heroine dreamt that she could not find the hero even having travelled across mountains and towns. So, the hero promised her that he would be there. He would be there so that she would be able to find him.
They headed to the future where the final battle took place. When it all ended, they made their way back to the present. But the hero is missing. Only the hero and the heroine were still trapped in the future. The hero found himself in a dark room, emptiness surrounded him. He called out loud, “Rinoa, where are you? Can you hear me?” There was no reply. He knew that he cannot return alone. Then his surroundings transformed into a dry plain, no trees just cracked grounds. The hero walked aimlessly. After a long journey, his legs soon became weak, he was exhausted. He dropped to the ground bottom first. He reached out his right hand when he noticed a white feather. It landed right into his palm. He recalled the ballroom dance, the heroine’s smiles, the rescue at sorceress memorial and vertigo soon occurred. Everything started to spin, the heroine’s face that he remembered soon began to distort. Little by little, his memories began to wane. And when it has struck its limit, the hero blacked out with his tears left behind soon dried up.
The heroine then came into the picture, walking towards the fallen hero. She knelt beside him asking him to wake up. However, the hero did not react nor reply. Her fear that he was gone grew stronger; she lifted his head, shook him several times and kept asking him to open his eyes. Again, he did not respond. She finally cried as tears flowed down her cheeks. Just then, the surroundings began to transform again. This time, it had become into the place the hero promised he would be. The heroine smiled faintly when she looked at the fallen hero with her tears still rapidly flowing. They had returned to the present with the help from the power of love.
The heroine was back at the place where she met the hero for the first time. This time, she was star gazing and when she noticed the fallen star like she saw back then, she turned, lifted her index finger and smiled. The hero replied her smile. If the last time they were interrupted by fireworks, this time, it did not happen. They wrapped up the moonlit night with romance and sweet love. It was their first kiss.
It all started with a smile, a dance, followed by a hug and ended with a kiss. And in the end, the heroine did not return the hero’s ring because it has become part of her. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for the hero and the heroine…
The hero and the heroine went to the orphanage where the hero was brought up. There, they found a place with wide grassland filled with flowers. The heroine dreamt that she could not find the hero even having travelled across mountains and towns. So, the hero promised her that he would be there. He would be there so that she would be able to find him.
They headed to the future where the final battle took place. When it all ended, they made their way back to the present. But the hero is missing. Only the hero and the heroine were still trapped in the future. The hero found himself in a dark room, emptiness surrounded him. He called out loud, “Rinoa, where are you? Can you hear me?” There was no reply. He knew that he cannot return alone. Then his surroundings transformed into a dry plain, no trees just cracked grounds. The hero walked aimlessly. After a long journey, his legs soon became weak, he was exhausted. He dropped to the ground bottom first. He reached out his right hand when he noticed a white feather. It landed right into his palm. He recalled the ballroom dance, the heroine’s smiles, the rescue at sorceress memorial and vertigo soon occurred. Everything started to spin, the heroine’s face that he remembered soon began to distort. Little by little, his memories began to wane. And when it has struck its limit, the hero blacked out with his tears left behind soon dried up.
The heroine then came into the picture, walking towards the fallen hero. She knelt beside him asking him to wake up. However, the hero did not react nor reply. Her fear that he was gone grew stronger; she lifted his head, shook him several times and kept asking him to open his eyes. Again, he did not respond. She finally cried as tears flowed down her cheeks. Just then, the surroundings began to transform again. This time, it had become into the place the hero promised he would be. The heroine smiled faintly when she looked at the fallen hero with her tears still rapidly flowing. They had returned to the present with the help from the power of love.
The heroine was back at the place where she met the hero for the first time. This time, she was star gazing and when she noticed the fallen star like she saw back then, she turned, lifted her index finger and smiled. The hero replied her smile. If the last time they were interrupted by fireworks, this time, it did not happen. They wrapped up the moonlit night with romance and sweet love. It was their first kiss.
It all started with a smile, a dance, followed by a hug and ended with a kiss. And in the end, the heroine did not return the hero’s ring because it has become part of her. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for the hero and the heroine…
The Rescue of Heroine
The fourth part is rather short but it displays the one of the most heart-warming event, “The Rescue of Heroine”. Back on earth, as predicted, escorts have arrived to take away the heroine. The hero tried to stop her but the heroine decided to surrender peacefully. The hero could only watch her being taken away. He returned to the ship, sat down with his hand crossed and bent his head facing the floor. His friends arrived and scolded him for letting the heroine go just like that. With a few words of encouragement, the hero realized what he should do. He was not going to give away someone important to him in exchange of the world’s safety. It was selfish of him but sometimes love is blind.
They arrived at the sorceress memorial where the heroine was held captive. They stormed into the restricted faculty and the hero managed to enter the room where the heroine was kept while his friends helped to delay the guards’ advance. The hero quickly took out his sword and slashed the glass enclosure where the heroine was trapped in. The heroine was thrown out of her ‘cage’ and the hero caught her in his arms. This time there was no stopping them from hugging. Deep inside her heart, the heroine was glad that the hero came to her rescue. The hero hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go. The hero may not have told his feelings for the heroine but his let his actions show how much she meant to him. Once again, the hero rescued the heroine but this time it was not for duty or obligation, it was for love. He wanted to tell her how much each minute without her presence caused him much misery. How her smiles comforted him, how her voice filled his days with hope.
They arrived at the sorceress memorial where the heroine was held captive. They stormed into the restricted faculty and the hero managed to enter the room where the heroine was kept while his friends helped to delay the guards’ advance. The hero quickly took out his sword and slashed the glass enclosure where the heroine was trapped in. The heroine was thrown out of her ‘cage’ and the hero caught her in his arms. This time there was no stopping them from hugging. Deep inside her heart, the heroine was glad that the hero came to her rescue. The hero hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go. The hero may not have told his feelings for the heroine but his let his actions show how much she meant to him. Once again, the hero rescued the heroine but this time it was not for duty or obligation, it was for love. He wanted to tell her how much each minute without her presence caused him much misery. How her smiles comforted him, how her voice filled his days with hope.
Stranded in Space
This is the third part after the sunset walk, “Stranded in Space”. The heroine was left stranded in space after a huge explosion at the lunar base where the hero met his long lost sister. Somehow, the hero managed to escape with his sister and his other friends. The hero decided to save the heroine even if it means risking his life. He left his escape pod in search of the heroine. Meanwhile, the heroine’s life support was running out. Perhaps, the impact caused by the explosion had triggered her consciousness. She felt lost, drifting endlessly in space. She began to feel hopeless and thought that she was going to die, drifting away without saying goodbye to her friends. And so, she passed out again, this time the oxygen supply had run out.
The hero found the heroine just in time and caught her in his arms. The heroine’s back- up life support was restored. She opened her eyes to see the two rings attached by her necklace drifting in front of her eyes. One of them belongs to her, the other is the hero’s which she has borrowed from. She then realized that the hero had come to her rescue. The two drifted together aimlessly until they found a stranded spaceship.
When they were inside she asked, “Can you give me a hug…a tight one?” He asked why and she replied, “I need to know if I’m alive.” They spent sometime talking to each other, and the hero said, “We still need to figure out how to go back.” They headed for the pilot’s seat when they received a signal from earth. The air station on earth managed to locate the ship’s location and piloted the ship to return safely. All the two can do now is wait.
The heroine felt happy that they were going to see everyone again but she knew everything would change upon her return. So she approached the hero and sat on the hero’s lap. She said that she wanted to remain this way, “To me, you give me the most comfort.” “I just want to stay this way for a while longer.” She mentioned. She hugged the hero, putting her head on this shoulder. Soon, after much persuasion the heroine returned to her seat next to the hero. Just then, a voice was heard. “Is sorceress Rinoa there?” The hero was stunned. He looked at the trembling heroine. He switched off the radio and knelt beside the heroine. It was the hero’s duty to terminate sorceress but he said, “I would never do that. If you really are a sorceress…I would be your knight to protect you.” The heroine broke down into tears and cried on his shoulder. All the hero can do is to spend the moment with the saddened heroine. The heroine knew that she would be put into deep sleep when she returned and she would never see the hero again.
This was the hero’s decision to protect the sorceress, disobeying his duty to save someone important to him. He knew that many would hate a sorceress but he would be there to stand by her.
The hero found the heroine just in time and caught her in his arms. The heroine’s back- up life support was restored. She opened her eyes to see the two rings attached by her necklace drifting in front of her eyes. One of them belongs to her, the other is the hero’s which she has borrowed from. She then realized that the hero had come to her rescue. The two drifted together aimlessly until they found a stranded spaceship.
When they were inside she asked, “Can you give me a hug…a tight one?” He asked why and she replied, “I need to know if I’m alive.” They spent sometime talking to each other, and the hero said, “We still need to figure out how to go back.” They headed for the pilot’s seat when they received a signal from earth. The air station on earth managed to locate the ship’s location and piloted the ship to return safely. All the two can do now is wait.
The heroine felt happy that they were going to see everyone again but she knew everything would change upon her return. So she approached the hero and sat on the hero’s lap. She said that she wanted to remain this way, “To me, you give me the most comfort.” “I just want to stay this way for a while longer.” She mentioned. She hugged the hero, putting her head on this shoulder. Soon, after much persuasion the heroine returned to her seat next to the hero. Just then, a voice was heard. “Is sorceress Rinoa there?” The hero was stunned. He looked at the trembling heroine. He switched off the radio and knelt beside the heroine. It was the hero’s duty to terminate sorceress but he said, “I would never do that. If you really are a sorceress…I would be your knight to protect you.” The heroine broke down into tears and cried on his shoulder. All the hero can do is to spend the moment with the saddened heroine. The heroine knew that she would be put into deep sleep when she returned and she would never see the hero again.
This was the hero’s decision to protect the sorceress, disobeying his duty to save someone important to him. He knew that many would hate a sorceress but he would be there to stand by her.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
The Ballroom Dance
Having said the second part, I guess completing the pieces of the puzzle will be the appropriate thing to do. So, this will be the missing piece part 1, "The ballroom dance".
The hero was leaning against one of the pillars in the ballroom with a glass of wine in his hand, not too bothered with what is going in the ballroom. As always maintaining his cool, he took several sips to drown his boredom. Just then, he noticed a falling star in the dark skies. The heroine came into the picture, wearing a splendid dress. She smiled fondly towards the hero but the hero gave away a confused look. She approached him and asked him, "You are the most good-looking guys here. Care to have a dance with me?" The hero simply replied that he could not dance. She figured that he would not dance with someone he does not like so she tried to use her 'magic' to make the hero to like her. "You are going to like me...Did it work?" She enticed. The hero could not reply and suddenly, she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the centre of the ballroom.
The hero, feeling awkward, allowed her to take control of the situation. The music started to play and the waltz for the moon soon began. The hero meant what he said, he could not dance. The pair kept banging themselves with neighbouring dancing couples. There was once the hero accidentally lost his balance and threw himself at the heroine. Feeling embarrassed, he began to walk away but the heroine pulled his hand again. She persisted and the hero soon able to blend in with the crowd. Their dance became more fluent. It ended with the hero and heroine looking deep into each other's eyes. But the fireworks suddenly interrupted the romance. The heroine spotted the man she was looking for at the party and she walked away in hurry leaving the hero in the centre of the dance-floor. The hero could just watch her disappear from his view. And so, this is the seeds of love that has just begun to sprout even though the hero has forgotten to ask the heroine's name.
I was listening to the song, "How Deep Is Your Love" and somehow I felt like writing all of these down. Well, I guess the song blend in perfectly with the story.
The hero was leaning against one of the pillars in the ballroom with a glass of wine in his hand, not too bothered with what is going in the ballroom. As always maintaining his cool, he took several sips to drown his boredom. Just then, he noticed a falling star in the dark skies. The heroine came into the picture, wearing a splendid dress. She smiled fondly towards the hero but the hero gave away a confused look. She approached him and asked him, "You are the most good-looking guys here. Care to have a dance with me?" The hero simply replied that he could not dance. She figured that he would not dance with someone he does not like so she tried to use her 'magic' to make the hero to like her. "You are going to like me...Did it work?" She enticed. The hero could not reply and suddenly, she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the centre of the ballroom.
The hero, feeling awkward, allowed her to take control of the situation. The music started to play and the waltz for the moon soon began. The hero meant what he said, he could not dance. The pair kept banging themselves with neighbouring dancing couples. There was once the hero accidentally lost his balance and threw himself at the heroine. Feeling embarrassed, he began to walk away but the heroine pulled his hand again. She persisted and the hero soon able to blend in with the crowd. Their dance became more fluent. It ended with the hero and heroine looking deep into each other's eyes. But the fireworks suddenly interrupted the romance. The heroine spotted the man she was looking for at the party and she walked away in hurry leaving the hero in the centre of the dance-floor. The hero could just watch her disappear from his view. And so, this is the seeds of love that has just begun to sprout even though the hero has forgotten to ask the heroine's name.
I was listening to the song, "How Deep Is Your Love" and somehow I felt like writing all of these down. Well, I guess the song blend in perfectly with the story.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Fisherman Horizon...
Final Fantasy plays a major role in creating the peace of mind that I need at times just by listening to some of the songs for instance “Eyes on Me” and “Melodies of Life”. I feel at ease just by listening to the music while closing my eyes with the lights in my room switched off. Only darkness surrounds me and the songs accompany me through it all. This is one of the ways that I can put my mind at rest without getting bored by listening to the music playing over and over again. Oh yes, there is another song that works just as effective, Kenny G’s saxophone version of Titanic.
Final Fantasy 8 is virtually created but the events occurred in the game are simply sensational. There are love at first sight, ballroom dance, dark secrets, unrequited love, friendship, life of an orphan, rivalry, pursuing dreams, protecting someone important, adventure and promise. These are just some of the highlights and wonders of Final Fantasy mixed together to form a storyline. These events do happen in our daily lives but when you combine them together it really becomes a masterpiece. What’s important is the message that the events are trying to portray. This way, we can appreciate the game and its makers.
My favourite events are the ballroom dance, sunset walk along Fisherman Horizon, stranded in space, the rescue of heroine and the promise the hero and heroine made. I wish I can write all about them in detail but maybe the readers will get tired of it. So I’ll just explain the sunset walk that gives me the inspiration to name this online diary. Well, the hero tried to look for ways to cure the heroine’s unconscious state. He could only find the cure on another foreign frontier, so he took off with the sleeping heroine on his back leaving his friends behind during one evening. He has to cross the long, damaged railway that connects Fisherman Horizon with the frontier. He took a rest along the way and talk about himself to the unconscious heroine. He mentioned why he prefers to be alone and branded cold guy and it is the only time he talked this way. He knew she couldn’t reply or hear anything he said but I guess this is the only time he is so sincere towards the heroine. It was the turning point of the events that happened later. He continued his walk to unknown lands with the sunset accompanying the both of them till he met his other friends who had actually arrived there much earlier knowing that he would leave them behind.
Yeah, so I guess that is all. It is up to you to comprehend this event and link it with my purpose to name this online diary Fisherman Horizon.
Final Fantasy 8 is virtually created but the events occurred in the game are simply sensational. There are love at first sight, ballroom dance, dark secrets, unrequited love, friendship, life of an orphan, rivalry, pursuing dreams, protecting someone important, adventure and promise. These are just some of the highlights and wonders of Final Fantasy mixed together to form a storyline. These events do happen in our daily lives but when you combine them together it really becomes a masterpiece. What’s important is the message that the events are trying to portray. This way, we can appreciate the game and its makers.
My favourite events are the ballroom dance, sunset walk along Fisherman Horizon, stranded in space, the rescue of heroine and the promise the hero and heroine made. I wish I can write all about them in detail but maybe the readers will get tired of it. So I’ll just explain the sunset walk that gives me the inspiration to name this online diary. Well, the hero tried to look for ways to cure the heroine’s unconscious state. He could only find the cure on another foreign frontier, so he took off with the sleeping heroine on his back leaving his friends behind during one evening. He has to cross the long, damaged railway that connects Fisherman Horizon with the frontier. He took a rest along the way and talk about himself to the unconscious heroine. He mentioned why he prefers to be alone and branded cold guy and it is the only time he talked this way. He knew she couldn’t reply or hear anything he said but I guess this is the only time he is so sincere towards the heroine. It was the turning point of the events that happened later. He continued his walk to unknown lands with the sunset accompanying the both of them till he met his other friends who had actually arrived there much earlier knowing that he would leave them behind.
Yeah, so I guess that is all. It is up to you to comprehend this event and link it with my purpose to name this online diary Fisherman Horizon.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Psl End of Year Camp...
The Psl end of year camp was truly a blast. I am very happy with the sec ones, very energetic and friendly too. I found them overflowing with curiosity and they were willing to participate in all the games. Although some need more initiative and discipline, overall I thought we have chosen the right people to continue our Psl traditions. Some came with enthusiasm; others just make the camp more exciting. I am glad to know these people and be part of them.
The sec two seniors too had just made their first step to organize the first day of the 3-day camp. Though the first half of the day was rather messy and disorganized, they made improvements in the second half. Talking about the sec two seniors made me want to write about them. After all, next year, they will be the ones playing major roles in Psl.
We have Adam, Izzati, Florence, Erni, Tien Beng, Eugene and Syakirah.
Adam is a cool fellow with great enthusiasm, willing to work hard for Psl and have an endless sense of humour. He is able to lead a group of people to achieve greater heights. He is a possible candidate for chairmanship having great influence and good relationship with other Psl. He needs to be more firm in order to make people listen to his instructions. He has displayed an outstanding performance being station-in-charge and I believe he is going to propel Psl forward in the coming year.
Izzati was spotted by our previous chairman, Juren. He mentioned that she is the ‘one’ and has the potential to perform. She knows when to draw the line between having fun and being serious. She is able to lead a group and get them up and running with enthusiasm. It is no wonder she has one of the most number of votes when the Psl got the chance to pick who will be the seniors. She just needs to interact more with other Psl who may not be her good friends. This way, she might be able to get support from them when she needs them most especially for chairmanship.
Florence aka the girl Marcus likes a lot. It is not that we deliberately put her in the senior committee to be closer to him but she has one of the most numbers of votes. Florence can be quiet at times but she listens well. A good leader needs to be a good listener too, right? In the beginning, I felt that she struggles when it comes to lead a group, after all her partner was absent so she has to handle them all by herself. But, I guess she has benefited much experience from it. She has the potential to live up to expectations if she just put in a little more effort.
Erni aka the girl Firdaus is steadying with currently. She has the same reason why we put her in the senior committee like Florence. So far, I have noticed she has put in extra effort to make this camp a success. I may be wrong as it is only from my point of view. Very calm and caring outside and she can relate well with people around her. She is the planning type and likely she has to endure the pain when things go wrong. Whatever may come, I think she will be fine after the storm. To me, I think she has made a lot of improvements from the time I got to know her. I think that she has a high level of commitment. Having these qualities, she may end up being the next assistant chairman.
Tien Beng is considered the senior in doubt. At first, he seems to possess the makings of a good senior but somehow that vision starts to dissipate. He is very polite to the older seniors but lacks bravery to speak his mind. He is usually calm and preserved but still manages to facilitate the games. I do not know much about his planning ability but there must be other reasons why he got into the senior committee that I have not looked into. So far, I’m quite satisfied with his performance and behaviour which separates him from the rest.
Eugene possesses energy, being loud and clear when giving instructions. I noticed that he can be creative and motivate people who are not participating in the games. He could have become the next chairman if he was not going on the integrated programme. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Syakirah is one of the aces in the sec two seniors. During our visit to some primary school, I have noticed the way she explains and conducts the games. She is very patient with children and gives them extra attention. She treats the children as if they are her own siblings. That was missing in other Psl who bring themselves down as friends and in the end got bullied instead. She needs support from the others in order to bring her further up the ladder of chairmanship which I think she lacks.
With Eugene leaving us, I think it is time we have to look for some other candidate to replace him. I am thinking of getting those who have improved much and deserve a place in the senior committee. Those with responsibility and ability to adapt quickly in the senior committee. My prediction will be either Jovita, Syamsidar or Safirah. Maybe we should add a guy instead so that there will be a balance. Decisions will be made next year but we still need to discuss it with the sec twos’ seniors.
Please note that all these information are solely from my point of view and are not meant to offend but to build the character of the seniors, patching up the holes of complacency and other weaknesses so that you can pass this on to the next batch of seniors.
The sec two seniors too had just made their first step to organize the first day of the 3-day camp. Though the first half of the day was rather messy and disorganized, they made improvements in the second half. Talking about the sec two seniors made me want to write about them. After all, next year, they will be the ones playing major roles in Psl.
We have Adam, Izzati, Florence, Erni, Tien Beng, Eugene and Syakirah.
Adam is a cool fellow with great enthusiasm, willing to work hard for Psl and have an endless sense of humour. He is able to lead a group of people to achieve greater heights. He is a possible candidate for chairmanship having great influence and good relationship with other Psl. He needs to be more firm in order to make people listen to his instructions. He has displayed an outstanding performance being station-in-charge and I believe he is going to propel Psl forward in the coming year.
Izzati was spotted by our previous chairman, Juren. He mentioned that she is the ‘one’ and has the potential to perform. She knows when to draw the line between having fun and being serious. She is able to lead a group and get them up and running with enthusiasm. It is no wonder she has one of the most number of votes when the Psl got the chance to pick who will be the seniors. She just needs to interact more with other Psl who may not be her good friends. This way, she might be able to get support from them when she needs them most especially for chairmanship.
Florence aka the girl Marcus likes a lot. It is not that we deliberately put her in the senior committee to be closer to him but she has one of the most numbers of votes. Florence can be quiet at times but she listens well. A good leader needs to be a good listener too, right? In the beginning, I felt that she struggles when it comes to lead a group, after all her partner was absent so she has to handle them all by herself. But, I guess she has benefited much experience from it. She has the potential to live up to expectations if she just put in a little more effort.
Erni aka the girl Firdaus is steadying with currently. She has the same reason why we put her in the senior committee like Florence. So far, I have noticed she has put in extra effort to make this camp a success. I may be wrong as it is only from my point of view. Very calm and caring outside and she can relate well with people around her. She is the planning type and likely she has to endure the pain when things go wrong. Whatever may come, I think she will be fine after the storm. To me, I think she has made a lot of improvements from the time I got to know her. I think that she has a high level of commitment. Having these qualities, she may end up being the next assistant chairman.
Tien Beng is considered the senior in doubt. At first, he seems to possess the makings of a good senior but somehow that vision starts to dissipate. He is very polite to the older seniors but lacks bravery to speak his mind. He is usually calm and preserved but still manages to facilitate the games. I do not know much about his planning ability but there must be other reasons why he got into the senior committee that I have not looked into. So far, I’m quite satisfied with his performance and behaviour which separates him from the rest.
Eugene possesses energy, being loud and clear when giving instructions. I noticed that he can be creative and motivate people who are not participating in the games. He could have become the next chairman if he was not going on the integrated programme. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Syakirah is one of the aces in the sec two seniors. During our visit to some primary school, I have noticed the way she explains and conducts the games. She is very patient with children and gives them extra attention. She treats the children as if they are her own siblings. That was missing in other Psl who bring themselves down as friends and in the end got bullied instead. She needs support from the others in order to bring her further up the ladder of chairmanship which I think she lacks.
With Eugene leaving us, I think it is time we have to look for some other candidate to replace him. I am thinking of getting those who have improved much and deserve a place in the senior committee. Those with responsibility and ability to adapt quickly in the senior committee. My prediction will be either Jovita, Syamsidar or Safirah. Maybe we should add a guy instead so that there will be a balance. Decisions will be made next year but we still need to discuss it with the sec twos’ seniors.
Please note that all these information are solely from my point of view and are not meant to offend but to build the character of the seniors, patching up the holes of complacency and other weaknesses so that you can pass this on to the next batch of seniors.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Platinum Shadow...
It's been more than a month... Everything still looks the same. Except for one or two things...
I remembered vividly how I started out just like every typical competitors wishing to gain something from this competition. I signed up the participation form and finally got in. By the time the schedule was announced, I was prepared. I thought to myself," I do have the ability... I'm not gone lose till the finals." Maybe that kept me going even on the brink of losing during the finals... I was overwhelmed when the shuttle darted past me many times. I was not fast enough. Despite scoring 13 points, my opponent managed to win the first set. The second set, I took several precautions after watching his play earlier. I did play better, keeping over- servicing my opponent. I squeezed my way to win the set with 18 to 15. At the third set, I was even playing more intensely, making as little mistake as possible and tiring my opponent. I realized that I just had to be more relaxed when swinging my arms while smashing. True enough I kept scoring and made a huge leap from zero to 10. I ended the game with a smash and by then I knew it was all over. I had overcomed my greatest opponent, myself and the fear of losing. The final score 15 to 6. Loud cheer filled the room. It was my first taste of a real victory. Everyone congratulated me, before I knew it I felt rather satisfied with the victory. Fatigued and thirsty, I helped myself by splashing water on my face. Finally, I have achieved my goal. This victory meant so much to me... It is like my pride was at stake. Many rooted for me, my classmates, friends and those who believed in me, my family. Many hopes I had destroyed for those who supported my opponent. Even so I have created another hope that someday someone will defeat me and I will be awaiting for the challenge to come... I have proved my worth to the school, the people who rooted for me all the way and myself. Pride was all that left on my mind...
I remembered vividly how I started out just like every typical competitors wishing to gain something from this competition. I signed up the participation form and finally got in. By the time the schedule was announced, I was prepared. I thought to myself," I do have the ability... I'm not gone lose till the finals." Maybe that kept me going even on the brink of losing during the finals... I was overwhelmed when the shuttle darted past me many times. I was not fast enough. Despite scoring 13 points, my opponent managed to win the first set. The second set, I took several precautions after watching his play earlier. I did play better, keeping over- servicing my opponent. I squeezed my way to win the set with 18 to 15. At the third set, I was even playing more intensely, making as little mistake as possible and tiring my opponent. I realized that I just had to be more relaxed when swinging my arms while smashing. True enough I kept scoring and made a huge leap from zero to 10. I ended the game with a smash and by then I knew it was all over. I had overcomed my greatest opponent, myself and the fear of losing. The final score 15 to 6. Loud cheer filled the room. It was my first taste of a real victory. Everyone congratulated me, before I knew it I felt rather satisfied with the victory. Fatigued and thirsty, I helped myself by splashing water on my face. Finally, I have achieved my goal. This victory meant so much to me... It is like my pride was at stake. Many rooted for me, my classmates, friends and those who believed in me, my family. Many hopes I had destroyed for those who supported my opponent. Even so I have created another hope that someday someone will defeat me and I will be awaiting for the challenge to come... I have proved my worth to the school, the people who rooted for me all the way and myself. Pride was all that left on my mind...
Friday, July 23, 2004
PSLs...
PSLs... Well, I'm one of them. Peer Support Leaders is my other world besides school. Being one of them has brought me smiles and happy memories for they are a special bunch of people I'm working with. PSLs are fun loving, friendly and sociable people who create an atmosphere of excitement. I'm glad to say that I'm proud of my fellow PSL. Because of them, I learnt about my other self that can bring joy to others and being someone they can rely on. So, I will just give them a token of appreciation by saying their unique personalities...
The Chairman, Shuyu, she's our leader, our motivator and our key to success. She make sure that everyone has a role to play, never forgetting someone. She's responsible and cheerful who we can look up to and where we get our motivation and inspiration from. Without her, we couldn't have achieved praises from the schools we visited and that visited us. This one girl make a great difference if she is not around. Knowing her will make you feel welcomed and at ease. She will always be there to back us up and get things up and running. I'm more than honoured to work with her to achieve glory that PSLs deserve.
Vice-chairman, Caroline. She's the best at coming up with ideas and assisting our leader. She puts the team before herself and I'm proud of her. There was once she made other PSLs sing A Christmas Carol at Orchard MRT as one of the dares. I supported the idea and it turned out really superb. Her presence make us united in the sense that we can work together as a group. She is one of our greatest treasures that we will not let go of. With her around, I can see that the group really respected her as much as she respected us. That makes her extraordinary in my eyes.
2nd Vice-chairman, Firdaus. He's the type of guy to keep things real cool and calm. His face is carved with confidence and firm determination. He always get things done whatever the difficulties he might face. He is one of those guys who present himself as a real friend who you can depend on. Once he opens his mouth, we know that it is going to be great speeches. He is just wonderful as one might say, a leader with great responsibility.
Eric. He is more than life, very fun loving and very crazy at times too. Nevertheless, he is very good at motivating people, cheering them up with his jokes and funny lines. A funny guy with a different attitude when he gets serious. He is very passionate about guitar and his addiction for girls might just never end. But that is special, we never see his long face whatever he may face. This guy is the kind who really live his live to the fullest. I learnt many things from him and he is the kind who adds scipe in this world.
Cheryl. Another useful addition for our convoy. She is like the secretary for the group. She usually makes some sarcastic remarks but then again she talks with a lot of sense that I might just believe her. She is really passionate and committed to PSL from what I noticed. She never failed to miss a meeting. Well, she is really well-spoken and spontaneous making me admire something about her. Her confidence to speak her mind makes me realize that I should be like her in order to lead a group more effectively.
Michelle. If you think she is just another girl, you are wrong. She is like a good speaker and motivator. She is willing to help and participate in the school events. She is really a great person that you can ever imagined. Her high work rate, level of commitment and brilliant ideas makes her one of the best PSL personality. Not only that, she can relate to kids easily. There was once she helped a girl to reconcile with her friend. In fact, she never gives up after going through hard times getting them to say sorry to each other. This particular girl plays a critical role, ensuring that the events PSLs are having run smoothly.
Marcus. He makes silly jokes and talks a lot. There is always something on his mind that keeps him going non stop, just talking and blah blah. Even so, he knows when to cut the crap and get back to business. Working with him is like working with a good partner. We helped each other even without asking for it. Well, great minds think alike. This guy proves to be someone who speaks his mind. No wonder, he and Cheryl always argue about things but in the end, they will always be good friends when it comes to working seriously.
Wen Bin. This guy is very outgoing, humourous and daring just like Eric. He can take on anyone despite their race, religion or gender. A real cool guy with high level of energy, never stops singing, enjoying life more than anything. When it comes to work, he will be ready to contribute his crazy yet useful ideas. With his level of energy, everyone treat him like they know him for ages. He never looks gloomy no matter what the weather he is enduring. His number one motto, FUN, FUN and MORE FUN... Especially to girls.
Ansley. I have to say that she is the most adorable and cutest among all the girls in our group. Her easy going personality makes us like her. Having her in our team is our greatest joy. Because without her, there will be no sunshine smiling brightly upon us. Her patience with kids is immeasurable. In fact, she mey even end up behaving like them. Nevertheless, she adds depth to our convoy. Making friends with her is making one step forward to realizing her easy going lifestyle and her cute personality.
Well, the last one is of course me. These are my fellow PSLs in the EXCO committee. I think without them around my life will be dull without colour. They are the rainbow in my sky, the family that works together, the people whom I shared the best of my years with. The memories of being one of this committee will never be forgotten, in the corner of my heart, Peer Support Leaders of Temasek Secondary will always live...
The Chairman, Shuyu, she's our leader, our motivator and our key to success. She make sure that everyone has a role to play, never forgetting someone. She's responsible and cheerful who we can look up to and where we get our motivation and inspiration from. Without her, we couldn't have achieved praises from the schools we visited and that visited us. This one girl make a great difference if she is not around. Knowing her will make you feel welcomed and at ease. She will always be there to back us up and get things up and running. I'm more than honoured to work with her to achieve glory that PSLs deserve.
Vice-chairman, Caroline. She's the best at coming up with ideas and assisting our leader. She puts the team before herself and I'm proud of her. There was once she made other PSLs sing A Christmas Carol at Orchard MRT as one of the dares. I supported the idea and it turned out really superb. Her presence make us united in the sense that we can work together as a group. She is one of our greatest treasures that we will not let go of. With her around, I can see that the group really respected her as much as she respected us. That makes her extraordinary in my eyes.
2nd Vice-chairman, Firdaus. He's the type of guy to keep things real cool and calm. His face is carved with confidence and firm determination. He always get things done whatever the difficulties he might face. He is one of those guys who present himself as a real friend who you can depend on. Once he opens his mouth, we know that it is going to be great speeches. He is just wonderful as one might say, a leader with great responsibility.
Eric. He is more than life, very fun loving and very crazy at times too. Nevertheless, he is very good at motivating people, cheering them up with his jokes and funny lines. A funny guy with a different attitude when he gets serious. He is very passionate about guitar and his addiction for girls might just never end. But that is special, we never see his long face whatever he may face. This guy is the kind who really live his live to the fullest. I learnt many things from him and he is the kind who adds scipe in this world.
Cheryl. Another useful addition for our convoy. She is like the secretary for the group. She usually makes some sarcastic remarks but then again she talks with a lot of sense that I might just believe her. She is really passionate and committed to PSL from what I noticed. She never failed to miss a meeting. Well, she is really well-spoken and spontaneous making me admire something about her. Her confidence to speak her mind makes me realize that I should be like her in order to lead a group more effectively.
Michelle. If you think she is just another girl, you are wrong. She is like a good speaker and motivator. She is willing to help and participate in the school events. She is really a great person that you can ever imagined. Her high work rate, level of commitment and brilliant ideas makes her one of the best PSL personality. Not only that, she can relate to kids easily. There was once she helped a girl to reconcile with her friend. In fact, she never gives up after going through hard times getting them to say sorry to each other. This particular girl plays a critical role, ensuring that the events PSLs are having run smoothly.
Marcus. He makes silly jokes and talks a lot. There is always something on his mind that keeps him going non stop, just talking and blah blah. Even so, he knows when to cut the crap and get back to business. Working with him is like working with a good partner. We helped each other even without asking for it. Well, great minds think alike. This guy proves to be someone who speaks his mind. No wonder, he and Cheryl always argue about things but in the end, they will always be good friends when it comes to working seriously.
Wen Bin. This guy is very outgoing, humourous and daring just like Eric. He can take on anyone despite their race, religion or gender. A real cool guy with high level of energy, never stops singing, enjoying life more than anything. When it comes to work, he will be ready to contribute his crazy yet useful ideas. With his level of energy, everyone treat him like they know him for ages. He never looks gloomy no matter what the weather he is enduring. His number one motto, FUN, FUN and MORE FUN... Especially to girls.
Ansley. I have to say that she is the most adorable and cutest among all the girls in our group. Her easy going personality makes us like her. Having her in our team is our greatest joy. Because without her, there will be no sunshine smiling brightly upon us. Her patience with kids is immeasurable. In fact, she mey even end up behaving like them. Nevertheless, she adds depth to our convoy. Making friends with her is making one step forward to realizing her easy going lifestyle and her cute personality.
Well, the last one is of course me. These are my fellow PSLs in the EXCO committee. I think without them around my life will be dull without colour. They are the rainbow in my sky, the family that works together, the people whom I shared the best of my years with. The memories of being one of this committee will never be forgotten, in the corner of my heart, Peer Support Leaders of Temasek Secondary will always live...
Monday, July 12, 2004
My Thoughts On Music...
Music... a rather popular subject among my peers in schools. They can talk about music from singers to pop idols. In my case, I detest studying music. Strangely I like listening to music. Most people come under this category where all they can do is listen to the pieces that they like.
A smooth music from sentimental to instrumental is my favourite. Their kind of music drifts mind away far into thin air. I can just imagine that I'm flying freely as I close my eyes while listening to these kind of music. I called them masterpieces. I'm so hooked to them that I don't mind listening to them over and over. It is when you let music flow slowly right into your deepest thoughts that you can find comfort. To me, besides the person that I love most, music gives me comfort; simple yet priceless.
Music does last as long as one is able to produce an original masterpiece. However, generation has set its eyes on other types of music. Rap, hip-hop and rock seem to poison the mind of young ones. I can't see a reason to why such displeasing music become a trend among teens nowadays. Soothing music can brighten up your gloomy days, accompany you when the worlds is against you and calm you inner self. Music should not evolve dramatically from soft ones to hard and loud ones. It is just not right...
A smooth music from sentimental to instrumental is my favourite. Their kind of music drifts mind away far into thin air. I can just imagine that I'm flying freely as I close my eyes while listening to these kind of music. I called them masterpieces. I'm so hooked to them that I don't mind listening to them over and over. It is when you let music flow slowly right into your deepest thoughts that you can find comfort. To me, besides the person that I love most, music gives me comfort; simple yet priceless.
Music does last as long as one is able to produce an original masterpiece. However, generation has set its eyes on other types of music. Rap, hip-hop and rock seem to poison the mind of young ones. I can't see a reason to why such displeasing music become a trend among teens nowadays. Soothing music can brighten up your gloomy days, accompany you when the worlds is against you and calm you inner self. Music should not evolve dramatically from soft ones to hard and loud ones. It is just not right...
Friday, July 09, 2004
People All Around Me...
As we all know, no one is 100% a loner nor not having people who you call friends. That goes the same for me. I'm quite a loner by nature, prefers things going my way and being introverted. It is when you are all alone, you feel a strange comfort inside... A feeling of not being disturbed, just you and mother nature. Perhaps watching sunsets from afar...
But sometimes, the loner feels loneliness rather overwhelming for him to handle. That is when someone should appear adding colours to the loner's world. Once found can never be lost because loner wants to preserve whatever he thinks he needs.
People all around me are adding colours to my life. Their smiles, joys and sorrows prove to be invaluable in one's life although most of the time we care less looking deeper on what we actually gain by knowing these people. To me, people who I call friends are special in their own ways. Some encourage, some share the similar opinions while others just sticks to you. It is when we are close with our friends, we discover a part of us in them... And their part on us. In the end, both parties will walk along the same path, achieving a common goal and sometimes to an extent of choosing life and death together.
People around us make us realize that world is created with different colours of human characters and personalities. We may not like certain people but still their personalities make them stand out from the rest. With this, I'd like to acknowledge people who make a difference in my life. I want to thank you for making a loner, a better man who can be accepted and respected by all...
But sometimes, the loner feels loneliness rather overwhelming for him to handle. That is when someone should appear adding colours to the loner's world. Once found can never be lost because loner wants to preserve whatever he thinks he needs.
People all around me are adding colours to my life. Their smiles, joys and sorrows prove to be invaluable in one's life although most of the time we care less looking deeper on what we actually gain by knowing these people. To me, people who I call friends are special in their own ways. Some encourage, some share the similar opinions while others just sticks to you. It is when we are close with our friends, we discover a part of us in them... And their part on us. In the end, both parties will walk along the same path, achieving a common goal and sometimes to an extent of choosing life and death together.
People around us make us realize that world is created with different colours of human characters and personalities. We may not like certain people but still their personalities make them stand out from the rest. With this, I'd like to acknowledge people who make a difference in my life. I want to thank you for making a loner, a better man who can be accepted and respected by all...
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
My Humble Beginning...
I have just reached my first step to keep with the times like they always say...
Well, I hope I'll be able to spend some time updating this online diary and express what I have in mind and put them down into words rather than saying them to people around me.
Perhaps, through writing I'll be able to indulge myself into unexpected fantasies that I can come up with.
A brief explanation on the title I have chosen... Fated Circle is the journey of my young life.Like a wheel, it has its ups and downs, so does a circle. I believe that we are fated to accomplish or lose something in life and only we can change the path of our destiny. And thus, Fated Circle reflects the life of a youth in search of a way to change his destiny through the ups and downs of life itself.
With this, I'd like to share with you, My Humble Beginning...
Well, I hope I'll be able to spend some time updating this online diary and express what I have in mind and put them down into words rather than saying them to people around me.
Perhaps, through writing I'll be able to indulge myself into unexpected fantasies that I can come up with.
A brief explanation on the title I have chosen... Fated Circle is the journey of my young life.Like a wheel, it has its ups and downs, so does a circle. I believe that we are fated to accomplish or lose something in life and only we can change the path of our destiny. And thus, Fated Circle reflects the life of a youth in search of a way to change his destiny through the ups and downs of life itself.
With this, I'd like to share with you, My Humble Beginning...
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