As promised previously, I’m back with one final post before I take a break to concentrate on my university education. Yes, I will cover more on the everyday topics on the minds of Singaporeans, as well as my own personal goings since my last piece of writing. And if you are wondering on the title, it was adapted from one of the tasks my OG (Orientation Group) had to solve during one of the challenges during NOLC (Nanyang Orientation Leadership Camp), and it serves as an inspiration for the title. *The answer will be revealed at the end. Let’s start the ball rolling!
So contrary to the recent polls by condom maker Durex that locals are not satisfied with their life in the bedroom, Singaporeans are apparently ramping up the sleaze factor with headlines such as “Former teacher under probe for sex with student”, “Ex-SCDF chief alleged sex scandal exposed” & “Lowdown on online vice case” hitting the front pages of the papers and online news publications in recent times. The latest headline to rock Singapore was “Professor in sex-for-grades scandal”, which appeared in both The New Paper and The Straits Times a few days ago. What made this story so worthy of note, was the irony behind those involved. He was an associate professor from NUS’s (National University of Singapore) law faculty, while she is reportedly serving her pupillage at a law firm. The very fact that they were trained in law, tarnished the very Code of Conduct that the two (of all people), should abide in.
Tey Tsun Hang, the professor involved in the Sex-for-Grades scandal
Anyway, I partook in NTU’s NOLC Camp which ran from the 16th till the 19th of July. It was by a twist of fate that I attended this camp instead of NBS’ (Nanyang Business School), which was running at the same time frame. I was originally offered a place in the NOLC’s camp, but I chose to reject them as I was holding out for NBS’, as I thought it would be better that I bonded with my own faculty mates, than with the scholars and USP (University Scholars Programme) holders, since I probably will only be seeing them for sparse periods during my university education. Alas, for some reason, I was informed by NBS only on the 13th that my application for the FOC (Freshmen Orientation Camp) was rejected. (The official reason given was that it was due to overwhelming response, but rumours have spread that the rejected were cast off after the organizing committee ‘stalked’ our Facebook profiles and had deemed us not ‘cool’ enough for the camp.) With only 3 days left till the 16th, I decided to appeal with the NOLC committee to see if they could reinstate me back into the list, despite the fact that I would likely be triggering a logistical nightmare, given the short notice. Thankfully, they replied me almost instantaneously and welcomed me back with open arms, but not before taking a dig at the NBS organizing committee for not assuring a place for all NBS freshmen.
Day one of the NOLC camp was pretty much set within the campus. After the customary ice-breaking games, where I was introduced to the other members of my OG, our OGL (Kian Boon) and our Facilitator (Matthew), we checked in to our air-conditioned halls before breaking for lunch. I bunked in with Ming Xuan, a VJC (Victoria Junior College) alumnus who served his NS (National Service) as an officer at Sungei Gedong Camp. It was orientation round the university campus after lunch, where we were introduced to various key landmarks, while the different OGs compete against one another in a contest similar to the American game show “Minute to Win It” after a quick dinner at the SRC (Sports and Recreation Centre). It was about 11pm when the activities for the day ended, and we were told to have an early night, as Day two will be a tiring one for all, with the commencement of the 2D1N ‘noMADic Race’.
The noMADic Race works similarly to the popular reality television game show “The Amazing Race”. Teams will be given a fixed amount of cash at the start of the race, which will pay for our meals and transportation during the course of the race. We will be also given clues to each destination, and challenges at each checkpoint we will face along the race. The main difference about the noMADic Race and The Amazing Race was that in the noMADic Race, it didn’t matter if you returned back to the pit stop the earliest. What mattered most was the number of checkpoints that we could cover given our financial restrictions and the number of challenges that we can complete given the 30 hours stipulated for the race. Along the way, we were also given ‘rewards’ such as free bus rides, for carrying out extra tasks. At the starting point, before the race even begin, I volunteered for the very first ‘reward’ challenge, to come up with an elevator pitch to “sell” ourselves to the NOLC committee to convince them to “invest” in our OG. I came up with an impromptu comic speech in reference to Barrack Obama, which our OG was named after. Despite a few stumbles here and there, I think my elevator pitch left an impression on the committee, as we were awarded a free bus/train trip that could be utilized at any point during the race. Eunice left the camp prematurely due to an emergency at home, as we arrived at our first checkpoint; the Starbucks at Rochester Park, where we had to collect as many aluminum cans as possible and present them to old folks earning their keep through sale of the cans. In order to conserve cash for food and transport, we decided on takeaway from the canteen at Bouna Vista MRT while we walk to our next destination – The Chopin Monument at Botanical Gardens. The challenge at the Chopin Monument was that we had to take as many photos as possible which reflect the “integration” of cosmopolitan Singapore. Out came our mobile phones, as we split up to capture the Kodak moments with tourists, PRs and foreign workers alike; even photos of road signs and maps which depicts different languages, showing how “integrated” our society had become, were included as part of our Cosmopolitan album. While en route to our next checkpoint – *Scape, we noticed a TV crew filming a variety show near TripleOne Somerset, with Vivian Lai as host. Matthew and I then dared each other to approach the crew for a photo, especially since Vivian was Taiwan-born, she could serve as our “Celebrity Ambassador” for our cosmopolitan shoot. To our surprise, she obliged, and we had our celeb endorsement, which we believed secured our victory in the challenge. After completing the task at *Scape (which we were also awarded an extra bonus challenge – visual brain teasers which involved the 7 Cs), we headed next to Toa Payoh, where we had to search for a 25 story flat and climb the flight of stairs at the quickest possible time, with video evidence as proof. We had to redo the challenge a couple of times, as the video function from our smart phones kept going off at the handovers during the climb. We eventually completed the climb in less than 2 minutes, and we headed to Ang Mo Kio to search for miniature Merlion statues. It was a good thing that we had Jia Yi in our OG, as she lived in the district of Ang Mo Kio, she knew exactly where the Merlions were. We headed towards East Coast Park next, where we were to spend the night in tents. Before we checked in at the pit stop at East Coast Park, we ‘trespassed’ into VJC, making use of their showering facilities before we made the short trek over to the beach and pitched our ‘home’ for the night.
Met this Russian beauty while at the Botanical Gardens; doesn’t she look like Lady Gaga?
Celebrity Ambassador 赖怡伶!
Awaken by the fresh sea breeze the next morning, we continued on our arduous journey on the race after a quick wash-up. Before leaving East Coast Park, we ‘joined’ a group of senior citizens practicing qigong to fulfill the requirements of a challenge where we had to get 50 strangers to participate in a flash mob alongside us. With the flash mob challenge done and dusted, we headed over to our next checkpoint, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, where we had to alter lyrics of a top-40 song to a Singapore related theme and get random strangers to sing along in a music video. Breakfast was also settled at Chin Mee Chin, which served traditional kaya toast and kopi. The Children Little Museum at the Bugis area was next on the agenda, which we managed to reach via a combination of “bus no. 2”, and a MRT ride. By the time we reached the Children Little Museum, most of our phones were either dead or dying, so when we decided to take a break at InterContinental Singapore, I took the opportunity to ‘tap’ into the electricity supply at Bugis Junction to give my phone some ‘juice’ before we continue on. The MBFC (Maria Bay Financial Centre) was the next stop, and we took a leisure walk along some of Singapore’s most famous landmarks, ‘planking’ along as we took photos as part of the MBFC challenge. It wasn’t long before me and Vanka were established as the resident ‘plankers’, while Ying Teng surprised us all when she pulled off a perfect plank on a statue of a water buffalo situated along the Singapore River. It also didn’t take me and Matthew very long before we taunted each other on another photo dare; this time to snap a Kodak moment with a newlywed couple who were in the midst of their wedding shoot along Cavenagh Bridge. After the ‘planking’ exploits, we stopped over at Amoy Street for lunch, with me and Jessica leading the way. We were familiar with the route and the cheap and good food that were on offer over there, since Mum was working nearby and I had joined her for lunch on several occasions, while Jessica had interned at Ernst & Young (which was a couple of blocks away) for a number of months. After feasting over Lor Mee, Char Kway Teow, Wanton Mee, Muffins & copious amounts of Sugar Cane and Avocado juice, our last checkpoint before heading back to NTU would be an art piece located somewhere opposite M Hotel Singapore, which we found with Ying Teng’s direction. Back at NTU, we finished up the remaining challenges, and I was glad that I could contribute once again on our final challenge of reconstructing a ‘Noose-esque’ video depicting the recent saga revolving the Sticker Lady, which asks the question “Where exactly is my Grandfather’s Road?” I took on the triple role of “Writer who writes bullshit scripts”, “Wardrobe Master” & “Directionless Director”. The 25 second video was a success, all thanks to the outstanding leads; Yu Ren (as Michelle Chong), Jessica (as the Little Girl), Edwin (as the Grandfather); The Woman on the Camera, Zi Ying; The creativity team, Ying Teng, Shelly & Kian Boon; with special thanks to the ‘frustrated lady driver in car’, whose name I had neglected to obtain.
Vanka with the MBS & the Esplanade serving as the backdrop
Ying Teng surprising all of us with a perfect plank!
Row of ‘Obama’ plankers at the Civilian War Memorial, with Suntec City at the background
With the success of the Flash Mob, Cosmopolitan Singapore & the Grandfather’s Road challenges, Obama was named champions of the noMADic Race, achieving the feat with only 3 MRT rides & 4 bus trips. By my estimation, we had covered about 30 KM on foot, that’s longer than the length of AYE (Ayer Rajah Expressway)!
Crashing the newlyweds’ photoshoot at Cavenagh Bridge
We spent the evening of Day three rehearsing our mass dance performance for our D&D. People who know me well know I have absolutely no psychomotor skills. During my BMT (Basic Military Training), I had to go for extra foot drill and BCCT (Basic Close Combat Training) lessons, because my feet just would not coordinate with my arms, and I was famously left out from the dance segment during the secondary 3 camp, where I was relegated to becoming a ‘spotter’ (not that I mind though). I did not wanna embarrass myself on stage this time round, so I practiced alone in the bunk when Ming Xuan was showering, hoping for no screw ups during the D&D at Seletar Country Club the next day.
The theme for the morning of Day four was ‘Hunger Games’. Each OG had to come up with a “tribute” which the rest of the OG had to defend in a water based game. Shrijit was named as our “tribute” and we defended him hopelessly; he was first to be knocked out from the game. We then switched targets to Matthew, where Juliana and I drenched our dear facilitator with much chemistry between us. The afternoon was left free & easy for us to consume our lunch, rehearse our dance, dress up for D&D, as well as check out from our hall stay. With Vanka (who is a trained dancer) as our choreographer, we felt that we had practiced enough, and we just hung out with one another till the time came for us to board the coaches to Seletar Country Club for the grand finale. We were drawn first to grace the stage for the dance piece, and Thank God, I didn’t choke during the performance where we danced to Chris Brown’s 2007 hit – Forever. After a few more photos at the dinner table, we soon split up and made our respective way home, bidding adieu to Matthew and co; marking a wonderful end to NOLC 2012.
Clockwise from top left: Zi Ying, Vanka, Yu Ren, Shelly, Shrijit, Myself, Kian Boon, Ming Xuan, Matthew, Juliana, Jessica, Ying Teng, Jia Yi, Edwin
Despite missing out on NBS FOC, I was glad to say that I kinda enjoyed myself at NOLC. For one, NOLC was organized by Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group Pte Ltd, which meant that it was more structured, with activities that are designed for one to actually showcase leadership and use your knowledge and skills to achieve the desired end result. Think of it as SAF’s (Singapore Armed Forces) SIT test (Situational Test), but more fun and less exhausting. Secondly, since most of NTU’s other camps were sponsored or supported by SDN (Social Development Network – Formerly known as SDU, Social Development Unit); the games involved are usually more risqué in nature, which can cause discomfort to some. Also, other NTU camps are infamous for the lack of rest time. 3 hours of rest daily made outfield seem like a breeze. Not only were we allocated at least 7 hours of rest daily, we also slept in air conditioned rooms, with a chalet-like atmosphere. To put it simply, NOLC was more humane than the other camps that were on offer. That said; one downside of NOLC was that I was unable to interact with seniors from my own faculty, which meant that I will have to create new bonds on my first day at NBS.
Two days after the conclusion of NOLC, I held a mini celebration for my 21st birthday at the Chalets located in Goldkist Beach Resort situated within East Coast Park. I decided to hold it a couple of weeks in advance due to university matriculation and orientation. The bringing forward of the celebration meant that I was also able to incorporate a little surprise for my aunt, whose birthday was on the 27th. My original guest list was for 100 persons, but only 40 odd turned up. I have to admit I was sorely disappointed with my JC and NDU mates with Zhe Xuan and Jack the only representatives respectively. My mates from Fuhua, Dynamo & HSBC were the best represented, while I was touched by Jeremy’s (Member of Temasek Club whom I befriended during my stint there) & my NOLC OG’s appearances that night. I was however most pleasantly surprised by baby’s arrival that day. She had previously RSVP that she was unable to attend as she would be overseas; so when I received her text at about 7pm that she will be coming, I have to confess that my heart did skip a beat. I wasn’t thinking too much though; I hadn’t seen her for over two years since; just catching up and seeing her again would be great.
Despite knowing each other for only a week, NOLC mates Edwin & Jessica graced my Birthday celebrations
With my HSBC colleagues, From Left: John, Vanessa, Roseline, Myself, Sophia (My beloved Mentor) & Jesslyn
With the creator of my cakes, Jin Mei & my debating partner for 4 years, Iris
With Tim 婆婆 & Family
Anyway, food I catered from Stamford Catering Services Pte Ltd, while satay was ordered from Kwong Satay. The birthday cakes were courtesy of my good friend Jin Mei, which I had specially ordered from. I had a terrible time during the cake cutting, as Jin Mei had replaced the candles with trick ones; candles that will light themselves up again after I blew them out. It was nonetheless great memories spent with my loved ones, friends, family, colleagues and all.
Special thanks to Jin Mei & her colleagues for their exquisite artwork and the delicious Blue Velvet Cake for my Birthday surprise
The Cranberry Chocolate Cake, also courtesy of Jin Mei, which was baked to specifications as a surprise for my aunt
Birthday Girl & Birthday Boy posing for the camera
Struggling to blow out the candles which Jin Mei had rigged!
With My Family
With Uncle Christopher & Family
With 姑妈 & Family
With Uncle Young Wee & Family
Tim 婆婆 & Family + Nenek Diana
Best pals from Shuqun, Jun Wen & Joshua
Secondary School Mates – from left: Jun Wen, Kok Leong, Myself, baby, Kenneth
JJC – from left: Huimin, Jun Wen, Myself & Zhe Xuan
With the boys from Dynamo. As you can see, Jun Wen has been a bosom buddy of mine for a long long time. (Not in photo – Edwin, Jia Chuan & Yong Lun, as they came after the cake cutting due to camp commitments)
Jack, the sole representative from NDU
Made some great friends at Temasek Club – with Jeremy & Family
With the ladies from HSBC – from left: Jesslyn, Sophia, Myself & Roseline
With NOLC’s Zi Ying & her pals
Thank you to everyone for your gifts & most importantly; the wonderful memories.
On the morning of the 27th of July, I finally passed by PDT (Practical Driving Test) at my third try, attaining my Class 3 driving license at long last. The warm up session was done without any hitches; no stalled engines, no kerb striking, no sudden brakes or acceleration; problems which plagued my previous two attempts. Hence, I was more or less quite confident this time round. 3rd time’s a charm.
In the afternoon, I attended an OG outing organized by Edwin; to watch The Dark Knight Rises at VivoCity. I hadn’t caught the first two installments of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, so I wasn’t particularly interested in watching the film, except for maybe the fact that Anne Hathaway was starring as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman. Catwoman was ranked 23rd in Comics Buyer’s Guide’s “100 Sexiest Women in Comics” list (Which bloke can resist a babe in skin hugging leather catsuits with sharp stiletto heels, and calls a whip her primary weapon?) and while there have been many depictions of Catwoman on film, such as Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992’s Batman Returns, while Halle Berry portrayed the feline seductress in the ill fated quasi-spinoff of 2004; Anne Hathaway’s probably the one that left men wanting more. She does not show off too much skin during the movie, yet still does enough to keep the guys interested in the character. Perhaps it was due to her wit that captivated us. (She was indeed described by many as being an enigma, a wily and witty con artist, who was also a high society grafter.)
Anne Hathaway kicking some butt as Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Returns
So with 6 C’s down, one more left to go. I was tempted to name CHC (City Harvest Church) as the last C, with the latest revelation that the ongoing lawsuit may cost each accused more than $1m in legal fees, but since I had touched on them in my previous post, I decided to let them off this time round. In its replacement, I thought I shall give Cupid a little mention. Cupid, the Roman God of Desire, Affection and Love. I haven’t had much luck at any of the mentioned above for quite some time, so Cupid, if you’re reading; here’s a willing victim for your gold-laced arrows. (Legend has it that Cupid’s gold arrows inspires true love; while its lead-headed arrows inspires erotic love) Just make sure you hit a bull’s-eye.
The inspiration behind CCCCCCC
*The answer for CCCCCCC is 7 Seas.
yearningforlove 