First
The first ones are those we remember most. I vaguely remember some TV ad which asked who was the second man on the moon, who was the second to do some spectacular feat and so on. The bottomline is that nobody much recalls. That's why the complany was proud of their topnotch product, whatever it was.
But that's according to rank. Still, according to sequence, the first ones are those that will be more firmly etched than most of the rest.
I just came back from my first ever public choir performance, together with the NUS choir. It was at Raffles City Convention Centre, which is this posh place at the top of one of those high-rise, high-end, high-price shopping centers/hotels in City Hall. The choir was clad in elegant black and reds and orange. It was the long-sleeved black shirt with a red tie for the guys, and a tight-fitting longish sleeved black shirt and orange sarong for the girls.
We performed 5 songs: Dream a Little Dream (girls only), The Lonesome Road, Ring the Banjo, Fly Me to the Moon, and Goodnight It's Time to Go (guys only). The juniors only practiced for 2 sessions, since this was a sudden invitation, the first time the Singapore Steel Society (or something) invited the NUS Choir for some function.
Sooo.. was it memorable? Well, yes, in the sense that it was the first time I got to perform outside school, and outside the Philippines for that matter! And in a posh event at that. And with the NUS choir! Who would've thought.
But was it memorable = good = exciting = the ultimate = the best? Nah. The rich people were eating when we entered. Apparently, we were supposed to be their "background music" as they ate and drank and laughed and conversed with the rest of the guests. And that's exactly what we turned out to be: background music. They didn't come to the function to hear us; we were just there for the ride. Another choir from ACJC (Anglo-Chinese Junior College) sang before us but we didn't hear them since we were rehearsing in the next room (although from the looks of their faces, I think we shared the same after-show sentiments).
Anyway, the microphones were bad as they didn't seem to be the aerial type which was intended for group singing. The sound system was bad since there was feedback speaker (or whatever it's called) and thus choir couldn't hear each other sing, unlike in rehearsals. We weren't even sure if the audience heard our voices. And more notably, the rich folk clad in formalwear were dining and talking and laughing while we sang. Background music, I tell you. In the small breaks between songs, a few claps would come form the audience, rather hesitant since only a selected scattered bunch of them seemed to want to join in the applause. There was a slightly greater applause after the third song, but even after the last song, when the clapping was loudest (relatively), the applause still seemed.. lukewarm. The audience (if you could call them that) were much too busy eating and talking.
Bad for the morale, I think, but still the choir head, Wey Ling congratulated the group for doing well. I honestly don't know how it went, since we couldn't hear ourselves much. I think the performance had very slight hiccups, and was quite nice, actually. Although I think the reaction of the crowd (or lack of it) might have affected us somewhere in the middle of the presentation.
Anyway, I went home with 3 new Malaysian friends in a taxi. Derence and Shean, who both seem warm and friendly, and this other senior choir singer whose name I didn't catch. I got to interact with the other choir members more, which is a good thing, considering that mostly the specific sections usually clump together.
Overall it was a good night. I still cannot quite believe that my bathroom voice is NUS Choir material. I who have zero choir experience aside from that small stint in Kent Ridge's Star to Burst freshman night. I still maintain that I managed to slip through the cracks bacause of lack of bass manpower, but it feels great to sing with these fellas who sing amazingly well (partly due to their choir experience before in JC and even earlier).
Too bad there weren't any photos, since we were all busy with rehearsing, and in a rush to go home afterwards. So Wayne, thanks for the digicam; I shot myself na lang in the room. Hehe.
NO class tomorrow. I swear I will do a GOOD java crash course. Goodnight.
Priorities
Great. I just managed to screw up all my priorities.
I went to Ginza Plaza awhile ago, and I spent a grand total of 100+ bucks. Today I PLANNED to study all day, so I made sure that I went to the Sunset Mass last night, so I would be free virtually all day. But instead, I went out yesterday afternoon (in the morning were the soccer games where I was content to cheer them on), and again today.
The major culprit is this elusive black long-sleeved shirt, which I need for the Choir performance tomorrow night. It's the formal type, and I asked from Nirorn, but he had the suit/coat instead. I asked Navuth, but it turns out his shirt is too "fitting" for me, and besides, the sleeves lack some good 10cm, so my hands look really huge when I bend my elbows. Nestor was willing to lend me, but it was a Marks & Spencer shirt, and I was hesitant what would happen to it after I washed it in the automatic wash-rinse-spin washer.
So I decided to go to Ginza Plaza for a while, which is a few stops only from the bus stop behind our hall. It turns out that Ginza Plaza is not the place to buy department store stuff, so I was planning to go home to hall instead, and borrow Nestor's shirt. Then the Bus 33 came along. I saw that it went to Boon Lay, and thus to Jurong Point, one of the classier malls around.
The bus ride took sooo long, but it was tolerable. I arrived at Jurong Point finally, and it was SALE galore! So of course, after the loooooong wait, I was finally here in a good mall with a sale. There was a Bossini sale so I got a nice blue shirt. In another store I got the good black long-sleeved shirt for about 50 bucks, and then the splurge. I bought a watch! A Swatch watch. 86 bucks. Latest model daw, and it looked quite stylish. My other watch, although relatively new, is too formal, and besides, I told Dad na rin that I'd buy another watch. I also bought a small black clear book for the musical scores in tomorrow evening's choir performance, and, because this auntie was so persuasive (but of course maybe I'm desperate), I bought another facial thing.
So there. I spent the whole afternoon in Jurong Point, and on the road. Antagal. I reasoned that I was in a big mall already, and had traveled far enough too, so why not maximize the experience right? I was window-shopping too, which is rather fun too (go ask those mall rats).
SOOO.. now I really really have to study. No more excuses. In fairness, though, I'm already more than halfway into my essays for Singapore Studies. The paper about Fistful of Colours, if you recall. The task is to insert a 250-300 word passage into the story, such that if the novel were reprinted, the changes would be unnoticeable to a new reader. And another 750-1000 word essay on the difficulties and considerations in making that new passage.
I haven't done any readings yet, too, for the rest of my modules. And by now, I've learned that reading the slides of lecture notes is never enough.
It's a busy week ahead, what with the Choir performance tomorrow night, a juniors' supper we'll set-up on Wednesday night, the Ridge Welcome tea and Choir practice on Thursday, and my SS assignment due on Friday.
We keep moving on anyway. ;)
Great. I just managed to screw up all my priorities.
I went to Ginza Plaza awhile ago, and I spent a grand total of 100+ bucks. Today I PLANNED to study all day, so I made sure that I went to the Sunset Mass last night, so I would be free virtually all day. But instead, I went out yesterday afternoon (in the morning were the soccer games where I was content to cheer them on), and again today.
The major culprit is this elusive black long-sleeved shirt, which I need for the Choir performance tomorrow night. It's the formal type, and I asked from Nirorn, but he had the suit/coat instead. I asked Navuth, but it turns out his shirt is too "fitting" for me, and besides, the sleeves lack some good 10cm, so my hands look really huge when I bend my elbows. Nestor was willing to lend me, but it was a Marks & Spencer shirt, and I was hesitant what would happen to it after I washed it in the automatic wash-rinse-spin washer.
So I decided to go to Ginza Plaza for a while, which is a few stops only from the bus stop behind our hall. It turns out that Ginza Plaza is not the place to buy department store stuff, so I was planning to go home to hall instead, and borrow Nestor's shirt. Then the Bus 33 came along. I saw that it went to Boon Lay, and thus to Jurong Point, one of the classier malls around.
The bus ride took sooo long, but it was tolerable. I arrived at Jurong Point finally, and it was SALE galore! So of course, after the loooooong wait, I was finally here in a good mall with a sale. There was a Bossini sale so I got a nice blue shirt. In another store I got the good black long-sleeved shirt for about 50 bucks, and then the splurge. I bought a watch! A Swatch watch. 86 bucks. Latest model daw, and it looked quite stylish. My other watch, although relatively new, is too formal, and besides, I told Dad na rin that I'd buy another watch. I also bought a small black clear book for the musical scores in tomorrow evening's choir performance, and, because this auntie was so persuasive (but of course maybe I'm desperate), I bought another facial thing.
So there. I spent the whole afternoon in Jurong Point, and on the road. Antagal. I reasoned that I was in a big mall already, and had traveled far enough too, so why not maximize the experience right? I was window-shopping too, which is rather fun too (go ask those mall rats).
SOOO.. now I really really have to study. No more excuses. In fairness, though, I'm already more than halfway into my essays for Singapore Studies. The paper about Fistful of Colours, if you recall. The task is to insert a 250-300 word passage into the story, such that if the novel were reprinted, the changes would be unnoticeable to a new reader. And another 750-1000 word essay on the difficulties and considerations in making that new passage.
I haven't done any readings yet, too, for the rest of my modules. And by now, I've learned that reading the slides of lecture notes is never enough.
It's a busy week ahead, what with the Choir performance tomorrow night, a juniors' supper we'll set-up on Wednesday night, the Ridge Welcome tea and Choir practice on Thursday, and my SS assignment due on Friday.
We keep moving on anyway. ;)
If I Ain't Got You
If you've been observant, you'll see that I've run out of good titles for my blog entries. :) In any case, the title's not too bad, right? It may not be significant, but if you've heard the remix of the Alicia Keys song, with ultra-cool Usher singing with Alicia in an amazingly soulful R&B duet, you'll be totally blown away. Thanks to Ares, and to whoever in the Web helped me get the file. (I do my share too, kaya nga 1000+ shinishare ko na files eh.. hehe)
Anyway, it's still me and my Fistful of Colours book. I've been reading nothing but it for the weeeeeeek! Which is not a good thing anymore, methinks. But I'm down to the final 25+ pages, so it must be a good sign. I had to stop, see, and flip through several pages back to make something that hopefully was thought-provoking enough for the online class forum in the IVLE (Integrated Virtual Learning Environment).
Oh, the choir session last Monday was quite fun. There were so few of us basses (which again reinforced my speculation that Choir got me because there were few bass voices in the auditions), and so many tenors and altos. We had good voice classes from 4:30-5:30pm, went back to hall for dinner, then went back at 7:00 for the sectional practices. Later at 8:30, we moved to Lecture Theatre 13, where the entire choir rehearsed. The shock of the evening was that we were to perform on MONDAY, August 30!! That being our first rehearsal, we have the second and last rehearsal tomorrow for us to learn some good 5 songs. Pressure! But it's okay lah, it's gonna be my first ever choir performance with the NUS choir.
This afternoon, after my Java class, I went back to hall to work again on my readings, praying and WILLING the weather to RAIN so the soccer practices for the IBG will be cancelled. And it rained! Right smack at the perfect time, 4:30pm. HAH! I thought.
I read my book at the lobby so I could ask the Soccer IC, a thin cheerful guy named Lin, whether the soccer prac would push through or not *raining outside ;P*. He came to the lobby at 4:45pm, and for some reason, the rain STOPPED. Great, I thought.
But Lin was such an encouraging guy for a beginner like me. My reason for being hesitant to play was because I played lousy sepak tekraw the last time, and I assumed that since Soccer is this BIG in Singapore, I would have to, during the game, shrink again and wish the earth would open and swallow me up.
The cool thing was, I actually enjoyed playing soccer. Sure it was only the second time I played soccer in my whole life (the other time during the hall orientation), but it turned out to be rather OKAY. The guys from my block were encouraging and let me play, never mind if I did more than a few blunders. I actually made a few good kicks, so that was cool (although they weren't amazing yet of course).
I thanked Lin afterwards, and the funny thing was he thanked me instead for coming down to play.
Later, we played some volleyball stuff, then my OG-mate Felicia, my next-door neighbor Yishu and I left for the hall to take-away the dinners of the players.
After packing the players' dinners, and settling down at the dinnertable ourselves to eat, we had a good dinner conversation together with Cheryl and Tat Xien. It was good dinner talk, with all 5 of us talking about hall stuff (food and all), as well as our more colorful personal lives. Heck, we even reached the topics of love and marriage!
Now, I'm back in the room, with my book seemingly daring me to finish it. I should too, since it's been WAY too long. There's a Master Supper, though at 10pm, so um, at least I get energized enough to read? Too bad the supper will clash with Amazing Race! I never get to watch it anymore, because there ALWAYS is some block activity on Wednesday night. Oh well. I'm not complaining much. ;)
p.s.
HAPPY HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY to my great buddy JAY!
I called you na last night! Hehe. I remembered your birthday..buti pa ako. ;)
Hope it was fun.
If you've been observant, you'll see that I've run out of good titles for my blog entries. :) In any case, the title's not too bad, right? It may not be significant, but if you've heard the remix of the Alicia Keys song, with ultra-cool Usher singing with Alicia in an amazingly soulful R&B duet, you'll be totally blown away. Thanks to Ares, and to whoever in the Web helped me get the file. (I do my share too, kaya nga 1000+ shinishare ko na files eh.. hehe)
Anyway, it's still me and my Fistful of Colours book. I've been reading nothing but it for the weeeeeeek! Which is not a good thing anymore, methinks. But I'm down to the final 25+ pages, so it must be a good sign. I had to stop, see, and flip through several pages back to make something that hopefully was thought-provoking enough for the online class forum in the IVLE (Integrated Virtual Learning Environment).
Oh, the choir session last Monday was quite fun. There were so few of us basses (which again reinforced my speculation that Choir got me because there were few bass voices in the auditions), and so many tenors and altos. We had good voice classes from 4:30-5:30pm, went back to hall for dinner, then went back at 7:00 for the sectional practices. Later at 8:30, we moved to Lecture Theatre 13, where the entire choir rehearsed. The shock of the evening was that we were to perform on MONDAY, August 30!! That being our first rehearsal, we have the second and last rehearsal tomorrow for us to learn some good 5 songs. Pressure! But it's okay lah, it's gonna be my first ever choir performance with the NUS choir.
This afternoon, after my Java class, I went back to hall to work again on my readings, praying and WILLING the weather to RAIN so the soccer practices for the IBG will be cancelled. And it rained! Right smack at the perfect time, 4:30pm. HAH! I thought.
I read my book at the lobby so I could ask the Soccer IC, a thin cheerful guy named Lin, whether the soccer prac would push through or not *raining outside ;P*. He came to the lobby at 4:45pm, and for some reason, the rain STOPPED. Great, I thought.
But Lin was such an encouraging guy for a beginner like me. My reason for being hesitant to play was because I played lousy sepak tekraw the last time, and I assumed that since Soccer is this BIG in Singapore, I would have to, during the game, shrink again and wish the earth would open and swallow me up.
The cool thing was, I actually enjoyed playing soccer. Sure it was only the second time I played soccer in my whole life (the other time during the hall orientation), but it turned out to be rather OKAY. The guys from my block were encouraging and let me play, never mind if I did more than a few blunders. I actually made a few good kicks, so that was cool (although they weren't amazing yet of course).
I thanked Lin afterwards, and the funny thing was he thanked me instead for coming down to play.
Later, we played some volleyball stuff, then my OG-mate Felicia, my next-door neighbor Yishu and I left for the hall to take-away the dinners of the players.
After packing the players' dinners, and settling down at the dinnertable ourselves to eat, we had a good dinner conversation together with Cheryl and Tat Xien. It was good dinner talk, with all 5 of us talking about hall stuff (food and all), as well as our more colorful personal lives. Heck, we even reached the topics of love and marriage!
Now, I'm back in the room, with my book seemingly daring me to finish it. I should too, since it's been WAY too long. There's a Master Supper, though at 10pm, so um, at least I get energized enough to read? Too bad the supper will clash with Amazing Race! I never get to watch it anymore, because there ALWAYS is some block activity on Wednesday night. Oh well. I'm not complaining much. ;)
p.s.
HAPPY HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY to my great buddy JAY!
I called you na last night! Hehe. I remembered your birthday..buti pa ako. ;)
Hope it was fun.
Fistful of Colours
That's the title of the Singapore novel I'm currently reading. No it's not leisure reading (although it's most interesting I must say), but a required reading for my SSA1206 (Representing Singapore) module. It's quite fun, the module, since it's literature-based and non-examinable, unlike the other Singapore Studies modules which deal with history, politics, etc.. I have this thing for reading good stories, and this module I'm taking involves reading a novel, a play, even studying Singapore TV and film (I think). Quite fun and fits me well, as I like those kind of stuff. What I'm pressed to do right now, though, is to FINISH THE BOOK! I've read the compulsory reading which is half the book for this week, but it seems that everyone in the online forum has read the whole thing! And they're discussing the story and its repercussions and all.. I didn't want to finish reading all the forum threads since as many people know, I HATE spoilers (halfway done pa lang ako eh).
Brice pala is so diligent it's amazing. He's read the entire book, even finished the two-part writing assignment due in September 3 still! GOD I am so left behind na. And to think I've been reading this book only for the past week, when I have readings to do for other subjects too.
ANYWAY
I went to IKEA yesterday by my lonesome (since everyone was either somewhere else, has been to IKEA recently, or both) and it was fun. They have this once-a-year sale, so I maximized it. It was the first time I went to IKEA alone, and I was clutching the bus guide tightly, staring at it and the bus stops I passed, and it turned out to be quite a smooth ride.
I bought a plant and a pot (a discounted jar with lid) to go with it, since I realized there must be some other LIVING THING in my room besides me (and okay, the occasional ants), a colorful placemat, a doormat which was virtually a steal for $2.90, and a big foldable turquoise chair (since I have visitors in my room and I can't always let them sit on my bed when I use my lone chair). Quite a bargain, my purchases, and even if I didn't buy anything, I enjoyed looking at the coolest displays of IKEA home furnishings.
Today I went to Church with the Pinoy group, now with the addition of the new bridging kids. This afternoon naman, after coming from church and having a good nap, Ivy and I went to SRC (we only walked since the bus had JUST left us when we reached the bus stop) for a basketball game of my block at 6pm. I arrived too late, as I was informed that it was suddenly moved to 5:15pm. Fine. I watched at the other blocks play awhile, and headed to the bus stop again. After waiting for 15 minutes, the A2 bus arrived (I planned to walk from PGP), and it was so full it seemed to be bursting. I went to the opposite busstop for the A1 bus, waited abother 15 minutes, only to see the bus similarly bursting with sweaty people from the block games. Of course a good bunch of those waiting managed to squeeze in, including several guys, while this small lady in front of me had to wait for the next bus. Makonsensya naman sana kayo. My fellow Kentridgeans managed to get into the bus, except the less-aggressive me, and so I retraced my steps and enjoyed the long walk home through the shortcut that Ivy had just taught me earlier.
I'm not complaining. I like to have some "me" time too. And the music on the radio was good. Thank God someone attached radio in cellphones.
Time to study! :D
That's the title of the Singapore novel I'm currently reading. No it's not leisure reading (although it's most interesting I must say), but a required reading for my SSA1206 (Representing Singapore) module. It's quite fun, the module, since it's literature-based and non-examinable, unlike the other Singapore Studies modules which deal with history, politics, etc.. I have this thing for reading good stories, and this module I'm taking involves reading a novel, a play, even studying Singapore TV and film (I think). Quite fun and fits me well, as I like those kind of stuff. What I'm pressed to do right now, though, is to FINISH THE BOOK! I've read the compulsory reading which is half the book for this week, but it seems that everyone in the online forum has read the whole thing! And they're discussing the story and its repercussions and all.. I didn't want to finish reading all the forum threads since as many people know, I HATE spoilers (halfway done pa lang ako eh).
Brice pala is so diligent it's amazing. He's read the entire book, even finished the two-part writing assignment due in September 3 still! GOD I am so left behind na. And to think I've been reading this book only for the past week, when I have readings to do for other subjects too.
ANYWAY
I went to IKEA yesterday by my lonesome (since everyone was either somewhere else, has been to IKEA recently, or both) and it was fun. They have this once-a-year sale, so I maximized it. It was the first time I went to IKEA alone, and I was clutching the bus guide tightly, staring at it and the bus stops I passed, and it turned out to be quite a smooth ride.
I bought a plant and a pot (a discounted jar with lid) to go with it, since I realized there must be some other LIVING THING in my room besides me (and okay, the occasional ants), a colorful placemat, a doormat which was virtually a steal for $2.90, and a big foldable turquoise chair (since I have visitors in my room and I can't always let them sit on my bed when I use my lone chair). Quite a bargain, my purchases, and even if I didn't buy anything, I enjoyed looking at the coolest displays of IKEA home furnishings.
Today I went to Church with the Pinoy group, now with the addition of the new bridging kids. This afternoon naman, after coming from church and having a good nap, Ivy and I went to SRC (we only walked since the bus had JUST left us when we reached the bus stop) for a basketball game of my block at 6pm. I arrived too late, as I was informed that it was suddenly moved to 5:15pm. Fine. I watched at the other blocks play awhile, and headed to the bus stop again. After waiting for 15 minutes, the A2 bus arrived (I planned to walk from PGP), and it was so full it seemed to be bursting. I went to the opposite busstop for the A1 bus, waited abother 15 minutes, only to see the bus similarly bursting with sweaty people from the block games. Of course a good bunch of those waiting managed to squeeze in, including several guys, while this small lady in front of me had to wait for the next bus. Makonsensya naman sana kayo. My fellow Kentridgeans managed to get into the bus, except the less-aggressive me, and so I retraced my steps and enjoyed the long walk home through the shortcut that Ivy had just taught me earlier.
I'm not complaining. I like to have some "me" time too. And the music on the radio was good. Thank God someone attached radio in cellphones.
Time to study! :D
IN
I recently just made some cool door art over the weekend, made from small snippets (minimalist na ngayon) of the collective magazines, flyers and loads of freebies that NUS gives in one way or another. (It's not exactly door art since it's posted on my pinboard next to the door, but what the heck.) Part of this must-see door art is a sign that indicates whether I'm "IN" or "OUT" of the room.
Robinson, my junior in high school, who's now doing the bridging course here, lives in the room across mine, and he has commented that my sign has misled him a couple of times. Hehe. It is true, actually, that I forget to flip the sign before I go "OUT", so it says "IN" all along. I come back after a day of lectures to find it misleading indeed, but then that's about the time when I finally go back "IN" so then I don't need to change the sign anymore. Haha. I'll try to remember tomorrow.
***
What I'm formally "IN" now, actually, is the NUS choir. Yes, after long hours of self-brainstorming, a call home, some consultation with friends, discouragement from James, a senior member of KR's own choir, I've finally decided to make the biggest risk of my freshman life.
Choir practices are roughly 9 hours/week. Mondays, 4:30-930pm, and Thursdays, 5:30-9:30. That's also because there will be a couple of hours of voice lessons by professional vocal coaches. (We were told to maximize on it, as outside NUS, it would be some S$60-80/hour if you're lucky, and normally about S$100-120.) There'll be a bunch of performances spread throughout the year, a concert in February, and perhaps some international contests (if all goes well). A big thing too, is this caroling during Christmas, and we're requested to stay UP TO DECEMBER 24th (wag naman sana). Also, we'll be asked to spend a month from our 3-month summer break for Choir stuff.
There. Thing is, I have to balance my time for studies most especially, and also for hall activities, as there is a points quota for hall stayback. I sure hope I get to stay in both Choir, and KR Hall.
I just attended the welcome for newbies at the Centre for the Arts this evening at 7, and it turned out to be quite fun. It was more of a getting-to-know-you session where we basically just introduced ourselves, and played several fun icebreakers.
One notable icebreaker was this guessing game where a senior helped me out by gesturing me what my partner Anusha guessed to be my favorite music artist. Anusha and I never talked about it in our Speed Dating Game, and she was merely guessing I liked "Maroon 5". A funky senior, Yen Ting I think was her name, remembered me from the auditions, and gestured and mouthed the words. Nobody seemed to notice, and so Anusha and I were spared from doing the eat-one-choco-stick-together forfeit. ;)
I bowed a silent thank you to Yen Ting, but I realize just now that I should thank her for yet another reason. I think she saved my ass during the audition. She was the one who seemed to
be enjoying my singing in the audition (the song at least, since my pitching was all off), while the other senior seemed too serious and sour-faced most of that time.
And just now, I accepted an invitation to join the yahoogroup for The Ridge's Outspoken Desk. So that makes me "IN" the Ridge circuit finally.
Now I must begin my mugging, start digging through readings, and stop blogging. Goodnight! ;)
I recently just made some cool door art over the weekend, made from small snippets (minimalist na ngayon) of the collective magazines, flyers and loads of freebies that NUS gives in one way or another. (It's not exactly door art since it's posted on my pinboard next to the door, but what the heck.) Part of this must-see door art is a sign that indicates whether I'm "IN" or "OUT" of the room.
Robinson, my junior in high school, who's now doing the bridging course here, lives in the room across mine, and he has commented that my sign has misled him a couple of times. Hehe. It is true, actually, that I forget to flip the sign before I go "OUT", so it says "IN" all along. I come back after a day of lectures to find it misleading indeed, but then that's about the time when I finally go back "IN" so then I don't need to change the sign anymore. Haha. I'll try to remember tomorrow.
***
What I'm formally "IN" now, actually, is the NUS choir. Yes, after long hours of self-brainstorming, a call home, some consultation with friends, discouragement from James, a senior member of KR's own choir, I've finally decided to make the biggest risk of my freshman life.
Choir practices are roughly 9 hours/week. Mondays, 4:30-930pm, and Thursdays, 5:30-9:30. That's also because there will be a couple of hours of voice lessons by professional vocal coaches. (We were told to maximize on it, as outside NUS, it would be some S$60-80/hour if you're lucky, and normally about S$100-120.) There'll be a bunch of performances spread throughout the year, a concert in February, and perhaps some international contests (if all goes well). A big thing too, is this caroling during Christmas, and we're requested to stay UP TO DECEMBER 24th (wag naman sana). Also, we'll be asked to spend a month from our 3-month summer break for Choir stuff.
There. Thing is, I have to balance my time for studies most especially, and also for hall activities, as there is a points quota for hall stayback. I sure hope I get to stay in both Choir, and KR Hall.
I just attended the welcome for newbies at the Centre for the Arts this evening at 7, and it turned out to be quite fun. It was more of a getting-to-know-you session where we basically just introduced ourselves, and played several fun icebreakers.
One notable icebreaker was this guessing game where a senior helped me out by gesturing me what my partner Anusha guessed to be my favorite music artist. Anusha and I never talked about it in our Speed Dating Game, and she was merely guessing I liked "Maroon 5". A funky senior, Yen Ting I think was her name, remembered me from the auditions, and gestured and mouthed the words. Nobody seemed to notice, and so Anusha and I were spared from doing the eat-one-choco-stick-together forfeit. ;)
I bowed a silent thank you to Yen Ting, but I realize just now that I should thank her for yet another reason. I think she saved my ass during the audition. She was the one who seemed to
be enjoying my singing in the audition (the song at least, since my pitching was all off), while the other senior seemed too serious and sour-faced most of that time.
And just now, I accepted an invitation to join the yahoogroup for The Ridge's Outspoken Desk. So that makes me "IN" the Ridge circuit finally.
Now I must begin my mugging, start digging through readings, and stop blogging. Goodnight! ;)
Ummm.. OK
I have class at 10am, but this is another of those times when something's so notable I can't dare pass it up. I had a horrible night's sleep yet again (shit this is becoming a habit), and I have at least 3 new zits when I woke up.
But this email is what made me write here again:
Subject: NUS Choir - Congratulations
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2004, 1:50am
From:"Tan Keng Khoon" <u0303348@nus.edu.sg>
To : "Sorongon Joseph Capirig" <u0401897@nus.edu.sg>
Dear Joseph Sorongan,
Congratulations! You have passed the NUS Choir Auditions. We would like to extend to you a warm welcome to our family.
You have been allocated to the section Bass
The details of your first choir event are as follows:
Date: 19 August 2004 (this Thursday)
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Centre for the Arts, Dance Theatre
Attire: Casual, but please do not wear skirts, just for this day.
Equipment: Please bring along your basic stationery set (pencil and eraser)
Please reply to me at u0303348@nus.edu.sg by 12 noon, 18 August 2004 (Wednesday) to indicate your wish to accept this offer.
Thank you.
Regards,
Keng Khoon
Secretary
NUS Choir
I have class at 10am, but this is another of those times when something's so notable I can't dare pass it up. I had a horrible night's sleep yet again (shit this is becoming a habit), and I have at least 3 new zits when I woke up.
But this email is what made me write here again:
Subject: NUS Choir - Congratulations
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2004, 1:50am
From:"Tan Keng Khoon" <u0303348@nus.edu.sg>
To : "Sorongon Joseph Capirig" <u0401897@nus.edu.sg>
Dear Joseph Sorongan,
Congratulations! You have passed the NUS Choir Auditions. We would like to extend to you a warm welcome to our family.
You have been allocated to the section Bass
The details of your first choir event are as follows:
Date: 19 August 2004 (this Thursday)
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Centre for the Arts, Dance Theatre
Attire: Casual, but please do not wear skirts, just for this day.
Equipment: Please bring along your basic stationery set (pencil and eraser)
Please reply to me at u0303348@nus.edu.sg by 12 noon, 18 August 2004 (Wednesday) to indicate your wish to accept this offer.
Thank you.
Regards,
Keng Khoon
Secretary
NUS Choir
It's funny. My heart leapt when I first read it, but it was mostly drowned by that "ummmm... OK" feeling. If you've read a previous post, you'll know that the choir audition was one of the most demoralizing stuff I ever went for. But heck, THIS is the NUS Choir! Should I pass it up even if it means training for some 10 hours a week?
Now I'm not too sure what to do. Baka nga kinulang lang sila ng Bass voices. Either way, I must decide quick. Oh, and I'm Joseph SorongOn nga pala, not SorongAn.
Good Morning!
I slept pretty badly last night. I fell asleep yet again, when I had planned to read a chapter in Biology. I also woke up at crazy hours during the night, only to find my laptop still up, the lights still on, but was still too lazy to drag myself out of the bed. Finally, I woke up at around 7:50am, forced myself to wash up, then headed for breakfast.
I had breakfast with two groups of people, my D block fellas Keith, Victor, Dominic, and later, my Malaysian friends Song, Loy Yong, and Jayston. It was a teeny bit awkward with my blockmates, especially when my good neighbor Keith went off, and Dominic wasn't in the mood to talk, but I managed to keep small talk anyway. Breakfast with the next batch of friends was more relaxed, as Song (from my OG Nixes) has this running game of "Coffee and Tea" (another of those no-brainer guessing games which has, until now, left me stumped), and Loy Yong (also from Nixes) and Jayston and I were together in the freshmen choir. Song was really nice and witty as usual, Loy Yong and I haven't seen each other for a while so it was good to say hi, and Jayston was complaining about the Nasi Lemak (but that's just the way he is).
What should greet me as I entered my room was this message received by my email client, POP Peeper:
From : Nurul HUda
Sent : Monday, August 16, 2004 8:28:31 AM
To : moonstruck_josh@hotmail.com
Subject : OUTSPOKEN
Hey there Joseph,
I have read your article. I must say that it is pretty exciting. I am intrigued by the perspective that you have chosen. But you do realise that you have exceeded the word limit. I am very particular about word limits for I cannot allow writers to start writing mini novels due to our lack of space and my lack of patience. Furthermore, I would like to inform you that you have been chosen as a writer for the OUTSPOKEN DESK!
I was kidding about the word limit part ok! Hehe! Wanted to create suspense. ;)
Congratulations! I would love to have you writing for THE RIDGE and would like to inform you about the Welcome tea that will be held on the 2nd of sept. I will pass you the details at a later date and will send you an invitation to our OUTSPOKEN YAHOOGROUP! Hope to see you soon. Meanwhile, take care and start brainstorming on ideas!
Smiles, NuruL
Haha! Now I don't care if the NUS choir emails the results to me on Wednesday or not. In fact, I may just delete the message without reading it. (Okay, maybe I'll take a quick peek to see HOW they'll tell me I totally blew it :D )
I assume the next most logical thing to do (and maybe answer your unspoken question) is to post the article that I submitted for the Ridge. If you remember, that was the 304-word article I submitted at 2247 hrs when it was due 2300. I'll post it sometime soon. I have loads of reading to do and shouldn't really blog, but this was such a good morning to pass up.
Good morning everyone!
I slept pretty badly last night. I fell asleep yet again, when I had planned to read a chapter in Biology. I also woke up at crazy hours during the night, only to find my laptop still up, the lights still on, but was still too lazy to drag myself out of the bed. Finally, I woke up at around 7:50am, forced myself to wash up, then headed for breakfast.
I had breakfast with two groups of people, my D block fellas Keith, Victor, Dominic, and later, my Malaysian friends Song, Loy Yong, and Jayston. It was a teeny bit awkward with my blockmates, especially when my good neighbor Keith went off, and Dominic wasn't in the mood to talk, but I managed to keep small talk anyway. Breakfast with the next batch of friends was more relaxed, as Song (from my OG Nixes) has this running game of "Coffee and Tea" (another of those no-brainer guessing games which has, until now, left me stumped), and Loy Yong (also from Nixes) and Jayston and I were together in the freshmen choir. Song was really nice and witty as usual, Loy Yong and I haven't seen each other for a while so it was good to say hi, and Jayston was complaining about the Nasi Lemak (but that's just the way he is).
What should greet me as I entered my room was this message received by my email client, POP Peeper:
From : Nurul HUda
Sent : Monday, August 16, 2004 8:28:31 AM
To :
Subject : OUTSPOKEN
Hey there Joseph,
I have read your article. I must say that it is pretty exciting. I am intrigued by the perspective that you have chosen. But you do realise that you have exceeded the word limit. I am very particular about word limits for I cannot allow writers to start writing mini novels due to our lack of space and my lack of patience. Furthermore, I would like to inform you that you have been chosen as a writer for the OUTSPOKEN DESK!
I was kidding about the word limit part ok! Hehe! Wanted to create suspense. ;)
Congratulations! I would love to have you writing for THE RIDGE and would like to inform you about the Welcome tea that will be held on the 2nd of sept. I will pass you the details at a later date and will send you an invitation to our OUTSPOKEN YAHOOGROUP! Hope to see you soon. Meanwhile, take care and start brainstorming on ideas!
Smiles, NuruL
Haha! Now I don't care if the NUS choir emails the results to me on Wednesday or not. In fact, I may just delete the message without reading it. (Okay, maybe I'll take a quick peek to see HOW they'll tell me I totally blew it :D )
I assume the next most logical thing to do (and maybe answer your unspoken question) is to post the article that I submitted for the Ridge. If you remember, that was the 304-word article I submitted at 2247 hrs when it was due 2300. I'll post it sometime soon. I have loads of reading to do and shouldn't really blog, but this was such a good morning to pass up.
Good morning everyone!
Better
Jason Mraz has this really cool song entitled Better. The repeating line sings, "It only gets betteeeeeeer." Which is always true, by the way. Jason Mraz is the coolest. He sings the "upper" songs. And he skats so well! And he keeps an online journal too. I swear I'm buying a ticket if he comes over to Singapore. (Hoobastank pala, tonight at Sentosa, a staggering 50bucks.)
Anyway, today was a good day. I had an 8am class which was dismissed way too early because the aircon was turned off, and the heat, according to the lecturer, was unbearable. Hehe. I wasn't complaining.
I bought this Asking About Life book, which has the coolest cover. Large pawikans (deep sea turtles) near the shore of a mountain lake, that all sunbathe in a curious formation. It was only yesterday when the lecturer pointed it out that the turtles formed a big question mark (?) that the class realised. Pretty cool actually.
My serious daunting task was to write for The Ridge. I applied for the Outspoken desk, which apparently is a pretty hot desk, since there are already about 40 applicants according to my senior Gelo, the sports editor. The deadline was at 2300hrs tonight, and I basically brainstormed all day. As a matter of fact, I've been doing some intense brainwork since the other day, right after the interview. Writer's bloc. Gelo says at most there'll be 12 slots open, so it's gonna be rather tough, especially when the other applicants come from the Arts faculty.
Anyway, I worked all day, slept a while, ate a tapau lunch, called my Lola Doding, worked on a really good door art (come and see!), chatted with Robinson and did our laundry together, cleaned up my room a little, watched Rob chat with much gusto and amazement in Yahoo! messenger, and had dinner with Korinna and Rob at McDo. Korinna was in for a treat, as her date WoenPing ate next to our table. Lucky day nga, since Rob and I each won this really cool McDonald's fries mousepad. Rob gave his to Kor kasi wala pa naman syang computer, while Kor's Mac is arriving next week.
I particularly enjoyed joking around today, especially with Rob and Kor. Actually, our victim is Rob, who is the quirky sort too, always laughing and sometimes rather um, dense. Hehe. Perfect target. Buti na lng laging game si Rob.
We walked back to KR hall from McDo because the bus, which comes in 30 minute intervals at this time, arrived when Rob took a quick leak in the fourth floor of the Old Admin Building. No complaints though, as it was a good walk home.
I had finished a draft of my article before dinner, and I just had to kill some twenty words, add the title and teaser after dinner. I didn't trim it to the proper length of 300 words though. 304 lang. Haha. I emailed it to the Outspoken editor Nurul at 2247hrs, 13 minutes shy of the deadline. I was surprised to receive a reply from her, cheerfully saying the results will be out in a few days.
Nothing more to say I think. Except that I just learned that my mom now reads my blog! Hehe. Um, don't worry ma, di nako umiinom. Occasional lng naman un last time anyway. Hehe.
Night.
Jason Mraz has this really cool song entitled Better. The repeating line sings, "It only gets betteeeeeeer." Which is always true, by the way. Jason Mraz is the coolest. He sings the "upper" songs. And he skats so well! And he keeps an online journal too. I swear I'm buying a ticket if he comes over to Singapore. (Hoobastank pala, tonight at Sentosa, a staggering 50bucks.)
Anyway, today was a good day. I had an 8am class which was dismissed way too early because the aircon was turned off, and the heat, according to the lecturer, was unbearable. Hehe. I wasn't complaining.
I bought this Asking About Life book, which has the coolest cover. Large pawikans (deep sea turtles) near the shore of a mountain lake, that all sunbathe in a curious formation. It was only yesterday when the lecturer pointed it out that the turtles formed a big question mark (?) that the class realised. Pretty cool actually.
My serious daunting task was to write for The Ridge. I applied for the Outspoken desk, which apparently is a pretty hot desk, since there are already about 40 applicants according to my senior Gelo, the sports editor. The deadline was at 2300hrs tonight, and I basically brainstormed all day. As a matter of fact, I've been doing some intense brainwork since the other day, right after the interview. Writer's bloc. Gelo says at most there'll be 12 slots open, so it's gonna be rather tough, especially when the other applicants come from the Arts faculty.
Anyway, I worked all day, slept a while, ate a tapau lunch, called my Lola Doding, worked on a really good door art (come and see!), chatted with Robinson and did our laundry together, cleaned up my room a little, watched Rob chat with much gusto and amazement in Yahoo! messenger, and had dinner with Korinna and Rob at McDo. Korinna was in for a treat, as her date WoenPing ate next to our table. Lucky day nga, since Rob and I each won this really cool McDonald's fries mousepad. Rob gave his to Kor kasi wala pa naman syang computer, while Kor's Mac is arriving next week.
I particularly enjoyed joking around today, especially with Rob and Kor. Actually, our victim is Rob, who is the quirky sort too, always laughing and sometimes rather um, dense. Hehe. Perfect target. Buti na lng laging game si Rob.
We walked back to KR hall from McDo because the bus, which comes in 30 minute intervals at this time, arrived when Rob took a quick leak in the fourth floor of the Old Admin Building. No complaints though, as it was a good walk home.
I had finished a draft of my article before dinner, and I just had to kill some twenty words, add the title and teaser after dinner. I didn't trim it to the proper length of 300 words though. 304 lang. Haha. I emailed it to the Outspoken editor Nurul at 2247hrs, 13 minutes shy of the deadline. I was surprised to receive a reply from her, cheerfully saying the results will be out in a few days.
Nothing more to say I think. Except that I just learned that my mom now reads my blog! Hehe. Um, don't worry ma, di nako umiinom. Occasional lng naman un last time anyway. Hehe.
Night.
Bad NoteS
Today was yet another um, eventful day. I sincerely wish I could tell you otherwise, but that's that.
I dragged myself out of bed, wanting to sleep more to forget Sepak Takraw last night, but I had to get breakfast and attend this Linear Algebra class, MA1101R, at 10. It turned out to be a booooring lecture. Why is it worse than any other boring lecture? Because the lecturer thought what he was saying was interesting, and thus continued to drone on with much gusto. About his brother at a university in Manchester, about the magic cube that drove the Math department nuts, about, of all things, ants! (That's according to Brice, since I probably had shut myself momentarily that time) He rushed through the actual solving of matrices though.
My afternoon was packed. At 4pm I had a CS1101 lecture (which is now turning more challenging by the minute), and then the loads of stuff. I was supposed to accompany Diana (and audition as well) for the Voices audition (pop singing) and the NUS choir tryouts. Clashing with the sked was my scheduled track and field tryouts for IBG, and the Jam and Hop dance/disco in the evening.
I accompanied Diana to her interview with some group at the Science Fac, and then the mad rush began. The queue for the Voices audition was too long to be inviting, so I just signed up, went to change into my shorts in the washroom, and ran all the way to the oval track field for the track tryouts. The running drained the life out of me, and it turns out, unsurprisingly, that I am not one of the best runners. One of the suckier runners, if you please. I did my best though, and I didn't entirely SUCK. Just not tops.
I called Diana back at 7pm to check if the Voices audition was over, and she said she was about to enter the club room. I decided to skip this session and wait another day. At 7:30, when the track thing was finally over, I called her again and found out she was at the Choir auditions already. It was the last day, and although I knew that the choir work was heavy, I decided to give it a shot since I'm a loser in sports. Some kind of redemption, if I may say so.
Turns out, after the looooooooong wait, at around 8:30 pm, and the second to the last to audition, I screwed up once more. I don't want to talk about it actually. I was nervous, and I sang badly. The bad notes, as a matter of fact.
Diana and I met Steph, Karen, and Zada, and were almost headed to the Jam and Hop, but we were so hungry we decided to go to McDo instead.
It sucks to be me right now, and for some reason, nothing anyone says makes me feel good. Maybe a few of them words make me feel better, but unfortunately, the quotable ones are those that make me feel worse.
Good night. Magbabagong buhay na ako. Don't pity me.
Today was yet another um, eventful day. I sincerely wish I could tell you otherwise, but that's that.
I dragged myself out of bed, wanting to sleep more to forget Sepak Takraw last night, but I had to get breakfast and attend this Linear Algebra class, MA1101R, at 10. It turned out to be a booooring lecture. Why is it worse than any other boring lecture? Because the lecturer thought what he was saying was interesting, and thus continued to drone on with much gusto. About his brother at a university in Manchester, about the magic cube that drove the Math department nuts, about, of all things, ants! (That's according to Brice, since I probably had shut myself momentarily that time) He rushed through the actual solving of matrices though.
My afternoon was packed. At 4pm I had a CS1101 lecture (which is now turning more challenging by the minute), and then the loads of stuff. I was supposed to accompany Diana (and audition as well) for the Voices audition (pop singing) and the NUS choir tryouts. Clashing with the sked was my scheduled track and field tryouts for IBG, and the Jam and Hop dance/disco in the evening.
I accompanied Diana to her interview with some group at the Science Fac, and then the mad rush began. The queue for the Voices audition was too long to be inviting, so I just signed up, went to change into my shorts in the washroom, and ran all the way to the oval track field for the track tryouts. The running drained the life out of me, and it turns out, unsurprisingly, that I am not one of the best runners. One of the suckier runners, if you please. I did my best though, and I didn't entirely SUCK. Just not tops.
I called Diana back at 7pm to check if the Voices audition was over, and she said she was about to enter the club room. I decided to skip this session and wait another day. At 7:30, when the track thing was finally over, I called her again and found out she was at the Choir auditions already. It was the last day, and although I knew that the choir work was heavy, I decided to give it a shot since I'm a loser in sports. Some kind of redemption, if I may say so.
Turns out, after the looooooooong wait, at around 8:30 pm, and the second to the last to audition, I screwed up once more. I don't want to talk about it actually. I was nervous, and I sang badly. The bad notes, as a matter of fact.
Diana and I met Steph, Karen, and Zada, and were almost headed to the Jam and Hop, but we were so hungry we decided to go to McDo instead.
It sucks to be me right now, and for some reason, nothing anyone says makes me feel good. Maybe a few of them words make me feel better, but unfortunately, the quotable ones are those that make me feel worse.
Good night. Magbabagong buhay na ako. Don't pity me.
Bad Note
Today was, for lack of better words, a long day. And you know how it is with long days, they tend to play around with your moods.
I could tell you about my previous days actually, about how I went into my first classes as an undergrad (bridging kasi last year), about my boring MA1101R teacher who promised to give high marks, about my funny teaching excellence awardee ST1131 teacher, my CS1101 teacher whose Java lectures I hope to figure out, and about my surprise meeting with Priya at the Science canteen one afternoon and our unplanned late lunch, but right now, I simply feel sucky.
We just played Sepak Takraw see, for Inter-Block Games (IBG) training, the and I so happen to be the absolute worst player Singapore has ever seen. For those who don't already know, Sepak Takraw is this game that's almost like volleyball but with 3-player teams, a hollow rattan ball, which is kicked (or hit with the head, knees, anything except arms and hands) across to the other side. It's almost like soccer, too, and it's just plain unlucky that Singaporeans are great soccer fans, while I the Pinoy, am not.
I felt like the single glitch in the system, the big dark cloud looming over their otherwise smooth playing. Half the time I wanted to disappear, the other half I was cursing my shoes.
Tomorrow I'll try out for track and field, which is basically just running. I hope my long legs won't disappoint, even if I don't jog regularly, as I would hate to have my ego bruised again.
And oh, I went to apply for The Ridge with Wayne this afternoon. I signed up for the "Outspoken" Desk, and I have to submit this article tomorrow. I also attended a Toastmasters talk this evening, which was quite fun, actually.
But right now, I feel sucky still. And it doesn't help that two girls hogged the payphone in the lobby, and I couldn't call home. I guess this day is simply meant to end on a bad note. And it sucks that it has to stay there overnight.
Today was, for lack of better words, a long day. And you know how it is with long days, they tend to play around with your moods.
I could tell you about my previous days actually, about how I went into my first classes as an undergrad (bridging kasi last year), about my boring MA1101R teacher who promised to give high marks, about my funny teaching excellence awardee ST1131 teacher, my CS1101 teacher whose Java lectures I hope to figure out, and about my surprise meeting with Priya at the Science canteen one afternoon and our unplanned late lunch, but right now, I simply feel sucky.
We just played Sepak Takraw see, for Inter-Block Games (IBG) training, the and I so happen to be the absolute worst player Singapore has ever seen. For those who don't already know, Sepak Takraw is this game that's almost like volleyball but with 3-player teams, a hollow rattan ball, which is kicked (or hit with the head, knees, anything except arms and hands) across to the other side. It's almost like soccer, too, and it's just plain unlucky that Singaporeans are great soccer fans, while I the Pinoy, am not.
I felt like the single glitch in the system, the big dark cloud looming over their otherwise smooth playing. Half the time I wanted to disappear, the other half I was cursing my shoes.
Tomorrow I'll try out for track and field, which is basically just running. I hope my long legs won't disappoint, even if I don't jog regularly, as I would hate to have my ego bruised again.
And oh, I went to apply for The Ridge with Wayne this afternoon. I signed up for the "Outspoken" Desk, and I have to submit this article tomorrow. I also attended a Toastmasters talk this evening, which was quite fun, actually.
But right now, I feel sucky still. And it doesn't help that two girls hogged the payphone in the lobby, and I couldn't call home. I guess this day is simply meant to end on a bad note. And it sucks that it has to stay there overnight.
THOSE DAYS AGAIN
This has got to be an achievement -- Not blogging for 6 days, and I have 24/7 internet now in my room! Thanks.
It has been an eventful week, and now I am damn proud to be a Kentridgean. Mighty proud too, to belong to Nixes. We were best OG, we think, although it was named "Most On (something like "active" in Chinese)" OG, and never mind if all the OG's were given goody bags labeled Most happening, etc. just so everyone could have a pack. Hehe.
So much has happened the past few days that I don't know how to blog them all in. Anyway, my Mauritian date Priya and I clicked, and we had a good time at the formal hall dinner. There were a few bloopers, like when she gave me a gift that had a card addressed to another guy written by her bestfriend Sock Nee (I figure them buddies must've bought the same gifts), and when I wanted to chase her into her room to ask her something but couldn't do so because I misplaced my room card for entrance to the blocks, only to find her peering into my room to give me a gift as I came walking from the washroom. I must admit though, that we talk better outside the formal hall dinner. Must be the stiff atmosphere there.
I sang with the bass group of the choir during the annual "Star to Burst", the KR freshmen show. This guy Jayston was a trash-talking type of guy, and my buddy Loy Yong had to shut ourselves whenever did his talk. It seemed I was doing a much better job, since Loy Yong was complaining to me privately when Jayston wasn't around. Anyway, Loy Yong was a terrific bass singer who could do both tenor and bass, while Jayston at the tenor group was struggling. We did a last minute switch, and Jayston, fellow Malaysian guy Jamie and I formed the bass group. I think we did a pretty good job, compared to our especially sucky performance during the dry run. Priya, also a choir member, thought the bass group was a teeny bit off, as I gave her the rose I was given after the performance. Well I appreciate the honesty. :) I still hope Choir accepts me in the actual audition next week (especially since A cappella rejected me hehe).
Oh, I must also say that I am most sunburnt as of this writing. On NUS Flag day, August 3, we went to different locations in Singapore to basically beg. Each of us had 3 coin cans, and we were to fill them up. My group from D block went to Parkway Parade, a nice mall. I spent early morning till afternoon walking in the sun, along the mall entrance and exits, near bus stops and in the flea market. I didn't fill all three tins, but I sure got a dark tan. Rag Day, a day where all halls and faculties display large extravagant displays of moving floats (made of recycled materials too) and dance presentations, was yesterday, and again it was SCORCHING. Actually, I was up at 2:30 AM, as part of the Wet Weather Group, who was to make sure our gigantic float didn't get soaked should rain come. It didn't rain though, but it was burning hot towards noon. Our float didn't win the best float or best presentation, but it won least cost float. One thing it sure did though, was heighten hall spirit. It was great to cheer for them all, even in the midday sun.
Afterwards, the freshmen were given a graduation of sorts. It was a ceremonial thing, too, as we one by one shook hands with mostly all of the seniors as we trudged up to the multi-purpose hall from the dining hall. We have this cool certificate, with a big photo of the whole orientation team and the 100+ bunch of KR newbies. We sang the hall anthem (a tune i can't get out of my head), and sang the slightly mushy goodnight song. KR is such a family hall, and I am more than thankful to be part of it.
Now I rest. Tomorrow is National Day, but I don't have tickets to the parade! Argh. I asked my pinoy seniors what's a good thing to do on National Day, but apparently, those who don't have tickets just watch the big show on TV. That's a good thing too, since I'm still annoyed with Michael right now.
Stuff happened today though. I'm feeling a bit funny, but it's nothing I can't handle.
This has got to be an achievement -- Not blogging for 6 days, and I have 24/7 internet now in my room! Thanks.
It has been an eventful week, and now I am damn proud to be a Kentridgean. Mighty proud too, to belong to Nixes. We were best OG, we think, although it was named "Most On (something like "active" in Chinese)" OG, and never mind if all the OG's were given goody bags labeled Most happening, etc. just so everyone could have a pack. Hehe.
So much has happened the past few days that I don't know how to blog them all in. Anyway, my Mauritian date Priya and I clicked, and we had a good time at the formal hall dinner. There were a few bloopers, like when she gave me a gift that had a card addressed to another guy written by her bestfriend Sock Nee (I figure them buddies must've bought the same gifts), and when I wanted to chase her into her room to ask her something but couldn't do so because I misplaced my room card for entrance to the blocks, only to find her peering into my room to give me a gift as I came walking from the washroom. I must admit though, that we talk better outside the formal hall dinner. Must be the stiff atmosphere there.
I sang with the bass group of the choir during the annual "Star to Burst", the KR freshmen show. This guy Jayston was a trash-talking type of guy, and my buddy Loy Yong had to shut ourselves whenever did his talk. It seemed I was doing a much better job, since Loy Yong was complaining to me privately when Jayston wasn't around. Anyway, Loy Yong was a terrific bass singer who could do both tenor and bass, while Jayston at the tenor group was struggling. We did a last minute switch, and Jayston, fellow Malaysian guy Jamie and I formed the bass group. I think we did a pretty good job, compared to our especially sucky performance during the dry run. Priya, also a choir member, thought the bass group was a teeny bit off, as I gave her the rose I was given after the performance. Well I appreciate the honesty. :) I still hope Choir accepts me in the actual audition next week (especially since A cappella rejected me hehe).
Oh, I must also say that I am most sunburnt as of this writing. On NUS Flag day, August 3, we went to different locations in Singapore to basically beg. Each of us had 3 coin cans, and we were to fill them up. My group from D block went to Parkway Parade, a nice mall. I spent early morning till afternoon walking in the sun, along the mall entrance and exits, near bus stops and in the flea market. I didn't fill all three tins, but I sure got a dark tan. Rag Day, a day where all halls and faculties display large extravagant displays of moving floats (made of recycled materials too) and dance presentations, was yesterday, and again it was SCORCHING. Actually, I was up at 2:30 AM, as part of the Wet Weather Group, who was to make sure our gigantic float didn't get soaked should rain come. It didn't rain though, but it was burning hot towards noon. Our float didn't win the best float or best presentation, but it won least cost float. One thing it sure did though, was heighten hall spirit. It was great to cheer for them all, even in the midday sun.
Afterwards, the freshmen were given a graduation of sorts. It was a ceremonial thing, too, as we one by one shook hands with mostly all of the seniors as we trudged up to the multi-purpose hall from the dining hall. We have this cool certificate, with a big photo of the whole orientation team and the 100+ bunch of KR newbies. We sang the hall anthem (a tune i can't get out of my head), and sang the slightly mushy goodnight song. KR is such a family hall, and I am more than thankful to be part of it.
Now I rest. Tomorrow is National Day, but I don't have tickets to the parade! Argh. I asked my pinoy seniors what's a good thing to do on National Day, but apparently, those who don't have tickets just watch the big show on TV. That's a good thing too, since I'm still annoyed with Michael right now.
Stuff happened today though. I'm feeling a bit funny, but it's nothing I can't handle.
The Kent Ridge Experience
The previous couple of days of orientation at Kent Ridge Hall was quite an interesting experience, as I was beginning to realize how hall-istic (borrowed from Diana) the hall actually is.
The other day we played mini-Olympics (soccer, frisbee soccer, netball), followed by pool games at the Sports and Recreation Centre (comedy synchronized swimming [yeah!], wrestling on a raft [which my OG-mate Sundeep dominated], and the capsize-the-floater game [where skinny me was pounced on by two big guys from Titus (friendly naman)].
Yesterday we played a number of confidence games, in which I TOTALLY SUCKED in the called "Bridging the Gap" game. I was blindfolded, and a partner would lead me to a path in the dining hall, then up a chair, on to a table where there would be a gap in the middle, and i would jump over it. EVERYONE got it right. Being the sigurista & tanga that I am, I asked my partner, Song Yao, when i reached the jumping point, whether I would land on a next table, or on the floor when I follow her "jump-as-far-as-you-can" instruction. She was told not to say anything, so dumb Joseph thought he was to land on the floor, making a rather diagonally downward jump. And then he got a good painful bruise on the left leg, and a clobbered ego.
That afternoon, was the announcement for audition results for choir performance of the freshman show on Wednesday, aptly titles "Start to Burst". Having been rejected by a cappella the previous night, and seeing that the same guy gave the same audition to both groups, I was already readying myself for Plan C, which was to be part of the Stage Crew. Surprisingly, I got in choir, and were singing this Japanese song "Yuki ga Tokeru" (Snow is Melting). Loy Yong from my OG, and fellow just-accepted choir member were a teeny bit glad to see this cocky new recruit from the tenors eat his own words as he and his partner were out of tune half the time. Buti pa kami sa bass.
Today was a great big day (or actually yesterday, since it's morning na). We had an "OG Outing." Or at least, that's what the KR team want it to appear to be. SSShhhhhhhhhh.. if you read this one ok? Anyway, we had a total blast at Sentosa, even if I have a terrible sunburn and heavy eyebags from too much activity from morning till um, next morning (right now). I'm so damn mighty proud of my OG, Nixes, for we swept most of the beach games today! And the war games with the seniors were a total SPLASH (what with our water packs as ammos). Of course not to mention some other curious games (;P), that were ultimately crazy.
Swee Yong, Serene, and the B block seniors were incredible. They helped our OG, Nixes, to score our terrific wins, and even participate in our games. The attendance of Nixes is amazing too, as we were consistent as a small group of about 20 active members, which remained strong. This is in contrast to the dwindling numbers of the other groups. Serene, small but incredible, was even touched to tears by our participation.
Right now, the word on everyone's lips is, "Have you got a dinner date for the dating game?" That's the reason I'm blogging right now actually. Because even if I just lost my room card (it has to be somewhere upstairs), and the voluntary work with Rag Comm took until the wee hours of the morning, Priya, my Mauritian date (accepted me just now) , totally made my day. Friendly date lang, but she is exceedingly nice. Tell you more next entry.
5:01am now, and I daresay it's finally time to go to bed.
The previous couple of days of orientation at Kent Ridge Hall was quite an interesting experience, as I was beginning to realize how hall-istic (borrowed from Diana) the hall actually is.
The other day we played mini-Olympics (soccer, frisbee soccer, netball), followed by pool games at the Sports and Recreation Centre (comedy synchronized swimming [yeah!], wrestling on a raft [which my OG-mate Sundeep dominated], and the capsize-the-floater game [where skinny me was pounced on by two big guys from Titus (friendly naman)].
Yesterday we played a number of confidence games, in which I TOTALLY SUCKED in the called "Bridging the Gap" game. I was blindfolded, and a partner would lead me to a path in the dining hall, then up a chair, on to a table where there would be a gap in the middle, and i would jump over it. EVERYONE got it right. Being the sigurista & tanga that I am, I asked my partner, Song Yao, when i reached the jumping point, whether I would land on a next table, or on the floor when I follow her "jump-as-far-as-you-can" instruction. She was told not to say anything, so dumb Joseph thought he was to land on the floor, making a rather diagonally downward jump. And then he got a good painful bruise on the left leg, and a clobbered ego.
That afternoon, was the announcement for audition results for choir performance of the freshman show on Wednesday, aptly titles "Start to Burst". Having been rejected by a cappella the previous night, and seeing that the same guy gave the same audition to both groups, I was already readying myself for Plan C, which was to be part of the Stage Crew. Surprisingly, I got in choir, and were singing this Japanese song "Yuki ga Tokeru" (Snow is Melting). Loy Yong from my OG, and fellow just-accepted choir member were a teeny bit glad to see this cocky new recruit from the tenors eat his own words as he and his partner were out of tune half the time. Buti pa kami sa bass.
Today was a great big day (or actually yesterday, since it's morning na). We had an "OG Outing." Or at least, that's what the KR team want it to appear to be. SSShhhhhhhhhh.. if you read this one ok? Anyway, we had a total blast at Sentosa, even if I have a terrible sunburn and heavy eyebags from too much activity from morning till um, next morning (right now). I'm so damn mighty proud of my OG, Nixes, for we swept most of the beach games today! And the war games with the seniors were a total SPLASH (what with our water packs as ammos). Of course not to mention some other curious games (;P), that were ultimately crazy.
Swee Yong, Serene, and the B block seniors were incredible. They helped our OG, Nixes, to score our terrific wins, and even participate in our games. The attendance of Nixes is amazing too, as we were consistent as a small group of about 20 active members, which remained strong. This is in contrast to the dwindling numbers of the other groups. Serene, small but incredible, was even touched to tears by our participation.
Right now, the word on everyone's lips is, "Have you got a dinner date for the dating game?" That's the reason I'm blogging right now actually. Because even if I just lost my room card (it has to be somewhere upstairs), and the voluntary work with Rag Comm took until the wee hours of the morning, Priya, my Mauritian date (accepted me just now) , totally made my day. Friendly date lang, but she is exceedingly nice. Tell you more next entry.
5:01am now, and I daresay it's finally time to go to bed.
