Start It Again

5 hours after my graduation from Temasek Polytechnic, I'm sitting here in front of my laptop listening to epic film score music and trying to think of where to start this post.

Of course, the easiest way is to start from the beginning - way back to orientation. I stepped into the Convention Centre full of uncertainty and made my way to where the CMM students were supposed to assemble, and I was pleasantly surprised to see Shafiq sitting there! I guess I was really lucky to have a good start to my Poly life.

Year One was pretty much a great year where I got to know this bunch of people (Stef, Rach, Jean, Eudora, Brenda, Jon) who would be my pillar for the next couple of years to come - even though we went into different classes, the bond never seemed to break and instead we became even closer.

It wasn't till Year Two that I got to know more/get closer to the rest of the bunch (Mel, Yiyun, Deanna, Nava, Keith, SL) and even though we were still closer to certain people in the group, it didn't really matter since we clicked really well whenever the whole group was together. Around this period was also the year of eighteenth birthdays so planning for birthdays was really nerve-wrecking. I still remember how everyone was always so vexed over them to plan a perfect surprise for the birthday girl/boy - although we got kind of lazy after a while because honestly organising one almost every month was so tiring! Haha!

Year Three was definitely the most taxing one and meet-ups and gathering were significantly less apart from lazing around in school and going for dinners after lessons. It honestly didn't matter which elective we were in because we always ended up helping each other anyway.

Everything seems like it just happened yesterday and I am not really ready to let go of all these because I truly believe that these were, and will always be the best three years of my life. It was the period of time where I learnt the meaning of 'work hard, play hard', went through so many things that have inadvertently  made me stronger and more mature, and most of all, forged friendships with so many people. I was not paying attention to the speeches just now during the ceremony but I heard one sentence - 'the friends you have made here in Poly will be your closest friends...' - something along that line and I couldn't agree more with that.

Having been able to see everyone in school for one last time was a feeling that was... I don't know. I can't really put it in words. I guess I felt gratified, but at the same time, a little disappointed that all this was over. All the uncertainty about our own future is circling around. For me, uncertainty about our friendship is one of the things that bug me the most but deep down I believe that we can withstand the test of time.

So to all, who have been one way or another, involved in my life in Temasek Polytechnic, I thank you all so much - tutors, course mates, band mates, or even acquaintances I have made in my course of study here.

To end my post, here is possibly the most epic photo we have ever taken.

Twelve is the maximum they said. We showed 'em fourteen.

El Final.

Beckoning of Spring

28th April 2012 marked the day of the first ever TP Alumni Band concert ever since its establishment in 2001. Of course, having been able to play for its debut was definitely an honour. It felt really gratifying to see people from different batches coming together to work hard for this milestone that took eleven years to accomplish.

Message of encouragement from mum in the morning! Reminding me to breathe before playing my solo. Haha! 

Photos with Nigel and chiobus during rehearsal

The repertoire was one of the best ones that I have ever played. I really enjoyed playing most of the pieces although 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Persis Overture' spelt nothing but pressure. And I was especially nervous for the latter because of the French horn solo. And it absolutely didn't help that it felt really warm on the stage and I was perspiring like crazy. Gahh.

But I managed to play it well - maybe even better than I did during the practices and rehearsals. Thank you whoever is up there. I totally couldn't afford to screw up during my favourite piece.

In any case, I really had lots of fun for this concert, especially with my awesome French horn section! A big heart for the four of you. The concert would not have been the same without you guys!

With one of my best guy friends since Sec 1, Chin Kiat!

Find me!

My TK French horn juniors who came to support! This one was the fourth concert of mine they have attended and I can't thank them enough for coming down even though I feel so bad for asking them to come year after year :'|

My Vice-President/partner-in-crime, Jeyanthi!

A big thank you to the Poly bunch who came though even though I couldn't bring myself to ask them to. Haha!

With Maestro Wang!

Main band and alumni band horns! Without Jasmin though.

I really like this photo!

Gifts from those who came ^^

That's me with my horn. Hahaha.

It was a great experience performing with so many good players and being under the baton of the two conductors. I can't wait for the one next year, although that means that I have to worry about selling tickets again. But that's another story.

Till then, have a great weekend!

This Time is Over

So before my actual graduation on 23rd May, CMM had its own mini graduation ceremony thingum called MediaBiz Awards. I remember I went for the one two years ago where the theme was 'High School' and I dressed up as a band geek. I don't remember a single detail of last year's though. Anyway, this year's theme was 'My Superhero' but I didn't really bother to dress up. Haha. The Year 2s made cupcakes for us and attached pictures of our faces on superhero costumes. Too cute. Wished they hadn't used our admin card photo though (it's my old hair sigh).

After MediaBiz Awards, Jon, Yiyun, Stef and myself headed down to SCAPE's PlayNation for some Guitar Hero and Michael Jackson action! 'The Michael Jackson Experience' must be one of the most enjoyable Kinect games ever!

With CMM's Dynamic Duo! Fred and Bob JJ and Firdaus.

Michy and Mitchy!

Practicing my eye smile. LOL.

And here are pictures from the TP Band Committee gathering last Thursday that I totally forgot to update about. Exercising then getting fat all over again, that's the life.

Thankful for all these outings that keep me sane from my pretty much mandatory life right now. Got a couple of event jobs to work for so I am definitely looking forward to them.

In other news, I am currently addicted to a few songs.

I have been looking forward to Faber Drive's new record for forever! But I guess this first single will have to do enough to satisfy me for now. However I'm still craving for a ballad from them because honestly, that's what they do best.

This new K-Pop boy group, NU'EST (pronounced as new east) really caught my eye with the chair choreography of their debut single, FACE, which is a song about standing up to those who look down and bully you. Meaningful. And it has been ringing in my head ever since I heard it.

Also addicted to B1A4's Ignition album. Particularly This Time is Over, Just Two of Us (Baro's solo) and Wonderful Tonight (Unplugged Ver.) ugh can't wait to get my hands on the album! And I just recorded a cover of their title song, Baby I'm Sorry. Waddya think?

Gonna start attending TP Alumni band practices. Who wants to come support me for the concert? Heh.

Leap Year Day

Finished with Media Law exam today. And I've never felt more confident for a written paper in my whole Poly life. FREEDOM!

Spent the day with the Poly bunch and we talked about stuff from our childhood (Pokemon, Powerpuff Girls, Power Rangers, etc.) to our future when we have kids and all. It just felt like our maturity level plunged, and came back up to an all time high. So funny that we actually discussed how we were going to raise our kids, how to discipline them, what the parents of young children are not doing right LOL I'm genuinely...impressed with myself.  Hahaha okay sorry. And of course, I can't forget the super heavy workout at SCAPE playing with kinect sports. I realise we are all very competitive. Time for my healthy regime #537495 to commence! ^^

And what is the official last day of school without pictures?

M&M with the best film teacher EVER

My favourite stylist!

Jeanette's affectionate look in the top right hehehe.

Brenda fading away in the bottom left picture.

I need more Pudding camera practice.

Happy March to you and me and I hope this will be a great month! xx