Under the Beautiful Stars of Batu Pahat

First of all, I would like to wish a HAppy ChInese New Year ...

Today I am at Batu Pahat visiting the Rts there for a short holiday before I embarked for my final teaching practicum. I was glad to meet up with IPP Chai Chin, Pres "Turtle" and Rtr Neo Sauying. We started off the trip at the Summit and I had a hair cut (Yes, I was sooo busy that I had no time to cut my hair).

We then headed to taste their local laksa. I was so good and spicy. Just the way I like it. Then I proceed to play badminton... (Yes I also excercise or not I would not have space to eat some more food. Hahaha). It was a good sweating session and I was refreshed after that.

We then proceed to have "ikan Bakar" and "Tahu Goreng" for supper. I then headed back to Sauying's place to wash up before proceeding to Minyak Beku. There, I got to see many temples and got to view the beautiful stary sky which I had never seen in Singapore before. We sat at the jetty and chatted the night away.

Today, we will be heading to Segamat for Durians.. yohoo..

Let the game Begin....

Put up the banner, Arrange the chairs and tables, ensure the registration is in order. The committee was working hard to get the last minute preparation done. Thank you Rtr Dawn (RAC SW) and Rtr Neo(RAC BP) for helping us out in the preparation.

The first batch of ppl that comes in are the Rotaractors from Kota Melaka. One of the biggest contingent that was represented for the conference. Close 7pm, the bulk of the participants from Singapore and overseas arrived at the campsite. Participants registered themselves and collected their goodies (T-shirt, Shirts, booklet) and headed for their accommodation.

Dinner was served and as usual good (catered by your "District Caterer" Keyuan). With that we proceed to our ice-breaker game. Groups then design their group cheer, group flag and group identity. It really shows that our Rotaractors are creative ppl. The first day ended with ice-cream. And the club representative headed for the district meeting.

Day 2: The day started quite early and participants have their breakfast. After breakfast we went to the Lodge. The opening ceremony is held there. Awaiting for the Guest of Honour (DG Dr. Wu Dar Ching), the respective tribes occupy themselves with a friendly game of "BOMMING". The arrival of DG Wu was welcomed with tremendous applaus and cheers. DG seems pleased with the grand welcome.

After the formalities, we begin with the first plenary session (5Cs of Rotaract andKnowing more about Rotaract). We then proceed for luch with a twist. Participants was introduced to Survivor Cooking. It was an enriching experience for me as it was my first time doind it. Thou the process of the cooking was challenging, every tribe was proud of their "fruits of their labour."

We then move on to the next plenary session and which is on membership recruitment and retention. Next was the Survivor games.... Participants were given different task to complete at different base station.

We then have our very own Rotaract War, Different Tribes fill up their plastic bags with Water and through them at each other. It indeed relive my childhood memories. Some ppl are so persistent in getting the district team members wet. It was a great "war".

Participants then wash up and went for dinner while we prepare for the campfire.

The weather was not too kind and the heavens poured down in us (Rainlah of course). So we have to go to plan B which is have our performance nite at the Hall. Every team put up a good show and was impressed with their ideas and execution of the performance. Well done Rotaractors. We also mange to see a few Star in the making...

Upon completion of the performance, we announced the top two teams for the Survivor. Orang Asli and Batek was the to two teams that emerged. All participants was given a chance to vote the winning tribe. Each team gave their closing remarks and why they deseerve to win. After the vote, the box was sealed by our three game master, Audrey, Amanda and Wee.

Next day came, we packed up and set ready to go. We had our farewell breakfast and proceeded to the Hall for the closing ceremony. The results we announced then. We said our goodbyes and hope to meet again soon.

The Arrival of the participants of Survivor....

The mad rush starts on 18 January 2007. 4 Rtrs from RAC Curtin University and 2 Rtrs from Rac Kuching arrived at Senai airport at early morning that day. However I was having class on at that time. I had to rely to my faithful and ever dependent DRC John Ng to pick them up at Senai. They then headed back to Singapore towards Changi where they will be staying for the night. Thank you John for your help. Upon finishing my class, I headed to Changi from NIE to say hello to them. I stayed with them till late night and left for home for a good night sleep.

My class ended at 10.30 am on 19 January 2007. Lots was on my mind as it was the day of the conference. Will there be any last minutes back up from participants? Will the overseas rotaractors get lost? Was everything in order? Haiz so many things to worry about.

But there was no time for that. I need to pick up Rtr Neo (RAC Batu Pahat) from Kranji Mrt. Off I went and to pick him up with Dawn. Finally we reached the MRT and met with Rtr Neo. We headed for lunch at Woodlands and proceeded to Jurong Point to walk around. As I had to attend class again at 2.30 pm, I bid farewell to both of them and went to class.

While waiting for class to start, I decided to call Pres Greg from Rac Kota Melaka to see whether they are on their way. To my surprise, they are still in Melaka, waiting for a few more people to be ready. Now I am getting to worry, will they reach Singapore on time?

Opps class is about to start. Class ended early at 4 pm. I went down to IMM to pick up Dawn and Neo and headed for Camp Christine.... Ryan was there to greet me but there was so much setting up to do... The tables, logistic items and etc...

5.30pm: Ryan has to go to pick up the other participants from Kranji Mrt. And to my relief, my other committee members have arrived.....

Now I can breathe....phew....

A New Year, A New spirit and A lot of things to do...

As people around the world invite the new year, I was busy planning n coordinating the international trip for the HK rotaractors coming to Singapore....There is a total of 19 of them. WOW! That is a lot of ppl.

It was my first time bringing 19 ppl around in Singapore using public transport. It was indeed a first for me. We went to visit National University of Singapore and esplanade. We had dinner at Amanda's place (Thank you Golden Monkeys).

The following few days, they visited numerous places like the Night Safari, Sentosa, Little India and Chinatown. I am glad they enjoyed themselves.

I would like to thank Rac NUS, RAC Marina City, Rtr Celine (RAC NAFA), IPP BX (RAC RP), my district team members, IPP Dalon (NW) for asssiting us in the program.