Army!

Finally, finally, finally, am I able to find some time to sit down and post in a proper mood and setting.

And here comes the long, over due posting.

Over the past 3 months, I was enlisted as a full-time NS men, which means that my time to serve the nation has arrived. Like most peers of my age, I resented at the thought and inevitable fact of life. Then, a lot was going on for me – performances, shows, events and a whole list of activities – and that really put a damper on my mood.

The fateful day came and my world evolved completely. There in camp, discipline, regimentation, respect, friendship, teamwork, optimism and a list of other values are imparted upon us. BMT is more than the equipping of basic military skills. Through BMT, I have witnessed how perseverance and optimism have worked hand in hand to produce miracles, how actions really speak louder than words, where strength and honor is earned and not proclaimed.

BMT is a phase of self-discovery, maturity, socialization and modesty – a phase detrimental to the development of a mature and professional army and, essentially, a developed individual. BMT has changed me in various ways, and I am proud to say that the basics of living is what enables us to excel.

Another big event that just occoured was my coming of age, opening my doors to the age of majority. My family planned a party to commemorate this day, which was the best celebration of my 21 years in this world. As I walk on as an adult, I am grateful for all that has been given to me. Responsibilities are greater, expectations are higher and my duties are more important. This being said, I thank everyone for the part you’ve played in my life. Thank you

A Beautiful Surprise

Before I begin this post, I’d like to say a very big thank you to a group of special people in life – The Main Wayang Co.

(In no particular order)

The Bosses – Chief Kelvin, Boss Alvin, Lady Boss Delia, and Uncle Richard,

The Lovely Aunties – Aunty Marlene, Aunty Irene, Aunty Daisy, Aunty Jeanette, Aunty Rose, Aunty Molly, Aunty Sabri, Aunty Elizabeth, Aunty Maggie, Aunty Suzanne, Aunty Gladys, Aunty Ira, Denzil’s Mummy, (sorry if I missed out anyone cause I was really surprised, which gave my brain a freeze! But still a big thank you!)

The Macho Uncles – Mak Tony, Uncle Dennis, Uncle Hansel, Uncle Martin, Papa Joe, Uncle Suan, Denzil’s Daddy

The Budding Generation – Nadine, Nadia, Adriana, Gilbert, Justin, Sheryl, Pearly, Athanasius, Darius, Doran, Denzil, Ann, Simone, Samantha

And not forgetting,

My Dearest Family – Mummy, Royston, Rachel, Aunty Marry, Aunty Lily, Amanada!

–

Kamsia for this very special present you’ve given me, this surprise “enlistment” party. I am really touched and thankful for this beautiful surprise. I am proud to say that my 2 years in Main Wayang was a very complete and colourful story, with many life lessons learnt, and wonderful friends met along the way. Not only will I miss the company of everyone, but also the experience of running around, carrying chairs, helping backstage, selling CDs, etc. Also, thank you for the love, care and advice you’ve gave to me as I embarked on this peranakan journey.

I will fondly miss the many performances and shows where we sang together in front of the crazy camera flashes, non-stop  joget sessions, the experience of representing MWC in Melaka (which also means being in the noisest group…hehehe), hosting at West Coast Plaza, choreographing together with the Minstrels, the sedap-sedap-sedap! cooking of all the lovely aunties at the many ramay ramay celebrations, and having a really great time this family. As I grow and move on to a new and different phase of life, these experiences will be something that I cherish, and keep me going. MWC is more than a comapny but a family to me. And I’ll be back as soon as I can!

Before ending this note, I’d like to thank you once more for this very special party. I am really touched and surprised, but en route becoming a man I thought I’d hold back the tears. This day was a really special one. Thank you!

And ending this note, I wish Main Wayang a prosperous and wonderful time ahead! Kita hua hee, kita huat chye! May there be Siapa Baba 2, 3 , 4, 5 and many more to come!

Kamsia Everyone! Gua’ll Be Back!

To-be-botak-recruit,

Baba Reynold

Toy Soldier

As I count down the days to my enlistment, the familiar wave of reflections hit me. The days and hours feel surreal. Whenever and whatever I do, there’s a moment when I lapse into reminiscing bliss/agony, and memories flash like a white camera flash followed by a flashback on screen.

I’m not worried or scared, neither do I feel anxious or nervous. It’s true I do feel the occasional tingle in the gut, but I feel more excited following that. However, this surge of excitement is also met with a wall of damp, uncomfortable images of regimental living. The confiscation of freedom and choice does scare me quite a bit, enough to make it uncomfortable. But then this feeling doesn’t last for long, for the excitement would crash back in like the waves on the shore.

This last week for me marks a milestone in self-control. Every now and then, I feel this urge to jump about. But I’ve to hold back this roar and cool off. Inside my head, a cacophony of voices, all of those who’ve offered advice, reverberate inside the walls of this skull. And every night, they are the ones who keep me awake.

As I countdown my days, hours, and very soon, minutes, I will do my best to savor every single moment of what it means to live a carefree life.

12 June 2009, 0930 hours, is when a whole new and different phase of life begins, where I hope I can phase-shift as comfortably as possible. And soon, I’ll be a Toy Soldier…