SGDF Competition: A Competition to remember!!

Woke up very early cos had to go to the competition venue at Raffles to do preparation. I had promised Celia to go early so as to help her to arrange the trophies. When I reach there, there were already a few people helping to carry the stuff from the ops room to the ballroom. There were peopl setting up the reception area, the competitor changing room and the ballroom itself. Everyone was doing final checks on what the hotel had provided for us and to do some fine-tuning.

I had to get to my position as the competitor coordinator. I may look cheerful outside, but inside I was close to panic liao.. I dun really know if I miss anything cos this is the first time I'm doing something like this!! Luckily I have a savior, Jonathon. He came straight here from the airport to help out with the competitor coordination as he's the only experienced guy who's available. He taught me some of the things I should look out for and do and also coordinated with the hotel staff on how to arrange the place where the competitors go into the dance floor.

As the competition starts, the real work began. We had to call out to the competitors to inform them of what's the next event (we have event schedule pasted up also, with cancellation of the event that was over with marker). As I was having a cough, I always cough after shouting for the couples' no. or for the competitors for the coming category to get ready. I learned alot from Jonathon, my "mentor". Without him, I think I'll be so stressed and panicky as there were so many situations that I never thought of! The most important lesson I learn is to be calm and to not want everything to be perfect, to learn to let go and be flexible (being too perfect can make things worse as cannot move forward).

Well, on the whole, good to say the day event was good. And also Kelvin and Rosanne managed to get into the 3rd round of their Standard category, which they didn't expect, so was happy for them (mind you, its an international competition, not easy to get into round after rounds). Kelvin and Rosanne also had something funny happened. They had 2 events back-to-back, as they figured they probably won't get into the round anyway. However they did, and this situation happened. They had to compete in the Standard category, then after that, they had to change into their Latin costume to compete in the Latin category. While they were changing, the other competitors waited for them. The MC was trying to fill up the time by entertaining the guests with talks and introducing the couples that were already on the floor. He also explained the situation to the audience. When Kelvin and Rosanne went in, the audience was clapping very loudly for their spirit, the competitor spirit, the spirit of taking up both disciplines in competitions, which is not easy and is very rare in Singapore!

Now, the night event is the interesting part. While in the day, I had Jonathon to be in control to help me, at night, I'm on my own as he has something on! So, there I was, trying to look brave, and consolidating my mind on what I learned in the day and try to learn to apply it when I need it most... which is NOW!!

It was a very adrenalin-filled night. I thought since there are fewer competitors at night, the job should be easier. How wrong I was! Me and my assistants had to call the competitors so many times to assemble them at the competition hall entrance for each of their events (I was told they are supposed to know their own event and assemble there themselves). It was fun though.. I was shouting and coughing at the same time. Thinking they must be thinking this is the most comical competitor coordinator they've ever seen!! I've a new found respect for this role. Its really difficult trying to organise so many people and keep to the schedule.

The whole competition, I didn't really have a chance to watch the dancing. After the prize presentation, the champions are to do their honour dance. The Latin IDSF Open is won by MAURIZIO VESCOVO & MELINDA TOROKGYORGY from Hungary and the Standard IDSF Open is won by DOMENICO SOALE & GIOIA CERASOLI from Italy. Maurizio and Melinda started by doing rumba. I was thinking at that time that this was not going to be interesting, as I prefer their high energy dance routines like Jive and Samba. I got my wish as they progressed into a high energy packed routine. It was fabulous and exciting to watch them dance.. so full of life!!

Domenico and Gioia did their honour dance with Waltz. It was the most beautiful standard dance I've ever seen. They were telling a story with their dancing. It progress from courtship to dating to romance and ended with Dominico turning Gioia and then hug together, with him hugging from the back. They look so lovely together!!


Happy me.. hehe


Everyone's eyes fixed on dance floor


Competitors coming out after a round of exhaustive dancing

Hectic Day at Ops Room

Today is the day when all the competitors for the SGDF competition have to register and collect their number tags. When I arrive at the ops room, they were all unpacking the stuff and setting up the room for receiving the competitors. We also have to put all the items to give to each couple and adjudicators in their respective envelopes. While doing all that, I saw the news paper article of sharon and connie, isabelle and xavier in the New Paper. It was featuring siblings who have similar hobbies, in this case, ballroom dancing. Cool sia...

The first competitors start to arrive. This registration exercise last until night time, so the couples come in small streams (at least we have time to breathe). We have competitors from Australia, China, Taiwan, Phillipines, some others i dun rem now, and of cos Singapore. There were others, but those are more high-level ones (top world ranking dancers), but they come later or next day.

I didn't really help out much with the registration (hmm.. wonder why I was there.. haha), only helped with the starting preparation. Then I was told that I had to help organise the march-pass of the couples in the Asia-Pacific competition, to showcase the countries taking part. So, when the first Australian couple came to register, I quickly introduce myself and brief the couple on what will happen and what to do, as they were the first couple in Alphabetical order by country. It was nice and fun talking to them, and they were very obliging and friendly.

At about late afternoon, something interesting happened. We saw the National Day parade march-pass by the vehicles of Police, Civil Defence and Armed Forces from our large window! Our view was fabulous, as we were in a room in full view of the road where the vehicles are moving pass to the Padang area. Then I rememmbered today is the National Day Preview(Irving and TY are going for this). Cool man.. Didn't expect this!! :D

Around evening time, it was time to go to the Church service to make up for the service I'll miss tomorrow. I was slightly late, but I managed to catch a glimpse of some drama they were playing on stage. My first thought was, "They are so natural in their acting man!! They are young adults only.. Got potential for musicals and dramas!!". As this is the tertiary service, the pace and beat and atmosphere is very high and exciting. Its like if you dun jump and do alot of body movements, you're the odd one out. This is so unlike the adult service where its the oppposite! Feel a few years younger when with these people who is full of energy.. hehe

Fun day!!

Botanical Gardens

Recently, Pris is crazy about walking. So, this time, we were pulled in to join in her obsession... just joking.. dun water bap me cos of this.. haha..

She suggested one day that it'll be a good idea that we go walk walk and have a picnic. We finally decided on Botanical Gardens cos of the excellent greenery and atmosphere.

Our meeting point was at Tanglin mall. Altogether, we have Pris, Ink, TY, Merv, Jerilee and me. We went to the supermarket to get some food for our picnic. There were so many choices, and we took our time to pick and choose what's nice and suitable. After getting paying for the food, we walk towards our destination.

As we were walking, the sky became dangerously cloudy and dark. Then a few drops of water fell on us. We stopped and gather in a circle to pray for clear skies. Well.. we didn't see the sky suddenly become clear all of a sudden (that'll be cool man.. hehe), in fact, it started to pour heavily. We had to run to the nearest shelter which was a bus stop.

While waiting, we chit chatted and Merv enjoyed playing with his camera. We saw this pram with anti-rain shelter, look so cool!! (Ink, get this for your child for all the outdoor activities that you'll have.. hehe). Not too long after, the rain miraculously stopped!! Thank God!! (It was really raining very heavily)

Finally we're able to proceed to the Gardens. We walk around and took a number of pictures. There were many beautiful places and scenery.


Strolling leisurely


Drunks who can't walk straight

Finally, we saw the amphitheatre with a few groups of people resting there and decided to set up our picnic there. Somehow, nobody was around after a while. We were then only ones left at the stage!! (Come to think of it, if people were not there at first, we may not dare to go there to set up our picnic!!) Guess what happened next? It rained again!! wow!! We are soooo lucky to rest here, else will be like some of the people we saw, have to run to shelters. Somehow, even with all the rain, nobody came to where we were for shelter.. strange..


proceeding to our private stage


beauty on the stage

Anyways, we had a great time eating and chatting. It was also a time of taking pictures and playing games. Jerilee brought some pancakes and we all did some art on it. (See Ink's webpage)
(Andrew joined us at this time) Played the card game called High Society (forgot the name but Merv told me). Had so much fun trying to psycho people and confusing them.. so evil right? hehe...


everyone getting comfortable

After much fun, its time to go. We slowly made our way back. I even took a video of the walk. The rain started again and we had to find shelter. (All this time Pris occasionally took my camera to take pictures.. very artistic ones..) Pris took this opportunity to take some nice pictures of the surroundings. When the rain got lighter, we continued our walk back and split up.


see who can fit into the bin!!

Family Dinner

I happen to have an appointment with my family to have a family dinner that night, so the next stop is to meet up with my family. However, I went home first to meet up with my dad and bro and his gf. We then proceed to the Bukit Timah hawker centre. On the way there, my mom and sis boarded the same bus!! (this was not arranged) Its been a long time since our whole family are together in an outing like this!

The hawker centre was very crowded (shows how popular this place is). Once seats are found, we decided to order food that everyone can share and split up to do so. Dun know is it a good idea or not, but we ended up with tons of food!! It was fun taking pictures and eating and sharing the food! I like this kinda feeling! This is also the last major meal before my bro will fly to Australia for his course, so we treasure every moment with his presence. There was so much food that I think all of us had a tummy after that.. hehe..


see the variety of food we had!!


happy and satisfied faces


Here's some of the artistic photos that Pris took.. hee

Breakthrough Campaign

Today is the start of the Church's breakthrough campaign. We're encouraged to make a pledge to have a breakthrough, no matter what the breakthrough is, and also it can be broken down in periods. For me, I guess a breakthrough will be to be closer to God, have a closer relationship (I think I'm greedy, cos with better relationship with God, all other good things will come.. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well - Matthew 6:33 hehe..). Aiming to be able to talk to God until people think I'm crazy or something.. haha

Blading mania cum Dancesport temptations

Finally, today is the day when i once again put on roller blades and try it on the bumpy East Coast Park trail. It has been a long time since i bladed (as though i bladded alot.. haha.. bladed only 2 times before!!). I was late and decided to take a taxi as I dun wan to reach the place and end up blading for a little while only.

I called Chang Shiung when i reached and got to know that Merv and Ming will reach soon, and so i waited for them. Me and Merv proceeded to rent the blades. It was very scary when I first stood up and tried to walk around.. although i should already be used to the balancing from experience in ice skating. The down slope from the shop to the pavement was the scariest, cos I dun know how to brake!! I nearly got into a collision with some bicycles! So there me and Merv started our baby steps (Ming already expert, Merv was first time). We went in the direction where I think CS and Pris will be (They arrived first).

Making slow progress, Merv and me moved inch by inch towards the direction of where the others were (Ming was with us, but his is not inch by inch, his is like flying!!). The humps were not as scary as I thought (had very bad experience with it the 1st time I tried blading). Saw Pris and CS down the road and the next aim for me was the end of the trail. After a looooong time, finally reach the end! hee

Made a U-turn and continued back to the original starting point. Ming went ahead and bought us all cold drinks (So nice of him right?). Andrew joined us at this point (CS went off and Pris went Macs to rest) and we tried the other direction. Bladed halfway before we decided to give up.. no strength already.. need to reserve some for the journey back!!

Me and merv returned our blades and then joined the rest for drinks. After drinking and chit-chatting, its time to go.. Pris called her friends, merv and I joined her in a ride to the MRT in Yan's car. All the way, Pris and her other female friend in the car were worried abt Yan's wrist injury (I learned later that it was quite bad, had to put cast). Reached MRT and I took the train to studio.

Another night of temptation at the studio. Was so restless the whole time cos of the beat of the music and the atmosphere. Well.. tried to dance abit to release that pent-up energy, but dun know what moves to use, cos no routine and no partner, so end up just do simple steps. Ended the day with the Super cool music in my head!! haha

Re-living the past

Went to studio today to help out in a workshop. Jinjin had asked me abt it, saying that Gladys asked if I can help, so I agreed without really knowing what I'm helping. On arrival, I saw a few of the guys doing salsa steps in the small room. Only then did I realize I'll be helping in salsa!(I only know basic salsa.. haha)

We went through the steps that will be used for the lesson. Luckily all are basic steps. We then waited for the "students" to come. When they came, I see that most of them were in their middle or lower middle age. From what I learned later, they're from the Herald Tribune coming for their conference from overseas branches. This workshop is organized by the organizer of the conference, as part of their activity. (How nice to have a company that arrange such things...). We had fun partnering the "students" and teaching them the steps. I especially enjoy it when they enjoy themselves and is very eager to learn, and willing to try even though they made a lot of mistakes.

At the end of the workshop, we even had a mini exam/competition where 2 couples go out to dance while the others watch!! After the class ended, the lady whom I partnered even gave me gifts of a keychain and a paper bino-culars from their goodies bag.

I stayed in the studio until nighttime to settle some admin stuff for the coming competition that the SGDF is organizing. Today happen to be Saturday, so there's the Saturday night practice, where they will dim the lights in the dance floor and put coloured lights. The whole atmosphere is very good for dancing with good lighting and good music. Couples, especially competitors, who wanna practice will come on this day to practice what they've been training for the whole week. I can really feel the thrill of dancing amongst them, among people who can dance really well, and who gives off such a feeling of energy and also with the different feel that each of the different dance gives. (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep for Standard section, and Samba, Cha cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive for Latin section)

Each dance has its unique characteristics, giving different feelings of serenity, excitement, passion, romance, aggressiveness, playfulness, cheeky, feeling of wanting to fly, even the thrill of jumping around!! A friend even commented that Waltz is like a roller coaster ride! Listening to such nice music, such good atmosphere, and such good dancing, kinda makes me miss dancing.. I think its the only activity I did that gave me such a range of emotions, from anger to joy, from sadness to happiness, from feeling so lousy to feeling so good about myself. I started to dance a bit of basic steps, but got tired of it, cos no partner, no routine, kinda got bored.. so i just enjoy other people dancing with my eyes though my body is reacting to the music.. haiz.. but its ok.. I have other priorities now. I'll be back if I can, hopefully with my future wife!! Now... thats a nice thought!! :D

First Time Chair-mei-ing

Went to Irving's house right after I knock off. Very apprehensive today cos today is the first time I'm chair-ing for the CG! I had prepared notes on what to say, what's the sequence of events, etc. I was informed abt chair-ing on wed, when I met up with Irving.

He had told me before the meeting that he's going to run me through the things to do, which I assume is how he plans the CG and what he intends to do for the workshop. Then he started telling me the sequence of the CG, how to go about it in the view of the chairman. Halfway through, I started to suspect something is not right.. haha.. but I didn't say anything. When we had finished through the sequence of CG, I asked him why is he telling me all these, sound like I'm chairing for the CG. Its then he revealed to me that I'm chairing for this coming CG. He said,"You mean I didn't tell you? oh.. You're chair-ing for the CG this week!" I was like.. huh???? hahaha.. But I was also thinking, after going through the sequence, it seems easy enough. We (or rather he) also brain-stormed the things to do for the workshop on evangelizing.

Ok, back to present... After much waiting to start the CG, we finally started, and I tried to help people relax by asking them to talk abt their past week. Pris and Grace talked abt their respective trips (Pris came back on thur, Grace today). Pris talk abt her holidays in Europe while Grace talk abt her experiences in Dubai. After everyone has settled down, its time for P&W. Reina took over and started with a prayer to prepare our hearts and go into the Praise songs. Zhiyi then took over the Worship songs and I had a good time feeling the presence of God amongst us, with our prayers and singing.

With our hearts prepared, Ink start his workshop on evangelizing. This is a continuation of what Elaine did last week. We were split into groups, given different scenarios and were asked to evangelize to the "non-believer" in our group in 10 minutes. I was assigned to merv's group together with Yixi. Our scenario is doing volunteer work. Me and Yixi are supposed to evangelise to Merv. Me and Yixi were at a lost on what to do, and keep asking Merv for advice. Though we didn't really thought of how to evangelize to him, we did agree with assumptions of the scenario, and Merv is called Ah Beng, me Ah Seng, and Yixi Ah Lian.. hahaha.

All of us were then called to give feedback. We realise that its difficult to evangelise and different people used different methods to do it. Even different scenarios for the same people may have different methods. Ink, then start his teaching. I learned that there are methods to evangelising, and its suited to different characters whether is the believer or the non-believer. I think I'm suited for a mixture of the methods.

We ended with announcements and prayer. Then Pris, Grace and Kaidy brought out the goodies from their respective sources. Pris from Europe, Grace from Dubai, Kaidy from Australia. But first, Me and Pris went to Macs to get fries for the sauces that she brought. With the fries, we started our Food Fest.. I never had so many different snacks in one day before man!! yummy!! Thanks so much to Pris, Grace and Kaidy!!

Londoners Unite

Went to Studio today right after work. Luckily met Melvin on the way there, cos the studio is empty! The instructors are away for some function, and the others are performing at the IOC stage in Raffles City (Kelvin and Rosanne are performing at NAFA, if I'm not wrong, for the Lee Foundation). After putting down my stuff, I went over to Raffles City to watch the performances (Performance by Roger & Connie, Xavier & Rianne).

Before their item, there's the rope skipping team (they look quite cool with their rope skipping stunts), as well as the wushu team. After the wushu team has finished with their item, I was like... huh??? Cos all they did was walk around do some warm up punching, and kicking, then do some simple punching and kicking with pads, and thats it!!!

Xavier and Rianne went up to perform after the wushu team.. they danced the cheeky, playful cha cha, and look quite good, with that confident look a dancer should have. After that is Roger and Connie dancing the sensual Rumba. They look so loving as well as confident and showy.

After the items have finished, the MC went on stage and did the closing speech. Then he said something that shocked me, he said that there was a bombing in London and asked for a minute of silence. I was suddenly afraid, cos Pris is on holidays in Europe, and I'm not sure if she's flying back from London, cos I think that is her final stop. During the minute of silence, I prayed very hard for her as well as the Londoners. When the minute is up, i took out my handphone and want to message Irving to see if he knows anything abt the status, as well as to pray for Pris. My hp is as usual, crazy and gave me a "insert SIM card message", I took out the SIM card, clean and put it back again a few times before making it work.

Then a message came in... "I'm back" from Pris.. wow.. I was suddenly relieved and glad that she's alright.. Its times like this that u start to appreciate ur friends more.. I went back home and searched the internet for news, and was quite sad at the sufferings, and angry at the terrorists, at their distorted, inhuman theories. Stupid People doing Stupid Things!!!

SGDF Vision

Met Rosanne and JinJin for lunch. Went to have some Pizza at the basement of Raffles City. Leting joined us, but decided to go to food court to find food instead. Kelvin came just as we were finishing our food.

After all that pizza, its time for dessert. We went up to Haagen Daaz to get some ice cream. I treated Rosanne to some strawberry ice cream as a birthday present and have some choc brownies for myself. The brownies here is really very nice, must try it again when got the chance!

The indulgence in sinful food took some time as we slowly enjoy it. We then proceed to the Carlton Hotel for the SGDF AGM. The AGM went as normal AGM would, verifying and approving the various documents. This time, we have a voting of new AGM Executive members also. The people were nominated before the AGM, and since every post has only one nominee and no new nominations, and no objections, it was passed. I am now officially an Exco member.

Shawn was then asked to tell us the direction of the dancesport scene as he's the presidium of IDSF(International Dancesport Federation) and our official coach. We were told that the chance of getting dancesport into 2008 Olympics is a no-go. He also told us about the coming IOC conference, that there's only a slim chance of getting into the 2012 Olympics cos of the limit that was set to the no. of sports to be hosted in the Olympics. We were also told about the coming SEA games, which has Dancesport as one of the events to be hosted. After that, we broke for refreshments.

The Exco members and the potential athletes to represent Singapore for the coming SEA games proceeded back into the conference room after the break. Robert, the President of SGDF, told the athletes of the rules and regulations set by the Olympic Council. He stressed the importance of remaining contactable at all times in case there is any surprise doping checks. He also reminded them to work very hard for the games as he had fought very hard for the sponsorship for the lessons and competitions overseas. He expects them to spend almost everyday at the studio either practicing or taking lessons. I was impressed by his determination to provide the best possible support he can to the athletes, and the ingenuity in making it all work (Dancesport is not very well known compared to things like soccer). Although he sound harsh to the athletes, I feel that its cos he wants to see his efforts pay off, that they'll appreciate what he has worked so hard for.

As all of the athletes are my good friends, I wish them well, and hope they'll see their efforts pay off, and make Singapore proud. Go Team Singapore, Go!!!

Evangelizing

Today, Elaine gave us a talk abt the importance of evangelizing to other people. Well.. the thing that I remember the most is abt the analogy to a pile of cow dung. Cow dung is useless unless it spread out to fertilize the land, just like we're to go out into the world to spread the good news. She's telling us not to stay in our comfort zone, but to bring new people into the Care Group, to do God's work!