Business School crowned champions once more!!!

1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st and still FIRST!!! This year's competition among the schools was unpredictable. DES won the 'Best-spirited school' category, AS won the 'Best Cheerleading' category, BUS won the Olympiad category and ENG won the Regetta category. The atmosphere at Bedok Reservoir Park was incandescent just before the results for the overall champion were announced. That year was to be our year. Last year, we brought the trophy home when I was a freshman and we were confident of repeating that feat once more. Some of us even showed signs of concern about us not being able to bring back that taste of glory.

"As we all know, Business School have been the overall champions for the past 3 years...oops I mean 5 years and now this year...." Many thoughts raced through my mind...there is a new champion, a new nemesis...we were displaced by another school, possible ENG...no longer champions...our unbeaten streak was all but over...plus a dozen more.

But I was wrong! "And the 2010 overall champion goes to...BUSINESSS SCHOOL!!!" Pandemonium reigned. I was so convulsed with joy and glory that I raced through the crowd like mad, embracing business students randomly along the way whether if they were the SLs of other courses or just freshmen. Something which I had never done before. I simply could not believe my actions but I did not regret doing that in front of the fellow freshmen for most of them too were overwhelmed with joy & triumph! I had predicted correctly at the first time and proved my partner wrong. He thought that since we had been champions for half a decade, the judges would moderate the score and possibly give opportunities to other schools...THAT WAS JUST RUBBISH! The fact that business school won once again was just astonishing because we knew that the scores between the various schools were really close, especially between BUS & ENG. Both BUS & ENG had a large population, but BUS claimed to have slightly more people than ENG albeit ENG had more courses than us.

SLs & DHL from TP BIT with the 6th title...we truly felt like champions! From left,

Front row: Nicholas, Xue Bin, Alvin, Kai Xuan

Back row: Zhuo Yi, Ivy, Johan (DHL), Keagan, Teck Chuan, me

All that started well ended well and we lifted the trophy with pride. I got a touch on the trophy and it made me felt like a champion. To me, it was like winning the UEFA Champions League trophy. Being crowned champions for the sixth consecutive time is a remarkable feat to achieve and we were hungry for more trophies. Oh yeah, sixth time in a row! Woohoo! VIVA LA BUSINESS!!! 7TH TIME NEXT YEAR!!!!!

Freshman Orientation (Day 1)

The day that I had been waiting for finally arrived! That was the day that saw us having a seemingly strong connection between the synergy leaders and the freshmen. As usual, the first part of the activity that is to welcome the newcomers to our school and subsequently our course was sort of a kickstart that kept the ball rolling.

My partner, the enthusiastic Teck Chuan, & I were given a responsibility of taking charge of the class 1E05. There was the angelic Jolene, the early bird. Then there was the energetic Shaun, perhaps the most hyperactive guy in the class. Others include Gerald the dragonboater, Shafira, who was from the same school as mine, Felice the soft-spoken lad and China-originated Wen Di and Li Ling. One word to describe the atmosphere at TCC: A-W-E-S-O-M-E~. Being a rookie SL was no easy job, especially if you want to influence your class to cheer loudly. At first, the freshmen were quite dead but they got that tempo that we wanted them to be in eventually. The synergy leaders, on the other hand, were as rapturous as ever.

We then led our respective classes to the concourse level of Business School where we played games that we hoped to keep them awake. However, they did not seem to acknowledge our presence and we were somehow at a loss albeit we tried communicating with them with random topics. To make matters worse, my partner was always getting involved with other imperative matters and I was left alone with my class at that period of time.

Performing the 7 wonders~

From left: Jing Ren, Joel, John, me

Joseph & Shaun, how romantic:)

It took me some time to think of ways of cheering them up. Eventually, I took the initiative of teaching them simple but meaningful games like 'Concentration' and 'Go Back Jump'. At that moment, they began to acknowledge my presence and and I was practically pleased with them. However, that was not good enough as they still refuse to their new classmates. Shy, perhaps? We were once in that situation when we were freshmen and strongly knew how they all felt...doubtful of starting conversations...not enthusiastic about the camp & so on(some even asked me when was the dismissal time and THAT REALLY GOT MY KNICKERS IN A TWIST!).

We then proceeded to LT 20 where we played games which involved the battle of the sexes. Oh but before that, our course's synergy leaders were asked to gather to meet Johan...it was not a scolding...but a firm talk that would trigger us to change for the better. That was our turning point. We showed more pride in handling the various tasks and took the initiative to approach our DHLs (Diploma Head Leaders) whenever we were in doubt, depending on the situation.

We then proceeded to a classroom on the fifth level of Business School where we taught our freshmen TP's very own unique mass dance. We really had a whale of a time and we could see that most of them were enjoying themselves, without showing signs of boredom or lethargy...ALL THANKS TO 'PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR' YOKE TING as well as the other SLs who were doing their part in both participating in the dance and correcting their mistakes.

We then gathered at the school stadium where we formed the number 20 at the centre of the stadium which marked our school's 20th anniversary since its grand opening in 1990. Sweet! The day which once dawned bright on us was beginning to fade as the evening sun's throne took over its place. We then gathered our freshmen to the sports hall to collect their business school t-shirts followed by a short debrief by our DHL. That was only the start of a beginning...AND I THINK I DID QUITE A GOOD JOB ON THE FIRST DAY BUT IT WAS JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!! WHAT NOW? SAVING MY ENERGY AND VOICE FOR TMR, OF COURSE!!! VIVA LA BUSINESS!!!!!

The Old Soccer Days

What races through your mind when it comes to soccer? Generally for us soccer fans, we would reminisce about our favourite clubs or prominent soccer players such as El-Nino, Fabregas, Rooney...and even soccer legends like Cantona, Maradona, Pele & Zidane.

Since watching World Cup 2006 and subsequently witnessing the finals between France and Italy which eventually the Azzurri won, I had this burgeoning interest in soccer and began to read up books about the history of the world cup. Fortunately, we had cable tv at home and I started to watch soccer channels (b4 that, I used to watch S.B.S.Q. on Nickelodeon 0_0) which usually telecast the English Premier League, doubted as the most exciting league in football history. Prominent teams in the league included the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. It was Tottenham Hotspur which I first supported way back in 2007. Back then, there was the cool Berbatov and inspirational captain Robbie Keane but shortly later, I switched my mindset on the remarkable Arsenal.

Football even affected me physically. I approached a non-official football team back in secondary school and requested if I could join them in their weekly training every Sunday even though I was neither a part of their squad nor a professional player. They granted my request and I was over the moon. Oh yeah, btw they were known as 'The Crusaders'. Not a bad name for a squad with seemingly high potential.

Training with The Crusaders at Tanah Merah field

There is no way Alvin is gonna get past me!

Playing the game of 'Monkey'. I'm the 'monkey' as depicted above.

Albeit i train with them for a only a few times, I had gained so much experience. However, I do have many weaknesses though...susceptibility to injuries (about a month ago, I sprained my ankle...OUCH!). Training was quite strenuous but I learned to endure it especially when it comes to playing 'Monkey'. The 'monkey' is supposed to stand inside a circle besieged by other members of the squad and is supposed to chase after the ball as the players passed the ball to one another in any random direction. That was back in January 2008. We would usually meet up on Sundays near Tanah Merah field at around 4 p.m and be officially dismissed at 7. It was a hell lot of experience, fun, joy, laughter...sometimes even hatred for one another especially if there is a communication breakdown on the pitch. Certainly makes my day! Missing those old soccer days...and what's more? South Africa 2010!!! VIVA LA FRANCE!!!!!

Impossible Is Nothing

Yes, people might ask why would I post a Liverpool FC's performance instead of my much favoured Arsenal Football Club. Well, part of the reason is because this video was arguably one of the most exciting performances in football history. This was way back in 2005 and at that time, I was a complete ignoramus when it comes to football. In fact, I always watched this video whenever I get bored and it really makes my day!

When Milan were 3-0 up before half-time, it was really I mean REALLY impossible for The Reds to bounce back to level the score for they were competing against a club that boasted a proud history of winning European Cups. Only the most loyal Liverpool fans stayed to watch the remaining half and what they were about to witness was that '15 minutes that shook the world'.

Impossible is nothing...Stevie-G headed the ball into the net...GOAL!!! 3-1. A glimmer of hope!

Unlikely hero Vladimir Smicer rifled a shot past Dida ,who got a touch on the ball, and in...GOAL!!! 3-2. Finally, the Liverpool fans were chanting their hearts out! With pride!

In the 60th minute, Liverpool won a penalty. Xabi Alonso got his spot-kick saved but scored the rebound...GOAL!!! 3-3. Liverpool got the equalizer! Pandemonium reigned in Istanbul.

Finally, the match went into penalties. Shevchenko misses his spot-kick and Liverpool were crowned European champions for the fifth time.

Geylang United 1-0 Woodlands Wellington

It was not what I anticipated. I had actually planned to go jogging but ironically ended up watching a football match. It was that unforgettable night which would forever be etched on my mind for I had never witnessed a local football match which involve clubs instead of countries competing against each other.

It was approximately 7.30 p.m. and I was heading towards Bedok Stadium. Jogging was my motive. Little did I realise that a football match was going to start in a few minutes' time. The home team was none other than Geylang United. I was rather crestfallen for it was not according to plan and had no choice but to jog around an alternate route that I was not familiar with. I jogged one round as my heart no longer felt like jogging and went to do some sit-ups at a nearby fitness corner. From far, I could see the stadium gantry congested with people ranging from descent supporters to football fanatics. Out of curiousity, I approached the ticketing usher and eventually made it through the gantry. How I got the ticket? Some kind soul gave it to me, a pretty Malay lady to be exact:). I was so fortunate! Just my lucky day, I thought.

The chilly atmosphere made the situation incandescent, with the home fans chanting Geylang United's name. My worst regret? I had forgotten to bring my digital camera but I did take snapshots though, courtesy of my handphone's 2.0 mp camera. The images were quite blur but was worth taking them. There was a flamboyant sight of the home fans beating their drums while chanting the club's name and others humbly watching the game.

It was not a one-sided match with teams equally dominating in the first-half. The end of the first-half drew near and there was an additional 2 minutes to be played. The home side won a corner and the ball was crossed towards the player wearing the Number 17 jersey who headed home to make the score 1-0. Pandemonium reigned across the entire stadium and for some unknown reason, I went mad too. Influenced by the crowd, probably. The referee blew the whistle which marked an end to the first-half, the score-line at 1-0.

At Bedok Stadium, the score-line currently at 0-0

I followed the crowd and made my way outside the gantry, not knowing what to do at that moment. Some people just out to smoke for smoking is prohibited inside the stadium. The second-half was going to start and I chose to sit near where the 'peace-breakers' were sitting. My mind was telling me to chant with them. A 1-0 lead is good, but doubling the lead would be much better.

The away team then began to show what they were made of, playing attacking football. The home side too had a couple of chances but it was the away side that exhibit their performance with lustre. The second-half was rather nerve-racking but no goals were produced. Tensions were high as the game went on to 3 minutes of extra time. The 'peace-breakers' were chanting more loudly than usual and began to sing random songs like 'Chan Mali Chan'. Seriously, WTF?!

Finally, the referee blew his whistle and the stadium roared. What I had just witnessed was an unforgettable 90 minutes of football and as a home fan, I was truly contented with Geylang United's well-deserved victory. Glory Glory Geylang United!!!

The 'Peace-Breakers'

Holidays

Some people spent their holidays going on vacation, luxuriating in spas and jacuzzis while others simply enjoyed the comfort of staying at home, doing their usual routine.

For my case, my family and I did not schedule for an overseas trip and therefore, I spent most of my precious time at home but that does not mean I am always lazing around, not knowing what to do, playing computer games whatsoever. I planned a healthy daily routine though to discipline myself. For some unknown reason, I tend to wake up at around 10 or 11 in the morning albeit I always set my handphone alarm at 8. Oh Lord, how i wished I am not a heavy sleeper...well, let's get back to the plot.

After taking my morning shower, I did some sort of arm exercise by lifting two 10-pound weights. Ironically, I did not see any development in my arms (if you know what i mean). Moving on, I would trudge to my desk to learn a minimum of 10 new words daily and record them inside a book. Slowly, I began to develop that burgeoning interest in expanding my vocabulary since 2006, the worst year of my life so far. I had so little friends back then and some of my classmates really loathe me and I do not wish on elaborating on that:(. It all started when some of my 'friends' introduced me to a game of DotA and since then, we usually hang out at lan shops and that deterioriated my Mid-Year exams and affected my passion for reading. Whenever I looked back at those times of decadence, I realised what a fool I was for letting them influence me.

Back to the story, I would either spent a few hours at a nearby library reading the newspapers or take the iniative of going to the nearby gym or stadium. Gym was cool but jogging was draining the hell out of me. These were my recorded timing so far...

3 laps - 7:13

3 laps - 7:15

3 laps - 7:06

If only I had the stamina of Park Ji-Sung or even better, Usain Bolt...

However, I felt contented with what I had achieved so far but if possible, 3 laps in 6:30...MY NEXT AIM!!! AND I CAN FEEL THAT ADRENALINE IN ME..

Inspired by Adam Khoo: local entrepreneur, best-selling author & peak performance trainer

Foreword by the creator

For the past few years, I have been mesmerized by how people began to articulate themselves via online means. Apart from social-networking sites such as FaceBook and Friendster, I realised that blogging is a powerful tool to let people know more about a particular individual, which is why I decided to create my own blog, primarily for personal and entertainment purposes, to articulate myself as well as to let fellow netizens know more about me, my personality, my interests and so on...I will first begin by describing my personality:)

NAME: Firdaus Shariff/ Fir-Bregas Fibre-Glass
GENDER: Male

DOB: June 16, 1992

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single:)

ACTIVITIES: Gym, Jogging, Watching soccer
EMAIL ADDRESS: firdaus_jaguar@hotmail.com
WINDOWS LIVE: Fir-Bregas!~