Hey everyone! I'm back from Malaysia. I don't know if I should be surprised or not that I'm not quarantined. But at the moment I'm fine. Well, was in Malaysia for 3 days. Left on Monday and here's a summary of my trip:

Day 1

Woke up at about 8:30. Set off at 9 to Dunearn to return their bass trombone (feel like reporting the out-of-alignment-slide, but nah. Let them send it to repair themselves..wasn't my fault anyway). Saw the band, just falling-in again after break, returned the trombone and set off for Chua Chu Kang to borrow my friend's bass trombone. Borrowed, returned home, got my stuff and set off for my dad's office. Stayed there for like 30min, sounded like 10 times busier than a few months ago. After that, went to Defu lane so that my dad can pick up some parts for his work in Malaysia, ate lunch, then finally, we set off for Malaysia. Supposed to go to Klang, but due to changing circumstances, went to Kuantan instead. So add 4 more hours to the drive. We left immigration at about 12 and reached Kuantan at 8pm. 8 hours drive..woo. Stayed at the MS Garden Hotel. First time I saw a room with the TV so far away from the bed. Sorry, no pic of the room. End of day 1

Day 2

Rise and shine at about 9. Went for buffet breakfast inclusive of the room. Not a bad selection, had Nasi Lemak and additional scrambled eggs. After that, my dad set off for the port in Kemaman for his job. My mum and I hanged out at the megamall which is right next door. Nothing much there, so I sat down at Starbucks and used the free internet there. My dad finished his job at about 2 and soon we set off for Klang. My dad said that the bak kut teh at Klang is very nice so we went to eat some for dinner when we reached there after the 4 hour drive. Here's a pic of the bak kut teh:

The pork was nice and the soup is nice but because of the herbal taste, I don't really fancy it. After that, checked-in at the Prescott hotel. We actually got lost trying to find our way to the hotel. Even with GPS, we still were confused by the narrow roads there. The hotel is only four storeys high but the rooms are ok, considering we payed far less than MS Garden, almost half. Here's a pic of the view from our room.

That's our car, the black Nissan Cefiro, 2nd row, 2nd from the right. End of day 2

Day 3 (today)

Woke up, had breakfast at the hotel's 'casual rastaurant'. Again, inclusive of the room. Also not bad, but selection is more limited here. After that, went to this megamall called Aeon and my dad went off for his work. It's a modern shopping centre. Really looks like a mini Vivo City but absent the high-end boutiques. Did a bit of walking around, had cake and cappuccino at Secret Recipe and after that, set off in taxi to KLIA LCCT (Kuala Lumpur International Airport Low-Cost-Carrier Terminal). The reason we went to the LCCT is because we are flying Air Asia back to Singapore. The tickets are RM270 for 2 including taxes and surcharges, so thats RM135 per person which equates to about S$58.70. To give a comparison, one Singapore Airlines or Malaysian Airlines ticket including taxes and surcharges is RM300/S$130.40 for one person. For a 55 minute flight, that really isn't worth it. Checked-in to the flight, the boarding pass is actually like a receipt, here's a pic

Sorry for the blurry picture but according to the boarding pass, the flight was supposed to leave at 1440 hrs. The plane was arriving from Shenzhen and it landed at 1440 hrs. As a result, we were delayed like almost an hour. Not really good especially in a budget terminal. At about 1530, we finally were asked to board the aircraft. Seats were leather, quite comfortable. Legroom was alright for a 55 minute flight. My seat was at the window so thats good too. By coincidence, we were number four for both takeoff and landing. But, with this coincidence comes further delay. We finally landed at 1630 hrs, one hour late. Had dinner at the airport and took the MRT home.

Well thats a wrap, my friends, please do catch Philyouth's concert this Sunday if you can make it! It's free if all you thrifty, miserly people are asking. 3pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Just walk in, no tickets required! Here's our repertoire for the afternoon:

- Indiana Jones Selections | John Williams, arranged by Helmer van der Heide

- Tuba Tiger Rag | Soloist: Marcus Huang, Tuba | Harry DeCosta, arranged by Luther Henderson

- The Typewriter | Leroy Anderson, transcribed by Floyd E. Werle

- Children of Sanchez | Soloist: Ong Shi Chun, Flugelhorn | Chuck Mangione, arranged by Naohiro Iwai

- Flight of the Bumblebee | Soloists: Ralph Lim, Clarinet; Lee Jun Hao Simon, Oboe; Chua Yi Hao, Flute | Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

- The Sound of Music: Do-Re-Mi | Richard Rogers, arranged by Takashi Hoshide

- Divertimento for Trombone and Band 1st Movement | Soloist: Foong Jun Jie, Tenor Trombone | Dominique Wyckhuys

- Imagine | Soloist: Tan Khai Boon, Alto Saxophone | John Lennon, arranged by Takashi Hoshide

- Cartoon | Paul Hart

Hope to see ya there! :]

Holidays are ending...just one week and 3 days left. I just feel that this holiday was one of the fastest that I have ever gone through as a student. Maybe it's because of the academics and the like. Well, I've nothing against it, just go with the flow, study, do schoolwork, have some rest and fun here and there. I think this has been one of the more meaningful holidays I've spent. Seeing it's the last time I get to do almost everything, I'm doing them now while I still can. Watching concerts, playing music, going for BBQs, etc. I just began to realise how uncertain my future is. Yes I convinced myself to become a musician, but my parents aren't supportive, the country's economy is most probably not supportive. It makes me wonder if a musical career is viable at all. I had an interest in aviation, now I don't seem to have it. I used to have an interest in maritime, now I don't have it. I don't really like to 'wait and see what happens' because it means that you have nothing to work towards. But now, my parents keep telling me: "Treat music as a hobby, not a profession." It kinda pisses me off when I hear that. Yeah my father is well respected in his field, might be earning big soon, but at what cost: Less time for family. It's not the scenario that I want. I don't think I am and I don't want to be that kind of person. To me, I believe that given a choice, you should always choose something you enjoy doing. Imagine this: Job A: Work 12hrs a day, 6 days a week, frequent overseas work, frequent meetings with clients, pay: $20000/month. Job B: Work 7 hrs a day, 5 days a week, locally based work, socialising, good work environment, meet when you want, pay: $10000/month. Unless you can be a workaholic for your life, I would think Job B is better. Besides, if you're looking for big cash, your paycheque should be out of the question. Because unless you're in Brunei, there's something called income tax. Because it's percentage-based, the higher your pay, the higher your tax-payable. Whats the point working so much more but earning just a miniscule amount more? I leave you to find out where non-taxed money comes from. Back to my point, career options are vast out there, I understand if parents want their child(ren) to take over their business when they retire, but I believe everyone deserves a choice at what they want as a career. So to all my friends out there, it's high time everyone thinks about what you want for your career. It can be anything, as long as you have a passion for it. Pursue it and never falter.

Failure doesn't mean it's over. Failure tests your willingness and strength to become better. Should one's tenacity follow his failure, success should follow too. So don't dream it's over.

Well, you can say a fun half-week just passed by. Monday, after D&D, went to East Coast for BAND BBQ! Cycled a lot there, ate nice food and enjoyed the sea breeze which can be experienced nowhere else in Singapore. Finally there is some strong wind in my face. Then the next day, celebrated Eugene's birthday, went to Lot 1 and watch Terminator: Salvation. Nice movie, maybe I should consider watching the first 3 movies. After that dinner with friends..haha..played a prank on Leonard and Carmen..haha 9 people pang seh 2 people..like one of the biggest pang seh we've ever pulled off..haha. Then yesterday, Had chemistry practicals, did speed of reactions, datalogger, investigation of solids and liquid and the star of the day: FLAME TESTS! Woo, the flame tests were so spectacular..like playing with fireworks. We videoed and pictured the fiery moments and after that homed. Went to Lighthouse Bistro for dinner with my mum and her friend. Nice Ox tail. Oh yeah..and I got a white bold tie for my performance on the 28th..unfortunately, it's not really done with good workmanship..the tie isn't really balanced looking, oh well..at least it doesn't cost a bomb. Haha. Now to get a blazer. $$$

Well, one week of D&D camp just passed by. Today being the last weekday of the week, I'm at my most tired state. But it has been worth it. I've been motivated to study very much during the holidays and thats what I will do. Yes I'll balance out my work with recreation, becasue this period time will probably be the last before the 'O' Levels when I can fully enjoy my recreation. I'm glad I've stepped down from CCA, although I love it so much, everyone has an expiry date. I'm glad it is in the hands of people trusted to bring up the band. I leave my post with absolutely no regrets, although I wish I could've contributed more and sometimes for a moment I would want to turn back the time, my conscience is clear, I have done everything for a reason and I won't regret it. This organisation has given me many viewpoints of how people are and can be, be it good or bad. It has somehow shaped me into what I've become today. I get to know different people, work with them and do a 101 things. It has become a part of me, and I wish to keep that part forever. It has given me a purpose in life and I wish to pursue that purpose, no matter who or what are the obstacles. Throughout my life I've met so many different people; people who make others laugh, people who irritate, people who care, people who are good leaders, people who wake up in the morning and say: "I'm gonna make this day a good one!". There are many other examples, I may be one of them stated above, but only you yourself will tell you who I am, who you are, and who others are. No one can change your own perspective except yourself, but people can influence you to. It's whether those perspectives have meaning to you. To me, everyone starts off with the same opportunities, its whether you want to add more opportunities, lose them, or stick with them. It affects your thinking, and your future as well.