I spoke to him

Never judge a book by its covers. That is something which was inculcated upon us since young, ever since coming of age, I always remind of myself of thy golden rule harped by mentors. There are countless accounts and stories to which mean-looking ruffians are the ones who stand up against the face of injustice whereas charming, docile individuals dishing out con jobs with their smooth talking.

Today, I am guilty of demeaning an individual and looking him through tinted glasses. He came to as a stranger to me until some devastating event shook the grounds where I worked at. From then on, he was condemned. Yes.... from a uprising young star, he bursted into a super nova awaiting judgement day where he will be forced to forsake his initial bright future. Nobody is born a saint and therefore embozzed with flaws, everyone deserves a second chance.... but sometime lifes just shoves a curve ball and its either you catch it or bat it.

Today, I was tasked to source information from him, so within my mind, I sorta thought I wont get much output from a "condemn". Although the interaction was a short and brief one, he left me with everything I could have asked for to complete my assignment. I am guilty, I am sorry.... even though I dont know him, our paths may never cross again, he left me with a lesson today. Never pass a judgement onto someone unless having the chance to interact with him/her

Bear that in mind~ things just aint the way they are at times. Sometimes I get so intrigued of the small incidents that aggrevates deep reflections. I'm just wierd, I just want to be normal.

thank you Roland

Sir, why you sign on~

When the fateful day arrived, 18th July 2007, it marked the return of the prancing horse parade commander's eventual reinstatement as a full time regular serviceman of the Singapore Armed Forces.

As I neared the enterance of Stagmont, just cant help having a nostalgic tinge.... Everything started with a 20 year old chap shouldering a bulging duffel bag, green beret, rugged combat boots arrived at the front gates. He swabbed his browns as he starred into the compounds beyond the guard house, unfazed with what holds for him for the next few years.


Cleared the final 5 months of training and finally he was bestowed with the honour to lead his comrades' commissioning. It meant alot to that young boy at that time. Started off as a quiet, shy introvert who will rather watch and follow the crowds to the contigent commander of 34 officers who looked up and abided to his leadership. Thanks for everything 47 / 02 SOCC, it meant alot to me

The prodigy son returns, just as I enter the office to meet my platoon for the first time, everyone had their sights on me. Thoughts must be racing through their minds as they ponder if their new platoon commander is a merciless slave driver who will throw them infront to block the arrows or a dictator who dishes out extras to suppress any form of disobediance misbehave. Anyway, I dont think I am that harsh a character...AS YET hahaha, so dont push me and try to get into my comfort zone. My stand is, when its a time to work, do it once, do it good. Otherwise, rank casted aside, you cover my back, I'll lead you from the front.

The 22 guys of the company had to know this new PC immediately therefore interviews kicked in. 1 by 1, they had a chance to talk to me as we exhanged stories of each other and of course I shared some of my experiences with them. With a sincere and humble note, I introduced myself to the company and gradually they opened up to me. My personal experience is that it aint easy trying to hardwire 22 new faces into my head in addition their backgrounds, preferences and topics that makes them tick. Nonetheless, I marvel my PR abilities, with 2 weeks, everything is in. Maybe I can consider a career change, any recommendations?

Almost every night, a visit to their quarters became part of my evening routine. Get hold of some of the chaps then engauge from crapping nonsense, feedback to academic and emotional counselling. It gives me more time to know all of them la~ anyway, as they know me better, always receive the question of my penning on the SAVERS contract "sir, why ?"

Still remember the feverish aspiring 2LT within me "So that I can serve, protect and honour my country, my home and most importantly, the ones who i love". Oh come on, how cheesy can that be right? Its not as though I am the poster boy for the next army recruitment campaign.... but one may not believe, true to my heart and even till this day, I am still that ignorant, hot-blooded 2LT who wants, yes I emphasize, WANTS to put himself infront for his country. In an untried military of this miniscular island that calls herself a developed country, I will stand proud infront of the cresent and 5 stars, as the crismson blends with the shimmering white, she is what I call home.

Numerous times, I have been brushed off as brainwashed and faced cynical abuses thrown in the face. Those were daunting times which I question myself why do I succumb to such nonsense? Alas, I know what I want and think I know why I am in the military.

The next time if someone questions me about my dedication to Singapore.... I believe in playing a part for my country's sovereignty and to ensure the guys under my command will learn from their 2 years of conscription instead of wasting their youth away.

marching on~
pat

Who am I without you

This is an overdue entry which was very delayed due to the hectic schedule during my PC tour.

"Show me the followers and I'll know the leader
Show me his friends and I'll know his true side"

I would like to dedicate this post to my wife, Amber (which have been quite overdue, but she met all of them) as a cross reference to my character and personality~~

"Please put down your pen", those words marked the end of 4 years at NTU. Alas, the day is here where I plant my flag of conquest, the final paper. Passing out from the "Ranger" equivalent course of NTU, I glow with pride to have overcome all those toughest days.

My gang of 9, SCE GANG. So many times I had pay homage to the 10 of us. I will do it again!

Klye Poh,

superstar of the group... always with his stylish mane who never had a bad hair day. Always there to remind the rest that he'll be the bottom feeder to boost our grades up but in my eyes, he is a fighter who has never threw in the towel..... ever~

Gecko

a man or reptile of extremes. He likes his food salty and pop mentos like tic tacs. Nonetheless, he is a jolly good fellow. Always wearing his smile and never losing his temper regardless the taunts or teasing placed upon him. Be happy ok, I still love you no matter what happens~

Zaki

my MRT buddy which we shared our thoughts and feelings. My dance kaki where the rest of the world looked at us as sissies or just buayas who wana go chick hunting, nevertheless he's the man who knows what my heart beats for and my passion for things.

Wan

Wan the Man! He is loud, cheery and always on the go. The most matured among us 10 who has plot out his future with his sayang. Always there to motivate the rest and perk us up with his antics.

Xiao Ming
My fellow colleague who is the brain and our messiah! For without him, we will not have got our grades, for without him, we wont have our Lee Wee Nam seats! You are the best, my brother in arms, my siew meng.

CK
1 word, SLACK. Roomie for my last semester... I did the washing, the cleaning, the chores but he too played his part, he pointed out the spots that were dusty and he rasie his feet while i mopped the floor. Nonetheless, I spent my best semester with him as my room-mate. I had the most fun, yet got my best grades. The nights where we spent sprinting on the courts of hall 10, then coming back up and complaining of injuries together, I'll never forget them~

Spengz
Mister Popular. He always lunch with different group of babes and fly our kite. Anyway, he showed me what passion is about. If only I was there earlier, but I guess things happen for a reason and I am glad you shown me your world. thanks

CJ
Commanding officer of SCEGANG. Cynical with his unique brand of humor, never fails to jolt the gang with his senseless antics and outrangous comments. 1 thing to be respected is his determination to succeed and the drive one can see from his eyes. Without this character, there wont be a patrick who graduated successfully i tell you.

SOCC 47 / 02

ET
He is my fashion guru period. What u see today is what he "educated" or drilled into me and I am a satisfied and proud customer =) Caring and giving is what he does best. The most professional photographer at my convo, he gives in everything for his friends what more can I ask from this chap eh?

Chris
Laid back and often mistaken for being lazy, but whenever you need help, he will stand by you. He shown me that taking a step back is just getting ownself ready for a further leap in life, or just keeping trouble out of own way.

Calvin
My jovial and optimistic friend, ever so dependable and steadfast in his ways! He's got a great mum to add on too...charting out all the milestones for him. A DOTA pawner non-the-less

Peiling
The only survivor (including me) for 47/02 SOCC, all the rest left the force and left the 2 of us to fend for ourselves. Actually, she's been looking over my back and guiding me along the way when i took over her platoon. Thanks for always picking up my calls and teaching me the ways (and also all the phone contacts!)

Kaiwei
Buddy ah~~~ I still remember the first sentence he put acrossed me when we first met "How come you so fat ah" That was a great way to forge friendships...make the impression a lasting one haha. Love the days when you revived my interest for MAGIC cards and how you managed to rally up to 5 assistance just to cater your radio IC appointment

Yingkai
He could well be the person who changed me. I am really grateful for the posting to your coy during my internship. I've learnt and experienced so much more as you opened my mind and eyes to the world. If anyone asks me why am I the way I am today, you have a big part to play my Di Di.

My childhood mates
Deming and Jianqin. The 3 of us had been friends ever since early secondary days... The days spent running ard the canal, the soccer court, coffeeshop sessions. Everything seems like yesterday and I am very sure there's more for us in the future