Scuba diving trip at Pulau Aur/Pulau Dayang.

Before I blog, I shall mention that if my mind serves me right, Pulau Aur is the area we went to, and Pulau Dayang is the island we stayed.

Okay, this diving trip wasn't too bad, but the island we lived in doesn't have any nightlife. But still, I really wished I could live there, and never return to the hectic schedule of urban life in Singapore. Pulau Dayang is simply the island where you're 'disconnected' from the world, because there is no reception.

This diving trip comprises of 10 leisure divers (including Ms Audrey Tan and Mr Ho (Another teacher.)), and around 5-7 instructors, and the others all Open Water diver students, including several teachers and one vice-principal, bringing the total amount of 32 people.

On the way to Malaysia..

Upon entering Malaysia, we needed to go to Mersing to get take a boat to Pulau Dayang. Malaysia is filled with countless palm trees, it is no wonder that Malaysia is the world's no.1 exporter of palm oil. There were very few cars on the road, and our bus driver was speeding very fast. Wow, it is the fastest and bumpest bus ride I've ever taken.

Some pictures I took while on the bus:

After hours of bus ride, we finally reached Mersing!


Selamat Datang!

First day

Getting ready to put all the dive gears in the boat.

Resting and catching up with each other..

Took the chance to rest and sun tan..

The sea..

After the first dive, we reached Pulau Dayang at night.




Night at Pulau Dayang.

Quite nice..

We had our dinner before Han Wen, Jeremy, Wei Chong and I shared a room.

Second Day

With my artistic and some amateur pictures, I will show you why Pulau Dayang is such a beautiful place, and that if there's a chance, I would not want to leave there.

Now that I've seen these pictures again, it makes me want to go there again.. Sigh.

And now for the clear waters:

Crystal clear water, and beneath the water are live corals.

Getting ready to dive..

Second day was the day where we had the most dives. During the dives, I was both saddened and happy. The waters around Pulau Dayang is a fine example of destruction of the underwater world. I was saddened because more than half of the corals during the dives were dead, and that it was mankind whom were responsible for it. I'm happy because despite the destruction, there were still some restoration from Mother Nature. Fishes are picking themselves up.

There were a few rubber wheels in the seabed, thanks to the combined stupidity of some people who thought that wheels could attract corals to breed on it like the same for ship wrecks, only to know that the plan had failed.

Some people saw interesting sea creatures like sting ray, sea turtles, barracudas, lionfishes and some beautiful and colourful fishes like wrasses, angelfishes, blue devils etc.

There was this really big pufferfish staring at each and everyone of us when we went past it.

I tried my best not damage any of the remaining live corals.

No underwater photos on the second day.

During the night, I had the MOST MAGNIFICIENT VIEW OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. I was with a few of my friends, and we were lying on the beach chairs which sitted neatly on the coarse sand, and in front of us was the sea. The air was cooling and it was perfectly relaxing. When I looked up, the sky was filled with PLENTY OF GLOWING STARS. I kept thinking if I was in some paradise or something. VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL. I would like to go there again! It was definitely the best night ever!

Third day

It was the final day, and we had our last dive. Nothing much, but there were still very beautiful fishes.

Note: Special thanks to Michael Ng for helping to take those underwater shots and JiaYi for scanning the pictures into the computer. The underwater photos are all from the last dive of our trip.

That's me.. Haha..

Hello fellow divers!

Heehee..

That's me diving..

Solidarity Starfish!

Is that a sea cucumber?

A moray eel protuding its head out from the cave.

Corals..

Fishes crowding around the big coral reef..

It's finally the end of the trip, and here are the photos taken with instructors and fellow friends..

With almost all the leisure divers:

Daniel and I.

Wei Chong and I.

Clarence and I.

Han Wen and I.

Soon Hwa and I.




Clement and I.

And with the instructors/pro-divers:

With Instructor Roy Foo.

The first impression when I see him: Very pro diver. And up till now, I still think he is. He's quite a nice guy, and very down-to-earth.

With Mario. He's promoting Fishermenscuba. Haha!

Mario is a VERY funny guy. Every single leisure diver enjoys his company, and that he's very down-to-earth and easy to get along with. He treats everyone as friends and you'll feel no boundary. His gesture of giving up his room for us and sleep outside the room really touched me. After knowing him better, he really gets my respect and that he's a nice guy. Can ask him out next time. Do keep in contact.

With Michael.

Michael has got to be one of the most friendliest person with Mario at Fishermenscuba. He's affable, friendly and down-to-earth. He takes care of everyone during dives. And the thing about him is that he likes to joke around. I was diving underwater halfway when he tapped my shoulder, and took out his regulator and showed me his set of teeth. Super lame. And some time, without any reason he could crack some very cold and lame joke. That's the best thing about him. Next time can call him out..Do keep in contact.

Michael and Mario are 2 people that I never regret knowing. Super jokers, and happy-go-lucky people.

Before I end this post which I blogged for a whopping 3 hours+, instructors/pro-divers, friends, teachers and juniors.. PLEASE STAY IN CONTACT!

The Pursuit Of Happyness.

The movie, The Pursuit of Happyness had so much impact on me that I want to blog about it.

Allow me to recap the quotes that I will not forget:


"You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do it themselves, they wanna tell you that you can't do it. You want something? Go get it. Period."

"Don't ever let someone tell you, you can't do something."


The above quotes are so, so true..

The Pursuit of Happyness was a movie that was well-spent, as it taught me valuable things in life, especially during the period when I struggled with my unhappiness in Junior College.


Things I've learnt about this movie:

1. The perils of having a low education.
2. If you want something, go get it.
3. Nobody should influence you, not even your parents.
4. The harsh reality of present life.
5. Desperation leads to things that you've never knew you would do.


Speaking of desperation, I did something during the dark period which I thought I'll never do in my life.

At that point of time, with my desperation to leave Junior College and enter a polytechnic, I played truancy.

I was absent during the second day of orientation to go to various polytechnics to check out the courses and asked more about them. (I was supposed to leave officially on the first day of orientation, but due to some things which happened, I couldn't leave.)

In order to cover up, I went to a family clinic and cooked up some stories and got an Medical Certificate.

I absented myself from school and I had a very heavy heart and guilt, because it was the first time I played truancy in my whole life, and I wasn't genuinely sick.

But I asked myself this question, which only I could answer:

"Do you want to follow school rules for this time and HOPE that they will release you to go appeal to other institutions and risk not being able to ask for valuable information about courses and that it is the LAST DAY for the appeal, or do you want to be absent and be SURE that you will go to appeal to other institutions?"


I chose the second choice, and up till now I haven't regret that decision. But I told myself that this will be the first and last time I play truancy, unless for desperate and understanding situations.

I still can't believe I did all these things.


The movie taught me how life can force us into a desperate corner, and you have to juggle things wisely to turn tables around.


And I know I mentioned about nobody can influence you, not even your parents above the lessons I've learnt. People may disagree, but what I really meant was that parents can teach you ethnics and values, but they shouldn't tell you what you cannot do, and that they shouldn't tell you what occupation you should aim next time etc.

You still make decisions yourself ultimately, and the path is only yours. Allow me to give you an analogy: If a patient sees a doctor, and if the doctor prescribes medicine, it is still ultimately the choice whether the patient wants to consume the medicine or not. The medicine may or may not be effective towards you.


My mum regretted that she let me choose my own choice of schools, and that she should interfere with it.

No. If I choose my school and if anything goes wrong, I only have myself to blame. I might be fated to become a designer, but I can take other alternatives to achieve higher education. For me, I still say that once you're Primary 6, you should choose your own secondary school, your subject combinations and so on and so forth.


And yes, no one, not even my parents influenced my decision of going to a polytechnic. I only choose what I deem fit.



I will most likely blog about the scuba diving trip tomorrow. Those who receive pictures, I would appreciate if you put credit to me if you use the various scenery shots that I've took in some other websites. Thanks.

Helping out at Fishermenscuba.

I was intending to blog about the scuba diving trip, but this one happened today, so I thought I just blog it first.

I just returned and I'm feeling really tired and before I start to blog, I'm would like to thank all of those who showed their care and concern over me. Thank you very much, and most importantly, a special thanks to Mr David Chin.

Okay, Alex from Fishermenscuba asked me if I could come over today to help out with the course called Discover Scuba. I said yes, and I met up with 2 other friends. I wasn't exactly sure of what we're supposed to do, until I learnt that we were instructors to some secondary school students, and that secondary school is Yishun Town Secondary School.

But I was mainly the cameraman. And my job was to take photos of the event, and to help out whenever is necessary.

Preparing the tanks for the students.

The students finally arrived, and Alex introduced the sport of Scuba Diving.

Looking very excited!

Nice formation right?

Strolling in..

Michael and Mario were the main instructors for diving.

Speaking to them, giving instructions.

Testing scuba equipment, in this case, a regulator.

Demonstrations.

Teaching again..

I really hope that they enjoy scuba diving during today's session. And I wish them all the best.

All the best Yishun Town Secondary! Hope you like today's session!

One hell of a ride.

I don't wanna keep people in suspense in this post.

My JAE appeal was successful; I'm in Visual Communications at Nanyang Polytechnic.

Okay, I came back from Malaysia yesterday, and I'm fine. (Safe and sound).


Ever since I got into Serangoon Junior College, my life has been one hell of a ride.

Many questions were thrown at me, and I will answer them here.

Reasons why I decided to leave Junior College:


1. I'm a slow-learner.
2. I scored 20 points for L1R5, which is pretty shaky.
3. Only 3 days to cover up syllabuses of various subjects which are covered in the first 3 months.
4. Generally, I found some of the teachers there unhelpful.
5. My Maths and Science got a D7.
6. Even if I do well, I can only go to NUS's School of Architecture etc, which I will not like it.
7. A totally different standard of friends.


I got into a group called Calypso 1, some sort of houses like Gryffindor and Slytherin in Harry Potter's world. Ok, the people there are quite shy, and I communicate with them in English totally. There were quite alot of cute looking girls! I think my group has alot of good-looking people, including boys. And their 'O' level score was so high, I felt inferior. I think I'm the lousiest student at that group.


Still, I made a few friends in my group and would like to thank Jaspreet, Nicholas, Keane, Lynette, Mai and some of the cool people in my group. It's really great speaking to you guys, especially with the contagious laughter! I won't be joining you guys in the pursuit of good grades in 'A' levels, so you guys must take care! I'm sure you all will do well. You guys will have my support! I will miss all of you and the cheers!


I handed my withdrawal form to Serangoon Junior College today, and there was this teacher called Mr Phillip Tan who has my utmost respect. He saw me at the General Office and asked me why I was there. I told him I was withdrawing and that I'm going to a polytechnic.


"Congratulations James. You decided to choose this route and I wish you all the best."


Upon that, we shook hands firmly and I left the school compound.

I can still say I'm an ex-SRJCian.

I will do what I promised God when he answers my prayers into going to a polytechnic; becoming a vegetarian for 2 weeks.

Dark days are finally gone.



I've just watched the movie Pursuing of Happyness and I like it alot. When one of the part said something, it made me regret just a little bit that I'm withdrawing from JC.

It goes something like that:

"Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot make it, not even me, your father."


Upon listening, I was motivated. But I told myself. Pursuing of happiness is one thing. Getting towards a goal is another thing. Nobody can tell me whether I can make it or not. It's still ultimately my decision, and the path I want to take.

And my goal now is to get into a University after my diploma, or get a private degree.



Another thing I would like to mention is the retaking of 'O' level Maths.

People asked me whether I will be retaking. My answer is no.

I don't see the point of retaking. Xi Boon and I worked so hard for Maths and we just got a D7. Other people who don't work as hard as us gets a B4 or a B3. Don't tell me my foundation is poor or something. One reason why I feel disappointed is because I scored a B in my 'N' levels.


What if the employer asks about my Maths grade you may say? Well, first and foremost I'm not stopping my education at 'O' levels but intend to further my studies all the way to at least a degree. I'm sure they will look at the highest qualification.

But if they really ask such a question, here is my reply:

"Employer, everyone is born differently. As you can see, I'm more of a humanities and language person, instead of a Maths and Science person."

Whether the employer decides to employ is another thing, but I feel that most of them will understand that everyone is born differently.

And about the problem that D7 looks ugly on the certification, well... I just feel that I've done my best, and I have no regrets, so I have no problem with it looking ugly on my certificate.

I realise that hard work doesn't necessarily pays off, especially to my Maths, and till now, I still think getting a D7 for my Maths is still an unjustifiable grade.

Many happenings today.

Many things happened today.

I guess I was defiant in some ways, and some things I did today were first-times, both postitive and negative.

I don't feel like talking it now, and I will only blog next tuesday; after my JAE appeal results are released.


I'm praying very very hard to get into a polytechnic course.


And for now, here are my 3 choices for the appeal:


1st choice: Visual Communications (Nanyang Polytechnic)
2nd choice: Space and Interior Design (Nanyang Polytechnic)
3rd choice: Interactive Media Design (Temasek Polytechnic)


All are design courses. And I'm left with no choice. God, please guide me through this one.


JC life is horrible for me.


I'm praying that I will not be affected during this weekend's diving trip to Malaysia. I want to fully enjoy myself and hope everything will go on smoothly.



Will not blog till next week.



One thing I've learnt today: Different teachers in different schools/institutions have different mentality and attitude.

A dark day.

I'm mentally unstable. I'm feeling depressed, stress, confused, dilemma and worried. And I'm down with flu and a terrible headache. Will go and see a doctor.

And no, I will not choose Junior College anymore. One shocking thing was that Serangoon Junior College was going intending to give a 3-day bridging course to summarise the chapters of the first 3 months which should have been learnt.

It gives me unstability, because I have to catch up alot, and that I'm a slow learner.


I don't wish to blog anymore but think will blog tomorrow. I'm on the verge of breaking down.

There are way too many factors that contributed to my mental unstability.


I went to Serangoon Junior College for the first day of orientation. My group students were nice and friendly but the teachers there did not give me a good impression. None at all. Plus the OGL (student leaders for the orientation) wasn't really fulfilling my request when I asked when can I appeal. In the end, I didn't get to appeal at all today, while the other students who wished to appeal managed to left.


I really need a counsellor. I want to scream and shout. HHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I just can't do it. And sometimes it makes me want to cry.
God, can you hear me crying?
God, can you help me tide this over?

Fated to take all levels.

The above title should give you a clue, a hint, an indication, and an answer.


I failed to get into Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Mass Communications Diploma Course as first choice.

And so,


I'm POSTED TO SERANGOON JUNIOR COLLEGE (ARTS)



But I may appeal to Innova Junior College (Arts).




I'm sure people will ask me why I wouldn't want to appeal to go to Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Mass Communications Diploma Course. Well, despite getting just enough points for the cut-off point for the course, with a B3 in English and deduction of 2 CCA points, I still couldn't get into the course. Which simply means there are people who are better than me vying and getting for the course.


Okay, so why did I decided to appeal to Innova Junior College? (Will ask more about Innova JC.)


1. Serangoon Junior College is an old school, and there are 5 students who scored 4As and 22 students with 3As. Innova Junior College, which is the newest school had 4 students who scored 4As and 25 students who scored 3As. So, you get the idea. But nevertheless, it's still boils down to oneself, whether he wants to work hard or not.


2. Friends are there, be it my peers and seniors, I believe they can help me. Besides, I think I'll prefer a new school.


3. Direct bus to the school, which is at Woodlands.




So these are the number of factors. And I guess after taking 'N' levels, 'O' levels, I may be fated to take 'A' levels.


And so, it will be back to square one; no more dyed hair, wear uniforms, carry a schoolbag, study hard.

I told my mom about it over the phone, and I could sense her disappointment because she doesn't want me to be over-stressed. Sigh..




Okay, and now I'm going to talk about people who think about me.



Some of my friends think I cannot make it to Junior College when I told them I chose them at second and third choices.


You couldn't blame them in a sense:


1. My Maths and Science failed which was a D7.
2. I was in 5N2, which was, academically speaking, the worst class.
3. I was basically in 5N.



And seriously, on a desperate note,


DO YOU THINK I HAVE A CHOICE?


Business courses closed down on me.
Engineering courses closed down on me.
Science courses closed down on me.


What do I left with? Design courses. And I doesn't like it one bit. Plus Psychology and community services, Mass communications and some other courses.


So do you understand?


On a brighter side, I will have great confidence because of teachers and students who thinks that I will be more suitable in a JC.

No matter how people judge me, it is still up to myself to prove it to myself that I will do well in advanced level, and I must stop doubting my ability.




You are not me. I controls my thinking, my movement and my actions.

Last day at Avida Logistics.

Yesterday was the last day for me at Avida Logistics, and the reason why I left the company is to take a month break from work, to enjoy myself, and to enjoy what I enjoy doing. During the 3 months there, I've learned quite alot.



Working in the music industry, my experience widened even more, and understands how some operations work. Especially in Universal Music warehouse, the sight penetrates even deeper with the importance of invoices and the quantity of CDs. Of course, there are some promotional items like signages.






And during the last 2 days, I was treated with sumptuous food. Thanks to Alan and Uncle Zi Wei. And I received 2 gifts from the only 2 females at Avida Logistics; Angie and Yeancy.



One was a CD, and the other one was a book, both of which was the first of a kind which I received as gifts.




Anyway, here are pictures that I've took with them:








With Wong.



Wong is a nice guy, very affable and he gives me a feeling that he's very proud and knowledgable of his Chinese and dialect origins. He's also very friendly, and talks to people in a good tone.





With Jin Fa.




Jin Fa is a pretty quiet guy to me, and I seldom talk to him. But still, he's a nice person. And guess what? He's a former national basketball player!









With Joe.










Joe (sometimes I call him Uncle Joe or Brother Joe), is an extremely humourous guy. He likes to joke and tease, but he's serious at times. He's got an amazing daughter (Less than 7 years old I think.) whose accent is strong and her powerful command of the English language makes her stand out than the other average children. Back to him, well, he's abit disgusting. REMEMBER THE POPCORNS?! ARGH! I will say that when you know him for a while, he's someone who's extremely nice and friendly person, with a humourous personality and serious at times.













With Alvin.








Alvin is my superior in Universal Music warehouse, and he respects each and everyone; he talks nicely almost everytime, and he doesn't boss around. I have to say that he's also a generous person, treating people and giving free rides sometimes. (Thanks alot!) He's one of the best and caring colleagues I've ever had.








With Frankie.






Frankie is another good colleague of mine. He always give me free rides most of the time when he doesn't have anything on. He's the Warner Music warehouse superior, and he's very serious in his work. He's also a loving father. Frankie is friendly, comical and sometimes a joker. A very nice person!







With Yeancy.







Yeancy is the most feminine female I've ever met in my life. She's one person I look up to; an advanced diver and a former Nanyang Technology University (NTU) student. Both goals which I attempt to achieve. Well, she speaks in a soft tone and loves everything that is feminine. She's friendly, affable and nice. A fan of Japanese Animation, don't think that she has no temper. She's got one, and she uses her temper at the right and logical time. But still, I assure you that she's a very nice person to be with, despite knowing her for like 3 months only.








Molested by Simon (left) and Alan (right)






























Simon is an extremely fit guy, and very muscular. The Sony BMG warehouse superior, I can tell you that he's one fine example that looks can be deceiving. A big-time joker, talking to him can make you vomit blood, because his jokes aren't cold; they're hilarious. The good thing is, it livens up the atmosphere. He's very friendly, and I think everyone likes him. He's also one who isn't bossy, and respects people. And he's one who's also very generous in treating people, and occasionally giving free rides. A very good colleague.








Alan is someone who's very serious, efficient and responsible in his work. I think Avida Logistics needs more people like him. But he's very disgusting. His disgustness? 10/10. He could say things like you're my moon, you're my sky, you're my stars and to things like wedding etc. Disgusting. Eeek. But then again, he's a very nice person actually. But when he's busy, he doesn't like to talk much. He likes to play games and eat heaty stuff. He's quite generous too, I must say. Thanks for the treat too! He's not bad and a nice colleague.






With Kelvin.








Kelvin knows where the good food are, especially in Geylang. He's fluent in English, and he's extremely hardworking; he holds a job at day and another at night. How far can this person go with the mindset of supporting his family and to give them good life? Very far. Ever since I've joined in the company, his responsibilities are greater and I believe he's handling well. A very good role model. Though I'm not very close to him, I believe people must take initiative to talk to him in order to know him well. He's a good colleague. Oh, he's a loving father too!













(From top, clockwise) With Ng, Wei Liang, Tay and Ben.





Ng is one person who is shy, formal and abit long-winded. I think he leads a simple but hard life. But still, he has my respect. He seems to be knowledgable and been through alot. But anyway, he's really the 4D king. He could remember the winning numbers of the lottery and 4D from the past few weeks. Awesome. Ng also likes to smile alot, and made good friends in the company.





Wei Liang is cool; he supports Chelsea and likes S.H.E's Selina just like me. Even though he's over 40, he still looks childish for a good cause, and he's super friendly. His laughter is contagious, and he's always seen smiling. I think we got alot of things in common. Hehe.. Overall, I think he's a very nice colleague.





Tay is extremely good in Maths. He counts numbers very fast and accurately. He's one who cannot tolerate hunger, and he always seems to be the first to disappear at lunchtime. I also think he's someone who likes things to be neat and tidy. I don't talk to him much, but still, he's not too bad.





Ben supports Barcelona and are afraid of heights. He's got a contagious laughter, which I find myself laughing secretly/openly when he starts to laugh. And I also think he's a very rich guy. To me, he likes branded stuff and likes to dress well. He's nice sometimes.










With Uncle Zi Wei.



Both my boss and relative. Could still remember when my brother and I were young, he and Aunt Caroline could bring us to Sentosa. Ah, fond memories. But as I grow up, I seldom talk to him. Despite working in the company, it's possible for me to not talk to him at all for one day. Different responsibilities and places I guess. But still, I'm grateful for him to give me a job. Thanks alot Uncle Zi Wei, and I really appreciates it.





2 person weren't on camera with me, whom is Angie and Qiang and Auntie.

Angie doesn't like to be photographed, while Qiang is on medical leave. (Bo xim la him*! He doesn't care*), and Auntie(I forgot to took picture with her)




Still, this 3 people will be commented.




Qiang is a pint-sized man, and he's a joker. I think he's a nice person, and sometimes a formal person. He sometimes keep to himself, but when he opens up, he becomes very lively. He's quite a nice guy.





Auntie (she's a cleaner for our company.) is one who I feel is very graceful. She's very old, but is still going very strong. She speaks mainly in Cantonese, so sometimes it's hard for me to communicate with her. But I respects her. She's really a nice person and the way and tone she address us, it's as if she's calling her children. Auntie is really nice!





Angie is one of the closest colleagues/friend in the company I had. She's very generous, caring and friendly. She's tomboyish and likes to laugh alot. Some of them likes to tease her because of her height, but she takes it very cooly. I've never seen her blew her top, and she can tolerate very well. She do things efficiently and seems to know everything in the company; like tackling certain problems. She's very independent and does well in everything. She's a very very nice colleague!






I may not return back to work, because I do things pretty slowly, from sorting out and arrange music companies invoices, to packing CDs in which I didn't feel really well. They didn't say anything, but I know that that they knew it.






Still, I will miss every single one of them in Avida Logsitics, and will come back to visit them. I will miss other people too:





Siew Geak from Universal Music.
Ismail from Universal Music.
Lawrence from Sin Tape.
Simon from Rock Records.
The Indian man cleaner.
The security guards at the building.
The 2 guys from Summit CD.
The lunatic old hag from Jackson's place Kopitiam.



I will miss everyone, so do keep in contact!






Unforgettable 3 months worth of precious memories, especially those who are close to me.