About that good ol' familiar rush of adrenaline

All morning, I was throbbing with anticipation.

I got up at 6, and went about preparing my personal equipment. Bicycle - checked. Number tags - checked. Goggles - checked. Running shoes & socks - checked. Oakley shades - checked. Bicycle helmet - checked.

Bearing a backpack, I walked with my trusty bicycle to the food centre just next to my block, to have a breakfast with some mates and their wives.

Altogether, there were three of us who were going to cycle down to East Coast Park's start point for the Osim Singapore Triathlon's Sprint Event - 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

While eating, we took the permanent markers that were provided in the race pack, to write our 4-digit race tag numbers on our arms and legs. Some of the elderly folk saw us writing our 4-digit numbers, and gleefully told us that they would be buying our numbers for the weekend's 4-D draw. Hilarious.

I realised that it took me a while to figure out how to write '2' and '5' on my legs, while standing - I got it wrong the first time round and had to seek help from my mates!





Once we reached the start point, near the famous food centre, there was already a frenzy - the morning races (for the kids' triathlon and the mini triathlon) had already started and there were so many participants scampering from the sea (after completing the swim leg) to collect their bicycles at the transition area. Some were completing their cycling leg and were rushing to park their bicycles before heading out to the running route.

It was all very new, very exciting, and very fun - after all, it's my first triathlon!



Anyway, we proceeded to the transition area - this huge grass patch that was guarded by security. Bicycle racks lined up within this transition area, and we were only permitted to enter when we showed our wrist bands (bearing our names and number tags) so that we could park our bicycles and personal belongings.

I learnt from my mate (who took part in the 2006 edition) that it's important to lay out your running shoes, shirt, shades, and helmet conveniently, so that minimal time is wasted once you enter the transition area after emerging from the sea. Once you get to your bike, you'd have to get into the cycling gear quickly before moving out of the transition area onto the cycling route.



After some high-fives of good luck, we stepped into the start point area on the beach, right before the sea. The starter, obviously an Aussie, was cracking all sorts of jokes, and he sure made all of us feel less nervous. Right before us, we could clearly see the swimming route - a triangular route that was patrolled by safety kayaks. I could not recall the last time I swam in the pool, and here I was, embarking on a competitive swim in the sea. Well done, I thought.




When the air-horn went off, all of us crashed into the sea, and some started pounding freestyle while some kicked the breaststroke.

It was pandemonium. It was difficult to find any space at all to do a proper stroke. Breaststroke is my best stroke but there were times I thought I kicked somebody behind me, and there were also times when my arms were kicked by swimmers in front. And then there were some clowns who simple barged into us and steamrolled on.

Even with goggles, it was impossible to see anything underneath. To be sure I was not swept away by the sea current, I had to keep my head up regularly, so that I could see the ropes that demarcated the route.

It was mayhem at the turning point. Everybody wanted to stick as close as possible to the buoy (for obvious reasons) and that was where I thought the most kicks took place underwater. It took me a while to get away from the turning point, and once I got some distance away, it became easier as the swimmers spread out again.

It took me just over 25 minutes to reach the beach again. I still had plenty of energy even though I felt the slight pangs of cramp in my calves. I was just thankful I cleared the most difficult leg. The cycling leg would be much easier.

Jogging into the transition area, I took record time to put on my shirt, my running shoes, helmet, and even managed a big gulp of water, before running out with my bike to the bicycle route. Once there, I mounted the bicycle, and off I went!

It's the same good old single-speed bike so it couldn't go very fast. But it's fine with me. The 20km cycling took us past the PA Sea Sports Centre, OBS, National Sailing Centre, to the very end near Changi Coast, before there was a U-turn back to the start point. We had to do 2 laps, and that took me about an hour of non-stop cycling.



Once I reached the transition area again, I dismounted and ran with my bike to the bicycle rack, parked the bike, drank water, and went off to the 5km running route.

I was telling myself, 'Keep going baby, it's only 5km, thank God,' and I was still in high spirits. Yea, by then, I was quite tired, of course, but running's never been a problem for me and I knew finishing this triathlon would never be in doubt.




The running route took us in the other direction, past the lake, the seafood restaurants, the chalets, fitness corner, before making the U-turn at the old tennis courts.

Halfway through, the skies poured and I've never felt so free, so liberated, so refreshed, as I revelled in the heavy rain. It made the run easier even though all of us who were running were soaking wet.

I've never felt so good, after crossing the finishing line after 2 hours of non-stop action. I remember clenching my fist in victory. I made sure I looked good for the photographers at the end line!


After collecting the finisher's medal, I met up with my friends at the end line. They were waiting for me already (they had much faster bikes than mine!) and to my shock, 2 of them said that they were forced to stop their run midway, due to lightning! So they did not actually complete the full triathlon. I felt sorry for them but they were still in high spirits even though they must have felt disappointed deep inside.


From there, it was quite an arduous trip back home, cycling with aching quadricep muscles back to my home.

It has been a fantastic experience for me. It was challenging (especially swimming in the sea) but wow, finishing the race was absolutely satisfying. Oh, that triumphant feeling! Feels exactly the same when I finished my first marathon. Yummy!





My shoulder's still aching from all that swimming, but the bigger headache for me now is that I have to set aside some time to scrub my bicycle - all the mud and dirt. I'm just so tempted to take the shower head and wash the whole bike! Yes, it is that dirty!

About the sporty side of Fajar

These past couple of days have been quite fantastic.

On Thursday, the Peer Leaders did quite an effective job in running the Sec 2 Captain's Ball Inter-House Games.

This event was clearly quite a stressful event for them, but I recognised that it was a perfect opportunity for my Peer Leaders to get some valuable experience in planning and executing it.

On the whole, the event went smoothly. There was superb effort from the competitors, in spite of the hot weather.

A key moment, for me, was when there was a case of a team who had fielded 2 players who weren't registered in that team!

So I sent 2 of my Peer Leaders to launch an enquiry. It was clear to me that the captain of that team had a lot to answer for.

I already knew what I had to do, but it was more important to see what was the response of the captain.

Would she defend her actions, even though it was wrong?

Or would she submit to the rules and accept the penalty for breaking the rules of sportsmanship, by fielding 2 ineligible players?




As it turned out, the captain ran to me and the first words from her mouth were, 'sorry, Mr Ng.'

She said that she would gladly accept any disciplinary action but pleaded with me not to disqualify her team from the whole competition.



It became very straightforward for her team and me, once she apologised. She was clearly remorseful and I made it very clear to her that since she was the captain, then she would have to bear the full responsibility for her negligence.

The final decision I took was that her team forfeited the match 0-3 to the other team.



It is ok to make mistakes, but what is quite unforgivable is that when you make a mistake, you refuse to acknowledge it.

On the other hand, if you hold up your hands and say, 'yep, I messed up and I take responsibility for it,' then I will do my best to help you and find a solution together.



I thought that the captain of that team had the correct attitude and I respect her for that.



Congratulations to all the House teams who participated in the IHG. Remember, winning and losing is part and parcel of competition. What matters most is that you have taken part and have given your all during the time you compete. It is crucial that you complete your game with NO regrets, knowing that, deep in your heart, you've given your best efforts and fully played your part as a member of a sports team.

And of course, it is only proper to congratulate the other team for a good game, whether you have won or lost.





Today, on the other hand, was a mixed day. It started well, then dipped for a while, before it got better and better.

All week, I have looked forward to having my form class, 4E5, for PE. I enjoy teaching them English, of course, and I still have so much to do with them, now that the O Levels are so so near.

But my favourite subject has always been PE!

Teaching sports and getting youths to be engaged in games is quite simply a joy in itself for me.

And my class was really hilarious and it was very uplifting to see that the vast majority of them enjoy soccer - their sport for this term.

It was hilarious when the two teams were called 'Lego' and 'Barbie' (thanks to Janelle)! The boys seemed to enjoy being in 'Barbie' team!

As usual we ended the game with the adrenaline-rushing penalty shootout and there were some great saves and some stupendous shots. You should see the girls in my class, so garang! They can sure play a mean game of soccer!




But all that satisfaction evaporated in a second, when a colleague of mine came straight to me and made a formal complaint about the behaviour of the boys in my class in the computer lab. She was so exasperated (normally she's very cheerful) that it dawned on me that the actions of those culprits must have gone too far.



This incident blackened my mood for the whole afternoon. I cannot condone irresponsibility and disrespect from boys under my charge.



As far as I am concerned, I work on the principle of mutual respect. It's really very simple: whether I fancy you or not, it doesn't matter. I will speak to you with courtesy and in the correct tone.

I will also not withhold my anger if I find you guilty of being rude and disobedient to any of my teachers. You will learn, soon enough, that it takes 2 to clap, and if you want to be highly respected by teachers and fellow students, then you have got to show it first.



In the late afternoon, I accompanied my fellow PE teacher, Mr Ong, to ITE Dover for a sports competition. We sent our soccer girls and basketball boys to participate and I was very pleased with their behaviour.

In particular I was quite impressed with the calmness and composure of my basketball boys, when they had to go through the nerve-wrecking free-throw shootout against 6 other schools, where the outcome would determine the trophy winners.

To their credit, they did well enough to reach the gold medal round. Though in the end, their opponents did brilliantly to cope with the crushing pressure to score more baskets than us. Nonetheless, I was still very satisfied because throughout the nervous tension, they were remarkably cool and applauded all their opponents whenever they scored or missed. So well done boys!





Finally the weekend's here, and I am in dire need for some rest. It's been a long long week and I really could enjoy a longer sleep-in tomorrow. Thank God for weekends!

About the Sognefjord - the grandeur of God's work

God is good. Our short stays in Copenhagen and Oslo have been smooth-sailing so far. In Bergen, it was no different. We were blessed with wonderfully sunny weather when we headed for the ferry terminal, to board the speedboat that would bring us right into the heart of the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and most famous fjord.




The speedboat was so fast that we soon lost sight of Bergen. We struck up a conversation with 2 Norwegian students who were having a girlish chat. Turned out that they were both sixteen years old and were on a backpacking trip with their classmates. How cool is that.







The scenery gradually became more dramatic, as the speedboat drew nearer and nearer to the Sognefjord.










As the speedboat cruised into the heart of the Sognefjord, we transferred to a larger but slower ferry, where we had ample opportunities to marvel at the sights that unfolded before our eyes. Behold the pinnacle of God's creations.








If you look carefully at the bottom of these amazing rock faces (that were chiselled by massive glaciers during the last Ice Age), you might be able to see some houses, which look absolutely miniscule, and this gives you an idea how how big, and I mean really big, these mountains are. I wondered, as I craned my neck to look at the very top of these mountains, what the feeling would be like if I stood, right up there?






After a mind-blowing 7-hour journey through towering mountains and clear blue skies, our unforgettable journey finally ended at a small water-side town, where we could take a short break before we transferred to a coach, that would bring us back to Bergen. Even then, the scenery was still stupendous and we took many photos.








Upon reaching Bergen, we had one last thing to do, and that was to have a really good dinner. So we headed back to the Chinese joint, and we were hoping to meet the same Norwegian lady again. Alas, it was not to be, as she was not working that day. Nonetheless, we bid farewell to the cook, who told us in halting Chinese that he was from Guangdong, China.

And with that, we headed back to the hostel, grateful that it was not far at all. Even as we were packing up our backpacks (as we were taking the first train back to Oslo at about 8am), we were very very glad to have made it this far and seen one of the world's heritage sites - Norway's fjords.

Next time, if I ever feel the stirrings in my heart to return to Norway, I shall endeavour to kayak through the Sognefjord. No more ferries for me!

About going for hours without the ability to speak

For once, I think I came close towards greater understanding with mute people.

Actually, being able to speak and express our thoughts is something that I have been taking for granted.

But that ability left me, since yesterday.

It's all due to a 'cold', according to what a doctor told me.

From body & headaches, the symptoms have now moved on to my throat.

Yesterday, my voice was still fine, during the PE lesson with 4e5.

We were having soccer, and the lesson was going well. It's great to see the boys having a game of their own.

But it's absolutely brilliant to see the girls in my class playing soccer.

Really excellent.

As usual, my soccer lessons always end off with a bout of penalty kicks.

Penalty kicks are a good way to test a person's ability to handle massive stress levels, and I want to expose my students to such situations in school. And you know what? Sports provide excellent situations that can teach vital lessons to individuals, that may very well prove useful in adult life.

Hence the penalty kicks.

The best moment for me, was when Ezuin literally dived to save a penalty kick that was going in. Amazing save. Well done!



After that, it's all downhill from there. My voice progressively lost its strength.

In the afternoon's basketball match between my team and Unity, I really needed my voice, but to no avail. I had lost it!

Today was no better.

I had a game of indoor soccer at The Cage, and as usual I played as a goalkeeper. But, for today, I was a very silent goalkeeper! Mr Kelvin Ong was trying to have a conversation with me but it looked more like a monologue to others, because only one person was doing all the talking!



Finally, during lunchtime, I wanted to order a plate of fried rice at my favourite stall in the hawker centre near where I live.

The friendly auntie at the stall realised that I was mouthing words, and told me not to eat fried rice, and suggested hor fun instead. Sounds good to me so I mouthed 'ok' to her.

Best part was, just as I was about to pay up for the food, she thrust a packet of home-made barley into my hand. She said, 'For you, teacher. You need it! Too heaty!'



I must say, it's truly a blessing to be blessed and I am glad for people like auntie.

She was really generous. The packet of barley was enough to fill two big glasses.



So what I learned from her gesture was that I should be more kind and generous. I need to be able to lend a helping hand, without any hesitation at all.



Enjoy the weekend!

About yesterday's dialogue session with the MOE scholars and a teacher's deep disappointment

Well done, 4E5.

I hope you have reaped a great harvest of ideas and wisdom from Mr Kelvin Goh, Ms Lu and Mr Jared Tan, our esteemed guests for the day.

Assuredly, the three scholars gave you their best. They withheld nothing but poured forth their personal thoughts and opinions how what it takes to succeed.

It worked for them. That is why they are awarded prestigious scholarships. Their future is well taken care of.

The committee of six students - Hamid, Janelle, Rachel, Swee Hong, Yongwei and Han Qiang - have done quite a splendid job in planning and running this event.

I felt so comfortable that I did not have to do a thing. This bears testament to the fact that I was certain that you have covered all possible angles and catered for the nitty-gritty details that are so essential for any event to work out successfully.

One regret (if I may be honest enough) was, in my haste to hurry to the classroom from my canteen walkabouts, I somehow failed to notice the class motto!

I simply could not recall seeing it. But I think it is there. I will endeavour to behold it when I step into that hallowed classroom of mine - 4e5.

Thank you to the Art students who worked hard to put together the motto. Though I haven't really seen it, I am sure that it looks marvellous and is worthy of our pride.





On a more disappointing note, 4e5 was on the receiving end of a blast from one of my colleagues - your Maths teacher.

Let me tell you - in no uncertain terms - you are very blessed to have Mrs Li as your Maths teacher.

Yet you take her for granted and disappoint her heart.

She has impressed me tremendously. She has spoken to me about how much she is willing to sacrifice her spare time, just to coach you and teach you, like those ex-POA students who now benefit from her extra coaching in the library.

And yet you skip her lessons without even a word, without any hesitation?



I have not spoken a word about this to you yet but even as your class counsellors, Ms Kum and I are sorely displeased and very angry.

We all know how much work you need to put into your Maths (and indeed all your subjects) and at the every brink of the most important exams in your life, you decide to commit the sin of skipping afternoon lessons just for one afternoon of freedom?


Utter senselessness and complete short-sightedness.


You have no idea how risky and perilous your future lies (just look at your own result slips).


You need to work very hard, every day. Period.


Don't talk to me about needing a break.

You don't take breaks by skipping lessons.


In this blog I speak my mind and 4e5, you have led dedicated teachers into a roller-coaster of premature heights of rapture (when we thought you were beginning to awaken and study hard) and utter depths of despair (when you continuously refuse to learn and ask the teacher, despite our evocations).





Do not ever let the teachers down like this, ever again.

About staying confident, even against impossible odds

While our first-round draw of the West Zone Basketball tournament has been very kind to us, the same cannot be said of the second round draw.

That we are meeting some big boys at this stage of the competition is not a complete surprise to me.


Earlier in the aftenoon, I rushed down from school to Clementi Sports Hall, only to find that the draw for the second round had already started.

I was momentarily stunned when Fajar was drawn into a group that ostentatiously look very very competitive.

The next moment, I walked off and focussed my mind on preparing my players for the expected onslaught of matches coming up.

Over the next 9 days, they will face a punishing schedule of playing 5 demanding matches.




To be real honest, I really do not give a damn who we play against.

We've trained so hard. The coach has been deeply committed to the team. I've sacrificed my precious holidays. We didn't spend all our time and money to prepare our boys to play kids' basketball.


With all our investment in the talent that Fajar is endowed with, we expect our players to remain supremely confident in their team's ability and strengths.




I need to see my players remained unfazed, even when they know that they are playing against the strongest teams in the region.

It's all very simple: the pressure is on the other team's teacher, coach and players. They are expected to beat us.

In such situations, it can be a slippery slope for even the strongest teams, for then the moment becomes ripe for us - lesser known teams - to cause a major upset.

I want my players to capitalise on this, and snatch a victory or two against the big guns!



For this to happen, every single player of my school team must retain an unshakeable self-belief in themselves and in the team.

They must speak confidently. They must quash all talk of negativity and shut the mouths of people who preach hopelessness.

We do not need negative people!



What we need to do is to stay utterly positive. We must play to our strengths. It is all down to the 12 players and the other CCA members, including the seniors.

What can you do or say to raise up their confidence level?




I know what I think and what I believe.


I believe in every single one of my players.

They can do it. The strength and confidence is found within each individual player.




The Second Round is here, folks. We're in the Top 12 of the Zone.

Face every match confidently. Relish the prospect of playing against the very best.

We will only get better, each time we play against a champion team, like how iron sharpens iron.

Go for it and play the matches with no regrets!

About grit and overcoming the odds

It's a perennial problem: Fajar basketball players usually lack height.

Against a very charged-up Fuhua, the difference in height between our players stood out again. We cannot hope to dominate rebounds and high balls if we think we can outjump them.

We can't.



Today's game was very simple: Fajar had to win, in order to secure the second-place in our group and qualify for the top-12 round.

Fuhua had a slim chance too. If they defeated us by a large margin, the goal difference would allow them to leapfrog over us in the table and get that coveted spot in the next round.



In a fascinating contest, where there was end-to-end action, pulsating moves and frustrating misses, our boys came out tops and achieved a well-deserved victory against a resilient Fuhua who dominated us in height and rebounds but not in team tactics.



I have every reason to be proud of my C division players. They have trained very hard during May and June. They have improved much and have done very well to put themselves into the Second Round of the West Zone competition.



In the Second Round, powerful schools lay waiting. Every match will be like a cup final. Our team will need their self-belief and team spirit to overcome our group opponents.



Though we do not know who our group opponents are, one thing is for sure: we will be ready for them. We will do our school proud!

About the captivating charm of a old fishing town

Bergen may seem to be disappointingly quaint yet austere, compared to the modern metropolis of Copenhagen and Oslo. It is not surprising, since Bergen, for the past hundreds of years, is chiefly known as a fishing port.

After a train ride that quite simply overwhelmed us, we were really glad to set foot on firm ground again.






Our youth hostel, thank God, was just a 5-minute walk away from the train station. A hill, dotted with houses, cast its imposing presence next to the youth hostel.






By the time we checked in at the youth hostel and put our bags down, we were famished and couldn't wait to eat! So what we did was to get hold of a map of Bergen, and approached the friendly lady at the check-in counter for some recommendations. We specifically wanted Chinese or Thai, since we were raring to satisfy our lust for spice, chilli and some good ol' Asian food. Thank goodness, she pointed out a Thai and a Chinese eatery that was just 10 minutes away.

Finding those eateries became an urgent objective that over-rode all other needs, so we marched off in search of them.

We located those restaurants without any problem, and it didn't take long for us to step into the Chinese eatery and we sat down. To my surprise, a Norwegian lady came to take our orders. Obviously the cook is a Chinese, but it was indeed a rare sight to have a Western lady working quite happily there.



We had a really pleasant chat with her. Turns out that she's a university student, currently pursuing her Masters. She speaks very good English (again, we must remember that English is Norway's second language) and it is such a joy to know that English transcends races, nationalities and borders.



After what was simply an outstanding dinner experience, we took a leisure stroll around the harbour area, where in the Middle Ages, ships laden with fishes would unload their catch here, in the thriving fish market.














The view from our youth hostel was simply stunning.







After a night's rest, we were all set to head for the climax of our trip - a visit to the immortal and grand fjords. With all due respect, that alone deserves a post of its own!