I Am Wai Choong

" Little sparrows are scampering cheerfully around my lush green garden, searching for twigs for their nests in my roof as they chirp happily amongst themselves. The dew slides down the blades of the grass as the morning glory blooms to the rise of the Sun. The clouds drift effortlessly in the vast azure sky as the gentle breeze fueled their motion. I was not dreaming, but i was asleep... "

Believe it or not, this is my 100th post since i have entered the blogosphere. By just typing, posting, editing and upgrading this blog, i have lost count, or could not be bothered with the number of posts. But when i was about to hit the 'new post' button, i realized that 99 posts have been successfully published and i am about to begin with the zero of the three digit numbers. Because of that, i am making this post different from the rest, and probably this should be my first post ever to be published. Introducing myself.

"... Cock-a-doodle-doo! My neighbour's mighty rooster let out a nature's wake-up call that brought me back instantly from a wonderful journey in Dreamland to this beautiful Saturday morning... "

A self-titled post, this post will bring you and me back in time to what made me today. I have always believe that it is the past experiences we have that shapes us, and makes us the person who we are today. Call me anything, but i am proud of my past and would no way exchange the experience for cash!

"... I retrieve my car keys from the holder and begin to drive to the nearest supermarket. My mind flashes back to the dreams i had earlier this morning as the wheels of my car roll forward. In the dream, i was a singer. An international superstar with numerous number one hits and my album went platinum one after another. Not enough with the success of being a singer, i started my hands on writing and gained the number one bestselling author spot. And with all the wealth, i finally settled down and began to start a family. The dream was all nice and easy, but the dream will be just a dream because i do not have a good voice and neither do i have the language to write a book interestingly. But why am i comparing myself to an imaginary life? We are all different and I am happy with my life... "

I have heard mothers saying 'Oh, look at your Aunt H's daughter. She is so well-behaved, unlike you.' And competitors saying 'Oh, they are far behind and have lost some points. I'm doing better than them now.' How many of us actually compare ourselves to others? Or how many of us have actually been compared to others by others? It would be a lie if i said i have not compared myself to others before, or being compared to others by someone else. Over time, i have come to realize that even so, the biggest comparison should be made with within. I compare myself to myself. I know myself better than anyone. I have quoted that i prefer to be better than be the best. I favour being to be better than before. Tomorrow will better than today, and today is better than yesterday.

"... The traffic light turns to red. I press the brake and i can feel the car decelerating until a total halt before the traffic light. Behind the wheel, i wonder why am i different than others. I have experienced life different than others... "

If anyone comes to me and ask 'When in your life was your turning point?', i will answer them the day i entered Standard 5. Perhaps, the choice to accept the offer may be one of the best decisions i have made. It literally changed my life.

Before the day of our SPM. Boys of 5 Sc 1.

Class of 5 Sc 1 with our Add Maths teacher.

Undoubtedly one of the biggest decision in life. Celebrating the freedom after the final exam in December 2008.

"... I am passionate about something that people may not... "

Ever since 'The Phantom Of The Opera' in Form 2, i have grown an interest for drama. I may not be a professional, but i am proud to be a SMKHK Dramarian. Being in the drama team itself has been a great adventure and a learning process nonetheless.

Drama team 2007.

A joyous outing with the drama team at EOM.

English drama project 2008. All the best to 2009's, coming soon!

Being in the Moral Society has opened many doors to fun activities and unforgettable experiences as well. An environmentalist? Yes, to a certain level it has made me. The greatest experience was when we joined the MIRACLE program. Working with people from Japan and Holland was amazing!

Recycle Team!

Vegetarian Yee Sang for CNY!

Farewell party to our Teacher Advisor.

"... I have visited places people did not... "

If i have the money, travelling will be at the top of my 'wanted' list. I agree that by traveling and visiting places, it broadens and widens our horizon and perspective. We acquire new knowledge and see life from another angle.

Family and friends visit to Guilin, China.

Educational trip to Kuala Selangor.

Sweetness of the post-SPM in Genting!

"... I park my car at the parking lot and wonder to myself, why am i who i am today? It is because i am who i made myself to be. It is because what i have went through that made me who i am today..."

The photos in this post are group shots- don't they look lovely. I have limited my photos too, if not i might have to lengthen an already lengthy post. And mind you, this post is so special that it will not have a full-stop at the end. As i move on, more and more will be uploaded. In short, this post is a living post that grows with me with time. Some memories are just too sweet to store. wc09 ends the 100th post with the final excerpt:

"... You and i are not very different, but i have taken the route that made you and i uniquely different. So, don't compare. I am Wai Choong, and that is not about to change."

Season 2, Episode 7: I'm finally 18!

" It takes a long time to grow young " - Pablo Picasso

What can i say? I'm finally 18! The feeling of growing 18 is exciting. I don't know what my 18th year in my life will bring to me in the future but the last 17 years have been a fun journey. I certainly hope that the ride continues on, and on, and on.

There seems to be something on my birthday. I remember in 2008, my SPM results were announced on my birthday. Whether or not that shall be my birthday gift, i'm contented with it. This year is no exception. First time celebrating away from home, in my uni, and i have a test overshadowing the day. Engineering Maths 2 Test 1 to be exact, and i become broken hearted whenever i recall the test. I made mistakes, careless mistakes! All i can do now is hope that i can score more than half and pray that what i put in will result in the best.

Some of my friends celebrated my birthday after the test. I was really happy and i would like to thank them once again for conducting it despite the test. Thank you guys! Birthday wishes were also sent to my phone as soon as the clock showed 12 midnight. Thank you once again to those who sent the birthday wishes. I would like to extend my gratitude to my school mates too. I'm happy you still remember me. Friends forever! And thank you for the birthday gifts. I couldn't ask for more! It is, as the saying goes, the thought that counts.

Me cutting the cake.

Taking the first bite.


The girls made a performance to entertain us.

My roommate and i are both March babies.

Some of my friends at the celebration scene. Thanks a lot guys!

A day of total mix of emotion. Forget the test, i have repeatedly reminded myself. What is done is done, and hope for the best in return is all i can ask for. Try better in the next test and don't give up. Why the worried face, it is after all, my birthday. So, cheer up!

Birthday boy, wc09 is now 18 and dares to face the challenges of the 18th year of his life. Thank you everyone, for everything!

Season 2, Episode 6: Weekend retreat

" Help me make the music of the night " - Phantom of the Opera.

The Fridays that i go back are always very adventurous. After class at 12, i walk to my uni main gate and wait patiently for the infrequent buses to bring me to Ipoh. As i reach Ipoh, i have to take another bus to Medan Gopeng, the central bus terminal. In choosing a bus to go KL, my favourite choice is the Konsortium because of its speed- i usually reach KL faster taking this bus. Journey takes about 3 hours, plus minus the traffic in KL, of course. There are alternative ways to KL too, but i have never taken before- the KTM which goes directly to KL Sentral and taking a bus from Seri Iskandar bus station, more convenient but less frequent buses to KL. Upon my arrival in Puduraya, i take the STAR line to Ampang, and finally i reach home! Exhausing but exciting, the reward is always comforting and satisfying.

Why the 'weekend retreat'? These few weeks are going to be tough and stressful as the mid-sem break approaches. In fact, the pressuring has already begun. Tests, quizzes, and assignments. I have taken my Chemistry 2 Test 1 last week, and i fear returning to uni on Tuesday now that i am back in KL for the weekend. Tests are already scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday (why!), the next Monday and Wednesday. Major quiz on Friday. Physics assignment due on Wednesday. So, this weekend will be one i shall rest and relax before overcoming the hurdles.

Enough with it. Yesterday, we had a buffet dinner at the Latest Recipe, Le Meridien. But we went earlier to see see the hotel and be the guest. As a five-star hotel, i was wowed the moment i stepped into the lobby. It has a class on its own. To use the lift, we had to insert our card before being able to press the floor level, for security purposes. No other room levels except the level we stay in were allowed to press. The swimming pool area was beautifully landscaped, despite being located at the 8th floor. Hilton is just next to Le Meridien and i could think of no reason why i should not visit Hilton. I saw Jaclyn Victor there, or so i see. She looks different and i couldn't recognize her. I'm not sure if it was even her! I dared my sister to ask for a photograph with her, but we finally did not. Stalking was not my thing, but my sister and i followed her to confirm if it was her. We returned to Le Meridien after the little commotion.

Pleasant sight at the swimming pool area.

At the lobby. Comfy, homey, but classy.

Bidding us welcome from the parking area is this red-and-blue, spiderman-like thing.

At 7, we headed to the dinner place and started to devour all sorts of good food- i'm missing this a lot! It has a wide variety of food- Western, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Malay and etc. An hour in the Latest Recipe, i felt full, but i continued to eat. I was full, but not yet satisfied. The next hour, i was bloated. I rested a while before the third hour, that was when i have reached my limit and could not open my mouth anymore. I was wondering why can't i digest as fast as i consume?

Trying hard to pose in this picture sitting straight up. I had to combat with my heavy stomach.

Dinner was until 10.30, and since it was a buffet, we lasted until the last minute to make our money worth. We bid farewell to Le Meridien at 11.

Sumptuous food in an elegant atmosphere, wc09 feels grateful for what he had and what he ate. Crunch time soon!

Carefully taken in my Chemistry lab. This is the whirlpool made by the magnetic stirrer.

Season 2, Episode 5: TEKAD 09

" Innocent until proven guilty? Or guilty until proven innocent? " - The Innocent Man, John Grisham

After a night fun-filled with English activities, i had to force myself up from bed early to attend the briefing and the opening ceremony of the TEKAD '09 program. 188 Year 6 students from SK Seri Iskandar participated and my job was to facilitate them in the various modules that would be carried out for two days. The modules arranged are for the development and betterment of students in their academic field, their mastery of the English language, soft skills, and other vital attributes. Somehow, i'm glad i can do my part to assist.


The students assembled in the Lecture Hall while the facilitators were briefed by the head. After the Headmaster of the school gave his speech and officiated the program, the students and the facilitators were divided into 5 large groups consisting of 5 smaller groups in it. Mine was Group 17, and i was paired up with Aishah to facilitate the 8-member group. Platoon is Max 5. Name is SkyNet.

Ice-breaking activity for us to get to know the members, and for the members to get to know us. Honestly, i do remember their names but i'm not sure who is who. I tried my best but i still couldn't match the names to the owners. So, i just called them generally 'adik'. Unfortunately, i could not attend the first module, and breakfast, as i had a Chemistry tutorial replacement. The next hour and a half is left blank, and only to be filled after my tutorial by my partner.

I returned just in time for module 2, the sketch- i like drama/sketch/plays! We had an interesting script and an amazing time practising. We were suppose to guide them to correct pronunciation of words- my group has minimal problems regarding this, inject creativity in the performance, instill confidence in front of the crowd and the usage of English. Cooperation among members were also highlighted, as said by one of my member at the recap of this module. I salute my group for putting up a great show given only 30 minutes to prepare- never underestimate Year 6 kids. Well done!

'Which shoes do you choose?' was our title. Could see potential and enthusiasm in themselves.

Lunch time and prayer break. Muslims went to the mosque while we stayed back and entertained among ourselves. Module 3 started when they returned, and it's called 'Pronounce Me'. We were given 2 poems and a song. The song was simple, the Do Re Mi song from the Sound of Music, but the difficult part was the verses not the chorus. We know the chorus, and i bet you do, but often we seldom listen to the beginning and the ending. Improvised, we changed the tune here and there and it turned out all not that bad! The two poems assigned to us were ones i had never heard before. However, that was not the point. Some words in the poems were bold and assumed the higher level of English vocabulary. As facilitator, we were needed to explain the definition of these words to them. Unfortunately, for the second poem, the bold words were also of higher level of vocabulary than mine. Without a dictionary, my partner and i were lost and decided to just read along the poem!

Phone MMS was the next module. It's similar to the Broken Telephone, just that instead of sending words through a series of people, a picture message is sent. But no words can be spoken or mouth movements can be made. Just actions, something like charade, of the picture.

My group drew 50 % of the original picture sent. Not bad. The purpose of this module is to show the students that rumours may not be entirely true. It can evolve along the way, when it is spread from one person to another. Always seek for the truth before believing.

Following that was the 'Think Out Of The Box' module. Given an item, students must be creative and innovative to what other purposes can it be used for apart from the main purpose. For this module, they were given a fire extinguisher to be thought out of the box. Creatively, they came up with some mind-provoking ideas like pillow, jet pack, toilet flush, flower pots and piggy-bank. Some common ideas were using the fire extinguisher as a self-defense weapon and a weight for lifting.

My group presenting their ideas in front of the crowd.

Groups were later reunited with each other of the same platoon and we started playing 'Goreng Pisang' and ' Bom, ke bom'- entertaining yet common games. I could see how the leader of the platoons lead their team to victory. Future leaders?

Who are we?
We are SkyNet.
SkyNet who?
Skynet cool.
Go, SkyNet!

Dinner was inclusive for the facilitator and i left immediately after doing so. This program is actually a two day program and it continues the next day. Having said that though, i only facilitated for the Saturday- it was a wonderful time with the cuties.

They somehow reminded me of my school times and my brothers. I could see them teasing others- like seeing a fat boy being called 'bulat'. Innocence, this is the time they will have to choose. And hopefully they choose the right choice. With UPSR coming underway, i wish them all the best!

wc09 is happy to be part of the ELC and the TEKAD '09 program.

Season 2, Episode 4: Let the cat out from the...

" When the blind can see, when the deaf can hear, and when the mute can sing. Life is sometimes not what we see, or what we hear, or what we speak, but means so much more. "

...ceiling! I don't know how the cat actually went up there- there must be a small opening somewhere that the cat could squeeze in, cat-walked above our heads and landed right above my room. Soon, kittens were born and the problem became no comfortable. Night after night, my roommate and i could hear the cat (and kittens) scratching the ceiling. Sometimes they would let out a 'meow', and often it sounds creepy. Annoyed and irritated by the sound, we tried to bear with it and informed our residential college officer the next day.

We waited and waited but to no avail. The officer didn't seem to care and so we took actions in our own hands. I came back from my English tutorial Monday night and Jeremy suggested that we bring the little kittens down. I did not disagree. Another problem arose- we could not reach the ceiling!

Then came a friend. He is tall enough to reach the ceiling and the kittens. A box was prepared as the new home for the little kittens and SE slowly brought the kittens down. One by one, they occupied the new home and surrounding. The mother cat was not there.

In action.

The kittens. We thought the kittens were thirsty and hungry. So, we fed them some milk from my friend and water.

We thought we will not be bothered by the sound at night anymore and could sleep at peace again. How wrong we were! The mother cat returned to find her little. They, obviously, were not there and she started to 'call' for them. The call went over and over, and she moved not only above my ceiling but searched everywhere above us. We pitied the mother cat, but there was nothing more we could do.

It sounded like a cry- meow. We were sympathetic for the mother. Imagine this, if our mothers were to come home, in her mind saying that we were safe and sound, only to be shocked that we were all missing and nowhere to be found. What more we were still young, defenseless and vulnerable. The mother cat felt no less. The kittens were adorable, but are susceptible to danger now that the mother could not be there to protect them. The thought of reuniting them crossed my mind, but i just don't know how. For sure, they must not be on my ceiling. Sorry, and i hope that you will find them someday- i sincerely hope you do.

This week, studies were rather loose. Next week, it'll be very much tighter with test and quizzes, and lab reports. But then, it's next week- i'm not being a procrastinator but just facing the truth. Why must the second semester be tougher compared to the first semester? Again, that's facing the truth. The first few chapters of the subjects are already confusing and overloading me with formulas. Study, study, and just study?

I could not download music in my uni and so i resort to YouTube if i want to hear them- though it takes time to load. Currently, i'm addicted to Halo by Beyonce- my favourite Vocal of 2008, and Footprints in the sand by Leona Lewis- my favourite female artiste of 2008.

wc09 will want to see the mother cat and the kittens reunite someday. He is claimed not guilty. Sometimes the situation pressures us to do things that comforts you, but hurts others.

Season 2, Episode 3: Dancing Valentine

" Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. Happy Valentine! "

How was your Valentine? Memorable? Special? Fabulous? I don't usually celebrate Valentine. Yes, i may still be single and that could be the reason why i don't feel the spirit like others do. But Valentine is more than just casting your love in a couple- relationship. It could be the love towards your family and friends as well. Here, i would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine.

Shall We Dance? I suppose TV3 played this movie on Friday the 13th in line with the Valentine's Day. I watched it and it did spark my interest to dance. Although i don't quite get the purpose of the show, it was entertaining to watch.

Valentine in uni equates leaving all the bachelors alone, single and available. There was nothing much for me to do except to complete my pending tasks over the week. Poor thing, as it may seem. But as the night rolled in, the bachelors finally had something to do- to attend the Festival of Colours, FESCO.

The colourful event was held at the Chancellor Hall. Audience begin to fill the seats.

ASWARA kicked off the show with Tari Inai.

UNITEN entertained us with Ulik Mayang.

UGM Indonesia solo performance. She is professional, but sadly it was long and it began to bore us.

IMU's Zapin and Joget.

USIM thrilled us with Ghazal Party and Zapin Hanuman.

My favourite of the night from KYS, the Bamboo Native. Watch the video below.

Since i did not get to watch this in Sabah, my RM5 ticket here paid well off.

UCSI performed Asmaradana- made popular by PGL and zapin.

Sunway UC for a Bollywood dance.

UKM Tari Tualang Tiga.

From HELP UC, the Multiracial dance.

Joget Gamelan by TATiUC.

Kreasi Gamelan Baru by MARA.

Medley Borneo Rhythm by Masterskill UC.

Pencak Tari i suppose.

Oberlin Shansi USA's drumming fusion.
Kolej Taj Ipoh's Malay and Indian fusion.
MMU's Inang Renik and Canggung.
UMS with their light Daling Daling.
Uni KL with zapin.

And save the best for last...

UTP! They were good.

To wrap up the night, all performers were invited back on stage. Don't it look colourful?

Sim and me in the hall.

Indeed, it was a colourful night. The festival ended midnight and we headed for supper.

Valentine anyone? wc09 is wowed by the dances and this Valentine is truly a dancing one!

Season 2, Episode 2: CNY in 'study' mode

" Study-lo... "

I returned to uni after a week of the Chinese New Year celebration back home in KL and in Melaka. Coming back here means missing the good food galore, missing the freedom to not study, missing the visits- but they will not last long for i'm heading back again this weekend.

Before the CNY, we had a little gathering!

How's your CNY? Hopefully as great as it should be! I love mine. We returned from Melaka on Thursday and on Thursday night, i attended another CNY open house- Uncle J. Steamboat was good, especially the tasty soup. Friday night was Uncle A's house. Mouth-watering cakes and desserts were highly anticipated. Saturday night, i visited my granduncles' place- a simple visit as i do every year. Sunday evening was Uncle M's house- the taste of pork rendang still lingers in my mouth. And on that night, it was Uncle Y's open house- slurping noodles! CNY house hopping is fun- it's like taking turns. Today, you have your open house (which means you have to prepare everything, from house to food) and tomorrow, you visit others (which simply means you can sit back and let the hosts serve you!). What do these houses have in common? A table of mahjong, a pool of card gamblers, trays of good food, and a nicely decorated CNY house. I've yet to visit my friends' house though- can i come to your place?

Coming back, i could begin to feel the workload and the undue pressure on my shoulders. Labs and tutorials start this week. Lectures are more serious these days. This sums up to quizzes, tests, lab reports, tutorial works and assignments. In short, pressure! Learning Physics 2 on electricity- i dislike electricity. I don't seem to get some of the concepts and go haywire over the directions. Hopefully, with more time spent, i will understand. Same goes to Chemistry- really need to re-revise. Engineering Maths is so far surviving and breathing. ICIS is about storing in my brain information. English, no comments. To study still in CNY mood?

Despite the pressure, i have just watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- curious how i have watched it so soon in my uni? About the show, i definitely like how the story unfolds. It's sort of a flashback and the significance of time ticking backwards on the clock is amazing. Leaded by Brad Pitt, this movie has earned many nominations and no doubts to why it has earned them. It sets in an older time and progresses slowly as how he age backwards. Though sometimes it maybe a little draggy, the story moved smoothly and, i would say, touchingly. It gives a different perspective to some people who would want to look younger as they grow older. It ends well, with a narration at the end. About 2 and a half hours, the story is, to me, interesting and captivating. Slumdog Millionaire?

Book fair in uni! 'Popular' bookstore made its appearance here and books were sold at discounts rarely we can get outside. The popular books on sale and bought are Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn- it must be the movie and Robert P that place these books back on the 'wanted' list. As for me, i could not resist to buy The Innocent Man, by John Grisham at a discounted price. I have always wanted to read this book and now that i have bought it, i don't know when to read it- because of Semester 2's pressure.

There is nothing but to study even though it's still the CNY. Somehow, i'm also craving for good food, ang paw and my hands are beginning to itch to gamble. wc09 has half-pressed his 'study' mode button, but it's still the CNY!

Chinese Ox New Year '09 mesmerizes...

" Ox-picious, 0x-perous, ox-piness new year!"

Dear Mr Ox,

It has been a pleasure to meet you! The Chinese new year is one of my many favourite times of the year. Yes, ang paw enters the pocket, good food enters the mouth, but what i like most about the spring is the spirit of the celebration itself. It's the time when i get to meet my relatives, to catch live lion dance performances, bet for a black- jack and hop house-to-house for visiting!

Reunion dinner- the most exciting part of welcoming the new year. It's the time my family reunite for a dinner before we usher in the new year. It has been a tradition for ladies to help one another in the kitchen to prepare dinner and the men to be doing last minute clearing of the house. But modernization has altered and we had dinner outside at a restaurant. Though so, the energy and the excitement did not lack a bit!

Goodbye Mr Rat, and Happy Ox New Year! First day and it's time for celebration. My aunties, my uncles, my granduncles, my grandaunties, my cousins, my childhood friends, my friend's friends, my cousin's friend and my high school friends arrived for lunch.

Food haven!

Scheduled after lunch is the lion dance performance. I had to rush to get right spots to capture the actions of the lion.

Like last year, we have a red lion. Unlike last year, we have a gold one this time. Lions entertaining youngs.

Lions vying for the vege.

Floor performance amuses the audience, and me!

Grandparents with the lions!

Enjoy the video!

My school friends! Rarely meet them these days.

Mini-casino opens- black-jack, mahjong, poker... The first day is great and more to come, Mr Ox.

Second day- the day when daughters go back to their hometown. To go back to Melaka! Breakfast, hoi-lin, good food! Mini-casino opens again...

Place your bet!

Meet my aunties, my uncles, my granduncles, my grandaunties, and my cousins in Melaka.

Barbeque = Yummy!


Jump this CNY!

Dinner was delicious!

And what closed the second day is some firecrackers and, as always being a tradition, a game of gamble.

It's just me, in me, that i have, and always will have, the spirit of Chinese New Year!

Yours truly,
Mr Ram