Power-packed weekend!

Another weekend has pass.... as we look forward to the last orientation weekend this coming weekend, here are some photos to give a glimpse of a very exciting and happening weekend.... =)

Basically, the weekend started off with some very powerful and creative cheering exercise by a special guest..... presenting Apple!

He was truly one awesome cheerleader, and even tried stealing Charmaine's Heart..... =p

Next we had committee updates and discussions, and after a nice full dinner, it was our first glimpse of the cultural PDC. Though it was our first shot, i must say it was pretty well done, though we still have quite a bit of polishing up to do.... =)

the night ended with a world cafe's style sharing with the leaders and NL himself... quite a fulfilling session as the contingent shared thier views and inputs moving forward.

The next day we had our morning activity as usual, and this time round, we played a fun game of Captain's Ball using fruits instead... quite a mess we made as fruits went flying through the air and splattering as it hit the ground!

The remainder of the day was mostly cultural practises, and also polishing up the multi-cultural dance and fun dance! It was great to see everyone doing thier best and getting the steps in order! Good job everyone!

NL Message - 1 TEAM, 1 SINGAPORE, 1 SSEAYP, 1 SPIRIT

COLONEL TAY TIONG BENG

"Almost thirty years has passed since my SSEAYP experience began.

And as I watched this year’s Singapore Contingent prepares itself for their departure, the memories of my own preparation are brought to mind. Though it was simpler then, no formal photoshots, not so many attires, no 8 weeks orientation programme plus countless weekdays sessions, it was not so much difference.

The focus of bringing together 35 individuals during my time, staying-in at NACLI, endless of songs and cultural practices making them into a team, a contingent representing Singapore, making sure that we will be able to carry our flag high and keeping up with what the previous batches have done are the same. The big difference for me is that I am now doing this as a National Leader(NL) and not as a Participating Youth.

Though it seems like a long time, thought the ship that I have sailed on has become bigger and will be changing again, SSEAYP spirit has not changed, and the unbelievable experience where I had the chance to meet and develop friendships with many young people has not changed though there are now more countries and more diversities.

It is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I remember how we felt that the program would be such a stretch at 52 days. And yet, when it was all over, we wished it could go on forever. It was definitely sad and painful when we had to part after having stayed together for such a long time, that it seemed almost cruel.

No more were the sounds of the morning call chime with the waves rolling pass my cabin window and over were the movie nights, meeting on the upper decks after…(in the past, it was trying to avoid the NL!!!) and country performances in Dolphin Hall.

You will probably not have a clue when ex-PYs keep mentioning about the SSEAYP spirit. You will probably appreciated it more immediately when the SSEAYP 08’s closing ceremony curtains is drawn. This spirit will then exist in the long distance calls, emails, pictures and stories that your SSEAYP participants keep sending to each other.

Only when you go on to express our concern for the well being and safety of our fellow PYs irregardless of whether they were affected by events, disasters or unrest, only when we start visiting their countries and dropped in on them, only if we start to appreciate the countries above the tourist spots, only if we try all means to get to the Re-unions and the get-togethers, then can we said that we truly understand and experience the SSEAYP spirits. And here I am not just referring to fellow PYs from other countries but also your very own.

SSEAYP actually goes beyond the solidarity groups, discussion programs, homestays, country programs and illicit kitchen tours. It not only contributes to our perspective of ASEAN or brings us closer to a world free of political, language, immigration or religious barriers but ultimately, how we see ourselves for who we are and what we want in life.

Keep up the preparations and be really for the flow of SSEAYP Spirits."

YL Message

MUHAMMAD REZAL

" The 35^th Singapore Contingent has taken the brave step forward, the plot unfolding as the days pass. Every year the team is different and this year I am proud to lead such a dynamic team eager to soar and excel in every single thing they do. We came together rather inept, lacking skills and knowledge of some aspects required for the programme.

However, time and again, as a team we have proven that perseverance yields success and we have managed to overcome every obstacle that comes in our way. The road is long. But the journey is fulfilling thus far.

I am proud to present you SPY 2008. "

AYL Message

WINNIE TAN

"Nippon Maru, sailing the blue blue ocean…"

The 26 voices from the Singapore Contingent has been rehearsing these lines, looking forward to singing them with our international counterparts on board Nippon Maru. We have also been trying to pick up common greeting phrases in Japanese and other ASEAN languages, with the hope of bringing us closer to you, our friends-to-be!

The Singapore contingent has came a long way from a group of individuals from various backgrounds, to become a strongly-bonded team through our weeks of trainings, games and dance rehearsals. We are looking forward to doing the same with the rest of the PYs, as we sail the blue blue ocean onboard Nippon Maru!

DYL Message

VENETIA NG

" When I was told to write something for this blog, I asked myself “What in the world am I going to write about”? Even at this point of time, my thoughts are incoherent and my fingers hover above my keyboard, not knowing where to begin...

To you, who have somehow stumbled on our humble blog while surfing the internet, I would like to say WELCOME! I hope through these pages, you find out more on what we do in preparation for the 35^th SSEAYP 2008 and possibly get inspired to take part in future years.

I must say, our contingent has come a long way from the awkward moments of initial introductions, to the intimate sharing of our individual milestones. Many of us struggled initially to the sacrifices that we had to make to ensure that we do not miss our weekday and weekend orientation trainings. However, as time went by, friendships were forged and being the dedicated, committed individuals we are, orientation training became habitual and no longer a sacrifice.

The Singapore Contingent came together and started off with a blank canvas, not knowing what colours to splash on or what designs to add on to make it worthy for showcasing. As the weeks passed, things began to take shape - the contingent logo was conceptualized, the uniforms were selected, the story-board for the cultural performance was fine tuned, cheers were getting louder with gusto and songs were sung with more confidence and conviction!

Today, each of us has added some colour and design to the canvas through our various contributions be it a skill, a knowledge or just pure commitment. It has now become a large montage of artwork, which will be showcased to fellow PYs from Japan and ASEAN. Just two more months of hard work, dedication and refining, we will surely be all set and ready to put our best foot forward for the programme.

Before I end off, some final notes to all SPYs 2008. Hang in there, look out for each other, be there for each other, stay positive and most importantly of all have loads of fun!"

Snap Snap Snap Snap Snap Snap

Hahahahhaha.... what can i say about the weekend that we've spent together but that it was so full of smiles laughter posers and snap snap snap snap snap snap? Yes, it was an amazing weekend when we took the photos for our contingent booklet. We started with the indoor shoot at NTU. Our dear PRM got professionals to come in and do our make up and hair. Think this is the first time in my life I ever got professional make-up.... and I look.... so totally not me.... hahaha.... ok, enough about me, below's some pics of the day:

Here are some random shots taken at the "make up room":

While waiting for our turn, we decided to take so posing shots!

The studio shots... look out for the family shots and the couple shots~

The fun contingent shot!

This is the serious one...

And ofcourse, how can a day be complete without FOOD!!!!!

hahaha.... so you see, we had loads of fun during our weekends together:) and I'm sure we'll have more fun time together! hee... lookout for more photos of sunday... once i get my hands on them :)

Sports Comm:)

Touched by An Angel!