Posted on 18-Jun-2012
Day 0
Around half past eight, Captain Yee Mun Theam called for everyone’s attention and opened the weeklong journey with a word of prayer. The NCOs soon took charge to lead their members in loading the buses. About thirty minutes later, two buses and a van were loaded. Many sighed a relief, as they knew it would be a long drive to get down south. Along the way, some Boys – especially those attending Pesta for the first time – were energetic and kept interesting conversations going; others, the more senior ones, took the chance to catch a nap.
It seemed like in about no time the company had arrived at the Pesta campground, SMK Foon Yew, our home for the next 5 days. After settling down and finding our company classrooms, the band was ready to rehearse at the actual competition ground. For about two hours or so, the Boys tried to get themselves familiar with the field. Other company bands that practiced at the field included 3rd KL and 4th KL. For the past couple months, our Boys have been practicing hard for the national band competition, which is one of the few competitions that are planned for every Pesta Convention. The anxiety builds even higher as the day for competition approached.
The rest of Day 0 was rather relaxing as the Boys chilled around the classrooms and enjoyed each others fellowship.Sunday was the most exhilarating day as we saw most of the companies from all around Malaysia checked in at the campground early in the morning while some international companies, namely guest participants from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Singapore and London checked in during the afternoon session. All the Pesta participants finally got to meet as a large group during the “One Voice” briefing session hosted by the organizing committee. A quick ice-breaking session took place after lunch and all participants were split into their respective platoons (A to I) to get to know their platoon leaders, group leaders, and members. Soon after, it was time for a rehearsal for the official opening ceremony of the Pesta Convention. All respective parties practiced their parts while 1st KL band took this opportunity do a final round practice at the school car park. It was humbling to see many parents came by during that time to check out their sons and 1st KL parents and fans base was already growing through the evening.
At 6:30 p.m. sharp, the guard of honor marched in with the Pesta flag accompanied by all state contingents as well as the reigning champion band – 1st Johor Bahru (JB) Company. The guest of honor was Honorary Captain Michael Moorthy, the Brigade Chairman. The scenery was awe-inspiring as all brigadiers – dressed handsomely in their ceremonial uniform – paid the utmost respect and attention to the ceremony. After the officiating of the convention by Hon. Capt. Moorthy, the recipients of this year’s President’s and Founder’s Award (second and highest award of the Brigade respectively) was recognized before thousands of eyes and cheers. 1st KL was very proud to have our very own Corporal Alvin Wong Jin Zhao to receive the President’s Award and Staff Sergeant Benny Tham Chew Hol to receive the Founder’s Award during the ceremony. Kudos!
Following the opening ceremony was the long anticipated National Band Competition. All the band members were gathered at the corner of the field as we saw Officers from the respective bands were giving their last cheer to their members before they get ready for uniform inspection. 1st KL’s band instructor was also present to give the Boys some final encouragement. The atmosphere was tensed yet inspiring.
Day 3
Dozens of buses occupied the school parking ground early in the morning. It was time for a tour around JB! In their respective Companies, the host 1st Johor Bahru Company & has specially arranged this tour to introduce popular places around JB to many of us who have not been down south. Places we visited include Kota Iskandar, JB town, and Puteri Harbour. At each stop the Companies were given time to snap photos and 1st JB did a good job in navigating us through the history and highlights of those venues.
After our last stop at the harbor, the buses drove all Pesta participants to Sutera Mall, JB, where the main activity of the day was held. The carnival-styled station games and treasure hunt took place at the mall’s open car park. All participants were again grouped in their respective platoons and completed their missions in finding out their lunches from Sutera Mall and the surrounding area. The activity strengthened the comradeship between Members of different states and countries (remember our international guests?).
As evening dawns, the carnival came to a conclusion. Many left the mall with a satisfied tummy as well as plenty leftovers that made our supper that night. After wash up, the next event was the main highlight of this Pesta – the Youth-A-Like gospel concert. The worship team came all the way from Acts Church of Subang Jaya, Selangor. The concert was followed by a powerful message delivered by Pastor Kenneth Chin. Following the sermon was a ministry to the Members. More than 200 hands were raised, submitting their lives to Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!
Day 4
Today was the last day of the Pesta program. After a quick breakfast, the platoons gathered at the field and wore their platoon t-shirts – represented by different colors. The “BB O1ympiak!” was then organized at the school stadium. A dozen of inter-platoon competition games were carried out. Each platoon – from A to I – sent different reps for the various games while the crowd cheered for their heroic participants wholeheartedly. From giant volleyball to backward running competition, each game was created to foster sportsmanship and teamwork.The daylong program ended on a high note with each platoon getting their platoon photos taken. After wash up, all Pesta participants were dressed handsomely in their full ceremonial uniform for the closing ceremony – the “Here As One” Pesta grand banquet. More than 200 tables were set up at the majestic school hall and all brigadiers were served with an 8-course oriental dinner. The banquet was opened with a combined band from KL, Selangor, Perak and JB. We were also entertained by the winning teams from Singing and Dancing Competitions, 3rd KL Company and 1st JB Company. The banquet was continued with remarks from the Pesta organizing committee and the Brigade President. Awards for various competitions were also presented. The overall champion for this Pesta went to 8th Penang Company for their excellent participation and achievements in all the competitions. The Brigade President, Hon. Capt. Michael Moorthy announced the next host for Pesta 2014 – Perak state! The night was concluded with a photo taking session by Company and many farewells among the participants. It was a mixed of relief and sadness as we will part for our respective homes after tomorrow.
Day 5
All the companies began packing and cleaning up the classrooms – their homes for the past five days – and got ready to leave the campground. After triple checking all our camp equipment and belongings, we boarded the bus at around 9 in the morning. We waved goodbye to our new and old friends, wishing each other well so we will meet again in two years’ time.
While many companies were heading back to their respective states and countries, the journey hasn’t ended for 1st KL. The second wave of excitement hit our Boys as we prepare ourselves for the yet anticipated Singapore trip!
Writer’s note: There ain’t many Pesta Conventions one can afford to attend as it is held bi-annually. Through the life of a Brigadier, every Pesta is a one-in-a-lifetime-experience because of the fun and fellowship it offers. I have personally grown from this experience and I hope to attend as many Pesta as possible throughout my time in the Brigade.
Throughout the trip, we were graced by the Girls’ Brigade headquarter with the utmost comfy accommodation after all those days where we slept in the classrooms in sleeping bags with barely any cushioning during the Pesta camp. Soon after we settled down, it was dinner time! Following a delicious meal at a local hawker restaurant, we had the opportunity to satisfy our intellectual curiosity far from the limitations of textbooks at the mysterious Night Safari. The amazing architecture setting of the Safari with romantic lighting and the fire show enlightened us. There we boarded the tram. The tram ride was complete with the assistance of a very knowledgeable guide. From the king of the jungle to the cute and lovely animals we saw. It was a true learning experience for all the boys that night. The night ended with cup noodles as supper back at the HQ. The visit to Universal Studios the next day kept our excitement burning.
The spectacular, jaw dropping sight that can only be seen in the documentaries filled us with astonishment. We arrived at the Singapore Universal Studios where it satisfied our preconceived ideas at the first sight. Universal Studios Singapore is the place to be for amusement park lovers. It has everything you want. From thrilling rides to musical shows to dance performances, action packed water world, and the list goes on. The place is so beautifully made. Everything is just perfect. The best ride was Transformers 5D, it was legendary. The thrilling cyclone and human roller coasters are the best roller coasters you can get in the world, have you tried hanging in the air and fly like superman at the same time? We experienced that in the breath-taking Cyclone.
The 3-day trip ended splendidly. This trip enlivened our minds, it contributed to our largeness of view and our breath of mental vision, gave us true perspective. It had also strengthened the brotherhood spirit among us, the 1st and 12th Kuala Lumpur Boys’ Brigade Company. Whatever path you take away from your front door, it leads to the most delightful benefits that life has to offer. You will come back from your dream holiday measuring it not in hours or in kilometers traveled, but in its happiness value. You will have satisfied your intellectual curiosity far from the limitations of text books and school curricular activities; you will have seen many aspects of life, passion, beauty and drama; you will have in your mind the making of stories, poems, paintings and music, as well as facts and theories. Travel, other than taking you to see various places, it also touches the mind.
