A chance encounter with an Indonesian soldier

My week started rather early on Sunday due to some responsibilities I had to undertake at work. Honestly, it was really a dread to go back to work on a Sunday but it was worth the while when the participants quietly appreciated my efforts. It was a hell of a day but I guess nothing beats some unpredictable events in the week.

Over the next few days, the battalion was getting ready to receive the Indonesians who had just arrived on our shores. The partaking in exchanges between the 2 armed forces was very much anticipated.

I had a brief exchange with one of the Indonesian soldiers today and it must have been the most insightful conversation I had in recent weeks. This soldier was soft-spoken and well mannered, much to my amazement. Soft-spoken and humble never seemed to be the words to describe them before they came. He acknowledged my rank and proceeded to ask questions regarding our training in Singapore. It was when I asked him questions that I felt I had to better appreciate where I came from. I must admit, he looked remarkably similar to my father as most of the Indonesians were. No surprise that my family is a descendant of the Javanese origin; the land where this soldier was born. He was a corporal who rose through the ranks through a good 14 years. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that, adding that he was already 36 and he was still a fighting fit soldier. To them, it seemed that being a soldier was very much a privilege in back home where only 200 of 1000 applicants get the eventual nod to join the country's armed forces. It was so contrasting to the fact that in Singapore, it is an eventual norm that everyone would have to serve the nation. This soldier was a father of 2 very young sons, 8 and 4. Sadly, he only has the opportunity to visit them once in 18 months. It was alarming to hear how his sons would not acknowledge him when he returns. His looks only appear as bare traces in his children's memories. He shares his memories and experiences with great enthusiasm; his face lighting up at the mention of his family. At the end of our conversation, I was left dwelling on the thoughts of my actions, my situation and experiences. I realised I have only discovered so little of the world.

Looking at the world in the eyes of others can really do wonders sometimes. That conversation enlightened me in ways I could never imagine. It really shows how much we do take things for granted. Does life always have to be about me all the time? That question I hope will be answered in time to come as I improve on my weaknesses.

On a lighter note, I definitely had a great time watching "Enchanted" wuth Kai Wei on Thursday. Sometimes I do think that our friendship was a chance encounter that was truely magical. Every experience is magical in a sense. Every experience enchanted.

Earning the respect..

Earning respect comes only with time and effort put in to actually get into the heads of these people. Time will tell whether all the effort would prove worthwhile. The boys already got into a bit of trouble over the week. Long weekend for Deepavali. Best I enjoy it now before I get busy again..

Glad to be part of Al-Caliph. Football will always be a part of me.

TP Alumni @ Regatta 07

The sights and sounds seemed so familiar.. Singlet clad men and women were walking around UOB building. A myriad of colours adorned the banks of Boat quay as men and women of all ages congregated at the biggest dragonboat race of the year, the Singapore River Regatta 2007. Hunks and babes came down to Boat quay today to either participate or just have a good time basking in the sun. It was judgement day for my alma mater, TP to race for school pride.

Unfortunately, they did not fair as well as I thought they would, coming in 4th for their National Men's Championship race. It wasn't really the highlight I was looking forward to. Yet being at the races did give me a sense of nostalgia.

Every moment I was at the race sight was intensely hair raising. I don't really understand why it seemed as if I miss being in the dragon boat, rowing with the passion running through my veins like I was in the yesteryears. It seemed as if the sensation and feelings the dragon boaters felt seem to come back for a moment today. I felt like I was rowing again.

I had my doubts to row again in University, when I could see myself pursuing other opportunities to improve myself. However, there is no way I will admit I lost my love for rowing. Sports is my way of testing my limits and it will continue to be so for years to come. It seems rowing is one of my passions I can never let go off. It is really my cup of tea.

In any case, i wish the TPDB team good luck in their future endeavours and look forward to perform better with each and every race. Got some pictures of the guys today. Hey TPDB, keep at it... Hope I can get to row in NUS soon. God willing.

ZzzzZZZZzzzzzHibin!

TeamTP 2007!

Team Alumnua 2007! We SaY!
Idiots aka TP Alumni...

TPDB in the Grand Finals! I'm proud of them!

Life is Great!

The Dream Platoon Commander.

The past month has been rather challenging to note. On one side, I realise how much I need to level up myself as a platoon commander in my administrative capabilities; operational staff work, report writing and even right down to details of leaves and offs of the men. More importantly, I have learnt many a lesson regarding how to handle people who come from so many different backgrounds. I begin to realise this job is tougher than it looks, when expectations of the leader is apparently high within the platoon. I'm feeling the pressure, yet then again it always comes with the job.

Listening in to the men has a way of saying, "I care for you, so tell me your problems". Sometimes people really think it is really easy to listen. Its not when everyone else likes to talk about ourselves most of the time. Its really good to know what's on their minds, as its only then that I can attend to their needs. A good leader sees each and every individual to be someone unique who has a potential beyond his wildest dreams. I want to see myself do that for them before I move on to my new life in 9 months time.

I took my first steps to listening to their expectations of their "Dream Platoon Commander", getting them to write down what they'd want from myself as their leader. Words are varied in structure and grammar but most did say they want one who can motivate them in times of joy and sorrow. The commanders know they crave someone who can guide the platoon. They want me to navigate the way for them to succeed.

Life in the army can be irritating sometimes, but most times, one will meet situations only the human spirit will prevail. I see myself imparting this value of determination to the men in time to come. Eventually, I really want to see myself being an excellent platoon commander.

Taking life each day will not suffice. I need to start navigating the future for this bunch of men. This group of soulja boyz...