~* mY rEmiNiScEncES *~

It has always been my dream to play in the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) since young.
Yes, it's one of the top youth orchestras in the country, coached by professional musicians that a lot of music enthusiasts fall head over heels for it.
However, I started to play non-orchestral music instrument when I was a kid and it's very competitive to secure a spot in MPYO, especially for that non-orchestral instrument which almost everyone knows how to play.
Therefore, I finally picked up an orchestral instrument - flute, during my final year of high school.
That did not able to get me into the MPYO yet I was very fortunate enough to play in a symphonic band that eventually leads me to opportunities to play in orchestras.



Few years ago, I picked up the double bass in the university when I was very active and spearheaded the orchestra.
There was no music faculty in my university.
As an orchestra fanatic, I was kinda devoted to the symphony orchestra club in my university.



Many people has been asking me why double bass? (Why did I ditch my flute?)
Well, it started with a very simple reason, or rather circumstance: I was organising an orchestra concert and it was very difficult to get enough double bass players to play for the concert. So I decided to fork out my own pocket money and look for private teacher in order to pick up the double bass in short period of time, so that I can help out on the balancing of the orchestra.
3 years ago, I was very lucky to get through the audition and played in the YMGC orchestra under the baton of Mr. Kevin Field.
Mr Kevin Field was the first resident conductor for the MPYO since its inception for more than 7 years.
I was congratulated by my friend, who was the MPYO concertmaster at that time when I was listed in the MPYO's player list.
Surprised yet unbelievable - I was recommended by Mr Field.
Yet, I wasn't able to make it as it clashed with my university's final exam and I was in the midst of competition that I couldn't commit for the MPYO camp - it was too late for me to make arrangement when the MPYO management officially contacted me.
I heard no news from the MPYO management since then and I thought I'd never able to play in the MPYO anymore.



Miracle happened! (thanks to my former YMGC orchestra mate)
I received an invitation to play in the MPYO!
The offer came just right in time as I just resigned from work and able to commit to the intensive orchestra camp.
Yeah, it was an intensive sectional + tutti rehearsal where we spent almost 10 hours per day during the camp.

view from the suite that we're staying in the city centre

Double bass section

Margaret, from SNYO

my double bass tutor, Wolfgang Steike

And here are some photos taken after our Merdeka Award night event...

Xinyi, the percussionist (fellow SPO) haha

Where's Aishah........

Conductor of the nights, Julie Debordes

So grateful and privileged to learn and play with the inspiring and aspiring musicians; well-spent December!

MPO & MPYO side by side concert (last MPO concert of the year)

this is not a real photo of Mr Anonymous

It was a chilly night at a foreign land.
I was trying to figure out the way to operate a washing machine at a self-laundry shop with my parent.
There was a guy staring forlornly at the corner of the shop.
Self-laundry shop is not common in Malaysia.
This guy who dressed in ripped clothes walked towards us from the corner and taught us how to use it.
He even gave us some tips to get to know the machines prior to utilising it.
He's a beggar, he told.
Yet he is a regular visitor at this shop.
Despite general perception of beggars are dirty, he do take care of his personal hygiene.
"Where are you from?", he asked.
We began to chit chat while we were waiting for our clothes to be washed and dried.
"Did you see the bento over there? I use to eat at here and throw it over there," he pointed at the dumpsite.
He began to share his story of daily (working) life.
There was laughter during the conversation.
"I was convicted and sentenced to jail - framed by my friend", he uttered.
Friends. With a tinge of disappointment and sadness, he continued "I was not liked by the employers. Do you know why? I don't have my identity card anymore."
The employers didn't want (and some dare not) to employ him.
He shared that he had a short stint after jail yet he was discriminated and being accused for wrongdoings that he did not commit.
Employment is more difficult when he's not in the city.
"I had no choice but to beg for money."
"I like to clean up myself daily but I cannot look decent when I'm at work - others will not bother to donate to me".
He then showed us how he will groom himself when he needed a place to sleep during winter; he sleeps at pavement when the weather is bearable.
"The rental cost over here is too expensive, I can't afford it".
He then showed us a bag of coins - his only treasure.
The drying machine stopped and he took his clothes.
"It has been raining these few days and it is really very cold, I only had this to keep myself warm," he smiled while telling us and wore the jacket.
As soon as he folded and packed his clothes in a small bag, he left.

I like to listen to stories. Never thought that I'd be able to learn and listen such sad sharing from an anonymous who is being despised and rejected by most of the people. Beggars are human too - they ought to be treated by respect.

Thank you Mr. Anonymous. May you have better new year ahead.

What springs to your mind when you heard of "Tour de Taiwan"?

can you spot your country's flag?

they are the men behind the lens

seriously, all of us (especially the riders were shivering) on the stage

say "cheese"

how grandeur

photo credit to Jim Chen Photography

breakfast bento by Garden Villa

We were in a haste to Taipei for the interview session early so we grabbed our breakfast and left early in the morning.

sweet packaging they have

milk tea & Chia Te's egg tart for my tea time

thanks for sending us off!

we began to develop the tendency to think that Caucasians are the riders/ staff

The thoughts of identifying their sports team and ensuring that they are not being left behind arise lol