Aloha, Pak Agus

Today has been a pretty bad day for me. I woke up this morning feeling so ready to go to school. But in the end I couldn't because this annoying little cough that surfaced just after I came home from Singapore, turned for the worse. Now my throat is sore, and my voice is on the verge of completely getting lost. When it does come out, I sound like a croaking frog.

On the up-side of sick days, as always, was extra sleep time, some very needed R&R, and something most kids wouldn't probably agree to, a chance to get most of my schoolwork done.

But amidst of my sudden energy boost to get to work, my spirit was dampened just this evening.

I was sitting by my Doctor, Doctor Indra's table as he wrote out a prescription for my sore throat, when my Mom suddenly shoved her BlackBerry into my face. At first, I thought she was going to tell me a corny joke, or the latest gossip moms like to talk about these days, but when I reluctantly read the single line of news, there was no more I could do than to blink back in surprise.

Pak Agus. Elementary PE teacher. Passed away?

I couldn't even register what was written on the screen. For the first few seconds, I didn't even want to believe it.

I still remembered the last time I saw Pak Agus. I remember it as if it was yesterday, because it really was only yesterday. It was after school, and as always my preferred route towards home passed the Elementary's Einstein Hall. I saw my little sister walk into the TU, and followed her to take her home. I saw my Mom, also waiting inside, the small room, Pak Agus sitting on the receptionist table.

I can still picture his face. He was smiling, having a nice conversation with my mom. I could see the wrinkles converge at the corner of his eyes, as he laughed about something, seemingly happy. Seemingly fine.

I passed the BlackBerry back to mom, as she asked the means of Pak Agus's passing. She kept reveling in the fact, that she had talked to him just yesterday, without realizing that would probably the last time she would talk to him. The last she would even see him.

A heart-attack. That was what took him away from us. From his family, his friends, his beloved students. A way of dying so sudden, it would practically be painless. All I could think about then was Why? Why now? Why ever, for that matter? Was death that merciless to take away someone who's time hadn't even come?

The doc came back with my medicine, and I said thank you and left, my heart felt heavy.

I felt like crying. Oh, man, I felt like crying so much. But I didn't wanna do it in front of my Mom. Nor at home for that matter, in front of my Dad, sister or brother. But it hurt a lot. Hearing such awful news. My heart was aching. I couldn't bear it.

But I held the tears in. I convinced myself that not crying, didn't mean I didn't care. Not crying meant, that I was being strong. Being strong so as to not make others sad, or worry about me. And being strong for Pak Agus, who surely is in a happier place now.

Instead, I had a flashback moment in the car. I remembered the days back in Elementary, when I was being taught by Pak Agus. For someone who's a bit athletically-challenged, PE wasn't always such a favorite of mine. Sure, I would give my best, but in the end, I'd be really wiped and wasn't able to master any techniques.

But, with Pak Agus, I found a new joy to learning PE. He pushed me to try even harder. He pushed me to believe in myself, to believe that I could. In the end, I wasn't a master, but he helped me to improve.

I still remember a moment back in the 6th Grade, the year I truly miss dearly. It was coming around time to face the National Exams, and also the Practical Exams. The one that worried me the most was PE. Doing forward somersaults were not my forte.

It was after a day when I had had PE. We were practicing doing our rolls, and I of course was hopeless at it. When dismissal time came around, I knew I would be picked up late, and I decided to hang around the gym. It was completely deserted, just me and the lone basketball.

Then, Pak Agus stopped by. Now that I think about it, I don't really know why he was there. He just was. And even until now, I'm glad for that fact. He asked me if I was ready for the PE Practicals yet. He asked in his sort of taunting and playful way, but I openly said no, I wasn't ready. I couldn't even do a freakin' somersault.

He laughed, and since I was feeling down at the time, it irritated me a little. But what he did next, still gets me even now. He pulled out a green mattress, the thin ones we used for practice, and told me try again, at that very second.

I thought he was kidding, at first. But since no one was around, I was confident enough to try. The first attempts were a failure. So much, I was even laughing at myself. But because, I kept trying and because Pak Agus was there to help, and support me, by the end of the day, I was able to do it.

When Practicals came around, you know how much I got in PE? An 8. I know, it's not a 8.5 or a 9, but it was the highest I ever achieved, and so yeah... I'm grateful for it.

Pak Agus is a guy I remember with a moustache. A guy who would tell corny jokes, and had a hearty laugh. A guy who became a PE teacher, who taught me for about 3 years. A guy who taunted me when I failed at PE, but supported me 'till I succeeded. A guy who inspired and taught me, and gave me all the more reason to become a teacher.

And to Pak Agus, wherever you are now, I hope you are happy and satisfied with the life you have led. I believe that you're in a better place now. I know that you are going to read this, and you are smiling right now. I just want you to know, that without you I wouldn't have been able to have done the things that I did. The things that you taught me to do. What you showed me, was beyond mere PE. You taught me to believe in myself. And for that, I want to say THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart.

Even though it's still a bit hard for me to imagine, to walk past the Elementary building, without being to able to say hi, or even see you again, I feel somewhat stronger. Though this is sad news, I'll remember in every step I make the things you have taught me. I'll only become more determined now in PE class, to raise my grades, not just for me, but for you as well.

Goodbye, Pak Agus. You've truly been a great PE teacher and friend for me.

And somewhere, someday, I know we'll get to say Hello to each other again.

So for now, I guess the best thing to say is, Aloha! :)

--Karin Novelia

Being Oh So Ever Grateful

So AYC is over! Yeah, it's sad yet also a momentous occasion.

I know I've been behind on the blog. (Don't let the altered time stamps fool u XP). But I got them all up in the end right?

So yeah, AYC has really changed me. And it's makes so grateful about absolutely EVERYTHING!

I even got so caught up in our AYC after-plan, that I really stepped into the "Leader Throne" today. It was a bit frustrating, at first, but in the end we managed to pull through. But it was also exhilarating, so much that my heart's still pounding right now! I actually am EXCITED to go school now.

I'm so glad and proud of my fellow Laurensia AYC Delegates who are really putting in their hardest right now! Thanks for such a fruitful facil discussion on our after plans, and for cooperating with me!

So, like after every momentous occasion, I wanna write a Thank You Note, thanking everyone through this crazy AYC experience. Maybe I should've done it sooner but I'm pretty busy, so I'll do it tomorrow on the next post!

Nyahaha, sounds like cheating/making excuses? Whatever, at least I know my heart is in the right place.

See u tomorrow!

--Karin Novelia

AYC, Day 10

5th August 2010

This is it. The day of JUDGEMENT.

....

Confused? Good, cuz I made that up HAHA! But seriously, today was the day. The final day. Day 10, or as I like to refer to it Day Z, the day we would leave Singapore.

We stayed up late again last night, me and the gang, and took advantage of this day to finally sleep in. We had plans to go to Orchard Road, but since no one wanted to wake up, we didn't have time.

We got to the airport around 1-ish I think, all together. Now was the time to say goodbye. We were sent off by Darren (who still owes use us all something :P), Vivian, Ryan and Yi Xin the greatest guys from Outreach. Even Ezra and Dhiraj came soon after from school, just to say goodbye :')

Man, I don't know why but AYC has really changed me, made me more emotional. I actually cried as we bid each other farewell and hugged. That was a first for me, really. Crying openly in front of everybody, even people I had only gotten to know in a week. Most of us were crying, some on the verge of doing so. 

Man. I can't believe how painful this suddenly became. I didn't want to say goodbye. I didn't want to leave. Not yet, at least. And maybe, deep inside, not ever.

We checked-in and went past security. My eyes were dry by then, but my heart still felt heavy. We kept on waving to the guys outside, until at the last moment possible. We even waved goodbye to Yudhi (Bye, bye! XD) since he was going on a different flight.

We hanged around the terminal a bit, trying to find a quick lunch before headed on the plane. I was stuffed by the dinner was over. Stuffed because of the food. Stuffed because of the emotional overflow.

I stayed quiet the rest of the flight, sharing my plate with Evan, my personal vacuum cleaner (XD), thinking again on AYC, looking a the farewell notes I got from everybody.

Goodbye is one of the hardest words, no?

But then a thought came to mind:

"Sometimes, good things have to end. That way, there's room for better things to happen."

Once the plane touched back down on Soekarno Hatta airport, I couldn't help but smile. I was sad to have to say goodbye. But goodbye would not be for ever. I'll be back Singapore, just you wait, guys! For now I was back home.

So that's the end of the blog post feed. Thanks for reading. 

Dedicated to AYC 2010!

--Karin Novelia

AYC, Day 9

4th August 2010

Today is a bit of a sad day. Too bad none us realized it until it was too late. For me (a YDL) this day would be Day Nine. For the rest, Day 6. But for all of us, THE FINAL DAY OF AYC 2010. 

Maybe because we we're having so much fun, we probably didn't realize things were gonna draw to a close. Maybe we did, and maybe we were just in self-denial. When I woke late today,  I noticed I was moving a bit more sluggishly than usual. Did I subconsciously realize that today was the day, and had a compulsive need to slow down time, even only in my mind?

I'm not sure. But as I got dressed into my school uniform -- blouse unwrinkled, skirt aligned, sock and shoes neat, topped off with my AYC name tag and new favorite black tie -- I couldn't help but stare at the mirror once again, like on that fateful first day.

I, for some reason, looked different. The spark was there in my eyes again, and the faintest smile was twitching at the corner of my lips, even though there was nothing in particular to be happy about. I reflected not only my new image, but on my new experiences here as well.

I smiled at the games, the fun, the laughter. 

I frowned at my mistakes, stumbles and self-doubt.

I regretted that things weren't truly at it's best. That I was, at times, not at my best.

I regretted being scared for being here. Feeling like I didn't deserve it.

But then I realized, that even if I thought that way, no one else did. Because I was still here, and they believed that I did deserve it.

When I removed myself from my inner-thoughts, I was absolutely thankful for everything! I felt confident now, ready to take on the world. And saying goodbye was the last thing on my mind.

Sentiments aside, feeling good and looking good (I hope!), we headed over to Victoria School. (Have I mentioned how awesome it is? XD). We went into a small conference room first before the auditorium, to present the results of our Country-Based Work Session plans. 

Suffice to say, it went well. Thanks Yudhi for taking the role of speaker.

Our Indonesia project was to increase the education in the English subject, one of the determining factors for the SMP UN (junior high national exams). The other countries, such as Vietnam, plan on cleaning a beach to help improve the environment. Singapore was on raising Youth Awareness and Involvement. Malaysia was to gather funds for different causes.

It was very interesting and inspiring to see the different countries find different ways to solve their respective problems. 

And after the presentation was a little group session, where we sort of said all the things we were thankful and happy about AYC, since the curtains were drawing to a close. Everyone was exchanging shirts, to be signed as souvenirs. I stupidly, haven't thought of bringing my AYC shirt. 

So I came up with a brilliant idea. My canvas shall be be my own hands and arms XD.

Crazy? Not really. Dangerous? A bit, if you don't wash them off ASAP! The last time I did this was during the 2nd grade before I left the Philippines. Sure, I got into trouble and a really LONG bath after I came home, but it was a fun experience.

I ended up with a bunch of signatures all over my hands and arms, and took photos of them, before washing them off. Still trying to get the photos uploaded though, so be patient!

Now came the slightly more saddening part. The AYC 2010 Closing Ceremony. It really was such a honorable event. We were all happy that AYC had happened. We were proud of the things we achieved, the new friends we have met, the experiences we've gained. We had a lot of official photo taking between the groups and Chairpersons and Mr Chu.

The event was also adorned with Cultural Performances by the different countries.  Malaysia had a fashion show/dance performance, which was pretty well-rehearsed. The Indonesian delegates from Bandung got all dressed up in Traditional Costumes and did a mash-up of different kinds of dance. Gloria, another delegate from Jakarta, sang in sinden a traditional Indonesian singing technique, and totally sounded awesome. Us, from Laurensia? Well, we dressed up in our casual batiks, and did a music ensemble of the folk song, Si Patokaan. 

After that we were shown something very touching. It was a slideshow, evidently edited by Ho Yi Xin, whose part of outreach, and showed our adventure this past week as ONE BIG AYC FAMILY.

Oh gosh. I was so touched right then and there. I even got a little teary-eyed, which is a seldom thing for me. :')

So yeah.. after that we were sort of let loose. We took photos, last minute mingling and then the foreign delegates had a trip to Sentosa. We created so many memories there. Most of the Indonesian delegates went over to try the Luge, but since I was broke and had already gone it on Day 0 ;) I decided to just relax by the beach.

Man, the sights there were absolutely beautiful. The last time I had been to the beach was when I was like 4 back in Philippines. To the far left was a bridge that connecting to another small island, decked out with swaying, tall palm trees. And in front us was the vast ocean, clear blue, slowly ebbing as the tide rolled on, hitting the sand and smoothening it out.

I had a blast with Olivia, Kay and Zoya, rolling up our jeans to put our feet in the sand and feel the water. Even Ezra, Yan Cheng and little Yan Kiat dove in the waters for a swim.

The night ended with us watching SONGS OF THE SEA together, something that I re-lived after such a long time. I give the show five stars (Y)

When we got back to the hotel, we Laurensia kids convened into room 426, Toby, Edwin and Kenny's room for a debrief. We were all there even Yudhi and Sir Yudi. I was getting a bit nostalgic as we talked about everything we had experienced because of AYC. I was getting teary-eyed a bit, and keep on covering my face, to the point I fell asleep (Hahaha!)

After that we celebrated with cake. More specifically Mr Yudi's tiramisu birthday cake! (Happy Belated again sir :P)

We were all having so much fun, I guess I felt like idiot for becoming a little emo-ish. But when the night was over, I did feel happy, and you know, satisfied. And again, when I felt asleep, I didn't think 'Goodbye' was on anyone's mind.

--Karin Novelia

AYC, Day 8

3rd August 2010

Good Morning. For once I woke up early today, you know! 

...

HAHAHAHA! I can't even type that with a straight face. XD

So, after struggling to get out of the soft and cushy YMCA hotel bed, we all headed over to Cedar Girls' Secondary School and back into it's incredibly FREEZING Plush! Auditorium. Today's broad topic would be on ASEAN's Culture-Socio issues, mainly focusing on Social Provision.

The first speaker was nice gentleman named Han Hai Kwang. He's been involved in a few projects to raise Social Provision in under-priviledged communities. I forgot the exact name of the place, but his project was about providing means of access to clean water through a nifty sand filter idea. He's also personally involved in an organization called Bina Mandiri, which right in Indonesia.

I wasn't feeling completely sleepy throughout the lecture (I'm such a liar XD). But I did learn a few fundamentals when it comes to forming a project. Purpose, Realistic-ness, and Sustainability, are some the things that I will keep in mind, in the near future.

After that, we had another lecture/presentation on another existing project, called Food from the Heart. The founder of this organization was Ms Christine Laimer, who thought it was such a sad thing to see how much food/leftovers gets thrown away by bakeries/restaurants/food stores. So she put out an ad in the newspaper to invite said possible contributers to collect their leftovers to be sent to those would need them more.

The amazing thing about her organization, is that it is completely SELF-SUSTAINABLE. She didn't ask any funds from the government or anything. She started with what she had, and found ways to find regular income to further assure the sustainability of the project. Pretty inspiring, right?

After that we had a really cool PANEL DISCUSSION on the topic. Our honorary speakers, were Ms Penny Low, an active member of the Parliament of Singapore, and Ms Elim Chew, who is the founder of 77th Street, a trendy youth streetwear fashion chain. In short she's an avid enthusiast in youth entrepreneurship. We passed a 77th Street store later on, and when I saw it I was totally amazed. The items in there were so cool, I wanted to fill my closet with them!

If there has to be a reason for me to go back to Singapore, it would be just to go shop at that store >_<

Anyways! This was a really lively kicking and entertaining panel discussion. I was all-ears as i listened to their inspirational stories, as we all jabbed a few jokes. Best moment? A little game I like to call, "GRAB THAT OPPORTUNITY!". Ms Elim Chew, held out a $10 note, and guess who grabbed it? Our own, Gregorius Erico XD.

Next on the agenda would be celebrating: ASEAN DAY! It's supposed to be on the 8th of August, but since AYC was happening now, we just had to celebrate. So we al headed over to J8, Junction 8.

We went up to an open rooftop space, with a stage and a playground. First we had a few minor games to kick of the event, hearing corny jokes and playing limbo. Not to mention taking a lot of photos! We also played, "Pass the Pong", where we had to pass a pingpong ball with only spoons held in our mouth. My group, "WOW!", aka J3, won hands down ;)

Another memorable moment! THE AWESOME AIRBAND by the EXTRAS :)

The song American Idiot played as Boon, Vivian, Uly, David and Nicole, rocked out! There's a video up on facebook, and man it's fun to watch! Uly even did a STAGEDIVE, like he said was a dream come true. XD. 

I was in the front, jumping and singing along, since GREEN DAY is a favorite of my as well. And when Uly stage-dived, he almost fell on top of me LOL. 

After that crazy time, we had the "OUR ASEAN" activity, which was to create a symbol of what ASEAN/AYC means to out group, by using colored rice. We had a great, J3, and we came up with something that can only be described as "abstract art" XD

After that was Cultural Night :) So most of us, who had brought traditional costumes, changed into them. I wore a bright green kebaya (Green's my favorite :D) and a brown, batik skirt. We had a fashion show, and I went on stage with Odi. Favorite pair? More like favorite trio was Evan with Sharleen and Natasha. 

We also had our country booths up before hand. Even though we hit a few rough patches in the start, the Indonesian delegates came together to produce such a wonderful stand. We sang some songs, danced to some tunes, but more importantly, we all had a great time as one AYC family.

I for one, went back to YMCA, very happy :)

--Karin Novelia

AYC, Day 7

2nd August 2010

Woke up late again. No surprise, huh? Well today was going to be another fun-filled day of lectures. For a change, instead of heading of to SMa or Cedar Girls' auditorium, we headed over to Victoria School.

Once I stepped into the auditorium, there were a few thoughts on my mind. Cool Auditorium+Plushy red-velvets seats+Freezing Air-conditioner+Upcoming Lecture+Lack of Sleep= Bye-bye Consciousness. :P

I have to say Victoria School is pretty big, and looks awesome :) I've come to know some pretty great guys who go to that school. So, back to AYC....

The first thing on our agenda, was a lecture on the Political Development and Systems in ASEAN, by Mr Anselm Chu. He repeated some the jokes he told us YDLs on our first day, and all the laughter and nostalgia on the first YDL sessions, made sure my eyes were wide open.

I was sitting next to Jeffry (or as I like to call Mr Patapon :P) and along with the other J3 members like Dhiraj, Agas, Yan Ying. We had tons of fun, laughing at times with our lovely facil, Xin Yu. 

We had another country-based discussion. This time, the Indonesian team would have the two groups combined. Not much to comment on that.

After that lecture, was something that was a great trip. Today, the Junior Delegates of AYC would take a trip over to the Singapore Parliament. It was a bit of hassle, being dropped of by bus then walking the rest of the way. Not to mention, having to go through security checks and bringing along your identification. Riding up the elevator to the 2nd floor (I think), we sat into a small theater with a screen in front. 

Before the actual tour, we would be shown a video on the political system in Singapore, how it works and what goes on in the Parliament. It took about 30 minutes or so for the whole thing to finish, and well most of took this as an opportunity to go to sleep XD

We split into two groups and with out tour guides, we stepped into the observation chamber that overlooked the Parliament meeting room, where the Members of Parliament, Mr. Speaker and other Ministers discussed and resolved some issues.

Settling into more plushy seats, we listened to our guide explain who sits where, who does what, and what happens when. Most memorable moment? This:

At the end of the tour, still in the chambers, the guide goes: "Maybe we should wake this gentleman up?"

In reply, Jeffry goes, "ZzzZZZzzzzz......"

Haha! We then had some extra time to walk around the streets outside of the Parliament. My group J3, and with Erico and Meydi's group which if my memory serves right is, J5, ended up getting together for a facil session, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SIDEWALK.

Not to mention, there was a KFC joint down the street that made all of us very hungry! Also not to mention, that when we got back with the other groups Cathy's group went to McDonalds! Luckily, they saved me some cheese fries though. :)

The night ended with a quick walking trip to MERLION, passing the YOG stadium. Aw, man, when I saw that I was so like "ARGGH!!", because I was really aware that we would be gone once the Youth Olympic Games started. 

Anyways, we took a lot of photos up there, and had lots of fun, mingling and laughing. Apparently, Mr Yudi took a few hilarious videos too!

The night ended at we headed back to the ol' YMCA, and we had a 'sleepover' that night, really getting together and clicking as a group. Another wonderful day!

--Karin Novelia

AYC, Day 6

1st August 2010

Good (slightly-later-than-scheduled-wake-up-time) morning! Reporting in from Singapore, it's me! So on our next big day here at the lovely ASEAN Youth Convention. We headed back to the overly-freezing SMa institute, for more lectures! YAY!

Feeling a bit to comfortable in that scrawny plastic chair, I kept my eyes open long enough to get through most of the first lessons. Our lecture was on the Economy in ASEAN, and it was given by Doctor Charles Adam, a professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Policy. In short, he's a pretty well-educated guy, and has a doctorate from the Monash University in Australia. We learned a lot on the different Economy situations in each ASEAN country, and economic situations and agreements such as the APEC, EMEAP, and SEACEN, etc. I think I fell asleep around the end of the lecture, but yeah, I still learned something.

After that was lunch, and again we had chicken. But since had a few extra minutes of break time, we headed down to 7 Eleven right next to the SMa building. I had a SLURPIE, something I didn't have in awhile and even shared it with Evan. Coca Cola and Grape is a great mix. XD

After that, we had another country-based discussion, perfecting and polishing our post-AYC plans to hopefully change Indonesia. This was followed by a panel discussion back in room 03-08 of SMa, by Dr Yeo Lay Hwee, who elaborated more on the multi-lateral connections between ASEAN and other countries/organizations like the EU.

This was followed by one of the funniest activities. The Mock ASEAN Regional Forum. All of the Junior/Senior Groups that partook played the role of a certain country to discuss a scenario. The scenario was that a bombing had occurred at the US Embassy in Singapore. Both countries have been highly-affected and the suspected terrorists are believed to be from Myanmar. 

The comments and opinions were getting a bit out of hand, but it was still a great activity to practice discussion and show the difficulty of reaching a consensus, on of the fundamental principles ASEAN has adopted.

Tonight's night program after that thought-provoking day was a trip around Chinatown. When we got there, all hungry and longing for a dinner meal. In front of the street we were on, was like an empty square, and on it many Singaporeans, some young and happy, most elderly but still kickin', were dancing to songs and showing huge Singaporean spirit!

Seeing that only reminded me that it was August, and soon it would be August 17 when I came back to lovely Indonesia, the day of her Independence. 

We all separated for a bit, walking down the stalls that decorated the streets of Chinatown, with cute little trinkets, fans, clothes and ornaments, all at bargained prices. I was walking around with Natasha, Odi, Edwin, Zoya, Kay, Erico, Kenny, Jeffry and Evan, and we found a little Chinese place to dine at. 

I ate something called Fragrant Chicken Rice, while the others ate porridge, and dumplings and stuff. Another bonus, most of bought I <3 SG shirts which were going for 3 for $10, and kept on bargaining with a vendor who could speak Bahasa Indonesia! It was pretty fun to watch, Haha! At the same restaurant though, the rest of the gang soon piled in for dinner, making the night pretty much complete.

With nothing else to do we gathered back the front square, waiting for the bus. We filled up our time taking pictures, singing along to the songs, and cutting a rug on the dance floor. *Baby, baby, baby ooohhhh* *Remembers Eric and Evan dancing waltz (sort of) and laughs*

We got to the hotel at 10 (Singapore time) and so we were pretty wiped. That night, I slept in my room, for like the only time for the rest of the week, and rested up for tomorrow.

--Karin Novelia