Creative Writing (English) = Salvation?

Am I not destined to become a writer?

That question has always haunted me ever for 2 years. The reason? I know that writers’ write, but somehow, I could seldom connect with that notion. My excuse was for focus on academic achievements, but looking back, I realized that I had more-than-adequate time for writing. Thus, am I really serious about becoming a writer, or the idea was just far-fetched?

Fortunately for me, my new school, St. Joseph’s Institution International (drop the “International” and you have my old school’s name), offered a form of salvation in an extracurricular activity (ECA): Creative Writing (English).

When I entered the first session, however, it seemed that my hope of discovering my inner writing spirit was infinitesimal: the ECA had double the usual number of students, which could mean less attention (and hence, less chance to grow). Other than that, the participants were divided into two factions: the old people, who had participated in the ECA since its conception last year, and the new people, who are participating for the first time. Certainly the ‘oldies’ would simply take all the attention from the supervising teacher, Ms Pauline Bull, leaving the ‘newbies’ unattended. Those reasons made me wonder: should I just leave this ECA, take a different one, and forget my ambition to become a world-class author, or should I just stay and see whether it will benefit me? I opted for the latter, and thankfully, I made the right choice, at least for now.

As Ms Bull was unavailable (she told us she was going somewhere, but I forgot her destination), many of the participants didn’t show up, except for about 6 people, including me. It turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of my life. We talked a lot about our favourite authors, and discussed the techniques and writing styles they utilised to make their works more appealing and intriguing to the readers. We also discussed about the writer’s block, an enemy to all writers, and the ways to overcome it in order to continue writing. There were also talks about the means to get new ideas, or to brainstorm. It was such a fun and lively discussion that we almost forgot that the session was supposed to end.

One of the things I learned from that session was to continue writing your ideas, regardless of whether we could finish our works. I also learned to store any idea that comes into my mind, lest it would vanish as quick as it comes. But the most important lesson was to never give up, and so, I think I could stick a little while longer. Destiny will eventually reveal to me whether Creative Writing (English) is the answer to my dilemma. Until then, writing goes on…

An Eulogy

Ever since it started, a part of me kept wishing that it was all a sham, that you’d ‘return’ somehow from ‘the dead’. It seemed impossible that the news was factual and true. I knew, however, that it was futile, that you had really left the world to Heaven. Thus, allow me to share a bit of my thoughts about you.

Ever since the first time I met you (I think it was during a soccer game in CJC Hostel), I knew you were special; of all the juniors that I’ve known, I could easily point you as one of my favourites. I’m not saying that I favoured only some of the juniors, but you get the point.

Sports was one of the subjects that you excelled in: you were a fast and agile runner, and extremely deft in basketball and soccer. What you lacked in height, you compensate in your agility and flexibility.

And that’s not all: you were also a mathematical prodigy: you achieved considerable success in Indonesian Science Olympiad (ironically, that’s what newspapers used to identify you) and Singapore Mathematical Olympiad. You were the epitome that showed brain could go hand-in-hand with brawn.

With all that prowess, you amazingly managed to be friendly and ebullient. You were the type of person that almost everyone want to befriend with. There was always that camaraderie when you were around; life was never ubiquitous when we were with you.

With such amazing traits, the future should have been bright for you. But I guess God has a different plan for you. It seemed tragic that you died rather inhumanely and unjustly, but the important fact is that you’re up there, hopefully by God’s side. Don’t worry, buddy, we’ll be missing you, but I’m sure all of us will make you proud.

Rest In Peace, Christopher Melky Tanujaya

Advertising Through a Jenruki Video

I’m sure some of you are looking at the title above and mumbling “Huh, advertising?” or “What’s ‘Jenruki’ ah?”. Well, you (hopefully, otherwise I’ll have to do some elaboration) are all aware that I like (fanatically) the pairing Ruki Makino – Takato Matsuda (or Rika Nonaka – Takato Matsuki, if you watch the Disney version) from Digimon Tamers 3. This pairing is also called ‘Rukato’ from Ruki – Takato. Well, there’s another pairing: Ruki with Takato’s friend, Jenrya Lee (Henry Wong).

Some of you may wonder why would I watch a Jenruki video (I actually watched more than one), if I already love (or adore) Rukato. Some of you may also wonder whether Ruki would kill me for this. First, pre-examination stress has corrupted my brain such that I forgot that Rukato is my true pairing. Well, at least that’s what I think. Second, let’s just say she’s also having exams.

Basically this post will contain snippets of Jenruki pictures taken from a video, which is followed by a paragraph that will explain the meaning of the picture if it is an advertisement. In other words, the pictures will be presented as satires of Jenruki. Please do note that I do not intend to show my dislike towards Jenruki, I am only posting this for fun. This idea is born out of unlimited creativity and careful observations. Although I love Rukato, I respect other pairings, as I know that we live in a multi-pairing world, where each person have different pairings to love. Do inform me if you feel I am being disrespectful. (Am I starting to talk like a politician?)

So, without further redo, the Jenruki advertisements (video link):

Despite the rapid economic growth, Singapore is still facing the problem of manpower. The population is starting to age, and with the low birth rate, many people are worried that the country will not be able to compete with other countries. Thus, to encourage more birth, the government sets up many marriage bureaus, hoping that single men and women would get together and have children. One of such marriage bureaus is the Connect Agency, with its slogan, “Connecting People With Love”.

Connect Agency - Connecting People with Love

Although the agency has only been established 7 months ago, it has been successful, with more than 500 men and women registering on the agency. The agency has also arranged 50 marriages, a record in the Lion City. Connect Agency is hoping to increase its service quality so that more people would get marry, and thus, increase the birth rate by having children.

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Chocolax & Creamy, a new company in the chocolate business, has launched a campaign called “Chocolate for Love”. Targeting the young and middle couples, the company aims to restore the popularity of chocolate as presents. To increase the success of the campaign, Chocolax & Creamy also launched several new products, such as HeartLoves (small, heart-shaped chocolates), Love Cookies (fortune cookie-shaped chocolates, with love messages inside), and Love Stick (thin chocolate sticks)

LoveStick - Share the Love

Until now, the company has recorded success, and last month’s review by Business Today put the company on the 3rd position in chocolate industries, behind Ye Olde Chocolate and SunCream.

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Despite the government’s statement that its immigration policy will be toughened, and less permanent residence (PR) application granted, many foreigners are still looking forward to become part of Singapore. One such example is the married Japanese Henry Lee Jenrya and Ruki Lee

Mr. and Mrs. Lee - Singapore's New PRs?

Mr. Lee, a Chinese descendant, has been working here in Singapore for a multi-national company as a consultant for one year. He and his wife admire Singapore, and they wish to be able to be permanent residents. “Singapore’s an excellent country,” said Mr. Lee. “It had a good economic growth, and its people are warm and friendly. Not only that, it has also good education system. Children here are trained and taught well.”

“By living here, we hope our child can get the best for his future,” added Mrs. Lee. They do not have any children yet, but are planning to do so after their application has been granted. Statistics has shown that from the 105402 applicants, only 34500 will be accepted. The applicants will be chosen based on their hardwork and contribution to the country.

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Well, that’s it for this post. There’re actually more, but hey, I can’t review all, you know. But don’t worry, there’ll be more session where I’ll be satirizing Jenruki.

Oh yeah, real quick, I need to tell you several things:

1.Last week, I bought a Coxford Singlish Dictionary. (For those that don’t know, Singlish is Singapore’s version of vernacular English. In other words, Singaporean English slangs). I bought it because I wanted to get a deeper knowledge on Singlish (and it turned out to be a great way to replace my Jenruki-craziness). However, it seems good if I share it with you guys, so expect Singlish words accompanying the formal English ones.

2.If you want me to review a fanfiction, I am open to suggestion. Please do note that I can only do reviews after my End of Year Exams, on 14 Oct.

So, without further redo, the vocabulary of the day:

Ebullient (adjective)

- (formal) full of confidence, energy and good humour

* The Prime minister was in an ebullient mood

>Ebullience (noun)

>Ebulliently (adv.)

The Absentee is Here!

I know, I know; bad blogger, 1 month plus of no post, where the hell have I been, etc, etc. Seriously, it’s been hell the couple of weeks, and you can’t really blame me for being moody. Prioritize, prioritize, that’s what they say (Ruki: then why didn’t you update your stupid blog at the September holidays? You practically slack the whole week Me: Shut up!)

Anyway, I’ll promise more posts. Though I’m not sure I’ll be very frequent, with the End of Year Exams coming. Not to mention having to organize two school camps, which, by the way, I am glad not being the coordinator of the committee because I’m sure I’ll be like “Uuuuuuuuuuuh…..” and like “I don’t know, hah?”.

On another note, due to the vacuum, I lost track of the supposedly ongoing construction of this blog. I mean, look at this blog. It’s filled with spiderwebs, and there are cockroaches crawling around the posts. There’s even him…

Yes, it’s Raditya Dika, who, I just discovered, has gone to Singapore recently! He was actually invited by the Singapore Tourism Board to visit Singapore and (gasp!) watch the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! (Jake: I got this one (hits me with a chair)) Ouch!

Well, if you don’t believe me, go directly to his blog (just click on the RSS feed below), but unless you know Indonesian language, make sure you have a translator software.

Oh yeah, one more thing. I’m sure you’re familiar with this guy:

Well, let’s just say, after watching some of his AWESOME videos, I decided to try being him. No, I’m not talking about doing videos about reviewing videos. What I meant is that I’ll be reviewing fanfictions, here in my blog. Yep, I’m gonna search randomly for fanfictions, read them, and review them. I did this before, 1 month plus ago. Of course, that one is just being ridiculous.

So, readers, expect more of this blog, coz I officially call this blog a go. (Hiccup: Didn’t it already do? Me:…Yes, so?)

Oh yeah, before I end, here’s a new vocabulary for you to learn:

Tantamount (to something) (adjective)

- having the same bad effect as something else

* If he resigned it would be  tantamount to admitting that he was guilty.

PS: I just realised I haven’t tagged the blog. Vacuum syndrome!

PPS: Forgot to tag the vocabulary!

Floramon’s Sign: A Review of a Singapore-based Fanfiction

It all began with boredom. I was surfing down Fanfiction.net, looking for a good, Rukato story . Then I found Floramon’s Sign. Curious, I decided to open it.

The starting lines were nothing out of the ordinary:

Yep, nothing out of the ordinary there. Just the opening conversation between Digimon Tamers’  Takato and Henry.

When I read the following line, however, a surprise was waiting for me:

Okay, I understand some of you did not get what I am talking about. So let’s have a closer look:

Well, shiver me timber! Takato and Henry are students of Raffles Institution, one of the most prestigious school in Singapore! Yep, it’s about Singapore, alright! Isn’t that surprising?!

Of course, some of you will think “how is that possible for them to be in a Singaporean school?”. Not to mention the fact that only the brainest of the brainest can enter the institution. Henry would be able to enter, Takato would be foolish to even try (Rika: WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT TAKATO!? Me: Eh, nothing!).

Well, further explanation followed:

Again, wow! Takato and Henry are Singaporeans! That means they can speak Singlish! (Actually, no they don’t in the story)

So there you have it – my thought of the fanfiction. If you’re curious to read more about the story, then go to http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6205833/1/Floramons_Sign I’m sure you’re gonna have fun!

Viva Espana!

Well, after witnessing Spain becoming the 8th country to win a World Cup, and school just one hour away, I decided to write my opinion about the match between Spain and the Netherlands.

The match started of with the Netherlands taking the first opportunity to attack. It failed, and the ball moved to Spain. In the first half, Spain dominated, with 56% ball possession, while the Netherlands  struggle to match the delicate and precise movements of Spain. Even so, it ended with 0-0.

The tempo was raised in the second half. Here, I witnessed Arjen Robben’s two failed attempts on one-on-one. On the first try, luck was biased against him; the ball struck Casillas’s foot. The second try was no better; unable to completely shake loose of the tailing defenders, he eventually surrendered the ball to Casillas. Again, no goals were produced, and the match was extended to extra time.

It was finally in the second half of the extra match that the Spaniards managed to break the deadlock. A loop pass for Iniesta, which scored a thunderous goal to the Netherlands’ net, sending euphoria among the fans all over the stadium. Even the representatives of the Spain Kingdom was jumping with joy.

After the goal, tension rose; with only few minutes left, the Dutch were desperate to get an equalizer, while the Spaniard played with the ball, trying to waste the time. In the end, it was futile for the Netherlands – they had to acknowledge the superiority of Spain.

Of course, the match was not without controversies. It was already predicted when FIFA announced the referee for the match: Howard Webb, the infamous guy that put out 3 yellow cards to the same person in the European Cup 2008. Yeah, it was two years ago, but he proven himself again in the finals: 14 yellow cards and one red card.

There were moments when the referee was being too strict, and moments when he was being too lenient. Also, Iniesta’s goal was shadowed with controversy. There were two crosses directed to Iniesta – one was intercepted, but was passed when Iniesta was offside, while the second one was when he was onside. The Netherlands tried to protest, but the referee kept his decision. Spain 1, the Netherlands 0.

I watched the final with my friends at the hostel. There were some friends of me who supported the Netherlands, while me and the others preferred Spain. We would argue with each other when there was an incident. For example, when Robben missed the second opportunity, the Netherlands fans shouted with despair, while the Spain fans were joyous.

To end this post, I would like to congratulate Spain for having their first World Cup. For the Netherlands, please do not give up, you were unlucky to face a better team.

If you are interested in the picture, just click http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249721/match=300061509/index.html?cid=google_onebox

or see this video:

Viva Espana!

Reflection in English

I realize that I’m still an amateur; a boy being naive by trying to write English stories. Strange really to know that I write smoothly in Indonesian language, while the struggle in writing in English is the same as that as climbing Mount Everest. I’m not exaggerating here; I’m just being plain true.

It’s not the incompetence in English that troubles me; it’s the decision on whether to focus on English or Indonesian stories. On one hand, I’ll be able to practice my English, so I can be fluent both speaking and writing in English. But on the other hand, I could write millions of Indonesian stories (exaggerating here), becoming famous eventually.

I really don’t know. I feel like crying…