The BB fun day on 17of September

I must count myself privileged to join in the BB Johor State games day with 1^st and 2^nd Kluang Company on the 17^th of September. We as 1^st Johor Bahru Company traveled to Kluang to exchange with our brothers and sisters in those 2 companies who welcomed us with an open heart.

On 17^th of September, every member eagerly gathers at SMKTTA’s bus stop and 1^st Johor Bahru Company Resource Center at about 7.30 in the morning and departed to Kluang reaching the SJKC Chung Ling at about 9.40 in the morning. We were greeted by 1^st and 2^nd Kluang and had some ice breaking games with them. While the members were enjoying, officers were chit-chatting each other. After that, those members who were lost had to be punished.

About 12 noon, the food had been prepared. So, members had their lunch and fellowship with each other. After lunch, we got into bus and departed to Gunung Lambak.

About 1’o clock, we reached the entrance of Gunung Lambak. Every member was desperate to challenge the mountain. So, we started the expedition after the officers gave the instruction. The invigorating fresh air in the mountain accompany with fresh, windy breeze were refreshing, making it a heaven that we reluctant to leave. The beauty of the mountain’s scenery was described as such a picturesque. Unfortunately, the weather seems to go down and started to rain. While we were halfway through climbing Gunung Lambak, the rain became heavier and we stop our progress and rest in a pavilion. It seems that the rain would not want to stop so we had to continue our journey when it became smaller after about an hour.

Our path to the peak had become very slippery because of the rain and every member had to be careful so that they would not fell down. After another half hour struggling on the muddy path, we finally reached our destination.

Our hard work all along the journey had rally paid off when we saw the scenery of whole Kluang. Just a pity that the misty situation up there really made our sight blur. So, most of the members were tired and rest there. Meanwhile, some of the members and officers were taking some photo.

We departed from the peak of the hill about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Although at the time the road were still slippery but the cooling breeze made the trip somehow wonderful. At about six we were at the resort, enjoying our free time while waiting for dinner to come. And at last, there were a really wonderful and delicious dinner as conclude of the fantastic trip we went that day.

We were back to our school and Resource Center at about 10 o’clock and here’s call the day.

Why do we need to have goals?

In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia.The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them.Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.

The value of an ambitious goal is not measured by what it will bring to you. The worth of a goal is measured by what it will make of you in the process of following and attaining it.
An outrageous and impractical goal can be just as valuable as a prudent and pragmatic one. What matters is not how realistic or practical your objective may be, but how much it compels you to push beyond your limitations.
There are stunningly brilliant possibilities for your life that you've never even imagined. Set yourself on a meaningful and ambitious course, and the best of those possibilities will begin snapping into focus.
It pays to dream big dreams. And it certainly pays to follow the biggest and most ambitious of them. For the biggest dreams will put you face to face with the biggest challenges. And those challenges, difficult as they may be, will nourish you in ways that nothing else can.

1st JB’s 55th Anniversary and Pre-pesta “Being as One” Tour

I must count myself privileged to join in the June holidays tour from 8 to 11 June 2011 for 4 days and 3 nights of fun, fellowship and new experiences. We traveled to Kuala Lumpur and Melaka to exchange with our brothers and sisters in BB Companies who welcomed us with open hands and hearts. This tour is to promote being as ONE BB in Malaysia and to prepare for perhaps the first ever combined BB Malaysia band for the Grand Banquet in next year’s PESTA 2012, which will be held in Johor Bahru.

On 8^th of June, every member eagerly gathered at 1^st JB’s Resource Center about 7.30 in the morning and departed directly to KL reaching the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) in KL at noon. We were greeted by 3^rd KL and together dined as the nearby restaurant for lunch.

After a good lunch, we were divided into few groups with 3^rd KL NCO’s leading us to Times Square for getting to know each other and soaking in the sights of KL.

In the next day, after breakfast at YMCA’s SHIOK café we had our devotion time with 1^st KL and 3^rd KL members about 9 o’clock. About 10 o’clock, band members readied for a workshop that led by Mr. Soon, Mr. Andrew from 1^st JB Company assisted by instructors from other KL BB Companies. Meanwhile, non-band members continued their fellowship with KL members enjoying their shopping at Mid-Valley Megamall.

It was certainly exciting to hear the 100 strong combined band playing the grand piece “Colonial Collage” in preparation for PESTA 2012. We also enjoyed our attempt at the feet tapping Black Eye Peas’ song “I Gotta Feeling” and it was awesome to hear us play as one.

About 6 o’clock, non-band members came back from Mid-Valley and all were transported to Petaling Street for dinner. All members were divided into few groups and can go anywhere with their group members. A lot of delicious food were offered there and we enjoyed it very much. Thanks 3^rd KL and Mr Tony Chow for leading us so well!

A night visit to the lighted KLCC was a true highlight and picture perfect occasion. Almost every member took out their camera and tried to capture the whole beautifully lighted KLCC in a picture, even lying down on the ground.

Back at the YMCA we had our final gathering with KL members and officers. Our captain, Mr. Jason gave three “fresh from the factory” 1^st JB red dry-fit T-shirts to Mr Tony Chow, which is the Honorary Captain of 3^rd KL Company, Mr Aaron Tan, the current captain of 3^rd KL Company and Mr Jasper Low, the band officer in charge of 3^rd KL as a gift to thanks them for organizing all the needful our tour in KL. Without them we would not have been able to stay so comfortably at YMCA and we truly enjoyed their warm welcome, leadership and fellowhip.

On Friday morning, we had a short but meaningful devotion in a room that led by Mr. Jason before leaving for historical Melaka at 10.30am. Capt Jason spoke about how God our Father always wants to give us the best things in life.

After 3 hours, we reached Methodist Church in Melaka greeted by members from BB Melaka who kindly prepare our accommodation and all amenities needed for our stay. At 2 o’clock, we had a combine band workshop with Melaka BB Companies those non-band members enjoyed games with Melaka Company members. Although it was short, the fellowship was nice and memorable for every member.

For dinner, we were treated to Melaka famous Satay Celup. It was a new experience for every one of us and it was delicious. After that, we divided into a few groups and went to Jonker Street night market with Melaka Company members. Although there was many people, we still enjoyed because a lot of us managed to taste the yummy Nyonya Cendol in Melaka. About 10 o’clock, we headed back to church for the night.

On Saturday morning, we have our breakfast with Melaka Company’s members and Officers together. Then, we hiked up St. Paul’s hill and of course visited the A-Famosa. Then, we went to the Independence Museum to understand more about Malaysia’s history. About 4 o’clock, we joined in parade and fellowship with Melaka Companies together in their church compound. They introduced us Tchoukball which is a kind of sport requiring no body contact with each other. About 5.30pm, we reluctantly left for Johor Bahru.

It was a blessed and memorable tour for every officer and member and we really learnt a lot throughout the whole tour. Our grateful thanks again to BB in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka for hosting us so well and for the wonderful fellowship which we will never forget. Really looking forward to seeing you all in the next PESTA in Johor Bahru!

Article by L/cpl Chua Woei Loon