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