By the President

Moshi moshi!

This is Mr. Bak speaking, for the final time as NATO President. As you all should be fully aware of, NATO Elections are conducted every semester, simply to provide opportunities for everyone to be able to be involved in any leadership capacity. I’m saying this without a tinge of sadness, as I had initially planned to resign as President earlier, only to rescind that decision as part of the persuasion for SK to remain in Malaysia for another semester. I’m thrilled and genuinely surprise at the level of support I received, and to be your President for a full semester, was a remarkable highlight of my semester despite being unable to fulfil all of my objectives. I’d also like to take this opportunity to dispel any rumours that I’d be leaving NATO altogether after resigning as President. Once a NATOrian, always a NATOrian, to borrow a quote from my alma mater.

I thank those who argued for positions to remain status quo, but nevertheless I strongly feel it’s time for someone else. Aaron has illustrated what a capable and responsible leader he is, and has greatly impressed with his initiative to enhance this blog with personal profiles, diligently written by himself, the wonderful organisation of the Redang trip, and I’m sure his calm, decisive demeanour, would be well liked by all members.

NATO, as a student group founded by none other than ourselves, should be above any individual. Lest we forget what NATO is all about, 9 of 15 NATOrians do not reside in KL. As compared to the majority of you, I guess I’m fortunate to be able to be close to my family while pursuing my studies. But, bearing in mind for the majority of us, the impetus is even greater for us to value and appreciate the friendship we all share. In the absence of our families, we are all that we have here.

As we step up from the threshold from being a teenager to adulthood, it is vital to mould ourselves to be vibrant and dynamic. Hence, NATOrians, do not shirk the responsibility should you be elected. Be proud that we, your friends regard you in such a positive manner, and take this opportunity to shine!

Toodles!

Redang Getaway: Day #3

Friday, 4 July 2008

Pulau Redang, Terengganu

Consuming a bottle and a half of wine certainly helps us sleep better. Everyone ends up waking up later than even day #2. After a hurried breakfast and some last minute packing, Nato manages to check out within 1 hour of getting up from bed…

Being the last day of the trip, there is relatively less excitement now. After all, we sadly have to say our goodbyes to Pulau Redang… But there’s still time for a final round of pictures! As some Natorians take forever to choose their souvenirs at the souvenir shop (especially Aaron), the rest of the group are busy snapping pictures on the beach. A bright sunny day certainly makes our final day on Redang look like paradise. These pictures will be more valuable than any other souvenir on sale…

We soon catch the ferry ride back to the mainland where we have lunch at McD. Since our flight home only departs in 5 to 6 hours, there is plenty of time to take a walk around scenic Kuala Terengganu. Everywhere in the town is within walking distance, and before long, we have visited Vincci (the most modern store available), China town, and even the association of Mun Teng’s clan: the Hainan Association! :p However, after a day of walking, it is equally refreshing just to chill and chat at a seaside park with tree-shaded areas, cool fine grass and great landscaping. Quite a peaceful moment for all Natorians…

The time for our flight arrives and we are ferried by Redang Beach staff to the airport; it is newly refurbished and much more impressive than expected. However, we are reminded of Malaysian standards when repeated power failures, right within the airport itself, is experienced… Natorians sit down to some light dinner, as well as to finish off the remainder of the snacks. Also, to accompany the Pringles and Mr Potato, is the remaining half bottle of wine. Mixed with 100 Plus, it is a refreshing drink indeed. But for certain Natorians who only had potato chips for dinner, their faces start to change into a bright red colour… After a photo session in the toilet (for the ladies), we finally take off, and its bye bye Redang trip…

All in all, it has been a fun-filled trip with lots of memories to take home. It is safe to say that participants of the trip ended up enjoying the gorgeous scenery, getting nice sun tans, knowing each other better… But most importantly, Natorians have yet again showcased their ability to have fun!

Event-of-the-day:

Bak’s football fails to get past the final security check-point! Did he manage to get on the flight in time? Or was he left stranded in Kuala Terengganu? Haha… The football was stuffed into Yoon’s backpack and checked into the plane’s luggage hold. Everyone gets home just fine… J

Redang Getaway: Day #2

Thursday, 3 July 2008

Pulau Redang, Terengganu

It should be a sin to be forced to wake up so early in the morning, especially during holidays. Natorians wake up a bit later than planned, with food at the breakfast line fast running out. Nevertheless, we all had our tummies filled in preparation for the snorkelling sessions ahead. Alcohol has some nasty effects on certain Natorians though, and poor Mr President had to stay in bed the whole morning… Meanwhile, its snorkelling time again for us!

The Marina Park is gorgeous. Fishes can be seen swimming right by the beach side. The beach itself provided excellent “reflexology”, with sharp bits of corals poking at our feet with every single step… The surrounding seabed seems to have come from a National Geographic’s documentary, with shoals of exotic fish eating bread right out of our hands, and live corals blanketing the seabed. The sea is however choppy from the wind, and our breakfast of roti canai starts to twist and turn in our stomachs…

The island itself is equally beautiful. Amid the slight drizzle, Natorians have fun on the beach, pose for pictures, climb rocks… and nearly misses the boat-ride back to the hotel! Back on the island, its time to prepare for lunch next, and a hot shower for the guys...

The final snorkelling session is almost here as Natorians hang out at the beach in anticipation. Almost half the Natorians, Aaron, Bak, Cecilia and Yoon (surprisingly all guys; except for Cecilia.. haha..) are getting lazy and reluctant to get soaking wet all over again, and decide to stay back on the island. In the absence of a majority of guys, Abigail and Yixuan took charge of the expedition.. .Whilst guy talks and name carving was commenced back on the beach, the Natorian snorkelers had some excitement indeed! This time staying close to Kai, the snorkelling guide, the Natorians manage to have a much less strenuous session, that is, until killer jelly fish come and Natorians swim and dodge for their lives… Thankfully, Seng Kheng and Yi Qian avoid getting stung this time.. hehe..

As the sun sets, a slight drizzle comes in again. Freshly back from their jelly fish ordeal, the Natorians sit back and unwind with some card games. Munching on tit bits prepared by QMs Abigail, Mun Teng and Yixuan, some Chor Dai Di and Poker is played, and some money exchanges hands…

The night brings with it a barbecue dinner. Natorians enjoy chicken wings, plates of lamb and beef, all fresh from the grill. Of course, we also have sticks of marshmellows, which Yixuan claims to be a great cure for stress... hehe... The smoke from the grills is beginning to get quite irritating though, and everyone soon proceeds to the quiet end of the beach where, guess what we find… Blue sand! Fascinating…

An eventful day ends with another round of indoor fun. Pillow talks, chess, cards and wine are all served up, and to top it all off, another thrilling session of Truth or Dare continues late into the night…

Event-of-the-day:

Chasing for the boat at the Marina Park! Still climbing rocks and posing for pictures when the boats arrived at the far-end, Natorians had to run across sharp coral bits to catch the ride home!

(Or was escaping from killer jelly fish more fun and heart-stopping…? hehe…)

Redang Getaway: Day #1

Wednesday, 2 July 2008

Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu

It has been a long (and cold) journey, but everyone is ready for the next phase of the trip! Some 7-Eleven cup noodles and porridge is not a good way to start the day, but Redang Beach staff soon take us to town for a proper breakfast. Among the first to reach the jetty, Natorians invade the waiting room. Pictures are snapped, a ball is kicked around, naps are taken…

An hour’s boat ride takes us to the pristine and scenic island of Redang! Azure blue waters and sandy white beaches are a sight indeed. A majestic hotel looms into view, but it is not ours... A lower profile, but equally comfy chalet next to it is where we’re heading for. J Rooms are checked into, and the fun begins! Lunch is quickly followed by a tattooing session. Abigail, Bak and Qian are painfully pierced by the tattoo needles… Nah, they’re spray-ons! (which explains why Bak’s tattoo lasted for less than a day…)

Snorkelling is a blast! Everyone looks impressive in their snorkelling gear as life jackets and snorkelling masks are put on. The ladies of Nato had understandably applied litres of sun-block beforehand… :P A boat takes us out to the open sea, where we’re treated to the sight of clear blue waters, colourful fishes, natural corals, live sea cucumbers, and ‘Christmas trees’… Rain and Kien Giap are somehow (romantically) separated from the group, but later manage to rejoin us. J

The evening is a time for beach activities! Some beach football is played, but one by one, the noob guys of Nato are slowly kicked out of their own game (except for Yoon)… hehe… This turns out to be a good thing as the boys and girls of Nato proceed to have some awesome fun in the sea, and Seng Kheng is buried in sand and given sand-breasts…

Dinner marks the beginning of night, and music from the beach party soon blasts into the night. A day of travelling and snorkelling has however induced the Natorians to have peaceful beach walks and restful hammock naps instead. However, the real fun only began when vodka bottles were popped, and alcohol flowed… hehe...

Event-of-the-day:

‘Spin the bottle’ cum ‘truth or dare’ session, where remarkable truths are forced out of Aaron, Abigail, Bak, Kien Giap, Mun Teng, Rain and Yixuan. The writer, however, regrets to say that what was said in Redang, remains in Redang… hehehe…