~ PerCusSo ~

Just informing…

These 6 gerbils are given away to PetMart in Serangoon North Ave 2. Along this road, there are plenty of animal shops. Quite interesting!
However, due to my tight time schedule, I didn’t explore further. Will explore and see around one day when I’m free.

After the XTOMIC trip and IDDeaf celebrations, I’ve been feeling moody. But I’m free from some of responsibilities – XTOMIC.

Usually, I slept quite late and it was 3AM-4AM. But now, I sleep much earlier than 11AM. Now, I’m more clear about my goals and vision. I focus more on my personal commitments, knowing I’m moving on to my next chapter – my full-time performing. Much happier..

I’m sincerely sorry for hurting you deeply. It hasn’t been going away from my heart since then. I’m a bad person who does not care much about other people’s feelings. I’m a selfish person and that’s a fact about me.

Now, it’s time for me to learn how to love anyone. I haven’t shown any love to anyone since very young. It’s partly because of my deafness and communication with my family. Do teach me how to show love to anyone. Also, guide me all the way.

Through you, I’m able to feel music and I have found its reality that I’ve been searching for many years. You’ve regained more of my Deaf strong identity within myself. You’ve somehow inspired me and I’m now working hard towards making this big miracle in my life and perhaps, others’ lives.

You have been there for me when I’m very down. Now, it’s my turn. I will be there for you when you need me. I will lend you my shoulder, I promise that I won’t disclose anything to anyone. I really hope to be your good friend and I do not wish to lose this special friendship again.

Returned home from SAFRA, Mount Faber. Today was the International Day for the Deaf for the Deaf people to celebrate together.

As said by Mr. Lim Chin Heng, the International Day for the Deaf is held on the fourth Sunday of September every year. It is an extremely important day for the deaf community all over the world.

Guess I got the Deaf culture shock. Needs time to adjust..
Two days ago, I arrived Singapore from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. It was really an enjoyable trip and I met several deaf people from KL & Penang. XTOMIC and I presented our beautiful workshop and performances to them. They love our shows very much!
When I attended the IDDeaf High-Tea, I got lost and sianz.. I couldn’t get what other people signed to me. Oh my gosh! Culture shock!! The feeling is very different!!

Now, I miss those moments that I attended the WFDeaf Camp (in Brisbane, Australia). Also, in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. I wish I could attend other events organised in different countries.. Hmm, I hope I can attend the WFDeaf Congress in Spain in 2007. *winks*

This year, it was XTOMIC’s first time to perform overseas. Hina, Geeta, Angela, Melvin, SaltyBanana, KidZ and I were going to Kuala Lumpur & Penang. 15 September to 22 September. 8 days!

Really enjoyable and full of beautiful, fun memories! I’m asked to organise one more performing trip again. Maybe, it will be Japan, Europe or farthest country. As well, we can organise a world tour. :p

Hahaa, the trip started on:
Day One – 15 September, Friday
It was a very heavy rain in Singapore. Arrived KL in the evening. Brought to the Majudiri ‘Y’ office to see Lucy about details on the performances and workshop. We were informed that the workshop needed to be cancelled because of mis-communication – the school’s having its school holidays. And, we were furnished with other details.
Then, we went back to the YMCA to see the rehearsal by the Vibrant Hands while waiting for a friend of Hina. Before the end of the night, we went for seafood dinner and shopping.

Day Two – 16 September, Saturday
A new day arrived. We started with shopping at Mid-Valley. Shopping, shopping till 4PM. We returned to the YMCA for our first performance that was scheduled at 7PM. It was a small IDD celebration with deaf people and this was like a casual gathering. We performed three items to kick it off. As a part of the Deaf Culture, we chatted away. And at the same time, we had dinner buffet and games.
Surprisingly, I met Anwar. He was the guy whom Alfred, Gophi, Jasmine and I made friends during the WFDeaf Youth Camp in Brisbane. It has been 6 years that I hadn’t seen him. Just wondering how my (overseas) friends have been doing…

Day Three – 17 September, Sunday
It was our big day. We went down to DBKL for the carnival and concert. I was very stressed! This was my first time to perform for the deaf audience. Not only me but all of us were nervous. Especially Geeta, she worked very hard and she did her very best!
Normally, XTOMIC perform for the hearing audience that may not know much about deafness and sign language. So bochap! Most of us didn’t give our best shot. But this time, we presented our best shows. Great experience for us though!
Besides XTOMIC, there were other performing groups: HI! Theatre, SSD, Vibrant Hands & YMCA. Their shows were beautiful and the audience loved them very much!

Day Four – 18 September, Monday
KidZ and Geeta went back to Singapore in a coach bus. SaltyBanana, Melvin, Angela, Hina and I proceeded to Penang, together with 2 staff from Penang. Upon our destination, we were brought to a tuition centre for deaf children. Then, we went to the Long Beach where there were alot of good, delicious food. Little shopping. Finally, we returned to the YMCA hostel. We were very tired.

Day Five – 19 September, Tuesday
In an early morning, we went down for a breakfast. This meal was much better than the YMCA KL’s special meal set: Nasi Lemak. After our breakfast, we went down to a deaf school, comprising of 2 sections: primary & secondary.
Till now, I am still confused by the levels: F1-4 and T1-4. Different from Singapore’s deaf education that we focus on one language – English, these schools in Malaysia use English and Bahasa. More difficult for learning, I agree. To me, it is Bi-Bi (Bilingual-Bicultural) and yet, I do not know much about this Bi-Bi. Will read up more on it since it’s now in rage. Singapore hasn’t opened up to it yet, I think I’m right about it. If I’m wrong, do correct me by sending me private emails.
Over there, XTOMIC and I had our workshop with less than 10 kids. Supposedly, we had expected around 20 kids. But most of them were having their exams. What a bad timing for us it was! Anyway, the kids enjoyed the workshop, especially the dance steps of Larger Than Life.
After the workshop, we went for shopping and sight-seeing. Tried different foods, especially Laska.
Then, we went back to the hostel. We prepared ourselves for our next workshop and performance that was scheduled at 8PM. Alot of deaf people attended it and had filled the hall. WOW! They enjoyed it, especially learning the LTL dance steps. And, we had our interaction with them. Alot of “HOW” questions were bombed towards us and I gave away a lot of my namecards. Lastly, we went for supper. What a very long day we had!

Day Six – 20 September, Wednesday
We had dim sum for our breakfast. And, we rode back to KL in a coach bus. Free & easy programme for everyone. We deserved a good break after doing workshops and performances! Well-done, everyone!!

Day Seven – 21 September, Thursday
A whole free & easy day for us, too.. We went to KLCC for photo-taking. All of us except me went shopping. I went to the Aquaria that is much different from Singapore’s Underwater World in Sentosa. Fishes, insects, small animals. Most of them inhibit in East Malaysia and parts of Malaysia. I took alot of photos of them.
An evening approached. We decided to meet Lucy and other deaf people for dinner and drinks. Had a hearty chat with them. A relaxing day!!

Day Eight – 22 September, Friday
Before we returned to Singapore, we had our little shopping and fun moments – henna.

Hmmm, there are a lot of things that I have learnt from the trip. About myself, SaltyBanana, Melvin, KidZ, Angela, Hina and Geeta. Laughter, tears, joy, model-photo taking sessions, different foods, shopping. Deaf culture and sign language..
After all, it’s my last time with them. I won’t perform with them anymore. I’m gonna miss them!!

Time for me to move on to my next chapter.. I’m gonna into my full-time performing next year. Will keep in touch with you all, XTOMIC!!