Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 3

3rd Sept 1997 Flashback

Kept morning watch from 4am to 8am together with "somebody" and Wong. Didn't want to sit beside that "somebody" , so do lookout. The watch was ok as there are midshipman there. Afternoon, do things in armoury. Then kept last dog watch and didn't stand for rounds today, avoiding that "??" rounds. In the end, one part of my area was unsatisfactory, LCP Hon told me that XO want it to be done tomorrow. The armoury in the future, need someone to stand for rounds. Too bad, things getting more complex. My frustrations took the better of me as I kept grumbling. I think I should cut down on this.

That "somebody" also in front of the officers at night, made comments of me wearing slippers and shit him, "lian zhi ji ren ye yao sabo", somemore I was at quarterdecks only for 2 minutes. He is really a "koko b ware" man. I use many types of these sort of languages, I didn't want actually but frustration just took control of me. Tomorrow is Sunday routine, therefore I sleep late today, watching TV. Think hardwriting was bad, should improve. Signoff, Weizhong. - 3rd Sept 97

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On the shipcrew mention, LCP Hon was my fellow NSF gunner who will soon ORD after the MSTD trip. His ORD date is earlier than many of us though he joined the ship later than us. His fellow batchboy didn't join us for this sailing. Lucky us. Hon likes to ride a tiny motorbike "xiao mian yang". LKY always like to joke with him about tying a rope to his bike and giving it a dip into the sea. LCP Hon is very easygoing person and is intelligent with seaman tasks. Nice chap to have onboard.

On the "keeping watch" term, this is about the work or duty that we perform during sailing. My role during sailing is either that of a helmsman or a lookout. The helmsman assist in steering the ship towards the right course given by the officer of the watch while the lookout uses a bino to keep a look out for any nearby vessels or potential dangers.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip Day 2

2nd Sept 1997 Flashback :

Today was "Chu Yi" but I forget that it is. Chief ET told me just last night, yet I forget it. Woke up at 7.45am and kept forenoon watch (8am - 12 noon). In the afternoon, kept the ropes and change new ones. Was a bit tired after that. Evening time was a frustrating time mainly because of 2 incidents.

First, after I knew it is "Chu Yi", I try to have a vegetarian meal. I bring my vegetarian instant noodles to the galley and ask Cook Peng to pass me a bowl to cook it. There is no more china bowl, so he pass me a glass pan. Chief Cook who was in a foul mood, vented his frustration on me by shouting at me, saying that cannot be used. Though I was angry also for being shouted at unfairly, I kept mum, didn't want to create any unnecessary quarrels. Anyway, "bu xiang ge lao ren jia zhen chao" (don't want to quarrel with old folks).

Next incident, during rounds, the new XO kept his usual "make a mountain out of a molehill" pattern, saying my area wasn't ready for his rounds. I really try to clean the area and another area which is not really mine. Another old folk, the attached Coxswain also kept shining his torchlight at some areas , add salt and vinegar. Wow, already long time never kena such treatment. I made a careless mistake by requesting for another helper. That Coxswain stared at me , perhaps feeling I'm trying to be funny. I don't think I'm. Anyway, a rerounds was to be done but later they cancelled it. Now 11.10pm, thinking to rest or to watch TV. Tomorrow early morning watch very "sian". Also, I feel today quite problematic, should try to keep low key for the rest of the trip, otherwise trouble will trouble me. Am I right?

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The above was what I encounter during the 2nd day of my MSTD trip. Doesn't sound good. On the ship crew mention, Cook Peng was many people (including me) favourite chef onboard L202. Whenever do guard duty with him, always get to enjoy some special dishes other than the usual SAF style of food. He's also like to work out in the ship gym and given me some tips during the MSTD trip on how to pump iron. I'm not a good student though.

We have a new XO at that time and maybe "Xin guan shang ren san ba huo" style. The previous XO also have his own style of managing the shipcrews and I wasn't used to his words when I just came onboard but got used to it eventually. In fact, we got on quite well after playing together in the ship football matches. I remember he gave me encouragement on the pitch during our football game in Palembang, Indonesia in Jan 1997. Don't think the new XO is interested in football.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip

Its thirteen years since that memorable Navy sailing trip. Still have lots of fond memories about it. Decided to do a flashback on my facebook account and my blog too. It all begins with a Singapore Navy Landing Ship Tank called RSS Excellence, L202. I was posted to this excellent old WWII hospital ship back in July 1996 after completing my training at the Naval training school. Only 3 of us out of a class of approximately 30 trainees were posted to Landing Ship Tank. Many batchboys laughed at us because the Landing Ship Tank is the biggest ship in the Navy and as gunners, we need to maintain the ship. So many percieved we got the biggest area to maintain with daily chipping & painting from one end of the ship to the other, whole year long. They all thought we're going to have difficult life for the rest of our NS stint. My batchboys Ravi and Tok were posted to L203 (RSS Intrepid) and I was all alone posted to L202 (RSS Excellence).

On the first day that I reported to RSS Excellence, the majority of the shipcrews were on off day as the ship has just returned from a sailing trip. I met the Ops Officer LT Rayson Lim and he introduce to the Quartermaster on duty LRP. LRP explained that for new birds to the ship, its a standard protocol to do duty straightaway for three consecutive days with no duty-off. Ops, I had an advanced driving theory test on next evening. So I did my first understudy QM with LRP for my first day. The next morning, Ops Officer Rayson introduce me to my new boss, Buffer Yong. As a new lad & from previous OJT experience, I've prepared myself mentally to expect a tough first few weeks. I spoken to Buffer Yong about the driving theory test and to my surprise, my new boss allow me to go home on duty off to prepare for the exam without second question ask. It was a good start. I think LRP wasn't too impressed with the decision.

That was how I begin life in RSS Excellence. Now will move to the memorable MSTD trip in Sep 1997.

‎1st Sept 1997 Flashback: At Tuas Naval Base onboard RSS Excellence L202, I was doing pre-sailing check on small arms at the Commanding Officer cabin when CO pop me a surprise question about how I feel about Princess Diana demise? She has died in a carcrash the day earlier on 31 Aug 97. I replied that I was sad to hear her tragic news and that she seem to lead a difficult love life and couldn't be with the one that she loved. Evening approach, Special Sea Dutyman & berthing party closed up. I was at the quarterdeck and Pte CC Leo send us off by slipping off the stern ropes. Off we goes for 2 months MSTD sailing trip. Day 1 of MSTD 97.

The above details are roughly what I remember. I also made an effort tonight to find my old MSTD diary notebook which captures minor details of the experience. Here's what was written about 1st Sept 1997 (1.20am, 2nd Sept 97) onboard L202:

1st Sept 1997

Today was a busyday for me as I really panicked with the things to bring for the trip. Early morning, have breakfast with Mum and Weifang, went to buy films, sour plums,etc till 12pm noon. Began to panic as I was packing my stuffs. So many things to bring and some unnecessary ones like videotapes, magazines and extra clothings. Mum seem to be quite sad that I was leaving home for 2 months and she specially cook one of my favourite dish and even offer to give me money to take cab. Auntie also ask me to buy some Polo T from Indonesia for her. Really quite vexed by the stuffs to bring and in the end, ended with 2 super big bags and struggled to the MRT to meet Chan and KCP to take cab to the ship. Change my currency at Northpoint and also lend $200 to KCP. Hope he will not become another "somebody" . I think he will return me. Mum and Auntie actually wanted to send me off at the harbour but from what I heard from Leo, I told them they couldn't as I didn't submit their names. There are many people sending off the midshipmen and my ship slip off at 7.30pm. San Hoe also came today, nice to see him again. Kept 8-12 watch today with Low Kin Yuen. Call Dad to tell him everything is fine here. But forget to tell him to ask sister to tape the TCS prize presentation ceremony and also forget to bring my electrical notes. Ok, now its 1.20am, time to rest.

Tourist Bus Hostage Crisis in Manila

Yesterday noon, I came to know that a tourist bus was hijacked in Manila by a former Filipino police officer. Initially the news reported South Korean tourists involved but it later turn out to be Hong Kong tourists. The hostage taker was mentioned to be one of the top 10 policeman back in the 80s but was dismissed last year due to some extortion charges. When I was home and switching channels on my TV, I realise Channel News Asia was reporting about it live from Manila. Only then did I realise that this has turned out to be a tragic event where innocent human lives are lost. As of today, I came to know 9 Hong Kong Tourists has been killed. The hostage killer was also shot dead, reportedly by a sniper. Given by what the media has reported about the hostage taker demands, I'm disappointed that the authorities didn't manage to work out a deal with him and prevent loss of life. Of course, we probably won't ever know the full details of the negotiation. Feel very sad for the victims and their families. Quoting from a friend saying, " a rational person could not find other avenues to air his grievances and was desperate enough to risk (and lose) his life and those of others just to be heard." I think Rolando Mendoza have a story to tell but it should not be at the expense of innocent lives.



Actually, Mendoza story of losing his job is not as bad as that of Sandro, the other bus hostage hijacker that I know. Sandro is a Brazilian who took hostage of a bus #174 in Rio De Janeiro way back in June 2000. The whole incident was captured live on TV and the footage was being used in a documentary movie called Bus 174. Sandro story was a very sad one and reflects on the Brazilian society that fails to deal with street children and juvenile delinquents in a humane manner & instead perpetuates more violence. Read these links about Sandro Rosa and Candelaria Church massacre for Sandro's story. Sandro's story is also play out using real footage in the Bus 174 documentary film.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandro_Rosa_do_Nascimento

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candelaria_church_massacre

Life is unpredictable and vulnerable. I once read a question: If you only have a day to live, who would you call? And why are you waiting?

English Football Season 2010-2011

"You won't catch me making any silly prediction. None of that Tottenham for the title or I'll score 20 goals stuff. These kind of things make a good headline but doesn't bring you anywhere." - Gary Lineker who just signed for Spurs in 1989, in a pre-season interview with Shoot magazine. Spurs was to finish 3rd in that season and Gary Lineker won the Golden Boot. BPL 2010/2011 season start tonight, all I wanna say is Come On You SPURS!!!

I remember when the 1990 England team return from Italia 90, everyone was looking forward to watching the Spurs duo of Gazza & Lineker in action. During those days, normally the season opener live telecast match would feature the present English Champions (Liverpool at that time) game. But the English crowd was overwhelmed by Gazza & Lineker heroics in the world cup, that eventually, it was the Spurs game that got the match of the day live telecast. And they didn't disappoint. Spurs won 3-1 on their opening day with Lineker grabbing two goals and Gazza scoring the other against Manchester City. This year, England football team return from South Africa in shambles, Spurs opening fixture is against Manchester City again. How will Tottenham fare?

One Night In Turin

Recently, I read from the web that a movie called "One Night in Turin" has been released this year. The movie is about my favourite England football team of Italia 90. I was excited and find time this morning to search for it on the internet. Managed to locate it on free online streaming site and enjoyed every minute of it.

This is an excellent, true account & unbiased movie about England football team in Italia 90. Been waiting for a film like this to be made about this great team for 20 years. It made me miss Gazza, Lineker, Waddle, Butcher, Shilton, Platt, Pearce, Bobby Robson, etc even more. Thumbs up.

I have very fond memories of Bobby Robson England team. Maybe because there are my favourite Spurs players in it and they played with lots of heart and passion. I just took out a copy of my old shoot magazine dated 14th July 1990. It was a post 1990 World Cup copy and on the last page, the headline is : " WE"RE PROUD OF YOU. ENGLAND YOU WERE MAGNIFICENT."

Here's the abstract from the July 14th 1990 Shoot magazine view on the Italia 90 England football team:

English football can hold its head high once more.

For not since that glorious day in July 1966 has our national team commanded such worldwide respect.

Derided, patronised and reviled for more than 20 years, it seemed that the days when we could seriously challenged soccer's super powers were a distant memory.

But as Graham Taylor prepares to take up the international challenge, the opportunity is suddenly there for England to build for a glorious football future.

Bobby Robson, disgracefully treated by his critics throughout his eight-year reign, will now be judged by history as an England manager to rank alongside Sir Alf Ramsey.

And even last Wednesday's Semi-final defeat in Turin cannot detract from the achievement of Robson's young lions these past five weeks.

It would be wrong to claim that England were the best of the 24 World Cup finalists. That honour belongs to West Germany. But as proved in the Stadio Delle Alpi, at least they are now in the same class.

No blame has been attached to Stuart Pearce or Chris Waddle for those penalty misses, just as no one player deserves special praise. For it was a team effort which served England so well and, in defeat as well as victory, the players stood side by side.

It is possible to run through the entire England side and single out virtually everyone of them as England's Italia 90 star.

Certainly every department of the team more than fulfilled all expectations.

In goal Peter Shilton proved with saves against Cameroon and West Germany that, even at 40, he's still the best goalkeeper in the world.

In defence the players adapted magnificently to the sudden introduction of the sweeper system. Mark Wright, Paul Parker and Des Walker have rightly been praised, but the contributions of Stuart Pearce and Terry Butcher must not go unnoticed.

In midfield Paul Gascoigne emerged as one of the stars of the tournament. David Platt proved a worthy replacement for the injured Bryan Robson and Trevor Steven's versatility came as an unexpected late bonus.

In attack Gary Lineker showed he is a match for any striker in the world. Van Basten, Degryse, Klinsmann and even Milla couldn't put him in the shade.

Now Graham Taylor will inherit a team confident in the system they are playing in and even more confident in the men around them.

The European Championship qualifying matches kick-off in the next couple of months and the new manager will soon be forced to decide whether to persevere with the likes of Robson, Shilton and Butcher.

It will be a sad day when those England stalwarts are forced into international retirement. But as least they will go with the knowledge that they have laid the foundations for an exciting new era for English football.

Inspirational Monday

Its the first Monday of August 2010 and I feel its like a new start. Yes, it is the start of the week. No, I didn't mean that. I mean I wanted to feel more purposeful in my daily life. Anyway, just some lingering thoughts which probably will go away if NATO comes to play. I went for my evening jog around the neighbourhood, had my dinner & shower and decided to tidy up my room. Its getting very messy and long overdue for some much needed attention. So my purposeful week begin with the task of spring cleaning my nest. Pretty much done for the night though still some touching up to be continue tomorrow.

Its the 2nd day after the 1st anniversary of Sir Bobby Robson day, I'm still watching his video clips. I found a clip which Sir Bobby Robson spoke about life. It was pretty simple words yet sound so inspirational from someone that I had lots of respect for. Yes, I do not know him personally and the English media may played a big part in my perception of him. But I do feel he is genuine.

Sir Bobby Robson say,

"In life, you know you can't succeed and be clever and be bright

and be correct and spot-on all the time.

Cause life is more complicated than that,

life is more difficult than that.

Its a tough world out there

And if you're not a tough guy, you won't survive.

Not to get to where you want to be in your sphere."

I'm not sure how others feel about this speech but I feel inspired. I think he is sharing that there's no perfect person or situation and you gotta take all things in your stride, be it good or bad things to cope with the challenges of life. Then you stand a better chance of attaining or getting where you wanna be. Thank you Sir Bobby. I enjoyed the video clip and will keep these useful pointers in mind especially if I'm going through a rough patch.