It was merely one week before the April 25 JY Gathering, when the team decided to adopt the skit based on Carman's The Champion. With only 4 hours of practice, this was what the team came out. Pretty good. Better still - the JY Gathering attendees were in awe over how Jesus' triumph over evil could be depicted in a boxing match.
Cast (in order of appearance) Angel 1... Jaslyn DeWitt Angel 2... Carina Rebecca Oyog Angel 3... Michael Loh Yet Mao Demon 1... John Isaiah Stanley Demon 2... Adele Khor Li Ying Demon 3... Mark Joel Stanley Satan... Benjamin Han Jesus... Brian John Dorai God the Father... William Baptist
Slides Prepared by David Chan Yew Mun
Slide Handler Kenneth Tan Siew Kheng
"The Champion" Written and Performed by Carman
Cameramen Chan Lilian Felicia Wong Yi Jin
Lighting Clarence Jude Stanley Kenneth Tan Siew Kheng
Choreographer Andre Ong Lay Siang
Directed by Andre Ong Lay Siang
Produced by Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Junior Youth
In the vast expanse of a timeless place, Where silence ruled the outer space, Ominously, towering it stood, The symbol of a spirit war Between the one name Lucifer, And the Morning Star, the Ultimate of good.
Enveloped by a trillion planets, Clean as lightning and hard as granite, A cosmic coliseum would host the end Of the war between the lord of sin and death, And the Omnipotent Creator of man's first breath, Who will decide who forever will be the Champion.
The audience for the 'Fight of the Ages' was assembled and in place. The angels came in splendor from a star. The saints that had gone before were there: Jeremiah, Enoch, Job. They were singing the "Song of Zion" on David's harp.
The demons arrived, offensive and vile, Cursing and blaspheming God. Followed by their 'trophies' dead and gone. Hitler, Napoleon, Pharaoh, Capone, Tormented and vexed and grieved. Waiting for their judgment from the Throne.
Then a chill swept through the mammoth crowd And the demons squealed with glee, As a sordid, vulgar, repulsive essence was felt. Arrogantly prancing, hands held high, draped in a sparkling shroud Trolled by demons, Satan ascended from Hell.
Then Satan cringed, the sinners groaned! The demons reeled in pain As a swell of power like silent thunder rolled With a surge of light beyond intense, illuminating the universe, In resplendent glory appeared the Son of God.
Then a Persona, yes, Extraordinaire appeared in center ring. God the Father will oversee the duel. Opening the Book of Life, each grandstand hushed in awe As majestically He said, "Now here's the rules.
"He'll be wounded for their transgressions, bruised for iniquities." When He said, "By His stripes they're healed," the devil shook! He screamed, "Sickness is my specialty. I hate that healing junk!" God said, "You shut your face, I wrote the book!"
Then the Father looked at His only Son and said, "You know the rules. Your blood will cleanse their sins and calm their fears." Then He pointed His finger at Satan and said, "And I know you know the rules. You've been twisting them to deceive My people for years."
Satan cried, "I'll kill you Christ! You'll never win this fight!" The demons wheezed, "That's right, there ain't no way." Satan jeered, "You're dead meat, Jesus, I'm gonna bust you up tonight!" Jesus said, "Go ahead, make my day!"
The bell rang, the crowd cheered, the fight was on, And the devil leaped in fury. With all his evil tricks became undone. He threw his jabs of hate and lust. A stab of pride and envy But the hand that knew no sin blocked every one.
Forty days and nights they fought, And Satan couldn't touch Him. Now the final blow saved for the final round. Prophetically Christ's hands came down And Satan struck in vengeance! The blow of death felled Jesus to the ground.
The devils roared in victory! The saints shocked and perplexed as wounds appeared upon His hands and feet. Then Satan kicked Him in His side, and blood and water flowed. And they waited for the 10 count of defeat.
God the Father turned His head, His tears announcing Christ was dead! The 10 count would proclaim the battle's end. Then Satan trembled through his sweat in unexpected horror, yet... As God started to count by saying,
"...10..." "Hey wait a minute, God..." "...9..." "Stop! You're counting wrong..." "...8..." "His eyes are moving..." "...7..." "His fingers are twitching..." "...6..." "Where's all this Light coming from?" "...5..." "He's alive!" "...4..." "Oh - Nooooo!!!" "...3..." Oh... Yessssss!!! "...2..." He has... "...1..." (won!!!)
He has won! He's alive forevermore! He is risen! He is Lord!
He has won! He has won! He's alive forevermore! He is risen! He is Lord!
Proclaim the news in every tongue, Through endless ages and beyond Let it be voiced from mountains loud and strong Captivity has been set free, salvation bought for you and me 'Cause Satan is defeated, And Jesus is...
Today is our Super Admin's last day of working in al-Terror. Super Admin - yes, indeed - as she is the Administrative Assistant to our Penang big boss. She used to handle all the company-wide administrative works. Her name is Liza.
Liza and I, taken in Altera ICE room
My first impression of her was that, she's quite a fierce- and strict-looking lady. I thought, of course ler. Working under Chris (Vice President and Managing Director of Penang Research Facility) would not be easy; must show superiority one. Indeed yes, she is the second employee of Altera Penang, after Chris. What freaked me more was that I heard she had reprimanded some department admins until they cried.
However, when I got the opportunity to travel to San Jose, I dealt with her more often, mostly related to the trip procedures. From Visa application, to flight booking, and even to credit card limit boost, I relied very much on her. After dealing with her, I found that she's a nice and friendly person to talk with - not forgetting being very helpful as well. I still remembered that she taught me to sneak out (of course in a legal way) to Hong Kong during my flight transit from Kuala Lumpur to San Francisco! I heard that it was possible, but I did not expect her to actually encourage me to do so! If she were really strict, she would have barked at my idea first before doing anything else.
I still remembered that, somehow, one personal comment from her struck me. When I decided to have a more committed life towards Christ, particularly in Shalom Youth, she asked me if I were to become a missionary. Well, to answer her question, that was not quite true - but from what happened towards my private life 2 years ago, it brought some resemblance. Could that be a prophecy, or could there be someone else gossiping... Ahh, never mind.
She is indeed a very capable admin. As her boss our MD said: she was a one-lady band wearing many different hats... [having] nurtured our young organization as we took our first small baby steps.
I'm gonna miss Liza, and I'm sure loads of terrorists in the al-Terror compound would miss her too. I am only in Altera for 8 years, and she's been here for almost 15 years. I am sure she has left tons of memorable footprints within Altera Penang. I don't know what else to say already.
All the best, Liza. May God bless you in everything you do and every way you go. Till we meet again. Au revoir. 后会有期.
Following my previous blogpost: BLR Avalanche, I realized that the financial institution (the one that belonged to the tycoon with the same first name as one of our famous badminton player in the 90s) is not that stupid after all. In order to re-extend my loan term back to 30 years, they reduced my monthly payment amount to RM592. After the readjustment, the graph looks like below. Which means, I still have to pay for 30 years.
DUH!!! On one hand they want us to spend so as to boost the economy, and hence lower down all interest rates (FD, BLR, etc...). On the other hand they reduce our spending by reducing the monthly payment amount. Please la... MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!
Tsk! Screw it! I'm gonna make more partial payments. Hahaha!!!
On a positive note, I can save up additional RM102 per month for other 'investment'!
P.S. In case you all are still guessing which bank I borrowed money from, know that the smasher is called Rashid Sidek. :-P
This phrase is a bit old (I heard it for the first time in the 90s, it could be older), but this reminds us that, the span of Jesus' arms represent eternity - the beginning and the end - and His own Paschal sacrifice spans across humankind. Polytheists, monotheists, atheists. Christians and non-Christians. Jews and Gentiles. All of us. Each one of us. The one step He is looking forward from us is our acknowledgement of Him being our Lord and Savior.
I once asked God how much He loves me. He replied, "This much." And He stretched open His arms and died on the cross.
His passion and death brings redemption to each and every one of us. He draws all men to Himself through His suffering on the cross. Tonight, we celebrate His ultimate promise - the Salvation of mankind through His Resurrection.
Wish you all a Blessed Easter!
Special wishes to my friends and relatives who have just been received into the Catholic Church: - VIRGINIA Tang Ngan Yung - MARK Ng Ting Kim - JACK Ong Hock Soon
And a friend who has just been empowered by the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation: - Dylan TITUS Yeoh Tshen
That was the score when Liverpool won Manchester United in the March 14 game.
Today, the score is still the same. 4-1... for Pakatan Rakyat vs Barisan Nasional. The score chart for post March 8, 2008 by-elections by far. What a coincidence... or, is it expected?
Chronology of by-elections after March 8 political tsunami in Malaysia:
August 26, 2008: Permatang Pauh - Anwar Ibrahim (PR-PKR) January 17, 2009: Kuala Terengganu - Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut (PR-PAS) April 7, 2009: Bukit Gantang - Nizar Jamaluddin (PR-PAS) April 7, 2009: Bukit Selembau - S Manikumar (PR-PKR) April 7, 2009: Batang Ai - Malcolm Mussem Lamoh (BN-PRS)
As usual, I would expect statements resulting from state of denial, and we shall see. *UPDATE* Actually, they already did. Click here for one of their darndest statements of "vote of confidence". My comment - confidence my foot!
About two months ago, McDonald's Malaysia launched McValue Lunch™, where all the McValue Meal sets will be priced at RM5.95++ per set, everyday, between 12noon to 3pm. When I first heard of it, I was like - WOW! For lunch, I could now pay RM5.95++ (comes up to RM6.25 la) Double Cheeseburger set rather than pay RM9.45++ (that's RM9.90). After much thought, I started to recall my college era, where Big Mac McValue Medium set used to cost only RM6.20++ (that's RM6.51 - that time 1 sen still counts). Hmm... a case of economic inflation. For lunch, it's deflation! :-D
Anyway, after about a week after it was first launched, I went out with my colleagues for lunch at McD. We arrived at McD Sunshine at 11:55am. So, we went to the counter, and the cashier told me this, "Lima minit lagi." Cool! She allowed us to wait by the counter, since we were the first customers there. And, later on, as we were waiting, people started rolling in. At noon sharp, we placed our first order of McValues, and that time the restaurant was full! It was so crowded - thank God we were early!
Today, I went to Tesco to buy some stuff. After failing to buy what I want, I decided to have McValue Lunch inside Tesco building. I reached the NcD outlet, and, guess what - almost like no customers! I thought the offer was over, but then, I noticed that the McValue Lunch offer was still posted up! Well...
Dah dua bulan makan kat McD tiap-tiap hari, mestilah jelak!
When I first came to aware of the term Base Lending Rate (BLR), it was at 6.00%, which was way back in year 2004. I was oblivious of the fact that 6.00% was the lowest BLR at all times 5 years ago, and that the BLR used to be as high as 10.50%.
I bought an apartment in Mewah Court in June last year, when the BLR was at 6.75%. Details as follows:
Price: RM145,000 Loan financing: RM130,500 (up to 90%) for 30 years from RHB Bank MRTA: RM959 Interest rate: BLR - 1.90% (equivalent to 4.85% that time) Monthly repayment: RM694
Although having two separate lawyer firms handing my Sale & Purchase Agreement and Loan Agreement (which I would advise against, for it caused me much delay, inconvenience, and of course double-charged legal fees), I am quite happy with the home loan plan. I was actually looking forward to top up at least RM1,000 every month for partial payment to speed up the reduction of the outstanding loan every month, so that I could shorten my term by a few years.
And, as we all know, it happen that the time for my first loan repayment (November 2008) coincide with the dawn of the coming great recession. Still, RM694 does not cost much damage since I have no dependents :-)
On the other hand, the recession caused the BLR to gradually plunge in the following manner:
November 7, 2008: 6.75% December 1, 2008: 6.50% February 5, 2009: 5.95% March 3, 2009: 5.55%
Now, my effective interest rate is 3.65% p.a.! With the reduced BLR and fixed monthly repayment, Bank Negara Malaysia has helped me reduce my term to 23 years! Yahoo!!
I could only wish either the BLR is maintained at its current level for a longer time, or the BLR is reduced some more. :-)
It had been a series of low-stamina-high-fatigue for me. I have had an average of 5 hours sleep every night for 2 weeks, and Saturday became one of my moodiest day. Well, moodiest in terms of mood swing, from euphoric to dejected.
I went out for a bread-and-half-boiled-egg breakfast with BK at 8:45am in the morning. Nothing much other than fellowshiping with BK and filling my stomach. Knowing that I need to get back to the office to get some stuff done and to collect something, I went back home and get prepared to head to office. However, looking at the bright sunlight, I changed my mind to have my laundry settled first, hence delaying my trip back to office. While waiting for my washing to complete, I dozed off, and by the time I woke up, it is already half past 11! Darn, I'll be late!
So, in a rushing mood, I hung my laundry, and quickly drove off to office. By the time I settled everything, it was already 1pm. And, as I promised earlier, I went from Bayan Lepas to Farlim to fetch a friend, and rushed to church for the Shalom Psalmistry Musicians meeting at 2pm. I hit right into the jam at Green Lane and Batu Lanchang Highway, delaying my trip by 15 minutes. Duh!
Due to the Psalmistry meeting, I had to skip the Junior Youth meeting (sorry guys!). I was nevertheless enthusiastic to learn to play a new song (Your Grace Is Enough) with other musicians. I was doing well when I started playing on the church's Clavinova. However, soon enough I realized that I was actually banging my fingers so hard until I eventually felt a slight cramp on my left wrist. And, as a result, all my timings went haywire (I was bad at timing, but the wrist-fatigue made it worse)! I was a bit frustrated and also disappointed at myself for causing so much mistake and at the same time screwing up other musicians' practice session. Sigh...
Then, I had to leave the session early (4:15pm) in order to prepare for the Form 2 Catechism in the classroom where they have the JY meeting. By the time I reached there, they were cleaning up stuff, and I found my usual space to setup the projector and laptop.
In the next classroom, all the Form 1 through 3 students were gathered for a short Praise session led by Pedro. When I eventually get my setup ready and joined them in the Praise session, what made me appalled was when some of the girls within my vicinity were oblivious of what's going on (c'mon, it has been 4 times we had such Praise session). While the guys on the other side of the room were jumping and praising God, those girls were doing nothing. So, I tried to lead them by jumping and yelling at them "Let us praise our Almighty God!!!". Guess what... still no response! I was like - praising God and screaming at their indifference at the same time! What a rojak feeling I had.
The Catechism went well. As usual, I liked Andre's session of having one or some of the students involved in the story telling (this time, is the story of God calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac - Genesis 22).
Andre as Abraham. Bryan as Isaac. Hahaha!!
And then, after the class, I was like super tired, thinking of just drop on the floor and doze off. Anyways, I got to get something to be printed in the church office. Thus, after loitering around in the classroom, I went to the office. There, I told Andre that I felt bad during the practice, and Andre simply just said, "You are just not used to it yet." I don't know why, but it was so much consoling, and of course, at much peace. So much peace that I was not really feeling angry when I was told of a mis-behavior of one of the youth.
And, soon enough, it was 8pm. Andre, Boris, Kevin, and I rushed to Sing Kah Poh for a quick dinner, so that Andre and I would be back to church for Shalom Psalmistry official meeting at 8:30pm. Well, at 8:30pm we were still in Sing Kah Poh, because we were watching live telecast of the Earth Hour event in KL. 8:30pm - all lights off! That was on the TV screen. The restaurant was still filled with light! Anyway, I understood - they need to continue their business what...
The church was almost dark, except for a few flourescent lights still being switched on. As for our Psalmistry meeting, we were having a short worship session with candlelight - with 6 pieces of white tiles arranged to the shape of a cross, with candles lit on them. Beautiful.
Christ be our Light, amid the darkness lurking around during Earth Hour. :-)
Later that night, I went to participate the Keep Hope Alive Street Walk, where we are supposed to give the homeless food and drinks. We were briefed by Fr Fabian not to judge at a person's outlook or physique in order to justify whether we should give or not. So, we went out and reached Prangin Mall at 11:30pm. Although it was raining a bit, it was okay, considering the rain was nothing to me compared to the suffering of the homeless.
While I was serving the street-bound loiterers, something struck me - the words of Fr Fabian. I truly understood what it means by "judge not".
1. Not all homeless wanted food. Catherine shared to me, that, instead of having the food, they were also considerate to look at the needs of others who did really need the food.
2. Trishaw riders are homeless. Most of the time, I tend to overlook them, until that night. Rather, I never thought that they were I would see trishaw riders in a different way now, not as a nuisance of someone blocking my way while driving, but someone who's striving for two meals (and not even a place to stay).
3. They are honest people. When they already have food given to them, they would refuse additional food instead of having us give them more. There was also one old lady who at first refused additional food, but when I asked her if she wants more, she nodded. She only accepted when I was willing to offer. That was touching!
4. They are also like us, craving for junk food. Most of the time, the people who received a pack of rice, a bottle of water, and a packet of junk food, will first rip open the packet of junk food first. That is quite funny yet poignant.
Such an experience had indeed uplifted my mood for the day. After all, whatever I experienced throughout the day was nothing compared to those who strive so hard and yet ending their day on the streets.
While I was participating in the street walk, the rest who went for Psalmistry meeting and did not participate in the walk were already having supper in McDonald's Green Lane. When I was done with the street walk, it was already 1:30am. So, after reaching McDonald's to join the Psalmistry gang (who was already done with their food), I went to order one burger. As I sat down, the gang pretended that they were leaving the place. Although I was slightly shocked, I didn't bother much, partially because I was slightly aware of their tricks, and partially because I was too famished and struck with emotional ups and downs to respond. So I just said, "Don't be like that la...".
No offense - I did enjoy my day. Rather, I decided to enjoy my day!
P.S. I have effectively taken only 2 photos amongst all that happened in a day. Too bad, no mood to take. Also, it is not nice to take pictures during the street walk. We are instead supposed to help.
