A Tribute, to the greatest man ever lived..

On the 6th of December 1935.

God sent down, from the highest heavens;

A gift, whom we fondly call our Papa and Babuk.

Smart, caring, helpful, independent;

But above all, God-fearing.

Who would eventually change,

The life of others around him.

Born into a world full of challenges,

He bravely battled the course of life.

With his sword and shining armour;

He did many great things.

That no other man could do.

When others believed that he would fail.

But no.

You proved them wrong.

You did what was right;

For your family, your people and your state.

And here I stand.

Saying Kudos.

You have succeeded.

And succeeded well.

Despite all your obligations,

You knew what were your priorities.

You always stood by our side.

In spite of all the things,

That others would deem important.

And that.

That was the very thing that made you special.

But most importantly,

You taught us the ways,

The ways of the Bidayuh.

Which you take pride and would proudly proclaim.

"Aba maya ngaku diri dep Bidayuh"

Those words.

Those words of yours;

Would be in our hearts and minds,

For us to ponder about,

And be proud of,

For a very long time.

Nonetheless, we always knew;

That all good things would come to an end.

15th September 2009;

That very day that you returned to the Heavenly Father,

Was like a sharp sword,

That pierced through our hearts.

It was like you yourself had seen it coming.

That you gave us a clue, during that Gawai evening, which was to be your last.

But we were too dumbfounded.

To understand what it truly meant.

And we often asked ourselves,

What could we have done.

To prevent that day from coming.

But, nonetheless, it has consoled us.

That the Lord loves you more.

And with your passing,

It has made us stronger.

More determined.

To continue on with your legacy,

And your expectations towards us.

It has been a year.

A year filled with tears and sorrow.

NO.

We are not here to add in to another year of mourning,

But rather.

To celebrate.

To celebrate your glorious life.

The wonderful 73 years, 9 months and 9 days

That the Lord has shown down upon us.

Many years will come and go.

And yet, the memory of you we still and will hold.

We love you, our Papa and Babuk.

You would always remain in our hearts.

Now and forever.

08/09/2010

Living It Up.

EXPECTATIONS.

That is something that one frequently has to comprehend.

Be it from family, peers, teachers and what not.

Being the cream of the crop in the academic field.

Being able to lead among peers when it is in one's capacity to do so.

Being able to complete assignments on time.

Being able to guide siblings.

Being a ROLE MODEL.

But the question is,

Can we actually live up to it?

Are we able to fulfill them even though it goes against some of our principles in life?

And what if we're able to fulfill all but one?

How does that bring an impact towards the other party which we have failed?

Are we fulfilling his or her expectations?

Are we killing ourselves slowly on the inside knowing that we have failed him or her?

Or is it making us stronger?

And what about assurances that it was all worth it?

EXPECTATIONS.

LIFE.

We MAY NOT live up to ALL our expectations.

The bottom line is, that we have tried our best.

And it is failure,

That keeps on pushing us.

To soar.

Soar to greater heights.

Knowing that,

There is ALWAYS someone there to guide us.

Of Magazine work, Prefects', Tests and Interviews...

Phew..

The past few weeks of my life were really hectic..

And yet, they were my most memorable..

Starting off with Magazine work..

We had to stay back in school from 2-4.30 each day.

YES

Just to do magazine work..

So it sucks to be apart of the committee..

But at the same time, it's nice to be trashing the Language Room and using free Wi-fi from the school once in a while..

Haha.

Just hoping that the magazine would turn up well..

Next, off to Prefects'.

Yeah, I was appointed the Assistant Head Prefect I.

It's the first time in history that a Form 4 got elected to the post.

Because usually, the Form 6-er's are gonna be the 3 heads.

Thanks to the old board and to the school's administration for placing trust in me.

I promise that I'll do my best.

Responsibilities comes with it.

The transition from being just a Probationary Prefect to a Probationary Senior and finally, a Head Prefect...

It has transformed me to become a better person..

And carrying with it, is an experience of a lifetime!

PREFECT'S NIGHT WAS A BLAST!

KUDOS TO EVERYONE WHO WAS INVOLVED!

Just to let you know that there were many positive reviews..

Tests this year came at a not-so-pleasant time

Just when all the prefects' commitment and magazine work came piling in, there it was, test's week!

I gave my all, although it was difficult in juggling time to study and completing all my other commitments.

Tests results came in.

It was good, I would say.

Certainly can improve during the final term.

Then came the AFS JENESYS Selection Camp.

I was among the lucky 6 chosen from the rest from Sarawak to go for the selection camp.

Being the only boy from my school and also from Kuching, I didn't know what to expect.

There's only one WORD that could describe the scene of events which happened..

AWESOME

I met awesome people there,

And I felt proud that I could tell my friends about my culture.

And yes, we do have Streamyx in Sarawak.

Haha.

Although it was just camp which lasted less than 48 hours,

I felt so bonded during the camp.

Met friends from almost every part of Malaysia.

The interview went well,

Placing high hopes that I could be one of the 50+ to be selected to go to Japan..

And guess what?

My flight back to Kuching was at 10.15 p.m.

I reached KLIA at 10.00 p.m. by the ERL..

I ran up to the Domestic Departure Terminal from the underground section of KLIA in less than 5 minutes.

And when I got there, everyone was boarding the aircraft already.

Phew.

That was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

No..

All the events that happened were an experience of a lifetime.

Photos are on Facebook.

Signing off...

3.

The 3 weeks of holidays meant so much to me.

The scene of events that occured shall remain as memories.

Gawai came and go.

It was a sombre one.

The whole family went back to the kampung.

Extended relatives were happy to see us.

Some, even cried.

Because everyone thought that the spirit will die out once you were gone.

But no.

We celebrated it the way you wanted us to.

Bringing your spirit and aspirations along with us.

And that shall remain,

For many years to come.

Next, was the Lasallian Encounter.

The four of us, Peter, Reuben, Fabian and I were selected to go for the encounter, a special camp for Catholic Lasallian leaders.

It was held at the Lasalle Centre in Ipoh, surrounded by the legendary St. MICHAEL'S Institution.

Yeap, you've got that right, ST. MICHAEL'S INSTITUTION.

Anyways, it was great fun.

We met lots of people, people from Singapore, our sister school, St. Joseph's Institution.

Fellow Lasallians from Melaka, Klang Valley, Taiping

And of course, St. Paul's Seremban.

Not only we bonded as brothers, but we also achieved our goal.

A goal which was set by the four of us.

A goal to get one of man's greatest creation...

Yeap, you've gotta believe it.

B to the U to the R to the G to the E to the R to the K-I-N-G

Haha.

We had them twice, one in Ipoh

And another in KL

So much for craving eh?

Next up on the list

The Lasallian Regional Convention..

The four of us, we worn out.

And we had to go for the convention.

All of us were thinking,

Shit, we're all damn tired. Don't wanna go for the convention

Thanks to the OT's, for giving support to us, the Heritage crew.

It definitely was a tiring journey,

Especially after coming back from Ipoh and then straight to school.

Having the honour and privilege to perform what others can't.

Presenting the role as De La Salle himself.

Changed me to become a better person.

And till this very day, I keep telling myself.

That it was all worth it.

The cycle continues.

School reopened.

The days of endless responsibilities and stress came gushing forth like Niagara Falls..

*sigh*

Prefects', Scouts, YCS, KYCS, Debate, Ad Astra..

Juggling with school work..

And time for recreational activities?

Life.

Nah.

My life.

Will post up pictures soon. I hope.

Signing off.

Invictus

It's amazing really.

When the words of a person can really inspire you.

This is a poem, which really struck me when I was watching a movie entitled by the same name.

Nelson Mandela read this poem when he was imprisoned in Robben Island for 28 years.

And he rose up to be the first black president of South Africa..

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

Gawai's just next door. It's gonna be sombre, without you by our side. But I'm sure that you would want us to celebrate it, the way we would celebrate it with you, with laughters and joy within us. We are sure gonna miss having you by our side, especially during this festive season, where you taught us to go back to our roots.

Selamat Andu Bahas Gawai,

From All of us..

The Road Ahead..

The Road ahead.
What lies beyond that?

*Sigh*
So many activities.
So much responsibilities to bear.

Exams are in 2 weeks.
But I'm not really prepared yet.
Plus, inter-school debate is on par with the exams.
Oh my. How am I going to be able to cope?

Not adding to the LaSallian Heritage Play.
Being given the main role as La Salle himself,
I've got to live up to the expectations of my seniors.
*Sigh*

Next comes the Prefectorial Board.
Was selected as a Probationary Senior.
Did not expect it though.
But I guess it was the acknowledgement of trust by my seniors
Thanks and I'll try to to my best.
First task given, Green Ribbon Sale this Sunday.

So, what lies beyond the road ahead?
Are all this activities worth it?
Or is it just a waste of time?
Are they seriously going to secure my future?

I don't know.
Let's just follow the given path.
And see how it goes...

Jeremiah 29:11

Friends

Friends. You just can't live without them, can you?
The past week had just made me realise that they are indeed an essential element in our lives.

Prefects' Camp came and go. Some found it interesting, while others found it exhausting. But for me, it was all the same, obstacle course, making a fool of ourselves and also, the amount of work that we had to go through.

Then Swinburne WSDC came. We, Seamus, Darren and I, did not prepared much, but we held our heads high and decided to give it all. Out of the 5 preliminary rounds, we managed to win 4 of them, after conceding one to St. Thomas. It was an acceptable defeat, considering that St. Thomas were actually good, better than what we had expected. We were ranked 3rd overall, after Lodge International and St. Thomas, during the break to the QF.

QF- lost against Green Road. We accepted the defeat, but did not accept the margin of the loss. St. Joseph's was denied, yet again. But that is how life is. Defeat not only makes you stronger, but also makes you more determined in achieving something that you have longed for.

Thanks to Seamus and Darren, for being in the team and also bearing with me throughout the course of the debate. You guys are the best team mates that anyone could have asked for. Period. Also, a bunch of thanks to these wonderful people, Joel Justin, Edwin Sia, Daniel Darnas, Hariez, Andy Lau, David James, James Raj and the juniors and also to people who I can't remember but deserved to be remembered, for the advice and consultation throughout the course of the debate. Without you guys, we would not have made this far. Also to teachers, Mr. Raden, Mdm. Lai and of course Mdm. Sii, for constanly supporting us all the way.

Friends. You just can't live without them. They are the ones who support you, they are like your second family. Words just can't describe my gratitude towards these bunch of people.

It's getting late. 2nd day of Sports' Day is tomorrow. Better get the rest which is much needed.

Signing off..

16

Yes.

It's official.
Jeremiah Michael Bel Ben has turned 16.
Another year comes and go.
Another year of challenges to overcome.
Help me, Heavenly Father.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone.
You guys had certainly made my day.

Well, since I had not been blogging for a while, I guess I'd just have to sum up 4 months of delayed posting into 1 post.

January

Start of a new year. Form 4 life is hectic. With all the new subjects coming in and classmates moving out, it certainly was quite a challenge.

February

Still trying to catch up with Form 4. Chinese New Year came and go. Family from the West came celebrating with us. It was a good time, although you were not here to celebrate it with us, Babuk.

March

After weeks and months of planning, the East Malaysia Encounter was a success. Kudos to the Working Team for doing such a great job. Got nominated as a Probationary Prefect. Looking forward to endure greater heights serving in the Prefectorial Board. Tests results came in. It was okay. But I certainly can do better.

April

Holy Week.. was a success. Despite several mischaps here and there. Debate motions and themes came in. Adds up to the pile of work that I have gotta do. Thanks MSSS for giving me the unwanted sunburns. Prefects' Camp is in a week time. Wondering what the Senior Prefects' had in store for us. Swinburne Debate is the day after camp. And Sports Day is the day after the Swinburne Debate! Ahh! Hoping that my body would be able to cope all these activities.

Philippians 4:13