English Drama National Level Competition 2009

Here I am an entertainer, into the spotlights, the footlights and onto the stage, here go I...
On a personal note, the lasalle drama team did just that. They were pure entertainers and performers the moment they set foot on stage; creating a whole new environment on stage with dignity.


The National English Drama Competition was graced by the participation of 16 state representatives from all over the country which took place in Penang, from the 19 Oct - 22 Oct 2009. A truly glamorous meet if you ask me. Being able to witness the event itself was a personal achievement.

'Now we invite the next team, team number 8 with their drama entitled A Malaysian Breakfast.' [Read this with an Indian Accent]
My heart pounded and I looked at Teacher Haslinda, her eyes watery and mine turned watery as well. The experience of witnessing the team's performance wasn't necessarily the most pleasant experience. But it was definitely one of the most beautiful and memorable once I'll have.

'Friday, June thirteenth, Malaysia...'
The first line was uttered and i immediately clicked on my stopwatch to take time. At the same time, I had to take pictures, record and witness the performance. I realised that I couldn't multitask like i usually do at that moment and was very much all over the place. Teacher Haslinda, Teacher Maalar and Miss Lat were fidgeting at every word that the boys uttered. LOOK AT HOW severely affected we were by these boys! Despite all that, I couldn't stop but feel proud for them.

'Please, do Come again..'
As Woosnam uttered the last line for the play, I had this feel of satisfaction, happiness and sadness all mixed into one. I stopped the stopwatch and got a time of 20 minutes 49.16 seconds; just nice. I rushed to pack up the SLR, tripod and Video Camera and hustled to meet the boys. "Hazli...how was it?" My heart stopped for a moment and words simply failed me. This is what happens when too many emotions are in place. But honestly I can say now that...they did good and I am proud of them.

The closing ceremony took place that same night after the competition on the 21st Oct. As usual, when it came to announcing the results, we all held hands and prepared ourselves for the verdict. Poor Ralph had to stand alone beside the stage with representatives from other states.

As the emcee announced the consolation prizes, I took my pen and scrapped off the names of the states that were already out from the running for the top three spots.

8 states left...7 states left....6 states left
As we counted down and waited...hoping that the emcee wont announce Sabah as a consolation prize recipient.

The three 'S' states remained (Sabah, Sarawak and Selangor)
Then at last...three states remained and we were one of them! We then knew that we are in the top three!

"Tempat Ketiga...Sarawak Negeri Di Bawah Bayu!"
What?!! Is it Sarawak? or Sabah Negeri di Bawah Bayu???!!!! We were lost!

"Maaf, Tempat Ketiga...Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang"
Fuuhhh~ a sigh of relief...and then it came to us immediately that we are in the top two! It was between Selangor and Sabah now..we gathered in a group and joined Ralph, all hugging each other and holding hands. We were ready for whatever that may come our way.

"Siapakah Johan? Selangor atau Sabah?"
The hall immediately filled with voices shouting for Sabah, that made us more happy, proud and prepared for the verdict. We knew that we had gained stage respect from our competitors.

"Johan Pertandingan Drama Bahasa Inggeris Peringkat Kebangsaan jatuh kepada...Selangor!"
......................... A moment of silence for us, but then we looked at each other and smiled. This has been a great achievement for La Salle and we lost to a well deserving team. No regrets but mainly a heart filled with contentment and joy.

WE ARE WINNERS
The voyage for the LaSalle Drama Team 2009 has officially ended. But we are winners, we achieved a lifetime accomplishment in securing second place in this prestigious competition and most importantly, we secured a lifetime relationship with each other and not to mention a great learning experience.

Congratulations to the team and those directly/indirectly involved in helping the team reach this far. You guys grew and matured a lot throughout the process and I am extremely proud of you guys.

When I wrote the play "A Malaysian Breakfast", i never knew that it could come this far. But thanks to the LaSalle drama team, it did. The team helped boost up my confidence as a script writer and I truly appreciate it. THANKS!

Personal notes to each and everyone in the team...
Ralph you are a great director and not forgetting a good actor and superb friend at the same time. Ive seen you grow and you had always been by my side no matter what the occasion is, be it from drama, to scouting, to dance etc. So as a whole, I am very very very very very proud of you.
Raul you were a great help to Ralph and you matured alot. You listen to advice well and you take it to heart. I have great respect for you.
Jude you learned how to focus, you pulled through at the end and it was your best performance. Apply that Jude in real life, you'll be surprised on how easy things will turn out to be.
Adriance Oh my God Adriance, Im so amazed by the way you work and think. You made it easy for Ralph and you supported everyone along the way. A truly sincere and great friend. Dont let others push you around and dont let words of other people aside from your true friends affect you.
Woosnam Hahaha...Woozie...you really are something dude...you know you can do it once you set your mind to it...You were nominated as best performer, you managed to prove yourself to everyone that you can do it. I dont look down on you but i look up to you, i know your capabilities. So dont slack!
Chin You are a great help in making people stay positive, making us laugh and pleasing us. You have also been hardworking in supporting Ralph and Adriance, not to mention that you are also highly abstact and craetive. It is now time for you to develop and understand priorities.
Orlando I really look at you as the silent helper. You are a true symbol for the phrase "less is sometimes more".
Nathaniel You dont complain, you listen and you improved alot in English and as well as acting. Very steady and cool no matter what the situation.
Jonross You are always so patient with people's jokes and attitude, i learnt that you can adapt to your environment easily. Time to push and step up jon, you came this far, so go further.
Valentine You grew alot and now I hope you can start taking the lead. Step up and show us that you can be the next director. I know you can.
Raphael Like ive always said, I see potential in you, push yourself further and grab every opportunity to build frienships. Remember that everything is a learning process.
James You are blessed with natural acting features and you had gotten a first hand experience in nationals. Use that, expand, grow and learn.
Roussell I see you as someone so quiet but yet full of substance and I saw you starting to open up in Penang. Go further, let it out and show us what you can actually do.
Joshua I feel that you are sometimes misunderstood. Therefore, you must not do that to yourself as well. You have the passion and determination, its now time to focus, be more alert and to initiate actions.
Andy You are the youngest in the team and you had this exposure so early. Just like Raul had when he was in form 1. Look at how high your brother climbed. This is your turn to do just that. Start climbing up and go all the way. Keep on smiling in the process.

Well then, Im done for now. I shall push myself further too in order to keep up with you guys, i dont wana lose to you guys :P.

Teacher Haslinda and I felt a sudden silence after the trip. I mean...after four straight days of noise and work with you guys (which can be extremely noisy), suddenly...so quiet. I am extremely physically, mentally and emotionally tired (not to mention the amount of times you guys made Teacher Haslinda and me cry). But I can say that Teacher Haslinda and I really appreciate your hard work and we are extremely happy that it overrides the exhaustion. We love you guys soooooo much and hope that you guys will keep this experience forever.

God Bless! JIGELE!!