What: Volunteering at Tse Tho Aum Temple

When: 26th June 2011

Where: Tse Tho Aum Temple

Participant(s): Celest, Charmaine, Jean, Jiamin, Joanne Chong, Joyce, Kah Yin, Rachael, Sandra, Shirley, Shu Pei and Xinyi

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Shu Pei, Participant

This is the first time volunteering with RBKD. Our first task was to serve them drinks (Chinese tea). After a while, 4-5 buses ferrying elderly from the old folks’ home from all over Singapore arrived. A few of the elderly are wheelchair-bound and some of us volunteered to wheel them from the loading bay to the dining hall. This was not an easy job as we have to push the wheelchair up a steep slope; lift up a step before reaching the entrance of the hall. From there, the elderly have to be shifted from the wheelchair to the dining chair and lunch was served.

As the elderly were preparing to go home, it started pouring heavily. While the elderly were being sheltered from the dining hall to their buses I was busy keeping the chairs and cleaning the table. After cleaning up, we had a light refreshment and souvenir before heading home.

As some of the elderly had difficulty moving around, they rarely get to go outside. Seeing them enjoying their lunch prepared and interacting with them was a joy thing.

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Kah Yin, Participant

It was another meaningful memory we had created at Tse Tho Aum Temple, for both the elderly and ourselves. You can really feel the volunteers were all together as one on the day to take care of the elderly and their safety, especially when it started raining. Though they, and we, were all so drenched, it’s touching to see how everyone was doing their best and making sure that the elderly get on the bus safe and dry.

Elderly smiling, patting our hand and saying/gesturing thank you to us (and we even got a kiss!) after the lunch were more than enough to make up for all the things we have done. *wide grin*

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What: Hike, Trek & Snap at Bukit Timah Railway Track

When: 16th July 2011

Where: Bukit Timah Railway Track

Participant(s): Elaine, Eunice, Michelle, Naomi, Shu Pei and Zi Lei

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Naomi & Michelle, Organiser:

This is our 2nd time being IPC coordinators, the first time being in 2009. We had a brief introduction before we started taking photos. Since it was a hiking trip, we made Eunice the leader to lead us along the tracks. She led us to a less crowded place to settle down. Since the track was filled with stones, we also had sort of a competition as to how far can we throw the stones from where we were sitting. Eunice was the winner!!

We then continued our hike towards the suspension bridge. So after hiking and trekking for a few hours and many kilometres, we did not just end there, but we headed on to the bus stop to see where we can go for a mini catch up and early dinner.

All in all, we had lots of fun and laughter playing around, joking around. It was a wonderful time at the tracks with fellow RBKD Rangels.

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Shu Pei, Participant:

This is my second time attending IPC. Being the only newcomer in the group, the feeling was awkward. After a little introduction, we sat down on the platform looking at the train station and people. As there were a lot of stones around the railway track, this turn into a mini competition to see who can throw the stones the furthest. We hike to our next destination, the suspension bridge. There was no railing on the bridge and it was quite a thrill to stand at the edge of the bridge and look down at the traffic below. It was great day out and I hope to join another IPC.

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Two weeks before we set off for Muar, the production team cordoned off the main filming site due to enthusiastic local fans waiting outside. So no fans, locals or Singaporeans, could visit. That, we all heard. Now here’s something you didn’t.

Elves: When Rui En saw us at the filming site, she went around asking on how to get permission for you guys to visit on-site too.

This would do.

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After some misunderstandings and deliberation, we set off to the main filming site. Took us quite a while as usual as it was cordoned off. First time feeling that being a RBKD member has its privileges; we were allowed into the place while the others were stopped at the door.

We met up with Rui En again at night at our hotel room to pass her the gifts. After a few quick shots, she left with bags of gifts.

We headed to Candice’s room for our Durian-Heart Attack session next. Goodness, we had such a good laugh we were not just tearing, but screaming for mercy because of all the abdominal cramps. Who else but Jean can misinterpret 土产 as 赌场?

At 9:10pm, in a moment of impulse, we went searching for Bak Kwa. Finally found a shop that was still opened and delivered to the hotel at around 9:30pm. We did not know that she had posted, till almost an hour later.

Headed for KFC supper near midnight and it was not a very good experience; the hot milo actually had chlorine smell >< Was late for the site visit the next day due to the sudden downpour, but we managed to buy some not-too-bad charsiew pau for everyone. Rui En to one crew: 你有吃叉烧包吗？他们买的。*points at us* Rui En to another crew: 有吃叉烧包吗？我的fans买的。 I thought she sounded like a proud mother ;) -- We went Muar because we were concerned. We left Muar, still feeling concerned. But it's definitely comforting to know that she likes the food there. Till she's back, we just hope that she would be safe and if there's anything else we could do, we would. Signing off, Xinyi. Code of Honour 正义武馆 debuts 5 December 2011 7pm on Channel 8.

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23:00h, 4th June 2011, Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur Hotel Lobby:

“Ulu Yam Mountain. Near a pond. Description: AP will lead the way.”

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With that, we set off at 830am on 5th June 2011 from KL in our 14-seater Mercedes all the way to Ulu Yam Mountain (Selangor, Malaysia), looking for the legendary “pond”.

At the foot of the mountain we asked, “is this the pond?”
The friendly driver laughed, “No, this is a big dam! Not a small pond.”

So we continue driving uphill for the next half an hour before reaching the old town of Ulu Yam. It just wasn’t right, so I sent Rui En’s manager a text message the moment we had telco signal.

经理人小姐M: “Why are you all so early? She has not set off!”
Me: “You told us she would be filming early!”
经理人小姐M: “Okay she just set off from KL (1hour drive away).”

So we decided to explore the old town instead. Interesting for the city pumpkins.

Bata in old town is just like this!!!!

Roadside Yong Tau Foo.

Is cooking by the road their drive-thru service?

This is so not touristy style.

If rust sells, this car is worth a great deal.

After the coffeebreak at the town, we continued our search for the “pond”. Thinking the “pond” is somewhere more elusive, we went further uphill. I saw the sign “Batu Pahar/Ipoh” and the number beside it just got smaller and smaller.

My driver was a persistent uncle, so I let him be. When he finally gave up, I told him to try heading back. Search ended with “There! Rui En!”

Me: “Hi, we reached here safely :D”
Rui En: “I was so worried lah… Can you all let me finish this scene first?”

By this time, we all realised that their “small pond” was actually the “BIG DAM”. How similar =/

So we spent the next 20-30minutes watching her complete 1 short scene in numerous takes. To think RBKD’s first site visit would be in Malaysia. So for many of our members, first time witnessing filming, they were amazed how a 1-2 minutes scene needed so much work.

Me: “Hi, do you want to take a video for xinmsn?”
Rui En: “Can we just spend time together? I don’t want this (site visit) to be like a promo thing.”
Rui En: “Come, let’s find a place where you guys can sit.”

Someone: “That’s a very big bottle.”
Rui En: “Yes. Because the water here is not clean. So I boil my own water everyday.”
Someone: “What about mineral water?”
Rui En: “Worse. I tried boiling the water and it turned milky. And it isn’t because of the kettle.”

Rui En: “You mean you guys have not been robbed yet?”
Rui En: “The 7-11 behind my apartments was robbed a few days ago although someone was inside! That’s why I was so worried of your safety I didn’t let you guys come at first until you were sure you could get safe transport.”

Someone: “Is that Liangteh?”
Rui En: “Ya. I made it myself, weather is so hot here.”
Everyone: “YOU MADE IT YOURSELF?!?!?!?!”
Rui En: “I mean it’s those packet ones and I only add hot water. But yes, I made it myself.”

This might seem like no big deal. But for us, to know that she knows how to take care of herself, that was really really really comforting to know.

It was lunch break by the way, but Rui En made no signs of wanting to have lunch.

Me: “Are you eating well?”
Rui En: “Yes, the hawker food here is really nice. Have you all tried? You all should try, it’s really nice, nicer than the hawker food in Singapore. But of course they use a lot of MSG.”
Me: “It’s lunch now right? Why ain’t you eating?”
Rui En: “Don’t feel like (eating). The weather is so hot.”
Rui En: *continues* “Do you all want ice-cream? Come I treat you all, which flavours do you all like?”
Everyone: “It’s okay, please go have your lunch~~~”

Everyone: “Byebye~”
Rui En: “Thank you for coming.”
Elvin: *cheekily* “Thank you for coming to visit ME :)”

Signing Off
Xinyi

Code of Honour 正义武馆 debuts 5 December 2011 7pm on Channel 8.

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What: Bowling @ Marina Square

When: 25th June 2011

Where: Marina Square

Participant(s): Alvin, Charmaine, Jacky, Jiayi, Joyce, Kahyin and Rachael

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Charmaine, Organiser:

This is the first time I am organising an IPC with the help of Rachael. It was very fun! I think in my group, we all are very good at cleaning the drains. HAHAHA.. We kept missing the pins and it just went into the drain :x And ALVIN IS VERY PRO!!!!! The 4 of us combined scores = Alvin’s score. So you can imagine how bad our group is. HAHA.. Had lots of fun!!

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Jacky, Participant:

Well basically this is my third IPC since I first joined RBKD. As usual, I’m like the only guy again for the start when we meet up at city hall mrt. Well that awkward feeling came again cause my previous IPC has Mandy and Berlin, which i sorta know them.

However, the barrier was removed very soon and yeah, we got to know each other. Soon after we went bowling, Alvin came and we bowl and bowl and bowl! And guess what! ALVIN IS A MUCH BETTER PLAYER THEN ME GOSH I HAVE TO BRUSH UP MY SKILLS !! Hope to attend next IPC soon.

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Alvin, Participant:

This is the 2nd time meeting up with the Rbkd-ians. As usual, I rushed up my work, get changed and went down to the meeting venue. I’m glad to see the familiar faces again.

It was fully packed with people as there is an event going on. We got geared up and ready to bowl. Our first game was fine but could see that the weight of the balls were too heavy for some of them. The balls there seriously very limited to choose from leh. We continued with the 2nd game, it was the first throw from Charmaine and she hurt her thumb. I could imagine how painful was it with her long nails. There were many laughters especially when the camera was brought out. Wonder if Joyce have seen her own video? Lol.. We left after the 3rd game.

Hope everyone enjoyed the day and I guess we are suffering from muscle ache now (the next day).

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What: Aye Aye Captain Ball

When: 21st June 2011

Where: Singapore Polytechnic, Basketball Court

Participant(s): Jolie, Madeline, Oggy, ShuWen, Teri, Wyman, YangHwee

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Wyman, Organiser:

It’s THAT time of the year again! IPC MONTH! Hooray!

So I decided to organise an IPC as well, a game that all of us would love playing. CAPTAIN BALL! YAY! :D

However, it was a pretty small sign up group, thank you all who managed to make it! HAHAHA. So we started off playing Captain Ball, but eventually there was an evolution.. it became street basketball. LOL.

No matter what we play, Captain Ball or Street Basketball, what’s important is that we all managed to spend some time together and get to know each other more! THAT is always the best reward from IPC, to know more members from RBKD and to know those we already know, better. =)

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Teri, Participant:

HELLOO! It’s my first IPC activity in RBKD and boy! I’m totally eager, yet afraid, to see and know RBKD members personally. Turned out it wasn’t as scary and awkward I’d imagined it to be, we started off with the 3+1 introduction to know each other’s names and know more about each other. Everybody was very friendly and super warm hearted especially during the bonding time. It got better and it soothed my nervousness after that.

Captain ball was super fun! The feeling was different to play it in school as compare with RBKD members, it’s probably the sound of laughter that I enjoy from fellow RBKD members. Dinner was great too!

Lastly, thank you Wyman for organising this activity and I look forward to joining another IPC soon!

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What: Cycling @ East Coast

When: 20th June 2011

Where: East Coast

Participant(s): Andy, Ethan, Eunice Ng, Eunice Zee, Hong Jun, Isabel Lim, Jun Yee, Krystal, Lionel, Yang Hwee, Yingmei

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Andy, Organiser:

Being a organiser is really hard work..need plan this plan that..really quite “ma fan” leh..But i guess it’s worth it..
Well, to be honest, i don’t really know anyone there and i was quite shy to talk… so ya…almost throughout the whole cycling thing,i was like listening to the conversation…

Hmm,got to say,i didn’t do a very good job,in terms of planning n stuffs…Well,i promise that there will be more fun in the next IPC…provided that i so suay become organiser again…haha..Just joking..

Enjoyed the 3+1 process:) A very good method in making new friends..Cheers:)

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Hong Jun, Participant:

The locations of the underpass to ECP never seem to register in my head despite been there for numerous times. Spent awhile looking for the underpass with several other young members, but in vain. Nevertheless, still managed to reach there punctual.

As what most cyclists would cover, the group pedaled along the coast, enjoying the breezes and chats with new friends. I kinda like the term “3+1”, which is the club’s introduction session. I thought its quite creative. I am like at least 10 years younger than most of them. Well, I guess age is never a barrier to knowing new friends. So, I would like to encourage those (especially guys) that has not tried participate in any IPC for whatever reasons to join. Forgive me if my entry sounds monotonous (Blogging is never my kind of stuff). Lastly, thanks to Andy for organizing the cycling IPC. =)

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What: EPL over, so let the soccer star in you shine

When: 19th June 2011

Where: Braddell Heights

Participant(s): Alberton, Andy, Berlin, Cherly, Lionel, Mandy and Samuel

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Lionel, Organiser:

Organizing the first ever soccer IPC for RBKD is a difficult but rewarding experience. Running the risk of not having sufficient people joining us, we finally managed to ‘sign’ 7 players for the game on 19th June!

Although soccer is mainly viewed as a guy’s sports, we have female players joining us as well and they are equally good in their footwork. Goals were a plenty, with Andy dazzling us with his Rooney-like dribbling and Samuel with striker’s instinct like Pedro. Of course the ladies were great with Cherly and Mandy scoring a handful as well.

At the end, we were all sweaty, tired but satisfied our thirst for soccer. Since we were next to nex, that’s where we went to satisfy our thirst and hunger. I believe the Ipc was fun and help our players know more about each other. Cheers to having more soccer ipcs !

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Cherly, Participant:

It was my first time attending IPC thus I felt kind of weird, not knowing anybody. However after RBKD’s 3 + 1 introduction, my impression changed. They were really friendly. There we go, starting our soccer match. Playing under the hot sun didnt deter us from slacking.

Being guys, as usual, performing tricks after tricks. Although soccer was traditionally a man’s sport, I can see us, the ladies fitting in without any problem. We changed team after a quota of goals were reached, the changing of teams lets us bond. The feeling of scoring goals and assisting my teammates was awesome.

Having IPCs is definitely is great way to gel newcomers like me. After this IPC, I’m certain this is not my last, with more coming my way.

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What: Play, Love, Have Fun, Sunshine

When: 15th June 2011

Where: Woodlands Waterfront Park

Participant(s): Alberton, Charmaine, Elaine, Eunice Ng, Huiping, Jiayi, Joyce, Junqi, Kahyin, Lydia, Madeline, Rachael, Yingmei, Yuechang, Yunxian and Zi Lei

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Joyce, Organiser:

Met everyone after alighting 5 stops after the actual bus stop! All were already enjoying the hot sun, playing with the playground, having their food under a shade! (I WANT TO PLAY SWING, but didn’t get to.) Not long after, we packed up and went to the jetty area.

We stopped in the middle, and played a game Zi Lei suggested which is called the “Zig, Zag, Zoom.” It was a test on reaction and speed, everyone was playing but it was too soft and the fingers were pointing in all directions! Tsktsk, so confusing! We moved on to the game called the “boom boom Chucky” , it was to test if one can actually see the “big picture” of the game, i guessed everyone had fun “bombing” one another.

I find it rather challenging to engage them in group talks because they were talking among themselves all the time! And my challenge was to make Madeline and Junqi talked more. HAHA. I hoped i did!

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Ying Mei, Participant:

Overall, this IPC was really fun! We almost couldn’t alight in time and Elaine was like “everyone quick alight!!” (Something like that). Phew! The place looked really remote and quiet and i didn’t even know there was such a place in Singapore!

We had a great picnic with food everyone brought. Me, Eunice, Isabel continued our attempts to ‘conquer’ the rope thing, although it was so scary. It was so so so so hot that day that some of us went into the toilet to chill though it was smelly too. We had 3+1 at the jetty area and played games like zig zag zoom and boom boom chucky. Many unglam shots were taken everywhere and I think our jump shots were quite failed as not everyone jumped in unison. I think I’m one of them. :p

I had a really fun day out and everyone was so hyper! I look forward to more such ipcs where everyone can just gather around, have fun, chat and play!!

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Yue Chang, Participant:

We met at the woodlands interchange at 12 before setting off to waterfront. Once we saw the playground inside, everyone wanted to play it, including me, was aiming for the swing, haha!

We took some photos in the playground area and had picnic. We walked to the place slightly before the jetty and started playing the traditional 3+1 intro game followed by some other games. XD

After that we walked to the jetty to spend the rest of the day there. The sun was so hot you could practically cook an egg! We took lots of jump shots at the jetty. The 360 degrees turn, the individual jump shots, so many shots! We started “picnic-ing” there at the jetty. Some of us stayed till night. We saw the round and big orange moon ascend. We then bid waterfront goodbye and went to banquet at causeway point to have a chat + drinks. :D

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What: Pulau Ubin Hike & Bike

When: 18th June 2011

Where: Pulau Ubin

Participant(s): Bengyan, Candice, Eunice Zee, Jean, Jiamin, Jun Yee, Peifang, Phyllis, Sandra, Serchee, Shirley, Shuwen and Xinyi

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Hiking Team

Sandra, Participant:

I joined the Pulau Ubin IPC , partly because of “The-In-Laws” and to make new friends ! It was awkward and still is slightly, but I enjoyed myself so much ! I chose to hike at first because the previous times I came to Ubin, I hardly realize I’m cycling further away from the rest so I thought it would be anti-social to cycle, so I chose to hike and hahaha donate blood (a bit too much blood). But after lunch, I chose to cycle the individual bike!

OH (!) and we had the whole boat to ourselves, both to-and-fro !!! I preferred the boat ride back because it was slightly less awkward and we were all busy laughing at Jean !!

I had so much fun and made many new friends! Lastly, 我的华文 Olevel 刚刚考完所以我的华文表达方式不好，rusty le hehehe 所以他们问我问题我reply in English!!! 可是我的Olevel华文口试要到了所以我会尽量讲华语。谢谢………alibaba gostan

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Cycling Team

Shu Wen, Participant:

We met up in the morning at Changi Village terminal. It was my first time to Ubin. Half of us decide to cycle and the rest decide to walk. I belonged to the cycling group. We spent some time choosing our bicycle. Deciding which route should we take and off we go.

We cycled on rocky road and slopes. Jean was made to cycle back, reason being was, if you hear HA-HA-HA-HA-HA, you will know that she is not lost. Half way through we decide to head for Chek Jawa hoping to see plants and creatures. Parked our bicycle out the gate of Chek Jawa and we saw wild boar. A small incident cropped up when we parked our bicycle. Phyllis knock over one bicycle and the rest of the bicycles fell down one by one like domino effect. We just stared as each bicycle fell and go Ha-Ha-Ha. End up we had to lift about 10 bicycles up.

Head back to the starting point to meet up with the rest for lunch. Having zi char with a big group is great, you get to eat different kind of dishes. From Ubin owned grown vegetable to meat and hot plate Toufu.

Cycling at Ubin was no joke. Those uphill slopes are soooo steep. You want to CHIONG up the slope but end up half way pushing it up. Jean was like HA-HA-HA-ing almost the whole journey. Ended up laughing along with no energy to chiong up the slopes. But if you can’t get past the uphill slope you can’t enjoy the downhill slope. And it was super SHIOK when you’re on the downhill. At the end of the day, you get butt pain and muscle ach all over but the enjoyment and laughter is worth it.

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