CATHING UP
During this period of time I was engrossed in two separate sessions of lengthy conversations with Yap Say Peng who told me about his life in Singapore after leaving SSP and Tong Siew Bee who talked about her teenage children. One of them aspires to be a writer and I shared with her my attempt.
Then my SMR buddies Yeo Sek Aip and Tee Kian Tee came over to catch with me. The moment I uttered ‘Ah Chiew’ (Yeo Sek Aip’s nickname), thirty-two years of separation seemed to have melted away instantaneously. After that, my Bin Chong primary school classmate Yeoh Chan Huat, the top boy in my class who thwarted all my attempts to challenge his position told me about his decision to quit auditing to run a sundry shop in Pontian– a tough decision to make, after getting an accounting degree in Singapore University. I am glad for him that it turned out to be a smart move which has strengthened his current financial standing. With him was Lee Beng Huat who trailed slightly behind me in Bin Chong. Graduated late at the age of 35, I was running scared all by myself in Singapore with little prospect of a stable job. This old friend of mine who took pity on me due to my plight showed up, drove to the out-of-the-way Anglican Church headquarter to get me an application form for the position of Admin Officer. As a result, my life began to stabilize.
Who but our trusted old friends would extend a helping hand to us in times of desperation?
Too much has happened in that one evening of reunion. My being oblivious to the programs on stage I deem understandable.
LUCKY DRAW
While engrossed in deep conversations with several people, I was vaguely aware of the commencement of the Lucky Draw on stage with the MC’s announcement. The Invocator thanked all contributors of the prices and door gifts including Tan Meng Kwang, Koh Mui Chen and Tong Siew Bee. Teachers were invited to perform the draws and the lucky winners included Lee Chai Eng, Tan Bay Wah, Irene Chuang, Koh Mui Cheng and Chin Sik Fong who won the grand price contributed by Tan Meng Kwang – a set of Ultrasonic Spa Equipment with 2 bottles of Essential Oils worth S$2400. The Invocator mentioned that she deserved to win as reward for starting the idea of our reunion. Many crowded around the stage to witness the draw which was a cheerful interlude from dining and chatting. Two persons from my table won too. Tan Bay Wah shrieked in delight when her name was called. She came back with a lovely bracelet but found it too small for her wrist to her dismay. I slipped it on and waved my arm to make the costume jewelry sparkle in the down-lights, jokingly announced that perhaps it was meant for me for it fitted perfectly. Incidentally, Koh Mui Cheng – also seated at my table, was the price contributor and she agreed to exchange it for another item which would be wearable for the winner. At that moment, Koh Mui Cheng herself also won a price.
I was glad to hear someone commented that the inclusion of this program was evidence that the reunion was well organized because there were members who cared enough to make gift/prize contributions and a member (Tan Soo Gek) who volunteered to coordinate the Lucky Draw.
BIRTHDAY CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY
Five SSP76 members born in the month of December – Chan Kok Keong, Tan Soo Gek, Lee Chaw Leng, Tey Siam Cheng and Tan Soi Moi represented the group to perform the ceremony. All members joined in to sing the birthday song after which five candles were lighted and then blown off jointly by the representatives as they beamed under the floral decorated arch on the left of the stage. The cake looked so luscious that I wish I was not seated so far back as to have missed having a slice (Sigh…). Moreover, to partake it would be symbolic of being one with the reunion group (Sigh again…actually, I have sweet tooth!).
GROUP PHOTO SESSION
There was a commotion when group photo taking was announced. All small groups broke up as all participants got ready for this moment of significance as it would capture the monumental event on film for future remembrance. The MC had no problem this time to draw the audience’s attention; all crowded around the stage voluntarily to prevent the regrettable event of accidental exclusion from a particular grouping to which they belong.
Firstly, photos were taken for each class from 5SA to 5AD with teachers who had taught it. These were followed by sessions for various primary and lower secondary schools including TMIS, SMTK, SMR, SMPN, SMPC and finally a session for the Organizing Committee. The excitement of the program or perhaps the event itself climaxed during the grand finale – the all-participants group photos which the hired photographer took seriously with a keen sense of urgency. He implored us not to break up while he moved tables and chairs for shoots from various angles. From the stage, Gay Bing Shyan – a professional photographer gave him directions on how to take the best pictures loudly before he appointed himself the official photographer free-of- charge for the group’s next reunion! – the final touch of goodwill and appreciation for the formation of our reunion group - SSP76!!
With that, the formal reunion dinner had concluded to everyone’s satisfaction.
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