Le Stelle Stasera *

2003-12-06 5:13 p.m.

NJC’s Prom Night/Senior’s Farewell was in my prediction days before hand, going to be the “worst of times”, but in fact, it turned out to be the “best of times”. (Well, not exactly the best, but it was close enough for me.) I must say, it far exceeded my expectations and dreams.

Right, before I launch into a recollection of that wonderful evening, let’s reveal some stuff first. I know I’ve been asking how much people have been spending for the event, and I guess it’s my turn to say my total expenditure. Ok, let’s see: a $30 tie (silk tie mind you), $50 on my uh, teeth (you don’t need to know the details), $ 10.60 on two rolls of film—which I never full used up. The rest was sort of present, shirt, pants, shoes, belt, suit—some of you know where I got from. So in total, I guess it’s only a small fraction of what other’s bothered to spend—especially the girls. Nevertheless, I tried everything on Thursday night and it seemed just right.

Let’s move back further from the event itself. It was just on Monday when I got the most unwelcoming surprise through a message sent by my class rep—whose name need not be mentioned here. It said something like, oh you’re not included in our table as we combined with A03 and there are only three tables. Then the message updated itself and said oh but A04 said they would ****. The *** was never revealed as my inbox was full. However, judging from my conversation with Lucas a week or so before, I had a good idea what the rest of the message was. Well, I placed it behind me and thought that at least a seat for me would do.

A few hours before the event before, I started to get overly anxious. The last time I ever experienced that was during my A Levels. To calm myself, I played some love songs on my computer. Yeah, love songs to get into the mood for the night. Then around mid afternoon, I exchanged a barrage of SMSes with Chih Hung, who was already in position with his class. The details, well, are too filled with rubbish to mention over here.

So, I arrived at Meritius Mandarin at 1735, with a light drizzle to greet me. Would the event be as weary as the weather, I asked myself silently. The lobby was filled with about a dozen people, none whom I recognized. Then I remembered I planned to rendezvous with Luke at 1745. Being early, I did what I always do, reconnaissance of the area. Well, I actually didn’t need to do that as I’ve been to the ball room twice before in my life—both times for UN seminars. So I headed up and checked out the seating plan. The names created for some tables were really ingenious. Satisfied, I head back down and waited for Luke. By 1748, he still was no where to be seen. Scouted the lobby some more, only to find that the toilet was closed. How convenient. By 1800, more students trouped in. Well, I could tell that they were students from their casual dress sense. Seems like everyone either wanted to change into their gowns/suits in the hotel or that at least half the school booked hotel suites for the night. I settled on the second idea after seeing many head for the lifts. By 1810, familiar faces like Brynnar, Jonathan Ho and Mark Yang. “Hellos” were exchanged, for the first time in a long time, but I guess it was sort of magical atmosphere that made every friendly. Well, not everyone, I reminded myself. By 1815, the lobby was bursting with suits, spaghetti straps, strapless dresses, ties and shawls. So I just became part of the mass of individuals happily chatting away. Still Mr. Indran was no where to be seen. Never mind, I had my own problems to worry about. I still had a certain feeling that my seat wasn’t going to be where it was.

So I headed up again and down for no purpose. Councilors brushed past me, all wearing black. By 1829, I had enough of the waiting, and head up for the last time. If the lobby was crowded, then the reception area outside the ballroom was no better. The first teacher I bumped into was Ms Ng, but she was to busy to talk with. So I stayed by the side and watched people float in. By 1836, we were packed like sardines. I escaped into the gents and splashed water on my face. Pull yourself together; I told myself, just enjoy yourself and accepting as they come. Exiting the room, I saw a certain bunch of individuals who best not be named. Oh yeah, I thought, this will be your night, running into such people. I turned away and found Kenneth and chatted with him for a while. By 1845, people were trying their best not to trip over each other, but more were moving into the ballroom itself. By 1900, I entered, greeted by slow moving strobe lights and darkness. The last time I experienced such a setting was in the Blue Room at the top of Shangri-la. Found tables 2 and 3 without difficulty and decided to wait for the others to sit first. The wait was not long as Philibert and Lucas appeared. Greetings were exchanged and if I remember correctly, Bert said something like “This is the night to be friends”. Well, I don’t know why, but I felt much better after that. Lucas was wearing some read shirt which looked like what a traditional Chinese man would wear and Bert was in a dark coloured suit without a tie. Then the others arrived, mainly the girls followed by the rest of the guys. Almost all the guys were in dark coloured suits—Chih Hung was in a sort of dirty grey suit—and most of them were without ties. Nevertheless everyone was smart looking. The girls—well it would hard to call them girls, ladies would be a much better word—were at their best. Deborah and Serene were in some pink dress, Amandae was in a red gown that looked distinctively familiar, Ruifen was in black gown, Joanna wore a white gown, Grace and Lou, were in pink and black respectively. Then Debbie came with someone whom I would later find out was here boy friend. She was in some light grey dress. Anyway, it was great to have such marvelous company and I started to feel that it would turn out even better that my ACS Grad night two years ago. I only sat down for a minute or so when everyone started to take photos. So I became camera man for A04 that night, taking pictures for many different groups. Got of one picture with me and Chih Hung with Joanna taking it but somehow the flash didn’t work. That’s the problem with bringing a three year old Minolta camera. Then the lights came on and the picture taking gathered speed. I was so busy taking pictures for them that I forgot to get some pictures with me in it. If I remember correctly, CH once told me earlier that if I could get a picture with all the girls from his class and wrap my hands around them, he would pay me some sum. Of course, I wasn’t so silly as to do that. Squeezed of one picture with Lucas and me—without my suit on. Then the lights dimmed and the MC kept on asking everyone to settle down but no one seemed in the mood for food. At around 1920, there was a problem with our table because three other girls were included with us. However, it was left to Joe to handle it while the rest busied themselves with photo taking or talking. Joseph has always been a good negotiator, in debate and in other areas, and after about half an hour of arguing, they added two more chairs so the other girls could fit in. It was a tight squeeze but no one seemed bothered, with the relaxed and jovial mood floating around. SO in the end, the A04 girls, Yong Jian and Debbie’s friend were at table three, while the guys, me and the two other girls were at table 3.

The first course came, the normal cold cuts and chicken pieces one would get at any Chinese meal. Before that, the guys made a pact with Table 2 to pass over any leftover food to us. That happened for almost every course after that, except desert. Introductions were made—because of the two new outsiders—and hearty conversation followed. The discussion soon shifted to the subject of Prom King and Queen. A debated ensued, and in the end Joe wrote down someone in my class and Derrick Glass for Prom King. Can’t exactly remember who we nominated for Prom Queen, but I think it was Jiing Shyuan and Liqing. Then Marianne came over and she was wearing a dress the same colour as Lucas’ shirt. Suddenly, the photo taking was revived and she was the centre of attraction, smiling with Lou, Grace, Lucas and a host of other individuals. I sort of stayed out of the way until the end, when I took a picture of she, Lucas and Chih Chih and she called me for a picture with her. I must say I have yet to find the perfect way to smile for camera shots, but that was not my concern for the night. The photo taking continued even as soup—if you could call it soup—was served. Yoke Pui, Liqing and Clarissa joined in and I once again resumed my role as camera man. Oh yes, Ruo Hui, too, who was so busy posing with Lou. You know it’s amazing how girls can wear all the glitter and make up. Maybe I’m just not used to these sort of appearances. Ruo Hui was in all black with large earrings. Then Jiing Shyuan came in and our corner became a bit crowded. I stepped aside and observed the situation. Chih Hung was posing happily with Jiing Shyuan, Lou and Grace were doing the same, the rest of the girls were in deep conversation, and the boys were scattered. It wasn’t really anything to deal with an anti social attitude or anything, maybe it’s just the feeling to let others have their own interaction. It was at this point that Chih Hung whispered, “Hey, there’s 1.5m over there.” I turned and saw the person he was referring too and quickly glanced away. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, it best be unknown. No one is going to spoilt my mood tonight, I thought, not after such lovely company around me. Another time, he whispered tome, pointing to Lou and saying something like, why don’t you get her picture. Oh heck , I thought, later.

The next course was Duck/Chicken—they all taste the same to me. In between, the final names for Prom Queen and King came out, with Michael Enriquez, Mervyn Lek and Derrick in the list, and Liqing (no surprise), Anastasia, and Biyou for Prom Queen. The Last name gave me and CH a shock, as she’s one of our fellow debaters. Then again, she was already classified as one of the prettiest girls in debate. For the selection, the boys had to try to woo Liqing with their charm and moves. Pretty hilarious in my opinion, and it reminded me of the old days when a knight chased after a stunning princess. For the girls, the MC called my old fellow Scout mate Keith to judge who had the longest legs. Can’t remember what exactly transpired as I was busy polishing off the chicken. Then a lucky draw was announced but I knew no one would call the number 0683. In fact that was a unanimous decision at our table.

The rest of the time was spent by photo taking or talking, and it began to get weary. I headed off to find the teachers and maybe get a picture with them, but it just seemed to crowded. Headed out to the lobby again, and nearly bumped into Deborah and Serene. Saw another bunch of familiar faces and headed in another direction. Talked to one of the fellow debaters and decided, it was time to try a different track. This came as I ventured to the right side of the room and found Feng Yi, one of my longest friends, and Kenneth. Both were more that happy to have a picture with me. Again, my camera posed a problem, but at least this time it flashed. Following that, a short video clip made by my old friend Edmund was flashed, revealing moments in NJC.

Oh, I didn’t mention that new faces appeared along side both our tables. One whom I recognized was Erich, the old Lignum House Rep and from 01A04. Yeah, met him briefly last year but he still remembered me. I digress over here for a while. I never met any of my seniors from 01A05, and I doubt my class ever bothered to stay close to them. Guess what I saw was the closeness of relationships. Another lucky draw occurred, but I paid no heed to it and instead got CH to take a picture with me, Lucas and Marianne. The next picture, if I remember correctly, was with Nicholas and he said, “thanks man, do send me the picture.” I promised I would but felt something else, there real true warmth of friendship that I have not encountered else for long. The dishes shifted from prawns in some sweet sauce, to mushrooms and broccoli and to fried rice. Increasingly, more food came over from table 2, but neither was our table that empty. The Prom King and Queen contest came back with five pairs left, including Biyou and Liqing. True school spirit came about when the SJI boys from my table cheered for Mike and Mervyn (I think). Yeah, the questions were sort of Miss Universe style, one on asking which came first, knowledge or wisdom. Another was regarding what makes a stable relationship. Not the sort of questions for me though.

People scattered hoping the results would come quickly. My table was abandoned and everyone drifted away, lost in their own quest. I stopped and observed the scene one more time. Dazzling lights, multi-coloured shawls, sparkling faces, gelled hair, different shades of ties, one could not expect anything more. Cheerful smiles, polished shoes, high heels, golden sandals and not forgetting the variety of cameras clicking away. Incidentally, I clearly remembered CH saying that his class wanted to win the best dressed class award. They were, as I mentioned earlier dressed to their best, however, that award never materialized at all. Disappointing, but they didn’t just dress to win the award. They just had a special, how would you say, spirit with them. The evening was indeed an excellent one.

I digress too much. After an agonizing wait, the results came: Jerry Lee was the Prom King and Lee Liqing was the Prom Queen. I don’t know jerry, but nevertheless clapped along. When Liqing’s name was mentioned, the whole Arts Faculty went wild. Ok, maybe, not the whole, but A04, A02 and A01 did a standing ovation for her. I think A01 was indeed quite pleased with themselves that night; with Anastasia winning a lucky draw prize and getting into the top five for Prom Queen, Clarissa, as one of the Prom Queen nominees and of course Liqing. I guess it was kind of expected for her to win it. CH once told me that she was the prettiest girl in the Arts Faculty. I never bothered to take notice of that comment until that night.

Post Prom preparations actually were mapped out during prom itself. I had already settled on Mike’s party at INDUS3—or however you spell it. Seems a coincidence that CH and gang decided on the same pub too. Thought they were going somewhere else. Oh did I mention they played the mass dance song at the end? None of us wanted it, but somehow, no one listened. Wanted to get final photos with Debbie and some others but never got around asking them. Don’t know why. The last photo was with Wee Jian and CH but my camera was not used then. Really wanted to thank every member of A04 individually but most had dispersed by then. In the end, shook hands with Nic and Lucas and got a bear hug from CH, one of our typical farewell hugs.

Thanked Debbie after that and she questioned me about NS. Seems like her friend had already gone through it. OK, now the story of the pub. Was one of the first to arrive there as the rest went to changed back at the hotel. Was tempted to ask whether I could leave my suit and door gift in their room but decided to carry them in the end.

Now, I have never entered a pub before. So sad is my life you would say. Yeah, anyway, my ears were blasted the minute I stepped into the dim lit area. Did a quick walk around, and discovered that it was not what I imagined it to be. Finally settled down at the bar and asked for the lighted drink. OK, I had zero experience in ordering drinks but the lady gave me something. It was of course alcoholic and I took my time with it. By 2348, I got bored. The real NJ crowd came around 0005, which included familiar faces and CH &Co. Now, I have seen the wild side of CH through out my times with him, but never so much as to see him dance for at least 30 minutes flat. Left my drink in a corner and joined in, figuring out it was better to get dizzy than to get drunk. It turned out that I was not the sort to stay moving for half an hour. Ended up in a cycle, dancing for five minutes, drinking and resting for ten. The strobe lights made things horrible and good at the same time, horrible in that you can see people clearly and good because you can easily change partners. That happened to me twice but I won’t mention who.

Another problem with strobe lights and the darkness was that you can lose people easily. That happened once with Debbie, and her friend and me spent about five minutes finding her. By 0035, it was too crowded. I sat down and snapped two pictures of the general scene—don’t know how they would come out. Found Chi Hoong, VP of Debate after that. We both found common traits in that we were both new to pub drinking and dancing. By 0110, I was contemplating whether to leave early. Bored, I fired off a SMS to Lucas which said “Now I know what is meant by over indulgence”. Dance a few more times till 0120 where I hung out at the bar table. Seats changed quickly, from Joe and Chi Hoong to Debbie and Amandae and Andrew. Oh, did I mention how intimate people get at pubs like these? Yeah, won’t mention names, but there was a lot of skin touching—both accidental and intentionally. It was around this time that Mr. Chan (the bigger one) ordered a whole jug of beer and shared it with Mr. Foo. It was also at this time where CH finished a cup of brownish looking juice and Amandae called me to look after their cameras and purses. I was happy to accept and would give me more time to soak in the surroundings. By this time, the DJ asked the crowd to raise their hands if they weren’t wearing underwear or something to that degree. Of course, being youngsters, people replied. I wonder what Mrs. Cheng would have said if she was there?

By 0205, things were quieter. Joe ordered some lemons and we all sucked on them. My drink wasn’t half gone so I asked for a glass of water. Tried unsuccessfully to communicate with Debbie and Amandae and finally left the bar at 0215 for a final dance and a quick exit.

Waited for my car at Hotel Phoenix, which was good too, for my ears needed to be clear of the disco music. It’s a wonder why A04 can manage such stuff. Well, not all of them were there too, but it was fun in a way. As I slept for the rest of the morning, I had a dream about Prom. Sort of improved it with more performances and dedications, dreamt of a larger ballroom with space to tango and son on. Then saw myself presenting the ward for best dressed or some sort. Can’t remember the whole dream—it actually didn’t end properly, but the finalist were all from the Arts Faculty.

In closing, I guess there are certain groups to thank for such a night to remember. Ms Ng, the councilors and the other teachers, the MC, Mike for his party and last but not least A04 for being so gracious and entertaining that night.

As usual, I end of with a song (although the entry is long). A famous one, a song which girls would immediately recognize.

LYRICS: This is the Night

Cause every kiss is a kiss you can never get back

Lift me up in your arms
If you told me that's where heaven is
(Well, you'd be right)
I've been waiting forever for this
This is the night

When the answer to all my dreams
Is as close as a touch away
Why am I here holding back what I'm trying to say

Lift me up in your arms
If you told me that is where heaven is
(Well, you'd be right)
Hold me close to your heart
I will go with you to the end of the Earth
(And we'll fly)
I've been waiting forever for this
This is the night

This is the night where we capture forever
And all out tomorrows begin
After tonight we will never be lonely again

Lift me up in your arms
If you told me that is where heaven is
(Well, you'd be right)

Hold me close to your heart
I would go with you to the end of the Earth

(And we'll fly)
I've been waiting forever for this
This is the night

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