CHMA '08

So I went to the Catholic High Music Awards on the 19th of July this year. CHMA it's abbreviated as, something I like to pronounce as schma against the general consensus. So I sometimes do this-

Me: "Hey, you going for schma this year?"

Friend: "Going for what?"

Me: "Schma."

Friend: "What?!"

Me: "Schma!"

Friend: "What's that about?"

Me: "You know, the event that happens annually in our dear secondary school. The event that's more of a lights show than a music event? One of those unfortunate "music" events where you wish the sound system wasn't so loud and the mics were down? Where everything is superbly done, just that the behaviour of the crowd (and sometimes the performers) and the standard of the performances is poor?"

Friend: "Oh, you mean C-H-M-A?"

Me: "Yep, my friend, schma."

It was especially bad this year. The iMedia were brilliant as usual in their organisation and stage design and promotional video, but I'm afraid the music just didn't cut it. Label it "Family Day Get-together Day", or "Catholic High Lights Display" but a music event would be pushing it. A scream contest could have been more apt when the "rock bands" strutted their "stuff". And the host was generally alright, except that he had a stupid name, was awkward most of the time, tried to be smart, tried to copy some of Mark Tan's moves, was a pain to listen to, and to conclude- couldn't quite host. Well I do acknowledge that it takes guts to go up to stage and host an event like that, but it takes talent too. The cringing I did while he was up there sure took a toll on me.

I'm sorry that I'm lambasting the event the way I am, but it's a culmination of the disappointment I experienced while back at my alma-mater and the horror that was the 2 or odd hours spent at CHMA '08. I mean sure, I wouldn't have minded if it could have just remained the way it was - a musical showcase. And I stress upon 'musical', because the "rock bands" were horrid. Perhaps it was just me, but I'm quite sure the only ones lapping up this "music" were the rowdy idiots "moshing" at a darned corner of the hall. And I'm left utterly, utterly disappointed by the behaviour that was exhibited by the "gentlemen and bilingual scholars" the school seeks to cultivate. Elaborating on such dastardly, despicable and irresponsible behaviour would be unnecessary. But it gnawed deep in me, these actions and the state of the students.


They obviously lack the reverend guiding presence that is me. hahaha.




Tradition that runs in our green blood (albeit not a very original practice).




When winners are undeserving, and elation is not worth having.


I was relieved when musical acts like the one by Marcus, Marcus and Han Xun came on, though there were few and far between (the maddening farces).

Otherwise, CHMA '08 was a good chance to catch up with friends long unseen, unheard and erm, untouched. (Photos all courtesy of tweijie by the way. Thanks pal!)



My Sec 1 and 2 classmate, John.


Wei Jie, the resident photographer for every event, almost.


Eugene Low, NJ canoeist. About the only description that matters to him I'd suppose?


Edwin, NJ canoeist and the worst friend one could possibly have. Trust me.


This is Henry, who is currently in the same class as me. One of the few who actually know me.



This is an idiot, and that is what idiots do. Otherwise known rather affectionately as Ma Liang. But an idiot, still, that derives affections out of pity. For he is afterall, an idiot.


This is Wilson, and he is a failure in life. Other than that, he's quite alright to be around with.








Friends are important in life, especially when you never bring money.
So much as I seem as though I treat my friends very badly, I implore you not to base my stance on friendship on something as trivial as a post like this.

There, a proper post in a looong time.