I Was a Teacher’s Pet

Last weekend was my second visit to Kuala Kangsar for the LaPassion Project. I met a few teacher throughout the 2 days training, on and off the field. As for the boys, they’re coping with the training easily. It was either fit or I was being easy on them. The U15s are doing quite well. I can see some unpolished gems on the field. Really can’t wait for their first cap.

Anyway, this post is not about the boys, it’s about my trip to my alma matter, The Malay College. It’s quiet a surprise that most the teachers still remember me, I’d have to thank my ‘English’ name for that. (more…)

Me, MCOBA.org and MCOBA ICT

Not in picture: Camus (taking the picture)

Last Friday I attended a MCOBA ICT meeting. We were tasked to complete MCOBA.org. Then came the long debate of Joomla vs Drupal. It’s not an easy decision. Having used both platform for my previous web projects, both shines in their own special way. Joomla is a plug and play but can be very frustrating at times. Drupal is for hardcore developer but we have very little time to develop the site.

As the discussion progresses, we know we were heading no where. Camus, the head of MCOBA ICT suggested we should wrap up and just leave the decision to me. Everyone agreed. I am now officially part of the MCOBA ICT Committee. Ehh… wait a minute, I went to the meeting just to spur some ideas, not join to you guys geeks! Anyway, as the appointed Leader for the MCOBA.org project, I hope team members can give their utmost cooperation in developing the site. (Who said I hate power?)

I guess Camus and other senior MCOBA ICT are too tied up with work. They’ve done so much, I guess its about time to pass the baton and let others carry it. I won’t let you down. (MCOBA.org, will be a good portfolio don’t you think?)

Other Info : MCOBA ICT Committee Meeting - January 2008 [offsite.mcoba.org]

Now I really need to compose myself really well. I have a lot of things to shuffle, work, coaching, paperwork for new business, batch, personal projects, mcoba ict & personal fitness. Thank God I don’t have any girl to give me headaches. Phewww.

PS: Those who are interested in joining the MCOBA.org Project, please contact me. I need a limitless photoshop-er and a server admin (can deal with dedicated server). Oh yeah, you have to be MCKK old boys. Currently interested, Izrin and Shoul from Class of 2000.

PSS: Why do I write a lot about my SCHOOL?

The First Training - U15 Rugby 2008

I just got back from Kuala Kangsar after our first training session. On the way back, I can’t help to contain overwhelmed excitement within. Being a coach is something new for me. 8 years ago, I never imagined that I would come back and taunt these boys.

Preet, preet, preeeeeet! Follow my whistle! Again, preet, preeet, preet, preet. You in white, lower your ass. Come on guys, don’t do it half heartedly.

Yup, that’s me throughout the training. Since they failed to do 10 push ups properly, I keep adding repetitions until they look neat to me. Back in my days, 50 push ups (or sit ups) is almost nothing. Whining is inevitable amongst the boys, which is bad. Rugby is do-or-die game, if you can’t keep up, you better quit.

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MCKK Rugby Project 2010

I will be spending my weekends of 2008 mostly on the field above. That’s the prep school field at MCKK. The field will be my training ground to breed a new rugby legacy. This project is called, the All-Blacks X. MCVCX.

• All Blacks is our rugby team name. We wear all blacks on the field and not because of the NZ team.
• X in roman numerical means 10. It would’ve been MMX, but that sounds like a Pentium2 line.
• MC = the Malay College, VC = Vajiravudh College.

After 2 solid years, talking and pooling for ideas, my partner (mache) and I have decided to set our foot firm on this project. Our aim is simple, to win against Vajiravudh in 2010 (on their home ground, in Bangkok Thailand) and other along-side victories will be considered as bonuses.

MCKK-Vajiravudh is an annual rugby meeting. Its’ history goes way back to 1940’s* (I’m just guessing). So far, we’ve only won twice, both on our ground, Kuala Kangsar. This is quite an impossible task considering the difference in food intake, training received and most importantly, the age (honestly it’s U-17 vs U-18).

To win this, we have to plan 3 years ahead, from 2008 to 2010. There will be problems throughout these 3 years. The identified ones include financial, man power, professional consult, rugby gears and supplements. Along the course of the project, I will be taking note of their weight, height and 50m dash. I will compute and apply the law of physics to improve their performance. As for the tactical aspect, I will provide flash presentations for better understanding. Also not to forget, to monitor their progress as a student (which governs discipline, education and other activities). All in all, this project will utilize multimedia technologies, scientifically-proven training method & food intake.

In a few weeks time, I will be setting up the website and will start pooling for more ideas from others (as well as seeking financial help). There will also be merchandise to support the project.

The idea came to us, as we were talking about our rugby match against Vajiravudh in the year 2000 in Bangkok. We lost 17-19. Though very marginal, a lost is a lost. If only the match lasted another 5 minutes, if only it was on our ground, if only we trained harder… if and if, would only go as far as if.

Note: We are not in for the money, in fact there’s hardly any cash for the project. Everything will be coming out from our own pocket. We are doing this, because of the speret koleq instilled upon us, nothing more. I can be contacted at 012 213 3155 or email edwinmasripan[at]gmail.com if you have further inquiries or wish to help fund this project.

Now, I can’t hardly wait to blow my first whistle.. preet~ run!… preet~ jog!… preet~ down 50!… you know the drill.