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Posts Tagged ‘vjc’

Seeing the school with new eyes

04 Apr

Skip lessons for half a day to immerse ourselves in another half day’s worth of an introductory course to photojournalism? It was certainly more than an equitable trade-off!

Sure, the course instructors didn’t deliver everything they promised—we never got to learn how to write captions and spent most of the time in a lecture about photography and taking pictures, around the school, no less, while some of the other students got to go on fieldtrips down the road less travelled, like Old Kallang Airport. But contrary to our expectations, the lecture didn’t really bore us out because it informed us about some information about cameras and photography we had always been curious about (for example—what’s the difference between an SLR and a DSLR?). For a moment, there was an excited buzz around the room when our course instructor mentioned that we could, if we had the capital for a $1500 camera specially for taking sport photography, snap and sell photos to publications for about $1000 a picture and we all realized we could pay off our university education fees as photographers. Well, why didn’t the higher education committee mention this? Who needs scholarships anymore? (I jest.)

Staying in school wasn’t a complete dampener. We were given a bit of time to wander about our school to snap some photographs of a chosen theme, such as those with lines, shadows, plants or frames around the subject. It was truly exciting for the amateur shutterbug, even one with an ordinary digital camera, to take a picture with this theme in mind and see it transform into something slightly closer to the product of professionals. Roaming the school with a camera in hand was pretty exciting too, especially for us graduating seniors who got to view the school in a new light with the objective of seeing something beautiful and snap-worthy in mind. Suddenly, the corridors we trod along towards the chemistry labs or the garden that we often ignored as we hurried towards the canteen to beat the queues were something we took a second look at and something that we decided was worthy of inclusion into the little collection we were amassing.

At the end of the course, I had on my mind the delicate lilac flower we almost missed out on seeing, an apt metaphor for the beauty in our school campus our eyes almost always pass over unseeingly as we hurry towards the ends of our timetables for the last period and the final hour of our CCA meetings. It was a tour around the school we had always known and now knew even deeper.

Some of the better pictures my group took:

Photojournalism was an activity at Arts Day. Tell us how yours went!

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Open Mic Night: Performers

27 Mar

You’ve seen the promotional video. You’ve heard all about it. And you might have even purchased a ticket already!

Now Subjectif presents… the performers for Open Mic Night 2011!

‎Josiah Ong (10A11) will sing What Are Words by Chris Medina, a song that expresses how we should always honor the words we say, and that they don’t only matter in good times when they’re easiest to say, but how we should pull through in keeping our words no matter what. Words mean a lot; they can build you up or they can tear you down. What matters most is saying the right things to build others up.

People always wonder, why is VJC such an exciting place all the time. Behold! The solution for our energy formula–It’s all BECAUSE OF YOU! Check out our whole new cover of this classic tune, with refreshing new tastes! Feed up your ears, Shiqi on vocals, Liang Ou on piano, bingqing on guitar, Yundi on flute, we rock all BECAUSE OF YOU!

Who is Jonathan Mark MacPherson (11S43)? Just think Kumar without the drag, and perhaps with twice the insult at all things Singaporean. Yup it’s Jon Mark, comedian inextraordinaire . Let him tickle you with upfront and outrageous patronage, making light of all things serious. Jokes and stereotypical stories galore, everything from Blondes to lawyers, Blondes, Marriage, Blondes, Religion, Blondes and many more!

Many a time the acts that catch our eyes are the visually stunning ones such as those put on by superstars like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Brenda Yik (11S43) feels that the songs that are truly worth listening to are those that speak directly to your soul. Keane is a British alternative band that produces mellow yet catchy songs, she’ll be singing “Somewhere Only We Know”.

Vanessa Neubronner (11A11) will be performing Moondance, a Van Morrison song popularised by Michael Buble on keyboard and vocals.

Richard’s band is a five man act showcasing nuanced acoustic renditions of popular music with a combination of acoustic and nylon stringed guitar arrangements, complimented by harmonizing vocals. It’s members are Jonathan (10V11) and Kurum on vocals with Richard, Darius and Daniel (10V14) on guitars. Our act is a mashup of Rocketeer by The Far East Movement and Grenade by Bruno Mars.

‎Rishvinder Singh. Myle Yan Tay. These two people have a lot to say. In fact, they have too much to say. About everything. And they’ll have to make these complaints hilarious, so that you don’t fall asleep. So that you, yes YOU, will laugh. If you don’t laugh, they’ll throw eggs at you. No they’re not doing stand-up comedy. They’re just being truthful. Blatantly truthful.

Zhao Zhiqing from 11V15 will be doing a Chinese dance called WIND.

Vincent Lum from 11S43 will be doing an acoustic version of ‘Creep’ by Radiohead.

Just a guy and his guitar, singing under a bridge for anyone who would pass by, anyone who would hopefully listen to him, even if it’s just for a second. Will you? Derong Ang will be singing Yellow – Coldplay and Yesterday – The Beatles

So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets from any Subjectif member right away!

Tickets: $5

The Living Room

30 March (Arts Day) 6.30-8.30pm

Open Mic Night 2011 is brought to you by Subjectif

 
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The Singapore Biennale 2011!

22 Mar

The Singapore Biennale has thrown its doors open to visitors once more between 13 March 2011 and 15 May 2011. Themed Open House, the Singapore Biennale 2011 is held at five different sites. Having spent much time during the March Holidays not only visiting some of the sites like Old Kallang Airport and Singapore Art Museum, I can say that there are quite a few treats in store for anyone who is willing to invest an afternoon and some cash, perhaps (five dollars for students at all sites except the free admission at Marina Bay and Old Kallang Airport).

One of the most talked about works is Tatsu Nishi’s The Merlion Hotel— a work that amalgamates the highly public profile of our national icon and the highly private and intimate setting of the hotel room. Nothing beats the enthrallment one feels of setting their eyes on the luxurious décor of the room when the staff on hand throws open the doors for visitors to enter, or of gazing upon the face of the Merlion at the Merlion Park and even being able to touch the 40 year old Shanghai plaster of the Merlion (don’t lean on it too hard though, or try to leave your indelible mark in ink on it!). It’s definitely a visit that one should make even if you are not interested in art to get up close and personal with the Merlion, even it is just for a few minutes. Those seeking to snuggle in bed under the gaping mouth of the statue just for $150 (complete with breakfast from the Fullerton) should hold their horses in disappointment, though—the hotel has been completely booked. Be prepared to wait outside for a while, for the hotel can only hold twenty at a time.

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Kyungah Ham’s Hiroshima Nagasaki at Old Kallang Airport promises an experience not only pleasing to the eye but also thought provoking—her embroideries hung on the walls of the galleries were commissioned by North Korean factories, containing images subject to the strict censorship of the reclusive North. As a South Korean, this work can be seen as an attempt to communicate across the barbed wires dividing the two nations, with words like ‘I’m Sorry’ and ‘I’m Hurt’, as well as an attempt to create a form of cultural transfer, like introducing South Korean contemporary slang terms to the North Koreans through commissioning the North Koreans to produce them on the embroideries. The work is certainly exquisite, with the burst of bright colours catching one’s eye and the almost photograph like embroideries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings not only drawing one’s attention but also acting as a lasting reminder of the end of the World War that had precipitated the division of the two Koreas.

Another piece worth looking, in my opinion, is A Reasonable Man in a Box by Jill Magid. It is an entirely different experience, based on the controversial interrogation methods of Al Qaeda operatives by placing them in a confinement box after telling them they have placed a scorpion there. The mere mention of this spider can induce hysteria as the imagination of these detainees work frenziedly and furiously. The extent to which the scorpion could be (and in some cases was) a figment of the imagination is explored in this piece—the surprise comes when you visit the box with no preconception of what may happen. For those seeking a auditory delight, Frequency and Volume is a highly interactive work that allows one to tune into the different radio stations with the mere movement of their bodies, a comment on the intimate and immediate relationship we have with the constantly changing media.

There are a lot more out there—so if you’re looking for a rewarding weekend in the drudgery of the school year, head down to the Biennale sites before May 15! And if you want to be even more actively involved, the organizers are still seeking out volunteers to help them out at the sites so visit http://www.singaporebiennale.org/outreach.php for volunteer opportunities!

The Singapore Biennale is also one of the sites for the activities on Arts Day, 30 March at VJC. If you’re lucky enough to get a spot to visit the Old Airport exhibitions, leave us a comment!

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Inflection: Open Mic Night 2011

20 Feb
 
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Mystery Guest Bloggers: COMING SOON!

05 Feb

Hello dear Victorian readers!

Subjectif is rolling out a new feature really soon- MYSTERY GUEST BLOGGERS!

We’ll be inviting several of our friends and fellow Victorians to write for this same blog. On anything from school life to current affairs or even study tips, they’ll be lighting up this blog in addition to our regular Subjectif members who blog and cover school events.

The best part is, their identities will be kept secret! Their columns will be featured and updated regularly using completely scrambled usernames – mostly to protect them (:

Here’s a little hint: the first column will be about current affairs, so all you international relations enthusiasts or people trying to get case studies for GP should keep a look out for it some time this week!

Peace,

The Subjectif Team

 
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Wanna be part of us? Join Subjectif this 2011!

30 Jan

Hey YOU THERE! Yes, YOU!

Do you love Facebooking? Tweeting? Blogging? Poking your noses into other people’s stuff?

Around here, we call that INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING! If you like all of the above and more, check out Subjectif’s booth at the CCA Walkabout on 9 February and talk to us!

Find out what exactly that makes us tick (or type, in this case) and what sort of crazy events we’ve organized in the past and will organize in the future. Leave your name on our contact list so we know you’re cool enough to be one of us.

If you’re into new media, journalism, or just plain being random, join us! We are a hip crowd, and we meet every other Monday morning at 0740 hours at T11.

We’ll also be selling the I <3 VJ badges (limited stock) at $2 each at our booth on 9 Feb to show your support to the school we all love – VJ!

See you there!

Peace,

The Subjectif Team

 
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Open Mic Night Sign-Ups!

28 Jan

Do you think you have what it takes to take the stage?

Do you want to be in the spotlight but never had the chance?

Do you have something crazy that only YOU can do?

Here’s your chance to showcase your talent in Subjectif’s very own Open Mic Night 2011!

We’re calling out to everyone who has a passion for performing! You can do anything you want – do stand-up comedy, sing, dance, do a poetry slam, spin China plates on sticks until they fall off… SURPRISE US!

All you have to do is fill in the form at http://bit.ly/hVC78i by 18 February. Your VJ Gmail username will be recorded when you sign up.

Seniors/ex-Victorians are welcome to participate, although priority will be given to current Victorians.

Open Mic Night will be held on 30 March in conjunction with Arts Day at the Living Room as an evening event. So remember, if you sign up, ask your friends to buy tickets and watch you perform!

What will you do with one mic?

 
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Subject Day Event: 21 or, how to win a ton of cash!

28 Jan

While freshmen filed into the hall for Orientation Solaris 2011, JC2s who were not involved were treated to an enriching experience of Subject Days. During these 4 days, seniors have to sign up (read: fight for a spot on a Google spreadsheet) for activities ranging from going to a Western buffet (all 20 spots gone in 10 minutes flat) to watching movies and lab work.

On my first Subject Day, I was fortunate enough to gain places in a Math movie screening (thank you, iPhone). Now before you yawn at the words “Math movie”, let me tell you something. This movie, 21, is no more about Math than it is about casinos, living the high life and Vegas. That got your attention, didn’t it?

Starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey, 21 is a film about blackjack, based on the true story of a group of MIT students (the MIT Blackjack team) who thought they could beat the system in casinos but ended up getting beaten up by the casinos.

Kidding! (They did get beaten up, but that’s not the point.)

Ben, an overachieving math genius is inducted into a group of smart,but devious card-counting winners, led by their ostensibly arrogant Professor Rosa who teaches nonlinear equations (what on earth is that anyway?). Their money-making business is to fly to Vegas every weekend to wear disguises, drink gin and tonic, and count cards.

Now here’s where the math part comes in. Counting cards is based on probability since the dealers use 4 full decks of cards. Each card is assigned a specific value. Low cards (2-6) are +1 (good for the dealer). High cards (10-A) are -1 (good for the player). All other cards are irrelevant. If you count the value of the deck the dealer places on the table, you should be able to get a reasonably higher advantage if your count value is high (12-17). Then you slap down your cash and bet a large sum because probability proves that you have a higher chance of getting a ‘winner, winner, chicken dinner’ (21 at blackjack) than the dealer.

And before you start withdrawing every single cent you own and jump on a plane to Vegas to take your chances at blackjack at the Hard Rock, the actual advantage is really about 1%, which will only make a difference if you start out with a huge initial capital. For the count to get significantly high, players have to sit at the table for a long time and keep clear. Not easy when you’re downing glasses of alcohol and trying to keep your head straight!

The movie itself is a hit. Even if you don’t particularly care about the Math, it’s definitely worth your 2 hours. Check out the trailer here:

 
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How a week has seen VJC going from being clean to being a mini garbage dump

28 Oct

We waltzed into school on Monday, wide-eyed and ready to receive the folks for YSC. My friend commented, “Have you ever seen the school so clean before?” I gladly answered, “No, but it looks like they’re really doing a lot for YSC. It’s pretty cool to see the school in such a pristine condition, you know?” It was delightful to see the campus free from any form of litter – the cleaners probably worked overtime to make our college sparkling clean. (I really commend them, they have been both hardworking and friendly – they respond with a cheerful “good morning, girl!” when I greet them in the mornings whilst they are busy at work sweeping up dead leaves)

I wasn’t at YSC, but from what I hear, it was good. Yes, we couldn’t use the school premises because of the whole conference, but since it’s something we could do for our nation, why not?

However, I got the shock of my life this morning when I went back to school.

The canteen floor was stained with spilled drinks and walking past one of those white cupboards (the ones in the middle of the canteen), I spotted uneaten packets of food stacked up, in the tens, still being held in their large plastic bags. The garbage bins were overflowing with trash, mostly bottles of soft drinks, mineral water and green tea. The whole canteen reeked of rotting food. Honestly, in my many years in VJ, I haven’t seen such a terrifying sight. I was just commending the state of our school on Monday and I come back on Friday to see (and smell) it looking like garbage dump?

Who is supposed to clean up? Yes, YSC was our pride and joy, but when it comes to doing the dirty work of clearing up the mess, who steps up to the plate? Is it only the responsibility of the school cleaners? Obviously not. Honestly, I feel that the people in charge of this event could have managed the clean-up better with more responsibility.

I don’t want to walk into my beloved college having it smell like a rubbish dump, seriously.

 
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A birthday, a realization.

18 Aug

Wishes are powerful things, they shape your dreamscape, make you believe and never fail to emphasize the silver lining even in the darkest cloud. But in order to make these a reality, you have to first internalize them as promises. If these 17 years have taught me anything at all, I have come to realize that the worst thing you can ever do for or, to yourself, is to shatter these fragile things due to your own incompetency, lacking willpower or whatever else it is that distracts you from the end goal in sight. Nothing can ever compare to the moment you attain that personal state of bliss. I believe it will be like the feeling you get after you’ve done a good deed, had a good laugh or kissed someone you love. It will likely be ten times better.

So instead of wishing when I blew out the candles, I made myself promises instead. These promises made my heart murmur with a new purpose, my head giddy with delight and my senses hum in anticipation. The realization that there is no fate but what we make is altogether a beautiful and terrifying notion. What will we do with the stretch of years we have left that we call Life? What will we achieve? Old enough to be responsible for the choices we make, we are now artists, adding our own strokes of paint to what is to become a grand masterpiece. Nobody can tell us exactly how they want it drawn. Brush to canvas, this seems simple enough for some but not for a great many others. We are afraid that we will screw up, some do not know where to start and then there are those who feel that they have done themselves in so badly that nothing could salvage the situation

I have felt like this alot in the all too recent past. I am not used to all these doubts and flaws my new, weird and wondrous experiences have brought me. Whatever happened to that girl who knew only sunshine and was self-assured? Who is that monster in the mirror, in my head? Sometimes I feel too bipolar to be me. Having no sense of direction is no fun but having no sense of self is even more dangerous. You spin out of control, withdrawn and lost in your own shell. You fall helpless, in a haze and before you know it, regret, shame and a flagging self-esteem is all you will have for company.

I have come close to feeling that way, and I don’t believe that I am the only one. It is an ugly feeling and I will always remember it. I do not want my 17th year and onwards to be like this. I want to stop tasting its fetid breath on my tongue and feel it squirm and claw at my insides. I want to discover who I am today and how I will be different tomorrow. Above all, I want to be free, to see the colours and be unbridled in my painting. I may not fufill these promises in a year or even in a decade, but I would have been brave and because of that, I will go unafraid and proud.

 
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