All in a... a Kampung Beach Sunday By MEGAWATI WIJAYA
Our Deputy VP of Public Relations and Publicity, Megawati, shows what really goes on a Kampung Beach Sunday with Indonesian Professionals’ Association (IPA)…
Sunday, 17 Aug 2008: It’s Indonesia’s 63rd birthday and IPA Kampung Beach Sunday! I look at myself, or more precisely, at my red and white top in the mirror and frown… but well okay… just for my country – and for IPA thematic BBQ party at East Coast Park – I guess it’s alright to look like a national flag once a year!
3.00 pm: Tiny drizzles drop on my head as I step out of the door. Geez, will it rain or will it not? Heavy rain has washed clean the island the morning. Shouldn’t the sky be clear of the evil, dark clouds now? I wonder what the BBQ will be like if it rains!
3.40 pm: Still on the bus no. 196! Still at Kallang area! I should have taken another bus route just now! Arrgghhhh…
4.00 pm: I have crossed the overhead bridge towards Parkway Parade, walked past Marine Parade Town center, passed by the old NTUC, and gone through the underpass tunnel. What a long march to get to the BBQ site! But the sceneries welcoming me are just beautiful. The hustle and bustle of urban life is slowly being replaced by a picture-perfect setting of blue skies and green, green grass and of course, sand and sea!
I am following these footsteps, and before long… yup, finally, I’m at the BBQ location, East Coast Park, BBQ Pit C18!
4.15 pm: Let’s meet the early birds!
And let’s meet our food-to-be!
The early comers chitchat and get to know one another, while waiting for the rest to arrive. Some want to do free-and-easy activities such as cycling, or just take a walk by the beach. As for me, well, I just chill!
4.45 pm: Meet our IPA President, Johannes Wijaya, who arrives in style - on a bicycle!
When asked why he is not in red-and-white, or even in batik as required by the dress code, he replies: “Actually this morning, I was wearing batik, as we went to the Indonesian Embassy for the flag-raising ceremony. Then, I changed into this shirt.”
And then?
Jo just smiles mysteriously.
5.40 pm: The burning of the first charcoal!
Isn’t the backdrop just lovely?
Our charcoal-heroes: Ari, Luki (also our event organiser), and Robby.
5.45 pm: Yummy Jagung Bakar!
These are our Tukang Jagung Bakar for the day!
6.05 pm: Meanwhile, more IPA friends and guests begin to stream in.
Happy faces all over.
6.30 pm: IPA President gives his welcome speech.
He gives the background of IPA as an organisation that aims to widen the networking reach of each individual and act as a platform for one to realise his or her potential. Jo also explains that currently, the organisation would like to have more volunteers to run the show. By moving forward and taking responsibility, volunteers not only develop their own capabilities, but also benefit their peers and society who otherwise have little chance to experience such opportunities.
6.45 pm: After the speech, it’s time to tuck in! IPA has subsidised a yummy Indonesian meal from the Java Kitchen restaurant for the attendees.
Well, Christopher (IPA Golf Club Coordinator) looks happy.
Forgive the lack of pictures during the dining time; your faithful reporter is enjoying her scrumptious meal.
Meanwhile, others are also dining in the company of old and new friends.
7.15 pm: After our tummies are full and happy, Johannes speaks again. This time, he has a surprise! He has printed the official IPA namecards for his committee members!
Card-giving ceremony ensues.
Irena Josoeb, VP of PR and Publicity:
Oscar, Deputy VP of Information Technology:
Maggie Lie, an IPA Main Committee member:
7.30 pm: The committee members now have namecards to give away to their new friends. More discussions on IPA event ideas take place around the BBQ pit.
7.45 pm: Guests begin to leave the location vent in preparation of the next working day.
The committee packs up, and takes one final picture of themselves!
The full moon shines brightly as we leave the place.
Thank you for coming, guys. Hope you have enjoyed yourself!
(Photos: Ng Han Liong, Irena Josoeb and Megawati Wijaya)