Hari Malaysia UKM

After less than one week of practice, the time has finally come for PERMATApintar's marching team to show their true potential. Unlike the two previous years of participation, this year, PERMATApintar is officially in the competition as one independent college. This entirely means that we'll be able to compete for top three rankings. Bringing the spirit of last year's batch - which achieved the Anugerah Khas Juri for their spectacular performance - we aimed higher.

Ribena kids holding their rifles

On the night before the competition, each and every one of us sacrificed our sleep to help out with the props. Everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives, making cute rifles out of cardboard boxes, cutting out strips of "Japanese headbands" and best of all, getting Pelaka on their hands (and on the tables. sorry about that.) They all looked very thrilled for the big event tomorrow. Although tiredness can be vividly seen on their faces, they still gave full commitment.

On the day of the event, the students gathered and had an early dinner (around 6 o'clock) before they boarded the bus to the Dataran. That place brought back memories to some students, when they stayed at Kolej Keris Mas during PPCS and went to Pusat Pengajian Siswazah for class *flashback*.

After Maghrib azan, most of us walked to Keris Mas for prayer since the Dataran offers a very inconvenient "surau". Again with the nostalgia of PPCS 2011. Remember the time when the participants of the 2011 camp weren't allowed to go to the kedai runcit except for weekends? Well, there's no such rule anymore. *"in your face" face*

At around 8 p.m. we were all set to get in line for marching. To our left and to our right, we can see such colourful and professional costumes. We received some skeptical looks from those around us. There were eyes prying, mouths whispering, hands gesturing, hands clapping, heads nodding. (okay maybe I exaggerated a bit). There were a bit of cheers from the other colleges as we walked past them. Whether they were really cheering or were actually mocking, we weren't sure. But let's think positive. Probably they were really impressed by our cardboard rifles (I mean, they didn't think of that did they?)

Level 2 students were there too. They gave us support and a sense of security. Achmad Bakhtiar gave his final words of motivation; and we're on. We had to wait for our turn for more than an hour since we're the last team. Again with the disparaging words from the elder ones. "Pasukan terakhir ni bawa senjata jugak. Hati-hati," Since we're practicing husnudson (bersangka baik), let's just say that the cardboard rifles are just way too convincing.

Oh yeah, there was this one college, the one who reenacted the situation in Lahad Datu, used rifles that look so real and sound effects that made the audience startle. Cardboard rifles are still the best though. Real objects are just too mainstream.

PERMATA's contingent

The 12th and last team: PERMATApintar. There, in the middle of the spotlight, under the clear, moon-lit sky, we were ready for our performance. Divided into two - Japanese colonizers and Citizens - we faced the audience with pride and confidence. We presented just like we practiced, although the music seemed to be a bit off. All in all, we did a really fantastic job.

Next was a speech from UKM's very own chancellor. PERMATApintar was mentioned quite a number of times, which made us look somewhat special. A musical performance came next. There were these colourful costumes (which reminded us of clowns), loud music (so loud that we could feel the vibration), and cool dance moves. We all enjoyed it.

The festivities

And now, the moment we have all been waiting for - prize-giving ceremony *drum roll*. They saved the marching award for the last. Anugerah juri dimenangi oleh.. Kolej.. Ibu Zain... Third, second and first place goes to Kolej Aminuddin Baki, Kolej Keris Mas and Kolej Tun Said Nasir respectively. There was a faint air of despair, but who cares. We had fun, and that makes us winners no matter what.

Before the ceremony came to and end, there was another musical performance. And this time, all of us joined in. We sang like we never sung before, we danced like there's no tomorrow, we jumped, we screamed, we partied. It was a night to remember forever, because we seldom get this in PERMATA. We took selfies, became photobombs, and took class photos until we could take it no more. Oh, and Cg Mohd Nor was there to add in the fun.

No words can express our joy

Finally, at around 11 p.m. we boarded the bus with our supper, ready to go back to our beloved Kolej PERMATA. Fatigue overpowered us, but we still kept the smile on our faces.

In my personal point of view, winning isn't everything. It's the pleasure and bonding that we experienced that matters the most. I feel very glad that I decided to join this marching team. I wouldn't deny that probably the other grown ups thought that our performance was a bit childish, but that's just who we are. We're children and we're young (at least younger than them). I felt something that I haven't felt much since I got here: the feeling of carefree. I guess most, if not all, of us felt that way. We totally forgot about school, about class, about homeworks, about assignments. We could rarely, if ever, get the chance to fool around and have the time of our lives because most of the time, we are haunted with tonnes of coursework. Although extremely exhausted due to this event (not to mention the unfinished assignments), I could get the sense that I am who I am. I'm just a kid :)

p/s: Thanks to everyone. Sorry if this post gets a little too emotional, because I am filled with emotions right now :)

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