Dismas, Mr KR 08/09 and Jing Xian, Miss KR 08/09

Remember the days when we were seven? If you can’t, fret not for Dinner and Dance (D&D) 08/09 proudly presented to us, a passport to the past where we relived the memories. Hopscotch, five stones, Super Mario, Disney princesses --- don’t all these sound familiar and heartwarming to you? Not to forget that this is the night that all pageant nominees have been sacrificing their sleep and working so hard towards --- Who will be crowned the next Mr. and Miss KR?

The atmosphere of the night was undeniably exciting as it began with everyone furiously snapping away photos of themselves in their various elaborate costumes, drawing curious stares from the visitors in Raffles Town Club. It was indeed a showcase of our creativity and enthusiasm in terms of how we interpreted the theme this year, and how we managed to put together such fancy costumes within such a short span of time. The programme kicked off with the D&D committee introducing themselves in the form of a classroom scenario, in which Shi Qian (better known as 4K) gave a convincing rendition of a stern and reprimanding teacher, which definitely warmed up the audience.

Deborah Goh & Marc Lim at the Pageant Talentine

The effort that the pageant nominees had put in is undoubtedly commendable, as they practised late into the night for the dance section, talent time segment, as well as the catwalk. Although a few of them may not have had dance, singing or stage experience before, all of them shone on stage tonight when the spotlight was cast on them. They were glamorous and dazzled not because of their well-pressed suits or long and flowy evening gowns, but because of their earnestness and determination in wanting to present their finest to us.

Nevertheless, winners had to be decided on, and the prestigious title of Mr. KR and Miss KR this year was bestowed upon Dismas from B Block and Jingxian of A Block. Dismas, having an extensive dance background, exuded confidence and charisma through his expressive body language that must have charmed the judges. Jingxian, on the other hand, won the judges over through her sincere and zealous performance during the talent time segment, where she, along with her male counterpart Teik Zhen, put up a medley of short episodes that portrayed a love story between them.

Oliver (Mr Personality) and Peck Ying (Miss Personality)

Teik Zhen is also the proud winner of the Mr. Popularity title, while Deborah of C Block is our Miss Popularity. Deborah, along with Marc, did a rumba which allured the audience. The title of Mr. Personality went to Oliver of D Block, while Miss Personality went to Peck Ying of B Block, who, with her sharp dance moves and dazzling smile, appealed not only to the judges but to the audience as well.

One of the fun stage games

Of course, besides the pageant awards, prizes were also given out to recognize the residents who come up with the most creative theme, and also the people who have the most fanciful costumes. The “Most Creative Table” award went to a table of residents from E Block who dressed up as erasers imprinted with flags of different countries. For those who may be wondering what erasers have got to with the D & D theme, this is actually a popular childhood game played in primary school, where each person represents different countries and those who successfully tilts his eraser and stacks it on top of another eraser, wins and get to keep the opponent’s eraser. This certainly had us reminiscing about our childhood, where we used to play during recess time and would be elated if we managed to “conquer” our opponents’ territories.

The “Best Dressed Tables” went to the tables themed McDonald’s and Batman from B Block and C Block respectively. These two tables evidently put in much effort in making their elaborate costumes, as can be seen from the giant prop of a packet of French Fries, a hamburger that looked good enough to be consumed, and a Ronald McDonald that donned the exact same ensemble as the real Ronald McDonald model that we always see, complete with the signature red boots. The Batman characters also bore an uncanny resemblance to the actual characters, from the intricately made up Poison Ivy and Jokers to the Batmen themselves.

The KR Alumni a.k.a "Laolangs"!

In a nutshell, everyone who went for Dinner and Dance deserve their own applause, from the residents who racked their brains over what theme to adopt and the making of the costumes to the pageant representatives. The Dinner and Dance committee this year had brought to us a nostalgic and memorable night as we were transported back into the past and had the chance to reminisce about the days long gone. Their hard work for the past three months culminated in this one night, and we must say, a job well done!

By Nah Zhu Hui,
KR Reporters

For more DND pictures, click here

Thank God it’s over.

For IBG that is, although some Kent Ridgeans might still be hungry for more court and field action. And… maybe  their briefest moments of sporting fame.
Preparation for one of the most anticipated rock performances in KR’s history started as early as two in the afternoon. And by eight, it was showtime! Sunny, also known as ‘The Emcee Guru’, took the stage with the red-headed and feisty Britney as our hosts for the night.

Opening performance by Hard Rock! 

Rocking the atmosphere to the highest note, freshman Shiao Loong sent KR into an immediate frenzy following his rock rendition of Canon in D (also known as ‘Canon Rock’ in the guitar world!). Vocalists for the Hard Rock band, Vern and Rizal were crowd-pleasers with their solos of all-time favourites such as Hanging By A Moment, Always Be My Baby and Its My Life. Soaked in a euphoric state of pure rock, the Hard Rockers had the crowd on their dancing feet shaking, bobbing, jumping, and screaming. They had set the rhythm of the night!

The Motown band had KR playing the ‘guess-who’ game when they took the stage with their bodies and faces painted black. Who is the drummer? Is that Zhang Pei on the keyboard? That cannot be Yee Kiat...right??? And these questions occupied the minds of the audience as the band set up their instruments – what a great idea! Joel and Jiaxin charmed the crowd with their strongly rhythmic vocals that hinted gospel music, highly comical imitations of Motown artists Barrett Strong and Diana Ross, and natural dance moves that reminded us of The Supremes.

Motown doing their THING

Señorita Lishi and Señor Zhiyi sizzled up the stage with the Latinos band in a 3-tier crimson red dress and a William Hung equivalent, respectively (obviously!). Lishi did a solo on the Ketchup Song, leaving the audience agape at her respectable ability to sing this up-tempo song completely in Spanish! What should follow but a whole troop of Mambo fanatics showing off their over-rehearsed dance moves to the song. Since when did the rock stage convert into a dance floor!!! Freshman Zhiyi left the crowd with stitches in their sides after a hilarious spoof of 2006 American Idol’s hopeful, William Hung version of She Bangs. But one thing was for sure, Zhiyi’s vocals are undeniably worthy of his exclusive selection into the KR Rockers.

And when we thought the costumes could get no more outrageous, the British rock band marched onstage in smart and crisp-looking British soldier uniforms. Shili and Khadija electrified the stage, the atmosphere and the people with their strong and rich vocals; they had people jumping like crazy fans! Shili belted out a Brit Franz Ferdinand medley and Vertigo that instantly blew us away, reminding us every so often why she is unequivocally, indisputably and utterly undeniably, The Queen. A new addition to the KR Rockers, Khad deserves firstly, a tremendous applause for her bravery to be singing alongside Shili after a mere 2 weeks of practice. Her solo renditions of Don’t Look Back In Anger and Somewhere Only We Know showcased strength and intensity, and established immense potential to be a polished vocalist.

One of the Rocker Guitarists showing his prowess

We couldn’t possibly forget that TGIO was set to mark the end of IBG and celebrate the sports talents and potential we witnessed over the past 3 weeks. The overall champion this year was E Block. Yet who could have missed out this observation - a well-mixed list of recipients for the sports awards with each block winning champions for at least one sport. IBG next year looks set to be even more exciting!

The KR Rockers closed the performance on a high with the guys singing Wild Cherry’s Play That Funky Music and the girls singing Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman. No question, it was a night of remarkable talent and potential, of the wildest dressing and best of all, the greatest love for music.

We weren’t thanking God when this rocking awesome performance was over.

By Mabel Tan,
KR Reporters

For more TGIO pictures, click here

Dear KentRidgeans,

Computer Centre will be having their Community Server maintenance, during which Kent Ridge Hall Website will not be accessible.

The projected maintenance time is:

Friday, 19 September 2008 8.00pm - Sunday, 21 September 2008 5.00pm
Note: Time is approximate

Regards,

KR InfoTech Committee