UMS 1999-2001 Sabah chapter first ever reunion

After almost ten years, some friends from my Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) years planned a lunch gathering at Promenade Hotel. So last Saturday, only ten of us came after some last minute cancellation but boy it was fun. The place was nice and food was good(and cheap as one of our friend got discount for it). The best part was meeting all of them and exchanging new and old stories. Most came alone(including me as wifey is working) and some brought along their spouses and kids. The bad part, I only have my Tammy 70-200 with me. Have to go a distance for some shots.

Funny to see some of them didn't change much after all this while.


Leonardo.


Diana.


Racheal, Diana and Henry Chua - the ones who made the gathering possible.




Charles Julius.


Din.


Ernest.


Antonius and wife.


Faris.


Me - as taken by Faris.

Can't wait for the next gathering. Hopefully it will be bigger with more friends coming.

Kpg. Toburon picnic

I have blog about this place last year when I did a photoshoot there with my relatives. At that time, I had only few hours to explore and enjoyed the scenery, and came back without sunset photos. And I was very happy and excited when my wife told me that her family would be organizing a picnic there. Wow! I just can't wait.

Then, both of us went shopping for our camp and some equipments. And last Monday, we went there.

The road going to the beach was bad. Now you really need a 4WD to get there. And another thing. Knowing somebody from the village would be helpful as the road to the beach is closed. There have been some reports that outsiders stole and damaged things there so the villagers did something to prevent future occurrences.

I was excited all the way, till my car and I met Mr. Sand. He gave me us the first lesson about driving there.




After almost an hour, we managed to get my car out from the grasp of Mr. Sand. Besides, my father in-law was behind the wheels. :D

We reached the designated camping spot, and I quickly set up the camp. At that moment the wind was blowing strongly.


Cute two-person tent. Cost less than RM50 from Giant.


My father in-law relaxing. He doesn't need those tents to sleep at night.


We had a very late lunch(thanks to Mr. Sand) and it was already nearing sunset.

Quickly gram my cam and flash, and mount the SAL 11-18 UWA lens and did some quick portraits.


My wife's cousin Karen.







Then at night, some of us(including wifey and me) went fishing. All of us came back with nothing except mom in-law. Experience does help. Hehe. Some of the family members went farther and came back with these.


In hand puffer fish, grouper and cuttlefish. All these went straight for BBQ and the pot.

The family members hang out and have some local liquors and beers while I just sat nearby them, having a sip or two and enjoyed the cool night breeze. No doubt having a picnic like this can make your appetite bigger. Unable to take more food and drinks, I went to sleep.

I woke up from a very nice sleep the next morning. Wife went out for another round of fishing while I explored the place for some landscape shots.












Just like what they say...nice, clean sands.


Hello Mr. Crab!

Before we went back, wifey asked me to join in for a short swim in the sea which I declined. However, after taking a few photos of them, I put my cam down and ran straight to them. What a very cool and clear sea water.



Hmm...we might be having another trip next month. This time Mr. Sand, I'm ready than ever.

For fame and glory - the remaining days

After the fourth day in Limbang for the inter-school sports meet, I find myself very busy and didn't have time till today. And I just came back from a night's stay at a beach in Kota Belud with wife's relatives. It was very fun, but really tiring. Will blog about that later. I'm just going to conclude the sports event in this post.

Our school finished seventh overall out of nine schools. We managed to get eight gold, seven silvers and six bronze. A good haul? It is. We discovered some new talents our athletes have, and the event that they might excel better. Tony won the best male athlete for bagging three golds and breaking three meet records. And this coming June we will start the training for 2011. Going for more gold!

Lastly, goodbye Limbang. It might be my last trip as a coach for my school team after seven years. :p


After a five-year attempt, Jeffendy won gold.








Our future star? Hope so.




Majorie, Terry, Usang, me and Millen.


Tired faces after the closing ceremony.


Michael, Jeffendy and Tony got selected to represent the district in the coming inter-division sports meet in Kuching.

For fame and glory - 4th day

The second day of the sports meet ended with our school getting three gold medals and some silver and bronze. Tony once again won the 400 meters and broke the record as well. Michael, who disappoint us by not winning the long jump, came back to win the triple jump event. And Jeffendy, won his favourite discus event for the under-18 category.


The two Sylvesters who won silver and bronze respectively in the 5000m run, and silver for Regetta for the 3000m run.


The supporters.


Jeffendy won his favourite discus event.


Michael won the triple jump.


Jeremaya.


Tony Lucas won the 400m.


Then the opening ceremony was held in the evening.








He was exhausted by the heat, sat down but still raised his hand when the oath was read.

For fame and glory - 3rd day

Today we anticipated a few golds from our students, but it didn't turn out as expected. At the end of the day, we got just a gold from our golden boy Tony Lucas, two silver and three bronze. Tony broke the record 10-year old 100 meters record as well.

All shots were taken on A-mode, which I seldom use beforehand. ISO was set on 500 all day with the Tammy mounted.


Good morning Limbang!


Ouch!










Two Sylvesters, who won silver and bronze in the 5000m run.


Our golden boy Tony Lucas.

All of us hoped that tomorrow will be better with good medal hauls. As we're the smallest contingent every year, we hoped to produce quality than quantity athletes.