We have met our match

Contributed by President Toh Harnniann

Our club’s birthday falls on the 17th of May while our sponsoring Rotary Club’s falls on 21st May, merely 4 days apart.

We were very fortunate to be invited by our sponsoring club Rotarians to have a joint birthday celebration at Tai Thong Restaurant (Klang) on 21st May 2006. It means that our club will have 2 celebrations i.e. one on our own (as written by Rtr Sooling) and one with our sponsoring Rotary club.

I was informed by our advisor IPP Mike that the dress code was smart-casual with Rotary T-shirt. But to add some spice and make life more interesting, the Rotaractors came with full blown formal dress code complete with blazers and ties. When we walked into the restaurant, our presence was too loud and clear. Compared against the T-shirts of the Rotarians, we looked too smart and professional. I guess this is the first time we had different dress code for different groups at the same event. Sitting together with smartly dressed Rotaractors while listening to the complaints of the Rotarians that we outshined them was too satisfying. It felt so good.

The Rotaractors of Port Klang Centennial joined by President Harley (RAC Subang) and Rtr Feilin (RAC Shah Alam) demonstrated the good virtues of our club by being punctual. Unfortunately our Rotarians failed to share the same, as a result, even we were there at 7.00pm sharp, the dinner started only at 8.00pm.

The food served was excellent (the name “Tai Thong Restaurant” would have clearly suggested this). There were plenty of alcoholic drinks served but the humble Rotaractors drank modestly.

I was in charge of the “Rotary Idol Karaoke Contest”. Initially I was worried that no one will take part in the competition so I sent emails to Rotaractors informing them ALL Rotaractors who came must take part and sing. Some Rotaractors were freaked out by this decision. But my worries were totally unnecessary as after a few rounds of liquor, the Rotarians switched to their “karaoke” mood and one by one queued at the computer to select their songs. President Low was in fantastic mood thus turned the dinner into his little concert.

When the competition started around 9.30pm, we witnessed the performance by the real talents of our sponsoring club. DGE Dato’ Jimmy Lim was sport enough to take part too. However, Rtn Jerry Yap, Rtn Johnson and Rtn Patrick were the spotlights of the whole show. Under the slight influence of alcohol, their performance was greatly “enhanced”. While other Rotarians just stood on the stage, stared at the monitor and sang; these talented “entertainers” were born for the stage: they danced, made jokes and raised the spirit of the crowd.

We always think that our club has enough clowns. Wait till you see our sponsoring club in action (normally after a few rounds of liquor). We had met our match! I think the sponsoring club also contracted portklangitis. Now I am not sure whether we are the source of the disease or them.

I have to mention that the sole representative from our club in the contest was VP Hui Hui (we had to take out the names of the other Rotaractors as we were short of time). She sang very well! Next time, if you want to ask her out for karaoke thinking that you can out-sing her, you’d better think twice.

After the performance by the contestants, the panel of judges (IPP Mike, Rtr Nanthini and Rtr Engtee) cracked their heads to pick the winners. The final result was:-

Joint Champions: Rtn Jerry Yap & VP Hui Hui
3rd Place: DGE Dato’ Jimmy Lim
4th Place: Rtn Patrick Ang

In the circumstances, Rtn Jerry Yap and VP Hui Hui will get to carry the title of “Rotary Idol” for one year! Congratulation to both of them!

The Karaoke system shut down at 11.00pm sharp so we did not have chance to enjoy singing karaoke after the contest.

I would like to say a big “thank you” to Rotary Club of Port Klang. Thanks for willing to celebrate birthday jointly with us. Thanks for buying the birthday cake for us. Thanks for giving us the chance to have fun with you. And last but not least, IPP Mike, thanks for sponsoring the cost of our table, we really appreciate that.