Sports 11 May 201312 May 2013

Raffles Tennis: Champions Once More

Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Sushma Pai (14S03R) and Divya Muthiah (14S06C)

Photographs by Zhang Ziyu from the Photographic Society

After a gruelling 3 hour fight, Steve Ng from RI threw out a long shot that secured RI’s 5-0 win against ACS(I) in the tennis group finals. Immediately after the winning shot, he collapsed on the ground in sheer exhaustion as his teammates rushed towards him with beaming faces.

Steve’s match was the longest out of the ten matches that were played at Kallang Tennis and Squash centre on 9^th May. Both matches were played against perennial arch-rivals: ACJC for the girls and ACS(I) for the boys.

The boys’ team put up a stellar performance. In the singles rounds, Lee Kai Yi won with a score of 6-0, 6-2 and Tan Jun Sing dominated his sets 6-0, 6-4. Of our doubles teams, Tan Jia Wei and Benedict Chua finished their games 7-6, 6-1 in an excellent display of teamwork while Basir Koh and Chris Wu put up a solid front as well, winning 6-3, 6-0. Steve Ng also defeated his long-time rival with 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 to top off a series of remarkable victories.

The girls’ team were not to be outdone, coming out ahead in 4 out of 5 games. The three singles matches comprised of Rehmat Johal who made a clean victory, winning 6-0, 6-0, Jennifer Wu, who won 6-4, 6-1 and Hannah Chew who persevered, but unfortunately lost to her opponent, one of the top tennis players in Singapore. In the first doubles, Stephanie Wong and Ting Yang Gin together won 6-4, 6-2. The most exciting match for the girls team was the doubles played by Sabrina Tan and Jean Iau, who played for 2 hours, winning 7-6, 6-7. 6-2.

Stephanie Wong and Ting Yang Gin in their doubles

The players were ecstatic about their well-deserved victory, being quick to thank their coach for his guidance and support. Yang Gin, when asked if she had expected to perform as well as she did, remarked “Before our match our coach gave us a prep talk and that really boosted our confidence. He made sure that when we went in, we played our best. Even though we can’t control the results we can control how we play. All we had to do was to play our best. So we were confident of winning since we played our best.”

Jennifer and Jean, captain and vice-captain respectively of the girls’ team released a joint statement, “Today was truly amazing, everyone fought their hardest and gave all they had. We couldn’t be more proud of the team for this very difficult win. We also want to thank all our friends and supporters who helped us throughout this season especially when the going got tough.”

For the boys, Jia Wei and Mitchell, the captain and vice-captain had this to say, “From the score line it may seem like a comfortable victory but it was a really tough game for us. We were lucky that we got a favourable lineup too! Really pleased that the team fought back really hard as some of the matches we came back from behind and won! Big thank you to the supporters that came down and CCAD for being constantly behind and supporting the team!”

While the fervour displayed on the tennis court was remarkable, the camaraderie between players outside the court was unforgettable as well. Once players finished their matches, they went on to support their other teammates playing regardless of how tired they themselves were. Every point scored by Team Raffles would be invariably followed by a volley of cheers and encouragement from their ardent supporters. The team spirit and selflessness between the tennis players made the victory all the more impressive.

Supporters were divided into two camps- the RI side and ACS family. Both sides screamed their hearts out, continually waving banners and also breaking out into cheers every now and then. Raffles supporters were more dispersed as we had players in all ten courts whereas ACJC supporters were concentrated around 5 courts and likewise for ACS(I). Despite this, our Rafflesian supporters still did a great job of keeping the Team Raffles spirit raging by roaring till their throats were sore.

Controlled playing and mental stamina were the keys to success in the tennis matches today. The head coach, Mr Weber Oh said the 5-0 that the boys scored was “one of the epic, best results so far” and was unexpected. Both teams scored better than what they were aiming for. He added that he was really proud as they had worked extremely hard for this day. When enquired about the secret of their success, he remarked, “The line-up was very good. That was an added advantage for us,” and for Steve, the fact that the opponent cramped before he did, helped him. He said “Both of them were equally good, but Steve held his nerve better than his opponent, which can be very difficult under such pressure with so many people watching.”

Raffles Press would like to congratulate the Raffles tennis team for their impressive performance, wishing them the best of luck for next year’s season.

Staff Features 10 May 201312 May 2019

Appreciation Week 2013: From Waffles to Doughnuts

Reading Time: 4 minutes

For Appreciation Week 2013, teams of writers looked into the lives of 4 special individuals who contribute to our daily school lives – people we may not always notice. We hope this encourages you to show your appreciation for the perhaps less-noticed staff members around the school; they may not be significant in their own right, but they definitely make a significant impact on our school lives. In our final instalment, we feature the 7-11 store uncle, Aung Bo Win.

Continue reading “Appreciation Week 2013: From Waffles to Doughnuts” →

Sports 10 May 201310 May 2013

A Gentleman’s Game – RI Boys’ Rugby Team battle to 3-10 loss against SAJC

Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Austin Zheng (14A01B)

A light drizzle fell over the stadium, but it did little to dampen the spirit of the players. Time and again, St. Andrews had bested them, and the Raffles ‘A’ Division Boys’ rugby team was out for vengeance, roaring their battle cries with grim faces and blazing eyes. This was, at its heart, a clash between the Saints and the Rafflesians, a grudge match between old rivals.

RI started the match and lost no time in launching a powerful offensive against the Saints, cutting off their attempts to struggle past the advancing line by sending them crashing to the ground. Unfortunately, while the team managed to clinch a penalty, their shot missed the goal, and the lightning alert siren granted the Saints a temporary reprieve.

After the short break, the Saints started the kick-off, but our line of defense held firm as we quickly regained possession of the ball. Even as our opponents tackled our players, we pushed them back, with the captain Matthew leading the charge. The team soon got another penalty kick, and this time, their aim was true, spurring wild cheers from the Raffles supporters as RI gained an early advantage, leading 3-0.

Our goal, however, had galvanised the Saints, who reorganised and consolidated their ranks. They put our team on the defensive, edging dangerously close to our goal line. After a grueling effort, the team managed to slowly reverse the Saints’ gains, bringing the match back to the midfield. The match grinded to a deadlock, with the ball changing possession with every passing moment, but with neither party able to capitalise on the opportunity.

Eventually, the Saints, being the more desperate side at this point, broke free from the deadlock, bulldozing their way through the pitch. Our team’s hasty, spirited defense fell short, however, as the Saints’ attack proved too incisive, winning –but thankfully missing– a penalty kick. Keeping up the pressure, they continued to blitz through the field, forcing a dramatic scrum right in front of our goal, bringing supporters from both sides to their feet. With a combination of grit, dexterity and sheer power, we managed to hold off the Saints, booting the ball back up the field and denying them a chance at our goal.

Throwing, battering, grappling, bashing, locking, shoving, tripping and head butting. Bruises, cuts, falls and sprains. This was war. It was possibly only the referee’s whistle for the half-time break that reminded us that this was also a game. The teams trudged back for a well-deserved rest, gearing up for the second half of the match.

Second Half

The Saints led an early charge this time, scrambling to level the score. Their efforts finally paid off, with the Saints equalising after a penalty kick. Our team was evidently exhausted, but there was a resolute glint in their eyes. There was no way we would throw away our early lead and allow the Saints to win. Yet our adversaries were on fire that day, quickly reversing our counteroffensives to threaten our goal in a matter of minutes. The impasse of the game’s first half had faded away, with the match entering a whole new level of speed and ferocity.

Matthew Tjoeng (RI) taking out his opponent

The Saints launched wave after wave of attacks, crashing against our defense. Finally, they found a gap in our line, prompting a solitary Saint to sprint over a full third of the field to score a precious try. A successful conversion brought the score to 10-3. The goal was not without its controversies, however, as the referee had allegedly allowed the Saints to maintain possession of the ball despite them apparently dropping it.

Nevertheless, the pressure was on Raffles now. The Saints seemed indefatigable, surging against our determined defenders to make another attempt at our goal. Undaunted, we fended them off and spearheaded some deadly charges of our own, turning the tide to put the Saints on the defensive. There was wild energy in their onslaught as they fought through scrum after scrum, wrestling right before the enemy goal in a reversal of the first half. The Saints blunted our offensive and brought the fight back to our half of the pitch. This was an epic tug-of-war, just that we were pushing instead of pulling.

Then –through the tussling and tumbling, through the reckless rampaging– the sharp shrill of the referee’s whistle. The game was over. The Saints had won by the agonizingly close score of 10-3, beating us by a single try. The Saints supporters streamed to the field as one to celebrate their victory. It was an exhausting, exhilarating battle, with both sides giving it their all.

Our team was slumped in disappointment after the match. Some players were crying. Such was the strength of their feeling; such was the meaning of the game. Never should we underestimate the emotion and intensity of sport. But they were not forgotten, they were not abandoned, with our valiant, valiant heroes receiving a standing ovation from supporters of both sides for their herculean efforts. They did not let us down; they did the school proud. What we remembered was not the loss, but the fight.

Rugby has been called a ruffian’s game played by gentlemen. Perhaps that is because the teams, at the end of the day, are able to shake hands and acknowledge each other’s tenacity, ability and hard work with silent respect. Next time, we will avenge ourselves. Next time, we will defeat the Saints. For now, though, let us remember –and celebrate– what is truly important: the courageous persistence, resoluteness and sportsmanship of our ruggers.

Down but not out - Raffles Press wishes rugby all the best in recapturing the title next year — Down but not out – Raffles Press wishes rugby all the best in recapturing the title next year

Commentary 9 May 201313 May 2013

R-Rated: Exploring the music tastes of Rafflesians (Part 1)

Reading Time: 6 minutes

By Lim Shaomin (14S03K)
Additional reporting by Jayne Chan (14S03D)

Picture this: it has been yet another draining day in school. You’re glad to be heading home. However, there’s a niggling suspicion at the back of your mind that there is “something to do”. What follows is the tedious thought process of going through all the undone tasks piling up at a corner of your desk or crushed somewhere in your bag. It could be that dreaded tutorial you have been putting off. Or, it could be the lecture notes you have yet to review, probably because your lecturer turned what you thought to be simple English, into a pile of mumbo-jumbo. Eventually, your thoughts become too much for you to take. That’s when you finally decide to plug in and crank up the volume. Be it soothing harmonies, rocking riffs or twanging guitar strings, music never fails to draw you into a whole other world. Even a short five minutes of pure aural pleasure leaves you feeling refreshed.

So what kind of musical magic goes on in the mini speakers of our earphones? How many Rafflesians take to the likes of Mariah Carey and Beyonce, the unrefuted divas in American pop culture? How about staunch followers of rock music, who seek soul-invigoration and societal awareness through the lyrics of AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses? Or perhaps most of us fall into the ‘rojak’ category- we listen to anything and everything, as long as it appeal to us.

Raffles Press presents to you R-Rated Part 1 (stay tuned for part 2!), an analysis of survey results from the Raffles Press Music Survey. It was conducted online via a link to our survey webhost posted on the Raffles 2014 Batch Facebook page. Questions asked include ‘What are your favourite songs from your favourite genre of music?’ and ‘What are 3 songs you listen to when you’re feeling sad?’. Through the survey, we have collected a myriad of interesting and insightful answers. However, the data collected may not be conclusive and representative of the entire student body due to the limited survey responding time period and the limited J2 input.

The Popularity of Pop

Through the survey, “Pop Music” emerged as the clear winner of Rafflesian hearts. Pop music is relatively easy to identify. Aurally, it is the fun and catchy melodies you find yourself humming to most of the time, simply because they stick in your head. Visually, they are packaged to the nines, complete with slick dance moves and fashionable outfits. This makes the main draw of pop music the ability to appeal to the masses. Of course, for some, the draw of listening to pop music might just be an easy way to discover new music, since the “best” tunes have already been identified for you on radio charts and Billboard charts. According to an anonymous respondent on our survey, “Pop music is not a genre, but more like a trait. When you talk about different genres of music, it signifies a difference in the type of music. Pop music has all types of music but it all has one trait, it is widely recognised, therefore the term “popular music”.”

However, more recently, pop music has received much backlash for being overly-commercialised and having a lack of lyrical substance (e.g. “Now you get to watch her leave out the window / Guess that’s why they call it window pane” – Love the Way You Lie).

Apart from Western pop music, Korean pop music has also been slammed for repetitive, superficial lyrics. Accusations such as Korean pop bands and singers making use of their looks and not their voices to gain popularity seem to be rampant. However, one cannot deny that the influence of K-pop has spread far and wide. PSY’s Gangnam Style is the most-watched music video on YouTube with a whopping current viewership number of over 1 billion. The influence of his music shows in the thousands of Gangnam Style parodies that have emerged on YouTube. His latest single, Gentleman, is also enjoying its immediate popularity by riding on the coat tails of Gangnam Style success, racking in 44 million views in just a day of its release. The prospering of such pop music seem to bank quite heavily on the popularity and influence of the singer, rather than the quality of the song.

However, are we giving pop music too little credit? What about all the times you needed a good beat to dance to (Dancefest, anyone)? How about mass singing sessions with your friends? Not everyone can appreciate Metallica or Avenged Sevenfold. Pop songs, with their insanely catchy beats, easily memorized lyrics and wide-spread audience, will probably be the genre of music we turn to for its familiarity, thus facilitating interpersonal bonding.

“Some people find pop music a little too generic but there are actually quite a lot of good pop stars out there like Beyonce and Lady Gaga, or even Britney Spears and Madonna (circa 2008). I guess it’s not really the music but about the artistry that captures me – the shows that cost millions of dollars in its production, the stage, the costumes etc. makes it more than just “singing” but “entertaining” and “performing”. That being said, the performers are really talented as well, it isn’t all about the packaging either, it’s the combination of the talent and the production that makes the pop industry so intriguing and entertaining.” –Anonymous

Raffles Recommends: Pop

This playlist is a compilation of several pop songs mentioned when the question ‘What are your top 3 favourite songs from your favourite genre of music?’ was asked.

Rock ‘n’ Rolling Rafflesians

Rock rocks! That seems to be the opinion of many Rafflesians, as Rock comes in a close second to the most popular genre among those surveyed. Stereotypes of the Rock genre tend to include it being ‘loud and noisy’ and that it promotes rebellion. However, this is simply not the case and a good number of Rafflesians beg to differ.

According to an anonymous survey respondent, “The lyrics of old rock (and a few of modern rock) songs are really deep and well thought [out], not just some repetition of stupid words or phrases.” This holds true for rock bands such as Linkin Park, who have won multiple accolades for their stellar songs and albums. For example, their song ‘Numb/Encore’ has won the band both a Grammy and a MTV Video Music Award.

Rock also puts across powerful messages that very often relates to the troubles many people are facing. For example, ‘The Animal I Have Become’ by Three Days Grace speaks about how the tenebrous, self-consuming side of a person is taking over. Many draw parallels from the song to drug addiction as the song accurately describes the aggressive nature and destructive effects of it. Songs like ‘Let The Flames Begin’ by Paramore seek to empower and encourage- to stay strong, even in the most dismal and darkest of times.

“I prefer rock because generally, rock musicians don’t feel a need to cater their music to the tastes of the people and that’s where music can change and be differentiated. Say for example, music isn’t going anywhere with Nicki Minaj, will.i.am, Taylor Swift etc right now, and the songs that they make are made exactly to fit what the people want. But rock musicians didn’t know/didn’t care to suit the people’s tastes, and went against the norm, making whole new sub-genres on their own that proved to be popular anyways. Such as David Bowie, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Nirvana, etc. Also rock lyrics tend to be a lot more meaningful than generic pop lyrics.”- Anonymous

Raffles Recommends: Rock

All in all, music, though intangible, plays a significant role in our lives. The music we listen to affects the way we think, feel and work- subtly shaping our attitudes and mind sets. It also connects individuals, through the shared appreciation of the messages behind certain songs. One cannot deny the incomparable, rapturous feeling of discovering a song on YouTube that perfectly complements your emotions and situation, or the unadulterated joy one derived from passionately belting out heartfelt songs in the shower. Even singing the Institution Anthem as a school has the ability to fill our hearts with a sense of camaraderie and pride for our school (hopefully). Personally, the experience of singing- or rather shouting with much passion- during the bus ride to class camp (sorry, bus uncle!) is a dear memory as one simply cannot forget the hysterical laughter and sense of community that came out of singing (out of tune) together as a class. There are so many different ways that music can influence and impact our lives, enriching our minds and invigorating the soul- it is little wonder that music is so much appreciated among us Rafflesians and everyone else alike.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent”

― Victor Hugo

Commentary, Staff Features 9 May 201312 May 2019

Appreciation Week 2013: ‘I don’t feel ashamed…I’m proud I can work’

Reading Time: 4 minutes

For Appreciation Week 2013, teams of writers looked into the lives of 4 special individuals who contribute to our daily school lives – people we may not always notice. We hope this encourages you to show your appreciation for the perhaps less-noticed staff members around the school; they may not be significant in their own right, but they definitely make a significant impact on our school lives. Today, we feature the 54-year-old cleaner Maheswari.

Continue reading “Appreciation Week 2013: ‘I don’t feel ashamed…I’m proud I can work’” →

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