So now I can say I've been there and done that. Attended my commencement (I still prefer to call it convo for short) on Thursday. We were on the last day of the ceremonies but we showed them what History really was.
Preparations for convo started way back. One month earlier, I had already planned out certain things: get a camera by end of June, get haircut done and have enough time to let grow out a little so I won't look like a dolt on that day. Get the gown, get a white shirt, which I didn't have at that time. For the other things like pants and shoes, it was a matter of allocating resources-- finding the best in my wardrobe.
As usual things don't go as well as planned. I didn't get my camera till ONE day before the ceremony, and the deadline of the project at work was on the day after the ceremony. Which means I'm saddled with work as I prepare for convo. Thankfully the boss was merciful. We had a whole day off for the ceremony, but for the preceding 2 days we were working really late into the night, and it's a miracle we didn't turn up at the ceremony eye-bags galore.
The day itself started alrite. Mother as usual was panicky about such things and she disappeared early in the morning to do her hair. Dad didn't care too much and even disappeared to town to run an errand. I was pretty much left alone for th morning. But we have the times planned out and it ran as follows:
morning-------personal admin (I hopped off to collect the camera)
11.30----------Lunch and dress up.
12.45----------the expedition sets off
We reached UCC at about 1.15 when the people from the morning ceremony were just leaving. It was a huge big crowd and I got slightly disoriented. I saw people in gowns and I thought people were getting dressed for the next one already. So I went on mission mode and started to hunt for the studio which would take my stage photo. The parents as usual would hunt for places to sit and they headed straight for Dome. Dad was still screaming about the $4-a-cup coffee he bought.
So I found the studio and secured the stage photo (I got kiasu and ordered the CD as well). Then I headed for the robing room (which was the auditorium actually) but I was told that the staff hadn't returned from lunch yet, so I could sit tight for a while till 1.30pm. So I had about 3 mins to breathe easy.
The others like CK, da shi started to file in and once the robing room opened we went in to suit up. It was as if no one noticed the ceremony would only start at 3. I myself forgot that as well.
Just prior to entry, I did everything right--handing the gown bag to the folks and making myself as lightweight as possible--except for one thing: I left my mobile with Mom. I wasted time trying to find them in the mob at the end of the whole thing. They were, as expected, seated at Dome.
The ceremony was short, until it didn't seem ceremonious at all. Basically all there was to it was sing the national anthem, speech, shich choon foong declared it open (my mom thinks his name is absurd), we filed up to shake his hand & get the scroll, listen to the valedictorian speech, one more national anthem, & he declared it closed. It lasted about an hour but it felt like 5 mins. One thing I'm proud of: the History class firmly stamped our presence in that ceremony. Ermita got cheered at the interview, and so were several of our eminent members as they proceeded up the stage. The rest of the graduates were just sedate.
After the ceremony, which ended with a surprise of balloons from the ceiling, we poured into the lobby area for pictures. BP was there at request of Yanchun and him & Ian Gordon took a group photo with whoever we could gather. Too bad Gordon had shed off his gown already. It would be fantastic to take pictures with him in that gown. He was one interesting character to watch onstage. The rest were, as usual, sedate.
After the shebang, when rain got us all indoors and the heat made us take off the gown, I went for dinner with the folks before joining Sam, Ermita and Celine for a drink at Bar None. it was still early and there were no one else but us, so it felt cosy. Had to go back to the office early next morning so I left early.
After the huge rush, presentation and submission yesterday, the whole project went for lunch and a smaller group of us went to this rustic cool place Colbar for a drink. BP was there and said he was proud of us in the ceremony.
Still basking in the glory. The pictures will come up soon. After I figure out my camera.
the clan reunites
the visionary
with the "wise one"
Kevin in his usual pose
Chaos and panic rule the robing room...
Calming down with a sweet in the mouth.
Soccer buds
with the philosophic greats of the century
I present... the Disastrous Duo!
the philosophical elite
lining up for entry into the hall
long-lost Adrian. Since JC times. Just before entering the hallowed hall.
the clan reunites
the visionary
with the "wise one"
Kevin in his usual pose
Chaos and panic rule the robing room...
Calming down with a sweet in the mouth.
Soccer buds
with the philosophic greats of the century
I present... the Disastrous Duo!
the philosophical elite
lining up for entry into the hall
long-lost Adrian. Since JC times. Just before entering the hallowed hall.
