Our own Pola Singh reports from his visit to the Celebration run
HIGH STANDARDS
Putting aside the show time part of the programme,
this Celebration Run by a batang hash rates as one of the best I have attended.
Many said that this was of equal or higher standard with the one organised
by Kajang Hash in June this year. (Unfortunately I did not attend the Kajang
Bash)
GOOD ORGANISATION
The whole affair was very well organised and well
executed. Hash signs were also the best I have seen. It was as good as
it can get. You knew exactly how far you were from the run site; the signs
indicated that you were 10km, 5km, 1km and even 50metres from the run site.
The run site –an open space where grass is grown for its commercial value
- provided just the perfect setting for thee on on and festivities. Parking
was orderly as there were a lot of hashers directing us where to park.
Thank you Ah Heng. (Even we headed home, there was this hasher with a torch
directing us to the correct exit – and this was certainly something new)
OLD FRIENDS WELCOME
Seng Bok and Ninja Shan (the MCs of the day) were
on hand to welcome most of us who they recognised (through the PA system
of course). Uncle Looi, Alex the Bear, Patrick Coyle and a few others were
singled out. Yours truly was asked not to write a bad report regarding
the run. It was nice to be welcomed in such a unique way.
REGISTRATION
Registration was quick and fast. No queue no hassle.
The freebies, including a fantastic T-shirt (now a collector’s item) and
an interesting magazine were quickly distributed. There were curry puffs
and other food for the hungry hashers as well as 100 Plus and mineral water
before the start of the run..
THE RUN
The run was actually a RUNNER’s RUN. There was a lot
of running through varied terrain (good hashing country). Except for the
few FROPs, it was one continuous run. Mike Kuan and Ah Wah (both of Mother
Hash) came in first and second respectively in about 1:15 hours. The consensus
was that the hares could have used circular checks to get the pack together.
THE CIRCLE
When I reached the ‘home’ after 1 hour 20 minutes,
I was surprised that there was already a circle going on in the centre
of the field, mostly made of members from the host chapter. Seng Bok and
Shan were welcoming the runners back. Those who were hungry (already) feasted
on the glorious food.
MANDI
There was ample water for everyone to shower.
ON DOWNS
Although there was a slight drizzle throughout the
evening, no one was bothered. The usual on downs for the GMs and boat race
took place. The drinks flowed and flowed.
MAKAN DAN MINIMUM
Dinner continued throughout the night. At 8:00 JE-free
roast meat was served, but there were a few takers as everyone had tucked
in all they wanted earlier. In case some were still hungry, the organisers
had supper ready by 9:00 pm It was sort of non-stop eating and drinking.
SHOWTIME
It was incredible. The organisers knew exactly what hashers wanted and everybody came away fully satisfied. But the same cannot be said regarding the much-awaited “strip-tease” show.
To put in simply, it was a (terrible) letdown. Those who had gone through the magazine would have noticed that this part of the programme (showtime) had always been the highlight of Tnajung Petri’s celebration runs. To quote from the magazine “we have become notorious with our “Rose Chan’ shows. In fact Rose Chan would have felt insulted if she had watched the show.
Since the stripper had been paid to put up a 45 minute show, she did everything except what the hashers were expecting. Singing Chinese songs was the order of the day. The crowd was heard shouting “We want to see your tits” but even that small request was not fulfilled. The show dragged on and on and the crowd began dwindling. And when it was crunch time, the so-called stripper used a shawl to cover her tits. Do I need to go any further regarding her lower garment?
For her stripping talent, she got one point out of ten but for the teasing part she got ten out of ten. Suffice to say, all the hashers left the run site in disbelief and disappointed. I can assure those who had left midway that you did not miss anything. In fact those who stayed on were more disappointed than the rest of you.
The hashers were full of expectations but it was never
meant to be fulfilled. The morale of the story is that the organisers should
have previewed the show to ensure it accommodates hashers’ needs.