Photos from Aug 5 practice

August 5 was a beautiful day in Kuala Lumpur. Sunny and blue skies with hardly any clouds... which means a really hot and humid day... The second practice at Stadium Merdeka proved to be "tough" for many especially those who were not used to being under the hot sun for long hours... We witnessed many "puteri and putera lilin" melting away...

"To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith." Nichiren Daishonin

Everyone is looking fresh and bright at 7 am, ready for a long day at the stadium!

Well, maybe not everyone...

1 minute later...

Two minutes later...

No pass, no go.

"So, how many do you think will faint today?"

"Mum, if you can hear this, I just want to let you know how much I love you!"

Even the supporting group needs to warm up too.

Other than the toilets, this was the next most frequented destination.

It was no surprise then that the Sick Bay (First Aid Centre) was one of the busiest spot in the stadium.

Hot sun + Lack of sleep + Empty stomach = Knocked Out.

We can do little about the sun (you can pray for a less sunny day) but you can certainly learn to take better care of yourself. Doctors are advising all performers to have enough sleep/ rest the night before, and not to come to the practice on an empty stomach and of course - drink lots and lots of water. There were also other more serious cases, and some injuries on the field. All performers are advised to be more careful.

First aid to the rescue - on the field.

Our very own lunch time entertainment! They will try their best not to make you throw up.

Time for a quick nap...

No pillow? You can always use a bottle.

Yes, we saw it.

What a feeling, to be on top of the world.

Can you read the words displayed?

Jay Chou's here too?

Always remember the source of the water you are drinking...

No indiscriminate throwing of used water bottles. We need to pack it up properly.

Make yourself at home.

The video group in action. Trying to capture the sights and sounds from the field.

"Look. I can lift him with my finger!"

No trolley? No worries. We are never short of inventiveness.

"Il Ragazzi" (The Boys)

Give me your smelly and wet towels...

Preparing for the "Yam seng" session.

Your really have to give them thumbs up for their attention to detail and their care for the welfare of the members. Our Byakuren girls would carefully wipe each can of drink before they are distributed to the performers and the working committee.

"Yam Seng!" Three Cheers to all everyone!
You have all worked very hard - Congratulations!

More than a thousand bags to be passed down to the field, group by group.

Oooh! Time to say goodbye!

It's time to move everything back to the base.

Hardly five minutes on the bus.

Knocked out!!