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C.A.M.P.

PhASes YouNG WRiterS’ CamP fAq

Curious about our upcoming Young Writers’ Camp? Wondering about all the fuss we’re kickin’ up? We have the answers here!


Q: Why should I go for Young Writers’ Camp? Got BRATS and NST Blog what, all also writers’ camp for teenagers. What is so different about Phases Young Writers’ Camp?

A: Because the journey starts HERE! : )

The Phases Young Writers’ Camp has its own distinctions—for one, we encourage our campers to express themselves thru’ writing, in light of their own faith and spirituality.

Nombor dua, the small size of YWC (places are limited to 30 people only!) will allow you to interact with everyone and mingle-mingle-mingle.

Nombor tiga, it costs heaps less: our camp fees are only RM 100, and an additional RM 15 for transporting you to and from PJ and Melaka. Money should not be a deciding factor—sponsorship is available (email us!).


Q: What will campers do at camp? Will we go deep-sea diving to uncover the hidden treasures of the past?

A: Maybe not deep-sea diving (we’re talking Straits of Melaka here lah) but definitely investigative reporting. Yes, it’s the time to get those latent kay-poh skills out!

There will be a time of learning through interactive sessions. This year, we have new si-fu’s: young, twenty-something’s who have made their mark, whether in the world of newspapers, book-residing insects, or in the community of the Phases Young Writers (PhYW).

Speaking of the PhYW, we will present you our special YWC ConFEWsion™. Although slightly different from the OR ConFEWsion™, things like stomach-inducing laughter, tear-jerking scenes, stunned silence, good food and FUN will not be lost.

We will also have discussion(s) about movie(s), book(s), and why particles have life. Well, only if you want lah. That last bit’s probably too chim (deep) for most of us, but if you do want to know, feel free to ask and argue.

Note: The ‘(s)’s are because we don’t know if you only want to have one discussion about one subject, or two discussions about three subjects, or… or… You get the idea. =P

There are many, many more activities lined up for you. But hey, don’t worry; we will have plenty of free time!


Q: Where is this Methodist place and why did you pick that spot? Never heard of it before, how to go there?

A: Wesley Methodist Centre in Melaka, you mean? It’s this big peach-coloured building opposite Wesley Methodist Church, right smack in Melaka town. It has rooms (where we will sleep), a lounge area (where we will have our sessions), and corridors (where we will walk/run/skip) linking them. There’s also a wide balcony that’s fantastic for star-gazing and a playground.

Information on how to make your way there will be given to you at a later date. Alternatively, view the Wesley church’s sketch map here.


Q: Why did you choose Melaka?

A: We wanted to venture down south this year. Melaka seemed a good option. The location also went well with the general theme we wanted to have this year. See the nextquestion about our theme.


Q: How did the theme of the camp come about?

A: “Chronicles of Melaka: Fact or Fiction?” was birthed while throwing mandarin oranges deftly into the air as we thought of reunion dinners and Chap Goh Mei. Seriously, though, the theme was formed by gazing at an iBook screen.


Q: Do we have to do any incantation to interview Hang Tuah or Hang Jebat? Just wondering, maybe they would end up arguing if we successfully summoned them.

A: I hope not! We won’t be summoning them, or anyone, for that matter, from the after-life. (Remember the witch of Edom and God’s displeasure?) We will, however, be interviewing various people who might know what actually happened to them.


Q: Do we need to know any historical information about Melaka or anything about it at all before we come to camp?

A: Huh? Apa itu sejarah? *innocent, doe-eyed* The answer is “No.”


Q: This camp is for how old? What’s with the age limit?

A: YWC is for anyone from 13 to 19 years old. We don’t want the ages too spread out because it would be difficult for our speakers to impart their precious writing skills. Then again, whosoever that may be over or below the age limit is most welcomed as well.


Q: Can I get my work published on Phases Online, whether I go or don’t go for camp?

A: Yes. Email us at phasesonline@gmail.com to submit your work.


Q: My engrish not so powderful. Still can come ah? My writing also one kind one but I want to make good my writing and s-sp-speaking.

A: Of course! We wouldn’t be having a writers’ camp if all our writing super-duper perfect right? ;-)


Q: Need to bring anything specific for camp?

A: Pens/pencils, a notebook, money for outing, and a sense of HUMOUR. Further information will be given to campers at a later date.


Q: The camp form says closing date is 2 May but I still want to go! How?

A: Then hurry, send us your camp form and the fee by May 6 (postmark date)! If you cannot meet that date, email Tien Li at tienli.w@gmail.com. Be sure to include your particulars as per the camp form.

[ Phases Young Writers' Camp | 27-29 May | Wesley Methodist Centre, Melaka]

Labour Day or truly is it?

Today a bunch of Phywers gathered at Mid Valley to hang out and have lunch. About 10 of us came and lunch was at Sushi King and Annalakshmi. Well Sushi King didn't have an ideal area to sit all together and talk while eating. Also, not everyone had a lot of money to spare for Sushi King's pricy menu. Annalakshmi stood as a somewhat ideal choice. Nevertheless, we had a great time catching up and just chillin' to Coffee Bean lattes at the end.

In other news, Phases Young Writers Camp is coming soon! Details are as follows:

May 27-29 (Sat, Sun, Mon)
Melaka Wesley Methodist Centre
RM 100 (additional RM 15 required for transport pj-Melaka-pj)
Age: 13-19

Download camp forms here!


Updates in the Columns:

Beyond Fiction
Simple Elementary By Tee Shern Ren

Rated R
The Four Men in My Life in Four Parts By Sarah Lee

What's with SMALL?
Away from Bukit Mertajam By Chong Joan-Lynn

Updates in the Entrees:

Homeschool Edition
Life Without Computers By Kimberly Koh, 13

The Reading Rack
Ghosts, Rabbits, Grammaticians and Thinkers

In Retrospect
Camp review: Residential Bible School By Chong Joan-Lynn

Yes we've launched!

Phases Online finally launched! Yes our web site updates was delayed a couple of days but not to worry, we'll be back on schedule... if... I... can... find... that... red... pen.... to... edit... ANYWAY!!!

If anyone has pictures of the launch, please feel free to email it to us and we'll upload it here! I didn't bring my camera so yeah... no pictures from my end. Someone took a video of the "official launch" part exclusively performed by Ben Ong, Wai Yee, Jon Mah and Joan-Lynn. By the way, great job everyone who pitched in to help at the launch and also to those who came! Couldn't have pulled it off without everyone who was there to help.

Oh ofcourse, we cannot forget Mustard Tree, Patrick Leong and Joanne Yeoh for their kind assistance in making our launch superb! Patrick Leong led praise & worship and Joanne bowed her heart out with her band on her electric violin! Mustard Tree brought on the gourmet lunch of chicken rotisseris with Alfredo pasta and mmmmm... chocolate brownies and watermelon. Oh and free flow of ice lemon tea... mmm YUM!

Anyway we've got plenty in store and regulars to show you over at our site! Phases Online blog will update concurrently with the PhasesOnline.net site until we think PhasesOnline.net is stable enough to go on its own and we'll bid farewell to our dear blog. If PhasesOnline.net doesn't seem to be updated with all the latest news and articles, don't fret... we're working out the bugs and perfecting every last bit of the design. At the mean time, our blog will serve up the articles.

We're also inviting everyone to write to us or send us their stories for whatever sections we have. We've got a few things coming up that will tempt you to write even more than ever! At the mean time, just so you know Phases Young Writers' Camp is coming soon! Details as follows (camp forms can be downloaded from PhasesOnline.net):

May 27-29 (Sat, Sun, Mon)
RM 100 (additional RM 15 will be required for transport from pj-Melaka-pj)
Melaka Wesley Methodist Centre
Get your forms from PhasesOnline.net

Updates in the columns:

Beyond Fiction
Looking at Faces By Hwa Shi-Hsia

Rated R
The jilted feeling Algene Tan

Homeschool Edition
Crushed By Alyssa Koh, 11

Updates in the entrees:

In Retrospect
TWO REVIEWS!! WUHOO!!

Art exhibit review: Tate Ghazi's Triptych By Benjamin Ong

Book review: Edith Schaffer's "L'Abri" By Eunice Kua

5 GOLDEN DAYS!!!!!!

No there won't be 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree, BUT...

we'll have a Mustard Tree and a blast of a time at Confewsion 12!

Here are more FAQs from a far about this Saturday's, April 22, 12 p.m. launch/Confewsion 12:

Why should I go for this event?
Oh my goodness, where do I start?! First of all its not everyday we have Confewsion and when we do, its always a big event with great things lined up! Like performances by extraordinary talents, poetry reading, games, food, praise & worship, and SO MUCH MORE! Secondly, its a great opportunity to meet other peer young writers and build friendships with people of the same faith and interest in writing/reading. This Saturday you will hear a few testimonials from PhYWers who have been part of the band wagon for the longest time. Oh just come and find out for yourselves!

What's going on during Confewsion 12? Can you give me a sneak peek of what's going to take place?
Well... the major highlight is truly the web site launch, BUT... we are giving away MPH and Kinokuniya book vouchers to four lucky draw winners. The voucher value ranges around RM 50 or so, imagine what books you could buy already! Also, Patrick Leong and Joanne Yeoh are performing at the event. Yes, there will be very good food at the event.... chicken rotisserie and alfredo pasta, garlic bread and cakes and fruits, also freeflow of cooler drinks (possibly lemonade punch or something delicious like that). Tempting your appetite?

I want to come for Young Writers Camp and also maybe sign up to be one of your regular writers. Is there any particular requirements or talents to join?
THAT'S AWESOME!!! We'll be more than happy to have you. On the launch day its self we have camp forms and sign up forms for those who want to join camp and be regular writers on the site. By the way, if you're great at drawing, sketching, cartooning... we WANT YOU TOO!! We need artists to help draw graphics/pictures for our web site to accompany the articles. So let us know what you can do and where you'd like to help and we'll slot you in!

How do I get there?
Best adviced, take the PUTRA LRT to Ampang Park. When you exit the station to the surface you will be right in front of Jalan Ampang. Cross the street and catch any buses that travels only on Jalan Ampang (Metro bus, Rapid KL, etc). It is the 2nd bus stop after the traffic light. The bus stop is right out side Ampwalk Mall, which is where Mustard Tree is. The building is dark green and has pink/purplish fluorescent light that says "Ampwalk". If you need further assistance on transport, please contact Krystle Chua via email at Krysal_JC@hotmail.com. She will be addressing all transport coordinations and questions.

Want more FAQs on the day of the launch, camp, Phases Online and much more? Or just have some questions about Confewsion 12? Send it to phasesonline@gmail.com and we'll answer it here!

5 more days and counting...

HAPPY EASTER and 7 days to go...

The ministers says: The Lord is risen!
The congregation says: He is risen indeed!

The call-and-response above was the tag line for today's sunrise service at my church for Easter celebration. 7 a.m. and I'm proud of myself for waking that early *winks*. Well I've got good news besides Christ is risen...

So let me fill you in on what's the hype all about coming in 7 days. First of all, pen down these details:

Mustard Tree, Ampwalk on Jalan Ampang
Saturday April 22
12 p.m.

Phases Online is having its web site launch this coming Saturday ala Confewsion style (this is the 12th Confewsion we're having). Some FAQs about the upcoming Phases Online Launch/Confewsion 12:

What's Confewsion (originally written as ConPhYWsion and shortened to Confewsion)?
Well its one of Phases Young Writers (PhYW) renowned gatherings held sporadically over the years. Its like this huge event with musical performances, poetry reading, praise & worship, meeting other young writers and so much more! It's not another Youth Fellowship or Christian Fellowship meeting at school.

Why is Confewsion held for?
Mainly for young writers to gather and meet each other face to face. Have fun and build friendships.

Why does Phases Online need to be launched? Is there a secret space rocket hidden somewhere?
No, there's no rocket, but it will be blast! We're launching Phases Online as a means to let everyone know in a big way that we're online and we're not limited to print copies, but readily accessible via internet.

More FAQs have been lined up about the event, look our for it in our next post tomorrow!
Now back to our regular programming...


Columns:

Beyond Fiction
Christianity and Science Fiction By Tee Shern Ren
Everywhere I go in the SF world, it seems that Christianity is portrayed almost universally as something the human race will outgrow, like toys suitable for toddlers that are cast away when they grow into adults...Read more here!

Rated R
The Four Men in My Life in Four Parts By Sarah Lee
My heart leaped with joy as I began to regain my confidence. I still remember those very words coming from the other side of the line...Read what happens here!

What's with SMALL?
Bentong: The dynamics of small towns By Hwa Yue-Yi
My sister and I covered its two supermarkets and most of the shops in a couple of hours. Not too exciting, but I did get a nice pair of ballet pumps for RM16. On the other hand, Daytona is a dollar per round, which is the same as Ipoh prices... Read it all here!

Entrees:

In Retrospect
CD Review: Corrinne May's "Safe In A Crazy World" By Siaw Mei Li

The Reading Rack
Fluffy hallucinogens through 7 looking books, check them out here

Something's coming in 2 weeks time!

Yes, Phases Online launch event aka "Confewsion 12: The Reunion" is taking place for sure on April 22, 12 p.m. at the Mustard Tree, Ampwalk on Jalan Ampang. We're getting our lovely printed posters on Monday to help publicize our web site and also Phases Young Writers' Camp, interested to help publicize it? Email us at phasesonline@gmail.com and we'll get a couple of posters out to you! Also, we're getting some pretty YWC postcards printed by April 17. Postcards which will become collectors items in due time.

Come bring a friend to Confewsion 12: The Reunion and experience Phases Online in the flesh and much more! Some features of the day? Patrick Leong (click on link and then click on "artistes", Patrick Leong) and Joanne Yeoh. Know them? Don't know them? Want to know them? Check out their sites and come for our event to experience them live!

Want more features on that day? Food, fun, freebies and yes, stay tuned for more details!

For today's servings:

Columns

Beyond Fiction
Mind and Matter By Hwa Shi-Hsia

Rated R
The glory of the knight and shining armour By Algene Tan

What's with SMALL?
Kluang: SAY "CHEESE!" By Woon Tien Li

Entrees

Homeschool Edition
Wingman and Dark Monster By Grace Chin
Not a home schooler, but one of the workshop facilitators who joined in the writing fun. Check it out!

In Retrospect
Two reviews for your reading pleasure! They are: Website review: Ship-of-Fools.com By Hwa Shi-Hsia and Music CD review: Joanne Yeoh's "Pulse of the Metropolis" By Algene Tan